My Beaded Heart

Almost my 3rd Birthday!

2011-06-19T15:42:00.000-07:00

July 10, will be the three year anniversary of my open heart surgery, to replace the mitral valve in my heart with a mechanical one. I had mitral stenosis and mitral regurgitation and was almost literally the walking dead.

I had been sick for years, but the last few months before my surgery I was literally drowning in my own blood every night. I would lay down to sleep, and wake up coughing, because my lungs were filling with blood. The doctors couldn't find anything wrong with me except what they called "moderate stenosis and moderate regurgitation".

I went to the doctor a few weeks before the OHS and was diagnosed with asthma. I was given a couple different inhalers and told to use these at night when I couldn't breathe. Nobody knew that the inhalers sped up my heart rate, which in turn made the blood fill up my lungs faster, making it harder to breathe than it originally was.

I went back one day after a particularly bad night, and was given a epinephrine injection. That was a curse and a gift at the same time. I came home feeling like a jitterbug and not quite right at all. After a few hours I couldn't breathe at all, and was turning purple so my husband Scott called the paramedics. I was rushed to the hospital and after 2 very long weeks of every kind of test you can think of, my cardiologist suggested one last thing to check. They had a new kind of camera that you swallow and it shows the backside of your heart. I aced that test, and afterwards was informed my mitral valve wasn't working at all. Open heart surgery was necessary as soon as possible to replace it.

I have never seen my husband so relieved. He had lived with a sick wife for so many years, and had been looking for answers for so long and we finally had one. Grateful doesn't begin to describe how we felt that day.

We met with the cardiac surgeon, scheduled surgery, and began to prepare. Let me just say, nothing quite prepares you for OHS. The pain, is almost unbelievable. Your arms are mostly useless, you can't lay flat because you can't move properly to get back up, you can feel your sternum shifting around even though it is wired together, so many things you can't do.

I came through that with flying colors, had my wires removed after one year, because I am on the small side, and they were starting to begin to poke through my skin. I have never been better. I have to take Warfarin, a blood thinner to keep clots from forming in my mechanical valve, which does limit what you can and can't eat, drink and what medications you can take.

That experience is one that I now celebrate, because without it, I would not be here today. I would be dead. I am so grateful to the people who performed my surgery, the people who helped me during my recovery, the people who helped me during cardiac rehab and especially my family. July 10, is now my "second birthday". I was given a second chance at life that day, almost three years ago, and will forever be grateful for it.

Some...err.. different New Years Resolutions!! Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T06:02:00.001-08:00

# Just for today, I will not sit in my living room all day in my nightgown. Instead, I will move my computer into the bedroom.

# I will not bore my boss by with the same excuse for taking leaves. I will think of some more excuses.

# I will do less laundry and use more deodorant.

# Assure my lawyer that I will never again show up drunk at a custody hearing.

# I will give up chocolates totally. 100%. Completely. Honestly....

# I will try to figure out why I *really* need nine e-mail addresses.

# I will stop sending e-mails to my wife (husband).

# I will spend less than one hour a day on the Internet. This, of course, will be hard to estimate since I'm not a clock watcher.

# I will read the manual... just as soon as I can find it.

# I will think of a password other than "password."

# I will answer my snail mail with the same enthusiasm with which I answer my e-mail.

# When I hear a funny joke I will not reply, "LOL... LOL!"

# I will stop considering other people's feelings when they so obviously don't consider mine.

# Start buying lottery tickets at a luckier store.

# Don't eat medicine just because it looks like candy.

# Learn what the hell "resolution" means.

# Always replace the gas nozzle before driving away from the pump.

The 12 "Pains" of Christmas!!

