Aging

When I turned 40, my sisters warned me that I will soon be getting white hair. My mother started getting white hair at about that age, and so did my two older sisters.

Eleven years later, and I am holding the count at 3 white hairs. I count them everyday to make sure there are not more than 3. My sisters are amazed that I haven’t had to color my hair.

But I think that this year, my hair color will change. With my thyroid issues and a run to ER with my husband, I am begin to show my age.

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Last Sunday at church, we were talking to a few people about cruises. I never wanted to go on a cruise because I don’t want to be stuck on a ship. What’s the fun of that? I want to see and experience different places. I like joining tours where they take you place to place.

“Cruise is a good vacation for old people,” G said. “You don’t have to bother packing and unpacking everyday to go to a different place.”

Well, maybe in a few years, I’ll be ready to cruise.

Bad news: my husband had chest pains and went to ER

Good news: it wasn’t a heart attack

Bad news: his EKG was abnormal, looked liked a heart attack

Good news: he felt fine with no more chest pains when he was at the hospital

Bad news: he had to stay overnight at the hospital in CCU to run more tests to make sure

Good news: he had plenty of time to read the sci fi book I borrowed from the library for him

Bad news: they woke him up every 4 hours to do blood work

Good news: all blood work was normal, no heart damage

Bad news: he had to be transferred to another hospital to do an angiogram

Good news: he got to ride in an ambulance 🙂

Bad news: waited 5 hours for the angiogram

Good news: there was wifi so we could use our iPhones while waiting

Bad news: the bleeding from the angiogram caused some bruising on his thigh

Good news: angiogram showed no blockage in his arteries

Good news: the bleeding did not have complications, we were able to go home

Good news: had delicious porridge and lentil soup from friends waiting for us when we got home

Good news: had lots of love and support from friends

God is good.

King's Christmas list coverThe King’s Christmas List is a cute children’s book written by Eldon Johnson. It’s a hardback beautifully illustrated by Bonnie Leick. I would consider this a gift book appropriate for children under 10 years old, reading this book with their parents, snuggled under covers with a cup of hot chocolate on a cool Christmasy day.

The story begins with little Emma receiving a magical invitation to the King’s birthday party. On the way to the party, Emma encounters opportunities to reveal her true heart of compassion and learns to give the kind of presents to the King that pleases him.

This simple story illustrates compassion and sacrifice in a way that children can relate to.  The end of the book shows how we can give to World Vision and Blood:Water Mission. It’s a good book to teach children Biblical values.

Disclosure:  Thomas Nelson provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for this review. Opinions are entirely my own.

I posted about my surgery experience on my parenting site, if you care to read that.

Here are some additional thoughts:

* When my surgeon and anesthesiologist came to see me just prior to the surgery, they asked, “Do you have any questions for us?” I said, “No question. I just want you to know my life is in your hands. I hope you are well-rested, alert, and in a good mood!” The surgeon replied, “Well, I am a little tired – just kidding!”

Read more of “My thyroidectomy”

Our family is weird. We love brussel sprouts, spinach, artichokes, and all kinds of vegetables. brussels sprouts

I saw this at Trader Joe’s today. It’s the first time I’ve seen a brussel sprout stalk. Rather pretty, don’t you think? It can be a centerpiece – for the right table setting.

It’ll be exciting to pluck them and cook them tomorrow.