Bird is the Word

Great Backyard Bird Count people! It's cool. Do it. 

Happy Equation

1. A fixed (and sassy!) haircut.
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2. Taxes DONE
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3. A new awesomely cleaning and fun to use vacuum.
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4. Home improvement projects actually moving forward.
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5. Potty training (though exhausting) going fabulously.
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6. The best little family ever.
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A mama whose cup runneth over.

Goodbye

Dear nose and throat,

You haven't done your job well for more than three weeks. I'm beginning to think it means very little to you. Therefore, you're fired.

Sincerely,
The face to which you are affixed

Basic Kindle vs. Kindle Fire

So if you've followed, you know that I like the Kindle Fire, but I find it much better for TV shows and child amusement than I do for reading books. I do sometimes use it to read at night in bed, but lit screens keep my already crazy brain too active, so it's better if I don't do that. 

Hub knew this, so he (bless his kind soul) bought me the most basic Kindle e-ink reader for Christmas. I LOVE it. I still like books better, but I do enjoy this Kindle to take to work or traveling. It's so much lighter and smaller than the Fire and so much easier on the eyes. I can get involved much better in the book. It's also quite handy to carry compared to books as I like to read multiple books at once. And the amount of time it keeps a charge is pretty awesome. I'm a fan. 

Now you have my review.

PCOS and Birth Control Pills

Birth Control Pills have never been my friend. It wasn't until I was diagnosed with PCOS and learned more about my syndrome that I figured out that was normal for someone with my issues. The PCOsupport website recently sent out this "HealthByte" email that talks more about research into how BCPs affect those with PCO or PCOS. I wanted to share it with you in case it was helpful.

Here is this week's Health Byte from the PCOSA.  Side Effects of Birth Control Pills to Counter PCOS   Birth control pills can do more than just give the appearance of a "normal" monthly rhythm for women whose cycle is disrupted by PCOS. Oxidant stress is one example. A study from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Iran has shown that birth control pills can bring on this condition where unstable, reactive molecules in a woman's cells cause damage because there are not enough antioxidants to neutralize them. The study divided 120 women into three groups. One group took justbirth control pills. Another group took birth control pills, as well as vitamins C and E. A third group did not take anything (no pills or vitamins). Compared to the women who took nothing, the group only taking birth control had more oxidant stress. The birth control women also taking the vitamins had less oxidant stress that than the ones taking birth control but not vitamins. This information suggests that, if you're taking birth control pills, it would be smart to also take antioxidant vitamins such as vitamins C and E. A good multi-vitamin/mineral can provide a spectrum of antioxidant protection. You can also get a good supply of antioxidants from whole plant foods such as vegetables. Some oxidant stress is normal. But too much may increase chronic inflammation. The latter can be a big driver of PCOS symptoms. So oxidant stress is something to be controlled. Check with your doctor. Research indicates that women with PCOS tend to have higher levels of oxidant stress and chronic inflammation than women without polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Sincerely, Christine DeZarn Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association, Inc. (PCOSA)

Super Top Secret Mission Day

Today I stayed home from work without telling Hub or the little man. I wasn't originally going to take the day off, but circumstances in scheduling presented the opportunity, and on a whim, I took it. 

I got up super early like I normally would for work except that I drove off to the post office, grocery store and clothing recycling center. Then I headed to Lowe's to check out new ranges and get a paint sample for our bedroom. By the time I was finished with all that, Hub had already left to drop E off at school (which is going well, but he still cries in the AM.) 

When I got home I started the taxes and started cleaning our bedroom. My plan was to deep clean that place as a surprise for Hub, because his allergies are so bad. I also wanted to put some paint (a light gray/blue) on the walls at least to see if it was nice. Then I headed off to an appointment to get my hair done! Yay! A haircut! It's been at least 7 months. 

After I came back, I continued to clean and then (almost) finished painting the kitchen! You may remember this goal from ages ago. I just have one more coat to do on two of the walls, and then I'm DONE. I finished up with the taxes, some dishes, a shower and a quick early pick up of my sweet boy. It was eventful and fun to plan all that with only myself to answer to. Hub liked the surprise and loves the paint color. Yay! 

What We Did Today in Pictures

My old vacuum recently bit the dust so hard that I had no choice but to go buy a new one (Shark NV400 pro - like it so far.) E has always tolerated our old one tensely at best, shrieked at worst. You can see how much he appreciates the quieter model. I thought I was going to run over him!

He also did a little spelling. It's his new hobby. "QYL" is pronounced "Kwill" for those of you who don't know.

And finally, the thing he was most excited about was buying flowers for the mailbox (lantana) and planting our strawberries! (Don't worry folks. They're the real thing this time.) He helped dig the holes and place the plants. The ones in half of his sand and water table are HIS garden. He's beyond proud. Wish us luck!