Sunday, December 6, 2009

I hate the pharmaceutical company

Before you watch this video, I want you to know a little something about me. I have had symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (pcos) since I was in high school. Repeatedly, I have sought medical attention for this condition, and repeatedly, I was told to take the pill. I was never informed of the fact that a healthy diet and regular exercise was the number one way to regulate pcos. Since getting married, I've heard rumors that the pill is an abortifacient (it aborts any fertilized egg). While skeptical, I have researched endlessly to find the answers to these questions. Unfortunately, I asked another doctor recently whether this was true (she claimed to be a Christian), and she told me there "is no proof" of that theory. So, much to my dismay, I started taking the pill again, thinking everything was fine. The Lord has put it on my heart in the last few days to re-research this topic (after reading Francine Rivers "The Atonement Child"), and I have found the following information, which rings true in every aspect I have researched. I have since thrown away my pills and will never take them again.



For more information go to:
28daysonthepill.com/resources.html
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/birth-control-pill-4228.htm (look under how do birth control pills work? P.s. I do not support Planned parenthood, but know that some people reading this article will want a more "valid" source than a Christian perspective).

The first website has links to many other sources, including a list of prescriptions and where to find the physician prescription guide to it (since, as this video reveals, the patient prescription guide does not inform us of all the necessary information to make an informed decision).

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

The other morning, I lay in bed while Daniel frantically tried to find his phone in order to turn off the alarm. Of course, I still wasn't completely awake, and sometimes the best thoughts happen in half-dreaming states. Have you ever noticed that? The funniest, most crazily creative thoughts happen every time I'm falling asleep or just about to wake up. So, I sleepily watched Daniel try to find his phone, and when he did, it (naturally) showed the time. That got me thinking about the fact that the grocery store he works at uses military time. Then, I started thinking about military time itself. What an arrogant way to tell time. It's so high and mighty, and most of the time when people use military time, they are trying to be cool or more in authority than they are. I mean, the only people who should actually use military time is the military!

Since then, stress has started to multiply on my face like a bunch of bunnies in the springtime. I've been doing everything I can think of to get rid of it--journaling, crocheting, watching movies...everything except exercise. Granted, exercise is always in the back of my mind, because I am at higher risk for diabetes, heart disease, uterine cancer, and obesity, and if I don't get to it, then one of those (or all of those) will startle me out of my daydream. So, I started to re-read a book about pcos the other day, and it inspired me to exercise, not only because of the health benefit, but mostly because it will help the stress bubbles on my face to disappear (since I'll be taking my stress out on my body during an early morning jog). So, today is day two of jogging and eating low gi, and I feel great. I'm actually starting to relish being a bit sore, because I know my body is working. Is that crazy?

Friday, November 13, 2009

Dada dada dada da, Dada dada dada da DEEEEEEEEHHHHH!





Tonight, I was watching television, and somehow Sarah Jessica Parker came up in conversation with my in-laws. It was sometime in the midst of this discussion that I realized something: she could play the wicked witch of the west in a modern day Wizard of Oz. I mean, come on, the resemblance is uncanny. She has the same masculine bone structure and pointy chin that the former wicked witch had. Brilliant! I think this should happen. Hollywood, get to it, stat!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Even though I hate the hymn "Count your blessings"

The other day, I was on my way to craft and driving myself (usually Daniel drives me, because I'm still getting used to driving on the other side of the road), and luckily, the Tomtom was taking me on all these backroads, so I didn't come across many other cars. That's not the point--moving on, I took a few wrong turns, because I'm still learning what a meter is in comparison to a foot (sad, I know). While taking this scenic route, I made friends with the cows, sheep, and horses nearby by imitating the sounds they make. Normally, this wouldn't be nearly as funny as I thought it was, but when you're by yourself, everything is tremendously more hilarious. I suppose this has to do with the fact that no one's around to look at you like you're an idiot or make you feel stupid, so you just laugh as long as you actually want to. Just a funny story to cheer up your day.

Besides that, I have bloggers block. Nothing new has happened since then, besides the fact that I'm crocheting an afghan for a Christmas present. I've been working on that and watching movies/t.v. for the past 3 days. Sad, I know, but think about it this way: I have no house to settle into or clean, my husband started working, and I'm not allowed to work for the next 5-10 months. Do I sound pathetic enough now? Well, I'm not as pathetic as I sound. I am blessed, actually. For one, I have this time to reflect and write and do as many crafts as my heart desires. Also, Daniel has a job now--step one toward getting our own place. I'm able to call the U.S. for the same amount as a local call here, and vice versa--something I'm definitely thankful for. I am provided for both physically and emotionally--God always gives us what we need...always.

So, now, as I wait for my dearest man to come home from work, I anticipate the next few months, knowing that we'll be taken care of and that God's timing is way better than ours.

