Homeless In Hephzibah

My Hubby Dale wrote this and I wanted to share....

"Shortly before my parent's passed away in 2001 and 2002, they refinanced their house. Because of my Dad's age, he decided against the Credit Life addendum. He passed away in May of 2001. In August of 2002, my Wife and I, plus my (at the time) 10 year old step-daughter moved from WA state to live with and help take care of my Mom here in Georgia. In December of 2002, my Mom returned to Glory. She left me their house and contents in her Will.

Things were going good for us for awhile until I was diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer in late 2007. During the course of my chemo and radiation treatments, for which time I took 12 weeks FMLA leave legally, I was terminated from my job. The written cause was "Company Reorganization" and my position was eliminated. I was a beverage warehouse manager. A Supervisor under me was given my role and pay but not the title of Mgr. Thinking this was illegal I attempted to get an Attorney but was refused by every single one I talked to as I was repeatedly told I didn't have a case because I couldn't prove I was fired for having cancer. Shortly after this time I was told by a people still employed there that they had "overheard" conversations about me and why I was really let go... They didn't want to deal with the possibility of the cancer returning, plain and simple.

Being as how I was released, it did at least qualify me for Unemployment while I searched for new employment. Herein is the problem. I have applied for and interviewed for several jobs since that time but can not get hired. I was "hired" a couple of times but as soon as the issue of my having had cancer comes into the conversation I'm given some bull reason why I don't meet the "required qualifications" and released. If I didn't meet these "qualifications" why was I ever interviewed and even hired to begin with? I think it's pretty simple to see the REAL reason behind it all. One company (GA Nuclear Power Company) even told me that I had to be 5 years "cancer-free" to work there. I asked to see that policy in writing and I was refused. I asked the Dr to put in writing what he had told me and he again refused to do so. The search for employment continues on. The radiation caused some damage to nerves and muscles to the point that I now need to wear "adult garments" most of the time, so a lot of things I once was able to do I now can not.

In February of 2007, my wife was at work and injured her lower back while moving a rather large patient. She is an RN and was employed by the D.O.D., assigned at Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Fort Gordon. She received partial compensation from Workman's Comp for a short time but it was then stopped. The reason for this was based on a lone physician's comment that he didn't see anything in her medical workup as to why she was in so much pain and couldn't work. To this very day the US Department of Labor's Office of Worker's Compensation Program disputes that my wife is in pain and further states that she can work, so no compensation is being paid to her, yet they continue to pay for my Wife to see a Pain Management Dr every month and also pay for her increasing pain medications, of which there are many. My Wife is in a constant haze and the pain from the original injury is getting worse. She was fired by the D.O.D. for not attending work, even though she is on a massive amount of narcotics and can not operate a motor vehicle nor would the GA Nursing Union support her in the event she did something wrong at work. What could have possibly been fixed maybe easily has now turned into a bulging disc, 2 annular tears, and a compacted vertebra with probably permanent nerve damage. Social Security Disability has denied her claim as well. We again attempted to get an Attorney to look at the case but no one would go against the D.O.D. stating they would tie everything up in red-tape for years.

We managed through 2008 and 2009 somehow, on my Unemployment and by selling a few things... my guns and her jewelry and such. Things were getting really tight in the early part of 2010 and we then got behind in our mortgage payment. JP Morgan Chase Home Finance wasn't one to play around and foreclosed on our home. It was sold in early August to Freddie Mac, who is unwilling to work with me in any way to save my home. I had to appear in the county courthouse on November 17th. At this time I received a "7 Day Notice To Vacate", meaning I had 7 days to be out of the house. The judge didn't even let me present my reasons. The Marshal's office came by on December 2nd and gave us the final notice... The "Eviction Crew" would be here On Monday morning at 08:00. A little later than we'd thought it would be, but we were grateful for the extra time. I just hate that my brother and nephew had to ruin their holiday plans to help me get our belongings into a storage unit before I thought we'd lose it all. We stayed in the house to try to stretch out remaining funds as far as possible but they were soon depleted. Well, it got a little rough a while. Still not employed at that time, although I had been searching and applying like a madman, and unemployment payments have been exhausted. No income coming it at all. At least we had our possessions in a storage unit for a month and we have a couple of coolers of food. Daughter was now staying with some good friends until we get things straightened out a bit and is doing very well as she's in her first year at ASU... Very proud of her for pulling A's and B's, and especially so during this traumatic time in our lives. The Lord is with us, I truly know this, and things will get better.

That was then.

A little more about the mortgage...

I was financed with Chase Home Finance originally. Lisa and I have been making all payments since 2002. The biggest problem has been that the house remained in my parent's name. During the Estate Probate period following my Mom's death, a deed was supposed to be issued in my name as the legal resident of the property. This never happened... Why, I don't really know. But Chase was aware of their deaths and added me to the mortgage as a "person of relevance" so the contract and terms therein could legally be discussed with me. I did a mortgage loan modification with them and was 4 days late with the 4th payment after the remodification. When I paid that month's payment I also paid the next month's payment in advance (May and June). 2 weeks later I received a letter stating that I had broke the modification agreement and the house was being foreclosed and auctioned the next month (August). They kept the money. Freddie Mac bought the house at auction. The first contact I had, of any kind, with Freddie Mac was a summons to court for eviction delivered by the Marshal's Office in early September. I contacted Freddie Mac and attempted to work something out but they wouldn't even talk with me. I had a Mortgage Consultant brought in but it did no good. At my first court date in September, the Attorney that was to represent Freddie Mac didn't appear so the hearing was stayed and rescheduled for November 17th. At that time I got a 7 Day Notice To Vacate The Property. I tried to ask a couple of questions of the Attorney but all he would say is "I can't disclose that information". We actually got a couple extra days due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac began a program called "Cash For Keys" whereas they will offer the current occupants a small cash sum (to help with relocation) for vacating a property and leaving it in a "broom swept" condition. This helps to further insure that those leaving will not vandalize a property when they do leave as well as to avoid a court eviction process that can cost up to $6,000 or more. When I tried to talk with Freddie Mac on the phone, I inquired about this and why I was treated so harshly in the entire matter and they transferred me to another department where I was cycled into a computer telephone service and could not get another soul on the phone. When I tried calling again, as soon as I told them my name I was again cycled into the computer telephone system... 4 more times. For a company that likes to pat itself on the back for helping the struggling homeowner, they sure do have an ugly side that the news doesn't talk about and that the public needs to know about.

Wife and I both sent e-mails and made phone calls to the local news stations and our local Representative. Got a form letter reply from the Rep and the news stations didn't even do that much. Seems no one cared.

We're out of the house now, had no choice on that matter. We do now have Congressman John Barrow's office working on why Chase and Freddie Mac got us out so quickly as they did, but haven't gotten a final word on anything as of yet. We won't get our house back but maybe it'll stop it from happening to anyone else.

Wife and I are now residing in a hotel on Washington Road in Augusta, for the mean time anyways. I'm working again, full time even, but my wages being as they are are just covering the hotel cost and gas to & from my work. There are places out there for rent but the cycle we're now in prevents us from saving the "first-last-deposit" most require so here we are, for now. No assistance agencies can help as there are no funds available for our needs. Our belongings sit in storage save a few we have with us. It's rough but worse for my Wife, as she's trying to deal with home loss and her back injury. I know things will get better, I just hope it's sooner rather than later."

Dale Sturgill

panic attacks!

ACKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!! Panic attacks. I seem to be getting them more and more, especially when it is time to pay for another week at this hotel. All I can think of is being in the van with Spanky on my lap, and trying to stay warm with my sleeping bag. Although the bed here is hard as a rock, and most mornings, I need Dale to help me out of bed, it's a bed. I think the worst part of all of this is the insecurity. Husband has a job, but only part time, which is basically only being when people call out. He is still looking for more permanent positions, but it seems as if Augusta is dying here. No jobs at all!

