To You......

I know you’re reading this. And I want you to know I’m writing this for you. Others will be confused. They will think I’m writing this for them. But I’m not.

This one’s for you.

I want you to know that life is not easy. Every day is an unpredictable challenge. Some days it can be difficult to simply get out of bed in the morning. To face reality and put on that smile. But I want you to know, your smile has kept me going on more days than I can count. Never forget that, even through the toughest times, you are incredible. You really are.

So smile more often. You have so many reasons to. Time and again, my reason is you.

You won’t always be perfect. Neither will I. Because nobody is perfect, and nobody deserves to be perfect. Nobody has it easy, everybody has issues. You will never know exactly what I’m going through. And I will never know exactly what you’re going through. We are all fighting our own unique war.

But we are fighting through it simultaneously, together.

Whenever somebody discredits you, and tells you that you can’t do something, keep in mind that they are speaking from within the boundaries of their own limitations. Ignore them. Don’t give in. In this crazy world that’s trying to make you like everyone else, find the courage to keep being your awesome self. And when they laugh at you for being different, laugh back at them for being the same.

Remember, our courage doesn’t always roar aloud. Sometimes it’s the quiet voice at the end of the day whispering, “I will try again tomorrow.” So stand strong. Things turn out best for people who make the best out of the way things turn out.

And I am committed to making the best of it along with you

Complicated vs. Simple

When we were young life was easier, right? I know sometimes it seems that way. But the truth is life still is easy. It always will be. The only difference is we’re older, and the older we get, the more we complicate things for ourselves.

You see, when we were young we saw the world through simple, hopeful eyes. We knew what we wanted and we had no biases or concealed agendas. We liked people who smiled. We avoided people who frowned. We ate when we were hungry, drank when we were thirsty, and slept when we were tired.

As we grew older our minds became gradually disillusioned by negative external influences. At some point we began to hesitate and question our instincts. When a new obstacle or growing pain arose, we stumbled and a fell down. This happened several times. Eventually we decided we didn’t want to fall again, but rather than solving the problem that caused us to fall, we avoided it all together.

As a result, we ate comfort food and drank alcohol to numb our wounds and fill our voids. We worked late nights on purpose to avoid unresolved conflicts at home. We started holding grudges, playing mind games, and subtly deceiving others and ourselves to get ahead. And when it didn’t work out, we lived above our means, bought things we didn’t need, and ate and drank some more just to make ourselves feel better again.

Over the course of time, we made our lives more and more difficult, and we started losing touch with who we really are and what we really need 

A list of things that will simplify your life 

Don’t try to read other people’s minds. Don’t make other people try to read yours. Communicate.
Be polite, but don’t try to be friends with everyone around you. Instead, spend time nurturing your relationships with the people who matter most to you.
Your health is your life, keep up with it. Get an annual physical check-up.
Live below your means. Don’t buy stuff you don’t need. Always sleep on big purchases. Create a budget and savings plan and stick to both of them.
Get enough sleep every night. An exhausted mind is rarely productive.
Get up 30 minutes earlier so you don’t have to rush around like a mad man. That 30 minutes will help you avoid speeding tickets, tardiness, and other unnecessary headaches.
Get off your high horse, talk it out, shake hands or hug, and move on.
Don’t waste your time on jealously. The only person you’re competing against is yourself.
Surround yourself with people who fill your gaps. Let them do the stuff they’re better at so you can do the stuff you’re better at.
Organize your living space and working space. Read David Allen’s book Getting Things Done for some practical organizational guidance.
Get rid of stuff you don’t use.
Ask someone if you aren’t sure.
Spend a little time now learning a time-saving trick or shortcut that you can use over and over again in the future.
Don’t try to please everyone. Just do what you know is right.
Don’t drink alcohol or consume recreational drugs when you’re mad or sad. Take a jog instead.
Be sure to pay your bills on time.
Fill up your gas tank on the way home, not in the morning when you’re in a hurry.
Use technology to automate tasks.
Handle important two-minute tasks immediately.
Relocate closer to your place of employment.
Don’t steal.
Always be honest with yourself and others.
Say “I love you” to your loved ones as often as possible.
Single-task. Do one thing at a time and give it all you got.
Finish one project before you start another.
Be yourself.
When traveling, pack light. Don’t bring it unless you absolutely must.
Clean up after yourself. Don’t put it off until later.
Learn to cook, and cook.
Make a weekly (healthy) menu, and shop for only the items you need.
Consider buying and cooking food in bulk. If you make a large portion of something on Sunday, you can eat leftovers several times during the week without spending more time cooking.
Stay out of other people’s drama. And don’t needlessly create your own.
Buy things with cash.
Maintain your car, home, and other personal belongings you rely on.
Smile often, even to complete strangers.
If you hate doing it, stop it.
Treat everyone with the same level of respect you would give to your grandfather and the same level of patience you would have with your baby brother.
Apologize when you should.
Write things down.
Be curious. Don’t be scared to learn something new.
Explore new ideas and opportunities often.
Don’t be shy. Network with people. Meet new people.
Don’t worry too much about what other people think about you.
Spend time with nice people who are smart, driven, and likeminded.
Don’t text and drive. Don’t drink and drive.
Drink water when you’re thirsty.
Don’t eat when you’re bored. Eat when you’re hungry.
Exercise every day. Simply take a long, relaxing walk or commit 30 minutes to an at-home exercise program like the P90X workout.
Let go of things you can’t change. Concentrate on things you can.
Find hard work you actually enjoy doing.
Realize that the harder you work, the luckier you will become.
Follow your heart. Don’t waste your life fulfilling someone else’s dreams and desires.
Set priorities for yourself and act accordingly.
Take it slow and add up all your small victories.
However good or bad a situation is now, it will change. Accept this simple fact.
Excel at what you do. Otherwise you’ll just frustrate yourself.
Mature, but don’t grow up too fast.
Realize that you’re never quite as right as you think you are.
Build something or do something that makes you proud.
Make mistakes, learn from them, laugh about them, and move along

Cheeseburger Pie

Cheeseburger Pie

Serves 4

1 sheet (1/2 lb) puff pastry

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

1/2 to 3/4 lb 95% lean ground beef*

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons ketchup

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (I use Lee & Perrins)

1/2 teaspoon steak seasoning**

4 oz sharp Cheddar, shredded

1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for eggwash)

1 teaspoon sesame seeds

2 cups chopped Romaine lettuce (or any lettuce you like)

1/2 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

Creamy Garlic & Chive Dressing (recipe below)

If frozen, thaw the puff pastry at room temperature for 40 minutes. Preheat oven to 375F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Add oil to a medium saucepan over medium heat; once hot, add onion and cook until starting to soften (about 5 minutes). Add beef and cook until brown, then add garlic and cook 1 minute. Add ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire, and steak seasoning and cook until the liquid is evaporated (about 3 minutes). Cool completely.

