Patience and Adaptability

...Is what my sister claims I'm learning welcoming my neice into my home. I get the patience part but, not the adaptability part! Although I will say transitioning the farm to organic is an act of learning to adapt. Looking forward to the dog but, getting more caught up in the training currently. General concensus is when we do the "puppy run" Holly the dog is going to wrap my neice right around her little paw and I'll become chum. Looking at an inexpensive tablet to take pics & vids to upload online. I have an old Kodak digital camara that I have some issues with and don't trust completely anymore. Guess it's time for a Nikon. Learned about www.chewy.com & some other dog product stores online. On an alpha1 note the dog will help me relax a little (reduce stress...stress can kill ya) and insure I get plenty of exercise. I believe the dog will be good medicine for Ru as well. She particularly excited about the "puppy run" and the baby chicks coming to the farm at the end of March.

Getting into dogs is leading me towards spending more time at cabin in the woods, traveling to other states, raising game birds & homing pigeons. What an interesting journey.

Reading Thank You Economy & Boundaries With Kids. And then onto a gundog training book. Totally into the gentle way to train a dog.

Living Life...Reboot

In about 8 weeks my late sisters daughter will be coming to live with me. General concensus is I will be functioning as a surrogate mother. I'm known for saying "If I could be my Dads power of attorney at 25 I can handle anything!". I"m sure I can  handle this but, I don't remember being this anxious about a responsibility in a couple decades.

I need to help her regroup and reboot her life. She has ADD or ADHD. I've read some books and several articles about it but, it seems like there is disagreement about so many aspects of it within the medical community. I believe ADD/ADHD is real. I do think it's over diagnosed and prescription drugs are too freely prescribed. We are choosing to try to learn to manage it through diet & exercise. To make it easier to stick with it for her I plan to follow the same plan. We manage diabetes by diet & exercise. For those it works for it takse around 2 months to see the results. There is a holistic practioner at www.karenhurd.com who's plan works but, I don't think I could handle that restrictive a diet so I can't ask my neice to try it...although she is welcome to if she really wants to! If it doesn't work we will entertain the prescription drug route.

I can't see a high protein/low carb diet being detrimental to me. The exercise won't either. We will also be including supplements we can purchase at a local holistic store or GNC. I gather ADD/ADHD is with you for life but, that doesn't mean you can't be successful and fulfilled as an adult. She is excited about the prospect of building a chicken coop, having a layer hen flock and an organic garden. I told her she could learn how to raise chickens that way. I also get to guage how committed to this.  We can always buy pastured chicken, eggs or whatever else we would want locally.We are looking to raise pastured birds that are high in omega-3's. She doesn't know I am looking around for registered nubian goat breeders to purchase a couple does for us in the fall if I feel it's something she can handle.

In a humorous throwback moment....when I was a teenager we had a few milk goats. Anyways initially my Dad wasn't feeding the goats good quality feed (didn't know any better) but, my 4-h goat leader told him whatever you feed them will come out in the taste of their milk. He improve the quality of feed but, I swear saanen milk tastes different than nubian milk which is higher in butterfat content). My mother thought it was a fine idea to mix them and I would not notice. I refused to eat a cereal breakfast for a month in the heart of milk production for the "girls". She finally asked me if she seperated the saanenfrom the nubian milk and used it would I start eating cold cereal in the morning again, Would you mind eating the saanen as cottage cheese in lasagna, She was sick of making cottage cheese! She got a yes, a no and I'm sure a deep sense of relief.

Becoming Your Own Health Benefits Specialist

I could not have been able to become my own if it had not been for Lian Johnson at the former Accredo now Expresscripts. Thankfully under Accredo leadership the health insurance benefits specialist was encourage to keep the patient informed every step of the way. I've come to realise that those "alpha1 advocates" employed by others in the medical field don't measure up. Again props to Lian!! I qualified for hardship financial assistance but, it wasn't worth much if no one cared if the infusion claims were processed properly and every month. I spent a lot of time calling the product provider and my health insurance company I utilize to get those product shipments processed. So although I am left holding some medical bills...it will be nothing like the last 5 out of 7. I became that annoying little chihuahua barking till all they cared about was quieting me down.

Making The Most Of Life....Words Are Powerful!

Been a tough week for me. Lost a good friend I had known only 2 years. In ten years I have experienced the loss of three very special people in my life. Each loss changed me. My good friend who started out as merely my NRA Counselor I learned lost his battle against cancer 9/11/14. It's a date I won't soon forget along with 4/12/12. I don't remeber my alpha1 friends death date but, I will always remember my sister Johanna thoughtfully calling to let me know that Cindy had passed away. I remember weeping. When my sister died I weeped off n on for three days straight. Now my friend Les Miller always told me after he was diagnosed with bladder cancer  "Either Alexis or I will answer this phone." . I had called a couple times and got no response. I got a text saying "I'll call you later" and I thought Geez that's funny Les never texts?. I texted back I had run out of wheaties. Call Sunday night. No call. I call twice Monday at lunch break. The second time Alexis anwsers. I ask her how her Dad is doing and she says. "I'm sorry my Dad passed away 9/11. There's only so much time in the day". I had told Les I would call him back in about 5 weeks since he was starting another round of chemo.The last time I spoke with him,,,the next to last thing he told me in a sweet way "Katie, be kind to your body." I realised he was sick and that makes you put different values on things you used to put lesser value on. By the end of my conversation with his daughter she was thanking me for calling and said "I'm sooo glad you called back". It's interesting after some one you care about passes you become more awre of the positive qualities they exhibited and how sick people can be giving hints to what lays in their future. Les had always been upbeat. Gave the impession he could beat it but, he must have known I was too busy to fact check. He had recently sold his beloved 40 cal Springfield Armory handgun he wore EVERYWHERE! He no longer expressed a desire to order guns for others (he was an FFL holder & gunsmith). Despite the short two years I knew him I learned a lot and I know I only scratched the surface! He took a wealth of knowledge with him. Those type of people are few and far between as I told his daughter. He like my Dad were very dynamic individuals in their respective fields. Les was a gunsmith, motor head and outdoorsmen. He treasured his family more than amything. The long and short of it...I spoke to him a week or less before he died. He actually didn't die from bladder cancer. He died from brain cancer. According to Alexis "Dad & I thought we had 2 years. He was fine on Monday. Crashed on Tueday (I'm assuming medically because that's what my Dad did). Did a scan of his brain, It was full of grade 4 cancer. I pulled the tubes on Wednesday and we lost him in less than 24 hours." I told her "I know all about that! Grade 4 Glioblastoma. That's what my Dad had and lasted 10 days after he medically crashed."

I have been so hell bent on getting debt free and coming up with $1,500,000. I started to rethink my game plan. I am still rethinking my game plan in so many ways. Starting to consider slowing down the debt elimination plan and asking myself is this the absolute best plan? Can you slow down for a while and have a little fun before you're handcuffed to a oxygen tank/concentrator? Could you slow down to self-employment, Play a little more and try to come up with other ideas just as good or better to attain the same goal but less stressfully. This is still a work in progress. I stood in the book section of Wal-Mart (of all places) and pondered the power of words as I relived hearing my friend Les's words "Katie, be kind to your body.". I thought about the fact my vocabulary has diminished since I moved up here. I thought about how my short term memory might not work anymore like othe alphas have warned me will occur when my lung function becomes diminished enough. I thought about how I used to be a pretty good ficitonal writer when I was 18 or 19. Could I find some joy in writing while not having the freedoms we all take for granted until we recognoze some of them are gone due to what ever illness(s) we are coping with? Could I rebuild my vocabulary enough I could remember how to use those "big long words" in the correct contexted my buddies in collge begged me not to use because they didn't know what they mean. Words are powerful in so many ways. They can make you rethink your choices or they can help takes someone to a imaginary place or time.

A bit of deja vu going on. My current specialty drug provider provides me financial assistance w/ my max out of pocket. My alpha1 advocate accued me of being unfair when I told her I felt like I didn't have an advocate when $70,000 in meds had been delivered and only a little over $2000 was recognized by my insurance provider. She expected me to track down most of the info to determined why some other med bills would be arriving in my mailbox. As I soon doscovered it was her co-workers who failed although there could be extenuating circumstances. I did threaten to quit infusing. I told her I can't keep working 55 - 65 hr work weeks to keep my head above water financially. At first she didn't understand all I have been through in the last 11 yrs. I then explained 2 seperate incidents and when I got done she went "WOW!" We shall see what happens. I spoke to a different team member and she was quite apologetic. I told her "Although we probably can't alter what has already played out...we can learn from it and take measures to insure it doesn't happen again.

Staying Nimble and Hopping Off Hay Wagons!

Last fall was such a wonderful comeback story! It has enabled me to do lots of things. One I wasn't dependent on a nebulizer or rescue inhaler. Though few know I had gone out to check my propane levels just before a big snow storm (I think in February). Enroute I took a fall. I didn't expect to go into full blown panic. The harder I struggled to right myself the closer to the melting snow I became. I realised I had to pull myslef together and get a little wet. Perhaps a little cold. It rattled my cage pretty good! I haven't fallen since.

I just wasn't getting the hours at work so I applied for a part time merchandiser position. I have a immediate goal of becoming debt free except for my farm in 1 year. A midsized goal of being mortgage free in 6 years and a long range goal. A long term goal of having $1,500,000 in cash in 10 years. Most of it through mixed real estate interests and the farm. Next year is my return to pastured hogs and returning to being a dog owner. A new foray in a few years into raising and breeding Llewellin Setters from the Dashiing Bondhu line. That should cover the cost of a bi-lateral transplant because I'm not going to struggle along on social security disability!!!! I had a supposedly devote christian literally go into a fullblown belly laugh when I told her. I explained to her I believed I lived in the worlds greatest country in the world. Although we have problems...people start with nothing and become millionaires every day. If I don't try we know I can't but, if I do try there is a very good chance I can achieve it!! (I am a big Dave Ramsey fan so now you know I can live like no one else so that I can live like no one else later. I pretty much don't go much of anywhere except to U of Chicago once a year and now I figured out a way to avoid the expense of not staying overnight.) I retold this story to another Christian and I said "If God be for me who dare be against me?". He said "That's a great response!! You're absolutely right Katie!" I do have a couple indulgences... an ocassional Leinenkugel or Guiness Extra Stout and I eat at a local Mom & Pop cafe.

