PCOS Awareness Month

PCOSgurl's 101

This is a great list from PCOSgurl! 

The 2019 PCOSgurls Guide to Life With PCOS101 List

This is always one of my favorite posts to share every year for #PCOSAwarenessMonth

Below are some of my favorite facts, figures, myths and quips about #PCOS

While these are just tidbits...

there is ALOT to learn about
#PCOS

To learn more please visit PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association

Pcoschallenge.org

And follow me on social media @pcosgurl

1. #PCOS is the acronym for polycystic ovary syndrome an endocrine disorder affecting approximately 1 in 5 women worldwide.

2. #Menopause neither cures nor eliminates #PCOS. In fact, PCOS usually worsens at menopause due to weight gain and loss of hormones.

3. #Bulimia is common in women with #PCOS. About 6% of PCOS patients have bulimia, compared to about 1% of other women.

4. #PCOS research indicates insulin resistance, blood sugar regulation, #inflammation, and #hormone levels appear to be linked!

5. Women with #PCOS are much more likely to suffer from a variety of sleep disturbances including #insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea.

6. Approximately 50% of women with PCOS develop #diabetes by age 40

7. It is possible that a diagnosis of #PCOS can be missed or delayed because some symptoms are similar to those of other diseases and conditions

8. Although obesity can be related to lifestyle issues, there are medical causes for weight gain or #obesity that may go undiagnosed such as #PCOS

9. To confirm a diagnosis of #PCOS two of three major symptoms must be present: menstrual abnormality, excess androgen and polycystic ovaries.

10. There is an Increased prevalence of #NAFLD (non alcoholic fatty liver disease) reported in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome #PCOS

11. The prevalence of #PCOS in #FTM #transgender males is 11.5% transgender, binary, queer and gay members of our community need to be recognized!

12. #With #PCOS it is imperative that women have a period at least every three months. Going longer than this increases risks of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer greatly

13. With #PCOS Physical activity increases energy levels, improves self esteem and reduces #anxiety and #depression

14. Some of the most difficult symptoms of #PCOS are ones you dont see infertility, depression, irregular menses, hormone imbalance

15. Approximately 34% of women with #PCOS have #depression and 45% have #anxiety

16. A study of Swedish #women with #PCOS polycystic ovary syndrome showed they are 15% more likely to develop any #cancer vs. women without the condition, with risk further elevated for #cancers of the endometrium, ovary, pancreas and kidney

17. PCOS is a disorder of the entire endocrine system — the brain, pituitary gland, pancreas, liver, fat, and ovaries.

18. People should not assume #PCOS is a syndrome associated solely with the ovaries and female hormones. It affects several body systems and is an endocrine syndrome

19. PCOS tends to run in families; it is important to ask about family history as there are often genetic markers beyond PCOS that may indicate a predisposition to having PCOS such as #diabetes, #cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol

20. Some #Doctors may show prejudice if a #woman is #overweight and as a result may overlook a patient's obvious #PCOS #symptoms.

21. Many women with #PCOS report low sexual satisfaction from hormone disruptions & body image..

22. Some women with PCOS are estrogen dominant (meaning their estrogen levels are too high and progesterone too low), resulting in long menstrual cycles, heavy cramping, intense PMS symptoms and infertility

23. There is some suggestion that because normal lab values may be set too high, variations may be missed and many women go undiagnosed with #PCOS

24. There are often stigmas attached to many of the symptoms of #PCOS, particularly facial and body hair, #infertility and #obesity

25. There is a positive to shaving with #PCOS... women who shave have younger-looking skin because shaving removes dead skin cells it's called #dermaplaning !

26. Women who lose weight with #PCOS do three very important things:

Exercise
Eat a nutrient-dense diet
Reduce their stress.

27. Caffeine and other stimulants cause increases in insulin production which have proven to have a negative impact on women with #PCOS

28. Athough it may feel like it, you are not alone in your struggle with #PCOS. There are millions of women experiencing the same emotions

29. Recent studies recommend that women with #PCOS exercise at a minimum of 160 minutes per week to be proactive and ward off #diabetes

30. Studies show women with #PCOS benefit most when eating 25g to 30g of dietary fiber. So make sure you fill up on leafy greens and fruits!

