I’m joining the fun this week….
Sitting on the porch and answering random questions about everything under the sun….
Joyce asks the questions.
We answer the questions.
1. What's changed in your life, home, or community since your last birthday?
Everything has changed since my last birthday! My birthday is mid-October so it has been just short of a full year... a lot can happen in one year...
I was very ill this time last year and spent most of September and October going to various doctors and specialists, I missed so much work they put me on temporary leave of absence. A crystal clear diagnosis was never revealed, but stress, diabetes, and a thyroid problem added to my sickness. Within six months I lost 30% of my hair, lost 100+ pounds and dropped 4 dress sizes (Yikes!)...the positive: I got a new wardrobe... the negative: I had to clean out three closets (blah!).
In January our home life was turned upside down when we unexpectedly had to care for our three grandchildren because their parents were unable to provide a safe and nurturing home. This was another drain emotionally and financially. The kids are now living with their aunt and uncle and doing very well, we continue to support them financially.
By March, I was in bad shape physically and the stress from my job and family issues were taking a toll. So, I decided to take early retirement from my Corporate Career. It was sad, but a new chapter was beginning and I needed to get well. I no longer have a regular job.
A change of environment and outlook was needed, so we sold our home in the city and move to a small mountain town. The move has been wonderful! We love our new house and environment. Stress is almost completely gone and my health is improving. Must be the mountain air!
I started my jewelry business in July, I've been selling on Etsy, at local craft shows, and festivals. I've always been a creative person, (I was an art major in college) but never became a struggling artist after graduation. Now I'm using my creative skills and all the knowledge I gained from the corporate world to build my own business.
It has been a year full of change!
2. September is Classical Music Month. Do you like/listen to classical music? If so what's a favorite piece and/or who is a favorite composer?
We listen to classical music on Sunday mornings while driving to church or to Sunday Brunch. I don't really have a favorite.
3. Besides The Bible, what's a book that has positively changed your life, relationships, career, or perspective? How so?
"The Search for Significance" by Robert S. McGee
This book and workbook truly changed my life about 20 years ago. During a weekly bible study group, we learned God's system of value compared to the world's system. Instead of finding my value through possessions, performance and other people's opinions of me, I now base my value on my real worth through creation and redemption. Practical daily application tools were provided to help change the negative self-talk mode that I had become trapped in. This is a wonderful book for those battling with significance issues. It is a very thought provoking book that I highly value and treasure.
4. I read (here) these ten hobbies will make you smarter...play a musical instrument, read voraciously, meditate regularly, work out your brain (puzzles, sudoku, board games, etc), exercise often, learn a new language, write your feelings down (blog, journal, just write), travel to new places, cook different kinds of meals, participate in sports actively
Are any on this list your current hobbies? Which hobby on the list would you be most inclined to try?
Several on the list are regular hobbies: I read voraciously and have since my college days; I do the Sudoku puzzle and crossword at least weekly in the newspaper, I blog a least weekly, and I LOVE to travel to new places, it's my passion!
Has it made me smarter? Hmmmm....I'm not sure about that, but I do think anything that will slow/halt memory loss after 50 is a good thing.
5. What sports traditions does your family have?
None - we're just not a sports minded family. We are more the artsy/musical types.
6. In a few words, weigh in on the current football/National Anthem brouhaha. Keep it family friendly please.
In all things I believe "live and let live". We all have the right to stand, sit, take a knee, or whatever during the anthem. We are free to express our opinions and beliefs in whatever way we choose too as long as it is not affecting the rights of others. I choose to stand, but sometimes I must sit due to my arthritis; I'm still a loyal American either way and hope that others don't judge me for it.
7. Where do you have loads of patience, and where do you most lack patience?
I have oodles of patience in most all situations except when it come it teenagers...they exasperate me! (Click photo to link to go to the 10 Signs).
8. Insert your own random thought here.
We are searching for a dog to join our family. Due to allergy issues we are looking for hypoallergenic breed that is content with a fenced yard, but not much leash walking due to my arthritis. It must be a social breed because we live in a very dog friendly town and we will be taking it out and about with us. Any suggestions?
