In the Blink of An Eye...

My oldest child turned 10 this past week. Want to talk about feeling old? Where did the years go?! He's a video gamer making mostly A's and B's (only a C in Math - takes after me...). He's like the Energizer Bunny on crack - can't sit still for long and the mouth doesn't seem to ever get tired. But through it all, I'm quite proud of him. Which is why I had no problem trying to make a birthday party he'd remember. He chose the Pokemon theme. 
We sent out invitations using these great printables. Couldn't invite too many people on our budget, but he did have his best friends! Pinterest had so many awesome ideas though. I had to create a board just for them.

My husband helped me make a Pikachu cake. 

And I printed out these card templates so that the kids could "create" their own Pokemon cards that I then laminated. It was a great party! 

He got things he had wished for and then wrote thank you cards to everyone who had given him something. He's a kid who can often get self centered, but I'm instilling the reminders to be thankful of those who love and care about you as well as others you may not know. 
We also visited a friends shop and helped them set up for their Halloween Bash. The kids loved it!

10 years has passed so quickly. Can't wait to see how the coming years turn out!

Getting Into the Steampunk Spirit

I've always known I was a nerd, but I didn't always know just how big a nerd I was. As I got older, I developed my tastes and interests a bit more. I branched out from Star Wars and Lord of the Rings and discovered other cool things. Cosplay and conventions and such. But my favorite being Steampunk. Where the past and future collide to create amazingly detailed designs. Victorian styled clothing with steam-driven gadgetry and plenty of gears! It is absolutely beautiful. Which is why I have decided to design and create not only a costume to cosplay in, but even a purse that I can wear around daily. I scoured the internet for ideas. Pinterest was a big help, of course. I found one pin that showed how a lady transformed a regular purse into a steampunked piece of art! Mine may not be so decorated, but it is my own work-in-progress. One that I hope to keep working on as I get the supplies.

"Everything begins with an idea." - Earl Nightingale

Step one is always to have the idea. My purse is not the first thing that I wanted to embellish for my cosplay. Originally, my husband and I wanted to give a couple Nerf guns a makeover. Which is still on the agenda. Just taking the back burner at the moment. We will also try to get some top hats to fit our characters. I've decided to go along the lines of time travel.  He's still deciding on his. Then there is the need of a bustled skirt.... Well, you get the picture. We have an idea in our head of what we want. So now for the next step.

With the vision in my head, I have started gathering pieces to bring it to life. My Mom has helped a lot. She shops at yard sales and thrift stores in St. Augustine. Plenty of older things that fit my needs there. 

Following the birth of an idea comes the path of design! 

 

Creating the designs has been the biggest reason it has taken me so long to get this much done with it. First of all, I'm not much of an artist. I hold the vision in my head, but can't seem to transfer it so easily to my hands. And then I am never truly satisfied it is done. But I look at it this way, as long as new pieces come my way, it can always be a work in progress!

I practiced with painting on paper first to make sure I was able to get the look I wanted, then I started painting the purse. Unless you have multiple purses and don't care about trashing some, I suggest you take this route too.

Then I practiced laying out the pieces I wanted on it to see where things fit best.

Not everything I originally wanted, had a proper place in my designs. No worries, I'm hanging on to them for future uses. I settled on a clock design, directional star (or compass star) and a key element.

For the most part, I love them all. The star came out a little shaky, but not too bad. As I get certain other materials, I plan to add to the purse. For now, however, it is ready to be shown off as is! 

And the fun has just begun! I am thinking that in what little free time I have, I might start working on other parts of our costumes. Not sure I'll be ready for Halloween, but eventually I'll be rocking it!

Are you a steampunk fan? I'd love to hear your ideas. Share them in the comments below!

Journey to Pain Relief: Salonpas Pain Patch

Recently, we made the trip to Waco to visit my in laws. I was having a rough day with the recurring pain in my shoulder and lower back. During the ride, I decided it was time to test out a Salonpas pain patch. I had a pulled muscle feeling in my left shoulder zone. It was affecting my arm as well.  Massaging it felt good until I stopped. I couldn't quite reach the main point though. So during a stop in traffic, my husband slapped the patch on.