31. Adding lean protein to your diet is a metabolic booster for #PCOS and helps you feel full!!!

32. Women with #PCOS should eat every 3 hours to help stabilize insulin levels throughout the day..

33. An anti-inflammatory diet for #PCOS focuses on drastically reducing intake of gluten, dairy, inflammatory oils, sugar and processed food and replacing with organic, fiber-rich fruits; vegetables and whole grains; healthy fats and lean protein

34. #PCOS is considered to be a diagnosis of exclusion, in that it can only be diagnosed when all other possibilities have been eliminated.

35. Nicotine, along with alcohol, have been proven to worsen the circulating insulin in #PCOS, making symptoms worse

36. With #PCOS use as little salt as possible try to keep below 6 grams of salt a day to help with inflammation.

37. Often, cholesterol and triglyceride levels are raised and insulin resistance is evident for many women with #PCOS

38. With #PCOS excess insulin signals the ovaries to work overtime to secrete testosterone (excess androgens) which creates symptoms!

39. PCOS extreme diets dont work
Nourish your body with healthy fats and amino acids, as opposed to starving it of these minerals! Balance

40. Digestion can be an issue at different times of the month for women suffering from PCOS. Thats why gut health is so important with PCOS

41.

PCOS Acne factors:

Insulin resistance
Excess Androgens
Stress
inflammation in body

42. A PubMed study shows that taking gluten out of the diet may reduce inflammation and insulin resistance in PCOS

43. #Probiotics are fabulous for helpiing #PCOS with hormone balance because they restore healthy gut bacteria and reduce inflammation

44. Women with #PCOS tend to have higher rates of oxidative stress. Foods high in anxtiodants, can help reduce this inflammation

45. With #PCOS abnormalities in calcium balance may be responsible for irregular menstruation and are linked to vitamin D deficiency.

46. PCOS Symptoms may increase over time, leading to more serious health complications.... diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer

47. Due to an increase in male hormones (androgens), #PCOS can cause extra hair to grow on different parts of your body.

48. An ultrasound is not essential for diagnosing #PCOS, since the presence or lack of cysts does not necessarily indicate or preclude PCOS.

49. Many recommend going organic for PCOS because many animal products have hormones which can aggravate estrogen dominance.

50. In general, women with PCOS reach #menopause 2-5 years later than women without PCOS.

51. Women with #PCOS may have more testosterone and can therefore build #muscle easier than women without PCOS

52. The symptoms of #PCOS usually present at puberty, but it may take many years before patients are correctly diagnosed.

53. #Anxiety (as well as #depression) affects many living with #PCOS. Having low levels of #magnesium is believed to be an underlying cause of anxiety.

54. More than $4 billion is spent in the US every year just to find and treat PCOS. But less than 0.1% of government funding is spent on PCOS research, diagnosis and treatments.

55. Girls that have #PCOS typically develop #acne as one of their first symptoms, making this condition difficult to diagnose.

56. Approximately 34% of women with #PCOS Polycystic Ovary Syndrome suffer from acne symptoms.

57. With #PCOS because the eggs fail to mature on a regular basis, #ovulation occurs very infrequently, often at four to six month intervals

58. PCOS may develop in girls as young as eleven, but it can also develop later, in your teens, twenties, or beyond.

59. SIGNS OF PCOS

Time between periods longer than 35 days

Fewer than 8 periods per year

No period for 4 months or longer

60. About 50% of women with PCOS have prolonged intervals between their #menstrual periods

61. About 20% of women with #PCOS have no menstrual periods (this is known as #amenorrhoea)
#MenstruationMatters

62. With #PCOS increased androgens in the body may cause hair loss, thinning hair, or male pattern baldness.

63. Hyperandrogenism (increased androgens) in PCOS may cause oily skin with increased acne

64. Women with #PCOS may experience pain or discomfort in the pelvis, abdomen or lower back. Pain may be dull or stabbing, ranging in intensity.. this may be due to cysts or pelvic crowding from inflammation

65. It is common for women with #PCOS to have family members who have #diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia or cardiovascular disease

66. It is common for women with #PCOS to have been unusually small or unusually large babies at birth

67. High blood pressure is very common in women with PCOS. Get your blood pressure checked regularly!!!

68. PCOS Foods to avoid

Fried foods
High sugar
Soda
Meats injected with hormones
Refined carbohydrates
Highly processed meats

69. Exercise for PCOS has incredible benefits that go beyond weight loss. It improves mind, body and spirit improving overall physical and mental health

70. PCOS #exercise benefits

Regulates blood sugar
Increases confidence
Increases metabolism
Lowers Insulin
Increases endorphins, helps mood

71. Both #acupuncture and #exercise for #PCOS reduce high levels of testosterone and lead to more regular #menstruation

72. Yoga weight-bearing poses builds muscle. Increased muscle mass helps to combat insulin resistance – one of the keys to #PCOS management.

