Friday, December 26, 2014

Celebrate The Small Things -- Dec 26

It's Friday and I'm Celebrating The Small Things!  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.

I'm celebrating a successful Chrismas!  We had dinner for 17 people (including my family of four), which was the biggest crowd I've ever had for the holidays.  My wonderful, amazing, and handsome husband is the best person ever...he did so much of the work, as my hand is still too crapped to cut and dice stuff.  I mostly supervised and seasoned when necessary.  Thank you, my love, for all you do!

I hope everyone else had an enjoyable holiday, whatever it is you celebrate.  I feel so very grateful to have friends and family around to share these special times with.  Here's to a great 2015!

What are you celebrating? 


If you'd like to Celebrate The Small Things, visit our wonderful host, VikLit @ Scribblings of an Aspiring Author for more information.  And don't forget to check out her co-hosts:  Diana Wilder, LG Keltner @ Writing Off the Edge, Katie @ TheCyborgMom, and CaffeMaggieato @ mscoffeehouse

 

Friday, December 19, 2014

Celebrate The Small Things -- Dec 19

It's Friday and I'm Celebrating The Small Things!  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.

The first thing I'm celebrating this week is indoor plumbing.  It's something that I think we normally take for granted, but it was super cold and windy one night this week, and just the thought of having to go outside in that weather gave me the chills!  I love my inside toilet :)

Let's all take a minute to celebrate Amazon.com, as I've done most of my Christmas shopping (yet again) on this website.  Although I have a lot of medical problems that keep me from properly shopping (like out in the malls and such), I've been very lucky finding many things on Amazon, and their shipping policies are awesome when you have Amazon Prime, which I do.  How are you guys doing with your holiday shopping?
 
I'm also grateful that I chose to trust my gut and get a second opinion for my daughter's shoulder.  The new orthopedist said she has "little league shoulder".  He said that with proper meds (anti-inflammatories), rest, and rehab, she should get better.  Just in case, I've brought her back to acupuncture...to see if a little Eastern medicine can help along the Western medicine!

I apologize to everyone for the lack of visits...I'm still having a hard time typing with my thumb brace.  Seems like my hand gets sore rather quickly.  I promise to make it up to all of you guys once I'm all healed up!

Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas to everyone who celebrates! 


What are you celebrating? 


If you'd like to Celebrate The Small Things, visit our wonderful host, VikLit @ Scribblings of an Aspiring Author for more information.  And don't forget to check out her co-hosts:  Diana Wilder, LG Keltner @ Writing Off the Edge, Katie @ TheCyborgMom, and CaffeMaggieato @ mscoffeehouse

 

Friday, December 12, 2014

Celebrate The Small Things -- Dec 12

It's Friday and I'm Celebrating The Small Things!  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.

This week I'm celebrating this wacky looking brace on my hand, because it seems to be helping!  So weird.  It's made of a rigid plastic, and I find that wearing it around the clock was causing a bit of heat bump/hives to happen on my hand.  So I stopped wearing it while I slept, and that seems to have done the trick.  I can type easier, fold laundry, eat, and brush my teeth again!  And I can even take care of bathroom duties (doodies LOL I stepped right into that one...ohhhhhh!  I couldn't resist) again...with it off.  It's the little things my friends!

Also, we went to my daughter's orthopedist this week for the results of her MRI.  Her right (throwing) shoulder has been hurting since September and she hasn't progressed with her physical therapy the way she should have by now.  The findings came back that she has NO tears or rips, and her shoulder looks like a healthy shoulder...so no surgery needed!  This, of course, doesn't account for the pain that she's been struggling with, so we are seeing a shoulder specialist next week for a second opinion.  Please keep her in your prayers!


Happy Weekend!  


What are you celebrating? 


If you'd like to Celebrate The Small Things, visit our wonderful host, VikLit @ Scribblings of an Aspiring Author for more information.  And don't forget to check out her co-hosts:  Diana Wilder, LG Keltner @ Writing Off the Edge, Katie @ TheCyborgMom, and CaffeMaggieato @ mscoffeehouse

 

Friday, December 5, 2014

Celebrate The Small Things -- Dec 5

It's Friday and I'm Celebrating The Small Things!  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.

This week I'm celebrating:

  • My finger is finally feeling better.  I have arthritis in my hands (I have arthritis everywhere) and my thumb joint decided to flare up a couple of weeks ago.  It swelled and hurt like a mofo.  I saw the doctor yesterday and he prescribed an individually made splint that I have to wear for the next few weeks.  Luckily, it's not too much of a hindrance, although I'm not quite convinced it's going to help...it doesn't look like much!

 

Apologies to everyone for my lack of visiting and hopping around.  It's been super hard to type, and typing with my super slow left hand has been driving me crazy!
  • Our family is also celebrating my daughter's confirmation this Saturday!  This means that she will receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit and be considered an adult in the eyes of the church.  We are very proud of her!

Happy Weekend!  


What are you celebrating? 


