Friday, September 30, 2011

The Versatile Blogger Award

How sweet is that?! I have never gotten an "award" for my blog before, but here it is...


Thank you so much Fort Living Room for including me in this. You're awesome and I love your posts and input on my pages/blog... Awesome-sauce!! ((now if you would kindly make yourself a "button" so I may add you to my blog I would appreciate it lol))

According to Fort Living Room I have some rules to follow that come with this Award...

The rules are:
1. Thank and link back to the person who gave the award to you
2. Share 7 things about yourself
3. Send it along to 15 other bloggers and let them know you have awarded them!

So...number 1 - check

Share 7 things about me...hmmm...okay, here we go!
1. I'm a Scorpio
2. My favorite color is purple
3. I'm pro-choice
4. I love helping others
5. I recently had a breast reduction
6. I have been with my S/O for 15 1/2 yrs
7. I love coffee

The 15 other bloggers I'm going to award are:
1. The Army Wife Dude
2. Just Weighing in and Moving On
3. My Iced Tea
4. Saraplicious! Kitchen
5. Random Rants of an Army Wife
6. Life of a DiamondBack
7. Oh the life of an Army Wife
8. My Life as a Sailors Princess
9. Memoirs of an Army Couple
10. Household6Diva
11. Formerly Known as "Anonymous Army Wife"
12. Forget the Dog not the Baby
13. Entry a day While you're away
14. Blonde Glambition
15. A Wicked Woman's Wit & Wisdom

Check them out while I go let them know they won ;)

Thursday, September 29, 2011

What a wonderful Miracle.....

A picture began circulating in November. It should be “The Picture of the Year,” or perhaps, “Picture of the Decade.” It won’t be. In fact, unless you obtained a copy of the U.S. paper which published it, you probably would never have seen it.

The picture is that of a 21-week-old unborn baby named Samuel Alexander Armas, who is being operated on by surgeon named Joseph Bruner. The baby was diagnosed with spina bifida and would not survive if removed from his mother’s womb. Little Samuel’s mother, Julie Armas, is an obstetrics nurse in Atlanta. She knew of Dr. Bruner’s remarkable surgical procedure. Practicing at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, he performs these special operations while the baby is still in the womb.

During the procedure, the doctor removes the uterus via C-section and makes a small incision to operate on the baby. As Dr. Bruner completed the surgery on Samuel, the little guy reached his tiny, but fully developed hand through the incision and firmly grasped the surgeon’s finger. Dr. Bruner was reported as saying that when his finger was grasped, it was the most emotional moment of his life, and that for an instant during the procedure he was just frozen, totally immobile.

The photograph captures this amazing event with perfect clarity. The editors titled the picture, “Hand of Hope.” The text explaining the picture begins, “The tiny hand of 21-week-old fetus Samuel Alexander Armas emerges from the mother’s uterus to grasp the finger of Dr. Joseph Bruner as if thanking the doctor for the gift of life.”

Little Samuel’s mother said they “wept for days” when they saw the picture. She said, “The photo reminds us pregnancy isn’t about disability or an illness, it’s about a little person” Samuel was born in perfect health, the operation 100 percent successful. Now see the actual picture, and it is awesome…incredible…..and hey, pass it on! The world needs to see this one!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

My Next Journey..

The next small "journey" I'll be embarking on is getting healthier!! This means losing weight, toning up, eating the right things (with indulgences here and there)and getting more active!

I'm also going to get healthy "mentally"... flush out the negativity in my life around me and IN me... you know that sometimes we can be our own worst enemy.

So, I'll be a lot of research on all kinds of things related to this and I will share it with my readers... I will blog about this journey too, just like I have been doing with my Breast Reduction.

I won't be able to start exercising yet until my doctor gives me the "okay"...it's only been 2 1/2 weeks since my surgery.

I hope that by blogging about this and sharing what I find, my feelings and my results (or setbacks) will help hold me accountable to myself AND help encourage others who want to make healthy changes in their life as well... until next post =)

Monday, September 26, 2011

Breast Reduction - Part 10 *Videos*

I've finally become brave enough to google some videos... I'll share them here for those who are interested =) I will provide links to youtube.

Breast Reduction Surgery Video - not grahpic, 25secs

Breast Reduction Surgery from Aurora Clinics - GRAPHIC - shows pics, markings that are made, and actual surgery - 3:23

Vertical Scar Breast Reduction - GRAPHIC - shows actual surgery - 9:27

Breast Reduction: What Patients Should Know Part 1 - 7:30 - look to the right of the video to find the next part in the video series

*I'm thinking of making a video myself... we'll see LOL

Oh, another link lol - Breast Reduction Information and Photos

Friday, September 23, 2011

Makes Sense Doesn't It?