I've have had to crawl over other merchandise pallets to get to my back stock and hop off of pallets. I've learned to hop off them carefully. As I hoped off one yesterday I thought to myself...Remember when you used to hop off of hay wagons without giving it a second thought. I am so glad after 7 years of people telling me I shouldn't or couldn't do something I didn't listen. I listened to my body! Your body will not let you do something it can't handle. I never rushed into any activity but, I do proceed cautiously!!!

Picking Up The Pace!

Still doing very well since October. Ordered Power90 (little sister to P90X). I did not know whether or not I could do it till I viewed it. Goal is to lose 25 pounds. Purpose is to improve FEV1. They said for the program to really work you have to change your eating habits. It is still a work in progress! In the process have got my sugar levels stabilized which had been trying to do since 2008 with no success. So glad I managed that.

Warm weather has finally found us in the dairy state! Woo Hoo!!!! Now I will be able to get at projects outside! Proud to say I shoveled my driveway all winter long. Wasn't a planned thing. Started from neccessity and end out of a desire to challenge myself.

I looked into the self employed insurance coverage and had 3 choices according to one of my industry advocates. All of them were quite sub par. I did hear you can go outside of the exchanges to look and eventually I'll look into that. At this point I am preparing for worst case scenario. So at this point I'm trying to dig deep, focus on how to make more money outside of the factory to build wealth to be self employed and pay for the anticipated needed lung transplant in 10 + years.

Every Day Is A Blessing

As I mentioned in a previous post the filter on the camera lense of my life has been changed. I wake up every morning with the feeling that is a huge gift! It might not be perfect but, it's far better than most given my lung condition.I wake up every morning want to smell, taste and experience as much as I can. I appreciate nature the most I have since I was a child! I can best describe the feeling as the first time a child notice a butterfly and see's it fly away.

My barn roof fell down a week ago and the cold weather has been causing havoc with my LP gas regulator causing my furnace to go out during this record cold snap.Not much barn has been dismantled (well, actually none has been dismantled). In the process of telling somebody about my barn I also remarked that I wish I knew someplace that made arched rafters. I'd really like to rebuild the barn only better. Somebody piped up "I know where you can get them but, the company won't let anybody see the jig or how they are made!". That got me excited!! I plan to reuse the floor boards for the new old barn and the rest try to repurpose it for converting my greenhouse into a woodworking shop, making furniture and reuse as much of the base support timbers for when I rebuild the barn (hopefully 3 - 5 years). I have given myself 2 months to completely dismantle the barn. At first I thought the dismantling the barn would kill my doing maple syrup. Then I realized if I gave myself deadlines which could be altered I likely could still make maple syrup! In the process of shoveling I FINALLY realized why my Grandfather wore those nearly knee high hunting boots in winter!! I kept getting snow in my La Crosse Ice Kings while shoveling. I started looking around online and that is exactly why Leon Leonard (LL Bean) created the near knee high boots....he got snow in his boots while out hunting and came home with cold & wet feet.

I'm trying to lose 30 pounds but, it's not coming off very fast. Why is the weigh loss so important? I have a good bit of weight around the stomach area. That puts pressure on the diaphragm which in turn puts pressure on the lungs and reducing what the lungs are able to do.

Walking The Tight Rope

In September I received a very chilling prognosis. I've never really felt great for a couple years but, I could never understand why. I saw my lung doctor on September 27th, 2013. He told me I had 1-3 yrs to live with no chance of transplant and where did I want my oxygen and concentrator prescription sent.When I stopped at the local Apria when I got home I asked the gentlemen who help me load my supplemental oxygen concentrator " Has anybody prescribed these returned these shortly after being prescribed them?" He responded" No. But, that doesn't mean you can't." Within two days of returning home I was having such a time breathing I went to one emergency room until I realized they had no clue what they were doing and there was a good chance I could die. I went home, fed my animals and headed to the next ER. There I was admitted and although it took over 30 hrs to get my airways open enough so I could lay down to rest they got Dr Hogarth involved. He asked for respiratory therapist to be brought in and I feel the best I have in 2-4 years! I spent three days in the hospital. My Oxygen level is up, heart rate down and the filter on the lense cap of my future has been altered. I was off work for three weeks and for the first time I wasn't sure I'd be able to return to work. And I'm the type of person who has never dreamed of retirement. When I returned to U of Chicago to visit Dr Hogarth I was released to return to work. Although he would have liked me to keep the supplemental oxygen & concentrator if it was paid for he was ok with me returning it. When I stopped by Apria the same gentlemen met me to help. I said "I'm here to return the concentrator & oxygen tanks." He simply said "Good.". I've been out shoveling my driveway and I have better cutting numbers at work! In spite of the financial setback I'm doing pretty good. It looks like I will be able to make first half of taxes and I haven't had to open up a charge account at the feedmill yet for propane. It's as high as I used to pay for fuel oil to heat the farmhouse I used to rent. Life is good!!!!!
 

FYI: Hydration And Electrolytes

After recovering from my bug. I thought I was ok...however, being full on in planting season I learned I maybe wasn't completely. Have been working in my field preparing it for planting before my night shift job. Was having headaches and losing momentum fast!! Anyways, I had started trying to drink more water. I'd \remembered growing up on the farm that my Dad would carry a jug of cold water on the hay wagon while we baled hay (and yes, I drove the tractor and he bucked the bales...he discovered I could pick up wind rows better than him and he could stack bales better & faster than me!). That didn't seem to help...so, I asked my friends who are EMT's what I might do different. They said my electrolytes were probably out of wack from the meds and I might be experiencing heat exhaustion. They recommended I drink Gatorade, Kwikade (Kwik-Trip brand) or PowerAde to help replenish the loses. Although, I still have some issues with headaches...the Gatorade or Kwikade does help. Looking at investing in straw hat to reduce sun exposure and try to eat more to see if that is part of the problem.

And We Are OFF!

As of last Tuesday I recovered. I would not have posted tonight if I hadn't been rained out of my gardens!! Started working on getting my mower & weedeater running that very day! Ooooh, was I sore from pulling the pull rope to get them to start!!! That night I almost thought I had worked tobacco harvest. Funny story: Years ago I worked tobacco. The first day we cut all morning and we speared all afternoon. I woke up the next morning stiff. I amble down stairs with my socks & shoes in hand. I sat down on a chair and proceeded to try to put my sock on. I looked at my Mom incredulously and said "I don't know if I can get my socks on!" My Mom responded sincerely "Do you want me to help you?" I responded "No, if I can just get it over my big toe...I GOT IT MADE!" I bet it took me 20 minutes of attempts till I finally succeeded!

Anyway, since then I have been tilling, planting and knocking down high grass in my 3 acre patch I let lay fallow last year. Looking forward to a GREAT year!!! Trying some new green pepper, hot pepper and tomato varieties. Also, trying to grow turnip, parsnip, rutabaga and bok choy. Going to be such a fun growing year! Going to can veggies for the first time in a decade. Trying lots of new tomato canning recipes! Pretty excited about that!!! While buying plants in Chippewa Falls I stopped at my favorite bike shop for new straps for my Yakima bike rack. Spring Street Sports is an awesome bike shop!! Thought I needed to buy new bike tires but, upon closer inspection recognized all I need to do is air up the tires. Don't know if I'm going to attempt to bike with my competition eggbeater pedals or have the original pedals that came on it put back on. I'm biking for health and money savings. I racked up quite the medical bill in ER!! My share is approximately $1400. Next month I take the NRA non gun instructor course Refuse To Be A Victim. It's going to be nice to be able to offer something for those that don't want to carry a handgun!

In other news....I am anticipating attending the September alpha1 ed day in Chicago!

Skipidy do dah, skipidy day!

And Moving Right Along

This is going to be a poorly organized post!

Well, I am moving right along but, not accomplishing a lot. The Prednisone is keeping me wide awake so, I'm pretty consistently exhausted. Counting down the days. Need to get planting but, could only muster energy to till my small back personal garden today. Tomorrow I'll plant some root crop seeds and maybe till my front personal garden. About Wednesday I was sure I was out of the woods as far as my lungs went. I was able to run up the same set of stairs I could only walk up up 4 steps without pausing on Saturday. I'm not dependent on my nebulizer either!! Would really like to get my crops in. The crops will improve my financial situation greatly if they get planted in a timely manner and Mother nature cooperates.

The One Armed Bandit Rolls With The Flow!!

New medical teams/facilities/organizations present new beginnings on both sides of the aisle. This year has led to many health care provider changes. When that happens we sometimes forget or don't realize some things. One of them is that the new medical team/facility/organization has protocol they have to abide by. They may not treat us as aggressively as our previous team. Some of you won't appreciate this but, you are part of that new team. Not only do they need to do their part cautiously you need to listen, exercise patience and be willing to be a part of the solution (try new things).

Today I anticipated being hospitalized but, instead wasn't treated as aggressively as my previous team had and was sent home with a IV start set in my left hand wrapped in hot pink wrap. Another nurse might not have allowed that but, in my case she did. She came in and said "I agree with you! If you're coming back tomorrow to receive another IV dose and you can tolerate it...I see no reason why we should remove it.". The team said they didn't think they had enough evidence to convince an insurance company to cover a hospital stay. They also likely don't want to over treat me because I am a new patient and exercise prudence. The treatment has kinda helped  but, doesn't leave me oozing with optimism I'm completely on the mend. However, I left knowing the staff had faith in my knowledge and respected me when I explained why I traveled so far to see a pulmonologist. My pulmonologist is AWESOME  about returning emails. When I explained the way they treated me he simply responded "that sounds reasonable". The staff doctor on hand took down his name and where he practiced at after I explained what he has done for me and countless others.

I do feel like a one armed bandit to a certain extent. I really have to be careful how I use my left hand. Takes twice as long to do everything. Years ago there was a rodeo performer named "The One Armed Bandit" that performed during professional rodeo intermissions. That was where I got the title idea. And by the way if you ever get to seem him perform....he's one hell of a performer!!!

