1 Month On Thyroid Meds

It has been one month since my new doctor prescribed synthroid to treat my Hashimoto's.  It's an attempt to shrink the growths on my thyroid and level out my blood work to a more normal level.  She did prescribe it with the warning that will take up to a month before I see any real results.  When you have been battling with your thyroid for almost a year and a half, one month really isn't a long time to wait to see results.  Unless, your tired of feeling tired all the time, gaining weight, dry skin, moody, losing hair and stomach issues, then a month seems like forever.

I have religiously woken up at 5:06 AM everyday and taken my pill with 6oz of water.  I wait an hour to eat which is what is recommended to get the full effect of the medication.  That means waiting to have my morning coke and supplements until we are ready to leave the house for school.  I forget to eat breakfast more than I remember to eat it with the new schedule. I have maintained my sleep schedule and tried to avoid foods that I'm sensitive to.

The results after one month?  Well, probably not the magic pill I had hoped it was going to be.  I have lost six pounds and the swelling/bloating in my joints and face has started to come down. My pants fit and I don't have to go through everything in my closet, every morning, to find something that doesn't make me look fat and bloated.  My hair is still falling out and my skin still requires copious amounts of lotion to not drive me nuts with dry, scaly, itchy skin.  My stomach issues have been hit or miss, but probably more hit than miss.  The week before my period was particularly rough emotionally, but it was a busy week with way too much going on.  Everyone was cranky so, I'm not sure if that is a side effect of the meds, or just a difficult time.  Towards the end of January blood will be drawn to check my levels and it could take up to 6 months for the growths to start shrinking (which will be checked in a year).

I'll keep you posted on my battle with Hashimoto's.  I have some plans for 2015 so stay tuned!

New Doctor Same Hashimoto's

Today was exhausting and financially draining. Today I went to a new endocrinologist.  A doctor close to home. I didn't really expect too much since previously I was seeing one of the highest ranked doctors in the Atlanta area, and he didn't do squat! At least the new doctor was a Mercer grad so, I felt I could safely assume she was educated. The new doctor was also a woman so, I was hoping that she would understand the demands of working and being a mom. Just in case she didn't, I brought the endless question asking Elijah for backup. Elijah also had an eye appointment later that day.

The new doctor was dressed how I would like to dress if I had the money and the energy to take that good care of myself. Nice watch,  classy jewelry and a manicure that was not done by an 11 year old boy, who asks a lot of questions. I have been told that this doctor has a thyroid condition herself. Looking at her you couldn't tell and that's what I want. We shook hands, made introductions and she told me she reviewed my previous records. There was the listening to my chest that all doctors do, and then she felt my thyroid. That was about it. I thought here we go again, slam bam, keep it moving and pay your copay. Elijah asked her if that was all she got paid to do? There wasn't a response back.

The doctor jotted some notes on her laptop and then informed me I needed a yearly ultrasound to assess and monitor the growths on my thyroid. I also needed updated blood work because the previous doctor didn't run the full panel that she likes to run. Unlike my previous endocrinologist,  I was taken immediately for an ultrasound and blood work was completed in the office. She explained that it would take a couple days for the blood work to come back, but they'd have the ultrasound results today. I figured 3 months later I'd find out the results, or get a phone call telling me I was good for another three months. The ultrasound was completed and I was shocked when the doctor came in to watch the ultrasound and reviewed it with me right there!

The verdict, the growth on my thyroid is 10% bigger than last year. When my blood work comes back she'll decide on a medication, and hopefully it will stop the growth, or shrink the growth, and throw my Hashimoto's into remission. Happy day!

Now that I was done with the doctor,  it was Elijah's turn. Elijah, under impressed with watching a thyroid ultrasound and that there was no hysteria with drawing my blood,  was eager to show his skills off to the eye doctor.  No child has ever epically failed an eye exam as bad as Elijah did today.  Second row of an eye chart anyone? He only started to complain last week so, I thought for once I was on top of things.

The eye doctor and Elijah debated about taking multi vitamins and then he said, "Dude,  you failed and your getting glasses!" "Cool!" Elijah responded. There were a couple questions about Elijah's sensitivity to light and computer work hours. Elijah responded, "like I'm 11, I don't get paid for computer work!" By the time we were done with all the fancy equipment,  fitting and lenses, 353.00 will allow Elijah to see clearly now that all my money is gone!

I'll Never Be A Good Band Parent

My white girl on the drum line!

Today was my first band competition as a band parent.  I am not designed to be a band mom.  A wrestling mom, a soccer mom, a volleyball mom and a track mom yes, but this band mom thing is probably not going to be something I'm good at!  I would have had a better chance at looking like a supportive parent, who was enjoying themselves at Zeke's math meet this morning (and I despise math)!  Please don't think I don't like the arts because that just isn't true.  I love music and I help sponsor the play for our school (which will be a musical this year). I've sat at many a chorus concert and many a band concert over my years as a teacher/parent. I enjoy hearing our band play, but this notion of competition band eludes me.

There were skimpy dance/flag girl outfits on too many girls that should not me wearing sequined spandex (it will only stretch so far).  There was heavy makeup and matching hair of same said girls, to which I can only comment that some parents must be paying a fortune in fake hair and spray tanning (I intended to do NEVER EVER do either).  I don't remember any of our drum majors in high school wearing go go boots with a skirt that barely covered their butt, and almost showed what type of undergarments said drum major was wearing on the band stand thingy. 

See, I don't even know the terminology associated with a band competition!  I thought that an excellent rating would be a good thing, but apparently anything less than a superior is BAD, VERY BAD!  I do like the fire baton thingies (which I was informed by a REAL band parent that they were not called fire baton thingies).  There is the potential for excitement with the fire batons.  Our band director said I would not be getting any fire baton thingies because I would be dangerous with such things. He says the same thing when I play with the drum sticks too, but they don't catch on fire when I play on the drums!  The closest I'm getting to fire anything is if I burn the cookies, or snacks, that I bring for the band kids, which is also apparently not done because band kids should eat out of the concession stand.  (OUR band kids seem to like the cookies so I'll continue to go against the grain with that one!) 