Been seeing this around Facebook so I'm gonna comment on it here.

"Dirty dishes prove I feed my kids, full trashcans prove I've tried to clean, messy floors prove that I let my kids have fun, piles of clothes prove I keep my kids in clean clothes, a messy bathroom proves that I bathe my children! So next time you walk into my house and see a mess, think twice before you judge!!! keep this going if you are a parent"

Dirty dishes prove I feed my kids - I didn't realize it was so hard to wash a dish when you're done! If you wash them as you dirty them, they don't pile up. Makes sense doesn't it?


Full trash cans prove I've tried to clean - No, full trash cans means you're too lazy to take out the trash. When the trash gets full you take it out of the can, tie it up and put it in the big trash can for trash day. This helps keep the nasty smell out of your house and the bugs away. Makes sense doesn't it?

Messy floors prove that I let my kids have fun - Or it could just mean that you are too lazy to sweep and mop and pick up toys. Or too lazy to teach your kids to clean up after themselves. Or both. If you keep the clutter to a minimum it is easier to keep it clean. Have a basket designated to toys downstairs and have your kids pick up after themselves when they are done playing. Then you won't be embarrassed at your mess when someone pops by unannounced. Makes sense doesn't it?

Piles of clothes prove I keep my kids in clean clothes - Not really. Do your laundry as it gets dirty and you won't have tons of it to do all in one day... teach your kids to put their clothes away. Piles of clothes are just place for bugs to hide. Keep the clothes clean and put up and it teaches your kids about responsibility in the long run. Part of a good lesson down. Makes sense don't it?

A messy bathroom proves that I bath my children - all it does is prove you're too lazy to clean it up. How messy can a bathroom get from bathing anyway? Is it that hard to hang the towel when you're done or put the toys up so they can dry and not get moldy? Who wants to bathe in a nasty bathroom? No one that I know... makes sense doesn't it?

On that note, I don't judge people based on the way their house looks.. Lord knows I have my "messy" moments, but not all the time and I don't make excuses for it. If my place is messy it's because I was lazy and didn't clean it. Not because I have kids.

  

Love Yourself!!

I started looking up self-esteem quotes and thought I'd share with everyone the ones I found and liked. We can all use reminders every once in a while! =)

I was once afraid of people saying, "Who does she think she is?" Now I have the courage to stand and say, "This is who I am."
~Oprah Winfrey

Seek respect mainly from thyself, for it comes first from within.
~Steven Coogler

When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life.
~Jean Shinoda Bolen

You are much deeper, much broader, much brighter than any idea you could have of yourself.
~Harry Palmer

Love yourself unconditionally, just as you love those closest to you despite their faults.
~Les Brown

We can never do the right thing as long as we are out to please someone else.
~Alice Miller

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
~Eleanor Roosevelt

Yours is the energy that makes your world. There are no limitations to the self except those you believe in.
~Jane Roberts

To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.
~Thich Nhat Hanh

Having a low opinion of yourself is not "modesty". It's self-destruction. Holding your uniqueness in high regard is not "egotism". It's a necessary precondition to happiness and success.
~Bobbe Sommer

People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within.
~Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Whatever you are doing, love yourself for doing it. Whatever you are feeling, love yourself for feeling it.
~Thaddeus Golas

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Breast Reduction - Part 9 *2nd Post-op*

I'm almost at 2 weeks since I've had my surgery and I can say that I thought it would be so much worse!! Well, today wasn't fun at all... I had my 2nd post-op appointment and even though I wasn't in there long, I wasn't thrilled. I know my doctor didn't mean to hurt me, and it wasn't bad, but it was bothersome...

He took out my stitches today and was feeling around. I am mostly numb but I can feel it and it was uncomfy. I bled a little bit and now, hours later, I'm really sore. Good news is that the doctor says I'm healing nicely!

The only thing I liked about the doctors visit today was when the doctor came in after I had put my robe on. I opened my robe and he said, "look at this perky lady!"...lol... my boobs haven't been perky for years! hahaaa.. so yeah, I loved the perky comment.

All in all, I'm so happy I did this! Next appointment in 2 weeks =) /update lol

Monday, September 19, 2011

Is the Problem Parenting? or lack of...

I was reading over the speech Bill Cosby made that made headlines... "how dare he?!" The shock, oh! the horror! I'm hoping more people saw point he was making than those who were offended by it.

