Anaphylaxis, it can happen

This week, May 11-17, 2014, is the #FAAW {Food Allergy Awareness week}. Food allergies can occur in anyone and I wanted to write about why I always carry Epi or Epinephrine at all times.

{Photo Credit: Kids with Food Allergies}

Food allergies, for me, did not develop until after the age of 15 or so for me. Don't get me wrong, I have many other allergies. Seasonal, environmental, medication, insects, pollen, and the list goes on. For many, food allergies can occur in children and some may outgrow their allergies. It totally depends on the person. Each case is different. 

Anyways, I did not develop food allergies until around 15. For me, they started as daily hives {later discovered to soy, wheat, and more} and my hands would swell {with shellfish|}. After doing my own research and working with my Allergist, I discovered I had many allergies to foods. Today, a single crumb or morsel can send me into anaphylaxis.

My current list of food allergies includes Soy (all forms), Wheat, Gluten, Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Fish, Shellfish, Modified Starches, and Coconut (all forms). That would be six of the Top 8.

I was thinking I was doing pretty good. I had Epi, I had a list of what I couldn't have, and all was dandy. I was wrong. 

Anaphylaxis happened even though I was careful! 

It happened to cross contamination and soy lecithin as well as fish. I had to use epi as well as have it given to me. Within minutes, my symptoms (hives, swelling, others) lessoned. If it wasn't for epinephrine, I can't think of what today would look like.

Accidents can occur and that is why you always have epi.

A label can be misread and anaphylaxis can occur. That's why you have epi! 

A company doesn't list a warning that items are run on the same lines (since warning labels are voluntary) and anaphylaxis occurs. 

Epinephrine is the only drug that can reverse Anaphylaxis (source). 

If you or someone you know has food allergies or any known anaphylactic allergy, they must carry it on them. 

Epinephrine saves lives. I know, I was one of those lives!

I don't claim to be perfect; I am only human

Lord willing, I can get my words out tonight. This post has been building for a while and I have finally decided to lay it all out. Please bear with me as I am not exactly sure what my underlying message is. I just need to lay it all out. 

I've got issues. Heck, I know we all do. I don't claim to be perfect. I am only human. 

However, I feel like we live in a perfect-driven world. I see it on the televisions and in magazines. Some strive to have those perfect lives. Perfect on the outside and they try on the inside and when the cameras are off too. 

However, as humans, they fail. 

Humans are imperfect. The whole giving 100% is a great theory. However, many can't give 100% as that would mean perfection. 

I feel like our world, even country, is filled with wanna bees. People who strive to do their best and then try to be perfect. Best and perfect are two separate entities. Best refers to the highest quality or standing (source) while perfect refers to a flawless entity (source). 

I am not flawless by any means. If you saw what is not on screen, it may shock you. I have a few, okay several right now, piles and I get frustrated at the drop of a hat lately. I don't always get to what I say I will and I have issues letting things go. For me, I am imperfect but give my best effort when necessary.

Instead of looking at what the magazines and media is trying to sell. Look within and put your, not the magazine's idea, best foot forward. 

Bottom line: We are humans living in a society filled with notions that we have to be perfect. We can't be. We won't be. Humans are imperfect. 

Serious case of the crankies

I will tell you now, I am cranky. I am not sure what exactly sparked it but I'm moody today.

The weather is up & down and it's chilly out.

I couldn't give it my all in workout since I just couldn't get moving.

I can't nap nor can I get comfy.

I am spending the day around as few people as possible. That's probably best.

I've got a severe case of the crankies and am glad to spend it at home.

I'm sure it'll be better tomorrow.
Today, though, I am cranky!

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By 8 p.m.

I am an early riser by nature & love my sleep. However, I've struggled to get enough lately. Blame stress, dogs, and deadlines. It's been a long few weeks. I am not a nice person, so I know and have been told, without my sleep. So, I am just done by 8 most nights. 

By 8, I will not answer important questions. 

By 8, I will start to feel foggy & tired.

By 8, the pep in my step will be disappearing.

By 8, my demeanor will totally change.

By 8, I am just tired.

