This is unusual for me, posting 3 blogs in a week. I've been trying to keep steady and do "Blog Tuesday" because it's not normally one of my walking days (it was this week, because of Memorial Day), but I've been super inspired this week. What can I say?
Despite my previous declaration to try and kick FB to the curb, I'm fighting my addiction heavily. It calls to me. Really, I need to get my butt off of it. Today as I scrolled, I saw one of those "click this link for this article" posts, so I clicked the link, because it was about the 60 most hard-hitting ad campaigns for social issues...and as I scrolled down, I thought some of them were very clever. And then came the one that screamed at my heart. It was a picture of a homeless woman holding her clearly-sick son. Both were disturbingly skinny, but hunger always hurts the kids before it hurts adults. Around the mother and son were at least 20 arms, with their hands all making the "thumbs up" sign. The caption was "liking this doesn't fix it." Ouch. How many times have I seen causes and issues posted on FB, and if I did anything at all, it was probably a like? If I walked up to someone in need right now and flashed them a thumbs up sign, I've done something worse than just ignoring it; I acknowledged the problem and did NOTHING. As Husband says, "Yeah, that and a dollar will get me a cup of coffee."
This whole issue is 2 sided. After reading Atlas Shrugged, I'm sorta torn on the whole issue. I mean, in a sense they're 2 separate issues, but they still tie in together. Welfare has become a joke. I get that there are people out there that are genuinely going through a hard time and just need a bit of help to get on their feet again, but I see SO many stories in the news of welfare fraud, entitlement, and people pleading their case for the public to pay for their wedding. People have become lazy and entitled. We are not entitled to happiness. We are entitled to the PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS. That doesn't mean you get to sit on your butt while others are working hard to pay for something that you've done nothing to earn, and meanwhile they don't get to have their dreams because they're too busy paying for yours. There is a massive pride in enjoying the fruits of your LABOR. Try it sometime.
G's dad and stepmom recently allowed a friend who had fallen on hard times to stay with them. I got a text from her stepmom, letting me know so that G didn't say awkward things when I talked to her. No big deal; I thought it was generous. This "friend" came to stay on a Thursday. By Saturday, he'd disappeared, stealing several things of high value (and a few not so expensive items) on his way out the door. This man was given MERCY from someone who owed him nothing, and he showed his gratitude by giving them a mess of legal work and police reports with which to deal. It makes one not want to help anyone anymore? Not that long ago, I was overtaken by a very bold beggar, and because I have a compassionate heart, I gave her a ride. She asked for it on the grounds that she would give me $20, she just needed a ride to get her meds. I didn't give her the ride to get the money, because that's not how I roll, but when she came out to my vehicle, after wanting to use my phone and demanding I GIVE her various items in my van, she asked me for $10. People like that ruin kind hearts. I was genuinely terrified; my knife was in the handle of my door, my phone was wedged under my leg, and I wished harder than anything that I hadn't let her in my car. Neither of my kids was with me or I wouldn't have agreed no matter what she said, and she wouldn't have asked if Husband was with me (they never do; perks of marrying a tall dude). I will NEVER give a bum a ride again, not by myself or with anyone else in the car. In joking she said she'd never take food out of a child's mouth, but she would surely take it out of my mouth. Seriously? It's disgusting!
There is something to be said for human generosity. I have, many times, fished for what small change I could find when I found someone on the side of the road; I've given a bum a sandwich. But I can't just open my home and life to random people on the street anymore; it's not safe. My compassionate, soft heart has officially gotten me into trouble and now it's a bit scarred, and probably less compassionate and soft. Isn't that sad?
There's nothing more scary than the phrase, "For the greater good." Do you know what that involves? Sacrifice of a few for the many. What if you're one of the few? Are you going to give a flying fart in space about the many if someone wants to do science experiments on you, hold a gun to your head, do awful things to you, all in the name of "benefitting society at large?" Humans are programmed for fight or flight. It's a defensive reaction. If we can't get away, we'll fight back until we're free or dead. If we can, tootles! But when someone appeals to our better nature to sacrifice ourselves for the greater good, we can't exactly lean on that, because we've basically thrown down all defense and become the lamb on the sacrificial altar. Do what you want to me; because it might save someone who doesn't actually care what happened to me in the first place! I would throw my life down in a heartbeat for my kids. My husband. My family. I don't know how I'd be with a complete stranger.
So there's a line to be drawn, and I think it differs from person to person. Where do you start doing what you can to protect yourself, and where do you start opening up to others that may or may not deserve it?
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Breeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeathe
If you know anything about me, anything at all, you probably have picked up on the concept that I am prone to stress overload. Big time. And if you've read any of my blogs or know me in person, you probably also know that I'm not exactly prone to popping a Xanax. I've done the Pill Path and it was dark and awful. Lotsa potholes. So in my years of stress combat, I have learned one or two things that help me beat down the awful monster known as stress.
1) Yes. We've done this road before. We're gonna do it again. It's called Stress Away, and sometimes I wonder if it's the reason my husband and son are still alive. It's an essential oil blend from Young Living, although I think DoTerra has something similar to the concept called PastTense; they don't use the same blend. If you have a preferred company or blend, go for it; I just happen to use Young Living oils, most of the time. When I have moments that J is being THAT kid in the store, or being a bit of a butthead at home, or I just have too much on my plate, I'll put a drop on my hand, rub it on my temples and then smell my hands. Mmm. So good. It smells amazing and even knowing that I did it helps me calm down until the oil itself takes effect.
2) Yep. Gone down this one too. Confianza from It Works! Global has done such wonders for my tension level, and my ability to control my responses, especially with J, because, let's face it, he can often be my worst aggravator. It's conceivable to take several "doses" throughout the day, but I've found that if I take 2 in the morning before the day begins and gets crazy, I can usually handle whatever comes my way. I also notice that even if I forget a day or two, the calm keeps on keeping on. Going too many days without isn't such a good idea for me, though.
