Tag Archive | blog post

Guest Post: Hypia Sanches

Apr1

Today I would like to welcome Hypia Sanches to Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde.  I asked her to write a guest and she kindly accepted.  It was the least I could do for such an avid fan.  It is always a pleasure to meet other girls and women with Turner Syndrome.  Thank you Hypia for taking the time to put together this post.  We certainly have a lot in common!

Copyright 2012 Hypia Sanches

Hi!  I’m Hypia, I live in Brazil, I’m 23 years old, and I’m online friends with Lindsey.  When Lindsey asked me if I’d like to write a guest post I almost jumped in front of my computer!!!

I found her blog through her posts about Turner Syndrome (I’ll use simply “TS” in the rest of this post), a genetic condition I also happen to have.  I won’t explain what it is because she already did it.  She mentioned that her posts about TS are among the most popular of her blog, and a few other things I’ll try not to repeat here.

I learned I have TS when I was 12 years old.  Because I was short for my age and not developing physically the same way as my peers, my mom took me to an endocrinologist who discovered what was going on.  Not one doctor I saw as child said one word about my unusual growth rate.  One of the doctor’s I talked to after I knew I had TS told me even health professionals don’t always notice this syndrome when they see a patient who has it.

I started taking daily shots of growth hormone when I was 13, a few months after I was diagnosed, and only stopped when I was 17.  I then began hormone replacement therapy (or just “HRT”) with estrogen to make me go through puberty, which couldn’t happen before, according to the physicians, as it would compromise my growth.  I won’t talk about what it was like to experience many things other teenage girls had been through years after them.  I’ll just say it wasn’t fun.

Now I’m becoming more and more… ok isn’t exactly the word I wanted, but it’s the best I can think of now, about the fact that TS is a part of my life I’ll have to deal with.  I couldn’t even think about googling “turner syndrome” until recently, but I realized that getting information is vital.  That’s how I found out that many things I’ve faced are related to my condition (for example, difficulties learning how to drive, a fairly common issue from what I’ve read)… Others have been there too.  I also learned about many things that could have happened but didn’t.

I can’t begin to describe how happy I was when I learned that there are books with characters who have TS!  Books by other people sharing their experiences with it!

Well… Like Lindsey said, she doesn’t want this blog to be just about TS, so, I’ll share a few things I love.

1.  Reading.

Lindsey has a few posts about books.  I love reading young adult novels, especially with paranormal creatures (vampires, faeries, werewolves, witches, aliens, any kind of non-human beings).

2.  Music.

If I don’t have my iPod with me, it’s like I’m someone else.  I love many kinds of music, especially pop (Madonna, Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, etc) and rock (Lifehouse, Evanescence, Skillet, POD, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Linkin Park…).

3.  Converse Shoes.

For me, they have personality! Converses, jeans, and a t-shirt; it’s what I wear most of the time.  I don’t care a lot about fashion trends, but it doesn’t mean I don’t like looking my best!  If I’m going to somewhere like the supermarket, chances are you’ll see me wearing something far from fashionable.

4.  TV Series.

Lost, Smallville, Supernatural, The Big Bang Theory, Chuck, Gilmore Girls, Gossip Girl… You name it.  Love watching them.

5.  Nail Polish.

I’d love to change my hair color to something like blue, pink, green, purple… But, the place where I work at won’t allow me to do so.  Instead I use all the color I want on my nails.  You’ll almost never see me with my nails unpainted.

We are essentially like anyone else, and we have our individual challenges to overcome, just like everyone else.

Everyone is unique.

I’ll end this post with a song I really like, Opheliac, by one of my favorite musicians, Emilie Autumn.

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2012 A to Z Blogging Challenge: Beatles Edition

Mar31

Anyone who is anyone is gearing up for the April 2012 A to Z Blogging Challenge.  Originally I hadn’t planned a theme.  I’m not normally a theme person per se.  However, the more I learned about the challenge, and those participating, the more I realized that I did indeed need a theme.  So here it goes.  After originally considering a tropical theme, I realized it was way too broad.  I try to write what I know, so I decided on The Beatles A to Z, including solo works.  Love them or hate them, there is a ton of fun material.  Here is the tentative list.  I’m even going to try to tie it all together à la a concept album, an idea pioneered by the Beatles.  Enjoy!

Photograph of The Beatles as they arrive in Ne...

Photograph of The Beatles as they arrive in New York City in 1964 Français : Photographie de The Beatles, lors de leur arrivée à New York City en 1964 Italiano: Fotografia dei Beatles al loro arrivo a New York City nel 1964 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Oh, and by the way, do check out Nickers And Ink, an online friend who will also be participating this year!

