Don't Poke A Skunk

"One of the first rules of medicine is don't poke a skunk." according to Dr. David Peura, an industry consultant and former president of the American Gastroenterological Association. This is said in relation to the over use of medications as prescribed by doctors. A lot of people are on medication they probably don't need but, if is seems to be doing something or if in fact doesn't seem to overtly harming the patient then, doctors are reluctant to discontinue medication.

Thus, the success of the little purple pill and it's relatives designed to help with heartburn. Handed out like water and is a front line med if you so much as burp. Yet for a majority of people it is choices and behaviors that cause the burping and heartburn...yet we take the path of least resistance and take a pill. After years of taking the same medication we find that there are some serious side effects to this long term habit of popping a pill.

In one study a hospital found that 60% of their patients were started on acid-suppressing drugs with no valid explanation. Scientist have been concerned about the long term side effects such as bone fractures and pneumonia. In one study they found that the sudden stopping of the drug after long term use can actually cause the symptoms they are treating...we are a nation hooked on acid suppressors and other medications. A day does not go by when I interview a patient who's medication list includes several which they have no idea why they are taking it...or 2-3 of the same class of drug. When I ask, "what are you taking this medication for?" or "do you realize you are taking 3 different diuretics?" I get answers like, "I don't know." "My doctor put me on it." or "I take the little pink pill...you know the name." or "I don't have any idea of the dosage I am taking." WAKE UP...we are turning into pharmaceutical zombies!!!! Many people are their own worst enemy. Yes, it is good to get a second opinion...yes you need a doctor who you can relate too...but each doctor should be told what you are taking as prescribed by a previous physician. There are many people who have overlapping prescriptions because the doctor has no clue what is being prescribed by a another.

Rather than taking the heartburn med...maybe we could look at our stress levels, food choices, exercise options??? And maybe we can start being proactive about our health choices and be a contributor to decreasing the out of control health care costs by only using that which we truly need rather than that which is more convenient.

Hello Blog

I have been incognito this last few days...having fun with friends, talking and trying to gain my balance. I have been picking the brains of friends on this process we call life and trying to figure out...what it means to me. Some have been successful traveling through this time in their lives and others are struggling just as much as I am. So this past week have been about letting off a little pressure and trying to quiet my noisy heart. Yes, it is usually my brain which is full swing but as of late it is my heart. I know life is all about change. I know that the things I want the most in life is for my children to live full lives. I want them to have the freedom to make mistakes and revel in their triumphs...I just can't quite figure out where I fit in the changing landscape of this ever moving desert. I know according to every article I read about people my age that this is the time to refocus on myself, my relationship and what we might want for the remaining years of our life.

It is a struggle, one parent died before I had barely spread my wings and the other culturally and personally needs to control every aspect of the lives of those she loves. I have spent a life time trying to ignore everything coming my way and thus have shot myself in the foot a few times...now I listen and discard what I, either don't agree with or don't need to hear. So, at the same time life is changing for my children I must figure out how to trust the change in my own life.

I think I need a conference call between my heart and my brain...after work today I will make a call.

I Need My Food Stress Free...

I read this article this morning and just had to put it on the blog...there is something creepy about all this...it has again made me think about where our priorities are....

"It comes free-range, cage-free, antibiotic-free, raised on vegetarian feed, organic, even air-chilled. Coming soon: stress-free?

Two premium chicken producers, Bell & Evans in Pennsylvania and Mary’s Chickens in California, are preparing to switch to a system of killing their birds that they consider more humane.

The new system uses carbon dioxide gas to gently render the birds unconscious before they are hung by their feet to have their throats slit, sparing them the potential suffering associated with conventional slaughter methods.

“When you grab a chicken, turn it upside down and put it on the line, it’s stress, stress, stress,” said Scott Sechler, the owner of Bell & Evans. “Our system is designed so that we put them to sleep without stress, and we kill them without stress.”

That is sure to appeal to a segment of the chicken-buying public. But telling them about it presents a marketing challenge.

“Most of the time, people don’t want to think about how the animal was killed,” said David Pitman, whose family owns Mary’s Chickens.

