Do you actually know what Mental Health Awareness is? - General/Health

This month has really been crazy for me and not just because the days are going by fast but also because of life in general it seems. When I had originally started this post it was literally on May 1st but here we are with my writing and finally finishing the post on May 20th! My goodness how time has flown by. 

I wanted to write about something pertaining what what society has dubbed the month of May to be. For the Christian religion, more specifically the Catholic community, this is the month of Mary in addition to it also being the month of moms with Mother's Day (having already passed of course) - which reminds me, for all/any of you mother's reading this post I hope you had a great Mother's Day weekend and especially a wonderful Mother's Day! So as I was saying, I found that apparently the month of May is "Mental Health Awareness" month. I literally rolled my eyes when I read that. Actually I have a tendency of rolling my eyes internally when I hear someone say they took a "mental health day." Now before and of you get huffy with me I'll get to explaining. 

First off I feel that society is misusing the phrase "Mental Health Awareness" associating it to everything involving their head period; they should be more specific or make sure to clarify to the public accurate definitions, or at least explain before someone starts googling the wrong thing. Then again I know, we can't control other's behaviors/emotions/actions. What I'm about to begin writing about is coming from someone who's had her head extensively and thoroughly examined, so believe me when I say that there's a difference between "Brain Health Awareness" and "Mental Health Awareness." For example, someone to the eye can be both mentally and emotionally sound, but due to something involving their brain health, their mental health can be affected or perhaps theirs a chemical hindrance in the brain that's creating a mental health problem-something such as a Vitamin D deficiency which affects many aspects of the body (specifically mental and brain function) can prompt some concerning symptoms and affect someone's mental health. You may not know or have a doctor consider that thought until your neurological function is looked into. Like anything else, it could go vice versa as well. The simplest disconnection from the brain to mental health can create more chaos than one can fathom. 

Secondly, the main difference between "mind" and "brain" is that the functions that the mind does is controlled by the brain, which is the physical organ responsible for those same functions. I found this well laid out image on google for what I am attempting to explain:

According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC for short-and yes that's the one and the same when announcements for COVID were being sent out) mental health is defined as: is the emotional, psychological, and social well being that affects how we think, feel, and act. Our mental health assists in determining how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices (my opinion here but I think it's for ALL choices whether "healthy" or not). The CDC states that mental health is important at every stage of life. I can appreciate when one invests into the mental health by delving into the issues they might have on hand-basically the individuals who acknowledge there's a problem that needs to be fixed instead of someone being in denial or worse (like most of the society likes to use the phrase for) as an excuse to deter from adulting, life, and responsibilities. What everyone should keep in mind is that your mental health is constantly changing or its not stagnant, but evolves as you age especially with the contributors surrounding ones mental health. The biggest impact on the mental health is when demands placed on an individual exceed their coping abilities and personal resources.  https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm#:~:text=Mental%20health%20includes%20our%20emotional,childhood%20and%20adolescence%20through%20adulthood.

The World Health Organization I feel defined "Brain Health" beautifully: its the state of brain function across cognitive, sensory, social-emotional, behavioral, and motor skills allowing the individual to realize their full potential over their life span with the presence/absence of disorders. There are variables that influence the way in which our brain develops, adapts, and responds to stress and adversities; physical health, environments, safety and security, life-long learning, and social connection are basically the genres of brain development. To optimize brain health one must be able to address those genres and adversities not only to improve both mental and physical health but also optimize the creation of positive social and economic effects to the overall greater well being of a person and the society in which they walk in. There are conditions that affect the brain and nervous system and emerge throughout the life span, characterized by disruptions in brain growth, damage to brain structure and/or impaired brain function; some examples are congenital, neurodevelopment, and neurological disorders throughout the life span. The treatment and care of these examples will require both a multi sectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration of specialists with the focus being on promotion, prevention, treatment, care, and rehabilitation along with an active engagement of the individual and their loves ones as well as career groups.  https://www.who.int/health-topics/brain-health#tab=tab_1

This is a topic that hits very close to home for me due to my life experiences and this specific post a prequel to my upcoming posts so stay tuned!

