Wouldn't It Be Nice

That is the song that will be stuck in my head today.  Weekend was excellent. Breakfast with the parents, farmer's market, kite festival, lunch with husband, yard work, and I got to hang this beauty:

We got our new porch back in May and I'm still painting it as energy and time allow. I love the bird watching, grilling, and reading I do out there. It is my little escape. The chandelier has been the perfect addition thus far. I even managed to start on my little succulent garden. She is kinda puny at the moment, but I look forward to seeing how she grows.

I have plans for this week. Going to try to get back to the gym, do some detoxing.
I have this mental exercise I do every morning when I wake up. Having "lyme brain" causes forgetfulness and confusion more than I am willing to admit. I may forget something that happened years ago or I may forget what I was talking about mid sentence. Almost always forget where I park. I've always been a chatter box, but I find myself more and more just sitting in silence. Afraid of what I may sound like to others, I just keep my trap closed. Friends and family understand. The general public doesn't. I can see it in their face. Like either I am too wrapped up in my self to care, or I'm the girl who is "really starting to lose it".

The morning drill for me consist of me opening my eyes, taking my thyroid pill, and laying there and making a run through: What day is it, year, address, my name, my husbands name, all of my children, their birthdays, important days. I try to run through recent events. How far back can I go with my dinner. What did I eat last night, and the night before, what about the night before that? Then I scavenge for a few memories. Sometimes it is a little foggy, but they all come to me. Except dinner. I do good if I can go back 2 nights. I usually do not get past 3. Some days I am on point. I'm quick with the drill and know it will be a day of clarity. Others it is a little slow. This morning was heartbreaking.

Husband was getting ready for work. I could hear him in the bathroom. I rolled over to take my pill with my water. I rubbed my eyes, and moved enough to listen to all my joints pop and creak, Then I started. Today is Monday. Tyler Scott, Macy Elizabeth, Kenneth Ray, Amber Lynn, Elyse Nicole.
Birthdays are as follows. We made pizza on the grill last night and watched Netflix. The night before I didn't eat dinner. My husband is Kenneth Ray. We have been married for 6 years. WHO IS HE???? I know who he is. He is my husband. He isn't a stranger, but who is he?????? Where are our memories??? Does he love me? Who is he??????

NO! This isn't happening. Quick, my parents. Sandra and Gary. My brother and all his family........Got it. What the HELL is happening????

He is coming out of the bathroom. Close your eyes, Adrienne. Stop crying. He is going to come tell you goodbye and he doesn't need to think anything is wrong. Stop CRYING!!!

He knew though. He ran through memories with me, asking me if I remember our cruises. (I remember them, but I can't REMEMBER them). He asked if I remembered his marriage proposal and where we ate afterwards. Yes! He asked if I remembered how much he loves me. No. I don't know him enough right now to know how he feels, his likes and dislikes. I'm so confused. This sucks. He compared us to the movie 50 First Dates. I remember that. Made me laugh. Told me that if he has to remind me every morning he will.


Now, I have the scene stuck in my head where he plays the video for her each and every morning to the Beach Boys song Wouldn't It Be Nice.  At least something is sticking right?

OH POOP! I have eggs boiling. I'll be right back.

I obviously have mashed potatoes for brains right now. I'm sad. This isn't fun. I figured I had better blog quick before I forget. Like forgetful Lucy.  This has to be equally upsetting for him.  Lyme isnt fair. Not to the person infected or the family coping. I try to find humor in everything. I wish I had something more uplifting to share in closing. I apologize. Time for a neurologist visit and another MRI I suppose. One thing I do know is how much I love my husband. How blessed am I to have a man that is willing to take the time to be late so that he can talk me through our past? Blessed indeed.

When It Rains (Literally and A Matter of Figurative Speech)

Texas got hit hard in the rain department in May and beginning of June. So much that our lakes and rivers that have been suffering drought for the past several years are back up. Great for business. Sadly, it came at the expense of some lives and damages. Here are a few Texas sized statistics to help you fathom just how much record-breaking rain we had just in May alone.

