Thankful and Bummed...

Thankful and Bummed…

For those of you who didn’t know, I qualified for a medication 10 years ago, called Xolair. It is for my asthma and allergies. Won’t go into all the details of it, but it was an incredible blessing just to get on the medicine in the first place! It took so much testing and waiting and praying. I go to the doctor 1 time a month to get 2 shots. Like I said before, I have been doing this for almost 10 years now.

I met with my doctor back in November, and he wanted to take me off of it for several months so that we could do updated allergy testing. I have been doing so well on it, so the thought of getting off of it was so scary, but I do trust him, and I am thankful for having the same doctor all these years!

So we agreed April would be a good time to stop, and then get testing done in August, to see if my allergies have gotten any better, maybe even grown out of some! (I have to be off the medicine for awhile for it to fully get out of my system. It will skew the results of my allergy testing when on it, to make it seem like my allergies are essential not as severe).

So now we are in July.  For the first little while I felt good, really good! Continued with my workout routine, even upping my workouts, and overall just doing well! I  was pretty excited! I could tell that my nasal allergies started increasing about 3 weeks ago, so after about 2 months of being off of the Xolair, I started taking Zyrtec again (which I stopped taking well over a year ago), which has helped some. Last week I noticed my asthma starting to flair up, so I made sure I had an updated inhaler, because I honestly don’t use my inhaler, because I don’t need to.

And then it happened, what I was hoping wouldn’t happen, but it did. I had an allergic reaction last night. Thankfully it wasn’t bad, but benadryl and inhaler were used (so glad I got an updated one last week!). I am pretty sure it was a cross-contamination thing that I ate (at home), still trying to pin point it.  I had a reaction last year, but I knew that was a direct contact with eggs- not eating, but contaminated service, and again, didn’t require a hospital visit, just benadryl and a sleepy Aimee. J Other than last year and now this time, I haven’t had to take benedyl of have any type of reactions in a very long time (I’m talking years, which for someone who went to the hospital several times EACH year, this was life changing stuff!)

So what am I taking from all of this…

1.     Was this a bad reaction? Absolutely not! That for which I am very thankful! I have had way worse, but of course those hives sure are no fun!

2.     I was thankful before to have been on the Xolair, and I continue to be thankful for the medicine!

3.     I’m bummed… yep, I said it… bummed…I wasn’t thrilled about doing testing again, because it goes one of 2 ways- 1: you grew out of something 2: you didn’t grow out of anything. For me I have accepted it. I have accepted my allergies, I have accepted that this is part of who I am! It doesn’t define me, just part of me!  For me, it is opening old wounds… old wounds that I haven’t had to deal with in a long time. For anyone that suffers with allergies there will always be a part of them, hoping, praying, wishing, that they would all go away! But I accepted a long time ago, that mine wouldn’t, I would have these things for the rest of my life. And the thing about it is, that I am ok with it, I have been ok with that for a long time!  It is just the fact that I have to face it again, be reminded again… it hurts, and well, it is just a bummer.

So yes, I am incredibly thankful: for doctors, for modern medicine, for a support system. But I am just feeling a little bummed: I know this to shall pass, and I will continue to thrive, just how God made me to thrive, but He knows too… just bummed.

Will continue updating over the next couple of months as to how things are going!

Always Going,
Never Giving Up,
Trusting,
Loving,
Believing

I'm that Girl...

I’m that Girl

Over the last month or 2 I have really been on a journey to figure out who I am , what I am about, and where I am going. And right now I feel like it is on the fast track…. Really fast… yes I have my job as a teacher and other things I do on the side, but what am I doing to take care of myself, so that I can do my job the absolute best that I can.

So I am that girl that is doing Crossfit… yes, you read that right, Crossfit. Do I know that just by saying those words you might be thinking lots of different things, yes, and that is ok. Crossfit has gotten me to a place where not only am I accountable, but I am surrounded by a community that cares about me, and wants me to be the healthiest me there can be. They are encouraging, but we sure do work hard. And the hard work is paying off. I am down a couple of pounds, but honestly, who cares about the scale. I don’t. All I care about is being healthy, building muscle and stamina throughout my workouts so that it carries over into my daily life.

