Another Major Blow..A Chronic Illness Update

ANOTHER MAJOR BLOW

A CHRONIC ILLNESS UPDATE

2 Specialist appointments and 1 traumatizing result. My Meniere's disease is progressing and my hearing is worse than the same time last year. The unfortunate part, is that the symptoms are also much worse. Thus, the specialist is advising surgery to alleviate some of the symptoms. 

Labrithectomy (what a glorious mouthful that translates to me being completely deaf in the operated on ear). They basically remove the part of the ear that causes the Vertigo, Dizziness, Nausea but leaves you deaf. 

There is also a procedure where they put a shunt (tiny silicone tube for emptying fluid) into the ear which is supposed to help prevent the excess build up of fluid. 

My Specialist is recommending the prior not the latter. He indicated that I`m at the max for medicinal treatment and that surgery may be the only solution.  I, however, have a HUGE issue with being `forcefully`deafened as opposed to the `progressive` path I`m currently on. Needless to say, the news was devastating to hear and led to a lot of tears all the way back to Pitt Meadows from Richmond. 

I`m not entirely sure how many people I hurt in my past life but apparently it was too many. I really didn`t think I deserved all this shit.

The journey continues yet again.

Sher's Stromboli

SHER'S STROMBOLI

INGREDIENTS

• 1 package of pre cooked chicken
• 1 large red onion
• 10 large button mushrooms sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cups mozzarella/tex mex cheese shredded
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1/3 cup red wine
• 1 small can of pizza sauce
• 1 whole wheat pizza dough (proofed and risen to twice its size)
• large baking sheet

DIRECTIONS

preheat oven to 400 degrees.

1. place dough in a pre floured bowl and let it rise until twice its size (at least)
2. punch down the dough and let it rise again
3. in a frying pan, sauté pre cooked chicken, onion and mushrooms in olive oil
4. add garlic and wine
5. continue until moisture out of mushrooms and onions nicely caramelized
6. roll out pizza dough till you get a large square (or as close as you can get)
7. spread pizza sauce all over dough
8. place chicken, onion and mushrooms in centre of dough
9. cover with cheese
10. flip both sides of the dough into the centre till it looks like a burrito
11. pinch the ends  to seal in the cheese mixture
12. cut 3 slits on the top of the Stromboli
13. bake for 30-35 mins.

OPTIONAL

• 2 cups of ricotta cheese, blended with cheese for topping
• omit pizza sauce inside and use it for dipping
• can use pepperoni, steak, bacon, ham, peppers (whatever pizza toppings you like you can use in this)

 **I like the pizza dough from Golden Ears CheeseWorks. They have white and whole wheat available** 

Chronic Illness Update

Chronic Illness Update

So today was my appointment with my Rheumatologist in downtown Vancouver. The drive is painful at best and gives me just enough time to push my anxiety level to maximum overdrive. (roughly 45mins drive). 

Mercifully, she is fantastic and took me earlier than my appointment time. (how many Doctor's can do that?)  We spent the majority of the visit, discussing my Fibromyalgia and Disability Tribunal in February. After having such a horrid visit with my family Doctor a couple weeks ago, I was determined to make sure my specialist knew everything that I was feeling and experiencing before being 'pushed out' the door. 

She allowed me the time to sit and cry hysterically at one point while talking about my lack of appetite and inability to eat most days. She is quite concerned about my weight loss and vomit/nausea issues. 

While acknowledging my Chronic Illnesses (Osteoarthritis, Meniere's Disease, Fibromyalgia, Depression, Chronic Fatigue and Chronic Pain), she is also now checking me for Lupus. 

I guess, the best part of the visit, was the fact that she sat and let me vent about my family doctor. She made worthwhile and logical suggestions as well as ordering tests that haven't been done (that should be done on a monthly basis).

I told my doctor that I was fully aware of the progression and deterioration of the diseases and I'm at peace with that. What I cannot contend with is the day-to-day issues of the illnesses. I never know what to expect from one day to the next and that is the frustrating part.