I'd like to take the time to recognize another performer from the westerner/cowboy world. Some of you may not know I played cowgirl out in Oklahoma while attending school. In fact, I believe back then someday I would live on a ranch. Anyway a respected trick shooter/showmen passed away at 62 just a little over a week ago. His name was Tom Knapp. He died rather young like my sister Johanna. He died of pulmonary fibrosis. About three years ago he bounced back from it and then it came back. He was real good people! He worked for the Hennipen co parks dept 25 years before he launched into fulltime showmanship/trick shooting exhibitioning. So, those of you that are care givers with what may seem like lost dreams...remember some dreams can come true later in life!

Time Marches On

Thursday was the anniversary of my sisters death. I handled it better than I expected. In fact, didn't get weepy till heading home from work. A Carole King song came on from her acclaimed Tapestry album. I had bought Johanna a CD of it in the last decade. It was one of her favorite albums outside of any Barbara Streisand album.

This spring winter weather is challenging me as a farmer and as an alpha. Like the rest of you I am having the seasonal allergy effect like never before. I keep wanting to exercise but, it's all I can do to complete an 8 hr shift and cough my lungs out. My nebulizer, rescue inhaler and cough drops have become my new best friends!! It's an up and down journey for sure! One day I feel like something my farm cat drug home from the back forty....the next I believe I'm on the mend! Was around 70 out today. Although lethargic for the most part I did get out in the yard to begin cleaning it up. Relieved we are set to be on 40 hr work weeks for a stretch. The 32 hr work weeks really had me scared. I've never seen it like that in 9 yrs(even after the massive layoff)!!! That should help my health some (less stress). Looking to get a fishing license for the first time in a decade. Scheduling a carry concealed class in southern Wisconsin. If there is enough signed up I'll assist in teaching the class. If my cough, rattle and nasal drip has not begun to disappear I'll be heading to U of Chicago afterwards. They don't seem to know how to treat me up here. I still intend to bloom where I'm planted anyway!! 

Not So Nerdy!

Well, I have the laptop but, I haven't had one for four years and it is over 7 years old. Not only did I manage to screw up registering. I am struggling with <GASP> downloads!! Oh, well. Have my work cut out for me as far as technology goes. Likely more software and different Wi-Fi. Not to mention some tutoring on how to run everything so I can update my business website and biz facebook page.

Keeping It Real

Don't get to library much but, considering getting a laptop soon. My condition has become less predictable and more confusing. Inspite of that fact I still believe I have a good bit of good living to live. I just have to be more vigilant. Continue to work smart and invest smart with my time, money, intellectual and physical assets. Life is very challenging for me right now but, I know others out there have it much worse than me. I want to read the book "Unbroken". It's about a world war veteran that was shot down and survived in the ocean in a foundering raft. Can't begin to imagine how deep he had to dig inside for the tenacity to survive! I plan to return to produce farming this year. Excited to be able to try a new sweet corn seed!!! Going to become more mechanized this yr with cultivation. It will save me several hours a week in field work.

Don't Blink!

I've been going to post some other things but, Sunday was definitely a day to not blink!! I have been having breathing difficulties off and on all summer long. I attributed most of it to fluctuating temps, hot weather and humidity. Everything came to a head early Sunday morning. I was going to wait till Urgent Care opened in Rice Lake. It became apparent at 5am that was not going to happen. I drove over to Rice Lake where I was treated and released from ER. I really thought I needed to be admitted. I went home and laid down and got up feeling even worse. My sister had told me "Kate, sometime you will have to be admitted to the hospital to treat a lung infection because the oral drugs won't work and put on IV meds. Most Alphas know when you are admitted to the hospital for an upper respiratory infection you either get better or you die." I always thought I would be on oxygen 24/7 when this happened. The first trip my oxygen was at 88% and the second trip after being put in a wheelchair at the entrance...it was 82%. IIRC, at 85% oxygen you are typically placed on oxygen part time. When I returned to ER the second time I wasn't really fit to drive but, I made it! I knew time was of the essence!! I called ahead requesting a wheelchair meet me at my car. I also told them I was entering by the emergency entrance backwards so that we could get me into the wheelchair quicker. They asked what I would be driving so they could watch for me. They missed me for probably 30 seconds and then it was like music in motion. The new team...the dr. kept saying how glad he was I came back. "It's good you relised this wasn't a normal respiratory infection.". They hooked me up to oxygen right away! One of the nurses parked my car and tossed the keys on the counter. They took am arterial vein blood draw. Took a mobil chest xray. They had a hell of a time getting an IV set up. My veins kept collapsing and I asked the nurse if they were rolling and she said "No, they're collapsing." I kept reassuring her and trying to encourage her where she would have good luck. Explaining I do my own IV and some nurses have had even worse luck than them. They were all really scared I thought. At 11 am I was finally wheeled to a private room. On Monday at 4 pm I was finally released. I requested an medical excuse for the next day off and asked my boss for another vacation day today to recover. I've drank A LOT of water and can't begin to express my gratitude to be alive and recovering.

Time Heals....

it truly does. It has become easier to go out and work in my yard and personal garden. I still think of my sister Johanna often. I still hear her voice as though she were still here with us. At times it still seems sureal but, she was the oldest. The third most enduring individual in myself and my siblings life.

I've been working some grueling hours at the plant and am having tiredness issues as a result of long hours and a longtime sleep apnea issue. I've had some seasonal allergy issues but, knock on wood no serious lung infection issues. I installed my window a c unit in my smallest bedroom in the house and LOL...sleeping in a sleeping bag on the floor. For some strange reason there seems to be a good bit of humidity in the room despite the a c but, it has helped me get more sleep.

Working towards starting up my carry and conceal training business and just learned there is an NRA Refuse to Be a Victim instructor course(a non-gun course) being offered in Kalamazoo. I really want to get certified for that. Guns are a last resort solution and there are just some people who don't want or shouldn't have a gun for any number of reasons! However, I'm really anxious to get it for these 3 reasons:

a) Because a college class mate was raped in a college parking lot in a town of less than 5,000

b) Because a former co-worker had a sister who took her own life because of being raped

c) Because 3 years ago a city police chief came in and spoke about internet predators and described several cases of 12-14 year old girls being raped and sodomized by internet predators that traveled from as far away as Ohio. Also, I just read a statistic that 1 in 4 women is assaulted in the United States. Pretty scary!!

Currently trying to read Six Pixels Of Seperation and 21 Irrefuteable Laws Of Leadership (or rather finishing reading).

Planning to attend the Alpha1 Ed day in Milwaukee this September. Looking into becoming a member of DAR. I was never interested in it until I learned Johanna had been a member. Spoke to a DAR representative and now I'm even more interested in being a member. I now understand more of what drove my sister to do certain things that were patriotic. Not that I didn't appreciate my sister but, I do wish I could have appreciated my sister as much when she was alive as I do today! Hoping to attend the National Alpha1 Conference next June near DC. Will not make the same mistake this time I did last time. I will take a week off and spend in DC. I've alaways loved history...especially American history! We have a deep and rich history. It just didn't dawn on me last time I was there how much reliving our nations history I could do there!!

Long Time No Talk....

It's official I'm not growing produce for market. It's just too hard. Everytime I go outside to the garden I think of Johanna and our many gardening/canning/freezing conversations.  Still trying to reinvent myself a bit. Working long hours at the plant. I'm $300 short of my $1500 donation goal for the Special Olympics raffle. Did a pitch with an athlete to the local Knights of Columbus group. Agency gained $200. Been thinking I need to add/update weblinks on here.

Chances, Loses And Being Your Own Hero

It's been quite a while since I posted for a number of reasons. The biggest reason is someone we loved deeply took a chance on a lung transplant and didn't get the desired outcome we had hoped for. We lost my brilliant (she graduated in the top 20 of her senior class, had an MBA and could solve a weird mathmatical problem before I could spit out equal), thoughtful (when fellow alpha Cindy Wilson passed she called me because she knew I would want to know and don't use Carepages) caring, adventuresome and preservering sister/friend April 25th, 2012 at 10:27am. It was a very life changing experience for not only her children but, her siblings and the Wisconsin Alpha Pack members as well. She had spent the better part of the last six weeks of her life in ICU and was to be moved to a regular room the day she died. We thought she was going to conquer her transplant challenges. It seemed sureal.

Johanna Ringeisen was diagnosed with alpha1 at age 45. At 48 she found herself a widow hoping to find a fulltime job. She did find a fulltime job delivering mail out of the Cleveland, Wisconsin office. Despite being a single parent of then 12, 14 and 15 year olds she managed to pay her home off early. Somewhere around 2004 or 2005 she had to become reliant on supplemental oxygen and she continued to deliver mail. She raised to boys who became Eagle scouts. Somewhere along the way she found time to play violin for the Fond Du Lac regional orchestra, become a board member for the Wisconsin Alpha Pack, watch her son Martin play college football at Lakeland college & graduate and see her youngest son join the Army National guard, complete a tour of duty in Iraq and attend college at her old university where he was accepted into the ROTC program there. She received a LVRS (lung volume reduction surgery) which allowed her to become less dependent on supplemental oxygen for a while till she got some kinda bug and had to return to depency on a concentrater or oxygen tank. She started gun deer hunting again at the family cabin. She got listed for lung transplant at Froedert Hospital in Milwaukee. She was diagnosed with breast cancer, lost a breast but, got a get out of jail free card like me. She was told that it could take 3 - 5 years before she could be relisted. It took 1 1/2 years! We were all relieved she got on Loyola's lung transplant list! She bought a cross bow and bagged her first buck. A 8 pointer no less!! On August 10, 2011 she received a lung transplant. We thought what a magnificent early birthday gift! She turned 61 August 13, 2011. She said it was so nice to talk without gasping for air. Although in January 2012 things started going the other way we were glad she was able to have six months of wonderful breathing. The chances she took were very valuable. For a time while she struggled in the ICU I questioned if I would/could muster the courage to reach for the proverbial lung transplant "brass ring" I learned I would.

