21 Days...Day 8

Today is day 8, this next life lesson is probably one of my favorites. 

Dare to Dream.

I see a lot of people that are afraid to dream, dream of the future, dream of the unforgettable. Growing up my parents always encouraged me to dream, they never told me I couldn't do something, instead guided me how to achieve it.

I know we all have dreams in us, deep down. Even when life gets tough sometimes those dreams become smaller and eventually fade. You have to remember to keep your dreams alive! It gives you something to look forward to. 

Having Cystic Fibrosis has taught me to always dream, and imagine the future. Even though there's a life expectancy on CF, that doesn't stop me from dreaming, in fact it makes me dream even more, it makes my dreams that much more real. Something to look forward to.

And I'm not afraid to say, I'm stubborn enough, and a little selfish that I will do whatever it takes so I can see all my dreams come true, and I hope you all do to. 

I think in the end, dreaming will make me live even longer...and that's just the plan I have. 

~God Bless

21 Days...Day 7

Wow I can't believe how fast time is going. Already on day 8. My lesson today is one I'm reminded of everyday...

Everything's a learning experience. 

It's so true. Every situation in life is a learning experience. Sometimes we don't know why till later but it always makes us a better stronger person, but you must always be open minded as well, because if you aren't sometimes that one experience could've made a huge impact, and you might have missed out on a great lesson. 

Till tomorrow. 

~God Bless

21 Days...Day 6

Day 6...

This isn't so much a life lesson as it is a "fun analogy". 

A girl can never have to many handbags or shoes. 

I know this was a very short post, but sometimes it's ok to be "short and sweet". 

Until tomorrow, 

Remember "Don't let anyone dull your sparkle". 

~God Bless 

21 Days...Day 5

Day 5.

Take a risk.

Sometimes, I know for myself, I get so caught up in the moment, that I sometimes need to stop, focus, and look at reality. Especially when in a situation where I don't know what to do. 

When i need to make a decision; there's always two conclusions to a situation, usually an easier one, and sometimes one you're not sure how it'll turn out. I need to remember that you only get one life, take that risk. Jump in with both feet first, because sometimes taking the risk will be the best choice you ever made. 

How does Robert Frost say it: "two roads diverged in a wood, and I-I took the road less traveled, and that's made all the difference". 

~God Bless

21 Days...Day 4

Day 4. This topic is a major life lesson that I've learned. 

Live a life with no regrets. 

I know sometimes it is easier said than done, but I've learned, especially lately that you should always try to live your life with no regrets. When you're faced with situations, sometimes it's easier to take the easy way out, but in the end, will the easy way out be the best way? 

I'm going to keep this post short and sweet, but the one thought that is always in my mind is this; I heard someone say this before, and it is so true

"on your tombstone someday there's a birth date and a death date, and it's separated by a dash. what are you going to do with your dash?" 

In the end know ones going to remember the stuff you had. The material things dont matter. What matters is the impact you made on others during your dash...the memories, the difference you made in someone's life. 

Live a life with no regrets, spend it with those you love the most...because as I'm learning, it's true what everyone says...life goes by WAY to fast. 

~God Bless 

21 Days...Day 3

It's day 3 today. Today's post isn't going to be a lesson rather something I've learned the last 6 years. 

Life is better with a dog. 

Let me explain. 

If you follow me on any social media sights you've probably seen this already, but six years ago today one of the best things happened. 

My mom and I were on our way to visit with our wonderful friend, or so I thought. When we got to her house she said we have to go, so we hopped in her vehicle. It didn't seem to out of the ordinary. We drove for a little while, and got to this little town, and then my mom was on the phone talking to someone. I thought it was a little weird but hey, I was having fun just being with our friend. Next we pull up to this house. I was thinking we were picking something up, but as we got out of the car we go to the front door, and a lady answers and there is this tiny little Yorkie puppy at her feet, and it was at that moment when I was told this was MY new puppy. At first I didn't know what to think, and then the puppy and I went to the living room, sat on the couch, and bonded. My mom and our friend were visiting with the lady. I was still in shock. I think that lasted for a few days. 

Once I got this puppy home I was so excited. He was mine. I had wished for one for a really long time, and finally I had him. 

To say this was a surprise of a lifetime is an understatement. It was the surprise of a lifetime...and I honestly can not imagine my life without him. 

This is Beaureguard, also known as Bo, or Little Man: 

He is literally my best friend, and here's why; 

When I got him I though I just got a dog, but he is more than that, he has turned out to be like a child, but he's also been amazing with my Cystic Fibrosis. He can sense when I'm sick, when I'm worn out and need to rest, and he can also sense when things just aren't right, and he is always by my side when I do my treatments. The impact that that's had is so wonderful. 

I don't think anyone realized what an amazing impact he'd be in my life, maybe our wonderful friend because she has a Yorkie as well, but I don't know anything better to say to them than Thank You. 

Sometimes the biggest impacts of your are the things you least expect. 

~God Bless

21 Days...Day 2

Today is day 2, and I'll be honest...I'm not sure if this is a life lesson, or just something in life I've learned you should never pass up. 

Never pass up traveling.

As most of you know I love to travel, I'm always up for an adventure. I've been blessed to have gone many places, in and out of the country. Seeing the beautiful creations...there's nothing like it. Some of my most favorite trips have been: 

-going to Canada

-going to Disney(of course) 

-Driving cross country to AZ(it's a fun drive, but I think next time I'll fly) 

-going on a Carribbean cruise on the Allure of the Seas(can not wait to go again)

-going to Beverly Hills for my 18th birthday with wonderful friends

-going back to Beverly Hills for my 20th birthday 

But hands down one of my favorite trips to date has to be my Make A Wish trip to Bora Bora. 

I say all this not to say "look at me", but to say; the trips, yes, have been amazing, hands down, but the most amazing things about all of them is the memories that were created with the people that mean the most to me in my life.

Memories that will last a lifetime, and for that I am forever thankful. 

In Bora Bora 

The island of Bora Bora 

In Arizona 

In St. Thomas one of the days on the cruise. 

~God Bless 

21 Days...Day 1

In 21 days it will be my 21st birthday. I've always been one to countdown my birthday and probably always will, but this birthday is a little more special. 

See my parents were told I'd probably never make it to graduate high school, nonetheless live to be 21. So I thought I'd do something a little different on my blog. For the next 21 days I will be posting 21 life lessons, or things that I've learned so far...some may be very random or just fun, but I'm doing this so I can look back one day and see what I've learned from then till now. I hope you all enjoy and keep an eye out for a new post a day. 

Day 1: Leave everything up to God 

I know this is very simple but it's so true. I've come to find my faith even more as I get older and even though sometimes I get mad and confused and don't understand why things are happening, I have learned that EVERYTHING happens for a reason, and only God knows that reason, and I've learned that he will never steer me wrong, and for that he's taught me to trust him, and I will always leave everything up to him. 

~God Bless 

Where Things Are At

Hello, 

I know it's been a short while since I've done an update. Let's jump right in.

First last night I headed over to MN to spend the night as I do before most of my appointments. It's easier than leaving the morning of. I'm 2 hours away which isn't to bad but getting some extra sleep and a full VEST treatment in before my appointment is worth it. 

My parents were in MN yesterday so I thought it would be fun to bring my dog with last night, because the hotel accepts dogs, and then this morning my dad would take the dog home while my mom and I headed to my appointment. Well it was a great success...the dog behaved very well and it was a lot of fun. 

Onto today. I had a 6 week follow up appointment with my specialist. Last time we were concerned over my PFT's being so low and that I've been just not myself. 

Well my PFT's were a tiny bit better. I lost almost 2 pounds. 

So my doctor is concerned even more so than last time. Last week I was sick with flu like symptoms for almost 3 days but it turns out I just don't tolerate inhaled Cayston, which is kind of a bummer since it took months to finally get approval. Oh well, I still have my old reliable, Tobi. 

Anyways; so my doctor is aware of how sensitive my system is to pretty much all pill form antibiotics. They mess with the lining of my stomach which is why I have to get hospitalized most of the time to get treated. But, we both remembered one medicine I have not been on in years, Doxicyclin. So I agreed to try it. I will be so happy if we've found one pill form antibiotic that works. I took my first dose tonight so with me luck. 

This is where things start getting tricky. I have to now go back again in 6 weeks because she is prettying concerned with how my numbers are, how my lungs are, and because I'm just not feeling myself and I'm just plain exhausted all.the.time. I also need to add that for the last 8 months I've had a constant runny/stuffy nose. Today she asked me an odd question, "have you ever got your sinus's checked out?". My mom and I thought and I have never seen an ENT before. I've never had polup issues before so I've never thought to see one. Ive heard of other CFers going before. My doctor now feels bad because she's thinking that maybe all this is cause of sinus issues. So in 6 weeks I will be visiting with the top ENT at my specialty clinic, who only works with CFers and(my favorite part) she doesn't like to operate unless absolute need be. To me that is important because IF this is all sinus issues, a surgery is something I don't want in my future. 

There was also some other things discussed at the appointment in regards to being so worn down, and being exhausted, so in the next few weeks I need to make some decisions, but no need to worry because whatever is decided will only be for the better. 

So there is a little update on how things are going, more exciting news though, only 28 days till my birthday. Yes I'm excited. I count down to my birthday every year, especially because if means another year outliving statistics. 

Also, it is officially the holiday season. If anyone knows me they know I could listen and watch Christmas music and movies year round, but i am so excited for the holidays. There is something about them that makes me so happy; whether it's spending time with the ones you love, or being a little more generous, and remembering all you're thankful for. 

 I truly do wish every day could be like Christmas. If even just for the feeling. 

I will probably have a few more blog posts before the end of the year, for sure next month, and after my next doctors appointment. 

I hope everyone is getting ready for the wonderful holiday season upon us. 

~God Bless