Mood:  celebratory

What a magnificently most B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L day to begin this years huge Gastroparesis Awareness event! Beautiful partly cloudy skies, perfect fall temperatures and even a gentle breeze in the air...PERFECT! PERFECTO! It doesn't get any better than this folks when it comes to the start of our month-long Gastroparesis Awareness event!

The final shirt orders have been filled and successfully on their way to those who will be walking, running and riding for Gastroparesis Awareness. Talking about PERFECT timing! YAYYYY! From a small idea that began over 8 years ago. To now a HUGE annual event!

Thanks to YOU! Thanks to EVERYONE who will be participating during this years United GP Walk-2017!

YOU! Yes...YOU have made this another successful year raising Gastroparesis Awareness one person at a time!

It's official! As of today, October 1st, the OFFICIAL KICK-OFF for international Gastroparesis Awareness begins!!

Please don't forget your cameras during your Gastroparesis Awareness event and send all shared photos to:

Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign Org.

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EDT

Updated: October 2, 2017 1:39 AM EDT

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Mood:  lucky

Talking about a royal PAIN in my booty!

Not only is this blog continuing to experience more crashes than a major NASCAR event...but as well the main Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign website is having one dandy of a time keeping up with the overwhelming web traffic.

Needless to say...there is something else I need to kick into full steam ahead on my already growing 'To-Do list' of a million projects that need to be completed within the next few months. GEESH!

What I had forgotten about over the years is just how difficult and time consuming it truly is when starting a new website. Whether alone...starting not just one. But two online businesses..

It has officially been a little over 11 years since the last time this gal had the ability to work. Physically. Trust me by saying, it has been a long, windy, one HELL of a road to realizing a mere dream that is slowly becoming a reality. Eric is still in total shock that I was able to overturn my SSD case in hopes of another chance to work again. A temporary work permit that will allow for me to work from home. Finally realizing my hopes and dreams that will finally have a name, place and home when it comes to online businesses. I am SUPER EXCITED to see what the future may hold for our ENTIRE little family!

As with any business. You can most certainly expect the unexpected. As with most areas of my life. I am going into two new ventures with absolutely zero expectations. If one works and the other fails...then so be it. If both fail...then as well...so be it. Why do I feel this way? Because at the end of the day. At least I can say that I tried. And trying is only half of the battle when it comes to any new business venture. I believe the other half is the ability to purely be able to step outside of your own shoes. Looking at your business from a clients perspective. And always being your biggest critic! That is a must! Don't worry about the grass on the other side. Set your bar high by always keeping your focus on one person and one person only. Yourself.

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EDT

Updated: July 5, 2018 7:44 AM EDT

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Mood:  celebratory

How does that old saying go?..

"We've come a long way!"

More like...A very l-o-n-g ways!

I am proud to say that we are down to the very last when it comes to the inside portion of our massive house~flip! The tiny little touches of some quite tricky detailing with the kitchen window and living room fireplace. I was successfully able to finally finish up not only the kitchen and living room. But as well I am on my way when it comes to the final bedroom that sustained the most structural damage due to an improperly installed reinforced wall located below in the basement. Go figure! The room that we anticipated to be the most difficult. Has already started off as the easiest out of the entire upstairs portion of our home.

BAH! Always the opposite of what you expect!

Sure, we still have some ceiling repairs to deal with before the cold winter months are quickly upon us here in the country. But thankfully the far bigger projects are finally complete. YAYYYY! Talking about a team of two kicking some major repairing, repainting and remodeling booty! We are on a ROLL! And we don't plan on stopping anytime soon! Even if unforeseen issues arise with my health. Yes...I haven't forgotten about the internal war within. But one thing is for certain. I am beyond thankful to have caught a break or two while tackling on our major house~flip. AMEN to that!!

As we have officially taken one GIANT

~NEVADA

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EDT

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Mood:  rushed

The countdown begins!

