*This Is Your Life* Depression. Hypothyroidism.

  I have been working on this post for quite a while.  Not knowing how to explain exactly what my life (well, my health, really) has been like over the last few years.  Not knowing if I can correctly describe everything.  Not knowing if people will be able to relate...or even care.  I do not want to sound "whiney" or for people to think I'm having a "Poor Me" moment, looking for sympathy.  With that being said,  I've decided that I will post my "story" in hopes that maybe some people will understand, maybe even it will help someone.   If nothing else, I know it helps me just to write things down and "unload" all of the burden.  I'm not great with words, I know that, so this may all sound jumbled, I've tried to make it as "understandable" as possible.  So, here it goes......
  Have you ever felt that you were lost in life?  Lost yourself, not knowing how or why?  The real YOU has just seemed to flit away over time.  I have felt this way many times.  I think we all do once in a while.  Sometimes it happens because of a situation that we're thrown into that's out of our control, sometimes it is a health condition...whatever the case, it is not a good feeling.
  I normally can remedy whatever situation, deal with it the best way I know how and get back to normal.  Occasionally, I need help, and that's OK too.  It took me a long time to realize that it really is OK...admitting to myself that I wasn't OK, that I could not "do it all" was really hard!  I felt like a failure.  I felt weak.
  I am the one who tries to make sure that people around me are well taken care of.  I am the happy one, always with a smile.  I am the one who steps in to help, even when not convenient to me.  I am the quiet one, funny one, sometimes forgotten one...I always try to be the loyal and helpful one.  That's Me.  I am happiest when I am helping others.  I like to make a positive difference.  I don't need recognition, it just makes me feel good to help, to make others happy. I look at it this way, I do what I can for others as often as I can because some day, I may be the one in need and I'd hope that someone would be there for me.
  Now, I will be the first one to admit that I am no angel.  I have faults and flaws, many of them.  I have hurt people who I love dearly, maybe not purposely, but nonetheless, my words/actions have caused pain to another human being and that is NOT who I am.  I get angry, I get jealous....but for the most part, I really do try to treat others as I want to be treated.  I try to keep situations peaceful.  I just try to live a good life.  I certainly can not complain about all of life's ups and downs.  I have been blessed and have a very good life.  I have been happy with my life, the good and bad, flaws and faults...you just try to learn from mistakes and move on.  And appreciate the little things.
  So, that WAS the real ME. A few years ago, I noticed that I started slipping away.  I could feel changes within myself that I couldn't explain.  I knew something was "off" but didn't know what.  I started loosing interest in things that I normally loved. I started gaining weight (a struggle for me for years).  Then I received some life altering news and really slipped into a "funk" quickly.  The diagnosis once I finally sought help, depression.  I could see this as there were many added stressers in my life now and I know all too well how stress can wreak havoc on you mentally and physically. I was told to decrease stress in my life (yea, easier said than done) and go on meds.  I reluctantly went on the prescribed meds., even though I really did not want to.   Tried giving them time to work, but as time went on, I started feeling worse and worse.  Exhausted all the time, then started getting tremors in my right arm, I noticed I'd loose feeling in my right hand once in a while, unexplained dizziness, slurred and slow speech....as time went on, I started feeling worse and worse.  Every trip to the DR proved to be discouraging.  Depression.  Decrease stress.  I was beginning to think I really was nuts!
  Finally, a PA told me that I "most likely" had mono. I had mono when I was very young, I knew how tired you feel, sometimes sick...so I was fine with this diagnosis.  Wasn't really sure how I was going to stay in bed and sleep constantly, but at least I had an answer.  Blood was taken and I waited for more answers.  The call with results never came and I never inquired (lesson learned).
  Let's fast forward to December 2014.  We had bought a house and moved late summer, constantly busy doing "house stuff" and I was exhausted all the time, because of all the work outside and inside, or so I thought.  Then there was the mysterious "bite" under my arm, that never went away, in fact, by December it was still there and multiplied in size by... ALOT.  It was red, raised and itchy!  I treated as ringworm, but the OTC cream did NOTHING to help.  It was that sore that finally convinced me to call my new primary care physician.  Reluctantly...I really dreaded being herded in and out like cattle on a farm, symptom treated, but not listened to...... same ole thing as other places.  But I made that call and got an appointment the very next day.
  My sweet kiddo drove me to the appointment, I was not feeling well (pretty much the new "normal" for me) and on top of that I had that pit in my stomach, nerves because of being treated so badly in the past...this was not something I was looking forward to.
Well, from the moment the nurse called my name, I knew things were different.  These people were polite. These people were nice.  These people listened!  Instead of a quick 12 - 15 minute appointment, the nurse as well as the DR took time to ask me questions, listen to me....I mean REALLY listen, I'd say that the DR took a good 45 minutes with me.  After asking "the right questions," listening to my answers which lead to more of "the right questions," lots of blood tests were ordered.  Not only were they ordered, the DR took time to explain why she wanted to do so many, what they were and why.  So, the nurse drew lots and lots of blood and told me that she would call me as soon as the results were in...and guess what, about a week later, she did!!!
  Of course, I had to make another appointment so that the DR could discuss the results with me, so it took about an extra week for me to find out what was wrong with me, if anything.  On December 29th 2014, I finally had some honest to goodness, legit answers and guess what, I am NOT crazy!  All (well a lot) of these symptoms are being caused by my thyroid: Hypothyroidism.  It felt so good to know there is a real cause to why I've been slowly drifting away from ME.  Drifting from people and things that I love because I feel so poorly.  I finally have a caregiver who cares and WANTS to help me.  That feels good and encouraging!  She said that WE have a long road a head of US, but together, WE will get this all figured out and get me feeling "normal" once again!  I am confident that she will help me get back to....ME!
  Looking back, I really wish I would have fought harder for answers.  I wish I had been my own advocate...instead, I just gave up.  I would make appointments because I knew, even though I wasn't sick, something was not right.  I just didn't feel good.  Then, something would happen, a trip to PA to help take care of a sick loved one, helping a friend with something, house hunting, a move and I'd "post pone" my appointment.  I put ME on hold.  I gave up.  I felt defeated.  After all, they said I was depressed, I'd just have to learn to deal with it.  I've seen those commercials, I know "depression hurts."  I figured this was just the new me.  I let myself feel defeated and alone.
  If I could tell someone one thing to help them through a similar situation, I would tell them that they are the only one who knows what their "normal" feels like and if something starts to feel "off" go get it checked out right away.  Be your own advocate.  If you are not satisfied with the answers, fight until you get answers and help.  Fight to get back to your "normal."
  Today, I had another round of blood work taken.  I have been on these meds for a month now.  Nope, they have not been a miracle cure.  I'm still exhausted often, my joints and muscles HURT, some days I have no appetite,  I'm still not the ME that I was...and still am, somewhere deep inside, I am there...in time, I will be the REAL ME again and I can not wait for that time!  I do miss ME and I know a lot of other people do too.  I'm confident that I'm finally on the right path...this WILL happen some day.  I WILL be happy and helpful.  I WILL feel rested.  I WILL want to do all of those things that I haven't wanted to do.  I WILL BE ME!
  I will close with this simple quote from one of my all time favorite movies: "Take care of YOU." ~ Kit/Pretty Woman
 