So, you see there was a bunch. We do everything big here. Go big or go home.

Our home was spared flood waters. Despite our backyard looking like a pond. We had a snake. I should say SNAKE. Cause it was big. A good size turtle. Oh there was a blue heron out there one day too. That either means we had small fish or the heron mistook our land for a body of water.

We did end up with some water in the house though from the constant non-stop run off from our roof on the back patio. It came in through the back door. I had told my husband I could smell mold. Mold and Lyme are symbiotic. As El Nino set it and the rains let up, things started to dry out. We had to first tackle the water coming in the house. Hubster built a covered porch. I LOVE IT. * hashtag props*.(so that worked out.) We then had to fix the threshold to the french doors as the other was rotted and then remove our entire livingroom floor. Some of the smell was in the kitchen cabinets as well, so the ALL needed a fresh painting and relining of shelving anyway. So, a month later we have a new porch, a fresh kitchen, no mold, and a beautiful new living laminate floor in teak. My husband was even able to take some time to make a quick trip to our favorite river, the Guadalupe, for a whitewater rafting experience. For the past 3 years that river has ran under 100 CFU's give or take and the first day we drove up, his trip was actually cancelled and the CFU's was over 6000. He ended up rafting at about 3400.

It has been refreshing to say the least, to be able to breath the fresh air in the house. I have been moving much better for now. The flair ups seem to be at bay (keeping with the water theme).

As the month of June started to wind down and we transitioned into July, we have entered with heavy hearts. We had to lay down our family boxer, Arabelle, the Monday after July 4th. She was 11 years old.

I did not have the pleasure of coming into her life until she was 4 years old, as my husband had her before he and I met, but for the past 7 years her and I spent every day together. She slobbered, she passed gas like an old man, she would stink, she would scale a fence, she would get into the trash, she would snore so loud that our walls would rattle. I would sometimes get up to lay on the couch at night because of the snoring in my room (I will not name any names). Only to be welcomed with more snoring from the sweet pup.

Our youngest daughter once asked, "Daddy, why does Arabelle snore?"  "Because she's fat." He replied. To which she sassed back with, "Is that why you snore?"

She was the dog from sandlot. She looked ferocious and probably would have been if tested, but never snapped. Just slobbered and licked. In her mind she was the worlds smallest lapdog. She walked you. You didn't walk her. She had been through heat stroke, cancer and as of 6 months ago a larynx that was collapsing.

When it was steak night for us, it was steak night for her too, and she knew it. She would patiently wait for us to finish so she could devour hers in a split second.

I'm still having the most difficult time adjusting to the silence. She was soooo loud! I want to run home and let her outside, wake up and take care of her. Feel her stare at me when I watch TV. But we had to let her rest. Last week she started shutting down. She no longer could eat or drink. We continued to offer through the weekend and even Monday morning one last time. Saturday morning, under my new porch, her and I were outside. I was having my coffee and reading. She just laid by my feet. Sunday morning, I got on the floor with her. Talked to her. She just looked at me. Placed her paw on my shoulder. Like she was telling me it was okay. Then she went inside her kennel and laid down. We all gathered around her Monday morning. We loved her and Kenneth and I took her down and talked with our vet and made the decision. It was one of the hardest things I have ever seen my husband do. I sat on the floor with her in his lap until she fell asleep under the sedation and kissed her goodbye. I then left the room. He stayed with her through out the rest. I know we did the right thing by her. She was suffering. So, why does is hurt so damn much? I didn't think I would hurt this much. I found myself on the bathroom floor last night at about 2AM just crying. Dogs teach us unconditional love. They are so quick to forget. So quick to forgive. They do not hold a grudge for you scolding them yesterday for busting out of the kennel and eating the kitty litter (why do they even do that????). They don't plan tomorrow. They just live in the here and now. Happy.  Even on the days when they are sick. They are dying, they are living for their master. We could really learn a lot from our canine companions. My tears are free flowing right now. My heart is full of emotion. This is a pain I have never experienced before. You brought us joy you crazy dog. Go leap 20 foot fences with ease and have 40 oz porterhouse steaks. You will be missed.

