Two things seem to be my problem, lately. Headaches and feeling nauseous. And, no, I'm not pregnant, lol. Even though, some days, I even have to wonder... lol  The nauseousness, even though I have yet to throw up, really bugs the crap out of me. Basically, after most meals, I start to feel nauseous and then I get headahces.

I have a theory.

My headache tonight is because it's too warm in this house. If I get overheated, i get a headache. I had a headache earlier, at the mall, when we were in a store with strong smelling candles and it was warm. I think strong smells and warmth definitely contribute to my headaches. Then my sister suggested high blood pressure.  Acutally, if I get really mad, I can tell when my blood pressure goes up. I do get a headache, my eyes hurt and my heart races.  And I guess, actually, my eyes do seem to be irritated more often... but goodness sakes alive, I work out! Isn't that supposed to help? Which only means that, perhaps, I need to spend more time focusing on nutrition than exercising. Exercising, for me, is the simple part of losing weight. Nutrition, not so much. Although, the times I have checked my blood pressure on my gramma's little machine, it's been 120/something. The only time it was ever high was when I was donating plasma and that was because I was nervous. And I know sometimes it's because I clench my teeth...  So, I suppose, I shouldn't really be surprised at the amount of headaches I've had. I just need to A) stop clenching my teeth, B) avoid places with strong smells, C) Keep myself under control, lol,E) keep cool, not too hot, D) Keep track of my blood pressure more often, just in case.

I guess, lately, I just haven't been feeling good. After lunch, today, I felt like I was going to need to run to the bathroom and I was going to lose it all... I have no idea why.  My sister also said something about migraines. I don't think that's the problem. I mean, the other night when I had the most horrible headache, where I couldn't even lay my head down, it seemed more like a sinus infection type headache, because I've had a sinus infection before and it was a similar type headache and I could hardly keep my eyes open because of the pain. However, tylenol did finally kick in and work and I just assumed that with migraines, tylenol isn't enough? I don't know.

I just may break down and go to some free clinic or not free clinic or whatever. I don't know. I just want to feel better. Or maybe it will pass. I don't know.

So, I've been wanting to talk about this for a while. The Duggar family sure brings out the best in everyone and, now that she's miscarried, it's bringing out even MORE of the insensitive jerks in some people. But, there's a few issues that I really would like to address.

For example, the birth of Josie. Yeah, it was bad. But you can have a premature infant on your FIRST baby. So, is it just because she's had 19 that people feel the need to tell her to stop? And Doctors aren't God. Just because they may say, "OH, you'll surely die the next time you have a baby", doesn't mean it will happen. So, how does one really know that the next baby will A) kill her or B) the baby will either die or be born super early like the last one? Are you God or something? I had a premature baby the first go round, should I stop because of that risk happening again?

I've also read that her having more babies, and possibly more miscarriages, is like a slap in the face to those who have constant miscarriages or can't have kids. Um... I'm sure it would be irritating to see a family have a ton of kids if that's what you truly want, but really? Why is that their concern? It's their family, their life. Who has the right to tell them how many kids they should have, if they can afford them and want them? To make other people feel better? That doesn't make any sense whatsoever.

And then there's always the classic, "they should have just adopted and not popped out so many kids". Aside from my disgust at the use of the phrase "popping out kids", who gives you the right to dictate how they should have children? Yes, there are a lot of kids that need to be adopted. But, if we're all about  CHOICES (you know like the choice to kill an unborn baby and all), in this country, then they can CERTAINLY continue having as many kids as they want. That should be their CHOICE after all. Who gives you the right to tell them how to do things?

It just infuriates me.

I understand their situation isn't the norm, but that doesn't make it right to mock that family. Especially at this sensitive time. I don't care how many kids one has, a miscarriage would be hard to deal with. And the fact that people feel it's acceptable to make fun of them having an abortion and then give their opinion on the disgust of how many kids they have is DISGUSTING and immature.

Also, if this is a sign she should stop having kids, what would you say to a woman who has had multiple miscarriages, with no kids? That that must be a sign to stop trying to having kids? That your body is giving you a sign that you're just not meant to have kids? Wouldn't you deem that a little INSENSTIVE?  Yeah, I would. Same goes for a woman who has 19 kids. SAME FREAKING THING. Miscarriages hurt and NO ONE, kids or no kids, should have to put up with insensitive comments.

And I absolutely Love the excuse of, "well, they don't have internet so they won't be reading these comments...". Who cares? That suddenly makes it okay to be an insensitive jerk? No it doesn't. It most certainly DOES NOT!

I need some help and some suggestions...

I know my birthday is still a month away, but I'm going to be buying some new jeans. My current pair of jeans is starting to fade in the knee, so I want to get prepared for buying a new pair. My current pair was $18 at walmart and, quite frankly, I didn't ever like them, lol.