73. Physical Activity, Nourishment and a Healthy Mind are the keys to living a healthier life with any life-altering syndrome, especially #PCOS

74. Because there is no universal definition of #PCOS, the exact number of women worldwide with PCOS is unknown.

75. Incidents of PCOS are increasing it is now estimated 1 I in 5 women have pcos as opposed to old estimates citing 1 in 10 which means 1 million new women will be diagnosed every year!

76. #Hyperandrogenism is one of the markers of #PCOS and is seen in approximately 60% of patients

77. Each individual with #PCOS is in fact unique and what may work for one person may not work for another. Symptoms vary, so must treatments

78. With #PCOS estrogen dominance can mean estrogen is either too high and/or not in balance with progesterone levels.

79. Women with #PCOS often have elevated cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, obesity and insulin increasing risk factors for #heartdisease

80. Chronic high levels of glucose and insulin are classic symptoms of Insulin Resistance found in PCOS

81. Having Insulin Resistance and #PCOS directly cause changes in the blood lipids and overall cardiovascular health.. get screened regularly!

82. Too little good bacteria or too much bad bacteria in the gut can cause systemic inflammation and insulin resistance with #PCOS

83. Diet for PCOS is more than controlling carbohydrates and sugars, it is a lifestyle pattern, to help live healthier lives.

84. Up to 70% of women with PCOS are undiagnosed!

85. There is no cure for #PCOS. It is a condition that is managed, rather than cured.

86. Treatment of the symptoms of #PCOS can help reduce risks of future health problems.

87. Many are unaware of what #PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is, let alone it is one of the biggest contributing causes to #Diabetes today!

88. Many associate #PCOS as #gynecological, as it affects a woman's #menstruation, #ovulation and #fertility but it is #endocine disorder

89. Between 50% and 70% of women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome #PCOS experience Insulin Resistance

90. Women with #PCOS are nearly twice as likely to suffer from #atherosclerosis (plaque deposits in the arteries),

91. Symptoms of #PCOS typically start soon after a woman begins to #menstruate. The type and severity of symptoms varies from person to person.

92 Many women with #PCOS have other concurrent health problems, such as #diabetes, #hypertension, and high cholesterol.

93. Treatment for #PCOS is not curative. Treatment focuses on controlling symptoms and managing the condition to prevent complications.

94. Many women with #PCOS are intolerant to gluten and dairy, which is why it’s best to eliminate these from your PCOS diet when possible.

95. The birth control pill can help treat acne, regulate the menstrual cycles, and lower levels of male hormones in women not ttc
but does not cure the underlying cause of PCOS.

96. For #PCOS anti-androgens are drugs that reduce male hormone levels. These can help stop excess hair growth and reduce acne.

97. For #PCOS insulin-sensitizers known as diabetes medications may be prescribed to lower blood glucose and testosterone levels.

98. Through hormones, infertility and a host of less than desirable symptoms, many women living with #PCOS feel like their femininity is gone!

99. PCOS plays a major role in the lives of many women with the biggest frustrations being the delay in diagnosis and lack of medical education

100. Many medical professionals still view #PCOS as a #gynecological problem and only address the syndrome when issues of infertility arise.

101. All women and girls who are dealing with menstrual irregularities, weight problems and/or insulin problems should be tested for #PCOS

August ready!

Here we go, come on August!

My goals this month are rather simple but important.

• I haven't seen my horses yet this summer.   Must get to Assateague.    It's my favorite place.
• Keep up with the challenge -- same goals as last month but a full month of intermittent fasting
• Make sure my classroom is stocked for success.   I have been teaching for 15 years and I eat lunch normally once or twice a month.    That MUST stop.    

