Everyone needs a Red Plate

A couple of weeks ago I went to a Blessings Unlimited party. While the items in the catalogs are desirable, the prices....not so much. Shortly after the party began I realized I couldn't really afford anything. I decided that after the consultant had finished her demo, while the others were getting up for refreshments, I would politely, without drawing attention, slip out the door. Before I could execute my escape, a red plate caught my eye.  I had once heard a story about a lady who purchased a red plate to only be used in her house at dinner for special occasions. If it was your birthday you get the red plate, if you made the swim team you get the red plate. It was also used for occasions when someone needed a pick me up-- you had a terrible day at school, you could really use the red plate. Her children are now grown and she still uses her red plate when they come home to visit. Not only does she still use it, but her children still get excited to be the one to get the red plate.

I am a sucker for traditions, and who doesn't love special occasions?? Here in this catalog was the perfect red plate. After going back and forth on whether to buy it, I caved. Even though it cost more than I would normally pay for a plate, it was worth it. My family loves it. Maddie is always trying to think of a reason why she should get to use the red plate. I feel like this is a tradition that will stick for years to come. It was totally worth the extra dough, even if I did have to take out a loan to purchase it...just teasing..sorta. ;)
Every family should own a red plate.

Back to the ER

Wednesday I ended up back in the ER. I woke up Wednesday morning feeling lethargic. I took a nap and woke up at 9:30 am, with severe stomach pains. I waited until Rodney got home to go to the ER. I didn't want to try and drive myself, plus I really needed his comfort and support. We got to the ER around 5-6pm where they started the same standard battery of tests as always. I was running a fever and in a lot of pain. They gave me something for pain and something to help my nausea. Unfortunately after hours of tests, they couldn't pin point the cause of my pain.  My lipase number (pancreatic enzyme) was high, but it wasn't high enough to cause severe pain. I may have had a small UTI, but it wasn't bad. So, as always I stumped the doctors. They sent me home with antibiotics, nausea meds, and pain meds. As of today I am still running a fever and still feel pretty under the weather. But, I do feel better this evening than I did yesterday evening. So hopefully whatever it is, I am healing from it. It is just frustrating when the doctors leave you with more questions and really no answers. I am thinking about cutting gluten out and seeing if that helps any. At this point I am willing to try anything to get my health back.