tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46799663650643952292024-02-20T22:11:41.885-08:00Bullpen MomBullpen Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05845344616229893970noreply@blogger.comBlogger977125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679966365064395229.post-54624967411783287332019-02-15T06:11:00.001-08:002019-02-15T06:11:44.798-08:00Movin on...painfully <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Good morning. Happy Day after Valentine's Day....I am not a big fan or into VD for a number of reasons. Since cards have risen in price to $5.00 a piece, I make my own. I think that is much nicer and more personal. Yesterday, I bought a glue stick, construction paper, and flair pen and made my own. Usually, when I give dad a card, he opens it, reads it, and basically throws it out (although I know that he appreciates the gesture). Let's just say he's not a romantic guy.<img alt="Image result for valentine day gif images" height="125" src="http://bestanimations.com/Holidays/Valentines/happyv/happy-valelentines-day-red-heart-sprakling-animated-gif-card-2.gif" width="200" /></div>
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I also put a kabbosh on gifts (although I give them). Yesterday, I gave dad dental floss (which he needed), the big Lefty got Tums (since his stomach is in an uproar with school), and Tink got organic cough syrup since she has been coughing non stop for two days. Hey, I give the gifts that matters.<br />
Did I get something? Yep, even though I wanted nothing but a verbal 'I love you', I got a box of wine and flowers. Both are nice but I have given up drinking. <img alt="Image result for valentine day gif images" height="115" src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/01/0a/70/010a70d6f7d7a269776b8bd9759e4db8.gif" width="200" /><br />
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What? BPM, say it ain't so! OK, here is how it went down or actually, how I went down....<br />
<img alt="Image result for no drinking gif images" src="https://media.tenor.com/images/207f7ab4bb4a985ac1fb17b4177acf87/tenor.gif" /><br />
Fade to black....<br />
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In October, our tennis team was preparing for the nationals. Yes, I said the nationals! Our little team that never did, actually could. I made a birthday wish last February in front of the girls and wished for a trip to the nationals. Who would have thought that birthday wishes could come true. Thanks to Ice for remembering my wish and reminding me with a video she took as I blew out the candles before the restaurant burned down.<img alt="Image result for happy birthday lots of candles gif images" height="126" src="http://static1.squarespace.com/static/56c8ccc21bbee09ef6524dee/57ae78c0ebbd1aaf5991cb20/5b7c647e0e2e729b58fe6dc0/1534878857503/happy+birthday.gif?format=1500w" width="200" /><br />
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Anyway, we were heading to nationals in Orlando...that's right...Mickey Mouse, sun, convertibles, gators, and snakes...plus a long weekend with a spectacular bunch of women.<img alt="Image result for florida gif images" height="320" src="https://photos.orlandoweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/472429764_650421.gif" width="319" /><br />
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Back to practice. So, I am practicing with Lil T against Yogi and Doc. Freakin' Doc hits a high ball, which I went after, then cross court. My size 11 shoes (more about those later) turned and I went down on my left wrist. Not wanting to show intense pain, I got up, lost the point, and secretly knew that it was broken. Did I stop playing? Uh, have you been reading this blog? Naturally, I kept going secretly hoping someone had to run to an appointment. <img alt="Image result for playing tennis gif images" height="150" src="https://i.makeagif.com/media/8-07-2014/hWVpwj.gif" width="200" /><br />
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Afterwards, I drove home and went to an Urgent Care center for an X ray. The radiologist read the x ray...no break. Just a sprain....I was told to wear a splint for a few days.<br />
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Did I stop drinking then?<br />
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Nope.<br />
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Anyway, the following week, we went to Orlando. I wore my splint except to play. I lost my two matches. Oh, the pain.....not in my wrist...in my head. I was mortified that I could not pull out at least one win. Shucks!<br />
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Did I stop drinking then?<br />
<img alt="Image result for no drinking gif images" height="100" src="https://i.imgur.com/oBSifBe.gif" width="200" /><br />
Nope.<br />
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On to the holidays where I had the family over for Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. I went back and forth to the south carrying my luggage. <img alt="Image result for woman carrying heavy boxes gif images" height="112" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/26tn8RUbdP9lQDPFu/giphy.gif" width="200" />I cleaned out the house, carried groceries, and basically continued to lead my life. All the while, the wrist never healed. I had to stop planks and push ups during classes. But that was it.<br />
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Did I stop drinking then?<br />
<img alt="Image result for no drinking gif images" height="84" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/M3aw4nu0dXP9e/giphy.gif" width="200" /><br />
Nope.<br />
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After a few months, I still could not put my sports watch on my left wrist since it was swollen. I knew that something was clearly wrong. So, to Dr G I sheepishly went and he ordered a MRI. It took several days for insurance to approve it, but once they did, I did not get it.<br />
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Why? Well, my wrist sort of felt better. So, why incur the cost?<br />
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Did I stop drinking then?<br />
<img alt="Image result for no drinking gif images" height="112" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/RgYlcNHA2Hoxq/giphy.gif" width="200" /><br />
Nope.<br />
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The holidays were coming to a close and dad and I made the decision to down size. yes, we are going to move. More about that later. As I was cleaning out closets, the wrist started to scream. So I decided to get the stupid MRI done.<br />
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Did I stop drinking then?<br />
<img alt="Image result for no drinking gif images" height="86" src="https://media1.tenor.com/images/9dd099e13af43a0d4ddde81a37fc6568/tenor.gif?itemid=11883331" width="200" /><br />
Nope.<br />
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Dr G called when I was in the south with the diagnosis of non displaced scaphoid fracture. Got to see a hand and wrist surgeon.<br />
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crud....double crud...triple crud!<br />
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Did I stop drinking then?<br />
<img alt="Image result for no drinking gif images" height="80" src="https://spoilednyc.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/22.gif" width="200" /><br />
Nope.<br />
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I met a friend of Dr G's who wanted to schedule surgery for two weeks out. Now, I am in a hurry after ignoring the pain for so long, so I said to him "do it today." He laughed and added me to his schedule the following day.<br />
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Did I stop drinking then?<br />
<img alt="Image result for no drinking gif images" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkNd_53Tdi23O7mUKWVYA6XtCNV3bchG_XsElRoobDDrA7mutVhenmiBf3Tiy-ZcIL3832AUdoHuFqWZkz7DxRM3knULAGVfHOz-9m3buYYes8xrMPlEEAiSN0T-DSJRA-3wDD2t3IlE/s320/My-Talent-Lies-In-Drinking-Gif.gif" width="320" /><br />
Nope.<br />
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fast forward to surgery....I know am a proud owner of a pin and bone graft in my left wrist. I am out of commission with a cast until at least the end of March. No tennis. No lifting. No bending the hand or wrist.<br />
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Did I stop drinking then?<br />
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Yep.<br />
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As I went through the surgery, I was on opiods. Yes! Opioids. The doc gave me ten pills. I used 7 and got rid of the rest. I did not drink while taking pain medication and once I was off the meds, I did not want liquor. It must have been a weird anesthesia reaction...or something like that....<br />
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So, I have not totally written wine off, but I have given up my 5 pm glass of wine to relax every night with the dogs. Rather, I now have hot water and lemon, which I love more than alcohol. Again...weird? uh, yes....<img alt="Image result for drinking tea gif images" height="200" src="https://thumbs.gfycat.com/ConsciousShortHadrosaurus-small.gif" width="320" /><br />
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Now that I am on the wagon except when I go out for dinner or with the girls, I have a cleared head, mind, and have lost a few pounds. I never drank that much anyway, I just joked about it.<br />
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Why do I bring up this sobriety? Well, last night, dad gave me a box of wine for VD. Lefty gave me a box of wine for my birthday last week. I might have to send them memos that I no longer partake at home and would prefer a lemon tree instead.<img alt="Image result for lemon tree gif images" height="200" src="http://brittainpeck.com/img/single/happyfriday/1080x1080.gif" width="200" /><br />
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Oh, about the size 11s.....as I aged (yikes), my feet have changed and started to hurt with exercise. The doc told me to have them measured by an expert and buy shoes that they recommended. And I did. And he recommended that a woman who comfortably wears a size 9 shoe purchase a size 11, which I did. I looked like I was wearing clown shoes and slippers when I played. I honestly believe that my shoes were too big which is why I fell and not because freakin' Doc had an amazing cross court shot....just sayin'<img alt="Image result for running in clown shoes gif images" src="https://thumbs.gfycat.com/BasicViciousAngora-small.gif" /><br />
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And so, I am going to end this diatribe about VD and share what BP Grandpop says: give me the flowers now and not at my funeral or VD day...a wise man......<img alt="Image result for flowers gif images" height="240" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/1tOuimUZbIeS4/giphy.gif" width="320" /><br />
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Peace!Bullpen Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05845344616229893970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679966365064395229.post-61439332730042388492019-01-25T07:07:00.000-08:002019-01-25T07:07:14.702-08:00Movin on....slowly....Good January morning! It was up and at 'em early as Tink needed a ride to work.....why, you may ask?<br />
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Well......<br />
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It seems the Big lefty hit a massive pothole last night, shredding his tire and bending the rim on his car. He has to go to class this morning and has a job interview at 4p. Needless to say, he needs a car. On the other hand, our Tink has to be at work 5 minutes away at a local school and could be driven. She gave her brother her car and he quickly took it. So, after Tink works, I have the pleasure of driving his car with the bent rim and temporary tire to the auto shop. They know us quite well. I asked them for loyalty points since we are there once a month. They laughed and thought I was joking...I wasn't.....<br />
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We just celebrated BP Grandpop's 92 birthday. What an amazing guy. He is more vibrant than he has been in years. I think assisted living has been good for him as he has lots to do, people to interact with, regular meals, and gets his meds on time. He is thriving.<br />
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The day before his birthday, I stopped by to chat with him to ask him what he wanted to do. Dr G was going to have a family dinner for him but I asked if he wanted to go to breakfast or lunch. He turned me down. Then he asked if he could bring some of his assisted living friends to dinner. Sure, I think....then he thought for a moment and said that it would not be fair to only asked a few friends when he wanted to ask more and did not want to hurt any feelings. I asked him if he wanted a party at the Club (assisted living) and he replied "Yes!"<br />
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Off to get a big Costco cake, balloons, and make arrangements with the director of the Club. She set up the party for their already planned happy hour. Yes, this is my type of place.....one that gives you your meds and offers you an occasional drink. Yep, I can see why Pop loves it.<br />
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Anyway, on his special day, Scoob and I stopped by to bring the birthday boy to his happy hour/birthday party. I met more of his posse and was delighted. They call Pop the Mayor because he stops and chats with everyone, fist pumps them, and always has a kind word. Everyone stops me to tell me how much they love him. I can see why. He's terrific.<br />
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Before he blew out the candles, I said "make a wish...." He paused and thought...then said to me "I wish for another year. I think I can do some good here....." Yes, this is my 92 year old father who recently lost the love of his life wishing for one more year on this earth. I know God listens, so I might as well order the Costco cake this week for next year.<img alt="Image result for pops birthday gif" src="https://media.tenor.com/images/1b00c789dea9bb04c28cb7e7556ee87b/tenor.gif" /><br />
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I am sorry that I have not written but I just had surgery....why?<br />
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Fade to black....<br />
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This goes back to last February.....I had a big birthday last year...really big...uber big...how big? Well, let me share this one with you. When I was 29, I thought this age was old.....<br />
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Back to February. Muscles threw an amazing party with the girls. Most of them were tennis buddies....it was wonderful and humbling. I remember blowing out the candles but not my wish.<br />
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Moving ahead to last month, Ice sent a video of me blowing out the candles...my wish was "I want to go to nationals...." Nationals are the tennis nationals in Orlando. For as many years as I have been playing tennis, none of my teams made it to nationals. I really wanted to go and get the tee shirt that said "nationals" on it. Honestly, that's it....<img alt="Image result for tennis gif" height="180" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/3o6ZtmDAQdrDfaTWEw/giphy.gif" width="320" /><br />
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Anyway, we made it to the national tournament in Orlando. The week before, three of my tennis buddies who are on the team were playing with me at a local high school. Things were going pretty well although I lost the first set. Then my partner and I adjusted and were playing better. One of my opponents sent a ball in the air behind me and I went to it, the next shot was cross court. Following the ball? No? I'll get to the point.<img alt="Image result for tennis gif" height="178" src="https://media.tenor.com/images/fdc6c459fa3d7b3a0d04b8bb0d846127/tenor.gif" width="320" /><br />
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As I twisted from backwards running to lateral, I went back and landed on my left wrist. Immediately I knew it was broken. Did I stop playing tennis? uh, no.....<img alt="Image result for falling in tennis gif" height="246" src="http://cdn.tennis.com/uploads/wysiwyg/2017/06/21/1921ace4fe204a729d99a6499087b116.gif" width="320" /><br />
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So, I continued until we won the next set, then the girls had to leave. I went to the urgent center, had an xray and was told it was sprained. The doc put a splint on it.<br />
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Knowing it was not broken, I was still headed to Orlando the following week. Yep, a sprain was not stopping me from playing in the tournament and getting my tee shirt. No way...no how....<img alt="Image result for falling in tennis gif" height="245" src="https://thumbs.gfycat.com/NimbleCreamyIriomotecat-size_restricted.gif" width="320" /><br />
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I took Motrin before playing and did fair...not great. Team came in 12th...in the country...not bad....wish it was higher, but all is well. we were there and I got my tee shirt.<img alt="USTA Leagues 2018 National Championships Women's Royal Adidas Performance Tee" height="320" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2365/9073/products/2018_W_Tech_Tee_large.jpg?v=1538659955" width="320" /><br />
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Moving through the rest of 2018, I cleaned out the folks' house, moved them, carried large packages, worked out, and so on. The wrist never felt better but people said "sprains take longer to heal..." Ok, I get it.<br />
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Finally, I was done. I asked Dr G to check it out and he ordered a MRI. Naturally, I waited until late December and got the news in early January. It's a scaphoid fracture. See Dr. Hand and Wrist .....<img alt="Image result for surgery gif" src="https://media.tenor.com/images/88236944202baffc4c629f254ef8fe81/tenor.gif" /><br />
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Crud....double crud...triple crud....<br />
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Dr Hand and Wrist looked at the MRI, my wrist, and planned surgery for the next day. He inserted a little pin and performed a bone graft procedure. I was officially out of commission after surgery and on opioids. <img alt="Image result for surgery gif" height="241" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/l2JeefbRhhivhiPzq/giphy.gif" width="320" /><br />
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The first week post op, I did everything I was told to do. My arm was in the air with ice on it. I did not drive while on the drugs nor could I type. Yep, I was disabled and could only use my right hand to type. Problem...I am teaching online courses and supposed to be writing articles as the editor of a magazine. Crud!<br />
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As my fingers swelled to the size of large sausages, I needed to see Dr G who unwrapped the badnage, splinted my thumb with an index card and fastened the bandage with duct tape. It looked like MacGyver had his way with my arm.<br />
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Fast forward 10 days post op and I have a splint on rather than a cast. I can take it off to shower, but I cannot bend the wrist, lift, nor play tennis. He also told me 'not to fall....' OK, I can't promise that one. How does one prevent falling? I am sure multiple geriatric docs would love the secret so they can share it with their patients. Should I get a cane? Walker? Wheelchair? I cannot promise anyone that I will not fall, 'cause a person never plans it. I will definitely stop roller skating and climbing trees.<img alt="Image result for falling gif" height="165" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/pnqFLqb4jnEvC/giphy.gif" width="320" /><br />
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Sheesh! I also stopped my nightly glass and wine and don't miss it. With that I have lost 7 pounds.<br />
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<img alt="Image result for mom driving kids to school gif" height="107" src="http://media.tumblr.com/6900d58b68cba1593c764322d498883e/tumblr_inline_mp2cqu83iP1qz4rgp.gif" width="200" /><br />
Was it the booze or the fact that I now go to the gym every day to ward off adding weight? Not sure. I can't lift weights but I can still go to aerobics classes, hit the treadmill and exercise bike. I also do 100 squats a day as my goal is to fit into my pants....yep, the pants do not fit. I can go into the whys at a later date.<img alt="Image result for mom driving kids to school gif" height="152" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/3oriePQtjX0wUyb6Sc/giphy.gif" width="200" /><br />
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OK, I gotta run (ooppps...actually walk as my left wrist is starting to tire and I have to get some work done).<br />
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peace!!<br />
<br />Bullpen Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05845344616229893970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679966365064395229.post-59715348168484005062019-01-04T05:35:00.001-08:002019-01-04T05:35:24.865-08:00Movin on....Piece by pieceGreetings from the south. Yes, we are still working on the renovation project. And, no, it is not going well. I actually should explain this.....<br />
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<img alt="Image result for gif building a house money pit" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/VwXQLKjsZcWyI/giphy.gif" /><br />
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Fade to black....<br />
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To give you a bit of history, three years ago, we planned on breaking through a wall and extending the kitchen since I feel it is the heart and soul of the home. Check.<br />
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The the architect came in. His father has drawn up the plans for the house when it was built years ago. He was nice. He was friendly. He was sneaky too (in a good and bad way).<br />
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"Hey BP mom, would you like a bigger sitting area for the family to eat?"<br />
Answer: Sure.<br />
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"Hey BP mom, looks like you would like to create a quiet room, so let's add a fireplace and close this room off."<br />
Answer: Wonderful.<br />
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"Hey BP mom....want to add a loft with a spiral staircase for added guests?"<br />
Answer: why not?<br />
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"Hey BP mom, let's move the master bedroom, add a balcony and french doors? Another bathroom?<br />
Answer: yep.<br />
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"Another bedroom with a bathroom?"<br />
Answer: absolutely.....<br />
<img alt="Related image" src="https://www.irelanduscouncil.com/images/fading.gif" /><br />
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Then it happened...a water pipe burst and destroyed the first floor throwing all plans up in the air. Now we had to gut the first floor and begin from scratch. Everything on the first floor was destroyed. It was sad because there was so much history. yet, it was an opportunity to build in a way that would be conducive to gatherings and the modern lifestyle. So we slowly began the process with permits, plans, edits, lots of trips south with no where to stay, mold removal and remediation, bids for the builders, and so on and so on.....A few hurricanes hit, work stoppages, permit issues, tile problems (this will be an entire post).....<br />
<img alt="Image result for gif building a house money pit" src="http://i.imgur.com/QC6vJj0.gif" /><br />
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Now we are in year three. What has been done? Well, it is still unlivable despite a permit of occupancy. There is no room that can be used including the kitchen. The floors are not done. <img alt="Image result for gif building a house money pit" src="https://thumbs.gfycat.com/KlutzyRightHornedtoad-size_restricted.gif" />The painting had been started and not completed. The roof has a hole in it as does the master bedroom. <img alt="Image result for gif building a house money pit" src="https://thumbs.gfycat.com/InferiorBlankFattaileddunnart-size_restricted.gif" />The garage has visible mold and the builder is over budget by .....<img alt="Image result for gif dilapidated homes" height="148" src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/5e/78/39/5e783966acbc40dae1b6070c8074744b.gif" width="200" />I won't give a figure per se, but if I was looking under the sofa for extra change to pay him, I would have to break into every house in the US for their sofa change and then take out a loan or five.<br />
<img alt="Image result for gif dilapidated homes" height="150" src="https://www.suityourself.international/2018/180616_house2/11.gif" width="200" /><br />
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What if I go to the penny slots? I could try to win the difference at the casino...come on, my luck has got to change....or not...<img alt="Related image" height="150" src="https://media1.tenor.com/images/bfcabd1df5f1c68bef46167fce966f61/tenor.gif?itemid=12706181" width="200" /><br />
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In fact, I got no so great news yesterday to add to my mold issue. <img alt="Image result for gif mold" height="173" src="https://www.moldbacteria.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/discoloration-no-mold.gif" width="200" /><br />
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It seems I broke my wrist in October. yes, I got an Xray and it read 'no break.' No, it did not fully heal, so I spoke to Dr G about a month ago who ordered a MRI. Well, Thanksgiving and Christmas came and went. I was working and taking care of Pop. <img alt="Image result for gif mom running errands for holidays" height="150" src="https://media1.tenor.com/images/acc76505962216ca43a445f2217341ea/tenor.gif?itemid=10824702" width="200" />Had to sell the childhood house (sniff), so I ignored the pain...yes, I continued to work out but could not do planks or weights since it still hurt.<br />
