Freezer Meals

Stress has tried to get the best of me this week with migraines, trouble sleeping and fatigue.  Due to my stress-induced migraines, I had to miss my Bible Study, a wedding coordinator meeting with a bride, and a half day of work.  This cannot continue, so I have decided to take action.  First and most importantly, I'm doing a lot of prayer and Bible reading.

Then my grandma gave me a book by Dale Carnegie about ridding your life of worry called, How to Stop Worrying and Start Living. Right up my alley. 

 I'm on chapter 4 and so far it's been pretty helpful with giving real strategies that I can apply to my daily life.  I'm also considering letting go of my responsibilities as wedding coordinator for my church.  I think that will help my stress level.  My mom came and helped me with my classroom after school yesterday for 2 hours so we got 4 hours worth of work done.  YEAH!  I feel so much better about my upcoming work week now.  Also, we go to dinner with Tom's parents every week so we decided to change that to every other week.  It was a hard decision, because family is very important, but it's hard to rush home from work, rush to their house, rush to Bible Study and rush home to bed.  Too much rushing in one day.  Finally, I have decided to make better use of my weekends so I can better enjoy my weekdays.  As a result, I decided to take three hours of my Saturday morning to make as many freezer meals as possible.  That is exactly what I did this morning. 

Here's what I made...

8 servings of 3 Ingredient Chicken Tacos

8-10 servings of Mom's Turkey Chili

8 servings of Southwestern Stuffed Peppers

5 servings of turkey and mushroom spaghetti

8-10 servings of 1 Skillet Chili Mac

That equals approx. 40 servings of food!!!  How exciting!  Our week night dinners and week day lunches are DONE for TWO WEEKS!  All we have to do is warm them up.  Praise the Lord for the invention of the microwave! :)

This is what made it so easy...

• I chose recipes that are SIMPLE.
• I used recipes with similar ingredients to make grocery shopping easy (ground turkey, diced tomatoes, chili powder, etc.)
• I only used 3 pans-1 skillet, 1 medium sauce pan, 1 dutch oven (just kept rinsing them out and resusing).  This is SUPER important for not having a hige pile of dishes afterwords.
• I never had to turn the oven on for the stuffed peppers because I just boiled the peppers, pre cooked the meat and rice then mixed the stuffing.  It will all cook together when I warm it up in the microwave.
• Choose one recipe to put in the crock pot so it does the work for you.

**Happy Dance**

Progesterone, do your thing!

Newest results are in...my progesterone level is continuing to rise, but not as quickly as the doctor wants so they doubled up my dosage.  It makes me REALLY sappy, but it's a good thing to feel.  I will keep you updated on my progress.  My current level is 125 and they want it to be closer to 300.  They were funny at the doctor's office because they told me they were upping my baby making hormone and are rooting for me so that made me smile.  Also, Tom and I "adopted" some amazing college women and one of them is named Lea.  That has always been our favorite baby girl name and just yesterday Lea told us she's been praying a lot for us to have a baby so how awesome would that be if we were able to name a baby girl the same name as the person who's been praying so hard for her??  So all I have to say is, God please let the progesterone, do its thing!!  :)  I have a good feeling about this...

To Run or Not to Run?

This week has been lacking in the exercise department.  Tom has been going to the gym almost daily to swim and has done an amazing job of keeping up with a healthy diet.  In the past 6 weeks he has lost 12 pounds.  Woot woot!!!  I'm so proud of his hard work.  Every time I compliment him on it he shrugs it off and says he still has a long way to go.  I think he is proud of himself though.  He should be. 

Anyway, my weight has been pretty steady for the past couple of months.  The Marathon Weight Loss Challenge is now over and I lost 5 pounds over the course of the challenge.  It is about 21 pounds short of a marathon, but at least I didn't gain so I am very happy with the loss.  So that puts me at a total weight loss of 31 pounds in 2012  :)  During the challenge, I tracked my food and exercise on www.loseit.com every day for 6 weeks straight.  Then when school started I just stopped.  I had no energy to even begin to sit down and record every bite I put into my mouth let alone the energy to exercise.  Now don't get me wrong...I have been swimming, riding my bike, taking a class and running here and there, but nothing close to what I was doing over the summer.  I ran my 10K last Saturday and tried to run again on Monday.  It was a chore to run for even 10 minutes so I decided my body wasn't fully recovered from the 6.2 miles.  I haven't exercised since and I feel groggy and icky because of it.  I know that if I just go do it I will feel so much better, but I honestly don't feel like it.  Tom just left for the gym and I have a bit of a stomach ache so I opted out.  Normally, that wouldn't have stopped me, but lately it has.  I suppose everyone goes through ups and downs.  Thankfully, my weight has stayed the same since school started despite my lack of exercise and tracking.  It's probably because teaching is much like herding cats.  You are constantly on the go, standing, kneeling, bending down, sitting on the floor to running from the classroom to the copier to the mailroom to the laminator, to the gym to the cafeteria and back so I've probably made up for the lack of "proper exercise" just by doing my job.  Also, I pre-assemble my lunch each night and I don't go out to lunch so I have to eat the healthy things I have packed for myself or starve.  I would never choose to not eat so it works out well :) 

