My niece, Jill, was diagnosed with Myestinia Gravis recently. After seeing a local doctor, she is now seening a specialist who deals with this disease at Duke University Hospital. While there for her appointment, the Dr. had her admitted to the hospital. No warning or preparation. Jill may be in for a week and she is in being given a round of treatments that may help improve her condition. MG is not curable but is treatable. Jill has continued to work and travel for her job. Her job involves training which means a lot of talking. Due to her MG, the talking part has at times been challenging. Has Jill said why me? No!! Has Jill felt sorry for herself? No!! Has Jill missed a beat in her real world life? Barely!!
Jill and her boyfriend, Tim, have taken a better approach to the challenge they are facing (and I do mean they). What have they done??? They laugh. Whether it be laughing about how to put on a hospital gown or finding out Jimmie Johns delivers to the hospital or taking pictures of the special socks Jill has to wear to avoid blood clots or learning the joys of a sponge bath......they have done it all.....together......and with a sense of humor.
This is not the kind of challenges kids in the mid 20's expect to face but for some reason Jill and Tim have landed right in the middle of this.......and at times I am sure they feel like they are in the middle of Grand Central Station at rush hour.......
I am so proud of Jill and her fighting spirit and of Tim who sleeps in the chair, runs to buy Jill bacon and somehow they have maintained the attitude that we can deal with this and although Jill may have MG......MG does not have Jill or Tim for that matter.
Many times we look at the younger generation and thinks of them as soft, spoiled, selfish and self-centered......well I am glad to say these two prove all of that wrong!!! If I was a betting person.....I would bet a whole years salary on them!!! Jill and Tim....you are amazing!!!
On another subject, I did two more firsts yesterday......
1. I took the Ice Bucket Challenge
2. and allowed my daughter to share the video of me doing it on facebook. Pouring a bucket (a pot in my case) of cold water and ice over your head may sound a little asinine but it's for a good cause. I will write a donation check today too!! OK this is where I may cross the line.....when I watched the video and looked at the picture Jenn took after .....I wasn't horrified at the way I looked.....it was me. But because I am leaning over the railing of my front porch......my boobs do look like they go down to my waist.......oh well.....I wasn't going to do it again so I could look better that's for sure.....
Lastly, this weeks embarrassing moment (you thought the boob comment was it....nope).......I was searching for the SEC channel on cable last week so I can be ready for kick-off this Thursday night....I know I know what you are thinking....she was looking a week ahead of time?????
Anyway, I thought it was a channel in the 600's. So there I am remote in hand hitting every button I can think of......meanwhile Jenn is sitting nearby working on her computer getting ready to teach her University 101 class. Next thing I knew the TV froze. And of course it would have to be on an "adult" channel....ugh. There across the screen is the description of the movie I can view for $9.99. I am now trying to get the remote unfrozen and then it happens.......Jenn looks up from her computer and says "What the hell are you watching???" and bursts into laughter. I am trying to explain the frozen remote and fumbling through my words while Jenn continues to laugh and laugh. Finally she is able to get me away from "that" channel.....and help me find the SEC channel not to be confused with the SEX channel.....
Well that pretty much sums up the week........laughter was the common thread through each event above.....and it sure beats crying!!!! Unless you are like mean and cry when you laugh.......
See you next week.......
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Sunday, August 17, 2014
A Table For One......Item 4 On My List......Check It Off!!!
Jenn was working what we refer to as Super Bowl Week at USC. Moving in week is amazing!! Her department basically examines and if needed, repairs a small city during summer break and then the Super Bowl.....moving in days.....within a period of 4 days over 6000 freshman and Lord knows how many other students return to campus. During this stretch Jenn's group works 12 days straight and long hours......
But enough about Jenn.....LOL!!!!
Yesterday was a me day......since Jenn wasn't around and Bob and I don't do anything together....it was all about me!!
As you know I have been struggling to begin and do things alone......yup just me.....just Donna. Some of you might think or say "so what's the big deal???" I have spent most of my life doing things with other people.
But as I move into Chapter Three .......it's just me.......
