Broken-Hearted

I've been slack again. I was going to post about my niece's birthday (and I still will) or Halloween (pix anyway) or even my own birthday this past weekend. But then I got on Facebook today and the second thing I see after the page loads is that someone sweet and wonderful had passed away.


I don't really like that term, but it sounds much kinder than "died." At any rate, I know she is much better off. She (Heather) had CF and I know the last year or so seemed rougher than usual. But there is definitely a hole in my heart and a tear in my soul where she belongs.


I keep seeing people talking about Joe Frazier and Heavy D dying. I understand that when a celeb dies that it affects people, even if they didn't "know" them, but I still keep wanting to tell people that I don't care! And that they shouldn't either. They should care about Heather. But I know it doesn't work that way.


I also know life goes on. We see it time and time again. But all day today I have wanted people to stop what they were doing... know about her and then feel the loss of her presence like those of us that loved her do (I can't even begin to imagine what her husband is feeling right now.)


Love you, Heather! Miss you already. You are one of my favorite little rays of sunshine. Even if you are a crookedy ray that sometimes shines in people's eyes on purpose hehe <3

HRH

I was feeling a bit off so I went to check my blood sugar and as expected, it was low (not too badly though, it was only 50). So I decided to have ice cream since it would both raise my b/g quickly, and also be delicious lol


When I got back, the movie The Queen was on. I hadn't seen it yet so I figured I might as well watch it. It's only been on about 20 minutes now. Anyway, the part - Spoiler if you haven't seen it! - where Diana is announced dead has just happened. (I saw the accident scene a bit ago so I knew it was coming up soon.)


This brought up a memory I had about all this. I've had it several times over the years, particularly when the anniversary of her death comes up. The Paparazzi shown chasing Diana & Dodi in the car is what brought it up this time. Years ago, before Diana died, some group or other had photos of Diana with marks on her leg. I remember them making (their usual rude comments at that) comments about her having cellulite on her thigh and someone (whether it was official or not, I don't remember...I was still a kid at the time!) defending her saying that she'd been sitting on a stool and it was just marks on her leg. (Whatever! Who cares if it was cellulite or not?)


So the thought I've had over the years is this: How did those people feel after making comments like that? Did they even think about it? You made meaningless and nasty (although they could have been worse) remarks about someone and later you (not personally obviously but still  people of the 'press') are most likely at least partially responsible for her death.


I know if it had bee ME, I would think about that for the rest of my life. I would feel horrible. I know they are "just doing their job" but it is still a choice. I don't understand it really. I mean, I like hearing about this celeb or that doing things...but I like to hear about the good things. A charitable cause. A marriage. A baby.


Anyway, just one of those random thoughts I had/have. I'll be back sooner or later to catch up on everything else. I've just been kind of antisocial lately, at least online. It happens, but I'll definitely be back.

Birthday Party!

Next week is my niece Elliana Grace's 2nd birthday party! I'm excited. As I have mentioned before, I love that kid! (Plus, I like get-togethers! I don't care if they are children's birthday parties lol) Things have been tough this year, so I tried to help out some. I got all the plates, cups, napkins, etc today, as well as stuff to make brownies (yum!) and cupcakes (double yum!) I'm hoping to put my semi-baking skills to good use and get the cupcakes colored to match the party theme. If I fail, I have backup Yellow frosting lol Jenn (her mother) said she needed clothes in her current size so that was like a jackpot! I love buying clothes! For me or anyone else lol I only had time to go to one store though, so I had to make it count. I had to get her a toy too because, c'mon, it's a birthday! But I figured I would save that for Christmas since she really needs the warmer clothes now before it gets cold. I imagine there will be pictures to follow :-)

Relax

I seriously need to learn to relax. I don't understand it. I'm a pretty laid-back, chilled out individual, but physically, I am often tense. I'm even tense during things that shouldn't be. Example: I was lying down a week or so ago, hoping it wouldn't take me 900 years to get to sleep, and I realized my body was not completely relaxed. I had to force myself to melt lol Same thing when I was getting a little bit of massage one day. Even once I'm asleep I'm not fully un-tense. I clinch my jaws and grind my teeth! I've even been told it can sound kind of scary sometimes lol So how do you get un-tense if there is tension even while you are asleep?!

Today Was A Good Day

Today was a good day! Or I guess I should say that yesterday was. Saw the doctor for my 6 month check-up deal. Got some other medical things taken care of while I was there. Got my flu shot! Doc decided to draw some blood while I was there, so now both my arms are tender lol But after all that fun...


Mom and I had lunch at "The Birthday Sizzler" (which is actually a steak house called Western Sizzlin that does a special on birthdays so families often go, hence the name). They have this veggie soup that I just love. Had a big plate of salad, bowl of that delicious soup, some Italian meatballs and lots of veggies. Oh and some cheesecake hehe


Afterwards, we did a little shopping. Mostly window shopping, but it's still fun. I did pick up a few things: couple of things we needed for the house, couple of books, a few little Christmas gift items, a shirt and a dress (both on sale for $5...You can't beat $5!). I've been on a dress kick for awhile. It's cute. It's dotted swiss (aka swiss dots!) and cut in a way I like, so it was a win-win-win for me!


Came home and had mercy taken on me and my poor arms lol I didn't have to cook! BK may not be gourmet food, but man that burger was good! Sometimes a girl just needs a double cheeseburger! lol Bro stopped by to help cut down the tree. An on-going project/problem for Joe. Personally, I liked the tree, but whatever. It's nothing but a super short stump now.


And the strangest bit: We cleaned the bathroom. I know that doesn't sound like that much fun or something that would make a day "good" but it's nice to do things together. I don't think I've been so happy cleaning in awhile. I doubt the boy-wonder felt the same lol but that is ok.


Had a nap (always a plus!) did some internetting and just read a few chapters. Good end to a good day.


Next on the agenda: Girl's night out on Friday (assuming Angie doesn't cancel on me. It happens). And then Saturday, my brother's bff and long time friend of our family is getting married! I like weddings. It gives me a good excuse to get all dressed up and then socialize lol I'm wondering if thier son will be there / be in the wedding? He's young so IDK. I'm wondering mostly though, because I'm hoping my neice will be there. Forget being mommy or daddy's girl, I think Ellie should be Auntie's girl. I love that kid!


Unrelated Note: Watched Thor the other day. Gotta watch them all before The Avengers movie comes out. Anyway, ladies, if you like shirtless hunks, there's a scene you should definitely check out LOL Iron Man is still my favorite though :-)

h4x0rz

Movies about hackers and hacking are cool, but in the real world it can be bad news. Trust me, I know that not everyone that can and does hack is a baddie. Some of them do it just to show they can and then leave everything as is. But, there are always the guys on the other side of the line that like to cause chaos - or at least mischief.  If I get malware or a virus on my PC, it’s a nuisance more than anything else. I’m not happy about it, but it’s not life or death. However, the one piece of technology that I rely on that IS life or death is my insulin pump. At the recent Black Hat conference it was revealed that you can hack an insulin pump. I can't exactly picture this happening to me or to anyone else for that matter, but it still makes me thinkg WTF?!

http://www.slashgear.com/hacker-shows-how-to-hack-insulin-pumps-at-black-hat-conference-05169762/

Finally Fall

I am so happy that it is finally Fall! Although, it hasn't felt like it much the last few days. It was 84 the other day, which isn't too bad, but the humidity was back! Ugh! But you have to expect that in the South. Summer isn't over until it's ready to be over! Aside from those days (and all this rain which probably has a lot to do with the humidity!) I love this weather! Not just the cooler temps, but as mentioned, the dreaded humidity drops. Nothing like breathing soup when you walk out into a 90 or even 100+ degrees day! It's nice to be able to enjoy a warm day without that.


The world just *feels* different for me this time of year too. When I was a kid (even though we started school in August and not the actual fall) I felt it. So as I got older I just attirbuted the feelings to that (even though I wasn't in school anymore). But now I realize that it's something different. There are the things you can see and feel obviously: the sun's angle changes. the temp. and humidity drop. I don't know what it is. I can't explain it and I can't show it to you, but I only feel it when Autumn comes and no other season. Maybe because I was born in the Fall? (although not until November). I don't know what it is, but I welcome it every year. Happy Fall, everyone!

Remembering September 11th

I was going to make commerative post on September 11th, but as we learned on that horrible day, sometimes life changes your plans. Sometimes things change quickly. But the most important bit: Life goes on around us no matter what happenes or what we thought we were going to do.


So I am a bit late, but I truly believe this is a day worth thinking about. (I hate to use the word "remember" because of all the "slogans" about remembering 9/11. How could we ever, ever forget? But remembering is what we must do.) We should remember the lives that were lost. We should remember those that lost someone they loved. We should remember everyone that went to help. We should remember how we felt that day. We should think about the horrible things human beings can and will do to each other. We should remember how it affected us as a country, but more importantly how we came together and stood tall where the towers fell. We should remember those from other countries that reached out both physically and emotionally to support us.


The day started off unusually for me anyway. I was obviously much younger then. It was rare for me to be up early in those days, and if I was up early, it was very unlikely that I would be watching the news. Well, actually I was watching The Today Show. 

My dad was outside working on his car. Mom hadn't returned yet from taking my sister to school. I was standing in the living room in front of the tv. Matt Lauer was talking about something - I have no idea what now - when there was a typical interruption when "Breaking News" happens. Matt announced that a plane had hit one of the towers.


I remember thinking that was crazy and wondering if something happened to the pilot or in "the tower" or...I had no idea. I went outside to tell my dad about it. Went back inside to watch some more when they announced the 2nd plane hitting. By that time they had video to accomany the story and there was talk of terrorism.


Mom and I had already had plans that day to go shopping. It wasn't "fun" shopping or I believe we would have cancelled it. Once again, life moves on even when the worst things happen. But  there were things I needed to get, so we decided we'd go ahead and go. Stores were close to empty that day and the people that were there looked shell-shocked. A lot of almost vacant looks. No one really acknowledged each other or if they did speak, it was about the horrors we'd all seen or heard about that day. People were lost in their own thoughts. There was none of the usual energy you percieve in a store or place containing people. It was so still. Life slowed, but kept moving on.

Back To School

Today was the first day of school...for my sister anyway! It even feels like back to school weather! A front came through and brought rain -- and cooler weather with it. This being the South, Back-To-School generally still feels like Sticky-Hot-Summer! 

There's always something in the air that is not weather related about the beginning of the school year. I've felt it all my life, even now that school is long since past. For my vanity's sake, we'll just pretend it wasn't that long ago haha


When I was in school, and even as late as last year for my sister, school started around the 3rd week in August. However, this year they got a late start because the high schoolers were starting in a brand new school. That's pretty exciting for them. The cool part, is our Uncle is the supervising contractor (or something!) of all the new high schools that were built in Pickens County. I think my Cousin had something to do with the concrete contract as well.


So, back to my sister. She's a Junior this year. Yikes. One more year til Graduation! That makes me feel old(ish). But once again, we'll just overlook that for the sake of my vanity. It's really taking a hit today!

M.I.A. - Again!

I've been away again. Mostly working on stuff. There's not much to tell about that that is interesting though, & not much else going on either.


I did find out that most of the rest of the family didn't get to go up North for my cousin's wedding either. That makes me feel a little better about not being able to attend. I felt like our little part of the family would be the only ones not there and that turned out not to be true. But I still feel bad about it because she's one of my cousins that I am most fond of. Ah well...I did send a gift and she knows how much I love her (i hope!)


