Livin' and Learnin'

The Life and Times of Miss Dana

Homemade Laundry Detergent

I finally made homemade laundry detergent! I’ve had the ingredients for about two weeks, and I just haven’t had the time to do it. However, if I knew it would only take about 15 minutes to make, I would’ve done it earlier!

Ingredients:

1 bar Fels-Naptha soap

1 cup Borax

1 cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda

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First, grate the Fels-Naptha soap:

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It was VERY easy to grate. The bar is dry, but soft, and it took no time to grate it.

Second, put the grated soap into a food processor.

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It turned out to be grainy more than powdery.

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Then mix it with the Borax and Washing Soda (1 cup each)

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Here’s the finished product! It is a double batch since I had two bars of soap.

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It smells AMAZING! Very fresh and clean, but not perfume-y. I can’t wait to use it!!!

*Note:

The recipe I used said to use 1 tablespoon per front load (HE), and up to 2 tablespoons for heavy soil. I’m sure the same could be used for top loaders. It’s supposed to have VERY low suds.

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Holidays 2011

I love the holidays…Christmas is certainly my favorite. I had a wonderful Christmas this year. Christmas Eve was spent at my Mother-in-law’s house with all of my in-laws. They are awesome. We laughed til we almost cried, and ate and ate and ate. There were so many gifts under the tree that there was hardly any floor left to walk around it! The weather wasn’t so frightful this year (like last year) and all in all, it was a great time and a wonderful night.

Last weekend we went to Savannah to have Christmas with my Dad and my brother and his family. We always pull names around Thanksgiving to see who we will each buy a “gag” gift for. Michael got a gigantic goblet with “PIMP” written with dazzling rhinestones and lots of little sparkles all around it from my brother Eric. That was hilarious…the last thing Michael is is a “Pimp”. LOL

Michael drew my Dad’s name and debated for a long time on what to get him…he decided on a coffee cup that’s in the shape of a toilet! GROSS! The look on my Dad’s face was priceless and quite hilarious…I can’t imagine what it’s going to look like once there’s coffee in it. EEW!

All in all, this was a great holiday season for us. I’m so thankful that I was able to have the time off work to be able to go to the various places to see our families. I’m thankful that our families are all healthy and happy. And I’m especially thankful that my Savior was born on that very first Christmas Day.

I’m looking forward to 2012, and wishing you all a very Happy Happy Happy New Year! 🙂

wpid-IMG_0139-2012-01-5-14-40.jpg Maddux with Santa. It’s his first Christmas! 🙂

wpid-IMG_0142-2012-01-5-14-40.jpg Bama, our Christmas kitty. Every year she crawls under the tree for a cat nap or two. 🙂

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It’s the most WONDERFUL time of year!!!

Christmas is certainly my favorite time of year. Sure, I love fall leaves and warm spring days, but Christmas is such a special time. It’s a time of year to love and appreciate one another, and remember the birth of Jesus. I’ve been taking conversion classes at our church since September, and I have learned so much more than I ever have about who Jesus was and what he did for all of humanity. It’s an amazing story of love, hope, and peace. Christmas is a time to remember this and we should keep this story in our hearts throughout the year.

I’ve been listening to Christmas music all week, and my iPod is bursting full of them! 🙂

My favorite song has always been “O, Holy Night” and I have 3 versions of it (the Mariah Carey version is my favorite). I also have the Alabama Christmas album. My mother played this every year when I was still at home, and every time I hear it, I think of her. Of course, there’s Ella Fitzgerald’s “Frosty the Snowman”, and Burl Ives’ “Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer”! I bought the Weezer Christmas album and was surprised at how good it is! It gives the classics a nice, pop-like beat. Sometimes they are a little off-key, but I still enjoy it.

Our tree is up, the village is up, and the outside bushes are full of lights. The shopping is finished, gifts wrapped and under the tree, and cards mailed. Now that the hard work is done, I can sit back, relax, and sing the carols!

Merry Christmas to you all!!!

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O Tannenbaum

Today I did some iTunes shopping for Christmas music to fill my iPod with songs of the season. I love to listen to Christmas music while wrapping gifts, and decorating. It can certainly could put anyone in the spirit!

I came across a song that I haven’t heard in a long time, O Tannenbaum. After hearing just a few notes of the song, my eyes filled with tears. It’s funny how music can bring back a memory so fast.

When I was in Kindergarden, I learned a song: O Tannenbaum. I was so proud that I learned this German song, even though I never really remembered all the words. I couldn’t wait to make the trip to Ohio to sing it for my Grandpa, I knew he would be so proud of me. And of course, when I started to sing it for him, he joined along. He had the biggest smile on his face as he sang a song that was very familiar to him.

I still don’t know all the words to that song…but today with the power of Google, I looked them up! And I listened to the whole song with fond memories of my Grandpa playing his accordion and singing with all his might. Of course, I bought that song from iTunes, and from now on, I will listen to it every Christmas. My hope is that everyone has a Grandpa like mine. He was pretty amazing.

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30 Days of Thanks

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There is a movement going around for the month of November. It’s called 30 days of Thanks. It is a way to examine yourself and find out what you are truly thankful for. I will post everyday something (big or small) that I am thankful for. Feel free to join me in this month of Thanks!

30 Days of Thanks

Day 30

WOW! Is it Day 30 already?!?!?!?! I can’t believe how fast this month has gone. While looking back through this blogpost, I see that I have so much to be thankful for. And should I ever have a day that I’m feeling down, I can look at this and be reminded of how much I truly have, and be thankful again for them. Today, I’m thankful that I made this journey of Thanks, and that I wrote it all down so I can see it and be reminded of the wonderful life that I have.

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Day 29

Today I am thankful for rest and sleep. What an exhausting weekend we had! It was so much fun, I wouldn’t change a thing, but there’s no place like home, and there’s certainly no place like your own spot in your own bed.

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Days 25-28

My husband and I travelled to Huntsville, Alabama for the Thanksgiving weekend. I didn’t have time to write a post, since we were busy with Thanksgiving eating and socializing. It’s always so nice to see my in-laws, and it seems that every time we get together, there is a FEAST of food prepared by those in attendance. This weekend was no different. Good food and good company make for a wonderful day. On Saturday, we put out my mother-in-law’s Christmas decorations and Christmas tree. It sure is a lot of work, but we worked well as a team and got it done. I joked that her yard could be seen from a satellite with all those lights! Sunday, we made the journey home. Thankfully, it wasn’t a bad ride considering the constant rain. This weekend, I am thankful for family, and especially for safe travels while we were on the roads.

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Day 24

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Today is the day that it’s all about. Thanksgiving. Thanks. Thank you. Thankful.

I have so many blessings in my life. Tonight, as I sit here with a full belly and a full heart, I have a full mind. I’m trying to think of one thing to be thankful for today but I find it impossible to pick just one. I am so blessed with family, friends, health, a roof over my head, clothes on my body, food in my belly, my new journey into Catholicism….and the list goes on and on…

I hope that everyone had a Thanksgiving as blessed as mine. Happy Happy Thanksgiving!

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Day 23

Today I am thankful to be an American. I am thankful for the fore-fathers’ courage to do what no others had the courage to even try to do. They certainly broke the mold when they defied England’s rule, and they did so with courage, integrity, and teamwork. And, like today, they too had disagreements about how our government should be operated and what control the government should have, but they settled their disputes with civility and respectfully, and with a VOTE. They knew that not everyone agreed on everything, but they found a way to make that work. They also had the fore-sight to set up a government that is still in operation today. Today, I am thankful for our American heritage: good, bad and ugly. I will always be proud to be an American, and I will always exercise my right to vote and participate in American politics. God Bless the USA!

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Day 22

Today I am thankful for the ability to work to help support our family. I am thankful for my job, especially for my supervisors, that are understanding when I need time off and when I need to trade a shift. I appreciate that I am able to have the time off for my Catholic RCIA classes. I am especially thankful for Stephanie, she was my proctor for one of my classes. While I am thankful for money, I am thankful not because of a drive to have it all, but thankful that we have enough. We have what we need, and sometimes, we are able to get what we want. I am thankful that Mike has been able to keep his contract for the time that he has had it, and hopefully it will be renewed for an extension.

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Day 21

Today I am thankful for Facebook. Yes, Facebook. I know it seems ridiculous to be thankful for a website, but Facebook has given me the ability to keep in close contact with family and friends that live so far away from me. In just a few minutes time, I can read what others are up to, and pictures of babies and families and the activities they are involved in. I can see holiday pictures within a matter of moments after they happen. I can see the kiddies dressed up in their Halloween costumes, what the Easter Bunny delivered, and what Santa surprised them with…all in an instant. I can keep in close contact with relatives, and even meet new ones! Today, I am thankful for Facebook. 🙂

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Day 20

Today I am thankful again for my church family, especially to my Sponsor, Carol Shawcross. Today, along with my RCIA classmates, we were given the Rite of Welcoming by Father Greg and the church. It was very emotional and spiritual and a little overwhelming. Carol gave me several blessings, and Father Greg also blessed us. It was such a nice day, and a wonderful ceremony during Mass.

Day 19

This weekend we made the long awaited journey to Tuscaloosa for the Alabama vs Georgia Southern football game. It was the first Alabama game that Mike and I have been to, and we were very excited to finally be able to go. I am thankful for a smooth and non-eventful ride to Pelham, Alabama on Friday night. I’m thankful for a lovely hotel suite chosen by my fella, and a nice ride from Pelham to Tuscaloosa Saturday morning. I am thankful to see the Walk of Champions and the statues of the Championship Team Coaches, especially the statue of Paul “Bear” Bryant. I am thankful for good seats (front row on the Alabama side, 30 yard line). I am thankful that the camera battery survived throughout the game, so Mike could take as many pictures as he wished. I am especially thankful that we were able to go, since this has been Mike’s (a life-long Alabama fan) dream.

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Day 18

Today I am thankful for our wonderful Veterinary office! They came through in a pinch for us today when my mother told me that she wouldn’t be able to keep our pup for the weekend. They had an opening for boarding, and as much as I hate to board my pup, I wouldn’t choose anywhere else to put him. Sometimes it seems that we are always paying the vet for this and that, shots, pills, neutering, boarding etc. And while the costs tend to get high, Midway is worth every cent! And, it’s comforting to know that our babies are always treated so well, and given top-notch care. I couldn’t ask for a nicer staff or more patient and kind Vets. They are truly God-sends to us and our babies. Thank you Midway Animal Hospital in Alpharetta, Georgia!

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Day 17

Today I am thankful to the ability to continue my education. I am thankful that Jacksonville State University (Jacksonville, Alabama) offers the program that I chose to follow online. It is such a life-saver to be able to take classes online at my convenience. With a crazy work schedule, and a crazy life schedule, online classes make it possible for me to finish my degree. I am also thankful for my family and friends that have offered tremendous support to me. They keep me encouraged and focused.

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Day 16

Today I am thankful that my family and I are all safe after the tornadoes that went through our area today. What a scary thought, being caught in a tornado!

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Day 15

Today I am thankful for Starbucks’ best drink ever…the Iced Caramel Macchiato. I’m not much of a coffee drinker, I rarely make coffee at home. However, when I am out and about and need that caffeine bump, this is my go-to drink. I have a full schedule today of this and that, and I think this will be in order! 😉

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Days 12, 13, 14

I have been out of town all weekend, and unable to update my blog. So, I will make one post for Days 12, 13, and 14. While out of town this weekend, I saw my nephew, and realized just how funny he is, and how his personality is developing. I was also amazed that a first grader was reading and writing far beyond what I was able to do at the same age. He also told me about how he got lots of hits at the batting cage the day before, and surely he would hit lots of home runs next baseball season. He also told me that he loves me, which made my heart skip a beat. I can remember the day he was born, and I feel lucky to have been able to watch him grow and learn and become the little guy that he is. So, this weekend, I am thankful for my nephew, Alex.

wpid-IMG_0047-2011-11-1-18-0613.jpg My nephew, Alex, and my husband, Michael on our wedding day.

Day 11

Today is Veteran’s Day and I am thankful for each and every one of our current and former service members. Their sacrifice and courage are what keep this country strong, and keep our freedoms intact. God bless our service men and women, and God bless the USA!

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Day 10

I got home late last night from church and didn’t have time to write my post, but on day 10, I am thankful for my church family. Every person I’ve ever encountered at Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Alpharetta has been so friendly and thoughtful and just amazing. From the time my husband and I started our pre-marital sessions with Deacon Bill, to my current teachers and classmates in my RCIA class, I have never felt so welcomed at a church. My sponsor is such a sweet and kind lady, and I look forward to learning and growing in Christ with her. On Day 10, I am thankful for my church family.

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Day 9

I am thankful for cool, rainy nights in Georgia. The kind where you just open the window and listen to the rain fall while you drift off to sleep.

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Day 8

I am thankful for our country’s democratic process! Today is voting day, and I am thankful that we are afforded the opportunity to vote on issues as well as vote for our leaders. I’m thankful for our fore-fathers, who had the insight to develop such a great system, that may not be perfect, but it’s better than not having a voice at all. God Bless the USA!

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Day 7

Today I am thankful for the roof over our heads, food on our table, clothes on our bodies, and running vehicles to get us from place to place.

Day 6

Today I am thankful for my parents. Although they divorced thirty years ago, they both are very much a part of my life. I am thankful that I was never discarded in the changes of our family unit all those years ago. I’m happy to have a relationship with both of them, even though we don’t always agree. I’m happy to have them to call at any time when I need advice or help. Thanks Mama and Daddy! I love you both very much!

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Day 5

Today I am thankful for my pets’ health. Yesterday our pup had surgery and today one of our kitties went in for her yearly shots. Thankfully, they are both healthy and my pup’s surgery went well. They are truly a blessing to us, and it’s really true about what they say about pets are not just animals, but family members. I love all three of my furry family members so much, and today I am thankful for them and their good health!

wpid-IMG_0044-2011-11-1-18-0620.jpg Maddux, our happy Pug!

wpid-DSC_0006-2011-11-1-18-0620.jpg Bella, our diva kitty!

wpid-DSC_0040-2011-11-1-18-0620.jpg Bama, our sweet, yet bossy kitty!

Day 4

Today I am thankful for my friends. They are always so supportive and always available for a good laugh when I need it. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them. I love y’all!!!

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Day 3

Today I am thankful for my surgeon, Dr Keem. I was thinking earlier today that a year ago, I would not be able to enjoy the things I am able to do today. The pain I experienced during 2010 was the worst I’ve ever known. I’ve never had a constant, chronic, daily, debilitating pain like that before, I hope to never have it again. With his help and skill, I am able to do normal daily activities, like sit straight in a chair, and sleep all night, and walk for extended periods of time. He was truly a Godsend to me, and today, nine months post-op, I am thankful for my Neurosurgeon, Dr. Sean Keem. Thanks Doc!

http://seankeemmd.com/

Day 2

I am thankful for my brother, Eric. We have always been close, and at an early age we learned just how important we were to each other. When our parents divorced, we really bonded, and that bond continues today. Although he still “picks” on me as though we were still kids, he is truly a God send to me. He has grown up to be a hard working man, with a family of his own. He strives to be the best father he can be, and give his son the childhood he didn’t have. I am so proud of him for the man he has become. I am especially thankful for him during this time while our Dad is sick with Lymphoma. I can’t be there everyday, but I know that my Dad is in good hands with Eric. On this second day of thanks, I am thankful for you, my brother, Eric.

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Day 1

I am thankful for my husband. I have never known love, patience, and kindness like he has shown me. I have never been treated so well in my life. He supports any endeavor that I choose to take on, and even gives me an “atta girl” when I do well. He never, ever, discourages me. He is truly my best friend and life partner. I couldn’t ask for more, yet he still finds a way to give me more. I love you, Michael, and on this first day of thanks, I could only choose you to be thankful for.

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PCOS Awareness Month

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September is PCOS Awareness Month. PCOS stands for Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome. It is linked to many health problems, most common are infertility and insulin resistance. There is no cure, only treatments available for the symptoms.

My doctor suspects that I have this syndrome. I will go tomorrow for more tests, and I’m hoping for some answers. Good, bad, or otherwise. Just answers. I am looking forward to the beginnings of the treatment, and hopefully, I will be able to beat this. I am so thankful for my husband. He has been tremendously supportive during this time of stress and confusion for me.

Please remember those affected by PCOS this month, and every month.

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Links to info on PCOS:

http://www.pcosupport.org/what-is-pcos.php

http://pcosjournal.com/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001408/

9/23/11 update: They took 8 tubes of blood from me, and did an ultrasound of my ovaries and uterus. There were no cysts seen on my ovaries (YAY!), however, the doctor told me that just because there are no cysts doesn’t mean that I don’t have PCOS. It will take up to three weeks for the blood work results to come back, and I will go in to talk to her about the results. The wait is terrible. I want to know NOW. But, the Good Lord has given me patience and I will use it to my fullest! <3

9/29/11 update: My doctor called this afternoon and confirmed that I do, in fact, have PCOS. She is going to call Monday with information on the meds that I will have to take. I wanted answers and I got them. I have faith in my doctor and in the Good Lord. I think that we will make an excellent team to get this problem under control.

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Orbs?

While in St. Augustine, Mike and I went on a Ghost Tour. Our first stop was at the grounds of the St. Augustine Lighthouse. Our tour guide told the story about two little girls who drowned on the property. Their father was the man who built the lighthouse, and while he was working they would play on the grounds. One day, the girls and a neighbor girl wandered out to the water and were swept away. The neighbor girl was saved. Locals report hearing children’s laughter in the night.

There is a little playground on the property, with a slide and a swing set. The swing set is an old style one, like I can remember playing on as a child. It is very sturdy steel-post one with chains holding the swings up. Our tour guide told us that she has witnessed one of the swings actually swinging during a tour. She described it as a, “full-on swing, not just movement.”

I took the following picture without a flash, in the darkness. I pointed my camera in the direction of the swing set. I couldn’t see a thing through the viewer, due to the darkness. I don’t know what is in this picture, but I know that there was no light source at the time it was taken.

I’m not saying that it’s “orbs,” but I am saying it is suspicious.

What do you think?

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Reflections

I don’t think there has ever been a time in my adult life when I have felt so dependent on others. Sure, it’s nice to have someone do things for me, take care of me, help clean the house, etc. I don’t necessarily know how to handle this feeling of dependence. I am thankful for the help I am given, but I would much rather do it myself. (I’ve always been an independent kind of girl.)

So, with my over abundance of free time, I have done alot of reflecting. I was thinking today about my time and my life with Mike. I know it’s corny, but the last three years have completely flown by in a whirlwind. THREE YEARS??? ALREADY??? It seems like just a few months ago that we went on that first date that is now history.

It was a great date. We spent all day in Savannah being “tourists.” What great memories we made, and I am thankful today, three years later, that we both took a camera with us. How many people actually have a picture of their first date? We were certainly forward thinkers. HaHa.

