My Dog Gone Adventure

Grand-parenting isn't for sissies! When you have been entrusted with an overly active two year old for a weekend, he should come with the warning: THIS MAY BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH. Especially when you are a "grandparent" to your child's "Fur Baby" a German Shepard-Husky mix dog named Jax. (A.K.A. Houdini)

Those of you who know my daughter Katie and her friend Chris and have had the opportunity to meet or hear about the infamous Jax, you're acquainted with his rambunctious, curious nature that tends to get him into trouble. And just like human grandchildren, he tends to pull stuff with "Grama" that wouldn't be consider with his mommy in the house.  

Let me bring you up to date on a few of his past week's mischief:

• Ate a red velvet cake and greeted me at the door with the empty pan in his mouth and a happy "I cleaned my plate do I get a treat?" look on his face.
• Got into the Valentine's Day gift bags and ate a small box of chocolate candy, (box and all) a bag of yogurt covered pretzels, licked the bag of Gummy Bears (no chocolate so he didn't  bother opening it) and was working on getting into a package of Oreo cookies. (yes, he's a chocoholic)
• Devoured a plate of homemade chicken empanadas faster than you can say were's the sour cream.
• Stole a custard paczki. (pounchki) but was caught red handed (or should I saw red pawed) before he ate it.
• Hid a stash of pop-tarts (chocolate fudge) under the ottoman and behind the couch cushions. (yes, he can open the cupboard, and yes, we have put dog proof locks on them)
• Leapt our fence from a seated position to chase a squirrel in the neighbor's yard. 

Jax has terrible separation anxiety from his mommy and even knowing this, we were still caught off guard last weekend. When his mommy left, the entry door didn't close all the way. Hearing the garage door going down he used his nose to open the entry door wider, jumped on the screened door hard enough to pop it open and darted under the garage door just before it closed. 

By the time I put the door back up he was at the end of our driveway, in the road running full spend ahead chasing after their car. They didn't see him or me waving and yelling for that dog gone dog to come back here. 

Let the bad dogie games begin. I chased him, limping as fast as my bad knees allowed. He would stop and wait for me to catch up and just as soon as I reached him, he'd dart off again. I called Katie's cell and gave them the 411 and our GPS (Grama Pooch Situation) location as I continued to give chase. 

That naughty boy went 4 houses down, then ran in between my friends houses. I'm  sure it was just to embarrass me in front of my friends. Or maybe it was to ensure he had a bigger audience. He leisurely strolled along their backyard property lines while waiting for me to catch up. 

Right when I finally got close to him he noticed a section of privacy fence on the ground and darted into the yard. The house faces the next street and I do not know the owners. So here I am in the wet rain, tiptoeing over the downed fence section, fearful of falling or breaking through the wood. Then, of course the inedible happens...I slipped. I grabbed for the fence post while praying that it was more secure than the fence section was, and twisted my left leg and knee. 

Jax looked at me with those sad puppy dog eyes and waited for me to limp over to him. I made the mistake of thinking he was taking pity on this Grama who was wheezing and in need of her asthma inhaler. As soon as my fingers were secure in his collar he jerked sideways taking me with him. Thank God I didn't fall completely to the ground. Instead I twisted and landed on the side of my right foot and felt intense pain.

Just then the Calvary arrived. They spotted us  coming down the side of the houses, retrieved him from me and headed back home. Jax was in "time out" on the ottoman and attached to a leash when I arrived. 

Jax slept the afternoon away while I iced and elevated my throbbing foot and knee. By Sunday morning I couldn't tolerate the pain any longer and drove myself to the Hospital ER.

The good news is that Jax is none the worst for wear. The bad news is that Grama is! A stress fracture to my right foot and a torn ligament in my left knee. I can't use crutches so I have a lopsided limp. (Weebles wrobble, but they don't fall down!)

Just let me go on record as saying that Jax and Grama did not have an excellent adventure!

Wishing your a safe journey through life!

Blessings! :)

My Achy, Breaky Heart

Billy Ray Cyrus, the country music singer, songwriter, actor and philanthropist, is best known for his 1992 Number One single "Achy Breaky Heart",  We sang (or twanged) along with his song on the radio and many of us even Country line danced to it.

In 2005  the phrase "Achy, Breaky Heart" took on a whole new meaning for me after a  trip to the Hospital Emergency Room for what I thought was an Asthma attack.  A chest x-ray revealed an enlarged heart and some fluid build-up in my lungs. Added to that was a very low heart rate,  irregular heartbeats and an abnormal EKG. This ensured my admittance to the cardiac unit for observation and additional testing.

The next morning around 5 am "Waltzing Matilda" (my IV pole) and I made the short trip from the bed to the bathroom. Feeling weird and fearful of fainting I pulled the nurse call light.  Her response was immediate, as she had already been on her way into my room to check on me. As she walked me back to my bed she explained that the monitor had showed several pauses between my heartbeats. As I sat down on the bed I broke out in a cold sweat and then blacked out.

They say the hearing is the last thing to go, and for me it was also the first thing to return. I heard a discussion taking place about whether or not it should be charted as a "code blue" as the crash cart paddles weren't used. The male voice at my side stated that "she was already turning blue when I arrived." (My first conscious thought was "so that's why it's called a code blue.") He continued, "she was gone for 3 to 4 minutes. I gave her an injection of epinephrine and she's coming around now."

Opening my eyes I saw a sea of people. (Have I died and gone to Singles heaven?) Then I noticed that they were all dressed in scrubs and crowded into my hospital room. The lone figure dressed in white and standing on my right hand side was a Doctor.  I was informed that I needed a pacemaker (I was 49 years old) and was headed right into surgery.

As I was being prepped for surgery I recalled the following verse:

          "O my son, (daughter) give me your heart." ~ Proverbs 23:26a (NLT)

I was reminded that God, our great physician and healer, can mend a broken heart if we will only give Him all the pieces. Without a doubt I know that God's hand was upon me that day and being at the hospital literally saved my earthly life. I was given a second chance at life.

God is the God of second chances and He willingly offers each of us a chance for a new life in Christ.

"Jesus told him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." ~ John 14:6 (NLT)

This means that Jesus Christ is the author and giver of life, natural, spiritual, and eternal. He is the way of life, or "the living way." Jesus paid the penalty for our sins so we are perfect (worthy) in God's sight.

What's the condition of your heart? Won't your give God all the broken pieces and places so He can make it new?

Wishing you healing for your Achy Breaky Heart and a New Life in and through Jesus Christ.

Blessings! :) 

My Funny Valentine!

In January I wrote "I Haven't The Foggiest Idea" about "Fibro Fog" or "Brain Fog" as it is often called. My friend Patty who has MS posted the following comment: 

"I can so relate to this brain fog stuff. People with MS get it also, in varying degrees. Sometimes it is scary. What I started doing when I just could not think of the word was to start describing it and within 15 seconds or so I would remember the word. My husband, who also has MS, and my 89 year old mom both get brain fog so I've got them doing the same thing. If you just start talking about (describing) the thing that you cannot get the right word for, VOILA! the right word just appears (sooner than later). It's very silly, but it works!"

We joked that it was like the  game"Words With Friends" Brain Fog edition.  Since then  I have tried Patty's memory trick and found it to be quite successful for me most of the time. So I thought of my friend Patty when I saw a Valentine's Day card that read: 

"Me forget to send you a valentine? Ridiculous!! 

Why I have a memory like a....like a.....

You know....like one of those big gray animals with the long funny nose!"

So now are you wondering if it is true that elephants never forget? Since inquiring minds want to know, I Googled it. The answer is...YES.

"When it comes to smarts, elephants are right up there with dolphins, apes and humans, says WCS cognitive scientist Diana Reiss and colleagues at Emory University in Atlanta. They reported in 2006 in the proceeding of the Natural Academy of Sciences USA that elephants, like the other mammals in that exclusive circle, are the only animals known to recognize their reflections in a mirror."

Remarkable recall power, researchers believe, is a big part of how elephants survive. Matriarch (female head of the herd) elephants, in particular, hold a store of social knowledge that their families can scarcely do without, according to research conducted on elephants at Amboseli Nation Park in Kenya.

Source: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=elephants-never-forget&page=2

So the next time someone says that you have a memory like an elephant, take it as a compliment!

Wishing you a memory like an elephant, and many pleasant memories to reflect on!

Blessings! :)

Help I've Fallen and I can't Get Up!