Unfold puff pastry so that it forms a 9- by 10-inch rectangle (or roll it out with a light dusting of four so that it forms a rectangle this size), and place pastry on top of prepared baking sheet. Spread the cooled meat mixture on the pastry (leaving a 1-inch border all the way around), and sprinkle the Cheddar on top.

Lightly brush the border with eggwash (you will have extra eggwash) and sprinkle on sesame seeds. Bake about 20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden.

Cool slightly before cutting, then top with lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of Creamy Garlic & Chive Dressing.

*If you use meat with more fat than this, drain off the fat after browning.

**The steak seasoning I use contains sea salt, coarse-ground black pepper, coriander seed, mustard seed, dill seed, and red pepper. It won’t have exactly the same flavor, but in a pinch you could use a scant 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.

Creamy Garlic & Chive Dressing:

Yields about 1/3 cup

1/4 cup plain yogurt

2 tablespoons mayo

1 tablespoon minced fresh chives

1 small garlic clove, grated (or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder)

Pinch salt and pepper

Whisk together all ingredients; store refrigerated until serving

“Better than Sex” Chocolate Nutella Cupcakes

Makes 15-16 cupcakes

1/2 C butter, room temperature
1 1/4 C sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
3/4 C flour
1/2 t baking powder
1/4 t baking soda
1/4 t salt
1/2 C unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 C milk
1 t vanilla

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a mixing bowl, beat butter until softened and smooth. Add sugar and beat for a few minutes, until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each until well combined.

In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cocoa powder. In a separate small bowl, combine milk and vanilla.

Add about 1/3 of dry ingredients to butter and sugar and mix until combined. Add about 1/2 of wet ingredients to mixture and mix until combined. Continue alternating dry and wet, mixing in between (finish with the remaining dry ingredients).

Fill cupcake tins about 1/2 full (don’t overfill – you only need 1/2) and bake for around 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. They will come out flat.



Nutella Butter cream

1/2 C butter, room temperature
1 C Nutella
1 C powdered sugar, sifted
1-2 T milk

Beat butter until smooth. Add Nutella and beat together until thoroughly combined. Slowly add powdered sugar, mixing until combined. Add 1 tablespoon of milk. Add additional milk or powdered sugar as needed to reach desired consistency

This is CLASSIC white Trash for you............how sad.

Our Song

Bipolar 101

Every day I take medicine. Without it, I wouldn't be able to function

Bipolar Disorder is a brain disorder. Neurotransmitters (and probably other chemicals) in your brain cause your moods.

If you're like most people, there will likely be a lot of trial and error... The first medicine you try might not work at all, or the dosage may have to be adjusted before it works. It is also possible that it works initially and then stops working. Medication combinations are common.

It is also possible that it might take awhile before you find the right doctor for you.

 Bipolar Disorder is usually first treated with a Mood Stabilizer, such as a Lithium or Depakote, which are common first line drugs for it. Other drugs that your doctor may try are Carbamazepine, Seroquel, Risperidone, and Geodon, just to name a few. There are many to choose from, and your doctor will decide what to try based on your symptoms and how you respond to medication.

If you are suffering from depression, you also may be described an anti-depressant. There are dozens of antidepressant medications to choose from. Most of these change the level of Serotonin in your brain, and some of them also change the other neurotransmitters like Dopamine and Norepinephrine.

Check out this article for information on medication treatment for Bipolar disorder.

Often people with Bipolar Disorder also have anxiety, and if that's the case, you may be prescribed something for anxiety. However, sometimes the antidepressants and mood stabilizers also help with that.

Doctors generally don't prescribe antidepressants by themselves if you have Bipolar Disorder because antidepressants can cause mania and rapid cycling - which means faster mood changes!


Awareness of Symptoms:

I constantly monitor how I'm feeling and I adjust my meds and activities based on how I'm feeling.

The trick to controlling Bipolar Disorder is to recognize when a mood episode is starting up and to do something early to try to stop it from getting worse.

Since each person is different, your symptoms aren't going to be the same as everyone

Create a Low Stress Environment for Yourself........... Most Important Thing!!!


I know this may be easier said than done. There will always be bills to pay, people you don't get along with, and the unexpected turn of events from time to time.

 However, you can do things to cushion yourself a bit and protect yourself from stress. Stress is the biggest DE-stabilizer. Even if you've found the right medicine, a stressful time can cause breakthrough symptoms and might require a med adjustment.

Here's what I've found about HOW to create a low stress environment:

 Pick your battles wisely. Think about the importance of the battle, and about your emotional state before getting involved in a situation that may take up your emotional energy.

 Create a routine for yourself. Do some of the same things every day, in the same order. It helps make life less predictable. Knowing what's coming next will help you to control your moods.

 Sleep and eat regularly. Not sleeping can induce mania. Not eating can cause mood problems related to blood sugar.

 Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and drugs. This differs from person to person. For me, avoiding caffeine is especially important.

 Save up money so that you can get through rough times. Financial stress is one of the biggest stresses. Figure out a way to save some money. Putting your change in a jar is one way. It might not seem like much but it can really add up.

Have positive relationships. If you are having relationship trouble, see a therapist to work through it. If there are toxic people in your life, consider limiting their contact with you. Develop friendships with people who understand your Bipolar disorder and who will look out for you.

Be Honest about Bipolar Disorder. Some days I think that my bipolar disorder is cured, and now I can go back to school and become an emergency room doctor. I think I would love the thrill of making life saving decisions...... But wait a moment. I have bipolar disorder and stress makes things worse, not better! So as I consider my career, I have to be honest about what kind of work is low stress. If I didn't have bipolar disorder, I might go for a stressful job, but I know that would make my disorder flare up. It's hard because I know that I am smart enough to do some jobs but my brain isn't well enough

Copyright © 2011 www.http://behindthewhitepicketfencearmylife.blogspot.com. All rights reserved

Being Labled: Bipolar II: Life Changing

I was diagnosed with Bipolar II in the Spring of 2006. Since then I have ceased to function as what one would consider NORMAL. I have not had a job since 2003 (not receiving disability, SSI or any other type of assistance) My husband is a great provider & have NEVER used government assistance. I throughly enjoy the luxury of being a stay at home mother. I am a firm believer and STRONG advocate for mothers to stay home with THEIR children and not pawn them off on family or a daycare system & NOT being supported or living on GOVERNMENT handouts aka: WELFARE..........but thats another blog in its self

For years I struggled with my family and this disease. They had this entire mentality of thinking that I was just going through normal adolescent changes when I knew damn well that what was going on inside my head was not normal

I’m 29 now and my parents have pretty much given up on me. It hasn't stopped me from trying to reach out to people though. I think I can vouch for everyone by saying that this disease doesn’t care whether you’re black, green, blue, or purple. It will not go away and if it runs in your family you can pass it to your children

Every single day I am trying to learn something new about this disorder and have been doing therapy on and off since I was diagnosed. I have learned how different medications affect my body and have even gone so far as to guinea pig myself so that I can keep track of every type of feeling I experience.

The medications that have helped me the most have been Lithium (mood stabilizer), Geodon ( anti-psychotic) & have yet to find any anti depressant that helps with my grave, deep depression that doesn't cause me to be suicidal., Depakote, Prozac, Abilify, Prestique, Zoloft, Welbrutrin, & a few more have completely suppressed all my thoughts, although I know they work in others, but unfortunately, I had a bad run. Also, all these should be sided with psychotherapy. It makes it so much better.

If your out there and you think that the world is on top of your shoulders, don't give up. Even at my low point now, I love waking up everyday to my friends, I wouldn't trade this for the world

Copyright © 2011 www.http://behindthewhitepicketfencearmylife.blogspot.com. All rights reserved

Uploading a photo is like getting a real tattoo...........its PERMANENT

When I talk to people about privacy and the internet, most of the time what I hear is, "Well, if you've got nothing to hide, what's the problem?" And this so misses the point.

Is there no value in privacy? Is there no indignity we won't cheerfully endure, or intimate detail we will not share with the world?

When I was in high school, if you screwed up, you could start over. Off to college you could go, in another state, with a clean slate. Not any more. Our children will get no fresh start. Their mistakes will follow and haunt them forever on the internet, thanks to social media sites like Facebook.

The latest creepy development is Facebook's facial recognition software. Once a person has uploaded a photo and identified you, Facebook can identify you in every photo uploaded by anyone. Watch Nightline's story on it below.



Spend an hour considering the implications of this, and you won't be able to come up with them all.

Imagine your 12-year old son is with a group of other boys and they download something raunchy from Youtube. They're young and dumb and they proudly pose around the computer screen for a picture. Then one of the boys uploads the photo to Facebook and tags all the boys in the photo. Boom. It's there. Forever. And your son can now be identified in any photo posted on Facebook, in perpetuity.

So when your son, older and wiser, applies to theology school? Well, he just might get rejected.
It's true that, at least for now, the only people who can "tag" you -- or so Facebook claims -- are your "friends" (and we all know how fair-weathered friends can be be). But we also know how eager kids (hell, even adults) are to amass more "friends" on their Facebook page. So don't tell me to calm down because only "friends" can "tag" me

As for subpoenas from law enforcement that can require Facebook to hand over every single photo on its massive data base that has your kid's mug in it? Well, don't even get me started.

Facebook, my friends, is the devil


Copyright © 2011 www.http://behindthewhitepicketfencearmylife.blogspot.com. All rights reserved

Will & Pearl

I love Will Ferrell. He could just stand there and say nothing and I would still laugh at him. I know many of you have seen this one before, but I just wanted to post it again because it is one of my all time favorite videos.

Enjoy Will and Pearl and hope this puts a smile on your face.

The Landlord from Will Ferrell

27 Club

Neil Young once said “it’s better to burn out than to fade away” a sentence that would later be found in a suicide note written by Kurt Cobain. Kurt was the 5th member of the 27 club, a group of musicians who died at the age of 27. Today, with the passing of Amy Winehouse, she too has joined the ranks of greats like Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, and others who are part of this very exclusive club.


                                       Jimi Hendrix – The Jimi Hendrix Experience (died 1970)

There was nothing about Jimi Hendrix that didn’t stick out; from his flamboyant outfits, to his left-handed guitar, or his use of amp overdrive. After being turned down by The Rolling Stones, Jimi was introduced to Chas Chandler via Keith Richard’s girlfriend. They went on to form The Jimi Hendrix Experience a rock band that would revolutionize the genre forever. In 1969, he headlined the biggest music festival of all time, Woodstock. One year later, Jimi Hendrix was found dead after overdosing on pills and drowning in his own vomit (asphyxiation).

                                                Brian Jones – The Rolling Stones (died 1969)

Brian Jones was the founder of a little known band named The Rolling Stones. While on the phone to secure a gig with a venue owner, Brian came up with the name “Rollin(g) Stones” by reading it off an album that was laying around. Their music consisted mostly of R&B covers and it wasn’t until Andrew Loog Oldham joined that they began shifting their focus to newer, more original material. This transition reduced Jones' role in the band which was further accelerated with his drug habit and alcohol abuse. He became alienated from The Rolling Stones and eventually, he was no longer a member of the band he helped form. One month later, he was found face down in his swimming pool.

