Chick Chatter

Life after a Kidney Transplant

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 10:52:00 +0000

Life after a Kidney Transplant

Before I began I want to share a little history before the transplant. I was born with deformed kidneys and when I was four I had to undergo reconstructive surgery however, this surgery and everything else that came after it lead to me having renal failure. When I was 19 years old I was told that my creatine level was 13 and I would have to start dialysis. For a normal person creatine is about 0.1 to 0.5 so, as your can see I was way up there. I was on dialysis for around 6 months before a wonderful man from my church donated his kidney to me.

I had my transplant on January 22, 2004 at the age of 19 two months before my 20^th birthday. At first, I had minor rejection due to the fact that my immune system was higher than they had thought so; they put me on higher doses of medicines. I was taking 45 pills a day at that time. I stayed at the hospital for two and a half weeks having all sorts of tests done and to make sure I was no longer rejecting. I have to say having a transplant is nothing like I thought it would be there are many pros and cons to having a transplant. Please don't get me wrong I am so very grateful for being alive and for having this gift from God thru my donor. In this article I want to share with you some of the pros and cons that have occurred in my life.

I will start off with the pros of a kidney transplant. Of course the first pro is that I am alive and able to have plenty of time with my family and friends. The second pro is the fact that my kidneys do not hurt all the time. Thirdly, I no longer sleep for 20 hours a day which is what I was doing before and during dialysis. The fourth is that I no longer need dialysis; dialysis is done three days a week for three to four hours which is a long time of just sitting because you are unable to get up. An important pro to me is, I am now able to have children which I wasn't allowed to have before so I am extremely grateful for that I love children so much and can't wait to have some of my own one day. Lastly, I look healthier and feel a little better; however, feeling better doesn't happen all the time which leads me to my con list.

Again, let me say I am grateful and glad I had my transplant. My first con about my transplant is the fact that I have to take medication for the rest of my life and I can not forget it or be late at taking it otherwise I run a risk of rejecting. They set a time two times a day for you to take your pills and if you are late like say three hours you can not take your medication. Due to my medications I have gained thirty pounds which is my second con. I had been told when I was younger that I would lose weight once I had a transplant because my kidney's would be working and all the fluids would come off of me the medication also coz your face to have a bloated round shape to it which they call the moon face. Thirdly, I have a lower immune system which causes me to get sick very easily and this causes me not to be able to go school which I having been trying to for the last year and half but, I keep getting sick and having to quit because I can't catch up on the work. Fourthly, I have a huge scar on my stomach from where they put the kidney and my kidney sticks out because it is too big for my body which causes me some discomfort when wearing clothes because it feels like it is squishing it or causing it to move. My final con is that I now suffer from mild depression due to medication and have to take depression medication as well. Which works wonders everyone noticed a big change in me once I started taking it.

I hope I have given you some insight on transplants. I would recommend to anyone who needs a transplant to get one but to know that there are some downsides to having one. I feel very privilege to be one of the lucky few in the world to have gotten one. I want to thanks my family and my donor for supporting me through everything.

Please visit my site at http://hrs-jewlery-box.com

Lady Bug Rock Art – Fun for you and the Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 13 Aug 2006 16:11:00 +0000

A little red ladybug hiding in your potted plant is an adorable accessory and enhances the beauty of your plant. A few ladybugs by your back door are a welcome invitation to visitors. A ladybug or two hidden next to your favorite plant in your garden increases its attractiveness.

You and your kiddies can easily create these little creatures of delight. Send the kids to scout for oval or round rocks (these are easily found in or near river banks). Once you’ve collected a dozen or so, purchase red spray paint, clear coat or clear sealant spray paint, black and white acrylic bottle paint and a few small paintbrushes.

Spray all your little rocks red. You can spray the entire body or just the top (I like to leave the bottom rock color; then show everyone that it was once just a rock). Once the paint dries, you (and/or your kiddies) can begin painting the black head, the black antennae, and the black spots. Allow them to completely dry. Then you are ready to paint the white eyes and the white mouths (I only do this on the larger ladybugs; very tiny pebbles are hard to paint small details on). After your face is complete and your rock has completely dried, you are ready to apply your clear coat or sealant; be sure to cover then entire rock surface. Let dry.

Now you have a Ladybug family! You can place them together or separately in potted plants, gardens, doorway entries, and any other little places that you’d think they would like to live! Mix and match and move them around so they can be adventurous and visit with one another every once in a while.

I create these little creatures frequently along with many other ‘creature art’. However, my little rock creations begin by carving the rock out. Not only is the slight 3D effect pleasant to the eyes, but it’s also a stress relieving delight for your fingers. Visit my store http://creaturesrock.com to see and purchase my creations.

Article written by Tina Hesskew and co-author and monitor of Chick Chatter blog.

Cheaper ways to get your family Healthy

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 12 Aug 2006 02:11:00 +0000

Did you know that canned foods are a cheaper way to meet your nutritional goals every day.