The number one reason I'll never be a good band parent is because band competitions seem to harbor a sexist and racists culture. and contradicting that culture is not well received.  I have little patience for such things in athletics, and in a gym with a couple 100 people I can be really loud about stupid racial or sexist comments made (especially to my kids).  Our band is very small (like 12 kids small, 15 kids small on a good day).  Instead of bigger bands being encouraging about our kids taking the field, they were laughing and talking.  The band that sat behind us today was particularly bad with their comments.  The flute girl behind me was particularly bad.  "Why are they even wasting our time with this band!  THEY'RE A BLACK BAND with one white girl in the band.  What is she doing there?  I think she plays the clarinet or something?"  Okay, at this point I was ready to turn around and slap the nasty flute player with one of those fire baton thingies, but I'm an assistant principal and people usually frown on such things.  Since none of her band chaperons thought to shut her up, (or at least move her away from our two fans (Elijah and I).  The flute player could of moved onto another topic, but she just couldn't let go of the white girl thing.  Keep in mind that I spent thirty minutes braiding Josie's hair for her band hat thing prior to our band taking the field so, I'm not sure what the flute girl was thinking with the comment that I couldn't ignore. "That white girl must be confused going to that school playing clarinet!" With all the southern charm I could manage I replied "Sweetheart, the white girl in OUR band is on the drum line!"  The flute girl then replied ""Well, she must be really confused because girls don't play on the drum line!"  Now, there were lots of things I could of said, and trust me the thought crossed my mind.  How did I respond (because we all know the girl who played hockey and baseball couldn't let that type of comment go)?  No honey, she's not confused, she talented!  Otherwise they'd have her play the flute!  Flute girl's response "That's RUDE!"  Then she finally moved!

So, you see I'll never be a good band parent!  Apparently, I'm RUDE!  I'm loud too so, just watch out at the next band competition.  If I'm a bad band parent, then I intend to be the very best BAD band parent there is.  I have like the next 8 years to practice because Elijah is auditioning for the drum line too!  Fire baton thingies and the betting of how much sequined spandex can stretch shouldn't be the only entertainment at a band competition!

Apparently my band kids don't get band competitions either!

Rash Refocus

Hard to see but angry rash!

 I have found myself more and more being angry and frustrated with the condition of my life.  Perhaps because I am turning 40 in October, or perhaps because I just have too much on my plate that I'm not all that interested in eating.  Angry and frustrated sums up how I have been feeling for about a month!  There's the typical physical stuff that goes along with the Hashimoto's (fatigue, muscle aches, stomach issues, and clumps of hair falling out).  There's the typical stuff of being an assistant principal (unhappy parents, unhappy kids, and unhappy teachers).  There's the typical mom stuff (checking grades, chores, feedings, cleaning, transporting and suporting).  THERE'S TOO MUCH STUFF!

New haircut!

My body has not reacted well to there being all this stuff and frankly, I have done a very poor job of making sure that I'm taking care of myself.  I haven't run since school started.  My diet currently consists of processed food, take out and coke.  Last weekend, I went to the ER for stomach pains which turned out to be an UTI and stomach infection.  This weekend I am battling an angry rash on my feet and legs! Enough is enough!  I read on lots of blogs and lots of people tell me "You need to take care of yourself!"  You would think that someone with a PhD would know how to take care of themselves, but if I'm listening to my body, the answer is NO!  So, it's time to regroup and refocus!

Today, I went for a haircut and got my eyebrows waxed! Took a selfie to remember the style that will not be possible Sunday morning when I try to do it myself, but at least I was cute today!

Mini pumpkin pies!

I have made the decision to stop worrying about the scale!  I'm going to make a concentrated effort to eat real food and food I ENJOY!  Despite some caring co workers and friends who keep suggesting gluten free and paleo diets as a cure for what ails me, I'll be eating food that is not processed but tastey!  I will be baking and cooking whenever I can because it taste good and I enjoy doing it!  It also makes my house smell good! Don't you wish you could smell the pumpkin pies and homemade bread too?

Crafty!

I have also made the decision to work less at things I'm not enjoying!  I work like a dog most days, and go to bed exhausted!  Most days I feel I did not accomplish ANYTHING!  This is where a great deal of my anger and frustration comes from and that's about to change.  When I look around at school, there are plenty of students and grown ups not working like me.  They're not panic stricken about completing their TO DO LIST.  They're enjoying themselves and doing things that they like to do!  In an effort to be more like other people (more fun, less work), I did a craft.  I will be watching football!  I will be watching Blacklist and Outlander!  I'm even planning a long run tomorrow!

So, a rash all over my feet, the feet that keep me going from task to task has promoted me to refocus my time and energy more on things I find enjoyment in and less on working!

You Don't Go Home With Them

I have been coaching since I was 15 and I'll be 40 in October.  I am not the best coach. I am not the worst coach. I enjoy working with kids. I enjoy the sports I coach. Tonight was not a night I enjoyed. This is not going to be one of those uplifting stories about the great lessons being part of an athletic team can teach you. This is not going to be one of those stories where the athletes rise above adversity. It is going to be one of those stories that is more common than anyone is willing to admit. If you don't want to know how ugly it can get with youth sports stop reading now!

I coach a volleyball team this year.  These girls have never touched a volleyball prior to this summer with the exception of one girl. My daughter is the one girl with any experience.  She's the youngest on the team, and most days the only white girl on the team.  She is a minority at our school. She knew she would be when she decided to come to school with me. That's right, she chose to come to a high minority, high poverty school because she wanted to be here. She believes in what the school stands for and will tell anyone who will listen how proud she is to go to our school. Her race has not been a problem until tonight.

We had a small crowd at the game. The girls were playing well in a close game.  Everywhere we have been this season people have been positive and encouraging. The girls expected the same at home. I'm saddened to say that a few people in a small crowd ruined what had been such a positive experience for a great group of young ladies. As the girls are learning about volleyball, so is the community.  I could chalk this up to a learning experience for all of us but, it's a ugly, harsh way to learn. Lack of education, poverty, or race is no excuse to holler at kids that they're awful. None of those factors are a reason to holler out a number of a child, on your own team, and say get her out of there. There is also never a reason to point at kids and make racial comments,  but a few people did. The comments made to my daughter brought her to tears.

As her coach and as her mother, I really wanted to walk across the court and go beat the hell out of the people ruining this experience for my child and her teammates.   I was able to tell Josie "pull yourself together. Your made of stronger stuff than that! Don't worry about what they say, you go home with me!

To be fair, my daughter wasn't the only one targeted.  By the end of the second set I had two in tears and two ready to go across the court to fight grown folks. I did what I could by having the ad ask them to leave. That quited the rest of the crowd, but the damage was done. The team that gets praise from some of the best teams around for their sportsmanship,  joy of playing, and positive team spirit did not enjoy winning the third set against a team that beat them just last week in three sets.  The girls did not have a good time. One could not finish the game because she was so upset. The girls couldn't shake the negativity from a few people in their community.

Such things are not what youth sports are designed to teach! I'm not naive.  I've been coaching for 20 years and heard some pretty ugly things hollered in MY general direction. When you holler ugly things to student athletes, to someone's child..... well that's a whole other story. I would have loved to take all the girls home with me last night and show them the love and respect they deserved on the court. As a coach, parent and educator,  I felt the need to process with the next generation how to handle an ugly situation, when it happens by people who should know better, but sadly the rest of the girls weren't going home with me. I hope conversations were had, egos were smoothed and confidence was rebuilt in other homes last night even if all I could do was have only one of those conversations with only one child!

