Still Alive and Kicking
Yes, I'm still alive and NO, Big Brother hasn't shut us down. hee hee
I've received several e-mail inquiries regarding the lack of recent posts. I had a death in my family two weeks ago which required me to drive cross country in order to make the funeral in time. The trip was really rough on me physically as I'm still dealing with Fibromyalgia and a couple of other issues. I was in such a hurry to get out the door in time that I failed to bring everything I needed to stay on top of those issues and I certainly failed to keep some regimens that were critical to my functionality. And guess what? I'm definitely paying for it! It's one thing to have it controlled when you have access to everything you need and control of your calender and time table; it's a completely different thing as I discovered when you're at the mercy of others' schedules.
Anyway, the white knuckle ride through snow storms didn't healp any of my various bugaboos and so when I got back I found myself in need of some serious down time. This definitely throws a wrench in my plans for the 100 Days of Prepping...grrr...but it simply is what it is. I've been getting some assistance on our Facebook page and still been able to meet with individuals to get the books, podcasts, television show, and the YouTube instructional videos done (thanks to Skype and some pretty caftans *grin*), but right now, the pain in the hands and forearms is a bit daunting when it comes to writing a lot. So I'm just going to have to do what I need to do so that I can get back on top of taking care of myself with the known effective aids such as my essential oils, quality nutrition (which I failed to take with me on the road--Duh!) and learn a lesson or two through all of this about just how far I still have to go to be better Physically Prepared. You'll start hearing from me on here very soon. All is well, just a little delayed is all. Remember, the body can heal itself if you have enough time and the proper tools. In this case, not taking my "tools" required me to give my health a little bit more "time" to recoup. I firmly believe in listening when the body says "TIME OUT!"
Thanks for all of the care and concern which has been expressed over the past two weeks and a big thanks to those who have been more than willing to step in and make these big projects move forward in spite of these circumstances.
I expect to be back and writing and posting regular by the end of this week as well as being able to show you all of the exciting work that's been going on behind the scenes during this time. In the mean time there are nearly 800 other posts that you can enjoy on here or you can take a trip over to our YouTube channel or you can take a gander at the posts posted on Women of Caliber. *grin* Until then...Peace in your Preparedness.
Comments
I agree with Shanna!! My first thought was to let you know haw sorry we are for your loss. But, that this was a GREAT opportunity. God lets us make mistakes so we can learn lessons. God Bless you and glad you are taking care of yourself. We always enjoy reading what you have to say.
Glad you're back, but I'm sorry for your health issues. Take your time and get well! We'll be here when you get back to full strength!
I am so sorry for your loss. No matter how we try to prepare for these things a person really can't when the time comes. Hugs and kisses to you and your family. So glad to hear big brother is leaving you alone :} WELCOME BACK !!
GLad you are getting the rest you need. Sorry for your loss. On a positive spin you had a "prepper" run on if you had to bug out and leave everything in a short notice. Now you know what you need to add to your bugout bags. I enjoy reading everything you have written and advice you have for us all. Thank you for your dedication.
Yup, this helped me realize that I hadn't updated my "go bag" with the vital health items that I would need too. So YAY for the lesson!
So sorry to hear of your loss. Get rest, we will all be here when you're ready to come back!
This is very good info Jenna. Thanks. I have a friend that I will be sharing your posting with.
AutumnGal, you've been on here a while now, and you know that there are some things that I'm flexible on, but a pressure canner isn't one of them. PLEASE do not increase your risks by purchasing a Presto Canner. You'll do much better getting one that's 50 years old instead. I encourage you to keep an eye out on the classifieds or thrift stores for canners of a better quality. Pressure canners and cookers really can make the difference between life and death so it's really not an item that I'd advise compromising on.
I'm glad you've been able to find Zaycon in your area!!