You have to be okay with the camphor and menthol smells. The patch is strong with it. After about 5 minutes, I could feel a coldness where the patch was. It's like an Icy Hot, but no follow up of heat.
I was quite surprised. It felt like there was a numbing sensation going on back there. For the rest of the ride (maybe 2 hours), the only time I felt the sharp pull was when I yawned. The ache was toned down. Not completely gone, but low enough that I could ignore it.
I used the remaining patch I had on my lower back the next day. It took the pain down, not as well as the upper pain, but enough.

After coming back home, we decided to pick up some more to see if the relief could be extended. Our local Wal-Mart had a nice selection and we found some that had Lidocaine. It's a numbing agent used to treat pain. Even better that it advertises itself as used for desensitizing aggravated nerves.
Now, I'm not sure how much of my crazy side effects were from the patch. I had taken Excedrin earlier for migraine and PMS pain. Normally, I have a rise in internal temperature. Not fever, just the feeling of being hot and ability to sweat (something I don't normally do). I also shake and feel weak. So I'm thinking that might be where such effects came from. I'm not sure where the lightheadedness came from though. I felt sick to my stomach, but that could have been from fighting the migraine. Just things I noticed, but want to make you aware of in case you try these.
In less than half an hour, I had relief to the back pain. I felt numb. Better to feel nothing, than to hurt. Or so I believe. It helped with the pains going down my leg too. What these patches don't help with are the tingling and numbness that comes comes with the nerve issue.
These patches might be a life saver for a while. They might return some of my normal activities. I am not a fan of living on pain killers, but I don't have a choice right now. We will just have to see what side effects continue with the use.

When the computer and internet fight...

Last week was a real downer. This week has been taking a turn towards the same path. My internet and computer broke up. Talk about hating the cupid role. Try getting those two to communicate again. My husband finally coaxed them back into an intermittent relationship (mostly because I begged him to). It was time-consuming and even now, isn't nearly where I'd like it to be. It is taking me hours to get through all that I have been unable to do from my phone. Including blogging. 

So what have I been up to in the meantime? 

Migraines. My neck and shoulders feel as though everything under the skin has turned into stone. I turn my head, and suddenly the room spins. Everything tenses up and I feel as though my head is slowly building up to an eruption as magnificent as Mount Saint Helen's or Vesuvius. 

Homework with my three scholars. Frustration with at least one of their teachers. My boys are in second grade and my daughter is in Kindergarten. They have so much homework after being at school all day, that we don't have time to watch a movie or play games during the week. We can't even go to the store or run an errand, really. There isn't any time. They get home just after 3, we are having dinner around 5 (if I'm lucky), and they are in bed by 7. There is only homework, dinner, baths, and maybe a quick Bible study or story time. And then you have teachers that are so lazy, I should get their salary. What do they do all day?! Oh wait... that's right... babysitting the pathetic losers whose parents aren't raising them. And yet they say I'm not doing enough to boost my kids' grades. Sure...

Struggling to contact lawyers. What is it about them? They want to rape your wallet, but when you are trying to contact them, no one wants to answer. They have the Contact Us with your case to review page, but no answer. Then I finally get one on the phone today... Guess who was denied by even them? Seems to be a theme. And by the way, this is concerning disability matters. They said I need to start seeing a doctor to be reevaluated to determine my true diagnosis as the last one I had was done too long ago. Hello, people! I'm unemployed. I'm broke. I have no insurance. And if I was working, I'd have no leave time or money to pay for the doctors visits. That's why my stint with Amazon was cut short. But I digress. 

I've also been cleaning out our storage closet.

