Medical Guide Part 2 - Making the Appointment

If you're new to me, Hi and welcome to the new roaring twenties. Not going to bombard you with new year new you shiz, the algorithm will do that for you. Instead I'm here with another entry into my medical guide to hopefully help someone out there to go to the d@mn doctor be it, medical, eye, teeth, etc. What I do when I go the doctor is in Part 1 but then it also occurred to me that not everyone is comfortable talking to people in phone or in person and by some, I mean a lot.

Social anxiety is a thing for tons of people to varying degrees and if you're like me living in a rural area where you're lucky if you can find your doctor's office online let alone book an appointment. Sometimes it's inevitable that you have to talk to a person and I understand that is uncomfortable, but it must be done so I hope this lays some details out for you in order to get it done in the least amount of time/ slash conversation possible.

1. Preparation is key. Why are you calling? What symptoms do you have or do you recognize a sinus infection that you get every season that you know you'll need antibiotics? This is why part one is up first. The more you know and have written (or typed) the better you can spout it off when you're on the spot.

2. When do you have time to go? Everyone is busy with life and work but strep throat doesn't care if you have a final or a business meeting. So find out how soon you need to make an appointment. If you're already home sick, you want to get in asap. If you're not home yet maybe you need to plan on your lunch break. I know with my general 9 to 5, it was easier to set it for the morning then go to work late and stay if necessary than try to get off at a certain time to not be late. But that depends on your schedule.

3. What insurance are you using and is this office in your network to hopefully get a smaller copay and overall a smaller bill. There's 2 ways for this to go. You can do the research, beforehand, in your prep to talk to your insurance and they will find an office in your network or for lack of better words, someone they prefer to work with. Or you can talk to the doctor's office you're wanting to go to and they will run the info from your insurance card to let you know the details so keep it on hand.


4.This brings us to the moment of truth and the best thing you can do is to be nice to the receptionist and everything will be smooth. They will ask you questions and chances are you'll have the answers because you wrote them down in step 1. If this is your very first appointment to this office or doctor, you can say something like this:

"Hi. My name is ____. I'm needing to set up an appointment as a new patient." or if you already go to that office just drop the "as a new patient" and add " with Dr. _______."

There will be questions they HAVE to ask you and 98% of the time are also handling people in person as well as stuff going on behind the scenes on their end, so be nice and they'll move you right along and get you in a good spot. I've rarely run into a rude receptionist or nurse but it may happen, just get the information you need and be done as quick as possible. And remember to say thank you no matter what.

QUICK NOTE: ALWAYS GET THEIR NAME. It's always good to get a name so if you talked with them and clicked, had chemistry, made a good connection, etc. It means that you have a point of contact to ask for in the future. On the other hand if, they aren't for you or you just don't like them, you know who to avoid. Write It Down! That's the same for the office staff and especially the nurses.


This helped me get into the swing of things when making appointments especially in the beginning of my spoonie journey. Take the new year into a new decade to be your best self and that includes your health so please cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, wash your hands, and go to the doctor.


In the meantime, here's some other posts that aren't medically related...

Good Reads and the Like - http://bit.ly/Yareads22

Planners Gonna Plan - http://bit.ly/HLPlanner

Adulting Win - http://bit.ly/Adultwin



And follow me if you please...

Instagram...  http://bit.ly/MyIgJazz

Bloglovin...  http://bit.ly/MyBloglovinPg

Medical Guide Part 1

Appointments in general are a thing, but doctor’s appointments can easily be the toughest to get through. I’m no stranger to the doctor, even before being thrown headfirst into the spoonie life, there’s been talking my friends to go to the doctor in college because swine flu was thing and so was quarantine. Talking my friend and co-worker to go to the doctor because she’s planning to go on a trip and that includes a plane with all the limited and communal air and a baby who’s young enough to have an immune system like mine naturally.

I get it, no one likes the doctor, or the dentist, or the optometrist nor does anyone like paying for it. But the alternative could be worse and you’ll spend a hella lot more guaranteed… so I’m put together a few of my best tips when dealing with those of the medical variety for your adulting accomplishments and with strep season upon us and flu season on the way, please take care of yourselves. 

It’s easy to feel intimidated and sometimes powerless when you’re going to the doctor. It’s normal and it happens, but it doesn’t mean that you have to go through the motions. It’s important to take control of your health for whatever may come your way, spoonie or not. It’s easy to hear and say “be your own advocate”, but how do you do that? Well here’s what I do, so check it out and try what you like and if it works for you too, great and if not, well you have a starting point and can make it work for you. Afterwards, if you don’t mind, report back!

Part 1: Notes
Whether you use an app on your phone or a physical notebook to write on, do it because I can just about guarantee that you will not remember by the time you leave that office. Now I will say that doctors don’t generally like seeing phones out and may ask you to put them away. I prefer to write things down because you can develop your own shorthand without the threat of autocorrect.


Now let me break this down:

Date/Time/Doctor – standard information especially if you have multiple doctors or if you’re a caregiver to someone else. Do you have a hard time setting up the appointment? Well stay tuned because that's coming up soon because I know that for a lot of people, that's not easy.

Reason – is it a follow up? Do you have symptoms? Describe them. If it’s pain, does it throb or is it stabbing or just sharp? On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the worst pain you’ve ever experienced, where are you currently or when it was at its worst? How many times have you felt it, whatever ‘it’ may be?

List of Medications – It’s important to know what you’re taking and how much you’re taking between Rx Prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and even vitamins or holistic practices. They all are chemical reactions happening in your gut and body, so it’s important for the doctor and the pharmacist to know so you don’t make yourself worse.

Vitals – every place does it so write them down, even the weight because unexplained weight gain or loss can be a symptom. Especially for us in the plus sized community, we know that a lot of attention gets directed at this number. So do yourself a favor and write it down because you know your habits and what has changed vs what hasn’t. Writing it down gives you evidence and backup to your case that there is a problem even if your clue is weight loss.

The rest is for your notes, what is the doctor’s plan? Is he giving you a prescription? What is it and what is the dosage? How long do you have to take it?

What is your diagnosis? If you don’t have one, what tests are being ordered and what is the procedure for that test or what is it supposed to show?

