Update

something is wrong with me...i think i'm having effexor withdrawals and it's making me dizzy and depressed and i can't stop crying and i'm cold and i'm dizzy and i feel horrible

Maya Angelou

Christians - By Maya Angelou

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."

I'm whispering "I was lost,

Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I don't speak of this with pride.

I'm confessing that I stumble

and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I'm not trying to be strong.

I'm professing that I'm weak

And need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I'm not bragging of success.

I'm admitting I have failed

And need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I'm not claiming to be perfect,

My flaws are far too visible

But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I still feel the sting of pain.

I have my share of heartaches

So I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I'm not holier than thou,

I'm just a simple sinner

Who received God's good grace, somehow!

Share this with somebody who already has this understanding, as reinforcement. But more importantly, share this with those who do not have a clear understanding of what it means to be a Christian, so that the myth that Christians think they are "perfect" or "better than others"can be dispelled.

Weekly prediction

First Quarter Moon, Dec. 27th, 9:49 AM EST

Dear Betsy,

Over the past few weeks I've talked about how success-minded thinking requires a willingness to view life with a positive perspective. It also calls for persistence and determination.

As Calvin Coolidge wrote: "Press on. Nothing can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; the world is full of unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education alone will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."

To help you stay persistent and embrace success-minded thinking, commit yourself to building and maintaining friendships and contacts that enrich and enhance your life, and your dreams. I like to call these people "true fans and supporters." They are the ones who believe in you and want you to achieve your desires. They cheer you on, celebrate your accomplishments, and lift you up when you are feeling down.

The saying, "misery loves company" is all too true, so limit time and set clear boundaries with those who are constantly negative, unsupportive and drain your precious energy. They are on a different path than you. Perhaps your positive ways and abundant life will influence them to make a change in their own life, perhaps not. Remember you can't make anyone change who is not ready.

Keep the focus on yourself. Surround yourself with positive like-minded people. Press on, Betsy. Great success will come if you are persistent.

We are here to help you every step of the way.

Until next week,

Merry Christmas! Try and relax, as emotions are likely to be a little inflammable on both the 25th and 26th! If you are hosting the family celebrations, you'll need to take a few misplaced comments with a pinch of salt the size of the Dead Sea. Betsy, make sure you've arranged to celebrate in style on New Year's Eve, as the astrological indications are that it is going to be romantic and glamorous. Have a wonderful time -- and believe me when I say that you are going to have a marvelous 2007!

Weekly prediction

New Moon, Dec. 20th, 9:02 AM EST

Dear Betsy,

Distinguishing between your wants and your needs is an essential part of realizing your dreams. While many of us may want a Jaguar or a new wardrobe, or a number of other things, we don't necessarily need to have them in order to live a joyful, productive life.

There is one mantra many of needed to be reminded to incorporate into our life -- "All I have is all I need." Now I want to make it clear that this mantra doesn't mean that you can't desire or obtain material things in your life. You certainly can, and let me reiterate that we are going to make this happen for you. But while we wait patiently for our desires to take hold, most of us need to be reminded of the abundance that we do have. This perspective brings us the issue of the water in the glass. Should we focus on what we don't have or on what we do have?

It is important to appreciate the positive things around us. Recognizing our assets and giving gratitude for them makes for a very powerful situation to live joyfully in the present as well as to set the stage to attract more of what you want.

The easiest way to do this is to write down in a journal at least three things you are grateful for each day. I speak from experience when I say that after a week of doing this simple exercise you will feel happier. Should you run into an obstacle that is preventing you from realizing one of your dreams, take out your journal and read down the list of things you wrote and you will feel a force of positive energy surge through your body.

Remember above all, it is the person you become, and not the things you achieve or the things you acquire that is most important.

The Universe is on your side now. You are moving forward.

The New Moon on Wednesday the 20th arrives on an astrologically action-packed day. Mercury and Venus are both active, and bear in mind that New Moons herald new beginnings. So be careful what you wish for, as it just might come true, Betsy! This is a high-energy week, and by the weekend, you'll be longing for some quality time with your loved ones. The Winter Solstice on the 21st is the shortest day of the year when the Sun moves into Capricorn. Snuggle up and dream about spring!

Still here...

and still sore!

Update on me

OK, so I had surgery on Friday & am still recouperating. I'm doing better but it's still painful. Certainly not as bad as having a tumor on my spine, tho! :O

I hope I never have to repeat that one.

Weekly prediction

Second Quarter Moon, Dec. 12th, 9:33 AM EST

Dear Betsy,

As you know, success-minded thinking requires a real commitment to personal growth. Here's a tip that will help you continue on this path of positive change -- explore your interests and unique talents. If there is something you love doing, then it is very important that you find a way to do it.

Now, I am not suggesting that you drop everything in order to pursue something like a career in acting, but do take the time to think about ways you can include your pursuits in your current life. For example, if acting does happen to be a passion of yours, you could sign up for acting lessons or audition for community theatre. I want you to get away from thinking that it has to be "all or nothing." Take some time this week to think about what you really enjoy doing, and jot down your top 3 favorite pastimes on a list. Then write down small ways you can fit them into your life.

As you pursue your talents in this way, you will experience a new level of satisfaction. This is because you are expressing more of who you are. Anytime you express your authentic self, you will discover avenues of achievement that you would never have dreamed of.

This is a very exciting time for you, Betsy, since you are unlocking your potential. The most important thing is to believe in yourself. The next most important thing is to embrace persistence -- do not give up for any reason until you are living the life you want.

Trust your intuition, it won't steer you wrong. If deep down your subconscious is telling you, "There has to be more to my life," rest assured that there is more, and that it is time that you went after it!

Venus moves into Capricorn on the 11th and there is going to be an emphasis on quality, not quantity, this festive season. You may decide that one commitment or invitation just won't live up to its promise and pull out in favor of a cozy night at home. But generally, energy is high and you will accomplish a vast amount so long as you are systematic and organized and you don't leave anything important to chance. Remember, you can also delegate, but with Mars and Jupiter closely connected, you may want to do it all!

Quote

Real heroes are men who fall and fail and are flawed, but win out in the end because they've stayed true to their ideals and beliefs and commitments.
- Kevin Costner

Weekly prediction

First Quarter Moon, Nov. 28th, 1:30 AM EST

Dear Betsy,

It's time to focus on new beginnings and the power you have to change your life forever.

As Henry Thoreau wrote: "I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor."

In order to change, the first thing you must do is get yourself unstuck. Betsy, to do this, it is important that you look closely at how you perceive yourself. Most limitations to success you perceive come from internalizing negative messages from people and past events. These can easily be overcome.

This is very important for you to remember -- you do have the power to succeed. And together, Betsy, we are going to grow your awareness and choice-making ability so you can experience abundance in every area of your life.

Know that the thoughts that empower you to succeed come from your true Self and a Higher Power. This is why you must first love yourself and embrace the incredible blessings you have been given. Now more than ever, know that it is not only possible to change your thinking but also your actions. This steady change will allow your dreams to blossom and be realized. As Marcus Aurelius said "The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it."

So that is why this week I want you to remember to concentrate on:

1. Focusing your mind on your best achievements, both big and small, and your ability to succeed.

2. Quieting your mind for 15 minutes each day in order to feel the energy flow within you. This will help get your thoughts moving in the right direction so that you can begin realizing your dreams.

3. Choosing one goal and taking your first step towards achieving it.

Betsy, you can't expect to achieve success or move beyond your present situation unless you truly believe in yourself. Now is the time to use this inner power to change your life.

I know you can do this and Bethea and I will be there with you, every step of the way.

Until next week,

This could be a rather frustrating week if you have a long list of chores to get through, and I guess as we're nearing the holiday season, you certainly will! So, as the aspects between Mercury and Neptune on the 29th and Mars and Saturn on the 30th don't encourage efficiency, try to schedule your appointments and commitments around those days and relax as much as you can on Wednesday and Thursday. Have "midweek weekend"! On the 3rd, the Moon and Mercury are in opposition, and it's best to take any differences of opinion with a large grain of salt.

	Betsy, I want you to take maximum advantage of the luck coming your way this week. From my calculations, Friday is going to be your lucky day for this period. And your Lucky Numbers are 01, 03, 05, 14, 20, 26. I hope you'll make the best of them.

This week's predictions

New Moon, Nov. 20th, 17:19 PM EST

Dear Betsy,

I am very excited about our working together. In addition, I am happy to share some exciting news with you. I have asked Bethea Jenner, a charming and talented astrologer, to join me in giving the forecast a new twist. Bethea's approach to astrology is practical, down-to-earth and mixed with humor. I think you will appreciate and enjoy her weekly view of upcoming star energies as well as her insight into your relationships, finances and general weekly predictions.

Bethea is a well-respected astrologer in the UK. She is very intuitive and has a broad knowledge of astrology and other esoteric sciences. We first met while working on an astrological book project together and quickly became friends. I was immediately struck by her knowledge of astrology and her quick wit. Needless to say, I am very excited to be working with her because I think she will bring an added dimension to the weekly interpretation of your horoscope. I hope that you, too, will enjoy it, and as they say, two heads are better than one!

So be sure to check out Bethea's predictions below in "What the Stars Say This Week" -- and count your lucky stars, Betsy.

Your friend,

There is a lovely New Moon in Scorpio on the 20th, right next to Jupiter. This is an opportunity to get really close to someone you love. On the 22nd, the Sun enters Sagittarius and on the 24th Jupiter does the same, ushering in a year of optimism and opportunity. Sandwiched in between is Thanksgiving Day. All this benevolent Sagittarian energy in the atmosphere ensures that you'll have a wonderful time with your family and friends. But try not to overdo the food and drink, as you could suffer the next day!

Update on me

I got my flu shot a week ago and now I don't know if I'm sick because of it or just from 4 different doctor visits. Stupid weakened immune system!

I've had so many headaches, too, that I told my doctor (internist/GP/PC whatever they're called now) and we think that they might be related to high blood pressure so now I'm BACK on blood pressure medication, after having had it under control for 2 years. And I don't like having to take migraine medication as much as I have been. I'm on my third refill.

So all I've been able to do workout-wise is PHH Power Stretch. I don't think I should be increasing my heart rate until I know my BP's under control.

Update from 4 doctors

I saw thw surgeon last week--the one who found the tumor--and he recalled that I needed a follow-up CT scan for the spot they found in my lung, which is scheduled for tomorrow.

So I saw my rheumatologist on Friday & she seemed distracted and like she didn't remember me--kept asking about my laporectomy?? What the heck??

Then I saw my neurologist on Monday and he said that I seemed to be doing well so heordered a follow-up MRI, which is scheduled for tomorrow, too.

I saw my internist yesterday and she added more labs and the follow-up to the sleep study I had before the surgery. But while I was there, I told her about all my dam headaches, and we noted that my blood pressure has been high lately so now I'm back on blood pressure medication.

Quote

Our bodies are our gardens . . .
our wills are our gardeners.

William Shakespeare

Dam flare-ups!!!

I feel like that old commercial:

"This itching!! It's driving me CRAZY!!

Now try Lanacane?"

Too bad the sutff doesn't help...

Great video!!

Video and Code Provided by BoFunk.com

Dam Migraines!

This stinks!!!

Woke up with one yesterday but the Zomig worked within a half-hour.

NOT TODAY! Woke up with migraine @9 so I just went back to bed. Got up after 11 and it was worse so I took Zomig but it dodn't help. :( So i went back to bed...slept until 2. It's not as bad but it's still there.

This sux...

Where's Insomnia Theatre when I need it??!?

OK, I must be back into the swing of things since this is the second time in the past 7 days that I've not been able to sleep but it's been far too late to take any pills to help...

Dam flare-ups!!!

This is the worst one I think i've EVER had!!! I can NOT stop scratching!!! EVERYWHERE!!

I can't stand this $hit!!!!!!!!!

Sand & Stone

TWO FRIENDS WERE WALKING THROUGH THE DESERT. DURING SOME POINT OF THE JOURNEY THEY HAD AN ARGUMENT AND ONE FRIEND SLAPPED THE OTHER ONE IN THE FACE.

THE ONE WHO GOT SLAPPED WAS HURT, BUT WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING, WROTE IN THE SAND:

TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE.

THEY KEPT ON WALKING, UNTIL THEY FOUND AN OASIS, WHERE THEY DECIDED TO TAKE A BATH.

THE ONE WHO HAD BEEN SLAPPED GOT STUCK IN THE MIRE AND STARTED DROWNING, BUT THE FRIEND SAVED HIM.

AFTER HE RECOVERED FROM THE NEAR DROWNING, HE WROTE ON A STONE:

TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE.

THE FRIEND WHO HAD SLAPPED AND SAVED HIS BEST FRIEND ASKED HIM, "AFTER I HURT YOU, YOU WROTE IN THE SAND AND NOW, YOU WRITE ON A STONE, WHY?"

THE OTHER FRIEND REPLIED "WHEN SOMEONE HURTS US WE SHOULD WRITE IT DOWN IN SAND WHERE WINDS OF FORGIVENESS CAN ERASE IT AWAY. BUT, WHEN SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING GOOD FOR US, WE MUST ENGRAVE IT IN STONE WHERE NO WIND CAN EVER ERASE IT."

LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND AND TO CARVE YOUR BENEFITS and BLESSINGS IN STONE.

THEY SAY IT TAKES A MINUTE TO FIND A SPECIAL PERSON, AN HOUR TO APPRECIATE THEM, A DAY TO LOVE THEM, BUT THEN AN ENTIRE LIFE TO FORGET THEM.

Another ARGH!!

My dad fell, sent himself and was admitted to the hospital on Sunday so my mind's not been in its proper form. He has actually moved himself from walker to wheelchair AFTER convincing the doctors that there was nothing wrong with him--the MRIs, tests & x-rays agreed--and walking on his own. His doctors, therapists, my family & I just can't get through to him that if you don't use your muscles, you'll lose them! So now he's a bigger PITA than ever. Like my mom or I can pick up the wheelchair to put it in my van??

Forgive me for my lack of empathy towards him but it's his own dam fault...

My Sun Sign's Karmic Tasks

Cancer: Karmic Life Lessons

Cancer is an emotionally intuitive, caring and nurturing energy. A real homebody, Cancer prefers staying in to going out, since staying in provides all the comforts of home: good cooking, a comfy couch, family and friends. Family is one of Cancer's great interests and concerns in life, whether the connection is positive or troubled. One of Cancer's most famous traits is being sensitive and moody. All that deep emotionalism can easily translate itself into over-sensitivity to the emotional states of others. If a Cancer is around someone who is irritable or tense, suddenly Cancer is irritable and tense as well. It is most important for a Cancer to learn to build better personal boundaries to protect against this sensitive nature. If Cancers can learn to emotionally self-regulate a bit better, no one will ever have cause to call them moody again!

Just because they're emotional doesn't mean they're pushovers. In fact, Cancers can be quite tenacious and they love getting their way. If kindness doesn't work, they just may resort to emotional manipulations to try to get things going. If they end up not getting what they were after, they can become vindictive. Cancers are excellent at holding a grudge, but must try to stop and ask themselves, "What do I gain from maintaining a grudge against someone?" The answer is, nothing. Keeping anger alive and thriving inside oneself is a hugely taxing endeavor, a real drain on energy -- and has no real payoff. Cancer would do well to remember that the next time things don't go as planned.

Cancer's deeply emotional nature comes from its ruling Element, Water, and Planet, the Moon. Water refers to the depths of our unconscious minds, and under the Moon's cool light, everything is shadowed, subjective. Cancer is very in touch with its emotions, but may tend to give more time to negative ones and has a tendency to brood. Again, why always look on the dark side of things? Like the Chinese symbols of yin and yang, life is a balance of light and dark, positive and negative, active and passive. To lean too far to one extreme is to upset the natural balance. One of Cancer's strengths is lending others a nurturing, sympathetic ear; perhaps when brooding sets in, it would help for Cancer to turn that energy outward, away from the self and toward someone else. Feeling sorry for oneself doesn't do any good; like nursing a grudge, it merely amounts to time and energy wasted.

Cancer places a high value on security of all kinds; whether it's financial or romantic, Cancer wants to know it can count on the important things in life. This love of security and the attendant fear of the unknown can result in quite a possessive streak. Possessiveness is just one more thing that is a waste of one's personal energy. Material possessions don't make us more or less worthy; a lover's fidelity can't be assured by clinging to them possessively. Cancer must learn to accept a certain level of unpredictability in life, as the one thing that never changes is change itself.

Aries possesses an abundance of the light, energetic joie de vivre that Cancer may lack, and can teach Cancer to experience emotions in an immediate way -- and then let them go. Libra can teach Cancer about balancing those turbulent emotions, and Capricorn can show Cancer the benefits of abandoning emotions in favor of determined hard work.

Should have been a good day...

Mom called at 7:20 this morning to say that dad fell so she took him to the hospital and they admitted him. I haven't spoken with her since thisx afternoon, but it was HIS idea to be taken to the hospital. He's not in pain but he has no feeling or movement in his right leg--the side he's had trouble with ever since his stroke.

So talking with my sister is scary, as she thinks that he will no longer be able to take the stairs. We've been telling them since his stroke to build a bedroom on the first floor but I understand his hesitancy since losing his driving priviledges was hard on him, so this must be even harder--losing your independence is one of the most difficult things to deal with. :(

So I'm waiting to hear back from mom on the prognosis.

Today was Aaron's homecoming but they lost in the last few seconds--they were tied at zero until there was less than a minute left in the game. But the weather was perfect--almost too hot for October! ;)

Dam headaches!!!

I'm starting to think that my failing vision & headaches are related...

I have my semiannual appt w/my retinologist in a few weeks, if I can last that long. :(

Now I'll have to look up who's appointment is next, retinologist or rheumatologist.

Quick update

YAY! The new Weird Al album comes out tomorrow.

And so much for thinking that Jerome (PT) was amazing...my neck was stiff all weekend. :(

Sunday's workout

Tonight Ariel & I did PHH Power Stretch together! After Aaron broke the lamp on his ceiling fan! And I had another migraine on Saturday but this time I had the prescription! AND IT WORKED!!!

Dam Migraine!

I'm starting to think that migraines & flare-ups are related.

At least I have a new prescription that actually works!

Working out again

So at yesterday's PT appointment, I had a different therapist--Jerome instead of Lisa. At first I wasn't sure what to think since he asked me what we usually did and I figured that should be in my chart. Well, he was amazing! My half-hour turned into 45 minutes of "pleasureable torture", if that makes sense. He worked me really hard, so much so that I was sweating! And all I was doing was slowly raising & lowering 2 pound dumbells! It was all in the position, tho, to help restore my shoulder & neck muscles. It's amazing how quickly you lose what took so long to build, but he said that it will also return rather quickly. So after that workout on top of TJCPM1, I figured I'd need a good stretch today, so I just stuck with my favorite by Tony. Feels soooo good. HEY! That make this my first 6-day workout week since March!!!

Tuesday's workout

Can I get an "OUCH!"?? I am feeling the effects of having run out of Mobic a few days ago. Mobic is one of those drugs that you don't think works until you can't take it anymore. I think that this was one of the most painful workouts I've ever had. My joints did not want to cooperate. So I figured that since I was so stiff and in so much pain that I'd better not attempt any type of cardio. I almost stopped after the first ten minutes, but I knew I'd feel worse if I did.

So I plodded through since I just kept hearing my doctor telling me to work through it.