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Recovery Sucks

December 7, 2009 By 14 Comments

IMG_4606I’m finally lucid enough to sit at my computer, barely lucid enough to write a post. I am so far behind in e-mails I just want to delete all of them and start over but I can’t. I have winners to get prizes to and even more people to apologize too. You’re on my to do list. I promise, but if you feel like sending me another reminder please do.

My surgery was only supposed to take three hours but because my body is not meant for surgery it took five hours to do a simple laparoscopic hysterectomy. They had to stop the bleeding four times. It’s quite shocking to wake up in the most pain you’ve ever been in in your life. You’re also alone because family isn’t allowed in the recovery room. The nurse in the recovery room with me was quite grumpy. She said I can’t have anything for the pain if I want to go up and see my family. So I told her that’s fine just take me to my husband.

I get to my husband and he told me they weren’t supposed to move me if I was in any pain. I shouldn’t have been in pain. I should have been strong enough to endure, it was supposed to be a simple surgery that many women don’t have any pain at all, other than the gas. That’s what I was expecting. I feel like the largest baby in the world. I was taking pain meds like I had a “real” surgery. My doctor put me in my place, in the nicest way possible. I swear she is the best doctor I could have had and she is the nicest women. She listens and doesn’t make you feel dumb. I asked her if I could stay one more night in the hospital, so I could get my act together before I went home. I spent a lot of time alone which was kinda good for me. I might have gone home the night I was supposed to if I had someone holding my hand all day, but all I did the day after surgery was sleep and push the drug button they gave me.

The first night in the hospital I had a panic attack. I was so embarrassed. My doctor came in and was trying to explain things to me and I suddenly felt like I couldn’t breathe. She told me nothing was wrong and that I needed to calm down, it was so hard to concentrate on it. My husband was holding my hand and all I could think of was that I was not able breath. I knew it was in my head but it was so real to me. They gave me something to help me relax but I still had to handle it. I wanted to cry because I was so embarrassed. Who does that? I’m in the hospital and monitors are on me everywhere and I panic and think I’m going to die with the doctor in the room with me. I’m a disaster in the hospital. At least it’s over.

My surgery was on the third and I went home on the fifth. I have slept a lot since I have been home and have been thinking about my “to-do” list and it just makes me want to sleep some more. On the other hand, My kids seem to understand that I can’t pick them up and it hurts too much still to even have them in my lap, but I am trying to wean myself off of the narcotics. It’s that or they just want to be with mema. I’m going to be sad when Mema leaves. They adore her and I’ve just had time to sleep. Hmm, It does make me sad though. I miss my cuddle time. I miss that they usually want me and now they don’t.

So I’m going to try and be back to normal posting as soon as possible.

 

Thanks everyone for your love and support. 

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Our family is going Purple, not Green

December 7, 2009 By 6 Comments

Well, my husband says we should go purple because it is my daughter’s favorite color. So anyways, the posh word is going green. I’m not sure I’m so into going green, or at least not completely. I love the idea of having Eco friendly reusable bags. Especially the ones that my MOMS club like to use, they are cute and even have kid designs and they fold up so tiny. I also understand changing out your appliances for more efficient ones. You’ll save on Electricity, but what happens to the old one. So it gets donated, well then someone else isn’t being green. Am I missing something, it seems to me there would be more trash. I must not know enough about going green I guess. I recycle. I recycle everything I can. I grew up in a state where I learned about recycling in school. In Washington, we recycle like everything. We have curbside pick up for recycling. My step dad used to recycle for money. I think my family in Texas should start recycling. My dad said they get or are going to get curbside recycling soon, but I bet they don’t use it. I don’t want anyone to think I’m against going green. I’m not, I just think that this push is a push to put more money into the economy. Now is a good time to buy stuff because sales are so big. I know I’m a little on the cynical side. I just feel we should do everything we can within our budget and with what we have. Buy natural, recyclable products. Have a garden if you can, we don’t get enough sun. I think I’m rambling. Ugg. Well, if withing the rambling you can make sense out of it. I’m interested in what other people thing about “going green”

Filed Under: going green, recycling

Guest Post – Marlise Karlin is offering Mom Start Readers Six positive Tips to release Holiday Stress

December 5, 2009 By 4 Comments

 

clip_image0011. Express: Become aware of why you are stressed and speak about what’s not working – try pacing in your living room – until you’ve said everything you needed to say (Do this when you are alone – so you can really shout it out in a ‘I’m mad as hell” kind of way.) Keep pacing until you have nothing left to say. At this point, you will feel a shift in the stress.

