Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Fall Update!


Cat in the hat, Dorothy, Misch"elvis", and Ballerina

Beer wench, Rag doll, and Jem

Redneck, and Charlie (from 2 and a Half Men)

The Bear #$&!er from Super Troopers (I personally never saw the movie)

Mrs. Lovett and Sweeny Todd

Little ___ in a box, Shaggy, Chuck Norris, and Big ___in a box!



Ok, I haven't really found the time to update, so here is a quickie! This fall has been pretty crazy/hectic...
Let's see...here is what's new:

-My family came to visit, it was awesome! Of course they came while Philadelphia was having its first Nor'easter so the weather sucked. Rainy and cold the whole time! It was just nice to sit and talk, and just be with loved ones. I miss them all so much. Next time, I want them to bring my nieces and their wives. The girls would love it here; its so kid friendly!

-Danny came and we had our Halloween party. It was a blast, with an interesting mix of people--neighbors, coasties, and yogis, oh my! :) Danny really seemed to enjoy his time here in Philly. We showed him around a little, but his stay definitely wasn't long enough.

-Yoga teacher training is going well. I've met some incredibly amazing women and just know they will be part of my life for a very long time. YTT is also humbling at times (dealing with my hip issues makes it a bigger challenge). I keep pushing through and refuse to give up, even though sometimes I feel like crying in the corner. I have such wonderful support from my friends and family and know that I am doing the right thing.

-Allan is doing his first ever marathon here on Sunday and I am making a sign and will be cheering him on all the way! I am so proud of you, honey! YOU CAN DO IT! xo

-I've already gone through two prolotherapy treatments and the second one was much better than the first. This time, Dr G. added some glucosamine to the injections. Oh, and I did take the valium. (Maybe that's why it was more bearable than the last) Again, Allan was there holding my hand and I only cried a little. I didn't even get a lollipop. Wth?

-Oh, speaking of lollipops, my "diet" is going really well. I cheated for a bit when we had company, and had a gluttonous Thanksgiving dinner with our neighbor friends on Sunday. Other than that, I would say I've been pretty good and have lost about 11 lbs so far. I am still a work in progress. I hate that most of my Halloween party guests brought me tons of chocolates and wine! So tempting! Whatever, wine and dark chocolates are good for you anyways! ;)






Thursday, October 8, 2009

Not a fan of needles.

Ok, so I had my prolotherapy procedure done yesterday, and all I have to say is, OUCH, and Wow, I LOVE ALLAN! He deserves the Super-Duper Husband Award. Poor guy, he held my hand the whole time while I was crying like a baby (bawling, nearly screaming) enduring some of the worst pain that I have ever felt in my life, ever. I was a ball of nerves before we even got there, which probably made it so much worse! Yep, I was a mess. I didn't want to look at the needles, but when I did, I nearly fainted! I think I may have even grabbed the Dr.'s hands and moved them away from me at some point. Allan said at some other point, I screamed, "OUCH", and he hadn't even injected the needle yet. Whatever. :P Dr. Greenberg (who truly is amazing, and extremely patient) stuck me with these long needles on the bottom of my left foot (the issue is with my right hip--weird, I know), on my "good" left hip, my right and left inner thighs, all over my right BUTT cheek, near my bikini line area and around my right pelvic bone. Ugh! I am sore, bruised, and so worn out from the stress of it all and the fact that I haven't slept well in two nights. (If you're confused about the procedure here is a link to my Doc's website.)

http://www.drmagaziner.com/Medical-Services/Prolotherapy&PainManagement.asp

So, he does the needle thing, and honest to God, I got up afterward and walked without limping for the first time in my life ever! I've always had a slight limp, sometimes unnoticeable, but it has been getting a bit worse as I get older. My hips have always been misaligned, and when he was done with the injections, they were balanced again. It seriously was miraculous! I truly feel so much better already--although, I will have to go through this process several more times (every 3 weeks for maybe 3-6 months). Dr. Greenberg even prescribed me some Valium for the next time I come in. I don't know if I'll use it yet. I try not to take any unnecessary drugs at all cost. I hardly ever even use Tylenol. The pain that it takes to make me better is way better than the pain I suffer on a daily basis, and the pain it would be to get a hip replacement (that was the alternative). I'm just so glad that I found a Dr. who really knows what he is talking about, seems to really care, and take the time to explain everything thoroughly. I hope that I keep seeing improvement. The only thing that stinks about this type of treatment is that our insurance doesn't cover it. You pay a lot these days to get torture by Dr's! Seems like insurance companies don't want to cover anything that actually works. Dr. G also put me on a pretty intense weight-loss program with lots of fun vitamins, meal replacements, and stuff. Any extra weight at all can cause unwanted pressure on the hip joint and make it worse. I've been in so much pain that working out cardiovascular-wise has been hard for me. The pain apparently makes me produce more cortisol, the number one factor in weight gain. I know I have gained more than a couple of lbs. and need to get on it-quick. So here I am--ready, starting a new life for myself, getting serious about getting fit, and healing my hip so that I can live a normal life again. So, if I blog about the wonderful chocolate brownie or french fries that I had last night, you have my permission to kick. my. ass! LOL! :)
I can't thank my friends and family enough for all of the support that you have already given to me. With you in my life, it makes it easier for me to push through the hard times, thanks! Love you all! xoxo Wish me luck! (This new eating regimen might make me a tad bit cranky! BEWARE! Grr!!!)





Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Autumn, a time for change

This is a picture I took from Fall of last year.


The cool weather is here, and I'm loving it! The windows are open, the crisp air is coming in, and I'm freshening up the blankets. The leaves are beginning to change, and I feel like its a metaphor for my life--a little bit of revamping, change, and new things to come. This Fall is a very exciting and hopeful one for me.

Here are somethings that I'm expecting to happen this Fall:

- My Mom is coming up to celebrate her 60th birthday along with my two older twin Brothers. They haven't been up here yet, so I am thrilled to have my family here--I can't wait! :)
- I am starting another yoga teacher training. This time, here in Philadelphia with Yoga Schelter and RYAH yoga. It should be a very challenging yet rewarding journey. I can't wait to challenge myself mentally, physically, and spiritually. I'm sure I will be blogging all about it!
- I am having prolotherapy done on my hip (next week!). Its an alternative orthopedic procedure to non-surgically reconstruct joints, ligaments, and tendons weakened by trauma or arthritis (for those who don't know, I have a bad hip--born with congenital hip dysplasia, had several surgeries as a child, which has caused me to now have arthritis). This procedure makes me extremely nervous because it looks incredibly painful (think flavor injecting a turkey with a big ass needle)! It looks awful, but it is about time I do something about all of the pain that I have on a daily basis. Pray that it works! Apparently my other alternative is a hip replacement--no bueno. :(
- Our dear friend Danny is coming to visit on Halloween weekend from Florida! He has been to Puerto Rico to visit us a couple of times, but hasn't been to Philly yet. Its always a fun time when Danny is around. He is one of Allan's best friends and like another brother to me.
- Apparently, I am in charge of making Allan and Danny's Halloween costumes this year. God help me. Lol!
- We are having a Halloween cocktail/costume party at our place this year. I've realized that I really don't entertain as much as I'd like to and I just looove to dress up, so...why not?
- I am also making our dog's halloween costumes for the annual doggy halloween costume contest in my apt building. Yep, busting out the sewing machine and all. They will be winners for sure. I have some ideas and will tell you what ALL the boys will be later. ;)
- I just started a new semester of school for my CAM (Complementary Alternative Medicine) degree. I still LOVE it, and it is going very well. I will be a student forever it seems.
- I am doing a major overhaul of organizing and cleaning our apartment. One bedroom down, two more to go, plus two bathrooms...oh, and the kitchen! We have collected too many things move after move and some of it will just have to go to Goodwill or donated elsewhere. I don't even want to think about all of the stuff that is in our storage facility...good lawd!


Hmmm...Well, thats all I can think of right now. Hahha! If anyone has any good ideas for halloween costumes (pet or human), party recipes, or decorations, leave me a comment! :)


Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Blue Hill Fair

I was just thinking about all of the fun that we had at the Blue Hill Fair in Maine. I thought I'd post some of the pics that I took. We seriously felt like it was something out of a movie. Everyone was holding hands with their family members, riding rides, playing carny games, holding big, pink, puffy cotton candy cones, and entering contests (quilts, crochet, produce, pies, etc.). It was a nice break from the city life. It screamed Americana. Almost too much. I couldn't believe it.

Howdy! :)

This lady made yarn from her own sheep.

I think everyone in town entered a flower from their garden to be judged.

The 3 Horse Hitch Pull (talk about horse-power!)

I really felt like we were in another era.

The farm that inspired Charlotte's Web

The sheep were super friendly, and so fluffy

This dude looked so sad. (He had GREAT hair though)

The Ferris Wheel

Sweet piglets (they were so adorable!)

