Mood:  vegas lucky

If anyone is to embrace change. It's ME.

Constant change? Well, that can honestly get to be a bit old, but one still has to learn to take the good with the bad. Accept change and even sometimes. Embrace it!

A little not-at-fault accident last week ended up with me driving a really nice new car. I highly suggest that when seeking cancer treatments. Always take someone to drive you, because you never know how you might feel afterwards. One oncology appointment turned into a little not-at-fault accident in the parking lot. It also turned into me now driving a new 2017 Ford SUV. A little silver lining from an unforeseen inconvenience and our insurance company making sure we are well taken care of and so is our car. As far as the other vehicle, passing out behind the wheel after an oncology treatment that left them physically incapable of driving? Thankfully, they are also OK, but an unfortunate lesson for them to learn. Don't drive yourself to and from any type of cancer treatment. Especially, if you are not able to exit the parking lot in a safe manner. No worries though... It's just a car and in time, it will be back in our hands again. Repaired. In the meantime...

I LOVE THIS NEW SUV!

Super comfy, super sleek, lots of room and heated seats! BONUS! My silver lining~

We are looking forward to getting our car back from the body shop sometime next week. Or... Are we?.. Heeheeheehee!

A no-nausea and no-tremors kind of day, means it's time to embrace this evenings change with the super fabulous and talented, Michelle. NO hair? DON'T care. A really super sporty, cute cut with lots of FIERCENESS kind of change! Time to rid the rest of the nasty chemicals from a years worth of various oncology treatments from my hair. A positive change! Healthy hair=Happy hair!

I was born to ROCK short HAIR! LOVE IT!!

No photo updates. Not just yet, but don't be surprised to find me sporting all sorts of various lengths and styles of hair. I have a closet full of secret hair magic and I'm not afraid to use it either! Heeheeheehee! When it comes to going back to a super dark hair color? Well... You can forget that ever happening again. I must admit...

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EST

Updated: March 4, 2017 5:52 AM EST

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Mood:  celebratory

It's been almost 3 weeks, but we are now officially back up and running! Full CYBER SPEED ahead!

What a mess, but as with lessons in life, one only grows stronger. A lot smarter too! If you have never owned a website nor designed every aspect of your website. When all hell hits... Expect it to take the power of many to help resolve very serious domain issues. Also... Legal issues.

A tremendous round of applause for everyone involved in helping to not only get this blog back up and running, but as of this morning... All four domains connected to this blog and the Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign website are now officially back up and running.

YAYYYYYY!!

You can't keep a good gal down nor a good thing, as the Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign is soon to hit a record 11,000,000 server requests. Talking about a huge success raising Gastroparesis Awareness one person, one city, one state and one country at a time!

Thank you for being patient with us, but most importantly... Thank YOU for being YOU~

www.gastroparesisawareness.com

www.gastroparesisawareness.net

www.gastroparesisawareness.org

www.gpawarenessfund.com

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EST

Updated: March 4, 2017 5:46 AM EST

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Mood:  d'oh

I have personally, never experienced a flash flood. I have never experienced what it is like to also be stuck in a tornado. I really would like to not experience either. Not in this lifetime, but of course, if there is something still left to experience in my lifetime. Clearly, it will find me.

The calm before the storm...

Thankfully, my oncologist gave me a medication to help me to sleep last night. The tremors and shakes from the allergy shots are horrible. They not only make me cranky, but they drive me nuts! It's no wonder that I do not drink caffeinated sodas or regular coffee. No caffeine, only decaf for this gal! I don't know how folks drink all of the various energy drinks out on the market? How do they sleep? At least I can say that I finally got some really good, quality sleep last night. As far as this evening? Forget it!

I was able to tag along with Eric, Snoreo and Littleblue this evening for a nice, relaxing walk along the river trails. The calm before the storm. The super scary, high winds, frightening hail, tornado watch, flash flood warning type of storms. A new experience to go through in life, kind of storms. EEEEE~YIKES!! Once we got home and began our normal daily household chores. The dark scary clouds started rolling into our little, lazy, river town. Generally, storms don't really bother me. That was of course, before moving into our not-so-stable home with a scary foundation. Located on the side of a wooded hill, among other houses on our street in the direct path of a very strong storm system that instantly turned me a firm believer... We need to GET THE HELL OUTTA THIS HOUSE! That kind of firm believer.

Today was one of Eric's rotating off days from work, but we already had decided for him to go ahead on doing some overtime. We have more oncology and medical bills to pay, than I would like to say. Overtime is important when it comes to never-ending medical bills. The nasty storms were already beginning to slam us on top of the hill, before Eric even had a chance to head out the door for work. I anticipated for us to eventually lose electric, but that wasn't going to happen. Not until after Eric left for work, in between the many tornado watches and flash flood warnings in our area. Talking about beginning to feel a bit nervous, as Eric was already running late leaving for work due to dodging the hail. It wasn't even, but a few hours after Eric left for work. Then all HELL hit!

I never really understood, flash floods. I assume maybe because I have never personally experienced a flash flood. Not in my lifetime. Maybe I should had said... SO FAR, not in my lifetime. That however, was about to quickly change as I got three warnings, back-to-back on my cell phone.

"FLASH FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT."