3) Coloring. Yeah! I love coloring. And I don't like sharing my coloring books. I was an only child; what can I say? There's something therapeutic about making something pretty with those delicious smelling crayons, especially if they're brand new. Concentration on coloring, staying in the lines, making something to be proud of...it tends to wipe the mind of whatever chaos is going on, or at least give you some time to calm down from the immediacy of it and get a new perspective. They make adult coloring books now; at Barnes & Noble today, I saw several different types of designs of coloring books, and yes, I bought one, Celtic Designs. Because, you know, I heart Ireland. Now I need to find the perfect coloring utensils, because G's crayons aren't in the greatest shape for a mommy that needs to destress. The picture isn't my book, obvs, but it's a great example. Also, if you Google "adult coloring books" for cheap ways to color, make sure kids aren't around. Come to think of it, maybe I should have been smarter about my wording. >.>
4) Baths. Whether you're into bubbles or epsom salt or oils, baths have a wonderful way of melting stress and tension away. Long has it been that my go to for relaxation is the tub, often complete with Enya, oils, a snack, and either wine or tea. And candles. Turn off those awful lights, light up a few candles, make the bath water smell good, and enjoy some peaceful music! Plus, ya know, cleanliness is a good thing...
1) Yes. We've done this road before. We're gonna do it again. It's called Stress Away, and sometimes I wonder if it's the reason my husband and son are still alive. It's an essential oil blend from Young Living, although I think DoTerra has something similar to the concept called PastTense; they don't use the same blend. If you have a preferred company or blend, go for it; I just happen to use Young Living oils, most of the time. When I have moments that J is being THAT kid in the store, or being a bit of a butthead at home, or I just have too much on my plate, I'll put a drop on my hand, rub it on my temples and then smell my hands. Mmm. So good. It smells amazing and even knowing that I did it helps me calm down until the oil itself takes effect.
2) Yep. Gone down this one too. Confianza from It Works! Global has done such wonders for my tension level, and my ability to control my responses, especially with J, because, let's face it, he can often be my worst aggravator. It's conceivable to take several "doses" throughout the day, but I've found that if I take 2 in the morning before the day begins and gets crazy, I can usually handle whatever comes my way. I also notice that even if I forget a day or two, the calm keeps on keeping on. Going too many days without isn't such a good idea for me, though.
3) Coloring. Yeah! I love coloring. And I don't like sharing my coloring books. I was an only child; what can I say? There's something therapeutic about making something pretty with those delicious smelling crayons, especially if they're brand new. Concentration on coloring, staying in the lines, making something to be proud of...it tends to wipe the mind of whatever chaos is going on, or at least give you some time to calm down from the immediacy of it and get a new perspective. They make adult coloring books now; at Barnes & Noble today, I saw several different types of designs of coloring books, and yes, I bought one, Celtic Designs. Because, you know, I heart Ireland. Now I need to find the perfect coloring utensils, because G's crayons aren't in the greatest shape for a mommy that needs to destress. The picture isn't my book, obvs, but it's a great example. Also, if you Google "adult coloring books" for cheap ways to color, make sure kids aren't around. Come to think of it, maybe I should have been smarter about my wording. >.>
4) Baths. Whether you're into bubbles or epsom salt or oils, baths have a wonderful way of melting stress and tension away. Long has it been that my go to for relaxation is the tub, often complete with Enya, oils, a snack, and either wine or tea. And candles. Turn off those awful lights, light up a few candles, make the bath water smell good, and enjoy some peaceful music! Plus, ya know, cleanliness is a good thing...
5) Get away from it. There are times when the stress is so overwhelming that I simply can't be in the same zone as the source. So, as long as my mommy duties are either discharged for a bit, or there is a reliable person to watch J, I will get in my MommyMobile, roll the windows down, pump up my favorite music, and drive somewhere. Anywhere. Sometimes I stop, park, cry it out and enjoy the peaceful time to vent my frustrations, and sometimes I get myself a small, no-doubt unhealthy treat to take my mind off of whatever is going on. Driving feels good to me; I love road trips, so even a quick trip away from stress is wonderful. (This wonderful picture does not feature my own dog, Apollo, but they seem to be the same breed, so I liked it. Maybe someday I'll introduce you to the tornado counterpart to J, that is Apollo.)
6) Wine. Yeah. I like wine. It's not good to rely solely on alcohol to take away tension, because if overdone it can cause some poor choices (and goodness knows it does regularly), but sometimes settling down with a glass of your favorite wine and enjoying feeling like a big girl, even if you're sitting around in yoga pants with your hair in a mess and spilled food all over your torn shirt.
Which brings me to 7) Yoga. Now, I personally have never done yoga, but I know some people who do, just for the stretches side of it, and I'm sure it's very calming. So if that's your thang, go for it, sista. The below picture is of a friend of mine through It Works, Kendra Darling. She's AMAZING at yoga. This is a picture of her doing the Fallen Angel pose, with her permission, of course. Thank you, Kendra!
Girl, Look At That Body...
This past weekend was my 10-year high school reunion, and seeing old friends put a smile on my face several times. I missed those people! That said, with reunions come pictures...and when I saw the pictures I'm in, I about cried and wanted to delete them. Oh my word am I large. I'm not fat-shaming anyone but myself here, so if I get hate-mail about my comments, go away; I can say what I want about myself.
I recently acquired a cute shirt that is basically the front of a white tank, with a pink and white striped sweater attached to it. It's so adorable. And it was on clearance. So that's what I wore on Saturday, to most of the events. But...oh my word, I make it look terrible. So. I'm done being fat. (Yes, I know, I've said this before.) It's not good for me, it makes me feel awful about myself, and it's not fair to my kids, that I can't keep up with them. I'm so tired of it.