Saturday, I started the day by going to the gym alone. I got there early and finished my workout by 9:30. I drove by 2 movie theatre's to see what time two movies I wanted to see were playing. Once I got home, I loaned my car to Bob so he could run some errands. While he was gone, I did a lesson on Rosetta Stone and wrote a few more pages in a fiction novel I am writing. I did some reading. I did some looking online (note I did not say shopping since I did not purchase anything I just put things in my cart for future reference).
My aquabeat which I love to listen to while jogging in the pool is dying so I went to order another one and found out they were on sale for 1/2 price!!! I did order that right away.
All in all a very relaxing me day......
Sunday, I got up early and watched a DVR'd episode of Mad Men. Then I went to the gym alone again. OK this is a first for me.......I was in the gym parking lot 10 minutes before they opened and was the third car there. I found out if I held down the volume key on my aquabeat I could still hear the music......so I jogged for more than an hour switching it back and forth between my hands holding down the volume button.
I left the gym and thought OK what's next. I was hungry. I could have come home and had something to eat but then thought about the things I had done alone this weekend and decided to really challenge myself and go out to breakfast......alone.....yes ALONE!!!!!!
I decided to go to Lizard's Thicket, a local chain home style restaurant. I thought I was being smart by not hitting one of the more fancy brunch locations but I forgot that I would be running into the after church services crowd. I pulled into a parking spot and just sat there. I watched people going in and out. The joint was hopping!! I sat there maybe 10-15 minutes trying to decide if I should go in. I finally made my move. I grabbed a book I leave in the car, my cell phone and a local paper "The Columbia Star". I figured that would keep me occupied while I ate breakfast. Did I really need all of that....no.....I wasn't going to be there for 2 hours....LOL.
Guess what happened when I walked in alone..........................nothing!!
There was no spotlight on me......no announcement over the public address system announcing Donna Pizzolongo had arrived to dine alone. There was no waitress screaming "I have someone here alone .....where can we seat a single?" LOL
Instead, I picked out what would normally be a booth for two. The waitress asked if I was waiting for anyone else and I very bravely said "No, it's just me." She brought me my coffee (decaf thank God) and took my order. I had a western omelet made with egg whites. No bread, biscuits or hash browns. I did ask for turkey sausage. Then the waitress came back and said would I like grits since I wasn't having anything else and I said sure ( I do love grits) and she wanted to know if I would like the turkey sausage in my western omelet instead of ham......that worked for me!!!
I took my time, played with my phone and didn't make eye contact with too many people. I did look around and saw a lot of families having breakfast together.........I was just a little envious.......but still feeling OK. I didn't rush my meal and even had a second cup of coffee.
And guess what.....before I knew it I was done eating. I never even read the paper or book I brought in with me. I did laugh with a few people around me because there was a poor baby screaming and crying to beat the band and the parents took probably 5 minutes too long to decide one of them should take the screaming baby outside.
I left a tip for the waitress, paid my bill and got back in the car. I did let out a sigh of relief that I made it though a dining experience alone. You need to know this is huge for me!!!!
Oh and on the way out no one yelled....."that lady who has been sitting there alone is leaving now"....LOL
So what's next....a lunch alone......a dinner alone (that will be the hardest one) and yes even a movie alone......
I took another step today and survived......it may sound silly but I am kind of proud of myself........
Oh and here is what a breakfast for one looks like......
See you next week......
But enough about Jenn.....LOL!!!!
Yesterday was a me day......since Jenn wasn't around and Bob and I don't do anything together....it was all about me!!
As you know I have been struggling to begin and do things alone......yup just me.....just Donna. Some of you might think or say "so what's the big deal???" I have spent most of my life doing things with other people.
But as I move into Chapter Three .......it's just me.......
Saturday, I started the day by going to the gym alone. I got there early and finished my workout by 9:30. I drove by 2 movie theatre's to see what time two movies I wanted to see were playing. Once I got home, I loaned my car to Bob so he could run some errands. While he was gone, I did a lesson on Rosetta Stone and wrote a few more pages in a fiction novel I am writing. I did some reading. I did some looking online (note I did not say shopping since I did not purchase anything I just put things in my cart for future reference).