As for my migraines, they are still hanging around.  It's been exactly one month since I started wearing my TMJD appliance.  I've had 7 migraines, which is better than the 8-12 I have been getting.  I shouldn't be disappointed, but, honestly I am.  This was supposed to work.  I was convinced that this was the key.  My frustration level grows with every migraine that develops.  For once I am thankful not be pregnant because I don't know what I would do if I had to fight these migraines without medication.  I still have hope though.  My treatments just started and if they are already taking away a couple of migraines, then why wouldn't it be better next month?  I am holding onto that hope and have faith that God has a plan for these migraines.  I don't know what it is yet, but I can trust that He is in control.  I've found that I am living in fear of my migraines and I should not fear them or let them run my life.  A scripture verse that spoke to me this morning is "For God gave us not a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-control. - 2 Timothy 1:7.  How cool is that?  Yeah.  God is a pretty awesome gift giver. 

So back to the title of this post...running sometimes triggers a migraine for me and sometimes it doesn't.  It's the same with any high intensity exercise, even the elliptical or yoga.  Sane people would just say, "Well duh, then don't run or do intense exercise!"  I get that.  I really do.  However, running is fuel for my soul.  It's my time to be out in nature and spending time with God in his creation.  More intense exercise is great for me too.  It makes me sweat and feel productive.  Sane people would reply, "Okay great, then just walk or ride your bike." Yes, those activities allow for time with God out in nature and are productive, but there's just something about moving my body that feeds my soul and makes me feel so free, yet so connected with Him.  I don't understand it.  But it stinks not being able to run or do fun classes without worrying that I will get a migraine.  Right now I think I'll go to the grocery store, roll down the windows, feel the fall air on my face, talk to God (and more importantly, listen to what He has to say) and maybe, just maybe I will get the energy to do something active on this amazingly beautiful day He has given to us. 

Painting it Forward 2

My first "Painting it Forward" bidding event was a success.  "Easy Breezy" went for $20 and proceeds went to the winning bidder's charity of choice, The American Cancer Society.

Since the first painting was such a success, I've decided to put another piece up for auction.  I've had requests for this painting to be the next one to bid on so here's your chance to have your very own and support your favorite cause at the same time!

The name of this painting is "A Cat's Life".  This is an original painting by me on thin canvas using acrylic paints and inspired by my own cat, Napoleon.  The dimensions are: 8.5 x 11.  Frame is not included. 

Estimated value is $17.

In case you missed my post about "Painting it Forward", you can read all about how I came up with the idea here. 

The bidding on this painting will start at $1.  The bidding will begin at 7:00pm tomorrow night (9/21/12) and last for 48 hours on Facebook.  The bidding will close at 7:00pm on Sunday (9/23/12).  You may bid at anytime during this 48 hour period, but the amount must exceed the previous bid.  At the end of that time period, the person with the largest bid will get to keep the painting and will also get to choose a charity for the net profits to go towards.  If you are not Facebook friends with me and would like to bid, you may comment below with the amount you would like to bid.  If yours is highest, then you win the painting and the net proceeds will go to the charity of your choice.  Checks will be made out to me and I will then donate the net profits to the charity of your choice.  A receipt of your donation will be mailed to you along with the painting.

Questions?  Ask away! 

Happy bidding and thanks so much for supporting me in this venture!  Good luck!

