Join me in celebrating the fun side of Christmas.

Melinda
Join me in celebrating the fun side of Christmas.

Melinda
Melinda
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight a new blogger, Invisible Pain.

In 1997 I survived an horrific car accident. In “The beginning” you can read more details about that. Ever since that day I’ve been in chronic pain. The most debilitating pain I have is a 24/7 headache. I haven’t experienced a minute awake without pain in my head since 1997. I have several other body parts that ache constantly as well, and the most frustrating part, is the fact that I can’t find relief. The doctors and specialists are at loss. I’m just dealing with it all without medication, or any other forms of pain relief.
I’m still trying to find a doctor who’s willing to figure out this mystery that I am.
In this blog I write random thoughts, experiences, and complaints. Feel free to comment and share your story with me if you please. You can also e-mail me directly at invisiblepainblog@gmail.com
Thank you for reading!
Sincerely,
Vanessa
Her site is the best of both worlds, great writing and photography.
Melinda
Happy Hanukkah, have a blessed week. I hope you’re surrounded by friends and family enjoying a good meal and making memories.
Melinda

I was reminded today that I had Lyme and thought I would share with you the first post I wrote in 2014.
It’s been a long time since this first Lyme blog, I found it interesting and naive. I hope you enjoy reading. If you’re at the beginning of your Lyme journey. I’m always here for you. M
Scheduling probiotics, medicine, and supplements is a challenge. With probiotics, you have to wait before eating or taking meds, then juggle what goes on an empty stomach with food. Can’t forget the shot to the stomach three days a week. Adjusting the new meds has not been fun, I’ve been stoned out of my mind the bulk of the day, then a massive headache moves in, and then time to get stoned again before bed with the headache.
My gripe is it’s not being stoned, it’s brain fog with the floor moving under your feet. David has to take me to appointments since I can’t drive. I’m a sight to see, a woman, stoned out of her mind trying to maneuver a cane while walking.
I had my first appointment with a new Cardiologist yesterday, he has Lyme Disease experience with a specialty in blood flow. He is one of three doctors who will manage my Lyme journey. The RN performed an EKG, and then his Assistant reviewed my medical history, asking what seemed like 1000 questions.
The doctor is next, we talk about how Lyme can affect blood flow in the heart and the entire body. The general exam with discussion on the test he has ordered. I left wearing a Holter Monitor which comes off at 2:45 PM today. I push a button on a small device and put it up to my chest anytime I feel dizzy, have cardiac pain, trouble breathing, etc, etc.
I leave with the schedule of tests for next week which takes 3 1/2 hours when to pick up medicine for tests and the great news is to show up fasting. A couple of tests I’ve done it multiple times due to my heart condition. The Tilt Test is what it sounds like, the table moves to a head-down position for 30 minutes. The test is more frightening than giving me a shot. They may see a panic attack instead, that’s a lot of time without control and no way to escape.
Echo Cardiogram
Q Sweat Test-Study of Sudomotor response assisting in the diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy
Tilt Table with Trans Cranial Doppler monitors mean blood flow velocity
Tilt Table with ANSAR-Determines how well the Autonomic Nervous System is functioning
Tilt Table with BIOZ-Determines the heart’s ability to deliver blood to the body
Tilt Table with QST-Assesses sensory neuropathy
Metabolic Stress Test
Lipid Profile
I have blood work from last week to complete, 20 plus vials get me as excited until she says the stool sample requires freezing! I’m now 1 hour 45 minutes before the monitor comes off. The time for a shot and a handful of pills. Are we having fun yet?
My heart and soul go out to those struggling with Lyme, it’s a long complicated journey. I know you’re strong enough to fight the virus in your body, though it may not feel like it today.
Melinda

