HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GRAMPY!!!
5.31.2008
5.29.2008
Stop Junkmail
Shopping online opens a catalog floodgate! Sadly, I know first hand. My mailbox, literally, overflows some days. And, 90% of the time I don't even read them.
Up until my new found organicness I never gave throwing them directly in the trash a 2nd thought. In fact, I wouldn't even bring them in the house, they went directly into the trash!
But, I may have found a better way! Why not stop them from coming in the first place? It is a small act that will save me some time & aggravation, and also save a bazillion trees at the same time. Win win.
I got the website from 2 reliable sources, one of which is the Sierra Club which has been around since 1892.
All you do is make an account with your name, email, and address. Then, as the catalogs come in, you enter them in and they remove you from the mailing lists. SIMPLE!
Check it out!
Catalog Choice - Eliminate unwanted catalogs you receive in the mail
Up until my new found organicness I never gave throwing them directly in the trash a 2nd thought. In fact, I wouldn't even bring them in the house, they went directly into the trash!
But, I may have found a better way! Why not stop them from coming in the first place? It is a small act that will save me some time & aggravation, and also save a bazillion trees at the same time. Win win.
I got the website from 2 reliable sources, one of which is the Sierra Club which has been around since 1892.
All you do is make an account with your name, email, and address. Then, as the catalogs come in, you enter them in and they remove you from the mailing lists. SIMPLE!
Check it out!
Catalog Choice - Eliminate unwanted catalogs you receive in the mail
Pet Psychic
Many months ago, Mr. K's boss lost her very ill pooch. Slightly before that she enlisted the help of a psychic to set her mind at ease about different things, mainly the dog's painful condition. When Mr. K relayed the story to me it was merely a point of interest story.
Many months later I found myself at my wit's end with Timmy. He is the cat pictured here. Basically, he would randomly pee on piles of laundry. We couldn't really nail down any triggers for the behavior, and the vet had ruled out any health problems. We were at a loss. What was especially baffling was how he would do it everyday for a week and them suddenly stop for like 6 months. And then start up again. So inconsistent.
Then I remembered the pet psychic.
I asked Mr. K to get the name from his boss, but she couldn't remember it. So, we did an old-fashioned internet search. I read several websites, but ultimately chose the most professional looking site I cam across...plus she was pretty reasonably priced. All good signs as far as I was concerned.
So I emailed her a lengthy dissertation on our problem and a photo of the apple of my eye. She emailed me back a few questions and explained how she worked, then I sent her payment via PayPal and we set up a time.
Essentially she communicated with Timmy one on one and then called me to give me the scoop. She felt with problems it was best to work this way so that he didn't clam up because I was around. She was the expert, so I agreed.
It felt like forever for her to call me, but when she finally did she had lots to say...or rather Timmy did. Apparently MY indecisiveness stresses him out so much he pees.
Excuse me? I am NOT indecisive. Am I?
When I protested she gave me some very real and personal examples of my indecision. She didn't just point out the problem...she also gave us instructions on how to fix it. She, also, explained the randomness of his actions..."next time it happens, think about what's going on in YOUR life not his". Interesting.
After we got through that part of the reading, she went through his relationships with the other family members...me and Mr. K, 2 dogs, and his biological mom. Again, some very strong details came up here that really convinced me she was legit. I want to reiterate she was only given his name, photo, and problem to go on.
Finally, she just did some general things about him. Like he wanted his own blue blanket for his chair...and he was glad we finally took the Christmas tree down so he could lay in the front window again.
Did I mention this was late January? Mr. K had been travelling after the holidays and we left our tree up WAY longer than normal. And, how many cats have their own chair...not a chair they like, but their own. She could not have known those things. PERIOD.
I followed her instructions and guess what? Our problem has remained at bay.
When I told Kristi about it, she wanted to get a reading for her cat too. She waited a while, but a few days ago she finally had her reading. She felt the same way I did about the level of detail. It wasn't just a blanket reading that could apply to anyone.
If you want to get your own pet read, check out her website here.
Many months later I found myself at my wit's end with Timmy. He is the cat pictured here. Basically, he would randomly pee on piles of laundry. We couldn't really nail down any triggers for the behavior, and the vet had ruled out any health problems. We were at a loss. What was especially baffling was how he would do it everyday for a week and them suddenly stop for like 6 months. And then start up again. So inconsistent.
