...never get me down. I love the rain. Today we had thunderstorms most of the day. I have a scheduled four day weekend from work (today being day one). I have plenty to do, but ended up being violently sick so the plenty to do ended up on the back burner for now. There's an issue I have relating to my monthly cycle that occurs every few months. I thought that's what I was dealing with this morning, but it evolved into so much more.
The "normal" symptoms are dizzyness, diarrhea (I know, I know: TMI) and cold sweats. When it started this morning, I thought it was good timing since I have the day off work. However, during one of my trips to the couch to deal with the dizzyness & cold sweats, I started feeling nauseated. I don't throw up. Other than last month, when I had food poisoning, I haven't thrown up in years. So, when the wave started, I did what I always do and focused on my breathing. This usually causes the feeling to pass and then I'm fine. Alas, that was not to be this time. I made it back to the bathroom just in time to "flush" my system of my breakfast from three hours earlier.
Therefore, I realized, this is not the normal event I had been having. Welcome back food poisoning. Last month it was from a trip to Mongolian Barbeque. This time it was from eating in the cafeteria at work yesterday. I ended up falling asleep on the couch from around 12:30 - 14:15. The Cubbies was supposed to be on, but had an hour-and-a-half rain delay. I ended up waking up just as the fourth run was scored in the first inning. They did not disappoint today! However, my abdomen was still pretty jacked up from the violence of the morning. Skip lunch!
I just finished supper. My abdomen is a little tender, but everything seems to be staying put. In light of this second bout of regurgitation in as many months, it seems my "iron stomach" is becoming less strong as I grow older. Ya gotta love age!
Have a blessed weekend! I plan to be back...
13 April 2012
01 July 2010
My Take on Independence Day from a Patriot
When was the last time you really took the time to focus on the true meaning of Independence Day? I think about it more and more as the years go on...having a relationship with GOD my Father, the Creator of the Universe, I am reminded that my true freedom is always found in HIM. This is the same thing believed by our Founding Fathers.
King George III was taking away more and more liberties. Samuel Adams wrote, "For government is an ordinance of Heaven, design'd by the all-benevolent Creator, for the general happiness of his rational creature, man." Many people in the colonies were becoming discontented. Taxation without representation. I hear people say that today and they have no real concept of what it means.
So what happened? War. During which, after much struggle and debate:
"In Congress, 4 July 1776. A DECLARATION By the REPRESENTATIVES of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, in GENERAL CONGRESS assembled."
(better known as the Declaration of Independence)
was written, agreed to and signed.
"When in the Course of human Events...
"We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by the Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness...
"And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor."
When the document was signed on 2 August 1776, there were some who were not present. Knowing the ramifications, they still chose to sign. Fifty-six men.
In November of 1777, Congress agreed to the Articles of Confederation. It wasn't until 1781 that all states agreed to and signed them. Realizing the many defects of the Federal Government, George Washington pushed for a resolution. Finally, on the second Monday in May 1787, delegates came together in Philadelphia in order to revise the Articles. All were quick to realize that the Articles were so defective that they could not work. Therefore, they set out to create a new Constitution.
On 12 September 1787, the Constitution was sent to the several states for the states to review for ratification. Here's a thought: why isn't that done today? "You'll have to pass the bill to find out what's in it." Sound familiar? If not, you're not paying attention.
In 1814, during the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key wrote a little poem. "Defence at Fort McHenry." This poem was later set to music and renamed "The Star-Spangled Banner." You may recognize it as the National Anthem. There is a phrase during a musical crescendo that says, "...and the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there." Now, if you know me well, you know that many things tear me up. Every time I sing our National Anthem, it brings tears to my eyes.
Think of the ramifications of that phrase...Francis Scott Key was watching WAR. He may have thought, "I'm watching my friends be killed during this battle! Nobody can survive this bloody battle!" He was listening to the bombs of war. He was seeing the flashes of light from the rockets shooting into the Fort. He was hearing the gun fire and canons booming.
I have never been in war. However, I never watch the fireworks on Independence Day without tears streaming down my face while thanking GOD for the men and women who have fought in wars to obtain and preserve the freedom I enjoy in the United States of America. Still the greatest country in the world.
Join me this Sunday ~ wherever you are ~ in remembering our freedom. Thanking GOD for where HE has placed us.
I personally thank you all who have served or are serving my country defending it's borders and preserving my liberties from tyranny. Thank you to your families for letting you go. What you do, your sacrifice, is immeasurable. Thank you.
On this date, 1Jul10,
Lisa G. Fiedler
King George III was taking away more and more liberties. Samuel Adams wrote, "For government is an ordinance of Heaven, design'd by the all-benevolent Creator, for the general happiness of his rational creature, man." Many people in the colonies were becoming discontented. Taxation without representation. I hear people say that today and they have no real concept of what it means.
So what happened? War. During which, after much struggle and debate:
"In Congress, 4 July 1776. A DECLARATION By the REPRESENTATIVES of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, in GENERAL CONGRESS assembled."
(better known as the Declaration of Independence)
was written, agreed to and signed.
"When in the Course of human Events...
"We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by the Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness...
"And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor."
When the document was signed on 2 August 1776, there were some who were not present. Knowing the ramifications, they still chose to sign. Fifty-six men.