                                                              Janis Joplin –  (died 1970)

Janis’ big break came in 1966 when she became the lead vocalist of the psychedelic hippie rock band, Big Brother and The Holding Company. She was renowned for her strong powerful vocals during a male-dominated rock era. Janis Joplin performed at Woodstock after having several shots of heroin and being highly inebriated. In 1970, she flew to Brazil where she cleaned up her act and remained sober for a while. She would later return to the US where her drug habits would resurface and ultimately, get the better of her as she died from an apparent heroin overdose in October 1970

                                                     Jim Morrison – The Doors (died 1971)

Jim Morrison was a poet, a writer, a filmmaker, and of course, the lead singer for the rock band, The Doors. Controversy surrounded The Doos when they were asked to perform on the Ed Sullivan show. Fearing that the lyric “Girl We Couldn’t Get Much Higher” was too risqué for television, Ed Sullivan requested that the band modify the sentence to be more TV friendly to which they agreed. When they played, Jim proceeded with original wording which infuriated Ed Sullivan. The Doors had great success in the late 60s but Jim Morrison started to get out of control. He was constantly drugged or drunk and would oftentimes show up late for live performances. In 1971, he moved to Paris and a few months later, Jim Morrison was found dead in his apartment. The circumstances surrounding his death are still unclear as an autopsy was never performed

                                                       Kurt Cobain – Nirvana (died 1994)

In an era where rock music was all about long hair and leather jackets, Kurt Cobain sported short hair and wore flannel clothing. Nirvana became an overnight success when they took Michael Jackson off the number one slot in the Billboard music charts with their smash hit, Smells Like Teen Spirit. Grunge music would go on to flood the radio airwaves throughout the early nineties. In 1992, Cobain wed the equally unorthodox Courtney Love with whom they had daughter Frances Bean Cobain. In 1993, Nirvana, known for their grungy loud music, were approached by MTV and asked to perform a quieter, more intimate acoustic set. Kurt Cobain’s emotional performance in Where Did You Sleep Last Night still sends chills down our spines.

                                                         Amy Winehouse (died 2011)

Ironically, Amy Winehouse owed much of her popularity to her song Rehab which contained the lyric "They tried to make me go to rehab but I said 'no, no, no.'" After struggling with drug addiction, Amy Winehouse finally went against those same words and checked into rehab in 2011. After a short stay, the singer checked herself out of rehab and began a new European tour. She was booed off stage after showing up at her first gig intoxicated and unable to remember the lyrics to her famous songs. Her tour was canceled following the incident to give her more time to recover. She was found dead in her London home today, July 23, 2011


Copyright © 2011 www.http://behindthewhitepicketfencearmylife.blogspot.com. All rights reserved

4:40am Rant & Rave

Words cannot describe how much I hate him. Or is it a her? Either way. I can't stand that eunuch. When I was a little girl, I learned how to speak English watching Bugs Bunny and Roadrunner shows. I remember how distressed I would be for poor Sylvester, and for that matter--THE COYOTE! The poor things! They never, ever got their guy. Sylvester tried and tried to get Tweety, but somehow, that stupid bird always found a way to get away from him. That damn old granny used to unwittingly save him from danger over and over again. I would hear "I tawt I taw a puddy tat! I did! I did tee a puddy tat!" and it would make my skin crawl. For that matter, to this day, the injustice that Wile.E. Coyote experienced still upsets me. I mean, how much money did that poor creature spend on useless ACME products? Was he up watching late-night infomercials? Did he get them in four easy payments? I suppose it was just my heightened sense of justice that caused me (still does) such grief while watching these shows. To me, it was like watching a train wreck every Saturday. I would alternately weep with delight and pleasure. Hoping that, just once, the Coyote and Sylvester would eat, digest and defecate out their prey.


Does anyone else remember Sesame Street (another show that helped me with the English language) when everyone accused Big Bird of making up Snuffalufagus? Every time poor Big Bird would be hanging out with "Snuffy", he would tell him to stay put so he could go and introduce him to Oscar, the Count and all the other S.S. gang and when he would return with them, that f*ing Snuffy would be gone. Oscar would be all I'M GOING BACK TO MY TRASHCAN BEYOTCH and the Count would be all TWELVE, TWELVE LIES THAT BIG BIRD HAS TOLD! If I was Big Bird (being huge and with giant poultry death claws), I would have kicked Snuffy's ass and hung him out to dry. That hairy elephant- thing pissed me off. Clearly, I still harbor ill feelings for him. My guess, however, is that Sesame Street wised up and that I was not alone. Now ALL of them hang out with Snuffy. I wonder, did anyone ever apologize to Big Bird for not believing him? I can't decide whether Big Bird is a big pussy for letting Snuffy get away with this or if he is just a bigger person--um pituitary gland-challenged super yellow not found on any barn animal poultry creature--than the rest of us for forgiving all of them

Copyright © 2011 www.http://behindthewhitepicketfencearmylife.blogspot.com. All rights reserved

My Favorite Dinner!!

These are ABSOLUTELY the BEST!! The kids love them. Whats not to love, beans, cheese.......more Cheese!! Try and let me know if you like them as much as we do


HERE'S ALL IT TAKES
1 (28 ounce) can of pinto beans in chili sauce (We use Ranch Style Beans)
10 flour tortillas
8 ounces grated mild or sharp cheddar cheese
sour cream for topping

HEAT OVEN TO 350ºF

When you open up the can of beans, drain off the top of the bean liquid into a 13-inch by 9-inch casserole pan. Pour the beans with the remaining liquid into a large bowl. Mash half the beans. Add in 1 1/2 cups grated cheese. Stir together.

Fill each tortilla with 1/2 cup of mashed beans. Tuck left and right side of the tortilla in and roll into a burrito. Place seam side down in casserole pan. After you have filled all the tortillas, you should still have plenty of mashed beans leftover. Use them to spread over the tops of the burritos. Cover all the burritos with the remaining grated cheese.

Cover with foil or turn a small cookie sheet upside down and place over the casserole pan. Cookie sheets work great as foil substitutes.