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Furry Family - Family/General

A friend of mine recently purchased a dog. Granted I've been dog shopping now for about three months now but haven't purchased one yet. I have to admit though that his recent purchase inspired me to write about my dogs. At one point and time there was a total of four (including my ex-husbands) dogs. My two boys are the focal point of this post, but my third dog was a shelter dog that I had found and turned in but ironically adopt and take home to start the whole process all over again :) Duke, Fido, and Aurora were my fur babies.

You see I was begging for a dog all throughout my childhood, would even covet my neighbors dogs and would always offer to take care of them when our neighbor needed the help. Well I had decided early 2003 that I would be getting a dog and I had to figure out how to put my best foot forward in convincing my parents. I realized I had to appease to their mindset of both parents and as I would be entering into high school, I figured to approach it like an "adult" would right. I knew my Mom was going to outright so now with no negotiation room SO I approached my Dad first. For like a month I would ask questions about all the family dogs both my parents had growing up and also the one that I remember seeing in some really young videos of my sister. Making them tell the stories and revealing which dogs they loved the most. Then I entered into Phase II of my plan which was to begin the hypothetical conversations of owning a dog. If we did own one which ones would it be or which dogs did they feel were the best, etc. I already had a specific dog breed in mind but that also meant I had to aim my timing of approaching this topic with patience...

By fall of 2003 I had a contract worked up with my parents, more specifically my Dad, about their purchase of the dog I had extensively scoped out, and made my selection. And yes before you ask I literally had a contract. The contract terms was that the hours I worked getting paid through my internship with my Dads company would be given to my parents towards the balance on the purchased dog. I vetted out a specific breeder and come summer of 2004 I would hopefully have my dog in tow. My parents paid for the shipping cost and my Mom and I went to go pick him up at the airport. The rest is history and the training began! Although for a girl who did everything to get one dog I ended up having two!

You heard me! For my first time in getting a dog I didn't just have one pet I had two, with ironically them both being of the same breed! So the purchased dog was Duke, a beautifully bred half Siberian husky and wolf dog that had a gorgeous white and red brown coat. My second dog was named Fido (short for fides, Latin word for loyalty) and it was a great name for one very loyal dog even unto death...So you know how I came to have my Duke but the story is pretty interesting on how I ended up getting Fido. For starters my mother wasn't all to happy about the arrangement or "contract" that my Dad and I had entered into, but she didn't renegade on the deal (since she also got her end of the deal with my grades being almost perfect). See my Mom likes dogs but she's worried about the maintenance and emotional attachment that comes with them, since she had seen so many of her family pets die or be put down. Understandable, however even that I knew wouldn't phase me into not having a dog. I don't like to compare animals with people but I viewed it as a family member right, you get emotionally attached to them and they are going to get older and eventually pass just like your uncle or aunt or cousin will eventually get to an age in which they too shall pass away. Even not knowing the pain I would years later feel of putting down or dealing with an animal about to pass, I was determined to feel it and have it all. So one afternoon during my freshman year in high school, my mom picked me up from school and as we were entering our subdivision, I took notice of a beautiful black and white Husky dog, sitting on the porch of one of the houses. I thought it odd and mentioned to my mom if she had seen the dog; her response was, "oh is it with its owner because I saw it wandering the yards going from house to house, I figured it may have gotten locked out of where it lives." I answered her letting her know that I didn't see anyone outside with the dog and that, in all my days walking our neighborhood I had never once seen that dog at that house; not to be nosey but I knew all the pets and where they were housed in the neighborhood I grew up in and was still living in at the time. So oddly enough my mom says, "we'll just keep an eye out for the poor dog."

I looked at my mom oddly as we drove into the garage of our house. A little after dinner I mentioned to my mom that I would check to see if the other dog was still out there in the neighborhood. She didn't make a protest and even said, "let me know if he's still there." Remember by this time I already had my Duke so it was interesting to see my mom getting concerned about another dog...Since I was outside playing with my Duke within the fence lines, I was able to keep an eye on the dog that didn't seem to know where he lived. I was able to see when he left the porch of that house and started towards the Main Street, exiting our subdivision. I quickly went inside the house and let me mom know and she immediately said to leave Duke out in the larger gated area while we went to pick up the black and white Husky. Between what she said and the motion of action I was both excited and shocked! My mom mentioned for me to grab some things that I thought would lure him to trust us for us to grab him and load him up in the vehicle. So there we go to pick the dog up. 

