OK…Did not expect that I would be posting again today but Beth at The Crazy Life of a Bookaholic Mom (http://bookaholicmom.blogspot.com) threw me a curve ball earlier today that I didn’t see coming.  She commented in 2 segments of my posts.  One was for best wishes as I travel on my medical journey and then a 2nd comment to head over to “her place” to pick up an award.  I am AMAZED…2 awards in a week…..and this one entitled “Prolific Writer”.  I was humbled when I saw who has received this award before me…..those experienced bloggers…..the ones I try to model and strive to be….I take this seriously….I won’t let you down Beth…..and again Thank You for everything.
                                                           
And now the criteria:
Here are the rules for the award

1. Every winner of the Prolific Blogger Award has to pass on this award to at least seven other deserving prolific bloggers. Spread some love!
2. Each Prolific Blogger must link to the blog from which he/she has received the award.
3. Every Prolific Blogger must link back to This Post, which explains the origins and motivation for the award.
4. Every Prolific Blogger must visit this post and add his/her name in the Mr. Linky, so that we all can get to know the other winners. (hoping I can get Mr. Linky to work)

And according to the rules….the torch is being passed……ready?…….you sure?………..to: (in no particular order)
 1. Bermudaonion
 2. Shhh, Im reading
 3. Lesa’s Book Critiques
 4. My Cozy BookNook
 5. Just One More Page
 6. Find Your Next Book Here
 7. Book Chick City
I have sent them an email and hoping they will enjoy their award as much as I have.

First and more importantly, I want to thank those bloggy friends who have emailed me and asked what happened on Wednesday.  Bless you for your kindness !!!  I was planning on blogging about this  “personal journal” item that I created to help me travel down this road.  It is so overwhelming to me that my “new bloggy friends care so much” and are following this blog segment since it isn’t “book” related.  Again…THANK YOU…there are no words to describe what and how your kindness and genuine caring means to me (so sorry…but am tearing up right now…been doing that a lot since Wednesday).  There will be 2 posts again today.  After I post about this very difficult decision that I am facing (worse than I thought), I will be doing what I enjoy most and that are the daily memes that I have joined and gives me the chance to find more great blogs and meet more nice people.  I will try to be as brief as I can with all the info I had to process…….so here goes:
MY JOURNEY
On Wednesday I traveled to Boston for a consult (I was lucky to be seen) as this doc sees patients from the entire U.S. and performs surgery on patients with complicated cases, which I fall under.  He is the 5th doc I have seen over the past few months (being a RN and knowing certain facts, I did not feel comfortable with what the previous 4 said).  I liked him from the minute he walked into the room, introduced himself, and said give me a sec to look at the films, which I have a library of and like my book, go everywhere with me.  However, the news went from good, bad, and absolutely terrifying.  After looking at all the films (CTscan, myelogram,x-rays). His next words were “the good news is I can help you” (thinking…so there is a possible light at the end of this tunnel but it wouldn’t be for another 2-3 months…that’s his surgical schedule).  His next sentence was “looking at you sitting here and then looking at these films, I would never believe the 2 go together.  You have very severe problems (ok….Oh God…its worse than I thought).  He then explained what needs to be done and stated a hospital stay of approx 5 days (thinking…5 days without reading my emails and blogging…my inbox will be overloaded and no blogging…oh no..wonder if I can bring my laptop….there are priorities in life lol) He also told me that if I didn’t have surgery, my symptoms will be spiraling downward at a rapid rate due to what he sees on the films(ok..not good…can’t imagine it getting any worse than it is now)  And then it hit me…what he just explained about what he would do if I chose surgery.  The 1st day he will be making a 5-6” abdominal incision to get at the front of my spine and injecting a protein gel that would create a false disc (for 5 levels) as there is no disc now, just bone on bone, vertebrae on vertebrae (forgot to ask the length of time I would be under anesthesia for this procedure..CRS moment), the next day…back on the OR table (did ask and was told at least 4 hrs and a large incision down my back due to where the damage is) removing the old hardware, try to remove some of the arthritis and scar tissue from last 3 operations, and placing a new rod and screws to the entire area of the lumbar spine.  So there it all is….a very big decision.  My brain is overloaded with all this but have put it in God’s hands…he will help me decide what to do.  And once I know…you will know…..and again thank you for caring…….to be continued………

This is a day of fun filled Friday Memes and just found one more.  What a great way to spend Fridays (esp not being able to do much else if you read my 1st Friday post)  And today I am adding one more!!