In November of 1777, Congress agreed to the Articles of Confederation. It wasn't until 1781 that all states agreed to and signed them. Realizing the many defects of the Federal Government, George Washington pushed for a resolution. Finally, on the second Monday in May 1787, delegates came together in Philadelphia in order to revise the Articles. All were quick to realize that the Articles were so defective that they could not work. Therefore, they set out to create a new Constitution.
On 12 September 1787, the Constitution was sent to the several states for the states to review for ratification. Here's a thought: why isn't that done today? "You'll have to pass the bill to find out what's in it." Sound familiar? If not, you're not paying attention.
In 1814, during the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key wrote a little poem. "Defence at Fort McHenry." This poem was later set to music and renamed "The Star-Spangled Banner." You may recognize it as the National Anthem. There is a phrase during a musical crescendo that says, "...and the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there." Now, if you know me well, you know that many things tear me up. Every time I sing our National Anthem, it brings tears to my eyes.
Think of the ramifications of that phrase...Francis Scott Key was watching WAR. He may have thought, "I'm watching my friends be killed during this battle! Nobody can survive this bloody battle!" He was listening to the bombs of war. He was seeing the flashes of light from the rockets shooting into the Fort. He was hearing the gun fire and canons booming.
I have never been in war. However, I never watch the fireworks on Independence Day without tears streaming down my face while thanking GOD for the men and women who have fought in wars to obtain and preserve the freedom I enjoy in the United States of America. Still the greatest country in the world.
Join me this Sunday ~ wherever you are ~ in remembering our freedom. Thanking GOD for where HE has placed us.
I personally thank you all who have served or are serving my country defending it's borders and preserving my liberties from tyranny. Thank you to your families for letting you go. What you do, your sacrifice, is immeasurable. Thank you.
On this date, 1Jul10,
Lisa G. Fiedler
23 June 2010
Home Stretch
The motivation this week has been amazing. The words keep falling onto the pages of my novel. I'm loving where the story is going. Writing has always been a journey for me. It's better than reading a novel. When I read a novel, I always figure out where it's going early on. While I always knew the "general" end of my story, watching it come together is even better than I had thought. I look forward to the outcome of the story. The goal of finishing this week is certainly going to be realized. It's Wednesday.
I actually think I'll finish by Friday. That will give me Saturday to check content and add page numbers. I'm pretty excited right now! This quick blog post was my, I'm wiped out for the day so I'm saying good night to my Facebook friends and dropping a note on my blog.
What I look forward to even more is selling it and being a published fiction writer. Soon!
I actually think I'll finish by Friday. That will give me Saturday to check content and add page numbers. I'm pretty excited right now! This quick blog post was my, I'm wiped out for the day so I'm saying good night to my Facebook friends and dropping a note on my blog.
What I look forward to even more is selling it and being a published fiction writer. Soon!
22 June 2010
Get 'er Done
I will finish writing my first novel this week. I've taken some time over the last several weeks to go through it from the beginning and tweak it here and there. I will be able to send it out to publishers by the first of next week. I'm looking forward to what's on the horizon for me. I've always loved writing. I've written poetry, song lyrics, music, short stories and auto-biographical works. This is my first novel.
I actually started writing it over 15 years ago. I used to travel for the company I worked for then. So, while I was sitting alone in hotel rooms or at a table in a restaurant somewhere, I worked on the novel. Life got in the way and it was set aside for a long time. I picked it up again a couple of years ago, but just played around with it. Over the last few months, I've had some good inspiration for it. Plus, in the middle of the night not long ago, I came up with a synopsis for another novel.
Both novels (and the sequel to the first novel, which I've already started) are mystery books. The important distinction for my work is that I write from a Christian perspective. That's not just "Christian" in name, but in full belief in the Truth found in God's Word. I love mystery's and suspense (not horror) stories, but all that I read tend to use foul language and inappropriate intimate scenes which are not necessary. I decided that mine would be intense, but without the things that don't belong. They can be marketed to the Christian reader as well as to the world.
I do not hide my love of the Lord on the pages. It's out there boldly, just as God has made me. "...and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador...: that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." Ephesians 6:19
I look forward expectantly to what God has planned for me in the Unstoppable Future!
I actually started writing it over 15 years ago. I used to travel for the company I worked for then. So, while I was sitting alone in hotel rooms or at a table in a restaurant somewhere, I worked on the novel. Life got in the way and it was set aside for a long time. I picked it up again a couple of years ago, but just played around with it. Over the last few months, I've had some good inspiration for it. Plus, in the middle of the night not long ago, I came up with a synopsis for another novel.
Both novels (and the sequel to the first novel, which I've already started) are mystery books. The important distinction for my work is that I write from a Christian perspective. That's not just "Christian" in name, but in full belief in the Truth found in God's Word. I love mystery's and suspense (not horror) stories, but all that I read tend to use foul language and inappropriate intimate scenes which are not necessary. I decided that mine would be intense, but without the things that don't belong. They can be marketed to the Christian reader as well as to the world.
I do not hide my love of the Lord on the pages. It's out there boldly, just as God has made me. "...and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador...: that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." Ephesians 6:19
I look forward expectantly to what God has planned for me in the Unstoppable Future!