 

Monday Jan. 19 - Sun. Jan. 25th Menu

Well, this week was pretty busy!  I felt better than I have in a very long time and packed as much into the week as I could handle!  Tired myself right out, but had some fun out with my neighbor a couple of days, discovered a yummy new place to eat, got another room in the house painted and gave the first floor of the house a good ole cleaning!  Oh yes, and I tried a new cake "recipe."  I use the term recipe very loosely as the layers of the cake were made as directed on packages, but so good, nonetheless!  Directions to follow menu.  Wishing you all a very happy week a head!

Mon. Jan. 19th ~ Yo - yo night (you're on your own)
Tues. Jan. 20th ~ Ha Again, I know I made something, but can't, for the life of me, remember what it was
Wed. Jan. 21st ~ Picked up my Market To Home basket so utilized a bunch of the veggies and made a yummy, veggie packed goulash
Thurs. Jan. 22nd ~ Oven fried chicken, steamed yellow squash with olive oil and Parm. cheese, sweet peas
Fri. Jan. 23rd ~ Chicken and waffles (had to use up those left overs!)
Sat. Jan. 24th ~ It was our Family FUNdue night!  I got to break in the new fondue pot and made a cheese fondue (a DELICIOUS cheese fondue) served with beer bread and baby carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, sugar snap peas and green apples.  We also cooked up some HUGE crab claws that our neighbor gave us.  Gene and Kate had a blast with them!  I even tried a few bites...it wasn't half bad (dipped in butter, of course).
Sun. Jan. 25th ~ Penne pasta with a mozzarella, parmesan and basil pesto sauce with steamed baby carrots, broccoli and cauliflower (left over veggies from our cheese fondue last night) stirred in.