My aquabeat which I love to listen to while jogging in the pool is dying so I went to order another one and found out they were on sale for 1/2 price!!! I did order that right away.
All in all a very relaxing me day......
Sunday, I got up early and watched a DVR'd episode of Mad Men. Then I went to the gym alone again. OK this is a first for me.......I was in the gym parking lot 10 minutes before they opened and was the third car there. I found out if I held down the volume key on my aquabeat I could still hear the music......so I jogged for more than an hour switching it back and forth between my hands holding down the volume button.
I left the gym and thought OK what's next. I was hungry. I could have come home and had something to eat but then thought about the things I had done alone this weekend and decided to really challenge myself and go out to breakfast......alone.....yes ALONE!!!!!!
I decided to go to Lizard's Thicket, a local chain home style restaurant. I thought I was being smart by not hitting one of the more fancy brunch locations but I forgot that I would be running into the after church services crowd. I pulled into a parking spot and just sat there. I watched people going in and out. The joint was hopping!! I sat there maybe 10-15 minutes trying to decide if I should go in. I finally made my move. I grabbed a book I leave in the car, my cell phone and a local paper "The Columbia Star". I figured that would keep me occupied while I ate breakfast. Did I really need all of that....no.....I wasn't going to be there for 2 hours....LOL.
Guess what happened when I walked in alone..........................nothing!!
There was no spotlight on me......no announcement over the public address system announcing Donna Pizzolongo had arrived to dine alone. There was no waitress screaming "I have someone here alone .....where can we seat a single?" LOL
Instead, I picked out what would normally be a booth for two. The waitress asked if I was waiting for anyone else and I very bravely said "No, it's just me." She brought me my coffee (decaf thank God) and took my order. I had a western omelet made with egg whites. No bread, biscuits or hash browns. I did ask for turkey sausage. Then the waitress came back and said would I like grits since I wasn't having anything else and I said sure ( I do love grits) and she wanted to know if I would like the turkey sausage in my western omelet instead of ham......that worked for me!!!
I took my time, played with my phone and didn't make eye contact with too many people. I did look around and saw a lot of families having breakfast together.........I was just a little envious.......but still feeling OK. I didn't rush my meal and even had a second cup of coffee.
And guess what.....before I knew it I was done eating. I never even read the paper or book I brought in with me. I did laugh with a few people around me because there was a poor baby screaming and crying to beat the band and the parents took probably 5 minutes too long to decide one of them should take the screaming baby outside.
I left a tip for the waitress, paid my bill and got back in the car. I did let out a sigh of relief that I made it though a dining experience alone. You need to know this is huge for me!!!!
Oh and on the way out no one yelled....."that lady who has been sitting there alone is leaving now"....LOL
So what's next....a lunch alone......a dinner alone (that will be the hardest one) and yes even a movie alone......
I took another step today and survived......it may sound silly but I am kind of proud of myself........
Oh and here is what a breakfast for one looks like......
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Moods and Emotions ......THE HIGHS.....and......the lows......
Last week, I experienced a variety of feelings in both my personal and work life.....
At work......I had a high and a low.
HIGH- I reached out and saved a deal that appeared to be lost. When I knew the customer was staying with us I did a fist pump in the air.
low- a customer used a social network to air their concerns. And lucky me......no one even spells my name right......but this time it was letter perfect.
On the personal front......
HIGHS- Dinner with a good friend at Cracker Barrel. One suggestion......could they please find a way for me to get to my table without going through the gift shop?? And could they not run such great sales........who can pass up 50% off some great items. Next time, I will ask for blinders at the door and a handsome escort to get me to my table.
Also, had breakfast with my sister and brother-in-law this morning. We had a great visit!! I was able to get showered, dressed and out of the house in less than an hour......a record time for me.
