My covid-19 journey. The test

So. This is the only picture I’ve taken of it all, but I just thought I’d let y’all in on the process, of all of this, and my personal journey today... 

First, well, I am a single mom and kids nobody but the patient is allowed to enter the clinic, I called to verify this, and then have struggled for two days to find somewhere to send my boys just so I can go get an inhaler (their dad is unwilling and uninvolved)!  After a little (near) begging, I finally got that covered. 

Next, I headed to the urgent care clinic. As I had heard, they DO have a drive-thru covid screening and testing. This is good for us, but sucks for all of them outside in this nasty weather! The nurses doing the screening and testing are under a cover at least, but the intake person is sitting in a chair in the parking lot, and not under any cover 😞 (she had an umbrella and a blanket! That’s it). 

There was one car in front of me, so thankfully not much of a wait (when I left the clinic there was like 5 cars, so I must have gotten there at a good time!) But, since I needed to see a doctor, they sent me to a parking lot on the side, in order to go inside. They then walked me in the “back door” to the clinic. That whole process took maybe 15 min... 

*Side note: I’d like to clarify a “hot topic” I keep seeing floating around on good ‘ol social media... And that is those posts about the healthcare providers not being allowed to wear NEW masks, gowns, etc,.. It’s FALSE. I watched a new nurse come in, and get a brand new “packet” out of their drawer. It included a full surgical mask with “screen guard”, an N95 mask under it, AND a sterile gown, and gloves! And the other screening nurses all had new gear on, as well... So, just so y’all know, folks, our healthcare providers ARE indeed being taken care of, in regards to keeping themselves safe... At least here, for sure! 

Once inside I was given a mask and sent to a “waiting room” in the back that was one of their urgent care rooms. It had 7-8 chairs spread out around the room, and that was it. There was one other person in the waiting area. I waited there, maybe 45 minutes or so? (I really wasn’t watching the clock..) 

After that I was taken to a room. The MA got my info and symptoms and told me it would still be awhile because they only have two docs atm. I waited in that room for maybe another 40-50 minutes. 

Once the doc came in, he knew right away that I didn’t have covid-19, but said he was still going to test me due to my symptoms, due to having kids, and due to me needing to work... He prescribed me 5 different meds, one of which is a steroid in case it gets worse (that’s an absolute last resort for me as I don’t like taking steroids or antibiotics, but I accepted it just in case and so I don’t have to go back later)... Some Cough stuff... And of course the albuterol inhaler that I knew I needed! That whole process was maybe 30 min. (Including fixing my pharmacy to send to the VA)

**Side Note #2: Now, what y’all want to hear about... Is the test as bad as they say it is/was?  [NO.] This new test was just a swab on the back of my throat. Simple. It did gag me just a little bit, but only because my throat is already sensitive... But not anything near as bad as we’ve been hearing about with the original covid-19 test... 

With prescription orders in hand, I then headed to the VA... I walk up to the entrance that you see in this pic and there’s 3 MP “guards” at the door. Even though I was just at the urgent care clinic, I still have to go to the tent on the side for their covid screening. (2 minutes)

At this point, It was now COLD outside. I wait on the outside of the tent. Not sure if I am supposed to just walk in, it was kind of awkward. Finally someone comes out, and lets me in. There were 4 ladies behind tables, with their laptops. And one chair inside for a patient. I explained the situation. They asked if I had gotten authorization for the urgent care and prescription. ([Nope.] I was told with the new law we don’t have to..) Anyways, I then had to make a phone call to get authorized so that I can pick up my prescriptions. About 30 minutes and a few phone calls later, and I got it. One of the techs was attempting to get my approval electronically as well. And she finally did. So she took my prescriptions and ran them into the pharmacy. (45ish min total).

Now... I just got done waiting in my car while they filled the prescriptions... They brought them out to my car, for me. (A little over 1 hour). 

