Cool Things About Essential Oils

While I am supposed to be reading and researching for homework I am instead reading about essential oils. I blame the friend that asked if there was anything to helped with plugged up ears j/k ;)-- by the way the book recommends Helichrysum, Purify, etc. and one recommendation is Balance which I'm sort of feeling would be a good place to start. 

I got all of this info from Modern Essentials Usage Guide.

Here is a list of oils to keep on hand for emergencies.

Clove:
For topical pain relief and pulling toxins from the body. Good for acne, constipation, headaches, nausea and toothaches

Frankincense:
Enhances effect of other oils. Helps with clarity of the mind, focus and concentration. And helps with all skin recovery issues. Also helps keep scar tissue from forming. Reduces physical and mental fatigue and it helps with anxiety, hyperactivity, impatience, irritability and restlessness.

Lavender:
Use for pretty much everything. No really, when in doubt try some Lavender. But what it has listed here is that is helps with agitation, bruises and burns. And the list goes on. . . .leg cramps, heart irregularities, hives, insect bites, neuropathy pain, pain inside and out, bee stings, sprains, sunburn, sunstroke, insomnia, depression, PMS and it's a natural antihistamine. PHEW! And I bet there is even more uses than that. Go get yourself some Lavender right now, or just ask me to order you some

Lemon:
 Arthritis, colds, constipation, coughs, cuts, sluggishness, sore throats, sunburn and wounds. Lifts the spirit and reduces stress and fatigue. Counteracts acidity, calms an upset stomach and helps with elimination. 

Lemongrass:
 Good for sore muscles, cramps and charley horses. Apply to bottoms of feet to warm them in the winter.

Melaleuca:
Another awesome oil that has a ton of uses. Some of those being bug bites, colds, coughs, deoderant, eczema, fungus, infections, microbes, psoriasis, rough hands, sliver(combine with clove to draw them out), sore throats and wounds.

Oregano:
Heavy duty antibiotic (take internally or put on the bottoms of feet). Also good for fungal infections and for reducing pain and inflammation of arthritis, backache, bursitis, carpel tunnel syndrome, rheumatism and sciatica. There is a note at the end that says, "Always dilute".

Peppermint:
Good for topical pain relief. Good for circulation, fever, headaches, indigestion, motion sickness, nausea, nerve problems and vomiting. 

AromaTouch:
Anti-inflammatory, stress relief and relaxation. 

Breathe:
Allergies, asthma, anxiety, bronchitis, congestion, colds, coughs, flu and respiratory distress.

Deep Blue:
Pain relief. Bruises, arthritis, carpel tunnel, headaches, inflammation, joint pain, migraines, muscle pain, sprains and rheumatism. 

DigestZen:
For all digestion issues. Also works on diaper rash.

On Guard:
Disinfectant. Eliminates mold and viruses and helps boost immune system. 

Purify:
Helps with airborne pathogens, cuts, germs, insect bites, itches and wounds. Also helps boost the immune system. 

TerraShield: 
Deters all flying insects and ticks from humans and pets. 

Even if you don't want to use oils here and now, and prefer to use modern medicine I would still highly recommend stocking up on some of these oils. All of these oils will last longer than you will, aside from lemon because citrus oils don't last like the other oils do. Modern medicine is awesome, but someday these may be all you have, and it would be better than nothing. :)

And now the next section still taken from the same book.

How Essential Oils Affect the Brain.

According to the American Medical Association if you could find an agent that would pass the blood-brain barrier(membrane between the circulating blood and the brain that prevents damaging substances from reaching brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid) they would be able to cure Alzheimer's disease, Lou Gherig's disease, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.A a category of chemical constituents known as sesquiterpenes are known to go beyond the blood-brain barrier. These sesquiterpenes can be found in essential oils like frankincense and sandalwood.

Sesquiterpenes als help increase oxygen to the limbic system of the brain, particularly around the pineal and pituitary glands. This leads to an increase in secretions of antibodies, endorphins and neurotransmitters.   

Also in the limbic system of the brain is a gland called the amygdala. This gland is said to play a major role in storing and releasing emotional trauma. The only way to stimulate this gland is with fragrance or sense of smell. This means that essential oils are a powerful key to help unlock and release emotional trauma.

