Storm Coming

Isis loves to visit Nonno and cuddle with him, wash his face and pretty much nap her day away. Which is great for Nonno, as he naps away his day. He hasn't been feeling so good lately.


My happy girl, Isis and me. She smiles because she is such a happy thing. I was not the person who had her little ears chopped off. She is still a beautiful little girl.

Fatboy. This has become his favorite chair. Isis loves to mount him, and he basically just stays there and takes it - he is a sweet fat cat. Unlike Miss Nala, who hates both dogs and Bosco; Frank threatens to throw her against a wall by the tail. Not that he would ever do that for real. He just likes to get me going.


THIS is pretty much all we have been getting here. We have yet more of this garbagey cold front on it's way, WITH large large LARGE amounts of snow to accumulate in the next 24 hours. again. Upwards of 10 to 14 inches of the wonderful white stuff. Yesterday, they guestimated 6 to 10 inches.

I have been unable to take pictures of it as it's been falling because, well who really wants to stand outside when your eyeballs freeze to your lids in the cold that we get? Not me!! I prefer to hibernate, thank you. We rarely get above the teens on a good day. Naturally,(the bear in me coming out) I just bundle from two to three layers, and go from house to garage, to van, then to wherever it is I need to go. Poor Frank, graciously has given in to parking in the driveway where he is oblivious to the cold. Or just doesn't make as much of a fuss as me.

"I HATE WINTER!" This has been a daily saying for me, and I do state this on an hourly basis. To anyone who will listen, or is standing nearby. I'm finding that most people here in the Northeast agree. very much.

Now this is where the funny part is; each time I take my in-laws out for an appointment, we have a storm. Every single time. We are becoming pretty used to it, and just laugh it off. Even better, I really don't mind driving in it, that doesn't bother me. I just hate being cold. I can't stand that it is constantly cold outside; and I'm talking cold in the teens here. Bitter cold.

Tomorrow, we have another appointment. Another storm. I hate winter! I am so looking forward to the warm weather. and the birds chirping. I hope you are all well!
Deborah

Hello again my neglected blog site. I have been away spending some quality time with my family doing, well, quality-filled things. Like watching as my kids decorated some cookie cut-outs for Christmas. That was one day I was able to sit at home. Aah, what a wonderful day that was. I was fortunate to have the majority of my shopping done ahead of time. But I refused to stop. I'm stupid that way.



When I couldn't find things to buy the kids, I would shop for the new pup. Now she is still fun to buy for. Oh, and she is sporting a pretty new collar complete with bling. I'm sorry I don't have a picture right now. And she is getting so big. I had a wonderful Christmas. My kids were home, Bri included. And she was here for two days and nights and had a truly wonderful time with all of us. It is so awesome to have her with us. The puppy woke her with kisses. Lexi didn't care too much for that.






Frank got a big screen TV, for sports and such. And I must say, it's impressive. Although, when you have some neurological um, problems such as myself, it makes for some interesting viewing. I have found that standing near the set is a big no-no. Also, if it showing a scan-like scene, I musn't watch, it makes me nauseaus. I was never good with the big screen, so it's no big shock really. I can't do the IMAX, or what used to be called the Cinescreen. They make me puke and fall. This is just the home version. Watching this while in migraine mode, not a good idea. But the picture quality, is incredible at best!! Especially for sports. Can't WAIT to see a Yankees game on this baby!!



This is our beautiful family I have never introduced; my MIL, Nonna; my step-daughter, Rachel; then there is my brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Pam and their daughters, Jesse and Ricci.




Oh and this is Rachel's new puppy, Mocha. And she just happens to be Rocco's grand daughter. Adorable isn't she! And soft and cuddly.

Frank and I on Christmas; and his brother Joe and Annette. Annette and I were having a very, VERY good time together Christmas evening. "WOO HOO!"


It has been a very difficult past two months with Uncle Vince; he is sick. Please pray for him. And for Anna (Nonna). She needs strength to get through this time, and patience. She is a tough lady.

Thankfully, my pain doc was able to perform another cryoanalgesia just before Christmas, and it seems to be working. I have been able to live with and thru the migraines I have been having. They still come, but not as unbearable.

On the downside; I have been denied again by my insurance company for the medication that works as a preventative to keep them at bay. I believe this was our third denial. Amazing. I refuse to allow it to get me down. I still have the Great Physician to take care of things for me. He has gotten me thru all of this thus far. I know He will get me thru the rest.

