Today's Moment: Near Death

Here is Today's Moment for your Consideration: Near Death

I almost died last night.

Or thought it.

All three of us (Hubby, me and Son) had had a reasonably-good day yesterday. Stressed about money, health, the weather, and did I say money? but still we were looking forward to another Family Fun Time after dinner. As we ate, we were laughing and joking about our next (and our last) house that we need to start searching for soon. Giggling and laughing and having fun.

I must have inhaled some dinner instead of swallowing; that part is fuzzy. Suddenly, I couldn't breathe. Hubby and Son continued making jokes as I struggled to get a cough out. Success but only out. I couldn't inhale. Another cough out. And another. They got concerned but I couldn't say anything. I didn't even have the presence of mind to give the sign for "choking" (hands cross over throat). The thoughts that went through my head: "I can't leave my baby - he's too young" and "no sense for Hubby to look for a new house" and "what did I inhale - a baseball?". I grabbed my napkin as I felt my stomach contents try to push the particle aside. Still couldn't inhale as I made my way to the kitchen (why? I don't know). Finally, as a yellow cloud started to envelope me, the particle came up and I breathed. Again. And again. I finally got enough air, in between more coughing to get my respiratory system going again.

The particle was about the size of a pinto bean.

Nobody ever discusses how choking makes one feel afterwards. I sat on the couch, unable to move except for coughing a couple of times a minute. It finally slowed down to where I could hold a conversation. But didn't want to. Unbelievable pain. My neck and collar bones hurt from the coughing. The back bottom part of my head felt like it would split, as well as the front and temples. I felt like I'd been beaten up.

I dragged myself up the stairs. Literally. I was on my hands and knees, with Hubby following. I crawled into bed, turned out the lights, and lay there with the Chihuahua snuggled against me. "Isn't it funny how dogs can sense things?" After Hubby tucked me in then put my dinner away and joined Son downstairs for a while, Hubby brought the rest of his dinner up to the bedroom while Son got ready for bed. Hubby finished eating while Son lay beside me, telling me stories to help me calm down. Then Hubby "sandwiched" me, until Son got up to finish brushing his teeth, and went to his room to read.

Once I could swallow again, I took three pain killers, and an hour or so later, another two. I cuddled the dog and later, Hubby as we tried to sleep. He slept. Dog and I didn't. The night was long in passing, but when morning came, I felt a little better.

I probably wasn't very close to an actual near-death experience, but as I was going through the moment, it felt very real. Gave me a chance to be thankful for living.

Today's Moment: Survival and Disaster Preparedness

Here's today's "Take a Moment": Survival

Ugh. Survival. So many people think a survivalist is a person who believes the end of the world is coming, and wants to be ready to kill anyone who takes away his store of beans and ammo.

According to Wikipedia, "Survivalism is a commonly used term for the preparedness strategy and subculture of individuals or groups anticipating and making preparations for future possible disruptions in local, regional or worldwide social or political order. Survivalists often prepare for this anticipated disruption by learning skills (e.g., emergency medical training), stockpiling food and water, preparing for self-defense and self-sufficiency, and/or building structures that will help them to survive or "disappear" (e.g., a survival retreat or underground shelter). " (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Survivalism).

In our opinion, a Survivalist is someone who prepares for the worst and hopes for the best.

Please continue reading all of our blogs... we are putting together lots of tips about lots of things! Meanwhile, pick up a big bag of rice and some honey next time you go to Sam's or Costco.

Today's Moment: Favorite Food

Here's today's "Take a Moment": Favorite Food

What is your absolute, must-have, favorite food? Chocolate? Pizza? Burgers? Carrot Cake? Fish and Chips? Hot Dogs? Turkey and Dressing? Chicken Nuggets? Sodas and Shakes? Ice Cream?

Why did you choose this as your favorite food? Comfort? Memories? Taste? Additives? Convenience?

If your favorite food isn't healthy, what can we do about it? First, we need to understand that health is wealth in this world. If we are healthy, we can work, and will spend less time at the doctors and less money at the pharmacy. Don't care much for healthy foods? Retrain your palate. That's we're planning to do in the year 2009. Nutrient-dense food feels so satisfying and leaves us feeling full. Junk food makes us crave more junk food.

