FYI

My NEW blog address is
bj-sweetnothings.blogspot.com

and I have a link to where you can receive
SWEET NOTHINGS posts in your EMAIL ACCOUNT.

Please go to the NEW BLOG.
thanks, bj

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

I HAVE A DREAM GOAL....

AND.....

I have PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE

aka P.A.D.

This is the reason for so many surgeries and by-passes I've had the last two years.
I was to the point that I couldn't walk from one room in my cottage to the other without
severe PAIN.

For a lady that USED to walk 1 to 2 miles every day,
it was so frustrating for me.

Yes, I have P.A.D.
HOWEVER...

I DO NOT HAVE ARTHRITIS...


My sweet DAUGHTER*IN*LAW

does this

WALK FOR ARTHRITIS

every year in honor of her deceased mother.
I SOOOO want to do this WALK with her
but, in the past, each time it was to be held,
I was either IN the hospital OR just getting out.
My old legs just wouldn't allow me to walk with KATHY.
I am determined to do the

ARTHRITIS WALK

with her NEXT SUMMER.....

*********
I am walking EVERY day....
not very far yet...
only 1/4 of a mile
but maybe....just MAYBE
I can walk 1/2 mile TOMORROW !!


I have a beautiful park to walk in...
a fabulous track and lots of pretty, shade trees...
(ummm...see that house in the background...)


Not only is it a MAGNIFICENT HOUSE but it's right across the street from this beautiful
PARK....

WOW !!
ALRIGHT !!

I made it to the 1/4 mile marker and
NO PAIN..
I am blessed !


Yep...you are right !
This delightful little bench just had
MY name on it...for about 5 minutes...
Then, it was time to go back..


Isn't this the most MAGNIFICENT tree...
I know it has always been in this park but, before, I was so busy trying to set a world record of
walking a mile...I just didn't pay any attention to it...
Now that I am walking MUCH slower, I notice so many more things...
Maybe I wasn't taking the time to
SMELL THE ROSES ???


The little park lake is full with the bounty of the
fabulous rains we've been having..
Aren't the clouds reflected in the precious water so pretty !



AND...have you done the math ?
I DID WALK A 1/2 MILE TODAY !!

**********

SOOOO, with walking every day and getting my legs stronger...
and adding mileage to it...

I WILL BE ABLE TO DO THE WALK

WITH GOD'S HELP

"HANG ON, KATHY...."

"I'll be walking alongside you NEXT summer !!"

blessings, bj
*****************
I will be drawing the lucky winner's name for the
HOT PINK AND WHITE POLKA DOT
FLEECE THROW
this SATURDAY MORNING.
Leave your comment, if you would like to have a chance at the throw, on my
I'M IN THE PINK
posting of this week.
Comments need to be left FRIDAY NIGHT...
GOOD LUCK, FRIENDS

35 comments:

Kathleen Grace said...

Yur determination is an inspiration to me BJ. I dont walk as much as I should (translation: I take it completely for granted!) I'm going to get out there and do some walking too. I need the exercise. You have a beautiful place to walk, you go girl!

Anonymous said...

BJ, I just love you, and I'm so happy and proud of how you are doing.

Rosie's Whimsy said...

YOU GO GIRL!! I know you can do it! And, yes, I did catch that math....1/2 mile is fantastic. Take it slow and work up gradually and you'll be there beside her on that special walk. BIG ((hugs)) Rosie

Picket said...

Oh girl..you are such an inspiration...you make me feel ashamed for even thinking of grumbling about my little woes...I love you BJ and I'm cheering you on girl!!!! Have a great day1

Bo said...

Hi BJ...golly, I am going to research P.A.D....since I was 14 years old I have had trouble with varicose veins...so did my mom & aunt. My logs (er I mean legs) look like roadmaps...Bravo for your vigor and determination to ready yourself for next year's walk. What a glorious place to walk..."they" (whoever they are) say one is closer to God in the garden than any other place...
:-) Brown-Eyes

Anonymous said...

I have just found your blog and I love what I have read. You are a very strong lady with courage determination and it is that determination and positive outlook that will get you through even the most difficult times.

You did so well to walk so far and although you walked slow and slower your walk would have meant more to you than those of others walking faster. You DID smell the roses and see the beauty around you. We all too often do not live in the now as we rush along to the next.

I hope you just continue feeling stronger and stronger in all ways.

Have a truly lovely day.

Adrienne said...

Hi BJ -
Keep up the good work. You'll make it! I admire your determination. Such a gorgeous place to walk. Thanks for taking us along. I enjoyed sitting with you on the bench to catch our breath and chat a bit.
~Adrienne~

Anonymous said...

Way to go dear Lady !!!!

Tammy B.

Unknown said...

