tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83626866147259126662024-02-19T06:53:26.487-08:00Our Flener Family Life Life as we know it. Living, Struggling, Surviving, Overcoming, Hoping, and all the other stuff life includes. Kids, Trips, Disney, and living life with PTSD and TBI. Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07001509904451650834noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8362686614725912666.post-10336751165733525482017-03-15T06:18:00.001-07:002017-04-25T14:34:00.917-07:00National LAMOPH Ways & Means Pashmina Sale<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
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<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="NRL98HB38BDEE" />
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<tr><td><input name="on0" type="hidden" value="Name of person picking up:" /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil91nxwWmEMGjCxBzC4nRO1VWV3yC4BCSTisyp0-q0e5ZEqmJXrKt8bNrArcUDofMOsJD-IDt7fJOVRc3qej55o4X9YH2hNU5ZPjwKmDCEDaBcAb5LbvcYopVGScNUwMsEbQcaaHtdqjMC/s1600/pashmina+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil91nxwWmEMGjCxBzC4nRO1VWV3yC4BCSTisyp0-q0e5ZEqmJXrKt8bNrArcUDofMOsJD-IDt7fJOVRc3qej55o4X9YH2hNU5ZPjwKmDCEDaBcAb5LbvcYopVGScNUwMsEbQcaaHtdqjMC/s320/pashmina+1.JPG" width="176" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
NATIONAL LAMOPH - WAYS & MEANS </div>
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is selling purple pashminas to raise funds!</div>
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A Pashmina is a warm scarf that is very versatile; the Pashminas
measure 28 inches x 70 inches plus 3 inches of fringe. </div>
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We have dark purple ones (like the image on the bottom) for sale for $10. </div>
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If you
have ever traveled by car or plane, eaten in an air-conditioned restaurant, or spent an evening out,
then a Pashmina will work for you! It is quite warm and perfect for travel. </div>
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Our goal is to have each
Unit purchase five pashminas.
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If you would like to purchase pashminas, please contact me at aflener1@gmail.com</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpU4vbgWwvxLYGvCe0deGAWk7rPhdEiAZ5oXeEHaWBXLkfxSre7oGvqKl1dOi8kSU26uVeqYenDCeFX7e5_F46QDNDel7AqfpZ9vaILx3_dqzNavczRFjQF3NmDjYYKDD_BZndALo1bKLw/s1600/IMG_4347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpU4vbgWwvxLYGvCe0deGAWk7rPhdEiAZ5oXeEHaWBXLkfxSre7oGvqKl1dOi8kSU26uVeqYenDCeFX7e5_F46QDNDel7AqfpZ9vaILx3_dqzNavczRFjQF3NmDjYYKDD_BZndALo1bKLw/s320/IMG_4347.JPG" width="320" /></a>I
AM TAKING PRE-ORDERS for PICKUP the Region Conference. If you plan on
attending, this will keep you or your Unit/Department from having to pay
shipping costs. If you need the pashmina shipped the cost is $3 or can
be combined and discounted for multiples. </div>
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If your
Unit or Department orders 28 or more, the shipping is free and direct to you. </div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Thank you in advance for your support!</span> </div>
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Feel free to share with your Patriot members who may want to purchase for their Ladies!</div>
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</tbody></table>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04466178876210267777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8362686614725912666.post-87323606676762843802017-03-13T06:29:00.000-07:002017-03-13T08:39:55.069-07:00On Life, Love, and Greiving<h3>
<b>Grief</b></h3>
Grief is an ugly...word. A necessary term that envelops so much. Where to even begin? Chances are you've heard about Kübler-Ross and her stages of Death and Dying. You're probably thinking tears, moaning and groaning and crying out....memorial services and a burial. But what about when your grief involves the living? Maybe you've heard the term <i>Anticipatory Grief. </i>That is grieving the loss of someone before they are gone. What happens when you grieve not because someone has died but because a dream or a lifestyle or a future is not as anticipated? Are you following?<br />
<br />
<h4>
<b>Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, & Acceptance</b></h4>
Grief doesn't just mean that a loved one has died or is dying. I've explained to so many people over the years that the grief process is like a ladder....those stages of death and dying can be conquered and yet one can fall back down just to have to climb up them again. <b>Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, & Acceptance</b> are the familiar stages we discuss or lay out to conquer. Yet, have you ever grieved over a life that didn't turn out like you planned? A future of hopes and dreams cut short or changed from what you anticipated? A child that strayed down a difficult path. A separation of relationship? In talking about our caregiver journeys we mention grief a fair amount. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eRcSccs1nK_CE68xHdZxPkI-sZVsarU9nNZxMkOZsNvBJnNKeb1AX66FJoidJa1XqlZeetIwvXeuo10FkSkdsXEnjA8JBH_c6Al5otwPVNmMHfdUWHd1M2cAKzVwBDBuu9_xYZqtYU0/s1600/picket+fence+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eRcSccs1nK_CE68xHdZxPkI-sZVsarU9nNZxMkOZsNvBJnNKeb1AX66FJoidJa1XqlZeetIwvXeuo10FkSkdsXEnjA8JBH_c6Al5otwPVNmMHfdUWHd1M2cAKzVwBDBuu9_xYZqtYU0/s320/picket+fence+blog.jpg" width="320" /></a>A few years ago, I wrote a Blog titled, <a href="http://flenerfamily.blogspot.com/2013/02/when-my-white-picket-fence-no-longer.html" target="_blank">"When my White Picket Fence no longer Matched the American Dream" </a>and outlined how facing our difficult our circumstances had been challenging. Different from that <i>normal </i>life we envision.<br />
<br />
Turns out I realized a while back that I'd been grieving for a long time. I'd been mourning the things that weren't set to my imagined or anticipated ideals. I wanted to be in control of so much. Of my life, of my career, of my family and our future. Grief isn't just something that you get over either. Whether you've literally lost someone close or whether you are in mourning over something else, there is no magical switch that we can flip to get over it or shake it off. Sure, there are things we can do to alleviate the symptoms and help us move on....but grief has no timetable. When we are dealing with lifelong illnesses, injuries, and disabilities, that process of grief can come and go for decades.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Hope, Dreams, & Plans</h3>
Just because you've lost, mourned and grieved doesn't mean that you can't have hope. I have a substantial amount of hope. We have an increasing amount of good days, or rather I choose to see them that way. We have choices about our attitude and outlook on our day, our week, our schedule, and our future. We can embrace life and make decisions that give us positive outcomes for our families. We can travel, take trips, visit friends and family, reach out and hold each others hand, and just overall relish in the delight of the simple things without getting caught up in what we wish were different.<br />
<br />
I was such an independent child and student growing up. I got good grades. I studied hard. I finished an entire year of college before I ever graduated from High School. I wanted to make a difference in the world. My parents always taught me I could be anything I wanted to be. I went to college, got three degrees, and bought a business in my early 20's. I bought a house while my husband was deployed. He literally came home from his last deployment to a home he'd only seen in photos and a new business in a town he'd only visited once. We had big aspirations.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Wounds of War & Beyond</h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweKtmyFlZ7-6NTf1PbQ1wCVwSFHtKCwllJFOfC8REVRhkTLXZxxzlStVH5E52E51wXOVGSmNu0M2Goh5MfXL1FyDT0r_mqVRo07J5NFjT5deJ7qRxu4nq-YScQCXnvN0nAwgSqaT8b0M/s1600/leave+airport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweKtmyFlZ7-6NTf1PbQ1wCVwSFHtKCwllJFOfC8REVRhkTLXZxxzlStVH5E52E51wXOVGSmNu0M2Goh5MfXL1FyDT0r_mqVRo07J5NFjT5deJ7qRxu4nq-YScQCXnvN0nAwgSqaT8b0M/s320/leave+airport.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving to go back to Iraq in 2004 after two weeks home </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
John came home from war wounded. Wounded in more ways than we would know. You can't even begin to treat things that you don't know about. He hid his symptoms best he could. He didn't want to talk about the horrific events and accidents that happened. So, we spent years getting diagnoses and help for injuries related to combat.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, We had two boys....beautiful handsome boys. They woke frequently and secretly I was envious of all the moms on Facebook posting how their infants were sleeping so well. Mine didn't sleep well for years. I lost sleep. I have been tired for the better part of a decade. We also had two miscarriages. Those happened before the dawn of our social media appearance so many don't know about that. But that was a struggle. For a while, it was difficult to go to friends baby showers.<br />
<br />
With two young boys and a husband with disabilities, life started beating me up. It was brutal. I couldn't work like I wanted to. I had to hire people to do the jobs that I should be able to do. I had to depend on others to do work that I was responsible for and ultimately, I had to be content with letting things go. I had to let a lot of things go. I had to start staying at home more. While once I had a full time nanny and housekeeper, I had to spend a season focusing more on my own family. Stepping back from my career. Giving up my business. Giving up many of my personal indulgences. Even my <i>me </i>time of teaching had to go. It was hard. <br />
<br />
There was a season where I literally couldn't always even make it to the store when we needed milk or toilet paper and a few people were kind enough to randomly ask if they could assist to bring us things. Some just showing up at times with a hot and home cooked meal. God Bless them. My family has stepped up and helped more than I can ever count, mention, or repay.<br />
<br />
I've cried over life. I've cried over situations. I've shook my head at diagnoses and the calendars as they fill with appointments, wondering how we juggle it all. I've grieved over that normalcy of life that we missed. I've felt inferior at times in dealing with the enormity of existence and responsibility of caring for my family. <br />
<br />
<h3>
In Memory of the Picket Fence</h3>
After one of those moments of grief and wiping tears last year, my husband randomly asked, "Do we need to get the truck and go to the store and get you some picket fence?"<br />
<br />
"You read my blog!" I said as I wiped some tears. "No. I really don't need it. It wouldn't match our house now anyway," I told him. And we kept driving to our destination.<br />
<br />
I don't have to have a white picket fence to have hope in our future or to better avoid any future moments of grief as they may hit without warning. Part of my picket fence is dead and buried and the other part still stands in our memories. <br />
<br />
We are doing well right now. This year, 2017, has been a year of change and transition for us. Life still presents its challenges but we tackle them. Hopefully we tackle them with grace and love and not like a stumbling circus act on stilts. If you're reading this and have loved and experienced lost.... bless you. If you're reading this and loved and stuck somewhere in that grief jungle... bless you. Know that you are not alone and there is Hope going through it and on the other side. Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07001509904451650834noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8362686614725912666.post-17668780743062654362015-10-19T11:13:00.003-07:002015-11-11T13:59:55.939-08:00When life gives you...CaregivingI would dare say anyone signs up for this life. While many of us are military spouses or parents, we know well the worst case scenarios that might happen when our loved ones go off to war. But in reality, when the days, weeks, months, and years after the war and accidents have come and gone, many of us search for peace and joy in the smallest of things.<br />
<h3>
<br />Maybe we didn't sign up for it, but we are Caregivers.</h3>
<br />
We are the wives, mothers, children, spouses, friends, and more who fill the gaps for our loved ones. We support them. We may be their eyes, ears, hands, companions, and chauffeurs. Often we wear the hat of cook and cleaner, master scheduler of the home, taxi driver for the kids, and accountant of our finances.<br />
<br />
Life can suck us dry if we let it. Life throws hard punches and we fight back. How do we fight back? We advocate for our veteran...for the person we provide care for. We assist them in everything they need help with from dressing and dishing out medicine, to helping him or her be more independent.<br />
<br />
So what can we do for ourselves when we feel like we are worn thin? We can take a long and steamy bath. Take a moment. Take two minutes to relax. Read a good book or sit outside and listen to the birds. Relish our cup of coffee with no interruptions.<br />
<h3>
<br />Take Two</h3>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJWTf1LO4zzcvMoFUzxfbNUqrV7GqDieIafFwGf28lN7y1b9xAcG62kslwRMCJMrrN3WxYOx3CI_cn447YL44Mv-NqOLBskvQela7201kyl1ihrJHBU_JEyLn3iWguPPqtFHTX1p0gn4/s1600/lemon2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJWTf1LO4zzcvMoFUzxfbNUqrV7GqDieIafFwGf28lN7y1b9xAcG62kslwRMCJMrrN3WxYOx3CI_cn447YL44Mv-NqOLBskvQela7201kyl1ihrJHBU_JEyLn3iWguPPqtFHTX1p0gn4/s200/lemon2.JPG" width="200" /></a>Today I can slice a lemon for my glass of water, savor the fresh, clean smell as I cut it, squeeze all the juice out that I can and add it to a pretty pitcher or glass. Enjoy it. Experience it. I could hastily run the tap quickly and guzzle a plastic cup full of aqua down, as I do frequently...or I can turn this everyday moment into a treat.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarMzUoWrp_o7pGNf1GMKuk9kIdk4jq4BBD4YjvLSzEQTdBFb89-lgQD9vWdqmbyRyvIev7U5onOZO4dYeWRU7KdcKBkomufGnFxxoylKcgJ_3wlz8RUxedWmxsqBvsumSQ9p55Td7vFE/s1600/coffee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarMzUoWrp_o7pGNf1GMKuk9kIdk4jq4BBD4YjvLSzEQTdBFb89-lgQD9vWdqmbyRyvIev7U5onOZO4dYeWRU7KdcKBkomufGnFxxoylKcgJ_3wlz8RUxedWmxsqBvsumSQ9p55Td7vFE/s200/coffee.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
I can have my cup of coffee without interruption before everyone else wakes. I can bask in the almost <br />
silence around me. I can experience the warmness from my hands holding the cup to the creamy liquid coursing down my throat as I enjoy the moment I am making for me....just me.<br />
<h3>
<br />What's going on around you at this very moment?</h3>
<br />
Do you hear the dishwasher or the hum of the air conditioner? Do you hear chirping outside your window? Is the TV playing in a room close by? Is a child making noise or are cars zooming by within earshot?<br />
<br />
Take a moment to ground yourself in the present. Be aware. Be mindful. Experience life and find some way to make the average extraordinary. Find a way to find peace and joy in your day....even if it only takes two minutes.<br />
<br />
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07001509904451650834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8362686614725912666.post-20296391090754961012014-06-11T09:14:00.000-07:002014-06-11T09:30:20.483-07:00June is PTSD Awareness Month