If you'd like to Celebrate The Small Things, visit our wonderful host, VikLit @ Scribblings of an Aspiring Author for more information.  And don't forget to check out her co-hosts:  Diana Wilder, LG Keltner @ Writing Off the Edge, Katie @ TheCyborgMom, and CaffeMaggieato @ mscoffeehouse

 

Friday, November 28, 2014

Celebrate The Small Things -- Nov 28

It's Friday and I'm Celebrating The Small Things!  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.

This week I'm celebrating:

  • My health.  Yes, I have some shitty health problems, but they are not life threatening.  I have my pain and struggles, but I'm thankful for this life that God has given me.  I have a wonderful husband, beautiful children, and loving family and friends.  I am blessed in so many ways. 
  •  My 15th wedding anniverary!  Long story short...it's the best "yes" I ever said, and my husband will surely be sainted one day.
  • A wonderful Thanksgiving with fantastic friends and family.  We only have to travel 30 minutes to my in-laws, and I don't have to cook :)

Happy Weekend!  


What are you celebrating? 


If you'd like to Celebrate The Small Things, visit our wonderful host, VikLit @ Scribblings of an Aspiring Author for more information.  And don't forget to check out her co-hosts:  Diana Wilder, LG Keltner @ Writing Off the Edge, Katie @ TheCyborgMom, and CaffeMaggieato @ mscoffeehouse

 

Friday, November 21, 2014

Celebrate The Small Things -- Nov 21

It's Friday and I'm Celebrating The Small Things!  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.

Let's start my celebrations by mentioning how awesome my soaking tub is.  With all the cold weather happening, it's been nice to have a nice soak in a hot bath filled with epsom salts.  Just the thought of it makes me want to have a bath right now.

Speaking of cold weather...I'd also like to celebrate the fact that I don't live in Buffalo, NY.  As much as I love snow, the amount of snow those people are dealing with is just crazy!  I hope it slows down for them.




Stay safe Buffalo!  Here is a link if you'd like to see some incredible pictures posted from Buffalo and some pretty funny tweets.  One guy used the wall of snow as a cooler for his beer!

Lastly, but certainly not least, I'd like to celebrate my awesome hubby who gave me an early anniversary present...silicone TARDIS molds.  He knows me so well :)  Here is what I made with them...

https://cyborgsoaps.wordpress.com/2014/11/18/doctor-who-tardis-soap/
Click the pic to check out my new hobby


Happy Weekend all!



What are you celebrating? 


If you'd like to Celebrate The Small Things, visit our wonderful host, VikLit @ Scribblings of an Aspiring Author for more information.  And don't forget to check out her co-hosts:  Diana Wilder, LG Keltner @ Writing Off the Edge, Katie @ TheCyborgMom, and CaffeMaggieato @ mscoffeehouse

 

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

MORE Affordable Heathcare? Not Really.

Over the past few weeks I've noticed that my compound creams have started to lose their potency, so I called in to have them both refilled (I have two: one for my neck and one for my ankles). Here is where the fun begins...

Back in September, I received two letters from my insurance company stating that they would no longer be covering compound creams with certain medications in them. Of course, among those listed, were quite a few that I noticed were ingredients in both my creams. Oh joy.

The medications that are no longer covered

I called the pharmacy that handles my ankle cream and told them that before they refilled my prescription that I would like to know how much my cost would be since my insurance coverage had changed. The customer service person quoted me $55 for 4oz of the “cash alternative”. Not too bad! I had heard horror stories of prescription pain creams that were over one thousand dollars out of pocket. I considered myself lucky and was thrilled at my new price. Then I asked what the difference was between this “cash alternative” and my original prescription. I got put on hold as he didn't know the answer.

The inserts that came with my pain creams
When the pharmacist picked up, she told me that my new cream would be almost as effective as the original one, because some of the ingredients were different in this new one and the percentages of the medications used would be lessened to allow for cost savings. Umm, would this really be effective for me considering all these changes? I mean, it's not like I have a little tennis elbow or something. Hmm. So I asked how much the out of pocket cost would be if I just got my original prescription instead of the “cash alternative”. I mean, my current cream seems to be working just fine...it takes the edge off most days. And even though I still have some pain that I have to deal with, it does help. I was put back on hold again.

This time the customer service guy came back on to quote me my out of pocket cost... 

$2263.39

Holy. Fuck.

Well, I guess that's why I've heard crazy rumors about the outstanding costs of compound pain creams...because they are fucking true! This is outrageous! My jaw is still on the floor from shock.

Sooo....I'm going with the $55 “cash alternative” cream. Shocker! I figure that it's worth a try...and what other choice do I really have? It's either this, or I start taking narcotic pain killers for my pain. And I really don't want to do that!

And the compound cream that I use for my neck...I don't have an estimate on that cost yet since there were no more refills on that prescription and my doctor denied a refill over the phone. I have an appointment next week to see her and we will discuss what my options are if I cannot affordably get the same cream as before. Cross your fingers that she has some reasonable answers and options! I don't think I can handle another $2000 quote.

On a related note...

I would just like to say “thank you” to all of the sleazy politicians who have made my health care MORE affordable. You're doing a bang up job. 



 And fuck the FDA.


Friday, November 14, 2014

Celebrate The Small Things -- Nov 14

It's Friday and I'm Celebrating The Small Things!  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.

