My Beloved Ma

Yesterday, September 14^th, marked one year since my beloved mother left this earth at the age of 68. I still cannot fathom that she is gone. When I think of her, I still think of her in her chair in her living room, draped in her prayer blanket, handmade by the ladies in her church, watching TV. Of course I try not to remember the myriad attachments she had, like the oxygen machine, her feeding tube, and all the health paraphernalia she had on the table beside her.

I try not to remember the tired look in her eyes, the effort that was expended when she would use her walker to walk one lap around the kitchen, or her labored breathing due to only having one lung. I don’t like to think on these things, but it is so hard as she was sick for so long. I try not to dwell on what was supposed to be a routine hiatal hernia surgery gone terribly awry on April 22, 2005.

I try not to focus on the proximal distance between us because she and my father lived halfway across the country. I don’t want to think about the coulda’s, woulda’s and shoulda’s.

Instead, I shall celebrate her life and the joy that she brought to my life, my husband’s and my children’s.

She was an awesome mom; she was “Ma” to me. My Ma was not only my mother; she was my friend, my confidant, my protector, my cheerleader and so much more.

My Ma loved her husband, my father for 50+ years. She loved her four children. She loved her daughter’s-in-law and her son’s-in-law.  She loved each and every one of her 13 grandchildren. She loved to brag about all of our achievements, and she was always there to cheer us on when we stumbled.

My ma was the one I always went to when I had a question about anything from flowers to recipes to remedies. She was my go-to gal. I could always count on her. I find it such a shame that she missed the whole iPhone, FB, Skype, YouTube, Pinterest etc. era. She would’ve loved it all.

I wish I could have FB’d with her, and I would have on a daily basis. I would have loved to share a funny video via YouTube with her just to hear her contagious laugh. I would have loved to Skype with her so that I could see her beautiful smile. I know if she could have Pinterested, she would have had a bazillion boards.

My Ma was a beautiful soul. I miss her daily. I think of her often. I miss her affirmations of love. I would love to hear her refer to me as “a neat kid” one more time.

Excerpt from my dad’s thoughts about yesterday…beautifully articulated:

“To my dear sweet gentle bride how I have missed you this past year.

I can’t believe that it has been a year since you left this life. It seems like yesterday when you asked us to gather around your bed for one last time. This wasn’t the first time we would come from out of town prepared for the worst but still praying for the best.

Over seven and a half years of recuperation this scenario was repeated several times. But, this time you lowered your head slightly and wrinkled your brow a little as you gave a stern look in our direction, as if you were about to scold us, as only a mother could do. You pointed to each one of us and made us promise to look after each other when you were no longer there to watch over us and protect us. That very moment we all did take up that solemn promise to you and agreed to do as you asked. Now, it is up to each of us to individually search our hearts and know whether or not we have kept that promise!

You are sorely missed by those lives you touched and by all who knew you and loved you. But, none more than the one whom you built a life with. A life of thousands of thoughts, plans, events and dreams that we knit together with each other growing and building that life. Hardly a day goes by that my memory doesn’t dig deep into the past and somehow recall one of those many thousands of something’s that we shared together over those fifty years we were together.

I praise God for that life he gave to us. May God forever rest your soul. I love you sweetie.”

I praise God for my mother’s and father’s testimony of love and devotion. I will always miss my Ma, but it will be with the fondest of memories. May her beloved soul rest in the peace of Jesus today and always.

Still on Hiatus…Kind of

I know I wrote that I was on a hiatus of sorts, and I still am, but wanted to share some news with you all. Over the last week or so (and I kind of mentioned this in my last post) I’ve really been thinking of taking a break from this whole illness thing. I know that I cannot control my physical limitations, but I can certainly control how I react and respond to them.

Sooo, I’ve been thinking on this a great deal as of late. I am so much more than my illness. I’ve decided that I’m going to live my life, and I’m not going to let my illness get in the way. Some people might call this denial, and that’s ok by me; if it means that I can attempt going on with my life and putting my illness on the back burner to accomplish this, then so be it. I’ve mentioned before that there is only so much reading, research, illness related social networking, worrying, etc. that I can do. I’m tired of my illness being in the forefront of my mind from the moment I wake up. Used to be, I’d get up every morning and take my vitals, freak out a bit if they weren’t in the “normal” range, get myself all worked up, go on illness related sites and whatnot, get all worked up again, and on, and on, and on.

