Mood:  celebratory

Our life is about ready to take another turn~

YOLO is finally on her way to the new site... Our new home!

There is absolutely nothing wrong with living in the country. There is also absolutely nothing wrong with living deep in the country where LESS is truly MORE!

You know... By the looks of things... This gal could really get to liking this new way of life. Hmmmmm... The great outdoors with lots of wildlife, plenty of nature, open land, fresh air and well earned peace & quiet! This is only our third time to the site. Once we hit the open country road, it's also yawn time! Hahahahaha! There is just something about the country and living the country lifestyle that makes one feel about as relaxed and at peace as one can possible get! We thought our little, lazy, river town was peaceful. We thought we were living out in the country, but when you compare it to our new site where our new home will reside... THIS is COUNTRY! God's country!

LOVE~LOVE  L-O-V-E

We overheard one person at the local gas station make a comment about how living out here is like living in a ghost town. Well... You know... I like the idea of living in a ghost town! Where is my equipment? I might be needing it sooner than I had anticipated! Heeheeheehee! No worries, it was an out-of-towner complaining. That's what those who live out here in the country say about city folk. Shhhhh~ We won't tell them, not just yet, that we used to be city folk. Heeheeheeheehee!

It was exciting watching YOLO-You Only Live Once, being brought onto the new site. A brand new home and a far safer place, where at the end of next month we will officially be living and hopefully are able to rest our heads at night a LOT more COMFORTABLY! There won't be a mailbox, but instead, a P.O. box. Not only for privacy reasons, but because we have learned from past mistakes and that sometimes you need a bit of privacy in your life in order to maintain some peace. Today we were able to begin the set-up process with YOLO at our new site. Anyone who has ever owned an RV can appreciate the fact in which it does take a bit to get everything up and running. We plan on it being a learning process. Learning along the way as I am sure we will be making mistakes and quickly learning from them!

You have no idea how less of stress we already feel by walking into an actual brand new home, even if it's not a typical home, that isn't sinking, pulling, shifting and collapsing on us. Living out here in the country with all the peace and quiet, wildlife, open land and lots of fresh air is exactly what we needed!

A little bit of God's Country in a little bit of Country Heaven

WELCOME HOME YOLO!

"You Only Live Once"

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EDT

Updated: April 4, 2017 12:02 AM EDT

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Mood:  sharp

The last of YOLO'S prep work is being completed today in time for her to be moved to a new site. What we weren't expecting was an urgent call from the finance manager yesterday evening with regards to a very serious mix-up.

 Hmmmm?...

Not only did the voicemail sound concerning, but so was the fact that the finance manager was calling me at 8pm. After catching some serious zzzzz's... I woke up around 3am with a gut feeling to look at all of my paperwork for YOLO (you only live once-RV name). Eric mentioned a few times, during closing, that it didn't seem like they pulled the right RV. Even the numbers didn't seem the same as our original sales contract. Mind you, there was another very similar RV, same make and model, next to the one we picked out. Surely, they didn't sell us the wrong RV? Or... Did they?

It took hours to carefully read over the entire contract, insurance and bank documents with our new RV, YOLO. Not only did I noticed a few different VIN numbers, but after doing further research on the internet and their company website. I realized that we were sold the wrong RV. Eric might not had liked the original name, Big Bertha, that I picked out for our new temporary home, but it definitely now seems Big Bertha was the RV left at the lot. The RV dealership actually ended up selling us the other RV, which we named, YOLO. Talking about a huge mistake on their end! The dealership not only pulled the wrong RV, but had put down three different VIN numbers and incorrect serial numbers on the insurance forms, finance forms and our temporary tag.

Instead of calling the dealership this morning with sheer frustration and high emotions. I instead decided to get all my ducks in a row and handle the problem solely as a business transaction. Professionally. Not emotionally. If only I could say the same for the General Manager at the RV dealership who far from handled their entire huge mess professionally. I also had to put a quick stop to the unprofessional rudeness towards me on the phone. It wasn't my fault they sold me us the wrong RV, so clearly there is no need to get defensive when all he needed to do was own up to his mistake and resolve the problem. Not add to the problem. Our insurance company had to place our new RV policy on hold, the bank had to put everything on hold and the company who is scheduled to drive our new temporary home to the site this weekend was also placed on hold. All because the dealership sold us the wrong RV, possibly. Another scenario, I discovered, was learning that the RV we were suppose to be sold went under pending deal with another customer within the same hour. There were 2 of the same, very similar RVs on the lot that day during a huge blowout sale that the dealership was having over that particular weekend. We placed a hold on the RV and the dealership also placed the other party on hold for the exact same RV. Let's just say that their deal did not go through nor their financing as the original RV we placed on hold went back up under internet stock. Their dealership stock.