First off, I'm celebrating my bed.  I love love love my bed and I never want to part with it again.  If you missed my post about my crappy bed experience this past weekend, click here.  Long story short:  there's no place like home...in your own bed.

The biggest celebration of this week is the clean bill of health from my daughter's pulmonologist (lung doctor).  Mary was diagnosed with asthma when she was six years old, which was aggravated by severe seasonal allergies.  Since early elementary school, she would get either pneumonia or bronchitis every spring and fall.  Luckily, she's never had to be hospitalized because of this (knock on wood), but did come pretty close once. 

At the pulmonologists recommendation, we started Mary on allergy shots three years ago,  and since then she has been bronchitis and pneumonia free (knock on wood again).  At her worst, she was on 5 different medicines:  Flovent (an inhaled steroid for her lungs), Nasonex (allergy med), Zyrtec (allergy med), Elestat (prescription eye drops), and Benedryl (because even with all the other allergy meds, we still needed Benedryl every four hours during the peak allergy season!). 

We used to go see her pulmonologist every three months, for many years.  We now only have to go twice a year for a check up.  During her visit yesterday, the doctor said that Mary's lung functions were great, about the same as last time...and that's with her being off all her medicines!  As long as we keep up with her allergy shots every three weeks, she seems to be staying in pretty "normal" health.  I'll take it!

Now ask me how much money the new orthodontist quoted me for the braces my son has to get next month :(  It's never ending! LOL

Stay warm everyone and have a Happy Weekend!



What are you celebrating? 


If you'd like to Celebrate The Small Things, visit our wonderful host, VikLit @ Scribblings of an Aspiring Author for more information.  And don't forget to check out her co-hosts:  Diana Wilder, LG Keltner @ Writing Off the Edge, Katie @ TheCyborgMom, and CaffeMaggieato @ mscoffeehouse

 

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

The Princess And The Pea

My weekend away with my hubs was very relaxing, but not as restful as I had hoped.  That is the super short version of events.

Ever since I was a teenager, I've suffered from back spasms on and off.  Because of my bone disease, all the bones in my body, including my spine, aren't formed the way they are supposed to be.  This causes my muscles to want to protect my bones when they move a certain way that my muscles don't think they should be moving (can't we all just get along?  Apparently not).  Before I was put on my current medications, the spasms used to happen 3-4 times a year, as opposed to the once or twice a year now.  But even if it's not in full on spasm (meaning I can't move for days), there are many times that it is achy and annoyingly bothersome.

In general, I usually have a hard time sleeping in any bed that isn't my own (I have this all natural latex mattress at home and it's awesome!).  I've had better luck with high end mattresses, like the few Tempur-Pedics that I've slept on, and even air mattresses have been good when traveling (well, good enough).  If I don't have any of these, I end up with back pain, sometimes for days.  It makes for very uncomfortable traveling.

This past weekend was the third time that we've stayed at this particular bed and breakfast.  The past two times we stayed in two different rooms and both were very comfortable.  Since it's such a beautiful house to stay in, we've tried to stay in a different room each visit.  Well, the room we slept in this weekend had the softest bed that I think I've ever slept in--ever.  It was so soft that we just sunk into it.  I imagine that many people would feel like they were sleeping on a cushy cloud and would enjoy the entire experience.  I did not.  

Luckily I travel with an arsenal of medicine (just in case) and so after waking up Sunday morning, completely exhausted from getting hardly any sleep for the second night in a row, I started the muscle relaxer routine.  I took 2-3 Flexeril pills a day for the past 3 days. Today is the first day that I'm Flexeril free.

My back is almost all the way eased up...I can still feel where it's a bit tight in one spot.  Thankfully I didn't have any appointments in the beginning of this week and so I was able to stay in bed while my back worked itself out.  And many thanks to my husband...for, once again, picking up the pieces while I'm stuck I bed feeling like crapola.  I love you Jason!

What kind of mattresses have you found to be helpful for problem backs?

 

Friday, November 7, 2014

Celebrate The Small Things -- Nov 7

It's Friday and I'm Celebrating The Small Things!  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.

This week has been a rough one... I had a steroid shot on Tuesday and my head has been really sore ever since.  I get this procedure done every three months to help with my occipital neuralgia.  Because it's gotten so frequent, my doctor mentioned to me that I may consider seeing a surgeon for a consult to cut off (burn off?) my occipital nerve.  I told him that I'm soooo not ready for another surgery yet!  He encouraged me to at least do some research on it so I know my options.

On a brighter note...

A super cute thing happened this week...my two year old nephew "talked" with me on the phone...really I just said hello to him and told him that I loved him.  My brother said that he waved to me and blew me kisses!  I definitely have to Skype them next time so I see the cuteness that is my nephew :)

The biggest celebration this week is my upcoming weekend...my husband and I are celebrating our anniversary a little early this month and going away to a wonderful bed and breakfast that we've been to before.  Not only will I get some alone time with my love, but I scheduled a massage for Saturday morning that should help my poor little broken body feel better.  I can't even explain in words how much I'm looking forward to a relaxing weekend and some much needed pampering and relaxation!

I look forward to catching up with everyone next week.  Happy Weekend!