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Me and Mike on our first date. May 2008

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TCB

Well, it’s been quite a while since I’ve blogged. I’ve had a very busy winter season. Thanksgiving and Christmas went without a hitch and I had a wonderful holiday! A new year is here and I am on a mission to “fix” the things that need fixin’. The first step is to finally have the surgery on my spine that probably should have been done last year. I didn’t really want to do it, but after a year of suffering with the pain, constant numbness, and most recently, the gradual loss of strength in my left arm and hand, it must be done. I went to my amazing orthopedic surgeon who has been amazing during this process and he told me that since the conservative treatments didn’t help, it is time to go to a spine surgeon. He referred me to a doc that he was once in a group with and that he said he trusts to do a great job. So I made an appointment for the following week.

Mike went with me and when we walked into the waiting area of his office, the walls were covered in very nice frames filled with letters and cards from patients thanking him for the amazing work he did in helping them. There was a letter from a solider that said that two weeks post surgery he was jumping from airplanes with no pain. Sounds amazing, huh? We were soon called back and Dr. Keem came into the exam room. He was very nice, well spoken, and seemed to genuinely care about my pain. He checked the strength in my arms and legs, and without looking at my MRI, he asked if my problem was C5 C6. I was pretty impressed, because that is EXACTLY what my problem area is! He explained what the surgery would entail, how long it would take, and what the recovery would be like. I could tell that he was a very smart man, far smarter than I am, but he was able to explain what he can do in terms that I could understand. I really really liked him.

His staff is working on getting an OR date and time for me. It will either be February 14th or 16th, and I must admit that I am a little nervous about this, but I know that ultimately it will be worth it. I should only be in the hospital one night, thankfully. I really can’t wait to get this disk out of my body. It has caused me more pain than I ever thought I could handle. In a nutshell, it has slowed me down considerably. I never want to go anywhere or do anything because I know that the next day I won’t be able to move. I have taken more Motrin and Aleve that I probably should have, and I’m sure my kidneys are angry at me because of it. But I wasn’t raised to be a cry baby. My Gram always said, “Ya gotta be tough.” And I hope that’s what I’ve done, and will continue to be. Tough.

Here’s one MRI pic of my problem.
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I know it’s hard to see, but the line down the center is my spinal cord. About half way down there is a little “dent.” That “dent” is where my disk is herniated and pressing on the spinal cord. That disk will be removed in surgery, a spacer put in it’s place, and a metal plate will be screwed in front of the vertebrae to hold it all together.

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Honeymoon Day 1

Our Honeymoon officially began the morning of Sunday, May 30th, and after we dropped our two lovely cats off at the boarder, we were on our way to Tampa! Our cruise ship would depart the following day, and we wanted to allow all the time we may need to get there, so on the way to Tampa we drove! Sunday night we stayed at a hotel on Tampa Bay. We didn’t arrive until around 11pm, so we really didn’t see much that night, but we got a much needed good night’s rest after the 9 hour road trip!

Monday we met with Mike’s old friend Kate and her boyfriend Paul and had a nice lunch with them at Bahama Breeze on Tampa Bay. It was a very tropical place, with lovely plants, and it was just perfect for getting us into a tropical mood!

Bahama Breeze, Tampa Bay
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It was great to finally talk more with Kate and Paul. I had never met them before our wedding, and I wasn’t able to spend alot of time talking to them there. They let us leave the little red Jeep at their house while we were gone, which was GREATLY appreciated! The dropped us off at the dock and on the cruise ship we went!

View of Tampa as our ship was leaving
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The first night aboard the ship was so exciting. We went exploring this massive ship, that had everything from restaurants to miniature golf to stages for the many shows they offered. It was our first cruise, and we wanted to see EVERYTHING!

Life ring
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The sunset was AMAZING. It was absolutely beautiful. Mike had never before sat and watched a sunset, so I made it a point for him to see it. He was amazed, of course, at the beauty and purity and perfection of this gift from God.

Sunset over the Gulf of Mexico

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After watching the sunset, we went and ate dinner, walked around the ship some more, then returned to our room with our first “animal towel” waiting for us. We think it’s a seal, who, by the way, was wearing Mike’s glasses! haha!

It was a great first day of our cruise! And next, a full day at sea! More to come later!

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