Day 83: Lazy day

I'm not doing anything today! Kwintyn is home sick, he has a cough, and has a low grade temp. So, it's just a lazy kind of day. Murphy even says so! I took a picture of him because he is getting so big!! I haven't gotten any recent pictures of him besides his cute lil face. He's big now! And took over Kwin's cozy spot. haha!

Day 82: Endoscopy/Colonoscopy Day!

Today is the day for my procedure. I was dreading getting up because I had to finish the rest of the solution. Another 2 liters!! Just like yesterday, the first 3, cups go down good. Then the vomiting started again, I was just so over this at this point. I called the hospital asking for advice because I couldn't keep it down. I got no advice other than being told I should have started this at 6 am, and if I wasn't all cleaned out I might have to cancel. Aww, hell no!! No way!! I was following the paper work they gave me which told me to start at 7 am!! Pissed me off pretty much. Hahaha I finally got the solution down, and then got around to go. The front desk gave us great directions to the hospital so we did not get lost this time!!! lol Ann Arbor is a big place with horrible traffic! haha! I realize, I am more country than I thought, when I go down to the "big ol' city" LOL!! On the way there I saw a street sign named, Moore St. :) The procedure went fine, and after we left, I actually felt very refreshed, like the best nap of my life! lol We got on the road to head home, and made a pit stop in Grand Blanc, and I got a coffee, and chocolate shake from McDonalds. That shake tasted SO damn good! But I couldn't finish it. Was great to finally have some sort of food!!! Was great to get home again, too!

Day 81: And that, Jimmy, is the tale of my very first colonoscopy.

The dreaded day has come.....the cleanse!! We travelled down to Ann Arbor, because I was NOT doing this while traveling. We booked a room, and I did my cleanse at the Holiday Inn. LOL! I was starving, and that damn headache was still present. I felt awful before I even started. The solution tasted horrible, but the first 3, cups went down pretty good. Then after that I had a hard time keeping it down. It would go down, and then come back up. Then 2.5 hours in to it nothing is happening. I'm thinking, is something wrong? People said you'd be running to the bathroom. And be sitting on the toilet a lot. Hmmmm. I had just 3 more glasses to drink, and I needed some motivation, so my motivation was coffee. If I could get these gone, then I could have some coffee!! Well, I finally drank them, and got most to stay down. I had my coffee, and then holy crap!! Coffee does make you poop!!! Hahaha!!! I guess all the horrible stories you hear about colonoscopy's are not entirely true! The only horrible thing about it is drinking the solution. I have a sensitive stomach, so maybe someone that can hold their fluids down better, could do this with ease! It really wasn't bad other than drinking that horrible solution, and the not eating did suck, that was the second horrible thing. But I did have a basket full of stuff ready for this cleanse, and I stopped eating Sunday night, and started a liquid diet on Monday that was Boost, jello, and chicken broth. Tuesday I ate nothing. So I think that made the cleanse go faster.

Here's a list of things that are great to have if you are having a colonoscopy.
-clear beverages: water, gatorade-lemon lime, orange, or the white kind, Sprite/7-Up, white grape juice, coffee.

-Flushable wipes, & Clorox wipes

-Vaseline, or some kind of baby butt cream.

-Air freshener or candle

-Toilet paper....but I recommend not to use unless its some good stuff...with lotion. lol

-Magazines, your phone, something to keep you occupied, while occupied. haha!

-Pads-just a precaution! Don't ever trust that fart...or laugh....or cough. lol

-Extra underwear- just a precaution! Never know if you'll poop your pants. Might just want a whole change of clothes.

*I'm sure I was overly prepared, but I don't think that way. I try to prepare for it all. I'm an over packer anyways.*

Day 80: And to think I saw it on Mulberry Street!

Saw this at Kohl's and had to get it!! Been a little giraffe obsessed lately. Plus, it's Dr. Seuss!! Can't go wrong there. My bathroom gets the best lighting! lol

Day 79: Cream of Hearts

Found a heart in my yogurt! I was pleased to see that they brought back the custard style yogurt, that stuff is so good!

Day 78: Look Up!

Looked up today and saw a heart in the door way. :)

Day 77: Pain in the neck!!