2009-12-22T05:24:00.000-08:00

The first thing at Christmas that's such a pain to me
Is finding a Christmas tree

The second thing at Christmas that's such a pain to me:
Rigging up the lights
And finding a Christmas tree

The third thing at Christmas that's such a pain to me
Hangovers
Rigging up the lights
And finding a Christmas tree

The fourth thing at Christmas that's such a pain to me

Sending Christmas cards
Hangovers
Rigging up the lights
And finding a Christmas tree

The fifth thing at Christmas that's such a pain to me
Five months of bills!
Sending Christmas cards
Hangovers
Rigging up the lights
And finding a Christmas tree

The sixth thing at Christmas that's such a pain to me:
Facing my in-laws
Five months of bills!
Oh, I hate those Christmas cards!
Hangovers
Rigging up these lights!
And finding a Christmas tree

The seventh thing at Christmas that's such a pain to me:
The Salvation Army
Facing my in-laws
Five months of bills!
Sending Christmas cards
Oh, geez!
I'm tryin' to rig up these lights!
And finding a Christmas tree

The eighth thing at Christmas that such a pain to me:
I WANNA TRANSFORMER FOR CHRISTMAS!!!!
Charities,
And whataya mean "YOUR in-laws"?!?
Five months of bills!
Ach, making out these cards
Honey, get me a beer, huh?
What, we have no extension cords?!?
And finding a Christmas tree

The ninth thing at Christmas that's such a pain to me
Finding parking spaces
DADDY, I WANT SOME CANDY!!!!
Donations!
Facing my in-laws Five months of bills!
Writing out those Christmas cards
Hangovers!
Now why the hell are they blinking?!?!?
And finding a Christmas tree

The tenth thing at Christmas that's such a pain to me:
"Batteries Not Included"
No parking spaces
BUY ME SOMETHIN'!!!
Get a job, ya bum!
Facing my in-laws!
Five months of bills!
Yo-ho, sending Christmas cards
Oh, geez, look at this!
One light goes out, they ALL go out!!!
And finding a Christmas tree

The eleventh thing of Christmas that's such a pain to me:
Stale TV specials
"Batteries Not Included"
No parking spaces
DAD, I GOTTA GO TA BATHROOM!!
Charities!
She's a witch...I hate her!
Five months of bills!
Oh, I don't even KNOW half these people!
Oh, who's got the toilet paper, huh?
Get a flashlight...I blew a fuse!!
And finding a Christmas tree

The twelfth thing of Christmas that's such a pain to me:
Singing Christmas carols
Stale TV specials
"Batteries Not Included"
No parking?!?
WAAAAAAAAAAH! WAAAAAAAAAAH!
Charities!
Gotta make 'em dinner!
Five months of bills!
I'm not sendin' them this year, that's it!
Shut up, you!
FINE! YOU'RE SO SMART, YOU RIG UP THE LIGHTS!!!
And finding a Christmas tree

The Holidays....

2009-11-01T05:33:00.000-08:00

Well, Halloween is over, and it is time to get ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas. What a year it has been!

This year we are without my Mom and my Mother-in-law. They both passed away within 6 months of each other.

As with most families, it is the older generations that are the glue that holds the family together. We are without our glue, and are all floundering. What do we do? Do we do the same thing we always have? Do we start new traditions? How do we all handle these special times without our glue?

Grieving is different for everybody. You miss your spouse, mother, sister, brother, etc.. all in different ways. It is so hard watching the Dad's grieve for their spouses. It breaks your heart, because you can't do anything to replace a spouse. As, I am sure it is hard for them to watch us grieve for our Mom's, whom they can't replace.

But, one thing I do get tired of hearing all the time is "they are in a better place now". I KNOW everybody means well, and I do believe, in my heart, this to be true. But, I will NEVER, EVER, say this to another person who has lost somebody. Why??? Because right now, I don't give a flip if they are in a better place!!!! I want them here with us. We miss them, and want to give them one more hug and kiss.. and to tell them we love them!! Maybe someday, I can accept they are in a better place, but not yet!

So... what to do? As always, I suppose, we will take it one day at a time, and rely on each other. Family and friends... it is what gets you through these hard times. We will figure out a way to make this year bearable... for the kids especially! The kids are what we concentrate on now. They are what we pour our heart and soul into.