2. Write: If you haven’t formulated what the upset is – or have a hard time expressing yourself, then get out a pen, or sit in front of your computer – and just begin writing. You will be amazed at what pours out.

3. Reboot with The 3 Breath Awareness® – Take 3 DEEP breaths, each one focused on releasing any tension in your body – and focused on connecting to that tranquil place of Stillness within.  Envision the silent power of a red rock mountain in Arizona, or the calming blue waters of the Adriatic Sea – and with each breath feel that infinite peace expanding.  Take it with you as you continue your day. 

4. Get Going:  Change locations – get a different perspective – move away from your desk, your home or your environment and feel the mind relaxing as you get involved in other activities.  Take a walk, a drive, or even go shopping – holding the vision you are going to find the perfect gift at the perfect price. Enjoy the festive surroundings.

5. Smile & Laugh:  Sadly, sometimes we’re in such a rush or so distracted, we need to remind ourselves to smile and enjoy the holiday season.  Heart to heart conversations with friends, or even complete strangers, can change our state of mind so quickly.  Talk to the sales person, the woman waiting in line, the child trying to decide what they want, the young person trying on new clothes. Watch your worries fade away and a warm smile engulf your beautiful face.

6. Gift Yourself: Buy one for yourself – you deserve a treat. You have added enjoyment to people’s lives today simply by smiling and spreading a bit of good cheer, heart to heart.  At this time of year when so many people are depressed, you have gotten out of negativity and discovered tools to shift the stresses we live with daily.  Even if it’s only something simple – reward yourself. 

Marlise Karlin teaches people how to reboot their lives through The Simplicity of Stillness®, a simple method she created after having a series of profound experiences shift her perspective on life. The   Practices have benefited thousands of people all over the world.  To find out more about Marlise and the Stillness Sessions audio work, go to http://www.marlisekarlin.com

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Guest Post GREENGUARD Nurturing the indoor air that you breathe

December 4, 2009 By 3 Comments

GG logo Parents go to great lengths to protect their children as can be witnessed with car seats, baby monitors, baby gates as well as watching what they eat.  However, no one really stops to think about the quality of air their baby is breathing and yet it can impact their health.  Life is fragile – protect it.

With children spending on average 85% of their time indoors and indoor air quality typically 2-5 times more polluted than the outdoor air, one of the most important steps for protecting children is to make sure the air they breathe indoors is clean and free of hazardous pollutants.  Children are especially at risk, particularly those with asthma, allergies and respiratory diseases.  The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI), offers a solution to parents concerned about indoor air quality.  Indoor furnishings, finishes and cleaning products emit thousands of different pollutants into the air.  By using products that are certified by GREENGUARD, parents can rest easy knowing the products have met stringent chemical emissions standards backed by the most stringent third-party certification program in the industry.

“Indoor air quality is a growing concern for families,” said Henning Bloech, Executive Director of the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute.  Parents are increasingly aware that the air they breathe in their homes can be filled with more hazardous chemicals than they would face outside, even on a bad air quality day.”

GREENGUARD Environmental Institute recently unveiled a special nursery at the annual juvenile products trade show to help create awareness that good indoor air quality is critical to providing healthy environments for children.  Certified products from AkzoNobel, Anderson Hardwood Flooring, BonaKemi, Eclipse Shutters, Fleetwood, Georgia-Pacific Gypsum, Herman Miller, Knoll Textiles, National Gypsum, Naturepedic, Owens Corning, Q Collection Junior, Rubbermaid, Sherwin-Williams, Stanley Furniture – Young America and Teknion were included in the nursery. 

crib testing smaller The GREENGUARD Children & School standard is one of the most stringent in the world and takes into account the special sensitivities of children. The standard requires that all products be tested for thousands of chemicals and that they meet rigorous health-based criteria for all volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including formaldehyde and phthalates.  More than 200,000 products produced by over 225 manufacturers contain the GREENGUARD Certification marks.