I basically got from it that everything that is wrong with our youth today is because of parenting...or lack of. I agree 100%. Let me quote some of the things he said.. (while he was addressing black people, I think most of the things he said can be said about all people)

"No longer is a person embarrassed because they're pregnant without a husband. No longer is a boy considered an embarrassment if he tries to run away from being the father of the unmarried child"


We have shows now that follow teenage mothers! These little girls are making money because they spread their legs. I wonder how many teens go around thinking "I should have a baby and try to get on Teen Mom". Does anyone remember the movie on Lifetime based on real facts? Something like "The Pregnancy Pact"... why do these little girls think it is cute to get pregnant young? And how about the boys who get these girls pregnant? They it is cute to walk away with the excuse "well it ain't mine, she's a hoe".. and the parents of the boy blame the girl saying she is trying to pin a baby on him and ruin his life...no, maybe you ruined his life by teaching him this was the proper way to act.

"In the old days, you couldn't hooky school because every drawn shade was an eye. And before your mother got off the bus and to the house, she knew exactly where you had gone, who had gone into the house, and where you got on whatever you had one and where you got it from. Parents don't know that today."


Now-a-days too many people have that "I mind my business" attitude. Back in the day, people didn't mind their business and kids were a hell of a lot better than they are today. When I was younger, I knew I couldn't have boys in my house when my mom was gone because I knew the neighbor lady peeking out of her window would rat me out. I knew I couldn't walk around the neighbor holding hands and kissing on boys at 13 years old because it would get back to my mom. Today, people could see neighborhood kids smoking, drinking, displaying inappropriate public displays of affection and they just look the other way... "oh that's not problem". Well, for all you kids out there, I'm not one of the "look the other way" adults. If I see you doing something seriously wrong like that you can bet your ass I'm talking to your parents if I know where you live. I would want someone to tell me if it were my child. I still believe that it "takes a village to raise a child". We should be looking out for ALL the youth, not just our own.

"I'm talking about these people who cry when their son is standing there in an orange suit. Where were you when he was two? Where were you when he was twelve? Where were you when he was eighteen, and how come you don't know he had a pistol? And where is his father, and why don't you know where he is? And why doesn't the father show up to talk to this boy?"

I think this quote is pretty self-explainitory - Don't cry about your child doing wrong if you've never been there to begin with.

Here is the rest of his speech - Bill Cosby Speech Transcript

What are your thoughts? Do you think he was too harsh?

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Sugar & Spice..remembering some of my childhood

We all know that cute little saying about girls...

"Sugar and spice
and everything nice
that's what little girls are made of

Sunshine and rainbows
and ribbons for hair bows
that's what little girls are made of

Tea parties, laces
and baby doll faces
that's what little girls are made of"

Growing up, I was NEVER a "sugar & spice" girl. As a matter of fact, I hated dresses and cute little bows in my hair. I never did tea parties. I loved little dolls though.

I was a little "tomboy". I was the girl playing in the creek with my friends (who were mainly boys) and catching bull frogs and tad poles.... playing in the "gunky" end of the lake, putting worms on hooks and catching "Sunnies" only to pull them off the hook and throw them back in... I was the little girl always running around barefoot with feet blacker than a sky with no stars at night!

We had these huge dirt hills at the edge of the woods that we would play on... we pretended all kinds of things on these hills... we were in a war in the desert, on a pirate ship in the sea, in a castle fighting off ogres.. in the winter time when it snowed those dirt hills were our mountains that we went sliding down,hitting bump after bump and knocking the wind out of our chests... I loved those dirt hills.

Behind the dirt hills we had a little trail that went into the clearing... some of the boys made a fort in the big tree in the center and we would go around getting furniture and odds-n-ends from peoples trash to make it our own..you couldn't tell us nothing, our little fort/tree house was the best thing ever! As the trail continued it went off deeper into the woods... at one point there was this abandoned yellow car off to the right... it was a big deal to go near it, it meant you weren't afraid.. of course we had a few stories of how that car ended up back there, most involved murder and bad things happening to girls who didn't listen to their parents.. continuing on the trail it got narrow and led to this lake with another set of woods.. rarely would you see us in the woods at night... stories of little creatures with red beady eyes floated around and none of us were quite brave enough to find out if the stories were true... lol

When you couldn't find me in the woods or on the hills or in the lake or at the creek, you could find me in the fields with the boys playing tag football... as we got older it turned into tackle... I was always bruised up and bleeding somewhere! lol.. fun times...

All that really stopped with me once I turned 13 and became boring.. that was when I started noticing boys in a different manner... than came the cute clothes and lip gloss... making sure my hair looked pretty... no more dirt hills or football...

Sometimes I sit around and remember back to those times and think of the friends I had and all the memories we made.. I wish I had stayed a tomboy a bit longer... man do I miss catching "sunnies"...