If you come up with questions after the appointment, write them down to either call the doctor back or to save for the next appointment.


So here’s part one. Take what you will and I hope it helps you get that annual physical or handle multiple visits for yourself or someone else. Stick around for the next tip because as much as we don’t want to do or would rather have mom do it, we need it.


In the meantime, here are other posts that are not medically related so stick around a while...


Good Reads and the Like ~ http://bit.ly/Yareads22

Planning ~ http://bit.ly/HLPlanner

Streaming FOMO ~ http://bit.ly/streamingFOMO


And while you're here, follow a girl on

Bloglovin' ~ http://bit.ly/MyBloglovinPg


Instagram ~ http://bit.ly/MyIgJazz

Luscious Hair is Back!

Hello all. Allow me to introduce you to my soap box. It's no podium nor pedastal but it allows me to take that step up and project all the feels on a proper stage. It's not all bad or ranty I promise but sometimes there's a point that needs to be made and here's mine for today...

THANK YOU INTERNET!

Yes. Simply thank you to the internet. It's been almost a year since I was diagnosed with Lupus. My medications are doing their things but what I wanted to thank the internet for helping me regrow my hair. One of the biggest symptoms I had was hair loss. I trimmed my hair to help with the thinning and essentially just had to be patient. Thus came the internet and research. Between straight up Googling, Youtube vloggers and the Blogosphere, I was able to find the help to get my hair back.

MEANWHILE...

 I'd gone to a couple hair salons in the last year. When I trimmed my hair before I was diagnosed, I told the girl I had started going to that I wasn't sure what was happening. She tried to say that she didn't really see the difference and that was that. After I came back from the edge I really noticed how much hair I lost and tried to get some kind of shaping done so that way I didn't really look like a sick person who lost a lot of hair, especially at work. I had one really overpriced trim and recently a better trim by two different hair stylists.... ladie....., people who cut and handle hair for a living and I asked them about what they would recommend for volume, hair growth, hair health, etc and literally had a deer in the headlights expression from both.

First came back to work with the least amount of hair (before)

Almost 8 months later (after) Still a ways to go but it's a bit fuller now

And honestly, it's disheartening because I'm not going to this professional to get my hair done for prom or to drop some dollars for highlights or extensions, I am actually wanting help with my hair. With both trips I explained, I got really sick and lost a lot of hair, how can I help it and how can I maintain the hair I have? I guess I expected to find a great person who was like Queen Latifah in Beauty Shop where she's suggesting vitamins, products, advise....yes I know it's a movie. But I would think that when you work in the industry, you'd have an idea or even a direction to go in.

Gotta love that wood pannel right?

The only person who actually physically, in person, gave me some help was actually my mom's coworker. Love her and her concern. She found the dermachange shampoo and conditioner that I've been using and so far it's been great and I've noticed a difference. It's gentle and cleansing and leaves my hair feeling soft and smooth instead of straw.

So thank you internet, and thank you people on the internet who led me to castor oil, biotin, and other products that have helped me regrow my hair and now I feel that my hair is full again. It's still short but an even short. A full short and now I can really say that I feel a bit more like me.

On the other hand, if you have any other suggestions for hair health...
let a girl know on the hurry up side please!!!!


Check out some of my other posts...

My best of 2017 - http://bit.ly/17BestYa
Smell Good Stuff - http://bit.ly/2vT879v
Boyfriend Valentine Gift Ideas - http://bit.ly/10BFGifts

Best of 2017 - I Lived

2017 has been the complete definition of a roller coaster. Not just the ups and downs but the kinds that go underground. That's truly been my year. The New Year started and I couldn't walk without help. I spent a couple weeks in the hospital before I could get some actual answers. I went back to work part time and then finally full time and now here we are at the end of the year and not to be super corny but someone needs to play Martina McBride because I have been blessed. I still have bad days and I know that they'll happen so I've really tried having a good outlook and working on a lifestyle change and these things have helped me make it through this year.


Victoria's Secret Body Butter - after having shingles when I came back to work, it was a process to get through. So afterwards, I had and still have a big patch of now scarred and dry skin. This helps. So to my little brother who has no shame in going to any store, thank you for this because Lawd knows I don't shop at Victoria's Secret.

Quality vs Quantity - a concept that seems very common sense but now is making more sense. (who knew?) But coming back to the home I'm renting rather than my parent's home really made me realize that I have way too much shi!t. I knew I had a lot of stuff but now I see it as sh!t that is not going to help me and I can't keep up with it anymore. I can't defend it anymore. I'm not in college anymore so I don't need $2 flats or a ton of cheap sheets or bad makeup that will last for a month or two... I need something that will last a while and if that means seriously saving and investing in good quality insert blank, then that's what I need to do.

Bath and Body Works Sugar Scrub - I know that VS and BBW are owned by the same peeps but I would rather go to the B.B.Dubs any time and even more so when my girl, Vero, is working. She keeps me in the loop and it really helps that she's knowledgeable about the products other than just the scent and the packaging. Also getting rid of the dead skin is a big plus.

Water - ask anyone that knows me, I hate drinking water!!! My boyfriend was a camel in a previous life because he can literally slam almost a liter of water first thing in the morning. He's always on me about drinking more water and I thank him for it almost as much as I give him the 'eye'. Ladies, you know the one. So even though I hate it, I do whatever I can to make me drink more water which has done wonders for my water bottle collection. My body needs it, especially my kidneys, and the rest will follow.

My Backpacks - My medical one and my new-ish love - I had a post a while back in my Tale of the Tank series about my backpack. Read it. I treat my purses as artillery and they have to hold up. In my Tale of the Tank I had this backpack that helped me so much especially when I was still on a walker and a cane and now I have this gorgeous bag from Betsy Johnson that looks small but has so much space to still be a tank.

Self-care - I'm not a consistent blogger, that's obvious. I'm also not a consistent self-care advocate unless it has to do with sleep because if anything I know I need sleep and actual rest is a must or else. But in real ways. I have done a few baths but can't really do bath bombs and my tub is hella narrow so it's not the most comfortable but I'll do a great smelling candle and a face mask. I've learned that epsom salt can be great for inflammation and if I can lay off pain meds with a salt soak be it my feet or my entire body, then I'll do it. I don't mind medication but I'm definitely not opposed to finding other alternatives. Other alternatives also include food. I'm a tried and true New Mexican. I grew up on rice, beans, Allsups burritos and hotlinks and pretty much anything fried and covered in chile (not chili) and cheese. I can't do that anymore so I'm trying newer and healthier options to care for the body I have now or I won't make it physically or mentally.


What has gotten you through this entire year? Please let me know, I'm all for suggestions :)





In the mean time, check out some of my other posts...
The Blues of My Life - http://bit.ly/2wnrtRc
Bra Talk - http://bit.ly/2ezvzOM
Office Decor - http://bit.ly/OfficeDe

Forward March - Monthly Favorites

March has been a great month for me. I'm making progress on my health, finally, after what feels like forever. I'm working on getting back into a routine so that I can prep for my return to work. To be perfectly honest, these past months have been more about what my body is doing rather than my makeup or beauty. I swear, I did some work on my eyebrows and felt like I cut down a national forest. Here's some of my lifesavers this month.

1. Planner - Now I had every intention on making a bullet journal. I had a layout planned out and colored pens HOWEVER comma, one of my side effects is shaking like a chihuahua, so the lines came out terrible and I couldn't stand it so I bought a different one. I figured with it only being March, I can get away with a couple blank months. This one is one I've had before and it's the best because it's pretty, has plenty of space to write on and tabs! Easy organization never hurt anyone.

2. Lip Balm - with Spring coming in and some bouts of dry mouth, my lips have taken some damage and because my siblings are awesome, I have a nifty little 3 pack of medcated Blistex. One to keep on me, one for my bag, and an extra for whichever I lose first because let's be honest. One or more of them will disappear at some point....not proud of it, but it's the truth.

3. Clinique Moisturizer - So with everything happening I needed to start working on skincare and I feel that I'm going to for some time. The meds I'm on are strong and I've seen the toll it's taken on my skin and whatnot. I bought a mini size version of this moisturizer from Ulta on a whim because my mom said to. She's trusted Clinique for years and for good reason. Using even just a little bit of this has worked wonders on my face which has started to feel like sandpaper. So hearing that the 21 Days of Beauty is on right now is great because the entire kit that this moisturizer comes in has an intro set that will be on sale. So my calendar and alarm are set so I can get on this sale and not feel guilty about it.

4. Water bottle - with all the medications I'm on, I am drinking a lot more water than I had even before I got sick. I've had a lot of dry mouth from the illness, the allergies making me sleeping with my mouth open. So I found a water bottle, on clearance, that has a nifty filter so I can fill it with water from the tap rather than buying bottled. It's also a whole liter so there's my drinking goal.

5. Good RX - I had seen the commercials but never really gave it much thought until my mom gave it a shot while in line at the pharmacy. Literally no sign up, no info other than a zip code for the pharmacy list and up popped a coupon for my most expensive medication. On top of that, they also have a free app so what ever happens to me now, you know I'm gonna be lookin for discounts.

Looking at now, it seems that this seems simple and it is. Simple becomes staple and we gotta start somewhere. I feel like I have as clean a slate as I'm going to get.

Tales of the Tank - My Backpack

Ok so these backpack purses I've been seeing had really made me want one. If you've read the other Tales in this series, you'd know that I basically carry a tank for a purse. Looking at all these teeny tiny backpacks while adorable as all get out, just can't work for me. Instead, I've found this one and it's a life saver. With that's been going on with my health, having a regular purse constantly falling on one hand while using my walker or cane was just not working.

I wanted one that wasn't a huge academic tank but I needed some space for the things I have to carry, like stuff for dr's appointments, so the cute teeny bags are a no go. After Christmas, against some better judgement, I clicked into the depths of Amazon and found this simple little gem.

I'd post pictures of my bag in real life but lighting say noooooope

No regrets at all.

I had to check the measurements to make sure it wasn't too small because I've been using a regular spiral to keep my notes and appointments together as well as my planner so as long as it doesn't fold, we Gucci. It's not very wide which is ok because it forces me to not carry too much. Yes, it'll be on my back but I still have to haul it on my shoulders, which on some mornings is a big friggin' deal.

I didn't want black just because I'm trying really, really, REALLY hard to push out some negative thoughts, and this charcoal gray is just gorgeous and the fabric is stiffer than typical canvas so it's been holding it's shape fairly well and the two front pockets as just big enough for some easy access.

What do I got in bag tho?

It's got an inside pocket for 14 inch laptop so I've been using that for my Dr. Spiral, my planner and a general notebook for little things. My doctor is a couple hundred miles away so I also have my Nintendo 3DS XL for some gaming if I'm not driving. Chargers are a must as well as my trusty external batteries. Thanks to Ulta for this little pill organizer for my afternoon meds and last but not least my wallet.

This is nothing compared to what I would normally carry. Like seriously. But desperate times call for desperate measures but it can still be cute, practical, and save what ever strength I have.



Check out the other Tales of the Tank

My Eye Panda - http://bit.ly/TOTTPanda
The Clutch - http://bit.ly/TOTT50Cal

Or maybe a different avenue for you
Fall Transition - http://bit.ly/FallTFaves16


Follow me on Bloglovin
http://bit.ly/MyBloglovinPg

Coffee or Tea

I'm not having issues but I'm having issues. With me progressively on the previously mentioned mend, there's a lot of adjustments to be made and more so with my stomach. Living out west, I've grown up and enjoy chile and just spicy food in general. Those are easy to say that I need to calm down on the hot sauce and salsa, but when I was having my morning coffee after coming home from the hospital, it was tragic. My stomach was not liking it for some reason but it yelled and hurt until I was in the bathroom.

Now I'm not a complete coffee snob. I have a Keurig and a french press, but I've been at home where it's a standard coffee pot with Dunkin Donuts coffee or Folgers or 8 O'clock Coffee from the local Dollar General and all is still well with the world. And no, I don't drink it black because I enjoy flavored creamer and DUH. I love the smell and enjoy the taste in the mornings.

It's been a staple in my life for a while I believe, mainly, because of my grandparents. My grandpa started me on coffee at a young age with cookies. He's used the same cups for coffee for as long as I can remember and starts a pot anytime we walk through the door. Not too strong and not too light with a few cubes of sugar with creamer and we are set for a good couple hours of chatting.