Anglia Autoflow, the company that is building the knockout systems for the two processors, calls the process “controlled atmosphere stunning,” but Pitman said his company is considering the phrase “sedation stunning” for use on its packages. Also on the short list: “humanely slaughtered,” “humanely processed” or “humanely handled.”

The trick, he said, is to communicate the goal of the new system, which is to ensure that the birds “not have any extra pain or discomfort in the last few minutes of their lives.”

Temple Grandin, a professor of animal science at Colorado State University and a prominent livestock expert, consulted with Bell & Evans as the company worked with Anglia to design its system. She said it was better because the chickens were not aware of what was happening to them.

Sechler said the system he chose, after years of research, was better than similar gas-stunning systems used in Europe. Those systems, he says, often deprive birds of oxygen too quickly, which may cause them to suffer. They are also designed to kill the birds rather than simply knock them out, something that Sechler is not comfortable with.

“I don’t want the public to say we gas our chickens,” he said.

Sechler said he expects the chickens to be more tender because they faced less stress when they died.

The new system is also meant to be better for workers. The live hang area today is usually dimly lit to keep birds from being startled, and workers have to contend with struggling, flapping chickens.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has been pushing chicken processors for years to switch to gas stunning systems, in part because it doesn’t believe that electrical stunning works.

But the National Chicken Council, which represents chicken processors, contends that electrical stunning systems are effective and humane.

Richard Lobb, a spokesman for the council, said that being shackled upside down was not overly stressful for the birds.

“They are shackled, and they typically stay there quietly,” Lobb said.

Bell & Evans said it would begin selling chickens slaughtered using the new technology in April. The company, which processes about 840,000 birds a week, distributes its chickens nationwide.

Mary’s, which distributes in several Western states, expects to install the technology in June. The company processes about 200,000 birds a week.

By comparison, a single plant run by a large processor like Tyson Foods may handle more than 1 million birds a week.

The gas technology is expensive. Each company said it would cost about $3 million to convert their operations and more over time to run the systems. That makes it a hard sell in a commodity-oriented industry that relies on huge volumes and low costs to turn narrow margins into profits.

Sechler predicted that consumers would come to demand birds slaughtered in the new way, which would force the industry to gradually switch over.

But to demand it, consumers have to know about it, which gets back to the language on the label.

In Britain, although many chicken processors use gas stunning, store packages typically don’t mention it.

“People don’t want to know too much,” said Marc Cooper, a senior scientific manager in the farm animals department of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, in London. “It’s hard to sell humane killing as a concept.”

Have I Got A Story For You...

Greg was reminding me that if you get a group of people together in a circle and whisper a story to one person and they pass on the story...by the time it gets to the last person it would have morphed into an entirely different story. Which brings me to two different stories...one I believe morphed from the other.

About 3-4 weeks ago Robin introduced me to a patient of hers that lives up the hill on the golf course from us. I had shared earlier that Enzo woke up in the middle of the night barking at something outside and I had wondered what was out there. The patient said coyotes had taken down a deer in the early morning hours. Later when he went to investigate he found the deer was not dead but mortally wounded and called the police, who came out and shot the deer.

A week later I was told a story and asked if I had heard about it...a guy came out of his house on the golf course in front of golfers and the drink cart girl, shot a coyote. The drink cart girl was crying, the police were called who arrest the man for firing a gun (in front of golfers, inside city limits, at wild life).

This morning I was thinking about both stories, and there had been no news item of a gun being fired on the golf course, nor any record of an arrest. I told Greg, the first story was 1st person recount...but I think the other story was morphed though out the community with bits and peices of the first. The second story included, wildlife, a gun, the police and the golf course...the same as the first.

Which brings me back to what Greg was talking about...when a story is told over and over again it has a life of its own. I no longer take what I hear as fact. I wait, I research and then I decided if I believe what is being said.

Lists

I am not a list maker. Last Monday I asked a group of friends at my quilt group if they make lists. 75% were list makers. They are religiously and fanatical about the benefits of list making. Especially when it comes to quilts they want, need or started. But the list makers also make lists to organize every day life.