Hi BJ,
You have a lovely area to walk! sounds like you are doing great. My sister had the exact same thing...she had her surgery about 3 years ago.

Glad to know you are feeling better these days,
Diane

Dena said...

Oh BJ,

I believe you will be right along side her. As the ladies are saying, You GO Girl :)!!!!

Hugs,
Dena

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Hi BJ!
You are such an inspiration! And I really needed it today!! I'm so glad you are doing so well and walking so far. You are truly amazing!
I love your new banner photo. It looks FABULOUS!! The fireplace surround you found was the best deal of the year too! WOW! Looks great!

Hugs, Sherry

Anonymous said...

BJ,

You are such an inspiration. I'm so proud of you! Now, I need to lose some lbs, and you've inspired me to get going on it. Keep up the good work sweetie!

Sweetie said...

You certainly are an inspiration. My daughter (now 37) has had juvenile rheumotoid arthritis since she was 4 (and it's still called juvenile rehumotoid arthritis). I was diagnosed 10 years ago with Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT). Thanks to a wonderful GP and neurologist, some of the symptoms are being treated. It is to good to know that someone that has gone through so many physical problems is as determined as you.

bj said...

TO DEBBIE from NJ...
So glad to hear from you, sweet friend. I do hope all is well in your world !
Pls. come back to see me ANYTIME!
love, bj

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pictures.

Carrie said...

You go BJ!!! That is sooo exciting! You CAN DO IT!!! I'll be your cheerleader!

nikkicrumpet said...

YOU my dear are one FREAKIN TOUGH COOKIE!!! You are an inspiration to all of us...in fact...I think I'll pry my big ole butt off this chair and go for a walk....and with that fact, you become my puppies new HERO! Have a great day

Barb said...

Hi BJ,

You go girl! One step at a time. Bless your heart, you have been through a lot. With God's help anything is possible. You will be walking for arthritis next year.

Hugs and more hugs,
Barb

Unknown said...

Way to go BJ. I am sure that you will be able to walk with your sweet daughter in law. Your determination will get you to that point.

Stay well sweetie.

God bless.

bj said...

My thanks to all of you for such kind words and encouragement...
I can ALWAYS count on YOU for support and love...
THANK YOU!
bj

Betty said...

I'll be there cheering you on at least in thought!

Betty

Betty said...

BJ, you make me ashame of myself that you walk a half mile in the shape you are in healthwise, and yet I only walk two miles once or twice a week and never over three times a week. You should be very proud of yourself. A good attitude and a strong determination is half the battle. You can do this.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful thing for you to do, BJ and what a beautiful place to "train"!

I want to thank you on behalf of my younger sister who has Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Pat

Susan @ Blackberry Creek said...

Good for you, BJ. Keep on walking. As you say, with God's help, you can make your dream a reality. Good luck.

Scooterblu's Whimsy~Rhonda said...

You go girl! You are an inspiration of strength! :)

~Hugs, Rhonda

Anonymous said...

Hi Bj,

I am so happy you are doing well.

What an inspiration you are !!

Kathy :)
jokaj@comcast.net

Virginia said...

Bless your heart. You are the kind
of woman that would be a inspiration to know. I'll be praying for you, and remember with God's help and faith we can move mountains.

Cindy said...

Good for you!!! That is so great!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

BJ I am so in awe of you right now! Make sure you let me know next year when you walk, so I can be a sponser......You go girl!
xo
P

Life on the Edge said...

Wow, this is so fantastic! Sounds like you are getting better all the time. I hope this means that the bypass is now considered a success and that the blood is flowing through your legs as it should be!

Kady

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Wow, BJ! I am amazingly proud of you and totally inspired by your determination. I am looking so forward to hearing about your progress. I have no doubt that you will be right there beside Kathy next year! Love to you!
Susan

Nancy Rosalina said...

What a inspiration you are. People take walking for granted, till they start having problems with knees, legs, veins, or feet. I am happy you are doing better. Nancy

Anonymous said...

Bj, I am sure you are in bed as I write this comment. I was gone all day and am so late with my visits. I can relate to your pain in your legs. I don't have P.A.D. but I am having knee replacements in both of my knees. I haven't talked about it but the surgery is Aug. 25th, so it will put a dent in my posting for a bit. I am having one knee done at a time. Arthritis is the cause.

I am a walker too. The recovery will be slowing me down and I will have to build up my walking again. I admire your strength of mind in the progress you are making. It takes a strong will to take those steps to your goal. You go girl!
Love and hugs, Jeanne

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

BJ!! CONGRATULATIONon your 1/2 mile. You do have such beautiful things to look at when you walk.Keep up the good work and for inspiring be to walk.
God Bless,
ginger

Anne said...

I am glad that you're doing so well.