***Side note #3: In regards to wearing masks all around: So, in all my “extra” time waiting, I asked every health professional on this lovely journey today their “opinion” on how effective the wearing of masks is... EVERY SINGLE one of them (at every location) said they’re not. Most did mention that it’s just an extra precaution. It’s a very slim chance that it helps, but it doesn’t hurt any (which I completely agree with). Those of y’all that don’t know, I used to be a scrub technician in the O.R. in the military, and the masks being worn are the same surgical masks. We wear them to protect the patient (from our germs), not the other way around. Those masks do NOT protect germs from coming in, they keep (most of) the germs from going OUT!! So, for instance, by me wearing a mask it DID help to protect from MY germs spreading when I cough, however, if I were to cough directly on to them (without a mask myself), the germs would still enter through their own mask, to them... Does that make sense? One nurse even told me it makes no sense for the general public to wear masks out and about, (for those that are well), unless you’re coughing (which if that’s the case you shouldn’t be out and about anyways, lol)... My doctor was actually quite frustrated with the whole thing and kept taking his off, lol. I mean, it definitely doesn’t hurt any (as each one of the professionals mentioned), but let’s save them for those on the “front lines” and for those that are sick!! Agree?? Ok, glad... Thanks. 🙄 Anyways, there’s your little bit of info for the day 😉 (since I’ve seen this come up many times around here... 🤔) 

My overall synopsis.... First, don’t get sick during this time! Lol. 😷 And second... I am actually very impressed with the organization that has quickly taken place for this. Everyone was so kind and helpful and gracious. Nobody likes being at work right now. Nobody likes having to wear masks, or do their jobs outside, but they are. 

Thank you so very much to ALL of our health care workers! I have acquired a new appreciation for each and every one of you, through this experience! ❤️

A very cold night-- another trial thrown my way

Why do we go through such horrible trials? Why does God allow us to suffer? Why doesn't God stop the devil from his (constant) attacks? For me, it's been 7.5 years! Just when I think I'm listening to God, or just when I'm feeling blessed... BAM!

Monday evening was amazing! My little family and I were able to go to the Chris Tomlin Holy Roar Tour concert, and it was absolutely amazing!.. My 8 year old was praising God, we were all singing, and all left feeling blessed, refreshed, and closer to God and each other. But unfortunately, as it has gone in my life for the last 7+ years, when God blesses me/us, the devil attacks hard! So, i should have seen it coming...

Tues after my iPhone has been crashing and finally almost got me stranded somewhere up north (twice in a week if you include last Sat too) 😩, I decided i needed to just invest in a new phone so i started looking around. Thats when I found a company that I could have internet AND a second line for about the same (or less) than my current carrier... Not to mention actually have service when I visit my parents, lol. Anyways... I was able to get all of that, get a new phone, etc... But it took several hours so we didn't get home until after 7:00. In which we got home to a note on the door-- and ) no power! The note on the door said due to no payment. Except for my bill isn't due until the 17th?!?! (And it was the 12th). Of course I called immediately and no real person would answer. I was literally screaming at the recorder! "THIS IS A F*@%ING EMERGENCY!!!!!"  Finally the recorder says "I'll transfer you to a representative". "YES! THANK YOU!!" lol (was definitely not laughing out loud last night though 😉🤣). Anyways... Real person answered. She literally just kept telling me, "I'm sorry ma'am, this is not an emergency, I am just the emergency person, you will have to call back tomorrow morning." It was everything I could do to not scream at her. I did however tell her this was indeed an emergency! Its 25 freaking degrees outside and I have two young kids! Her response was, "then you'll just have to make other arrangements for the night". Oh, that comment set me off! I straight out told her I am a single parent, we don't have family here and nowhere else to go, that this was their mistake and I KNOW they have an emergency person that can come turn it back on! She refused and just kept telling me that there is nobody because this was not an emergency! She said there was not a damn thing she could do and not a damn other person I  could talk to!! She, of course, COULD take my money though! I was beyond livid!! I literally just hung up on her after I paused for a few seconds, and she said "ma'am are you grabbing your credit card?" Uh, no! I'm pausing and catching my breath before I come through the phone and beat your ass! 😡

Needless to say, the boys and I froze last night! We each had 3 blankets on, (and I like to sleep cold) and we were still cold!! 🥶

