I found out today that a good friend lost a family member last week. That family member had a medical condition that required medication, but he didn't take it consistently. Folks, if you don't read anything else that I type this year, pay attention to this--We have to do better with our health.

And I'm one to talk. I've neglected my health for years, knowing that I needed to eat better and get my body parts checked regularly, but not doing it. I'm now making a deliberate effort to eat healthier and to exercise regularly, but suppose I had started this regiment years ago? How much better off would I be today? And by the way, I see my hematologist on Monday. I have no idea what my iron level is, but if my energy level is any indication, he may have harsh words.

My greatest fear is losing a parent or a child. But what about me? What if they lose me? Why am I not protecting my own children from living what I think is my greatest fear? It should be a no-brainer, right? What about you? Are you living healthy? Or are you like me--surrounding yourself with junk food and not exercising? Let's do better...

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So, yesterday I saw good ole Doctor Hematologist! And the good ole Doc saw me too! And there was good news--The Iron Infusions are over!!!!

No more twice weekly bags of iv iron. Nope. I'm done. Well, at least for the time being. While I do have to go get my iron levels checked periodically, I am not scheduled to SEE the doctor for a year. A year. A YEAR! YAY!!!!

This means that I have to keep my iron up. Like Malcolm X said, "By any means necessary." Or, I'm back to the drawing board. And me NO LIKEY the drawing board!!

And, I am pleased to report that I completely forgot to go downstairs in the medical building and get a Coke. Completely forgot! But I did stop on the way home and got a yummy Thai iced tea. Me and caffeine were separated, but we have reconciled our differences and the relationship is back on! I LOVE caffeine.

In all seriousness though, I will sorely miss my doctor and his staff. They are WONDERFUL! As I've said before, I have no idea how he assembled such a group. But I promised to stop in periodically and say "hi."

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So, I see my hematologist again at the end of the month. And, no matter what, he's said that he WILL take me off of the iv iron for a few months. One would think that I would be overjoyed at not having to get an iv twice a week. One would think I would be happy that I could stop paying my insurance co-payment twice a week. One would think, huh?

Well, the ONE thing that I'm most excited about is the re-introduction of caffeine into my system. There's a little pharmacy/store on the ground floor of the medical building where my doctor is and I plan to leave his office, head down to the store, and buy the biggest bottle of Coke that I can find. I plan to drink it standing right at the refrigerator, before I even pay for it.

You see, my drinks of choice are Coke/Pepsi and tea. And for some reason, caffeine hinders the ability of one's body to absorb iron, so I haven't had any, guilt-free, in months. Now, NOTICE---I didn't say I hadn't had any. I said GUILT-FREE!!!

Anyhow, I can't wait to overindulge...

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I post daily. So that you don't miss any of my randomness, you might want to subscribe by email.

Last night, I covered the grand opening of the new Carolina Herrera Boutique, here in Miami. You can read all about here. And for once, there was no story behind the story. Unless you count the fact that there are HAVES and HAVENOTS in this world and I am quite certain of which I am.

However, I do have a great family, the best friends, super readers of my writings, and good health(fingers crossed on that one). Please know that I love all of you--even those who are as broke as I am!

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I post daily. So that you don't miss any of my randomness, you might want to subscribe by email.

So, I haven't written about the dreaded A word in a while. I guess it's time for an update. Iron deficiency ANEMIA is alive and well in my life. Hasn't gone away--in fact, it seems to be flexing it's muscles.

My wonderful hematologist, who I actually love and hate at the same time, has decided that my rigorous regiment of iron pills is not working. My hemoglobin is still extremely low. He put me on a new regiment. Twice weekly visits to his office to receive IV iron.

I started last week. It's really not that bad, just time consuming. And quite humbling as well. It's a bit hard to whine about going twice weekly for iron when everyone else there is coming for chemo. Yes, I'm truly blessed, as it could be a lot worse. And also, his staff is amazing. They are the most competent and loving group of medical professionals that I've ever encountered.