You Didn't Come With Instructions

Seizure accident on his bike! He recovered quickly and was on his bike the next day!

Yesterday the lovely office assistant forwarded a phone call to my office.  Luckily, I was looking for a student in our computer system and was in my office to take the call... from the Elijah's school nurse.  Usually I'm not in my office much so, this was just dumb luck that I was in my office to take the call.

This is Elijah's first year in middle school and he's decided to break in the school nurse and teachers quickly by having a two minute seizure in the middle of the hallway, during class change.  He was unconscious and couldn't feel his legs when he came to.  He also went down pretty hard and hit his head on the concrete.  Floor 1, Elijah 0 as indicated by the goose egg on his head.

Funny thing is I just met with his teachers the day before to review his 504 plan and his seizure plan.  Not sure his teachers really thought he needed either.  Apparently they really weren't paying attention because his math teacher told us that she "didn't know what to do and Elijah had not come with instructions!"  She was also confused that his medical alert only had conditions, medications and phone numbers on it...NO INSTRUCTIONS!  Probably why we had a meeting sweetheart, and while this was an unusually long seizure for Elijah, I would assume a person with a college degree and almost 20 years of teaching experience has had a kid or two with epilepsy.  If not she probably should of taken some notes during the meeting, or better yet, read his seizure plan.  Now I can't be all perturbed with the teacher.  While she let the kids in the hall surround him while he was unconscious (hello anyone had basic first aid at this school?), she did concoct a good cover story so Elijah didn't have to explain epilepsy to 100 sixth graders in the hall.  The story goes he fainted, fell, knocked himself unconscious on the floor and had to go home to make sure he didn't have a concussion.  The truth would have been a lot easier!

I'm not sure which children come with instructions pinned to their chest.  None of the kids I birthed, babysat or taught had such notes attached to them. I suppose you could tattoo instructions on a child, but I imagine child services would object.  Here are the instructions I'm tempted to pin to Elijah's chest when he goes back to school on Monday (if a 6th grader would let you do such a thing).

Epilepsy is pretty common.  If you have a brain, you can have a seizure and while watching a seizure can be scary please follow these instructions:
1. Turn him on his side.
2. Start timing (at 3 minutes call an ambulance and transport to ER)
3. Clear the area (he doesn't want people to watch him have a seizure and you wouldn't either)
4. When the seizure is done check for bumps and breaks
5. Only ask him yes or no questions, language is an advanced skill and his brain just had an electrical storm and isn't ready to engage you verbally.
6. Call parents
7. Let him nap until parent arrives, or he says he's ready to go back to class.
8. Breath! It's not his first seizure and it won't be his last.  He's embarrassed and worried that others will think he is not capable of being a fully functioning human being! Please don't add to these feelings, he feels bad enough right now.
9. If you feel the need to say something say "Welcome Back or Carry On".
10. He's a normal kid.  Give him a hug and let him be a normal kid!  No need to relive the experience, or limit his activities.  If it's not bothering him, don't let it bother you.  Sit back and watch what knowledge and resiliency can do!

A kid who happens to have epilepsy doing normal kid things!

He plays sports too!

He eats normal food!

You Should Thank Jesus

Yesterday was another day of doctors not knowing what's wrong with me, nor how to treat what's wrong with me. Currently,  my blood pressure and heart rate are too low. The chest pains and dizziness are also problematic. When I was discussing with someone what was wrong (after they asked why I went to the doctors) their response shocked and angered me. What could someone say that would cause shock and anger? "You should thank Jesus that you don't have cancer or something more serious!"  Which was followed by "You don't look sick. Are you sure? You're pretty athletic."

Many possible comments came to my brain. The following are things I wished I said:
1. Perhaps,  you should thank Jesus that I haven't knocked your head off your shoulders for being and idiot!
2. I'm sure Jesus has better things to do then give me an invisible illness to be thankful for.
3. Jesus made it possible for me not to look sick so I can practice patience for the mentally challenged.
4. I'm pretty sure Jesus didn't give me Hashimoto's, since it's an autoimmune disease, to test how thankful I am.
5. Are you really that gifted that you can put your foot in your mouth and talk out your ass?
6. In your world do athletes not get sick?

Any of these would be justified comments to a person who is insensitive to an illness they can't see.  I carry on with work, and parenting, and coaching despite not feeling well, in hopes I can fake it until I make it. Some days I make it through the day; some days I make it through a couple of hours. Just because my illness is not visible,  it doesn't make it any less to battle.  We'd all be in better shape if we remembered to treat each other with a little grace and mercy instead of righteous and judgements

So, what did I say to my Jesus friend? As an educator my first instinct was to attempt to educate them, but to be completely honest I just answered I thank Jesus everyday and carry on.

I Don't Understand Tired

I'm sitting here silently fuming that physically well people did not complete their assigned tasks today, which in turn means I can't finish my assigned tasks! I saved up on my energy so I could stay up past ten to complete my task! Today, I heard every excuse that grown ups use when they don't complete their "homework!" Most of them I've heard, but when I was told I wouldn't understand how tired a person was because they had family obligations all weekend,  well that pushed a button.

I'm tired all the time. If I don't get at least 8 hours of sleep then I'm ready for bed at noon. I push hard during the week and would like to fully participate in family functions, but I have to take a nap after grocery shopping. In fact, I have to take a nap or rest after many things I do now. Its part of the joys of Hashimoto's. Being functional requires 6 supplements, a special diet, a highly managed sleep schedule and "management" of stressors.

Do you know what causes me stress? People who open their mouths and say I don't understand tired! Hey, people does the medicine you take every morning make you nauseous?  Does a change in the weather make neurological process like speech difficult for you? Does physcial exertion fatigue your muscles to where they shake and or cramp? Does having five kids, a job and coaching not mean I understand tired? Probably not in their world, but I assure you I understand tired. When looking to give me an excuse next time, how about trying the dog ate it. That excuse doesn't push my buttons and we can all carry on!

Everywhere and No Where Fast

Its been a while since I've written a blog post.  This is in part to school starting and in part to my Hashimoto's going all haywire.  I've been on a roller coaster with my emotions, my energy and my weight.  Get on the scale on Monday and it will say 164.  Get on the scale Tuesday and it will say 155.  Get on the scale Wednesday and it will say 160. No one loses and gains weight that fast unless they have a thyroid condition that is out of control. I hate looking fat and dumpy.  I hate reaching for a pair of pants in the morning and not knowing if I'll be able to button them (even though I could the night before).

