for what it's worth

 No, I'm not going to throw fowl language around although, I could probably string a line of curse words together that would make a sailor blush. This seems to be a talent I am fairly good at unfortunately. One I'm not very proud of... Moving on-- I wanna talk about poop. Yep, I said poop. Bowel movements, laying logs, crap, pooh, number 2, dump, dung, feces, toilet oysters, the dirty, stinky, and of course,  shit. (check out these: poop names ) Whatever you call it, I wanna talk about it. We all do it. Don't pretend like you don't! If you really, really don't--go see a doc, now! Everyone should be well acquainted with how their body rids it's self of waste. I am often asked how I knew I had Ulcerative Colitis. Well, this is not a simple question for me to answer. I think I had symptoms of the ugly monster long before a diagnosis was ever made. As far back as I can remember, my bowels have been a source of irritation and discomfort at various times. It w...

Yesterday I went back to the doc to see about changing my depression medicine. Every winter I struggle, the worst months are December through March due to the really cold ugly days we tend to have. I don't function well when I'm stuck inside, I NEED to be in the sun soaking up it's mighty rays. (Not good for a pasty white girl but oh well) I must be part cat... So, back to the doctor visit. The reason I went is because I've started withdrawing--just ask my hubby, poor guy, and you could probably ask my friends too. I received a text from a close friend last week asking if I was OK because she hadn't heard from me in a while. I've also been dealing with severe migraines due to the crazy weather and wind we've been experiencing. I've had a hard time getting out of bed too. No motivation to do anything, every task feels like I'm climbing Mount Everest. Sometimes I feel all alone but I know this is not true. I am surrounded by my family and friend...

Island Island I see you in the distance  I feel that your existence  Is not unlike my own  Island they say no man is like you  They say you stand alone  Sometimes I feel that way too  It's the need for love  Heart and soul accompaniment  Seems to make me different from you  Chorus:  Well I tried to book passage, but you have no ports  And I tried to sail in, but your wind and waters  Tore my sails and broke all my oars  Island I see you in the moonlight  Silhouettes of ships in the night  Just make me want that much more  Island I see you in all of my dreams  Maybe someday I'll have the means to reach your distant shores  When the need for love  Heart and soul accompaniment  No longer makes me different from you  Chorus:  Well I tried to build bridges  But they all fell down  And I've taken to the air on wings of silver  But I always hit the ground  Well I tr...

This is how I feel about turning 40! It's my last day of being 39. I have never looked forward to a birthday so much. Well, except maybe the monumental one of my youth, but I have to tell ya, 40 looks pretty darn good to me. For the first time in probably 10-12 years I feel healthy. Even before the Ulcerative Colitis diagnosis in 2004, my health was a constant roller coaster. I've seen more doctors and specialist than the average person under the age of 40.  Turning 40 is a major mile marker for anyone. It signifies the beginning of midlife. Adulthood is in full swing and there is no denying it at 40.  I don't plan on having the traditional midlife crisis now but, I do intend to live everyday abundantly. Life is short. I've come to realize this not just by my own close call with death, but by experiencing the loss of many special friends and family who died way too young. As far as I can tell, the years keep getting better and I plan to enjoy each new day in ...

Good Morning. I am sitting here drinking my coffee and gazing out the window at a snow covered world. A light dusting was predicted but it's more like a cake frosting out there with an occasional drift or two. It's beautiful. Cold but beautiful. We just got our Internet up and running after 3 weeks of being "unplugged" and it's nice to be back online again. You have no idea how attached to the Internet you are until it is unavailable! When we first moved in we were using a satellite provider--BIG mistake. It was like going back in time to dial up, most miserable, but we are back on fiber optic cable so all is well. We moved my Grammy into an assisted living joint this past weekend. It was full of emotion, both happy and sad. She is 94 and had been living in her own home by herself up until the big move. We are so fortunate that she is so healthy for a woman of her age. She uses a walker but that's about the extent of it. She is still very sharp and has a m...

No, this is not a review of the movie by Judd Apatow. This is just my thoughts on turning 40. Now, I realize I am not the first person to cross this mile marker of age. Many people have gone before me and lived to tell about it and I'm sure, many will follow me "over the hill" of the dreaded number 40. With this birthday looming in front of me (about 1 month), I can't help but do some analyzing of myself and my life.         Am I where I hoped I'd be?         Have I checked things of the proverbial Bucket List?         Do I need some "work" done? --kidding! :) What is it about turning 40 that make us question who we are? You know what I mean... Even if you are completely secure in yourself, there is something about a monumental birthday that has you thinking about life and choices. Since I am staring 40 in the face, I decided to list some of the things I have experienced over the years. 1. Family: Growing up in a...

There is nothing like the New Year to make a person reflect on the past and look to the future with hope and excitement. I am no different. Say what you will, I know it's cliche, but I really do enjoy this process. I like thinking of how I can be better in the coming year and what goals I would like to set. I find I put more stock in my priorities this time of year and remember why I do so. I think it's healthy mentally to do some sort of check list each year. I tend to be a little skeptical of mass postings on Facebook, never knowing if there is any truth to them or if it is truly the words of the named author. I ran across these two posts and though I can't verify their authenticity, I find them well written and very profound. I believe there is truth in each of the articles and can relate to much of them. The first is a posting by a columnist, Regina Brett, who wrote for a Cleveland, Ohio paper. A quick Google search confirmed that both  The Plain Dealer Newspaper a...