A – Abbey Road, And In The End – April 1 – DONE

B – Beatleology – April 2 – DONE

C – Can’t Buy Me Love – April 3 – DONE

D – Drive My Car/Don’t Let Me Down – April 4 – DONE

E – Eleanor Rigby – April 5 – DONE

F – Fab Four – April 6 – DONE

G – George Harrison – April 7 – DONE

H – A Hard Day’s Night/Help – April 9 – DONE

I – In My Life – April 10 – DONE

J – John Lennon – April 11 – DONE

K – Kansas City/Hey, Hey, Hey – April 12 – DONE

L – La, La, La Lovely Linda – April 13 – DONE

M – McCartney, The Album – April 14 – DONE

N – Nowhere Man – April 16 – DONE

O – Oh! Darling – April 17 – DONE

P – Penney Lane – April 18 – DONE

Q – Quality and Quantity/Her Majesty – April 19 – DONE

R – Ringo Starr – April 20 – DONE

S – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band/Strawberry Fields Forever – April 21 – DONE

T – The Taxman – April 22 – DONE

U – Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey – April 24 – DONE

V – Vintage Everyday – April 25 – DONE

W – White Album – April 26 – DONE

X – Merry XMas (War Is Over!) – April 27 – DONE

Y – Yesterday – April 28 – DONE

Z – Dizzy Miss Lizzy/The End – April 30 – DONE

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April 2012 A to Z Blogging Challenge: Beatles Edition ~ Wrap Up | Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde

No Reply | Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde

Paul McCartney, The Fresh Air Interview | Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde

Down, Not Out

Mar29

After a few personnel issues at work last week, I finally have a few days off.  While I won’t go into details, the issues at work led to me working all last weekend, as in ten days straight.  That is why I haven’t been online much as of late.  I’m hoping to change that as of now.  There is just so much I need to say.  I want to thank all of you loyal readers who have stuck with me through thick and thin.

Unfortunately this “break” in blogging couldn’t have come a better or worse time.  Let me explain.  It happened to come at a time when I am questioning just what direction in which I’d like to take this blog.  While I haven‘t made any definite decisions, the break was needed and allowed me to clear my head somewhat.  At the same time, as a result of the nearly forced “break,” I was tempted not to resume blogging until I’d made some definite decisions with regards to content.  Long story short:  It became a very convenient excuse not to blog.  I’ve fallen into that trap before and it isn’t pretty.  I do not want Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde to become a ghost town for months on end.  I simply Must. Keep. Going.

Below are a couple of great writing articles/posts I came across this morning via Twitter.  If you haven’t followed me via Twitter yet, please do so.  Just click on the “Follow Me” graphic on the right side of the blog.  You’ll receive all of the latest blog posts – and more!  Oh, and I follow back.

Life is Short. Read with Purpose. « DIY MFA

3 Steps to Reading With Purpose « DIY MFA

Writer Unboxed » The Long Distance Landscape of a Writing Career

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Get Caught Up!

Mar20

If you haven’t checked out any of my new content from over the weekend, now is the time to get caught up!  You can find all the links below.  I’d love some feedback.  There are a lot of amazing things going on behind the scenes.  I can’t wait to share it with everyone.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! | Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde

Watcher’s Council Nominations: Green Beer N’ Leprechauns Edition – SHARED | Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde

More On GoneReading | Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde

Reading 2012 | Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde

Sunshine Award | Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde

I Love March | Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde

March 15, 2012 ~ Up And Coming

Mar15

What an incredible week all around.  My head’s full of ideas for my writing and Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde especially.  I’m hoping to start series highlighting creative endeavors in and around the Great Lakes Bay region, both in the arts and in business.  Nothing is set yet, but I have quite a few prospects.  My reasoning behind the series is to show that there is still life here, both creatively and from a business standpoint.  It is no secret that Michigan’s still not quite recovering from the recession of 2008-2009.  Honestly, if you want the truth no one is willing to admit, Michigan never fully recovered after the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.  Just as things started getting a bit brighter, something always seemed to come along to set Michigan back, but enough of that deeply depressing topic.

I’m hoping to soon have a regular blogging schedule here.  I realize how scattered the content has been as of late.  There are so many things I want to do here.  If you have any suggestions or would like to guest post, please simply leave me a comment.  I’m open to new ideas.

Photo Credit Rick Harris

Michigan Central Station

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Swimming in a Cenote

Mar13

Reblogged from Pete & Amanda in Mexico:

Click to visit the original post
  • Click to visit the original post
  • Click to visit the original post
  • Click to visit the original post

Source: imgur.com via Amanda on Pinterest

One of the highlights of our 2009 trip to Riviera Maya was the excursion to Chichen Itza followed by a visit to Ikil Cenote. More on Chichen Itza another time (as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it certainly warrants its own post). Today I’ll focus on the cenote.

After touring the ruins all day in the sweltering, unrelenting sun, our group stopped at Ikil Cenote (translation: "Sacred Blue Cenote").

Read more… 281 more words

These pictures are beautiful! I've visited cenotes in Mexico, but never swam in one. I miss la Ribiera Maya, especially Merida. Check out The Lacuna: A Novel by Barbara Kingsolver. It is largely set in la Ribiera Maya.

March 12, 2012 ~ Favorite Posts, Turner Syndrome, Etc.