I would love to know that tomorrow my pain level would be a 6 (that's amazing and as close to pain free for me as I get). I would like to know that I won't be strapped to the bed/sofa because even the slightest movement causes excruciating pain. I would love to be able to plan events days or months in advance without worrying about having to cancel because I'm completely immobile.

The guilt I feel is tremendous. Not because I can't work but because of the fear that I may have doomed my child to the same issues. Goddess, I hope not for her sake.

So now the countdown starts to the Tribunal. I'm far from confident on my case but know that whatever happens is supposed to happen. Of that, I have no doubt. Fate and destiny are the two things I never dispute. 

The journey continues.....

DAILY TIP DEC 13 2011 HOLIDAY VERSION

DAILY TIP DEC 13 2011

HOLIDAY VERSION

Today's tip is for all the 'Foodies' on your list. 

What is a 'Foodie', you ask?

A Foodie, is anyone who has a passion for food and enjoyment from food. From baking to cooking elaborate meals for friends and families. You don't have to be 'schooled' to be a Foodie, you just have to have a passion for food.

http://www.gourmetwarehouse.ca/  The Gourmet Warehouse in Vancouver is the place to go for those Foodies on your list. Founded by Caren McSherry in 1989, she strives to provide top quality products and gourmet food through both the online store and the store front itself. (located on East Hastings St)

The Gourmet Warehouse, serves up everything from 'Le Crueset' cook ware to 'Pain is Good' hot sauce. They offer gift baskets that are delivered in wooden crates! 

The Gourmet Warehouse also dishes out Bath and Body products as well as Cookbooks and of course gift cards when you just can't decide.

They will ship anywhere in Canada through 'FedEx', so be sure to check the different rates for the different provinces. 

Tomorrow is the cut off to make sure your purchases make it by Christmas to be sure to login to their site and scoop up some delicious treats for all the Foodies. 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Gourmet-Warehouse/219955647641

@GourmetWHouse

DAILY TIP DEC 12 2011 HOLIDAY VERSION

DAILY TIP DEC 12 2011

HOLIDAY VERSION

Getting squeezed on time for those last minute gifts. Most online companies are offering 'free shipping' to Canada that normally charge for shipping outside of the United States.

With the ability to ship to any destination, it means that your online purchases can get shipped right to the recipient from their warehouse. It also makes shopping for family/friends that are scattered all over much more efficient and definitely easier.

Be sure to check out some of my advertised sponsors for their great deals and free shipping! 

12 days of shopping left!

A PAGAN CHRISTMAS part 8

A PAGAN CHRISTMAS

part 8

Blending Religions  

Nowadays, more and more families are becoming both blended in marriage and blended in religious outlooks. Years ago, most men and women wed within their respective faiths. While that may still hold true for some, it isn't seen as 'taboo' to marry outside of one's own faith. So celebrating the holidays usually wasn't a problem because your spouse would be of the same faith. 

Which do you celebrate? Which is more important or more widely accepted? What won't offend parents and siblings? What about children? Do you teach them one or both religions? All these questions have merit and can be the basis for 'heated' discussions.

Being in a blended religion family can be tough if you are the only one that is different. My family is Catholic, my husband's family is 'Anglican' and I'm personally Pagan (Dianic Wicca to be exact). My problems started early on when it came time for 'church'. 

Growing up my brother and I both went to Catholic school but I always had questions regarding my faith and Catholicism in general. I never fully digested the 'food' I was being fed by my teachers and clergy. As a result, my path wandered into several different religions before landing on where my feet stand now. Of course, some of it could have been rebelling against parental guidance etc., but as I got older, it became clear that my beliefs were not Monotheistic in nature.

I still celebrated the Christian holidays with my family and would have my own little 'ritual' celebrations for whatever holiday I was celebrating at that time. I spent many years 'hiding' my true beliefs and thus hiding my true self as well.

