My New Year

I know it's already mid January so I'm a little late with the New Year Resolution thing.  When the start of the month and a sparkling new year rolled in I was feeling pretty poor physically and mentally, so the thought of dealing with anything beyond the very basic needs of my family and myself was more than I could handle.  It really threw me for a loop mentally to be feeling so weak and fragile.  I think a lot of it had to do with it being the anticipated birth month of the baby.  Even though I was weeks and weeks away from my 'due date' (I'm currently 37+ weeks) it just seemed like I should have "all my ducks in a row" or at least be putting them there, which was definitely not happening.  Combined with the thought of going into labor when I was already in severe pain with the rib injury put me into mental overload.  Anyways, here I am a few weeks later feeling MUCH better and ready to get this New Year started.

*One of the biggest things I want to be better at this year is making time for myself.  I had a really hard time with this when Riesling was a newborn and know that time in general will be available in even more limited quantities with two little ones, so I'm trying to set my mind to it from the start. As a new mom, I felt very guilty being away from Riesling and felt that no one could quite give her what she needed from me.  Plus breastfeeding is really consuming and she wasn't a fan of bottles.  So, I definitely let her run the show.  I'm not saying that I regret that or think it was the wrong decision, I just think that I need to remember that caring for myself including working out, eating right, and having a little personal time for things like shaving my legs doesn't make me a bad mom.  I know have a gym membership where there is a daycare so I want to make that part of our routine pretty early in the game. 

*This kind of ties in with making time for myself too.  I want to read more.  Even if it's some Oprah book club novels, articles online or listing to books on tape.  I tend to feel pressured to read in depth classic literature or chiropractic research journals.  You really have to be on your A game to get into some of that stuff which means I don't do it.

*Experiment more with food. Once the garden and farmer's markets are in full swing I really want to try some new and exciting recipes and food preservation methods.  I'm in a bit of a rut lately but I'll blame it on the lack of fresh ingredients and my constant heartburn.

“I have the opportunity, once more to right some wrongs, to pray for peace, to plant some trees, and sing more joyful songs.”

~William Arthur Ward

Work Life Balance

I came across the link to this article through another blog (although I don't remember which one) a few weeks back and it really stayed with me.  It's definitely something I have struggled with over the last few years.  I was a really ambitious student and young professional.  A real "change the world" kind of young woman.  All that changed when we decided to start a family.  I actually left a really successful well paying job mainly because of my issues with infertility. 

Since then work has never been a top notch, high stress priority for me.  It was hard for me in the beginning not to be an equal contributor to our household income.  It was also hard for me to see my job as a mother and in the home as important rather than necessary.  But I think over time I am coming to realize that I really am Ok with it.  I am really happy to still be active in my profession and love that I have the opportunity to help people achieve a happy and healthier life.  I am also really happy that this occurs on a part time basis, that I can bring Riesling to work with me, and I have control over my schedule and how much my professional life carries over into my family and home life.

I am not at all saying I am necessarily against anyone who choosing otherwise.  I just know that this is what works for me and my family right now.  I know that my professional life and career aspirations will always be there and precious moments of my little babies will not.  I also know that I don't need fancy cars, luxury vacations, or expensive clothes.  "I'm not ambitious, and that's Ok."

 Riesling working with Mommy, May 2013

"Fear, uncertainty, and discomfort are your compasses toward growth."

Have you ever stuck with something just because it's familiar to you, even though you're not 100% satisfied with it?  I think sometimes we can get into a comfort zone and it causes you to slowly lower your expectations over time.  Like going to the grocery store just around the corner even though the produce is crappy, the prices are high, and there are always long waits at the register.  Even if there's another grocery store just a few minutes further away, you will continue to go to the one that you know best.  Or maybe something big like staying at a job or in a bad living situation.

Last week I made two small changes that were LONG overdue.  I was avoiding them for convenience sake alone.  I went to a new hairdresser and switched Riesling to a new pediatrician.  In both cases I didn't start out unhappy or dissatisfied but now that I made the switch I realized how much I had overlooked in both cases.  I got a way better haircut for about 1/2 the price; it was a lot easier to get an evening appointment;  and I found the new stylist a million times easier to converse.

The pediatrician situation was a whole different ballgame.  Sometimes I think as a healthcare provider myself I somehow expect less out of other doctors.  I know how challenging it can be to find good staff. I know how unreasonable and frustrating insurance companies can be.  I experience first hand all the negative things about being a part of the industry.  But wait a minute, that doesn't mean I provide less than the best care I can to my patients.  Why do I think it's Ok when I'm on the other end?