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<b><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bevel-capbot-bevelstyle: 0; mso-bevel-capbot-dpiheight: 0pt; mso-bevel-capbot-dpiwidth: 0pt; mso-bevel-captop-bevelstyle: 5; mso-bevel-captop-dpiheight: 1.6pt; mso-bevel-captop-dpiwidth: 1.6pt; mso-bevel-colorcontour-alpha: 100.0%; mso-bevel-colorcontour-color: #4F81BD; mso-bevel-colorcontour-colortransforms: "tint=100000 shade=100000 huem=100000 satm=100000"; mso-bevel-colorcontour-themecolor: accent1; mso-bevel-dpicontour: .5pt; mso-bevel-dpiextrusion: 0pt; mso-bevel-material: 6; mso-effects-reflection-align: bottomleft; mso-effects-reflection-angdirection: 5400000; mso-effects-reflection-angfadedirection: 5400000; mso-effects-reflection-anglekx: 0; mso-effects-reflection-angleky: 0; mso-effects-reflection-dpidistance: .039pt; mso-effects-reflection-dpiradius: .787pt; mso-effects-reflection-pctalphaend: 0%; mso-effects-reflection-pctalphastart: 55.0%; mso-effects-reflection-pctendpos: 48.0%; mso-effects-reflection-pctstartpos: 0%; mso-effects-reflection-pctsx: 100.0%; mso-effects-reflection-pctsy: -100.0%; mso-effects-shadow-align: topleft; mso-effects-shadow-alpha: 60.0%; mso-effects-shadow-angledirection: 5400000; mso-effects-shadow-anglekx: 0; mso-effects-shadow-angleky: 0; mso-effects-shadow-color: #3F80CD; mso-effects-shadow-colortransforms: satm=130000; mso-effects-shadow-dpidistance: 1.0pt; mso-effects-shadow-dpiradius: 1.55pt; mso-effects-shadow-pctsx: 100.0%; mso-effects-shadow-pctsy: 100.0%; mso-effects-shadow-themecolor: accent1; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: 0pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-type: none; mso-themecolor: accent1; text-transform: uppercase;"><br />June
is PTSD AWARENesS MONTH <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Amended from Amanda Flener’s September 2012 blog</span><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bevel-capbot-bevelstyle: 0; mso-bevel-capbot-dpiheight: 0pt; mso-bevel-capbot-dpiwidth: 0pt; mso-bevel-captop-bevelstyle: 5; mso-bevel-captop-dpiheight: 1.6pt; mso-bevel-captop-dpiwidth: 1.6pt; mso-bevel-colorcontour-alpha: 100.0%; mso-bevel-colorcontour-color: #4F81BD; mso-bevel-colorcontour-colortransforms: "tint=100000 shade=100000 huem=100000 satm=100000"; mso-bevel-colorcontour-themecolor: accent1; mso-bevel-dpicontour: .5pt; mso-bevel-dpiextrusion: 0pt; mso-bevel-material: 6; mso-effects-reflection-align: bottomleft; mso-effects-reflection-angdirection: 5400000; mso-effects-reflection-angfadedirection: 5400000; mso-effects-reflection-anglekx: 0; mso-effects-reflection-angleky: 0; mso-effects-reflection-dpidistance: .039pt; mso-effects-reflection-dpiradius: .787pt; mso-effects-reflection-pctalphaend: 0%; mso-effects-reflection-pctalphastart: 55.0%; mso-effects-reflection-pctendpos: 48.0%; mso-effects-reflection-pctstartpos: 0%; mso-effects-reflection-pctsx: 100.0%; mso-effects-reflection-pctsy: -100.0%; mso-effects-shadow-align: topleft; mso-effects-shadow-alpha: 60.0%; mso-effects-shadow-angledirection: 5400000; mso-effects-shadow-anglekx: 0; mso-effects-shadow-angleky: 0; mso-effects-shadow-color: #3F80CD; mso-effects-shadow-colortransforms: satm=130000; mso-effects-shadow-dpidistance: 1.0pt; mso-effects-shadow-dpiradius: 1.55pt; mso-effects-shadow-pctsx: 100.0%; mso-effects-shadow-pctsy: 100.0%; mso-effects-shadow-themecolor: accent1; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: 0pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-type: none; mso-themecolor: accent1; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Published in the May/June MOPH Chapter 1000 Newsletter</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What does PTSD look like?<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>
</b></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">"I'm fine, how are you?"</span></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 8.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzDvgXGyaF7ZWYuffarx-xgkGuAX5o-NfIP8nF8RhGsQVvW-x4iOnenJbJ4cd993915c9iQ6SYSDbXhp8yYAQ5LNXmqyHUlWOnom20pLnp9xRwBhyeBIKxjPY_OreCOIurkPvoETInd4/s1600/PTSD+AWARENESS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzDvgXGyaF7ZWYuffarx-xgkGuAX5o-NfIP8nF8RhGsQVvW-x4iOnenJbJ4cd993915c9iQ6SYSDbXhp8yYAQ5LNXmqyHUlWOnom20pLnp9xRwBhyeBIKxjPY_OreCOIurkPvoETInd4/s1600/PTSD+AWARENESS.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Many years ago, a certain veteran I know thought PTSD didn't
exist. He believed it was weakness. It was in one's mind. It
was imaginary. Those were irrational beliefs that started in his early
Army days. Superiors would drill into the soldiers that they were strong
and they could handle anything. They were tough. Thought they
couldn't be beat. PTSD was in the mind of the weak. It wasn't
real. PTSD was for cowards. PTSD was for sissies. </span></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Needless to say, when obvious symptoms of nightmares,
flashbacks, and anxiety crept in, a soldier programmed with the above nonsense
would deny it. Denial. A human's most effective and most important
defense mechanism. Denial is the soldier saying, "I'm good. No
problems. Can't complain." He picks up and carries on. Or does
he? Does a warrior battling these inward emotions and issues really think
that he's alright? Maybe he really does or maybe he has a war within his very
being. Likely he is struggling with the real plague of PTSD symptoms and
that programming of "Suck it up soldier."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">"I'm fine" is such a typical response.
Americans mutter this incessant chat without even thinking about it. It
seems innocent enough, yet it is affirms a stereotypical aspect of our
society. We're good. We're well. We maintain appearances and
a Persona that we are whole, healthy, successful, and without problems.
Most people utter the usual, "Hi. How are you?" without ever wanting
or caring what the addressed party has to say or how they truly
are. They expect a thoughtless, "I'm fine. How are you?"
in return with none other than a "Doing well" type
response. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">For starters, I don't ask one how he or she is unless I truly
want to know or I care. I think I began thinking this way sometime during
my first year of graduate school when I was studying Clinical Psychology and we
were challenged to be more aware and genuine in our interactions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">If someone asks me, "How are you?" He or she should likely
back up for an atypical response. "Tired" may be a likely
response if I sense that someone is in a hurry or simply uttered the phrase
without conscious concern. However, if you sincerely ask me, "How
are you?" you might want to sit down for a more sincere answer. On
the rare occasion a stranger or acquaintance asks how I am and I reply with a
quick and hurried, "Fine." I back up and internally shake
myself. I really do. I ask myself, "Are you fine today?
Perhaps. If not, I that's how I shake myself back into a greater awareness of
how I am. Now we'll get back to PTSD.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKcBeYEE3urBKSNOBxyuEUIwN2DzBZ6RGDRtzE8enTbSU-Y-QsIS5EvJDpIwOjscdcb25LI43pJNsymu4x-mTxq9ii6MBTCRtcXM6lTi8Gbzciz9pzTfq3jQh28jjYAJwmvlfM2By5ek/s1600/suicideL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKcBeYEE3urBKSNOBxyuEUIwN2DzBZ6RGDRtzE8enTbSU-Y-QsIS5EvJDpIwOjscdcb25LI43pJNsymu4x-mTxq9ii6MBTCRtcXM6lTi8Gbzciz9pzTfq3jQh28jjYAJwmvlfM2By5ek/s1600/suicideL.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Now, maybe you can see how PTSD is an <i>invisible</i>
illness. </b> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">People with PTSD can often hide or mask their symptoms.
They can recede into their own homes and personal lives, avoiding interaction
when they don't feel like dealing with people or the world. They can
learn great (or so they think) coping skills, like denial, so it appears that
they are fine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">However, when one wants to really conquer PTSD and conquer his
symptoms of the illness without it dictating life as he knows it, a few things
have to change. The hardest part is acknowledging that PTSD exists and it
is real and it is happening to you or your loved one. Not covering up or
making excuses leads to a greater acknowledgement of the illness and
symptoms. Unfortunately, I think about all the years that we simply
covered up or made excuses for the ugly symptoms and actions resulting from
PTSD. Looking back, it didn't do anyone a favor. Now we make the
covert overt. We acknowledge it. We talk about it when we can and we are
more honest. A doctor or mental health professional cannot help what they
don't know about. Your family cannot be encouraging or supportive if they
don't know the honest truth about what is going on. Your spiritual
network, church, or confidants can't lift you up in prayer and thoughts if they
are not aware of the situation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial;"><b>Few people are discerning enough to take an "I'm fine"
response and decode when you are actually not "fine" and offer the
help and support that is essential in making progress with PTSD or other
aspects of your life. It is essential to open up.</b><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;
text-autospace:none'>
<b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span
style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#4F81BD;mso-themecolor:
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5;mso-bevel-captop-dpiwidth:1.6pt;mso-bevel-captop-dpiheight:1.6pt;
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100.0%;mso-bevel-colorcontour-colortransforms:"tint=100000 shade=100000 huem=100000 satm=100000";
mso-bevel-dpicontour:.5pt'>June is PTSD AWARENESS MONTH <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;
text-autospace:none'>
<b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;
color:#1A1A1A'>Amended from Amanda Flener’s September 2012 blog</span></b><b
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font-family:Arial;color:#4F81BD;mso-themecolor:accent1;text-transform:uppercase;
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.5pt'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;
text-autospace:none'>
<span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial;
color:#1A1A1A'>What does PTSD look like?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;
text-autospace:none'>
<span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial;
color:#1A1A1A'>"I'm fine, how are you?"</span><span
style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#1A1A1A'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;
text-autospace:none'>
<span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Arial;
color:#1A1A1A'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;
text-autospace:none'>
<span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Arial;
color:#1A1A1A'>Many years ago, a certain veteran I know thought PTSD didn't
exist. He believed it was weakness. It was in one's mind.
It was imaginary. Those were irrational beliefs that started in his
early Army days. Superiors would drill into the soldiers that they
were strong and they could handle anything. They were tough.
Thought they couldn't be beat. PTSD was in the mind of the
weak. It wasn't real. PTSD was for cowards. PTSD was for
sissies. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;
text-autospace:none'>
<span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Arial;
color:#1A1A1A'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;
text-autospace:none'>
<span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Arial;
color:#1A1A1A'>Needless to say, when obvious symptoms of nightmares,
flashbacks, and anxiety crept in, a soldier programmed with the above
nonsense would deny it. Denial. A human's most effective and
most important defense mechanism. Denial is the soldier saying,
"I'm good. No problems. Can't complain." He picks up and
carries on. Or does he? Does a warrior battling these inward
emotions and issues really think that he's alright? Maybe he really does or
maybe he has a war within his very being. Likely he is struggling
with the real plague of PTSD symptoms and that programming of "Suck it
up soldier."<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;
text-autospace:none'>
<span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Arial;
color:#1A1A1A'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;
text-autospace:none'>
<span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Arial;
color:#1A1A1A'>"I'm fine" is such a typical response.
Americans mutter this incessant chat without even thinking about it.
It seems innocent enough, yet it is affirms a stereotypical aspect of our
society. We're good. We're well. We maintain appearances
and a Persona that we are whole, healthy, successful, and without
problems. Most people utter the usual, "Hi. How are you?"
without ever wanting or caring what the addressed party has to say or how
they truly are. They expect a thoughtless, "I'm fine. How
are you?" in return with none other than a "Doing well" type
response. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;
text-autospace:none'>
<span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Arial;
color:#1A1A1A'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;
text-autospace:none'>
<span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Arial;
color:#1A1A1A'>For starters, I don't ask one how he or she is unless I
truly want to know or I care. I think I began thinking this way
sometime during my first year of graduate school when I was studying
Clinical Psychology and we were challenged to be more aware and genuine in
our interactions. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;
text-autospace:none'>
<span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Arial;
color:#1A1A1A'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;
text-autospace:none'>
<span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Arial;
color:#1A1A1A'>If someone asks me, "How are you?" He or she
should likely back up for an atypical response. "Tired" may
be a likely response if I sense that someone is in a hurry or simply
uttered the phrase without conscious concern. However, if you
sincerely ask me, "How are you?" you might want to sit down for a
more sincere answer. On the rare occasion a stranger or acquaintance
asks how I am and I reply with a quick and hurried, "Fine." I
back up and internally shake myself. I really do. I ask myself,
"Are you fine today? Perhaps. If not, I that's how I shake myself back
into a greater awareness of how I am. Now we'll get back to PTSD.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;
text-autospace:none'>
<span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Arial;
color:#1A1A1A'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;
text-autospace:none'>
<span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Arial;
color:#1A1A1A'>Now, maybe you can see how PTSD is an <i>invisible</i>
illness. People with PTSD can often hide or mask their
symptoms. They can recede into their own homes and personal lives,
avoiding interaction when they don't feel like dealing with people or the
world. They can learn great (or so they think) coping skills, like
denial, so it appears that they are fine. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;
text-autospace:none'>
<span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Arial;
color:#1A1A1A'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;
text-autospace:none'>
<span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Arial;
color:#1A1A1A'>However, when one wants to really conquer PTSD and conquer
his symptoms of the illness without it dictating life as he knows it, a few
things have to change. The hardest part is acknowledging that PTSD
exists and it is real and it is happening to you or your loved one.
