tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64158641183720638762024-03-13T12:01:31.379-04:00Scripted Notions<b><u>SCRIPTED</u> (adjective) 1. written; 2. devised<br>
<u>NOTION</u> (noun) 1. an idea, opinion, or concept;<br>
2. a vague understanding or impression;
3. a sudden desire or whim</b>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102488509468093491noreply@blogger.comBlogger1146125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415864118372063876.post-89271613787480685152017-03-02T16:03:00.001-05:002017-03-02T16:03:10.171-05:00An Eventful FebruarySo I haven't been blogging nearly as often. I just haven't had much to say. Or so I thought. February has been a particularly eventful month though.<br />
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It started on the 8th. I overslept and got to work late. So I had to work later. The Burns City gate was closed for some reason, so I had to go out the Crane gate. Normally I would not have even been in this place at this time, but that day I was. In pulling from 558 to 231, I pulled out in front of someone. I just didn't see her in her little red Mazda M3. She hit me broadside. I missed a day of work to heal and get things ironed out... including getting a rental car. It took awhile to know, but my Impala was ultimately totaled. I was only stiff and sore.<br />
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Six days later, on the 14th, I was driving to work on time. I was heading for the Burns City gate when all of a sudden the big red truck in front of me slammed on his breaks to avoid deer. I slammed on my breaks and pulled to the left, but I still hit him. I don't know for sure, but I'm pretty sure that little Chevy Cruze was totaled too. I had another day off work to heal and get things ironed out... including getting another rental car. Again, I was only stiff and sore, but more so.<br />
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Three days later, on the 17th, I sold my house. The house I've owned and paid for but haven't lived in for YEARS. I wanted to get it cleaned out and emptied before I sold it, but it appears there's mold in the house. So I sold it 'as is'. I consider that a huge burden off my shoulders. I've been looking forward to not owning that house for so long.<br />
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A week later, on the 24th, I bought a new car. I now own a pearly white Chevy Malibu. My payment is lower than it was with my Impala. And the car has upgrades. I now have heated seats, remote keyless entry, and a reverse cam. I really like it. Let's hope I can keep it on the road for awhile.<br />
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Another great thing? I've been depression free for about 15 months now. Praise the Lord!Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102488509468093491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415864118372063876.post-30529232570432602532017-02-02T09:49:00.000-05:002017-02-02T09:49:34.539-05:00Seven Word StatusI just don't have anything to say.Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102488509468093491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415864118372063876.post-39979555759687891812017-01-31T06:55:00.001-05:002017-01-31T06:55:08.352-05:00Only This I Want<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Only this I want: but to know the Lord, <br />And to bear His cross, so to wear the crown He wore. <br /><br />All but this is loss, worthless refuse to me, <br />For to gain the Lord, is to gain all I need. <br /><br />I will run the race; I will fight the good fight, <br />So to win the prize of the kingdom of my Lord. <br /><br />Let your heart be glad, always glad in the Lord, <br />So to shine like stars in the darkness of the night.</em></span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>If you want to hear the melody, come join me in the choir loft at St John's on Saturday at 5pm. It's a beautiful hymn.</em></span>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102488509468093491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415864118372063876.post-50673244386895058302017-01-04T13:05:00.001-05:002017-01-04T13:05:42.542-05:00What I Learned in My Year Without Depression<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I went one whole year without depression. That's the first time I can say that in a dozen or so years.<br />
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I've been treated for mental illness since 1999, though I remember bouts of depression going back to 1995. I've never tracked my depressive episodes, so I can't tell you exactly how long I've gone without depression before. But let me tell you, a year feels like forever! And I'm thankful for the respite.<br />
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I learned a lot while being depression free. I wanted to share a few of those with you.<br />
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<ol>
<li><strong>I'm pretty sure I'm feeling well because I'm taking my medication, not because I don't need it anymore.</strong> There is no cure for bipolar. I was diagnosed bipolar 2 1/2 years ago. I know I could fight this the rest of my life. But I also know there is medication and therapy to help in that fight. I'll continue to do all I can to fight... including taking my meds and talking with my counselor.</li>
<li><strong>Resources like a psychiatrist and a counselor can aid in my well-being, but I'm the one who has to focus on getting well.</strong> If my heart isn't in it, if my head isn't in it, I won't stay well, not for long. I must keep using the resources in front of me, but I also need to take care of myself if I want to see long-term health.</li>
