Much Madness is Divinest Sense

My musings on life. My interests are varied, and my struggles are not unique, but this is my story. These are the changes made to improve my life. My diagnosis does not define me, my choices do. I am working to live a healthy happy life with PCOS. These are the changes I am making, the struggles I am facing, and just my daily life learning to live in a whole new way. I hope to encourage others to make small changes that will lead to great results.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Being heard, and what's in the news about PCOS?

I was recently having a discussion that went uninterrupted where I got to explain PCOS and some of what it has caused. It was a refreshing conversation where I was listened to and not cut off. This has not been the norm in my family and friend circle. If it is a bit complicated or you explain that you need to eat a certain way, they shut you out and just say it's only calories that matter for weight loss. Like weight loss is the only reason to eat healthy, you know who cares about your arteries or blood pressure, insulin spikes, or health in general. If you can eat fried chicken, shakes, fires, and chips without gaining weight then you are fine. This is not my philosophy at all. So far PCOS is only brought up when I am eating and people are curious to know why I choose what I do, and stay away from other things, you know the healthy potatoes and corn and other starchy veggies. Our current house guest seems pretty uncomfortable with my cooking heart healthy meals all the time. In fact he's been willing to spring for pizza twice now, and not on Friday nights which I would normally suspect a bit more a splurge on the type of food that we eat. Oh, and the uninterrupted conversation was not with my house guest, just to make that clear. I say all of this knowing that there are those of you out there who have very similar experiences, and I feel you should know that you are not alone.

Remember when the world rested on the back of a turtle? Me either.

It seems that every time people learn something new, the general population clings onto what has always been taught, for example the world was once considered flat, and Columbus has a very difficult time with people when he tried to tell them anything different. So now there are a few radical people out there suggesting that not all metabolisms are made equal, and that people may actually process food differently. I know, this may seem like heresy but think about it for a minute.

We now know that people have different blood types, early on that was not common knowledge. And now maybe we are starting to learn that not everyone processes food the same, and those with food allergies can offer up a hearty here here! But even people without obvious food allergies, maybe even divided by blood types, we are not all the same. I know that there is not tons of research done on all of this, and maybe there is more to it than blood type, or having type A or Type B metabolism as discussed by Diane Kress author of the Metabolism Miracle, but there does seem to be something out there that resonates with people that says, "you are all not the same, and not everything that works for one person will be good for another".

I'm not an advocate like Hannah wept, Sarah Laughed, or a spokes person of any sort but I am decidedly for sharing information. I think that learning and growth are important for people as a whole. If this is something that does not affect you, it is still something to learn about, it affects those around you and maybe someone close to you than you might know right now.

Today I thought I would just share some of the news articles out there regarding PCOS, yes there are more, these are just some of them. If you have never heard of PCOS, maybe a small step would be to find out a bit about it, otherwise it's good to keep up with the new things being said and learned. Oh, and each of the PCOS links provided go to a different site, so you can see multiple descriptions and how it gets diagnosed.

PCOS and Insulin Resistance in the News

PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)

Insulin Resistance

For more Check out this link: PCOS and Insulin Resistance in the News

Books (I only have the first one):
The PCOS Diet Plan: A Natural Approach to Health for Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
A Patient's Guide to PCOS: Understanding--and Reversing--Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
The PCOS Workbook: Your Guide to Complete Physical and Emotional Health
The Ultimate PCOS Handbook: Lose Weight, Boost Fertility, Clear Skin and Restore Self-Esteem
What Nurses Know ... PCOS
The Low GI Guide to Living Well with PCOS (New Glucose Revolutions)
PCOS and Your Fertility

Monday, July 25, 2011

You say Potato, I say Potatoe...you get the idea

Camping, not quite the camping I was thinking

Having dinner with the family

an Ice Cream Social

Because there has to be watermelon

My Idea of camping was much different, not so "plugged in". We had a great time, we biked around the lake, watched Little Miss play in the lake, and watched my dogs walk her. I really should have had my camera for that, and taken video, it was priceless.

Now I get why these movies that show people going camping, end up at a resort type facility, they exist. I would never have fought against camping so hard if we went to places like this, there were showers, and a store it was amazing.

Making new friends

loading those bikes was as much fun as untangling Christmas lights

not the tent type camping I was used to, but the bed, shower, and air conditioning were great especially since it was hotter than hades out there this last weekend. I hope your summer weekends are filled with fun and adventure, and a lot less bugs bites than mine was.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Conspiring Universe, the flip side

By now I'm sure that you have recognized that there is no rhyme or reason to this blog. I was hoping to get that point across in the title. Life is a hodge podge of events, loves, and challenges.