From the very first visit I didn't love Riesling's pediatrician's office.  But, I didn't necessarily hate it either.  The place was just Ok.  But over the last 18 months it seemed like something happened every visit that made be frustrated, annoyed, or angry.  So after a little research and a wonderful consultation with the owner of the new practice, Riesling and future Baby Robinson have a new pediatrician.  I can not tell you how much this doctor and this practice lifted my spirits and renewed my faith in healthcare.  It's crazy what a little time, energy, and shift in your 'comfort zone' can make.

“Fear, uncertainty and discomfort are your compasses toward growth.” - See more at: http://exploreforayear.com/clarity/45-inspiring-quotes-change#sthash.OdtVHo6Z.dpuf

 

“Fear, uncertainty and discomfort are your compasses toward growth.” - See more at: http://exploreforayear.com/clarity/45-inspiring-quotes-change#sthash.OdtVHo6Z.dpuf

Me, Myself, and I

Why is it so hard for moms to take time for themselves?  Mom guilt is such a weird thing.  I get so focused on making sure everyone in my wee lil family is Ok that I forget about me.  In some regards it's no big deal but not only do I sometimes just need a break from the long days, I don't want to get o the place where I can't find the "me" anymore.  I think it's important to stay an individual and engage in small things you enjoy.

I've really been working on taking some quality time for myself, like recently taking a 3 hour photography class ($25 Groupon! wootwoot), letting Jim hang with Riesling while I go to the grocery store alone, which most certainly includes a pit stop at Starbucks, or going out for a drink after work to celebrate my birthday with my coworkers even though it means Jim putting Riesling to bed (gasp!).

I don't know why I struggle with taking a time out so much, especially on days when I really need it.  If I'm tired, worn out, or frustrated after a long day with a cranky teething baby I'm not being my best mom self anyways.   And just an hour alone helps clear my head and I come home refreshed and ready to dive back in. Like I said mom guilt is weird.  Aside from those occasional outings solo,  I'm also working on taking better care of myself on a day to day basis.  Again, healthy mommy equals happy mommy.  Here's my hit list:

Drink more water.  It is ridiculous that I have to put this in writing, but for some reason during the winter months I tend to forget about hydration.  I don't drink much else besides coffee, tea, and a glass of wine at night so it's not like I'm drinking a lot of soda or anything, I'm just not drinking anything at all.  No good.

Take my vitamins.  I go through spurts where I forget all about those magic little pills.  I take D3, prenatal multivitamins, and a B12 everyday.  I also like to take an Omega 3 supplement of some sort, I prefer flaxseed or flaxseed oil in a smoothie or something but if I don't fit that it I need to remember to take the pill.  I started

Eat lunch. Another stupid one.  Why am I not taking time to freakin' eat?!  Usually what happens is that I get some consumed with playtime, nap time, squeezing in chores, and getting an afternoon walk in with the dog that I just grab something quick.  Blue chips & hummus with a handful of almonds is not a proper lunch.  I just don't want to take the time to prepare something.  Work days are better because I pack a salad or leftovers the night before so I think I'll just try to prep something the night before for the other days too.

Workout at least 3 days a week.  Jim and I both struggle with this one.  Neither of us wants to get up early and take a morning shift at the Jim and we both kind of hate working out after dinner so it leaves a really small window Monday, Wednesday, & Friday for one of us to go to the gym after Jim gets home from work (no daycare at the place we belong to).  Of course there are the weekends which we tend to pile up with projects and family time and just kind of forget about weight lifting.  Luckily my job is physical in nature so I'm not sitting at a desk for long periods, we walk everyday with the dog, and Riesling is 20+lbs upper body workout all day long.  So, I'm not completely neglecting myself.  I think I need to start adding a in home workout during morning nap time a few days a week.  Any recommendations for videos or quick but effective routines?

Finding balance is hard but I definitely think I'm doing better than just a month ago.  I'll keep you posted on my success!

TGIF

 I don't know why but this seemed like the longest, fastest week ever.  Makes no sense, I know.   I also can't make sense of the jumbled To Do lists I have scattered throughout my house, purse, and car.  For no good reason it just was a hectic week for me, maybe more mentally than anything else. Regardless, I'm happy that it's Friday.  I'm also happy that my favorite season is in full swing.  I'm craving anything and everything pumpkin, hot apple cider and a heaping pile of brussel sprouts! 

I'm afraid to actually write anything since my brain is scrambled plus  I only had one cup of coffee and it's nearly 1 o'clock so I will just shower you with links.  Perhaps an little light reading, some topics, of general interest, and of course a few recipes I will be putting to good use....