The more I study the more I am fascinated by how our emotional self and physical self are so greatly tied together. I would even say spirituality is tied in as well. Being emotionally and spiritually healthy can be aided by being physically healthy. And being in poor emotional health can cause poor physical health as well. Emotional health can be aided by physical things like oils that help with brain function. It sort of blows my mind, but the more I study the more I believe it's true. And the more I find it completely fascinating. There are also some cultures that believe the pineal gland, I believe it's the pineal gland, is a spiritual eye, or third eye. Strengthening our pineal gland could help with emotional and spiritual well being. I don't think rubbing oils on your head will help spirituality alone, but I find it fascinating that it could play a role.

Sweetheart!

Sometimes I wish I was described as "such a sweetheart". I guess I feel if I could fit that description I would fit in better in different areas of my life. That it wouldn't feel like it was so hard for people to get along with me. And that I wouldn't have such a hard time with the relationships in my family life. I try to wear the title, but I guess it doesn't fit. It just falls right off possibly because I'm to hard from my experiences-- I'd prefer to say strong, but I can be a bit harder too.

There's no point in wearing a title that doesn't fit. Just toss it aside and find the strength in what you're really are. For years I apologized for many things that I am. One example is my body. No matter how skinny I was my stomach wasn't flat, my arms weren't small and my thighs always touched. I remembered a guy saying he was "scared" of me because I had big arms. I always wished I was a dainty little swimsuit model. That men would find me appealing, not fearsome. But nowadays I'm not shaming my body. I'm glorying in it. I may not be skinny, but a lot of that is how I'm built, and a lot of that bulk is muscle. I'm glad too be strong in this way and now it's important for me to use those big arms to compete in a man's world. If I can prove to myself that I am capable of these things, then I myself will know I am capable of so much more.

 New baby chicks at our house.

Mine is named Wisenheimer.

I've always admired women of great strength. Women who didn't do what they are told. Women who questioned, and fought for what they believed in. When I presented that part of me to certain area's of my life I began to feel ashamed. Maybe I shouldn't have modeled myself after these woman. But as I study midwifery and learn more about this career and how I may need to fight for a woman who is, at the time, in a vulnerable position I begin to realize I am not a mistake.

I have dropped some things. I used to love a good fight. I used to love it when someone would say something that was rude or annoying to I could just hold on to it, rant about it and let my passionate anger grow. Then when something else would happen I would just adore it, so I could justify everything all the more. I no longer want that. I don't want anger. I don't want annoyance. I don't change my opinion, I just try to find common ground, and remind myself to not let this change me into a monster.

Many times growing up I remember men, usually in their 60's, telling me, "You are so pretty, I bet the boys are beating down the door." Or something along those lines. They were shocked I struggled to find dates. OK, never had a date. . .EVER! They would tell me I needed to put myself out there. One Bishop told me that a man would be lucky to have me as a wife because I would be an excellent mother. It's funny I always felt like I was lucky if a guy would even give me a little attention. It happened so rarely. It's funny now, I look back and think, "What did it matter? Why were my looks so impressive? What did it ever get me?" I had a friend say to me once, whilst I complained about my zits, "At least when you look in the mirror you can see that you're pretty." OK I honestly don't remember how that quote went. It was a long time ago. I remember "look in the mirror" and the general feeling that she was saying how lucky I was that I had something pretty looking back at me. I think she felt that she didn't have that and that if she did her life would be so much better. All I can say is it doesn't matter. As pretty as I am. . .was. . .or skinny as I am. . .was. . .I would still look in the mirror and see someone I was disappointed in. Someone I thought was to heavy, or unattractive, because she never got attention from men. The only men that told me I was pretty was my Dad, and men in their 60's.

What matters is where you seek validation. All too often I seek outside validation. But then I hear the voice of my Heavenly Father calling me back saying, "Focus on me. Focus on what I think." Even when I appear to disappoint the world I can seek him and ask, "Am I doing what you asked me to?" And I can know that I don't need the world to agree with me. I have counseled with my Heavenly Father, and I am following his promptings as best as I can.