UNITED GP WALK

2017

WALK-RUN-RIDE

We are bigger than ever before with all 50 states officially being represented during this years HUGE event!

We also have the following countries showing their Gastroparesis Awareness support:

Denmark, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Jamaica, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Please don't forget to send your United GP Walk photos to the following: gpawarenessfund@yahoo.com

www.gastroparesisawareness.com

www.gastroparesisawareness.org

www.gpawarenessfund.com

www.gpawarenessfund.com/Kimberly/

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EDT

Updated: September 29, 2017 6:48 AM EDT

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Mood:  cheeky

Boy oh BOY! Is this blog going to be F-U-N-N-Y!

I'm not sure if we should rate this blog 'G' or...'R?'

'R' for mature over 18 turtle audience!  Hahahahaha!

Yep...just when you think you have seen it all. You never, ever have truly seen it all. Like...rescuing two box turtles that most likely were going to either get run over by bikes on the trail or eaten by prey. Why not do another turtle-friendly deed? Turtle aid to the rescue!

Actually...box turtles.

Unlike the snapping turtles that we rescued over the summer. At least box turtles don't bite. They are 'usually' pretty mellow and have a really bright, colorful shell! These two are actually a male and female box turtle.

So...you know where 'R' for over 18 turtle audience is about to come into play! Hahahahahaha!

Myself and Eric have no clue when it comes to the box turtle mating season. Nor have we ever encountered mating in the process. All 3+ hours of it! How do we know? Because after leaving the trail with them mating. We returned 3 hours later to walk Snoreo one final time for the evening. Over 3 hours later...the turtles were still...ummmm...shell-to-shell. HA!

Oh yes! Not only did we rescue these box turtles who soon enough will have lots of little baby box turtles. But as we made our way back down the trail, these two were...well...coming out of their shells. So to speak! HAHAHAHAHA! We are still laughing at the mere thought of Mr. Turtle literally having more stamina than most likely any other specie from the reptile family. Most likely...more stamina than most humans-huMEN. Minus Viagra. 

 Hahahahaha! Okay. I don't care who you are! That there was F-U-N-N-Y!

So...if they instantly become internet stars and begin profiting from this 'R' rated turtle mating photo. Would it be considered sold as a 'box' set? Hahahahaha! A box turtle set?. BAH! Yep! We just had to go there! Hahahahaha!

On a far more serious note...who really knows much about these box turtles?. Whether alone knowing much about their mating season? We sure learned something new today! A mere rescue of two spunky box turtles that will one day turn into a large box turtle family!

Box turtles can be very aggressive with their mating. When the male mounts the female he often will try to bite her head and front legs.

The male locks his feet inside the females shell and begins copulating. At this point he flips over in his back.

They stay coupled for up to 3 hours. The female will often drag the male around. Afterwards the male walks off as if nothing happened.

As far as egg laying. Box turtles lay eggs at the end of the summer. The eggs hatch in the fall and the hatchlings over winter in the nest or the eggs hatch in the spring.

Box turtle eggs hatch at 70-140 days. Depending on the incubation temperature. They may stay in the egg shell absorbing yolk for up to 5 days. Most live off the yolk for a few weeks. During this time they show no interest in food.

During the time the rest of the yolk sack is absorbed. At around 10 days they come out and start exploring. Hatchlings begin eating in 1-4 weeks. They are strongly attracted to movement. In the wild, 60% or more of their diet is composed of animal matter. some of the 'animal' matter they eat in the wild includes: slugs, snails, worms, grubs, caterpillars, beetles, pill bugs, sow bugs, centipedes, crickets, grasshoppers, spiders, flies, crawfish and carrion. Essentially, if they can catch it, they will eat it.

The average life span of adult box turtles is 50 years, while a significant portion lives over 100 years!

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EDT

Updated: September 29, 2017 6:00 AM EDT

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Mood:  happy

Why of course! Mr. Snoreo!

