Tonsils and uvulas

I dislike attention of any kind. I'd rather "fly under the radar" if at all possible. It's the way I've always been. And since I'm a redhead "flying under the radar" is often impossible. People always seem to notice or comment on the red hair. It's just a hair color!

So when I went to the doctor a month ago with a sore throat and a swollen gland I just thought it was a routine thing. It turned out that I was a medical oddity-yay me! My tonsils were huge and required several medical staff members to come in and look at, maybe more like gawk at. I didn't mind the lookers, other than I was thinking each time I opened my mouth so they could see my monstrosity tonsils that my claim to fame was going to be ginormous tonsils-great. A proud thing for my grandkids to tell their kids some days!

With very little relief and a flair up I was next sent to an ENT (ears, nose throat specialist) last week. Not how I wanted to spend a Thursday afternoon with blood tests and a CT scan in addition to an exam that was less than pleasant. After numbing my nasal cavities which tasted bitter and felt like I had a constant runny nose that I could not feel, I then was treated to a scope being carefully inserted up my nose. It felt like the darn thing either tickled my tonsil or the back of my brain, one of the other! I got through it but it's not something I want to do again. But the one thing that kind of hit me, more than the "you're tonsils are huge" diagnosis was the "your uvula is caught behind your tonsil"! What?! That's what I'm feeling now?? I didn't know that was humanly possible! And I thought she was kidding. Wrong, it is and still is stuck.

Scans and blood tests all came back okay. So I just thought I'd cook along with the new antibiotics and start to feel better. My uvula would get unhooked and life would go back to a normal way with a dangly, hanging uvula-ah the simple things in life! Well, it is one week later with being on the new antibiotic and I'm still not better. Tonsils are swollen and my uvula is still not just hanging around like it is supposed to.

A made a quick stop by the school nurse today to see if my uvula was free but instead she tells me that not only are my tonsils huge and my uvula is caught but that I now have white spots on the tonsil my uvula is caught/stuck to. NO! This can't be happening. I started all of this a month ago with a shot and then some heavy duty antibiotics. Followed by my current and second round of antibiotics. How can I have the strep throat white spots?

So to sum things up, I have HUGE tonsils, which are entertaining to the medical world, a uvula which is caught and won't hang down like it's supposed to. (yes I've tried to reach back there and free it without gaging myself with no luck there) and NOW I've got white spots on my tonsils aka they are polka-a-dot, meaning I have strep throat.

I'm trying to keep my sense of humor while feeling like poo through all of this. I have learned not to assume that nothing else will happen with my tonsils, and life for that matter, as I've about had it with them. I wish they would magically disappear and I'm fearful I'm going to hear those words "they need to come out" uttered sometime along the way. No!

So I'm going to coast through the rest of my Monday and try to manage not to increase on my tonsil situation in any other ways. I just want this junk gone and back to plain, simple, normal. Appreciate the little things in life, like normal sized tonsils and the little hangy thing in the back of your throat hanging rather than being caught!! It's the little things in life!!

Positive thought of the day: Thank goodness for the nicer weather, espcially when you have a fire alarm go off!!!

The power of being kind

I saw today on a social media website a friend who did the "I cleaned house and if you are reading this consider yourself lucky, you made the cut" post! Whew, I can sleep better today knowing that. Not really-I don't care. But I see this often. You can threaten all you want but whether you cut me or not does not matter. I was not put on this earth to make you happy!

Have you noticed some people have over 1,000 friends or followers or snapchat or Instagram friends? I used to think they were pretty popular people. Wow! Now I don't think that so much if you really take a look at these people. Some people are just people persons or think/hope they are. Some have that many friends because of their job or business. Some people are just lonely and insecure, which I think this is more the case. The bigger the number on your favorite social media of choice the better you feel about yourself. This kind of goes hand in hand with whats in your bank account, your credit score, the value of your house or the kind of car you drive the better person you think you are. What matters at the end of the day is how you treated other people. When you leave this world none of that other stuff will matter. What people will remember is how you made them feel.

The person who "made the cuts" had someone comment about the whole "birthday" thing. What? What is wrong with wishing someone a happy birthday? Would you say it to their face if you saw them that day and knew it was their birthday? I would hope so. It is always kind of fun to read the posts and texts you receive on your birthday. It is your day of birth and should be a celebration. I don't get what is wrong with wishing someone a happy birthday. Heck if I am some place and it is a strangers birthday I will wish them happy birthday! It needs to be celebrated! Be kind to one another and celebrate each day.

I have a friend who gets upset with another friend does not text them back. Yes, that is frustrating. Yes, I've been in those shoes. Some people just don't communicate well. Some people are rude or are only friends on their terms when it works for them or they want to be. You either have to take or leave these kinds of people. No, they will never be the text you at 1 a.m. lets go looking for a lost child or I'm driving an hour to see you, hang out with you late at night kinds of people. That is just how some people are. You can't change people. I've gone back and forth with the I'll treat you how you treat me, an option. And I also can't be mean and rude to people (unless you really, really, really, really piss me off). If I block or delete someone in some form from my life it took a lot for me to get to that point and you put yourself there. I am not an option. I've cut people out because they are not good for me or my family. I also filter some people for the same reasons, a little bit goes a long ways with some people. Ironically most of the people who fit in either of these categories are related to me. Sometimes you just have to do what is best for YOU!

I have made my family, kids, and other people a priority in my life and make myself second. And yes some people know that and take advantage of that. They treat me like I am a second option or secondly important. Sadly I have let this happen. And the only way that is ever going to change is if I make the change, I'm not second, I'm not the second most important person in any room. I'm just as important as you and anyone else in the room is, we are all equal. I think this way of thinking comes from being a female and a mom. It's what you do when you have kids, but we are still every bit as important as anyone else. All women need to remember this.

They say how people treat you is a reflection of themselves, and I agree. But I also think it is a reflection on how you have let them treat you. Kindness goes a long way. And never let yourself be an option to someone. Life is too short to be an option. A little kindness goes a long, long ways.

The positive thought of the day: This was my Thursday blog, but guess who forgot to post it? Meeee! It happens!

Ash Wednesday, Lent and eating fish

I can't believe it is Ash Wednesday and Lent already. It seems like we just finished with Advent and Christmas and here we are. But the good news is despite Easter being early we are heading in the right direction....towards spring and warmer weather. And as I write this a soft, gentle snow is coming down. It's rather pretty if you like snow. But remember we have ZERO control over the weather! Just go with it.

Lent as a kid meant mandatory things at home that you gave up and did. Our usual evening snacks of popcorn or ice cream along with all candy and pop were all off the table. In addition, we said the rosary as a family every night. Can you tell my parents were very devout Catholics? As an adult my mom still refused to believe Sundays during lent were not part of lent. I can't remember the reasoning here but we got no reprieves from our lenten sacrifices and as kids they were sacrifices! Nor did lent end at noon on Easter Saturday as it is believed. It's a small wonder none of us kids, or my dad either for that fact, ever ended up sick by the time we'd get to church on Easter Sunday! We would gorge ourselves on chocolate and marshmallow peeps before heading off to church in our Easter outfits! Talk about a sugar overload! : )

But lent is not all about giving up what is difficult or a reminder to sacrifice but it's also about doing better, even if it is a small thing. The saying goes it takes 21 days to make a habit and 21 days to break a habit, so technically with 40 days of lent you can make some big time changes or improvements in your life.

Regardless of what you do for lent, making the effort, and yes we all trip or fall off the wagon but making an effort is a start and the beginnings of better things. I used to have a cousin who would "give up" smoking and watermelon for lent! He never smoked a day in his life and this was back when watermelon was only found in grocery stores during the summer months. My mom found a watermelon during lent one year and when my cousin was over she served it!! This brought lots of laughs and we all enjoyed the rare treat, even my cousin!

But my take on lent is that it does not matter what you do, give up or change about yourself during this time, but rather making the effort-just do it! And everyone does not need to know what you are doing. That 21-day take on habits, changing them or developing them is a good reminder-don't give up if you fall off the wagon. That means to keep the hope and faith and that in less than a month you can make changes and improvements to your life. Also being the private person I am I don't like to advertise what I am doing or giving up for lent to make it a sacrifice unless you need the accountablility. I love this:

Yep, this pretty much sums me up! So here's to day one of lent 2016. Whatever you choose to do, give up, change or improve on don't give up if you falter or forget, just get back up, cheer for yourself, say a prayer and keep going!

Positive thought of the day: Eat fish...it's good for you and it's not so difficult to take some red meat out of your diet!

Snow day(s)

I used to love snow days as a kid and as a parent. It was fun to stay home and do things with the kids. It meant extra work, cooking and such but it was also an opportunity for it to just be us. No schedules. No house guests. Just us. We never did anything profound or memorable. Other than I remember a week of 3 or 4 snow days in December after we moved into our home in late November. It gave us the opportunity to unpack and settle in. And we decorated for Christmas with those days. That was a memorable snow experience!


And as a kid, my snow days were spent alone since I was the youngest and had no one to play with. But it was nice non-the-less. I would go outside and play, make forts and snowmen, usually accompanied by the dog!

But the past two days off from school were not so much fun. Being stuck inside with someone who a) does not feel good aka is a sick male (near death....) and b) talks very little, is not fun. I cleaned. I cooked. I cleaned some more. I knitted and did some reading. I did laundry. I exercised. I rearranged a room or two.  I watched a movie. I went through some stuff and threw some stuff out. But it was not a fun or memorable time. I honestly could not wait to get back to school. So with that said and we are now going to school after Memorial day, I hope Mother Nature is DONE with this white stuff. We've got a lot of snow right now. And after walking outside for 3 days, prior to this last round of snow, on clear streets with upper 30 to 40-degree weather I'm spoiled already. Yes, fall is my favorite season and no I do not mind the snow. But I'm ready for warmer temps, especially clear streets and sidewalks that are not covered in snow and ice. AND no more snow days!

So it's back to work, and it is good to be back, have a schedule, and get out of the house! A late start makes the day a bit odd and chaotic but we are here and I think everyone is happy to be back!

I guess snow days make you appreciate things that you don't normally appreciate!

Positive thought of the day: Enjoy each season. You may not like the weather but it's not permanent! And it does ZERO good to complain about it.

What's on your list?

I recently had a conversation with someone about our bucket lists. It seems that having a bucket list, as it is now called, is a must if you are a living, breathing human being. This idea is nothing new. While I'm not making fun of the concept, I find calling it a bucket list makes it kind of depressing. So once your bucket list is complete or your bucket is empty are you done-no more goals, no more plans, nothing else to work for? You just wait for your last day. Honestly I think we all have an ongoing list of things we want to accomplish, either in the next hour, by the end of the day, week, month, year, five years or the end of your life. What you do with that list is more important then what is on that list.

I kind of felt like an under achiever when I started to think about what is on my bucket list. Some people have grand things on their list, traveling, eating exotic food or doing daredevil things. The few things that I can come up with on my list are pretty simple, tame and not impressive. But that's okay. I'm okay with that. I'm sure I'll come up with a lot more things for my list, impressive or not they are my things, my list. 

One of my bucket list items was to have children in time so they would know their grandparents. I missed out on the grandparent experience and I really wanted my kids to have that, learn from their grandparents and make some great memories. Well that one worked out and there was time spent with all four grandparents and memories made. This bucket list item was more for my kids than me. But it was fun to watch and witness and it made me realize what I missed out on. Take that one off my list.

Another bucket list item that would be on my list if I had not achieved it when in high school was to fly in a hot air balloon. It was an opportunity that just fell into my life and I took advantage of it. If you ever get the chance -do it. It is such a peaceful experience and a whole new way to see the world. We all need to look at the world from a different angle occasionally.

Climbing the Flat Irons out in Boulder, Colorado was another item recently taken off my list. Yes I struggled with the altitude for a while and I ran out of energy sooner than I would have liked due to just getting over a virus. But it was such a cool experience. I'd do it again, if I had the chance. The views and the experience were breath taking. And the best part was the people who were with me to do this. So cool.

A bucket list item that is approaching quickly is a three-fold one and that is being part and attending the wedding of all three of my kids. What an exciting time! And having the opportunity to do this is exciting. This is my main bucket list item from July through next January!

I'm sure there are other things that I've had on a list that could or would be considered bucket list material but I can't think of anything great right this instance. But my whole point in all of this is your bucket list does not have be grand or impressive. It can be as simple as finishing a book you've been reading or going to France. Or making it through a tough day or time in your life. Like I said at the start of this blog-what you do with that list is more important than what is on that list. I don't want to be one of those people who are "someday people" they are always looking ahead to "someday, I'll do this or go here". The list can be as simple as can be but doing what is on that list is the most important thing. Living life and making the most of the opportunities and moments, making memories.

I had a mom who loved china and dishes and having dinner guests and cooking. She took pride in her meals and fine looking table settings. It was fun and I got to help. But one of the things I remember is the pretty soaps and towels we would save and put out in the bathroom for these occasions. When we emptied mom's house before she passed away I found these special guest towels and soaps in the bathroom drawer. The towels were like new, hardly used. The soaps had lost their scent and were a bit dusty and faded from sitting out and not being used. The soap got tossed out, never used and the towels are now in my collection of bathroom towels. And you know what-I use them! They get put out for use on a weekly basis, they are everyday towels not because they are no longer pretty or special but because they are towels, every day is special and a special occasion. I think of my mom and how she liked fine things but didn't always use them, she'd save them. We all have those items we are saving, keeping for some day. If it wears out that's okay. That's what it is there for. So rather than perfecting your bucket list, live and it-do it! And don't let anyone make you feel foolish or like a failure for what is on your bucket list. Use up life, live the moments. Make memories. Do what makes you happy. Because no one knows when our expiration date is. Make everyday a collection of things on your bucket list that you do and check off and if you don't get them checked off there is always tomorrow!

Positive thought of the day: Do what makes you happy and makes you feel fulfilled-even if it is going for a walk or making cookies. This is your life-live it, don't watch it pass you by.

Some things never change

Lack of being prepared is part of life. I get that. I know some people are over the top when it comes to being prepared. I picture uptight, always organized, everything in it's place kind of people when I think of the over prepared type. They get their panties in a wad if life does not go just as planned or if they are not prepared. These are the women with huge purses and if you ask for the most obscure thing they have it in their hot little hands before you finish asking for it! I both laugh and am in awe of these people. How do they know, much less prepare for a day, life or even an hour of their life? Lots and lots of time! I am not one of these people. I've tried but not happening-life does not seem like much fun when always trying to be one step ahead.

Then there is the complete opposite grouping-they are always running late, always flying by the seat of their pants. These people drive me nuts-I am NOT one of these people either. I don't want to be but there are a few moments here and there where I wonder I am one of these discombobulated people. Man I hope not.

And I'd like to think I'm a happy medium to both sides of this coin, not overly prepared nor a slob flying in with toilet paper stuck to my shoe and a disheveled mess. I try to fly right but under the radar is how I like to put it.

Being back working with kids is always an adventure. Why would I expect the first day of a new semester to be anything different than before-it never goes as planned, just like most days. But it's not the kids who don't have their heads screwed on right today, okay maybe one young lady who wanted lunch time to run according to her own little world and schedule and had zero regard to me-think again sister. But it's the adults who think working in education is only an 8-3:50 job. If anything education is anything but that. You have to come in early, stay late and put in the time. People are depending on you. Unless you a.) don't care b.) are oblivious to those around you (then you need to find a new line of work-"does not play well with others" comes to mind) c.) WAKE UP! Really!