By 8, I don't need to be told to remember things.

By 8, I just want a shower and my bed. 

By 8, I am just done!

I am my family's Sheldon Cooper

Sheldon Cooper, played by Jim Parsons, is a hit on the Big Bang Theory. My family watches it daily and it is a riot. At first, I didn't get into it. But, since my family watches it nightly, it grew on me. 

(Photo Credit)

Sheldon Cooper portrays a uber geek-like character who is so black and white. He also portrays an Autism spectrum disorder and does it so well. Parsons does not have Autism in real life but portrays the characteristics so well in the show. Things like change, crowds, humor, and inconsistencies drive Cooper up the wall. He doesn't understand metaphors and brings up subjects that are not everyday conversations. This includes psychiatric issues and personal issues as well as relationship status' and conversations.

My mom has started calling me Shelton and/or Jim Parsons. I, too, notice that we are alike in a few ways. Some of the humor I don't get and sarcasm isn't always read too well. I don't always get jokes and think something is funny when it is not. I will admit that I need sarcastic comments explained frequently. Change and I are complete opposites and it takes me a while to warm up to something new.

So I admit it...

I am my family's Sheldon and I am proud of it.

Some days are better than other...

I've gotta say, I am off today. 

I woke up feeling off and am in a lousy mood. 

My family isn't helping what so ever. 

It's not like I planned to feel/act lousy today. 

Ugh!

 We all have our days and today seems to be mine. :( 

Tomorrow has to be better.

Tomorrow will be better!!

Update and getting back in the blogging groove

I took a break for a few reasons but I believe I am ready to get back in the blogging groove. Summer was crazy but it's mid-October and my schedule is pretty stable right now. ;) So why not start back up? Truth be told, I love blogging.

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Update on my life right now 

Subbing is crazy and those 5AM sub calls are hard but I love what I do. 

I am also tutoring an autistic kiddo who has my heart. 

Work as the Children's minister for a local, small church is going well. I learned, over the summer, that church politics is not for me though. SO, I just do what I'm meant to do and leave it at that. 

My sister is a senior at A&M University and my brother is a junior in high school. How did that happen? 

We have four dogs, gained the fourth over the summer, and it is always hopping here. 

Medically, I am stable. My ENT is slowly weaning me off steroids and trying to find a balance with my sinus issues. 

Now if the humidity would vacate Texas, my asthma would be happy. :) 

I am working on getting a blog overhaul soon. It's time for a cleaner, simpler, and less pink blog.

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Glad to be back! 

Enjoy the rest of your weekend

Sometimes, crying just helps

This weekend, I attended Women of Faith. There were so many good speakers and musicians present. I connected with several stories and spent lots of time crying. 

Truth be told, once I start crying I have a hard time stopping. 

Lots of emotions come out and I just need time to process and stop. Angie Smith's story as well as Todd Smith's story (Angie's hubby and Selah member) brought me to tears many times. Connecting on a personal level, for the love of a child, brought me to my end. I lost it and cried. I wasn't alone. I have several friends crying with me. 

Once I stopped crying, I felt a sense of fullness. 

Everyone hurts for various reasons, though, crying can help get out those emotions and go on. 

I've had ugly cries before but, this weekend's cry, allowed me to connect and move forward. 

Everyone hurts but sometimes crying just helps!

Accepted yet rough around the edges

I am human and I sin daily. I am also rough around the edges and saved. My life is not perfect and I am far from perfect. I have my qualities I love while others could go away and disappear forever.

Lately, I've been thinking of how decisions that I make will have an effect on someone, somewhere.
I will admit it that I have a wee bit of road rage :) when someone nearly hits my brother on the passenger side. I get angry that people are distracted from the road and could cause so much harm going 70mph.

However, this weekend, I learned that God is in control even more than I realized.

He takes me for who I am and that is a sinner who he accepts day in and out. He accept me for when I sin and say bad words in traffic. He accepts me even if I stray away.

That, in itself, is a huge blessing. I am rough around the edges and not perfect yet I am accepted and loved by God!

He shows me love day in and out even if I am a sinner.