15 June 2010
Pet Meds
I order Scully's medications online because of the high cost they are from the vet. I've been good at scheduling her appointments with enough time to order her meds before she runs out. When she is off the med for her cauda equina syndrome her ability to use her back legs is much worse. My recent experience with this was a bit of a nightmare. Her appointment was on the 3rd. The vet called back with her blood results on the 4th letting me know she would need another med for a liver problem. As always, I requested he fax ME the prescription so I could shop it and order it online. I also requested he send the updated script for her anti-inflammatory. He assured this was no problem.
The next day I still hadn't received them. I called the office again. The assistant said she would fax those over no problem. They still didn't come. It was now Saturday night. I called again on Monday. The lady I spoke with this time said they didn't have forms to send to company I had used the first time for the meds. I explained I didn't want them automatically sent there. I wanted them sent to me so I could shop them and order from the best price store. I emphasized that this was the reason I reconfirmed they had MY fax number every time. She finally got it and faxed ONE of the scripts over.
Since the online pharmacies always confirm with the vet, I decided not having her original script wasn't an issue since I had a bottle and knew what it was. I found both at the same place with the lowest price and placed the order. This was the 7th. On the 10th I received an email saying they still hadn't received an approval from the vet. I called the vet first. They confirmed they sent it. I got the fax number where they sent it and asked her to resend it. I then called the online store and confirmed the fax number matched, advised them it had been sent on Tuesday and that it was being resent as we spoke. The CSR assured me she would call the vet at that moment to confirm and everything would be fine.
The next day I received another email stating the same problem. I called again. After some research, the CSR confirmed the info WAS rec'd from the vet and the order would ship. Today, after getting home from the park, there was a message on my machine informing me that they still didn't have vet approval. Okay, suffice it to say I was ticked off! I dialed the number and spoke with a CSR. I let her know right off how long this had been going on and that I was extremely upset. Scully would only have enough meds for today and tomorrow now. While she had me on hold researching, I called the vet on my other phone. She confirmed everything was sent and they had the fax confirmation to show for it.
After about ten minutes of around and around with the store, she finally said, "We have the authorization for 30 tablets, but you only ordered 20." I explained this was due to the timing of Scully's next vet appointment and not needing more than that in case it was discovered that the med was what was causing the liver issue. NOTE: the anti-inflammatory is non-steroidal, however, in some cases it can be the cause of hightened enzymes. She said they would have to get approval for only twenty to which I explained that they had approval for 30 and 20 is less than 30 so they technically already had the okay. (IT TAKES A GENIUS. . . ) She said, "Well, you'll only have a refill of 10 then." I said that was fine. She finally agreed they could ship, and I helped her understand they needed to ship them express so Scully wouldn't run out. She scheduled them to ship today via 2nd day air AT THEIR EXPENSE. This will be perfect. We should get them on Thursday which is the day she'll need them.
Drives me nutty! The new medication is on back order and will ship later in the week. I figure I'll make her appointment for after she's been on that for ten days or so. That way I'll still have enough of the original med in case she gets left on it and will still be using the new med if it works for her. I'm glad for the insight into both the online store and the vet office.
One of my affiliate partners is a pet med store, but their prices were quite higher. I'm going to check with them next time about price matching. Since the contracting corporation has such high standards, hopefully they will be much easier to work with next time.
The next day I still hadn't received them. I called the office again. The assistant said she would fax those over no problem. They still didn't come. It was now Saturday night. I called again on Monday. The lady I spoke with this time said they didn't have forms to send to company I had used the first time for the meds. I explained I didn't want them automatically sent there. I wanted them sent to me so I could shop them and order from the best price store. I emphasized that this was the reason I reconfirmed they had MY fax number every time. She finally got it and faxed ONE of the scripts over.
Since the online pharmacies always confirm with the vet, I decided not having her original script wasn't an issue since I had a bottle and knew what it was. I found both at the same place with the lowest price and placed the order. This was the 7th. On the 10th I received an email saying they still hadn't received an approval from the vet. I called the vet first. They confirmed they sent it. I got the fax number where they sent it and asked her to resend it. I then called the online store and confirmed the fax number matched, advised them it had been sent on Tuesday and that it was being resent as we spoke. The CSR assured me she would call the vet at that moment to confirm and everything would be fine.
The next day I received another email stating the same problem. I called again. After some research, the CSR confirmed the info WAS rec'd from the vet and the order would ship. Today, after getting home from the park, there was a message on my machine informing me that they still didn't have vet approval. Okay, suffice it to say I was ticked off! I dialed the number and spoke with a CSR. I let her know right off how long this had been going on and that I was extremely upset. Scully would only have enough meds for today and tomorrow now. While she had me on hold researching, I called the vet on my other phone. She confirmed everything was sent and they had the fax confirmation to show for it.
After about ten minutes of around and around with the store, she finally said, "We have the authorization for 30 tablets, but you only ordered 20." I explained this was due to the timing of Scully's next vet appointment and not needing more than that in case it was discovered that the med was what was causing the liver issue. NOTE: the anti-inflammatory is non-steroidal, however, in some cases it can be the cause of hightened enzymes. She said they would have to get approval for only twenty to which I explained that they had approval for 30 and 20 is less than 30 so they technically already had the okay. (IT TAKES A GENIUS. . . ) She said, "Well, you'll only have a refill of 10 then." I said that was fine. She finally agreed they could ship, and I helped her understand they needed to ship them express so Scully wouldn't run out. She scheduled them to ship today via 2nd day air AT THEIR EXPENSE. This will be perfect. We should get them on Thursday which is the day she'll need them.
