slacker...

I know I'm not... but my poor neglected blog would say otherwise.

Life has not lent itself to blogging, although I've spent my share of time around the house.  I am now 2 1/2 weeks post-surgery (3 weeks on Wed) and am feeling really good.  I have to admit, I expected the recovery to be much faster than it was.  I know, I know... I heard it from everyone:  "You just had surgery!  Give yourself time."  There is something about a laparoscopic outpatient procedure that makes me feel like I should have just bounced right back.  Apparently, that's not the case.  I was very grateful for everyone's input - the advice of those who have had the surgery as well as all my RN friends was amazingly helpful.

I am happy to be back to the land of the eating... without pain (!)... but even more excited to be back to a somewhat regular activity level.  I did not realize how different I would feel - after 6 months of that "normal."  The pursuit of a new "normal" is still in progress, but at least it's progress.

Despite being a bit more tired than usual, I'm back to work, back to housekeeping, back to running kids all over, back to yard work (slowly...) - and, hopefully, back to blogging.  But, let's not go crazy.

Tuesday's Tip

So, here it is - a new tip. Once you get over the shock that I'm actually posting one, read on!

These days, my menu options are few. And, though my low-fat diet has evolved into my non fat diet, I am now dealing with persistent pain that doesn't seem to care what I've eaten.  So, a nonfat liquid diet has become a friendlier way for me to "eat."

I really enjoy anything that tastes like something - so smoothies are a great option.
This makes me happy...

This, not so much...

Am I the only one out there who avoids using appliances like the blender because they are a pain to clean? (gosh, I hope not...)  I hate trying to precariously get all the gunk out from around those menacing blades... because, the truth is, I've almost maimed myself more than once cleaning a make-your-life-easier-until-you-try-to-scour-it kitchen gadget.  Don't even get me started on the mandolin...

So, here is how I clean my blender.  Maybe you already do the same thing!

I add a bit of dish soap...

Then fill it about 1/3 full with water...

Put the lid back on (seriously, don't forget that part) - and turn it on.  Start slow and then turn it up.  The blender itself does the cleaning.  A few pulses at top speed will also get the lid clean!

In less than a minute, my blender is clean and I can enjoy that smoothie... and I have all my fingers.

Where have I been?

I haven't intentionally avoided blogging.  In fact, most days, I think about it... and then never quite seem to find the time to actually sit down and do it.  My lack of posts haven't been for lack of material.  I mean, with 4 kids, jobs, church, family, health, and various other activities there is always plenty to say.  But maybe that's just it - there's so much to say, and, really, who wants all the gory details?  Most often, a facebook status here or there seems to fit the bill.  Not to mention, blogger's insistence on being stupid when it comes to posting pictures had made my Tuesday's Tips next to impossible.  I think I've found a way around that, though, so... more to come!

I'm really appreciative to all of you who have been following and encouraging me as I've dealt with the whole gallbladder issue for the last several months.  Here's a quick summary of where I've been and where I'm going:

Nine years ago, within a week or so of delivering my first child, I noticed terrible pains in my stomach that would come and go.  My doctor told me I had GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and told me to avoid acidic foods and eating before bed.  He also prescribed mild acid blockers.  After a few months of following those rules, I gave up because they didn't make a bit of difference.  And, since then, I've endured occasional flare-ups (intensified with the birth of each child) and lived off of tums when necessary.

This past October, I had a flare-up that didn't go away.  I tried another 2 week course of acid blockers.  No relief.  I raised the head of my bed and stopped eating 4 hours before bed.  No relief.  After about 2 months, I decided to see my doctor (a different doctor than the one I was seeing 9 years ago) who told me, yes, it was reflux, BUT to make sure - ordered bloodwork and an ultrasound.  The bloodwork came back negative for H-pylori (a bacterial stomach infection) but the ultrasound revealed gallstones (or, as my GI doctor said, "a bag full of stones").  From there, I was referred to a surgeon who agreed with the diagnosis but still referred me to a gastroenterologist who would do an endoscopy to "make sure" there wasn't anything else going on (ie, "maybe you really do have reflux").  He also advised that I follow a low / non fat diet for the gallbladder as well as a low acid diet for the reflux, and he prescribed the strongest acid blockers known to man.... - just in case.  After a few days of taking the acid blockers, I was in more pain than I had been before, so I stopped those.  I also stopped the low-acid diet.  Both steps revealed what I had suspected - fat was the problem, thus pointing more to my gallbladder as the source of my pain.

