From December 2007
I just returned from another work trip to Seattle. We flew in Monday and got home late last night. Thankfully, we were able to avoid all of the flooding brought on by lots of rain in the area by flying. If we had driven, we would have either been unable to get through, or had to have taken a huge detour. One of the major freeways entering the Seattle area was completely flooded and still wasn't open when we left yesterday.
I traveled with 4 colleagues for a Head Start conference entitled I Am Moving, I Am Learning, which was focused on the epidemic of obesity that is plaguing our country, and starting at very young ages these days. And so, since I work for a preschool program for 3-5 year olds, I was able to get some really good ideas and techniques to bring back and teach my teachers about. But even better yet, it was a great conference for also getting me up and moving, as well as making better choices when eating. They kept us moving by dancing, hopping, skipping, jumping, etc. all throughout the seminar. Of course all of these were great activity ideas to use in the classroom. Then they fed us very healthy meals for breakfast and lunch. No soda and no sweets (except on the very last day we got a small portion of brownie ).
I really did feel great all week and I need to keep it up! However, I must admit that as we ate dinner in the airport last night, before catching our flight home, we all headed to Wendys! LOL After a while, ya just have to have some of that good ol' comfort food.
Showing posts with label HEALTH. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HEALTH. Show all posts
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
Time to Set Some Resolutions... Before the New Year is Half Gone!
From January 2007
I stated in my last blog that I would be back soon to set some resolutions. And here it is half-way into January!! But anyway, here goes:
1. The usual - lose weight. lol Who doesn't set this as a resolution! But really, mine is quite simple. I seem to be on a bit of a trend of dropping a pound here or there... so now I want to make it official and shoot for a simple 5 pounds. That's it - that's all. However, the goal also has a catch. I also need to maintain that 5 pound loss. I notice that I seem to get stuck on this one particular weight (which I will not reveal to the entire cyber world), and when I lose anything, I tend to gain right back to that set weight. So, I want to lose 5 pounds, and make that my new set weight that my body tends to gravitate to. Wish me luck!
2. Um - something to do with my finances. So exact and precise, I know. But man, it sure seems like I have a lot of debt lately. A lot of it pretty legit, like hospital bills (from my surgery), a substantial house payment, school loan, etc. etc. So, my goal at this time is to really get some of those smaller ones paid off, so that I have a little bit of cash left to spend on myself.
3. Reconnect with some of my friends that I've noticed I've become distant with. Of course, I have one in particular in mind. I just don't know what to do about her! Her depression has spread to me I think -- I don't even know how to approach her anymore. It has brought such a sadness to my heart to think I've lost such a good friend. And yet I get quite angry too, because she won't take anyone's calls (not just mine) -- she won't return calls or attempt to contact any of her "old" friends. Yet, I kind of hesitate about just showing up at her house unannounced. I think I'm afraid of what I might find. Her whole household is just not in a "healthy" state. So this goal is a bit vague... mostly it's just about me needing to take action... of some sort. Sigh.
4. It is time to do some dating again. It's kind of been a while. I took a purposeful break from it all, because clearly my dating preferences had become a bit skewed. I needed to step back and reevaluate what I was really wanting and looking for. But now that I've done that, I notice I've become stuck in a very old, but familiar rut of not doing much socializing AT ALL. I seem to have this pattern of either over-doing it or not doing it at all. It's either feast or famine. (And when it's a feast - I make dumb decisions.) But really, I just miss having a bit of male influence... and attention in my life.
Alrighty, I believe 4 goals are good enough. I know that I really didn't write down specifics of how I plan to reach them. I'm not sure I even know yet. Needs more pondering. At least I've formulated what I even want to accomplish in the year, which is always a good thing.
I stated in my last blog that I would be back soon to set some resolutions. And here it is half-way into January!! But anyway, here goes:
1. The usual - lose weight. lol Who doesn't set this as a resolution! But really, mine is quite simple. I seem to be on a bit of a trend of dropping a pound here or there... so now I want to make it official and shoot for a simple 5 pounds. That's it - that's all. However, the goal also has a catch. I also need to maintain that 5 pound loss. I notice that I seem to get stuck on this one particular weight (which I will not reveal to the entire cyber world), and when I lose anything, I tend to gain right back to that set weight. So, I want to lose 5 pounds, and make that my new set weight that my body tends to gravitate to. Wish me luck!
