GRATITUDE IS MY MIDDLE NAME

Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G

When you live alone, as I do, it is very easy to concentrate on the negative things going on in your life instead of the positive.  I find it robs me of energy and creativity along with less interaction with others.  I also think it has something to do with low se lf esteem. Or how you’ve treated yourself throughout your lifetime

When you live with others you have them to bounce things off.    If you have a job it usually takes at least 40 hours of your time weekly plus commute time.  At least you’re not alone 24/7 . 

Henceforth, I want to treat myself  better than I have in the past.  I want to treasure what talents I have and use them in a way that will help others. 

You may find that’s easy but if you’ve not valued yourself or your talents in the past it becomes a whole new ballgame.  This becomes a whole new way of life for me.  I’m going to make it a goal to do whatever I can to raise my spirits and enjoy life.    Being a single senior need not be boring or the end of the line.  If you’re not there yet treasure what you have and who you are.  The day may come when you are completely alone and have only yourself to bolster your ego and spirits. 

I hope to report these findings with you.  Yes indeed, Gratitude has become my new way of life

Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG

Writer ● Speaker ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663

http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com

Copyright© 2017 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you

I'M BACK!

Without going into too much detail I feel I am ready to start blogging again!  From late August up till today I've experienced a plethora of health problems and did not have the energy or desire to write except in my private journal.

I realize now, more than ever, how precious good health can be.  Without it, the world becomes very small, fragile, and almost empty.  I beg of you if you have good health celebrate it!  I feel you can do anything and go anywhere ff you have good health...indeed the sky is the limit!

In the next few days I expect to write several tidbits that you may also enjoy.  So, stay tuned!

Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG

Writer ● Speaker ● Artist

760-732-0663, Cell 760-518-6493
artistwithaflair@att.net

http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com

Copyright© 2016 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS!

Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G

This year I got to celebrate my birthday two days in a row!  Thursday evening my Tick Talk Toastmaster Club honored me with a scrumptious birthday cake, followed by gifts, good wishes and a beautiful tribute to me from President Pat Partin.  It was all unexpected and humbling.  Thank you all for making it such a special night!  Also it was great fun to see Jack Cummings and Eric Huber again (both former members of Tick Talk).

Last night Pat Partin treated me to a great dinner at Mimi’s.  The salmon was outstanding!  She then presented me with a beautiful necklace that I had lusted after weeks ago!  What a lovely surprise!  I will wear it with pride and honor.

When I got home there was a luscious azalea and homemade cake on my front porch from Bernard  and his family (the man who gives me communion every Sunday).

I feel truly blessed and honored by all this kindness from so many people, particularly since I didn’t think I would make it to this birthday.  As far as I know I am still in remission and life is good!

Again, my sincere thanks to all of you!

Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG

Writer ● Speaker ● Artist

760-732-0663, Cell 760-518-6493
artistwithaflair@att.net

http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com

Copyright© 2016 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you

I'M IN REMISSION - FREE OF CANCER

Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG

By the grace of God I can share good news with you.  Yesterday I visited the oncologist and she read me the report of the PET scan I had in La Jolla last Friday.  I AM IN REMISSION OR, FREE OF CANCER!!!  I can't believe my goo fortune...

The last 8 months have been the loneliest, painful 8 months of my life!  The silence was deafening.   I think I experienced every emotion there is including helplessness!   . 

On July 2, 2015 I had a lumpectomy.  A few days later the doctor called and said "Well, we didn;t get all the cancer.  We're going to have to go back in again and you'll be on radiation and chemo therapy (slash, burn and poison)"  I said "No way.  I'll go up to Oregon before I do that!"  Then I called my Wounded Warrior friend, Rob Caudill, and asked him did he know of any alternative medicine to beat cancer?"  .He took me to meet Dr. Paula Shore in Oceanside who has a medical marijuana dispensary.  She prescribed Simpson Oil which I take a capsule nightly.

Then my neighbor, who has tumors all over her body, told me about her alternative medicine "Graviola."  She, and now me, take it 2 x daily.  She said it has stopped her tumors from growing.  Next, since I lost over 57 lbs.  I wanted something to build up muscle.  The oncologist prescribed something that cost $300.00.  I asked for something generic but never heard back from her or my family MD.  Again, medical marijuana came to the rescue!

I truly could not see going the traditional medical route - slash, burn and poison.  I opted for the alternative medicine instead and prayed it would help.  I truly think it has and am grateful I listened to my own voice.  If you have any questions feel free to contact me.

Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG

Writer ● Speaker ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663

http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com

Copyright© 2015 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

As 2015 comes to a grinding halt I couldn’t be happier. 

This had to be the most challenging year of my life, from ongoing health issues, financial stress and lost friendships.  After being diagnosed with the big “C” I put my life on hold in July which I wouldn’t recommend anyone do.   I declined more surgery, chemotherapy and radiation and opted for some alternative medicine.  Unfortunately, my family does not support me in this action and it saddens me.  But, I feel it’s the right decision for me and I try to live by the motto “To thine own self be true!”  And, as queen Elizabeth would say “2015 is not a year that I shall look back upon with undiluted pleasure.”

