Anna’s first day of school

It’s official – everyone is back to school. Amber, the oldest, and my two middle children went back to school a few weeks ago and little Anna was left home with me until today. (We did have fun spending extra one-on-one time together.)

The baby of the family returned to head start for the second year and is participating in kindergarten readiness since she didn’t get into Pre-K at her siblings’ school. She seemed to have mixed feelings about going: excited to put on her “first day outfit” and tote her backpack around. Not too happy to get outta the van. Then joy to see the new building and her classroom; not too thrilled about mommy leaving her, but when I picked her up I was stoked that she was pleased to see me and boosted about her “good day.”

My youngest – little Miss Anna (mommy’s moo-ma-licious!) – is a big girl!

   

 

 

The posing princess!

 

 

 

 

 

 

And the silly posing princess!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(While Anna happily posed, Amareah sadly pouted ‘cause she got in a little trouble and decided that she REALLY needed to stay home with mommy.)

To everyone who doesn’t begin school until after labor day, enjoy your last week of freedom and fun.

‘He Was My Man First’ {book review}

It has been quite awhile since I’ve read a good fiction novel. (I think Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink was the last one. Click to read my review.) I’ve received so many non-fiction books to review and I’ve bought quite a few myself that I’ve become bored with all the seriousness, all of the self help and all of the… uh… realness. So when I received an email about “He Was My Man First” by Nancey Flowers and Courtney Parker, I jumped on the chance to review it. It was the title that caught my attention and made me chuckle. Here’s the overview from the back cover:

Valentine Daye is a product of the streets. Raised in the projects, she lost her father and her mother young. By fifteen, she was living the life with drug lord Colombo. But when Colombo and his crew are murdered, Richard Washington, one of Colombo’s many street runners, swoops in and wastes no time making Valentine his queen.

Nine years later, Valentine and Rich are a happy couple who have weathered some “minor” problems. Valentine is well aware that Rich steps out on her. But doesn’t every man? He always finds his way home. Or at least he did before Vanessa Knight.

Vanessa Knight is a woman who has everything . . . except Richard Washington. An heiress to a multimillion-dollar company, Vanessa is willing to forgive Rich’s flawed background. However, she wants him for herself, and tells him that he must decide what’s important to him—a flourishing career at clothier Jorge Jacobs, where she can make him a VP, or a life with his street past, Valentine?.

When Daye meets Knight, each woman plots and schemes to steal Rich’s heart. Rich must make a decision. Does he gamble and start a new life with the beautiful and cunning Vanessa, or does he stay with his around-the-way girl Valentine, who has been with him through thick and thin?

Although this may seem like your same ol’ novel – two women fighting over a man – it is extremely entertaining and revealing as the authors expose each characters’ true thoughts ultimately managing to reveal behaviors, patterns and tolerances that some of us experience. This novel was an experience that was similar to watching a movie where you shake your head, get upset and talk to the screen. Then you say, “mmm mmm mmm” and “mmmhmmm” at some parts while other times you’re evaluating the way you are in a relationship to determine if you have any of the  personality traits displayed in these colorful characters. Can you tell that I liked this book? Well, I definitely did.

Without giving away the ending: I was not happy with how the novel ended. I think my exact words were, “Ahhh, damn!” Not because it wasn’t a good ending, but because the person who ended up with the man didn’t make the choice I thought she should have made.

Disclosure: I received a copy of He Was My Man First by Nancey Flowers and Courtney Parker to help facilitate this review. This did not effect my opinion and any opinions expressed here are my own. Clicking on my Amazon affiliate link and making a purchase will garner a small commission for me. For more information review my complete policy.

 

Why bloggers have more than one blog

After 16 years as a writer and editor, which includes four years of blogging, I still don’t want to run more than one blog. I don’t mind contributing to other blogs or having other editing and writing projects, but having a successful blog takes a lot of work. Although I don’t think I’m a “top mom blogger,” I am happy with my measure of success and love those who read on a regular basis as well as those who follow on GFC, Twitter, Facebook (<—yup, I included my link if you wanna follow!) and all of the other social networking, bookmarking and media sites I try to keep up with.

Having reached a certain measure of success (recognitions?) with this blog, It’s a woman’s world!, means that I’m offered opportunities  to write more and more paid posts. That’s great for me because although I started my blog to share my life and fuel my joy of writing, I also wanted it to supplement my income. You see, I was a work-at-home mom before I started this. I was a freelance writer who mainly wrote magazine articles and edit manuscripts. Right around the time everyone’s finances took a nosedive, I was on maternity leave. The few local magazines I wrote for went through some major changes: A couple cut their budgets and one went out of business altogether.