<br />
I finally acquiesced and got the MRI last week. Yep, non displaced scaphoid fracture. Yikes!<br />
<img alt="Related image" height="147" src="https://thumbs.gfycat.com/GlamorousColorfulAmericanratsnake-small.gif" width="200" /> OK, headed to hand and wrist doc on Monday when I return. This makes life even more interesting as I agreed to play tennis biweekly on a team that begins in March. Oh yeah, and Biggest Loser begins on Monday! I already told my weight loss partner about my woes and tried to release her from her commitment to be my buddy. But she is a loyal trooper and wants to stick it out with me. Oh boy, more pressure.<br />
<img alt="Related image" height="112" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/3dC8antqarNks/source.gif" width="200" /><br />
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And so, I continue to thank the good Lord for His blessings and will handle one thing at a time. In the meantime, writing about this seems to be helpful....sorry to bore you.<img alt="Image result for gif mom running errands for holidays" height="180" src="https://66.media.tumblr.com/b8990390cb45a005fede4ff2b872ac7a/tumblr_mnwqv1coZ91s5hc4qo1_400.gif" width="320" /><br />
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OK, off to confront the builder about the expenses. As I would say to BP Grandmom, "This is another reason why I drink."<br />
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<img alt="Image result for gif mom running errands for holidays" height="153" src="https://media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/w4681DRxOIHYkjcK9zmoNMbEW9M/fit-in/1200x630/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-:fill-!white!-/2015/10/26/921/n/24155406/62bcbcceb44dee35_b62b445f-b0cd-4043-9f76-130f8ea99ed0/i/Until-next-time-you-need-run-quick-errand-course.gif" width="320" /><br />
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Peace<br />
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<br />Bullpen Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05845344616229893970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679966365064395229.post-48874820682819332172019-01-01T12:32:00.000-08:002019-01-01T12:32:14.889-08:00Bullpen mom....Movin' on....sadlyGreetings and Happy New Year! I have a resolution to start writing again since this blog has been derailed. What stopped me from writing each day? Well.....<br />
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Fade to black.....<br />
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First, I do not like giving excuses for behavior. In fact, I own my behavior or lack of behavior. This means that I had no desire to write, post, share anything that I once did with joy. Am I depressed? Uh...no....uh....yes....uh...not really....<br />
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Here's what happened.....BP Grandmom was sick...really sick... really really sick and I wanted to be there to help her in any way that I could. So I became a mini caregiver and drove her to appointments, sat with her, took her to chemo, shopping, and penny slots. Yes, she loved her penny slots and was a good gambler. Me? Not lucky...now or ever....<br />
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Back to BP Grandmom....she started to get worse and was in pain. As she was undergoing treatment, Big Sis was also diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Huh? Yeah! How about it. This threw a major wrench in the smooth system I created. In fact, things got so bad that Big Sis and BP Grandmom were on the same floor in the hospital at the same time....just feet apart from each other...Oh, it gets better....BP Grandpop was admitted to another hospital about 40 minutes from the ladies at the same time. Having fun?<br />
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Not yet....<br />
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So, the goal was to make sure mom and Big Sis had the right treatment while Pop was getting the correct care. Fun yet?<br />
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Nope....<br />
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Then Big Sis got sick after her surgery....real sick....It was bad. Mom was to be released from the hospital and so was Pop on the same day. But mom did not want to go home. She needed additional nursing care and told Scoob, Tink and me that she desired to go to an assisted living facility when she was better and we were to sell the house.<br />
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There was just one big problem with this plan...he is about 5'5" tall, Italian, and oh-so stubborn. So we were tasked to make sure there was an assisted living facility that would take them, convince pop it was needed, and sell the house. Simple?<br />
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I'll continue....<br />
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So, Pop and Grandmom were to be released but not go home. Instead I politely requested that the social workers in both hospitals find a skilled nursing facility where they could be in the same room or at least next to each other. Pop's hospital was more than happy to comply...Grandmom's social worker turned into a petulant child when I changed plans. Fun?<br />
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I convinced the social worker to move forward with our request while smiling brightly. After all, you attract more bees with honey, right? After a few failed attempts, Dr G made it happen with a call to a colleague. He should pick up the phone more often, ya know.....<br />
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Then it was time to move them to skilled nursing. They were in rooms next to each other and ate meals and watched television together. Pop began to flourish, but mom did not. She was becoming somnolent and did not want to eat. We tried everything from her favorite ice cream and soda to meals that were simple yet tasty. Nope. She did not want to or could not eat. The nurses did their best, then she was put on something to stimulate her appetite. Nope....<br />
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It was the fourth of July and family usually gathered at Dr G's for a barbecue. Mom could not go. Pop could. I sat with mom most of the afternoon realizing it was her last July 4th. Sadness overtook me and I sat there, held her hand, and cried. I was under the impression that no one saw my tears. I willed them to be invisible, but my heart was broken and I held on as long as I could.<br />
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During their rehab stint, I found a nice assisted living facility and showed it to pop. He was cool with it as long as mom needed it, then his plan was that they were going home.<br />
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As the day for transfer approached, I got a call from the doctor asking me if it was OK to place mom in hospice. I knew it was coming and said yes. First I consulted Dr G and sadly he agreed with the decision.<br />
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Hospice set up a bed and mom's new room for comfort. The sibs and I moved furniture and photos, and clothes from home to create a homey place for them. It came time for the move and mom could not physically move. We somehow got her to the apartment when the hospice nurse arrived. Her pain was so great, they immediately transferred her to inpatient hospice for pain management.<br />
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She passed away surrounded by family the next morning. Before she passed, she was able to see Big Sis one last time and that Pop was safely placed in assisted living. Her earthly work was done. It was time for her to work her magic in heaven as she watches over us now.<br />
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That's it for now...I'll be back....I promise.Bullpen Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05845344616229893970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679966365064395229.post-25204923186403223962018-04-20T10:19:00.001-07:002018-04-20T10:19:43.087-07:00Movin on....one year laterHiya!<br />
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Shout out to the Big lefty...it has been one year since the diagnosis. Looking back.....<br />
<img alt="Image result for sick gif" height="151" src="https://38.media.tumblr.com/53413b79cce36f181ff016a5f75810ff/tumblr_moy20tIaAI1qgndgfo1_500.gif" width="320" /><br />
Fade to black.....<br />
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The big guy could not breathe or swallow. Naturally, we thought it was allergies or a combination of issues not related to anything major. But when the ENT suggested that he had ALS, we lit the flares and candles, had the MRI, denied anything life threatening and went on with our lives.<br />
<img alt="Image result for sick gif" height="190" src="http://37.media.tumblr.com/5a319e3a5ac81d5010bb34d0e8cf0037/tumblr_n3a303wV8d1qedb29o1_500.gif" width="320" /><br />
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Then we met the neurologist who diagnosed him in ten seconds.....MG he said.....I went pale. Then I thanked God that it was not MS or ALS or a brain tumor. We can do this.<img alt="Image result for sick gif" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8s1UdbPxlSDJwS52refX1LedEFbbQJZpcZPFo1tdxvJdRWLe6EiD8dk3pBoZ-84w61SDChaQ5z0hunidiR9VDoFdBsrow5KNcjySSls7Zs2sNDfq0kEYWzcL1q46BSUR57OUUqVebcEQ/s400/trying+to+take+care+of+someone+when+they+are+sick+dr+heckle+funny+wtf+gifs.gif" /><br />
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I always use the word "we" because when anyone's child or loved one is ill, it is all about the process of healing and recuperation. No one does this alone. And so, after a weekend in a very large prestigious institution, the battle to regain strength and a quality of life began.<img alt="Image result for sick child with mom gif" height="180" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/1XJ3HUQv3lpgk/giphy.gif" width="320" /><br />
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There were doctors' appointments by the dozens, physical and OT, speech therapy, allergists, neurologist, steroids, high blood pressure, mental breakdowns on my part, and a sense that we can move forward. yes, we can.<img alt="Image result for sick child with mom gif" height="133" src="http://thesmartlocal.com/images/easyblog_images/1478/21_20140226-084259_1.gif" width="320" /><br />
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Now, a year later, the big guy is at the gym and lifting one hundred pound weights. He is physically fit and mentally strong. He is finishing his masters degree this summer and will begin law school. <img alt="Image result for strong man gif" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" /><br />
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What a difference a year has made.<br />
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Have I recovered?<br />
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The answer is probably no. The gang at work look at me with pity and compassion. I hate that. I only told my closest friend there and she blabbed to everyone. So, I deal with that when I go in. I am thankful for my home office.<img alt="Image result for feeling pity gif" height="151" src="https://d1o51r9qdgnnlz.cloudfront.net/animated_image/6bd11cfe-0037-45cf-9a76-cca76fa25667/local.gif" width="320" /><br />
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Second, I have no great burning desire to do anything professionally. Yes, I could write, do research, try new things....but I don't care. I only count the days to retirement which is far....far...far....far. away.<br />
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I think that I have less patience and more patience, if that makes sense. I have less patience for stupidity and nastiness.<br />
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I have more patience and compassion for those who need it.<br />
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I have been taught a valuable lesson through it all and think that I may be (I just think it) a better person for it. No one knows, especially me. But I know that I am different. A mother cannot not (hope that makes sense) be affected by her child having a life threatening illness. Will he die from this? No. But his life is forever altered and so is mine.<br />
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How do we handle it.<br />
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Well, we adjust. That's it. We adapt. We work together and make sure there is plenty of love and support. And we pray....really pray...big time prayers of thanksgiving and gratitude that we are still together in one piece and with help, we will get through it.<br />
<img alt="Image result for strong man gif" height="133" src="https://78.media.tumblr.com/0a299165a5e3c4615051896016ac60a7/tumblr_nd8xcczzRj1qh9nffo1_500.gif" width="320" /><br />
Ok, so that is the big story. When life hands you lemons, slice them and add them to a cranberry vodka.....just sayin.....the citrus makes it a healthier drink.<img alt="Image result for feeling pity gif" height="160" src="https://assets.rbl.ms/11097146/980x.gif" width="320" /><br />
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On to newer news. Today is our Tink's birthday. Everyone knows as she has informed people for the last 6 months that her birthday is today. Excited, she got out of bed 5 hours earlier than usual. She's a late sleeper who works an evening shift. Anyway, she is the love of my life. The candles on my cake (and you know I like cake), the whipped cream in my frap. She's all that and more. How lucky am I that this sweet woman is in my life?<br />
<img alt="Image result for birthday gif" height="174" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/3og0IHuDYqBQxoYDqo/giphy.gif" width="320" /><br />
Are things perfect? hmmmm......nope. She tries my last nerve on a daily basis and gives me grief.<br />
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However, I would not change anything as she is my little girl now and forever.<img alt="Image result for mom and little girl; gif" height="171" src="http://boredomtherapy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/mom-daughter-dance.gif" width="320" /><br />
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Dad is actually taking the afternoon off and the Big lefty is taking the night off from pitching lessons. It will be a family night celebrating our Tink.<br />
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The best part is that I am not cooking.....bought the cake...and will take her clothes shopping as her gift.<br />
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Gang, life is good. It's not easy, but it is good. BPM suggests to keep it real and keep it positive. No one promised us an easy ride. It's all about perspective and how we approach life's problems. I am better with some problems than others but I am managing.<img alt="Image result for be positive gif" height="178" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/C5eMgNQuUshCE/giphy.gif" width="320" /><br />
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I am thankful for my family, friends, and yes...even the girls at work who look at me with a poor BPM face. For all of you, I feel and am blessed.<img alt="Image result for family and friends gif" height="171" src="https://media.women.com/images/images/000/080/739/large/friends.gif?1490688290" width="320" /><br />
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Lastly, enjoy each moment, 'cause there is a last time for everything as Brad Paisley sings....<br />
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Gotta run...have a tennis match today. Hopefully my feet, knees and eyes can handle it. It's 40 degrees and I am not looking forward to playing in the wind and cold. Guess what? I am so grateful that I can still play and better yet...that someone asked me to play.<br />
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Peace!<br />
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<br />Bullpen Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05845344616229893970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679966365064395229.post-56687787700713915992018-03-27T05:10:00.000-07:002018-03-27T05:10:23.183-07:00Movin on...the facts of lifeGood morning! Shout out to Wildcat who is literally off her feet as she underwent knee surgery. Get well soon! Until then, I have one word for you....Netflix!<img alt="Image result for watching netflix gif" height="179" src="https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2014-03/enhanced/webdr02/3/13/anigif_enhanced-23393-1393872006-20.gif" width="320" /><br />
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And so, this is the first chance I had to post since Dr G and I spent the morning with elementary school kids teaching them about the facts of life. Believe me, I had several layers of deodorant on before I walked into the building.<img alt="Image result for teaching children catholic school gif" height="90" src="https://assets.rbl.ms/15136395/980x.gif" width="200" /><br />
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Dressed appropriately in black and white with a blazer on, I was prepared to meet my match. One girl and one boy were appointed as our escorts and met us at the door. <img alt="Image result for teaching children catholic school gif" height="112" src="https://78.media.tumblr.com/af2e993aedfc8498f871519efe38f579/tumblr_inline_mpp8s5E8Hn1qz4rgp.gif" width="200" />They took our bags and we walked up the three flights of steps...<img alt="Image result for teaching children catholic school gif" src="https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2015%2F12%2F07%2F635850554393382574-1880330326_tumblr_mt3jenrXtj1r752xto1_250.gif&ho=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com&s=199&h=275ff10e70e719c7e857c26801a8a2e497c2379f874826e1fe31ffe0a92eef8a&size=980x&c=3457007799" /><br />
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One we arrived at our room, I met my group of girls. There were 20+ in their school uniforms, smiling, and waiting for me. Breathing heavily, I worked with the science teacher (who obviously punted this important project to me) to upload my PowerPoint presentation. Naturally, the girls got the presentation running and I took another deep breath, smiled, introduce myself and pretended that I was happy to be there.<br />
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Cuties....every one of them. Some were younger than others. I was able to break down the social pecking order within 90 seconds.<img alt="Image result for teaching children catholic school gif" height="100" src="https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F04%2F26%2F6359727828305504501136402923_6359689351426778801967795511_Yuck-boys1.gif&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=381&h=fd89b21447e9520f72af96ec09e1d843a1783eee05a233bf8ff9ff30e988ea77&size=980x&c=1463751054" width="200" /><br />
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The cool girls sat in the back. The nerdy girls were in the corner. The immature girls were up front. And the quiet girls sat in the center. <img alt="Image result for teaching children catholic school gif" height="112" src="https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2015-08/28/17/enhanced/webdr01/anigif_enhanced-buzz-11057-1440797024-6.gif" width="200" />It's go time....<br />
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Fade to black....<br />
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I knew that I had to speak in simple ways and use professional terminology. So, slang was out.<br />
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I spoke about Fallopian tubes, ovaries, body changes, odor, facial eruptions (otherwise known as pimples), and menstruation. One of the girls told the class that a period is not about blood. It is fluid that leaves the body.<img alt="Image result for teaching children catholic school gif" height="179" src="http://licatholic.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/olv-kids2-620x347.gif" width="320" /><br />
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Hmmm...perplexing. Yes, it is liquid. Yes, it is fluid. No, it is blood. Who told her that it was not blood? Her mother? Guardian? Dad? Big brother? Little sister? It was then up to me to share that it was indeed blood, in which she turned a whiter shade of pale. <img alt="Image result for teaching children catholic school gif" height="72" src="https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2015-04/12/21/enhanced/webdr07/anigif_enhanced-buzz-16819-1428889657-20.gif" width="200" /><br />
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This comment was somewhat alarming. Since some of the girls had had the talk or knew more than they were letting on, I had met my match.... Of course as time moved on, they were more comfortable in sharing old wives tales, urban legends, and fallacies about becoming a woman. Yep, this was one of my more fun moments.<img alt="Image result for teaching children catholic school gif" src="http://i.perezhilton.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/arrested-development-gif.gif" /><br />
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As we moved along, I knew I had to add the Catholic approach and discuss marital act, family, and self respect. Again, they were silent.<img alt="Image result for teaching children catholic school gif" height="189" src="http://www.stemileschool.com/files/images/Lib.gif" width="200" /><br />
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The roar of the crowd came with the menstruation animation that I explained and pointed to. Girls screamed "eek!", their heads went down, some prayed, and others (the nerdy ones) held hands.<br />
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Just a note...I have always identified with the nerds. A friend told me I was her nerdiest friend. A compliment? I think so....<img alt="Image result for nerdy catholic school girl gif" height="98" src="https://thumbs.gfycat.com/ScrawnyUncommonCrownofthornsstarfish-max-1mb.gif" width="200" /><br />
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Back to our "talk". After they learned about the egg release and menstruation, it was time, yes time...to show a video about fertilization.....then it went downhill from there.....<img alt="Image result for nerdy catholic school girl gif" height="112" src="https://emfrisch.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/look-confused.gif" width="200" /><br />
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Here is the set up....the video begins with the sperm moving toward an egg.....that is it.....sperm.....egg...nothing else.<br />
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One of the immature girls yells out..."We are watching sex!"<img alt="Image result for teaching children catholic school gif" height="174" src="https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2015%2F12%2F20%2F6358617913469679642139309637_19%2520gif%25203.gif&ho=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com&s=236&h=6cedb89a3f8b9a92891d4fa25d940385a4359c3389ffd785c2592f0dfa199679&size=980x&c=3056803772" width="320" /><br />
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That's when I went a whiter shade of pale.....<img alt="Image result for teaching children catholic school gif" height="147" src="https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2015%2F12%2F07%2F635850585570592012-242821591_tumblr_inline_mvgv2bl6Pr1qdi66n.gif&ho=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com&s=335&h=9df00d11c5f9f31458a8d98698553da8199571104c479f763f67c919c80eca7f&size=980x&c=2012438088" width="200" /><br />
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I stop the video. This is not intercourse, ladies. This is sperm and the egg. No sex...no intercourse...two cells....that's it. No bodies involved in this video. It is not pornography....which, by the way, is wrong....just sayin.......<br />
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Sheesh!<br />
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As the sperm fertilized the egg, it began to divide. After 7 minutes of division, we had a baby with eyes, ears, hands, and sexual organs. The baby played with the placenta in utero. It was beautiful. I knew right then that I wanted that kid. Sadly, this topic is for the next lecture entitled from menstruation to menopause.....By the way, I stopped the video before the baby went down the birth canal. Why? That image is for high school.....a judgment call on my part.<img alt="Image result for teaching children catholic school gif" height="111" src="https://www.sbs.com.au/comedy/sites/sbs.com.au.comedy/files/styles/body_image/public/tumblr_n2od7lloms1s852lfo1_400.gif?itok=1_stefKv&mtime=1489451822" width="200" /><br />
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Back to the kids....five needed a drink of water and left the room. Others began asking questions....such as "what does it mean to come?" <img alt="Image result for teaching children catholic school gif" height="109" src="http://www.visitationschoolchicago.net/images/Ctrl_BoomImage/about_uid3292010427482.gif" width="200" /><br />
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What do you mean...come? Come here? Come with me to the park. Come on? Do you mean....? Ugh!<br />
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"Well Professor," she said. "Girls don't come. Only boys."<img alt="Image result for teaching children catholic school gif" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsS7kX_xjsGtGPasRfTxK8iokB63piZrpIA928f-79DFd1Sf7UvuPhkcFHfEzWcMmIgRwMEB-vcBWtshc2zqqr6CrKfaTyaLmuO0I2XzxgOmvcvU_Iwj0jEtSuny3PVcTwfHFEnto8wfQ/s200/ihvbfat.gif" width="200" /><br />
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Crud! Double crud! Triple crud!<br />
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Now we are talking about the actual act.....<br />
