So here it is: I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I have a lot of emotions about it, mostly relief that a diagnosis has been made, and that the problems I have been having are real and I am not crazy. I am sad that I have a disease that will haunt me for the rest of my life, depressed on days that I can barely get out of bed or off the couch to play with my kids, and I feel defeated on the days that my medications don't even touch the pain.
I am trying to come to terms with my new life-altering news, trying to research and learn how to change my lifestyle to my benefit, trying to learn how to cope. I feel so bad for my kids. No toddler should have a mommy that can't play with them, can't take them places, can't get off the couch some days.
I have been on Percocet for over 6 months now, and I have started Lyrica. I am hoping the Lyrica can help me get through my days so I don't have to rely on the Percocet all the time, the drag of chemical dependency just adds to the despair I feel. I have been working hard to reduce the amount of Percocet I take in a day, and I think I am doing well with it.
When all is said and done, I am happy that I have answers, happy that a diagnosis has been made, happy that I can learn to live with the disease I have and that there is hope.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Have You Ever Just KNOWN?
I have been having a lot of health issues with my girly bits, and my doctor has come to the conclusion that the first step in helping will be to remove my IUD. I am having some very strange thoughts about this, and the most prominent is that I just KNOW that any other birth control will fail and I will become pregnant again, which is the absolute WORST thing that could happen right now. Sure, DJ and I would love to have a little girl some day, but now is just not that time.
So the doc suggests (based on my "age"... because you know, I'm like 90...) that I would benefit from the Depo shot. Sure, it will probably stop my periods all together, but I will probably gain a good 60 pounds, all of which I worked REALLY hard last summer to lose...
I could try the pill, but I would probably forget to take it and wind up pregnant, and then I would feel REALLY shitty because it would be MY fault! I sure don't forget to take my Percocet or Xanax, so why would I forget my oral contraceptive? Simple: Murphy's law. What can go wrong will go wrong.
So, next week, or whenever my body decides to stop being a blood gushing, geyser wanna-be, I will go have a pap and have the ParaGard that has been both a blessing and a curse taken out of my uterus and hope that I don't wind up knocked up again..... Wish me luck!
So the doc suggests (based on my "age"... because you know, I'm like 90...) that I would benefit from the Depo shot. Sure, it will probably stop my periods all together, but I will probably gain a good 60 pounds, all of which I worked REALLY hard last summer to lose...
I could try the pill, but I would probably forget to take it and wind up pregnant, and then I would feel REALLY shitty because it would be MY fault! I sure don't forget to take my Percocet or Xanax, so why would I forget my oral contraceptive? Simple: Murphy's law. What can go wrong will go wrong.
So, next week, or whenever my body decides to stop being a blood gushing, geyser wanna-be, I will go have a pap and have the ParaGard that has been both a blessing and a curse taken out of my uterus and hope that I don't wind up knocked up again..... Wish me luck!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Thanks, Boys. You Destroyed That.
I haven't written in a while, and there are some things that have been irking me lately. Mostly the fact that everything I own is ruined... well, almost everything.
Having two toddlers (3 and 2) is not good for my possessions. I bought a flax seed warming bag from a holistic show yesterday, and this morning my 3 year old decided it would be a great idea to put it in the dog's water bowl while I was in the bathroom. $10.00 wasted. Thanks, Ethan.
To date, I can't even say exactly everything that my children have ruined, but I can try. First thing that comes to mind is my body. Thanks, boys. You destroyed that.
My brand new flax seed warming bag, thanks, boys. You destroyed that.
My Canon digital camera.... thanks, boys. You destroyed that.
3 SD cards.... thanks, boys. You destroyed those.
My 2 year old sectional.... thanks, boys. You destroyed that.
My dvd player.... thanks, Ethan. You destroyed that.
My area rug for the living room.... thanks, boys. You destroyed that.
The carpet in both boys' bedrooms.... thanks, boys. You destroyed that.
Various walls throughout the house.... thanks, boys. You destroyed those.
Various CDs and DVDs.... thanks, boys. You destroyed those.
My living room curtains.... thanks, boys. You destroyed those.
Numerous cell phones.... thanks, boys. You destroyed those.
The keys on my keyboard.... thanks, Liam. You destroyed those.
My wireless mouse.... thanks, boys. You destroyed that.