For the last couple of weeks I've been attempting to walk to an outside shopping strip about 1.5 miles away, 3 times a week, and with browsing in different stores (including Barnes & Noble, my weakness), I can sometimes rack up almost 5 miles by the time I return home. Today I only walked about 4.87, but I burned 1,714 calories, Jack got out of the house, and I have a fantastic tan. Plus, there's a sense of pride when I hit stop, and save, on my RunKeeper, get a few numbers, text them to Husband, and get the resultant "Wow."
If you, like me, are tired of the way you look in the mirror, the way your jeans make a spare tire when you sit in the car, the need for extra clothes to cover the extra bit of you....message me. Let's start an activity challenge. The more I talk about this with Husband, the more I realize that the goal is to start getting in the habit of BEING ACTIVE. This explains why my son is so skinny; that kid never stops!
I recently acquired a cute shirt that is basically the front of a white tank, with a pink and white striped sweater attached to it. It's so adorable. And it was on clearance. So that's what I wore on Saturday, to most of the events. But...oh my word, I make it look terrible. So. I'm done being fat. (Yes, I know, I've said this before.) It's not good for me, it makes me feel awful about myself, and it's not fair to my kids, that I can't keep up with them. I'm so tired of it.
For the last couple of weeks I've been attempting to walk to an outside shopping strip about 1.5 miles away, 3 times a week, and with browsing in different stores (including Barnes & Noble, my weakness), I can sometimes rack up almost 5 miles by the time I return home. Today I only walked about 4.87, but I burned 1,714 calories, Jack got out of the house, and I have a fantastic tan. Plus, there's a sense of pride when I hit stop, and save, on my RunKeeper, get a few numbers, text them to Husband, and get the resultant "Wow."
If you, like me, are tired of the way you look in the mirror, the way your jeans make a spare tire when you sit in the car, the need for extra clothes to cover the extra bit of you....message me. Let's start an activity challenge. The more I talk about this with Husband, the more I realize that the goal is to start getting in the habit of BEING ACTIVE. This explains why my son is so skinny; that kid never stops!
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Are you happy? Or are you right?
Recently I've been internally debating the importance of "being happy", and I've come to a few revelations and conclusions. The first being this. Part of America's founding was in the interest of "the pursuit of happiness." But let's analyze this. I am a woman of faith. I accepted God's gift of salvation when I was 5 years old and have renewed my promise to God several times since. I believe that the Bible is God-breathed, and so therefore when there is an issue of moral question, when I want to know how I should act about something, I turn to the Bible for my answers. Not everyone does this. I get that. You live your life your way, I live my life my way, because in the end, we each answer for our own choices. There are clear laws in the Bible about how we should act, both to God and man, and within ourselves. For hundreds of years, these things were generally accepted as the way people should act, but over time, people have no interest in doing "what's right" anymore. The new moral compass is "What makes me happy? Don't I deserve to be happy? I should do whatever it is that makes me happy." And being the sinners that we ALL are, many of these things that make us happy are, in fact sins. Sin is fun. It is, I know, that's not something that every pastor or Christian would tell you, but sin is fun. It can be fun to drink yourself stupid, because your inhibitions drop and your perspective skews. It's fun to have sex with whomever you please, be it man or woman or a bunch of men or women, or heck, both! At the same time! It's fun to spend all your money: that purse is really cute, and it matches these shoes, but now we need a new dress for those accessories, and look at that big sparkly diamond. And then, someone else has something you want. It would make you happy, but if you asked them for it, they probably wouldn't give it to you, so you should just take it when they're not looking, and pretend you don't know what happened when they ask you about it. No one likes getting in trouble, so we lie to escape the trouble. That person over there did something that made you upset, and you deserve to be happy. Chances are that they'll do it again, so if you deserve to be happy, you need them out of the way. So just kill them. Do you see where I'm going with this?
Doing what is right isn't always fun. It can be quite painful. But God didn't call us to live lives seeking pleasure, He called us to live lives of honor, and glory to Him. He called us to love our fellow man. He called us to be productive with the time that is given to us. We're never granted any more than the minute we're living; why, oh why, does it HAVE to be about us? It should be about, and for, the One who gave it to us!
Teaching your kids that they should "do what makes them happy" is setting them up for failure, misery, and disappointment. Because while we are only given this minute, we should do in this minute as if we have to deal with the consequences of this minute FOREVER. Because we do. In this minute, taking a draw off that meth pipe may feel really good and make them happy, but it's going to tear them apart in the long run. It could even tear them apart right now. It could tear OTHER people apart. The man who sits at the bar, getting drunk because alcohol makes him happy, could be sitting in jail in 30 minutes for a DUI or even killing someone because he chose to drive home drunk. Sleeping with that really hot person you've been eyeing for awhile may make you happy now...but were you planning for a baby? Were you planning for a STD? Were you planning to be married to that person? It doesn't always end up like that....but it might.
My goal, as a parent, is to live every day with my kids as if it might be my last. There are stories everywhere about grieving parents whose child died, and the last word they spoke to them was one of anger and hatred. But I bet you at the time it felt like a weight off their shoulders. Finally they could express the turmoil that was brewing inside from resentment at an action or situation. If every day my son watches me, watches me living only in the moment and never thinking about what's to come, and then he grows up and lives the same...and I observe this behavior and wonder where he learns it, that's sad. That's tragic. And I earned that remorse. Because it was I who taught him to act and feel and live like that. So I say to you. Are you going to spend the rest of your life only seeking out the empty, shallow things that satisfy you in the moment but ruin your future, or are you going to think forward about what God would say to you on that day when you are judged, and act accordingly today? I don't know about you, but I don't look forward to when God questions me about the lies I've already told, the angry outbursts I've already made, the selfish decisions I've already committed. I am saved, and God sent his amazing Son to die for those sins already...but I believe I will still hear about them, and will still feel shame that I spent my last 28 years in such away.
Doing what is right isn't always fun. It can be quite painful. But God didn't call us to live lives seeking pleasure, He called us to live lives of honor, and glory to Him. He called us to love our fellow man. He called us to be productive with the time that is given to us. We're never granted any more than the minute we're living; why, oh why, does it HAVE to be about us? It should be about, and for, the One who gave it to us!