Not covering up or making excuses leads to a greater acknowledgement of the
illness and symptoms. Unfortunately, I think about all the years that
we simply covered up or made excuses for the ugly symptoms and actions resulting
from PTSD. Looking back, it didn't do anyone a favor. Now we
make the covert overt. We acknowledge it. We talk about it when we
can and we are more honest. A doctor or mental health professional
cannot help what they don't know about. Your family cannot be
encouraging or supportive if they don't know the honest truth about what is
going on. Your spiritual network, church, or confidants can't lift
you up in prayer and thoughts if they are not aware of the
situation. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;
text-autospace:none'>
<span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Arial;
color:#1A1A1A'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;
text-autospace:none'>
<span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Arial;
color:#1A1A1A'>Few people are discerning enough to take an "I'm
fine" response and decode when you are actually not "fine"
and offer the help and support that is essential in making progress with
PTSD or other aspects of your life. It is essential to open up.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><!--EndFragment-->Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07001509904451650834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8362686614725912666.post-19400047842404138152014-06-06T06:38:00.000-07:002014-06-06T06:43:15.858-07:00How Conditional is Your Love?<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Today's society is so focused on rewards based on performance. We offer incentives for work based performance, offering bonuses and pay grades based on ability, productivity, sales, and an employee's "worth." We give and get grades in school based on the quality and accuracy of the assignment. Parents may give money to their children based on the chores or tasks that they complete. </span><br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So how do we rank our relationships?</span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Do we have unconditional love for our relationships with our spouse and kids or do we place that love in a hierarchy of how much we love them or the contingencies we place on that love. It's easy to think we give unconditional love to our spouse, children, or others in our lives....but look close and examine the reality. I think of the divorce rate in America and how it has risen over the last few decades. Obviously, there are plenty of valid reasons people get divorced, but I also think that many people don't want to put for the effort and invest in their relationships. They may find that they have conditions to their love or maybe their spouse has conditions to the relationship or love. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Of course, we desire healthy dual-involved relationships. Psychologist Robert Sternberg used the the term <i>Consummate Love</i> and Carl Rogers used the term, <i>unconditional positive regard</i>. Sternberg's term includes the combination of passion, intimacy, and commitment while Roger's emphasized that we love our clients or each other in spite of their actions and behaviors. We love the person regardless of his or her actions. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now to the crux of my point. Do you love your spouse if they are successful and put lots of money in the bank? Or can you also give the same amount of love if they loose a job, go in debt, and can't provide for the family despite struggles and trying? Do you love your kids if they keep everything neat and clean, fuss and fight, or can you find that same love when chaos, disorder, and riots break out? </span><br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What about in terms of sickness and health? </span></h3>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Do you love your spouse through a week long flu? How about a 3 month recovery from an accident? What about a lifelong struggle with chronic and debilitating illness and injury? Do you love them and provide physically and give emtional support during the week? During the 3 months? 10 years? 25 years? Do you have to draw a line somewhere believing that you've put forth more effort than you bargained for?</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTz-DUEZGP7xB-BSx3pxA7PtxYZLiuyByGK_tYesHNcO_aCxma9_iCCMKbeZn3vIQkZAW8kEr0txNkmIV_DDKyCt4SHW3P5ndB7QTT29mmjl2hlvEE-QvEEJAFBKTqu_XUn0G9aYDriE4/s1600/wedding3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTz-DUEZGP7xB-BSx3pxA7PtxYZLiuyByGK_tYesHNcO_aCxma9_iCCMKbeZn3vIQkZAW8kEr0txNkmIV_DDKyCt4SHW3P5ndB7QTT29mmjl2hlvEE-QvEEJAFBKTqu_XUn0G9aYDriE4/s1600/wedding3.jpg" height="145" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ten years ago, I purposely took out the wedding vows that said, "in sickness and health, for ricer and poorer...." etc. I didn't want to speak those downsides over our marriage because for me it was a given that we'd love each other regardless. Sick = love. Well = love. Rich = love. Poor = love. Anyway, whatever circumstance, I was committed to love. I didn't want to weigh that down with vows. Now you may think that's a bit eccentric but that's the way I looked at it and so far we've had our good times and bad. We've battled plenty of sickness and disability from both sides and we've had moments our bank account was plentiful and like most, we've had moments we were in the red or very close, pinching pennies and counting dollars. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It is so easy for families struggling with disabilities to give up. To just quit or walk away thinking that they are giving more than they are getting. It is so easy for someone to think they've had enough of their partner's PTSD, of their anger, of their issues. It is possible to feel overwhelmed with physical symptoms of mobility issues, of brain injuries, and even deformities. Do I love you only while you are able to love me as much back and I can see that daily? Do I love you regardless of your inability to do the dishes, take the trash out? Do I love you in spite of the fact that you haven't been able to work in years? Can you keep loving someone who has trouble communicating but can squeeze your hand occasionally? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Do we love our kids when they hug us and squeeze us and say, "I love you." Or can we also find the wherewithal to love them when they are defiant, scream that they hate us, and run slamming the door behind them. Do we love the spouse that seems to take and not give? Do we keep loving unconditionally when one needs constant supervision and care?</span><br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm not saying we don't have our moments where we want to scream and throw up the white flag. </span></h3>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Its quite human to feel frustrated and defeated. But can you forgive? Can you rise above these moments and continue to love unconditionally? Can you love those that persecute you? Can you love those that seem to hate you and not reciprocate positive emotion? Can you love your neighbor, your children, your spouse in spite of their actions and through their unattractive behaviors? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It is most assuredly not as easy as it seems and it takes grace, patience, and lots of love. I encourage you to keep loving. To strive to love unconditionally.</span><br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you can push your conditions aside and UN-quantify your love, my guess is that you'll be happier giving of yourself, your time, your energy, and your love. </span></h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07001509904451650834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8362686614725912666.post-74468344177974405432014-06-02T10:10:00.001-07:002014-06-02T13:41:25.546-07:00We've Been On Those VA Wait Lists<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am not surprised by the VA Waitlist scandals. Not at all. Why? Because we've been on those lists. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We've been the ones that have been told my husband can only see his neurologist once a year. We've had to wait 10 months on a colonoscopy, without first seeing a GI physician. We've yet to receive an appointment with a GI physician due to bowel issues. My first complaint of the issue was March of 2013. Yes, last year. Procedure was done in January of 2014 when we saw the headlines in Augusta, GA that read "Four Die Waiting on GI Appointments." That's encouraging when your checking into the hotel and notice the paper on the lobby table the evening before the procedure. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We've seen countless receptionists, not put John's name into the computer but write his info on a paper, never to get a followup or drastically later. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John has had some success with doctors and appointments but they've been few and far between and I feel he and other veterans are not getting the care they deserve. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, after years of not having an orthopedic or pain specialist, the VA agreed to handle this via fee services and allow us to see a doctor closer to home. We are 3.5 hours away from the VAMC. John went for his consultation, went for an epidural and the day before his 3 week follow-up, the office calls and says his appointment (last week) is canceled due to the VA not authorizing payment for the services. Services to a physician that they already signed fee-basis forms for. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John looses feeling in his hands. He can't hold stuff much. He drops things. I had to go as far as holding his drink to his mouth today. We had a private neurologist do the testing to confirm several neurological conditions that stem from problems in his spine. The VA just ignores this as they say that they can't do that testing or do not have doctors that handle that. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Exhausting trying to get appointments and treatment and these are just a couple examples of many I could give. The VA wait list scandals are bad. I believe we've been subjected to those and now, I'm in part glad to see it all being brought to light so perhaps these vets can get better care. More timely care is needed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_qIM3ZGBo2_07N1xEYBZU3Lf_Wa6trH6VLY-PqjzPAbb86L-SYQIZ0PZGaQR3n4c8gCb4_hk9D3VBu9mDw6gYMltCn6yy6gEghfHcIFNPTggKsmBpzvk_1nYSW1dAUuxiqSjyV2zqVs/s1600/IMG_1457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_qIM3ZGBo2_07N1xEYBZU3Lf_Wa6trH6VLY-PqjzPAbb86L-SYQIZ0PZGaQR3n4c8gCb4_hk9D3VBu9mDw6gYMltCn6yy6gEghfHcIFNPTggKsmBpzvk_1nYSW1dAUuxiqSjyV2zqVs/s1600/IMG_1457.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My combat wounded veteran doesn't have the memory or energy to deal with this. Thus, I fight these battles for him. It makes him beyond frustrated. Many other caregivers and advocates are out there trying the best they can to be heard, to make a difference, and to get their veterans the benefits, care, and treatment they deserve. It can be exhausting and frustrating but we've got to keep fighting. We have to keep telling our stories. We can make a difference….Persevere. </span><br />
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07001509904451650834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8362686614725912666.post-63170712776370672762014-04-19T12:00:00.001-07:002014-04-19T12:01:57.171-07:00PTSD Workbook Giveaway<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1608827038/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1608827038&linkCode=as2&tag=ourflefam-20" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1608827038&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=ourflefam-20" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ourflefam-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1608827038" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
Our FlenerFamily.blogspot.com is only a couple hundred views away from 6,000. To celebrate, I'm doing a give away! I will give one reader a copy of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1608827038/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1608827038&linkCode=as2&tag=ourflefam-20">The PTSD Workbook: Simple, Effective Techniques for Overcoming Traumatic Stress Symptoms</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ourflefam-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1608827038" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> It is an excellent tool for both veterans with PTSD and civilians with non-combat related PTSD.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I came across this resource when I was in grad school working on my Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology about a decade ago. This Workbook that I'm giving away is the newest 2013 edition and has a value of $24.95. I recommend it to my students every year and to other veterans as well. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As wife and caregiver to a combat wounded veteran with severe PTSD, part of my mission of this blog is to raise awareness and lessen the stigma of PTSD/TBI and put tools and encouragement in the hands of those who need them. Please feel free to subscribe, check out the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20id=%22rc-88a4cb2%22%20class=%22rafl%22%20href=%22http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/88a4cb2/%22%20rel=%22nofollow%22%3Ea%20Rafflecopter%20giveaway%3C/a%3E%20%3Cscript%20src=%22//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js%22%3E%3C/script%3E" target="_blank">PTSD/TBI</a> tab for articles and information. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Contest Starts April 20th, 2014<b> </b>and runs through May 14th, 2014. <b>TO BE ENTERED simply use the Rafflecopter below, share, tweet, but you must at least leave a comment in the Rafflecopter explaining why you'd like to win or who you would give the book to </b>(if not used personally). </span><br />
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/88a4cb2/" id="rc-88a4cb2" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">*This site and article contain affiliate links to Amazon.com. This giveaway is not sponsored nor endorsed by Amazon.com, Facebook, Twitter, the books authors or publishers, or anyone else other than myself, Amanda Flener. </span>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07001509904451650834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8362686614725912666.post-45060070937835517842014-04-04T11:47:00.003-07:002017-03-13T04:43:20.795-07:00Don't Judge a Book by its Cover Photo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XVFF6ArQJOD-S3748jU6LipT_Xm4pFAAn1k5ywoZ_ps5KSV9MPDiNsXrLhGPe85rdH8wd6SxiM3Koxqzi85I0ifozJaZyVacdII775FatSldtinJrBwpeJlKi9_KHsNWjCGNDvbUaGw/s1600/Disney+Vacation-Carmen+wedding+197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XVFF6ArQJOD-S3748jU6LipT_Xm4pFAAn1k5ywoZ_ps5KSV9MPDiNsXrLhGPe85rdH8wd6SxiM3Koxqzi85I0ifozJaZyVacdII775FatSldtinJrBwpeJlKi9_KHsNWjCGNDvbUaGw/s1600/Disney+Vacation-Carmen+wedding+197.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
For several years, John refused to take pictures. He wouldn't get in a Christmas photo. He didn't want you to even aim a camera at him. The auto reflex of a hand flying up to block his face from the camera was almost instantaneous. One of my favorite family pics was us at Disney, but he was in his wheelchair. When I put it on a Christmas photo card collage, he refused for me to send them out. He was embarrassed.<br />
<br />
Then, one day, something clicked. He was ok with photos. He was ok with trips. Wheelchair or on his two legs. Why? Because, he said, "I want my boys to remember that I tried to have fun with them."<br />
<br />
John's memory started declining after his last deployment. It was on that deployment that he received his Purple Heart for wounds from an IED blast that decommissioned his Bradley Fighting Vehicle. He told me this week, that his vehicle was subjected to 113 IED/Explosions prior to that final one that took it out and left him with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BZ2y6mrpu2F6iMVoRcXTcBN04MPM3QibkqiDZeIfGO_DNrTJ-CU1t7Gxt4mKx8pnZGiFAI3dWHFyYllmyEQ2Y30p7z9631nKkac30UrhKDvsNN9NyAEiRI1QxpULuLdEEcX36cAo0jw/s1600/IMG_1958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BZ2y6mrpu2F6iMVoRcXTcBN04MPM3QibkqiDZeIfGO_DNrTJ-CU1t7Gxt4mKx8pnZGiFAI3dWHFyYllmyEQ2Y30p7z9631nKkac30UrhKDvsNN9NyAEiRI1QxpULuLdEEcX36cAo0jw/s1600/IMG_1958.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trip to Universal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Not only did John want the boys to remember the times that he attempted to go places, but he also wanted photos to show him that he had been places, done things, and got the photo to prove it. Not a bad idea, considering two years ago, he and I took a weekend getaway that he still has no recollection of. <br />
<br />
MRIs have shown that his brain is loosing mass and volume as a result of the brain injury. It is basically shrinking. Therefore, he experiences dementia like symptoms at times. Sometimes he doesn't remember that he's eaten, sometimes he can't recall facts. <br />
<br />
New research is focusing on younger veterans and their caregivers and many of those caregivers have been reluctant to discuss their life with others. They hide it well. PTSD/TBI are thought of as invisible illnesses and many like John, can look and function "normal" for limited times when passerby's would not think they have severe disabilities. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTTdbDJfdbbKV4MQONywiBxWpsj1iyUqa2yuWWCXhCt_gaU3v7ZvWlbnVD9-MS_dwocVnIYCbkrYvIC6pzM5dOdNRV2i2iXgGL-2ovicX4Jqfs6y95GB8yiPxxvqLUC8K_oMNda4Hy_o/s1600/IMG_2432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTTdbDJfdbbKV4MQONywiBxWpsj1iyUqa2yuWWCXhCt_gaU3v7ZvWlbnVD9-MS_dwocVnIYCbkrYvIC6pzM5dOdNRV2i2iXgGL-2ovicX4Jqfs6y95GB8yiPxxvqLUC8K_oMNda4Hy_o/s1600/IMG_2432.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posing for a crazy picture<br />
Sleep vs. Picking noses!<br />
Oh my!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So while caregivers are gaining recognition by congress, non-profits, the Veteran's Administration, and perhaps other family and friends, there may be more scrutiny towards these invisible disabilities. For example, private groups on Facebook or other social media are available for vets and caregivers and many non-profits are reaching out to this generation of wounded and caregivers. Yet, some of those among them and in society are ridiculing and making judgments based on appearances or a moment's interactions, or based on their Facebook feed or photos.<br />
<br />
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
