Archive for September, 2009

Life’s wonderful journey

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We are all passing by, we typically don’t talk about the going away part, but the reality is indeed that  one day we will all  be gone , and when we are gone, people left behind will only have our memories. No one knows when that time comes, but it will come, and when it does come, one can only pray that it would be peaceful.  Now come the  many good questions -  are we ever ready to  go?  what kind of lives did we lead? Did we live good or bad memories for our loved ones? Did we live this earth a better place than we found it? Did we make a difference?

Will people left behind miss us? What will happen to our loved ones when we are gone? There are a million questions that run through our minds, but  we tell ourselves that the safest thing to do is to avoid these kind of thoughts completely. ..mmmh, should we?

This life we are living is just a journey. Everyday we wake up and go on our ways,  is truly a gift. For this and those moments alone  we are given opportunity to truly live life. The little fights with our spouses,  our kids, our siblings, parents, neighbors and the strangers on the  streets  may not be that necessary.

Flashback…When you look back to your childhood, like many you may have spent your days, just looking forward to adulthood. Some of us  thought of how we would do this or do  that, if only we were that big or that tall, and now as adults we look back and think…mmh if i could go back to x amount of years, i could change this or that… Yeah i know, but life won’t have  probably been that interesting.  Life can be wonderful at any age. In my opinion,  It is never too late to do whatever it is that anyone is set to do.

I was talking to my sister in law ( my brother’s wife)  a couple of weeks ago and she was talking about how she loves school… See this is completely knew in Tanzania. In the past, once married, it was almost unheard of for a woman to go back to school. She was telling me how she studies with women same age as our mothers, some grandmothers…See you have to understand our African culture. The way we were raised, adn taught what is or not acceptable. Talking about  these  students..these are women who spent most of their life taking care of everyone else’s needs probably. Raised their children, worked hard, and now  they are finally going back to do something with their time and life.  I mean, this is incredible for our generation and African society. It marks progress. Life’s wonderful journey.

I would love to live long enough to see my children grow and achieve all their dreams. I want to see my family and  friends do the same. I want to be able to really make a positive impact on people that i interact with on a daily basis. I want my children to say and truly mean it that they enjoyed and loved me, their mother. I want my husband to say, we had a good life and all our dreams did come true. I want my friends to miss me everytime they do not hear from me.  I want to enjoy this life given to me.  It is what everyone out there really hopes for. For believers, it is what God wants us to do…Live a good life.

Have a goodnight!

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Baby Steps = Getting there.

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If you have read most of my postings, I am always talking about giving yourself a chance of doing your very best, taking chances on yourself, and just waking up and actually making your dreams a reality. So I have decided to work on some of mine, little by little, step by step and maybe just maybe one will open a new door, and get me to where I want to be.  I have started working on my children’s book, I have to admit, it felt good just sitting there and penning away…Relief too as I am actually doing it.  When done I will start on my novel.

This is step one for me, there will still be research to be done as far as how I will get my books published, and all the other work that come with it, but I am a firm believer where there is a will, there is a way. When you want something so bad, you make it happen, you find people that will get you there. I believe I will get there.

So there, I woke up and am doing it… Hope you will get to do the same too, soon.

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I feel Terrible! What a wife!

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I forgot  it was my husband’s birthday today.  I just realized it and called home to wish him a happy bithday, but of course Julian was already asleep and did not get to wish his dad a happy b’day. My husband said he didn’t want to remind me because he didn’t want me to feel bad… He is that type of person, always caring.

I really feel horrible. We talked about it last week since i wanted to know if  it was ok to invite close friends over, he didn’t want a party, as usual. He doesn’t like the idea of getting older , i guess.  He even made sure he had plans for the weekend, so i don’t try to pull a surprise party for him.

So, today i woke up got Julian to the Dr, came back got their lunch/dinner ready and off to work and never did i remember to wish him a happy birthday. Crap! I know, i would have made sure he knew it was my birthday :)   and oh, he would have been in trouble if he forgot  too, so that is why i feel terrible. I always remember that kind of stuff, but i guess we are all human.

I will get a cake for tomorrow, so Julian and Eli can get to watch their dad blow all those candles.

