Apr 29, 2015

What happened to healthcare?

I kind of assumed Persephone had eczema when she was an infant.  Occasionally after her bath I would notice little dry patches on the back of her arms or back.  I didn't have a lotion routine every day, I pretty much just lathered her up when I felt dry spots.  Right or wrong, that's just how I did it.

Over the last several months, I've noticed she has small bumps on her face (forehead, nose, chin and cheeks.)  You could really only see it if the lighting was right.  But the last two weeks it's definitely become more prominent.  At first I thought it might be from playing outside at school and assumed it was acne from sweating.  This past weekend though she got a fever and I noticed her cheeks and chin specifically flared up.




She didn't really have any other symptoms, but because of the fever, I was concerned the bumps on her face had developed into a rash?  I looked online at Urgent Care and saw they accepted her insurance, but when we got there, turns out they didn't accept her specific plan.  WTH?!  I asked who did...and I also explained that the website is deceiving and they needed to fix it.  The receptionist said the next closest place on a Sunday would be in Suwanee - or the ER.  Uhhhhh we were literally 500ft from the new hospital so I just opted to go there.

Beautiful facility...horrible time management.  We got checked in quickly, but it all went down hill when they checked her vitals.  The nurse attempted to check her temperature orally.  I may be stupid on occasion, but I'm smart enough to know a 2yr old will not hold the thermometer still in their mouth long enough for an accurate reading.  The nurse of course told us she didn't have a temperature....umm ok.

Being her mom and knowing what she feels like without a fever...that didn't sit right with me.  We were sent back out into the waiting area until a room became available.  Thirty minutes or so later we were called back, but they left us in the quick exam room claiming all the private rooms were full.  I asked this other nurse to please recheck her temperature via ear or forehead.  They did and just as I suspected, 101 fever.  They brought her a popsicle...and then we waited....and waited...45min after the popsicle a young girl comes in with an EKG monitor?!?  I immediately ask why she's doing one, not to be mean of course.  She shrugged, smiled and just says "They ordered one, but I don't know why."  I laughed nervously and explained we hadn't even seen a doctor yet, how would they know if our toddler needed an EKG??  She was nervous and the test was harmless so I let her do it anyway.  I mean even though I had many questions, you assume doctors "know" what they're doing....right?

Another 45min after the EKG was done, still no doctor.  I went out to the triage to complain and ask if we could just leave.  The nurse was nice and said she'd get me some answers.  Probably 20min following that the doctor finally came in and he left within 5min.  He felt her lymph nodes, checked her ears and throat and said she had an upper respiratory infection and viral xanthem on her face from the fever.  SADLY I was so pissed for having to wait 2 hours and shocked by his eagerness to get in and out of the place I failed to even ask about the EKG and why it was ordered.  Neither of us were satisfied with his level of care.  Whether he was right or not...you should at least make people believe you care.

Murphy's law kicked in after we left the hospital because Persephone started complaining about her diaper burning.  At first we laughed, I don't know why...but then she continued to say it every time she peed so I knew it was probably a UTI or Yeast infection.  I was able to get her an appointment Monday afternoon to see the pediatrician.  They did confirm she has an upper respiratory infection, UTI and eczema.  The doctor said I need to be lathering her up at least twice a day with lotion.  I've already been bathing her in Aveeno and using Aveeno "eczema" lotion, but I guess it wasn't good enough.  They recommended Lubriderm, Eucerin, Aquaphor, Cetaphil and something else I can't recall.  She was prescribed hydrocortisone cream to help with the areas she's already clawed ::insert sad face::. 




They also prescribed her cephelaxin for the UTI.  In an odd way, the UTI has been a blessing in disguise.  Because it causes incontinence, she's been telling us she has to go potty!  We're still in pull-ups, but baby steps..baby steps.

Walt Disney World - FREE DINING!





Disney lovers rejoice!  They just announced their “free dining ” offer for Fall 2015.  If you’ve wanted to visit Walt Disney World, this is a great way to save money on food!  Trust me when I say the dining plan comes out MUCH MUCH cheaper than purchasing your food when you get there.  Sure, if you’re a planner and can pack a dozen snacks and meals to eat there, that’s probably cheaper.  But it’s nice not to worry about packing a bag every morning (for our family anyway.)  Plus there are so many options.  You can either grab a snack (20oz beverage, popcorn, ice cream, chips, pastry...etc the list goes on) eat quick service (grab and go) or table service (like your normal restaurant with servers.)  

Right now when you purchase a non-discounted Magic Your Way package (that includes hotel at select Disney resorts and tickets with park hopper or Water Park & more option) the dining is FREE.

You have until July 10, 2015 to book

Dates are as follows:

August 28 – October 2, 2015
October 25 – October 31, 2015
November 8 – November 19, 2015
December 15 – December 21, 2015

If you book a value resort you’ll automatically receive the quick-service dining plan.  This includes 2 quick service meals per person, per day and 1 snack per person, per day.  (Children under 3 aren’t included)

If you book a moderate, deluxe or deluxe villa resort you’ll automatically receive the dining plan.  This includes 1 quick service, 1 table service and 1 snack per person, per day. (Children under 3 aren’t included)

***If you stay at a value resort, you can actually upgrade to the dining plan for an additional cost.  

I believe the reason they offer this amazing deal is to boost the volume of visitors!  You’ll notice the dates are during some of their slower times.  The advertisement also says you must book 6 night/7 day stay – but you can actually book a minimum of 3 nights and maximum of 14 nights.