I had yet to ever receive a weather warning on my phone. I only thought you received those if you have some sort of weather app downloaded on your phone. Talking about naive! Talking about getting to experience, first hand, what happens during a flash flood! A mere 3-minute warning before the water sounded like a bathtub quickly draining outside the living room windows. Not only did I begin to hear a very strange running water sound, but at the same time back-to-back, BANG! BANG! BANG! As the house started to once again, make very disturbing noises deep below the foundation. The hail was so loud, that I thought the windows were going to blow. The gusts of wind sounded more like a train coming through the wooded hillside. I can't remember ever being so panicked and scared in a storm. Not in this lifetime, but then again, I have yet to live in such a scary, unsafe home with a shifting and sinking foundation. We thought that the foundation game had finally stopped, but BOY we were wrong! VERY WRONG.

Forget worrying about the house at this very moment, when I firmly believed that either it was a tornado rolling through or something else. I didn't worry about myself. I was more worried about our fur children. As my fight-or-flight mode began kicking into gear! I quickly scrambled placing everyone in either cat carries, guinea pig travel boxes and even leashes on Littleblue and Snoreo. I can't believe in a mere few minutes. I was able to safely get our fur children into the basement. Although, what part of this scary house is really safe in the first place?!? There were so many loud noises around us, that I sent one text message to Eric and then the lights went out. A loud roar shook the entire house and then I could hear another loud sound as if someone let the bath water out of the tub. Right outside of the basement windows. We are lucky that our side of the street is not connected to two separate transformers that instantly blew and sounded like a bomb going off! That also shook the house as I prayed for safety and if I was granted such a wish. I would then sure the hell start looking once again, to get out of this scary, unsafe, unsettling home. AMEN!

Once the lights began to flicker. The electric on our side of the street turned back on, but the other side wasn't so lucky. As I quickly began taking everyone back upstairs. I took one look outside to see complete darkness. Only the homes on our side of the street now had electric. It was a good thing that I quickly brought our fur children back upstairs. The flash flood was not only going on outside of our home, but our basement flooded within only a mere 5 minutes after everyone was back upstairs to safety. A loud rattling sound of the basement door had me quickly grabbing a flashlight and then slowly walking down the basement steps. I wasn't very sure of what I would see next, but then again, this was another first for me. A first as well for Eric, once he got home from work and spent hours doing his best to free up the flash flood waters.

 This evening? It was enough for me. Far enough for us!

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EST

Updated: March 3, 2017 8:35 AM EST

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Mood:  chillin'

It's already the last day of February?!? Where does the time go? I have a hunch that this year is going to continue flying on by...

I used to get some really good sleep. Before this next great treatment adventure began, anyways. Lately, getting any type of decent sleep has been virtually impossible and that makes for one very cranky gal! Some days... I can't even handle myself. HA! Another early morning RISE N' SHINE! Time for the second round of outpatient Immunotherapy treatment and allergy shots to help some-what counteract the side effects. Back to the second round of post-allergy jitters and shakes. GRRRRR!

In less than a week. It's time for my next rescan and labs. The tumors never left, but only continue to annoy me and my entire team of amazing specialists. I have yet to avoid the consistent round-upon-round, upon round of antibiotics. My doctors do not anticipate for me to ever have much, if any type of break from needing to constantly be on antibiotics. It is such a slow, steady pace with not knowing if Immunotherapy drugs will help rebuild some type of immune system for my body. I have depleted what little immune system I had left before oncology treatments began last year. My body temperature is still up and down like a yo-yo. Myself and Eric were told to expect the constant changes since my body has really no sense of temperature due to what is going on with everything, internally. It's been one hell of a challenge with constant changes, but if anyone is to handle such twists, turns, ups and downs. It's this gal... Me, myself and I.

I just past my 2 year prognosis since the great tumor mystery was finally solved. February 8th was my two year mark. Let's face it. I have SO MUCH to still be thankful for in this crazy place we call, "Life." Ovarian cancer is a very tricky monster. Much like any type of cancers. The earliest it can be discovered. The better the odds of a possible cure. My ovarian issues had far too much time to brew up and then begin raising the ole red flags. We know that the largest tumor never was zapped, fried, starved or whatever you would like to call experimental oncology treatments. To make it to the 2 year mark. Is one hell of an accomplishment! Not only are my specialists still in complete awe and amazement. Every time this gal walks through their office doors. With each educational office visit, test, rescan or anything else connected to my journey. Only allows me to be that much more educated and in the know of what I am battling.

Isn't 'knowing' half of the battle anyways? As far as for myself. It sure is! Knowledge is power.

FIGHTING POWER!

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EST

Updated: March 3, 2017 6:55 AM EST

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Mood:  hug me

Once in a lifetime.

I am a firm believer. That God places those in the toughest situations in life for good reason. God's reason.

It was a tough night trying to get some decent sleep. I have been having one heck of a time, trying to get comfortable, in between having to constantly get up and down to take various treatment medication. Not only has my appetite vanished due to side effects from Immunotherapy, but slowly is my weight. They say it won't be easy, not for awhile anyways...

This weekend, I remained determined as ever to once again, brave the trails that run along the river. I refuse to be stuck at home. Eric has been going solo, other times I can only watch from a mere front car window, but today? Today would be different. What I didn't realize. Is just how different today would end up becoming. A permanent place, forever sketched into my heart.

