I Trust My Doctor Too Much...

Back in the wintertime, I had a cough which was sometimes uncontrollable. I went to the GP and then killed all the bacteria in my body. But the cough continued. Finally it was diagnosed as reflux and burning of the esophagus. The doctor who made that diagnosis is a very kind doctor, and I was excited to get a diagnosis and totally failed to think through about the medication I was taking. The pill worked very well, but as I was reading The Acid Reflux Solution I realized that I should have done a lot more homework on Nexium.

I thought Nexium was a wonder drug -- it took care of my cough and seemed to be healing my esophagus. I didn't realize it's also prohibiting my stomach from producing acid, the thing which my stomach needs to do to help me digest foods. I don't feel heartburn with the reflux because it seems to just irritate my throat; for that, the pill has been great. But I've also experienced extreme tiredness and stomach irritation and bloating. Makes sense, since my stomach can't really digest foods. But I also didn't know that use of reflux medications (even Tums) can make you more susceptible to deficiencies in iron and calcium; lower levels of red blood cells would make me more tired. So I'm going to try some natural remedies of slippery elm and perhaps marshmallow!

Though medications is not what I normally talk about, it was a reminder to me to look for natural solutions too. The prescription drug industry is a piece of work. (As I was trying to find information, I read about the controversy about Nexium and Prilosec, both essentially the same medication made by the same company, but the "newer" edition marketed to be better -- much like the way I think about university courses and their various newer editions of textbooks)

Now this does not make me anti-medication -- I can raise my hand to another epidural if that time comes. But I need to make sure I brainstorm about multiple options instead of so quickly taking pills.

I Have Never Been More in Love with...

the library!

Long gone are the days of the completely silent library, with stuff librarians shushing everyone who eeks out a sound. The other day were greeting by musicians playing a flute and violin, and the audience who had gathered there to support them. And now in our "dog days of summer" where it is too hot for the dogs, the library offers a retreat for all members of the family.

Last week, they had a princess type activity, and we joined about 20 other 2-6 year old princesses for royal crafts. As a parent, it was adorable to see these little girls come in their Disney dress up clothes and Halloween costumes!

Oh how I underestimate my library. I thought since my little one cannot read, it's ridiculous for her to join a reading program. But with the encouragement of the library, she's signed up, and on her way to collecting her prizes. The first one was to finish a coloring page to get a free cookie. Once home I explained that she could color the page for a free cookie, and she said, "I color and get a free cookie?" Yes, child; and she put 4 colors on , and we're off for a free cookie!

Our library is really making great attempts to provide note-worthy seminars. There was one, which I could not attend, about couponing, and another about small business. Best of all, it's free!

Since I've started my Master's program, I can use the online databases for research, and the library will also search other libraries for resources I request.

What do you love about your library?



Photo Credit: Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Great Books I've Read Recently

I would not describe myself as a voracious reader. I tend to struggle with being still! However, a close friend of mine is quite the avid reader, and wanting to challenge myself, I asked for my friend's booklist. I did cut myself some slack; my friend is single and has all her time and energy to do as she pleases. But I surprised myself by how much I had missed reading!

Mudbound totally surprised me. While it's not what I would call graphic, there are some more adult references made, but the author writes a very interesting story. I enjoyed piecing the story together as the author crafted the book chapters from various characters' perspectives. Often around midnight, I would have to make myself put the book down and find the patience to wait a day in order to find out more!

The Scarlet Thread had been passed to me from my grandmother, and it actually sat on my shelf for about a year! I kept thinking it was too long for me to get through, but again, this was another surprise! I liked how the author linked 2 separate story lines, trying to find more connections myself. A few difficult life situations were made simple, I suppose, but that's ok because I wouldn't want to have to deal with the conflicting and painful situations myself.

What good reads have you found recently?

PottyCover Review and Giveaway

The day I anticipated had arrived. . . my toddler had completely potty trained! No more emergency washing of the carseat cover; no more dirty cloth trainers to wash. But now another set of difficulties emerged -- how could I get my little toddler to use a public restroom and come out germ-free? Carefully -- was my best answer!

I wish I had known the benefits of the PottyCover then!

The first thing I appreciate about the PottyCover is the discreetness. The cover comes individually wrapped and is easy to put into any purse -- sure beats the folded, plastic travel seat I tried to remember to have at all times (but unfortunately left in the car one too many a times).

As you can see, the PottyCover has "the largest coverage of all seat covers on the market." No need to worry about your child holding on to the toilet seat or your child's leg or underwear touching the underside of the toilet.


The only thing I would have liked better is for the opening to be slightly smaller, as it's marketed for little ones with little toochies! Even though I found out about PottyCovers later than I would have liked, it's never too late to properly take care of business!

BUY IT!

You can buy the PottyCover on Amazon, Ebay, all Buy Buy Baby stores around the country and at select Bed Bath & Beyond stores for $5.99, which is a good price point to try it out.

WIN IT!

The owner and inventor of the PottyCover would like to share a pack with a reader! Simply enter using the Rafflecopter form below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.