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A note to myself

Dear self,
Even though your first workout back in three weeks, post surgery, was a KILLER and you're worthless tonight, remember it will all be WORTH it soon!

Oh and unless it's another surgery or dire emergency, I wouldn't recommend taking three weeks off again anytime soon. It was rough and the pain you already feel now will be intensified by tomorrow. Just speaking the truth from experience.

Truth be told, I've been laying low this afternoon as I've maxed out on energy and have none left. Can't wait to build back up to my normal weights. Taking it slow. :-)

Apparently, I am the worst person to shop for

According to my family, I am officially the worst person to shop for this year.

I had NO clue what I wanted for Christmas this year. I am the type of person, just like my dad, who goes and gets what they need. So, for instance, if I needed a new flash-drive or picture frame, I'd just go and get it.

I don't mean to be difficult, really. So, this year, I struggled. I actually went to Teacher's tools and picked out a few things I would like. Then, I gave my gift card spiel and gave suggested authors I would like classroom books by. Anyone can write a book but a good book requires prestige and appeal. A few of my favorite authors are Eve Bunting, Denise Fleming, Rob Scotton, Eric Carle, and Patricia Polacco. These men and women write fantastic and award winning children's books.

I've already been told that I need new clothes, which I do, so will be given money to get some.

So, in a nutshell, that is my list. I gave suggestions and tried not to be too limiting. I love shopping for other people and usually go overboard on siblings and immediate family.

But, if you can't tell already, I don't like shopping for myself!

Sometimes I just have to escape

Today started way too early. It was a great morning at a wonderful expo. It was not a typical Saturday and there were way more people in my home. Usually, Saturdays are low key & relaxed.

I went to get groceries and took them home, got my prescriptions, and then took a drive. No one called in those 45 minutes. It was wonderful.

I ended up parking at Sonic, breathing, ordering a water, and a soft serve dish.

It was my time and I needed that.

I went home feeling refreshed and much better.

Sometimes, I just have to escape by myself.

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There's a difference between ignorance and curiosity

Good morning, good afternoon, good evening to you all.

Yesterday, I wrote about food allergies and how they impact my life on a daily basis. I listed some sayings that I'd rather not hear again. Some of you, okay most of you, said that you were guilty of saying some of the sayings.

Please understand that there is a HUGE difference between truly being curious about someone's life and their allergies & being an ignorant, closed-minded person who could care less what I eat and just is present to judge. Ignorance actually means lack of understanding or information {source} while curiosity means the desire to learn something new {source]. I am more than happy for people to ask questions and understand what/how I live with food allergies.

Truth be told, I enjoy talking to people about what I eat and my story with food allergies. My only two rules are that I will not feel put down with food allergies nor will I feel ashamed for how I handle my food allergies.

Food allergies are just a part of me and I've learned to accept that. Was I angry or frustrated at first? YES! Do I still get frustrated when ingredients change? Sometimes! Am I ashamed of food allergies? Absolutely not. In a perfect world, there would be no food allergies yet we are not perfect nor do we live in a perfect world.

The next time you encounter someone has food allergies; be that curious person and go into the conversation with an open mind.

5Q Friday

Friday, Friday, Friday!! It's Friday and it's finally time to say TGIF!! I decided to participate in Mama M's Five Question Friday. Sqeee...I love that woman!

1. Shoes in the house - yay or nay?

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE bare feet. If I could go bare foot all the time. The only shoes worn in the house are when people are going to work or to an event.

2. What do you call them- flip flops, slippers, thongs, etc?

Flip flops!! Occasionally I wear flippies but, for the most part, it is flip flops. I wear them to church, to games, and everywhere. I would wear them in the winter but I have a feeling I wouldn't be able to feel my feet.

3. What song are you almost embarrassed to admit you know all the lyrics to?

My siblings would be proud but I know the "Poker Face." Since taking my brother back and forth to Dallas for practice, he's introduced me to lots of new songs. My reserved self has picked up on the songs that tend to repeat themselves. :)

4. What is the best quality to have in a friend?

One that does not judge and listens. I have a very small circle of Best Friends and I can call/text those and they just listen. They don't judge me for my feelings or thoughts. That makes a true friend.

