How I Got To Here

SO MUCH to be thankful for as the sun shines brightly upon us this Friday afternoon! I worked for a couple of hours early this morning before Doug had to head off to work, and one of my co-workers asked me (around 7:30am) if I was ready for the weekend. My answer to him was that heck, I'm ready for TODAY! I absolutely love feeling that way, especially at 7:30 in the morning, and double especially when at that time of the day I am already up, dressed, at work, Spark down the hatch (mango-strawberry this morning, yummy!!), and ready to go! I know I make a big deal about that, and for many people 7:30am is not that early or is a "normal" time to be up and ready for the day, but this has so not been my normal for many years. There was a time when I did get up around 7am many days and attended college classes and worked full-time. But then my digestion problems set in, and my daily quality of life was altered. My guts weren't work properly, my body didn't get much rest even when sleeping, and I had to try different medications to help things run smoothly and those had side effects, and I got into these cycles and ruts of feeling okay-feeling awful-feeling pretty good-feeling awful again. I didn't want to eat, because food seemed the root cause of the problems, but I had to eat or I'd feel even worse, or get starving and binge on unhealthy food. I am a strong-willed, confident, determined woman, and it took me a long to to accept that what was going on with my guts was pretty much out of my control. I can  make things better or worse, depending on what and how I eat, if I exercise and keep my body moving, if I take my meds and try new things when my GI doc recommends them. But I have issues that don't really have remedies, so I will most likely feel some level of digestive discomfort 24/7 the rest of my life.

 

So what does one do with this? Crawl into bed and just sleep through life? I've tried that, it only got me more depressed. Get out there and go crazy with life? Not in my nature to try that one! Ignore the problems and just live "normally"? What is normal anyway?! For me, I've learned to adapt to the discomfort, and to live one day at a time, and to do what I can to live each of those days to the fullest.

 

Picture how you feel after overindulging in a meal, complete with greasy appetizers and rich dessert; how bloated you feel, how much you just want to sit and not move while the food tries to settle. This is how I feel all the time. No joke, All. The. Time. A combination of severe lactose intolerance (inability to properly process lactose in dairy), mild gastroparesis (stomach muscles not moving at a normal pace), GERD (severe acid reflux disease), repeated bouts of SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth), ideopathic constipation (no know reason or cause), and slow-moving intestines (digestive dysmotility, or what I call my sluggish system), is what causes me to feel this way. I've been through every test my GI doc can think of to rule things out or try to find what's wrong, and he is always trying to come up with something new we can try to help me find relief, but aside from being pregnant (when I was so big it didn't bother me to feel bloated!), there hasn't been much relief to be found. Pregnancy went great as far as my guts, and with both my kids I felt fabulous for awhile after having them; I figure something in the hormones must temporarily reset my GI system or something crazy like that, or else God's just been extra kind to give me a few months of relief while I tended to the nonstop needs of newborns! But pregnancy is not something I plan on doing again, so as I started to feel more and more bloated and uncomfortable the last several months, I realized that I had better stop anything I was doing to make it worse, and take another look at new options. Because for several years now I have not been doing all that I can to help my body function better. I don't exercise. I eat dairy (lactose) regularly. I eat fried foods (not a good idea when your stomach already processes food slowly). I eat sporadically, then get so hungry my blood sugars drop and I have to chow down on sweets to stop the shakes. I sit around a lot instead of being up and moving. I oversleep. I drink too much caffeine and get dehydrated. The list goes on, but you get the idea!

 

So I was feeling this way 4 years ago, and was putting on some weight, but told myself "no worries, you want another baby, you can figure it out after that." And then I was pregnant, and I did feel pretty awesome for about 6 months after having Joel. And then all the digestive issues came creeping back in, and fast forward to now, and feeling stuck on the bottom of that feeling awful cycle and feeling no hope for getting out of the rut. There was a bit of hope when my GI doc got me started on a high-grade probiotic, but it really only brought temporary, partial relief, and then the hope was sucked out of me again. And I realized that I could let myself continue this way; putting on the happy face and telling everyone I'm good, but being cranky and snippy and depressed at home, the housework not getting done, bills not getting paid on time, watching my kids run around and allowing them to get on my ragged nerves rather than finding the joy in their silliness. Or, I could let that hope back in, trust that the good Lord was not giving me more burden than I had the strength to handle, and seek some new ways to get myself out of the rut. One thing that I have never lost faith in is that God does have my life under control and is helping me get through difficult times, and He does not place struggles in my life, but rather is the hope and peace who gets me through the struggles. Feeling unhealthy and depressed is indeed a struggle! But it is also within my control, with God's helping hands, to get myself out of the cycle of unhealthy laziness and onto the path of good health and energy.