Numerous pairs of earbuds.... thanks, boys. You destroyed those.
As of now, these are all I can think of, but more things have been destroyed, I'm sure, that I can't think of right now. For future reference, my sweet and adorable sons, when you are teenagers and I "accidentally" wash your cell phone, or "accidentally" drop your laptop (or whatever type of electronic device is used that far in the future), and you decide I am the worst mom in the world, I will indeed remind you of everything of mine you have destroyed.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Summer is an Ugly Season
As I was sitting on my front porch, looking at the falling leaves in their various colors, watching the squirrels running and gathering food, digging holes and chasing others off, savoring the cool Autumn air, I thought to myself "fall is so pretty".
Then I began thinking about the other seasons, and how the outside of my new home is going to look come winter.
Winter is a beautiful season in Michigan. The pureness of the white snow, blanketed and sparkling on the lawn, icicles glittering off of the trees, the crisp bite of the winter air. I will watch my kiddos all bundled up playing in the snow or sipping hot chocolate, throwing snowballs, building a snowman or sledding. The skies are clear, and when the sun is shining and breathing becomes a visible phenomenon, one can be truly level minded... winter is full of beauty in nature.
Spring is fabulous as well. The flowers are all in bloom, the birds are singing, the cool air leftover from the winter is dancing with the sun and warming, so full of scents from the blooms and the growing grass, the smell of overturned dirt and the buzzing of various insects titillating the senses, restless children eager to go outside and run in the sunshine or play in the refreshing rain showers... Gorgeous.
So what can one say about summer? I say it is ugly. Think about it... Come late July and into August the heat is excruciating. Leaves are withering and grass is turning brown from lack of water and overexposure to the sun. The sun is menacingly beating down on rooftops and sidewalks. The smells of car exhaust lingering in the still air are disgusting. Mosquitoes are just as thirsty as the rest of us, and will stop at nothing to get a drink. Then I took into consideration the human population. Men and women dressed in virtually nothing, whether they look good in nothing or not. Sweaty and stinking, humans whine and complain about how hot it is and the size of their electric bills from running the air conditioning day and night.
Yep, summer is an ugly season, and I sure am glad another one is over.
Then I began thinking about the other seasons, and how the outside of my new home is going to look come winter.
Winter is a beautiful season in Michigan. The pureness of the white snow, blanketed and sparkling on the lawn, icicles glittering off of the trees, the crisp bite of the winter air. I will watch my kiddos all bundled up playing in the snow or sipping hot chocolate, throwing snowballs, building a snowman or sledding. The skies are clear, and when the sun is shining and breathing becomes a visible phenomenon, one can be truly level minded... winter is full of beauty in nature.
Spring is fabulous as well. The flowers are all in bloom, the birds are singing, the cool air leftover from the winter is dancing with the sun and warming, so full of scents from the blooms and the growing grass, the smell of overturned dirt and the buzzing of various insects titillating the senses, restless children eager to go outside and run in the sunshine or play in the refreshing rain showers... Gorgeous.
So what can one say about summer? I say it is ugly. Think about it... Come late July and into August the heat is excruciating. Leaves are withering and grass is turning brown from lack of water and overexposure to the sun. The sun is menacingly beating down on rooftops and sidewalks. The smells of car exhaust lingering in the still air are disgusting. Mosquitoes are just as thirsty as the rest of us, and will stop at nothing to get a drink. Then I took into consideration the human population. Men and women dressed in virtually nothing, whether they look good in nothing or not. Sweaty and stinking, humans whine and complain about how hot it is and the size of their electric bills from running the air conditioning day and night.
Yep, summer is an ugly season, and I sure am glad another one is over.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Android
I am a geek. I am a computer person. It is just in my blood. I enjoy my college major (Information Technology concentrating in Web Development and Design). I love everything about computers, so when I found out way back when that the upcoming smart phones are essentially mini computers, I had to have one.
Strapped for cash as always, my husband DJ and I opted to get the buy one get one free Droid Eris. Little did we know they would be soon be at the end of their stock life (in more ways than one). Within a couple of months of buying these tasty little techy treats, they were pulled from the shelves of Big Red, and were no longer sold.
The computer geek in me decided to do as much research as I could on my little smart phone wanna be, and I discovered that these phones could be "rooted", a word to phone geeks with the same meaning as hack. The operating system could be modified with a simple download and a little know how to run faster, have the newest updates that Big Red decided not to give the Eris, and be completely customizable. I was pretty skeptical because I knew nothing about mobile device operating systems, and from what I read, if a replacement phone is needed, rooting voids the warranty, there is the possibility of "bricking" the phone (the term refers to the amount of use your phone would be is comparable to a brick... the phone would essentially be a very expensive paperweight), but I knew deep down inside that after enough research, I would eventually take the plunge.
Then the inevitable happens - my phone decides to take a shit. I contacted Big Red, and they send me a new phone... well, erm... a "like new" refurbished, pre owned phone. Great. Thanks a
lot.
This is when I decided to take the chance. If I damaged my phone beyond repair, I have insurance and I would just run it over with the car or put it down the garbage disposal... Whoops! Naughty kids... but I didn't have to do that at all.
I rooted easily, and flashed my first custom ROM. I started with kaos froyo (now that I had the magical Android 2.2 Froyo that Eris owners who follow the rules would never have a chance to get), and it was all over from there. I learned about the Android operating system, how it is a Linux system and is Open Source (Google it, home slice), and familiarized myself with the recovery menu. I learned how to download and flash newer custom ROMs and I was amazed at the speed that new updates and ROMs became available.
I am now running CyanogenMod 6 with the nonsensikal 8.2 ROM (which is Android 2.2.1), and it is amazing... though I am sure something new will come out soon enough for me to try. I fell in love with rooting and all of the aspects of customizing my superior smart phone.
Strapped for cash as always, my husband DJ and I opted to get the buy one get one free Droid Eris. Little did we know they would be soon be at the end of their stock life (in more ways than one). Within a couple of months of buying these tasty little techy treats, they were pulled from the shelves of Big Red, and were no longer sold.
The computer geek in me decided to do as much research as I could on my little smart phone wanna be, and I discovered that these phones could be "rooted", a word to phone geeks with the same meaning as hack. The operating system could be modified with a simple download and a little know how to run faster, have the newest updates that Big Red decided not to give the Eris, and be completely customizable. I was pretty skeptical because I knew nothing about mobile device operating systems, and from what I read, if a replacement phone is needed, rooting voids the warranty, there is the possibility of "bricking" the phone (the term refers to the amount of use your phone would be is comparable to a brick... the phone would essentially be a very expensive paperweight), but I knew deep down inside that after enough research, I would eventually take the plunge.
Then the inevitable happens - my phone decides to take a shit. I contacted Big Red, and they send me a new phone... well, erm... a "like new" refurbished, pre owned phone. Great. Thanks a
lot.
This is when I decided to take the chance. If I damaged my phone beyond repair, I have insurance and I would just run it over with the car or put it down the garbage disposal... Whoops! Naughty kids... but I didn't have to do that at all.
I rooted easily, and flashed my first custom ROM. I started with kaos froyo (now that I had the magical Android 2.2 Froyo that Eris owners who follow the rules would never have a chance to get), and it was all over from there. I learned about the Android operating system, how it is a Linux system and is Open Source (Google it, home slice), and familiarized myself with the recovery menu. I learned how to download and flash newer custom ROMs and I was amazed at the speed that new updates and ROMs became available.
I am now running CyanogenMod 6 with the nonsensikal 8.2 ROM (which is Android 2.2.1), and it is amazing... though I am sure something new will come out soon enough for me to try. I fell in love with rooting and all of the aspects of customizing my superior smart phone.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Canon Pixma MP160 Printer Encoder Strip Replacement
I had the unfortunate luck of my oldest son opening the top of my Canon Pixma MP160 scanner/printer, and in his curiosity, he decided it would be a good idea to rip out the encoder strip (the thin plastic ribbon that the printer head reads for timing).
Me, being me, I decided that I would take the whole printer apart and attempt to put the encoder strip back in. After opening the entire printer and ripping parts out (carefully taking notes and remembering where everything is suppose to go), I had printer guts all over my kitchen table. That was when I realized I had no idea where this thing is suppose to go.