I explained in the beginning about the new phone... First of all, that's why we got home "after hours", but also, I had spent 2.5 hours trying to download my e-mail and facebook on my new phone so I could notify the boys' teachers and my boss, but i failed miserably! Since it was a new phone they wanted to verify it. But apparently my password was wrong from FB and then from my e-mail... I know for a fact that my fb e-mail was correct and it even said "you have entered an old password". So I began to realize I had been hacked! I know EXACTLY who hacked it. This person can hack anyone and anything at the click of his finger! I knew it would eventually happen... (probably had already I just didn't know about it 😡) But..... Now I was just straight out defeated (yup! You win, if you're reading this... But do keep in mind the boys are suffering too, and they happen to be your flesh and blood)... No power, freezing cold, and brand new phone is useless! Thankfully my old phone turned back on long enough to retrieve my bosses phone number so I was able to text her. But I wasn't able to contact the boys' teachers.

I have no battery alarm clock so I did not sleep good knowing I wouldn't wake up on time (and being so cold). I kept waking up to check the wall clock! But finally stopped because it was just too cold, so then I wouldn't be able to fall back asleep! Finally, all 3 of us shivering, we got up, got ready, went to charge my phone, and then made that phone call!!

Sure enough..... "I'm sorry. I see you're right. It was our mistake. We'll send someone as soon as we can. You do need to pay $96 though to restore the service, and we'll put it as a credit towards your bill." Are you flipping kidding me?!?!

Needless to say, I was very late to work and the boys to school today! No shower and all. Oh, but it gets even better.... A few weeks ago we got locked out of the car while it was running because the boys accidentally hit the lock button and then went back inside. Well... that happened again this morning!! Jared did it again (accidentally, of course), and I lost it! Last time I couldn't find the spare anywhere so I had to make an insurance claim for a locksmith to come unlock it. But, God knew and unbeknownst to me had prepared me for this the other day. I randomly got tired of all the crap in my room and was cleaning through some random stuff and found the spare (of course was mad at the time since it was about a week too late from the last incident, haha), but of course it was JUST in time for this one! I didn't see it as that at the time this morning. And I definitely didn't see it as a blessing. I was just too mad. But, can you imagine if I would of had to call for a locksmith again ON TOP of freezing last night at avistas "mistake"?!?! Oh. MAN!!!! Thank you God!

For 7.5 years now I have been tested, tempted, and pushed to my breaking. This time it literally just about did it. I'm still not fully "recovered", but I know I've had several prayer warriors praying today. And, in the scheme of things, it's probably also a blessing that I couldn't get on fb last night because I was so livid it would not have been too good...

This blog, and sharing such a fresh, (still open) wound with y'all, is because I just wanted to tell you to keep going. It WILL and does, get better! And you CAN get through it! (A reminder for myself as well). 

Even just a few hours ago as I sat in the Starbucks taking an extended lunch break, charging my phone and  texting my friend/boss, I was ready to just give up and throw the towel in too 😉, but now that I'm back in the world of Facebook and e-mail, (and hopefully got the hack taken care of for now), I am able to think more clearly. Last night was rough. Maybe even the roughest? But most definitely the coldest 😉🙄🥶 lol. But, this evening I am sitting here ready to reflect, ready to count blessings, and even ready to (attempt) to listen to God and His plan... With that said, I must say that the main thing my mom/parents tried to drive out of me is the one thing that has gotten me through these times-- my stubbornness! My drive to keep going. My strength comes from the Lord though, and for that I am thankful! Bring on the next trial, devil.... (and I will be sure to share it with y'all 😉🙈)

20 years

This past weekend I was chatting with a friend from church and she mentioned how her 10-year high school reunion was coming up. In that moment it clicked that my 20-year reunion is coming up next year! 20 YEARS?!?! TWENTY! Oh, my! I hadn't really thought about it until that moment. How in the world has it almost been twenty years since I was in high school? I am SO old! And yet, still feel like that innocent, naive high schooler! 

This has been a rough few months, so of course naturally this revelation has brought back so many memories, both good and bad. Specifically one about how hard forgiveness can be. I decided fo face my "bullies" my sophomore year and return to the small local high school. Eighth grade had been tough for me as it was my first public school experience and I was all but normal. I was shy. I was ugly. I was fat. I was not smart. I was not stylish. And I didn't know too many kids. That was the worst year engrained in my memory! I was bullied and I was silent. One day. One mistake changed my life forever. I'm sure nobody else even remembers it, but I remember it clear as day. Every single detail. The whispers. The looks. The words. The actions. The tears. I was alone through it all. My mom looked the other way and I didn't tell anyone. 

