Friday, January 27, 2012

Mom's Home


Guest post written by our friend Jan Petersen

My mom has been asking me about Direct TV Newark for the new house because apparently dad really misses all the football channels he had at the old place. They recently bought this small ranch-style house because they were looking to downsize after years of living in a way too big five-bedroom. I'm really happy that they are making some changes that will make their life easier but if mom doesn't stop calling me asking house questions I think I'm going to go crazy. It's like I'm her personal decorator turned real estate agent and sometimes I just can't keep up with all of her house issues as well as all the things I have going on in my own life. The next thing you know she's going to ask me to come over and help her decorate the place and that's where I'm going to have to draw the line. Even my own house isn't even close to being decorated the way I want it to be so I can't start on hers yet. 

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Direct from Lab:Dental Guards


From past experience, from the damage that Cipro did to my feet, I purchased Custom Made Orthotics online, from a kit that was mailed to me. I saved a ton of money by using an online, direct from the lab, website. I have been wearing these orthotics every day for almost two years. I am completely satisfied with my purchase, and am now going to purchase a Custom Dental Night Guard from another, online, direct to you lab.

Recently, I had a crown put on a tooth that broke, due to a very old filling. While I was in the dental chair, waiting for the dentist, I saw a small manila envelope with my name on it. I picked it up and looked inside; there was my crown and the invoice for the crown. I was being charged, by my dentist, $895 for the crown; the invoice for the crown was $49.95. Quite a mark-up wouldn’t you say? I have yet to get over that crazy mark-up, so I was very pleased to see a direct to you dental lab that is custom making dental guards, from actual impressions of your teeth, and mailing them directly back to you.

So, if you know that you are in need of a dental guard because you grind your teeth at night, or you suffer from TMJ, or you just want trays for professional whitening, without going to the dentist and paying, not only for their expertise, but there mark-yup, too; then you might wasn’t to check out Direct from the Lab. They seem to offer a variety of dental guards, and maybe someday they will offer crowns, too!

Open Back Surgery


When faced with the probability of open back surgery, it is imperative to do your homework. There are different approaches and options and you should be certain to investigate each and every one. It seems as though there are different techniques, and in my opinion, the least invasive procedure would me my choice.

Open back surgery can be performed through an AccuraScope D.N.D. which is a minimally invasive surgery that requires less damage to the skin, muscle, ligaments, bone, blood vessels, nerves, and normal disc tissue that the more traditional open back surgery. This not only increases your success rate, but also lessens your recovery period.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Not Spending Valentine's Day in the Hospital this Year!


With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, I am starting to look around for unusual gifts for him…..if you know what I mean. Valentine’s Day is supposed to be a special day, and I often find myself a bit overwhelmed when trying to choose a perfect gift.

Last year, my “perfect gift” was actually leaving the hospital, after spending eight days being treated for chronic myelogenous leukemia. While I still have CML, it is much more under control, and I have been able to stay out of the hospital for almost the entire year. That has been wonderful….but now the pressure is on! What do you get a guy that needs nothing, and has everything? We still have massages and wine tasting from Santa, so that will not do, and I am not getting into a hot air balloon or jumping out of a plane, soooooo…….suggestions, Please!

Love to Buy Fabric Online!


One of my greatest weaknesses is my love of fabrics and beads. Having been an interior designer for the past 30-ish years, it is apparent that I pay a bit more attention to the fabrics, that I see, than most people. With the availability to now purchase fabrics on-line, I have been able to afford to purchase P Kaufmann fabric, instead of a knockoff. Fabric and bead sites offer a great variety and price, to otherwise, often un-affordable goods. Now I am able to point and click, save money, and get exactly what I want without ever leaving home! Love it!!

My current project is creating "Gone with the Wind" draperies for my best friends, "Gone with the Wind" memorabilia room. She and I just both love "Gone with the Wind," whether it is the book of the movie. She has the greatest collection ever, and I cannot wait to see her completed room. Of course, this means that I need to get my act in gear and get those draperies sewn. Pictures will definitely follow!

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

New Year Cipro Goal!


OK, so the New Year has brought on a new and renewed vow to continue to strengthen my Cipro poisoned body. It has been nearly two years since I was poisoned, for the second time, by the anti-biotic called Cipro, or Ciprofloxen. I feel as though I am one of the very fortunate, as I have seen a remarkable improvement to my condition over the past 6 months.

I am now able to use and bend my toes again, and am also able to go up and down stair cases, like a normal person. I no longer feel as though my Achilles will rupture if I a wrong step, or that my knees will blow out if I waltz. I am no longer, regularly dependent upon braces on my feet, ankle and knees and can get in and out of the bath tub, without help. All of this is a huge improvement and I am eternally grateful.

So, this year, I am going to attempt to continue to strengthen by damaged body, in an attempt to return to my pre-Cipro poisoned body. One of the way that I am going to do so, is yoga, the other is walking. Being that I am a dancer, the walking must include tunes! For Christmas, “Santa” got me the coolest bluetooth stereo headphones; I absolutely love them, since there is no dangling wire. I know that this may not seem like a big deal to some, but it is for me. You see, even though I am a dancer, I am also a klutz. Before, when I used to walk with my I Pod, I had the headphones that connected to it; and as I walked, I would yank the daggone ear buds out of my ears at least four or five time on every walk. Now, with the bluetooth stereo headphones, not only can I hear music in both ears, I can actually swing my arms around to the music without pulling the headphones out of my ears.

Yes, if you ever see me walking down the road, I will be the person that everyone is pointing and laughing at! Cheers, to me!