Better and worse

In one sense I feel better...in another...not so good. It's running it's course. I am almost ready to medicate tonight. I just ate a pile of leftovers and need a shower and a Tylenol Night Time Severe Cough and Cold and Fever and Sore Throat and Headache and Joint pain and Ear Ache and Neck Discomfort and Crooked Back Pain Pill(s). I KNOW this will cure me!

I made a...yes...'A'...pair of earrings this afternoon. Just about wore me out. Then I slept for an hour. Here's part of the problem. When I got home, I laid on the bed with hot tea and the heat was cranked up and blasting directly on me. Who wouldn't sleep! It was the perfect conditions!!

Then, I continued to dose off and on (which is why my neck hurts....my head was kinked like a question mark) till 6:30. Then I ate.

Now, there is a program on about this guy who goes to the Yukon and shoots what he thinks is a polar bear. Well...it wasn't! It was a hybrid Polar/Grizzly bear which is extremely rare as they are dire enemies! (Evidently not that night!!) I am waiting with baited breath to see if they are going to file charges against the hunter. I think that would be wrong. We watch the National Geographic Channel a lot.

Not a bad day today and less so tomorrow. I plan on being home before noon. That my plan.

It's pretty chilly out right now and I believe the low is to be in the teens tonight.

I did no Black Friday or Cyber Monday shopping. Can you believe it!! Me, of all people?? There wasn't anything I wanted. I know! Just saying it out loud makes me cringe.

By the way. They found the hunter innocent and dropped the charges. As well they should have.

Now there is a show on about Law Enforcement in Montana. It sounds pretty good. I think I'll watch it and then go to sleep. Have a nice evening.

b

Aggravation

I still don't feel great and BFFMS is mad at me. She is right. I pains me so to admit it. She said Dammit! That means she is very serious. Let's see....how did I get sick.....

Oh! I bet I know!! Bobbie's grandchildren BOTH had strep throat...which I am very susceptible to...and of course I also work at Germ Infested Nation. I have honestly been using hand sanitizer like it was lotion and I am still sick. When I went to the DR last week...everyone in there was hacking and yakking....nevertheless...MS is correct. I get sick and it's always more than just a cold. I thought I had everything wrong with me by now and I could enjoy a plain old cold....but I think not!! I need to be over this in less than 48 hours. I am eating soup. Lots of it. And gallons of hot tea. And Alka Seltzer Plus Cold med. And antibiotics for this throat shit. I am only around the people who gave this to me and won't interact with anyone else. I think I have mentioned before that I always used to get sick when I went to craft shows and blamed it on the people there...but finally realized It was the germy money that I was handling. But I haven't been to a craft show yet...and I haven't handled much money...but I have handled and breathed a lot of germs. Yuck!!

I am making a few pair of earrings tonight...with my germ free hands. And I promise not to cough on them.

My hair is stiff. We cleaned air conditioners today and that shit stinks. And the wind was blowing...gusting...and dirt was flying. Hence the stiff and dirty hair. That's another reason I am coughing. AC gunk in lungs. This is a hazardous job.

The soup I ate was salty. It was a 'just add chicken' package of soup. Usually Husband makes soup for me, but I had this package and decided to make it. I won't make it again. I really want a piece of apple pie. I'll settle for a baked apple and pretend crust.

I just went over to say 'hi' to Alicia and pick up some mail. I didn't breathe on her. It's crispy chilly outside. Somebody close must have a fire in their fireplace cuz it smells really good.

Maybe tomorrow I'll get some stuff out of the Rubbermaid tubs. I still haven't done that yet. Or maybe not.

Craft show countdown - 4 days left. I have the boxes ready.....I just have to print some cards.

I think it's shower time. My Cousin Vinny is on....again. Night!

b

This blog lies

Not me, 'the blogger'....but the blog .draft saved. feature. I had saved last night's blog (once again...) and now it's not there. The reason I didn't, I mean couldn't , post it last night is because I lost internet connection...again. What a bitch.

I have a full blown cold and I feel like shit. My throat is so sore. I will medicate myself in a bit and sleep. I came home today, very tired, and slept for almost 3 hours! Actually, Husband woke me up because I needed to eat something. I could sleep right now, but I need to take a shower.

Count down to craft show - 5 days (Oh-oh!)