I feel like I have apologized for who I am for a greater part of my life. "Sorry I'm not skinny." "Sorry I'm not a damsel in distress, and sorry if I am." "Sorry I'm not impressed by your mustang." "Sorry I'm too needy." "Sorry I'm too depressed." "Sorry I can't get through this the way you think I should." But now I realize there are things you don't need to apologize for. And the things that are a part of me, and are there to help me fulfill my mission on this Earth, are things I don't want to apologize for anymore. Sometimes getting an outside opinion is nice, but sometimes I need to remember my Heavenly Father made me who I am, and that those things are part of me for a reason.

P.S. Hope you enjoyed some of my artwork. I love to draw, but gave it up in Jr. High because I wasn't "the best". I may not be the best, but I draw well enough, and I enjoy what I draw.

Viva Las Vegas!

This last week found me in the city of Las Vegas. Those who know me well know this is my absolute favorite place to go. I've visited family there since I was little. I have always loved getting to visit my family members, and I have always loved the city. To this day the smell of cigarette smoke triggers happy memories in my brain. And if you ever travel with me there be prepared to sing "Viva Las Vegas" as you come up over the hill to see the lights start flooding the valley.

One year, around the age of 10 or so, I cried as we made our departure from the city. Ever since than I've cried every time I leave. I'm not sure why. I really don't want to live there. I enjoy many things about my life as it is, but still I'm always sad to say, "Goodbye."

I guess somewhere, somehow, Vegas became a part of me. It's hard when I visit these days though. It's not the same that it once was. The part of me that grew up with it, loves it and always looks forward to visiting it, is slowly realizing Vegas may betray me one day and become a place I hate.

This is partly because Vegas is stepping away from being the Vegas it was when I was little. It now promotes the side that's an adult playground, and that includes promoting everything I hate(will not stand on soap box at this point, but if you ever want to have a long conversation about it let me know). But another part has to do with a more personal aspect. Last time I was in Vegas was May of 2011. The year 2011 was not the happiest year of my life-- and that's a terrible understatement. Looking back on that trip isn't something I'm willing to do in great detail. The memories from that time all just feel like lies, which makes it hard to believe any happiness I might have felt.

But I still love my Las Vegas. I love it as something that is a part of me. It was there before marriage and kids, and before all the things that happened. Therefore it's a kind of an anchor for me, even with it's ever changing face. I know that sounds weird, but that's what makes it something I need to hang on to. It is now the source of happy memories and sad one's. But I need to fight for the happy one's. They are more important.

To add to the enjoyment of Vegas I discovered a Godfather's Pizza just outside the city, at a gas station. Can you believe it? Can anyone say delicious? I haven't had this since I was little. Hello dear Cinnamon Streusel, where have you been and why did you EVER leave?

I definitely enjoyed my memories from this trip! Thank you to all my wonderful family who made this trip so fun and special!

Quote's That Struck a Chord

"People who engage in expressive writing report feeling happier and less negative than before writing. Similarly, reports of depressive symptoms, rumination, and general anxiety tend to drop in the weeks and months after writing about emotional upheavals."

From "Writing to Heal"

By: James W. Pennebaker

Sometimes I doubt myself, and doing the things I love. I love writing my blogs, but I also love bringing happiness. Sometimes the those two don't get along. Internal conflict much? It's really hard. I enjoy my writing. I like to use it as an expressive art, and sometimes when I'm told that this should be hidden from the world I get a little sad inside. I feel myself tumbling in confusion as I'm asked to take responsibility for feelings that aren't under my control. But I slowly try to ground myself in my firm belief that I have conversed with my Heavenly Father, sought his counsel and direction and he has directed me on many occasions to write, express and share.

"When troubles fall within your dish,

And things don't tally with your wish:

It's just as well to laugh as cry--

To sing and joke, as moan and sigh;--

For a pound of sorrow never yet

Cancel'd a single ounce of debt."

From "A Narrative of a Revolutionary Soldier"

By: Joseph Plumb Martin

When I read this quote I really liked it. Which is funny because I can totally see hating it under different circumstances. I just thought it was a good reminder. I'm not one to deny a person their emotions, and getting upset and feeling discouraged are all normal emotions to feel at certain times-- like when someone can't find their lap top that contains 3 weeks of painstakingly completed homework. I think we should feel these emotions, let them wash over us and then release them. I usually ask my Heavenly Father to take them from me. Plus the laughter part reminded me of my dear My Little Pony Pinky Pie, who laughs at the scary things. I've actually found this to be pretty sound advice. 

