First and foremost, THANK YOU for all the encouraging emails, comments, gift certificates for a lobotomy, flowers, etc….I appreciate and love you all!!!!! (yep, even you!)
A quick update, I have good, bad, great and horrible days, some days I just don’t get out of bed. It is what it is, I just have to deal with it. On a side note, my neighbors moved a few weeks ago….I didn’t like them very much anyways but what’s even better, nobody can hear me yelling at this O.C.D. demon that it’s “not going to get the best of me and to leave me alone.” At least that will buy me some time before the men in white jackets show up!
My aunt is out of I.C.U. but is still in the hospital dealing with some pretty heavy issues. Please pray, pray, pray!!! I love her so much….
Our friends that were in the car accident are recovering but have a l o n g road ahead of them. Two of the babies are now out of the hospital. Their mama not only has a broken back, her leg is also broken and she is missing a couple toes. We thank God they are just all alive. It was a single car accident, the Police believe was caused due to a combination of 70 m.p.h. winds and black ice. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as well!!! XOXO to Brittney, Brianna and babies!!!
I have a secret, but I’m not supposed to get too excited or say too much yet. Don’t tell anyone, but it has to do with my oldest son….a new job and moving back from Phoenix. Shhh, I’ll tell you more later!
Yep, she came out of the closet, my little reptilian girl, Kiwi. Been in there, in a box since October, I wish I was a turtle.

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More excitement, yesterday she peed! This is a good thing….means she’s hydrated and in working order.
So, I’m really trying to learn how to use my camera. It’s easy to use in the “Basic Zone” but it’s time to advance to the, well, “Advanced Operations.” It’s capable of doing so much…I’m just waiting for that ah-ha moment, when it all just clicks!!! (no pun intended!) Yesterday, after a nice visit at the hospital with my aunt it starts snowing as I’m walking to my car, snowing cotton. Huh? Through the flurries falling before me, I manage to find the source it’s coming from. Am I that naive? Never saw anything like this…. (pics are click-able for larger view)

There were also some pretty flowers on the grounds, what better way is there to practice my “Advanced Operations,” so I experimented away…

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———-You do realize I have many more (my apologies…humor me here folks) but I don’t want to whoa you too much in one day! Check back tomorrow… Again, thanks for all the love and support

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I need to vent.
First, a quick update on the nests I posted a few weeks ago. Sadly, the Hummingbirds didn’t survive. One baby hatched but did not seem to thrive, the second egg remained intact. The assumption is, mama knew there were problems and finally abandon the nest. R.I.P. little Hummers! On a happier note, here are pictures of The Dove Family which appear to have two nestlings. Cute or what??

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So on to my rant.
These past few weeks have been the most trying times I have had in a long time, 79.6 weeks to be exact. Each and every day has been a struggle and I am hoping the light at the end of the tunnel comes sooner, rather than later. I am equipped with a lot more coping skills this time, but the disease seems to be getting the best of me at this point. If you know me well or have followed my site for period of time, you are aware I have O.C.D. This linked post explains….

“Seven years ago, after experiencing a traumatic event I was diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (O.C.D.) I had a type, similar to what they refer to as Trichotillomania, a form of hair pulling. Long story short, I would spend an average of 5 to 12 hours a day pulling my hair out, eventually leaving me completely bald. As fast as those babies grew back in, I would yank them right back out. There was nothing anyone could do or say that would justify my stopping. The urge or ‘impulse’ has often been described as a hiccup in your brain, or a brain lock, preventing your brain from shifting gears. Wigs (later dubbed “the helmets”) and scarves did a great job of covering the physical effects, but the emotional and psychological damage it caused was often more than I could bear. This not only impacted my life, affecting my ability to function in the outside world….it unfortunately took a toll on everyone around me……After six years, with the support of my loved ones by my side, many hours of therapy, medications, a lot of sweat, tears, prayers and determination. I (toot-toot) have reached a personal milestone. As of October 5th, 2008 it has been one year since I have tugged, pulled or mutilated my hair in any way!!!”

I have relapsed.
My heart is breaking. I have already begun the cycle of pulling/damaging/cutting. Luckily it wasn’t too bad this time and I managed to keep most of my hair.

I have increased my meds. and am doing a lot of sleeping I will continue to fight this demon. I would appreciate any thoughts and prayers to help me get through this!

More prayers needed….
My Aunt Bobbie was admitted in to I.C.U. this week with pneumonia and other health related issues. Not only is she probably the best aunt in the world, she has been through a lot and is a very strong woman. They are thinking she will be in a regular room within the next few days!….love you Aunt Bobbie, I will see you soon!
Family friends that we have known for close to 40 years had a horrible accident in their family this week. Five family members, ages 1 to 25 were traveling to Boise, Idaho and were in an accident causing their vehicle to flip 3 times. As lucky as they are to all be alive, they were hurt pretty bad. The oldest was left with a broken back, one of her babies has a fractured skull.
My heart goes out to you all!

You can fool some of the people all of the time
and all of the people some of the time,
but you can not fool all of the people all of the time.

~Abraham Lincoln

Today was a huge day for What’s Left Of My Head! Huge! There has been a steady increase of visitors, particularly these past few weeks, but today was amazing! In the last 9 days, we have had almost 500 more hits, than we have had total in any given full month…ever! Again, thanks to each and every one of you for coming by to visit!