They say, that everything happens for a reason. People are placed in circumstances for a reason. God chooses the right people to help in time of need. Today, God chose me.

I was successful in getting up, getting dressed and heading out to walk the river trails with Eric, Snoreo and Littleblue. It was a much later, than usual walk, but I was determined as ever to not sit at home or in the front seat of the car. We found a off road parking area along the river trails last week. This allows us to enjoy a more peaceful walk, solo, without worrying if someone else is walking their pet, without a leash. For some reason, this evening we decided to park at the reserved river trail parking area. The area where also children enjoy playing on the new swings and other outdoor play sets.

We always begin our walk with Eric holding onto Snoreo and Littleblue's leash. Overwhelming excitement of taking a walk on the trails makes handling two energetic fur kids a challenge in the beginning. Half way through the walk, I take over Littleblue's leash, but today was different. As we completed our walk to the half way point. I noticed an orange cat make it's way down from the house on the hill, across the street from the trails, towards the busy road. Surely, the cars coming down the road were going to notice the cat?. Especially since they were not yet near where the cat was going to cross.

A once in a lifetime. That I never anticipated to happen in my lifetime. Happened.

The sound still runs through my brain today, as it did the exact day and hour that it happened. As the beautiful, orange colored, fluffy hair elderly cat crossed the road and no one stopped. The sound was so loud, that all I could do was stand frozen. In mere disbelief in what was happening. Not only did one car. Not stop. Neither did the second car as it senselessly hit the cat and then paused, but as well, took off down the road.

God places those in the saddest of situations in life for a reason. God has a plan and sometimes... You are God's plan.

This blog has been backtracked due to the website and domains being down for over a week. Since the blog has been back up and running. It has taken me awhile to post this entry, due to not wanting to relive the moment, but also due to overwhelming sadness of how cruel and heartless we have all become in today's society. Not only was the sound of the cat being hit and bones shattered to pieces disturbing, but so was watching this all unfold and it's lifeless body being thrown in the air from tires lifting him off the ground. In my book. ONCE was quite ENOUGH. I looked over at Eric and without asking for his blessing. I told him to take Snoreo and Littleblue back to the car. I only asked that he keep walking, get into the car and grab the sheet and blanket that we keep over the back seat. I don't remember anything after that point, nor what Eric was saying. I had a job to do and rescuing that poor, lifeless cat laying on the road was my #1 goal.

I absolutely, REFUSED, to allow any other car to literally keep running over it's body. If that meant me running onto a very busy road, in order to remove the cat to safer ground. Then so be it. It will be done.

Eric told me later in the evening. That he did a mad dash with both leashes in hand back to the car. Fearful that I would get hit. As I looked at cars coming down both sides of the busy road. I made my determined way to the cat that laid lifeless. My heart... Sank. I even stopped cars on one side of the road, because they were not even going to stop for me. Clearly, we have a problem with ourselves. If you can't stop for an animal. Then I surely don't expect for you to stop for me, but I won't go down with just a few hits. OH NO! It's going to take a hell of a lot more for me! I not only counted the one, initial car that I had to flag down in order to prevent them from hitting me. Clearly, they saw the cat and they saw me, but they didn't stop. Not only did they not stop, but I counted 10 other cars behind them that didn't stop. Not only single car stopped to ask if I needed help. Not one. That, within itself, was a true lesson of life. This life, in this day and age. Our society. A new, very real, narcissistic, inhumane way in how we not only treat animals, but how we now treat one another. "Who cares," seems to be today's norm.

Where is your heart?

As I stood there in the middle of the road, daring the next person to hit me. Eric pulled on the other side of the road as I quickly made my way to the car in order to grab the sheet and blanket. Eric didn't need to say a thing, because he knew that my heart was in a good place. I was determined. If I was ever to die in any type of way. Saving an animal, for me, would not shock one single soul. If you know me. Really... Know me. You would already know, as you continue reading this blog, smiling. As I took the sheet and blanket out of Eric's hands. I told him to take the dogs home and come back. Eric of course, got a bit nervous as he attempted to plea with me in fear I would get hit, but I wasn't going to leave the cat out in the middle of the road. Not after what I had witnessed. Something that I pray to God. I never have to witness, ever again in my lifetime.

Once again, I looked up into the sky, said a prayer that God would allow clearance for me to pick the cats lifeless body out of the road and onto the hillside. I believe that we are put in situations within life by God's will. Not only did I look both ways to see, not one single car in sight, on a very busy two lane country road that ran along the river. I was able to kneel down on the ground and slowly place the sheet and winter green blanket, a Christmas gift, around it's lifeless body. As I looked down at the beautiful orange colored, fluffy cat. I said a prayer to God, asking that the cat need not suffer any pain. A mere moment seemed frozen in time, as I closed my eyes and saw this same beautiful orange cat that now goes by the name, Chester Orangie Angel, look up at me smiling. Letting me know that he safe and now in God's hands. In Heaven.

