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Have you read the book?  I did years ago and loved it.  So I decided  as I slowly approach 50, it wouldn't be a bad thing to put together some of the pieces of my life.
Encyclopedia of Tina
    
A -  Augusta Georgia see birthplace
       Athleta - One of my favorite places for running clothes and a lot of my everyday outfits.
       Antiques - although I only have a few pieces,...

Thursday was a long, emotional and educational day...
We headed out early with the plans of Gordon working a half day and me spending some time with both Deb and my mom after the early morning appointments. Meeting in Strongsville seemed the best option to work for each of our plans.
Taking my trailblazer is always easier for Deb to get in and out of but this morning was torture driving on the highway...

We don't receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take for us or spare us.
On Monday I had the opportunity to take Debbie to the dentist for her cleaning and to fix a tooth that was bothering her. We have gone to our family dentist since teenagers, we  know the staff well. Dawn, the hygenist, came out after Deb's cleaning and cried, it was the first time she...

Our Christmas was very different this year...
My mom wasn't there, Jane was still in the hospital and Debbie was still taking baby steps since  her brain surgery and TBI  in August. The day was  good, Deb was home and we got to spend time with her. But the sad part is, Deb doesn't remember a bit of it, therefore she thinks we never celebrated Christmas.
 Some of my favorite pictures...

Usually our outings have to do with doctor appointments, hair appointments or second opinions...
So last Thursday we had a day together! We needed a day of just fun girl stuff, which has to include lunch and shopping. With Archivers closing soon, I knew I wanted to get her  there!
The good... for the entire time Deb had us laughing and seemed to enjoy our stops in Archivers and Michaels. Talking...

and making positive CHOICES
These past few years have been some of the most trying of my life. Where I have found my lowest lows and highest highs. Where I have cried more and tried more and picked myself up after going through unimaginable sadness while also pushing myself to achieve some of my greatest goals.
I've come across some people that will forever have changed me, some of which I hope...

My husband, knowing I was having a bad day sent me this in an email... it changed my perspective and I need to post it here to keep referring back to when I go to sink in that hole again!
 
A psychologist walked around a room while teaching stress management to an audience. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they’d be asked the “half empty or half full” question. Instead, with...

 Had a whole day of awesome with Debbie and just have to share the postive steps in her journey.
 When I arrived to pick her up she was ready to head out the door on an adventure. Our first stop was Corkscrew Saloon where we met up with a dear friend Kim for lunch. It was a great time to catch up since Kim hasn't seen Debbie since before the surgery. Deb was eager to talk about upcoming girlfriend...

We remember the momements...
And hopefully, one day soon, Debbie too will remember all the moments that lead to her recovery.
I have noticed some recent things are staying with her, but there are others we still have to repeat to her. Like the fact that our father passed away in 1998, or where the boys are, and even saying she never had Christmas with her family and talking about what gifts she needs...

Like a brain injury, dementia is usually not something you can see on the outside, unless of course you are aware of its existence...
My mother was diagnosed with early onset dementia a few years ago and is rapidly declining. The decline is easily spotted by most that know her.
 
 
Before she was diagnosed she went through a phase of anger, that has worsened today. But back then she...