BV and Peri/Pre-menopause: It's not for the Faint of Heart

****Please note: this article contains medical/feminine issues and terms. If this stuff makes you queasy, then, feel free to move right along, and I won't be offended!****

I hate BV. I hate Peri/premenopause. They both are not very fun. I have posted about Peri/Pre-menopause before. You can read about it here; I have also written about BV here. Feel free to read those in order to "catch up".

I have had BV (Bacterial Vaginosis) on and off for years (if you don't know what it is, look it up). It is an infection (essentially) in the Vagina, and isI will have it for awhile, then it will go away. I have tried a few different things; antibiotics, which have only worked for a week or so, and then it comes back. I have also tried Gynalac vaginal gel, which helps, but when I am done with the treatment (which is also very expensive), it comes back after a day or two. I had tried drinking cranberry juice, and taking garlic pills, but they really didn't help much. About a couple of months ago, I decided to try taking the acedopholis every day, and although I forget it (I also don't take it with me when I go somewhere overnight), I have generally been taking it every day, and it seems to help with the smell some. I have been pretty consistent at taking the acedopholis lately; 1-2 a day, and i think that is what has kept it from getting bad again. It depends on my cycle; sometimes, it won't bother me for a few weeks, and other times, it is horrible! Right now, it has been not too bad; and i think i attribute it to taking the supplements! The pads also help with the smell, and to keep things dry, and the medication helps to tackle it if/when it gets really bad! I probably should try to omit sugar and probably yeast, but i just am not that disciplined! 

Then, there is the peri/pre menopause! This can be YEARS in the "making!! I am not even making this up! There is the spotting, the early arrival, the late arrival. The starting, the stopping. The heaviness (though, to be fair, I have had this all my life...#thankspcos), the lightness. The length of said period (no matter what the amount)! Then, there is being hot/cold, weird hormones (I will let you interepet that as you will!), weird food cravings, the being hungry when you shouldn't be hungry! THAT CRAP IS REAL! THE STRUGGLE IS REAL!!! This can last until you are in your 60s! I hope it doesn't last that long for me! I don't know if I can handle it!

The moral of the story is...be kind..someone you saw today is probably going through peri/pre-menopause!

Grieving, Healing, and Picking up After Job Loss

Let's face it: No one likes to lose their job, no matter how trying the job is! I have had a few job losses in my time; whether it was a lay off, let go, etc. It is stressful, hard, and even a bit sad. You didn't just lose your job; you have lost part of your identity; your friends; your community. I was thinking about this the other day, and I thought I would post a few tips that I have used regarding what I have through with job loss. Please know that I am no expert; I am not a counsellor, or a therapist...I just give tips based on experiences.

1) Allow yourself to grieve. Cry, be sad, angry, eat too much junk food, sleep. Do #allthethings. What you have been through is hard, and it is normal to have an array of feelings. You can be upset with yourself, with them, etc. Maybe you are even happy that you aren't there anymore (see #10). Just remember not to bash/badmouth your last employer....especially on Social media...that is never a good idea!!! Besides, you don't ever want to burn your bridges!!

2) Allow yourself go over things (what happened? What went wrong?, etc). If losing your job was your "fault", ask yourself; what could I do better, etc? It is ok to acknowledge your "faults". It will help for your next time.I know this might be hard, but it will probably help for your next job. This is something that I have done before (a few times). However, don't spend too much time obsessing about it, ether. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and move on.

4) Have some down time; have a pity pity, but only for awhile. No one likes hanging out with a pity party for one. Not even the person holding said party. However, I feel that it is ok to have one, as long as it doesn't last for long (a few weeks is more than enough, IMHO). Two weeks might be enough :) But hey, if it lasts longer, that is ok, too! Just don't invite others :)

5) Pick up and move on. Learn from what happened (if it was your "fault"), and move on. Try not to let too many days/weeks go by before starting your new job search. As T.Swift says, "shake it off"!

6) Turn to Scripture/Prayer. Yes, I know this sounds cliche, but it really does work. Honest. Find a Bible plan on job loss; a devotional book, anything that will encourage your soul.

7) Find someone to talk to. I have talked to a few people about my recent job loss, and they have been nothing but helpful, insightful, and supportive. I have talked a lot with "my" teacher, and it is interesting to get her side of things. I know she is going to miss me, but she agrees (along with me), that there are lots of areas for me to grow in! I also have talked to my brother and SIL about it, and it they have both been extremely helpful.

8) But don't talk to too many people about it. I have learned to not say too much about my work/career to everyone in my life. It is too exhausting, and they don't need to know. Sometimes, they don't even understand, so I try not to bore them with it, plus #boundaries!

