She stands about 5'6 inches, coco colored flawless, smooth skin. A pleasant voice; she often whispers, "I'm here from the Chaplaincy...here to see if rooms, she'll give me the list, can receive communion?"
After I check the list and verify that they can or cannot.
It never fails, we seem to get into a conversation about something. Whether it is a piece of lovely jewelry from the motherland that she wears so elegantly, that I can't help but to comment on, or her hair, which in this case sparked our two minute conversation about natural, inexpensive ways to treat and condition your own hair, opposed to as we both have experienced going to the salon and spending so much on treatments.
"I have not washed my hair in a few weeks," she whispered bashfully.
I said, "really, I would never imagine that." "Do you get dandruff?"
"No." she shared. She proceeded, "I condition my hair myself," she explained to offset the cost of the beauty salon's pricing.
I noticed that her hair is natural, so I inquired how long it's been for her; she shared for years, many.
Before I knew it she was explaining in detail her homemade remedy for deep conditioners that sounded so interesting, I had to grab a pen, and began writing where I found room--on a small piece of paper with had virtually no room.
"You take the yellow part of an egg, a teaspoon of molasses..."
to be continued...
Monday, May 28, 2007
Botox Injection: Not just for Cosmetic Affairs.
May 22, 2007 started out extremely sunny. I remember feeling relaxed; and of course, hearing the blue jays chirping as they flew past my window certainly helped keep my mind stable. I thought to myself: No anxiety, not yet. However, a few hours later, more toward the time my minor surgical procedure was scheduled to take place--i began to worry, as it became clear to me that it was not feasible to locate a cream called KMB-4 to numb the area, that may or may not have worked, but was certainly worth the try.
Every Walgreen's I called had no cream in stock. And of course I tried looking the day of.
Stabilized in my mind, like a big girl would be, i remained calm, situated in my room, staring up at this serene environment, where candles burned a fresh, relaxing lavender aroma...thinking 'how bad could this really be?' It seemed logical to attest that it is only about thirty some odd needle injections in each hand. Though that sounds painful; i really imagined I'd feel the initial injection and be okay.
That was not the case. My eyes saw what my heart could not handle first.
Across the room, on a surgical table across, Dr. Yang began mixing, diluting... and sterilizing the needles--that from where I was sitting were entirely longer than the ones I imagined.
"I will not be using this needle for the Botox treatment, okay?" She said as she noticed my eyes enlarging.
"Okay," I murmured with slight reassurance.
This is when I began to breathe. It was at this moment that I felt breathing was the only mechanisms...one of the only, to maintain what people describe as my calm disposition.
Just when I thought I was okay, my mind raced...and I vividly remembered my recent diagnosis of a mild hyperhydrosis--which, after a year of research I found, that this is a condition in which glands excessively sweat. These glands happen to be in my hands. Other people who suffer from this potentially debilitating condition have the sweating under their arm pits, in their face, feet or other places in their body.
I recalled all the phone calls that I made in the last year to one of the leading hyperhydrosis medical clinic's in Miami pertaining surgery for this condition--to
my consistent research that landed me in the hands of a leading thoracic surgeon at Brigham And Women's Hospital, who actually diagnosed me as a mild case, last summer and suggested that I give it some more time and thought--considering that the procedure that he does involves overnight surgery, cutting the nerve. Which in turn has some repercussions that can cause horner's disease. After taking some, doing some research I'll call it. I came across Dr. Williams at Carney Hospital in Dorchester, who referred me to a leading surgeon: Dr. Andrew who went as far as scheduling an appointment for the Botox procedure to be done. It was during that time that Dr. Williams informed me that I would most likely grow out of this condition by the age of thirty--which is in fours years for me. He suggested that I consider botox injections, explaining that the radio active frequency ablation, paralyzes the gland so it won't produce sweat. Which is a less risky, not permanent more reasonable approach.
I agreed and appreciated his insight, which brought me on a totally different research avenue. Botox Injection.
As I considered the treatment and even set up an appointment with Dr. Andrew one of Carney Hospital's pain management doctors, there was a discrepancy with my Carney's Hospital gaining the approval to preform this procedure at the facility. That fell through....
But I continued with the faith that this road to a cure for my condition will prevail. And it did as I met a dermatologist Dr, Andrew Werchniak, at Brigham who, after performing a biopsy on my to figure out what I had, which turned out to be eczema, answered my question about, "How I go about getting Botox treatment," for this condition. I explained what I knew: He enlightened me on some more facts.
Except that this would be the most painful experience, I've encountered to date.
And it was.
More details forthcoming....
Every Walgreen's I called had no cream in stock. And of course I tried looking the day of.
Stabilized in my mind, like a big girl would be, i remained calm, situated in my room, staring up at this serene environment, where candles burned a fresh, relaxing lavender aroma...thinking 'how bad could this really be?' It seemed logical to attest that it is only about thirty some odd needle injections in each hand. Though that sounds painful; i really imagined I'd feel the initial injection and be okay.