Drives me nutty! The new medication is on back order and will ship later in the week. I figure I'll make her appointment for after she's been on that for ten days or so. That way I'll still have enough of the original med in case she gets left on it and will still be using the new med if it works for her. I'm glad for the insight into both the online store and the vet office.
One of my affiliate partners is a pet med store, but their prices were quite higher. I'm going to check with them next time about price matching. Since the contracting corporation has such high standards, hopefully they will be much easier to work with next time.
14 June 2010
It's Been a While
I've been mostly using Facebook for my regular posts. The formatting of the site drives me a bit nutty. Especially trying to read the tiny print that they use for the comments feed. It doesn't like when I copy/paste text. Sometimes, it's so behind me in the typing that it leaves out letters and words. I put up a photo album the other day. It had 47 pictures in it when I started. When FB was done with it, it had 119. I had to go thru and figure out what the duplicates were and delete them. That was LOADS of fun and took NO TIME at all. ARGH! When I finished I had 42 photos. By the time I was done, I didn't care what I had missed.
What I have appreciated about the site is the getting to know family that I've never met before now. I am connected with relatives that I never knew I had. I'm loving that! I'm so thankful for this season of life that God has lead me through. What a great God we have!
Aside from FB, I've been spending my walking time memorizing God's Word. It's been years (many, many) that I have done scripture memorization. In the four weeks that I've been working on it, I've learned thirteen passages containing a total of twenty-five verses. I'm loving being filled up with God's Word! For a long time I struggled with remembering the references to verses. Now I have both the verses and the references. It's an exciting time for me!
Scully has gone thru some medical challenges which is attempting to drain me financially as well as emotionally. The other day, a friend at the park said, "Just get another dog." Most people don't seem to understand the concept of being single and your dog being part of your family. Scully is NOT replaceable! I still take her on a "slow-ride" walk on Friday's. We go at her pace. When she wants to stop and stand a while, we do (except when we're in the street on the way to/from the park). At the park we just walk around the lower soccer field. All at her pace. She sniffs everything, does her business (even though I have her go before we leave the house) and stares at everyone walking by on the path.
I recently picked up an inexpensive digital camera so I could take more pictures. This is her "enough already with the camera" look. She's quite content in her life with the exception of me leaving her every day to go on my walk without her.
We have new landlords who put up bug zapper black lights by their house. They freak her out so she either goes to bed really early or I have to close the front door to get her to hang out with me until it's my bedtime.
What I have appreciated about the site is the getting to know family that I've never met before now. I am connected with relatives that I never knew I had. I'm loving that! I'm so thankful for this season of life that God has lead me through. What a great God we have!
Aside from FB, I've been spending my walking time memorizing God's Word. It's been years (many, many) that I have done scripture memorization. In the four weeks that I've been working on it, I've learned thirteen passages containing a total of twenty-five verses. I'm loving being filled up with God's Word! For a long time I struggled with remembering the references to verses. Now I have both the verses and the references. It's an exciting time for me!
Scully has gone thru some medical challenges which is attempting to drain me financially as well as emotionally. The other day, a friend at the park said, "Just get another dog." Most people don't seem to understand the concept of being single and your dog being part of your family. Scully is NOT replaceable! I still take her on a "slow-ride" walk on Friday's. We go at her pace. When she wants to stop and stand a while, we do (except when we're in the street on the way to/from the park). At the park we just walk around the lower soccer field. All at her pace. She sniffs everything, does her business (even though I have her go before we leave the house) and stares at everyone walking by on the path.
I recently picked up an inexpensive digital camera so I could take more pictures. This is her "enough already with the camera" look. She's quite content in her life with the exception of me leaving her every day to go on my walk without her.We have new landlords who put up bug zapper black lights by their house. They freak her out so she either goes to bed really early or I have to close the front door to get her to hang out with me until it's my bedtime.
02 February 2010
Smaller and Smaller
Since I mostly use FB now I haven't been good about updating my blog. However, once in a while I get an email from Lesli with a new pic of her. This week the pic came with an old one so I'm posting the before and after pics today. Her email said as of this week her total loss has been 205#. She currently weighs 205#. Therefore, she's lost herself. Her goal weight is 150#. It's amazing what somebody can do once they admit they have a problem to resolve.
She didn't give a date of the before pic, but she started her weight loss the summer before last. This after pic was taken at a wedding in November. I'm so proud of the work she's done!
She didn't give a date of the before pic, but she started her weight loss the summer before last. This after pic was taken at a wedding in November. I'm so proud of the work she's done!
17 September 2009
More Loss
My sister, Lesli, has lost even more weight! She just sent a couple of pics. One is of my brother-in-law in his size medium shirt. The other is of her in the same shirt (though not at the same moment). I don't know her total loss, but she started at over 400# in the summer of 2007. Her goal weight is 150#.
Plus, I can't tell you the last time I've seen Lesli in jeans. Just amazing what a person can do once they finally admit they should be doing something!
Plus, I can't tell you the last time I've seen Lesli in jeans. Just amazing what a person can do once they finally admit they should be doing something!