Living in Michigan we're accustom to dealing with weather issues, even the issues of heavy snowstorms. As much as I loved the snow as a child, now that I'm an adult it's become more of a love-hate relationship. Especially for those of us who occasionally (OK more than occasionally and less than all the time) have mobility issues.

We've all seen the TV commercial where an elderly person slips and falls either in their kitchen or bathroom and yells: "Help I've fallen and I can't get up!" Someone always comes to their rescue and then they purchase the necklace for a help line service. I'm not THAT old and never gave much thought about purchasing one my for myself at this stage in my life. Then Murphy paid me a visit.

You've heard the adage that says: "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong." While I don't know exactly who this Murphy Law is, I'm sure he must be a relative of mine. My mother quoted him for years and that crap happened (and still does) to us all the time. (Drat my Irish heritage!!!)

For example: My daughter and I had gone out together. When we got home I pulled into the driveway and she jumped out and headed into the house. I got out of the car, turned to shut the door and BAM! You guessed it, I fell backward into the very large snowbank at the side of the driveway.

My purse and the cell phone it contained went in one direction and I went the other. I leaned sideways to try to reach it and my glove less hand broke through the ice crusted snow up to my elbow. ( No, I don't know why I had left them in the car) I then rolled sideways trying to reach it, and broke deeper into the snow. What I was thinking? Or more accurately not thinking, because now I  am laying  in the snowbank and of course the purse is still just out of my reach.

Then I moved to get onto my knees, another dumb idea. Intense pain in both knees and now the front of my jeans are wet. I yelled: "Help I've fallen and I can't get up!" Then just as Uncle Murphy Law predicted, no one heard me or came to my aid. Although I'm sure that a few cars did slow down,  look, point and were laughing as they drove by.

So what could I do? I  returned to my former sitting position with my bottom in the snowbank and my feet still under the car. As much as I was tempted to cry out of the sheer frustration of my peril, my brain kicked in to remind me that it was cold enough, and with my wonderful luck, my tears would probably freeze!

I sent up a prayer for rescue knowing it would probably lead to more embarrassment on my part. Then, when all else fails, try doing something else. So I pulled my legs out from under the car and up close to me. Then I scooted on my bottom until I was close enough to touch the car. I reached up, grabbed the door handle, which thankfully I had locked the doors, and pulled myself up. I  got my footing, gathered up my purse and would have done the same with my dignity had there been any left.

I stomped into the house madder than a wet hornet, which technically I did resembled at that moment. My daughter was coming down the stairs and asked what took me so long. Hearing a long silence pause on my part, which is very unusual for me, she looked my way. Then she noticed that I was wet from head to toe and she broke out in a fit of laughter. So what's a mother to do? Using much self-restraint on my part to not cause her bodily harm, I started laughing too. It got funnier the more I described my icy adventure to her.

Deja Vu of my childhood kicked in as I peeled off the wet layers of clothing. Thankfully I didn't have to depend on sitting over a heat duct to get warm as I used to do. Instead I turned on my electric throw, sat in my favorite chair by the fireplace and waited to thaw out. As the cold subsided and the warmth returned to by body, I couldn't help but wonder what it would costs for one of those pendent necklaces after all.

Wishing you warmth when the days are cold, wisdom when you fall into the snowbanks of life, and someone to come to your aid with a helpful hand. Always remember to live, love, laugh, and watch out for Murphy Law.....he can be a difficult one!

Blessings! :)

Lo$ing It

Do you know what the hardest part of living with a disability for me is? 
It's losing it! With the "IT" being money. For me personally it means trying to maintain my home and support myself and my family on a third of the income I made when I was able to work.

Based on the people I know, the average Social Security Disability Income (SSDI)  appears to be a meager sum of $12,500. a year. (Equal to my income in 1977 when I 20, single and still living with my parents) That income sum is much the same for many of the elderly who are on Social Security.

Were you aware that in order to receive your disability benefits here in the United States you have to be unable to work for a full year. (usually without a source of income) Since this is not something we plan to happen to us, there is not an abundance of money stockpiled to carry us through.

Then comes the "Snowball Effect Syndrome". The symptoms begin when expenses and bills roll into one ball and start rolling down the hill at full throttle speed. As it gains momentum it continues to multiple in size until it is overwhelming. Next comes the side effects, stress, anxiety and often depression.

