Super Slow Sarah

Over the weekend I discovered that a video game, Super Mario Brothers 3, can be easily related to life. As you start out - worlds one and two - it doesn't take long to scurry through, missing the turtles and canon balls. Pretty simple, effortless advances. As you move forward, the levels become a bit more challenging, but mostly with exciting twists. Apprehension is at a minimum. It is in these stages that Mario is given the opportunity to try out limited edition characters, experience the different attributes, learn what works best and when. Hmmm... sounds a bit like the pre-teen to college ages, for some. Continuing on, everything gets a bit more complicated. It isn't so easy to cruise on through and escape all of the flames, pitfalls and dragons without some trepidation.

My frustration grew when I attempted to barge my way through - as I so easily had in earlier worlds. It quickly became time to slow things down a bit; consider everything transpiring and figure out the best way through the trials and obstacles. And that's the thing, there is absolutely a way through. The game is beatable. You just need to take it all step by step, trying to contain the anticipation, anxiety and excitement involved.

My weekend gave me that time (and time to play an ancient video game). The time to slow things down a bit, relax, take a look at the bigger picture and really see what's going on. It was quite refreshing. And all of the cool, crisp, fresh air out on the lake didn't hurt either.





Well, for the most part I actually felt little cold air and was happily cozied up in this ice shanty of FIL's. Although we didn't catch our limit of fish (or any) we did get at least one other mission accomplished: renewal.

Happy Friday

Just a little update on my EUS from Wednesday. The good news is that they didn't find anything out of the ordinary. She was looking for growths, abnormalities, etc. The bad news is that we may be further from an answer. From what she could tell, it didn't appear to be Pancreas Divisum, as previously thought. There is still a chance being she is not able to see everything necessary to make the diagnosis, but it's a lesser chance. I am waiting for my world-renowned specialist to analyze the results but I have trust in the doctor that did the procedure as well. So, on with the next step, which is the ERCP taking place on February 17th. This is the only way to know for sure whether that's the problem, or if the sphincter is just too small. I am praying to get the answers I need then. I can wait another month if a diagnosis is to be had. I am very happy with the service I am receiving from the U of M.

In the mean time, I hope time goes fast! Keeping busy helps to some extent, not constantly thinking about it and having the days fly right on by. Relaxation is probably what I need the most though, stress is an immediate cause of pain. So, this weekend Grandma R and Grandpa Jimbo are taking Bubba and the pup, so BigCat and I can enjoy some alone time fishing on great Lake Mille Lacs. Catching some fish would be fun, but mostly I'm looking forward to some stress-free time.

Happy weekend to you all!

No Compliment Intended

As long as I've known BigCat, he has been anti-computer. Didn't want anything to do with the "Internet machine". However, since the laptop joined our household a few months back, BigCat has found a new hobby... Now I can hardly get the thing away from him, and when I do, I feel pressure to get it back into his anxious hands.

Since his realization that computers are indeed good devices, the television rarely gets his full attention. Pre-computer, if the TV was on, I would have to beg, yell, wave, all to get his attention. And I don't mean his full attention, but just enough for him to comprehend I was talking.

Last night, I explained my astonishment to him... How he can tune into the tele like nothing, or anyone, else existed, and that even now with a favorite playing device on his lap he was still able to "watch" a show. He looked at me, smiled, nodded, and said thank you.

Novel Grieving

It's always a difficult time, finishing a book and moving on with life. The characters have become my friends, or enemies depending on the story, and I miss them. I recently finished The Time Traveler's Wife... so very good! I will miss Clare and Henry. There is some reassurance in knowing that Henry is out there in time somewhere.

Now onto a book in which I should get to know myself more, instead of fictional characters... A New Earth. I started last night and used my highlighter/post-it pen within the first couple pages. I'm gonna dig deep with this one!