I pulled out the box of my "skinny" clothes that I used to wear before I got pregnant last year. I've come to the decision that I can no longer hold on to everything with the mindset of "one day". For starters, it is quite depressing. Then you have the fact that it wastes space. And finally, there is no guarantee that I will ever get my hips to shrink back into those outfits. No guarantee that my tummy will go flat again. So, I did the logical thing. I'm keeping my absolute favorites and letting go of the things I think I can replace in an appropriate size. Some of them, I just need to realize I am no longer the right age for. Like my gamer dresses. My rear has enlarged and now I can no longer bend over in them without giving an unwanted show. The corset I had was a little small when I was smaller, so I need to invest in one that fits properly for my cosplay. Little reasoning's like this have helped me clean out quite a bit. And my bins (I had 3 large storage bins full) of books... Cleaned those up too. Any books that are not truly needed, like a favorite series that I won't ever read again - time to let go. Especially with the knowledge that it might be a couple more years, with a couple more moves, until we are able to buy a house and settle down for sure. Don't know about you, but I hate moving. And the heavier the boxes, the less I want to take them with me... 

I sold one of the costumes I had been using. I decided that if I can't be the cosplayer I want to be, its time to cut back on those things as well. I don't often make it to conventions. And even less times do I get to dress up. I went to San Japan to help my friend set up her photography booth. Sadly, I didn't dress up. Honestly and truly, I wanted to. But I didn't want to be alone at her booth in costume and I knew my husband wasn't going to dress up or want to stay too long as he had worked the night before and was already tired. Then I went to the Monster Con they had to get people ready for Halloween. It is a local one that is free, based in a mall that hosts just such events regularly, and is growing in popularity. But once again, I decided to skip the costume. I figured we weren't going to be there long. My husband wanted to go, but also had things he needed to get done. We went to provide support to my photographer friend and our newfound Steampunk/nerdy friend we met through the photographer. They had a booth set up there. I've been questioning whether I should give it up completely, though it is a hobby I love very much. But cosplaying takes time, effort and money. You can buy cheap costumes anywhere. Or you can take the time to create something that will last ages and make you feel accomplished. That is what I do with my cosplay. I just don't have the money right now to continue piecing them together. I'm also limited with my creativity as I'm not as brilliant with my designing abilities. Which again, means that I would need to hire help on some projects. Then you have the price of the ticket to events. Not every one of them are free. The bigger conventions charge anywhere from $20-1,000 depending on the package you want to access. My heart is torn on this one. 

I spent some time creating my list of meals and what I would need to make them for the next week or so. My husband and I have been considering shopping exclusively through Amazon. Sadly, shopping for groceries is only cheaper on there if you have Prime. And that is something we could not afford right now. So I've am budgeting and planning our meals very carefully. More so, now that I have no income whatsoever. Besides the odd jobs I've been taking, the unemployment came to an end this week. Talk about an eye opener. I've been trying for disability because of my spinal injuries and deformities (didn't happen though). As well as trying to establish myself as an editor. That too isn't enough to pay the bills. So I am cutting anything that isn't essential out of my life right now. We were careful before, we will double that caution now. Pinterest is amazing with the meal planning though. I have some great recipes that my family has been loving from there. 

I'm not fully in the groove. And my computer isn't running quickly or smoothly by any means. But I'm getting there. I've got a couple posts started and I'll be pumping those out just as quick as I can. Looking forward to being back! 

Journey to Pain Relief: The Simple Solutions

It's amazing what we overlook when we hurt. 

Did you know that the simplest cure for some of our greatest pains can be water? I'm serious. At the onslaught of a headache, try guzzling down some water. Sometimes, not all the time, the pain will cease. Cramping strongly? Drink till you feel like you are drowning. Increase in water intake is usually a suggestion I get from doctors. Our bodies are mostly composed of water. Decrease in our supply leads to panic in our system. This causes additional pains that would otherwise be avoided. 

This is just one thing we overlook when we seek relief from pain and the medications are not helping. 

Take your vitamins and drink your milk! We don't eat and drink as healthy as those before us did. Particularly in America. We are overweight and underachieving. Weakened bones can't hold us to a higher performance. Eating things that boast calcium additives, doesn't mean that you are going to retain it better. As a matter of fact, some vitamins and minerals will cancel each other out. Do a little research. Know what your body might be missing and see what you can take that will boost its own supply, while avoiding the things that will block it from absorption. Take, for instance, tea. If you are suffering from an iron deficiency, or your blood iron is low - stop drinking tea while eating more peanut butter, red meats and greens. Tea absorbs the iron your body needs.

Keep the exercises simple if you are hurting. Nothing wrong with working out. Actually, it will increase bone as well as muscle strength. This in turn might lead to weight loss. And all of this can lead to less pain throughout your body. From the research I had done, working out lessens and lengthens the bodies ability to stave off the effects of arthritis. I tried hard to work out daily to keep the spine strong. And for a while, I think it worked. Until arthritis was no longer the only problem I had going on back there. You can be slightly sore, but don't push yourself until you are aching and feel like you're dying.

 

Get support in the form of better pillows. Normal pillows may seem fine. You might think that your pain and lack of sleep are stress-related and only curable by medicine and doctors, but at least try a different pillow. I switched to a gel-filled memory foam pillow. While my neck isn't completely satisfied, I have at least noticed a difference. And when I get migraines that drive me back to bed, that pillow is always cool under my head. It helps so much!

Dressing comfortably means the tight-fitting and heels need to go. I worked in a professional setting where heels were a daily additive and looking like a million dollars showed confidence. But those shoes added to the pain, as did tight pants. Try it. One day, wear heels and tight pants. Then the next day, flats and loose clothing. Tell me if you notice the difference or am I going crazy. I'm not saying put on the proverbial "tent" dress from the 70's and wear thong shoes. But something that is so tight it looks painted on, is doing more damage to your body than that of something truly comfortable. Besides, ladies, if you show it all off, what is left for their imagination? Or am I so old fashioned that only I think that way any more?

Focus on other things to trick your mind. Part of my pain management training during my teen years while dealing with spinal fusions, was to focus my mind on other things. When you think about other things, your mind can't focus on pain so much. Yes, there are times when the pain is so great that you can't think about anything else. But let's say your pain is no more than a 4, try to keep busy with other things. It will distract you from the signals your brain is sending.

Warm showers or baths can help to loosen the muscles and relax the tension your body feels. When you are in pain, you tend to subconsciously tense up more. Try soaking in the tub. Playing music, adding bubbles, and even doing so by candlelight are all fun, but also helpful in relieving that added stress that your body is building up. Using lavender scents and Epsom salt helps to relax you as well. So take time to release.

Massage is something that I suggest, but also think only works if you got someone truly good at what they do. I've had a few friends help me with this. Not all hands are equal. Some people are truly gifted. No training required. I've usually been on the giving end though I have no training, but plenty of practice. I know what to feel for and know how to work out the kinks without causing pain. At least bad pain. Sometimes we have to hurt a little to feel the really good stuff. Sadly, not as many times, have I been on the receiving end. And even less often, have those been helpful massages. So if you find someone who can do it well, I suggest making time for it. And if you can't afford a pro, but know a good friend, maybe work out a barter system!
Physical therapy is suggested by doctors. Sometimes we have to learn to move in ways we never have before to really get the range of motion that eases the flow of energy and keeps us going. I've never been able to take this route and I'm not sure how well it will work for me, but I still think it deserves a place on this list. 

I've also heard that acupuncture works wonders. I've never had it, and not sure I want it. It is something to ask your doctor about though. 

Posture is a learned trait. We tend to slouch a lot. Such an easy thing it is to sit straight up. However, far more comfortable we find it is to slump our shoulders and be lazy. Such actions restrict the proper flow. They stress the spine. If you cannot find the ability to train yourself to stay upright, there are braces you can wear that will hold your shoulders back.

This last one is the hardest for me, but know your limitations. I struggle with the things I've had to let go of. Motorcycle riding, roller coasters, and running are my top three so far. Things I enjoy, but suffer so much afterwards. Letting them go means I hurt less. Sometimes that is what you have to do. For the better.  

I might not have given you the true answer to your pain relief, but I do hope this list at least gave you options that you might not have thought to try yet. 