I found myself beginning to spiral out of control, not only physically, but mentally, emotionally and spiritually as well. I need a break from all of that. I need time to appreciate and be grateful for the things I do have and can do.

This past week has been liberating to say the least. I’ve been out more this week than I have in the past several months. One day this week, I wanted to take Beauty Queen out to do some errands and shopping. As you all know, I’m not the type that goes out often, especially without Big Handsome. Over the years, I’ve become a sort of agoraphobic, where I wouldn’t go anywhere without Big Handsome. As I began to get somewhat comfortable with my limitations I began to go out a bit more, but only if Beauty Queen was with me (so she could drive if need be) and/or my Sonshine (teen son). I still don’t go out alone, hopefully that will change at some point.

Back to this last week. I took Beauty Queen out and we went to several locations. We were able to accomplish all we set out to do and we had fun together. In the past, this never would’ve occurred. Then, the next day I had my hair appointment. Beauty Queen drove me and all turned out well. Today, I took the kids to get some breakfast and then to purchase some gourmet cupcakes for her birthday coming up. Usually, I wouldn’t even attempt to go outside my usual ten mile radius, but today, I actually drove all over, waaayyyy past my comfort zone, and I did it all without freaking out.

Sooo, I’m feeling quite free. Call it denial, or just taking back my life. Whatevs…all I know is that I haven’t felt this great in a long, long while.

I’m still on hiatus while I try to perfect this new life of mine. I do realize that this euphoria can’t last forever, or there won’t be some “sick” days, but my hope is that they are few and far between. Call it an experiment of sorts. I’m even taking a break from recording every detail of my illness on a daily basis (that’s one more thing I can check off the to-do list) I’ll be back shortly to share my progress.

I might be helpless at times, but I shall never be hopeless J

Top Ten Tuesdays

Hey there everyone! Here I am posting a Top Ten Tuesday on a Tuesday and there are 10!! With all that has been going on in my house, ie: a dizzy Big Handsome who’s been home for almost a week now with what seems to be viral Labyrinthitis (new word for the day, seriously I think doctors just make this shit up), this list is just a simple one I came up with. Enjoy my Top Ten movie list in no particular order:

Top Ten Movies I Love

1. The Blindside: Love Sandra Bullock not to mention a good story based on true events.

2. Mona Lisa Smile: Love Julia Roberts and that this movie is about art (and a bunch of other deeper issues) since I’ll be creating an Art Appreciation class for our homeschool co-op for next year.

3. Taken: Love, love, Liam Neeson, plus this movie is action packed. Needless to say, my daughter will not be going to Europe with a girlfriend in the near future.

4. Serendipity: Love, love, love John Cusack, one of my all time favorite actors. See #10.

5. Freedom Writers: Jennifer Garner is great in this movie, and since I also teach writing at our homeschool co-op, a great movie to add to the list.

6. The Lake House: Again, love Sandra Bullock and the fact that this movie has unexpected twists and turns.

7. Nights in Rodanthe: (Basically any movie from a Nicholas Sparks book) Have always loved Richard Gere as an actor, not to mention he’s easy on the eyes in my opinion.

8. The Notebook: This is possibly the one case where the movie was actually better than the book.

9. 10 Things I Hate About You: Always loved Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles. The movie is a great interpretation of Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew”.

10. Anything by John Hughes (Say Anything is my fave!) Nuff said.

 

Hasta La Vista!

I’ll be off the grid for about a week or so. Big Handsome is taking us for a much needed beach week vacation. Saying “We can’t wait!” is quite the understatement.

Have to share a funny with you all (well funny to me anyway).

I am an admitted germaphobe; admitting it is the first step to recovery, right? My kids know I’m a germaphobe and love to push my buttons. Like the time my daughter was in a McDonald’s with a friend and sent me a picture of herself standing in line barefoot!!! In McDonald's! At least she wasn’t in the bathroom of said McDonald's! They do this kind of stuff to me regularly. Yes, I buy gallons of hand sanitizer, always have it in the kitchen and bathrooms as well as keeping a mini bottle in my purse at all times.

We had to take our daughter for her regular cardio visit the other day (story behind that will have to be saved for another post when we have more information). We are sitting in the exam room waiting for her to go in for her sonogram and I look up to see her holding a strand of hair in her fingers,  stretched out between her two hands, the piece of hair was over a foot long. She looks at me and says nonchalantly, “Gee, I had no idea I had black hair.” My head shoots up to look at her, my eyes must’ve been as big as sauces as I half screamed at her, “AND YOUR STILL HOLDING IT!” I must’ve looked like I was going to hurl. She was laughing so hard, she was crying and almost fell off the exam table. Of course the hair was her own. She just loves getting a rise out of me. Geez, kids these days! Meanwhile, Big Handsome is in the corner snickering away. UGH! Good thing I doubled up on my meds that afternoon.