Edit:  After writing my post, I realized that Nov 7 is my 1 year blogging anniversary!  That snuck up on me...I'm glad I realized it just in the knick of time!  So, Happy Bloggerversary to me!

What are you celebrating? 


If you'd like to Celebrate The Small Things, visit our wonderful host, VikLit @ Scribblings of an Aspiring Author for more information.  And don't forget to check out her co-hosts:  Diana Wilder, LG Keltner @ Writing Off the Edge, Katie @ TheCyborgMom, and CaffeMaggieato @ mscoffeehouse

 

Friday, October 31, 2014

Celebrate The Small Things -- Oct 31

It's Friday and I'm Celebrating The Small Things!  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.

How about we celebrate Halloween?!  I have such wonderful memories of trick or treating when I was a kid.  Last year I made myself a TARDIS shirt for myself (Doctor Who reference) so I could be dressed up while I passed out candy.  I love seeing all the kids in the neighborhood, especially the really little ones.  My husband went and picked up candy yesterday afternoon, and I'm hoping that he got some of the good chocolate ones, so I can munch in between door bell rings :)

Happy Halloween and Happy Weekend!

This is a picture of my daughter for her second Halloween...the first one that she could actually go trick or treating.  The Hershey Kiss is still my favorite costume yet!  I still can't believe that she's now in high school!

What are you celebrating? 


If you'd like to Celebrate The Small Things, visit our wonderful host, VikLit @ Scribblings of an Aspiring Author for more information.  And don't forget to check out her co-hosts:  Diana Wilder, LG Keltner @ Writing Off the Edge, Katie @ TheCyborgMom, and CaffeMaggieato @ mscoffeehouse

 

Friday, October 24, 2014

Celebrate the Small Things -- Oct 24

It's Friday and I'm Celebrating The Small Things!  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.

The biggest thing we are celebrating this week is FOX...as in the channel.  I don't know what happened, but we lost FOX a couple of months ago.  Since we don't have cable, we rely on our Roku box and an actual antenna that is set up in the attic to watch tv (we're so old school).  Our antenna provides us with "regular" channels (i.e. CBS, NBC, ABC).  Last night, while my husband was channel surfing, he discovered that we miraculously have FOX back...and in the middle of the World Series.  You must understand one thing...my husband is a baseball fanatic...a serious crazy man when it comes to baseball.  Getting this channel back during the world series is like a gift from God.  Peace and joy can now, once again, reign in our house. 

I'd also like to celebrate my acupuncturist.  She is a wonderful healer who works wonders sometimes when it comes to my aches and pains.  The past couple of weeks have been hard on my body because of the drastic temperature changes (read more about this here).  I feel very blessed that I have an all natural alternative to western pharmaceuticals.

On a lighter note, I'm also celebrating my two new nail polishes that I got for a steal!  I was back at Walgreens this week and picked up a Wet n' Wild polish on sale for $1, and found another polish on the clearance rack that was priced at $2.12.  When the clerk rang me up, he asked if I would like to use my Walgreens rewards.  Um, yes please!  So I had $3 taken off my order.  BAAM!...two awesome new nail polishes for 12 cents!

Happy Weekend!


What are you celebrating? 


If you'd like to Celebrate The Small Things, visit our wonderful host, VikLit @ Scribblings of an Aspiring Author for more information.  And don't forget to check out her co-hosts:  Diana Wilder, LG Keltner @ Writing Off the Edge, Katie @ TheCyborgMom, and CaffeMaggieato @ mscoffeehouse


 

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Voodoo Dirt Helps Arthritis

The drastic temperature changes over the past couple of weeks have been especially hard on my shitty bones, causing my arthritis to kick into overdrive and make me ache all over.  It will be 70 during the day, and drop to the 40's overnight.  Imagine if you took a hot glass straight from the dishwasher and put it in the freezer...it would shatter, right?  Well, my body seems to react with a similar anger to the temperature change.

This past weekend I barely made it out of bed because I was in so much pain.  Luckily, over the past couple of days, the temperature seems to have evened out a bit, although now I'm dealing with the achiness that comes with all this stupid rain!  My acupuncture treatment today has already granted me some relief...thank God.  God bless my acupuncturist...she is a true healer.  I asked for some herbs to help over the next couple of weeks and she gave me this concoction.


I have to take three small teaspoons a day, before meals. The taste is pretty terrible, and it looks like dirt, but all the herbs I've taken in the past have helped.  Let's hope I'm as lucky again this time around!

Here's a closeup of the ingredients:


Don't ask me about the ingredients...the only ones that are recognizable to me are cinnamon and licorice!  But if this bottle of voodoo dirt helps...then bring it on!

Have you ever eaten or taken anything out of the ordinary just to help you feel better?


Friday, October 17, 2014

Celebrate The Small Things -- October 17

It's Friday and I'm Celebrating The Small Things!  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.

The first thing I'm celebrating this week is new nail polish.  My daughter and I stumbled upon a new, inexpensive brand of polish while at Walgreens the other day.  And they were on sale for $1...so we got a handful.  In case anyone out there is a nail polish loony like me, here are the colors from left to right:  Sinful Colors brand Boogie Nights--a coral, Sugar Sugar--a shimmery maroon red, Bali Mist--shimmery lilac, You Just Wait--shimmery pale pink, and Midnight Blue--a royal blue color. 