Yesterday I posted something I have been mulling over for months now. It's about biking, and so the day that I post all about my wrecks what do you think would happen? I was in another one, this time I was on the other end.

It was horrific, and terrifying and awful. He ran into me, I did not see him coming when I pulled from the drive way onto the sidewalk. He was young, and frightened by the whole event. Nothing was broken, bruised, or even bleeding, but my car was scratched and dented. I was so glad that he was not injured, the rest of it, those are only things. My hubby came out and saw the last part. The kids did not want ice, or help home, he biked off, and I waited and watched until he was out of sight. I was devastated. Looking back I find the humor in my wrecks, I know I was blessed to only have bumps and bruises, some cuts and scrapes...it could have been worse. But now I know from the other side that there is a lot of emotional stuff to deal with when someone runs into you with a bike. I prayed for him, I still am, I'm still shaken and upset I hope he is fine and finds it funny one day. This one is not funny for me, and I'm certain it will never have a funny feel to it.

I wonder though, should I have never posted anything about all the wrecks I've had? Do these things have a way to come back and make you look at it from the other side? I wonder if I am alone in these types of events, but they happen often for me. More often than I would like to think about.

Image found here

So the flip side to the humor, is the terror of what might have been.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Anatomy of a Bicyle

I have been riding to work on my bike lately, and my hubby has been very helpful in getting my bike back to working order. I have learned how much I do not know about bikes lately. So here is a picture of a bike, broken down a bit, for those like me who do not know all the parts and things that need to be cleaned tightened or adjusted as time wears on your bike.

Over the Fourth of July weekend my hubby and I biked around Santa Cruz, and I found a bike shop that was very helpful in getting his seat completely fixed after I found I was missing a piece. If you are ever down there and need assistance with bikes, check them out Bicycle Shop.

I have now learned how to change tires and replace bike seats. Next on my list of things to do is install a bike rack, but that may prove to be a bit more difficult. I own a mountain bike, not really something that is set up for all the commuting comfort attachments.

Now I ride my bike to work, but my hubby was not so excited for me to begin doing this. A long time ago, in a far away land called Salt Lake City, I had a few accidents. It seemed like once a year I had some form of brush with death, okay maybe it wasn't that bad each time, but the car wreck was pretty dangerous.

I ruined my bike and then proceeded to crash with my mother's bike. Now to be fair, although I did have a rash of wreck way back then, I've been wreck free for years now. I've also not ridden my bike for a while, but really I'm not nearly so reckless as I was back then. Honest.

so there might be some cause to worry about me and bikes

in my defense it was a long long time ago

I still feel bad about ruining my mom's bike

I think I ran into the car on this one, and ended up under their back tire. I'm still not sure how I got out without being hurt. My current bike needs to have it's front wheel straightened out a bit as well, but it's nothing like this one.

Of course I've been dreaming of a new bike, and this is one that I've been looking at.


Belleville WSD - Trek


2012 Allant WSD - Trek

These two bikes are nice, and have bike racks. It would be so much nicer to have bike racks so I can use it for grocery shopping as well as commuting. There are dreams, and then there are plans you make in order to make your dreams come true. I'm slowly on my way there. Maybe one day I'll have better news than to report that I have not gotten into a wreck but have a brand new bike. It would be nice to have a real one, a nice one than my old Walmart Mountain bike thing, although I'm pretty sure I still won't be able to just let go of it, as long as it works I'll be keeping it around.

7300 WSD -Trek

So, for now I will learn how to take apart my mountain bike, replace things, clean chains and all of the maintenance things I had never learned before. I'll also take extra care in not getting run over so that my hubby won't worry to much about me, you know, being crushed under someones tire. I really should get my brakes checked out first though.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Crunch Fat Burning Pilates with Ellen Barrett

So these are some of my favorite exercises. I thought I would share. I've linked them into another post, which is why this one is so short.

What are your favorite exercises to do when you can not be outside and enjoying a beautiful day?

Livestrong article about Interval training

Good exercises for PCOS, Interval training. This is not something I know a lot about, so here is what I'm finding.

10 Minute Interval Exercises

Dynamic Stretching

Due to the high amount of movement you are going to experience with an interval workout, perform dynamic stretches beforehand. This will help prevent muscle injuries, according to Sports Fitness Advisor. Dynamic stretches are performed in motion, unlike static stretches which are held. Perform stretches like deep knee bends, leg swings, lateral lunges, arm crossovers, trunk twists and high knees. This does not count toward your 10 minutes.

