Baby D watched me for a moment, fascinated. Then he grinned. And then he laughed.

And laughed and laughed and laughed.

Everytime I did a crunch, he giggled. It was as though he knew what his giant babyness had done to my body and was thoroughly amused by my feeble efforts to fix it. “Yeah sure, Mom! Keep doing those crunches. I’m sure it’ll help!”

Seriously, I don’t know where he gets this sarcastic attitude.

It was a strange week overall. Both of my kids had check-ups…well Baby D did (and he continues to be huge. One more inch and we have to get a new carseat!) We also got the go-ahead to start on solids so we’ll probably do that this weekend. Kid A’s appointment thoroughly pissed me off, however. I made the appointment for a “check up” and said there were some things we wanted to discuss. The doctor weighed and measured Kid A, discussed our concerns and then made to leave. I asked about the rest of the check up and, apparently, that was it! Excuse me? It appears that, at least at this office, they don’t give kids check-ups of the kind I remember getting: height and weight yes, but also ears and eyes and tummy and getting hit in the knee with that little hammer. When I got home I did some investigating and it now seems that some doctors do check-ups as I remember and some doctors don’t. And so, I looked into getting a paediatrician – which in this little town means that you not only have to get a referral, your kid needs to start going there from birth, and has to have an actual problem to be followed AND there aren’t any in this town anyhow! So I’m not sure what we’ll do…perhaps start looking for a new doctor? I’m not excited by that prospect – as I have no car during the days the convenience of this doctor being a block away will be difficult to give up.

And then the power in our bedroom went out. Again. This happened back in the winter as well. That time, our power died for no apparent reason and then, after several weeks, our clock began to act possessed fading in and out, in and out…and then the power worked. I was suspicious, but we decided to let it go, except then it died again a few days ago. This time my husband tested everything, took out all of the outlets and then finally called in a pro. Said pro discovered that while the house is not exactly wired wrong it is wired kind of stupidly and the damaged wire is buried in our FLOORS. That wire has now been disconnected but a new line needs to be run through the attic – for nearly five hundred dollars. Husband is insisting he can do this himself. I’m nervous but friends of ours who know these things are saying it is possible. I really don’t understand how it can be so difficult to put a house together if that is what you do for a living. We’ve run into the stupidest screw-ups in our various homes (including a central vac that just cut off in one spot and continued elsewhere). Seriously? How difficult is this for some people? And if it really is so challenging, why not find some other line of work and leave this to the Mike Holmeses of the world?

Grrr. Okay, I think I have that off my chest but perhaps not since I’m now feeling snarly. I’ll talk about my manuscript, perhaps that will help. I did speak with the professional contact whom I was having trouble reaching and he  stressed to me the importance of patience. I’m more than halfway through draft two and I’ve cut back my daily quota a bit since I’m starting to notice the signs of burnout, and that would ultimately result in my being even less productive. My writing group is going well and we’ve decided to continue into the fall, even though half of us will also be in the critique class. Fall will be an insane time – I’ll be in two writing sessions, Husband will still be in Aikido, Kid A will be in swimming and wants to start Aikido (and is also begging for gymnastics) and Baby D will start swimming. I have a feeling it’s going to be Christmas before I know it.

And hey, maybe by then, I’ll finally be through my drafts.

Truth is, your body is not maintainable by just one action. Your health depends on a number of conditions like diet, exercise and mental fitness but also depends on preventive care.

Scientific medical research has advanced drastically in the  past two decades, and as a result, people live much longer than they used to. While expanding the average person’s lifespan is something we all can get excited about, many folks are not enjoying the quality of life that is intended as they get older.  Most of our elderly now live with recurring conditions or chronic illnesses that make everyday activities and life more difficult, which will ultimately raise health insurance premiums.  Practicing preventive healthcare  like regular check ups or doctor visits and maintaining your body in good health throughout your entire lifetime, is the best method of staying healthy.

Lets face it, being young is invigorating and sometimes life flies by with out warning and health care can be thrown along the wayside in thought that you will only need it later on in life when something does happen. As it turns out, that is the worst thing you can do to yourself or even worst – to your family. Many illnesses incubate and progress by not acting on earlier symptoms or indications that sickness is at hand and could’ve been prevented.

To start taking control of your health and be preventive go to American Workers Insurance Services

JD Johnson

makingbiggersmiles@gmail.com

.