It was my fault. I was naive. I was sick and exhausted and I didn't want to do PE that day. I sucked at Volleyball and trying to fit in and not make a mistake, and be the last one to get picked every time, was all just too much that day. I had a lot on my mind. I didn't realize I was staring as we were changing for PE. My mind was simply wandering, as it always did. 

That day forever changed my life. It took two years before I could face my classmates (and the entire school), and return to that school. And a lot longer before I officially forgave each one of them. Our sophomore year was different though. I came back changed. I was still quiet, but not shy. I was no longer ugly. I was now stylish, skinny, and wore makeup, and I worked hard in advanced classes. I was definitely not popular, but I at least fit in, now. 

My point to this blog is that it took ME going back and facing my classmates our sophomore year to realize that they had changed too. They had grown up too. Although nobody asked for my forgiveness with words, they did with their actions. They were now kind and loving (for the most part). My junior year my parents made me to go to a private boarding school but my senior year I went back and graduated with these same classmates. Although it took several years to fully forgive them and to not let what happened affect my life, I often wonder if I had not gone back would I have been able to forgive? Twenty years later after a lot of counseling and recovery from a divorce, and having to forgive my ex husband (as well as others), I have realized that although not a single one of my classmates asked for my forgiveness, being able to forgive them cleared ME to be able to live MY life fully. It cleared ME of the burden and hatred. It really had nothing to do with them. But had I hung on to what happened, I would still be living with the nightmares and in bitterness and agony! Forgiveness was freeing for ME. And, because of that, I may actually plan on attending my 20-year reunion. Where, although we'll be there to "remember" each other, I know I am blessed to have had each of them in my life. I grew to become a strong and independent mom thanks to each of my classmates! Although they meant for it to hurt, I'm glad I didn't give up. I'm glad I am stubborn and I faced my biggest fear-- and forgiveness was the result. As promised God wiped away my tears and turned them into blessings! Here's to many more reunions together. 

Honest (unbiased) review of Hello Fresh

Well. Here it is folks. I just completed our second week with Hello Fresh. Next week we will be trying Sun Basket. (Maybe others in the future?)

In all honesty, I was a little hesitant from the beginning due to the reviews, but I was pretty desperate so really wanted to give it a shot! 

From the very beginning Hello Fresh kind of let me down. (Don't worry, there ARE also positive things as well. I will explain ALL). But, their website is TERRIBLE! It was so incredibly slow and kept freezing up! I had a hard time scrolling through to order the meals just because it took FOREVER! So I downloaded their app! It literally kept crashing my phone! I thought maybe it was just MY phone?!?! Apparently not. According to the reviews, a lot of people had this same problem. I hope they fix this, as it definitely deterred me and caused me to look into other companies! 

Some of the reviews said their delivery was (days) late. Ours was on our doorstep when we got home from work on Monday. So, that was nice. (Both weeks). But we also live in a fairly large city, so that may help? 

Then the food itself: Many reviews said the produce/food was rotten. So I kind of expected it (but hoped for the best). Unfortunately the reviews were also correct with this. Our second meal on Wednesday had zucchini that had very obviously been frozen, and had the ring on the inside but they were also very clearly old! There were a few other items that were not fresh, but not a huge deal. However, something very disturbing was some soy sauce for a meal our second week was expired! I am debating contacting them about that... (I'll try to post pictures). 

On both a positive and negative side, one of the meals took way less time to prepare than what it stated, but a couple of the meals took a lot more time than was stated. All, however, were very reasonable. 

Is it enough?? Another question asked a lot on the reviews, etc... For those of y'all that know us, you know that my boys eat A LOT!!! I joke that they will eat me bankrupt! And, the answer to this question is a big YES! They say the portions are for two adults (I was worried since most days my oldest will eat more than a grown adult male!!), but most days we even had enough leftovers for lunch the next day (for 1-2). 

