Friday, January 30, 2015

Enjoy YOUR weekend....

However you choose to spend it, make sure you count your blessings, and look around at just how lucky we really are.  We are alive.  We are able. And soon this guy will be right back at kayak racing and pushing Randy under.  Summer, we really miss you.



I made the moment to scroll through pictures of years past.  And of course these lit up like a bulb on a tree.
Look at those faces.  Sheer happiness.  Young, happy and able. 

Ava and Kali....at least 4 summers ago...


She's an official tween now....

"ugly laugh" with my then teen--


-Tina and Tori-

Go in peace my friends. Smile at those in need. Remember smiles are free. You might help someone that is desperately trying to just get through just one more day. 


This morning is a cuddle misty cold one, but we hear sunshine is waiting around the corner.
Be safe on Sunday after Super Bowl-I look forward to the commercials and junk food.

Happy Weekend to you friends...

Big hugs, and big cheers!

GO SEAHAWKS!

Lisa Lynn

Thursday, January 29, 2015

These opinions are mine-

A few weeks ago I mentioned our experience with the Flu shot. Most important, the bad reaction Bill had.
I mentioned how sick he's been, and how the last few months have been filtered with good days, and some extremely bad days. More tough and bad days than good.

I don't say these words lightly.  Bill has always been extremely healthy.  He's always worked out.  He's always loved those white sunglasses. He's been so much into his health that at times, I would laugh at his vitamin drawer.  I mean, the aroma that flows from it when he opens and closes it. I've always kind of chuckled.  He's stayed in shape by eating well, and staying dedicated to his early morning gym visits. Each time he'd go to his yearly physical check up, he'd come home and have a clean bill of health, and a banner that would flow from his lips, "mama, you better go get your flu shot"-  We both would just chuckle, because it wasn't the fear of the serum that scared me, it was the needle.  The shot. I basically feel faint anytime I see a needle-  Like, shit your pants scared.
On this particular flu shot, there was no difference in signs.  No difference that day, evening, or the next evening...and days beyond that. Other than a sore arm.  A VERY sore left arm.  He continued to complain about just how much it hurt.  One Friday night he sat down on the couch and really had no desire to go anywhere, and do anything.  He just continued to feel really bad. It was then that I decided that cooking meals at home, and staying in all weekend was the best.  At that point we really hadn't put two and two together, but we just stayed in.  It was November, and it tends to be cold and gloomy anyway so....
We stayed in. During this initial phase, his Dad had just taken a really bad fall, and landed in ICU.
Remember, the room that his Mom was in just months before?  And there he would go, every day after work. Sitting next to his bed til the wee hours of night. Going to work, then going there, and the cycle would go on and on.  The entire time, complaining how bad his body felt.  His legs could barely move. Not to mention his left arm that could hardly be lifted above his head.  Each day I would watch him struggle to get in and out of cars. Moving from his desk chair was a fete in its self.
This went on and on for weeks. His legs wouldn't want to work some days, and soon it'd move into his arms.  Shoulders, and knees. 
We finally decided a doctors appt. would serve him well, and off to his MD he went. We were anxious to see what she would say.  Two of the scary thoughts that crossed both of our minds, yet went unspeakable, was neurological situations.  It was almost overnight, as he got worse, that I sat next to him on the couch, quietly sipping coffee, looking at each other's eyes, and thinking the worst.  Again, unspeakable.  We both didn't want to think of what it could be..All along I had been reading about the flu shot. Reading up on the same symptoms coming from folks all over the country.  {Can't lift arm, can hardly walk, night sweats, painful torturous nights, etc}


Its these thoughts that wake you up.  Realizing that health is way more important than any money in the world. There isn't enough money to keep your partner safe, healthy and able.  Being able to walk, get around, and live this life.  He was pretty much every thing short of needing a cane to walk, and assistance in and out of chairs. Along with the symptoms came night sweats, fatigue and depression. The look on his face said way more than he would.
Week after week, and weekend after weekend, we sat on the couch, or laid in bed.  Trying to get out when we could.  Uncovering the boat, or covering it would be too much a challenge.  So everything just came to a halt.  The best moments for him would be after a cocktail, or two.  It would numb his body.  Most important, his joints.  He always dreaded going to sleep at night because the nights were AWFUL.  I could hear him twist in pain all night. Waking up, to get going was a night mare.

During his first doctor visit he explained his symptoms. He let her pull her remedy trigger, speaking of what meds would "mask" what.  After she finished sharing her thoughts, he gave her his opinion. His time frame, his true symptoms, and all the research we had already completed.  She stood there with a welcoming agreed heart.  She made notes in the system, and agreed, that in fact, it probably is a rare severe reaction.
A referral would soon be made for a Rheumatologist.  Because of family history, he would need a thorough exam with him.  So more blood work, and more tests completed.  To find no good answers.  He was sent home with Prednisone during the first week of December.  And to say he felt awesome is an understatement.  He felt like a rock star. Steroids = Rockstar Mode-

Those first few weeks of December were a roller coaster- In so so many ways.  We'd get through Christmas. Meanwhile he would go back and forth sitting in the hospital next to his Dad, arriving after work, heading home in the wee hours at night.  This went on and on.  Each weekend would come, we'd filter through what we had to, and end up back up on the couch.

