Help When You Need It Most

Earlier last week, I was speaking with my mother and somehow we got on the subject of her medications.  As you may know, if you read my blog posts, that my mother is a Lung Cancer survivor.  Currently she is doing well as there is really no evidence of the disease in her.  God has truly been so good!  Everyday she takes a targeted chemo pill called Tarceva.  Tarceva is extremely expensive and unless you have co-pay assistance, there really is no way that you can afford it.

Earlier this year, she filled out the paperwork for the Chronic Disease Fund who has helped with co-pays in the past.  My mother said she called them earlier this week because she hadn't heard from them.  They had run out of funding for the year.  But what was worse, is that they never notified her!  Insane.  As I got over that shock, the realization set in that she has only a few pills left and no way to pay the $1200 co pay for it each month.

I called Genentech, the manufacturer and they open up a case.  Through the case workers, they helped look into several other companies, who as it turns out, have run out of funding as well.  What is going on?!?

Genentech is trying to see if they can assist her directly. I pray that you will join me in praying for a solution.  Since 2008, she has been a warrior and fighting.  I believe someone will come through so my mother can get the meds that have been working for her.

Thirty-One Gifts Open House

I am excited to announce that I am a new Independent Consultant for Thirty-One Gifts!  As a way of sharing all of the great products that Thirty-One has to offer, I am hosting a virtual online open house at my website through April 19, 2013.  You can view my online party details at my website.

In its 10th year, Thirty-One is a company that celebrates women.  The name is taken from Proverbs 31, the bible passage that speaks about the virtuous woman.  A woman who not only cares for her family, but serves her community, is industrious, and is an example for all.  I strive to live up to this example of a Godly woman.

Thirty-One offers products that are functional as well as attractive. 

This month, I currently am running 2 specials.  For ever $35 you spend, you can get our Jr Rec and Roll duffle for just $10 or our Pro Duffle for $25.  Also, visit my website to take the Mother's Day personality quiz.  You may be one 6 lucky winners who will receive a solution set for you and your mom.

We have a lot of bags to choose from - one I am sure that will meet your needs.  Which Thirty-One bag or tote is your favorite and what would you use it for?

Bracing Myself

For the past week, my left knee has been bothering me.  I didn't hit or anything, just it became sorta sore.  Thanks to my employer, we receiving excellent health care benefits at the beginning of this year.  So armed with my new health care card, I was able to call my new Kaiser doctor, make an appointment and be seen.  Long story short, I came home with meds and a knee brace.  As I rest my leg, I started thinking about all of the recent changes in my life.

Changes for the better.

My Faith:
- God has been more than patient with me.  Despite what I intend to do and don't do, the Lord is truly my Shepherd.  He keeps me and I need to do my part by doing what I said I would.  It's by his grace and mercy that I am still here

My alumni group:
- We just had a new year planning meeting for my alumni group.  It was a wonderful success.  The year is starting off with some great events and I am grateful to be in a role of leadership.

My job:
- Armed with new responsibilites based on my boss' new roles and our aquisition a year ago, I feel like the sky is the limit on opportunities for us.  As I embrace the change I have to remember to stay focused and on top of everything.

My family:
- As we grow older, staying together becomes so much more important.

I don't have to brace myself for the future because that could imply that something unfavorable could be in store.  But it also could be something wonderful that I have no idea or any comprehension of.

What are you bracing yourself for this year?

Silence and Support

On Tuesday, December 18th, there will be a blogger day of silence. We will post the button and that's it. Please try to not post anything else that day if possible.

 

We are also raising money that will go to an organization in the memory of this tragedy. The organization is called The Newtown Family Youth and Family Services.

Here is the official description of the support service we are donating to:

"Newtown Youth and Family Services, Inc. is a licensed, non-profit, mental health clinic and youth services bureau dedicated to helping children and families achieve their highest potential. NYFS provides programs, services, activities, counseling, support groups and education throughout the Greater Newtown area.

ANY DONATIONS MADE TO NEWTOWN YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES WILL BE DONATED DIRECTLY TO THOSE EFFECTED BY THE SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SHOOTING."

Please visit THIS PAGE to make your donation.

We can't imagine how they must be feeling, especially this close to the holidays. We would love for you to spread the word on your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Let's make a difference and use blogging in a positive way.

Thank you in advance for participating.