The second reason I failed to post anymore because my android phone was no longer able to be used to post on here due to google's endless updated software. At the time I had been working towards a fundraiser for alpha1 research and financial assistance for alpha's struggling financially with medical needs. I wanted to be my own hero rather than wait for someone else to raise money for those type of things. Right now though I've decided to be my own hero for a time in a different way. I recognize how valued I am by my family so, I'm playing things by ear, slowing down sort of and trying to reinvent my life a little. I've always worked I've hardly ever played and too soon the ability to do some of the things I keep putting off may not be viable pursuits if I don't take better care of myself or I don't make the time sooner. For the last week I've debated whether to raise no produce, an acre or 1 1/2 acres. I decided on 1 1/2 acres but, before Johanna passed away I was hell bent on 3 acres. I'm going to remodel some rooms in my house this year, make more time for the cabin, try to be a blessing to Johanna's children and take even better care of myself. You know they say.....you only go around once in life! YOU BETTER MAKE IT COUNT!!!!

Warm Weather, Long Hours, Projects and More Tweaking

That pretty much sums up my week. Still have the darn left eyelid twitch. Maybe because of the up and down temp coupled with humidity my body is having to work overtime on behalf of my lungs. Went down to the cabin and remeasured the back door. THIS TIME I remembered to write the length and width of the long board down! Now, I should be able to finally fix it. Grabbed my collapsible hammock and toted it 1/3 mile uphill. I held up decent. Going to start getting up at 3 am to do some fitness ball exercises for 45 minutes to an hour. See if exercise helps my lungs work better. I think it will! I have been using my nebulizer a lot lately and every time a little goey junk comes out exercise will also cause it.

I'm thinking in one more week the 9 hr work days will cease for a while but, for simplicity purposes I'll continue to get up early. I physically don't handle schedule changes well. I figure I can always find something else to do when I have an extra hour to kill in the morning. When I was down at the cabin I decided I'm going to clear around the shower 8 to 10 ft. It's going to destroy some blackberry plants but, it's just too overgrown. Where my BIL removed what was once believed to be my grandfather's sawmill I'm going to clear out the saplings and move the lumber pile over there so I have more lawn. I really need to get the water pump back down to the cabin. Also, need to see if the pitcher pump works in the mean time. Found a napkin on the table that said the well was 34' deep and the water level was at 21' 6". All this time I had believed the point well was dry.

A Busy Week

The last week of Special Olympics "bowling practice". Actually it was just a way to get all 16 games required to participate next season in an organized unstressful manner. It's surprising how inattentative folks are about special olympic athlete paperwork. Glad I have two months before it has to be on file at the Madison office! June 1st Special Olympics Bocce ball season begins.

Been cleaning inside. Started to dig back into Dave Ramsey's "EntreLeadership" book. About two-thirds through it. Very good book for a starting entrepreneur! Still tired. Have a nagging left eyelid twitch which is always a sign of tiredness for me. I was on nine hour days last week and again this week. Eager to get gardening!

Short N Sweet!

Working long hours. Fourteen hours awake and I'm ready to get to know my pillow! Long hours this week and potentially longer hours next week and possibly the next one (the result of an April price increase). Still haven't found tuner but, I still have two days to find it (haven't really looked hard for it yet). Futzed in yard and did some more cleaning and organizing in the kitchen. Anyway probably not going to post often for a while here or on Facebook. I'm just too busy and tired at the end of the day.

Spring Has Sprung

Still tiring quickly after being up for 12 hours. Wish there was a solution to it. Fiddled in two of my three garden patches. Messed with my troybilt tiller a little. I also cleaned up the yard a bit, too! Did some house work. Cleaned out my car and truck. Still haven't found my electronic tuner but, I know it's in a box somewhere. I'll find it by the middle of the week I'm sure!

Tool boxes, Compass's, Fishing Poles and Guitars

Reflecting can bring out to us the best things in life! Sometimes it helps us realise the best tools in life to help us cope with what life hands us. I'm reminded of something a friend once remarked "Nobody said it would be easy. They just said it would be worth it. So, grab on with both hands!". We all need to hang on for the ride.

My personal toolbox usually involves the outdoors. Taking long leisurely walks clears my head and rights my internal compass. I haven't fished in ten yrs. Last yr I grabbed my pole from the cabin and have yet to use it! I spoke to Joe "musky" Flater last night and I might try musky fishing sometime this summer.

I recently brought up to my POA /old piano teacher from college that I was thinking about my guitars and trying to start playing again. I explained I hadn't played in years. Her response was "You need to. It's good therapy and a stress reliever. I grew up listening to Glen Campbell and his recent announcement of retirement and farewell tour got me to thinking about my lonely acoustic guitars. She is right....music is good medicine!

Advocacy & Humidity

Well, some think I'm crazy to want to create a 501c 3. Others think it makes perfect sense. Either way it is no longer a matter of if but, when. I've begun the process of laying the groundwork for future sponsorships for a bird hunt in Southern Wisconsin. At least two organizations associated with the alpha1 community have said they would be happy to receive any amount of funds we would make available to them.

It occurred to me at work today that humidity could be the main culprit causing me to tire before dark. My whole body has to work harder when it's humid out.

Going Into Quiet Mode

Being challenged health wise as far as my energy levels go. Doing a lot better but, still not satisfied with where I'm at. Got a lot on my mind. Wrestling with the whole lung transplant journey as a result of experiencing my sisters transplant journey. Plus, crop season is nipping at my heels! Followed by Special Olympics Bocce ball season and last but not least hosting a family reunion. Also, Special Olympics fundraising runs from May to September. Kind of just trying to maintain some equilibrium.

Something Came Up

I may not go to the NRA National Convention after all. A number of things have arisen....including a good female NRA counselor near Minneapolis.... which would save me money and spare me 2 vacation days! It would also give me evenings to do field work and save me searching for someone to care for my critters.

I added super B complex to my health supplements but, it's too soon to tell if it provides any benefit. Super tired tonight. I sorta wish I would have pursued the basic EMT training first but, hind sight is always 20/20!

Just edited my "about me" section and reread it. It really is up to us to help ourselves change our day to day outcome. I know I want to start using my exercise ball w/ simply doing stretches. Then I slowly add yoga and Pilates to my exercise regime.

Gardens, Gizmos & Moving Forward

Not as jazzed about gardening as in previous years but, digging out seed packets from last yr. Glad to see the rain making the snow disappear though! Can't blame my late start on the seed catalog companies for a change. All my fault.

I find myself using Facebook less and enjoying it. Actually, looking forward to being Facebook free Wednesday evening. I'm pretty sure my next phone will be an iPhone....too many problems with my droids.

Looking forward to attending the NRA convention provided I am able to attend the instructors classes at the convention. Wasn't the plan but, a wonderful opportunity to network! Way better class than previous ones offered. Kind of a mixed blessing!

No longer working at the bowling alley. Wrestling with the opportunity to get a job delivering pizza fir Domino's in Chippewa Falls or not. Starting a ccw training business isn't exactly cheap but, there is a need for ethical and responsible instructors out there. It's not just a right....there is a good measure of responsibility involved as well.

Dr. H is on vacation so, I don't know quite which way to tweak my health supplements. Considering CO-Q10, super B complex and cinnamon capsules. My metabolism is changing and more challenged.

Facebook, Freedom, Responsibility & Exercise

With the many continual changes to Facebook and the recent announcement of timeline....I decided to switch back to this. I did explore other social media networks as well. I also intend to use Skype and learn to use Twitter better!
With accepting new responsibilities in addition to existing ones I don't want to have to fiddle with timeline. I'm reminded of scripture that says "To whom much is given, much is expected." Luke 12:48.

The last couple winters I've struggled with tiredness. This year was the worst! I have a renewed commitment to maintaining my health freedom. Although I am not able to bike currently due to my back....there are many other forms of exercise I can pursue. I've begun to take supplemental 4000 units of D3 and an Iron tablet. It has made quite a difference in my energy level and alertness. I didn't know iron plays a role in carrying oxygen in the blood stream!

Salute!

Miss Busy

I finally took the time to look over my blog and post. I learned I come by my busy nature honestly! I spoke to my fathers surviving sister a while back. She said "Your Dad was a BUSY, BUSY boy! We were lucky if he shoveled the walk and mowed the yard! He worked at the gas station and he worked at the grocery store next door. He he worked corn detasseling. At 16 he had 3 model T's and an open top sedan. By 17 he was the newspaper distributer in Monroe! He was forever taking a car a part in a barn and putting it back together." I'm the county Special Olympics Agency director, the special olympics bowling coach. I just picked up a part-time job working at the bowling alley. I still have my job at the window manufacturing company. They are moving all there wood window line to our facility. Needless to say I won't have to worry about having Friday afternoons off very soon. Trying a new type of infusion needle set called an autogard.

The Rambler, Midlife Insanity and a Wannabe Hippy?

It's that time of year I'm out selling sweet corn....and I have time to think a lot between sweetcorn sales. I'm struggling like a lot of other Americans and reflecting. I've thought about my cut in pay, taking on a part-time job and the dreams that seem so far away. Last night while selling in front of the local cafe an antique winnebago named "Wanderer" turned in. A handsome young guy with a big smile on his face shouted out the window as he wheeled around my truck "Made a wrong turn!" followed right behind by a red late model rodeo. As he left the lot and I heard him give her some gas I thought....you want a motorhome...does it need to be so new? Remember how much fun you had with what you thought was your awful looking old beater car or truck? I realised...No, I don't need the new smell. I could gut it and personalize it! Then I thought about that cool looking 1968 Harley Sportster I'd seen on craigslist a few months ago. Could I have just as much fun, if not more fun cruising around on something like that? Yes, I could...and imagined all the good natured ribbing I could receive and the laughs as I say "But, it's paid for!!". Then today instead of catching up on my Inc magazine I grabbed my Cruising World magazine and started reading Fatty Goodlanders article. I realised I really need to look at my financial situation/aspirations differently. I thought about that neglected old Pearson Triton 28 sitting up at Corny. I realised to motivate myself to get that part-time job I need to look at it not only as a tool to eliminate debt but, to fulfill dreams and check more things off my bucket list! If I don't I am going against my long standing philosphy "You need to own the disease, not let it OWN YOUR LIFE!!!!"