2. Um - something to do with my finances. So exact and precise, I know. But man, it sure seems like I have a lot of debt lately. A lot of it pretty legit, like hospital bills (from my surgery), a substantial house payment, school loan, etc. etc. So, my goal at this time is to really get some of those smaller ones paid off, so that I have a little bit of cash left to spend on myself.
3. Reconnect with some of my friends that I've noticed I've become distant with. Of course, I have one in particular in mind. I just don't know what to do about her! Her depression has spread to me I think -- I don't even know how to approach her anymore. It has brought such a sadness to my heart to think I've lost such a good friend. And yet I get quite angry too, because she won't take anyone's calls (not just mine) -- she won't return calls or attempt to contact any of her "old" friends. Yet, I kind of hesitate about just showing up at her house unannounced. I think I'm afraid of what I might find. Her whole household is just not in a "healthy" state. So this goal is a bit vague... mostly it's just about me needing to take action... of some sort. Sigh.
4. It is time to do some dating again. It's kind of been a while. I took a purposeful break from it all, because clearly my dating preferences had become a bit skewed. I needed to step back and reevaluate what I was really wanting and looking for. But now that I've done that, I notice I've become stuck in a very old, but familiar rut of not doing much socializing AT ALL. I seem to have this pattern of either over-doing it or not doing it at all. It's either feast or famine. (And when it's a feast - I make dumb decisions.) But really, I just miss having a bit of male influence... and attention in my life.
Alrighty, I believe 4 goals are good enough. I know that I really didn't write down specifics of how I plan to reach them. I'm not sure I even know yet. Needs more pondering. At least I've formulated what I even want to accomplish in the year, which is always a good thing.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
CHRISTMAS VACATION
FROM DECEMBER 2006
One of my favorite things about working in a school setting is that I get all the basic school vacations off of work. For the past week or so I have been on what my employment calls "winter break" (in an attempt to make it sound politically correct). To me, it's just a good ol' Christmas Vacation. And boy has it gone by quickly!!
My original plans for part of my vacation time went down hill the first day I was off of work. I was scheduled to fly out of our closest airport and go to Denver to visit my brother and his family for Christmas. But due to all that snow in Denver, my flight as well as many, many others were cancelled. It was amazing to watch the news and see all of the people stuck in the Denver airport, unable to fly out. I was actually a bit grateful I wasn't able to go -- mostly because I was still at home and not stuck out there somewhere. But I had also been battling a cold and right around the same day I was scheduled to fly, my cold turned into bronchitis. Man, I was down for about 4 days with a fever, chills, aches, and a terrible cough. (Still have the cough and probably will for a while.) Not the most enjoyable way to spend a vacation. Although, I can't say that I didn't mind the excuse to just lay around for a few days.
I had an enjoyable Christmas regardless. I'm not so sure that my family that I spent the day with appreciated me being sick around them, so I tried to not get too close. That's pretty hard when there's a cute little great nephew toddling around.
I've also been able to do a little bit of the traditional Christmas baking -- too bad I wasn't able to actually do it before Christmas! Oh well, no one would have wanted germy cookies anyway. I enjoy the actual baking part the most. Although the eating part can be good too.
And now here we face a New Year. Sigh... that's a whole other entry to save for later. But along with that new year, I have to go back to work. Yuck!! I really could get used to being unemployed. But that's a bit impossible since I need money to survive. Hmmm... maybe 2007 will bring me some luck and I'll win the lottery (I would have to actually buy a ticket for the luck to work). Or maybe I'll find a "sugar daddy"!
Anywhoo... Happy New Year to everyone! I'll talk about some of my resolutions soon.
One of my favorite things about working in a school setting is that I get all the basic school vacations off of work. For the past week or so I have been on what my employment calls "winter break" (in an attempt to make it sound politically correct). To me, it's just a good ol' Christmas Vacation. And boy has it gone by quickly!!