Now, at 44, I'm firmly entrenched in my beliefs and have a firm grip on religion  and theology as a whole. I became an Ordained Minister, a High Priestess and an Educator in Pagan Religions. I've studied everything from Ancient Egyptian Mythology to Buddhism and everything in between. What I have found, is that Pagan religions are more tolerant of other religions. We like to share 'our' gods with everyone else. I've also found that it is easy to celebrate Pagan holidays alongside Christian ones without too much difficulty.

In our home, we have the traditional Christmas tree and assorted decorations. We also have a Yule Altar. It sits prominently in the house for all to see and blends with the rest of the holiday decor. I conduct my rituals as needed and celebrate with my family on their holidays. 

It isn't always easy to blend religions but it is possible. No one said life would be easy and if they did, I highly doubt that included religion. More wars have been fought over religion than any other reason. If we stopped looking at 'labels' and 'colors' and only looking at humanity; perhaps we would be a much nicer earth. 

In the end, we all die. So it doesn't matter what you believe in when you are alive. It's what you do with your life that really matters, not who you do or do not worship.

Plain, simple, easy. Right? 

DAILY TIP DEC 11 2011 HOLIDAY VERSION

DAILY TIP DEC 11 2011

HOLIDAY VERSION

Today's tip is for the philanthropies on your list. Giving has always been better than receiving and that point is amplified by those who spend their lives giving to others. So today is highlighting some wonderful organizations worthy of a donation this holiday season. 

Making a donation in someones name is a wonderful way to show your appreciation for them and a way to make our world a little nicer. There are so many charitable organizations out there, it can be a task to decide on who to give to.

Here is my list of worth while causes: 

• http://www.canadahelps.org/  Fantastic website that gives you several options geared to helping fellow Canadians
• http://help-portrait.com/
• http://www.worldaidsday.org/
• http://www.wwf.org/
• http://www.uso.org/
• http://isf-bcnproject.com/
• http://www.one.org/international/
• http://www.justgiving.com/giving

These are just a few of my personal favorites but there are thousands of other great charities to donate to. 

Don't forget that even donating of time in the name of someone is a wonderful gift as well. Volunteering is a terrific gift that gives back!

• http://www.josephmorgan.org/

DAILY TIP DEC 10 2011 HOLIDAY VERSION

DAILY TIP DEC 10 2011

HOLIDAY VERSION

Today's tip is for all the 'gamers' out there. From Super Mario to Zelda and from Portal 2 to NHL 2011, video games have come along way since the dawn of 'Pong'. 

Now you have the choice of game systems (Wii, PlayStation, XBox and all their siblings), extreme graphics, amazing soundtracks and of course all the different games. 

Games can vary in difficulty, age range, amount of players and what type of controllers are required. Speaking with a game specialist is a great way to decide on what to buy. Most electronic stores have a few 'gamers' on staff, so take advantage of their knowledge. 

There is a game out there for everyone. 

Some key things to remember when shopping:

• RPG - Role playing game 
• MMORPG - Massive Multi player online role playing game
• Ratings for games are similar to ratings for movies e.g., E (for everyone)
• Several movies have games that follow the plots e.g., Batman Arkham City, Smurfs, Prince of Persia Sands of Time
• Some games require online registrations and have pay to play features
• Games range in price and some retailers carry pre-owned or offer trade-ins

Sher's Picks

Batman Arkham City

Call of Duty

Lego Harry Potter

Assassin's Creed

Super Mario Kart

Legend of Zelda

NHL 2010

World of WarCraft

Elders Scroll V-Skyrim

http://www.mmorpg.com/

http://www.spike.com/events/video-game-awards-2011

DAILY TIP DEC 9 2011 HOLIDAY VERSION

DAILY TIP DEC 9 2011

HOLIDAY VERSION

No holiday would be complete with the Christmas tree so today's tip is all about the mighty evergreen.

http://www.alouettechristmastreefarm.com/  Alouette Christmas Tree Farm is a great family run farm to pick out your favorite tree. They have pre-cut or if you want to experience a true tradition, cut your own. (make sure to bring the necessary equipment like an ax and twine). 