This isn't the first to experience such a blessing, in which I have come to realize over the course of my lifetime. I have a gift that most do not have. I consider my gift, special. A gift from God. After I opened my eyes, I began picking up his body with the sheet and blanket as I safely made my way to the other side of the road. I placed Chester Orangie Angel on the hillside and called Eric to let him know my location. As soon as I hung up the phone. Another first began to quickly unravel as up on top of the hillside, sat a house with a porch light that clicked on and what appeared to be an elderly woman's voice, "Chester. Come here Chester. Mommy has your treats for you. Chester. Chester where are you?" If your heart has dropped at this very second. Imagine my heart as I said out loud, "Oh my God. Is this really happening? Why God? Why me?" I knew at this point, deep in my heart. This beautiful, orange color, fluffy cat that now remained lifeless in my arms was her beloved Chester. At this point. I had no other choice, but to say a prayer as I some how scaled the hillside with Chester Orangie Angel wrapped in the sheet and green blanket. I knew better than to allow for anyone in the house to see what was in the blanket, until I knew for certain. This was their beloved pet.

Eric had still yet to call me back. In fact, it was my fault that it took him awhile to locate me since I had forgotten that I turned off my cell phone. I decided before going up to the front door, to place Chester Orangie Angel out of eyes view, back down towards the bottom of the hill. I only made that decision, in fear that it would only make the owners more upset. It was the best split second decision, I could had ever made. In a situation that was already not only very upsetting, sad and utmost disturbing. I once again proceeded back up the hill to hear the elderly woman open the door for a second time, "Chester! Chester! Where are you Chester?" I stood there in complete disbelief as I whispered the words, "Why me God? Why me?" One knock, then two knocks at the front door and an elderly gentleman standing proud with his highly decorated veteran military hat opened the door, smiled and once again. It was as if time stood still. Something was different, yet I couldn't pinpoint it, but later would find out a very touching, heartfelt story about the couple who live up on the hill. An elderly couple with hearts full of kindness, compassion and love for each other, stronger than the sea itself. The most lovely couple that myself and Eric have ever met in a very long time. A couple who dedicated their lives in helping to save animals. 

A couple living with Alzheimer's in a home that was taken care of, along with their beloved fur children, by one amazing daughter.

As the smiling gentleman stood at the door. I proceeded to ask him if they had any pets. Specifically, any cats. The gentleman didn't answer, only smiled as the daughter came to the door after overhearing me. I knew at that very moment, this was their beloved Chester. A 17 year old, elderly cat, their beloved fur child that filled their hearts with joy. An indoor cat that was only allowed for a brief breath of fresh air in the evenings outdoors, but always remained within sight of the owners and their daughter. Their beloved feline family member that began just a month ago, with his own early signs of dementia. As I began to ask the daughter, if they had any cats. The smiling gentleman's wife quickly came to the door and asked if I had seen her Chester? As I stood there, in utter disbelief, as my heart sank deeper. The daughter proceeded to ask her parents to stay indoors while we looked for their Chester. Tears began forming in the daughters eyes as she looked at me and said, "Something happened to Chester, didn't it." I could only nod my head as she began to cry and then proceeded to become frightened for her parents as her Mother opened the door and began looking for Chester. It took a bit, before she could safely get her Mother back into the house. She didn't want her Mom to see Chester this way as she began to explain to me that both of her parents are suffering from Alzheimer's. The daughter not only lived with her parents, but as well took care of her parents and their beloved cats. As she told me, "Chester is one of 3 cats. My parents other children."

As I began to slowly make my way back down the steep hill, towards Chester. Eric pulled up across the street and quickly got out of the car. We both assisted the daughter down the hill to make sure this was their beloved pet. It only took a mere second, after the evening street light kicked on and shined down upon Chester's long, orange, fluffy hair. We actually had to take a few photos of Chester's face, now known as Chester Orangie Angel, due to the daughter not wanting to see or remember the other part of their beloved 17 year old family members mangled, lifeless body. All she could do was cry and node her head, "yes," when we asked if this was possibly her parents beloved cat. Before her Mom opened the door and forced her way down the hill with Eric's assistance. The story of Chester and how much her parents loved this beautiful elderly cat came to life. Chester was not only loved more than we will ever know, but he was their everything. The daughter looked up at me, as all I could do was give her a hug in hopes of bringing some sort of comfort, as she said, "The cats are their kids. They don't go out much. They are all they know."

God has a purpose for both me and you. I know God had a purpose for me today. There is a reason for everything in life. Even when you hope that the time never comes. Watching someone's beloved pet get senselessly killed. Watching someone's heart break not just for their beloved pet, but for a beautiful couple, her parents that never deserved Alzheimer's. No one deserves Alzheimer's and no one deserves to have a pet that this couple so passionately loved, so senselessly killed by others. Animals not only become our beloved pets. They become part of our family. I watched 2 cars that did such a horrible, senseless act of killing, not only do such a thing, but as well... Both cars never stopped. 2 cars and 10 other cars that followed. Occupied vehicles by those whom have no heart. Amen.

I believe that God places people in various circumstances for good reason. It's God's will to have me placed in a very hard circumstance today, but I would not have it any other way. I would not change how I reacted in this situation, never, not ever. I also believe that God watches over us. Even those who senselessly did not stop for an elderly pet that died so senselessly by humans who had the chance to stop. They didn't. Lastly, I am a believer. A firm believer that God remembers those who have a heart when they are called back home to Heaven.