I have been having problems with my neck? Veins? Muscle? Who the hell knows?! Doctors never see the damn swelling, but yet here I have photos.....grrrr. You just get a little pissy after a while because it is bothersome. The past week has been rough. Usually this flares up time to time, but it's been non stop for a week! Right side of face is swollen or puffy, throbbing/fullness feeling on right side of head, behind eye, ear, and on the neck. A few days my neck was sore to touch. My vision is blurry, grainy, and feels like tunnel vision sometimes. My head doesn't necessarily hurt like a head ache, its just this constant pressure/throbbing that is dull, but is there all the time. Gonna have my eyes tested. Not sure if this is some type of occipital neuralgia or something on those lines, but the symptoms sound close. It's just a pain in the neck, and I'm so over this.

Day 76: Happy 18th Birthday!!

Holy Crap!! I have 2, adult kids now!!! OMG!!! Keagan & Kyle are 18 years old!! Ahhhh!!!!!! Now this just does not seem possible! I was 18 when I had them, and now they are 18. I have to say, they have made better choices so far than I have, and their Dad! It's hard to take this in, I can't imagine what it will feel like when they move out, and then...gulp...turn 21!! In 3 short years!!! Good Lord, I ain't ready for adult children, I haven't grown up completely yet! Maybe, they will grow up before we do?! hahaha!! We are very proud of them, and they are 2, great kids to have. I am so blessed to be a Mother of Twins. Happy 18th Birthday, Keagan & Kyle!! You two sure have made us so proud, and we love you!

Day 75: Green Hearts

Found a heart chopping green onions today. Made chicken salad sandwiches, and they were so good! Haven't had those in a while. Next time I can't forget the cashews!!

Day 74: Happy 16th Birthday!!

Today Kameron turns 16!! How can this be?! Feisty as ever, and really needs anger management. Hahaha!! No, seriously though! LOL!! He really is a sweet, smart, handsome, responsible young man. We are very proud of who he is becoming, he has a good head on his shoulders. I really never have to worry with him. I'm so blessed to have him in my life, and to be my son!! Soon he will be on the road, we have been slacking on signing him up for drivers training, but he also hasn't really pushed the idea either. I hope he isn't in a rush to grow up....anymore. I sure do miss him being so little. He was a little sweetheart, and I loved the way he said fish......sish. lol Happy Birthday Kameron! We love you!!

Day 73: That darn cat!

Bad picture, but it was almost 10:00 at night when I realized I needed a photo. Got busy watching April, again. Every time I sit at my desk, a cat appears in my face. LOL My desk is a mess!!

Day 72: Pretzels! Get your pretzels!!

I haven't made these pretzels in a long time, and they sounded so good. I messed up the recipe.....oops! But you couldn't taste the mistake, they were still so yummy! Gotta make this again soon, and they are super easy to make. White Chocolate Cinnamon Pretzels, you can find the recipe on Pinterest, or in one of my 365 projects....2013, I think? Or maybe it was 2015? lol

Day 71: Hidden Hearts

Frank found a heart in the window, you can barely see it. My windows need to be washed!! lol

Day 70: Grate Full

Grate full of snow.......when is Spring, again?! Oh, wait! I live in Northern Michigan, we don't have Spring until May! LOL!!! Please pass the sunshine!!

Day 69: Boost!

Tried this stuff....it's not as bad as I thought it would be. I think I want to try another kind, one that doesn't have syrup crap in it. Gonna modify my diet in a few weeks, and this will most likely be one of my main source of nutrition. Less in my tummy makes me feel better I have noticed this week, plus this doesn't upset my tummy like other drinks I have tried. It's gluten free, and lactose free so I think that helps. They are just so tiny, and don't last long. But it's some vitamins & minerals in my body! Now to buy a scale to watch my weight.

Day 68: Stay Wild!!

Still watching April the Giraffe.....LOL!! I have learned a lot about April, and the baby's Daddy, Oliver since watching. April is 10 years old, and this is her 4th calf, and Oliver is 5, and it's his 1st calf. Oliver is fun to watch, too. He is one silly giraffe! I find it so calming to watch. Another screen shot!

