Today, we were able to go to Adoration, procure 1 bag of dirt, 2 tomato cages, a couple of stakes, a spray nozzle and a watering can. The buckets from the bakery continue to be saved for me. Perhaps tonight there will be more waiting.
Here are the goals I have for this week:
Order seeds (Tuesday)
Assemble table and arrange stockpile on it. (Wednesday)
Measure the yard and figure out how much mulch is needed (Thursday)
Freeze the flour I bought the other day. Hopefully there will be space in the freezer. (Friday)
Here are my daily goals:
rosary with the kids
lifting weights to increase my arm strength
daily vitamins
6 bottles of water per day
watch calorie intake (smaller portions and less processed foods)
reading stories to the kids
Showing posts with label Person. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Person. Show all posts
Monday, March 19, 2012
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Dare to Discipline
by Fr. Longenecker
In the wake of the Catholic soul searching and hand wringing over the child sex abuse allegations and cover up, I've got some ideas on how the situation might be improved. It involves discipline, and lest this sounds too harsh for our delicate soft, selves, let's remember that 'discipline' and 'disciple' are from the same root.
Here are some problems and solutions. I don't propose this as infallible or as a complete (or even accurate) list. But see if it gets some discussion going.
1. We're soft and decadent. We give ourselves too much of a break. We're materialistic, self indulgent and too easy to let ourselves off the hook. What we need is some good old fashioned asceticism. Let's look to the desert fathers who, repelled by the decadence of established Roman Christianity, fled to the desert to practice mortification. "These only come out by prayer and fasting..."
2. We've lost the idea that we're involved in a spiritual battle and that the devil is like a roaring lion stalking about seeking whom he may devour. What we need is more prayer and a new alert and vigilant spirit that does not give the devil even one toe in the door. We need that vigilance first for ourselves and for our brothers and sisters. St Therese cries out, "Sanctity! It must be won at the point of a sword!" Call on the angels and saints.
3. We lack discipline and direction. People consider it essential to have a coach and strict self discipline for success in every other endeavor. Athletes, musicians, business men, academics all demand professional direction and discipline. We think we can get to heaven by sauntering along in some kind of spiritual feel good hippie trance. We need firm spiritual direction and self discipline.
4. We're good at acknowledging that we're good, but bad at admitting that we're not perfect. We've gone too far in the "I'm OK. You're OK" philosophy. God does love us just as we are, but he loves us far too much to leave us that way. He wants each one of us to be saints, and most of us are far from that goal just yet.
5. We're too cowardly in dealing firmly with one another. All of us, but especially fathers, husbands and pastors need to speak out against sin and speak to family members, colleagues and Christian brothers and sisters who offend or who are in danger of offending. When a person is caught in sin proper forgiveness should be balanced with proper restitution and reparation.
6. We think we can be half a saint. We want enough sanctity to make us feel good and no more. St Therese cries out, "You must be a whole saint or no saint at all!"
7. We think that morality doesn't matter. This is gnostic. It's a false separation of the spiritual from the physical. What we do in our bedrooms, what we do in our boardrooms, what we do with our check books and what we do with our prayer books all affect our spiritual life.
8. We've replaced worship with good works. We've made the church into a social services organization, a fund raising agency, a school, a charity, a glorified soup kitchen, a babysitting service, a luncheon club, a dating agency, a social networking group, a group therapy session, a singalong and just about anything but the gathering together of the saints of God. Only when we worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness will we begin to be transformed not by our good ideas and good works, but by contact with God's awesome grace, and only when we are truly transformed can we hope to transform the world. Thomas a Kempis says, "Why do you wish to change the world when you cannot change yourself?"
9. We are too easy on our clergy. We love our priests. We love our deacons. We love our bishops. We support them. We honor the sacrifices they make. However, we should also hold them accountable. The fact is, money and power corrupt and priests and bishops often have more money and power than they know how to deal with. Together we should uphold the sanctity of their office and the laity should work together to confront and challenge clergy in a respectful and firm way when they go astray. We should not be surprised at corruption, and I think a bit of healthy suspicion of those in power is not a bad thing.
10. We have neglected catechesis and spiritual formation. Instead of teaching the fullness of the Catholic faith, liberals have dished out sentimental, feel good religion on the one hand while the conservatives have dished out dogma and apologetics and liturgical 'correctness' without enough spiritual formation and direction in dynamic life of the Spirit. Christian love is always tough and tender at the same time. Liberals give us tender without tough. Conservatives give us tough without tender. We need both.
http://gkupsidedown.blogspot.com/2010/03/dare-to-discipline.html
In the wake of the Catholic soul searching and hand wringing over the child sex abuse allegations and cover up, I've got some ideas on how the situation might be improved. It involves discipline, and lest this sounds too harsh for our delicate soft, selves, let's remember that 'discipline' and 'disciple' are from the same root.
Here are some problems and solutions. I don't propose this as infallible or as a complete (or even accurate) list. But see if it gets some discussion going.
1. We're soft and decadent. We give ourselves too much of a break. We're materialistic, self indulgent and too easy to let ourselves off the hook. What we need is some good old fashioned asceticism. Let's look to the desert fathers who, repelled by the decadence of established Roman Christianity, fled to the desert to practice mortification. "These only come out by prayer and fasting..."
2. We've lost the idea that we're involved in a spiritual battle and that the devil is like a roaring lion stalking about seeking whom he may devour. What we need is more prayer and a new alert and vigilant spirit that does not give the devil even one toe in the door. We need that vigilance first for ourselves and for our brothers and sisters. St Therese cries out, "Sanctity! It must be won at the point of a sword!" Call on the angels and saints.
3. We lack discipline and direction. People consider it essential to have a coach and strict self discipline for success in every other endeavor. Athletes, musicians, business men, academics all demand professional direction and discipline. We think we can get to heaven by sauntering along in some kind of spiritual feel good hippie trance. We need firm spiritual direction and self discipline.
4. We're good at acknowledging that we're good, but bad at admitting that we're not perfect. We've gone too far in the "I'm OK. You're OK" philosophy. God does love us just as we are, but he loves us far too much to leave us that way. He wants each one of us to be saints, and most of us are far from that goal just yet.
5. We're too cowardly in dealing firmly with one another. All of us, but especially fathers, husbands and pastors need to speak out against sin and speak to family members, colleagues and Christian brothers and sisters who offend or who are in danger of offending. When a person is caught in sin proper forgiveness should be balanced with proper restitution and reparation.
6. We think we can be half a saint. We want enough sanctity to make us feel good and no more. St Therese cries out, "You must be a whole saint or no saint at all!"
7. We think that morality doesn't matter. This is gnostic. It's a false separation of the spiritual from the physical. What we do in our bedrooms, what we do in our boardrooms, what we do with our check books and what we do with our prayer books all affect our spiritual life.
8. We've replaced worship with good works. We've made the church into a social services organization, a fund raising agency, a school, a charity, a glorified soup kitchen, a babysitting service, a luncheon club, a dating agency, a social networking group, a group therapy session, a singalong and just about anything but the gathering together of the saints of God. Only when we worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness will we begin to be transformed not by our good ideas and good works, but by contact with God's awesome grace, and only when we are truly transformed can we hope to transform the world. Thomas a Kempis says, "Why do you wish to change the world when you cannot change yourself?"
9. We are too easy on our clergy. We love our priests. We love our deacons. We love our bishops. We support them. We honor the sacrifices they make. However, we should also hold them accountable. The fact is, money and power corrupt and priests and bishops often have more money and power than they know how to deal with. Together we should uphold the sanctity of their office and the laity should work together to confront and challenge clergy in a respectful and firm way when they go astray. We should not be surprised at corruption, and I think a bit of healthy suspicion of those in power is not a bad thing.
10. We have neglected catechesis and spiritual formation. Instead of teaching the fullness of the Catholic faith, liberals have dished out sentimental, feel good religion on the one hand while the conservatives have dished out dogma and apologetics and liturgical 'correctness' without enough spiritual formation and direction in dynamic life of the Spirit. Christian love is always tough and tender at the same time. Liberals give us tender without tough. Conservatives give us tough without tender. We need both.
http://gkupsidedown.blogspot.com/2010/03/dare-to-discipline.html
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Sugar: The Bitter Truth
I was absolutely riveted by this video because it was explained very precisely, the problems with HFC. I thought i knew a lot about the physiology and effects of high fructose corn syrup and white sugar on our systems, but i learned new facts. Made me even more convinced that our family has to do this for our health. He explains metabolic syndrome (high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease) and how all of them are brought on by our diets. Good stuff!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Question for my rule... P2
Have I built something into my day, doing something that I love? Have I set aside just 30 minutes for an activity that gives me a healthy break to my duties?
