tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58888762504461415282024-02-20T23:55:11.181-07:00My Ordinary Simple Life! (Yeah Right!)My Life as I deal with everyday circumstances.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931831993694991100noreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5888876250446141528.post-74594605262584756562015-03-01T12:37:00.000-07:002015-03-01T12:57:58.079-07:00Could Life Be Anymore Stressful? (Done in my Chandler voice from Friends)Trying to keep my flares at bay is not an easy thing when life throws a lot of stress your way. I'm still trying to deal with the fact that my son is leaving in exactly one month. I am still very proud of him and wished I had the guts he has when I was his age.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My boys at Shane's 11th Birthday Dinner!</td></tr>
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That stress is bad enough, but I'm worried about my cousin who has "Stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Breast Cancer (that means while the cancer started in a duct, the cancer cells have moved outside the duct-that is what makes it invasive." <br />
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My cousin is only a year younger than me, but she is one of the strongest women I know. She lives quite a distance away from the rest of the family, but has her husband, children, and her brother and sister and their families with her. I support every decision she makes and I know that her faith will pull her through this. I believe she will win this war, but it's still hard not to worry about her and what she is going through. I didn't know how to support her from so far away, and then it hit me. I bought what I call my "Supporting Lolita" outfit to wear on Fridays, and I got a new tattoo in her honor and for those who have gone through this horrible disease (personally or as a support system).<br />
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I also got it for my Grandma Raquel who passed away when I was 18 from complications due to bone cancer. She was diagnosed when I was 3 and told she had only 6 months to live. She fought for 15 years because she was determined to see me graduate from high school. She was bedridden when I graduated, but video cameras had just come out so my parents rented one so they could tape it for her. She lasted 2 months after my graduation and made me promise I wouldn't get married until I graduated from college. Her strength was incredible also!<br />
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My body has been nice to me during this time, but we are also getting ready for the state exam at the end of the month. I have several students who I worry about. I have been working with these kids everyday (including Saturdays), and yet nothing seems to be working. I have seen a few light bulbs come on, but several that remain dim. I know they can do it, but trying to convince them of that is another story. I hate this test and I truly don't think it's fair to put this much pressure on an 11 year old. I also don't think that many of our people in charge (our Governor for example) could pass this test.</div>
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Oh, and to add to the stress, we decided to adopt a puppy yesterday for my youngest son. A very huge 10 month old puppy who weighs 81 pounds. He's a Black Lab/Newfoundland mix and is the sweetest dog ever. He is also very active and wants to eat everything in sight. Our yorkie seems to be okay with him unless he jumps up on one of us and then he goes into overprotective mode. What Willy doesn't seem to understand is that Dante outweighs him by 70 pounds. So far Dante just looks at Willy when he tries snapping at him. Hopefully Willy realizes we're not in danger and just chills out. Shane loves his new dog, but they are going to doggy school during Spring Break because right now Dante takes Shane for a walk instead of the other way around. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shane and Dante</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dante and Willy</td></tr>
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Stress be damned, I will deal with whatever pain Fibro throws my way and get through the next few months. I will handle my son leaving, I will continue believing in my cousin, I will get my kids through this stupid test, and I'll make sure Dante doesn't eat Willy. I pity the flare that tries to get in my way. Ain't nobody got time for that! :-)<br />
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Gentle Hugs,<br />
Bonnie<br />
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P.S. Did you notice I've lost 29 pounds! WooHoo! That has helped with some of my pain, and I have a little more energy. <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931831993694991100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5888876250446141528.post-33836804575185425102015-02-09T20:11:00.001-07:002015-02-10T07:40:26.650-07:00Trying to keep a flare at bay!<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My oldest son informed my husband and I that he is moving out on April 1st, and going to San Francisco to live with a friend from high school and her boyfriend . Apparently they have a house they share with 2 other people. He is going to live there rent free until he has a job, and then he will pitch in for utilities.<br /><br />I knew this day was coming, but I really hoped it would be a couple of more years. I was a complete basket case when he told us, but I'm doing a little better right now. Luckily work has kept my mind busy, so I haven't been dwelling on it too much. I did end up with a major headache, and some of my trigger points are causing some problems. I'm determined not to stress over this right now so I don't end up in a major flare, but I know come April 1st I'm going to really start stressing about him being gone.<br /><br />The one good thing about this is, I now know where I'm going to for summer vacation. I'll have to be there the week of August 11th to celebrate his 20th birthday. My mother is really stressing about her first grandchild flying the coop. She's determined that we will be visiting him at least every 2 months. I guess I'll be taking long weekends off of work every 2 months to see my son. </span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Why must they grow up so fast? </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931831993694991100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5888876250446141528.post-75771460693295196522014-12-26T10:36:00.000-07:002014-12-26T11:08:12.007-07:00Such a Tease!Living in a desert the one thing you don't see to often is rain or snow. This is great for someone who has fibro, but not so great for people who need the rain to help with their crops or for kids who want to play in the snow. This morning my 10 year old woke up excited because he could see snow falling from his window, so of course he woke me up. I could've told him already their was precipitation in the air because my body was very achy.<br />
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He drags me out of bed so I can see it, and ends up totally bummed because as pretty as it is coming down it, it is not sticking to the ground. The temperature 40ºF down on the ground. Both of us are mad at the snow today, although for completely different reasons!<br />
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Hope everyone has a warm, dry day!<br />
Gentle Hugs,<br />
BonnieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931831993694991100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5888876250446141528.post-11795196341564791972014-12-21T13:42:00.000-07:002014-12-21T13:42:37.353-07:00Oops!I woke up yesterday in serious pain. I had fallen asleep Friday night watching TV and my hubby decided to let me sleep instead of waking me up to go to bed. He thought he was doing me a favor, but I ended up not taking my meds before bedtime. When I woke up yesterday, I immediately went to take my morning meds and realized I didn't take my Friday morning pills. Explains the pain!<br />
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I guess I was so excited that Friday was our last day of school before Winter Break, taking my meds completely slipped my mind. I just wanted to get to work and get the day over with as quickly as possible. Boy am I paying for that now! I spent all day yesterday hoping the meds would start working, but no such luck. Today is a little better than yesterday. I'm hoping by tomorrow the pain will be back into the manageable range.<br />