The world's biggest baby

We aren't quite sure where his German shepherd side is hiding?. But clearly it's not from his Mom, Sooki. Or his Dad, Ozzie. Snoreo tends to be a bit scared of anything and everything! Maybe putting on this huge mask didn't help matters...or the fact that Eric did so while hiding in the garage until Snoreo got a glimpse of him peering through the window. Heeheeheehee! Talking about not being able to run fast enough across the hard wood floors! We both never laughed so hard in our entire lives!! Hahahahaha!

So much for the guardian and protector of our household. BAH!

We always wonder why some folks will literally walk around us at the trails along the river. Frightened at just the mere thought of how ferocious looking Snoreo is with two different colored eyes! Most of the time...we are the ones who look puzzled when others along the river trails either turn around or literally take the time to find an alternate route in hopes of avoiding contact with Snoreo. Hahahahaha!

Clearly his true intentions are to 'look' scary like a German shepherd. But this big baby is anything...but scary. In fact, we learned this afternoon just how much of a scaredy pup Snoreo truly is after coming in contact with a few members of the scarecrow family!

Notice...a quite frightened 'you-know-who' standing off to the side. As we attempted to literally drag him past the scarecrows in order to open the gate. But it seems even the scarecrows were far too scary for Snoreo. So...instead of playing Frisbee. We had to settle for walking the trails. Heeheeheeheehee!

Life has never been the same since welcoming this big baby into our home. A mere...3 years ago. Not only did he provide happiness and companionship for our beloved Littleblue. But as well to our entire little family.

Our Snoreo

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EDT

Updated: September 27, 2017 7:48 AM EDT

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Mood:  special

There certainly seems to be a change in the air!

Not just with fall weather soon on the way. But as well within our entire house. There sure seems to be an awful lot of energy that has been surrounding us during the final indoor phase of our major house flip.

Hmmmmm?....

We are jumping a bit ahead of ourselves when it comes to the final room. A bedroom with some major damage from prior owners having work done to the basement by a friend. A support wall that wasn't installed property which left for some major damage. The most visible damage seems to be with the third and final bedroom that we have been waiting to begin until the bitter end. Why not leave it for the very last?. This way we can put all of our house flipping skills to the ultimate test! HA!

By the looks of this photo...which only shows a slight portion of the bedroom damage that we began repairing. We are in for quite a treat! Most appropriate for next month, Halloween. Trick or Treat?. Hmmmm....I dare to guess.

Lately not only is the house undergoing final repairs. But the entire house itself has gone from dark and depressing. To bright and cheery! The overall feeling has changed within the entire house. Like today when the energy is thick as molasses! Nothing quite like feeling as if you are not alone. Because in all actuality...we are never truly alone. Especially with those whom decide to pay us a visit.

My gift that started at a young age...is strong as ever!

Over the past month we have experienced some quite odd occurrences. I have also been able to pick up on more than ever before with those that surround us. Even...neighbors. In between picking up on someone that had passed within our neighborhood. That even left Eric speechless. To having someone connect with me that ironically was a beloved parent of an individual involved in Eric's court case. Then of course the typical visits from those who like to chime in when least expected. Eric's grandmother and Aunts whom I have never met nor should I know what is clearly being shown before me like an old time movie projector. I have always considered my ability to connect as a gift. A special gift. There are some that have made their presence known to the point of literally speaking over myself and Eric when least expected.

This evening while sifting through garage sale boxes in the basement. We were discussing ideas on how to repair the third and final bedroom. When out of nowhere someone cleared their voice and then said, "Excuse me." Myself and Eric have seen and heard first hand many unexplainable things over the years. Especially while visiting historical sites around the great USA. Most of the time when things like this evening happen. We usually just stop, look at each other and then go about our own business. I guess you can say that we have grown used to the visits and visitors. But this time it was a bit different. Only because whomever was talking most definitely not only wanted to be heard. But wanted their presence as well to be known. It was as if someone was interjecting their opinions or ideas about the final bedroom makeover as we were making our way up the basement steps. Their voice was the loudest yet!