Teaching your kids that they should "do what makes them happy" is setting them up for failure, misery, and disappointment. Because while we are only given this minute, we should do in this minute as if we have to deal with the consequences of this minute FOREVER. Because we do. In this minute, taking a draw off that meth pipe may feel really good and make them happy, but it's going to tear them apart in the long run. It could even tear them apart right now. It could tear OTHER people apart. The man who sits at the bar, getting drunk because alcohol makes him happy, could be sitting in jail in 30 minutes for a DUI or even killing someone because he chose to drive home drunk. Sleeping with that really hot person you've been eyeing for awhile may make you happy now...but were you planning for a baby? Were you planning for a STD? Were you planning to be married to that person? It doesn't always end up like that....but it might.
My goal, as a parent, is to live every day with my kids as if it might be my last. There are stories everywhere about grieving parents whose child died, and the last word they spoke to them was one of anger and hatred. But I bet you at the time it felt like a weight off their shoulders. Finally they could express the turmoil that was brewing inside from resentment at an action or situation. If every day my son watches me, watches me living only in the moment and never thinking about what's to come, and then he grows up and lives the same...and I observe this behavior and wonder where he learns it, that's sad. That's tragic. And I earned that remorse. Because it was I who taught him to act and feel and live like that. So I say to you. Are you going to spend the rest of your life only seeking out the empty, shallow things that satisfy you in the moment but ruin your future, or are you going to think forward about what God would say to you on that day when you are judged, and act accordingly today? I don't know about you, but I don't look forward to when God questions me about the lies I've already told, the angry outbursts I've already made, the selfish decisions I've already committed. I am saved, and God sent his amazing Son to die for those sins already...but I believe I will still hear about them, and will still feel shame that I spent my last 28 years in such away.
Friday, April 10, 2015
Charles Ingalls would be sad.
I am attempting to unplug. I know, crazy Amy up to some crazy scheme again. But here's the thing: recently I learned just how much control Facebook has over me. I am not comfortable with that. I could get into the gory details, but suffice it to say that my keyboard warrior has emerged many, many times over things of no significance many times and I became a red-faced, shaky, angry baboon with (so I thought) righteous anger that someone disagreed with me. How dare they? Both husband and myself have frequently begun referencing Little House on the Prairie as a model we'd like to get closer to emulating. So, with that in mind, here's the breakdown of my looming changes.
1) This blog stays. I know, how does one blog when they're trying to unplug? Here's the thing. I can't go completely without technology, and the reason is not because of addiction. I still have a girl child to talk to, and so I still need a phone and Internet capabilities, to skype her. So, phone and data stay. What leaves are my time suckers, and based on the amount of time between posts, you can guess this blog isn't one of them. Facebook, therefore, is the only thing that's really leaving. I don't spend as much time on Instagram, Mewe, tumblr, and even pinterest, though I declare it my love often enough.
2) Constant screens will be no more. My LCD-tired eyes will be spending more time on fabric, paper, food, dishes, and most of all, faces. Haha. Again, ironic. I say this on the screen of my phone in my blog. Laugh away.
Fitness has been a focus here lately, and 2 days ago I was inspired to walk the almost 2 miles to the closest bookstore. It was enjoyable! Stop the presses! I loved it. While there, husband told me to get a book, as inspiration/reward/bribery to keep up the good work. I told him I was just excited to walk around Barnes and Noble without his impatient sighs and pleas of "can we go now?" I love window shopping at the bookstore. I still had J and he's difficult when he's tired but for the most part he did very well.
Today when I woke up I was greeted with a premature lament from husband. "When you Google how to build a house by yourself, not one option comes back with anything other than, 'hire a pro.' It's not built by myself then. Might as well Google how to call the contractors yourself." What followed was a complaint from both of us about how dependent on "professionals" America has gotten. I'm sorry, Charles Ingalls, your log cabin on the prairie and the well you dug weren't done so by professionals, so your home couldn't have existed, therefore the whole series is a THRONE OF LIES. Oh, sorry. Got carried away here. Why is it that society thinks that unless we hire a professional who, really, is a professional because he observed the knowledge he was given and then put it to practice, we will light our homes on fire or other some such nonsensical disaster? It's ridiculous.
We are perfectly capable of doing what needs to be done ourselves, or with the help of willing neighbors, so why is it such a strange idea? I'll tell you why. Laziness and greed. If Joe doesn't have to get off the couch, why not pay for someone else to do it? If Mark can charge Joe an arm and a leg by making him think he'll blow himself to smithereens doing himself, why not?
There IS a caveat to my soapbox rant. Jobs are hard to come by right now. If Joe is handicapped and has the money to do it, it is wiser of him to employ Mark, to put food on Mark's table, to get it done. But in most circumstances, my husband should be perfectly capable of building our home without spending money for supplies on a contractor. Come on now.
Friday, February 20, 2015
Mommy Bloopers
With the title of "Mommy" comes a whole host of new, horrific, and hilarious experiences that, in our sleep-deprived states, we sometimes find absolutely gut-busting, if we're not red in the face from anger or embarrassment. Today I had a Mommy Blooper and in sharing the experience with a friend, I began thinking back to other goofy things that happened with G and J, including phrases like, "Quit licking the floor!" "Get your crotch out of the water flow, that's weird!" Yes. These things really happen. So I have compiled a list of some of the funniest Mommy Bloopers from a variety of friends, and maybe one or two from myself.
"Answering the door and talking to the cable guy with my 3 week old in my arms, with my boob STILL out. I couldn't look him in the eye the whole time he was installing. I was mortified."
"Coming down the stairs with my pumping bra and yoga pants on, and hubby is skyping with a friend. The computer is facing the stairs. Mortifying."
"Most mortifying? Farting in the doctors'/nurses' faces when in labor. It was so quiet in there and the fart was sooooo loud. Haha!"