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On the brighter side of things, I have all my Christmas shopping finished. I did it all online this year. I usually end up waiting until the last minute which causes severe stress and major flares. This year I finally got smart and realized I could get everything I needed online. Now I'm just waiting for the last of the packages to arrive. They are all supposed to be delivered by Tuesday, so I'm not going to stress until Wednesday if they haven't been delivered yet. <br />
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Think I'll take a nap now and see if I can get rid of my headache!<br />
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Gentle Hugs to All!<br />
BonnieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931831993694991100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5888876250446141528.post-56376711482355140402014-11-21T19:37:00.001-07:002014-11-21T19:37:13.321-07:00Here I Go Again!I had a major scare Saturday night while watching my youngest son play soccer. He was playing in a tournament and the game started at 8:30 p.m. Around 9:30 I got the worst pain in my head that I have ever gotten. I'm used to headaches and migraines, but this was different. It felt like someone had stuck a knife in the top front left side of my brain and decided to twist it and leave it there.<div>
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As you all know, getting strange pains is a normal part of our lives. This pain was different! The lights and noise were unbearable, meanwhile I'm trying to keep my happy face on for my son who is still playing. Finally around 9:45 the game was over and we got in the car for the 30 minute drive home. I didn't want to scare my hubby or my 10 year old, so I just closed my eyes and pushed my head into the headrest to try and ease the pain.</div>
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Once we arrived home I decided to check my blood pressure and it was 167/111. I finally let my hubby know what was happening and told him it was time for the ER. I called my parents and asked them to meet us there so they could take Shane to their house. My mom stayed with us, while my dad took Shane home.</div>
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We were at the ER from 11:00 to 3:30 the next morning. They started me off on IV Toradol and something to help with the nausea I had developed. After a couple of hours, my blood pressure had gone down just a tad, but the pain was still pretty bad. They then added morphine and codeine to my IV and took me for a CT scan. Finally the pain started to subside, and my blood pressure went back to semi-normal. The CT came back fine (of course, because they always do), and they gave me a prescription for the Toradol and Tylenol with codeine and sent me on my merry way. </div>
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The pain was back by 7:00 and the blood pressure was up again (though only 149/100). I spent all of Sunday in bed under the blanket in praying that the meds would start working. Finally on Monday my blood pressure was back to normal (110/76) and the pain was finally heading to being a regular every day type of headache.</div>
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While in the ER waiting for my parents, I could see how scared my little guy was, and all I could do was think about what would happen to him if I stroked out or had a heart attack. So I made a decision that I was going to lose all the weight I have gained over the last few years, because I can't imagine leaving my husband, children and family. I can't do that to them, and I can't do that to me.</div>
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So I've started a new weight loss program, and have already lost 5 pounds this week (mostly water weight). I will be down to a healthier weight by the summer and I will get out there and play soccer with my son. I want to be able to walk, run, and go places with my family. Hopefully the weight loss will help with the Fibro pain (people are always telling me if I lose weight things will get better), but regardless of the Fibro I want to live a healthier life for my family (pain be damned)!</div>
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Gentle Hugs,</div>
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Bonnie</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931831993694991100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5888876250446141528.post-26816275621958221522014-10-25T15:32:00.001-06:002014-10-26T12:04:04.709-06:00Is it Fibro or Something to Worry About?Have you ever been faced with a new pain that has you thinking "should I worry about it, or should I just chalk it up to the fibro?" Well it happens all the time to me, and I am not a fan of the guessing game!<br />
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I started having sharp pains in my chest a couple of weeks ago. Nothing major, just a sharp jab and then it would go away. This would happen every once in awhile with no clear pattern. Then last weekend it started happening more often. It hurt when I would bend over, cough, sneeze, take a deep breath, and it also hurt to the touch. So I'm thinking Fibro because of the fact that it hurt to touch it.<br />
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I finally decide I better call and make an appointment to see the doctor. Everybody else wants me to go to the emergency room. I try to explain how many times I've been to the ER only to be told they can't find anything wrong with me, and how it gets embarrassing after awhile. So I opt out of the ER and wait for my appointment. I figure it's not my heart since that has been checked out every which way possible during the whole "<a href="http://myordinarysimplefibrolife.blogspot.com/2013/07/oh-what-fun-its-been-not.html" target="_blank">I can't breathe</a>" episode last year. <br />
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So I go to the doctor, and he agrees it's not my heart. After checking everything else, it turns out I have an infection in my lung. The lung is slightly swollen which is pushing on the rib cage thus causing the pain when I touch my chest (that is Fibro related). He gave me a big ole shot, and put me on a methylprednisolone dospak (21 pills in 6 days). The pain is gone, the breathing is easier, and I can sneeze and cough without pain. Of course you also have to deal with the side effects: can't sleep, serious dry mouth, my eyes are blurrier than usual, and my face is extra puffy!<br />
<br />
I'm glad I didn't go to the ER, but I am glad I went to the doctor. He said it could've turned to bronchitis if I hadn't come in when I did.<br />
<br />
So it was partly Fibro <i><b>and</b></i> something to worry about! Again how do you tell the difference without spending all of your time at the doctor's or ER? Such a conundrum!<br />
<br />
On a side note, my oldest son and I got matching tattoos! He picked them out. It's a mom and son heart! It made me cry when he took me to get it. He knows he's going to be moving out on his own once he gets his basics done next year and wanted me to have something to always look at and think of him (like I would need anything, because I'm going to be a mess when he moves out). He got his on his shoulder, and I got mine above my left ankle. My new favorite tattoo!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhALpzx7rFsocp1Df4CSDP1KHITijCcKoOI8MbHYVm8ob7WqIXx3y2cdR_0TQJKaarfaAR-ZecQqlU3LBoItGnABBmiva3HWKVhSn0_7ovPlo78iXd23X0g2sm4l9Ot8r8XdApBn5UDtX/s1600/mytat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhALpzx7rFsocp1Df4CSDP1KHITijCcKoOI8MbHYVm8ob7WqIXx3y2cdR_0TQJKaarfaAR-ZecQqlU3LBoItGnABBmiva3HWKVhSn0_7ovPlo78iXd23X0g2sm4l9Ot8r8XdApBn5UDtX/s1600/mytat.jpg" height="200" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom loving her son. Mine has a purple head and his has a blue head!</td></tr>
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Gentle Hugs,<br />
BonnieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931831993694991100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5888876250446141528.post-15335047273240858282014-08-23T15:13:00.001-06:002014-08-23T15:13:12.517-06:00I'm Back!Hello all,<br />
<br />
I know it's been awhile, but I just got really lazy this summer and decided to take a computer break. I actually had a great summer. First summer in years where neither my hubby nor I ended up in the hospital for some kind of illness or surgery.<br />
<br />