So, I want to find a pair of jeans that are slimming and cute and still not super expensive, but not $18 either. Since I usually get at least $50 for my birthday, sometimes more, I don't want to put a limit on how much I want to spend. I know I'm going to continue loosing weight and all, but I don't care. I just want to buy a really cute pair.

So, my question is, where is the best place to buy them? I'm thinking maybe trying Kohls or Jcpenney. Although, I like the idea of the Riders by Lee, that I see in Ads in my magazines, that say they slim you and they are available at walmart.

Basically, where do you buy your jeans and any suggestions you can give me? Much appreciated!

1. Drink 4 glasses of water (10 pts)

2. 25 sit ups (10 pts)

******

Starting on Monday, I'm thinking of doing one post that includes the weekly, all the daily and weekend challenges. That way, everyone can write it down, print it out or just look back at the one post, to find all the challenges, instead of doing this daily posting of it. It's not annoying to me. I don't mind this, but I just think it would be easier! Anyone agree with that? lol  And, of course, then I'll also tag you in that post.

@missibarraclough

@cecilliamarie

@xcntrychicka

@aidensmommy

@tiyalee

Have a good day!

So, the other day, I wrote a post about rewarding bad behavior and our not taking Bri to the movies, after a morning of disobedience. Well, I submitted it to Momarro... just cause. I was kind of surprised at the comments. Not every one, but a good amount of them, said that I shouldn't have let her play with her toys and that by allowing her too, she probably didn't think she was being punnished. And, of course, others didn't think not taking her to the movies was a good idea, because she doesn't yet understand, at age 3, time delayed consequences. I'm not really getting into that aspect of it, because that could definitely be true, even though she's been upset about not being able to go to the Zoo, due to being sick, when it's been mentioned the NIGHT BEFORE. She had a good memory to wake up and that be the first thing out of her mouth, "we're going to the zoo!", but not remember having gone to the movies? Well, apparently not... or she would have reacted differently. But that's really not the point I'm trying to make.

Even one person agreed with us not taking her to the movie, but also didn't think I should let her play with her toys.

Which leads to my question. How much is enough?

It's like, okay, go in time out (which is what we normally do) and I'm going to take away all your toys and tv priviledges and...

When does it become enough?

In our eyes, taking away the trip to the movies (whether she knew what we were doing or not) and taking away some tv time, while we talked to her about the importance of obeying mommy and daddy, was enough. Once we were done talking to her, she went about her business and played with toys. I guess I just didn't see the big deal. Of course, as with any other post about our parenting, there's things people don't know or info I don't think to put in, so I would know more than anyone else. But I just found that a little fascinating. When she goes to timeout, that's the discipline. The time out. I don't take it further, afterward, and take away a toy. I would only do that if she was mistreating a toy or didn't put it away when asked.

So, I guess, here's another question for everyone.

How much discipline is enough? Do you put your kid in time out, take away their toys, take away tv and spank? or do you do one method, one thing and think that is adequate enough? Just curious. Although, honestly, I'm thinking this is kind of a stupid question, too. lol  But I'm curious as to what other parents do.

1. Drink 4 glasses of water (10 pts)

2. Eat 3 servings of fruits and/or veggies (10 pts)

*****************

The eating 3 fruits/veggies will be a very interesting challenge. We're on our last two days before we grocery shop. In other words, all of our groceries have depleted and keeping produce good for two-two and a half weeks is, well, tough. That said, I do have some Kale, a baked sweet pot. and several bags of frozen veggies. No excuses! I'm going to try. I really should be having at least 3 servings a day but, sadly, I manage between 1-2.

I've also been struggling with our weekly goal. In case you missed it, the weekly goal is to slow down at, at least, one meal and journal how you feel. I have YET to do that. That just shows me how hard it is for me to slow down. I mean, I pretty much scarf down breakfast, because I'm usually hungry in the morning and if I wait too long to eat, I get sick. Lunch, I tend to stand up at the kitchen counter and/or walk around while eating. Dinner I sit, but... dinner is usually my fav meal of the day. lol  So I really need to focus more on that.

It's very easy to fizzle out. Very easy. I need to stay strong. We can stay strong together. If you're having any troubles/struggles, feel free to share them.  I want to be as encouraging as possible.

Have a good day, everyone!

**

OH, I also decided to tag those of you who I know are doing this. Just in case you miss this post, because I know that it can be easy to do.

@missibarraclough

@xcntrychicka

@aidensmommy

@cecilliamarie

@TiyaLee

This seems to be the touchy subject of the moment. So, forgive me while I rant a little.

My facebook feed is FILLED with, "How dare that santa say 'happy holidays' to me. I gave him a dirty look!" to "here's a video of how I'd like to respond to those who wish me 'happy holidays'".... cue video of a guy shooting a gun at a tv or something.

Overreacting much?

