Here is an updated picture of the two kittens.
One is so tiny. We are doing supplemental feedings for the smallest one. It is a little fighter. They are both very precious.
There is such a big difference in their size, it is hard to believe they are siblings.
Today was spent finishing up some flower orders, cleaning house, putting up laundry and… injuring two toes by banging into our bathroom cabinet. How clumsy can one gal be?
I decided to take Kat’s suggestion and sell some of the cat toys I enjoy making and a few other handcrafts.
Soon I will be opening an etsy shop.
I do not have anything up yet, except a banner that Armando kindly made for me.
Here will be the address for my Shop:
I will let you know when I have an inventory!
I will go for testing over the next few weeks in another city, so hopefully before too long I can go back to school. Yay!
This weekend is going to be busy for us. My cousin is graduating from high school in Ellijay, Georgia so we will travel there Saturday. Sunday is our “Decoration” and then a family gathering at my Aunt Elizabeth’s with a bbq.
If I do not get to post before the weekend...
Have a happy weekend!
I've spent a few days making flower arrangements. It is "Decoration time" here. I got sunburned today. We planted some of our flowers in the flower beds. One area needs to be tilled first and we have to build a flower bed for some perennials.
I got some green plants called "Hens and chicks" or Sempervivum.
Some research for pictures on the Internet showed many great ideas for planting them. You can plant them in Strawberry planters or pots or in beds. They multiply and have little plants that shoot off to the sides that can be propagated. [ To propagate, simply split off the "chicks" from the "hen" parent plant and transplant them. You can transplant them directly into soil.]
This was my favorite picture. I think they look very pretty planted together like this around rocks.
Picture from The Urban Homesteaders blog HERE
Our cat Chochi who was attacked recently by a dog/ or coyote was pregnant! Bless her heart. All those internal injuries and then a birth.
We were very concerned over her pregnancy. At first we thought she was just fat because we had fed her a lot of canned food during the time when she was healing after the attack. As time passed we realized she was pregnant.
She had a rough birth late Thursday night and Friday morning. We were close by. Three kittens died and two very small ones lived. She is a good Mom but very different than my other Mom cat, Pollyanna was with her babies. Pollyanna always liked to be left alone with her kittens. We thought Chochi would want privacy too, but she did not. When we left her alone she kept meowing and coming to us and then wanting us to follow her to her kittens. Later we realized she needed help and was nervous as a first time Mother. The babies are so small they have a hard time staying in place to eat. There little heads wobble and they lose their place. One is extremely tiny and the other is somewhat bigger. One is grey and dark, one is orange.
Chochi is very much dependent on us. She is a good Mother but needs help at feeding time. When the babies cry, she meows and then comes to Armando or me and then takes us to her babies and gets inside her bed and rolls on her back. We have to place the babies to eat and hold them there sometimes. I am glad she lets us help her, because the babies are so small, it is important that they get enough nutrition.
See a video here of Chochi with her babies.
Well, I am off to start cleaning my hard drive of files and backing stuff up...
A Girl's Gotta Do, What a Girl's Gotta Do!
Have a great weekend!
This web site lets you test out makeup, different eye colors and hairstyles.
It is very entertaining. Just upload a photo of yourself and play away!
See me below:
(Laughing)
-Michelle
I am sorry that my blog has been rather heavy lately. Now I want to lighten it up a bit and show you some of the flowers that we will plant.
A Yellow Rose Bush
These assorted flowers
This one is a very nice flowing ground cover.
I am off to the store for potting soil and to spend some time outdoors today!
Please join me on Facebook.
My username is Michelle Loyola and I am in the Huntsville/Decatur AL Network.
Just go to the webpage above and look for the search box and type in Michelle Loyola and I am the only one that shows up in the Huntsville/Decatur network.
It is a fun place to share with friends, play games and find new friends with similar interests.
Since I have been paralyzed I focus most of my energy on trying to just live with it and I try not to get overly-excited about cures because it would be very hurtful to live on false hopes. When I first became paralyzed I used to spend many emotionally charged hours trying to focus and mentally make my legs and feet move. Needless to say, I could not “make it happen” by sheer mental wishing. That was the outlook I had as a fifteen year old. I felt that like most other things in my life, I could overcome it, if I just tried hard enough. Also, it did not help much the statements made to me by some religious family members: If you want to walk, you will get up out of that wheelchair and walk. Have faith, Pray, Try to wiggle your toes, etc.
Having said the above, I still do keep an eye out for new research. So I guess I have not lost all hope. I am on The Miami Project’s mailing list to stay in tune with new research and possible cures for paralysis. They have done some very interesting work and the last letter I received has made me feel very hopeful for the future of me and others living with spinal cord injuries. Some of the latest findings helped animals regain 70% of normal walking function. Look at all this research!
In order to take it to the FDA approval level and then start human trials, they will need to raise a lot of money. So, just take a look at their website and if you do know somebody who likes to give toward good causes, please mention this project to them.
This research with proper funding could change the lives of many people, not just those living with paralysis but newly injured people as well.
http://www.themiamiproject.org/
P.S. I added a new song to the player on the right.