As of August 7, 2006 the USDA(United State Division of Agriculture) have decided to allow women and children on WIC to now be able to purchase canned fruits and veggies. In addition to adding canned fruits and vegetables, the proposal now allows specific types of canned beans and peas as a substitution for dry mature beans and peas. Canned light tuna will continue to be accepted, however the proposed amount has increased 4 oz. and will allow for 30 oz. total. The proposal also now accepts canned salmon and sardines as approved alternatives.

Studies have shown that when prepared canned foods are as good for you as their cooked fresh and frozen counterparts. Canned foods can be as much as 200% cheaper than Fresh or frozen. Some examples would be fresh cherries compared to canned cherries, fresh cherries here are like $2.99 a pound and you can get canned cherries for 77 cents that is a huge difference. Another one is, fresh spinach that is around $2.00 a package and canned spinach is for around $0.99.

So come on ladies, let stock up on those tasty canned goods and get our families healthier.

Lazy Afternoon

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 08 Aug 2006 03:21:00 +0000

My lazy afternoon

What is it about those lazy afternoons that are so special?

Well for me its the fact that I have nothing of importance to do and can spend time doing things I enjoy. On one of those particular days. I decided I would spend some time out in the backyard with my dogs, Dizzi and Onyx, and my beading. I made myself a drink called Honey Limeade (recipe below). After, making my drink we headed outside. I head straight to my favorite spot and go sit at our picnic table underneath my tree, its one of those big tall full of leaves kind of trees that just make you feel relaxed and at one with all of God's creatures. Before, I get a chance to take a sip of my delicious drink much less start my beading, my dogs are jumping around begging me to play with them. How can I resist their cute little faces so, what other choice do I have than to play with them. One of there favorite games is to chase me around the yard thus we play that until I'm am out of breathe and ready for a break. Sitting back down, while my dogs look sad and upset that their "mommy" doesn't feel like playing anymore and then looking at each as if say, oh well they run away picking up a stick and fighting over it. Finally, able to enjoy some relaxing time I take a long refreshing drink and start on my beading I decided to try something new and began making a beaded bookmark. After about 30 minutes I complete my little bookmark which turns out to be one of my favorites its got two dragonfly charms on the end with pink beads as the strand/bookmark part. Deciding that its probably time to go inside and start super I enjoy a few minutes of just looking out at the beautiful scenery. Reluctantly I call in my dogs and we head back inside to start a busy evening. If you want to see what I do on other lazy afternoons just visit My Jewelry Box.

Honey Limeade:

5c water

1c lime juice

2/3cp sugar

2tbsp honey

2 frozen kiwis sliced

Combine all ingredients and enjoy.

Larry the Tiny Ant

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 05 Aug 2006 16:50:00 +0000

Ever so slowly Larry the tiny ant,
crawled up the huge plant.
At it's tip the stem held a purple flower.
Each pedal held nutrients of great power.
Larry harvested a large piece from one of it's pedals.
For this, he knew, he would recieve applause and medals.

To deliver this healing spirit; he must past the ant lion's bed.
To fall in would result in more than the loss of his head.
He must be careful with every step,
one little slip and there would be no help.

He heard loud pounding beats in his heart,
but he knew this would be so, from the start,
He had to be alert and brave,
for the life of his Queen he must save.
To fail would be worse than a felony,
but to succeed, meant the world to his colony.

A steady pace he kept,
over sticks and rocks, he leapt.
Around the corner, and under the knot of the tree,
were the scared faces of his Queen and loving family.
The fear was gone from the trouble he had faced,
the stone pathway to the throne, he traced.

He bent down on one knee,
and presented her majesty,
with the powerful purple pedal piece,
that would lead her to health and inner peace.
She took the spirit and held it close,
then she swallowed the healing dose.

As her sad pale face turned bright and merry,
she rose and smiled, and said to Larry:

"You have saved my life with your brave plight.
Lower you head, my dear one, for I dub you - Sir Knight!"
The colony screamed with joy and admiration,
restored happiness was promised for the rest of their duration.

"Hail Queen Beatrice, for now she will live long,
thanks to Sir Knight Larry, the brave and strong."

Crazy poem by Tina Hesskew
Please do not copy or post this without my permission.

Creating Tiny Gardens of Weight Loss and Inner Gain

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 04 Aug 2006 18:58:00 +0000

About a month ago, I decided to diet. I had tried a few crazy diet programs before, but never stuck with them, some not even for two days. I remember the only time I did successfully diet, was a diet that I made for myself. I truly believe it's the ONLY way one can diet. It must be a diet you create for yourself, one you know you can stick too. Yes, you must cut down on fat and calories, but if you surround yourself with low fat food and low calories foods of YOUR choice, you can definitely succeed.