Sorry...gotta go lay down. Nite

b

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Yippee!! It's over!! I had a great day. Food was wonderful. Company was fun. Food and drink was plentiful. A good time was had by all.

Only bad thing...I have a sore throat. I have taken some antibiotics so I plan on being well in the morning. Lots of crap going around and I don't need or want it. I'll have another cup of hot tea in a few minutes and go to sleep.

I was a beautiful day today. The sun was shining but it started cooling off around 2:30. It's 32 right now and is expected to be 15 tonight. At least there is no rain (or snow). I have a few layers set out to wear tomorrow. It shouldn't be too busy tomorrow...I hope not...I have a lot to do. I found a cute Christmas template for business/earring cards and need to print them off. I got the tablecloth in. It's really nice. I'm glad I got it.

I hope to make a few pairs of earrings tomorrow, also. If I can do a some every day, I'll have a hunk of them. And that is more than a bunch!

I ate a sliver of sweet potato pie. It was RICH! And SWEET! I had a blood sugar issue today (235) and I'm not sure what caused it. I hadn't eaten dinner yet to spike it so I hope it's better later. I really didn't cheat either...(except for that pie) but that was much later.

Husband cooked the turkey on the BBQ pit over mesquite wood. It was delicious. I really don't like smoked turkey, but this one had most of the smoke on the skin and the meat was juicy and not smoky tasting. I'll probably eat some for breakfast and make turkey salad out of the rest.

Mary Ann and Paul are here until Saturday and they brought food to cook so I imagine we will have whatever it is tomorrow night. I think we will not be eating outside as the chilly weather will prevail! At least this chick ain't eatin' out there! I'll do the sides. We will have leftovers. Case closed.

I was sewing up hats the other day and Tom was helping me. I am not telling him I am posting this. He would get upset knowing he has a pink hat on.

Tomorrow would be a great day for the craft show. It would be a great hat selling day. I hope it's cold next Friday and Saturday.

Oh...this is great...now I have heartburn. Damn pie!

Well...I am off to drink one more cup of tea and check my blood sugar. See you later!

b

It's Turkey eve...not a creature is stirring

Except the dead turkey and the dead ham. We are so getting things done! It's amazing!! Chef Husband is just a whipping things up. I swear...I don't think we have been this prepared in...well...forever! How exciting. All I have to do in the AM is make biscuits and some kind of yellow squash/zucchini dish. Don't know what, yet. I'll find some interesting recipe.

Husband used to make a zucchini casserole with a cream sauce seasoned with nutmeg. I need to think about that one. I think there was grated cheese in it, too. It was delicious.

I figured I better write something while I feel like writing. I have been tired...and making earrings. At least I am making an honest effort to get things done.

Let's see...what have I been doing. Oh...went to the DR. She is very happy with my progress. She said I was...and I quote...amazing! I have been truly dedicated to my condition and am controlling my cheating. Seriously! She said I still need the high med dosage for at least another month, but my progress is fantastic. I am very proud of myself. She also said I need to see the dietitian again. Perhaps I need more food. I gained 2 pounds which is good. 

I also got my hair cut...again. I wanted a trim. I got a trim alright! I like it. I wish I was smart enough to actually 'do' my hair. "Hair Cutter Man' poked and prodded and moussed and mashed and spiked...I can barely 'wash'. I did buy some mousse today. Now I have to figure our how to get the cap off. Maybe I can learn the Art of Mousse on line!! I'll google it.

Let's see...what else...Did I tell you how really, really good Werther's Soft Caramels are? The ones with sugar!! Nutritious AND delicious!

I think I need to take an hour tomorrow morning and find some long sleeved shirts. Perhaps some thermals. It's supposed to be 19 - and below - for the next few nights/mornings. BRRRRRRRRR!!! It won't take me long...it's just doing it. And I'll have some time tomorrow. I've had time for weeks.

I do believe I'll watch a movie. I'm sure I won't make it all the way through....but I'll give it my all.

Have a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving. Count your blessings. Peace. Love.

b

Ah sweet msytery of life...I found you

No I didn't. I'm just screwing with your head. I did find some Chinese food and a turkey sandwich though. I came home one tired puppy tonight. I was a horrible day. Completely exhausting. Tomorrow better be better! And I mean it.