So anyhow, yesterday I arrived for my iron. I'd already had 2 bags last week, with no complications. I expected to continue the streak yesterday. NOT! Halfway through the bag, I suddenly became very lightheaded and my skin felt tingly all over. I called for the nurse, and discovered that the volume control on my voice had been lowered considerably. The nurses sprang into action. They immediately disconnected the IV and pushed my chair back so that I was reclining. They checked my vitals. The doctor came in and listened to my heart. They started a new IV with Benadryl and I fell off to sleep. I woke up an hour later and they were still monitoring my blood pressure. At this point is was 179/103. Good grief! Soon, though, it became normal and I hung around for yet another hour, just as a precaution. I drove home, ate a bit, and slept through until this morning.

It was quite scary, though I was very calm during the entire episode. They'll probably change me to another brand of IV iron for my next infusion. Aint life grand!

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I have made some bad choices. Very bad choices. For the past week, with the family here, my food choices have been horrible. I've had everything from creamy dips to fried chicken to bread puddings. While they were absolutely delicious, I am going to pay for it.

DSM!! Which means--"Diet Starts Monday!!" Next week, I vow to make healthy choices(at least half of the time). I am going to be thin by the holidays. I see everyone snickering, but I REALLY mean it this time! I'm going to be slim and trim!!

I know that I always fall off the wagon early on, but laying around the pool and seeing those hard bodies have made me a changed woman. No more oreos dipped in chocolate. No more fried macaroni/cheese appetizers. No more Coldstone Creamery. Bring on the fresh fruits and veggies.

So, it's settled. DSM. Which means that for the next week, I have to have my last hurrah! Wish me luck!

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This week's FOJ(Friend of Jewel) is Rasheen Peppers. You may recognize him as one of the stars of the A&E Channel's Manhunters Show. He is a deputized US Marshal and a detective with the Newark, New Jersey Police Department-what I would call a true hero. Each time I talk to him, I am impressed with his humble character and his commitment to his community.

Rasheen was born and reared in Newark. His mother married into a family of law enforcement officers when he was a toddler. His grandfather and uncles were well respected, decorated police officers. From a child, he thought law enforcement was such a brave, admirable career--"to face your fears, so that others can live fearlessly."

He and his wife have chosen to raise their family in the same community that he polices. He thinks this allows him to be held accountable. He doesn't want to become one of those officers whose careers catapult them out of the hood and then they forget where they came from.


He's received numerous accolades, but the ones that mean the most to him, come from the citizens that he protects, including an anonymous nomination for America's Most Wanted All Star 2009. Although he didn't win, the nomination and subsequent votes from all over the world warmed his heart.

In a time where law enforcement is one of the most highly criticized professions in our society, Rasheen wears his badge proudly. He says that what policing needs most is community cooperation. So many times, information is withheld from law enforcement because there is no confidence in the justice system. He does realize that sometimes citizens are wary, but encourages those who have information about crime in their communities and can't come forth, to contact him and he will get the information to the right person. He also admits that the most challenging aspect of his job is dealing with internal politics on the job. Officers have to "play the game" or risk reassignment.

For the last few weeks, I've been craving french fries doused with malt vinegar. And, I confess, I've given in to the temptation, more than once. If you've never had them, trust me when I say that it's good eating.

Anyhow, I mentioned it to a couple folks and they had never heard of the fries/vinegar combination. Some even questioned how the two tastes could possibly interact in a good way. I'll admit it, it may not sound tasty, but heck, there are a lot of things that don't sound tasty and actually are.

I mean really--whoever thought of bleu cheese on a burger? For that matter, who thought of bleu cheese, PERIOD? And who invented turducken? Were they drunk??

So, here's my question. What quirky things do you eat--ketchup on eggs? Mayo AND mustard on a sandwich? Tell me some of your weird combinations of food. I may try some..

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When normal folks get tired, they crawl into bed and go to sleep. Why am I not normal? I'm both tired and sleepy this morning.