Hosted by An Island Life http://islandlife808.com
From An Island Life: In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.
If you’d like to participate, visit An Island Life answer the question and then post your own question on your blog and leave your link below. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!
My question is:
  What did you want to be when you “grew up”  and did you choose that profession as an adult?
I would pretend I was a teacher and a doctor’s secretary while sitting at my desk at home.  And as an adult I chose and went to school to become a licensed RN, which I miss working due to the back problems.

http://fridayfillins.blogspot.com
1. Wouldn’t it be easy if we all had a robot maid like the one on the cartoon “The Jetsons”.
2. My prayer will be that if I have surgery, life will be better than ever!
3. I love the taste of double chocolate ice cream with peanut butter and marshmallow toppings.
4. The tv is on and the dog is on the couch in the living room.
5. The first thing we’re going to do is hopefully go on vacation to Aruba, after surgery recuperation.
6. Someone didn’t fully turn off the faucet and all I hear is drip, drip, drip; and it is driveing me crazy.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to spending some quality time with hubby as we both have had a bad week and maybe even throwing in my comfort food, a sundae from Friendly’s, tomorrow my plans include laundry, blogging, reading, relaxing and Sunday, I want to be a couch potato and read!
This is a new meme that I found via Vicki’s blog ReadingAtTheBeach.com You can always find something great on her blog !!!!!  And her pictures are amazing.

Hosted by Storytime With Tonya and Friends   http://storytimewithtonya.blogspot.com
Rules:
* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
* Turn to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
*Post a link along with your post back to this blog.
* Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.
Here’s mine:
  The trick was keeping your sanity.  Prison was the safest place for him now.
From my current read Among Thieves by David Hosp

Hosted by Midday Escapades http://www.middayescapades.com/
Welcome to the third Friday Follow celebration hosted by One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades! We invite you to join us every Friday to get more blog followers and to follow other interesting blogs. It is all about sharing and having fun.
Here’s how YOU can join the celebration:
* Link up your blog name and URL using the MckLinky below. Only need to add to one blog linky.
* Follow the Friday Follow hostesses listed in the first 3 slots. We will follow you back.
* Follow as many blogs as you like
* Comment on the blogs telling them you’re from Friday Follow
* Follow back when you get a new follower through Friday Follow
 

First and more importantly, I want to thank those bloggy friends who have emailed me and asked what happened on Wednesday.  Bless you for your kindness !!!  I was planning on blogging about this  “personal journal” item that I created to help me travel down this road.  It is so overwhelming to me that my “new bloggy friends care so much” and are following this blog segment since it isn’t “book” related.  Again…THANK YOU…there are no words to describe what and how your kindness and genuine caring means to me (so sorry…but am tearing up right now…been doing that a lot since Wednesday).  There will be 2 posts again today.  After I post about this very difficult decision that I am facing (worse than I thought), I will be doing what I enjoy most and that are the daily memes that I have joined and gives me the chance to find more great blogs and meet more nice people.  I will try to be as brief as I can with all the info I had to process…….so here goes:
MY JOURNEY
On Wednesday I traveled to Boston for a consult (I was lucky to be seen) as this doc sees patients from the entire U.S. and performs surgery on patients with complicated cases, which I fall under.  He is the 5th doc I have seen over the past few months (being a RN and knowing certain facts, I did not feel comfortable with what the previous 4 said).  I liked him from the minute he walked into the room, introduced himself, and said give me a sec to look at the films, which I have a library of and like my book, go everywhere with me.  However, the news went from good, bad, and absolutely terrifying.  After looking at all the films (CTscan, myelogram,x-rays). His next words were “the good news is I can help you” (thinking…so there is a possible light at the end of this tunnel but it wouldn’t be for another 2-3 months…that’s his surgical schedule).  His next sentence was “looking at you sitting here and then looking at these films, I would never believe the 2 go together.  You have very severe problems (ok….Oh God…its worse than I thought).  He then explained what needs to be done and stated a hospital stay of approx 5 days (thinking…5 days without reading my emails and blogging…my inbox will be overloaded and no blogging…oh no..wonder if I can bring my laptop….there are priorities in life lol) He also told me that if I didn’t have surgery, my symptoms will be spiraling downward at a rapid rate due to what he sees on the films(ok..not good…can’t imagine it getting any worse than it is now)  And then it hit me…what he just explained about what he would do if I chose surgery.  The 1st day he will be making a 5-6” abdominal incision to get at the front of my spine and injecting a protein gel that would create a false disc (for 5 levels) as there is no disc now, just bone on bone, vertebrae on vertebrae (forgot to ask the length of time I would be under anesthesia for this procedure..CRS moment), the next day…back on the OR table (did ask and was told at least 4 hrs and a large incision down my back due to where the damage is) removing the old hardware, try to remove some of the arthritis and scar tissue from last 3 operations, and placing a new rod and screws to the entire area of the lumbar spine.  So there it all is….a very big decision.  My brain is overloaded with all this but have put it in God’s hands…he will help me decide what to do.  And once I know…you will know…..and again thank you for caring…….to be continued………