Our summer started with a whirlwind trip to East Coast for Memorial Weekend. We actually went for a 30th birthday party for a girl I worked with one on one for 2 years when she was in elementary school. I taught her life skills and she became a very important child in my life. She taught me patience and tolerance, and I thank her for making me the teacher I am today. Her birthday was a very special one because she only had a life expectancy of 25 years. <br />
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Her parents threw her a major party at the Baltimore Orioles stadium. Since we were going for her birthday, my hubby and I decided to make it a family vacation. My oldest was born in Columbia, MD and we wanted him to see where he spent the first 2 years of his life. My youngest is a history buff, so we spent a day in DC, and then we all decided that a quick trip to NYC was in order. I was exhausted by the time we got home and had to take an extra day off to sleep. I was able to keep my fibro pain at bay with a lot of pain medication. I hurt, but I wanted to make new memories for my boys.<br />
<br />
We went to AZ in July to visit my brother and his family. We spent a week there celebrating both the 4th of July and my birthday. We went kayaking one day, and I actually managed pretty well. I couldn't move my arms the next day, but well worth the pain. Both my boys and hubby also had a blast kayaking. <br />
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I spent the rest of the summer just hanging out with my youngest. We chilled, went to the movies, and just enjoyed our summer. I hardly saw my oldest because he was always out with his boyfriend. Now that school is starting and he has a job, we might see him every once in awhile. Luckily for him we love his boyfriend, and they come and hang out at the house when they're broke.<br />
<br />
I went back to work on Monday the 18th. Trainings and getting my room back in order was exhausting, but I look forward to meeting my new 5th graders and having another fun year. <br />
<br />
Finally, I went and got my hair done for the new school year. Last year I went with purple highlights. This year I decided to add purple and teal highlights. I love my new color. It makes me happy!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last August</td></tr>
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Anyway, hope every one is doing fine and the pain is manageable. I hope everyone enjoyed their summer as much as I did.<br />
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Gentle Hugs,<br />
Bonnie<br />
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<span id="goog_1999822843"></span><span id="goog_1999822844"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931831993694991100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5888876250446141528.post-76572321187335328622014-03-15T16:15:00.002-06:002014-10-25T16:19:38.037-06:00At What Point Do You Say Enough is Enough?Sorry, but this is going to be long!<br />
<br />
I want to preface this post with I love my mother very much! That being said, when is it okay to say I'm tired and I can't take it anymore?<br />
<br />
My mother is the type of person who loves hard, but she's also the type of person who judges hard and guilts even harder. I lived with my parents until 1991 when I got married. A few months after the wedding, my husband and I moved to St. Louis for his job (he was in the Coast Guard). For the next 10 years we were away from home as we moved from place to place during his time in the military. For the first 4 years of our marriage it was just the two of us, and then Spencer was born. During these 10 years, Brian and I would come home to visit once or twice a year or my parents would come visit us. After Spencer was born the trips moved up to 3 or 4 times a year. During this time things were great.<br />
<br />
Then we moved back home. We decided to leave the military and move back home to be closer to family for Spencer's sake. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but I have often wished we had decided to stay in and not move back home. I love my family and missed them terribly while I was gone, but the last 13 years since we moved back have not always been easy.<br />
<br />
It seems that since my youngest was born and my oldest became a teenager, I have apparently become a horrible mother. It seems that I do everything wrong, and that my children are turning into spoiled brats who have major attitudes. At least according to my mother.<br />
<br />
Let's start with the oldest. The first 6 years of his life were spent with me being his main caregiver. His dad was gone at least 6 months of the year every year. I stayed home with him until he was 2 years old, and then put him in preschool. I never used baby talk with him, and taught him independence and to think for himself. From kinder to 6th grade he was always at whatever school I taught at, and spent a lot of time with me after school while I planned or graded papers. When he came out as being gay in 8th grade I supported him and let him know it didn't matter to us because we would always love him no matter what.<br />
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My family has always acted like they support his lifestyle, but it almost seems like my mother is actually embarrassed to have her colleagues or friends know. She gets upset when I post something on social media sites (like a picture of him and his boyfriend celebrating X-Mas with us), or if he posts something on another social media that she deems inappropriate. Heaven forbid one of her friends sees it. I've told her before to block or unfriend him if the stuff he puts out there upsets her so much, but so far she just complains. I've seen the stuff he posts, and so far I've never seen anything that would would be deemed as inappropriate. I've talked to my son about being careful about what he posts because it could come back to bite him in the a$$ when he gets older and is looking for a career opportunity.<br />
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Another thing that upsets my mother is the fact that I let my son get tattoos. Now being that I have 4 of my own tattoos, I can't really tell him that tattoos are bad. I did tell him that he needed to get them in places he could hide them in the work force because unfortunately some people still judge a person by what they see. He has a total of 5 tattoos right now, and every single one of them are tasteful and well placed. He only gets tattoos that mean something to him.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuEl8kySwjMVXgGSBl394runnVogHAkBi-kTNqW30xYtjmlMDYVeqNSt722wZGHC4taqEonEZ1dAGr74n0z0slIAvpm14CJACSVadk9x6RKKCQl7veLQO2bstgDffgN5mmS5mMY2xqkm9/s1600/1948097_10202545301132408_847870068_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuEl8kySwjMVXgGSBl394runnVogHAkBi-kTNqW30xYtjmlMDYVeqNSt722wZGHC4taqEonEZ1dAGr74n0z0slIAvpm14CJACSVadk9x6RKKCQl7veLQO2bstgDffgN5mmS5mMY2xqkm9/s1600/1948097_10202545301132408_847870068_n.jpg" height="175" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of my right foot!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_dBP8qG4M6bQAAteqYxKt-TbGMN8RlLGqbT0uK6hvuMjXDR8gOrKa5ZkEdyCYepmbh7HKuwdmr1HiTEEo-w-uzYdDWE5oXMhJeCfda7IK_W6p2K35mwbGeEN9jfOaKHnrpY5vCaaHO_d/s1600/1901842_10202545301372414_554326931_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_dBP8qG4M6bQAAteqYxKt-TbGMN8RlLGqbT0uK6hvuMjXDR8gOrKa5ZkEdyCYepmbh7HKuwdmr1HiTEEo-w-uzYdDWE5oXMhJeCfda7IK_W6p2K35mwbGeEN9jfOaKHnrpY5vCaaHO_d/s1600/1901842_10202545301372414_554326931_n.jpg" height="145" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 Corinthians 5:7</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhHNRQ-QhFnSHBtuw3jyszB28hXpLk8pNOPc7gznH_5H6SE54UsMl_X7P2WBPyuDWJZaKSWbiVKYVT1ti9__ZAvKlVmPxATQjCxzhu61_XTAnQXkTz_VuX26dkAHVI33oZWOLeWj7F4dg/s1600/1509788_776503012362228_1585131949_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhHNRQ-QhFnSHBtuw3jyszB28hXpLk8pNOPc7gznH_5H6SE54UsMl_X7P2WBPyuDWJZaKSWbiVKYVT1ti9__ZAvKlVmPxATQjCxzhu61_XTAnQXkTz_VuX26dkAHVI33oZWOLeWj7F4dg/s1600/1509788_776503012362228_1585131949_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son got his Faith Tattoo the same day I got mine. We were in 2 different cities and hadn't talked to each other about getting them.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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My youngest son is spoiled, but as my mom keeps pointing out to anyone who will listen to her, she and my dad have been practically raising him since he was 6 weeks old. He stays with them from Monday morning until Thursday after school. My mom works at the private school he is attending. They started him at the preschool when he was 3 and he just transitioned to their elementary school when he hit kinder. So I ask you, who has really done the spoiling? While he may be spoiled, he really isn't that bad. My mom tries to blame us and my oldest son for turning him into a monster. Apparently he never acts that way unless we are around (which is complete B.S.). Her and my dad decided to take him out of town for Spring Break, and all I got were calls about how awful he was acting (wait a minute, didn't I just say she claims he never acts like that unless we're around). <br />
