tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89760469160508693922024-03-08T01:01:08.095-08:00This Beautiful LifeJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10715551357460951102noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976046916050869392.post-60236734552351375012015-10-28T19:45:00.001-07:002015-10-28T19:45:03.254-07:00The Kidney Kitchen: EPIC PRETZELS!<div dir="ltr">
I'm a snack food lover. Especially crispy, crunchy things. But since I'm on a renal diet, I'm fairly limited in what I can eat. So I have to look for kidney-friendly alternatives, like the snack mix I featured in my kidney diet post on sodium (you can read it <a href="http://live-fearlessly.blogspot.ca/2015/09/the-kidney-kitchen-sodium-and-renal-diet.html" target="_blank">here</a>: ). <br />
But recently I made what could quite possibly be the best snack ever. Really. Best. Snack. EVER. I call this culinary wonder EPIC PRETZELS! Just like that. All caps with an exclamation mark. They are seriously that good. And super addictive. And best of all, really easy to make. Just 5 ingredients and 15 minutes and you too can have EPIC PRETZELS! </div>
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You start by mixing some sugar and cinnamon together in a small dish.</div>
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Next, put your unsalted pretzels into a baking pan. Add in a few more for good measure (and for munching on while you make the glaze).<br />
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Cut a square of margarine in half, put it in something microwave-proof and pop it in the microwave until it's nice and melty.</div>
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Now add some honey and half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Mix it all up and pour the liquid yumminess over the pretzels.</div>
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Stir up the pretzels until they're all nice and coated. Go ahead and lick the spatula.</div>
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Pop them in the oven and bake them for about 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until the glaze is absorbed. While the pretzels are getting all yummy in the over, line a large cookie sheet with waxed paper (or parchment paper, or a silicone baking mat...anything that will keep the pretzels from sticking to the pan).</div>
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This next step needs to be done fairly quickly, because these babies will cool FAST. Spread the pretzels on your prepared cookie sheet, spreading them out as thin as you can. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over them. Now let them cool. Try to resist eating them, if you can.</div>
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And there you have it...supper yummy, super addictive EPIC PRETZELS! Keep them in an airtught container. I can't tell you how long they'll keep for, because they only last for about 2 days in my house! The full recipe is below.</div>
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Until next time,</div>
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J.</div>
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EPIC PRETZELS!<br />
- 5 cups unsalted pretzels<br />
- 1/4 cup margarine, melted<br />
- 1/4 cup honey<br />
- 1/4 cup sugar<br />
- 1 tsp. cinnamon<br />
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1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.<br />
2. Mix sugar and cinnamon and sugar together in a small dish; set aside.<br />
3. Measure the pretzels into a 9"x13" baking pan.<br />
4. Measure the margarine into a glass measuring cup and melt it in the microwave. Add in the honey and half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture and mix thoroughly. Pour the glaze over the pretzels and stir them until they're well coated.<br />
5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, until the glaze is absorbed.<br />
6. While the pretzels, are baking, line a large cookie sheet or jelly roll pan with waxed paper, parchment paper, silicone baking sheet, etc.<br />
7. Remove the pretzels from the oven and spread them in a single layer on the prepared cookie sheet. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over the pretezels and allow them to cool. Store in an air-tight container.<br />
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10715551357460951102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976046916050869392.post-58879840976698270282015-10-26T22:06:00.001-07:002015-10-26T23:29:05.712-07:00No More Wounded Bird<p>  What do you think of when you hear the word "dialysis"? Is it positive or negative? Do you see dialysis treatments as some horrible ordeal, and dialysis patients as people to be pitied? I've had several people tell me how sorry they are when they hear that I have end-stage renal failure and am on dialysis. It would almost be funny if it wasn't for the fact that they clearly don't understand what dialysis is or what it can do for someone like me. While there are probably a lot of dialysis patients who would say that dialysis IS a horrible ordeal, and that it's not worth the pain and the hassle, I have a different take.<br>
  Let me start by painting you a picture of where I was just three months ago. Think about the things you do on a daily basis. All those small little things you do that you don't really think about. Getting dressed. Making a meal. Doing household chores. Looking after children or pets. Going out to do a few errands or grabbing a cup of coffee with a friend. They probably seem pretty trivial. But imagine taking 20 minutes to get dressed; not because you can't decide what to wear, but because it takes so much effort to just put on your clothes. That's why most days I would stay in my pajamas; it was just easier that way. If you have stairs in your house, you probably go up and down them many times a day without thinking twice. But imagine not being able to do two short flights of stairs because the effort leaves you huffing and puffing, and you need to stop halfway going both directions because your body is so overloaded with excess fluid that you can't breathe. Have you ever had a really bad, itchy rash or a huge mosquito bite that itches incessantly and you just can't find relief? Take that feeling and multiply it by 50, and then imagine feeling that all over your body. That's what it was like for me because of the high levels of phosphorous in my blood. Have you ever had days when you're so tired you can hardly keep your eyes open, or had a night when, no matter what you did, you just couldn't get to sleep? Imagine dealing with both of those conditions at the same time for days on end. Kidney failure causes both extreme fatigue and insomnia. So even on days when I was so tired I could drop in my tracks, I couldn't get the sleep I needed at night to help me feel better. Think of the time when you were so sick you wanted to die. And then imagine feeling like that every day, with no end in sight...<br>
  Kidney failure is brutal, and it sucks big time. But luckily for me and thousands of other people like me, there are treatments available that can help ease our suffering. Dialysis is one of those treatments. From a purely technical standpoint, dialysis takes the place of the non-functioning kidneys and filters the  waste materials and excess minerals and fluid from our bodies. The method in which this is done varies depending on whether you opt for peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis.  But the end result is the same. <br>
  But the feeling! There almost aren't words to describe how good I feel. I've spent a good portion of the last few years feeling like absolute crap. I've had some really dark days when I could totally understand why alcoholics drink or addicts do drugs to forget their pain. I would have done almost anything to forget, even if it was only for a little while, how terrible I felt. I battled with depression and anxiety but I was afraid to tell anyone beause of the labels that are associated with mental health issues. I struggled every day to just get through it. I was like a wonded bird, huddled in a cage, kept there by circumstances beyond my control.<br>
  And now? This bird is healed and ready to fly! I feel like I've been set free to soar with the wind beneath my wings. A whole new world brimming with possibility has opened up before me, and I want to experience everything it has to offer. It's as if a new side of me has emerged, and kicked that other sick, miserable chick's butt to the curb. I feel strong, and confident, and I'm just so damn HAPPY! I've been doing so many things again that I couldn't before: cooking and creating and writitng and walking with the dogs and going out... I have more energy now than I've had in a really long time, and it feels amazing. I FEEL AMAZING! I want to laugh and dance and sing and shout and high-five everyone I see. Everything suddenly looks so much brighter, and I feel like I can see the light at the end of the tunnel again. Life just feels so amazingly GOOD right now.<br>
  So don't feel sorry for me because I'm on dialysis. Dialysis has given me my life back. I'm ready to take on the world and kick its ass! I've spent so long feeling like crap that I've forgotten how it feels to feel good, but now I'm being reminded. And that is truly a wonderful feeling.</p>
<p>  Until next time,<br>
  J.</p>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10715551357460951102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976046916050869392.post-13273392068207522832015-10-08T16:02:00.001-07:002015-10-08T16:02:39.878-07:00Thankful Thursday It's a beautiful fall day here today. The sky is blue, the leaves on the trees (what's left of them, anyway) are a brilliant gold and the air is crisp. Man, I love fall! I love sweaters and boots and flannel sheets and pajamas and pumpkin everything (except that I can't pumpkin because it' high in potassium)... And fall is also when one of my favourite holidays takes place...Thanksgiving. In addition to all the yummy food, I also like to take stock of the many blessings in my life.<br />
I'm thankful that today, kidney disease isn't the death sentence it was fifty years ago, and that there are treatments such as transplantation and dialysis that can help renal patients like me live a relatively normal life. I'm thankful for the many doctors and nurses that take such good care of me, especially my dialysis nurse Lana.<br />
I'm thankful for the love and support of my family and friends. There's no way that I could get through all of what I have without them. I know I don't say it nearly often enough, but I love and appreciate each and every one of you more than I could ever express.<br />
I'm thankful for all of the wonderful, supportive people that I've met through the various Facebook support groups I'm part of. I can't tell you what it means to have found communities of people like you who really "get" me and who give me such great advice and encouragement when I need it.<br />
I'm thankful for the renal diet. That might sound really strange, given how limited it is, but it's help me not only unleash my creativity, but also realize how much fun it is to cook. I'm thankful for all of the online diet resources I've come across, and for the people who have taken time to share their recipes with the kidney community.<br />
I'm thankful for the roof over my head, the clothes on my back and the food in my belly. I'm thankful that, even though we have had tough times, we've never had to wonder where our next meal is going to come from. I'm thankful that I have somewhere to come home to, and people to come home to.<br />
