We Pranked Santa Claus!

December 24th - Christmas Eve

We had our ward (church) Christmas party on December 23rd, where one of the guys was Santa Claus for the kids (and we happen to be good friends with him and his family). Christmas Eve we spent the evening with a couple of families. Afterwards we took cookies to a family in our neighborhood. Following that we left a "Secret Santa" for a family on their doorstep (which was a thrill). We drove away and enjoyed touring the local Christmas lights. While we were out, we drove by "Santa's" house. That's when a genius idea struck my husband.

"Candy Cane Monster!" He exclaimed. We just had to do it. We drove home, made our creation, and we pranked Santa Claus!!!

Introducing:



The Candy Cane Monster



When my husband suggested using candy canes I knew exactly how to execute the idea. So we plucked the candy canes from our tree, I got my glue gun out, used some Christmas garland wire, and of course a pair of googley eyes that I had bought just in case we ever decided to strike again. I'm so proud of my creation. And let me tell you, that was the most fun Christmas craft I've ever made!


And here is the Candy Cane Monster at the scene of the crime.


Right next to the morning paper.


Yes, a beautiful follow up to our
Squid Monster.

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Cookie Christmas Tree

Joshua and I spent Christmas Eve with a group of friends and their families. We were each asked to bring something to eat and share. I got crafty and made a cookie Christmas tree.

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Our Outside Christmas Decorations

There was a holiday decoration contest at our apartment complex. We didn't win anything... but I still think my decorations were beautiful!


Of course that's mistletoe over our door ;-)

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Happy Imperfect Christmas

My Mom sent me this and I really liked it. Enjoy!

Happy Imperfect Christmas
By Rick Hamlin

Last Christmas, well, I keep thinking about last Christmas.

Last December I had open-heart surgery and that meant Christmas was mostly a time of recovery. No parties, no singing, no traveling, no shopping. One day, scarcely home from the hospital, I walked very slowly to the corner to get a gift certificate for Carol. That was about it. Christmas Eve, with the help of a few painkillers, I made it to church and then went to bed early.

Carol would just as well forget last Christmas. She took pictures of our celebration around the tree but she's never let me see them. She says it's because I look so bad. It wasn't much fun for her to hold the holidays together with a half-functioning husband. Last Christmas is something she could just skip.

But there's stuff I vividly remember and want to hold on to. All the cards, all the food that people dropped off. All the visits and phone calls. All the prayers and emails. It's funny, I don't remember much about the pain in my chest and being tired a lot and never feeling warm enough and running a low-grade fever. What I recall is feeling loved and appreciated.

Please don't get me wrong. I want you to have a Christmas full of abundance and good health. But if you’re having a hard time, if you're worried about your health or your job or a loved one, let me tell you that there will still be something to treasure. The good stuff shimmers in the dark like tinsel in candlelight. Think of that first Christmas. It was one of the hardest on record. Look what came of it.

Merry Christmas. Let it be imperfect. Even in its imperfections you can find yourself surrounded by love.

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Our New (to us) Couch

You have no idea how wonderful a couch is until you go a year without one! We've been wanting a couch and missing terribly our couch cuddle time. Blessedly a family in our ward offered us their old couches (they bought new ones). We have a tiny apartment (and our living room has two computers and desks, I work from home so I NEED my own work space) but we had just enough room for the love seat.

And then it gets better. The Relief Society President and her husband offered to bring it to us with their truck. Monday Dec. 22 they not only brought it over but set it up in the living room too!

So this ended up being a Christmas present from both families :-)

We love our couch! It's so comfortable! And yes, we are very happy to be back to our couch cuddle time. We celebrated our new couch by eating munchies, curled up together on the couch, while watching a Muppet's Christmas Carol.

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Baby Phat Kitty Cat

I’m sure it doesn’t surprise you that I’m in love with the BabyPhat cat logo. Seriously, that’s the cutest and most elegant little kitty! My Mom was tempted to buy me one of those BabyPhat Coats that is covered with the cat logo. It’s hard to resist a pretty kitty.