BFFMS reminded me the craft show is next weekend. DRAT!! I better get busy. I reminded her that she needs to go with me. I am trying to bribe her with free sandwiches and cookies (the ladies of the craft show are providing them for the vendors...but a free lunch is a free lunch). I am hoping for good cold weather (hat sales). But nice weather. No rain.

And I was thinking about Thanksgiving 3 years ago. We had snow here and it was beautiful.

I am only writing a couple of paragraphs tonight. I am really tired and am nursing a backache. (Work induced) But maybe more tomorrow.

Oh...did you see the Blue Moon tonight?? I was glorious. 

Later friends...

b

Why must people just keep pissing me off!

Here's the deal. One of the 'musicians' who supposedly played last night at the local dive, Railroad Blues, called and said he had left something in his room and he'd be over in 10 minutes. That was at 10:30 this morning. I...#1 because I didn't give a shit...thought he had come and gone. Well...at 2:30 this afternoon he shows up in the office and says he needs to get his $70 electric toothbrush. Well guess what. It wasn't in the room. I was in the big green metal box we call the dumpster. Here's where the problem begins.

In the real world, housekeeping should have brought it in and put it in 'found'. Well...they didn't. They said it was in the bathroom and didn't work so they threw it out. Yes...this was a mistake. It should have been kept...just in case and just because. But it wasn't. When Music Man demanded it be taken out of the dumpster...'housekeeper' said...I'm not getting it out of there.

He thought differently. By now he was standing at the laundry room door. He thought someone...other than him, by God, should get it out of there.

I, mouthy bitch that I am, said, "You do realize it is in the dumpster?"

He said, "Yes, but it cost $70 and I called and said I left it and would come get it."

I said, " Well, you also said you would be here 5 (I think it was really 4, but who's counting...)hours ago and I just don't know what to tell you."

He said, "Well...it cost $70 and I am pretty upset that it was thrown out."

I said, "Well, next time maybe you should check your room a little better before you leave it."

He, getting a little antsy said, "Well, I don't know why it just wasn't brought to your lost and found department."

I have to admit...he had a valid point.

I said, "Well, it wasn't."

He said, "Well, someone needs to get it for me.

I, by now I'm more pissed, said, "Let's go."  Out the door I went.

We got to the dumpster and I started picking up bags. I looked at him after each bag I held up.

He said, "My trash only had a couple of cups in it...maybe they put it with another bag!"

Whatever.

"Is this it?" Nope. "Is this it?" Nope. "Is this it?" Nope. And I am chucking the bags to the side.

He said, "That's it..." No shit. The bristle end was sticking through the bag. He dramatically pulls it out with his middle and index fingers and there is food stuff stuck to it. There was food in the bag. Surprise.

He said, " I paid $70 for this toothbrush. I have a bad tooth and I really like this brush and I paid $70 for this and..."

SHUT THE FUCK UP!! I know what you paid for it!!

Enough is enough. I told him to give me the toothbrush and I'd replace it. He said he really needed it tonight and he wanted to know who to talk to in order to get this resolved. Couldn't the lady in the office do something??

I said no she couldn't and no one would be able to anything until Monday morning. Call Jennifer and she will help you. He said, yeah like she'll call me back...

I told him she would...blah blah blah...and then I said...look...go up front and give them your address and I will personally see to it that you receive a new toothbrush just like this one!!

"Well," he said, "Is there a pharmacy in town, or a Walgreen's where I can get a replacement head or brush?"

"Um...no!! This is Alpine...! Everything closes at noon on Saturday except Alco. That's your choice. But give me the toothbrush and I'll replace it."

Guess what. He took the toothbrush...did NOT go to the office and off into the sunset he drove. If he calls back...great. If he doesn't...great. I found the exact toothbrush on...you guessed it...Amazon! for $19.99. Yes it was $59.99 msrp...who cares. And the replacement head was $11.99 and three brushes were $8.99. I'll deal with it if we ever hear back from him.

There's more to the story but this is enough shit for one day. What a pain in the ass this job is.

Husband made me tortilla soup for supper. It was wonderful.

My blood sugar is so messed up. It has been extremely low all day...actually since yesterday. I probably should call the ER and tell/ask them about it...but I won't. I'm thinking that now that it's getting in check...perhaps I have too much medication in me. I'll find out on Tuesday. In the mean time...I'll eat sugar. Damn!!

