Saturday, August 7, 2010
Thankful to Be Here!
I started my blog and a week later went for tests-heart, carotid artery,etc. "Just for a Record" I thought. Was passing with flying colors until I got to the R. carotid artery. The technician paled and said," I think I better set you up with another appointment. With the numbers your test shows, I know the Doctor will want you to have a carotid arteriogram. I was surprised to say the least.
Two days later I had the arteriogram series. My daughter-in-law who is a nurse at the hospital where I went told me to pack a bag just in case they kept me. Later I found out she had already contacted the number 1 surgeon at Gadsden Regional Hospital and had a spot for me to be worked in if needed. The normal count for blood velocity flow in the carotid is 80. My number was 309.
The doctor and the surgeon came to see me in recovery. They had one open place that afternoon. "Would you like to get this done today and not have to wait around and worry about it?" So to make a long story short, I agreed. Had the procedure, spent a few weeks resting up, and am back to my schedule.
I would say to anyone with a history of heart disease or stroke in the family, get the tests done. It's so easy and will tell you if you need anything further. I'm so glad I requested it. Now my number is 80 on both sides of my neck. I'm ready for whatever comes my way. And now I DO have a record to look back to and compare.
Two days later I had the arteriogram series. My daughter-in-law who is a nurse at the hospital where I went told me to pack a bag just in case they kept me. Later I found out she had already contacted the number 1 surgeon at Gadsden Regional Hospital and had a spot for me to be worked in if needed. The normal count for blood velocity flow in the carotid is 80. My number was 309.
The doctor and the surgeon came to see me in recovery. They had one open place that afternoon. "Would you like to get this done today and not have to wait around and worry about it?" So to make a long story short, I agreed. Had the procedure, spent a few weeks resting up, and am back to my schedule.
I would say to anyone with a history of heart disease or stroke in the family, get the tests done. It's so easy and will tell you if you need anything further. I'm so glad I requested it. Now my number is 80 on both sides of my neck. I'm ready for whatever comes my way. And now I DO have a record to look back to and compare.
Labels: unexpected surgery
Lucky Me--My Share of Great Audiences
Recently I spoke to the N.E. Alabama Genealogical Society in Gadsden, AL. What a responsive group with great audience attention and good questions/discussion at the end of the program. This is just one example of the many groups of people I've come into contact with as I travel around speaking at libraries, schools, community clubs, churches and more.
I've had the priviledge of meeting so many interesting and inquisitive people of all ages. It's great for a speaker when you arrive, and instantly you can tell this is going to be a welcoming audience. I've had so many good experiences, and I feel blessed for that.
As often happens with groups who pursue serious genealogy research, I met a number of people at the end of this recent program who all said, "Wow, I've been researching for years, and I never thought about including my children or grandchildren. Your program makes me see that I should have. So I plan to start telling stories and sharing information about our ancestors and see if I can interest them."
This is gratifying for me as the program presenter when a lightbulb goes on in the audience's head, and they grasp one of my main points-- If you want the family history of your family to continue, you have to get the kids involved and interested. That's what my book is all about--connecting families and strengthening family ties in a world that is so full of family division and mobility these days. (Digging From Attics To Basements) Our children need to know who/where they came from, and they need the self-identity and self-esteem that comes from knowing you're part of a family line.
I have really enjoyed traveling around, presenting programs and meeting people in GA, FL and all over AL. It emphasizes to me that even though there is a lot wrong in our world, there are still many good citizens, genuine warm people, and great audiences, and I've had the pleasure of meeting many of them.
I've had the priviledge of meeting so many interesting and inquisitive people of all ages. It's great for a speaker when you arrive, and instantly you can tell this is going to be a welcoming audience. I've had so many good experiences, and I feel blessed for that.
As often happens with groups who pursue serious genealogy research, I met a number of people at the end of this recent program who all said, "Wow, I've been researching for years, and I never thought about including my children or grandchildren. Your program makes me see that I should have. So I plan to start telling stories and sharing information about our ancestors and see if I can interest them."
This is gratifying for me as the program presenter when a lightbulb goes on in the audience's head, and they grasp one of my main points-- If you want the family history of your family to continue, you have to get the kids involved and interested. That's what my book is all about--connecting families and strengthening family ties in a world that is so full of family division and mobility these days. (Digging From Attics To Basements) Our children need to know who/where they came from, and they need the self-identity and self-esteem that comes from knowing you're part of a family line.
I have really enjoyed traveling around, presenting programs and meeting people in GA, FL and all over AL. It emphasizes to me that even though there is a lot wrong in our world, there are still many good citizens, genuine warm people, and great audiences, and I've had the pleasure of meeting many of them.