Words of Wisdom

The last time I wrote, it was getting to the point where I felt that something had to go.  Well, nothing's gone anywhere and I am still living life.  I walked in on a conversation at church and this is what I heard... "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it."  Now this is not the first time I've heard this, but it hit me hard.  I know there are so many more people who are way busier than I am and have many more responsibilities so I decided that instead of taking things out of my life, I need to take a different perspective.  My reactions to situations have not been pretty.  I let emotions and reactions dictate my mood, which is trouble.  Being mindful of my perspective is incredibly important.  I've been trying to trust in God's plan, standing up for myself, making an effort to be positive, doing what I can to soak up these blessings and be thankful.  It's tough, but life is waaaay easier and more pleasant when I take a different perspective.  I also had some time to think this weekend during my 10K race.  That's 6.2 miles and 80 amazing minutes of think time.  By the way, I can't believe I actually ran the whole thing.  Maybe I was too busy thinking and loving the weather to worry about the distance.  Anyway, I decided that I want to do things with a purpose and live with joy.  I want to find joy in the good and the bad.  How to do that?  Not sure, but I know that God works all things for good.  Something that also hit me was a question posed last week..."Can you be stressed and feel out of control when you are completely dependent on God?"  BAM!  Wow, yeah that hit me like a ton of bricks.  If I am completely dependent on the creator of the world, then why would I even begin to be stressed??  But how do I become completely dependent on Him?  How do I still do everything I am supposed to do, make decisions, choices and live life, but depend on God at the same time?  How can I let go of the worry, anxiety and lay them at His feet every minute of every day?  I am able to do this sometimes, but then I allow the worries to creep back into my heart and take hold.  How do I keep this from happening?  Well, I know I need to start with prayer and go from there.  Thankfully, we have this little thing called The Bible to help out too.  I think this is going to be a constant struggle for me, but I know that God has a plan for my life and I don't think it's to be stressed out with heart palpatations.  I think it's a plan filled with ups and downs, but a constant heart of a servant filled with the joy of knowing that I am truly and deeply loved by a perfect God who is faithful and full of grace.

Something's gotta go

This afternoon on my way home from work (after staying late at school for a meeting and missing my TMJD appt) I was trying to de-stress and just breathe.  Well, it wasn't working and I was incredibly stressed out from the day so I started praying.  Sometimes there's no where else to go but to your knees (not literally of course...safety first when driving!!)  I told God I just didn't know what to pray for. I was so tired but felt my mind was working on overdrive.  I didn't even know where to start so I just started with being thankful.  Thankful for the blue sky.  Thankful for the car I was driving.  Thankful for having a job.  Thankful for my marriage.  Slowly, a peace came over me as I started focusing on the blessings in my life instead of the challenges and I was able to breathe more normally and realize that it really is okay.  God is good.  I may not understand His plans, but I can rest in the fact that He is good.  Once I was able to think more clearly, I began asking myself why I'm so worn out this school year.  Well, last year I wasn't co-leading a college Bible study, I wasn't part of a running club, or a member at a gym, or in a young married's small group, or mentoring a student teacher, or going to the doctor weekly.  Last year I had time to relax, make dinner, hang out with my husband, talk to my friends and family, read, watch some shows and just enjoy.  All of the activities I'm involved in are WONDERFUL and they bring me so much joy.  The gym membership and running club are great for my health and necessary for my physical and emotional well being.  So is being able to have time (and energy) to plan, shop for and make healthy dinners.  I need the small group and Bible Study for my spiritual and social well being.  Mentoring has been a huge blessing in my life and I have become a better teacher even these first few weeks of having a student teacher than any other two weeks because I'm reflecting upon everything I'm doing and explain the purpose of all I do throughout my school day.  My gut feeling is that running is going to have to go and I'm going to just have to say "no" to some activities on the weekends.  I want to feel like my head is above water.  I don't even have kids yet!  How would I deal with having kids?  I have SO MUCH respect for working moms.  Wow.  I can't imagine the balance that would have to be maintained adding one, two, three or maybe more into the mix of responsibilities. 

So here's my plan:
*Pre-cook meat ahead of time for quicker meals
*Make freezer meals to thaw on busy nights
*Choose my activities sparingly
*Learn how to say "no"
*Breathe
*Do not freak out...just let it go and move on :)
*Pray about what needs to go
*Give my worries over to God and be thankful for what I do have in my life

Any other suggestions??

3 ingredient crock pot tacos

It's been a while since I posted a recipe or even tried out a new one.  This weekend I got a chance to try out a crock pot recipe.  I have NO idea where I found this recipe, but I definitely can't take credit for it.  Super easy and delicious.

Here you go...

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos (makes 10-14 tacos)

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 jar of salsa
1 packet of taco seasoning or make your own like I do (see below for homemade taco seasoning mix)

Throw all ingredients into crock pot and stir to coat evenly and mix in seasonings.  Cook on high 4-6 hours or low 7-9 hours.  Shred with fork or use Pampered Chef's "Mix 'n Chop"...this works amazingly well :)

Homemade Taco Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (I don't have onion powder so I substituted minced onion)
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Mix all ingredients together and store in air tight container.  I used 2 tbsp in place of one seasoning packet.