Yes, I get it. Political Correctness. Some people are offended by "Merry Christmas".

And, as it turns out, some people are offended by "Happy Holidays".

LOL.

Pot calling the kettle black, much?

Tolerance. Get it.

If the person is WISHING YOU WELL, take it for what it is and be HAPPY. People, I swear, focus MORE attention on the chosen words, over what the season means to them. I say Merry Christmas. This is the season I celebrate the Birth of Jesus, even if he really wasn't born at this time of year, lol. But, I don't shun happy holidays or boycott business that do or give dirty looks to those who do. I simply GET OVER IT.

There's not just ONE holiday going on right now. So, in the interest of being fair, I'm sure that's why businesses are catering to everyone, by simply saying Happy Holidays. Who cares?

I just don't understand why this has to be such a battle.

See, I celebrate the birth of Jesus. However, not everyone is christian, which Is why I'm not saying CHRISTmas. Plenty of people on my facebook type that way, too. Not a problem, unless the person does it because they're offended by how other people aren't celebrating it for the same reason. Geez oh pete, we don't all have the same beliefs!

Sorry, it just irritates me.

One year, I was afraid of sending out a Christmas card that said "Happy Holidays", simply because I didn't know if it would offend those who have to see "Merry Christmas" or it would send them into an angry tirade. lol  I think I sent it anyway. The way I see it, both sides can shove it. If you're offended if I say Happy Holidays, shove it. If you're offended that I say Merry Christmas, shove it. I don't care.

So, how about we all just sit down, relax with some eggnog (or hot chocolate) and take a well wishing when it's given? There's the holiday spirit!

1. Drink 4 glasses of water (10 pts)

2. Jump rope as long as you can/want (10 pts)

*****

I have a question, If I tagged those of you, who are doing these challenges, in these posts, would it make it easier to see? Only cause, I know I can get distracted on here, but if I'm tagged in something, or "mentioned", I guess it's called, I can just click on it, on the side, and it goes right to the page. Makes it easier than having to search back through pages. Just let me know. I thought it might be easier.

*****

Keep up the good work, ladies. Be proud of any challenges you've been able to do, even if you haven't been able to accomplish every challenge (Lord knows I haven't, lol).

For this week:

Every day, choose 1 meal to slow down, while you're eating. Then, journal how you feel afterward. (10 pts every day you do it, possible 70 pts)

For today:

1. Drink 4 glasses of water (10 pts)

2. 30 crunches (10 pts)

*******

How did everyone do last week?  I wanted to ask how the Not eating after 8 pm worked out for you? I really struggled with that. I didn't think it would be that hard, but it was. I managed 3 days out of the 7. Which is an embarrassing amount.  I'm actually pretty bummed that I didn't do better. For me, this week, I'm going to balance it out a little. Some days, I'll not eat after 8 and, other days, stop eating 2 hours before bed.

If you enjoyed not eating after 8 and want to continue challenging yourself with that, go right ahead! If you did better than I did, lol, GOOD FOR YOU!  

Anyway, have a good day, everyone!

Here's a parenting issue for you. Lets say you had plans to take your child to a movie, but they spent most of the morning being disobedient. Would you still go? Or would you consider that rewarding bad behavior?

I was really looking forward to taking my daughter to a movie, today. She was excited to see the "chipmunks" and we were going to get her picture with them. She was also excited to see Arthur Christmas and I thought that was a good idea, considering it's Christmas time and we hardly ever go to the movies as a family.  Normally on the weekends, we're lazy. We do nothing. My husband has worked a 70 plus hour week and just wants to relax and I'm usually the one itching to get out of the house. Being out both saturday and sunday? my dream come true. And despite the fact that I am not really feeling the greatest, I STILL wanted to go.

But, then, she was really disobedient, this morning. I'm not getting into all that she did (because 1 of the issues I don't think is as big of a deal as my husband did, but adding that in with another thing... yeah). So, the decision was made that we weren't going. I agree that we shouldn't reward bad behavior but, dangit, I really wanted to go! lol  And we probably won't be going back any time soon, which means no pictures with the chipmunks, as they'll probably be gone. And even though she's said she's sorry and got the talk about needing to obey mommy and daddy, she seems completely unfazed by what she's missing out on. She'd much rather just continue playing with her toys.   I guess, that's a 3 year old for ya. If it were me, I'd be crying my eyes out. lol  I really did feel like crying. I guess i'm more of the kid in this situation, lol. But I also want to cry because I don't feel very good. And then my husband goes, "Well, if you're not feeling good, you don't have any business going to the movie theater".

But... but...

lol

Seriously, I'm just a big kid, I guess.

I get emotional at missed opportunities, not going to lie. But I, ultimately, agree. we shouldn't reward bad behavior. I guess I should be happy she is unfazed, as confusing as it is, because that's better than hearing her cry about it. ugh.