Yesterday was our 25th wedding anniversary.
It seems to have all passed so quickly. Gerry and I, when we talk about it, both feel the wedding day was only just a short while ago. I can certainly remember it very clearly.
When we stop to think of it though, so much has happened. Since 1985, Gerry and I have gone through many curves life has thrown at us; we've had ups and downs, and sometimes it felt we had more downs than ups. We've experienced losing our parents, serious illness, bankruptcy, more moves than army families both in Quebec and Ontario. Through it all we've remained friends, good friends! I truly believe had we not been friends first, and liked each other, our relationship would not have survived the trials.
Through the rough times, just as many positives came our way. The best was having our children. Our two sons, who are now respectively twenty and eighteen make us proud every day. We've had small but good opportunities come our way, have met and made many new friends, have worked hard and managed to buy our first home in 2004.
We've loved and laughed and cried and laughed some more. After 25 years together, we know each others' moves and thoughts, yet we still surprise each other with little things.
Yesterday, my wonderful husband wanted to have me return home from work to my favourite dinner. He wanted to take me out to dinner, but I had an acupuncture appointment, and I usually feel tired after the treatment. So he picked up dinner at my favourite Chinese restaurant. It would have all been a great celebration if only I did not have a monster headache that progressively got worse during the day.
All I could do when I came home from my appointment was take two Tylenols*, run upstairs, get into bed. I slept until 9:00 pm, ate one toast with water, took another Tylenol*, and went back to bed.
It was a heck of a way to celebrate 25 years. The great thing about it though is that we had our nice dinner tonight during our trek toward 26 years, and more, I hope.
Happy Belated Anniversary, baby love! To many more years together!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Text, read, talk, walk, slam
Today, it suddenly dawned on me how much things have changed. It's said the more things change, the more it stays the same. Not in this case.
I am amazed at how people are not looking up anymore whether they walk, drive or sit. What are they doing? Looking down at the wireless in their hands. You see them coming your way, with their heads down. You can't catch their eye, you certainly couldn't describe the colour of their eyes, and they couldn't even be a witness to anything going on around them.
People's eyes are down while walking on the street, at work, eating at the restaurant, playing with their children at the park.
Today I saw a father, push his young daughter on one of those tricycles with the long handle, she looking back to ask daddy something, he busy texting with his other hand... missing her beautiful face looking up at him.
I made it a personal policy years ago to look people in the eyes, and smile when I cross their path. I always enjoy getting a smile reaction back, or how some don't know what to do: look away, or smile. But I always enjoy the feeling of showing others a kindly smile. It's difficult to do this these days, everyone has their head down.
Then there are the ones who walk into solid objects because they are walking and looking down. My blood boils when I see people texting in their car while driving; won't go there in this post. All I can say is 'Stop! You are going to kill someone!'
I've said it to a few single friends who are lamenting the lack of a soul mate in their lives. Look up! Mr or Ms Right have passed by a few times, you just weren't 'looking' when they did.
Things have changed indeed.
I am amazed at how people are not looking up anymore whether they walk, drive or sit. What are they doing? Looking down at the wireless in their hands. You see them coming your way, with their heads down. You can't catch their eye, you certainly couldn't describe the colour of their eyes, and they couldn't even be a witness to anything going on around them.
People's eyes are down while walking on the street, at work, eating at the restaurant, playing with their children at the park.
Today I saw a father, push his young daughter on one of those tricycles with the long handle, she looking back to ask daddy something, he busy texting with his other hand... missing her beautiful face looking up at him.
I made it a personal policy years ago to look people in the eyes, and smile when I cross their path. I always enjoy getting a smile reaction back, or how some don't know what to do: look away, or smile. But I always enjoy the feeling of showing others a kindly smile. It's difficult to do this these days, everyone has their head down.
Then there are the ones who walk into solid objects because they are walking and looking down. My blood boils when I see people texting in their car while driving; won't go there in this post. All I can say is 'Stop! You are going to kill someone!'
I've said it to a few single friends who are lamenting the lack of a soul mate in their lives. Look up! Mr or Ms Right have passed by a few times, you just weren't 'looking' when they did.
