Life Isn't A Nursery Rhyme!

I have not posted on my blog in a while as I have been sitting in doctor’s offices/ appointments with Specialists and many, many tests taken, MRIs, CT scans, Echocardiograms, Breathing Tests in that tiny booth for an hour of breathing tests, X-rays, tons and tons of blood work, etc.  Boy, the co- payments for all these were draining my wallet.

The diagnosis is Rheumatoid Arthritis with overlapping Scleroderma! I'm currently on Predisone which is a harsh drug and gives you a Moon Face and a hump at the nape of your neck!  Ugh!  I've been on this drug since February and can't wait to be weened off of it soon. R/A is bad enough but Scleroderma turns your body into stone and can affect all the major internal organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, etc.

I complained for 8 long months to my Primary Care doctor that I was in extreme pain and unable to even dress myself or raise my hands above my head.  My hands and feet were swollen really bad.  I also was experiencing difficulty swallowing.  I learned to continue to speak up until my doctor heard my pain loud and clear!  You have to continue to speak up when you have problems and notice changes in your condition, don't feel too self-conscious to speak up during your appointment or even call your doctor or another member of your health care team.

No problem is too small to inquire about, and early treatment for any problem can make the disease more manageable for you and your health care team.

It's understandable that a person with a chronic illness like Rheumatoid Arthritis/Scleroderma would become depressed.  I try hard not to accept depression as a normal consequence of my condition.  If depression makes it hard for you to function well, don't hesitate to ask your health care team for help.

I think it is a must to learn skills like meditation, calming exercises, and relaxation techniques may help you cope with emotional difficulties as well as help relieve pain and fatigue.

If you have problems doing daily activities, from brushing your hair and teeth to driving your car like I was going thru, consult an occupational or physical therapist. They have more helpful hints and devices than you can probably imagine.

Of course, we all resort to our computers to do research as the doctors will not spend the time with you to explain everything.  The clock is ticking in a doctor’s office and they want the next patient in so they can meet their quota for the day to fatten up their bank account.

I live in Florida, so exercising in my community pool turned out to be my best friend, as it hurt too much to continue going to my Silver Sneakers classes three days a week.  It doesn’t hurt to exercise in the water.

If anyone out there is experiencing leg pain, don't forget to put a bar of soap at the foot of your bed under the fitted sheet.  Check it out for yourselves online.  It truly does work and if the pain comes back months later, replace the bar of soap and use the old one in your shower to bath with.

What happened to the Oath all doctors took??????  I had to fight tooth and nail to get a referral to see a Specialist.  Well, I’m on an HMO.  If I were on a PPO I would not need referrals.  But PPOs are expensive.

Since just yesterday before I decided to get back on my blog and write, I was chatting to two friends, one is a lovely blogger friend and the other is my Maid of Honor, both going thru serious medical issues.  Also, I mentioned a year ago, that my son was diagnosed with CML which is Leukemia and the news put me in an emotional state of depression then.  

All mothers will agree, we worry constantly about our children no matter their age.

So, we all need the strength to deal with these chronic diseases and need tons of prayers not only for ourselves but for the people we love and care about.  I strongly believe in the power of prayers!

Setbacks

Gosh, we all have had our share of setbacks in our lives and often they can turn out to be very fortunate occurrences.  Because they prevent you from going any further down a dead-end road.

When you've had a setback, ask yourself this. What is it attempting to tell you? Perhaps, you need to be eating a little healthier or exercise more or be kind to one another or take pride in your job.  There is definitely something to be evaluated for sure.  Just search for the message in it.

Use it as an opportunity to step back and get some perspective. Use it as an opportunity to renew your commitment and realign with your purpose.

I guess we all need to re-evaluate and leave the past where it belongs.  Don’t stumble over something behind you. Don’t use the past as an excuse to miss out on today. How can you possibly heal the wounds of the past by digging deeper into them.

Acceptance truly is the bitter pill you have to bravely swallow to move beyond yesterday’s sorrows. It’s a choice you must make. Because the truth of the matter is that history only dictates the future if you allow it.

In other words, you only have to relive it if you choose to.

Toxins in all our skin and hair products! I'm livid!