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That's when I knew that the "talk" was now a discussion.....knowing that I could not go there as Sister would rate the class "X", I gave a quick non specific answer and asked if there were any more questions about coming or going, they had to speak with their mothers. Quick thinking on my part, don't you agree?<br />
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Finally. Silence.....<br />
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This was my cue.<img alt="Image result for teaching children catholic school gif" height="106" src="https://stemforkids.net/main/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/STEMGetsGoodGrades.gif" width="200" /><br />
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"Well, ladies. It has certainly been a pleasure chatting with you today. And when you speak of our talk, and I know you will, use proper terminology and be respectful. After all, God made each of us in His image and likeness."<br />
<img alt="Image result for teaching children catholic school gif" height="109" src="https://www.sbs.com.au/comedy/sites/sbs.com.au.comedy/files/styles/body_image/public/post-30349-make-good-choices-gif-freaky-f-ozrs.gif?itok=d7UJChbu&mtime=1489451712" width="200" /><br />
The door opened and the science teacher entered. <img alt="Image result for nerdy catholic school girl gif" height="112" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1600/1*4I-gFG0cQt8B6MBcsDernw.gif" width="200" />I ran out of there so fast, I created a wind that blew the kids' hair back. Grabbing Dr. G, we headed to the car, turned the engine on, and raced down the streets of Philadelphia.<img alt="Image result for driving fast in city gif" height="112" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/l2SpRdcxQNKgaIfza/giphy.gif" width="200" /><br />
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Done...done...done....<br />
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I have not heard from Sister about the talk and have been too cowardly to ask her how it went. I figure no news is good news....<img alt="Image result for teaching children catholic school gif" src="http://www.catholic-kids.com/images/angel1.GIF" /><br />
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Happy Easter!<br />
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Peace!<br />
<br />Bullpen Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05845344616229893970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679966365064395229.post-22281440848297459462018-03-10T08:53:00.001-08:002018-03-10T08:56:12.292-08:00Movin on....back to catholic schoolGood morning! What a week....rain...lots of it...snow....lots of it....sunshine...lots of it....I miss February when we had temperatures up to 70 degrees.<br />
<img alt="Image result for crazy weather gif" height="240" src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/96/23/41/962341113958f0c141f5b40d45f0d7cb.gif" width="320" /><br />
What's going on BPM? Welll........<br />
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A sweet nun from a poor parish in the city asked Dr. G and me to teach the 5th and 6th graders the 'facts of life'. Yep....facts of life. After fainting, I knew that I could not say "Are you cra-zee?" <img alt="Image result for are you crazy? gif" height="180" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/3oxRmGXbquXKz6DNPq/giphy.gif" width="320" /><br />
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Apparently, the children are using slang for their body parts and have not developed a sense of good physical hygiene. This happens. I remember it from elementary school at St. D's. The older we got, the stinkier the room got. The nuns looked like they were going to pass out as they walked around the room with their yard sticks in their hands. Seemed karma-like since they were looking to use the rulers as a weapon and not measure how tall we had gotten.....<img alt="Image result for nuns with rulers gif" height="180" src="https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2015-06/1/19/enhanced/webdr09/anigif_enhanced-32508-1433201617-22.gif" width="320" /><br />
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Fade to black......<br />
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Yes, I went to grade school, high school and college (for under grad and doctorate) at Catholic schools. For the most part, the education and discipline were excellent, but those nuns scared the poop out of me. Yep, the scariest moments I have had in life were not when my airplane was nose diving over the Gulf of Mexico (more about that later) but when the nuns found out that we had done something wrong, immoral, or just child like. Some of them would use their rings to smack the boys in the head. One kid named Steve had his smashed against the blackboard. Today, they would call it abuse. Back then, I called it a nun-induced concussion.<img alt="Image result for nuns with rulers gif" height="241" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/l2JegAswdgFrqUpAA/giphy.gif" width="320" /><br />
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Anyway, I made it through the educational system by keeping my nose clean and head down. Since I was tall, the sisters put me in a desk in the back of room. Usually short in stature, they did not see what the back row was doing while they taught class. I remember doing my homework, doodling, and eating Good n Plentys that were hidden in my uniform pocket. Once I choked on an orange lifesaver that got lodged in my throat. I did not dare tell the nun since she would kill me for eating them in class. So, I chose death by life saver instead. Fortunately, the life saver melted in my blocked airway before I died. To this day, I cannot eat a life saver without thinking that I almost met St Peter at the pearly gates.<img alt="Image result for are you crazy? gif" height="240" src="https://media2.giphy.com/media/hXG93399r19vi/giphy.gif" width="320" /><br />
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Yep, nuns always got my attention. In first grade, my teacher, Sister V was the scariest son of a gun that I ever met. She scared the *&$)* out all of us. I was so stressed out that I got sick...really sick and was out of school for months. I was even in the hospital for a week. To this day, I believe that I had Sister V-itis...not deadly, but enough to whack you off your feet for a few months.<img alt="Image result for nuns with rulers gif" height="241" src="https://im-01.gifer.com/CIOa.gif" width="320" /><br />
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By the way, a few years ago, I was teaching students at an infirmary for retired nuns. Someone said that Sister V was there. I went white and had sweats again. Sister V-itis was returning to me even as an adult. I looked around to see if I could find her and low and behold....there she was....doing laundry for the sisters. She was now in her 80's and still active. Ironically, the ten feet tall nun was now 4'11"...not so frightening, right?<img alt="Image result for nuns with rulers gif" height="210" src="https://media3.giphy.com/media/PRQ6McRJQ4vnO/giphy.gif" width="320" /><br />
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I introduced myself and she remembered everything from my parents, siblings, to where we lived. This was surreal. Then we took a selfie together. I sent the photo to each sibling who replied:"Thought she was dead!"....."She didn't die yet?" "Watch your knuckles, she might have her yardstick in her pocket...." Sister V was no longer scary as I stood a good foot and a half taller than her.<img alt="Image result for nuns with rulers gif" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTxw6v6l_QHLR4nxIHoP1DS6MXraMDJHO13LeOzdWeA7zSw6LzdFw" /><br />
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When people think that I am a bit on the neurotic side, I want to tell them that I went to Catholic school in the 60s and 70s, so I have an excuse for the night terrors, an uncanny knack of cleaning up anything that is on the floor, and standing when priests and nuns enter a room. As kids, when a religious entered the classroom, we stood up and said "Good morning, Father/Sister. How are you today?" Once they answered, we sat down in unison and folded our hands. Looking back on these days, it is no wonder that Dr G and I said "yes" to Sister's request to teach "Our Health, Our Bodies" to her middle school students.<img alt="Image result for are you crazy? gif" height="164" src="https://media1.tenor.com/images/3daf27c6be718d3cfb3680b7d2e31f6d/tenor.gif?itemid=5488890" width="320" /><br />
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As I got over the fear of teaching the class, I started to do some research on 5th and 6th grade developmental levels, what their bodies are experiencing, and Catholic doctrine. There are a few things that we have to cover besides this is the difference between boys and girls, which they already know and could teach us a thing or two. <img alt="Image result for are you crazy? gif" src="http://www.bravotv.com/sites/nbcubravotv/files/styles/large/public/39meds.gif?itok=NUSdB9mH" height="180" width="320" /><br />
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So, I went online and ordered two books on growing up, God's way for girls and preparing for adolescence. Once I read the books, not shocked at any content, I started to create my PowerPoint for the presentation. To cover everything...and I do mean...everything.....my slide show has over 40 slides. I added a few You tube videos on conception, body changes, and growing up.<img alt="Image result for reading book on sex ed gif" height="179" src="https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2015-05/14/17/enhanced/webdr08/anigif_enhanced-1557-1431640273-18.gif" width="320" /><br />
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Currently, Dr G has the presentation and will edit it for the boys. Then I want to send it back to the Principal so she can "approve" it. Yep, we are actually going to do this on Thursday...look for an update after class and a few glasses (or box) or Merlot.<img alt="Image result for are you crazy? gif" src="http://cdn.ebaumsworld.com/mediaFiles/picture/2262629/82620242.gif" height="179" width="320" /><br />
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Betty had us laughing when he showed us a video from MASH when Henry Blake tried to teach sex education to the doctors and nurses. Very humorous....not humorous in elementary school.<br />
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I predict the following:<br />
1. the kids will look horrified as we go through each slide<br />
2. The kids will look bored as we go through each slide.<br />
3. The kids will be embarrassed<br />
4. The kids will laugh<img alt="Image result for reading book on sex ed gif" height="320" src="https://i0.wp.com/geekdad.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/itsnotthestork.jpg?resize=260%2C291&ssl=1" width="285" /><br />
5......they will lose consciousness because I am quite boring when it comes to the facts of life.<br />
There is no way to sugar coat this one and have a lighthearted discussion. We can't laugh because it will seem like we do not respect the bodies that God has given us. It will almost like being in church...I think.....<img alt="Image result for are you crazy? gif" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/eRfjT4lQKwwg/200.gif" /><br />
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Ah, I don't know how this is going to go. My plan is:<br />
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1. Smile...a lot....probably too much. It will look like a fake smile, although anyone who knows me will think that it is a horrified smile....<br />
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2. I will perspire....a great deal....there will probably be a pool of sweat on the floor.<br />
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<img alt="Related image" height="132" src="https://cloud.lovinmalta.com/images/uploads/2016/09/_blogWide/sweating_160926_115543.gif?mtime=20160926115543" width="320" /><br />
3. My face will be red as I smile and perspire....and wish, yes, really wish, that I was on a beach in Siberia or a lagoon filled with man eating crocodiles....<br />
<img alt="Image result for crocodiles gif" 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" /><br />
4. I will have my laser pen pointing at various body parts on the screen and practice saying "Fallopian tubes...."<br />
<img alt="Image result for teaching sex ed gif" height="180" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/j5IdWWOAYzcli/giphy.gif" width="320" /><br />
5. When I see their eyes roll to the back of their heads, I will dive into personal hygiene, soap, and deodorant.<br />
<img alt="Image result for hygiene for kids gif" src="http://www.quest2fitness.info/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Importance-of-Cleanliness-Hygiene-in-life-945x690.gif" height="233" width="320" /><br />
6. Once I hit the 40th slide, I will say "Any questions?.....no?....Great....have a super day....."<img alt="Image result for are you crazy? gif" src="https://m.popkey.co/4d786f/zJX9R_s-200x150.gif?c=popkey-web&p=usa_network&i=suits-ent&l=search&f=.gif" /><br />
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Daisy says I got this one covered, but I am a bundle of BPM nerves....you know, it's the bottom of the 9th in the 7th game of the World Series.....we are up by one run...bases are loaded with 2 outs. I have a 3-2 count on Babe Ruth and do not...repeat....do not want to throw a fast ball....so I give in to my catcher who calls a curve ball....I take a big breath....focus on the catcher's glove...and let the ball fly.....what happens? <img alt="Related image" height="188" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/9anPQ4hfDv5gQ/giphy.gif" width="320" /><br />
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Stay tuned for an update later this week.<br />
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Peace!<br />
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<br />Bullpen Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05845344616229893970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679966365064395229.post-52077734813451949272018-03-03T05:50:00.000-08:002018-03-03T05:50:06.202-08:00Movin on.....birthday boy!Good morning! it's the day after the big nor'easter in the northeast, and we are unscathed except for the some snowflakes. <img alt="Image result for noreaster gif" src="https://media2.giphy.com/media/rpb0nryRpa1GM/giphy-tumblr.gif" />Although, there are lots of folks who do not have power...and will not until Sunday night....ouch! Dad and I were chatting today and sort of laughed in a relieved way. It is usually our region that loses power then we lose everything in the refrigerator and freezer as the ice cream melts onto the floor.....Then we are the last household to regain the power....We sit in the dark because candles worry me and from the background, we can hear the sounds of the neighbors' generators as their houses glow with their own personal power. Jealous? Nope....I like the intimacy of peanut butter sandwiches by flashlight. it is quite cozy as the dogs snuggle to stay warm. Very Norman Rockwell....<img alt="Image result for noreaster gif" height="240" src="https://frinkiac.com/gif/S12E08/281698/283783.gif" width="320" /><br />
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OK, on to the big news this week....<br />
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The big kid had a birthday and I was thrilled....you see.....<img alt="Image result for adult birthday party gif" height="135" src="https://37.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1wzt4bmd51qajc4eo1_500.gif" width="320" /><br />
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Fade to black.....<br />
<img alt="Image result for adult birthday party gif" height="227" src="http://p.fod4.com/upload/aff3567c9abaad4b798a350dc1e1b1a3/K5J0gz86QAu3C0sTxOXI_Birthday%20Puke.gif" width="320" /><br />
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This time last year, he was sick....really sick....read older posts......<img alt="Image result for sick gif" src="https://thumbs.gfycat.com/ShamelessAmazingAmericanquarterhorse-max-1mb.gif" /><br />
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There was a time when I though he had either ALS, MS, or a brain tumor. No parent, daughter, loved one, friend ever wants to hear this diagnosis. we stormed heaven with prayers and doctors' offices with demands that his illness be diagnosed. <img alt="Image result for sick gif" src="https://thumbs.gfycat.com/SoreClassicHorsefly-max-1mb.gif" /><br />
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Finally, over Easter weekend, we got the good and bad news. The bad news was a chronic neurological disorder. The good news was that he could live a normal life with it.<br />
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It took a year with medications, therapies, experimental therapies, infusions, and steroids....he turned the corner and has been living a fairly normal life. Although.....<img alt="Image result for sick gif" src="http://37.media.tumblr.com/c884ddea147e3882adcc9f3d70377929/tumblr_n1le8rL9Ga1rbsqaqo1_250.gif" /><br />
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He has to......<br />
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get enough sleep<br />
work out every day<br />
eat a healthy diet<br />
eliminate junk food and alcohol<br />
meditate<br />
practice his speech to regain resonance<br />
deep breathe<br />
can have a crisis and lose ability to breathe on own<br />
and so on.......<br />
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And guess what? Like anything else in his life, he is faithful to his regimen and has been rewarded with increased strength. <img alt="Image result for sick gif" height="220" src="http://66.media.tumblr.com/f0f832188f1f2d48a3dd6f842514d05b/tumblr_oad9la58Je1s2wio8o1_500.gif" width="320" /><br />
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Not everything is back yet as his face still droops a bit and his eyes are darker. But he is optimistic and will compete his masters degree this year and begin law school. This is a miracle! This time last year, he could barely get out of bed. Now he is tapering off the steroids......And.....he goes to church each week and gave up chocolate for Lent.....wow! he is his own man and I no longer have to yell through his bedroom door to get the *(S$)& out of bed and get his $^@#&%@ butt to Mass......<img alt="Image result for sick gif" height="139" src="http://www.reactiongifs.com/r/sick-gif.gif" width="320" /><br />
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Gang, this miracle is something I prayed for and expected. God is good and took care of our young man....<img alt="Image result for miraculous healing gif" height="180" src="https://jobtoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ezgif.com-resize.gif" width="320" /><br />
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I gave his the option of money or a suit for his birthday. He has a black suit that he bought himself that is so synthetic, if someone lit a cigarette next to him, it would burst into flames. Wisely, he chose the suit....so off to Joseph Banks for a suit, sport jacket and fitting.....<img alt="Image result for fitting a suit gif" height="167" src="https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/k6lahnHDncj.HH0001jIbw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjtzbT0xO3c9NTAwO2g9MjYx/http://media.zenfs.com/en/homerun/feed_manager_auto_publish_494/5bd502492ccc5305e2c304aa8e17f2d3" width="320" /><br />
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When Nick, the clerk, put the suit on him, I was taken aback at his size, health and vigor....and naturally, his devilishly good looks.....He is going to be a formidable presence in the court room as eyes will be on him and what he has to say. As Nick measured him, he asked if he was a pitcher because his left arm was longer than his right. I had to smile, because his past as a lefty will always be a huge part of his mind, body, and spirit.....<img alt="Image result for fitting a suit gif" height="320" src="http://78.media.tumblr.com/9d3d26a70a32148a124ea9667b3fc462/tumblr_muqce7iHAA1r5clboo1_400.gif" width="213" /><br />
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OK, I have gushed enough about my former pitcher who never gave up in a baseball game or in life. He battled like no one I have ever seen, and he is my hero. He has taught me that when faced with adversity, you don't fold like a cheap suit. No, you look at it in the eye, and begin to approach the situation in a systematic manner. Never give up...never, never, right Winston? Right Gary Oldham? (an Oscar's reference).<img alt="Image result for gary oldman churchill gif" height="170" src="https://media1.tenor.com/images/26a472a16313453981d6db3a5e9fe24f/tenor.gif?itemid=9967954" width="320" /><br />
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OK, time for me to work out. Yep, I have not given up boot camps. Today, I had a little birthday cake for breakfast.....don't judge, I am going to work out now.....<img alt="Image result for adult birthday party gif" height="177" src="https://38.media.tumblr.com/9510e82746646554bfe0bd9015f3a9f9/tumblr_mwneqo0hyP1qfvwk9o1_400.gif" width="320" /><br />
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Peace!<br />
Bullpen Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05845344616229893970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679966365064395229.post-41192406354406068992018-02-21T05:08:00.000-08:002018-02-21T05:08:00.714-08:00BPM Movin on...Ground Hog Part 2Good morning! I could not finish the first post because I had to work. Work...a little four letter word that has me reconsidering my career.....more about that later....<br />
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Back to to Punxy.....<img alt="Image result for groundhog day gif" height="181" src="https://78.media.tumblr.com/e80354a0e557575e906a11a55ff729c4/tumblr_p3jegf7rbs1umsk1no1_500.gif" width="320" /><br />
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Fade to black.....<br />
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We found seats on a yellow school bus in the middle of the night. The heat was on but I could still feel the chill of the air. I knew that I was in trouble but I was not going to complain because I made the decision to go and I was going to be fun BP mom and not dour BPMom.<img alt="Image result for groundhog day gif" height="183" src="https://typeset-beta.imgix.net/lovelace/uploads/1404/9649fe00-ac0c-0133-a056-0e7c926a42af.gif" width="320" /><br />
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The bus let us out at Gobblers Knob and we walked through the gate. Dr. G took a selfie with the three of us. We looked eager and excited to be there. Yes, I was excited. I was actually in Punxy and was eager to see the groundhog. All we had to do was get through the next three hours.<img alt="Image result for groundhog day gif" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/RiDZXTqTJSXV6/giphy.gif" /><br />
<br />
The air was electric as people stood by bonfires, the stage show was going on, there were bands, singers, comedians, tee shirt vendors, and port a potties....If you know me, you know that I never, ever use those things, so I did not drink for 24 hours in preparation.<img alt="Image result for groundhog day gif" height="209" src="http://www.teachingheart.net/d07_ghextra2anighpoem.gif" width="320" /><br />
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We stood on the hill and watched the festivities. There are ground hog calls and all kinds of songs and poems dedicated to Phil. Yes, it was all ground hog.....<br />
<br />
I made it a point to meditate through the shows. Deep breaths....visualizing a warm beach and palm trees rather than whipping winds and frigid temperatures. My hand a feet warmers were not working which made me breathe deeper.<br />
<br />
If I could move my arms, I would have been looking at my watch, but my mind went numb and I just stood there shivering.....then it was 6:30 am, it was not sunrise yet, and the lights went out. Suddenly, there were fireworks. The fireworks were so close, I was hoping one would hit me and warm my immobile toes. The fireworks were pretty cool and took my mind off my frozen digits for a while.<br />
<br />
After the fireworks, all of the singers and dancers returned to the stage for a finale....it was getting close.<br />
<br />
I looked at the sky and could see dawn....yes! This means Phil is coming out of his stump soon!<br />
<br />
Then it happened...everyone in Gobblers Knob hushed....we looked up the hill and there was the PA state police escorting the Men of the Inner Circle....yep, they needed a police escort to get down the hill...like they were rick stars and not school teachers, plumbers, or funeral directors.....<img alt="Image result for groundhog day men of inner circle gif" height="240" src="https://s.abcnews.com/images/US/groundhogs-day2-rex-mem-180202_4x3_992.jpg" width="320" /><br />
<br />
We cheered as they assembled around Phil's stump. There were more speeches...a ground hog call....pledge of allegiance...then the President spoke about how he can speak ground hog-eese. Yes, with his magical cane in his hand, he has the capability of communicating with Phil.<img alt="Image result for groundhog day gif" height="213" src="http://www.sharegif.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Groundhog-Day-quotes-11.gif" width="320" /><br />
<br />
When Phil emerges, they place him on a red carpet remnant on top of his stump. The President looks at Phil and speaks to him carrying his magical cane, of course. Then the President asks Phil if he saw his shadow.<img alt="Image result for groundhog day gif" src="https://im-01.gifer.com/3veu.gif" /><br />
<br />
It was time....we held our breath in anticipation.....6 more weeks of winter? spring? Come on, man! What is it??<img alt="Image result for groundhog day men of inner circle gif" height="215" src="https://timedotcom.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/gettyimages-56729548.jpg?quality=85" width="320" /><br />
<br />
The President finished his conversation with Phil and picked up a scroll. He read it to the throngs of Phil lovers and announced...."Six more weeks of winter!"<img alt="Image result for groundhog day gif" height="309" src="http://floridasquaredance.com/graphics/groundhog%20day/groundhogday1.gif" width="320" /><br />