<br />
The biggest complaint I have I guess is that just because I don't raise my children the way she wants me to, that makes me a bad parent. She complains that we spend to much time on our phones, iPads, computers, video games, or whatever and not enough time with each other. She's not with us and has no clue what goes on in my house. She also seems to have forgotten that when we were little she spent all her time reading magazines or books (probably where I got my love of reading from). Yes we always had dinner together, but after 10 years of spending time on our own with my hubby's weird schedules, we learned to eat whenever we got hungry. Sometimes it's as a family, sometimes it's not.<br />
<br />
Now to my fibro. I apparently am supposed to suck it up and deal with the pain and get on with my life. Heaven forbid if I'm exhausted or hurting after a full day of teaching 5th graders. Or if I want to spend my weekends recuperating so that I can function for the upcoming week. It seems like every conversation I have with my mother ends with some kind of criticism about me, my boys, or my fibro. If I try to defend myself she ends up crying and hangs up on me. I end up getting upset and then I go into a mini-flare (usually in my feet which makes doing anything nearly impossible). <br />
<br />
So what do I do? Do I apologize for not being as good of a mother as my sister in law or her sister in law (she likes to compare me to them and my boys to my cousins who have been lazy delinquents)? Do I apologize for just not having the energy it takes to move some days because I'm in pain and exhausted from lack of sleep? Do I just continue to sit idly by and take the criticism and hope eventually it will go away? Again I ask, at what point do I say enough is enough and I'm tired and can't take it anymore?<br />
<br />
Again sorry it was sooooooooo long!<br />
Gentle Hugs,<br />
Bonnie <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931831993694991100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5888876250446141528.post-46802310400006985902014-02-23T13:52:00.000-07:002014-02-23T13:52:03.779-07:00My Baby is 10 and I changed my hair!My little man has reached double digits today. I can't believe how fast the last 10 years have gone. It seems like only yesterday they were placing his little 5lb body in my arms and now he's 10! Happy Birthday Shaney, I love you to the moon and back!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snuggling this morning! I'm so glad he still likes to snuggle!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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On a totally unrelated matter, I got bored with my hair this week. I've been rocking some cool purple highlights with a straight cut. I decided that while I like the purple, you can only see them when I'm outside or under some bright lights because of my black hair. So I went to my hairdresser yesterday and told her I wanted something brighter, plus I wanted to add layers to my hair.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before picture taken Friday at work!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The after pictures! </td></tr>
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I kept the purple highlights on the inner layers, but added the pink to the top layers. Loving the new look! It makes me happy and less stressed. My students are going to love it, especially my girls!<br />
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Gentle Hugs,<br />
BonnieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931831993694991100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5888876250446141528.post-23117865753397088632014-01-25T16:21:00.000-07:002014-01-25T16:21:15.541-07:00The Blahs! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtUOaA1src9kGNiwHHxnrcThIfQWNscLEuBrSDX0xIO9D7ddgTO2S0Bf7AM23Qb78rmQLa-bq7A-J3IO9F5uIaQyVOabKsuhM6uf8r7z_g2aXxTzOJhVnBixhoWnmAqkbdpzUbFbBsfMt/s1600/blah-dog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtUOaA1src9kGNiwHHxnrcThIfQWNscLEuBrSDX0xIO9D7ddgTO2S0Bf7AM23Qb78rmQLa-bq7A-J3IO9F5uIaQyVOabKsuhM6uf8r7z_g2aXxTzOJhVnBixhoWnmAqkbdpzUbFbBsfMt/s1600/blah-dog1.jpg" /></a></div>
When I started writing this post about 3 hours ago, it was a whiny whoa is me post. I started complaining about work and state testing and being tired all the time! <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Wah!&defid=414903" target="_blank">Wah, wah, wah</a>! <br />
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Then I stopped writing, shut down the computer and watched a movie with my hubby. While watching the movie I started thinking of my post again and realized that life is what I make of it, and being a big whiny baby isn't going to help me get out of my blahs!<br />
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I've decided that I'm going to join the gym Monday (which my school district is paying for), and start eating healthy again. I came to the realization that I've become a slug on the weekends because I have no energy left after a week of work. It doesn't help that I've gained about 30 pounds since school started (on top of the 80 pounds I was already over weight). I need to get out of my slump and start living again. <br />
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I let my fibro take control, and it's time I take back that control. It's time to quit feeling sorry for myself, and making excuses because I have fibro. I need to push myself to my limits instead of just giving up without even trying. It's time to put the <span style="color: red;"><b>WAR</b></span> back into Fibro Warrior!<br />
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So no more blahs, and more yays! Life will be good again!</div>
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By the way, my mommy helped me get out of my blahs by telling me she has bought tickets for me and Spencer to go see Britney Spears in Vegas this September! Big Yay! </div>
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Gentle Hugs,<br />
BonnieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931831993694991100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5888876250446141528.post-47148555820345957532013-12-21T14:05:00.000-07:002013-12-21T14:06:47.330-07:0015 Days of Rest!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am finally off for our winter break. I don't have to go back to work until January 6th! Going to spend the next 2 weeks enjoying time with my boys and my hubby. I will not stress over the holidays like I did for <a href="http://myordinarysimplefibrolife.blogspot.com/2013/11/i-survived-sort-of.html" target="_blank">Thanksgiving</a> and end up in a major flare. <br />
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My hubby and my youngest went out and bought a monster tree for Christmas (13ft. Noble Fir). It's finally up and the tree and house are decorated. My hubby decorated the house yesterday during his day off so I wouldn't have to do it. We all decorated the tree Thursday night.<br />
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I've decided that we will go to Christmas Eve service and then to my cousin's house for her annual Christmas Eve party. Christmas Day will be spent at home with my guys. I've invited my parents to come over and join us for breakfast and the opening of the gifts. My mom is upset with me because I don't want to have a bigger family gathering and has said she will not be coming over. She tried to give me guilt by saying "it's time to start your own family traditions."<br />
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I refused to be guilted into doing something I don't feel up to doing and told her the invitation was still on the table for her and my dad. I also told my dad. Whether they show up or not is entirely up to them.<br />
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I'm going to enjoy my Christmas Break and rest up for the second half of the school year. The second half is always the craziest because of statewide testing.<br />
