The Things We Forget

I know I haven't posted much in the last few days, but I'm still here. I started writing a post, and it's ending up being a series of five or six posts... oh goodness. It's exciting for me because I've been in a writing zone, but I'm just not quite ready to push "publish" yet... so, please stay tuned.

Today's challenge is inspired by the blog “The Things We Forget.” http://thingsweforget.blogspot.com/. So, I went to superstickies and made some short memo reminders that I enjoy (and need to hear / remember).

 

 

This post was written as part of the Health Activist Writer's Awareness Challenge (HAWMC).

National Take Back Initiative

There's a National Take Back Initiative taking place April 28th (10am to 2pm) - see below for details. Local collection sites and law enforcement agencies will be available to safely dispose of accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs.

Find a collection site near you.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled another National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 28, 2012, from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. This is a great opportunity for those who missed the previous events, or who have subsequently accumulated unwanted, unused prescription druges, to safely dispose of those medications.

Americans that participated in the DEA's third National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on October 29, 2011, turned in more than 377,086 pound (188.5 tons) of unwanted or expired medications for safe and proper disposal at the 5,327 take-back sites that were available in all 50 states and U.S. territories. When the results of the three prior Take Back Days are combined, the DEA< and its state, local, and tribal law-enforcement and community partners have removed 995,185 pounds (498.5 tons) of medication from circulation in the past 13 months.

"The amount of prescriptions drugs turned in by the American public during the past three Take-Back Day events speaks volumes about hte need to develop a convenient way to rid homes of unwanted or expired prescription drugs," said DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart. "DEA remains hard at work to establish just such a drug disposal process, and will continue to offer take-back opportunities until the proper regulations are in place."

"With the continued support and hard work of our more than 3,945 state, local, and tribal law enforcement and community partners, these three events have dramatically reduced the risk of prescription drug diversion and abuse, and increased awareness of this critical public health issue," said Leonhart.

This post was written as part of the Health Activist Writer's Awareness Challenge (HAWMC).

A Weekend Update

I just had a wonderful weekend with Jeremy. We drove down to Austin, TX to visit with family (aunt, uncle, and cousins), and to attend the wedding of one of Jeremy's college friends. The drive down there was pretty easy - 3 to 3.5 hours, and it was cloudy most of the drive.

We didn't realize until we were at my aunt and uncle's house for a while that we'd forgotten all of our hanging clothes... including our clothes to wear to the wedding. So, we spent part of Saturday out shopping to find something nice to wear to the wedding later that evening. Well, at least I got a new dress out of it, right?! (hehehe)

The wedding was enjoyable, despite the teetering head pain and high winds. I'm so glad that we were able to go. Visiting with Jeremy's college friends was great, and I think he really enjoyed it. I most likely pushed myself too hard, but I was having a good time... and Jeremy really deserves to have time to catch up with old friends. We ended up leaving the reception early because the loud music and strobe lights were just getting to be too much for me. I wore my sunglasses on the drive home, and then we stayed up late talking with my uncle.

Sunday was a different story. I woke up with more body and head pain than I had been. I broke down and took my migraine meds. I had noticed myself yawning a lot Saturday evening, but I just assumed it was because we'd had a long, exhausting day... I guess it might've been part of the prodrome phase. I was completely indecisive... just couldn't think straight. I became quiet and mumbly through the day... all pretty normal migraine-day happenings.

The ride home took quite a bit longer than the ride down there. I felt nauseous - the combination of the migraine, meds, and moving car left me feeling so sick. I almost threw up in the car... then we couldn't find ginger ale anywhere. We stopped several times, once for dinner. I think I finally dozed in and out of sleep, toward the end of the car ride. I was sooo happy to be home!

The following day (Monday) was even worse than Sunday. I hurt so badly - indescribable, take your breath away kind of pain. It didn't even occur to me to take my migraine meds - that's how bad it was. Migraine brain really took hold of me that whole day. By the time it dawned on me to take meds, I felt like it was too late... then the pain just kept worsening and worsening until I was shaky and in tears. Prayer from a dear friend got me through the day... I really didn't know how I was going to get through the pain.

I had a bad headache yesterday, and then I got hit hard today... I've taken my meds and am going to lay down because the effects are taking over strong. Good thing I'd written most of this post a couple days ago. Gonna go try to rest away this pain.


This post was written as part of the Health Activist Writer's Awareness Challenge (HAWMC).

Inspirational Pinboard

Today's challenge is to share 3 things from my Pinterest board. I have definitely enjoyed using Pinterest. I've been able to find and try new recipes, and I enjoy broadening my creative side by seeing many of the do-it-yourself projects that others are doing.

I'm struggling with my head today (after a bad migraine yesterday), so today's post is going to have to be short. Here are some inspirational words that help me through these difficult times.

This post was written as part of the Health Activist Writer's Awareness Challenge (HAWMC).

Writing With Style

I don't really have one single writing style.

I've always loved handwriting in a journal. However, I don't write very quickly, and I've had increased physical pain in my neck and shoulder that prevent how much I'm able to hand write before being in too much pain.

The increased pain is one reason I started online blogging. I still deal with the pain, but I'm able to get more of my thoughts out because I can type much quicker than I can write.

Most of the time, words just flow from my mind to my fingertips... whether I'm writing by hand or typing on the computer. There are times that I simply can't seem to type as fast as my mind is going, but I do my best.

I have written notes all over the apartment... it drives my husband crazy! I'm working on combining them and using the computer / tablet / phone to keep the number of paper notes down. But, sometimes it's easiest to just jot down a note on a piece of paper, so I'll have to work on utilizing my other resources more.

As far as blogging goes, I write from our computer. Sometimes the words just flow out. Other times, I "sit on a post" for months before actually posting it. Even if I'm working through stuff, and I know that my blog is constantly changing, I still feel like I need to reach a certain point of real understanding before I post something. I don't like to "publish" unfinished thoughts, which is dumb because where does it end?! Just because I publish something, doesn't mean that I can't continue to think, change, grow. In fact, it's only healthy and natural that I do! But, I'm a perfectionist... I'm working on it, though.

I tend to get some of my best writing done late at night. I used to be a night owl, but I've been trying to make and keep a better sleep schedule. But, I can't just leave so many thoughts moving around in my head... I have to try to get them out. So, I write.


This post was written as part of the Health Activist Writer's Awareness Challenge (HAWMC).

My Dream Day

So, today's challenge is to write about my dream day - "Describe your ideal day. How would you spend your time? Who would you spend it with? Have you had this day? If not, how could you make it happen?"

I've been thinking about this prompt, and I'm not sure how much I really like it. Honestly, I don't think there's any sense in dreaming about a "dream day" that may never happen. I'm trying to live more in the present, and I feel like that would hinder my efforts.

© 2009 David Madden.

One of the greatest days of my life was my wedding day. I married the man of my dreams... the man beyond my dreams. God blessed me with a friend for life - he means so much to me. So many of our family and friends were able to join us and help us celebrate our union. The day was beautiful, the migraine monster stayed away, and I was able to enjoy being with my loved ones. What more could I ask for?!

Actually, there is more... We had an amazing photographer, who captured the day just beautifully. I've always loved photos because I'm able to somehow re-live those moments in a very real way. So, I'm happy to have such great pictures around the apartment to remind me of how blessed I am. Sometimes it's surreal to see me in the photos because I look completely happy... I was able to truly live in the moment and enjoy it all. The whole day was surreal, but I soaked it all in. I haven't figured out a way to completely surrender to the present moment, since that day... but the pictures remind me to keep trying.


This post was written as part of the Health Activist Writer's Awareness Challenge (HAWMC).