My energy level is all over the place too.  I go from hyper to lethargic in the matter of hours, and not at times that those energy levels are needed. I have plenty of energy around 10 pm. At noon I need a nap. This weird energy pattern does not make me the life of the party, nor does it lend itself to getting things done. There is not enough caffeine to keep me awake when the tiredness hits. Even my pinky is heavy. When the hyper stage hits my heart feels like it's going to beat out of my chest. Not the most soothing feeling when your trying to go to sleep so you can wake up at 5am for work.

There have been daily bouts with nausea and vertigo.  Periods of starving to death followed by not wanting to eat anything at all. There are days that it's 8 pm and I realize all I've had to eat was a pop tart I chocked down in the car on the way to work at 6am. This is all thyroid related. Mentally I know that but when you enjoy preparing and eating food the way I do, it's depressing to realize where my current relationship with food is.

Either due to the wacky thyroid, or the rehabbing ankle that hasn't allowed me to run for the last month I'm very irritable.  Honesty,  I've never had much patience for stupid people or lazy people, but I've always been able to tolerate such things. Not recently!  There have been plenty of times in the last couple of weeks that I have gone to the bathroom to talk myself out of choking the bearer of one more task I don't have the energy for, or the off handed comment about how tight my pants look. I used to be able to let such things roll off, but lately I just want to slap the person in front of me. It also hasn't helped that my poor husband, who knows how to handle me when the world becomes too much, has himself been very busy at work and unavailable to talk me off the ledge.

To add insult to injury (or to just over load all my poor brain circuits) my hands have taken to swelling up. The people at work don't know how truly hard headed I can be. Most days I pass for a nice, upbeat, rational person. Imagine their surprise Friday when my finger swelled up so bad that I lost my wedding ring in the skin and I refused to let them cut it off. I'd lose my finger first before I'd allow anyone to cut my wedding ring off! The faces of the front off staff when I made that statement with my finger wrapped in an ice bag, before I attempted to pull said wedding ring off my finger, were shocked. I wanted to go cry and call my husband to come get me, but it was only 9am and there was testing to do and a football game to work, we'll you get the idea. I had to suck it up but looking down at my bruised ring finger during the day made me just want to cry some more.

My brain is everywhere,  but I feel like I'm not going anywhere fast in getting this Hashimoto's in check. I'm stuck and my anchor is busy. Running, cooking and writing that help ground me and keep me moving forward are either off limits or require too much energy to complete.  I guess there's some hope on the horizon.  I go get blood work this week and go to the endocrinologist in a couple of weeks. I just want to get back to the me I'm familiar with and I'm sure those around me would too.

First 5K With The New Ankle Brace and Rehabbed Ankle

Colin likes race selfies!

Today was the first day I took my rehabbing ankle and new brace for a 5K race run.  It was the furthest I've been since May's left ankle impingement.  The race started at 8:30 in the morning and in Southwest Georgia that means the starting temp was around 75 degrees.  That's a little hot for me to run in on account on the Hashimoto's and the increased swelling the heat brings on, but this time I managed to remember to take off my wedding ring prior to it cutting off my circulation after the first mile.  As the little boys were running this race with (read ahead) of mom, I made the two teens living at home get up to cheer us on!  The teens are also handy when it comes to holding things you don't like to run with like your car keys and the wedding ring you worry about losing while its in your running belt!

Unhappy ring/key holder teen!

The host for our morning festivities was Wild Side Running!  If your in Albany, Georgia this is THE RUNNING STORE!  Okay, its the only running store, but the owner Chris does a great job and has great gear at reasonable prices.  (I know because I'm a frequent visitor!)  Besides, anyone who knows to pick the softest poly blend tee shirts for a race and have cup cakes at the end knows how to host a race!  There was even a great dane dog who ran the race with us!  I do a lot of big races so it was nice to have a race director who not only said my name when he said good morning, but knew most of the 100 participants at the starting lane by first name.  The start was also an air horn instead of a gun shot which was probably a little nicer for the surrounding neighbors. Nothing like wondering if someone is starting a race, or if something is going on because you heard gunfire early on a Saturday morning!

Family Shot before running

Colin and Elijah went to the front of the start and I hung out in front of the walkers and the Couch to 5K people.  The course was fairly flat which was good for testing out the new ankle.  No worries if it didn't go well because my physical therapist and office staff were also there to run the race.  Did I mention how nice it is to run a race where people know your name and didn't have to look at your bib to find it out!  The one hill was in the first mile which gave me a chance to see what the brace and ankle would do on my nemesis terrain.  My first mile split was 13:37 which was a whole minute faster than I had been training this month and with the heat climbing I have to admit I was a little nauseous and soaked but, there's only one way to the finish so I kept going.  The little boys were out of sight for the first two miles.  I slowed it down for the second mile, hoping to recover my stomach. Did I mention that the kids ate all my cinnamon pop tarts and didn't tell me so I had to settle for a piece of toast?  No? Well at least I didn't throw up all over someone's lawn.  The route was for the most part shaded, but by 2.5 miles I was really starting to feel that 80 degree heat, but thank God there was a nice little breeze coming off the lake.  I was sad to leave that little cool area, but that was when I noticed two cute little boys walking about 50 meters ahead of me.

Before they wanted to kill each other

It was their first time running together as a pair and it went as well as expected.  I could hear Colin, the runner, telling Elijah, the kid who was running for a cupcake and a shirt, to stop whining they were almost done.  I waved at them, they waved back at me, and Colin took off, and Elijah shook his head. He did that race walk thing you do when you don't want your 40 year old mom to pass you, but you're really too tired to put much effort in it.  Pride won out because when I came 10 meters behind Elijah, he took off to catch up with Colin.  That was around 2.8 and when I rounded the turn at 3.0 miles, Josie decided she'd be cute and motivate me by running the last .1 to the finish line with me.  Zeke couldn't pass up hollering "kick!"  I finished upright and in 45:15ish.  Pretty good for my first race on the impinged ankle and the new heavy duty brace!  More importantly, there were no blisters, my left ankle didn't swell up to twice its normal size, I didn't throw up and I finished up right! Oh and I was only about 45 seconds behind those two cute little boys who had a water and a cupcake waiting!

Hot and a little worse for wear after our race!

Sewing and a Migraine to End Vacation

There's classical music playing, the hum of a sewing machine as old as I am in the back ground and the clicking of the keyboard.  That's what the last day of vacation looks like around here when your trying to get rid of a migraine before you go back to work and get things done.  When our AC went out last weekend, my husband found a pretty high end sewing machine in the attic, cicra 1970 something.  Thank God it had its instructional manual and with my daughter's new found enthusiasm for attempting to use it, we decided it would be a good mother daughter bonding project to make a quilt for the living room.  (It looks easy enough on Pinetrest, right?)

Someone's proud of herself!

