Today

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Come, read and take a journey with me at
www.WorldOfShariG.blogspot.com
Hey yall,
I know. I've not kept you on point as to what's been happening with
me. I'm gonna do better. But this is what happened today.

I went to the foot doctor. My ankle has gone down quite a bit,
however, it is still swollen. I like to say that it's at it's normal
swelling place. The doctor refers to it as chronic swelling.

Anyway, the sad news is that I still have to wear the camwalker
another month. I still have to take the Celebrex. I still have to use
the ice pack. And, I'm adding something new--physical therapy. I'll
have to go twice a week.

Yes, it's true. I'm a little sad about it. I was truly hoping to get
off these muscle relaxers. They make me feel sleepy and slow me down.
In addition, I don't like that Rusty doesn't get his regular walks. In
fact, I'm gonna contact someone to see about paying them to walk him
daily. He shouldn't suffer cuz I can't do it.

I'm happy though because it has indeed gone down. I appreciate Dr.
Laurino's aggressive approach to get my ankle back to it's original
place.

So that's today's scoop.

To My Puppy Raiser

Anyone want to know what a guide dog does? Here's a great poem that
explains. I call it an Ode from Rusty!

Title: To My Puppy Raiser

Written by: LINDA LINDEMAN-DeCARLO Puppy Raiser
Willoughby, Ohio

I¹m going to be a Leader Dog, hear me when I say,
It¹s what I want, it¹s who I am, and I will have my day.

You did your job as raiser, got me on the right track,
Now I¹m going to learn to guide, I don¹t think I¹ll be back.

I¹ve done my year of social, I¹ll now train with the best,
I¹ll know what I am doing, I will put your fears to rest.

I¹ll work out in the world and I¹ll never be alone,
I¹ll get my master safe to work, and then I¹ll get him home.

I¹ll wait in heavy traffic until it¹s safe to cross,
And my master will obey me, Œcause he¹ll know that I¹m the boss.

Loud noises won¹t distract me, I¹ll always stand my ground,
And I promise that I¹ll stop at curbs, and puddles, go around.

I was born to be a Leader Dog and I will serve him well,
For I know his vision is impaired, that much I can tell.

I'll become his best friend and will never steer him wrong,
And I will cuddle up with him, and sleep the whole night long.

I¹ll be a perfect Leader Dog, you can count on me,
It¹s what I want, it¹s who I am, it¹s what I¹m going to be!

Copyright 2007 - May be reproduced with byline intact.

Born August 4, 2003, Rusty was indeed already predestined for his
lifelong journey--to be a Leader Dog. "Leader Dog" is the name of a
school. The general term for a dog guiding the blind/visually impaired
is a dog guide.

The first year of his life, Rusty was socialized and grew up on a
cherry farm in Michigan. His puppy raisers told me that he loved to
run in the fields. He loved to go to the fruit market and bury his
nose in the peanut boxes. Before his raisers could stop him, he had
peanuts in his mouth, eating them joyfully. Indeed, peanuts are one of
his favorite treats.

His companion in those days was a Beagle named Barney. He and Barney
were best buds and played lots.

After a year on this farm, he was taken back to Leader Dogs for more
advanced training. Before training, however, they did medical
examinations on him to determine if he was healthy enough for such a
great feat. Obviously, he passed the test, cuz he's with me.

Well anyway, he stayed in the kennels until he was picked up by a
trainer. Daton Johnson picked him up and Rusty was given four months
of HARD work. Ideally, after the four months, Rusty was to meet his
"forever person" (The person he would spend the rest of his life
guiding). But the class had no match for Rusty.

A friend of mine told me as I prepared to go to Leader Dogs that there
was a match made in heaven just for me. That match was definitely
Rusty. He couldn't be put to work then, so he waited another four
months. I'm sure this was frustrating for Daton who had worked
tirelessly with Rusty. It had to be also hard for his raisers who
waited anxiously for news of Rusty's "forever person."

Well, I came to Leader Dogs on July 31. I was introduced to Rusty on
August 3 of 2005!

More later, cuz I've got to feed Rusty!

-

Yesterday Was a Good Day

Well, I guess my subject says it all! Yesterday was a good day. Things
didn't go the way I planned them, but they were definitely the way God
planned them, and I was truly happy.

I made contact with one of my former Pastors on Monday night. (She
also was my former supervisor and is still one of my adopted moms. She
was the one God used to ordain me as a minister. She also was the one
who married Chris and me. I served as their lead intercessor and their
Praise and Worship Leader while there.) She had been here since Sunday
night for the Pastors and Leaders Conference at Phoenix First. We had
already agreed that she couldn't go home without us seeing each other.

Well, my plan was for us to go out to dinner or something like that. I
let one of my "Moms" know, and she was most willing to keep my guide
dog with her. I had it all planned. We would go and have fun!

Well, when she got here, she said that she had just come from a
luncheon. Therefore, I knew that she couldn't be hungry. She said that
she just came by to see me and talk. I thought that was so sweet and
kind. I was very happy to see her. However, I was sad that I had
inconvenienced my other mom with Rusty. The Lord told me not to worry,
I would still have a great day.