I remember so vividly to this day, how the late afternoon and evening went...we drive up beside to where he was walking up to each and every garage in the alley of the neighborhood, which faced the Main Street leading to the highway. My mom parked and I got out of the vehicle, went down on one knee and called the dog to me by tapping my leg (so there was a smacking sound since I was wearing shorts) and doing a low whistle tone. I had some dog food in my palm and he walked up to me cautiously, not skittishly but had his ears at attention and his head on a swivel. As he ate from my palm and was chewing I noticed no shaking or an aggression, so I took my chances and wrapped my arms around the dog and lifted him slightly into the back seat of the vehicle, all while staying on one knee. Yes by this time I was able to confirm the gender of the dog so boy it was! I scooted into the back seat with him and he was calmly eating out of the ziploc bag of dog food I had brought while I was petting his head and rubbing his ears. Calm and serene, a serious contradiction to my Duke. No more than a three minute drive back to our garage, we were unloading the rescued dog. I placed Duke's collar and leash on the black and white Husky to tie him down in the yard, in an area where he could be washed. My mother literally went inside telling me to get him ready so that we could bath him and have him settled to eat. Knowing that Duke was clean and had already eaten and that my mom had said they would be sleeping together in the dog pen, I would do an introduction for them after the newest dog was situated (meaning fed). I was relieved and glad that after a good introduction for the dogs, they were inseparable as if from the same litter.

My mom shocked me that day but from that point forward, my Duke had a companion that complimented him and Fido was part of the family. I trained both to come to me with their name and a specific whistle; trained them to sit on command, trained them to sit and wait until the dog bowl was on the ground so that they could eat, trained Duke to shake on command while I trained Fido to lay on command. Duke was the protector against animals in the yard and around/in the house whereas Fido was surprisingly protective of our family, almost guard dog style. Fido had been in two serious fights and both in efforts of protecting the "family member" of member of their pact; one was against a K9 unit dog that had been adopted due to being and inactive officer after an injury (he was very aggressive) and saved my mom. The second time was protecting me against a mix breed of pitbull and another breed (at least that's what the owners said), Fido was even on a leash-it was severely impressive how he continued to protect me even thought the attacking dog kept circling us! Fido to the end was super loyal and so in tune in the emotions of whoever he crossed paths with in our family. His eyes I remember were countless times my consoler, stress reliever, and life...

Fido was so loyal to my mom and I, that even on the day that pwe were waiting for the facility to prepare his needle (he was found with a tumor in his anal gland) we were all SO emotional and not just because I was pregnant, but we all felt it hard how incomplete it would be without him. My mom sat on the floor crying reaching out to pet him, when Fido limped to her and snuggled up to her and just let her hold on to him. He couldn't sit anymore at that point because the tumor was hurting him...it was amazing and sad to see but it was almost as if he knew what was happening because he was making rounds with the family members who were there in the large room with us...he finally got to me, where I was seated on a bench already past my three month pregnancyl marker. I felt I was gaining my new baby while losing one of my first biggest responsibilities...he walked up to me having tired eyes and did this painfully slow slanted sitting position as if he was laying on his side more than trying to sit, receiving my ear rub and than slowly let his head drift onto my leg, where I whispered to him, "its ok, you did good boy, relax and it'll all be over for you soon. No more pain..."

The vet nurse walked into the room saying it was time, the other family members there gave him once last rub and walked out, leaving only my mom and I. Her and I had decided that we weren't going to let him feel and see a face that he didn't know before he went. I saw the light go out of my beloved baby blue eyes...

Those two boys could not be separated and it showed apparently even into their deaths, because after Fido was put down Duke followed suit thereafter in June of the following year, about six months after...I had already delivered my second baby and I was unfortunately not able to be involved or a part of Duke's farewell, that was more my sister and Dad...He had a brain tumor, my sister had to deal with the episodes of seizures he was having.