Jet Decorating House

Jet’s explaining how the toilet paper got on the floor.
Melinda
Most people find that driving can at least be quite stressful from time to time. But if you generally have anxiety, then it’s highly likely that driving is one situation where your anxiety is quite profound. This is true of a lot of people, and you shouldn’t feel bad about it if it is true for you too. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to approach driving better and handle the anxiety better, so that’s something that you should think about here. Here are some of the things you can do about it if driving tends to make you anxious.
You will probably generally feel a lot less anxious if you make a point of keeping on top of the repairs that your car needs. There are a lot of these kinds of repairs that might crop up every now and then, and it’s vital that you are going to be aware of these. You might need a windshield repair in order to avoid it cracking further, or your brakes might need replacing, or anything in between. As long as you get these done as soon as possible, you won’t have to worry about them as you drive.
For those with quite severe anxiety, panic attacks can often be something they need to think about and be aware of. After all, having a panic attack while driving could be quite dangerous. It will be important to make sure that you pull over as soon as you safely can if you are having a panic attack, and that will be easier to do if you know when one is coming. So make sure you know the signs of a panic attack and that you can identify it as early as possible.
Very often, being practiced and prepared is something that can help with anxiety in any given situation. You’ll find that this is certainly true of driving anxiety too. If you want to keep your anxiety to a minimum while driving, then you are definitely going to want to get all the training your can. Beyond the normal driving lessons, there are also always further lessons that you are able to get, which can help you to feel so much more confident on the roads. That is something that you can always pursue, no matter how long you have been driving.
It’s all related: if you can improve your anxiety generally, then you are going to find that it helps with your driving anxiety too. So make sure that you are thinking about how you might improve your anxiety in other situations because that is something that you’ll certainly want to think about doing. That could make a world of difference to how your driving experience goes, and you’ll probably feel better on the roads in no time if you can do this. That could be the most important thing here.
One of the best things you can do to make sure that you will be less anxious when driving is to invest in proper car coverage. It might be a good idea to get some liability auto insurance as well as breakdown cover and more, depending on your circumstances. If you are unsure about what car coverage would be best for you, contact Cars Protection Plus. They can help you find the best coverage for you. Being prepared for anything can be a great way to ease the stress of driving.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight a new blogger, The Rebel Chic.

Hi! My name is Cristina. I’m in my 30’s and currently working part time in the health sector in Bergen Norway. I grew up in the Philippines and moved to Norway when I was 19 years old. During my free time, I would go out and explore nature in the nearby areas alone or with friends and spend time with family. I’ve always dreamed of conquering each and every mountains of Norway and take photos of the fjords and fill my memory jar with life experiences and teachings. At the same time share my struggles in life and how I cope with them so that I could also in a small way help those who are on the same boat as me.
Check out her fun-filled adventures.
Melinda
I’m dealing with with my heart issue which is aggravated by a new medication I take for my salivary glands.
Too tired, so dizzy and have no blance.
See you tomorrow.
Melinda

In this fast-paced social media world, it can be difficult to find the time to look within or back in time. I hope you find these quotes and questions interesting. So glad you stopped by today!
Continue reading “Deep Thoughts”
Melinda
When things get too much, and it feels like there’s little you can do to get yourself into a good frame of mind, that can create a lot of stress. If you suffer from anxiety and/or depression, then you know what it’s like to spiral out of control. It gets to the point where nothing can be said or done at that moment to pick you back up again.
You can get back to your old self, though. You know you can. You’ve done this kind of thing before, and you’ll do it again. If you’re in a dark place right now, then you already know that getting right out of it will not be an easy task that happens overnight. You can do small things, however, that will slowly build you up and get your mind back into the right place. You can build a foundation for yourself – almost like a safety net – that you can fall back onto when things go a little wrong again. Here are a few things you can do:
These two things are much easier said than done, but once you start them, you will see improvement. Exercising not only releases endorphins, but it also helps you to improve at a certain skill. You’ll feel much better about yourself due to your confidence in your ability to do something challenging. Eating right also gives your mind and body more energy, meaning you process situations better.
Opening up about anything regarding mental health will help out – this is another objective fact; it’s not up for debate. Letting people help out will mean your problem will be halved. Others will be able to help you conquer your issues. You’ll feel a weight lifted.
Sometimes, medical help is necessary. Perhaps even something like CBD oil from https://www.remedyreview.com/ would do the trick. If you feel like more treatment would help, then heading to a doctor or therapist is a good idea. They’ll be able to analyze the situation and prescribe you the correct medication if needed. Relaxing your mind and stopping yourself from thinking tragic things is a great first step in recovery.
This is, again, another part of life that’s easier said than done, but it’s something that everyone should be urged to do. Sitting around is a terrible thing – it’s great when you’re tired after a long, busy day, but it’s a terrible habit to get into. When you sit down and do nothing for a long time, your mind starts to wander. When your mind wanders, it can go to strange places. Simply making your bed in the morning is a good task to start with. Once you’ve done that, just find something to do around the house – it doesn’t matter what it is. Keep busy. Keep that mind occupied!
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight a new blogger, Sare Flower Kjelden.