<li><strong>Wellness means including self-care in my life.</strong> This is everything from brushing my teeth and eating every day to paying my bills and making important doctor's appointments. Things that go by the wayside when I'm depressed, still need to be done whether I like them or not. Taking care of myself has to remain a priority.</li>
<li><strong>Good things can happen too.</strong> When you're a depressive, you often sit back and wait for the next episode to hit. But we have to recognize and enjoy the good things too. That's where we find hope.</li>
<li><strong>I am loved.</strong> Depressed or not, I have people in my world that love me and support me. They may not fully understand my bipolar tendencies, but they don't have to in order to be there for me.</li>
</ol>
I'm hoping I can remain depression-free for another year. But there's no guarantee of that. One thing's for sure, I'll enjoy my depression-free time as long as I can. And I'll do everything I can to make my next episode as short as I can. With help from my psychiatrist, my counselor, and my team of support.Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102488509468093491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415864118372063876.post-18767776683421815382017-01-02T18:34:00.003-05:002017-01-02T18:34:50.886-05:00A beautiful spring day... in January<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's a holiday today. That happens when the actual holiday falls on a weekend day. Anyway, I got the day off work today. And I chose to sleep in. That's what I do with most of my days off.<br />
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The mayor mentioned on Facebook that it felt like spring out there. I had to take the challenge and find out for myself. I couldn't wait to get outside.<br />
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My plan was to drive a bit and ultimately end up in the park with the ducks. I rolled down my windows and read. It was absolutely lovely.<br />
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I love a day when I can read fiction. And when I can read it in the park with my windows down, that's perfect. So I truly enjoyed this day off.<br />
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When I first started seeing my counselor, he suggested that I use the park as a refuge to calm my nerves and center my mind. Here, two and a half years later, I still enjoy that little exercise.<br />
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I hope we have another spring day in January.Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102488509468093491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415864118372063876.post-63470381670663935872017-01-01T19:09:00.000-05:002017-01-01T19:09:34.040-05:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I normally don't make plans for New Year's Eve. I usually have dinner by myself, watch a movie or two, and go to bed long before the ball drops. But my mom invited me to go to the casino with her and her siblings. So I went.<div>
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First we went to mass. Then we headed to French Lick.</div>
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Dinner at Lengendz was really good. I had the taco salad and it was delightful. Afterwards, we went to the casino. I found a couple of machines that liked me and only lost $3 on the night. I consider that a victory. I've never come home a winner, but I've never only lost $3 either. Definitely a victory.</div>
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One of my uncles ended up $100 to the good, so he offered to buy us sundaes at Dairy Queen. It was nice ending the year with family and ice cream.</div>
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I was home by 10pm. Happy New Year!</div>
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Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102488509468093491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415864118372063876.post-36104353955067542732016-12-19T14:12:00.002-05:002016-12-19T14:12:26.480-05:00One Whole Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
A lot of things can happen in a year.<br />
<ul>
<li>365 days</li>
<li>an average of 250 days of work (not counting vacations)</li>
<li>52 weekends</li>
<li>26 paychecks</li>
<li>Easter, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and all those other holidays</li>
<li>spring, summer, winter, and fall</li>
<li>baseball, football, basketball, and all those other sports seasons</li>
</ul>
But I'm celebrating being depression-free for one whole year. It's been so long, I don't even wake up thinking about whether I'm depressed or not. I just assume I'm going to wake up fine. And I have... for a whole year.<br />
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I know it has a lot to do with the meds. I had a med change last December and I've been stable ever since. The coincidence can't be ignored. And I spent a lot of money on those meds. And sometimes that was hard on my budget. But it was still worth it to have no depression.<br />
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I'm not saying I'll never be depressed again. And I'd like to think that if I do have a depressive episode, that I'll deal with it better than I have in the past. But there's no guarantee of that either. But I do know one thing... I've survived EVERY depressive episode I've had thus far. So why would I expect that to change. I'm a survivor!<br />
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Here's to another year depression-free... and full of Latuda and Lexapro. : )Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102488509468093491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415864118372063876.post-27573800338185044272016-12-08T14:13:00.000-05:002016-12-19T14:15:38.194-05:00Seven Word Status<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em></em></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>I simply loved my first TSO concert.</em></span></div>
Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102488509468093491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415864118372063876.post-60621308187614138662016-11-30T13:58:00.001-05:002016-11-30T13:58:11.129-05:00SlackerI've been slacking with my blog. I've had plenty of time to type something up. I just haven't made it happen. So today's the day.<br />
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Nothing special going on in my world today. Except that I got a picture of sweet little Xavier visiting with Santa. That was the best part of my day. So I'll share it.<br />
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In the first picture, he's checking Santa out. Gotta know who's holding him. In the second picture, he's probably clearing things with Mom to make sure all is well.<br />
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Personally, I think it's a very sweet first picture with Santa. And I hope you get everything you asked for, little man.<br />
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I've been chatting it up with my big brother, Alan, about our plans to see Trans-Siberian Orchestra next week. We're deciding where to do dinner and which route to take to avoid construction. I'm starting to get excited. It'll be me, Mom, and Alan. Should be a good time. And the start of another long weekend. I like that too!<br />
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I've already started my fundraising for Relay for Life. I've raised $385 of my $500 goal. And last night, I finally mailed 20 donation request letters. So I should get to $500 pretty quick now. Then I won't have to worry about fundraising at all through the spring. I'll be able to focus on the Survivor Dinners that I'm helping to coordinate. One in Martin County on May 10th; one in Daviess County on June 10th. Lord, bless those events. Amen.<br />
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Hopefully I find the time, no, MAKE the time to blog a little more often. And I won't have to call myself a slacker anymore.<br />
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Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102488509468093491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415864118372063876.post-1951594333296607002016-11-05T19:30:00.000-04:002016-11-05T19:30:04.493-04:00Seven Word Status<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>I get to hang with Xavier tomorrow.</i></span></div>
Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102488509468093491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415864118372063876.post-39161907285330908202016-11-02T07:50:00.000-04:002016-11-02T07:50:09.221-04:00Sleep<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Do you have an unexplained fear? Something you worry about that doesn't need worried about? I do. I worry EVERY NIGHT that I won't get to sleep. EVERY.NIGHT.<br />
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It could be because I've been an insomniac before, getting as little as two hours of sleep multiple nights in a row. But that's been years ago. I haven't fought that kind of insomnia in quite some time.<br />
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It could be because I get up at 5am to get to work by 6am. I'm always afraid I won't get enough sleep in before my alarm goes off. But that's usually my fault for staying up too late to watch something I think I need to watch.<br />
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It could be because I love my sleep so much... and I love my dreams so much... that I feel like I'm going to miss them if I don't get to sleep right away. That would be sad.<br />
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But I think it all comes down to having anxiety about sleep a couple of years ago. My depression was really bad and I was fighting bouts of anxiety every evening about getting to sleep. It was horrible. My whole body would shake and I'd be scared to death. I could feel my heart rate racing in my chest. I'd curl up into a ball and pray and cry. Eventually it would all subside and I'd fall asleep.<br />
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I don't fight that depression and anxiety today. Thank God! And I even have a couple of medications that help me sleep. One makes me tired over time, though not as much as it did when I first started taking it. The other makes me want to fall asleep within about half an hour. I use them both wisely. But today, I get sleep.<br />
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So it begs the question, why do I still have this unexplainable fear about not getting to sleep EVERY NIGHT? I can't explain it. But as long as it doesn't dredge up the anxiety I remember from two years ago, I can handle it.<br />
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Sleep well, my friends. I think we all deserve a good night's sleep.Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102488509468093491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415864118372063876.post-1204718944260691462016-10-27T13:35:00.001-04:002016-10-27T13:35:03.267-04:00Seven Word Status<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>How 'bout those Pacers?! Undefeated after opener!</em></span></div>
Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102488509468093491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415864118372063876.post-10116014344621464042016-10-26T07:48:00.001-04:002016-10-26T07:48:54.668-04:00Seven Word Status<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>I vote on one topic in elections.</em></span></div>
Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102488509468093491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415864118372063876.post-18670094352552481002016-10-24T12:33:00.003-04:002016-10-24T12:33:38.868-04:00Boo at the Zoo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So I went to the Zoo Friday night with my grandson and his Poppy and Memaw. What a great time! I love zoos, but I love Callan even more. And he was such a sweet boy the entire evening.<br />
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First we drove from Dale to Evansville. Callan and I talked in the back seat the whole way. He told me about his cat LuLu. We counted on our fingers. And we sang a song about ducks. Oh! And we looked at pictures on my phone. Callan was naming everyone he knew.<br />
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Then we went to dinner. The food was good and so was the company.<br />
<br /><br />
Then we got his costume on. Callan is a huge fan of Marshall from Paw Patrol. So he dressed like a fireman and he was such a durn cutie. We took all kinds of pictures and saw the animals. When going up to the first table for candy, he walked right up there and said, "Do you have candy for me?" Everyone laughed. He was just so cute. We then taught him that he was supposed to say, "Trick or Treat!" He nailed it after that.<br />
<br /><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t7iHo99t9S4/WA43yacIpzI/AAAAAAAAFtM/05IclSsz_JMW_k6JvScltNoZvzRbqVszQCLcB/s1600/Callan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t7iHo99t9S4/WA43yacIpzI/AAAAAAAAFtM/05IclSsz_JMW_k6JvScltNoZvzRbqVszQCLcB/s320/Callan.jpg" width="240" /></a>And he said, "Thank you" to everyone who gave him something.</div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
He got scared a couple of times; Callan does NOT like spiders. But all in all, it was a wonderful trip to the zoo. I assure you, we all had a good time. Thanks to Dave and Chris for inviting me.</div>
<br /><br />
We were hardly out of Evansville and Callan was already asleep in his car seat. Boo at the Zoo can be exhausting, you know.Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102488509468093491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415864118372063876.post-62138515800653196492016-10-12T15:01:00.003-04:002016-10-12T15:01:56.944-04:00Seven Word Status<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jpv0zQSSZ-I/V_6IiRZYkVI/AAAAAAAAFsw/dCUPYH7PoNE3l3gfXJ7nNBF5GiJhXQ2OQCLcB/s1600/grandsons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jpv0zQSSZ-I/V_6IiRZYkVI/AAAAAAAAFsw/dCUPYH7PoNE3l3gfXJ7nNBF5GiJhXQ2OQCLcB/s1600/grandsons.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Sweet. Cute. Precious. Fun. Blessings. My grandsons.</em></span></div>
Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102488509468093491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415864118372063876.post-66924617330681458092016-10-06T13:52:00.003-04:002016-10-06T13:52:19.109-04:00Seven Word Status<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y2FG8qUf49E/V_aPK64DMSI/AAAAAAAAFsg/HpoLzgvaBSYCyxwkvsLZTQm8VR1pfCKUQCLcB/s1600/sad-flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y2FG8qUf49E/V_aPK64DMSI/AAAAAAAAFsg/HpoLzgvaBSYCyxwkvsLZTQm8VR1pfCKUQCLcB/s320/sad-flower.jpg" width="213" /></em></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Someone just stole my joy. Just sayin'.</em></span></div>
Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102488509468093491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415864118372063876.post-44688980882368011812016-09-30T07:57:00.000-04:002016-09-30T07:57:01.279-04:00Seven Word Status<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9fBDiuiNyhg/V-g7HC9xXxI/AAAAAAAAFr8/CerHJxThQIM5ApPyP6rNoUPEaCGLaEqqwCLcB/s1600/long%2Bweekend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9fBDiuiNyhg/V-g7HC9xXxI/AAAAAAAAFr8/CerHJxThQIM5ApPyP6rNoUPEaCGLaEqqwCLcB/s320/long%2Bweekend.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>It's RDO Friday. I love this day!</i></span></div>
Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102488509468093491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415864118372063876.post-15051829654276808242016-09-29T08:58:00.000-04:002016-09-29T08:58:01.237-04:00Lessons Learned
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rHDPMOES-kE/V-0PDlOoUOI/AAAAAAAAFsQ/ThTe98bKCjgftjwwyy2eP5ZeO4kFJDQTQCLcB/s1600/stressed%2Bwoman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rHDPMOES-kE/V-0PDlOoUOI/AAAAAAAAFsQ/ThTe98bKCjgftjwwyy2eP5ZeO4kFJDQTQCLcB/s1600/stressed%2Bwoman.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>I’ve struggled the last couple of days with my
emotions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to say, that’s the
first time since early in December.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
stop short of calling it depression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
know how my depression makes me feel so low that I have no hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had hope yesterday and the day before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I honestly think I was just stressing about
circumstances.</em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>
</em></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Stress can really take it out of a person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got myself so worked up over a meeting that
I cried…that I couldn’t stop crying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
as you might have guessed, the meeting went off without a hitch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spoke my piece; I listened to all
responses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I ultimately felt better
for having done so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So why did I let