My original plans for part of my vacation time went down hill the first day I was off of work. I was scheduled to fly out of our closest airport and go to Denver to visit my brother and his family for Christmas. But due to all that snow in Denver, my flight as well as many, many others were cancelled. It was amazing to watch the news and see all of the people stuck in the Denver airport, unable to fly out. I was actually a bit grateful I wasn't able to go -- mostly because I was still at home and not stuck out there somewhere. But I had also been battling a cold and right around the same day I was scheduled to fly, my cold turned into bronchitis. Man, I was down for about 4 days with a fever, chills, aches, and a terrible cough. (Still have the cough and probably will for a while.) Not the most enjoyable way to spend a vacation. Although, I can't say that I didn't mind the excuse to just lay around for a few days.
I had an enjoyable Christmas regardless. I'm not so sure that my family that I spent the day with appreciated me being sick around them, so I tried to not get too close. That's pretty hard when there's a cute little great nephew toddling around.
I've also been able to do a little bit of the traditional Christmas baking -- too bad I wasn't able to actually do it before Christmas! Oh well, no one would have wanted germy cookies anyway. I enjoy the actual baking part the most. Although the eating part can be good too.
And now here we face a New Year. Sigh... that's a whole other entry to save for later. But along with that new year, I have to go back to work. Yuck!! I really could get used to being unemployed. But that's a bit impossible since I need money to survive. Hmmm... maybe 2007 will bring me some luck and I'll win the lottery (I would have to actually buy a ticket for the luck to work). Or maybe I'll find a "sugar daddy"!
Anywhoo... Happy New Year to everyone! I'll talk about some of my resolutions soon.
MY RECOVERY
FROM OCTOBER 31, 2006
It's been over a week and a half since my surgery (on the 19th) and all seems to be going pretty well. I actually have a check-up/follow-up appointment today with the doctor. I was joking earlier today with co-workers about how I am taking half a day off to travel an hour each way to see the doctor, who will probably look at my scars for a few seconds, ask a couple of questions and then tell me everything is ok. Duh... I think I know that already. But hey, I guess it's nice to have the afternoon off.
My recovery didn't go as quickly as some stories I heard others tell. I think those people who went back to work the day after their surgery were crazy and full of it! But overall, it has been a pretty quick-healing process. I still have soreness especially if I twist or bend the wrong way, I hate wearing a bra because it irritates one of my incisions (I came to work 2 days last week without one!), and sneezing just about kills me. But otherwise, I'm up and on the move as if nothing had happened. Which is good because my life has just become extrememly busy and I don't think I can milk the "poor me, I just had surgery" stories too much longer.
BTW -- Happy Halloween!
It's been over a week and a half since my surgery (on the 19th) and all seems to be going pretty well. I actually have a check-up/follow-up appointment today with the doctor. I was joking earlier today with co-workers about how I am taking half a day off to travel an hour each way to see the doctor, who will probably look at my scars for a few seconds, ask a couple of questions and then tell me everything is ok. Duh... I think I know that already. But hey, I guess it's nice to have the afternoon off.
My recovery didn't go as quickly as some stories I heard others tell. I think those people who went back to work the day after their surgery were crazy and full of it! But overall, it has been a pretty quick-healing process. I still have soreness especially if I twist or bend the wrong way, I hate wearing a bra because it irritates one of my incisions (I came to work 2 days last week without one!), and sneezing just about kills me. But otherwise, I'm up and on the move as if nothing had happened. Which is good because my life has just become extrememly busy and I don't think I can milk the "poor me, I just had surgery" stories too much longer.
BTW -- Happy Halloween!
UPCOMING SURGERY
FROM OCTOBER 2006
I'm scheduled to have surgery this week -- to have my gallbladder removed. Blech! I'm glad it's a pretty quick procedure. I check into the hospital on Thursday morning around 10:30. Surgery is scheduled for 12:30. And they say if all goes well I'll be leaving to come home around 4:30 or 5:30. I went today to fill out all the papers, have blood work done, etc. I think I'll be pretty happy with the Hospital (I say that because I have chosen to not have it done at the local hospital, but travel an hour to have it done elsewhere. Our local hospital doesn't have the best of reputations.)