<br />
We booed and hissed and waddled back to the buses.<br />
<br />
it took us 45 minutes to actually get on to a bus wince everyone was in the same predicament that we were...frozen solid and going to do anything to get off Gobblers Knob. After jockeying for position, we finally got on to a bus and were whisked away back to Wal Mart.<br />
<img alt="Image result for groundhog day gif" height="185" src="https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F02%2F08%2F635905350937602155-1661761032_200-4.gif&ho=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com&s=240&h=1bd63c15ddc82c840a03eabe5d09685995e86b89f1014c101a0ea5151b6c4426&size=980x&c=1413132875" width="320" /><br />
<br />
And so, my friends, that ends the story of our trip to Punxy. After thawing out at our hotel with lukewarm coffee and oatmeal, we headed home.....<br />
<br />
One last note....Dr. G wanted to go with us and I thought it was because he had such a great time when he went with our cousin. Yes, he had a great time but never made it to Gobblers Knob...you see...they partied all night at the Burrow pub, passed out and never made it to see Phil.<br />
<br />
All's well that ends well.....<br />
<br />
Got to hit the gym!<br />
<br />
Peace!Bullpen Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05845344616229893970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679966365064395229.post-5850101562186991302018-02-19T04:10:00.001-08:002018-02-19T04:20:25.998-08:00Movin on....BPM meets the groundhog Part 1Good Sunday morning! It snowed last night in the northeast and I am happy to say that it was not enough that we need to shovel. Scoob and I have been considering attending the Fire and Ice Festival a few hours away. The ice is actually ice sculptures that have been strategically placed throughout a little Amish borough. I am a sucker for ice sculptures since there is no way that I could possibly pick up a chain saw and start to create something beautiful out of a block of ice.....except chipping it down to add to a drink or two....<br />
<br />
Speaking of blocks of ice, that is exactly what I was a few weeks ago in Punxatawny, Pennsylvania.....that's right....Punxy....home of Phil, the prognosticating groundhog.....I kid you not....<br />
<br />
Fade to black......<br />
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Last year (2017) Big Sis came to me with one of her crazy ideas...."hey, BP mom...." she says...."Do you want to go to Punxatawny with me next year."<img alt="Image result for gif groundhog day" height="239" src="https://thumbs.gfycat.com/LikelySeriousBorderterrier-max-1mb.gif" width="320" /><br />
<br />
Looking at her as if she was nuts, it took me less than 1 second to say: "sure." And that was it. Sometimes she does not follow up on things, so I figured I was safe.....<br />
<br />
However.....<br />
<br />
She did follow through, got a hotel room and paid a hefty deposit. Then I forgot about it.<br />
<br />
Now it is November 2017, Big Sis says: "Remember,we are going to Punxy. You're in, right?"<img alt="Image result for gif groundhog day" height="183" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/gxZGoHMqNGkQo/giphy.gif" width="320" /><br />
<br />
Yeah, right. I'm in.....Definitely. Sounds fun. After all, we can go the night before, walk to the stump, watch Phil be pulled from his home, check the impending forecast, then glide done the mountains in the car with heated seats. Not complicated, right?<br />
<br />
Wrong....<br />
<br />
At Christmas, she mentioned that there was a two day minimum at the hotel so we are to go two days before Phil is unleashed. Ok, two nights and three days in Punxy....this is a movie, right?<img alt="Image result for gif punxsutawney" height="150" src="https://icons.wunderground.com/data/640x480/2xne_rd_anim.gif" width="200" /><br />
<br />
As the time came closer, I began to check the weather forecast. It has bee a fairly mild winter, so I figured 30-40's...some frost....hat, coat, gloves....standard groundhog watching attire, won't you say?<br />
<img alt="Image result for gif punxsutawney" src="https://www.jccap.org/images/Punxsutawney%20Chamber%20Logo.gif" /><br />
The day approached and the weather forecast began to fade from cool breezes to whipping winds, freezing rain, and wind chills below zero. This was definitely not my idea of groundhog watching weather. I began to perspire.....yep....thinking about below zero wind chill factors made me rethink my sanity. But I made a promise and by jingo....I keep them!<br />
<img alt="Image result for gif groundhog day" src="http://img12.123tagged.com/en/groundhogday/13.gif" height="320" width="295" /><br />
<br />
And so, we drove through the mountains to Punxy. Dr G was going to meet us there. He had been to the festival before and was ready to go back. This is another story for the future.....so, we drove around the mountains stopping every now and then for food, bathroom, or gas....then we see the signs....<br />
<br />
Every Punxatawny sign had a groundhog on it.<br />
<img alt="Image result for gif groundhog day" src="http://www.netanimations.net/Animated-ground-hog-animation-looking-outside-for-shadow.gif" /><br />
100 miles......50 miles.....20 miles....we were getting excited.....10 miles.....2 miles....yipppeee.....<br />
<br />
Then we arrive.<br />
<br />
Where is Punxy? There were a few stores, old buildings, abandoned store fronts, a side walk, and a few groundhog statues.<br />
<img alt="Image result for gif groundhog day" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/44/35/19/4435197c301747bc5bbffd63b236b168.gif" /><br />
Is this it? Where is Bill Murray's quaint town? This place was a ghost town with groundhog statues and tee shirt stores. No hotel.....no diner....no bustling little town....it was sad and somewhat depressing.<br />
<br />
We found our hotel outside of town across from a Wal Mart....yep, we had found something to do. Just like West Virginia and part of Ohio, I knew that we had a place to go....<br />
<br />
The hotel was modern and did not smell (2 requirements for me). As we checked in, we were handed two vouchers for happy hour at the little 4 seat bar next to the reception desk. I was starting to like this little hotel....free drinks....that's what I am talking about.<br />
<br />
After unpacking, Big Sis and I went to happy hour with our vouchers and sat with the television crew from the PA cable network. These guys were pretty nice and we had a great time chatting with them. This was their tenth year covering Phil and our first year, so I had questions.....<img alt="Image result for gif groundhog day" height="172" src="https://78.media.tumblr.com/d02b5f27decb00538e1065212ab081c8/tumblr_o6q632vtQs1qzzhjgo1_500.gif" width="320" /><br />
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BP Mom: "Cable guys....what time should we get to Gobblers Knob (Phil's second home...a one story tree stump located in the woods).<br />
<br />
CG: "Most people get there at 3 am for the festivities...."<br />
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BPM: "Are you freaking kidding me? It's going to be 40 below tomorrow....3 am? You cannot be serious!"<img alt="Related image" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/14saZ73y5Ik5uE/giphy.gif" /><br />
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I needed my head examined....STAT! Where was the closest shrink? Not in Punxy...they don't even have a Dunkin Donuts. Who doesn't have a DD? This is madness! Breathe BPM...breathe!<img alt="Image result for gif groundhog day" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ7BgzIgx2SMrSyq-c1vIjHyyRD92m9amSvEEWwMyQhur2IZa-c6A" /><br />
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Then I looked at Big Sis, who was not surprised.<br />
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Hey, did you know about this 3 am business? Did you leave a little detail out when casually asking me to go? How about: "Do you want to go with me to Punxy? By the way, we have to be a Gobblers Knob by 3 am?" She left the second sentence out.....<br />
<img alt="Image result for gif groundhog day" height="180" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/RiDZXTqTJSXV6/giphy-facebook_s.jpg" width="320" /><br />
I took a big gulp of my first free drink then asked for my second with my voucher....Back to the cable guys....<br />
<br />
BPM: "Fellas.....fellas...men.....really? 3 am? What could we possibly be doing for 4 hours before Phil appears?"<br />
<br />
Cable guys: "Well, there is a show that goes on during the night. It's pretty good."<br />
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Again, trying to sugar coat my lack of wanting to pull myself out of bed in the middle of the night in subzero temperatures, I could not think of one person that I would make this acceptable to me.<br />
<br />
Billy Joel? Nope<br />
Elton John? Nope<br />
Jon Bon Jovi? Maybe<br />
Bruce Springsteen? Getting warmer....<br />
Michael Buble? Absolutely not!<img alt="Image result for gif groundhog day" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLeTfztkLl1ySlZfKC0U8vmAgBgx-lLN-HS-7bNGK-qECWSNVQQmQV5riPD9WuCSTzq0dSx642uL1i-JQYIUKQssuTN_bYcepEaW5gXs6w7oA4j048VLKPjO7Pav7sFB43WFpOWqPiyIVY/s320/Me-arcwrites-Groundhogs-day-gif-love-blog.gif" width="320" /><br />
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Again, I was feeling squeamish.<br />
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BPM: "Cable guys....really! 3 am? Give us the real scoop...."<br />
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Cable guys: "If you get there by 5:30, you will see what you need to see...."<br />
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Acceptable answer. Sorry, Big Sis....3 am...whipping winds in the mountains of PA waiting to see a groundhog....not doing it. Someone would throw a net over me if I had agreed to it.<br />
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Now it was time for dinner....asking at the desk which was one foot away from the bar, the attendant went through 3 possible places to eat....<br />
<br />
Place A...."Naw....I wouldn't go there...."<br />
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Place B...."Nope...."<br />
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Place C...."Family food...not bad."<br />
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<a href="https://68.media.tumblr.com/6f36fc41bf7a803a2e7844880313b95a/tumblr_o1uza4BJXb1trc5jwo1_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for gif groundhog day" border="0" height="194" src="https://68.media.tumblr.com/6f36fc41bf7a803a2e7844880313b95a/tumblr_o1uza4BJXb1trc5jwo1_400.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
We went to Place C, thinking not bad was an OK adjective. it took less than 3 minutes to drive to Place C, I ordered a spinach salad which according to the menu had Parmesan cheese. When it came out (without dressing), my faux Parmesan cheese was splattered all over the spinach leaves. not being able to catch my waitress, I ate the Kraft faux cheese loaded salad dry and almost gagged.<img alt="Image result for gif groundhog day" src="http://arouseosu.com/articles/feb-2017/images/flapjacks.gif" height="183" width="320" /><br />
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Big Sis was a champ...."Isn't this great?" she said.....<br />
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Yep, super.....<br />
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The next day, it began to drizzle, sleet and snow. We took a walk through the borough and began to groundhog shopping frenzy. I bought earrings with groundhogs on them (not for me, I don't look good in groundhog....), little groundhog finger puppets, a ground hog hat, two Phil tee shirts for kids, a coffee mug, and a pen whittled by one of the local men. With all of my purchases, I did not spend more than 30$.<br />
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There were decorated Phils all over town, then we saw some of the men in their tuxes and top hats walking around. Big Sis had to have a photo with them. I refused. I did not want my image captured with a random guy in a top hat....a ground hog maybe, top hat guy...no.<img alt="Image result for gif groundhog day" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/9Sd09xLmiM7UQ/giphy.gif" /><br />
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It took us 90 minutes to see all of the sights....then we went back to the hotel to have our own private happy hour and wait for Dr. G.<br />
<br />
He finally arrived and had tickets for the groundhog banquet at the high school. Yep, we went to the banquet and met some of the other crazys who had this on their bucket lists. At our table was a family from Ohio who brought their mother to Punxy since she had long desired to meet Phil. They were delightful. The presentations an awards ceremonies were terrific and we had a great time. The only problem was that there was no booze....yep, we did this without a single sip of schnapps....<img alt="Image result for gif groundhog day" src="http://www.bohemianizm.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Groundhog-Day-gif-_-g.gif" height="243" width="320" /><br />
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We got back to the hotel and set the alarm for 4:30 am. To get to Gobblers Knob, we had to leave the hotel, drive to Wal mart, pay for a bus ticket,then be dropped off.<br />
<img alt="Image result for gif groundhog day" src="http://www.lovethispic.com/uploaded_images/296642-Good-Morning-Happy-Groundhog-s-Day.gif" height="320" width="320" /><br />
As I lay awake all night, I could hear people scraping their windshields off and leaving the hotel. Then I got nervous. This is a huge deal for Big Sis. I don't want her to miss it. Yeah, it's cold, but she really wants to see Phil.....<br />
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Guilt got to me even more so.....3:30 am.....I got up...Come on. We gotta go....<br />
<br />
I handed out hand and feet warmers from my days of watching baseball in subzero temps, had long underwear on, two pairs of socks, foot warmers, scarf, hat, minus 20 degree LL Bean coat, boots with faux fur, sweater and turtleneck. I could barely move, but I was warm standing in my hotel room. Then I went outside to scrape the ice off the car....dang it was cold. I knew I was in trouble and short of setting my pants on fire, I was going to be a very cold spectator.<img alt="Image result for gif groundhog day" src="http://quietus_production.s3.amazonaws.com/images/articles/11007/groundhog_1355922018_crop_550x390.jpg" height="226" width="320" /><br />
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We drove to Wal Mart and could NOT find a parking space. This was getting crazier....<img alt="Image result for gif groundhog day" height="183" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/HLdS1iNE1GtiM/giphy.gif" width="320" /><br />
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After creating our own spot, we waddled to the yellow school buses and bought our tickets, found seats, and were on our way to Gobblers Knob....<br />
<img alt="Related image" src="http://akns-images.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/201611/rs_302x166-160201165039-Groundhog_Day_used_to_mean_something.gif?fit=inside|900:auto" /><br />
I gotta work.....more later!<br />
<br />Bullpen Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05845344616229893970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679966365064395229.post-14268072387902723492018-01-08T06:45:00.000-08:002018-01-08T06:45:15.268-08:00Movin on....I am such a loserGreetings! Special shout out to MK who has encouraged me to continue to write. She's a remarkable person who juggles and keeps all balls in the air. I don't know how she does it, but she has my deepest admiration, respect and love. Keep it up, MK! You got this!<br />
<br />
<img alt="Image result for woman juggling gif" height="166" src="http://78.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m31yldOoCB1qbjumwo1_500.gif" width="320" /><br />
<br />
It's Sunday afternoon and I was asked politely by the family to make a few dinners before I leave for the south. In other words, laundry, shopping, cooking, cleaning, and packing are the goals for today. Looks like there will be no time for happy hour although I think I am off the sauce.<br />
<img alt="Image result for no more booze gif" height="169" src="http://del.h-cdn.co/assets/15/23/1433439669-giphy.gif" width="320" /><br />
You see.....<br />
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Fade to black....<br />
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Two years ago, I was in the Biggest Loser contest at the gym. Believe it or not, I came in third. I felt that it was an amazing accomplishment since I like to eat. Did I say like?<br />
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<img alt="Image result for I love eating gif" height="214" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/EMY0jTe515qhO/giphy.gif" width="320" /><br />
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No, I don't just like to eat. I love to eat. Did I say love?<br />
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<img alt="Image result for I love eating gif" height="166" src="https://media1.tenor.com/images/65950ea3e48336b7c7388b6ed9103f2c/tenor.gif?itemid=3533123" width="320" /><br />
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No, I mean I live to eat and when I finish one meal, I am thinking abut the next. So the right word may be 'obsessed.'<br />
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<img alt="Image result for I love eating gif" height="172" src="https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2015-06/23/2/enhanced/webdr13/anigif_enhanced-29229-1435040890-9.gif" width="320" /><br />
<br />
Ok, so I came in third. I bought new pants and gave my fat pants away. I lived with a sense of accomplishment and was happy with myself. For a year, I kept most of the weight off. Then the gym did something new. Instead of having large teams of losers, they made the contest into a partnership. So, Tink and I decided to partner up.<br />
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<img alt="Image result for fat pants gif" src="https://i.makeagif.com/media/11-27-2013/ZuxJI5.gif" /><br />
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Big mistake! I mean really big loser mistake.<br />
<img alt="Image result for big loser gif" src="https://m.popkey.co/d2a483/eL4ZQ_s-200x150.gif" /><br />
<br />
We started out with momentum, then she fizzled out. She began to gain weight and I knew that my third place finish was in the record books and I would not medal that year.<br />
<img alt="Image result for big loser gif" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/dfccf075025a3128a869b69baa6382c5/tumblr_mjpj0sfXU81qfcbnno1_250.gif" /><br />
And with that, I began to eat and developed my hearty appetite back. I still worked out but had a few physical issues like problems with the knee....then I rolled my right foot playing tennis, kept playing, and the docs felt that it was broken. Fortunately, it was severely sprained, but I was out of the gym for a while.<br />
<img alt="Image result for big loser gif" height="137" src="https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2014-07/23/9/enhanced/webdr09/anigif_enhanced-26265-1406123009-4.gif" width="320" /><br />
OK, I have lots of excuses. Now it is go time. Biggest loser begins. I have a new partner and am ready to hit the treadmill. Naturally my Smart watch is thrilled to have something to do like count my steps, calories, and torso twists. I aim to please, including the smarty pants watch.<br />
<img alt="Image result for big loser gif" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/e3736a4d6addb6876371258ad3b2276f/tumblr_n013fnJWKR1r2zyogo1_250.gif" /><br />
<br />
Interestingly enough, Tink also entered the contest. So, we are now competitors rather than partners. Bring it, Tink. Challenge accepted.<br />
<img alt="Image result for big loser gif" height="179" src="https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/degrassi/images/8/8a/Loser.gif/revision/latest?cb=20130827215830" width="320" /><br />
<br />
I think she is serious about the competition this year because she threw out her cookies and lemon squares. She works in a bakery, so it has to be difficult to be exposed to sweets for 8 hours each day. If she loses weight, I'll throw a party with a non fat angel food cake and fat free Cool whip with fruit.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Image result for eating healthy dessert gif" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/18/9a/e3/189ae3de7e1f96d89bc618b8e7128b37.gif" /><br />
Speaking of food, got to start making casseroles and lasagna for the week.<br />
<br />
Peace!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Bullpen Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05845344616229893970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679966365064395229.post-82646263510670646692018-01-04T11:14:00.001-08:002018-01-05T06:48:48.417-08:00Movin on...smarter than my watchGreetings....this is a very late post as I did not write during the holiday season. Today, I took down the tree and some decorations. I felt like I worked out and it was evident on my new super watch.<img alt="Image result for smart watch gif" height="240" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/9NZ2CFIuPunni/giphy.gif" width="320" /><br />
<br />
Super watch? You mean a Rolex? A Cartier? A Movado? A Timex with a second hand?<img alt="Image result for diamond watch gif" src="http://www.thewatchbuyersgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/motherofpearldiamond.gif" height="114" width="200" /><br />
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Nope, I got one of those work out watches that also has email, texts, weather, steps, calories, news feed, and time of day. I could do more with it BUT I do not want to learn anything else.<img alt="Image result for smart watch gif" height="198" src="https://phandroid.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/com1-gif-2.gif" width="320" /><br />
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You see, I am a fairly simple girl. I don't wear a watch since I have a cell phone that is stapled to my right hand. So, there is no need plus I don't like the feel on my wrist. I don't wear much jewelry since I like the freedom of not worrying whether it broke and has been lost. Too many "what ifs" with some types of jewelry.<br />
<img alt="Image result for lost earring gif" src="http://del.h-cdn.co/assets/16/44/1478041824-giphy-3.gif" /><br />
So, when I saw the watch box under the tree I was not surprised. You see, dad likes to buy electronic gadgets for me. Not for himself....for me.....Why?<img alt="Image result for smart watch gif" height="179" src="https://cnet2.cbsistatic.com/img/Eqgc5nvPunV8-kW6xNX8-rLLzwg=/2017/01/04/cd831690-68db-4def-88d9-4ce58d45aee8/edit-apps-gear-s3.gif" width="320" /><br />
<br />
Why not?<br />
<br />
Maybe he likes watching me try to figure out the rationale for owning the aforesaid technology. Last year, he gave to me a Google home, which I have not mastered yet. This year, I was destined to be given a Surface computer which is a tablet and laptop computer. Once he saw the price, he realized that I was not worth the expense.<br />
<br />
So, I landed up with a Smart watch. This gadget gives me feedback like "hey, it has been an hour since you have moved. Do some torso twists!" I kid you not. Here I am trying to help BP Grandmom purchase a cell phone and my wrist is telling me to do some torso twists. Imagine, I have a Jiminy Cricket on my wrist. Who needs a conscience when you have a Smarty pants watch?<br />
<img alt="Image result for smart watch gif" src="http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/193hwzuuziox5gif/original.gif" height="178" width="320" /><br />
So, I learned how to use the watch over the week and feel at peace. I know enough now to read my feeds and dress appropriately for the weather.<img alt="Image result for smart watch gif" height="320" src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3ca3c9_220bcd49420e48e6860d91382ac975ba~mv2.gif" width="320" /><br />
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The next piece of holiday history also deals with technology. It was time for us to switch phone providers and therefore we needed new phones. Aghast, I had to figure out which phone I wanted to learn and attach to my right wrist since Smarty pants watch is on my left wrist. I also had to help BP Grandmom choose a phone that she could use. Our customer service rep was no help. When asked the difference between a $145.00 phone and a $240.00 phone, her reply was "the cost." Yep, "the cost" and 95$. Her manager heard our exchange and his head spun around like a top. He ran over to us and directed her to the more expensive model. Naturally, Grandmom liked the bigger screen, hot spot, and ability to text (which she does not do, but will consider learning). The manager looked at her old flip phone and chuckled. Yep, BP Grandmom has to learn how to use the phone and take a photo or two. When I left her house yesterday, I downloaded the user manual and turned on a how to take the phone out of the box video. she has to do her homework before her texting lesson.<img alt="Image result for learning to text message gif" src="http://78.media.tumblr.com/cdf3c9b9cd5c3c0f04b5e60ea6ec4ad0/tumblr_inline_o1uzmogGTm1spqdkn_500.gif" height="160" width="320" /><br />
<br />
As far as my phone selection was concerned, the store had a huge sale before Christmas, so I selected the cell phone turbo. It does everything from speak to me, to doodling, web searches, hot spots, and<br />
wax the car if you buy the extra liquid glass to protect it. Yep, here I bought the turbo phone knowing that I had another learning curve to figure out how to turn it on. After turning it on, I then had to figure out how to transfer files, photos, apps, and contacts...soooo, I have been a busy beaver trying to figure out my new technology.<img alt="Related image" height="240" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/Zot4yUmfpsFW0/giphy.gif" width="320" /><br />
<br />