Each time I was referred to a new doctor, I faced a 3-4 week wait for the next step, but I have to say that I really saw the favor of God at work.  There was always some one who would put me first on the list to be called in case of cancellations (and the multiple snow storms opened up all kinds of appointments for me).  So, almost 2 months sooner than expected, I had an endoscopy which revealed no reflux damage and no ulcers.  That is not to say I am not having any reflux (they really seem to like that diagnosis) or won't in the future, but the doctor did agree that the results did not show 9 years worth of reflux damage.  Meaning, all along, my gallbladder has been the source of my problems and not any other ailment.  After all that, it was agreed that the next step is laparoscopic surgery to remove my gallbladder - but not until the first available opening on March 30th.

At first, I was a bit discouraged by that date - after all, it had been over four months of dealing with this pain, and consequently, an incredibly limited diet along with little to no appetite.  Upon second glance, I realized that the date actually is quite perfect - right at the end of the quarter (meaning no grading while I recover) and right before a week long spring break (meaning very few missed days of work).

Ideally, it would have been great if this could have been diagnosed before I went back to work 5 months ago... especially since it's been an issue for almost the last decade.  For now, I'm sticking to a virtually fat-free diet and eating very little, and, for the most part, that manages the pain.  Still, I choose to see God's hand in all of this.  No, He didn't make me sick... nor does He want me sick.  But He is able to work through the limitations of my flawed humanity and our nation's health care system to get me timely appointments and a conveniently scheduled surgery.  And He is teaching me about myself - about self-control I didn't know I had and tolerance I didn't know I was capable of.  And, I'm grateful for that.

and for your birthday...

Chloe is definitely my most sensitive and intuitive child.  She is always very aware of how people are feeling and, usually, acts accordingly.  So, I wasn't that surprised when a few days ago, she started asking me what I wanted for my birthday and, also, started asking if she could have access to her money.    As usual, when she asked me what I wanted I quipped, "World Peace..." which, of course, frustrated her and caused her to reply, "What do you want that I can buy you?"  And, that led to another conversation...

When she came home from school yesterday she had a few cards that she and her friends had made me - all very sweet and thoughtful.  But I couldn't help but laugh when "gift certificates" fell out of each one...

That girl knows how to make me laugh...
Happy Birthday to me :)

Before and after pics... finally!

Well, it's been a while.  And, honestly, that hasn't been by choice.  Blogger, for whatever reason, has not been so friendly when it comes to uploading pictures - despite my daily efforts.  I have no idea why it is cooperating now, but I figure I'd better capitalize on the opportunity.  Here you go...

As promised (although it was so long ago, I'm sure no one remembers), here are before and after pics of our family room.  The room wasn't so bad "before" - it actually had come along way.  But there were several elements that didn't really "go", so our efforts were to make the room a bit more cohesive.  

Here is before...

and here is after... 

this is the area that is set away from the family room (across from the woodstove / entrance)

There are still a few things I want to add.  You'll notice the space above the couch with the mirror is a little lacking.  We're still looking for the right lighting options there...  But it's nice to have the room done and feel a bit more intentional.  And I really like the red wall!

a Norwex testimony

Yesterday's tip was about natural, green cleaning.  I know there are a lot of varied opinions out there on the topic, so I thought I'd give a real life testimony of one of those cleaning options.

As I mentioned, I am new to Norwex products.  Their primary product is a series of antimicrobial microfiber cloths that can clean anything... including the human body.  Today, I was talking to a friend who is also a Norwex consultant because I had some questions about how to best use the products.  She was reminding me of the varied uses of the Enviro Cloth (their standard cleaning cloth), mentioning that it can even be used to remove old carpet stains.  The beauty of these cloths is that no cleaner is involved - just water.  I immediately thought of a stain on our living room carpet.  Grandma says it has been there forever (long before we moved in)... and it has driven her crazy, because, although she used every product she could find, nothing would take out the stubborn stain.  