 

Because our God is an awesome God, He puts in our paths the right people, at the right time, with the right wisdom. I have been fortunate to walk the path of life for the last several years with a lovely friend who continued to remind me, even at my lowest, that hope was within my reach. She presented that hope to me by way of telling me her story, and what she had done over the past several months to get out of her own rut. She wasn't pushy, she didn't try to sell me anything, she simply let me know that when I was ready to listen, truly listen, she felt that what she had found would also work for me. And when the time was right for me, when I was truly ready to listen, I did. And I am so happy to say that she was right! And thanks to her, and AdvoCare, and the 24 Day Challenge, I am finally feeling that my lazy, unhealthy, inactive self has real hope of being the energetic, fulfilled, active woman that I want to be for my family. I'm feeling better, I'm eating better, I'm off the couch and out of bed, and I'm making positive changes for myself that are having amazing results that are outwardly visible to those around me. And I love knowing that I might be able to bring that hope to someone I care about, as my dear friend brought it to me.

 

I am not here to push products on you or to force you onto the 24 Day Challenge. But I am here to share my story, and I am here to offer you that same hope that I was offered at a time when I was feeling hopeless. I know that God brought me to the place I'm at now, and placed in my path the people I needed at the time I needed them, and I know that He wants me to open myself up, challenge myself, and to be that person on your path if and when you need me. He has told us to seek, and we shall find; to ask, and we shall receive; to knock, and the door will be opened. If you are feeling hopeless, unhealthy, sad, full of excuses, I encourage you to seek, to ask, and to knock. I will open my door to you, and will stand by you as you take a very important step on your path to good health, energy, and happiness.

 

I am so glad that I sought answers, asked questions, and knocked on my friend's door.

This Girl Is On Fire!

Today has been an awesome day, I have been energized all day, and I have had a lot to say!! So let me start my writing by apologizing to all those who ended up on the opposite end of a conversation with me throughout my workday, I know I was extra enthusiastic and chatty, often traveling off subject to other things, probably up on my soapbox a time or two. But I gotta tell you, GOD IS SO GOOD!!! I just feel so at peace, like He has our family's life under total control, and all I gotta do is share that with everyone around me! This is huge for me, (I might be kind-of a wee-bit of a control freak, one of those peeps who likes to be in charge of what's going on around me), as is the energy I've been feeling (morning person is not something anyone would say about me, yet I've been wide awake since 6:40am and had accomplished more before 9am today than I often get done before noon!)

 

Let's talk about that energy! I fully believe that AdvoCare Spark, and the 24 Day Challenge with it's accompanying vitamins and food-accountability, are responsible for me getting outta my slump, having more mental clarity, and having more energy and enthusiasm to get things done. Last week I met with a couple of awesome, God-loving, family-oriented women who helped me reinforce that I have everything I need within myself to be a healthy, happy, positive woman. That said, though, they also helped me see what AdvoCare has done for me in the short time I've been using it, and how it has helped bring those things within me to the forefront so that I can focus on them, rather than the not feeling well, the lack of energy, the feeling stuck in a rut. I may always have digestive conditions that cause my system to remain a bit sluggish and uncomfortable, but I must not use that as an excuse for my laziness any longer!

 

Part of my blogging is about personal accountability, for I feel that once I put something down in writing for others to see, I will better follow through on it. It is so easy to make excuses for ourselves, to justify things we are doing or not doing, and to just generally be lazy about life. NO MORE! I resolve to rise each day with a happy heart, thankful for the multitude of blessings the Lord has given me, and do everything I can to make the day count for myself and everyone who crosses paths with me. The only moment we're guaranteed is the one we're living right this instant.

 

[Quick family introductions for those who don't know me that well...husband Doug, married 11 years this May, Produce Department Manager, been at the same company for 16 years; daughter Gracie, 5 1/2 years old, late November birthday so not in school until fall, strong-willed, imaginative, and pretty much a mini-me; son Joel, will be 3 in July, ALL BOY, toddler all the way, also strong-willed. So blessed that God put Doug in my life 12 years ago; I had honestly planned on being a career-oriented single gal my whole life, but had prayed in my early 20's that if there was indeed a man meant to break my independence, then let me know when the right time is, and I truly meant that prayer and gave it up to the Lord just like that. Well, June 30th had a date with Doug, December 30th engaged, May 18th married. That is all God people, all God! We wanted to wait 5 years before thinking about kids, found ourselves pregnant with Gracie just before our 5th wedding anniversary. Right before she turned 2 we talked about maybe thinking about a second child...found out not too much later that I was expecting Joel. I've been very fortunate to work for a trio of common-ownership companies for 9 years now, and my awesome boss has let me set hours that fit in with Doug's schedule and the busy-ness of raising young kids. We have been and continue to be truly blessed!]

 

For over a year now, Doug and I have been talking about how we're going to manage family life once our Gracie-girl starts kindergarten in the fall. You see, with Doug's retail schedule and my fitting in workdays on the ones he has off, (plus one day a week that my dear mother comes out to babysit), plus all the other things it takes to raise kids and run a household, we are in a constant juggling act. The retail world is unpredictable, so while he's been fortunate to have a "set" schedule since we started a family, you can't really count on consistency with it. There's others in his department needing time off, this reset or that product change needing his attention on a certain day at a certain time, hours being cut, etc etc, on and on. It is exhausting! And my hardworking hubs who has a hard-to-find-these-days strong work ethic and is eager to do everything he can for his department's sucess, is just plain exhausted. He has arthritis in his knee, periodic back problems, and a screwy sleep cycle. Don't get me wrong, we have been very thankful for his having secure, full-time employment with excellent health benefits, and he has worked hard to get to where he is within not just his company, but also a career path that was not what he would necessarily "choose to do". He started in produce his senior year of high school, following in his dad and older sister's footsteps, figuring he'd give it a couple years while he maybe went to college and decided what he "really" wanted to do. Then he found it gave him a nice source of income to be able to spend on his hobbies, which are of the expensive mudding-truck variety, so he stayed on. Then he met me, and a couple of times looked at trying a new career, but decided he'd stay put for a little longer. Then kids came along, and we needed the dependable paycheck. But now, well, now he's ready for a break, and we're ready for a more family-friendly work schedule. So we've been praying on this, and asking the Lord for direction, and looking at lots of options. Then last week I had that meeting with those amazing ladies, and returned home with my kids who decided to both be stinkers at the same time, and I was feeling extra bloated and uncomfortable, and I decided to have a little pity party, called up the hubs at work begging him to come home early, and while talking to him something inside me said "ENOUGH", so I told him "nevermind, I'm going outside with the kids and pulling weeds or something", and 2 1/2 hours later when he did get home, the backyard was down several weeds, and I was feeling convicted of this one important thing...the only way things will change for the better is if WE MAKE THE CHANGE. No more waiting around to see if maybe the store will close (story for another day), or maybe by some miracle they'll offer him a raise and a thanks-for-your-dedication after 6 years in the manager position, or maybe this, that, or the other. Forget the maybes and make the change ourselves!

 

So, changes are on the horizon, and I for one believe that change is good. Especially if you have peace about it, trust in the Lord, and support from loved ones. We have it all, and more, and cannot wait to see just what the Lord has in store for our family!

Procrastination Gets One...Behind

I seem to have perfected the art of procrastination when it comes to catching up the home finances. I blame this on two things...Facebook, and that my career is in Accounting. Facebook because when I turn on the laptop to open Quicken to work on the finances, I always feel the "need" to check online first...then I get sucked into the seemingly timeless world of the worldwide web. Before I realize it, an hour as passed, then another thirty minutes, then it's getting late and I'm too tired to focus on numbers, so I might as well just wait another day. What's going to change between 9pm tonight and tomorrow anyway? Problem is, tomorrow I will go to work, where I will do accounting work and look at numbers all day, and turning on the laptop at home will be the last thing I want to do in the evening. I've decided that recognition of my procrastination is the first step to getting over it. Sharing that I'm procrastinating at this very moment is my second step.

Recognizing and acknowleding our own shortcomings is a healthy, and unfortunately uncommon, practice. I believe strongly in it. I also believe in vocalizing my shortcomings, because to let those around me know that I am aware of things I need to improve upon creates more of a desire to better myself. In my working life, I have always said, "I'll take the blame for the mistake, I don't care who did it wrong, let's just fix it and make it right!" Can't say I've always done that in my personal life! Instead I blame things on my slugged-up digestive system and the woes it causes me, or on my lack of energy because of said digestive woes, not to mention being the mother of two young kiddos, or having a husband who works in the illustrious world of retail which involves rotating shifts, being gone from home for 10 hours a day (some days 4am-2pm, others 6am-4pm, still others 9:30am-7:30pm, but let us not forget the days that it's 5am-3pm or maybe 9am-7pm) and working on weekends. But...NO MORE! It is time for change and growth, for recognizing that I am stronger than my weak digestive system and that if I get off my duff and DO SOMETHING, it can only better me, my family, my life. So part of the reason for this blog is to hold myself accountable to the part I must play in my own change and growth.

Another reason for my new blog is that I want to share some of the ways I've found over the years to be a bargain shopper, to find deals and coupons, to receive free products to try and to share with others. You may notice posts on this blog that are posted via sites I am affiliated with, such as www.bzzagent.com or www.houseparty.com. If you have no interest in trying out new products or hearing my thoughts on them, feel free to ignore such posts! But know that often times, I receive both free items to try, and valuable coupons to share, so if something does intrigue you, be sure to let me know so I can share with you!

