Jumping into Fall Break

This years Fall Break was a Smith family Staycation (which is quite a generous name for what we actually did:~) Ryan was a guest lecturer at UC Berkeley; totally rad because that's where he got his Master's degree, and now he's basically a handsome professor expert. My, how time flies. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, we went to a pumpkin patch and selected some mighty fine pumpkins,  went jumping at trampoline park, hit Gardner Village's Witch festival, did some fall cleaning like it was spring cleaning, which led to several tears (mostly mine) and we watched a few movies, just to pass the time. Fall break Smith family style.

Si-Guy

Simon is no longer a mere thirteen years old. Whilst no one was looking her grew older, more knowledgable about mythical creatures, fine tuned his ability to play the clarinet, and turned 14.  He is just an absolute nut.  His cheery disposition, kind hearted ways, and optimism are just a few of the traits that I admire in this lovable boy of mine.  Smiling suits him, Minecraft suits him, and random facts suit him. 8th Grade now, Jeopardy when he turns 18!

Simon wanted to party with his family and a good friend.

We had KFC (his choice) and then caught the newest Lego Movie (defiantly his choice.)

Simon loved all of his gifts. He got several books which is his all time favorite present in the world. This card he's holding up was made by his Grandma Linda, which was right up Simon's alley with random facts. I love this boy!

5 Long Months

I recall having some acne as a teen. Enough so that I tried Retin A, which seemed to help a bit. However, like most acne creams, the warning on the label indicated that I should avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. I ran cross-country and track, and played soccer, so the "no sunlight" prescription was basically a joke. Throughout the last 2 decades, my skin has never been entirely clear, and occasionally it has been horrible.

With pregnancies and nursing, a woman is somewhat restricted on what medication can be used to deal with something as "trivial" as acne. However, about 7 months ago my skin was at an all time awful. I had heard Acutane was the devil; that the side effects can be wretched. However, beyond my acne hurting my feelings (frustration at my appearance every time I was in a photo, or doing a television demo) my skin itself hurt. As in bad-acne-skin makes smiling hurt. Putting on make-up hurts. Washing your face hurts.  You know that feeling when you're getting a zit right at the crease where your nostril meets your cheek? It's like that pain, but over 20+ places on your face. I'de been to a few dermatologists over the years, and a time or two Acutane was mentioned, but I always thought "No, it's not that bad." However, the fever pitch hit this Spring, and I took the Acutane plunge.

Actually, once the decision was made, I had to wait an entire month to prove I wasn't pregnant. I had to take pregnancy tests monthly (the law), and was required to take and pass an online quiz monthly too (also the law) before I could get my medicine. Being a feminist, none of this sat well with me, but desperate times called for desperate measures. Side effects, at least my side effects, included dry itchy eyes (I could barely hold someones gaze) lips that would chap so bad they would start to bleed, dry flaky skin (my face would literally peel after a shower; I slathered on aquifer at night) achy joints (especially my feet) a bright red face (that looked like I'de been laying out in the sun and accidentally fell asleep) and some depression (which was the most frustrating side effect of all, bc it's illusive... am I sad bc my life is lame? or is this medication that I'm taking lame?... or is it both!) I wish I could say that the last 5 months and 150 pills flew by. I've felt every single day, but I'm pleased with the results. Here's to hoping that all of the above side effects wear off fast, and that the acne free skin remains till the day I die (which I'm planning will be after I turn 95 so Ryan and I can celebrate our 75th anniversary.)

Whenever I was hating the Acutane, I took a look at this picture to remind myself why I was taking it. I think the out of the shower, "wet dog look" added encouragement to endure. This was snapped about 3 days before I started the medicine.

I tried to duplicate the out of shower picture, just to help give an accurate comparison. 

So, there's that.

Here's a photo booth picture from about 2 minutes ago, because I can and do smile with my teeth.

Discuss amongst yourselves.