BAKE 25 TO 30 MINUTES. Allow to cool at least 5 minutes before serving. Top individual burritos with sour cream


Copyright © 2011 www.http://behindthewhitepicketfencearmylife.blogspot.com. All rights reserved

Pure Forms

If I could show what a friend is all about...
I'd bring the necklace of trust and the
bracelet of respect.
If I could tell you what a mother ought to be
She'd wear dedication and strength as her
perfume.
If I had to show you what a lover is...
I'd show you that honey can come from lips
and paradise can be felt with your body.
But if I had to show you what true love is...
I'd show you that loving someone more than
yourself can make the heart the whitest,
purest silk that has been purified ten
thousand times in the essence of love

(c)

Copyright © 2011 www.http://behindthewhitepicketfencearmylife.blogspot.com. All rights reserved  

The Smurfs (In 3D) - New Trailer - In Theaters 7/29

Influencial Toys

The second I got wind that the Breast Milk Baby Doll, already popular in Europe, was launching in the US, my first thought was…oh boy. Here come the crazies. And yep. I was right.

 If they don’t like the doll, it’s because they don’t feel that a parent needs to spend $89 for a battery operated Chinese-made doll for a kid to be able to “nurse” her (or his) dolls. I buy that 100%. We don’t have dolls that pee or poop or talk around our house either.

So I do get the point that we don’t need our dolls to actually do the things that our kids’ imaginations already make them do.

What I’m having trouble understanding are the people who say things like “this crosses a dangerous line” or “it sexualizes our little girls” or “Jesus is going to be SO MAD!”

(Someone suggested that the doll is upsetting because little girls don’t actually have boobs. I thought that little girls don’t actually have babies, either. Duh, a no brainer.)

But really the toughest for me, was understanding my own initial discomfort when I first heard about the doll. I wholly admit: my first reaction was “Hm. That’s a little weird.”

So I asked myself…would I be okay with a baby doll that simulates drinking milk from a bottle? Of course.

Would I be okay with a baby pig doll that sucks milk from the mommy pig? Why not.

Would I be okay with my kids simulating breastfeeding under their shirts? They already do.

Hm.

That’s when I realized…it’s a gateway doll.

It’s a doll that leads to other things!

Let your kid have a Breast Milk Doll and the next thing you know, she’ll want a co-sleeping doll. Can you imagine? A doll that is made for you to sleep with it! The downfall of independence in our country! The end of democracy as we know it!

And then? I imagine your formerly sweet little girl will be wanting to carry it in a sling instead of pushing it in a stroller like God intended. Before you know it, she’s feeding that baby doll homemade organic baby food from some communist food CSA, pre-registering it for a Waldorf preschool, selling the family TV, and refusing to shave her armpit hair.

Stupid Breast Milk Baby Doll.

I’m just glad I figured it out.

Copyright © 2011 www.http://behindthewhitepicketfencearmylife.blogspot.com. All rights reserved

Total Truth

Secrets of a Restraunt Chef: Shrimp Portofino

Many of us understand that things aren’t going so well on the economic front. As a result, we’re all searching for ways to cut back. But we are human, and I know personally there are not many things I’m willing to go without. I am not so obstinate, however, to know that I can have the similar things, only in a more cost efficient manner. I will admit that one of my weaknesses is going out to have a meal. There’s just something about the Seafood Alfredo at one of several restaurants down the road that makes me crave it at the strangest times. If I could make it in the home, I would not be held back by cost, or time, or even having to leave the house.

Something like Seafood Alfredo is pretty ordinary, and you be able to find recipes on line for it fairly quickly. But it is not the same as the Alfredo at the restaurant. Alfredo sauce is pretty much Alfredo sauce, but the extra small spices and the mixture of seafood they use is what creates it special. Ensure the internet to see if somebody has posted the recipe for your preferred restaurant. Sometimes all it takes is one disgruntled employee to spill secrets.

Failing that, treat yourself to dinner out. But do not just order, eat and leave. You’re on a mission. Mention to your server that the Alfredo sauce tastes a small different from the Alfredo sauce you create and you would love to know what they use for that extra bit of taste. The server might know, and be ready to tell you. Ask nicely enough, and they may even try to discover from the cooks. You can even ask to see the cook. When you are going to use this tactic, ensure you do not go during busy hours. Go when there’s a lull in customers, and you have a better chance of having that one on one.

Many the components you can figure out just by dissecting your food. When you know they use shrimp, scallops, mussels, lobster, and crab, you can take that information and make yourself a reasonable facsimile of the dinner in the home. Try to figure out how they cooked the seafood. Did they grill the scallops? Are the mussels soaked in a garlic wine sauce? Do not be afraid to take notes. People will not even notice what you are doing.

Once you have that information, you can then start to make it at home. It may take several tries to get it great, but you will eventually be able to make your preferred dish at home.

To get you started, here’s a recipe to duplicate Macaroni Grill’s Shrimp Portofino:

2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic

1/2 cup melted butter

16 medium mushrooms

16 large shrimp, cleaned and de-veined

1/2 teaspoon pepper

3 cloves fresh garlic, crushed, peeled, and minced

1 jar marinated artichoke hearts (drain before using)

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (fresh is better for the taste)

4 slices lemon

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (don’t use dried parsley)

Saute the mushrooms and garlic in butter until just about tender. Add the shrimp and saute until shrimp is cooked (not translucent – but don’t over cook), about 3 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients (except the lemon and fresh parsley) and heat thoroughly.

Serve over pasta of your choice. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh parsley.

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What if social media were a High School??

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Did you know that by law, if you are not home when census worker comes to your home to verify how lives in your home, that they are legally allowed to gain access to your home? That’s correct people! If you have not turned in your census form and you are renting a place, the landlord must comply with the census workers request to allow them into your home, even if you are not home.  it basically says that if your landlord does not grant them access, if they ask for it, then they (the landlord) can be fined $500 for not allowing them into your home! it also goes on to mention that census workers have been requesting peoples private cell phone numbers, getting them, and (in my own words) harassing people for the information requested on the census form!

Makes me very glad that I do not rent an apartment or home!

FYI: Not sure how true this information is, but I’ve seen about 30-50 articles written today alone about it and so far I didn’t notice any disputing it or saying it is incorrect .............