Anyone, in our situation, would had lost their marbles on the phone with the RV dealership, but what good would that had done me? Not one single thing. Neither would stressing out, far too long than I need to be stressed. It only took a mere hour, after contacting their corporate, corporate sales division, two other dealers and then calling the location where I purchased the RV. The general manager should had been the most understanding of their error, but instead it was the initial sales person who was actually apologetic. Let's be honest in saying, that both RV's were almost identical, but the one we accidentally were sold, YOLO, has a bit more residual value than the initial RV we placed on hold. After talking to our original sales person, I told him to give me 30 minutes to think things through on if I wanted to proceed ahead or walk away. Since they royally messed up and all the paperwork, even the bank and insurance paperwork didn't have matching serial or VIN numbers. The ball was in my court.

PLAY as YOU may!

If it wasn't for another visit from the engineer this morning and the chimney company handing us more bad news with our lemonade home. I would had probably walked, but we don't have that option right now. Not in this situation, where time is clearly of the essence in needing to quickly vacate before the house kills all of us. 30 minutes later... I called our very apologetic sales person and he quickly expedited things on their end at the dealership! I can't say the same for the General Manager who didn't even have a bit of common courtesy to apologize for such a huge mess on their end. Unprofessionalism and arrogance with regards to any business error will get you absolutely no where. As with any company, there is always room for success and there will always be room for growth. No one is perfect and same holds true for any type of business. Customer service is always #1 for any successful company. Clearly, customer service isn't for this General Manager, but thank goodness for his sales person. Needless to say, maybe the General Manager can learn a thing or two from his sales person. As for YOLO? We decided to keep her and all of her imperfection dealership mishaps and mix-ups. Our original RV choice, Big Bertha, will remain on the dealership lot.

Sometimes... Even with a serious RV mix-up. Things are just meant to be! Lesson learned... Always, ALWAYS make sure that the VIN numbers and serial numbers match! Make sure to also double check stock numbers!

For us? Lesson LEARNED!

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EDT

Updated: March 31, 2017 1:04 AM EDT

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Mood:  d'oh

I wish...I could say that the rest of our day was just as perfect, but instead, it was far from it. Another contractor visit meant another hidden lemon gem uncovered in our recent (5 months) purchased home. It's no wonder that the dining room is always super cold due to foundation blocks now literally falling out of place. In this house, the surprises truly never end. Not until we move the last of our belongings out of here and onto far safer ground. Another disappointment? You betcha! The surprises keep coming as well slowly keep getting uncovered... One hidden lemon gem at a time.

We are still scheduled to attend the Journey concert this coming weekend. I don't know how I am going to do it, but somehow I am going to give it my best try! This weeks treatment has been the toughest yet with trying to recover. All my body wants to do is sleep, sleep and more sleep. My sleep schedule is the worst yet, although Eric said that during my other treatments and radiation therapy my sleep was no better. What sleep schedule? Over the past few weeks I have been sleeping in 3-4 hour increments. I don't want to risk forming clots or any other complications due to not getting adequate blood flow, especially during treatment. I now consider daily household chores my form of exercise. We also need to keep Littleblue as active as possible, within reason, while she is fighting her own medical issues with mammary cancer. Our veterinarian did have to switch out her pain medication to another drug with less side effects. Tramadol is a good drug, but the neurological side effects were a bit too much for Littleblue. Our goal is to keep her as comfortable as possible with at-home care. We both have our good days and our bad days, but exercise is still very important!

"KEEP ON! KEEPING ON!"

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EDT

Updated: March 30, 2017 11:28 PM EDT

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Mood:  bright

Tis another day not feeling well after yesterday mornings treatment. Same as with oncology treatments, one never knows how the body will respond. Sometimes the response is good! Other times the response can be bad. I am 1,000,000%  proud of how unbelievably well my body has responded to so many rounds of experimental treatments over the past year in hopes of biding myself more time to enjoy life.

Today wasn't a good day, but there is always tomorrow!