Day 67: H2O

Murphy just loves water!! He runs to the bathroom, and jumps to the sink, and waits for you to turn on the water. It's so funny to watch! He will try to bite the water, or put his head under it. One time the water got so cold, he was shivering! hahaha!

Day 66: April The Giraffe

Anyone else obsessed with watching April the Giraffe?! She is almost ready to give birth, and it will be live for all to see.....Poor girl! I know that feeling, April. When Keagan & Kyle were born, I had said that I felt like an animal on exhibit at the zoo. Everybody just had to come up to see the twins! hahaha! And the audience that was in the room, med students had to get my permission to be in the room, so as my legs are up in stirrups I am signing paper work so these people can get educated. They were excited to witness a birth, but got super excited when they found out it was twins. I wonder what impression I made that day. hahahaha! Here's a screen shot of April. It's treat time!

Day 65: Bonjour my sweetheart, my daydreamer

I'm getting really bad at posting. I always have a picture, but I just can't seem to post everyday. I find myself struggling with this project this year, and I refuse to give up. I have to do this for myself, to keep pushing by because it gives me a sense that I am doing something. Whether this project sucks or is the best one yet, I know I will be happy years later that I have captured what was happening in my life in 2017. My goal was to do one every year since 2010, and I have missed a few years and looking back, I regret it. I'm not doing this project for anyone but myself. I don't care if people don't read, or even see the pic of the day. Personally, I would prefer to be private, but I do know a few enjoy my photos. Today while waiting for the bus to bring the kids home, I spotted a heart on the pavers. it was a piece of cat food! LOL!! At dinner time I spotted a heart in my fish. Fish & cat food hearts....hmmm. Something fishy about that. hahaha! The collage for these photos were needing a pop. I had no clue what to add to pretty it up. Some words caught my eye, and I got an idea....and thought it worked?! Eh, filled in the blank spots anyway, and I liked the wording. The words I used are the names of some of my fonts. I put some all together, and came up with this poem. Guess I was thinking creatilvely today!

Day 64: Poke!!

My Mother in Law just happened to have a blood glucose reader, and said I could use it. Today was the first day of trying all this poking stuff, and reading things. As we were trying to do the first specimen we had some troubles, and I had to poke myself a few times. Not sure if I am getting acurate readings or not since the solution isn't mating the numbers, and the test strips, and solution is expired. We just wanted to know if the machine worked too, and it does. Frank noticed this heart on some tissue, it's a mix of blood, and glucose solution. The heart made it worth all the pokes. haha! I hope this can fill in some answers as well. It's not fun to get poked, and I jump every time. My heart hurts for those who deal with this all the time. I hope I won't have to.

Day 63: Flash Back!

We went to visit my Mother in Law today, Frank had some painting to do for her, We took Chelsea & Kwintyn with us, and as always goes right for the toys. I haven't seen what Grandma has added to the toy closet over the years. But something caught my eye today. Chelsea & Kwin go zooming by, and I look at what she is wearing on her head, a crown. I followed them down to the room thinking, Shut the front door...is that what I think it is?! Get down to the room, and sure enough it is!!! Pretty, Pretty, Princess!!!!! I squeal just like a 8 year old girl. Grandma!!!! When did you get Pretty, pretty princess?! I was looking for one for Chelsea years ago!!! I go on, and on about it just like a big kid. The looks I got from my Husband, and Mother in Law. Hahahahaha! It didn't stop there either cause a few minutes later I saw the Dizzy, Dizzy Dinosaur, and noticed that's the ORIGINAL Mouse Trap, not the new one. The little things that can make me, Oh, so happy! I'm playing Pretty, Pretty Princess next time we go over there!!

Day 62: Be Soft

TGIF!!! Kids had school today, they had a snow day yesterday...we got dumped on!! Very depressing to say the least. I need Spring, now!! I feel so much better in the warmer months, and my bones don't ache as bad. Today I found this paper heart on the floor. I had another stomach attack/spasm/flare...whatever you want to call it. I call it, pain. Hurts to move, so you just sit there hugging your stomach. I look down & see this heart in the darkness. The little things I find beauty, peace, & hope in, just when you need it the most. Cause even in the darkest times, loves shines through. And I have always liked this quote.