Anyway, it's my first stay at a hospital besides the one trip I made to the emergency room when I broke my foot. I'm a little nervous, but overall feel pretty calm.
I'm scheduled to have surgery this week -- to have my gallbladder removed. Blech! I'm glad it's a pretty quick procedure. I check into the hospital on Thursday morning around 10:30. Surgery is scheduled for 12:30. And they say if all goes well I'll be leaving to come home around 4:30 or 5:30. I went today to fill out all the papers, have blood work done, etc. I think I'll be pretty happy with the Hospital (I say that because I have chosen to not have it done at the local hospital, but travel an hour to have it done elsewhere. Our local hospital doesn't have the best of reputations.)
Anyway, it's my first stay at a hospital besides the one trip I made to the emergency room when I broke my foot. I'm a little nervous, but overall feel pretty calm.
SO IT'S REALLY TRUE THAT FRUITS & VEGGIES ARE GOOD FOR YOU! :)
FROM OCTOBER 2006
It's official - I have a gallstone. After having an ultrasound done, it was confirmed. Although I'm a bit frustrated with my current Family Nurse Practitioner for not really giving me any details as to how bad it is. She just referred me to a surgeon without any further info. And since I don't want to go to who they referred me to - I cancelled that appointment and made one with someone I feel more safe with.
But in the meantime, since I'm tired of feeling yucky, and I want to ensure that I get to go on my work trip to Seattle next week, I have taken things into my own hands. (Which is what I should have done a long time ago to avoid this problem in the first place.) I read up on what causes gallstones and found a book I have on natural remedies and learned that if I stick to the ever healthy raw fruits and veggies, whole grains like bran, non-fat dairy, and water that I will feel much better. And it's sooo true. Well duh, this is basic nutritional knowledge, but it takes me getting sick to finally follow through. I can't say that I don't miss all those fat and cholesterol laden foods (cravings are a bit high right now) but they send my gallbladder into shock, not to mention the pain.
I will most likely end up having surgery to remove my gallbladder - unfortunately. I just have a hard time believing that I don't actually need that organ. But many people I know have had their's removed. But until then, and hopefully even after, it's healthy non-fat foods for me! Hey, at least I'm losing weight with it too - 3 pounds this week!
It's official - I have a gallstone. After having an ultrasound done, it was confirmed. Although I'm a bit frustrated with my current Family Nurse Practitioner for not really giving me any details as to how bad it is. She just referred me to a surgeon without any further info. And since I don't want to go to who they referred me to - I cancelled that appointment and made one with someone I feel more safe with.
But in the meantime, since I'm tired of feeling yucky, and I want to ensure that I get to go on my work trip to Seattle next week, I have taken things into my own hands. (Which is what I should have done a long time ago to avoid this problem in the first place.) I read up on what causes gallstones and found a book I have on natural remedies and learned that if I stick to the ever healthy raw fruits and veggies, whole grains like bran, non-fat dairy, and water that I will feel much better. And it's sooo true. Well duh, this is basic nutritional knowledge, but it takes me getting sick to finally follow through. I can't say that I don't miss all those fat and cholesterol laden foods (cravings are a bit high right now) but they send my gallbladder into shock, not to mention the pain.
I will most likely end up having surgery to remove my gallbladder - unfortunately. I just have a hard time believing that I don't actually need that organ. But many people I know have had their's removed. But until then, and hopefully even after, it's healthy non-fat foods for me! Hey, at least I'm losing weight with it too - 3 pounds this week!
IS MY BODY JUST GETTING OLD... OR WHAT?!