The glamorous design of the clothing suits my taste. Online I found a full length snow leopard satin dress by BabyPhat that was the epitome of elegance while still being young and flirty (and I should’ve bought it before it went out of stock). Often in stores that carry a variety of brands, I will pick something up that I like and discover that it is BabyPhat brand. It never surprises me.

While the name “Baby Phat” may sound off putting to some, remember that this name symbolizes youthful femininity. Suddenly the name takes on its true meaning when you keep that in mind. Those that keep on top of the trends without going over board while balancing it with their unique flair of style tend to love this brand. Personally, I love sparkles, sheen, and prints, which BabyPhat incorporates into many of their clothes. Successful after Christmas clothing shopping should include lovely attire of this nature. At least, that’s my recommendation.

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Christmas Mix

Every nativity needs a viking looking over it, right? And how about a Santa capped frog and polar bear to the side? Hey, why not?

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$25 Budget? No Problem

Last minute gifts may be a little “too last minute” at this point, but if you happened to have forgotten someone or you weren’t planning to see them until after the holidays, now is the perfect time to pick up a nice affordable gift from Kmart. Let’s not forget all of those end of Decemeber birthdays (my husband included) as well as January and February birthdays as well (buy early!). With the supberb assortment of gifts to choose from of 25,000 gifts under $25 (complete collection available at Kmart stores, however you can sign up to receive e-mails full of deals and alerts at Kmart.com) last minute gifts from Kmart are a synch and easy on the budget too. We’re all hurting for money this year (some of us more than others… hello medical bills) and need to be cautious about our spending. Kmart helps shoppers do this with very little effort on the customer’s part. How nice is that? Among the many affordable options are choices of pajamas, house wares, toy for the kids (or big kids otherwise known as adults), tools, and even cute clothes. And that’s just the beginning! There’s definitely something for everyone, whether they are on your gift list or it’s for yourself.

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Excess Goodies

Is there such a thing as too many baked goods? Only when there's a chance they won't get eaten before they go to waste. Fortunately we have a New Year's Eve party to go to, so I plan to bring our excess goodies in hopes they are enjoyed by all with none to bring back home. Perhaps I'll even bring some of my husband's birthday cake to share too.

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Why Type When You Can Dictate?

Dragon Naturally Speaking is one of the most useful software programs you can buy. Simply speak into a microphone and Dragon Naturally Speaking writes your words for you! It boasts an impressive 99% accuracy. Talk about a time saver! (Get it, talk instead of write? Haha.)
Think about how much time you spend typing everyday, whether it’s for work, for school, for your blog, or whatever it may be. Think about how much faster it would be to just talk it out and have it show up as written text. Yes, now you see why Dragon Naturally Speaking is such a useful invention.

Best of all it is on sale now! $50 Coupon Code- DNSMSBG -Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10 Preferred Plus, if you buy it for your business and you buy it before December 31st you can file it as a write off on your 2008 taxes. But you’d better act fast, it’s almost the new year already!

Below are the coupon codes that will save you between 10 and 25 percent. They expire December 31st.

• $50 Coupon Code- DNSMSBG -Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10 Preferred


• $25 Coupon Code- DNSMSBG -Dragon Naturally Speaking 10 Standard


• $25 Coupon Code- DNSMSBG -MacSpeech Dictate

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It's Not Too Late To Give

Christmas is a time of giving. While the actual day may have come and gone this year, it’s not too late to donate to holiday inspired causes. The Sears heroes at home registry is for military families that have had to spend the holidays without their loved one being home during the holiday due to him or her serving all of us and our country. The donations are given to the families in the form of a Sears gift card that they can use to fulfill the needs of the family. You can donate as little as $1 or as much as you like. Donations are not tax deductible but who cares when it’s going to a good cause? And you know the money will go far at Sears. Back in VA, I didn’t have a Sears conveniently located but here in TX I’ve become addicted to that great store. And to know that they support such wonderful causes makes me love that store even more. The donations are being used towards things like clothes for kids, necessary home appliances, and perhaps even a toy or two for those young ones missing their parent. What a great way to give back to those that give us so much, meaning the most important thing we have, our freedom and our safety.

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Happy Holidays

A belated Merry Christmas and an early Happy New Year to everyone! I hope everyone had a splendid Christmas and will celebrate the new year with joy and love. Cheers to 2009!