Yesterday, while at the gym I was jogging in the pool. I watched a Dad trying to teach his son(who was about 7 years old ) to swim. The Dad was patient and did a great job working with the young boy. The kid was smiling and Dad was encouraging. I couldn't help but grin myself watching them together. When the little boy got out of the pool I gave him the thumbs up. As he left he waved to me.......it was one of those brief encounters that made my day. Oh and I guess it doesn't hurt to mention that Dad was in fantastic shape....LOL!!
I used my new water bottle this week and filled it up at least once a day. And my friend who got me mine also brought me one for Jenn in pink no less.....as Jenn says her signature color.
lows-there was a how should I say.....a heated FB conversation this week among my Ohana regarding the date of our next family reunion. The Welch's are to put it mildy a family of strong personalities. Fortunately, by the end of the week the feelings of our family elders were taken into consideration and it appears the date has been set.
There were some mornings when I was dragging when the alarm clock went off at 5:30 A.M.
I wasn't very creative in my meal choices this week.......in fact my choices were downright boring.
Life is made up of HIGHS and lows.......my HIGHS were not about winning the lottery and the lows were not devastating......
BUT I am already working to avoid the lows this week if I can.......
I have already put together a variety of lunch ideas for the week.
I am leaving dinners this week flexible....this usually means I eat less.
I am going to try to go to bed a little earlier each night which might mean not dragging myself out of bed each morning.
I am sincerely going to try to enjoy the journey vs focusing on the destination (great advice given to me by several people).
And I will think about weight loss and getting healthier but not obsess about it.
Chapter Three is in the early stages or pages.......no reason to rush.....I need to enjoy the ride.....and as with all travels......there are HIGHS and lows.......there is no way to avoid them.......I just have to roll with them......
At work......I had a high and a low.
HIGH- I reached out and saved a deal that appeared to be lost. When I knew the customer was staying with us I did a fist pump in the air.
low- a customer used a social network to air their concerns. And lucky me......no one even spells my name right......but this time it was letter perfect.
On the personal front......
HIGHS- Dinner with a good friend at Cracker Barrel. One suggestion......could they please find a way for me to get to my table without going through the gift shop?? And could they not run such great sales........who can pass up 50% off some great items. Next time, I will ask for blinders at the door and a handsome escort to get me to my table.
Also, had breakfast with my sister and brother-in-law this morning. We had a great visit!! I was able to get showered, dressed and out of the house in less than an hour......a record time for me.
Yesterday, while at the gym I was jogging in the pool. I watched a Dad trying to teach his son(who was about 7 years old ) to swim. The Dad was patient and did a great job working with the young boy. The kid was smiling and Dad was encouraging. I couldn't help but grin myself watching them together. When the little boy got out of the pool I gave him the thumbs up. As he left he waved to me.......it was one of those brief encounters that made my day. Oh and I guess it doesn't hurt to mention that Dad was in fantastic shape....LOL!!
I used my new water bottle this week and filled it up at least once a day. And my friend who got me mine also brought me one for Jenn in pink no less.....as Jenn says her signature color.
lows-there was a how should I say.....a heated FB conversation this week among my Ohana regarding the date of our next family reunion. The Welch's are to put it mildy a family of strong personalities. Fortunately, by the end of the week the feelings of our family elders were taken into consideration and it appears the date has been set.
There were some mornings when I was dragging when the alarm clock went off at 5:30 A.M.
I wasn't very creative in my meal choices this week.......in fact my choices were downright boring.
Life is made up of HIGHS and lows.......my HIGHS were not about winning the lottery and the lows were not devastating......
BUT I am already working to avoid the lows this week if I can.......
I have already put together a variety of lunch ideas for the week.
I am leaving dinners this week flexible....this usually means I eat less.
I am going to try to go to bed a little earlier each night which might mean not dragging myself out of bed each morning.
I am sincerely going to try to enjoy the journey vs focusing on the destination (great advice given to me by several people).
And I will think about weight loss and getting healthier but not obsess about it.
Chapter Three is in the early stages or pages.......no reason to rush.....I need to enjoy the ride.....and as with all travels......there are HIGHS and lows.......there is no way to avoid them.......I just have to roll with them......
Sunday, August 3, 2014
The Up's And Downs of a Week......and Life........