The solitude has helped me discover what I’d like to do with the rest of my life.  I’d like to become an advocate for senior citizens.  I never want them to go through some of the nightmares I encountered.  I’m writing a book and borrowing the title “YANA – You Are Never Alone” and dedicating it to them. YANA is a group of senior police volunteers who call on housebound seniors Monday through Friday.  They knock on my door each morning and say “Good morning Miss Carolan, how are you today?  Do you need anything, etc?   It was they who found me on the floor back in February after laying there for 11hours because I slipped and fell on the bathroom at midnight.

Later, Oceanside Police Chief Frank McCoy told a reporter “how lucky the woman on Golden Ridge Drive is to be alive.”  I didn’t know I had fractured my pelvis in two places and was bleeding internally.  Later, I made the evening news on Channel 39.

Assisted living is not what’s it’s cracked up to be and I have volumes to share with seniors, caregivers, E/Rs, doctors, nurses, insurance companies, ambulance companies, etc.  I will have a list of questions for seniors to answer according to their needs and lifestyles.  It is to help them sort through all the red tape and have a thorough understanding of their rights!  Which I did not know…

Instead of setting resolutions (which I break too easily) I am setting goals.  I want to make some concrete plans with guidelines on how to get there, what’s stopping me, and how I can get back on track if need be.  This may involve some speaking engagements too.  Journaling is also at the top of my list which I encourage everyone to do.  The therapeutic benefits from journaling are immeasurable.  I used to teach seminars on Journaling and would welcome opportunities to do so again.

Whatever your goals and dreams are treasure them because without them people can walk all over you and you will never know your full potential.  As Les Brown says “Shoot for the moon!  Even if you miss… you will land among the stars!

Happy New Year!   And may the force be with you!

TREASURE GOOD HEALTH

By Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG

While I may not be able to say “I am cancer free” now, I can say that the cancer has not spread!  Last week I went to Scripps Hosp., La Jolla and Scripps Hosp., Encinitas for a battery of bone and body scans whereby they inject radioactive material into you and then take pictures.   I can say that the cancer has not spread to my bones or organs!  But, the new oncologist I saw recently still wanted me to have surgery and then chemo and radiation therapy.  I declined. 

I firmly believe the alternative medicine I’ve taken since June when I first got the cancer diagnosis has a lot to do with my improved health today.  I am indebted to my wounded warrior friend, Rob Caudill, for introducing me to Dr. Paula Shore who prescribed the alternative medicine.  While this treatment is expensive I don’t think you can put a price tag on your health and, it beats surgery.  

Also, Rob Caudill has been my rock of support.  I don’t know what I would have done without him for the myriad chores he does for me!    He’s like the grandson I never had.  He also introduced me to medical marijuana after all my doctor approved of it.  Rob is now President of my Carlsbad Toastmaster club.  I also want to thank everyone else who has helped me and/or kept me in their prayers.

Lastly, if there are any female Toastmasters who have breast cancer or, are survivors of it, I’m starting a new, local, support group along with another female Toastmaster survivor.  If you’re interested please contact me at 760-518-6493.

SCAMMERS ABOUND

Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG

On August 31 while on-line my computer was hacked into and they tried to relieve me of my savings as well as hacking into my checking account.  Fortunately, Union Bank took swift action and immediately closed my accounts, and notified me otherwise I’d be a pauper today.

While that’s great service it created havoc in its wake, leaving me unable to write checks, use my ATM card to charge for groceries, etc. and, leaving several companies (paid directly monthly by Union Bank) at the beginning of the new month unpaid!   I notified those companies what had happened and that the situation was being corrected.   Unfortunately, I didn’t get all of them and have started to receive some nasty emails from them about non-payment.

In addition to taking my new computer back to the shop to get the virus removed, Union Bank wanted a statement from them confirming that the computer was now virus-free.  That took a few days.  Back to the bank I went to order a new checking account, with new checks. new ID and new password.  The checks just came but not the new ATM card.    So, I still can’t pay bills on-line until the new ATM card arrives.

In a way I feel I’ve lost my identity.  I thought I had excellent virus software and never dreamed a hacker could or would hack into my bank accounts.  This whole ordeal was made lighter by my wounded-warrior friend and President of my Tick Talk Toastmaster club, Rob Caudill.    Since I am not driving my car yet I needed help driving to Best Buy with my computer and then to Union Bank.  Rob sprang into action and took me to straighten out this mess.  I am so lucky to have Rob in my life.  He’s like the grandson I never had.  Always cheerful, upbeat and willing to help regardless of the mess I’m in.  Thank you Rob.  You help me to keep things in perspective.

Being without my computer and unable to email friends was bad enough.  But not being able to pay my bills on-line promptly and now receiving terse emails from companies who have not gotten paid is the worst.

There must be a better way to keep one’s PC virus-free without the hassle of stripping it of all files and taking it back to the factory settings.  Some files I can never replace.  I’d like to hear from you if you have any solutions.