"A couple months ago, I nursed my son, reattached my bra, and walked outside, forgetting to close up my shirt. There were construction workers out there and my neighbors too. To this day I have no idea if anyone noticed. I happened to also be wearing my nude bra with a bright red design on it."
"Hubs and I were at a fancy restaurant. Waiter told me I had some food on my arm. Nope, poop. And I said that rather loudly."
"Pumping at work, there's a noise at the window. I forgot to pull the blinds down and there's a guy out there washing the windows."
"I was pumping at work, I had the door locked and apparently someone didn't understand that meant don't come in. Thankfully it was a guy I went to school with who went and got the key and opened the door. All I could manage was to grab the flanges and squeak out, "Shut the door." Not quite sure how much he saw because I initially just had the bottles propped on my lap."
"My boss was super freaked out about my pumping. Totally supportive, but freaked. The first time I pumped after going back to work, I didn't have it together right and I squirted milk everywhere. Not a big deal except I was in his private office and had nothing to clean up with. All over his desk and computer papers. I used a nursing pad and threw it into the trash can next to his desk. A day later he brings the breast pad out and asks the office, 'What is this?' I was mortified."
"I hate that I pooped in labor. And even while I was pregnant I peed myself twice. I've woken up with poop all over my arm from my toddler. So much poop nowadays."
"We took my little one to dinner with us at Applebee's when she was a few weeks old and had only been there an hour when I went to the bathroom. When I washed my hands and looked in the mirror I realized I had leaked through my bra, tank top and shirt. Hubby had been sitting next to me because we were in the half circle corner booth with family so no one was across from me. Who knows how long I leaked before anyone told me! I had no jacket and no way of covering up other than my little one's baby blanket and we had to finish eating and pay still. I was so embarrassed."
"I had just had my son, and every time I had to go to the bathroom while still in the hospital, I had to hurry off the bed and to the toilet. I was still wearing those overly attractive mesh underwear and the pads, so leaking a bit didn't bother me TOO badly....until one day when my husband had gone home to shower, and I was holding our son. I realized I had to go, so I tried to carefully scoot to the edge of the bed and put our son in the wheeled crib. We were told that if we went anywhere we had to take him with us, that he couldn't be left alone, and I wasn't supposed to walk with him, so I tried desperately to take the wheel locks off to roll him with me. I could make it work, so I tried to call the nurse to come watch him so I could pee, but halfway to the bed....the waterfall fell. I peed ALL OVER the floor. I was horrified that such a thing had happened, so I was crying, my son was crying. I was so embarrassed. I hobbled through the pee puddle for the nurse button but in doing so, I accidentally yanked it out of the wall, which is apparently a big alarm at the hospital because 2 nurses came running to see what was wrong. There I stood, in a sea of blood-tinged pee, crying that I'd needed to pee and couldn't get there in time. The head nurse clarified that as long as I was still in my room, even in the bathroom, my son could have been left in his crib for a few minutes by himself. My pee was mopped up, I was given new mesh sexy panties and a pad, and a new gown. My husband came back to a very flustered wife and a hilarious tale."
It happens to us all, mamas. Laugh. Enjoy the giggles, because while they suck that day, or even sometimes for a week after that, they eventually become some of our favorite tales.
"Answering the door and talking to the cable guy with my 3 week old in my arms, with my boob STILL out. I couldn't look him in the eye the whole time he was installing. I was mortified."
"Coming down the stairs with my pumping bra and yoga pants on, and hubby is skyping with a friend. The computer is facing the stairs. Mortifying."
"Most mortifying? Farting in the doctors'/nurses' faces when in labor. It was so quiet in there and the fart was sooooo loud. Haha!"
"A couple months ago, I nursed my son, reattached my bra, and walked outside, forgetting to close up my shirt. There were construction workers out there and my neighbors too. To this day I have no idea if anyone noticed. I happened to also be wearing my nude bra with a bright red design on it."
"Hubs and I were at a fancy restaurant. Waiter told me I had some food on my arm. Nope, poop. And I said that rather loudly."
"Pumping at work, there's a noise at the window. I forgot to pull the blinds down and there's a guy out there washing the windows."
"I was pumping at work, I had the door locked and apparently someone didn't understand that meant don't come in. Thankfully it was a guy I went to school with who went and got the key and opened the door. All I could manage was to grab the flanges and squeak out, "Shut the door." Not quite sure how much he saw because I initially just had the bottles propped on my lap."
"My boss was super freaked out about my pumping. Totally supportive, but freaked. The first time I pumped after going back to work, I didn't have it together right and I squirted milk everywhere. Not a big deal except I was in his private office and had nothing to clean up with. All over his desk and computer papers. I used a nursing pad and threw it into the trash can next to his desk. A day later he brings the breast pad out and asks the office, 'What is this?' I was mortified."
"I hate that I pooped in labor. And even while I was pregnant I peed myself twice. I've woken up with poop all over my arm from my toddler. So much poop nowadays."
"We took my little one to dinner with us at Applebee's when she was a few weeks old and had only been there an hour when I went to the bathroom. When I washed my hands and looked in the mirror I realized I had leaked through my bra, tank top and shirt. Hubby had been sitting next to me because we were in the half circle corner booth with family so no one was across from me. Who knows how long I leaked before anyone told me! I had no jacket and no way of covering up other than my little one's baby blanket and we had to finish eating and pay still. I was so embarrassed."