As promised to their daughter, who so compassionately stays with her parents at their home. Not a nursing home. Not any other home, but the home where the lived their entire lives. A place where they raised their daughter and a place where their daughter plans to care for them during a very sad shared Alzheimer's journey. The couple with a heart of gold. A heart that goes beyond most of us will ever know and the joy of taking care of and loving pets that need only one thing. LOVE. Today was the hardest lesson and the most heart shattering experience that I have ever had to endure so far in my lifetime. Even so... Yes, there is still a silver lining. A blessing from God as promised to the daughter and her parents. Chester Orangie Angel had a very proper burial and even got blessed with holy water. He was carefully brought to a very safe haven. A place where he can rest peacefully with a soft, warm blanket and two small cat toys cradled in his paw. A close place where the couple and their daughter can visit Chester Orangie Angel.

Our Home.

We all have a heart. I can only pray that by sharing my story. We can all learn to use our heart not only more willingly, but more compassionately.

LOVE conquers ALL~ 

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EST

Updated: February 28, 2017 5:12 AM EST

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Mood:  bright

May 2017

The third week of May will mark 1 year since starting my oncology treatments. 1 year since beginning radiation. A year since I had to start from scratch with my poor hair, among other things that have unfortunately suffered since beginning various oncology treatments.

Before, during and after treatments. I did my best to maintain a daily diet which mainly consisted of all liquids, but as well, high protein prescription meal supplemental shakes, various liquid vitamins and other quite unique concoctions. Everything helped to a certain extent, even with my hair that went from super long. To a very short shave. NO hair? Don't CARE.

It's been tough trying to get back to where I once used to be and not just internally, but externally. I have done all that one can, as well... As one has been asked, but my hair? It never truly bounced back to what it used to be, before oncology treatments. Now that I am on my second week of Immunotherapy. My body is once again showing signs of what is quickly to come, as far as treatment side effects. I was warned in advance, but much like radiation and other treatments. I have no choice in the matter. What is and what will be.

Since I have to remain as much out of the public as possible, during normal hours when society is existing, due to needing to protect a new immune system in progress. I made an appointment with Michelle this evening. Her last appointment of the day. This way I wouldn't have to subject myself to any potential germs from various winter viruses going around our little, lazy, river town.

I assume, that even I had a bit of high hopes when it came time to find out the real truth about my hair growth. I even let my hair go, with just mere at-home trims over the past year with the help of a dear friend back in Ohio, Annette. However, over the past few months I have noticed a huge change with my hair. What once was growing back, is no longer, as slowly chunks of hair have been falling victim to the shower drain. You know what comes next. Right?

R-i-g-h-t...

You can consume all the high protein, highly nutritional, prescription dietary drinks all day long, but that won't necessary make you healthy. You can also maintain a life long healthy lifestyle like Bob Harper, the beloved trainer from the hit television show, 'The Biggest Loser.' Living a super healthy lifestyle, with a spot-on weekly work out plan, but even that did not save him from a recent heart attack. Of all places, at the gym, while working out. No one and I mean, NO ONE. Not even, Bob Harper, the world renown trainer from the 'Biggest Loser,' is exempt from suffering a health catastrophe. No one is invincible. Even looking healthy, living healthy and being healthy doesn't necessarily mean, you are healthy.

Is anyone safe from a hidden internal war within? Even with the most advance medical technology in this day and age? No.

Sure, I miss having my super long and super healthy hair. Before getting really sick and I don't mean Gastroparesis. I mean before tumors, before treatments, before putting a brave face on while a serious battle began to change my life. It hasn't all been bad. Most of my journey has been a blessing in disguise. The best life lessons are learned out of suffering. Before treatments, I would had FLIPPED OUT on the idea of losing my hair! I am talking the first time. As of this evening, we have unfortunately come to terms with the reality of once again, losing my hair. A second time.

No hair? Don't care.

It isn't the end of the world. It's just the end of doing my absolute best at trying to regrow my hair. The nasty side effects of Immunotherapy drugs have once again caused hair that was growing back, to now once again, come out. My hair was beginning to actually look healthy and feel healthy. That was before realizing that even all the prescription dietary changes in the world, doesn't necessary guarantee you to instantly start to become healthy now or later. Not even the best doctors in the world can predict one internal factor from the next when it comes to the human body. Our health.

Could Bob Harper even had predicted a heart attack while doing the most healthiest thing of all? Working out? Even while trying to do your best to become healthy. Medical ailments, illness and even cancer does not discriminate.

Once again, I am going to put my fears aside. I am going to suck up my pride and yes, even my hair disappointments. The second time around. Come Wednesday, I will embrace another new change. It isn't the end of the world you see.

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EST

Updated: February 28, 2017 5:13 AM EST

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Mood:  lucky

1 Domain Back UP! 3 Domains... Still Down.

All the endless hours... when one has to once again, deal with issues regarding domains that literally went, POOF!

If you were the one, of many, permalink blog readers that noticed not only this blog, but also, the Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign website go... POOF! You are not alone. Actually, the connected Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign email accounts had to be placed on temporary vacation mode due to not being able to keep up with the, "WHAT THE *@#@! HAPPENED?! Various emails and concerned folks wondering *#@*?!?. One day we are UP and running. The next day? We are DOWN and in one hell of a mess!

Over a week later? Both blog and one domain connected to the Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign is now back up and running.

YAYYYY! Way, WAY too many parties involved in handling such a complete mess. I am sure, they are also now screaming... YAYYY!