The Social Security Disability process takes about three years and your first application is normally denied. You'll need an attorney who specializes in Social Security Disability to submit the necessary documentation for you. The attorney is paid by Social Security when your case is complete. The maximum fee the Attorney could charge was $6,000. in 2010  

When you receive your back payment it is for the last two of the three years, but the prorated method doesn't equal the full two years income. Attorney fees are also deducted from it before you are paid. By the time the over due bills are paid up, there isn't a surplus left to help you to rebuild your lost Savings, Bank Accounts and the IRA's that were cashed in to support your family while you waited.

According to the 2010 US Census that was published in 2011 9.5 percent (8.8 million people) of households aged 18 to 64 reported having a disability. The median income of these households was $25,550 in 2010, compared to a median income of $56,736. for a household  that did not report a disability. Real median income declined for both types of households between 2009 and 2010. The income of households maintained by a householder with a disability declined by 8.5 percent, compared with a 2.1 percent decline for households maintain by a householder without a disability. 

The number of people in poverty in 2010 (46.2 million) is the largest number in the 52 years for which poverty estimates have been published. 

Source: http://www.census.gov/prod/2011pubs/p60-239.pdf

Ironically, I did not see income figures based on a female head of household with a disability. Although it was noted that females did make less and therefore received less in Social Security Disability benefits. For elderly females on Social Security the income levels would also be low based on many who didn't work or worked for lesser incomes than men. Then they could chose to  received their Social Security benefits or half of their husband, based on whichever was the larger amount of the two. For those that remarried, they could only draw half of their new husbands benefits, even if it was lesser than what they drew based on a former deceased husband.  

I started working in high school as a co-op student making $1.75 an hour. I've worked most of my life, except for about 5 years that I was a stay-at-home mom. Even then I worked as a Welcome Wagon Hostess, and a Realtor. Next came Interior Design and Furniture Sales and then I worked as a Mortgage Originator (but not all at the same time) because these were all jobs I could work around my family's schedule. This was very necessary, especially after a divorce when I instantly became a single mom of two. I could not have survived this without the help and support of my parents. They were retired and would help me by getting the children from the bus stop and watching them until I got home from work.

It infuriates me to think of all the years I've worked and paid into Social Security and then when it is desperately needed by me, I reap so little in return. ( it's my money and I want it now!) I  get angry just thinking about all that I've lost because of chronic illness and my disabilities. Then I remember to dwell on the positives of my life. Knowing God can turn those negatives into positives  if we'll ask him for His help.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." ~ Romans 8:28 (NLT)

"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." ~ Philippians 4:19 (NLT) 

God has supplied my every need and often in such creative ways. Like receiving a refund check in the mail for the exact amount I needed to pay a bill. Or the time we returned all the empty pop cans and had enough to cover our grocery bill. (God IS in the details!)

"Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord." ~ Psalms 24:14 (NLT)

I still haven't mastered the patient part, nor am I always brave and courageous. But I have learned to wait on the Lord, for His timing is always perfect.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." ~ Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

When I have panicked and rushed into doing something, (anything) trying to fix it all immediately on my own, it hasn't worked as well as I had thought it would. But instead, if I took the time to pray, read the Bible and seek God through his word, and then apply the "let go and let God" theory, he had the perfect solution. Often it was as simple as meeting someone who had information for resources that I needed and didn't know how to go about applying for. Or connecting me with a support group that nurtured me, encouraged me and guided me through the hurt and into the healing of them.

My life may not be perfect, or easy, but God has carried me through the difficult times and has comforted me when I felt so helpless and afraid. I try to seek out those who are dealing with similar issues and "pay it forward" by helping and encouraging them. For when we focus on others and their problems, ours don't seem so bad.

Wishing you joy for the journey, comfort in your distress and hope for the future!

Blessings! :)

Dancing In Concrete Shoes

Before the television series "Dancing With The Stars", we watched musicals. "Singing In the Rain" (1952) was a musical/comedy with Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, Donald O'Conner and Jean Hagen. It made you want to run outdoors during a rainstorm and splash and dance through the street (without the fear of falling on your bottom or getting hit by a car) Or little Shirley Temple tap dancing her way into our hearts in "The Little Princess" (1939),  "Fort Apache" (1948), and "Heidi" (1937). Then came Elvis Presley in "Love Me Tender" (1956) singing and "gyrating" in movies. (I'm not that old, we watched reruns) And how can we forget "Saturday Night Fever" (1977 and it was rated-R) or "Grease" (1978) with John Travoltra? 