And let's be honest, that blue is very close to being TARDIS blue (this is a Doctor Who reference for all who don't get it.  And if you don't get it, please stop reading and head on over to Netflix or Amazon Prime and get watching!).  If you've ever read my "About Me" page (you probably haven't, but that's okay), then you know that TARDIS blue is one of my favorite colors.  So, currently this is what I'm wearing...


The best part for me about nail polish is that it doesn't really matter what kind of health I'm in, I can still jazz up the fingers.  I remember my grandma letting me polish her nails every now and again.  It doesn't matter your age, your weight, your health, or your money situation (I mentioned the $1 price tag, right?), almost everyone can feel pretty with newly manicured nails...even if they are short and stubby like mine.

Of course, since they were so cheap, I went back yesterday and got a couple more...and since I was already there, I picked up a few more polishes that were on sale :)

 
Left to right: Sinful Colors Basecoat and Folly--a magenta.  Sally Hansen's Cinny Sweet--a shimmery cinnamon red, Insta-dry top coat, and Chic Pink--shimmery light melon.  I normally don't wear a basecoat, but the light pink color I picked up doesn't have a lot of color payoff.  I'm hoping that it will show up better with a basecoat...and if not, I'm only out a couple of bucks.  Actually, I think Walgreens has a good return policy...I may have to check on that.

I'm also celebrating finding a new orthodontist for my son.  My daughter is done with braces and is in the 'wear retainers for life stage' (yes, that's a thing), but my son is really just at the beginning of his journey with orthodontics.  We haven't been too happy with our current doctor, so finding a new one is one of those things I can cross off my "to do" list.  And the best part is that the new guy is only five minutes away...thank heavens!  What nobody ever tells you about the orthodontist is that you need to go every 5-6 weeks when you have braces or any other appliances in your mouth (my son currently has expanders).  That's a lot of visits, and it will be so much easier now that we won't have to travel a few towns over.  I've actually sat in traffic for over an hour, for what is normally a 20 minute car ride!  Ugh!

 
Happy Weekend!


What are you celebrating? 


If you'd like to Celebrate The Small Things, visit our wonderful host, VikLit @ Scribblings of an Aspiring Author for more information.  And don't forget to check out her co-hosts:  Diana Wilder, LG Keltner @ Writing Off the Edge, Katie @ TheCyborgMom, and CaffeMaggieato @ mscoffeehouse


 

Friday, October 10, 2014

Celebrate The Small Things -- Oct 10

It's Friday and I'm Celebrating The Small Things!  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.

This week I'm celebrating Skype.  I got to Skype chat with my brother yesterday and witness my niece farting on my brother...then she giggled and told my brother, "I tooted on you!".  Priceless :)

Happy Weekend!

Do you Skype chat with family?  Or use Facetime or Oovoo? 
 
What are you celebrating? 


If you'd like to Celebrate The Small Things, visit our wonderful host, VikLit @ Scribblings of an Aspiring Author for more information.  And don't forget to check out her co-hosts:  Diana Wilder, LG Keltner @ Writing Off the Edge, Katie @ TheCyborgMom, and CaffeMaggieato @ mscoffeehouse


 

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

I Really Hate The Dentist

Yesterday I had my scheduled cleaning at the dentist, and I hated every minute of it!  Sorry Doc!  I have to say, that since switching to my new dentist about a year and a half ago, I do love my new dentist.  She is very nice and super gentle with me.  No pain when I have my cavities filled.  Even the kids love her.  BUT, I still hate the whole experience.

The scraping on my teeth...the stupid lead apron for x-rays...the x-ray thingies that are too big for my mouth...the polisher that sounds too much like the drill...the grittiness of the polishing cream...the man-handling of my tongue...must I go on?  Just about the only thing I like about my semi-annual cleanings is the super cool sunglasses that are provided for me so my eyes don't get blasted by the crazy bright light that they shine in your face.  *note to self: take a selfie next time with the sunglasses :)

Also, did I mention the amount of antibiotics that I have to take before my appointment?  Yup.  Once you've had an artificial joint (and I now have 6!), the ADA recommends that you pre-medicate before your appointment to minimize the risk of infection.  How this all works, I don't know.  I just do what I'm told and swallow 4 horse pills an hour before my appointment.  Oh joy.  I felt sick to my stomach all day yesterday because of the stupid pills!  And when I go back in three weeks for my filling (of course, I have a cavity), I get to pre-medicate at that time as well.  I'm really looking forward to that day...not!  I'll probably end up taking a Xanax for that appointment since just the sound of the drill raises my blood pressure and gives me anxiety.

So, while I finally have a dentist that I'm comfortable with, I still pretty much hate the whole thing. I have all the usual things that many people don't like about going to the dentist...and I have the whole antibiotic craziness to deal with too.

Anybody out there hate going to the dentist as much as I do?




Friday, October 3, 2014

Celebrate The Small Things - Oct 3 - Girly Stuff!

It's Friday and I'm Celebrating The Small Things!  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.