Because Google knows how we roll

Tea is a whole different story because there are two categories, hot tea and iced tea. Iced tea is not iced tea with out a proper southern amount of sugar.I didn't get into drinking hot tea casually until college with the help of a few of my friends. We dubbed ourselves las señoras. (hey!) And we'd have tea at someone's house, the theatre, Chinese restaurant, etc. But of course after college, people grow and move and I'm glad we still keep in touch. (We needs the chisme every now and then and don't get us started on the Selena movie and award season.)

I love Chamomile or like I've mentioned in my remedies post, Manzanilla. It's a great relaxer for  me so I can't really drink it in the morning to wake up and get the warm fuzzies. I've tried a couple teas, Earl Grey was a bit much at least by itself and I found Breakfast Tea was not my cup of tea.

I know people put honey or cream or milk but I don't know what goes where. Where does the line draw? For strong coffee, I know to use the powdered creamer instead of liquid. Don't use a flavored creamer when you have already flavored coffee.

WHERE ARE THE RULES FOR TEA?!?!?!?!

There's so many varieties and they have different things and some don't have caffeine, and yes I need caffeine. There's a thing called loose leaf tea. Is it better than tea that's bagged? How much do you use? How long does it need to steep? What are the requirements to add honey, milk, or creamer? Is that even a thing?

With all of this said, the hunt is on for my cup of tea because it's terrifying to think that the coffee deprivation may be permanent, but my mornings are empty and void of the wonderful, slightly bitter, taste of one of the miracles of life that made my morning routine. Trust me, I need a routine. So any tips or teas to try or tea recipes are greatly appreciated in the mean time. :]

Life Said I'm Sick

Ok, I can't say that I've been just spastic with posting or even my social media presence and I've gone back and forth on whether to go into this topic. When it comes to my health, I tend to be a lot more reserved and it tends to make me a bit of a hermit. But with a bit of debating, here I am putting myself out there on the interwebs where nothing is ever really deleted.

Now that my dramatic moment has passed, here's the sitch. My last couple posts were vague about what is going with my health. There's been a lot of pain, a lot of medications, and a two week stay in the hospital to get some answers about what has been going on. My diagnosises: lupus and blood clots. Neither of these run in my family on either side, and definitely can't be cured with my typical remedies, so this was a big surprise but after looking for answers for a couple months with no real path, getting this information was a huge relief.

Sadly these aren't all of my meds

I've still been out of work because I've lost so much strength and the side effects of my meds aren't exactly a walk in the park either. I've got a couple specialists that I'm working with to get me back to as normal as possible but it's a hard pill to swallow (pun intended) knowing that my previous normal will never happen again. I know lupus is more manageable now than it used to be, but it's still a lot that needs to be watched and researched. The blood clots just suck. Thankfully they haven't moved to my lungs or heart, but from what I was told, my legs are "covered" in clots which doesn't help my swelling or pain and was more than likely caused from my birth control that I was taking for my PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) for the last ten years.

To say that my life is changing is understatement. The great thing, and I'm super proud of myself to see this, is that I have an actual diagnosis and something to research. I'm that person that has to know what I'm into and it turns out that I know people who know people who have experience especially since I can't turn to family. And maybe through writing and adding this to my blog life, I can help someone else who is just finding out as well and is starting the journey too. So if anyone has any ideas, or tips, or resources in handling and managing lupus, please please please let me know.






Follow me on Bloglovin
http://bit.ly/MyBloglovinPg


Check out some of my other posts that are not medically related
Tag! You're It - http://bit.ly/ThisorThat17

Fall Faves - http://bit.ly/FallTFaves16

Tales of the Tank aka my purse - http://bit.ly/TOTT50Cal

7 Things to Consider if You Want to Live Alone

Living alone is no joke but I won't lie when I say that I love it. In my sorry but not sorry opinion, I think it's a really great stepping stone on the trail to adulthood but even more so as a woman. The truth of the matter is that while any person is at risk when living alone, it's safe to say that women tend to tip that scale in the risk factor. And if you ask any dad, the risk is the distance from death valley to the moon.

I've done the dorm thing, the roommate thing, the siblings as roommates and I've spent a lot of time with me, myself, and I. Some things are still a trial and error because while there are great perks to living alone, read those here, there are also a few things that you do need to think about if you are planning on going out on your own limb.

1. BUDGET - no joke. Roomates are great because you aren't paying for rent AND utilities AND internet AND food by yourself. So really think about what's important when it comes to satellite or cable or just living off some decent internet. How much of a 'home' can you afford when you consider the deposit AND first month's rent and the full amount of your bills every month?

Pinterest Provides this time

2. Insurance - Some places require renter's insurance and some don't. Think about it though, if you are working full time, no one is home and it becomes a bit easy to figure out your routine. Now look at what you own. Can you and are you ready, willing, and able to replace your belongings if there is a break in or a leak from where the pipes burst on your trip home for Thanksgiving or even worse a fire? The homeowner will have insurance on the place because they own it and they have to protect it. Protect your own too. Depending on where you live, the belongings in your car could be covered too. In the state of New Mexico, your car is an extension of your home, so if your car gets broken into, your stuff in there could be covered too.

3. Pets - A big plus to diminishing the silence and the impending moments of loneliness is to get a pet. Whether its a loyal dog or an evil cat, everyone has that idea. But if you aren't allowed pets at your place, aim for fish. Even dorm rooms will be ok with a fish or three. I can attest that I spent my sophomore year of college in my dorm room by myself. I had just changed majors and my roommate moved out. I never got a new one and the silence was killer sometimes. So I bought a beta fish, Jethro. He was the absolute best fish I've ever had in my entire life. Never judged and always ready to listen. Now that I'm in my own place, I've inherited a turtle from my ever-so-loving sister (not by choice). He's more maintenance than I ever wanted, but he's still there when I get home to yell at him and as long as the water is flowing, I'm ok.