Moral of the story, do right by your pets and even treat them like family, but do not DO NOT misinterpret loving them with caring for them-they need discipline, love, positive reinforcement, and a good reprimand when needed (just like kids) so make sure you don't get a dog because you feel lonely but because you're going to do everything for your furry life partner.

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Whats in The Oven - General

Before any of you ask or think, no I am NOT pregnant :) but I can understand why you may right away think that to be a possibility. Rest assured no baby in my oven :p

No the purpose of this post is all about baking. So todays a Sunday that involves my immediate family and family to our friends house. With that being said I was volunteered for the baking. I don’t know if I’ve mentioned it but I’m gluten free, so knowing that their household in kind is also gluten free I was designated to whip up the desserts or “postres” (they are a Latin family so Spanish would be involved through the day and event). The postres were a gluten free chocolate chocolate chip brownie and my experimentally found and now used, blueberry apple cake. 

If you noticed some missing areas I am a baker that likes to quality control before providing :p no comments!

I don’t know about any of you but something so mundane to be is actually the most exciting and calming think I truly love to do. I honestly have no problem when someone volunteers me to bake because it’s soul soothing for me and feel down gives me pleasure to put into the task my touch for someone else to have. I’m no whiz in the kitchen for cooking but I absolutely love to bake! I like the experimenting of ingredients along with the sweetness of the elements used and finding out how to make something gluten free taste delicious. I’m sure many could say, “then do the same with cooking for entrees” but it just isn’t the same…my theory is this: I feel that in providing my creation of a dessert I’ve provided something important with a part of me because it’s the last course of the meal right. I’ll be the last thought the person or people have because of my dessert, and what better way or better thing to do than provide something sweet by not only your ingredients but the “love” you’ve baked into it…

Anyone else feel the same way? No maybe just me- haha might be a possibility. Well anyway! If you ask, I can share a version of the recipe but I’ll admit I go by “feeling” because I don’t always use the same servings for all the ingredients. The only ones that stay constant are the amount of gluten free flour, lactose free milk, and olive/vegetable/avocado oil used. 

Let me know if you have any recipes to share!

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Gaylord Texan - General

If you're thinking of visiting Texas or perhaps need to plan something indoors with lots of options The Gaylord Texan in Grapevine is the place to be. On a stormy day, holiday, vacation, or just simply during a hot Texas summer day the Gaylord is a place to visit and/or frequent. Here's more specifically why :)

The resort by far has some great accommodations for couples and families alike. They are very family friendly not just in the mannerism of the staff of the resort but also in the activities that they also have; activities that are planned in advance and scheduled in their calendar of events. Their paths indoors and out (from the parking garages to the entire facility) are also family friendly for strollers or large wagons that families have for their kids, in turning also providing ample accessibility for handicapped family members as well, especially those in wheelchairs. They are plenty of restrooms to accommodate the potty breaks and also the diaper changing ages. There so many things to do as a family both inside and outside of the resort.

Now there are no kitchens in the rooms but whether your staying over night or even just for the day to pass the time, they have plenty of restaurant options within the resort that you needn't bother with leaving the premises. You can walk along the indoor "river walk" to see what restaurants you prefer, have room service, or yes you can leave the hotel for some nearby delicious Grapevine restaurant spots that are delicious and memorable. There is of course the Glass Cactus for the night life/restaurant/adult entertainment. (image below is not mine but from a google search of the Glass Cactus).

They're something both chaotic but peaceful when walking the grounds of the Gaylord Texan resort. I say that because it is a popular spot during the major holidays because they tend to plan and have these events for all age groups so it can get pretty crowded, yet there are some trails inside the main dome area of the resort that allow moments of peace and the sound of the water flow, making you almost feel as if you were out in nature instead of a man made/created indoor trail and nature walk. Whether you're inside looking throughout or perhaps in one of your rooms looking out, there are great views everywhere you stop. (image below not mine and is from a google search for "exterior view of the gaylord texan."