That was not the case. My eyes saw what my heart could not handle first.
Across the room, on a surgical table across, Dr. Yang began mixing, diluting... and sterilizing the needles--that from where I was sitting were entirely longer than the ones I imagined.
"I will not be using this needle for the Botox treatment, okay?" She said as she noticed my eyes enlarging.
"Okay," I murmured with slight reassurance.
This is when I began to breathe. It was at this moment that I felt breathing was the only mechanisms...one of the only, to maintain what people describe as my calm disposition.
Just when I thought I was okay, my mind raced...and I vividly remembered my recent diagnosis of a mild hyperhydrosis--which, after a year of research I found, that this is a condition in which glands excessively sweat. These glands happen to be in my hands. Other people who suffer from this potentially debilitating condition have the sweating under their arm pits, in their face, feet or other places in their body.
I recalled all the phone calls that I made in the last year to one of the leading hyperhydrosis medical clinic's in Miami pertaining surgery for this condition--to
my consistent research that landed me in the hands of a leading thoracic surgeon at Brigham And Women's Hospital, who actually diagnosed me as a mild case, last summer and suggested that I give it some more time and thought--considering that the procedure that he does involves overnight surgery, cutting the nerve. Which in turn has some repercussions that can cause horner's disease. After taking some, doing some research I'll call it. I came across Dr. Williams at Carney Hospital in Dorchester, who referred me to a leading surgeon: Dr. Andrew who went as far as scheduling an appointment for the Botox procedure to be done. It was during that time that Dr. Williams informed me that I would most likely grow out of this condition by the age of thirty--which is in fours years for me. He suggested that I consider botox injections, explaining that the radio active frequency ablation, paralyzes the gland so it won't produce sweat. Which is a less risky, not permanent more reasonable approach.
I agreed and appreciated his insight, which brought me on a totally different research avenue. Botox Injection.
As I considered the treatment and even set up an appointment with Dr. Andrew one of Carney Hospital's pain management doctors, there was a discrepancy with my Carney's Hospital gaining the approval to preform this procedure at the facility. That fell through....
But I continued with the faith that this road to a cure for my condition will prevail. And it did as I met a dermatologist Dr, Andrew Werchniak, at Brigham who, after performing a biopsy on my to figure out what I had, which turned out to be eczema, answered my question about, "How I go about getting Botox treatment," for this condition. I explained what I knew: He enlightened me on some more facts.
Except that this would be the most painful experience, I've encountered to date.
And it was.
More details forthcoming....
Friday, May 25, 2007
One Day at a Time
I have learned a great deal in my twenty-six years on this earth. One of those wonderful lessons I've learned is how to pace myself to walk in patience...Let me just say, it takes a great deal of practice and isn't always easy, however...
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Happy Birthday Neil....Lee
Happy Birthday to you. Cupleanous Feliz. (i have to get the correct spelling when jessica wakes up, but you get the point). Today is a special man's birthday. He turns 30..Neil Lee I love dearly and completely feel you have made a unbreakable impression in my life.
From teaching me how to be free, to introducing me to unimaginable opportunities, spending endless time coaching me, by the way, for anyone who is ever looking for an astonishing team coach, hire Neil...he has the gift for inspiring people through his example of living that exemplifies a life, full and filled with creative ideas, opportunities for growth/freedom of the mind: the body: and soul....your ability to drink tea with absolutely no sugar inspired me to try to do the same, which essentially has made me a stronger human being. I used to use six sugars. Now I use one-two or none. A concept that was once unfathomable has become a rewarding activity. This is a sheer examples of how your gentle ways, radiate.
With love,
Sash
From teaching me how to be free, to introducing me to unimaginable opportunities, spending endless time coaching me, by the way, for anyone who is ever looking for an astonishing team coach, hire Neil...he has the gift for inspiring people through his example of living that exemplifies a life, full and filled with creative ideas, opportunities for growth/freedom of the mind: the body: and soul....your ability to drink tea with absolutely no sugar inspired me to try to do the same, which essentially has made me a stronger human being. I used to use six sugars. Now I use one-two or none. A concept that was once unfathomable has become a rewarding activity. This is a sheer examples of how your gentle ways, radiate.
With love,
Sash
Conversing with my Father
Today, we talked freely for about an hour.
I'm off work, feeling wonderful. And I have to say having a father like I have, is a blessing because he has almost all the answers.
"I want to quit my job," I say. His reply is there is an old saying, "Don't switch horses in the middle of the race."
He makes me think and he has a knack for generating information, tapping into his resources, and most gratifying coming up with million dollar ideas, like the gift basket business that he creatively suggested.
Today, with his advice and guidance and poised demeanor, I actually have explored the entrepreneur avenue and must say it has been a sweet ride.