FROM OCTOBER 2006
Well, I've had another round of health problems. At first I didn't think much of it. Sunday night, in the middle of the night I had some upper back pain. I figured I just needed to pop it, so I got up out of bed and tried to do so. After a while of that not working, the pain started to get worse. It really wasn't a sharp pain, but more like a deep aching pain. No matter what I did, I couldn't get comfortable or get it to subside. As the hours of the night continued and as I paced, layed on the floor, sat in different chairs, and got in and out of bed it just got worse and I began to feel nauseated. I figured I was sick to my stomach due to the pain, since that happens to me with migraines/bad headaches. I tried taking some Ibuprofen which didn't work. Then I took some Vicotin that I had left over -- which I promptly threw up. Finally I tried some more Ibuprofen which worked and I fell asleep exhausted.
The next morning, after about 4 hours of sleep (which is not even close in being enough sleep for me) I got up and got ready to go to work. I was tired, but figured it was because of the lack of sleep. The pain was gone, but I really had a flu-like feeling. No energy and achy. I only made it through about 3 hours of work before returning back home. But while at work, some of my co-workers said that my symptoms sounded more like my gallbladder than they did my back. So I decided I better make an appointment to see the doctor.
I went to the doctor the next day and we discussed the various symptoms. I explained that really overall I haven't been feeling all that healthy lately. I even had been experiencing some increased issues with my hormones (which has been an ongoing problem for a few years) including mood swings, plus having recently had a cold and some allergy and sinus problems. She took some blood to check for any bacteria that might be in my digestive system. She also gave me a new/different prescription for my birth control/hormones with a different level of Estrogen. Then scheduled me for an ultrasound for my gallbladder, which I had done this morning.
Today I feel much better but still not completely well. By tomorrow I should know the results of my ultrasound. Yesterday, I received the results of the blood test, which was negative for any bacteria, ulcers, etc. I really don't think it's my gallbladder, but I don't know what it is. At the doctor's office the other day, when she took my blood pressure, it was low -- 92/60. I was feeling dehydrated then too, so who knows if that had anything to do with it. Anyway, maybe it's just as simple as a flu bug or maybe it's related to some issues I've been having with my hormones. I believe that we don't always give enough credit to hormones and how they effect our bodies.
Well, I've had another round of health problems. At first I didn't think much of it. Sunday night, in the middle of the night I had some upper back pain. I figured I just needed to pop it, so I got up out of bed and tried to do so. After a while of that not working, the pain started to get worse. It really wasn't a sharp pain, but more like a deep aching pain. No matter what I did, I couldn't get comfortable or get it to subside. As the hours of the night continued and as I paced, layed on the floor, sat in different chairs, and got in and out of bed it just got worse and I began to feel nauseated. I figured I was sick to my stomach due to the pain, since that happens to me with migraines/bad headaches. I tried taking some Ibuprofen which didn't work. Then I took some Vicotin that I had left over -- which I promptly threw up. Finally I tried some more Ibuprofen which worked and I fell asleep exhausted.
The next morning, after about 4 hours of sleep (which is not even close in being enough sleep for me) I got up and got ready to go to work. I was tired, but figured it was because of the lack of sleep. The pain was gone, but I really had a flu-like feeling. No energy and achy. I only made it through about 3 hours of work before returning back home. But while at work, some of my co-workers said that my symptoms sounded more like my gallbladder than they did my back. So I decided I better make an appointment to see the doctor.
I went to the doctor the next day and we discussed the various symptoms. I explained that really overall I haven't been feeling all that healthy lately. I even had been experiencing some increased issues with my hormones (which has been an ongoing problem for a few years) including mood swings, plus having recently had a cold and some allergy and sinus problems. She took some blood to check for any bacteria that might be in my digestive system. She also gave me a new/different prescription for my birth control/hormones with a different level of Estrogen. Then scheduled me for an ultrasound for my gallbladder, which I had done this morning.
Today I feel much better but still not completely well. By tomorrow I should know the results of my ultrasound. Yesterday, I received the results of the blood test, which was negative for any bacteria, ulcers, etc. I really don't think it's my gallbladder, but I don't know what it is. At the doctor's office the other day, when she took my blood pressure, it was low -- 92/60. I was feeling dehydrated then too, so who knows if that had anything to do with it. Anyway, maybe it's just as simple as a flu bug or maybe it's related to some issues I've been having with my hormones. I believe that we don't always give enough credit to hormones and how they effect our bodies.
