Change - Evolve like a Pokemon

Earlier this year I wasn’t doing so well. I felt like life kept knocking me down repeatedly and not allowing me the time to recover. I fought it for months until I realized something: Everything will be ok if you allow it to be. Move into the change and Evolve like a Pokémon. This is the way the universe works. Nothing stays the same. Everything changes, including you.

There were good reasons that things needed to change and once I accepted that and saw the positive and understood why things were happening I was ok with it. Embrace the change and learn from it. Don’t fight it, go through it.

Health Update – Steps to Break my Cycle of Sickness

So in one of my 1^st blogs I wrote about my health issues I was having.  I was constantly sick with bronchitis, strep, etc. and had been put on allergy medicine, inhalers and acid reflux medicine.  I wasn’t improving and so I decided to take matters into my own hands and I’m happy to report, a few years later. I rarely get sick now!

Below are the steps I took in order to break my sickness cycle.

1. Monitor What You Eat - The first thing I did was I started monitoring what I was eating. I used the app My Fitness Pal and logged everything I ate.  This way I could spot a pattern in what I was eating vs when I’d get sick.  As it turns out I was eating WAY too much sugar every day.  This was bad because the bad bacteria in your gut feed off of sugar and I was giving them a feast.  It also didn’t help that all of the antibiotics I was on were killing off my god bacteria.  I cut out sodas, cookie cakes, etc and focused on eating more fruits and vegetables.  This helped a little but I was still getting sick.  I confirmed that I had acid reflux as well.  I had stopped taking my medicine for a week to see how I did and man could I feel it when it started up again.  That caused me stomach issues and for a bit I thought I was having heart trouble but it was just the acid I was feeling in my esophagus.  So I continued to take that medicine.  At some point I’ll find out the exact cause of it.
2. Workout - I started a new workout plan to get the blood moving and to increase my strength.  I did start to feel better and look better but I would still get sick, just not as often.  The annoying this too was when I’d get sick I couldn’t work out due to the nature of my illnesses so I was constantly starting and re-starting over and over again.
3. Sleep - Make sure to get enough sleep every night.  I have trouble sleeping and I noticed that when I only slept a few hours I’d get sick or feel like I was getting sick.  I tried to make my bed as comfy as possible and I used a lavender spray to help.  It doesn’t always work though and I think a big part of why I have trouble sleeping is due to my anxiety.  I’ve been working on this issue as well and will probably write about it in a separate blog.
4. Take a Probiotic - I was on so many antibiotics all the time that all of the good bacteria in my gut were dead.  I needed to replenish them so I started taking a probiotic.  I got mine from a company called Bio Trust but there are other brands that will work just as well.  The bacteria make you crave sugar and I craved it all the time.  It took a while the balance of bacteria straightened out over a few months.
5. Take a Multi Vitamin - No matter how well I was eating I wasn’t able to get 100% of all of the recommended vitamins I needed.  I tried a few brands of multi vitamins but they weren’t really doing the trick.  I ended up trying some products from a company called Yoli that really helped. I take the Passion and Truth packets 2 times a day in a bottle of water.  I mix them together to make a citrus/berry flavor.  I’m not sure if it’s the fact that I’m getting more water or if the vitamins are absorbed better in that form but I almost completed stopped getting sick once I added this step.  Yoli is pretty expensive but it worked for me. I’d recommend trying out a few types of multi-vitamins and depending on the dose you may have to take more than one or take extra doses of specific vitamins.
6. Up your Vitamin D Intake - As I said after taking the multi vitamins my sickness time decreased immensely.  I still got sick about twice a year though and the illnesses I got were no joke.  During my physical I found out that I was deficient in vitamin D so I started taking a supplement.  I took a brand I got from Trader Joe’s. Apparently most people are deficient in vitamin D.

It took a little while after implementing all of these things because I had to get my body back in balance.  It was so out of whack from being sick for so long that it took a few months.  But I haven’t gotten sick since.  I have noticed when I don’t sleep well or have too much sugar that my throat starts to feel scratchy.  I try to get a good night’s rest if that happens and cut the sugar out of my diet for a day or so.  This usually works but if I need a little boost I use a few spritzes of the Cold Ez spray.  Works like a charm every time.  J

This is just what worked for me but hopefully some of you find this helpful.  Especially if your doctor is having trouble putting together all of the pieces to what is making you sick. In my case it was numerous things.

