I must admit that although the Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign is backed by support from Snooki and Deena from MTV's... Jersey Shore. We really weren't sure what to expect from the latest installment to the original hit television show properly titled...

"Jersey Shore Family Vacation"

What was I thinking because this second installment 5 years later of almost the same original cast is absolutely hilarious!!! Sure... 5 years later even "The Situation" has changed... so far anyways. Although... I anticipate the super sweet disposition to expire soon as the pressure of past history among cast members literally boils over. Another run in with a far greater wall? Hehehehehe! Reality TV at its finest... or... just a mere sitcom of sorts.

Deena is every bit the sweetest in person as she portrays on the show. Snooki is still the same little fireball... blast in a glass... while taking a break from the reality of being a mother as she embraces her former extreme party side... 5 years later. 

What is not to love about seeing all the original cast members (-1) back in a far bigger house while living life a bit on the party edge. Far away from the demands of their more professional side and needing to constantly present themselves in a more perfect persona. There is something to be said about the realness that comes out from just a casual group outing and a few drinks later... hahahahahaha!

No need to take this second installment of Jersey Shore so seriously folks because at the end of the day... they are just normal people like you and I... If You Wanna Have Fun And Do Something C-R-A-Z-Y! 

"RON STOPPPPP! STOP RON STOPPPPP!"

HAHAHAHAHA!!!

If life is what you make of it... then I have no qualms on making sure the end of my journey is one filled with absolutely hilarious and fun-filled adventures!

This time... it just happened to be to the Middle East as we conclude today's finale-part 2 of our Great Dining Adventures~

The majority of the food for our Middle Eastern evening dinner for two with our loyal companion Bobo by our side was made and prepared by myself. That also includes creating our attire and the best Middle Eastern home-made décor possible... a woman of many trades!

With being on so many respiratory medications, blood thinners and steroids means craving far too much food than one is used to when living on a 95% liquid diet. But life is short and sometimes is the fork as I made sure to give in to not only my cravings.. but my taste buds that have been deprived for years. A little bit here and a little bit there means working my way around the daily diet of liquids and making sure that I stay on top of GI medication. There are so many negative things I could choose to dwell on with this part of my journey. However through the hard times and not so wonderful times... I have learned to embrace the art and love of laughter. Sharing a smile as we laugh together and forget about all the far more serious parts of our real journey. 

Some people believe that money buys happiness.

Some people believe that vanity equals happiness.

Some folks even believe that the more popular you are the more merry you become.

I believe the true meaning of Happiness begins with the person in the mirror and the ability to laugh at yourself. There's something to be said for the epitome of someone being so strong as they continue to find a reason each and every day to laugh and smile... regardless of their struggles. That my friends is something money can never buy. Laughter will always be the best medicine in life. The purest form of happiness.

Enjoy the second part of our Great Dining Adventures located at the following link below!

Stay tuned for our third episode as we venture across the Great Wall of China to a far different dining experience... via old school for two..

Hehehehehehe!

Ahhhh... yes... we have arrived just in time after a very long trek across the desert land...

This evenings dinner... compliments of the fine Chef:

Four different types of quinoa salad to satisfy any taste bud! Red pepper, Tomato spinach, Dill cucumber and Dill with balsamic vinaigrette. Also included is a very spicy... yet still very saucy... 4 spice curry with chickpeas. Of course to quench your thirst from the hot and quite dry climate... fresh lemon water.

All under $20 with rolls.

Please join us as we travel across the great desert lands to our next Great Dining Adventure... the Middle East... Part 1

The time has finally arrived as we step our way into one great Middle Eastern dining Adventure!

Of course... we can't forget our loyal camel companion Bobo who joined alongside with us on this beautiful Candlelight Middle Eastern dinner for 2.

Okay... with Bobo... maybe 3. 

Hehehehehe!

 masa' alkhayr~

Talking about all sorts of hidden gems those Little Darlings left behind for us... prior owners of this fine  establishment.

Talk about finding out other great little pieces of info that has helped us continue to piece together one problem after another... oh... a sink hole in the backyard?. Nothing like neighbors asking if we had any further problems with the sinkhole in the backyard.

That's just a taste of more little hidden gems we are finding from the prior owners as neighbors are wondering what's going on after having two more contractors coming out to the property over the past few days. Sure wasn't due to a sinkhole... but we are looking in to that backyard issue to see where it may be located so when Eric cuts the grass he doesn't fall into the sinkhole with the lawn mower. Hehehehehehe!