My name is Sara and I’m a multi-genre Canadian author who has written 16 stories. Aside from that, I love to blog about lifestyle, indie publishing, and also share photos from my nature walks. I hope you enjoy my blog! My aim is to inspire and entertain.
Sara is a prolific writer and has written 16 books. She has so much to offer on her blog, you must check it out.
Melinda

Enjoy!
Melinda
Reference:
https://www.thefactsite.com/top-100-random-funny-facts/2/


Melinda
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight a new blogger, A Visual Journey.

Relax! Let your eyes wander and quiet your mind with some visual therapy. A picture is always more than you can see. You will also find my own illustrations, animations and sometimes short stories. You never know what you will find so make sure to come back.
I love getting her posts, she is so creative.
Melinda

Guitar legend Jimi Hendrix is born in Seattle. Hendrix grew up playing guitar, imitating blues greats like Muddy Waters as well as early rockers. He joined the army in 1959 and became a paratrooper but was honorably discharged in 1961 after an injury that exempted him from duty …read more
On November 27, 1703, an unusual storm system finally dissipates over England after wreaking havoc on the country for nearly two weeks. Featuring hurricane strength winds, the storm killed somewhere between 10,000 and 30,000 people. Hundreds of Royal Navy ships were lost to the …read more
After 44 months in prison, former government official Alger Hiss is released and proclaims once again that he is innocent of the charges that led to his incarceration. One of the most famous figures of the Cold War period, Hiss was convicted in 1950 of perjury for lying to a …read more
On November 27, 1911, Elizabeth Jaffray, a White House housekeeper, writes in her diary about a conversation she’d had with President William Howard Taft and his wife about the commander in chief’s ever-expanding waistline. According to the White House Historical …read more
In a star-making performance, ballerina Maria Tallchief debuts in the New York City Ballet’s production of Firebird on November 27, 1949. During her distinguished career, Tallchief collaborated with famed choreographer George Balanchine and became the first-ever American prima …read more
Have an awesome day!
Melinda
I’ve spent the past two days celebrating my 20 year wedding anniversary and Thanksgiving. Now that I’m coming off the sugar, I want to say how much you make my day. A smile comes over my face when I see the people who have followed me for years and a special smile for all new followers.
I never dreamed where blogging would take me, boy was I in for a huge surprise. I’ve learned from each of you and enjoy our conversations. I look back to 2005 when I started blogging and can say I’m better a person for crossing paths with you.
Hugs.
Melinda

Enjoy!
Melinda
Reference:
https://www.thefactsite.com/top-100-random-funny-facts/2/

The event that Americans commonly call the “First Thanksgiving” was celebrated by the Pilgrims after their first harvest in the New World in October 1621.[5] This feast lasted three days and was attended by 90 Wampanoag Native American people[6] and 53 Pilgrims
After eating we would sit around and talk, sometimes family members would stop by and I would often bring someone I knew that didn’t have anywhere to go.
I have so much to be thankful for. I hope you have a blessed day.
Melinda
References: