It's true that I'm a Bon Jovi veteran. Last nights concert was AMAZING! I can proudly say that I now have six Bon Jovi concerts under my belt. I should have seen more, but you know how it goes, life gets in the way. Ten years was way to long that's for sure! The performance was just as spectacular as I last remember! Jon really knows how to bring out the energy and rock the crowd!
Our seats were pretty good. They weren't front row, but close enough to where I was able to get some pretty good pictures with my camera.
Now I just need to buy the new CD so I can learn those new songs they played for us last night. Pretty catchy tunes. I mean c'mon it's Bon Jovi so of course the new material is going to be awesome! :)
I love this video because he shakes his butt all through the song. Hey..that's why over half the women still attend the concerts! ;) My camera did a pretty good job, though the sound quality isn't that great. Time to upgrade the camera I guess.
You can find the pictures on my Instagram page. :)
Click on the brown camera icon under "Follow Me" ------------>
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Monday, February 18, 2013
Today I completed the phlebotomy program at New Horizons Medical Institute! I completed the course with a 99 GPA, and scored a 99 on the state final! The next step is to take the national exam and then I will officially be a Certified Phlebotomy Technician! I am so proud of myself!
This is a great group of people and I will miss them dearly! Mr. Knight is by far the best instructor ever!
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
On a much better note, today I was feeling well enough to go to school. I'm so glad because I would've been so far behind if I had missed both days of class this week.
I scored a 96 on the test I missed on Monday. I think that's pretty darn good considering the circumstances.
Then we performed our first procedure in the lab today. We practiced dermal punctures on each other, which is so easy because that's what I have to do to myself everyday to test my blood sugar. The only difference was we weren't allowed to use the clicker. We had to prick the finger by hand. It didn't bother me at all. I'm very proud of myself with how little its affecting me. I've never had confidence like this before. Some ladies in my class are still doubtful. They have to shake that or they won't make it. Mr Knight said that two weeks from this coming Monday, he's going to separate the girls from the ladies. I know which group I will be in!
I scored a 96 on the test I missed on Monday. I think that's pretty darn good considering the circumstances.
Then we performed our first procedure in the lab today. We practiced dermal punctures on each other, which is so easy because that's what I have to do to myself everyday to test my blood sugar. The only difference was we weren't allowed to use the clicker. We had to prick the finger by hand. It didn't bother me at all. I'm very proud of myself with how little its affecting me. I've never had confidence like this before. Some ladies in my class are still doubtful. They have to shake that or they won't make it. Mr Knight said that two weeks from this coming Monday, he's going to separate the girls from the ladies. I know which group I will be in!
This week has been one of the worst weeks of my life. On top of Katie and myself having the flu, our family has been ripped apart. All of my hopes and dreams for us have been flushed down the toilet. Innocent people have been taken advantage of. The unforgivable and the unthinkable. I know that we will get through all of this. I have to step up to plate big time to support my kids. I will finish school and get a good job and we will be just fine. One day at a time right now, that's all I can handle. We need prayers and lots of them.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
These past two days have been just awful for me emotionally. One, I am so anxious about the BRCA test results; two, the anticipation of my very first mammogram coming up next Thursday; and third, I started my menstrual cycle which gets worse every month. I won't go into detail, but it's so bad the only thing that helps is to sleep it off and sometimes that doesn't work. So, if you can imagine the emotional, hormonal roller coaster I've been on....it's been a ray of sunshine....NOT!
However, I do have solutions. I'm almost positive that my doctor will want to wait for the mammogram results and then call me in to give me both the BRCA and mammogram results at the same time. So, I will be in contact with her office after my mammogram. Hopefully my nerves can survive that long!
As far as my cycle goes, I'm going to a endocrinologist who will not only get my hormones under control, but can also help manage my diabetes. My appointment is next Friday, so pray that visit goes well.
If I continue to have trouble each month with my cycle, and depending on what my BRCA results are, I am going to push for a hysterectomy. Yes, it's that bad.
Keep me in your prayers, as well as my family. I have not been the easiest person to live with lately.
