Who knew??

In the past week lots has happened, and yet nothing has really changed.

Christmas came and went, but for the first time in a very long time I actually took time to enjoy myself. There is something about being told that you have a potentially life threatening illness that makes you slow down and enjoy the moments. I refused to let my self get stressed about not having enough money, or not getting everything done by Christmas morning... instead of an actual hat a few siblings got a box of yarn... so what? Isn't it ultimately the thought that counts? Besides we all found it pretty funny when Sherri asked if she was supposed to finish her own :p

I saw my specialist the Wednesday before Christmas. He didn't have the pathology results back yet, so I am as of yet, unofficially diagnosed. As we talked though we discovered more and more of the health challenges that I've been facing the past few years are related to Chron's Disease. Its amazing what a Doctor that actually listens to you can discover along the way!

I've been placed on a fairly strong steroid to bring the worst of the pain and symptoms under control. It is to be a short term measure to bring my body back into balance. In the past week or so I have slept better than I have in several years! Who knew that 7 or 8 hours of uninterrupted, pain free sleep could feel so heavenly?!?!? Some of the side effects of the drugs aren't fantastic... but compared to the way I was living... whats a little heart burn?

I am very much looking forward to 2011. Its going to be an amazing year! I know that there will be many challenges and some major life changes ahead... but I can hardly wait! My first goal for 2011... get a real bed! No more of this sleeping on a mattress on the floor stuff for me :) Goal number 2 ( which I am already actively pursuing) is finding a place of my own. I love the friends that I am living with, and their kids... but I need something that is mine. Especially with all the changes coming my way, I'm going to need my own kitchen:)

So I am off to look at apartments today. Praying that God leads me to the perfect place in the perfect location!

Here's the latest...

Time for an update... this way I only have to type it once and then I can just send people here when they want to know whats going on...

Yesterday (December 17) I spent the day at the hospital for some tests and a colonoscopy. The preparation for the colonoscopy was not at all fun, but it was a picnic compared to how my body reacted to the actual procedure. I ended up staying twice the usual recovery time.

The Doctor came and talked to my Mom while I was recovering and told us that I either have ulsorative colitus or (and more likely) Chron's disease. I have an appointment on Wednesday to get the biopsy results back and to talk about treatment options.

I'm stuck in bed for the next day or two and I am very grateful that my mom loves me enough to give up her bed for a couple nights so that I can be where there is family to take care of me. Not to mention that the mattress on the floor of my room doesn't really cut it for re cooperating.

So as of right now the doctor's diagnoses is not looking great, and the facts are not in my favor, However I know the TRUTH. The TRUTH is I know the Ultimate Physician and HIS diagnosis is just a little bit different :)

Continue to agree with me for peace, wisdom for the doctors, direction as I start a new chapter of my life, but most of all for Healing!

Thanks!

In case you were wondering...

A couple people have noticed some of my "not so happy" facebook statuses and have asked me what's up... so I though I'd update my sadly neglected blog and let everybody ( all 4 of you that actually read this thing that is) in on whats going on with me.

I moved back to Kitchener in the middle of October. Pretty much since then I've been sick. Been to the doctors, had tons of blood taken and lots of tests run, and still no concrete answers. My iron is very, very low,I am tired all the time and I've lost a bunch of weight (not that I am complaining about that part at all!). I can't eat much and when I do it hurts. I've been sent to a specialist and I've got a biopsy and some other tests scheduled for next friday (the 17th).

Top that off with getting let go from the telemarketing job ( I was not created to sell people cable and intnernet!!), and I've been having a rough couple months.

BUT God has been more than faithful!! He's been providing in ways I never though possible. I have to drive my sister to work now, but I just wanted to ask that you pray for me. Pray for healing, wisdom for the doctors, and continued provision.

Thanks and I'll try to keep everyone updated.

Jennifer

Hurray !!!!

Today is back to school!!!

But not for me... for "M" :) Anyone who knows me knows that I was home schooled my entire life... so back to school was never a really big deal. I think that this year is the first time that I've ever been really, really excited about it.

The excitement is not so much from the fact that "M" will be gone for half the day (although I don't mind LOL), but more from the fact that after a very chaotic, messed up summer, we'll finally be getting back into a routine. This summer was fun... but so stressful!

I think that most humans thrive on a routine, but they never really realize it. I know that I can give my job and the family I work for my best when I have a "schedule". Its just the way that I was created.

Oh and one other thing... I've made a solid decision about moving to Florida... I just have to firm everything up with my bosses, but I'm going to go :)

Now to figure out what to pack and what to leave behind for 5 months.... :s

To move or not to move...

As some of you know my bosses have asked me to move with them to Florida for the winter. And while that idea is immensely appealing... there is a catch. If I go I'd have to share a room with "M" (the 15 year old that I nanny/tutor/drive around). And while overall she's a good kid (if slightly spoiled), she is still a teenager. And I highly value my privacy.

We talked about options today... she really, really, really wants me to come with them for the 5 months they will be there... some of the options we came up with included putting up some sort of dividing wall, me coming after christmas, and me flying back and forth a couple times around her school schedule. All which could potentially work.

So I am asking for you opinion.. Go or stay? Share a room or fly back and forth?

Please keep in mind that until I get to talk to the Parents, this is strictly a theoretical discussion.

Thanks for your input!

I know...

OK so its been forever since I've posted... I guess I felt like I ran out of things to write. I mentioned that to someone the other day and they were like "Are you kidding?!?! You're a walking story!!" I guess that's a compliment. Right?

There is always so much floating around in head. Trying to pinpoint something can be next to impossible at times. Lately I have just been thinking about my life. The things that have happened... The things that are happening... and the things that I want to happen. And the people that have been/are a part of my story.

Sometimes its hard for me to believe that this is me life. I just turned 27... ya I know... I'm getting old (LOL). And this is definitely not where I thought I would be. But all things considered, I'm not doing to badly. Are there things in my life that I wish I could change? Abso-friggin-lutely!! And there are other things (life lessons) that you couldn't pay me to undo.

Things I've learned...
I'm stronger than I ever thought I was.
The "stuff" (aka crap) I've gone through can actually help other people if I let it.
Letting fear dictate my life means that I miss out on the most important things.
People, not things, are what matter in life!

I'm sure there are about a billion things that I could add to that list. But those are the things that are at the top of my list right now.

Well its time for me to head to bed... so I guess that's enough for now. I promise to write more soon :)

For my Girl Jac :)

On of my favorite people recently started a new blog. She's probably one of the most creative people I know and is the original inspiration behind my scrapbooking/ card making addiction.

I love this Idea and may do it for my birthday as well :)

http://jacernst.typepad.com/sunshinethroughmywindow/2010/05/blog-candy.html

BLOG CANDY.....

So I know everyone loves a little candy treat every once in a while. Well I have some nice blog candy for one lucky person.

Since it's my birthday next Tuesday, I thought I would share my day and give someone else a present. I'm giving away a Starbucks travel mug, and a $20 gift card.

Want to have a shot at getting some quality time with coffee? Here's the scoop. Post a comment on this post with a link to your blog or twitter or facebook page that tells others about this blog candy and maybe a little birthday message for me :).
On my birthday , June 1st, I will randomly choose one winner, and post it here.
Good luck!!