"I had just had my son, and every time I had to go to the bathroom while still in the hospital, I had to hurry off the bed and to the toilet. I was still wearing those overly attractive mesh underwear and the pads, so leaking a bit didn't bother me TOO badly....until one day when my husband had gone home to shower, and I was holding our son. I realized I had to go, so I tried to carefully scoot to the edge of the bed and put our son in the wheeled crib. We were told that if we went anywhere we had to take him with us, that he couldn't be left alone, and I wasn't supposed to walk with him, so I tried desperately to take the wheel locks off to roll him with me. I could make it work, so I tried to call the nurse to come watch him so I could pee, but halfway to the bed....the waterfall fell. I peed ALL OVER the floor. I was horrified that such a thing had happened, so I was crying, my son was crying. I was so embarrassed. I hobbled through the pee puddle for the nurse button but in doing so, I accidentally yanked it out of the wall, which is apparently a big alarm at the hospital because 2 nurses came running to see what was wrong. There I stood, in a sea of blood-tinged pee, crying that I'd needed to pee and couldn't get there in time. The head nurse clarified that as long as I was still in my room, even in the bathroom, my son could have been left in his crib for a few minutes by himself. My pee was mopped up, I was given new mesh sexy panties and a pad, and a new gown. My husband came back to a very flustered wife and a hilarious tale."
It happens to us all, mamas. Laugh. Enjoy the giggles, because while they suck that day, or even sometimes for a week after that, they eventually become some of our favorite tales.
Monday, February 16, 2015
It's An Oily Life
My history with essential oils goes back over a decade. When my family lived in Colorado my mom attended a Young Living party and bought a few oils, Peppermint and Grapefruit. We used them occasionally but certainly not to their potential and we didn't really study their capabilities. Fast forward over a decade, to when my crunchy life began, and I was introduced to a whole different way of living. All of a sudden I began to realize how crucial and amazing EOs are. I dug. I bought. I researched. And I began to kick pharmaceuticals out of my life. My mom did the same and signed up as a Young Living rep to get the discount (saving money, please!). She loves me, so she spoiled me, and bestowed upon me what I now call my survival kit. I keep on me at almost all times (or at least close to me) this little survival kit, which has tiny bottles of 11 different oils. Additionally, this summer when visiting my parents and in-laws for vacation, I got my fingers on several more. I'd like to go into some detail what I use and why I use them.
First and foremost, let me explain. No, I'm not receiving commission from Young Living. Nor am I going to criticize someone's choice for using DoTerra or another brand of oils. It just so happens that I use YL. I like their blends, and what they've done for me, and when you have a mommy that gets a discount like I do...yes, please. I also am not even close to a professional on essential oil safety; the only ones using these oils are myself and my son (occasionally my daughter) so I decide how we handle it. There are many articles that talk about essential oil safety, so I recommend that you look them up and choose how you want to handle your family before you take my word as truth.
Lavender- Lavender has a calming effect, but it's also wonderful for killing the pain in small burns and scratches, while simultaneously healing them faster. I am the mother to a little boy. Hence, bumps, scrapes, and bruises are an almost daily factor of my life. J has gotten more than one abrasion on his face and I ALWAYS put lavender on it to help with the sting and pain, and to heal it faster. I've never been disappointed. Before I got a blend for it, I also used it to help him sleep easily and peacefully.
Thieves- I know many mommies (and daddies, I'm sure) who swear by Thieves. Known as the panacea of sickness, also as a wonderful bouncer against oncoming sickness, I confess to having rubbed a blend of Thieves and coconut oil on J's and G's chests and even throats when they have coughs and sore throats. I've rubbed it on my own. I was also given a spray that I use on my bug bites, which seem to be cropping up a lot more lately, as we seem to have a lot more mosquitoes in our monsoon season here in west Texas. Darn skeeters. Thieves is one of the oils that is not recommended for children, so please read the safety articles before you make your choice.
Pan Away- I don't honestly use this one as much, but for someone who frequently has body aches, I understand it does wonders. I did use it a couple months ago for a headache that just didn't seem to want to go away. I would probably use it on sore knees, stiff muscles, etc. I recently was at an oil information meeting and one of the ladies that tried it said that she'd arrived at the meeting that night with a stiff neck so bad, she couldn't turn her head, and within 5 minutes she felt great.
Lemon- There was a time when we were in the car, away from soap and water, and since I'm not the biggest fan of hand sanitizer, I pulled out my bottle of lemon EO and rubbed a drop on each of my kids' hands and made them rub it around. I felt more confident in clean hands, as lemon is an antibacterial, and isn't a funky chemical. I've heard of people using it to cleanse their cutting boards as well. I also add a drop of this to coconut oil for oil pulling, because I have texture issues that can be overridden if the taste is good enough. I added a drop of it plus a drop of lime EO to a glass bottle of water, and it's like healthy, non-fizzy Sprite. :D
Purification- This one is also beneficial for taking the pain out of bites and stings. It removes the poison from the site. I've used it a couple times on bug bites, before applying Thieves. I've also started diffusing it in the bathroom....;-)
Joy- One of my favorites. When my kids are throwing tantrums or someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed (including myself), I use it. A quick swipe across the forehead. Several months ago G was in a terrible 'tude. Grumpy, snipey, downright rude. I rubbed some Stress Away (to be discussed further down) and some Joy on her, and within 10 minutes her attitude had completely changed, and I'd convinced her of the success of oils. When she's at my house she asks for oils when she has an issue.
Peace and Calm- I will never take my son anywhere overnight without Peace and Calm around. He won't go to sleep without it anymore; it has become what calms him down after a nightmare, and part of his routine when it's time for bed. I've used it on G a few times too, when she's upset at night. It's the first EO I've bought a full bottle of, and I love it. I also keep a tiny bottle with my keys, so that I always have it on hand for a tantrum.
Peppermint- This is easily my most used oil, which is fortunate since it's not overly costly. I use peppermint for my headaches, for stomachaches and nausea....and have used it on both Hubs and G. G even asks for it if her belly hurts. It disappears quickly in my house because headaches are a frequent visitor to me.
Stress Away- Also one of my favorite oils. If you know anything about my life you know that there is no shortage of stress and anxiety that can appear almost daily, if not several times a day. Stress Away is my go to when I feel like I'm losing my grip on my temper; a drop of it rubbed on the back of my neck and I feel quite capable of calming down and looking at the situation as docile as possible, with logic and understanding. Thank you, YL people, for creating Stress Away. You have no idea the balm on my emotions that you've given me. It's possibly a big contributor to why my children are still alive. JOKING.