Banana Pudding Poke Cake

*1 yellow cake mix and ingredients to prepare as directed
*2 small boxes of instant banana flavored pudding
*4 cups milk
*8 oz container thawed Cool Whip
*Nilla wafers (16 - 20 whole and about a cup crushed)

*Prepare cake according to package directions.  When done, cool about 10 minutes.  Using the handle of a wooden spoon, pokes several holes all over the cake, almost to bottom.
*Meanwhile, mix pudding and milk and let set until slightly thickened. Poor over cake then use a spatula to work pudding into the holes. Cool in refrigerator for about an hour.
*Remove from fridge and place whole Nilla Wafers on top of pudding layer. 
*Gently spread Cool Whip over top.
*Sprinkle with crushed wafer.
*Serve and enjoy!

Mon. January 12th - Sun. January 18th menu and a yummy new recipe!

Oh dear, I'm a few days late, but I'm here now and ready to share last week's menu.  In the words of my sweet husband, "we ate really well last week!"  I did make a few new recipes which proved to be "keepers" and I made on of my man's favorites, Oven Baked Beef Stew...best beef stew recipe I've ever tried!

Because I have a bit of energy and am not feeling too bad today, I'm not going to go on and on with the chit chat, I have a room that needs painting!  I will get right to the menu and recipe.  Later this week I hope to collect my thoughts a bit and share them here, but right now, this girl has work to do!  :)

Enjoy your Tuesday and remember to SMILE! 

Mon. Jan 12th ~ Applesauce pork chops w/ onion, peas and buttered noodles
Tues. Jan 13th ~ Cheese ravioli & marinara sauce, steamed veggie trio, and brownies for dessert
Wed. Jan 14th ~ Chicken breasts with spinach, onions and feta cheese, chicken flavored noodles
Thurs. Jan 15th ~ Ham steaks, scalloped potatoes steamed green beans w/ garlic, onion and toasted almond slivers
Fri. Jan 16th ~ Oven baked beef stew, home made white bread
Sat. Jan 17th ~Went to Texas Roadhouse for a fabulous steak dinner
Sun. Jan 18th ~ Smoked beer butt chicken (I must say, my husband is ROCKIN' the things he makes in his new smoker!!! Super yummy!), quinoa tabbouleh with feta


Quinoa Tabbouleh With Feta (Ina Garten/Food Network Magazine)
1 cup quinoa
Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (I used a bit over 1/4 cup)
1/4 cup olive oil (I used a bit over 1/4 cup...seemed too dry with only 1/4 cup olive oil)
1 cup thinly sliced scallions (I used 6 green onions)
1 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
1 cup fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped (I did not have fresh, so sprinkled in a bit of dry parsley flakes)
1 hothouse cucumber, seeded and medium diced (I peeled my cucumber, did not seed it and chopped it into bite sized pieces)
2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half at stem (I used grape tomatoes)
2 cups medium diced feta cheese

*Pour 2 cups water into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.  Add the quinoa and 1 teaspoon of salt, lower the heat and simmer, covered for 15 minutes, until tender and "open."  Drain, place in a bowl and immediately add the lemon juice, olive oil and 1 to 1 1/2 tsp salt
*In a large bowl, combine the scallions, mint, parsley, cucumber, tomatoes, 1 - 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper.  Add the quinoa mixture and mix well.  Carefully fold in the feta and taste for seasoning.  Serve at room temperature or refrigerate and serve cold.

