Free Time

Thanks for the post, Nora Howe

While much of my free time is spent with the kids, I typically have some spare time in the evenings after they go to bed. Thanks to my direct tv cable internet, I can always find something to kill those couple of free hours at night before I head to dreamland myself. Whether it’s watching the latest reality television or catching up with my friends on the different social networking sights, I can lose myself in more adult entertainment or conversation uninterrupted and get a break! During the day, our television is usually tuned to Nick Jr or one of the other kid-centered (and family-friendly) stations. And the computer is usually occupied by one of the kids playing a game or doing homework. I’m not sure how we ever completed a research project years ago without the help of the internet! I use that time to get my chores done and take care of things around the house. It’s nice to have the kids entertained so I can get my things done. Otherwise I wouldn’t get my free time at night!

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Be Comfortable in your own Skin

At my age, I think I am getting more adventurous yet cautious. Who would have thought that I could run races in my mid 40s? I can’t even play “tag-you-re-it” when I was little. But then, even if I am into running now, I am cautious of my body because I want to run more races even in my 60s or 70s. That is why I take vitamin supplement like calcium for my bones.

At my age, I guess I am becoming more bold yet careful. I enjoy doing things that I use to love doing but I love to try out new things like doing polymer clay crafts. I love doing my own jewelries using polymer clay where I can express my own unique style and life style.

And at my age, I am more comfortable in my own skin now. Gone are the days when I was so conscious and too careful of what I put on my face for fear of getting skin allergy or pimples. Now, that I discovered the perfect skin regimen I’m happy. And though ”acne or pimples” never become a major skin problem to me, at my age, the anti-aging light therapy is the best way I can give to myself. Why?

This is why:

Via: Tanda Skincare

So for you who are at my age – this might also be the answer to make you comfortable in your own skin too. Wink*

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C for Scary

Last month, my family doctor called me on the phone. She just left a voice mail but still, it was very unlikely of her to call me. Though I was suspicious, I didn't return her call till the following week.

After I talked to her and hanged up the phone, I was wondering what was she talking about. I tried to recall our conversation trying to digest everything she said. Then it dawned on me that it was something really scary.

She found an abnormal cell in my recent pap smear. That was what the call was all about. She is going to refer me to an OB Gyne for a biopsy so make sure what it is. Apparently, that abnormal cell may cause cancer of the uterus. Though she said it was very unlikely but due to my age and family history - I had a cousin who died of cervical cancer 2 years ago and another cousin who just had a hysterectomy two weeks ago - it would be the best thing to do. I agreed.

My biopsy schedule is today at 3:45 pm. I received the news last month and I kept it to myself until two days ago. I never told a soul till then. I am so scared! The thought of the big C scared the hell out of me!

Last night, me and hubby was crying as we held each other. I told him that if I would be found with cancer, I wanted to go home and be with my family. But as I was saying that, I realized that he too is my family. I was torn and cried some more. This morning before I left for work, we hugged each other and cried harder. And in the car as we drove to the hospital for my scheduled biopsy we were holding hands like we never want to let go.

At the hospital, I have never seen his face so scared before. I could see in his eyes how worried he was. I wanted to cry but I controlled myself.

I only saw the glow in his eyes again when I told him that I didn't need a biopsy. The OB Gyne said that upon studying my family doctor's paperworks, the abnormal cell normally occur during the menstrual cycle. I had the pap smear during that period and I'm all set.

Oh what a relief. We still held each other's hand on our way home.

My Two Questions:
1. Have you been so scared of anything before?
2. What would you do if you received such a terrifying news?

This is my entry for Self Sagacity's Thursday Two Questions. To join and for more interesting 2 Questions entry... click HERE.

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Sunday morning church

I appreciate the guest post, Jewel Rodgers

My husband and I are now empty nesters. It is a very different life than we had for many years. We raised four children who are now off living their lives somewhere else. When the kids were growing up we had them involved in everything that you could think of. I was always carpooling them to ballet, baseball games, swim practice, soccer practice, piano lessons, sleepovers, doctor appointments, and even more things that I can’t remember right this second. We always made sure they were involved with church too. We took them every Sunday, and then on Wednesday nights they all went to be with the church youth group. It seemed like we were always at church every time the door was open. But now, since they are grown and gone, my husband and I sometimes take a Sunday off from church. We recently got direct.TV and discovered that we can watch church on television if we want to stay home. My husband really likes this church program called Touching Lives. Dr. James Merritt is the pastor, and his program is shown all over the country. I think I am starting to like this empty nest thing. I am now free to do what I want to do and not what my children want to do.

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My Friend’s Pain Gone… kinda

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I had a long conversation with my friend earlier. It was not a good one. Well, I can feel her pain because she just lost her job and now that she is under maintenance pills for her high blood pressure and prescription pills for her diabetes, she is really worried.

She was worried because apparently, Walgreens failed to renew its contract to continue to be a part of Express Scripts’ pharmacy provider network. Walgreens and Express Script contract ended last December 31^st and this has a great impact on her family because most of their medications are managed through Express Scripts and Walgreens is the only pharmacy where they go to. It is the most convenient place to get her prescription refills because it’s just a walking distance from her home. She cannot even think of changing pharmacy because she also was able to establish a good relationship with her pharmacists Lisa and Amanda who is her daughter’s Godmother.

Good thing I know what she is talking about and told her that favorite pharmacy is doing its best to help its customers ease their burden through Walgreens Prescription Savings Club which offers special discount on annual membership and savings on over 8,000 brand-name and all generic medications. I also told her that she can get discounts on flu shots, pet prescriptions for her beloved dog Bubbles, nebulizers for her daughter and her diabetic supplies. And she can get bonuses every time she purchases Walgreens brand products and photofinishing services. With a $10 a year family membership, her family is all set, including Bubbles.

When she heard this, she kinda calmed down. So I told her, if you are happy with what they did to help people like you… like Walgreens on Facebook and follow Walgreens on Twitter because offer like this is a huge thing in this tough economy. So, to you my friends out there, let’s help support Walgreens and do the same.

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