I cut most of the pieces because after one yard of fabric, Josie realized that sewing could be a little tedious.  She likes to use the machine, which is fine with me because I think bending over it yesterday is what escalated my headache to an 8 (as well as the bologna sandwich and two days of homemade bread).  Its at a 5 this morning, which is somewhat manageable as long as I don't plan on doing anything too strenuous (like running, or cleaning, or moving fast).  Lucky for me I did my long run (2miles) for my half marathon training yesterday, because it surely would not get done today.

So the plan for the rest of today is to attempt to get rid of this headache, assist as needed with the quilt making and put away some laundry.  I'm sure there will be a couple naps and supper making in there, but really the day will be a success if I can stay upright with my head attached to my shoulders.  Anything else that gets done will be due to my wonderful family or a miracle!

Technology Takeaway

This is the face of an unhappy teenager when you take his electronics away and I mean all his electronics!  No cell phone, no television, no portable gaming system, nothing that plugs in or uses batteries.  You see, my children, like many children have lots of electronic things to occupy their time.  It keeps them quiet on long car rides and to be perfectly honest, it keeps them from fighting with each other.  Many times it is preferable to hear the beeping or clicking of keys then it is to hear "he's breathing on me!"

I remember summers outside, putting on plays and generally playing until our parents called us in at when the sun went down.  My children and their friends think summer is time to get on Facebook, or play video games with their friends (which nowadays does not require them to leave the comfort of their own couch). How can they have a great summer break if all they do is play on their electronics?  There is so much to see, and do and create, but not if the majority of your time is spent sleeping in and plugged in.

 I'm all for technology and all the wonderful things that it allows us to do (like this blog), but I think my kids have spent way to much time in their devices and not enough time outside or interacting with real live people.  So, being the awful parent that my children currently think I am, I have instituted electronic free days.  It has not been well received by the children.  On electronic free days my children are now forced to read paper books, go outside and make up creative ways to fill up their hours.  Just for fun, sometimes I call electronic free hours to force the kids to come up for air and participate in the world around them.  The younger kids seem to be dealing with this better than the older kids.  The older kids are much more attached to their electronic worlds and do not find mom's current experiment "fun."  I'm sure when the whining stops the kids will fondly look back on technology takeaway days, or they will have an effective punishment for their own kids!

The Super Saver Quest

While trolling the blogs, Pinetrest, and Facebook,  I began pondering how easy some people make a tidy, organized, money saving life seem. We've all seen the sites where a mother of ten kids gets her groceries for free and then shows you a hyper otganized, color coded pantry ready for world war 3. How does she do that? Yes I've watched super coupon shows. I get the premises,  but realistically I don't have the time, patience or gumption to go that gung ho into clipping coupons to save money.

On the other hand, I have been looking at the Gagnon family budget (in part because I want a new car and in part because I want to travel and the hubbs really does need a tractor) to see where all our money goes. The prices for food and gas are outrageous,  not to mention health care costs! All this money reflecting has motivated me to at least try looking like the other women I see on the Internet making it work in an organized,  fiscally sound manner. Besides, the money I save can fund my running addiction.

Today's mission was grocery shopping. A chore I dread in part because it's expensive and in part because I get pissed off when a women dressed in designer clothes, handbag and luxury vehicle whips out her ebt card to pay for her groceries. The lines at Wal mart irritate me too so, I've decided to start shopping at Publix.  Much better customer service, and thanks to an article I read this morning I have an app that doesn't require me to clip coupons, or slave over store flyers to find deals. I was even able to make my grocery list using the Publix app and it told me what aisle items were on. Money and time saver equals winning! I was able to save 95.00 and spent less than 300.00 on groceries for a family of six!

I still haven't managed that hyper organized pantry, but when Josie saw all the groceries she decided the pantry needed organization.  My daughter likes to organize anything but her room so, I guess I'm on my way my way to an organized, money saving life. At least until the rest of the family gets home!

Disability Soapbox

I've been away for a while traveling with students, contemplating starting a new educational blog and trying to rest as my TSH levels are all out of whack with my ankle. We are also in full volleyball swing so, I've been a little busy.  On our way home tonight Josie and I witnessed something at the grocery store that compelled me to jump on my soapbox!

"Get the manager here right now!  Right now I said!"

This statement came from an older gentleman (and I use that term very loosely) who was pissed off with something that happened to him at the check out line.  He was loud and making a scene when the manager did not come out immediately as requested.  He went on to DEMAND that a manger come out to see him as he has disabilities and "that smart ass right there asked me to move my car!"  The man went on to explain to the entire front of the store that he was a veteran (too bad they didn't teach him respect or social skills), he has diabetes (blood sugar must be low causing him to rant and rave), and he has had vein reconstruction (probably the reason why he needed to park in the fire lane and block traffic).  Oh he also had his mother in the car and his wife, who I'm sure would of been impressed with his vocal protest of his mistreatment. 

The man went on demanding that the manger speak to the offending "smart ass punk" immediately where he could make sure that the employee was disciplined correctly.  That "smart ass punk" asked the man to move his car, parked in the fire lane, blocking traffic, that had no handicap tag when he finished carrying out the man's groceries to his car.  The car was a Lexus SUV by the way and his wife was in the car when we walked by with the bag boy that dared do his job.  That was the offense that required two managers.

Now, I'm all for letting people know that there are problems with their businesses. You can't fix what you don't know about.  I'm also for advocating for people with disabilities.  What I'm not okay with is someone making out that their disability is an excuse to act like an ass!  All the high school kid did was ask the guy to move his car from blocking traffic.  He even loaded the guy's groceries in the back of his car while he called the kid a smart ass.  Even if you're disabled you don't get to block traffic or park in a fire lane.  Those of us with invisible disabilities struggle enough without someone causing a scene because they are offended being asked to follow the law.  Most of the people I know, and work with, who have disabilities don't ask for special treatment or try to draw attention to themselves because of their disabilities.  Most people with disabilities fight to be treated like people without disabilities. 

You can imagine the ranting man's surprise when I walked by and said "Your disability does not give you an excuse to act like a dumb ass!  Get a handicapped tag!  Son, please help me with my bag!"  That at least gave the manager some time to escort the man towards the door and the poor kid who did his job a chance to escape.

I'll get off my soapbox now!

Forced Hiatus From Running

My bad ankle!

At some point in every runner's life they are forced to take a hiatus from running.  Life is too busy, company arrives unexpectedly, you get the flu, or like me, you get an injury.  I am currently on a forced hiatus from the running I love.  My ankle apparently doesn't care that I have plans to complete four more half marathons this year, or run a couple 5k's this summer.  My ankle doesn't care that summer time is the most time I have all year to train and get in real shape to run these races in the fall.  All my ankle currently cares about is getting un impinged, not wearing heels and actually getting back to it's ankle shape instead of the tennis ball shape its been looking like.  I'm sure that tennis balls are a lovely shape, but apparently my ankle does not appreciate being swollen three inches so, I had to take it to the ortho who, after a very painful injection into the joint determined the best course of action was a brace, rest, and some physical therapy.  NO RUNNING until I'm cleared by the physical therapist.