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Global Friendship

Isn't the INTERNET AMAZING!! Linking cultures, and blessing each one of us with friends from around the world

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I have to admit, I’m not a huge fan of the cartoons that are out today. They just aren’t the cartoons I grew up with. Most of them confuse me or make me think, “What in the world was the creator thinking?”. The Phineas and Ferb cartoon is no exception, unless you are talking to my daughter and or son. They could both sit here and watch them all day long, in fact they have!!

If you have children who love Phineas and Ferb, then they are going to love this news! Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension, the Disney Channel Original movie is set to debut on Friday, August 5th at 8PM (ET/PT) on the Disney Channel and on Saturday, August 13th 10AM (ET/PT) on Disney XD.


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Chicken, peas & egg noodles tossed with light cream sauce (so YUMMY)

8 ounce package wide egg noodles
1 10-ounce package frozen baby peas
1 14½ ounce can Italian-Style stewed tomatoes
6 ounces skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 small onion, cut into wedges
¼ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1 Tablespoon olive oil
¼ cup chicken broth
¼ cup whipping cream
Shredded Parmesan cheese 

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, adding peas to water with the pasta.

2. Drain pasta and peas, return to saucepan.

3. Meanwhile, place undrained tomatoes in a food processor bowl or blender container. Cover and process until pureed. Set tomatoes aside.

4. Rinse chicken, cut into bite-size pieces.

5. In a large skillet cook chicken, onion, and pepper in hot oil over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink.

 Reduce heat, stir and blended tomatoes and chicken broth. Simmer about 5 minutes or until liquid is reduced by half.

Stir in cream; simmer for 2 to 3 minutes more until sauce is desired consistency.

 Pour sauce over pasta mixture and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

Makes four servings


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This is a one pan meal that's in the oven in 15 minutes. Rosemary, garlic, and oregano create a mouth watering aroma. If using dried herbs in place of fresh, use 1/3 the amount. Potatoes are crispy like french fries, just serve with ketchup. Kids just love this!Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F
Place chicken and potatoes into a large bowl. Pour olive oil over them, and stir to coat. Scatter the chicken and potato pieces in a large baking dish, or cookie sheet with sides. Sprinkle with rosemary, oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
Bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven, uncovered. Baste during the last 15 minutes for extra crispness



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Facebook Stats # 2

 

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Facebook stats

In just six short years Facebook has managed to become a global entity and drastically change the ways in which we socialize and maintain friends. This infographic looks at some of the fun facts behind the social media giant and some of the amazing feats that it has accomplished.


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Blood ISN'T thicker than Water

I’ve created little pockets of friends wherever I’ve lived and organized them into loving, supportive family tribes. I have friendships that go back 20 years and some longer, people who I am not obligated to love and who are not obligated to love me, but somehow the love is there and I believe sometimes even stronger than blood because it has been created out of choice. My family will never be who I expected them to be. They won’t be the type of people who call to see how my week is, that is just not their style. It doesn’t make them bad people, it just makes us different. They have each other and I have a group of people who I depend on regularly. Although these people aren’t related by blood, I know that I can always count on them as a support system. Friends are the family we choose. I am also relieved, although begrudgingly so, that I am not the only person I know in this situation. While it is just as hurtful to know someone who has the same odd relationship with their immediate family, it is nice to be able to talk to someone about it and be there for each other. I realized that I was worthy of love- of amazing, supportive, unconditional love. I realized that I chose these fantastic people to be in my life and I am so lucky to have them. I also realized that while I am sure my family does love me, I cannot expect them to change just as they cannot expect me to be more like them. We are different animals that happen to share DNA. There are a handful of people in my life that I can count on. The ones I can call at any hour of the night because my a/c or my heart is broken. These people are my family and though we may not look alike or have the same last name – we have the same purpose: to love each other anyway ©

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Should we punish higher bracket taxpayers to accommodate welfare recipients

No……….I came across a number of craigslist ads of a WELFARE recipient trying to sell her formula for money…….

In 2008, 44% were, according to the most recent Census Bureau data, were living in households in which an individual was receiving Social Security, subsidized housing, jobless benefits or other government-provided benefits. Some 41.3 million people were on food stamps as of June 2010, for instance, up 45% from June 2008. With unemployment high and federal jobless benefits now available for up to 99 weeks, 9.7 million unemployed workers were receiving checks in late August 2010, more than twice as many as the 4.2 million in August 2008. The math is not hard to do, we need to cut, trim & eliminate a lot of these government incentives so lazy, fat, quickly breeding, uneducated people to get a job. No, instead we have created welfare-dependency ghettos peopled by a sub-class; places where one’s expectations of a meaningful and fulfilling life are low to non-existent. Instead time passes with cheap alcohol, a haze of cigarette smoke, visits to the doctor, daytime TV and numerous failed relationships. They should have to pay taxes just like I have too. Welfare checks should be taxable income. We need to make the system taboo and bring back the stigma of what WELFARE used to carry. I’m voting for the person who has the most drastic welfare reform & the one who keeps the military on the for front. My children don’t know what WELFARE is and given the life we provide for them, they never will. Taxpayers pay taxes, take random drug testing, have their hours cut, pay for their own insurance……..why should we give all of that away for free?? WELFARE should be like a parole sentence. Must check in every week and be evaluated accordingly. An aging population is adding to the ranks of Americans receiving government benefits, and will continue to do so as more of the large baby-boom generation, those born between 1946 and 1964, become eligible. Today, an estimated 47.4 million people are enrolled in Medicare, up 38% from 1990. By 2030, the number is projected to be 80.4 million. In a society where low income families don’t teach to strive for better than what they have because poverty is all they have ever known……….they don’t know how much better their life could be if they PAID their OWN WAY, not piggy back on a taxpayer.

You name it, someone is lining up to get bailed out, or a handout, courtesy of the hard-working American taxpayer.

I favor eliminating pensions for all government workers, EXCLUDING military and intelligence personnel, and would impose a nationwide sales tax to pay off the country’s debt. If we continue down the path of deficit spending, the great recession of 2008 will be nothing compared to what we will face in 5, 10, 20 years.