Mar12

Over the last few days I’ve thought a lot about the direction in which I want to take this blog.  In some respects, I’m making some headway; in others, I really need to get to work.  In putting together my Playing Favorites page, I realized that many readers are drawn here due to my posts on Turner Syndrome.  Almost all of my posts pertaining to Turner Syndrome are among my most popular.  I’m not sure exactly how to handle that.

While I have no problem discussing Turner Syndrome openly, including my personal issues resulting from that diagnosis, as well as my experiences, I am so much more than just a Turner’s woman.  I simply don’t want my blog to become defined by Turner Syndrome.  I know it certainly hasn’t thus far.  I’m just adamant my blog reflects me, all of me, not just one aspect of my life.

Unfortunately there are several very good reasons why I am compelled to write about all aspects of Turner Syndrome.

  1. There just isn’t a lot of information out there.  Even worse, there is still too much incorrect information out there.
  2. Adolescence is hard enough.  As a teenager, there weren’t many places I could turn for accurate information pertaining to Turner Syndrome.  At the time my questions seemed too embarrassing to ask my doctor or even my parents.  I know there are teen girls with Turners who feel precisely the same way.  If nothing else, I want those teens to feel just a little less alone in the world.
  3. In my 20s, I realized there was even less information for young women with Turners, just when it is needed most.  There is so much misinformation out there, especially relating to Turner Syndrome and fertility.  I haven’t even begun to address infertility and all the emotional turmoil that comes with it.  I have yet to find any group composed of women and girls with Turner Syndrome, as well as parents of girls with Turner Syndrome, that addresses any of the emotional issues associated with the disorder.  That angers me.  I realize the physical health issues are important, but no one seems to want to address anything else.
  4. There isn’t that much information on Turner Syndrome out there.  Someone has to blog about it, right?

I’ve also noticed several people clicking on my main Turner Syndrome page.  Despite my best intentions, I haven’t written it yet, despite covering specific topics, such as Playing Favorites and Turner Syndrome and Sex.  There is just so much to say, I want to make sure I get it right.

Below is a sneak peek at my favorite’s page, Playing Favorites.  Please take the time to check it out.

Below are a few posts in which I discuss Russell Canoe Livery and Campgrounds:

Growing Up @ Russell Canoes | Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde

Camp | Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde

Sometimes You Can Go Home Again | Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde

Back To The Future: Letters Into The Past | Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde

Once Upon A River | Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde

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What does science fiction tell us about the future of reproductive rights? | James Russell Ament

Feb25

 

Frankenstein (1931) film poster

Image via Wikipedia

What does science fiction tell us about the future of reproductive rights? | James Russell Ament.

Some great food for thought.

Planning, Plotting, Scheming

Feb4

 

Cover of "The Glass Castle"

Cover of The Glass Castle

Beginings – Mardi’s Link

Writing for Revenge – Mardi’s Link

Mardi’s Link is one of my favorite blogs out there, even if she doesn’t update it regularly.  Her latest posts, included above, are definitely worth the wait.  In Beginings, she brings up a couple of issues I’ve faced as a writer.  She describes in detail, and realistically, the debate among writers whether or not outlining is necessary.  Personally, I get so caught up in planning writing projects, etc. I have a hard time getting to the actual writing.  That may be one of the reasons I’m drawn to blogging.  As a blogger, I don’t feel as though I have to plan much of anything.  I’m just free to write exactly what comes to mind at the moment.  I actually get things done on my blog.

Of course, there is another side to the debate.  In the post, Mardi mentions that she finds she’s more focused when she has an outline.  I agree.  As a student, I loved having research papers as assignments.  My favorite high school English teacher taught us how to write and organize them well.  I used his technique all throughout college with plenty of success.  When faced with a research paper, I knew exactly what the basic outline should look like.  I never had to guess at the next step.  If I didn’t have enough material for the paper, I simply needed to dig deeper into the subject.  Simple.

Creative writing, unfortunately, isn’t so clear cut.  This is exactly where I get into trouble.  In my effort to organize and possibly outline creative writing, I find myself mired in the planning process.  One good idea leads to another.  It gets to the point where I haven’t truly written anything, just planned essays, short stories, novels, etc.  Did I mention that I love planning?  Somehow I have to come up with a happy medium.  For now it is blogging.  If nothing else, it is a great excuse to meet other writers online.

When I met Mardi Link this past fall at a one day writing conference, she advised me to read as much memoir as possible.  Thanks to her, I read The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls.  It is a wonderful example of a meaningful memoir that tells a captivating, unique story.  I’ve since taken Mardi’s advice to heart.  While I haven’t exactly tackled many memoirs just yet, those I’ve read thus far added much to my understanding of the genre.  More importantly, I’ve become much more aware of what’s out there.

When put into that context, it didn’t surprise me when Mardi specifically addressed a taboo particular to the memoir genre, Writing for Revenge.  It is so tempting!  There is so much I’d love to include in any memoir of my life that could easily be construed as revenge writing.  I couldn’t bring myself to do it though.  I’m just not that vindictive.  Still, I think all writers have to admit the temptation is there.

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