Okay Miss Kellene... I had to smile big when I read your response for two reasons; I came here to say, ignore that question because I just can't make peace with that risk... and what do I find? You saying the same thing!! Wow, see dear lady why we love you SO much.... gut level, straight forward honesty is so refreshing and easy to connect with and to find someone that trust worthy is such a really big deal! Thank you for being so true to you and thus, us:)
The only canner I've found in a thrift store was a water bath canner and check regularly on Craigslist and there are none... Oh there was one the person was calling an "All American Presto". Needless to say I didn't rush to the phone! Lol Sooo, I'm going to order a new one and be glad it's a purchase that our two adult kids will share even after we are gone! I'm very thankful to still have a "can do" attitude and looking forward to our first canning experience which will be the Zaycon Chicken!! (Pick up will be about a mile from our home and when I called them to ask a question, I spoke with an employee who's from a neighboring city and will come here to pick up her order:)
Oh how I wish I could "will away" your Fibromalgia and other trying health issues but only God can do that. Although we may not understand it's sure a comfort to know He has a reason and it's for our own good.
Appreciate you oh so much and again, Thank You!
You really are SUCH a dear, AutumnGal! Thank you for sprinkling a little sunshine in our lives.
Woohoo! Way to go on your Zaycon snag!! I'm excited too about your upcoming canning session!!!
Kellene, You can't forget your essential oils, they are a must to stay well, especially if you have those problems... My husband has gained such a testimony of the oils that I am going to make up a box just for him... When I take my oils to a meeting, he starts to get anxious...lol I have a special bag now that I can put my oil box in and just take it with me when I go somewhere.... Hang in there lady bug...
Yup, I can't believe what a totally DORK I was rushing out without them and my meal replacement powder. ;-) Lesson learned!
So sorry to hear of the death in your family and your illness. Take care of you.
Sorry to hear about the loss in your family.
Nice to know you are home and you are back in recovery mode, have missed your posting. Will be nice to read what all you have to divulge to your faithful readers.
Sorry for your loss. Glad you are back. I also have FM. You said you would do an article on FM. Was wondering what exactly essential oils do you use for your FM? I would want to go more natural, but right now am on medicine to help keep it under control. But if the SHTF won't have that, so I would want to do it naturally now. So if you could let me know how you handle it and what you take, eat, and certain exercises. Glad your back and be looking forward to hearing from you.
It's on the list to write, it's just that I seem to ever so slowly getting to that list. :-)
Sorry to hear of the death of a family member, it's not easy when these things happen unexpectedly. I totally understand about the Fibro too as my 33 yo daughter has it, it's very tough for her some days and with two boys at home to boot (10) and (14) and all the teen drama with the oldest. I'll look forward to you getting back in the groove, I enjoy your newsletters and learn alot from them.
Welcome back. I'm sorry to hear of your loss. :(
I want the article about must haves the opening was about All American Pressure Canners.
Thanks,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have a friend who has issues with his hands and arms as you do. He uses a program called Dragon Speak to do a lot of his writing for him. He said it takes a couple hours to set it up the first time, but after that it learns your accent and other voice differences and really makes his life easier. Maybe something like this would help you too? Thanks for letting us know what's going on. I will keep your family in my prayers.
I have invested in Dragon, unfortunately, I've discovered that I'm a much better writer than speaker so I need to sharpen that part of my brain in order to make the program work for me. The good news is though that I know I can be just fine and dandy again, I just need to use my essential oils proactively instead of leaving them on the nightstand when I leave. hee hee
My sincerest condolences to you and yours. Get your self healthy again, as you are needed by your FAMILY first, and friends and fans second. Take care of you and yours, we readers have plenty to read on your site to give you as much time off as you need. God Bless.
Know that you are loved!
Take care of yourself! Praying that you'll recover soon.
Hi...welcome back and I hope you are feeling better. I was interested in Jenna's comments. I, too, have FM and a few years ago I had to go gluten free because I was diagnosed with celiac disease. It's made very little difference if any in my FM. I am happy for Jenna that she has seen real results. Good luck to you both!!! LH
There is a great program called "Dragon Naturally Speaking" which will type as you speak. You can also do corrections verbally.... relatively inexpensive program, please look into it so you don't have to struggle to type! Get some rest, and thanks for the great job you do 8-)
I totally agree about what happens when I you some gluten...it took me a long time to recognize the cause of my over-eating. Right after the first of the year we decided to go gf - my dh is doing well at it - I slip up from time to time and really feel the pull to the fridge. Then the will power has to kick in.