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Repairs

When we first moved in here it was very difficult to get any repairs done on our apartment. Fortunately, that has changed (that and we’ve learned to nag the office until we get our work order done). Over the past year, our bathroom sink had a leak so they put in a brand new Delta faucet. Our toilet kinda broke and it now has a new pump (it’s noisy though, but at least it works). And as you know, our stove exploded and we got a new knob and new wiring installed (though we still don’t use that burner, simply from fear). And it’s also a good thing the repair guys are on top of things because even though we’ve lost water twice in the past year (one of those days being this month), they’ve repaired the issue quickly restoring water within 24 hours.

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A Memory: Grandpa to the Rescue

I’m not sure why, but I’m thinking about the time when I was out in Idaho visiting my grandparents when I was 11. My favorite (and only) pair of sandals broke while I was out there. I remember my Grandpa taking the time to repair my shoe with its broken strap using glue and industrial clamps (okay… maybe it was just one clamp). He saved the day and my sandals lasted me through the trip and for a little while back home.

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Speaking of My Articles...

I wrote an article for the website I work for titled: “Mistletoe Mayhem: How to Have a Romantic Christmas.” It gives some ideas for having a Merry Married Christmas (hmm… maybe that’ll be a title I’ll use next year for a similar article) including romantic Christmas music, lingerie, Christmas inspired dates, and for those with kids, realizing that relatives in town means free babysitting! Seems like obvious stuff, but sometimes we all need a reminder to put a little more romance back in the holidays.

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My Front Page Article!

I know, I should've mentioned this sooner. I'm a staff writer for TotallyHer.com. I wanted to share the good news that one of my articles landed on the front page of the website! I tell you all now because it's a Christmas article, so it won't be there for much longer.
See it Here :-) or go to the main page and scroll down to "Featured Video." Granted, I did not make the video, in fact my editor picked it out (though I find it ironic that it is an ExpertVillage.com video since I used to write for that website before they went all video). But the article is mine. Click on my name in the article and you'll find my bio. And while you're there have a look around the site and see if you can spot my work elsewhere!

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The Christmas Survey

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Gifts bags are reusable, but wrapping paper is so fun to unwrap!

2. Real tree or Artificial? I prefer a real tree, but our artificial tree is much more practical and cost effective (it was a wedding gift from friends!).

3. When do you put up the tree? Joshua and I prefer to do it the day after Thanksgiving. However, last year we were gifted our tree on November 30th, but were so overwhelmed with having just moved and settling into married life that we didn't put the tree up until Christmas Eve! (Granted, we made up for it by leaving the tree up until Valentine's Day. No, I'm not joking.)

4. When do you take the tree down? After New Year's.

5. Do you like eggnog? Joshua does, I don't.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? So many... I'll say my first nutcracker.

7. Hardest person to buy for? My sister Naomi or my Dad.

8. Easiest person to buy for? My husband :-)

9. Do you have a nativity scene? 3

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I love mailed Christmas cards!

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I vaguely remember being very young and my older brother got me a stuffed doll for Christmas and I cried because I didn't like it. But you know what? Months later I played with the doll and ended up enjoying it. Kids are strange, and I was no exception.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer (the original clay-mation version)

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually in September, clearance season!

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I'm sure I have at some point.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Chocolate and lots of it!

16. Colored or Clear Lights? Clear lights outside, colored lights inside. When you live in a warm climate you've got to mimic snow somehow and clear lights do it for me.

17. Favorite Christmas song? Christmas Means to Me, Oh Holy Night, Everybody Knows the Clause (Hanson of course)

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home

19. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star

20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning... though when I was a kid we'd all open just one present on Christmas Eve and then all the rest on Christmas morning. When we have kids maybe we'll do it that way.

21. Favorite ornament theme or color? Red

22. White or Warm Christmas? I've never had a white Christmas. The closest I've ever experienced was an "ice" Christmas because there was an ice storm so everything was covered in ice and shimmering in the sun. It was beautiful! However, the 10 days without electricity or water were no fun.

