I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer, in July 2012. Not being one to solely rely on conventional medicine, I researched natural ways to beat it. In this Blog, I will share my journey with you.
No, this isn't a Blog about the Peanuts Halloween special; although, I am looking forward to watching that, on Halloween (tradition!). But, it is officially pumpkin season, here in the United States, and I'm excited!! I love Charlie Brown...I love Fall....and I love pumpkins!! Pumpkins are amazing; they're nutritious, delicious and totally versatile! Here's a brief run-down of just how awesome pumpkins are...
Check out all these amazing benefits!!
Did you see that?? So much goodness to improve your health! And, I love fact sheets...especially the ones that come with recipes; I can't wait to try that smoothie recipe!! LOL! Some other things I've learned about the wonder that is a pumpkin are as follows:
Eating pumpkins reduces the risk of gastric, breast, lung and colorectal cancer, regardless of family history.
Eating pumpkins reduces breast cancer risk, in both pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women.
Cucurbitacin E, a compound found in pumpkins, has been shown to inhibit triple-negative breast cancer metastasis in the lab, by suppressing cell migration and invasion.
Pumpkins contain hypoglycemic substances that may improve diabetes.
Intake of orange and yellow vegetables (like pumpkins) may also be protective against prostate cancer and non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
I, personally, love eating pumpkins/pumpkin seeds...and I totally wish they had a longer harvesting season. I made sure to collect a few recipes, recently, so I'll have plenty of variety when it comes time to grub on some yumminess!!
Ok....I'm sure I'm going to lose a few of you, but this needs to be said; so, here goes. This is my "soap-box" moment about the Supreme Court's ruling, today. Today, the Supreme Court of the United States declared that same-sex marriages are to be considered legal, in all 50 states. That's a huge victory for the LGBT community....and a huge thorn the the side for the Conservative Christian community. I'm not taking sides, here, but I do think a few things need to be addressed. Please allow me the liberty to do so.... A brief history lesson....
The rights of the Black Community
The Civil Rights Movement has centered around granting black people the right to be human beings. A lot of folks believe that it all started in the late 1950's, but it actually started in 1863, when President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
The NAACP (The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) was founded in 1909 by a multi-racial group of activists, in New York City.
MAY 17, 1954 - The U.S. Supreme Court's unanimously ruled in the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas that public school segregation was unconstitutional, and paved the way for desegregation.
Overriding President Ronald Reagan's veto, Congress passed the Civil Rights Restoration Act (1987), which expanded the reach of nondiscrimination laws within private institutions receiving federal funds.
Thanks to people who are racist, the Black Community is still fighting for certain rights.
The rights of Women
On Election Day in 1920, millions of American women exercised their right to vote for the first time. It took activists, and reformers, nearly 100 years to win that right!
In 1971, women won the right to practice Law.
On September 13, 1994, The Violence Against Women Act was signed by President Bill Clinton. This law makes programs and services such as protections for victims who are evicted from their homes because of events related to domestic violence or stalking, funding for rape crisis centers and hotlines, and legal aid for survivors of domestic violence.
In 1981, President Ronald Reagan appointed the first woman, Sandra Day O'Connor, to the U.S. Supreme Court. Ruth Bader Ginsburg followed her to the nation’s highest bench in 1993.
Women have been actively seeking equality for many, many years...and we are still fighting for our rights to equal pay for equal work, adequate (paid) maternity leave, reproductive rights, etc.
I saw this video today....before the news of the Gay Marriage ruling hit the internet. It's relevant to what I've just stated:
And here is a brief history lesson, concerning today's ruling.......
The rights of the LGBT Community
The Society for Human Rights was founded in 1924; this was the USA's first known gay rights organization.
In 1962, Illinois became the first state to decriminalize homosexual acts between consenting adults in public.
In 1992, the “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” policy was instituted for the U.S. military, permitting gays to serve in the military, but banning homosexual activity.
And today....legally denying a same-sex couple the basic rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness afforded to heterosexual couples is no longer allowed.
Certain groups of people have been fighting for the right to live their lives the way they see fit, for a very long time....and, although, there have seen tremendous victories, in their battles, the war wages on.
As I've read the articles that are flooding my News Feed on Facebook, concerning the SCOTUS ruling, I've also read a lot of comments from Christians, posting virtual coronaries after hearing about this ruling.
"The world is going to Hell!"