Original Sin by Allison Brennan (Rating–4.5)
Published by The Random House
ISBN 978-0-345-51167-6
At the request of The Book Trib, a PB copy was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest review.
  Synopsis: Moira O’Donnell conceived, for the sole purpose to become a human sacrifice for the underworld, flees from her mother’s grasp.  She finds refuge in the hills of Ireland learning the ways to stop this demonic state that her mother controls. She also learns and now knows the danger that mankind will experience if her mother isn’t stopped  Moira spends seven years traveling the world to locate her mother.  There is only way to stop Fiona ODonnell, and that is murder.  Along her travels, she teams up with a demonologist and a trusting sheriff, in small town, USA.
  My Thoughts: I was very apprehensive when I first accepted this request as I have never read a book in the genre of paranormal. The author’s imagination and writing style is nothing less than believable and at times I was questioning if there was some truth to this work of fiction. Add to that a fast paced action, mystery, love story and the war between good and evil. This was the first book that I had read of this author’s but will not be my last.
  My Opinion and Rating: I gave this book a Level 4.5 rating. It took approximately 6 chapters for me to get involved with the characters and true basis of the story line. There was some disappointment with the ending. I am, however, aware that this is the first book in a series of seven deadly sins, and will hopefully have some of my questions answered in the next installment that I have already placed on my “to be read” list.

There will be 2 postings today.  I will be posting a book review later today.  I have a lot to post about so need 2, maybe 3, installments.

My morning routine.  Boot up the laptop, grab my mug of coffee and read my newsletters/emails.  Sign into my blog, read my google reader and start commenting on sites that posted something that caught my attention.  Today, however, I woke with an unclear mind and dread as I am still trying to process all that was said at yesterday’s orthopedic consult (more on that later).  And sorry to repeat but it is so true….my mantra that I live by is that “everything happens for a reason….and we don’t ask why…just know it is to be”.  Vicki over at Reading At The Beach (readingatthebeach.com) signed up for a 2010 challenge “365 Photo Project” where she posts a different picture every day.  The pictures that she is posting are phenomenal and I have been commenting almost every day because they are so beautiful.  Which is what I was going to do this morning.  So I head on over for a visit and before I got to her photo, I found another posting that FLOORED ME.  She has presented me with another award…and so fitting due to my mental state this morning.  She has been such a friend and mentor to me and then to receive another award is overwhelming.  The awad is the “HAPPY 101”.  There is criteria that I will be posting on next.  But first….THANK YOU VICKI !!!!!  You are too kind !!!!!!
                                        
This is a two part award.
First I list ten things that make me happy and then pass this along to 10 blogs that make me happy.
What makes me happy:
1. My hubby
2. My 2 fantastic sons and their girlfriends, “my daughters”.
3. All other members of our family
4. My friends
5. A great mystery
6. A large Friendly’s 5 scoop sundae
7. The start of Spring and warm weather
8. Sitting by the pool and having “bonding reading time” with hubby
9. Vacations (which we are due)Cruise or Aruba
10.Book blogging and meeting so many awesome “new friends”. 
So what blogs make me happy: (in no particular order)
1. J. Kayes Book Blog
2. Bookin’ With Bingo
3. Xmas Dolly
4. Rundpinne
5. Bermudaonion
6. Book Reviews by Bobbie
7. My Cozy Booknook
8. Find Your Next Book Here
9. Bibliophile By The Sea
10. Lori’s Reading Corner
I pass this on to you.  And thank you for having great blogs !!!!  I could only pick 10 but there are so many other blogs that make me happy.
I just decided…….today I am going to enjoy this award and make this my “Happy 101 Award” day and post about “My Medical Jouney” on a later post, which is probably better as there is so much to process.  My mantra, has done right by me again.  Thank you VICKI !!!!

http://btt2.wordpress.com
Today’s question:
1. Do YOU like books with complicated plots and unexpected endings?
     My favorite genre is mystery/suspense so I love unexpected endings!!!  What I don’t like are plots that are complicated and/or detailed espionage.  I lose interest with that type of book.
2. What book with a surprise ending is your favorite? Or your least favorite?
     I was given a book to read by my “Book Buddy” Jess, my son’s gf because I had said that I had never read anything by Jodi Picoult.  She gave me My Sister’s Keeper.  I have to say that this book, with its ending, I never saw coming.  This was definitely my favorite “surprise ending” read.  Highly recommend.