23. Favorite Christmas Tradition? Christmas bats!

24. Favorite Christmas Location? Home alone with my husband :-)

25. Who do you tag? All my blogging ladies that would enjoy filling out this survey!

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Secret Santa... More like Angels gifting Blessings

Sunday night we heard a knock at the door. I looked out the peephole and saw no one. I opened the door and there was a big, wrapped box labeled "Open Now." We opened it and while I won't divulge the exact details of the contents in order not to illicit envyings of others, let's just say it was definitely what we needed and wanted. We were blown away and humbled.

To our utter surprise, Monday night there was another knock on the door and I heard someone running quickly away. I opened the door and found yet another package simply labeled "From Friends." We opened it and found gifts that met both our needs and some wants too. I was fighting back tears overwhelmed having now received two such marvelous gift packages. Joshua was speechless.

We have many ideas of who our gifters could be, but truth is we have so many wonderful people in our life that we can't begin to narrow it down to who actually did this. We are so grateful and even stunned by the love we feel.

On the rare possibility that the gifter(s) or someone who knows the gifter reads this, THANK YOU!

Joshua and I have decided that someday in the future we hope to have and act upon the opportunity to bless someone in the way that we've been blessed this Christmas. In the meantime, we are simply grateful.

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Christmas Bats!

The beautiful snow really put us in the Christmas spirit. So much so we put up our Christmas Tree together after we took some photos in the snow. (Granted, we were going to put up the tree sooner but with me getting really sick and in the hospital it had been delayed).

Joshua assembling the tree.


Putting on the first ornament.


Putting on the last ornament.


The finishing touch, the star!

But wait... what is that hanging above the tree?


These are our Christmas bats!!!

Joshua hung bats from our ceiling for Halloween. When I took down the decorations for November, he insisted we leave the bats up (we both like bats anyway so we thought they were cute). They were still up and rather than take them down for Christmas, I decided to dress them up for the holiday. I gave each one a red and green bow.

Now we've started a new family Christmas tradition. We love our Christmas bats so much we plan to do this every year!

Joshua really getting into the "Christmas Bats" spirit!






Merry Christmas!

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Our Texas Snow Pictures

Isn't it beautiful? This is the snow as seen from our porch.







My snowy blackberry bush.



It's cold!

See the snow covered steps?


My snowy garden.

There I am moving my favorite plants. Just trying to keep them from going into total shock from 80 degree weather one day to 34 degree weather and snow.


Here's our cat Luna going crazy watching the snow. She was out in it when she came home all freaked out wondering what was going on.

And of course, we had to kiss in the snow ;-)

And our best snow shots:



Happy Christmas Snow!

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Christmas Wish to Santa

I found the most adorable advertisement / interactive holiday online experience / contest I’ve ever seen. Go here and watch the little movie. Then send in a picture and you’ll be in it too. Before you know it you’re sitting on Santa’s lap! How? It’s the CEIVA Digital Photo Frame. With this digital photo frame you can receive photos from a computer or cell phone from anywhere from anyone. Instantly the photos are uploaded onto the frame for display. That makes it the perfect gift for the technologically challenged grandparent or other relative that wants current pictures but struggles to access them.

Do you want to see my video? It’s at http://www.SitOnSantasLap.com/?wish=EXvYCy1rZv1R. You can make your own and share it with friends too or post it to your blog (they have the embed option as well as the link). I used a fun photo of me making a quirky cute face. You can use whatever you like.

I even typed in my wish for Santa and they showed it recorded in his wish list book. I wished for a dining table (we have a shaky folding table that we used to try to eat on but it was just too difficult so we gave up). Want to know what is even better? My wish was entered into the contest. Every day one person will win $500! That’d definitely make my wish come true. Have you got a wish? Of course you do! You should enter the contest too!

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Getting Better!

Tuesday I went to the primary care physician that I was assigned in the hospital. It was my follow up appointment. I'm recovering from the bacterial infection just fine (thank goodness!) but he said it can take a month or more for my digestion to be fully back to normal. Not a big deal, just uncomfortable, but after what I went through this is nothing.

I'm still on those "good bacteria" pills for at least the rest of the month. He recommended two months, but at $54 a bottle he said that I could get away with taking it for one month. We'll see what I decide. Also, I will follow up with the GI Specialist in a few months.

Sure enough, I caught the flu from Joshua. The doctor said it was turning into an upper respiratory infection and wanted to put me on antibiotics, but I talked him out of it (pretty easily because he too didn't really want to put me on any after what I just went through). He gave me some decongestant samples (which I haven't taken yet, I hate prescription meds with their many side effects, so unless I really need it I won't take it) and we called it good. If I'm not all better in a week then I'm to call him and we'll get me some antibiotics.

Fortunately, I'm already feeling better!!! Not all better, but so much better than I have felt in weeks. The other day I was feeling cranky and not sure why, but now that I'm starting to get my energy back it's like, no wonder I was cranky, I felt awful. It's just so good to be getting back to normal.

And a little more good news, the appointment only cost $37. We were scared because without insurance a regular doctor's appointment starts at $120, but since it was a hospital follow up it wasn't as expensive.

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Making Your Blog Professional

Finding a good web hosting service is essential to your success online. Whether you are looking to open an online store, a work portfolio, or to make your blog professional, it all requires proper web hosting.

Let’s discuss turning your blog into a professional venture. First you need a domain name. For example: mine is SupposedMarriedBliss.com. No sub-domain, it’s my own .com website. When you sign up for a web hosting service, they will usually through in your domain registration for free. What’s the advantage of web hosting? Help with building or customizing your site, faster uploads, more memory storage, advanced media options, statistics on your site’s performance, and customer support available at all times so if you have any question or problem you have instant help. With a professional blog you are more likely to get better exposure online. Plus you can use it to earn money whether by advertising on your blog for other companies and websites or using it to promote your own venture whether it be your online store, the business you work at, or whatever it may be. Using your blog to help you make money or earn more money from your current monetary endeavors is a good way to make the most of what the internet has to offer.

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It's Snowing in Texas!

Well, I don't know about the rest of Texas, but here in Northern Houston (Humble -Kingwood) it sure is snowing!!!

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The Lights

You’ve got to love the Christmas decorations all lit up at night like the las vegas strip. I’ve been at home all of the time since getting out of the hospital but the other night Joshua took me to the grocery store (just 2 miles from here) so I could pick out exactly what I wanted (I had some particular cookies in mind, but they didn’t have them anyway). We’ve been so consumed with stress from my health problems and our financial situation that we were barely noticing the Christmas season. On that short little trip we noticed how many houses were all decked out with decorations and we couldn’t help but catch a little bit of that Christmas spirit.

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Show Stoppers

I’ve been on a kick watching Mad About You episodes online. I love that show! Yesterday I came across the episode where Paul gives up his seat for a pregnant woman and offers to carry her groceries home. Then he mentions something about her tummy and she talks about the diet pills and the weight she’s lost. He questions her about if that's a good idea considering. As the episode progresses, it turns out this person is not pregnant and is actually a heavy guy, one of those that could go either way (though the pink and purple shirts and girly glasses definitely lead one to believe this person is female). It’s a huge misunderstanding, and it’s sad and funny all at the same time.

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It's Official... I've got the Flu, too

I caught my husband's flu. Fortunately, it's the head cold version and not a stomach flu. But still, as if recovering from a life threatening bacterial infection weren't enough, let's throw another exhaustion inducing bug on top of it. I just can't win. Back in mid October I caught a 3 day stomach bug, was better for a few days, then I caught a nasty head cold, that lead into a sinus infection, and as soon as I was feeling better from that I caught the rare bug that caused the bacterial infection that landed me in the hospital, and now I have the flu. It's never ending!

So to my wonderful friends, if I've been rather non-responsive lately, this is why.

P.S. Fortunately, hubby is getting better so he can go back to taking care of me instead of me taking care of him ;-) It's been a rough week!

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I'm Turning into Kermit

The tops of my hands and the insides of my elbows are turning green... which is good because that means all the bruises are healing. While I was in the hospital, of course I needed an IV, but they also took my blood every 6 hours. It was a very serious infection so they had to keep careful measure of how my body was handling it. When blood is being taken that often the nurses / techs had no choice but to go ahead and take blood even atop my bruises. I simply ran out of places! They were very apologetic, sweetest people. Like one nurse said, "I didn't grow up thinking someday I want to take people's blood for a living."

