Happy Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day originated as a Christian feast day honoring a martyr named Valentine. Through later folk traditions, it’s become a significant cultural and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world. On Valentine’s Day, people on average usually spend close to $200 per person. It’s expected that Americans plan to spend nearly $26 billion today. If money could buy love, couples might have the most successful romantic relationships.

Around 145 billion Valentines cards are exchanged every year. Even kids in classrooms exchange Valentine’s Day cards. I remember when I was in grade school, handing out cards to every kid in my classroom and eating candied hearts with words on them. I’m sure that still exists to this day. That’s along with heart-shaped boxes with all sorts of different flavors of chocolate pieces inside. If there isn’t a paper that tells you what’s inside, you need to guess which flavor each one is by tasting them.

Although it’s only celebrated by about 50% of Americans, that’s still enough for places to keep producing cards and gifts for it. Even fresh-cut flowers are given as love for someone. Every year, my mom even gets me Valentine’s Day cards, along with putting sweet treats for my nurses and PCAs. I don’t eat sweets anymore; I prefer salty foods instead. Along with me not craving sweets, I’m allergic to pollen so flowers are out of the picture. 

Thoughtfulness trumps splashing the cash. What does your sweetheart love? Kind intentions. Most people prefer a gift that shows thoughtfulness and an understanding of the recipient’s favorites, hobbies, and preferences. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on jewelry to show your loved one they are priceless to you. Be mindful this year and think about the best way to show your affection.

I do want to shout out a happy Valentine’s Day to my love, Jay. Also, to the many others who celebrate today.

Jenni

Happy Holidays

This past week, I’ve been snowed in. I also had to cancel going to ABLE because of the weather. There was a huge blizzard Wednesday and Thursday along with cold temperatures. So, I’ve been hiding inside. The last time I went out when it was this cold, my tubes expanded and started popping off everywhere possible. Plus, since I have a humidifier connected to my ventilator that heats the air I breathe, it leaves moisture in my tubes. If the water drops get too cold, they form icicles!

Merry Christmas to all! Christmas Eve we were supposed to have my sister and her family over for dinner with a meal of prime rib. Although she hadn’t been feeling well for a few days and ended up testing positive for COVID. I felt so bad. Especially because Christmas is a time for gathering. My mom, Sandy, and I ate grilled cheese and tomato soup. A first for Christmas Eve dinner!

Midafternoon on Christmas day Kristen’s boyfriend, Anthony, brought my 2 nieces over to unwrap some presents. Kristen hopped on video using my mom’s echo show and was able to watch. Good thing for technology these days. Later, for dinner we ate lasagna with my other aunt Julie, her husband Pat from Duluth, and my grandma and grandpa. It was a nice weekend visiting family and celebrating Christmas.

Today, I played a couple rounds of yahtzee with my niece (I got her the game for Christmas.) She caught on quickly; I haven’t played in a long time. We did have the meal that we were going to have Christmas Eve, only my sister still wasn’t feeling well. I am hoping she feels better soon, and we can all be together. For now, I plan on going to ABLE this week, since the temperatures are going to be in the 30’s.

I hope all of you had a lovely holiday.

Jenni

Update

On Friday I had my first dose of the COVID vaccine. I ended up getting the Pfizer one which is two doses. My next one is scheduled for three weeks from Friday. I set the first appointment up about a month before it, and the only place nearest to me that had availability was regions hospital. Regions is in St. Paul which is about 30 minutes away from me. It’s actually connected to Gillette Children’s Hospital; that is where I spent over five months after my accident. Good thing is I didn’t have any side effects from it.

A couple weeks ago, I ended up with a respiratory infection. The reason I knew I was sick was because I had to constantly be on oxygen (I’m usually on room air). Also, my nurses were suctioning me more frequently and my secretions were colored. They were able to determine that it was 50% staph infection and a mixture of a couple other infections with a sputum culture. I was put on an antibiotic for 10 days and it’s all cleared up now. I’m glad that it wasn’t anything bigger than that being how sick I felt.