(Disney's Port Orleans Resort—Riverside is excluded from travel October 25 – December 21, 2015.)


Package Includes
  • Room
  • Theme park ticket(s) with Park Hopper or Water Park Fun & More Option
  • Dining Plan (Disney Quick Service Dining Plan with Value Resort hotel packages; Disney Dining Plan with Moderate, Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resort hotel packages)
Important Details
  • The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited.
  • Tickets and Options must be used within 14 days of first use.
  • Everyone in the same room must be on the same package.
  • Advance reservation required.
  • Children ages 3–9 must choose from the children’s menu, if available.
  • Some table-service restaurants may have limited or no availability at time of package purchase.
  • Excludes alcoholic beverages and gratuities. 

****You can start booking your dining reservations 180 days from the date of your trip.  If you plan on going sooner than 180 days from now make sure you book your dining reservations as soon as you book your trip so you don't miss out!


 

Apr 22, 2015

Growing up

I've been trying to see if Neverland has a summer camp where we can send Persephone so she'll stay small for a little while longer.

She looks so mature with a ponytail, I just love it

Monday evening she told me she needed to potty just before she got in the bathtub.  I went ahead and turned the water on thinking it might help her and she pooped!


Yesterday after we picked her up at school (Daycare) she wanted to wash her hands in the lobby bathroom.  After we washed her hands, said she needed to potty and SHE DID!  The toilet had an automatic flush though so it scared her and she jumped up.  In recovery mode I told her the toilet was a robot (I even called it Baymax from Big Hero 6) and then she was cool about it.

Later that night before bath again she said she needed to potty and she pee pee'd!  She's growing up way too fast :(


Lastly...I've always enjoyed feeding/watching birds.  Since moving in, I've placed a nice feeder in the tree outside our bedroom window so Flower (our boy cat) can enjoy the view.  This weekend we had a visitor multiple times.  Once I thought he was stuck, but he wasn't...he's just very strategic in his eating habits!


Apr 20, 2015

Fresh Start



I had my annual last week.  I’ve continued to use the same OBGYN who delivered Persephone.  He’s kind, always chats for a minute...listens to me babble and I never feel rushed.  I brought up my weight and how I’d like to get it under control.  But I feel like I need a push, a nudge to get me started.  He said there were a few FDA approved diet pills available, but two of them are ridiculously expensive even with insurance.  Qysmia (phentermine/topiramate), Belviq (lorcaserin hci) are the too expensive brand names.  Then he mentioned a newer one, Contrave (naltrexonehci/bupropion hci)  which is a little more affordable.   






He gave me a flyer, asked me to check with my PCP and make sure none of my current medications will interfere with Contrave and said I could give it a try.  What’s kind of interesting is the combo of the two ingredients of Contrave; bupropion hci is more commonly known as Wellbutrin…which is an anti-depressant.  Naltrexone is used to block receptors in the brain and curb cravings.  Naltrexone is marketed on its own to help with addictive disorders (smoking/drinking...etc.)

I’ve tried diets before.  I even went to a specific "weight loss" clinic where I weighed in weekly, visited the doctor monthly and was prescribed phentermine.  The only downfall to phentermine was the cotton mouth, headaches, elevated blood pressure and irritability.  But you're a controlled substance, a type of methamphetamine.  I totally felt like I could concur the world, but the process got way too expensive.  I tried ADVOCARE and failed miserably.  It’s my fault…I get excited in the beginning, but then get burnt out either by the ongoing costs or the plateau.  

Contrave’s ingredients would produce a pretty ugly “withdrawal” if I just stopped taking it.  So I’m using that scary scenario (along with older photos of myself) as motivation to stay on the program.  Contrave also offers a “Scale Down” program; once you’ve filled your first month’s prescription, the pharmaceutical company sends you a scale (free of charge).  You weigh in daily and it sends your results to the program wirelessly.  Then they’re able to send you encouraging tips/tricks via text message or email to keep you going.  They also offer a support group where you and other patients can lean on one another. 

Diet and exercise are strongly recommended…so I do plan on implementing something for myself as well.  I'm the one at fault for all the weight I've gained, so it's time to gain control of myself.

I'd like to think I'm pretty transparent on my blog and if you talk to me in real life then you know I can share too much information.  That being said, I plan to be completely and brutally honest with myself as well as the 2 readers I have.

Height: 5'3"
4/15/2015 weight: 218
4/15/2015 BMI: 39






I take my first Contrave tomorrow morning 4/21/15. 

Week 1 : 1 pill ea morning
Week 2:  1 pill ea morning and evening
Week 3:  2 pills ea morning, 1 pill ea evening
Week 4:  2 pills ea morning, 2 pills ea evening


Apr 13, 2015

LIPS Atlanta


On April 8th I turned 30!  Whoo hoo.  It's actually not that bad.  I've never feared aging...sure it has it's downfalls...but what doesn't??  So does being a youngster!  This year my friends and I planned a trip to LIPS in Atlanta (the ultimate drag dining experience.)  It was everything I hoped for and more!!