Since my body is still in dire need of rest. I had to once again, reschedule my appointment with my dental team. I was honestly going to push myself into going this evening, but my fatigued body said... "No way." Looks like we will be trying this again, come early next week. Take 3...

After making a pretty easy decision with regards to cutting my hair and going super short. This product is the only styling product that will now and forever touch my hair. Talking about easy to use, doesn't damage your hair and just a mere hands-under-the-faucet... POOF! No next day bed-head! The price is beyond reasonable and can be used on long, medium and short hair. In my opinion. Spiker Water-Resistant Styling Glue is the best hair product out there on the market! BLOGTASTIC!

I don't know about other GP'ers, but the original Carnation Instant Breakfast turned my stomach upside-down. I personally never did well with the original Carnation Instant Breakfast powder, but that was until new Carnation Breakfast Essentials-Light Start hit the market! Don't mind the fact of it now being sugar-free, because that was definitely not my swaying factor for giving the new Carnation product a try. Although it's a bit pricey, depending on the retailer. This new Carnation Breakfast Essentials-Light Start powder has more vitamins, minerals and now completely dissolves (no clumps) in hot or cold beverages. The new Carnation Breakfast Essentials-Light Start is a no-brainer! BLOGTASTIC!

While you have your hot or cold beverage ready in hand. Why not add another very important, tiny dash of pure glutamine to your daily diet? Body Fortress 100% Pure Glutamine Powder. I have been using this product for a few years now. I can't say enough positive things about the effects of taking glutamine on the human body. It not only helps the bodies natural healing process and minimizes body aches and pains, but it also provides natural energy and endurance. The powder is tasteless and you only need a very small tablespoon to add to any beverage. Super healthy and the price just can't be beat! This 10.6oz canister of Body Fortress 100% Pure Glutamine Powder lasts me 3-4 months.

And... Finally...

This is a product that I have been using to help provide additional daily nutrients to my GP diet for over 12 years. Call me a bit GI picky or more like... super sensitive, but this new SlimFast High Protein line of products literally destroys my stomach and makes me a bit nauseous. Sorry to the makers of SlimFast, but just giving my honest product opinion per my own personal experience. For those who told me for many years that SlimFast will destroy your kidneys. Hahahaha! No... Radiation destroys your kidneys, not SlimFast. PFFFF...on silly, mythological, inaccurate information. I love and miss the old-school SlimFast! Remember when SlimFast came in cans? Not only did the product stay fresher longer and the flavors actually tasted spot-on, but I thought the cans were easier to handle than the new plastic bottles. Call it means of helping to save the planet and this gal is ALL about SAVING the PLANET, but can we possibly get the can version back out on the market? New environmental friendly cans? I am not quite sure why SlimFast can not expand their flavors, beyond the mere-too-few shake flavor options. I gave their newest SlimFast High Protein shake my best Girl Scout try and although the Creamy Chocolate now tastes a bit more like chocolate. It still does not fair very well with me. The new SlimFast High Protein line is gluten-free, lactose-free and has only 1 gram of sugar per serving. A great new product to try for those suffering from diabetes. If you are looking for an easy go-to daily protein boost? One single serving shake has a whopping 20 grams of protein! Certainly a new SlimFast worth giving a try! I mix my SlimFast with other supplemental powders and dietary prescription beverages. For me, it's always been a GP-SlimFast way of life!

~BLOGTASTIC  PRODUCTS~ 

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EDT

Updated: March 29, 2017 8:07 AM EDT

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Mood:  chillin'

RISE N' SHINE!

Time for this weeks early morning treatment. Time sure does fly by, especially so far this new year, 2017. Today marks week 3 with new immunotherapy treatments. I am finishing up my latest round of antibiotics due to a bad reaction to my dental prosthesis. Infection caught early on. I was 'scheduled' to see my dental team this evening.

'Scheduled' doesn't necessarily mean that the appointment will stick. Life has a crazy way of throwing a major wrench in even the most carefully planned schedule.

Dental appointment.  Take 2..

I tend to do fairly well with my outpatient treatments and even more so with the various medications that I must take at home. What has been a new symptom for me, body temperature quickly tumbling out of nowhere, has also been a very unpredictable one! All was well, until late afternoon when too much of a treatment good-thing came quickly tumbling down. Mentally, I am always up for the challenge, but physically my body just wasn't on par for any type of treatment today. This evenings 8pm dental appointment canceled and rescheduled for tomorrow evening. Thank goodness for their late office hours and taking me in as their last patient of the day! Thank goodness for doctors and dentists whom are not only patient, but very understanding. Thank YOU!