I was talking with another lady who we thought did security here at the hotel, turns out she is staying her with her son, his wife, and teenage grandson, in one room! She told me that she had talked to someone, and they had said there is 33,000 homeless in Augusta. She asked, "where are they all." I wondered the same. We have been extremely blessed by friends of mine that I can't even begin to tell how much I love them, I don't think I could ever use the correct words to give their generosity justice.

I think the worst was when Dale showed me a pic of our house for sale. $25,000, "great for the investment buyer." I felt physically ill. That is a bit shy of 1/3 of my salary working as a RN. If I was to get paid for the last year from the DOL, that they took away from me, it would be near that amount. It makes me sick, I am always teary eyed, and I really don't want to be. My daughter from another Mother on FB, said sometimes it's good to cry, but when that is all you have been doing, and if you get going like I can, I get sick, throw up, etc... Never a pretty site, or feeling for that matter!

I have an appointment with my pain Doc in the am. No pain going down my legs, but still spasms from the lower back. Not sure why as I only have a bulging disc to L5-S1, which isn't impeding on any nerves, so is it because my back is used to being in a certain state that I automatically have spasms? I have no clue. But being able to walk, and not worry about my left leg going out is a blessing. Although, I still have numbness on the left lateral part of my thigh. Sometimes, my whole leg will go numb, so technically still going out (the left one), but able to tolerate a bit more.

I'm worried too about inactivity. Not a lot to do here as this is a busy road, and sooooo many crazy drivers too. I'm afraid I would get mowed down if I went out there. I have gained back a few pounds, which I'm not worried about, because hopefully will start some type of rehab soon. I would like my Doc to do the nucleo-discoplasty (or whatever you call it.. : ) ), to shrink the disc that is bulging. It needs to be in a position where I don't have to worry about it bulging more, He appears reluctant to perform this procedure, and I'm not sure why, so I'm going to keep bugging him about it (I know, not too nice). I need to do something! Anything...I can't do this for much longer! The lady I had talked to told me she and her family had been there since August!!! Well come March, there will not be one hotel in Augusta with a room available for less than 175.00-200.00 at least! Gotta love the Masters...NOT!

Well I guess this has made me a bit sleepy, so I'm going to give it a try, get up early, go for breakfast than ready to head out to Dr Ys. I hope all had a fantastic New Years, and were careful! Wishing all my friends a year full of blessings and joy!

"adult orphan" Lisa

Happy Holidays all!!!!

I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas as we did!!! Spent it with Murray and her "other" family. I enjoyed myself so much, fun to get to know my crafty friend Gail better, and enjoyed some wonderful food. We made Bruschetta, found fresh basil at Publix, so all good!!! Murray is thinking about becoming pescatarian (sp?) for the new year, basically someone who mainly eats vegetarian, but consumes fish. I'm confused about Vegans now..they can eat oysters, scallops, clams because they don't have a central nervous system....OKKKKK! (sorry Adam & Katie). Me I think I will stick with mainly vegetarian, but keep my chicken and fish. Chicken are annoying anyways. Oh and Turkey, which is what we eat as far as ground goes. I'm not sure what Murray is going to do when she is near a rare steak nearby. :/ That could be interesting...possibly dangerous if there is a ceasar salad served with it. ; ).

Things are doing better, and I am so very thankful for the great friends that we have been blessed with! I have a better outlook, and feel more positive!

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year, and can't wait to get back to crafting!!!!!!

Lisa : )

What it's like to be homeless....

OK, not a happy post, but maybe an important one. I think many of us are in the same situation, struggling with our bills, trying to keep up, and possibly one pay check away from losing everything.

It happened to us, Dec. 6th, at 8 am, when our house, particularly my Husband's childhood home which his parents had moved into brand new back in the early 50s. Gone, sold for 36,000 to Freddie Mac, one notice, and a meeting with a mortgage counselor to find out we were not eligible for "tenant status," which would have afforded us the opportunity to stay in our house as renters. The house was left to us after my Husband's Mom passed, it did cause some family strife, but at the time, she offered, and I had to think of my 10 y/0 daughter who had left her entire family in Washington to move with us to GA. We did so to take care of Grammy, as she was dying. The house was to go to another son, but she begged Dale to have the house, we originally said no, but when I saw how my daughter was progressing with the change, difficult at first, and knowing as a nurse that Grammy's time was short, I didn't want to take the chance to have to move, possibly away from my daughter's new found dear friends, and her stability. So I said yes.

She passed in December after we arrived in August. The plan was for me to work nights, my Husband to help with the care by being a stay at home Dad and caregiver. Jobs were scarce here in Augusta, but we had the stability of a home, only not in our name. For some reason unknown to us, the Lawyer who probated her will, would not put the house in my husband's name, stating that according to State law, it had to be left to the entire set of brothers. Only one wanted the house and that was to sell it (hence bad feelings). The understanding was that we would live in the house, pay the mortgage, and if we ever sold it, the profit would be split between the brothers. (My Husband had 5 at the time). We knew his brothers here in GA would not want the house, so if something happened to my Husband, I would be OK, knowing they would fight the brother who wanted the money basically in the first place. Well unfortunately, this brother passed a few years ago, so this became a non issue.

With my Husband and my job, the mortgage was never a problem, I mean 300+ a month, so during this time (which my Husband finally found a job he enjoyed and made decent money in 2005) we would get ready for saving a bit to make repairs, and such. But also during this time my Mother became ill and was diagnosed from ALS. Now I was the caretaker in Missouri for the summer of 05, and when my Mom passed 2 days after I arrived, I could see I needed to stay to care for my Dad. I had been working for a contract company out at an Army Hospital at the local base. When I returned I went back to work with the exception of a brief 2 1/2 months of scopes to both knees due to an infection I had back when I was in my 20s. In January I was offered a full time position, and took it. The year appeared to be a great one, and yes we spent as we made money, a bit foolish, and me dealing with my daughter's decision to stay with her Dad in WA at the end of the summer that year put me into a retail therapy tailspin. Most of the items in my craft room are from that year.

My Head Nurse at the time and I became close, walking around the track at the base after work, and as she was going on to a new position, she talked me into applying for a civilian position. I accepted thinking about the possibilities of retirement, and benefits which although I did take a slight pay cut, I would make out better in the long run. 2006 was a gift filled Christmas for us, we went a bit wild, and purchased things for each other and the kids that we always wanted to and couldn't, which we know, not the true meaning of Christmas, but again, none of our children were here for Christmas, except for my Stepdaughter who came with our Granddaughter who we had not seen much of since her birth 2 years earlier, so we spoiled the heck out of her!

Jump ahead to Feb 07'. I have shared before I believe about my battle with my injury, my months of no compensation from the Federal Department of labor, and then the final blow, my Husband's diagnosis of colo-rectal cancer. His Oncologist assured him that he would be able to work through most of the treatment, possibly some time off during the 2 weeks of chemo (he had a continuous pump). We didn't realize the radiation burns in "that" area would be so severe, and cause such pain, and continued time missed from work. Those weeks were very difficult, and the loss of his job the day after his Family medical leave ended, was devastating. Luckily he was able to get unemployment, and I finally received back compensation, and decided to take my rehabilitation into my own hands, my military LTC MD at the Occupational Health office agreed, but demanded that I do it at the hospital, which according to everyone, was not to happen, as I had already gone out into the community to a Ortho surgeon. I have posted, that yes, I was getting better, until October of that year when I experienced what I thought was a "flare up."

I have posted about the loss of my compensation, my inability to work, the dependency on medications that render me quite a bit useless, and inability to do most normal things around the house. I have posted about how I lost my job, due to being charged with being "AWOL," and my Husband's continued search for a job. At times when it seemed it couldn't get any worse, his unemployment was reinstated, he got a job this past June (which I have probably posted lost due to not being cancer free for 5 years, and this cancer is one of those that "usually" comes back, according to the again Federal Nurse who read his MD notes). He has a clean bill of health to work, but that c word can definitely go against you. I understand he doesn't have to disclose this, but Federal and State jobs really believe they are exempt from this.

SO if you are still awake after all of this, it finally happened. Chase robo signed us, and the house was sold the first Tuesday this past August to Freddie Mac. Chase was happy, they were able to get 4 back payments from us, and although we had "re-modified," the loan, the letter was sent to us right before our June payment was due. We now know this was crap, and my Husband was given a court date. We could not appeal, as we did not officially own the house. We had wanted to refinance with another company, because the interest rate was so high, and about only 25.00 a month went to the principal of the loan. Our credit is not great, so we wanted to wait until we were well established in our jobs, so that it wouldn't be a problem. Well you know the story. I suppose if we would have more savings, we would have been able to hang on a bit longer, but we sold what we could (most of the Christmas gifts to each other from 2006), and cashed in our retirements, which wasn't much. Stupid, yes, for not looking into the future. Being in our late 30's and early 40's, we didn't thing about the catastrophe that could and did occur. Still thinking like 20 y/o's I guess. I mean we had started our retirement funds, which we knew was the important thing to do, but oh how much more we could have done. I was payed past due compensation another few times, and at one point, could have transfered the house to our name, but the kids were there for the summer, I was feeling great, working 8 hours a day, and Dale was doing well too. We decided to have a few trips, fly my oldest son down, things like that.

So, Sunday Dec 5th, with most of our keepsakes that we could not lose in storage, we left our house that we had lived in for the last 8 years. I turned over the sign that said "welcome" to "goodbye," and turned the welcome mat over as well. We left two candy canes by the front porch, which we know will be thrown away. Dale's unemployment compensation ran out the week of Thanksgiving, and we had to sell his beloved Bronco II and a few appliances so that we could survive. That money went quick with the moving truck and storage, besides eating in an empty house. (The Judge informed us that we would be evicted on Thanksgiving day). Of course this didn't happen, so we stayed until we were finally notified by the Marshal's office on Dec 1st that we had til the 6th to leave. We have 20.00 left and the 6 nights in this Motel has been paid for by a local charity. I have no clue what we will do on Saturday. This is also coincidently the coldest temps we have seen in quite a few years. I am thankful for the time we have had, but now what? We have called everyone we can think of for assistance, found none. I have Spanky with us, and I don't know what will happen if I can't keep him with us. I am also so very thankful to a "crafty" friend and her family, as they took in my daughter Murray, so she could finish out her first semester at University without any stress, although I know she is so worried about us. I am trying my best to convince her to worry about what is going on with her, and that's it, but she is such a loving, empathetic old soul, I believe it's impossible. I believe the plan is for her to find a dorm, or move back in with us when Dale finds a job, and we can find a place to live. He has jobs to search for today, I have appeals to get out, and apply for help with Social Security. It's hard to get things done, as I feel it's so fruitless, when the Doctor from the hospital stated in his notes that I was not to work while taking Lortabs, and I'm on much more now, I still lost the first appeal.

There is a bright spot in all this. What went wrong last October, why was there pain traveling down my legs, mainly my left side. A neurologist going off of my 2007 MRI's said there was nothing he could do, but I needed to work on my core muscles (which had been my main focus during my period of rehab in 08'), and he basically called me fat in front of another patient when he went into a room to show me the exact muscles. OK, not going to see him again..LOL. My pain management Doctor was basically at a loss and had only been prescribing pain meds. I asked for another MRI, and it showed that the annular tears were healing, I still had a bulge in L5-S1, but no nerves impeded, BUT it did show mild arthritis in a few facet joints in L4-L5. There is synovial fluid in there, and got me thinking, I had mild arthritis in my knees noted on X-ray when they completely ballooned up. I asked my Doc if we could focus injections into the facet joints. The first set was done about a month ago, and immediately...NO pain traveling down my legs!!!!! I was beyond thrilled, despite what was going on at the time. My last injection was last Monday with lidocaine, and an extra one due to a muscle spasm that would not relax in a muscle running along the left side of my spine. I admit there is a bit of pain with this one, but I think it's because of the extra fluid in there, I have to wait for it to be absorbed and healing is slow with me, even if my diabetes is in good control. I don't know where we will be, but I go in next Tuesday for the final step, which involves a type of radio frequency zapped into the joints.

IF this takes, I could have basic relief from the pain going down my extremities for about 9-12 months. I am also going to ask him to "shrink" the bulging disc if possible, and then REHAB!!!!

I don't know what I will do then, I realize patient care is no longer an option for me, that the Dr. and Occupational therapist who helped get my compensation stopped were completely wrong, there is no way I can lift 21 lbs safely or care for patients. I believe I may have to try to get back in school to obtain my BSN. What I would really like to do is Case Management or even review charts. That had been one of my duties, besides teaching in-service's, was reviewing the patient charting for the day, to make sure everything that had to be charted was there, and correctly done, as well as investigation of "events" that may have occurred. I enjoyed this time while I worked that Spring and Summer of 08', even if I was "pushed" into being "assistant Head Nurse," when mine was away. All those meetings and being the only civilian present was daunting.

I know some will say can you find a shelter, and that is a possibility, but the only shelter for women here in the area (that I have found so far) is for women who are victims of domestic abuse, which I would have to say, doesn't being abused by the system count? Well 1. I would have to be separated from my Husband, he does all my driving, and caring for me after my injections. 2. I have my cat with me, which some may say, "OH PLEASE," but he is my heart, and my "4th kid." My daughter even stated she didn't think Spanky would survive without me. :( 3. I'm not sure what the policy on medications would be in a shelter, and I have quite a bit. I would not be comfortable allowing the medications out of my hands and sight, not only because of my dependency, but the possibility of someone who may have issues with addiction (and no, I DO NOT think all homeless people are addicted to drugs, but without them, I am not able to move very much, and one would cause me to possibly be hospitalized if I had a sudden withdrawal from the medication). Oh yes, these medications, my Doctor bills and if needed because I can't drive (one of the reason's I listed as my inability to work), transportation, all paid by the department of labor. Go figure.

Well, this was quite the book, wasn't it. I didn't write this for your sympathy or pity, but to say, it is so true, you can be one paycheck away from being homeless. We were and now we are. It's terrifying, heart breaking, and difficult on our marriage, which has already been difficult with "other" issues due to Dale's left over radiation and surgery effects, and my injury. BUT I know we will get through this, I know it won't be easy, I miss my yard, my sweet neighbors, I wanted to say goodbye (there were a few neighbors left over from the years that Dale's parents were alive, they "started" the neighborhood together, basically military families made up the entire block.), but couldn't as we drove away that Sunday afternoon. It was so painful, and I didn't want to cry. I hope someway, somehow to get Christmas cards (I have a ton of stamps, thank goodness!) to my old neighbors and apologize. I can't go back to the house right now, it's entirely to painful.

I will say, my friend who is taking care of my daughter told me that her son who is an excellent hair stylist, offered me and my daughter a free style, cut, color, whatever we want for Christmas. He is such a fun person, and my friend's other son, who actually introduced us, (He and Murray have been friends for years), well he is my son from another mother. Well anyways, I will be the best styled homeless person in this city. : ) (I really hope I didn't offend anyone with that comment, it's how I deal, laugh or I will cry).

To my blog & internet friends, I wish you a very Happy Holiday season, and I sincerely hope for good Health and Happiness in for you all in 11'. God Bless!!!!

Enfys Gone BUGGY!!!! Fantastic Give Away!!!!!

Wow..I know..long time no post! This back of mine, and all the other "wonderful" things going on in my life has just been so much to deal with, well enough of that!!!! Head on over to http://going-buggy.blogspot.com/ to enter for a chance to win AN ENTIRE RANGE OF PROMARKERS!!!!

Yep, you read correctly!!! Plus, Enfys will be giving video tutorials on how to use these markers for coloring in your stamped images. If you have ever seen Enfys' cards, well than you know..she is FANTASTIC with her shading, colors, etc....she tried to say she isn't an expert, but I'm sorry, I disagree!!!!

I also want to add that Enfys was so sweet to send me a lovely RAK a few months back, (and yes, bad me, behind on my thank you notes), but I wanted to mention it, as I used the card candy on a cute birthday card for my oldest son, who turned 28 this past June. Writing this actually made my heart skip a beat, I will have a 30 y/0 in 1 1/2 years...AHHHHHHHH. I also received some adorable images that I was able to use on cards for my sweet Granddaughters.

If you haven't subscribed to Enfys' blog, DO SO!!! She has the funnest (OK not a word ;) ) cards EVER, I just love the fantastic amount of creativity she has and how her cards are always different and beautiful!

Hope you all have a GREAT day, getting a bit chilly here in GA, but nice compared to the unbearably HOT summer (not to mention, unbearably high power bill, LOL).

(((Crafty Snafty Hugs!!!!))))

Lisa :)

All sorts of crafty goodies out there!!!!!

Surfing this am, and of course went to one of my fav blogs "everyday cricut" and is featuring guest designer Mandy from the "Polka dot spot" blog. She is making some adorable projects and I think you will really enjoy her work! She is a sweetie too! Be sure and check out "a year in cards" September 2010 with Kristina Werner. She has started Christmas cards, and they are so easy and cute!!!!! I am hoping to get with it after I finish some cards for Murray. We are late on getting out her Thank you cards due to wanting to send a wallet of her senior pics with the cards. We were only able to purchase them a few weeks ago..terrible I know! Her Grandparents were kind enough to help out with those.

I love the senior pics here in the South, they have the "formal" pics with guys in tuxes, and the gals in the off the shoulder black drape, then in the annual (at least her High School) also included a smaller casual photo. Murray opted for the formal pic even tho she could have had another pose thrown in there. I love it, she looked stunning! Did I say I loved it....yep, meds on board this am.. *sigh* so sick of this sh*t. I look forward to the day when I can take a frickin' tylenol for a minor headache or pain...sheesh!

Now on the back front...I had my physical eval done this past Monday for Social Security stuff, and when he was doing my exam, I thought I heard the words "positive Babinski reflex" on right. That's not good as far as I know (this is a common reflex that is present in newborns, but disappears with age). Usually means some type of neural or nerve damage. OK, just a bit scared, but not going to freak until I hear from SSI. Being a Nurse you know makes ya freak about every little thing that may be wrong with you...LOL! Not really, but I'm hoping I heard him wrong. I had changed my patch that am, so was a bit loopy. It's interesting to me that my former MD, said I had nerve damage on my left lower leg, BUT was caused by a "knee injury."

Yes I did have 2 knee scopes to clean out some tissue from an infection in my 20s caused by strep throat. I haven't had any problems with my knees since the scopes done in 2005!!!!!!!!! But there was no telling her this as she is soooo smart (rolling my eyes). Which led to the functional capacity exam, where the lady with her masters in occupational therapy typed on the computer, and was watching CNN at the same time, along with her "helper." From her eval, it was decided that I could lift 21 lbs and work 8 hours doing Patient care....sure...can't drive, full of meds, actually told to not take my meds while working, but when I did that with just 4 hours, well tears came (this was before the narcotic patch, which you really can't just take off). Giving meds while wearing a narcotic patch...I don't think so. I happen to like my license, and like my Patients, why would I risk them or myself. Oh well, sorry for the rant, but this is what led to the Department of Labor taking away all my compensation (but they still pay for my drugs), and losing my job. It amazes me sometimes how are Government treats people. Very sad. I hope one day for vindication, but not really happy that I may have permanent nerve damage. That kind of sucks.

Well, enough of that, sheesh..I wrote a book. If you need to find the links to the places (except for two peas, you can google Two Peas a year in cards to get to the site, she also has a PDF file to download), you can check my side bar of blogs I follow. I hope you all have a great day...we have a bit of another concern with Facebook and Murray. While watching the news this am, she saw a trio of rapist, thieves, and murderers and commented that the 3rd one was a "friend" on FB. I guess he added her, but she went and blocked him right away. So yes I know she is an adult, but we are going to have a discussion of blocking anyone she doesn't know or really talk to, and making sure her info has the correct security, so that NO ONE can see her page without being a friend, or a friend of a friend. I'm pretty sure she has done this already, but want to make sure.

Scary world out there, so I'm going to watch a few videos, and hopefully make a few cards this am. I hope to have them posted later. I am casing a few cards from Mary at "cardTV." Really pretty paper quilted cards, so wish me luck!

God Bless, and happy crafting!

Lisa

Missing my Boys, my Hubby's kids, Grandbabies, and my blossoming College student...

WOW, I miss my boys, and wish they would send me some photos!!! Sometimes all I feel like is that I have one child, instead of 5! (So Matt, Ian, Anna, and Andrew, PICS please!!!) I would really like to see a photo of Matt and his young lady! I also hope he has received his card that was sent late, and then came back to us, then sent out again...nice to have a birthday gift approximately 4 months after the fact!!!

Ian calls, and seems to be doing well, sometimes I just can't tell. I worry about him at times. He is my Bean, and well, what am I saying..I worry about all of them!!!

We had a relief yesterday when a fugitive who is being charged with beating a poor woman at a convenience store within an inch of her life (she is still in the hospital), and a suspect in a double murder in SC finally caught! Guess where...about 1 mile from our house!!! Apparently he had been hiding in a vacant house, and the woods around our house..Scary for the last 4-5 days knowing he had been seen in our area!!!! Praise God he was caught the night before last!

I have to talk about my Daughter Murray! What a change in her! She has taken to college life like a fish to water! She is gaining her independence, changing her style, enjoying the lectures, and all college academics have to offer! She also has changed her room into a type of dorm room with accents of fuchsia, purple, and green. Organization has become her goal along with eating better and getting exercise in the am 3x a week at the college gym. In fact...I WANT HER ROOM!!!! LOL It is so inviting with a wonderful beanbag chair which she can sit with her lap top and study. I have decided we need to look for green, fuchsia, purple, and black striped material to make her curtains and possibly a bed skirt. She isn't sure if she wants the frame she wants, platform bed, loft bed, or futon. We have also talked about a cheap alternative to when she does (if she transfers to another college for her last two years, depending on scholarships and such) using black clear sterilite contatiners for clothes storage. She really went out of her "color" fear and has been incorporating more in her wardrobe as well. *sigh* my baby is growing up! I'm sharing a few pics of her because she looks too cute!

I have a question for experienced bloggers as well in addition to my ramblings! If I have a follower that I don't know, can I block them?

Now for me...I might have mentioned I have been reading quite a bit. One book that truly made me completely satisfied and in a sense wishing to experience the same was "My Life in France" by Julia Child. I decided to read the book after seeing Julia/Julie. I enjoyed the movie, but would have enjoyed it much more if it was all about Julia! What a fascinating writer she was! Her recall for detail was exquisite (I know...strange word, but the only one I can think of!). She described meals as I would describe a movie I may have seen at least a dozen times, and she even remembered the wines served! Amazing! It is truly a "Yummy" read! So I completely suggest this book for those who love to cook, love food, and who will become inspired to visit France for the different regions, and tastes.

That's all for now...wishing you all a blessed day!

Lisa : )

Murray and her "Toms" which she was gifted by her friend's Mom. Great shoe company, as for every pair sold, a pair is donated to a child in Africa! The next is Murray's "grey look," as she is into coordinating everything these days, which I also noticed this pic has the exact same shirt in the first photo, I believe this shirt is her fav! LOL She found the shoes at Academy sports and thought with a gray tank top and her ripped "jeggings" would look good I think she looks great! She even found some steel grey nail polish and eye shadow to complete the look! Anyhoo, my baby, college freshman, beginning her adulthood. I couldn't be prouder!!!! :)