Wizard World Philly and the Debut of Catwoman

So things have been crazy lately but in a good way. I had the pleasure of going to Wizard World Philly for the first time ever a few weeks ago.  Since it was a time for new firsts I thought it fitting to debute my Catwoman cosplay there.  I was pretty happy with the way it turned out.

I went with my good friend Jackie.  She does a lot of DC character cosplays like Harley Quinn and Nightwing.  You can see her stuff here at XaioyuCosplay.

Our hotel turned out to be right across the street from the con which was really convenient.  The first day we just scoped the place out and met with some of the vendors.  It was a good way to learn the layout of the convention.  The room was a suit too which made it even better.

Friday I did my Catwoman cosplay and Jackie did her Nightwing.  We had tons of fun running around the convention.  

One of the best things that happened that day was I got to meet James Marsters!!!!!!!!!

The coolest thing was he knew who we were!  That made me happy because most people know who Catwoman is but not as many know Nightwing unless you are into comics.  I had to get an extra copy of this picture for my mom.  When I told her she freaked out! lol!

There were lots of fun things to see at the convention.  They even had the old school Batmobile, Kit from Knight Ridder and the DeLorean from Back to the Future.

The people running the Batmobile booth liked us so much that they requested us to come back on Saturday to take more picture with the car.

I had a little freak out moment when I saw Kit.  I was so excited.  Luckily I was able to get lots of pictures with him. 

Saturday was the only day that conventions was super crowded.  I wasn't too bad though since the area was huge. 
I started off the day with my Bayonetta cosplay.  Surprisingly a lot of people knew who I was.  I wasn't sure if they would or not since Wizard World is primarily a comic convention.

I had fun running around.  The best quote of the day happened when I was walking past a group of con-goers.  One said "Awe snap! Bayonetta" and it made me laugh.

Later that day I changed back into Catwoman and Jackie and I went back to see the people at the Batmobile booth and got more pictures taken.  
There was another group of DC cosplayers there too and they looked amazing!  Turned out Jackie knew some of them.
We ended up hanging out with them for a good while.

Sunday was basically a get everything you didn't by before, pack up your stuff and go home kind of day.  

I didn't wan to leave because I had so much fun.  Wizard World had some of the nicest cosplayers I've ever met.  The vendors were awesome and there was so much to do!  I will definitely be going again next year!

Jake the Snake Roberts Meeting

This happened. My friend and I got called over to Jake the Snake's table at the ACW show.  He said he needed help with a necklace that was stuck.  We finally figured out how to unclasp it.  He gave us free t-shirts for helping and let us get pictures with him.  He told me I was beautiful! He was so awesome to meet in person!  I was completely star struck! lol

Spiderman Day

Hello!  Today was a Spiderman day!

I have a ton of updates I need to post but have not had the time.  Hopefully I will be able to get to it this week.  (Crosses fingers)

NipponCon 2014

Getting ready for Nipponcon 2014!  Come find me!  I'll be debuting my Hatsune Mike Cosplay as well as judging the cosplay contest at 7pm and helping out with the costuming panel right after. Will I see any of you there today?  :)

https://www.facebook.com/events/384849048285515/

Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale

What does a good father give his child for Christmas?  A shot gun of course!  It might sound like a terrible idea to most people, except for the fact that it will allow the child to defend himself from Santa Claus.  This is not you ordinary Santa though. This Santa is supernatural, likes ginger bread and punishes naughty children when he's not biting people's faces off.  He's also creepy as hell!   I did't want to post the trailer to this awesome movie because it honestly didn't do it justice.  It's one of those movies that draws you in and you can't stop watching it because you need to see what will happen next.  It's crazy and creepy, off the wall but all in all a great dark comedy with an interesting take on Christmas.  Thank you Netflix for the amazing suggestion of Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale!