I once made a list of "quilts in progress" and it only served to freak me out so I have never made another one...but the last 2 days I have made lists of things I needed to accomplish or pick up at the store. I write it on my calendar so as to not lose the list which has always been a problem in the past...and, I get it! There is a real satisfaction is crossing off something from a list that looks a mile long...and you feel less stress cause you are getting stuff done and not forgetting something important.

So I have decided to enter the world of list makers...but, only for things needing to get done on a specific day...NEVER, about my quilting!

The Dark Side

I knew that the candy industry was supported by government officials who want Americans to be intoxicated by the sugar induced stupor...but I had not clue the extent of the damage by Halloween candy! until I read this article. I am so glad I am one of those underground resistance fighters who only partake of the dark side. Dark Chocolate is the way to freedom and if we keep looking for other like us we will create an army that can take down those that would control our bodies and minds. Join me, read and awaken to the subversive tactics that are being used by our own neighbors!!!

http://health.yahoo.net/experts/eatthis/5-worst-halloween-candies-and-10-best-survival-tips

WWJD

I remember a few years ago a lot of people were wearing bracelets that had the initials...WWJD. Finally after seeing several of these I asked someone what it meant. "What would Jesus Do?" I was stunned to say the least. These were mostly worn by teenagers...given to them either by a parent or a youth minister to get them to think about WWJD before they took that first drag off a cigarette, had sex, drank booze or any manner of heathen activity. REALLY...as my cousin would say...

I started thinking about this yesterday when I heard some say that Christ (with a capital C) saved their marriage. I wondered why a person couldn't save their own marriage? I have always been curious about the idea that people are only good when they have religion. Can a person not be good, kind, honest just because it feels good to be these things? Can we only be good, kind and honest if we have religion and Christ? And what about all they other "gods"...are they not as good as ours???? I wish the group that believed in mankind, was kind, honest, supportive without the rules of religion was larger...because it seems the world is fractured by "my god is better than your god"...and we're going to heaven but your not! I have been on this quest since childhood when I used to cry myself to sleep because my dad did not believe in religion. How could such a generous, honest man end up in hell while, myself the doubter but the church goer would end up in heaven. Even at 8 yrs old...I had questions. What I found in my young adult years was you didn't need religion to be kind...in adulthood, I feared I would lead my children down a heathen path without religion...and now coming full circle I realize they are good people and so am I, without religion.

I think God (with a capital G) is laughing at us...we were given the soul to be kind, generous, empathic but instead we depend on those outside ourselves to tell us what is right and what is wrong...god takes many forms for different people but in all forms they are laughing...the joke is one us.

Starry-eyed not lazy eyed...

How is it that some couples seem to stay starry-eyed for years, and others let their sizzle, um… fizzle? Well, it appears that successful chemistry sustainers develop healthy coupled-up habits which allow them to keep their love alive and kicking. “People can have a lot of trouble staying close,” says Joyce Catlett, coauthor of Fear of Intimacy. “They get into relationships and think they’re automatically going to know how to make everything work, but figuring out how to stay passionate together is really a skill.” Luckily, they’re skills that anyone can learn. Here are six habits that you’d do well to adopt if you want your date to become your happily-ever-after mate.

This last line cracks me up...cause the real commitment to these habit means working on them after you have found your happily-ever-after mate.

Habit #1: Catch romance where you can
“You may start out with chocolates and roses, but the likelihood of being able to sustain that feeling with a busy schedule is pretty unlikely,” says JoAnn Magdoff, Ph.D., a New York City-based psychotherapist. Successful couples learn to build a bubble of romance at unexpected times — during their daily commute, while doing laundry — and in low-impact ways, whether that be a long, lingering smooch or just holding hands. In other words, the next time you hear yourself say “Oh, look, we’ve got 15 minutes to ourselves,” make use of it — that’s what keeps the spark alive.

Habit #2: Fight fair
Believe it or not, learning to fight right is an important part of keeping chemistry alive. Why? Because if you are constantly cutting each other down, it’s hard to feel mutually amorous. “There is no such thing as a relationship without disagreements,” says David Wygant, author of Always Talk to Strangers. “But if there is an understanding that your partner can come to you with any dissension without being attacked, you will have an honest relationship comprised of ‘open discussions’ rather than ‘fights.’” Debra Tobias, who has been happily married for almost 10 years to her husband Steve, agrees. “Steve and I have learned to listen to each other when we’re upset and we admit when we’re wrong,” says Tobias. “We also make a rule of never, ever saying ‘I told you so’ no matter how much we might want to say it.” The result is that their chemistry doesn’t wane because they never let their arguments escalate to a personal level. Focus on the issue at hand instead of throwing verbal punches.

Habit #3: Nurture your separate selves
Going off to your book club when your sweetie’s out golfing isn’t a sign you two are drifting apart. On the contrary, developing individual interests allows for a richer life as a couple. By taking little “couple breaks,” you gain a greater appreciation of the gifts your partner brings to your life and you have more to offer as well. “It’s very attractive to be independent sometimes,” says Magdoff. “You feel better about yourself and you’re less demanding of your partner when you’re together.” After all, taking some personal responsibility for your own well-being relieves the other person of the pressure to “provide” happiness — so go ahead and nurture some solo adventures. That’ll also keep each of you stocked with plenty of adventures to chat about, which also builds your bond.

Habit #4: Take on a project together
Separate interests aside, exploring new ground together is also important since it strengthens your history of shared experiences. Jo Smith and her husband of four years found this out when they committed to running their first 10K together. “We were training together, carbo-loading and hydrating together, running the race together and ultimately succeeding together when we both finished,” says Smith. “It brought a whole new level of closeness to our relationship because of the time we spent learning as a duo during this endeavor.” Couples who take on adventures together get a sense of daring and accomplishment that can really kick up their chemistry!

Habit #5: Don’t let your physical attraction for each other dwindle
No doubt about it, couples with healthy libidos have no problem keeping chemistry cooking. (That whole “couples’ desire for each other naturally fades over time” excuse? Not true.) The trick to injecting more electricity into a lagging love life has to do with trying new things — sure, it can be easy to work on tricks and techniques when you first meet, but people’s preferences can, and do, change over time. “In interviewing people on the topic of physical intimacy, it became clear that the couples who were the most satisfied were also the ones who were open to some experimentation,” says Catlett. This isn’t to say you suddenly have to become a wild thing, though. Even returning to the basics you may have abandoned along the way — lots of kissing and eye contact, for example — can make the usual encounter feel very different… and much more intimate.

Habit #6: Engage in some mutual admiration
In order for chemistry between two people to thrive, there needs to be mutual respect. “It’s about putting yourself in the role of an observer of your partner,” says Magdoff. “Watch them ‘perform’ — I’m not saying they need to do a song and dance for you — just pay attention to the everyday things that remind you why you find them so special.” Then, make it a point to lob compliments their way. “A good exercise is to occasionally create a mental list of the qualities you dig about your partner, and to occasionally share one of your thoughts with the one you love,” says Wygant. Because the reality is, you’ll always want to be around someone who thinks you’re fantastic.

Surprise

As I sat at my dining room table on my birthday looking at news on the computer I saw a man walking up my walkway with flowers in his hands. I was not only amazed that flowers were being delivered to my house...(he must be at the wrong address) but I was noticing how I was feeling.

I was raised by a romantic man and a practical woman. Gifts were extraordinary when the romantic man shopped but not received with excitement. I watched my mother exchange or return most gift. Thus I became a practical receiver and giver. Which means, it is better to not to risk giving or getting a gift that could be rejected. I have over the years asked, "what do you need, what do you want." I like to go shopping with the receiver so I know I am getting exactly what they want and it won't be returned to the store. I love stores that have registries for showers and wedding. No risk.