Original Sin by Allison Brennan (Rating–4.5)
Published by The Random House
ISBN 978-0-345-51167-6
At the request of The Book Trib, a PB copy was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest review.
  Synopsis: Moira O’Donnell conceived, for the sole purpose to become a human sacrifice for the underworld, flees from her mother’s grasp.  She finds refuge in the hills of Ireland learning the ways to stop this demonic state that her mother controls. She also learns and now knows the danger that mankind will experience if her mother isn’t stopped  Moira spends seven years traveling the world to locate her mother.  There is only way to stop Fiona ODonnell, and that is murder.  Along her travels, she teams up with a demonologist and a trusting sheriff, in small town, USA.
  My Thoughts: I was very apprehensive when I first accepted this request as I have never read a book in the genre of paranormal. The author’s imagination and writing style is nothing less than believable and at times I was questioning if there was some truth to this work of fiction. Add to that a fast paced action, mystery, love story and the war between good and evil. This was the first book that I had read of this author’s but will not be my last.
  My Opinion and Rating: I gave this book a Level 4.5 rating. It took approximately 6 chapters for me to get involved with the characters and true basis of the story line. There was some disappointment with the ending. I am, however, aware that this is the first book in a series of seven deadly sins, and will hopefully have some of my questions answered in the next installment that I have already placed on my “to be read” list.

There will be 2 postings today.  I will be posting a book review later today.  I have a lot to post about so need 2, maybe 3, installments.

My morning routine.  Boot up the laptop, grab my mug of coffee and read my newsletters/emails.  Sign into my blog, read my google reader and start commenting on sites that posted something that caught my attention.  Today, however, I woke with an unclear mind and dread as I am still trying to process all that was said at yesterday’s orthopedic consult (more on that later).  And sorry to repeat but it is so true….my mantra that I live by is that “everything happens for a reason….and we don’t ask why…just know it is to be”.  Vicki over at Reading At The Beach (readingatthebeach.com) signed up for a 2010 challenge “365 Photo Project” where she posts a different picture every day.  The pictures that she is posting are phenomenal and I have been commenting almost every day because they are so beautiful.  Which is what I was going to do this morning.  So I head on over for a visit and before I got to her photo, I found another posting that FLOORED ME.  She has presented me with another award…and so fitting due to my mental state this morning.  She has been such a friend and mentor to me and then to receive another award is overwhelming.  The awad is the “HAPPY 101”.  There is criteria that I will be posting on next.  But first….THANK YOU VICKI !!!!!  You are too kind !!!!!!
                                        
This is a two part award.
First I list ten things that make me happy and then pass this along to 10 blogs that make me happy.
What makes me happy:
1. My hubby
2. My 2 fantastic sons and their girlfriends, “my daughters”.
3. All other members of our family
4. My friends
5. A great mystery
6. A large Friendly’s 5 scoop sundae
7. The start of Spring and warm weather
8. Sitting by the pool and having “bonding reading time” with hubby
9. Vacations (which we are due)Cruise or Aruba
10.Book blogging and meeting so many awesome “new friends”. 
So what blogs make me happy: (in no particular order)
1. J. Kayes Book Blog
2. Bookin’ With Bingo
3. Xmas Dolly
4. Rundpinne
5. Bermudaonion
6. Book Reviews by Bobbie
7. My Cozy Booknook
8. Find Your Next Book Here
9. Bibliophile By The Sea
10. Lori’s Reading Corner
I pass this on to you.  And thank you for having great blogs !!!!  I could only pick 10 but there are so many other blogs that make me happy.
I just decided…….today I am going to enjoy this award and make this my “Happy 101 Award” day and post about “My Medical Jouney” on a later post, which is probably better as there is so much to process.  My mantra, has done right by me again.  Thank you VICKI !!!!

http://btt2.wordpress.com
Today’s question:
1. Do YOU like books with complicated plots and unexpected endings?
     My favorite genre is mystery/suspense so I love unexpected endings!!!  What I don’t like are plots that are complicated and/or detailed espionage.  I lose interest with that type of book.
2. What book with a surprise ending is your favorite? Or your least favorite?
     I was given a book to read by my “Book Buddy” Jess, my son’s gf because I had said that I had never read anything by Jodi Picoult.  She gave me My Sister’s Keeper.  I have to say that this book, with its ending, I never saw coming.  This was definitely my favorite “surprise ending” read.  Highly recommend.