When we weren't gathered around the one (yes just one) TV set in the house, we'd retreat to our rooms and put on our 45 records and sing and dance along. I lived in Michigan and must admit I grew up with the Motown magic of the Supreme's and the Temptation's. I really miss the days when we were "Footloose" (1984) and fancy free! (pun intended)

These days it's more like I'm dancing in cement shoes, or at least that is what it feels like when the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome flares up. Every movement is an effort that causes me pain. Even if I could kick up my leg or attempt to leap, I would be a jumbled heap on the floor (and in bed for many days afterward). My children would indulge in their version of "Humor Therapy" (also known as hysterical laughter). This wouldn't allow them the opportunity to help me up, as they would be too busy pointing, laughing and making a video for youtube (now you understand why some animals eat their young!)

What really gets on my last nerve (irks me) is when someone asks what is wrong with me and when I say it's Chronic Fatigue Syndrome they reply: "I know just what you mean, I come home from work exhausted too". Lucky for them that I suffer from "Fibro Fog", or I'd so give them a piece of my mind! So instead, here is a brief educational commercial:

What is the difference between Fatigue, Chronic Fatigue and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Fatigue is one of the most common complaints that doctors hear. Fatigue is usually caused by stress, lack of sleep, overexertion or a minor illness such as a cold or the flu. Typically, fatigue goes away once you are rested or recover from being sick.

Chronic Fatigue means that you have exhaustion or lack of energy lasting for six moths or longer. Chronic Fatigue is generally a symptom of something else, such as: infection, depression, endocrine diseases (hypothyroidism), muscle or nerve diseases (MS) or immune or autoimmune disorders (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis).

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is an extreme, persistent, constant fatigue that lasts longer than six months. It makes it difficult and sometimes impossible to function at even the most basic level. To be diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome you also have to have at least four or more of the following symptoms for more than 6 months that began after the fatigue:

• Impaired memory or concentration
• Post-exertional malaise (extreme exhausted & sickness following physical or mental activity)
• Unrefreshed sleep, sleep disorders (Sleep Apnea) or lack of ongoing sleep
• Muscle pain
• Joint pain without swelling or redness
• Headaches of a new type or severity
• Sore throat that is frequent or reoccurring
• Tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes
• Fibromyalgia
• Nutritional deficiency (for me it's potassium, vitamin D, B & B-12 that I deplete)
• High stress levels

In addition to these diagnostic criteria, there are about 50 more recognized symptoms, including dizziness and balance problems (I'm guilty of walking and bumping into the person walking next to me), allergies, chemical sensitives, anxiety, stiffness, numbness and irregular heart beat. (I have a pacemaker) While not all of these symptoms are required for a diagnosis, they can help your doctor to identify what is going on in your body.

There is not a diagnostic test that can accurately detect Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The condition is not curable, and so far the FDA has no medications that are approved solely for the treatment of it.
 Source of information: http://chronicfatigue.about.com/od/whatischronicfatigue/a/cf_vs_cfs.htm 

Dance is a type of art that generally involves rhythmic movement of the body to music. In many cultures it is performed as a form of emotional expression, social interaction,  exercise, in a spiritual or performance setting or used to express ideas and tell a story.

I still dream of dancing in the Ginger Rogers and Fred Astair style with the graceful movements, your partner waltzing you across the floor, without even breaking a sweat. (and I have a dancers body, grace and of course a beautiful formal gown, and my make-up and hair professionally done. Hey, I can dream big!)  Life often mimics dance. Sometimes you are out of step, sometimes it hard to learn, sometimes it's really easy, and sometimes you are the one dancing backward while someone else takes the lead.
.
"Life can only be understood backward, but it must be lived forward." ~ Soren Kirkegaard

Thought for the day:
"Dance like no one is watching. Love like you've never been hurt. Sing like no one is listening. Live like it's heaven on earth." ~ William Purkey

Remember, life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's learning to dance in the rain (even if you are dancing in concrete shoes!)

Wishing you the strength to dance, love that is returned, a song in your heart and a slice of heaven on earth!

Blessings! :)

Road Runner or Coyote?

Growing up, one of the Saturday morning cartoons I watched was the Looney Tunes' Road Runner show. Road Runner was always running down the road while being chased by Wile E. Coyote. We never heard a complaint out of  the Road Runner. Probably due to the self-confidence that came in knowing he could out run his predator, regardless of what road he was on. He never spoke other than "Beep Beep", which to me denoted his happiness. He was a winner, and victory was always his! "Beep Beep".

For many years I could relate to the Road Runner. I was on the road to my future and happiness was the goal. Engaged, "Beep Beep". Married, "Beep Beep". New home, "Beep Beep". Children, "Beep Beep". New job, "Beep Beep". During the next 18 years there were some bumps in the road of life, but that was to be expected and they were not long-term, "Beep Beep".

Then in 1995, everything changed. My identity took on a persona more like that of Wile E. Coyote. In my pursuit of the elusive blue bird of happiness (Road Runner) I was now on the wrong side of luck. (picture the Coyote holding up his help sign).

"The test results showed some irregularities" (anvil drops), SPLAT! "It appears to be cancer" (safe drops), SPLAT! "We need to schedule surgery as soon as possible" (piano drops), SPLAT! "Your husband has filed for divorce" (dynamite blast), SPLAT! Suddenly the bottom fell out of my world. Just like Wile E. Coyote, I found myself in a free fall. Totally helpless to stop the pull of gravity and awaiting my impending doom (long pause). There was nothing that I could do other than to close my eyes and wait for the final SPLAT!

In my despair, I cried out to God. "Why me Lord? What have I done to deserve this? What do I do now?"
Through the tears, and in spite of the anger and hurt I knew there where still options.  I could:   a) Become the Road Runner or b) remain the Coyote.

As Road Runner I could:

• Stay on the road and set my eyes on the goal.
• Carry out the duty of outsmarting the hungry scavenger.
• Have courage and confidence in knowing that I can out run the problems which try to devour me.
• No dialogue of complaint, but the "Beep Beep" of happiness and praise.
• Pause to see and enjoy the beauty around me.
• Trust my creator, knowing I am safe in His hands.

"Choose you this day whom ye will serve...but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord". ~ Joshua  24: 15

As Wile E. Coyote I could:

• Continue to chase the Road Runner knowing it's a hopeless pursuit and driven only by my hunger.
• No dialogue except yowling in pain.
• Hear only the "Beep Beep" of fear.
• Be my own worst enemy; remember no outside force harmed the Coyote except his own ineptitude, and the  misuse and failure of the ACME products.
• Keep using the useless ACME products simply because (holds up sign) "I have a good line of credit".
• Realize that the coyote is always more humiliated than harmed by his failures, but that in real life this isn't always true. I can be harmed.
• Stop any time; unless I am a fanatic."A fanatic is one who redoubles his efforts when he has forgotten his aim" ~ George Santayana

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits-who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good." ~ Psalm 103: 2-5

Road Runner Theme Song lyrics:

If you're on the highway and Road Runner goes beep beep. 
Just step aside or you might end up in a heap. 
Road Runner, Road Runner runs on the road all day. 
Even the coyote can't make him change his ways. 

Road Runner, the coyote's after you. 
Road Runner, if he catches you you're through. 
Road Runner, the coyote's after you. 
Road Runner, if he catches you you're through. 

That coyote is really a crazy clown, 
When will he learn he can never mow him down? 
Poor little Road Runner never bothers anyone, 
Just runnin' down the road's his idea of having fun.
source: http://www.lyricsondemand.com/tvthemes/roadrunnerlyrics.html

Food for thought: When life drops a heavy load on you (safe falls) SPLAT! Will you choose to be a Road Runner or a Coyote?

"O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me". ~ Psalm 30:2

I choose to be a Road Runner. I choose the healing. It may not be a complete physical healing, but God can and has brought spiritual and mental healing to me. He gives me the will to press on. "Whoa, Be Gone! " Beep Beep! Look out world here I come! Full speed ahead. "Going, Going, Gone!"

Wishing you a "Fast and Furry-ous" journey and reminding you to "Stop! Look! And Hasten!" in pursuit of God and the road to everlasting life 

Note: Blue items are actual Cartoon titles.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wile_E._Coyote_and_Road_Runner