Plan your schedule around eating. Eat about the same time every day, making sure to ingest something (including snacks) every 3 hours or so. Focus on non-processed foods (unless you've done the processing yourself). Snack on nuts, seeds, fruits and veggies. Eat beans/peas/lentils at least 4-5 times a week.

Give it a try. In 2-3 months, could you answer "what is your favorite food" differently that you did today?

Today's Moment: Pandemic

Here's today's "Take a Moment": Pandemic

According to Wikipedia, "A pandemic (from Greek παν pan all + δήμος demos people) is an epidemic of infectious disease that spreads through populations across a large region; for instance a continent, or even worldwide." (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandemic )

While some people believe that a pandemic is very long overdue, others believe it's all nonsense, or fate or coincidence. No matter what you believe, the fact remains that History is filled with times of diseases that travel great distances and hurt/sicken/maime/kill people everywhere.

Don't take a chance. Boost your immune system. Exercise. Eat healthy. Store medical supplies as well as food, fuel, water and clothing.

You know.... just in case.

Today's Moment: Milk

Here's today's "Take a Moment": Milk

It's true that milk provides our human bodies with the calcium needed for our bones and teeth, but why are we the only mammals who continue drinking milk beyond the baby stage? Milk from cows is better suited for calves who have more than one stomach to digest the proteins. Milk from goats is a little closer to what we need for human digestion. Rice milk, soy milk, almond milk, etc. is better for us, unless you happen to be allergic to those products.

Once you pass the baby stage, can you live without milk? Absolutely.

Can you live without calcium? Not very well. Think about getting your calcium from other sources, including... spinach, soybeans, spinach, kale and broccoli.

Milk.... does it really do a body good?

Today's Moment: Budget

Here's today's "Take a Moment": Budget

With today's economy, if you haven't planned a budget or even thought about it, make that your new year's resolution. We created a spread sheet in Excel that indicates every payday and each bill and when they are due. Every time Wife gets on the computer, she checks it to see if any are due that day. If any are, she checks the bank account to make sure there's money to cover it, and either pays the bill online or sends a check.

Also, each regular check received immediately gets divided - first to savings, part to each of our personal accounts, and the majority to the joint account for bills.

We don't have much extra, especially in this economy, but at least the mortgage is being paid every month. Is yours?

Today's Moment: Environment

Here's today's "Take a Moment": The Environment

As we drove home from shopping a few days ago, we noticed the city of Denver had a blue/gray haze over it. Even with low temperatures, and snow on the ground, it was quite obvious that pollution plays a big role in not only scenery, but also health. We're sick. Many people are sick. Is it just a new strain of respiratory illness/the flu or is it because the healthy rays of the sun can't come through and we're trapped in a bubble of smog and carbon emissions?

I hate to think that our Son will be growing up with this type of environment. Clear cutting. Disappearing rain forests. Endangered animals extinct. Peak oil and peak food.

We are working on this end to help our environment... are you?

Today's Moment: Chores

Here's today's "Take a Moment": Chores

If you can move, pick up things, or talk, you can handle a chore or two. My Son matched up clean socks as soon as he knew his colors. He also helped to move the laundry from the washer into the dryer, and set the table. Now that he's 12 years old, he empties the dishwasher every time it's done cleaning, he sets the tables, he cleans his room, cleans his bathroom, helps with gardening, waters the indoor plants, helps to harvest, takes his laundry to the basement, brings up clean laundry to fold, empties trash cans, takes out the trash and recycling, takes the trash and recycling bins to the curb on appropriate days, and vacuums as necessary. He also does other things as needed. He has almost always helped with chores (especially since Mom is disabled) and doesn't complain. Ok, much.

Whereas many kids his age don't have chores. Why? Everyone needs to learn responsibility and self-sufficiency. NO EXCEPTION.

Today's Moment: Procrastination

Here's today's "Take a Moment": Procrastination

I'll write this later.







































Just teasing. However, I have often been referred to as the "queen of procrastination", and Hubby is now the "king". Bad habits. Now being picked up by Son. Why do we put things off? Sometimes, er, no, usually, it's better to just get things done and out of the way. Why do we wait until we feel better, and maybe have a little more time? Or sometimes, things don't get done at all because we wait and wait and wait, then it's just too late.

