The Grumpy Factor

We've had a couple of good college visits now...two down and two to go before our little girl makes a decision.

While sitting in the opening session yesterday I missed a call. Later I listened to the voice message in which I was told that my anemia is worse. I know the doctor thinks I must be a complete moron for doing this to myself.

A few months ago when I was first told about this, I started on a multivitamin which includes 100% of the needed daily value of iron. Yesterday, I added iron pills which have 361%. Plus, I drank my first V8 Fusion.  

Eesch...  

But it did include 1 1/2 servings of fruits and vegetables. I think my body is ready for some green, leafy stuff!

So, when we went to the luncheon my brain (stomach?) was screaming, "You really need to eat something! Just eat!" And they were serving salad, green beans, mashed red potatoes, gravy, rolls, and chicken fried steak...with chocolate chip cookie bars and lemon bars for dessert.  

Walking away from that meal was very, very hard. 

Seeing how much food was left over and wondering where it all went was also hard.  

I did a little research and found some symptoms of anemia that I am experiencing:

• Easy fatigue and loss of energy
• Dizziness
• Pale skin
• Leg cramps
• Coldness in hands and feet
• Light-headedness when standing up
• Difficulty concentrating or thinking
• Feeling grumpy

My family is particularly wary of that last one.

Going through this while taking a particularly difficult semester of seminary has been a challenge. I know that my thinking is slow and cloudy. This has not helped the grumpy factor. It is about to drive me crazy that I fumble for the right words and lose my train of thought.

But this is reality. People who are starving don't get to run to the store and buy some iron pills. 

From what I've read, lasting effects come from prolonged and untreated anemia. The decrease in red blood cells means that less oxygen is getting where it needs to go in the body. Although mine will not be prolonged, for many people who are starving this means that they are likely to suffer damage to their heart and brain.

My symptoms are relatively minor and simply bothersome. My anemia isn't severe and life-threatening. Please do not worry.

This post has kept me busy while my family sat together and enjoyed a big breakfast made by my husband---o'brien hash browns, sausage, pancakes, and white queso scrambled eggs.  

Three weeks and counting...

Breakfast, Babies, and Bruce

The day started with my husband announcing that he was making me breakfast. "What do you want? Sausage? Eggs? Pancakes?" He is getting worried about me physically and emotionally. But I insisted that I can make it another 28 days.

Thank God it was a good day. Honestly, that's amazing for a Saturday prior to a morning of preaching.

I'm pretty excited that my mentor asked me to preach for her tomorrow on Laity Sunday...at three churches. It's going to be an eye-opener!  Services will take place in three different churches in three different communities at 9:00, 10:00, and 11:00 am.

Today I took both my girls to my niece's baby shower in Wichita. It will be the first great grand baby for my folks. This also means that I will have a sister who is a grandma. It is hard to believe that we've reached this point in our lives. I must say that I am anxious to meet little Miss Gracie Leigh in a few months.

I didn't even cringe at the cupcakes and punch, but chatted happily with my sister, daughters, and friends.

On the way home the girls and I talked about the approaching Bruce Springsteen concert as we listened to his music. "Are you counting down the days?" Ha! "Have you seen him before, momma?" Nope. But my favorite question was, "What are you most excited about...Bruce or food?"

Hmm...

I'll put it this way, I can eat at midnight. But if the concert goes on until 1:00 or 2:00 or even 3:00 am, we won't be leaving early.