Opportunity Knocks When You Least Expect It

...Or so they say. I didn't make school board but, in a way I'm glad. It was a new experience for which I'm glad I was a participant in. It turned out to be a popularity contest but, it was no reflection of those most concerned about the students, community or tax payer. I think were I to have become a school board member I would have found it very frustrating.

I have been sick off n on. I even went so far as request an xray yesterday when I was into Urgent Care. I got a chance to see my xray's. it wasn't as scary as I expected! I was given an "updraft" (nebulizer treatment), a prescription for Prednisone and Ciprofloxacin for five days. It has had a dramatic effect on my ability to breathe. I hope after the snow melts I can start bicycling again. I really have thirst to bike up to Hayward some Saturday. I really believe that goal is well within my reach!

Soooo Busy!

Well, I can no longer update via Opera on my droid. I updated it and now am unable to post. I have been very busy. I have been a part of the long term planning committee for our local k12 school system. I also find myself running for school board. A current school board member was after me for 6 months to do so. I did not know there were any openings. I stopped by she & her brothers saw shop and she got me going. I had people thank me for running....that was weird. I started out as a kinda reluctant candidate and now I guess I feel given my background I likely have the best background to represent the community, tax payer and the student. Four days after I filed papers 6 others filed. Two were refilers. So, I've got to make it through the primary and I might just manage it!!

Going on a mission trip to Biloxi, MS soon. It's surprising that there are still people displaced from there homes five years after the hurricanes.

Dads & Daughters

I am seriously considering doing a mission trip to Biloxi,MS(actually it's Ocean Springs a not so seedy neighborhood). It is a joint project between many churches & Habitat For Humanity to help those who losed their homes to Hurricane Katrina and are still living in FEMA housing 5 yrs later. I had talked to the leader of our group about equipment needs. He said "We have found it is best to take your own hammer & tool belt." I thought about my carpentry toolbox my Dad gave me for Christmas when I was 7 yrs old. He was sick of me dumping his minature wood toolbox that he kept his plumbing washers in. His big carpenters toolbox was too heavy and big for me to carry around the house so I took to using his plumbing toolbox for a carpentry toolbox. I would walk around the house telling my Mom "I'm going to be a carpenter like Daddy someday." He convinced my sister Mary to paint my name on this green metal toolbox. He then put a small trim saw & a hammer in it. He said " Now Katie, you have your own carpenters toolbox. You don't need to be dumping my plumbing toolbox." It took him about 3 times of gently scolding me & I finally accepted it. I thought the other day..."Where is that hammer?". I have several claw hammers but, when I see THAT claw hammer or THAT trim saw...I always think of my Dad. I don't know if I'll take that hammer but, I know that everytime I hold a claw hammer I remember Father always being real clear that there was a certain way one holds the hammer when they swing.

In other news I have a whopper of a upper respiratory infection. I missed 2 days of work last week and got put on a Avelox/Prednisone combo. It knocked out a lot of the problem but, this week I have a rattling cough I can't shake. I don't know what I'll get put on next but, I do know I'll have to wait till next week to see a dr again. I hope I don't have to go in & out of drs offices like I did 3 yrs ago after attending Strictly Sail!

I Heart My Community!

I'm sorry I missed the Des Moines event. It was sweet corn season and I had to "make hay when the sun shined". I have donated a portion of corn to some organization almost every sale day! It's a nice feeling....knowing you're helping somebody eat a little better.I think if more people could get beyond theirselves a little more often they would be amazed how life changing it would be!

Now that part about I heart my community....
In the last month I've gotten on the local school systems long term planning board as a result I have found myself attending more meetings. So much so I woke up this morning convinced it was Monday morning and I had over slept!! I've started attending township meetings. Next will ne village and city hall meetings. Our local grocery store in our village announced it was closing and I woke up to the fact theirs lots of other Glen's out there! That's what contributed to the involvement. I had a choice I could be sad or belly ache OR I could get involved and tried to be a part of a solution. The later made more sense to me. To the extent I met with the county economic development director for about an hr this last Wednesday.

I also am finding myself getting involved in Special Olympics in a much bigger way than I ever imagined. I'd always wanted to volunteer to help Special Olympics since high school. I contacted them about volunteering. They mentioned something about starting an agency. I had intended to be just a coach. I told them I'd give starting an agency consideration. Well....I will be going through orientation either this Friday night or Saturday morning just before the fall S.O. regional meeting. What is truely special about this is...my county has not had a Special Olympics program for several years! In my local school system alone there is 6 - 8 candidates to participate in Special Olympics. There are two other school systems in the county. Just imagine what it will mean to these children!! So, now I will not only be a coach but, an agency director as well. I've agreed to a lot of work! I have to take care of paperwork and fundraising. I have to arrange transportation, lodging, finding volunteers and keeping the kids up to date on physicals so that they can remain elgible to participate. So, now you know why I've been such a slacker! Oh, and one more thing...I'm trying to get a job as a wreath maker for some seasonal extra money.

Thought For The Day:

Wring every bit out of life you can with whatever

life you've been given!!

Yippy Skippy....Hanging In There!

I am not in so much pain. My system still isn't working right. The Aleve is helping. I'm paying the neighbor kids to do field work. I had to cancel my physical therapy appt because my augmentation therapy has yet to be paid by Shasta Administrations and I AM NOT paying for more medical bills I don't deserve!! I will also have to cancel my breast check up appts as well. GRRR!!! I also don't dare schedule that drs appt to get a referal for an MRI.

I am at 90 signatures for my classmate running for WI state treasurer. Pretty darn good job on my part I think. I'm going to try and get him some more. It's been very much a learning experience as I have asked people for their signatures. I may go up to Hayward this weekend to get more....time will tell.

Another Day....Another Dollar

Been a long week but, it has slowly improved. On Monday my back caused me so much pain I actually wasn't sure I was going to make it out of bed. I haven't been that stiff since working tobacco harvest back in 91 and hadn't been that sore since I first blew out that disk in my lower back in 99. Bought a jar of blue goo...it has emu oil in it which helps the oinment go 4 layers deeper(I had heard that from an ER nurse years ago). Today was the first day I didn't grimice when I sat up in bed! Woo Hoo!!!! You would have thought I would have been in severe pain given what all I did yesterday! I mowed for about three hours on my hydrostatic Skag walk behind standing on the velke. Then I tilled for a couple hours followed by hand planting vine plants for a couple more hours. It's hard to believe that back pain messes up more than sleep. It can also mess with your appetite and digestion as well. Food is starting to taste good again.

I had even gone so far as call Mayo to see about having an MRI. It's interesting how they handled it vs. UW- Madison. They asked me many questions and said their doctors would review my case and let me know what they decide in 10 days( 2 weeks). The soonest I could see a dr was September 14th as a new patient. I called UW- Madison to see about getting an MRI and they directing me right to Neurology and told me I need see a primary dr to get an MRI requested for me. Although, I am better I am going to call back to see if it would still be advisable to get an MRI done. Talked to Karen about all this and she is in worse shape than me. She went on to say sometimes it takes forever for her to get up in the morning and she heads right to a hot shower to help loosen her up! She also told me an exercise to do and some names of some pain meds that relieve the pain but, don't make you drowsy. Thankfully I don't have to see a dr for pain. I don't like to take anymore meds than neccessary!

If I continue to improve I believe it is in my best interest to get my membership renewed @ OST and get back to working those back and ab muscles. That will help my back & LUNGS! I was always telling myself " Where will I find the time to squeeze that in!?"...now I realize " How much longer will it take me to the same tasks IF I don't exercise!?".

Jiminy Crickets....I'm Tired!

Don't have a lot to say. I think about exercising but, haven't. I feel sooo tried & I really don't think I'm working that much. Some of my sweet corn I planted came up. It keeps raining so I can't get out in my field & plant. GRRRR! I think I'm pretty well done with Census. I volunteered to help @ the Eau Claire Triathalon. It was put together by members of my church to help orphans. That's how I wound up getting involved w/ that. I was SO surprised...while I was working the event participants were saying "thanks for volunteering!" as they ran by during the running portion. Starting to get caught up on my lawn in between rain showers.

SWAMPED!!!!

Working census, cleaning up lawns and doin' the farmin' thing. My Droid has a lot pluses but, a few downfalls are it will not allow me to post on to my blog, it won't let me access my online billpay due to pop up blocker feature and it manuevers best on facebook via opera beta browser.

Have had a couple recent disappointments lately. Someone violently entered my cabin and buried an axe in the floor. I have had friends for years urge me to pack a handgun when I went back to my isolated cabin and I was resistant. When someone breaks down your locked door w/ an axe 1.2 miles back in the woods and the latch lands 10 - 12 ft from the door and buries the axe in the middle of that floor.....it steals some of your piece of mind. The county sheriffs dept is sending the axe to Madison to check for DNA evidence.

Things Are Looking Up! Seeing Endless Possibilities!!

I got a droid but, it has it's limits! I. E. Like what I can post on the internet or rather where I can post on the internet. I'm caught up w/ all my property taxes. What a GREAT feeling that is!! I am also 2 months ahead of schedule on one of my three medical bills. I did in fact get called to do Census work....what really amazes me is of the 4 of us that got tested in December I was the ONLY one hired. My primary power of attorney keeps telling I have God's favor...I can't disagree with that the way things have played out the last three months. Sure feels like it!!

My vegetable seeds I started are doing well. I just passed CPR/First Aid this last Saturday. The gentleman co- teaching the class said if we liked what we were doing and want to go on to training for First Responder....the local fire departments would be thrilled to have more First Responders. Well, I'm gonna keep going and go for First Responder training. My local volunteer fire dept had two First responders. One had to move & one quit. I will be great to have the additional training since the cabin is 1.2 miles back in the woods. BUT, more importantly it will be a super opportunity to give back to my local community and help people!! I just can't express how blessed I feel!