BodyAttack...aptly named

As you know, Tom and I had our bloodwork done last month and Tom was not pleased with the numbers and I am still not at my "happy weight" so we decided it was time to join a gym.  There were so many choices...some gyms are cheap with no classes, some have classes but no pool, some are quite a drive and others are relatively close.  We settled on the one that was slightly more expensive, but has a pool (Tom was on the swim team in H.S. and in college) free fitness classes and even a track.  Another plus is that it is close to home.  I am really excited about it and we went for the first time earlier this week.  I ran my best 5K time at the gym.  Woot!  This morning I decided to go to a yoga class because I've been really tired and have been battling allergies/a possible sinus infection.  Tom dusted off my yoga mat for me and I decided not to take my inhaler because it's yoga.  No big deal...well....we got there and it turned out that the schedule changes at the beginning of September so what I thought was a 10:15 yoga class actually started at 10:00.  I was not about to walk in late to a room full of yogis and disturb their calm and concentration.  So I looked at the new schedule and noticed that a fitness class was starting at 10:15.  Now I've done plenty of classes in the past and was a member of Jazzercise for a while so I'm not concerned until the instructor starts talking about running, jumping, push ups, kicks and agility work.  Dang...really should have brought my inhaler and definitely should have worn my sweat wicking running clothes.  Oh well...here goes nothing!  People in the class were dropping like flies...no they weren't really falling, but they were heading out the door.  It was tough.  Super tough.  Just when you think you cannot possibly do another high knee, she asks you to do a high knee jump.  It was Jazzercise on steroids.  Very fun though and it was a great challenge.  My eyes were definitely opened to how unfit I really am.  Running has helped so much and I cannot imagine doing an entire hour of this class 31 pounds ago, but I still have a ways to go.  I met up with Tom afterwords and he was really impressed with the amount of sweat I can produce.  There was one tiny dry spot on my shirt and even my capris had sweat spots on the knees.  The instructor told me she was proud of me for finishing.  When we got home I read the class description..."BodyAttack-This is the most intense workout you'll find in the world of fitness-a session guaranteed to take no prisoners."  Wow.  I'm proud of myself.  Also, according to www.loseit.com I burned 535 calories in an hour.  Nice.  I found out that I really need to work on my upper body strength and my core so I think this will definitely help.  Next week I'm going to try BodyPump.  I'll keep you updated :)

Living the dream with TMJD

It's been 10 days since I first started wearing my TMJD appliance.  For those of you who are curious about what this thing looks like, I took a picture.  Sorry if it grosses you out.  I get grossed out really easily and it didn't bother me too much so you will probably be fine. 

I turned it upside down to take the picture so you could see the metal parts and how it fits over my bottom teeth kind of like a retainer.  I have to wear it 24/7 except when I eat or drink anything besides water. 

Top 5 reasons my TMJD appliance is not my friend:

1. It makes me have a serious lysp (sufferin' succotash Sylvester!)

2. It takes up so much room in my mouth that my tongue has no where to go so it is harder to breathe when exercising.

3. It makes my breath smell wicked bad even with multiple scrubbings every day.

4. It cost $3,800. 

5. After it does "it's thing" I will have to either a. get braces again or b. get crowns on my molars. (more $$)

On a positive note, I sleep like a baby with it in.  (Or maybe that's just because I am dog tired from herding 2nd graders all day).  I did have a nightmare about trying to eat chips and not being able to crunch down on them to eat them so I just had to swallow them whole.  I woke up chomping on the thing. 

Seriously though.  I understand that I am incredibly blessed.  We have the financial means to pay for it (it does put a damper on paying off the car loan, but we can do it).  It might take my migraines away (I would wear this thing all day every day for the rest of my life if it actually did that).  So I am going to choose to be thankful and try really hard not to be a wimp about this.
**By the way, I have had 2 migraines since starting to wear the appliance.

Other random updates...

I have reintroduced sugar into my diet, sparingly over the past month.  I had 8 peanut butter m&ms earlier this week and a fudge bar yesterday.  It was great.  My weight is being maintained and I am still tracking on www.loseit.com.  I need to measure myself again because I've been lax about that lately.  I weigh in again on Monday so I'll let you know how it goes.

I will be auctioning off another painting next weekend so keep an eye out for that.  Bidding will begin on Friday and end on Sunday night as it did last time.  The last painting went for $20 and the proceeds went towards The American Cancer Society.  Super cool.