Journey to Pain Relief: Hot and Cold

When we suffer pain, we often turn to heating pads or ice packs. But did you know that that might not be the best option? In some ways, it makes things worse. Let me explain. 
I've learned from various medical professionals, that heating pads are tricksters for your pain. It soothes the tension and the warmth lulls you into a false sense of being pain-free. In reality, its a mask that once removed, sends you spiraling as you feel that sudden jolt of sharp discomfort all over again. I do still use the heating pad. It has its time of being needed. My time for using it would be bedtime. I need sleep. I'm not a nice person when I don't get enough sleep. I'm grouchy and irritable. So when you add my lack of sleep to my daily, chronic pain... lets say that I make fire-breathing dragons look like kittens. 
So when I'm feeling especially bad, I will take the heating pad to bed with me. Sometimes, I even wrap it around my lower back, under my shirt to keep it in place in case I roll over in my sleep. 

The one I have, I love! I have the SoftHeat heating pad. Mine has three settings of heat. And it turns itself off after a while. The one I linked to, actually has been updated from my older one to have 4 settings of heat. Walgreens also has a deluxe model that straps on. Getting fancy! Though they cost the same. Usually, I'm asleep before it turns off. I also love that it has a washable cover that comes off with a snap. And the best bonus to this? Being a natural popsicle, this also ensures I won't be shivering in my bed! Hey hey! I like to turn it on, set it in bed under the blanket, get ready for bed, and finally lay down feeling warm. Just remember, I'm fully aware that my pain will return in the morning with my consciousness. For now, its a short term fix to get more, restful sleep. 

Now to talk about ice. Ice is actually better for your muscular pains. For me though, I feel like it freezes everything so while I'm on it, I have that same relief as in the heating pad arena. I used this when I would have to sit for hours at my desk job. The problem I had, was when I would try to stand up and walk after being chilled. I would tense up and stumble awkwardly until everything got loose again. 

How do we get these two to work in our favor? My chiropractor actually told me to alternate. You do 15-20 minutes of heat, then 15-20 of ice, and finish with 15-20 minutes of a break. It was a release pattern. Didn't help much, but I chalked it up to being pregnant and nothing would work during that time. I found this article that gives lots of details and information on making the most of your treatments with heating pads and ice packs. This type of treatment might not work for everyone. It sometimes does good for my back pains though. Always worth a shot, right? Let me know your thoughts on these methods in the comments below! 

The Journey of Seeking Pain Relief

I recently wrote about trying to see the good while plagued with pain. The comments I received on that post gave me such encouragement! 
Pain is a fickle matter. It cannot be definitively measured, no matter how science tries. Each individual struggles with what their maximum limit is. Take for example, James Bond. Last movie I saw him in, he was getting his balls hit and still asking for more.

Okay, okay. I jest. But lets peek into reality for a moment. Everyone has their limits. Everyone responds to treatments differently. 
As I have mentioned before, I've been on over the counter pills for quite some time. Since getting pregnant in February of 2016, to be exact. Before that, I was taking pain injection (steroid?) shots. However, those were doing nothing since I was taking them on a day in the middle of my 4-ten hour shifts while working for Amazon. The shots require you to take one, rest for a couple days, and then resume life. Didn't help too, that they had me taking them once a week instead of upping the dose so I could go longer between them. My Nana was given the ones that were supposed to last a month. She always said she was lucky if the pain relief made it to two weeks. These shots are administered directly where your pain originates. For me, that was in the area right above a pinched nerve. This pinched nerve is above a slipped disc. That disc rests on two others that are degenerating. Yes, I'm literally falling apart here. So the doctors would numb the injection site. Then using a real time x-ray machine, they inject the medication in the bubble around the nerve. I admit that I only felt a sharp pinch and then sudden calm. For the rest of the day, I felt slightly tired and sore. But if I rested the next day, I had some relief for a while. Working for Amazon, though great as far as a job goes, did not help my back. The constant motion and heavy work was degrading my bones further. So I quit there and was given an administrative job that lasted a good year before I was laid off. 
That brings me to now. I have exhausted Ibuprofen and Tylenol. They no longer affect the pain levels I feel. They take care of headaches, but not the spinal strains. 
So what can a person do? I've been trying other methods. And I think it is about time I start sharing them. I'll write several posts. A series, if you will, of my journey seeking relief. And before anyone asks, no, I won't be trying recreational drugs. I have heard about their help. But I'd rather suffer than take that route. And no, I won't drink myself stupid to drown out my sorrows. Because then I wake up to four kids, reality and probably a mess... That, and I just don't drink much.  