One positive thing is that since I’ve been off my seizure medication (Depakote) after my recent hospitalization, I’ve noticed some significant loss of water weight. It’s pretty much everywhere, especially in my face, arms, legs and stomach. My hands are where you can see it the most. They used to be super puffy and have a lot of pitting edema. Pitting edema is something that I had a lot of in my body. It is when a swollen part of your body has a dimple (or pit) after you press on it for a few seconds.

I’m so happy that it’s helping me, and it’s only been a few weeks. I can’t wait to see how much more I will lose down the line. It will be a huge transformation for me. I still have a video appointment with the nephrologist soon to talk to them about how I’m doing since being off the medication. I’ll be glad to report the good news to them.

For Easter today my sister, her boyfriend and my new niece came over to visit. I can’t believe that she is now five months old! My other niece is now seven years old. I love being on an aunt because I get to be the fun one, I get the distinct honor to spoil them, and they can come to me for advice. I’ve also always loved having aunts for the same reasons.

Jenni

Christmas 2020

Merry Christmas to all!

Usually, we host Christmas every year. Although this year was a little bit different than others. With COVID and having to remain socially distanced (10 people or less per household), it’s difficult to do anything huge. We got together last night to open gifts and eat prime rib. We had the same people over as thanksgiving- my aunt, sister, her boyfriend, and my 2 nieces. One good thing about only hosting a small amount of people is that I don’t get as exhausted as I usually do around this time of year!

On another note, we did have a white Christmas. The day before Christmas eve we had a blizzard. It snowed all day into the night. It’s barely snowed all month, which is rare for December. I thought we were going to have another brown Christmas. The one bad thing is it’s harder for me to go outside in the snow. Hopefully, things will start to melt, and the plows will clear the streets within the next couple weeks.

I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday!

Jenni

New Life and Holiday

On October 26, 2020, my sister gave birth to another healthy baby girl. She was 11 days early, 8 lbs. 8 oz., and her name is Madilyn. Her big sister Avery, now 7 years old loves to hold and play with her. I’m an excited auntie who is now proud to have 2 nieces to spoil. I have shared some pictures below.

Me holding Madilyn. I have the same picture of when Avery was a baby.

Big sister Avery holding Madilyn. My dog Brody loves babies and had to be in the photo!

Madilyn smiling; she is now one month old!

This year is going to be a little different with Thanksgiving. With COVID 19 going around, the governor of Minnesota shut down all restaurant and bars, along with limiting gatherings of 10 people or less. We usually host Thanksgiving and there’s usually at least 20 family members. Although we’re just going have my sister, her boyfriend, my nieces, my aunt Sandy, my mom and me for dinner.

It’s a little different with such a small amount of people, especially since we usually serve such a big meal on Thanksgiving. Although I’m thankful to have family around, supporting and helping me when needed. I know not everybody this year has that, especially since the pandemic.

I’ve been busy with both of the Bible study groups that I’m in. Like I stated a couple posts ago, since I started both groups, I sort of put aside my blog posts. For one of my groups we read certain verses and answer questions that go along with it. It’s thought-provoking and engaging, but between the 2, it’s a lot of reading.

Jenni

Easter at a Distance

Happy Easter everyone! This year was a little different than the usual Easter. Usually we host Easter and have family over for dinner. However, not being able to be together during times like this proves to be a challenge. So, my family and I had to come up with a more creative way of getting together. We ended up doing a “social distance Easter basket hunt”.

Yesterday my mom hid Easter baskets in our yard. Then my sister, her boyfriend and niece came over and from a distance I watched my niece search for them. I thought it was a great idea. Also, my sister came up with this idea to put painter’s

tape on the sidewalk in a mosaic pattern. Then they colored in the spots with chalk and peeled up the tape! It also was a sunny, 60° day which was perfect weather for being outside. Even my dog Brody came outside to enjoy the sunshine with us. After a little while, I took him for a half-hour walk. (Last time I took him to the vet, he said Brody needed to lose a little weight.) The reason we did Easter yesterday was because today it is cold and snowing out.

