First day back at school. I can safely say this semester is going to be a good one...have that feeling already. This morning went smoothly. Got up, got myself ready, listened to Olivia play in her crib waiting patiently for mommy to get her up and get her ready. Toddler with patience. How did I get so blessed? Clocked into work at 8:12am, now just sitting here waiting for my class at 11:00.
UPDATE: So, I tried Dove Intensive Repair Shampoo/Conditioner. My hair type is slightly thick, wavy, and colored. These products claimed to "reconstruct hair and prevent split ends and breakage. Deeply penetrate porous hair to help reconstruct from within the hair. Strengthen and nourish hair from root to tip." My experience was nothing close to this. My hair felt great in the shower after I applied the conditioner and it went downhill from there. After blow drying and straightening my hair, it felt coarse and dried out. Of course pre-blowdry, I applied heat therapy serum to prevent damage from straightener.
On a scale from 1-10, I'd rate these products a 4.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
THE cure.
So, I believe this week has been the LONGEST week of my life thus far. Last week, on Friday to be exact - I checked myself into the emergency room with symptoms of: severe abdominal pain, uncomfortable swelling, nausea, dizziness, and feeling faint. 20 gauge IV, 525 CC of disgusting liquid, and a cat scan later - results revealed a small ovarian cyst. Sent home with pain and nausea medication and a follow-up request with my OBGYN.
If things couldn't get anymore interesting, a slight rash on my face starting that Friday transformed into full-fledged poison ivy by Tuesday morning. I had been experimenting with different face washes and moisturizers lately in hopes to cleanse and moisturize enough so that my face was fresh and dewy not oily and dry. Product after product I wasn't getting anywhere. How I came in contact with poison ivy - no clue.
So, another doctor appointment on Wednesday morning. Sent home with two scripts - one for a steroid pill pack (4mg, 21 pills taken over 6 days) and an amped up benedryl script to help with redness, itching, swelling, and to ensure I get some sleep. Also, suggestions from my doctor such as using hydrocortisone cream 1% on my face for itching (topical steroid) or calamine lotion. Now, I have used both these products before when I had my first case of poison ivy back in 2001. No adverse reactions resulted. So I thought, what the heck? I couldn't be allergic to those now. HA! I could hear the world laughing at me. I put both on my face (not simultaneously) and it made the rash worse!
I was getting really desperate at this point and started a googling frenzy. Website after website held the same advice that I had received from my doctor. After looking through some tips using homeopathic/household item methods, I came across "baking soda and water". Seeing as it was almost 11:00 at night, I wasn't going to tackle this beast till morning.
I gave my mother a call the next morning so upset that my face was not clearing up. She also suggested "baking soda and water". She said make a paste with it and put it all over the places that were consumed by the poison ivy. After a single application, the redness and itchiness noticeably faded. I was amazed at how well it worked. I applied this about 10 times since then and I'm on day 4 of my steroid pack. I HIGHLY recommend this to anyone that can't seem to find THE cure to your poison ivy ailment.
Definitely an experience packed into one week. And it being the week before school starts, I can officially say "Thank GOD for baking soda, water, and pain pills ;)"
If things couldn't get anymore interesting, a slight rash on my face starting that Friday transformed into full-fledged poison ivy by Tuesday morning. I had been experimenting with different face washes and moisturizers lately in hopes to cleanse and moisturize enough so that my face was fresh and dewy not oily and dry. Product after product I wasn't getting anywhere. How I came in contact with poison ivy - no clue.
So, another doctor appointment on Wednesday morning. Sent home with two scripts - one for a steroid pill pack (4mg, 21 pills taken over 6 days) and an amped up benedryl script to help with redness, itching, swelling, and to ensure I get some sleep. Also, suggestions from my doctor such as using hydrocortisone cream 1% on my face for itching (topical steroid) or calamine lotion. Now, I have used both these products before when I had my first case of poison ivy back in 2001. No adverse reactions resulted. So I thought, what the heck? I couldn't be allergic to those now. HA! I could hear the world laughing at me. I put both on my face (not simultaneously) and it made the rash worse!
I was getting really desperate at this point and started a googling frenzy. Website after website held the same advice that I had received from my doctor. After looking through some tips using homeopathic/household item methods, I came across "baking soda and water". Seeing as it was almost 11:00 at night, I wasn't going to tackle this beast till morning.
I gave my mother a call the next morning so upset that my face was not clearing up. She also suggested "baking soda and water". She said make a paste with it and put it all over the places that were consumed by the poison ivy. After a single application, the redness and itchiness noticeably faded. I was amazed at how well it worked. I applied this about 10 times since then and I'm on day 4 of my steroid pack. I HIGHLY recommend this to anyone that can't seem to find THE cure to your poison ivy ailment.
Definitely an experience packed into one week. And it being the week before school starts, I can officially say "Thank GOD for baking soda, water, and pain pills ;)"
Saturday, August 14, 2010
8 Touches That Will Tell Him Everything
1) When you want to let him know he's awesome - Pat him on the butt
To guys, the butt pat is a nonverbal way of saying "You're the man." Growing up, men are taught that this gesture communicates admiration and support. Just watch a game of any team sport and you'll see athletes and coaches use it repeatedly after a big play is made. That's why when you touch him that way, he immediately interprets it as a signal of approval.
2) When you need to say "I'm sorry" - Reach over and squeeze his knee (while you are both sitting)
Touching his knee as you apologize makes him feel connected to you, so he's more receptive to what you're trying to say. The knee is you go-to spot because it's neutral territory. It's not as invasive as touching his face or arm would be, so he won't recoil if he's upset. Plus, when you extend your arm to touch his knee, your body has to bend forward slightly. This is a submissive posture that subconsciously signals to his brain that you are genuinely contrite and would like his forgiveness.
3) When he's bummed out - Lightly scratch his neck along the hairline
It's the ultimate soother for two reasons. First, raking your fingers through his hair taps in to primitive grooming instincts. Preening is a universal care taking gesture that everything from birds to primates to humans use to show affection. It's a nurturing move that makes him feel safe and more calm. Second, the trapezius muscle (a large back muscle) extends up through his neck. This area is is where we tend to carry the bulk of stress in our bodies. Stroking this muscle helps him relax just as a massage would.
4) When you want to get him to do something he doesn't want to do - Grasp his hands and coax them into prayer position, then position your hands over his
Arranging his hands as if you're praying projects power and control. And by placing his hands between yours, you're subconsciously signaling to him that you're the dominant one in this scenario. As a result, your words become more persuasive to him, though he won't know why.
5) When you want to let him know you're turned on - Put your hand on the top of his inner thigh
This move isn't effective just because it's super close to his package. The upper part of his inner thigh is a sensitive area on its own. It's loaded with nerve endings that connect to his genitals. Plus, the skin in this region is more tender since it's the part of the thigh that generally has the least amount of muscle.
6) When he's angry and you need to defuse a fight - Place your hand on top of his shoulder, keeping a straight elbow
This is like hitting the pause button on his brain during an argument. While the motion is firm - keeping your arm straight carries more power and commands attention. The comforting contact will help to calm down your guy. The shoulder is an ideal spot to touch in a moment like this, since its well protected with muscle and less sensitive, as opposed to more vulnerable places, like his face and neck. Your touch will bring him out of the heat of the moment and remind him of your bond, taking his anger down a notch. The key, though, is to use this move just as a fight is beginning and his heated emotions are still at a simmer and not a full boil.
7) When you're not really "fine" - Reach out to him, palms up, and slip your hands under his
Putting your hands out, upturned, signals an appeal for help. This gesture has long been associated in society with begging, so he will unconsciously interpret it as your asking for a boost from him. And when you grasp your partner's hands with his on top of yours, you're subtly emphasizing that you need for him to give that support to you. It's like fishing for reassurance without having to verbalize it. Since his hands cover yours, he assumes the dominant role, triggering him to take care of you.
8) When you want to say "I love you" - Hold his face with a hand on each of his cheeks
A guy's face is extra sensitive - even after he has shaved, his scruff has special tactile sensors that wrap around the hair follicle. A higher number of follicles makes a man's face more sensitive than a woman's. That makes this a great spot to take advantage of, since a woman's skin is usually more delicate than a man's. Plus, the hands-on-your-lovers cheeks gesture is interpreted as especially romantic. The face is one of the most emotionally intimate spots on the body, so holding his closely communicates the deep bond you feel with him.
To guys, the butt pat is a nonverbal way of saying "You're the man." Growing up, men are taught that this gesture communicates admiration and support. Just watch a game of any team sport and you'll see athletes and coaches use it repeatedly after a big play is made. That's why when you touch him that way, he immediately interprets it as a signal of approval.
2) When you need to say "I'm sorry" - Reach over and squeeze his knee (while you are both sitting)
Touching his knee as you apologize makes him feel connected to you, so he's more receptive to what you're trying to say. The knee is you go-to spot because it's neutral territory. It's not as invasive as touching his face or arm would be, so he won't recoil if he's upset. Plus, when you extend your arm to touch his knee, your body has to bend forward slightly. This is a submissive posture that subconsciously signals to his brain that you are genuinely contrite and would like his forgiveness.
