Throughout the years I've posted so many, many, many, many times about the bus stop book stop, the little free library that I go to get books and return books I no longer want. But for years I've been traveling, first by bus, and now by car, to a place that is out of my way, but it has a bunch of books (especially in English) and it is a great place to exchange my books. But because it was so out of my way I usually waited until I had a really large stack that was taking up room in my bedroom, and then come home with another stack. This was a pain. But free books, yay!
For so long, I've wished for there to be a little free library in my town, but didn't know how to go about starting one nor did I have the funds to start one on my own. When a local English speaker joined the town government, I asked her if we could arrange one of these and she said we could, but nothing happened, and by now she no longer works there.
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Creating A Little Free Library For My Community
Saturday, May 4, 2024
7 Substances People Might Abuse to Self-Medicate for Anxiety
Friday, May 3, 2024
All About My Visit to the Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Specialist
It has been over 3 years since I got diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (my first post about it was here, in May of 2021) and in that time, I've been to the number one EDS specialist in my country (I'll call her Dr G), learned so much more about my body and how to help it, and pieced together so many pieces of my life that I never would have connected before this. And most importantly, figured out ways to actually help myself. Some of this will be a repeat of what I've written in my 2022 post about my life with EDS, but most of it will be new info, so you might want to read back on that post.
Since May is Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Awareness Month this is the perfect time for me to do a follow up post on the topic, that I'd wanted to write ever since I saw the EDS specialist. There will be part 2, what the puzzle pieces were in my life that finally fell into place once I saw the specialist.
When I first suspected I had EDS, I found out about the only specialist in my country with EDS, Dr G, and how impossible it was to get an appointment with her. She had a long waiting list, and you could only get on the waiting list with her once you already had a diagnosis (or something like that) and she'd decide if she would take you on as a client. And even then, it was really hard to get in touch with her. I had 2 orthopedists give me an official diagnosis and then I tried to make an appointment with her and then found out that she no longer worked at the hospital where she used to see patients, and they had no further information to give about how to reach her to make an appointment.
I made a Facebook group for mostly local people with EDS, and someone there knew of a private clinic where Dr G saw patients. It wasn't coverable by insurance... and it cost $575. I honestly wouldn't have bothered to go to her, because I just figured it wasn't worth the money since I already knew about EDS, already had a good PT to help me, etc...
As I mentioned in my previous post, to get a diagnosis of hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, there's a checklist you need to fit. You need Criterion 1, 2, and 3 to get a diagnosis of hEDS, with 1 being a test of hypermobility in joints, 3 being ruling out other potential causes, and 2 having 3 parts (A, B, and C) and you need to meet 2 of them. For A you need to have 5/12 criteria, which my kids at this stage in their life don't meet, and B is having an immediate family member with EDS, which all my kids do, and C is chronic pain in your joints or frequent dislocations or subluxations.
My youngest daughter, Rose, 100% meets the criteria for hypermobile EDS, and it helps me figure out how to help her (playing around with joints to try to get them back into place when she starts screaming in pain out of the blue).
My older daughter, Anneleise, though, is more complicated. She doesn't meet the criteria for hEDS because her joints aren't particularly hypermobile, according to both my physical therapist and 2 rheumatologists we brought her to. So despite the chronic pain and an immediate family member with EDS, she doesn't have hypermobile EDS. We've tried to figure out the cause of her pain, with many different appointments, and so far got nowhere.
I decided to go ahead and pay that money to go to the EDS specialist, because I knew that I'd only be able to get genetic testing to determine what type of EDS I have if I went to Dr G. When you fit the diagnostic criteria for hEDS, you only officially get the diagnosis for hEDS once you genetically test for the other ones and don't come out positive for that, since other types can also cause hypermobility. They haven't found the gene or genes yet that cause hypermobile EDS but they know the genes that cause the other ones. If I got genetically tested and I came out positive for some other EDS type, then that would be the cause of my daughter's chronic joint pain, even without hypermobility.
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
6 Essential Tips for Women Entrepreneurs Starting a Small Business
Modern women entrepreneurs are more empowered and capable of running a business than ever. However, the entire endeavor can still be overwhelming and intimidating, particularly for first-time business owners. If you plan to launch your own small business, here are six valuable tips to help you get started.