We said no to fried dough,

and opted out on the Bologna Burgers...

and had Thai food (of course)! LOL! (small cart on the left)





Sunday, September 13, 2009

Ciao bella!






Our trip has come to an end and we are on the road again tomorrow morning. I really didn't expect to get so attached to Maine or the people like I did. I included some photos of the guest cottage that we have been so fortunate to stay in. This place is incredibly wonderful! I see us coming back again someday. I feel like the Bianco family have become family to us, and I will never forget them. I think I may have even asked if they wanted to adopt me. :) My heart is full and I feel so blessed to have been able to visit this beautiful place. We stopped by their house tonight to say goodbye and shared our last glass of wine with each other...for now. They gave us a nice bottle of french wine and some homemade blueberry jam that Mrs. Bianco made this summer. I made Mrs. Bianco (Diane) promise that she'd send me a signed copy of her cookbook that will be released later in the fall if not, early winter. We traded hugs and swore to keep in touch. They will definitely be on my Christmas card list for years to come. :)
I am now ready to head back to Philly feeling fulfilled and ready to go about my routine and everyday life.
Ciao, Bianco's and grazie mille! xoxo

Thursday, September 10, 2009

She's a Maine-iac...










Allan and I are in Brooklin, ME right now on vacation. Well, not really vacation. Allan is here for work, attending the Wooden Boat School (a school where they build, yep you guessed it--wooden boats), and I am just living the life of leisure along with our two dogs. :) Not bad. We only have a couple of days left, and it makes me sad.
We took a 2 day roadtrip to get here from Philly and it was a blast! I must say, Allan and I are wonderful travel partners. He puts up with my obnoxious, "Ooh, I LOOOOVE this song!", and my, "OOH! What's that???"...you'd think I had never been anywhere before. Then when you top it all off with my obnoxious singing voice, wow. I'm lucky to still have Allan in my life.
We have a perfect snacking pattern in the car. First, we enjoy something salty like, Chex Mix. Then we move to sweet, my favorite being Fiddle Faddle. Later we will end it all with a nice handful of sunflower seeds to spit in plastic cups while talking about our dreams and options of where we could live next. Our little salty-sweet rotation. Its a routine, we love it, and we do it well. No one said it was healthy. ;)
While driving up to Maine we went through Vermont. Now that's a place that I could live. It was GORGEOUS! Burlington, Vermont to be exact. It reminded me of an Austin, TX in the mountains. Its a college, bohemian-artsy town with a lot of character, great shopping, and cool pubs. I wish we could have visited there longer instead of just driving through and staying one night. From what I could tell, I'd definitely move there. I NEVER thought I'd say that. Honestly, I never even gave Vermont a chance...it wasn't in my radar. Now I know.
Although, I do think the winter's would be way too harsh for me. I like the warm tropical climates. Scarves and boots are nice, but the novelty wears off quick.

While in Vermont, we stopped at a cute, old General Store so that I could get some maple syrup--because that's what you do in Vermont. I don't even really eat pancakes or could even tell you the last time that I've made them, but I did watch a Martha Stewart episode where they tapped syrup from maple trees and was pretty amazed. This image stuck in my head, hence why it was a mission of mine to find 100% pure Vermont Maple Syrup! So we did. I hope it's good, the stuff isn't cheap. I see french toast in my future. :)

Once we got to Maine, we settled in our beautiful, oceanfront guest cottage and immediately felt right at home. Ahh...the fresh air and cool breezes...
Since we've been here we have partied with the owners of the guest house, The Bianco's, a family that distributes meat and Italian sausage products to all of the local restaurants...possibly mafia related??? haha! Who knows, and who cares--they are great! Laughter and Limoncello, a great combo. We also went rowing along the Maine coastline (Um, well, kinda. poor Allan--long story), went to The Blue Hill Fair (the one that inspired the book Charlotte's Web), did some hiking, biking, shopping, sampled lobster ice cream in Bar Harbor (Yes, ew. This is also something I saw on tv and HAD to at least try), and have seen some of the most amazing sights ever! I will be sad to leave, but have met some incredible people and will take this trip with me forever. I will always have a sweet spot in my heart for little ol' Brooklin, Maine, population: 722.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Today Is My Birthday! :)

I had a wonderful birthday weekend with Allan. Saturday, we went to the museum, had lunch, went to see Inglourious Basterds (which I thoroughly enjoyed, btw), then had a wonderful Thai dinner with quite a few sips of sake. It was great. :) This morning Allan went for a 12 mile run, and yes, I BIKED along with him. Hahaa! The rest of my day was very chill and consisted of going to the grocery store (and buying myself some frozen yogurt), since Allan had to leave for work. :(
I am looking forward to our trip to Maine which is right around the corner. Road trips are so much fun to me!
All in all, it was a fabulous weekend, and I am pooped. I have a looong week ahead of me. Lots to do! More manana...I'm sleeepy...