05 September 2009
Hot Time in the Ole Town
Although it was over 100 every day and I had a heat headache the whole time (yes, I drank enough water), I had a great visit in Tucson last week. The wedding I attended was beautiful. Matt & Christa make a great couple. I haven't gone through my pics yet, but here's a couple to share with you.
On the way home, I stayed in Phoenix a night so I could go see Gramma. She's looking great. I hope I look so good when I'm over 90! My uncle's wife, Aunt Jo, took me to National Cemetary. My uncle was put in a vault there after he died. They moved my Grampa's remains from Illinios so she wanted to show me his spot so that "when you visit you know where to bring flowers". She goes out there a lot to sit by my uncles marker. It's been so tough on her at times and it's been over four years. Here's the pics I took of the markers:
When I came home, CaliLyn was back from her summer in Oregon. She spent the last three days with me & Scully. It was nice yesterday for my birthday. We got up around 9:30, ended up skipping breakfast and made brownies.
I had to download some things for the Bible Bee and was having some issues with that. At 10:45 she was talking about breakfast. I said it made more sense to fire up the barbeque and get the ribs going. We agreed and started lunch.
Our local Bible Bee chairman came over about 12:15 so she joined us for lunch (since we didn't have our Bible Bee tests downloaded yet). After lunch I was able to do the download, then Jeanine and CaliLyn did the dishes and cleaned up while I took my shower. Jeanine gave me a basil plant ~ love the scent! My friend Christy gave me a Porterhouse steak ~ does she know me or what!
It was a perfect end to a great two weeks!
Regarding the wildfires, we are in no fire danger here. However, we are close enough to the Angeles National Forest fire that we were innudated with smoke the first few days. Now we just smell it a little in the morning. Parly because the winds have slowed quite a bit so it's not being pushed over our house anymore. (The winds kick up during the night which is why we do get it in the morning.)
Today I will get through the laundry and get some stuff done around the house. I'm looking forward to tomorrow for my day of Sabbath rest!
On the way home, I stayed in Phoenix a night so I could go see Gramma. She's looking great. I hope I look so good when I'm over 90! My uncle's wife, Aunt Jo, took me to National Cemetary. My uncle was put in a vault there after he died. They moved my Grampa's remains from Illinios so she wanted to show me his spot so that "when you visit you know where to bring flowers". She goes out there a lot to sit by my uncles marker. It's been so tough on her at times and it's been over four years. Here's the pics I took of the markers:
When I came home, CaliLyn was back from her summer in Oregon. She spent the last three days with me & Scully. It was nice yesterday for my birthday. We got up around 9:30, ended up skipping breakfast and made brownies.
I had to download some things for the Bible Bee and was having some issues with that. At 10:45 she was talking about breakfast. I said it made more sense to fire up the barbeque and get the ribs going. We agreed and started lunch.
Our local Bible Bee chairman came over about 12:15 so she joined us for lunch (since we didn't have our Bible Bee tests downloaded yet). After lunch I was able to do the download, then Jeanine and CaliLyn did the dishes and cleaned up while I took my shower. Jeanine gave me a basil plant ~ love the scent! My friend Christy gave me a Porterhouse steak ~ does she know me or what!
It was a perfect end to a great two weeks!
Regarding the wildfires, we are in no fire danger here. However, we are close enough to the Angeles National Forest fire that we were innudated with smoke the first few days. Now we just smell it a little in the morning. Parly because the winds have slowed quite a bit so it's not being pushed over our house anymore. (The winds kick up during the night which is why we do get it in the morning.)
Today I will get through the laundry and get some stuff done around the house. I'm looking forward to tomorrow for my day of Sabbath rest!
13 August 2009
The Plunge
Well, I finally did it: I signed up on Facebook. I'm now part of the social network crowd. It was frustrating at first, but then the kinks got worked out. I have enjoyed catching up with friends that I haven't seen in decades and family that I haven't seen in longer! So, if you're on, I am listed as Lisa G Fiedler in Ventura County. It's quite easy to do "one liners" and then move on...plus, I don't have to look at numerous blogs, just one page that shows what everyone is up to!
I'll still post here occasionally, too. See ya in cyberspace.
I'll still post here occasionally, too. See ya in cyberspace.
04 August 2009
Lesli's Shrinking
Here's an updated photo of my sis and all her weight loss. I don't know how much more she has to go to get to her 150 goal, but she looks great. And the tan really helps! This was just taken on the first of August.
You can go back in my older posts to find a comparison photo. For some reason I don't have them on this computer. I must have had them on my work computer (and I've been unemployed for almost a year now).
You can go back in my older posts to find a comparison photo. For some reason I don't have them on this computer. I must have had them on my work computer (and I've been unemployed for almost a year now).
04 July 2009
Independence Day!
Happy Independence Day!
This day in history: our Founding Fathers affirmed a document that would brand them as traitors. While they became traitors, we became a nation. On July 4, 1776 The Declaration of Independence was adopted.
When in the Course of human Events...
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all Men are create equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness...
Despite the current Big Government direction in which our country is heading, I still believe we live in the greatest country in the world. I am proud to be an American!
God bless the USA!
This day in history: our Founding Fathers affirmed a document that would brand them as traitors. While they became traitors, we became a nation. On July 4, 1776 The Declaration of Independence was adopted.
When in the Course of human Events...
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all Men are create equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness...