As of today. We still have 3 domains connected to the Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign still somewhere out in cyberworld. POOF! They are still currently being found through various legal means. I am a million percent confident, that the other 3 connected domains will be back up and running soon!

Thank you everyone for being so patient. Much gratitude and deep appreciation to those who helped bring us back up ALIVE and KICKIN!

 CYBER~ALIVE

There might be a few issues that we anticipate to arise within the next few weeks, but hang in there with us! You can't keep a good thing down. Never!

This domain now currently back up, running and active for the Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign website:

www.gpawarenessfund.com

This blog link now currently back up, running and active:

http://www.gpawarenessfund.com/Kimberly/

*Remaining domains-website links will be updated once they become available

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EST

Updated: February 28, 2017 1:36 AM EST

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Mood:  surprised

One would ASSUME... A really bad word to use in most instances... That since their Grandmother's own Mother was Sioux Indian. Some where, within your own DNA would be at least a teeny, tiny, smidgen of as well... Sioux Indian.

Stegman is considered a German name. "Stegman, Family Crest & Coat of Arms. The roots of the distinguished German surname Stegman. The name is derived from the Old High German word, "steg." The problem is not with the name being German nor that the last name Irick does come from Ireland, but that I have zero, zilch, nada German or Irish in my DNA. As of today's results, after the lab taking almost 2 months. It has been 100% confirmed that I have zero, zilch, nada Irish or German in my DNA. Call me crazy, but the stories growing up of what I assumed as far as my heritage, just got thrown out the door.

HELLO... DNA ETHNICITY RESULTS!

Forget being labeled as the family, "Black Sheep." BAH! I think I was born as the Milk Man's secret British love child. Hahahahaha!

If that isn't crazy enough to make one really sit back, jaw hitting the floor as I was the first to read my DNA results. Imagine my surprise to read my actual and 100% 'accurate' DNA ancestry, ethnicity results that even to this very hour. Have myself, Eric and a few best friends even shaking their heads in utter shock and disbelief. I even contacted the customer service phone number for the lab in order to make sure that I was sent the right results. Hahahahaha!

You ready? Here is my official DNA ancestry, ethnicity results.

"DRUM ROLL`PLEASE!"

Ethnicity DNA for Kimberly

AMOUNT: American <1%

AMOUNT: Saudi Arabian 4%

AMOUNT: British 95%

Not only is this UNREAL, but as well they gave me the name of my first cousin whom shares my Grandparents. 99.9% DNA match. I actually was given the opportunity to send a private message in hopes of connecting to the new first cousin, in which, I found out lives in Wales. He also speaks, Welsh. It just can't get any crazier can it? OH YES, IT CAN! It most CERTAINLY CAN!

I also have a third and fourth cousin in which, I received an email from one of the fourth cousins late last night. 99.9% DNA match. Imagine myself and Eric's facial expressions of disbelief when we read that she lives in Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia. SAY... WHAT?!

Since I am now, DNA proven, NOT 100% American. Only a less than 1% mere American. I better watch my back before Donald Trump deports me back over to my native land.

WALES.

95% of my ancestry resides in Wales.

There is more to this crazy, speechless DNA ethnicity of mine. The so called, "Black Sheep" of the family that is actually a 95% British Gal and 4% Saudi Arabian, with less than 1% American. I'm not sure if I want to start learning how to make the popular dish in Wales, 'Cawl.' Or get my tent ready to head out in search of newly discovered wealth in the Abu Dhabi oil fields?.

It SURE IS!

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EST

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Mood:  happy

It's been a little over a week since Valentine's Day. I almost forgot what has been waiting for me to unwrap that is carefully tucked away in the kitchen cabinet...

CHOCOLATE! WOO~HOO!

Sure, not only is it perfectly fine to enjoy Valentine's Day candy a week later, but it's also perfectly 'A-OK' to post how happy you were that week to receive a red cellophane wrapped heart shaped box of candy. I may look like hell now, but I remain grateful to have the ability to clean up nicely... Later. HA! No silly, once again... It's not called being, narcissistic. It's called wanting to once again, look good externally when you may not be feeling your best, internally.

Since being pretty much stuck indoors, until my next appointment for a second round of office immunotherapy treatment. I have learned to find things indoors that make me happy. Most would think that it would be impossible to do such a thing. We are all so used to believing it takes going out on the weekends, in order for one to be happy. Finding happiness outside of your home.

Nonsense!

There are lots of things to find indoors that can also create happiness. I have found new happiness with even the smallest of things that most would never dream of making them happy.

Cleaning out the makeup and fingernail polish tote, only to find a few hidden polishes and new eyeliner that I received for Christmas~

Researching the most popular no-bake sugar cookie recipe online and for once, using the oven that came with our new home. Totally TRUE! HA!

Finding out just how much 9-month old baby Mittens kitty really likes being brushed, after realizing that the brush doesn't bite. Heeheeheeheehee...

Swifter feather dusters really do work great on furniture! I have now discovered an easy way to cut back on cleaning!

You really don't need Drano when dealing with a stubborn kitchen clog. A plunger works wonders for opening the drain. BAH`

Smiling when holding Beary kitty and looking out the living room window only to realize why the early morning chirping seems so close. Momma bird has a new nest! L-O-V-E

Cleaning out the coupon book and finding free product coupons that you were too busy to realize that you had in the first place. No expiration date=BONUS+

Our Music Choice channels on Comcast actually have some really good inspirational quotes!