Though for all you twilight fans out there, if you want to be a vampire for a living, that is how.

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Growing Fruit

I grew up with an apple tree and a pear tree in the back yard plus a grape vine on the side of the house and wild blueberries scattered throughout. To me, fruits are an essential part of a yard. Even at my apartment I have my fruit plants in our “back yard” that is our porch. I have blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries (plus baby watermelons but they haven’t been doing well). Someday when we have a house and a yard we’ll expand to fruit trees. Mulberry trees sound like a fun option in addition to the usual apples and pears.

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Happening at CVS

So adding on to my Thanksgiving Day story, as we were on our way home we faced the daunting task of finding a drug store open on Thanksgiving. My hair was all in knots and I was in my pajamas, I even still had my hospital bracelets on, but I felt like I needed to go in with my prescription in case there were any problems.

We stopped at Walgreens first. The store portion was open but not the pharmacy. Next we tried CVS. Their pharmacy was open!!!

I turned in my prescription and the guy went to make sure the meds were in stock. They had the antibiotic no problem but couldn't locate the "good bacteria" pills called Flora-Q. The guy asked the main pharmasist. He had never heard of it either. They checked the computer system. All that came up under the name was "Ask a pharmasist."

I was concerned because I knew I needed the medicine. However, at this point I was weak from standing there and asked Joshua to wait at the counter while I sat down. The guy told him that they'd need to call the hospital and ask what would be a proper substitute and we could come back once they have that resolved.

At this point I walk back over to check on things, they recount the situation, and feeling frustated I drop my head. Miraculously my eyes rested upon a small orange box past the counter. I asked the guy, "Was my prescription for Flora-Q?"

He responded, "No way... yes, that's what it's called. What do you see?"

I directed him to the little orange box and sure enough that's what we were looking for. We discovered the mystery, the pills were considering non-prescription which is why they weren't listed in the computer system. However, they were behind the counter because they are so daggone expensive at $53.

Fortunately we were able to get all my medicine and get me home!

And soon thereafter, Joshua's boss at Chic Fila brought over two plates of Thanksgiving food for Joshua and me. Isn't that sweet?

The rest of the day we took it easy and then I went to bed early. You don't get to sleep much in a hospital so it was so nice to be back in my own bed.

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Swing Sets

Have you ever noticed how expensive swing sets can be? There are definitely places to get better deals than others, but it’s amazing how much of an investment this beloved play structure really is. However, it’s worth it. I have fond memories of the swing set my siblings and I shared growing up (though my younger brother had a not so fun memory that required stitches). Some of my friends around here have swing sets for their kids. Every kid needs a nice play area in their own backyard.

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Corporate Christmas Cards

I enjoy receiving corporate holiday cards. I’ve already received a couple from different businesses. Sure these people have no idea who you are and only send them to get or keep your business, but it leaves me with a favorable impression of the company… and makes me feel popular when I see how many Christmas cards I have even if it’s misleading, lol!

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Digital Signage

In a day of digital signage where everything you see online is somehow coordinated back to an enterprise of monetary gain, it makes one realize the vast amount of opportunities but also the high stakes of competition. With the economy in shambles everyone is scrambling to earn money and it takes even more effort to gain customers or find work as there is simply less being spent. Any advantage is crucial to success.

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Adding On

As if we weren't dealing with enough around here, now my husband has the flu. He went to the doctor today and got some medicine to help it cycle through. But we've been having to take turns caring for each other while he's sick and I'm sick. And now I fear that I might be catching it. We just can't win.

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AC Most of the Year

Speaking of the weather in Houston, you cannot live here without an A/C compressor in your car. It’s warm most of the year but unbearably hot in the summer. We’re easily talking 103 degrees every day for about a month (that’s what we experienced this past summer). You need to be comfortable driving. Heat drains you of energy and focus, which then makes you a dangerous driver. So around here our car air conditioning systems are a high priority for most of the year.

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Fuzzy Socks

I love a nice pair of fuzzy socks. I don't recall where I bought my first pair, but I know I was a young teenager probably 12 or 13. It's finally cold enough here in Houston for me to wear my fuzzy socks so I've been living in them lately. It'll be too warm again by February so I'm enjoying the coziness of my fuzzy socks until then. Or at least until a warm spell hits. Last Christmas it was in the 70's so we'll see what we're getting this year.