I attend a lot of free seminars that my Humana insurance offers and this one was most interesting to me and should be to everyone.  It was about skin and skin cancer caused by beauty products that are loaded with toxins.

I knew toxins were in hair color and even in Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo, as I saw that on the News. Names that we have trusted for years.  I know that most reputable companies have removed the harsh chemicals from their products but not all did.

These chemicals cause a wide range of adverse health conditions from skin irritations to cancer.  Unfortunately, skincare giants do not want you to know about them, as there is too much money at stake in the anti-aging market.

I was shocked when I got home after the seminar with my notes in hand to check the ingredients in my facial cleaners, moisturizers, sunscreen creams and they all had chemicals in them from the list I learned about.

Parabens:  Widely used as a preservative to extend the shelf life of moisturizers and anti-aging products may actually cause premature aging and sagging skin.  Studies suggest parabens can cause cancer, allergic reactions and skin rashes even breast tumors!  Oh my.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate:  This is a foaming agent used in facial cleaners; chemical sulfates can be contaminated with measurable amounts of the cancer-causing agent ethylene oxide, which can harm the nervous system.  My very well-known brand name facial cleaner listed this in the list of ingredients.  I was livid.  I’ve been using this product for over 40 years.

Padimate O:  this ingredient is usually found in sun-screens and it may increase the risk of skin cancer.  I found this in the recent sunscreen I recently purchased and after one day, I had white spots all over my arms, legs and chest where I applied the product.  I live in Florida so sunscreen is a must here and no matter where you live actually.

I do water aerobics in the pool for exercise because my arthritis is so bad that I can no longer go to the gym for my regular classes.  The chlorine in the pool water is not good for my skin either and I have discussed this matter with the Condo Commandos to change the pool to Salt Water instead.  The cost is not that bad to reverse it but they are thick headed and snowbirds so they don’t care.

I can’t believe the government allows these products to contain such serious harmful stuff.  I’m livid.

US researchers have reported that one in eight ingredients used in personal care products are actually industrial chemicals such as pesticides, plasticizers, degreasers, reproductive toxins, hormone disruptors and carcinogens and they even use the same ingredients that are in weed killers.  Nasty stuff.  How do they sleep nights knowing what they are doing to our own people?

There has to be a way to scream out to stop all this.

It takes forever to shop and read ingredients on the food we eat, the shampoo and soap we buy……………We never had to do this when I was a child growing up.  We didn’t have all these chemicals in our products.

Companies are getting greedy and they don’t care about our health and people are just not informed about this serious matter.

It may cost more to shop at WholeFoods but at least you will know your purchases will be pesticide free.  I bought my bottle of shampoo there just recently.

One good thing…………..Dewars Scotch containes NO CARCINOGENS!  Other brand names do.

I’m doing research on red wines now.

Enjoy Life's Little Pleasures!

Every day is a blessing, whether it seems like it at the time or not.  I think all of us never show enough gratitude.  Gratitude is not merely the result of having good and valuable experiences in your life. Being grateful is an essential part of causing life’s goodness to come your way.

Gratitude is an emotion expressing appreciation for what a person has and I'm not referring to material things; what I mean is taking the time to appreciate the beautiful things in life. 

I remember my first trip to Key West, FL for a weekend was a Mother's Day present from my son many years ago.  I remember it was the most spectacular sunset on the planet!  And, it was a ritual every evening at sunset that a crowd would be outside with a drink in hand and applaud the amazing sunset of bright orange that looked like it was sinking right into the ocean.  

Believe it or not, I've never been to Disney in spite of the fact that I have been living in Florida for nearly 25 years now.  I had the opportunity to go many times with friends but the thought of listening to people dragging whining kids around the park themes did not appeal to me.  Walking around in the heat and humidity in Florida is not pleasant for me either.

 

Another wonderful Mother's Day present was from my daughter not that long ago..................taking me to the Red Sox game!  What a thrill.  Oh, "Sweet Caroline" "So good, So good, So good"!  It was exciting to be in my home town for a visit with my family and seeing my favorite baseball team.  The fans at the game are so exhilarating and it makes the experience all that more wonderful!  Love being a part of "the wave".

I'm grateful for my beautiful children.

Life is good!

They say: “Age is something that doesn’t matter – unless you’re a bottle of wine.”