Despite the current Big Government direction in which our country is heading, I still believe we live in the greatest country in the world. I am proud to be an American!
God bless the USA!
22 June 2009
More Jason
Here's a couple more photos my sister sent today. One is of her holding Jason when he was still at the hospital. The other is of my nephew and his girlfriend at my sisters' house.
I'm thinking they need to learn how to hold the baby correctly. First, you can't see his face and then, he's tilted so the blood is rushing to his head. This is what happens when kids have kids. Sigh....
I'm thinking they need to learn how to hold the baby correctly. First, you can't see his face and then, he's tilted so the blood is rushing to his head. This is what happens when kids have kids. Sigh....
19 June 2009
Jason King Porter
Welcome my Great Nephew, Jason King Porter, to the world!
He was born yesterday morning at 2:46 weighing in at 6# 11 oz and 19" long. He's such a cutie. He has a bad kidney that will need surgery when he's six months old, but otherwise is doing well. Please keep him in prayer for that. Also, pray Jacob (my nephew) will obtain and maintain gainful employment and be a good, responsible Daddy to Jason. As my sister sends more pictures I'll post them for you to keep up with the little guy.
This is Jacob holding Jason.
This is Jacob's girlfriend, Justina, holding Jason.
He was born yesterday morning at 2:46 weighing in at 6# 11 oz and 19" long. He's such a cutie. He has a bad kidney that will need surgery when he's six months old, but otherwise is doing well. Please keep him in prayer for that. Also, pray Jacob (my nephew) will obtain and maintain gainful employment and be a good, responsible Daddy to Jason. As my sister sends more pictures I'll post them for you to keep up with the little guy.
This is Jacob holding Jason.
This is Jacob's girlfriend, Justina, holding Jason.
14 May 2009
Still Unemployed
Just a quickie update: I'm still unemployed. I sent out a resume to an electronics manufacturing company yesterday. I don't know the name 'cause it was one of those "Company Withheld" ads on CareerBuilder. They are a bike ride, then a bus ride, then another bike ride away from my home. It's only the SECOND valid job that I've applied for off of CareerBuilders' site. Anyone else out there think their job site is a waste of time?! Most of the resumes I've sent out have either been through Monster or Craig's List. Anyway, we'll see what comes of it.
I received my last unemployment check of my regular claim today. I called EDD and they approved my first extension (there are now three possible extensions available). The first extension is like the original claim: twenty weeks at my full benefit amount. It is effective May 10th which will take it through September 26th. I've been pretty good at staying in that budget so this should cover me through December. Although, I miss being able to go out to eat once in while. I'm not talking about Taco Bell either. I mean like a sit-down place like Outback. Plus, there are some great movies just out or coming out soon that would be better seen on the big screen, but I can't justify the expense.
I started riding my bicycle again the last week of April. I try to get out two or three days a week just to get back into shape to handle it. My city is pretty flat, but there are still a few inclines that I have difficulty climbing. Since I don't have a car I need to get to the point that I can ride anywhere. I've considered getting a road bike again 'cause it's an easier ride on the streets.
Public transportation in my county is weak at best. The job I just applied for is in L.A. county which is better. However, getting there is the hard part. The train doesn't have good hours and there's only one bus that will get me there which only has one stop and poor hours. Therefore, once I get strong enough to ride my bike through the pass road it won't matter. Although, the pass road is not a "little" incline like around my city. It's a curvy road that goes up the hill and then down again. So, it truly is "up hill both ways" and with the Santa Ana winds it's hard just riding flat land here. The one positive thing about the public transportation is that buses have bike racks and trains have a bike area. If I get a job where I can use the public transportation to a certain point then I can ride my bicycle the rest of the way.
In the mean time, I will continue to work on building my Amway Global business and pray for God's will to continue to reign in my life.
I received my last unemployment check of my regular claim today. I called EDD and they approved my first extension (there are now three possible extensions available). The first extension is like the original claim: twenty weeks at my full benefit amount. It is effective May 10th which will take it through September 26th. I've been pretty good at staying in that budget so this should cover me through December. Although, I miss being able to go out to eat once in while. I'm not talking about Taco Bell either. I mean like a sit-down place like Outback. Plus, there are some great movies just out or coming out soon that would be better seen on the big screen, but I can't justify the expense.
I started riding my bicycle again the last week of April. I try to get out two or three days a week just to get back into shape to handle it. My city is pretty flat, but there are still a few inclines that I have difficulty climbing. Since I don't have a car I need to get to the point that I can ride anywhere. I've considered getting a road bike again 'cause it's an easier ride on the streets.
Public transportation in my county is weak at best. The job I just applied for is in L.A. county which is better. However, getting there is the hard part. The train doesn't have good hours and there's only one bus that will get me there which only has one stop and poor hours. Therefore, once I get strong enough to ride my bike through the pass road it won't matter. Although, the pass road is not a "little" incline like around my city. It's a curvy road that goes up the hill and then down again. So, it truly is "up hill both ways" and with the Santa Ana winds it's hard just riding flat land here. The one positive thing about the public transportation is that buses have bike racks and trains have a bike area. If I get a job where I can use the public transportation to a certain point then I can ride my bicycle the rest of the way.
In the mean time, I will continue to work on building my Amway Global business and pray for God's will to continue to reign in my life.