We talked. I asked about everyone I could remember at Spirit Filled
Ministries. It was wonderful to see her. I think the last time I saw
her was in 2005.

Well, other things happened that could be viewed as catastrophes. One
was that I didn't have a ride to work yesterday morning. My Mommy had
a doctor's appointment and wasn't going in right then. And Tuesday
night, when Chris got home, I found out that he had to work in the
morning. Of course, my natural inclination was to panic. But I was
like "Well God, if I get a ride, I'll be at work. If not, I'm sleeping
in.)

So this morning, I called my cell group leader and friend. She has
truly been there for me to talk and vent to. I know for certain that
it stays right there. And everyone knows that's the way I like my
business. Anyway, she was most willing to assist me. So, off to work I
go!

On the way, her husband asked me about how much time Chris and I spend
together. As I thought about it, I had to say hardly none. I had been
thinking about this sad phenomenon the other day. However, I gave it
over to Jesus and I trusted that He would and could work that out. We
(her husband and I) discussed this in great length. We talked about
Chris and I being kinda like ships in the night. I laughed and said,
"Well, no one is ever bored at our house." He begin to stress this as
a need for our marriage. I agreed and told him that I trusted the Lord
to work this out.

Well, guess what? He did! When I got of work, there was no Rusty. So,
Chris and I had the grandest time. I really enjoyed myself! We took a
walk to throw trash away and get mail out of the box. We just held
hands and talked and laughed. My mom saw us and said we looked like we
used to before we were married. It was just fun shooting the breeze!
We saw kids having karate class on the lawn. We breathed in the warm
Arizona air. We just enjoyed life.

When we got home, we decided to go out to eat. We went to Sizzlers.
Man! That was some good food! I had the steak and shrimp scampy. He
had the fisherman's platter. Each meal came with the all-you-can-eat
buffet. We ate to overflowing. All I could do is come home. Shish! I
was full and so was Chris.

I started working on my computer and got the laptop finally up on the
network. I had emailed some folks for help, but they didn't reespond.
Sometimes, I have to remember that I don't need them always. I need
the Lord and the Holy Spirit. Well I called Cox, waited forever, got a
technician, worked with my husband, and... voila! I'm on the network!
Thank you, Jesus!

While I was working, Rusty came home. Boy, was he excited! He ran,
jumped, barked, rolled over and played. What a dog! My mom told me how
well he had behaved while out with her. They sang his favorite song
"Happy Birthday," and he joined in (you should hear it. It's
hilarious.) She said he was a great dog.

Around 11:30, we went to bed. God had orchestrated time together for
my husband and me, allowed me to see my Detroit mom, and helped me get
the computer fixed--all in one day! I couldn't have done it better!

A Little Ranting

Yesterday's Transplant seminar went very well. Chris is really into
it, and that's good. There must be a whole bunch of praying on this
one. It's best to start now. This transplant thing is not a laughing
matter.

Anyway, how am I feeling today? Not too god. The camwalker that I'm
wearing on my right food causes me to walk lopsided. More pressure is
being put on the left foot, thereby causing me a blister. And though I
woke up feeling good, as the day has progressed, I'm really tired.

I've been thinking about going to Detroit. I finally decided to check
the prices. Man!!! That mess is high! It's about $365. Times and
prices have really changed. Maybe someone will donate to my cause. I
sure wouldn't be mad.

Well, that's all I'm gonna say for now. I'm really wondering how much
of this tiredness is physical? Hmmmm.

I'll check in soon.

Today, February 5

I'm finally up to today. I came to work feeling quite good. I have to go to a Transplant Seminar with Chris. He is finding out all his options for a kidney transplant. Personally, I have never nagged him about it, though the doctors feel he'd be great for one.


He has seen people do well after a transplant. He has also seen people not do well and die after a transplant. I feel that it has to be a decision that is solely up to him. No one else will be in that hospital, taking that medicine, going under... but Chris. Romans 1:45 says "...Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." I think that people, especially saints, should do a lot more living by that Scripture. Instead, sometimes, we try and sell people or even coerce them into doing things. Because they're not truly sold out on it, they don't try as hard; or they complain while they are doing it; and some of those times result in failure. Instead, we should pray more often and let God handle it. After all, isn't He God? Isn't He the only one who can change a heart?


I have promised to be by his side through it all, no matter what his decision may be.

I want Chris to be happy. That's all I want.


So today is the seminar at Good Samaritan transplant center. I'll let you all know how it goes.

Sunday, February 4

Today was a good day. It was the first day that I really felt like walking. I was up on time and everything. So, after getting dressed, I surprised everybody, and walked to my Mom's house. I figured I'd save her a trip and Rusty and I could get some exercise at the same time.
Yes, she was thoroughly surprised.

I think that church went well. I was really happy and enjoyed Praise and Worship. Miss Cathy's sermon was great. Any message on the Holy Spirit is great!

