Celebrate The Small Things -- Dec 9

It's Friday and I'm Celebrating The Small Things!  The brainchild of Viklit, Celebrate The Small Things is a weekly celebration where some bloggers have decided to post about something worth celebrating...no matter how big or small it is.

Today I'm celebrating...

• I started using a new medicine last week, in hopes of controlling the nerve pain from my occipital neuralgia (click here for more information on what this is and why I have it). I'm happy to say, so far, so good! I still have pain, but the medicine puts a good dent in it.

• I made my first body butter in two years! My aging skin (boo...hiss...) had started to really dry out a few years ago, so I started making my own soaps, in hopes of healing and moisturizing my skin (click here to see some cool soaps I made). I also started on the path of lotions and body butters. As soon as I started getting into the swing of things, I had a very bad arthritis flare up in my thumb (click here to see my very helpful thumb brace) and had to stop my new diy adventures for a while. I lost momentum and here we are two years later. But I am happy to report that my comeback body butter is great! I've been slathering it on after I get out of the shower, and periodically on my hands during the day. It's good! 

• my awesome brother. It seems like I mention how great my brother is every few months, but he really is! This is what he sent me in the mail last week:

• my children's humor. My son got glasses a couple of weeks ago, and here is what he did the other day to Emmie...

What are you celebrating?

If you'd like to Celebrate The Small Things, visit our wonderful host, Lexa @ Lexa Cain for more information.  And don't forget to visit her wonderful co-hosts:   LG Keltner @ Writing Off the Edge and Tonja Drecker @Kidbits Blog

I got an instagram! If anyone is looking for more pictures of Emmie, head on over there and give me a follow @thecyborgmom

Celebrate The Small Things -- August 19

It's Friday and I'm Celebrating The Small Things!  The brainchild of Viklit, Celebrate The Small Things is a weekly celebration where some bloggers have decided to post about something worth celebrating...no matter how big or small it is.

Today I'm celebrating...

• my baby girl turned Sweet Sixteen! I can't believe how grown up she is already...seems like just yesterday that she was so itty bitty and fit perfectly in my arms.

• my husband and kids! Having the party last weekend took a lot out of me, even thought I purposely tried to take it easy! I guess I did more than my body could handle, and I ended up pretty achy on Sunday and Monday. If it wasn't for my hubby and kids, things wouldn't have gotten done. They all helped with set up, clean up, food prep, taking care of Emmie (our dog and my bestie), and more stuff that I'm sure I just can't remember. That's one nice thing about having older kiddos...they can help!

• acupuncture... Having an acupuncture treatment on Tuesday really helped my body recover from the weekend. I really love acupuncture...a lot. I've blogged about it many, many times. For anyone interested in reading more about my acupuncture adventures, just type 'acupuncture' in the search bar on the right.

• Jim Gaffigan...When I'm not feeling well, I like to watch funny stuff on tv to help myself feel better. Gaffigan is, by far, my favorite comedian, and Netflix now has another two specials of his available to watch. If you are in need of a good laugh, check him out! For anyone who doesn't have Netflix, I will link his website here.

What are you celebrating?

If you'd like to Celebrate The Small Things, visit our wonderful host, Lexa @ Lexa Cain for more information.  And don't forget to visit her wonderful co-hosts:   LG Keltner @ Writing Off the Edge and Tonja Drecker @Kidbits Blog

I got an instagram! If anyone is looking for more pictures of Emmie, head on over there and give me a follow @thecyborgmom

Celebrate The Small Things - July 8

It's Friday and I'm Celebrating The Small Things!  The brainchild of Viklit, Celebrate The Small Things is a weekly celebration where some bloggers have decided to post about something worth celebrating...no matter how big or small it is.

Today I'm celebrating...

• A visit from my brother! He makes me laugh...a lot :) I got to see him and his family a couple of weeks ago when he drove from Nebraska to visit with my parents in Delaware for a week. My husband drove me and the kids to DE so we could see them for a few days, and while we were there, two of my aunts and my cousin and her kids came too. It was like a little mini family reunion.

• Being first in line at the gas station to get my emissions test done for my daughter's car. In total, I spent about 30 minutes getting that done. Not too bad! It certainly beats the two hours and forty five minutes I spent at the DMV registering and titling it! grrrrr

• My acupuncturist. My hands have been hurting a lot over the past few weeks and my last two acupuncture treatments have helped a bunch. I'm hoping that after another treatment next week, the arthritis that has been flaring will finally calm down. (This is part of the reason why I have yet to post about my facet joint shots...waiting for the hands to feel better so I don't have to do the two-finger-pecking-routine on the keyboard).

