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October 31, 2004
Silver Lining Kinda Thing
I'm going to a church Harvest party kinda thing tonight. My small group is in charge of a ring toss game for the kids. I think some of my friends are bringing S'mores. MMMM. It's a beautiful day for a celebration.
I'm pretty excited. I've been doing some research and visiting some sites in relation to my surgery and have found some web boards. I've been able to get some practical answers from people who have "been there".
I've actually met a Christian woman at one of the boards. We have started to email each other. It's important to me to know that there will be people to go to for support as I go down this road.
The most encouraging thing I've heard is that when the surgery and recovery is behind me I will feel like a new person...the disease will be gone and I will have new energy and a life without constant discomfort. That is something to cling to while going through recovery!
My biggest prayer request/concern right now is that the first part of surgery goes smoothly and recovers well so that the reversal will not be a problem. As much as I'm not thrilled to have to go back under the knife again after this first surgery...it is amazing to me that they can put things back together so that my body will function as close to "normally" as possible. With that said, I am also preparing myself for life with an ostomy and if it should have to permanent, I realize it will not have to stop me from doing anything, and will actually free me to do things that currently are tricky with the disease. I will not be hindered by this.
Posted by stacey at 01:44 PM | Comments (1)
October 28, 2004
TV choices and stuff
Lost is the new must see TV. Survivor has taken a back seat this season...although, am I going home to watch it tonight...yes, I'll admit.
I joined the Series hoopla and watched some of the game last night. Marty can be proud of me, now. Go Sox. I just happened to be wearing my Boston sweatshirt yesterday, too. I know that the players aren't necessarily from Boston, but I think some of them just had the Boston look...hm..maybe it's just by association...ah New England.
Is it sick that I have a countdown to surgery as a sticky on my computer? It even has the medical symbol.
Daylight savings this weekend. November is upon us. Soon...SNOW.
Posted by stacey at 05:35 PM | Comments (0)
October 27, 2004
Here Goes
So, I have part one of my operation scheduled for November 15th. I know...that is really soon. Wow. My brain is trying to wrap around it. I am a little relieved to have it scheduled so that I can get on with life and get past this. There will be adjustments for a little while...including no blogging, I think. GULP. GASP. HORROR.
My friend Mel used this verse as her signature from her email:
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 Pretty relevant, eh.
I was chatting with a friend today and not to beat a dead horse or whatever...but I mentioned how I am so thankful for the people in my life who support me. Without my faith and my friends and family...gosh, I just don't know how people go through this kind of thing.
Posted by stacey at 05:26 PM | Comments (1)
October 26, 2004
Time to Make the Donuts
All I wanna do is Bicycle, bicycle, bicycle...sorry, just saw Huckabees...bizarre. I like Jason Schwartzman.
Decisions, decisions...it appears my transmission is going. Who, what, where, when how questions are going through my mind about buying a "new" car. Always something, always something.
I am hoping my appointment in the morning provides me with some sort of game plan or timeline as far as the big looming S question. (surgery for those going, huh?) Here's hopin.
Great songs that Kermit got to sing..."It's not easy being green", "The Rainbow Connection" "It's not easy being Green" was in my head today.
Gagne Out...
Posted by stacey at 09:24 PM | Comments (0)
October 25, 2004
I Have a Dream
I just took a poetry IQ test at poetry.com and got a 10 out of 11. Not bad..although would you believe I mixed up simile and metaphor. I think I did that in school, too. DUH!!!! DUHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Here's what my score description says: 8-11Â Â Â Â Â Â Â You have an excellent grasp of poetic form, structure, and technique. People at this level have generally taken advanced-level study in literature or have completed advanced poetry courses. They have often spent considerable time writing, developing their own poetic "voice," and their own techniques. People at this level, particularly if they can apply their knowledge of poetic form and structure to their own work, are considered among the most talented of poetic artists.
I also had to submit a poem. I submitted a recent one. "The Yard Sale" (see september posts) It will be neat to see how they critique it. I am supposed to get something in the mail within 7 weeks. Fun. Great website, too. Yee Ha.
Posted by stacey at 06:13 PM | Comments (0)
Monday, Monday, Ba Da, Ba Da Da DA
Do you remember that song? (see title) My parents had a 45 record of it.
The tree in the neighborhood behind the office is gorgeous orange and I want to go make a leaf pile and jump in it and then bury myself in it. There, I said it.
I did a lot of traveling around this weekend, and it seems that our area is hitting peak foliage. I love Autumn. I got to be outside a lot this weekend enjoying the season. I had a great time with my cousin Debbie from VT. I was the happy little tour guide taking her to Lyndon Diner (mm Scrapple), Sight and Sound Behind the Scenes Tour, Millers Smorgasbord (too expensive), the movies (our theatre at home is tiny...oh, we saw Shall We Dance), Amish-sighting (she grew up on a farm and didn't care that much), Kitchen Kettle Village (lots of tourists and free samples), Hersheypark, TJ Rockwells, Chiques Rock(in the rain), and more. Can you hear me panting for breath. I'm so tired. We really didn't rush around...no schedule was followed. It was nice. Lots of late night talking. I rudely started falling asleep on her, (well near her..you know what I mean) on Sat. night.
Philadelphia airport is so confusing when you park. It's one thing to just drop off and pick up someone, but figuring out where to park and then finding the right terminal is not so easy...especially when the person you are picking up doesn't have a cell phone. It all worked out, though.
Speaking of cell phones...I think cell phones are going to be the downfall of manners in our society if they haven't gone completely down the tubes yet. I feel so bad when I am in line in a place of business and someone in front of me in line rudely answers their cell phone while mid-conversation. I hope I am not "inconsiderate cell phone girl" Have you seen the commercial at Regal cinemas for "Inconsiderate Cell Phone Guy?...I love it and agree.
Oh, I'm having car problems again. I think it's the transmission. I'm ascared.
Posted by stacey at 03:44 PM | Comments (1)
October 20, 2004
Boston Market Lunch
I don't like the full feeling anymore. Yucky. Sleepy. Gross.
It's getting dark outside already. That's the only downside of this time of year. On the plus, there is a pretty orangish tree in the neighborhood outside my office window. Not as foliage-esque as New England, though. Aaron came back from his marathon drive this weekend with some great pics of scenery. Sigh.
Tomorrow night I get to drive to the city of brotherly love to pick up my cousin at the airport. Looking forward to a great weekend with her.
Posted by stacey at 04:17 PM | Comments (0)
October 19, 2004
Continuing Saga
My brain feels like it's going to explode. The whole insurance thing scares me. I need to make sure I have all my dots and t's taken care of because I don't want to get stuck with some crazy bills with all the upcoming surgery hoopla. I am really hoping that I will be able to get it taken care of in VT so that my parents can take care of me, but if it is going to be a huge difference in the expense, then I will have to come up with a plan B.
A part of me feels like I am going to meet with the surgeon next week (Wednesday in Hershey) and he will say I dont need to have the surgery after all. Unfortunately, I think that is a bit of denial kicking in.
Posted by stacey at 03:51 PM | Comments (0)
October 18, 2004
The Littlest Hobo
Did anyone every watch the show: "The Littlest Hobo"? It was a tv show about this dog that wandered around and seemed to always help people out...I think it was on a Canadian channel, perhaps...Anyway, this dog would wander into situations and somehow save the day. At the end of the show when the song played and the credits rolled, it always showed him running off down the road or into a field on to his next adventure.
I was looking out my bedroom window this weekend and it came to my attention that I didn't have any curtains up. I have never put any curtains up in any of my apartments. Although I do have some decorative stuff around, I don't think I've ever had a place that I completely made mine. I haven't felt like it was time to completely settle in, I guess. Is that just me or is this my generation? Are we the Hobo generation? Or the unsettled (not to be confused with the band). Hm.
Posted by stacey at 12:56 PM | Comments (0)
October 15, 2004
sanity break
The good thing about busy Fridays is the weekend comes that much faster. Looking forward to a much needed quiet weekend, complete with house cleaning and sleeping in. WAHOO.
Let's get it started in here.
Posted by stacey at 04:07 PM | Comments (1)
October 14, 2004
kiss me
on the new "The Best of Sixpence" CD there is a beautiful version of "Kiss Me" in Japanese.
Posted by stacey at 04:39 PM | Comments (0)
The Debate: Re-enacted
Mom: Now which one of you two will help me clean the house.
Me: Aaron never cleans. He always gets to play outside while we clean.
Aaron: Stacey's lying. Yes, I play outside, but I also help Dad trim the bushes.
Stacey: What do the bushes have to do with anything? You don't help clean the house. I am the best at doing dishes. My suds are soapy. You always forget to rinse.
Mom: Neither one of you are answering my question.
Stacey: (laughing) See, now that's what I'm talking about. I get straight A's in school, doesn't that mean anything? When you get straight A's, you shouldn't have to clean the house.
Aaron: Stacey is bad at house cleaning. I like drums.
I am not very politically minded...but did either candidate give any straight answers last night? I don't think anybody won. I couldn't believe some of the spins said it was a good debate. I guess I don't get it.
Posted by stacey at 08:34 AM | Comments (1)
October 13, 2004
Faith, Hope and Love...and Thanks
WJTL's theme for this year was The Year of Love. I think it was an accurate theme for this year. Good job, John. Lots of engagements, weddings, new budding relationships going on all around me. It's very cool. Very exciting. I've screamed aloud in excitement on others behalf on an almost regular basis lately. Seriously...skipping and tears have even been involved.
In thinking about the Year of Love thing for myself...I would have to again look at all the phenomenal people in my life. THANK GOD! I have more love and support behind me than many people out there with a full house. My parents and my brother are unbelievably there for me through everything. I have more than one church family out there that love me. I have friends like Karen who has bent over backwards on numerous occasions to help me with car stuff, taking me to appointments I couldn't drive to, dealing with my sometimes inconvenient health issues...etc, a cousin who has been one of my most true friends, friends from college and high school who not only remain in touch, but we make a point of keeping our friendships current, not to mention have fun together.
I am just thankful. It's a bit early for Thanksgiving...but I think that's ok.
Posted by stacey at 04:54 PM | Comments (2)
October 12, 2004
Christopher Reeve
I am sad about Christopher Reeve. I need to research a little more, because I don't exactly know what happened except that he slipped into a coma. Very sad. One of my all time favorite movies is "Somewhere in Time" with him and Jane Seymour. I also, of course will think of noone else as Superman.
I think most of you who read this received my email today about the phonecall from my Dr? If not, shoot me an email and I'll fill you in. I don't really feel like blogging about it today.
Posted by stacey at 03:19 PM | Comments (0)
October 11, 2004
Huzzah
The last two years I have had the opportunity to visit the PA Renaissance Faire with my friend Gwenda. It's great going with her because she knows the place like the back of her hand and also knows a lot of the staff there since she works at the market across the street. I think it's a fun event to include in my celebration of Autumn...and I have gotten to go for free both times.
I enjoyed the "Tartans of Terror". They are a Scottish musical act with some very funny skits. We also saw the "Moroccan Jugglers" (also contortionists), the Human Chess match, joisting tournaments, and more. The people watching is of course the best part. Some people go to the extreme of getting into the spirit of things ... I donned my Boston hooded sweatshirt over a tshirt. No exterior girdles for me, thank you very much. We joked about getting dressed up in costume for this coming weekends iWorship concert. I don't think that would be much appreciated, though.
I know it's not for everyone...the whole interactive amusement park kind of thing...but really it's what you make of it. People aren't confrontational there like I thought they would be. Just over the top.
We all got annoyed by how the Queen said "comfortable"...it seemed too exaggerated, even for the English accent.
There is quite a bit of "bawdy" humor...but there is a brochure to follow that lets you know which shows are not family friendly. We avoided those.
The jingle for the PA Ren. Faire gets on my nerves. Their commercials have never been that appealing to me.
My favorite thing about the place is that you'd never know the extent of the village back there. From the street you just have no idea. It's like entering a land of make believe...which I love.
That's my take. I'll admit that I like it. I'll go back. I'll gnaw on a turkey leg and munch on kettle corn while watching a fake jousting match and laugh at the girls trying to dance a jig when the Tartans open up the stage for the crowd to join in and dance. Huzzah!
Posted by stacey at 03:37 PM | Comments (1)
October 09, 2004
Enjoying My Saturday
Did I mention I love the Fall? It's another beautiful Fall day. Although I prefer to sleep in on Saturday mornings, I also kinda like having a reason to get up and out early sometimes. I worked at a Childrens Safety event this morning with the Kids Cookie Break and my friend Lisa and it was a lot of fun...plus, it's only a little after 2:00 now and I already feel like I've had a full day.
I'm hanging out with my friends working the Todd Agnew concert tonight. Conveniently, the concert is held at the same location that my church meets, and I was able to get a couple of things I need for Sunday School tomorrow morning. Nothing like 2 birds with one stone. Gotta love it. Now I can go home and cut out some froggy masks.
Melody, are you there? I hear you've been reading. : )
Posted by stacey at 02:10 PM | Comments (0)
October 08, 2004
Tra La La
And off I go again into the wide world of few carbs. I have heard some reports from people and friends that they tend to be grumpier when on Atkins. It is the opposite for me. I feel much more spry and energetic. Good word...spry. I went grocery shopping last night and got about 5 different varieties of cheese. Cheese is my favorite.