I know all of y'all want to know about the dent to your pocketbook.... I began with a $40 off coupon so the first week (3 meals for 2 adults) with shipping was only $20. The second week, however, was about $60 with shipping. (If y'all want a coupon I currently have two coupons left for a FREE week, and a few more for $40 off. Just let me know). The way I look at it though, is that I spend about the same (maybe more) on food and produce and then forget I have it and it goes bad (but that could be just me?!?! 😁). But, either way, it's not too much more (maybe even less) than buying the food myself for a week of meals. And, it's worth it to me just for the fact that I don't have to go to the grocery store every week (or few days)!! 

On a positive side. ALL of the meals were very yummy. Even my boys (6 &7) whom can be very picky loved most of the veggies and all meals but one! Although I am excited to try Sun Basket next week (a lot more options, including vegetarian, gluten-free, paleo, and all organic), I am definitely hooked now! It has been so very nice to not stress about when I'm going to be able to go grocery shopping, and of course (literally) dragging two kids along! And, it's opened up my recipe selection/options! And, encouraged (aka forced) me to actually cook good meals for my family :)

 So, although, overall, I'm not entirely impressed with Hello Fresh, I WILL be using it occasionally (hoping for a better experience with Sun Basket though). And, I have definitely enjoyed the experience. 

Changes

Well friends, family, followers....
As those of y'all whom know me personally know a LOT of changes have occurred since I was last active with this blog. With that said, I am wanting to start again, but will be changing the name, content, and my "profile".

Some days I will be getting personal  with subjects such as life as a single parent, and the realities that entails. I will also be reporting honest reviews of products and services we use regularly. I will be blogging on life as a preschool teacher and all the joys as well as trials that go along with that. And I will even be asking for suggestions, ideas, and "help" when needed. Please join me if any of this is of interest to you.

And if you have any suggestions for a "new" name, please shoot them my way :)

With love,
~Stephanie

Can I truly Thrive?

It has been YEARS since I've "blogged". I've considered starting again, several times, but never have. It has been a whole new life since I last blogged, and A LOT has changed. (Maybe I will blog about that sometime-- haha).

My most recent change is that my exhaustion has caught up to me and I've resorted to serious  and desperate measures! Something I've seen floating around called THRIVE?

I've seen several of my friends going through the "THrive" experience. It's been in the back of my mind for  awhile, but I knew I couldn't really afford it. And my biggest question was, "Does it really work?" Or is it just another scheme to get caught up into. Well, that's what this "new" blog is about... I'm going to document my experience, daily (if possible). I'm going to see if it truly works. And I'm going to be HONEST about it, too...

So... we shall see... Can I truly THIVE?

My first taste

As his brother and parents can attest to, my husband is probably the most accident-prone individual anyone could ever know! Last night was the first (small) taste of that I've gotten since being married to him.

My husband  had a tracheotomy as a child, has been ran over by a car THREE times (not his fault either,) has almost died from salmonella poisoning, has almost died from an allergic reaction to a drug, has broken more bones than anyone I know, and of course has a story to go with all the scars he's attained over the years! God must have a really amazing plan for his life, to make his guardian angel work that much overtime, but I sure am thankful!

Last night, once again, Bryce had an allergic reaction to a drug. I first noticed a fist-size rash on his side in the early afternoon, but we thought it was just a reaction to a spider bite, so he simply applied topical benadryl and continued on with his day. It continued to grow and got puffier and more inflamed. By late afternoon, we noticed several more smaller hives spread throughout his body. By late evening, it suddenly occurred to him that he had taken naproxin for the first time today. I flipped. He was supposed to leave for work at 9:30 and at 9:00 I finally convinced him to go to the ER. By the time he got there his heart rate was up, his fever was high, and he was dizzy. Right away they gave him epinephrine (epi) and benadryl shots. When I got to the ER, his speech was slurred and he couldn't walk straight. Needless to say, even with guilt trips and much complaint from his fellow employees, he did not go to work.

I have dreaded this moment for our entire four years of marriage but had hoped that his "accident-prone" days were over. Thank God it was nothing like the ones before I was around, but it was still too close for me, and I'd prefer not to have any more like it...