There is a good reason I am asking that rather weird question. Following our unofficial state poll last week, we have discovered that we’re just sixteen states away from having visitors from every state. (And big Smithellaneous-ish thanks to reader, Kristina Creek, who compiled the data without even being asked!)
If you live in any of the states listed in the title, would you please go to THIS LINK and leave the name of your town and state? It would be great to know that all fifty states are represented. (Or maybe at some point you visited one of the states listed above and logged into Smithellaneous from there; that would count as a page view from that state.)
And you are also welcome to chime in with your city name, even if your state is not one of the ones in the title. I think this post is breaking almost all of my previous comment records, so it’s fun to keep it going a little longer.
Thank you!
Tomorrow I am going to Greenville to see my pulmonologist and I’m just a little apprehensive about it.
Some of you may recall that at my list visit, he told me that some important lung function number (can’t remember its name at the moment) had dropped from 61% to 49%. Instead of having me wait 6 months for a return visit, he scheduled me to come back in 4 months and is repeating the tests tomorrow.
If the numbers are still low (or God forbid, dropping more) the doctor is wanting me to undergo a high resolution CT scan to check for interstitial lung disease, which is not a condition anyone wants to have. Since the scan is not covered by insurance, I’ve been hesitant to have it done in the past but we’ll see what tomorrow’s appointment holds. My hope and prayer is that my numbers will at least be holding steady; we don’t need any more dramatic drops like last time.
So anyway, I just thought I would mention that to all of you sweet long-distance friends so you knew what was going on.
Steve and I are always so impressed by Sarah’s creativity. She loves video editing and helps me out a lot at church with media projects. Last week when we got snow, she put together a video using a song by a favorite artist, Owl City. She and her umbrella even make a guest appearance in the video.
Interesting note: the scarf she is wearing in the video was knitted for her by Mr. Nichols, her 10th grade English teacher, who is one of her favorite teachers of her school career. He is heavily involved with the High School’s drama program and knits scarves and hats for the drama students. But he told Sarah he was going to make her a scarf, too, because he just wanted her to know she was one of his special students. That meant so much to her.
I also wanted to mention that Sarah does all of her video editing using a program that was bought for her by Jim and Ann Martin, blog friends who have turned into real life friends. Thanks Jim and Ann–you will never know how much she has enjoyed your gift!
A little late…Fort Mill, SC!
Vickie,
It’s never too late to hear from a Smithellaneous friend!
I live in Kingston, Oklahoma. its been our lake home for 20 plus years and we are now moving there to live full time!
Peggy,
Hooray! Another state accounted for!
From Alberta, Canada:) been following you for a number of years! You and your family inspire me in a daily basis, in how you deal with life’s trials and joy! You are always in our prayers in the good and not so good days!
Colleen,
Thanks for being a long time follower and thanks especially for the prayers through the years. Hope spring visits you soon!
Eddyville, KY here. Many prayers for your appointment.
Hokah Mn
i am from benton ar. i have followed you for years. i have a almost 14 year old grandson who is a cancer survivor. he has blessed our lives and we are very thankful for his life. your sarah has been in my prayers many times through the years.
Sharon,
So happy to hear about another cancer survivor; I know he is a ray of sunshine in your life. And nice to hear from an Arkansan!
i have read your blog for years. i am from benton arkansas
Yay, Arkansas! I think it may be one of the most overlooked states in the U.S. It’s so beautiful, and the people are all incredibly friendly! I’ve been there a couple of times, and absolutely loved it 🙂
Kristina,
I always love to see readers reply to other comments. And I agree. Arkansas is a great state!
LOVED the video!! I sure hope your appt. goes well and that you don’t have Interstitial Lung Disease. We have a friend with it, and it’s a horrible disease. It does sometimes go along with R.A., though, which our friend also has. Getting old is not as much fun as I’d imagined. 🙂
Gayle,
Getting old can be a bit of a challenge but I always say it’s better than the alternative! 🙂
Becky,
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers today…for a safe trip with a bit of “Becky Time” (thrift store shopping, photography, or just a trip down an interesting side road…whatever you choose) thrown in and for good test results with stable or rising numbers!
Can’t view Sarah’s video on my phone, so will wait until I can get to my computer at home to view it. Can’t wait to see it!
Linda in Pittsburgh
Linda,
You know me well, listing a thrift store, photography and an interesting side road as things that would make me happy. 🙂
Becky can you please tell me the name of video editing program Sarah uses. Thanks.
Hope all goes well at the Dr visit
Asma,
It’s called Sony Movie Studio Platinum 12 and I believe it was around $100. She said to tell you she highly recommends it! 🙂
Prayers going UP! For scan and traveling and all around nerves !! Hugs!
Thank you, Catherine. Have a happy day! 🙂
Hello there,
I don’t check in very often here but do get emails when you have posted so I see titles to posts and small snippets. Veterinary school keeps one very busy. I used to live in Arizona from the time I was born until 2012, and I definitely checked Smithellaneous while in Arizona. I am currently living in Iowa. Not sure if that counts or helps, but maybe it does. 🙂
Wishing you the best for your appointment tomorrow!
Kristin,
Thanks for taking time to pop in in the midst of veterinary school! Nice to have a (former) AZ representation. As long as you checked in here while you lived there, it counts!
And may I just add that I am in awe of anyone who studies to be a doctor–human or animal. Best of luck to you!
Becky – you are in my prayers. I admire the grace you seem to keep as you face each health issue. You are a good example for me for when rough things come my way. Thank you.
Brooke,
I am honored to think that I could be an example to someone; that you for your encouragement!
Becky,
Praying for great results with your test tomorrow. Loved Sarah’s video!
Thanks, Cindy. That really was a fun video wasn’t it? 🙂
I love the scarf that Mr. N. knitted. know what? I still have two washcloths that my Fourth Grade Teacher crocheted. that was a looooooooooooooooooong time ago!!!
Mrs. Pam,
Amazing to still have those all these years later!
Will be praying for a good report tomorrow – numbers will be steady or up!
Thank you, Sharyn!
Psssst…. the abbreviation for Arkansas is AR! AK is my state, Alaska… I myself always have trouble with the M-states. I want Missouri to be MI, even though I KNOW Michigan is already MI. And I never have any idea what Massachusetts is. Plus, Maine should clearly either be MA or MI itself… ME makes no sense at all!
I don’t know why people to ask my advice before they establish these systems… 😉 heh.
Love Sarah’s video (I’m a big fan of Owl City too) and hope your appointment today results in excellent, or at least acceptable, news.
Kristina,
And I even looked up four or five states that I wasn’t sure of before posting. I guess I just THOUGHT I knew Arkansas. Thanks for catching that.
I’m in awe of how quickly you got it fixed… I went back to the main Smithellaneous page and “presto” it was updated, just like magic!
I lived in Louisville, KY for three years from 1998-2001 – does that count. From there I went to Tampa, FL for 13 years and then to Overland Park, KS last June (you already had KS when I logged on last week so didn’t comment).
Hope your lung tests are at least stable!
Phyllis,
KY. FL. KS. You could do our roll call all by yourself! 🙂
And I was raised in Missouri! Lived there for over 40 years. It’s only been the last 17 years that I’ve been a wanderer.
I’m with Jodi; there has got to be a way the special scan is covered. Good luck!
Liz,
I replied to Jodi’s comment about the scan. Thanks so much for your good wishes and concern.
Praying for stable lung numbers!!!!! I like Sarah’s video, nice song too 🙂
Lesley,
That’s a very quirky song–for my very quirky girl. 🙂
Prayers for good news tomorrow or today whichever it is now. 🙂
Mel,
Well, it’s still today so the scan is tomorrow. 🙂 Thanks for your prayers!
Are you referring to PFT’s Becky? Regardless, I’m hopeful that they’ve remained stable or increased (if they are PFT’s my understanding is that if you have a little cold or something when their done they can be lower)! May I ask why your insurance won’t pay for the test? Can your doctor petition the insurance company? Would they cover the test if you were in the hospital? That happened to me several years ago & my doc said he’d admit me to the hospital & order the test that way (it would be covered); he was that sure I needed it! They knew it would cost at least 4 x’s more $$$ that way and they conceded! All that to say, before you pay for a test that could cost many thousands of dollars check every resource possible (& now that I typed all that I realize I’m not telling you something you didn’t already know)! Please let us know!
Awesome video Sarah! You’re very talented! I like the music too!
Jodi
Jodi,
Yes, I did have PFT’s done (which will be repeated tomorrow) and there was a certain number within those PFT’s that he was looking at.
Insurance won’t pay for a scan because I have a high deductible which I haven’t met yet. I did do some research today though, and discovered that having scans at non hospital-based locations are much cheaper so I will definitely keep that in mind. Thanks for your concern; I know you are a hospital/medical test professional and I always appreciate you sharing your hard won wisdom.
I missed the poll – they keep me too busy at work to “enjoy” myself – imagine that! St. Louis, MO is my answer. Good luck with your doctor’s appointment. I have some catching up to do on this site. I miss my ability to check it daily but, such is life. Will check out the video later – can’t wait.
Mary,
How dare those employers of yours keep you from checking this blog? 🙂 Hope you’ll have a chance to catch up soon!
Love the video Sarah. Becky I am praying for you and your lung condition. I hope the appointment goes well.
Thank you, Jenna. I know you have special compassion for medical challenges; I appreciate your caring heart.
Prayers for your doctor visit today, that your numbers will show nothing BUT GOOD NEWS! Safe travel mercies to your destination and back. Loved the video eager to see the Spring one soon…
Judy,
Yes, I agree. A spring video would be lovely to see!
Prayers for you and your appointment with the Pulmonologist tomorrow, for peace and comfort through the testing process, and for a good report! 🙂
Great video, Sarah!
LeeAnne,
Peace, comfort, good report . . . sounds very good to me!
I love the video! Owl City is one of my favorites!! (already commented on town and state)
Desera,
Yes, Sarah absolutely LOVES Owl City; his CD’s stay in her car all the time!