May Living

So it's been a little while since I've written a nice blog post..I've missed it.  Things have been pretty busy around here lately, which is a good things; to keep my mind off of everything else going on in my life health wise; it's always a nice distraction ;-)  May has been a pleasant month so far with a few hiccups along the way; Mother's Day, the Greek Festival & a couple doctors appointments...

Mother's Day was very nice.  Although I spend everyday with my mom & we are very close, we spent the day together; not really doing anything special in the beginning, except going for our usual walk.  Later in the day, I decided I wanted to treat her to a nice dinner, because she does OH SO MUCH for me, and she truly deserves the world.  I wish I could have given her more than I did, and I know she appreciates everything I give her, but if I could give her the world I sure would.  She truly has been my rock through this entire process I've been going through & I'm not sure where I'd be without here to be honest.  The sacrifices she's made for me, the loss of sleep she's gotten because of me, the arguing with insurance companies to try to make sure everything is taken care in that department for my surgery, & just making sure I am OK in general - She is a true gem!!! Oh how I love her!!! 

Happy Mother's Day!!!

The Greek Festival was this past weekend..it was a blast as always!!  I helped in the beer booth, where I always help, as much as I possibly could, although my energy levels just aren't up to par these days.  This is very disappointing & frustrating.  I could work all day & night, every shift popping my Mythos bottles a couple years ago, & now I have a hard time hanging around after a couple of hours, especially being on my feet for a good few hours, because the pressure in my back becomes so incredibly intense I can hardly move.  I thank God every day for giving me life & just being alive, but I also thank God for bringing me this opportunity to get better & possibly have this cure once & for all.  Be ready, because next years Greek Festival will be just a good as this years, but the old/NEW me will be back in business!! ;-D

I've been finding many different things for "therapy" to take my mind off of my pain when it becomes too much to handle.  Yoga has been my go to & that has helped with relaxation plenty, but walking has helped me a lot as well.. It helps take my mind off of the pain I am in & I can think & concentrate on other things instead of the pain I am currently in... If the pain is just too excruciating, I turn to meditation for relaxation methods.  Another method I have found to be relaxing has been painting.. I'm not too good at it, but it is fun & I love doing abstract type paintings.  They're so easy to attempt & it's hard to mess those up.  I can paint & paint & the next thing I know 4hours have passed by.  
Time is closing in on my time to head back down to Charleston, & I will get my official date of surgery.  It is TBD for July, but I'll know for sure June 12.  It's a little nerve wrecking, but I am ready.  I'm ready for this to be over with so I can be on the road to recovery...such a scary thought but I know it needs to be done.

Walking Goals

Abstract Paintings:  Tape Painting(Left) & Blended Abstract(Right)

Prayers that I ask for are decrease pain throughout these next two months until I have surgery;  I have to make it until my Total Pancreatectomy without having another surgery/stent exchange! 
Prayers for a good harvest when the surgery does happen, so we can have a less chance of developing diabetes post-operation once they mature.
Prayers for myself & my family to have peace within ourselves & for the entire process in general.
After my doctors appointment in June I'll get more specific about surgical prayers & doctor prayers & whatnot. :)
I truly appreciate all of the love, support, & prayers I've been receiving; it means the world to me & I can't thank you all enough!!
Love, Tiff <3

Unleash the Creativity

 Calling all my DIY addicts...
I am not a very experienced DIY girl at all..let me make this clear before starting this post!! BUT I do LOVE DIY projects.. Hence this post! ;-) DIY projects mean the most to me because they have meaning behind them..there was thought & love into the creation; I cherish those creations a bit more.
My favorite of them all.. paintings!  I am not an artist but abstracts, I love.. and I love creating something so weird for it to turn into something so beautiful.  I could sit on pinterest for HOURS just searching, pinning, & admiring the beauties of the arts & things I'd love to re-create one day.. With the added time I have on my hands these days...sitting & waiting, it has brought out my inner artsy-self & I'm in my "I wanna paint & create more" esp just to redecorate more at a lower cost. And who doesn't love to paint every once in a while??!! :-)

Making of a Masterpiece::My own to come!::

On the health front, because I know some of you are pretty interested & are inquiring.. I am in a waiting period at the moment.. which BTW is VERY difficult.. to sit around & just wait..wait..wait.. Everyone else who has been in my very position I honestly don't know how you got through this period without killing someone or going insane! It's driving me crazy at times, which is why I am trying my best to stay as busy, active & positive as possible.  My body only lets me be as active as I can, which isn't very much but I am testing those levels every day.  I am in a considerable amount of pain, but I am handling it to the best as I can.  God is with my daily and he is getting me through these tough moments.  Thanking God everyday for giving me my strength to get through the next day & giving thanks for just being Alive, bringing me THIS Far & bringing me the hope that there IS that light at the end of the tunnel that I WILL get to for my everlasting peace of healing & hopeful "cure" to a better life!! Thank you God & everyone around me for their daily support, love & just being you!! <3