Okay... maybe not so funny after receiving that tad bit of information.

For now we are dealing with more  horrible do-it-yourself repairs that the prior owners left for us like having two pipes for the plumbing and furnace system that have been cut in half and don't match because both pipes are two different sizes. PFFFFF! I am super sensitive to all sorts of smells now thanks to a really strong regimen of respiratory medications, inhalers and nebulizer drugs. I thought I was smelling something very strange by the furnace and once again I was correct as a camera was placed through the piping to realize these people literally did they're own makeshift pipes themselves that didn't even match but probably had just laying around. Using different size pipes that didn't even match which meant not connecting properly nor securely and especially not safely. What a way to rig major pipes to the furnace system through the chimney... outtake pipes. We also do not have a fresh air intake pipe... thanks prior owners! So tomorrow morning we will be making our decision on which company we will be using on really expensive labor and mandatory repairs that are not covered under any warranty due to failure on the prior owners part who decided to have Daryl and Daryl do the work for them. I assume while they were all drinking cases upon cases of wine.

Thankfully Eric got his tool belt on and replaced the kitchen faucet and spray nozzle that literally not just sprayed the dishes... but as well began giving us a facial spray bath at the same time. Hahahahaha! It at least saved us another Hefty  Plumbing bill!

We really want to sell this little Hidden Gem after literally flipping every single thing in this house from top to bottom. This of course after another 2 to 3 more months of odds and ends that hopefully don't end up costing major work like we're getting ready to get hit with next week.

Talking about learning by experience and gaining a lifetime of wisdom as far as never being able to pull a fast one again on us buying our next house! Amen.

No worries though because you always have to have some down time and a reason to share a few smiles and far happier moments. Like... finally visiting the Middle East and sharing what we expect to be one quite memorable video tomorrow!

Enjoy today's Podcast~Blogcast cute little video of Babyblue connecting with her own native land... the sounds of flutes...

hehehehehehe!

These three... they really are a match made in heaven! Hehehehehehe!

Who would have thought a husky and two guinea pigs would have such unconditional love by constantly sharing kisses throughout the day. This all started 3 months ago when we thought maybe Babyblue was trying to go after Daisy Mae and Snuggly Doo. However... now we realize they literally enjoy keeping each other company with visits throughout the day and a few little kisses to express how much they truly do love each other. 

When moving Daisy Mae and Snuggly Doo's cage in order to clean it. Babyblue goes absolutely beserk! She's definitely one very protective fur sibling while keeping guard to make sure that they are both okay. They really are an odd match... an unbreakable, unconditional loving bond between a husky and her little guinea pigs. 

A true match made in  heaven~

Can you believe it's already that time again? Time to get the old garden equipment out and get those seeds ready for some serious plantin' here in the country!

Last year we planted our wildflower seeds a bit too late in the season. This year we plan on not making the same mistakes as today we officially finished planting all 15,000 + wildflower and deer forage seeds. We do not hunt nor condone hunting... we believe in caring for all creatures both big and small. Today's blog pretty much shows our love for creating a natural, yet beautiful, habitat for the deer as well many other animals through out the year.

YAYYYYY! Or... YEEHAW!  

With time and plenty of experience... I continue to do my best moving forward with life. Life may not be what I could have ever predicted it to be with so many unforeseen and unfortunate changes with my health. But I'll be damned if it's going to stop me from doing my best to continue living and enjoying life to the fullest! Amen. I wasn't able to do everything that I would have liked to do in helping Eric with all of the spring planting as we continue making the most happiest place for our little family. But I got up, got dressed and got on my nifty respiratory mask and did the best I can with what I've got!

If I could bottle up all of my super woman determination and sheer mental strength to continue pushing forward through any given situation and every given obstacle... there wouldn't be one single person suffering that would ever think of giving up on life. I can only hope by continuing to share our journey... that it helps someone else struggling in their own personal journey. 

We can't wait for the beginning of this summer to see all the amazing and quite colorful wildflower and deer forage blooms! Life is what you make of it as we continue to make ours the most happiest yet!  :)

Here's wishing everyone a most B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L, magical and memorable weekend~

This is too gosh darn SCARY FUNNY as I once again get Eric when he least expects it... BOO!!!! Hahahahaha!!