I have been crossing off more and more things on my 30 before 30 list!!!  Check out by 30 before 30 tab at the top of the blog.  The most exciting thing is being able to do a Bible Study with college women.  I LOVE college people.  They are way cool.  Our first night was last Tuesday and I get to co-lead it.  We are studying Phillipians, which is awesome. 

That's about it.  It is 6:00pm on Friday night and I am going to sleep.  It has been one doozy of a week and I am spent. 

Realizations.

Oh wow...so by now you know that I love to talk about myself blog as much as possible so you know it's been a rough week when I go rogue.  The reason?  First week of school.  I know, I know some of you who work "normal" jobs don't get the luxury of "teacher hours" and may be thinking well yeah she is finally going back to work and is just tired and busy because she isn't used to it.  Oh friends.  I really hope that is not your thought process, but if it is, I invite you to my classroom for one day.  In just one day you will understand the complete amazement of watching children fall in love with the wonder and possibility of books and you will have a full understanding of the fall on the floor feeling of exhaustion of getting kids to that point.  I love my job, but I do not love the politics that go with it.  I love my kids, but I do not love some of the choices they make.  Growing up, I had no clue what being a teacher was all about.  I honestly thought it was making kids smile, reading them books, giving them hugs, giving them compliments, making them happy, giving them assignments and teaching them how to get along and they actually would.  Yes, teaching encompasses all of these.  However, it is more.  It is hard.  It is the hardest thing I have ever done.  One would think that the 8th year of the first days of school I would have it under control lickety split.  Nope.  It's hard every year.  I just get better at accepting it.  I was defeated these first few days, but I still have almost 180 days to change that.  As I look back, I wasn't defeated.  The kids do listen to me.  They do want to please.  They don't want to hurt one another...they just CRAVE attention.  I will give them what they need in a positive way.  Overcoming failure is what grows us.  That's why I love teaching.  Each day is a new day to try again.  I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to spend 7 hours each day with these little ones.  God has entrusted each of them with me for a purpose.  That's heavy stuff.  It's a huge responsibility.  I am thankful that it's my responsibility.  I am currently writing this at 11:20am on Saturday morning and Tom walked into the room and said, "Wow, you look out of it. You are still exhausted aren't you?" I replied, "Yep, I feel like a huge pile of exhausted mush."  That feeling of mush is worth it though because I don't want to feel this way.  I am going to overcome this extreme feeling of defeat and exhaustion.  It pushes me to be a better educator.  It pushes me to think of better ways to break through the walls of my students.  It pushes me to push my students harder to be their very best.  It pushes me to love them for who they are.  It pushes me to be creative in ways to light a fire under them.  It gets me past the poor behaviors to know that I could plant a seed in their lives that will grow.  This morning I started reading a book called, Educating Esme.  It's a diary of a woman's first year of teaching.  She impresses the socks off of me.  So bold.  So unafraid.  She stands up for what she believes in.  She knows what she wants and she gets it (most of the time).  She lifts her students higher than they ever thought they could go.  I can do that.  I know I can.  It's going to be hard, but it's going to be worth every exhausting moment.  This blog originally started out in my head on a completely different topic and I appreciate you coming along with me on my thought process today.  I guess I just needed to write it all out.  These were my realizations about my job and I hope that maybe you understand me a little bit more because of it.

Normal!

I just got a call that my hormone therapy is working!!!  Praise the Lord!  Both my progesterone and testosterone levels are in normal range.  I am so encouraged!!  I do feel better too...it's still tough trying to get my body awake and up in the mornings, but my energy levels throughout the day are definitely higher.  Yes! 

On another note, I am very much looking forward to next Wednesday, which is when I get my TMD appliance.  (It is much like a retainer, but is fit specifically for my bottom jaw and will apparently keep my muscles in the correct placement.)  If you asked a "normal" person if they were excited to wear a piece of metal/plastic in their mouth all day every day except when they eat and brush their teeth and makes them talk funny, they would say, "NO WAY JOSE!"  But you ask a person who deals with 8-10 migraines a month if they would be willing to wear a piece of metal/plastic in their mouth all day every day except when they eat and brush their teeth that makes them talk funny in an attempt to rid themselves of migraines all together, and they would definitely say, "HECK YES!  GIVE IT TO ME NOW!!"  <---------Well, that's me. I will get it just in time for "Meet the Teacher".  Haha...that's should be interesting learning to talk with it and meeting students and parents for the first time.  I'll let you know how that goes.  ;) ;)  Well, anyway, I am so excited about the possibility of reducing these migraines that I would dye my hair green and stand on my head all day if it would work.  But thankfully, I don't have to do those things.  I can just wear this tiny little thing in my mouth.  Sweet. 

