Getting Back in the Groove

Hey there Readers!

Hope all has been well. Buffy and I took a few weeks off from the blog for the holidays and sickies. Just got to love winter colds. The last few weeks have been a time of discoveries. The first think I have learned is that I can handle swimming in teh dark. Yes, candlelight swimming.

For my birthday I was kidnapped by my dear friend and was taken to her parent's home (one of my second homes growing up), where to the greatest enjoyment I had a very tasty dinner of chili and after dinner, swimming. Growing up, swimming was on of my most favorite activities. The gift for my birthday was wonderful! It was the first time I was out of the house, other than doctor's appointments, since Detroit in November. I got to visit some wonderful friends who I consider family and I got to relax and de-stress. It was wonderful to smile and giggle once again. I actually felt normal for the first time in a very long time. The experience meant more to me than words could ever express.

My next discovery came with a terrible snow storm. I discovered that at night on a cloudy evening, I can shovel snow. Being that I live in Indiana we see plenty of snow here and that means shoveling driveways and porches and walkways. On this last storm we ended up with a good 18 inches of snow at my house. So it felt great to get out of the house and get some exercise. It also helped me get rid of the cabin fever. I can'twait for some warmer weather so I can go walking again at night.

I'm finding the winter weater is bringing my spirit down. Last fall I coud at least get outside at night. Sometimes its hard to believe I've been living in the dark since September. Life has changed so much and in so many ways. I've discovered in some ways I'm stronger and other ways I'm weaker. I've learned and loved, and I've found who my true friends are. I'm lifted up and forgiven by God. I've found my faith and I'm learning to be a better person. I know my faults and my creative ways.

I've learned that the blog is reaching people and inspiring them and encouraging many people. I'm so thankful for that, it helps me keep up a good attitude and sometimes that's very hard to do. I have good days and bad days and when they're bad, they really are bad. To my family and friends I say thank you form the bottom of my heart, you have no idea how much you mean to me.

To my husband, John. I especially want to say thank you. I know this hasn't been easy on you. You give me strength and support when I am weak. You listen to my every complaint and cry. You  are my rock and I love you so much. I say I love you everyday and it's true. Thank you for being you.

Wow, where did all of that sappiness come from? I'll try not to get too sappy in my writings, but sometimes my mind just flows and the pen starts to go. Random thoughts just pour out on to the page and sometimes they have no organization so I'm sorry if I begin to ramble. This is me. I'm flawed and scarred and imperfect so I say to my friends take me as I am.

I have two big adventures coming next week and I pray they go smoothly, especially one. I am heading to the dentist on Monday. I am not looking forward to this. I have a filling that needs to be fixed. My dentist is awesome and I have an after hours appointment so we can work in the dark as much as possible. I am scared and worried, and I'm seriously praying that I have no issues with my breathing. This disease causes issues with my lungs sometimes and breathing is important LOL. But I try not to be scared, we are taking as many precautions as possible.

My second big adventure next week is on the 31st. I am getting baptized! I'm so excited for this. It is part of my journey to be closer to God and my faith. I was not raised in a religious home but I've always been a believer. I am by no means perfect and never will be, but I try to walk the path of good. I am a sinner, as we all are, but I believe in forgiveness and God's love. My faith has been tested again and again in the last year and a half. I've made mistakes and I learn from those mistakes, and I'm sure I will make plenty more in my life, but I will always look to the Heaven's for guidance. The decision to be baptized was a big decision for me to make. Over the years I haven't felt ready to do this, but now I am ready.

On this note I close, but will be writing again soon. Unitl then stay tuned and well wishes to you all.

Just a Note

Hello all!

This is Buffy. I am sorry that we haven't gotten a blog up in a couple of weeks (maybe more like a few) but there has been some sick germs going around my house. And since Jackie has started her Methotrexate (chemo) I didn't want to take the chance on getting Jackie sick. So, I have stayed away from my dear friend to keep her healthy. We both have missed our weekly time together, it keeps us both sane. The good news is that the germs are moving along and we should get back to posting regularly very soon. I am hoping next week!

I hope that you all have been healthy and have had a good start to 2014!

*Buffy*