"The Bible says homosexuality is a sin, so even though it's legal, God will never bless those unions!"
"I feel sick...what's happening to America!"
I've been leaving my own "two cents" for those folks......
To all of you who are "throwing stones", I need to caution you.....
Don't get caught up in some "holier-than-thou" attitude toward how the world operates. Jesus told us not to judge others or we would be judge by the same standard we use on them (Matthew 7:1-2); proclaiming yourself as "town crier" over the coming judgment day is still sin, in God's eyes. It's not OUR place to decide who gets punished for what....that's God's job.
All we are to do is love people, the same as we love ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). It's best to just judge ourselves by God's holy standards; and pray that those who don't, get right with God, before it's too late.
And, to add to that......the Bible also tells us, in Romans 12:2, that Believers are not to conform to the behaviors and customs of this world; so, my advice to you would be...
if you're not a homosexual, don't become one
if you're against same-sex marriages, don't attend one of their wedding ceremonies
Other than that, this ruling should be a non-issues to you since it doesn't affect your life, or your walk with God, on any level. And, if you're truly concerned with their eternal future, witness to them how making Jesus your Lord and Savior changed your life for the better, and leave the rest to God!!
Furthermore, The Golden Rule applies here...human rights are for ALL humans, not just God-fearing, Conservative Christians.
Yes, the Bible says homosexuality is a sin; but God gave human beings free will....we are to point them toward Him, but it's not our call to decide that the LGBT community doesn't deserve the same human rights we enjoy.
They are human beings, too....it should be a no-brainer, guys!!
Leave the judgmental attitudes at the cross, and let God be God in YOUR life!
Ok....I'm getting off my soap-box, now. Have a blessed day!!
I saw my new Oncologist, today, and we discussed the labs from the blood work I had done, during my last appointment. Cancer has reared its ugly head, once again. I wasn't able to do the scans, because the pain in my back was too intense; but she says, thanks to the blood work, she noticed my cancer markers are elevated; and that's a clear indicator that I'm in for another battle. She ordered some targeted therapy drugs for me; a drug called Femara is one of them. She also wrote up a new Rx for Tramadol, so I won't be in so much pain, anymore. As for the scans, we rescheduled them, and I'm going to be under the influence of Diazepam, for that appointment. She tried to get them to agree to completely sedate me, but they're not having it; so "Plan B" is to take a tranquilizer....along with my pain meds, and muscle relaxer, right before I do the scans. I'm praying that this time works....otherwise they'll have to sedate me. She NEEDS the scans to form a battle plan! She also said my iron was a tad low, but it's nothing to be concerned about. So...the cat's out of the bag, so to speak; I now know why I've been in so much pain, and have had difficulty moving around, these last few months. Time to kick cancer's butt, again!! I WILL be cancer free, in Jesus' name, because the Bible says I'm already healed!! And I'm still holding God to his promise that this disease will not end in death. I've got a life to live....and I intend to do exactly that!! God bless you all, for being part of my story! I can't tell you how much I appreciate each and every one of you!! Let the battle begin.....
Indeed it did...I will never give up, or give in!!
Hello, my loves....first of all I want to let you know I'm back online (finally got WiFi!); so the Blogs will be much nicer looking, now! And I've fixed the ones that didn't look so great! LOL!!
I have, officially, been a citizen of Knoxville, TN for roughly three months....I signed my lease in December 2014, and spent the holidays with my youngest daughter and granddaughter; I only began occupying my apartment, in mid-January.
Can I shoot straight with you? I have something to confess. These last three months have been a roller coaster of obstacles, excuses and weakness....a lot of "mountains", "giants" and "holy cows". I haven't been walking my mission like I should be, and I'm sorry. While my body adjusted to life in my new city, I began to feel severe pain in my hips, and legs. At times, it seemed that my body didn't want to move, at all...just like me, my limbs are rebellious and stubborn. The obstacle I need to overcome is the pain, because it keeps me from moving. The more I move, the less pain I'll be in; right?
Well, that will only work, if I stop letting the pain keep me in my chair. Some would say I was making a mountain out of a mole hill; and at times, I would have to agree with them. Even though the pain makes it difficult to move, I can still move! My problem is, instead of telling the mountain to move out of my way, I just sat here and stared at it. Another issue I'm currently facing is that I'm still spending cash on food....I don't yet have my food stamp card, even though I applied for that, back in February. Enter the giants....all the excuses and procrastination I could muster.
There's a Family Dollar store directly behind my building; I plan to shop there, when I need things like toilet paper, feminine supplies, and stuff for my apartment. I didn't plan on buying food there, because all the food Family Dollar sells is processed junk! However, (warning...excuse in progress!) considering the amount of pain I was dealing with, and the fact that it stopped me from exploring Knoxville, buying junk is better than starving; I can always venture out, and shop at a real grocery store, once my body feels better!! See what I did, there? No exercise (every street is either uphill or downhill) and a plethora of junk at my disposal....enter the holy cows; otherwise known as food addiction. DiGiorno Pizza, Velveeta Shells and Cheese, BirdsEye Voila meals, Ramen noodles, Chef Boyardee, etc. I know they all look super yummy....but none of these products is healthy! Please don't eat them!! I've stopped eating them, which is why I'm writing this Blog.
I've felt the impact of re-introducing those food-like products, to my digestive system, too.....my body has been screaming at me! Steadily, the pain got worse, my bowels aren't moving like they should be, and I'm feeling depressed. I'm not getting healthy!! And, I'm terrified; I'm reversing all the hard work I've already put in, and will end up back in the Chemo Chair, if I don't get a grip and get serious about my health!! A friend of mine is allowing me to borrow a laptop, because mine broke; this friend as also supplied me with a handful of movies, in case I get bored (before I set up my Wifi). One of the movies I've watched is Facing the Giants. If you haven't seen it, I encourage you to do so! This movie spoke to me in ways I never thought were possible. This is one of my favorite scenes....
The conviction to do our very best (despite the mountains, giants and holy cows) is what God is looking for....and I have failed Him more times than I care to count. This scene convicted me; honestly, the whole movie convicted me....but this scene made a powerful statement to my heart. I was texting my oldest daughter, one afternoon, and she asked me how I was doing; I told her I was disappointed in myself. I had anticipated being further along in my "new life" than I was, and had become disgusted by the fact that I had slipped back into some old habits. The Apostle Paul said, in Romans 7:14-20, he hated that he couldn't do right by God; he always seemed to give in to his sinful nature. I keep holding on to what God told my oldest daughter, the week I was diagnosed...He said I wasn't going to die from this disease, but it was going to be used for His glory.
It is NOT my intention to make God out to be a liar! But I know, if I don't get healthy and stop this disease from destroying the rest of my body, that's exactly what will happen....I'll die from breast cancer. And I'm the only one who can stop myself from eating things that will destroy my health. So....now that I've fallen, again.....it's time to pick myself up off the ground, dust myself off, and keep believing I will be the person God wants me to be!
It's been a year since my late husband took his life; and I still find it hard to breathe, without struggling through thoughts of what will never be, now that he's gone.
All month, I've been dealing with physical and emotional pain; I've seen in my dreams more often, this month, than I have since I was told he killed himself. I hope it gets easier to deal with, because I don't want widow's grief to swallow me up.
The two songs I mention below are break-up songs, but these particular lyrics sum up how I'm feeling....especially today.
"Make believing we're together, that I'm sheltered by your heart. But, in and outside, I've turned to water like a teardrop in your palm. And it's a hard winter's day, I dream away. It must have been love, but it's over now. It was all that I wanted, now I'm living without."
~~~~~~~~~~~~
"You held my hand and then you slipped away; and I may never see your face again. So tell me how to fill the emptiness inside. Without love, what is life? And anyone who knew us both could see, we always were the better part of me. I never wanted to be this free! All this pain.....when does it go away? Then every time I turn around, and you're nowhere to be found, I know I've got a long, long way to go before I can say goodbye to all I ever knew.....to you."
My loves, please don't ever consider suicide as an option to end your problems....it only creates more! You always have a choice; so choose to ask for help, and get beyond the depression. You are loved, more than you realize!!
Happy Valentine's Day, my loves! I hope you're all having a stellar day, today! You mean so much to me, and I appreciate that you're part of my life. You make this journey of mine worth living!!
Love on that special someone a little extra, today. My focus will be on my friends, my family, and you....because if I focus on the one person I don't have in my life, I won't enjoy this day at all. The end of this month marks the anniversary of the day my late husband killed himself; and I just don't want to deal with the pain my heart is trying to feel.
So, my goal is to focus on the joy of the day....and love on all of you.
