Reintroduction - Alba - Independentmami

Hello.  It has been a minute since I have been here.  Life happened and I decided to take a minute to participate in it.  The online world can sometimes take over the real world.  In my case, at least, that is what was happening.  I started suffering from anxiety and panic attacks.  I had too much on plate.  

I started blogging many years ago to share my life as a single parent just bearly making it.  This blog helped me express myself.  It helped me make new friends.  And I met some of you, readers, in person at events.  It took a person who stood shy in a corner out of her shell.  I loved blogging and sharing my stories.  I even was considered an influencer before it was cool.  They are even making movies about influencers now, which I found so funny.  If you are reading this, you are still following.

Let me catch you on my life now, I took time off.  I went back to school.  And then COVID happened.  I learned to become an online student.  I focused and I was able to complete my Associates degree.

I have only dreamed of going to back to college.  I dropped out of college to be able to focus on raising my son alone over 20 years ago.  And it has always been on my bucket list to finish what I started.  I tell my kids how important a degree is for their future.  This is a first for our family.  

I went to community college.  Here are things I saw: 

Students who I attended classes with at the community college are struggling.  Many have at least 2 jobs to pay to go to school.  The work load was hard.  I went to a full time job during the day and went to school at night.  I had to make time to do my homework and study while being a parent, wife, and employee.  Many of them were not making good grades at time either.  The stories they shared were real struggles about life.  I can see why so many people do not finish school or attempt to go.  Why am I mentioning this?  Because I feel that we need to do better as a society.  If you can help someone in your family, help them.  It does not have to be financial.  If they have a started a family, offer to help with their kids or with dinners.  If you have nieces or nephews, ask if they need brain breaks or a study buddy.  My sister-in-law became my study buddy for my Kinesiology classes.  My mother-in-law helped with my daughter.  My other sister-in-laws took care of dinners sometimes.  Remember I do not have sisters by blood, but God sent me some by marriage.  I am thankful for all the angels that helped me from financial assistance, study buddies, brain breaks, dinners, etc.  

I graduated Spring 2023 with my Associates of Arts Degree.  I applied at the University of Houston Downtown and was accepted.  I planned to start Fall 2023.  I enrolled and was ready to start but then due to life, had to put it on pause again.  I was discouraged that I had to yet again put this one thing on hold but I have priorities as a mother and wife.  And yet again I remind you, to help those that are trying to go to college.  I had someone ask me, "do you even need to go to college?"  The answer is YES!  There are many things that I learned which I applied in my everyday day.  It made me a better person.  Can you make it without it?  Yes, you can.  I have a great job.  I cannot remember who said this or the exact words but it went like this - In life we should continue trying to learn new things and keep the mind busy as this is what helps delay or prevent our brains from letting all slip away.  I do not know about you but my brain already is very forgetful, I am 45.

That is my update.  I am back to blogging.  I will be sharing more of what is going here in the coming weeks.  Stay tuned.  Until next time, be present in your lives.  Do not have FOMO over things that do not matter.  

New Mommy Must Haves - Baby Magic

There is a new bundle of joy in our family for all of us to love on.  No-one can resist those chunky cheeks.  To be honest, I think we all missed having a baby around.

Thanks to Baby Magic for sending samples for review.  All opinions are my own based on my personal experience.

As a seasoned parent of two, I remember that not all moments were happy moments.  There were some baby blues and lots of tears.  Sometimes the tears may or may not have come from the parents not the baby.  I hated seeing my babies irritated or in any type of pain.  A crying baby can send any parent into panic mode.

Some products can have hidden ingredients and can cause irritation to their skin causing slight discomfort to your baby.  

Baby Magic wants to help parents and babies everywhere feel cool, calm and collected with the help of its products.

Baby Magic’s must-haves below:

• Multi-Purpose Hydrogel Patch:

o   Perfect for relieving discomfort from sunburn, rash, fever and overheating

o   Pouch contains two rectangle, customizable patches

o   Helps restore rough, extra-dry skin

o   Dye-free, paraben-free, & steroid-free

-Pro-Tip: Mom (and dad!) can use to soothe adult skin woes, as well, making these patches a dual threat!

• 3-in-1 Wipes:

o    For use on face, hands, and body

o    Suitable for sensitive skin

o    pH balanced 

I know a thing or two about having a baby with sensitive skin.  You cannot just use anything on their precious bodies much less try to use the same wipes on their face.  My daughter's face is still so sensitive to this day. 

When the babies are happy, the parents are happier!

Everyone Loves Grace

Our daughter loves to read.  But I remember that my son did not.  I had to fight with him just to get him to read the minimum required by the school for his homework.  I had to find books that he liked and even then, this was still a challenge that we continuously fought about.  

 

Thanks to Katy McQuaid.  My daughter received a review copy.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Since learning to read, this girl always has a book in her reach.  As she has gotten older, she is getting picky about the books she wants to read.  She is adventurous, so she definitely loves to read stories that take care on adventures.  The adventures take her to places she has never been to or sometimes places she has been to.  

If you can find a great book series, you can make a little reader very happy.  

My daughter loved going on this adventure with Grace.  She was so happy to find out that Grace was a dog.  Because of course, she loves animals.  She was excited to find out that Grace was traveling to Texas.  And the rest, you will have to read on your own.  No spoiler alerts.  I will tell you that this was a book that she did not put down.  She literally read it from start to finish.  And when she was finished, she loved talking about it.  She told me what she learned and wanted to find out what other adventures Grace was going on.  

Katy, the author of the “Everybody Loves Grace” illustrated book series aims to give kids hope and courage as they face life’s many challenges.  The books are based on true stories told from the perspective of Katy’s beloved Finnish Lapphund, Grace.  The inspiring lessons are written in a fun, light, and humorous tone while addressing some of the most challenging situations people encounter in life.

“In summary,” says Katy, “this book series is an acknowledgement that we need to treat each other well, and that we have the ability to have a profound impact on others’ lives with simple acts of kindness.”

Harlem Globe Trotters - Pushing the Limits World Tour

Houston, guess who is coming to town?  The All-New Harlem Globetrotters Pushing The Limits World Tour

Disclosure-This is a sponsored post in collaboration with USFG and the Harlem Globetrotters.  All opinions expressed are my own based on my personal opinion.

Are you looking for something fun to do with the entire family?  I think I have an idea.  Have you ever been to a basketball game?  Get ready to be entertained.

This is more than a basketball game.  It is more than a show.  It is the one and only Harlem Globetrotters in an all-new, larger-than-life world tour.  You'll be on your feet, out of your seat, laughing until it hurts and loving every moment. 

The 5th Quarter - The game isn't over after the final shot!  Meet your favorite Globetrotter courtside after the game to get an autograph and photo.  

Don't miss out - get your tickets today and SAVE 25% for ALL Harlem Globetrotters Games with our promotional code - FUNFAM 

Please note that you must purchase your tickets 14 days before Game Date.  For more information, go to: https://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/world-tour/schedule

Houston dates are February 15 and February 16 at the Fertitta Center at UH.

Wellness Wednesday - Mammograms

Today we are going to talk about mammograms.  My yearly check up calls for a mammogram.  I have been getting them for a couple of years now.  I have had a few scares and it can be quite traumatizing.  So what is a mammogram, what does it really do, and why talk about it?

What is a mammogram?  A mammogram is an x-ray picture that can show Radiologists what is going on inside of the breasts.  There are signs that they look for.  If you have never had one, usually at age 40, you will be recommended to have a screening.  Sometimes younger if there are signs or history of breast cancer in your family history.  I had first mammogram before I hit 40.  I remember being scared of the machine that I had only heard about.  You basically get your boobies squeezed to pancakes in every direction in order to get good pictures by a technician.  By the way, they are not allowed to tell you anything about what they see or your results.  Only your doctor or the radiologists can talk to you about what they see, find, or don't find.  One tip from me is don't go when your boobies are sensitive like right before your period.  Also, don't wear a dress because you will have to undress and de-robe.  And they make you leave all your personal belongings in a locker.  No phones or purses are allowed in exam room.

What is next?  In my case, results are mailed.  If any further testing is needed, I will receive a call from my doctor as well to schedule a diagnosis follow up.  In my case this has happened to me more than once.  It is so scary.  Even though they tell you not to worry, you worry.  You start thinking the worse.  The first time it happened my friend came and met me to be with me.  There was something seen in my left breast that look like a spec.  It could have been left over deodorant, this is why they ask for you not to wear deodorant or lotions the day of your testing.  My diagnostic came back as nothing.  It was a lymph node that needed extra looking at and after reviewing it again, there was no signs of anything.  A lymph node carries fluid like a tunnel from one place to another when there is no blockage.  This year I had another diagnostic follow up that needed to be done.  Like before, I started freaking out and was very concerned.  I am getting older.  I am not sure about you but when they tell you they need to see you again in the doctor's office, everything starts to hurt or feel broken all of a sudden.  My diagnostic showed nothing to worry about.  So I started asking several questions.  Are you looking at the same spot as the spot before?  What are you looking at?  What is the difference in my results?  The radiologists was happy to answer all my questions and put my mind at easy because of all my new found concerns.  The spot that was of concern this time was not the same one as before.  Lymph node is stable, no changes.  This was not what they were looking at.  The spot this time was a mass.  A solid mass that needed to be looked at.  But there was no concern from the radiologists after my 3D mammogram and ultrasound.

2D vs 3D?  I have previously had 2D and have been called back for testing.  I figured 3D would be better pictures.  I also thought that I was not going to be abused by that machine, but nope not happening.  The 2D and 3D are done similar.  But the 3D takes more pictures to compare versus the one shot with 2D.

Ultrasound?  This is like any ultrasound you have seen.  A sonogram of the breast.  It is not as painful as the mammogram but it can cause discomfort after you have had the mammogram pancake tests.  Also, when the technicians and the radiologists have to go over the same area several times.

Results?  These are immediate.  The radiologists came in, ran a few more scans on the ultrasound machine, and then she discussed my results.  It was a huge relief that I got the all clear, see you next year.

Costs?  My mammogram is part of my routine check up.  My diagnostic had to be part of my deductible.  I was mad that they could not fit me in the schedule in December.  Deductibles are calendar year.  They start over in January.  I was able to make a payment and pay the rest by mail.  I know that the hospitals have to get paid but I do not think this just prevent us from getting the health care we need.  What if I did not have the money to pay for my tests?

There are places that offer free mammograms, search online.  Also, do your research.  Ask a lot of questions.  There are no dumb questions.

Have you had any scares?  Any more tips?