They say: “Age is something that doesn’t matter – unless you’re a bottle of wine.”

“You are only as old as you think you are.”   But if you wake up every morning with a new ache and/or pain, yes age is interfering with your golden years.

I feel like a brand new person since my Primary Care Doctor finally gave me a referral to a Rheumatologist for my pain.  Now, why didn’t he send me there 9 months ago?  The Specialist said I suffered in pain needlessly.  Major improvement within days but I still have not received the results of the Specialist’s blood work taken.  At least, I now have movement in my arms.  So grateful.  Now, if he can’t get rid of my swollen hands and feet, life will be good again!

I’m looking forward to getting back to the gym soon.  I miss my Silver Sneakers classes and friends that I have made at the gym.

We seniors all try to embrace new opportunities and seek new learning and to try and stay motivated and lively at heart.  But, in fact, we can’t do most of the things we used to do.  We do have the wisdom and experience we have acquired over the years which is a plus.

It is so important to keep your body lively through healthy diet and exercise.  I still cook all my meals, that way I have full control of the ingredients in my food choices.

I try to stay in touch with the world via modern technology, that way; the world will stay in touch with me!

Time to pour the wine!

Not everything at the Dollar Store is cheaper!

Everyone is trying to stretch a buck these days and resorting to Dollar Stores for some savings on certain items.

I realized that three items I purchased were actually cheaper at my local grocery store.

One way to avoid this is to keep a running list of stores in your area that have the best prices for products you use regularly. That way, if you see a product you use for sale, you can quickly and easily know whether or not what you see is actually a good deal.

I was told to pay attention to sizes and the price per ounce -- not the price overall.

I never buy food in the Dollar Stores either.  Another issue bothered me was that some brand name items for toothpaste for example are not made from the same manufacturer as the ones you find in your regular stores………hmmmmmmmmm!  Yet, the packaging look almost identical.

I think people like the idea of seeing the word “Dollar”!  So, I decided that these type stores are not for me.  Do you like them?

A new Walmart Neighborhood Market opened near me that only sells food.  I tried it and since the store is new, I loved the fact that it was so clean.  My total savings there was $15.00 because I used my discount card from my medicare insurance company.  I don't think I would buy my meat there though. I eat less meat these days so that is not an issue.

I hate cutting coupons these days and feel the stores should just give you the discount automatically.  It would save them tons of money not having to print the coupons and advertising on flyers.

Let me know your savings tips!  Happy Shopping.

Today's youth is one of the rudest!

Gosh, watching the News lately..............so much sadness going on.  So much violence night after night.  It makes you wonder what kind of upbringing these people had.  It makes me change the channel, as it is too depressing to watch.

Today’s youth is one of the rudest and most sadistic generations. Teens are developing cruel attitudes towards violence and crimes. Teens are unaware of life values and morals. Teens use inappropriate language and etiquette. And teens display large amounts of disrespect towards authority and being the big "Bully" in school among their own classmates.

Even worse, these teens turn into mean, disrespectful adults and always taking the wrong road through life's journey.  It is sad because in my heart, I know most parents taught their children to respect others.

I remember when my children were young and in school.....whenever it was report card time, I always naturally carefully viewed their grades but the other side of the report card displayed their behavior in class and how they treated others.  That part, a parent teaches a child good manners. We all hope and pray that they practice good manners when they grow up and on their own.

When you encounter a person displaying disrespect to you, I’m sure you are feeling unworthy.  But, it also can leave you with a thickened up skin and it will open your eyes to see when certain people bring nothing but drama to the table, you know it's time to let them eat by themselves.

This goes for celebs too…………Oh my……….Bieber and Miley….such train wrecks.

People need to be kind to one another.  Life is too short.

Curling up with a good book!

Unfortunately, our inner quiet is unusual for most of us. Even when alone, we all talk to ourselves right? We hear the sounds of our own thoughts, remember musical melodies, and so on. We become easily distracted by random memories, noises and other intrusions.  During these times, I turn to reading a good book especially when TV has nothing of interest to offer.

Reading a good book is like taking a mini-vacation.  For me, it naturally gives me a moment to relax and forget. It takes me away to another land where my imagination has no limits.