This journey I've been on has been a roller coaster of ups and downs; I must admit, I prefer the ups. But who wouldn't....right?? A significant up has been getting to know all of you. I've grown fond of all of you, and look forward to sharing more of my ups (and downs) with you, as the years progress.
It's hard to believe it's been almost three years since I was diagnosed. I'm still looking forward to being cancer free for five years; but I have to stay in remission for that day to come. I'll keep you posted on how that develops!
And now, for some updates....
Christmas and New Years were wonderful! I spent almost an entire month at my youngest daughter's house. My granddaughter, Alice, can almost say her name! She says something that sounds more like "Ally", but it's close enough! LOL!
The last time I had been there (for her birthday week), she wasn't walking yet; but as soon as I got there, I watched her toddle across the living room, and was overcome. The only words that came out of my mouth were, "Oh my gosh!" and I almost cried. She's so precious!
Alice is really smart, too. She still doesn't talk, although she knows how; her Daddy says he was the same way, as a baby. He didn't start using words until he was around 2-3 years old. To be honest, Alice doesn't need to use words; when she communicates, there's no mistaking what she's saying. If you can't tell how she feels, by the look on her face, she's not shy about yelling at you. I corrected her a few times, and the look on her face said enough. As with all toddlers, she's not fond of the word "no".
And if she wants something from you, she opens one hand and points to it with the other, repetitively....until she gets what she's after. She's very generous, too; she likes to share her things with those around her, and she enjoys feeding Mommy, when it's mealtime. I was delighted, when she offered to feed me! Playing at the park was fun, too. I couldn't run around with her, but I sure got a ton of photos while she ran around with Mommy and Daddy. LOL!
I took this photo while we were at the park. My Little Angel is growing up!!
Good news!! I finally moved to Knoxville. I signed my lease before going to my youngest daughter's house; and have been officially occupying my apartment, since mid-January. I must admit, the kitchen is the smallest one I've ever been in, but I adore it! The apartment even comes with emergency call switches, which I love. And the fire alarm works......really well! It's gone off (spontaneously) in the middle of the night, a couple times. LOL!
I've met some of my neighbors; they seem like decent folks. My neighbor across the hall is my hero.....my living room light blew out, and he changed it for me (being short sucks). And I had assumed I was the youngest one here....but have since met a few other disabled people who are younger than me.
I haven't been around town all that much, because my lower back and hips don't appreciate the fact that there are no flat sidewalks (or parking lots); I'm either walking uphill or downhill....and both hurt. The stronger I get, the easier it'll become; I just need to be patient with myself, while I adjust. I'm looking forward to discovering the wonder that is Knoxville!
I have to be honest, I had mixed feelings about being out on my own. It's just me now, so I'm excited about the idea of being able to do things and go places, without worrying about someone else's schedule. But at the same time.....it's just me, now. I'm living alone for the first time in my life; and that's a bit scary. It's not as bad as I thought it would be, so I'm relaxing a bit more about it.
This is the smallest kitchen I've ever had, but it's a perfect size for me!!
I'm sitting in the recliner...not a bad size for a living room!!
Everything about this place is ADA approved!!
Can't wait to add some decor...my bedroom looks empty! LOL!
Another update for you....I have an Instagram account; if you have one too, come on and follow me! I've been whipping up some good stuff in my kitchen, so I figured it was time to branch out. You can also follow me on Twitter and Facebook.
Here's one of the recipes I've made; I adapted it a bit. The original recipe is called Morning Glory Juice; but, I made it a smoothie, because my juicer needs to be replaced. I love my Ninja!! This is the one I use.
10 strawberries
3 carrots
1 banana (not in the original recipe)
1 grapefruit (peeled)
1/2 a lemon (peeled)
2 tsp of powdered ginger (the original recipe calls for fresh ginger)
Juice them, or blend them like I did; I encourage you to try it! I shredded the carrots before blending them; it made it easier. And it is a bit pulpy (I didn't strain it). I'm also thinking about adding some raw honey next time, because it was a little tart for my taste. But it was amazing!!
Well, I'm all out of updates.....for now. Have a spectacular day, my loves! God bless you!!
For those of you who are not familiar with all things Star
Trek, I’ll translate the Stardate for you....today is January 3, 2015; and I
woke up at 6:42am. I’m geeking out, only because I woke up!!!
Let me explain....
The day I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer, my
doctor also said, “So...this is what you’ll die from.” I defied is claim; but
later learned that, statistically speaking, the average survival rate is 2½ years.
My loves.....that’s today; as of this day, it’s been 2½ years since I was
diagnosed!!
AND I’M STILL ALIVE!!!
I’m in tears, as I
praise God for the privilege of being alive, to share this with you. As many of
you know, while I was in the hospital, having been newly diagnosed, my oldest
daughter prayed for my healing. As she was praying, she was led to read John11:3-4 from her Bible. And I've been hanging onto that promise,
every day.
According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year survival rate for Metastatic Breast Cancer (Stage 4) is 22%.
I was never given an “expiration date”, so I fully intend to be one of those who survives well beyond the
first 5 years. Bring it on!! LOL!
Another one of my favorite Bible verses is, Psalm 118:24; I will,
indeed, rejoice in this day! Rejoice with me, my loves....it’s a new day, and we’re alive
and well!
Hi,
again! My loves, I realize that it’s been several months since my last blog entry...I’m
terribly sorry; I developed a severe case of writer's block, and could not pull out of it!
As I’m writing this, it’s 4:07am (EST), New Year's Day.
On with the updates! I finally moved out of my sister and brother-in-law’s house....I have a
tiny apartment in Knoxville, TN, now! Here are a few pictures...
Yes,
my kitchen really IS that small! LOL! It’s perfect, though....just the right
size for me! I've met some of my neighbors, and they seem to be pretty decent
folks. My oldest daughter took me on a tour of Knoxville, a few days before I
headed to Atlanta, GA to spend Christmas and New Year’s with my youngest
daughter and granddaughter; I've been having such a great time, with them....I'm planning on staying most of this month.
As
many of you know, I had a recurrence, mid-year, last year. I believe it’s gone,
again; but, I won’t know for sure, until I line up a new set of doctors, when I
get back to Knoxville. My new Oncologist will need to run tests, to see what
needs to be done, if anything. As of right now, I’m going to believe that I am
cancer free, once again!
I
moved on December 17, 2014, after my last course of chemo was done.
Coincidentally, my new adventure began, the day the last Hobbit movie was
released in theaters, world-wide! I've always said I’m a Hobbit at heart, so
now I have a timeline to prove it! LOL!!
This
is where my life, truly begins....it’s just me, myself and I, now. For the
first time, in my life, I’m on my own! No one to keep an itinerary for; no one
to keep mine for me, either. No one to hold me accountable, except me; it’s
time to go next level!! I’m truly excited to see what God has in store for me,
this year!
At
this moment (4:20am EST) I seem to be running out of steam....I've only had 3
hours of sleep, tonight. Y’all won’t mind if I stop here, and get some more
rest, would you? I’ll pick up again, when I get up, later! Good night!
7:54am
– Ok....that’s better! Good morning, my loves!
Now,
back to my blog. Getting better acquainted with my granddaughter has been such a
joy; she felt comfortable with me, soon after I got here (Christmas Day) and has
been steadily warming up to me, more and more, each day. Last night, we had a
breakthrough moment!
Whenever
she gets scolded for doing something she’s not supposed to do, she apologizes
with a kiss; she doesn't quite have the vocabulary skills, to verbally
apologize, yet. I've been allowing her to carry my cell phone around, and push
the buttons (she likes technology); she can’t call anyone, because the keypad
is locked, so I let her play with it. Well, last night, she threw it behind the
bed. She’s being taught that there are things you’re allowed to throw, and
things you’re not allowed to throw....cell phones are not to be thrown.
Mommy
scolded her for throwing Grammy’s cell phone, and Alice went to give Mommy a
kiss, to apologize; Mommy told her to apologize to me, instead, and brought her
to me. I looked her square in the face, told her that what she did to my phone
was not nice.....and she kissed me! It was magical!!
Alice
likes to play a variation of hide-and-seek; she gets behind Mommy, in her blind
spot, and Mommy says, “Where’s da baby?” Alice’s response to that question is
to step out from behind Mommy with a big smile on her face....and Mommy is glad
to see her (“There you are!!”) She has
included me in the game, now....while she’s hiding behind Mommy, she’ll peek
around and look at me, as if to ask if she’s doing it right. I love it!! It’s
fun to trick Mommy! LOL!!
"There you are!!" (sorry for the blur!)
This
little person is too smart, for her own good, too! She can talk....she
just doesn't; Mommy says Alice’s Daddy was like that, when he was a baby, too. One
day, she’ll decide it’s time to speak her mind...until then, she communicates
in other ways. She knows how to share things she has possession of, as well;
she hands them to you, if she wants to share them. She can high-five, and fist
bump, too; it’s hysterical! And, I love watching her make decisions...the look
on her face is just precious.
Alice
even likes to tease me....I call out her name (“Aaaaalice!”), and she answers
back, “mmh-mmh” (translation – “no I’m not!”) She thinks she’s very clever,
when she teases me, like that! We both get a kick out of it, too! LOL!!
When
I get back to my apartment, I’m going to get a proper ID, sign up for
assistance (Medicaid and Food Stamps) and get the ball rolling on my new
medical team. I’m also planning on joining the YMCA, and looking into
vegetarian meet-up groups, so I can get acquainted with like-minded people. Which means I'll have more content for the Blog!
For now, I'm enjoying spending time with my family. I hope you're having an enjoyable day, as well!! God bless you, all!
I hope you had a wonderful Easter weekend! I have a PSA (public service announcement) to share with you...
Do you
celebrate Earth Day? What’s your celebration like? A great way to “celebrate”
the earth is to reduce our carbon footprint. Bill Gates says we can reduce our
carbon footprint by reducing the number of people who live on the planet! In this video, you'll hear him dance his way through it by touting vaccines and "reproductive services" (aka: abortions). What???
Instead of committing global genocide, how 'bout we all work together to take care of our planet??
Here’s the
plan...
Use
cleaner transport
Walk,
bike, or take public transit (or carpool) whenever possible.
Avoid
allowing your car to idle. If you'll be waiting for more than 30 seconds, turn
off the engine (except in traffic).
Don't
take the drive-through (fast food junkies)....park the car and walk inside
instead. Or, better yet...cook at home, and skip the fast food!
Have
your vehicle serviced regularly to keep the emission control systems operating
at peak efficiency. Check your car's air filter monthly, and keep the tires
adequately inflated to maximize gas mileage.
Driving
over the speed limit and excessive acceleration wastes gas (reducing
mileage by up to 33%),
money, and results in an unnecessarily higher carbon footprint. Slow down!!
Combine
errands to make fewer trips. Remove excess weight from your car. Use cruise
control.
Avoid
short airplane trips-take a bus or train instead.
Eat
more local, organic, in-season foods.
Plant
a garden....it doesn't get more local than that!
Shop
at your local farmer's market or natural foods store. Look for local, in-season
foods that haven't traveled long distances to reach you.
Choose
foods with less packaging, to reduce waste.
Eat
lower on the food chain...going meatless for just one meal a week can make a
difference. Globally, it has been estimated that 18% of all greenhouse gas
emissions are associated with meat consumption.
Reduce,
reuse, recycle!
Recycle
all your paper, glass, aluminum, and plastic. Don't forget electronics!
Buy
less! Replace items only when you really
need to...like after they break, or stop working!!
Compost
food waste for the garden. Garbage that is not contaminated with degradable
(biological) waste can be more easily recycled and sorted, and doesn't produce
methane gases (a significant greenhouse gas contributor) when stored in a
landfill.
Buy
recycled products, particularly those labeled "post-consumer waste."
Adopt
water-saving habits
Take
shorter, less frequent showers...this not only saves water, but it also saves the energy
necessary to heat it.
Don't
use the garbage disposal...compost instead.
Run
the dishwasher and the laundry machines only when full. And, if you can, dry your clothing outside on a clothes line (this saves electricity)!
Wash
cars rarely, or better yet, take them to a carwash. Commercial carwashes use
less water per wash than home washers, and they are also required to drain used
water into the sewage system, rather than storm drains, which protects aquatic
life.
Avoid
hosing down or power-washing your deck, walkways, or driveway.
Regularly
look for, and fix, leaks.
Choose
sustainable building materials, furnishings, and cleaning products.
Explore
green design features for your building, like passive solar heating, a
rainwater catchment or grey water recycling system, and recycled materials.
Choose
efficient appliances, including low flow shower heads, faucets, toilets; also furnaces,
air conditioning units, dishwashers, and refrigerators. ENERGY STAR labeled
products are recognized as having superior energy efficiency.
Choose
furnishings that are second-hand, recycled, or sustainably produced.
Add
solar panels to the roof of your home. This costs a little more than the above
options, but many providers offer financing options which minimize upfront
costs. Two examples are SolarCity and SunRun. If you live in a state with a Net Metering law, you could eliminate your electricity bill, or even earn money, by selling
electricity back to the grid.
Every day can be Earth Day; if everyone
on the face of this wonderful planet of ours would consciously make these points a
part of their everyday life, our CO2 emissions would be drastically reduced...without reducing the size of the world's population! Have a great day, everyone...and God bless you!! oxoxox
I
really don’t want to do this....do I have to face tomorrow? *ugh*
Sorry,
everyone....I've not been in the best of moods, lately. Tomorrow was supposed
to be a special day; not that I was going to celebrate it, but knowing that I can't vs not wanting to, is different. Tomorrow would have been mine and my
late husband’s anniversary. Having been estranged from him, for our
anniversary, last year, it would have been no big deal to treat this one like
it was just another day, same as last time. But, knowing that he’s gone....I
find myself wishing I could celebrate it; or just talk to him.
So,
here I go again, with the sadness and anger stages of grieving. To be honest, I
feel like blowing up at someone (or hitting them), just to feel some kind of
release. I don’t like feeling this way...I’m generally a very mild-mannered and
loving person! So, feeling this way is very uncomfortable to me....but, I don’t
know what to do with it!
I
even noticed, yesterday, that I had been grazing on cheese corn. I only wanted a
little bit of it...just a couple handfuls; but, I ended up eating much more
than I should have. It’s an old habit of mine; I was an emotional eater,
for the longest time. Back in the day, any time life got a little difficult I’d
reach for whatever junk food I could get, and stuff my face, until I felt
better. I can’t let myself do that, anymore!!
I
think one of the biggest issues I’m facing is the fact that regardless of what
had broken us up, through the years, we always found our way back to each
other, eventually; he and I had been “on again, off again” for 24 years. And
now that he’s dead, I have to get to the point where I’m at peace with the fact
that that’s not going to happen, anymore.
Father
God, please help me deal with this pain...I honestly don’t want to feel this
way, anymore!!
~~~~~
In
other, happier, news....
My
youngest daughter will be turning 21, on Saturday; we’re both very excited
about that! And, not only is my granddaughter crawling, now; she has her first
two teeth...the bottom front teeth have come in!! I’m a very proud Mamma and
Grammy!
I love how baby girl is gnawing on my Bolthouse Farms drink bottle! We tried to get her to put it down, but she refused to give it up! LOL!
Oh, I've also joined a fitness club, called Forever Fitness 24. I started last
week, with the goal of becoming strong enough to stand for 2 hrs or more,
because I’m going to see Def Leppard in August. I've been a fan of theirs for a
very, very long time, and have never seen them, live; I want to enjoy the
show!! Secondary goal...I’d like to be able to lose 50 lbs by then, as
well....new wardrobe!! LOL!
I’ll
also be taking Yoga and Zumba classes, as soon as I’m able to move a little
more fluidly. Here are some of the machines I’m concentrating on....
The only CRUNCH I can handle!!
I swear, I could sit at this machine all day....I love it!!
Not looking for serious muscle...just want my arms firm and toned.
Another one of my favorite machines!
Is it a press...or a row?? Either/or, it's working my shoulders!!
I sit this way, and turn around facing out, to do this behind my neck, as well!
This is a LOT harder than it looks!! LOL!
My
Oncologist is happy with my new fitness routine, and he said the exercise will
help lower my blood pressure....it’s been a bit high, for a while now, and we’re
both a bit concerned about that! I told him I refuse to take blood pressure
medications, because I don’t want to be dependent on a prescription drug, for
the rest of my life. He reluctantly ok’d that decision! LOL!!
There
are much more healthy ways to lower blood pressure, and I intend to utilize
those methods to keep mine in check.
I
don’t smoke....I don’t drink alcohol, either.
I've changed a lot about my diet, in
recent years (looking into changing it a bit more)
I've begun a fitness
routine
I take supplements
I don’t drink coffee that often (I prefer tea)
I’ll
be signing up for Yoga, soon (meditation and deep breathing are good measures
to take in lowering your blood pressure)
I don’t have the stress of a job at
this time
and I love listening to music!
I’m
sure I’ll be just fine, without any medication! And, I’m researching natural
ways to combat the blues, as well, so depression doesn't take control of me...because I
truly don’t want to feel this sad and lonely, anymore!!
Stay
healthy, and happy....and have a blessed day!! oxoxox