So where does that leave a freelance writer who still needs to make money? Oh, and to add to it, I was separated from my now ex-husband and eight months pregnant. I turned to the web to discover how to amp up my blog and make money writing web content. Being the single parent of four children I have to make sure I can be as focused and organized as possible – that means I can only manage one blog.

All of that has led me discover why some bloggers start another blog – or two – so that their main, most popular, one isn’t drowning in paid posts. I’m happy to have the opportunities that are presented to me and over the past week or so there have been several reviews (are you really not gonna comment just ‘cause I got a free product or book?), numerous paid posts and the like with only a splattering of my life. Since this is a woman’s world – that woman being me – I can make it whatever I want it to be, but I notice everyday lately for as many Twitter followers that I get at least one drops off. Is it because I haven’t managed to follow back or that a lot of my tweets are about the paid or sponsored posts that I write? I must insert that I’ve been so busy the past two months with the financial repercussions of my daughter’s auto accident and my health that my creative muse and fuel to talk about life in general has been dormant.

I want those who read my blog to read it because they genuinely like me. I think I’ve mentioned this before: The bloggers that I really like I read the majority of their posts – even the paid or sponsored ones – because I like them. Because I support them. And I’ll even comment sometimes. Yes, only if I have something to say that’s relevant, but I look for the chance to do that. I know, if they’re like me, that they’re only trying to supplement their income and they’re not taking advantage of me or wasting my time. I may not be interested in something they’re writing about, but that doesn’t make me stop following them.

I get a little sad when I see a follower has dropped off or there are a bunch of posts without comments and I wonder what I’m doing wrong. But I have to continue what I’m doing and try to do it to the best of my ability because it is apart of what puts food on the table, gas in my car and whatever else we need or want.

In other blogging worlds more than one blog is created to balance out the paid and sponsored posts from all the fun, everyday stuff, but in this world – this woman’s world – I have to do a little of both. And believe me, I don’t just throw stuff up all willy nilly and I hope that you’ll at least find the writing interesting enough to read it even if you don’t agree with the content.

So bloggers: Do you have more than one blog? What’s your opinion of the paid and sponsored posts among the everyday stuff? If you don’t like it at all then please share why (you’ll probably want to add why you don’t watch television commercials either! LOL).

Until next time…

Professional makeup artists

When I worked as an assistant editor for a local magazine one of my responsibilities was organizing and coordinating the photo shoots. I had to book photographers and make-up artists, determine and/or suggest locations, submit contractors’ information and invoices and make sure everyone was in place on the big day.

It was actually a portion of the job I enjoyed the most especially since every avenue of creativity intrigues me. I love to observe photographers, the types of lenses they use, backdrops, lighting and compare that to the final product that was sometimes altered for creative reasons. It was equally as pleasurable to watch the makeup artists who manage to transform a subjects’ face into a masterful painting.

While observing these creative folks I had the opportunity to learn a lot about their businesses and experience. For instance, some of the makeup artists simply did photo shoots on the side, but worked out of salons or spas providing services for wedding parties, celebrities and the everyday client. There’s a makeup artist in Newport, RI, that I hear is pretty good and if you live in that area you should stop by the store – Cosmetic Cosmos – and check out their services.

After having seen so many fabulous makeovers, I would suggest everyone to pamper themselves at least once on a special occasion or just because. Have you ever had a make over?

A little up, a little down, a lot round & round

I am pretty pleased with how this week has went – for the most part. I’ve been very productive with work (still catching up), with home duties (almost done finding a place for everything and processing paperwork) and mom stuff (spending time with my youngest and suffering helping with homework).

On the health side of things and how I feel physically it’s been up and down. Last week I spent a lot of time working from the bed because I had exhausted myself with rental car and van repair issues, school shopping and everything in between. The series of naps and resting gave me a little energy, which I was able to use throughout the weekend and this week. But last night I had a BIG setback that prompted me to take some meds that make me extremely sleepy. Well, those pills have not worn off and it’s been more than 13 hours and I’m so drowsy that I keep dozing off where I sit. Where I sit right now happens to be the floor so I just lay down and rest ‘til the feeling passes… and give into a little dozing here and there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That little face above is the one who keeps waking me up and who keeps me smiling.

Now if I can just make it through a work task without dozing off I can move through my work at a slow and steady pace. Otherwise it’ll be a long weekend of work and trying to fit in rest – or is that the other way around?!