This week I'm celebrating a couple of girly things...shoes and makup!

First, my search for a pair of shoes that I can wear with my custom fit orthotics (and are not sneakers) has resulted in these!



Yes, they cost me $135...but considering that this is my second pair of shoes that I wear, I'll take it.  It's always been hard for me to find shoes because I'm a size 5.5, with a bit of a wider foot.  And now that I have my orthotics, this has made things even harder since I need to find shoes with a removable insole to accommodate them.  Next, I sort of need a bigger shoe...and this doesn't always mean a size bigger.  My new boots ended up being a great fit because I got them in a size 6, but they don't feel too long, probably because of the orthotics.  I ordered a pair of cute Clarks shoes, but I had to return those because when I put my custom inserts in I couldn't get my foot in the shoe...at all!  I think Clarks tend to run a bit small and narrow and just may not be good for my feet...too bad since they were really nice shoes.  Anyway, I'm really happy with my cute new boots!  (For anyone looking to order shoes that are orthotic -friendly, I ordered from onlineshoes.com --they have a great return policy and a wide selection.  Click here for the boots I ordered).

Second thing I'm celebrating is my new makeup palette (from coastalscents.com) that I got on sale at 50% off...and I had an additional $5 off coupon!  Total cost:  $5 for a 20 eyeshadow set!  So proud of my frugal shopping!  (As I'm re-reading this for editing purposes, I'm cracking up at the frugal comment...right after I just told you that I spent a fortune on my boots! LOL)


(The bottom picture has both the Revealed 1 & 2 palettes, just to compare both.)

Happy Weekend!

What are you celebrating?


If you'd like to Celebrate The Small Things, visit our wonderful host, VikLit @ Scribblings of an Aspiring Author for more information.  And don't forget to check out her co-hosts:  Diana Wilder, LG Keltner @ Writing Off the Edge, Katie @ TheCyborgMom, and CaffeMaggieato @ mscoffeehouse


 

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Adventures In Ginger Root

Ginger root is a natural anti-inflammatory and has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries.  I was advised in the past, by my acupuncturist, to make a ginger tea to help with aches and pains.  She recently has shown me another way to use this root.

My daughter, the softball player that she is, has hurt her shoulder again.  Anybody who has kids knows how difficult it is to get them to eat/drink things that they are not thrilled about...hence, no ginger tea magic for her.  I was advised to, instead, use the root topically. Here's how you do it...

Get yourself some ginger root. It's usually in the grocery store by the garlic or potatoes, and only costs a few dollars.




Cut up your ginger...no need to wash it or peel it.  Just cut it up all willy nilly, any which way you like.  Then place your pieces in a cheesecloth.  I use a kitchen towel because I don't have cheesecloth :) You could also use an old t-shirt if you like.




Microwave it for about 1 minute. Your results may vary depending on how powerful your microwave is. You want it to be hot, but not too hot that it will burn your skin.

Pinch your towel closed (I didn't do this before I zapped it because I didn't know how my chip clip would do in the microwave) so the ginger is contained.




Apply to where you have aches/pains as you would a heat pack.  You can reuse and reheat the same ginger pieces a few times before you need to discard them.  Enjoy!


Have you ever used ginger root either topically or ingested?  Did you find that it helped in any way?



**As always, consult your doctor for medical advise. I'm not a medical expert of any kind, just a person who is always on the lookout for easy peasy pain relief. 


Friday, September 26, 2014

Celebrate The Small Things -- September 26

It's Friday and I'm Celebrating The Small Things!  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.

This week I'm celebrating the cooler weather!  I love seeing the colors of the leaves change, and the cooler days, and much cooler nights.  Fall, for me, always seemed like a new start...probably because our school year started in September when I was younger.  The new year was always exciting, and scary, all at the same time.  The smell of a cool, crisp, autumn day always brings back fond memories.  Welcome Fall...you are my favorite season. 

Happy Weekend!

What are you celebrating?


If you'd like to Celebrate The Small Things, visit our wonderful host, VikLit @ Scribblings of an Aspiring Author for more information.  And don't forget to check out her co-hosts:  Diana Wilder, LG Keltner @ Writing Off the Edge, Katie @ TheCyborgMom, and CaffeMaggieato @ mscoffeehouse


 

Friday, September 19, 2014

Celebrate The Small Things -- Sept 19

It's Friday and I'm Celebrating The Small Things!  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.

This week I'm celebrating not getting to second base with the TSA on my flight home!  It's a miracle!  The nice thing about flying out of (or into) bigger airports is that they have those x-ray machines.  The x-ray machine means less of a chance that I get intimate with the TSA, but it does mean that they get to see me naked in the machine LOL.

I'm also celebrating my bed.  After sleeping on an air mattress for a week it was really nice to sleep in my own bed last night.

And last, but not least, I'm celebrating my husband and kiddos.  I've missed them so much!  It's good to be home :)

Happy Weekend!

What are you celebrating?