Things have changed indeed.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Dr. David Sinclair - Father of Anti Aging
Dr David Sinclair, a co-author of more than 60 published articles on aging research, heads a research team of more than twenty post-doctorate students at Harvard Medical School. He was introduced as the "Father of the Anti Aging" Movement by Dr. Jamie McManus, MD, FAAFP, who is responsible for leading Shaklee's clinical research efforts in support of product development and distributor education.
Dr. Sinclair said "This century will be known [as the era] when humans conquered aging."
"Over 70 years ago," he continues, "scientists discovered that a calorie-restricted diet increases animal lifespan 30%. [We have found in our studies] that resveratrol, a compound found in red wine, tricks cells to switch on the aging pathways, which in turn mimics the effect of calorie restriction."
"Resveratrol lowers the incidents of cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and osteoporosis in animals."
Dr. Sinclair wrote about his discovery, which was published in Nature Magazine in 2004. He also appeared on television, in a Barbara Walters Special in April 2008, "Live To 150, Can You Do It?" He will also be featured on an upcoming "60 Minutes".
"[Studies show] resveratrol never fails to extend life and improve health." says Dr. Sinclair. Resveratrol works in worms, flies, mice, rats and primates.
A 3-year study of resveratrol-fed mice found the mice were much healthier and the mice's physiology was 30% younger than their actual age.
Further, a 15-year study of monkeys on a calorie restricted diet at the University of Wisconsin proving they live longer, will be published next year.
There are no known reasons to believe that resveratrol will not work the same way in humans as observed in animal studies, and there are no side effects of taking measured amounts of resveratrol.
Dr. Sinclair also said, study results show that resveratrol lowers blood sugar levels, [especially] for type 2 Diabetics, improves memory and artery vessel walls, lowers cholesterol (MIT study in 2007), slows down the aging of cells and molecules, reduces the incidence of breast cancer and other forms of cancer. Resveratrol is "the most potent natural molecule against cancer." (animal studies). It reduces inflammation, and joint pain, increases mitochondria in muscles (animal studies).
Dr. Sinclair approached Shaklee two years ago to help guide Shaklee to create a [world class] natural anti-aging product. He felt that to produce a pharmaceutical resveratrol would take too long--- 7 to 10 years to get FDA approval--- and would cost hundreds of millions of dollars for the clinical trials.
He found the science, ethics and morality at Shaklee, and Dr. Jamie McManus' research team "as equaling his own values,". He stated that he is asked at least once a week by companies if he would work with them. But he always said no...until he found Shaklee, and met Roger Barnett, Shaklee's visionary CEO!
Dr. McManus said that Shaklee's new anti-aging tonic, Vivix*, has the purest form of resveratrol--- 98% pure---the ingredients that activate genetic regulators of cellular longevity pathways, which may have a positive effect on DNA, cellular health and metabolism.
Vivix* is 10 times more powerful than resveratrol alone. The Vivix* ingredients have shown to impact four key mechanisms of cellular aging.
Resveratrol alone impacts only three of those key mechanisms. Vivix's ingredients inhibit AGE proteins, the sludge build-up in cells [that slows down older people.]
One teaspoon of Vivix* a day, (a 100 mg of trans-resveratrol), is the resveratrol equivalent of 100 glasses of red wine! A month's supply of Vivix* is equivalent to 3,000 glasses of red wine! Vivix* contains a patented blend of polyphenols, mostly derived from the skin and seeds of the muscadine grape --- a super grape found to contain an extra chromosome not found in ordinary grapes. Shaklee researchers believe this polyphenol blend greatly enhances the potential health benefits.
Editors: Jerry Aldrich & BJ Geyer
Note: This report is not intended to give medical advice, and the FDA has not given its approval on the content of this article. See your doctor for medical advice.
Dr. Sinclair said "This century will be known [as the era] when humans conquered aging."
"Over 70 years ago," he continues, "scientists discovered that a calorie-restricted diet increases animal lifespan 30%. [We have found in our studies] that resveratrol, a compound found in red wine, tricks cells to switch on the aging pathways, which in turn mimics the effect of calorie restriction."