Cheers!
Lori in Blue Ridge, GA
Posts
Labradoodles are lovable, sociable and allergy free. I have two friends with Wheaton Terriers and they're also hypoallergenic, sweet dogs. Not sure any dog is completely allergy free, but there are several breeds that are mostly hypoallergenic. Good luck with the hunt! What a year you've had! I agree with your thoughts about mountain air-it's good for the heart, soul, and body : )
ReplyDeleteJust yesterday we were having lunch at a dog friendly cafe, a couple dining next to us brought their two Wheaton Terriers with them. The dogs were so well behaved and very sweet. I did not know they were hypoallergenic, good information, thanks for sharing! Have a great week! Lori
DeleteI am sorry about your health issues as well as the family troubles. I hope that the children are going to be okay through whatever has happened. I am praying for your healing. Best wishes with your jewelry business!
ReplyDeleteI love Sudoku and word search puzzles, but crossword puzzles do me in every time. I have never been any good at them. I do love the cryptograms in the newspaper, though. :)
That sounds like a book that would be great for me to read and take to heart. I have added it to my wish list. Thank you for mentioning it!
I think there are folks that will judge because some health issues aren't obvious, so maybe they think the sick/handicapped person is being disrespectful because there are so many out there that are disrespectful. You do what you have to do to take care of you and don't worry about what they may be thinking. They don't know your story.
I don't have any suggestions about hypoallergenic dogs. Mutts have always been the best dogs for us, loyal and loving and fiercely protective. They are great. :)
I enjoyed your post. You're in my prayers. Have a blessed week!
Suzanne, thank you for visiting my blog and all of your positive comments. They mean so much to me, and just knowing that someone has added me to their prayers is so uplifting. I believe in the power of prayer and have experienced many positive outcomes because of it. I llok forward to getting to know you better through our hodgepodge communications.
DeleteLori
Thanks for visiting my HP blog today! Nice to meet you. You really did have quite a year. Nice to read that you are feeling better in your new home! I believe in the power of prayer and you are now in mine! Wishing you blessings!
ReplyDeleteTerri, thank you so much for adding me to your prayers, it is so uplifting to know that others are caring for you in this way. I look forward to getting to know you better through our HP communications!
DeleteLori
Oh, gosh! First, wow, wow, and wow. Talk about a full year. Your strength and endurance are inspiring. Truly! Have you considered a book? I feel so many could benefit from your story. And about that dog...I LOVE my yorkiepoo, Tucker. He's the BEST and does not shed. The family got him for me the Mother's Day before the last of my four daughters was to head off to college. Such a great dog! And he's only 10 pounds. They come smaller and larger.
ReplyDeleteYou flatter me with your book suggestion! Writing is a new experience for me and I'm not sure if it's anywhere close to book worthy, but I do agree that I've been through alot and possibly others could benefit from all the legal issues we've had to work through concerning the kids. I know I could have used the help when we were searching for answers. I'm going to look-up information on Yorkiepoo, thanks for the tip.
DeleteLori
Lori... you weren't kidding when you said you had a year of change!! Wowza! My suggestion about your new dog is this. I would contact a rescue agency of the particular dog that you are looking for. We have a goldendoodle who is crazy and we have a rescue maltipoo is is sweet most of the time. I think that both are hyperalergenic. The reason a rescue is usually a good fit is because they usually live in a foster home and the foster mom/dad can give you the inside scoop on the behavior. They are usually brutally honest because the love dogs and don't want to see the dog orphaned again. Another bonus is they are usually housetrained and last but not least, they have so much love to give. Good luck and keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteHi Katie, I agree a rescue may be the best option. We adopted a rescue kitten and he is a dream cat...no clawing the furniture, no climbing, no walking on tables, and a very sweet disposition. Housetraining would be a big plus since my mobility is sometimes limited. We are thinking about a goldendoodle based on recommendations, but a "crazy" one may be a bit much for me to handle. Thanks for visiting my blog today!