• Our new car! Our 2003 Ford Taurus finally died, so we picked up a 2015 Prius with only 7,000 miles on it...it was a pretty good deal. For those who have not been in, or drove a Prius before...they are so weird! You push a power button to turn the car on, a parking button to put it in park, and it barely makes any noise at all while it sits idle. It's very strange and different, but in a good way. Let's hope that my husband gets a good long time out of this car and doesn't kill it!

• Some beautiful local views. I dropped off my daughter to paintball the other day, and this was the view...

What are you celebrating?

If you'd like to Celebrate The Small Things, visit our wonderful host, Lexa @ Lexa Cain for more information.  And don't forget to visit her wonderful co-hosts:   LG Keltner @ Writing Off the Edge and Tonja Drecker @Kidbits Blog

I got an instagram! If anyone is looking for more pictures of Emmie, head on over there and give me a follow @thecyborgmom

Celebrate The Small Things 5/20/2016

It's Friday and I'm Celebrating The Small Things!  The brainchild of Viklit, Celebrate The Small Things is a weekly celebration where some bloggers have decided to post about something worth celebrating...no matter how big or small it is.

Today I'm celebrating having a very good Thursday. After having a very relaxing acupuncture session in the morning, I treated myself to a Starbucks Mocha Latte and some vanilla bean scones...yummy! On my way home from my treats, my husband texted me that he wanted some Red Robin for dinner. A very out of the blue request, but that meant that I didn't have to cook or figure out dinner...score! So after some phone calls, we met with my in-laws and my bff and his boys for dinner. Spending time with people I love and care about...that's just the best.

Also, yesterday was the only day the sun decided to come out and stay...it was a pretty nice day!

Sidenote:  I got an instagram! If anyone is looking for more pictures of Emmie, head on over there and give me a follow @thecyborgmom

I'm hoping to work on my facet joint shots update this weekend...it should be posted next week. Thanks to all for the kind words, good vibes, and prayers!

What are you celebrating?

If you'd like to Celebrate The Small Things, visit our wonderful host, Lexa @ Lexa Cain for more information.  And don't forget to visit her wonderful co-hosts:   LG Keltner @ Writing Off the Edge and Tonja Drecker @Kidbits Blog

Facet Joint Injections 5/12/16

Many of you know that I have been suffering from occipital neuralgia for several years, and have tried everything from physical therapy to acupuncture (you can read more about my acupuncture journey here) to trigger point injections to facet joint injections.

The next step is a procedure called a radiofrequency nerve ablation (here is a medical link that explains the procedure). Basically this means that I will get the nerves in my neck burned off...it sounds way worse than it actually is, at least according to my doctor. Here's the catch, in order for medical insurance to pay for the radiofrequency nerve ablation, I first need to have two identical, successful facet joint procedures done.

I had my first set of injections done in Nov 2013 (which I documented here, here, and here), and another done just a few weeks ago. The first time I had facet joint injections, the procedure almost gave me a panic attack, I was pretty sore for many days after, and they didn't give me the lasting pain relief that I had hoped for. I did not want to try them again, even though my doctor wanted me to give them another shot (pun intended!).

The problem is that the facet injections I had done a few weeks ago were done at different points in my neck in hopes that I would get better results. And the results were better this time around, but the pain relief only lasted about a week. Doc says that as long as I got relief, even for a short amount of time, that the chances of the radiofrequency nerve ablation neck procedure working are much better. That really is a mouthful.

So, today I go for my second (even though it's really my third overall) round of facet joint injections, in the adjusted spots. Wish me luck! I'll try to document these and report back. The really short version of the procedure from a few weeks ago...I was sore for a few days, but overall it was a much easier procedure (less painful) and quicker recovery. My doc prescribed valium for my anxiety, which helped a lot, and I have another prescription for today's visit :) Let's hope the relative ease of last time wasn't a fluke and I get similar results this time!

A to Z Reflections 2016 #AtoZChallenge

Whew! We made it through the A to Z Challenge once again. Well, for me it was again. Was this your first time? Have you participated in the challenge before?

Going into this years challenge, my goal was to keep my posts short and simple. Why? Well, it's easier for me to write them. Also, it's what I prefer to read, and it allows me to maximize my time and visit more blogs. I know I didn't have the most compelling theme, but it did allow others to hop quickly.