I'm thankful for my pets, both the ones I have now and the ones that have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. I'm especially thankful for my Molly. When I'm having a bad day or I'm not feeling well, there's absolutely nothing like puppy kisses and snuggles to make everything better. Look at this face; doesn't she just make you want to smile?<br />
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I'm thankful for my hobbies, especially since I've been home on disability. I've had a lot of time on my hands, and my crafts have really helped to fill some of it. I'm thankful for the craft groups on Facebook that I've joined and the members who share their creations and patterns and inspiration.</div>
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I'm thankful for this blog, and the people who read it and give me feedback. I'm thankful for the opportunity to share my story and my thoughts. And I'm thankful for the Internet, and Facebook and Pinterest and all of the other (too numerous to mention) websites that I visit on a daily basis.</div>
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Most of all, I'm thankful that God calls me His child. I'm thankful that, no matter how many times I screw up, He always forgives me. I'm thankful that He comes looking for me when I lose my way. I'm thankful that He's always there, when things are sunny and when things are stormy.</div>
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In the season of thankfulness, what are you thankful for? Take some time to think about it, and be sure to let the important people in your life know how much you appreciate them.</div>
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Until next time,</div>
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J.</div>
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10715551357460951102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976046916050869392.post-38146944270012234662015-10-08T14:15:00.001-07:002015-10-08T14:15:13.460-07:00The Kidney Kitchen: Protein and the Renal Diet Welcome to the final chapter of my renal diet series! I've enjoyed sharing my information, story and recipes with you, and I hope you've been able to learn something in return. This post looks at protein.<br />
We all know that eating enough protein is an important part of staying healthy. Protein helps our bodies to grow, repair tissues, and heal wounds and infections. The average adult should eat between 40 to 65 grams of protein every day.<br />
But protein can be tricky to manage if you have kidney disease. Many renal patients have to limit their protein intake. I was first put on a low protein diet when I was still seeing the pediatric nephrologist. Unfortunately I started losing a lot of weight. Those who know me know that I am not a large person, so the weight loss was definitely a problem. The dietitian at the time then wanted me to increase my calories. Most of the foods that you associate with calories also have protein, so it was interesting trying to balance my reduced protein diet and my increased calorie diet.<br />
When we eat foods that contain protein, protein waste products are created. Healthy kidneys have millions of nephrons that filter this waste. It’s then removed from the body in the urine. However, for someone who has kidney disease, their kidneys have lost the ability to remove protein waste and it starts to build up in the blood. Dietary protein intake for patients with CKD is based on the stage of kidney disease, nutrition status and body size. For patients who are in stage 5 and have kidneys that work at less than 10 percent, dialysis is needed to take over for the failed kidneys or until a kidney transplant is possible. Dialysis removes protein waste from the blood and a low protein diet is no longer needed. Unfortunately, some amino acids are removed during dialysis. A higher protein intake is needed to replace lost protein. This is where I am right now. I need to consume between 4 to 4 1/2 ounces of protein every day. To get an idea of how much that it, look at a deck of cards; a piece of meat that size would be about 4 to 4 1/2 ounces.<br />
What do you think of when you think of protein foods? Probably animal products such as meat and eggs. But dairy products, dried peas/beans/lentils, and nuts and nut butters also contain protein. However some of these foods also contain potassium and/or phosphorous, so depending on your diet you may need <span style="background-color: yellow;">to</span> limit them. In addition to low protein, I am also on a low potassium, low phosphorous diet, so I have to limit things like dairy and peanut butter (in my pre-renal diet life peanut butter was its own food group, so that one has been really hard for me!).<br />
One thing that I used to really enjoy before I started the renal diet was fruit smoothies: yogurt, juice and fresh fruit. Yum! But yogurt is high in protein, potassium and phosphorous. I did some looking online, and while there are lots of recipes for HIGH protein smoothies, but there are no recipes for LOW protein smoothies. Fortunately, I had a list of recipes from the dietitian that I saw when I was a child to help me. I went looking for ingredients, and I came up with this recipe.<br />
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Low-Protein Berry Smoothie<br />
- 1/2 cup Chapmans Triple Berry Sorbet<br />
- 1/4 cup unfortified Rice Dream<br />
- 1/2 cup fresh or 1/4 cup frozen berries, whatever kind you like<br />
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Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Then pour into a glass and enjoy! You can also try this with different flavours of sorbet or sherbet and fruit and come up with your own flavour combinations.<br />
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Thanks for checking out my renal diet series! And stay tuned for more posts...I'm already planning a Thanksgiving-themed post about how I modify some of our favourite dishes to be kidney-friendly.<br />
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Until next time,<br />
J.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10715551357460951102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976046916050869392.post-29566111026725975042015-09-26T14:25:00.000-07:002015-09-26T14:25:03.751-07:00The Kidney Kitchen: Sodium and the Renal Diet Thank you for sticking with me, and welcome to part 4 of my renal diet series. Today we're going to look at sodium.<br />
We all know the dangers of consuming too much salt...high blood pressure, a higher risk of heart disease and stroke, a higher risk of congestive heart failure. People with kidney disease can also experience swelling (called edema), puffiness in the face and difficulty breathing. I had no idea that the shortness of breath I was suffering with before I started dialysis was due to all the excess fluid my body was hanging onto. Consuming too much salt can make you feel very thirsty and want to drink more, which can lead to fluid weight gain and the above-mentioned symptoms.<br />
Sodium is found in almost all pre-packaged and processed foods. Some examples of high sodium foods are:<br />
- canned soups (the so-called "healthy" soups have even more sodium in them than their regular full-fat counterparts)<br />
- breakfast and deli meats<br />
- frozen dinners<br />
- pre-made sauces<br />
- fast food<br />
- some canned vegetables<br />
- snack foods such as chips and pretzels<br />
- packaged side dishes<br />
- low-fat products such as cream cheese, salad dressings and <br />
The easiest way to limit sodium intake is to simply avoid pre-packaged and processed foods. I make almost all of my meals using fresh ingredients. That includes snack foods too. I have found a few low-sodium packaged snacks that I can enjoy without consuming sodium (unsalted pretzels and unsalted corn nuts that I get from Bulk Barn are two of my favourites). I also modified the following recipe to make it kidney-friendly and low sodium. I'm posting both the original version and my kidney-friendly version. As they say in the Twix commercials: try both and pick a side!<br />
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Honey-Glazed Snack Mix<br />
- 5 cups Crispix cereal (you can also use Rice Chex, Corn Chex or a mixture of both)<br />
- 3 cups mini pretzels<br />
- 2 cups peanuts<br />
- 2 cups Cheerios<br />
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted<br />
- 1/2 cup honey<br />
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1. Heat the oven to 300 degrees.<br />
2. In a jelly roll pan or large roaster, combine cereals, pretzels and peanuts; set aside.<br />
3. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter and honey. Pour over cereal mixture and stir until everything is well coated.<br />
4. Bake for 10 minutes, and then stir. Continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, or until cereal is glazed and all of the honey mixture has been absorbed. Immediately pour snack mix out onto waxed paper and cool completely. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container.<br />
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Kidney-Friendly Honey-Glazed Snack Mix<br />
- 5 cups Crispix cereal<br />
- 3 cups unsalted mini pretzel twists<br />
- 2 cups unsalted corn nuts<br />
- 1/2 cup melted margarine<br />
- 1/2 cup honey<br />
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1. Heat the oven to 300 degrees.<br />
2. In a jelly roll pan or large roaster, combine cereals, pretzels and peanuts; set aside.<br />
3. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter and honey. Pour over cereal mixture and stir until everything is well coated.<br />
4. Bake for 10 minutes, and then stir. Continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, or until cereal is glazed and all of the honey mixture has been absorbed. Immediately pour snack mix out onto waxed paper and cool completely. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container.<br />
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Note: Mix up your snack mix by adding unsalted popcorn, tiny crackers or other kinds of kidney-friendly cereal.<br />
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Until next time,<br />
J.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10715551357460951102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976046916050869392.post-43562805245384996172015-09-26T14:24:00.000-07:002015-09-26T14:24:40.876-07:00The Kidney Kitchen: Phosphorous and the Renal Diet Welcome to part 3 of my kidney diet series. This post takes a look at phosphorus.<br />
Phosphorous is another mineral that we get from eating certain foods. It helps to build strong bones and teeth and muscles and nerves to work properly, convert food into energy and helps with metabolism. If your phosphorous level is too high, it can cause your blood calcium level to drop, which can lead to brittle bones and an increased risk of fractures or breaks. It can also cause itching all over your body, red eyes, bone pain and calcium deposits in the blood vessels and organs. Examples of foods that are high in phosphorous include:<br />
- milk and dairy products<br />
- cola drinks and some bottled iced teas and lemonades<br />
- coffee<br />
- chocolate<br />
- bran<br />
- whole grain breads, rices and pastas<br />
- wild rice<br />
- nuts and seeds, and butters made from them<br />
- dried peas, beans and lentils<br />
- beer<br />
- quick breads, biscuits, cornbread, pancakes or waffles made from mixes<br />
- pizza, lasagna, tacos and other "fast foods"<br />