This is not my first forced hiatus from running. I'm also not good at icing and resting.  I haven't been to physical therapy since high school and to say I hated it well, that would be a GROSS understatement.  My experience with physical therapy was painful.  When you look forward to the ice bath at the end of the session, it's a very painful experience.  The ice bath was the least painful experience of the three months of physical therapy so, I was not looking forward to going back for another round. I get impatient, fat and cranky when I don't get to run so not going is not an option my family is going to let me take.

Today was my first session.  I point blank asked if I could run today. The answer was of course NO.  The therapist was very nice and measured my ankles.  The swelling is down to only 1/2 inch.  Good to go I thought, but the therapist watched me walk and stand on one foot, the bad one.  Now, I'm not the most graceful person in the world.  I've even been know to trip over flat surfaces, as well as my own feet, but I hoped once she saw me walk we could move onto a light jog.  No such luck.  Apparently, I've been walking wrong for a long time.  I should propel from the back and balls of my feet.  I turn out and fall heavy, with no propulsion.  It's truly amazing I get anywhere with the way I walk.  I also don't distribute my weight evenly, which is true since the weight gain from not running seems to be going straight to me stomach and butt! That's not what she meant of course so, I spent 15 minutes learning how to walk correctly.  Then I was tested with my balance.  Fun times as balance is not a strong skill either. Standing on one foot is always a little problematic and all I can say is that she at least let me stand in a door frame.  So, when I fell over I'd have something to hit...the door frame all ten times!

The verdict only took about 30 minutes.  No running until I learn to walk correctly.  I have been assigned a half mile walking working up to a mile of walking correctly for the next two weeks before I go back.  I did get a cool gel ice pack to use after these walks. It's a good thing I'll be traveling with National History Day students to DC to take my mind off this forced hiatus from running.  Please pray for patience and pleasant attitudes during this time for me and those around me.  Remember if you see me, I'm having running withdrawals
so be kind!

On My Shirt Tales

First Game! New Team!

The colors may have changed from blue and gold to red, white and blue, but the coaching has not.  Last night was my first night coaching my new team in their first game.  The gym was not unlike the previous gym I coached in- UN-airconditioned.  Unlike my previous team, the girls on my new team have not played volleyball before.  They were volleyball virgins and the teams we played last night had definitely been around the block a few times.  Despite the slaughter that ensued, my new team had a good time and learned a lot about volleyball.  The team enjoyed the hair ribbons and getting ice cream for meeting our goals.  It was the first time that my daughter was also one of my players and other than having to remind myself that she was a Freshman, things went well.

Anyone that has played for me knows that at some point I'll get frustrated with players letting balls fall to the ground.  I particularly get frustrated when balls fall on the ground because girls don't move their feet.  I can only assume that the girls do not know what to do so, I have to show them.  Now, I'm not as young as I use to be, and I currently have an ankle impingement that requires a brace, rest and ice, but the coach in me could not let balls keep hitting the ground due to ignorance.  What's a coach to do?  Well, if its me then some poor girl will be told to grab my shirt tales and move with me.  Last night the girls learned quick that this old lady might be injured and not as quick as she use to be, but she can still move.

They giggled and laughed.  I dragged a few behind me and my daughter just rolled her eyes.  She's seen this done before, usually with a lot of yelling.  She proceeded to warn my shirt tale girls that they better move because I wasn't playing.  I know that it will be a different season than the years of the past.  I'm starting a program from scratch with only one girl that has ever played....my daughter who is the youngest person on the team!  One thing is for sure, there will be more nights of girls trying to keep up holding onto my shirt tales!

Comfort Food

Yesterday was a little rough emotionally and physically.  In the morning I had a corticosteroids shot in my ankle joint and it hurt like hell. 4 inch needle being moved around an already painful joint is not the way most people start the festivities for their oldest son's high school graduation,  but that's how I roll. Dealing with my unhappy mother,  apathic graduating son and an ex - husband who hasn't seen his kids in a year leaves me emotionally raw. When I'm not emotionally feeling my chipper self I want comfort food.

Food is NOT just for stomach nourishment in my house. Food is also nourishment for the soul in my house. We use food to show love. Ever have someone bake you a cake from scratch? It's a little more difficult then the stuff from the store or the box and the dishes it makes...that's love! We use food to comfort hurts both physical and emotional.  I have found taking two fresh, homemade chocolate chip cookies provides as much comfort as any pill.

All that being said, what's one of my all time favorite comfort meals? Well pizza always works, but if someone wants to show me care and comfort, nothing beats breaded baked pork chops,  long grain and wild rice and home made bread or corn muffins (the ones from the Jiffy box, please). I like to chase it with a cold coke or lemon aid. I'm not too picky on the bread or the drink. 

After yesterday's physical and emotional drain I decided to care and comfort myself with that meal. I even made strawberry lemon aid! Due to the draining effects,and now being able to find my ankle bone again, I treated my self to a coke and strawberry lemon aid. Now, some ice cream for dessert and a dark chocolate mint before bed and I should almost be recovered!

Where Do I Get A Life?

Sitting at the soccer field today there were two women about my age discussing their summer plans.
"What is James doing the last week of June?  I need a friend to go to camp with Andrew in North Carolina."
"I can't afford another camp this summer!"
"Oh, I'd pay for James to go."
"That's very sweet of you, but the family is going to Paris for a couple of weeks, starting that week."
The two women then proceeded to discuss traveling to Paris, France with their respective family structures, like it was a common place thing to take a family of five to Paris, France for two weeks in the summer.  Little James will also be attending three stay away camps this summer too.  How do you get a life like that?

As I turned to go to my little station wagon, I noticed I was parked between these two women's SUV's.  There were nice private school stickers on the back of their windows.  Their cars were nice and clean.  There were not coke cans on the floor boards, or wrappers from hurried meals in the car to and from work/practices.  There was no dirt, or the splatters of dead bugs on their windshields because they were out of washing fluid.  These two women did not have sliver highlights showing because I'm sure they can afford for the hair dresser to color their hair more than twice a year. If I stopped in at their houses I'm sure that they have manicured lawns and clean houses because the yard man and housekeeper make sure everything is tidy.  Designer sunglasses and handbags sitting on the grass beside their 50.00 Eddie Bauer chairs and me with a Chick Fil A bag and my phone, catching a few minutes of Elijah's soccer game, before leaving to the every eight week luxury of having a professional cut my hair.  While the teams were warming up I sat there and listened to their conversation with a heavy heart.  These women were leading interesting lives, going places, they had stuff and charities they were raising money for and children who were doing great things.  They have parties and functions to attend that are not work related.