I decided to give my Enviro Cloth a try.  And, because I knew some would be skeptical, I took before and after pictures of the stain.

This stain is very dark and large; Grandma says she often wonders why I don't put something over it to cover it up.  I wet my Enviro Cloth, wrung it out, and liberally applied my own elbow grease as I went to town on the stain.  

After a few minutes, the stain looked like this...

For real.  Can you believe that?  No chemicals.  No cleaners.  No steam cleaning carpet machine.  

When I was finished, I rinsed the cloth clean and hung it up to dry.  

As I've mentioned, I have nothing to gain.  I'm not selling anything.  But you may want to look into these products!

Right now, I'm actually looking for more stains...

Tuesday's Tip

Most of my tips involve simple, efficient, cost-effective living.  So, you wouldn't be surprised to know that my house is usually quite clutter-free.  Beyond that, however, I work hard at keeping my house clean.  I am not a germ-a-phobe, and you can bet that my children have licked their share of grocery cart handles (why, oh why, do they do that?)  Still, a house is not clean just because things are put away.  Unfortunately, I've also learned that, quite often, using every-day cleaners and household products to "clean" our homes makes them just as dangerous as if they were germy and bacteria covered.  

For the record, I am not selling anything.  I am not associated with any organization or company.  But, I feel very strongly that we should be aware of what we expose ourselves and our children to.  As a society, we work hard at removing toxins and chemicals from our vegetation, water supply, foods, and air.  However, recent studies show that some of those same toxins are brought willingly into the home in the form of cleaners and beauty products.  

Two years ago, I decided to make a healthier choice for my family.  I didn't change their eating habits.  I didn't institute a work-out regime.  I simply switched to chemical free house-hold products.  No, my house is not completely chemical free - but it's a lot better than it was!  As I mentioned, I am not affiliated with any particular manufacturer, but I have used the products of 3 main companies and have been very pleased. 

Shaklee introduced me to a safer way to clean.  Their basic cleaner (Basic H) is used as a concentrate to create 3 different types of cleaners - everyday cleaner, window/mirror cleaner, and degreaser.  The concentrate is so powerful that you use literally drops or teaspoonfuls in a 16 oz bottle of water.  I have had my concentrate for two years now and have barely put a dent in the bottle.  

Melaleuca is similar to Shaklee in that it offers a variety of concentrated cleaners.  It's key ingredient is melaleuca oil (more info can be found on the website) and is marked by a distinct smell.  Unlike Shaklee cleaners which are odorless, Melaleuca products leave a "clean" smell which some people prefer.  

 

I have, most recently, discovered Norwex.  Their main products are a variety of microfiber cloths that are  antibacterial because they are made with silver (a naturally antibacterial substance).  The cloths can be used dry or with water and actually disinfect surfaces.  

In addition to household cleaners, each of these companies also have Personal Care products (shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, etc) as well as typical household items (dishwashing detergent, hand soap, etc).  Shaklee and Melaleuca also carry a notable line of vitamins and supplements.  

The websites offer all kinds of information about how their products are different from typical cleaners... and how they meet safety standards and regulations (rather than just advertise it).  They also tell why household toxins are so dangerous - contributing to everyday ailments, such as asthma, that we assume we're just "born with."  If you are interested in learning more, check out the websites.  And if you want even more information, I can put you in contact with someone who can answer your questions or help you get the products for yourself.

I do not use these companies for all of my household cleaning and personal care needs.  But I do use them for quite a bit.  Concentrated cleaners with reusable bottles means I go through a lot less cleaner and, consequently, save money.  It also means I throw away a lot less waste and wash fewer chemical poisons down my drain to be released back into everyone else's soil and drinking water.  Regardless of your political or religious stance, we are called to care for this planet.  So, if I can use my money and resources in a way that keeps my family healthy and promotes overall environmental health, why wouldn't I do that?