and sometimes...

...sometimes home remedies just don't do the trick and one gets sick regardless.

It seems as though I have bronchitis.  The great part about having a nurse for a husband is he has a stethoscope and knows how to use it.  After listening to my lungs J figured there wasn't any fluid (not pneumonia) but my bronchi where mightily inflamed.  I was wheezing, and my chest was rattling!!  It seemed to have started with a mild sinus infection that either moved to my airway or, allowed a second infection to move in.  Regardless, I'm miserable!

I got some recommendations for herbs to use to help with the cough.  I went to Thuna Herbs and they made me a tea.  It tastes like...gross.  Very bitter.  But after 3 doses, it seems to be working...my coughing is less, but actually productive.  (meaning I'm coughing up mucus, rather than coughing for no good reason).  I also too Buckly's so I could sleep better.  Talk about gross.  *sigh*.  I was looking for something without sugar as I had been drinking a lot of honeylemonginger, and I was sugared out.  I took one for a wet cough, that helps with mucus.

I'm feeling somewhat better today.  I couldn't breath yesterday, and felt 80.  I feel at least 40 today.  (ha ha).  still a little wheezy, but much less zombified.

Super sad to have missed Hallowe'en though.

The "cough support" tea was:
1/2 oz horehound
1 oz of each
coltsfoot
thyme
red poppy
nettle

One tbsp *loose* in a mug steeped in very hot water for 20 minutes.  Strain and drink.  Do not add sweeteners, but add lemon juice if you want (I added a half a lemon).  At least three times a day.

Now, this morning I had drank a cup of black coffee before drinking the tea, and the tea was bearable.  maybe the bitter coffee helped with the bitter herbs.  It seems to be helping the sick...lets hope no one eles gets it!

OH!  also, J got his first nursing job today!  YA!

sharing

sharing this give away:

http://www.earthmama101.com/2011/10/sponsor-giveaway-wood-garden.html#idc-container

some super cute wooden toys and bowls.

just a moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.

siiiiiick

I'm not even sure if this post will make any sense...my apologies if it doesn't.

It's SO weird.  I've been feeling myself get sicker and sicker all day.  Fire throat, sore ear, snot and messed up sinuses.  I guess I just normally feel kinda off one day, and then wake up at deaths door.  *This* time it's like watching a bath fill up...it's not really noticeable, but it's getting fuller.  (I told you it wouldn't make sense). 

Instead of whine, I thought I'd share my sick remedies.
1. oregano oil.  I do 3 or 4 drops a few times a day...that's kinda arbitrary...maybe you should follow what the bottle says??
2.  Hot tea. asap.  make a pot.  and then another.  this makes you pee.  A LOT.  I hate peeing.  It's such a bother.  But I suppose it flushes out the sick.
3.  Hot bath with eucalyptus.
4.  Don't let yourself get cold after the bath.  touque, scarf, socks slippers and make yourself into a blanket burrito.  Sweat it out.
5.  Make your spouse go out and buy you lemons and ginger.  Make a hot lemon with chopped ginger, honey (RAW) and a dash of cayenne. (sweat!)
6.  chicken soup.  home made or at least those expensive jars.  you need whole foods, not crap.  In the bottom of the bowl add some
7. raw chopped garlic.  Raw garlic is supposed to be fab for you.  If you can stand it chew a clove!!
8.  Sleep.  in a blanket burrito.  keep sweating, and rest.

oh, and if your throat is sore, gargle salt water.

here's hoping I get better soon!

Workshop Wednesday

My new favourite meal.
It's a pie stew thing.  But with no crust...
I got the idea from a friends leek sausage pie.

With my cast I couldn't do pie crust, and I can't do wheat, so a bought crust was out of the question (and anyway, ewww)

So, turn on your oven to...oh, 350/400, and using a deep oven proof skillet, cook onions and garlic in some olive oil and butter.  I guess it's called 'sweating'.  I didn't want them brown.  Use medium heat.  Then add meat.  Sausage (whole) or chicken thighs...or pork chops!  Turn up the heat some and brown them nice.  Don't turn the heat up too much so the meat cooks a little and the onions and garlic don't burn.  Add the lid and chop your leek, add it, and flip the meat.  Cut a few baby potatoes in half and add them.  Plop on a can of Amy's mushroom soup, along with a half can of water or milk.  If you like stew pie thick mix a couple tablespoons of flour (any flour will do) with the water.   Giver a stir and bring to a boil.  Put a layer of spinach, put on the lid, and stick skillet in oven and cook until the meat and potatoes are done. 

I kinda just made that up...sorry for the vague instructions!  I cooked some brown rice and it was delish!  oooo, I wonder if I added rice to the skillet if it would work!  try it, let me know!

(Amy doesn't know who I am and no one gave me money or product, I just happen to like to use her stuff more than Campbell's or some such)

todat i

saw
the sunrise
an inspiring interview

heard
good 'old' music

smelled
supper
rain

tasted
butter and honey
good earl grey

physically felt
J's hug

emotionally felt
J's love
myself get motivated

Today I

It's time again to start seeing!