Labels: Experiences as a Speaker
Friday, August 6, 2010
Quite a Summer
After I recovered from my unexpected surgery I had a busy schedule of speaking events during April, May and June. I didn't get back to my blog. Then I took off July and August to be with grandchildren and take a vacation in Gatlingburg, TN. So now its August. School is back in swing and I have time to get caught up on my blogging.
Hope your summer was restful. Mine was not! But it was enjoyable just the same. I spent time at the swimming pool watching my 4 grandchildren swim, dive, jump off the high dive and whiz down the slide. Two are 13 and 15 and can take care of themselves in the water. The two younger ones are 3 and 6. Have to watch these two carefully. Never know when one will decide to jump off the side of the pool. The 6-year-old discarded her "backpack" half way through the summer and took to swimming underwater with her goggles. Got up her courage on the low board and had such fun jumping off the board and twisting in the air. She learned forward and back flips in the water and almost turned into a dolphin from staying underwater so long. The 3-year-old learned to trust himself in the water this summer. He jumped off the side with no help. He went down the slide. He gained confidence to go all over the pool wearing his "backpack." He's looking forward to swimming lessons next spring to get ready for the next summer season. The 2 teens were great with their younger siblings. They spent time playing pool games with them
and watching their many tricks.
All in all summer was exciting as I viewed it through the eyes of my grandchildren. The nights of cooking out, playing volleyball and badminton, catching lightning bugs to go in a Mason jar, eating popsicles and ice cream cones, riding bicycles...I could go on and on.
But my point is this, if you have grandchildren, spend time with them. The memories are precious, and they grow up all too fast. Be close, be a friend and confidant, share stories and ideas, be there for your grands. And... if they don't know how to swim, teach them or arrange lessons for them. Swimming is one of the most basic things they need to learn--respect the water, learn to be comfortable in the pool or lake, don't take risks, enjoy knowing how to swim.
Summer is fading to memories to tuck away and bring out at some later time. I'm glad to get back to a schedule again, and I look forward to fall, but I won't soon forget the special tmes the summer of 2009 brought.
Hope your summer was restful. Mine was not! But it was enjoyable just the same. I spent time at the swimming pool watching my 4 grandchildren swim, dive, jump off the high dive and whiz down the slide. Two are 13 and 15 and can take care of themselves in the water. The two younger ones are 3 and 6. Have to watch these two carefully. Never know when one will decide to jump off the side of the pool. The 6-year-old discarded her "backpack" half way through the summer and took to swimming underwater with her goggles. Got up her courage on the low board and had such fun jumping off the board and twisting in the air. She learned forward and back flips in the water and almost turned into a dolphin from staying underwater so long. The 3-year-old learned to trust himself in the water this summer. He jumped off the side with no help. He went down the slide. He gained confidence to go all over the pool wearing his "backpack." He's looking forward to swimming lessons next spring to get ready for the next summer season. The 2 teens were great with their younger siblings. They spent time playing pool games with them
and watching their many tricks.
All in all summer was exciting as I viewed it through the eyes of my grandchildren. The nights of cooking out, playing volleyball and badminton, catching lightning bugs to go in a Mason jar, eating popsicles and ice cream cones, riding bicycles...I could go on and on.
But my point is this, if you have grandchildren, spend time with them. The memories are precious, and they grow up all too fast. Be close, be a friend and confidant, share stories and ideas, be there for your grands. And... if they don't know how to swim, teach them or arrange lessons for them. Swimming is one of the most basic things they need to learn--respect the water, learn to be comfortable in the pool or lake, don't take risks, enjoy knowing how to swim.
Summer is fading to memories to tuck away and bring out at some later time. I'm glad to get back to a schedule again, and I look forward to fall, but I won't soon forget the special tmes the summer of 2009 brought.
Labels: Summer 2009
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Contact Shadowpurr-r-rPress
For more Information, to purchase a copy of her book, or to Schedule the Author for a Speaking Engagement contact:
Alice G. Duckett
Shadowpurr-r-rPress
4720 Amberwood Lane
Anniston, AL 36207
cell 256-282-8225
Shadowpurr-r-rPress
Shadowpurr-r-rPress BLOG
Info@Shadowpurr-r-rPress.com
© copyright 2006-2010 Shadowpurr-r-rPress and Alice G. Duckett. All rights reserved.
Alice G. Duckett
Shadowpurr-r-rPress
4720 Amberwood Lane
Anniston, AL 36207
cell 256-282-8225
Shadowpurr-r-rPress
Shadowpurr-r-rPress BLOG
Info@Shadowpurr-r-rPress.com
© copyright 2006-2010 Shadowpurr-r-rPress and Alice G. Duckett. All rights reserved.