4. Protection/Security - I am a happily taken girl but I still live alone and have for a really long time. My previous roommates have been guys but I've had my fair share of incidents and potential incidents. From coming home at night after work and having a couple guys knock on my car window right before I get out to wondering if I should be calling child services on my neighbors. I'm not saying you should get your concealed carry license, though I know plenty of women that do. But it couldn't hurt to have a stun gun or a baton or even just some pepper spray. Be smart ladies because it's better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it, especially if dogs are a no go. To help with that, I've found a company that seeks to help women out in times of distress. I've got my own wishlist because there is a lot of good stuff. It's not sponsored by far but still good info with Damsel in Defense http://damselindefense.net/.

This is from their website, isn't it pretty?

5. Crockpot - it seems random yes but you are cooking for one. Take it from me when I tell you that it's easy to just go out and buy for yourself. Eating out is easy and a favorite meal of mine is one that I don't have to make or clean up after. But a good little crockpot can provide lunch and dinner for a few days if not a week. Gotta save the moneys where you can.

6. Entertainment - I don't care what kind of hobby you have, but you're going to need it. Being alone doesn't mean you have to be lonely. But if you read some of my perks here, I don't do well with complete silence since I come from a loud, musical and Hispanic family, I've had everything from movies to music blasting in the background to keep me going or else I may lose my mind. Books are great as are video games, movies, Pinterest, etc. Most people are not used to spending over half their time by themselves. It's not easy but when you are comfortable in your own company, you'll know that you'll be ok and that is the biggest hurdle you'll face.

7. Health - The thing about getting sick is that you are alone. Mom won't make your doctor's appointments and you will more than likely have to get time off work if you aren't a complete incubus of viral plague. If anything, you should at least have a first aid kit. My sister was wonderful enough to make me a little one and I've added to it. Keep a good pile of EmergenC to prevent the seasonal bugs that fly through and you know your own body when it comes to allergies, sinuses, and things of the like. Best thing to have is a thermometer, regular or digital, just know how to read it. It hits fever range and you call in because things are going down and it's time to hit the remedies like I have here. If you have to be sick and miserable, at least make it bearable.

These are just a few of the things that always come to mind when someone asks how I like living alone or how I handle it. This list has just started but it will more than likely grow because we learn as we go.


Now read back on definite pros to living alone.
http://bit.ly/7Perks

What I've Learned in 25 Years

It’s been quite the eventful week. I’ve just turned 26 and it hit me, in a dramatic fashion of course, that I’ve completed a quarter century of life. Granted, I don’t remember the beginning ones but, the fact remains that there is a lot I’ve learned in this time up to now. Now that I’ve, technically, entered the later 20’s, there’s still a lot to learn but there’s also a ton that I have learned that I think everyone should at least consider. We brag about being in our twenties and being adulty, but it’s still a process for sure.

So take what I’ve learned and see if it works with you too.

1.       Life’s not fair. It’s not just a cliché of a phrase. It’s really not, things will get rough and then there’ll be good times. But you have to roll with the punches and go. The world will not cuddle you forever. You’ll more than likely get dropped like a new born giraffe. The trick is to get up and walk no matter how wobbly you start.

2.       Don’t be afraid to ask for help. I’ve definitely had my proud moments that I’m not exactly proud of. There’s a difference in having someone help you and having someone do everything for you. For example, if you don’t know how to change a tire by now? Call someone and have them show you step by step because if you are on the side of the road, someone may stop and help or they may keep driving.

3.       Go to the damn doctor! Since I’ve turned 26, I’ve officially aged out of my parents’ insurance plan. So now, that’s coming out of my pocket. If you are on the insurance of your parentals, take advantage of that because it’s better to nip something in the bud now than wait til you have to pay for everything yourself and by then what may have been a small issue could become a bigger one really quick. Trust me, surgery is scary in person and on the bill.

4.       Things won’t go to plan, but plan anyway. I’m pretty sure that every specific plan I plan out never goes the way it’s supposed to. I could take a Saturday and plan out work, laundry, washing my car and writing and end up doing two loads of laundry and forgetting/leaving one in the dryer til Tuesday. But plan it out anyway. Planners are the trend but it’s better to actually use it. Even if they don’t go on schedule, you still know what you have to get done eventually.

5.       Have an emergency plan – Speaking of planning, read my post on what I do and pack when an emergency hits. Some people plan in the event of the zombie apocalypse, I tend to plan trips to the hospital or emergency sick trips home. When you’re in a bind for time, you feel better knowing you’ve brought more practical things instead of losing your head.

6.       Communication is key – Even I tend to slack on this one but it’s one that will only become more important. You have to talk to the people in your life. Whether it be your family, especially those you don't see all the time and even the ones you do. They are all you have in the world, like it or not. You have to communicate with the people at work. You don’t have to be best buddies but often times, you see them more than anyone else. In my work, I talk to a ton of college students and I tell them all to talk to their teachers, professors, etc. The more of a relationship you make with those who could help you move forward, the better off you’ll be. Remember it’s not always what you know, it’s who you know.

7.       Take a chance.  We always hear about our twenties being exciting and using this time to make mistakes and find out who we are and the person we want to be. Something make seem small but once you do it, then it’s huge. As I’m writing, a couple good friends are getting tattooed. One for the first time. That’s a chance I want to take more than anything and that plan will hopefully take place in the near future. Instead I’m rediscovering my love for the arts like I did here.

8.       Say “NO” more often. I don’t say this enough for sure and I’ve had my fair share of consequences for it. Do I want to go to a midnight release of a movie? I say yes but I really mean God-NO! I'll never get up in the morning. I do think I find myself using this more and I'm so ok with that.

9. Save your money and start your retirement. Sometime in your twenties, you've might've been working somewhere for a year and while living in the here and now is great, but chances are my generation may not get Social Security. So you need a back up plan to save you 30-40 years later. Unless you're married and/or with kids, your priority should be taking care of yourself. It adds up quicker than you think if you check out these scenarios.

10. And last but not least and this one is also a bit reaffirming for me, you are not going to be 100% ready. I like my comfort zone and have a guilty conscience from time, so you could call me a worrier. Really, I worry about everything, money, people, life, relationships, etc. It's all part of getting older and attempting to understand how the world works but honestly, if you have to wait until you're ready for it, I'm pretty sure you can count on it Not happening. I don't want to pull the YOLO or the Carpe Diem out but really think about it, fifteen years from now, what would you tell someone else about how to handle life? 