In addition to limiting phosphorous-containing foods, another way to help control phosphorous levels is by using phosphorous binders. Phosphorous binders generally contain calcium. Your body breaks down the binder and releases the calcium into the bloodstream, where it binds with the phosphorous in your blood. It is then excreted when you have a bowel movement. I take Ultra Tums as my phosphorous binder.<br />
Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE chocolate. So you can imagine my reaction when I found out that I would have to seriously limit my chocolate consumption. But then I found this awesome recipe from DaVita for low phosphorous fudge! Hooray!<br />
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Low Phosphorous Fudge<br />
- 2/3 cup half & half creamer <br />
- 1-2/3 cups granulated sugar <br />
- 1 cup marshmallow crème <br />
- 1-1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips <br />
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
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1. Grease a 9" square pan with nonstick spray or butter.<br />
2. Combine half & half and sugar in a large heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium. Stir constantly and continue a rolling boil for 5 minutes. <br />
3. Remove pan from heat and add marshmallow crème, chocolate chips and vanilla. Stir until marshmallow crème is melted. <br />
4. Quickly pour into a greased pan. Cool; cut into 3" x 1-1/2" pieces, making 18 pieces.<br />
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Until next time,<br />
J.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10715551357460951102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976046916050869392.post-2934538365574047812015-09-25T20:16:00.001-07:002015-09-25T20:16:43.115-07:00The Kidney Kitchen: Potassium and the Renal Diet Welcome to part 2 of my 5-part series on my kidney diet. This post will look at potassium and why I have to limit my potassium intake.<br />
Potassium is a mineral which helps your nerves and muscles to work properly. It also keeps electrolytes and the acid/base content of your blood in balance, promotes muscle growth and sustains healthy brain function. You need some potassium for good health, but too much or too little can affect your heartbeat. When your kidneys don't work properly, they can't regulate the potassium levels in your blood, and it can build up. A potassium level that gets too high (or hyperkalemia) can lead to a heart attack. A potassium level that is too low (also called hypokalemia) can cause muscle weakness or cramps, or even muscle paralysis. By controlling my intake of potassium, I can help prevent these problems. Examples of foods that are high in potassium include:<br />
- potatoes: red, white, sweet...they're all high in potassium<br />
- dried peas, beans, nuts and seeds<br />
- dairy products such as milk, pudding, ice cream and cheese<br />
- dried fruit such as apricots, dates, figs and raisins<br />
- fresh fruit like bananas, cantaloupe, oranges and kiwi<br />
- tomatoes and tomato products like ketchup, tomato sauce and tomato juice<br />
- All-Bran and other bran cereal<br />
- whole grain breads and cereals<br />
- salt substitutes that contain potassium chloride<br />
- sodium-free baking powder<br />
- sweets like black licorice, chocolate and molasses<br />
- vegetables such as artichokes, spinach, pumpkin and large amounts of mushrooms<br />
You may be thinking that the list of what I can't eat is longer than what I can eat. Well, you'd be right. But there are ways that I can still eat my favourite foods. Take, for example, the humble potato. There are ways that I can cook potatoes to reduce the amount of potassium. One method is to cut the potatoes into small pieces and double cook them. To double cook potatoes, you bring them to a boil and then drain and rinse them and continue cooking them in fresh water. Another option is to leach them in water for 3-4 hours (leaching is a fancy term for soaking). Leaching is what I do when I prepare the scalloped potatoes below.<br />
Potassium can be hard to control, because it's found in most fruits and vegetables. But there are still lots of options that I choose from: peaches, sweet peppers, cabbage, apples, celery, turnip...and this is just a few.<br />
And when I feel like treating myself a little< I make these scalloped potatoes. In place of milk, I use unfortified Rice Dream rice beverage as the "cream" component.<br />
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Jen's Kidney-Friendly Scalloped Potatoes<br />
Ingredients:<br />
2 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced<br />
1 medium onion, thinly sliced (add more or less onion, depending on your tastes)<br />
4 tbsp. margarine<br />
4 tbsp. flour<br />
2 tsp. no-salt seasoning of your choice (I like either Epicure Fine Herbes blend or Clubhouse No Salt Added Original blend)<br />
2 cups unfortified rice milk<br />
4 tbsp. herb and garlic cream cheese, optional<br />
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1. Slice the potatoes and put them to soak in a bowl of cold water for at least 3 to 4 hours, draining and rinsing the potatoes after 2 hours and putting them in fresh water. <br />
2. When you're ready to make the potatoes, drain and rinse them and let them dry for a few minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 6"x9" baking dish and layer the potatoes and onions in it; set aside.<br />
3. Melt the margarine in a medium-sized pot. Whisk in the flour and seasoning until smooth, then whisk in the rice milk. If desired, add in some herb and garlic cream cheese. Heat the sauce until it boils and thickens, stirring often to keep the sauce from sticking and/or burning.<br />
4. Pour the sauce over the pan of potatoes and onions. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes, or until potatoes are softened. Then enjoy!<br />
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Until next time,<br />
J.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10715551357460951102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976046916050869392.post-61223023337175439002015-09-25T19:44:00.001-07:002015-09-25T19:44:46.878-07:00The Kidney Kitchen: You Want Me To Follow What Kind of Diet? Welcome to the first part of my five-part series on the renal diet that I follow. I wanted to share some insight on one of the biggest ways that kidney disease affects my everyday life, and how I still manage to eat like a king on a renal diet. **Please note that these posts are based on information I was given for my particular situation. This information may not be appropriate for you, and you should always consult your own doctor about your particular situation.<br />
So... what the heck is a renal diet, anyway? In the simplest sense, it's a diet designed to help reduce the workload on failing kidneys while still allowing the person to maintain proper nutrition. You've all taken health class, and know about Canada's Food Guide and the four food groups and how proper nutrition is essential for helping us to stay healthy. But what you may not know is that there are a lot of foods that, while they are considered healthy by Canada's Food Guide standards, may not be that good for kidney patients. As an example, consider that milk you poured on your breakfast cereal this morning. Milk is considered to be very good for you. It's full of calcium, potassium, phosphorous and protein and lots of vitamins. Many Canadians (if not, most Canadians) do not consume enough milk products. However, all of those good things that milk has in it may not be so good for someone whose kidneys don't work properly. Milk and diary products are something that is commonly limited on a renal diet (more about this below).<br />
To really understand what the renal diet is trying to accomplish, you have to first understand what it is that your kidneys do. Your kidneys perform 3 essential tasks:<br />
- they regulate the amount of water in your body<br />
- they remove wastes and excess minerals from the body<br />
- they produce hormones<br />
When kidney function decreases, the kidneys are unable to perform these tasks as efficiently as they could before. That's where the renal diet can help. Following a renal diet can also help alleviate some of the symptoms of kidney failure. However following a renal diet can be very complicated, particularly if you have other health concerns that require a special diet, such as diabetes or food allergies.<br />
So that brings us back to the renal diet. Let me start by saying that there is no one renal diet. This is not a "one size fits all" type of deal. The dietary restrictions vary based on the individual and factors such as what stage of kidney failure they're in and what their lab results show. In my case, I have to control my intake of sodium, potassium, phosphorous and protein. I call it my "Low S3P diet". Now that I am on dialysis, I also need to reduce the amount of fluid I consume, but that's a topic for another post.<br />
Let's look again at that milk. Milk contains potassium, phosphorous and and protein - the 3 P's. I can still have milk and dairy products, but I need to really limit how much I eat or drink. (In case you're wondering, I'm allowed two 1/2 cup servings of things like milk and yogurt, or 1 oz. of hard cheese every day.) As a result, I've been looking for products that I can have in place of milk and dairy. Instead of white milk, I use unfortified rice milk. Instead of ice cream, I've just discovered the most awesome triple berry sorbet (made by Chapman's - a Canadian company!). And there is a dairy and soy-free cheese product that I want to try. You can see five of my favourite kidney-friendly foods to cook with in this post <a href="http://live-fearlessly.blogspot.ca/2015/04/the-friday-five-cooking-for-my-kidneys.html" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
After reading all this, you might be wondering how on earth I manage to figure out what I can and can't eat. The most valuable resource I have is the renal dietitians at the hospital. They can best help me figure out what I should and should not eat. There are also lots of great resources online; I've created a list in the left sidebar of some of my favourites. Feel free to check them out for some great kidney-friendly recipes, and don't be afraid to try some of them yourself! Finally, I use the nutrition facts table and ingredient lists on packaged foods. I know what I can and can't eat, and this information helps me figure out whether the item is something falls within my diet. It's important to use both because manufacturers are not required to list potassium and phosphorous content in the nutrition facts table. By looking at the ingredient list, you can easily see if the food contains potassium or phosphorous additives.<br />
If you're still reading this, thank you! I realize this is a lot of information to get through. But I appreciate you taking the time to learn more about my diet. In the next part of the series, I will be taking a detailed look at potassium and sharing a recipe I created.<br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
J.<br />
<br />
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10715551357460951102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976046916050869392.post-14764193618106706262015-05-08T22:39:00.001-07:002015-05-08T22:39:09.661-07:00The Friday Five: Buh-Bye Dry! One of the biggest side effects/symptoms of kidney failure that I deal with is dryness...dry hair, dry skin, dry nails, and so on. The dryness is caused as a result of my phosphorous levels being too high, which causes the moisture to leach out of my hair, skin and nails. The dry skin is the worst; I get SO itchy!! I've tried a whole variety of different products to relieve the dryness and the itching, and I've found some that I really like! Instead of five products, this list is going to be a little different: I'm sharing my favourite products for five different problem areas.<br />