The activities were covered throughout the day by our local ABC affiliate station, KATU. Which around here is commonly refered to as K2. (Not to be confused with the K2 brand of skis and snowboards.) This is our channel which airs The Doctor Oz Show.

I can break down my feelings for the doctor into these two categories…

LOVE… His up-beat honesty and enthusiasm as he explains how I can improve every aspect of my life by simply making a few changes here and there in order to care for my whole body.

HATE… His brutally up-beat honesty and enthusiasm in which he explains how the life style I’ve chosen (sloth and lethargy) is killing me.

As the day went on, each time I looked at the television there was yet another news anchor or reporter from K2 taking a turn getting a finger pricked, blood pressure taken or talking to the ever smiling doctor.

At one point we were given the formula to one of our most important measurements. That’s right, our waistlines. Told you he was brutal. It’s really quite easy. Measure your waist around your belly button. It should be one half or less your total inches of height.

Example: Milly is two feet tall which equals 24 inches. Half of that is 12 inches. Therefore Milly’s waist should be 12 inches or less. I can do this math because there are no trains leaving any stations.

At this point news anchor Deb Knapp fretted over having her waist measured on television. “How embarrassing” she uttered. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes… Really? She looks skinny to me.

Fair enough. If Deb can do it, on television no less, I can grit my teeth and do this in the privacy of my own home. Out came the tape measure and I went in search of my elusive waistline.

So…now I know, I need to lose somewhere around eighteen inches of extra middle… or grow to a little over seven feet tall. I really don’t see either happening. I know the Doc is looking out for my best interest here but he has no idea how much stress I’m under. And now I feel a growing case of depression coming on.

Later there was to be a news conference to sum up the findings on the health of our area… While curled up in the corner eating ice cream, I missed it.

BTW: Deb… a 28″ waist? My thighs would rejoice to be so small.

Scripted in Heaven

‎”It was not only Robin who experienced a transformation during his miraculous healing from cancer; together we embarked on this life-changing journey, and together, we became a stronger follower of Jesus Christ.

I conceived the idea of writing a book and penning the stories about the physical and metaphysical transformation that took place in my husband’s life when he was finally healthy enough to resume his medical practice.

There were no more check ups, no more medications to take, and therapy was over. For us, we had come to the final point in his struggle and the testament of victory. Now that Robin was healthy and life was normal again, we had tangible evidence of God’s goodness for others to see. We knew the blessing we received was a blessing that had to be shared. Moved, we rallied behind a mission: to lead lost souls to the love of Jesus Christ.”

- Scripted in Heaven, Part III | Conversion

1.  Toothache
2. Sensitive Teeth
3. Bleeding or Sore Gums
4. Mouth Sores
5. Bad Breath
6. Jaw Pain or Jaw Clicking
7. Dry Mouth
8. Oral Piercing Infection
9. Cracked or Broken Teeth
10. Stained or Discolored Teeth

Visit our page for more information on what these symptoms mean, how to prevent them, and possible treatments. We hope you don’t have to experience any of these problems in the future, but if you do, please call our office at (702) 405-7400 to schedule an appointment.

First up on our list of check-ups this week was the dentist. I scheduled an appointment for the first Monday we were out of school. My thinking was get it over and done with as quickly as possible.

My older girls have been to the dentist many times and aren’t too fazed by the experience. The older two are also big rule followers and are angelic patients. This was going to be my youngest’s first “real” check-up and I wasn’t really positive how she was going to fare for she is neither a rule follower nor an angel. Last year she went to the dentist but they just counted her teeth and gave her mouth a once over.

While preparing to write this post today I did a little research online and was shocked to find out that the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first dental visit should be at 12 months. Wow, I guess I am a little late bringing her at 5! I had always thought it was 4 with check-ups every 6 months after, which usually turns in to twelve months at my house. I guess I should do research more often… on the other hand maybe not who really wants to know when they mess up?

On route to the dentist Amelia seemed pretty calm but informed us that she does not like dentists or doctors because they use sharp things like needles. All right I admit that statement concerned me a little. I was starting to worry that she would not sit well for the hygienist while she had her teeth cleaned. I ignored the comment not wanting to dwell on it or make the situation any worse. I find the more I focus on a situation with the kids the worse it becomes.

