For my sister Rachel

Riviera

Finally!

Greetings & Salutations!

I've got good news! (well, maybe not for YOU, but for me it is and I want to share it with you).

I have been working on refinancing my house since December 2012, and FINALLY it is DONE!

The process probably wouldn't have taken so long but we had to jump through a few hoops to make it happen.

#1, we owe more than our house is worth. (not a unique situation, I know)
#2, we did not have the funds to do an apprasial
#3, we have PMI, which really threw a monkey wrench into things.

Anyway, John got that awesome new job at Aaron Carlson,  and although everything was approved, we had to provide new pay stubs, bla bla bla.

Our previous interest rate with Citi Mortgage was 6.375. Our new improved interest rate is 3.75, we didn't have to start over at 30 years,  and we didn't have to come up with an apprasial. We are going to save a plethora of money and lower our monthly payment.

So, the stress leading up to getting this done has really been wrecking havoc on my Crohn's disease (not that my body needs and excuse to have issues mind you).

Strangely, I no longer am having trouble with insomnia. Not only am I able to fall alseep on my own, I am staying asleep all night. Yay me!

I had to follow up with the Gastroenterologist specialist people last week, as they increased the Remicade (remember? we talked about that a while back). Anyway, NOW they want to check things out again, as the last time they did the testing they found precancerous cells. Okay fine.  I've done this silly test a zillion times, no sweat. HOWEVER, since I've been having more acid reflux, they are concerned and want to check out that end now too. I've never and an endoscope before (they stick a tube down my throat, to my stomach & duodenum) to make sure the Crohn's hasn't decided to move on to new exciting locations. THAT procedure I am nervous about. I can't wrap my mind around the idea of me being awake and having that shoved down my throat without me either A. Barfing everywhere or B. Struggling wildly to get it out.

Yeah I know, I will be lightly sedated. Still.

This adventure takes place Friday March 1st. Yippy.

This whole Crohn's disease thing really pisses me off.

By and By - Elvis Presley

Run On - Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley Gospel

Hi Guys,

So as I am sure you've all surmised by now, I am a Elvis Presley fan. I have been for as long as I can remember. I was brainwashed as a kid. I come from a long line of Elvis Presley fans, so there was really no escaping it.

A day without Elvis Presley is a day without sunshine.

Occasionally, Sirius XM Satellite radio has promotional periods where they allow their station to be accessible to anyone who has the equipment to get it. My Ford Focus has it, so I from time to time hit the button to see if its one of those free times.

I always listen to channel 19, which is Elvis.

I've found that by listening to that station, not only do I get to hear my favorites, I also get to hear forgotten gems, unreleased songs, alternate takes, or songs I've never heard.  I also get to hear little know facts, as well as interviews with Elvis peeps.

One of the many Elvis Presley albums I have is "How Great Thou Art", and I am loving it.

My favorite gospel song is How Great Thou Art. Its a family favorite, it was my maternal Grandma's favorite song, and she specifically requested at her funeral, that this song be sang, and no cheating, all 4 verses. I was 17 when she died, and for every family member who has died since then, this song is a staple. If you die in our family, its a given that this song be played. As a result, while I do adore it, as its my favorite, it also makes me cry. So that one, I am not going to post.

I am going to however post the 2 songs I am really stuck on right now from youtube for your enjoyment.

Take care,
April

for my husband John on Valentines day - I love you