Stuff for Sale

Cleaning out my closet.  I have a bunch of stuff for sale on my ebay for anyone who's interested.  :)

http://www.ebay.com/sch/sizzler_sister/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25&_trksid=p3686

New Hair

So I just landed a new job as an HR Generalist!  I'm so super excited about it!  ^_^
I start on Monday so I went out today and got a new haircut.  It looks similar to what I had but there are some differences.  Should be good  for the new chapter in my life.  :)

Shoot with Stan Freedman Photography

Yesterday I went to visit a friend of mine, Stan.  It had been over a year sine I had last been able to visit due to illness and other things.  We decided to do a shoot as well while I was visiting.  I had been wanting for a long time to do a series of photo shoots about mythology and fairy tales.  The first of this series was shot yesterday with Stan.  The first theme I decided to do was the Minotaur.  I was so excited with how this turned out!  As soon as I get pictures I will post them on here.

After the shoot we had a cook out on the back deck and had hot dogs and hamburgers.  It was so nice to catch up with him and his wife.  I had missed them terribly.

I spent the whole day there and I loved every minute of it.  As long as I'm able to I would like to keep up with my friends and family more.  I enjoy it and I think it is important to do so.

Here is a shot from the shoot:

Chicken and Basil Goat Cheese Pizza

Since I'm not allowed to have tomatoes I wanted to make a pizza without them.  It actually turned out to be really delicious!  I think I might have to make this my post workout meal.  :)


Ingredients:

• Chicken shredded (I used rotisserie chicken)
• Fresh Basil chopped
• Goat Cheese
• Garlic
• Garlic Powder
• Olive Oil
• Kraft shredded Mexican Cheese blend
• Parmesan cheese shredded
• Whole Grain Tortilla

Directions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
2. Place tortilla on baking sheet
3. Brush with olive oil an sprinkle with garlic powder
4. Chop about 1 or 2 cloves of garlic and spread evenly over tortilla
5. Layer goat cheese, shredded cheese, chicken and basil over the garlic
6. Sprinkle Parmesan on top
7. Bake for about 8 minutes or until cheese has melted 

Gryffindor and Pumpkin Juice

Look what came today!!!
 

Avocado Turkey Melt

I just made the best sandwich ever so I had to share the recipe!  :)

Ingredients:
Avocado
Basil leaves
Lettuce
Slice of American cheese
Turkey
Sesame Seed Bread of Ezekiel 4:9
Mayo

Directions:
Toast the bread until slightly brown.
Spread avocado on 1 slice and a small amount of mayo on the other.
Add cheese to the mayo slice so it melts.
To the other side add turkey and layer the basil and lettuce
Put together the slices and enjoy!

For those of you who can't find Bread of Ezekiel, you can find it at Trader Joe's, Whole Foods and Safeway.  Other stores may sell it as well.

I also think this would be amazing with some tomato slices.  I didn't put any on mine because I'm not supposed to have any with my Acid Reflux.  I highly encourage all of you to add it though.  I bet it would be even better!  :)

So random!  I had to share!  LOL!

Free Comic Book Day

Yesterday was so much fun!  I got up early and got ready.  This me after doing my makeup.  I wanted to be on of the first 100 customers so I could gt a free tote bag full of goodies from Chuck's.

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I got to Chuck's Comics around 8am and was 7th in line!  I read The Hunger Games while I waiting in line and talked to a few friends that worked there while they were setting up.  They handed out tickets with numbers on them for the free totes.  I actually ended up getting #6 because kids couldn't get the.  When we were allowed in the place was packed but luckily I knew exactly what I wanted.  I ended up getting 2 trades, ll New X-Men and The Uncanny Avengers.  I had to wait in line almost an hour but I got to fill out tickets for 2 chances to win a prize.  Then I headed over to get my free bag of stuff.  It was amazing!  There must have been about $80 to $100 worth of stuff: Avengers trade, Giant Marvel book, Spiderman and Batman Comics, a Chucks bobble head and a hero click.
I hung out with my friends who worked there for a bit, then got lunch at Arby's.  When I was finished eating my boyfriend said he was off of work so I swung by his place and then we both headed back to Chuck's to buy more stuff.  lol!  He got a box full of comics for $10 plus a bunch of back issues he was missing.  I gave him most of my free stuff but kept the hero click and a Batman issue.
After we were done shopping he took me to see Ironman 3 which was really good. I highly recommend it!  Then he trated me to dinner at Chick-Fil-A!
It was a great day and exceeded my expectations in every way.