Yep... I am right back at it again with the same old scare tactic shenanigans all for a good laugh or two or three or four depending if you are the scare'er or just plain old SCARED! Eric's facial expression says it all as we are still laughing! Hahahahaha!

We were really hopeful to at least get a bit of a break at yesterday's appointment as far as limitations that had been placed over a month ago due to latest medical complications. But there were no breaks nor any changes as I still remain under the care of my critical care specialists and cardiologist. A continued set of rules to abide by for the time being while doing their best to get me stable enough to not be under such strict care. All of the respiratory medicine already leaves me feeling beyond Jazzed-Up so to speak. I still have three more tests to undergo which hopefully they can get me scheduled in with the hospital one and done no later than early next week.

Just when I thought I was reaching the top of this Mammoth Mountain... here goes another obstacle placed in my way before I can get back to somewhat of a normal life... not being under such strict medical care. We have so many amazing plans that were already underway. That includes our final Big Move out west. Yet... here we are once again stuck waiting and wondering.

With so many obstacles that continue to remain in our way... one has to remember that there are things in life that will be out of your hands and out of your control. So in the meantime... I might as well have a little bit of fun while being stuck at home.

Life is far too short so if you can't say something nice... make sure it's either scary or funny.

In Eric's case... SCARYF-U-N-N-Y!

More appointments, more testing and more bad news that doesn't make things seem very promising.

It's hard to comprehend one organ after another beginning to fail me. It's even worse to find out today that fast-track, maximum course of 3D radiation therapy from almost 2 years ago has caused another complication. Another reason for concern as radiation therapy has now been blamed for causing the lower lobe obstruction. My Critical Care Specialists have now isolated everything as far as two separate issues with my lungs and a connected issue with my heart. This really has been a life long struggle with what they know now as serious autoimmune issues that also play an important role with upper lobe scarring in both of my lungs. My body has continued going after its own organs which has caused a slew of problems when we thought ovarian tumors (cancer) was a big enough concern. We might as well forget gastroparesis because that seems to now be the least of my worries. 

At the end of the day as I set my cell phone alarm for two additional times to take more medication than I could have ever imagined to be on in this lifetime... just to be able to breathe. I look forward to embracing another good day. Far happier days that mean plenty of smiles and a whole lotta laughter that literally takes your breath away... but in a good way!

It's been another day coming to terms with more unforeseen permanent changes in my life due to medical reasons. Another day realizing why it's so important to embrace the little things in life that bring the most happiness. The little things that we all take for granted.

"The secret to reach the butterflies is not to run after them, the best secret is to take care of your garden with love and patience so that they get to you. Normally the things that have cost you the most to achieve are the ones that are most enjoyed."

Tomorrow marks another start to a bit more serious of a day at the hospital while meeting with my Cardiologist and Critical Care team. Needing to still get the old lungs and heart back on track and finally somewhat stable.

In the meantime...  there's always room to make some funnies!

Today's recipe by Little Ole Me is something quick, easy and a whole lot healthy! An earthy heart-healthy little treat for anyone on the go that needs some extra energy... a little pep to the old step! 

There really isn't much to throwing this little healthy mix together. All you need is a few minutes and a couple of plastic or Tupperware containers. It most definitely beats all the unhealthy stuff that sure isn't good to snack on throughout the day. Gastroparesis for me means a lifetime of trial and error. There are recipes that I have created over the years that actually do pretty well for me! Like this super easy earthy to-go treat. Set your clocks for a few minutes... actually less than five because here's all you need:

2 plastic or Tupperware containers

One box of Very Berry Cheerios

One box of Kashi Organic Blueberry Clusters cereal

One box of Sun-Maid Golden California Raisins

For those wanting extra fiber to help cinch the old waistline during this upcoming bikini season... Kashi Go-Lean cereal pretty much says it all! It will lean you out really quick and then some! Hahahahaha! After last night's episode of both of us trying the Kashi Go-Lean... I think I will stick with the lower fiber content of Kashi Blueberry Clusters Organic cereal! 

All you need to do is get your containers ready and add a little bit of all three ingredients to your liking. Snap that lid on tightly and give it a few good shakes! 

Not only is this a super healthy, high-fiber and low-calorie quick snack on the go... but it's super easy to make and to store in any size container. I personally like to use the smaller containers that fit in my purse.

Bon Appetit and enjoy today's funny and informative recipe video located at the link below! 

"Earthy To-Go Treats"

By Little Ole Me