I cleaned out the refrigerator. Sort of. There was some mystery stuff in there. I'm sure glad those cheap Glad containers are...cheap. Sometimes it's too scary to even open them. And I know I haven't made anything fuzzy lately. I found a little bit of sour cream that went perfectly on the potatoes I ate a a few minutes ago. I'm not supposed to have sour cream. Now I don't have to worry about it anymore.

I think I'll settle back and watch TV. Ahhh...the end of a perfect day! See you later!

b

The (short lived) sweet smell of success

Got a lot done today. A feeling of success. Although it was superficial to anyone else...we got mostly organized. Not completely...but made an honest stab at it. We still have a long way to go but will take baby steps. Many moons ago, when B&B Remodeling was in complete control of all of their stuff..i.e. tools, equipment, stuff...we didn't worry about where we left anything. It was exactly where we left it. In our room. But quite a few 'light fingered handy helpers' have done just that. Helped themselves. And moved our shit! And that...my friends...really pisses us off. So...since we were hauling a lot of our stuff back to our storage room after finishing #2, we decide to eliminate a bunch of shit and put our stuff where we wanted it. Like I said...some stuff is in a temporary home...but we know where it is. It looks so much better.

It wasn't terrifically busy today and we actually got our checks early and got to the bank before they closed...another monumental feat around here. We ran a couple of errands this morning, mainly picking up medication at the pharmacy. I have a DR appt. on Tuesday...but only had enough meds till Saturday. Hmmmm....so I called DR and asked for more. They give me 30 at a time (this conversation sounds familiar...so if you've heard it already...sorry!) and I take 4 a day. You do the math. I seriously hope DR cuts the meds down. Maybe my vision would improve! I have been keeping my blood sugar in the 'amazingly good range'. A little below to a little above 100. I have cheated only a couple of times and it wasn't critical. I am eating right...very right...as a matter of fact. So it stands to reason. I am proud of myself. I think I need a treat!! Something that involves chocolate and caramel!! Yes!!!

The 'Go Texan' group was set up at the courthouse today for the opening day of Gallery Night. The Women's Club of Alpine was sponsoring them. I think it's the Juniorettes (?) or vice versa. They had called me to have a table. Not a bad idea except you never know what the weather will be like. It's 100% going to be cold...especially since you are supposed to stay 'set up' until way after dark when the crowds come out...and today was quite breezy. I'd call it windy myself. Glad I didn't do it. When we drove past on the way back from the bank, several of the tables had already closed up.

Pretty much everybody walking around at night is going to stay on the main street anyway since that's where all the action it. All of the stores...with free food and wine...and the galleries are there as well as the beer and any entertainment. It would be nuts to stay at the courthouse and hope for foot traffic. It's going on again all day tomorrow and I bet the crowd is better. Hopefully. The craft show is enough for me. And no I didn't get anything creative done today. I wasn't in the mood.

I just ate an orange it was wonderful. Nice and juicy and really tasted like an orange. It's so hard to get good fruit.


I ordered a present for Tom. He will be so excited.  He doesn't know yet...so I won't let him read this. I want it to be a surprise! 

I think it's quite cute. And it looks just like him!

I got a cherry pie today. I had ordered it from a friend who's little boy was selling them to raise money for his soccer team. This was obviously pre-diabetes. I wouldn't mind having a piece of it right now...but It's in freezer where it belongs!! It's my home made contribution to Thanksgiving.

I think I want to get my hair trimmed next week. It's growing out and I look like a bushman. Mostly the top looks like shit. Of course if I didn't go to bed with wet hair and f**k it all up it might not look so bad. Tough. Obviously I can't see it, except when I go by a mirror...which I try to avoid. I saw it today. Bad. Very bad.

I need to co-ordinate all of this in one day. Dr day. If I remember.

Well...I'm off to shower (and do my hair). Have a nice night!!

b

Much better today

Thanks for asking! I do feel better and I don't know why...ours is not to question why...right??

The shower 'remodel' is done on in #2. I am so glad. I think that was part of the headache, too. But alas...the job is complete.