It’s been difficult not being able to be close to friends and family. Also, not being able to go places has been hard as well. The self-isolation can have a negative effect on people’s mind and body. I have been trying to find different and creative ways to entertain myself by watching movies, playing games, face timing with friends etc. I'm going to try to paint sometime soon as well. Hopefully my mind can stay busy enough so I don't go insane. I found being able to see my sister and niece in person while abiding by the 6-foot rule was very helpful and exciting.

Finished product!

Jenni

April Fools Day 2020

Everywhere today, people are playing April fools jokes on others. This April 1, the Internet is pleading with brands not to pull their regular April fool’s jokes out of respect for all those fighting the COVID 19 pandemic. Their highest goals are to be helpful to people by saving their jokes for next year which should be a whole lot brighter than this year. There are still ways to lightly celebrate the day remotely though, and it’s not stopping others from pulling pranks. Just don’t pretend to have the coronavirus!

Included in the stay-at-home order nationwide, schools are closed. One good joke I saw was that parents have been pranking their children into believing they’re going back to school! Some are even taking it farther by telling them that weekends are canceled to make up for missing days because of the coronavirus. But just as the kids are about to walk out the car door and go back into the classroom, parents have been revealing the truth. I say this joke brings a hilarious light moment to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding schools across the country.

There are other great jokes running out there this year while still practicing social distancing at home. Some include swapping out family photos in the house, pretending to be typing forever to someone on your phone, or subscribe a friend to a hilarious mailing list. Whatever it may be, joking around a little bit might just be what some of us need right now. It’s difficult enough being locked up inside, self-quarantining ourselves.

Jenni

Happy New Year!

 

Throughout my journey so far, I’ve learned that life’s about change. Sometimes it’s painful, sometimes it’s beautiful, but most of the time it’s both. Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go. They merely determine where you start. Allow yourself to set a new goal or dream; you are never too old. Let the new year 2020 be as clear as 20/20 vision: 100%.

Jenni

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Eve everyone! Every year since my accident we started hosting every holiday at our house. It’s just easier because of accessibility; I can’t get into any of my family members houses. We have some family coming tonight for Christmas Eve and some tomorrow for Christmas day in which we will celebrate and open gifts. My mom, sister, niece Avery and I will exchange gifts in the morning.

I didn’t ask for anything specific this year. I find it more fun to give gifts than receive them. Also, instead of buying a bunch of gifts for everybody, we each purchased one $15 gift. In the past, we’ve played the dice game but last time it took forever. This year we’re just going to put every gift in a pile and each person can pick something. After we open, we will have one chance to exchange what we got with someone else. I hope that will make it go much quicker.

I hope you find peace and joy in this holiday season!

Jenni

Happy Thanksgiving

More Than A Day

As Thanksgiving Day rolls around,
It brings up some facts, quite profound.
We may think that we're poor,
Feel like bums, insecure,
But in truth, our riches astound.

We have friends and family we love;
We have guidance from heaven above.
We have so much more
Than they sell in a store,
We're wealthy, when push comes to shove.

So add up your blessings, I say;
Make Thanksgiving last more than a day.
Enjoy what you've got;

Realize it's a lot,
And you'll make all your cares go away.

-By Karl Fuchs
 

Happy Halloween

I'm not a big fan of Halloween. Although I think it is cute when the kids get dressed up. I admit I used to dress up as a kid. One of my favorite Halloween costumes was when I was a cheetah in third grade. Oh yeah, and I used to like the candy. Now I only eat sweets every so often.

This year we only got a few trick-or-treaters. We don’t usually get that many kids come to our house. I think it’s because the houses in my neighborhood are so far apart. I find it interesting how some people decorate their yards like it’s Christmas!

Jenni

Celebrating My Birthday

Saturday, October 19 was my birthday and I turned 33. My family and I went to a restaurant called the Cheesecake Factory. They are an American chain restaurant offering sizable portions from a vast menu including 34 different flavors of cheesecakes. Their menu is huge; 21 pages long and over 250 different items to choose from. Although I’m not a big cheesecake fan, I do like a lot of their foods.