5. Do you know what you want for Christmas?

Hmmm...since it is rapidly approaching, I will have to think more on that. Right now, I can think of a cookbook I want and a few gift cards. I drive my family bananas as I usually just say gift cards. I may try to go a bit more in depth this year. ;)

TGIF!

Going under on Monday

Yes, you read right! I am going under the knife, aka having surgery, on Monday morning. Why you ask? Well, it seems that my right side of my face and sinuses are having issues. Okay, massive issues.

Basically, when I had my CT done of my sinuses 2 weeks ago, the CT showed chronic sinusitis and blockages/polyps in all of my right sinus cavities. Even the back ones are blocked. My left side, thank goodness, is okay and "normal" looking. The ENT is concerned that this could be a fungal infection as it is only on the right side of my face.

Adding to the chaos, and due to the pressure on my right side, I also have a deviated septum. It is being pushed to the left. So this will be repaired as well.

I don't know why but I am really nervous. My last surgery, my T&A, was pure hell. I was on liquid Tylenol and pain medication. I am truly hoping I can do pill form this time.

If you would, please say a few prayers (and send good vibes) for me this weekend and before/after surgery. I am hoping to keep you updated via twitter on the right side of my blog. Twitter is such a sanity saver these days (for me).

Not the best of news but I am hoping this will help alleviate the pain and pressure I have been feeling for 2 plus, yes 2, months.

In the flesh

Rachel gave me this idea and I really enjoyed reading her post "In this skin." Thanks for the idea, Rachel.

I remember a saying that states "what you see is what you get." It's true...sometimes.

In this flesh, of mine, I am not happy all the time.

I have never been a skinny girl. I've always had curves.

I have struggled with my weight for years. I am not a size 6.

I do not like talking about sizes. I prefer the S-XL system. I do not give my size out to anyone that is not family or my Best Friend.

Weight may be important to some but it's just a number to me.

I would like to loose some weight in the future and feel great inside and out.

I would also like to enjoy exercise again.

I really enjoy hugging my immediate family as it makes me feel accepted.

I've been judged because of my weight and height.

I can hide my excess weight and suck it in pretty well. I, of course, know what's really true and in the flesh.

I've made excuses and have done the on/off exercise routines.

I see those who loose weight easily and wonder "why not me?" Why is it so easy for others?

I would like to meet a guy...someday and have him accept me for me. My daddy has high expectations for his daughters and I'm sure my brother would put his two cents in as well.

I have learned to love baking and cooking. I don't expect a size two of me or this body. It's not happening!

I want to feel comfortable in my own flesh again. I want to be proud of my body.

I realize I will be curvy but I want to be healthy too.

I just want to feel beautiful inside and out.

This is a struggle that I deal with every day.

I want to look good in a tank top {or even a bathing suit if I am brave}.

I want to look "good" and just not pass myself off as acceptable.

I have learned and heard that if you want to do something for yourself, it has be driven by you.

Weight loss may be a current struggle but I want to feel good in my own skin and flesh.

I want to be that confident, caring, and awesome person everyone sees. {As I am told}

I want to be comfortable with my body.

This is my story in the flesh!

5Q FRIDAY

Finally Friday!!!!! Can you tell I was ready for it?!?! I am so glad the weekend is {almost} here!! Woo-Hoo!

1. If you could speak with a different accent, what would it be (i.e Australian, Scottish)?
I have lived in Australia as a child but think it would be really cool to speak with a Scottish or British accent.

2. Can you fall asleep anywhere? (i.e floor, couch, deck)
HA! I so wish! Since I am an insomniac, I usually can only fall asleep in my bed or on my couch. I have to get really still for a while before drifting off to wonderland. ;)

3. Do you use public restrooms? If so, do you sit on the toilet?
For a person that loves to drink iced tea and water-YES I use public restrooms and yes I sit on the toilet. Honestly now, I am not worried about that many germs since I shower and do my own laundry.