Yesterday I took my daily stroll to the little store around the corner. On my shopping list, cat food and Lifesavers. Both of my cats are extremely picky and were not having anything to do with what was on the menu at home. I have been on a Lifesaver kick lately and truth be told, I had been craving them all day.
I got my goodies, and again, swore I would be more prepared in the future to avoid having to pay close to a buck for a small can of kitty food. Just as myself and another lady in front of me were approaching the checkout, we saw a woman purchase and pass out 3 lottery tickets. She gave one to the cashier and one to each of the two people behind her. All of them just stood there smiling ear to ear.
The lady who had approached the line just before me turned around and jokingly made a comment about being too late. I honestly didn’t care, I had my Lifesavers and a small fortune in cat food. I told her I never win anyways, adding I hadn’t played in years. With a quick wink she reminded me that was probably why I never win.
It was my new friends turn at the register, she asked for 2 cigars….debating what flavor sounded good. Hmmm. After making her choice, the total came to $3.00. (Pretty damn close to the price of a can of cat food.) Pulling $2.00 out of her pocket, she said she needed to run out to her car for more money. I had already pulled a buck out for her but she was out the door before I could give it to her. In the mean time, the cashier rang up me up, as I paid I handed her the extra buck and asked her to give my new friend a lotto ticket when she returned. As I walked out the door she walked back in. With a quick glance I told her to have a great day, she smiled and told me to do the same. I couldn’t let it go there, as I walked away I turned back around and said, “I already am!”
Back in October, I made myself a goal to, at least once a week, practice a Random Act of Kindness. (R.A.K.) One that will put a smile on someone’s face or make their day a little brighter. I had gotten a little laxed on my commitment, but after seeing the reactions of the first 3 lottery recipients it reminded me why it was so important to me!

For those of you that stop by daily, don’t say I didn’t warn you….

I have always wanted to do these but had never really taken the time to learn. I had no idea how simple it really was, I found the best tutorial here! (for PSE users) Unfortunately now that I’m a pro, you may see these way more often than you’d care to…at least until the newness wears off!
Off to watch American Idol, have a great evening!

I had seen this a few years ago, I was just sorting through old files and came across it again. It’s only 2 or 3 minutes long and soooo worth watching! Enjoy!

A beautiful and powerful presentation. Enjoy the breathtaking
photographic images and inspiring message that has touched so many!

(told you so!!)

I have been sorting through pictures these past few days. Remember in the olden days, when you snapped a picture and as soon as the roll of film was done you ran to the local drugstore, dropped it off and eagerly waited 10 days for it to be developed? You always ordered double prints so grandma and aunt Betsy could have some, only to find 4 pictures that were actually viewable. At first you were very diligent about keeping your treasures organized and in albums, but eventually all hell broke loose. You are now left with boxes of loose photos not having a clue who or what they are of. I decided it was time to at least organize my kids pictures and catch up on their albums but the more I go through…the worse I feel.

You both are so cute, so loving and have so much personality!

I don’t know why I would allow you to wear a necktie to kindergarten each day, then skate around the neighborhood. I must say you were quite the trend setter back then!

What was I thinking when I matched you head to toe….in not so masculine clothes,
I promise I corrected every last person that said, “she’s gorgeous”

You are my pride and joy. The three of us were always together!

But maybe it wasn’t a good idea to put you in spandex shorts
and get on with our day in our matching Batman t-shirts…

I was so proud that by your second birthday you were potty
trained and now wearing “big boy” chonies!!

Bless your heart, you tried so hard to walk in them….
I swear at the time I thought it was cute!

Madonna called…she said she wants her boots and butterfly belt buckle back.
We’ll blame your dad for this one!! Love you! (who can we blame for that carpet??)

Surprise!! We were on vacation and guess who got all gussied-up for dinner
all by himself? You were the cutest thing ever!  Everybody thought…. nobody saw you….

You and your “bestie” were always so trendy….

Trying to teach you independence and responsibility, Mom sends you out for
a day of errands, unfortunately you had to do it without your super cool shades…..

….I was sporting them and my super cool 80′s suit at the beach

Yes boys, mom has her moments too!!

The pictures obviously are endearing to me, however if I were to show them to anyone….
I have many more to conquer, which I’m sure will lead to more laughs, a few tears and probably a few more posts!!! I love you boys

2 years
24 months
104 weeks
730 days
17,520 hours
1,051,200 minutes
63,113,852 seconds
Any way you look at it, today marks the 2nd anniversary of my son being in REMISSION FROM CANCER!
Words cannot express the feeling of him finally reaching this important milestone. I love you baby!! Your courage, determination and positive attitude have been an inspiration to all!!! You are our HERO… Congratulations!

I received this in an email a few days ago and just got a chance to watch it. It literally sent chills down my spine, and my eyes welled up with tears. Watch how the power of one song can connect people from all around the world.
For his documentary “Playing or Change: Peace Through Music,”
filmmaker Mark Johnson traveled through four continents and
recorded various musicians–some from unexpected quarters–
playing “Stand By Me.”

Each musician was charged with layering a single song
over the previous artist thus building upon it. Over thirty
musicians globally participated in this project and not one
artist knew the other or came in contact initially.