Happy New Year and Best wishes to you.
Deborah

Queen of the Dog Park

And now she has the shirt to prove it!! With sparkles. It's official, I've completely lost it for this pup. She is just adorable in her new little t-shirt. I love the dollar bin so much at Target! So much in fact, that I bought.....

this little coat for her, too.Yes, she did need it. Everytime I took her to the door, she started to shiver. She is afterall, a baby still. With very short hair and a bare belly. She is so stinking cute.

They don't make things in his size. Trust me on that. Even collars are hard to buy for the big guy. He was trying to undress her when I put the shirt on her. (I think he was jealous, he was looking in the bag for one for himself) but like I said, he's too big.

They play so cute together. Yep, they're in love.

Unless there is a bone or snack between them, then of course the beast, Rockhead, is in charge.

Oh and she watches the TV. in complete amazement or for joy, not sure yet., but she watches.

I am finished with my shopping. Completely and totally finished now for my kids. They are now done. They will get nothing else. nothing I say. nothing. Frank on the other hand, he is definitely entitled to more! Much, much more. Even if he says he wants nothing. To that, I say, "whatever!" just open your gift. He is a good man. I am very lucky.

And he just walked in from work at 10:20pm. So good night.

Santa, Baby

We took Nicholas to see the big cheese this week; and since he's eight years old, I'm thinking this may be the last year he chooses to visit him.

Note the list in Santa's hand, generously provided by my boy. Making sure he doesn't forget once he's left the mall. Smart boy. He had an awful lot of electronics on that list. PSP, DSLite, Wii, he must think Santa is just loaded. What a little nut job. Oh, I almost forgot, he did ask for a Trans-Syberian Orchestra CD. Now you don't get too many kids his age asking for that.

This pup thinks I am her Mommy. During the day, she sleeps in my lap when I am sitting. She follows me where I go. At night it's pretty much more of the same. She prefers me over well, anyone in the house. She will, on occassion, lay with the Rockhead, but not too much. I would prefer it if she would, you know, her being a dog and all. How do you not fall in love with something so adorable and sweet? Too late.

I am going to get this short-haired little girl something warm tomorrow.... she is just too cold. We had a snow storm today. When I bring her to the door to go out, she starts to shiver. It's just pitiful. I never understood before now, why people would dress their pets; but she is cold. I must make sure she is warm. That is all there is to it.

I am officially finished shopping for my children. I have only to shop for Frankie. Oh, and my parents, Philip, food. Then I will be done for the Christmas shopping. Still needing to do some baking.

Yesterday I had another cryoanalgesia procedure done, and other than being completely exhausted, I feel pretty good. Not so yesterday, but that was expected. I'm hoping it will keep the monster that was coming to life, at bay for the next three months. Or at least at a calm level.

For now, I need to get my kids ready for their Dad's. I hope they have a nice weekend. I plan to rest.

Wishing you pain-free days

Deborah

Sensory OVeRlOaD

Let me just start with Saturday. I was startled awake at 4:30am by the monster, who grabbed the right side of my head like a mad dog and shook and tried desperately to drag it off my shoulders. Unsucessfully. Then the ice picks landed deep inside behind my eye. I knew it wasn't going well.

I had a party to attend with Nicholas. at Build-a-Bear. at the mall. later in the day. ugh.

But before that, it was drumline practice; because what migraine Mom doesn't want to hear the sound of banging drums and cymbals before the day is out???? In preparation for a winter parade. Yes, a freezing cold, and blowing zero wind-chill factor parade. I actually do enjoy drumline, I just hate migraine; the two do NOT mix well. Sort of like oil and water. So while my girls were practicing "Jingle Bells" with their percussion instruments and the rest of the band, I was covering my ears and trying to play along. "Oh what fun it is to ride.......with a migraine in your head -- HEY!"

From there it was off to the Dollar Store, which in itself is a disorganized nightmare in the neuro making for me anyway. The chaos of unorganization of the place is just too surreal for me to deal with on a good day; but to be there on a day like Saturday, too much for me to deal with. We were only there for Santa hats - they needed them for the parade. Santa hats turned into cute Santa outfits and antlers for the dogs, and toys and oh,"Mom can I have this...........?"

"Enough, let's just get the hats and get out of here NOW!" I shot out.

Oh so conveniently located, directly next door was the puppy mill, major pet store not to be named here. Oh, yes we HAD to go in. They had THE cutest little pink houndstooth jacket with white faux fur I ever saw for little new puppy. at the insane price of $30. As if! I did pick it up and put it back probably oh 3 or 4 times. Showed it to another lady, who also loved it. I'm crazy that way. Talking to people I don't know and telling my kids not to. Oh where was I going with this????? oh I remember, the overload! colors and sounds in this store - wow, they have too much! Aaaaah, but it's organized, spilling over perhaps, but in it's place. Color coordinated leashes and collars, bed pillows for puppies, kitties, dogs; chew toys, biscuits swings for birdies fishies hamsters gerbils boxers bulldogs pinschers brushes crates cookies crickets snakes STROLLERS would you dare buy one????? for a freaking DOG!!!