Oh and guess what?  I took advantage of my last Friday before school starts up again and painted :)  You can find my new paintings in a tab at the top of this blog...yep look up...now to the right.  See the tab that says, "My Art"?  Click that and you can see all of my paintings.  I've sold two so far!  Really super excited about that.  One of my "30 before 30" goals is to sell three paintings.  If you have any interest in owning one (or two or three..hehe) please don't hesitate to make an offer.  Prices are negotiable and I really just want people to be able to enjoyment out of having them in their homes.  I will be doing another auction in September, so please vote for one of them to be the next painting to be auctioned off for charity.  Thanks friends!

One last thing...I just want to say how blessed I am by my readers' kind words, encouragement and comments.  Thank you so much for sticking with me and reading my blog.  I hope that my blog continues to help inspire you and bring joy to your life because you bring so much inspiration and joy to mine.  : D

New diagnosis

This week was a flurry of tests, bloodwork, and appointments.  Finally I have a new diagnosis.  It couldn't have come at a better time because August has brought wth it 4 migraines followed by 4 days straight of rebound headaches.  Rebound headaches can happen when I have taken too many of my rescue medication (Imitrex).  Yes I'd say taking four of them within 6 days would cause some issues.  I have never had to take that many in such a short amount of time. Wednesday through today have been miserable days.  I was hesitant to take any more meds because I had no idea what would happen if I did.   Finally today I took a couple of Advil.  It helped and I could at least function.  Praise the Lord! I just took a couple more and I am really hoping I will wake up pain free.  So onto my diagnosis, I went to my general practitioner on Tuesday for bloodwork and everything came back normal except for my liver function.  My liver function was low, probably due to the increased amount of medication I took for my migraines prior to my appointment.  I do have to go back in 4-6 weeks to double check on it though.  So the next day I went to see a new doctor specializing in TMJ, which is now frequently referred to as TMD.  A friend referred me to this doctor because she had been hospitalized for her migraines in the past and she hasn't been back to the hospital since she had been treated for TMD by this doctor.  Wow. So she told me her symptoms and it seems we had a lot in common. My symtoms include: clenching, grinding, sore jaw muscles, ear ringing, popping of the jaw, waking up with migraines, neck pain, shoulder pain, which are all symptoms of TMD.  So it was concluded at my appointment that yes I have TMD and might also be so lucky as to have sleep apnea as well.  The whole process is going to be extremely expensive.  Insurance doesn't cover much of anything and as the poor insurance girl at the office was explaining the cost of everything I started crying...oh how embarrassing! This progesterone therapy has made me so weepy! I couldn't stop thinking about the expense and I got so overwhelmed with the whole process....the sleep study, the xrays, the appliances, the idea of possibly having sleep apnea, plus all of the sudden migraines, trying to get pregnant and not ovulating and I just couldn't keep the tears from flowing.  Ugh. Stress.  I  really need to get a handle on it.  Anyway, after much deliberation this weekend I am going to go  ahead for the treatment because I need it and apparently TMD is to blame for many migraines. So  here we go on a new journey in the never ending quest to beat these stupid migraines. Yesterday I did another hormone saliva test to measure how well my hormone therapy is working.  Prayers and  suggestions are much appreciated!

Bidding begins at 7:00pm!

It was a resounding win to painting #1 in the votes for my first "Painting it Forward" bidding event. 

The name of this painting is "Easy Breezy".  This is an original painting by me on thin canvas using acrylic paints and transulcent buttons.  It's dimensions are: 8.5 x 11.  Frame is not included.  Estimated value is $22.

In case you missed my post about "Painting it Forward", you can read all about how I came up with the idea here. 

The bidding on this painting will start at $1.  The bidding will begin at 7:00pm tonight (8/10/12)and last for 48 hours on Facebook.  The bidding will close at 7:00pm on (8/12/12).  You may bid at anytime during this 48 hour period, but the amount must exceed the previous bid.  At the end of that time period, the person with the largest bid will get to keep the painting and will also get to choose a charity for the net profits to go towards.  If you are not Facebook friends with me and would like to bid, you may comment below with the amount you would like to bid.  If yours is highest, then you win the painting and the net proceeds will go to the charity of your choice.  Checks will be made out to me and I will then donate the net profits to the charity of your choice.  A receipt of your donation will be mailed to you along with the painting.

Questions?  Ask away! 

Happy bidding and thanks so much for supporting me in this venture!  Good luck!