If you'd like to Celebrate The Small Things, visit our wonderful host, VikLit @ Scribblings of an Aspiring Author for more information.  And don't forget to check out her co-hosts:  Diana Wilder, LG Keltner @ Writing Off the Edge, Katie @ TheCyborgMom, and CaffeMaggieato @ mscoffeehouse


 

Friday, September 12, 2014

Celebrate The Small Things --September 12

It's Friday and I'm Celebrating The Small Things!  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.

This week I'm celebrating not getting to second base with the TSA on my flight out to visit with my brother!  Fingers crossed that they don't molest me on the way back either.

Also, my brother is coming back from his trip even earlier than the original earlier-ness that I mentioned a couple of weeks ago.  So I'll see him tomorrow night!  So happy about this!

And the two best small things to celebrate...my adorable niece and nephew.  I just want to squeeze them to bits :)  If I was at all tech savvy I'd insert a picture now so you can see for yourself just how cute they are...but I have no idea how to do that with my Kindle, so you'll just have to imagine the cuteness.

Please don't be offended if I don't respond or blog hop this weekend...I'll have to catch up next week when I get home!  Vacation, and the chicklets, call...

Happy Weekend!

What are you celebrating?


If you'd like to Celebrate The Small Things, visit our wonderful host, VikLit @ Scribblings of an Aspiring Author for more information.  And don't forget to check out her co-hosts:  Diana Wilder, LG Keltner @ Writing Off the Edge, Katie @ TheCyborgMom, and CaffeMaggieato @ mscoffeehouse


 

Monday, September 8, 2014

Sunflowers For Tina #LifeIsGood

Just a couple of weeks ago a very beautiful spirit left this world.  I never met her, but she befriended me this April during the A to Z Challenge.  She said that we "had to be friends" because we had so much in common :)  How could I say no to that?  Tina was always there to lend a few words of positivity and truly believed that "Life Is Good".

Tina you will be missed.  God Bless you!  May the Lord give your family peace and love during this terrible time.  I hope that it brings your family some comfort by seeing how much influence your spirit had in this world...with people who never even had the privilege to meet you face to face.

I didn't plant a sunflower, or buy one...I'm afraid that at this point in the season they won't grow fully.  But...I promise that next spring I will plant a whole handful in your honor!  Below is a pic of the sunflowers that grow in one of my neighbors backyards.  She gave me permission to post her pic.

Rest in Peace sweet lady...



The family has also set up the Downey Education Fund, which will go toward a college fund for Tina’s two boys. You can donate via this link: - See more at: http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/#sthash.9Dey9BOc.dpuf
If anyone would like to donate money to the Downey Education Fund, which will go toward the college funds for Tina's two boys, please click below...
The family has also set up the Downey Education Fund, which will go toward a college fund for Tina’s two boys. You can donate via this link: - See more at: http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/#sthash.9Dey9BOc.dpuf






Friday, September 5, 2014

Celebrate The Small Things -- Sept 5

It's Friday and I'm Celebrating The Small Things!  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.

This week I'm celebrating:

  • the kids going back to school...giving me more free time to myself
  • my boy turned 11 this week! 


Ever wonder what the perfect gift for an 11 year old boy is?  Well, wonder no more...





Happy Weekend!

What are you celebrating?


If you'd like to Celebrate The Small Things, visit our wonderful host, VikLit @ Scribblings of an Aspiring Author for more information.  And don't forget to check out her co-hosts:  Diana Wilder, LG Keltner @ Writing Off the Edge, Katie @ TheCyborgMom, and CaffeMaggieato @ mscoffeehouse


 

Friday, August 29, 2014

Celebrate The Small Things -- August 29

It's Friday and I'm Celebrating The Small Things!  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.

This week I'm celebrating travel size stuff.  I have a couple of different compound creams that I use topically for my neck and ankles/feet and since I'm traveling in a few weeks, I wanted to be able to take my creams with me without the hassle of the TSA (I hate the TSA--but that's a whole other post).  So I called the two companies that supply them and asked if I could get small, travel size refills so I could put them in my ziploc baggie full of other liquids for my carry on.  Ask and you shall receive!




They are like little baby medicines.  So cute!  And bonus...I can pop one in my purse!  No more worries about being without my medicine if I'm out all day.  Total score.


Happy Weekend!

What are you celebrating?


If you'd like to Celebrate The Small Things, visit our wonderful host, VikLit @ Scribblings of an Aspiring Author for more information.  And don't forget to check out her co-hosts:  Diana Wilder, LG Keltner @ Writing Off the Edge, Katie @ TheCyborgMom, and CaffeMaggieato @ mscoffeehouse


 

Saturday, August 23, 2014

Six Word Saturday -- Doctor Who Style!

It's Six Word Saturday time...

We get a new Doctor today!

I'm referring to Doctor Who of course!  Peter Capaldi makes his debut today as our new Doctor.  While Matt Smith is my favorite Doctor (I'm still heartbroken about him leaving), I'm willing to give Capaldi a shot. 
 
Welcome Mr. Capaldi, and please don't make me cry too much over my missed "bow-tie" Doctor!

Picture via Wikipedia


Six Word Saturday is hosted by Call Me Kate at Show My Face.  If you'd like to join in on the fun, then describe your life (or something) in a phrase using just six words and comment down below!