With the resort being next to the Grapevine Lake, you have the ability to venture out of the resort (if you're having an overnight stay) to have a day on the lake with the dock area nearby the resort where you can both take your boats and rent boats for the day. The cool part of the resort and the lake views is also the beautiful display of lights and colors during their major national holidays. For example on the 4th of July, there is a beautiful display of lights in the sky with sunset as many wait for the 4th of July fireworks to begin. They have their tradition to display the fireworks for all over the lake. It's not only a memorable display but its also serene in its own way with the reflection of the fireworks against the water (the Grapevine lake). So you don't have to feel stuck just using their workout room and their large poolside accommodations but you can explore the lake events as well during your stay and/or outing. (image below is not mine and was found with a google search for "gaylord resort and grapevine lake").

The Gaylord Resort has a vast schedule throughout the year and as I mentioned before, the holidays are also where the Gaylord tends to shine. Specific ones I can attest to and have been in attendance would be; Valentine's Day, 4th of July, Christmas Season both in their decorations and their special events like the ice sculptures and the Christmas adventure they host in the convention center area of the resort. There's also Thanksgiving and New Year's Day along with some other national holidays. There's always something going on at their location.

I have not personally had a staycation to be able to elaborate on the rooms themselves, however I've seen the pictures of the room accommodations and they look nice/pleasant for the needs of those staying. Personally only seen the room accommodations in passing but there have been good review on their rooms. Guess I'll have to stay there in order to provide and update on their room service and their room accommodations. 

I mentioned briefly about the indoor trails that the resort has and the "riverwalk" but it's hard to do this facility justice by my writing to explain truly how awesome the trails are and the extensive steps you can enjoy all indoors within the AC (during the summer) in the warmth of being indoors (during the winter). From the main entrance all the way into the convention center areas of the facility, it's all connected and can be explored whether you're just stretching your legs and trying to get steps in or you're on a mission to enjoy every facet of the event that the resort is hosting. You won't be disappointed. 

Hey some of these pictures don't really do it justice so feel free to take a day out there to explore yourself!

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Marriage Movie - Recommend

I was severely surprised at Scarlett taking on a script like this one, but I thought she did a phenomenal job, same with her co-star. Spoiler alert to for any of you who haven't seen it but with some of things I'm writing below, I may be giving away from of the plotline and movie information. 

After finishing the film, I couldn’t help thinking or wondering how the girl's life will be...you could say it's still all processing. It’s one word, “wow”. Not in the sense of amazing and I would replay it over and over again, but “wow” in the sense of it was a really well written plot and where most stories have some sort of happily ever after, this movie did not. When you look at the title of the movie, I didn’t think that this movie was going to be so dramatic or so entrancing to watch, but it was. I don’t know if it’s because the film hits on some items that are close to home for me, but either way I thought it was a pretty good movie to watch.

It’s about this couple getting a divorce after being together for so long and in their marriage, they've had a son together, where the film focuses on the couple aspects in coping with the divorce and each other with the changes that come with divorce.

I really liked how both angles of the story and their lives are shown...I think that the way the world makes divorce seem so easy and “normal”, that this movie did a great job on enlightening the viewer to the deeper sentiments and issues that arise from divorces, on how hard it truly can be for anyone involved, but especially the kids. There’s lots of emotions, then it shows how a man who enjoys being a father handles the whole ordeal, how the mom whose put her whole heart and life into motherhood on top of “side working”-meaning that she never works to her full potential because she's putting her family first...

I can't expand too much or get into too many details otherwise I really am just re-telling the movie. I suggest that you watch it-not one to put on the "favorites" list but commendable in the film itself as well as the actors themselves. It's a good movie.

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman

Lumière with Inspirato - General/Recommend

If you're looking for a place to venture to and explore, you know I've written about going to Colorado but what I haven't written about is where you need to stay and why. So here's now one of my favorite places to stay at in the nation. Yes that's right I said nation. 

When you travel to Telluride, there are of course some nice places IN Telluride but the more enjoyable spots are in Telluride Mountain Village of Colorado, at least in my opinion. One in particular I can personally attest to and recommend would be the Lumiere, near the downtown area of Mountain Village. They have great accommodations for large groups/large parties but are also lovely for the small family/size group as well as couple/s. I haven't really expanded enough on how dog friendly both Telluride and Mountain Village Telluride is so as long as you take great care of your pets and have kept up with their vaccination records, your furry family member/companion is welcome anywhere (yes even in stores and some restaurants that have the sign "pets welcome"). In the areas/stores/establishments where they don't allow for pets they are still loving towards your dogs and will typically have a bowl of water and/or a bowl of snacks/treats. Apologies, I know squirrel moment, going back on track.

