Change Happens

This week the largest tree in our front yard toppled over during a rain storm. Although it destroyed my beautiful rose bush and was a total mess to clean up, it didn't cause any property damage and there were no injuries.

What was so surprising about this is the fact that no other trees in our neighborhood were damaged. Was this a sign? A sign of what?

After spending two days cutting and clearing the debris, our house now has a new look. That picturesque view seems so naked without that tree and my lovely red rose bush.

Losing that tree is a reminder that CHANGE HAPPENS.

That tree has changed the landscape of our home. It wasn't a decision we made. It was a decision made for us by Mother Nature.

The point is this: Throughout our lives, change will happen. One day we are single--then we are married. One day we are young--then we grow old. One day we have a job--the next day we may not. One day you're on top of the world--the next day the world's on top of you. One day your tree will be standing--the next day it will fall....and so on and so forth.

It's best to be prepared for the unexpected---but even if you aren't prepared, be ready to deal with the aftermath.

How to Get Attention in the ER

Just say you think you're having a heart attack. It worked for me yesterday. I woke up with a pain in my chest. It felt like a knot. I also had some difficulty breathing. I tried to dismiss it and go about my day. After leaving the Farmer's Market, I came home, got on my computer---thinking that Twitter would somehow make me feel better (LOL!)

When I couldn't stand it anymore, I called my doctor's office and was told to go straight to the emergency room and tell them I was having chest pains. Since there is a history of heart disease in my family, I take this matter very seriously.

When I walked into the ER of Durham Regional Hospital, I saw a waiting room FULL of people and thought I would surely die if I had to wait. But no sooner than I gave my name and the nurse took my vitals, I was led to a bed with doctors and nurses rushing in to take care of me. (Maybe the fact that my blood pressure was 151/108 had something to do with it).

It was the best/worst experience I've ever had in an ER. I definitely didn't want to be there but the treatment I received was awesome! The nurses, Sharita and Kristen, were pleasant and comforting. Kristen and I even joked about the "Pretty Girl Names" video on the Boomer Diva TV site. The young ER doctor, who told my husband and me to call him TJ, was the absolute coolest. He makes me hope I live long enough for him to get his own practice. I will definitely do his PR!

This was quite a different experience from my last ER visit with my daughter. After waiting several hours, the attending physician admitted he didn't know what was wrong with her and prescribed an anti-biotic which I guess he thought was a cure-all for whatever was ailing her.

One thing I learned about this ER experience is that there are medical personnel who genuinely care about patients and take a lot of pride in their work and they really do want to get to the heart of the matter.

Thanks Durham Regional!

US Airways Flight 3407

I was freaking out about having to fly in a snowstorm from Michigan to North Carolina on Wednesday evening. I was traveling on US Airways Flight # 3407. Ultimately, I made it home safely.

Less than 24 hours later, I learned that another group of US Airways passengers on Flight 1549 were also headed to NC (from NY) but their circumstances were dramatically different. A flock of geese could've taken 155 lives but, instead, it ended up being a miracle on the Hudson River.

What a testimony of God's goodness! I can't help thinking I could've been on that flight had the airline canceled our flight. We were delayed by two hours with the weather getting progressively worse but we made it.

You just never know how close you can come on a daily basis to it being your last day. That's why its so important to live each day the very best you can by being an inspiration to someone else.

I hope this blog post has inspired you.

Me and My Computer

The house is quiet once again.

Today, I took my daughter back to college for her second semester. Hubby is back in the DC area where he works during the week. My grandson is off visiting other relatives—so it’s just me and my computer.

For the past three weeks our home has been filled with lots of laughter and love and, yes, even some arguments. But all in all, it’s been a blast having my husband and daughter home for more than a weekend. It has given us a chance to grow closer as a family.

But now the family is off doing their own thing once again, while it’s just me and my computer. Thank God for computers because this is my way to stay connected.

Do you stay in touch with your family via computer and if so, how often?