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Business Progress

Now a days, you have to be able to accept credit cards in order to keep your business running. We’re all so dependant on purchasing using plastic. Though if you have a business there are usually other expansions that are necessary as well. Too often it’s hard to have the capital (money) available at all times, especially when starting out, to make the desired expansions. You know the old saying, it takes money to make money. With a loan from OnlineCheck.com you can keep your business growing now, rather than waiting for the funds. Best of all this is a “fast business loan” where the requirements to be approved are less tricky than a typical lending agency plus the process is faster and without fees.

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Happy Thanksgiving... a little late

Olga sent me this picture. Isn't it the cutest?! I just had to share :-)

I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving.

The night before Thanksgiving I was finally allowed to eat food again. I had been on a liquid diet for 3 days mostly living off of IV fluids. Fortunately, my stomach was ready to begin to eat again! I spent Thanksgiving Day being very grateful for the ability to eat!

That morning I woke up in time to watch the Houston Thanksgiving Parade and to eat breakfast. I didn't know we had our own parade here in Houston and it was a pretty big deal with giant balloons, floats, and celebrities. My husband arrived at the hospital in time to catch part of the Houston Parade on tv with me.

Next up, we switched over to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. By this point Joshua climbed into my hospital bed and we snuggled up enjoying the festivities.

Afterwards, we found a Christmas movie to watch. The nurses thought it was cute we were curled up in bed together ;-) Eventually lunch came complete with turkey and pumpkin pie. So that was our Thanksgiving meal together.

That afternoon one of the doctor's associates checked in with me and gave me the good news that I was going home! After 5 days I was finally well enough to finish my recovery at home.

Joshua helped me get to the car and we were thrilled to leave. As we drove down Kingwood to our amazement, the trees had finally changed colors! Right in time for Thanksgiving day! It wasn't the spectacular foliage you see in Virginia, but it was definitely lovely. What a pleasant trip home from the hospital.

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Drug Store Buys

I saw the prettiest magnetic bracelets at the drug store the other day. I had to distract myself with something while I was waiting for my medicine. You never know what you will find at a drug store, and my favorite aspect, you never know what will be on sale! I have found some fabulous deals at local drug stores on everything from flip flops to candy. You just never know.

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Happy Sad

Speaking of sick people, I feel so bad for all the other people in the hospital sick with all of who knows what (perhaps mesothelioma). There were a lot of older people in the same wing of the hospital as me, granted I had my own room (yay, though it makes sense because what I was sick with something very dangerous to anyone currently being treated for serious illnesses that causes their system to be without good bacteria… as I found out the hard way). You see why I’m SO HAPPY to be home! But still, sad for the others. But the nurses told me a lot of people were being sent home around the same time as me, so hopefully they were getting better!

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Medical Memories

Being in the hospital brought back all kinds of uncomfortable memories. With needles, weird machines like a pain pump, and sick people everywhere I was definitely reminded of my teenage years. I was in and out of hospitals, doctor offices, and having medical test after test and trying treatment after treatment with little success. It was such a frustrating time in my life… that lasted for about 7 years. It’s been nice to be away from that, but this had definitely been a reminder that at any moment the health that I’ve gained can all too quickly be ripped away from me again. Carpe Diem! Seize the moment because you just never know what is next.

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Security Systems

I live in a rather upscale area. One thing I have noticed is that a lot of the nice homes also have security systems. When you have money, the most important thing to spend it on is your well being and safety. A home security system protects your home from harm, but more importantly protects you and your family as well. With a touch of a button you have access to a real person that can get you the help you need whether you’re dealing with a medical emergency, a fire, a burglar, or what have you. The better systems also monitor your home and send help when necessary. I was reading one example where a man fell asleep and his home caught on fire. Not only were firefighters sent, but the security system dispatcher called his wife and asked if there would be anyone in the home. She knew her husband was there so when he wasn’t found the firefighters broke down the door and found him unconscious. Fortunately, they rescued him but if they hadn’t known anyone was inside, he probably wouldn’t have made it.

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