They could of left me alone and I could of listened jealous of their lives but Elijah made a save and then they started questioning me.  Where were we from? (Originally Maine)  What did I do? (Assistant Principal at a High School)  What did my husband do? (Drives a fork lift in a warehouse)  Was that a Mercer Sticker on your car? (Yes, all four of my degrees come from there)  How many kids do you have? (Five)  Is Elijah the oldest? (No he's number 4, the oldest graduates high school in a couple of weeks)  Do you find working and taking care of children difficult? (It has it's moments)  I bet you enjoy your summers off?  (No, I work in the summer. AP's and Volleyball coaches don't get the summer off)  Won't you get to travel somewhere this summer? (I'll be taking some students to DC for National History Day Competition, but other than that probably not)  Camps? (For the kids possibly if I can find a way to squeeze some money from a stone).  I'm sure these questions were not meant to make me feel bad, or inadequate.  The ladies were just trying to converse with an opposing team.  Perhaps they were trying to make me feel welcome.  They were very impressed with Elijah's skills, but they only left me questioning my own life and value in this world.

Where have I gone wrong?  Why is my life not filled with travel, adventure, meaningful contributions to humanity?  Why are my kids not star athletes, gifted musicians, or academic top ten?  Usually I just pass off such comparisons to other people's lives as I have taken the road less traveled and it has made all the difference, but over the last couple days I'm no longer sure about that conviction.  Perhaps its the reality that my children are starting to leave the nest.  My oldest graduates high school in a couple weeks.  He's choosing his own path.  He's opting out of college, taking a part time job at Wal-Mart, and waiting for an opening with the sheriffs department in September.  He didn't take senior photos, and until his grandmother threatened to kick him out of her house if he did not participate in graduation ceremonies, he wasn't going to do that either. His classmates are going to school, winning scholarships and posting pictures on social media thanking their parents.  Their parents are posting those proud parent pictures and touting their wonderful children's virtues.  My oldest has no such inclination and will allow me one (maybe two if I'm quick on the button) photos graduation night. 

Here's the road less traveled for yah!  I get up, I go to work.  If I'm particularly productive I'll run before work.  I help teachers and kids when I can.  I bake (although I'm pretty sure the lemon pound cake in the oven right now will be another disaster, as it is overflowing all over the stove).  I write blog posts that on average 30 people read.  I pay the bills.  I feed my family.  I have three cars, two with over 100,000 miles on them and all in some state of disrepair.  I have two houses.  One we live in that is a mess and one we can't sell, or live in.  I have five relatively, healthy kids that I hope will become happy, productive citizens who remember to call their mom and come to Sunday dinner.  I married my best friend who loves me despite the speeding tickets, the high probability that I will lose my keys for the 100th time, and the constant self doubt I have that I'm good enough for anything I do.  My life is not exciting.  The most exotic place I have traveled to is Quebec City and that was in 8th grade.  Those two women with their charity work, and cars and vacation plans are throwing me into a midlife crisis, if only I could afford one!

I Should of Stayed in Bed and Read a Book

Some days the alarm goes off at 5 am and you know that all efforts to be productive and positive are an effort in futility.  A better idea would be to stay in bed and read a book, have the dog/husband/kids bring you cookies and cokes, take a nice long bath, then go to bed and try again tomorrow. Instead of getting up today, I should of kept my unhappy, unproductive butt in the bed and read Game of Thrones, or Fault In Our Stars, or any book that would take between 12 and 15 hours to read.

I decided to be a grown up and make a stab at being productive and positive.  That's the difference between children and grown ups isn't it? Realizing you have responsibilities and rising to the occasion, even when what you really want to do is hide away in a good book? I knew waking up this morning that living, breathing, talking, people were going to be more than my brain was going to handle in a socially accepted way, but up I got. I showered and shaved my legs! That's both productive and positive so I should of stopped while I was ahead! I even put on my green dress, that's probably a little too tight, so one of my students could have someone to coordinate their outfit with like their peers. That's two points if we are keeping track of being productive and positive! Unfortunately,  those other living, breathing, talking people were expecting a lot more productive and positive than I had left, and I had not even left the house yet!

Got to work and it's the last day of state testing! I'm counting that as point three on the productive and positive score tallies, by the way. Administration of said state testing to nervous seniors felt neither productive, or positive so, no points there.  Lecturing tenth graders on the importance of doing well on a practice SAT and taking challenging classes was not productive and their feedback was not positive.  I did manage to get the guidance people an accommodation list, which was productive but not positive.  No points earned, but by then snuggling up with War and Peace was looking real positive!  Lunch sucked! Two behavior referrals, and then a two and a half hour meeting about athletics where I was the only female. After two and a half hours I'm past the point of productive or positive so, no points earned again. Since I was supposed to meet with my teachers in the time period of my impromptu athletic meeting, and my teachers sat in my office and waited, I would say that was positive, but not probably not productive for any of us. No points earned but I'm buying my teacher's donuts tomorrow for following directions, so that will be a positive..for tomorrow.

I got in the car to go home and thought Elijah's soccer practice was at 6:30, but it really was at 5:30. Josie made me a cold hotdog that was gross, but it was food I  could eat in the car. Our conversation in the car about finishing what we start was productive,  but apparently Elijah should of stayed in bed with a book today too! He had little positive to say about humans as a whole and asked why some people go to the trouble of breathing! That was a good question I could not give a good, socially accepted response to so, I didn't.  Now I sit in the car, avoiding bugs and wind to wait for Elijah's soccer practice to end. I'm trying to be productive by writing this post, but pretty sure I have failed miserably at being positive. Elijah suggested if I wanted to end the day on a productive and positive note I should take him for ice cream after practice. Since staying in bed with that book isn't an option, ice cream here we come!

The Flying Pig

Elvis and I went for a hilly run!

For a couple years now I have been looking at Runner's World's advertisements for the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati, Ohio.  This year I ran it.  I should have paid closer attention to the elavation map, because if I had I'm pretty sure I would not have been so excited to run this race.

There were over 12,000 registered for the half.  The corrals were well marked but a little small, especially in the last corral where I and several walkers hung out.  They call the corrals PIG PENS and that's exactly what they felt like. If this is how pigs feel before the slaughter than I feel a little guilty about my love of bacon!  There was lots of chatter about how hilly the course was that I could of done without that morning, and I wished I had not forgot my gum, but other than that things went well

The view from the last pig pen!

Still waiting to start!

The 6:30 am start was early, but it was also nice to be done and back at the hotel before lunch.  Starting near the Ohio river and in between two sports team stadium's was pretty cool too.  There were lots of people to cheer you on throughout the course. Every couple of miles there were bands and there were signs everywhere.  The community did a great job supporting the runners, even us slow ones in the back!