Lastly... Because not only does Eric hear me at the other end of the house, but we found out from our new neighbor this afternoon. She can as well hear me when the back bedroom window is cracked open to air out the house...

I still can do my absolute BEST opera singing in soprano! Heeheeheeheehee!

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EST

Updated: February 26, 2017 4:30 AM EST

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Mood:  bright

So...

 We have spent a few months looking for a temporary rental home in hopes of vacating and moving forward with litigation. We have spent many hours, more than I could had ever imagined, in looking for a temporary rental home while our new home remains in litigation for up to possibly 2 years.

One would had thought finding a temporary rental home would be easy. Far easier than finding a home to purchase. Right? Wrong.

So many folks had told us at the beginning of our new home purchase, that banks have tightened mortgage qualifications. Sure, I believe that to be true, however, landing the loan with a very low interest rate using Eric's VA benefits was the easiest part of our mortgage loan. What we have found to be ten times more difficult than buying a home, is actually mere renting a home.

We didn't ask for the prior owners of our home to make up fictitious lies on the home disclosure. We also sure didn't expect to find folks in this day and age that will go above and beyond in hiding major property issues. Hiding a problematic home while handing it off to the next buyer. Even as far as absolutely crazy, far fetch ways in placing temporary band-aids through out the home. Instead of the sellers doing repairs the correct way. Professionally. We have so far spent more money than I would like to say in fixing the prior owners bad repair jobs or lack of... Major repairs. That includes a slow... A very S-L-O-W process of fixing major foundation issues. One of many fictitious, lack of disclosing on the property disclosure issues. I won't bore you in continuing to repeat what happened so far, since day 1, of stepping foot into our new home. What I will say, is that we have come to a decision, as of this evening, with regards to perusing a temporary rental home while our property sits in litigation.

One single phone call this afternoon, permanently changed our decision in continuing to look for a temporary rental home. One very informative phone call from a very... Not sure what to call the rental property owner? I don't believe there are any words to fit such a person as we spoke to on the phone today. After the phone call, which lasted for a little over an hour. A quite informative, one hour phone call, that forever changed the way in how we view those who own rental properties. We didn't ask for the FYI, but BOY was it a SHOCKER! We are most definitely glad to have someone mere blab the truth and nothing, but the truth. Also it was very refreshing to hear a property owner, an actually 24 rental property business owner, really share how invasive and discriminating one can be when one does not do well with money. When one thinks with their wallet, instead of their heart.

I would not share a very sad and quite disturbing conversation amongst ourselves and a property business owner. Unless of course, it needs to be shared as a lesson to be learned for anyone whom reads this blog. May what this individual had to say in reference of invasion of privacy and discrimination be a lesson for all to learn. Another lesson in life of what to strive not to be nor become.

We had a rental property to view the following day after receiving an email with the directions to get to the temporary rental home. The owner decided to call us a day in advance to make sure we were still planning on meeting at the property. We have never met this owner nor are we familiar with the area in which the rental home is located. Of course, I was the one to answer the call and Eric was the one to finish the call, due to myself refusing to continue listening to such horrible discrimination from the business owner on the other line. I assume that I could had just continued ignoring the business owner. The quite aggressively invasive and discriminating punches against other tenants who rent her properties. Sometimes, I have to wonder, what the heck happened to folks in this day and age? What happened to having compassion for others?

Private rental property owners and rental property businesses in this day and age now ask you to fill out an application which is actually a background check verification. Extensive tenant screening. Most potential renters have no idea what they are actually filling out due to private owners and some businesses not fully explaining the application. I did my homework after the first private rental owner giving us an application to take home and fill out in case we might change our mind on a temporary rental home that did not have a garage. Sure, we took the application as a means to not be rude, although having a garage was a must on our rental home list. After reviewing the application on our way back home from the property. I noticed a business name in small print at the top of the form. At first, myself and Eric thought the private rental home owner was pulling a fast one on us, since stating they only had one rental property, not an entire business of rental homes. They weren't lying, but after doing some online research. I quickly realized that a good majority of private rental home owners and rental property businesses now use a multitude of companies, at their discretion, to do extensive research on potential tenants of their properties.

No big deal? Right? We thought it wasn't a big deal nor request. That was until this afternoons phone call.

Call me, "Old-School, Old-Fashioned or living in a cave far too long," but what is going on with today's rental home properties? What is going on with paying anywhere between $25.00-$50.00 per applicant, per person that will be living in the temporary rental home, per application that is being sent to one of many private investigation property management, property owner, tenant screening companies? Maybe I have been away from the rental home business a bit too long, decades ago since signing my last contract for a rental property. In which, back then no one demanded for you to pay an additional amount, up front, per applicant, per person that will be living in the rental property so they can do a private investigation, background check on you. HUH?

Sure, employers do background checks all the time. I did my fair share for the company that I worked for over 15 years when hiring additional reps for my region. Even back then however, you were not allowed to invade an applicants privacy by sifting through hard core background checks that include medical, banking, credit and other very invasive information. I do believe in renting a home to someone you can trust in paying a lease on time, per month. What I don't believe in? Invading to the point of not only making a potential tenant pay extra money that is not necessary for a private property owner or business due to them already paying for a service fee upfront that does instant background checks per applicant, per application. I did my research on these so called, tenant-screening companies. Needless to say, there are quite a few of them! This is how it works...

