Testing 123, testing 123

Can you hear me now?

I hope so.

Some days I feel guilty for even thinking about keeping this blog alive ... but mostly I am looking forward to a time (10 years maybe?) when I can write when I want, what I want. On a computer that actually functions as it should ... mine continues to crash and it will likely take me an hour to pound out this post ... grrr ... ah well!

The last few weeks have been challenging. Testing really. Literally and figuratively.

My migraines have gotten worse and so have some other symptoms that I never thought to mention before. I can certainly feel for my friend TTQ who goes through such tests on a regular basis. They suck! Blown veins, loud machines, rude (abrupt) technicians, doctors who don't have enough time to sit down and talk to you. It Sucks!

On the positive side, my PCP (primary care provider) is wonderful, and pushy and aggressive and seems to actually give a damn about my health and especially my ability to function! So, at least I feel like I have an advocate on my side.

I still can't sit down very well. But the pain isn't as bad as it was ... of course that could have a little something to do with the copious amounts of medication that I can currently on ... but whatever.

I have been keeping VERY busy with my cookin' gigs. The amount I was paid last week to prepare a home cooked meal for two made me BLUSH! But, I'll take it because right now all my cookin' money is paying for all these tests ... so it is a blessing that someone is willing to pay me for something I am going to do anyway!

My girls are wonderful. They don't really know what is going on, I don't want to freak them out with all of this information until I understand what it all means ... if I ever understand what it all means.

Mr. Farmer has done pretty well too. He tends to put his head in the sand when it comes to uncomfortable issues, but this time he has had to take the lead a little more.

I have skipped around to a few of my favorite blogs and am sad to see that some of my closest blogger friends are going through rough times. I won't mention them by name ... but this is a rough season for people, so if you are a Prayin' person -- just give a shout out to all of those who are in pain this holiday season.

I want to say more, I know I have more to say .... but I am comin' up empty. Seems to happen when I actually take a moment to write -- if only I could write when my brain thinks of good posts ...

Ah well, I am wishing you all a wonderfully blesses holiday season!

Love those around you. Tell them. Show them. Take time. Embrase life. It all goes too quickly and you just can't predict what tomorrow will bring.

Love,

Frannie

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes. Charles R. Swindoll

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe. Philippians 2:14-15

Aches, pains and banana milkshakes

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Right?
Well, it certainly seems to be the case for Frannie.

I seem to be on a medical decline. I have to wonder if *this* is life after 35. There always seems to be something that is hurt, broken or otherwise not working ... and I am just talkin' about this old body.

Last week I took a tumble. A fairly bad tumble. Child in arms. On the pavement.
I landed flat on my a$$. and it HURTS. A lot! I am pretty sure I cracked my tail bone .. but have been told that there is nothing they can do about if even it I did. So, I have an inflatable donut the keeps deflating (I can only image what it would be like if I hadn't lost weight -- for both the donut and the tail bone).
Of course I didn't just hurt the ole butt bone .. I also sprained my wrist and my ankle. Just call me gimpy! Seriously ... I just sorta hobble along. Driving sucks. Working at home sucks ... well at least the part where I am supposed to sit in my chair for hours on end and type.
I had to stop my daily walks because it is just too painful, which means I have gained 4 pounds, just days before a major formal event that I am to be a presenter at. (I know that doesn't sounds like much, but it is just enough to make my sassy dress a little too snug for comfort!)

I know, I know, b*tch and moan, b*tch and moan. I can't help it.

It does get better though. Really.
This morning I went in for yet another dental surgery (I think this is the 3rd in a month - 6 weeks) ... I had to sit still in the dental chair for nearly three hours - and now my mouth is throbbing ... and although I have taken the perscribed pain meds, I can hardly stand the pain. I had 4 children without pain meds ... what gives?

So I can't eat. Well I can't chew. This should mean that I have a shot a losing the 4 pounds by Saturday night ... but somehow I doubt it when all I want is Banana Milkshakes. I tried them with Fat Free Frozen Yogurt but it just isn't the same.

It's not all bad though ...

I just finished reading a good book Wish by Melina Gerosa Bellows and started another The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri.

I only have two dental appointments left and then all of the bad (painful) work should be done.

I have been asked to cater 6 parties between now and new years ... and then a Valentines Day dinner. And I will actually make money on these.

AngelBaby is almost potty trained.

SweetiePie got an excellent report card.

LittleMiss is really blossoming in school.

Heartbreaker seems to be mellowing her teen angst. Just a wee bit, but I'll take it.

Mr. Farmer has been working overtime ... and while that makes it hard when I am feelin' some serious pain -- we need the serious ca$h!

I think I need a nap now ...

Frannie


My kids always perceived the bathroom as a place where you wait it out until all the groceries are unloaded from the car. Erma Bombeck

I [Paul] thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you [Timothy] in my prayers. 2 Timothy 1:3