It sure is neat to come home after a vacation and only have 2 work days...well 2 office work days. Tomorrow morning I am working at a kids carnival with the Kids Cookie Break Sat. AM show. That'll be fun. The weekend promises to be good...fairly low key. Stopping by the Todd Agnew concert, going to Heidi's in the evening to play games, working with kids at church Sunday and then going to the Ren. Fairre with my friends Gwenda and Bev. That is always a great Fall event. I hope the nice weather stays.
Posted by stacey at 04:30 PM | Comments (0)
October 07, 2004
What Happens In Boston
It's interesting how you anticipate something for so long...then it's over. Sigh. Karen and I are back from Boston...both donning our new "What Happens In Boston, Stays In Boston" tshirts. (which is funny, because of course we are sharing most of the details of our trip with everyone).
The foliage was spectacular on the drive home yesterday. The funny thing was that each time we stopped at a rest stop to try and take pictures, there was no foliage to be seen...then the second we pulled back out on the highway, the trees lit up with color. Were we being mocked? It was actually very funny.
We arrived back in town to go to a surprise party for our friend Brian. Although I was really tired, I was glad we were able to make that the final stop of our trip.
Today, after a brief struggle with my email, I have taken a stab at catching up from the past couple of days. I was hoping it wouldn't be such a beautiful day...but I've been able to focus for the most part.
My next big adventure to look forward to is a visit from my cousin, Debbie in a couple of weeks. I will try to be the best little tour guide possible and show her the sights of Lancaster County.
Posted by stacey at 04:20 PM | Comments (0)
October 04, 2004
Fun to Share
What a beautiful, beautiful day. Again, Karen is the gifted reviewer...check out her full description of our day at her blog. CLICK HERE.
I just have a few observations to share from our first day in Boston...
1. I am thankful that we did a self guided tour of the Freedom Trail. I loved checking out the historical sites and architecture and wouldn't have wanted to either lag for long or have to be rushed in one of those bus tours. My one bus tour experience to Cape May was fun and all...but I like to be able to go at my own pace. I was like that in school, too...more of an on my own project kind of person.
2. There are many attractive people in Boston. Nuff said
3. There is literally a Starbucks on every corner and Dunkin Donuts right behind them. More proof that God is smiling upon us.
4. There are more pubs than Starbucks.
5. I don't know if we just hit it right, but the Bostonians seem very friendly...and did I mention attractive. Yeah, New England...yeah city life...
Karen and I are so wild and crazy that here we are back at the hotel room watching tv and updating our blogs...and loving it!!! Having no agenda ROCKS. There will be plenty more adventures tomorrow!!!
Posted by stacey at 07:41 PM | Comments (1)
In Boston
We made it to Boston. It was a long, but fun day overall with some humorous and some frustrating moments on the way. I think I'll leave the trip synopsis up to Karen. CLICK HERE.
One thing I must share is I don't think Karen or I have ever been hit on so many times in one day...ok...so we were driving down the highway and got the tell tale stare and snicker...or when the guy at the tollbooth made some sort of comment and gave the cheezy point...or the other various carloads of males from varying ethnicities...it was fun.
It took us far too long to get here...but we made it and I am looking forward to a fun few days ahead. More later I'm sure. I'm off to bed.
Posted by stacey at 02:03 AM | Comments (0)
October 01, 2004
Lullabye
There is something completely soothing and relaxing about holding a baby. I was just at my friends home and held their absolutely beautiful little baby Jadon Seth. (it's ok to call babies beautiful, even if they are boys). He was so warm and comfortable. I just felt completely relaxed. He did too. He had hiccups and was wide awake at first, then fell totally asleep...even when passed back and forth between Karen and I, and the occasional jostle, just to try to get him to be awake for Trish so he would sleep through the night...even then...still relaxed. It made me feel soothed.
I want to rest like that in the arms of the Lord. His arms are big and safe and I picture them to be very cuddly, too. I just need to trust him enough to get good and comfy and let him take care of me.
Today a great weight was lifted off my shoulders. I had a great conversation with my brother and we decided to hold off on moving for a while. I feel completely blessed to have such an understanding, supportive and caring brother. This was a great answer to prayer. God has me wrapped up in a cuddly green blanket...the kind with the silky border... and he's singing me a lullabye. I just need to let go and let him care for me.
Posted by stacey at 09:37 PM | Comments (3)