Not Much To Say...Just An Update

I have enjoyed the unseasonably warm weather and the week of voluntary layoff. I got a pleasant surprise On Monday when I picked up my tax stuff from my CPA. My tax refund was 4 times what I expected so I will be able to pay up all my taxes and a few other things on top of that. I went for a 2 mile walk the other and could not get over how out of shape I have become. I slept like a baby that night though!! I had the infusion from hell last night. 6 sticks. Blew a vein right after I switched from the soduim chloride flush to the Zamaira. Inspite of the the problems I was able to save the Zamaira which I had to use up in 3 hrs or $2160 would be lost. I finally was able to do what I call "mainline it". I stuck the needle in the vein we all usually have blood drawn from. I am considering getting a port.

Thought For The Day:

No One Can Make You Feel Inferior Without Your Consent.

author: Eleanor Roosevelt

Snoopy Dance Ready!

Or is that Snoopy hop ready???

Can hardly wait to get ground worked up, seeds started or plants planted. Excited to be getting certified to accept WIC vouchers. It's a program for pregnant women with children up to 5 years old. I will be able to help them eat healthier....that just ROCKS!! I also am going to do some other things different this year.

The lady I carpool w/ was talking to others at lunch and they presented the plan I sell plants to them rather than them buying elsewhere because they know I'll take better care of mine than folks @ Wal-Mart and they would be helping me out at the same time. Then I went "Hmm, that sounds cheaper than the local flea market or driving to the farmers market." I mentioned it to some of my friends and they were equally attracted to that notion. So, what started out as an idea I was toying with became a solidified plan!

I Wanna Curl Up In A Ball!

Well, actually I've wanted to do that the last four days. I feel fine but, tired. I just can't seem to get caught up on sleep! That crazy old moon had been playing havoc w/ my sleeping the last few weeks. I did receive my Spiriva on Saturday....now if only my garden seeds would show up on my door step!

I Wish I May, I Wish I Might!

I am waiting on the Spiriva I ordered on Monday. I usually have my ordered meds from Pennsylvania within 3 days. I called yesterday and they said it had shipped on Tuesday so, hopefully today they will arrive in the mailbox! I just saw an ad for Prevacid. It said it used to be a prescription med now it's an over the counter med. I'm thinking that's a good thing but, not completely sure. Thoroughly enjoying the warmer temperatures outside. Nice on the pocketbook and wonderful for the circulation. Now, just waiting on the ground to warm up. Looking forward to green grass...even if it means a lot of mowing around the farm. It's always great to be outside instead of cooped up inside!! Thrilled I found an authorized Kohler dealer who can & will work on my Skag "turf tiger". Their within 25 miles and considerably cheaper than previous mower repair shops! WOOT!

Thought Of The Day:

Opportunity is Where You Make It.

Medical Bill Asstance Links:

http://www.healthwellfoundation.org/

http://www.copays.org/

http://www.patientaccessnetwork.org/

http://www.cdfund.org/

In a November or December post I believe I have a list of medication assitance links.

Surprises, Setbacks & Simplicity

Over the last few months I've had several surprises. My cabin property taxes went up 37% so they are almost 2x what my farm taxes are. I wound up doing my home improvements myself because the contractors either weren't available or wanted to be paided up front. While preparing my house for what I thought was going to be a reappraisal I discovered my palm pilot charger(I thought I'd accidently thrown it out when I moved)....when I found the charger it felt like Christmas or Fourth of July!! When I went in w/ up to date financial paperwork the loan officer & I were both flabbergasted! The new loan laws kicked in and the only ones they will help is the financial institutions that we helped bail out. My closing cost on a refi cashout went from $2717 wrapped into the loan to $5600 with $4600 up front. Then two weeks later the loan officer called to tell me they turned me down because of a satelite photo of my farmette(hobby farm) because they felt they couldn't get their money back out of it. At first I was stunned because I knew I had paid $10,000 under market value. My next reaction was "Don't bet against me!!"

So, having tired of all the back flips, handstands & cartwheels I had been doing for different lending institutions I hopped in my truck and went to talk to a banker friend of mine. He essentially said why not as you say hunker down & dig out. What was really frustrating though is I had made all these home improvements and if I hadn't my property taxes would be half paid! There's two ways to look at it though:

1) I would be in better shape financially if I hadn't made the improvements

2) Or since I made the home improvements and switched bedrooms I am sleeping better and my house looks nicer

So, I can't afford medication right now. The only things I'm focusing on is staying upper respiratory infection free, keeping up with my monthly bills, getting my taxes paid up, keeping a vehicle in good mechanical order & keeping my job.

I am looking forward to October 10th, 2010. It will be the day I will become medical bill free for the first time in 3 years. I first thought maybe go out for a fish fry or pizza to celebrate. Then thought..."Man, this is tooooo BIG an event to just eat out!" . I have decided to invite some friends over....grill some brats & have a big bon fire behind my barn!!

By July I will be caught up on taxes even on reduced hours. In a few weeks I'll receive my five yr 1 % bonus. March 3, 2010 I got lucky and won Glory B's popsicle stick drawing. $701!!! That will help me buy a 3 month supply of Spiriva & pay for some other things.

A few weeks ago I talked w/ the nurse who taught me how to do my own infusion. She got pretty upset when I told her what had been happening in December and that I couldn't pay for meds. She said the reason I was becoming hypo-glycemic was because my body was having to work so much harder to help my lungs work. I mean I knew a lot of times when your lung function gets down below 25% you body requires a lot more calories to function but, I didn't know up in the 50 % lung function group could have those same issues. I now eat whatever I want and I have had very few sugar low "crashes". My weight has stabilized. I'm pretty confident I'll never go back to eating two meals a day!

In an effort to lower my stress level. I turned down an opportunity to participate in a a-net focus group opportunity because I thought there was the possibility of it being too stressful on my body if the interview happened late in the day. It was in downtown Chicago and if it was @ 4pm or later it might take longer than the typical 6.5 hrs to get home. I also have dialed back on my involvement in regional political support. A band @ non-alcohol political fundraiser might draw the wrong crowd I was told. Gotta love some rural americans!

Just last week I called the Superior Census 2010 office to see when they were scheduling trianing. I was transfer to a second person and was encouraged! The lady said that my name came under the radar(because of my score in the 90 percentile) for a supervisor & crew positions but, there were floaters(someone who had turned down a higher position but, still wanted to be considered for a job) with higher scores. She said my score was in 90% was high. She said they were going to be hiring about 2,000 numerator positions soon.

Thought For The Day:

"The cards we're dealt in life do not determine our future. It's how we handle the cards we're dealth that determines our future"

Rest In Peace.....Cindy Wilson

For those of you who didn't have the opportunity to meet Cindy I am truly sorry. Chicagoland has lost a very preservering alpha1 support group leader & friend. When my sister called me Last Wednesday night to tell me the news I cried. I never would have bet against her. I first met her in April of 2007. She was spunky, caring & opinionated! In October of 2008 she received a single lung tx. She had shot up from 25 lung function to 75% lung function. She was on top of the world. She was experienced living in a way she hadn't in yrs. I had called her this fall because and email just wouldn't do! I just so happened her new lung was failing her and the next day she was to findout the verdict...if she would be permitted to be be relisted. She said to me "It is what it is." She was not sad. Just accepting that it could go either way. I just keep thinking about that James Taylor song "Fire & Rain". I've seen fire & I've seen rain. I've seen sunny days I thought would never end. I've seen lonely days when I could not find a friend but, I always thought I'd see you again. She was 53 yrs old.

update:

I am still trying to get a handle on what is triggering certain things. At first I thought I was hypoglycemic and I may be. I was showing all the classic signs but, when I focused on that I really only had one really great day.

I also heard that taking cinnamin capsules help with metabolizing of sugar.

Then somebody threw out the idea..."Maybe it's because of too much caffeine. So, then I had a small can of decaf at the house and did a 1/2 caf/1/2decaf batch of coffee. Then I had two really good days in a row. I have also begun eating breakfast every morning for the first time in 25 yrs. I can't skip meals or I pay. I'm still not exercising till I get a handle on this but, I am sure I will resolve what cause me to have bad or so-so days. I am sleeping better since I switched rooms and my mind seems sharper to me. I am currently reading: "The Difference".

Explain Please....I'm Concerned

I got a phone call from a friend in Chicago a day or so after my last post. This is an explanation of what happened.

I had been noticing I was forgetting things more and more often. I had been feeling exhausted. The week of the last post I had walked into work several mornings and became light headed & thought I was going to pass out. I also had walked across the parking lot over to the gas station. There is a snow bank that seperates the gas station from the employee parking lot at work. I came barreling down the other side, slowed down and wondered if I was going to pass out. The day before I last posted I had veiwed a safety dvd about the dangers of texting while driving based on a true event. Seven hrs later I had no remembered it right. I had sent an email to two biz executives(one happened to be my sister) and my primary health POA's husband who happens to be a traveling evangelist. Imagine my mortification when I discovered that the link I sent was for an adult entertainment site! I had txtd the right link to someone right after the safety mtg so I was then able to send the proper link. That was the deciding factor.

The next day the boss came around and said "The flu shots are being given in the large conference room. Your time is 12:32. Write that down somewhere so you won't forget Katie!" I realized also that if I didn't resolve these issues I would be a poor biz manager. I don't want to ever wait 8 yrs to get back to broke AGAIN! I also do not want to be another "Suzie's Super wing ding sauce"(that is not the real name of the product). It was produced in the county I live in and they were not prepared for the products demand to evolve. I want to be able to think "On the Fly" as I like to say.

I spoke to my alphanet coordinator last wk and she says "Your cognitive state is improved." I also realised when I was going through boxes and discovered my scale that I had lost a good bit of weight in the last 2 months. At first I thought it was off so, I called Marshfield Clinic and asked if I could use their scale to weigh myself. I needed the info for a alpha1 research project I was participating in. I discovered it was right. I then realised when I altered my monthly budget that by not eating any snacks from the vending machines, gas stations, etc.....I had in advertantly cut 600 -860 calories from my diet. That meant that I was only consuming about 900 - 1000 calories. According to the dietician @ Mayo I needed 1500 calories to function. I had my alphanet coordinator send an email to Dr. Sandhaus about it and he attributed to some other medical condition which I am not buying having been an athlete and watching wrestlers over the yrs drop weight in less than healthy ways to qualify for certain weight divisions.