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The Dreadful Verdic

It was a case that tugged at the heartstrings of the nation. A little girl murdered. Her skeletal remains found dumped in the woods.

It took a jury less than 24 hours to find Casey Anthony not guilty of the murder of her daughter Caylee, and some people around America are outraged. “why?” Why did the jury find her not guilty. Prosecutors in any criminal case have the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. As for the defense, they don’t have to prove anything. They don’t have to even have to prove that Casey Anthony was innocent. They just have to hope that the prosecution doesn’t have a strong enough case to get a conviction. In the end, a jury 12 people decided that Casey Anthony was not guilty. For over a month they heard the testimony and saw the evidence. The prosecution tried to paint Casey as a liar and as someone who killed her child to recapture the party girl lifestyle she once had. The defense claimed there just wasn’t any forensic evidence to connect Casey with the murder. As the verdict was read, “We the jury, find the defendant, not guilty.” Stunned silence for many who watched. Same reason why it happened with O.J. Simpson. He was guilty, everybody knew he was guilty. I don’t know if she just had a really good lawyer or a really good defense but she’s definitely guilty. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people come to courthouses in search of one thing…justice. But justice isn’t perfect. It basically is at the end of the day, jurors can say they have an abiding conviction to a moral certainty that the prosecution has proven every aspect of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. It’s worse than the O.J. Simpson trial and all I have to say is that this girl may not have to pay for it in this life…But I think that in the next life, God is going to punish her for killing her daughter. I followed the trial from beginning to end.My outrage shared by most. But not all. “Casey did not murder Caylee, it’s just that simple,” said Casey Anthony’s Defense Attorney Jose Baez. In the end, the jury agree with Baez and the defense team. Casey Anthony not guilty, and no one else charged with the 2008 murder of Caylee. Casey Anthony was found guilty of four misdemeanor counts of lying to police officers. Those carry a maximum sentence of 4 years in prison. Every day in jail that she’s already served will count toward whatever sentence she is given….so she may be set free for good as early as Thursday.

How do you feel about the Verdict??

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Moral vs. Political

I was standing in my closet, getting dressed, and, once again, a stream of thoughts just started running through my mind. This happens to me a lot. I'll start thinking about something that is really important to me, and I won't know what to do with it, so I just think it through, lecturing myself or whatever, and that's it. This morning I decided it was time to start sharing my thoughts with the world! Or, at least with whoever will listen. The topic at hand this morning was abortion. It seems like that is what I think about a lot lately. The thing that was bothering me this morning was how abortion has been made into such a political issue. This is something I know to be false. It is not a political issue--it's a moral issue. I know it sounds cliche, but it is so true, and I think that people really don't stop to think about what they are saying when they call themselves "pro-choice" or even when they call themselves "pro-life". It just goes along with being part of whichever political party they affiliate themselves with. The problem is that I know so, so many democrats that are very pro-life ideologically, but they can't get beyond the political statement they think it makes to call themselves as such. Here lies my issue with abortion as a political issue. We can argue all day long about the moral implications of so many political issues, but when it comes to abortion, when it comes to the right of the most innocent and vulnerable members of our society, the issue should be black and white. Not democrat or republican. The issue is about whose life has more value, and as a human being, and specifically as an American, our core beliefs are that every life has value--equal value. We need to ask ourselves not if it is politically correct to oppose abortion, but if it is our moral obligation to protect the unborn--the LIVING unborn.

My question to everyone is 2-way: 1st, do you truly believe that EVERY human being has been endowed with these rights from their Creator: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness? 2nd, will you ask yourself WHEN you believe we attain those rights...is it when we reach a certain age? Status? When we have a heartbeat? 10 fingers and 10 toes? Or is it when we become a "life"--something that is scientifically proven to happen at conception? Unfortunately, our culture has become more and more in the business of devaluing human life on all levels. And, the value of life, my friends, is not something that should be political.

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Happily married despite random comment from "Anonymous" reader

I Woke up to a very odd, yet seemingly hateful & downright off the wall comment, from a girl 1600 miles away that I do not know. The hateful, spiteful, derogatory comment was assuming I was unhappily married. I am anything but unhappy.

Me, sad? unhappy? not even close, here are a few words to describe what I feel everyday knowing I am spending the rest of my life with my soul mate. blessed, blissful, can't complain, captivated, cheerful, chipper, chirpy, content, delighted, ecstatic, elated, exultant, flying high, glad, gleeful, gratified, intoxicated, jolly, joyful, jubilant, laughing, lively, looking good, merry, mirthful, on cloud nine, overjoyed, peaceful, peppy, perky, playful, pleasant, pleased, sparkling, sunny, thrilled, tickled, tickled pink, upbeat, walking on air.

My soldier has NEVER once lied to me about anything, great or small. He is an honest man, with a great head on his shoulders. With a 13 year career under his belt, never having to con anyone to get anything, he is my hero and a GREAT provider. I have not worked a day since June 2003. Every need and want has always been fulfilled. I'm treated better than a queen, my husband rubs my feet every night before bed, and has hired a maid so I have more time to spend with my children, not having to clean our 4 bdrm 3 bath house. Shes awesome and does a fabulous job.

I am never in need of the love or support from my soldier because he is always there to provide it. I am married to the greatest man a woman could be ever be blessed with. He comes from a family where everyone has their PHD's & MD, he is very close to achieving his own in the next few years, depending on if the Army allows him time for school.

So you see, your empty words mean nothing to me "Anonymous" because you dont know me or my husband. Thank you so much for all the views you have given to me. It shows my story is getting out to those who need it most...........

P.S Living with a man that lies for a living, isn't exactly a man I would bed, cause nothing that comes out is the truth. But its your life, if you want to waste your life away with someone who is going no where then suite yourself. Keep your off the wall, unnecessary babble off my page. i have nothing more to say to you "Anonymous"

To my hubby, i love you to pieces, you are everything i'll ever need. I love you so so much!!

Yes this is my Wedding ring, gorgeous I know!!!