Saturday, October 31, 2009

I didn't realise today was halloween until my friend, Jessie, reminded me. I guess the fact that I haven't had the pleasure of tasting candy corn (or pumpkin melocremes) this October has really thrown me off. I have to say, halloween has never been that big of a thing for me. Of course, I did enjoy trick-or-treating as a kid (who doesn't like free candy?) Now, however, the fun is non-existent, because I really would look absurd trick-or-treating at this age--especially since none of the kids that I know here in Australia trick-or-treat. No worries. My life is not deprived of sugar. I eat plenty of it with out halloween to come along and add to it.

Now, I'm browsing through my friends on facebook, just being nosey and seeing what they're all up to. It's interesting to me who has kept in touch with me and who I've drifted from. There are a few friends I talk to on a tri-weekly basis (or more) that I didn't expect to hear from as often as I do. Of course, others that were attaching themselves to my hip in the States are some of the ones I haven't heard from since moving. I'm not criticising, just observing. I know that friendships change and drift apart, and some of them come and go in waves. I just find it interesting to see how they all play out. I wasn't sure if I'd be lonely here, but the fact that I've had time to get on facebook and chat with friends, old and new, has really helped. Also, living with Jim and Becky has really been good. It's been great having a woman that relates to what I'm going through more than anyone else--she's been through this exact process, not only with culture shock and missing family and friends, but with the visa process and all that's involved in moving to another country legally. Other than that, my two besties have been really great in consistently keeping up with me or calling me back when I keep up with them. This just reminds me that God gives us everything we need.

Anybody willing to send me some pumpkin melocremes in the mail? Pweeze? *puppy dog eyes and any kind of cutesy face that convinces you*

Thursday, October 29, 2009

A rant and a daydream

I think I'd like to put my own picture in the heading of this blog. I've been looking at a lot of blogs on blogspot tonight, and it's inspired me. I want my blog to look cute and unique and be something that people enjoy reading. I virtually have no followers at this point, that I know of...

Tonight, as I make anzacs and browse the wide world of blogging, I can't help but daydream about having a place of my own. Daniel and I have been living here in Toowoomba for almost 2 months, and living with his family has ended up being quite a blessing. Still, I can't wait to have a cozy newlywed nest again. A kitchen that might barely fit me in it, but that has the warmth and comforting smells of apple crisp or homemade bread. Having the freedom to unpack our boxes and know that we won't have to pack them again for a long time. Knowing that we'll be here for more than six months (we haven't lived anywhere for more than six months since we got married a year and a half ago). Having a "me" place to sit and do my crafts, write in my journal, and just reflect on life and everything it entails. Aaaah, sounds heavenly. Soon, it will happen.

I had an interesting dream last night. I don't know about you, but one of my biggest pet peaves is when people say, "I want to speak to a real person on the phone, not some foreigner," or talk about different cultures as if they are some kind of mistake to society. I understand and agree with the concept of people gaining their residency and citizenship legally (duh, of course I do--I just turned in my Australian spousal visa info on Monday--legally). I understand and agree with the frustration of people living in America that aren't legal and sometimes getting more benefits from the government than I do (that all of our tax dollars are paying for). So, onto my dream... I dreamt that my grandpa was saying something along those lines about someone in a picture that was foreign in some way, and I was really upset and distressed over what he was saying. In my dream I said, "Papa, don't you understand that people could treat me the same way in Australia, thinking I'm there illegally, when I've done everything to be a legal resident? It's not fair for you to judge these people and assume they're here illegally. They could be perfectly legitimate citizens!" End of dream. End of rant.

Now that I've ranted and daydreamed a bit, I will clean the mess I've made in my mother-in-law's kitchen and go to bed, anticipating craft group in the morning and learning to crochet.

Insert clever ending here.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

One-Rise Cinnamon Rolls



Today, I made a wonderful recipe for cinnamon rolls. I received this recipe from Tracy Kuhn. It's a simple way to make a comforting dessert. The results were even better since it rained for the first time since I arrived today--Westbrook has only had millimeters of rain all year, and we desperately needed it! These cinnamon rolls are great on a rainy day or cold evening, as many of you are having now. I sometimes drizzle icing over the top, too. Enjoy!
Before baking:

One-Rise Cinnamon Rolls
Mix together in ungreased 9" by 13" pan:
1 c. heavy whipping cream (or whole milk/evaporated milk)
1 c. brown sugar

In a large bowl combine:
  • 1 1/2 c. flour
  • 1 pkg. yeast
  • 1/4 c. sugar
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 c. hot tap water
  • 2 tblsp. margarine
  • 1 egg
Beat 3 minutes on medium speed. Add 1 1/2- 2 cups flour. Knead for about 1 minute. Press into 15 x 7" rectangle.
Spread:
  • 1/2 c. sugar
  • 2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/2 c. margarine, softened
Roll up jelly-roll style. Cut in 16-20 rolls. (Tip: you can use some thread to cut the rolls by placing it under the roll and bringing both ends to meet at the top). Place in cream mixture. Cover and let rise. Bake 350 degrees F for 30 minutes.

For icing, mix together a bit of powdered sugar with vanilla extract or almond extract. (If it's too thick, add a bit of water). Enjoy!

After baking: