Author: dianegclark

Mom and I go every three weeks to get mani’s or mani pedi’s at Kry8ion nails. They are awesome and so good to Mama.

I was invited to the Theodore Roosevelt 100 year celebration. I worked there from 1987-2002. It was very good to see my old co workers and see all the updates to the school. I felt nostalgic but also old, to be honest.

I am still training Wilson to be a therapy dog. He’s ready but we are short on trainers currently. I’m not in a hurry. He continues to be reactive on the leash but great otherwise.

I go to Denver as often as possible and Hannah comes here. Hannah is working 3-4 days per. Month. I am headed to Denver week after next for the whole week. Hannah and Kent are doing well, they recently purchased a cabin in remote Wyoming that will be fun.

Scott and I like to go to concerts, mostly locally. We did drive to Omaha to see Pink.

I stop by to see Mama almost daily. And I spend time regularly with my buddies Natalie and Izzy. Izzy’s eye is still healing from her July 3 accident with a Roman candle.

I have reconnected with this lovely lady, my lifelong bestie Ginger. We attended a mini reunion and plan to get together at least monthly. Love her so much.

I’ve been playing Pickleball! I took lessons with this fun friend and have been going every Friday to play and improve my game. It’s a blast!

I go to Newton as much as possible to spend time with these little monkeys. They aren’t so good at facetiming anymore and are living busy little lives so I don’t get to see them as regularly as I like. I love them sooo much. Leah and Dave are doing well, Leah with her social media and both with their businesses.

I go to the coffee shop almost daily, at least during the week. I only do the social media but it is my happy place. We are excited about the upcoming expansions.

I went camping recently with my coworker and bestie, Jamie. Loved every relaxing minute of it.

Joel and Kayla are engaged and plan a wedding in KC in October. This is from a short Denver trip where we all went to Red Rocks for a concert. I plan to get up to KC more frequently. We finally met Kayla’s parents in Topeka not too long ago.

The practice is going well. We are all almost full (Derek, Jamie, Tiffany and I—Mary is on maternity leave). I love spending time with this lovely lady, Tatiana, one of our life coaches extraordinaire. She and I love to do yoga and meditation and eat. I also hang out with our biller/credentialing expert, JoAnne when she comes to town.

Otherwise, I’ve been reading and meditating and working on myself lately. Trying to follow my gut health diet. I’ve lost 24 pounds. Whaaat? I still kickbox multiple times per week at 9 Rounds and have added back in weightlifting at Genesis.

Had. A cool experience yesterday. Though it was breezy cold, I went out to the Konza by myself for a Humanities Hike put on by the Discovery Center. Despite the cold, I enjoyed it. We basically walked around in small groups and listened to short talks by humanities experts.

First, we heard from an archeologist. She explained that archeology isn’t just about finding artifacts and looking at details but learning about the people through the environment. She said the people settled there at the Konza due to the water, wood and clay for building homes.

Next we heard from a historian about the people who settled here and named Manhattan. I had heard quite a few of the names. She knew the name of the homestead that you can still see remains of on the Konza.

The next talk was my favorite. It was Nature Bathing from an eco therapist. She had us first breath and ground into our feet then notice everything brown around us. Next, we spent one minute each focussing on each of our senses, like we looked deeply at nature, then touched it, then smelled it, then listened. She said normally you’d do 10 minutes each. I know the science behind all of this and it excited me. I want to learn more and begin doing this regularly. I’m excited about what it could do for my clients.

Next we heard from a member of the Kaw nation who descended from Native Americans who settled and hunted here. It was so cool to hear about. She talked about glaciers who landed in the Topeka area and were important to the Kaw Nation. The biggest was moved to Lawrence and recently returned to the Kaw people. I want to attend Washunga days in Council Grove next summer.

We next heard from an essay ain’t (I think writers have very different brains from me—my style is direct and clear). I admire those who can speak and write in flowery language. We also heard from a poet. She was more down to earth. I wish I could write poetry like her. She spends hours in nature describing it beautifully. Both do.

This was an experience I won’t likely forget and I’m glad I went.

Well, it got way worse before it got better. I continued, despite following the food restrictions of the elimination diet to experience physical reactions. First, it was jut IBS, cramping, pain and diarrhea, often uncontrollable, sometimes without the pain or warning of any kind. And then I experienced dumping syndrome, complete with strong emotions, sweating nausea, pain, dizziness, weakness with or without diarrhea. I discovered I was doing the diet wrong, just trying to eliminate foods I was sensitive to but within the constructs of my horrible, carb loaded diet. I thought just substituting gluten or dairy or sugar free items without making other changes would do it.

I started reacting to corn. Then oat. This left me poultry, pork, lamb, and fish, fruit, veggies, some nuts in moderation and some beans in moderation. I couldn’t eat anything two days in a row. This chick, who never liked vegetables, is having to eat them. Salads, squash, sweet potatoes, carrots. And tons of fruit. I have almost completely burned out on chicken and bacon.

I have lost 24 pounds. My body no longer feels inflamed. I have not had a negative reaction in over two weeks. I have energy. I am sleeping better.