Challenge - complete!

Well... I did it!    I actually completed the 30for30challenge.   

I lost a total of 6.3 pounds and have definitely seen the increase in weight loss come in weeks three and four which is where intermittent fasting came into play.   I am down a total of 15.3 pounds for the summer and I'm thinking of doing another challenge for August.

Knowing that I'm posting on social media, checking in with a buddy, and documenting in my planner is helping big time.   

The entire challenge was not perfect, but it is complete. 

Misses:
I missed 4 days of exercise, 6 days of AM face routine, 3 days of Ovasitol, 3 days of water, 7 days of pm routine and 5 days of reflection.

Goals:
My goals, in my opinion, were met.   I wanted to stay consistent with the challenge and while I may have missed an objective - each day was a success.    I didn't forget.   I didn't quit.    I am bummed that I didn't get to see the dentist (seriously, I love going to the dentist) but she's gonna try to get me in before going back to work.   It's kind of awesome that her office is so busy, that wasn't the case a few months ago and I was worried about losing her.   I have kept up with my blogging and my reading and I did score one date night with the hubs. 

Non-scale victories:
Several!

• Obviously, the challenge in and of itself is a victory.
• Not giving in to several temptations.    Some examples include snacks at a party, ordering from a drive thru, etc.     Seriously, I didn't have any wooder ice at all this month!
• Taking time to focus on ME.    I don't really do it.
• Spoke with a personal trainer about my needs, debating on taking the plunge ($$$$)
• Starting intermittent fasting
• Using the carb manager app (which by the way I compared to weight watchers... fascinating!)

Concerns:
I'm worried that once school starts up in a few weeks I won't be as focused on me or as disciplined.  I don't want to gain the weight back due to work stress and I don't want to lose momentum.   Because of this concern, I want to make sure I do at least one more #30for30challenge in August so that I keep it going.   

Feel free to join me!

PCOS myths

When it comes to PCOS there are so many myths.   Far too many assumptions, that's for certain.

I was going to sit here and try to count how many doctors I saw before meeting my RE but honestly, I can't.    From my childhood pediatrician, to doctors I saw when I was in college, to practices I tried prior to my marriage, etc.    I'd say it's at least a dozen. 

We live in a society that judges.

Admit it. 

You do it.   I do it.   The person you last spoke to does it. 

We don't like to admit it, but we do.

When a PCOS woman goes to a new doctor, it is not uncommon for that doctor to automatically assume that the woman in front of them is filled with foods like you see in the image on the left. 

Stepping on the scale and seeing a number higher than what's recommended on that stupid chart will raise eyebrows. 

Finding a doctor that listens to you and truly HEARS you, should not be so tough.    But for many women with cysters, it's a reality.

While the image on the left does have some truth to it... that's not the overall truth for women with PCOS who are plus sized.   There's so much going on and not going on in our bodies that make us the size we are. 

From elevated testosterone to high cortisol to insulin resistance.... just to name a few.   Nutrient deficiencies, thyroid problems, food sensitivities and inflammation to name a few more.

The journey to finding a good doctor isn't always easy.   Having a doctor throw some metformin and birth control at you and sending you on your merry way isn't the answer either.

Fight for yourself ladies.

Fight for your bodies.

It is worth it!   I promise!

Challenge Reflection

So here's the cliffs notes in an image and further information will be below.

I am down six pounds since July 1st and while it does not sound like much and at first was a bit upsetting... I am pleased.  I did some math and I'm losing about 0.26 pounds a day.    If I were to stay at this rate for a year, I'd be down one hundred pounds.   Looking at the bigger picture helps.

Around July 11th I started looking more seriously into this concept of intermittent fasting.

There's a wide variety of research out there and the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to try it.     I am using two apps to help me with this.   I did download the free trial of the premium version of MyFitnessPal, but it's far too involved and fancy for my liking.    Instead, I'm using the ZERO app to track my fasting and Carb Manager to track my food/carbs.   I would like to note that these are google images and not my own data. 

I do not feel hungry or that I am starving.   I feel like I am making good food choices and I also feel like my gut health is improving.   I have been having issues with stomach acid/reflux but I'm figuring out ways to keep that at bay. 

My next step is to read more and research more.   Next on the reading list is The Obesity Code. 

I'm hoping to be more active this final week.   I lost my big toe nail (OUCHHHH) and man that sucker hurt for a while.   Yesterday was my first day pain free.

Week One Reflection

If you're following me on Instagram, you know I am doing a #30for30challenge to help me get focused on my health and wellness.

I'm noticing that during the school year, I lose focus on me and my health.   Big time.   If I have extra time, it's almost always going towards my kids (biological and classroom).    This really is not good for me.

I am using an Erin Condren Life Planner for myself and have been having some fun with that.   I don't have an official format for it yet, but it is working for me. 

This week was "okay" -- I feel like I've done better than what I WAS doing - but I could still improve.   I did get my exercise in daily, but I didn't go to the gym.   The gym was closed for a few days due to the remodeling of the bathrooms, but I could have and should have gone the other days and just didn't.   My goal is to get there this week and figure out the best time for me.   I've been contemplating going late at night as well as really early (before the sun rises) in the morning. 

My goal for this week in particular, other than getting to the gym, is to set alarms on my phone to help me be more successful.    I also want to make sure I'm tracking my food intake every day. 

Slow and steady wins the race, right?   

Instagram!

I recently discovered Cory Levin on Instagram.    I really like the content that is posted there and thought I'd pass it along to all of ya'll!  Her website can also be found here.

Wheat Belly

Book review!   

This book took me a while to read because 

every time there was research cited ; I chose to dig and read the sources as well.  

Often times books like these can be viewed as 

propaganda.    I found this book to be quite 

accurate when compared to my experiences 

and prior knowledge.   

While it did not touch on PCOS specifically, it 

did speak about insulin resistance in great detail.  I appreciated the history lessons presented about wheat and how we as Americans grew it a 

century ago vs. now.  

Another area of the book I appreciated was how it talked about being gluten free without 

eating gluten free.   What this means is that to 

eat gluten free is to eat clean.  A lot of the 

products out there that are labeled “gluten free” have so many added fillers and a crap ton of 

carbs.    

I do think it’s worth a read. The research is 

fascinating and as someone with PCOS and 

Hashimotos; it was valuable to me.  

I’m going to have my husband read it next 

because the Alzheimer’s research presented 

was rather scary.   Unfortunately, it runs in his 

Family.   

Book Review!

Gretchen Kubacky rocked it!   

I had the pleasure of reading this book this week and I really loved the lay out of the book.   I felt the book was well balanced, incredibly informative - and NOT intimidating.

Gretchen starts off the book with HER story.   She talks about what she knows not just professionally, but personally.

Part one of the book defines PCOS but even goes a step further to talk about WHY living with PCOS is so difficult.   Each chapter delicately transitioned to the next.   She went from talking about the basics and what it is to HOW you can live better with PCOS.    You would think that's all.   Nope!   She went even FURTHER to talk about how we as women with PCOS can adopt some life skills such as getting proactive, practicing acceptance, and "simply" focusing on what's best for YOU. 

I consider myself well versed in PCOS.   I live it every single day.    My favorite part of the book was the end.   She has an appendix where she not only lists supplements - but discusses them!   I found myself ordering some ashwagandha immediately! 

Just Crack an Egg!

#justcrackanegg product review. My friend @surrealistmyst recommended I try this and I really liked it.  First off, the ingredients are separate.   I like this because sometimes when it comes to peppers and onions... it can be overwhelming.  I chose not to include them but did add a second egg.  Secondly, I was a little worried about these because I have never cooked an egg in a microwave before.  This would be perfect for school breakfast.    I am presently using the #itrackbites app and this came out (including eggs) at 4.2 points.   

I am definitely full.  That’s for sure.  The only downside is the sodium is 320mg and I feel like that’s kind of high.  

Still, yummy!  Thank you, Dana!!!   I will purchase again. Especially if #oreida had any coupons out there!   

#protein #hashimotosdisease #pcos #pcosweightloss 

Hello,Matcha!

Have you ever read a new word and then before you know it, you're seeing that word everywhere?

That's where I'm at with MATCHA.    I've heard of it before...

Saw it at the grocery store....

Did a google and read this....