Finally he went back to his regular MD during the first weeks of January, and as she stated "This is a severe reaction, it's noted, we are extremely sorry, but it's just a matter of getting you better"- This can takes weeks, months, and hopefully not years.  We just don't know-

During this time, it was a Sunday morning, and we had enough. Our first thought was just juice all organic veggies, and fruits trying to flush this stuff out. As in all juice and fruits all weekend. Like a cleanse- Filled with lemon water, etc. Second thought was to visit a homeopathic doc, and or stop by the nutritionist at Whole Foods and chat with whomever would be willing to listen.  We drove over.  Walked in, and right up to an amazing whole hearted woman.  The kind of woman that as soon as she talks, you know it's a real thing.  She asked why we were there.  We expressed our nightmare of the flu shot, and instantly she smirked, looked at us with compassion in her eyes and said, lets try and flush it. This isn't the first time I've heard of this and here is what you will need. Mind you, she wasn't some cheesy sales girl standing over a certain label, pushing this brand or that.  She wasn't trying to get us to sign up on some pyramid scheme.  She simply said, "these are the things to flush your body"-
Within the first few days he began to feel a difference.  Between Devils Claw to help eliminate the swelling, and the Apple Pectin that rids metals from your bodies, it is this Bio-K that he is living on. (we've also tossed any and everything with chemicals, or is non-organic in soaps, shampoo's, lotions) Holla out to Sprouts and Whole Foods kids.
We sip water with lemons, and I add vodka to mine, jk.  Well, not really but you know...some nights I might.  He takes Turmeric for joint pain.  Her advice was awesome.  Her love to us, was amazing.  This path hasn't been easy.  He still has really good days, and really rough ones. All along I have to say he's kept his spirit in check.  Days that he could easily snap at those around him, he doesn't. He has never been a complainer.  His mama was the same. Pain, and suffering, yet kept a move on.
The last few weeks it has attacked his knees.  We walk across the street to the beach and just bending  his knees to sit down is a challenge.  He says compare it to doing the splits.  You know, trying to bend muscles and ligaments in a way that don't want to. That kind of pain. I put my hand out to help him up, but he refuses. It takes a little bit to make em work, but he wants to do it on his own.

So here you have a severe reaction to the flu shot. My research has taken me through numerous websites. 
www.vaxtruth.org- www.empowher.com- To list a couple- Night after night curled up on my bed reading into this. This shit is real people.  And if you do your homework, and research you will be very enlightened.  I, by no means want to persuade you in any way shape or form to NOT vaccinate your children, family, husband or wife. I am certainly telling you to do research.
Our family WILL NOT get the flu shot EVER again.  I have always opted out.   My Dad and I on the other hand do not agree.  We've gone through a few heated debates. My parents have been deeply concerned, along with my Dad's research.  He still believes in the flu shot. I don't. 
The hype created by the lovely media just sends a message of "protection" versus "preventative"-  Need I mention that both Bill and Kali came down with the flu right after Christmas. Both feverish, headaches, chest filled, down for the count.
It's been my recent belief that during the months of flu season you should take the following precautions.
Wash your hands thoroughly enough.  Which means, even if you only have cold water.  Use soap and scrub vigorously for over a minute.  Do I have dry cracking hands? Hell yes, I do. And I don't care. There's good lotion for that.
Do NOT put your hands near your face, eyes, or lips. This includes picking at your eyes, or teeth.  KEEP THEM OUT.  One of the other things I do, is stay out of crowded public places.  Which means, I shop early during the holiday season, and opt out during the after holiday sales. Not worth it to me.
Plus, it saves me from buying extra junk I probably don't need.
Our family washes the minute we get home, and the minute before we eat.  WHEREVER we are.
Did you know that most of these media signs are paid for by the pharmaceutical companies that are the winners here?  Again, do your homework.Talk about a pyramid scam.  They are trillionaires, while the world is losing kids, adults, and elderly because --you must get vaccinated-- I call bullshit.

My wishes for you all, is that you or your family doesn't EVER get this reaction to whatever you decide as a family.  It's been a scary long road.  Just this morning, as he needs to get up for work, it's a battle.  His legs, his arm, and his entire body has to warm up to even move.

I've enjoyed our nights in.  We've had some really yummy dinners, (thank you pioneer woman for the amazing recipes)- We've enjoyed nights in with the kids.  We've watched movies-not me really, I love to read-

Consider some research.  Thank goodness both doctors have agreed this is just a severe reaction.  As we both know this can be way worse.
My wishes for all the littles who have been affected. That somehow, someway their bodies can eventually fight out the poisonous serum.  I am beyond thankful that I have dodged the bullet, and that both of my kids have with all childhood immunizations.  I pray that this Measles outbreak settles down soon.  Do some research on that.
Stay hydrated.  Take Vitamin D, it's the number one highest source of fighter for your immune system.
I personally drink 4-5 extra large mason jars of water daily, mixed with Vegan-Organic Burst Chlorella Algae. Sounds awful, it's not.  2 tsps in my water daily.  I started drinking it last summer.
Guess who has dodged all the flu bullets?  You can order some here www.organicburst.com- It ships from the UK, grown in organic fields.  Do your research.  It's inexpensive, and a super food, that gives you natural energy, and has extra vitamin D in it.  Trust me kids, trust me.  At least on this.  And vodka in water. juuuust kidding again. well...


Have a happy Thursday kids.

You made it this far.  Wishing you sunshine, and lots and lots of peace.

Big love,

This Mama Lisa- Aka, mama warrior for my handsome stud, and green algae drinker. boom



Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Sunrises, Steel, Sand and Surf-

When they say a swell is due to hit, all the surf rats come out.

As does old timin' hot rodders, and young lads like us.  After cruising a show on Friday night, we'd wake up at the crack o' dawn but fully rested, thankgodwedidn'tpartynightbefore, and off we went.
There's something about the quiet and still of the early morning.  Especially on a Saturday, and the minute we stepped foot outside, we'd both say "hmm offshore winds"-  Which makes for warm winds, and a soggy-less drive.  Love.



We'd scoot by the HB Pier, taking in the absence of crowds. 

And land here.  Donut Derelicts-
 Staring eye to lens with these fellers. 
I've always been "attracted" to the old vintage.  And my eyebrows really pop up when they are original.  I kind of like the rust, and the old interiors. I love the old turn signals, and knobs.  They always captivate me.  It's like you wonder who's touched them. What story does the car carry. I know one thing, they don't make em like this today- 
IF you ever find yourself in the Huntington Beach area on a Saturday early morning....stop by.  You won't be disappointed. Plus, the upside are the donuts. You can NEVER go wrong with a good ol' donut.  Although I have to admit, we skipped them this time, but by gosh, next time you little maple bar, next time.  Bathing suits are massive bastards come April, let me tell you. (on another note, I did another yoga class, and I think I am hooked-but we don't want to talk about sweat and yogi's because we are getting off subject lisa)- How about the red and blue here kids?  Love this.
Sunrise and Steel  ha.




These cars crack me up, don't know why. I imagine myself driving around town in it  DGAF.

See, here's my eharmony attraction-

It's like our noses even match...

I've always loved these cars.  The paint on this beauty is on point-  I can still hear Gaylord chattering into my ear once "You don't want those, they're rattle-boxes"-  I spy horsepower in her, so...maybe just maybe the rumble would cover the rattle-
Here's our beauties...

Well. 


I mean, doesn't this make you want to put on your cutest dress, and sun hat, and just cruise......
What about this.  Yes, take me to the sea shore.  
Bummm, bummm, bummm......There's always a chance of rain at every party- OR donuts.  So ya, there's that.
And the little details like this movie speaker adorning his window.  Talk about take me back.  I can remember asking my Dad to let me have it on my side.  Or arriving too late, and getting shitty parking and knowing that we had shitty parking, but my parents tried to feed us some lines of BS-  but I knew. And most always being told to "go play on the playground", even in our pajama's and sandy as ever, we knew we were diverted from that car for a reason. But hey, I'm happy for those days.  For they "were the days, we just didn't know"-  

I stole 2 kisses from this sweet girl "Dolly"-  Puppy breath can be bottled and sold. 


My Dad continued to ask us all week about the swell...and surf.  After leaving donut land, I'd beg for breakfast on Main St. in Seal and to quickly step out onto the sand for a quick check of this surf comp. My favorite surf shop in all the land. Holla Harbour!


From these pictures you really can't see just how big the swells were rollin' in.  But for Seal, they were crackin!
The temps at a wonderful 75- 
Bill and I headed home so he could go check on Gaylord.  I headed back to Seal to give my toes a facelift.  The longest I've gone without a pedicure, and let's just say, you could easily say I would win an ugly feet contest in 2 seconds flat.  yuck. 
As I'm getting my toes a new life, I received a phone call from my boy "Hey Mom, where you at?"
I'm down at Bogarts getting coffee, and here to check the surf...
Me: Wait there bub, I'm on my way!   Pictured here is a mama with a full heart.
So here is South Side. 
And if there is one of the million things that freak me out, is watching little's by the shore side without parents close by.   At least 10, under the age of 10.  I'm on the pier having a heart attack.  If you look closely, it's usually the inlanders that really have no clue of what can happen.  Scurrrry.....
So there you have it Dad, see how high the tide would go?  Up to the berm they built.


Sunday morning would roll around, soon handing things over to Sunday afternoon. 
A new recipe was cooked, some wine was shared, along with hugs of praise to take on this week.

I can do it.  You can do it.

---Spend your life with who makes you happy-Not who you have to impress---



Happy Tuesday friends-

I hope this week is good to you. If not, well there's always next week-

Remember- Silence is better than bullshit.  So zip your lip if you have to.  And just smile. 

Peace to you,

Leese