It's not a very large facility but by far the best accommodations and the breakfast buffet provided is delicious. I'm not sure if they still have it to this day (as I went back in 2017) but you won't be disappointed and hey you can't beat good ole Colorado brewed coffee! The room I stayed in was adequate for a couple and/or a family of at least four to five, throw in the furry family of at least two and there was plenty of room. There was a nice kitchen nook area with a great kitchen to use if needed. I know I did during my stay and not just to store and reheat; they have plenty of in room tools/kitchen supplies (outside of food that is). This particular room had a bunk bed room across from the laundry room and the master bedroom off to the side of the living area with its own private master bath. Yes, there was a living room in addition to the kitchen nook. You might be wondering why was the room so large? Well just keep in mind that this city is made for adventures, hikers, cyclists, and winter season sports so many room accommodations are similar if not smaller in square footage, but not necessarily in the layout capacity. 

I had my furry baby with me, Aurora was her name - yes I say was because I don't have her anymore - and the hotel provided the pet daybed so I didn't have to travel with too much extra items for her. They placed the daybed near the master bedroom entrance in the living room. A little ways from the master bedroom entrance is the rooms fireplace located directly in front of the living room couch. The room was decked out in great electronics and appliances especially as you made your way into the master bathroom. I'm not one for baths and tubs, but yes the room had one. Now their shower...state of the art wonderful delicious rainfall water shower heads with the nice bells and whistles on the inside! Double sink vanity in the master where in other room they have there are half baths outside of the master bathroom, but all of their master bathrooms have double sink vanities. 

Don't take my word for it though and make plans in advance (because they do book up quick or fast within seasons) to stay here and venture into the local areas or simply spend the week in Telluride altogether (both the main city and Mountain Village). You will not be disappointed and weather for sites or just a nice reboot from life and the chaos...you will enjoy the quiet and getaway feeling. The link for this place is: https://lumierewithinspirato.com/

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Play Street Museum - Family/General/Recommendation

If you haven't been to one of these gem establishments, you are missing out! Whether you are a parent needing a bigger space for your little one to spread their wings and explore (safely in a controlled visible environment) or just needing a bigger space for your children to play and thrive, or perhaps you're a single parent working from home, or homeschooling and planning a field trip, an aunt/uncle spending a day with their niece/nephew...I could keep going but you get the idea. 

Anyway, the point is these places are great! There are more than a handful of these locations in Texas alone but there are a good amount elsewhere in the nation. These places are themed differently depending on their location. They are all typically about the same square footage with the interior decorations simple and clean (coinciding with the theme of the location), with a lovely entry area and even sometimes a nice little outdoor area as well. Then they have their toys and activities areas nicely organized and stationed with the rest of the interior basically an indoor city in - again - the specific theme of that location. There's a family friendly to the restrooms as well that allows for children of all ages (even infants still in their stroller) and the comfort of moms (and dads) alike. You do have to sign a waiver but once you create your account they keep the information on file.

My sister was the one who found this place and the one we first went to was the one in Frisco, TX. Unfortunately, for some reason that location though shut down years later. I literally can't fathom why since its location was busy (perhaps not as busy as others) and I felt it was in a prime location of the city for any mom to access. So when we first went it was because my sister (in her auntie role) wanted for us to try it out. This day of exploration was for my oldest and I had my youngest in her bassinet stroller.

Ever since that day we've gone back or frequented other locations as well as new ones when we travel. The reason why I really wanted to highlight this establishment was not because necessarily of their family friendly environment and understanding (although that's a huge plus) its because of how amazingly simple yet special they have designed these locations. Ok perhaps I lied, the main reason why I wanted to expand further on this company is because of how clean and sensitive they were for families especially during the worst of the COVID pandemic (and still even now), and their quality of sanitation and protecting families/children.

If you're in any of the states below (snapshot taken directly from their website) then take the time and head over to one. My kids love that place and so does Mommy-and yes even as a single working mother, I've managed to do work there while my kids are playing.

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman