Today has been a good day so far. We woke to pancakes and bacon, and Mom and Dad did some shopping too. We skipped lunch, and had zuchini for dinner...yum. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and we plan to stay home this year. Traffic and weather are two main reasons, but also due to my low stamina. I've gotten a little better, but my back can't handle sitting for a long period without breaks. It's still going to be a nice Christmas either way. We'll gather Monday to open gifts and have dinner.

I've been praying for a lot of people this weekend. And in the prayer, I have discovered that my new passion is helping children, teens, and adults deal with all kinds of painful situations. If I can be of help to them or someone they know, may it have more meaning than the gifts under the tree this year. There are several places in Houston and The Woodlands where I can go to volunteer. I think I'll give it a try. I've been looking for a support group anyway, and even if I can't be involved on my own, I hope to help others in some small way.

Today, I found more music for iTunes. I found a Barry Manilow classic. Mandy. Then, I found If That's What It Takes by Celine Dion. No matter what language, French, Spanish, or English, I still relate to all the music.

Healing happens all the time. And may this art form continue to heal me, as well as my other art, writing and painting. January will bring about new changes for me. And I'm happy to know family will be there every step of the way. Like my friend Jerry once said, "Some of us don't have a family with a mom and a dad to lean on. It's another thing to be thankful for." She's right. I am so blessed. And I told Mom how much I appreciated her help the other day while Abby was here. That alone, meant something.

No matter what friends, co-workers, or doctors do, family will always be there, even if in spirit. In the last year, God has shown me ways to enjoy moment by moment. Even in the bad moments. Each of those makes me grow. Good and bad just means you're well rounded. You aren't as sheltered as you once were, yet the arms of love can still wrap themselves around you, and hug you when you need them.

I know death is in the air...yet I know that God will keep us safe and sound when our time comes to enter His kingdom. We will be judged, yes. At the same time, we will also be loved, and all of our iniquities washed away as we are clothed in white.

This is my vision of Heaven. God forms a place for each of us. Then, when your time comes, you arrive at that place, free from every burden you ever had on Earth. You live a peaceful life in servanthood, all the time.

This is my vision of Heaven. The people you knew on Earth, like you, will be made new. And those that you didn't get to know, well, they are here too. You can form yet another good circle of friends. From old friends and family to new, the kingdom is ever expanding. It is without boundaries, and without end.

"They shall run and not grow weary. They shall walk and not be faint."--Isiah, NIV Bible

This is my vision of Heaven.

The countdown to Christmas is on...and I am feeling good. Surgery was on December 12th, and since then, things have gotten better with regard to meds and such. Abby came to see me on Thursday December 21st, with Starbucks and a curious/nosy attitude. Only when you love them can you let them see your scars. LOL. Hey, we have been best friends for nearly 20 years now. There's nothing wrong with a little exposure.

The mormons Abby sees could also stand a little education. Man, to be sheltered as much as they are would drive anyone crazy.

Anyway, I was glad she came by. After she left, we found out Robin is pregnant, and so after dinner at The Black Eyed Pea, I called her back with the news. Yay. May we have a boy to balance things out a little bit here.

Today is Friday, and I plan to relax. TV is boring, but I know we'll have plenty to do. I also hope to call Tim and talk a bit.

Cynthia and I have been doing the e-mail thing, along with Brian and others. Yay! Life is good, no matter how the communication goes.

Today has been okay. I have a headache that won't let up. After two meals and a snack, still no relief. Grr...we have Chrissy this weekend, and then, Tuesday afternoon is my surgery. I guess in a way, the headache experience is a blessing since I'll have a new one after surgery. The good news is, we picked loose clothing to wear. That should help a lot. I got to talk to Kyle today, and all is well with him and his family as they prepare for Christmas. It's been a good day, even with a pounding headache. I just hope I sleep well. :/

December has had some great unexpected twists. My siblings are letting their families grow, I worked a temporary job this week, and my finances are in order now, even with holiday gifts. Today, Mom and I have the house to ourselves since Dad is at the Houston Aquarium on business. Lucky! In a sense, we are lucky too. Tonight we may order Olive Garden's new Chicken Roma. Oooh...I got my hair cut, and now, I'm updating this blog since I haven't done so in awhile. This weekend we'll have the little one, and next weekend Abby will be in town. It will be so great seeing her. The semester has lasted a long time. LOL.

I'm just enjoying life as it comes. Upcoming events are Tori Amos downloads in iTunes, and Christmas. Both bring excitement, and joy.

The rest of November went well for the most part. Thanksgiving and my birthday were nice. Family and friends gathered for each one, and I had faith that all would turn out nicely. This year, I am celebrating my birthday with Mom's and family on December 3rd, Sunday. My birthday was spent with Cynthia, Alicia, Kevin, and Martin. I love the gifts too. A mirror with the DVD A Beautiful Mind from Canopy, and Joan Osborne's CD One Of Us from Martin. The end of November presented me with yet another challenge regarding surgery, and this time, a letter can be well drafted. Tomorrow is my appointment, and I hope things go well. Hopefully, surgery will be before Christmas, but if not, at least I will have some sense of hope that it'll be done soon.

Mom and I have done a lot of talking lately. CP, MPD, support, surgery, holidays, etc. I just hope for the best with everything. The cold snap has me thinking warm thoughts about coffee, warm showers, and spending time indoors. :-)

November has gone well so far, and I can sense it getting better. Today Mom and I are doing things around the house to prepare for Thanksgiving. And I am quickly discovering, as she has, that my CP is getting worse. This is so frustrating, waiting on the surgeon's office to call, etc. I'm not living a good quality of life right now on all fronts. But I know things will get better with the passing of time.

The rest of October went well. The trial injection of Baclofen was a complete success. I was home by the end of the day, celebrating Halloween, having soup and sandwiches with my parents. November has had challenges regarding surgery, but it's also had challenges with friends and family too. I met up with Rachel and Carlton November 1st for Starbucks, talked with Martin on November 4th about upcoming plans for a visit, went to Ren Fest on November 5th, and I met with Dr. Hall November 9th.

I got a referral for art therapy, and found a therapist in Conroe. The weekend went well. We kept Chrissy, and I got to talk to Kyle a lot.

This week, I'll see Dr. Bosquez about the surgery letter. Then, I'll see Daybreak Wednesday, and meet with Chris and Robin for the garage sale Saturday. I'll see Kyle that afternoon and evening for movies and dinner.

Next week is Thanksgiving, and then, I celebrate my birthday the Sunday after. November is looking good! :-)