Pictures from Fri and Sat...

Ready for Girls Night Out

Upclose and Personnal

Aviva and Butterscotch

Not sure if she liked coloring eggs or not

Passover......

Building pyramids in Egypt

The parting of the Red Sea

An old Persian custom

Seder Plate

GRAINS of GRATITUDE....

What a week it has been..sorry have not been around...I have not been feeling two well.

1. I am thankful that the results of my echocardiogram came back normal. That is a big relief.

2. What a night Aviva and I had on Friday. We went to dinner at Applebee's and then finally got to surprise her with Disney on Ice: Disneyland Adventure. She was so excited, did not tell her till we got to the arena. And then she read the tickets. She was jumping up and down and hugging me. She loved it. They did a great show. Aviva was on her feet almost the whole time. She got a bit spoiled but so worth it.

3. What a great day we had today as well. Started off with an Easter egg hunt my neighbor did. Then we went up to Boca for an Easter festival but most of all to meet our good friends from Minnesota. We all hung out there and then we went back to their hotel and Aviva got to swim with all the kids and the adults got to chat. It was just a really nice family day that was well deserved.

4. We got to see Auntie Marie yesterday. And cannot wait till she comes here Thursday to spend time with us till she has to go home to Jamaica.

5. I am glad to have an MRI scheduled for Saturday to find out what is going on with my back. It is has been painful lately and just want it to go away.

The Cardio's office just called and said the echocardiogram was normal. But still wants me to go for the test on April 10th, the stress test with the dye and no treadmill.

Took blood pressure at Target today not sure how accurate the machine is but was 141 over 71 so lower there then it has been. Not sure how accurate the machine was. Still retaining water but not as bad.

Had the Liver U/S this morning went fine. Not sure results yet.

Went to the orthopedist today for my back and now he wants an MRI to see what is going on in there. The past 3 mornings waking up in pain. And changed the pain meds from Vicodin to Darvacet.

Finally got the results of my certification exam...which I knew I did not do well on. Well, you needed 200 to pass and I got a 197...UGH so very close. Will take it again in July when offered.

Happy Passover!!!

Tonight at sundown the Jewish holiday of Passover starts. And we celebrate it for 8 days.

We are going to our friend's house this evening for a Seder.

GRAINS of GRATITUDE......

Thanks to Christine I have been looking what I am grateful for in the past week:


1.) I have very thorough doctors who are doing everything to take care of me. They have done an endoscopy (I now have reflux), an echo cardiogram (got a heart). Have an u/s of the liver April 4th and go to the orthopedics for my back.





2.) Finally it is the week I get to surprise Aviva with Disney on Ice (Friday)...we will go to Applebee"s her favorite restaurant for dinner then to the show.



3. Auntie Marie is coming to visit this coming Friday but will stay with their great aunt and then off to Melody's and she will come back to us for a few days before she goes home.




4. I am very proud of the weight loss even with the diuretic pill (only on for 5 days) I am proud to say as of today down 27lbs. Look we changed our way we eat and taking the pill helps. I am just happy.




5.) My friend Alyssa, her DH, 2 boys and new baby girl are coming from Minnesota. I met her in Mexico when we lived there and she was studying abroad. Have not seen her in a long while and cannot wait and hold that new baby.

6.) Thank you to everyone who has sent me prayers for my health, it meants a lot to me.

I have been tagged for a MEME from MISS D...

My favorite songs asked by Miss D:

1.) Sounds of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel....I am not sure why, but just love the melody of it. Loved it since was a kid. Love most of their songs.

2.) The score from Fiddlers on the Roof.....I have seen the movie and show in Lincoln Center and it has always left me thinking how it can relate to my family. The music is beautiful.

3.) Buffalo Soldier by Bob Marley....It reminds me of when I met Spider. My friend and I just sang that song over and over the flight home from Cancun.

4.) Peter Gabriel's old songs...do not have a favorite but saw him in concert in 1986 and he was amazing.

5.) Against All Odds by Phil Collins...we can do anything just have to try.

Thanks Miss D...made me think a bit.

UPDATE from today's test and more news...

Well, had the echocardiogram earlier today and it went well, I suppose. Will find out when they call me with the results.

