Author: T.S. Cook

Day 13: That time I asked for another colonoscopy.

If you think mentioning a colonoscopy is TMI, stop reading now. 😊

They call it twilight sedation which is a light anesthesia. You don’t feel pain. You’re sleepy but responsive. Although I don’t remember falling asleep, I know I at least zoned out long enough to block the beginning of the procedure. Before long, I was staring at a live stream of my colon. Shortly after, I was told no polyps were found, and I was wheeled back to the area where it all began. The place where privacy was defined by a thin curtain. Yikes!

The chattering of the male nurse reminded me of Charlie Brown’s teacher until he said, “You know that gas we gave you? We need it back. You need to pass gas before we release you.”

I giggled, trying to figure out if he was serious, and he was. 😲☹ When he walked out, I knew I had to act fast to accomplish the said goal. Success! Upon his return, I proudly reported that I had successfully returned the gas. That was probably the first time I actually confessed to committing public flatulence. 😊

Still loopy from the drugs, I gathered my belongings. My dear husband held my hand as we prepared to walk away. I didn’t need a wheelchair because I felt and appeared to be perfectly fine.

“You’re free to go. Have a good day.” The nurses’ words kind of ran together, at least to me.

And then I said the unthinkable. “Thank you so much. That was great. I want to do this again next week!”

Simultaneous laughter from the nursing staff and my husband followed that insane statement. Then one of them said, “That’s the drugs talking.” LOL

I never thought I’d hear those words referring to me. 😊

Just Blogging It Out!

Happy Birthday to MEEEEEEEEEEE!

Here we are, the 12^th of July, the day I was born. The sun is always shining, and the temperature is usually about 500-650 degrees. 😊

Day 12: That time my hiking buddy brought me a birthday surprise at 5 am!

The funny part about today’s memorable moment is that things got a bit weird between my hiking buddy, SH, and me when we first met. I won’t bore you with the details, but I believe God used the situation for His glory. I trust Him completely.

Even though she hadn’t hiked in over two weeks because of sciatica, she met me at our usual place to give me a present. SH said the patchwork in the photo was inspired by my love for rain. It’s beautiful.

I look forward to her return to the trail.

Just Blogging It Out!

Day 11: That time I thought my old neighbor was my new neighbor. Awkward!

Our next-door neighbors had informed us that they were selling their home and gave us the exact moving date. Sad to see them go, but an opportunity to welcome the new people. I crafted the best welcome neighbor basket of goodies you have ever seen, including a note with our contact information.

A couple of days after their moving date, an unfamiliar guy was standing in front of their house. In my usual Forrest Gump waving to Lieutenant Dan fashion, I bolted out the door with the basket. I said, “Hi there! Are you my new neighbor?”

To my surprise, he said, “No, my parents still live here.”

I tell you, if I didn’t have this milk chocolate skin, I would have turned beet red.

Preteen Javier Jr. had grown into a man that I didn’t recognize. He informed me that the buyers backed out of the deal. I quickly removed the note and handed him the basket. I asked him to give it to his parents, and Forrest Gumped back to our house.

Awkward, right? LOL

Just Blogging It Out!

Day 10: That time a stranger cared.

The conversation took place shortly after our dog was euthanized. The Trader Joe’s cashier asked how I was doing, to which I said, “Mmm, okay.”

After a quick chat, she caught up with me outside with a little bouquet of flowers. Then she said 3 little words, “The Joe’s care.”

😊

Just Blogging It Out! Be kind.

Day 9: That time they surprised me. 😉

As I mentioned a few days ago, my birthday is coming up, but it’s not today. Still, two people from church gave me birthday cards with heartfelt words and special surprises. ($$) So sweet and unexpected.

I pray the Lord will bless them beyond their imagination as they continue to seek Him. In the mighty and matchless name of Jesus. Amen!!

Just Blogging It Out!!

Happy Saturday!! It’s sunny and hot here in Southern California. We are chillin’ at home as usual. We stumbled on a show on Netflix called Hack My House. It’s good. You should check it out if you like home makeover shows.

Day 8: That time I saw CeCe Winans-Goodness of God video for the first time.

This video has been out for a few years, but I came across it a few weeks ago. I love how CeCe is watching a highlight reel of her life, and family members join her one by one. That, coupled with the lyrics, touched my heart. A great reminder of how much He loves us.

Click here to watch it. (Skip the ad. 🙂 )

Just Blogging It Out!!

Day 7: That time my sister stayed for a long time and ate all the soup. 🙂

My sister had never stayed longer than a week, nor had anyone else. Since my husband and I have lived alone for over twenty years, she needed to make herself at home. And she did. No tiptoeing or eggshell walking. 🙂

Although our winter was colder than usual, at least she didn’t have to deal with the bitter Midwestern cold. It was nice having her here. The only complaint I have was that time she ate all the soup. 🙂 Until next time, girlie!

Just Blogging It Out!!

Day 6: That time I realized I kinda look like my father.

Last October, my sister texted me a photo of my father. I didn’t think much of it at first, but a couple of days later, I blew it up, and to my amazement, I saw some of my features besides the complexion. The nose, cheeks, chin, and the hairline. HA! As weird as it may seem, I didn’t have any pics of him until this one. He passed away in November 1978 when I was 7, so I never really knew him or had any pics.

The resemblance is subtle but good to see.

Just Blogging It Out!

Day 5: That time I tried iced orange creamsicle tea.

Seeing me with a large cup of ice water is very common. Ice water is my beverage of choice. Every once in a while, I’ll take a chance and order an unsweetened iced tea. A few months ago, I tried the orange creamsicle tea. From the first sip, it was refreshing and full of flavor without sugar. Sooooo yummy! It’s naturally sweet, bursting with a zesty orange taste. Perfect for summer. Give it a try.

Just Blogging It Out!

Day 4: That time I didn’t love To Kill a Mockingbird.

As you can see in the cover photo, I’m a big fan of To Kill a Mockingbird. The memory of when I was introduced to it escapes me, but it was many decades ago, and I loved it. I lost count of how many times I read the novel and watched the movie. The dialog is sketched in my memory.

Naturally, its arrival at the Pantages Theater made me do a happy dance. I danced all the way to my seat. Well, not really, but you get what I’m saying. While the play was good, it didn’t have the same effect. To my disappointment, I didn’t love it. Don’t get me wrong, the acting—superb! The stage—similar to the movie. And the unique way the actors aided in changing the set was brilliant. But the subtle changes most people probably overlooked made a difference to me. If the national tour makes its way back to LA, I’ll see it again. You know, to give it another chance.

Just Blogging It Out! Oh, and Happy 4th!