My final thought for the night...it is so backwards that our kids have as much energy as they do, while we adults are struggling to find a few ounces of energy to keep up with them!! It really should be the other way around. This said as my 2 1/2 year old all-toddler-boy is jumping around the living room, when he's been awake since 7am same as me, and my eyes are half-closed. I know I know, why is a 2 1/2 year old still awake at 9:30pm...that is a post for another time my friends, another time!

Who I Am & Why I'm Here

Welcome to the busy world of the Goodrich 4. This is my first attempt at a blog, so thank you for joining me in this journey! Things to know about me…I believe in God, I am in awe of God, I trust in God, my hope is in God, I cannot say enough about the grace of God. I am a daughter to two amazing parents, a wife to a hard-working and loving man, a mommy to two little blessings, a sister to two older brothers and two younger sisters, an aunt to many awesome kiddos, a granddaughter to the best Papa in the world (and watched over from heaven by my sweet Nana, strong & spirited Grandma, and my Grandpa whom I was lucky enough to meet as a baby), a sister-in-law to some amazing women, a niece to many, a cousin to even more, a daughter-in-law to the wonderful people who raised my husband before I took over, a friend to some of the best people I’ve crossed paths with in my lifetime, and so much more to so many more.

 

I. Am. Blessed. Thank you Lord! Your grace is sufficient, without you I would be lost.

 

I’ve started this blog because for years now I’ve been asked why I don’t have a blog. I am an avid tryer of new products (mostly ones I get free via some websites I belong to), a lifelong couponer (NOT an extreme couponer!), an Avon representative, an Accounting guru, a lover of books and of music, and many other things that I talk about with those in my circles. Sometimes, though, talking exhausts me, and I’ve always loved writing. So I figured it was time to stop annoying people around me with my voice and just put things in writing for you to peruse at your leisure. Or to ignore.

 

One other thing to know about me…I make up words, like ‘tryer’ and ‘couponer’, things that I believe are words but my spellchecker tells me are not. If this offends any champion spellers or grammatical professionals, accept my apologies now. Another thing to know, I often over-explain things. Apologies for that as well, I just like to know that I’ve provided all the information that is in my head. I recognize that sometimes less is more, but I also think that sometimes more is needed. Reading between the lines can cause major communication problems, as can making assumptions, or simply not saying something at all. Communication problems are at the root of so many issues between people. I am an opinionated and strong-willed girl, but I believe myself to be open-minded and I recognize that everyone is entitled to their own opinions, ideas, beliefs, values, etc. Sometimes the best thing is to simply agree to disagree, and move on.

 

I am a wife and mommy full-time and I work away from home part-time. Sometimes I'm not good at juggling these two things, and I find myself working from home and being a mommy at work, forgetting altogether to be a wife (sorry hun!), and yet feeling like nothing has gotten accomplished either at home or at work! I know this is a normal struggle, and a common one these days as life continues to cost more and time seems to go faster. I recognize that I am not alone in my struggle to find balance between the two, as well as the need to fit in some 'me' time. I am willing to admit that there are days I miss my carefree single years in my apartment, just as I'm quite certain there are days that my husband misses his carefree single years where his mudding truck was his #1 love! But let me make this clear...I have no regrets, and I LOVE my current life! I'm not one to live in the past, to wonder about the 'what-ifs', to question the decisions I've made that have gotten me to this point in my life. After all, I wouldn't be exactly here had I not done all the things that led me here. I live in the now, because that is all I'm guaranteed. That, and that my time here is temporary, and there is a forever home waiting for me in heaven. Knowing that, truly believing that, makes it easier to get past the low points when they hit. And I'm not gonna lie, there are low points. No matter how blessed I am, no matter how awesome my family is and how happy they make me, there are times when I have myself a little pity party. I've learned that this is OKAY! It doesn't make me a horrible mother, a bad wife, an ungrateful child of God. It makes me normal, and it gives me the chance to dwell on my (many) imperfections and how I can overcome them, and the chance to praise the good Lord for all the blessings in my life.

 

I sell Avon, something I'm not very good at (but I'm great at buying it!!). I have serious digestive ailments that cause me to feel blechy all the time (which are compounded by my being lactose intolerant, and yet I knowingly put dairy in my mouth regularly, something I'm working really hard on stopping!!). I have recently started using Advocare products in an effort to gain energy, mental clarity, and *fingers & toes crossed* digestive regularity and comfort. I am on Day 12 of their 24 Day Challenge, and am happy to say that I'm making much healthier food choices, drinking lots more water, feeling more energetic, and *fingers & toes crossed* feeling some progress with my guts. I get very excited about products I love, and love to share my excitement with others. I hope to share this excitement with you thru this blog.

 

Well, with that typical over-explanation of myself and this new blog adventure, I say welcome to my blog! I think I have lots of great things to share with my "listeners", so I hope you'll stay tuned!