We finally arrived at the dentist and Amelia bravely volunteered her sister to go first. Isn’t she a love and so generous. However, had this been a line for a roller coaster or ice cream she would have knocked her sister over to get there first!

My dentist, Dr. Mark DeNigris, is the greatest. I love him! When my oldest was little I asked him to refer me to a pediatric dentist. He was quite insulted. I guess I didn’t realize his practice is a family practice. I was pleased because as I mentioned he is the greatest. On Caroline’s first visit I started to walk with her into the back, I assumed I would have to sit with her during her exam. Nope, he stopped me in my tracks. He said, “I need to be her friend back there, you can’t come.” I was taken aback but I understood what he was saying and realized she would be much braver if Mommy wasn’t there. And you know what? He was right.

As Grace had her turn at the dentist Amelia and I played in the waiting room. Thankfully there are toys to play with to keep young ones occupied and also to distract them from any fears they may have about what kind of treacherous things go on behind the door where all the patients go…

Grace returned to the waiting room smiling accompanied by the hygienist, Donna who proclaimed that she was the best patient. After giving Grace the once-over and realizing she had returned in one piece I believe Amelia felt it was all right for her to take her turn. The dental hygienist was wonderful with her. She was both patient and understanding. Amelia made it through her visit flying colors. Her favorite part of the visit? The goodie bags and the prize box. She walked out of the dentist as if she had been to a birthday party with her bag in tow, stickers on her shirt, and a big smile on her face!

-DR Acker

If you are due for a dental check-up please contact your dentist and schedule an appointment for today. If you are looking for a dentist, who does a thorough and gentle checkup we would be honored have you as a patient. Please feel free to visit our website at www.turnerdental.com or give us a call to schedule today at (509) 922-4500 or drop by and see us at. 424 S. Sullivan Rd Suite 400 Spokane Valley, WA 99037.

Now through Saturday, May 19^th the U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services is coordinating the 13^th Annual Women’s Health Week, a wellness initiative promoting health and wellness in women everywhere.

Let’s be real, we are all busy. Sometimes too busy for our own good and even if we are aware of that, it still doesn’t stop us from that “go, go, go” mentality. (I will be the first to admit to doing this!)

But we all need to stop and make sure we put our health on the top of our to-do lists, even when nothing is wrong.

That’s what Women’s Health Week is here to do for us – remind us to think about our health and provide tips and events to help us work toward healthy living.

So in honor of Women’s Health Week, here are few tips to remember:

★    Get preventative screenings!

• Regular check-ups and tests for things like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, breast cancer, diabetes, colon cancer, and ovarian cancer are important!

★    Get your move on!

• I know it’s hard to find time to fit exercise in our busy schedules sometimes, but even just little bits of activity throughout the day help.
• Sneak in several 10 minute walks, tighten abs while you sit at your desk, take the stairs, or use hand weights while you’re on the phone.

★    Eat healthy!

• Keep basic supplies stocked so you can make a fast, healthy meal in minutes.
• When you buy veggies, chop/ prepare them all at once so you can easily throw them into recipes quickly.
• Whenever you can, double recipes and freeze in portion sizes for later meals.
• Check out my Pinterest page for healthy recipe ideas.

★    Pay attention to mental health, stress management, and sleep!

• We all need brain and body breaks.  You’re body tells you when its exhausted – listen to it!
• Strive for that extra hour of sleep each night. Or if you can’t fit that in, at least take 30 minutes before bed to reflect and relax without technology to let your brain rest.
• If you are dealing with a problem, pick up the phone and call a fellow girlfriend, they give the best advice!

★    Avoid smoking, limit alcohol intake, and wear your seat belt!

• These are pretty simple tips, but they will be better for you in the long run.

If you would like to learn more about Women’s Health Week, you can attend an event in your local area!

For all my friends in #Indy: Don’t miss this event on Thursday!

——————————————————————————–

We Serve Women’s Health Open House

Hosted by Sanford Brown College – Indianapolis

Date: 5/17/2012    Time: 10am to 2pm; 4pm to 7pm

Sanford College College
4030 Vincennes Road
Indianapolis, IN 46268

Description: Free Blood Pressure Checkups, Height and Weight Measurements, Body Fat Calculations, Blood Sugar Testing, Visioning Screening, Color Blindness Checks, and Cholesterol Testing.