• Is packed with antioxidants including the powerful EGCg
• Boosts metabolism and burns calories
• Detoxifies effectively and naturally
• Calms the mind and relaxes the body
• Is rich in fiber, chlorophyll and vitamins
• Enhances mood and aids in concentration
• Provides vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium
• Prevents disease
• Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar

So today for my #selfcare - I decided to make myself a nice cup of tea while working during my planning period.  

This stuff is delicious!    

Some sources are also saying that drinking it either before a workout or during a workout burns 25% more fat.   I'm not sure how true this is because there wasn't any research tied to the source - but it sure was a nice treat!

Warrior Women (seen on FB)

When God created woman, he was working late on the 6th day...

An angel came by and asked, “Why spend so much time on her?” The lord answered, “Have you seen all the specifications I have to meet to shape her?”

“She must function in all kinds of situations, she must be able to embrace several kids at the same time, have a hug that can heal anything from a bruised knee to a broken heart.

She must do all this with only two hands, she cures herself when sick and can work 18 hours a day.”

The Angel was impressed. “Just two hands...impossible! And this is the standard model?” The Angel came closer and touched the woman.

“But you have made her so soft, Lord.”

“She is soft,” said the Lord, “But I have made her strong. You can't imagine what she can endure and overcome.”

"Can she think?” The Angel asked...The Lord answered, "Not only can she think, she can reason and negotiate."

The Angel touched her cheeks..."Lord, it seems this creation is leaking! You have put too many burdens on her."

"She is not leaking...it is a tear," The Lord corrected the Angel...

"What's it for?" Asked the Angel...The Lord said, "Tears are her way of expressing her grief, her doubts, her love, her loneliness, her suffering and her pride."...

This made a big impression on the Angel,
"Lord, you are a genius. You thought of everything.

A woman is indeed marvellous"

Lord said, "Indeed she is. She has strength that amazes a man. She can handle trouble and carry heavy burdens. She holds happiness, love and opinions. She smiles when she feels like screaming. She sings when she feels like crying, cries when happy and laughs when afraid. She fights for what she believes in.

Her love is unconditional. Her heart is broken when a next-of-kin or a friend dies but she finds strength to get on with life."

The Angel asked, "So she is a perfect being?"

The lord replied: "No. She has just one drawback, she often forgets what she is worth."

Author: Devina Nund

Thyroid Labs Are in...

This is just a quick post for my reference.   Failed my labs.   Miserably.   Now, let's fix it! 

I'm hearing about something called Thyrovanz.     Note to self: ask doctor!   

Because I'm so freaking tired...

Warning:  Gonna sound selfish and whiney... but hear me out.

I am so tired of not doing anything for ME.

I have read countless articles on the importance of self care.

The importance of "me time" --- even if it's five minutes!

The importance of wellness... etc.

Heck, I've even read a few books on it!   But between my buddy Dan and Rachel Hollis.... I'm done.  I'm seriously done with putting other people before myself. 

This doesn't mean that I'm going to ignore my family.

This doesn't mean that I'm going to ignore my friends.

This means that I need to focus on ME and MY well-being and in turn I feel I'll be a better person.  A better mom.  A better wife.  A better friend.  A better teacher.

So I used my hair money this weekend and I treated myself.   I bought myself actual sneakers.  REAL sneakers.   Can I just tell you that this entire winter - I wore flip flops?   Yup.   I did.   First off, I love flip flops.   So this isn't like some sort of sad sad story... but I never invested in a quality shoe for work.   Secondly, I wore boots/closed shoe into work, but when I got there... flip flops.   When I get to the gym, I have a pair of bobo's.   Not the best shoe for the gym.    Why have I always felt guilty spending money on me for me!?!?!  Always.   I don't even know why that is.   I can't even tell you when the last time was that I had my nails did.   And don't even get me started on other things I haven't done for myself.

So here are my $155 shoes I scored for $39.99 at the Columbia Outlet in Lancaster, PA.

And with the use of a referral code, a coupon code, and a Mother's Day discount... this beast will be making its appearance in my kitchen sometime soon.

I am sure that in a few hours I'm going to regret the Blender purchase until it arrives and I start making some super healthy shit for me to eat because oh yea... I rarely ever have a breakfast and lunch is something that happens .... sometimes.

Operation Buff LeLe in effect.