We also celebrated at my house where I opened some cards. I’m at that age where I don’t really need or want anything. Just being around family is enough for me. Throughout my family, there are a lot of birthdays in October. Every year since I could remember we get together as a family and celebrate what we call "October birthdays". That party this year was at the end of September.

Jenni

Winter Update

I have been hearing a lot of people telling me how much reading my blog posts, along with updates, and inspiring others means to them. I decided it’s time for a well needed, overdue post. I noticed that every time I started one, for some reason it’s like I have writers block even though my life is filled with things to talk about. So finally here it goes…
 
First off, for unknown causes, about 4 months ago I injured the inside of my left knee. After an x-ray, there was no apparent bone fracture or break so the orthopedics thought it was a ligament sprain. They gave me a cortisone shot thinking that would help and then checked back with me regarding it. If the pain were to continue, I would’ve had to get an MRI to see if it was something more severe. I wasn’t able to bare weight on my leg because of it and it disrupted my standing schedule of 30 minutes every day. I have slowly worked my way back up to that amount of time and my pain is off-and-on depending on certain positions.

Next, I last wrote an update in June regarding my health. About 2 months ago I got another respiratory infection. This time I caught it early enough to where I just went on some antibiotics and didn’t end up in the hospital. The course was for 2 weeks and I’ve been pretty stable since it cleared up. It’s very difficult on my body and wears me down when I’m sick.

Unfortunately, almost a week before Thanksgiving my grandpa passed away. He was my mom’s dad. It wasn’t exactly sudden; he was living in a care facility for a while before that. We held a memorial service for him a couple of weeks ago and I had the privilege of sharing a Bible verse. I have a lot of memories of us, especially when I was younger. He will be forever missed in our hearts!

Last week the temperatures were hovering around 40°F. I took my dog Brody outside for a couple of short walk and roles. The first day, he was practically pulling my wheelchair like a sled dog! Since the weather’s been so nice out we didn’t have a "White Christmas" except for the little bits of snow already on the ground. Although the temperatures started dropping along with some snow, then rain a couple days ago.

Since my accident, we’ve been hosting Christmas every year. So we had family over Christmas Eve and Christmas day. It’s kind of nice having everyone come to us. I didn’t ask for anything in particular this year. I’m at that age where I find it more fun to give gifts than receive them. We also play the dice game as a family so it’s less pressure to buy a gift for everybody. I did receive

Hopefully I will be able to write more in the future. I realize now how much people want to hear about what I have to say or what I’m up to. Be sure to keep checking back to see more posts coming soon! Also, feel free to leave a comment and give me feedback.

Jenni

“Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don't wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it's at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored.”

-Earl Nightingale

A Way to Live

To me, being paralyzed does not mean the end. It can be difficult and challenging at times but I'm able to handle whatever comes my way. I believe my accident happened for a reason. Throughout this journey so far I've met some amazing people and learned new things. My paralysis hasn't limited me or stopped me from pursuing my dreams. There are many things I can do, I just do them differently. I'm not in a stage of depression and don't in any way feel sorry for myself.

I know that there are people in my situation out there who do not have the same feelings. I realize that everybody handles and deals with things in different ways. What may be easy for some may be extremely difficult for another. I'm writing this for those who feel their life is not worth living because of their situation or experiences. I'd like to offer my help in any way possible. My goal is to inspire others to live on through change in their life.

Let this New Year bring joy and fulfillment in life. I want to go on more adventures, be around good energy, connect with more people, learn new things and grow.

Jenni

Christmas Time

It’s that time of year again. Since Christmas is here with all of its joys, I want to take the time to ask a more serious question. What is the real meaning of Christmas? Is it the lights in the windows, gifts under the trees, stockings hanging down, receiving cards in the mail, dinner with family and friends, snow all around, saying "Merry Christmas" to those passing by? Is this really what it is all about?

I don’t believe it’s about Santa Claus and his reindeer landing on the top of the house, him coming down the chimney in the middle of the night, eating the cookies left out, and leaving loads of presents behind. I know it is fun to receive and give and decorate and wrap and believe in magic. But it's about the real meaning of Christmas.

Many people don’t have the money to buy gifts for others or have the resources to put together big family get-togethers. It may be a time of sorrow because of it, some sense of misery in a deep knowing that they might not be able to give all they want. There are some that are saddened when thinking of loved ones with which they might not be able to see.

I’ve learned over the years what Christmas is and isn’t about. Christmas can be a season of great joy. It can be a time of healing and renewed strength. It's about the love, passion and the praise that we give and receive on this one day. It has a special meaning to everyone and I think more people need to find their meaning. For those of you who celebrate Christmas, I hope this year you all can find the true meaning of Christmas in your hearts.

Jenni
"Wherever you go, whatever you do, may the joy of the season always be with you."
-Anonymous

Happy Thanksgiving

These turkeys live in the neighborhood year-round.
They mostly hang out at this house because the lady that lives in it feeds them.
By the way, I took this photo on Thanksgiving day!

All in a Word

T for time to be together, turkey, talk, and tangy weather.
H for harvest stored away, home, and hearth, and holiday.
A for autumn's frosty art, and abundance in the heart.
N for neighbors, and November, nice things, new things to remember.
K for kitchen, kettles' croon, kith and kin expected soon.
S for sizzles, sights, and sounds, and something special that abounds.
That spells ~~~THANKS---for joy in living and a jolly good Thanksgiving.
-Aileen Fisher

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love the food and the time spent with the family. Today we're hosting it at our house. The house smells wonderful! I am also excited for apple pie (after I stuff my face with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and peas.). I hope all of you are having a wonderful day and are surrounded by people you love because today is the day to give thanks.

I know that not everyone who is reading this lives in a place where they have a Thanksgiving, but I can guarantee that most people have something that they are thankful for. I'm thankful to be alive and here today celebrating life; also thankful for all the wonderful people who have supported me and been with me throughout. This means good health, life, my family, and friends. What are you thankful for?

Jenni

"Regardless of our situation, no matter if we are battling disease and illness, or suffering the loss of a loved one, or faced with under-employment and economic distress, or other problems in our lives, we all have many things for which to be grateful."

-Jim West

Celebrating With Joy

Merry Christmas!

Last night we had family over for Christmas Eve. I love when everyone gets together to celebrate. We ate shrimp and ham for dinner and then opened presents. This morning we unwrapped our presents to each other and soon we're going to have more family over. Dinner tonight will be turkey and mashed potatoes (just like we do on Thanksgiving).

It does get overwhelming around the holidays and I get burned out quickly. Entertaining people can be exhausting at times, especially if I'm doing a lot of talking. But I do enjoy the time I can spend with family. A few years ago I wrote this post about Christmas and what it's really about. I thought I'd share it again for all my new readers since then.

The last couple of Christmases, I've kind of been bah humbug about the whole thing. Not because I don't like Christmas, but because I don't like what it has become. I have learned over the years what Christmas is and is not about. It's not about how many gifts you give or receive. It's not about trying to top last year's gift. It's not about the decorations and the flashy wrapping paper. It's not about Santa Claus and his reindeer landing on the top of the house, him coming down the chimney in the middle of the night, eating the cookies left out, and leaving loads of presents behind. I know it is fun to receive and give and decorate and wrap and believe in magic. But it's about the real meaning of Christmas. It's about family and getting together and celebrating the birth of Jesus. It's about the love and passion and the praise that we give and receive on this one day. It has a special meaning to everyone and I think more people need to find their meaning. For those of you who celebrate Christmas, I hope this year you all can find the true meaning of Christmas in your hearts.

Jenni

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Everyone! :-)

Thanks for Being You

Happy Mother's Day! Let me first start off by honoring all of the women who have donated their time to being a mother. What great work you do. Then I want to say thanks for being there and I hope your day is wonderful.

To my mom: you have always been there for me no matter what. I'm grateful to have you as my mother and I'm thankful for everything you do. You are the best and I love you.

Jenni

Happy Easter

This morning we went to the 11 o'clock service at church. It was packed with people. In a couple of hours were hosting Easter at our house. I think there's going to be 20 of us our so. That's a big crowd and a lot of cooking.

Hope everyone else is having a good day.

Jenni