Cookie cat and the pillow I made my Mom for Mother's Day.
My new bright cactus garden. :)
Lucy and plant on porch.
Have a great weekend!
Today I have an appointment with Vocational Rehab. I have to fill out some paperwork. I hope soon I get the necessary evaluations and get to start studying. I am still so happy that I get funding and the chance to study.
This evening is my Aunt Elizabeth's Birthday. We are going out for a celebration dinner with her and afterwards, Armando and I are going to go see a movie at the theater.
My Dad surprised me with some bonus pay for work I had done for him and it really came in handy. Armando is searching for a job in Information Technology. I am awaiting funding for studying. Things have been tight for us lately, with a capital T! So, needless to say, it is quite nice to have an evening out on the town to boost our spirits.
I completed Mom's pillow for Mother's Day last night. As usual, I could not hold the gift until Mother's Day so I gave it to her last night. She liked it. :) Later, I will take a picture of it and post here so you can see, but beware, I am a sewing newbie!
The other day my Dad sold a truck to some people originally from Guatemala. I became brave and went outside and introduced myself and tried to speak with them in Spanish. With some "improv" on the words I did not know, we understood each other and thank goodness, the lady was nice enough to help me when I had trouble with pronouncing words.
I had the best conversation on the telephone yesterday with Stephen. We have so much in common and he is such a great friend.
Have a good evening!
-M.
Thank you to everyone who left kind comments when I was coping with the death of my Grandma. She will be missed but I am holding onto the good memories because I believe she would want me to do that.
Today I had a doctor's appointment in Birmingham at University of Alabama Hospital. I saw a new doctor this time. My Doctor (Hematologist/Oncologist) that I had seen since high school left to another state. I will miss him. He was a good doctor.
My new doctor is female and seemed nice today. I was happy today when she told me we I can try to take the Neupogen injections every other day and see if that kept my white blood count in ok ranges. I will have to get my blood tested in July to be sure so I hope it works. Today my white blood count was 3400 and I had missed a few doses of the Neupogen injection.
Yesterday I practiced sewing. It is quite challenging sewing and using your elbow to push the pedal but I did practice and sewed straight enough lines to complete a pillow for my Mom for Mother's Day. Well, at least the sewn part is complete. I have to iron it, crochet some flowers for the front, sew them on and then stuff it and sew up the edge. It is a start. I want to keep practicing sewing and hopefully improve.
I think the foot pedal with my elbow sewing is going to be as challenging as a foot pedal if I have to use it for Medical Transcription. I hope most companies/doctors will allow me to use software instead since I am paralyzed, but I do not know how that works.
Today I did more laps than I ever have down our long gravel driveway with what I call a “killer hill” in it. At least, for me, in the wheelchair that hill has always been difficult. It is a workout and when I stop doing it, I am like I used to be when I would go jogging (pre-paralysis of course) and was out of shape, I’d lose my breath and feel like my heart would explode. But then after I work at it and get more in shape, I enjoy the sunshine and the challenge of making it up the hill one more time. Also, I would like to think that this effort will make me healthier and tone up my arms at least.
I have always had one big fear since being paralyzed and that is, fear of gaining weight in my stomach and then being unable to get the weight off. So far, well, as far as I know, I am ok as far as weight goes. I do not think I am skinny at all, but I am not extremely fat either. I like to think I am ok for my height. But, the truth is, I cannot weigh myself because I have no way to and most of the time that does not bother me much, but sometimes I wish I had one of those cool scales like they have at the rehab center where you can weigh yourself in the wheelchair and then weigh the wheelchair and find out your weight, but… I do not and I am guessing that would be very expensive. (laugh)
Change of subject.
I have cried several times today because my Grandma died this morning. I keep telling myself that she lived a long life and got to see not only her children and grandchildren accomplish many things but also her great grandchildren. But, even so, I then think of her and I cry. I know she was very sick and had lost her quality of life and that it is good she no longer is suffering, but I will miss many things about her. I am so sensitive. I never handle it well when people die. I try to hold it all together but end up crying anyway.
Change of subject again.
I have been learning the right way to type with a computer program. I had become used to typing the wrong way, without a technique, just by using the computer. I am sure with practice and knowing where to put my fingers that my speed will increase. I am trying to improve before taking the Medical Transcription classes. I have also been studying Medical Terminology online here. The Medical Transcription classes through Career Step take 640 hours total. I know they will be challenging but I am ready!
Have a good weekend...
I went to Vocational Rehabilitation (again) to ask for help with funding for school or work training. I had been to them in the past with bad results. The person who used to work as my Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor had just left after a series of bad circumstances. I was one of those people that kept waiting and waiting for him to “get my medical records back” which he apparently had never sent for. I received a call before we went to Chile from a new Counselor that had taken the place of my past Counselor.
So, I just went back for my second appointment after gathering the necessary documents and explaining to her that I wanted to go through Career Step to get training in Medical Transcription. She told me at first that she wanted me to go through the local community college but I preferred the Career Step program. With Career Step you can finish quicker and spend more time on the practical skills needed for the job. Getting the skills and then getting to work is what I am interested in. Not, at my age, spending several years working my way up through math courses, which I have never been good at it anyway!