What do we have though, if we don’t have kids that keep us on our toes at all times?

I am choosing to begin my vacation today, even though we still don’t leave for a few days. I’m so looking forward to sunsets on the beach with Big Handsome, and paddle boarding with the kids. I can’t wait to leave behind this sickness and stress. I’m not taking any medical journal articles, no papers to grade, no transcripts to fill in, no Art Appreciation lesson plans…no work whatsoever. I’m going to relax and enjoy my family. After all, the problems I leave behind will be waiting for me when I get back.

Hasta la vista baby!!

Shout Out to My Big Handsome

I wanted to give a ginormous shout out to my Big Handsome. Let me just tell you that my Big Handsome has been my lifesaver.
 

A bit of our background: I was just out of high school when I met Big Handsome through one of my older brothers at a Youth for Christ youth group. I had been going to the group most of my high school years. Big Handsome was a few years older than me and in college locally.

I’ll never forget the day I laid eyes on him. I was in my girlfriend’s car getting ready to leave and in the rearview mirror I saw a little red truck pull into the parking lot. I had never seen the truck before and was intrigued as to who this new-comer was. Then I saw the most beautiful male specimen (in my opinion) climb out and walk toward my brother. He was wearing a tight blue and white pullover and a pair of stone washed Edwin® jeans (it was the 80’s after all). I told my friend, “Pull back in, and let’s see who he is!” I jumped out of the car and did my best impression of a nonchalant run/walk over to my brother. My brother introduced us and immediately, the cat got my tongue! I muttered a shy, quick hello as I stood there mesmerized by the most incredible smile complete with a perfect set of pearly white teeth. I was lost in his smoldering, bedroom sea-green eyes. His set of pecs weren’t so bad either (I’m just now realizing that I’m not writing a romance novel J ). From then on my friend and I nicknamed him The Model. Let me tell you, I wasn’t the only female that night drawn to him either. He was the proverbial “chick-magnet”. I thought to myself, I’ll never have a chance with him as I stood there watching all the other girls swoon over him. But, the Lord had something else in mind.

I also had something the other girls didn’t have, a brother with whom The Model was friends. Over the next several months we became fast friends. We would talk for long periods of time and he was at our house a lot, first to see my brother, then slowly to see me (that was my hope anyway). That was 25 years ago…

Fast forward to present: As most of you know by now he is tall, dark and oh, so handsome, so much so that every time I see him I still get butterflies. He is also my best friend, lover, soul mate and someone I would lay my life down for. We have been married 21 glorious years (ok, maybe some not so glorious, but who doesn’t experience that at some point?), and have been together 25+. He has taught me the true meaning of loving someone “in sickness and in health”. Over the years, he has taught me that love is not a feeling; it’s an act of your will. He has chosen to love me, all of me (illness included), and tells me often that he wouldn’t want it (our lives) any other way. It is so wonderful to love, be loved, but is such a blessing to also be “in love”.

He has been with me through it all: the doctor’s appointments (and there have been many), the turmoil, the depression, the life altering anxiety, the victories, the “I’m done” phase, the crying, kicking, screaming, throwing myself on the bed, the “why me” phase…like I said, through it all. He has taken over the grocery shopping, meal planning, cooking, taking/picking up kids from various functions, running bunches of errands, putting up with me (which in and of itself is quite the job, see above) and all of this on top of having his own health issues as well as a very demanding, stressful job that keeps him on call for what seems like, 24/7/365. He is, for all intents and purposes, my Superman.

We were watching the movie “Touchback” the other night. If you haven’t had the chance to watch it, try to watch it. It is one of those tear jerker, emotional, inspirational type movies. There is a song at the end called “Nothing Without You” by Phil Vassar. This has now become our new song. Big Handsome plays it every chance he gets and even sent me some of the lyrics in his daily love letter to me this morning (yes, he sends me little love letter emails every morning; one of the reasons I get out of bed each day).

He is by no means perfect (even he will tell you), but one thing’s for sure, he’s perfect for me.

My hope and prayer for our children is that they find a husband/wife that is half the person my Big Handsome is.