On to work, my first class is scheduled for Mondays. The other two classes are on line. I like this schedule. After I meet with the class on Monday, we have the following Monday off for MLK day. Guess what? Big Sis asked me to go to Florida with her, so I am going. Yep, road trip with Big Sis. Will also stop to see BFF Daisy as I drive down the west coast. Then Dad is headed to Tampa and I will pick him up as we drive to South Carolina to check on the house's progress....or lack thereof...<img alt="Image result for lazy construction worker gif" height="320" src="https://i.imgur.com/R9VNIR4.gif" width="310" /><br />
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This week, the south was hit with snow and ice. They cannot handle it so everyone stayed in. Uh huh. This means that the construction workers have three days off from putting up the walls in the house. First, they had Christmas week off, then the storm hit yesterday and they actually closed the roads! Needless to say, the house is still wall-less. It's a first world problem, so I am not worried or upset.<img alt="Image result for lazy construction worker gif" src="http://i.giphy.com/ZEN6hOgnhBIKA.gif" height="179" width="320" /><br />
<br />
OK, I am going to change and go to the gym. The big leftie left a few minutes ago. Yes, it snowed but he has Tink's SUV. I will meet him there because the Biggest Loser starts this week. Got to get my doughy body moving before my Smarty pants watch sends a shock wave through my arm telling me to do a torso twist or ten.<img alt="Image result for lost earring gif" height="178" src="https://typeset-beta.imgix.net/lovelace/uploads/299/d8991ac0-9e87-0132-a2cd-0e6808eb79bf.gif" width="320" /><br />
<br />
I hate being insulted by an inanimate object, how about you?<img alt="Image result for lost earring gif" src="http://runeatrepeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/cheese-fries.gif" height="179" width="320" /><br />
<br />
Peace!<br />
<br />
<br />Bullpen Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05845344616229893970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679966365064395229.post-78448117294928312142017-12-14T06:56:00.002-08:002017-12-14T06:56:37.353-08:00Movin on.....It's the holiday seasonGood morning! It snowed a bit and we are chilled in the northeast! Oh well, this is almost winter, right?<br />
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<img alt="Image result for snow gif" height="120" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/6R3boOvvH0IMw/giphy.gif" width="200" /><br />
How are things? hmmmm......<br />
<br />
Well, the big leftie had his second experimental treatment on Monday. He tolerated the infusion well. He will do anything to go into remission. The guy is a warrior. Nothing will stop him from achieving his goals. It's been tough for him as he has watched his friends pass him professionally. Sadly, there is nothing he can do except be patient, continue therapies, and hope for the best. Hey, it's a season of miracles....let's work toward one.<br />
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<img alt="Image result for miracles gif" height="163" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/rTLY3bH4M01WM/giphy.gif" width="320" /><br />
<br />
While he was receiving his 6 hour infusion in the chemo lab, I was humbled again by the number of people who had permanent IV ports and were attached to chemotherapy. They were making the best of it. Each person had a chemo buddy to keep their spirits high except a few people who were alone. I had to pray for them and again hope for the best. The nurses were upbeat and terrific, but the overall atmosphere was somber. Again, these people are the heroes, not the players who do not stand for the national anthem.<br />
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<img alt="Image result for kaepernick gif" height="180" src="http://legacy.blavity.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/kaepernickprotest.gif" width="320" /><br />
What else is going on? Wellll... I have absolutely no Christmas shopping done. My gifts remain in the store. It's too late to order online. Yeah, I know that they promise delivery but I am still waiting for a gift that I ordered on Cyber Monday. I tracked it and the package sits in a UPS terminal 5 miles away.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Image result for UPS gif" src="https://i.imgur.com/hMp2vez.gif" /><br />
<br />
Dad's UPS delivery man said that they are so backed up. Tractor trailers drop off packages each day and they cannot keep pace. And so, even though online shopping has been appealing, there is no guarantee that the gifts will make it by Christmas.<br />
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<img alt="Image result for UPS gif" height="240" src="https://cdn.dribbble.com/users/531222/screenshots/3694265/apiros--ups.gif" width="320" /><br />
<br />
This year we are going "light". Why?<br />
<br />
Well, in the past, I filled the tree with gifts and packages. The stockings were full and we were merry. But something has happened in the BPM household for the better. We are less consumer oriented and more focused on others and the true meaning of Christmas.<br />
<br />
Yes, in the past, I tried to keep Christ in Christmas, but the kids would nod, say a prayer and move on to their Nintendo games. I would buy a cake that said "Happy birthday, Jesus," then we sang the birthday song....the kids with their cousins would move on to the next game without a second thought.<br />
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<img alt="Image result for happy birthday jesus gif" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQIl7zeU1nlp63bocQnAkNt92PHeZkyvbOAgGNRM_M4DRmWjbJT4Q" /><br />
<br />
Now, after spending time in chemo labs, praying for health, watching others suffer, the kids have done a 360.<br />
<br />
The big leftie said that he did not want any presents this year. He wants the money that we would have spent on him to be donated to the ALS ice bucket challenge. Tink wants her gifts donated to an impoverished elementary school in the inner city. Such a paradigm shift from someone who's Christmas list always started with "peace on earth", then a "Dell laptop." Yep, they are morphing into pretty terrific community minded people...yippee!<br />
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<img alt="Image result for volunteers gif" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/QPFFA5N0gOfU4/200w.gif" /><br />
Gone are the days when we would take up Santa's time to ask for the latest and greatest technological toys and games. Yep, this is a good thing....and yes, to answer your question, there will be gifts under the tree. However, they will useful gifts like socks, boots, underwear, and toothbrushes.<br />
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<img alt="Image result for socks for christmas gif" height="78" src="https://www.gobros.com/images/promo/27/holiday.gif" width="200" /><br />
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As for me...I don't want anything, except for maybe socks...and a package of $50.00 bills. That's it. Oh yeah...and peace on earth.<br />
<img alt="Image result for peace on earth gif" src="http://img8.laughinggif.com/pic/HTTP3d3dzlsLmluY3JlZGltYWlsLmNvbS9zY2FjaGUvaW0vZ2FsbGVyeS9jb250ZW50LzIwMDkwNjI1MTE1Ni9jb250ZW50XzEzNDYwX3ByZXYuZ2lm.gif" /><br />
With that said, I should go to the gym. Dad's office party is tonight and it will be the third party this week. <img alt="Image result for tired of parties gif" height="161" src="http://a.fod4.com/misc/FOTC%20Dance.gif" width="200" />Yes, being merry and festive can impact the mind, spirit and body...especially the body...I had a leftover party pizzelle for breakfast yesterday....and have been caught with powdered sugar on my sweater....come on....it is the holidays and powdered sugar can be brushed off without any evidence of cookie eating....<br />
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<img alt="Image result for cookies on face gif" height="184" src="http://mojo.dailybruin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/tumblr_lupslcWdn11qe16sl.gif" width="320" /><br />
<br />
Speaking of cookie monsters....listen to this one.....<br />
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Fade to black.....<br />
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I had the tennis girls over on Tuesday night for some Christmas cheer and reindeer games. Those gals are so competitive and had to win. I had prizes from the Dollar store. Someone won a screw driver, a ball of twine, a ball of rubber bands, and Christmas pencil. Yes, they worked hard for those prizes.<br />
<br />
Anyway, it was 15 minutes before the party was to start and I was placing food onto the dining room table when I saw it and screamed.<br />
<br />
There, in front of me was my 7 pound white maltese pup on the dining room table eating the chocolate Christmas cookies. Yep, he has never done this before and had the evidence ensconced in his white beard. He has turned into a cookie monster!<br />
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<img alt="Image result for cookies dogs gif" height="150" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/44/26/53/442653a2532a327db307e92e724a23f7.gif" width="200" /><br />
<br />
Horrified, I knew that chocolate was toxic for dogs and called the vet immediately. She told me to bring him into the animal hospital for an emergency visit. Mind you, the kids were working and I had 20 people arriving in 10 minutes. I called dad who quickly left the office and grabbed cookie monster and took him to the vet.<br />
<img alt="Image result for dog stealing food off table gif" height="206" src="https://images.complex.com/complex/image/upload/c_limit,w_680/fl_lossy,pg_1,q_auto/d9x62nuuopw4ibuh3uqw.jpg" width="320" /><br />
<br />
As dad drove away, the first group of partiers arrived at the door. All I could think of was cookie monster and would he be OK. Would my homemade chocolate caramel cookies cause kidney and liver failure in my baby pup? Oh the horrors....and I waited and waited with a smile on my face. All I could think of was puppy....then I got the call.<br />
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<img alt="Image result for sick dog gif" src="https://thumbs.gfycat.com/TemptingSingleIbis-max-1mb.gif" /><br />
<br />
The doctor induced vomiting (just like the Emergency room when someone overdoses on barbiturates).....Cookie monster literally tossed his cookies and returned home for a kiss and lots of hugs from his BP momma. He was going to be OK, however, I could still see the chocolate evidence in his beard as he licked my face. Ugh, when does the worry stop?<br />
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<img alt="Image result for huggin sick dog gif" height="320" src="https://i.pinimg.com/736x/9c/a4/20/9ca420cab6e273788c556d5959bd1446--red-golden-retrievers-golden-retriever-puppies.jpg" width="204" /><br />
Oh, probably never....which is good and bad. Someone once wrote (let's call him/her anonymous)..."Worrying means that you do not trust God." Hmmm...something to consider. Maybe I am not a worrier, just a writer who is overly sensitive and concerned about people and animals....yeah, let's go with that....<br />
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<img alt="Image result for sheesh gif" height="112" src="https://thumbs.gfycat.com/HandsomeGiantBighorn-max-1mb.gif" width="200" /><br />
Got to work!<br />
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Peace!<br />
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<br />Bullpen Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05845344616229893970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679966365064395229.post-46081889167044504382017-12-08T06:51:00.001-08:002017-12-08T06:51:10.236-08:00Movin' on...It was a Thanksgiving without ice creamGood morning! I am sorry that I have not posted, but I have been preoccupied by....stuff....more stuff...and a bout of the stomach flu! Yep....Here are the details....<br />
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<img alt="Image result for stomach flu gif images" height="174" src="http://i.imgur.com/k6AeS6S.gif" width="320" /><br />
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Fade to black....<br />
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Work has not been bad. I only have one course to finish then I start three in January. Sadly, there are other "tasks" in my job description that never go away. For example, one of my duties is to fill the incoming class with students each January which means I have to interview all qualified applicants and determine whether he or she can succeed in my program.<br />
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<img alt="Image result for woman at work gif" src="https://68.media.tumblr.com/ca527a1953dd9a39eba47670ef135cf4/tumblr_o4racyo2nP1tl0nljo1_250.gif" /><br />
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I rarely turn qualified people down unless I see a few red flags, which I have in the past. When my decision is overturned, which the admissions committee can and will do, I watch the now-student fail because they cannot handle the rigors or the pressure of the major. It's sad, because the ill-equipped student is now in debt and does not have a degree to show for it. The committee believes that people should be given an opportunity. However, after a few "misses", they now see the wisdom of my denial letters. By the way, I still have two more spots to fill, so I continue to interview.<br />
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<img alt="Image result for woman at work gif" height="179" src="http://i.giphy.com/mZQT7tQgk0V5C.gif" width="320" /><br />
Next, the big leftie's experimental drug was finally approved by insurance, so he has infusions every Monday. I am around for those days and sit with him in the chemo infusion lab. This therapy is an unproven chemotherapeutic drug which purportedly causes remission of his MG. It has worked on a group of patients, so he is now part of a study and collection of data. Praying for success....Amen.....<br />
<img alt="Image result for healthy gif" height="200" src="http://idealbite.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/fat-to-skinny.gif" width="200" /><br />
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Now, we are closing in on Thanksgiving. It is always my pleasure to host family and friends in my home. I have the room, so, let's get together and celebrate. Turkey Day is one of my favorite holidays since there are no gifts, just the presence of the people who matter the most...and so.....<br />
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<img alt="Image result for thanksgiving gif" height="237" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/TcA5JLbjPmC4g/giphy.gif" width="320" /><br />
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I had a list the length of my arm. Incrementally, I began to whittle away at the chores. The table was set a week in advance. Crystal and china were washed and placed with care at each place. The napkins matched the table cloth (which I ironed....yep, I know how to use an iron) and I placed them in holiday napkin rings.<br />
<img alt="Image result for thanksgiving gif" height="240" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/v3xGkT4rB2UA8/giphy.gif" width="320" /><br />
I went to the grocery store, Costco, the liquor store, dollar store, and Amish Market. The Amish roasted my turkeys, so I had one less worry on Thanksgiving. Now all I had to do is make my sides and desserts. Life was good!<br />
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Or so I thought...remember, this is BP mom reporting activities.....I never go through a holiday or big event without issues....ever.....remember the year that I was hosting Cookie fest and walked into the grocery store three days before the event with $12.00 in my pocket? Yeah, that was a good one....<br />
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Ok, Thanksgiving is now here. I got up early, chopped some veggies, and headed to the holiday boot camp at the gym. After all, I read somewhere that the average person consumes over 4000 calories on Thanksgiving, so I was ready...mind, body, and spirit.<br />
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<img alt="Image result for thanksgiving gif" src="https://m.popkey.co/397343/wqbgb.gif?c=popkey-web&p=funny_or_die&i=funny-or-die-ent&l=direct&f=.gif" /><br />
After the workout, I arrived at the house ready to finish the sides...chop, saute, roast, salt, pepper, bake....yippee....it's two o'clock, time for a shower, glass of wine with guests arriving at 4 pm for apps and holiday cheer....I am ready for 22 people....let the festivities begin!<br />
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Then it hit.....<br />
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<img alt="Image result for stomach flu gif images" height="145" src="http://www.sharegif.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/tumblr_mxh16fNka91qf9mevo1_500.gif" width="320" /><br />
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Hard....<br />
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Real hard....<br />
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<img alt="Image result for stomach flu gif images" height="111" src="https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2014-01/enhanced/webdr05/5/13/anigif_enhanced-buzz-28131-1388945860-13.gif" width="200" /><br />
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The room spun....I was light headed....queasy.....hot flashes.....<br />
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Huh? What? Not today???<br />
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I begged my body to feel better. "Come on....BPM...this is your day....you love this. You live for this...what the heck!!"<br />
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<img alt="Image result for stomach flu gif images" height="165" src="https://imgix.elitedaily.com/uploads/image/2017/9/12/c6da68d3-2ca0-4715-99dd-0a760a3894cf-200.gif" width="320" /><br />
And....<br />
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Down I went.....there was no coming back...as soon as the guests arrived, I ran to the bathroom and lost my holiday cookies.....<br />
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There was no coming back. Yep, 22 people in my home ready for a great dinner and gathering and I was.......<br />
<br />
a no show.....<br />
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What happened BPM? Did you send them home? To Denny's? IHOP?<br />
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Nope...<br />
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They stayed and dad, Tink and the big leftie took over.<br />
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From my bedroom, as the room spun, I could hear laughter, some singing, and lots of cheer. This make me weakly smile as I was happy that they were still able to celebrate. BP Grandmom and Tink were the only ones who were brave enough to venture into my bedroom. I have to get them something special for Christmas and not the stomach flu....<br />
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<img alt="Image result for stomach flu gif images" height="180" src="https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--cP4kBPU0--/c_scale,f_auto,fl_progressive,q_80,w_800/fhaxnwyjrjayoet19vkc.gif" width="320" /><br />
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Back to the party.....everything went well. Food was consumed. Wine was flowing,...kids laughed....this was good, I thought.<br />
<img alt="Image result for thanksgiving gif" height="180" src="https://media3.popsugar-assets.com/files/2013/11/08/942/n/1922195/0286a42a3dbc5fda_supernatural.xxxlarge.gif" width="320" /><br />
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The only glitch was that dad forgot to pull the ice cream out of the freezer for the pie. I would have tried to help, but no one wanted to catch what I had....so I stayed away.<br />
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Here is what I learned....this is my silver lining....<br />
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Thanksgiving lessons:<br />
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1. You don't need a big fancy meal and ice cream to have fun with the people that you love (and like)<br />
2. I am not needed to make the holiday successful. There are others who are happy to step up and create a special day.<br />
3. I am blessed to have a terrific group of people surround me who did not care that they did not have ice cream for their pie.<br />
4. I really like Thanksgiving and missed being there, even without ice cream.<br />
<img alt="Image result for pie and ice cream gif" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT1ga3uBB7PkU-F3Yxrnk64PST88liRqjCBGPpx3xXkmDbLuyaa" /><br />
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And so, the nausea is over....and I am back...sort of....the next post.....<br />
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Christmas lights....yep, never without a glitch.....<br />
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Peace!Bullpen Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05845344616229893970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679966365064395229.post-60484990325726702132017-11-13T06:02:00.000-08:002017-11-13T06:02:13.367-08:00Movin on....give me your money!Good afternoon! Sorry that I did not post more this week, but it has been pretty chaotic....yes, more chaotic than normal.<br />
<img alt="Image result for chaos gif" height="320" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/137TKgM3d2XQjK/giphy.gif" width="313" /><br />
So, what's up? Well, not the northeast temperatures. It is downright frigid here AND we attended an outdoor fund raiser last night that put frost on our noses and toes.<br />
<img alt="Image result for im cold gif" height="177" src="https://media1.tenor.com/images/2279c1c4df25be63f2da04aa8c285d44/tenor.gif?itemid=4953073" width="320" /><br />
Really? A fundraiser?<br />
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Oh yes....<br />
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Fade to black......<br />
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There is an organization in my town that helps individuals with cancer. They buy wigs, offer massages and facials for pain management, pay for rides to and from chemo, and sponsor nurse navigators. I attended one of the fundraisers years ago and did not like it. It was stuffy....what do I mean by stuffy?<img alt="Image result for rich people gif" height="180" src="https://thechive.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/anigif_enhanced-buzz-12710-1373600119-11.gif?w=500&h=282" width="320" /><br />
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Well, it was a formal event where people wore tuxedos and gowns. If you know me, you know that this is not my scene. I am casual and like my fundraisers that begin with "beef" and end with "beer." This was not the case. So, it was one and done. Plus, I attended the fundraiser alone since the tickets were so expensive and attire was formal, there was no way Dad was coming along.....<br />
<img alt="Image result for rich people gif" src="https://i.amz.mshcdn.com/vm91hVFFv5QRYI6AufQnnrqfez4=/fit-in/1200x9600/http%3A%2F%2Fmashable.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F08%2Fobama25.gif" /><br />
Fast forward ten years and BP Grandmom has to see an oncologist and needed chemo. She was greeted at the cancer center with all kinds of gifts, gift certificates, and the wig voucher. Knowing that she was going to lose her hair was awful for her. She is a private person who prefers to keep her business to herself. When a person loses their hair from chemo, the body screams "look at me! I have cancer...." Then people start rubbing their head or make stupid comments like...."hey, it won't be the cancer that kills you. My Aunt Effie was hit by a bus after her last clear Pet Scan....know what I am sayin'?" Yeah, we know.....<img alt="Image result for rich people gif" height="179" src="http://new.oystermag.com/sites/default/files/cryinggifs_02.gif" width="320" /><br />
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And so, the wig was styled to look like BP Grandmom's own hair and her confidence was restored.<br />
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As I thought about the fund raiser and the organization, I felt that I should reach out to the committee and thank them for their generosity and kindness. Plus, I now knew where the money was going and it was not to build a wing on a hospital or into the salary of a highly paid nonprofit CEO. In my letter to the Chair, I told her that if she ever needed assistance, I would be there by her side and promote the cause.<img alt="Image result for fund raising gif" height="180" src="https://moonsailnorth.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/giphyyyy.gif" width="320" /><br />
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And so, my volunteer work with this organization began and I do not regret it...although Big Sis might....Yep, I pulled her into the committee work too. At first she was reluctant, then she got to know the good folks and their selfless acts and she was in....Of course, I was not done. I also pulled Tink, Dad, and Big Sis's girlfriend...Oh yeah...and I am still not done....<img alt="Image result for pulling a person gif" height="180" src="https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F03%2F05%2F635927560899026979449155299_tumblr_o03kiucHaz1ue9e1zo1_500.gif&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=0&h=24d096ead374f47a0c189d54533fda0fd32549b7e268e01db3653dccc89f4f12&size=980x&c=3189303534" width="320" /><br />
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On to the fundraiser...it was outside at a winery. Mind you, the temperatures never got above 40 degrees. However, the committee planned for it and had fire pits. fire places, portable heaters, blankets, and scarves. People were told to dress for the outdoors. And so, once we were set up, which took a few days, the party was on.<img alt="Image result for outdoor party gif" height="172" src="http://www.brightestyoungthings.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/tumblr_m6i4f8g57O1rtmtzro2_500.gif" width="320" /><br />