Anything else going on - at least that I can think of - is medical. And I'm still trying to shy away from this becoming my medical memoirs lol But it still may happen. Some of it's very interesting! Well, some of the past stuff...If you are into that sort of thing. Dr. House would get into some of it I think. Maybe I should get in touch with some medical shows. Sell them my stories. Hmmm. I'm JK of course! But if I thought they'd buy any of it, I might lol


Since I'm on the subject, medical stuff is going well. But I do have several appointments I need to make. Hopefully they will give out good news too, but I have this little feeling (which may be part of why I keep procrastinating (that and I just often forget until like now: 8:45 pm. A time I can't possibly make one!)) that at least one of them won't be good. But, I guess I can't find that out until I make them and go!


One of the things I've been doing that I mentioned up there (mentioned as in, saying there wasn't much to talk about...cause there isn't lol) is going pretty well. It's so boring though. I've been going through the various folders on my computer - and I have a LOT of stuff on here - and organizing what's not organized, sharing what I'm going to delete in case anyone else wants it (graphics and things) and then deleting anything I no longer want. It takes a lot longer than you think! Esp. since I can only do a little at a time. If I don't, I get brain dead lol I was working on the music that way too, but I haven't picked that up in a week or so. 


I've listened to music, of course, but I just haven't worked on that. I'll get back to it though. I have a lot of songs that I haven’t listened to yet (all acquired legally, RIAA, so just keep your panties unbunched!) The problem is, I don’t want to hog up HD space with crap, so I have to listen to it to decide if I want to even keep it. Plus, I’m looking for stuff to put on my iPod. 

The problem is, for every gem I find, I listen to at least 10-20 songs that… Well, let me restate that. Some of them aren’t bad, but I’m not looking to keep things that simply don’t make me think Auto-Dislike. So if it makes me cringe or if it’s just “ok” it’s still going to go (for the most part. Sometimes I like to keep around melodic pieces of fluff for background sounds). It'll be so nice having my hard drive all sorted and organized and RIGHT lol It won't last. There will always be things to put away, but at least it won't be as bad as I let it get.


Gotta get caught up on my shows too. Despite the fact that I only keep up with a couple, I'm not current right now! Several of them are USA shows though, so that won't be a big deal since they run their shows over and over again lol Gotta get my TB fix too. I'm sad that the season is almost over again. I hope that it won't take as long as last time to start a new season though!

Christmas In August

I started my holiday shopping today. Yeah, I know, that seems a little early, but usually I've started before now even lol I didn't buy anything yet. Just got some ideas, bookmarked some things. I have to start early so I can afford to get everyone something... And not just something, but something that I know they will like and/or need.

Starting in October and letting up around February, there are a LOT of birthdays to take care of as well. Throw in Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Valentine's and Easter... well, that's why I have to get a jump on things! My own birthday falls in there too, but I'm not shopping for myself. Not yet anyway lol

If only I weren't so poor! That isn't actually true. I say "poor" but I have been much less (financially) fortunate in my life. And even then I had a roof over my head and food in my belly. So, know that when I say things about being poor, that I truly am being exaggerative and really DO know how lucky I am. I wouldn't mind having a money tree though lol I don't even want to be rich per se. I just want to be able to do things when I need to and not have to save up or like this, start Christmas shopping in the summer!

M.I.A.

I've been missing in action! While I really never assumed I'd be a serveral times a day and possibly not even a once a day blogger, I figured to be here a little sooner between posts. I've been what I call Internet Antisocial lately. It happens sometimes. I haven't been completely like times in the past. I've kept up with e-mail, facebook, and surprisingly, Formspring, but other than that...not a peep.

Not that I really have anything interesting going on. There was some other news from my appointment the other day, but I wasn't trying to turn this into a Medical Journal lol But, some of it's (possibly) more good news and some of it I'm iffy about.

I told my regular doc about a problem I was having. I knew what it was, but I can't write presciptions lol But there was a lot of hubub with the insurance company. So, since I was seeing the endocrinologist anyway, and it's a diabetic-related issue, I told her about it (and the hubub) so she wrote me another Rx. I'm not sure how to tell if it's working or not really. It's a little difficult to explain but here goes.

The problem is nerve pain. It's awful. So, the first medication, the dr. said take as needed. So, take it when the pain comes. No problem! This one, she says it has to build up in your system so to take it twice a day. Here's where the problem comes in. It's very irregular. I could have it twice in one week and then not have it again for 3 months. So, I really have no idea if I will know or not if anything happens. I guess what the plan is, is for me to take it awhile, then see what happens, then stop, and see what happens. I don't know. I don't know how you would measure something that isn't predictable? Anyway...As much as I don't like the idea of more medicine, if it helps, I am ALL for it!

The other news was about my Thyroid. The first time I saw the new doctor back in the spring, she said my thyroid test came back just a little high. She checked it again when I came back in 6 weeks and it was ok again. So when I went back the other day (3 months later) it was high again. They are going to re-test in November (3 more months) and see. If it's high: More medication! Grrr!

I was reading up on thyroid problems. Seems it might explain my fatigue and maybe even why sometimes I am just so cold. I am ok with weird little side effects like that. But it was also saying that it can raise your cholesterol and blood pressure and such. Things that are bad for you anyway, which are of course worse if you are Diabetic. Argh! So, that was my iffy news.

Did get the flooring finished in the hallway. I think it looks nice. The only bummer is, we can't put the thresholds down until the other floors are done (unfortunately, the "hall" is almost more like a foyer area and opens up in 4 other rooms and a closet). It's going to take awhile since we are doing it a little at a time. Why can't I be rich? lol All I wanna do is finish my floors! hehe

Reading the latest Sookie Stackhouse book too. That makes me happy. I like being caught up on something! It might as well be my entertainment!

And on a sunny note: I got to see my cute little niece for a little while last week. That always brightens my day. She's fun. Can't believe she'll be 2 in a few months! See below for a picture of her adorableness!

Aunt Sam (me) and Elliana Grace aka Ellie out taking a walk. Well, I'm doing most of the walking here lol We were whispering. Isn't she cute?! Yes. Yes she is.

Good News

The day started off in a way that just made me think that the rest of the day was going to suck too lol But, I got to the dr's appointment early which I assumed would mean I would sit longer rather than be seen sooner (the norm). I was wrong on that note (Glad to be wrong about things like that!) Got my weight and vitals and all that done. No surprises there. Got my print-outs back (they take your insulin pump and hook it up to a computer and print out all your info...very high techy-cool if you ask me...esp if you are like me and HATE to keep log books!).


My big area of trouble is usually my A1C result. They would like your number to be under 7. I think in the 20+ years I've been a Diabetic, that has happened...once? Maybe twice? And it being less than 9.... a handful of times. Soooo when I found out that my result was SIX I was happy of course, but very surprised! *go me, go me*

The A1C is essentially a test that shows what your average blood sugar has been over a 3 month time span. It's just a tool to help show if you are in the right range or not. Obviously, you can have a good number and still be off track. For example...a lot of highs balanced out by a lot of lows. NOT good news. NOT what you want, but I don't seem to have that pattern so I feel my 6 is legit. 


I saw my previous endocrinologist (Yes, Dr. Poopyhead) for 8, count them EIGHT years and never got results she got in about 4 months. Miracles do happen! lol Ok, maybe it's not miraculous, but it sure feels like it.


Took mom to victory lunch. Lunch was decided beforehand. It was either going to be condolence lunch or victory lunch lol But we ran a few errands together. Had a nice afternoon. Came home and prepared for Ellie time! I didn't get to see my niece for long, but she's always a blast to have around. That almost-2-year-old wears Auntie Sam out though! But it made my heart happy when she didn't want to go home. Hey, I take my validation where I can get it lol And at least her joy and love and emotions are sincere.