100th Post

Wow, I can't believe I've already published 99 posts!  I started this blog on a whim and it's turned into more than I would have ever imagined.  It is such a blessing to know that this blog has inspired others to start their own blogs, grow more in their faith, begin an exercise program, experiment in the kitchen and explore their own hidden talents.  It has been a great journey for me and I hope it's been as beneficial to my readers as it has for me over the past 9 months.  What an amazing realization for me to look back 9 months ago and see exactly how far God has taken me in life. 

Laura's life changes in the past 9 months:

Dec. 2011                                         Aug. 2012

Just beginning to cook                       Cooking up a storm of healthy meals

Weight: 209.2                                   Weight: 179.2

Skeptical that I could paint                Completion of 6 paintings-1 sold

Could not run more than 30 sec.        Ran 60 minutes without stopping or walking

Never read through entire Bible        About to start 2nd reading of Bible

I am blown away at all of the positive changes that have occured in my life in less than a year. 

What a difference the support of family and friends, self discipline and prayer can make.

I wonder what God has in store for me in the next 9 months?  Whether good or bad, I know that it will be just fine because I have been richly blessed with an amazing support system full of love and encouragement.  Thank you to each and everyone of you who have read by blog. You have been a huge inspiration and encouragement to me.  Thanks for sticking with me and we'll see what the next 9 months bring :)

Thorn Sweating Race Recap

Sweat.  So. Much. Sweat.  This virtual 5K was appropriately named, "Sweat Your Thorns Off." Well if I had any thorns, they would have been sufficiently sweated off for sure.  I started the morning by rolling out of bed around 8:00am, slowing changing into my sweat wicking running duds, strapping on my Timex, taking a couple of good inhaler puffs and turning on my iPod.  Tiniest red speck of battery left.  Whoops.  Plan out route on www.walkjogrun.com.  Try to set route to memory so I end up right at 3.1 miles.  Fill up the water bottle, grab my phone and head out the door.  Here we go! Gorgeous morning!  Slight breeze, but pretty humid and 82.  First mile was smooth sailing, by mile two everything was soaked and I mean everything (sorry TMI), headed into mile three sweat dripping in ears, nose, eyes and mouth....yummmm sweat.  Delicious. Forgot which street to turn on towards the end and actually went a couple of blocks too far so ended up a bit longer than 3.1.  Kept checking my watch though so I was able to check the map when I got back and see where my 5K actually ended so I could figure my pace.  Finished 43.55 minutes later.  Subtract 3+ minutes for extra blocks and we've got a PR by a minute!  3.1 miles in 40.33 minutes. YEAH! 

Happy 3 month runniversary to me!  It's been exactly 3 months since I began the Couch to 5K program.  Very cool.  Plus I'm feeling pretty good too.  We'll see if the migraine beast decides to rear its ugly head. 

Here's my sweaty self post run sporting my AWESOME race bib. 

Thanks Adam from www.theboringrunner.com for designing it and for hosting this great virtual race!

I know some of my fellow bloggers are racing with me today.  Can't wait to hear all about your race experiences!!

7:00 Shut Down

So tonight I was thinking about how many hours I've logged online just in the last week.  The thought really made me stop in my tracks.  What am I missing out on by staring at a screen for hours on end?  How much more could I be getting out of life if shut down a couple hours early every night?  A lot.  Some people have 6:00 shut downs, and props to them because that's just a little too early for me especially during the school year.  By the time I get home it's time to fix dinner, eat dinner, clean up, etc.  7:00pm is a good goal for me because that would give me about 30-40 minutes to be online, which really, is plenty.  I'd much rather spend the last two waking hours of the day playing games with my husband, enjoying the great outdoors, catching up on some reading or just hanging out with friends. 

I researched this issue and there is an overwhelming number of people who are doing their own shut downs at various times throughout the day.  Some shut down in the afternoon, only in the morning or after a certain time like I intend to do. 

Are you finding this an issue in your life? 

I'm commiting to this starting Monday.  Keep me accountable please!!  If you see me hanging out online after 7:00 give me a virtual kick in the caboose!  Seriously.  Are you with me?

Shut it down, live your life.

Painting it forward

One of my goals on my 30 before 30 list is to sell three of my paintings.  I found a great deal on canvas so I am ready for another set paintings.  I've been thinking about what I can do to help the world with my painting.  It would be nice to earn a little extra money with my paintings, but if I can benefit others with my painting then that's priceless.  I'd like to bless others with the money I make instead of keeping it.  I'm sure others need it far more than me.  These pieces are no "Picassos", but it's what I love. 

