Shabby Apple

I love Shabby Apple styles. I bet you will too. Check out their site:

http://blog.shabbyapple.com/2012/10/why-because-we-love-you.html

Becoming a Master Esthetician

The first time I remember hearing the word Esthetician was a little over 8 years ago. I have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) which causes a lot of hormone problems, including hair growth on the face. I had gone to a local medical spa to receive laser hair removal on my face. The doctor came into the room to assess my face and then a lady performed the laser service. As I spoke with her, I asked her what her job title was and she said –esthetician. I asked her what that meant. She kind of explained it to me. I thought to myself, “gee, those are all things I love doing at home and with friends during a ‘girls night in.’
For the last 5 years I had been running a licensed daycare in my home so I could afford to stay home to raise my daughter. Having a child has it’s own challenges but when you add several other children into your day to day life, it’s rewarding and challenging too. The plan with the daycare was to only have it until my daughter started attending school.
On the more challenging days with the children, my former conversations with the esthetician would come to mind. Then, in May 2011, I realized I only had a little over a year left before my daughter started going to school and I needed to start thinking about what to do with the next chapter in my life. I saw a commercial for Marinello’s School of Beauty advertising their esthetics program. Let’s just say a light bulb not only turned on but flooded my mind with, “why not?”  So, I prayed about it. I investigated the various schools in the area and looked at finances. Everything just seemed to fall into place. It felt as if the Universe was not only opening my eyes to what to do next with my life but virtually shoving me into the decision to go enroll. I took a tour of the Marinello campus on a Thursday and applied for a pell grant and was enrolled by that Friday and began attending classes the following Monday. It all happened pretty fast.  I worked full time during the day and attended school in the evening four days a week.
I loved it from day one. It all felt so natural to me. It was like I’d finally found my niche in the vocational world. I have enjoyed many jobs in the past but this was different. I felt so at home with each new topic.  I’m sure you’ve heard when you put a group of women together, there are bound to be tensions or little tiffs, not there. Everyone got along pretty well and we had fun yet we were learning all at the same time. It was wonderful.
What did I learn how to do you ask…and what is an esthetician? Well, let me tell ya! An esthetician is a person licensed to give beauty treatments, mainly for skin care. I learned how to give various types of facials, how to use several machines that aid in cleansing, stimulate collagen, and heal skin as well as microdermabrasions. There is even a machine to do lymph drainage for the body that also aids in toning and smoothing cellulite! Can you tell I love this yet? I can also give hot stone massages, chemical peels, wax any part of the body (that includes a Brazilian), basic manicures and spa pedicures, tint eyebrows and lashes, perm eyelashes -although Utah licensing has now said only cosmetologist can perm your lashes, do eyelash extensions, do detoxifying body wraps and other spa like treatments. Plus, I am certified to give laser treatments…talk about coming full circle.
It’s all fun but I would have to say my favorite service to give is a facial. Not only is a facial relaxing for the client but also for me. I love knowing I am helping others feel better about themselves and perhaps even helped them to feel a bit less stress in their day. It’s quite fulfilling. Everyone deserves to be pampered.
I look forward to this new adventure in my life. I will graduate July 19, 2012. I have passed the state board practical and written tests already. Now I just need to complete my hours and wait for my license to arrive in the mail. I was just hired to work at the Ogden Organix Salon on Historic 25th Street in Ogden a couple of doors down from Little Cherry Blossoms Boutique. I will start the week after graduation. It's commission based pay only. I hope you will take the time from your busy hectic life to have a relaxing treatment with me. It will be lovely.

Ready to work!

Dear Universe, I am a dedicated, educated, loyal employee so please make sure I get hired soon where values like these matter with an employer with the same values. Thank you. P.S. a great wage will be much appreciated as well.

Found!

Our lovely cairn terrier, Sadie, had been missing for nearly a full month. Today we got a call that she was waiting for us at the local animal shelter. If you don't have one for your pet, you should get your pet micro-chipped. That how they knew she was ours. Happy.

It Was Only Reflux...ick.

Well, in my last post I was worried about having developed a breathing problem. My doctor informed me that it is possible to have some acid reflux enter the lungs and if you are rapidly breathing (due to exercise or other vigorous activity) some of the acid can enter your lungs causing a reaction similar to an asthma attack. I officially do not have asthma. I do have a minor reflux problem though. Relieved. Thank you all for your positive thoughts and prayers.

Perhaps It Was Asthma?

This past Friday evening, I was doing something very physical. Without warning I suddenly felt something change and my heart was racing and I could barely catch my breath. By all descriptions I have heard or read about, it was a very severe asthma attack. It took nearly 10 minutes to catch my breath and almost 30 minutes before I felt I could breathe freely again. During my gasping for life, I nearly lost consciousness a couple of times and I am pretty sure if I had eaten recently, I would have thrown up. It was likely one of the scariest moments of my life. I was even afraid I might not live through it. I felt bad for Jason sitting next to me knowing he felt scared and helpless too. Through those frightening moments, tears ran down my cheeks and I clung to the hope Heavenly Father didn't need to take me home yet.
I've never been diagnosed with asthma. I used to suffer from bouts of chronic bronchitis and sinusitis which is why I own an inhaler. I haven't had either for over a year now and have been very grateful for being so healthy; which is why this sudden attack caught me off guard and without an inhaler nearby.
The rest of Friday evening, I felt quite exhausted and my lungs were in a lot of pain. Every breath hurt.
Yesterday, my right lung felt much better but my left was still burning and aching with every breathe. Getting ready for work left me a bit winded and tired. I found my old inhaler and took a couple of puffs. Before work, I went to the grocery store with my daughter; then dropped her off at my mom's for the day. I told my mom about it but not in detail. I didn't want to worry her. By the time I got to work, I was shaking from all the efforts of the morning and quite light headed. Walking from my desk to the bathroom left me a bit winded and tired. I sneezed at one point and felt like a thousand tiny needles were in my left lung. I kinda lost my appetite too. I had a potluck planned at my house Saturday evening. I considered cancelling but then realized I felt a great need to see my friends again. It was a difficult evening but I was grateful to have them with me. I think I just needed reassurance and the comfort of their presence. Needless to say. I think I need to have a visit to the doctor this Monday.
Today, my lungs still ache but I feel much better. I am staying home and taking it easy. My daughter keeps asking me to do stuff with her but I just tell her I am not feeling well and give her a huge hug feeling grateful my life is still available to live and be here with her.
I am also thinking of my friend Charity today. She recently went through a double lung transplant. I am praying her body will never reject this second transplant she was blessed with and think how insignificant my pain has been compared to hers. She is an inspiration.
I hope this all has been nothing more than a solitary incident and leads to nothing more than needing to carry an inhaler with me. Your prayers and support are appreciated.

Oi

I am 38 years young today. Now please stop asking.