I am feeling sharper. I'm down to a 32 waist which is likely a size 10 is my guess. I increased my caloric intake by 400 - 500 calories a day. I am still tired. By the end of today my old bedroom will be transformed into a fitness room so I will no longer have any excuse why I can't exercise. I'll have my Kurt Kinetic fluid trainer set up by the end of the week so I can prepare for biking this summer. I bought it 3 yrs ago and have never used it. I have taken my seasoning biz off the shelf a few times already. Somebody is working on the graphics. Although they are different than what I had in mind...it might just turnout way better!

This is my last post till the end of March........Stay Healthy & Stay Positive!!

Don't Feel Like The Lone Ranger...

A series of things that has occurred over the last 3 weeks or so is leading me to take a sabbatical from the internet with the exception of banking and my diary entries for the Stepping Forward research project. I have some health issues I want to address. I'm going to use that time I would normally be on the net to exercise. It will help with those health issues that are concerning me. I have been working overtime, on home improvements inside & outside repair/cleaning projects(the in & out temp changes are hard on my lungs right now). I'm also not going to plan any bike treks or try to get on the fair commission.

I spoke to my health POA's Mother this last weekend and she said Karen is very concerned that I am over working myself. I know if I don't address the health matters Karen will catch a flight and I will address those health matters! She knows how to hold my feet to the fire. She has known me for close to 23 yrs now and she remembers when I tried to go to work w/ a 102 temp. At the time I was living in her house and she cut me off at the pass. She is a wonderful person whom you will meet if you go to the national Alpha1 convention in Orlando this June. Her family and I joke about me being "the third cub". Plan A is much preferable to plan B!!

If you are reading this blog for the first time, are newly diagnosed & need someone to communicate with....go to http://www.spiderspun.net/. That is Noreen James website and she loves to help other alphas. I don't intend to check my email for a while & I'm planning to shelf my seasoning business till the end of March at least.

A Capstone For Katie!

I need to contact a local printer for label pricing for a biz I've wanted to start for awhile. I think I'm going to see if I can have an invitation dated for a little over 15 yrs from now.....A "Burn The Mortgage Party"!! My mortgage is a 30 yr mortgage.

Challenges, Changes & Dead Dreams(or not so dead dreams)!

My income dropped $3000 this yr. It now stands at a gross wage of aproximately $25,000. My combined medical and medicine bills for the year are around $3,800. Now THAT'S challenging!! I guess God is just making me grow and stretch a little to make me better able to handle future challenges in life that lie ahead!

I have to make the needed improvements before the future mortgage company will consider refinancing. Some folks don't understand why...I understand quite well. There have been many homeowners that used their HE loans to survive rather than to do the home repairs/ improvements they said they would. There have been many home repo's and the lender is just protecting theirselves. I have even resorted to carpooling w/ a smoker to save a couple bucks(more like $20/wk). I am hoping the other person I heard of in SDL is open to carpooling & is a non-smoker. Unfortunately we do not live in a perfect world BUT, there is certainly much to hope for us & miracles happen every day. I know I have experienced a few in my lifetime!!

It has definitely become hand to mouth but, as I am reading Joel Osteens new book...the direct result is I continue to remind myself what efforts I went to in college so I could get my associates degree from EOSC in Wilburton. Bumming a ride once a month to grocery shop in McAllester, getting up at 3am after college dances to go collect beer cans & taking insurance off my truck so I was all paid up for the fall semester(which was the requirement for enrolling for spring semester classes.

I just have to figureout what to use as a "capstone" to keep my dreams alive. There is a story in the bible of a man named Zerubbabel who God instructed to build a temple & he came up against so much resistance from the people he quit. Then something like 10 or 20 yrs went by Zechariah came to deliver him a message from God that he was to go back to work on the temple. So to keep himself motivated he set out the capstone of the building.

My primary health POA's nephew & his wife were unable to have children the natural way. It was devastating to them but, one night he chose to go to Wal-Mart and buy baby things and place them in a basket(that was his capstone). I believe it was something like a little over a year and a half later they were able to adopt their first child. The agency told them it would take several years. Do you have a dead dream? What is your dead dream? What will you use for your "capstone"?

Thankful & Busy

Thankful I got the option to volunteer to work in another dept today instead of not work. Thankful I got shifted to pre-paint instead of double hung. At where I work they encourage you to take home disposable safety equipment. I got access to a painting P-95 mask. I have been painting upstairs & have more to do. I had to slow down because of the fumes. The mask will help. It's funny....I didn't think the main bedroom was dingy colored till I was repainting it with the closest match I could find. I am using Color Place Crystal Blue. In contrast to the old color it is very bright & vibrant! I got to thinking while I was painting...when I get the dark blue berber carpet in I might just have to make that my bedroom instead of the smaller one I chose. The one I sleep in now is a beige ceiling & a kinda muddy brown colored walled. Who wouldn't want to wake up in a bright room!?

During the holidays I am going to move some studs around a closet & another space to make things more uniform. Yup, I've done this before. Did it w/ my Dad 32 yrs ago. Makes everything more pleasing to the eye. Gonna try and get some closets trimmed up as well. Looking forward to all the home improvements!!!

HAVE A HAPPY & SAFE THANKSGIVING!!

Prescription Assistance

These are a few links:

http://www.pparx.org/ (888-477-2669)

http://www.rxassist.org/

http://www.raredisease.org/

Also, look at websites of companies who's drugs you are prescribed. They often offer financial assistance.

In another post I will list some medical bill financial assistance links...I haven't looked at them in a while so I don't remember which covers what. I was given them for when I was overwelmed w/ breast cancer medical bills. They cover more than that and sometimes we all have more than alpha1 bills to cope with!

If Wishes Were Fishes...

I'd have one helluva fry! My refi is being pushed out till December because the contractor I was dealling with became too aggravating. I need to do certain things to my house due to the fact it will be a freddie mac or fanny mae loan. I can do most of it and compared to where the contractor would have bought supplies & the cost for his labor....I figure I'll save aproximately $700. I know some of you are experiencing major financial hardship right now. The next rainy day I will post several financial assistance links(I believe it's Thursday it's supposed to rain).

Oh! Hurray for my sister Johanna. Despite the fact she is on oxygen 24-7 she just shot her first deer last Thursday w/ a cross bow. AND it was an 8 point buck!!

Alpha1 Awareness Month

Has recently been changed from May as it has been for many years....to the month of November as of this year.

Although, I think it is a poor choice especially when this is a colder month for fund raising events & publicity events for those of us in the northern states in the USA. I did cook up something that even if you are on oxygen you can do to help raise awareness about alpha1. Talk to your local library director or head librarian about their doing a showcase about alpha1/COPD just as they do during breast cancer awareness month. It is so easy! A healthy mind Healthy Body cd(make sure they limit viewing to in the library so others will always have the opportunity to veiw it. Then there is that Neil Schnactner(or is it Schnacter) book and we always have our various newsletters we get from alpha1 drug companies, other company's(accreddo, coram, centric) and alpha1 organizations as well.

I Am So Ready For The Refi Thing To Be Over!!

Got the grapes done....sister Mary you need to help me use up my grapes next yr! There were too many that went to waste. Got apples I think I'm just gonna turn into apple butter. Back on 8's @ work but, at home still BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!!!

Don't You Think It's About Time....

You posted another page on your blog?

Ok, Roger...Here ya go!

I'm busy working 9 hr days. I still have apples to turn into something. I have grapes that need to be turned into juice or jelly. I'm in the midst of trying to refi my home. I have just started another batch of wine. This time it's Wild Black Cherry and I tasted it as I transfered it and it taste dry. The lady at the wine shop said I could add conditioner when it's done doing it's thing in 2 - 3 months. It may taste better. I'm actually thinking of keeping half dry & half sweet. My next country wine will either be pumpkin or wild black berry.

Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda & What If?

I told myself over 20 yrs ago I would never say those things to myself if I could possibly help it. We can all help it. Last week I realised I really dislike my job. What is a hourly laborer doing reading business books and civic mind not trying to prepare theirselves for a more rewarding job??? Well if it's meant to be...It's up to me!! I may be hamstrung by our economy but, that is it.

I've begun the refiance process for my farm and am looking to get some business classes under my belt starting next fall(always better to start in the fall than spring due to class staggering). I'm trying to get in touch w/ the county developement/tourism director to see about setting up a metric century bike trek. He's a busy guy!! I stopped by the courthouse today & a lady promised me she would pester him till he returned my call! He wears a lot of hats(including undertaking some of the county airport manager duties).

I'm very busy and things are still steady at work. I am continually glad I never applied @ the competing window plant for a job. Their employees have made so many concessions and still no stability in orders/hours.

I've Been Tired & Swamped!

I am winding down from putting up the harvest sort of. I still have plenty pumpkins, grapes & apples to can. I have 3 grocery bags of summer squash to fry up w/ mushrooms, onions, tomatoes & Penzey's Fox Point seasoning to vac seal to throw in my poor stuffed chest freezer. We started the Stepping Forward research project a couple weeks ago. It will last 5 yrs I am told.

As putting is winding down pumpkin sales is winding up. I'm also in the midst of the process of refinancing my hobby farm. I finally discovered the back 10 acres of my farm last week. I found I have aproximately 3 - 4 more acres of field to utilize & I have 4 wild elderberry plants. Don't know what became of my wild plums...hopefully next yr will be a better yr. Also began taking a stab at home winemaking this week. Inspite of having a book and DVD on winemaking I still made mistakes(thankfully they weren't major and were correctable)!!

Sabatical/Silence Morphed....

.....into there are not enough hours in the day(daylight) before the snow flies!! I was busy this last weekend selling sweet corn & managed to start getting caught up on my Inc. Magazine reading while waiting in between sales. LOL I still got another 1.5 issues to go though!! I also have been busy with insurance stuff...Not health....car/home and have a new insurance agent in a week. Still looking for part-time work. Planning to attempt to pass Medic First aid for adults as well as pediatric Medic First Aid in the next couple of months. It's been 13 yrs since I took First Aid/CPR and have wanted to take it again for a while. I could never get in a class because they were either offered nights or didn't have enough participants for a Saturday class. Even if I don't pass the CPR I will still be better able to help someone than if I didn't!