Kristen Wiig Reenacts My Lyme Seizures

It's 4AM and 2 weeks later. I honestly didn't think I'd be back this soon. Insomnia hit me a few hours ago, husband is off to a side job, and the cats are in the next room playing parkour again. May as well share what brain activity I can with you while I can right now. I do my most lucid thinking in the wee hours as it seems.  So without further ado, I bring you my next entry.

They are back. There has been 3 now in the past week. Well, 3 notable. When you hear seizure you probably think I'm spitting pea soup and wonder why I'm not in the hospital and how come my licences hasn't been taken from me yet. You are thinking gran mal. Usually associated with Epilepsy. That is all I used to think of as well. I was pretty afraid when I first started getting these disruptions in my body. It was pretty frighting. I've mentioned before I can feel mine coming. I get a sense. Sometimes I just go blank, or I will have an aura headache, blinding brightness in my eyes or extreme vertigo. Sometimes all of my senses are super-powered right before it will happen. I will retreat to my room. Here lately, it is just happening. Not much of a warning. In the middle of the day, in the middle of sleep. I loose my ability to speak, to walk, to control my hands, swallow, breath. The difference between the type of seizure you may think of and the type I suffer from.....I am wide awake during the entire thing.

 A seizure is defined as uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain, which may produce a physical convulsion, minor physical signs, thought disturbances, or a combination of symptoms.

To help you better understand, I will explain the different types.While this is scary as all "le chiz" to my family who has witnessed these episodes, I have to bring a #funnynotfunny factor to the table. I also have to find a creative way to keep your attention. For this reason, Kristen Wiig is gonna help me out.


******{this is not intended to offend or discredited anyone's pain and suffering as myself am a pain and suffer just tryin to find my way and that is my disclaimer}

There are 2 categories for seizures. General (produced by the entire brain) & Partial (self-explanatory)
Under General there are 6 different types:

*Gran Mal~ This is the most serious and scary of them all. The one you are probably most familiar with. The patient becomes tonic and loses all consciousness for 30-60 seconds and violently jerks before possibly falling into a deep sleep. Most commonly associated with Epilepsy.  I have never experienced this. Thank you, Jesus!

*Absence~ cause a short loss of consciousness. This only last for a few seconds. Patients are usually not even aware that this has happened. Only that there has been a sense of a loss of time. So THAT is where my day has been going!!!! For reals. I just blank out. I'm proof it is possible to think of nothing.


*Myoclonic~sporadic jerks. Usually on both sides of the body. Patients usually with throw objects if holding them. GUILTY. Ummmm......Kenneth, Remember that time that fork went flying across the room when all I was trying to do was put some food in meh mouth?

 *Clonic~repetitive, rhythmic jerks that involve both sides of the body. Been there, done that. Wake up the next day feeling like I worked out the night before I'm so sore. Friends, these leave me spent. These are what I have most commonly.


*Tonic~stiffining of the muscles. My kids got to witness this in my hand just this past weekend. The day after I had a Clonic. Not to be confused with a colonic.


*Atonic~sudden and general loss of muscle tone, usually limbs. Normally results in fall. The only time I have had a problem with this one has been when I have been doing some major herxing and I just lose all muscle control. I cannot even feed myself when I get to this state.



 Partial seizures are divided into simple and complex and secondary generalized. The difference between simple and complex is that with simple, patients maintain awareness whereas complex, they lose awareness.

This area affects the motor skills, the senses, memory, emotional disturbances. Jerking, spasms, and so on.
It is not uncommon for more than one of these to occur at a time. ANY of the above.

THYROID ULTRASOUND tomorrow. It has been 2 years since my partial. If I have a clean report, I'm G2G.  I visit a new doc next week and keep pressing forward. This solitude thing is a little more somber than what I figured it would be. I mean. I think the crickets can hear crickets. 2 weeks no social media now. I'm learning stuff. Life.

Well, this is all for now. I'm off to heal today. Kristen and myself thank you and wish you a sunny weekend.