UPDATE: My test results were NEGATIVE for the BRCA gene. What a huge relief! THANK YOU for you prayers!
However, I do have solutions. I'm almost positive that my doctor will want to wait for the mammogram results and then call me in to give me both the BRCA and mammogram results at the same time. So, I will be in contact with her office after my mammogram. Hopefully my nerves can survive that long!
As far as my cycle goes, I'm going to a endocrinologist who will not only get my hormones under control, but can also help manage my diabetes. My appointment is next Friday, so pray that visit goes well.
If I continue to have trouble each month with my cycle, and depending on what my BRCA results are, I am going to push for a hysterectomy. Yes, it's that bad.
Keep me in your prayers, as well as my family. I have not been the easiest person to live with lately.
UPDATE: My test results were NEGATIVE for the BRCA gene. What a huge relief! THANK YOU for you prayers!
Monday, January 7, 2013
Today, I started my first day of Phlebotomy at New Horizons Medical Institute. I can't believe how easy this is going to be! Why in the world did I waste my time and money with taking that stupid pharmacy tech thing online? Lesson learned! This is going to be a breeze. Plus the school will place us with a clinic if we want them to do so, or we can just search on our own.Which reminds me.....I have to create a picture perfect resume to give to my instructor by the end of the month!
My instructor is a hoot! It always makes learning so much more fun when you have an instructor that isn't a stick in the mud. First of all he's gay, that's entertainment in itself right there. He came right out and told us. Like it wasn't obvious to begin with, but it was very funny how he went about telling us. He just straight up told us that he likes to have fun and he says things in crazy ways to help us remember, but when it comes to the lab he will be a bitch. So, I'm curious to see his "bitchy" side.....or maybe not. :)
We start drawing blood on each other in about two weeks. I have confidence in myself like I've never had before. I really don't feel nervous about any of it. Maybe it's because I'm ready to move on in life and knowing that our family is depending on this extra income to have the life we want and deserve. All I know is that I feel great about this opportunity!
I can invite friends and family to come in to let me practice drawing blood on them. Surprisingly, I've had a few people say they will volunteer. Maybe I won't have to beg after all. :)
Well, my friends, wish me luck! It's time to go study those tubes! Take care until next time! :)
My instructor is a hoot! It always makes learning so much more fun when you have an instructor that isn't a stick in the mud. First of all he's gay, that's entertainment in itself right there. He came right out and told us. Like it wasn't obvious to begin with, but it was very funny how he went about telling us. He just straight up told us that he likes to have fun and he says things in crazy ways to help us remember, but when it comes to the lab he will be a bitch. So, I'm curious to see his "bitchy" side.....or maybe not. :)
We start drawing blood on each other in about two weeks. I have confidence in myself like I've never had before. I really don't feel nervous about any of it. Maybe it's because I'm ready to move on in life and knowing that our family is depending on this extra income to have the life we want and deserve. All I know is that I feel great about this opportunity!
I can invite friends and family to come in to let me practice drawing blood on them. Surprisingly, I've had a few people say they will volunteer. Maybe I won't have to beg after all. :)
Well, my friends, wish me luck! It's time to go study those tubes! Take care until next time! :)
Saturday, January 5, 2013
I had a blast tonight with my sister and cousin. We went down to Whole Foods in Buckhead to shop and we ate at the food bar in the store. AMAZING healthy food! I want to go back already! We have so much fun together. I enjoy the close bond that has developed between us. Family is everything to me, the true family that doesn't back stab and create constant drama.
I am reinventing myself into the person I've be longing to be for quite some time. It's time to live the life that I want. So, if that means choosing who I want to be around, well it's being done for a reason. Not too worried about whose feelings are being hurt because mine have never been considered in the past. I have learned the hard way who can be trusted and who can't.
ANYWAY....back on subject....Went drove around Buckhead.....thru the redlight district. I always get a kick out of seeing that area. :) Then, we topped the night off with Starbucks! You can't go wrong with Starbucks venti hot chocolate. A nice treat every once is a while is ok.....I guess! LOL
Until next time, have a great night! <3 br="br">
I am reinventing myself into the person I've be longing to be for quite some time. It's time to live the life that I want. So, if that means choosing who I want to be around, well it's being done for a reason. Not too worried about whose feelings are being hurt because mine have never been considered in the past. I have learned the hard way who can be trusted and who can't.