(look, dog inside)

My mind was just screaming things out as I looked around. My crazy migraine mind doesn't just process as my eyes scan. Oh no no no ! that would be so nice and relaxing and easy peasy. Mine must yell to me things that are there, and tell me what is going on; "dog pee in kennel 2, boxer did a poo-poo, old lady with cheap perfume and way too much, that little girl didn't use shampoo in a few days; look out for that man, he doesn't use pit stick. oh and that teen boy, he is just coming into PUBERTY, watch out for the bean and bacon scent on him, ooooh, dog food with too much gravy and beefy too. can you smell those mice? yuk? ew ew ew birdy poo-look out! fish water fish water fish water!

I was gagging and running for the door; by the time my feet reached the sidewalk, I was deep-breathing - pulling in as much fresh air as I could get. I could hardly wait to get to 5 pm, for the mall.

oh goody

It amazes me how much the scent of poison, I mean perfume is worn and sprayed, and spewed about at the mall, in department stores and on people in general. I held my scarf around my nose as I walked the mall, wishing I could break my boys heart and just go home. I thought it was just me, but Christina was with me, and she, too was shocked by the inensity of it. We couldn't ecape it. anywhere.


Normally, this would have been a great time for me to do some extra shopping, and for the two of us to have some fun; but it was just too much. And for what is an "economic crisis" we are in, the mall was so crowded, every store, aisle, hallway, no matter where we turned, we bumped into or stepped onto someone because of the over-crowding. I just wanted OUT!!
My brain was screaming! My body was jumping and bursting with the most insane energy. I knew I had had enough. I wondered how I would be able to drive my kids home. I could barely think clearly; as now while writing this. I know my days are numbered until infusion.

I ended up leaving with him before the cake was served, barely getting through the crowd; and mostly just pushing my way through people, rudely that wouldn't move fast enough. Scarf covering my nose, hand on my stomach, hoping not to puke everywhere. Running, hoping they could keep up with me, and that I wouldn't lose them. Looking back for them, and looking ahead at the same time.

"Come ON! Hurry, I need to get out of here!" I said, frantically.

Deeply sucking in the fresh, cold air again as I reached the sidewalk - breathe, breathe, breathe!! homehomehomehomehome.

Sunday, oh Sunday. Another crappy and cold migraine day. What IS it with this weather changing rapidly like it is? I mean, the winter is one thing; the intensity of frigid arctic cold front blowing in, that is something I'm not liking so much. Not to mention the snow coming down with it, rather blowing sideways with it. I hate the cold.

I ended up driving in the parade in the event any of the kids fell out from the weather. Amazingly, they all marched in it, kids are soooo resilient that way. As for me, I'm ready for a long winters nap. Considering it's only 12 degrees outside, that is NOT a typo, it's a great night for a fire! I think I'll start one right now!

Wishing you and yours a pain-free evening

Deborah

decked the halls

I don't know about you, but for the past two weeks, I have been decking my halls, walls, tables and windows. I got some new stuff this year; got rid of, well not rid of, but just updated my color scheme for Christmas. And I am very happy with it. I think I am finally finished. No. I AM finally most definitely finished.


I think I may even leave my wreath up through the winter after my tree comes down and my snowmen come out. I like it.

Oh, day two of my new drapes and so far, Frank hasn't noticed them. It's not like they are a slight change, I mean look at the size of the window.
This was the former set. yeah, bold, like ribbon candy, in a way. I'm looking to sell them. I have 6 panels in 84 length.

Baubles.



a pretty little Santa sleigh with more baubles and stuff.

I'm having more fun looking at other blogs and pretty decorations. I wish I could take better pics, especially of my tree; it's very hard to get the right setting. I have so many lovely birds that I have been collecting the past couple of years. I found the most beautiful angel at Micheals with all the right colors for only $12. I'll try to get my diningroom tomorrow. Maybe Frank will see the drapes tonight. HA

Need to get my dinner ready. fish. yumm.
Have a wonderful and painfree weekend.

Deborah

And They Call it Puppy Love

He brought her home. A girl. And instantly, we all fell head-over-heels, in love with her. How could we not? She is, afterall, sweet, adorable, mild-tempered. She has the most beautiful blue-green eyes. Her name is Isis.



Isn't she beautiful! I know, I know, he had her ears cut off, but other than that, she is so stinking cute. And she is so sweet. I just hate the puppy-training-stage. The poop, the chewing, the poop. She's not doing so bad really. Let's just say, it's a good thing she's cute.