Run For the Fallen

I'm not the best runner, nor have I ever been. In fact a good part of my life I just tried to accept the idea that running just "wasn't my thing". But then a switch happened. I don't know if it had to do with the people I was now associating with, or if something deep inside me couldn't keep quiet anymore and had to just scream, "I WANT TO RUN!!!" I wanted to run because. . .well. . .I thought I couldn't and if I could. . .well. . .then that would allow me to prove something amazing to myself. Does that make sense?

So I started to run. But I wasn't very good. . .at all. But I hung in there. I even found ways to convince my husband to go with me sometimes.

I started my running ventures by entering a 3K. I ran the whole way. I was so thrilled.

Then off and on I would pick up running again. I had hopes of possibly making it to a marathon or even just a half marathon. But I could never really find time to train. So I've just stuck with my 2 miles.

But this year I found it difficult to run at all. I couldn't find a time to run without feeling like I was cheating my kids of my time. I tried to get them to run with me, but we didn't even make it around the block. I don't like to get up early, but my husband won't run with me so I don't dare to go at night. I tried making quick sprints around the block, but just felt that it did little to help my running skills, so I stopped.

Then March came. My mom mentioned that they were doing a 5K run for Sergeant Wride, the officer who was killed in the line of duty not too long ago. My mom works for the county, so we all felt a little close to the tragedy, and we wanted to help. I told my mom I wanted the info so I could sign up. Then I asked my kids if they wanted to run with me. To my surprise they all said, "Yes!" So I asked my mom, who was just going to donate money, if she wanted to donate money in the name of the kids registrations. She had decided to enter as well, so we split the cost, and started practicing. This was about 3 or 4 days before the race.

I took a day to practice with the kids. It didn't start well. The jogging stroller/bike trailer had a flat wheel. So I walked it to the the gas station to pump it up. The tub had started to pop out of the tread, so I went to pry off the tread to get to the tube. Apparently you need tools to do this-- no wonder it was so hard. I got to the tube, put air in it, put it back on the rim and went to put the tread on. Well, I had put too much air in, so I struggle for a minute to let the air out. I then put it back on, and went to put the tread on, once again tools are needed and once again it was really hard. I finally got it all squared away, and we took off running. It wasn't good. The tire in the front kept vibrating which put a huge strain on my arms. The three kids were so heavy, and I was already worn out. We made it about 8 blocks I stopped at the house and tried having the kids take turns in the stroller. The front tire still vibrated like crazy, and we went about a block and a half before the tire was flat again. So I told the boys that we would just practice without the stroller. I ran up and down my block. The kids quickly lost interest. I told them to just stay at the house then. However, I found that my oldest was still trying to keep up, galoshes and all. He was so sweetly determined to practice hard for this race-- and he was so excited when I bought him tennis shoes to wear the next night. We ran a little more that afternoon, and I ran some that night. All in all, it wasn't looking good for the 5K.

The next day I woke up so sore. The worst was my right knee. It was so stiff, and it made functioning kind of hard. I still practiced with my mom that night, and the next night. But even with new tires, and efforts to go puncture proof, we ended up with another flat. My mom said she didn't think she could do the race. So it looked like I was all on my own. Just me and my boys.

We woke up early for the race, and got everything loaded up. It was freezing! And the race was at Eagle Mountain which means it was freezing + windy beyond belief. Registration was a mess, and we had more mishaps with the strollers and the tires. This time it led to a broken van key. So my husband and my mom headed to fix the van key while I headed up to the start line with the three kids and a stroller. We made it up safely, but then had to scrounge about for missing pieces of the stroller. But, amazingly, we got it all together and got ready to start the race. My kids switched off, and once again my oldest inspired me. He was so determined to run the whole way, and he pushed himself hard. I was so incredibly proud of him! I practically had to beg him to get in the stroller so he could rest, and each time I tried to explain that it wasn't a bad thing and he was doing great. I was so proud of myself too. Even after all the hang ups of practice I managed to jog the whole way, except for stroller switch out's with the kids. It certainly helped that the race was downhill.

Shortly after we hit the half way mark my knee started to act up again. I managed to make it a little further by simply putting pressure in different places. But when I was about a block and half from the finish line it was a total loss. I was determined to run the whole way though, and I limped/jogged the last block or so and across the finish line.