Now I have more tests next week. April 3rd I go to give blood they are doing an extensive liver panal. April 4th will be a liver ultrasound. April 4th in the afternoon back to the orthopedist for the back and trigger fingers.

Just wish I can sleep...and tomorrow have an 8 hour class I need to sit through...not sure how that will go.

ADD another pill to the MIX.......

He found inflammation in the esophogus and stomach. He put me on Nexium 40 mg once a day. He also did a biopsy and will get results in a week or so.Tomorrow go for the echocardiogram.

I am now down 24.4 lbs but still retaining water. UGh and still not sleeping well or much at all.

CHANGE of plans and an update on blood test results

Going for my Endoscopy today..they changed the location, it is at 11 am. I am a little nervous. Tomorrow I go for the echocardiogram.

My blood pressure was slightly better not great but 150/84.

My White count was high but he believe of 2 smal cellulitus on my leg so on Keflex for that.

The thyroid numbers were good.

A1c was high but knew it would be. Going to the Endo on April 25th.

Some things on under the CBC were high--the RDW was slightly elevated and the absolute neutrophils were very high. Forgot to ask about this but he did not bring it up.

My cholesterol was over all good if I was normal but I am diabetic and they want the LDL lower. So going to need a med for that.

The big thing is the liver he want to do a whole blood panel on it. I am also going to have US OF it.

Due to the Bumex (diuretic) I am now done 23.8 lbs since March 12th. I still am retaining lots of water.

Any prayers would be appreciated.

My visit with the Cardiologist and a bit worried....

Started with therapy on my back and still hurts so going to call the orthopedist since the PT can not do certain exercises since I can not lay flat on my back.

Then went to the cardiologist....very nice and attentive. My blood pressure was very high for me. So kind of scary. They had 3 different MA's take it before the Dr. came in Then we talked about what is going on with me. I am retaining water in my lower legs. We talked about everything else going on. From the not sleeping to the shortness of breath.

So we started with a chest x-ray in his office...and it should some fluid around the lungs. So we discussed a plan of action. I am now taking Bumex (twice a day) as a diuretic and Potassium (twice a day). I have an echocardiogram scheduled for Friday and doing a Nuclear Stress Test with the dye starting on April 10th it is a 2 day test. Still need to schedule a Spirometry.

My blood results came in and going to my doctor for that tomorrow at 4:15 pm...I know my white count is high, some issues with the A1c and other stuff going on. So looks like more bad new tomorrow. More worrying to do.

The endoscopy for Thursday is cancelled because it is not in my network, so will discuss that tomorrow.

Just sad and tired....very tired.......

I am so tired all the time...not sleeping is killing me. I get maybe 3 hours a night, if I am lucky. I fall asleep and then will wake up and cannot go back to sleep.

My lower back and the muscle right below hurt so bad. I am getting therapy and finally had to call the doctor for some pain meds and muscle relaxer. You would think would make me sleep but just doesn't. That muscle is so tight...walking and standing hurt.

I go to the cardiologist tomorrow and I am very nervous..not sure if they will do any tests but scared. And have the endoscopy Thursday.

I am tired of being tired, tired of not sleeping and tired of just feeling bad.

One positive thing...lost another 4 lbs this week so a total of 15 1/2 lbs in 2 weeks.

GRAINS of GRATITUDE....

1. What a week it has been for me but most of all I was able to help out a very good friend of mine. She lives out of town, and needed to escape for a few days. She flew in Wednesday morning and just left this morning. She was a big help to me as well.

2.) Finally got some pain meds and muscle relaxers for my back and they help somewhat. Do not take them during the day unless not driving. But really need some relief.

3.) I am grateful that Lori was able to come to the doctor with my Wednesday and was not alone. The doctor was very nice and very thorough. and even a bit cautious. This week I go to the cardiologist and have an endoscopy on Thursday. And an appointment in April with the endocrinologist.

4.) I am very PROUD to say in 2 weeks I am down a total of 15 1/2 lbs. I have changed everything in how and what I eat. And when I feel better with my back can add exercise to the picture.

5.) I am just proud of Aviva...she has been is independent this week and a big help to mommy who is still barely sleeping.

Thank you Christine!

UPDATE....on my doctor visit and what is coming up...

The doctor was very nice spent about an hour talking to me and asking questions and examining me. We discussed many different things.

Going to have an endoscopy for heartburn/reflux since had it on and off for a while. Then if I need he will prescribe something. Then talked about shortness of breath...can be weight related, diabetes related or just something going on. So wants me checked out by a cardiologist (his brother). So going to have a chest xray, echocardiogram, stress test and spirometry, and whatever else the cardio wants.

He gave me a name of another endocrinologist so will be calling him tomorrow.Tomorrow I go back for a full blood work up...needed to be fasting. I am retaining water so have to watch sodium intake even more.

But on a good note Spider and I changed up our eating habits a week ago Sunday and do not buy bread anymore among other things. So the past week and a half I am down 13 1/2 lbs.

Update from today....

I am going to the Cardiologist on Tuesday afternoon.

I have my endoscopy on Thursday morning.

I have the endocrinologist April 25th.

Man it is a lot but the doctor is concerned and cautious. I am just scared.

Went to the therapist today and hurt so bad, that called the orthopedist for something for the pain or muscle relaxer. My muscle below the SI joint is so tight and tense even with the therapy.

WENT to the Physical Therapist today.............................

After doing different exams on my back the SI joint and pelvic were out of place. It was not moving when I was walking like it should. So he did somethings to pop back into place and iced it...gave me some exercises today and go back Thursday. It now hurts worse but said that my happen.

He also checked both my ring fingers for triggr finger. They both have it he could feel it in the tendon. SO he worked on that and told me what exercises to do and some massaging.

Tomorrow off to the doctor to take care of the rest of my problems from not sleeping, reflux and some other things.

GRAINS of GRATITUDE.....

It has been an interesting week in our household....thanks to Christine I have a way to look back.

1.) Went to the orthopedist on Wednesday and have issues with my SI Joint but starting Tuesday I will be getting therapy for my back. Which really has been bothering me.

2.) We had a great family outing to a Spring Training game the Mets vs. Orioles...the Mets lost but Aviva had a blast. She was cheering and laughing throughout the game.

3.) I want to say thank you to the amazing HUSBAND I have...we changed so many things this week. We actually cooked dinner together, eaten so much healthier and just more attentive...what a difference that makes.

4.) We started eating healthier and I really watched what I was eating and drumroll please.......I LOST 11 POUNDS....I am shocked and know that next week will be different but hey what a great start to our new way of life.

5.) Aviva had a great week and 2 playdates at our house, and she had lots of fun. And enjoyed riding her two wheeler!!!

CHECK out our day...we had a great time...

even though our team the METS were losing 6-0 after the first inning. It was a surprise for Aviva and she loved it. In the 7th inning a foul ball came within a foot of hitting her in the head, very scary. But hit a seat behind her and bounced forward.

MY POOR BACK....

is really bothering me today. Why did I not ask for something stronger for the pain. I have been standing in the hot shower but not always convienent for me to do that.

So sent Spider out to TARGET to get somethings we needed and he came home with a heating pad. That was such a good thing he did.

So off I go to lay in bed, with my heating pad and hope they send home the right idol..well my girls are still doing great. I liked Brandon.,..oh well, this Sanjai is just one lucky kid...he has the sympathy vote and that is for sure.

First doctor down...more to come....

Well today was my visit to the orthopedist..and must say what a nice gentleman he was. My good friend (more like a mother) recommended him.

We talked about my back first and I explained had this pain over 2 years ago and wondering if it can be the SI Joint. So he felt the area and I did some movements and then took x-rays. And he said yes it is the SI Joint.

Then we talked about the next issue my finger. Well, he x-rayed it but he knew that it was what they call trigger finger.

So he recommended physical therapy 3 times a week for 3 weeks and will see him again in 4 weeks. Last time with my SI joint therapy really helped. So hoping this will be the case again.

Still not sleeping but trying different things and the couch. I am not happy with myself and I have gained weight and that is reason for not sleeping...or wondering cause of the gain it is sleep apnea. I wake up and cannot go back to sleep for long periods of time.

I will hear what the doctor says and go from there.

HELP.....

what I would do for some sleep. I am up all night every night. I am averaging 3 to 4 hours a night...but closer to 3. I am not functioning very well.....but I guess who would be.

I am going to the doctor on the 21st of this month, but would love any ideas that can help me before then.

I can be sitting on my bed or at the computer in the middle of the day and fall asleep. I am so tired. I am fine when driving or outside. Fresh air does help me out.

I cannot get comfortable when I sleep and sometimes feel like there is weight on my chest. So I try to sleep elevated or I go to couch to sleep.

I just feel like I am slowly falling apart.

If you can send some prayers to me and that my appointment next week goes well it would be appreciated.

I have one word to say.....

MEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have no clue how they could be wired so differently then us. And lately, not so understanding of how people of the different sex feel. It amazes me, I truly wonder if they go through PMS and forget everything in how to treat women.

Hoping they get it before it is to late.

GRAINS of GRATITUDE.....

Thank you Christine for sharing this with me....



1). Aviva lost her first tooth and she was so excited until she realized she did not have her tooth (think she swallowed it) and the tooth fairy may not come. But we saved the day and wrote her a note. Aviva was thrilled to wake up at 5 am and find money from the tooth fairy.

2). I took my state exam for Professional Knowledge.....it was very tough....but it is done and hoping I passed.

3). I have a week off between classes and going to enjoy it....have to clean up Aviva's drawers and get rid of clothes she does not wear.

4). I bought tickets as a surprise for Aviva for a girls night out to see Disney on Ice. I cannot wait to see her face when we go...got us great seats too.

5). The weather has been gorgeous lately and we got to spend the whole afternoon with friends at the park on Friday and Aviva went to a pool party with daddy (it was 90 degrees yesterday) for her classmate.

Happy Birthday Cat in the Hat...

AVIVA lost her first tooth and has no clue where it went......

so she cried and said now the tooth fairy will not come. So we wrote her a note. Excuse the tired look we spent 3 hours at the park today.

SEND me positive vibes, thoughts and prayers for tomorrow....

I am taking the state exam for Professional Ed Knowledge tomorrow at 1 PM. So if you can send my some positive vibes they would be truly appreciated.

Thanks!

What American Accent do you Have?..Now you take the quiz!!

What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Northeast   Judging by how you talk you are probably from north Jersey, New York City, Connecticut or Rhode Island. Chances are, if you are from New York City (and not those other places) people would probably be able to tell if they actually heard you speak.
Philadelphia
The Inland North
The Midland
The South
Boston
The West
North Central
What American accent do you have? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

WANNA feel good then watch this video....

This young man can sing....Von Smith was found on You Tube. Check him out.

I do not know what to do....

I am so angry, hurt and feel really like my husband has put his friend in front of his family.

This man has stayed with us for a week (he is gone, left Saturday). Did nothing but eat, watch TV, sit on my couch and sleep. I am totally sorry for his predicament but it is not my fault. I am sorry he is not legal here but again then if cannot work go back to Jamaica. I did not bring him here or even ask him to come.

But he is upsetting my life, my marriage and my child. And my supposive husband does not see it. That just hurts me. Where are all his friends? How come not one friend has stepped up to the plate to help him out.

If I try to discuss this Spider basically says what a bitch I am and he should be staying a few more days. Well, when I have to leave my house because I am uncomfortable....that will not happen. We had a deal and he stayed 3 more days. So

Does not matter what I say anymore....when we try to talk it seems he is just angry. But he is going to have to deal with me, because I have been sick to my stomach and not sleeping for the past week.

I will always help someone out but they also have to help themselves. I am will always help and I am very compassionate.

I hope Spider can see the light. And that is family needs to be first.

GRAINS of GRATITUDE....

Well, it has been a tough week in many ways...good and bad. SO it has been tough to do my list today.

1. I am so thankful that my dad made it through surgery and the surgeon was so happy how it went. That my dad went home Friday and is trying to relax and get some sleep.

2. I am thankful to the friends I have, for being there this week. It truly has been a very stressful week and they were there to listen to me vent and cry.

3. I am very thankful Spider's friend is gone as it caused a lot of friction in our relationship. This week things hit rock bottom and I am praying it can get better. A week is a long time for some one to be here especially when we do not have house. I am hoping this week will be better and Spider can finally understand how I was feeling.

4. I am happy to say I found a summer camp for Aviva...yes thinking about it already. It is at the JCC (Jewish Community Center). It is everyday 9a to 4p. Many of her friends are going too. They do swimming, field trips, and it includes lunch and snack.

5. I am thankful we are all healthy and no sickness this week.

He got home this morning, only 2 days after surgery. He said he was miserable there...he did not sleep for 2 days.

He is in some pain and hurts to swallow due to surgery and the breathing tube. But he came through with flying colors. The doctor was very happy.

Cannot believe how fast he came home..he thinks he is much better off and will get some sleep.

Thanks again for all the prayers.

UPDATE on my DAD......he came through with....

flying colors, the doctor said it went better then expected. He was very happy. It took my dad 45 minutes to come out from anesthesia (just like Aviva). They even told Marilyn maybe can go home tomorrow but she is not sure of that.

Thank you all so much for the prayers, it is a relief to know he will be fine and may not even need rehab or PT.

Marilyn called again they are keeping him in recovery overnight due to his low heartrate. So hoping to talk to him tomorrow, so maybe will be home in a few days.

Thanks for all the prayers.

PRAYERS please.....

If you send some prayers out to my dad he is having his surgery tomorrow morning and I am nervous but he is very calm.

ANY prayers would be appreciated.

Houseguests...The GOOD, BAD and UGLY....

You know it is always nice when someone comes to visit you and especially if you invite that person. I love for my friends and family to come...makes me happy and Aviva loves the extra attention.

Well, Spider invited his friend to come and he told him he could stay here for a few days. Well the guy came a week and a half early. Spider and his friends were working on a place for him to stay. By the way still no where. But again not my problem now.

He has been here since Friday night and I have had enough of it already. He is sleeping on our couch in the Living Room...it is an inconvenience as well as uncomfortable for me. Spider is doing double shifts so not here. SO really no effect on him.

I am pissed now he is here till the weekend when I was told he would be gone by Wednesday the latest. I want my house back to normal.

This guy has no work or transportation and basically no money. But again not my problem is it.

Where are all the friends to get this guy out during the day at least or in the evening. UGH!

The Spider has the nerve to tell me I am not being a good host....them are fighting words...Remember I did not invite him so I am not playing host.

MEN!

GRAINS of GRATITUDE.........

I had a great week being able to volunteer about 8 hours this week in Aviva's class. I was there for the Valentine's day party, myregular hour and the teacher asked me to come in Friday to help out with the sub she had in the morning. It is so great to see how Aviva interacts with her classmates.

I am grateful that we are able to help out Spider's friend and let him stay here a few nights till he gets his place. He needed some help and he is a nice guy. He has even done the dishes and mopped the floor.

I am happy to say I will be finishing my field experience this week and have 3 major projects to finish for my class. I am look forward to the end of this class.

I cannot believe that Aviva learned to ride a two-wheeler already. She rode again yesterday and did great with Spider running behind her. What a sight to see.

I was very surprised with Valentine's Day and how Spider actually gave me gifts. He did such a nice job. What a great DH I have. He really made me feel special this year.

Thanks Christine for sharing this with me.

GUESS who is turning 50?

If you guessed The Cat in the Hat you are correct. For his birthday Random House is donating one book for each bday card the cat receives. Click on the link to send a card:

http://www.seussville.com/CITH_50th/


What a great idea. I hope everyone clicks away.

She is only 6.....

So yesterday the three of us were talking and Aviva told me she fall in love with Jesse (her words).

I said how do you know. Aviva said because he is cute and I sit with him at lunch and I want to marry him. I said, Spider say something. So he goes that is great Aviva...is he nice? I was like tell her she is to young to think about boys.

Well then she says Mommy I want to wear some of your new perfume to smell good for Jesse. I said No. She goes mommy then he won't want to marry me.

OY VEY.

I was in there class today and observed the two of them....they walk near each other when out of the class and are in the same group for center time and even sit at the same table.

No wonder why she is falling in love :_).

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY 2007!!!

What a great day we had today. I was in Aviva's class for her party and the kids were all so well behaved and had fun in the different centers. I surprised Aviva when picking her up with balloons. Then Spider shocked me with 2 cards, a dozen roses and Carolina Herrera 212 On Ice perfume.

LOOK what Aviva learned today...

thankfully it was not snowing, no ice or rain either...but warm, sunny and 80 degrees.

What do you think? Pretty COOL, eh?



Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

GRAINS of GRATITUDE....

It has been another week in my life and went pretty well.,.....Thanks Christine for giving me a way to look back and think about all the good things that happened.

1. I am thankful to another great week Aviva had in school. In the past 2 weeks or so Aviva has taken 4 accelerated reader tests and passed all 4 with 100%!!!!! I am so very proud of her.

2. I am thankful to have 8 hours of my oservation done and the teacher turned out to be really nice.

3. I am thankful to my friends for going out to Smoky Bones last night. Aviva and I had a really nice time. Spider had to work. But good friends and good food make a good time!

4. I am thankful this term is almost over and will be glad to get it done with..look forward to my next class dealing with autism.

5. I am thankful that we are all healthy and sending get well vibes to all those who need them.

Aviva, believes she is is a teenager already...

She got upset because it was 7:45 and she wanted to watch Survivor on tape...I explained I was going to tape it but was not on yet. She just would not give up.

She left my room and Spider must have said something because I hear her scream and then yell very loud....I CAN NOT TAKE IT ANYMORE...and then it was quiet.

Next thing I know she went to her bed (a good thing) and was asleep by 8 pm.

JUST peace and quiet and her snoring is what I hear...a good thing.

JUST feeling a little sad...

did you ever want to say something to someone but know you are better off not doing it. Because you do not want to make waves. That is what is going on with me.

I want to say something so bad but know now is NOT a GOOD time at all to say anything...I am just hurting very badly and cannot even share my feelings.

Plans are a changing.....

I am very disappointed and very upset now. I am now not going to NY for my Dad's surgery he said does not make sense for me to just sit with him if he is in the hospital. And he cannot spend the time with me that he would like. I understand but he is my only parent and I need him.

I put the ticket on hold and after he recovers a bit, I would go up to NY. So told him a good time for me is between classes so b/n 3/5 and 3/12. And maybe a bit warmer during that time.

Just wanted to be there with him. So now will be so nervous all day and have to wait to get the phone call. Hard to wait. I just wanted to be there with him. Even if just sitting there with him. He does not understand.

WHAT was going through her mind...

when she decided to do this. She is an astronaut and studied so hard to get where she was. It sounds like a movie.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/02/06/astronaut.arrested/index.html?eref=yahoo

It is OFFICIAL....

I am going to NEW YORK...for my dad's surgery. It will be Wednesday, February 21st.

I will be going from Tuesday, Feb. 20th to Sunday, Feb. 25th, alone. Just me, no one else.

Spider is going to have deal with Aviva...not sure how since he does overnights. Stinks having no family nearby, it truly does.

Does anyone want to come to sunny and warm Florida (keyword warm) and help Spider with Aviva. We have a pool and tennis courts, and NO SNOW.

GRAINS of GRATITUDE....

I am thankful to finally hear back from the teacher I will be observing and I can start my 20 hour field experience tomorrow.

I am thankful to how much fun Aviva is having riding her bike and how well she is doing. Yesterday she went bike riding with daddy for a long time. And came home very happy.




I am thankful that my professor gave me an extension on my paper due by this evening but will not need it after all. I was able to write up (well really type up) 7 pages yesterday and just have to put on the finishing touches today.

I am thankful that this past week Aviva and I got to go to the park a few times and even had a playdate with a friend from her class. The weather has been nice and not cold at all so we got to enjoy ourselves.

I am thankful to how hard Spider works...always trying to get overtime. And for him being such a good daddy. Last night he spent the evening watching Tarzan with Aviva for the millionth time. And he was rewarded with Coldstone Ice Cream for doing it!

FINALLY....

a returned phone call on Thursday afternoon.....not sure why it took so long she never said.

But I will be observing a gifted class that is made up of 3rd, 4th and 5th graders. I will begin Monday morning at 8:15 am. Hoping to put in 4 hours....because they have FCAT testing that week and cannot be there for that.

Just going to go in and do my best and not mentioned what happened with the phone calls.

Oh I received a 14/15 on my first paper for the class. Was happy about that.