"Resveratrol lowers the incidents of cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and osteoporosis in animals."
Dr. Sinclair wrote about his discovery, which was published in Nature Magazine in 2004. He also appeared on television, in a Barbara Walters Special in April 2008, "Live To 150, Can You Do It?" He will also be featured on an upcoming "60 Minutes".
"[Studies show] resveratrol never fails to extend life and improve health." says Dr. Sinclair. Resveratrol works in worms, flies, mice, rats and primates.
A 3-year study of resveratrol-fed mice found the mice were much healthier and the mice's physiology was 30% younger than their actual age.
Further, a 15-year study of monkeys on a calorie restricted diet at the University of Wisconsin proving they live longer, will be published next year.
There are no known reasons to believe that resveratrol will not work the same way in humans as observed in animal studies, and there are no side effects of taking measured amounts of resveratrol.
Dr. Sinclair also said, study results show that resveratrol lowers blood sugar levels, [especially] for type 2 Diabetics, improves memory and artery vessel walls, lowers cholesterol (MIT study in 2007), slows down the aging of cells and molecules, reduces the incidence of breast cancer and other forms of cancer. Resveratrol is "the most potent natural molecule against cancer." (animal studies). It reduces inflammation, and joint pain, increases mitochondria in muscles (animal studies).
Dr. Sinclair approached Shaklee two years ago to help guide Shaklee to create a [world class] natural anti-aging product. He felt that to produce a pharmaceutical resveratrol would take too long--- 7 to 10 years to get FDA approval--- and would cost hundreds of millions of dollars for the clinical trials.
He found the science, ethics and morality at Shaklee, and Dr. Jamie McManus' research team "as equaling his own values,". He stated that he is asked at least once a week by companies if he would work with them. But he always said no...until he found Shaklee, and met Roger Barnett, Shaklee's visionary CEO!
Dr. McManus said that Shaklee's new anti-aging tonic, Vivix*, has the purest form of resveratrol--- 98% pure---the ingredients that activate genetic regulators of cellular longevity pathways, which may have a positive effect on DNA, cellular health and metabolism.
Vivix* is 10 times more powerful than resveratrol alone. The Vivix* ingredients have shown to impact four key mechanisms of cellular aging.
Resveratrol alone impacts only three of those key mechanisms. Vivix's ingredients inhibit AGE proteins, the sludge build-up in cells [that slows down older people.]
One teaspoon of Vivix* a day, (a 100 mg of trans-resveratrol), is the resveratrol equivalent of 100 glasses of red wine! A month's supply of Vivix* is equivalent to 3,000 glasses of red wine! Vivix* contains a patented blend of polyphenols, mostly derived from the skin and seeds of the muscadine grape --- a super grape found to contain an extra chromosome not found in ordinary grapes. Shaklee researchers believe this polyphenol blend greatly enhances the potential health benefits.
Editors: Jerry Aldrich & BJ Geyer
Note: This report is not intended to give medical advice, and the FDA has not given its approval on the content of this article. See your doctor for medical advice.
Friday, June 18, 2010
What do you see?
When you look in the mirror what do you see?
* Uneven skin tone
* Blemishes
* Breakouts
* Bumpy skin
* Fine lines around eyes
* Laugh lines
* Puffiness around eyes
* Sagging skin
* Age spots
* Oily T Zone
* Blackheads
* Whiteheads
Do you feel your skin being:
* Dry
* Sensitive
* Oily
In today's modern society our skin is exposed to toxins that create accelerated aging:
* Chemicals
* Iron in tap water
* UV rays
* stress
* smoke
* car exhausts
* poor diets
* medications
These elements create FREE RADICALS which:
* Damage the DNA of the cells
* Break down collagen
* Cause sagging skin
* Create Age spots
* Slow cellular renewal
The key to healthy, radiant skin is nutrients. Nutrients that are in the right amounts and in the right form that your skin can absorb and use properly.
That's why you want skin care that is created by a vitamin company.
Enfuselle Skin Care is Vitamins in Cream Form.
Watch this video: http://content.shaklee.com/shaklee/flash/show.php?video=enfuselle Note: This report is not intended to give medical advice or replace medical care. See your doctor for medical advice.