Tomorrow

I haven't had internet access most of the day. Horrible! lol I had plenty of other things to do, so it wasn't really a big deal. But it's kind of like when they tell you not to eat or drink for a test or operation and then all you want to do is eat and drink. And you swear you have never been so hungry or thirsty - ever! It's the idea that I couldn't get online, not that I really needed or wanted to. Anyway, as you can see, I managed to survive the day!


Tomorrow I have a dr's appointment. Joyous rapture! After so many years,  it's just.... ugh. I'm seeing the endocrinologist aka the diabetic doctor. That always makes me feel anxious. You never really know what kind of news you will get or how they will react to it. It's a new doctor so that throws things a little out there. On the other hand, it IS a new doctor so at least I no longer have to see my old doc. When I would mention him to people - regular people as well as medical personnel - they knew who I was talking about and had opinions of their own. They were never good. I "lovingly" refer to him as Dr. Poopyhead if that tells you anything.


Anyway, back to the important part of this story. New Doctor. I saw her for the first time for an initial consult, then came back in 6 weeks and my progress looked good. I've been 'cut loose' for 3 months so we'll see how it goes. The thing that bugs me about these doctors though is that they are all a bit stuck. Medically speaking, I am weird. A lot of the time my body does not go by the norm. The rulebooks don't apply. Sometimes it does, but time and again it has not. I try explaining that to these specialists, but they don't get it. They seem to think that if you do x, y, & z, everything will work out as it should. And then when it doesn't, they treat me like it's my fault. Something I did or did not do.


That's where the anxiety really comes from. I don't know if things are going to turn out great or if they will be iffy and I really do not enjoy the way any thing "off" gets passed on to me. All you can really do is take the blame, even if it isn't anyone's fault. At any rate, I'm hoping since this is a new group and it is early in the game that things will still go smoothly. In the meantime, at least I have my interwebs back. Victory shall be mine!

Books & Movies & More Books

I am currently reading: The Descent by Jeff Long. I thought this was going to be the book that the movie The Descent (that came out in 2006 I believe) was based on, but it doesn't seem to be (although there are some similarities.)


This is the first book in awhile that I've started that wasn't a book that had a movie based on it. I read one and then decided to read another. And then another. And another.


I just finished reading The Godfather yesterday. Before that I'd read I Am Legend, The Road, American Psycho, Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist, The Lovely Bones, Fight Club, The Princess Bride, Shutter Island, & the Millenium Trilogy (The Girl Who...)  to name a few.


I love both reading the book and seeing the movie. Sometimes I have not even known there was a book until I heard/read about it somewhere after seeing a movie or a movie comes out.  I like to compare. Like most readers, I will have to agree that the book is better. Usually anyway. I have come across a few instances where I liked the movie better. There are a few movies too that I guess I just liked so much that the book felt differently, so I will call those times a tie *smile*


I've seen all of those movies except for The Lovely Bones (it's in my Netflix queue!). I also still have in my stash to read (aka my Kindle): All the Pretty Horses (haven't seen it), Eat, Pray, Love (haven't seen it), Stir of Echoes (saw it, but I remember it vaguely), Rules of Attraction (haven’t seen it), Intensity (saw it) L.A. Confidential (can’t remember if I saw it lol) & Let the Right One In (saw it). I'm sure I have other movie-books, but those are the ones I remember. Might be time to change it up a little bit anyway.


The one movie-book I have read that I haven't and probably will never see the movie counterpart is Deliverance. That's odd because if I've read it, I almost always want to see the movie too, but in this case, I have no real desire to see that movie.

August 19th

Today is a big day. My cousin Rachel is marrying her long-time boyfriend. I'm so excited for them! I'm just sorry that I couldn't be there. Not only because I'm missing her day, but weddings (and unfortunately funerals) are some of the only times I get to see a lot of my family members. And a big get together like that is always a good time. Plus, because the wedding was taking place up north (Maryland I believe) I was going to try and see my cousin Nick who lives in DC. IDK We have a special bond. I promised him cousins night out lol One day it will happen.