And now that I've turned the page on to a new chapter of life, I'm really wondering about where my life will take me and where I want it to go, but at least I have some of these locked down. :)

My Hispanic Remedies Explained

0k, I’m alive!!

It’s definitely been a trip. I’m not sure what is worse: being sick enough to have to miss work and just hate life or not being technically sick enough to have to go to work because you already have time off planned the next week. This past week has been a mess of everything. I’ve gone through so much stuff to keep me functioning as a human and more so as a human with a job in customer service. It’s not that I was contagious or anything, just felt like an incubus of viral plague.

Now, as a Hispanic woman, there are a few stereotypes that flow with being sick that society tends to mock but to be perfectly honest, there are a few reasons that they are home staples besides the fact that it works. Allow me to elaborate a tad:

Vicks vaporub, it’s creamy/gelly/absorbing and yes it has to be Vicks brand (and no, of course it's not sponsored, it's just brand loyalty). I don’t misplace this jar of amazingness. Sinuses backed up and now your throat is screaming from the dry air. Some people will go and buy a humidifier. Don't get me wrong, they are great, and even Vicks has their own line of humidifiers from cheap to people-spend-that-much-on-that? But when you’re at home and not wanting to encounter people in general, you do what you can.

Pop the biggest soup pot on the stove full of water and pop a spoonful of Vicks in it and let it simmer. Remember to check it every now and then so that it doesn’t end badly but the dry throat and nose will thank you no matter which room you are in. I have a relatively small place so it gives moisture to the air and even after I turn off the stove at night, because duh, I'm still able to save my throat and my voice. I've also been that person that's had it all over my chest, on the bottom of my feet with socks, and around my nostrils to one sooth my nose from the boxes of tissues and two, to smell it allll in. I had it a lot as a kid and it just reminds me of home. I'm not at home anymore and it sucks a lot when you have no choice but to take care of yourself, but it's stuff like this that helps you physically as well as mentally.

Manzanilla/Yerba Buena – Hot tea is a hot trend but it’s never been a fad when you consider the benefits of herbal tea. Now myself, I prefer Manzanilla (chamomile). Any stomach issue on down can be soothed with a steamy cup of tea. My bf prefers the good herb, mint. He is also the type who is not a fan of medicines, doctors, chemical compounds that are not included in car parts, etc. He’d rather drink some tea and tough it out. A lot of our culture is like that. If you aren’t holding your intestines inside your body then you’ll be ok. I don’t have that kind of patience but again, it works.

Sprite and/or 7up. The two are interchangeable really. Not saying that they taste the same but whichever you can get first, go for it. Anytime you get sick, you know to keep the fluids going but who likes being sick and waterlogged? Sometimes the bubbly goodness of Sprite doesn’t feel as heavy after a while and it gives your taste buds a break. And as a woman who’s had countless UTIs, mixing the Sprite to tone down the super tartness of straight cranberry juice helps keep the goodness going. You get some flavor and have the fluids to move things along

Caldito aka soup – it goes back to the keeping the fluids going but it also makes sense that especially if something is making you feel bleh, you have to eat something that is easy on the stomach and will be homey especially when you’re in an empty house taking care of yourself. Some people use chicken noodle soup. My family has a secret family chicken soup recipe that is easy to make and to eat. I’ve never not felt better after eating a bowl because then I’m warm, I’m full and I’ve given my body something that can help it fight whatever is keeping me down.  And if you make a big pot, then it lasts for days. 

Now I would have had pictures of my wonderful soup and Sprite, however comma, I ate and drank it all. But trust me, it goes back to the home feeling. I may not be at home or have someone to take care of me all day, but when you have a better attitude when you're sick, I think it helps so that way you won't be as miserable. So call your parents, aunts and uncles, grandparents who may have some home remedies but of course, be smart and go to the doctor too.




Read my previos post?
Operation Ducks in a row - Savings

My New Best Lash Friend

Calm Your Tits! Seriously...

Ok so I need to get this out because somebody out in the interweb of haterland let their cheese slide off their cracker. I came across a post that I initially just gazed and scrolled and immediately had to take a double take and scroll back.

Reasons why small boobs are better than big boobs

Insult me all you want but when you start talkin about the girls, the Rottweilers with no names, the tata’s, the balls that are bigger than guy’s balls then you’ve just insulted my soul. I was ready to tear this stupid post apart! But honestly their arguments had no meat to it. (pun intended)

Their supposed reasons to shame the chests that hold the power to the universe included remarks like:

·       You can wear different bras – obviously notating the lack of variety that tends to be in larger sizes (who would have thought about that). My solution is stop trying to find bras at Wal-Mart. Victoria Secret doesn’t carry my bra size but I invest my hard working money into wonderful, quality, beautiful, patterned, solid, nude, lacy and racy bras from Lane Bryant and am really wanting to try the bras at Torrid.

·      Popping out- busty girls like myself always get this. Because some of us are more endowed than others, we automatically become unclassy, unprofessional and/or cheap when it comes to rocking a low cut anything. And then there are times where it’s not low cut and they can still runneth over, but most times that’s not the plan.  All I can say is that if I want you to see them, then you’ll see them. That doesn’t make me ‘whorrable’, it’s confidence.

·       Perky – noting that gravity is terrible and causes a lot of changes to take place throughout life. But here’s the kicker about this guys. Over time, we become older and all of us tends to sag in places we don’t want them too. (and if you didn’t read this with sarcasm, take a second and reread it please) It’s about health. If you take care of your ta ta’s when you’re younger along with the rest of yourself, then you’ll be just fine. My grandmothers are in their seventies and saggy girls are not an option.

·         Man attention – the particular caption was in reference to the distracting nature of the glorious beasts and the effects they can have on the opposite sex. But trying to say that I can never get a guy to make eye contact with me because he’s looking at my chest is like saying that a movie is better than the book it was based off of. Sometimes they stare yes, and sometimes they don’t. But last I checked, for those who stared, it was because you have breasts and carry two X chromosomes. I won’t lie to you and say that bigger boobs won’t get more attention, but another way to see it is that you gots da power! Over yourself, over that particular situation, over whether to get offended or to turn the tables in your favor.