Think of a book that you have been meaning to read and pick it up today. It may be a beloved classic, an old favorite, a biography or something from the bestseller list. Next, pour yourself a cup of your favorite tea, (or coffee) head to your comfortable couch, curl up and let it take you away.

Downloading books to my Kindle from the Library is great!  Saving tons of money from buying books and/or taking books out from the library loaded with bacteria from previous readers!

Sometimes, I do miss cracking open a new book and turning the pages but the light in the Kindle and arranging the font for my comfort is very accommodating.  I love it!

Christmas in Boston/My Birthday/Flight Cancellations!!!!

Michelle's first Xmas tree in her new home.

Love the snowflake on the top of the tree!

I love being with my children for Christmas!  I also wanted to see the snow again but I didn’t ask for 18 inches of snow and freezing temps in the single digits and some days even below zero!  Yikes!  It is hard to adjust after living in Florida for the past 24 years.

Close up of Jimmy's tree zooming in on the red wagon!

I enjoyed seeing my girlfriends from Revere.  They are my Besties! It was a late lunch after 2:30, as I was at the beauty shop.

Left, front to back:  Linda, Joanne, Priscilla, Liana

Right, front to back:  Meri, Rose, Diane, Paula

I was also happy to see a dear friend, Sandra that I have not seen in 8 long years!  It was wonderful to reminisce wonderful past memories together.

Rose and Sandra

My children took me to all my favorite Restaurants.  Saw three great movies and I attended a New Year’s party at Rhonda’s house.  BBQ and Bon Fire in the frigid  temps!  All good times!

Son-in-law, Bill and me

Son, Jimmy and Me

Me.........Brrrrrrrrrrr!  18 inches of snow!

My daughter baked a creamcycle birthday cake for me that was delish!

My daughter is always the one taking the pictures so I never end up having pictures of her!  

When it was time for me to return home, I never received an alert from JetBlue that my flight was canceled.  Thank goodness, Michelle and I checked online before leaving the house at 4:00 in the morning to head out to the airport.  In red bold print the word “Canceled” was there.  I was due home on January 5^th but was unable to get back until January 8^th.  

JetBlue Airways resumed full operations at Logan International Airport and three New York-area airports on Tuesday after a 17-hour shutdown forced the cancellation of more than 500 departures from the four facilities.

The highly unusual reduction in service followed a spell of bad weather and airport closures over the weekend, complicated by new federal regulations that require longer rest periods for pilots between flights. Those rules helped turn delays into more cancellations after pilots maxed out their hours.

JetBlue experienced more problems than most carriers, in part because most of its operations go through Boston and New York which were hit hard by snow and ice causing a ripple effect of delays, diversions, and cancellations throughout the system.

Upon my arrival at home, the Alerts from JetBlue were on my home recorder!  Duh.  My request was clearly to alert me via my cell phone or email address.  

Of course, I called JetBlue to request Customer Compensation and they gave me 5,000 extra points towards a future flight.  You don't ask, you don't get!

Came home to rain but the temp was 69 degrees which is not bad.  No sun today either!  My delay actually was a delightful trade-off, as it gave me more time with my children!

Today, 15 inches of rain and flash floods on the East Coast of Florida!  Yikes!

P.S.  Thank you to everyone for your birthday wishes!

Merry Christmas to my Blogger Friends!

 

 

 

19th Annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade!





It's been a while since I've viewed the Annual Boat Parade!

Sharing some nice photos with you!

 

Thanks Kathy for the invite!

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stinkin' Thinkin'!

 

 

No, No, No more Stinkin' Thinkin'!

 

Just think, if you never emptied the trash in your house, there would soon be a disgusting odor in your home. It's the same with your mind. Your mind is the home of your thoughts.

If you don't release old thoughts, your life becomes bitter with stinkin' thinkin'.  We all have clutter to get rid of.

We will be starting a New Year soon, so start to empty your mental and emotional trash.
 

We all hold on to unhealthy emotions. Just as you empty your trash at home often, you have to do the same with your mind.

 

Each moment is a gift to you, so turn on the light bulb and think!

 

Focus on your priority. Do the best you can right now where you are and with what you have.  I'm working on this myself so you are not alone.

  

Count your blessings! Change will come for the better.