Today I:
Saw
smiles from Sunday walkers
opportunities for photographs
a funny squirrel

heard
a live band while walking a trial
a complement
my shutter
Prudence meow

tasted
chocolate cranberry banana bread
stew
fall air

smelled
fall air

physically felt
Prudence's fur
Sam's hug
pain free after getting more homeopathics
sunshine

emotionally felt
calm
pleased
happy

just a moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.

More homeopathy and some life

So, two days later.  I had scaled back the pellets.  More pain!  I'm going to go back to the dose I was doing before and see if it helps.  Very interesting.

No news from the specialist, so I better call.  Sunnybrook ER was great, but I guess ER docs don't hand out info, like how long I'll be in this danged cast.  Harvey is great, but I want my hand back!

Some good news, at least from a friend who's torn finger ligaments.  He didn't have surgery, just physio.  So I have hope that *if* the ligaments where torn, no knives will be involved.

This has thrown me for a loop.  I'm pretty sure I'm depressed!  The little motivation I had before is gone, all I want to do is eat and watch movies.  I almost forgot to go to La and Nat's book launch.  I had even reminded J, and myself several times.  I did make it, with 15 minutes to spare.  I almost turned around too!  (go check out Sparrowling Press!)  Right now my cure is getting up and getting out!

I'm attending a conference with Sister this weekend.  Friends are coming over to watch a movie.  Sounds good.  J is going away to GWs with Pickle, so I'm glad I've got busy!

homeopathy

I am not a huge fan of pain killers.  They are important, and I take them, but sparingly and when I need to be pain free, ie, work or can't back out of something.

I was given a scrip for percoset, and I filled it, without the intention of taking it.  I decided to take homeopathic remedies instead.  I have been taking arnica and symphytum.  My mom has taken only arnica for two relatively minor surgeries, with great success, so I thought I'd give it a go.

So far, 3rd full day after accident, and 2nd after the freezing wore off, I'm feeling pretty good.  There is some discomfort and pain but it's tolerable.  J was saying "wow, you must have a really high tolerance for pain, healing bones are painful!"  I'm going to say it's the remedies! 

learn more about homeopathics here or do your  own google search

Becca, the Grumpy housewife

I need to vent.  Pardon me while I slink over here and throw a mild tantrum.

I'm mighty tired of my cast already.  Harvey is already really dirty.
I can't do up most buttons.
I can't fold laundry.

I haven't tried my camera yet.
I haven't tried to knit.
Might not...I don't want the disappointment.

I can't learn to juggle, or take my driving test.

OK positives...

I can organise our book shelves.  I now have time.
I can visit friends who are available during the day.


pout.

Becca, the gimpy housewife

In two seconds I went to having two jobs and one fully functional hand to maybe one job, and two partially functional hands.
This Saturday I rolled my ankle, fell, and dislocated and fractured my left pinkie.  The ankle is blessedly just fine.  My left hand is in a gutter (half) cast.  We (my darling friend Miss. for the first half and J for the second) where only in the ER for 2 hours.  The worst part was the needles for freezing.  That pain was worth it for the reduction (putting everything back into place).  I just kept saying "woah...that feels so weeiiiiiirrrd". 
I say 2 partially functional hands because Friday I cut my thumb sharpening tools at work!!!  It's quickly on the mend, but some tasks hurt, like hitting the space bar, turning a key, or pulling a zipper.
There is no way to finish the gardening season now.  I'm hoping to be able to get medical leave EI (employment insurance).  I *just* got hired at a new job too.  Not sure how that will work out now.
Well.  At least I can still cook.  Just eating a lamb stew I gimpped together lol.  nice and 'rustic'.
I'm getting tired of one fingered typing...

my new friend Harvey

menu

Sunday: Lamb stew
Monday: Chicken
Tuesday: leftovers
Wednesday: home-made spaghetti
Thursday: chilli (made from spaghetti sauce)
J will be away with Pickle at GW's for the weekend.  Poor eating ensues.

hmm, Maybe I'll post my spaghetti/chilli recipe!

just a moment!

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.

just a moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.

things

Sitting here with an empty screen.  I don't really have much to say these days it seems.
We're keepin' on.  No news is good news.

I'm looking for a new job.  One that doesn't break my back.  I'm planning on working all winter, and not going back to the same gardening job in the spring.  Doing the math, I need to work all winter to get maternity when and if I get pregnant.  I kinda feel like I'm jumping the gun here, but I need to have enough hours (600) to qualify for maternity.  I have to double check, but I don't think I can go on regular EI and then go right on Mat.  (To clarify, I am a seasonal worker, so I get laid off each winter, and get re-hired in the spring)  I suppose I should go talk to someone in regards to that.  The wording is terrifically obscure.

On another note, I helped out/performed this past Saturday for Nuit Blanche, "Vaudville Hotel" 12 hour cabaret featuring burlesque and other vaudeville acts.  Including Edith Checkerspot!  NSFW!!!  Find me (uh, Edith) 'stage kittening' for the first 3 hours and the hoop act at 2:55! (click "Vaudeville Hotel" for the 3 part, 12 hour video!)  I love Edith SO much!