Glad to hear that you are (basically) okay - I was really worried about you! God be with you.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Your presence for most of us on the web is so amazing. It allows those of us "newly awakened" to really get a handle on what we need to be doing. It is so danged scarey to think of the possibilities and potential for disaster, whether economic or otherwise! So good to have someone to guide us. Thank you for all your hard work. But do recoup before you get back at it. We need you healthy! :-)
YAAAAYYY!! GLAD TO SEE U ARE BACK. BUT TAKE UR TIME. WE WANT U WELL & HEALTHY. GOD BLESS!
Welcome Back!!! You Were Missed!
I'm sorry about your loss.
I'd like to give a thumbs up to Jenna. I have auto-immune problems, also, and
have gone gluten free, dairy free and am feeling pretty pain free now. There are other foods I've noticed hurt me too. A food diary helped me. Your pressure canning video has encouraged me. Now I, also, can have instant meals. I canned bone broth soup, with japonica (precooked!) rice, chicken and veggies all in the jar, ready to travel. Thanks to you. Good luck on your path to recovery.
So many sweet and caring comments before me and please know I am sorry for the loss of a family member and oh so sorry the trip and getting "off track" has taken it's toll. Please do rest and allow your bod to adjust. I couldn't help but notice how, even in your loss, you're learning and teaching us. You have provided so much already and refreshers on all you have already shared would be very helpful to me:)
I need info on how to use Essential Oils for both fibromyalgia and arthritis since I can't take the medical chemicals so I'm sure looking forward to that portion of your "to do list" :)
We're quite mature seniors, or as you once said, we've been young longer. We've never canned and are considering the Presto Canner because of the price, weight and since we can't do a huge garden. What are your main dislikes of it? Most of the reviews for it are good but the All American reviews are great! :) We will be purchasing the Chicken Breast from Zaycon... you've made it sound so simple to "bottle" it over freezing!
Oh, here I am saying to rest then I'm asking questions! You just are so helpful with your k i s s style. ( keep it simple sweetie:)
Take care of yourself dear... We love you and are when you need us..So sorry for your loss also..
You're back! You have been sorely missed my haven't-ever-met-you-but-I love-to-hear-from-you friend. Will be praying for a speedy recovery for you. Looking forward to your posts as always.
Aw, thank you, Laura!
Glad you're back. Sorry to hear about the FM. Just wanted to let you know that I have FM as well. I finally got a handle on it by going Gluten Free. In 3 weeks 40% of my pain left. Now 8 months later I've got a lot of my muscle mass back from being very sedentary and by the end of the year I hope to be back to full energy again. One thing I have to do is be very very diligent about cross contamination. One cross contamination meal and it's three days of fatigue, pain and muscle knots all over again. Going GF is a challenge in what foods I'll be prepping. Hopefully my story can help you like your articles and tips have helped me. Best, Jenna Carll
Glad to hear that you are ok but you are right, take time to get better. Love your site.
Best wishes to you for a speedy recovery. I'm so sorry about your loss. It's something that is hard enough to deal with when you are feeling well but twice as hard when you aren't up to par.
I'm very happy you are back with us. We missed you!
Oh and btw... I wanted t tell you, I'm almost totally pain free now. (my DH works out the muscle knots (little charlie horses) as they show up. Still get a bit fatigued if I spend all day working in the kitchen on prep, but as my muscle mass increases I'm sure it'll get better. Also gluten is hidden in a lot of things... envelope glue, lipstick, and vanilla from the grain alcohol in it even if it says GF. The way i can tell if I get gluten inadvertently is I become 'hungry' for more food within 20 minutes. Makes me want to eat a grocery store shelf. :D
Sometimes my brain runs ahead of my fingers... I meant to say... the employee's mother will come to our area to pick up her order! Lol
Glad you're back home and taking some down time to re-coup. It's a good reminder for us all to listen to our bodies; to stop and take some time to rest when we wear them thin. Keeping physically prepared is about learning to rest too!
Glad you made it ok Kellene. Rest up and recharge.
Hey Kellene,
I read a really interesting peer reviewed study that showed that the use of wool clothing, including underwear, and bed linens helped lessen the pain in people with fibromyalgia.
Thanks for your interesting blog. :]