ANYWAY....back on subject....Went drove around Buckhead.....thru the redlight district. I always get a kick out of seeing that area. :) Then, we topped the night off with Starbucks! You can't go wrong with Starbucks venti hot chocolate. A nice treat every once is a while is ok.....I guess! LOL
Until next time, have a great night! <3 br="br">
Friday, January 4, 2013
Fitness Diary: Days 1-3
The fitness log has moved to a page on the side ------->
Ok, my intentions are to make a separate page to log my fitness activity BUT my desktop computer decided that it wanted to crash again. *sigh*
So, I'm using the iPhone app to update until I can switch things around. :)
Day 1 (1/2/13): It was my first day and first time ever going to a gym. So I just kind of hopped around to figure out which machine I liked. I did walk 1.5 miles on the treadmill, and laid in the tanning bed.
Day 2 (1/3/13): I wanted to focus on cardio so I walked/ran a 5k on the treadmill.
Day 3 (1/4/13): I decided to take a day off to let my back rest. I see a surgical procedure in the near future so I can't over do it.
Ok, my intentions are to make a separate page to log my fitness activity BUT my desktop computer decided that it wanted to crash again. *sigh*
So, I'm using the iPhone app to update until I can switch things around. :)
Day 1 (1/2/13): It was my first day and first time ever going to a gym. So I just kind of hopped around to figure out which machine I liked. I did walk 1.5 miles on the treadmill, and laid in the tanning bed.
Day 2 (1/3/13): I wanted to focus on cardio so I walked/ran a 5k on the treadmill.
Day 3 (1/4/13): I decided to take a day off to let my back rest. I see a surgical procedure in the near future so I can't over do it.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Results Pending.....
I received a phone call today from Myriad, the genetics laboratory that processes the BRCAnalysis test. I was told that there was a delay due to the holidays. Really? Thanks for keeping me on pins and needles!
Well, the purpose of the call was to inform me that the lab is continuing onto Phase 2 of the test, and also to update me on the health insurance status as far as coverage goes. After the Phase 2 testing has begun Myriad is no longer allowed to contact me. I was told that my insurance provider will pay 90-100% of the cost! That's HUGE savings considering the full panel test averages at $3000! So, the most I will have to pay, if I have to pay anything, will be only $345. On top of that, Myriad offers payment plan options that will allow me to pay as little as $15/month if I choose to not pay in full. Awesome, right?
If I test positive in Phase 2, then no further testing will be needed. Either way my doctor will have the results next week sometime. The plan is to give my doctor all of next week to receive and review the results. If I don't hear from the office by Monday, January 14 then I will call them......and call everyday until she reviews the results and is ready to see me.
The waiting game continues. My nerves are shot! I'm keeping myself busy the best I can with exercise and other activities.
Many prayers are needed! I'm counting on my Prayer Warrior friends, and the select few that have been by my side through all of this. You know who you are! Love you all so much!
Well, the purpose of the call was to inform me that the lab is continuing onto Phase 2 of the test, and also to update me on the health insurance status as far as coverage goes. After the Phase 2 testing has begun Myriad is no longer allowed to contact me. I was told that my insurance provider will pay 90-100% of the cost! That's HUGE savings considering the full panel test averages at $3000! So, the most I will have to pay, if I have to pay anything, will be only $345. On top of that, Myriad offers payment plan options that will allow me to pay as little as $15/month if I choose to not pay in full. Awesome, right?
If I test positive in Phase 2, then no further testing will be needed. Either way my doctor will have the results next week sometime. The plan is to give my doctor all of next week to receive and review the results. If I don't hear from the office by Monday, January 14 then I will call them......and call everyday until she reviews the results and is ready to see me.
The waiting game continues. My nerves are shot! I'm keeping myself busy the best I can with exercise and other activities.