Day 61: Hey! It's Izzy!!

Izzy Iz!!! I was surprised to actually get a nice picture of her. She is so, so skiddish, and has nothing to do with you picking her up. But she is a sweet girl, and comes to you when she want to be petted. She looks so much like Rubie, and acts so much like her, too. We had to put Rubie down a few years ago, and shortly after that, Izzy showed up! So, me being the damn cat lady that I am, I took her in. She can pee in the toilet!! I swear!!! I caught her coming-out of the bathroom after hearing a tinkling noise, and low, and behold she peed in the toilet...and a little on the seat. But she peed in the potty....twice! I don't keep my bathroom open because the other cats like to play with the toilet paper, and one likes to piss on my rug. It's the freaking rug every time!! I read it could be the rubber backing they don't like? I think it's just an ass!!

Day 60: A Little Piece Of My Heart Lives In Florida

I didn't get a photo today, but I did make this cute birthday greeting, for my very good friend, Sam. We were like the Flintstones & the Rubbles, always did things together. So, when she moved away a piece of my heart left with her. Some day I will make it down there and absorb all that sunshine with her!! I'm needing some Vitamin D!! I hope you had a wonderful birthday, Sam!

Day 59: Note To Self....RELAX!!

Did nothing today. Yesterday whooped my butt! hahahaha!!

Day 58: Aww, Poop!

Traveling down to Ann Arbor today. I have my appointment with the GI Doctor today. It was scheduled for Friday, but the Doc got sick. The trip down was going good, no arguing over directions, was great, until we blew a damn tire! We had no clue where we were at, so Frank jumped a fence, and went to a propane place to see where we were, and to get some road side assistance. No way was I going to allow him to change the tire on the highway, and how we were parked. You could feel the traffic going by, and the car shook. Tow truck arrived fast, and the whole ordeal was done in 30 minutes! We arrived 90 minutes early! On the way back I needed a picture, and saw these clouds. Thought they looked kinda like the USA. Eh?! Well, it was pretty anyways.

I was anxious over this appointment. I knew I should have seen one a long time ago, so that was good. I was really anxious about the exam part. Sometimes you get a check of your rear when you are there. I was relieved that I did not have that exam done. Phew!! hahahaha! BUT!!! I now have to go back down, and have a endoscopy, & colonoscopy done.....OIY!! OIY!!! OIY!! I want this done, but....the prep is the worst from what I read, and heard. The jug you have to drink to cleanse is HUGE!!! You get a break, but still....not fun. I have decided we are going down the day before and will get a hotel so I can do my cleanse. Imagine cleansing while traveling. Very shitty. I really like the Doctor, he was my age....married, dad of 2, and was on his 3rd year residency. So, I have to go back in 6 months, but won't be seeing him. So, I am on back up now. He did mention a few things like Celiac, was going to do a blood test, but already had one last year, and it was negative. Sometimes Celiac doesn't show up in blood work. He also mentioned delayed gastric emptying, which is also known as Gastroparesis. He wants me to get a blood sugar reader thingy, and to monitor my sugars, and to watch my weight, and how I feel when doing the cleanse. Some people notice that they feel better when they have nothing in their colon, so we will see. LOL He doesn't think the fatigue is from my belly issues though. I've mentioned blood sugar, glucose, insulin, metabolic disorder to other doctors.....so this just makes me SMH!! He said that if the endo/colonoscopy come back negative, there are a few other tests he wants to run, so it's not the end of the road. I also go see a Neuromuscular Doctor in April...to make my head happy, happy, happy. Plus, I think it will be helpful with the other problems I have been having. I hate all this so much. Mostly because of the cost, you have to be rich to be healthy.

Day 57: No Home Decor Is Complete Without Cat Hair

Tallulah & Murphy were all snuggled up, and sleeping together, again. Awww!! They look so cute when they cuddle. I needed a picture for the day, and so I took a picture of their fur!! When editing I saw an image in the fur, do you see it?! Kyle didn't see it until I pointed it out. You can see it better in a black & white photo, but I liked the color.



I see a sleeping kitty in the orange fur.