Squat Thrusts

Squat thrusts work the lower and upper body simultaneously. To begin, stand with your feet about hip-width apart and arms at your sides. Lower yourself into a deep squat and place your hands on the floor. Quickly kick your legs back behind your body and form a straight back by tightening your abs. Hop your feet back forward, stand back up and repeat. You can make this exercise more challenging by adding a couple variations. When you kick your legs backward, go right into a push-up. Then kick your feet forward and rise back up. To increase the challenge even more, hold dumbbells in your hands. Place them on the floor when you lower your body and raise them above your head when you stand up.

Mountain Climbers

Mountain climbers work the abs, glutes, thighs and arms from a face-down position. They also cause a fast rise in heart rate. To start, position your body on the floor as if you were on a track and about to do a sprint race. Your hands should be spaced about shoulder-width apart with one foot forward, one foot backward. Keep your arms fully extended and quickly shift your foot position by hopping into the air. Alternate back and forth in a fast, but controlled motion. While you are exchanging your foot position, keep your hips as low as possible.

Prisoner Squats with Twists

Prisoner squats with twists work the legs, glutes and abs from a standing position. Begin by interlacing your fingers behind your head and spacing your feet about shoulder-width apart. Keeping your back straight, lower yourself into a squat until your thighs parallel the floor. Steadily rise back up and twist your torso to your right side as far as possible. Twist back to center, lower yourself back down and repeat to your left side. Alternate back and forth with each repetition.

Crunch Sit-ups

Crunch sit-ups specifically target the upper and lower abs, and they are performed from a face-up position. To begin, raise your shoulders and legs from the floor so you are balancing on your butt and lower back. Steadily move your torso forward as you pull your knees into your chest. Hold for a second, then move back to the starting point. Alternate back and forth in a steady motion. You can either place your arms at your sides or cross them on your chest.

Alternating Arm and Leg Raises

Alternating arm and leg raises work the glutes, hamstrings, shoulders, back and abs all at once. To start, get onto all fours with your knees straight down from your hips and hands straight down from your shoulders. Steadily raise your right arm in front of your body as you extend your left leg behind your body. You should form a straight line from your hand to your foot at this point. Hold for second, lower your arm and leg and repeat with your other side. Steadily alternate back and forth.

Timing

When doing your workout, have a clock nearby for quick reference. Perform each exercise for 30 seconds, and take 30-second rest breaks in between. Once you have finished the series, take another 30-second rest and repeat the sequence one more time.

About this Author

Kevin Rail has worked in the fitness industry since 2001 and has been writing since 2004. He has professional experience as a certified personal trainer, wellness coach, motivational engineer and freelance fitness writer. He currently writes a monthly column for Ron Jones High-Performance Health. Rail has a bachelor's degree in sports management: fitness and wellness from California University of Pennsylvania.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

I wonder...do you know him?

A Seven Way King

by Dr S.M. Lockeridge

The Bible says my King is a seven-way King:
He's the King of the Jews - that's a racial King.
He's the King of Israel - that's a national King.
He's the King of Righteousness.
He's the King of the Ages.
He's the King of Heaven.
He's the King of Glory.
He's the King of kings and He's the Lord of lords.
That's my King.

Well, I wonder do you know Him.

David said, "The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament showeth His handiwork."
My King is a sovereign King - no means of measure can define His limitless love.
No farseeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shoreless supply.
No barrier can hinder Him from pouring out His blessings.
He's enduringly strong.
He's entirely sincere.
He's eternally steadfast.
He's immortally graceful.
He's imperially powerful.
He's impartially merciful.

Do you know Him?

He's the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed the horizon of this world.
He's God's Son.
He's the sinner's Saviour.
He's the centrepiece of civilization.
He stands in the solitude of himself.
He's august and He's unique.
He's unparalleled, He's unprecedented.
He is the loftiest idea in literature.
He's the highest personality in philosophy.
He is the supreme problem in higher criticism.
He's the fundamental doctrine of true theology.
He is the core and the necessity for spiritual religion.
He's the miracle of the age, He's... yes He is.
He's the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him.
He's the only one qualified to be an all-sufficient Saviour.

I wonder if you know him today?

He supplies strength for the weak.
He's available for the tempted and the tried.
He sympathises and He saves.
He strengthens and sustains.
He guards and He guides.
He heals the sick.
He cleansed the lepers.
He forgives sinners.
He discharges debtors.
He delivers the captive.
He defends the feeble.
He blesses the young.
He serves the unfortunate.
He regards the aged.
He rewards the diligent.
And He beautifies the meek.