Then I remembered the pet psychic.
I asked Mr. K to get the name from his boss, but she couldn't remember it. So, we did an old-fashioned internet search. I read several websites, but ultimately chose the most professional looking site I cam across...plus she was pretty reasonably priced. All good signs as far as I was concerned.
So I emailed her a lengthy dissertation on our problem and a photo of the apple of my eye. She emailed me back a few questions and explained how she worked, then I sent her payment via PayPal and we set up a time.
Essentially she communicated with Timmy one on one and then called me to give me the scoop. She felt with problems it was best to work this way so that he didn't clam up because I was around. She was the expert, so I agreed.
It felt like forever for her to call me, but when she finally did she had lots to say...or rather Timmy did. Apparently MY indecisiveness stresses him out so much he pees.
Excuse me? I am NOT indecisive. Am I?
When I protested she gave me some very real and personal examples of my indecision. She didn't just point out the problem...she also gave us instructions on how to fix it. She, also, explained the randomness of his actions..."next time it happens, think about what's going on in YOUR life not his". Interesting.
After we got through that part of the reading, she went through his relationships with the other family members...me and Mr. K, 2 dogs, and his biological mom. Again, some very strong details came up here that really convinced me she was legit. I want to reiterate she was only given his name, photo, and problem to go on.
Finally, she just did some general things about him. Like he wanted his own blue blanket for his chair...and he was glad we finally took the Christmas tree down so he could lay in the front window again.
Did I mention this was late January? Mr. K had been travelling after the holidays and we left our tree up WAY longer than normal. And, how many cats have their own chair...not a chair they like, but their own. She could not have known those things. PERIOD.
I followed her instructions and guess what? Our problem has remained at bay.
When I told Kristi about it, she wanted to get a reading for her cat too. She waited a while, but a few days ago she finally had her reading. She felt the same way I did about the level of detail. It wasn't just a blanket reading that could apply to anyone.
If you want to get your own pet read, check out her website here.
Another Use For Baking Soda
The litter box.
Add a cup or so to help absorb odors. The base of the baking soda counters the acid of the urine and neutralizes that ammonia smell!
Add a cup or so to help absorb odors. The base of the baking soda counters the acid of the urine and neutralizes that ammonia smell!
The Shot Heard 'Round LV
I have plantar fasciitis and a heel spur on my right side. So, I have been hobbling around the house like a little old lady, and I am midway through week 2 of not working. It is most painful when I get out of bed in the morning or when I am on it too much in a day.
It all started with my breast surgery last November. I was out for 2 weeks and completely incapacitated. When you have that kind of surgery it really puts lifting, and arm movement of any kind, into perspective for you. Anyway, the day I returned to work (I think it was December 19th)...my heel started hurting.
While Mr. K is the king of NOT going to the doctor, I am probably the duchess. He doesn't go at all, I go only when it gets bad.
My heel got bad.
When I first went to the podiatrist in mid January he recommended ice packs every 4+ hours, stretching exercises, and as much rest as possible. He also prescribed an anti-inflammatory and took a bunch of x-rays.
My next appointment was the middle of February (about a month before the wedding), and I totally spaced it.
March was the wedding, and April was the wedding recovery.
That brings us to appointment #3 in the beginning of May. Since little had improved, he brought up the shots. Cortisone shots that is. I had heard of the shots before, mostly from my grandmother who gets them in her knees.
I was afraid. I was very afraid.
I know I am in nursing school, but to be honest, that makes it worse. When I know what's going on it freaks me out...unless its happening to someone else, then I'm fine.
Anyway, I avoided the shots. I felt like I needed more time to prepare. He gave me an oral prescription for Prednizone, which I never took. Lots of nasty side effects. But, that was when he gave me the note to be out of work AND REST (my heel). You might not think so, but retail is surprisingly physical. I like how webMD describes the average patient as "middle aged or someone who is on their feet a lot like an athlete or a soldier". That is what I'm going to call myself from now on a retail soldier!
Plantar Fasciitis-Topic Overview
This brings us to appointment #4, which was yesterday. The shot day. Naturally, Mr. K was out of town, as he usually is when I feel I need him.
My grandmother had this to say about the shots: "They are excruciating, but after a few days you'll feel better."
My boss had this to say: "I had to get them in my shoulder and I thought I was going to die. They took this really long and really thick needle and they go all the way to the bone and squirt medicine. Then come out inch by inch squirting the medicine until its out."
