Are You Still Working

A dear friend recently emailed me and asked  "Are you still working?"

So, of course, I immediately replied that yes, I am.

With all that's going on, I am SO happy to be able to say

that I am still working full time with the

Edwards Aquifer Authority,

where I have been working for many years.

Praise the Lord!!!

I have the opportunity to work with

some of the brightest and creative minds;

 some of the most clever and witty people

that I have ever known.

In many ways, they have lived the past year and half with me

 up close and personal.

They noticed symptoms and expressed concern

even while I was still in denial.

As a matter of fact, they "work" around me,

and never give me any grief about time out of the office.

They continue to offer me assistance daily.

I am truly blessed to be surrounded

by such an incredible, supporting group of people.

Then it hit me ............the question that was originally asked

...AND now I encourage you to ponder...

"Are you still working?"

Nurse Jenni

This is Nurse Jenni. 

She comes over once a week and stays with me about four hours while administering the IV therapy infusion.  She found out about the blog -- and wants me to let everyone know that I am doing great

-- that she is taking good care of me

 -- and that nothing is going to happen to me on HER watch!

Did I say everything, Jen?

(She will be back in a few days.....

Never mess around with anyone who has the power

to stick you with a needle ;-)

07-30-2010 -- UPDATE: WOW!  It may not show here in the comment area, but there have been LOTS of   "comments"  by phone, email, text messages, etc. to this post. Here are the responses (in no particular order):

Yes, this pic was taken at home.  I am in Trey and Julee's room.  Usually, I don't get the chance to sit still ANYWHERE at home for four hours.  SO, me, being the multi-tasker that I tend to be, decided to receive the IV treatments in different rooms in the treehouse (as we affectionately call it) .........and take this opportunity to view them in a different perspective. It is helpful to see what each room may need and/or not need.

Yes, Nurse Jenni is a Registered Nurse.  In fact, that is the first thing I asked her.  I don't have R.N. behind my name, but I do respect what it takes to get it! She is young; however, she is old enough to have three (3) school-aged children.  And her husband has a popular mexican food restaurant here in SA in the downtown area.

And YES, for the keen eyes -- I was thrilled to find a little throw blanket that matches the flower power pillows! It is great.........I can hardly wait for Baby Joy to see it :-)

I Dropped a Contact Lense

LATE-BREAKING NEWS -- SPECIAL REPORT:
This morning while getting ready for work, I dropped my left contact lense.  It landed on top of my right foot, AND I FELT IT!!!

THERE IS JOY IN THE MORNING

Happy Two-Month Birthday, Baby Joy

Mark's Mama and Roger finally meet Baby Joy.

And where ever Joy goes -- that's where the party's at!!!

......What did we ever do without her...

The Vargas are getting settled in their new home.

Sebastian seems to like his new digs =)

They are busy becoming UT Longhorns.

Joy Avery Guinn

.....and there are PROUD grandparents & great grandparents;

aunts & uncles, great aunts & uncles,

and great, great aunts & uncles;

cousins,

and 2nd, 3rd & 4th cousins;

and dear, dear friends :)

This child is loved!!

Free Falling

..... a situation where the self takes time to attach. 

As for now, I have "successfully" completed three IV therapy infusions.  The only "adverse reaction" I can report is some really random headaches ..... worth mentioning because they are really strange headaches....strong enough to wake me up, but so random that I cannot pinpoint exactly where in my head is being pounded -- fortunately, they go away after a couple of acetaminophen (tylenol).

Periodically, I find myself wiggling my fingers and toes to see if feeling has improved.....nothing new to report -- YET.  Physical therapy is going great. Actually, I wasn't really sure what to expect with PT, it's great because I am learning LOTS of safety techniques and home exercises.

As you know, we started this blog in an effort to keep our family and friends apprised of this new adventure we find ourselves in.....and we really appreciate all your thoughts and prayers.  Your words and prayers encourage me tremendously.  I am the type of person who sees the cup half-full, so a little encouragement goes a long way......over the top!  Some of the feedback recently received is that I am just a little too vague in the posts.

So please allow me to peel back a few layers, as I attempt to explain this process of rethinking who I am.  When my symptoms (tingling in my hands and feet) first began, I felt dazed and anxious -- I felt stripped of everything I had ever identified myself with ..... and there was "ego shock" -- a serious blow to the self esteem.  The initial reaction -- numbness .....time stops, mind goes blank, and the whole world seems unfamiliar...... preoccupied with "my life has been shattered."   Everyday life scripts -- habits, self perception and assumptions went out the window.  Negative events have a certain way of disturbing the status quo.

Things I miss:

• walking -- with confidence (feels like I am walking on pillows)
• highheels, boots, fun strappy shoes
• rushing around (getting in a hurry gets me in trouble)
• the mall
• styling my hair -- good thing ponytails are always in
• a shower (only baths for now - safety first)
• yoga; tennis; golf (lots of swimming for now)
• a barefoot walk

Things I learn:

• Mary Jane shoes are super comfortable
• joy and healing only His presence brings
• ego-development -- ability to think about life with complexity
• ability to be self-reflective and introspective
• peace through the trial
• more tolerant and forgiving of others
• material ambitions seem silly
• anonymous kindness
• pleasures of family and friends -- paramount

Overall, I feel there is a built-in human capacity to flourish under the most difficult circumstances. God's grace really is sufficient. Emotional reward can compensate for the pain and difficulty of adversity.  And it is possible to live an extraordinary, rewarding life even within the constraints and struggles we face.

  

.....What is better than a spa day..... a spa day with Baby Joy ;)

The Victory That Conquers The World--Our Faith

If we believe in the future and are assured of victory, then there ought to be a dance in our step and a smile on our face :-)