Ahhh, Yet Another Milestone for my 40th year...and New Year's Eve

So I finally did it yesterday. It may be TMI, but I took "the girls out and got 'em smashed". That's what one of my Ya-Ya friends calls it. Yes, its the inevitable thing that every woman has to do starting their 40th year. BahBumBUUUMMMM...Mammogram.

I must admit, it wasn't too bad. Uncomfortable, as others have told me, but not unbearable. Anyone who has to get this done should be lucky enough to get theirs done w/ a great tech like I did. Gentle, talked you through it and then you're all done. She even showed me what the images looked like. Its pretty wild how far technology has come along that you can actually see every detail in the digital images. Freaky, but very cool. :-) That's done, things look good. So, I'm all good :-D

It's New Year's Eve...HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!! I hope this year brings health, happiness and prosperity to you and your loved ones. I really do hope the new year is much, MUCH better than 2008. I've had too many people who I care about around me who've had serious health issues or even deaths in the family(ies). I'm wishing everyone the best...throwing out positive energy and vibes to all of you!!! :-D

<3 Lernie

I love this...

I got to go down to San Clemente to visit with my friend, Cheryl. The girls and I took some Christmas cookies and her presents and had breakfast with her. Afterwards, we 'had' to wander up and down Del Mar checking out the cool shops along the way. There's a neat little shop there called Erba that has all kinds of delicious smelling lotions, soaps, candles and things made from herbs. You walk in there and lovely scents greet you as you walk through the door. Lemongrass, lavender, passionfruit...mmmmmm!

Amongst these items, there are other bits and pieces, like books, stationary, aprons...and signs. Being that I love all things Irish...plus I'm the sap of the year...I LOVED this one:



It totally made me smile. Isn't that the most perfect sentiment to people you really care about this season? *happy sigh* :-D

Stay outta the doghouse!!!

In light of Holiday buying. Just something for you guys to think about. Pretty dang funny , I have to say: Here's the Video

Small Update on Lola

Lola is still in the hospital. She actually went home the same day I last wrote about. Unfortunately, the next evening she had to be checked back in. Her Glucose levels were through the roof and she appeared to be very shocky. Not good.

Long and short of it is that she's also having a hard time swallowing. It's to the point that those reflexes aren't working anymore. The unfortunate outcome is that she now has a feeding tube. My mom, her brothers and sisters only agreed to allow that to be put in because they couldn't see NOT doing it since Lola is very alert. She's not your usual case where she's not all there and doesn't know what's going on. She's VERY MUCH THERE. They felt it was better to do that because they could see...all of us can, that she's actually fighting to live. My Lola is amazing.

I was there a few days ago w/ my sister. We had our kids with us because Lola loves to see her grandkids and great-grandkids. She laughed as they hugged her hello. We talked w/ her a little bit, but there were periods where she would burst into tears. Lu and I figured out she was trying to say,"Look at me. Look at this thing they put on me. Look at my arm. I'm a mess".

You see, Lola, while not a vain woman, took a lot of pride in her appearance. She was all about keeping everyone and everything neat and tidy. We sort of worry that one of the reasons she's fighting to live is because she's afraid of what's on the other side. Will my Lolo be there waiting? Will he see her as she is now?

When it was time for us to go, we all gave her a kiss and hug goodbye. It was a goodbye til we could visit again, not goodbye because she's going to die. Still, when Lu went to kiss her, Lola began to cry again. Both of us stayed longer trying to comfort her and make her understand that she' be ok and that we'd come back to visit as soon as we could. We finally got her calmed down before we left.

Today she's still at the hospital. I'm going to try to go down and visit her.

Another "What was I thinking???" moment

Knitting. Yes, I do dig the art form these days. I especially love making things for people I care about. BUT what is one to do when she wants to make A LOT of presents for people but has NO TIME!!!

Last year, I picked out patterns that were a snap to finish. We're talking 1-2 day projects. I tried to do the same this year, but for one thing, this Laminaria shawl I'm currently working on is taking freaking FOREVER! I like the pattern a lot, but will I be able to handle knitting another one? My mom really, REALLY wants one for Christmas. This means whatever other projects I'm making for other people (and there are at least 4 others on my list) have to be done around said shawl. This includes my Dad's scarf.

It's 12/2 so I've got what, 22 days to finish this stuff? Can I make it? oh dear...