I wonder if you know Him? Well, my King---
He is the key, He's the key to knowledge.
He's the wellspring of wisdom.
He's the doorway of deliverance.
He's the pathway of peace.
He's the roadway of righteousness.
He's the highway of holiness.
He's the gateway of glory.

Do you know Him?

Well, His office is manifold.
His promise is sure.
His life is matchless.
His goodness is limitless.
His mercy is everlasting.
His love never changes.
His Word is enough.
His grace is sufficient.
His reign is righteous and
His yoke is easy and
His burden is light.

I wish I could describe Him to you.
But He's indes... Wooah, yeaaah! yeaahh,
He's indescribable - yes He is ! He's God.
He's, He's indescribable, yes, He's indescribable.
He's incomprehensible.
He's invincible.
He's irresistible.

Well, you can't get Him out of your mind,
You get Him off of your hand,
You can't outlive Him, and you can't live without Him.

Well, the Pharisees couldn't stand Him, but they found out they couldn't stop Him.
Pilate couldn't find any fault in Him.
The witnesses couldn't get their testimonies to agree.
Herod couldn't kill Him.
Death couldn't handle Him and
the grave couldn't hold Him. Yeah !
THAT'S MY KING !
THAT'S MY KING ! YEAH !

And Thine is the Kingdom the power and the glory forever and ever
and ever and ever.
How long is that ?
And ever and ever.
And when you get through all the forevers, then
Amen !

GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY ! AMEN ! AMEN !

There is audio of this running around somewhere out there on the web, I 'm just not finding it to link here right now, but it is pretty powerful to listen to him preach it.

Today is a day where I needed to remind myself of these things, and so I am also sharing it with you my darlings. I have a quirky boss, house guests, and a bank account that keeps getting out of sync. This week has not gone according to plan, and it seems that I like plans. This revelation that I might not handle switch ups and breaks in the schedule well came to me in my Master's Commission orientation. The director was going through explaining the weeks and what was expected, and then he proceeded to explain that these plans will change and that we need to be flexible and he looked directly at me, until I nodded in understanding. I had really though I was good with change, and being flexible. I'm pretty sure it's because in many instances I assume there will be change, it is already a part of the plan. This week I'm going with the flow, and things are going well, now that I know I will not have my regular schedule. I'm getting settled into this new living arrangement, I think we are all doing quite well considering none of us had ever planned for something like this.

I have been blessed to be a part of my hubby's family, and they have been wonderful in taking care of their father. I have also learned from my mom, to do what needs to be done, and take care of the loved ones in your life. Whether or not you were born to them or not. The tricky part is that they don't always like to be helped, since you know, they are older and have been completely independent for quite some time. I would hope that one day should I ever land on the other side of this type of situation that I will be a gracious guest, and understand that healing take time and patience as well.

In other recent developments, the stickers are slowly disappearing... and I'm not the one doing it.
This is not the first battle with paintings and fish I've had. I did a mural a while ago for my church, but after getting married and moving we got a new pastor who decided that the fish did not fit, and so they had to go. I heard that there were protests, and many people were upset, but they were still all painted over. But there was a lively discussion of avenging the fish, some of the comments can be found here.

Main Album for Mural

Divers & comments

Turtle

Giant oyster with pearl covering the doors of the maintenance room

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Chili Lime Shrimp - so I've posted the recipe before... I like it a lot!


Chili Lime Shrimp - Cooking Light

Chili Lime Shrimp by Cooking Light

YIELD: 4 servings (serving size: 1 cup)
COOK TIME: 6 MINUTES
PREP TIME: 4 MINUTES
COURSE: Main Dishes

Ingredients

Cooking spray
3/4 cup chopped green onions, divided
1 1/2 pounds peeled and de-veined large shrimp
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparation

1. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add 1/2 cup onions; coat onions with cooking spray. Cook 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Add shrimp and chili powder; cook 4 minutes or until desired degree of doneness, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Add lime juice, butter, and salt, and stir until butter melts. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup onions.

Cooking Light Fresh Food Fast, Cooking Light Fresh Food Fast, Oxmoor House APRIL 2009

I have to say, this is a favorite of mine! I love shrimp, even if I possibly shouldn't. Be that as it may, I will continue my love affair with Shrimp, even if it causes my some pain and discomfort. This recipe is summer on a plate. I'm pretty sure I've mentioned that I love lime in summer, I will continue sharing my love of lime. This is a bright, spicy, fresh flavor that I crave.

