Through The Mud Clearly

Every year at my place of employment we are required to take a certain amount of training classes. Things like Ethics, Safety, Court Policy and Procedure, Customer Service etc.. A new class was offered this year; "Civilian-How to Deal With an Active Shooter". In the wake of the recent spate of shootings; I thought it would be a good idea to take this class. It was taught by sheriffs deputies and the Department of Homeland Security. It is unfortunate there is a need to know this information but I believe it is good to know about such things...being prepared for any situation is important. I liken it to keeping oil in your lamp! Anyway, it was a very informative class and I learned from it. Run, hide and if all else fails fight back...you may lose your life but if you are able to incapacitate the bad guy you may have saved countless lives. Sacrificing your life for others...an interesting concept!

I can't remember when or where (facebook, blog or email) but I know I've written about this before. But I didn't have a name for it. I am referring to my weird headaches, panic/anxiety attacks and quite possibly the worst symptom; the sore, painful to the touch scalp; AND hair. That's right; my hair hurts to touch it let alone get it cut! Fortunately my head and hair isn't always like this; but when it is it is miserable. This has all been going on for several years and I have been researching for just as long. I finally decided to keep a "headache diary" and record the symptoms, frequency and any other noteworthy items. although there is pain everyday to some degree; the really intense headache etc occurs about every 3-5 weeks, lasting an average of 7 days of varying intensity. It usually starts with something called an "aura" or a warning signal/sign. In my case this aura begins with tingling in the upper arms followed and incredible urge to sleep day and night, an intermittent stabbing pain in my right ear and cravings for salty snacks, Chinese food and chocolate. Followed by panic/anxiety attacks, neck stiffness and headaches that seem to move around at will. While the headaches are in full gear; the scalp and hair tenderness begins. The few things that eases these symptoms are Advil (can't take too much..not good for you), gallons of coffee and standing in a HOT shower. So; my self diagnosis is.....drum roll please....Migraine Headaches with Allodynia. I know you all know what Migraines are but; let me tell you what Allodynia is. It is pain from a "non-painful stimulation". There are several factors associated with this condition. Symptoms include migraine with aura (have), stressful childhood with emotional abuse (had) and being overweight (am). Allodynia develops over a period of time and many migraine sufferers are prone to it. It is a manifestation of central nervous system sensitization. I can't really explain it any further but if you Google it you can get more complete information. I am going to print that information out and give it to my Doctor on my next visit; along with this blog. Actually; I wrote this particular post with that intention. I am going to ask him for a caffeine drip. LOL! I am more convinced than ever that the "sinus" headaches I had as a kid were actually migraines! Oops, I forgot a few symptoms; grouchy, light sensitivity and certain noises really bother me. 

So a friend and I were talking about the recent influx of people who are allergic to seemingly everything. While some of these are true, legetimate allergies; I wonder just how much of this trend is just a passing fad; like the Pet Rock or The South Beach Diet? I have heard and read about people who are now on gluten free diets, suddenly lactose intolerant, "sugar reactive" and other such stories. Is red dye number 7 really the cause of your child's "meltdown" or is he having a tantrum because he can't have a new toy? Now, before you get all upset; let me say I don't begrudge anyone for trying to eat a healthier diet. I know that allergies are real and I, myself am allergic to pork and have been for many years; also limes. So, if someone asks me over for a meal I always let them know about the allergy. I get it. But, come on people; could some of you be jumping on the bandwagon because it is the popular thing?

Here is Sparkley Dora being a cat and refusing to lay down on her favorite spot in the whole home..on the piano under the lamp. Instead she is acting like she can't hear my commands to lay down! Another favorite spot; on the couch with her blankie and pillow. And here is her daily cup of fresh water which much be placed on the table so she doesn't have to share with the dog. Another requirement for the Cat is a small steady stream of running water. Did I mention she is a little spoiled? But; so is Lady (the Dog).