It was freezing, my leg hurt and going up and down hills was pretty much an impossibility, but we did it. I proved something to myself, and the boys proved something to me. We all have what it takes to stick with it. I was so proud of us all!

The kids were a little upset about not actually winning, though I think they were all winners. We managed to get some prizes, but this didn't cheer them all up. Oh well. Hopefully one day they know how incredibly honored I felt to claim them as mine that day. Not that I don't feel honored everyday, but. . .well. . .you know what I mean.

A Quote That Saved My Life

My friend was trying to host a get together so we could all spend time with her before she moved. She asked us to bring a quote or a book to share. I knew exactly what quote I wanted to bring:

"From the first day of our life until the last, we weave a basket out of the knowledge we accumulate and the judgement we make.  Our basket holds and defines all our experiences. It gives us meaning. Because no baskets are meant for the same purpose, shared experiences fit into some while not others. Some baskets are designed too small or woven too tight for some experiences to fit inside. Others are so loosely woven and open that small, precious things fall through. Each basket holds and defines that which it was designed for.

Only the buyer, Jesus Christ, can say with certainty the purpose of any given basket. All baskets are valuable to him."  --Doug Mendenhall "My Peace I Give Unto You"

I even ran to the nearest book store and bought the book, so I could take it with me. Then the party got canceled, which was incredibly depressing to me. I really love this friend and was looking forward to seeing her, and all the other friends I have made in that group. So I took her the side dish I had prepared for the party, and I gave her the book I bought. Before I did though I typed up the quote here so I could always remember it. This has seriously brought me so much peace and given me so much perspective.

My friend has now moved and it makes me sad almost everyday, almost to the point that I can't even think about it. But she's on to teach and inspire another group of people. I guess I can share her with those in Arizona :). 

What Can I Say? I Just Love Music!

I've posted about this song on another blog, but seriously my love for it just simply must exceed one post.

Can I just say I LOVE music! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!!! And lately I have found myself getting a certain kind of high only music can bring. I've been rediscovering my love for all this music that I have always loved, but it lost it's edge for some reason. But now I'm cruising through my playlist like a mad junkie just taking it all in and not being able to get enough.

When did this all happen? That's a good question. I have always been this way, but I let that part of me fade away for a couple of years. It wasn't until recently that this urge started awakening inside of me. I want to say it started when I saw Frozen and heard "Let it Go". But I actually think it started with my dear friend Pinky Pie. When I let myself get way too into My Little Pony. . .and pick a favorite character. . .a favorite character that seemed to model many of my favorites from shows past. . .I think I let a part of myself re-awaken, a part I thought had to die when I became a mom. A part that thought I could maybe pull back out when I had a daughter and I could share my childhood with her. When that didn't happen I was so saddened. I packed myself away in a box of memorabilia that would never be pulled out to decorate a girls room. Well, then I got tired of not having girly things so I just started buying them for myself, and the funny thing is that my boys are loving living my childhood with me, even if it is the girl stuff.

On another note, I'd say a fun and fancy free night of Karaoke with some ward members also helped. I was completely insistent that I would not be singing that night, but the ladies convinced me. I sat there thinking, "You love singing! Why do you always do this? Oh yeah, it's our old friend empathy. Well turn it off and get your butt up there and sing." And you know what? I did. I sang for almost every song. And when it wasn't me turn I found it was kind of hard to sit down and pass the microphone to someone else. Then after a performance of "Defying Gravity" from Wicked I sat down and my friends leaned over and said, "You need to get back into theater." I did it! I still wasn't able to sing on my own two feet-- I had to have someone with me at all times-- but I sang in front of people. I sang a rather difficult song in front of people, and I did it well enough that they complimented me. I actually did it! This was huge! I'm sure this added to my rediscovering my love for music.

But then we run into this song. I love to sing, like I said, and when I hear a song that speaks to my soul I have to sing it with all the passion I can muster. But what if the song is one that can't be sung, like this one. I wish I could play an instrument, or I wish my dancing skills where more perfected so I could express my passion for these songs too. I feel so inhibited. I wish I could honor this piece of music to the best of my abilities. The only option left is to write about it. So here we are.

I hope this song gives you the lift it gave me.