Since purchasing our home. We have encountered so many remarkable, yet unexplainable occurrences. After what our neighbors told us last week regarding the history of our home and it's prior owners. We are finally able to make sense of everything. Even times when myself and Eric have seen shadows of cats playing around the house with our fur children. Last month we literally saw 3 cats standing at the bottom of the basement steps which scared the you-know-what out of both of us! It takes a lot to surprise us when it comes to connecting spiritually. But after hearing about the prior owners from our neighbors. I will never again second guess my ability to connect spiritually with those who visit from heaven. It wasn't the prior owners whom we purchased the house from that needed a major overhaul from the inside-out. But instead it was stories about an elderly couple that were the original owners of the house. We were told stories of the couple who rescued over 12 cats that all lived inside the home as one big family. The saddest part was hearing about the couple's family that would never visit. One neighbor mentioned that due to the couple having no help as their health quickly declined. They also lost the inability to care for their home and beloved cats.The entire story was extremely sad and beyond shocking. Because clearly this couple and all of their fur children are still very much alive and present within our home.

Now...this entire house, from the inside out, makes total sense.

In all actuality. All this house needed was some TLC and lots of love! We now actually believe that maybe things were just meant to be. Maybe the elderly couple that visits were just upset with so many changes we were making in order to restore the house to a much happier place for everyone to live. Clearly this evening, they once again made their presence known. The energy that surrounded us was one of pure happiness and delight! As if whomever was with us only wanted to help with the final repairing, repainting and redecorating decisions. After hearing the voice so loud and clear. Along with the clearing of the throat as if to say, "Hey, I am still here." We got a few pieces of our ITC equipment out and brought it downstairs to the basement. It only took a mere moment for all of the equipment to come to life. At the exact same time an image appeared next to Eric on the camera's screen. As Eric asked for whomever to let us know if they were okay and approved of our changes to their home. The figure on the screen walked right up to Eric and stood as if to listen. Then proceeded as if to shake his hand in acceptance.

This isn't the first for us. Nor do we anticipate it to be the last. But at least now we have validation from neighbors regarding not just the prior history of this house. But as well those who still reside in our place they forever visit.

A place they still call...home.

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EDT

Updated: September 26, 2017 7:47 AM EDT

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Mood:  cheeky

OOPS...I did it again...

Then of course...Eric is still stuck in Cincinnati...BENGALS!

OH such RIVALS! HAHAHAHAHA!

For those who assumed the immediate families post of a Sunday tradition of getting together for dinner. Included a long time coming table and chair for everyone. The Hatfield's & McCoy's saga did not end today. It did not include us. No...there wasn't a meeting of the minds to work through 6 years of pettiness. We aren't invited to immediate families Sunday dinners.

They can't handle all of my AWESOMENESS!

Myself and Eric still, as always, extend our hand to immediate family to work through issues and problems. But we can't extend our hand forever. We have only 6 months left before our next move.

NEVADA! YAYYYYYY!

As for what was cookin' on our stove for a few rival football games in the making?. Why of course! A festive veggie dish with all the spicy seasonings that one can handle! YEEEE~HAWWWW! With a kick! Eric now has enough food once again to last him over the next few days. That means another cooking break for this gal so we can finish up the living room starting next week. Today we worked on the kitchen. Although we had hoped to be finished with both rooms. The repairing, repainting and redecorating once again took longer than we anticipated. But the end result will be more than worth it!

With temperatures still forecasted well into the 90's come early next week... Tis plenty of time to focus on what's left to finish up indoors in the nice, cool, air conditioning....AHHHHHH....

This gal will always be a STEELERS fan at heart!