Friday, August 22, 2014

Celebrate The Small Things -- August 22

It's Friday and I'm Celebrating The Small Things!  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.

This week I'm celebrating surprise schedule changes.  Next month I fly to Nebraska to help my sister-in-law out with my niece and nephew because my brother has to go on a business trip...great excuse to visit with the chicklets :)  So in the original plan, I wouldn't have seen my little bro, just his family.  Well, my brother called just a few days ago to tell me that his trip will actually be shorter than expected, so I'll get to see him for 2 days.  I'll take it!


Happy Weekend!

What are you celebrating?


If you'd like to Celebrate The Small Things, visit our wonderful host, VikLit @ Scribblings of an Aspiring Author for more information.  And don't forget to check out her co-hosts:  Diana Wilder, LG Keltner @ Writing Off the Edge, Katie @ TheCyborgMom, and CaffeMaggieato @ mscoffeehouse


 

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Six Word Saturday -- August 16

It's Six Word Saturday time...

Used advent candles on birthday cake.

Yup, yesterday was my daughter's birthday and when the time came for doing the cake, we couldn't find any birthday candles.  So we improvised and used advent candles.  The benefits of being Catholic :)




Six Word Saturday is hosted by Call Me Kate at Show My Face.  If you'd like to join in on the fun, then describe your life (or something) in a phrase using just six words and comment down below!


Friday, August 15, 2014

Celebrate The Small Things - 8/15 - My New Cyborg Part!

It's Friday and I'm Celebrating The Small Things!  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.

This week I'm celebrating my new tooth!  I had my tooth pulled about a year and a half ago and I've been living with just an implant with a cap on it until now.  I would have had a new tooth sooner, but it cost me almost $1800!  And with my two ankle surgeries last year, I just couldn't afford the tooth.  But now it's here...and it's wonderful!

Just another cyborg part :)



I was even allowed to take home my teeth molds, which I was very excited about.  My husband thinks it's weird that I wanted them.  I wasn't even going to tell him...I had considered just putting them on the bookshelf in the family room and waiting for him to notice.  But I couldn't hold in my excitement and I told him over lunch.  My dentist even put my cap in my mold for me so I could keep that too.

It really doesn't take much to make me happy sometimes! LOL

Happy Weekend!

What are you celebrating?


If you'd like to Celebrate The Small Things, visit our wonderful host, VikLit @ Scribblings of an Aspiring Author for more information.  And don't forget to check out her co-hosts:  Diana Wilder, LG Keltner @ Writing Off the Edge, Katie @ TheCyborgMom, and CaffeMaggieato @ mscoffeehouse


 

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Shot In The Head

http://pixabay.com/en/red-cross-doctor-nurse-cartoon-34913/
Courtesy of Nemo at Pixabay
So this past Friday I had my steroid shot for my occipital neuralgia. I call it my “shot in the head”...which sounds more terrible than it actually is, but kinda makes me sound a little badass :) This time I didn't experience the normal side effects to the steroid that I usually do. Is it possible that my body is getting used to it? That actually scares me a little.

Normally I experience insomnia either the night of, or the night after, or both. This time I didn't have this at all...thank God. And my cheeks were flushed a little bit on Sunday...which is weird, because I usually experience that the day after my shot. I guess this time my body decided it was going to do things differently! The back of my head, where I got the two shots (into the occipital nerve, and lesser occipital nerve), was tender for a few days. This is completely normal. I iced that area Friday and Saturday a few times, which helped. Sunday I just felt like overall achy crapola. I think it was the steroid's last stance or something.

This shot should last me for another few months...it seems like I go three to four months between them. I would have had this shot 3 weeks ago, but it took me that long to get an appointment! Holy hell. I brought this up to my doc and he said that if it's really-really bad to just tell the front staff and they'll try to fit me in. Ummm...I don't usually call until it's that bad! So this time I just booked an appointment for November and if I'm still feeling fine and dandy I'll just call to reschedule. My doc said that they are trying a new scheduling routine...I don't know what that means exactly...but I'm hoping that it means that it won't take 3 weeks for an appointment. He's my pain doctor...I should be able to get in quicker than that! And, thankfully, he agrees.

It's Wednesday...Happy Hump-Day all!


Tuesday, August 12, 2014

I Just Want To Nap

I woke up to darkness this morning. And not because it was the middle of the night...oh no. It was 7am and I could feel the dreariness before I even opened my eyes. I hate days like this, when there is no sun to be seen and the dream of a good hair day just laughs in my face.

Dark mornings like this make me just want to stay in bed. The depression from lack of sunlight gets to me and the achiness that I feel in all my joints doesn't help with my mood.

But I couldn't stay in bed today...I had to take my son for his yearly medical checkup. And because he's going into middle school in just a few weeks (how is my baby growing up so fast???) he needed to get a tetanus shot. And guess who was even grumpier than me this morning...yup...my boy! Luckily, the shot wasn't as bad as he thought it was going to be, and as a reward I picked him up some Chik-Fil-A for lunch...complete with a vanilla milkshake.

Perhaps I'll snuggle into my bed and take a nap. With all this rain, and my creaky joints, I feel like it's a napping kind of day.

Hoping for the sun to come out tomorrow.