So I've had on my mind, for months now, to reflect on this past year. Like most of my blog posts, I've done it in my head, but that's as far as it's gone. And some things, I just like to document to read back on. However, Facebook Memories has proven that can sometimes be painful, as does reading some of my first blog posts on here, but I digress.
And choose to continue documenting my life, even if I may regret it later.
Honestly, when I first told myself, "Oh, it's the New Year, you need to blog about the past year." As life continued to happen, I brushed it off when then new thought, "Well, not a lot happened so maybe I'll pass this year." But then I forced myself to really think about it and boy was I wrong.
2018 was a year of probably the most change for me, and that says a lot of if you know me.
I started not one but TWO new careers while also going back to school as full time as you can be in graduate school, and completely transitioned my life from days of meetings and being involved in about every aspect of the community, to days in a room with 120+ teenagers.
About 6 years ago today, I wrote a blog post about how I finally realized what I was called to do. You can read the post here. Cliff's Notes version: I realized I wanted to be a high school social studies teacher. 5 years later, my path finally led to that moment. You may be wondering, "So?" and also maybe, "Why did it take 5 years?" Well friends, let me answer....
A few months after this post, I would be featured as Wednesday's Women in the New Enterprise. My future boss and mentor who worked at United Way would read said article then reach out to me and introduce me to the organization. I immediately fell in love. And a couple of months after that, I found out they were hiring and knew it's where I needed to be right then and there. And boy was that the right decision. Not only did I get to learn so much about our community and issues that so many families face, I also had the opportunity to advocate for these families and be a part of some amazing solutions. An added bonus was the network I created. This network would lead me to finally taking the plunge to use my community experience in the classroom.
This side road wasn't the only thing that delayed my becoming an educator. The big kicker, even before joining United Way, was my health. This summer I will celebrate 7 years having leukemia. If you've followed my journey, you know dealing with the side effects and the 'new me' changes hasn't always been easy. It's actually been rough and completely changed my life. I went from my days be filled from sunrise to sunset and doing "all the things" to be at the mercy of the next bout of nausea, extreme fatigue, and bone pain. My life completely revolved around my disease, whether I liked it or not. I blogged about it a lot, but here is an example. It's because of my health that I honestly wasn't sure if I'd ever get to become a teacher because I didn't think I could handle a full day. Every job I've had since being diagnosed with leukemia has had to offer flexibility-- allow me to lay down when that extreme fatigue hit, go home early, come in late, and just do whatever it took to function. That can not happen when you teach. You are committed from 8-3:30 and there is no time for self care. There came a point where I actually gave up on the idea on becoming a teacher for those reasons. So what changed? Time. After every year has passed since being diagnosed with leukemia, each year I've been able to learn to live with the side effects better and better. I know how much water to drink, what foods and drinks to stay away from. when to take my medicine, to always take it with Zofran, to always get plenty of sleep, to nap as soon as I feel fatigued, to take a hot bath and use a heating pad as soon as I feel bone pain, and so much more. It was because of that, I finally felt like I was ready to give teaching a try and see if my body could handle it. Turns out, I can.
But not without serious help, mainly from my husband. Being a first year, no formal training teacher is no walk in the park. It would be exhausting for the healthiest of person. So add a leukemia to the mix and it is tough. So, so tough. There's been many of days that I've had bad health days at school, but I've been able to push through. More often than not, as soon as I get home I have to take a nap. And luckily my loving and compassionate husband gets this and takes the Tot to the basement and leaves me be without making me feel guilty.
But I'm doing it. Wow. I'm doing it.
And not only am I doing that, I'm also working on my Masters degree and will have completed it in 16 months (I'll be done in June, yay!) And if that's not enough, my sister and I just celebrated our store, Raiment + Boon's, 1 year anniversary! (more on that soon)
Guys, I became a teacher, completed 3/4ths of a Masters degree and started a new business with my sister in 2018. It was the year of Dana!
So much accomplished, so much to be proud of, and so much to be excited about.
The biggest lesson I learned was how to take it one day at a time. That's something I've never been able to do. I'm a planner. I like to get things done early, check things of my list. But I quickly learned that could not happen with two careers, college, and kids. I had to learn to plan out what needs to be done each day, and just work on that daily list and not think about the next day. That was the biggest challenge but I think it pushed me to a whole new level of growth that I needed.
2018 was an amazing year, but I am looking forward to (the rest of) 2019. I'm not one to rush time BUT I am looking forward to having one full school year under my belt. I can't wait to begin planning this summer for next year. I've learned so much in my first year teaching and can't wait to really apply it next year. I'll also be done with my Masters degree by summer which means I'll finally have some free time!
What will I do with it? Cook more, exercise more, and most definitely spend more quality time with my kiddos. They unfortunately often times get the worst of me so I'm looking forward to rewarding them for their patience and support this summer and beyond.
Cheers to a new (rest of the) year!
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
My Favorite Things: Plexus Probiotics
Now this one will get real personal health wise so if you aren't into that, this might not be the blog post for you. But if you don't mind, continue on.
So I've been dealing with digestive issues for about a year and a half now. It's common with leukemia but also feel it's mostly because of the Zofran I have to take every night with my treatment. While the Zofran has thwarted some nasty side effects of treatment, not without adding it's own side effects; this one being not being able to go to the bathroom. It has led to some serious issues which has landed me in the hospital twice. Sounds terrible, I know, but some thing I've had to learn to figure out how to deal with because Zofran is the only thing that has allowed me to be consistent with my leukemia treatment. I've tried fiber, I've tried over-the-counter supplements, I've tried eating more fiber-ous foods, I've tried and tried. Nothing seemed to REALLY help.
Then last year I finally reached out to a friend who sells Plexus. Plexus is all about gut health. It took months before finally taking the plunge because 1. the cost and 2. could it really be any different than anything I've tried before? But after the second ER visit, I was getting desperate. So I used my birthday money and bought the Triplex Combo. They also have a Slim drink mix (not to be confused with the Advocare Slim) but it wasn't for me. My body rejects most fruit flavored things, this being one of them, and the caffeine wasn't enough for me. However, the ProBio5 and Bio Cleanse have been magical. I had a few days of detox, and it was real, but after those few days, I've felt great. I've had more energy (haven't needed near as many naps), and my digestive issues are so much better! And I've been told you don't get full benefits until a couple of months in (I'm only one month in) so I can't wait to see how I feel next month. In addition, I've always dealt with allergy issues. I take 2 Zyrtec daily year around, however like most people, spring and fall and always the worse. By this time in spring, I've had at least one sinus infection. I've had ZERO issues with allergies so far this season. ZERO. Apparently so many health issues are related to gut health. And so far, I'm buying it.
I just ordered my second round to be sure I don't run out and am looking forward to feeling the continual changes.
Again, this post isn't designed to encourage you to buy Plexus, just share my experience. However, if you are interested, I'm sure you know someone who sells it but if not, you can reach out to my girl: Aubrey McIntosh . She can tell you more!
So I've been dealing with digestive issues for about a year and a half now. It's common with leukemia but also feel it's mostly because of the Zofran I have to take every night with my treatment. While the Zofran has thwarted some nasty side effects of treatment, not without adding it's own side effects; this one being not being able to go to the bathroom. It has led to some serious issues which has landed me in the hospital twice. Sounds terrible, I know, but some thing I've had to learn to figure out how to deal with because Zofran is the only thing that has allowed me to be consistent with my leukemia treatment. I've tried fiber, I've tried over-the-counter supplements, I've tried eating more fiber-ous foods, I've tried and tried. Nothing seemed to REALLY help.
Then last year I finally reached out to a friend who sells Plexus. Plexus is all about gut health. It took months before finally taking the plunge because 1. the cost and 2. could it really be any different than anything I've tried before? But after the second ER visit, I was getting desperate. So I used my birthday money and bought the Triplex Combo. They also have a Slim drink mix (not to be confused with the Advocare Slim) but it wasn't for me. My body rejects most fruit flavored things, this being one of them, and the caffeine wasn't enough for me. However, the ProBio5 and Bio Cleanse have been magical. I had a few days of detox, and it was real, but after those few days, I've felt great. I've had more energy (haven't needed near as many naps), and my digestive issues are so much better! And I've been told you don't get full benefits until a couple of months in (I'm only one month in) so I can't wait to see how I feel next month. In addition, I've always dealt with allergy issues. I take 2 Zyrtec daily year around, however like most people, spring and fall and always the worse. By this time in spring, I've had at least one sinus infection. I've had ZERO issues with allergies so far this season. ZERO. Apparently so many health issues are related to gut health. And so far, I'm buying it.
I just ordered my second round to be sure I don't run out and am looking forward to feeling the continual changes.
Again, this post isn't designed to encourage you to buy Plexus, just share my experience. However, if you are interested, I'm sure you know someone who sells it but if not, you can reach out to my girl: Aubrey McIntosh . She can tell you more!
My Favorite Things: Monat Hair Products
Up next... Monat Hair Products.
I know you all have seen this in your FB news feed. I have for a while, and never thought I'd try it. Shampoo is shampoo. I've used store brand, to salon brand, and it was all the same to me.
If you read one of my recent posts about my hair, then you know about the issues I've had with my hair since being diagnosed with leukemia. As a way to cope with the thin-ness, I used Big Sexy Root Lifter and Powder Play, daily. It was my way of life.
Fast forward to earlier this year and my niece became a distributor of Monat. Since she was my niece, I had to give it a try, you know, just to show I supported her even though I didn't think it would be as great as it's made out to be. I mean, it's shampoo?! She gave me some samples of a shampoo, conditioner, masque, and oil. I used them a couple of days and I'll admit, I was intrigued. My hair was much fuller, and I didn't use any of my normal Big Sexy products. I was still reluctant as anytime I've tried a new hair product it's made my hair feel fuller for a couple of days then it was back to the same ol' dull, flat hair, however, in support of her, I went ahead and ordered a shampoo and conditioner.
2 months later and I now own 3 bottles of shampoo, conditioner, masque, thickening spray, and am a VIP member. I'm a believer, ya'll! My hair has never looked and felt healthier. I don't use any of the Big Sexy products anymore. And it's grown! As you read in the previous post, my sides and top back NEVER grow. Never! But now they do, and I think Monat is partly to blame (along with some new supplements I've been taking).
The products I've specifically been using are--
- Revive Shampoo
- Intense Repair Shampoo
- Intense Repair Conditioner (use daily-- I never used conditioner before because it made my hair too soft and wouldn't style)
- Thickening Spray
- Replenish Masque (use twice a week)
I'm sure many of you know someone who sells Monat. If not, and you are interested in trying it, you can order from my niece here: kirstensisk.mymonat.com.
Growing Hair, Do Care
So we are going to get a little vein for a moment so bare with me or maybe commiserate with me if you will.
One of the HARDEST parts about my leukemia treatment has been the damage it does to my hair. I used to have thick, full hair but for the last 6+ years, it's been anything but. While I've enjoyed having short hair, it soon became mandatory because my sides stopped growing in addition to the top of the back part of my hair. The only thing that would grow would be the back of the bottom. So a couple of months after a hair cut, I would end up with a mullet. Good times. Allison Stuecker, Sara Sexton, Leslie Wise, and Jorga Greenwell know what I'm talking about. In addition to the non-growth, my hair was also thin in several places and would lay funky in the back (I also have a couple of cowlicks to add to the mix, more good times).
They say short hair is "easy" but mine has been anything but. Ever wonder why I've always rocked big earrings? At first it was because I loved them (and still do), but it was also to hide the length difference between the front sides and back of my hair. In this picture below is a great example. You can see how long my hair is in the back, yet the side is much shorter. That wasn't on purpose, people. This was a day or so before a haircut to even it all back out. Actually, I always have them cut the back shorter but it always passes up the sides within a few weeks.
One of the HARDEST parts about my leukemia treatment has been the damage it does to my hair. I used to have thick, full hair but for the last 6+ years, it's been anything but. While I've enjoyed having short hair, it soon became mandatory because my sides stopped growing in addition to the top of the back part of my hair. The only thing that would grow would be the back of the bottom. So a couple of months after a hair cut, I would end up with a mullet. Good times. Allison Stuecker, Sara Sexton, Leslie Wise, and Jorga Greenwell know what I'm talking about. In addition to the non-growth, my hair was also thin in several places and would lay funky in the back (I also have a couple of cowlicks to add to the mix, more good times).
They say short hair is "easy" but mine has been anything but. Ever wonder why I've always rocked big earrings? At first it was because I loved them (and still do), but it was also to hide the length difference between the front sides and back of my hair. In this picture below is a great example. You can see how long my hair is in the back, yet the side is much shorter. That wasn't on purpose, people. This was a day or so before a haircut to even it all back out. Actually, I always have them cut the back shorter but it always passes up the sides within a few weeks.
So that's been my life for the last several years. I didn't ever think it would change, but then it did.
So this picture was my last haircut this past January. My usual cut. I haven't cut my hair since then so my hair SHOULD look like the first picture; long in the back, short on the sides. But this is what it looks like today, 3 months after the above hair cut:
Look at those sides, ya'll!
The sides of my hair are to the bottom of my chin! It hasn't been that long in for-ev-er!
In addition, the top back part of my hair also feels thicker, and I'm having far less hair issues in the mornings. So what gives?
I really can't pinpoint just one thing but I can tell you three different things I have done since January--
1. Started drinking Advocare Slim
2. Started using Monat hair products
3. Started taking Plexus probiotics
You can click on each of these links above to learn more about my experience with these products. As mentioned in the Advocare Slim post, these are all MLM products, however I don't sell any of them therefore make zero dollars if you were to buy them. My intent is not to push them on you but to share my experience with them. Maybe they are for you, maybe they aren't. But I can say not only is my hair healthier than it's ever been, I also feel healthier than I have since being diagnosed with leukemia. I have more energy and just overall feel better. For YEARS I've been struggling with so many health issues so can't even explain how it feels to finally find something(s) that seems to be helping. Will it last? Who knows. But I'm on this train until I get kicked off! <--- I don't really even know what that means but hopefully you get my drift.
Side Note: If you
My Favorite Things: Advocare Slim
Alright, so these next few "Favorites" are going to get a little MLM-y but let me preface that by saying-- I do not sell any of the products I share about nor do I make anything if you buy them. Hear me in the back? Nothing, I make nothing, I gain nothing. These are just products that I've taken the plunge on and have fallen in love with.
First up, Advocare Slim.
So like most MLM products, I found out about it from a friend on Facebook. Not going to go into story but it was one of a couple of products I tried and this was the winner. Here's why-- I've been wanting to curb my morning half cut tea habit from McDonald's for a while now. It's my vice. I needed that caffeine and sugar to start my morning every morning. Needed it. Give me that to start my day and I can handle whatever comes. After that, all I need is water.
While I've justified this habit because it IS better than drinking a soda a day, I still knew it wasn't something I should be consuming. None of us should but especially since I have bad blood and inject medications into my body daily that do a great job of making me feel sick. I knew that tea wasn't helping any.
So in comes Slim. It has no sugar. Zero. None. And it tastes good. Normally I can't handle sweet (aside from half-cut sweet) but this my body hasn't rejected. Worried it wouldn't have enough caffeine to do the trick (like other things I've tried) but lo and behold, it's exactly what I need and haven't had any withdrawals from my tea.
I mix it with water every morning. Drink it in route to school. And that's it. My healthy option of caffeine and sweet for the day. I just use it for my daily formentioned fix but if you are wondering what it really is, here is what the website says: Combines appetite control with energy and metabolic enhancers in a convenient, easy-to-take supplement. It comes green coffee extract and garcinia cambogia fruit extract to help control appetite and support weight management.
If you've been looking for something to replace your daily soda/sweet tea habit and want to give it a try, I'm sure there is someone on your friends list who is selling it. If not, you can use my gal- Carrie Filburn.
First up, Advocare Slim.
So like most MLM products, I found out about it from a friend on Facebook. Not going to go into story but it was one of a couple of products I tried and this was the winner. Here's why-- I've been wanting to curb my morning half cut tea habit from McDonald's for a while now. It's my vice. I needed that caffeine and sugar to start my morning every morning. Needed it. Give me that to start my day and I can handle whatever comes. After that, all I need is water.
While I've justified this habit because it IS better than drinking a soda a day, I still knew it wasn't something I should be consuming. None of us should but especially since I have bad blood and inject medications into my body daily that do a great job of making me feel sick. I knew that tea wasn't helping any.
So in comes Slim. It has no sugar. Zero. None. And it tastes good. Normally I can't handle sweet (aside from half-cut sweet) but this my body hasn't rejected. Worried it wouldn't have enough caffeine to do the trick (like other things I've tried) but lo and behold, it's exactly what I need and haven't had any withdrawals from my tea.
I mix it with water every morning. Drink it in route to school. And that's it. My healthy option of caffeine and sweet for the day. I just use it for my daily formentioned fix but if you are wondering what it really is, here is what the website says: Combines appetite control with energy and metabolic enhancers in a convenient, easy-to-take supplement. It comes green coffee extract and garcinia cambogia fruit extract to help control appetite and support weight management.
If you've been looking for something to replace your daily soda/sweet tea habit and want to give it a try, I'm sure there is someone on your friends list who is selling it. If not, you can use my gal- Carrie Filburn.
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