And sadly this is what seems to be the norm now - those who do the bare minimum and/or do a lousy job at their job get less responsibility while those who work their ass off get more and more heaped on them with the same pay. I think this theory is in every line of work, or at least most. Buy why? Why do things always go the way of the lazy piles who freeload through life. We all were put in those groups in school where you had the brain, the worker(s) and then the lazy good for nothing. And everyone but that "one" would work their tail off on a group project and the lazy good for nothing would either get a free ride and get a good grade or bring everyone in the group down. That's the story of our workforce now and life quite often.

But my whole point today is being prepared in life, not over the top but a happy medium. Be responsible, do your part and show up (on time would be nice). And life goes a lot better for all concerned-think about someone other than yourself would be a start.

I was honestly looking forward to school today. To being back in a routine and having structor to my life. Yes, this is going to be a great year. And then it all went to hell in a hand basket when someone, an adult, who is supposed to do her job and be responsible, dropped the ball yet again. Come on. I know I should not let it ruin my day and I'm righting that ship that went down quickly this a.m. while I was trying to get stuff done with what I thought was my free time. All I'm asking is TWO lousy days of the year that this person DO her job and not half assed which is what it has been.

Okay, I'm done with my rant. Life is looking better and I'm learning to do what I need to prevent people like this who don't do their job so that it does not affect me like it did this a.m. Being overly prepared is annoying at times but not as bad as those drop the ball. Nothing every goes as planned....

Where does the time go?

Two weeks ago tonight I was reluctantly going to practice, frantically planning meals and grocery lists and what I had to buy yet, what needed to be wrapped and dreading three long days of school until Christmas break...and here we are, two weeks later.

Christmas 2015 is in the books. I will admit it was a bit different, good, but different. I had to adjust to the fact that for the first time in 28 years child #1 was not going to be coming home. It was an adjustment, yes I missed him. But we celebrated back in November and that was great. We got to see everyone via google hangout so it was the next best thing.

Spending Christmas eve eve with one of my best friends was just what I needed. We finished last minute shopping and took our selves out to eat! It was fun and I laughed a lot. This helped not only for the fact that I felt ready for Christmas but the next day Mother Nature blessed us with 9" of fluffy white snow. It was a picture perfect Christmas.

A lot happened over the past two weeks: gift were exchanged-early as a matter of fact because it was snowing, we were all together and could not get any place until the snow stopped, and everything was wrapped and ready and even the dang stockings were filled! It was a strange feeling to open presents in the daylight!

-We had lots of great food-I'm not bragging, just saying. But I will admit I'm kind of cooked out and out of meal ideas.
-We had lots of fun. Games and puzzles were played and put together. Books were read. Movies were watched. Naps were taken!
-Lots of wedding plans were discussed, made and finalized!! YAY!!

It was just plain fun to be together! I loved every minute of all of us being under the same roof and missed those who were not or could no longer be here. Life goes on. Having memories is a blessing.

New Year's eve was quiet. Frozen pizza, football and reading. I missed midnight by five minutes. But that is okay, 2015 was a good year. We had a lot of excitement-3 engagements, 3 graduations and lots of fun! We are all healthy and moving forward, which is a good thing.

But I can't help but look back on these past two weeks...I love to have my family home. And I hate to be left at home after they leave. I usually try to leave or get out of the house as they or after they leave. It is a sad feeling walking into the house, quiet, and empty after they have left, one by one. But yes this is life. I'm blessed that they can all be on their own. And that they do come home and bring great people with them to visit. Time seems to drag as you are preparing for something, and fly when everyone is all together. As we all head back to our normal lives I am thankful for the three wonderful children I have and their soon to be spouses. The family and friends I got to see and spend time with over the holiday.

I now know what my mom meant and how she felt after I would leave with all of us in the car, heading down the street. I'd look back down to the house as I'd turn the corner and she'd still be standing there waving, watching. I miss her everyday. And I now know how she felt...

Positive thought....it's a new and exciting year. Make the best of it. The best days of our lives are ahead.