But, on my birthday...I saw and felt the excitement of getting a surprise. And even more interesting was that the surprise was fresh flowers, which in my childhood household were the ultimate waste of money. I remember telling Greg early in our marriage...don't get me fresh flowers they are just a waste of money and don't last long. Was that me talking or my mother? Because I can tell you watching that man arrive with fresh flowers and hoping that he was at the right address...gave me a thrill. Signing for the flowers...well everything about receiving them made me realize that getting a surprise can be so good for the soul.

Miracles Do Happen...

Miracles do happen. But, we contribute to the miracle. Some believe that "God" is in charge of all miracles and in the sense that is true, there is a touch of blessing in every part of our lives...but the miracles happen because we believe we can do something and we can make it happen. And so our little Will had a 4+ hour surgery, had his head taken apart and put back together less than a week ago! This photo was taken post op day 4.

Because a boy believed he could become a doctor who could put the tiniest of humans back together when they are broken.

Because 2 parents had the strength to search for the right answer

Because grandparents supported their children and grandchildren with love and compassion.

Because a brother lives with empathy and is accepting of life's challenges and keep on going.

Miracles do happen. But, we all have a hand with God's blessing in meeting each new day.

I'm At It Again

It might be that I am doing this cause I am going to turn 57! Or maybe I have just had a religious experience? Maybe it was the story that Emily told me about the woman who died under the pile of her hoarding and her husband didn't find her for weeks...Or maybe I just want to be free....what ever the reason, it is amazing.

Since organizing my sewing room and feeling the high that comes from feeling in control of my little world...I decided to tackle the paper. I have talked about my struggle with controlling the mail and it was manageable when people were really running scared with the economic downturn because there was half the junk mail. But, the economy MUST be on the upswing cause the junk mail has doubled!

I have to admit the junk mail is only the tip of the iceberg. The really daunting paper is the paper we have been hauling around for 20 + years. It is a filing cabinet so packed that even if I wanted to be organized, there is no room...cause god forbid I should throw out the bank statements from a bank I used to belong to back in California! Well no more! For several hours this morning dressed in my PJ's and a sweatshirt I stood in the garage with a cup of coffee and the file cabinet! I had the giant recycle paper can next to me and I purged. All the "sensitive" information papers I put in 2 large leaf bags...all the rest in the recycle. I found several of the boys report cards...I did recycle them...but first I enjoyed the moments of...and why did you get an "F" in that class. Maybe I should have saved them to use as blackmail at a later date...hummm...maybe recycle bin diving is in order.

I found a poem that Greg wrote back in 1991...saved. I found my youngest son's baptismal certificate filed under "important stuff." Lots of photos...why are they in the file cabinet? And what was that girls name you went to the prom with???Anyhoo...The bin is full, the rest of the stuff I took down to the SecurShred at Bend Garbage and had them shred it...oh my god!!!! It was like stepping on the scale and finding out you lost 10 lbs since yesterday!!!!!!!!!!!

Cleaning out the cobwebs of our lives is a wonderful feeling. Get rid of stuff you don't use, suck up the dust of too much stuff...and shred the paper!

Soft Isn't Necessarily Better

We took the soft foam mattress off our bed. We had bought it about 3 years ago at Costco. The latest thing for a blissful nights sleep. Cost us over $100 and it did feel like lying on a cloud. It was suppose to contour around your body and support every point. Our mattress was a great pillow top type mattress and now it was really tall and soft. What we have found is soft is not always better, because over the last year it seems having a soft mattress makes for more aches and pains. So after spending 3 nights on a hotel bed and one night sleeping over at our son's place we found that...well we ached less. So we took off the foam mattress and I have been sleeping like a rock!

On another note...I was reading the internet news and came across this...absolutely yuck!!! Another reason soft isn't necessarily better....

"This is mechanically separated chicken. Chickens are turned into this goop so we can create delicious chicken nuggets and juicy chicken patties. It's obscenely gross and borderline alien but it's not going to stop me from eating nuggets. They're too good.

The process works a little something like this:

There's more: because it's crawling with bacteria, it will be washed with ammonia, soaked in it, actually. Then, because it tastes gross, it will be reflavored artificially. Then, because it is weirdly pink, it will be dyed with artificial color."