25 Vegan Pumpkin Recipes

My favorite way to cook brussel sprouts

Roasted acorn squash soup (we ended up with 3-4 random guys growing in our spaghetti squash patch!)

A few to follow up on my rant about healthy living....

Economics of Junk Food 

Debate over whether organic is actually healthier

Fast food vs. healthy food

And a  little parenting to top it all off....

Ideas for reducing sugar overload at Halloween 

Parent Like a Caveman

Cry it Out?

Give Health a Try

I'm primarily a perimeter grocery shopper, meaning I only go through a few of the aisles.  I hit the produce section heavy, organic when possible and within a reasonable price range; the two aisles of organic, gluten free, and natural products at my local store; then a few items in the freezer and dairy case (which has decreased significantly recently since we've been trying to reduce our dairy intake).  Although I occasionally need a random item, like mustard or vegetable broth, I rarely actually shop in the majority of my local grocery store.  What's down those mystery aisle anyways?  (I'm guessing a lot of sugar and artificial crap)

A few weeks ago I was unloading my cart at the checkout and starting feeling weird and self conscious about my selections.  Like everyone around me was watching and thinking nasty thoughts. It was basically a mound of produce, a few gluten free items, and a pint of Ben & Jerry's (I am human after all).  Maybe it was the mid calf length floral, bohemian style skirt I was wearing combined with my darling little baby strapped to my chest in the ergo that made me feel a little out of place.  For a short moment I actually might have cared that the cashier and the lady behind me were giving me glances indicating god knows what about me.  Then I looked at the man in front of me with his fried chicken, chips, chips, and more chips, cookies, soda, and bologna accompanying his overhanging gut and pitting edema and thought....."Why the HELL am I embarrassed!?" 

I know a lot of people argue that they can't afford to eat healthy, which I think it ludicrous.  I do realize that organic is more expensive and some of the specialty items we purchase are not affordable for everyone but that doesn't mean you can't eat healthy on a budget.  I think the bigger issue is taking the time and effort.  Preparing your own food takes time and planning, not to mention the clean up.  Some nights I absolutely DREAD the thought of going into the kitchen (in which case I probably order sushi) but most nights once I get going I'm always happy that I made the time and put forth the effort.  Jim and I are constantly reevaluated our lifestyle choices in an effort to improve wherever possible.  Not just with our food choices, but with everything from cleaning products to managing our budget better.  We actually work pretty hard to try and live healthy and happy.  Maybe we should all try just a little harder and see where it takes us.

Mrs. Robinson's Poison Ivy Treatment

I haven't had poison ivy in probably 15 years or more and never to this extent. I guess because I'm always tromping around in the woods and spent my youth in the backhills of Ohio without any significant memory of this terrible ailment, I honestly had it in my head that I didn't really get it. This overconfidence allowed me to casually spent 3 or more hours clearing out an overgrown corner of our yard, knowing that there was poison ivy there.

For some reason, it's the only area of the yard that I don't have a 'before' picture, so you'll just have to use your imagination. The overgrown tangled mess basically consumed the entire space that it is now brown with no grass growing. It was so dense that we couldn't even mow or really weed-whack the area last year. It was a total eye sore for the neighbors being that it's the back corner of our property on the street.

So as I was clearing, I did clip a few pieces of poison ivy and wearing gloves, carefully placed them directly into the lawn bag thinking I was safe. Considering that there were poison ivy roots wrapped around the tree, at least an inch in diameter I should have known that it was strong plant and would be throughout the overgrown mess of brush I was handling...in a t-shirt. Basically, I'm an idiot.

The good thing. I learned a lot about poison ivy and have now development a serious paranoia, which has allowed me to locate several other deadly areas in our yard. First things first. You can not spread poison ivy from the rash. I once mad Jim sleep in long sleeves in 80 degree weather because I didn't want to 'catch' his poison ivy. I'm guessing this misconception comes from my childhood. I'm can just hear my mother telling me or a sibling "don't scratch it, you'll spread it everywhere..." You can only get poison ivy by coming in contact with the oil either from the plant or by touching garden tools, etc with the oil on them. If you care, read more here.

The rash is an allergic reaction and the treatment is basically waiting for the skin cells to die off and new ones to take their place, with healing time ranging from 10 days to 6 weeks. Six weeks! Are you freakin' kidding me?! I really don't have six weeks to sit around itchy and scratching in long sleeves trying to conceal this hideous skin disorder. I'm happy to report than in less than 10 days I was able to eliminate all the itching with some areas completely healed and all areas well on the way to being healed.