Alouette also knows that picking out a tree can take awhile so for your convenience, they also have hot chocolate, hot dogs and candy canes. Take a night time 'Polar Express' train ride around the farm, or lounge around the roaring fire drinking a hot cup of cider.

Prices range between $25-$60 for the trees and they are open 7 days a week. Be sure to check out their website for tips on caring for your 'fresh tree'.

Sher's Satirical 12 Days of Christmas

SHER'S SATIRICAL LOOK AT

THE

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

On the first day of ChrisKawzanakah my non-traditional spouse gave to me a Starbucks Eggnog Latte in a car.

On the second day of ChrisKawzanakah my non-traditional spouse gave to me two broken candy canes and a Starbucks Eggnog Latte in a car.

On the third day of ChrisKawzanakah my non-traditional spouse gave to me three Purdy's Hedgehogs, two broken candy canes and a Starbucks Eggnog Latte in a car.

On the fourth day of ChrisKawzanakah my non-traditional spouse gave to me four new winter tires, three Purdy's hedgehogs, two broken candy canes and a Starbucks Eggnog Latte in a car.

On the fifth day of ChrisKawzanakah my non-traditional spouse gave to me FIVE GOLD CANUCK TICKETS, four winter tires, three Purdy's hedgehogs, two broken candy canes and a Starbucks Eggnog Latte in a car.

On the sixth day of ChrisKawzanakah my non-traditional spouse gave to me six Sexy Sailors, FIVE GOLD CANUCK TICKETS, four winter tires, three Purdy's hedgehogs, two broken candy canes and a Starbucks Eggnog Latte in a car.

On the seventh day of ChrisKawzanakah my non-traditional spouse gave to me seven gingerbread men, six sexy sailors, FIVE GOLD CANUCK TICKETS, four winter tires, three Purdy's hedgehogs, two broken candy canes and a Starbucks Eggnog Latte in a car.

On the eighth day of ChrisKawzanakah my non-traditional spouse gave to me eight baby bries, seven gingerbread men, six sexy sailors, FIVE GOLD CANUCK TICKETS, four winter tires, three Purdy's hedgehogs, two broken candy canes and a Starbucks Eggnog Latte in a car.

On the ninth day of ChrisKawzanakah my non-traditional spouse gave to me nine Big Feast gift cards, eight baby bries, seven gingerbread men, six sexy sailors, FIVE GOLD CANUCK TICKETS, four winter tires, three Purdy's hedgehogs, two broken candy canes and a Starbucks Eggnog Latte in a car.

On the tenth day of ChrisKawzanakah my non-traditional spouse gave to me ten Tinhorn Creek wines, nine Big Feast gift cards, eight baby bries, seven gingerbread men, six sexy sailors, FIVE GOLD CANUCK TICKETS, four winter tires, three Purdy's hedgehogs, two broken candy canes and a Starbucks Eggnog Latte in a car.

On the eleventh day of ChrisKawzanakah my non-traditional spouse gave to me eleven pounds of back bacon, ten Tinhorn Creek wines, nine Big Feast gift cards, eight baby bries, seven gingerbread men, six sexy sailors, FIVE GOLD CANUCK TICKETS, four winter tires, three Purdy's hedgehogs, two broken candy canes and a Starbucks Eggnog Latte in a car.

On the twelfth day of ChrisKawazanakah my non-traditional spouse gave to me The FLIPPING HUGE VISA BILL for the eleven pounds of back bacon, ten Tinhorn Creek wines, nine Big Feast gift cards, eight baby bries, seven gingerbread men, six sexy sailors, FIVE GOLD CANUCK TICKETS, four winter tires, three Purdy's hedgehogs, two broken candy canes and a Starbucks Eggnog Latte in a car.