A BUSY WEEK AHEAD
FROM SEPTEMBER 2006
Sigh... it's Sunday evening and I am dreading the idea of starting another work week. Actually I should say I'm dreading this particular week. It will most likely go quickly, which is good, but it will also be busy. Tomorrow starts our new year-- for the most part. All those employees who were laid off for the summer come back and we have a week of training. Then there is a weekof prep. And then finally the children come back for the school year.
Since I am in charge of training and mentoring the classroom staff, I have quite a bit of training to do this week. But I am grateful that it falls during the last half of the week (gives me a bit more time to prep). Usually I enjoy training, but this year there seems to be a dark cloud over the whole new year starting. I think it's because my best friend will no longer be working with us, and it's just kind of hard to face tomorrow knowing that she's no longer employed. I know I've talked about it a lot already on my blogs, so I won't say too much more. But I'm really going to miss having her there!!
Anyway, I'm feeling a little bit better as far as my cold is concerned. I'm not nearly as tired today. Whew! Saturday, I was pretty wiped out!! Now I just need to get past all the head/nasal congestion. This is when I'm very grateful for cold medicine -- even if it does make me a bit loopy, tired, and have dry mouth. I'm sounding like one of those commercials advertising some new drug. They make it sound all wonderful, and then they quickly state a long list of side effects that could possibly kill you.
Alrighty, I think I'm gonna log off and go watch some Charmed reruns. I've seen them all several times, but I still enjoy watching them.
Sigh... it's Sunday evening and I am dreading the idea of starting another work week. Actually I should say I'm dreading this particular week. It will most likely go quickly, which is good, but it will also be busy. Tomorrow starts our new year-- for the most part. All those employees who were laid off for the summer come back and we have a week of training. Then there is a weekof prep. And then finally the children come back for the school year.
Since I am in charge of training and mentoring the classroom staff, I have quite a bit of training to do this week. But I am grateful that it falls during the last half of the week (gives me a bit more time to prep). Usually I enjoy training, but this year there seems to be a dark cloud over the whole new year starting. I think it's because my best friend will no longer be working with us, and it's just kind of hard to face tomorrow knowing that she's no longer employed. I know I've talked about it a lot already on my blogs, so I won't say too much more. But I'm really going to miss having her there!!
Anyway, I'm feeling a little bit better as far as my cold is concerned. I'm not nearly as tired today. Whew! Saturday, I was pretty wiped out!! Now I just need to get past all the head/nasal congestion. This is when I'm very grateful for cold medicine -- even if it does make me a bit loopy, tired, and have dry mouth. I'm sounding like one of those commercials advertising some new drug. They make it sound all wonderful, and then they quickly state a long list of side effects that could possibly kill you.
Alrighty, I think I'm gonna log off and go watch some Charmed reruns. I've seen them all several times, but I still enjoy watching them.
THE COLD BUG HAS MADE IT AROUND TO ME
FROM SEPTEMBER 2006
I have been dealing with allergy symptoms for over a month now. And with all the range fires in the area, the smoke in the air has not helped. But to make matters worse, I think I have caught a cold. At first I wasn't sure if it was just my good ol' allergies, but then when the tired, achy, stuff came on, I was pretty sure. Blech. All I did today was lay in bed or sit on the couch and watch tv. I did go to Wal-Mart very quickly. I rarely get in and out of that place that fast! But I was pooped by the time I got back home. Not that being sick is ever convenient, but this really IS bad timing, since I cannot miss any work next week. So I have tomorrow to get better- LOL.
I have been dealing with allergy symptoms for over a month now. And with all the range fires in the area, the smoke in the air has not helped. But to make matters worse, I think I have caught a cold. At first I wasn't sure if it was just my good ol' allergies, but then when the tired, achy, stuff came on, I was pretty sure. Blech. All I did today was lay in bed or sit on the couch and watch tv. I did go to Wal-Mart very quickly. I rarely get in and out of that place that fast! But I was pooped by the time I got back home. Not that being sick is ever convenient, but this really IS bad timing, since I cannot miss any work next week. So I have tomorrow to get better- LOL.
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