Thursday, January 22, 2009

Happy Birthday Jack



Happy Birthday Jackson Ryan Chiszar! I know that I can not be with you today but I am thinking about you. I'm not allowed to call or send you anything because your parents will not allow any type of communication.

But, I love you and am always thinking about you. I know you are getting so big and I wish I could give you a great big grandma hug.

I've written you a letter and card today and I will hold on to it until we are together once again. I have a savings bond for you and this to shall have to wait.

If you feel something brush against your cheek just know it is me sending you kisses.

Love Grandma.

Happy Birthday Misty


Today Misty is two years old. She is still as frisky as a puppy and is a delight in my life. Yes there are nights that like last night when the weather outside is not really dog walking weather but no matter I love her. This morning when we went out there was frost on the grass. Yes it was cold this morning.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Hope for the Future


It's a new day for America. I just read a list of what the future may hold for all of us. We definitely new a new era and a new leader at the helm. I am proud that this country is looking toward a new beginning and look forward to a better tomorrow for all.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Hump Day Winding Down





Lots of things going on this week. Saw the cardiologist on Monday and he gave me a good result on my Nuclear Stress Test that I took last week. He said I had to work on my weight, exercise more and we all know what the third item was. So I guess I have some work to do. Don't have to go back for three months.
It was another bust last night at Bingo. I certainly am on a dry spell. Was one number away several times.
Spent some time at the library today but really didn't find anything that sparked for me. Had a few errands to run after that.
Scrap and dash was tonight so these are the layouts I completed. The middle one is from last week that I had not posted yet. The other two are really outside my comfort zone but they were fun to play with.
Thanks Jackie for dinner tonight. Sorry I was late . . . just talking to much at Scrap and Dash.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Another Busy Week Ahead






Well last week is behind me and a lot was accomplished. I got through the breast biopsy and it was negative. That was a huge result for me. I was a little worried as we all are when faced with this challenge.
I had a nuclear stress test on Thursday and the doctor didn't say anything during the test so I am hopeful that tomorrow I will get a good report on this procedure.
I am trying very hard to get a government job. I had my second testing on Wednesday and hope to hear something this week. I will have my cell phone with me at all times.
Friday night I went to the crop at K2 and had some laughs with friends. It is a great way to sit and relax and just let loose with other women who have their own problems and know that you are not the only one swimming against the current.
Yesterday morning there was breakfast at the clubhouse and then some of the people came over and picked some oranges and grapefruit from my trees. I have so many that I will never be able to eat them all. I told them to definitely come back for more. Last night we went and say Bride Wars. A total chick flick and it was fun to just laugh. Today I helped Jackie clean my mom's carpets and then guess what. I fixed dinner. We had rib eye steaks and they were wonderful.
Here's hoping everyone has a great week.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Yeah!!!!

It was a fibrous cyst with scar tissue from the last biopsy. More later.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Better Blogger


I have been very eractic in my blogging the past couple of months but I plan to do better. I think I am better when I put my thoughts down and get them out of my mind.
Isn't this a great photo of mom with the two dogs at Christmas. She was trying to read a book and Rizzo was trying to get away from Misty and Misty was the jealous one and had to get up with Mom. Mom made these adorable Xmas scarves.
This is a busy week for me. Today I had a breast biopsy. My doctor got all of my biopsy results from Naperville and Arlington Heights hospitals and believes that we will have good news. The lump has grown to one inch from three quarters inch. Say a little prayer for me on this one. I'll get the results tomorrow afternoon.
Wednesday I take another exam for the job I am hoping to get. Another prayer. Then Thursday I have a stress test scheduled. Results on that one next Monday. So it looks like I am going to meet my max out of pocket all in one week but that means that everything will be paid at 100% for the rest of the year because my new plan is an 80/20 plan and not a copay plan. That's the only good thing about all of this.
What a way to start the year but it goes with my one little word "revitalize." Refresh and renew and get back on track. I think I'll pick some oranges in the morning and have some fresh orange juice. Cheers.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

One Small Victory

It's a victory with Medicare and that is saying a lot. It has taken over six months to deal with this. Before Jim got sick he ordered a new prosthetic leg. He never got delivery of this prosthesis. I tried to get it but the company would not give it to me because I was not the client. After Jim died I decided I would either sell the leg or donate it to a worthy cause. The cost of this prosthesis was a little over $11,000. Not a small amount and Medicare paid the bill even though there was no delivery.

Since this St. Petersburg company would not give me the leg and it had been paid for I wrote to Medicare. A couple weeks after I wrote the letter Medicare responded and said they would look into the situation. I just received a letter from Medicare and on December 18th they required Orthopedic and Prosthesis Center of St. Petersburg to return the money they were paid for this prosthesis. If they do not repay the amount it will be deducted from further payments from Medicare.

Yeah a victory. Small but satisfying. Since we all contribute to the Medicare fund it is good that we do not have them pay for services that are not provided.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Last Layouts of 2008



































































Just wanted to post the last of the layouts I did in December. Now I can start fresh on 2009. Going to the all day Saturday crop so I am sure I will get a lot done since it runs from 10 to 10.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Happy New Year To All


My One Little Word

My one little word for 2008 was "strength" and boy did I need it last year. My challenges were many. I started the year sitting by Jim's side as we both fought for him to get better. I found every bit of strength I had to support and love him through the vigorous fight for his life. Ultimately we lost that battle and then I had to find the strength to endure this terrible loss. I am still trying to find this strength and it is a battle every day. Then I had to find the strength to face the hatred of Kathy and Bob. It all came down to money. Bob said give him all my money or I would never see our grandchildren again. But as I face that loss I know that either way Bob would never have let me see my grandchildren again because of his hatred of me. Then there were those awful emails from Kathy to all my friends, employers and family. Yes because of those same people I found the strength to get through this too. Not one of you said to buckle to these two. I will always love these three little boys and someday I hope to reconnect with them.

Other challenges included the mold in my bathroom and after three months I conquered this also. I found the strength to get through the holidays with a few hiccups along the way. The other problem I had to deal with was the lack of a job. I applied for over 200 jobs with no luck. But 2008 is over and I say good riddance. On to 2009.

My one little word for 2009 will be revitalize. There has to be a new beginning and through this word I hope to find my way.

Revitalize
Transitive and intransitive verb return to doing something: to begin something
or doing something again, or be begun again.
To give new life to.
To give new vitality or vigor to.
Restore strength.
To make more lively or active.
Breathe new live into.
Reestablish on a new, usually improved basis or make new or like new.