Writer's Block

I know I haven't blogged in a long time. Didn't feel good. Now I'm feeling great, but I've discovered I have nothing to say, of any interest anyway. It might be "writer's block". If I was a true writer, I'm sure that's what I got.

I've been researching different subjects. For instance, I was going to explain all the differences of sweeteners, how each metabolize in the body and which one would be the most healthy. This was all going to make us wiser shoppers. After about two days of dedicated study and note taking; about the only bit of knowledge I gleaned was sucrose came from maple syrup, beets and sugar cane and frustose came from fruits, vegetables and honey.

Let's try something else.

I subscribe to several online medical news. One day I learned from a research study of over 120,000 people stretching over 25 years that potato chips can make you fat. The study didn't say it quite so bluntly, but the meaning was there. I'm going to pass on the details of the study. Why learn more about something we already know?

I could talk about my gallbladder surgery, but even I'm bored by it.

My dog, Lucy, had surgery also. Her left eye was removed and a prosthesis implanted. She is doing great, also.

I have the feeling some of our friends think we're nuts spending that kind of money on a mutt from the shelter. Yes, we are nuts, always have been. But, here's the thing. When we adopted Lucy, she became a member of our family - a valued member. If you're a dog person, you understand. If you're not a dog person; sorry, no amount of explaining could help you understand.

Now, who couldn't love a face like that?

Sticks and stones are nothing!

We've all heard the expression: "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me".

Oh, how I wish this was true. But, alas, words do hurt; and the wounds sometimes never heal.

How do I know this is true? Ask any adult about a physical trauma during their childhood and you will probably get a play by play on how they broke their arm in two places or how many stitches it took to close the hole in their head. Good stories, no doubt; even a few laughs. But notice, please; but emotional flashback.

But now, let's get to the subject of words that hurt. It's never laughed about; it still hurts. We don't talk about how we were humiliated in 5th grade by the most popular girl in the class; the shame is still with us. It doesn't even matter if that girl became an outstanding, caring adult; we never forget that moment. We can't let go. We've been damaged.

What I'm trying to say; words do matter, and people never forget emotions.

So, let's get to the positive side. People never forget kindness. Don't you want people to remember your kindness instead of the hurt.

They will feel good about you; and so will you. As Martha Stewart would say: "It's a good thing".

The cloud has lifted!!

Hi everyone. Missed me? You haven't? Well, I'll tell you anyway.

Lucy (that's the pretty brown dog in the picture) and I have been on medical leave.

Me: gallbladder attack (have to get it out) and pneumonia. No biggie. Thousands a day.

Lucy: Glaucoma. This is so much more serious in dogs than us humans. We've been working with meds for the last 6 weeks. No go. Tomorrow, surgery to remove her left eye. When we adopted Lucy from the Shelter, we made the committment to be her best friend and take care of her. She is a VALUED member of our family and we will do everything to make her comfortable.

Wish us luck tomorrow and say a little prayer. Thanks.

Exposure overload.

I just read a small article in the May 9, 2011, issue of Time about all the toxins and chemicals in our daily lifes.

It stated 27 trillion pounds are produced or imported into our country each year. The problem is, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics' Council on Environmental Health, there is very little research on what effect these have on our children.

The last law on regulating chemicals was in 1976. Wow. How our world has changed since then. The Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) doesn't require any chemical manufacturer to pretest their products in regard to human health. So, if I'm reading this article correctly, the only concern of the manufacturer is to get the job done and make a profit. I'm all for effective products and making profits; and wait, let's be a little responsible.

It took independent studies to prove bisphenol A was causing long term health problems for our kids. This is after it had been and still is on the market and in our everyday lifes.

My greatest concern; there is so much exposure. It's everywhere.

A great website for educating yourself is the Environmental Health Perspectives. Great articles. Here's the link http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/home.action.

What's in your makeup?

First things, first. I love, love, love makeup. I never leave home without it. Also, good skin care.

It's no surprise to learn the cosmetic industry is a multi-billion dollar business. That's because we all know we women are not "thin enough", "pretty enough". Good marketing.

But what are we putting on our faces and bodies? Sure, go ahead and read the ingredients. Unless you're a dermatologist or chemist, those words mean nothing; and there are so many of them, impossible to learn what's good or bad.

Last Christmas, our dear friend, Cea, gave daughter Stef and me a book called Gorgeously Green by Sophie Uliano. I highly recommend it. The section on cosmetics started us both on a tirade to rid ourselves and our family of toxins. I think they want to burn the book.

The cosmetic industry governs themselves. Not always the best idea when the dollars is the bottom line.

I could go on and on about what I have learned about the toxins we are rubbing into our skins, but I found a great website where you can go: http://www.safecosmetics.org/. No only is there a treasure trove of information, you can look up your cosmetic to see how it is rated. They have teamed up with the Environmental Working Group to create this awesome database.

There is one bit of information I was totally bummed by. Some companies still test on animals. I thought that was in our past. That's deal breaker for me. I will never, never buy from such a company. So, I'm on in the market for some new mascara.

Earth Day - April 22

This is the banner on the home page of http://www.earthday.org/. Tomorrow is Earth Day.

No, you don't need to decorate your house or buy candy. And you don't have to get smart about it either. I know some people think it's a joke to be concern about Mother Earth. I've heard it all.

But here's an idea. Let's put all our opinions aside for just one day and do something a little positive.

Go to the website and learn what you can do for future generations. They're counting on us.



My Grandniece



My Granddaughter

My Grandson

I'm sure you can think of your own reasons.

Sandy's Project-Yay! I'm done (almost)

 Remember this? This was my fun "little project" to do in my spare time.

Ha!!!!!

I laugh in your face.

O.K. So I've had my ups and downs. Am I glad I did this? 

Yes.

Will I buy another building to renovate?
Why don't you pull out my toenails instead. It would be less painful.
Here's the current view:

Pretty cool, huh. And, we even have a tenant living in it now. If Ron and I live to be 175 years old; we will actually see a profit.

But the benefits are greater than any profits. Renovating a historial building has its own rewards. This space hadn't been used in over 60 years. We saved the woodwork, honored the integrity and kept the history alive. That was our reward. We love history and the stories that can be told by preserving the tangibles.

Here are some pictures:

Although, I'm "almost" done (I still need to finish the french doors), I'm taking a little break. Then the main floor; soon to become our Rubi J Store, can become the next "Sandy's project".

Just can't wait to break through two layers of bricks.