Monday, May 13, 2013
Think you are Owed Something? Just get Over it!
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Makeup Primer, Instant Age Rewind..Review
Hitting the age of Senior Citizen seems to get younger and younger. When I turned 50, AARP, automatically added me to their mailing list.
Now I am turning 55. Dark Circles and wrinkles, under my eyes, are getting harder and harder to cover.
Those dark circles led me to search out a concealer that actually works. I have a drawer full of ones that do not.
Merle Norman makes one that I am happy with, but, the drawback, it seems to magnify the little wrinkles under my eyes.
Now I am on a search to find a primer that is, "supposed" , to fill in these lines, thus the concealer and base makeup, can not settle into them, making them even more visible.
Today's review is the Instant Age Rewind, by Maybelline. In preparation , I cleansed my face, used a light toner, then moisturized. Then we waited for the moisturizer to soak in completely, at least five minutes.
Using tiny dots, I then applied the primer to various places and using a circular motion, completely covered my face. This leaves your face feeling very very silky smooth, and you wonder if you have used too much.
Waiting just a few minutes, I then added my concealer, Merle Norman, and then my base, also Merle Norman, that is a powder.
I will let you be your own judge looking at the photos. Sorry this is a cloudy overcast day.
Can you tell which photo is before and which is after? Not really? Me Neither! Can you say , FAIL??
Now I am turning 55. Dark Circles and wrinkles, under my eyes, are getting harder and harder to cover.
Those dark circles led me to search out a concealer that actually works. I have a drawer full of ones that do not.
Merle Norman makes one that I am happy with, but, the drawback, it seems to magnify the little wrinkles under my eyes.
Now I am on a search to find a primer that is, "supposed" , to fill in these lines, thus the concealer and base makeup, can not settle into them, making them even more visible.
Today's review is the Instant Age Rewind, by Maybelline. In preparation , I cleansed my face, used a light toner, then moisturized. Then we waited for the moisturizer to soak in completely, at least five minutes.
Using tiny dots, I then applied the primer to various places and using a circular motion, completely covered my face. This leaves your face feeling very very silky smooth, and you wonder if you have used too much.
Waiting just a few minutes, I then added my concealer, Merle Norman, and then my base, also Merle Norman, that is a powder.
I will let you be your own judge looking at the photos. Sorry this is a cloudy overcast day.
Can you tell which photo is before and which is after? Not really? Me Neither! Can you say , FAIL??
Friday, May 13, 2011
Two for One Rant Day! Hastings Book Buy Back and LIHEAP
First off, I am not always as grumpy as I sound on this blog. It just a way to put information out there for the general public.
I read some online reviews on the Hastings book buy back program. Those reviews convinced me this was the way to remove some clutter from the homestead.
Loading up three large canvas shopping bags, off I headed to town. My collection consists mainly of hardback, first printings, of Stephen King Novels. All in excellent condition. My vision, after reading the reviews, was to come out with approx 130.00, store credit.
Complete joke. It took all I had to not come home with my books. Clearing clutter was the goal, not padding my pocketbook, so , yes, I did go ahead and leave my collection at the store. Very disappointed. After all was said and done, my choice was a measly 20.00 store credit, or 12.00 in cash.
My advice to anyone else thinking of going this route, don't. Find another way to get your books into the hands of someone who would like to read them. This was really hiway robbery. Having browsed their used book selection previously, they sell these very hardcovers starting from 9.00 up to 14.99. I can't even comprehend that amount of markup. Donate to a library or local jail instead. You clutter will be gone and you could feel good about the decision to get rid of it.
Ok, then. On to my second gripe. LIHEAP. For anyone not familiar, it stands for, Oklahoma Low-Income Energy Help. This is what most states utilized stimulus monies for. If you meet the income guidelines, you qualified for new windows, doors, heat/air unit, hot water tank blanket, insulation, those low wattage bulbs, and also , insulation for the attic.
Its a very long process, start to finish. First there was all the paperwork to find out if you qualify, then an appointment to measure the doors and windows and inspect your heat and air, along with checking your current insulation.
My Mother in law, qualified. She lives alone, and survives on her social security check. Not sure if her handicapp status, she is wheelchair bound along with o2 dependent, gave her extra points or not.
First off, the windows they put in, are aluminum, are not double pane, and they resemble storm windows. The sit on the outside of her window frames, leaving the entire sill inside the house open. Her hands are so crippled up, she is not able to open nor close them. Yes, they are better than the single pane/glazed windows she had, but, at least she could push them up.
Second, they removed a gas heater from her house, that kept her plenty warm and worked in case of power outtages. This was replaced by a smaller, wall heater with a fan, that is too small. It does not heat her home well, even with new windows and doors. That is not the worst of it. The thing has broken down 3 times already.
We have a cold front that caused our temps to dive. The lows for tonight are forcasted to be 42. My husband attempted to light this heater, and it would not light. He has now gone in search of a new thermacoupler, because, guess what, the warranty expired last month. It just does not seem right. How can the warranty expire on a part that is now going to be replaced for the third time in the last year????
I am sure the LIHEAP program looks good on paper. It was supposed to save these folks from enourmous utility bills. However, as it turns out, the utility rates have increased so much, that this was of no help to her monthly budget, and our electric company just announced for the second time this year, another 3% increase, beginning in July. Ok, well maybe it will keep her from paying out even more, but, that was not part of the plan.
I read some online reviews on the Hastings book buy back program. Those reviews convinced me this was the way to remove some clutter from the homestead.
Loading up three large canvas shopping bags, off I headed to town. My collection consists mainly of hardback, first printings, of Stephen King Novels. All in excellent condition. My vision, after reading the reviews, was to come out with approx 130.00, store credit.
Complete joke. It took all I had to not come home with my books. Clearing clutter was the goal, not padding my pocketbook, so , yes, I did go ahead and leave my collection at the store. Very disappointed. After all was said and done, my choice was a measly 20.00 store credit, or 12.00 in cash.
My advice to anyone else thinking of going this route, don't. Find another way to get your books into the hands of someone who would like to read them. This was really hiway robbery. Having browsed their used book selection previously, they sell these very hardcovers starting from 9.00 up to 14.99. I can't even comprehend that amount of markup. Donate to a library or local jail instead. You clutter will be gone and you could feel good about the decision to get rid of it.
Ok, then. On to my second gripe. LIHEAP. For anyone not familiar, it stands for, Oklahoma Low-Income Energy Help. This is what most states utilized stimulus monies for. If you meet the income guidelines, you qualified for new windows, doors, heat/air unit, hot water tank blanket, insulation, those low wattage bulbs, and also , insulation for the attic.
Its a very long process, start to finish. First there was all the paperwork to find out if you qualify, then an appointment to measure the doors and windows and inspect your heat and air, along with checking your current insulation.
My Mother in law, qualified. She lives alone, and survives on her social security check. Not sure if her handicapp status, she is wheelchair bound along with o2 dependent, gave her extra points or not.
First off, the windows they put in, are aluminum, are not double pane, and they resemble storm windows. The sit on the outside of her window frames, leaving the entire sill inside the house open. Her hands are so crippled up, she is not able to open nor close them. Yes, they are better than the single pane/glazed windows she had, but, at least she could push them up.
Second, they removed a gas heater from her house, that kept her plenty warm and worked in case of power outtages. This was replaced by a smaller, wall heater with a fan, that is too small. It does not heat her home well, even with new windows and doors. That is not the worst of it. The thing has broken down 3 times already.
We have a cold front that caused our temps to dive. The lows for tonight are forcasted to be 42. My husband attempted to light this heater, and it would not light. He has now gone in search of a new thermacoupler, because, guess what, the warranty expired last month. It just does not seem right. How can the warranty expire on a part that is now going to be replaced for the third time in the last year????
I am sure the LIHEAP program looks good on paper. It was supposed to save these folks from enourmous utility bills. However, as it turns out, the utility rates have increased so much, that this was of no help to her monthly budget, and our electric company just announced for the second time this year, another 3% increase, beginning in July. Ok, well maybe it will keep her from paying out even more, but, that was not part of the plan.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Pancreaticoduodenectomy, AKA, The Whipple
The following blog was inspired by constant questions on Cancer message boards. Those who are facing this surgery, search high and low for any information, needing to know what to expect. I was in the exact same position, almost three years ago. My searching before the surgery, did not yield many results....
My Whipple surgery was Sept 20, 2008. I spent 9 days in the hospital, unable to keep any food down. My hospital stay would have been extended, but, I demanded to be released. The only reason they wanted to keep me was because of the vomiting, but, they had no treatment for it. It was just my bodies way of finding the new path.
At the date of my release, I had not lost any weight. Pretty sure this was due to the iv's full of fluids, as my body was so bloated I felt I could have floated away.
From then until about Thanksgiving, I continued to vomit up everything. My appetite was good, just could not keep it down. There was no use in taking enzymes at this point. Despite the pain pills and anti nausea meds, I also continued with the "dumping" symdrome. My nutrition came in the form of a can of ensure, given to me by the case by the American Cancer Society. A god send, as this stuff cost 6.50 for a six pack , retail. Be sure to check into this. I mixed up fruit smoothies using this as a base, used bananas, and fresh strawberries and peach's that I had frozen the summer before.
Finally, around Christmas, I was able to find some comfort foods that would stay down. Chicken noodle soup, cottage cheese, mashed potatos and gravy, slices of cheese.
At this point, I had lost 70 pounds. I was then started on enzymes, that only helped my body to absorb some nutrients, the dumping symdrome however continues to this day. Nothing has helped with that, nor the extreme bloating and gas. The original enzymes, was then discontinued due to a ruling by the fda, and I was put on creon. Creon and I do not get along. There is something in them that makes me break out in hives.
I was never advised to have chemo nor radiation. Had big fights with my insurance over follow up PET scans, my blood work is checked every four months, and so far so good.
With Pancreatic Cancer survival rates being so low, one automatically qualifies for disability. Mine is a three year term, at that time, I believe it will be re evaluated. I am unable to return to work, due to my new digestive process, as the gas and dumping are not controllable at this point. I have days where I look and have been accused of being nine months pregnant, the gas and bloating are that bad. I seem to be alone as no one here understands the pain that much gas causes a person, and have become a hermit, cause its extremely embarrasing , and I have no control over it. It wants out when it wants out.
My life after a whipple sucks, but, I can tell you, that with four friends and family members who has passed away, all from lung cancer, since my diagnosis, I am positive, that any of them would have gladly traded places with me.
I continue to tell people, that God has a plan for me that has yet to reveal itself.
Everyones Whipple Surgery recovery is different. I am amazed of the ones who seemingly hop out of that bed and get back to work and only dream of finding a working concoction of medicines and or diet, that would help me progress back into the world.
My life today takes planning. Something I have never been very good at.
If there is something needing done that will take me out of the house, its usually done between lunch hour and supper hour. If there are plans to go out of town, seldom happens, but, hey, we do occassionally make a day trip, I must carefully monitor what is eaten the day or two before, get up early enough in the morning of, so my body can empty itself, sometime its 3 or 4 trips to the potty before I can safely say lets go. As the day wears on and the body begins to bloat, and the gas pains start, its time to call it a day. At times I will attempt to extend the day, but this can become extremely painful.
I do hope the day will come where I am again able to be a productive member of society. Until I can find a Dr. who can figure this out, and work with me on finding solutions, please forgive me for not being in attendance in many, if any, social functions, or even taking an early exit, if I am able to be there.
My Whipple surgery was Sept 20, 2008. I spent 9 days in the hospital, unable to keep any food down. My hospital stay would have been extended, but, I demanded to be released. The only reason they wanted to keep me was because of the vomiting, but, they had no treatment for it. It was just my bodies way of finding the new path.
At the date of my release, I had not lost any weight. Pretty sure this was due to the iv's full of fluids, as my body was so bloated I felt I could have floated away.
From then until about Thanksgiving, I continued to vomit up everything. My appetite was good, just could not keep it down. There was no use in taking enzymes at this point. Despite the pain pills and anti nausea meds, I also continued with the "dumping" symdrome. My nutrition came in the form of a can of ensure, given to me by the case by the American Cancer Society. A god send, as this stuff cost 6.50 for a six pack , retail. Be sure to check into this. I mixed up fruit smoothies using this as a base, used bananas, and fresh strawberries and peach's that I had frozen the summer before.
Finally, around Christmas, I was able to find some comfort foods that would stay down. Chicken noodle soup, cottage cheese, mashed potatos and gravy, slices of cheese.
At this point, I had lost 70 pounds. I was then started on enzymes, that only helped my body to absorb some nutrients, the dumping symdrome however continues to this day. Nothing has helped with that, nor the extreme bloating and gas. The original enzymes, was then discontinued due to a ruling by the fda, and I was put on creon. Creon and I do not get along. There is something in them that makes me break out in hives.
I was never advised to have chemo nor radiation. Had big fights with my insurance over follow up PET scans, my blood work is checked every four months, and so far so good.
With Pancreatic Cancer survival rates being so low, one automatically qualifies for disability. Mine is a three year term, at that time, I believe it will be re evaluated. I am unable to return to work, due to my new digestive process, as the gas and dumping are not controllable at this point. I have days where I look and have been accused of being nine months pregnant, the gas and bloating are that bad. I seem to be alone as no one here understands the pain that much gas causes a person, and have become a hermit, cause its extremely embarrasing , and I have no control over it. It wants out when it wants out.
My life after a whipple sucks, but, I can tell you, that with four friends and family members who has passed away, all from lung cancer, since my diagnosis, I am positive, that any of them would have gladly traded places with me.
I continue to tell people, that God has a plan for me that has yet to reveal itself.
Everyones Whipple Surgery recovery is different. I am amazed of the ones who seemingly hop out of that bed and get back to work and only dream of finding a working concoction of medicines and or diet, that would help me progress back into the world.
My life today takes planning. Something I have never been very good at.