9) Decide how you want to tell people. No matter if it was your "fault" that you were let go, or if it was due to $, Covid, etc; you can tell people your own reason that you were let go. No one will be the wiser.

10) You can/you might even be (even just a bit!) happy! Maybe you are just exhausted, or you weren't really enjoying your job anymore. As with most places, there are probably things that you didn't like about it (or about the place itself...people, politics). Let yourself enjoy a) not being at work, and b), not working! Again, as with #4 and #5, don't let too many days and weeks go by without AT LEAST starting on your resume/looking for work!

11) It is ok to not know what to do next in/for your career. I honestly have days where I don't know what I want to do for/as my next job! It can be mentally draining trying to figure out what you want to do next. This last job has me wondering if I should do something similar, or something completely different, and that is ok!

12) You might not want to be social (though no one "should" be having gatherings, anyway!). That is totally ok!!! Essentially, you "broke up" with your job; which really, is an extension of yourself. Don't worry about feeling that you HAVE to go out/be with people!

I hope these tips you (or someone you know) help in guiding you to the next phase of your (job/work search) life! 

Why Dancing, Makeup, Bikinis, Pageants, and Some Clothes are Dangerous for Kids

What do Wayfair, the Super Bowl, various award shows, Disney, Hollywood, and other sporting events have in common?

These events are HOT BEDS for sex trafficking!!! They live, breathe and drink it! There are many subliminal messages hidden in Disney and "family movies". If not to "lure" and "groom" your kids, at the very least, they send them hidden messages. Messages that kids don't need.

Then, there's the whole Hollywood/performer end of things. There are THOUSANDS of Hollywood actresses' (and actors), and celebrities whose photos on Social Media are chock FULL of sexual and provocatively. Look at the singers at the Super Bowl? JLo in a cage, and Shakira dancing and flailing about? Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Ariana Grande? Our kids see, hear and look up to them. Essentially, they are selling sex, all in the name of "art".

Here are some other scenarios that I see ALL the time on social media and in person;

A young girl, about 6 or 7 sits on the beach in her bikini.

A 10 year old has heavy make up on, and herself throwing her self on stage, all in the name of "dance".

A teen girl wears short shorts and a crop top.

A young girl "cheers" her way around the stadium.

An 8 yr old girl wears heavy make up, and a splashy outfit, while dancing on stage on her way to "win" the next pageant.

 

A young boy begins modelling in not so appropriate poses and outfits.

Two young brothers start a "Tick Tok" account.

These things, in my opinion, are the makings of 1) Immodesty of children (esp girls, and young women), and 2) kids being lured into sex trafficking, or at the very "least"; sexual predators online.

Please don't think that I think should dress like they are in a cult; fully clothed from head to toe. I don't don't even know what the "best" way to clothe your kids is. And, to be fair, sex traffickers/offenders don't really care how your kids dress; if they see your child, and want your child, they will find ways to get your child; however, there ARE ways to LESSEN that opportunity, and have your kids exploited on on "display".

In order to lessen the degree of online (or kidnapping) sexual abuse and predators online, there are ways to protect your kids:

Do not let them have ANY access to ANY Social Media platform; Pinterest (yes, even PT), FB, Snapchat, TickTok, IG, YT, and whatever other platforms there are. Kids under 15 DO NOT need a YT channel, an IG account, or SnapChat. I know that kids think they "need" a phone, and some sort of SM account, b/c all of their friends have one, but in all honesty, they don't. First off, they just don't need it. More screen time, useless time wasters, etc. I actually think that no child under 18 should have one, but I can see where and when a an older teen would want one (SM account/phone).  Now, please don't get me wrong; there are lots of GOOD, WHOLESOME, USEFUL and EDUCATION videos on most platforms. I know that there are parents and kids who have (and view) videos, and there are cases for doing these. But the key thing is that you're with your child while they make and view the videos. A blog mom who I follow  has made a YT account with her girls; they has control on what they do, say, and I am pretty sure she is in them as well. Again, YOU NEED to be with (or at least near) your child at ALL TIMES; this includes while they make (which is hopefully an educational/how-to, etc) and view videos! If your older teen gets a social media account, FOLLOW THEM! It is probably best to have your teen have a private account as well.When your kids who are wanting/needing access to iPad or the Internet for projects, make sure you are very near by; have the device near where you can see it/them. While growing up, my parents always had us be in the dining room or kitchen while working on the laptop or desk top :) Make sure your parental controls are on. I hear there are apps that parents can have, where they can track where and what their child is doing online, if your child has an iPhone or Android. I really only think that kids need a flip phone, anyway. 

