*** Pistachio BANANA and ORANGE Delight !! ***

Am feeling abit low TODAY - no particular reason.k.

"ADOPT the peace of nature: the secret is patience" (Emerson).

*BANANA & ORANGE Delight !!

Ingredients:

-1 small Banana.
-2 small Oranges.
-25g. low-fat butter spread.
-2tbsp. raw OR brown Sugar.
-1 tsp. ground Cinnamon.
-15g. chopped Pistachio nuts.

Method:

1. Put low-fat spread, Cinnamon, Sugar in microwave dish with grated rind and juice of one Orange and heat on high for ABOUT one minute.
2. PEEL and cut Banana into large chunks. Peel OTHER Orange and divide into segments.
3. ADD fruit to dish, stir into liquid, cover and return to microwave on high for a minute.
4. SPRINKLE with nuts for serving.

.. THIS, too ..

I recall that when I was in Rehab. it was expressed to me NOT to think of what I can't do now BUT to think of what I CAN do NOW (it's interesting as humans how we tend to minimilise our capabilities instead of finding positive NEW avenues to cater according to our needs) !

"No matter what direction you may travel, express who you are in your quiet moments" (Carer - Inaugural Carers' Calendar).

CARER Respite
(Freecall 1 800 059 059*)
CARELINK Services
(Freecall 1800 052 222*)

24 hours - URGENT
Respite and Support
Business Hours - for community service information
www.commcarelink.health.gov.au
www.respitebarwon.org.au


*Calls from mobile phones are charged at applicable rates.


Cheers.k.

*** ~ A CHRISTMAS Miracle (MAURIAC) !! ~ ***

"To love someone is to see a miracle that is invisible to others" (Mauriac).

* 'Inspirational' QUOTE of THE DAY..

"Sometimes..you have to leave before you can learn to come back again" (Anon).

* "INTERVAL" ! ! !

... for wellbeing!

"Just living is not enough...
one must have Sunshine;
freedom and a little flower"
(Hans Christian Anderson).

FRAGRANT Roses..

Returned home from Rehab. Have been VERY busy (especially during this Christmas time of year) in arranging appointments with Medical Professionals to support me in whatever ways that are appropriate/beneficial to the current needs of my chronic condition.

A recall in general regarding my first experience in 'Rehab'.:

Was given a notebook and pen from my speech pathologist to write down anything I might be feeling at the time.

I wrote down that I NEED to follow through step by step if I'm going to achieve all that I can gain in the time that I'm there (sometimes found that difficult but "pushed on"). Exercising by pushing the manual wheelchair around the wards did improve my core strength. I especially noticed that by the time I returned home.

Before I entered Rehab. I felt unable to cope with the disease and even
through many times of the feelings of solitude I would want to cry every second of every minute of every hour of every day. Oftentimes it seemed to me that I was doing just that whether physically or even spiritually but, my God and Saviour always pulled and pulls me through, learning and appreciating all He has given me and will always give me (providing I always seek His help). I'm quite sure that with the challenges I've been presented with in life that if it wasn't for Him, I most probably wouldn't be here even to type this to you (or for myself).

Am tap, tap tapping these keys. Am "tiredish" but am very much privileged in sharing my journey.

My medicines have not helped my weight gain in fact I believe that thay have contributed to it due to the chemical lowering of my metabolic rate. At last I've been given a medicine that has been "tailormade" for me. According to Anna (my Rehab. Speech Pathologist) about every second person in the population is taking and benefits from an anti-depressant as a support in this complicated world. I literally thank the Lord for all His help in looking after all my needs. Sometimes help has to be sought for Jesus to help us. He is a practical God and works through many ways just for us (if we want His help). Over the years, I've found I constantly need His assistance. Talking/praying to Him has kept me close to Himself. He does deserve to be thanked.

NOTEBOOK entries:

8/12/'09 -

Life sucks at this point!

9/12/'09 -

It's still sucking but realise that I need to deal with it to improve.

"Thank you" to God, for Anna (Speech Pathologist). She has been an injection of marvellous positivity. It's because she's been empathetic (compassionate) to the needs that I have.
Searching what will assist me.

It's good that I've learned new strategies and adding them to my personal life's journey.

Helpful comments ("gems") from REHAB.:

* "Stress Less" (Fiona - Nurse).

* "Take it A day at A time".

* "Stop putting TOO much pressure on myself".

10/12/'09 -

Wish it was my release day (from Rehab.) TODAY! Have spent nearly three (3) weeks here. Have got three (3) days to go until then. Looking forward to my hubby visiting me today. A Rehab. Receptionist has just walked in with a vase of beautiful freshly-picked Roses from her garden. She stayed and explained what each Rose was called. They are "deliciously" fragrant. "Thank you Lord". I feel and know in my heart there is joy and beauty.

CHRISTMAS day is in three (3) days. Yay!