While THEY are eating cake in Georgia I am here in the abnormally freezing cold temeratures of Arizona. It is so cold THEIR dog must sleep indoors. Because Lady(the dog) is old I feel the need to take special care of her. Normally, when THEY are here, Lady sleeps on a rug or blanket on the floor. But; I am here and think she should be able to sleep where she wants....so I let her! As you can clearly see; she likes stretching out on the comfy leather couch...she is even holding a blankie!! Sweet Dreams Lady.

She also enjoys a daily peanut butter sandwich when THEY are home. Here is her sandwich and her anticipating the sandwich! Now if I could just get the cat to cooperate with the camera.....

Expecting cold weather..Covered what is left of the garden! Tonight Jan 10 40°F , Fri Jan 11 , 52° 32° , Sat Jan 12 , 52° 32°, Sun Jan 13, 55° 36° , Mon Jan 14, 55° 35°, Tue Jan 15, 59° 38°

The radio station I listen to; KFLR Family Life Radio, starts the year off with a 30 day challenge. The idea to do something for 30 days(kind of like a New Year's Resolution)with the intention of changing a habit or....So, since this year I actually made some NYR's because Susan Joyce made me(Just kidding Susan), I figure why not add to what I have already resolved to do? Hence; beginning in February I am going to start my 11 months of 28-31 day challenges! Meaning one challenge per month for 11 months. February only has 28 days so I have chosen what I think will be my hardest challenge for the shortest month.☺ One of my NYR's is to eat less bread; my challenge for February is to eat no bread!! Believe me it will be a huge challenge because I ♥ bread. A bread fast if you will. I expect it to be difficult but in the end I think it will be worth it. Other challenges for the other months will include things like walking 20 minutes a day, practicing random acts of kindness, drinking a minimum of 32 oz of water daily and eating more vegies. Any prayers during this endeavor are much appreciated!

...and lots of it! Today was the first day of my online class "Survey of Information Technology". Looks like I have a bunch of reading, assignments, projects and quizzes. I think I am going to busy!

On the first day of the party I had to rake leaves all by myself because nobody came. It looked like day two would be the same. I worked for about 1 1/2 hours raking and dumping then went inside to take a break. A few minutes later some party-goers arrived! Many thanks to Danny, Bethany and Daniel. They had it done in no time!!!

"An exciting leaf raking party happening tonight at 5pm..bring your own rake..plenty of leaves for all. If you can't make it today, feel free to come over tomorrow. No need to knock on door;all leaves are in front yard. Help yourself...great compost!" I posted this on Facebook earlier today. I expected to come home to see a bunch of folks merrily raking leaves. Sadly this was not the case. :(

Half of the yard is done; just have the other half(the big half)to do. Hey there is always tomorrow!!!

I am directionally challenged. Meaning; if it is not in my "territory" I am probably going to get lost. Yesterday I had to go to Tempe to buy a textbook for my upcoming class. I figured I would get it after work so I went online to mapquest and got directions. Following directions I made it swiftly and easily to the location. However; the return trip wasn't as successful. I knew where I needed to go but couldn't quite figure out how to get there! So, after driving around Tempe for awhile I finally made it to a freeway which eventually got me to another freeway and familiar ground. A drive that should have been about 40 minutes round trip ended up much longer. But; the good news is, I got my book and made it home....eventually.

I was asked on facebook what my New Year's resolutions are. I said I made a resolutions several years ago not to make any resolutions and I was quite successful! However; this year; I have made some so I am sure you will probably be reading about them. Here they are in no particular order: 1. Learn to play my Ukelele. 2. Blog more. 3. Be more relevent in my sphere of influence. 4. Eat less bread...I <3 bread. 5. Grow an awesome garden. Stay tuned.

Hi there, One of my New Year's resolutions is to do more blogging! So....here is my first post of 2013! I am not sure what I am going to write about but I am certain I will be able to come up with something! Let me start by saying....HAPPY NEW YEAR!!