Valor- I've used it when I'm feeling nervous about the situation. It makes me feel brave, which may seem silly considering it's an oil, but it's true. When G feels upset and scared over how her life is going I might rub a bit of Valor on her and have a Mommy/daughter conversation with her. She perks right up.
Frankincense- There was a time when the only oils I had were in tiny little bottles, and at one point I ran out of Stress Away and was having a hard time. Through research, I learned that Frankincense was a suitable replacement for the time being, so I began using it during my bad moments, and pulled through just fine.
Citrus Fresh- Known as a mood-lifter, it helps with creativity, joy, and boosts the immune system. My mom sometimes diffuses it; she did while I was home and I felt like I was wandering through an orange grove in FL. I loved it.
M-Grain- What a wonderful product for those who suffer headaches. My dad gets them a lot and I know he uses it frequently. I've used it many times too and I find it works much faster than any of the pain pills like aspirin, ibuprophen or naproxen. I also feel better taking it, knowing that I'm using something healthy to help my pain, and not something that could be jeopardizing other parts of my body.
Ocotea- My mother was the one that seemed most interested in this, as it's been shown to help with high blood pressure, and it has a higher content of alpha humulene, which helps the body resist injury or irritation. I've not used it yet but I can think of a few members of my family (ahem, Hubs and MIL) that maybe should consider it.
Melaleuca alternifolia- Also known as tea tree oil. I LOVE melaleuca oil. It's wonderful for the occasional ear infections that J gets, as an antifungal additive for his cloth wipes, and to keep dandruff at bay. It may smell a little funky...but it's worth it.
DiGize- I've used it a few times when I feel like I may be eating something that needs a bit of help being digested, as this EO supports the digestive system.
Lime- Oh, yum. Lime is one of the key oils in the Stress Away blend, it's my favorite color, and it smells amazing. I've learned that I gravitate to lime anything. It's good for respiratory issues and itchies.
Cedarwood- I have a good friend who diffuses it or applies it topically to her son when he's doing his homework (which is increasing in volume) to help him focus on it better. I diffused it for the first time today to help my son not be an Energizer bunny on crack. HA!
Dragon Time- Ponder it. Just ponder. What could Dragon Time refer to? If you're a woman, you probably know. Dragon Time is a blend aimed towards controlling the mood swings and other issues during "that" time. It can also help with some of the painful physical symptoms as well.
Surrender- J, bless his pea-pickin' heart, has his daddy's stubbornness. He can be very aggressive and angry, and is not shy in voicing his indignation. Not long ago we were engaged in a battle of wills and I wished desperately for a drop or two of Surrender to chill him out. I even asked my mom if she had some, and she didn't but she ordered some. :P I suspect I will bombard everyone with Surrender when there is a family disagreement.
Additionally, my first self-chosen adventure into EO world was due to a stiff neck that I had for 3 weeks. It got bad, and a dear friend of mine suggested a Korean remedy that was available at the Korean grocery store a bit north of us, known as White Flower. I rubbed some on my neck and the pain relief was quick and wonderful. Upon closer inspection, it's a blend of EO's. I keep it around and have used it on John's stiff neck. It smells a lot like Icy Hot, so I often compare it to that, considering it's a similar effect and purpose. Just less...lotiony.
I've been eyeing a few other oils, like Acceptance, Breathe Again (super-charged RC in a roll bottle), Forgiveness, Gentle Baby, Grounding, Harmony, Raven, and maybe Sensation. and, goodness, maybe some singles too, though I do tend to gravitate to blends.
None of my comments about these oils are endorsed by Young Living, so don't hold any possible misconceptions against the company. It's simply my vision of them, and how I use them. Additionally, some people would rather use a different brand, and that's fine, as long as they don't force me to. :-P
First and foremost, let me explain. No, I'm not receiving commission from Young Living. Nor am I going to criticize someone's choice for using DoTerra or another brand of oils. It just so happens that I use YL. I like their blends, and what they've done for me, and when you have a mommy that gets a discount like I do...yes, please. I also am not even close to a professional on essential oil safety; the only ones using these oils are myself and my son (occasionally my daughter) so I decide how we handle it. There are many articles that talk about essential oil safety, so I recommend that you look them up and choose how you want to handle your family before you take my word as truth.
Lavender- Lavender has a calming effect, but it's also wonderful for killing the pain in small burns and scratches, while simultaneously healing them faster. I am the mother to a little boy. Hence, bumps, scrapes, and bruises are an almost daily factor of my life. J has gotten more than one abrasion on his face and I ALWAYS put lavender on it to help with the sting and pain, and to heal it faster. I've never been disappointed. Before I got a blend for it, I also used it to help him sleep easily and peacefully.
Thieves- I know many mommies (and daddies, I'm sure) who swear by Thieves. Known as the panacea of sickness, also as a wonderful bouncer against oncoming sickness, I confess to having rubbed a blend of Thieves and coconut oil on J's and G's chests and even throats when they have coughs and sore throats. I've rubbed it on my own. I was also given a spray that I use on my bug bites, which seem to be cropping up a lot more lately, as we seem to have a lot more mosquitoes in our monsoon season here in west Texas. Darn skeeters. Thieves is one of the oils that is not recommended for children, so please read the safety articles before you make your choice.
Pan Away- I don't honestly use this one as much, but for someone who frequently has body aches, I understand it does wonders. I did use it a couple months ago for a headache that just didn't seem to want to go away. I would probably use it on sore knees, stiff muscles, etc. I recently was at an oil information meeting and one of the ladies that tried it said that she'd arrived at the meeting that night with a stiff neck so bad, she couldn't turn her head, and within 5 minutes she felt great.