After figuring out a theme, my biggest challenge always seems to be the actual blog hopping part of the challenge. I write most of my posts the weekend before they go live, but it seems like finding the time to visit other blogs is difficult. And when I do have time, I either stumble across blogs that have the longest posts on the planet, or find posts that I'm not super interested in reading. Sorry! This year I really wanted make the best use of my time so I could find some new blogs to follow, and add to my blogging buddies list :)

Some observations:

• I appreciate when people put their theme immediately at the top of their post. I'm still hoping for a way to categorize the challenge list, so it would be easier to find content that you connect with.
• It's annoying when I have to fill out my whole life story before I can post a comment. I'm getting so tired of this, that I started to skip commenting on pages like this (unless I was commenting back from a comment someone left on my page).
• I do, rather weirdly, enjoy checking off the “I'm not a robot” box. Gives me a chuckle every time.
• I prefer 'blogger' websites as opposed to 'wordpress'. I find it easier to comment and follow with blogger, and even navigate through older posts (assuming the blog has the proper widgets).
• I noticed that when I tag @AprilAtoZ (the A to Z Challenge twitter handle) on twitter, when I post my blog link, I get a lot more hits on that post. Thank you @AprilAtoZ!!!
• There were a handful of times that I had no way to respond back to comments that were left on my blog. Either the person didn't have any blogger profile links, or a link to their blog in their comment. :(

I am happy to say that I have found some new blogs that I look forward to visiting after the A to Z, as well as reconnecting with some old favorites.

Here are some stand out posts:

This one made me SMILE

http://pempispalace.blogspot.com/2016/04/h-is-for-hugs.html

This one made me CRY

http://stumblestandfly.blogspot.com/2016/04/s-is-for-single-mom-atozchallnge.html

These made me LAUGH

http://stumblestandfly.blogspot.com/2016/04/t-is-for-thrill-of-grill-atozchallenge.html

https://hmgardner.blogspot.com/2016/04/iwsg-atozchallenge-stormys-epic.html

This was INSPIRING

http://www.poojasharmarao.blogspot.com/2016/04/cherish-challenge-change-atozchallenges.html

The BRAVEST post I read:

http://www.thejoyousliving.com/2016/04/d-date-rape.html

These are just some of the ones that stood out for me, but I did come across many great blogs.

What do you have to share? Did you enjoy this year's A to Z Challenge? Did you find any new blogger buddies? And please share any posts or themes that stood out to you...I'd love to visit some more great blogs!

Zero Pain #AtoZChallenge

...zero pain.  Well, that's a dream for a chronic pain sufferer like me.  But a sweet dream I will keep on hoping for!  Come on medical science...catch up!

For anyone interested in knowing a little bit more about me and why I have chronic pain, please see my About Me page.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hello to me during this year's A to Z Challenge!

For a complete list of all my posts from this years challenge, please visit my A to Z 2016 page here

Yellow Sunshiney Days #AtoZChallenge

...yellow sunshiney days.  Being a chronic pain sufferer, I also struggle with depression.  And anyone who has ever suffered from depression can tell you that we need the sunshine.  Need.  Like we need air to breathe, I need sunshine to help me feel better...both mentally and physically.

What is your favorite thing to do on a beautiful day?

Do you find that the sunshine, or lack thereof, affects your mood or health?

X-Files #AtoZChallenge

... The X-files.  Bringing back one of my favorite shows for a six episode run was like seeing old friends.  For anyone wondering...you don't need to see the original series to know what's going on with the new episodes.  In fact, I had began to do a rewatch, just because it had been so long since I'd seen the original show (and I have a terrible memory), but I quit mid-second season and watched the reboot.  I have no patience :)  Very happy I went ahead and did!

Image from Wikipedia

Have you watched The X-Files reboot?  Were you a fan of the original show?  Do you believe in any crazy conspiracy theories of your own?

Winter Wonderland #AtoZChallenge

...winter wonderland!  The peace of new fallen snow...the joy of a snow day at home...the magic of winter...

My boy...with his little head peaking out during a snowball fight

The view from our screen porch that I mentioned in this post

Do you find snow in the winter as magical as I do, or are you more of a summer person?