Monday, February 25, 2008
a new year... a new beginning
well! am i ever late in posting to my blog. it's been soooo long! though this is my personal journey... so there is no pressure.
we moved at the end of 2007 and made it through the holidays. i was very stressed out, very pregnant, and very tired. at the end of january this year, i delivered a beautiful baby girl... maggie rose. she is wonderful and i'm enjoying her so much! albeit, i'm still tired. still stressed. just not pregnant! LOL my delivery was fantastic and the pain was manageable this time around. i'm praising and thanking God for His goodness. it's so true. there is no victory without the Cross!
here it is, right in the middle of Lent. i've been to Confession once so far this Lent. it was wonderful. i'm trying very hard to let God lead things. otherwise, i'm completely overwhelmed.
but we had such a lovely weekend as a family this past weekend. i just had to write it here so i can think back on it later this year. we went sledding with the kids on saturday!! they had a blast! the weather was wonderful. even mom and dad went down the little hill. days like that are balm to my soul!
that's the mini-update for now. time is short, so i'm going to write my 2nd post. goals for this year... to help me remember to add them to my notebook.
we moved at the end of 2007 and made it through the holidays. i was very stressed out, very pregnant, and very tired. at the end of january this year, i delivered a beautiful baby girl... maggie rose. she is wonderful and i'm enjoying her so much! albeit, i'm still tired. still stressed. just not pregnant! LOL my delivery was fantastic and the pain was manageable this time around. i'm praising and thanking God for His goodness. it's so true. there is no victory without the Cross!
here it is, right in the middle of Lent. i've been to Confession once so far this Lent. it was wonderful. i'm trying very hard to let God lead things. otherwise, i'm completely overwhelmed.
but we had such a lovely weekend as a family this past weekend. i just had to write it here so i can think back on it later this year. we went sledding with the kids on saturday!! they had a blast! the weather was wonderful. even mom and dad went down the little hill. days like that are balm to my soul!
that's the mini-update for now. time is short, so i'm going to write my 2nd post. goals for this year... to help me remember to add them to my notebook.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Summer Fun and Summer Reading
Yesterday was a day full of fun. I brought my oldest daughter to her first swimming lesson. She is very brave and has no fear of the water. It was a mommy and me swim class. This is what makes parenting so much fun. I'm proud of her and looking forward to more classes with her.
I take my son to his first class tomorrow night. He is very excited about it and keeps asking me how much longer until we go swimming. I know he will enjoy it, too. I'm enjoying their joy and happiness. If it's doable, I might sign them up for a second session. I'm hoping my health holds out to do this with them.
This has been one memorable summer so far. As a family, we have been to 3 zoos (Roger Williams in RI, Beardsley in CT and Stoneham Zoo in MA). We've been to Mystic Aquarium in CT, the air show last weekend in RI at Quonset AFB. Tonight my husband wants to take us to Newport, RI to watch the tall ships come in. They will be in Newport for 3 or 4 days. I personally want to just go to the beach or a lake for swimming the rest of the summer and let the kids go to parks and ride bikes. I guess the last pit stop i'd like to do with the kids is go to Storyland in NH. I think they would really like that, given their ages. Another fun thing to do would be to go to Edaville RR in Carver, MA. The problem with all these places is that it costs a small fortune to go to them! We bought a membership to the zoo this year and they have a program where you can go to other zoos under that membership for free. It also gives discounts to other things. Not much, but every bit helps.
Oh I forgot! We went to the Providence Children's Museum for free, with a pass from a neighboring library. That was awesome! The kids really enjoyed it. We all let our hair down because the kids could be kids and enjoy themselves. We also went to the Boston Children's Museum on Target Friday nights. Admission is only $1. I'm glad that is all we paid. We did NOT like it as much. I don't ever want to go back there again. That's how much I disliked it.
Since the title of this post is also about summer reading, I have no segway. Let's just jump to the new topic. I'm reading all kinds of books to the children this summer. However, I got a cool book out for myself as well. It has inspired me to try to tackle some reading projects. It's called, Honey for a Woman's Heart. From the same author who wrote, Honey for a Child's Heart, Gladys Hunt.