Afterwards, Mama had promised to take us to dinner. We chose the Golden Corral. Man, we were not disappointed. I ate so much, I was ready for sleeping when I got home.

But I didn't sleep. Instead, I kept my promise to Rusty and took him for a walk. Of course, he was tooooo excited. He's a great dog and I feel he deserves his exercise, which he needs to stay healthy and happy. He did great on the walk. I was tired when I got home.

After taking a nap (for three hours). I got up and started on my computer. That wasn't long-lived 'cause Rusty wanted to play. I played with him and talked to Chris until about midnight.

I seem to have a problem of going back to bed too late on Sundays. This messes up my schedule on Monday, and I'm too sleepy. But I did good last night and woke up feeling good in the morning.

Saturday, February 3

I'm finally up to Saturday. I went to my Phoenix Chapter National Federation of the Blind meeting. I am the Secretary, so I had to be there. Vicki does a great job at conducting the meetings. She's a very good President and Fred is a good Vice. Fred conducted this meeting.

After the meeting, Mommy and I went to eat before Evangelism. We went to Bishop's. I, personally, didn't enjoy their food. It was very bland. I prefer Hometown Buffet or Golden Corral much better. Anyway, it was just a place and we tried it out.

After that, we decided to go home. I just wasn't feeling well. My leg was hurting and so was my head. I was just pooped.

So, I went home and took a nap. Nikwa, (my sister who I have to yet write about) said that she would do my hair. She came and permed it. Now, I'm prettier! *LOL*

At about 7:00, we decided to go to the movies. We saw "Stomp the Yard." I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and felt that all the actors did a great job. I liked the storyline. I had big fun. We ate lots of popcorn too--including Rusty.

After the movie, I came home and went to bed. I knew that Sunday morning would come quickly. Plus, I was still tired.

Thursday, February 1

Well, the big day is here. The day that I'll find out the news.

I went to Advanced Foot and Ankle. Dr. Laurino was very nice. He'll
definitely be my foot doctor from now on. He x rayed my ankle and...
Didn't find anything. However, as he pressed it, the tendons were in
pain that deal with sprains. So there you have it--Ive got an
extremely bad sprain.

He put me in an uniboot and camwalker. I've got to wear it until the 13th.

Well, I'm happy and unhappy. I'm glad they didn't find anything. No
surgery? Yeah!!! No cast? Yeah!!! I'm just sad that I've got to wear
this thing. It's hot and heavy. However, I can be mobile with it.
That's the good news. I can still walk Rusty and do what I do. That's
today's news!

Tuesday, Jan 30

Well, it's been a crazy week for me. Mentally, I've been cool, but
physically? Nah. Lots of it had to do with my ankle. It's been hurting
nonstop since I fell two weeks ago. Suppose I gotta get it checked
out? Well, I made my appointment for Thursday. I'll let yall know what
happens. To be truthful, I'm kinda scared. Like I said, I've done the
cast thing and am not interested in a replay.

Anyway, today at work was cool. I met with a few representatives from
Humanware who came to demo Mobile Speak Pocket. It made me feel really
good that I knew a lot of what they were showing us already. What made
me feel even better was the fact that I have Mobile Speak Smartphone
and could show them how it wasn't working with the MPower. Codefactory
said that it was an issue that Humanware needed to straighten out. And
ya know I let them know. They showed us some of their braille
displays. They are really cool.

I guess yall sighted folks don't have an idea of what I'm talking
about. My BrailleNote MPower is, as easily explained as I can think
of, like a PDA for the blind. I can read email, compose documents,
search the net, and all kinds of other goodies. Mobile Speak
Smartphone is a program that goes onto a SMARTPHONE (I have the
Motorola Q) and allows me to read text messages, use the media player,
and do everything with the phone that a sighted person can. If you'd
like to know more about these companies, go to

Codefactory
www.codefactory.es

Humanware
www.humanware.com

After that, we had a training at work that I attended. Work was ok.

A friend of mine had a surprise birthday party that evening. I wasn't
able to attend, but I was very happy for her. I feel that everyone
should have something special done for them on their birthday. I don't
think you're never too old to have a day that you deem as "special."
For many of us, it's our birthday. It doesn't have to be huge, just
meaningful. I was very happy for her. I thought it was quite
thoughtful of the church to do for her. Go Spirit Life Church!
www.spiritlife.tv

I got a chance to do some grocery shopping. Ya gotta take them rides
when they're available. I went to Sprouts and cleaned up on the Le
Nature water. I'm pretty upset that they've gone out of business and
fully intend to drink this as long as I can. I did some shopping at
Fry's. I got home late and ate a Pot Pie. That was the extent of my
day.

Update

-
Come, read and take a journey with me at
www.WorldOfShariG.blogspot.com
Hey yall, what's been happening?
OK. I know I wasn't supposed to let almost two weeks go by without
writing. Sorry... (LOL) It's just... that life happens.

I'm gonna try to update you and what's been going on. I'll try and
separate different entries with the subject line of the date. Here it
goes.
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