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Julian and The Flu Shot

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Julian has the egg allergy, so what we have been doing in the past is just make sure he is taking enough Vitamin D supplements…They have always worked. He has never had the Flu. Last year his Allergist wanted him to get the Flu shot, so this year we had him get it too because of the baby.

I took him this morning to get his flu shot, and they let us go home after the shot, unlike last year they watched him for half an hour. On my way home, i have to admit i was scared. I kept on checking on him on the back to make sure he won’t have any reactions. He looked a little tired and felt weak, but didn’t have any reactions. He takes Zyrtec  (antihistamine) once a day before bed, for environmental allergies, so i made sure he took some last night, and  i do believe that helped. 

On our drive home, we were at the stop light, i turned around and he had layed his head on the side of car seat. I almost pulled over. I called him and he answered in a drowsy tone, i just drove to the MCDonald’s parking lot. I checked  him, talked to him, he said  he was fine but of course as a mom you know you are almost going mental. So I bought him some nuggets and fries.. on our way home he was chewing on the fries, so at least that calmed me a bit. He was eating, so that was a good sign.

Leaving with allergies, everyday is another story.

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Dr. Oz and his team of experts suggest these tips to help to protect you from the H1N1 virus

Get Vaccinated
The National Institutes of Health and manufacturers under contract with Health and Human Services are working to get an H1N1 vaccine ready for widespread use in time to protect against the mid-winter peak. In clinical trials, most adults who got a single dose were protected within 8 to 10 days. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep the day before you get your shot. Sleep can boost the effectiveness of immunizations.

Wash your hands
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that hand washing is the number one way you can prevent the spread of disease. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water. Aim for a minimum of 20 seconds. Whistle while you wash: you should be cleaning your hands for the approximate length of time it takes to complete a verse of “Happy Birthday.” An alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used if a sink isn’t nearby.

Sneeze or cough in the crook of your elbow
There are thousands of saliva droplets that contain millions of viruses in a typical cough or sneeze. When you cover your mouth with your hands, the virus lands in your palm, and is easily transferred to everything you touch. You can also cough or sneeze into a tissue, but throw it away immediately. Then wash your hands.

Keep your hands off your face
Germs enter the bloodstream through various mucous membranes. Try not to rub your eyes, put your fingers near your mouth or pick your nose. If your nose is dry, try coating it with an emollient protective barrier such as petroleum jelly or beeswax. Regular use of a Neti pot can keep sinuses and passages clear.

Take Vitamin D
Vitamin D is produced in the body during exposure to sunlight. During the winter we tend to get less exposure so vitamin D supplements are recommended. People who take vitamin D supplements have better luck avoiding the seasonal flu; there is no reason to think that it won’t do the same for H1N1 virus. Flu outbreaks tend to occur in places where solar radiation is low.

Stay hydrated
During the winter months we have a tendency to lose fluids when our heated homes and dry air rob us of moisture. You’ll know if you are hydrated if your urine is a clear pale yellow. Dark yellow is a sign that your urine is concentrated and you need to drink more.

Get out in open space
Cold weather usually brings us indoors, sometimes in close proximity to a crowd of people who may be unknowingly infected. Spend some time outdoors and get some fresh air.

Keep fit
Aerobic activity improves the exchange of oxygen to keep the immune system strong and lungs clear. Just remember to wipe down equipment at the gym before and after using.

Eat your greens … and blues and oranges …
Dark and colorful fruits and vegetables are loaded with immune boosting phytochemicals. Plant a rainbow on your plate and dig in!

Eat probiotics
Probiotics are the good live bacteria found in fermented food products such as yogurt and soy products like miso and tempeh  Eating these foods not only promotes the natural balance of healthy bacteria important for digestive health, it can stimulate the production of immune fighting chemicals from cells found in the gut.

Don’t smoke
Lining the inside of the nasal passages are tiny hairs whose function it is to whisk away microscopic material and prevent them from entering the bloodstream. If you smoke these hairs become damaged. Smoking also compromises breathing and produces more virus-trapping mucous. For more information on smoking, click here.