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EDT

Updated: September 25, 2017 7:44 AM EDT

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Mood:  bright

The 2017 United GP Walk, Walk-Run-Ride for Gastroparesis Awareness is almost a week away! Right around the corner!

Can you also believe that the Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign has already hit over 110,000 server requests in less than a month?! Over 110,000 visitors from all around the world! INCREDIBLE! AMAZING!

We are still honoring shirt orders for the 2017 United GP Walk, Walk-Run-Ride. However we can not promise specific delivery dates of the shirts or other gear from the printing company. As always...United GP Walk shirts and other gear will continue being sold at cost. I made a promise over a decade ago when starting the Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign that it will remain a not-for-profit organization. Over a decade later...I still stand by my word.

Over the past month. I have been receiving so many emails that honestly...I would never have the time to read nor answer regarding this seasons hit television show, Big Brother. If you are a fan of Big Brother, then you might have watched a fellow GP'er, Raven who is a Gastroparesis patient. I can not begin to tell you how many emails we have received regarding a little bit of this and a little bit of that when it comes to not only the show, but questions regarding the contestants Gastroparesis and gastric pacemaker. Even some asking questions of other health issues that may or may not have come to light either on the show or during the Big Brother after hours program. Live stream/24-7.

I will be very honest by saying that I do not feel it is within my position to answer questions regarding another patient. I also will not be answering personal or private questions regarding another patients lifestyle. As with any medical condition. We all must understand that each and every patient is unique. Each and every medical case is different in how the patient handles day-to-day symptoms. Also each patient is truly unique when it comes to possible complications. While some patients may be diagnosed with a mild case of Gastroparesis. Meaning the stomach still may have a fairly good percentage of gastric emptying left to help digest food. As compared to those who have severe Gastroparesis with little to no gastric emptying. Some Gastroparesis patients may as well have progressive factors associated with their condition such as intestinal motility issues. Even some patients progress to a point with secondary GP complications such as with other gastrointestinal organs.

Each and every Gastroparesis patient is truly unique. Especially when it comes to their daily diet. What they may or may not be able to consume with their Gastroparesis.

While some may have seen Raven eating what they felt where 'non-GP foods.' Foods that some patients could only dream of consuming if they were diagnosed with a severe case of Gastroparesis. While maybe other patients who suffer with a mild case of Gastroparesis saw no problem or concern with what Raven had been eating while under the Big Brother roof. Regardless of which side you are on. What I have unfortunately read is far too much judgment. Folks being far too critical towards Raven. Even those who as well have dealt with their own Gastroparesis for years. Some...even for decades. Those who should already know that each and every GP patient is truly unique in the first place. Yes, some patients can still eat solid foods and do very well with even consuming red meat. Yes, some patients can even still consume alcohol beverages. As you see...we are all unique and so is each diagnosed case of Gastroparesis. Same as with any other medical condition. Even breast cancer, lung cancer, bone cancer, ovarian cancer or any other cancer is not going to be one and the same.

We must also understand that with regards to the controversial gastric pacemaker. You first must have at least a required percentage of gastric motility still left in your stomach before you are considered to be qualified for the gastric pacemaker. I know this oh-to-well due to being denied the gastric pacemaker many years ago. My stomach motility is less than 1.5%. So as you can probably safely guess. This is why my diet consists of mainly liquids. Yes, you can still live on liquids. What you can't live without...is water.

Although some may still have their opinions. Some even still remain skeptics on whether Raven did a good job or did not do a good job as a face behind Gastroparesis. We all must understand that the casting requirements for Big Brother do require contestants to pass mental and physical mandatory testing. This is a requirement for every single contestant. Remember...this is a television show. What is cut in the editing room is done so for the highest viewer ratings possible. And of course...It's a game folks!

So...we may not agree with everything that everyone does in life. But what we all can agree on as fellow GP'ers is that we still have no cure.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But at the end of the day. At least someone got on a hit television show and finally got enough folks to talk about Gastroparesis. Good publicity OR bad publicity. In my book...It's ALL good! It's publicity for Gastroparesis. Now maybe the public will take the time to research and educate themselves on Gastroparesis. In hopes of one day finding a cure. It only takes one scientist to crack the code!