I have slowly begun to add back in foods, so far, just corn. Next will probably be oat. This will allow for some baked goods. But it will need to be within the construct of a new way of eating, more protein and fruits and veggies, all carbs being supplemental.

Speaking of supplements, I can’t take them. I ordered patches; multivitamins, D3 and calcium and B complex.

I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to eat some of the things I used to enjoy: cheeseburgers, pizza, casseroles. Supposedly my testing showed that I will always be reactive to dairy. Sigh. I am over the grief part of this. Mostly. I have found foods I enjoy: apples and peanut butter, blueberries with coconut sugar, frozen mangoes. I eat black bean and turkey chili, ground turkey, red lentil spaghetti and sugar free Ragu. Sugar free baked beans.

I’m glad I sorted out the connection between emotions and gut health. My daughter’s sister in law was so helpful to me in explaining what her attacks felt like (she has Chrones Disease).

I like having lost 24 pounds and feeling better but oh my goodness this has been a journey.

I left early to spend the day and catch the boys’ soccer games last weekend. I was greeted at the car by Henry and Eleanor. It warms my heart they get so excited to see me. Inside Emmet presented me with a card that he wrote with his school picture inside. we played some soccer I. The front yard and Eleanor found a giant spider.

We got everyone ready and piled in the car for the games. Henry told us on the way that he planned a sneak surprise move that he and Emmet had worked out while they were going to sleep.

Henry’s game went well. He is a pretty good little soccer player. He knows to not bunch up and got some good kicks on the ball. He played some goalie and had some good stops.

Emmet’s game wasn’t as positive this time and he didn’t play like he usually does because some kid said something mean to him. Also, they had a lot of kids and made a lot of random substitutions.

We had lunch then quiet time which consists of snuggles and cuddles and grandma trying to rest despite Henry’s wiggles.

Then we went bowling. This was a blast! Eleanor used the ramp and the bumpers. She jumped with delight when the ball rolled down the ramp. Henry and Emmet made huge productions of it with a style that ended them on the ground every time and then some pretty awesome little celebrations after each try.

We stepped by Prairy, the health food store and cafe the kids co own. We had dinner and then I went home. I love my visits to Newton.

We spent the weekend with Kent, Hannah, baby June joined by newly engaged Joel and Kayla in Denver. It was a relaxing weekend full of walks, meals, talks, playing with June and sitting in the backyard pool.

Monday night we gathered our rain ponchos and drive through Morrison to Red Rocks. I’ve seen it from a distance but have never attended a concert there. It was amazing.

After a two hour storm delay in which we sat together in two cars side by side playing a cooperative phone game, we donned our ponchos and hiked up the ramps and stairs into the venue. No bad seats in the place.

We saw Lucinda Williams, opener, and i didn’t know how i missed her before. She’s a rock/americana contry artist whose been around since the 70’s. Three years ago she had a stroke that made her seem older than her 70 years. But she rocked it out. I enjoyed her music.

The main artist was Big Thief. Hannah and Joel really like her. I like, don’t love her music. She is a fascinating looking person, non binary, attractive and talented. Overall it was entertaining and i enjoyed the experience.

As i begin my healing journey, I am just beginning to understand how truly sick I’ve been. For a very long time.

Yesterday i went to lunch with friends at a taco place. I can eat corn and salsa every 4 days so i indulged in chips and salsa. I ordered carnitas with corn tortillas but didn’t love it so boxed it and filled up with chips. As i finished, i felt the very familiar discomfort in my bowels. I am still inflamed. I excused myself and rushed off in a panic, clenching as usual. And then. I had a normal BM. And felt fine. As i drive home after, i teared up, realizing i haven’t needed to panic or rush. I’m getting better.

I’ve suffered from the symptoms of IBS for years. And anxiety, worsened during cancer treatment six years ago. I thought the IBS was the result of the anxiety or at least complicated by it. Now I’m learning that both symptoms, and more, were due to food sensitivities, leaky gut, a really unhealthy gut, and a parasite, most likely picked up in Cambodia.

I’m doing it! I started with coffee. This is hard for me, to say the least. I’ve savored a cup of coffee with creamer during my morning quiet time every morning for 40 years. And i happen to own a coffee shop. I ordered mud/wtr which is anti inflammatory mushrooms, chai tea and cacoa. I like it! I add silk oatmilk creamer.

Changing the rest of my diet was and continues to be a challenge. I am not a vegetable or fruit lover. I am not an adventurous eater. So to completely change almost every meal and snack is so so so hard. I’m grieving. I am saved by the fact that i can eat potatoes (no butter, cheese or sour cream), chips and popcorn. But only every four days. And I’ve lost 7 pounds in three weeks.

I feel better. The cramps are easing. No rushing to the bathroom or God forbid not making it. No longer feeling and looking 9 months pregnant after eating. maybe after the grief eases, my mood will also improve. I can relax. My stomach feels so much better. I think I’ve been really sick for a long time.

Hannah, Kent, and baby Jeanne came to Manhattan to stay with us for five days to go to a wedding. It was a chaotic whirlwind, full of laughter great times and precious memories.

They arrived from Denver on Thursday evening. We enjoyed AJ’s Pizza and garlic knots and Crumbl cookies at home. Of course Junie didn’t stay awake very long.