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Gentle Hugs,<br />
BonnieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931831993694991100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5888876250446141528.post-29337259070110834742013-12-07T13:08:00.000-07:002013-12-07T13:08:39.979-07:00The Pitfalls of Being a Teacher!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love being a teacher. I have loved it for the last 17 years. The only problem is, I catch every thing that comes into my class. Since I'm the reading teacher, I work with small guided reading groups throughout the day to help my students who just quite aren't where they need to be when it comes to reading and comprehension. <br />
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Now as you can see from the picture, I am no more than 2 or 3 feet away from my students. I meet with 5 different groups during the day. It never fails, at least 2 of them are sniffling, sneezing, or coughing. It's quite disgusting. I keep tissues and hand sanitizer handy, but how do you control the germs when they don't cover their mouths. You would think that by 5th grade they would know how to do this, but I still have to remind them everyday. I have to wipe down my table with chlorox wipes between every group. <br />
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I had built up my immunities over the years, but since my fibro diagnoses my immune system seems to be shot. So now I get to spend yet another weekend trying to recuperate enough to go back to my germy little monsters on Monday. They're so lucky I love them all! Do you think they would be offended if I wore a surgical mask during group?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsgWkKKtht7TlXcM6_-7xKPVPjZA4_XmOrGvg8TSrTTtghoY1RZ5TG167AGtEVdv3hd1-YDTacS_xdXzkPtP5B-1w0oYt2sbvn2uUcrajKG1SzUg_EbVkgdcsls8koKVJ4-pCCZWxSmy0/s1600/th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsgWkKKtht7TlXcM6_-7xKPVPjZA4_XmOrGvg8TSrTTtghoY1RZ5TG167AGtEVdv3hd1-YDTacS_xdXzkPtP5B-1w0oYt2sbvn2uUcrajKG1SzUg_EbVkgdcsls8koKVJ4-pCCZWxSmy0/s1600/th.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Gentle Hugs,<br />
BonnieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931831993694991100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5888876250446141528.post-68156276564442522872013-12-04T19:43:00.000-07:002013-12-08T14:08:14.431-07:00Thanks Julie!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I want to thank Julie from <a href="http://fibrokitty.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Counting My Spoons</a> for nominating me for the Dragon's Loyalty Award. </div>
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<i>The Dragon’s Loyalty Award is an
award for the loyal fan/commenter, whether the recipient is a fellow
blogger or just someone who follows and comments regularly”. </i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i> </i><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qAlpOFeFblfSLB_jt0iOx9kaKvtCMswzeS7NG2r31pIOTBdyNQQEvETUetXjPnk6ZWqZHhxDCow9X9iB9IgwrfDfe2ENSmIIWwRS__WfLHgRUGakuPmapFG74Zlh2rHm3mbXLsEYA2X7/s400/dragons-loyalty-award.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<br />
<br />
There are some rules that one must follow in order to fully accept the award and they are as follows:<br />
1. Firstly, display the Award on your site. You earned it and you deserve it!<br />
2. Link back to the person who gave you the award in your acceptance post;<br />
3. Nominate 15 well deserving bloggers for the Award and let them
know the wonderful news by sending them a message on their site;<br />
4. List 7 interesting facts about yourself.<br />
<br />
<b>7 Interesting Facts:</b><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>I learned to shoot a gun when I was 11 (my dad was in law enforcement and wanted me to learn about gun safety and that guns are not toys).</li>
<li>Before my fibro I was a better shot than my hubby who was in the military.</li>
<li>I have a Master's in Educational Administration and my Principal's certificate, but I prefer being in the classroom.</li>
<li>I used to have a British accent until I was about 6 because my dad was stationed in England when he was in the Air Force (we lived there from the time I was 1 until I turned 5).</li>
<li>I'm Hispanic and the only family member who can't speak Spanish (I blame England), but I can understand it.</li>
<li>I worked as a sign language interpreter while in college.</li>
<li>My graduating class only had 10 people in it (town population of 500) and I missed being valedictorian by a tenth of a point (I took all the math and science courses while the valedictorian took typing and home ec, doesn't seem fair). The valedictorian only lasted one semester in college (insert maniacal laugh here)! </li>
</ol>
Nominations of my loyal followers:<br />
1. Terri from <a href="http://seekingthegiftsoffibromyalgia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Seeking the Gifts of Fibromyalgia</a><br />
2. Julie from <a href="http://fibrokitty.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Counting My Spoons</a><br />
<br />
Wish I had more people to nominate, but I'm still trying to develop a following!<br />
<br />
Gentle Hugs,<br />
Bonnie Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931831993694991100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5888876250446141528.post-43179623788277276932013-12-04T18:59:00.001-07:002013-12-04T18:59:49.807-07:00My Family!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY98K9oPKCBeclj7Ma53W5aJWN6s-n4IhwULCWWXqYy9RSI5Syo71BUt2sQEEUhqa1_5bc6vD63ToWAcXtqCCPdKJhjVWGVNFJD66TWbM4JWFU3LYws7UiEmT5s6msR7IEVKPGCXh3qDDh/s1600/DSC_1774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY98K9oPKCBeclj7Ma53W5aJWN6s-n4IhwULCWWXqYy9RSI5Syo71BUt2sQEEUhqa1_5bc6vD63ToWAcXtqCCPdKJhjVWGVNFJD66TWbM4JWFU3LYws7UiEmT5s6msR7IEVKPGCXh3qDDh/s640/DSC_1774.jpg" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Grandfather with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his great-great grandchildren!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXJW9rKxV2B-52pxvssd-rrpCjH54FxSXmQc2u4paGKNvAp4fDkJkzviHyr8Wkk56uHduHBgnRXnusNE_uEjjx1XP3dKj6VFgl3UvGJzneLzcyoaQY3nW-0DzcVffJPCyEc84iKABnoUg/s1600/DSC_1775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXJW9rKxV2B-52pxvssd-rrpCjH54FxSXmQc2u4paGKNvAp4fDkJkzviHyr8Wkk56uHduHBgnRXnusNE_uEjjx1XP3dKj6VFgl3UvGJzneLzcyoaQY3nW-0DzcVffJPCyEc84iKABnoUg/s640/DSC_1775.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Silly Family!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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These are the pictures my brother took on Thanksgiving of the 36 of us. It took forever to get everyone organized and the little ones were getting restless. After we took our family picture, we decided to do a silly picture of the kids. I think we had more fun than the kids! Great memories!<br />
<br />
Gentle Hugs,<br />
BonnieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931831993694991100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5888876250446141528.post-2328777098764226392013-11-30T15:42:00.001-07:002013-11-30T15:42:15.988-07:00I SURVIVED! Sort of!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisqqLZVaVeIC0UpLv_Urnby-ZGYvB7IfGxOS4KJeGLXLkRTriOh8N8lfEwncvRzYRlYXEUofhgo54KbUOl80BcRGicTdadkptMBhiDYrmF4QWgCInwvAxm92u5VxKgtyUWqu-hOG2bRHh/s1600/i-survived-christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisqqLZVaVeIC0UpLv_Urnby-ZGYvB7IfGxOS4KJeGLXLkRTriOh8N8lfEwncvRzYRlYXEUofhgo54KbUOl80BcRGicTdadkptMBhiDYrmF4QWgCInwvAxm92u5VxKgtyUWqu-hOG2bRHh/s320/i-survived-christmas.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I SURVIVED!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After a horrible weekend due to the <a href="http://myordinarysimplefibrolife.blogspot.com/2013/11/feeling-better-until.html" target="_blank">cold front</a>, I felt really good on Monday. I decided to take my little man Shane to the movies, then I had to go to a church council meeting, and finally I decided to go shopping. I got home around 9:00 p.m. and was exhausted.<br />
<br />
Tuesday I got up and cooked 2 turkeys, and made a double batch of my broccoli, rice and cheese casserole for our big family Thanksgiving/Family Reunion on Thursday. I also did about 7 loads of laundry. I still felt good, but my shoulders were a little sore.<br />
<br />
Wednesday morning I went and picked up my mom around 8:15 so that we could go see the spine doctor (we both had appointments). Doctor wants me to get an MRI and said I could go back to the chiropractor for now (yay me). After our appointments my mom wanted to go to the mall to return some boots she had bought the day before. We ended up getting makeovers (I got some makeup courtesy of my mom) and going to a late lunch. After I dropped her off I headed to my nail appointment. While I was there, my hubby called me and asked me to stop at the store and pick up some things we still needed for Thanksgiving. I ended up getting home around 7:00 p.m. I was exhausted, a little more sore, but still moving.<br />
<br />
Thursday 36 people (including my family) were crowded into my house for our first ever family reunion. We hadn't all been together in over 13 years (see pictures on left sidebar). My mom (the oldest sibling) called her other 3 siblings and told them that they needed to get all of their children and grandchildren to come down for Thanksgiving. She didn't ask, she demanded! My 89 year old grandfather was recently diagnosed with stage 4 skin cancer, and has decided he isn't going to get any treatments for it. So my mom let everyone know that we may not have many more holidays with him. So all 32 family members joined the 4 of us at my house for a wonderful day of love, laughter, and lots of memories. I'm glad my body was still cooperating!<br />
<br />
Friday and today I AM IN PAIN!!! My feet burn, my back is killing me, my shoulders feel like someone is stabbing me, and I have a monster headache! The pain is worth the week I had. I'm using the weekend to recuperate so that I'm work ready on Monday!<br />
<br />
Hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving! I know I did!<br />
<br />
Gentle Hugs,<br />
BonnieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931831993694991100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5888876250446141528.post-3647057667446271962013-11-24T10:13:00.000-07:002013-11-24T10:13:35.546-07:00Feeling Better Until...I called the orthopedist Monday to see if I could get an appointment. After 4 weeks at the chiropractor I was starting to get new pains. I went in with lower back pain and ended up with neck and middle back pains. I was getting headaches every time he did an adjustment to my neck. <br />
<br />
My regular orthopedist couldn't fit me in until December 13th. When I told the receptionist about my back and neck pain, she said they just added a new partner who was a spine specialist. I talked to his receptionist and was able to schedule an appointment for this coming Wednesday (thank goodness I'm on Thanksgiving break and don't have to take another day off). She also told me to stop going to the chiropractor until they could determine if I had any other problems.<br />
<br />
So after a week away from the chiropractor I was starting to feel better and was looking forward to a fun filled weekend until....<br />
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Yep a cold front moved into my desert city bringing rain, sleet, and temperatures in the 30s. All week long we had weather in the 70s, and then Friday morning it got cold and windy. By Friday afternoon it had dropped into the mid 40s. Since yesterday it hasn't gotten above 37 degrees. So of course everything hurts again. Luckily by tomorrow this cold front will move out of the area, and things will warm up some. <br />
<br />
Hopefully things get better soon, I'm hosting Thanksgiving! My mom's entire family is coming into town (all 39 of us in my house). Going to be a fun filled stress free week! NOT!<br />
<br />
Gentle Hugs,<br />
BonnieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931831993694991100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5888876250446141528.post-37277472969626978862013-11-17T14:12:00.000-07:002013-11-17T14:12:27.791-07:00Cold Spots! Should I Be Worried?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTjwJqTl0rPsj0zVosHc_yCQRPTTRhyphenhyphenrMhysUuSOL3CM8gXsV5E-9nb5gGcFlRjYgXsrTfEWJ_ySrJeFes2_KDiP6GIQ2u6xnPY_RMAhqMR7LTqgpYsyJUiF9pTu3kH9_D3TFLVrC9AT1/s1600/th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTjwJqTl0rPsj0zVosHc_yCQRPTTRhyphenhyphenrMhysUuSOL3CM8gXsV5E-9nb5gGcFlRjYgXsrTfEWJ_ySrJeFes2_KDiP6GIQ2u6xnPY_RMAhqMR7LTqgpYsyJUiF9pTu3kH9_D3TFLVrC9AT1/s1600/th.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Every once in a while I get this very weird cold sensation in my head. I've had it on the top, the back, and the sides. It feels like I have an ice pack on my head, you know the sensation, kind of cold and wet. When I touch the spot that feels cold on the inside, I can't feel it on the outside. It never last longer than a couple of minutes, and it doesn't cause any pain. <br />
<br />
It always happens at night, and always while I'm watching TV. It doesn't matter if I'm sitting, lying on my side or lying on my stomach. I can go weeks without it happening, and then it will happen every day for a couple of weeks. I tried looking up information on the Internet, but there are too many sites to dig through and the information is not very helpful.<br />
<br />
My question is, does anyone else ever have this happen to them? Is this all in my head(literally), or should I be concerned? Love to hear from you all!<br />
<br />
Gentle Hugs,<br />
BonnieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931831993694991100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5888876250446141528.post-37487655826458212382013-11-16T20:24:00.000-07:002013-11-16T20:24:11.074-07:00Easily Bored!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIGUGUQP825pYhFoM856U4bCwBPQQKZ530mrzkG6awkEH-zWJ_AgJfoEb_Eye1Zl1hpxYpFtHBpA3o4SsMj4yzCk3eq7q-qBMomU248DG7oZEWVLPNWzVzodWxFJfnurNdkIhsKn-JYeN/s1600/bored-emoticon.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIGUGUQP825pYhFoM856U4bCwBPQQKZ530mrzkG6awkEH-zWJ_AgJfoEb_Eye1Zl1hpxYpFtHBpA3o4SsMj4yzCk3eq7q-qBMomU248DG7oZEWVLPNWzVzodWxFJfnurNdkIhsKn-JYeN/s1600/bored-emoticon.gif" /></a></div>
I'm the type of person who gets easily bored with things. I want my hair long, no I want it short, no I want it short with red highlights, no I want it layered with blond highlights, give me bangs (that was a mistake), wait I want it one length with purple highlights (what I currently have on my head). I have had every one of those hair styles and then some. <br />
<br />
The same goes with my blog. I want it purple (my favorite color), no I want it blue, wait the rain background is cool, no let's get the cool orange and pinkish splattery abstract background. I like to change my blog around, and get ideas from other blogs. The problem is dealing with the font. I used to love playing with the different fonts and going all cutesy and fancy. Then I realized that cutesy and fancy isn't always that easy to read for someone with fibro.<br />
<br />
Back in September I posted about the fact that my <a href="http://myordinarysimplefibrolife.blogspot.com/2013/09/my-eyes.html" target="_blank">vision</a> is getting blurry. This is becoming a daily problem, since I spend all day reading and writing with my 5th graders. By the time I get home, my eyes are tired and my vision is super blurry. I find that I am constantly hitting the zoom button on my computer in order to read some blogs (please do not be offended if you have cutesy fonts, this is not my intention). It's made me more self conscious about my own blog. <br />
<br />
I was bored with my blog and decided to change to fall colors. This took some doing. I had to make sure the colors weren't too bright, the font was easily read, and that it wouldn't hurt the eyes. This is not as easy as it sounds. I miss my fancy fonts, but at least it doesn't bother my eyes. I hope everyone finds it eye appealing, if not leave me a comment on how I can make it better. Hurry before I get bored again and change the whole thing!<br />
<br />
Gentle Hugs,<br />
Easily Bored BonnieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931831993694991100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5888876250446141528.post-37603766897024125672013-11-13T18:38:00.001-07:002013-11-13T18:38:50.544-07:00Fibro Warrior of the Week! Yay!I want to send a big hug and a big thank you to Julie at <a href="http://fibrokitty.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Counting My Spoons </a>for making me her <a href="http://fibrokitty.blogspot.com/2013/11/fibro-warrior-wednesday-bonnie.html" target="_blank">Fibro Warrior of the Week! </a><br />