Friday, September 16, 2011

Army Values...

While looking through one of my husbands books, I came across the army values...do you know what they are? Sadly, I think some soldiers don't even know what they are. I think if people practiced these in every aspect of their lives most would be much happier...these should be implemented in marriage too and sadly, a lot of times, they aren't.

Loyalty- Bear true faith and allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, the army, your unit, and other soldiers (generally speaking for those not in the service)

Duty- Fulfill your obligations

Respect- Treat people as they should be treated

Selfless service- Put the welfare of the nation, the army, and your subordinates before you own (adapt this to your life if not a service member)

Honor- Live up to all the army values (again, generally speaking if you're not in the service lol)

Integrity- Do what's right, legally and morally

Personal Courage-
Face fear, danger, or adversity (physical or moral)


This is what service members are taught in BCT... now read them again... for those who think the army doesn't come first, or isn't suppose to, do you see why I say it does? lol

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Breast Reduction - Part 8 *1st Post-op Appt*

Yesterday was my first post-op appointment, only 5 days after my surgery. It took longer to drive there than it did for the doctor to check me out! lol

All he did was look over my incisions and said they were healing well. He also dabbed some liquid on them to help with the bruising. I will admit.... THAT SHIT HURT!... it burned and it burned for about an hour!! I was not a happy camper lol..

I have another appointment next week and that is when I'll be able to get my scar guard and start using it.

Am I still sore? yes
Does it look like I have Frankentits? yes
Am I happy I did it? YES!! and YES again!

No regrets at all and I'm just anxious to finish healing... /update =)

Monday, September 12, 2011

Breast Reduction - Part 7 *Healing*

It's been 3 days since my surgery and I'm not in too much pain. Mainly discomfort and soreness. I've been blessed with friends and family who care and help. On Saturday, my friend Dee took the kids so I could get uninterrupted rest and Darrell waited on me hand and foot...he has cleaned the house and on Sunday he cooked a nice roast dinner. He helps me with my bandages when I need him to and he does it all with no complaints or ugly faces... I'm surprised he doesn't run and scream, they look horrible lol... but I know that is only temporary.

Here is me recovering =) - Can't really see the "tata's" but we have time for that lol


Today, my friend Mistie called and said she wanted to stop over because she had something for me...awww... the thought alone was sweet enough! Then I saw what she got me! For one, I'm a coffee drinker... she got me a mug so that was perfect... then, I just love the design on it! The saying on the mug just topped it off...

"Friends are like a good bra, they give you all the support you need."

How fitting... lol


That's all for my update =)

Previous post --> Breast Reduction - Part 6 *The actual Surgery*

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Army Organization -

The United States Army is made up of 2 parts: the active and reserve components. The Active Component consists of soldiers who are on full-time active duty. The Reserve Component consists of the Army National Guard and the Army Reserve. The Reserve Component receives military training and is ready to be called to active duty if necessary. Army units can be organized in several ways, but the following example is fairly typical:

**The SQUAD is the smallest unit, consisting of eight to ten soldiers. The Squad Leader is a Non-commissioned Officer (NCO).

**The PLATOON includes the Platoon Leader (2LT/1LT), Platoon Sergeant (SFC) and two or more Squads.

**The COMPANY includes the Company Commander (CPT), First Sergeant (1SG), a headquarters and two or more platoons.

**The BATTALION includes the Battalion Commander (LTC), his staff and headquarters, the Command Sergeant major (CSM) and approximately three to five companies.

**The BRIGADE includes the Brigade Commander (COL), command sergeant major, a headquarters and approximately three to six Battalions.

**The DIVISION structure is the capstone element of our Army. It includes three maneuver brigades (armor or infantry) as well as several combat support and service support brigades or battalions.



-from the soldiers handbook

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Breast Reduction - Part 6 *The actual Surgery*

The big day, September 9th 2011, has come and gone. The entire day before my surgery I was anxious and felt sick to my stomach. Every little thing annoyed the hell out of me and I just wanted to be left alone. Well, left alone to a certain extent. I wanted people around but I wanted quiet... wasn't happening lol.

The night before my surgery my daughter was very upset and I laid with her to help her go to sleep. She was crying. I didn't think this would have an impact on her but apparently it did. She has heard me talk of going to the doctor and getting surgery and I was gonna have stitches and need to rest and heal. She knew I wasn't going to my regular doctor like I do every 3 months (for my thyroid). She confided in me that she was scared and didn't want me to be hurt. She wouldn't let me leave her until she fell asleep. While we were cuddling I explained to her why I was willing to go through a little bit of pain to have less pain in the long run. I think I explained it the best I could to a six year old lol...

My daughter finally fell asleep and I took my valium and went to bed...got nookie, since it will be a while before I do that again!! lol... and I passed out. I slept restlessly and despite thinking I was gonna have nightmares, I didn't. We got up and I got the kids up for school. Darrell and I left to get to my appointment on time and Staci got the kids off to school for me... love that woman..

I showed up to my surgery appointment in button down jammies, my cowboys blanket (don't be a hater lol), my daughters ariel pillow she made me take and my Scentsy Buddy Roarbert the Lion. Yes, I cuddle with a smell good stuffed animal. Now you know my secrets.... I also had to have all my medications with me that I had gotten at my previous appointment, the pre-op.

We went in and waited in the "fish room", which is the waiting room for the surgery patients but they call it the "fish room" because of the big fish tank. Darrell sat with me on the couch and cuddled me a little because I was scared... boy was I scared... like, really, really scared..lol

My nurse came and got me and she took me to get ready. I had to put on these stockings to help with the circulation in my legs and this paper type top that opened in the front. I also had to pee in a cup for ANOTHER pregnancy test just to make sure, which I knew I wasn't pregnant, but they have to cover their butts! Then we went into my prep room and I met my other nurse too. We got to talking about the stuff I brought with me and it turns out they both love Scentsy and one of them took the one catalog I had on me and I'm taking more back when I go next week...always working! LOL... anyways...

I was weighed and my temp was taken and my blood pressure too. They gave me my anti-nausea medicine and put my IV in. Then the doctor came in and made the markings on my boobs with a green marker and a measuring thing... I felt a bit awkward at that time because he was drawing on me and lifting me and my nipple were getting hard. I knew it wasn't sexual and I knew he had seen it a hundred times and it was like nothing to him, but it made me feel funny lol... I pushed it to the back of my head though and kept telling myself it had to be done...lol

After he finished with the markings my nurse went and got Darrell to come in with me for a few minutes before they took me back. The anestesiologist came in too and asked me routine questions and gave me a muscle relaxer to get me ready... then it was time for me to go... I said bye to Darrell and wished with all my heart he could have went in with me, but I knew I had to brave it on my own.

I really don't remember much. I remember going into the surgery room and laying on the bed and putting my arms in the arm rests and that is it. I woke up with Darrell by my side. Apparently when I came to I kept telling the nurse "I want Darrell, I just want my Darrell." Awwww lol.. I wasn't in recovery very long... I think about an hour. They helped me to the bathroom and then wheeled me out to the car. I remember bits and pieces of the day. Darrell was making fun of me about how I was eating my fries on the way home...he had stopped and got me McDonalds since I was starving..

I remember my daughter coming home from school and cuddling up with me for a minute, she really worried I wasn't gonna be there when she came home. I was home by like 2pm.. My surgery was at 9am... I didn't have any drains put in and I felt okay yesterday. Of course I was still high from the anestisia lol... I was a little sore, not too bad... my hubs went and bought a new bed and I couldn't even sleep in it! Can't wait until I can though lol..

Today, my second day of recovery, was worse. The pain is worse, but my drugs take care of it pretty well. My friend Dee offered to take the kids so I could relax and it has been nice. Darrell and I went to dinner and then went to get me more gauze pads, tape and an ace bandage to keep me tight while he washed my surgical bra. I must say that my husband would make a great house wife! Haaahaaa... seriously though, he has really been a blessing to me right now.

When I changed my bandages today I cried. I don't really know what I was expecting.... I mean, I know it wasn't going to be all beautiful and looking silky smooth, but I wasn't prepared for what I saw. I know it will take time to heal and they will look better, but it was just a shocker for me... and now on to the questions from my post on *AWDIWH*...

"Felicia Blank - How sore are you? Hope this doesnt come off the wrong way but what was your reason was there a medical concern?"
I'm feeling sore like I've been in a car accident... the worst part is doing my bandages... that is more sensitive as it should be expected to be lol... every so often I feel a bit of a burning sensation around my nipple area... not too bad though, just like a paper cut kinda burn and it only lasts for a few seconds...I have been thinking for a few years of getting a reduction. I was a C cup in my teens and into my 20s... I went up a size with each kid and didn't go back down. Then last year I thought that maybe they would get smaller when I lost weight...well, I lost 50lbs and my chest didn't get any smaller... I have had back pain, shoulder and neck pain, migraines, and I started getting indents in my shoulders from my bras. When I would work out or be out in the heat too long I would get rashes underneath... I just couldn't stand the pain and discomfort anymore.