Okay, so the other side of cutting down on food intake is to exercise. Let's face it; if you had the energy to do that, you wouldn't need to diet in the first place! I am a firm believer in vitamins, supplements and homeopathy. So the first thing I did was visit Vitacost.com and locate medications that suited MY diet plan and ME. It took only a few days for my pills and green tea to arrive and I started taking them immediately. I ate less, felt better (no more acid reflux) and had the urge to just go do something. Even though I have a little exercise routine that I found online, I really feel that I need to DO something. Something that requires energy and makes sweat AND allows me to Accomplish something. Nothing compares to the euphoria feeling of exercising and accomplishing something when you are on a diet.

I know it's hot this time of year, but you can always go outside early morning or late evening and there's bound to be shade somewhere. Or make a sensible expenditure of a big 'ol umbrella and make your own shade. I've got many little projects to work on outside, but my favorite is working on my little garden. I plan on making many more and even smaller. Not only do I feel the wonderful sensation of accomplishment, but gardening is also therapeutic.

Okay for those of you who can't grow a thing..... I didn't say you had to plant one single thing!!

Your goal is to move around and create; i.e., exercise and accomplish, resulting in euphoria. Then sit back under a shade and sip on tea or water and reflect, enjoy, meditate, and relax. The whole purpose of this, is when you feel Good, you'll want to keep feeling that way. It will become a habit for you; at least it has for me.

So what kind of garden can you make? There are a MILLION ideas. Of course, you could make a rock garden, herb garden, glass bottle garden, and so much more. But I have a few little ideas, which are neat and fun.

Have you ever heard of Fairy Houses? Just do a google search and browse all the websites. You can even find several ideas on how to build your own. If you have a child or grandchild, this can be a project for the both of you. Not only are you accomplishing your goal (of exercising and accomplishing), but also you'll be spending quality time with someone who loves you. If you don't feel like searching, let me just say, you build fairy houses with whatever you find lying around (don't pull or cut anything that's living; fairies don't like that!). Fallen bark off an old tree, twigs, rocks, shells, and birdseeds make a wonderful start to a happy little home.

How about a shadow garden? This is a garden best made at the base of a tree with items that are weather tolerable. First you'll need to clean the ground at the base of your tree, removing all sticks, unwanted rocks, and other debris. Then decide on your items. You can buy tons of little garden decors at your local dollar store, but it's a lot more fun to make your own. Use your imagination. Have some red and black paint? Locate some oval or round rocks. Paint them red and then put black spots, black head and black antennae for an adorable little Ladybug (spray with clear coat or high gloss enamel). A real cute idea it to select three rocks; two large and one small for a Ladybug family. Set these at the base of you tree. You can make them little homes from rocks of various sizes. You can place a terracotta pot plant next to them. At the base of it paint a little door and windows, making it appear as the families home. Take tiny pebbles and incircle the families area, or then entire tree base. Again, use your imagination. (By the way, I create the little bugs mentioned here, but I began by carving the rock, giving is a slight beautiful 3D effect, which also is wonderful stress relief for your fingers. I'll have them available at my store soon (by the time you read this, they might already be listed!)

Another great garden idea is to Plant Yourself! This takes a little more physical labor than the above two, but it is well worth it. You need rocks of all sizes, and one large enough for you caboose. You want to arrange the rocks in a design that is appealing to you. I used a circle; resembling an Indian spirit circle or medicine wheel. I placed a large rock in the middle that can be used to stand on or to sit on. I placed four other rocks inside of the circle to represent to four directions. I placed a very large rock next to the circle; for me to sit on. I created a fairy house next to the circle, and built a large garden on the other side of the circle, so I can sit on my large rock and see the circle, the fairy house and the garden. I create and change this all of the time. So I have a place to plant my butt and just relax and reflect. I feel so wonderful because I exercised in the process, but because I was enjoying myself, I did not notice it.

I hope I have inspired you to create something. Work a little on your creation every other day, or whenever you can grab the time. You will be accomplishing so much for yourself by doing this. You will notice how better you feel in Mind, Spirit and Body. Enjoy your creations and use them as places of relaxation, mediation, prayer, and whatever else you can think of - that You Would enjoy. The reason you started to diet, was to feel better right? Obtain that goal by doing more than just dieting and exercising. You will find that creating little gardens of joy easily fits in with your self-made diet program wonderfully. Enjoy!

I know I do.

Tina

cool Dress up chicks

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 22:47:00 +0000

I found this awesome link the other night. It's a bunch of dress up dolls for girls my nieces and I made these cute dolls. Its free and keep everyone entertained, I'm not gonna lie I had lots of fun making the dolls myself LoL. Tehee... Can you guess which one I made? Tehee
Make dolls here
Heather<><

The First Post

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 18:36:00 +0000

Welcome to Chick Chatter! Where Two Chicks Blab about whatever they feel like. Come, grab a cup of passion; you know you deserve a five minute break anyway.

Tina