Best Blackhead Removal

Can somebody tell me what is the best way to get rid of a blackhead?  I've had this little bugger forever and no matter what I use on it, it stays underneath the skin.  I've tried over-the-counter acne treatments and different types of cleansers.  I've read that pronexin is supposed to be good but I don't have major acne problems so I'm not sure if this would be overkill for one tiny blemish. I have the occasional acne problem and one stubborn blackhead.

Anybody have any suggestions?

Always Ask for copies of Medical Reports and Labs

I found out after going back to the hospital to ask for copies of my lab results that the CT scan they'd done to check my appendix showed diverticulosis AND gallstones.  The bad thing is (like that's not bad enough), neither the ER doctor or my floor doctor while I was in the hospital mentioned those findings to me.  I would never have known about it had I not gone and asked for those records! 

I think it was sorta important for them to tell me.  There are things I can to do (diet, medical care) to try to ward off a gallstone attack, forming more gallstones for blockage, or my diverticulosis turning into diverticulitis.  I see a little bit of pain in my future and some changes in my diet.  Another benefit to that would probably be weight loss.  Hey, some people use ephedra diet pills and I use illnesses to lose weight. *sigh* Not really...just trying to find humor in a situation I don't see much humor in.

My Stay at the Hospital

Today has been the first time in awhile that I've been able to post.  I was really sick and hospitalized for awhile.  I missed my kids while in the hospital, even though my husband brought up our littlest one in the morning and then all of them in the evenings to see me.  It's not the same - being away from them and missing things.

Even though I felt horrible, I was ecstatic when they discharged me from the hospital.  I took a good look in the mirror the morning I was to be discharged and was shocked to see the zits I'd accumulated around my nose.  I looked like I needed the best acne products instead of antibiotics for my infection. Ha ha. Plus, when you can smell yourself, you know the desperate need of a shower! 

My "private" room wasn't so private in terms of bathroom needs.  It was more like a prison cell.  The toilet was IN the room across from my bed with just a curtain to pull around for privacy.  I am a very private person (married 14.5 years and still have never gone to the bathroom in front of my husband before) so having the toilet IN my room was just plain weird.

Be Cautious with Fire This Summer

With summer here, many people are enjoying the outdoors with campfires.  We have a fire pit in our yard as well, which my husband enjoys (me, not so much).  It makes me nervous even though my kids are starting to get old enough to know better.  Accidents can still happen.  We just heard of a friend of a friend whose three-year-old fell INTO a campfire over the weekend.  How horribly sad for the little child who had to be airlifted out.  Was the three-year-old not holding an adult's hand around that fire?  It's scary!  Avoidable accidents where young children are hurt like this make me very sad.

I'd probably be nervous to even use a fireplace around younger children that age.  I'd be more apt to try an electric fireplace insert instead.  I am overly cautious when it comes to safety with my kids, even though I know it drives them crazy.  Whether it is a fireplace, campfire, or enclosed fire pit, please watch young children.  They have no business close enough to fire to risk being hurt!

To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate

My four-year-old woke up this morning with a fever and stomach pain.  That led to vomiting a short time later.  Poor thing.  I thought flu season was over with!  I don't think it's anything that needs to be seen by a pediatrician unless she gets worse thankfully. 

I do need to think about whether to get my four-year-old all the vaccines due before kindergarten.  Our state requires chicken pox vaccine now.  I don't think that should be a requirement - it should be optional.  I had chicken pox as a kid as did all my siblings.  Other than a few small scars from itching, it was just an annoyance more than anything. 

I'll have to talk to the pediatrician for all their well-checks this summer.  For the last two years, they've been pushing the Gardasil vaccine every time I am there for my oldest.  I am totally against that vaccine after doing much research (my Healthy Me blog has some information on that).  They have me craning my neck for the exit signs when they get going on that one. I tell them no every time and they bring it up again at each appointment. 

They'll want me to sign a form on my kindergartener's vaccines (my refusal for some of them) but I've already seen their form.  No way will I sign that one.  If you haven't seen it, you should look it up.  My sister sent me a different one to use.

Reminder: Check Out Weight Loss Reviews First

This is just a reminder to moms out there.  I know after each baby, I wanted to lose the weight and after the fourth, it just became impossible to take off.  Just make sure that before you take any weight loss supplements, you check out the reviews, side effects, etc. online.  For example, google adipo-x version 2.0 side effects if you're interested in Adipo-X. Remember to check for interactions between medications (even over-the counter medications) and any weight loss supplements you consider.  If not for yourself, then for your child or children. 

Teens Are a Whole Different Species

By the time all six of our kids are adults, I am going to be in some serious need for some intervention to remove wrinkles. Teenagers are like a whole other species!!  I remember being a teenager and the things I went through so it's not like I've lost touch with what they go through.  They just seem different nowadays.  So are they really that different or is my level of patience anc ompassion just lacking? 

Three of our kids are teenagers right now.  Three more to go! 

Though my baby turns five in a few weeks.  That makes me a little sad.  Kindergarten is around the corner and then it's all over.

Mommy Weight Around the Middle

Today was my four-year-old daughter's mommy/daughter lunch.  Before we left, she put on a skirt and wanted me to put a skirt on too.  I told her no so she asked me why.  I told her I wanted to lose a few pounds first and then I'd wear a skirt again.  She innocently said, "You mean around here?" and she pointed to her waistline. 

Yes, sweetie, around there. 

Even a four-year-old can see what just doesn't look healthy and that I carry extra weight around my middle - where my four kids used to be. 

I've been looking up about diet pills reviewed since I wouldn't know where to start. It's hard to go from a size 2/4 all your life to a size 10 with a lot of the weight around the middle like a lump.  My husband excuses it all with, "Well, you've had four kids." 

Yeah but still.  I don't want to look like I'm still pregnant!  I'm thankful he doesn't care about the added weight, but I do.