Take Son. He knows his schoolworks needs to be done by a certain time, but he prefers to dilly-dally, pace, sing songs, play in the bathroom, and who-knows-what-else. When I start counting down to time left, he might scramble to start his work, but usually gets side-tracked again, and thinks he has plenty of time. Then, an hour or two is left to do 4 or 5 assignments, and it's the real scramble time, mixed with begging for more time and dealing like "tell you what, if you give me another two hours, I'll finish it up by then".

Procrastination. Why?

Today's Moment: Adoption

Here's today's "Take a Moment": Adoption

Not something we think about on a regular basis, but it's a very real situation. There are many children in the foster situation who need you. A parent, or two. A home. Security. Love. People who believe in them. Not just babies, but children up to 18, and older if they are special needs.

Will you give a child a chance?

We want to adopt. Do we have enough money? Are we a good enough family? Do we have enough love? Will our Son get along with other kids, and willing to share our love, home and toys? Are we acceptable to the agencies and social workers and government? And to the child/ren?

What do you think?

Today's Moment: Economy and Gift-Giving

Here's today's "Take a Moment": Economy and Gift-Giving

Today is the day we shop for Christmas presents. We don't have much this year; nearly every penny is going to the mortgage and basic bills. But Son has a bit of money of his own so it will go directly to getting things he's requested. And he's been asked to give up a gift or two for the good of the family.

So besides the night vision goggles and microscope he's requested, he/we are also getting RootVue gardens to grow our favorite carrots (red, purple and white) in the windowsills. And for every 5 books he gets at the thrift store, we'll get 1 for the family. Then we'll also spend some of his Christmas money on his favorite dried fruits from our favorite online store: http://www.justtomatoes.com/. (See the pictures to the right: peas, blackberries, mano and blueberries - his favorites!)

This economy has helped Hubby and I decide that this year, our 2nd as husband and wife, we won't buy gifts for each other. We're writing each other love letters. (I know, how romantic.) And if we're lucky enough for Hubby to get a Christmas bonus, we'll put it towards bills and hopefully our new home.

With this economy, many people can't afford a huge holiday celebration. How about your ask your own kids to give up one or two presents for the good of the family? Or if your kids are grown, just give to the grandkids, or just small homemade gifts, like ornaments, baked goodies, or a basket with baking supplies like spices, flour, cocoa powder, etc.

Put a little more thought into your gift-giving this holiday season.

Today's Moment: Gardening

Here's today's "Take a Moment": Gardening

Hubby and I both grew up with fathers who did a little backyard gardening from time to time. For the most part, though, we ate produce from the grocery store, and maybe jams our grandparents "put up".

We've been married now for 1 1/2 years, and last January bought our first house together. By the time Spring came around, we had purchased our seeds, and made plans for our first garden. We sowed seeds into little peat pellets, watered and waited. We researched companion planting, pests and diseases. We discovered we had almost no usable soil (mostly sand over clay), bought potting soil, and arranged tires and wooden frames we made ourselves. We got our hands dirty. We grew corn, pumpkins, several squashes, beans, berries, carrots, greens, eggplant, and much more. We made lots of mistakes, but also lots of right moves. And the coming of Autumn didn't stop that. After harvesting, we moved several plants indoors under grow lights (mostly tomatoes and berries), plus started some hydroponics mini-greenhouses.

The feeling of complete satisfaction embraced our little 3-person family. We looked at our tiny cornfield, our gourd vines, our tomato plants, our friendly corn-field frog, and our stocked freezer, and felt good at being able to provide healthy food for our family.

Try it. Even if it's just growing lettuce in your windowsill, give it a shot. Listen to the satisfaction you feel.

Today's Moment: Children

Here's today's "Take a Moment": Children

I made a vow long ago that I didn't want children. I spoiled my sister's kid, but generally thought kids were misbehaving selfish brats. Noisy. Snotty. Sometimes brought laughter to my heart, but I wasn't ready to be unselfish myself.

Then my Son came along (protection is NOT 100% preventative).

I knew the moment of conception. Within moments, I began throwing up and didn't stop for 4 months. The stirring of little gas bubbles turned out to be a little being moving around, trying to get comfortable. The strawberry-blond head, round at birth, framed by the swaddling. Tiny toes and fingers. A different cry for each need. A required surgery at 9 months. My boy made me love him from the first millisecond, and while our road has been very difficult, it's been worth it.

Hubby has always wanted children but never had the opportunity. He missed out on rubbing a pregnant belly, the swollen feet, the cravings, and the blessings of a first smile and magnificant gurgle. We're trying to conceive together, but we're both old. Meanwhile he's finding out what love and a family means.

I almost missed this. Being a mom, I mean. Because I thought most children were brats, and the products of bad parenting.

Give thanks for a child in your life. And if you have none...

why?

Today's Moment: Bread

Here's today's "Take a Moment": Bread

We're so used to the spongy squishy soft bread available at the stores. You know the kind - the plastic wrap has colored circles on it, or a Roman gladiator on the package. It's stays fresh for a few days, and freezes well. It's evenly sliced for uniform sandwiches. And it rarely goes on sale for less than a dollar.

When was the last time you ate home-baked bread? From stone- or hand-ground wheat? The bread that dense, dark and filling? Or from grains other than wheat, like spelt, rice or bean flour?

Not that we eat much bread, but I've been experimenting lately with making our bread ourselves. Since we're starting a rotational diet in January, our bread-making and bread-eating will be even less - only one day a week. So, when I say bread, what grain comes to YOUR mind?

Today's Moment: Hair

Here's today's "Take a Moment": Hair (?)

Yes, take a moment today to think about hair. Do you have any left? What color was it? Texture? Problems?

Did you ever notice there as many variations of brown hair as there are people? Or black, blond or red? My hair is brunette, sprinkle with gray and red. It hangs down past my waist, which means I can either sit on it or remember to move it to the side. Most often I put it in a bun or braid, to keep it somewhat out of my face.

Hubby likes my hair, and decided to grow his long. It's about 4 inches down his back now. I put it in a pony tail for him on work-days so he can keep his job. His brown hair is different than mine, and has a white streak along the side that's been there for many years.

Son was born with strawberry-red hair, eyelashes, eyebrows... the works. By the time he was a toddler, it had deepened to a copper color. I tried desparately to come up with a name for his haircolor, but exhausted the crayon box and haircolors in the store. I just call it copper or bronze, depending on if he's in sunshine or not. He had little "Shirley Temple" ringlets until he hit 10 years old or so; now he prefers a buzz-cut.

What about the hair of your family members?

Today's Moment: Art

Here's today's "Take a Moment": Art

When was the last time you were artistic or even looked at something called "Art"? Art, besides the obvious canvas or sculpture, can be a pile of colored socks, a fluffy white cloud backed with a yellow and orange horizon, or the face of a sleeping baby. Take a look around you and find the beauty of display. What did you find?

Today's Moment: Listen

Here's today's "Take a Moment": Listen

Did you listen to the people around you yesterday? What did you hear? Were people thankful for the things they have, or complaining about the economy and politics? Did you hear pleasure and hope, or despair and depression.

Did you listen at all?

Today's Moment: Thanksgiving

Here's today's "Take a Moment": Give Thanks

Today is Thanksgiving. We'll be spending it as a family with new Hubby's extended family. We're taking the requested green-bean cassarole, and a plate for our picky-eater kid.

But before we go, we'll sit down in the living room, with Chihuahua dog Spirit, and talk about what we're thankful for. In our first house. For our second Thanksgiving as a family. With our first pet.

What do you have planned? Did you enjoy yourself? Do or eat anything new? What are you thankful for this year?

Today's Moment: Funnies

Here's today's "Take a Moment": The Funnies/Comics

Do you make time or the effort to read any comics or the funny pages? Did you know there are several websites dedicated to funnies? Take a moment to enjoy and laugh!

Today's Moment: Taste

Here's today's "Take a Moment": Taste?

What was the last thing you actually tasted? Savored? Rolled around in your mouth and eyes closed and senses aware.

Do it soon!