Look at my photos on Facebook and you'll find a combination of me, my husband, my kids, trips we've taken, and so forth. Now, John will agree to put his arm around me and smile, usually. But what you don't see is the before, after, and in between. </h4>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9D1XLMHJFNTloZ0JLOOT5mC0eNpsk0jNSLb5OFIuDHNR-IJsYAMexxRvBbXPGzcWr650C-lygVx-8pyfgaStBr9NlWgaZhf_sqpdGYceoK2RmJONla0U-rjzOS_89ibboGYxb2pbOpVQ/s1600/IMG_2862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9D1XLMHJFNTloZ0JLOOT5mC0eNpsk0jNSLb5OFIuDHNR-IJsYAMexxRvBbXPGzcWr650C-lygVx-8pyfgaStBr9NlWgaZhf_sqpdGYceoK2RmJONla0U-rjzOS_89ibboGYxb2pbOpVQ/s1600/IMG_2862.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">EPCOT 2014 - John asked for a photo and<br />
waited for the PhotoPass Photog to take it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
When you look at my photo from last week's one day trip to EPCOT, you see we appear normal and smiling. What you don't see is that after only 15 minutes of being in the park, he was profusely sweating from physical pain and discomfort of being around people, in closer proximity than was comfortable. What you don't see is that immediately after lunch, we went back to the room to take pain meds and to rest. Sleep. Sleep for two hours with a bathroom break and a seizure in between while he was sitting on the toilet. What got my attention was the nose bleed from his right nostril, as characteristic of his seizures, splattering on the floor.<br />
<br />
We made it back to the park but we couldn't take the complimentary bus transportation because he didn't feel like he could wait for a bus to run if he needed to come back sooner. At dinner, we had to be selective in where to sit in relation to his back towards the least amount of people or so that he could see the door or windows. He couldn't focus on the menu. He couldn't see it. Headache commenced. I ordered his food for him. A waiter dropped dishes at dinner, he jumped. Where do we sit in the American Pavilion for the show? Luckily there were only 6 others in the last showing of the evening and that was comfortable, as none looked like a stereotypical terrorist. All clear. Relax for a few minutes.<br />
<br />
Then sleep for almost the entirety of the next three days as the two nights away was too mentally and physically exhausting.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmq0O5OzmsoSMoWeO62diNi239YJ_3_BO3VMuA7kqdAiaPHqkBTed0ayuSK6F8g0mZI1pfEgtWYUxMuB0G17xXrdfNsBvpOGRMyH4J5U7aKDr0A_QdSXkeJQIPRNYTSZUQVBlbXWHO1g/s1600/ray+city+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmq0O5OzmsoSMoWeO62diNi239YJ_3_BO3VMuA7kqdAiaPHqkBTed0ayuSK6F8g0mZI1pfEgtWYUxMuB0G17xXrdfNsBvpOGRMyH4J5U7aKDr0A_QdSXkeJQIPRNYTSZUQVBlbXWHO1g/s1600/ray+city+6.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Photo but you missed the<br />
before and after. Thanks for<br />
your perseverance </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In other events, my current profile photo where John is wearing his Purple Heart hat, was taken after we attended two consecutive MOPH events. Before the first one, he had a seizure before even getting out of bed that morning. Trouble walking, trouble moving, dizzy, and in severe pain from the muscle contractions from the seizures. Before the first presentation, he stood for some time, walked without ambulation assistance, and with sweat dripping by the handkerchief fulls, he persevered. He refused to quit, refused to sit for the longest time, and presented his awards. Only a couple people were cognizant enough to see that despite his nice jacket, hat adorned with medals, and freshly shaven face (around the goatee, of course) that he was in severe pain. Then again, he crashed for about two days from the pain and exhaustion of the events. I had to assist him in sitting up, had to help him steady himself out of the floor when he fell, and had to assist with other things as he was mostly confined to bed for the remainder of the week.<br />
<br />
So before you are quick to judge about someone else's injuries or their need for disability or compensation…I'd urge you to think hard about all that you might not be seeing. These vets like to look like they are doing good when people see them. They really, in most cases, don't want sympathy. They just want to be treated like anyone else. Hopefully, you will never hear me passing judgment on someone because of their illness or injury and I'd urge you to do the same. If you had to walk a mile in their shoes…you would likely be very surprised.<br />
<h4>
Thank a solder, honor a hero. </h4>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07001509904451650834noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8362686614725912666.post-80376688693525114682014-04-03T09:34:00.001-07:002015-11-09T10:39:02.154-08:00Why a Purple Heart City/County Campaign?I promised a blog about the impact of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) - Chapter 1000 campaign on the Purple Heart cities, counties, and locations and here it is.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9d80nMryMx4nNAa1tJF4M0bEyN6kzoeAt-_wBHIwlFQFm6yIw2haFj7ObRt__2OeCgBbSn2xCrEEKBQFgTTYja0sTpH1h4jH3JyvdzPFoT4ht_tGcA2Y6Vj4yjKOEWRG9ORoVeFQkcU4/s1600/ray+city+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9d80nMryMx4nNAa1tJF4M0bEyN6kzoeAt-_wBHIwlFQFm6yIw2haFj7ObRt__2OeCgBbSn2xCrEEKBQFgTTYja0sTpH1h4jH3JyvdzPFoT4ht_tGcA2Y6Vj4yjKOEWRG9ORoVeFQkcU4/s1600/ray+city+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and My husband (John) at Ray City, GA </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What is a Purple Heart City or location?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuSQ4kMpdN5KvF55xUwq7PiiFHweQJwS6niUEqe0EgSQqhyphenhyphenyJzBXwQgMJYEFt5fak_uiGFFyFN1jj061zjn8AGK0nCwuILRWvcqxlfFy1zkChJSOa86biokTgNxbnm0u0lJFKxUorhqw/s1600/Homerville+GA+Proclamation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuSQ4kMpdN5KvF55xUwq7PiiFHweQJwS6niUEqe0EgSQqhyphenhyphenyJzBXwQgMJYEFt5fak_uiGFFyFN1jj061zjn8AGK0nCwuILRWvcqxlfFy1zkChJSOa86biokTgNxbnm0u0lJFKxUorhqw/s1600/Homerville+GA+Proclamation.jpg" width="145" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proclamation from Homerville, GA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li>A Purple Heart City, County, or location has issued a proclamation declaring their area or
<br />institution as having great admiration for the men and women from who have served in the Armed Forces</li>
<li>They also recognize the service and sacrifice of our nation's Combat Wounded and those who were killed in action. </li>
<li>They have a chance to honor their local veterans, their Purple Heart recipients, and tell them and their families they appreciate their service and the sacrifices they have made.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
Why do you want to travel the state and go to all these places as they become Purple Heart locations?<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjSgy0jB_iIpkfBmTJgvdmm_sUdgUcJelcwwvQb_opQpjKTWzB5YBfeRuT2ldVEahK6M2msc3wAvI9AWmS3Kj9VQtgveZG4BiydrlWoScheXGezQedBVd7b_XzSPLTpBYovHAkL9ssz0/s1600/valdosta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjSgy0jB_iIpkfBmTJgvdmm_sUdgUcJelcwwvQb_opQpjKTWzB5YBfeRuT2ldVEahK6M2msc3wAvI9AWmS3Kj9VQtgveZG4BiydrlWoScheXGezQedBVd7b_XzSPLTpBYovHAkL9ssz0/s1600/valdosta.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valdosta, GA - Chapter 1000 Members,<br />
Department Commander, and Mayor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Why not? We have the opportunity to spread awareness of not only the MOPH but the service and sacrifice of local people in communities where we and our members live. Our Chapter is comprised of combat wounded veterans who are spread across a very large portion of rural southern Georgia. John met 5 Purple Heart veterans in a city less than 30 minutes from our home who had never heard of the MOPH. These were veterans from Vietnam and WWII. We've met family members that want to join as Associates to honor the service and sacrifice of their loved ones who received the Purple Heart.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdHKJIH8jlQwWqQeHusGu9OSWjmhG5X9h9Oj2A1jT6-bLfJfyAGH-MXaKZBUM1b_RcVeiB_IKKmXDsJUBljTfCLmOzTkRKxmLCke8q9mAwdJMQ73u7YLzH2zwWzh5qju0zF0g0R58P6Q/s1600/tifton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdHKJIH8jlQwWqQeHusGu9OSWjmhG5X9h9Oj2A1jT6-bLfJfyAGH-MXaKZBUM1b_RcVeiB_IKKmXDsJUBljTfCLmOzTkRKxmLCke8q9mAwdJMQ73u7YLzH2zwWzh5qju0zF0g0R58P6Q/s1600/tifton.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tifton, GA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mxKH1AR60_9sPhJBlfX1Ug57wP98VxbxoAKkCmjZux3bs6IRkk5GhotYPtKT2zhyphenhyphenW_neI2BN1fSvjHLu6UZhuIwpXyaEExQ_WrX5ogwghRqT7yznNohZhSbfU3akAjnHlXSWoq8M314/s1600/ray+city+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mxKH1AR60_9sPhJBlfX1Ug57wP98VxbxoAKkCmjZux3bs6IRkk5GhotYPtKT2zhyphenhyphenW_neI2BN1fSvjHLu6UZhuIwpXyaEExQ_WrX5ogwghRqT7yznNohZhSbfU3akAjnHlXSWoq8M314/s1600/ray+city+10.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collecting and Giving Info</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We've been able to give out information to veterans and family members about how the MOPH has programs (like their assistance with VA Claims) that are in place to help ALL veterans, combat wounded or not. We've told student veterans about scholorships they can apply for if eligible.<br />
<br />
Of course, we would love to see our membership grow. As a new chapter that just formed and received its charter in the last quarter of 2013, we are looking to increase our numbers. But we don't want to simply increase our numbers. We want to bring awareness of the MOPH into our communities, we want to engage in projects that give back and have a real impact, and we want to be able to proudly thank these veterans across our area for their service.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNq3M-WvXiG1pFhLVpD7MOw8pvKx6yryUl-Mm-_DU0AVjC2uvnETI4x75r3zBaZkS-hD7oSprU93QHZUvD5z2btmas6fFHRE4OFIxssgwx5DrkO-EvcQCzobhZwhZ9Nf6dkHfnKGF4P8/s1600/patriot+gaurd+ray+city.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNq3M-WvXiG1pFhLVpD7MOw8pvKx6yryUl-Mm-_DU0AVjC2uvnETI4x75r3zBaZkS-hD7oSprU93QHZUvD5z2btmas6fFHRE4OFIxssgwx5DrkO-EvcQCzobhZwhZ9Nf6dkHfnKGF4P8/s1600/patriot+gaurd+ray+city.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patriot Guard Riders standing at the rear…Got you back, guys</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The communities that we've been engaged with have presented proclamations, awards, ceremonies, and even appreciation of the family members that stand beside these veterans. We've experienced veterans from the Vietnam era who were never involved in a veteran organization, come out of their shell, so to speak. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIBsR_a1ukgR8aI0OOTQ2vpYuDntevnAX7MULG1Rk7T1jztLjNYeumFa87kxYHJhU5MrmyiOJSRd9Gx_tl7jCq9tu4cJdJ40n6kC4YH53OgM9hwJOKbsrm_mxEZE1NitelTnbTGKGCE4/s1600/ray+city+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIBsR_a1ukgR8aI0OOTQ2vpYuDntevnAX7MULG1Rk7T1jztLjNYeumFa87kxYHJhU5MrmyiOJSRd9Gx_tl7jCq9tu4cJdJ40n6kC4YH53OgM9hwJOKbsrm_mxEZE1NitelTnbTGKGCE4/s1600/ray+city+8.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ray City, GA as the Honor Guard from <br />
Moody AFB presents the colors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The cities and communities that these members are in have recognized them and thanked them. That was something that didn't happen with they came home from the war they fought so many decades ago. As you can see above and to the left, The American Legion /Patriot Guard Riders came out to one small town celebration. We were grateful of the outpouring and attention from this group in Ray City. My husband, and commander, John stated:<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">"If I can get them just a little thanks and recognition, </span><span style="color: purple;">it is the least I can do as a younger vet."</span></h3>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYZ61R9RZ-pReDOR7iK6LKkoOQOGykECe1Be93gH8W5eyU_Jw9ptgHWnw3LCOkvS4Ps7I36FoAe1hPILqaUclfJJdN_Ong_WkPV5zBW0hZghcWixr73utGclAahlruOD2FqhxE_3Vr40/s1600/wiregrass+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYZ61R9RZ-pReDOR7iK6LKkoOQOGykECe1Be93gH8W5eyU_Jw9ptgHWnw3LCOkvS4Ps7I36FoAe1hPILqaUclfJJdN_Ong_WkPV5zBW0hZghcWixr73utGclAahlruOD2FqhxE_3Vr40/s1600/wiregrass+11.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Presentation to WGTC by<br />
Chapter 1000</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We've been into schools and been privileged to get Wiregrass Georgia Technical College on board as the nation's first Purple Heart Technical College. We gave awards to the faculty that work with their Veterans Student Association. We were able to thank them for their service to this population that faces unique challenges as they reintegrate into civilian life and education. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAKMMHVNeXl01r2ZqXJk4-MTaiWIp5LRyxBxM1zJaicX_RvyRo-lBauOgtkhCPYZ3q6VCrdBVAuwraYABjE_RxGJzIOyneoUa-KGijVBCGc93ztFSLNyiRTl5LDI4RlZud30VXZ7hCGo/s1600/wiregrass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAKMMHVNeXl01r2ZqXJk4-MTaiWIp5LRyxBxM1zJaicX_RvyRo-lBauOgtkhCPYZ3q6VCrdBVAuwraYABjE_RxGJzIOyneoUa-KGijVBCGc93ztFSLNyiRTl5LDI4RlZud30VXZ7hCGo/s1600/wiregrass.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wiregrass Georgia Tech in Valdosta, GA -<br />
4 Campuses represented and their VSA Faculty</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Chapter 1000 has helped to put Georgia on the map…literally. When we started our campaign to increase Purple Heart Cities and Counties, there was one Georgia city on the <a href="http://www.purpleheart.org/PHTrail/Default.aspx" target="_blank">national map</a>. Port Wentworth, Georgia was the only dot on the map and now Georgia has at least 22 locations. See Chapter 1000's Site with links to the Proclamations also <a href="http://www.purpleheart1000.org/purple-heart-locations.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Other news coverage:<br />
<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h2>
</h2>
<h3>
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://m.valdostadailytimes.com/VDT/pm_104315/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=olL1s8O6" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Valdosta Regional Airport designated first Purple Heart airport in the nation</span></a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.walb.com/story/25040808/ray-city-gets-purple-heart-designation" target="_blank">Ray City news coverage</a> Video Coverage</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.valdostadailytimes.com/local/x334206187/Ray-City-named-Purple-Heart-City" target="_blank">Ray City News Article</a> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.valdostadailytimes.com/local/x334197404/Lowndes-County-becomes-third-purple-heart-county-in-the-state" target="_blank">Lowndes County Article</a></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
UPDATE October 2015: Georgia has 65 Purple Heart Cities, 37 Purple Heart Counties, 2 Communities, 4 Islands, 7 College Campuses, 1 Regional Airport, and 2 Businesses designated as Purple Heart Locations.</div>
</h3>
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Then I pretty much just stopped. I hid a few posts. I quit writing for a while.<br />
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Why? There's not necessarily a simple answer. Did things suddenly get better so we had no bad health and sob stories to pull at your heart strings and make the fury of veteran injustice rise? Not quite. Did things get worse so we had to focus more on health and doing the best we can? Sort of. Did we pull the uber personal posts for privacy? Somewhat. Did I just not have time to focus on sharing our journey? Yes.<br />
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John's had a series of good and bad days, as typical. He's on a mission now though, a mission to help<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlaffMSHDx08umEpOkuKSFH-kSwS8aOgF-aSQ7Ve3B8bARjA-pKCayaK3ap7FL8hAr1DLvPWB7-1Xs6fKcHNmMvS5vLg2AnKWAUSCGpoWfVW3v0HmR2orgd1ZlNWW5modQJE-kGZcyxo/s1600/IMG_2553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlaffMSHDx08umEpOkuKSFH-kSwS8aOgF-aSQ7Ve3B8bARjA-pKCayaK3ap7FL8hAr1DLvPWB7-1Xs6fKcHNmMvS5vLg2AnKWAUSCGpoWfVW3v0HmR2orgd1ZlNWW5modQJE-kGZcyxo/s1600/IMG_2553.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John and the Military Order of the Purple Heart <br />
Chapter 1000, with the help of a Purple Heart<br />
Service Foundation Grant, provides countless<br />
care packages to homeless vets and vets in need.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
other vets. That is literally some days the only thing that drives him to get out of bed. Seriously. With the traumatic brain injury he gets tired easily. The slightest stimulation will cause him to need serious rest. When we have to go somewhere, he sleeps a lot before, and he crashes afterward. Does he look like he can manage when he's out in public….yes. Most of the time he does or he simply will not get out. Just remember that all wounds aren't visible and that chances are after he has been out in public, on these missions to help others, chances are it was so overly stimulating and physically exhausting that he crashed after. Yes, perhaps he falls, sleeps most definitely, and seizures with his typical nose bleeds are likely. Does this stop him on his new mission? Absolutely not.<br />
<br />
Part of John's disability is a delusion of his disability. Sure, he knows the diagnoses that he has, but often he doesn't accurately judge what he can or can't do safely. He may think he could drive a few states away to meet a friend…when in actuality he couldn't completely make it to a grocery store and back independently.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVfMsQXc9kqNYnIT7VNPcSgnTsOFAIBUdSZ4r7AZ8xH2NnKGOC2ccaDlmxG_MU4Bm0Ayqxdx7_l-YcbEVfdg-i4y823_I-QFFguKaWQhyiz5Mv-Kz_HuMl18NJv377CPgfQUyPxAstPM/s1600/IMG_2597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVfMsQXc9kqNYnIT7VNPcSgnTsOFAIBUdSZ4r7AZ8xH2NnKGOC2ccaDlmxG_MU4Bm0Ayqxdx7_l-YcbEVfdg-i4y823_I-QFFguKaWQhyiz5Mv-Kz_HuMl18NJv377CPgfQUyPxAstPM/s1600/IMG_2597.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>We tag along together. He's more aware of his limitations now. We're a team. When he has trouble coming up with the right words or trouble saying what he means, I help fill in the blanks. When he gets to where he can hardly stand any longer, I find him a chair. I move it behind him. We have to be more organized to make things work right. By that, I don't mean my house is spotless or uber clean. I mean, he has to write down events, appointments, anything he must remember. iPhone apps help him with that. I help him with that.<br />
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So, life's not always rosy, but it isn't horrible either. It is different and we manage best we can. We have a great system of support that comes to our aid when we need them. We couldn't make this journey alone. We're grateful for the positives. If you are struggling, I encourage you to find meaning in something and find a mission. Find a mission to help someone or something that can benefit from your help. Chances are, you will be glad you did and you might just get the bigger blessing. <br />