I want to help others who are in the same boat as me. I know we are limited, but at the same time I feel that there has to be more. We just have to hope and keep searching. So here goes! My journey to pain relief starts now. Join me in it!

A busy weekend, but full of fun!

I spent Thursday night after work cleaning and making the cake. today, Friday has been spent catching up on reviews and finishing up laundry. While I was at it, I started some organizing to clean up what I have. 

This is what happens when I'm stuck with the kids at home and don't have to work. 
My oldest also finally lost that second tooth. Both of his adult teeth grew in behind his baby teeth. He was updating me daily and even hourly today on how much more "wiggly" it had gotten. Along with asking, "Mom, do you want to feel it move?" 

My daughter wanted to color her princess pictures. It has been determined that pink is most definitely her favorite color. Can you see why? 

I've taken some breaks in between. We watched John Carter since it arrived from Disney Movie Rewards. Soon we will be chasing bad guys through the wild west with the Lone Ranger! 

I love my new Star Wars book mark too! I found an article about the future Star Wars movie. December will be a special month for sure! 

I also had a chance to surf the internet. My mom clued me in to a channel on YouTube that I have now fallen in love with. Check out Story of This Life. The video for today? This is probably why divorce rates are so high in America.

Tomorrow I will take the kids to Toys R Us for a Lego building event.

And  then perhaps get a visit from my dad who flew in from Florida. And I've made a special treat for a get together with friends from my job. 

This is what I started with. 

This is how they ended up. 

They didn't come out just like they should have. 

But hopefully next time they will. 

One more thing I found that I wanted to share was this link with some very helpful hacks for cleaning. This was on the Krazy Coupon Lady blog. 

Growing pains

Today, while I was at work, I received urgent messages followed by frantic calls from my husband. 

My oldest son had hit his head on the table or chair and gashed the back open. The cut was about an inch long and fairly deep. Bleeding stopped rather quickly according to my husband but after finally getting me to answer, I knew it was bad. I consulted with my dad about if it looked stitch-worthy and he said yes. 

After alerting my supervisor, I left work early. I had to keep checking my speed as I was consistently hitting the 80+ mark on the speedometer and didn't want to add a ticket to my going-downhill day. In my mind I was arguing with myself. I was angry that I wasn't able to protect my son from harm. I was understanding that I'm not a god who can't save him from all pains in life. I was upset that my husband was panicking in the face of an emergency. I don't panic. I keep calm and approach things with a level head. And while I know not everyone else does, I will get frustrated with others for their panic. 

So many thoughts and emotions flowing through me at once. It was enough to take my light headache up a notch and make me wish I could've taken the Excedrin sooner. 

As I see the wound in person, I was completely convinced that stitches would be needed. There's no getting around it for something that opened that wide. My fear and anxiety were coming alive. A mother doesn't want to see her children in pain. Especially when there's nothing you can do to take it away. And what would the doctor say? Would he accuse me of child abuse? We loaded the kids into the van and drove to the local clinic.

It took about 2 doses of pain killer to numb the spot.

About 2 hours later, he had 3 stitches and had behaved so well I wanted to cry in pride. 

My little boy is growing up. I cannot stop him from getting hurt. I cannot wrap him up in full body protective gear and expect him to enjoy life. While my heart aches at his pain, I'm going to hug him and kiss his head while I tell him that he is my little man and everything will be okay because I'm going to be there for him no matter what. 

It's a Mom thing.