      

Savvy Spring Containers (dollar store project)

I am ready for spring already! The warmth is welcoming to joint pain and cold blood.  This has been a very cold winter for even the Gulf Coast and it isn't over yet! I'm a little more among the land of the living the past few weeks. Reasons for the quietness on the blog. I am slowly catching up. When I first started blogging, I had a different page. My focus shifted to this one, and I'm doing good to keep up with what day it is and when the last time I shaved my pits or washed my hair was right now let alone 2 blogs. I have hopes to blend the 2 of them together. This is after all a blog about living with Lyme as a wifey and mama. So, the following may look familiar to some of you. With Spring right around the corner (sike. it's gonna be 35 degrees Thursday), I know I'm ready for flowers and fresh herbs. This project is something anyone can easily afford to do while waiting for the Earth's axis to begin it's tilt towards the sun. 

The containers and foam letters were picked up at Dollar Tree. Herbs and spray paint at Lowes. 

The plain container was found in the garden/floral section.

In the craft section was a bunch of sticky foam letters.

Stick these lil babies on spelling out whatever you are wanting. 

Spray paint the whole container. DO NOT forget to
drill a few holes in the bottom for water drainage.

So pretty!

Drinking Your Calories (Juicing and Liquid Diets)

Juicing and green drinks seems to be the craze right now. Do you know this person? I'm guilty as charged. I think when they made this video I was their inspiration. 

A couple of years ago I did a 21 day detox.  The first part was a 3 day juice followed by 18 days of fruits and vegetables.  I already have adapted a gluten-free lifestyle, so the adjustment of giving up all of the processed foods and simple carbs wasn't a huge hurdle for me. More recently, I did (and will be repeating once a month for as long as I can) a 10 day green smoothie detox. With this being the beginning of the year, I know there are a lot of you looking to jump start your diet or you are looking for a healthier you.  Nutrition is key. As someone with sensitivities, I pay dearly when I eat poorly. By poorly, I mean breads, pasta, sweets, soda, iced tea, too much dairy.  I may not be taking in enough calories right now due to total lack of appetite with this current flair, and that is a different subject for a different day. It is the weekend and I do not feel like being judged on something I preach. So, do as I say not as I do and we will be BFF's foreva.

So, what are the benefits of liquid diets? I found that by slowly eliminating certain foods from my diet that I rid my body of wanting them.  I see a reduction in water retention, re-flux and or heartburn, cramps, clearer skin, you may even notice inflammation relief and better sleep.  You will see a typical weight loss of probably 5-10 lb so that's a bonus right? The gut gets a much needed break from breaking down all of those solids. Nutrition is immediately delivered to the right places in our body and we are able to quickly release what is not needed.

So, which do I prefer? Well they both allow you to eat. The 21 day can not be modified. You have to stick to the exact diet. The first 3 days can be a challenge since you are juicing every meal. When juicing you also lose a lot of the fibrous nutrients and some of the vitamins found in the skins or meal of our fruits and veggies. Juicing is strictly keeping the liquid and spitting out the rest of the fruit or vegetable. When blending.......you are retaining the key nutrients and it is also helping you to stay fuller longer. Now, the 21 day detox, you only juice for the first 3 days and then you are on a vegetarian diet the next 18 days. The 10 day detox you are drinking at least 2 out of 3 meals. I found the 10 day easier to stick to and the husband even participated.

Equipment needed for juicing? A juicer. Can be messy too. Equipment needed for green smoothies? A Nutribullet (although it may take a little while to mix it all up due to the size) or a high powered blender. I use a ninja. Vitamix is also recommended.

Pinterest also has a plethora of tips and recipes.

PLEASE NOTE , when juicing DO NOT use the apple seeds.  Apple seeds when ingested are known to release Cyanide into the body.

21 Day Detox-

3 Day Juice Recipe

5 carrots
1/2 green apple
4 oz (hand full) spinach
4 oz parsley
1/2 red beet 
1 cucumber
(1/2 lemon, slice of ginger root, or walnuts may be added for flavor)

For 3 days drink 16-24 oz 3 times a day as a meal replacement.
Drink lots of water. You may juice as often as necessary. 