So as time allows, I'll be posting my "To Read" booklist on this blog, soon! I will also try to post the children's "To Read" list.
That's it for this post! Have a great day.
Love, Mel
I take my son to his first class tomorrow night. He is very excited about it and keeps asking me how much longer until we go swimming. I know he will enjoy it, too. I'm enjoying their joy and happiness. If it's doable, I might sign them up for a second session. I'm hoping my health holds out to do this with them.
This has been one memorable summer so far. As a family, we have been to 3 zoos (Roger Williams in RI, Beardsley in CT and Stoneham Zoo in MA). We've been to Mystic Aquarium in CT, the air show last weekend in RI at Quonset AFB. Tonight my husband wants to take us to Newport, RI to watch the tall ships come in. They will be in Newport for 3 or 4 days. I personally want to just go to the beach or a lake for swimming the rest of the summer and let the kids go to parks and ride bikes. I guess the last pit stop i'd like to do with the kids is go to Storyland in NH. I think they would really like that, given their ages. Another fun thing to do would be to go to Edaville RR in Carver, MA. The problem with all these places is that it costs a small fortune to go to them! We bought a membership to the zoo this year and they have a program where you can go to other zoos under that membership for free. It also gives discounts to other things. Not much, but every bit helps.
Oh I forgot! We went to the Providence Children's Museum for free, with a pass from a neighboring library. That was awesome! The kids really enjoyed it. We all let our hair down because the kids could be kids and enjoy themselves. We also went to the Boston Children's Museum on Target Friday nights. Admission is only $1. I'm glad that is all we paid. We did NOT like it as much. I don't ever want to go back there again. That's how much I disliked it.
Since the title of this post is also about summer reading, I have no segway. Let's just jump to the new topic. I'm reading all kinds of books to the children this summer. However, I got a cool book out for myself as well. It has inspired me to try to tackle some reading projects. It's called, Honey for a Woman's Heart. From the same author who wrote, Honey for a Child's Heart, Gladys Hunt.
So as time allows, I'll be posting my "To Read" booklist on this blog, soon! I will also try to post the children's "To Read" list.
That's it for this post! Have a great day.
Love, Mel
Tuesday, December 5, 2006
What is lattice degeneration?
here is the best description i have found to date...
The retina is the light sensitive membrane in the back of the eye. Lattice degeneration is a condition in which there is a thinning in the peripheral retina. This condition is found in approximately 10% of the general population and tends to run in families. Sometimes the thinning can become severe enough for a retinal hole to develop in the retina. Fluid from inside the eye may then go through the retinal break. When this happens the retina separates from its blood supply and the vision may become diminished. This is known as a retinal detachment. Most people with lattice degeneration do not develop a retinal detachment, however, in people who have retinal detachments, 30% of them were caused by lattice degeneration.
When a person with lattice degeneration is considered to be at high risk for developing a retinal detachment, treatment may be recommended. This treatment may consist of sealing the lattice degeneration or the holes within the lattice degeneration with either a beam of laser light or with a freezing instrument. Once the lattice degeneration is sealed, the risk of a retinal detachment becomes markedly reduced. A retinal detachment may still occur, however, due to the formation of lattice degeneration in untreated areas of the retina or due to the formation of new holes or tears in other locations. The treatment is not 100% successful and a retinal detachment may even occur from a retinal hole in an area of lattice degeneration which has been treated.
People with lattice degeneration should be aware of the four warning signs of a retinal detachment. These four warning signs are:
1. Flashes of lights, brief sparks or flickers of lights that are generated from within the eye.
2. Dark floaters or spots which move with eye movement and are seen under normal lighting conditions. In bright light many people see floaters, but if one sees floaters under normal lighting conditions this is a warning sign of a possible retinal detachment.
3. A curtain of darkness or a dark area in the field of vision.
4. Blurriness of vision that does not go away with blinking.
If you should experience any of these four warning signs or if you should experience a change in any of these four warning signs, you should contact your eye doctor immediately for examination. After lattice degeneration is diagnosed, most people should be seen by their eye doctor on a regular basis in order to make sure that their lattice degeneration does not progress.
The retina is the light sensitive membrane in the back of the eye. Lattice degeneration is a condition in which there is a thinning in the peripheral retina. This condition is found in approximately 10% of the general population and tends to run in families. Sometimes the thinning can become severe enough for a retinal hole to develop in the retina. Fluid from inside the eye may then go through the retinal break. When this happens the retina separates from its blood supply and the vision may become diminished. This is known as a retinal detachment. Most people with lattice degeneration do not develop a retinal detachment, however, in people who have retinal detachments, 30% of them were caused by lattice degeneration.
When a person with lattice degeneration is considered to be at high risk for developing a retinal detachment, treatment may be recommended. This treatment may consist of sealing the lattice degeneration or the holes within the lattice degeneration with either a beam of laser light or with a freezing instrument. Once the lattice degeneration is sealed, the risk of a retinal detachment becomes markedly reduced. A retinal detachment may still occur, however, due to the formation of lattice degeneration in untreated areas of the retina or due to the formation of new holes or tears in other locations. The treatment is not 100% successful and a retinal detachment may even occur from a retinal hole in an area of lattice degeneration which has been treated.
People with lattice degeneration should be aware of the four warning signs of a retinal detachment. These four warning signs are:
1. Flashes of lights, brief sparks or flickers of lights that are generated from within the eye.
2. Dark floaters or spots which move with eye movement and are seen under normal lighting conditions. In bright light many people see floaters, but if one sees floaters under normal lighting conditions this is a warning sign of a possible retinal detachment.
3. A curtain of darkness or a dark area in the field of vision.
4. Blurriness of vision that does not go away with blinking.
If you should experience any of these four warning signs or if you should experience a change in any of these four warning signs, you should contact your eye doctor immediately for examination. After lattice degeneration is diagnosed, most people should be seen by their eye doctor on a regular basis in order to make sure that their lattice degeneration does not progress.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
God is good!
Thank You, Lord! I called the opthamologist. they have scheduled me in for dec. 20th at 11:30. the specialist only works certain hours. the woman said that if something like that happens again to call IMMEDIATELY. it's a little blurry and just plain tired feeling today, the eyeball that is.
but here is how cool God is... i was worried about who would watch the kids at that hour of the day for me to go to the appt. my girlfriend who normally would do such a favor is due with her 7th child soon... so i didn't want to burden her. but i just bit the bullet and placed my trust in Him! as i was saying goodbye to the secretary, hubby called on the other line. i switched over and told him about the appt. he said no problem because he got some time off for Christmas!
I'M SO PSYCHED!!!!!!!! he works so hard and deserves some R&R! Bless his heart! i love that man!
Thank You, Lord... for taking such good care of us! Amen.
but here is how cool God is... i was worried about who would watch the kids at that hour of the day for me to go to the appt. my girlfriend who normally would do such a favor is due with her 7th child soon... so i didn't want to burden her. but i just bit the bullet and placed my trust in Him! as i was saying goodbye to the secretary, hubby called on the other line. i switched over and told him about the appt. he said no problem because he got some time off for Christmas!
I'M SO PSYCHED!!!!!!!! he works so hard and deserves some R&R! Bless his heart! i love that man!
Thank You, Lord... for taking such good care of us! Amen.
Ideal BMI according to webMD
for my height... my ideal weight should be 141 lbs. that is about what i thought i had to lose. my first goal is to reach 180. then i will work towards the 141. i have approx. 100lbs to lose before reaching ultimate goal.
Eating right and glorifying God
I've pondered many times in recent years, the amount of abuse I have put this old body through. I still continue to do so. I know that my body is a temple for the Holy Spirit and I'm trying to correct my bad habits.
I've noticed that more than ever, I'm eating quickly. Part of the problem is that the kids are a major distraction for me. If I sit with them at meals, they tend to hang all over me, take my cup, touch the food on my plate, play games with their forks, want croutons instead of eating their meat... that type of thing. so i'm constantly talking to them and trying to eat! i'm rushing big time! scarfing down food and i'm unaware that i've even had something good to eat.
so for breakfast and lunch, i'm going to have to either eat alone, or eat at the far end of the table. we have a little table. that way they can't reach me. hehe. if it's a real bad day with them and they aren't behaving, i'll have to put my plate aside, get them finished and finish my plate when they are down from the table.
but it's important i eat at the table, taking small bites and chewing them thoroughly. very important. it will help me tremendously.
next up... my scale has been broken for a few weeks. we are getting a new one with the next paycheck. i can't wait! i want to see i i've actually lost some weight!
i was a good girl and made some homemade turkey stock a while ago. it was in the freezer waiting for me. i made some yummy rice cooked in the stock. i love rice, and this made it taste so good! not to mention all the great vitamins in the stock! some may think i'm a goofball, but i'm new to the homemaking game. so making stock is cool and new to me. next time though, i have to remember to leave a 1/2" headspace for expansion when it freezes. haha! live and learn! sure do want to make more stock with the next turkey!