Eric has been busy today with numerous tasks regarding our temporary home. RVing... Our goal is to have the RV set up and fully functioning within the next few weeks. Another goal is with hopes of making a smooth transition! The RV has plenty of room to be comfortable, but still it will be a major change for all of us. Even our fur children. I would like to say that if things don't work with the RV, that we always have our home to fall back on. The problem with that statement is that our home, if we stay much longer, will literally be something to FALL back on! No pun intended as the foundation continues to pull, shift and sink with more rain predicted for next week. EEEE~YIKES! So yes... Anything is safer than living under a crumbling foundation. RVing... It will be... for the time being.

We have so much going on in our lives and so many new journeys that await us over the horizon. That includes next weekends other journey. JOURNEY! The time has almost arrived for our day-trip to see one of my all-time favorite bands in concert~JOURNEY! I can't hardly stand the anticipation! Let's just hope that my body will follow my brains anticipation. JOURNEY! WOO~HOO!!

I am going to end today's blog about another journey. A journey of dedication in helping those realize their full potential. A journey of a very talented, hard working and dedicated crew that have a shared passion in life. The love of animals and sharing a special treat with our beloved furry canines. Littleblue and Snoreo were honored to taste test these super healthy treats with a FOUR-PAWS review! ~RUFF-RUFFRUFF-RUFF~

Be sure to share some Brewhaus!

 BREWHAUS

Brewhaus Bakery

 The Brewhaus Bakery Co. is a not-for-profit company dedicated to providing vocational training for young adults with disabilities. Brewhaus Dog Bones are always handcrafted, small batch, oven baked dog treats made from whole grains proudly sourced from local microbreweries.

Brewhaus Dog Bones is a project based learning model used in young adult vocational programming for individuals with disabilities through several local school districts in the Cincinnati region. Students with disabilities have the option to defer their high school diploma until age 22. During this additional period of time, school districts are required to provide vocational training and work-study opportunities based on a student’s individual needs and work preferences. Students have community placements as well as their own in- house model, Brewhaus Dog Bones, to help teach work skills, understand a start to finish business model, promote communication and independence at all levels.

Brewhaus Dog Bones works with area microbreweries to provide the core ingredient of our treats, spent brewery grains, and then our Brewcrew turns them into tasty dog treats! The students make, bake, package, label, weigh and sell the treats within their school districts, at participating microbrewery taprooms and other community vendors, including special community events/markets. It’s a win-win for everyone!

Your purchase supports fun, meaningful project based learning and work skill development to inspire and enable people to improve their lives and the world around them. Thank you for supporting our mission! PAW IT FORWARD!

http://brewhausdogbones.com/

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EDT

Updated: March 28, 2017 6:26 AM EDT

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Mood:  bright

We are both already embracing change. Not just changes within my health, but as well changes within our lifestyle. The way we once lived, will once again, change. Even I have embraced another change with my appearance as I once again, embraced a far more shorter, stylish, yet POWERFUL hairstyle. Do I love it?

I LOVE IT!

I'm not sure if I will ever go back to growing out it again, because so far I am really loving this new hair cut! Having blonde hair with this new style looks even better! Each day, I am loving it even more! If you have seen the new Kohler commercial... That is all the hint I will be disclosing for now, until I do my reveal at a later date. Eric said, what a cliff-hanger! Hahahahaha!

*WINKWINK*

We still continue with changes when it comes to what everyone is eating in our household. Not just our beloved fur children, but also Eric who is used to eating what he wants and I wouldn't say that it's the most healthiest of choices. Inhaling a box of Swiss Rolls in a record day doesn't count as healthy. Heeheeheehee! However... Now he has no choice in the matter as I continue cooking far healthier meals and the result is actually showing on his face! His skin is much clearer, energy levels are up and he is smiling a lot more! I asked him how the changes have been when it comes to how he is feeling with eating super healthy. His response? "I will not be going back to junk food or fast food when all it did was make me feel sluggish and unhealthy."

This is a sample of clean and healthy eating! A simple, ten minute oven veggie-stir-fry with low sodium glaze and pepper seasoning. It only lasted a few days with a quite obvious delicious outcome! POOF~All GONE! I remain diligent with my organic fruit and veggie drinks, prescription protein shakes and antioxidant waters. Less is always MORE! I am super excited to be cooking a slue of new healthy dishes and will continue on our new stove located on YOLO. Our future way of living life. RVing...