I start participating in the Stepping Forward research project very soon. I'm really excited to be involved in Alpha1 research! Only through research will more answers be found. This a 5 yr study Dr. "Sandy" is conducting. There are 500 people participating.

Thought of the day:

Just A Little Hope Can Move Mountains & Make Miracles Happen!

I Up & Decided...

I am going to take an extended sabbatical from Facebook, Blogspot and texting. I am perfectly healthy. I just decided this at work today. I went all day w/o my phone because I forgot it at home & didn't have time to drive back to get it. I have plenty of other things to do besides play on the net @ the library! Winter is coming!!

I don't know how long it will last could be 3 months, 6 months...who knows.

Still Cancer Free....Hurray!!

I went to my 25th high school reunion Saturday night in J-ville. It got a little hot there and a couple of folks came near me with strong perfume or colgne(sp?) and my lungs tightened up. I left three hours into it. I had to use my rescue inhaler and as soon as my lungs start to open up...I was ready for a nap! It's funny how unsuspecting we are of how a simple thing like wearing perfume can effect another individuals breathing. It could be soap or hair spray, too. In my case it was perfume which as crazy as this sounds....I think of wearing perfume as a way of personal expression(at least till I realized it effected my lungs). It still think of it like a form of personal expression but, I think I can live with out it now.

I was so tired from the trek, reunion, late getting home Sunday & getting up @ 4am Monday I neglected to post about it. I had noticed a lump.....(and those of you who have been reading this blog since 2007 KNOW 7/19/2007 I had cancer surgery & got a "get out of jail free card" @ Mayo)....a few weeks ago and became very concerned about it last week. I called Mayo at 9am last Thursday to schedule an appt and they scheduled me for 8:15 am on Monday. The first dr said she was 95% sure it was a cyst but, they wouldn't know till they did the Mammogram & ultra sound. I had four cysts total and had one aspirated.

I also just read my last post and discovered...Katie, can't spell either in addition to being untrustworthy in bicycle shops & bookstores.

The Weekend Was Survived!

I only made it 15.6 miles on the Dairyland Dare. I began to experience a headache off and on. Then it became a persistent headache. Enlight on my neice & nephews losing an uncle on their fathers side to heat stroke suffered on a roofing job earlier this summer I decided there was more honor in sagging! I didn't have to peel myself off the lawn @ Harris Park. I did hydrate enough but, am wondering if I have to over fuel myself due to alpha1 an having just a little over half the use of my lungs??? They say when you have alpha1 as your disease progresses your body needs more energy to do the things you do. In essence more energy than people with healthy lungs. I've heard when we bicycle for extended periods of time we burn at least 1200 calories an hour. We need to drink at least 24 oz of water and hour on extended rides as well. If your thirsty it's already too late because you are already dehydrated!

Dairyland Dare 2009

I will be participating...how much I complete well...time will tell. Underprepared but, my oldest sister wanted me to participate in the worst way. Then onto Bail's Watering Hole. Don't know how long it will take me to peel myself off the lawn after participating in the Dairyland Dare. Got good easy fuel and will be getting a good nights sleep unlike last year.

Can't Be Trusted In Bookstores Either!!

When I had gone to bike shop a couple weekends ago I decided since I was so close to Eau Claire I head to Olive Garden for a late lunch. Then I decided well I'll stop at Borders bookstore and look at the sailing magazines. Well...I didn't get any sailing magazines...I instead got a copy of "Success" magazine and Joel Osteen's "Good, Better, Blessed" cd set. As for the bike shop technically I stayed under $50 sort of. I bought $28 worth of stuff BUT, I ordered $83 of other stuff I picked up last weekend. I don't care for EFX electrolyte powder or whatever it was called. It was lemon-lime flavored but, oh well. I really like the Hammer: gel(unflavored), gelbot & perpetuem(unflavored). The unflavored doesn't make a person want to gag! I highly doubt I will be healthy enough to participate in the Dairyland Dare but, I'm going to do my best to at least attend the event!

Are You An Overcomer???

I believe I am! I just got some $930 unexpected medical bills this week. I was sure last night I would not be able to attend my 25th high school class reunion and the 2009 Dairyland Dare. I spoke to Noreen this morning(alpha pack pres) and she said they could help with the cost of the room & gas cost for the Dairyland Dare. I have been listening to some Joel Osteen cd's in my car as I never have time to read right now....it sure is helping me cope with all the challenges I am experiencing right now. I have convinced myself I will emerge next spring leaner finacially as well as physically and sharper mentally. I have eliminated my landline & internet so am limited to the library. There is someone jabbering in the background making it hard for me to concentrate on formulating an intelligent post & I keep hearing there is a waiting list for the computers....so I will pursue a more informational post another day! I'll make it...Overcomer Part II!

Forget that second post...I'm at another public library...SO GLAD...there are 2 library's in this county I can use!! Luv the edit feature on blogspot, too!

I was put on a z-pack(azithromycin) two 250 mg pills first day and one 250mg pill remaining 4 days and stays in system for 10 days. Went to urgent care in Ladysmith. Pretty sad when the doc I saw there says..."You don't want to have to go to emergency here....you'll wait 4 hrs!" It IS true!! I got hit by a piece of firewood at the cabin accidently when I was 4yrs old. It took 4 hrs before I got taken care of. My parents were furious! However, there is a positive outcome to urgent care...the doctor & nurse actually knew about alpha1...How great is that??? I think it's awesome!!!!

Back to the overcomer bit. Last night after work I stopped by two lending institutions to investigate my refinancing options at each of them. I learned I can't get refinanced as well as orignally thought but, it is still better than last years original mortgage. My cars too old to refinance @ a better rate. I had been looking forward to being down to one medical bill but, I remember when the combined bills were $4000 + two years ago. Now the combined total is only $2100. It is a step forward. I have my fishing gear & hunting gear and I reside in hunting & fishing heaven where I now live!! I have my hunters safety cert that my Dad insisted on. I have a garden, an orchard and I know how to can!

I have piles of books to read over the winter. Tip top of that list is "How The Memory Works" followed by several algebra books. I've always struggled with math and I'm bound & determined I will best that bugger!! I may not have an OST membership this winter but, I do have my bike, my Kurt Kinetic fluid trainer, my Spinervals DVD's, my yoga mat, my pilates & yoga dvd's. I am planning when I get over this upper respiratory infection to begin bicycling the 10.9 miles to and from East Mart during the week to save gas costs to work. If I really get brave I'll pedal to & fro from the Tony Depot during the week....it's 16 miles. Where there is a will there is a way.

I have vivid memories of the lengths I went to to get my associates degree from EOSC yrs ago....the last few days seem reminiscint of them. I've recalculated & recalculated debts vs. income and asked myself how do I juggled them around. I am sure that I don't have to remove insurance from anything like I did in college though...WHEW!! It was all SO WORTH IT back then and it's all worth it now!! Back then I had to remove my liability ins from my truck to pay off the fall semester bill so I could enroll for the spring semester. I bummed a ride to McAlester once a month for groceries and whatever I got then was what I had to live off of the entire month. Why is it our greatest memories come from times we were poorest?!

Thought For The Day:

"Even during our darkest hour there is

hope & opportunity"

Off To Spend!

Didn't know what else to type for a heading. Using library to post. Not much cpu time left today. Got an email from a newly diagnosed Alpha. It's funny...I get burned out on being an alpha1 advocate sometimes but, then I'll get contacted by someone who is looking for knowledge & encouragement and I forget my burned out feeling. I remember what it felt like when it first hit me. The next thing ya know I just so want to help them have hope as well as the ability to regain their equilibrium!

I think I might have a cold. I have been working 9hr days. My days have begun at 4am and ended sometime around 9 or 10 pm. My field of dreams is shaping up though as a result. I have been coming home from work and driving right out to the field to work. I did sleep in today because I have been so exhausted to the point on Tuesday I arrived at work late. I destroyed my perfect attendance record I had going for 1.5 yrs. Makes me mad at myself! Going to Spring Street Sports to buy Hammer gel/Perpetuem products...Hopefully I can keep it under $50. It usually winds up being $125 +. I am a bike geek. I can not be trusted in a bicycle store!!

Being Active In The Alpha1 Community...

Has many pluses!! I just got offered a placed to stay for free when I spend the weekend in Chicago in August. That just rocks!! There are also other benefits as well. A social outlet, an opportunity to share what each other knows/has learned about alpha1 and how to fight it. Lovin' the rain! Corn & pumpkins are doing awesome! Can hardly wait for PYO season in August!!!

For Every Problem.....

There are many solutions. I'm in the middle of the book "The Difference Maker". In fact, I'm in a chapter addressing big people overcome big problems. I thought about the fact was I a big person or a small person ad was my attitude right about the Hallie Rath event.

My conclusions was....Maybe Not : (

So, I started revaluating how I looked at it and began looking at it from a different perspective. The funny thing is we could & in some cases should use this kind of thinking when dealing with alpha1.

In other news. I believe my oldest sister & I are going to take a week long road trip to Virginia in early September. I ave not been there in 24 years. I was looking online at tourism info & I didn't recall just how gorgeous it was. WOW!!

Hallie Rath event...

I will not be donating funds or attending the event. They have put in place a dress code. In addition to that I have issues with the UW's attitude towards alphas. They didn't always have this attitude. Henry Eckert who I have refered to in previous posts and done a couple different events with was a recipient of a bi-lateral lung transplant from the UW & Dr. Love was his tx surgeon. Sorry to disappoint folks!

On the up side...sweet corn season should be finished on my farm and instead I should be able to take the entire weekend off. I am thinking spend the weekend in Chicago & attend Cindy Wilson's alpha1 support group mtg...if I can figureout how to get where it is on time!! Then Field's, Shedd's, Borders down by water tower place(I LOVE that bookstore!!) and who knows what else!