I don't even feel that kids should play online games. You don't know what kind of friends your child is making online. Which brings me to another thing (which is similar to above); monitor your kids' online activities. I have already said this, but this is more the "social" aspect of it; watch what your kids are doing online; monitor what friends they make online. Don't assume that they are talking with their friends....this is how predators make their way into kids' lives. Monitor their IRL friendships as well. Who are they spending time with? Where do they go after school? Do they go to sleep overs?

Do not let your kids dance. Obviously, dancing for the Lord (and dance troops) is/are ok, but that should be under and adult's supervision, filled with skills and prevision.  I am less leery of kids being in Ballet, and there are probably less others out there that are less sexual. I would also suggest that you put little to know make up on them. And, for the love of everything, put some clothes on them! If you want your kids to have some make up on during the performance, then put it on right before they go on, and right after they get off. And they don't need the dark makeup on, either.

There are even some sports that I don't think that kids shouldn't be in; figure skating, for one (though I will have to admit, I wanted to be a figure skater when I was a kid!); gymnastics (obviously, I am talking about the upper level platforms, the lower level isn't as competitive, and the kids aren't as "made up") Once they get into major competition in these kinds of sports, that is when things get tough; make up, too little clothes, etc, not to mention what else happens (abuse, unhealthy practices, and poor self esteem). 

I feel that children shouldn't do cheerleading. This breeds so many problems, I don't even know where to begin. Makeup, skimpy outfits, and who knows what else.

Kids shouldn't do pageants. This is probably the worse thing that a child can do. Yah, no...let's just not go there!

Again, I am not saying that kids only need to go to Bible Studies and Youth Group; nor am I saying that kids can't do ANYTHING! There are TONS of things children can do! MOST sports, SOME screen/iPad time, reading real books, learn an instrument, garden, cooking, baking.  am saying that kids can do most anything, as long as it doesn't involve a lot of (unsupervised) screen time, social media, make up, throwing themselves around, and/or skimpy clothing. I just feel that these things can lead to immodesty, and more importantly, abuse, bullying, etc. 

Put a one piece (or, at the very least, a tankini) on your girl, and make sure your boys have decent swim shorts. Yes, allow your girls to try on make up and your fun clothes...but don't let them out of the house with them on.

I am not saying that you are a bad a parent if you allow your kids to do these things; I am not saying that you are a bad Christian/Faith-based parents if you are ok with these things. I just feel that allowing your child to do any or all of these things CAN breed a host of symptoms, and allow for predators to lure their way into your children's lives.

I know that I am not a parent, nor am I an expert, but I read, I watch, I listen. I talk with parents about these issues. There are kids being trafficked, bullied, and abused IN THEIR OWN HOME; right under their parents' noses! I am asking you to open your eyes; don't bury you head in the sand. Human trafficking is a very real thing! Observe your kids; talk to them; ask them questions. Get to know your kids, have conversations with them. Together, we can ALL end human trafficking, (online) bullying, and abuse. This starts at home.

                                 The opposite side/end of the sunset from the other night, looking East.

  I think this was taken in an Alberta Provincial park from when my sister and I took a trip 2 years ago.

Just to be Clear....

Regarding my post from the other day; I wanted to clarify a few things. First off, I am not saying that we should have ho-hum dum-drum lives. I think that in whatever circumstance we are in; in whatever stage of life that we are in, we are to "live our best lives", and (if we are Christian), spread the Gospel, live for Jesus, and if we haven't chosen that life; well, we are to be kind, and to look for reasons and opportunities to do good deeds, love, be kind, etc (as Christians, we should most definitely do that!!). 

All that I am trying to say is that we are not all called to foster, adopt (either domestically, or internationally); we're not all called to start an organization, be a missionary, ride around the world for a cause, go on marches and protests, or volunteer for Samartian's Purse, World Vision, or Compassion (you get the idea). We ARE, however, called to SEEK HIS WILL in ALL things; maybe He DOES want us to go to Africa; start up an new organization for social issues, or do "big things"! I am not saying that we have to live our regal 9-5 lives in our office; going to the same routines day in and day out; we need to find little things here and there that we can add beauty, light and grace to. We need to find things that we can do for others. 

We are also called to fight for injustice, the unborn, and speak up for what is right and wrong. We are not called to be lazy, have our head in the sand, and be ignorant or arrogant! We are not called to have "an ordinary life", but to embrace the extraordinary with the every day (does that make sense?? Probably not!). 

What I am trying to say is....we might not be called to go to Africa to be a missionary, but we are called to serve the Lord in whatever we do, and wherever we go!

Yes, (Sometimes) This Is All There Is

World Traveller. Singer. Artist. Missionary. Working in orphanages. Changing lives. Building an empire. Doing "big things". We want (and should!) to strive to do great and big things! And that's ok! We SHOULD have dreams, and want to do big, and glorious things! We can have and do wonderful things right in our neighbourhood, church, work, school, and clubs. We don't HAVE to go all over the world to volunteer, bring Jesus, or help others. We can do it right where we are; where we live; and where we live. 

Although God didn't call us to live "ordinary lives"; He did call us to live "extraordinary lives" where He wants us. Sometimes we (including myself) think that we are only living extraordinary lives when we are in Africa, or in Asia; helping kids; doing missions, or even working (such as in a school, or at company), and well that is certainly true, that isn't necessarily the only thing. Life isn't all about going all over the world; moving across (or up North!) country. It is about the day in and day out of every normal (and not so normal!) day! My life isn't more or less boring that a mom with 5 young kids. My mom's life on the ranch with her garden, ministry work, and her Coaching Business isn't less or more important than my sister's, who is in Asia, helping women and children who have been trafficked. 

Social media doesn't help matters. We see the people doing "all the things"; whether they are across the world, or in some "big" and "important' job. We tend to lose focus on what we "should" (or "shouldn't) be doing. We see people living out their "important" lives, and wonder, "what I am doing with my life", and "is this all there is?". I am here to tell you that, yes, sometimes, this is all there is. And that's ok! We can live out our best life right where we are. We can do big and important things right where we are. We don't have to go anywhere, or be anyone. God can use YOU TODAY! Come as you are; leave better!

It is ok that you are "just" a mom; you can minister just where you are. It is ok that you are "just" a teacher in an ordinary run of the mill school. You can minister just where you are! Change the world you live in (around you), don't try to the change the world (I am not sure if I just made that up, or if I saw that somewhere....but man, that sounds good!)! It doesn't matter whether you are a nurse, doctor, janitor, a pastor; you can serve your community and God no matter how "ordinary" your  life is. You don't need to move to Africa or across your country to have an "adventure"; you can have one in your own backyard; no travel or passport required!

Girls' Night Out

Happy Sunday Funday!!! I have about 11 posts that I may or may not end up writing about and publishing,  but I know I wanted to write about my mom's and my Girls' Night Out that happened on the last day of school!

Mom was going to give a bday dinner the wknd before my bday, but when I got sick, they didn't want me to come out; therefore, putting off my bday dinner. Mom said that I could have her and Dad take Anker and I out for dinner, or she and I could have a girls' night; complete with a hotel stay :) I naturally, decided that we would do GNO! 

We planned on the night on the last day of school (which was a Friday), as that was worked best for her. After my CEA End of the Year Party (you can read about that here), I went straight up to where we were staying (I packed when I got home, so I could leave right after said party). Mom and I called around town, and we ended up staying at the Fairfield Marriott, as it had the best deal, and it had a breakfast in the morning! Sadly, all of the pools in BC were closed at the time (I think most of them have reopened now), due to COVID, but I don't know if we would have gone in, as we were so tired when we got back from dinner. 

Mom did my hair, and my makeup, and then we went to Red Robin, after being a disappointed that we couldn't get in to the restaurant that I wanted to go to. I actually kind of like having restaurants at half-capacity; it is quieter, and it is less busy! We started off with the tower of onion rings, and deep fried shrimp, which were both really good!!! I got the salmon burger with fries, and my mom had a Caesar salad with salmon. A very interesting thing happened with Mom's salmon. You can read about that as she talked about it on her blog. We ended off sharing dessert, called Chocolate Fruffles (yes, that is the real name of the dessert!), which was delicious!!!

Mom and I came back to our hotel. We were SO tired by the time we got back. We visited for a bit, and then we watched the last bit of Dateline, and fell asleep. 

We woke up at around 8 or so the next morning, and we quickly got ready for breakfast. It was really good!!!! Tiny waffles, yogurt, strawberries, sausage patties, and cereal! After breakfast, we packed up and left at around 10 or so. 

Sadly, I was in a REALLY weird place on Saturday; I was tired, and anxious, and just all around in a weird mood. I felt better after some shopping therapy, but I was still really tired.

All in all, it was a great evening, night and morning with Mom, and MUCH needed!!!! We even were able to pick up the food that we had left from the night before, as they hadn't cleaned our room yet!