Many prayers are needed! I'm counting on my Prayer Warrior friends, and the select few that have been by my side through all of this. You know who you are! Love you all so much!
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
New Years Day
It all started at midnight when the ball dropped. I put the black-eyed peas into the crock pot. I managed to get about 5 hours of sleep once the excited from the new year wore down.
I always say that when we're going to have company over that I will get everything clean a few days ahead of time to reduce the stress level the day of. Nope. As usual I was frantically cleaning the kitchen while trying to cook at the same time. Thank goodness my dad smoked the pork loin the day before, and the peas were in the crock pot. The only things left to cook were the collards, boil the potatoes to smash them, and fry the okra. Those didn't take long at all to cook. While doing all of that, I managed to shower myself and Katie. WHEW! I'm completely worn out! Of course stuffing my face with all of that amazing food didn't help the energy level, along with the rainy weather. I see a nap in the very near future!
My mother-in-law came over for a visit, and to eat New Years dinner with us. I think she enjoyed herself. Thomas came over for the day as well. We chatted, watched football, and played games with the kids, and ate ice cream sundaes. It was nice.
What a great start to 2013! I'm looking forward to many more family gatherings at our home. Hey that's something I need to add to the resolutions list, entertain more often. :)
I always say that when we're going to have company over that I will get everything clean a few days ahead of time to reduce the stress level the day of. Nope. As usual I was frantically cleaning the kitchen while trying to cook at the same time. Thank goodness my dad smoked the pork loin the day before, and the peas were in the crock pot. The only things left to cook were the collards, boil the potatoes to smash them, and fry the okra. Those didn't take long at all to cook. While doing all of that, I managed to shower myself and Katie. WHEW! I'm completely worn out! Of course stuffing my face with all of that amazing food didn't help the energy level, along with the rainy weather. I see a nap in the very near future!
My mother-in-law came over for a visit, and to eat New Years dinner with us. I think she enjoyed herself. Thomas came over for the day as well. We chatted, watched football, and played games with the kids, and ate ice cream sundaes. It was nice.
What a great start to 2013! I'm looking forward to many more family gatherings at our home. Hey that's something I need to add to the resolutions list, entertain more often. :)
New Years Resolutions
Happy New Year! 2013 is going to be my best year yet! Of course it can't be New Years with the list of resolutions. I know what you're thinking, that its pretty much a list of things that I'll never do. Well guess what, I have 3 already accomplished/ currently working on! So there! :)
My 2013 New Years Resolutions:
1. Go back to school. (I'm already signed up and ready to go.)
2. Volunteer. (I'm all signed up and ready to go with the Red Cross.)
3. Run at least one 5K. (I'm registered for one in February.)
4. Walk and exercise regularly.
5. Eat sugar free and low carb.
6. Drop at least two pant sizes by December 2013.
7. Attend church with the kids on a regular basis.
8. Have a positive attitude about everything.
9. Let go of past issues. Keep a distance from people that cause them and keep drama going. I simply don't want to hear it anymore.
10. Take the time to expand my craft business.
11. Get financially stable.
12. Visit as many historical sites as possible.
13. Finish my family ancestry scrapbook.
Well, this is a start. I have a lot more I would like to add, but these are the most important. I'm wishing you all a healthy and prosperous 2013!
My 2013 New Years Resolutions:
1. Go back to school. (I'm already signed up and ready to go.)
2. Volunteer. (I'm all signed up and ready to go with the Red Cross.)
3. Run at least one 5K. (I'm registered for one in February.)
4. Walk and exercise regularly.
5. Eat sugar free and low carb.
6. Drop at least two pant sizes by December 2013.
7. Attend church with the kids on a regular basis.
8. Have a positive attitude about everything.
9. Let go of past issues. Keep a distance from people that cause them and keep drama going. I simply don't want to hear it anymore.
10. Take the time to expand my craft business.
11. Get financially stable.
12. Visit as many historical sites as possible.
13. Finish my family ancestry scrapbook.
Well, this is a start. I have a lot more I would like to add, but these are the most important. I'm wishing you all a healthy and prosperous 2013!
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