I've noticed that more than ever, I'm eating quickly. Part of the problem is that the kids are a major distraction for me. If I sit with them at meals, they tend to hang all over me, take my cup, touch the food on my plate, play games with their forks, want croutons instead of eating their meat... that type of thing. so i'm constantly talking to them and trying to eat! i'm rushing big time! scarfing down food and i'm unaware that i've even had something good to eat.
so for breakfast and lunch, i'm going to have to either eat alone, or eat at the far end of the table. we have a little table. that way they can't reach me. hehe. if it's a real bad day with them and they aren't behaving, i'll have to put my plate aside, get them finished and finish my plate when they are down from the table.
but it's important i eat at the table, taking small bites and chewing them thoroughly. very important. it will help me tremendously.
next up... my scale has been broken for a few weeks. we are getting a new one with the next paycheck. i can't wait! i want to see i i've actually lost some weight!
i was a good girl and made some homemade turkey stock a while ago. it was in the freezer waiting for me. i made some yummy rice cooked in the stock. i love rice, and this made it taste so good! not to mention all the great vitamins in the stock! some may think i'm a goofball, but i'm new to the homemaking game. so making stock is cool and new to me. next time though, i have to remember to leave a 1/2" headspace for expansion when it freezes. haha! live and learn! sure do want to make more stock with the next turkey!
The Gift of Sight
Well... boy do i take the gift of my vision for granted. last night i had a little episode. i had an eye exam in 2005 and they told me i had lattice degeneration. they said it was congenital and really there is nothing i can do about it. i'm always wondering if some kind of vitamin supplement would at least help it out, or stop it from getting worse. but i was told to watch out and if i experience something like a curtain dropping and black spots, to get checked out.
i was walking down the hall last night and in my left eye i experienced "the curtain fall". but it somehow went away after a few minutes. talk about a shocker.
what would i do if i couldn't see my children's faces? or see their little smiles? or see where the boo boo is to kiss it?
i'm a bit worried, and i'm waiting until january for the health benefits to kick over again before is see the specialist. you are only allowed so many opthamologist visits... 1 every 2 years. but if it gets worse i'll have to be seen sooner and just pay the piper.
St. Lucy! Pray for me! I hope this is nothing.
thank God for this blog. it will help me to remember dates of when things happen... kinda like a health log.
Lord, I'm so sorry for taking the physical gifts that You have bestowed upon me for granted. Please heal me in all ways. Help me to do Your will. I trust in You. Amen.
update: well... looks like i'm putting a call in. i read online that this could progress and get worse. the eye feels funny all day. and it is definitely more blurry. however, i don't want any kind of surgery for this. scares me to death! will have to let God handle this one... if you read this, please say a Hail Mary for my fears. Thank you!
i was walking down the hall last night and in my left eye i experienced "the curtain fall". but it somehow went away after a few minutes. talk about a shocker.
what would i do if i couldn't see my children's faces? or see their little smiles? or see where the boo boo is to kiss it?
i'm a bit worried, and i'm waiting until january for the health benefits to kick over again before is see the specialist. you are only allowed so many opthamologist visits... 1 every 2 years. but if it gets worse i'll have to be seen sooner and just pay the piper.
St. Lucy! Pray for me! I hope this is nothing.
thank God for this blog. it will help me to remember dates of when things happen... kinda like a health log.
Lord, I'm so sorry for taking the physical gifts that You have bestowed upon me for granted. Please heal me in all ways. Help me to do Your will. I trust in You. Amen.
update: well... looks like i'm putting a call in. i read online that this could progress and get worse. the eye feels funny all day. and it is definitely more blurry. however, i don't want any kind of surgery for this. scares me to death! will have to let God handle this one... if you read this, please say a Hail Mary for my fears. Thank you!