If there is something needing done that will take me out of the house, its usually done between lunch hour and supper hour. If there are plans to go out of town, seldom happens, but, hey, we do occassionally make a day trip, I must carefully monitor what is eaten the day or two before, get up early enough in the morning of, so my body can empty itself, sometime its 3 or 4 trips to the potty before I can safely say lets go. As the day wears on and the body begins to bloat, and the gas pains start, its time to call it a day. At times I will attempt to extend the day, but this can become extremely painful.
I do hope the day will come where I am again able to be a productive member of society. Until I can find a Dr. who can figure this out, and work with me on finding solutions, please forgive me for not being in attendance in many, if any, social functions, or even taking an early exit, if I am able to be there.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
My Spanking of the Day Award.....
My spanking of the day, award, goes to "Aldi's" grocery store.
In this day of so many people going hungry, do you really need to be throwing your waste into the dumpster? Its pretty sad when a loaf of bread that seems fresher than one I purchased in this very store the day before, is retrieved from you dumpster. I ohhh and ah over your fresh produce, but, leave it in the store many times because the prices do no meet my budget. Only to find the next day it comes to my house via an older gentlemen who has taken to dumpster diving.
Here is an idea. Why not offer what you deem as unacceptable in the stores at a reduced rate to your customers? If that don't meet your criteria, how about donating to one of several feeding programs in our community? Many elderly shut ins would love to have some fresh produce however the budgets for the senior citizens programs have been slashed to where at times, all they can afford is a small can of soup , a few crackers and perhaps a hospital sized container of juice.
Shame on you, Aldi's.
In this day of so many people going hungry, do you really need to be throwing your waste into the dumpster? Its pretty sad when a loaf of bread that seems fresher than one I purchased in this very store the day before, is retrieved from you dumpster. I ohhh and ah over your fresh produce, but, leave it in the store many times because the prices do no meet my budget. Only to find the next day it comes to my house via an older gentlemen who has taken to dumpster diving.
Here is an idea. Why not offer what you deem as unacceptable in the stores at a reduced rate to your customers? If that don't meet your criteria, how about donating to one of several feeding programs in our community? Many elderly shut ins would love to have some fresh produce however the budgets for the senior citizens programs have been slashed to where at times, all they can afford is a small can of soup , a few crackers and perhaps a hospital sized container of juice.
Shame on you, Aldi's.
Monday, April 11, 2011
All About me A-Z
Playing along with another friends blog.
A. Age: 52
B. Bed size: queen
C. Chore you dislike: Washing windows
D. Dogs: No thanks
E. Essential start to your day: Checking forums
F. Favorite color: Blue tones
G. Gold or silver: Gold
H. Height: 5' 5"
I. Instruments you play(ed): clarinet
J. Job title: No thanks....again
K. Kids: 4= 2 boys + 2 girls
L. Live: Oklahoma
M. Mom's name: Hattie...sorry mom!
N. Nicknames: Jill
O. Overnight hospital stays: Too many to count
P. Pet peeves: People with entitlement issues
Q. Quote from a movie: The Truth? You Can't handle the Truth.
R. Righty or lefty: right
S. Siblings: One brother, three sisters
T. Time you wake up: every two hours whether I like it or not.
U. Underwear: Duh, to go with out is NASTY!
V. Vegetables you don't like: I like them all, just can't eat broccoli any longer.
W. What makes you run late: Tummy issues
X. X-rays you've had: Bunch's
Y. Yummy food you make: Home made mac and cheese, Oatmeal cake
Z. Zoo animal favorites: Snakes, they should all be caged up!
A. Age: 52
B. Bed size: queen
C. Chore you dislike: Washing windows
D. Dogs: No thanks
E. Essential start to your day: Checking forums
F. Favorite color: Blue tones
G. Gold or silver: Gold
H. Height: 5' 5"
I. Instruments you play(ed): clarinet
J. Job title: No thanks....again
K. Kids: 4= 2 boys + 2 girls
L. Live: Oklahoma
M. Mom's name: Hattie...sorry mom!
N. Nicknames: Jill
O. Overnight hospital stays: Too many to count
P. Pet peeves: People with entitlement issues
Q. Quote from a movie: The Truth? You Can't handle the Truth.
R. Righty or lefty: right
S. Siblings: One brother, three sisters
T. Time you wake up: every two hours whether I like it or not.
U. Underwear: Duh, to go with out is NASTY!
V. Vegetables you don't like: I like them all, just can't eat broccoli any longer.
W. What makes you run late: Tummy issues
X. X-rays you've had: Bunch's
Y. Yummy food you make: Home made mac and cheese, Oatmeal cake
Z. Zoo animal favorites: Snakes, they should all be caged up!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
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