The Countdown Has Begun- Dec. 26th..

Hi Friends,

Wow, can't believe I leave in 6 days for Scottsdale, AZ. The final countdown has begun for me and it couldn't be at a better time. In the last week, I have been sick twice with terrible stomach pains and all kinds of sickness. After talking to my family today, I am guessing that we have over $3500 in our trip fund now. I will know numbers for sure on Monday when everything is open again. It is still not too late to contribute. Every dollar helps. Many of my friends have just given up a latte so they help. The money has literally come in dollar by dollar. But our God is a big God and He will supply the need. God is a good God. I give Him all the praise for this opportunity.

I am happy Christmas is over, so I can concentrate on what I need for the trip. Not that I don't like Christmas, but this year has been very difficult and being newly separated, and missing Becky made it a little more challenging. Airline regulations make traveling with medicine, insulin, needles, a pump, all very difficult. Of course I want to be as safe as the next person, so I don't really mind, but if you are sick and need your medications with you on the plane, you shouldn't have to fight quite so hard. On Monday I have to go visit 3 doctor's offices to request a copy of my medical records for the last 5 years and also a letter from the doctor stating what medications he/she prescribed and are of medical necessity. I then have to go back 48 hours later to pick up records and letters. Today I went to my pharmacy and requested all my refills and a list of medications from them. All my medications must fit into a regulation size zip lock bag and be see through for my carry on. Also because I wear a pump that can not go through the x-ray machine, my bags and myself will be flagged at each stop. Oh such fun..I would really hate to work in an airport. People are already tired and grumpy when traveling, but then when they flag you it really does delay things. I am definately one of those people that have to be at the airport 2 hours early because I get held up in security everytime. Last time I flew to Seattle, I had to undo my belt. It was so embarrassing. Oh well, I don't want to be on a plane with a bomb or hijackers either. So I will be patient and do my part of keeping America safe.

Today was a sick day. I was in bed till 1pm. I got to bed fairly late last night and then had such a headache I could not move this morning. When I finally did get moving it was after 3pm. I took a very hot bath and that helped my head quite a bit and then my 3 year old and I were going to head to Fred Meyer. I needed batteries for my insulin pump and a pair of slippers. We finally got into the car and no battery..dead as a door nail. It was so cold outside too. My friend had to come and get me and we had a good time shopping together. Both of us had gift cards and I got a great pair of slippers with hard soles for $8.50, I also got all my regulation size travel containers, some groceries, and a book to read on the plane. Headache is just now gone. I am back in bed and ready for tomorrow to come. Last time I looked it was 65 degrees in Scottsdale..that is a lot warmer then here.

Hope you all had an enjoyable Christmas Holiday.