Limit alcohol consumption
Excessive drinking of alcohol depresses the immune system and compromises liver function. The heaviest of drinkers are more prone to infections and dehydration.

Stay home if you are sick
You probably won’t know if you have the H1N1 flu or seasonal flu by looking at symptoms alone. Widespread testing is just not feasible. In fact, you may not experience any symptoms for a few days. The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also experience diarrhea and vomiting. You should stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever normal without the aid of fever reducers.

Avoid close contact with infected people
If you are a healthcare worker or caring for a loved one with the flu, it is a good idea to stay at least 6 feet away if possible. Currently, facemasks or N95 respirators are only recommended for healthcare workers and at-home caretakers who fall into a high-risk category.

Stay informed
It seems as if public health officials have an update everyday. Sign up for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention e-mail alerts and follow the @CDCFlu on Twitter to receive the most current information about the H1N1 virus.

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Typical Monday!

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On Mondays,  I always feel rushed the whole day. Sometime it feels like the work is nonstop , and if it ain’t one thing it is another..yeah, i could use another extra day off… don’t we all!  The weekend went pretty good. Julian was fine throughout, no more reactions… but we still can’t figure out what he reacted to.  Eli on the other hand has been a little  fussy from the teething, yeah i know he is teething already. Today his dad said he has been crying and not sleeping , i am hoping it is not that ear infection as we have a history with reoccurring ear infections, so i will watch him tonight when i get home to see if that is the case.  You know the thing about ear infections, a child can be fine in the morning , but by nighttime he is sick. I used to take Julian in for ear check and the Dr would check and find nothing, but the following day i would take him back , and lord and behold they would see an infection…they are a pain in the neck!

This morning was so windy, but since my husband was busy the whole weekend we ended up not spending time with the boys, we decided to go to the park earlier during the day before i left for work. Julian played soccer with his dad, he is getting so good at it too, while Eli and I went for a walk. I had to cover his stroller with a blanket due to the wind. I always feel better after taking a walk at the park, we go to Macken Park in North Kansas City, it is so serene, and i just love the trail. At least i get my 30 min of exercise when i am there, since i can’t seem to do the Gym thing this time around.  Honestly, i am taking my time with the last of those baby pounds, which am shedding slowly,  lol.

However, I should be grateful that i got to see and enjoy this Monday, busy or not there are many that are sick or in situations that hinder them from just getting to go out and just breath that fresh air. So i should be thankful…it is a priviledge. If you are like me, just having the case of the Mondays, stop for a moment and just realize how lucky you are to be well, healthy, and able to do what you are stuck doing as not everyone else can.

Enjoy your week!

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I found this story on People.com.  I like seeing more Stars visit Africa, i truly like that. It is  good exposure, plus there is a lot of appreciation for the culture, the people, and the land. There is life outside USA. There are folks who have never been outside their state, let alone this country. If you can really afford it, Go see the world! You may learn a thing or two about yourself, or other people.

You will also realize, there is so much you can live without. Like, people in Uganda or Tanzania  for instance.. depending with what part of the country you are at, the basic needs are a luxury. So Jessica is filming about her show the price of beauty… Jess, what did you think the people there would have done with all the bugs in the air? You should be glad you found a net for the mosquitos, for many that is not within their budget.

She did recognize the spirit of the people there, especially the women, and Kudos to you Jess… But Oh, please…those little bugs which were making your night time a nightmare…is nothihng sweetie. People there have lived through the worst, and still do. They wake up early in the morning, say 5AM carry their babies on the back, their luggage on the head, wearing torn apart flipflops, and washed down wraparound if not over sewn dresses. They walk to the farms, or markets where they will spend the whole day, and the only time they do fill beautiful is probably when they take a shower, or when they can finally buy a new dress .. for many maybe on Christmas.

Jessica Simpson Roughs It in Africa
By K.C. Baker

Jessica Simpson in Africa Photo by: Courtesy Jessica Simpson
Jessica Simpson Roughs It in Africa

Jessica Simpson is used to traveling in style – five-star hotels and restaurants, entourage in tow – but last week she experienced something brand new, by roughing it Uganda.