I raided my closet and found a black dress I wore a few years ago during a cruise.  We had THE BEST time.  We all got dolled up, had a chauffeur (our friend Frank) and just really enjoyed ourselves.  The club was adorable, and clean.  Lots of pink and wild prints.  The bathroom was donned with chandeliers and mirrors.  I could probably live there.  None of us (except one) had ever been  to a drag show so we were all "virgins."

We met up at work and all hopped in the van (a kind coworker let us borrow his.)  I'm sure we were a sight to see!  It's just off Buford Hwy - right beside Pink Pony...no we didn't go there.

Jen and I in the bathroom
#photoopsanywhere

Amazing disco ball ceiling


Can you tell I was super excited?


Anywho...I don't know how we scored it, but our table was front and center stage.  It was PERFECT!  Our waitress was awesome, the food came out so quick - I went boring and ordered chicken fingers, but everyone else ordered chicken pasta, mushroom ravioli and an appetizer platter.  I was very impressed with the quality of food.

It was a $10 cover charge, then because we had reserved a table we were each to spend a minimum of $15 on food - wasn't hard to do.  All the entrees are priced at $14.95 or more.  I enjoyed a couple of butterscotch shots (cleverly called a blowj*b.) 

It was super duper deliciously sweet. 

We were seated at 9:30 and the show started at about 10:20pm.  There were many performers and all of them did fabulous!  

My favorites were our own waitress who performed to Beyonce's Drunk in Love 


and another gal who performed Katy Perry's Roar


Bubba D hosted the evening and he was THE BEST




I feel like I could sit and talk to Bubba D all day, every day.
A true comedian.

They gave me a birthday crown and a brownie dessert.  I was brought up on stage, along with others celebrating their birthdays and we got a photo!

This isn't the best angle of me..but check out that hottie to the right...meow

My BFFLADYFI and me

Me, Tabitha and Ashley


Our lovely waitress

Megan being crazy shoving the shotglass in her mouth...
Ok ok I did it too, but my pic wasn't as cute

This was our receipt at the end of the night....party of 7


Leaving the party!
 


So you may all have your opinions on drag queens and gays - keep them to yourself.
We thoroughly enjoyed the show and they are humans just like us.
I cannot wait to go back.

Apr 8, 2015

Enjoying the Outdoors

One of the best things about our new house is the yard.  Now that we are in a detached home we have so much space indoors and out.

Persephone loves playing outside, but especially now in our yard!



I LOVE her sweet face in this one, it's so "matter of fact"




Apr 6, 2015

Happy Easter!

This was the best photo I got of her yesterday.  I got the dress at Cracker Barrell - gosh darn their dresses are so cute (but also pricey.)  I figured Easter was worth splurging on.

I realize the purple sweater does not match any of the purple on her dress, but whatevs.


Live Animal Cams!

A few years ago, my mom and I got hooked watching the egg laying/hatching of the Decorah Eagles nest in Iowa.  It was so neat to be "part of" that process.  You are so up close and personal with the eagles, but obviously in a safe way.

In fact, they still stream the eagles on UStream!  This year all 3 eggs have already hatched!


Then thanks to People I discovered Animal Planet has their own set of streaming videos.  Right now they're featuring a giraffe named Katie at the Dallas Zoo who's set to give birth at any time!  It says she is usually out roaming the zoo, but comes back around 5pmCT to eat!



So while I was clicking around, I also checked out their calf camera at a dairy farm in Maryland.  A watering hole camera in Africa (lots of hippos)- start in on The Lion King "What's so great about the watering hole?" -Nala and their kitten/puppy cameras.  I love them all and could probably watch them back and forth.

I think if teachers have internet access in classrooms, this would be a cool thing to show the students!  It's also awesome for stay at home moms - think of the learning experience!

Check it out guys!!  So stinkin' cute!

Apr 2, 2015

EASTER EGG HUNT

Saturday we went to Hardy's parents church for an Easter Egg Hunt.  It was a little chilly (as you probably remember), but still turned out to be a nice day.

Persephone fell asleep in the car on the way there so we let her snooze until the very last minute.  I had to wake her up, I hate doing that...but it is what it is.  She didn't have ANYTHING to do with the Easter Bunny to start with.  After the egg hunt she did give him a high five, fist bump and a hug...but that was enough.

We got her basket at Wal-Mart for $6...
it's hard cardboard so I figure it'll last her a while.  
I personally don't like the wooden baskets with or without tinsel.


I just asked the bunny to stand behind her for a photo.
This was before she realized he was there.

She was on a serious mission for these eggs...
she didn't even stop to open them like last year.




Hardy and I tried taking a picture to show her he was "nice"...

Chowing down on a nasty choc covered marshmallow

Running from Pop Pop



She ended the day playing with her Nana's make up.  
And her cousin Halie made her a kitty cat!


This is her saying "weave my wone" 
aka leave me alone