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
diet changes
well, here is a brief synopsis of some of my health issues and what i want to do to try to remedy these. the first problem is my recurring uti... or perhaps the same uti that never went away. the other is colon polyps that i have been fighting since i was 21.
first, a disclaimer: i have a urologist appt scheduled for dec. 19th. so don't worry!
i have had horrible uti's now since april of 2005. yes, you read that right. i sought medical help and didn't even get a diagnosis until august/september of 2005. shortly thereafter, i became pregnant and fought the uti with the help of my o.b. i did see a urologist who could only give me an ultrasound on the kidneys and ureters to see if there was any blockage. there was none. all antibiotics have not erradicated the problem. i've taken series after series. here are other things i have tried:
cran tabs, low sugar variety
increasing h20 - something i still struggle with
eating low carb/no sugar diet
taking probiotics
taking colloidal silver
being meticulous in the hygeine aspect
being meticulous in the marital relations department
i have even received Annointing of the Sick
i also had mega antibiotics in the hospital after delivery. o.b. was hoping to rid me of the infection.
i've tried them together and in various forms and combos... the only thing that really gave me relief was the colloidal silver. again, it never fully removed the infection.
i am going to ask the urologist to culture the bacteria since it is resistant. this is a little not to myself to remind me. i' m quite forgetful.
the strange thing is, my aunt on my dad's side suffers FROM THE SAME THING. for both of us, it is silent. we have no traditional symptoms and then eventually we get real sick, tired, and fevers. hers comes back periodically. she passed out at my baby shower in 2003 from the uti she didn't know she had.
my symptoms are extreme fatigue, muscle weakness, feeling generally ill, fevers that come and go almost like women suffering from menopause and getting hot flashes, brain fog. when i take antibiotics, the symptoms increase and become more pronounced, night sweats and fevers.
so the urologist appt is set and i need to make the dietary changes again to erradicate the sugar. i have been "off the wagon" since the baby was born on 8/8/06. the dietary changes will also help with my polyp issues. not to mention that when i was in my early 20's, i did no sugar/no flour and lost tons of weight. my body really responded well to eating like that. but from what i am reading about polyps... i need to increase calcium, folate and fiber. lose weight and stay away from fatty foods. i bet processed foods, too. get calcium from dairy and broccoli, folate from kidney beans and fiber from fruits and veggies. i had 2 large polyps removed when i was 21. i had 2 very small polyps removed in August 2005. Now i am having symptoms again and will monitor them. Will make appt accordingly.
what i plan to start incorporating into my diet and are the following:
meals and recipes:
*red beans and rice (totally doable... i love that dish... may switch to brown rice later) - folate in the beans
*recipes with spinach - high in folate
*spinach salads (funny, i've been craving that lately)
*steel cut oatmeal? for the fiber? will read up on that later. may have to crock it.
fruits:
*bananas
*apples (good fiber in the apples, i've started liking these lately. in need of a sweet tasting variety. clueless on that. i don't like macintosh. must ask for recommendations)
*blueberries
*cranberries - in a muffin probably. just got a cool recipe from essy's blog using almond flour. can't wait to try it.
veggies
yes, with dip. i'll make my own with sour cream.
*celery sticks
*raw baby carrots
*raw cauliflower
*no corn - high fungus
*fresh green beans
*dark leafy greens in my salad
*zuchinni
*will try eggplant
*peas
*snap peas/snow peas
*onions
*tomatoes
*broccoli - but just the tree part, minced up and sparingly. it has such a strong taste and odor... blah. must be in a recipe.
all natural pb
rice cakes
bottled water and lay off the generic crystal light
i only drink 2 cups of coffee at most, a day. that WILL NOT change. LOL
yogurt - in need of a low sugar variety, but hate to eat one with splenda in it. don't think i can make my own as i have little time for brewing em's and such.
no sugar, no flour
start an exercise regime, 3-4 x's a week - visit the treadmill in the clubhouse when hubby gets home
the purpose is not only to feel good of course, but to take care of this old body the Lord gave me. I can't take care of others if I don't take care of myself first. Thank you, Holly, for the priorities you have passed on to thousands of women. Thank you for listening to your spiritual director and following the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The fruits of the 5P's are just amazing.... and life changing. So much more than a mere schedule. It's a way of life. It is bringing me closer to God in ways I've never imagined. I've grown so very much. An answer to my prayers!
first, a disclaimer: i have a urologist appt scheduled for dec. 19th. so don't worry!
i have had horrible uti's now since april of 2005. yes, you read that right. i sought medical help and didn't even get a diagnosis until august/september of 2005. shortly thereafter, i became pregnant and fought the uti with the help of my o.b. i did see a urologist who could only give me an ultrasound on the kidneys and ureters to see if there was any blockage. there was none. all antibiotics have not erradicated the problem. i've taken series after series. here are other things i have tried:
cran tabs, low sugar variety
increasing h20 - something i still struggle with
eating low carb/no sugar diet
taking probiotics
taking colloidal silver
being meticulous in the hygeine aspect
being meticulous in the marital relations department
i have even received Annointing of the Sick
i also had mega antibiotics in the hospital after delivery. o.b. was hoping to rid me of the infection.
i've tried them together and in various forms and combos... the only thing that really gave me relief was the colloidal silver. again, it never fully removed the infection.
i am going to ask the urologist to culture the bacteria since it is resistant. this is a little not to myself to remind me. i' m quite forgetful.
the strange thing is, my aunt on my dad's side suffers FROM THE SAME THING. for both of us, it is silent. we have no traditional symptoms and then eventually we get real sick, tired, and fevers. hers comes back periodically. she passed out at my baby shower in 2003 from the uti she didn't know she had.
my symptoms are extreme fatigue, muscle weakness, feeling generally ill, fevers that come and go almost like women suffering from menopause and getting hot flashes, brain fog. when i take antibiotics, the symptoms increase and become more pronounced, night sweats and fevers.
so the urologist appt is set and i need to make the dietary changes again to erradicate the sugar. i have been "off the wagon" since the baby was born on 8/8/06. the dietary changes will also help with my polyp issues. not to mention that when i was in my early 20's, i did no sugar/no flour and lost tons of weight. my body really responded well to eating like that. but from what i am reading about polyps... i need to increase calcium, folate and fiber. lose weight and stay away from fatty foods. i bet processed foods, too. get calcium from dairy and broccoli, folate from kidney beans and fiber from fruits and veggies. i had 2 large polyps removed when i was 21. i had 2 very small polyps removed in August 2005. Now i am having symptoms again and will monitor them. Will make appt accordingly.
what i plan to start incorporating into my diet and are the following:
meals and recipes:
*red beans and rice (totally doable... i love that dish... may switch to brown rice later) - folate in the beans
*recipes with spinach - high in folate
*spinach salads (funny, i've been craving that lately)
*steel cut oatmeal? for the fiber? will read up on that later. may have to crock it.
fruits:
*bananas
*apples (good fiber in the apples, i've started liking these lately. in need of a sweet tasting variety. clueless on that. i don't like macintosh. must ask for recommendations)
*blueberries
*cranberries - in a muffin probably. just got a cool recipe from essy's blog using almond flour. can't wait to try it.
veggies
yes, with dip. i'll make my own with sour cream.
*celery sticks
*raw baby carrots
*raw cauliflower
*no corn - high fungus
*fresh green beans
*dark leafy greens in my salad
*zuchinni
*will try eggplant
*peas
*snap peas/snow peas
*onions
*tomatoes
*broccoli - but just the tree part, minced up and sparingly. it has such a strong taste and odor... blah. must be in a recipe.
all natural pb
rice cakes
bottled water and lay off the generic crystal light
i only drink 2 cups of coffee at most, a day. that WILL NOT change. LOL
yogurt - in need of a low sugar variety, but hate to eat one with splenda in it. don't think i can make my own as i have little time for brewing em's and such.
no sugar, no flour
start an exercise regime, 3-4 x's a week - visit the treadmill in the clubhouse when hubby gets home
the purpose is not only to feel good of course, but to take care of this old body the Lord gave me. I can't take care of others if I don't take care of myself first. Thank you, Holly, for the priorities you have passed on to thousands of women. Thank you for listening to your spiritual director and following the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The fruits of the 5P's are just amazing.... and life changing. So much more than a mere schedule. It's a way of life. It is bringing me closer to God in ways I've never imagined. I've grown so very much. An answer to my prayers!
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