We didn't do much this weekend, that didn't pertain to slowly transitioning to our new way of living. What we did finally complete were the three separate moving piles of belongings. What gets sold, what gets stored and what will be going with us to the RV. I anticipated to take a lot more time, but once again, careful strategizing seemed to pay off! This evening we were finally able to sit down and r-e-l-a-x. Not only are we mentally exhausted, but my body is physically beat and in dire need of some serious R&R! Till we start back up again, tomorrow... 

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EDT

Updated: March 27, 2017 2:10 AM EDT

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Mood:  bright

Not, yellow... YOLO~You Only Live Once~

I wanted to call her, "Big Bertha" but Eric said that the name didn't make any sense. Instead I said, "What about YOLO? You Only Live Once?"

AGREED! YOLO~

There is no need for any type of jealousy and if anyone thinks otherwise, then clearly you either have no clue what has been going on in our lives OR you really haven't kept up with this blog. *CLAPS*

Trust me...  We would much rather be living in our 5-month old home that is unfortunately sinking, pulling and twisting due to pre-existing foundation issues with the prior owners. In order for the bank and other parties to proceed ahead legally. We first must vacate our lemonade home. The house also continues to suffer from other pre-existing foundation issues that have only gotten far worse due to this crazy weather that started over this past winter season. Now with more rain and constantly changing temperatures in the upcoming weeks. It is far more important to vacate now than ever!

OCD me, who constantly monitors her credit and credit score used good credit to my advantage. No money down and a low interest rate on top of a GREAT deal meant a really cheap monthly payment! Resale value? Even better since I wheeled-and-dealed $7,200 less on the asking price. I plan on reselling it within 1-2 years. We really didn't have a choice in the matter, since rental properties were out of the question and not wanting to literally through away money. I can only hope that my choice, YOLO, was an exceptionally good ONE! A very wise and financially smart choice! This will only be a temporary living situation, but hopefully as well, a very peaceful one! I have heard the good and the bad with camping. I have also heard the same when it comes to camping and temporarily living in a recreational vehicle, coach, travel trailer or whatever you may want to call it. I call it saving money until litigation and other legal matters are settled. I hope for the sellers, who fraudulently sold us an unsafe and inhabitable home, that there will be a great lesson to be learned. The greatest lesson we have learned is that you can't trust folks in this day and age. Tis better to have your guards UP, than down!

A far more peaceful and quieter way of living? We sure hope so!

YOLO~You Only Live Once~

*The RV lifestyle allows you to be somewhat nomadic and embrace a lifestyle or whimsy. You can take your RV anywhere in the world. And yes, we have met people who ferried over RVs from Europe, where RVing is also popular.

*You can only be a hoarder for so long, because you literally don't have the space to accumulate stuff. You'll never own anything that isn't essential.

*It's perfectly acceptable to constantly eat s'mores, popsicles and hotdogs whenever you like.

*It takes five minutes to clean the entire house. Six minutes if you vacuum.

*The RV lifestyle promotes being outdoors where as having a big house promotes sitting on the couch, binge-watching Netflix.

To live in an RV I might be thought of as "less", or people might judge me. However, somehow I landed an amazing wife who challenged me to dream big and to not worry about what other people think. Awhile back we faced a decision to either stay in Austin with our jobs or save up, or buy an RV and hit the road. We decided to choose adventure instead of comfort, and it's made all the difference in the world.

I've grown more as a person than I could have ever imagined.

heathandalyssa.com

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EDT

Updated: March 27, 2017 1:01 AM EDT

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Mood:  sad

Losing a beloved fur child is heartbreaking.

Coming to grips with another cancer diagnosis is not only sad and depressing, but downright FRUSTRATING!

This is what REALLY stresses me out... CANCER.

Cuddles kitty still seems to be living life to the fullest. At a soon-to-be 19 years young, she still never seizes to amaze us nor our veterinarian staff. I credit such a long and happy kitty life to how much we love and care for our super sweet elder kitty. No matter how much her needs and demands might change as she continues aging gracefully. WE will always love her no matter what and do what we must to make sure she lives a super happy kitty life! Same goes for all of our beloved fur children. Even Miss DaisyMae and SnugglyDoo guinea piggy's who will be turning a year old this weekend. There are times though when no matter how much we care and love our beloved fur kids, illness can strike out of nowhere. Of all evils that be... Cancer.