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Why Borderline Personality Disorder Can Give New Meaning to Feeling Intense Emotions
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Finding the Perfect Summer Camp Adventure: A Step-by-Step Guide
But for my kids, I wasn't able to give that experience, because camps are usually associated with schools here and in elementary school my kids were either homeschooled or in a nearby city but there wasn't transportation to their school for camp, and when they were older they were very expensive and not something I could afford to pay for when I was at home and didn't need to pay for someone to entertain them while I worked. This summer, though, my oldest is going to be working at the same sleep away camp I went to as a kid, and I'm thrilled for him, as I've spoken to friends of mine who worked there and I know how much of an effort the camp makes for the staff there to also have a terrific time.
If you want to figure out how to help find a camp for your kid to attend and make great memories, read on.
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Essential Reminders for Teen Drivers for Youth Traffic Safety Month
My oldest, I've recently realized, is finally old enough to learn to drive. (I think it is 16.5 in my country.) Next year, once he graduates high school, he'll have time to be able to learn to drive, and then I'll need to add him to my insurance on my car. My son driving is a scary thought, but he tells me that he thinks he'd be a better driver than I am. (To be honest, he might not be wrong there.) If you have a teen who can drive, here are some important reminders for them to help them drive safely.
As Youth Traffic Safety Month approaches, it's crucial to highlight safe driving habits, especially for young drivers who are less experienced behind the wheel. Teenagers often face various challenges and distractions on the road, making it crucial for parents to reinforce safe driving practices. This blog aims to provide some important reminders and tips for teen drivers to enhance their safety and that of others on the road.Tuesday, April 23, 2024
17 Unexpected Things I Learned About Cyprus
Such blatant disregard for rules, you kitty... |
17 Unexpected Things I Learned About Cyprus
Monday, April 22, 2024
Cool Vibes: Discover Easy, Natural Ways for Your Teen to Find Their Zen
Fortunately, many natural methods can help you or your teens cultivate calm and resilience. Let’s explore some of the best ways for your teen to de-stress and stay centered.
Five Easy, Natural Ways for Your Teen to Find Their Zen
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Remember That New Year’s Resolution About No More Alcohol? Here’s How to Keep It
Soaring on a Budget: The Beauty of Empty Legs
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Frugal Family Winter Trip To Cyprus - The Itinerary - Part 2
In February, our family turned a trip to the island of Cyprus for the purpose of getting American passports for my children into an amazingly fun vacation. This is part of a series I am writing about our trip there. I've written part one of our itinerary out, what we did the first few days when we were based on the eastern part of the island, in Paralimni, and now is time for part 2, what we did when we were based on the western part, in Paphos.
On Thursday, our fourth morning in Cyprus, I wanted to leave early so we'd have plenty of time to do things while also going on our long drive to the new AirBnB, but we'd had a long day beforehand in the Troodos mountains, so it took us some time to pack up everything, clean up, and leave our AirBnb, so we started the day later than originally intended. (This was a theme on our trip, but that's ok. While I want to have fun on our trips, I would prefer to see less and be less stressed.)
Thursday, April 18, 2024
International Divorce: Legal Considerations for Cross-Border Couples
There is a maze of legal challenges, from determining jurisdiction to dividing assets across continents. Each step has rules, regulations, and potential pitfalls that can affect the outcome.
This guide offers clarity and direction through this daunting process. Start your journey towards the next phase of your life by reading this article and taking action today.
Sunday, April 14, 2024
7 Food Festivals Worth Traveling For In Europe
Here Are The Food Festivals Worth Traveling For In Europe
Friday, April 12, 2024
Taking Advantage of Some Great Prices
About a year ago, I posted about stepping into the grocery store near my physical therapist's second office (that I only go to between sessions when I have a need for an emergency session) and discovering just how cheap the groceries and especially produce there are. I calculated such a huge price difference that it would possibly make it worth spending the gas money to shop there. But I haven't done that, though.
Instead, whenever I am in the area, I make sure to shop there. Two weeks ago I needed to go to an appoitnment in between my usual sessions and was in the area, I popped in to buy some vegetables and other basics, and I was incredibly excited by the prices, especially since lately groceries have been quite expensive.
Thursday, April 11, 2024
Raising a busy kid in the old Eastern Europe - Some parenting tips from George Nikolov’s journal
George, a lifelong teacher and educator in Bulgaria, along with his wife, had taught many students and influenced their community for years, advising parents on various parenting topics. Then, a surprise baby boy arrived.
Born on a summer day coinciding with the final medal ceremony of the Moscow Summer Olympics in the USSR, George saw this as a good omen – their son arriving just in time for the medals.
By 9.5 months, their sleep-deprived and exhausted son started walking. George and his wife, feeling like zombies, envisioned him as a future athlete, perhaps even an Olympic champion.
Raising children is no easy feat, but raising a child with boundless energy can be overwhelming. As the boy grew stronger and more active, George and his wife found themselves startled, shocked, and outside their comfort zone. Their parental frustration mounted. George kept a journal for 15 years, often questioning why their pedagogical approaches weren't working. He'd write in despair, unsure of the path their fearless and perpetually bruised son would take.
In the 1980s, Bulgarian parents took pride in active children, especially boys. Roughhousing with a giant stuffed bear, sparring with relatives and friends – this was how a healthy boy was supposed to behave. However, being the child of two educators, the parents expected their son to be constantly reading. George, despite seeing his son's physical potential early on, harbored academic plans for him.
Despite loving reading, their son had little patience for quiet activities. This lack of patience extended to the musical instruments (a piano and an accordion) they owned. Sitting still drove him stir-crazy, leading him to prefer activities like leaping over furniture, climbing trees and street signs, or exercising with an expander.
Not only was the son energetic, but he also displayed a wide range of interests. To his parents' frustration, however, as George recounts, the boy was inconsistent, trying and dropping different hobbies quickly tiring of them after the initial excitement.
The only constant interest for George's son was physical activity. He loved being strong and fit, often flexing in front of a mirror or showing off his pull-ups in the neighborhood.
After George's passing, ABV Publishing had the privilege of working on his journal. Based on this journal, they published a story retold through the eyes of George's son, a now-established Bulgarian athlete, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion, and successful coach. The book, titled "Born for Medals: How I Was Getting Ready for the Top," is a children's book (ages 5-8) illustrated by the talented Bulgarian artist Elina-Melina Bondokova and available on Amazon.
George lived to see his son win his first medal during a junior wrestling competition. He wrote of his immense pride that day, filled with happy tears. His energetic son was an achiever, his muscles working hard to secure his first medal.
Many more medals followed, thanks to constant training and practice, as well as the unwavering support of George and his wife. Though they didn't always understand their son's drive, they never gave up on him. They encouraged him to try his best in his various interests and hobbies, including judo, karate, and fishing.
The story of the Olympic medal omen became a family tradition, often finding its way into the boy's dreams where he envisioned himself standing on the highest platform of the podium, raising the Bulgarian flag. This blend of "aiming-high" pedagogy, typical of the educational system where the two teachers were trained, and a touch of superstition about good omens, helped this energetic boy stay out of trouble. His energy was channeled productively – his extra energy was spent at the gym.
He didn't become a teacher, musician, or professor, but he developed his natural potential to the fullest, reaching goals in his area of greatest interest – physical activity.
Parents and educators can utilize our book, "Born for Medals" (also known as "The Medals") in several ways. Children can read it independently; the text is easy and fun, suitable for a "My-First-Book" experience. However, the text is presented in cursive to maintain the style of George's handwritten journal, and young readers might not be familiar with cursive yet. In this case, we recommend helping with the text or encouraging the reader to guess the text based on the illustrations on each page.
Another way to "read" with an energetic child is to follow the illustrations and tell the story of a busy boy growing up in 1980s Bulgaria. This would be a perfect opportunity to ask children to add their own stories and pictures.
Since the book's subtitle is "How I Was Getting Ready for the Top" and ends with the question "How are you getting ready for the top," parents, guardians, and educators involved in rearing busy children might find it useful to end the read-aloud session with a discussion about the child's plans and dreams. At this point, the child's dreams may not overlap with those of the adults in their life, but it will be a great moment for us, the adults, to learn as well, to accept the differences, and be okay with them.