28 April 2009
Gabriel Perkins
Just a quickie here for prayer request: please keep Gabriel Perkins in prayer. Just over a week ago my friend's nephew was found to have cancer in his abdomen. The Readers' Digest version is that he was having issues to which the doctor simply thought he was impacted, so he was given an enema & sent home. After using it, he started violently throwing up. His parents rushed him to emergency and a CT scan was done showing three large tumors. The next day he had exploratory surgery which found four large tumors and many seeds on his abdomen wall. They removed the one that was distending his belly button and biopsied it. That's all I will type regarding the diagnosis as the updates are located on the caring bridge site link at the left under the "Worthy Causes & Prayer Needs" header. Gabriel is five years old.
04 April 2009
Not Peanut Butter
I had to share this cell video I took today. Scully was licking her chops like this for about five minutes before I picked up my cell to record it. I didn't even give her any peanut butter to induce it. She's so funny! Aren't kids wonderful?!
11 March 2009
90 Years Young!
I took a bit of my tax refund to head to Tucson for about a week recently. My friend Hazel turned 90 on March 3rd so they had a celebration for her on the first. I hadn't been for a long visit to Tucson for 14 years (since Hazel's youngest daughter got married). I really enjoyed seeing all the people I saw. I've known Hazel and her family for 30 years! They are the longest lasting relationships I have apart from my sisters.
Here's a picture of Hazel at her celebration:
They didn't put 90 candles on the cake, however, they arranged the candles they used in the shape of the number 90. Hazel had a great time.
While in Tucson, I hooked up with a couple of friends from high school one night. It was great catching up and even remembering together. I had a neat experience on Sunday: since I attend a Foursquare church I decided just to go to Foursquare Church's website and find the closest church to where I'd be staying. I ended up at a church that another friend from high school attends. I was glad to make the connection again! I love how God works in my life.
Since I stayed with one of my sisters, Scully got to come on the trip with me. We rented a car and drove out there. Before coming home we went to Phoenix to see Gramma who is 94. She's living in a nursing facility. Scully really enjoyed seeing her and stuck close to her wheel chair. All of the residents of the home (and some of the staff) wanted to pet Scully and just love on her. Since Scully and are pretty much home-bodies and don't have a lot of traffic thru our house at one time ~ she was a bit overwhelmed. However, since it was just one day I figured she'd get thru it.
Here's Gramma:
Carri Ann has always said that Scully looks like Gramma. Here's a picture of Gramma, me and Scully. You be the judge:
That evening we went to my Aunt's house to spend the night. Scully's mom (Max) is my Aunt & Uncle's dog. (Her dad was theirs, but they had to send him across the bridge last year so he's playing with Ollie, Popeye and O'Reilly.) When we got there, my aunt and I were chatting when Scully looked out the window over the back yard. She got really excited when she saw her mom there and ran downstairs to the back door still wiggling excitedly. Max came to the back door, put her ears forward and puffed out her chest. Scully immediately dropped low and slinked back up the stairs to me and my Aunt. My aunt said, "It looks like keeping Max away from Scully was a good idea." Later it dawned on me that Scully's mom doesn't want anything to do with her just like my mom. No wonder we're so good for each other.
The morning after we got home, I let Scully out to do her business. When she finished she came tearing into the house so excited to be home and having slept in our own bed the night before. She ran circles around the living room for about five minutes. It was like having a puppy again! A stranger wouldn't have known that she's almost nine.
I really enjoyed seeing everyone and making those connections again. And, just like Scully, I'm glad to be back home again.
Here's a picture of Hazel at her celebration:
They didn't put 90 candles on the cake, however, they arranged the candles they used in the shape of the number 90. Hazel had a great time.
While in Tucson, I hooked up with a couple of friends from high school one night. It was great catching up and even remembering together. I had a neat experience on Sunday: since I attend a Foursquare church I decided just to go to Foursquare Church's website and find the closest church to where I'd be staying. I ended up at a church that another friend from high school attends. I was glad to make the connection again! I love how God works in my life.
Since I stayed with one of my sisters, Scully got to come on the trip with me. We rented a car and drove out there. Before coming home we went to Phoenix to see Gramma who is 94. She's living in a nursing facility. Scully really enjoyed seeing her and stuck close to her wheel chair. All of the residents of the home (and some of the staff) wanted to pet Scully and just love on her. Since Scully and are pretty much home-bodies and don't have a lot of traffic thru our house at one time ~ she was a bit overwhelmed. However, since it was just one day I figured she'd get thru it.
Here's Gramma:
Carri Ann has always said that Scully looks like Gramma. Here's a picture of Gramma, me and Scully. You be the judge:
That evening we went to my Aunt's house to spend the night. Scully's mom (Max) is my Aunt & Uncle's dog. (Her dad was theirs, but they had to send him across the bridge last year so he's playing with Ollie, Popeye and O'Reilly.) When we got there, my aunt and I were chatting when Scully looked out the window over the back yard. She got really excited when she saw her mom there and ran downstairs to the back door still wiggling excitedly. Max came to the back door, put her ears forward and puffed out her chest. Scully immediately dropped low and slinked back up the stairs to me and my Aunt. My aunt said, "It looks like keeping Max away from Scully was a good idea." Later it dawned on me that Scully's mom doesn't want anything to do with her just like my mom. No wonder we're so good for each other.