I still can't figure out if either of them were trying to be helpful or not.
What actually happened was he felt up my heel for the best place to go in and the target areas based upon my pain. Then he cleaned my foot with alcohol and sprayed something I never caught the name of for 15 seconds to "freeze" the point of entry. It was COLD! So cold it felt burny. Then the "long, thick needle".
I was laying flat on my back staring at the fluorescent lights, and taking deep breaths. It was by no means pleasant, but it was bearable. It took a minute or two from start to finish. The shots have a mixture of cortisone and lidacaine, so it gets a little easier as you go. The worst part was when he moved to a new location within my heel. Both the good Dr, and my grandmother said "it isn't the needle that hurts, it's the medicine going in". I am not sure what to say about that, or what exactly that means, but there it is.
I was happy to walk out of the office myself without the assistance of a wheelchair, and tonight my heel does seem to feel better, even though the lidacaine should be long gone by now.
The shots allegedly alleviates 50% or more of the pain, set to start after the initial 3 days or so, and last around a month.
So, there you go!
BE BRAVE!
Read more here and here.
Mrs. K's Vegetable Lasagna
I am not becoming a vegetarian, but I am trying to eat less meat. I made a veggie version of my lasagna the other night and it was actually pretty yummy.
Here is the recipe:
A box of organic lasagna noodles
A pint of organic low fat ricotta cheese
2 bags of organic shredded cheese (any kind), one bag for layering and one for topping
3 medium organic red peppers, sliced into strips
A bag of organic raw spinach
2 large organic zucchinis, sliced thin
1 jar of organic tomato sauce (any kind)
DO NOT COOK THE NOODLES!
1. Coat the bottom of the pan thinly with a little of the sauce.
2. Put a layer of noodles over the sauce across the bottom
3. Spread a layer of ricotta over the noodles.
4. Add a generous layer of spinach over the ricotta.
5. Add a layer (1 and 1/2 of each) of the red peppers and zucchini.
6. Top the veggie layer with about a 1/2 cup each of tomato sauce and shredded cheese.
7. Repeat steps 2-6 two more times.
8. Add a final layer of noodles, top with remaining sauce, the remaining ricotta cheese, and the 2nd bag of shredded cheese.
9. Add a 1/4 cup of tap water to the jar of sauce and shake well. This will get the left over sauce. Pour the water down the sides and corners of the dish to help cook it.
10. Cook at 350 degrees for an hour uncovered.
Locks of Love
I decided it was time to cut my hair again. I grew it out so I could wear it up for the wedding, but now I hate it again. CHOP IT!
I was looking at it today and I was surprised how long it is. Just slightly passed my shoulders.
I have absolutely no idea why this popped into my head, but I think I am going to wait a little longer and then donate it to that children's charity that makes wigs for kids with cancer. I just thought it was the right thing to do. The minimum length they accept is 10"...and I'm almost there!
Here is there website if you want to read more: Locks of Love
P.S. That is NOT the back of my head.
5.28.2008
A Quote To Ponder
"Man, Despite his artistic pretensions, his sophistication
and many accomplishments, owes the fact of his existence
to a six-inch layer of topsoil and the fact that it rains."
and many accomplishments, owes the fact of his existence
to a six-inch layer of topsoil and the fact that it rains."
~Anonymous~
Something For The Pets
I got an email from my cousin Lori yesterday and it occurred to me...all the really cool people I know have a pet, myself included.
There are tons of great things you can do for your furry babies, and adopting from shelters instead of buying from pet stores is just the beginning. There are 3 to 4 million dogs and cats euthanized in the US every year.
As a pet owner there are lots of times when I buy a toy for one of the kids without even thing about it. But, since striving for organicness...now I think about it. What are the toys made out of? Are they safe to eat? Etc etc.
Here are some sites that have organic, pet friendly and earth friendly products.
If your going to be healthier, why not take a wet-nosed friend on the journey with you?!
Organic Restaurants
Check out this website to see if there is an organic restaurant that is local to you.
Organic Restaurants - LocalHarvest
The information might be a little dated, so call first.
I think this is the way for Mr. K to go...don't you? Open his own organic restaurant? Hmm...
Organic Restaurants - LocalHarvest
The information might be a little dated, so call first.
I think this is the way for Mr. K to go...don't you? Open his own organic restaurant? Hmm...
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