So, I am very happy that soon I may be taking the self-guided and at home Career Step Medical Transcription course!
I am also very, very thankful for Brenda’s help with giving me great pointers and answering my questions as I learn transcription skills. You have been a lifesaver! I appreciate you.
I think I am reaching the point where I am old enough to realize that I wish I had figured out what I had wanted to do with my life earlier.
I believe I have been thinking a lot about life and where I am going lately and that has made me extremely motivated to stay on track. But, sometimes I wish I was Superwoman and could keep everything in life rolling full steam ahead with no bumps in the road. Of course, that does not happen in reality. I’ve had many bumps recently and life just is not always what you had imagined it to be. You have to just make your way through and do the best you can.
I know one thing that I want to rejuvenate and that is my optimistic point of view on life. I do not want to go through life always thinking of the worst that can happen or even thinking the worst of everybody. I prefer to look for the best in situations and people.
So, starting tonight, I am going to stop falling into that trap.
I made this granola yesterday. I chose to use the raisins and cranberries but you can use dried cherries. I used honey instead of maple syrup too.
It makes over 2 pounds or 13 cups. You can prepare it in less than 45 minutes.
The recipe is from the Cheap, Fast, Good recipe book by Beverly Mills and Alicia Ross.
Great Granola
Cooking Oil Spray
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup pure maple syrup or honey
1 1/2 cups lightly lightly packed light brown sugar
6 cups quick-cooking or old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant oatmeal)
2 cups chopped walnuts, almonds or pecans
1 cup wheat germ (optional)
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup raisins
1 cup sweetened dried cranberries or cherries
1. Place oven racks in the two center positions and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray two 17 x 11-inch jelly roll pans with cooking oil spray.
2. Combine the oil, maple syrup, and brown sugar in a 1-quart microwave-safe bowl. Microwave, uncovered, on high power until the sugar starts to melt, about 3 minutes. Remove the bowl from the microwave oven and whish until any lumps dissolve.
3. Combine the oats, nuts, wheat germ (if using), and coconut in a 3-quart or larger bowl. Toss to mix well. Pour the syrup mixture over the oat mixture and stir until well mixed. Spread evenly onto the jelly-roll pans.
4. Place a pan on each oven rack and bake for 10 minutes. Taking note of which pan was on the top rack, remove the pans from the oven, stir the granola, and return it to the oven, rotating each pan to the opposite rack. (If your oven will accommodate the two pans side-by -side on the same rack, it is not necessary to rotate them.) Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, taking care not to let the granola get too brown.
5. Cool the granola in the pans until it reaches room temperature, about 1 hour. Sprinkle the raisins and dried cranberries (if using) over each pan, dividing them evenly. Stir to mix well. Store in air tight containers, preferably glass jars or tins, for up to 2 weeks.
(You can increase the raisins or cranberries to 2 cups instead of using both ingredients if you prefer.)
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I guess I was exhausted yesterday.I laid down for a nap yesterday evening and ending up sleeping until today. :S
Today Armando, my Dad and I did a few things to my van in preparation for selling it. I hope somebody comes along that can use the handicap equipment and the van and that it does not take a long time to sell it.
My allergies and Armando's are haywire and like a silly girl, after telling Armando to take his allergy medicine and decongestant I forgot to take mine! (a Typical Michelle moment) I came to the realization really quick while outdoors that Darn! I forgot to take MY allergy medicine. I feel very bad for Armando who is having a huge case of allergy symptoms. Mostly my eyes have been itching but he has the whole congested, runny nose awful stuffy head feeling going on. He didn't sleep well last night.
My plans for today are totally domestic. I am going to make supper for us and my parents, fold and put up laundry and do a general cleaning and organizing of the house.
I am looking forward to making this chicken recipe tonight:
http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Breaded-Ranch-Chicken
I will start with putting up the laundry now.
Have a great Sunday!
Be gentle with the hearts of those you love
Consider them even when times are at the worst
Hold them dear and don't do things to make them unhappy
Take care with them in every word you utter or write
In every action that you make on a daily basis
Guard them like a fragile flower that needs extra care
Cling to them like your lifeline but give them space to grow
Don't ever abuse or take the person's feelings or love for granted
Photo taken en route to La Serena, Chile
Feb 19 2008
Our cat Chochi is recovering well. On Saturday she had her drain tubes taken out. She is taking it easy which is a good thing. She looks better every day. I am still so thankful she is still with us after the attack. We've been babying her a lot. Our other cat Cookie has been missing her playtime with Chochi. She keeps going over to Chochi in a playful mood and not really understanding why she is not playing with her like normal. I've tried to be a Chochi "stand in" during this time and make sure to play with Cookie with her toys every day.
It has been a nice relaxing weekend. The weekend went by really fast.
We went to my Aunt's house for fish for supper. It was a beautiful evening weather wise. I hope tomorrow is just as pretty. We plan to go to Lake Guntersville if it is a nice day.
I've been looking at an online course for Medical Transcription. I am thinking seriously about taking it in the near future.