Unlike traditional exhibits, the GREENGUARD booth is built entirely with GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified® low-emitting products, including furniture, flooring, walls, paint, textiles and furnishings. The exhibit reflects a nursery seen in many homes complete with crib, changing table and children’s play furniture. While most nurseries are furnished and decorated with products that off-gas a multitude of pollutants, the GREENGUARD nursery only features indoor air quality certified products that can minimize children’s exposure to harmful chemicals.

nursery smaller “The ABC Expo gives us a great opportunity to do more than just tell people that indoor air quality is critical to providing healthy environments for children. Now, we can demonstrate that a beautiful nursery designed with low-emitting products can easily be accomplished,” said Marilyn Black, Founder of GEI. “Our homes are filled with products and materials that emit thousands of different pollutants into the air we breathe. One of the most important steps towards protecting our children is to make sure the air they breathe in homes and schools, where they spend most of their day, is clean and free of hazardous chemicals,” explained Black.

nursery smaller 2 Products featured in the GREENGUARD nursery carry the prestigious GREENGUARD Children & SchoolsSM Certification mark. The GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certification is among the most stringent in the world and takes into account the special sensitivities of children. It requires that all products be tested annually for more than 10,000 different chemicals and meet rigorous health-based criteria for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). GREENGUARD is excited to have products from industry leaders AkzoNobel, Anderson Hardwood Flooring, BonaKemi, Bernhardt Design, Eclipse Shutters, Fleetwood, Georgia-Pacific Gypsum, Herman Miller, Knoll Textiles, National Gypsum, Naturepedic, Owens Corning, Q Collection Junior, Rubbermaid, Sherwin-Williams, Stanley Furniture – Young America and Teknion included in this nursery.

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Free Ivory Soap at Expo TV – Tryology

December 3, 2009 By 1 Comment

I’m not sure when I signed up to receive e-mailed from Expo TV but they just sent me this offer to share with my readers. I don’t have time to try it with my surgery tomorrow. So send me your video if you do it.

 

TryologyDove wants to let EXPO members try one of their Beauty Bars and see how it stacks up compared to the soap they use most often.   If you are interested in sharing this opportunity with your readers, the Tryology page has all the details on how to apply after signing up: http://www.expotv.com/tryology

Gain Original Fresh Scent Detergent and Fabric Softener

They will match you with products based on your interests and responses to surveys. All they ask in return is that you share your honest opinion in video.

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How to be a debt free Santa, courtesy of My Parent Rewards

December 3, 2009 By 5 Comments

MyparentrewardsWe have all been affected by the economic downturn in America. We are checking our kid’s "Dear Santa" list, scratching our heads and wondering, "How am I going to afford the mortgage, let alone little Johnny’s wish list?" I have been implementing several family traditions over the last five years and have found that theses tips will help take the emphasis off the money, and place it where it belongs, in the holiday spirit of Christmas and the holidays. Here are five practical and fun suggestions that any family can utilize for quality holiday time with family, without a quantity of bills come January.

1. Pass The Rubber Chicken, Please!

A long-standing and treasured hilarious tradition in my family has been passing along the same Rubber Chicken, with special additions created by family members, which reflect the gift recipient’s year. I believe every family with kids should have an inexpensive and preferably funny holiday tradition that the kids and adults look forward to experiencing annually. And even if you have a normal tradition such as exchanging ornaments, get creative in searching out that one-of-a-kind piece.

One great way to decide on your annual holiday tradition is to ask your kids what they most remember about Christmas last year. If it was going out and getting the Christmas tree, then perhaps your tradition is a tree-trimming party. If what was most memorable was going out to breakfast in new flannel pajamas on Christmas morning, perhaps there is now the annual Christmas Eve gift of new pajamas for everyone.

2. Give The Gift Of Gratitude, Not Guilt.

Family members can give a group gift instead of individual gifts. For example, save money by getting one gift for Dad that’s from Mom and the kids, or a gift for each of your children that is from Mom, Dad, grandma and grandpa. Holiday fun can quickly turn into holiday remorse if family members try to one-up each other on the gift giving. If individual gift giving is practiced, make it an even playing field when buying gifts for kids by setting a dollar limit that everyone can spend on the children. Tell children that the most important thing is that you are together as a family. Model gratitude for your children by placing a priority on the connecting and spending time with each other rather than a frenzied focus on what we’re getting each other for Christmas.

3. Have a Christmas Budget Family Meeting.

How many times has the reasoning behind your child’s Christmas list been "Dear Santa: I don’t know why I want this but I just do!" You must investigate why your children are asking for certain items in order to determine what’s really important to them and what will work with your budget. If you plan a family meeting where you are going to be open and honest and talk to your kids about having to scale back on holiday purchases, you’re teaching them self-discipline and you can discuss the bigger picture of what you want as a family. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could spend more time together versus working harder to pay off our Christmas purchases?

Kids have plenty of creative ideas and it can empower them and make them want to get on board when you ask, "What do you think we can do to get out of debt, or not go into debt, as a family this year at Christmas time?" Make a Christmas list right after Thanksgiving, during the biggest shopping weekend of the year, and then put it away for a couple of weeks. When as a family you revisit the list, narrow it down to the three things your kids really want. Then, talk to them about why they want something: What’s so special about this? It doesn’t hurt to quiz them a little to understand if it’s truly something they can’t live without.

4. Teach Children The Meaning Of a "We" Not "Me" Christmas.

The holiday season is a wonderful opportunity to teach children about the power of giving of themselves to help others. Inspiring children with the story of Kris Kringle, a child who liked to give more than he liked to receive is a great start. Explain to your children why it’s important to give to others as a family and select a charity that you want to support, either with your time or money or both. Make it a family weekend project in November to start collecting hand-me-downs from everyone’s closets that you plan to give away to charities at Christmas.

5. The More Mini-Moguls, The Merrier.

When you buy a financial investment for your children, it is a gift that can educate your children as well as entertain them forever. Children have the gift of time, and there is no better time then now to invest in your child’s financial future. Children very rarely remember the gifts, but for years to come they will be thanking you for investing in their financial future. Family members can open a high interest savings account, like ING Direct’s Orange savings. Sharebuilder for stocks is a great way to get kids started in buying individual stocks through dollar cost averaging. Start teaching children the value in saving and investing money early, because as we have learned over the last year, when you have the security of money in the bank it’s your number one asset.

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Grandma’s Here I’m preparing for surgery

December 2, 2009 By 9 Comments

OH how my kids were so excited to see grandma. Miles was just a tiny disappointed that papa wasn’t with her. I could see it on his face and as he looked through the crowd like he was missing something.

Zoe practically jumped into her arms she was so happy to see her. Ahh, and that was without all the goodies she brought for them. It was so hard to get my last minute snuggles from them. I’m going to miss them tomorrow while I’m in surgery. Ohhh how I am going to miss them.

So let the spoiling begin and I’ll just hide in my bedroom for a week and pretend it’s not all happening. It’s a good thing and normal thing though to get occasional spoiling right?

kids

They got new cars, puzzles, and lots of love. They will be in good hands, but it’s hard as a mom to let go and give them to anyone else. At least I’ll be back on Friday just to give them kisses while I recover.

My biggest trouble is giving up control.

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Bare Naked Granola for breakfast and snacks in my house

December 2, 2009 By 4 Comments

Bear Naked: All Natural Granola, Oatmeal, Low Sugar Cereal and 100% Organic Hot CerealWe’ve been eating a bunch of Fruit loops but this morning I tried to give my daughter Apple Jacks, she said “NO”. I didn’t want to open a new bag of cereal when we had plenty of open bags. So I gave her the Bear Naked Granola we’ve been working on and her smile was so big.