"Annie Colson - Can I have what they took out? President of the itty bitty titty committee." If I could have given them to anyone, I would have recycled them in my ass... LOL... my ass is non-existent! haahaa ..and now I'm in the itty bitty titty committee with you, so move over and make room! lol

"Christina Souza - What size would you need to be to be considered for a breast reduction?" I don't know that there is a specific size... I'm sure each size is different depending on the person and the build of their body.. from what I understand they go by your overall health and problems caused by them... I was told I was a good candidate for the surgery because I had the back pain, rashes, neck pain, shoulder pain, indents in my shoulders and migraines... the best thing you can do is talk to your doctor. Tell him you want a referral to see a plastic surgeon about a consultation for a breast reduction.

"Sarah Craig - how bad does it hurt. im considering it myself" Well, I'm only on day two so I don't know how bad it will be tomorrow or the next day, but I didn't wake up in any pain... just a little discomfort. They really do well with the pain control. Well, where I went anyway. The thing that hurt the worst for me was the needle they gave me for my IV lol On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd say my pain is about a 3... I keep up on my meds... I don't wait until I'm hurting real bad, I take them every 4 hours.

"Randi Rodriguez - If I may ask what size are, or I guess were you? I have considered it but haven't done anything because I don't have pain ... Yet. how old were you when you started having pain? I am 27 and a DD. Maybe I just lucked out with no pain?"
I was a DDD or a tad bigger...I'm 31 now and I noticed more pain with my weight gain. My weight has been fluctuating because of my thyroid and the big breast just make it all worse. So I went from a DDD to a C. I can tell a difference already. Even though I'm sore and swollen, I can feel the lightness and it is great!

"Bethanie Delerson - did u have to go under for that? Im freakin scared of the anasitia(sp) its preventing me from going now.. any words of wisdom since you been thru going under?" Yes you get put under for it. I really wasn't too scared of that b/c I've been under before for some things, but to make it an overall more pleasant thing for me, I brought some things from home to have with me that comforted me... like my husbands cowboys blanket, my daughters ariel pillow and my Scentsy Buddy with one of my favorite scents it that calms me... the little things help.

"Jessica Whitney Crowe - Was it covered by tricare at all? Just had my second baby and im really not into these double ds...."
Yes, Tricare covered it all. Since you just had a baby, I would see if they go down some. I know mine didn't go down after I had kids, they just kept getting bigger lol... But I don't think I would get it done if you're not done having kids. Only because they might get bigger again. The only things I've had to buy for this was my button down jammies, my gauze pads, my antibiotic ointment and I'll be buying "scar guard" at my next appointment. The surgery itself and all your pain meds are covered.

"Samantha Slifer - What are your restrictions?" Nothing strenuous for 2 weeks and I can't lift my arms up high. My doctor told me to just take it easy and rest the first 2 weeks and then do things as I feel able to... He wants me to get up and walk 4 to 5 times a day, not like outside or anything... just move around the house some...get the circulation going and all..

Here are my previous posts about my Reduction...I've written about it from the beginning when I decided to have to have done =)

Breast Reduction - Part 1
Breast Reduction - Part 2
Breast Reduction - Part 3
Breast Reduction - Part 4
Breast Reduction - Part 5

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Breast Reduction - Part 5

*Small Update*

I got my call this morning from the nurse to confirm my appointment for tomorrow. I have to be there at 8:15am and my surgery is scheduled for 9am... TALK ABOUT NERVOUS!! I'm so ready for it though.

Sweet moment - my husband tries to be all "hard" and whatnot... well he has expressed his nervousness for me as well... I won't say exactly what he has said to me, but it makes me feel good that he is open with me about his feelings on this... he has gotten over it and is supporting me 100%. He gets 5 points for putting on his big boy underroos =) hahaaa

Rundown from now until tomorrow morning -
I can't eat after midnight - (makes me think of Gremlins - don't feed him after midnight lol)
Tonight when I go to bed I will take my valium and my zantac - (I think I needed the valium a few days ago when my nerves really started getting bad!)
Today I will go pick up my extras I need for when I come home - (bacitracin, an antibiotic, some pads, exlax lol, frozen peas and my scar guard)

Right now I should be drinking clear liquids... one pepsi won't kill me, right?



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Tuesday, September 6, 2011

My own "WTF moment" - "Nigga vs Nigger" - WARNING- offensive language

Someone seriously said they don't see the difference between a black man saying "nigga" to other black people & a white person saying "nigger" to a black person out of anger. HUH?

Let's educate a moment here.

Nigga - Slang term for homie, friend, buddy, etc., used primarily by African-Americans

Nigger - slang, extremely disparaging and offensive, meant for a black person or dark-skinned person

So, when my husband says to one of friends when playing Madden, "Nigga I ran that shit all the way down the field" - he is talking to his friend, who is also black...