Even when he was very young, George's son would dream of being on top, of being a champion. His dreams came true, why wouldn't the dreams of your little busy ones come true, too?
Saturday, April 6, 2024
Increasing Your Savings and Boosting Your Income with Bitcoins
Thursday, April 4, 2024
A Bunch of Free Books- Again!
While I absolutely have my favorite authors and genres to read, fantasy and science fiction, I enjoy most genres as long as the books are readable and at least somewhat interesting. I don't particularly want to spend money on books of all genres- these days I tend to only spend money on very specific fantasy authors (Brandon Sanderson is my all time favorite) and some self help books (Brene Brown is a favorite there). But if I don't have to pay for it? Sure, I'll give it a chance to read it.
Friday, March 29, 2024
The Primary Benefits of Owning a Home Versus Renting
The decision between buying and renting is not an easy one. Renting is much more flexible because you are likely locked into a lease only for the next year as opposed to a 30-year mortgage. Additionally, you do not have as much of a burden to take care of the property, as repairs and major improvements can be handled by the landlord or property manager.
Buying the home so that you become the owner comes with a much different list of responsibilities. However, many would argue that the benefits outweigh the costs. Let’s talk about those benefits and why they are so convincing for those who want to own a home.
Thursday, March 28, 2024
10 Tips and Strategies That Will Help You Secure the Best Deal Possible at a Car Dealership
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Figuring Out a Solution for my PTSD Triggering Problem with Luroy Slats for my Ikea Malm Bed
Once I had my newer mattress, the flaws in my homemade bed were clear. I must not have sanded down the slats on the bed enough, because the bottom of my brand new mattress was ripped up along the slats. Whenever I needed to pick up the mattress to put on sheets or whatever, I would get so triggered and start having emotional flashbacks. I'd hear the voice of my abuser degrading me, saying things like I'm so irresponsible, I don't think things out, I destroy things, I cause money to be wasted... and I knew I couldn't continue to have that bed. The bed was triggering me a lot. So when I got approved for disability, I used some of the money I got to buy myself a new bed. A bed that wouldn't trigger me the same way.
Monday, March 25, 2024
At What Age Does Child Support End in California
But when does child support end in California? And what are the consequences if you fail to pay it? In California, determining the age at which child support obligations come to an end is based on several factors that protect the child's financial well-being. While the usual rule is that child support ends at the age of 18, there are exceptions, such as high school graduation and the presence of disabilities.
In this discussion, we will explore the various factors that can affect the duration of child support and the potential consequences of failing to fulfill this financial responsibility, highlighting the factors and considerations for parents at this significant milestone in family dynamics.
Sunday, March 24, 2024
Navigating Divorce: Understanding California's Divorce Laws
The most common ground for divorce is "irreconcilable differences," where the marriage is deemed to have broken down, but keep in mind that every situation is different, and if you're considering getting a divorce, before making any decisions, it's important to familiarize yourself with the divorce rules in California. While you may already know some basic information, a few things may surprise you.
In this article, we will look into five major aspects of California divorce laws that you may need to be aware of. From property division to spousal support, child custody, residency requirements, and alternative dispute resolution options, we will share valuable insights to help you confidently understand the divorce process.
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
How to Repurpose Leftover and/Or Imperfect Rice
In general I'm not a picky eater. I am willing to eat most foods, no matter how weird... but one of those few foods I'm actually picky about is rice. It needs to be made perfectly or I really can't tolerate eating it. Of course, rice happens to be one of those foods that even many good cooks can't cook properly. And even though I know how to cook rice just fine, from time to time I get a batch that just flops for whatever reason.
I hate to waste food. So if rice flops, I try to see if there are ways to salvage it and use it in a dish that will mask the imperfections. Here are some ways I've found to repurpose botched rice.
How to Repurpose Leftover and/Or Imperfect Rice
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Is Buying Hearing Aids Online a Good Idea?
Image by vecstock on Freepik |
However, when it comes to exploring the best hearing aid solutions, buying online isn’t a straightforward decision.
Let’s explore the important considerations involved in purchasing hearing aids and why, ultimately, scheduling an appointment for a personal fitting might be the better choice.