How has your week been?

Take a trip down 175 Cherry Lane

One of the constant and universal things in life is music. Good tunes can cheer you up when you’re having a bad day, make you happy when you’re feeling sad, give you pep when you’re dragging your feet, and good music can also bring back long-lost memories – good or bad – to fuel your spirit and capture your heart.

You’ll find those long-lost memories in Rhinebeck Fever, a single on 175 Cherry Lane by KO. It’s a true story that KO tells where the characters are real, the first yoga class was experienced and where memories of the beautiful Rhinebeck and the people who live there. The Rhinebeck experience gave KO a good vibe and that feeling made its way to the album.

I know you wouldn’t dream of missing a song that can evoke such thought and feelings, so take a moment listen to Rhinebeck Fever and all of other classic songs from this “throwback” rock album on iTunes: 175 Cherry Lane by KO.

Quality time with my baby

My youngest child has been going a little stir crazy since all of her siblings have went back to school. Her school doesn’t start until August 26th and now that she’s here a lone it seems like the days ‘til the first day are just dragging along ooooh soooo veerrrry sloooowly.

Being at work-at-home mom I don’t really have as much free time as I would like, but being that I AM an work-at-home mom who runs her own business I can set my own schedule and take time off if needed. I shouldn’t just take time off when I’m not feeling well or to take someone to a doctor’s appointment, I have to make time for special time with my children.

One of the challenges of being a mom to four is that my time is normally very thin and I often have all of the children around me at one time. With Anna, the baby, I have an opportune moment to bond with her without the distraction and noise of the others.

So yesterday when she asked me to go to the park today I caught myself from saying no and telling her that I had to work. I instead told her that if she acted appropriately we would go to a different park today. Even when I got up today I tried to postpone the park adventure saying that we’d come back home after dropping the kids off at school and then go later. A little voice in my head said, “You know if you come home you aren’t going to want to go out later.”

We dropped the kids off, went to Wal-Mart and then to the park and I am sure glad we did. 

We sat on the bench swing together… And she asked, “Who’s doing that?” (Making it move! LOL)

She raced me from one point to the next… Only problem is she didn’t tell me we were racing!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were really impressed by the playground because it was just like a big tree house. It had all kinds of cool handholds and footholds…

 See my little munchkin up there?

Watching her play (especially being able to swing alone), listening to her laughter, her constant chatter and questions, and observing her discover new sights and sounds made for a wonderfully pleasurable – and tiring! – morning. The most important part of that? Her laughter and the fact that mommy made her day.

And, truth be told, she made mine too!

Walking on air {product review & offer}

No matter what we put our feet through they still support us. For women, we have squeezed into pointy-toe shoes, tittered on four-inch heels and beat them up by walking miles, exercising and standing on our feet. Whether we’re taking care of our family or doing something for ourselves, our feet are always busy. Even men put their feet through the ringer, some wear steel-toe boots, which I remember to be very uncomfortable from my stint in the military, and some are on their feet all day.

Since most of us don’t get the rest we need we have to take time to pamper our feet. That may involve getting a foot massage, propping your feet up for 20 to 30 minutes in the evening, wearing supportive shoes and using inserts. I recently had the chance to try Dr. Scholl’s Massaging Gel Insoles when the BzzCampaign came up on BzzAgent.com.

I was pretty excited about this one and signed up as soon as I heard about it. Not only do my feet hurt from regular “wear and tear,” but I have chronic pain throughout my body and sometimes the pressure on my feet is really bad. At first I tried them in a pair of flat, casual shoes I slip my feet into, but even with them cut down to size (which was extremely easy to do) they made my shoes a bit too tight. So, I put them into my exercise shoes – the ones with the curvy bottom to help your bottom! – and I absolutely loved them!

The gel of the insoles supported my foot and absorbed the shock of walking by using their new dual-wave design (TM) soft blue gel cushions. It honestly felt like I was walking on a pillow top mattress or that cushioned, blue floor mat that gymnastics’ center have covering the floor. The insoles are available in men’s sizes 8 to 13 and women’s sizes 6 to 10.

I’m definitely going to try the other massaging gel products including the Dr. Scholl’s Heel Pain Relief Orthotics. There are about seven varieties of the gel products. To find out about all of them, you can visit DrScholls.com.

By the way! I have quite a few $5 coupons left to share. If you send your mailing address to petulawrites@comcast.net with gel insoles in the subject line, I’ll be happy to mail one or two your way.