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You can find out more about the Military Order of the Purple Heart by clicking <a href="http://www.purpleheart1000.org/" target="_blank">here.</a>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07001509904451650834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8362686614725912666.post-42558459563836336932013-12-05T09:37:00.001-08:002014-12-11T13:08:20.809-08:00What to Pack!?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As you can see we like to go and travel is our therapy. Like many packing and unpacking can be the <br />
most aggravating parts of travel and vacations. I typically try to pack in ways that will help me out and be efficient for packing and traveling.<br />
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Right now, we are packing for a trip to a week long conference in Orlando for wounded veterans and their families. We are fortunate to have this experience and I'm so excited that I can hardly contain myself!<br />
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Here are a few of my tips:<br />
<ul>
<li>Start packing a few days early for some<b> items that you won't need until travel</b>.</li>
<ul>
<li>I pack underwear, pajamas, socks, and bathing suits first (yes, I'm packing swimwear for a December trip to Florida because it is 80 degrees and pools are heated)</li>
</ul>
<li>Next, I pack non perishable<b> food items</b> in a separate bag that is easily accessible in the vehicle.</li>
<ul>
<li>I pack things like peanut butter and bread, gummy snacks, dried fruit, bottled water and drinks, applesauce, and perhaps oatmeal, cereal, and other easy snacks.</li>
</ul>
<li>Then, I <b>pack meds</b> in a container that I can easily get to. I typically keep meds together in a clear box with lid so they travel well. </li>
<li>I get the kids to pick a couple of<b> toys, books, and coloring activity items</b> to carry along. This cuts down on the impulsive buys of unnecessary theme park purchases. </li>
<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYB5ojJBkCAj36pJuyIgGwu4Eeg3FazSpPstdAaWUIFB1HUfpUtXNN-pY61mzambtMR3LUfdbEspGI729wDs8eQFiKxnnjepxtxcv5CugBvR9kQl1owN7CRA0Zf52bZYUCLVwdfFiqiKc/s1600/magic+band+fam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYB5ojJBkCAj36pJuyIgGwu4Eeg3FazSpPstdAaWUIFB1HUfpUtXNN-pY61mzambtMR3LUfdbEspGI729wDs8eQFiKxnnjepxtxcv5CugBvR9kQl1owN7CRA0Zf52bZYUCLVwdfFiqiKc/s200/magic+band+fam.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>
<li> Example: pack princess gear for girls or swords and pirate stuff for boys or take a couple favorite plush items for snuggling</li>
</ul>
<li><b>Pack items like Disney Pins, Vinylmations, MagicBands, lanyards, cameras, camcorders, and any other items you need to take to the parks.</b></li>
<li>Lastly, I pack the bulk of our <b>bags</b></li>
<ul>
<li>Add clothes and also pack hygiene bags</li>
</ul>
<li>I usually forget a few things like phone chargers, sunglasses or computer/iPad chargers, a pair of shoes, etc and leave a tote bag handy to toss those items in at the last minute. </li>
</ul>
I also pack a different bag if we are overnight at a different location other than our main destination. For this next week's trip, we are starting off with two days with family and ending with a Disney hotel at the end of our Universal Orlando trip. So I'll back a single clothes bag for everyone in the family for each of these separate overnights so we don't have to lug in everyone's luggage for a 24-48 hour stay.<br />
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Happy Packing! <br />
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(By the way dear friends and readers....I am now a travel agent complete with Disney College of Knowledge and Universal Specialist certification and would love to help you plan and book your next trip! email me at aflener1@gmail.com for info)Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07001509904451650834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8362686614725912666.post-20287516158214451262013-09-15T12:05:00.000-07:002013-09-15T12:05:38.834-07:00Breathe - When All Else Fails<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have started writing this blog several times in my head....but then I don't type it out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I started typing and I back up and delete it. Then I get up and walk away. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I come back.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ySD6qMFFbDAdTwFw-1pP5RvfPJ4UzpR_qtvT6Rp7jBa3zJAkBO-05wT3ctQGj0oTooNwx-TxHBqLumAg36FDOes2dW8zg_cYNIg9MT8HLrcypFh0Ne8uWYivIRTDfzOPzZz209HTUIQ/s1600/Keep+Calm+Breathe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ySD6qMFFbDAdTwFw-1pP5RvfPJ4UzpR_qtvT6Rp7jBa3zJAkBO-05wT3ctQGj0oTooNwx-TxHBqLumAg36FDOes2dW8zg_cYNIg9MT8HLrcypFh0Ne8uWYivIRTDfzOPzZz209HTUIQ/s400/Keep+Calm+Breathe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've not said much lately as far as our usual transparency of "how are you" and "how are things going." Sometimes people assume <em>no news is good news</em> and others know silence usually means things are chaoitic and too insane to sit back and type a blog. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The last month has been filled with more medical appointments than I have even kept a count of. Most weeks, each day has been consumed with a pre-op, post-op, surgery day, check up day, x-ray day, hospital infusion day, or something to occupy the twenty four hours in our days. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">For some reason, the oldest child dislikes school. Each morning begins with a fight of finding the right blue jeans and underwear combination that fits to his liking. Then his anxiety soars at drop off time because he wants you to walk him to the door. The youngest, age 4, has had to miss about as many days of preschool as he has been able to attend these first few weeks becuase of our many appointments and obligations. So now he clings at my leg and doesn't want to let go for school most days too. The oldest has begged for weeks for me to homeschool him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The kids don't want stay in a room in our home if an adult is not with them. The won't go to the bathroom alone, and I can't go to the bathroom alone either, most of the time. They don't want to go to sleep in their bed, unless you lay down and go to sleep with them. They wake up. They run to find you. Elbows and knees proceed to jab and poke for an uncomfortable night of restless sleep. One pees on the bed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Laundry to do. Another night. Another wake up. Same story. Laundry. Coffee. Cary on. Repeat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">John has been in alot of pain. For some reason the oddness of the last few weeks has prompted him to not take meds regularly. So, Monday he played golf....best game ever. Then Tuesday through Friday he was unable to get out of bed. Friday evening he wanted to get out and we rode to town. He asked two or three times for the kids to be quiet. They didn't quite down enough to his liking. He said, "I've had enough" and leaped from the car. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The kids were upset but took it in stride. I pulled off the road but he refused to get back in the car. After walking about .4 mile, an officer friend of John's picked him up and took him home. John threw the contents of his pockets on the floor and went to rest in quiet and calm down. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Two days prior, as we were getting ready to go to get his stiches out, I reminded him to hurry and put his pants on. He was already wearing his shoes. So I reminded him where his bottoms were. I get the kids out the door and turn back to turn off the lights, like moms do. When I got outside to unlock the car for them, there John was standing beside the car in his underwear. He was ready to go, so he said. Yet, oblivious to the fact he wasn't dressed. Sigh. Turn around, go back. Buckle kids. Go to school. Drive 4 hours to doctor. Come home. Repeat. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I suppose I should be stressed out beyond belief, but I'm not. I wish I could get more done. I wish I had more time for me. I wish my house stayed cleaner and neater and long for the day when the kids will help pick up more than they throw down. However, in the meantime, the stress won't make it better. Worry and anxity won't create a better situation. I have to be as calm as I can. I have to carry on. I have to breathe. I have to pray. </span><br />
<span class="verse v4" data-usfm="JOB.27.4"><span class="content"><h3 class="p">
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<span class="verse v3" data-usfm="JOB.27.3"><span class="content">All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils; </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="JOB.27.4"><span class="content">My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit. Job 27: 3-4</span></span></h3>
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<span class="verse v4" data-usfm="JOB.27.4"><span class="content"></span></span> </h3>
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">I feel like I can relate a lot with Job lately. I have to deal with my reality of life. <strong>When all else fails....take a deep breath and just be.</strong> Just be. Just be as thankful as you can be. Be as content and forgiving as possible. Be seeking how to live more fully and aware of life. Be hopeful. Be prayerful. Be fervent. Be loving. Be kind. </span><br />
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And at the time when you feel you need a break from reality...cry and greive. Then when all else fails....take a deep breath and... Repeat.</h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07001509904451650834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8362686614725912666.post-14065666673344866142013-09-12T15:15:00.001-07:002014-04-14T13:49:16.128-07:00Chapter Induction<h3 align="left" style="text-align: center;">
Very busy week with lots going on but excited that today the date was set for the new MOPH Chapter's Induction. </h3>
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<a href="http://www.vistaprint.com/vp/gateway.aspx?s=5462298015&preurl=%2fshare-design.aspx%3fdoc_id%3d2644769654%26shopper_id%3dO0QDMODMEKNDQJFE5ZLJ4FMHLP4OL17I%26xnav%3dsharesource_4%26share_key%3da5ca48f2-7947-4bed-8b82-e7454264a9b6" target="blank"><img src="http://www.vistaprint.com/lp.aspx?alt_doc_id=L4B9B-D2A72-0M7&width=250&shopper_id=O0QDMODMEKNDQJFE5ZLJ4FMHLP4OL17I" /></a></div>
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Officers elected for Chapter #1000 are John Flener, of Fitzgerald, as Commander; Bill Danforth, of McRae, as Senior Vice Commander; Earl Hendrix, of Adel, as Finance Officer; Warren Scoby, of Valdosta, as Adjutant; and Jim Graham, of Ocilla, as Chaplin. These officers will be sworn in at the Chapter Installation ceremony. <br />
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">The Chapter meets each month on the first Tuesday at 7:15 PM at the VFW building in Tifton, Georgia. They invite combat wounded veterans to join in their efforts to promote patriotism, history, fraternalism, and assistance to all veterans with VA claims, homelessness, and job placement. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) was chartered by Congress in 1932 to protect and promote the mutual interests of Purple Heart recipients. MOPH is the only veterans' service organization that is comprised exclusively of combat veterans. All combat wounded are invited to come and meet fellow Purple Heart Veterans ranging from World War II to the present – you do not need to be a member to join us. To become a member, the organization needs a copy of the Purple Heart Certificate, DD-214, or a copy of the original orders. All Purple Heart recipients in the vicinity are welcome to join. Associate membership is available to eligible family members of both living and deceased Purple Heart recipients.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">Chapter 1000 has big plans for the coming year, including a golf tournament in November at The Golf Club of South Georgia, participation in local Christmas parades, presence at the Vietnam Moving Wall in Adel, care package collection and distribution for deployed soldiers and hospitalized and homeless veterans, and a flag trade in the spring. </span></div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07001509904451650834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8362686614725912666.post-41781411627267476262013-09-11T16:44:00.000-07:002013-09-11T16:46:23.912-07:00My Udi's Prize Pack Came Today! <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
My <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23udisglutenfree&src=hash">#udisglutenfree</a> prize pack came today! Can't wait to try it...I feel a nice blog post coming up. <a href="http://t.co/aW8tng8XPJ">pic.twitter.com/aW8tng8XPJ</a><br />
— Amanda Flener (@ourflenerfamily) <a href="https://twitter.com/ourflenerfamily/statuses/377899467472896001">September 11, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07001509904451650834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8362686614725912666.post-775299795249309862013-08-05T21:40:00.000-07:002014-03-22T13:35:15.734-07:00Discouraged or Thankful? That is the Question.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been one of those days.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We all have them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes it just seems ours pound us relentlessly. It would be so easy to be discouraged yet we pick up and carry on. We muster up enough gusto and stamina to get through our situations. I am very thankful for family who help out in whatever ways they can. Today, Mom has done laundry and dishes, cleaned around the house, and Papa came to get the kiddos for a last hooray before school. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How did your day start?</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">My day began with a quick trip to the doctor to get my soft cast on my broke foot re-wrapped. I came home to one kid still sleeping and John and the youngest were watching TV. Soon after I came back, I heard John calling, "Amanda! Where's the bathroom? How do I get to the bathroom?" I went to the living room and found him screening the walls, moving his head around the room in a panic. I helped him to the bathroom as he quizzed me. "Who's house is this? Where are we at?" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">After I told him it was our house and we had lived here for over four years, he turned to our 6-year old son and asked him, "Who's house is this?" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Gabriel told him, "It's our house, Daddy."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In almost disbelief, John chose to lay on our bed, asking "Who's room is this? Who's bed is this. Are you kidding me?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I called mom and asked her to come over to help get the kids dressed and such. John asked if she was coming to take us to our house. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matthew 6:27 NIV<br />Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?</span></h4>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How do you even respond?</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">You could panic. Likely, it wouldn't do any good. We all calmly dealt with the unusual morning we were presented with. Our kids are terrific. They really adapt and deal with our unique situations better than most adults would. What would you do if your 37 year old spouse suddenly woke up disoriented to the point that he or she didn't recognize their surroundings? Thankfully this doesn't happen often. But, it happens.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The boys loved John, hugged him, and we tried to assure him that this was indeed our house and reorient him as best we could.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Philippians 4:6 International Standard Version</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Never worry about anything. Instead, in every situation let your petitions be made known to God through prayers and requests, with thanksgiving.</span></span> </h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </h4>
<h4>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why choose Thankfulness?</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why not? Does it really do any good to be discouraged? Try to focus on the positives. These are the precise moments that make us realize that we must cherish the good times, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPeyVCP5zrX1DMhmPHX1K4bJUxreKqsTBM_XP8YOAXrVSNGEeSyVxHogfa0ehIu4MA_2A_vZNc6y704zf5SgHPEzij48J0V_y_TjJE05ypme3a7m4oqKnVFGaIBRJjJlOHUN2DlulgacY/s1600/universal+2013+popeye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPeyVCP5zrX1DMhmPHX1K4bJUxreKqsTBM_XP8YOAXrVSNGEeSyVxHogfa0ehIu4MA_2A_vZNc6y704zf5SgHPEzij48J0V_y_TjJE05ypme3a7m4oqKnVFGaIBRJjJlOHUN2DlulgacY/s320/universal+2013+popeye.jpg" height="320" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This week's quick trip to Universal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
the good days, the good moments, the fleeting precious moments that we can experience and embrace as a family. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">For John, it is important that we do things with the kids that they can look back on and know that he tried to have good memories with them, even if he is unable to remember them. He and I took a vacation a year and a half ago that he really doesn't remember. Yet, I know the effort he made to make sure that we had a getaway just for us. Our children will have memories and photos to look back on after the images are no longer in John's recollection. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Our spontaneous trips provide an escape and a vital key to him believing that he is trying his best to show them he loves them, wants them to know that he cares, and put forth the effort when possible. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Thankfully not every day is like today. Not every day is a cake walk. Thankfully we have good experiences that we can cherish and we can hold onto the unconditional love that we have. We are blessed with a great family.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Whether your family if filled with members who have special needs or just average folks, love them, cherish them, and tell them how much they mean. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I Thessalonians 5: 15-18 NIV</span></span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make
sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good
for each other and for everyone else.