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Rather than having it catered, the organizers brought in food trucks, which were a great idea. All of the food was portable. One truck had won an award for its food....multiple types of tater tots...that's right....a tot truck....I had to try them even though I don't like potatoes (I am probably the only person in America to dislike potatoes.). I have to say....the tots were a-maaaazing! Yep, best tots I have ever eaten and will probably wear them on my thighs for the next few months. The were calorie worthy, if you know what I mean.....<img alt="Image result for food trucks gif" height="179" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/FZRww3VEGSVTq/giphy.gif" width="320" /><br />
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For dessert, we had s'mores. Yep, the organizers had put together packages of marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers. They also had bamboo sticks and we sat around the camp fires and roasted marshmallows. It was a truly fun night.<img alt="Image result for smores gif" height="180" src="https://media1.tenor.com/images/0540c29ca2b744d1aa73190660eb9753/tenor.gif?itemid=3320353" width="320" /><br />
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The best part was that Tink and Dad volunteered. She sold raffle tickets and he parked cars. They loved it. I loved that they supported me and the cause. It was such a family affair as Betty, Wildcat, Dr. G also attended the event. All in all, it was a success and we made lots of money for the cancer patients.<br />
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Now, can we sit back and relax? The answer is "nope!" We have to plan next year! My vote is to keep it as is and forget about the high heels, pearls, and sparkling attire. Give me a s'more with a glass of wine anytime and I will follow you anywhere...I mean it.....I love food and naturally, a glass of squished fermented grape juice.<img alt="Image result for fund raising gif" height="179" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1600/0*kYCkgNjPLsJHHd_l." width="320" /><br />
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Now it is Monday and I have to get ready for class tomorrow. I decided after last year's course was a dismal failure that I would revise, revamp, and re energize the content to add some sparkle and glamour. I think this is what millennials crave as opposed to good old fashion discussion on theory and content. They would rather look at their computer screens than debate the pros and cons of theory and practice. And so, I spent several months during the summer working on leadership 2.0 and still have students staring at me wishing for an earthquake that would suck me into the basement of the building.<br />
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Fine! I will keep my leadership theories and concepts to myself and continue to preach to the open computer screens. After all, it is their money and if they decide not to participate and listen, then they might as well dig a hole and bury their cash. <img alt="Image result for fund raising gif" height="170" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/P28pXXrGU6dIGP0VD-3P9pR0mKBzx_oHOE4RfRezH3QQmBpIga76tOqA4ofc0p80a7A9m514pUce4KIeJ7fbE3PuCX8s_aJsVTAjDFRIdhD6TA6sVuSInVE10hGy0dHXso7XXSZL" width="320" />I don't want to hear another word about how expensive college is. After all, you pay a huge tuition bill and then choose not to listen or participate. To me is is a foolish investment. In three weeks when the semester is over and they have a low attendance participation grade, I will finally hear their voices as they complain to me that they did not receive full credit. Yep, this is my life......<br />
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....off to the gym....<br />
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Peace!<br />
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<br />Bullpen Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05845344616229893970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679966365064395229.post-54683395673390762372017-11-07T04:59:00.000-08:002017-11-07T04:59:12.329-08:00Movin on.....Time for a telethonGood morning! It's Tuesday so I am headed to work and class. What's going on? Got to make this a quick one......<br />
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Well.......<br />
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As you know, the big leftie is struggling to regain his health and vigor, which come back slowly with MG. He is doing everything that he can including speech therapy, exercise, eating right, meditating, and trying to get enough sleep. However, since he is on prednisone, he cannot sleep. I find sleep to be one of the most therapeutic methods to regain strength and health but when a person cannot sleep, issues arise. Now that we gained an hour, everyone's sleep patterns are off...especially his. <img alt="Image result for im sick gif" src="https://i.imgur.com/c1TYxwE.gif" /><br />
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With that said, we are still waiting for his insurance company appeal to come through. Currently, it is week four and the appeal is sitting on someone's desk at Independence Blue Cross. So, what are his options?<img alt="Image result for letter of denial gif" height="180" src="https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F04%2F23%2F635970300157737874152221641_no.gif&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=943&h=d58648199c9e1cabe3302a4ae53ee2cd1e09040a272a023129a7afc17abec6e2&size=980x&c=968965834" width="320" /><br />
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Option 1: Wait for the appeal to be granted. This can take months. In the meantime, he continues to have problems swallowing and speaking.<img alt="Image result for letter of denial gif" height="239" src="http://cdn4.gurl.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/rejection.gif" width="320" /><br />
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Option 2: Be admitted into the hospital and he can have the medication be given to him there. He would also have to have other treatments. Now, however, he wants to get this medicine as soon as possible.<img alt="Image result for letter of denial gif" height="165" src="https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F02%2F21%2F6359162785625254021979847148_1402441803443033_animate.gif&ho=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com&s=616&h=6f6d6fcd722e9b8ee1bc0fbd8628e83fcf3546966d8a071dad2acf4a4490302e&size=980x&c=1973266835" width="320" /><br />
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Option 3: Pay for the medicine myself. <img alt="Image result for no money gif" height="188" src="http://img1.laughinggif.com/pic/HTTP21lZGlhLnRoZWRhaWx5dG91Y2guY29tLzIwMTUvMDIvMDEtd2hhdC1pcy1tb25leS5naWYlog.gif" width="320" /><br />
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Yes, option 3 is out there. As I see him struggling, I am considering it more and more and more....The cost is the price of a used car. Basically, I would buy the used car and take a hammer to it and destroy it. This is fine as long as I know that it is money well spent. Do I have this kind of money? Hmmmmmm.......Let's consider this.....<br />
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Think, BPM...think....how do I find this kind of money? What to do...what to do.....<br />
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More options!<br />
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Option A: my usual find...sofa cushions. I would check under my sofa cushions as well as my neighbors. naturally, I would ask them.<br />
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Option B: I could do what two college students did to me on Saturday afternoon which was to ring my doorbell and ask for money for pediatric cancer. Who does that??? Yes, who knocks on a grouchy old lady's door when she is semi enjoying a rare Saturday afternoon at home and sweetly ask for the contents of her purse to save children from cancer??? To follow up on that question, which grouchy old lady who was trying to enjoy a rare Saturday afternoon at home gives complete strangers the contents of her purse to allegedly save children from cancer? You get one answer on that last question.<br />
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Option C: Have a telethon like Jerry Lewis's to solicit donations to save the big leftie's voice....Yes, I watched the JL telethon every Labor day weekend and donated money....who didn't? Just a quick note...he was pretty grouchy in his 90's, donchathink?<img alt="Image result for jerry lewis telethon gif" height="149" src="http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.953504.1318384197!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_750/alg-jerry-lewis-jpg.jpg" width="200" /><br />
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Option D: Rob a bank....Yep. I have never considered this option before and will probably eliminate it from the list. I would have to wear a mask and it would wreck the hair. Plus I would feel claustrophobic. Also, I am one of the unluckiest people, so I would get caught before I left the bank, be tackled by the security guard, and possibly hit my head and knock out my teeth. My mug shot would have a black eye, missing teeth, and flat hair. it would go viral in seconds. Can't take the chance on this one.....too vain, ya know?<br />
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Option E: Wait out the insurance company and be supportive. Send a zillion prayers to heaven and offer a hundred novenas to St Jude, patron saint of lost causes and St. Rita, patron saint of the impossible. <img alt="Image result for no money gif" height="148" src="http://gifimage.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Money-GIF-Image-26.gif" width="200" /><br />
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Option F: Try to revive the money tree in the backyard. Yep, it died years ago when I had kids. <img alt="Image result for money tree gif" src="http://www.metroactive.com/papers/metro/10.03.96/gifs/multilevel-9640.jpg" /><br />
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Perhaps I could use a combination of all options. After all, the best ideas often come from the whackiest minds. My mind is one of the whackier. <img alt="Image result for no money gif" height="179" src="https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/victorious/images/6/66/Money.gif/revision/latest?cb=20121214212732" width="320" /><br />
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OK, 'nuff said. We are playing Jeopardy in class today. There are dozens of vocabulary words and what is better than engaging them through a game? Yet, this can backfire since I happen to know that none of them actually read the assignments before coming to class. How do I know?<br />
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Well, they stare at me for two hours, do not answer my eloquently posed questions, and are working on either their Facebook pages or buying shoes while they are supposedly listening to my monologues. Wish I could get them to speak....but the reality is that I have a class full of introverts. <img alt="Image result for teachers gif" height="140" src="https://thumbs.gfycat.com/HatefulAfraidCamel-max-1mb.gif" width="320" /><br />
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And you know introverts; they hate to speak. Soooo, Jeopardy may fail today in a big way. In fact, I might look back on this class as an epic fail...just like when I grew my bangs out....another epic fail.<br />
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OK, gotta run......<br />
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Peace!<br />
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<br />Bullpen Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05845344616229893970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679966365064395229.post-21544152143869190762017-10-30T05:19:00.000-07:002017-10-30T05:19:04.673-07:00Movin on....weed whack your weeds!Good morning! Sorry that I have not written in the last 6 days but my stupid allergy/cold/tonsillitis/whatever it is was dropping my energy level to a low simmer. Plus, I am helping to raise money for a cancer organization with Big Sis in honor of BP Grandmom. Yep, she beat it....<br />
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Fade to black....<br />
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Last year, BP Grandmom was battling a very odd cancer. She underwent chemo and lost her hair and vitality. A local organization gave her a wig, massage, facial, blanket, and other items that helped her to battle. <img alt="Image result for low energy gif" height="165" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/muJJxNF9UizVm/giphy.gif" width="320" /><br />
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Well, guess what? She did so well, she sees her MD every few months.<br />
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Based upon the generosity of this organization, Big Sis and I are now working to generate funds to help other cancer patients. By the way, they also offer nurse navigators and rides for patients who need them. This is a grass roots organization where the money goes to local people. Therefore....I'm in....<img alt="Image result for lemonade stand gif" height="178" src="https://media1.tenor.com/images/6e6b44c47ac1c7d61c3f030e1c8c5d26/tenor.gif?itemid=5027869" width="320" /><br />
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My big job for the fundraiser in two weeks is to find volunteers to register people, sell raffle tickets, and keep things going. Guess who I tapped on?<br />
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Well, if you are thinking my students, then....you win a slightly used wig!<br />
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Yep, I made the announcement in class and some of my minions are going to help with the fundraiser. Do I give them extra points in the gradebook? Hmmm....tough call.......Probably not. The goal of volunteering is to do it selflessly. That is, you expect nothing in return. Right? <img alt="Image result for lemonade stand gif" height="180" src="https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2015-06/11/18/enhanced/webdr10/anigif_enhanced-17573-1434061599-6.gif?downsize=715:*&output-format=auto&output-quality=auto" width="320" /><br />
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Ok, here is what they will receive..... my eternal gratitude and a great letter of recommendation when they apply for a job. How does that sound? Much better than a point or two on their participation attendance grade.<br />
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Anything else going on?<br />
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Hmmmm...Tink starts her new job tomorrow. She is going to be working in a bakery. Guess what? She gets a discount! Yep, I like this job although my hips and not-so-petite bottom will not. Will have to join the Biggest Loser again in January. It's my fall back diet. Every January, I join the battle with he rest of the gang and we work out and eat salads for two months...get weighed.....and buy new pants....yep...who says my life is not glamorous?<img alt="Image result for making cupcakes gif" src="https://spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/176/2016/03/giphy.gif" /><br />
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We are also waiting for word from the insurance company to see if the Big lefty will receive his medication. Since it is 10/30 and we change insurance on November 1, it does not matter if the insurance company approves it or not, because he will be on another plan in the same company. We took out a plan just for him so his records would not be lost. Hopefully, the appeal will take hold with his new "gold" plan. Yep, we bought the best and shiniest plan that they had to offer. After all, this guy is on more medications than BP Grandpop. He has them lined up on his bedside table, has his watch alarm on to remind him when to take his pills, and sees a doctor or speech therapist at least once a week. This is pricey...not just pricey.....but costly....<img alt="Image result for sick gif" src="https://media1.tenor.com/images/b4aa915b6a78a7089509d6fc3ded733c/tenor.gif?itemid=6184023" /><br />
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Did I say "costly?" I mean exorbitant.<br />
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My thoughts are with those individuals who are sick and do not have health insurance. Yes, I know that it is mandated, but even if it is, I can count on both hands the number of people that I know who make too much money for Medicaid and too little for Obama Care. Therefore, they are penalized on their tax returns. Can anyone say "insurance reform?<br />
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Also, if we had socialized medicine, the big lefty would not receive the care he needs. He would have to wait in a long line. The system we have now is broken but effective. Let's look for ways to help those without funds and ways to improve the system. 'Nuff said.<br />
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Update on the southern house....we got a citation from the home owners association asking us to clean up the construction site. It is bothering the neighbors. Hmmm....that's right....the neighbors do not like looking at my weeds as the construction workers trample them. I was going for a southern hillbilly look, but am told that shabby chic is not working. Soooo, we had to hire a company to weed whack the weeds. Can anyone say "Cha ching...cha ching...cha ching?" <img alt="Image result for money tree gif" height="320" 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" width="304" /><br />
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OK, I gotta work. I am on a dissertation committee and have put off reading the 300+ page document until now. I am almost motivated to download the document...almost....I'm close to it....I can see the email and attachment, but cannot get myself to read it...I am useless on some days.....<br />
<img alt="Image result for low energy gif" height="169" src="https://media1.tenor.com/images/39ad07ad81633750ef8147574d165f66/tenor.gif?itemid=5727177" width="320" /><br />
Peace!Bullpen Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05845344616229893970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679966365064395229.post-4693873440764563472017-10-24T05:25:00.000-07:002017-10-24T05:29:01.896-07:00Movin on.....Lights outGood morning! It's a windy and slightly rainy day and I have class in an hour. It should be interesting since I have received word that there is a power outage on campus.<br />
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<img alt="Image result for no power gif" height="133" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/RX3vhj311HKLe/giphy.gif" width="320" /><br />
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This means....no power (duh). What it really means is that I have to work without a net. That is...no internet sources, no Powerpoint slides, no You Tube informational videos. it's all left to me with some laryngitis to carry the class. <img alt="Image result for no power gif" src="http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/paul-good-power.gif" height="211" width="320" />Can anyone say "Group work?" Now all I have to do is figure out what kind of group work so I am not accused of making them do busy work. ..ah, the life of a professor.....so glamorous....as I sit my box of Puff Plus with lanolin Kleenex on my desk and fill the trash can with dirty tissues. <img alt="Image result for group projects in class gif" height="179" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/VCfUUIL5Lwd7a/giphy.gif" width="320" />I love having an audience when I blow my nose. Oh, how I love online education....<img alt="Image result for group projects in class gif" height="203" src="https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F11%2F17%2F636149477851600393-1018634569_raw&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=302&h=bdf16caf6310491bb680477257ff91ec0c616f50dc9d3f6a4e171e19d583b0e7&size=980x&c=1511812420" width="320" /><br />
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How is the big kid? Well, we are still waiting to hear back from the insurance company about his medication. In the meantime, he signed up for his own insurance plan to stay on Independence Blue Cross, per advice of doctor. This also means that we have yet another big monthly bill until he goes into remission and can go back onto the family plan.<img alt="Image result for group projects in class gif" src="https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F04%2F15%2F6359629344551199241370877458_ridiculous-GIF.gif&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=303&h=e92a4f53975e3ecd111e1cce6b3d2a31b0654aba704ccbc17d8a1842c7f9a205&size=980x&c=3025518311" /><br />
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Tink was offered another job last week which makes two jobs in two weeks. Follow that one?<br />
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She has her options and weighing the pros and cons of each. She favors the job that pays less (naturally......) and will have to submit her resignation to the other job after working two shifts. In other words, she is turning in her apron.<br />
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Why is Tink job shopping? Welll........<br />
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Fade to black.....<br />
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She was offered a great job last year on a local campus. She started off on the day shift and was moved into the evening shift. She would get home after midnight. The dogs whined and barked as they missed her. Then she would stay in the car for a few minutes after she drove to the house and the dogs would go crazy at 1 am....Then, she would be up until three am and sleep until 2 pm, then go to work. This job was not conducive for a healthy life style for her or for us. Naturally, I would be waiting for her to get home and have to get up early in the morning. So, it was not conducive for a healthy lifestyle for me either. She begged her manager to give her the day shift and was ignored. She was also promised health insurance which never materialized. Eventually, we decided to pull the plug on this career path and move down another one. She then got a part time job at the health and racquet club which she loves but does not offer benefits. Hey, it is time to get your own benefits so I can start saving for my long term care facility in the mountains of Wisconsin (does Wisconsin have mountains?).....just sayin'.....<br />
<img alt="Image result for group projects in class gif" height="204" src="https://assets.rbl.ms/11366588/980x.gif" width="320" /><br />
And now, she is going into a new position and is excited about her future. Me too! After all, what do we want as parents? Well, if you ask me.....<br />
<img alt="Image result for group projects in class gif" height="177" src="https://az616578.vo.msecnd.net/files/2016/10/07/6361147134509911341988194460_5MgDN.gif" width="320" /><br />
We want for our children:<br />
1. To be nice and kind<br />
2. To love God and neighbors<br />
3. To do good works for others<br />
4. Be productive<br />
5. Be independent<br />
6. have their own benefits and 401K plans and savings!<br />
7. Have someone to love them and for them to love back.<br />
8. To pay for their own cell phones, car, and insurance premiums<br />
9. To live dependently....oops, did I write that one twice? uh, my bad.....<img alt="Image result for group projects in class gif" height="133" src="https://assets.rbl.ms/10185355/980x.gif" width="320" /><br />
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OK, I have to figure out what I am going to do in class with the lights out......<br />
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Peace!<br />
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<br />Bullpen Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05845344616229893970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679966365064395229.post-72298492621907443502017-10-20T09:22:00.001-07:002017-10-20T09:22:41.941-07:00Movin on......Oh Danny BoyHi All! Shout out to Ice for making me laugh and being a good friend. She is one of a kind and a freak athlete....Pickle ball queen, paddle, tennis....you name it. I bet she is even tops in games like Scrabble and Monopoly. Doesn't matter if she wins or loses, she's tops in my blog!<img alt="Image result for athletic woman gif" height="168" src="http://www.sbs.com.au/topics/sites/sbs.com.au.topics/files/styles/body_image/public/stick-it-bear-arms.gif?itok=T8AqHF7S&mtime=1471406622" width="320" /><br />
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On to our second opinion for the big leftie at a large prestigious hospital in Baltimore. Can you guess where we went yesterday?<br />
<img alt="Image result for road trip suv gif" height="160" src="https://darefamily.files.wordpress.com/2016/12/giphy.gif?w=554&h=277" width="320" /><br />
Yep, Big Rig and the big guy filled the BPmom-mobile and pointed the car south to discuss treatment options with another specialist. Why? Well, we want to be assured that his neurologist, Dr. B is the expert the world proclaims him to be. And so, equipped with nothing but a bottle of water, we hit the road. It was a no-Skittles trip. Got to lose some summer weight.....<img alt="Image result for no candy gif" height="128" src="http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/hh586/TheDailyLike/anigif_enhanced-buzz-21477-1342452744-23.gif" width="320" /><br />
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When we pulled into the hospital parking lot, I got a familiar feeling...like...we do this an awful lot for such a young man. After all, if you remember from baseball days, he needed four opinions from all over the east coast to figure out how to treat his shoulder. Now we seek a way to regain his old life, vitality, strength, and spirit.<img alt="Image result for feeling strong gif" height="255" src="http://cdn.smosh.com/sites/default/files/2015/08/pokemon-when-get-up-funny.gif" width="320" /><br />