·         Hard Life – throwing in struggles about back problems, the horrors of sports bras. And unfortunately yes there are women everywhere who struggle with their chest area. Some can afford to change that and some just make it with the hand they’re dealt. Sports bras are necessary for workouts or really anywhere that the dogs gotta be tied down. I don’t know of any woman with big or small titties that works out without one. There is a place and time to be wild and free, and the gym is not one of those times.

I got through the entire post with a giant ? on top of my head. Big boobs aren’t a death sentence and neither are small boobs. People with boobs have these problems regardless of size. So I really don’t know if maybe some sights are just really struggling for something to grab attention or what, but really internet, be original. If you want to bring the busty chests down to bring the small boobies up, don’t because they’re equal in the amount of pros and cons. There are people with bulldogs who’d rather have Chihuahuas and vise versa. I, myself, have always loved my bust. I weep for the breast cancer survivors because I can’t imagine my life without my chest and they do it every single day. I tip my hat and heart to them and to this dumb post, I can’t even bring myself to post the link, because obviously whoever is writing for you has some self-confidence issues. Put on some Demi with her Confident song and get over it and love what your mama gave ya.

Operation Ducks in a Row - Stop Complaining.

I had a great conversation with a friend of mine a while back. It had been quite a while since we had some wine and chat. She’s the Carrie to my Samantha. Lots of good views and some opposing but the biggest one we came out of was about how much we, as people in general, complain. We complain about our size, about losing weight, about gaining weight, about work and just life in a ton of aspects.

The fact is that bad habits take forever to die. Good habits are essentially the devil when it comes to setting up. A characteristic of my generation is that we are lazy, and in a lot of instances, entitled. A lot of times those are true. I won’t lie and say I’m not because I am pretty dang lazy and a bit spoiled. But I’m working on it. But in order to do that, must handle the problem of lazy habits.

Aside from all the negativity that complaining brings about, it’s still just talk. And if that is one guaranteed thing, we talk. Everyone can talk and a lot can talk the talk. But without the walk, it’s nothing. It means nothing except that your complaining is just whining which gets annoying very quickly. Haven’t you had those moments where even you get on your own nerves because I sooo have and it’s not cute nor is it productive.

I decided to take this into Operation Ducks in a Row. My mom always said that actions speak louder than words. But like any kid to their parent, everything sounds different either when someone else says it or if you figure it out by yourself. Actions mean more than vocal promises, just look at New Year’s resolutions. But when you are deciding on life changes, then you actually have to do something about it. If you want to complain about your current size, then what are you going to do about it? If you are complaining about work, then what actions will you take to change it?

It was a great discussion that night that had me thinking back to a lot of the things I complain about. 

My biggest issues at hand, I believe, are my house, work, and some adjustments I want to make to my physical figure. So from this conversation, I’ve started making mental lists and action plans about how to go from where I am now to where I want to go. For example, on the housing front, that means actually doing research to see what other housing options there are or whether it’s best to stay where I am. Effort is kind of a must and some days it’s harder to pull out than others but honestly, if I can put half as much effort into resolving my issues as I do in complaining about the multiple reasons nothing works, then what is the point??

The bottom line that we agreed on that night is that if you aren’t going to change anything then stop complaining about it. Not saying that it’s become a mission to point that out to everyone who’s complaining but if it can get the thought process going, then maybe it’s time to put in a little tough love to ourselves and to those around us not because we’re bullies or trying to offend anyone, but to get the mental gears turning and do it. Like my wonderful voice professor always said, there is no try only do. Try is a state of mind and a terribly excuse while doing is an action. Doing will initiate progress and knowledge and eventually the goal will be reached.

Read on to see my other ducks that are coming in line...
Store Cards
Savings
Downsizing

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It's Ok, I'm Not Offended

With all the talk lately about Plus is Equal and body shaming, I can’t honestly say that it has had a huge effect on me. I completely support these movements and all, but the fact remains is that it is just emphasized on specific parts of the country, the coast. Sadly where I live, important topics are important but the hottest topic that usually goes around town are politics, religion, and work. Size, I believe is one of those things where it should not be brought up in polite conversation.

The other day though, I encountered something that made me take a step back and think. It’s no secret that I’m the biggest person at work. It’s something that I’ve noticed since day 1, but I’m also the tallest standing at 5 foot 10 with flats on. I’ve had my fair share of customers shamelessly asking when I’m due or what I’m having. It just comes with the territory but it does bug the living hell out of me. That’s when I look them directly in the eye and tell them that I’m not pregnant, I’m just that big. Insert the washing of embarrassment and shame and queue the immediate walking away. I’d like to say that I’m just fat, but I don’t think that would be very professional, however it has almost slipped out. But the bottom line is that it’s just rude, like asking about a woman’s age, you just don’t do it.

Back to the event, I was helping a customer like normal. Wasn’t a huge deal and one of my managers came in to deliver some paperwork. They know each other and so while I was working on his stuff, he struck up a conversation with her. There was the typical polite conversation, questions about how things are going and the family. Then he just stops and looks her up and down and tells her that she looks like she’s lost weight. We, both, have a bit of a surprised face and I quickly go back to my work. Now he’s wanting to know what she’s been doing and how much she’s lost because she’s looking good and every passing second, we both are uncomfortable.

She goes to tell him that it’s unwanted weight loss, how she’s afraid she’s getting sick, like dire-something-is-wrong sick. Explains doctor’s visits and everything because losing weight is not what she wants and it is really worrying her. She's female, of course she has issues with her size, what woman doesn't? We all have something that we think would be better. I'm very much at peace with my size, but even with my own body confidence, there are some problem areas to me. Big girls have them, small girls have them, every one has them, even guys. 

At the end of the day, she says that she needs to speak to me about what had happened. I didn’t get it because if anything I should have apologized for the guy's rudeness. But after all, I think she felt bad about her losing weight and the whole conversation around me, where it’s obvious that I don’t have a lot of luck in the losing weight department. I was like no, no, you’re ok. I know how you feel about it and the whole thing was just rude to you. I don’t think I said it but I do hope that she knows that it’s ok that she wants to be the size she wants and even more so that she's healthy. 

Being happy with yourself and being healthy is so much more important than the vanity. She was made fun of for being thin, I was for being big. Two sides of the same coin, and yet most people would think that having trouble gaining weight is more of a blessing, and maybe to some it is but for a lot of others, it's the opposite. We’ve all got our things and we have built a thick skin to not particularly be outright offended. But a big thing about ‘Murica is that everyone is quick to cry ‘offended’ and ‘bullying’ and ‘shaming’. We got our big girl panties on and are grown women. I can understand not wanting to offend someone by saying something in the wrong way or it comes out weird that so many would just jump on, but while there are too many people out there wanting apologies for every opinion, I’m ok. Thanks for the consideration, but we have other things to worry about.



(On the other hand, if you aren't happy then do something about it, don't complain)

Operation Ducks in a Row

There is something I want to get off my chest. I don’t think I’m the only one who feels this way but I gotta let it out. As an avid shopper of clothes, I can’t say that I suffer from a shopping problem because let’s be honest, I highly enjoy it. But, sadly there always has to be a but, I finally see that I have a slight problem as I have run out of space for them.

"I like my money right where I can see it.....hanging in my closet." - Carrie Bradshaw

Now I know that laundry day is never just a day and it never ends, but have you ever that those days where you get the majority of it done and the tiny closet is full? Turn around and the drawers are full? The scarf rack is always full and the dreaded chair is a Tower of Pisa. I’m seeing that more and more often and it makes me uneasy. Carrie Bradshaw can’t help but wonder, does this make me a fashion horder or just a hot mess?

It’s obvious to say that trends are constantly changing but sometimes we have to think a little deeper than that. I’ve been going through my closet and trying to sort and organize. What I have found are clothes that I wore in high school. Some still fit and I still wear and then there are some that I don’t wear as much. There are some that I had in college for just about every situation. Being in the music and theatre department, I had recital attire, audition attire, going-to-the-club attire complete with accessories and shoes. Then job attire. Now on campus, I didn’t have to wear slacks everyday but I always felt that I should dress a little nicer than just a t-shirt.

Don’t get me wrong, there were a few days where I couldn’t handle the world and I would wear a campus t-shirt or even one of my high school band shirts. But there was always a balance, because I would semi dress it up with accessories and better makeup; a trick I learned in high school because I didn’t have access to online shopping and buying clothes in my hometown was leaving my hometown and driving a couple hours away. I did what I could, and whatever clothes I had, I took care of and held to like a kid with his blanky.

That’s my problem now. I’ve been so used to metaphorically and slightly literally clutching my clothes and am always so excited when I have more that now..... my ‘clutter’ is now just an outright mess. If you’ve been to my Pinterest boards, you will see my pins for organizing and ideas for putting different outfits together, etc etc. I can now go back and actually read up and start applying because what’s going on right here is not ok.  I can admit that I am a messy person and people who have known me in my life can attest to that. It’s gradually gotten better over time, you know slowly but surely. I’m an organized chaos kind of girl but even I know that what is happening now is just a hot mess.

So I write before you and I plan on giving some updates over time to see what works and what doesn’t. I don’t let go of things, especially things I love, so it’s not gonna be easy but it needs to be done. So it begins, Operation Ducks in a Row.





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Being Sliced and Diced (well only kinda)

I have thought about whether to post this or not about my recent surgery. It wasn’t anything horrible but I know that it will affect some of the things I do in the future whether it be blog related or life experience related. So here’s my story and now you'll know whenever I reference it. And while you are at it, do me a favor and just go to the doctor. What may seem like a small problem now may turn into a bigger problem later? Don’t believe me, read on and some slight discretion on the pictures…

One of the great things about my awesome boyfriend is that while I know he cares, he is also not afraid to call me out on our agreements. One of our agreements were to go to the doctor about our respective issues and honestly both were minor but still required surgery, well technically at least. He got his done and while they classify it as a surgery, they were able to numb him and do the thing. Wham, Bam, Thank you ma’am and if it gets sore, take some Motrin. He’s not big on medication things of the like and so he went on and ‘walked it off’.

Myself on the other hand, I dreaded going in because I knew it was going to be straight up surgery. IV followed by loopiness and out like a light and asleep for about two days. Wasn’t anything major but I had a couple cysts. Can’t remember the actual name of what it was but in lamen’s terms, there’s a gland that keeps the skin hydrated all over the body and sometimes when the channel is blocked or clogged, your body forms this bump of stuff that’s trying to do its thing but can’t go anywhere.

As it worked out, I was able to go into surgery about three weeks before vacation. In my head, this was ample time to get in, cut it out, sew me up and basically be healed before we went to Vegas. Yes Las Vegas, Nevada. As life would have it, my incisions got infected. I popped a couple of my internal stitches, probably in my sleep as I am a hard core back sleeper, and low and behold I was forced to have and care for open wounds. Since I obviously can’t see behind me, I’ve had my mom, my grandma, my younger brother, and my wonderful boyfriend clean and pack my wounds twice a day. (thank you Birchbox for the perfect sized boxes for my wound care storage)

About three weeks later and the skin irritation from all the tape and bandaids hurt more than the wound itself. I’d put a picture up but it’s pretty graphic so I won’t take you guys to that point. But twice a day, carefully remove medical tape with the help of rubbing alcohol. Carefully pull the packing strip out which at first started at about 8-10 inches long and thankfully gets smaller and smaller. Clean and drain it all out to put more packing strips in and cover the same spot with the dreaded tape. I’ve used the paper tape, the silk tape, Band Aid waterproof pad bandaids, and termagants (or the clear sticky pad that nurses put on top of iv’s to keep everything from moving around).

Because the tape wouldn’t stick to my hair line, I’ve shaved that part of my head after the surgery twice. Not a pretty site but wearing my hair down created too much heat for 1, my tape to stick to my skin. 2, my already super irritated skin to sing the painful song of their pained people which would turn into my pain and 3, my patience with all of this happening. Here's a couple not terrifying pictures...

My bf has said on multiple occasions that he’s sorry and I tell him not to because I had been putting this off for years, literally. This will be my last year on my parentals’ insurance so might as well take advantage while I can. Instead I thank him because even through it all, you have to look at the long term. I’ll be able to wear necklaces again and have another reason to contemplate tattoos haha. But I also have more ways to help prevent this from happening because the doctor I had gone to actually helps!!!! Who knew?