I don’t really like to give my kids sugary cereals for breakfast but at the same time when I get a great deal on something I can’t pass it up. Hmm, frugal and healthy can they mix?

Yes they can.

Bear Naked can be found at stores like whole foods but you can also purchase it at Albertsons in their natural section. It’s nice, looking around and seeing healthy food at my normal store. Also, Albertsons has the best sales and if you combine them with a coupon it’s great.

We’ve been eating the Cranberry Raisin, we have some other flavors to try but I haven’t opened them yet. Like I said, we’ve been waiting on finishing some other boxes of cereal first. We’re slowly catching up. This cereal is good to munch on because it’s got so much in it. It has apples and cranberries and raisins it it. The granola is good and my MOMS Club likes it too.

Bear Naked sent me three bags of cereal to try. I’ll write about the next bag after we open it. It’s Heavenly Chocolate.

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Guest Post – Summer Oleksy President of MOMS Club of Woodinville

December 2, 2009 By 1 Comment

IMG_3293 The Northwest Regional Luncheon was a HUGE success again this year for the MOMS Club of Woodinville, WA.  Thank you to the 18 MOMS who shared their time with me and each other today.  Unfortunately NO ONE won a basket this year (bummer as some MOMS in other chapters won TWO baskets).  Our gift basket which Louise and her blog MomStart support was valued at $1200 and was 6th in the collection of tickets.  Thank you Louise for your time, dedication, and donations!  This year our chapter won "Outstanding Service Programs", "Supporting the Mother-to-Mother Fund (R)", "Outstanding Chapter Overall", and "Outstanding Newsletter" awards;  these were for our achievement in the 2008-9 year.  Thank you for your support.  Mark your calendars tentatively for the second Saturday (and weekend) in November 2010 as we’ll be headed to Portland for the Northwest Regional Luncheon.  All members are invited to join us!

~Summer Oleksy

President

MOMS Club of Woodinville, WA

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Guest Post by Tricia Meyer Smart Mom Shop Online

December 2, 2009 By 2 Comments

tricia I know people around me are always pushing me to “shop local” to support local businesses. But the reality is that if I save money shopping online, I have more money to support local businesses like restaurants, theaters, and bowling alleys. So in the end, I’m still doing what’s best for both me AND my community when I shop online to save.

 

 

Now that we have that out of the way, I want to tell you why the smartest moms will be shopping online this holiday season. Here are 5 sure fire ways to save money while you spend it (and who doesn’t spend at least a little in December?)

1) Compare for the lowest prices. Whether you do this formally using one of the many price comparison sites out there or informally by polling the friends in your social networks, you will be sure that you are getting what you want at the lowest price possible.

2) Use online coupons. You can find a coupon for just about every store online with few exceptions. Bookmark a couple of the top coupon sites and always check them before you buy.

3) Shop with rewards. Whether you shop through a traditional cash back/rebate site or even your credit card or frequent flyer program, be sure that you are getting any kind of points or rewards that you can on each purchase. Most of these sites are 100% legitimate and allow you to combine your rewards with coupons. Just do your homework when you choose a site.

4) Shop for alternative items. Unless you are looking for a very specific make and model of a product, do a simple internet search for the product you are buying and see if there is another similar item at a better price that would serve the same purpose.

5) Use reviews to your advantage. Many websites are now including reviews as a part of their site. You can see reviews on the product, the merchant, and even the coupon you want to use. Don’t waste your money on a merchant that isn’t going to get the item to you the way that you want it or on a product that people are saying doesn’t do what it advertised. You don’t want to have to spend that money twice to get a different item at the last minute.

I could make this list go on and on, but this will get you started. Be smart and check your credit cards often, use reputable sites—all those things you already know! And enjoy it….shopping should be fun, especially when you know you are getting the best deals possible.

Tricia Meyer is an affiliate marketer and blogger. Her personal website is www.tricia.me and you can follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/sunshinetricia

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