Whenever someone says "I have good news and bad news" you know what I want first.....the bad news.
This week had good moments.....and bad......
Lets' get the bad over with first........
My car needed an oil change and I thought maybe brakes (it was just a feeling) and I couldn't remember having a brake job done since I owned the car (110,000 miles ago). The day before I was bringing the car in...... Jenn and I were running errands and all of a sudden the A/C started going hot. Ugh!!! To add insult to injury, the motor for my drivers side widow was broken so I couldn't open it ( I won't mention I already replaced it 18 months ago through the dealership but was told it was only guaranteed for12 months). Jenn and I drove along with the other windows open and the sun roof open......things were blowing all over the car and we were both sweating bullets.
The next morning the car was at Goodyear......first estimate $900 plus (and that was thinking the A/C would not have to be replaced.) By early afternoon the news had gone from bad to worse......the bill would be over $1950 and there was a list of $600 in "suggested" repairs. I opted to not do ther "suggested maintenance work". So I cried and told them to do the repairs. What choice did I have???? I needed the brakes and oil change. How long was I going to ride around with a drivers window that didn't work?? And let's face it .....A/C in South Carolina during the summer is not really optional!!!
The car was ready the next day. $1100 for parts and almost $900 for labor. I used to have a mechanic that I trusted like crazy......unfortunately he is no longer in that line of work.....boy do I miss you Joe Dotman!!!!
The other part of the week that was stressful was my work schedule....what the hell was I thinking???? Monday worked half day no prob......Tuesday half day of work starting at 1:00....I should have worked 4 hours......I ended up working almost 8 hours......it was my fault....I kept on saying just saying one more thing. Wednesday and Thursday I just signed on to clean out emails. Ended up reaching out to an upset customer by phone and email. Friday, I worked at home and was on the computer early and signed off late. Also had to remind someone several times that I WAS WORKING......some people don't understand that even though I was at home and I had two monitors running and was taking phone calls it is a long day and there was a lot to do.
Now the good parts of the week......
I went to the gym 6 times....WOO HOO!! Lots of jogging in the pool. I did more than a marathon in the pool....OK it was over 6 days....LOL!!!!
Jenn and I went out for lunch 3 times and did brunch one day. Don't worry I didn't go over board......we were careful with our meal selections.......it was nice to have a meal out and not have to rush. We had some great conversations during those meals out. We also went dutch!!!
I stopped at work yesterday to bring my laptop and the water that I drink in so I didn't have to lug it all in tomorrow. Jenn hung up my football posters too.
In my overhead compartment was a gift from my friend, Crickett, she has been a big supporter of me and my efforts. She left me a water bottle that I had seen of hers that screws off in a spot so I can put ice in it easily, a small notebook that says dreams on the cover and a card of encouragement. I was very touched by her thoughtfulness.
In my desk drawer was another gift. From another friend (and former boss), Lisa, it is a bracelet with all beachy charms on it. I love it!!!!
I left both items in my office to enjoy starting tomorrow. How great is that??? I am out of the office and I have work friends thinking about me. One did it for encouragement and the other because she had heard about the car bill and knew it was not one of my better weeks.
I also made plans to visit my friends at the beach at the end of the month.......something else to look forward to!!!
The last is the best......I love old weather worn old looking furniture. Jenn went into Hobby Lobby and found a cabinet that had no price on it. She knew I would love it. She asked about the price and was told $24.99. She was sure this was wrong so she checked again and again. Then bought it for me....with my debit card. When I saw her coming to the car with a gentleman behind her carrying something I thought what the heck did she buy? When she opened the door she said "I bought something you will love!!" You can guess how I reacted.......yes........ I cried!!!!! Another item to go with me for Chapter Three !!!!!
Well that was the week in a Readers Digest version.......the good and the bad......
Oh and did I mention I got on the scale today and I am down a few pounds.......between the gym and eating when I am hungry......seems to be having some positive results......I need to lose 4 more pounds to get to a new personal goal.......I know I know I have a long way to go.......but I can only think a few pounds at a time.....
Oh here is the piece of furniture Jenn found for me.......