I came home and threw some stuff out. I just walked over to the mess and pitched it. I only have a few magazines to check out and out they go. I had ordered a couple of three ring binders to 'organize' and I will begin to fill those up. Husband has one overflowing with his personal recipes. I have dividers by main ingredient so I'll have to figure out book one from book two.


I got a craft book in the mail today with felt ornaments.
I couldn't help it! The little trees on the front cover were
so cute! And the stuff inside is really cute, too. Excellent
investment!

I already have a bunch of stuff cut out to sew...but I am always looking for new ideas. And I like ideas that are already made for me.

I am going to make a few pairs of earrings tonight. I have them ready to assemble...so I know the colors match! The hats are done and ready to go. (I was busy today!) I sort of went through the 'craft show box' and I think I need another one. This one is pretty full. I am packing all of the items that are ready to go (such as the hats and Francine's head) Here's a good one...I already know what I am going to wear! Not like it's a big deal...but I will be fully prepared!

I need to eat something and might be back. I want to finish off these magazines while I eat.

Later......

b

This won't be long

I still have a headache. My neck hurts which is not a good thing. Typical migraine symptoms. So I am taking a hot shower and then some Excedrin Migraine. I have held off long enough.

Busy day. Stressful. I had to think too much. Painful.

I only have two hats left to sew up the back. I have decided that when I make another one (?) I will completely finish it. No more waiting to do them all at once. I have enough hats for the craft show anyway and will hope to get some other things done. And I will.

I found a really nice table cover on Amazon. It's pretty...don't you think? The rich color will compliment anything I have. I used a shower curtain last year and it looked really nice. But I wanted something different this year. I have my 'Craft Show Box' pretty much intact, but I think I'll get it out in the next couple of days to sort it out. I have last minute Christmas stuff to add. And I know I need some business cards. 

Sleeping With the Enemy is on. It's better than Forrest Gump.

I think I'll go have that shower and medicate with some hot tea. See you later...

b

Cookies

OK...since we all know that I am on the brink of death from this diabetes shit...I have to share my miracle cure with you. Cookies. Yes...I said...cookies. I get tons of emails now with recipes and hints and garbage for diabetics. Then....I got this recipe. And I made them a little while ago. They are amazing. And incredibly easy to make. Yes there are still carbs...but they are nominal. And I mean it...these cookies are very tasty.

Here goes:

1 cup oatmeal (Old Fashioned)
1/3 cup Splenda
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla

\Mix together and drop by large spoonfuls on a greased (Pam) cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Eat!! This amount of batter makes 10 cookies.

They are a cake-y cookie and delicious. Next time I'll add some chopped pecans. The reviews were all good and someone suggested adding chocolate chips or raisins. (Both sound good!) But these are worth making...so easy!

I was going to work on some stuff...but I have a headache. I've had it all day and I am sure it's weather related. The wind was wild and the dirt blowing was even wilder. It was a front moving in and through. And I hope it's gone. But I still have the headache and I feel like I was sand blasted.

Sam the Cooking Guy is cooking Chinese. It looks really good.

My hands are so rough! I need some Corn Husker's Lotion. I use a lot of hand cream and lotion in general because it is so dry out here.

I think I'll go scrap the dirt off and lie down. I took some Tylenol a couple of hours ago...but it doesn't seem to be working yet. Maybe after some screaming hot water....have a nice night.

b

It's Complicated

That's the name of the movie coming on HBO tonight at 7. It's supposed to be funny. I hope it is. I want to watch something funny.

It was busy today. I hated it. But the day is over and I am home waiting for 7 o'clock. I ate some broccoli for supper...so far. I need more food, but am pacing myself. I had a grilled chicken salad from Dairy Queen today and it was very good. Surprising. But evidently I didn't eat enough protein. I am still trying to figure this food thing out. Gail, who works in the office is diabetic and when I told her how I felt...she said "Not enough protein!". I believe her.

So I ate some nuts when I got home and I did feel a little better. I felt like I was shaking on the inside. That is not a good feeling. I'll be more careful. I woke up with a headache this morning and I haven't had a headache in 3 weeks. I'm not sure why. My BS was good. Maybe it's the weather. I don't know.

I will work on some more hats tonight. I seriously need to finish them and maybe in a few days I can make some earrings. I can't see any better, yet, but if I work in the light of the day maybe I can create!! Or nothing will match and I won't give a shit anyway....