Lemon- There was a time when we were in the car, away from soap and water, and since I'm not the biggest fan of hand sanitizer, I pulled out my bottle of lemon EO and rubbed a drop on each of my kids' hands and made them rub it around. I felt more confident in clean hands, as lemon is an antibacterial, and isn't a funky chemical. I've heard of people using it to cleanse their cutting boards as well. I also add a drop of this to coconut oil for oil pulling, because I have texture issues that can be overridden if the taste is good enough. I added a drop of it plus a drop of lime EO to a glass bottle of water, and it's like healthy, non-fizzy Sprite. :D
Purification- This one is also beneficial for taking the pain out of bites and stings. It removes the poison from the site. I've used it a couple times on bug bites, before applying Thieves. I've also started diffusing it in the bathroom....;-)
Joy- One of my favorites. When my kids are throwing tantrums or someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed (including myself), I use it. A quick swipe across the forehead. Several months ago G was in a terrible 'tude. Grumpy, snipey, downright rude. I rubbed some Stress Away (to be discussed further down) and some Joy on her, and within 10 minutes her attitude had completely changed, and I'd convinced her of the success of oils. When she's at my house she asks for oils when she has an issue.
Peace and Calm- I will never take my son anywhere overnight without Peace and Calm around. He won't go to sleep without it anymore; it has become what calms him down after a nightmare, and part of his routine when it's time for bed. I've used it on G a few times too, when she's upset at night. It's the first EO I've bought a full bottle of, and I love it. I also keep a tiny bottle with my keys, so that I always have it on hand for a tantrum.
Peppermint- This is easily my most used oil, which is fortunate since it's not overly costly. I use peppermint for my headaches, for stomachaches and nausea....and have used it on both Hubs and G. G even asks for it if her belly hurts. It disappears quickly in my house because headaches are a frequent visitor to me.
Stress Away- Also one of my favorite oils. If you know anything about my life you know that there is no shortage of stress and anxiety that can appear almost daily, if not several times a day. Stress Away is my go to when I feel like I'm losing my grip on my temper; a drop of it rubbed on the back of my neck and I feel quite capable of calming down and looking at the situation as docile as possible, with logic and understanding. Thank you, YL people, for creating Stress Away. You have no idea the balm on my emotions that you've given me. It's possibly a big contributor to why my children are still alive. JOKING.
Valor- I've used it when I'm feeling nervous about the situation. It makes me feel brave, which may seem silly considering it's an oil, but it's true. When G feels upset and scared over how her life is going I might rub a bit of Valor on her and have a Mommy/daughter conversation with her. She perks right up.
Frankincense- There was a time when the only oils I had were in tiny little bottles, and at one point I ran out of Stress Away and was having a hard time. Through research, I learned that Frankincense was a suitable replacement for the time being, so I began using it during my bad moments, and pulled through just fine.
Citrus Fresh- Known as a mood-lifter, it helps with creativity, joy, and boosts the immune system. My mom sometimes diffuses it; she did while I was home and I felt like I was wandering through an orange grove in FL. I loved it.
M-Grain- What a wonderful product for those who suffer headaches. My dad gets them a lot and I know he uses it frequently. I've used it many times too and I find it works much faster than any of the pain pills like aspirin, ibuprophen or naproxen. I also feel better taking it, knowing that I'm using something healthy to help my pain, and not something that could be jeopardizing other parts of my body.
Ocotea- My mother was the one that seemed most interested in this, as it's been shown to help with high blood pressure, and it has a higher content of alpha humulene, which helps the body resist injury or irritation. I've not used it yet but I can think of a few members of my family (ahem, Hubs and MIL) that maybe should consider it.
Melaleuca alternifolia- Also known as tea tree oil. I LOVE melaleuca oil. It's wonderful for the occasional ear infections that J gets, as an antifungal additive for his cloth wipes, and to keep dandruff at bay. It may smell a little funky...but it's worth it.
DiGize- I've used it a few times when I feel like I may be eating something that needs a bit of help being digested, as this EO supports the digestive system.
Lime- Oh, yum. Lime is one of the key oils in the Stress Away blend, it's my favorite color, and it smells amazing. I've learned that I gravitate to lime anything. It's good for respiratory issues and itchies.
Cedarwood- I have a good friend who diffuses it or applies it topically to her son when he's doing his homework (which is increasing in volume) to help him focus on it better. I diffused it for the first time today to help my son not be an Energizer bunny on crack. HA!
Dragon Time- Ponder it. Just ponder. What could Dragon Time refer to? If you're a woman, you probably know. Dragon Time is a blend aimed towards controlling the mood swings and other issues during "that" time. It can also help with some of the painful physical symptoms as well.
Surrender- J, bless his pea-pickin' heart, has his daddy's stubbornness. He can be very aggressive and angry, and is not shy in voicing his indignation. Not long ago we were engaged in a battle of wills and I wished desperately for a drop or two of Surrender to chill him out. I even asked my mom if she had some, and she didn't but she ordered some. :P I suspect I will bombard everyone with Surrender when there is a family disagreement.
Additionally, my first self-chosen adventure into EO world was due to a stiff neck that I had for 3 weeks. It got bad, and a dear friend of mine suggested a Korean remedy that was available at the Korean grocery store a bit north of us, known as White Flower. I rubbed some on my neck and the pain relief was quick and wonderful. Upon closer inspection, it's a blend of EO's. I keep it around and have used it on John's stiff neck. It smells a lot like Icy Hot, so I often compare it to that, considering it's a similar effect and purpose. Just less...lotiony.
I've been eyeing a few other oils, like Acceptance, Breathe Again (super-charged RC in a roll bottle), Forgiveness, Gentle Baby, Grounding, Harmony, Raven, and maybe Sensation. and, goodness, maybe some singles too, though I do tend to gravitate to blends.
None of my comments about these oils are endorsed by Young Living, so don't hold any possible misconceptions against the company. It's simply my vision of them, and how I use them. Additionally, some people would rather use a different brand, and that's fine, as long as they don't force me to. :-P
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