Friday morning Hannah and I went on a shopping adventure to find her some short white cowboy boots to wear to the wedding. We looked at two or three stores downtown, including a brand new consignment shop that I had such a good time in and want to go back to. I bought green American Eagles jeans and two amazing pairs of shoes. We drove out looking for a boot store I’ve been to before couldn’t find it then zipped around a few stores in the mall not finding anything. Later in the day without me while I napped, she and Scott and Kent went out to the Western store north of town and found a beautiful pair of boots that she loved.

Friday late afternoon we went to a pre-wedding reception while Kent watched baby June at the house. We ate amazing burritos from the Fridas food truck on the back deck and played some ping pong in the livingroom.

June warmed up slow to both Scott and I as she seems to want to be touching one of her parents at all times. She did have a brief moments of playing with toys on the floor with me. On Saturday I got to take care of her all day I changed her diapers and we played with toys had lunch, napped together twice, played some more and then snuggled all afternoon watching TV. I tried to take a bath with her which she did not like and so she cuddled with Scott who came to the rescue. Junie slept in my bed that night and made cute sounds. In the morning she cuddled and pet Wilson with me and then cuddled on my chest for 30 minutes I loved it.

On Sunday, Father’s Day, we all went to Lake Wabaunsee to spend the day with Larry and Joanna. Joel and Kayla and Leah’s entire family and mom also joined us there. We swam off the dock, floated in the water, ate great food and had wonderful conversations and took pictures. It was wonderful Father’s Day for all.

Monday morning Hannah and I got up and put Junie in the stroller and walked to Aggieville to go to my office, the coffee shop, and the Dusty bookshelf. We both bought books. I bought children’s books to keep at the house for all the grandkids.

Monday evening after Scott and Hannah cooked dinner, we took June to her first ever trip to the pool for the twilight swim. At first she hated it and cried and signaled all done and then with just Kent warmed up to the kid’s pool and seemed to really enjoy it.

Every evening after putting the kids to bed enjoying a meal together, we gathered in the living room and watched a Netflix series called silo.

It’s always sad when we say goodbye after great visits.

It was waaay too long since I’d seen my Grandbabies. I rushed around my Friday morning to get to Newton so Leah could go to a meeting. I got there at 2. The boys were downstairs watching tv for their quiet time. They didn’t know I was coming. They were very happy to see me. We snuggled and watched tv and played with legos . When Eleanor woke from her nap and came down the stairs all sweaty and sleepy eyed, her eyes got huge and she smiled and said, “Dammaw!”

Henry had on a collared polo shirt backwards with the collar popped so it wrapped around the front of his neck. So funny. Emmet has lost 8 teeth and has one new permanent one in front. Eleanor wears her sweet dresses every day.

We ate ice cream, a standard grandma snack, then played legos. Eleanor and I went outside and swung and played in the sandbox. She took my hand a bunch of time this weekend and said, “Dammaw, tome wit me.” While we were doing the dishes for Leah, I heard Emmet reading to Henry in the bedroom. He can read like a pro! I could understand so much more of Eleanor’s words.

While in the laundry room, I had my shirt off washing out a spot of chocolate syrup when I felt a little hand on my muffin top, sweetly just touching. Henry asked, “what’s this, Gwamma”? ‘Just back fat, baby.”

On the way to get food for dinner, Henry said he likes boogers now. He said, “wait! Boogers!” And he says burgers the same way he says boogers. We all laughed.

I almost got to go to t ball practice, but it was canceled due to thunder. We played with sidewalk chalk, flowers, rainbows and poop. If you draw with 5 and 7 year old boys, you’re gonna draw poop. in every color.

After dinner we went to Freddy’s for ice cream. What a mess! So fun. Baths after. Everyone stripped down naked while the water ran and while Emmet was using the bathroom, the little’s ran around the house neked. Of course, I encouraged this and sent them around the back yard too.

This morning we got up and had breakfast and went to the Wichita zoo. So fun. Eleanor ran around in her dress, yellow rain boots and colorful crown giggling and saying, “I love zebras!” Or every other animal we saw. Emmet wanted to read and learn about the animals, Henry did too. They were simply delighted. We loved the gorillas, zebras, meerkats, giraffes, goats, parrots, and more. We played in the water, stomped in puddles and walked and walked.

In the car after the zoo, Henry leaned over to me and whispered, “I wish you didn’t have to go home.”

My sister in law turned 60 and her daughter had a birthday party for her at her farm. It was so fun!

Emily’s farm is wonderful. It has a two story farmhouse with a wrap around porch. You drive down several tree lined gravel roads to get there. Emily had a country rock band set up on the side porch and a fire pit going. There is a quaint faded red barn and an old light blue semi truck. There were picnic tables and about 30 people.

I, of course, was all about the animals. There was a baby pig named chocolate. And a big black pot bellied pig named Greta. There were three goats, two of whom are fainting goats. I scared the hell out of one that wasn’t the fainting goat. Oops. We couldn’t get the other goats to faint.

I had some good conversations and reconnected with my nephews. Lots of hugs, a little dancing.