See you next week........
This week had good moments.....and bad......
Lets' get the bad over with first........
My car needed an oil change and I thought maybe brakes (it was just a feeling) and I couldn't remember having a brake job done since I owned the car (110,000 miles ago). The day before I was bringing the car in...... Jenn and I were running errands and all of a sudden the A/C started going hot. Ugh!!! To add insult to injury, the motor for my drivers side widow was broken so I couldn't open it ( I won't mention I already replaced it 18 months ago through the dealership but was told it was only guaranteed for12 months). Jenn and I drove along with the other windows open and the sun roof open......things were blowing all over the car and we were both sweating bullets.
The next morning the car was at Goodyear......first estimate $900 plus (and that was thinking the A/C would not have to be replaced.) By early afternoon the news had gone from bad to worse......the bill would be over $1950 and there was a list of $600 in "suggested" repairs. I opted to not do ther "suggested maintenance work". So I cried and told them to do the repairs. What choice did I have???? I needed the brakes and oil change. How long was I going to ride around with a drivers window that didn't work?? And let's face it .....A/C in South Carolina during the summer is not really optional!!!
The car was ready the next day. $1100 for parts and almost $900 for labor. I used to have a mechanic that I trusted like crazy......unfortunately he is no longer in that line of work.....boy do I miss you Joe Dotman!!!!
The other part of the week that was stressful was my work schedule....what the hell was I thinking???? Monday worked half day no prob......Tuesday half day of work starting at 1:00....I should have worked 4 hours......I ended up working almost 8 hours......it was my fault....I kept on saying just saying one more thing. Wednesday and Thursday I just signed on to clean out emails. Ended up reaching out to an upset customer by phone and email. Friday, I worked at home and was on the computer early and signed off late. Also had to remind someone several times that I WAS WORKING......some people don't understand that even though I was at home and I had two monitors running and was taking phone calls it is a long day and there was a lot to do.
Now the good parts of the week......
I went to the gym 6 times....WOO HOO!! Lots of jogging in the pool. I did more than a marathon in the pool....OK it was over 6 days....LOL!!!!
Jenn and I went out for lunch 3 times and did brunch one day. Don't worry I didn't go over board......we were careful with our meal selections.......it was nice to have a meal out and not have to rush. We had some great conversations during those meals out. We also went dutch!!!
I stopped at work yesterday to bring my laptop and the water that I drink in so I didn't have to lug it all in tomorrow. Jenn hung up my football posters too.
In my overhead compartment was a gift from my friend, Crickett, she has been a big supporter of me and my efforts. She left me a water bottle that I had seen of hers that screws off in a spot so I can put ice in it easily, a small notebook that says dreams on the cover and a card of encouragement. I was very touched by her thoughtfulness.
In my desk drawer was another gift. From another friend (and former boss), Lisa, it is a bracelet with all beachy charms on it. I love it!!!!
I left both items in my office to enjoy starting tomorrow. How great is that??? I am out of the office and I have work friends thinking about me. One did it for encouragement and the other because she had heard about the car bill and knew it was not one of my better weeks.
I also made plans to visit my friends at the beach at the end of the month.......something else to look forward to!!!
The last is the best......I love old weather worn old looking furniture. Jenn went into Hobby Lobby and found a cabinet that had no price on it. She knew I would love it. She asked about the price and was told $24.99. She was sure this was wrong so she checked again and again. Then bought it for me....with my debit card. When I saw her coming to the car with a gentleman behind her carrying something I thought what the heck did she buy? When she opened the door she said "I bought something you will love!!" You can guess how I reacted.......yes........ I cried!!!!! Another item to go with me for Chapter Three !!!!!
Well that was the week in a Readers Digest version.......the good and the bad......
Oh and did I mention I got on the scale today and I am down a few pounds.......between the gym and eating when I am hungry......seems to be having some positive results......I need to lose 4 more pounds to get to a new personal goal.......I know I know I have a long way to go.......but I can only think a few pounds at a time.....
Oh here is the piece of furniture Jenn found for me.......
See you next week........
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