Through a lot of prayer and thinking, here's the plan...I'm going to let friends, family, fellow bloggers, etc. bid on my paintings starting at $1.  The bidding will go for 48 hours on Facebook.  At the end of that time period, the person with the largest bid will get to keep the painting and the winning bidder will also get to choose their favorite charity.  The net profits from the bidding will go to the charity of the winner's choosing. 

I'm planning to do this with six paintings in hopes to go above and beyond my goal.  I feel like this will be a great way for me to give back and allow others the opportunity to do so as well.  Here are my recent paintings...please vote for which one you would like me to auction off first.  Just leave a comment with the number of the painting!  Thanks so much!

#1

#2

#3

Now what?

 

I really just want to sit down and cry.

 

Another migraine.  Really? 

 

I am getting really frustrated...I am still suffering from these migraines. 

 

About half the time post-exercise I get a migraine. It doesn't matter if it's running, aerobics, dance, stretching, yoga...still develop a migraine.

 

I stay WELL hydrated and as I have said before I have seen 3 neurologists, 2 gen. practitioners, 2 chiropractors, 2 gynocologists, had scans, MRIs, sleep studies, accupucture, chiropractics, ice therapy, heat therapy, electrode therapy, trigger point therapy, magnesium supplements, 9 different preventative meds, hormone therapy, elimination diets, anti-inflammatory diets and nothing really works.

 

I WANT to exercise for my heart, bones, tendons, ligaments and I NEED to keep my body healthy, but no matter the intensity I get a migraine about 50% of the time. 

 

I just don't know what to do...

 

So...fast forward to this afternoon.  I decided to take action and I have come this far. 

 

I am not giving up.

 

Today I went in to see my awesome pharmacist and he ordered me some progesterone cream to rub on my temples when I start to feel a migraine coming on.  Apparently it works for 63% percent of women who suffer from migraines.  Sounds good to me!  Definitely worth a shot.  Also, my doctor is going to adjust the amount of progesterone I take at the end of my cycle to try to achieve more of a hormone balance rather than a big drop off, which may result in a migraine.

 

I'm also scheduled to take another saliva hormone test this month as well as blood work and a food sensitivity test next week.  Hopefully those results come back with some helpful information.

 

You can refer to the tab labeled "The Great Migraine Battle" at the top of my blog to follow my current monthly migraine count.

 

The Great Migraine Battle rages on...but I don't really feel like I want to sit down and cry anymore.  There's always hope and God is faithful. 

Sweating My Thorns Off!!

That's right!  I'll be sweating my thorns off this Saturday in my very first official virtual race.  What is a virtual race?  Well, remember when I ran a 5K the morning of Relay and had this beautiful pic taken? 

Don't you just LOVE the purple crown!!??  I do!!  I mean seriously...when do you have the opportunity to wear something like this in public??  I couldn't attend my running club's Birthday 5K so I did it on my own at the same time, but 30 miles away.

So now this is an official virtual race.  Everyone is running on their own in their little corner of the world.  There will be people from across the globe running on the same day just to celebrate being healthy and the ability to run.  Pretty cool.  Plus, there are some seriously great prizes.  A fellow blogger, "The Boring Runner" is in hosting it.

Check it out and you can join me (virtually) ;)

Weigh in...post vacation

Everytime I go on vacation I come back with a few souveniers...not all by choice.  Unfortunately, a few of them are extra pounds.  I'm pretty positive that I'm not alone in this plight, however.  You go on vacation, a little dessert there, a bacon cheeseburger here, a couple extra sugary beverages and BAM!  You have yourself 5lbs of extra you coming back home.  Well, I planned out 10/11 meals and was pretty active.  However, I still splurged with an extra chicken sausage, pizza and a giant ice cream cone.  Plus I didn't run.  So I wasn't sure what the scale or the measuring tape would say today.  But I have been tracking all of my food and exercise every day.  Our Marathon Weight Loss weigh in day is Monday so I had no access to a scale last week while on vacation and then waited for the official weigh in day.  Here we go.

Wake up, use the bathroom (sorry TMI) deep breath, exhale, step on and wait....


Blink....


Blink...


Blink...


YES!!!!


Down 2.6


All of the planning was worth it!!!  I'm so excited!!  My hard work is paying off.  Definitely encouraging. 

That brings my total weight loss to exactly 28 pounds since January and 36 pounds since after breaking my foot.  I tend to get discouraged when I lose 0.2 pounds or gain back what I lost the previous week, but all of those little set backs and small losses add up over time.  Over 30 weeks I have lost 28 pounds so that averages out to a little less than a pound a week.  Woot!