After all, it is what our Mom's (the glue) would want us to do.

A new experience....

2009-07-01T04:45:00.001-07:00

In the south, funeral services are almost like a spectator sport. I have been to more than I care to remember, and each one has the same basic tenants. You have the viewing, service, etc.

But... there is also the taking care of the family that everybody does. This is also a science. You cook for days, you clean their house, you do whatever you can to ease the burden on the family members.

We had a new experience at my sweet Mother in laws funeral this past week. People brought the food, drinks, flowers, plates, cups, etc... All COMPLETELY NORMAL...

Then, in walks somebody with a HUGE bundle of toilet paper... well, there was silence, because that was a first. Never seen it. Never had it happen. Never heard of this happening either. Couldn't believe what we were seeing.

The explanation was....everybody brings the food, drinks, etc, and then what happens? You have to go............. and nobody has that much toilet paper.

Well, we took the toilet paper, thanked her profusely, and when she left - well, everybody was positively hysterical.

I gotta say, it wasn't a bad idea.. the whole dang family has enough toilet paper now for a couple weeks.

And, it added some much needed laughter to a very sad situation.

So, thank you Toilet Paper Deliverer... your contribution won't be forgotten any time soon!!

2009-04-01T02:51:00.000-07:00

AND THE WINNER IS.................DIGITAL MISFIT

Congratulations Digital Misfit, you are the winner of the gorgeous set by LunaEssence!!

WHOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Thank you to everyone for participating in this giveaway!! I appreciate it and I know Luna does too!

Julie

Blog Contest Giveaway...

2009-03-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

Time for a fun Blog contest Giveaway!!

LunaEssence, a fellow Etsian and wonderful friend, has decided to do a giveaway from her shop. I am just the hostess for the giveaway..

All you need to do is comment on the set that she is giving away... leave you comments here on my blog... and she will randomly pick someone to win!!

Here is the set some lucky winner (hopefully you) will receive:

FLAME - Bracelet and Earring Set - Fire Opal Diamond Swarovski Crystals, Cranberry Faceted Pearls, Olive Pearls. Bracelet 8 1/2" length.

Just leave a comment and Luna will pick a random winner. Contest ends 3-31-09, so don't delay!!

Here is her shop for more lovely goodies: http://lunaessence.etsy.com

Thanks,
Julie (thebeadedheart)

The results and the real deal!!

2009-02-16T18:13:00.000-08:00

First, a huge thank you to everybody who voted!!! How much fun was that!!

Here is the big picture of Mysimplewords. The reason all of this started was I never saw him in this avatar. Just his dog and what I thought was a blanket. Sooo..... his name is now "blankie" to me and will forever be (I can't help myself).

But here is what everbody has been waiting for:

No cat, just the dog, and blankie err.... mysimplewords!!!

Now, granted that is one big dog!!!

Thanks again!!!!!!

He won the bet. Dang it!!!

Fun Contest!!! And, We got a bet riding on this one!!

2009-02-14T14:17:00.000-08:00

What do you see in this avatar????

Okay, time for a little fun after all the seriousness of that past few weeks!!

I have a friend on Etsy - mysimplewords - and we have a debate going on. In fact, we have a bet riding on this one. Whoever wins this bet between us, gets something from the others shop of our choosing.

What I would like you to do, is vote and comment on what you see in this avatar. Just write a quick note as to what you see.

Everybody should be able to see what everybody else writes too, so this will be fun!!

We are going to have 2 giveaways for this contest!!!

Themiscellany will be giving away something from her shop and I am going to also. Nice little surprises for participating.

Hopefully it will be to you. I would love to get 100 votes so we can have a decisive vote here.

Please help one of us win and have a little fun while you are at it.

Thanks!!
Julie
Jules (thebeadedheart)

Update #2 On Thepeel!

2009-02-13T15:31:00.000-08:00

Hi again!!

