April Update

So, I am sure that if you have read anything on my blog, you are aware I have severe Crohn's Disease (Crohn's Colitis to be specific), and that I have had it for years. (2001 I was diagnosed). I think I've dealt with it fairly well, all things considered. I am happy to say I've been in a fairly strong remission for several years now, and hope to continue to stay there. I've been on IV infusions every 6 weeks of Remicade. 

Anyway...since around November of last year I've been having issues with nausea. I didn't mention it to my "team" of doctors, because I figured it would go away. Well, it didn't. 

In late March, I finally let the doctors know about this nausea thing. They did an upper GI (they stick a tube with a camera on it down my throat), that came back okay, then they did this stomach emptying thing, where they feed me, x-ray my stomach, wait an hour, x-ray, wait another hour, x-ray, etc.  Found out I have "Gastroparisis".

 Great.

Part of my stomach has nerve damage and is paralyzed. How the HELL did that happen you wonder? Yeah, me too.  It can be from GERD, which I do have.  

No cure, (of course), and they CAN give you medicine to help the digestive process along, or you can try and control it with diet. That is my plan of attack. I've already lost 10 pounds, and am hoping to lose more with this new issue. I eat 1 smallish meal a day and the rest of the day I drink liquids. My appetite is pretty much non existent, so its not like I am suffering or anything.  If I were skinny as a rail and this came up, I'd probably be a little more upset about it, but as it is, I am going to use this opportunity to shed a few extra pounds.  

Thank GOD for great health insurance. 

"My Life"

 

Got a call from an old friend
We used to be real close
Said he couldn't go on the American way
Closed the shop, sold the house
Bought a ticket to the West Coast
Now he gives them a stand-up routine in L.A.

I don't need you to worry for me cause I'm alright
I don't want you to tell me it's time to come home
I don't care what you say anymore, this is my life
Go ahead with your own life and leave me alone

I never said you had to offer me a second chance
I never said I was a victim of circumstance
I still belong, don't get me wrong
And you can speak your mind
But not on my time

They will tell you you can't sleep alone
In a strange place
Then they'll tell you you can't sleep
With somebody else
Ah, but sooner or later you sleep
In your own space
Either way it's okay
You wake up with yourself

I don't need you to worry for me cause I'm alright
I don't want you to tell me it's time to come home
I don't care what you say anymore, this is my life
Go ahead with your own life and leave me alone

I never said you had to offer me a second chance
I never said I was a victim of circumstance
I still belong, don't get me wrong
And you can speak your mind
But not on my time
I don't care what you say anymore, this is my life
Go ahead with your own life and leave me alone

Moist Double Chocolate Muffins

Moist Double Chocolate Muffins

Boston Terrier

American Made Cars vs Foreign

So recently I was rear-ended, requiring me to relinquish my car to an auto body, and forcing me to drive a vehicle other than my own.

If this event had happened in the summer or fall, it wouldn't have been a problem, all I would have had to do is drive the 1993 Camaro Z28. However since the Camaro has very large racing tires, it didn't seem like a good idea to pull it out of storage to drive in this awful Minnesota winter.

I was authorized the use of a brand new Volkswagen Jetta. Under normal circumstances, I'd probably never have the chance to drive this type of car, because from the time I was a kid, it was impressed upon me the importance of buying an American made car, seeing as numerous family members, my Dad included, all held a job for Ford.

 Naturally most of the family drove Fords, not only because they're good, reliable cars, but because employees get a pretty nice discount on new cars. Plus, since they work for Ford, most of them worked on cars too, so it made sense.

Anyway, I really enjoyed driving the Jetta, much more so than I thought I would. I went as far as looking into costs, and things like that.

I got my car back on Monday, and it sure is nice to have it back. My Focus has snow tires, and the Jetta didn't, so I definately saw a difference there. In retrospect, I wonder if the reason I liked the Jetta so much isn't so much the brand per se, but the fact that it was brand new.

My car has 141,000 miles on it, and I know with the miles I drive everyday to and from work, it won't be long and it will be time to look for a new vehicle.  As of right now, here are the cars I'm considering:

Ford Focus
Ford Fiesta
Ford Fusion (Love this one)
Dodge Dart (Love this one too)
Volkswagen Jetta

Its nice not having a car payment though,and until we pay off the Harley Davidson, we can't afford a car payment anyway..

Thanks  for reading! :)

You're Always There In My Heart

Spring is shining and its blowing,
but you're always in my heart.
life's wonderful, everything beautiful,
'cause you're always my other part.
summer coming, sun keeps shining,
'cause You're always in my heart!

Seasons come, seasons go
But you're always there in my heart.
Raindrops fall, breezes blow
But you're always there in my heart.
Photos fade, years have gone
But you're always there in my heart.
Time goes by, life goes on
But you're always there in my heart.

You're a part of me, as I am of you
I can't leave you behind.
You're a part of me, and whatever I do
You're always on my mind.

Through the years, joy and tears
You're always there in my heart.
Always near, ever dear
You're always there in my heart.
Always there in my heart!

The Stand, by Stephen King - big screen movie!

So, my favorite book of all time, which I re-read and listen to in audiobook format, is “The Stand” by Stephen King.

I’m sure we’ve all seen the TV Miniseries that was done in the 90’s – which in my opinion wasn’t bad. 

I think that Gary Sinise was the perfect Stu Redman. 

Also, Adam Storke as Larry Underwood was spot on.

For the last 2 years, rumors have been floating around about a big screen remake of this, for which I am a huge supporter and I can’t WAIT for more details.

Currently I am listening to the audiobook of “The Stand”, and as I enjoy this, I am imagining in my mind which actors I’d like for characters.

So, for fun, here is my dream cast – so far. What do you think?

Randall Flagg – Tom Cruise

(Don’t you think he’d make the ultimate “Dark Man”)?

Nadine Cross – Jessica Alba

Stu Redman – Josh Holloway

Fran Goldsmith – Natalie Portman 

Larry Underwood – Justin Timberlake

Lucy Swan – Drew Barrymore 

Glen Bateman – Anthony Hopkins

Nick Andros – Jared Padalecki (Rob Lowe nailed it, btw)

Tom Cullen – this is a tough one – the guy who played him originally did so well, its hard to imagine anyone else in the role. Maybe Leonardo Dicaprio?

Mother Abigail – Wanda Sykes

Trashcan Man - Billy Bob Thorton

This is all I can think of now. 

I thought of Jensen Ackles for Stu Redman, but Josh Holloway’s southern accent is perfect for the character. Also thought of Terry O’Quinn for Glen Bateman, but I think Anthony Hopkins would be a better fit.