This big guy, has had his nose a little, uh, cranked. He was just as nuts as the kids the first day. He's over it. Dogs do have issues with jealousy. He has it bad. But he does like her, and yet he lets her know her place.

I have been down for a few days with a nasty monster - probably from over-doing it a bit over the weekend. When I feel better, I will be posting the pics of my decorations. I just HAD to get these up to show you how positively adorable she really is.

Now, back to the resting place.
Deborah

Neglectful

These are a few things I've been working on while I've been off neglecting my blog. It's not that I've been bored; oh no, never that! HA, imagine a day with some time to be bored........... sorry, can't.




That's ok, because at least I haven't been under the covers with a migraine. I have actually had some pretty good days lately. (I know, I know, I shouldn't say anything) HOWEVER; as I look over the last three years, I'm doing great, compared. Oh, They still come, but I'm able to live through them.




And I've been using my creative side to keep busy. With all of the left-over wood pieces we have here, and the one's from the kid's Dads house, I have been able to make some really neat and interesting things for my house, as well as gifts for my family. I love me some junk.


I remember being told when my girls were little, "wait until they're teens," and didn't really know what that meant, in it's fullest. Thankfully for me, my girls are great; they are respectful, don't get into trouble, are good in school - they are great kids. What that statement meant was that I was going to be in for the RUN of my life. The daily, non-stop and forever running to and fro from day til night - RUN. They wear me out. literally. From one place to the next. If it's not that, it's the grocery store, every other day. I just run, and run and run. well, I'm driving but you get it.





On Migraines: If you are like me, and have been taking anti-seizure medication, and have been for some time; it's time to have your Vitamin D levels checked. You may have become somewhat deficient to Vitamin D by now. And with the weather turning, well, dark and gray, the lack of sun isn't going to help. Please get your levels checked, get your supplements. Here and Here are excellent articles to read on the subject. You may be at risk for more than you think; like cardiovascular disease (no shocker there), malignancy, cerebrovascular disease and fibromyalgia. Hey why not, right. A little something more to add to the mix. fun, fun, fun!j (UPDATE: I have fixed the highlighted sites; here's hoping they work for you now)



I had my levels tested just two weeks ago for an unrelated test and found I am indeed deficient. I was told to take upwards of 3000 iu per day of Vitamin D3. now. I will be rechecked in four months. There is always something, isn't there.






But wait -



Oh, look, despite my being neglectful here I was given this Lemonade Award by MJ at Rhymes With Migraine. The Lemonade Award is given to blogs demonstrating an attitude of gratitude. Although I find it awkward being on the receiving end, especially when I'm not appearing as creative in my writing, I am very thankful for it. Thank you, MJ.




Now it's my turn to honor more writers who demonstrate an attitude of gratitude. I think you'll agree!



1. Migraine Chick


2. Somebody Heal Me


3. The Daily Headache


4. Migraine Community


5. I Shutter to Think


6. The Decorated House


7. The Sassy Lime


8. Much to My Sjogren




Oh and by the way, I am so very spoiled. This is my new Mom van. I was pretty uninterested in getting a new van at first. I even test-drove one, and didn't like it, didn't want it. BUT, I actually love it. It does have an awful lot of gadgets to get used to. I still do NOT like where they moved the shifter to.



.



I am, although, enjoying the Satelite radio and the MyGig system. The kids of course, are thrilled with the idea of video. My MIL said they will be coming out with toilets next. I'm afraid she may be right.





Look, two glove boxes. Crazy! I am thrilled we no longer have three red vehicles in the driveway. We were known as "the house with the red cars."

It is truly amazing what they think of to put into a vehicle. The first gadget I disengaged was the rear back-up camera. Why, I ask, would you need such a device on a minivan? A camper, yes. But I didn't need one on my previous vehicle, and I don't see the need now. I will continue to use my eyes, and my mirrors. But thank you, Dodge. Clever.

I needed to make it clear to the kids that it is not a theater on wheels; that we will not be playing movies every. time. we. get. in. PULEEEZ. I guess they are just as excited as me. My favorite is the pedal extender. Oh the little things that excite me. I was totally thrilled with that. AND!!! The seat goes higher than my other van. WAAAAY higher. I love LOVE my new van; more than I thought I would. Yes, I'm spoiled. terribly terribly spoiled.

I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving. I have much to be thankful for; our Philip will be home with a fellow Marine brother. oh, and a stupid puppy for me to raise and train. lovely.

My children are healthy and happy.

My husband has a job that he loves.

Our Lord provides for us.

Wishing and praying you all pain-free days.

gobble gobble
Deborah