Monday, March 18, 2024
10 Commonly Spread Myths About Addiction
Addiction and Dependence Are the Same Thing
If you’re talking about drug or alcohol dependence vs. an addiction, you should know they’re similar, but they’re not the same thing. If you’re dependent on a drug or alcohol, you’ll have a hard time functioning without it. If you’re addicted to something, though, you will go into physical withdrawal if you are deprived of it.
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Why I Make and Drink Lots of My Homemade Sports Drinks And My Calculating Savings
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Sleepover Sensations: Elevating Kids' Rooms with Versatile Bed Options
Friday, March 8, 2024
Quick Tips To Organise Your Home After A Long Vacation
Thursday, February 29, 2024
Traveling to Cyprus to Get US Passports
I have mentioned enough times in my recent posts that we went to Cyprus to get American passports because it has become impossible to get appointments at my local American embassy for far too long, I'd heard about a friend who did this, and I decided to do the same. Since then, I have been asked for more information on how I did this, and what the steps entail, so I decided to compile that into a blog post for you.
There are a few parts involved in getting the passports.
First, there is the step of making the appointments. They have many available appointments, but I didn't see the option to make appointments much in advance. To make an appointment, you want to go to the American Embassy in Cyprus's website for all the information needed including necessary documents, and then from there you are directed to this website to make appointments, where you'll need to pick the country and location, then pick what type of appointment you need, then the date.
Monday, February 26, 2024
Hemp-Derived THC products: 5 Things to Know
But how do you discern between choice and quality? What legal landscapes must one navigate? These questions aren't just idle curiosity; they're integral to making informed decisions in this evolving industry.
Understanding these products goes beyond mere familiarity with cannabis culture. It's about being savvy with what goes into your cart - both virtually and physically. So let’s buckle down and explore five critical facets every consumer should consider before stepping foot - or clicking their way - into the world of hemp-derived THC offerings.
Sunday, February 25, 2024
9 Commonly Abused Substances and How They Affect Your Body
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Frugal Family Winter Trip To Cyprus - The Itinerary - Part 1
If this is the first post you're seeing on the topic, I'm doing a series on our frugal winter family trip to Cyprus. In this post, I'll be sharing with you what we did in the first part of our awesome family vacation, when we were based in Paralimni, on the eastern coast of Cyprus.
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
3 Ways to Make the Job of Cleaning Less Daunting
Navigating the Teen Years: How DBT and CBT Can Support Your Teen's Mental Health
Now, fast forward to today's teenagers. They are grappling with the usual adolescent challenges and navigating a digital world fraught with social media fame (or shame), soaring academic expectations, and a relentless barrage of curveballs from life itself.
It's no wonder they sometimes resemble ticking time bombs, trying to balance flaming chainsaws while riding a unicycle over a shark tank (albeit with slightly less dramatic language).
You're not alone in this emotional upheaval as a parent, guardian, or concerned adult. You can be the lighthouse guiding them through the storm. And guess what? You've got what it takes!
Is your teenager giving you a hard time with mood swings and struggles? Don't worry; here is a secret recipe for dealing with grumpy adolescents.
Forget therapy jargon; think of this as equipping your teen with secret weapons. We're discussing cool stuff like managing stress, boosting happiness, and mastering emotions.
The famous author and psychologist Dr. Seuss once said,
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.”
Let’s help your teen steer themselves toward happiness and success!
Here’s a guide for you on supporting your teen's emotional well-being—a partner on this bumpy journey, complete with insights, practical tips, and just enough humor to keep things light (because, the fact is, parenting teenagers can be downright hilarious, even in the midst of head banging moments).
Monday, February 12, 2024
Our Budget Winter Family Trip to Cyprus - A Wonderful Success
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Mastering Astigmatism Management: Practical Tips for Effective Care
Monday, February 5, 2024
What To Consider When Buying Air Filters Online?
In today's digitally driven world, online shopping has become the preferred method for purchasing a wide range of products, including air filters. Whether you're looking to replace the filters in your HVAC system, vehicle, or any other appliance, the convenience of shopping online offers numerous benefits. However, with convenience comes the challenge of ensuring that you're purchasing the right product that meets your specific needs. This is particularly crucial when it comes to something as essential as air filters. In this article, we will explore the key factors to consider when buying air filters online, with a focus on custom air filters.