And...there's my long answer to everyone's Big Brother-Raven questions. Tis no further need to say more.

Now let's all join together! Get those walking, running and riding shoes ready!!

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EDT

Updated: September 25, 2017 6:30 AM EDT

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Mood:  on fire

Why not have a silly~sassy~selfie....Because I love myself~Saturday!Hahahahaha! Come on! Who can really take themselves seriously when striking a pose for a selfie?! BAH~Hahahahaha! Yep...today was finally a good day for me!

Can you also believe that we braved the great outdoors today? A little daily exercise while walking the river trails at a hot-as-hell...94 degrees!

Crazy? YOU BET! More like...SWEAT!

HA!

Thank goodness Eric finally has his rotating weekend off from the county! We are down to finishing up the last two rooms before taking a long awaited break from projects inside the house. Hopefully if Mother Nature plays it cool by next week...we should be celebrating more fall-like weather! Time to take the next round of house flipping projects outdoors for a change. Hopefully as well we can breathe in some brisk, cool air....ahhhhhh...much welcomed! Snoreo has been a champ walking the trails in this heat. Thankfully most of the trails are shaded with hundreds of trees. We also bring cool rags, bottled water and a small bowl for Snoreo to enjoy in order to keep him cool. Actually...make that for ALL of us to stay cool while walking the trails! Exercise is not only good for the heart. But good for the soul! I would go nuts or most likely be dead if I sat around 24/7. That includes a very strict diet that I have also proudly stuck to over the years. There are always going to be days when it isn't easy. But I am determined as hell to keep fighting as long as my body allows! Can you believe this gal will be turning 47?!?

OOPS! I mean...27 Heeheeheeheehee!

Once we got home from getting a good sweat. It was time to get crackin on the living room and kitchen! We still have quite a few final touches. Our goal is to finish both rooms up by this weekend. Although it could go into early next week. Just depends on if we run into any additional little hidden gems. As of this evening. The fireplace is now officially finished! YAYYYYY! We both think it really turned out amazing! Make that...quite a few friends that we sent a text photo to that gave their high approvals! A job well finished! Some feel that maybe I have another new hidden talent that has surfaced from this entire house flipping project. No thanks though...one house flip has been plenty! Heeheeheeheehee!

By the end of fall. We should be ready to work on few other new projects. Eric has another lawsuit to file with regards to this house. It's an unfortunate situation with a major bank screw-up on their end. Nothing against Eric. But he has to file with the courts instead. As for myself? I plan on making good with my temporary work permit blessing. I am doing everything within my power to successfully jump over this latest medical hurdle. Then it will hopefully allow for a clear road of opportunity ahead of me! Possibly...permanently. Financially...it will help out our entire little family. I also want to be able to cut two checks if god willing! One to those whom were kind enough to help with medical expenses. The other to the sibling who threw a one-time GP benefit back in my face time and time again. I haven't forgotten nor will I ever forget. Having the opportunity to throw a check back to that sibling for not having their heart where there wallet is instead will be beyond gratifying! Personally...it has been a dream of mine to dip my feet into starting two separate online businesses. Sure, it's a quite bold and very gutsy move with medical odds stacked against me. But look so far what I have accomplished with this blog and the Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign website! Both were started on a blank slate. A blank webpage. All created, designed and marketed by little ole me. Look how far they both have come from just a little idea in the making! I plan on taking everything I have learned over the years and apply it towards two separate businesses. Running them both from home. With a little help behind the scenes...

Shark Tank anyone? Yep! Just wait till you see what's ahead!

Posted by GastroparesisAwarenessCampaignOrg. at 12:01 AM EDT

Updated: September 23, 2017 7:04 AM EDT

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