Disclosure: I received coupons from BzzAgent.com, of which I am a member, to share with friends and family. I also received one pair of Dr. Scholl’s Massaging Gel Insoles to try for myself for the purpose of sharing information about them with others through word-of-mouth, blogging and/or social media. The opinions expressed here are my own and are in no way influenced by BzzAgent or Dr. Scholl’s. Submitting my post to BzzAgent.com will earn MyPoints. More information can be found in my complete disclosure policy.

Professional makeup & spa services

For a lot of women doing something special for themselves on certain occasions is something they look forward to. For instance, I’m my 40th birthday, a few years ago, I wanted to go to the spa and for my daughter’s 20th birthday this year we went to the spa again. We’ve since decided we want to go more often and on just about every special occasion including everyone’s birthday (we’ll celebrate for them!), any time we decide it’s a go-to-the-spa holiday and, for sure, the day before her wedding. Uh… which I hope is at least 10 years from  now.

Brides-to-be everywhere decide on spa services as well, but those who live in the Newport, RI area have the pleasure of visiting Cosmetic Cosmos where they can receive relaxing spa services along with the skill of a professional makeup artist to enhance their beauty for the big day. Most brides agree they want to look extra special when they walk down the aisle.

Join other brides and their bridal parties for makeup artist, Newport, RI, to put your best face forward on that special day. If you’ve visited a spa and experienced a professional makeover or the services of a makeup artist, leave a comment and tell me what you liked most about it? Anyone live in Newport, RI? Tell me if you’ve been to Cosmetic Cosmos.

Playing catch up!

I have no idea where the time is going or exactly how it got away from me. Well, that’s not true. My most recent life upheaval was when my daughter was in a car accident, which wasn’t her fault,  while driving my van. She’s fine, but the domino effect that accident  had on our finances, time, health, education, work, etc., has been tiring – to say the least.

That, my friends, is why you haven’t seen me around as much as you should. I haven’t had a chance to tell you about the musical car game I played, which I’ll have to share in another post. To give you an idea: I was without my van for about seven weeks and had about 5 different rental cars. Why do I say “about?” Because I really can’t remember.

My two middle children started school last Monday, which I did get a chance to tell you about, and Amber started yesterday. That leaves me at home with Anna until her school starts on August 26th. Needless to say I didn’t realize how much her siblings keep her occupied until they’re not around. Anna is a little ball of movement and energy that doesn’t sit still for more than a minute. Even when you can get her in a seat she only remains still for about 30 seconds before she’s turning, sliding, spinning… Oh my goodness, and the talking! When did she start talking so much? I guess I’m so used to tuning her and the others out that I hadn’t realized it, but she talks non-stop. About everything.

One of the worse parts about her being home – besides my lose of sanity – is the fact that she’s getting even more attached to me and is getting extremely, embarrassingly spoiled. It was worse before the kids went back to school now I’m hoping for a magical anti-spoiling pill. What makes it even worse is that I’m the “mean mommy;” I don’t give in easily, I’m consistent and all the things I was when I first became a parent 20 years ago. For some reason, however, that little girl still manages to get away with something or get around something. Even her fake crying sometimes gets a reaction.

She’s just so adorable… All the more reason for time to pass quickly and get her outta here.

Then there was the week I wasn’t feeling well. Everyone who reads fairly regularly knows about my health challenges, but that’s a link to catch you up or refresh your memory. As you know I experience pain daily and too much exertion, lack of sleep and inconsistent days along with stress exasperates my conditions. All of that built up and landed me in the bed for about a week. I was up and about briefly, but as soon as I returned home I would climb into my bed, try to work and end up falling asleep.

This time, instead of fighting my body, I gave into it. I realize that if I don’t care for myself the way I’m supposed to I can get a lot sicker and I don’t have the time or resources for that. Now if I can just keep up with my night-time schedule then all will be right with the world.

Until next time, I hope you’ll come back and read some of the sponsored and paid posts as well along with browsing old posts to get to know me better. Oh, and while I’m on the subject of paid posts and review: 95 percent of what I write is because I am interested in it and/or I think you’ll be interested in it. It’s not just the money, but a writer has to make a living, right?

Just nod in agreement and leave a nice comment. :-) … LOL

pictures

1. Amber is about 11 years old there. So sweet… and she still is.
2. Amareah & Andre are still that cute together. It’s always so sweet to see him hugging on his sisters. Today he sat down next to Anna to watch television and said, “I like hanging out with my baby sister.” Soooo adorable!
3. Amareah & Andre are only 15 months apart in age.
4. That’s Anna in a highchair. Probably almost 1 in 2008.
5. Amber and I in 1996 or ‘97.