Littleblue was recently diagnosed with mammary cancer only a mere 3 months ago. Sadly and shockingly, we found out today that Littleblue's cancer has become very aggressive. As parents of fur children, same as with parents of human children. I could tell something just wasn't quite right with Littleblue. Lately her energy level has been much lower than just over the past few weeks. Littleblue has also been very guarded with her tumor and a bit more irritable. Fatigue and excessive sleeping is normal when suffering from cancer. It is expected, but what no one can expect nor predict is the progression of the disease within itself. If the cancer will slowly progress or quickly start to spread to other areas of the body.

Today's veterinarian appointment was the most important one yet with regards to finally coming to realize Littleblue's prognosis.  We most definitely did not expect it to be such a grim one. What we also did not expect to hear was that her cancer has already began to progress as it continues to spread to other areas of her body. Littleblue will be 10 years young within only a few months. Today's very sad and depressing news is another grim reminder of just how much cancer has taken front and center stage in our lives. All of our lives. Of all evils that be... Cancer is the most evil of them all and the most difficult to beat. If even possible to defy and overcome such slim odds. 

Littleblue's veterinarian appointment and heartbreaking prognosis isn't about making her suffer. It is about what is BEST for our beloved Littleblue. It isn't about prolonging a life of suffering just for the sole sake of her human parents. It is about allowing Littleblue to continue the remainder of her life as comfortable as possible. I would 100% do the same for human children of my own. To me, there is no difference in how I would treat a fur child or a human child. My heart still beats the same. We have come to a crossroad where there is no turning back. There are no surgical options for Littleblue due to the complexity of her cancer and the affects it is having on her lungs. Our veterinarians were successfully able to stabilize her breathing issues with medication, but it isn't a cure by any means. Her lungs never got any better, just stabilized for now by daily medication. I assume we were a bit naive in believing that there could possibly be some sort of surgical option, but today's new x-rays and blood work show otherwise as we now come to another realization. The inevitable loss of another one of our beloved fur children. 

What makes me the most stressed? Today's news and grim reminder of another cancer diagnosis and sad prognosis. This is what makes me stressed and very depressed, but WE will carry on! Life will not stop. Not even for our beloved fur children, our unconditionally  loving pets. 

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EDT

Updated: March 26, 2017 11:24 PM EDT

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Mood:  lucky

How fitting for a blog title! My life has literally changed in so many ways and more directions that I can even remember, but today it has become official...

We are on the move to safer ground!

This mornings sunrise walk along the river trails was a perfect time to reflect on just how far we have come in a mere 5 crazy months. I honestly thought our house of hidden lemon gems would end up killing us before we could find a temporary home, but the good Lord wouldn't have and neither would those who watch over us from heaven. Today? Today was a blessing in disguise, because some how, some way, things in life end up happening at their own pace. On their own terms. Sometimes... Things are just meant to be.

What an absolutely beautiful morning to walk along the river trails with the suns rays reflecting off the water. It was a very peaceful, quiet walk as we continue making plans on a far more successful move than just a mere 5 months ago. We learned a great deal from our last move! With those mistakes, trials and errors. I believe that this move will be a lot smoother and far less stressful as we head 90 minutes further into the country. Our current little, lazy, river town might be country, but where we are heading to next is REALLY COUNTRY! YEE~HAW!!!

We just couldn't see literally throwing our money away nor handing it to a distrustful private property owner. I have seen enough lying, deceit and sneakiness from not only private property owners, but also property rental companies. This is where keeping an OCD eye on our credit has literally saved US! We won't be renting, sorry private property owners and rental companies. You won't be seeing a dime from us. Never, ever. Time to get our big adult britches on!

Time to head out to the country.... Where peace and quiet is calling our name...

I will miss all of the wildlife that I have fattened up over the past 5 months. Heeheeheehee! Even the very lucky and super rare Albino Squirrel who happened to show up on a very lucky morning, St. Patrick's Day. I tend to believe that the lucky little white squirrel blessed us that morning, as good things come to those who wait... I will most definitely miss all of the little things that brought so much joy, happiness, smiles and even laughter in our little, lazy, river town. Yes! Even in a house that should had never been sold in the first place. I call those, "Silver Linings." We all have them in our lives. You just have to be willing to believe.