myself get all worked up to the point where I cried and felt scared?</em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>
</em></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>The short answer is, “I don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I honestly have no idea.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’d think I’d know better by now, how to
incorporate the tips and tricks Robin has taught me and use them in my everyday
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take a step back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take a deep breath or two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look at the big picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go to my happy place if I need to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See, feel, hear those familiar and comfortable
sounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Center myself strong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And pray.</em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>
</em></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>But we’re talking about my job here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s important to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only do I want to stay employed, I want
to stay employed in the job I’m currently holding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I want to do it well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoy it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But sometimes I don’t feel smart enough to do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted everyone to know that I’m doing my
best and I want to continue doing my best, knowing that my best will only get
better as time goes on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was only
concerned that maybe they weren’t willing to wait for me to get better, that
maybe my best wasn’t good enough at this point in time.</em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>
</em></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>But that’s not the case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They’re happy with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They said
as much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I need to NOT let my
emotions get the best of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to
continue to focus on what I’m doing, doing the best I can for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I need to continue to take care of myself
by eating right, getting enough sleep, taking my meds, and praying.</em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>
</em></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>I can do my part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
WILL do my part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No more forgetting my
morning meds over the weekends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No more
skipping lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No more staying up late
to watch a football game and still expecting myself to get up at 5am for
work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it’s time to get more physical
and watch what I eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can effect
change in my mental health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m worth
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s time to prove that.</em></span></div>
Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102488509468093491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415864118372063876.post-35728964034407649922016-09-29T07:50:00.000-04:002016-09-29T07:50:12.671-04:00Seven Word Status<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQz2TZeZ9hA/V-g5ONAjwLI/AAAAAAAAFrw/xQAVGria-y4wZVlazFGpBbaQUzwH1xEcQCLcB/s1600/praise%2Bthe%2Blord.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQz2TZeZ9hA/V-g5ONAjwLI/AAAAAAAAFrw/xQAVGria-y4wZVlazFGpBbaQUzwH1xEcQCLcB/s320/praise%2Bthe%2Blord.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Today I choose to praise the Lord.</i></span></div>
Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102488509468093491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415864118372063876.post-5164139870398500582016-09-28T07:47:00.000-04:002016-09-28T07:47:03.917-04:00Seven Word Status<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pmV3XaRhVpI/V-g3iQggIQI/AAAAAAAAFrg/-0DXp_-dT8wc4C5u9sa9M3wNiLA65zNsACLcB/s1600/leap%2Bof%2Bfaith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pmV3XaRhVpI/V-g3iQggIQI/AAAAAAAAFrg/-0DXp_-dT8wc4C5u9sa9M3wNiLA65zNsACLcB/s320/leap%2Bof%2Bfaith.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Today I'm making a leap of faith.</i></span></div>
Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102488509468093491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415864118372063876.post-31885504669752922302016-09-27T07:40:00.000-04:002016-09-27T07:40:00.871-04:00Seven Word Status<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MrzAaJ48ucc/V-g2sTR7fkI/AAAAAAAAFrU/Gr87dnfdpMkDq0zLNA0AZfcxoQ1DLN9FgCLcB/s1600/starry%2Bsky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MrzAaJ48ucc/V-g2sTR7fkI/AAAAAAAAFrU/Gr87dnfdpMkDq0zLNA0AZfcxoQ1DLN9FgCLcB/s400/starry%2Bsky.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Oh, to be a part of this...</i></span></div>
Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102488509468093491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415864118372063876.post-90105378395128352752016-09-26T07:30:00.000-04:002016-09-26T07:30:13.418-04:00Seven Word Status<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_oIxLv4mA8c/V-g1as73G6I/AAAAAAAAFrM/RHJvYdqROdcOK1Uc4eZY-i7yuUw1WIFRACLcB/s1600/garfield-monday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_oIxLv4mA8c/V-g1as73G6I/AAAAAAAAFrM/RHJvYdqROdcOK1Uc4eZY-i7yuUw1WIFRACLcB/s320/garfield-monday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Putting a positive spin on the day.</i></span></div>
Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102488509468093491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415864118372063876.post-33671852805598574662016-09-25T15:29:00.002-04:002016-09-25T16:56:58.324-04:00I feel so much better.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7V0xsYAEXsE/V-gleg2JIUI/AAAAAAAAFq0/uVqvRCw-k_IUT-x-TFfXOZdDEvo-OwNzgCLcB/s1600/family%2Bdinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7V0xsYAEXsE/V-gleg2JIUI/AAAAAAAAFq0/uVqvRCw-k_IUT-x-TFfXOZdDEvo-OwNzgCLcB/s320/family%2Bdinner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>I prefer to go to mass on Saturday night. There are a couple of reasons for this. One, I get to sleep in on Sunday. Two, I get to go to mass and dinner with my mom. This has become a routine for us. Unless I'm singing at mass Sunday morning, I'm usually at mass Saturday night.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>This week, and not for the first time, we had dinner with my aunt and uncle. It was wonderful catching up and getting their opinions on things going on in the world. And things going on in my head. I have to say, I am so thankful for close family.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>I've been challenged lately by a particular circumstance in my life. My dinner guests last night made me feel so much more confident about things. They gave me words to speak and remember to maintain my equilibrium.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>I've been somewhat overwhelmed during the last couple of weeks. And I don't like that feeling at all. But I think I've come to the conclusion that I'm not ready to throw in the towel. Not just yet. Everything depends on a constructive conversation on Wednesday. I'll know more about how I want to move forward after that.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Once that meeting happens on Wednesday, I'll make a decision. Between now and then, I'll pray and keep an open mind. I want to do what's best for my future. But I want to maintain my mental health as well. I've been depression-free for more than nine months now and I'll do anything to maintain that streak.</i></span>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102488509468093491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415864118372063876.post-64402098484287220112016-09-21T11:56:00.000-04:002016-09-21T11:56:01.435-04:00Holy Door of Mercy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ljZmLnC4kk4/V-KtPNBugAI/AAAAAAAAFqk/_ifJcufRrtw4FEk2nqrkJ14jxPQViVG4wCLcB/s1600/door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ljZmLnC4kk4/V-KtPNBugAI/AAAAAAAAFqk/_ifJcufRrtw4FEk2nqrkJ14jxPQViVG4wCLcB/s320/door.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em>I copied this from the St. Meinrad website. I plan to visit St. Meinrad tomorrow with family. Should be an interesting experience.</em></span><br />
<h2>
Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy</h2>
<strong>December 8, 2015 - November 20, 2016</strong><br />
Pope Francis has declared a Jubilee Year of Mercy, offering an opportunity for Catholics to receive a plenary indulgence during this special time.<br />
<span><br /></span><br />
<span>This is a time for the Church to rediscover the meaning of the mission entrusted to her by the Lord on the day of Easter: to be a sign and an instrument of the Father's mercy," the pope declared.</span><br />
<strong><br /></strong><br />
<strong>Plenary Indulgence for Jubilee Year of Mercy</strong><br />
Indianapolis Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin, CSsR, designated Saint Meinrad's Archabbey Church as one of two churches in the archdiocese that Catholics may visit to receive a plenary indulgence established by the Holy See for the jubilee year.<br />
<br /><br />
To receive an indulgence during the Jubilee Year of Mercy:<br />
<ul>
<li>Pass through the doors of mercy of the pilgrimage church.</li>
<li>Make a profession of faith in the church (either the Apostles' or Nicene Creed).</li>
<li>Pray for the pope's intentions and the pope himself.</li>
<li>Meditate on mercy while receiving Communion during a period 20 days before or after visiting the pilgrimage church.</li>
<li>Participate in the sacrament of penance during a period 20 days before or after visiting the pilgrimage church.</li>
</ul>
Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102488509468093491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415864118372063876.post-28462892750144912622016-09-20T18:27:00.000-04:002016-09-20T18:29:37.129-04:00I saved a life today.<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>So it's just a Tuesday. A regular old Tuesday. You know, it's a little better than Monday, but not nearly as good as Wednesday. Except for NCIS being on, there's really no significance to a Tuesday.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>I was born on a Tuesday. That same Tuesday that people vote. But still, just a Tuesday.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>I did some training at work. I attended a meeting too. I also had lunch with co-workers. Pretty much the same thing I'd do on any given Tuesday.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>But once I got home, back in town, that is, I became a super hero. A child on a bike pulled out into the street without looking for traffic. I went from going 35 mph to 0 in time to keep from running over that boy and his bike. Saved his life.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>I'm taking the rest of the day off. I think I'll watch NCIS.</i></span><br />
<br />
<br />Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102488509468093491noreply@blogger.com0