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Looking at this enormous institution, I felt that we were going to get lost, sit in an uncomfortable chair for hours on end, and finally be seen next Wednesday. Yet, that was not the case. In fact, we checked in, got a visitor bracelet, and took the elevator to the 5th floor. After waking down the hall, there were kiosks that looked that ATM machines in which we had to register. After signing in and getting a number, we sat down in a room that reminded me of the DMV. You know the place that you go to to renew your drivers license.....So, we sat with the rest of the neuro patients and families, again with the thought that we were going to spend Thanksgiving there, when they called his number, and walked us into another waiting room, where we sat again and made small talk....like....so....what do you think about the Yankees' chances? Do you really like Devil Dogs better than Yodels? And finally debated on the merits of a leaf blower versus using a rake to get rid of the dead leaves on the lawn.<br />
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<img alt="Image result for making small talk gif" height="180" src="https://h3-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/b15fb738-d273-11e4-9c10-12716a182fc8.gif?v=1" width="320" /><br />
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Then she appeared....yep....there she was...the doctor....she looked my age....you know, like she was celebrating her 29th birthday for the last thirty years and proceeded to ask him question after question. She was so thorough, I think she was also able to procure his debit card pin number. <img alt="Image result for woman doctor gif" height="144" src="http://68.media.tumblr.com/9cd5c259a8f0b21d74ebb009b7ac235d/tumblr_mnhkuvItjq1r90wxqo1_500.gif" width="320" /><br />
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After 30 minutes, she concurred with Dr. B and his plan of treatment. She did offer a few important pieces of advice such as "Do not....repeat.....DO NOT CHANGE INSURANCE COMPANIES!"<br />
<img alt="Image result for health insurance gif" height="168" src="https://media.tenor.com/images/10a1167f96f139327b35bdddd21a8022/tenor.gif" width="320" /><br />
Why do I bring this up? Welllll....<br />
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Fade to black....<br />
<br />
My place of employment is switching health care insurance to another less expensive, cheaper, crappier, stinky insurance carrier. Why? Of course it is about money, but now that the big leftie has a preexisting condition, he may be un-insurable. OK, not un-insurable, BUT our current plan has covered almost every bill except the medication that will put him in remission. As such, we sent an appeal with data to support he will benefit from the medication and not have to have the three days 8-hour infusions once a month. Makes sense, right? Well, not to the insurance company. <img alt="Image result for health insurance gif" height="179" src="https://i.upworthy.com/nugget/595123323d3edf001174ee6d/attachments/covered1-11aa0308afb3b102c71ab6491f437e75.gif?cs=tinysrbg&q=75&colorquant=40&auto=format&ixlib=js-1.0.6" width="320" /><br />
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And so, my coverage changes in two weeks as we wait for the appeal to be resolved. IF he moves to the new, not-so-good plan, his bills will not be covered like they are with our current plan.<br />
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Soooooo, he has to stay on it and not move which means, we pay out of pocket for it....<br />
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<img alt="Image result for health insurance gif" height="180" src="https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2015-01/26/13/enhanced/webdr03/anigif_enhanced-29020-1422297995-2.gif" width="320" /><br />
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Cha-Ching......<br />
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Cha-Ching<br />
<br />
Cha-Ching<br />
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Look, I'm OK with this. It's only his life that I am trying to save, not a stubbed toe or hang nail. He needs this medicine and by-jingo, he is going to get it.<br />
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Fast forward to today, he called Dr. B's office to see if the insurance company accepted the appeal and the nurse told his that he would have to wait two more weeks, which means that he will be on the new insurance plan that we are buying. Following this?<br />
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The issue is....once he changes insurances, the MD may have to re-write the appeal which according to our new doctor is a bear, beast, a lot of work, and crappy, all at the same time. She also said that it was not fair to the doctors to have to redo the appeal....<br />
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OK, I nodded, he will stay on this plan if I have to eat cereal for the rest of my life....with skim milk, of course......<br />
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Then I had another thought....hey, it's not fair for the doctors to have to write another appeal. Ok, I get it. Not fair to the docs....uh huhh.......<br />
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Then I hit the roof of my SUV as we drove north on I-95....not fair to the doctors! Hey, what about my kid? What is fair about what is happening to him? How about the insurance company denying medication that will lead to remission? Is that fair?<br />
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How about the rest of the masses in the waiting room as they patiently waited to be seen as some idiot with a violin played Danny Boy? Yeah, that's right, when we left the examine room, there was a string quartet playing Danny Boy to the neuro patients who were waiting with awful diseases and illnesses...you know Danny Boy......<br />
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">"But when ye come, and all the flowers are dying,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If I am dead, as dead I well may be,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">You'll come and find the place where I am lying,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And kneel and say an Ave there for me.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And I shall hear, though soft you tread above me,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And all my grave will warmer, sweeter be,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">For you will bend and tell me that you love me,</span></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>And I shall sleep in peace until you come to me!" </i> </span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Is there no self awareness with some of our do-gooders? Why not play a Johnny Cash song? How about Frank Sinatra? Beetles? Elton John? Metallica? Danny BOY???! Sheesh, talk about depressing!</span><img alt="Image result for health insurance gif" height="144" src="http://img63.laughinggif.com/pic/HTTP2Nkbi1yMS51bmlsYWQuY28udWsvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTcvMDEvNTQ4M1VOSUxBRC1pbWFnZW9wdGltLXRoYXRzbm90cmlnaHQuZ2lm.gif" width="320" /><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Ok, back to the SUV traveling north. After I spewed nastiness about insurance companies, doctors whining about having to do extra work to write compelling appeals, I settled down and made a phone call to Blue Cross. Yep, we are going with the Gold Plan and if this does not work, then BP mom is headed into the city equipped with my appeal and lawyer. My boy is going to get that medication if I have to buy it on the black market, like they did in MASH. Remember when Hawkeye and Trapper went to Tokyo to buy medicine from the black market and landed up giving them Henry Blake's antique desk for the medicine? No? Well, they did.</span></span><img height="233" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYWY0OWEzZTktMTdkMy00OTIyLTgwNGItMWMwNmVjYWY4ZDY0L2ltYWdlL2ltYWdlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTYwNDQwMzA@._V1_.jpg" width="320" /><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I will give the black market my desk, laptop, cell phone, lucky Villanova basketball, class ring, and SUV. They are just things. I am working to save my son.</span></span><img alt="Image result for health insurance gif" height="160" src="https://mnhealthagents.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/kimmy_normal.gif" width="320" /><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">More later!</span></span>Bullpen Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05845344616229893970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679966365064395229.post-80113157101594536002017-10-14T05:36:00.001-07:002017-10-14T05:50:56.714-07:00Movin on.....looking under sofa cushions for a million dollars'Good morning from the south. Yep, I am here with the Big leftie to work on some house related issues. As you may or may not know, the southern house was destroyed in a flood when an older water pipe burst and flooded the first floor as water gushed for days. Finally the housekeeper found the flood but damage was done and mold grew. Nice huh? The entire first floor is gutted and the second floor is in bad shape too.<br />
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<img alt="Image result for renovating house gif" height="179" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/552967fee4b087af2a147c5c/t/56f83bfd7c65e4881ffa40c2/1459108886847/" width="320" /><br />
<br />
Since the house was 25 years old, there were other issues such as the heating/AC units were non operable (which can be nasty on a 100 degree day), then the roof needed replacement, the pool was unusable (more about keeping an unusable pool on life support later), and so on.....<br />
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<img alt="Image result for renovating house gif" src="http://ascelibrary.org/cms/attachment/837016/4160277/figure10.gif" height="279" width="320" /><br />
Yikes, so glad we had insurance...although if you ever worked with an insurance company, you are probably laughing right now.<br />
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<img alt="Image result for renovating house gif" src="http://hbu.h-cdn.co/assets/cm/15/04/640x360/54c4a1ad32b93_-_stressed.gif" height="180" width="320" /><br />
Flash back 2 years when dad and I decided the house needed some updating. Sooooo, we contacted an architect whose father designed the home. He has some interesting stories on how the house developed and was built by Architect 1.0. It gave us another insight on how Pop and the Southern Belle worked to create their lovely retirement home in a stunning location.<br />
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<img alt="Image result for renovating house gif" src="http://media.giphy.com/media/thiMNtXxavlZu/giphy.gif" height="180" width="320" /><br />
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As we met with our Architect 2.0, he walked through the house and had some keen insights. All I wanted was a bigger kitchen and family room. After all, this is what I crave in any home...you know...family and friends surrounding the kitchen island, cool tunes on the radio, wines (yes, wine and some beer), singing, chopping, laughing, and loving being with one another. It's really what life is all about, right? Then we watch a movie or stupid television show, go to bed, get up and do it again....Yep, a dream, right...or nightmare? You choose!<br />
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<img alt="Image result for friends singing around kitchen table drinking wine gif" height="210" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0596/9393/files/drink-wine-from-bottle.gif?143" width="320" /><br />
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So, Architect 2.0 walked around the house with us (pre flood) and said:<br />
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"Yes, you can eliminate this wall and have a bigger kitchen and family room."<br />
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That was it, right? Six weeks and a few construction workers....and then.....boom!<br />
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<img alt="Related image" height="320" src="http://www.caerphillyobserver.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/April.jpg" width="296" /><br />
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New kitchen and family room.<br />
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<img alt="Image result for friends singing around kitchen table drinking wine gif" height="153" src="http://bc.spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/87/2015/03/giphy.gif" width="320" /><br />
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Is that what happened?<br />
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Uh, this is me...BPM typing....of course that is not how it went....<br />
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Fade to black.....<br />
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As Architect 2.0 walked around, he began working me.....yep, I say...WORKING ME!<br />
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How?<br />
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OK, picture this... as we walked around the first floor, he says: "Hmmmm, you could have a bigger eating area to accommodate your posse. Let's push this room out a bit."<br />
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<img alt="Image result for handsome contractors gif" height="179" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1600/1*LVnKeudCfCxZHFYm0O4deQ.gif" width="320" /><br />
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More eating room...just break through house and add space? "Sure, I said....."<br />
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We turned the corner and walked toward the first floor master bedroom.....Looking up at the vaulted ceiling, he says: "How would you like a loft with a spiral stair case adding another room and bathroom to the space?"<br />
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Another room, bathroom, spiral staircase....sounds cool....go for it.<br />
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<img alt="Image result for renovating house gif" src="http://blog.intheswim.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/shake-down-.gif" /><br />
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2.0 was NOT done.....<br />
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Walking up the stairs to the second floor, he saw opportunity...."you can add another bedroom and bathroom in this space"....hmmm.....do I need another bedroom and bathroom?<br />
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"Absolutely."<br />
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<img alt="Image result for renovating house gif" src="http://allieddemolition.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/asd-1-4.gif" /><br />
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As we walked down the hall, he thought..."you can break through this wall and have a larger bedroom, new bathroom, and a balcony to watch the golfers go by and drink your morning coffee...."<br />
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Balcony....bedroom, bathroom, coffee...peace...quiet.....hmmmm....another great idea....<br />
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Are we done?<br />
<img alt="Image result for renovating house gif" src="http://mutuels.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/homefinder.gif" height="320" width="160" /><br />
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What do you think?.....he looks at the area and speaks with dad..."You can create a small media room....."<br />
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<img alt="Image result for renovating house gif" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOgHxCxaayLfMNmncmLujVtLlVm9LLUd4TvZZ9inA4Gzq9NXemVrDjufPNHeHDiSnXYY51I3Ew6fo3hd4_k2YlU5mIOmq-EFf6F0h9_n0vhJZVXAasBQal3AuewGzsJ3JPLIU_3PnXLk4P/s320/she+will+be+loved+gif.gif" width="320" /><br />
Dad thinking "I can hide from the crowds, laughter, and especially BPM's singing..." was immediately entranced by the idea.<br />
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Done yet? Have we spent every cent plus borrowed on my grandchildren's college funds yet? What about the 401K I once had?<br />
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<img alt="Image result for renovating house gif" height="180" src="https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2711be64f728fd6da92418c0c7bf261c904ff7714b792dee8b6b452fbade882a.gif" width="320" /><br />
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One last thing....you need a new roof!<br />
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Crud, double crud! Triple crud!<br />
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Nope. Not done....<br />
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<img alt="Related image" height="179" src="https://www.davidreviews.com/images/1507/2015072463-PDF.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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New mudroom for the dogs....<br />
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Fireplace and columns in the living room....<br />
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Fill in the pool...it was unusable and costing a fortune to maintain the "Cee-ment Pond" as Granny from the Beverly Hillbillies would screech.<br />
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<img alt="Image result for beverly hillbillies granny and the pool gif" height="231" src="https://i.pinimg.com/736x/63/f9/ea/63f9eaf4ff430456106e22abb9732d7b--irene-ryan-ryan-oneal.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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Done yet? Uh, nope....<br />
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Guess what? The driveway was crumbling because the tree roots were growing and pushing the cement up. Need a new driveway....<br />
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Done yet?<br />
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Nope.<br />
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The landings and walkways were rotting and needed to be replaced.<br />
<img alt="Image result for renovating house gif" height="240" src="https://az616578.vo.msecnd.net/files/2015/09/24/635786526483202260-335301042_anigif_optimized-21823-1425827504-15.gif" width="320" /><br />
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Done yet?<br />
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Nope.<br />
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The landscaping was overgrown and needed to be torn out and replaced.<br />
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<img alt="Image result for renovating house going bad gif" src="http://media.tumblr.com/6975654124d5729b22abb6c97bf3010d/tumblr_inline_mjfx0g8um31qz4rgp.gif" height="238" width="320" /><br />
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Done yet?<br />
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Almost.....<br />
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The trees were overgrown and were either dying, rotting, or leaning against the soon-to-be replaced roof.....<br />
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Now are we done?<br />
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<img alt="Image result for renovating house gif" height="134" src="https://guidelive.imgix.net/1425077896-mistake.gif?fit=clip&q=50&or=0&h=214" width="320" /><br />
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Yes. We are done...financially...mentally....spiritually...emotionally....<br />
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Even the Property Bros would leave this project alone....<br />
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<img alt="Image result for renovating house gif" src="https://districtofidaho.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/property-brothers-gif.gif?w=676" /><br />
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Finito. What did we agree to do?<br />
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<img alt="Image result for renovating house gif" src="http://www.thegoodhartgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/property-brothers.gif" height="180" width="320" /><br />
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More later.....<br />
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Peace!Bullpen Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05845344616229893970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679966365064395229.post-10613957896244032492017-10-11T05:51:00.000-07:002017-10-11T05:55:55.689-07:00Movin' on....De-nial is not a river in EgyptGood morning! It still feels like summer and I love it. Although, I have no idea how to dress for work....long pants, skirt, capris, shorts.....bathing suit? <img alt="Image result for sweaty woman gif" class="irc_mi" src="http://images.shape.mdpcdn.com/sites/shape.com/files/u398/hilary-duff.gif" height="278" style="margin-top: 60px;" width="500" />Because of labile temperatures in the classroom, I began to bring a portable fan that is powered by the computer to class. I stand in front of the little thing as it blows a breeze. I still perspire and want to use a Fieldcrest plush towel to wipe off the brow. It looks like I have run a marathon after a two hour class. <img alt="Image result for sweaty woman gif" class="irc_mi" src="http://cdn-wpmsa.defymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2014/08/sweating-like-a-pig-gif.gif" height="280" style="margin-top: 59px;" width="500" />Also, this group of students do not like to speak in class, so I am on my own as I deliver a monologue rather than an invigorating class discussion each Tuesday. Then.....they had a test in the afternoon after my class, so they chose to study while I spoke rather than listen to the "Stooge on the Stage".... Their eyes were looking at their notes and they appeared to be listening when they were actually reviewing their notes for the forthcoming test.<img alt="Image result for woman teacher clss disinterested gif" class="irc_mi" height="200" src="https://writingcenter.mcdaniel.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/classgif.gif" style="margin-top: 97px;" width="346" /><br />
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Was I upset? Angry? Miffed? Hurt? They would rather study than listen to me pontificate about the virtues of the electronic health record? <br />
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Actually, I let them think that I did not know that they were studying and kept on with my monologue. It's their tuition money, not mine. If they want to sit in my class and paint, I don't care. However, there is something on the syllabus called "class participation." That gives them 15 points. Then there is a weekly quiz and a huge cumulative final exam which will focus on ....yep, you guessed it...the virtues and usability of the electronic health record.....And so....study away, my friends...it's your nickel....<br />
<img alt="Image result for pop quiz gif" class="irc_mi" height="253" src="https://i.memecaptain.com/gend_images/XvcxVw.gif" style="margin-top: 84px;" width="450" /><br />
How are things at home? Can anyone say "one day at a time? One breath at a time? One moment at a time?"<br />
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Here is my take on this crazy life......do not (and I do mean...do not) live in the past or future. Yesterday is over and done. Tomorrow is not guaranteed (sounds like a Hallmark card). We have this moment only. I am training myself to live one minute at a time, which means I do not dwell on the past. When I think about it, I stop myself and command: "Stop! This moment only!" It jars me back to the present and I stop lingering in a state where I should not be. Therefore, past events do not haunt me. Gone....finito!<img alt="Image result for one day at a time gif" class="irc_mi" height="239" src="https://media.tenor.com/images/358cab83d7187ceb61698ed2819f9644/tenor.gif" style="margin-top: 117px;" width="498" /><br />
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Does this mean that I do not plan? Oh sure, I plan. However, once the plans are made, I leave it up to life being flexible enough to accomplish my goals and plans. If not, so be it. <img alt="Image result for live for today gif" class="irc_mi" src="http://www.chuckiedaniel.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/yard.gif" height="260" style="margin-top: 182px;" width="340" /><br />
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Is there a named theory or philosophy that I subscribe to? Nope, it is called survival. I can't go into a path of darkness mulling, dwelling, commiserating. It is no way to conduct your life. A person has to look for the good in every situation. Stay present. And keep their spirits up. The only way to do it is either deny troubles or look at them as opportunity.<br />
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Sounds stupid. Maybe it is even naive. But my denial has helped me over the years to open my eyes and take care of the immediate and plan for the unknown.<img alt="Related image" class="irc_mut igMQXGEgFgVg-HwpH6ZlgJaI" height="515" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSwyEhSnafvLoMejDI3QuXk2iIHCcpzqzZhrR3OX5ox_o6WKHgt" style="margin-top: 55px;" width="500" /><br />
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one last thing, this life throws lots of curve balls at us. Do I swing away at them or run?<br />
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If you know me, you know the answer. I swing. I may miss but I won't go down looking (baseball metaphor for not taking a chance).<br />
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Two things....<br />
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1. Take care of yourself and eat right. Sure, we can say, get enough sleep, but ladies....we know better, right?<img alt="Image result for woman teacher clss disinterested gif" class="irc_mi" height="268" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1496416009ra/22910081.gif" style="margin-top: 63px;" width="500" /><br />
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2. Give your angst, fears, concerns, and troubles to God. I love the line from the Carrie Underwood song: "Jesus, take the wheel." <img alt="Related image" class="irc_mi" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m70t0hfa2D1r2gt1q.gif" height="255" style="margin-top: 69px;" width="500" /><br />