One of the many bridges I ran over

Learning that bridge=hill

 The course was hilly.  The first hill was the first bridge over the Ohio River into a cute Kentucky town.  I'm sure the town would of been cuter if I wasn't so tired from dodging the potholes on the bridge and the hill to get to Kentucky.  The hills for the first four miles were just teasers to what miles 6-9 had in store.  At mile 6 you start the ascent up to Eden Park.  This hill was huge and just when you thought you were done, you'd turn a corner to only see more hill.  At least the view from the top was beautiful and I was very thankful for the band and water station up there!  Now why I had to look at my time at the 10K mark going up hill eludes me, but I was only 5 minutes behind my estimated time.  Which was pretty good since I don't run hills and was dealing with stomach issues!

The view from the top!

Bob Platt can kiss it!

Water stations and porta potties were plentiful until mile 10.  Why oh why did I pass up the mile 10 porta pottie I'll never know, but it made for a slow and sloshy three miles to the finish.  At mile 11 you start to go down hill.  A big down hill!  By now my feet were protesting and I could feel the blisters,  One for each foot.  I haven't had blisters in a long time, but I assume its from the swelling and up and down on the hills and sliding around in my shoes.  See there is a valid reason why I don't run hills!

The finish was lovely!  There were people lined up everywhere and they were loud!  We got a mylar blanket, even though it was close to 70 when I finished and a cool two sided medal with a flying pig.  There was plenty of food and water at the end of the race.  I wish that they had coke, but I was happy to see a short line at the porta potties!

Adoring fans at the finish!

What's For Dinner

I like to bake.  I like to cook and I like to try new things.  Taking these things into account it should not be a daily battle to answer the question, "What's for dinner?"  There's plenty of good material to choose from on the internet.  I even have a whole Pinetrest board dedicated to food to assist with deciding what's for dinner.  Why does this daily question have to be so hard?

We used to do menu planning for the month.  That helped when I was coaching and my husband's work schedule dictated that he started supper.  There is only so much concession stand food one can eat before your stomach just says NO!  Now when we used to menu plan for the month, each of the kids got a day of the week to pick a meal.  With five kids, that only left two days for me to plan for.  That wasn't too bad, but now the children have tired of menu planning and no longer get excited about assiting with the task.  They will on occasion fight and argue about what we should have for dinner, but to actually plan out a meal that doesn't require one to dirty every dish in the house, or eat out of a paper bag is not in their skill set yet.  Their favorite meal to request is fried chicken, home made mac and cheese, home made crescent rolls and home made cake for dessert.  Who has time for that on a Tuesday after work, and before soccer practice?

Many people ask their husband to assist with meal planning, but my husband isn't really all that picky.  I usually get a whatever you want response.  Well, if I didn't have to cook it I'd like roasted potatoes, home made bread, steak and chocolate moose with a chocolate graham cracker crust for dinner.  Since I'm the one who usually has to cook, calling for pizza looks really good!  Eating out could be a solution.  Problem one with that solution is there are not many restaurants to select from in our area.  Problem two with that solution is we are not rich!

So, if you read this blog (and I hope someone other than my husband is reading this blog) I'm open to suggestions about What's for dinner?

The homemade cake my kids would like for supper

Kids favorite meal minus homemade bread

Vacation

Where I Should Be- At The BEACH

It's currently my spring break.  Many people have littered social media with all the cool things that they are doing during their holiday.  Lots of trips to Disney and the Beach.  Special days with children engaging in activities such as mani/pedi's, fishing, eating out, visiting with out of state relatives you get the idea.. fun and family! So, what do you do when your break doesn't align with the rest of your family and friends and well, you're broke?  You could sit at home elbow deep into an Oreo package feeling sorry for yourself, (definitely not good for your diet, or migraines- trust me I've tried) or check out the list of things I've done during this break in the absence of family and the beach!

1. Troll Social Media for people in your same situation. Beware, you'll also find those friends who are on your dream vacation too!

2. Clean your house!  Not exciting, but at least my home will smell clean and be disinfected until the kids get home on the bus.

3. Bake cookies for said germ carrying children, and you know if you give a kid a cookie then they'll request three other varieties to be ready when they get off the bus tomorrow!

4. Create a new playlist for your next half marathon!  In a total poor planning moment, and a major race director not taking my spring break into consideration, next weekend I'll be running the Flying Pig in Cincinnati.  My Albany playlist wasn't long enough for the entire half, so I'm working on a longer one for this race.  It's also a ten hourish drive so I'm taking music suggestions I can sing while I drive that may, or may not annoy the heck out of my husband (depends on traffic)!

5. Sleep in, sorta of.  Mom duties don't end because mom is the only one on break.  Wake up call is still at 6am for the kids, but it is nice to go back and sleep until 8am.  Of course this plays havoc with my carefully constructed sleep schedule for migraines and Hashimoto's but you only live once!

6. Watch daytime television and know why you work.  Really, how many times can you watch Maury and know "you are not the father!"

7. Tackle that mountain of laundry that never gets done!  Its a battle that is never won until the kids move out, but I thought I had cleaned every piece of laundry in the house until I opened the kids' bathroom door.  If you don't open the door and pretend you never saw the mountain can you still claim victory?

8. Go for a run and not worry about getting home in time for practice, or groceries, or an appointment, or in time to get ready for work and not be late.  Of course forgetting that you have not run in warm temperatures since last summer and coming home a salty, dehydrated mess is part of the vacation fun.

9. Organize the closet.  Not fun or exciting, but Goodwill will get some donations and when I do have money then I can buy some more clothes.  I will be going to a race expo next weekend and a girl can never have too many running shoes or running attire!

10. Relax!  This is the hardest for me to do.  I like a schedule and lots of activity.  The idea of just sitting on the couch with the dog and vegetating goes against every fiber in my nature, but under husband's orders that's what I did yesterday.  The migraine helped with keeping me off my feet and the horrible day time television helped with inducing some much needed napping.

Rescue

This is Noah the rescue dog. He's in training as a migraine/seizure dog. He alerts by laying on top of you. He will also stand in front of you if he feels something is going on. At times this is annoying,  but Elijah and I not very good about slowing down before migraines attack. Noah on the other hand has no problem taking it easy and getting in your way if you need it. 

Sometimes we all need someone, or some dog, whose willing to rescue you when you're too busy, or unwilling to rescue yourself. My husband has to work so, he's not always available to rescue me. Noah on the other hand, his job is to watch and alert. He's technically a "working" dog and he does his job very well!

Now Noah is pretty spoiled since leaving the animal shelter.  He sleeps on the couch when he's not "working" and acts like a human most of the time. I'm pretty sure if there was a way for him to sit at the dinner table he would.

Noah may have needed to be rescued, but he's rescued Elijah and I on numerous occasions. He stands watch, alerts, and comforts when migraines and seizures attack. Not every rescue dog does what Noah does, but you'll never know when who, or what you rescue,  will rescue you!