Ah, I have the trusty internet! I run to Google, thinking I would discover where this part was suppose to go, reattach it, and be on my way... No such luck. First, I had no idea what the part name was, so I started searching for the printer first, then after no luck, I started searching repairs, broken plastic piece, where parts go, service manuals, images of the insides... nada. Then I took a closer look at the strip and discovered there were words printed on it (the name brand being Ruhlatec), and I had a few hits, but nothing that helped. I then discovered people were calling it the encoder strip or timing strip. Another hour on Google and I hit the jackpot... one singular image (and a crappy image at that) of a page from a Canon Pixma MP160 service manual. I was able to see exactly where the strip attaches, then realized I was missing a piece! The spring that holds the strip on the right side can and will fall off if the strip is not attached. I found the spring in my printer, put it on, attached the encoder strip, carefully put the pieces back together (I had no spare pieces! Hooray!) and I'll be damned, the thing actually worked!
So, in my attempt at making someone else's life easier, I am going to post a few pictures to let others that have had the same problem (and there were a lot) know where this encoder strip is suppose to go. Think of it as my public service for the day.. erm... year.
PLEASE NOTE: I do not recommend taking your printer apart unless you are sure you know what you are doing or have nothing to lose. You may end up doing more damage than you started with. I take no responsibility for what you do to your equipment.
The strip has an "L" on one side and a dot on the other. Be sure you put the "L" side on the left. There is a small slit behind the printer head that you must slide the encoder strip through before attaching. (sorry, I couldn't get a picture).
Me, being me, I decided that I would take the whole printer apart and attempt to put the encoder strip back in. After opening the entire printer and ripping parts out (carefully taking notes and remembering where everything is suppose to go), I had printer guts all over my kitchen table. That was when I realized I had no idea where this thing is suppose to go.
Ah, I have the trusty internet! I run to Google, thinking I would discover where this part was suppose to go, reattach it, and be on my way... No such luck. First, I had no idea what the part name was, so I started searching for the printer first, then after no luck, I started searching repairs, broken plastic piece, where parts go, service manuals, images of the insides... nada. Then I took a closer look at the strip and discovered there were words printed on it (the name brand being Ruhlatec), and I had a few hits, but nothing that helped. I then discovered people were calling it the encoder strip or timing strip. Another hour on Google and I hit the jackpot... one singular image (and a crappy image at that) of a page from a Canon Pixma MP160 service manual. I was able to see exactly where the strip attaches, then realized I was missing a piece! The spring that holds the strip on the right side can and will fall off if the strip is not attached. I found the spring in my printer, put it on, attached the encoder strip, carefully put the pieces back together (I had no spare pieces! Hooray!) and I'll be damned, the thing actually worked!
So, in my attempt at making someone else's life easier, I am going to post a few pictures to let others that have had the same problem (and there were a lot) know where this encoder strip is suppose to go. Think of it as my public service for the day.. erm... year.
PLEASE NOTE: I do not recommend taking your printer apart unless you are sure you know what you are doing or have nothing to lose. You may end up doing more damage than you started with. I take no responsibility for what you do to your equipment.
The strip has an "L" on one side and a dot on the other. Be sure you put the "L" side on the left. There is a small slit behind the printer head that you must slide the encoder strip through before attaching. (sorry, I couldn't get a picture).
If this helped you, please leave me a comment.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Tips for when you have a 2 year old...
Here are the rules for having a 2 year old:
1. If you hear something crack, pop, crunch, shatter, slam, fall, bang, or crackle, and you hear laughing or screaming immediately after, you better run. If no laughter or screaming is heard, go see what happened, but no need to break a sweat.
2. If you don't hear your 2 year old make a sound for 2 or 3 minutes, go see what he or she is up to. It probably isn't good.
3. At 2, potty training is usually starting, and your 2 year old will probably know how to take his or her diaper off by now. Do not let your 2 year old run around naked, or you will have messes to clean up. Have plenty of duct tape handy to tape his or her diaper on, or you will have to wash bedding, carpets, and/ or furniture.
4. If you have a pet, especially a small pet, do not leave them in the same room together unattended. The 2 year old will always win.
5. Be prepared to serve 4 different foods at each meal time. What your 2 year old devoured yesterday, he or she will completely hate today... except gummy fruit snacks. Your 2 year old will be willing to eat those at any hour on any given day.
6. If you do not want your 2 year old to swear, don't swear in front of them, don't let them hear swearing in movies, on TV, or from other people. If you do not censor what your 2 year old hears, you will have a 2 year old cussing like a sailor.
6. a) If your 2 year old DOES pick up a swear word, do not give him or her any attention. Yelling, laughing, smiling, giggling, scolding, or talking about why this is wrong will only result in the child swearing more and laughing at you.
7. 2 year olds are smart enough to know when you are trying to bribe them. Do not try this method unless you are prepared to be humiliated by a person no taller than your thighs.
8. Keep any and all writing utensils out of the 2 year old's reach. This includes pens, pencils, markers, crayons, chalk, and paint.
9. Do not allow your 2 year old to consume anything with sugar after 6:00 pm if you want then in bed before midnight.
10. Bath time to a 2 year old is NOT a time to relax before bed. Instead it is a free for all that includes mass quantities of water.
10. a) 2 year olds are very very slippery when covered with soap and water. Washing then rinsing one body part at a time is highly recommended.
10. b) When bathing a 2 year old, you will become very wet. If you wear glasses, be sure to have a clean, dry cloth handy to wipe said glasses if you would like to see during bath time.
11. If you allow your child to watch television (who in their right mind doesn't use the TV for a babysitter once in a while?), be prepared to have children's television show theme songs stuck in your head for days.
11. a) If your 2 year old grows attached to a particular movie, be prepared to watch it 4 to 7 times a day.
12. 2 year olds break things. You will never have nice things again.
13. 2 year olds have tantrums. The best solution is to ignore them and walk away. They won't be able to understand reason, nor will they hear you talking over their screams and kicks.
These methods have been used by myself. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. 2 year olds are little people. Mean, sneaky little people, and they will eat your sanity and your soul. Good luck, and God speed.
1. If you hear something crack, pop, crunch, shatter, slam, fall, bang, or crackle, and you hear laughing or screaming immediately after, you better run. If no laughter or screaming is heard, go see what happened, but no need to break a sweat.
2. If you don't hear your 2 year old make a sound for 2 or 3 minutes, go see what he or she is up to. It probably isn't good.
3. At 2, potty training is usually starting, and your 2 year old will probably know how to take his or her diaper off by now. Do not let your 2 year old run around naked, or you will have messes to clean up. Have plenty of duct tape handy to tape his or her diaper on, or you will have to wash bedding, carpets, and/ or furniture.
4. If you have a pet, especially a small pet, do not leave them in the same room together unattended. The 2 year old will always win.
5. Be prepared to serve 4 different foods at each meal time. What your 2 year old devoured yesterday, he or she will completely hate today... except gummy fruit snacks. Your 2 year old will be willing to eat those at any hour on any given day.
6. If you do not want your 2 year old to swear, don't swear in front of them, don't let them hear swearing in movies, on TV, or from other people. If you do not censor what your 2 year old hears, you will have a 2 year old cussing like a sailor.
6. a) If your 2 year old DOES pick up a swear word, do not give him or her any attention. Yelling, laughing, smiling, giggling, scolding, or talking about why this is wrong will only result in the child swearing more and laughing at you.
7. 2 year olds are smart enough to know when you are trying to bribe them. Do not try this method unless you are prepared to be humiliated by a person no taller than your thighs.
8. Keep any and all writing utensils out of the 2 year old's reach. This includes pens, pencils, markers, crayons, chalk, and paint.
9. Do not allow your 2 year old to consume anything with sugar after 6:00 pm if you want then in bed before midnight.
10. Bath time to a 2 year old is NOT a time to relax before bed. Instead it is a free for all that includes mass quantities of water.
10. a) 2 year olds are very very slippery when covered with soap and water. Washing then rinsing one body part at a time is highly recommended.
10. b) When bathing a 2 year old, you will become very wet. If you wear glasses, be sure to have a clean, dry cloth handy to wipe said glasses if you would like to see during bath time.
11. If you allow your child to watch television (who in their right mind doesn't use the TV for a babysitter once in a while?), be prepared to have children's television show theme songs stuck in your head for days.
11. a) If your 2 year old grows attached to a particular movie, be prepared to watch it 4 to 7 times a day.
12. 2 year olds break things. You will never have nice things again.
13. 2 year olds have tantrums. The best solution is to ignore them and walk away. They won't be able to understand reason, nor will they hear you talking over their screams and kicks.
These methods have been used by myself. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. 2 year olds are little people. Mean, sneaky little people, and they will eat your sanity and your soul. Good luck, and God speed.
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