Today...I asked my father if he would support me as I transition, as I think long and hard about leaving my full-time job as a unit coordinator, to fly high and begin to use the free time I will have to build my professional portfolio, step-by-step and plunge into my areas of interest: communications, public relations, including media relations, writing and so forth...
His answer of source was Yes.
He directed me in a few directions, considering that my only concern is the amazing benefit/health insurance package that I am going to perhaps loose.
One was to call the carrier and inquire on what kind of packages are available for someone interested in leaving their current position, but who has benefited from the plan and would like to remain a member.
Our conversation ended with my looking up an old friend of my dad's, who currently was hired within the public liaison office for Deval Patrick's campaign, while looking for Ron Bell's information, I came across this quote that stopped me in my track and made me say: "I have to share this on my blog site."
Here it is:
When I go into a room and sit at the table, all my life experiences
come with me. Sure, the business executive comes with me, but so does the welfare mother. The successful professional comes with me, but so does the child of a single-parent home, schooled in an overcrowded classroom. The senior public official comes with me, but so does the kid who’s first in his family to go to college, and the young family trying to make ends meet. All of this is a part of who I am.
— Deval Patrick
I'm off work, feeling wonderful. And I have to say having a father like I have, is a blessing because he has almost all the answers.
"I want to quit my job," I say. His reply is there is an old saying, "Don't switch horses in the middle of the race."
He makes me think and he has a knack for generating information, tapping into his resources, and most gratifying coming up with million dollar ideas, like the gift basket business that he creatively suggested.
Today, with his advice and guidance and poised demeanor, I actually have explored the entrepreneur avenue and must say it has been a sweet ride.
Today...I asked my father if he would support me as I transition, as I think long and hard about leaving my full-time job as a unit coordinator, to fly high and begin to use the free time I will have to build my professional portfolio, step-by-step and plunge into my areas of interest: communications, public relations, including media relations, writing and so forth...
His answer of source was Yes.
He directed me in a few directions, considering that my only concern is the amazing benefit/health insurance package that I am going to perhaps loose.
One was to call the carrier and inquire on what kind of packages are available for someone interested in leaving their current position, but who has benefited from the plan and would like to remain a member.
Our conversation ended with my looking up an old friend of my dad's, who currently was hired within the public liaison office for Deval Patrick's campaign, while looking for Ron Bell's information, I came across this quote that stopped me in my track and made me say: "I have to share this on my blog site."
Here it is:
When I go into a room and sit at the table, all my life experiences
come with me. Sure, the business executive comes with me, but so does the welfare mother. The successful professional comes with me, but so does the child of a single-parent home, schooled in an overcrowded classroom. The senior public official comes with me, but so does the kid who’s first in his family to go to college, and the young family trying to make ends meet. All of this is a part of who I am.
— Deval Patrick
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Water Has No Mother
Mother's Day Service at Bethlehem Baptist On Norfolk Street In Dorchester was remarkable.
Today, I took the offer and went with my mother and Ellis his aunts church. My visit to Bethlehem Baptist Church today felt equivalent to taking a trip down south, joining in worshipping with old folk in Henderson North Carolina.
In a very different manner, behind those walls, this congregation rocked--reminding me so much of a southern experience. The music was so rich, each vocalist informally shared their graceful gift of song, digging deep and singing rich lyrics that lifted my spirit...the choir brought back memories of my first and only trip to Henderson, when my grandmother passed, at her funeral where they sang with the same vigor.
An experience I desire to travel from state to state and join in. It is always a wonderful feeling to watch the presence of God, His power, creativity and peace resonate.
Like much of what the Pastor shared today about the capacity of mother's...the gift that it is, and the interesting components of motherhood. God and His Mother's
A mother is inspiration, she is essentially blessed with the gift to reproduce, and not only reproduce but instinctively, nurture, love, guide, understand, teach.
Trees have no mother. Nor darkness nor light, shared the Pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church.
Water Has No Mother
Interesting but true...
Today, I took the offer and went with my mother and Ellis his aunts church. My visit to Bethlehem Baptist Church today felt equivalent to taking a trip down south, joining in worshipping with old folk in Henderson North Carolina.
In a very different manner, behind those walls, this congregation rocked--reminding me so much of a southern experience. The music was so rich, each vocalist informally shared their graceful gift of song, digging deep and singing rich lyrics that lifted my spirit...the choir brought back memories of my first and only trip to Henderson, when my grandmother passed, at her funeral where they sang with the same vigor.
An experience I desire to travel from state to state and join in. It is always a wonderful feeling to watch the presence of God, His power, creativity and peace resonate.
Like much of what the Pastor shared today about the capacity of mother's...the gift that it is, and the interesting components of motherhood. God and His Mother's
A mother is inspiration, she is essentially blessed with the gift to reproduce, and not only reproduce but instinctively, nurture, love, guide, understand, teach.
Trees have no mother. Nor darkness nor light, shared the Pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church.
Water Has No Mother
Interesting but true...
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