My theory was to completely dry out my skin first to try and get rid of the old rashy allergic skin cells. I basically bathed myself in tea tree oil for the first week. Seriously. I purchased Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle body wash, 4 bottles of pure tea tree oil, and one bottle of Vitamin E oil.

• I took hot showers twice a day using a clean wash cloth to scrub all affected areas with the tea tree body wash. The hot water and tea tree oil both help dry up your skin.
• Immediately out of the shower I used clean cotton rounds to wipe all the affected areas with the pure tea tree oil. At this point my skin was looking pretty red and fiery but also feeling very cooled and soothed. I should also mention that tea tree oil has a pretty strong smell. Jim could smell me have way down the hall even with the bathroom door closed. The smell does fade but not quickly, so I also purchased some over the counter anti-itch lotion for the pharmacy to apply before and during work.
• I also applied tea tree oil whenever I was home and start to feel the itch coming back and immediately before bed. At bedtime I also popped two Benadryl, hoping to kill the antihistamine reaction over night and keep nighttime scratching to a minimum.
• I followed this for about six days. At this point I noticed that my skin was really starting to dry up and scale over and I really wasn't itching much. I decide to continue with the tea tree oil body was scrub down but, switched over to Vitamin E oil after showering to start healing up the skin. (ps. Vit E is also GREAT for burns, scars, etc.) Vitamin E oil is...well oily, so after showering I generous applied to all areas plaqued by scaly, scabbing rashy skin, then put on a a long sleeve shirt to avoid getting oil on any furniture, etc.
• It's now about day 11 and I've taken to wearing short sleeves without shame. Considering how BAD I had it, I think under 2 weeks is a speedy recovery. There are still some areas that have faint marks, but I think they'll be gone within the next few days with continued Vit E treatment.

So, farewell poison ivy and shall we never meet again.

Race for the Cure

I started running again. Now I know why people hate running. It's such torture. Even though I go to spin class, lift weights, or do yoga 4-5 days a week and walk everyday, I can barely make it around the block running! In my head I know if I stick it out it will get easier.

I have to stick with it because I put together a team to participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, which takes place in 5 weeks. I'm following a slightly modified version of this beginner's training program from Runner's World.

Back in my youth when I ran all the time, I was a big fan of the Runner's World magazine and the website is even better. The training schedule is actually off the UK site but there's also a US site. Both sites have a ton of info on not only training programs, but injury prevention and treatments of common conditions; recipes, nutrition, and carb loading advice; and reviews on shoes and other gear. If you're thinking about getting into running or just need to jump start your workout routine, check it out.

My previous attempt to start running again found here.

Spirit of the Irish

Ok. I didn't really start my day with green beer and sparkling beads. I actually wore a lovely polyester scoop neck blouse, cream cardigan, and a handmade brooch that Jim bought me for Christmas.

Being a doctor is serious business.

I spent the morning soliciting myself to other professionals, attempting to convince them that I am not a crazy witch doctor. I am in fact an educated, well trained, and licensed healthcare provider. Breaking through that barrier of misconception is the worst thing about my profession. I hate it. It forces me out of my comfort zone. But, I'm determined to educate the community and change our current healthcare system, so I do it anyways. The weather was beautiful and, with one exception, everyone was actually extremely nice making for a somewhat enjoyable experience.

Driving around with my window down, soaking in the spirit of the Irish reminded me of my trip to Dublin nearly a decade ago....

I really loved visiting Ireland. I felt like it was just as I imagined. Jolly Irishmen hanging out in bars all day long and into the night with only one law enforcement officer in the entire bar district just hanging out on a corner as people roamed the streets signing and dancing.

The countryside is green, green rolling hills, filled with flocks of sheep, castles, and random waterfalls...

Food, Inc.

I love food. I really do. And the more I learn to prepare food and experiment with new and ingredients the more I love food. I was a little concerned about watching this movie. I have enough dietary restrictions, plus some general hang ups about food and ingredients and thought this might just gross me out completely and turn me anorexic. It didn't and I would recommend watching it if you already haven't.

FYI. You can sign up for Netflix (the 1st month is free) and connect it thru your Wii and movies, TV programs, etc.

Partly due to our profession and our educational background, Jim and I are already pretty health conscientious, but I will tightening up on a few areas that we've gotten lazy with (i.e. organic yogurt and grass fed). There are a few gross-ish parts but a lot of that stuff I already knew about. For the most part I just found it more sickening to my soul. A bit disheartening.

This guy was my favorite..

In my future days I want to live his life...

Help Wanted

I try really hard to be a good doctor. Although, I suppose good is a relative term. I try to be systemic and thorough, as well as assume that the patient knows nothing when I'm explaining procedures or recommendations.

