Monday, November 30, 2009

What to do when you've lost yourself

I have blogged in over 2 months now. Not that there hasn't been plenty to blog about, because there has been an abundance of every day going ons that I sure would spark someone's interest. The point is, I've lost myself, which seems to be the opposite of what I had hoped to be this time of year, especially now. I had a hysterectomy back in September, which has improved my health tremendously. I no longer suffer from the debilitating pain that occured on a daily basis. I forgot what life was like without physical pain. I have been suffering from daily headaches since October, but the pain is nowhere near what I had experienced with the Endometriosis.

So, here I am, feeling lost. I don't know what to do with myself. I'm working full time at the DOL, and part-time as a supervisor at Kmart. When I'm not working, I'm tryingto tend to Nicole's emotional needs/wants, as she too doesn't know what to do with herself.

I feel like I'm not enjoying life as Ishould, or even living is as I should for that matter. Christmas is right around the corner, and I've realized I buy for everyone to make myself feel better. I really don't care about getting presents, because I find joy in watching everyone else open their presents from me. Of course, I tend to go overboard, and end up regretting that in the long run.

I wish I felt like really writing. I remember when I was younger, I was passionate about aspects of my life, and would write poetry as if I were repeatedly writng my name. Words seemed to flow, never-ending. I could sit and write a number of poems a day, each reflecting on a different part of myself, each full of emotion and conviction. I had an emagination that knew no bounds, writing as if I had fell into the rabbit hole from Alice In Wonderland. Nowadays, I do good to write even a small handful of poems in a year's time. I feel no passion for anything. I just feel as I'm here, nothing more. I truly hope the New Year offers some purpose.

Friday, September 11, 2009

An Article I wrote about two years ago

One of my friends came across this article that I had written, that I had actually forgotten about. Thought I would share:



Some people would say, "Of course there's a link between infertility and depression. Wouldn't you be depressed if you tried to conceive and couldn't?" Point well taken. As the layers of this subject are peeled back, and the nature of this "relationship" is revealed, more relevant points will be made, and hopefully, a better understanding of how the mind and body work together, and against, each other.
Depression is one of those subjects that some handle too lightly, while others don't handle lightly enough. Most of this stems from ignorance, lack of information about the disease, it's symptoms, treatment, and how it affects everyone, not just those who personally suffer from it. Infertility is a lot like that as well. Once most women reveal to others that can't conceive, it either becomes a hush-hush subject, or everyone is offering advice, usually unwanted at that. People should realize that with both depression and infertility, as well as any other condition, manners and respect should be shown when discussing it. Let the person dealing with it talk, and if they ask for your opinion or advice, only then should you speak up.
As a society, most of us are aware that when something you deem as traumatic or live-changing in a negative way takes place in your life, depression will run its course, whether it be for a short duration, or over a long period of time. Unlike sadness, depression eats at your thoughts, sucks away your energy, leaving you a shell of your former self.
Women who try to conceive and find out they can't because of infertility are more likely to be depressed than women who don't suffer from infertility. This makes sense. As we look closer at the two, we find that the symptoms can be reversed, and you get the same outcome. A woman can be depressed, and the depression can trigger infertility. Is it possible? Yes, and we'll look at how.
Studies have show that women who have healthy eating habits, and get regular exercise and sleep are more likely to conceive than females who eat junk food and live a sedentary lifestyle. So, what does this have to do with depression? A lot. Women who are depressed do not eat well, have no energy for exercise or anything else, and most are sleep deprived, or don't sleep well when then do sleep. The physical ramifications of depression are just as much a problem as the mental and emotional strains it puts on a person. Steps can be taken however, to check for problems with both depression and infertility. Deciding what to do next is one of the most important parts.
After it had been established that one suffers from both depression and infertility, all options should be discussed. Your doctor may want to treat you for depression, and infertility, but it may be better to deal with the depression first. If a person can get through the depression ,and start living a happy, healthy life, tests for infertility should be ran again. There's no need to get on fertility drugs unless you want to take the chance to have multiple births. Being happy, getting plenty of sleep and exercise, and eating healthy may be all the help you need. Also, give yourself time to conceive. It is suggested that women under 35 try for at least 12 months be for consulting their doctor. Over 35, should try for 6 months. In addition, an ovulation kit and fertility monitor bought over the counter may be something to consider as well.
No matter which came first, the depression or the infertility, taking care of one's self is always top priority. Regular physicals and check ups should always be a part of your life, to make sure you stay healthy and happy!