Per Nancy's instructions I have taken down the items available to help her. She is beyond thankful, and can't say it enough. We have all helped her tremendously, and what I am doing with some of my items (thanks Seababe for the suggestion) is doing PIF's. Pay-it-Forward. You list an item for $.20 cents and you send your good karma and luck on to somebody else. What a wonderful idea. There are many people who can use that good luck!
I would also like to reiterate my Thanks!! I can not possibly say it enough. You all were wonderful and you all rock!
This has restored my faith in humanity, the generosity of others, and the just overall goodwill that is still out there.
You all have my thanks and Nancy's thanks!!!

2009-02-10T13:50:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to give everybody an update on Nancy (theorangepeel).

With her permission, I am sharing this with everybody. She has been in the hospital because she had a mild heart attack. She is home now, but very weak and trying to recover from that as well as the treatments and all the other mess. This mess probably was a BIG factor in the heart attack.

Anyway, She wanted me to thank everybody for all they are doing, have done, and going to continue to do to help her. We probably came damn close to helping save her business if not her life. She is trying to get back on her feet, and that will take awhile, but she will get there.

She is extremely grateful, and does realize how blessed she is to have such wonderful friends!! Our generosity has restored her faith in humanity (mine too) and she will always be thankful.

I personally can't thank everybody enough, and would like to keep this going for as long as everybody is willing to keep their items listed.

YOU all rock!!! Etsy rocks, and I appreciate everybodys effort!!!

Etsians Helping Estians

2009-02-06T03:47:00.000-08:00

Hey Everybody,

I am going to start this post by asking for your help for a fellow etsian. Theorangepeel whom most of you know, sells vintage items on etsy, is in dire need at the moment.
Her name is Nancy, and she is sick - taking treatments, and can't work because of the treatments. She has quite a few bills that are overdue and that she needs help with. Her etsy shop was her only source of income, and Etsy has closed her shop because she is unable to pay her fees.

I have never asked anybody for help for somebody before, but she really needs it right now. And, she had helped most of us in some way or another.

Since she can't sell her items in her shop, I thought maybe we could all help her out in some way or another. Either donating part of an items sale or the whole items sale.

I have her address and would be glad to collect the funds and send them on to her for you. I can also send you her paypal address and physical address if you would like to help that way.

If you are interested in participating, please email me at julie121268@hotmail.com
I will post your shop here on my blog, and I will not be able to thank you enough.

Please help if you can. I appreciate it!!

Julie

**** please see the shops below****

Etsians Helping Estians

2009-02-05T21:43:00.000-08:00

I can't thank everyone enough who has helped out OP!! She will be thrilled!! I am thrilled, this restores my faith in humanity!! This is the only way I have to thank everyone who has helped out with our cause. Here are some of the shops that have helped out! Please take a moment to look around their shops!!

Check Out LunaEssence Store

2009-02-04T10:51:00.001-08:00

Check out this store for some wonderful jewelry. Luna offers gorgeous, stunning jewelry at wonderful prices. I have quite a few of her pieces, and they are simply stunning and well worth it!!

Country Cottage Crafts blog link

2009-01-30T15:48:00.000-08:00

This is a blog link with Country Cottage Crafts: What a shop for lots of goodies, you should check it out!!

2009-01-29T18:08:00.001-08:00

New picture of me!!

The first treasury I was in:

2008-11-25T11:02:00.000-08:00

A little about me

2008-11-22T04:06:00.000-08:00

I am 39 years old and had open heart surgery in July of this year to replace my mitral valve. I was very sick the last 2 years, and ended up in the hospital for 2 weeks in May with my lungs filled with blood, not being able to breathe. They finally figured out it was my heart, and off I went for surgery in July. I feel so much better it is amazing!!!

It has been a journey, that I wish I hadn't had to go on, but it has been worth it in the long run. Here is a picture of me before my surgery:

I will get one posted of me now, as soon as I get one taken.