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZpIJh8muHjcgvrsLakOtkaASzdBhm1kJc0jeJHJIYDqvnvbndglPU86mX2L0DxC2ZD5CwaNlQ11Wh-YdPSbcXjX_JxdZIlSRnB1WbmCNNV3iVukOB31VVjcWbCYz04THC2NODgG0x1W15/s1600/85150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZpIJh8muHjcgvrsLakOtkaASzdBhm1kJc0jeJHJIYDqvnvbndglPU86mX2L0DxC2ZD5CwaNlQ11Wh-YdPSbcXjX_JxdZIlSRnB1WbmCNNV3iVukOB31VVjcWbCYz04THC2NODgG0x1W15/s320/85150.jpg" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank You Julie!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Gentle Hugs to All,<br />
BonnieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931831993694991100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5888876250446141528.post-77586251136367589032013-11-12T17:11:00.000-07:002013-11-12T17:11:27.083-07:00Snap! Crackle! Pop! Redux!I've been going to the <a href="http://myordinarysimplefibrolife.blogspot.com/2013/10/snap-crackle-pop.html" target="_blank">chiropractor</a> for almost 4 weeks now (3 times a week). Four weeks of getting deep tissue massages, physical therapy, electrical stimulation, and my favorite adjustments. My lower back is actually starting to feel a little better. <br />
<br />
The massage therapist is determined to get rid of all the knots in my neck, shoulders, and glutes by torturing me with <a href="http://myofascial-pain-syndrome.org/different-types-of-massage-offer-different-benefits/" target="_blank">deep tissue massages</a>. She hasn't been able to make a dent in the knots yet, and let me tell you she's not giving up. It's 15 minutes of pure torture, and I walk out of the room light headed and feeling like she took a bat to my back.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHGGnh6tE1luCQyPoWwUylLdRvlUZczkriZiH_I-EGP20QSw6xm52uW9DVaxUfy66tLVBb-uEVfRsPRQvkiK0_w3c0seONLT8cxkZPcWIaV2PF4ZEM-BGIVxbHm8QnMIeFE6MBXeAxuRY/s1600/slystars+blog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHGGnh6tE1luCQyPoWwUylLdRvlUZczkriZiH_I-EGP20QSw6xm52uW9DVaxUfy66tLVBb-uEVfRsPRQvkiK0_w3c0seONLT8cxkZPcWIaV2PF4ZEM-BGIVxbHm8QnMIeFE6MBXeAxuRY/s1600/slystars+blog2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I definitely look like this after a massage and adjustment!</td></tr>
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<br />
The physical therapy part isn't bad. They have me doing several stretches and exercises to help my back. I don't mind the adjustment on my back, but the neck freaks me out every time. I keep expecting for my head to come flying right off my shoulders. Every time they adjust my neck I swear I see stars! After a session, I'm pretty much finished for the rest of the night. I come home and just collapse!<br />
<br />
They did a scan of my feet, and now I'm getting <a href="http://www.footlevelers.com/" target="_blank">orthotics</a> because apparently when I walk I don't put any weight on my big toes. I'm actually having to learn how to walk all over again. Apparently this is also a cause of my balance issues. I thought I was just super clumsy! Thank goodness my insurance is covering this, because the orthotics are expensive.<br />
<br />
After looking at my x-rays, the doctor was amazed that the only part of my body I don't complain about pain is the part that has arthritis (vertebrae T11 and T12). I guess I'm just lucky that way!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtYyvhiKTVsKnxTW_bUa3Cy2kuMH86h4UIo4SK0_iBQZ7_fXT1q0DjF1cOp0hqpirnys6mFNsDZrrVyvPg2oiBYGDZIEv9269UUW9vjnnaEyAZGIB5jlJMzlEAUipM_uJRK3ifncWF1aF/s1600/spine.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtYyvhiKTVsKnxTW_bUa3Cy2kuMH86h4UIo4SK0_iBQZ7_fXT1q0DjF1cOp0hqpirnys6mFNsDZrrVyvPg2oiBYGDZIEv9269UUW9vjnnaEyAZGIB5jlJMzlEAUipM_uJRK3ifncWF1aF/s320/spine.gif" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of www.yogaback.com</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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So I will continue to go get tortured 3 times a week, and wait for that magical day when I don't walk out of there feeling like I was mugged. They say it's going to happen! Fingers crossed!<br />
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Gentle Hugs,<br />
BonnieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931831993694991100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5888876250446141528.post-78370778840420867012013-11-10T12:08:00.002-07:002013-11-10T12:08:57.711-07:00I Tweaked My Sign!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYQn-XHlOgGgodF1BNPstkLS-YepGlSiRwtQ6LkGuvG03cy-g3BOggjGCpnuBVDpW3G9RBZOIkAa0vPfLZq8Tm_EfDzJ4052I3hFbqlxxAQRtYmyCjBgPs_owLoAqt-gFo2IvOBqZoKd2/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYQn-XHlOgGgodF1BNPstkLS-YepGlSiRwtQ6LkGuvG03cy-g3BOggjGCpnuBVDpW3G9RBZOIkAa0vPfLZq8Tm_EfDzJ4052I3hFbqlxxAQRtYmyCjBgPs_owLoAqt-gFo2IvOBqZoKd2/s400/photo.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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I decided to tweak my drawing (still not an artist) and am really considering printing it out and making it a sign to put in my window! Let me know what you think!<br />
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Gentle Hugs,<br />
BonnieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931831993694991100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5888876250446141528.post-3130677044987897132013-11-09T13:43:00.001-07:002013-11-10T12:09:18.150-07:00To Park or Not to Park! Now that is truly the question!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgH1Gv9KagfZViL5t8F6wKJ0AGeBienIJ5PHq-y79kfQxns2LN_-4Wa9FW7zbDDxkOhtWv3qB8DpemR2OrzRsQ-Xy62E2Qvj7XTdi-kCCJiJKY5AUcGHfr8TMTvct_RCPnXUCIy5pEsTb/s1600/Image-2-2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgH1Gv9KagfZViL5t8F6wKJ0AGeBienIJ5PHq-y79kfQxns2LN_-4Wa9FW7zbDDxkOhtWv3qB8DpemR2OrzRsQ-Xy62E2Qvj7XTdi-kCCJiJKY5AUcGHfr8TMTvct_RCPnXUCIy5pEsTb/s320/Image-2-2.gif" width="216" /> </a></div>
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Living with a chronic illness is bad enough, but living with an invisible chronic illness is horrible beyond words. </div>
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I recently got my permanent disabled parking plates for my vehicle. I often feel guilty using them because of the looks people give me when I get out of my truck. You know the look? The "how dare you park there when you are obviously healthy" look. The look that makes you want to start limping and dragging your leg as you walk. The look that makes you want to explain why you dare to park in that sacred space. The look that makes you want to scream "<i><b>I dare to park here because I hurt all over, my feet feel like they're on fire and I'm walking on glass, my lower back and neck feel like someone is stabbing me constantly, and my head feels like it's about to explode!</b></i>" </div>
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Yes I look normal! I don't look like I fall under the permanently disabled category! In fact there are days when I don't use the spaces provided, but I'm so happy they are there when I need them. Please quit looking at me as if I'm doing something wrong. </div>
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I think that the fact that the signs have a wheelchair on them doesn't help those of us with an invisible illness. Most people see those signs and think only those in a wheelchair should be allowed to park there. Even my plates have the wheelchair symbol on them. I think if they changed the signs to something like this:</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7krdbSwL56ahH_hzbhY4n7TR6zm4gb2wxjSHlVTakiVbmJhrxkEnY5yNEEOMohC0uf3CIBrG-o-FMUOCikXtmb71xQ7-79tBsT0YMRNUKCZm62_X3sCtxDHgRlGBVvUZP_D8lzzN8eDoX/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7krdbSwL56ahH_hzbhY4n7TR6zm4gb2wxjSHlVTakiVbmJhrxkEnY5yNEEOMohC0uf3CIBrG-o-FMUOCikXtmb71xQ7-79tBsT0YMRNUKCZm62_X3sCtxDHgRlGBVvUZP_D8lzzN8eDoX/s320/photo.JPG" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warning! Pain All Over!</td></tr>
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people might be more compassionate to those of us with an invisible illness. I'm just saying! So for now I will try not to feel guilty when I use that space. Maybe I'll print my drawing (I never claimed to be an artist), turn it into a magnetic sign, an put it on the back of my truck! Think people will get the hint?<br />
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Gentle Hugs,<br />
BonnieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931831993694991100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5888876250446141528.post-56917584805083296562013-11-02T12:24:00.000-06:002013-11-02T12:25:38.990-06:00Rude Awakenings!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnQqL12neKrV6nkoucp9SjXTzXnT1M5gZoizvtIFyzbs9P3Altn26_aahJybaaJYOsNKoBfrjwmHYYB5ymVkdlStaLZyfUjcZR8ex9YGQv_tlVCKUkFVvcSh14obdz29f38lPKB6bCL5p/s1600/leg_cramps_and_potassium.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnQqL12neKrV6nkoucp9SjXTzXnT1M5gZoizvtIFyzbs9P3Altn26_aahJybaaJYOsNKoBfrjwmHYYB5ymVkdlStaLZyfUjcZR8ex9YGQv_tlVCKUkFVvcSh14obdz29f38lPKB6bCL5p/s200/leg_cramps_and_potassium.png" width="193" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo courtesy of: http://ic.steadyhealth.com/leg_cramps_and_potassium.html</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6dpTc9NkljS4ofqkurj9dlFkp1SjWenY_kgWMKcmMbg4E-n8VDY0Y8W9_dhwHlBMKY2lf1Pg2M4WDRN3AFELF3PKAxYmmC4WADvaY02RdVdRKXDYrxCs8qmB6lQp9uD4srIdzD11z-al/s1600/getty_rf_photo_of_foot_spasm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6dpTc9NkljS4ofqkurj9dlFkp1SjWenY_kgWMKcmMbg4E-n8VDY0Y8W9_dhwHlBMKY2lf1Pg2M4WDRN3AFELF3PKAxYmmC4WADvaY02RdVdRKXDYrxCs8qmB6lQp9uD4srIdzD11z-al/s200/getty_rf_photo_of_foot_spasm.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">muchphoto courtesy of : http://diabetes.webmd.com/ss/slideshow-what-your-feet-say</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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There is nothing worse than being woken up in the middle of the night with a Charley Horse Leg Cramp. I'm sure everyone has had a couple of these in their lifetimes right? Well early this morning I was not woken up by a Charley Horse in my calf, I was woken up with Charley Horses in both calves and the toes of both feet. Talk about rude awakenings!<br />
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For about 2 minutes (though it seemed like a lot longer) I tried to relax my muscles and not tense up. I have learned from the past that stretching out my muscles only makes the cramps worse, and that the best thing I can do is to try breathing through the pain until the cramp subsides. This is not always the easiest thing to do, but I always manage.<br />
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I have never had both legs cramp up at the same time, and I never in my life had my toes cramp up. My toes were bent in some very weird positions. If it hadn't hurt so much I might have found it amusing. My legs and my toes are sore today, but at least they don't look funny anymore! I'm guessing that I'm dehydrated and low on potassium, so lots of water and bananas for me today. Only problem is, I can't eat bananas by themselves (the scent of the banana is too strong for me and makes me gag), so I guess I will have to sacrifice and have a banana split! Oh Darn!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZlRa64N7uchIN9c03qv53q604skGHxqFjtfiK2eqowPl6JKLjFGPEEGD1qxDgS3J97Onw0wkgDdOyGAIPalMMKbvTFmOjAWdIK6848AKyZhoUiFbDtVKPP4FxSomQWQ5tHCBH1kMNm0_/s1600/338670dcdaba40699e02d08c8f06f6ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZlRa64N7uchIN9c03qv53q604skGHxqFjtfiK2eqowPl6JKLjFGPEEGD1qxDgS3J97Onw0wkgDdOyGAIPalMMKbvTFmOjAWdIK6848AKyZhoUiFbDtVKPP4FxSomQWQ5tHCBH1kMNm0_/s1600/338670dcdaba40699e02d08c8f06f6ba.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of: http://www.baskinrobbinsmea.com/</td></tr>
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Gentle Hugs,<br />
BonnieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931831993694991100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5888876250446141528.post-76663388288310990762013-10-31T13:54:00.001-06:002013-10-31T13:54:09.896-06:00Think Pink! Better Late than Never!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3m3WSgjFHjgDnYNptOIw6uoAuKt39r_Eogknhqj6BpPe4fbfIGj9gDhXdyGiUWhhz4aY-gJG9Rnf_aECVC76_a3Ir747uixmKt6XTxsbzWzrrSupG4WwYR3HxsWIIFhUgaoyq2pB5GRtc/s1600/breast_cancer_awareness_personalized_announcement-r5eac0d0a79004c8f8132f498e6b9b353_8dnd0_8byvr_512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3m3WSgjFHjgDnYNptOIw6uoAuKt39r_Eogknhqj6BpPe4fbfIGj9gDhXdyGiUWhhz4aY-gJG9Rnf_aECVC76_a3Ir747uixmKt6XTxsbzWzrrSupG4WwYR3HxsWIIFhUgaoyq2pB5GRtc/s320/breast_cancer_awareness_personalized_announcement-r5eac0d0a79004c8f8132f498e6b9b353_8dnd0_8byvr_512.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of: http://www.zazzle.com/</td></tr>
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I went today to get an ultrasound of my ovaries since I've been having pains. My doctor also decided that it was time for me to get another mammogram since my last one was in 2009 and I am now 46 years old. <br />
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I feel bad because I know I'm supposed to get a mammogram at least every 2 years since I turned 40, and I haven't kept up with this. Every October I pay my $5 to wear jeans at school in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but I've never really sat down and thought about how this horrible disease affects so many women and men. Yes men can get breast cancer also. My hubby had to have a mammogram a couple of years ago for a lump he found on his chest. Luckily it turned out to be a cyst, but it was scary. I found this website that gives all sorts of <a href="http://www.breastcancersociety.org/aboutbreastcancer/factsandstatistics/" target="_blank">Breast Cancer Facts, Statistics, and Myths</a>. <br />
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If you're over 40 or have had a parent, grandparent, sibling, or any other close family member who was diagnosed with breast cancer I strongly urge you go get your mammogram. Although the month is over, it's never too late to get checked over. <br />
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On the fibro side of things, the mammogram was a little more painful than the last time, but it wasn't as bad as having a flare up. <br />
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Remember, Think Pink!<br />
BonnieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931831993694991100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5888876250446141528.post-54960102480688739972013-10-26T17:58:00.000-06:002013-10-26T17:58:40.378-06:00Get the Fire Extinguisher! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8rajty-ucica7R3__MDmA_Y67osKKfjscLtSNbwNXc9IQ3bO7vseQeqcYiT9E5YMKAdnocLhKpPcbKdeRb39FFygnKzMDv06QsfIxIgveIAgmt8Svo3D4iBXlXml9NpqmYvol6-WIGxn/s1600/mx0028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8rajty-ucica7R3__MDmA_Y67osKKfjscLtSNbwNXc9IQ3bO7vseQeqcYiT9E5YMKAdnocLhKpPcbKdeRb39FFygnKzMDv06QsfIxIgveIAgmt8Svo3D4iBXlXml9NpqmYvol6-WIGxn/s320/mx0028.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo courtesy of http://www.hallmark.com/online/maxine/crabby-road/</td></tr>
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I need to make an appointment to see my ob/gyn. I haven't seen him in 8
years (but I do have an annual exam with my GP every year so I'm not
neglecting my body) since he performed my partial hysterectomy after
Shane was born. I've been getting hot flashes for about a year now, but they are happening more frequently. This
morning I woke up with severe pain in my right ovary. I'm afraid it may
be time to remove the ovaries and start the hormones (my poor guys). <br />
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I live in a house full of men who don't seem to understand why I would possibly want the air conditioning going when they are freezing. The 9 year old doesn't protest too much, he's very hot blooded, so it really doesn't bother him, but the 18 year old and my hubby act like I've set the temperature to North Pole Settings!<br />
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I had a hot flash yesterday morning at work that actually had my
colleagues concerned. I started sweating profusely and apparently my
face became really red. One of my colleagues did the mommy touch to see
if I had a fever, but she said I was cool and clammy (ewwww). It
lasted about an hour, and then it left just as quickly as it arrived. I
had a couple more episodes throughout the day, but they only lasted 10
to 15 minutes. <br />
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I'm in the middle of a serious hot flash as I type this, and wish the air would kick on again. I'd get up and mess with the thermostat, but it hurts when I walk (darn ovary). Oh wait, it just kicked on again (yay me). So for now my men must freeze. I told them it was easier for them to layer, than for me to strip down (wouldn't want to traumatize my boys). Thank goodness they all love me very much!<br />
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Gentle Hugs,<br />
Bonnie<br />
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P.S. Darn air conditioning turned off again! :-(<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931831993694991100noreply@blogger.com2