I didn't get to bed until very late last night. I fell asleep immediately. I was out like a light. And then I woke up. I'd only slept for about 3 hours. I was still tired, but the Sandman had moved on. No more sleep for me. And of course, my husband was snoring soundly. He never has problems sleeping.

I'm not any more stressed than usual. I didn't have caffeine late yesterday. What is going on? Is a good night's sleep too much to ask??

Has this ever happened to you? How do you get yourself back to sleep? Please help.

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I'm jealous of those folks on television that predict the weather. How come they are hardly ever right and get to keep their jobs? Why do we even need weather folks? What would happen if we didn't have them.

Right now, we listen to the weather report and take a chance on whether it's right. If I take my umbrella, it doesn't rain. If I don't, it pours. If we didnt have a weather report, we'd take that same chance. What's the difference?

From now on, I'm not listening to the weather. I'm going to use the time that the weather report is on to..to...to do something else. Something worthwhile. Like exercise. That's it. I will hit the MUTE button and exercise while the weather is on. Crunches. No--push ups. No--jumping jacks. Yes, I will do jumping jacks with my back turned to the television. That's the ticket. And, the number of them that I've done before I collapse will determine if it's going to rain. If I fall out on 3, which is likely, I will take my umbrella, because 3 is an odd number. If I come to and last number I remember is 4, which is even, I'll leave it at home. Same odds...

Your comments--priceless!!

First off, let me say thanks for all of your thoughts, prayers, calls and emails. NOTHING in the world compares with the love of family and friends. I am out of the hospital and back at home.

A hospital stay is never a good thing, I have to say that Memorial Hospital Miramar and it's employees made my stay as awesome an experience as possible.

From the moment that I walked into the door, every single employee that I encountered went out of their way to be helpful. The ER was full, so I ended up on a stretcher in the hallway, but EVERY employee that passed me, whether it was a nurse, doctor, office worker, or security guard stopped and asked if they could get me anything or if I needed anything. When it was finally determined that I could eat, they bought me a tray of food, as well as one for my husband. When the shift ended, everyone that had had contact with me came and wished me well, before leaving for the night.

Once I got into my room, my nurses were helpful and pleasant and just joys to have around. (Of course, that doesn't mean they didn't worry me all night.) I felt like I was being taken care of by friends. Each room in the hospital is a private suite, with both a sofabed and a reclining chair. They encourage family to stay with the patient. Also, there are no visiting hours. Family can come anytime they like. The bathroom was spa quality, with a full size shower, including a built in seat and a handheld showerhead. And did I mention, free wifi??? It is a beautiful facility and I couldn't have asked for more caring professionals.

When you are already in bad health, such treatment goes a long way in helping one to recover. Kudos to everyone at Memorial Hospital Miramar--Yall ROCK!!

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I haven't been sleeping well--some nights I sleep too little, followed by a stretch of sleeping too much. It's being caused by a mixture of stress, anxiety, fear, and excitement. I have so much going on in my life right now.

I don't seem to have a problem falling asleep, my problem lies in staying asleep. I've cut way back on caffeine products and have even stopped watching television in bed. So far, I've stopped short of sleep aids, which I understand are highly addictive. I may, however, try something more holistic, like acupuncture or aromatherapy.

A recent poll found that more than 70% of adults experience a sleep problem at least a few nights a week. Unfortunately, not sleeping well will start to affect every area of your life--your work, your health, your overall attitude, etc. The human body can not function properly without proper rest. This is really becoming a problem for me. My body is starting to shut down during the middle of my work day, because I've been up 12 or 15 hours already.

Are you in that 70 percent who also has sleep problems? Is your problem falling asleep or staying asleep? How do you combat it?

Also--today is the last day for entry into the drawing for this month's giveaway--the $25 Macy's card. All you have to do is leave a comment on any post since last Saturday. The winner will be announced in tomorrow's post. At this point, there are less than 10 people entered--your chances are good!

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