Free Comic Book Day is Tomorrow

YES!!!  I'm so excited for tomorrow!  It's free comic book day and I'm getting up early to go start my day of comic book shopping!  :)
After that my boyfriend is taking me to see Ironman 3!
I can't wait!
Tomorrow is going to be a good day.  :)

Doctor Who

I'm tired of the rain!  I miss the sunshine!  I didn't get to outside today because of it.  Too chilly for my taste.
I also didn't get my new Acid Reflux medicine.  When I went to he pharmacy they were super busy so I will have to pick it up tomorrow.
I decided in the meantime to watch some Doctor Who.  I've been re-watching it starting with the first season staring Christopher Eccleston from 2005 and have worked my way up to Season 5.  I think David Tennant is still my favorite Doctor.  I haven't seen a lot of the Matt Smith episodes though so he may grow on me.
My belly is calling me.  Time to scrounge up something to eat!  :)

The Answer To All my Health Issues.....Hopefully.

For a long time now, ever since I was little, I've been battling constant illness.  I would usually get Bronchitis but in more recent years I've been getting Strep Throat, Tonsillitis and Pneumonia. NOT good stuff.  I've been to many doctors to try to figure out what was wrong with me.  At first they thought it was Allergies and I was to take allergy medication every day.  I would still get sick though, just not as often.  So I went to an allergist.  They tested me for all of the normal stuff and it turns out I wasn't allergic to anything.  My Allergist said it was probably some kind of allergic Asthma but he wasn't sure.  Still he wanted to treat me for to see if I'd improve.  I was put on nasal sprays and inhalers.  I still got sick.

Today I went to see new doctor, an ear, nose and throat specialist.  He was surprised I was not allergic to anything and said that's normally what causes that type of thing.  I had to inhale some misty stuff that numbed my nose and throat and then the doctor put a tiny camera attached to a wire up my nose, checking my sinuses and then down my throat.  What he found was that my esophagus was red and irritated including the bottom of my voice box.  Apparently I have Acid Reflux disease but didn't know it.  He said this is 2nd most common thing that can cause constant illness like I've been experiencing.  I'm being put on medication for it so hopefully I will be healthier soon.

This means that I will have to cut out carbonated beverages, caffeine, chocolate,  citrus and tomatoes which is going to be HARD.  Not so much the tomato/citrus part.  It's the caffeine and carbonated beverage part.  I usually have a soda a day.  I've cut down to 2 sugary sodas a week but I still have a Zevia on my off days which is carbonated.
I'll keep updating this blog on my progress but now it's time to play some Dragon Age.  :)

Veggie Egg Bake Recipie

I'm still not feeling well today and have mostly stayed in bed.  I did have enough energy to make some food though.  I ended up making an egg bake with lots of veggies.  It was really good.  So good in fact that I ate 2 servings of it!  Since I have not had an appetite this was really great and WAY better than pigging out on junk food like I did the other day.

Here is the recipe:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

You will need:
12 eggs
veggies ( I used a bag of frozen spinach, a green pepper, onion and tomato.)
goat cheese
salt
pepper

I cracked 12 eggs and mixed them up in a bowel and added to it, 1 bag of frozen spinach, 1 tomato chopped, 1 onion chopped, and 1 green pepper chopped.
Add seasonings to taste.  I used salt and pepper but you can use whatever you want.
Top it off with goat cheese and bake for about 30 minutes.

Serve and enjoy!  I did.

The best part about this dish is that it makes a lot so you will have breakfast for the week.  :)

Sick

There's so much I wanted to do today but of course I get Tonsillitis.  :(  I am not a happy camper right now.  I've been eating a LOT of junk food today too which I realize is not the smartest or healthiest thing in the world and yet I keep shoveling it down anyway.  I did manage to make it to the store this week though so I do have health food makings available.  Maybe tomorrow I will make something healthy to eat.  I've been on meds now for almost 2 weeks and I only have 4 doses left.  Hopefully I will be feeling better soon so I can start back on my workout schedule.