When a white person gets made a black person and says, "you fucking nigger" - that is them telling them are worthless, they are a piece of shit, they are inferior because they are black.

Do we get the difference now? SMH...

Soulja Boy apologizes*

"As an artist, I let my words get the best of me. Sometimes there are things that we feel, things that we want to express, and when we put them on paper and speak them out loud, they can come out wrong.

When I expressed my frustration with the US Army, not only did my words come out wrong, I was wrong to even speak them. So, I write this to give my sincerest apology to all members of the United States military services, as well as their families that were offended by my most recent lyrics.

As a young man who grew up in the post-9/11 era, I have watched our country fight two wars that seem like they are never going to end.

I have seen thousands and thousands of our brave men and women get killed in battle and often times, I think for what? A lot of people in this country are struggling to make ends meet and I think a lot about what if we had never gone to war.

Where would our economy be? Our schools, our after-school and work programs, our streets? I mean, damn, 48 people got shot in New York City just this past weekend ... in 3 days ... I'm not saying that it is just because of a bad economy, but at a certain point we have to take care of our own people.

In no way would I ever want to offend those who are protecting our freedoms ... a lot of homeboys who I grew up with, a lot of people who come from the neighborhoods we live in ... In no way do I want to hurt any of our honorable soldiers who put their lives at risk, regardless of how they feel about the two wars we fight in.

I am just frustrated that we haven't been able to bring you all home quick enough and my frustration got the best of me. I am deeply sorry.

~Soulja Boy"

Source

Sunday, September 4, 2011

You know that Tricare covers Birth Control....right?

This is a "hot topic" for me. Families who keep having babies that they can't afford and then bitching about money just puts me on the edge of screaming at them. And before anyone says "you can get pregnant on BC too", I know that. I know BC fails sometimes, but at least they are trying to be responsible, correct?

If you want tons of kids, more power to you...especially if you can afford them. I'm not saying that people shouldn't have more than one or two kids, not at all. I personally think large families are wonderful. I wish I had a large family growing up.

I see a lot of women on some of these army wives pages complaining about not having enough money for christmas, or for diapers, or needing assistance with this or that. I completely understand that sometimes things happen and finance messes up pay and it could be you're just having a momentary problem. My issue lies with the ones who have kids already and already can't provide for them the way they would like. Then they get pregnant because they weren't careful enough to use birth control.

If you can't afford another baby, no reason is a good one to have one. Having "baby fever" or a recent deployment is not a good enough reason to bring another child into the world that you can't afford, in my opinion anyways... If you know you can barely make car payments, what makes you think you can afford a baby?

From the Tricare website:

Birth Control

TRICARE covers the following forms of birth control when prescribed by a TRICARE-authorized provider:

Contraceptive diaphragm, including measurement, purchase and replacement;
Intrauterine devices, including surgical insertion, removal and replacement;
Prescription contraceptives, including the Preven Emergency Contraceptive Kit containing special doses of regular birth control pills and a self-administered pregnancy test;
Surgical sterilization, male and female.

TRICARE does not cover:

Condoms;
Nonprescription spermicidal foams, jellies or sprays.


Something else I notice that happens - some men seem to like to pressure their wives into having more kids once they come home for deployment or before they leave. The cases I have seen like this are the ones who are trying keep their women tied down because they don't want them out doing things while they are gone. If you feel like this is your husband... run... this is controlling behavior and not cool.

Done with my rant now. =)

Tricare covers BC

Breast Reduction - Part 4

My first post about my breast reduction was on August 3rd. That was my first appointment with my surgeon. Just a little over a month later I'm counting down just days until my surgery.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared. It's a pretty big surgery for me and while I'm excited about the results, I'm scared of what it takes to get there lol... I keep having this dream that I come out of surgery and Darrell gets me in the car. The traffic is crazy and people are swerving in and out (like they love to do in Savannah) and we end up getting hit by a truck. The car is totaled and I'm on a stretcher with my chest full of blood from the surgery and impact ripping me back open! I wake up sweating to death! LOL So, yeah, my mind is messing with me... but it will not stop me! =)

One good thing is that I have Staci and her family here to distract me from thinking about it too much, but the bad thing is that they leave the day after my surgery! I'm gonna be in physical discomfort from my surgery and I'll be in other pain from one of my besties leaving... (Side note: thanks Aimee for getting us together!!)