There, along with her BFFs Ken Paves and Cacee Cobb, she went to film the latest installment of her upcoming docu-series, The Price of Beauty, set to air sometime next year.

Posting a picture of herself looking forlorn as she peeked out from the giant mosquito net surrounding her bed, Simpson Tweeted on Sept. 23, “WTF?!? Do I really have to sleep like this?”

Only minutes earlier, Paves posted a shot of a gigantic spider and joked in a message to Simpson and Cobb, “Is this the Price of Beauty? Don’t let the bed bugs bite!”

A source close to Simpson told PEOPLE.com, “The accommodations were certainly interesting, but Jessica enjoyed being a part of a totally different culture.” Indeed, the following day, Simpson Tweeted, “LOVED my first day in Uganda meeting incredible women filled with spirit.”

But her sleeping arrangements were still on her mind. “Bedtime in the tent is questionable,” she Tweeted.

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Baby Eli @ 3 1/2 mos

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I can’t believe it is almost 4 months. Eli was born June 8th. He loves taking photos already. Julian loves being behind the camera snapping photos of him. Here are some Julian and I took of the baby today.

Picture 224Picture 238Picture 240 Picture 239

Picture 211 Picture 214

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Who remembers this question? I know I do. I used to know then what I wanted to be, then I grew up. Then all I was interested in is who was hiring at the time, and what position, then of course came this answer if asked, I can do whatever the job description says. You stay in one position for so many years, and  become so good at your job, so when time comes to move on to other things,  you start looking for similar roles again in other companies.

So, my question to you is, what do you want to be when you grow up? Will it be, whatever pays? Whatever your family or friends recommend? Whatever is out there or will it be what you really want?

So what is it that you want? It can’t be — you don’t know. Surely, you know. What do you like doing the most? What is your hobby? What is the one thing that you could do for free, and only because it doesn’t even feel like a job to you? What are you good at? What is it that you do so well that your family and friends call you up to do it for them?

Do you know why rich people are rich? They take risks, big time risks! I am not rich. I am way far from being rich, but I would like to be rich someday…So do you, and everyone else out there  ): See , I envy successful people. Take for instance Oprah, now that is a brilliant businesswoman. She is quite something! I don’t believe  anything got handed to her, uh ah. She worked her butt off to get to where she is. I bet she has lots of stories- many stories, her struggles, ups and downs. Did she doubt herself? Probably. Did she keep on going forward? obviously. She identified her passion, sat down and outlined her steps to get to where she wanted to be, and there she is, one  of the world’s richest women alive.

Oprah can get anyone to talk. I have watched her shows, and again, phenomenal. She has been doing her show for so many years, and  always  getting better and better. You can definitely tell that she loves her job. Who else gives her audience so many freebies like Oprah, and God knows how much she does off camera too.

Well, the point is we can all be whatever we aspire to be, we just need to figure out  our hobbies, then start from there.  I know deep down I am not maximizing my potential. I have so much to offer, so much to accomplish, and i just have to wake up one morning and just DO it. When i do, Ii will let you all know. If you are reading this, and you have doubts about yourself, know that you snooze you lose. Someone else  out there may be thinking about that very same big idea that you have, and they get out there and get it done, now that’s painful! I know, I have been there.

So, what do you want to be when you grow up? What are you waiting for?

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Friday Scare

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When you have an allergic kid, you are always on your toes. I found out Julian had an allergic reaction to something. I went home his dad had given him Benadryl. The swelling had gone down, the mystery still remains. What did he react to, no one knows.  His dad said they were out today, and bees were buzzing around, but he doesn’t believe he was stung, but we can’t rule that out either. Everything he ate at home was completely safe, and it is foods he has been having daily.   I watched him for about half an hour to see if he would get worse, but whatever it was Benadryl was sufficient and i did not have to use his Epipen or take him in to the Dr..Thank God!

He looked a little tired and of course drowsy then from the medicine.

He woke up this morning looking fine. I have been asking him what he ate yesterday and typical 3 yr old, has no clue.  So am left to think, he may have picked something outside and ate it, or i don’t know. It does bother me when i don’t know. So far, i am going to feed him everything he ate yesterday and watch him.

The allergy mystery will continue.

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