So I am that girl that is an Ava Anderson Non Toxic consultant. Just the words consultant also has you thinking and pondering I am sure, “what has she gotten into.”  Here is the difference in saying that I am a “consultant” and not that I am “selling” Ava Anderson products…  It is about the message… do the Ava Anderson products go along with the message yes, of course and that is why I am using them, but the things is, it is the message that is important for people to know. The message is about chemicals in our everyday products. You think they are safe, even the “clean products,” but once you start doing the research you realize it is far from it. I decided to become a consultant because of the message and the initiative the company is taking to make our world, us as human beings, and the products we use, safer, without all the harmful chemicals.

I knew that by writing this, I run the risk of judgment or questioning or wondering, or even doubt but here is the thing. My journey is to be the healthiest person I can be, not just for me, but for the people around me, the students I work with, my co-workers, my family, my friends, everyone. If I am not taking care of myself then how in the world can I influence the people around me. If I want to share the message of being healthy, and taking care of this body that was given to me by God, then I have to put action to it.

I am that girl, that has a message, that is not only ready to share, but to encourage.

I am that girl, that wants to make a difference, and I am proud of it.

Happy Birthday to me!

I love birthdays, not just mine, but everyone's birthdays! Might sound weird, but birthdays are a really big deal to me! I know for some, birthdays are just another year after you get a certain age, or it is just another day in the calendar. I almost got into that thinking this year, because to me it is a big year. It took me a little bit to admit it, but this is my last year in my 20's. Even now, I get a little nervous thinking about it. So I decided I needed to do something about this special year...

Birthdays to me are a special time to reflect and celebrate on the last year that was given to me or anyone. Some years can be more difficult than others, that is a fact that many of us have faced. But then there are some years that also were great! Regardless of the year, I can always look back and remember some very special and precious memories.

So where do I go from here... Well since this is my last year in my 20's, I decided that I would make a list of 30 things that I want to do or accomplish before I turn 30. I have been really thinking and reflecting on this for the last week, and I couldn't be happier with the list I came up with! My guess is you would like to read my list... well... here is the deal... I am not going to be posting my list, BUT once something is accomplished or checked off that list I will be blogging about it, to let you know how it happened, details, etc.

Honestly, I couldn't be more excited about this! Ever since I made my list I have felt centered, focused, and just really looking forward to this next year of life! I am looking forward to sharing my journey over the next year!

Happy Birthday to me!

So you think...

Sometimes you sit back and wonder, is it all worth it.

Everything I am going through is it all worth it,

Am I worth all of this.

I am here to tell you,

I am worth it.

Every ounce of unknowns and disappointments,

It doesn’t matter I am worth.

I am not perfect,

I will stumble and fall,

But the difference between you and me,

Is that I will become stronger through it all.

Don’t mistake my kindness and willingness

As a sign of weakness.

I am not weak, nothing about me is weak.

I know who I am,

I know where I belong.

My strength comes when you think I am done,

When you think you have gotten to me,

And used me.

Oh no, that is when my strength shines.

It comes out,

And then you step back and realize,

Oh I wish I had seen that before.

You may think you are right,

You may think you know me.

The truth is you don’t,

And you never will if you don’t try to.

It takes work,

It takes effort,

It takes a willingness to forgo yourself at times,

But the one thing I can promise is this…

It is worth it,

I am worth it…

And if you haven’t figured that out by now,

Then you never will.

And you know, that is ok,

Because not everyone will get it,

But then you appreciate those that do.

So again I say,

It is worth it,
I am worth it.


Always Going,
Never Giving Up,
Trusting,
Loving,
Believing

Moving from 2013 to 2014... Worth it?

2013- Honestly I can say that I am glad that it is over. There were and have been a lot of ups and downs, but more downs this past year. No need to go into all the details, because that would be like writing a book J… but trust me when I say, a lot more downs…

So what would any, shall we say, “positive” person write about then? Well of course the “what did I learn from all of this”… so here goes…

First- People are not who you think they are. People will look you in the face and say one thing, and turn around and do something or say something completely different.

Second- If you have ever said, “Oh, I would never do that,” then you need to really think about what you are saying. When it comes down to it, you never know the circumstances you will be put in that will require you to act in a way that you never thought was possible.

Third- No one has to live my life, I am the only one that does. People have their opinions and that is fine, but when it comes down to it, I am the only one living out my life daily and will be accountable for it in the end.

Fourth- Life isn’t what I thought it was going to be. Even without making plans, I guess I just thought that I would be in a different place at this point in my life in a lot of various areas. Not necessarily bad, just not what I thought.

Fifth (and probably most important)-

            I AM WORTH IT!


Always Going,
Never Giving Up,
Trusting,
Loving,
Believing

This is Absurd

This is Absurd!

I was given a link to an article about a "big 10 game" that is going peanut free, so that those with peanut allergies can enjoy going to a football game without the worries of having a reaction while there.

http://www.debbieschlussel.com/66513/absurd-big-ten-football-game-to-be-peanut-free-in-PC-deference-to-peanut-allergies/

The link is right above this... Feel free to read the article... Actually I want to encourage you to read the article before reading the rest of this blog post!


After reading the article, I read a couple of the comments below, and honestly had to start laughing. The whole thing is absurd...

1- it is absurd that people can be so insensitive to others that have food allergies, or for that matter for those that have any sort of disabilities.

2- it is absurd that people can write an article, and even comments, about something they really know nothing about.

3- it is absurd that there are kids and adults alike have food allergies, it isn't like any of us planned on having them, but we just have to deal with it.


Here is the bottom line... I can't say that I agree or disagree with this article. This is how this lady feels about a peanut free game, and she has every right to feel this way. How come she has to be restricted on something that doesn't affect her? Let's be honest... Are you insensitive to things that don't affect you? If you answered no, then you are lying to yourself, because we are all insensitive in someway to something that ends up messing things up for us. So who are we to judge her or anyone who feels this way.

I wonder if part of this had anything to do with people, parents, kids, who have put up such a stink to make sure that things happen in a way that makes it "normal" for them. My guess is, this lady has had some sort of interaction with someone with food allergies and it wasn't a pleasant one. We can all be guilty of pushing things on other people, and it can all be in the name of "doing what is best for our kids," "living a normal life or moment" "not having to worry," "being like everyone else." We are all selfish in our own way, wanting things to be "normal" for us.... And here is the deal... Everyone's normal looks different.

So what the heck am I saying? Is this lady right? No.... Are we right? Not necessarily...

At this point, some of you might think, how can you write about this topic or even give this article any of your time? Listen... I  have severe food allergies and have had them my entire life - before food allergies was even a thing... And not just one food allergy... But the top 4 categories of allergies (out of 8)... People, I have almost died from a reaction... I was subject to all of this before there was any kind of FDA restrictions, certain labeling, cross contamination, the works, so don't sit there reading this thinking that I don't understand your situation... Believe me when I say... Or don't believe me... But I get it a whole lot more than you will ever know. My parents didn't advocate for me to have all these specials things, or for all these people to bend over backwards for me. They did what they could to keep me safe, bring food to places we were going, etc, but I was treated like a normal everyday person, I just happen to also have food allergies. You ask my brothers, and they will tell you just the same thing... That was Aimee... She had to watch out for the things that she ate, but we didn't treat her any differently, she was just our sister. That's it... Now understand, I do know that there are people out there that are severely allergic to peanuts to the point that a simple smell will cause an allergic reaction (I know I have the smelling reaction as well). I am not saying that they shouldn't have peanut free games... I am all for them... I do think that it is great... But we all have to be realistic about living in society.... It isn't always going to be like that. I encountered many people, growing up who never got it, and were very insensitive to it, but guess what that is life... There are always going to be people like that.

I already know that many of you are probably ready to fire back with, well you don't know me or my child's situation... You are right, I don't, but then again, you have no idea what I went through or what my family went through without the internet or heck, even just having another family with food allergies to bounce ideas off of. It was just us dealing with it everyday. They paved the way for you... I paved the way for you... And I continue to, because I never grew out of my allergies... Why you ask... I don't know....

But sometimes I wonder, I just wonder, if it was the opportunity to write this.....

