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I'm so glad you have come across my little nook in the cyber world. Here I strive to be real and inspire. I talk about my walk in faith as a Christian, motherhood, the loss of my child, and anything else that crosses my mind. Join me for a minute and relax?

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Dangers of Caffeine

For the past few weeks, I haven't felt quite right. I thought it was part of the virus/bug I had. I felt tired, weak, and had was really nauseous. It seemed like it only got worse when I ate something and for some reason, I even got severe stomach pain.

After going through the "sick" feelings for about two weeks, I decided that perhaps it was something more than just the normal virus making me feel this way. I began to do a little research. I evaluated my everyday life to see what I was doing that could possibly contribute to the way I feel.

I came across something very surprising. It very well may be that I drink way too much caffeine. Let me explain, I'm not one to drink water. (Yeah, shame on me.. I know) But honestly, most people I know drink a little bit but not the required amount. I start my morning with a pot, yes pot, of coffee. Then, I drink soda. (Bad habits) Toward the afternoon, I make about a half of a pot of coffee and drink it as I'm helping my daughter with her homework. Once it's gone (and I don't always finish every pot I make), I might drink water or juice.


I decided last night that maybe the stomach pains and feeling of nausea was from too much caffeine. As I'm writing this, I'm amazed by how bad my diet really is. I never actually realized it. It was easy to get into this routine with my past experiences with eating. As some of you know, I am currently recovering from a full mouth extraction and getting dentures. (No the diet is not the cause) Over the past five years, my diet changed from solids to liquids because I couldn't chew. Therefore, coffee helped take away the hunger feeling and gave me the energy I needed to get through the day. The end resulted in how I'm living now.

So, if you're like me... before your problem becomes worse or even your health... you may want to continue reading about the Dangers of Caffeine. (I didn't realize how bad it actually is for you)

1. Caffeine can help contribute in Panic Attacks. When drinking caffeine, it wakes us up. (One reason people love to drink it) It causes the "fight-or-flight" response in our body. When consuming high amounts of caffeine, fight-or-flight instinct gets reduced to panic attacks. Some reaction that can occur are your hands becoming sweaty, your heart quickens, you experience shakiness, and then even may feel like something bad is going to happen. (Panic attack)

2. Caffeine is addictive. Yes, not sure if you knew this but it is. It's just like any other type of drug out there. Our bodies get used to the caffeine we ingest every day. Once there's an ongoing pattern, we even crave the caffeine. If the craving isn't addressed... we can have negative side affects like headaches, being tired, irritable, and even feel depressed.

3. Caffeine contributes to dehydration. Even though coffee, soda, and any other drinks that contain caffeine are liquid... caffeine can dehydrate you. So, in reality... it's not a great thing. I'm sure you agree.

4. Caffeine can be connected to stomach cramping and feeling nausea. When drinking caffeine in a short amount of time (depending on your tolerance) this can make you nauseous. Some people drink coffee in the morning, maybe a soda at lunch, and drink tea for the remaining parts of the day with little to no water in between. This is an over load of caffeine. And not so great for your body. It can cause anxiety, jitters, headaches, lightheadedness , in addition to the nausea.


So from doing this research, I know I'll be slowing down and watching my intake of caffeine. I deal with anxiety issues and depression. This started even before I began my intake of so much caffeine. The caffeine just makes those symptoms worse. I know I'll struggle with finding other (non caffeine) drinks to drink during the day.... but I got to find out if this is the reasons why I feel sick.

How much caffeine do you consume in a day? Did you find this post useful?

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Smile.... just Smile!!!

I have another update for the progress with my dentures. I had another fitting done yesterday. But the most exciting part is that the dentures are a week from being pretty much done. I'll be bring them home next week to try them out. As long as things go as planned. Here's the new look. 




They aren't all the way done. So I'll post a new picture once they are. I'm really glad this journey is almost over. All I have to do is fight through the pain and get used to them. Then, I'll finally be free. I won't be held back from life because of my teeth any longer!!!!!!!