The next 18 days consume fruits and vegetables. A boiled egg per day may be consumed for protein. No dairy, no alcohol, no sugar or sugar substitutes, no coffee, sodas, etc...Herbal teas may be consumed. 8-10 glasses of water a day (or just water jug chug). Olive oil and vinegar for salad dressing. Feel free to add lemon, lime, cucumber, and mint to your water. This helps aid in flushing. 


10 Day Green Smoothie Detox-

This is a PDF and due to the fact that it was given to me, I only email copies of this out. It is 100% free. No catch. I promise. If you are interested in obtaining it from me, you can just email me Here 


I'm happy for the weekend. Tomorrow is not only Valentine's Day, but also my 6th Anniversary. I'm very blessed to be celebrating love day with him. He is my rock. My biggest support and fan. The days I think I can't make it or I cannot walk, he is there to literally carry me. He has sacrificed more than I ever have or will deserve. He is who tells me "Yes you can." when I say "No I can't." I love him so.

Making Zucchini Cheese (Try At Your Own Risk)

Am I the only one that can get lost in the streaming never-ending universe of Pinterest pinning?  It is my go to. You can link up to shop, find out how to organize any nook and cranny of your house, learn how to build a tiny home, the perfect cat eye eyeliner and even build and outdoor kitchen for under $100 with some recycled toilet paper rolls and an old oven rack. Okay. Perhaps I'm stretching the last one out a bit. But you can do some pretty wicked cool art with those left over toilet paper rolls according to this pin here.

And while I enjoy the art of re purposing, there are somethings I'd rather just throw out with the rest of the biodegradable possibilities.
What does any of this have to do with Lyme or Zucchini you ask? I'm getting to that. Just humor me for a few more lines.
When you search for toilet paper roll art you may come across toilet paper origami. I chase rabbits. Pinterest allows it. This just might be something I take up on my days when I can only lay. How rad would this be for a party trick? Just leaving random tp flowers in every one's bathroom. Move over little sanitary paper triangle.

Back to my subject. I am really big on healing my gut right now. Lyme bacteria loves sugar and wheat products. I am doing my best to put the good stuff in. I'd say about 90% of the time. Whole foods. Natural foods. No sugar no gluten wagon type stuff. So, I have seen several pins of interest about the glorified cheese textured zucchini. I do not do raw zucchini. My mama used to put them in salad. What a let down when you think it's a crisp refreshing cucumber only to find out that it is a crunchy tasteless impostor. It wasn't until going sans gluten did I start eating it again. Even in my tortilla soup I will push it to the side. Now as a noodle sub using the Veggetti the green squash cucumber doppelganger is the bomb.

So, why not as cheese? Simple enough. Looks yummy enough. I accept the challenge. Here is the popular pin Zucchini Cheese for those interesting. Pretty right? Adorned with an anti-pasta background.

i mean, imagine being able to eat cheese with no guilt! Time to grub. So I made mine. Even with the fresh parsley. It turned out pretty enough. You think? Nailed it right?

Now for the taste test. I didn't expect a nice Havarti or a well aged cheddar texture. What I did expect was a creamy texture similar to maybe a little teaser wedge of laughing cow. Here is what I got. You know that mouth-watering you get when.........you're fixing to vomit? I couldn't even swallow it. I don't know if it is just because my appetite is non-existent right now, the spongy gelatinous texture, or if it is actually a goopy cheesy load of crap disguised as something good for me.  I almost gagged just cutting it up to snap a presentation picture for you. The husband says it's not that bad. Well, it's not that good either. Not even a little. Have you ever tried this? Do you think you would? If you do, let me know what you think. As for me and this house, we will continue to do the dairy cheese under my other 10% of not having a totally clean diet. Somethings should just not be altered.
On a side note. Had a great weekend. Had a good cry last night. Sleeping harder than usual. I Washed and vacuumed my car today. Little achievements are big accomplishments!

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