Family.

That's me with my mamaw and mom.

It's obvious where I get my looks.

Spring has sprung.

Flowers are blooming. Trees are budding. Grass is being mowed for the first time in months. It's incredibly beautiful out. There's just one small problem... I feel miserable.

I, like many other Ohioans, suffer from severe allergies. My eyes water constantly. My voice sounds raspy from all the sneezing I do. The constant drainage leads to nasty sinus infections. Some days, I can't even manage to pull myself out of bed.

I usually just suck it up and go out and somewhat enjoy the days. But after being sick most of last spring/summer/fall, I decided it was time to go to the doctor.

I scheduled an appointment to see an Allergy Specialist. I had allergy testing done on my arms, 56 "scratches" filled with different allergens. No, they didn't hurt at all. I just felt like itching my skin off. Then I had to have 3 "bubble tests" done to see how severe my allergies were to cats, dogs, and mold. Again, not painful, but the results were... exactly what I expected.

Come to find out, I'm allergic to the entire state of Ohio... and my animals. He prescribed me two different nose sprays, that I take 3 times a day, along with allergy pills and shots. Two weeks ago I started allergy shots. I get two shots every week for the next 6 months, and then every other week for a year after that. Then monthly. It may sound like a lot, but it's worth it to someone who can't even go outside.

He said in 6 months I will start to feel a whole lot better. I think I'll throw a party then, outside.