DeleteLori
Wow. You really have had extreme changes since your last birthday. My brother and sister in law have had to take over the care of their two grandchildren. I'm glad there's an aunt and uncle that can do that for you. Sounds like you've made some good choices for your health. We have 2 nephews that went with labradoodles. One mini and one regular.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog today! I've heard that labradoodles are great adult dogs, but the puppy phase can be challenging because they are chewers. We live in a log home so chewing could be an issue if this is true (not sure if it is or not). I thankful that our grandkids and your brother's kids are safe and in a stable home.
DeleteLori
Thanks so much for visiting my blog again today. I'm a Ga girl, too, but we live in the southern section, about 60 miles from Savannah.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a year you've had! I'm happy things are looking up for you. I hope your health continues to improve, and your jewelry business thrives.
I can sympathize with your bad year because my husband and I had a similar year in 2015! In January, he lost his job, and ended up retiring early, then we discovered mold and termites in our home, simultaneously, and had to pay out money we didn't have to spare. Then I came down with painful back issues (in addition to the rheumatoid arthritis I already have). I finally ended up having back surgery in Sept. which has helped, but not cured my issues. Then, in October, my husband ended up having a heart attack! He had the big one known as "the widow maker", which many don't survive! Fortunately, he survived. Shortly after Ed's heart attack I discovered I had skin cancer on my face in two places. (basal cell). The first of December I had MOE's surgery, followed by plastic surgery closure, which didn't turn out like I'd hoped. My scar on my face isn't very pretty. However, all's well that ends well. We're alive and we still have each other.
I don't have any dog recommendations, but I wish you well with your search. I love adopting "rescues". The shelters are over-flowing with loving pets needing homes, and most make great pets.
Enjoy the rest of your week,
Kathy (Reflections by Kathy)
Do you live in one of the coastal towns? My sweetie and I spend a lot of time on the coast of GA. It sounds like you have had a challenging year too. Praise the lord that all is well today for both of us! THanks for visiting my blog today.
DeleteLori
Wow, those sure are some significant changes since your last birthday. Glad you are doing better. I've been through something similar. I love the smell of mountain air. How wonderful that you were able to move.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog today and I appreciate your comments. I always wonder if anyone really reads my posts...it's nice to know that you also appreciate the mountain air.
DeleteLori
I loved everything about this post. From your improved health, the move, your business, the book you recommend. I would recommend Labradoodles (although German Shepherds are my favorite) because of their hypoallergenic quality and their snuggly cuteness and friendliness. Can't wait til you decide. What a wonderful thing to be looking for.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog, I will be posting our new family addition someday soon. I enjoy reading your blog and look forward to future hodgepodge posts from you!
DeleteLori
Wow, it sounds like things really have changed for you. Best of luck.
ReplyDeleteTHanks for stopping by my blog today!
DeleteLori
Wow, that's quite a year. I hope this coming birthday brings you some peace.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog today!
DeleteLori
As the others said--you have had an incredible year. Best wishes for your business! (My husband "retired" a few years ago to pursue his lifelong hobby as well.)
ReplyDeleteTHanks for stopping by my blog today!
DeleteLori
Oh my goodness, what a year you have had!! I think I'm feeling stressed just reading about it...but what a terrific example of grace under pressure you are!
ReplyDeleteOn the subject of dogs, Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are both nice cross breeds, but beware....they are NOT all hypoallergenic. I am a big fan of plain old Poodles. They are fun, smart, and love to please their people. And they do not shed so while they may not be completely hypoallergenic, they don't stir much reaction.
Thanks for the dog breed comments, I've been doing a lot of research and Poodle comes up as a good match. Have a great week!
DeleteLori
I commend you for stepping up and caring for your grandchildren. I hope that your health improves and that the doctors are able to come up with a definitive diagnosis. On the dog issue, my beloved SWMBO and I have two Chinese Cresteds, one is a hairless and the other is a powder puff, which means it has hair kind of like a poodle. I understand that poodles have hair and not fur. I believe that poodles and chinese cresteds are hypoallegenic. Thanks for visiting my blog site.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your positive comments, I appreciate you stopping by my blog!
DeleteLori