A private owner or business becomes a member by submitting their information and then paying a upfront yearly fee that includes unlimited background checks and private information on a potential tenant. Per tenant screening company, there is a standard application that actually looks like a typical rental application. The problem is that most private owners do not disclose the real facts of what you are about to fill out and submit to someone that you not only do not know, but as well, you are allowing access into extremely confidential information about yourself. Private information. As we were told by a very chatty private rental business owner on the phone this afternoon. Far more private, personal information than most companies would do as far as a background check on a potential employee. Not only was the conversation shocking, but as well very disturbing.

Invasion of privacy meets discrimination.

Myself and Eric have come to realize just how absolutely disheartening it now is for a family to rent a home. There are a lot of families out there who are in dire need of a temporary rental home for various reasons. Renting a home, does not make anyone less of a human being. Renting a home, does not make a family any different than any other family. Renting a home should not be such a complex process. Renting a home should never cross boundaries of discrimination and invasion of privacy. Not now. Not ever. I will end this blog on what we were told by a private rental company business owner that clearly let money rule over not only common sense, but as well being a decent human being with a heart. If you are reading this blog and in the process of looking for a temporary rental home or know someone looking for a temporary rental home. Please make sure to do your home work first before filling out any application with private confidential information. Please do not give anyone additional money for a property you are not signed and agreed upon, until you sign the dotted line. Do your homework first, as well ask for the name, first and last of any private rental property owner or business.

"I have applications for you to fill out at all of my properties. I own over 24 properties. Everyone knows who I am in my town and I know everything about my tenants. Most have no idea that I know everything about them, which is what makes having a tenant screening company so great for rental property owners. I can find out within less than 5 minutes after you fill out the application everything about you, your credit report, past and present credit information, bank information, prior employer information, any prior rental history, names of prior neighbors and their contact information and even medical information."

"I usually know more about my tenants than they know about themselves!"

As the private rental property owner starts laughing on the other line. I did not reveal that I was on disability, but I did reveal Eric's job title in which, the private rental property owner got a bit too comfortable on the phone first with myself and then Eric.

"I had a guy who had an outstanding warrant that he didn't even know about and then I read about his divorce in Pennsylvania. He was a total loser! I was going to rent to this really nice young couple last week. I told my Mom and best friend about them after reading through their information I got from the screening company. Their little boy has Tourette's syndrome which is no big deal, until I read about his fits he has and being destructive. I then called a neighbor that they used to live next door to after getting that information from the screening company. I was told from the neighbor that their kid was destructive at the home they used to own and that is why the husband had to take on an extra job as a 911 dispatcher. It's actually the same county where your husband works. They were nice people, but I won't have their crazy kid having fits and destroying my property. So I lied and told them my property is now rented."

Mind you... Eric knows quite a few of those who work in communications for the county. The same 911 dispatch office where this young gentleman works.

"I could tell you so many stories on what you can find out about people with these screening companies. I pay each year for my membership and have unlimited access to background checks. I make everyone who walks into my rental properties fill out an application then either I can run the background screening right there as they walk through my property or I can run it after they leave. One lady said that no way she would fill out anything giving me the right to her personal information. I just laughed and told her that you don't have to fill it out, but you won't be renting any of my properties without it. I can even find out from your bank if you are good in writing checks. I have found so much about people that it's hilarious! This one guy was on disability and didn't bother to tell me. I ran his application and found out from the screening company that he hadn't worked for over 3 years. I thought to myself, what kind of loser would want someone like this renting their property? I want my money on time. If you can't work. That is your problem."

I could go on with a little over an hour, extremely informative, highly invasive and sadly... Unheard of blatant discrimination and disrespect of others privacy and personal information. For us. That was it. We are no longer looking for a rental property nor would we ever consider, EVER, going into a temporary rental home. I do not find invasion of privacy, extreme privacy, any reason for a mere temporary rental of any property. A temporary rental home for various reasons. Some for financial reasons. Some for personal reasons. Some for health reasons. Some even like ourselves, for current homeowners whom have safely issues with their homes. Some as well for various legal reasons. Celebrities even rent sometimes, for reasons of pure laziness.There are millions of people and families in the United States who rent temporary rental properties due to employment reasons such as a job transfer. There are others who seek rental homes for military reasons, housing allowance. As you see... Renting a property does not make you any less of a human being as someone who owns their home. Actually... No one really OWNS their home. You are actually renting from the bank, a mortgage rental, so-to-speak, until the loan is paid in full. Then you can say that you actually OWN your home. You get my point!

What a long and quite informative blog regarding rental properties. My intentions are good. Even if the rental property business owners intentions are not. If you can share the knowledge and spare someone else from being the shared story of invasive information being misused by someone else. Then this blog entry has served it's purpose. As far as the young couple. The couple with the son who has Tourette's syndrome. Let's just say that the county that Eric works for at the Sheriff's Department indeed... Tis a small world. If you plan to share private, confidential information about taking advantage of potential tenant applications with great discrimination and with the intent of invasion of privacy. Make sure you do so to the person in front of the mirror and not to someone whom you don't know on the phone. The person who is not OK with your intentions on the other line.

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EST

Updated: February 26, 2017 3:20 AM EST

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