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For dry lips:<br />
1. Burt's Bees lip balms<br />
I absolutely love my Bees! I've tried a few of the different varieties, but the best ones (IMHO) are the Nourishing lip balm with mango butter, and the Ultra Conditioning lip balm with kokum butter.<br />
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2. Avon Moisture Therapy Lip Balm Stick</div>
This is my other go-to lip balm stick. It goes on so smoothly and the moisture lasts for quite a while. Avon frequently has them on sale for $0.99, so I stock up.<br />
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3. C.O. Bigelow My Favourite Lip Balm<br />
This one is a liquid balm and it's amazing! It's got shea butter, sweet almond oil and wheat germ, and it starts moisturizing right away. There's also a nighttime balm too.<br />
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For dry skin:<br />
1. Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash<br />
Have you ever had a bad rash that itched and itched and made you feel like you'd never find relief? Imagine feeling like that all over your body, even on your scalp. That's what happens to me when my phosphorous gets too high and causes my skin to dry out. When that happens, I turn to my Aveeno body wash. It's got oatmeal and emollients in it, and when I use it with my exfoliating wash cloth it helps my skin feel so much better!<br />
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2. Avon Moisture Therapy Calming Relief Body Wash and Lotion<br />
These two products also contain oatmeal, which is GREAT for itchy skin! I usually have a tube of the body wash in the shower next to my Aveeno. For extra itch-relief, I slather myself with the lotion when I get out.<br />
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3. Avon Skin So Soft Supreme Nourishment Body Wash and Lotion<br />
This is a fairly new product from Avon, and it's wonderful! And it has macadamia oil in it, so it smells good too!<br />
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4. Curel Itch Defense Lotion<br />
I found this just the other day when I was out looking for something new to help my itchy skin. OH. MY. GOODNESS. This stuff is amazing! It soaks in really quickly and it doesn't leave you feel all yechy and greasy! Winning!<br />
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For dry hair:<br />
1. Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Collection<br />
Even my hair seems to be getting dried out, so a good moisturizing shampoo is a MUST! This collection is shampoo and conditioner as well as a 2-in-1 shampoo conditioner. There's also a styling mousse. It's got coconut and orchid flower extracts, so it's a treat for your nose too!<br />
2. Pantene Moisture Mist Detangling Spray<br />
I started buying this when I had longer hair and I needed a good detangling spray to use after shampooing. Along with detangling, it also helps moisturize dry hair. I spritz a little bit in my hair when I get out of the shower, work it through and then blow-dry it for a few minutes...and voila! Softer hair!<br />
3. Biolage ExquisiteOil Hair Treatment<br />
At $26, this stuff is a bit spendy, but it works really well! My mom bought some when she got her hair cut last week and she let me try it. Just a couple of drops on the ends of your fingers is all you need. Work it into your hair as an overnight treatment. You'll actually be able to feel the difference right away!<br />
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For a dry face:<br />
1. St. Ives Fresh Apricot Scrub<br />
The only thing I use to wash my face! I love how soft this makes my skin feel after I use it. It's got natural exfoliants in it, so it gets rid of all the built-up nastiness on my skin and gets it really clean.<br />
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2. Aveeno Positively Radiant Toner<br />
I had one toner where, after I put it on, I could actually feel my skin tightening. Not so with this one from Aveeno. It's got soy in it, and it's incredibly gentle. Which is really good when my skin is dry and irritated.<br />
3. Aveeno Ultra-Calming Moisturizer<br />
After cleansing and toning, it's time to moisturize! Along with my Aveeno toner, I use this moisturizer. It's also gentle and on my dry irritated skin, and it makes it feel really soft and smooth.<br />
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For dry hands and nails:<br />
1. The Body Shop Almond Hand & Nail Cream<br />
I've been using this stuff for years! Working with paper on a daily basis makes your hands really dry. I tried a sample of this at The Body Shop one day, and I've been using it ever since.<br />
2. Rose Cuticle Oil<br />
I don't have a brand for this, but rose oil is a miracle worker for dry cuticles. Just rip a tiny dab into each of your cuticles to instantly soften them. And it smells nice too!<br />
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Well, that's my list of anti-dry products! Hopefully there's something here that you use already, or something that sounds interesting that you want to try. If you have a favourite product that's not on the list, share it in the comments below.<br />
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Until next time, <br />
J.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10715551357460951102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976046916050869392.post-66389548311579347632015-05-02T19:58:00.001-07:002015-05-02T19:58:25.223-07:00The Saturday Six: Mother's Day Gifts That Give Back Okay, so I'm a day late with this post. But in my defense, I was out all day yesterday, and by the time I got home, I was wiped out. And I actually have six items for this week's list, so it just seemed to lend itself more to being written today.<br />
Since Mother's Day is almost upon us, I thought that this was a perfect time to share some unique gift ideas I've come across. Not only are these gifts that Mom or that other special lady in your life sure to appreciate, but they all give back in some way. And since our Moms spent most of their lives giving to us, what better way to say thank you than by giving something back in her name!<br />
1. Make a donation to Mom's favourite charity in her name.<br />
The options here are endless! Animal organizations, church organizations, local community groups... the list is only limited by your imagination! If you're not sure what her favourite charity is, make a donation of food and/or cash to the local food bank. Even the youngest members of the family can get involved with picking out food items to donate.<br />
2. Help a new mom and baby.<br />
I came across this idea just the other day when I went to World Vision's website (<a href="http://www.worldvision.ca/">www.worldvision.ca</a>) to make a donation to the earthquake relief in Nepal. One of the new gifts that they have is a "Healthy Mom and Baby" package. For $100, you can help provide an expectant or new mom with things like prenatal vitamins, delivery kits, workshops on mothering skills and more. And thanks to the Canadian government's matching program, your $100 becomes $300!<br />
3. Help protect baby elephants.<br />
When researching gift ideas for this post, I came across an organization called World Animal Protection (<a href="http://www.worldanimalprotection.org/">www.worldanimalprotection.org</a>). From their website: "World Animal Protection is a global charity and our mission is to move the world to protect animals. We inspire people to take action for animals and work responsibly and sustainably, collaborating with non-government organizations (NGO), governments, businesses and local communities to put animal welfare on the global agenda. A baby elephant's bond with its mother is among the closest of any animal, so a gift to help keep baby elephants with their mothers and out of the ivory trade is a perfect way to celebrate your bond with your own mom.<br />
4. Buy a basket.<br />
This is another one that I found when I started researching this post. Womencraft.org (<a href="http://www.womencraft.org)%20brings/">www.womencraft.org)<span style="color: black;"> brings</span></a> together women artisans from Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi who hand-weave beautiful baskets and trivets using fair-trade and ethically-sourced natural materials. Make this gift even more special by filling a basket with other fair-trade items such as coffee, stationery, jewellery or bath products.<br />
5. Support the mom shop.<br />
The mom shop is an initiative by Plan Canada (<a href="http://www.plancanada.ca/">www.plancanada.ca</a>) that provides vocational training, financial literacy courses and Village Savings and Loans programs to help women work together to create small businesses to support themselves and their families.<br />
6. Help make the world a better place.<br />
This one is probably my favourite. Changing the Present (<a href="http://www.changingthepresent.org/">www.changingthepresent.org</a>) provides a whole list of organizations that you can support, from helping to protect endangered wolves to helping the ASPCA microchip pets. There are so many things to choose from, you can give gifts to each member of your family all year long!<br />
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And if you need even more ideas, google "charity gifts" and browse through the endless options online.<br />
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Until next time,<br />
J.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10715551357460951102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976046916050869392.post-10017359514216860392015-04-28T21:23:00.001-07:002015-04-28T21:23:59.934-07:00Facing My Fears ... Again This past Saturday, I celebrated 15 years since I received a new kidney from my mom. Sometimes it seems so long ago, and other times it seems like it was only yesterday. It's been quite a ride. It hasn't always been smooth. I had two rejection episodes that require IV meds to treat, which require going to the hospital 2 days a week for 3 months in a row. The second round of meds caused really bad migraines. During the second round of treatment I also received an IV infusion of a really strong immunosuppressant to wipe out my immune system, which made me really sick. And because of the immunosuppressants, I get sick at the drop of a hat. But in spite of all that, I wouldn't change a minute of it. After all, anything worth having is worth fighting for!<br />
As much as this is a happy occasion, it's also somewhat bittersweet. As you may know, my kidney is failing and I'm about to embark on a new phase of my journey with kidney disease: dialysis. My nephrologist is in the process of having the paperwork to refer me to the dialysis team filled out, and sometime soon I will be undergoing surgery to have a catheter implanted in my abdomen to facilitate this. (I'll do another post on the catheterization and the dialysis process another time.) I've been really scared about this part of my journey; much the same way I was scared before the transplant. But, as my cousin Kristi said in a recent Facebook post, "God is at work. I have no idea of the outcome, and I am totally okay with that. The shifting is unsettling, but we are finding our core strength through the process." Her words really struck me, and once again I had the feeling that God was smacking me upside the head to get my attention (I have to admit that I don't always learn his lessons the easy way). I am okay with the outcome, because I've seen what he can take what seems like the very worst circumstances and turn them into wonderful things. I've seen that by going through these trials, I'm being made stronger. And most surprisingly, somehow, somewhere along the way, I realized...I'm not afraid anymore.<br />
Back in 2013, I wrote a post about my trip to Mexico for my friend Shannon's wedding, and the epiphany I had about facing my fear of heights the day we went rappelling. (You can read about it <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8976046916050869392#editor/target=post;postID=6025267522360786440;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=14;src=postname" target="_blank">here</a>.) In retrospect, I firmly believe that God helped me to face that fear so that I would be able to deal with a bigger fear when I was hit just a couple of months later: the fear of my transplanted kidney failing. Since I found about the kidney failure and that I would require dialysis (something I didn't have to do before I had the transplant because I had a compatible living donor), I've been scared: scared of the catheter surgery, scared of what they were going to be putting inside me, scared of the dialysis process, scared of what my life might look like once I started dialysis... I think you get the idea. I can't put my finger on just when it happened, but somewhere along the way the notion got into my head that if I learned about what I was facing, that it wouldn't be so scary. So I did just that. I've joined a number of groups on Facebook and read about other people's experiences with peritoneal dialysis (aka PD). And I got out the handbook that I was given at the hospital about living with kidney disease and read all about PD in it. Turns out that little voice that was yapping in my ear was right: learning about PD really has made it less scary. Today I realized WHY that little voice was yapping in my ear...<br />
A few weeks ago, I discovered a wonderful blog called The Artist and The Architect (there's a link to it in my blog list at right). I love this lady's writing; after reading her posts I often feel as if she's speaking directly to me. Today I read a post that she had written called "<a href="http://unafamiliaalaskena.blogspot.ca/2015/04/bravery-for-anxiety-ridden-five-ways-to.html">Bravery
for The Anxiety-Ridden {Five Ways to Be Brave}</a>". One of the ways that she writes about is this:<br />
"<strong>Understand that the very thing you fear will be the thing that conquers your
fear." </strong>Hello! When I read that, I suddenly realized that this was exactly the reason I had been moved to learn about my upcoming dialysis. God used the very thing that I feared to help me overcome my fear of it. It's easy to be afraid of that thing which you know nothing about; it's much harder to be afraid if you make that thing your friend and learn about it.<br />
Sometimes when we're going through difficult times, it can seem like nothing good could ever come of the situation. But oftentimes, when we look back on those times, we realize that it was then that we learned some of the best lessons life can teach us. And now, if you'll excuse me, I have an anniversary to celebrate!<br />
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Until next time,<br />
J.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10715551357460951102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976046916050869392.post-88839680815626779602015-04-24T16:22:00.001-07:002015-04-24T16:22:15.620-07:00The Friday Five: Cooking For My Kidneys Happy Friday, my friends!<br />
Most weeknights, our local news is followed by eTalk, a Canadian-based entertainment show. On Fridays, they have a segment called ... wait for it ... The Friday Five. It's made up of their favourite clips and stories from the past week. I have lots of favourite things, so I thought, "Why not do my own Friday Five and share my favourite things?".<br />
This week's theme is "Cooking for my Kidneys", and I'm using it to introduce my upcoming series of posts "In The Kidney Kitchen". I love to eat, but my kidney failure has necessitated some changes to my diet. However, as you will learn, I have found many ways to follow my kidney diet and still eat really well. And one of my strategies involves the use of the following products.<br />
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5. Campbell's No-Salt Added Broths<br />
Available in beef, chicken and vegetable, these ready-to-use broths have only a fraction of sodium of the original versions. For example, the NSA chicken broth has only 40mg of sodium per 150 mL serviing, compared to 380mg in the 30% Less Sodium and Organic versions, and 570 mg in the Original version. That's a HUGE difference!<br />
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4. Rice Dream Unfortified Rice Beverage</div>
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I LOVE this stuff! I've been looking for a low potassium, low phosphorous, low protein dairy substitute since I found out I had to start following a renal diet, and this is it! I use this anytime I make a recipe that calls for milk or cream, and I haven't found that there isn't any difference to the taste. Some of my favourite uses are French toast, scrambled eggs and my new favourite alfredo sauce.</div>
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3. Unsalted Corn Nuts</div>
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One of the things that is tricky to find when you're on a renal diet is a good, munchy snack. But if you look around, there are things you can find that are suitable. One of my new favourites is <em>unsalted</em> corn nuts. I buy them in bulk at Bulk Barn. They're great on their own straight from the bag, but I'm working on adapting my favourite honey-glazed snack mix recipe to make honey-glazed corn nuts. You could probably also use them in places of nuts in homemade Poppycock. (Note: they don't work so well as a nut substitute in butter tarts though, unless you eat all the tarts as soon as you bake them - after sitting for a few days the corn nuts get really tough.)</div>
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1. Clubhouse No-Salt Original Seasoning Blend & Epicure Fine Herbes Seasoning Blend</div>
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I couldn't decide which of these products I liked best, so I'm giving them a tie for first place. Seasoning with salt on a renal diet is not an option, but I don't care for the Mrs. Dash seasonings (one of the first ingredients in all of the blends is black pepper, which I not only don't like but which also gives me heartburn). I'm also not good at creating my own blends. So I've been looking for other options. The first one I found was the Epicure Fine Herbes blend. It's SO good! I haven't found anything that it doesn't taste good in. This morning I used it to add flavour to a creamy omelet filling with crab and mushrooms - YUM! Then I found the Clubhouse No-Salt blend. It's got pretty much the same herbs and spices as the Mrs. Dash table blend without the black pepper. Perfect! There's also a garlic and herb and an herb and pepper blend.</div>
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I hope you've enjoyed this first look at some of my favourite things. I'm looking forward to being able to share more in the coming weeks!<br />
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Until next time,<br />
J.<br />
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10715551357460951102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976046916050869392.post-17196787499664763882015-04-01T13:57:00.001-07:002015-04-01T13:57:38.407-07:00God Is Bigger Than The Bogeyman Fear can be an overwhelming thing. Especially at 3 o'clock in the morning when you can't sleep, and it's dark and lonely, and fear sneaks up on you and grabs you in its tentacles. I don't know what it is about that time, but things always seem the worst at 3 o'clock in the morning. Especially fear.<br />
One of the best lessons I learned about handling fear came from Veggie Tales. For those who are unfamiliar with VT, it's a collection of animated videos aimed at teaching kids (and adults too!) about the Bible and starring a cast of vegetables. Some of the stories are veggie versions of Bible stories (Dave and the Giant Pickle, Josh and the Big Wall), some are imaginative re-tellings of classic stories (Sweetpea Beauty, Robin Good and His No-So-Merry Men) and some are more abstract lessons in Christian values (Madame Blueberry, which is about thankfulness, King George and the Ducky, which is about not being selfish). Each movie teaches something using relatable stories and some really fun songs. Those who are fans of the series also know about the Silly Songs With Larry (the part of the show where Larry comes out and sings a silly song) but that's a story for another day.<br />
Back to the lesson about fear. In <i>Tales From The Crisper</i>, Junior Asparagus gets scared after staying up and watching a scary Frankencelery movie. With the help of Bob the tomato, Junior learns that there's no reason to be scared because God is bigger than any monster (and that Frankencelery is really just a guy named Phil from Cleveland). The "theme song" of the movie is called "God is Bigger Than The Boogie Man":<br />
<i> God is bigger than the boogie man!</i><br />
<i> He's bigger than Godzilla or the monsters on TV.</i><br />
<i> Yes, God is bigger than the boogie man,</i><br />
<i> And He's watching out for you and me!</i><br />
<i> </i>(This song is available for download on iTunes.)<br />
The lesson that Junior learned is just as important for us to remember. There's no reason to be afraid of the "monsters" in our lives when we have God on our side. Even the scariest Frankencelery is no match for our God! And when daylight comes, we might even realize that what kept us awake all night is really not that frightening at all...just a guy named Phil from Cleveland.<br />
So the next time you're awake and scared at 3 o'clock in the morning because of a monster, try this: sing this song a few times and see if that doesn't just chase that nasty ol' monster away!<br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
J.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10715551357460951102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976046916050869392.post-30519260837822803962015-03-30T21:14:00.001-07:002015-03-30T22:17:51.025-07:00A Book Review Shortly after I found out that my kidney was failing in 2013, I was in my favourite Christian bookstore and my eye caught a new book by Max Lucado. The title was "You'll Get Through This: Hope and Help For Your Turbulent Times". I immediately felt like God was trying to get my attention. There may as well have been a giant neon sign hanging above it saying "This is what you need! Right here!" A few weeks ago, I finally got around to reading it.<br />
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Let me start by saying that I have read many of Max's books, and I've loved all of them. There's just something about the way he writes. I feel like I'm sitting in a sunny cafe drinking coffee and talking with my best friend. There are always so many moments in the books where I see myself.<br />
This is by far my favourite book of his that I've read. In this book, Max uses the Biblical story of Joseph to illustrate how God uses the worst circumstances in our lives for good.<br />
It may take time, and it won't be easy. But God will use the bad in our lives to do good.<br />
Some quotes from the book:<br />
"You'll get through this. It won't be painless. It won't be quick. But God will use this mess for good. Don't be foolish or naive. But don't despair either. With God's help, you'll get through this."<br />
"Joseph would be the first to tell you that life in the pit stinks. Yet for all its rottenness, doesn't the pit do this much? It forces you to look upward. Someone from <i>up there</i> must come <i>down here</i> to give you a hand. God did for Joseph. And at the right time, in the right way, he will do the same for you."<br />
"In God's hands, intended evil becomes eventual good."<br />
<br />
If you or you someone you know is going through a storm in their life, then you <i>need</i> this book. It won't solve all your problems, but it will give you the encouragement you need to keep going in spite of them. You can find it online ar www.amazon.ca or www.amazon.com, or it may be available at your local bookstore.<br />
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥</div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10715551357460951102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976046916050869392.post-85553007340314345002015-03-30T00:14:00.000-07:002015-03-30T00:14:52.443-07:00Life Re-Imagined When we're little we dream about what we're going to be when we grow up. We dream about the person we'll marry and the homes that we'll live in and the families we'll have and the places we'll go on vacation. As we get older and our interests change, so do our dreams. Sometimes dreams come true. Sometimes one dream gets put on the back burner in order to pursue a new or different dream. And sometimes life throws a brick at you and shatters your dreams, and you're left standing in the wreckage wondering what the hell just happened. So what do you do you do? How do you carry on when everything that you've built is lying pieces at your feet? Do you sit in the smoking ruins and wallow in your misery, or do you try to find your way out of the chaos? Do you dream again?<br />
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Being told that my kidneys were failing and I needed a transplant was my first brick. Finding out some 13 years later that the transplant was failing was the second one. I felt like the universe had played a giant cosmic trick on me, but I wasn't laughing. Since I've begun this journey with kidney failure and transplantation and back to kidney failure, I've experienced just about every emotion in the book. I wish I could say that I've dealt well with my situation, but I'd be lying. I'm only human, after all, and I'm going to screw up along the way. All I can do is try my best and share what I've learned, and maybe in the process I can help someone else. So here's some of what I've discovered.</div>
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Facing a challenge like chronic illness tends to change how you look at a lot of things. You gain a whole new perspective on life when you realize that your hourglass suddenly has a lot less sand in it. The things that you once thought were so important are, in the grand scheme of things, really not that important at all. Things that once would have sent you into a tailspin now seem like petty inconveniences. And the little things that you never really paid attention to become much more meaningful. And with time, eventually you dare to start dreaming again, like I did. But my dreams are different now. They're more focused and short term. I'm trying to avoid making plans based on "someday", because there may not be a "someday" for me. I try to enjoy life the best that I can, and I try not to take anything for granted.</div>
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The biggest challenge is adjusting to a new reality. Building a new life using a new set of plans, which look muddled and confused and not at all like the picture on the box. It can be a really scary process, and there are bound to be setbacks along the way. Do you give up and quit, or do you keep muddling along and try to get through the roadblock? I've had people ask me how I can stay so positive in the face of what I'm going through. I tell them it's about making a conscious choice. Every day I'm constantly deciding how I'm going to deal with my disease. Sometimes I take things day by day, other times I take things hour by hour. And then there are the really tough days when I have to take it minute by minute. Chronic disease is a mental battle as much as a physical one. Will I beat it, or will I let it beat me? It's not a battle I always win. In all honesty, it beats me more often than I care to admit. But I can either choose to wallow in my defeat, or I can choose to pick myself up, dust myself off and vow to fight again tomorrow. It's not always easy. In fact, some days it's really damn hard. It can be difficult to carry on when you're surrounded by darkness and you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel. But the important thing to remember is that there is always something worth fighting for. There's a reason to keep going, in spite of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. There's a new dream waiting for you. This is your life, just re-imagined, and it's up to you to decide what you're going to do with it.<br />
"When you come to the edge of all the light you know, and are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen: there will be something solid to stand on, or you will learn to fly." (Unknown)<br />
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Until next time,<br />
J.</div>
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10715551357460951102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976046916050869392.post-32345956202439373352014-01-18T15:37:00.003-08:002014-01-18T15:37:51.089-08:00Greatest ComfortsThe theme for week 2 of the 52 Lists project is "My Greatest Comforts". Since I've been sick for two weeks, comfort has been a lot on my mind. This was a really easy list to make! Here's a list of some of the things that I find most comforting.<br />
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My pink fluffy bathrobe... cuddling under my duvet on a cold night... that first sip of fresh, hot coffee in the morning... vanilla-scented anything... cuddling with Molly... creative play time... pasta in creamy sauce... chocolate... falling asleep to the sound of the rain on the roof... watching the sun come up in my rearview mirror while driving to work... listening to my favourite music... my super plushy Riders blanket that Mom and Dad gave me for Christmas... listening to my favourite music... getting to see my brother, sister-in-law, nieces and nephew... sitting and watching TV with my mom... "Daddy and me" time... <br />
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Now I have to unearth my gratitude journal and make sure that all of my comforts are included (I know some of them are, but not all of them!)<br />
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Until next time,<br />
J.<br />
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PS. Here's the link Moorea's 52 Lists week 2 prompt: <a href="http://www.moorea-seal.com/2014/01/52-lists-project-week-2-list-your.html">http://www.moorea-seal.com/2014/01/52-lists-project-week-2-list-your.html</a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10715551357460951102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976046916050869392.post-78443086861612302452014-01-10T14:37:00.003-08:002014-01-10T14:37:58.810-08:00Lists, lists, lists!Have I ever mentioned that I LOOOVE lists? I do! I have an old daytimer that is nothing but lists...lists of books I want to read, lists of books that I have, lists of some of my collectibles...you name it, I probably have a list for it! So when I found a link on one of the blogs that I follow for a 52 Lists Project, you can imagine how excited I got. Imagine...a new list for every week in 2014. I get giddy just thinking about it.<br />
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The list prompt for week 1 is list to make a list of words that touch your soul. Here are just a few of my words:<br />
Peace<br />
Hope<br />
Faith<br />
Believe<br />
Trust<br />
Creativity<br />
Play<br />
Dream<br />
Imagine<br />
Focus<br />
Perseverance<br />
Family<br />
Love<br />
Joy<br />
Music<br />
Laughter<br />
Be<br />
Express<br />
Quiet<br />
Unique<br />
Grow<br />
Beauty<br />
Journey<br />
Heal<br />
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I could go on, but this post would turn into a novel. Follow this link to 52 Lists Project and start making your own lists for 2014: <a href="http://www.moorea-seal.com/p/52-lists.html">http://www.moorea-seal.com/p/52-lists.html</a>. And here's the link to the week one list prompt: <a href="http://www.moorea-seal.com/2014/01/52-lists-project-week-1-list-words-that.html">http://www.moorea-seal.com/2014/01/52-lists-project-week-1-list-words-that.html</a>.<br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
J.<br />
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10715551357460951102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976046916050869392.post-25705146835016461632014-01-01T17:04:00.001-08:002014-01-01T17:04:23.697-08:00Never SurrenderThe new year is a time for reflecting on the past year and setting goals for the new year. Sometimes it's good to try a different approach to the goal-setting, especially if (like me) you feel like the way you've done it before is no longer working for you. I recently joined a great art journalling group on Facebook called Mind.Body.Soul Art Journalling. The group's creator, Leslie, has the most wonderful blog (you can find it at <a href="http://wordsofmeproject.blogspot.ca/">http://wordsofmeproject.blogspot.ca/</a>). She's been running a weekly series called Being Me, and this week's entry was about choosing a word to help focus your goals for 2014. When I started thinking about what I want to accomplish this year, the one thought that kept coming back to me was overcoming challenges. 2013 saw its share of challengs because of my health, and 2014 likely won't be any better. I also thought of the need that I have to overcome the negative perceptions I have of myself; I've been carrying those around for so long that overcoming that particular issue is going to be a HUGE challenge. And I want to challenge myself to try new things, to listen to my heart and not my head when it comes to expressing myself creatively and to become more confident in my own abilities. After I had come up with my goals, I realized that what they all had in common was that they will all require a large amount of perseverance to achieve them. So my word for 2014 is PERSEVERANCE. I know that as I go through this year, there's going to be a lot of stumbling and falling, but I also know that when I stumble and fall, I need to find a way to pick myself up and go on. I've learned that if I can find a way to overcome, or at least find a way to deal positively with, the challenges that come my way I will come out a stronger person in the end.<br />
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At the same time as I was trying to choose a theme word for 2014, I came across a Facebook post from the Bible app that I have on my phone about choosing a key verse to focus on for the year. The one verse that kept coming to mind is James 1:2-4: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30269F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup> <span class="text Jas-1-3" id="en-NIV-30270">because you know that the testing of your faith<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30270G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup> produces perseverance.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30270H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Jas-1-4" id="en-NIV-30271">Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30271I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup> and complete, not lacking anything." There's that word again...perseverance. Clearly, I'm being sent a message here. We have a choice to make when we face challenges in our lives: we can let them defeat us, or we can try to find a way to rise above them. Sometimes finding the strength to go on is really hard. I know - I've been there. When those times come, all you can do is take one day, one moment, one breath at a time. And even if you don't realize it at the time, when you back on the struggles that you went through, you'll realize...I MADE IT!</span><br />
<span class="text Jas-1-4"></span><br />
<span class="text Jas-1-4">Until next time,</span><br />
<span class="text Jas-1-4">J.</span><br />
<span class="text Jas-1-4"></span><br />
<span class="text Jas-1-4"></span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10715551357460951102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976046916050869392.post-51889785482241528622013-10-20T15:10:00.000-07:002013-10-20T15:10:12.839-07:00Life LessonsThe other day I was revisiting one of my old scrapbooks and I came across a layout that I had done a few years ago about things I believe. Not religious beliefs, but just beliefs about life in general that I've learned as a result of things that I have gone through. The layout was based on a list that I created for a blog challenge at scrapbook.com, and is still one of my favourite layouts. But in reading the layout, I realized that there were some additional beliefs that I needed to document. Here, then, is my new and improved list of life lesson beliefs.<br />
<br />
I believe...<br />
- that chocolate is good for what ails you.<br />
- that the recipe for a perfect day involves a blue and sunny sky, an open highway and good tunes on the radio.<br />
- that one can never have too many purses, too many pairs of shoes or too many friends.<br />
- that the storms of life will pass, and that the sun will always follow them.<br />
- that even the darkest cloud has a silver lining.<br />
- that we should all cultivate the ability to laugh at ourselves.<br />
- that the best part of each new day is that there is one.<br />
- in creating my own happiness.<br />
- that things will always look brighter after a good night's sleep.<br />
- that every once in a while we should all take time to curl up with our favourite pillow and blankie for a nap.<br />
- in buying myself flowers for no reason.<br />
- that getting out a box of crayons and a colouring book is highly therapeutic.<br />
- that faith and a prayer will take you a long way.<br />
- that miracles are all around us, all the time - we just have to open our eyes to see them.<br />
- that before we can forgive others, we must first learn to forgive ourselves.<br />
- that you should dance whenever you feel the urge and sing like no one's listening.<br />
- in being thankful for all that I have.<br />
- that we should live like each day is our last.<br />
- in "happily ever after".<br />
- that everyone needs a teddy bear to hug when they're having a bad day.<br />
- that we should treat everyone around us the way we ourselves would like to be treated.<br />
- that no problem is so great that it cannot be overcome with God's help.<br />
- in taking time to stop and smell the roses.<br />
- that life is what we make it.<br />
- that we need to take more time to enjoy the simple things in life.<br />
- that we should enjoy each moment we have with our loved ones.<br />
- that there is no mistake we can make that is unforgivable.<br />
- that everything that happens to us happens for a reasons, and that even the bad things that happen in our lives can teach us something if we are willing to learn.<br />
- that angels walk among us.<br />
- that we are much stronger than we ever truly give ourselves credit for.<br />
- that the true measure of greatness is not in the number of accolades you have received, but rather in the obstacles that you overcome along the way.<br />
- that everyone needs someone or something to come home to.<br />
- that we should never be afraid to ask for what we need.<br />
- that sometimes doing the thing you fear the most will pay off in unbelievable ways.<br />
- that the best is yet to come.<br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
J.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10715551357460951102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976046916050869392.post-16636079998330713682013-10-05T20:16:00.001-07:002013-10-05T21:21:40.546-07:00A Thousand Little ThingsOn the "Charlotte's Web" soundtrack, Sarah McLachlan sings about ordinary miracles. Amy Grant and Rebecca Lynn Howard both sing about simple things. It's usually the simple things in life that bring us the most pleasure, but it's also the simple things that we most often take for granted.<br />
<br />
"When I'm worried, and I can't sleep,<br />
I count my blessings instead of sheep."<br />
~ Bing Crosby, from "White Christmas" ~<br />
<br />
A couple of years ago, I started reading a book by Ann Voskamp called "One Thousand Gifts" (check it out here: <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/One-Thousand-Gifts-Fully-ebook/dp/B003U2TWQ8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1381028057&sr=8-2&keywords=ann+voskamp">http://www.amazon.ca/One-Thousand-Gifts-Fully-ebook/dp/B003U2TWQ8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1381028057&sr=8-2&keywords=ann+voskamp</a>) that chronicled her mission to create a gratitude journal of 1,000 gifts or blessings in her life. The author's writing style wasn't to my taste and I didn't finish the book, but I was intrigued by the idea of a journal of 1,000 blessings. So I decided to give it a try. I'm only on about 150. But I found that as I went through this process, I started to spend my days actively looking for things to add to my list. And the more I looked, the more I found. <br />
<br />
Recently, my life has taken an unexpected turn, and the changes have gotten me thinking about the many, many things I have in my life to be thankful for. So I've decided to start a new list, and this time I'm determined to make a list of 1,000 blessings. Want to join me? Good! Because I have a challenge for you. Leave me a comment below with a list of 10 things you're thankful for, and I will enter you in a draw for a prize package, which will include a beautiful journal to make your own list of 1,000 gifts. Simple, right? The draw will take place on November 1st. Good luck!<br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
J.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10715551357460951102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976046916050869392.post-88805150242800403542013-09-30T20:11:00.000-07:002013-09-30T20:11:03.649-07:00A Light In The Darkness<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." ~James 1:2-3~</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">As many of you are aware, in April 2000 I underwent a kidney transplant after living for 16 years with chronic renal failure. I consider myself to be one of the lucky ones. Unlike many people, I had someone in my life who was willing and able to be a living donor for me: my mom. I didn't have to go on dialysis or be placed on the national waiting list in order to receive a new kidney. The surgery was a remarkable success: my new kidney started to work before the surgeon even finished sewing the incision closed. The nurses who cared for me after the surgery were amazed by the output my body was producing with the help of the new kidney. And even once I was home from the hospital, the nurses in the transplant clinic who were monitoring me were astonished by how quickly I recovered. Typically after a kidney transplant, the recipient is required to go for daily blood work and clinic visits every day for the first 30 days, weekends and holidays included. I was discharged on a Monday. That weekend, I only had to go ONE day for blood work and clinic (although they did forget to tell me that until the following Monday when I complained about the fact that I had driven all the way to the hospital, only to find out that the weekend nursing staff had no requisitions for me). The following weekend, I didn't have to go either Saturday or Sunday, and by the week after that they cut my blood work and clinic appointments back to Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I was told that this is extremely rare.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." ~Proverbs 3:5-6~</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Fast forward to August 29th. That was the day that my life took an extremely unexpected turn. I was told that my kidney is failing. My doctor estimates that it is now only functioning at about 20%. I suspect that this failure may be part of the reason why I have been sick almost constantly since the beginning of May. I think my body may simply be worn out by the strain of having to work with an almost non-functioning kidney and can't fight off infections anymore. The next treatment option is likely going to be dialysis, although my dad wants to be tested to see if he is a compatible donor for a second transplant. As part of my "new" life, I've been put on a very restrictive renal diet: low protein, low sodium, low phosphorous and low potassium. You know what that leaves that I can eat? Not much! My meals consist now of fresh meats (they can be frozen, as long as they were bought fresh - pre-frozen fish, meats and seafoods have a lot of phosphorous and potassium additives added to them), white rice/pasta/bread and some fruits and vegetables. I have to pretty much make everything from scratch. Have I ever mentioned that I don't particularly like cooking? Here's the weird thing though: I'm actually really enjoying it! Adapting to my new diet is forcing me to be creative, and I've always loved things that force me to be creative. And if sticking to this diet will help prolong the time I have left with this kidney, then I'll do it. I would live on rice and water if it would help. I do miss bacon though...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him." ~Psalm 28:7~</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?" ~Psalm 27:1~</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">So I guess you could say that I am in a state of transition right now. <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">I
don’t know what the outcome of all this is going to be, or when anything is
going to take place. But either way, I’ve made my peace with the direction that
I’ve suddenly found my life heading in, and I say “Bring it on!” Ideally, I
would rather do the second transplant, but I’m realistic, and I know that this
time around that may not be what God has in store for me. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">I think one of the things that makes it easier to deal with this unexpected turn is that this is not really new for me. I've been down this road before, and some of the scenery is familiar. And I know that this time, with God's help, I am strong enough to get through this. I’m so far removed
from the scared 22 year-old kid that thought her life was over in 1999 at the
idea of needing a transplant that I don’t think I would recognize her anymore
if I met her on the street. I was an absolute emotional wreck - convinced that
God had played a giant cosmic joke on me, and it wasn’t very funny. But
sometimes what seems to be the very worst thing that could ever happen to you
turns out to be one of the very best. That’s what happened to me. Everything
that I went through before my transplant and throughout the course of the past
13 and a half years has made me so much stronger emotionally and spiritually.
And now as I get ready to undertake this new journey, I’m finding that I can do
so without fear. There’s a reason why I’m going through this, and although I
don’t pretend to understand what it is, I’m willing to embrace whatever is
ahead because I can’t help but believe that something wonderful is going to
come from it. I know it’s not going to be an easy road, but I’m comforted by
the thought that I’m not walking it by myself. My faith provides a light in the darkness for me to follow, and something to cling to when the going gets tough, and sometimes that's everything.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me." ~Philippians 4:13~</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid of terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." ~Deuteronomy 31:6~</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">I
don’t know what your beliefs are, or if you call upon a Higher Power, but if
you do can I ask that you remember my family and me once in a while? And if
you’ve never considered it before, please think about becoming an organ donor
and let your families know your wishes. With my first transplant, I was lucky
enough to have someone in my life able to be a donor. Not everyone has that
luxury. Thousands of Canadians are added to waiting lists for donor organs
every year, and far too many of them die waiting a second chance at life. Be
someone’s second chance – be an organ donor.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Until next time,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">J.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10715551357460951102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976046916050869392.post-80012185633196852182013-09-29T17:12:00.003-07:002013-09-29T17:12:28.757-07:00The Colours of FallOf all the seasons, I think fall just might be my favourite. Sure, there are things that I like about spring, summer and winter, but not as many as fall. Fall for me is the gorgeous coloured leaves and the crisp air. Fall is cuddling under my duvet on a chilly night. Fall is digging out my favourite sweaters, boots and flannel pajamas. Fall is Thanksgiving and Halloween and the knowledge that Christmas is on its way. Fall is hot apple cider and pumpkin pie and roast turkey and too much candy. Fall is a return to teaching Sunday School. No doubt about it - fall is definitely my favourite season!<br />
<br />
Yesterday I took my camera for a walk around our yard and captured some of the sights of fall. Here are just a few...<br />
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Fall roses<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-LYkPPvjgY/UkjAm9dYKEI/AAAAAAAAAKA/k21Jt1rojr0/s1600/Fall+Roses.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-LYkPPvjgY/UkjAm9dYKEI/AAAAAAAAAKA/k21Jt1rojr0/s320/Fall+Roses.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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High-bush cranberries</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fn5MwRXyeWk/UkjAsr3sZGI/AAAAAAAAAKI/Etaog2cOevw/s1600/Cranberry+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fn5MwRXyeWk/UkjAsr3sZGI/AAAAAAAAAKI/Etaog2cOevw/s320/Cranberry+6.JPG" width="179" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a-Ah2z8a-Zk/UkjBCF7fLmI/AAAAAAAAAKo/DhmAJdayZMw/s1600/Cranberry+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a-Ah2z8a-Zk/UkjBCF7fLmI/AAAAAAAAAKo/DhmAJdayZMw/s320/Cranberry+5.JPG" width="179" /></a></div>
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An apple on our apple tree</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZETVMQJqLn4/UkjAxx4bmOI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/SVkDnBdVihM/s1600/Apple+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZETVMQJqLn4/UkjAxx4bmOI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/SVkDnBdVihM/s320/Apple+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Pears (this is the first year our pear tree has EVER produced fruit - and we've had it for about 15 years!)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bpAT7sQEIJ8/UkjA0_fEmbI/AAAAAAAAAKY/9xIx1ANlvxE/s1600/Pear+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bpAT7sQEIJ8/UkjA0_fEmbI/AAAAAAAAAKY/9xIx1ANlvxE/s320/Pear+2.JPG" width="179" /></a></div>
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Birch tree</div>
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Poplar trees</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F8v3DBMlFCY/UkjBKFkJ-fI/AAAAAAAAAKw/bXLuP91-e3M/s1600/Colours+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F8v3DBMlFCY/UkjBKFkJ-fI/AAAAAAAAAKw/bXLuP91-e3M/s320/Colours+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Happy Fall!</div>
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Until next time,</div>
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J.</div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10715551357460951102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976046916050869392.post-60252675223607864402013-04-10T21:56:00.001-07:002013-04-10T21:56:31.053-07:00Confronting Your Fears<p>I'm afraid of heights. Actually, I guess it's not the height I fear as much as falling from it...I have no problem with being up high as long as it's closed in and I know I can't fall, but I can't climb more than three or four steps up a ladder without breaking out into a cold sweat.</p>
<p>Last week, while I was in Mexico for my friend Shannon's wedding, I did something I never in my wildest dreams I would ever have imagined myself doing...I rappelled 25 meters into a cenote (an underground cave filled with water). I didn't really want to do it. In fact, the whole time I was standing there watching the others do it, I was desperately trying to figure out how to get myself out of it. But eventually there was no avoiding it. I reluctantly stepped forward and let our guide attach the rope to my harness. Leaning back off the edge of that platform in preparation to start my descent was the most terrifying thing I've ever done. Nothing will give a person afraid of falling the shakes quite as much as deliberately putting themselves in a position to fall will, after all. After I had talked myself into taking my feet off that platform, and I was hanging there on that rope, I suddenly realized that in taking that step off the platform, I had also done something much bigger...I had confronted one of my biggest fears, and not only that, I HAD WON! After that, the only thing left for me to do was get myself to the bottom. That was the easy part, because that I could control. Although...I was still pretty relieved to feel the first touch of the water on my feet and realize it was over.</p>
<p>This whole experience has been incredibly liberating. I've learned that, although there are things in life that may scare the h*ll out of me, if I'm brave enough to face them head on, I will come out on top. That being said, I don't see myself going home and climbing tall ladders anytime soon.</p>
<p>Until next time,<br>
J.<br><br></p>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10715551357460951102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976046916050869392.post-35652925065631157922012-11-12T16:22:00.002-08:002012-11-12T16:22:58.376-08:00Make It! Monday Bonus: Super Easy Peppermint MochaOh, the weather outside is frightful,<br />
But a hot drink is always delightful!<br />
<br />
Here's something that's quick and easy to make up when you need something to warm you up. All you need is:<br />
- 1 package (35 g) chocolate mint cocoa mix<br />
- 2 tsp. instant coffee (you can add more for a stronger flavour if you want)<br />
- 1/3 cup milk<br />
- boiling water<br />
<br />
In a large mug, whisk together the cocoa mix, coffee and milk. Fill the rest of the mug with boiling water and mix well. Easy peasy! For a fun variation, try using other flavours of cocoa mix and flavoured coffee creamers and see what you come up with.<br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
J.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10715551357460951102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8976046916050869392.post-15515509194649325712012-11-12T16:17:00.001-08:002012-11-12T16:17:51.495-08:00Make It! Monday: Poppy ATCGreetings! After a few weeks of being sick I'm back and ready to share more fun craftiness with you. In honour of Remembrance Day (Veterans Day for my friends in the US), today's project is my poppy artist trading card, or ATC. This is a great way to recycle your poppy and make a little piece of art at the same time. And if you've lost someone who served, you can also use it to commemorate them. Here's what you'll need:<br />
- small piece of clear 7-count plastic canvas (this is the standard size of plastic canvas, and it's sold in most craft stores - you could also use red or white canvas for this project)<br />
- ruler or tape measure<br />
- scissors<br />
- tapestry needle<br />
- red yarn<br />
- sewing needle and thread<br />
- alphabet beads<br />
<br />
1. A typical ATC is 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" inches, so the first thing you need to do is measure and cut the same size piece of canvas. Note: Your piece may not be exactly those dimensions (mine was slightly narrower than 2 1/2"). My piece is 23 holes long by 16 holes high; your measurements may vary depending on the brand of canvas.<br />
2. Now it's time to start stitching. I use a basic continental stitch to fill in my ATCs and an overcast stitch to cover the edges. They're both really easy stitches to do. If you've never worked with plastic canvas before, check out this link <a href="http://plasticcanvascountry.com/index.php/stitch-guide">http://plasticcanvascountry.com/index.php/stitch-guide</a> for instructions on doing your stitching.<br />
3. Now it's time to add the poppy. Figure out where you want it to be and use the sewing needle and thread to attach it. Tip: Before attaching the poppy, you may want to put some hot glue or something on the end of the pin so you don't stab yourself.<br />
4. Finally, add the beads. I went with LEST WE FORGET on my ATC, but you could also put the name of a family member who died.<br />
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And that's pretty much all there is to it! Here's a picture of my completed ATC:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tNvAbdq61V4/UKGQ1kldBpI/AAAAAAAAAJM/xkygnRxTgFo/s1600/Poppy+ATC+-+Lest+We+Forget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tNvAbdq61V4/UKGQ1kldBpI/AAAAAAAAAJM/xkygnRxTgFo/s320/Poppy+ATC+-+Lest+We+Forget.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Until next time,<br />
J.<br />
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10715551357460951102noreply@blogger.com1