This day is also my 5 year anniversary. It's hard to believe that. But when you find something good, you have to hold onto it right? (Plus, I will admit, I'm excited because I was told I am getting a present! of course I got gifts to give too, but...I like presents!)


It's also an important day to remember because on the day of our first date, the fellow in question didn't smoke. He decided if he could go without smoking for 10 hours, he could quit, and he did. I know how hard it is for some people (most people) to stop smoking. It's a big deal, so I am very proud of him for that! He may have done it for me, (which I did not ask of him) but in the long run, he did it for himself.

The Vortex

 

The Vortex. Carowinds. North Carolina. Circa: 1990's

(Stand Up Roller Coaster)

Trendy Pix!

I thought I'd share some pictures here as well my rambling.

I'm not a great photographer, but I do dabble.

First, I wanted to indulge myself in a trendy 

look at me in the car self shot lol

Hey, at least I'm not making "Duck Face" (never happen!)

I don't do photographs often (as in, me in them) 

so we might as well get them when they happen.

Then, I have a much more interesting photo to share!

What A Pain In The....

Foot. The ball of my foot. Well, sort of. Its that little spot right below the toes, but right before the actual ball of your foot. It's the reason I'm up at 2:35 in the morning instead of sleeping (which is where I would LOVE to be.) Not that I'm not up late often, but I don't want to be up because of pain you know?

I didn't hurt myself, before anyone asks. It's a diabetic thing. Diabetic "nerve pain" to put it simply. The problem can cause tingling, numbness or pain. I would like to ask for one of the first two please? lol Anyway, it's pretty rough. It's like a migraine in your foot.


My doctor wrote a prescription for me, but of course the insurance co. didn't want to cover it. So the doctor's office called me and said call them back and find out what drug they will cover. So I called the insurance company back and they told me to tell my doctor to go to their website and look at the list of approved medications. Excsue me? Does he have time for that? I think not! I don't understand why a rep couldn't sit there, look it up, and give me some names that I could give to the dr's office. Long story short, it's 6 months later and nothing.


I'm pretty tough I think, esp. when it comes to pain. I can handle it. But this is bad and it tends to go on for awhile. I try not to complain too much (hey, it happens but I do try lol) but it starts making me cranky after awhile!


So anyway, here I am, online, doing internet things. I'm still new here so I'm not following anyone yet. Thing I will go find some blogs to read/follow. Just what I need. One more thing to take up my time lol

A Little Bit About Me

Introduction: My name is Samantha, but you can call me Sam. I figured I would get that out of the way for people that will ask if they can call me that, and go ahead and give permission to those people that don't ask. (I don't know why, but I'm a little picky about people just presuming they can. Not immediately anyway. It speaks a familiarity that not everyone is entitled to.) I have many nicknames, but Sam is the obvious choice. If, along the way, you come up with one for me too, cool. If I don't like it, I will tell you! If I don’t like it, but I really like you, I will still tell you, but I will tell you that it’s ok with me if you call me that. (unless it's rude!) *smile*


DOB: My birthday is November 4th, but you knew that right? Isn't that day on everyone's calendar? hehe My age? Well, I have no problem with my age, but I don't just tell people. It adds a bit of mystery lol Plus it's the one thing I can lie about if I want to. To look at me, well, I look young. Being a November baby makes me a Scorpio, which I think is rad. Anyway, back to the "number" - Old enough to buy my own drinks (legally, which is 21 in the States) but not old enough to be a Senior Citizen (which I think is 65).


Geography: I currently live in South Carolina. I have lived most of my life here. There was a brief stint in Alabama (reasons for that may come about later. IF they do, it will be much later I’m guessing). I’m originally from Florida. I may be from the South, but I am NOT Southern! Actually, that isn't true. I am Southern, I'm just not "Country."


Photo: I will post one in the next day or so. It'll have to be a picture I like though lol I don't know what it is. I'm not a bad looking lady IMO, but I am so very un-photogenic.


Family Life: I have a lot of family. Step family, half-siblings, literally and figuratively adopted family, common law family, in laws... The family keeps on going! hehe It's all family though. We don't use the terms "half" or "step" or anything like that. It's just a technicality. The people I iwll probably mention the most are my parents aka Mom & Dad, my siblings aka Ben & Kris, my sister-in-law aka Jenn & my nieces/nephew Elliana, Aislyn & Keegan.


The Animal Kingdom:  I have a kitty. Her name is Riley. She's a Torti & a Calico (I call it a Tortico). I also often claim/talk about the animals at my parents' house since they were family pets and used to be mine too. Sometimes when I find an interesting bug/animal or just ones that strike my fancy, I will name them lol Hey, I never said I wasn’t weird.


 Entertainment: I read a lot, but I also enjoy movies a lot too. I do watch TV, but I don’t generally keep current with any shows (Except True Blood and Burn Notice). Everything else I just watch here and there. More often than not it is background noise. Music is a big deal. I am also into Photography. Fashion, although not so much with keeping up with it. I just like clothes and shoes and things lol So maybe that is more like shopping *smile* Cooking/Baking. Pretty much anything Sciency (and technical words like sciency!). I <3 Geeks and Nerds. Pin-ups. Geishas and Lolitas! (Kind of makes me sound like I have a thing for risque women hehe) Comedy/Humor. Vampires (of course! But this goes way, way back.) Sharpies. Travel. Zoos.




Lifestyle: Bet you thought I was going to talk about my sexuality (relatively straight. Ask if you must know what that means) or being a vegan (I’m not. Bring on the steak AND the asparagus!) but I’m not. It’s a different kind of lifestyle. The life of a Diabetic (Type 1) Long term. Some times I may post about that and it may be boring or whiny to those it doesn’t concern in anyway. But for me it is a big deal. Been coping with it probably longer than some of you have been alive. Just a heads up!


Misc:  Social drinker, non-smoker. Never been married. No kids (other than the fur babies). My sense of humor ranges from one kind to another. I am awesome. (I tell myself that often. You've been warned.)


Ok, I think that is enough for the moment. While reading fascinating facts about yours truly, you got to experience my awesomeness! my charm! my fantastic writing skills AND my amazing humor. I’m totally being fascetious here, but hey if you agree, I’m not going to argue with you.

Welcome!

Hello, and welcome to my little slice of blog space. It's not my first, but it's the first one I've had in many years. I had been thinking of starting one again for some time now. I started with Tumblr because it seemed very easy, which it is, but it wasn't what I was really looking for. I did some comparisons on Blogger vs Wordpress (and I've never really cared for WP!) and decided on Blogger. And so, here I am.


So, a little about me. First, I imagine if you are reading this, you know me at least a little bit if from no where else than some place on the web. But, you never know. You could be someone I haven't met yet. I'll do a proper (or at least some kind of) bio soon just in case you are new to me. In the mean time, this is how I work:  I tend to post in a random/sporadic way or at least I have in the past. I may post one thing a week or 33 times on a particular day. Whatever strikes my fancy.

I'm not a very controversial person, but this is my place to say whatever I want to say about what I think or feel.  I'm not looking to debate. However, my intention is never to insult or offend anyone.


I don't talk politics. I'm just not into them at all. I won't be making religious posts either (at least I don't imagine I will be). Sports? Probably not. Unless it's something special or just me whining about everyone else talking/posting sports *grin* Probably other things I don't discuss, but those are ones you can bet on.


Some things I will definitely talk about are, obviously myself lol but also things like books, movies, the occassional TV show, animals, Diabetes (the joy of my life! /sarcasm) and health/medical topics in general, photography, & art. I'm sure there will be posts about my friends and family too, as well as the occassional gripe/whine/bitchfest from me, and of course everyone's favorite: food!


Now you know a little more about me and what you're likely to find here. Pretty typical stuff, but hopefully not too boring *wink* So I have welcomed you, please feel free to say hello and welcome me *smile*