**Note's from me: I noted some changes I made in the ingredients while typing the recipe, but also wanted to let you all know that the next time I make this, I will cut the amount of salt used..to me, it was way too salty.  This was my first time using quinoa, and honestly, I had reservation because I have heard negative things about it; I have heard that it is very bland and "card board" like, so I used the maximum amount of salt called for to be sure there was flavor.  This dish is delicious, we all loved it (and I was the only one who thought it was too salty), so I will be making it on a pretty regular basis, I'm sure.  Oh, in the original recipe, it says to drain the quinoa....I did not have to do that, all of the water was absorbed during the cooking process.

Enjoy! 

Menu from Jan. 4, 2015 - Jan. 11, 2015 and Meme's "baked corn"

  Thought that I would post our menu from last week.  Instead of posting menus for the upcoming week(s), I think I'll post our menus AFTER the week has passed....I planned  a menu last week for Jan. 4 - Jan. 11; things didn't go as planned...by the end of the week, I had only prepared ONE dish that I had planned.  Oopsie! 
  The hubby got a smoker for his birthday, which got a workout last week!  Love smoked meat!  We are both equally excited to find recipes for, well, just about anything!  Smoked beef, smoked chicken, smoked turkey, smoked pork, smoked peppers, smoked cheese....you get the picture.  ;) 
  Hubby's first time using the smoker, he made a rack of ribs.  They were honestly THE BEST ribs I've ever had!  Yes, even better than mine!  LOL  These had the perfect amount of seasoning (yellow mustard and apple wood rub) and smoke flavor.  They were so juicy and fell right off the bone....soooo good!
  Then there was the brisket.  The flavor was very good, but it was a tiny bit tough.  We've decided that it should have cooked an hour longer.  In hubby's words "it would have cut like butter" if it had cooked a little longer.  Well, now we know for next time.  :)
  Hopefully, next week I'll have some new recipes to post.  Every other week I pick up my "Market To Home" basket.  It's packed full of fresh veggies and fruits and you never know what your going to get!  We've had things in there that I've never used before, finding new recipes for new ingredients has been so much fun!  If you have some sort of farmer's co-op in your area, I highly recommend checking them out!  Granted, you may have to check a few programs out; it's such a great way to #1 support local farmers and growers, #2 discover new veggies and fruits that you never would have tried if you were shopping for yourself and #3 add healthier meals, sides and/or desserts to your diet.
  Now, onto the menu.....
Sun. Jan. 4 ~ Smoked ribs, twice baked potatoes & Meme's baked corn
Mon. Jan. 5 ~ Cilantro lime chicken served over white rice with a bit of shard cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream (recipe posted November 27, 2011)
Tues. Jan. 6 ~ I honestly forget what we had, maybe I didn't cook?  Hmmmmm  LOL
Wed. Jan. 7 ~ Grilled cheese (Havarti cheese, sliced tomato, Italian seasoning) and tomato soup with basil and a little cream
Thurs. Jan. 8 ~ Sausage tortellini soup and fresh baked bread (recipe posted Jan. 8, 2015)
Fri. Jan. 9 ~ Chili
Sat. Jan. 10 ~ Again, I have no idea what we had for dinner (and that was just two days ago...YIKES!) but I did make a very yummy breakfast of pumpkin/cinnamon Belgian waffles and bacon.
Sun. Jan. 11 ~ Beef brisket, loaded baked potato mashed potatoes, baked beans and baby carrots


Meme's Baked Corn
3 beaten eggs
Milk (1/4 - 1/2 cup)
3 TBS melted butter
1 heaping TBS flour
a little sugar
salt and pepper
1 can whole kernel sweet corn (drained)
1 can creamed corn

Mix all ingredients except corn until all of lumps are gone. Stir in corn.  Pour into a greased baking dish.  Bake at 350 for 45 - 60 minutes, until dish is "set" and not runny.

**I make this from memory.  I helped my gram with this dish many times while growing up, so I "eyeball" some of the ingredients.
 
Enjoy!

How about some soup?

  Brrr!  It is cold outside!  I suppose a low temperature of 17 shouldn't feel that bad to me after living in northern NY for so long, but believe me, it does!  I have been F F F FREEEEZING ever since last night!  It sure didn't take my body long at all to adjust to the warmer weather of the south when we moved to Georgia from New York!
  I know, it seems like most of the country is experiencing colder than normal temperatures.  Let's not forget all of the snow that is falling!  I am very thankful that we haven't had to deal with that (yet).  Sure, we've had a few flurries, but nothing to "write home about."
  Is there anything that warms you up on a cold night like a hot bowl of soup and some freshly baked bread?  I don't think so!  I love soup!  It warms me from head to toe!  The bread, just a yummy bonus this evening!
  Tonight my recipe of choice is a favorite of ours.  Sausage & Tortellini Soup.  I found this on Pinterest a few years ago and have made it a few times every winter, since.  Of course, I've changed a few things according to our likes, so that is the recipe I will be sharing with you.  Hope you all will enjoy this as much as we do!  Where ever you are.  Whatever you may be doing, please stay safe and warm!

Sausage & Tortellini Soup
1 pk Jimmy Dean sausage (I use the silver label ~ Sage)
3 cups uncooked cheese tortellini
4 cups boiling water
6 chicken bullion cubes
1 can evaporated soup
1 TBS oregano
1 TBS parsley
1 TBS chives
Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese for grating over top

In a med./large pot, cook and drain the sausage until no longer pink.  Dissolve the bullion cubes in boiling water.  Add to pot with sausage.  Stir in evaporated milk then seasonings.  Allow to simmer for 15 minutes.  Raise temperature a bit on stove, add tortellini and boil according to package directions.  Sprinkle with the fresh cheese when serving.  Enjoy!

** I always double this recipe because we love it!  The original recipe calls for Italian sausage.  I used Sweet Italian when I made this for my mom and step dad as it wasn't as "spicy" as with the Jimmy Dean sausage.  It was a huge hit!

I don't add salt because the chicken bullion seems to add plenty of "saltiness" to this soup.

Want it a bit "creamier?"  Add an extra can on the evaporated milk.

Reflection ~ 2014

  As I sit in the quite of our cozy little living room, thinking of the past year, I've decided to share some of our "adventures" with you all.  WOW!  A lot happened in 2014, good and bad.  We all know that we can't change the past.  What's done is done.  I choose to let go of the negative and cherish the positive, happy moments.  And now, I'd like to share some of the positive with you!
  One year ago yesterday, my hubby and I headed to the mountains of Gatlinburg, TN for a little "just us" get a way before he had to head back to Korea.  Gatlinburg is a beautiful place.  We were fortunate enough to rent a chalet with a breathtaking view!  Even though it was snowy, I didn't mind (those who know me know that I am not a fan of any sort of wintery weather), the mountains were snow topped and stunning!  I'd love to share a few of our photos from that trip!  #1 was taken in Cades Cove  #2 is hubby and I on a hike and #3 is our view from the dining room window in our chalet. 

 

  Once hubby went back to finish his tour in Korea, things for the kiddo, pups and I went back to "normal" for a bit.  Then, I got the phone call from the hubster, we were going to be moved once he returned in the summer.  What?!  NO!!!  The plan was to buy our "forever home" right there in Georgia and never have to endure another move again....

  After I came to terms with the move, there was a lot of discussion about where we'd live.  Do we rent a house again or buy?  What's our budget?  What if we don't like the area?  Well, we decided to look as though we were buying but if we didn't find anything that was right, we'd rent for a year.  So, a wonderful realtor in GA did some research for me and found us our realtor here and the house hunt began! 

  Kate and I made the 1 1/2 hour drive several times to look at many houses over a few months time.  I saw a few that were "nice enough" but nothing really struck me as a "forever home" house.  Finally, Kate found one and asked "Why are we not looking at this one?"  Well, it did appear to have everything we wanted, but I didn't think it was "me"  but we added it to the viewing list and Gena (our wonderful realtor~really, she was a blessing and a friend.  I will be forever grateful to her for her patience, knowledge, help...) brought us to see it.  Long store short, after a lot of "back and forth" in my mind, questioning this and that...Gene said to me one evening on the phone "I think that's the one.  Just go buy the house."  I still wasn't sure, so scheduled one more trip to view the house with Gena....yup, it was THE house.  We went right to Gena's office and put in our offer.  After some back and forth with the home owners...our final offer was accepted!!!  We got our house!!!!

  Late in April, my dad and I made a quick trip to Texas.  We were there less than 24 hours.  I loaded my car as full as I could get it, cleaned the best I could in such a short amount of time and then..we hit the road again, with one more person.  My sweet grandmother, was moving to PA to live with dad and his wife, but first was going to stay with Katie and I in GA for a while.  I was over the moon excited; I adore her.  I'm so thankful for the memories that were made while she was with Kate and I!  Easter dinner, showing Kate how to make her chicken and dumplings, our chats....Here is a picture from Easter.

 

   May rolled around pretty quickly!  It was a crazy month.  My baby girl turned 21 years old...YIKES!  We had to leave earlier than planned to take Meme "home" to PA due to some circumstances out of anyone's control.  Once we dropped Meme off, we headed to spend a few days with "Nene and Pap" at Hershey Medical center.  Then it was a quick stop in our hometown to help my sister out with a surprise party.  After that we headed to my father in law's house.

  Kate finally got to meet her littlest cousin and spend some time with his big sister.  There was a surprise birthday cake, a little shopping, went to a casino, a trip to Philly.  Then it was time to hit the road again...back to GA we went.

  Once we returned, things are all a bit fuzzy.  I really not feeling well, was crazy busy..so it's a bit of a blur.  There was a lot of sorting, cleaning, packing....the move was coming quickly!

  In July, my sweet husband returned!  We took a whirlwind trip up north to visit everyone, then it was back to more sorting, cleaning, packing.  We had a ton to do before the movers came to pack and load everything up.  We were able to take a quick trip to Savannah to visit with our very BEST friends, though, and I'm so glad we did!  We love them like family and have missed them terribly!

  In August, we closed on our beautiful "forever home."  We took full advantage of our yards and pool...a lot the unpacking was pretty much put on hold so we could just enjoy!  And we sure did!

  Fast forward to the day after Thanksgiving.  We began to decorate for Christmas.  My absolute most favorite time of the year!!!  We decorated almost every room downstairs, a little upstairs and were able to put some lights out front!    It was so much fun figuring out what would go where!  Hubby and I loved seeing it all come together! I'd love to share a Christmasy picture before wrapping this (very long) post up.

 Thank you for reliving the last year with me.  What a journey!  Now, as we begin a brand new year, I wish you all happiness, health and many blessings!

                                                                                                      ~Amy

 

 



Happy New Year!

  Out with the old, in with the new.  A fresh start.  A chance to improve ones self, make better choices, be happier and healthier...doesn't everyone start the New Year with high hopes for a better year to come?  For a month or two we really are mindful of our actions and try hard to follows through with our New Years Resolutions, but then, many of us "fall off the wagon" and revert back to our previous selves.  Ever wonder why that is?  I have.  I can't answer for anyone but myself; I don't like change and it takes a while for me to adjust to any sort of change, big or small.  Sometimes it's just easier to "do what I know" or what is familiar and comfortable.  So why make a resolution?  Why not just try to be the best YOU every day?  That is what I'm going to try to do.  Will I make a not so great choice once in a while?  I sure will!  I am human, plain and simple.
  My plan is to focus on taking better care of ME so that I can be a better mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend....a better ME.  I've learned over the last year or so that I do have limitations, physically and mentally, and that is OK.  I can not do everything for everyone and that's OK too.  Taking care of ME does not make me selfish or a bad person.  I am only human. 
  Many obstacles have been thrown my way over the last few years and I let the negative overtake the positive.  I've felt hurt and used by people that I care about, received terrible news about people that I love dearly, have seen loss, been through separations that broke my heart.....the most recent obstacle, my health.  I've just gotten too good at neglecting ME.
  Luckily, I've really been giving my life a lot of thought and have learned to relay on my God more and more; that brings me peace.  I know that I can not change the past, I wouldn't want to because I have learned from every experience, good and bad, but I can change ME.  Every day is a chance to start over, to be a little better.  I WILL BE A BETTER ME.
 (**Those pesky health issues I mentioned, have really wiped me out over months of neglecting symptoms that I thought were stress related.  With time, meds., treatment and rest, most of them are "fixable" and I'll be healthy as a horse once again!**)
  Soon I'll be blogging recipes, meal ideas, crafts, thoughts, etc.  For now I'd like to close by wishing each and every one of  you a happy, healthy and blessed 2015.  Don't forget to be a better YOU.  And smile...it just makes you feel better!

                                                                                                 ~Amy