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Half Way There.....

If you've been following along with my blog (that I've terribly neglected the past few days) you'll know the fight I have been going through the past few years. If not, I encourage you to take a look at them. I've shared every aspect of the struggle and I'd even like to believe that I've inspired a few out there.

So the reason for this post is to announce that as of today, I'm two weeks away from this process being over. As long as everything works out right, I should have my brand new dentures on Jan 31. Last Wednesday and today have been my latest appointments. On Jan. 11, the denture process started. I went to make the first impression for them. It was uncomfortable but a relief all in one. Today I went back and tried out the wax version of the impression to get the measurements perfect. The first impression was made into a wax impression where they melted the wax down to fit my mouth. I also got to pick out the shade of white for my "teeth".

It feels so great. I never thought this process would ever be here. And here I am. Excited. To give you the very brief look into the past, I'll share a photo with you with how bad my teeth were (as well as my health) due to my teeth. It's very important to take care of them. (Which I did but had no control due to other health issues) So, here I am in Nov of last year right before my surgery:

Every tooth in my mouth was bad. I couldn't eat solid foods and cold foods/drinks hurt. I couldn't really brush them either due to them being so brittle. When I was born, I was sick. The meds they gave me ate the enamel off of my teeth. So, it didn't matter how much I took care of them... they'd still end up like this.....


After about 5 years of fighting, I now look like this. And I'm proud of it. I got my life back. Yes it was at the cost of my teeth but it's the best thing I ever did. I have no regrets.



I absolutely love this picture. The next photo of me will be right after I put in the finished dentures at the dentist office. So, I wanted to thank everyone who supported me in the process. And for those who look at these pictures and judge them..... I pray that one day you will have the ability to understand. I also would suggest you reading the post I did a while ago titled..."Think before you speak."


I am proud of who I am and what I look like. This journey has shown me not to judge others by their looks because you have no idea what they are going through, it's taught me to be thankful for everything in my life (both little and big), and it's taught me exactly what happiness feels like. AND IT FEELS GREAT!!!!


Thanks so much for reading. I really hope this post has touched you in some way and made a difference in your life.


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Monday, January 2, 2012

The Circle of Sorcerers: Mages of Bloodmyr: Book #1 By Brian Kittrell (Review)

Title: The Circle of Sorcerers: Mages of Bloodmyr: Book #1
Author:  Brian Kittrell

ISBN: 9780982949528
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Description: When Laedron Telpist's sorcery training is interrupted by a knock on the door, what once seemed a proper profession must now be hidden. In a world where priests and mages vie for the limitless power of the elements and a new Grand Vicar has sworn death to all sorcerers, Laedron is tossed into a nightmare which would see his destruction at every turn.

From the home shores in western Sorbia, through the Cael'Brilland heartlands, and even across the seas to the great city of Azura, Laedron finds himself embracing old friends, consorting with unlikely allies, and confronting potent enemies. As he struggles to train himself in spell craft, Laedron must face that he lives in a time when the utterance of a simple spell could be the signature on his death warrant.


Review:
The Circle of Sorcerers takes you on an unexpected journey with it's main character- Laedron Telpist. Laedron is a Sorcerer in the making. During his training, an unexpected event forces him to learn faster then he expects. He finds some great friends and they all go into a journey to fighting. In this world, Priests and Mages go into battle for power. Laedron and his friends are put right in the middle of this battle shortly after leaving home.

I enjoyed reading about Laedron and his journey. The story is packed with adventure and leaves the reader wanting more. The Character's are written in such a way where they stay with the reader even after the end of the book. The end of the book ended rapidly which took me by surprise. I'm definitely looking forward to the second book.


If this sounds like a book you'd enjoy, scroll on down and enter into the giveaway to win a copy of your own.



I received one or more items above in return for posting a review. All opinions are 100% my own and I would never recommend a product to you guys unless I stood behind it!