16. Rejoice
always, 17. pray
continually, <span class="reftext">18</span>. give
thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.</span></span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07001509904451650834noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8362686614725912666.post-25215910403409628862013-07-24T18:40:00.000-07:002013-07-24T19:20:25.039-07:00My Amazon Subscribe and Save Deals<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I've started taking advantage of my Amazon Prime account by ordering things in to my business that are more cost effective than a shopping trip. I have done a substantial bit of research to make sure I'm getting a good deal and thought I'd pass along what I've found. With a Prime account and a Subscribe and Save subscription you can choose the items you want and how often you want them delivered. With 1-4 items delivered on the same order you get a 15% discount. With 5 or more items you get a 20% discount. You can cancel or put orders on hold at any time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">One of the best deals I found was on 48 double rolls of toilet paper. The cost with the 20% off was $18.10 delivered each month. That's alot of toilet paper but it is easier and more cost effective than
loading two buggies each week with paper products. This way they are
delivered to our door and I don't have to pay payroll costs for someone to go get them. Now, don't get me wrong becuase I'm all about keeping money local when I can but with me having to stay at home with my husband, I'm trying to save as much as possible too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Items scheduled to arrive in August include (Prices subject to change and Subscription includes 20%off):</span><br />
<ul><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Purex Ultra Packs Laundry Detergent</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> $6.97 or <b>$5.58 SUBSCRIPTION</b></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Bob's Red Mill Flour 4- 5 lb bags </span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b> $13.91 SUBSCRIPTION </b>(not currently in stock since I put it on my list)</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Mr Clean Magic Eraser</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">$4.97 or <b>$3.98 SUBSCRIPTION</b></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Cascade Dish Detergent Packs, 85 ct</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> $15.46 or <b>$12.37 SUBSCRIPTION</b></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Angel Soft 48 Double Rolls</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> $22.63 or <b>$18.10</b> <b>SUBSCRIPTION</b></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Platex Large Gloves</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> $2.15 or <b>$1.72 SUBSCRIPTION</b></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Scott Naturals 6 large rolls paper towels</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> $9.22 or <b>$7.38 SUBSCRIPTION</b></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Lysol Disinfectant Spray, 19 oz</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> $4.88 or <b>$3.90 SUBSCRIPTION</b></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Nestle Carnation Instant Dry Milk </span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">$10.61 or <b>$8.49 SUBSCRIPTION</b></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Microwave Pork Rinds, case of 18 </span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">$18.99 or <b>$15.19 SUBSCRIPTION</b></span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=ourflefam-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B007RVX9YO" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=ourflefam-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B002IXHQ9K" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=ourflefam-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B009EQ3MBK" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=ourflefam-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B0002XJZLU" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=ourflefam-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B008O2TLDS" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=ourflefam-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B00131WPIU" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=ourflefam-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B004VITI0K" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=ourflefam-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B000UPFWW6" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Some of the items' regular prices are already discounted. Remember that Amazon prices are subject to change and I suggest checking your subscriptions a few days to a week before they are scheduled to make sure you don't miss out on an out of stock item. I'd hate to miss my 20% off if something wasn't in stock. That's why I added smaller "filler"items that we use, just in case. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Maybe you don't want to buy that much TP but you can always search for a smaller amount. I just thought I'd share my hard work with you so you could take advantage of some savings.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
(Disclosure: This post may contain contain Affiliate links)Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07001509904451650834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8362686614725912666.post-65585567093441909812013-07-18T09:42:00.000-07:002014-03-22T13:36:26.455-07:00Frustrating Journey - C&P Exams TomorrowMany friends know we have to go to Atlanta tomorrow for John's Compensation Exam. This is nerve wracking for me on several levels. First, last year's exam was incomplete and not at all accurate. We were told after the fact that the examiner was not "qualified" to conduct TBI/PTSD exams. She didn't adequately fill out the papers, didn't submit them back to the VA in the allocated time frame, and it was a miserable experience. The VA only sent about 10 pages of medical records (out of 300+ for the year) for the examiner to review. They didn't record the actual responses John gave for the complaints and disabilities being evaluated. It was such a frustrating experience driving all the way to Columbus for three separate days that just before his PTSD evaluation John jumped out of the moving truck on the freeway. Yes, you just read that right. I knew he was agitated and had slowed down and pulled over as much as I could before he bounded out of the truck, but it happened. I eventually coaxed him back into the vehicle and we went for the remainder of the exam. You better believe I was shaken but guess what....even after that and all the other details of his symptoms and daily life, the examiner reported that John didn't have any significant difficulty on 14 out of the 16 facets listed. Yet, the VA exam at the VA hospital by two collaborating physicians on the same 16 facets showed EXTREME difficulty in 14 out of the 16 facets measured and some difficulty on the other two. <br />
<br />
So, our financial well being and John's access to more local medical care literally lies in the hands of someone we will see for about 3 hours tomorrow. Dear Lord, I really pray they accurately record what is real for us. We're not asking for something he doesn't deserve. We just want what is needful and appropriate. Did you know that between the 80% compensation that he presently gets and the 100% that he needs, there is a $1400+ a month difference? Yes. Stark difference. The price of our mortgage and taxes each month, actually.<br />
<br />
Even though the VA determined over two years ago that John needed a full time caregiver, and gave me a stipend and health benefits, they have also denied his compensation for Aid and Attendance stating he needs no assistance or care! Yes, they did. Even though his neurologist at the time we applied (Sept. 2011) wrote "Needs Constant Supervision" across the bottom of the application. So John is frustrated that the VA pays me more when he's the "suffering" one. Right now we can't get close medical care for John. We have to drive 1.5 hours for emergency care and 3.5 hours for regular care. Even though the VA allows me ChampVA health care insurance and I can access whatever resources I need close to home because I take care of him. For me it is great. Yet, it shows how warped the system is because John can't get the same care. <br />
<br />
John's supposedly "expedited" Social Security Disability was denied because the VA hadn't determined him "Unemployable." So now we've waited 12 months on an appeal that hasn't made any progress. John's Unemployability was denied by the VA based on the fact that they didn't see any barriers to employment. Yet, he now hasn't worked in 23 months and the Vocational Rehab division has him enrolled in the Independent Living division because they determined him to not be suited for employment or education. So, they have given him new can openers, jar openers, pens, eating utensils, etc. so he can be more independent when he looses feeling in his hands. They gave him a vacuum and a steam mop, a couch cane for assistance getting up, and a pill container that alarms and talks to him. Still we can't get the home renovations approved. The housing grant was denied because John has a brain injury and seizures. Since he hasn't lost a limb or eyesight, they say we are out of luck and have to struggle. (See <a href="http://flenerfamily.blogspot.com/2013/05/we-are-va-backlog.html" target="_blank">"We are the VA Backlog" blog</a>) <br />
<br />
John fell several times this week again. He had a multitude of seizures again. We can't get his oversized wheelchair through the door to our bedroom or our toilet <em>closet</em> or our clothes closet. This week the most frustrating was when after helping him to the bathroom he had a seizure and fell against the door closing it and blocking my way in. We were helpless to help him. With the exception of a few weeks this year, this has been an almost every week struggle. For a while last year we left several of the doors in our home off. We took them off the hinges and completely removed them so EMTs could get John out on a couple occasions and John could maneuver easier. <br />
<br />
Now, however after a few bills the VA refuses to pay at our local hospital, John refuses to go there. A few months ago after a bad fall my grandfather took him to the hospital and because he didn't have insurance they acted like they didn't want to treat him. They gave him one shot and immediately brought discharge papers, even though it didn't relieve any of his pain. They refused to call the VA hospital for transfer or treatment, and we wound up driving the 90+ miles to the nearest VA facility as John had to have some relief from the pain after the fall on the tile floor. <br />
<br />
Oh I digress. If you're still reading my frustrations then "Thanks" or "I'm sorry." I am not sure what is more appropriate. Today, I needed to vent. I'm concerned. I'm scared. I fear that tomorrow's exams will not be adequate and we'll have to keep fighting for appeals. The congressman's office requesting expedited case due to hardship didn't work, the Voc Rehab putting in requests for Dental treatment in May and June didn't work, and filing a wounded warrior SSD claim didn't work. We've been in a backlog of claims since 2008 and I'm tired. I'm tired of fighting it and I can't get a break. <br />
<br />
We took one of the new Disability Benefits Questionnaires to John's Mental Health doctor two weeks ago to his 2 week check up. My thoughts were that he'd seen her for about 2 years and she could accurately describe his need for total disability. We go to the appointment to find John had been reassigned to a new doctor. His doctor wasn't gone but as the VA hired many new MH employees, they redistributed the cases. Oh my...."Here new Dr. W. Here is this detailed questionnaire for you to fill out" and my heart sunk again because I wanted it done by the doctor that knew John and knew of the severe issues that he was having and knew that they were real. <br />
<br />
Dr. W. did check the box that John has "total social and occupational impairment" and I was happy to see that he did a 97% accurate job, in my opinion. But it is frightening. I'm not supposed to be the paranoid one but the whole process is beyond frustrating. Yes, I have faith....I've had faith....and I am sure I will continue to have faith. But my faith in the VA system is wavering. My faith in God to provide for our family is still there but we desperately need this increase in compensation from the VA for my husband's suffering and impairment from his disabilities.<br />
<br />
So, if you are still reading....PRAY! Send up a prayer on our behalf that when we get there tomorrow we'd have favor and the records will be in order. The symptoms and problems will be apparent and recognized and recorded appropriately and justice and mercy and goodness will prevail on behalf of this wounded veteran and his family.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07001509904451650834noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8362686614725912666.post-17036656510567383442013-07-04T08:02:00.000-07:002013-07-04T13:04:13.978-07:00Celebrate Independence and Thank a Vet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2erc7wAl-zdYz7riqBA2IKKx3Ph-gk0URRkSKjyUYptHy2suiJ768scGFwOgxbWkZhHVvBMoDrqfx4LyYomk3HguiiIaeMdmcc_NuIzzgAvTKGQNofWs6EYWgxfZ9OF4APMbtPLpfwwI/s1505/The_Purple_Heart+blog+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2erc7wAl-zdYz7riqBA2IKKx3Ph-gk0URRkSKjyUYptHy2suiJ768scGFwOgxbWkZhHVvBMoDrqfx4LyYomk3HguiiIaeMdmcc_NuIzzgAvTKGQNofWs6EYWgxfZ9OF4APMbtPLpfwwI/s1505/The_Purple_Heart+blog+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2erc7wAl-zdYz7riqBA2IKKx3Ph-gk0URRkSKjyUYptHy2suiJ768scGFwOgxbWkZhHVvBMoDrqfx4LyYomk3HguiiIaeMdmcc_NuIzzgAvTKGQNofWs6EYWgxfZ9OF4APMbtPLpfwwI/s400/The_Purple_Heart+blog+image.jpg" width="265" /></a><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today is a day of national celebration. Again another holdiday marked by food, family, friends, BBQ, deserts, and maybe a little watermelon. Yet the true meaning of the holiday is to celbrate America's independence. We need to take a moment to acknowledge the battles and perserverance of the founding fathers and those who settled in America and then fought to keep her free all these years. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Remember the Veterans that have sacrificed for our freedoms and remember also that some who come home still suffer from the mental and physical wounds they incurred as a result of their service.</span> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: red;">If you have combat veteran friends, family, or neighbors be aware that the celebrations, fireworks, crowds, and loud noises may trigger panic, PTSD symptoms, dissociation, etc.</span> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial;">Happy 4th of July. Happy Independence Day. Thank a Vet today.</span></div>
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07001509904451650834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8362686614725912666.post-74902681160620311302013-07-03T20:16:00.000-07:002014-06-06T06:38:51.554-07:00When PTSD leads to Suicidal Signs<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKcBeYEE3urBKSNOBxyuEUIwN2DzBZ6RGDRtzE8enTbSU-Y-QsIS5EvJDpIwOjscdcb25LI43pJNsymu4x-mTxq9ii6MBTCRtcXM6lTi8Gbzciz9pzTfq3jQh28jjYAJwmvlfM2By5ek/s1600/suicideL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKcBeYEE3urBKSNOBxyuEUIwN2DzBZ6RGDRtzE8enTbSU-Y-QsIS5EvJDpIwOjscdcb25LI43pJNsymu4x-mTxq9ii6MBTCRtcXM6lTi8Gbzciz9pzTfq3jQh28jjYAJwmvlfM2By5ek/s1600/suicideL.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyone who has looked into symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder knows that dangers of PTSD include anger, impulsivity, depression, and may also include suicidal ideations or cries for help. Unfortunatly, the VA system often can't do enough for many vets. Family members and friends have to take a more proactive stance of awareness and support for the veterans that the love. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I urge you to be there for veterans. Advocate for them, be with them, call 911 or other crisis lines if
needed, point them in the right directions, and do whatever possible to
make them feel accepted, needed, hopeful, and safe.
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0].[0]"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Veterans-with-Brain-Injuries/347341002082?ref=ts&fref=ts" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The American Veterans With Brain Injuries</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> group posted this info on FB: </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0].[0]">It
should also be understood that the VA crisis line is for ALL Veterans
who may be in crisis. Very often events can bring difficulties to the
surface that have been hidden or "stuffed" for years, sometimes decades!
If you know a veteran showing the fo</span></span><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[0]">llowing warning signs or symptoms, reach out and DO SOMETHING! <b>1-800-273-8255</b><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"><b>
(Press 1)</b>, or send a <b>text message to 838255</b> to receive confidential
support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.veteranscrisisline.net%2F&h=4AQHdV3Xv&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/</a></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[0]"> </span><br id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[1]" /><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[2]">These
signs may mean someone is at risk for suicide. Risk is greater if a
behavior is new or has increased and if it seems related to a painful
event, loss or change.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<ul><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[5]" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></ul>
<ul><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[7]" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></ul>
<ul><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[9]" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></ul>
<ul><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[11]" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></ul>
</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<ul>
<li><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kT8HqlKXX87ukppVJANUulLPcvhuYn8tpRhL56rMD5A-o8yy8NG9kwgcj3CmbQAIZop2LhR6baQpos5dri0oQxu8sJ7dqvQiPRn9CBmQtG0Hk_FLeUklRt5dLZ5TYzxGDQ-8nxUeoJ8/s1600/phone+pics+11-11+1666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[13]" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Talking about being a burden to others.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><ul><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[15]" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></ul>
<ul><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[17]" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></ul>
<ul><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[19]" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sleeping too little or too much.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></ul>
<ul><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[21]" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Withdrawn or feeling isolated.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></ul>
<ul><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[23]" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></ul>
<ul><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[25]" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Displaying extreme mood swings.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></ul>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><br id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[27]" /><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[28]" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Additional Warning Signs of Suicide Include:</span></span></span></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<ul>
<li><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6CMBjt3FrXjobbkFGDcbBYCAzMwjUXNj2WHL6rjIC3kT6BPCRnZJ7hJ8OeTFqQPPua44f6ClZeQzbhGoPl7g7QdhYv261i76Sd_RQQ5EvV5ZM_oI2hyphenhypheniXXnKHOQy1Ch_ZHUjcWilyqc/s1600/phone+pics+11-11+1670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6CMBjt3FrXjobbkFGDcbBYCAzMwjUXNj2WHL6rjIC3kT6BPCRnZJ7hJ8OeTFqQPPua44f6ClZeQzbhGoPl7g7QdhYv261i76Sd_RQQ5EvV5ZM_oI2hyphenhypheniXXnKHOQy1Ch_ZHUjcWilyqc/s1600/phone+pics+11-11+1670.jpg" /></span></a><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">P<span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[30]">reoccupation with death.</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><ul><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[32]" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Suddenly happier, calmer.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></ul>
<ul><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[34]" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Loss of interest in things one cares about.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></ul>
<ul><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[36]" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Visiting or calling people to say goodbye.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></ul>
<ul><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[38]" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Making arrangements; setting one's affairs in order.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
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</span></ul>
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<li><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[3].[1][2][1]{comment147557732063980_349266}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[40]" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Giving things away, such as prized possessions.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There have been occasions when John wanted to throw away all his Army related gear. He put his photos, medals, awards, and anything related into a box in the trash and threw out all his Army fatigues and accessories. He cleaned out his closet, stacking all his clothes in a pile towering about five feet tall. He told me to get rid of them that he didn't need them any longer. He's went through times when he hid his Facebook account, posted that there were free Army items in the driveway, busted the glass out of the gun cabinet, loaded bags into the truck, and then hugged our children and told them good-bye. All this a gut wrenching experience for sure. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How did we respond to these horrific times? We did the best we could. I called 9-11, called for someone to come get the kids, and I hid the truck keys. I knew if he left he would never return alive. In December 2011, John wanted to go to the VA and kill them or at least make them suffer so they would understand what he was experiencing. John didn't want to personally end his own life, but he wanted to be such a threat that someone else would have to kill him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Law enforcement came, cleared the house that was turned upside down and then found John about 8 blocks away. Unfortunately, because John had worked as a deputy sheriff for a couple years before his health became so bad they didn't take action on his claims to kill everyone at the VA. They recorded that they didn't hear him make any threats. A deputy friend took him out for the afternoon and brought him back after all the guns were out of the house. My parents came and stayed for a few days and afterwards John didn't recall too many details about the events that happened while he was in this rage.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here is how I ended my letter to the VA Comensation board this week: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><blockquote class="tr_bq">
John is plagued constantly by the daily horrors he suffers
from his service connected conditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just last night he was screaming in his sleep, frightened by the visions
and nightmares or demons trying to kill him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We had to reorient him, leave the lights on, and he wanted to
"never go back to sleep." While I am asking him now how to convey
this to you, he states, "It's real fucking bad. I'm miserable."
Between his confusion, disorientation, and severe anger and impulsivity, we had
to buy a gun safe last January to lock his collection away from him after he
tried to load all his guns to go "kill everyone at the VA" because he
wasn't getting the help he needs. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
awful that our children have to witness him like this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't want to endure another day that he
hugs and kisses them goodbye saying he will never come back home, watch the
sheriff office suit up in body armor and storm our house searching it between
the things he turned upside down as he fled the back yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He should feel that the VA has more of his
best interest at heart and demonstrate that through better access to medical
and mental health care, and the 100% compensation that he deserves so he doesn't
have to stress about where money for bills or food is going to come from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he feels he is "worth more"
dead so we won't have to be in a financial bind, it is already way too late.</blockquote>
</span><br /></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Please be assured that at the time I am writing this blog, John is safe and is neither suicidal nor homicidal but I wanted to share these signs, symptoms, and stories with you in an effort to know that if you are plagued by PTSD and experience these symptoms that you are not alone in your struggles. </strong></span></div>
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<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07001509904451650834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8362686614725912666.post-50248062860128504302013-07-01T06:25:00.000-07:002013-07-04T13:03:54.390-07:00Chocolate Mug Cake...Faith of a Child<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our two boys had spent the week mostly away visiting aunts and uncles and the grandparents on the farm. Yesterday afternoon, we went to pick them up and there were thunderstorms with heavy rain passing through. The drive is about 90 miles for us, so it isn't just a quick pick up and head home. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the way home, the rain picked up and visibility was slim. My wipers were going full force and I had to slow down substantially. From the back seat, I hear Gabriel (age 6) exclaim, "I'm talking to God. I prayed: 'Dear God, please let this rain slack up a little bit.'" Then in a few moments the driving was much easier as the rain let up <em>a little bit</em>. Gabriel was astonished and immediately thanked God for listening to his prayer and quickly answering. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then Aston (age 4) with the mustard seed sized faith to move mountains says, "Dear God, I want a piece of chocolate cake." </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> He was so serious and genuine and then he paused. He just sat there. He held our his little hands as if waiting for a plate of cake to miraculously appear as fast as the rain subdued. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aston wasn't as happy with his prayer result as Gabriel was. Gabriel saw instant results from his prayer and Aston expected no less. So this morning, I decided to search for that <a href="http://www.nigella.com/recipes/view/chocolate-mug-cake-for-two-3564" target="_blank">Chocolate Mug Cake</a> recipe. I found it and made Aston his very own Chocolate Cake. It is waiting for him when he wakes up. I guess we'll have an object lesson breakfast of the fact that have to wait longer for answered prayers!</span><br />
<h4>
And Jesus said to them, Because of your unbelief: for truly I say to you, If you
have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, Remove
hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible to
you. -Matthew 17:20 American KJV</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixx7TIeN5-kl5RWLudWYHwhBoZgFHqOKtYo-7kz0o5Tp1ypWPirQ3FJRlg0Z0-bfWDCFsNFjqR1FXdkQnBJcCZUK6j7JaMgmJaVvqrmilbdW2o-6mIk0rj7O9EBF7fy7SMD2BbOwp159w/s612/mug+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixx7TIeN5-kl5RWLudWYHwhBoZgFHqOKtYo-7kz0o5Tp1ypWPirQ3FJRlg0Z0-bfWDCFsNFjqR1FXdkQnBJcCZUK6j7JaMgmJaVvqrmilbdW2o-6mIk0rj7O9EBF7fy7SMD2BbOwp159w/s320/mug+cake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm acutally thinking that this mix would be very adorable as a teacher/friend gift packaged in a little mug. I think I'm going to experiment to see what I can come up with. I'm thinking substitute </span><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=cb5VvYAyqoU&offerid=206969.10000302&type=3&subid=0" target="new"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whole Egg Powder</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=cb5VvYAyqoU&bids=206969.10000302&type=3&subid=0" width="1" /> for the eggs and </span><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=cb5VvYAyqoU&offerid=206969.10000284&type=3&subid=0" target="new"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fortified Instant Milk</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=cb5VvYAyqoU&bids=206969.10000284&type=3&subid=0" width="1" /> for the milk. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I guess I might need some </span><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=cb5VvYAyqoU&offerid=206969.10000764&type=3&subid=0" target="new"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Butter Powder </span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=cb5VvYAyqoU&bids=206969.10000764&type=3&subid=0" width="1" />
too. I've never had these staples in my pantry but I've looked at purchasing them in the past. This way, all the recipient has to do is add water. I think I may order those things as they would work great in the pantry stockpile and then I'll have them next time the need for a small gift arises. Of course, Aston loves to cook and help in the kitchen and he will probably want to make a bunch of these to give away. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe we'll have to design our own special gift tag. I'll work on that and post it to share when we finish it!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Hope you have a faithfilled-prayers answered kind of day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<br />
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07001509904451650834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8362686614725912666.post-47077754783160493762013-06-23T17:28:00.000-07:002013-06-23T17:28:30.624-07:00MOPH Chapter OrganizingJohn (along with a little help from myself) has embarked on a new endeavor. I think it will be wonderful for the communties around us and wonderful for him as well! We are trying to get a new chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart started. The nearest chapter is over 100 miles away and I know there are more vets within that vicinity that would love and benefit from being part of such a great group. <br />
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<a href="http://www.vistaprint.com/vp/gateway.aspx?s=5462298015&preurl=%2fshare-design.aspx%3fdoc_id%3d2591985333%26shopper_id%3dO0QDMODMEKNDQJFE5ZLJ4FMHLP4OL17I%26xnav%3dsharesource_4%26share_key%3d6e4e277d-af99-4d43-81d3-423874683a18" target="blank"><img src="http://www.vistaprint.com/lp.aspx?alt_doc_id=FR2LV-82A07-2S3&width=250&shopper_id=O0QDMODMEKNDQJFE5ZLJ4FMHLP4OL17I" /></a></div>
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All you guys know I like to save money where I can so we used a <a href="http://www.groupon.com//raf/UserReferral_rp/121015/10r1act/lk/uu26704612" target="_blank">Groupon</a> (Purchased through the <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=0Kkb92ZiCBdq23Ncsb9nQw%3D%3D" target="_blank">Ebates</a> website to earn cash back!) for <a href="http://vistaprint.tellapal.com/a/clk/3BYkDy" target="_blank">Vistaprint</a>. We bought the groupon for $17 to use towards $70 worth of product! We ordered lots of neat things like the post cards above, photo journals, buisness cards (get 250 FREE), invitations (get 10 FREE), and more.<br />
<br />
Bottom line is.....<strong><u>If you know a wounded veteran anywhere in the South Georgia area, please let them know about this new MOPH Chapter forming!</u></strong> Certain family members can join as Associate members too. To find out more about the MOPH you may visit their <a href="http://www.purpleheart.org/Default.aspx" target="_blank">webpage</a> or contact us.<br />
<div style="text-align:center;"><div><a href="http://www.vistaprint.com/vp/gateway.aspx?s=5462298015&preurl=%2fshare-design.aspx%3fdoc_id%3d2591988406%26shopper_id%3dO0QDMODMEKNDQJFE5ZLJ4FMHLP4OL17I%26xnav%3dsharesource_4%26share_key%3d52b25276-33e7-4f6a-bf1d-a740147969ab" target="blank"><img src="http://www.vistaprint.com/lp.aspx?alt_doc_id=1W7LV-82A84-4L5&width=250&shopper_id=O0QDMODMEKNDQJFE5ZLJ4FMHLP4OL17I" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.vistaprint.com/notebooks.aspx" target="_blank" />Notebooks - Photo</a> by <a href="http://www.vistaprint.com" target="_blank">Vistaprint</a></div></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07001509904451650834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8362686614725912666.post-23035786605370377542013-06-14T15:59:00.000-07:002013-06-14T15:59:02.757-07:00Shutterfly Father's Day<b>We really love Shutterfly! Here are the last 2 years Father's Day cards that we designed and sent straight to Dad!</b><br />
<strong></strong><strong></strong><br />
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<div class="sflyProductPreviewLogo" style="height: 34px; padding: 14px 0px 0px 14px; width: 105px;">
<img src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: currentColor; box-shadow: none; padding: 0px;" /></div>
<div class="sflyProductPreviewContainer" style="height: 350px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AaOXDJi3at2Ha&eid=118"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/8AaOXDJi3atw/8AaOXDJi3atwYvs/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1371250154000/0/" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: currentColor; box-shadow: none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>
<div class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer" style="background-color: #f4f4e9; height: 55px; line-height: 19px; padding: 15px 0px; text-align: center;">
<div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold;">
Striped Collage Father's Day Card</div>
<div class="sflyProductPreviewSEOText" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px;">
Cheerful <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-invitations" style="color: #6666cc;"> Christmas invitations</a> for your friends and family.</div>
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View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.</div>
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<div class="sflyProductPreviewLogo" style="height: 34px; padding: 14px 0px 0px 14px; width: 105px;">
<img src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: currentColor; box-shadow: none; padding: 0px;" /></div>