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My Ultimate Comfort Food: Quesadilla's

In our house, quesadillas are the ultimate quick comfort food. If you aren't familiar with quesadillas, think Mexican version of a grilled cheese sandwich—toasted flour tortillas with melty cheese filling. I am the quesadilla queen (at least in my own mind), having held that title since my days living in the Army barracks alone where I regularly cooked up massive quesadillas on burrito sized tortillas for myself and friends. The two basic ingredients of a quesadilla are cheese (queso is cheese in Spanish) and tortillas, either flour or corn, though usually in the U.S. quesadillas are made with flour tortillas with cheesy filling, baked until browned and crispy. The beauty of quesadilla pie is that it's a great way to use up leftovers and odds and ends. The essentials are the tortillas and the cheese; after that it's up to you as to the variety and type of filling you want. Black beans are good, as are onions, chicken, tomatoes, mushrooms. I hope yours are as yummy for you as mine are for me!! Cheese rules!!!

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Your voice makes me tremble inside & your smile is an invitation for my imagination to go wild

What makes a weak man brave
Good times, bad times
Easy times, tough times
It comes in an instant
And lasts three days after forever
That's what love is.

I have been asked many times over the years, "How are the two of you SO in love?"
Its so easy to answer. We are soulmates, best friends, lovers & parents. We get along exceptionally well in every aspect of our lives. We complete each others sentences, we help one another, everything in our relationship is EQUAL, and we allow ourselves to be goofy, including, but not limited too, burping & farting contests, who is stronger while wrestling in bed together, laughing at the most inappropriate times, tickle each other beyond belief, farting and holding the others head under the covers aka: Dutch Oven. (LMAO) of course there have been hours of card playing, and yes the loss of clothing. We are simply kids at heart and we love every minute of every day in the company of each other. We have had our time apart, it was hard.......SO HARD but the memories we each carried, helped us through those long 27 months (Grrrrrr......deployments I curse you) But the moment we were reunited, it was as if we had never been apart for a single day. To me, thats TRUE LOVE. We also allow each other to grow and sometimes make mistakes, but no matter what, the other is there to catch them when they fall. He makes my heart pound when he touches me and it feels as if the butterflies in my stomach are lifting me off the ground & has his body touches mine and he wraps his big arms around me, my entire body goes into muscle failure, forcing him to catch me as I fall. I dont know how else to describe it but all I can say is you have to be the ultimate best friends. In romantic relationships, as with so much else, it’s the little things that count. Just as a mis-spoken word or odd look can throw a couple into a weeks-long feud, small and seemingly insignificant gestures can help keep a relationship on track. A little gift, an off-hand compliment, a moment of physical contact can vastly strengthen a relationship.

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Oh my God, they say.

They don't hate him, only his love for men. If this sin were removed like an appendix or tumor, they'd accept him. They say disease, like alcoholism. They say, Don't drink. He may love as anyone does, but with his heart only. He may gaze at the long neck of the wine glass, but not pick it up. His choice, they say, is to live without comfort in this lifetime-- to look without touching like a kid in a candy store and be rewarded in the next.........or drink every drop this world offers him & pay hell for it.

For all my friends that have found love with another of the same sex. May your life be filled with greatness and most of all with love. I love you all.

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Dishwashing Perspective

First, make sure your sink is under a window.
Look outside while you fill the basin. If daytime,
don’t scrutinize your lawn. Do laugh
at quarreling birds or your own yawning dog.
If night, be kind to your reflection.
Appreciate your long arms that disappear
at the wrists and the wrinkles at your mouth.

Don’t think of this task as another in a hundred.
It is the reward when those are done,
the chocolate mousse after steamed vegetables.
If the hot water and bubbles,
the lavender smell, the wine glass
to your left and soft terrycloth
against your bare shoulder are not a comfort
in this hour, then you are doing it all wrong.


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Morphine prescription is upgraded to Fentanyl Patches & Fentanyl Lozenges

Well I didn't blog yesterday because my son had his psychiatrist appointment & I had my pain management appointment, we left at 10:30 am and got home after 4pm.

My doctor is a very nice man. Warm hearted and really cared about what he does for a living. I talked to him about my chronic low back pain that I have been suffering from since 2005. I have a degenerative arthritic condition of my L4 & L5 discs, along with a large cyst on my spinal cord. I have been through physical therapy more than once and I have been through all the narcotics from percocet, vicodin, Desomorphine, Opana, Lidaderm patches, narcotic topical cream, Soma, Flexiril, the list goes on and on........over the course of 6 years.

This doctor has decided after reviewing my case that he wanted to put me on fentanyal patches 25mcg an hour, & 200mcg fentanyl lollipop an hour, plus 600mg of neurontin. So far all is good, I'm still waiting for it to build up in my system. Fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine, and doses are measured in micrograms instead of milligrams. Fentanyl lozenges (Actiq) are a solid formulation of fentanyl citrate on a stick in the form of a lollipop that dissolves slowly in the mouth for transmucosal absorption. These lozenges are intended for opioid-tolerant individuals and are effective in treating breakthrough cancer pain. It is also useful for breakthrough pain for those suffering bone injuries, severe back pain, neuropathy, arthritis, and some other examples of chronic nonmalignant pain. The unit is a berry-flavored lozenge on a stick which is swabbed on the mucosal surfaces inside the mouth—inside of the cheeks, under and on the tongue and gums—to release the fentanyl quickly into the system. It is most effective when the lozenge is consumed in 15 minutes. The drug is less effective if swallowed. Fentanyl is sometimes given intrathecally as part of spinal anesthesia or epidurally for epidural anesthesia and analgesia. Because of fentanyl's high lipid solubility, its effects are more localized than morphine. Intravenous fentanyl is extensively used for anesthesia and analgesia, most often in operating rooms and intensive care units. It is often administered in combination with a benzodiazepine, such as midazolam, to produce procedural sedation for endoscopy, cardiac catheterization, oral surgery, etc. Additionally, fentanyl is often used in cancer therapy and other chronic pain management due to its effectiveness in relieving pain. I really hope that this medicine regiment works for me and that my spinal cord stimulator is able to be implanted within the next 7 months. Thanks to all of you for your thoughts and prayers regarding my pain and well being.

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