Positive Thoughts and Actions

It's been a while since I've blogged but I've been out enjoying life. With two acting projects completed and one in pre- production, I'm keeping busy finding more projects. Today I auditioned for two roles at a university and went in with confidence. Each casting director told me I did well and one was very impressed after only one read. I went in with confidence and positive thoughts.

After watching a documentary called "The Secret," I have been focusing on what I want and reminding myself that I can have it. I remain with a positive attitude and work hard like I always do. This led to a promotion at work, better health, and an overall confidence in myself.

I will remain confident in all aspects of my life and know that I can achieve my dreams.

Photo: Copyright 2014 Conaway Photography

The Color of Pain and Taste of Happiness

A writing prompt on Facebook asked to wrote the color of pain and the taste of happiness. Here's my interpretation:

Every time I get a migraine, I imagine colors of red and blue. Red for the pain that pumped in my veins. Red for the anger inside my chest. Blue for the sorrow I felt at my helplessness. Blue for the anguish at my pain. When you combine these, you get a perfect shade of purple. The purple not only represents the red, but the blue as well.

When I think of happiness, I imagine big beautiful strawberries on top of a perfect slice of cheesecake. The creamy goodness of the cake sends a sweet sensation to the taste buds. The strawberries tickle the senses and instantly brings a smile. At the end, I never feel guilty.

Projects, Health, and Living

So many things are coming for 2014! I've been slowly getting back to the groove on my writing  as well as adding more ideas to my notebook for the future.

Once I get new headshots (drastically cut my hair), I can submit for more acting opportunities. I've been taking a class with an independent filmmaker and love it! I've made some great friends and have already done two projects in film.

Now that I have insurance and a steady paycheck, I'm getting into debt annihilation mode. I've also started a 52 week savings challenge to save money into a couple accounts. Determination is the key.

As far as writings, my fiction novel is coming along with 5000 words so far and a great beginning to a heart touching story. I'm so excited to share it this summer. I've also been beginning a feature film screenplay but I'm unsure how it's going to go. The only way to find out is to type!

Migraines have been taking a vacation (well not fully) thanks to the wonderful Florida weather. I've been reintroducing foods like dairy to my diet and taking notes on my body's reaction. Cooking has been taking a back burner lately but I'm getting back into the groove.

What have you been working on lately?

2014 Goals

Wow it's been way too long since my last post. It's been crazy this holiday season with work (I work in retail), which resulted in a promotion at the beginning of 2014! *happy dance*

Now that it's calming down, it's time to get back to business. I never make "resolutions" for myself. I'd rather call them goals. Here's my goals for the year:

1. Build savings - I can build savings easily by using the 52 week challenge for two accounts. It doubles my savings and it's so easy.

2. Debt elimination - I've developed an Excel spreadsheet to help add extra payments to eliminate all credit card debt. I want to finish my medical debt and past rent payments so I can be in a better position when I move into a new place.

3. Date more - Oh boy I hate dating but it must be done lol.

4. Experience Central Florida - There are so many things to enjoy in this area and the cost is a lot better now that I'm a Florida resident.

5. Travel - Each year I try to go somewhere I have never been to. Normally I visit friends or family which helps with the cost.

What are your goals for this year?

Bleeding Heart

I haven't written a poem in such a long time! Last night's dream have me inspiration:

You appeared to me
In a dream I knew wasn't true.
For the first time in a long time
I felt nothing for you.
In the dream you wanted me,
You said it was a perfect match.
I didn't believe your misguided eyes,
And guarded my heart from the snatch.
Fool me five hundred times and yet I waited,
Hoping one day you'd realize your loss,
But now I'm far away, much smarter,
And still guarding my bleeding heart from the toss.
So keep coming to my dreams
I know I'll pass the test.
I'm giving my bleeding heart to another
In hopes he'll hurt me less.

Who can relate?

Alternative Medicine

Write about alternative treatments and regimens and tell us how you feel about them. What do you support? What is crazy? Have you used any?

Well since I've been a pill guinea pig in the past, I'm constantly searching for alternative treatments for migraine. The first I've tried was the diet that I've been on for a year. Yes, I cheat, but for the most part I stick to it and I've noticed improvement in intensity and frequency in my migraine. If you're unsure of what diet I'm talking about, check out my blog post about it. http://themigrainechef.blogspot.com/2013/04/breakdown-of-headache-diet.html

Besides the diet, I've tried Botox, vitamins instead of meds, massage, and exercise. I've been meaning to try acupuncture and other types of massage aimed at specific nerves. I'm always open to alternative medicine because I HATE side effects! However, some of the alternative methods may not be for you. Be sure to do your research before attempting. 

I wrote a small screenplay for my filmmakers group making fun of a doctor's visit and the doctor recommended drilling holes in the patient's head because Google said so. It's amazing what people will believe these days. I fully support the diet, Botox, and using exercise to keep the blood pumping. Vitamins are great too. I'm deficient in B and D so I take those daily vitamins as well as magnesium and melatonin. It's all about what works for YOU!

Say WHAT?

Okay I'm way behind but here's Day 6 of the WEGO Health NHBPM:

What’s the most ridiculous thing you've heard about your health condition? Was there any context? What did you think at the time you heard it – and what do you think of it now?

The most ridiculous thing I've heard about migraines was all the "remedies" like coffee (caffeine is a migraine trigger), a crazy green smoothie where half the ingredients are common migraine triggers, and how they can be "cured." Many just don't understand that migraines are about controlling triggers, not finding a cure. I'll always have them, but some days will be less than others. Since many don't understand, I constantly get "have you tried this?" and "well my aunt's dog's godmother did this and she was cured." Most of the time I get annoyed and just say that yes I've tried it or I calmly say that I've tried everything I can afford/handle at the moment. If I tried every remedy on the internet, I'd be even more broke than I am! 

Now when I hear people trying to help, I educate them. I let them know that I know they mean well and are trying to help, but my doctors and I are developing plans to try out. I also mention that due to this illness I'm very stressed and frustrated which can trigger another migraine so I do not wish to talk about it often. I use my writing as a tool to express feelings and concerns as well as share what I've tried and how it worked/didn't work. Many can read and choose to take it in or not.