So…here’s to you my Big Handsome J Thank you for your love and devotion, for your integrity, your work ethic, your positive attitude, your chivalry, for your example to our children of what a great husband looks and acts like, and most of all for loving me through everything. You are my hero and I’m nothing without you.

P.S. Just told Big Handsome that I was doing a shout out to him on my blog. His response, “Better than being shouted at!” I just gotta love my Big Handsome J

http://youtu.be/FqLIy4bWFqU

Gettin' Your Craft On

So, I’ve been reading a bunch on the forums and one of the threads was about creative outlets and coping. There were so many good ideas on there. Much of the time, many of us are housebound or mostly housebound and sometimes even bed bound, so it’s really helpful to find new and interesting ideas for things to do instead of the same ol’ same ol’, like surfing the web, researching our weird symptoms, and social networking.

Some people enjoy crocheting and knitting, something I’ve always wanted to learn. Some enjoy reading which I do a lot of. Some enjoy painting, art journaling and getting their craft on.

I like to scrapbook when I’m up to it and have the time. Sometimes my scrapbooks don’t even have any pictures. The following scrapbook is one I started on a while ago (haven’t finished yet) and is an inspirational scrapbook. I found all sorts of inspirational sayings and Bible verses that speak to me on the net. I placed them decoratively into a spiral book that I am going to fix up so that it can stand on a shelf and I can flip the pages daily. Here is a sample of what I’ve been working on:

(Cover)

 

 

 

Enjoy!!

Hope each and every one of us can find our creative sides and get our own craft on!!
We might seem helpless at times, but we are never hopeless!!



Top Ten Tuesdays

I’m giving a shout out to https://www.facebook.com/#!/LupusAndMe?fref=ts today. I do not have Lupus, but I so sympathize with those that do. I do however suffer from a chronic illness (POTS) and absolutely love the encouraging words I find on this site daily. Check them out on Facebook!

Here is my list of Top Ten pics as found on Lupus and Me that have given me encouragement, laughter and hope! Keep up the great work, Lupus and Me J

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 







Perhaps the last photo is one that is most resonating at this present time in my life, and it is my wish that it brings hope to us all.

WE ARE NOT ALONE!!

We might be helpless at times, but we shall never be hopeless! J



Small Victories

When one is suddenly struck with some weird-off-the-wall illness that nary a doctor can figure out, so we have to do all research on our own and figure out how to live a semi-normal life…we tend to learn to depend on small victories.

My Big Handsome had a conference he had to go to a couple counties up (few hours from home) for work. We decided to turn it into a mini-beach vacation, plus we could get in a small family reunion as well with the in-laws and extended (military) family that happened to be visiting the states from Germany.

While Big Handsome was at the conference, I was to take the kids to the local Art Museum. I decided that this is what we would do as I am teaching an Art History class next year, and who doesn’t enjoy an Art Museum (except for those of us who have a hard time driving on our own, driving on our own in a new town, driving on our own in a new town with a bunch of freaking one-way streets, standing for long periods of time, and just plain freaking out when put in new situations)?  This means that I would have to drive, with the kids, on my own, in a town I’ve never driven in, did I mention the freaking one-way streets??!! Mind you, I did do a bit of research beforehand and attempted to commit to memory the satellite map where I’d be going (which can be dangerous for a normal person, much less one with frequent brain farts). And, no, I don’t have one of those fancy phones that one can talk to or get GPS or any of that really cool stuff. Still though, for someone that doesn’t even drive locally, this was definitely going to test my, well, everything.

I began to feel the anxiety earlier in the week. The morning we left I just rode in the car, doubled up on meds of course, and hoped that everything would turn out ok. We arrived at the convention center where we dropped Big Handsome off and our choices were to pull around the block and park for 2+ hours or head off on our own to the museum.

We chose the latter. We made it there safely after a few necessary turn arounds (which under normal circumstances can send me into a complete panic attack). We had a wonderful time at the museum, viewing many art pieces from the artist’s that we will be studying soon. I was so glad we went. I didn’t panic the entire time. We had just enough time to casually walk the entire museum with a bit of time to spare in order to get back to the convention center on time to pick up Big Handsome.

I must say that I was so stoked that I was able to take the kids to the museum and not freak out!

We all need to look forward to, learn to appreciate, and never take for granted the small victories J

Twenty Questions…and answers

Sometimes friends, family or people in general want to know what it’s like living with a chronic illness, or what my hopes and dreams are, or what I miss most. Here is a sampling of those questions and answers from my perspective.