Monday, August 17, 2009

Is Chuck Liddell a sell-out?

I was just reading over the list of the newest competitors of Dancing With The Stars. I've never really been a big fan of the sow, but seeing which celebrities sign on to compete is quite amusing at times. As I read names such as Melissa Joan Hart, Mya, and Kathy Ireland, I was a bit surprised. I was however, in complete shock to read one name in particular: Chuck Liddell.

For those who really know me, I'm a UFC fan. Chuck Liddell is one of my favorite fighters. The Iceman does a great job of holding his own in the Octogon, and I respect him for that. I'm not sure how I feel about his new gig as a dancer though. Maybe he wanted to take on a new challange, and a challange it will be. Most people wouldn't view Chuck Liddell as graceful, or even light on his feet. Thinking about seeing him do the Tango, Fox Trot, or even Waltz is unfathomable at this time. I just don't know what to make of it.

Is Chuck Liddell a sell-out? Some would say yes. Do I agree with that? Probably not. I will however, try to remember to watch an episode or two to see Chuck and his fancy foot work.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Mondays are tiring

School started back for Nicole last Friday, so I'm having to back into the "school" schedule. Thanks to Nicole wanting to run out the door and get to school exceptionally early, I arrived at work 40 minutes before my start time. Thank you Nicole, for making your mom prompt :)

It's around 4 pm, which means I will be out of here in a few minutes. I'm tired. I've been yawning for a while. I would blame it on lack of sleep, but my friend Benedryl rocked me peacefully to sleep last night. I also washed the bedding, and sprayed everything down with Fabreze, so the bed smelled and felt nice, like what I imagine clouds in Heaven are like. Between you and me, if I'd actually drink water, I'd probably feel a lot better. that, and if I were to motivate myself to exercise every once in a while, though I know I should be shaking my bon bon everyday....

Mondays wear me out, as I'm sure they do most people who keep a weekday work schedule. The only thing I like about Mondays is the fact that I get to watch one of my most favorite shows tonight: Secret Life of the American Teenager. I know it's meant for a younger crowd, like around 13 to 18, but I like the show because it gives me the opportunity to talk to Nicole about sex. For those of you who don't know, the show is about an Honors student who gets pregnant at 15, and how it has impacted her life. Not the Disney channel by any means, but I'm not raising a sheltered child either. So, that's what I have to look forward to this Monday. That, and the fact that I have $800 worth of Premier Jewelry waiting for me at home (don't worry, it's not all mine). Did I mention I'm watching my 2 month old nephew for a week while my sister and her husband go to Florida? Good times keep on comin'...

Friday, August 7, 2009

My beautiful baby girl







Nicole isn't little anymore, nor is she a baby, but she will always be my baby. My baby is growing up, and though I miss her being little and don't really want her to grow up, I'm proud of the young lady she is becoming. She has some beauty pageants coming up, and I hope she does well. For those of you wondering, they're natural beauty pageants. I'd never put my child in a glitz pageant. Those are not for us. Besides, Nicole doesn't require a spray tan or false eyelashes. God gave her what she needs :)






Thursday, July 16, 2009

He's Here!!!







My nephew, Zachery Levi Vaughn, was born June 10, 2009, at 10:03 pm, via C-section. He weighed 8lbs.3 oz and was 20 1/2 inces long. He is such a good baby. I think he looks a lot like his big sister Samantha, and his mommy Felisha. I can only hope that if I have another one, my baby is as cute as Zach.






Neglectful...

I have some catching up to do. Please keep reading.