Monday, August 10, 2009

This Made Me Laugh Today! :)

After being at the hospital ALL DAY just to get some x-rays and a scanogram on my hip, I needed a little giggle. This is what did it for me. :) I heart Jason Mraz.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Spring is here, and so are my allergies!



It is GORGEOUS out, but I am dying a slow death of snot and phloem. Yup, I said it. Gross, ew.
I will soon post pics of Allan and I on our first bike ride out this Spring! Pink cherry blossoms are blooming, yellow daffodils are everywhere and it sure does make Philadelphia beautiful! I haven't had allergy or sinus issues this bad since we've lived in Houston. Puerto Rico spoiled me...for real. But enough of that...I have 4 full, beautiful seasons now! How cool is that? I've never had that. :)

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Yoga + Tea Ceremony = Ahh..Sunday




Today was a very mellow day. I slept in, had a banana blueberry smoothie, and did some school work online. I went to the studio for a yoga/tea ceremony workshop that was held by Pamela. It was fabulous! We did a very soothing yoga vinyasa with an extra long savasana (it was better than sleep), then followed with the tea ceremony. Today's delight: Oolong. Mmm...I had no clue that teas were so fascinating. It was so delicately prepared and sipped like a fine wine, savoring every last drop slowly so that you could let all of your senses absorb its goodness. Pamela made us a little sweet treat that she referred to as a "sunflower butter blondie" (like a brownie, but a blondie, w/out peanut butter--instead, sunflower butter). It was a nice little tea cake. There is a fine art to a tea ceremony, and I will no longer look at tea the same. Hey, coming from Texas, I think I've come a long way from Lipton and Luzianne! I had many teas in Thailand, mainly green and jasmine, which are very popular there. Now, I wish I would have brought more home with me! I guess I will have to go back...this time with Allan, and minus all of the "baggage". I am now jonesing for a cute little tea pot so that I can experiment at home.
Pamela read a verse from a poem by Lu Tung, each time we had a cup of tea, which I thought was really beautiful.

"The first cup moistens my lips and throat. The second cup breaks my loneliness. The third cup searches my barren entrails only to find therein some thousand volumes of odd ideographs. The fourth cup raises a slight perspiration - all the wrongs of life pass out through my pores. At the fifth cup I am purified. The sixth cup calls me to the realms of the immortals. The seventh cup - ah, but I could take no more! I only feel the breath of the cool wind that raises in my sleeves. Where is Elysium? Let me ride on this sweet breeze and waft away thither."Lu Tung

All of this just reminds me to take pleasure in all of the small things in life, take everything in, and savor it, little by little. Each small cup of tea I had today, reminded me to slow down, breathe deep, and take pride and joy in all that surrounds me.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

I'm in PHILLY now y'all!



We have relocated to "The City of Brotherly Love". Which totally cracks me up because ironically, my brothers' both lived only a few blocks away from where I live now. They both went to college here and played soccer for Philly U. It really amazes me how small this world can be at times. It makes me real happy to know that I am now living in my brothers old stomping grounds.
Okay, so I have lots of catching up to do...so far, we have moved to Philadelphia, lived in a 2 bedroom apartment in the city, went to a Madonna concert, I got a part-time job, while doing a work exchange at a nearby yoga studio, I've had my 30th birthday, had multiple girlfriends from Houston come visit (along with Allan's parents), moved to a large 3 bedroom apartment (in the same building), still taking online classes, and have since quit my part-time job to focus on school whilst working only at the yoga studio. Whew...yea, 8 months in a nutshell. ;)
Hahaha! Hope you were able to take that in, because I still don't think I have. Moving from Puerto Rico, where its sunny all-day everyday, to now living where its STILL winter and I have to wear socks--is just plain weird. I called my trainer the other week asking her if I still had to go in because it was snowing...yea, she laughed at me. I had no clue!? I don't know what to do with all of this white stuff?! I'm just a Texan living out of her element in a crazy, cold city, that at first, was reminiscent to Gotham City. Now, I have fallen in love with this ancient city, truly. I have so many incredible projects coming up and I am sooo excited for the adventures to come. None of which I will bore you with now. You will get reports from time to time now that this blog is back up and running. Woooo-hoooo!!! My online therapy sessions are back!