This is a free event and is open to the general public.

—————————————————————-

For all my friends in Southern Indiana:

—————————————————————————

National Women’s Health Day Event

Hosted by Curves

Date: 5/17/2012       Time: 7 pm

Curves in Newburgh
8211 Bell Oaks Drive
Newburgh, IN 47630

Description: This is a Community Health Education Event. Health professionals will be speaking on Women’s Mental Health issues and Menopause issues. There will be a question & answer session afterwards, followed by door prizes and a healthy taster’s potluck.

This is a free event and is open to the general public.

———————————————————————-

If you would like to find out more information on the National Women’s Health Week, or look for an event in your area, visit their website at http://womenshealth.gov/whw/.

PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH ALL OF THE SPECIAL WOMEN IN YOUR LIFE!

Happy National Women’s Health Week! ♥

1) I’m still in school. Wanna fight about it?
2) Summer is almost here, and I am thrilled. I’m not going anywhere this year – I’m doing a very in-depth chem course on campus. In-state tuition is something I’d like to take advantage of.
3) No, I’m still not a resident of Oregon, despite living here since 2004, not going to school for 1 1/2 years, and doing everything a resident does: pay income tax, property tax, own a car, vote, participate in outside of school type things… grrr.
4) I still haven’t had a relapse. Whoooo for that! I have maintenance drugs and check-ups every six months now, and that makes me feel good.
5) My hair is almost to my shoulders. For someone who was bald for 2+ years, I’m happy to have long hair again. It’s getting there!
6) My brother graduated from the French Culinary Institute and is now a badass fancy cook at a place called Lyfe, in Palo Alto, CA. They work him to the bone, but he’s getting good experience.
7) I fell down a volcano at field camp last summer. Yeah, only I could fall down a cinder cone. It was slippery and I was trying to get downhill like all the other people. Unfortunately it didn’t go quite as planned.
8) I’ve been doing well with the violin and now play with Pro Musica, a string orchestra in Corvallis, OR. I also play Violin II for the Willamette Valley Symphony (where I played oboe before I switched due to inter-section BS politics). My new teacher challenges me at a higher level than I though I could achieve, and I’ve improved dramatically over the last year or so.
— Recently, I hurt my elbow from over-use, so I’m taking a week to two week break to let it heal. I was an idiot to rush back into playing sousaphone after my shoulder surgery, so I’ve learned my lesson. It just took…11 years. I never said I learned quickly. (Actually, I typically learn very quickly, but I like to ignore past experiences as flukes, and just wing it.)
9) I’ve started to edit other peoples’ stories again (for experience!) on FictionPress.com and FanFiction.net. I recommend Fiction Press if you want to read unique stories by regular people. FanFiction.net is the powerhouse of fan fiction archives. They have everything! Want some smutty Dumbledore-on-Hagrid action? They have it. Twincest? Yep. Weird Naruto / Pride and Prejudice cross fiction? Uh huh. It’s a bad habit. (note: not all stories on FF are sexual and weird – many are VERY long tales of love, action, horror, misunderstandings, and mystery using pre-established characters and worlds. FanFiction is a fun way to dip your toe into writing without having to invent your own settings and characters.)
10) I just wanted a round number for my list. Oh! I got a new cat! His name is Stupid, and he’s a Siamese-mix. We used to take care of him when he was a kitten, then my neighbor moved to Washington and couldn’t take him with her. So we acquired him, and I love him to death.

That’s about it. Back to work!

“Yep,”I said.  It had been over two weeks since my doctor had suggested as much.  I’d simply assumed someone had dropped the ball.

“Well, let’s see.  The earliest Dr. Ward could see you would be…2014.”

2014.  Not 2013.  NOT next year.  The year AFTER next year.

“OR…”she followed up before I could say anything.  Clearly, she had the routine down pat.  ”…you could come in this month and have one of his associates examine you.”

The  tenor of her voice, possessed of an undercurrent of hope with a dash of empathetic excitement, made me feel as though I’d just managed to secure a lucky-once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  No doubt mistaking my confused silence for reticence, she quickly followed up: “They’re very good.”

I’m sure.  I told her yes and made the appointment for later this month. Presumably, Dr. Wade’s associates will prove equally up to the task of getting to the bottom of my tortuous eyeballs (April 6, 2012: Tortuosity and Dark Matter!).