4. If you were stuck in an elevator for 24 hours, what celebrity would you most want to be stuck with?
That is a toughy. Only one? Seriously?! It's a tie between Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, and Reba McEntire. Oh and YES, I love country music!!

5. Where did you & your significant other go on your 1st date?
I have never been on a date before. Yes I am 22 but I have never been kissed or on a date yet.

TGIF!!

5 Question Friday

It's Five Question Friday time! Brought to you by Five crooked Halos. I am so glad it's Friday!!!
Here are the questions and my answers for this week!

**Do you know how to play a musical instrument?
Why yes I do! I can play the trombone and recorder quite well.

**What is your pet peevewhile driving?
Just one? Well I have two that really irk me. One is texting while driving and two is applying makeup while in traffic.

**Would you rather have a housekeeper or unlimited spa services?
I honestly do not mind cleaning therefore I would take the daily, yes daily, massages thank you very much.

**Is there a song that you hear that will take you back to the moment, like a junior high or high school dance?
"Can't touch this" by M.C. Hammer. A little old school (for me) but still loved in high school.

**What song best represents your life right now?
Easy peasy..."I have been blessed" by Martina McBride. It truly makes me have goosebumps.

So there you have it! A Friday post where you get to know a little more about me. Click on the button above to see more Five Question Fridays today.

TGIF!!!

Rough patch & Angie Smith's "I will carry you"

Life, right now, is troubling. I decided to jump into my work schedule and avoid my sister as much as possible. The sad thing about this is that she and I get into it and she is a bully to me. So I choose to work 9+ hour days to avoid her. It is sad but true.

Yesterday, we buried my great grandfather and I was literally spent when we got to the house at 3pm. The car ride home was difficult and my sister was still being difficult so I decided to go to work from 4-6:30. When the AC in the building went off, I was not ready to go home. I was avoiding it and felt awful about it. I made my way over to Madel's and was completely at piece when I walked in the door. Madel's is absolutely amazing and the people made me feel so comfortable. I walked the aisles of teacher supplies and then I hit the Christian book section. It was amazing!

I purchased I will carry you by Angie Smith as well as So long, Insecurity by Beth Moore. I am almost done with I will carry you and have been soooo impressed. This book has brought me to tears and has given me strength and encouragement. It's almost finished and I just got it last night. Angie does a fabulous job talking to you in this book and her words and scripture references are profound. I am extremely impressed and feel a sense of calming and grace while reading this book. I will start Beth Moore's book tomorrow and will let you know how it is. I have heard WONDERFUL things for this book as well.

Angie Smith's book put my life in perspective in just a few short minutes and reads and I am extremely glad I got this book. This book is not just for those whom have suffered loss; it is for those who need to feel closer to the Lord with a loss.

I highly recommend Angie Smith's book I will carry you!!!

Update about me

Want to know why I have been MIA for the past few weeks? Well I'll give you the short version!

Mono-I was diagnosed with Mono one month ago and I am feeling the severe fatigue symptom. Then I was told the fatigue could last for one to three months! Well fan-stinkin-tastic! I am a little perturbed that I can't work out right now, per doctor's orders, but I have zero left over so it may be best! (I won't admit that aloud though)

Allergies- My seasonal and environmental allergies are HORRIBLE right now! No relief in sight since this is the "worst pollen season in years!"

Finals-Finals with 19 hours kicked my REAR this semester. Granted I took 19 hours but still-finals are always difficult for me!

BUT I am so glad I hung in there because I came out with SIX A's and ONE B this semester!!! One of my finals was such a doosey that I had hoped I could even get a B and I did :) :) :)!!! I am a perfectionist and know it too! A's have never been easy for me and TONS of studying is involved.

Third grade- I have been spending my "off" days/mornings in a third grade classroom. I help out where ever needed and feel satisfaction by being there. I would not mind teaching third grade eventually!

Maymester- I start tomorrow for a 2.5 week course. Lots of stuff jammed into one session.

Friend-One of my dearest friends, whom has adopted me as her granddaughter, is in the hospital and will be for at least another week. I have been visiting with her once or twice a day depending on the day. She is 77 years old!

So there you have it! Why I have been busy these past few days!

Have a great week!!!