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<a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AaOXDJi3at2Hp&eid=118"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/8AaOXDJi3atw/8AaOXDJi3atwYwU/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1371250692000/0/" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: currentColor; box-shadow: none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>
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<div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold;">
Chalkboard Heart Dad Father's Day Card</div>
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Create personalized <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/invitations" style="color: #6666cc;">invitations</a> and announcements at Shutterfly.</div>
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View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.</div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07001509904451650834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8362686614725912666.post-40710673588630015222013-05-25T12:42:00.000-07:002014-12-11T13:09:03.644-08:00Doing Disney Pirate Style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKXAjN203oKG_DXPEf2Pa3kvXtZw7Vt9oTQDcaK4SZYm6jSehKYjyWvhIR1LO9Oh7VjDUEmRXKDFqYDHONyMRfTQfGFW9ZdJQpz5idhhsRdYZ90pkBAH5gzWKEFvIbvGKi-sOnmaWBGY/s1600/phone+pics+2012+644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKXAjN203oKG_DXPEf2Pa3kvXtZw7Vt9oTQDcaK4SZYm6jSehKYjyWvhIR1LO9Oh7VjDUEmRXKDFqYDHONyMRfTQfGFW9ZdJQpz5idhhsRdYZ90pkBAH5gzWKEFvIbvGKi-sOnmaWBGY/s320/phone+pics+2012+644.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We seem to average about three <b>Walt Disney World</b> trips each year for the last three years. We try to do something unique each time we go. With two boys, we have not experienced the Bippidy Boppity Boutique or princess character meals. (Even though I still would love to dine at Cinderella's Castle!) Since the princess craze doesn't work for us, we search out other fun things to do with boys. The <b><i>Pirate Adventure Cruises</i></b> are for kids only and are one of these great choices. These cruises sail from one of several Disney resorts and are available for potty trained children ages 4-12. Each of the four locations that offer the Pirate Adventure Cruises have a slightly different theme. These adventures set sail from 8:30-11:30 each day from one of the locations and include a hunt for treasure and a story told by the crew. They even give the kids a snack while away. You can find the details on <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/pirate-adventure-cruises/" target="_blank">Disney's website here</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5_Pmu_MdWb1bHpw-OFvtdFrIWS8IVz9APpElvQ-DTt9hnX_ZrT-m5uWq_wh_XgqpH2zd3boXpG0Xkbq16UzK8yTUC6l7colOZb-Bc5pxnLhz6mMyuBpW10MohQhzbAz837lPp1BeIBE/s1600/phone+pics+2012+654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5_Pmu_MdWb1bHpw-OFvtdFrIWS8IVz9APpElvQ-DTt9hnX_ZrT-m5uWq_wh_XgqpH2zd3boXpG0Xkbq16UzK8yTUC6l7colOZb-Bc5pxnLhz6mMyuBpW10MohQhzbAz837lPp1BeIBE/s200/phone+pics+2012+654.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> When we stayed at Port Orleans in 2011, our youngest was too small to join brother on the </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Bayou Pirate Adventure</b> that sailed from </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">the Fishin' Hole on Ol' Man Island down the Sassagoula River. But the oldest wasn't keen on leaving mom and dad's side either so we waited until October 2012 and booked the Pirate Adventure Cruise. This cruise leaves from the Grand Floridian. On this adventure, our kids sailed around</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon and were treated
to a reading of "The Legend of Gasparilla"—a real Florida pirate. These excursions can fill up in advance so call Disney or your travel agent to book in advance. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9dZ3q3y7c5OsgRfg9cX6iMJ5FLq4JHYCHU3jHgRFFiAHfl-nvSPmuzmmsO4Pszemmh14RzKWP9IZFvHSgr36ziJAvPdFZWKXSPqKTrC1sjfIIDS94pRbtK_d43PVMclMCFvqSV00oXQ/s1600/phone+pics+2012+666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9dZ3q3y7c5OsgRfg9cX6iMJ5FLq4JHYCHU3jHgRFFiAHfl-nvSPmuzmmsO4Pszemmh14RzKWP9IZFvHSgr36ziJAvPdFZWKXSPqKTrC1sjfIIDS94pRbtK_d43PVMclMCFvqSV00oXQ/s320/phone+pics+2012+666.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This really turned out to be a great adventure for all of us. While the kids were off for a couple hours, John and I went to the <b>Grand Floridian Cafe </b>(where we had advance dining reservations). We enjoyed some grown up food: </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="title"><b>Citrus Pancakes</b> with</span> <span class="description">roasted pecans and dried cranberries served with orange butter and </span><b><span class="title">Smoked Salmon</span></b>
<span class="description">with tomatoes, onions, capers (I had these left off), cream cheese, and toasted bagel.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdbPlYz6zMkcVF3nLpvw0gRYHbsSEnTx60zaAYhHPUjui9qJYgATsH7CLvV9DJHW_JaJMpY-mGNsrIKUWn87b8GAxcJyfo0llKCFjOMkM-BWtUc1kxXNUb-DrJ-IIfyX2JS4c-B8ZfDk/s1600/phone+pics+2012+642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdbPlYz6zMkcVF3nLpvw0gRYHbsSEnTx60zaAYhHPUjui9qJYgATsH7CLvV9DJHW_JaJMpY-mGNsrIKUWn87b8GAxcJyfo0llKCFjOMkM-BWtUc1kxXNUb-DrJ-IIfyX2JS4c-B8ZfDk/s640/phone+pics+2012+642.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After our delightful breakfast we headed back off to the marina with about 45 minutes to spare. We spontaneously decided to rent a<b> Sea Raycer</b> for the last 30 minutes before the kids came back into the dock. I have to say it was pretty cool to cruise around Bay Lake for a bit. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0JaKc_fruIjkfI2Jow3ekU6XHsGoExk-rTGGz6U6TjDvz4br7AwJqoQbhpx7D615-3HhQ0wsCG9AKwMxTnSv3RrzPMdFvrl3enDjSItgS9JPLZ5HoaO2mmr6Im2QhfO76OY1lfhBJXjk/s1600/phone+pics+2012+672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0JaKc_fruIjkfI2Jow3ekU6XHsGoExk-rTGGz6U6TjDvz4br7AwJqoQbhpx7D615-3HhQ0wsCG9AKwMxTnSv3RrzPMdFvrl3enDjSItgS9JPLZ5HoaO2mmr6Im2QhfO76OY1lfhBJXjk/s200/phone+pics+2012+672.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The kids came back in as we were pulling into the dock and showed us all their pirate treasure (a small chest and bag filled with pirate loot like rings, bracelets, eye patches, pencil toppers, etc.) and we headed back to our <b>Pirate Room at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort.</b> Our little one fell asleep on the way back and rested well in his pirate ship bed. Our boys really loved the pirate themed room but know that we found the beds a bit more uncomfortable than most Disney Resort bedding. The room was smaller too but Disney still paid close attention to every detail as always with keg-like bedside tables, plank flooring, and pirate curtains.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When we were planning our Spring 2013 trip we decided to try for the <b>Pirates and Pals Fireworks Cruise</b> that sails from the Contemporary. We lucked out and got reservations about 3 weeks in advance. We arrived quite a bit early and there were crayons, color sheets, and puzzles for the kids to work on in the hallway until it was time for refreshments. The snack buffet included white cheddar popcorn, cake, chocolate pirate coins, fruit, a freezer of Mickey and Disney's Ice Cream Novelties), small bagged portions of Disney's cotton candy, and a beverage selection of coffee, teas, cocoa, and more. </span><br />
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<a href="http://distilleryimage7.s3.amazonaws.com/90158d3abe9f11e2a34522000a1fb1cc_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://distilleryimage7.s3.amazonaws.com/90158d3abe9f11e2a34522000a1fb1cc_7.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">While we filled up on snacks, Captain Hook and Smee posed for photos and signed the boys 9" Vinylmations. We were led to the boat by Hook and our cast member on board entertained us with trivia games (for the kids) and prizes while we got our own view of the water pageant before moving along to get into position to watch Wishes. Of course we had to sing "Yo Ho" and discovered we didn't really know the words! I think The Pirates and Pals Cruise is now our favorite way to experience the fireworks. It was spectacular with the music piped in over the boats speakers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The next day the boys had the opportunity to meet <b>Jack Sparrow</b>! After a ride on the Pirates of the Caribbean we made it just in time for him to invite the boys on stage. They loved the fact that they were sworn in as honorary pirates! Each of them were delighted to have a special certificate to show for this experience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The only thing that my boys weren't keen on experiencing was the <b>Pirates League</b> at the Magic Kingdom, where children and adults can be transformed into a pirate complete with makeup and accessories. Maybe we'll try that on another trip.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If pirates and adventure sound fun, try doing Disney pirate style on your next trip. There's no danger of having to walk the plank and you may just have an amazing time.</span><br />
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<br />
<br />
-Let me know if I can plan your next magical vacation or a pirate adventure for you. I now work with a full service travel agency that provides FREE quotes, and lots of help to make magic for you! You can email me at <a href="mailto:Amanda@ChateauBelleConcierge.com">Aflener1@gmail.com</a> for your quoteAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07001509904451650834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8362686614725912666.post-49778844000836949872013-05-19T21:25:00.001-07:002014-03-22T13:37:44.731-07:00We are the VA BacklogI started using Twitter this past week and much to my suprise it is a great way to connect and find information based on subject matter and interests. I admit that I sterotypically thought of it as friends and celebs tweeting their every move and trip to the toilet. Alas, I am pleasantly surprised. <br />
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One of the things I have been concerned with for quite some time is the VA Backlog or as I now know it #VABacklog. It is appaling and horiffic to think that there is such a mound of claims that the VA can't process them fast enough. I've seen the frustration from my own combat wounded spouse becuase of his inability to work, our financial strain, his deteriorating health, inability to be left alone independently, and the VA's unrelenting process of hurring up to wait a bit longer. <br />
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I first wrote about my thoughts on the VA backlog in relation to the rise in veteran suicides in January. You can find my post <a href="http://flenerfamily.blogspot.com/2013/01/veteran-suicides-at-all-time-high.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Today, I feel like we are one of that 600,000+ in the backlog. Sure, everyone has their stories and it is horrible that vets get the back burner when it comes to much <br />
deserved compensation. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqziCBolrVNLA3FCpwZmcEmW0fP0KtYF3LCaAfV-IHGwoBhcksxWrMBOd7Y5T2CU39WrLXbovoz4Sr5_Y3BAT1zftIOhxyH_FAK1mLw_NBRmEyKG4ID7uDYpjLoN26L6VNY5BmCthbe0/s1600/Va+backlog+blog+pic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqziCBolrVNLA3FCpwZmcEmW0fP0KtYF3LCaAfV-IHGwoBhcksxWrMBOd7Y5T2CU39WrLXbovoz4Sr5_Y3BAT1zftIOhxyH_FAK1mLw_NBRmEyKG4ID7uDYpjLoN26L6VNY5BmCthbe0/s320/Va+backlog+blog+pic+2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a>While we've waited the better parts of the last 6 years waiting on claims, I do not understand why we've had to wait 7 months on a few papers (sent in by our congressman on our behalf) to be mailed somewhere to an office to be scanned into the Veteran's Benefits Managment System (VBMS) so that the VA can say they have now have a "web-based, electronic claims processing solution complemented by improved business processes. Once the claim is scanned we will proceed with the claim processing." By the time they mailed the five or six pages, took seven months to get them scanned, send correspondence appologizing back to us and the congressman, I have a hard time understanding why they can't just look at the papers and see that we need action. Seven months to put a hardship request and caregiver documentation into his file to be reviewed later. Pitiful. </div>
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For almost two years I have been paid from the VA as a full time, Tier 3, caregiver for my husband. Back in early Fall of 2011 his neurologist filled out paperwork for Aid and Attendence noting that John needed "Constant Supervision." In December of 2013, we finally got notice that they denied this claim becuase they felt John needed no assistance. In my opinion, this claim was one of many we've had denied when I believe the VA just wants to move some numbers and reduce that backlog. Documents upon documents show that John needs and deserves Aid and Attendence, yet the VA denied it without really looking at the evidence so they could reduce that backlog of claims. John's claim was processed. "Denied." For me, it is unacceptable. For John, he doesn't have the patience, memory, or stamina to fight this battle. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCunuv8Blj5iQz4X3orvKOLS2JRoTU-Dl6TI2p0sCezA2_7ksTaIMWFR4bCWM9xZqcwu4Z0dB-IuI0PEhJHDQ2mGlw3w_EvKY4AMLt6hB1Wc-ngUWwy_RuU9X7aGinj6OX2jm_For4tHQ/s1600/Va+backlog+blog+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCunuv8Blj5iQz4X3orvKOLS2JRoTU-Dl6TI2p0sCezA2_7ksTaIMWFR4bCWM9xZqcwu4Z0dB-IuI0PEhJHDQ2mGlw3w_EvKY4AMLt6hB1Wc-ngUWwy_RuU9X7aGinj6OX2jm_For4tHQ/s320/Va+backlog+blog+pic.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
I feel so bad for the vets who don't have someone to fight this battle for them. I guess this week I will once again step up my efforts to reach out to other organizations that John is a member of and those groups that have told me they would try to help us. It is tiring. Even when the Congressman's office has petitioned the VA to expedite our claim due to hardship and "clear and unmistakable error for the rating of individual unemployability, aid and attendence, and traumatic brian injury."<br />
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Veterans are ending their lives daily with suicide and others are dying from their illneses and injuries. Today, John's life didn't end but he suffered with living. He cried becuase he couldn't move his legs or walk to the bathroom. He couldn't put on his own socks or move his own covers. Today was a day worse than some others. He couldn't get to the bathroom without his wheelchair and assistance. His chair doesn't even fit through our doorways but the VA denied that housing adaptation grant too becuase John has a brain injury and seizures. Since he hasn't lost a limb or eyesight, they say we are out of luck and have to struggle.<br />
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The VA is not responding effectively and timely enough. We, the backlog, are at war with a mound of paper and a system that is not effective enough. It has almost squashed us to death. We've got to win this war. My husband and the rest of the backloged vets deserve better. Fight for them. <br />
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On the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151920950982995&set=a.462481517994.245120.8607847994&type=1&theater#!/IAVA.org" target="_blank">Iraq and Afghanistan Veteran's Facebook Page</a> they posted this informaional photo to give you an suggestion of how to petition your congressman: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cx_w51lMpZv7Oh0AUbNZwm1erlMFrfpKhFsBvNVwsv4ObviDSyss0LXNBweDVeCvBPdlJ4shXW0lLN4LBLoZ8apeLldZmJWBq0f1djHrxL-_8fztzrzFNXLeYkP9xJ8_obS3I5lN7-4/s1600/Iraq+vets+congress+call+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cx_w51lMpZv7Oh0AUbNZwm1erlMFrfpKhFsBvNVwsv4ObviDSyss0LXNBweDVeCvBPdlJ4shXW0lLN4LBLoZ8apeLldZmJWBq0f1djHrxL-_8fztzrzFNXLeYkP9xJ8_obS3I5lN7-4/s400/Iraq+vets+congress+call+pic.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07001509904451650834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8362686614725912666.post-58560693180345595012013-05-15T11:35:00.001-07:002013-05-15T11:35:07.884-07:00Low Carb Dill Pickle Dip<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those of you who are keeping your carb count minimal, you know that it seems variety in your diet can seem nonexistent. Meats, cheeses, salads and veggies...Right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday, I was perusing Pinterest and saw a lot of people pinning a Dill Pickle Dip but I didn't like the ingredient combinations of most of them. No thanks to the jalapenos for this family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I decided to try to kick it up a notch with some parmesan with parsley and garlic salt (Og carbohydrates) that I got at Publix on BOGO a couple weeks ago.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Vuo2Ul_mA9kj2oUXm8X8-0CwfNG9mTZXA0_YX6rKV9ERYSsM1-1EmHdv8m1RD5n-oopMT6m0KYmOi6dra9s9Xt61WrVMMXqG_cHztQVLKxXChI1hexr7u1fXkNEalzrFXJZgmRcXqK0/s1600/blog+photo+recipe+may.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Vuo2Ul_mA9kj2oUXm8X8-0CwfNG9mTZXA0_YX6rKV9ERYSsM1-1EmHdv8m1RD5n-oopMT6m0KYmOi6dra9s9Xt61WrVMMXqG_cHztQVLKxXChI1hexr7u1fXkNEalzrFXJZgmRcXqK0/s400/blog+photo+recipe+may.jpg" width="382" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is great to dip veggies in. Maybe you could even stuff the sweet mini peppers. You could also use this as a spread for sandwiches or burgers. Of course, you could always go for the typical crackers to accompany the dip. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I mixed all of the following in my Kitchenaid Mixer until blended:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 oz cream cheese</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 cup sour cream</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4 cup parmesan cheese with parsley and garlic (you could always use plain parm plus some garlic salt with parsley) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4 cup dill cubes/relish</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's it! Simple enough and now we've got some variety to the low carb diet this week.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoy!</span><br />
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07001509904451650834noreply@blogger.com0