The morning after we got home, I let Scully out to do her business. When she finished she came tearing into the house so excited to be home and having slept in our own bed the night before. She ran circles around the living room for about five minutes. It was like having a puppy again! A stranger wouldn't have known that she's almost nine.
I really enjoyed seeing everyone and making those connections again. And, just like Scully, I'm glad to be back home again.
08 February 2009
Behind Second Base
It's been raining off and on here for three days. Yesterday, Scully and I had a small window of opportunity to get our walk in so off we went. As we rounded the soccer fields and came into view of the softball fields I noticed something in the infield. There were two white pelicans just hanging out behind second base. We detoured our walk to try to get a cell phone photo. I got as close as I could so they are quite blurry, but still pretty cool.
It was pretty cool. We couldn't get any closer. I turned away for a couple of seconds to get Scully heading away so we could leave and they had taken to flight. I was a little bummed I missed that, but I saw them flying back towards the usually dry river where they live.
I was thinking about getting a nice digital camera with some of my tax return, but there's a drawback to that: California is not paying tax refunds. In fact they even said after they balance the budget they might not be able to pay. That didn't go into effect until Feb 1st. If only all the 1099's I needed were here in time I could have filed before the freeze! Ofcourse, the other drawback is being unemployed and maybe needing that money to live on once the unemployment wears out.
It was pretty cool. We couldn't get any closer. I turned away for a couple of seconds to get Scully heading away so we could leave and they had taken to flight. I was a little bummed I missed that, but I saw them flying back towards the usually dry river where they live.
I was thinking about getting a nice digital camera with some of my tax return, but there's a drawback to that: California is not paying tax refunds. In fact they even said after they balance the budget they might not be able to pay. That didn't go into effect until Feb 1st. If only all the 1099's I needed were here in time I could have filed before the freeze! Ofcourse, the other drawback is being unemployed and maybe needing that money to live on once the unemployment wears out.
26 January 2009
Every Day Feels the Same
Scully and I were having a bit of cabin fever the other day. While we go on our walk every day (rain or shine) the walls still tend to close in on you when you don't get out much. I still haven't found a job. That's a full four months out of work as of today. With Circuit City going out of business that's putting another 34,000 people out of work in the US. The job market is becoming non-existent.
And in five more days it will be a full four months without a vehicle. I've been watching some vehicles on a used car lots website. There are several that have been on there since my accident. A couple weeks ago I put in my $2000 offer on one to see if they'd come back with anything. I haven't gotten a response. It could be because I didn't give my address, but that's none of their business unless they accept the offer and I buy the vehicle. $2k is all I have right now and being unemployed, I can't commit any more. It would be nice to have a vehicle again. I miss attending services at my church. I was there last weekend because I rented a car for the weekend for a business dinner I had to attend at a location a couple hours from where I live. In the mean time, I have some friends who attend a church in my area so they pick me up and I go with them. It's just not the same.
My sis got a new bunny named Fidget. She's a cutie. Scully and I saw a dog at the park that reminded me of her first dog, Winston. He was just as energetic as Winston was. The lady walking him was older and could barely hold on to him. She had taken him over near a tree when she saw us on the path. I can only assume to try to 'hide' us from him. It took everything she had to keep him from pulling her down. I would say not good planning for a pet on her part.
Scully comes home from our walks and pretty much poops out. She's 8-1/2, but in doing some research it turns out that a boxers average life span is only 10-12 years. I told her she needs to plan on the far side of that. I'm sure she'll do her best. I didn't sleep well the last two nights for some reason so when I let her out this morning I went back in the room to lay down. I heard her come back in and called to her. She jumped onto the bed, walked on me to get to my front (I lay on my side), got right in my face and layed down in a ball right there. She's very clingy lately. You'd think she'd be tired of me being around all the time. (I know I am.)
And in five more days it will be a full four months without a vehicle. I've been watching some vehicles on a used car lots website. There are several that have been on there since my accident. A couple weeks ago I put in my $2000 offer on one to see if they'd come back with anything. I haven't gotten a response. It could be because I didn't give my address, but that's none of their business unless they accept the offer and I buy the vehicle. $2k is all I have right now and being unemployed, I can't commit any more. It would be nice to have a vehicle again. I miss attending services at my church. I was there last weekend because I rented a car for the weekend for a business dinner I had to attend at a location a couple hours from where I live. In the mean time, I have some friends who attend a church in my area so they pick me up and I go with them. It's just not the same.
My sis got a new bunny named Fidget. She's a cutie. Scully and I saw a dog at the park that reminded me of her first dog, Winston. He was just as energetic as Winston was. The lady walking him was older and could barely hold on to him. She had taken him over near a tree when she saw us on the path. I can only assume to try to 'hide' us from him. It took everything she had to keep him from pulling her down. I would say not good planning for a pet on her part.
Scully comes home from our walks and pretty much poops out. She's 8-1/2, but in doing some research it turns out that a boxers average life span is only 10-12 years. I told her she needs to plan on the far side of that. I'm sure she'll do her best. I didn't sleep well the last two nights for some reason so when I let her out this morning I went back in the room to lay down. I heard her come back in and called to her. She jumped onto the bed, walked on me to get to my front (I lay on my side), got right in my face and layed down in a ball right there. She's very clingy lately. You'd think she'd be tired of me being around all the time. (I know I am.)
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