I should finish those teddy bears I started last year...Wait...I have to use the sewing machine and thread the needle...screw that. Damn I'm lazy!!! See!!! That just goes to show you that you just can't predict the future. It's the old...you can wish in one hand and crap in the other...guess which hand always fills up first for me!!

It was chilly here this morning  (Sorry my Yankee family...I can see your weather!) But it was nice. (Does that make it any better??)

OK. I just watched the movie. It was definitely a chick flick. Husband slept through it anyway. But I liked it. 

I only finished 2 hats. I was absorbed in the movie. And since I have to wear my redneck bi-focals...2 different sets mind you...one for close work and one for TV!!!! it was too much trouble to keep switching them so I just watched TV. I think I'll do a couple more when I'm done here. Maybe not...I still have a bit of a headache. I'm thinking it's my eyes.

I need a shower but don't feel like getting wet. Ever had that feeling?

I hope there is something else on TV. Husband is awake and watching the Outdoor Channel. Damn deer hunters. At least it's not Hitler on the History Channel! I think I'll take that shower and get comfortable enough to work on a couple hats and then hit the hay. I'm thinking it will be another busy day tomorrow...nite!!

b

Anniversary dessert

We had dinner at the Reata. It is our anniversary. Dinner was wonderful. I had my most favorite meal...wedge salad and tortilla soup. I absolutely LOVE this combination...and I can eat it!! The soup was without the tortillas...which makes it a little redundant...tortilla soup...get it?? Anyway...it was delicious as usual and much more than I could eat. So I brought it home for breakfast. I'll have the balance of the salad in a little while. The dressing is amazing.

We were done with the meal and here comes the waitress with a 'special' dessert. Husband (he can be really sweet when he wants to) asked the chef to make something I could eat...so he made an apple dessert. It looks like he sauteed the apples a bit and then baked them with a sprinkle of Splenda and had a couple of strawberries on the side. It was warm and amazing. It was my fruit for the day but I couldn't eat but half of that, too...so I'll have it for breakfast with the rest of the soup. It was a perfect meal.

Our great friends, Mary Ann and Paul sent us a beautiful 
bouquet of flowers. Yes...I can see that it's sideways...just lay down and look at it!! I thought I had 'rotated it clockwise' but evidently I didn't and I thought...well...let me just go fix it!! I tried, and now I can't make it 'browse' to find the photos. Screw it. It's beautiful. I have to put it up on the bookcase so Tom doesn't eat it.

I think I'll go watch TV. Not much on...but I'm pretty tired. It was a very long day. Have a nice evening!

b

Medical Update!!

Don't be alarmed...it's just me being a smart ass! I feel a million times better right this minute. I ate an orange! A WHOLE orange...peel and all!! Well...most of it. It was almost as good as chocolate...almost. Not quite. Different scale of satisfaction. But it was amazing. It's crazy how many things you take for granted. Like just picking up an orange and eating it. I have learned to truly appreciate food.

It was a little weird last night. I ate pea soup (homemade by Husband...delicioso!) and a Grand's biscuit. Then I had some plain yogurt with maybe a dozen blueberries mixed in. I checked my BS almost 4 hours later and it was 297!!!! Holy shit!!

Husband said..."What did you eat!!"

I said..."What you made me!!"

He said...""Well, what the hell is going on!"

I replied..."How the hell do I know?" (Actually I said 'how the f**k do I know'...big surprise)

So we began to analyze the sit-che-a-shun. After a few minutes of serious thinking...'we' determined it was most likely the biscuit. Everything else was within the limits and bounds so I'm thinking it was the flour in the Grands. I looked it up on line for carb count and it's right up there. Possibly the combination of the peas (carbs) and biscuit??? I'm thinking yes. The yogurt is almost no sugar...But it was strange. An hour later it was coming down...but I have decided no white flour stuff at all for a while (even cheating!) and if I eat something like that...if...I will eat it during the day when I'll work it off. BFFMS concurs with the diagnosis. But I think she wants me to eat cake. I don't want to disappoint her. I'm that kind of a friend!!

Speaking of working it off...we moved the HUGE commercial dryer around today to duct it and I thought I was going to die. Honestly. I was seeing yellow flashing lights that I had never seen before. Possibly a bit too strenuous. I used to be so strong...mega strong...and now I am a wimp. A weak wimp. A weak starving pathetically tired wimp. I hate it. So I ate a banana and felt a little better. I won't be doing that again for a while.

That's also why I ate the orange. Remember? I can have 2 pieces of fruit a day now! And that orange revitalized me. I needed the citrus in my body.

I hope to finish up a few hats tonight. I have a ton of them to do...that craft show is creeping up on me. If I had known this was going to happen to me...and I mean the seeing thing...I would have been busier! Well...maybe. Well...no...probably not. I have stuff. It will be fine...

Husband is planning Thanksgiving dinner. You are all invited. Seriously.

I want a pie right now.

Do you realize that a year ago Husband and I were in Las Vegas? It seems like yesterday. I can't believe a whole year has passed.

I think I'll go and work on some hats while the light is still good. Might be back later.

b

Dr Follow up Day

Today was 'Brenda goes to the Dietitian and Dr day'. Since I keep such good records on my food intake (except for that piece of cake) Dietitian was impressed. She told me things I already knew and many things I didn't. Husband went with me since he is my personal nutritionist and preparer of my meals...and he had a list of questions. Actually, they talked as if I wasn't there...but that was OK. The best thing...I can eat BREAD!! And a POTATO!! AND BANANAS!!

Oh happy day! And I mean that sincerely. Since starting back to work I am burning a lot more calories and I am not taking that many in. Consequently, I lost 4 pounds. Not a good thing. But I can now eat 30 carbs per main meal. Doesn't sound like much, but I can make it work!! I think what I am going to do is make myself a menu. I am better if I have a list. Naturally I would change it when I looked at it...but the general idea is good for me. Structure.

My blood sugar is getting better. It is staying in the 150+ range and a little higher at night. But at least it hasn't spiked in a few days. Dr said she was leaving me on same meds for 2 more weeks. The reason being...I will be eating more food and adding the carbs will increase the BS (I love that!) and if I don't metabolize the carbs properly she may have to increase the meds/or possibly put me on insulin. I work hard enough to use the carbs so I feel confident there will be no insulin.

Good news on the Cholesterol. Total Choles. is high, but triglycerides and HDL are amazingly low. That is a very good thing...so no Choles. meds. Yippee!! And on this 'diet'....no more bacon, sausage, sour cream, cream cheese, bologna, salami or ribs. Shit!! I seriously love bologna. I don't care what it's made of. And I was sure that Fat Free Sour Cream and Fat Free Cream Cheese would be fine...evidently not.

Did I tell you I drank Coke Zero...and lived?? It's not that bad. I wanted something stingy and not club soda...and it was something I could drink so I did. I do not like Diet Coke. At all. Nope.

The worst part...my vision. It's very bad and getting worse. Dr said I could see eye DR, but not advisable yet to get glasses. Then why would I want to see eye DR?? I already know that I can't see!! Meds are causing the problem. That too shall pass. But it's very distressing.

Guess what I got in the mail today from my Father in Law! Instruments to cause me great pain!! He sent me a Blood Glucose meter and lancets...all the better to stab me with!! This is great because I will have one to keep at work. It's easier than carrying it around with me. I will get another one to keep in the truck. A very big THANK YOU!!! to the Beeb...

Let's see...on a work note...we finished tiling the floor in the kitchen. It looks wonderful!! We will finish moving stuff around in there tomorrow and be off on the next project whatever that may be. I need to take some 'after' photos of our remodeling room.

Will update more stuff tomorrow...I need to lie down for a while. Have a great night!

b

yo-yo again

Well...I'm under 200 - over 200 - under 200 - you get the drill. Used to be my weight,  but now it's my blood sugar! I didn't feel all that great today. I'm not sure why. Tomorrow will be better.

I may have mentioned that I see a Dietitian on Tuesday. If she says I can have a donut...I swear...I'll eat it with tweezers to make it last forever! I know that's not going to happen, but I can dream!! Remember that Tootsie Roll moment!

I am hoping to work on some craft stuff this week. Since I made my 'new glasses' my vision is...well...crystal clear!! (I wish!) But I should be able to do a few things in the afternoon while the light is still good. Oh-oh....there is a hard freeze expected in Marfa tonight. Brrrrrr. And the time changes tonight. Does this make me younger???