1. What’s it like living with a chronic illness?

Well, I must admit that having somewhat of a diagnosis is nice, but I have to say that life as I once knew it is gone. I’ve had to go through a grieving process which I still believe I am in. I have learned the true meaning of “one day at a time”, sometimes for me, it’s one second at a time. I have had to try to find a “new normal” and that can at times be really challenging. I don’t want a “new normal”, I want my old normal. Heck, at this point, I’ll settle for half-way normal J

2. What have I learned through all this?

I have learned to appreciate the small things like waking up each morning, I’d rather that than the alternative! I’ve had to learn that, I am indeed, NOT in control anymore. I’ve had to learn to ask for help and rely on others, something I am definitely not used to. I have learned that I can and will live with this, and do it to the best of my ability.

3. What is the most disappointing news concerning this illness?

The most disappointing news is that there is no real prognosis. I have had to do much of the research on my own as many doctors in my area do not even know what POTS or Dysautonomia is, much less how to treat it.

4. What do I do to get out of a funk?

When I’m in a funk, I try to remember that while I cannot control my physical situation, I can control how I react and respond to it. I can choose to find joy and happiness in the things I can do. I try not to dwell on the negative, and sometimes that is so hard. I do admit to occasional breakdowns and many pity parties where I am the only guest L If I’m really in a funk (what most of us call a “flare”), I pray a lot, read, listen to uplifting music, meditate and try to rest through it.

5. What would I like to do if I was not ill?

Honestly, I’d be quite happy if I could take my teenage daughter to the nearest Starbucks, have a coffee and a day of shopping. I really don’t like to shop, but I know that that would be something that she would love to do, and I’d gladly do anything to make her happy. I would also like to enjoy life with my family once again. I would love to be consistent at just about anything. I would love to be able to drive…where I want and when I want. I would love not to have to rely on others so much. I would love to give Big Handsome a break for once.

6. What do I miss most?

I miss doing what I want, when I want the most.

7. What have I done that I never thought I’d do with this illness?

Start a blog. I really don’t think I would’ve started one if it hadn’t been for the hours spent in bed, online instead of out of the house enjoying life. I’m glad though, all the same. Something else I never thought I’d do after my illness was going on a cruise. My husband and I celebrated our 20^th anniversary on a Caribbean cruise and are looking forward to celebrating our 22^nd anniversary on an even longer Caribbean cruise this year. I took a bit to get my meds sorted out, but once I did, we had a wonderfully memorable time together. Our first cruise was really our honeymoon celebrated 20 years later as I was in college when we got married and didn’t have the time or the money for a honeymoon. I must say that it is such a blessing to be on a continuous honeymoon for 20+ yearsJ

8. What I think about the majority of doctors I have seen?

I think the majority of doctors, save my current GP are all complete idiots! I do have some bit of respect for the knowledge that they incurred through years of med school, but somehow, I find each and every one that I’ve seen to be severely lacking; whether it is in compassion, general bedside manner or just plain knowledge of disease and the body. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. We are sick because there is a reason, an underlying condition. I think all too often doctors are only knowledgeable in treating the symptoms and not the illness as a whole, not treating us as a whole. If we don’t fit into their little box, or their med school books, well, we are SOL! It is really unfortunate and has left a really bad taste in my mouth.

9. What is the biggest adjustment I’ve had to make?

The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is to learn to rely on others. I like doing things my way and I like being in control. I think someone upstairs  had something else in mind for me J

10. My favorite show?

I used to love medical shows, like House and the like. Now, I can’t even watch those anymore. I like to watch benign shows now; shows that I don’t have to think about, like the shows on HGTV. Since even little things set me off, I find it hard to watch murder and mayhem, medical shows, reality TV, etc. I admit that I do like to watch TV drama series though. I enjoyed “Brothers and Sisters”, that American Teenager one (can’t think of the name), British shows like, Bramwell, Downton Abbey, Doc Martin. When I watch something, I just want it to be numbing and I don’t want to have to think too much about it. Lame, I know, but when I have time to watch anything, it’s usually right before I go to sleep, so I don’t want anything too stimulating.

11. My favorite song?

 I just discovered Pandora and love it. I have new found favorites such as, The Fray, Coldplay, Daughtry, Nickelback. I guess they aren’t really new found favorites as I’ve always loved their songs, just didn’t know who or which band played them.

12. My favorite saying?

I have two favorite sayings: This too shall pass which I have tattooed on my inner left wrist to remind me of my late, beloved mother (she passed away 9-14-12). This saying is something she would always tell me when things got tough. She was a tough woman. A woman I admired and loved with all my heart. A woman that fought for seven long years after a botched hernia surgery. She went from being a relatively healthy, always vibrant woman (married to my father for almost 50 years, she passed almost one month to the day before their anniversary) to being an invalid on a feeding tube with only one lung; all because a doctor screwed up (I’ll have to save that story for another post). The other favorite saying is of course where I got the title to my blog from. It just came to me one day out of nowhere. I might be helpless at times, but I am never hopeless. Quite frankly, that is my mantra these days. With the love of Christ, I am never hopeless, and that is such a wonderful truth and feeling all rolled into one.

13. What do I do as far as work and career?

I began a career in Elementary teaching after college. I only taught a short three years before Big Handsome and I decided to enlarge our family. Since then, I have homeschooled my two children, now teenagers in high school. I’ve always quasi joked that had I had a job and my children went to school, I would’ve had to quit and homeschool them after my diagnosis anyway, so I skipped that whole step. I thoroughly enjoy teaching my children at home and wouldn’t have it any other way. They make me so proud!

14. Something you might not know about me?

Something many might not know about me is that I would love to one day open a coffee shop/bookstore. I would love it to be something along the lines that you see in movies, where there are shelves and shelves of books, an armoire with board games, and velvety couches and chairs all around and  people can just come in, relax with a good book, and a great cup of joe!

15. Something I really miss?

 I really miss driving…just going where I want to go, when I want to go.

16. It bothers me when people say…   

It bothers me when people say “Wow, you look great, have you lost weight?” First off, I’ve never really been overweight, so what are they trying to say?? I do take the compliment graciously, but in my head I’m thinking…”If I felt as great as you seem to think I look, I’d be on top of the world!”

17. The biggest surprise for me

One of the biggest surprises to me is that there are so many doctors out there that don’t know about POTS or Dysautonomia. I mean, how are there thousands of us on line with these same issues that nary a doctor can figure out? Boggles my mind!

18. What I’ve learned so far

 I’ve learned so far that you have to be your own advocate when you are diagnosed with an invisible illness. When there are few doctors that know anything about your illness, of which there are few, you have to research on your own and find things that work for you. I’ve learned that a good support system is essential and that friends and family might not always understand, but there are so many sites out there online with people just like me. That is such a comfort.

19. What I want most in life

What I want most in life is to gain control, or as much of it as I can with concern to my health and quality of life.

20. What I look forward to

I look forward to beating the odds!

I might be helpless at times, but I shall never be hopeless J

Oh Happy Day

You might think that the title of this post refers to my physical state and my illness, but it in fact refers to my discovery of Pandora! I know…I’m a dork J I am such a tech idiot; it’s fairly embarrassing.

Actually, I guess you could say this post does have to do with my physical state. Because of this thing called Pandora, I’m humming and singing like a BEAST!! I really hope my neighbors don’t mind. They just better get used to it.

Who knew that one of the songs I love to sing at the top of my lungs is from a group called “Hoobastank”? I just can’t explain my happiness. It really doesn’t take me much J Who doesn’t love to hear Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars” or The Fray “How to Save A Life”? How can one hear these songs and not sing at the top of their lungs??? Furthermore, people with POTS shouldn’t sing (or so “they” say)…I say BLAH! I’m gonna sing and sing my heart out from now on!

I have to liken this to the discovery of sliced bread at the very least, maybe even the discovery of penicillin. I mean, the program seems to know exactly what songs I want to hear from the bands I love. Granted, I researched it and realize that it is all through math algorithms, but still…AWESOMESAUCE, never the less! Now I have a new reason for when my children ask me, “When will I ever need this stuff?” when referring to math.

Seriously, who doesn’t want music without all the commercials (minimal, I should say) and be able to choose the music you like and make up your own stations for whatever mood you are in. I literally feel like I’ve discovered a whole new world…the world of music! Music I actually want to hear without having to change channels every time an annoying commercial comes on. Oh, I think I’m in heaven. In fact that is one of my stations…

I think I feel a new Top Ten Tuesday list coming on J

Hope you all find joy in the little things, like the smile you get on your face when you hear a song that just resonates…and you begin to belt it out even if it is a little pitchy and should be reserved for the shower only perhaps. I say, don’t save it, don’t hold it in any longer; SING until your heart’s content. I’m gonna sing, and I don’t care who hears me!

www.windstarembroidery.com