Just one more thing I'd like to mention... On Thursday night, I am gonna burn my bra. LOL - yup! Burn that big bitch to ashes!! Hahahaa... In no way is it related to feminism, which I hear that wasn't true anyways, but it about my freedom... freedom from the physical pain and discomfort...freedom from the oogling eyes of men (which sometimes, I'll admit, I don't mind) - freedom from something I feel has been holding me back... for my readers, I'll be sure to take a pic of it for laughs =)

Breast Reduction Part 1
Breast Reduction - Part 2
Breast Reduction - Part 3


Thursday, September 1, 2011

Soulja Boy - tell 'em - My Personal Opinion, which is sure to piss people off

Why are people letting this get to them so bad? Seriously? In case you are "out of the loop", Soulja Boy said something like "f*ck the troops" in one of his recent songs. I am honestly sitting here NOT CARING. Who cares if he doesn't support the troops? Maybe he does support the troops but this was put in his song for attention and ratings? Either way, it doesn't affect me so I don't care.

What bothers me is how people, specifically military wives, are reacting to this.

I have seen some of the most disgusting things come from military spouses the past few days between this and the whole Sears fiasco and it makes me ashamed to even be lumped in with military wives.

While you ignorant ass wives are being racist towards Soulja Boy, remember that there are black service members "fighting for your freedom" as you all like to shout from the roof tops. So when the word "nigger" rolls so freely from your tongue, remember that. You make me sick. I almost feel bad that I have brought children into this world where such hatred still exists.

I saw someone say something about sending him to Afghanistan or Iraq..blah blah... did you know that some people in the "hood" had it worse during their childhood then soldiers who have been deployed but not seen combat?

By demeaning and downplaying things about this man you are no better than him. Some seem worse in my opinion.

If you're a racist bitch, I can only assume that your spouse is as well and I hope to God my husband never has to fight besides him, being a black man and all... who knows if they would really stand beside my husband... In my opinion, you disgrace yourself and your husband by acting like an ignorant jackass.

Since when did everyone have to support the troops? Is that a rule of life or something? "If you don't support the troops you should leave the U.S."... really? And what are the troops fighting for? Our freedom? NO. We already have freedom. Stop slinging that around. They are fighting in wars because our leaders don't know how to mind their own business. It's about money, oil, control... again, just my opinion..

Here are some posts that prompted me to write this... and no, I didn't block out anyones names... if they didn't want the world to see their ignorant ass posts they wouldn't have put them on a public event on Facebook.

Words like "nigger", "ghetto" and "black ass" are used. Sick.






Breast Reduction - Part 3

Yesterday I had my "pre-op" appointment. When I went in the nurse showed me to the area where I will be getting prepped for my surgery. We talked about the procedure and went over my packet of instructions. I was showed where I would recover too. The doctor came in and we finalized my size I'm going to and he talked to me about my medications. The surgery will only take about 2hrs and I won't have any drains in. I will get one surgical bra and can buy more if I like. The bras are only $18.70!! Much cheaper than the boulder holders I have to buy now! LOL

Here is a list of my medications:

Valium (Diazepam) - used to relieve anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures (I take this the night before my surgery when I go to bed to help with anxiety/nervousness)

Zofran (Ondansetron) - used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. Ondansetron is in a class of medications called 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the action of serotonin, a natural substance that may cause nausea and vomiting. (I will one of these the night before my surgery and the morning of my surgery to help with nausea)

Dilaudid (Hydromorphone) - used to relieve moderate to severe pain. It also may be used to decrease coughing. (For severe pain after my surgery as needed)

Lorcet - narcotic pain reliever used in patients who experience moderate to moderately severe pain. (For after my surgery)

Zantac (Ranitidine) - used to prevent and treat symptoms of heartburn associated with acid indigestion and sour stomach. (For after surgery)

Robaxin (Methocarbamol) - used with rest, physical therapy, and other measures to relax muscles and relieve pain and discomfort caused by strains, sprains, and other muscle injuries. Methocarbamol is in a class of medications called muscle relaxants. It works by slowing activity in the nervous system to allow the body to relax (For after surgery)

Phenergan (Promethazine) - used to prevent and control nausea and vomiting that may occur after surgery, and with other medications to help relieve pain after surgery. (For after surgery)


Man! That's a lot! I'm kind of relieved that my pain will be controlled though lol! I now have one week until my surgery and I'm getting more nervous. Not nervous about the results or having doubts, just nervous about the whole procedure itself, but the nurse tells me it's normal =)

Here is me signing away my "ta-ta's":


Here was my list of prescriptions when I was at the pharmacy getting it filled: (btw, I hate the pharmacy and their slow asses)


Here are the links to my other Breast Reduction Posts -
Breast Reduction - Part 1
Breast Reduction - Part 2