Never underestimate what someone around you has been through before you make judgements, either way... The fact is, I didn't want to live in a bubble, and I am glad that I continue to fight to live a normal life, while staying safe.... And not just living, but thriving! I sincerely hope that those with peanut allergies that are going to the game have a fantastic time, not having to worry... Believe when I say... I understand, and I am happy that they are doing that, but remember that life is never going to be fully like that, and well you just have to say ok, and continue on with an incredible journey of a lifetime living YOUR life!

Way too Long...

So it has been a really long time… WAY TOO LONG… since I have written a blog post. I have started many, but haven’t followed through with posting. But today I decided it was the day, and it is time to start blogging again!

Question you may ask? What in the world is going on in my life? Well, a lot!

Mostly it really has to do with work. Work and moving.

Work has been good, ended last year with a sweet group of kids, a lot of work, but I felt like overall they made great progress, and are ready to start a great year in Middle School this year.

At the end of May, toward the end of the school year, I found out the condo I was living in was sold, and that I had to move. I was able to find another condo closer to work. I am still getting settled, but overall I am enjoying the new place, learning new routes around the area, and the closer drive to work. I so loved living in the other place, and I will miss it, but I am so thankful for the time that I was able to be there, experience the quiet (yes quiet!) view of Atlanta, the business of the holidays and activities, and the independence and growing of myself personally.

Over the summer, I stayed extremely busy. When I say busy I mean busy. I think there was only 2 weeks in the whole summer that I didn’t have things to do.

In May I found out that I was accepted into a program that is offered to families of special needs in Georgia. It is called the GA PINES program. The PINES stands for Parent Infant Network for Educational Services. The purpose of this program is to provide early intervention services to infants and parents in their natural environment, like their home, to give the infants and parents as much support in living their lives as normally as possible. There isn’t anything normal about special needs persons, their lives are a challenge every day. I love that this program, starts early in the lives of these infants and their families to give them as much support as possible! To work with this program, I completed 2 weeks of trainings over the summer, with homework and home visits involved. It was a lot of work, but now that I have completed this, I am excited to be contracted through them as a Parent Advisor. Now I am still working at the same school in my teaching position, this is just on the side. A little over a month ago, I was given my first referral family. I have made one visit, and it went well. I will say that this new thing is going to be growing me a very personally way. I can’t imagine what these families go through on a daily basis. I only hope that I can be an encouragement to this family, and whatever families my come along my path.

I was also given the opportunity to speak to at a conference for the school system that I work with. The subject matter was on Specially Designed Instruction in special education setting. I really enjoyed the experience. I learned a lot, a whole lot. I was given some good feedback on the break out session that I did. I gave my presentation several times, and each time was with a new set of teachers, so it really kept me on my toes. I do hope that this is something I will have the opportunity to do again. It was my first time doing anything like that, and I will forever be thankful for the opportunity, no matter if it really does ever happen again.

Are you still reading? I know this is getting lengthy, so I will wrap it up soon.

Many of you have seen pictures and such on facebook or instagram of a certain guy and me together. Yes, that is my boyfriend, and his name is Kojo. He is someone that I am very proud of, and could not say enough amazing things about him. I am proud to stand by his side, as we have walked through some difficult things already together over the past year or more. Overall I am thankful for his mother. I wish I was able to meet her before her passing, but from what I know about her, Kojo is just like her. She raised him to be a respectable man, with an incredible heart. One day I will be able to thank her for her hard work all these years, and I greatly look forward to that day!

The start of another school year, and it has already been a rough one. I have some challenges that I am facing this year…. Ok… a lot of challenges. I really am trying to just take one day at a time. At this point that is all I can do. One day at a time… I think we all have those times in our lives when we have to do this, and well, this is one of those times.

I have lots of personally growing moments in my life right now, and I am thankful for them. Some days I am not as thankfully as others, but I am working really hard to be thankful, just for the simple fact that I know they are growing me more and more into the person that I was made to be.

I will leave with saying, more blogs to come… you will want to stay tuned… there is lots more to talk about in the very near future that you will not want to miss! J

Always Going,
Never Giving Up,
Trusting,
Loving,
Believing