Gratitude Journal/Journey Days 16 and 17

Wednesday and Thursday:

1. Allergy medication
2. A great three days of getting my kids ready
3. Inside jokes with friends
4. The perfect pair of flip flops
5. Air conditioning!
6. Feeling on track with health goal of the week
7. Feeling pretty
8. Trying something new
9. Finishing "Girl, Stop Apologizing!"
10. Seeing puppies!
11. Understanding
12. Friends extending acts of kindness
13. Great talks with students 
14. Time to actually eat lunch.   Seriously.  It's rare!
15. A nice clean desk
16. New expo markers... in purple!!!
17. Rodan and Fields - seriously, I'm loving my skin care stuff!
18. Memes for procrastination
19. Feeling "ahead of the game"
20. Realizing that summer time is coming soon which means more time with my kids!

5 Types of PCOS

This is an amazing link/video on the 5 Types of PCOS!!!

Gratitude Journal/Journey Day 15

Tuesday, April 23rd

1. A phone number of someone I lost touch with!
2. Delicious salad for dinner
3. Amazing tuna --- so yummy!
4. Early bedtime, three nights in a row!
5. Amazing conversation with an amazing person
6. Patience!!!
7. Quiet time
8. Netflix.   Yea, I said it.
9. Time to read -- for pleasure!
10. Early morning playtime with my kids

Gratitude Journal/Journey Day 14

I am halfway through the gratitude journey and I must say --- I'm shocked I've lasted this long.   I lack personal consistency.    True story.   Professionally - "A" game - all the time.   Personally, lose I lose steam.

So here we go ....

Day 14 - Easter Monday

1. Children were up and not an issue to get ready at all!   I was expecting a challenge considering the busy weekend we had.
2. LEGOS!   Yes, LEGOS!   My bestie gifted me and my students with a massive box of LEGOS!!!!!  
3. The breeze!    Today's breeze, despite the pollen, was lovely!
4. Marco Polo App.   Frivolous... but it's so awesome to be able to see my friends when they're talking with me
5. PERFECT attendance at work!  Every student was present!   
6. A delicious dinner made for me by the hubs!
7. Early bedtime and snuggles with Nora
8. Talking art and supplies with Elliot
9. Honesty!   Even when talking about the tough stuff.
10. The ability to be able to pay my bills even though it was an extremely frustrating process!

Listening

National Infertility Awareness Week is among us.    

This is a week that I definitely find myself in a more reflective state.   I think a misconception is that when women who struggled with infertility end up "beating" infertility with a living baby... they forget their journey.   At least, sometimes that is how it FEELS.   

Elliot will be eight this fall.   I literally had to pause as I typed that sentence.

Eight.  WOW.

I remember when we first started trying for him.   It was our one year wedding anniversary.   We were so naive.   We thought the biggest obstacle to overcome would have been morning sickness.   

Through our infertility is where I learned about PCOS and basically all the things not working in my body.   We struggled on so many levels.   It was hard seeing pregnant bellies.   It was hard being around any babies, even family.    And sometimes, it was even hard being near friends and family.  Hell, we have friends and family NOW who constantly cancel plans on us... and we get it!  We understand it!   We've been there and done that!   

Infertility is "one of those things" that you really don't "get" unless you're "IN IT."  

I remember my first miscarriage, and some asshole said something to the effect of, "Oh, you weren't THAT far along, just keep trying."   Idiot.   Wrong wrong wrong.

Or even better... "just relax."

And the kicker for us PCOS women.... "Oh, just lose some weight, you'll be pregnant in no time!"  

As our struggles became more and more frequent and the frustrations rose, I would receive all sorts of commentary from the peanut gallery -- none of which was requested.    

As I reflect on this week, I need to note that in my experience, one of the best gifts given to me through Infertility was the gift of a listening ear.   Not a reacting ear.  A listening ear.   Sometimes you just need to let it out, to listen, and be heard.   You don't need someone to tell you their advice, or their experience.   You just need someone to listen.

If you are reading this, please know I am here and willing to be the listener for you.   

I SO get this.   I comprehend it.   Because the reality is... Elliot is going to be 8 years old this fall.  However, his older brothers and sisters before him, would be turning 9, 11, 12, and 13.  

I have not forgotten my journey.   I will not stop advocating for this cause.   

I'm here to listen.    I get it.   I really, really, do.