Vincent Van Gogh #AtoZChallenge

...Vincent Van Gogh, one of the most famous and adored painters of all time.  His work, coupled with his life story, is heart wrenching to me, which makes me appreciate and love him even more. Although we can now look at his paintings and acknowledge the genius that they are, and he was, Vincent never experienced admiration for his work during his lifetime.

For a great, yet sad, take on Vincent Van Gogh, watch "Vincent and The Doctor" (click here for the IMDb page) ...it's a Doctor Who episode that I think any Van Gogh fan would appreciate, regardless if you are a Doctor Who fan or not. 

My last cell phone case was Vincent inspired (The Starry Night)...

And one of my favorite paintings of his, Cafe Terrace at Night, hangs in my bedroom...

And remember that lonely nail polish that I mentioned in my 'A' post?  Yup, that's Van Gogh inspired too!  And yes, part of the reason why I bought it was for the name, it's called, "Starry Starry Night".

And then there is this cool exhibit that I found while surfing the internet...

Who is your favorite artist, and do you own any of their works?

Unexpected Gifts #AtoZChallenge

...unexpected gifts.  The best gifts are the unexpected ones.  The best surprise gift I ever had was my daughter :)  But I've had some material gifts too, and that's the focus on today's post.

Recently, my brother sent me this...

A Doctor Who license plate cover!  He said that when he saw it he knew he had to buy it for me...best bro ever.

Another surprise gift was this...

My friend Dany (same friend that I mentioned in Saturday's post) brought me this when she came to the US and stopped by for a visit.  It's now my favorite mug.

And the last one that I'll mention was a gift to my husband from the team he coaches.  How perfect of a gift is this?!

What's the best unexpected gift you've either given or received?

Time Lords #AtoZChallenge

...Time Lords.  Yes, like from Doctor Who.  Those who are Whovians will understand, and those who don't, head on over to Amazon Prime and watch some Doctor Who!

My very favorite Doctor is eleven, played by Matt Smith.  I love the quirky, 'madman with a box' that he portrays.  My second favorite is David Tennant, with "The Girl In The Fireplace" being my favorite episode with him.  And even if he only appeared for one episode, the 50th Anniversary special, I really loved John Hurt's Doctor.  That special is one of my favorites as it has all three of my favorite Doctors in it...guaranteed to bring a smile to my face.

My friend Dany gave me this! It hangs on my refrigerator so I can look at it everyday :)

Are you a Doctor Who fan?  Who is your favorite Time Lord?

Not a Doctor Who fan...then what show is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face?

Sharing #AtoZChallenge

...sharing :)  I miss them being this little! If only sharing was this exciting all the time :)

Do you have any special memories where someone shared something with you?

Rainbow Cookies #AtoZChallenge

...rainbow cookies.  Only the best cookies ever invented!  They take some time and patience to make, but it's worth it in the end.  I've talked about them before on my blog here.

For the rainbow cookie recipe that I use, click here.  Changes I made to the original recipe:  I omitted the raspberry jam and substituted almond pie filling for almond paste.  Then I made a ganache out of the chocolate so it wouldn't crack when I cut the cookies.

What are your favorite cookies?

Quiet Moments #AtoZChallenge

...quiet moments.  Those small, peaceful, quiet moments shared with our loved ones.

We were married at the end of November, and it was about 40 degrees out.  I was freezing!  With our wedding party in tow, we shot a bunch of pictures on the college campus where my husband and I met.  This picture was a candid shot that our photographer took while we were in between shots.  It is one of my favorites.

Do you have a quiet moment that is etched in your memory?

Pizza #AtoZChallenge

pizza...any kind will do...from homemade to frozen. But if you want the best pizza on the planet you'll need to take a road trip to Staten Island, NY to Denino's Pizzaria & Tavern. I could kill for some of that pie! Just the thought makes my mouth water...

image from Google maps

Click here for full directions

Click here to go to Denino's website where you'll find better pictures, a little about their history, and the full menu...do this on a full stomach or you'll just make yourself hungry!

  

Do you have a favorite pizza place?

Outside Spaces #AtoZChallenge

...outside spaces.  Of course, being that I'm so high maintenance, I need outside spaces with some shade, and without bugs. Enter--the screen porch.

When we bought our house five years ago, the screen porch was like the icing, extra fudge toppings, and a million cherries on top.  We love it!  Especially Emmie :)

It's fantastically awesome during thunderstorms.  We move the furniture to the middle as best we can, to avoid getting misted by the wind and rain, and then we sit outside and enjoy the Mother Nature show!

Do you have a favorite outside space?