What do you buy for baby showers?

I can’t remember the last time I was invited to a baby shower. In fact, I think the last time I went to one was when I was pregnant with my middle daughter (I don’t think I had one for my youngest!) and that was six years ago. I do remember receiving all kinds of gifts; some of which I liked and some of which I could have passed on. That’s why I think it’s important to ensure you get the parents to be something they have on their baby registry or something that they’ve told you specifically that they need. Almost everyone is going to give a pack of plain onesies or an “I love mommy” bib. (And not enough people give diapers. IJS!)

If you want to go with the typical gift then at least make it unique and special like giving one of those personalized baby gift baskets. You can add the baby’s name to a t-shirt or bib, you can customize the color or include something extra special for the parents to be. Whatever is in the basket it will be much better when it’s personalized.

While you’re here, tell me when is the last time you went to a baby shower and what did you give as a gift.

Momma, I’ve got style! {Wordless Wednesday}

Do you like money?

Although I haven’t made it to the ranks of extreme couponer I do consider myself a savvy saver. There are several sites where I get coupon codes or discount information when I am making online purchases and I print out coupons and sign up for store and retail alerts to ensure I know when there is a good deal.

Another thing I like to do is share with friends (and I consider you my friend) when I hear about something that will save you money. Sometimes those things will benefit me if you sign up and sometimes it’s just an FYI. One of the ways I save a little dough is by using Ebates, which I told you about before about two years ago in another post and encouraged you to sign up using my affiliate link. If you sign up then I earn a little cash back.

I’m beginning to think some people don’t like money. Why? Because a lot of blog readers have this aversion to signing up using others’ links because it’s a way for us to earn money or get rewards. I’m not going to comment on how I feel about that, but I do wonder why others don’t want to help someone when what they’re going to do will help them as well. *shrug*

If you like to have “extra” money as well as save money then you should check out Ebates. Yes, that’s my referral link. You will not only find deals there, but you will get cash back on purchases. That’s beneficial especially when it’s on something you’ll purchase anyway. I recently shopped at The Children’s Place and snagged some goodies for my three young children during a fabulous sale. I received 3 percent cash back on my purchase PLUS I had a coupon code for free shipping. Total score for me.

One of the things I snagged was this uniform sweater coat for my middle daughter. This normally sells for $24.95 and I was able to get it for $18.71.  That deal coupled with free shipping is more than worth it. Since we live in Georgia we don’t often need very heavy outer wear so this will probably be perfect for school and comfortably carrying a backpack. I also bought her a cream colored beret and scarf to match add a fancy pair of tights and some cute shoes and my little diva will start the day in style.

If you haven’t signed up for Ebates, please click my affiliate link and give it a try.

What ways and/or sites do you use to save or earn money? And what’s your favorite way?

Disclosure: This is an FYI post that I decided to write when I was checking my Ebates balance. This is not a paid or sponsored post. If you click the referral link and  sign up I will receive a monetary award ($5, I think.). Thanks!

First day of the 2011-2012 school year

I didn’t think I would be up and excited this morning because I had such a late night getting all of the school supplies and little details for the first day of school situated. This is the first year that I (gratefully!) was able to have everything they needed on the first day and didn’t have to wait until I was paid or whatever, or wait until a store restocked their supplies because I had waited until the last minute. Last night, my oldest daughter Amber and her best friend (who I also call daughter) helped me label, pack backpacks and double check supply lists. Amber packed their lunches and ironed their clothes as well. But each time I tried to shut down for the night and go to sleep I would remember one other detail that went undone.

Despite all of that I slowly arose with a positive outlook and began getting myself ready. My alarm goes off at 5:30, my son’s alarm sounds at 5:45 and my younger girls alarm rings at 6. This morning, however, my son’s new alarm clock awoke both of them and they excitedly came to my room to let me know they’re up. Our contingency plan is that if someone doesn’t get up with their alarm then the next person is to awaken them. Now, if we all don’t get up then you can imagine how the morning will go.

After everyone was dressed, fed and ready to go we waited a few minutes for our neighbors who were going to ride with us. Their youngest child entered kindergarten this year so between the two of us we have four children at one school. Anna didn’t get into the school because of the stupid lottery system and will be going to kindergarten readiness at head start. Why siblings don’t have priority is a mystery to me.

Of course I couldn’t miss the opportunity to snap a few pictures of everyone before we got into the car to go. I must say they’re a studious, attractive and well-dressed bunch of kids.

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Aren’t they all adorable? I think they should be child models! If you’re wondering why they have on different color shirts to go to the same school it’s because each grade has their own color – the better to see them, my dear.

I’ve been promising Amareah she can go to the hair dresser to get her hair straightened so I was sure to get that done on Saturday and I am so happy with how it turned out. But her reaction to her hair was/is absolutely priceless.

As you can see, she is already proving to be a little diva fashionista. I, of course, think she’s absolutely divinely gorgeous.

My son Andre is the coolest guy I know. He’s handsome and is experimenting with his swagger. Handsome, huh?

These little people can really work my nerves sometimes, but I sure am proud of them. I hope they have a wonderful 2011-2012 school year and find new interests and an increased excitement for learning. And it’ll be great if they have a little fun while doing that.

Although Anna, the youngest had fun today, she was not happy this morning when they went off to school without her (she doesn’t go back until the 26th), but she was distracted a little when I asked her to get in the picture to say goodbye to her brother and sister. Despite her displeasure she was all too pleased to involve me in matching games, puzzles, braiding her hair and badgering me to take her somewhere.

At the end of the day the whirlwind of night-before-school activities began again. Have your children went back to school yet? Are they happy to be back in school?

(Check out Andre and Amareah’s first day of school  last year.)

What gifts are best for new moms?

It feels a little weird to me that my oldest daughter has friends who are pregnant and/or getting married. I think single, 20-year-old young women should be focused one education and career, but we all know that sometimes life goes in a different direction. Those young moms need just as much help, encouragement and love as any other new mommy.

One of my daughter’s friends, who is also 20, will be having a baby really soon and we have been trying to figure out what to do for her. I was trying to do a pay-it-forward type thing with a $50 gift card that I have for a pay-it-forward challenge. I wanted a local store to maybe match the gift card amount by presenting her with personalized baby gift baskets and then we would give her the gift card to purchase the other things that she needs.

As you know, with four children of varying ages it’s often difficult to get things accomplished in a timely manner. Getting the young lady a gift basket will allow for a variety of items that every new mother needs.

What’s your favorite gift to give to a new mom?

A little health update

Links within this post go to previous posts to give you further explanation about my health.

It is past time for a little health and weight loss journal post, and since I had doctor’s appointments today and yesterday I thought it would be a good opportunity to give you the latest 411.

Yesterday’s appointment was with the ophthalmologist for my Plaquenel screening. Because of the  medication I take for the sjogren’s I have to get regular screenings of my eyes to ensure that there hasn’t been any damage to my eyes. And, to add to that, I go a little more often than required (for the dosage and time I’ve been on it) because of how my liver functions.

(More about my sjogren’s.)

I’m happy to report, everything looked great with my eyes. I was instructed to use the eye drops four times a day as opposed to the two to three times a day I normally use them.

Today’s appointment went well, but I found out a couple of things that may cause some changes in my current treatment plan. I had my Zometa treatment today and besides the nurse having to chase a vein around my arm (she didn’t catch it!) and stick me twice, everything with that went well.

During the process of my appointment I inquired about some radiology tests that I’d had done. The most important, to me, being the results of my shoulder x-ray. My left shoulder has been hurting me terribly for months now and I’ve had no relief from pain meds and muscle relaxants. The current tests don’t show anything to do with my shoulder, per se, but it could be a result of the straightness of my spine. Where my spine should be curved mine is straight. First order of business to get this “corrected” is physical therapy (where there’s a waiting list!) If that doesn’t help then injections and/or surgery.

What do I think about surgery? Two little letters: N. O.

Now, the not-so-great news is the presence of another lesion somewhere near my collarbone on the right. That would give me about four lesions, I think, and anything over three is considered multiple myeloma. Right now I’m classified at plasmacytomas stage, which – according to my understanding – is based on the number of lesions. The more lesions then it means the condition is progressing and requires more aggressive treatment.

I’m still feeling positive about everything going on. I have enough to think about on that front because I haven’t been sleeping well, which makes me feel worse, i.e., more pain and exhaustion. I’m just dealing with each development one day at a time. I take my meds, eat healthy (mostly!) and try to get some sleep. As a matter of fact, I’m really looking forward to turning in now.

During the first week of September I return to the doctor to discuss the next plan of attack, and I’ll be sure to come back and give you an update.