3) When he's bummed out - Lightly scratch his neck along the hairline
It's the ultimate soother for two reasons. First, raking your fingers through his hair taps in to primitive grooming instincts. Preening is a universal care taking gesture that everything from birds to primates to humans use to show affection. It's a nurturing move that makes him feel safe and more calm. Second, the trapezius muscle (a large back muscle) extends up through his neck. This area is is where we tend to carry the bulk of stress in our bodies. Stroking this muscle helps him relax just as a massage would.
4) When you want to get him to do something he doesn't want to do - Grasp his hands and coax them into prayer position, then position your hands over his
Arranging his hands as if you're praying projects power and control. And by placing his hands between yours, you're subconsciously signaling to him that you're the dominant one in this scenario. As a result, your words become more persuasive to him, though he won't know why.
5) When you want to let him know you're turned on - Put your hand on the top of his inner thigh
This move isn't effective just because it's super close to his package. The upper part of his inner thigh is a sensitive area on its own. It's loaded with nerve endings that connect to his genitals. Plus, the skin in this region is more tender since it's the part of the thigh that generally has the least amount of muscle.
6) When he's angry and you need to defuse a fight - Place your hand on top of his shoulder, keeping a straight elbow
This is like hitting the pause button on his brain during an argument. While the motion is firm - keeping your arm straight carries more power and commands attention. The comforting contact will help to calm down your guy. The shoulder is an ideal spot to touch in a moment like this, since its well protected with muscle and less sensitive, as opposed to more vulnerable places, like his face and neck. Your touch will bring him out of the heat of the moment and remind him of your bond, taking his anger down a notch. The key, though, is to use this move just as a fight is beginning and his heated emotions are still at a simmer and not a full boil.
7) When you're not really "fine" - Reach out to him, palms up, and slip your hands under his
Putting your hands out, upturned, signals an appeal for help. This gesture has long been associated in society with begging, so he will unconsciously interpret it as your asking for a boost from him. And when you grasp your partner's hands with his on top of yours, you're subtly emphasizing that you need for him to give that support to you. It's like fishing for reassurance without having to verbalize it. Since his hands cover yours, he assumes the dominant role, triggering him to take care of you.
8) When you want to say "I love you" - Hold his face with a hand on each of his cheeks
A guy's face is extra sensitive - even after he has shaved, his scruff has special tactile sensors that wrap around the hair follicle. A higher number of follicles makes a man's face more sensitive than a woman's. That makes this a great spot to take advantage of, since a woman's skin is usually more delicate than a man's. Plus, the hands-on-your-lovers cheeks gesture is interpreted as especially romantic. The face is one of the most emotionally intimate spots on the body, so holding his closely communicates the deep bond you feel with him.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
fix you, fix me.
When you try your best, but you don't succeed
When you get what you want, but not what you need
When you feel so tired, but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse
And the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can't replace
When you love someone, but it goes to waste
Could it be worse?
Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you
And high up above or down below
When you're too in love to let it go
But if you never try you'll never know
Just what you're worth
Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you
Tears stream down on your face
When you lose something you cannot replace
Tears stream down on your face
And on your face I...
Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
taking on the world, one inch at a time.
REVELATION. You only have so much time on this earth, but it isn't so limited that things in your life should be rushed to the point of experiencing certain milestones before you're ready to. Our generation has been programmed to think certain ways. It has been shoved down our throat through television, movies, magazines, books, and by our own peers. It has been assumed by both woman and men to think in the moment; making decisions that would be the best for our current situation. We are a group of people that are surrounded by the fast paced lifestyle which dictates and influences our actions to be just as quick and abrupt. We are constantly thinking of "what can I do right now that would satisfy this feeling and/or craving." Rarely does the thought of "...what kind of impact will this have 6 months down the road. Do I really need this now? Am I being irrational and impatient? Can I wait?" arise in our minds. The verb "wait" is a foreign word in most peoples' vocabulary. If we would put more effort into the little things now, and focus our energy into building sturdy, strong foundations out of those little things - our futures would be a lot more promising and successful. This goes with anything: relationships with your significant other, family, friends, school, work, hobbies and passions. Anything worth more than a few minutes of your time deserves more than a quick fix solution to serious problems. After it is all said and done, and your goal has been reached - whether it is 6 months, a year, 5 years down the road - you will reflect on the decisions you made that brought you to that point. Personally, I want to be the person who looks back and sees a journey that was well-lived, well thought out, and meaningful; that showed growth in myself, growth in those around me, and permanent changes made for the better in my heart. I want something I'm proud of. I want those many months that were spent working towards a goal, to represent decisions I made that encompass true value, and not ones that were made to get me to another fork in the road; needing another abrupt decision to repair the damage from the last one. I urge you to provide yourself with a slight pause before making any decisions in life. Not a pause of doubt, but one of reflection. That brief moment could change your entire life.
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