Love,

The Blog World

Thanks to Mariel at Living For His Glory for sharing this.

Free Sierra Mist at Walmart

I wanted to share this with all of you.  Holiday gatherings are coming up or are already upon us and we have all been asked to bring something.  Or maybe you want to stick up for your home.  I wanted to share with you a fantastic coupon find.

There is a $1 off of 1 2-Liter bottle of Sierra Mist coupon at Kroger and affiliates in the soda aisle in a blinkie machine (you know the machine on the shelf where you can pull out a coupon).  At Walmart, Sierra Mist 2-Liters are $1 each. 

The Kroger Krazy website also mentions a hang tag that is for Buy 4 Get 1 2-Liter product free of Sierra Mist or Schweppes Ginger Ale.  I had to go to 2 Krogers to get my coupons and I do vaguely remember the hang tag, but I was so gung ho on getting the blinkie coupon, I didn't really pay it any attention.

Here is an example of one of my receipts.

Also, to see a picture of the coupon, please visit Kroger Krazy's post at http://www.krogerkrazy.com/2012/12/siera-mist-blinkie-machine-coupon-free-at-kroger/

I don't know how long this deal will go on so go and get you free Sierra Mist now!

Giving Thanks

This year's Thanksgiving was an interesting one.  Usually my mother and her brothers spend it together along with their children and grandchildren at one of their houses.  For whatever reason, that did not happen this year.  I spent a great day with my brother and mother as they were both nursing colds and preferred not to be around anyone else.  I ended up doing a lot of the cooking which was different, but I truly enjoyed it.  My uncle called my mother and said that Christmas we as a family all need to get together.  I totally agree.

This past year and a half has been a trying year for us.  My mom lost her sister in September of 2011 - she fought a long fight with colon cancer.  Then a few days before New Year's, another aunt passed (my mom's younger brother's wife) after battling a lifetime of illness.  In March, my other aunt passed (my mom's older brother's wife).  Now she is the only girl left.  I know it has been really hard on her - but it has been hard on all of us.  To lose 3 strong women so closely - I can't imagine.  She lived with me for about 3-4 months during that time.  She just couldn't bear to be by herself.

So when I think I Thanksgiving, I think of how grateful I am that God has truly been there for my family.  Even in times of sorrow and recently in times of joy (a cousin was just born), I can say that we are truly blessed.  I am thankful for all of the time that I spend with my family and look forward to many more wonderful times. 

Erin Condren Life Planner review

It arrived!  I received my Erin Condren Life Planner 2 weeks ago.  It was soo worth the wait (and the online stalking).

For those of you who are unfamiliar, Erin Condren is a stationary designer that designs personalized stationary, planners, and journals.  With products made in the USA with lots of love, whatever you buy is well made and worth the wait.

Here is my planner.  I debated long and hard to find a cover with purple in it that would really compel me to use my planner.  I chose the Rad Plaid design.

 

 

The first section lists special dates and anniversaries in a perpetual calendar format.

 

 

Each month has a two-page spread in which to highlight special dates and appointments, etc.

 

 

Weekly pages are divided in 3 sections daily - morning, day, and night.  I use these sections mainly for my work tasks and it works great.  The main reason why I purchased this planner was to be able to see all of my tasks in one glance.  The Erin Condren planner has been a tremendous help for me in this area and I am able to stay on top of all of my to-dos.  I use sticky notes to list any messages are immediate things that I have to take care of.

 

 

One of my favorite parts has to be the Keep it Together folder.  I am bad for having scraps of papers and notes stuffed into other notebooks.  Then whatever happens and they are gone.  This folder keeps everything in one place.  Right now, I have coupons in it as well as some mail that I need to follow up on. 

 

All and all, I love my Erin Condren planner.  I have only had for about 2 weeks and I take it everywhere with me.  I don't have a color-coding pen system like some other people do.  I may do a post later to show you how I am using it - haven't decided yet.  As I get new tasks or have appointments, I list them in the appropriate weekly section.  Once I have completed the task, I put a little check mark.  This way, I know I have completed the task, but I don't make through it so that I can refer back.  Also, the Erin Condren team is very responsive.  I went to a conference last week and was afriad that I might not get my planner in time.  They assured me that it would ship and I received it very quickly once I explained my concerns.

 

Some of you may wonder why everyone is obsessed about Erin Condren and her life planner.  Once you get one you will see!