I know I mentioned Rickshaw...and it's a cool story but I need more time to devote to writing about him...so I will in a couple of days.

I need to lie down. I got too tired today. See you tomorrow.

b

Tootsie Roll dream...I kid you not

I dreamt of Tootsie Rolls. How pathetic have I become!! I seriously think Husband was blowing M&M breath at me while I was sleeping!! Cause I swear...I was tasting that chocolate!! And it was GREAT!! When I get "the WORD..." I am getting Russell Stover Sugar Free ANYTHING!!!

But here's the best news...my before supper BS was 171!!! I am SO freakin' happy! This is the first time with a below 201 reading! I am overly confident. We'll see what happens at bedtime. I lost $5 to Husband. He bet me it would be below 200 today...I normally hate it when he's right! Today was the (only) exception.

I have a million holes in my fingertips. I have no blood! I mean...I can stab myself and nothing comes out! I need one of those meters where I can stab my arm, or neck...or something with blood in it.

I got the Lab work back today. All organ function - Normal.  Glucose and cholesterol - Abnormal. Duh! So I guess I'll be on some kind of med for that!

And my vision is soooooooo blurry. This -> is how I am          
reading this blog tonight. I, because I am cheap
(not frugal...cheap) have some 2.75 magnifying glasses
(I know!! Isn't that coke bottle bad!) which I have put on
first....and then....get a visual of this...I have a pair of
1.50's on OVER those! These are my homemade
bi-focals!! I am not shitting you! Have you any idea how difficult it was to take this photo without wearing the glasses!

Pros - I can see.

Cons - They are heavy!!!! My nose is killing me!!

I know once I am balanced out I will be fine. I wore glasses prior to medication, but mostly at night when I was making jewelry, etc. and for reading. Always reading! Never for watching TV! Now, I have to wear the 2.75 pair just to see to walk around!! I am not liking this at all.

It's chilly tonight. I love it.

I am drinking ice water with lemon and lime chunks. It's great. I don't think I can drink another cup of tea today. And you know I love tea...but I am full. Of tea. Oh...I know lemons and limes are fruit. Don't go there. I am drinking them...not eating them. My rules.

We had an adventure(r) here today. I will fill in the blanks tomorrow. Remember this work...Rickshaw...nite!!

b

Happy work day

What an oxy-moron. I did go to work today. First day in a week. My blood sugar still hasn't dropped below 200 yet. I am strictly following my restricted food diet. Jennifer (in the office) had a basket of Tootsie Rolls. I could actually feel one melting in my mouth, gettin softer and creamier...and chocolatier...even feeling the texture when I closed my eyes...oh the TORTURE!! I have not had a real hankering for anything like that, until today...when I saw them. Oh, but wait! I had my delicious sugarless gum! What was I thinking!! Decadent!!

My eyes are so blurry. I have on my strongest glasses and I can see the TV and it's 12 feet from my. I have my Netbook screen resolution at 150% and it's 13" from me!!!! I know it's the meds. I am living with it...as if there is an alternative. I can't even see the back of a can...or read a magazine! It will be OK. I was going to try to crochet...but just haven't yet.

Sorry I'm whining. Husband is eating some M&M's. I hate him right now.

I got a necklace in the mail today. One for those who have diabetes. It's too long, but I'll live with it. I also got the pill dispenser because I'm too stupid to remember if I take my meds. I like organization and simplfication. Simple is as simple does.

I'm going to take a shower and lay down. It's only 8 but it was a long day for me. See you soon...

b

Monday is definitely a better day

Today's numbers: 215 / 225 / 216 (no bedtime yet) Much better.

I have decided I can't do this traditional breakfast thing. Husband made Chinese stir fry tonight. With turkey and the veggies. No rice. No thickening stuff. Excellent. I have decided that I am having Chinese for breakfast. I can deal with that.

I plan to go back to work for a couple of hours on Wednesday. I know I won't last a full day and I refuse to push myself. I walked around today and got fresh air. I was only really nauseous before lunch today. And I'm having some issues with medication in my system. I seem to be having some of the...um...side effects. 'Nough said.

OK...bedtime reading 265...shit! I'm still doing better.

I just wanted to write a few words...have a nice nite!

b