Hacks of Life-Randoms Pt 2 (Aka: Things No One Will Care About)

So, I have a few more things I just HAVE to say :) Feel free to skip this post :)

We have found a way to keep cool at night (along with our fan); we put ice packs in our bed, and it works great!

We have been having this weird smell coming from our car for a few weeks, and we have no clue what it is, but the car is working, so we will carry on with driving it. It smells like vinegar. And it isn't even all the time.

We continue to have free laundry. We aren't sad about it.

I continue to have my movie afternoons/evenings with Emily. We usually have yummy snacks and drinks. It is also a way for to me to watch my old movies (I also need some movies that were made in this decade!). I also watch movies (and my favourite tv series') on my laptop at night; which is another way for me to go through my movies. I find that I don't watch movies over again like I used to. I have Netflix, cable, VOD, and movies from the library to watch.

I am horrible at checking my blood sugar. I need to do better at it.

I also need to find a doctor, as we haven't had one for a year.

I am loving the nectarines (well, the two that I bought), berries and frozen fruit that I have been getting. I use the frozen fruit for smoothies :)

A week or so ago, I went for a walk with the boys. I took them to Starbucks, and J stayed in his stroller until we got to a place where it was a bit safer for him to walk on his (he RUNS!!!). We had a fun little walk together. I think I stayed there for a while, and we had Wendy's for supper (Speaking of which, our local Wendy's burnt down in March or April; I hope they will rebuild it, as it was a pretty popular place, and it is nice to have one on this side of town).

I also found out that they might built a Starbucks close to my house. I don't know how that would work, since I heard that they are going to close 200 SB stores. I can almost guarantee that a few of our stores here in town will close.

I have been having coconut milk in some of my SB cold drinks, and it is really good, so I decided to buy some, and I really am enjoying it! Yum!

I still can't get to starting up my resume, and look for work, I have been feeling really unmotivated and discouraged about it. That being said, though, I did just today signed up with Job Bank to get alerts, etc. I have never actually have gotten an account with them before. I only have just searched for jobs.

I have been trying to grow my bangs out for years, and they have been driving me crazy! I also need to get a hair cut.

I also need to get new runners.

I am house/cat/garden sitting this weekend. It is glorious, y'all!! I don't seem to be doing well sleeping on her couch, however.

I went to the dentist the other day; I didn't need to pay for the cleaning :) Yay!

I got Downton Abbey and "Harriet" from the library, and I watched "Harriet", and it was amazing! I want to buy that movie.

I have also been getting the People Magazine free from my friend. She works at the student house at our local university, and 5 students who are no longer there are still getting their People Magazine, which she gives over to me.

With all this rain we have been getting (yes, it rained today....AGAIN!!), the river is still very high. I think it is slowly going down, so that's good.

Cilantro is gross. The end.

I had coffee with my aunt on Friday. I can't wait until we are allowed to sit in ALL restaurants and coffee shops again.

The weekly magazines that used to come on Friday, are now coming the following Wednesdays. Not sure if it is be/c of Covid or not. It is kind of annoying; I liked having the magazines come on Friday.

Anker got me a dash and reverse cam for our car, but I don't think we will use them. We are going to have to get someone to put in the reverse cam, and we don't really have that kind of money right now.

I am having an online Sipology Party on Monday. I also got some stuff from my other friend's party. I love the Canadian Maple Latte! I also got some Magical Mango Tea. I got Mom a couple of teas for her to try.

I also got some fun things the other day; I found some Maple Latte Creamer, and it is SO GOOD! I also got a pencil sharpener for my eye liners. It works pretty well! I bought some nuts that were a good deal. I like to have something like nuts for some protein and when I want a snack. I got some sour candy/mints, They are delicious!

My girls group from when we all went to the same church got together for a bday/summer party on Friday. We had a lovely dinner, with lots of laughs, a game, and we even got a gift :)

I had a CT scan a few weeks ago to check to see if had any more fluid. I wish they could just invent a pill that one could swallow that was filled with dye. They couldn't get the dye in me AGAIN this time. I don't have any fluid, but I do have some cysts. The specialist is ordering me an ultrasound, but I am sure it is fine.

I hate peri/pre-menopause. The end.

I love rainbows :) I saw a double one the other day, and I guess there was a double one tonight, but I only caught the last bit of it.

Technology is weird. Last night, my phone was plugged into my computer and it didn't charge like it should have. Tonight, guess what? It works!

Anyone else find that they get obsessive about their blog posts; what to post; pictures, etc, and have to post ALL THE THINGS????r