As it so happened, today was also the day I went in for my blood test, just a (hopefully) routine part of my annual physical.  I’d been meaning to get around to it for a while (a.k.a. putting it off) because I wanted to be sure my bloodstream was free of trace elements.  No, not drugs. Sugar.  A week before my tests, I usually like to switch up my diet, drop the desserts in favor a daily serving of oatmeal.  But my girlfriend, Akemi, has been adamant I not try to fool the test this time. “It’s like you pretend nice guy,”she said.  And then, realizing: “Well, not pretend nice guy.  You have to accept the reality.  You eat sweets every day.”  She had a point.  Screw it.  So, yesterday, I skipped the oatmeal in favor of these:

A half-dozen dougnuts from Cartems Donuterie.  Sorry, vegans.   Your sans gluten offering touted as “cruelty-free” was, ironically, the cruelest version you could possibly serve a doughnut-lover.  Baked, topped with toasted quinoa, it tasted like slightly sweet bread.  The Triple Threat Chocolate was good, but trumped by the Mexican Mole.  The winners, however, were the Classic and Citrus Dust, both of which proved mouth-meltingly delicious.

Anyway, I received a clean bill of health after last year’s physical, with no alarm bells going off or warnings dispensed, so I’m confident I should pass this one without issue.  But, you never know.  Until then…

I’m a hypochondric pragmatist.  I imagine I’ve been stricken with a variety of medical conditions, then persuade myself I’m okay by ignoring the symptoms I convinced myself I had to begin with.  It’s exhausting.  Some nights, my internal dialogue goes something like this: “What was that?  Was that a pain in my chest?  I think it was. Chest pain.  Am I having a heart attack?  I could be having a heart attack!  No, wait.  That medical study I read about in the Malcolm Gladwell book concluded that trouble breathing, rather than chest pain, was a likelier indicator of a heart attack.  And I’m not having trouble breathing.  Or am I?  Yes, I think I am having trouble breathing.  Am I having a heart attack?  I think I am.  I should go to the hospital!  But that would mean getting out of bed, getting dressed, driving down, sitting in the waiting room…  Soooo tired.  Hmmmm.  Maybe this isn’t a heart attack after all.  Maybe I’m not having trouble breathing.  I think I’ll just stay in bed and sleep it off.”

And sleeping it off has always worked to this point, so what am I worried about?

Mailbag:

hitmanjr writes: “The producers were beating on him and if anyone remembers who Peter Gruber and Jon Peters was it’s any wonder this movie even got finished. Those two went on to take the Japanese to the cleaners at Sony Pictures after this movie, there is a book about it.”

Answer: Check out this terrific video of Kevin Smith recounting his Superman Reborn experience with Jon Peters.  Some great insight into how things work in Hollywood: Kevin Smith explains what happened to his Superman movie …

dasndager writes: “Burton was the director, not the writer. The writers were: Bob Kane (Batman characters, as consultant), Daniel Waters and Sam Hamm (story), Daniel Waters (screenplay). So, if there is blame, put it where blame is due. (And before you start saying, ‘but direkor responseble for…’, I’ll point out a mess called Inquisition ).”

Answer: I, of course, don’t have a dog in this fight.  The opinions expressed in the disputed entry are those of our guest reviewer, Cookie Monster, and do not necessarily reflect my views or the official policy of this blog.  Having said that, I’m going to have to side with monster on this one.  In television, the writer/show runner is usually the one in charge while the director is a hired gun.  So, yes, in the case of something like, say, an episode of Stargate, you should feel free to blame the writer (partly) and the show runner (mostly).  In film, the opposite is true.  The director holds the power while the writer is lucky to even be permitted on set once they’ve turned in their final draft.

dasndager also writes: “I really enjoy Burton’s movies. They are visually stunning, but more than anything, they have heart.”

Answer: Edward Scissorhands, Ed Wood, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – yes.  Mars Attacks!, Planet of the Apes, the Batman movies – not so much.

Josh writes: “Hey Joe, do you know if there are any plans to release SG-1 on Blu-Ray?”

Answer: Sorry, Josh.  I’m out of the loop on MGM’s plans for Stargate, Blu-Ray release and otherwise.

jys writes: “mise en place and service.”

Answer: Where are you working now?