After a brief introduction, I start off a first visit explaining how things are going to proceed..."I'm going to ask you a lot of questions about your pain and symptoms, how you were injured, and review your medical history. We'll move onto an exam to help me determine exactly what's going on. Following the exam I'll explain my findings and my recommendations for care, then answers any questions you might have." The better the patient stays on track with me, the easier it is to get through the torture of the first visit.

On occasion there is a patient who just doesn't want to follow allow. Let's call her Mary. Before I could even get a proper introduction out of my mouth I knew she was going to annoy me. Mary was the type that already knew what was wrong with her. She had arthritis. And wanted an MRI. She interrupted me a million times. She was side track on EVERY questions, providing me with lots of information a didn't need a very little of what I wanted to know. Mary was seriously testing my patience. Not to mention it was the end of my day, so my patience is already pretty thin.

But, I wanted to help her.

She was too young to have the pain she was relaying to me. Pain that was intefering with her young life and her young daughter. Too young to be pumping herself full of Vicodin, steriods, anti-inflammatories, and hoping for injections. Arthritis wasn't her problem. She didn't need an MRI. She needed conservative treatment. She needed to change her lifestyle.

I wanted to help change her life.
This is why I love being a doctor.
I wanted to help her.

I was at the office 40 minutes after closing trying to get through to Mary. I used all my best examples, anagolgies, testimonies, and even gave a stab at a little guilt. She interrupted and made excuses, in the hopes of widdling me down. As if I was withholding my secret magic band-aid cure. Ultimately, I think Mary is in denial. I don't think she'll be complient. She's probably calling another doctor's office today.

In the end I drove homein the rain, frustrated and mentally exhausted. I committed my best skills and it still wasn't enough. I stopped at Whole Foods and treated myself to fig bars from the bulk food section. I get them every time I go. I eat one (maybe two!) on the drive home and hide the rest in my car for the next day's commute. I never tell Jim. Hopefully he got bored halfway through this post and still doesn't know about my secret litttle treat.

Ambitions

Resolution

–noun

1. a formal expression of opinion or intention made.

2. a resolve or determination: to make a firm resolution to do something.

3. the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure,etc.

4. the mental state or quality of being resolved or resolute; firmness or purpose.

I'm not really in to making resolutions. It just seems too structure. Accompanied by too much guilt and negativity if unachieved. But I am into ambitions.

Ambition

-noun

1. an earnest desire for some type of achievement or distinction, as power, honor, fame, or wealth, and the willingness to strive for its attainment.

2. the object, state, or result desired or sought after.

3. desire for work or activity; energy.

Things you want to accomplish, places you want to see, small personal defects you want to work on. Ambition, aspiration, goal, aim, focus. Positives. I often reassess where my ambitions lie throughout the year, both professional and personal. Winter. depressing. cold. dark. You can get lost in there! No better time for a fresh look and what life is for me...

Be really aware of what I put into my body and what I expect out of it. Make healthy food choices. Try new recipes. Get back to my A. M. workouts and yoga. Find balance between stress producing and stress relieving activities

Make an effort to learn new things. Read more. New ideas and facts about chiropractic and health. I also have several seminars I want to attend in the upcoming year.

Spanish. This is like a thorn in my side. I really do want to learn to speak Spanish, but it's just not in my wiring. Even interacting with a Spanish speaking population 5 days a week has had little effect on my comprehension. I seriously considering Rosetta Stone.

Take more weekend trips.

A.M. yoga

I usually go to spin class on Monday mornings. I must admit I was a lot better at keeping up at 5:15am when it was warmer and there was actual light at that time of day. Today I was up but just didn't go. To be truthful, I just feel like getting sweaty. I plugged in the tree and did yoga on the floor next to it for about 45 minutes. It was so quiet and dark aside from the tree lights. I love the way it feels to breath in and move deeper into a pose on the long exhale.

It was a nice way to start my Monday.

Don't say the "s" word

I am surrounded by the threat of illness. The office is running with a bare bone staff b/c half of them our under the weather. The other half have a direct family member with the flu or some other ailment. Patients in desperate relief of low back and neck pain still come in even with hacking coughs, mild fevers, sniffles, stomach virus, shivers and shakes. I've taken to wearing latex gloves and a mask most of the day. There is Purell at every corner. I sanitize my office every hour. A complete 8 hours of quality sleepa night and regular adjustments. I'm completely dedicated to my vitamins, fruits, veggies, and plenty of H20. I am pampering my immune system in every possible way.

....2 more days!!!