The Road Before & After Surgery

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EDT

Updated: March 24, 2017 8:13 AM EDT

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Mood:  bright

It's a sunshine day~ No rain!

An early morning "Rise N' Shine" kind of day! Time to head out in hopes of switching out a few things on our new home. Temporary, maybe not the most ideal, but tis a home! A safer home that is also surrounded by a huge wildlife preserve.

How ironic! Could it be the most perfect spot for such animal lovers like ourselves?... YOU BETCHA!

I can't believe that I am actually saying it, but I am honestly looking forward to our next move! Unfortunately, it won't be Nevada, not just yet, but heading out west for our final and permanent destination is still in the works. Right now we have court proceedings that will require us to stay a bit nearby in hopes of settling things out much sooner, than later. Today we took another step in the right direction! Thank YOU for all who have been involved in such short notice. Thank the good Lord for framily. Friends who are family. XOXOXO

Grandma Cuddles kitty will be turning 19 years young in a month. With age comes difficulty in keeping up on daily nutrition. Cuddles is slowly getting senile so we had to come up with an alternate way to feed her, nothing that involves needles. While venturing out over the weekend, we noticed a new senior cat food that is mostly chicken broth with tiny pieces of chicken. At $1.99 for a very small pouch of food, I decided to try something new for Cuddles. A far better way for her to still be able to eat on her own without being fed through a syringe or IV. WHA~LA! I have now mastered a new and far more reasonable way for Cuddles to still enjoy a variety of canned foods, but at a far easier and healthier way for her to enjoy them!

One high powered blender, warm spring water, low sodium chicken broth and a can of her favorite cat food. We weren't sure if Cuddles would like the new way to enjoy her food, puréed, but she actually LOVES IT! YAYYYY! Make that 'THEY' all love it! Mittens and Beary kitty too! Not only will we be saving a lot of money on can food that she could barely chew or eat, but now we have a far happier and healthier Grandma Cuddles! YAYYYY!

We have also made a change when it comes to cooking our own food. Since our microwave finally saw the light, off to microwave heaven. Heeheeheehee! We decided to take some great advice from my dietician and opt for a toaster oven. For those who remember their parents or grandparents having one of these cooking beauties during the holidays while tossing in a few appetizers. The new toaster ovens are even better and far more energy efficient! They aren't just for toasting anymore! The new updated version not only toasts like a pro, but cooks pretty much anything too! Of course, I need to reintroduce myself a second time around to the new toaster oven settings after my first failed attempt to cook some hamburgers and toast some garlic bread for Eric. I couldn't figure out why the hamburgers were hardly cooking?. Hmmmm?... That was until I accidently put them on broil, walked away for a mere few minutes and set off all of our smoke alarms in the house. HAHAHAHA! First time for everything and that includes burning the first round of garlic bread. HA! Microwaves have been known for decades to not be healthy for cancer patients. The microwave, radio waves over long periods of time show to be unhealthy for anyone, especially those suffering from long term health conditions. My dietician suggested last year to toss our microwave and opt for a much healthier way to heat and cook our food. Welcome to the toasting way of life!

As for a little friend of mine over in Illinois. Yes, see I was right! Too much caffeinated coffee not only dries you out, due to absorbing water within the body, but it also ages you. I expect a few text messages tomorrow morning once he reads this blog entry while sipping on that darn grande Starb*cks! Heeheeheehee! Join me in a far healthier way of life by toasting, juicing, pureeing and drinking lots of wellness water! Healthy=Happy

"Coffee is highly acidic. High doses of caffeinated coffee mess with your hormones. On top of that, it acts like a diuretic, dehydrating your body.

Cutting back on caffeinated coffee helps not only your body to rehydrate, but it helps keep your skin glowing and hair shiny. Too much caffeine not only dehydrates the body, but advances the aging process."

Or... You can opt like myself by staying away from large crowds, smoking, drinking and just liquid diet with some of the most healthiest ingredients you can find! That would make me pretty much like a vampire of some sorts wouldn't it?. Heeheeheehee! A far less aging one, but you will never see me complain. Less unhealthy microwave-radio waves, less dehydrating caffeinated coffee and far more healthier options. Not just for ourselves, but for our beloved fur children too!

Like I always say... If you truly want to be happy in life...

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EDT

Updated: March 23, 2017 11:43 AM EDT

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