So as I was typing up this recipe I noticed that it was already done before. I thought I would share some fascinating or funny story, but I'm all burnt out right now. That is a story in and of itself.
I have a house guest, who comes with many helpers right now. As he put it, he is reposing at our abode. It's a good thing, and we made sure he would be with us so we can all look out for him, but it is work.
I'm fairly certain I rest and recharge at work more than I do at home now. I love having everyone around, and I can keep up with the pace, but the down times here show me how much I appreciate the rest and the quiet.

The good thing about this meal is that it will be good for him as well, and it's quick to prepare. Now, to plan a heart healthy quick meal for a small army....hmmm any ideas?
Last night was turkey spaghetti with whole wheat noodles and a green salad. Tonight I'm thinking fish or leftovers, but I would really like to use my slow cooker soon to keep things simple. I'm just not sure how I will accomplish that task.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Teaser Tuesdays - Smash Cut

Smash Cut by Sandra Brown

"Julie didn't remember the elevator's decent to the lobby, but she remembered those several minutes of sheer havoc after the doors opened and the people waiting for the elevator were exposed to the horror inside. Her bending over Paul, the blood forming a lake on the marble floor, and the distress of the other three passengers."

- Smash Cut by Sandra Brown Page 57 Chapter 6

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Monday, July 11, 2011

At the hospital

There are many things to do...some are more fun than others.
Riding up and down the elevator, finding the cafeteria, getting tossed out of the cafeteria, reading, listening to other peoples conversations, talking and saying things to make other people listen to your conversation and wonder, running in and out to talk on your phone, directing traffic (the people kind), making new friends with the staff, and finding new people to piss off.

yep, there are so many things to do, oh yea...and wait.

mercygeneral.org
mercygeneral.org: Medical Services Heart And Vascular Institute
Mercyheartsacramento.org

www.nlm.nih.gov: medline plus ency article 002946

6:00 AM - wake up get ready
6:30 AM - head to hospital, find parking - had to pay!
7:00 AM - find his room to say hello before surgery
7:40 AM - Surgery

8ish, - given a pager that will go off if/when the surgeon is ready to chat with us. All of our numbers are taken down. Rachel and I are the main contacts.

8:30ish - got breakfast
9:30ish - headed to a park close by to distract niece. She was not distracted long
Headed to the Mall close by to finish school shopping for said niece, she will be in kindergarten this year!

Found clothes, and lotion for my sun-burnt skin.
Got lunch.
We were loosing track of time, except that we knew the buzzer had not gone off, and we were getting antsy since the surgery was to be about 5 hours.
3:00PM - headed back to the hospital to track someone down for information.
Found a nurse who had worried that no one loved him, but was glad to see us, had no idea we had a pager, (the round kind like you get at Chili's). Said he was still in surgery.
We headed to the caffeteria.
Met up with his brother, and was on the phone with other family members.
Had something to eat.

4:30 PM- headed up to wait again. No news.
Sat down and pager went off.
Went back to the nurses desk and was told he was out of surgery, and that the surgeon had already spoken with the family.
Frantic discussion with volunteer to find out who, since it should have been either of us, explained that our pager just went off, we were told that meant the surgeon would be ready to talk with us in about 15min. She looked worried and ran back into the surgeons area for more info. We sat down, much closer to the volunteer desk to see when she came back.
The surgeon came out apologized for the mix up, he had not spoken with anyone. He was out of surgery a little after 2PM some time. He had come out to see if we were there at 4:15pm.
Rachel got to go back while I stayed with the little niece.
After visiting Rachel shared about a nurse who was kicking people out of the rooms, and making loved ones very upset. Words were exchanged, not Rachel of course, but another lady decided to yell back at the nurse.
Then we all piled into my car and headed home to rest, and be very glad that he was doing well, although not woken up yet.
11:00 PM - Called hospital, he had still not woken up
1:00ish AM - woke up could squeeze their hand on Que. No signs of stroke. He went back to sleep. We were very glad to know he would make a good recovery.

So the pictures and more can be found at that last link. Lots of information to be gleaned there if you are more interested in what the process was going on under the knife.

I can only say that waiting in hospitals is not fun, and little girls get bored quickly. Mix ups happen when they give you pagers, and shift changes happen while you are waiting to hear what is going on. Cell phones are also notoriously unreliable in the middle of the hospital, so coordinating family was lots of fun.

So in the end, the surgery went well. He's healing up quickly. The recovery will happen at our place, and then he will need to continue to follow the doctors orders but will have more freedom at his own place after he is able to climb stairs and lift things over 10lbs.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Teaser Tuesdays - Munich Signature