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Yep, I am asking...no, I am praying, Jesus, take the wheel....but first can you fill up the tank?<br />
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Peace!<br />
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BPM<br />
<br />Bullpen Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05845344616229893970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679966365064395229.post-1588892036982323372017-10-08T08:31:00.001-07:002017-10-08T08:31:06.267-07:00Movin on....back again.....Greetings on a yukky Sunday. Big shout out to Wildcat, Ice, and Mk for encouraging me to write again. Honestly, I was done. I was in a black hole and no desire to leave it. That's right. I was going to stay in darkness and not emerge.<br />
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Does that sound terrible? Naw...you know me...in my black hole, I had Snickers bars, Skittles, cookies, boxed wine, my rosary, and some water. That's all I needed. My provisions kept me in size XL athletic pants...oversized hooded sweatshirt with gray hairs sticking out of my head. I was quite comfortable......<br />
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<img alt="Image result for hiding and eating cheese doodles gif" class="irc_mi" height="282" src="http://big.assets.huffingtonpost.com/cheesyblasters312.gif" style="margin-top: 159px;" width="500" /><br />
Is that the way it went?<br />
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<img alt="Image result for hiding and eating cheese doodles gif" class="irc_mi" height="270" src="https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2015-02/12/16/enhanced/webdr01/anigif_enhanced-26787-1423778067-11.gif?downsize=715:*&output-format=auto&output-quality=auto" style="margin-top: 165px;" width="500" /><br />
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Nope! Although I was a semi reclusive state, I knew I needed to stay strong and steer the ship until we all had some rays of sunshine....although the size XL pants are not that far from the truth.....<br />
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Ok, so I am back...what has been happening? Well, I can't give you the last 6 months in one post since my fingers will cramp up and I have to take a break or two and grab a healthy snack...yep...it will balance the huge Costco cookie I had for breakfast. You see, folks, it is all about moderation, she reports with tongue in her cheek.<br />
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And so, what has been happening....Sniff, sniff....<br />
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Honestly, I started this blog to share my weird journey with family and friends. I have an odd life that gets odder and odder the older I get. As Wildcat says, "no one would believe this stuff...." And honestly, I do not make it up.<img alt="Image result for being strong gif" class="irc_mi" height="278" src="http://68.media.tumblr.com/87e3139069967e0285c87fd4584df1d1/tumblr_inline_n4lo7clFD61r7blwi.gif" style="margin-top: 58px;" width="500" /><br />
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As I type, I am listening to my iPod....Carly Simon is singing...."<i>I haven't got time for the pain....</i>"<br />
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Can you imagine my state of mind when I downloaded this song from iTunes? Yep, the reality is I cannot languish in sadness and despair. Get you butt movin on, BP mom.....<br />
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<img alt="Image result for being strong gif" class="irc_mi" height="282" src="https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F04%2F02%2F635952070531242065-652673080_giphy-10.gif&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=970&h=c0a479b751571e6be30c98cbc6f3b0b39336cb0482cf2f60d58fd1863fe5159e&size=980x&c=647647482" style="margin-top: 56px;" width="500" /> <br />
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And I did. After all, I have to be the voice of reason. I am the caregiver, soother of boo boos, while offering non judgmental love and support. I cannot give in to sadness. Time to get going....<br />
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Sooooo, what's up?<br />
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The last you read, the big leftie and his family were dealing with a diagnosis that would knock a weaker person off their feet. He has a chronic (which means it will never go away) neuromuscular disorder that causes trouble breathing, double vision, and muscle weakness. He has to be on medication for the rest of his life and figure out ways to pull together an independent and successful life for himself. Doable? Yep. It can be done. For someone without the work ethic, the answer would be no. This guy? You betcha. <img alt="Image result for being strong gif" class="irc_mi" height="270" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/b69bcb2d77e7c532c0b4b2cc0cbb45a3/tumblr_mhvj1qCVBt1rd9z37o1_500.gif" style="margin-top: 62px;" width="500" /><br />
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Once he was discharged over Easter, we began to research MG to get a hold of what it is all about. His medication helps but sometimes he gets cramps and fasciculations. When tired, he occasionally gets double vision back and loses his voice. He has to pace himself to not overdue things.<br />
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This diagnosis came out of left field (back to baseball metaphors). I did not see it coming, although if he had told me that he had double vision, I would have pulled the trigger on consulting a neurologist sooner. This bit of information, he kept to himself as he almost aced his LSATs with double vision. He was seeing 8 responses on the test rather than the usual four. He was also driving which I did not know either. Yep, BP mom is always the last to know.<br />
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Once the treatment program began, he began to regain his voice and strength, although both are not fully back. He had to hold off law school for a year and is now finishing his graduate degree in criminology to prepare for school. He also started playing golf and is now driving the ball 300+ years on his drives. This makes him happy since he can no longer pitch.<br />
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He also continues to work at the health club and began (reluctantly) coach velocity at the indoor baseball facility. His friends are basically settled in their lives and he feels left behind in many ways. Actually, he is. However, I tell him that God is preparing him for something big and he has to be patient. Hopefully, he will be able to start law school next August.<img alt="Image result for being strong gif" class="irc_mi" height="190" src="http://33.media.tumblr.com/0055b060a4945a94e0376d0ade9db503/tumblr_ng0z0mRjdz1qk6oqno4_250.gif" style="margin-top: 102px;" width="170" /><br />
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I have decided that he is my hero. With everything life has thrown at him, he has hit it back with vengeance. Does he get depressed and angry? Sure! Who wouldn't? I wish that I could take it from him, but it is not my designated journey. Like other heroes, like our own MK, I am saddling up equipped with fortitude and will do everything I can to make sure that this guy has a normal happy life. How will I accomplish that one? Ah....I've tackled bigger issues. This one may take a while, but I can visualize success.<img alt="Image result for being strong gif" class="irc_mi" height="268" src="https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2016-01/18/13/enhanced/webdr14/anigif_original-grid-image-20705-1453140385-1.gif?crop=268:268;0,0%7D" style="margin-top: 63px;" width="268" /><br />
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BP Grandmom used to say, "When God closes a door He opens a window...." We can go through this window, but first, I have to get back to boot camp, get rid of the Cheese Doodles and Skittles, and lose enough inches to wiggle through the window with the big guy looking for happiness.<br />
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Update...my iTunes song is now "<i>You can't always get what you want...</i>." by the Rolling Stones....<br />
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<b><i>No, you can't always get what you want <br />You can't always get what you want <br />You can't always get what you want <br />But if you try sometime you find <br />You get what you need </i></b><br />
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yep, I was definitely in a hole when I bought this one too..... <br />
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More later.<br />
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Peace!<br />
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<br />Bullpen Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05845344616229893970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679966365064395229.post-57590572452793653802017-04-17T05:26:00.001-07:002017-10-08T07:44:22.246-07:00movin on...Oh my goodness......Good morning! Big shout out to Dr. G, BP Grandmom, Grandpop, Big Sis, Scooby, Saint, and Betty for keeping the Easter brunch tradition alive without me. Dr. G picked up the hosting duties when I figured out that I would be booked for the weekend....which I was.....<img alt="Image result for easter celebration gif" class="irc_mi" height="240" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/c9/de/b7/c9deb75c1c92f6be5d9f215a578f1f4a.gif" style="margin-top: 125px;" width="320" /><br />
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OK, where was I? Ah yes....bed....I had a few hours of sleep while our hero was in the hospital being tested for....Myasthenia Gravis......That's right...a chronic neuromuscular disorder, which can be debilitating if not cared for properly.<br />
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Lots of crazy thoughts were going through my head....like...why? Why this guy? Hasn't he suffered enough?<br />
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No? OK.....<br />
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Can't he ever have a break?<img alt="Image result for i need a break gif" class="irc_mi" height="191" src="https://media.tenor.co/images/472d4abc42732d50638c4829b50d4cd5/tenor.gif" style="margin-top: 163px;" width="320" /><br />
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No? OK....<br />
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When can he live a normal life?<br />
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Never? OK.....<br />
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Back to the city but first, I had to do my BP mom stuff.....like....buy everything that he liked to eat...grab socks, robe, pajama pants.....big chocolate Easter bunny.....reeses peanut butter eggs....My car was full and I wondered how I was going to get everything into his room since I had to park far away and pay $$$$ for a holiday parking space....<img alt="Image result for carrying too many things gif" class="irc_mi" height="180" src="https://az616578.vo.msecnd.net/files/2015/08/31/635765815177614440433152030_carrying%20stuff.gif" style="margin-top: 222px;" width="320" /><br />
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Somehow I managed to get everything in as I carried it like I was a mule...on the sides...back....in my pockets....then I get a text...<br />
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Can you bring me a hot chocolate?<br />
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Sure, let me drop my cargo off first.....<img alt="Image result for carrying too many things gif" class="irc_mi" height="221" src="https://31.media.tumblr.com/e3a79869d25145d12461f2d457afee43/tumblr_mie009Zuc91qev7jqo2_500.gif" style="margin-top: 139px;" width="320" /><br />
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Finally, I got to the room and unloaded the goods. He was sitting in the chair looking pretty sick. I had the chance to meet his excellent nurse and we chatted. Exhausted, I put him back to bed and got caught up on his progress. He had a CAT scan and MRI and blood work. The results are conclusive....it's not a virus.....not ALS, not MS, not MD....or a flu...he has myasthenia gravis.<img alt="Image result for easter celebration with family gif google images" class="mainImage accessible nofocus" data-bm="13" src="http://pedestriantv-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/article/2013/03/20/batmanthatsright1.gif" height="154" tabindex="0" title="View source image" width="200" /><br />
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More later<br />
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Peace!Bullpen Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05845344616229893970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679966365064395229.post-52672517662234979642017-04-16T16:17:00.000-07:002017-10-08T07:43:00.934-07:00Movin on.....a nerve wracking EasterHello and Happy Easter! And yes...it is a happy Easter...<br />
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Where have I been for the past week? You may or not care to ask....However, it has been a doozy......<br />
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Fade to black......<br />
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AS you know, the big leftie has been sick for 9 or so months. It has been bad....really bad.....Bad like....I am scared bad.....<br />
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Anyway, we thought we figured it out with the allergies and asthma. Yet, his voice continued to be be garbled and he had laryngitis. It was weird.<br />
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After seeing countless specialists, the ENT finally noticed that his vocal cords were paralyzed.<br />
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Yes, the word is paralyzed.<img alt="Image result for sick gif" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/nGdzd0KM8Syha/giphy.gif" /><br />
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Then he noticed that his upper body was weak as well as his facial muscles....<img alt="Image result for sick gif" src="https://media.tenor.co/images/c119da6682763733cc06f2af0ea637c7/tenor.gif" /><br />
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Are you thinking what I am thinking? If so, do you think that I had a major nuclear meltdown?<br />
Well, I did.....but not too much since I had to spring into action.<br />
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The ENT wanted him to have a MRI of the brain and see a neurologist.....Feeling my angst yet? Oh, I had it.<br />
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Deep breathing....yoga....mediation......<br />
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We had to wait over a week for the neurologist's appointment but had the MRI on the Monday before Easter. Did I drive him to the appointment? Uh, is the Pope Catholic?<br />
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Of course, I drove him to his MRI and sat in the waiting room doing laps around my rosary. I was in full blown BP Mom mode. Nothing was stopping this person from storming heaven with prayers and getting my kid the best care...I do mean the best....<img alt="Image result for weird doctor gif" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/wvMdls4OBEvUA/giphy.gif" /><br />
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So, we waited for the neurologist appointment on Good Friday...and waited...and waited....I started to receive questions like this:<br />
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"Do I have ALS?"<br />
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BPM: Of course not!<br />
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"DO I have MS?"<img alt="Image result for scared gif" src="http://www.reactiongifs.com/r/rms.gif" /><br />
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BPM: Seriously? Stop googling this!<br />
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"Do I have MD?"<br />
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Thinking about this one, I was really happy that I use to support the Jerry Lewis Labor Day MD telethon.<img alt="Image result for scared gif" src="http://gifimage.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Scared-GIF-Image-for-Whatsapp-and-Facebook-16.gif" height="102" width="200" /><br />
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NO! You probably have a virus that attacked your nerves and they will regenerate. Stop looking things up on the internet.<br />
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Yet, I did not take my own advice. Yes, as a health care professional, I know that he could be suffering from any of these afflictions. But for the sake of my sanity, I chose the road of denial. Yep, nothing is wrong...nothing is wrong...nothing is wrong.....<br />
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Dr. G was able to get a copy of the brain MRI which was normal....whew! I gave heaven a shout out on that one.<br />
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Next, Friday came....it was Good Friday. But was it going to be a good Friday?<br />
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The appointment was moved from 4:30 to 3 pm and we entered s real snazzy office....it was new construction and new chairs and paint that was not chipped. Very nice....<br />
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We waited over an hour. Before the MD walked in, I said to the big kid, "he better apologize for keeping us waiting for over an hour." That would tell me what kind of man he was.<br />
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Then he entered...a little guy, balding....no eye contact...no apology....I started an immediate dislike simmer in my belly....<img alt="Image result for doctors gif" src="http://images.ame4u.com/Animated_Clipart/Animated-medical/doctor_thoughtful_hg_clr.gif" /><br />
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He went behind his fancy computer and never looked up. He asked questions and looked for lab reports. After a long period of questions and answers, he listened to the kid's lungs. I was not feeling the love at this point.<br />
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Then he began to speak and repeated himself six times.....you have a bulbous voice, garbled speech, weakness in your upper extremities. You need to be admitted to the hospital now. Not the local hospital five minutes from your house but the big teaching inner city hospital that can perform tests that we cannot on the weekend. You need to go downtown NOW!<img alt="Image result for scared gif" src="http://img2.gifmagazine.net/gifmagazine/images/967512/original.gif" height="108" width="200" /><br />
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OK, let's take a step back. In the four minutes that you have seen my son, you are going to admit him to an inner city hospital. Are you going to be his MD?<br />
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"NO, they have specialists for him downtown."<img alt="Image result for doctors gif" height="320" src="https://img.clipartfest.com/bba9e2c42ba26f02856bc6fe75c6f187_doctorsgif-doctors-clip-art_321-588.gif" width="174" /><br />
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Crud...double crud...triple crud.....<br />
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In a way, I was glad that someone finally pulled the trigger to find out what is wrong, yet I could not help but think that this guy had a barbecue scheduled for the shore this weekend and did not want a 6'4" distraction.<img alt="Image result for old man party on the beach gif" src="https://media3.giphy.com/media/aabB05cd48fVm/200_s.gif" /><br />
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Uh, so what do we do?<br />
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"I called downtown. They know that you are coming. You will be admitted through the ER."<img alt="Image result for ER waiting room gif" src="https://media0.giphy.com/media/SD4PiJdtkB2Eg/200_s.gif" /><br />
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Crud...double crud....triple crud....This means trouble. You know what ERs are like, especially on holiday weekends....and the inner city ERs act as primary health care for the people who do not have insurance, which is sad, because they wait longer than we did for this neurologist to see us. In other words, I predicted a long waiting period for us as we twiddle our thumbs and think the worse case scenarios. <img alt="Image result for ER waiting room gif" src="https://media0.giphy.com/media/4d4BX6RHyanks/200_s.gif" /><br />
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After having a quick dinner, we headed into the city. Yes, I was distracted and got lost going to the university hospital where I had completed my graduate work. Who cares? Saw an accident in front of me and I drove around it with ease. Nothing was going to stop me from getting to our destination.....<br />
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Then we got there.....If we were at the DMV, our number would have been 740 and they were only taking care of 164. Yep, crowded....dirty.....broken chairs.....crying children.....sad and sick people and us.....We found a spot and waited.<br />
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After an hour, we were taken to an ER room and left there.....all night...that's right...all night. The RNs and MDs were terrific, but we waited all night for a bed. During this time, I made multiple laps around my rosary which kept me focused on what had to be done. Before we left for the city, I stopped for gas. The kid went into the store and grabbed his TastyKakes, hot chocolate and Snickers bar. He gave me the Snickers bar which I vowed not to eat....until 1 am then I ate half...then at 2:30, I polished it off. Yes, chocolate and sugar works wonders to keep a momma awake. I kept telling him to sleep and I would keep a watch out for the staff.<img alt="Image result for scared gif" height="112" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/3o7abkIGBGvlE8cS1a/giphy.gif" width="200" /><br />
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Around 5 am, the big kid was finally taken to his room on the 9th floor. I met his nurse and knew I had to leave for some sleep or fall asleep in my car. I had a choice. She seemed great and I vowed to be back before noon. <img alt="Image result for ER waiting room gif" height="147" src="https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2015-07/24/14/enhanced/webdr13/anigif_original-22729-1437762465-4.gif?downsize=715:*&output-format=auto&output-quality=auto" width="200" /><br />
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He was settled, so I left....drove home and landed up in bed at 6 am. <img alt="Image result for scared gif" src="http://img.allw.mn/content/wj/v2/g34nbzdb577cd3efb493e929388432.gif" height="122" width="320" /><br />
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More tomorrow.....<br />
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Peace!<br />
<br />Bullpen Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05845344616229893970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679966365064395229.post-84758967855025184342017-04-06T11:44:00.001-07:002017-04-06T11:44:05.303-07:00Movin on....jumping and leapingGood rainy afternoon....yep, rain again....why? I don't know but it fits my mood perfectly.<img alt="Image result for gloomy weather gif" src="http://www.animatedimages.org/data/media/148/animated-weather-image-0084.gif" /><br />
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Why down in the dumps, BPM?<br />
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Fade to black......<br />
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As you know the big leftie has been sick for a number of months. He has seen everyone except a Shaman. Nothing...can't figure it out. As great niece Cupcake would say "what's the deal?" Actually she says "It's not my deal." Nice.<br />
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And so, we look for answers....<br />
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ON another note, godson is tearing up the track with his relay sprints. Pretty cool. Hopefully Saturday will be a nice day because I am heading to the games. His brother L Boy runs the hurdles. Actually, so does Lil A.<br />
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What is my take on this as a non runner?<img alt="Image result for tripping on the hurdles gif" src="http://33.media.tumblr.com/814f6170663f2c88038e3c41a1b8ed30/tumblr_nqrkedLVRf1tpri36o1_400.gif" /><br />
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Well......I think.....<br />
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They are crazy!<br />
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yep, that's what I think. Consider this....you are running down a track at record breaking speed, then you have to jump over an obstacle and not kill yourself. Then somehow make it to the finish line erect.<img alt="Image result for tripping on the hurdles gif" height="240" src="https://theinfiniteabysses.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/hurdle.gif" width="320" /><br />
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As a non runner, I believe that a sadistic person developed this race so that they could sit on the sidelines and watch idiots like me run and jump at the same time. It must give them a chuckle or ten.<br />
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I admire anyone who does this and once again, feel oh so....how do I say it? Inferior...that's the word.<br />
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Am I inferior or just a smart cookie who knows her limitations and understands that running and leaping are not in the code of conduct for one BPM?<img alt="Image result for gloomy weather gif" height="240" src="https://otterlover58.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/rain_gif.gif" width="320" /><br />
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OK, I have to work on a final exam.<br />
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Peace!Bullpen Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05845344616229893970noreply@blogger.com0