* Uneven skin tone
* Blemishes
* Breakouts
* Bumpy skin
* Fine lines around eyes
* Laugh lines
* Puffiness around eyes
* Sagging skin
* Age spots
* Oily T Zone
* Blackheads
* Whiteheads
Do you feel your skin being:
* Dry
* Sensitive
* Oily
In today's modern society our skin is exposed to toxins that create accelerated aging:
* Chemicals
* Iron in tap water
* UV rays
* stress
* smoke
* car exhausts
* poor diets
* medications
These elements create FREE RADICALS which:
* Damage the DNA of the cells
* Break down collagen
* Cause sagging skin
* Create Age spots
* Slow cellular renewal
The key to healthy, radiant skin is nutrients. Nutrients that are in the right amounts and in the right form that your skin can absorb and use properly.
That's why you want skin care that is created by a vitamin company.
Enfuselle Skin Care is Vitamins in Cream Form.
Watch this video: http://content.shaklee.com/shaklee/flash/show.php?video=enfuselle Note: This report is not intended to give medical advice or replace medical care. See your doctor for medical advice.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Earth Day - Earth Month
April 22nd is Earth Day, however, we should consider every day Earth Day. We need to really change our behaviour, because our planet is not happy.
Whether one believes that what is happening around the world is cyclical or unusual, we need to take note!
It is not difficult to change certain habits; it just takes a bit of discipline and cooperation. Here are a few questions to ponder.
1. Do you buy products that are packaged in material that cannot be recycled? If you do, then you are contributing to the problem. I'm not saying don't get it, but take the time to let the company know, it's not acceptable, and that you will no longer buy their product if it doesn't find a solution.
2. Do you throw away batteries, spray cans, or dump your medication in the toilet? If you do, that's is absolutely unacceptable. Check with your municipality; most of them have started programs which encourage their citizens to bring toxic products to a certain location where they will take responsibility to dispose of them properly. Pharmacies will take your unused medications, and send them where they can be disposed of properly too.
3. Do you compost? Composting is a really cool way to dispose of food garbage and other earth friendly materials like coffee grounds and filters, napkins, lint, etc. It takes a little getting used to, but once you start, it gives great satisfaction. Plus, you will be able to use the end result to help your garden and lawn to remain in good condition. There are composting methods that exist for people who live in apartments too. Check with your municipality; many provide the receptacles for a minimal fee.
4. Do you use toxic cleaners around the house? If so, you are not only doing harm to the environment and water life, but you are harming your own health. Did you know that common household cleaners give off fumes, which can potentially increase the risk of children developing asthma? In fact, the incidence of cancer is 54% higher in women who are at-home moms or working from home, than women who work outside the home.
The four points above are important to consider. Eighteen years ago I was introduced to a non-toxic cleaner that would not poison the earth, water, or home. It doesn't contain any harmful chemicals such as chlorine bleach, phosphates, nitrates, borates or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It has sustainable ingredients from natural sources, biodegradable surfactants; it comes in recyclable packaging.
In honour of Earth Day, I made a commitment to introduce people to the idea that non toxic can be as powerful and effective as the more dangerous toxic products. Basic H is the only product I use to clean my home inside and out. It is an amazing product, and also very economical. One 473 mL bottle lasts anywhere from six to nine months. It costs about $10, but spread out over the months and the number of uses each concentration provides, the cost per use is extremely minimal.
You don't have to use this particular product, but if you use any other 'green' products, make sure it says '100% biodegradable'. Government standards only require that a product be 50% biodegradable; what is the other 50%?
Whether one believes that what is happening around the world is cyclical or unusual, we need to take note!
It is not difficult to change certain habits; it just takes a bit of discipline and cooperation. Here are a few questions to ponder.
1. Do you buy products that are packaged in material that cannot be recycled? If you do, then you are contributing to the problem. I'm not saying don't get it, but take the time to let the company know, it's not acceptable, and that you will no longer buy their product if it doesn't find a solution.
2. Do you throw away batteries, spray cans, or dump your medication in the toilet? If you do, that's is absolutely unacceptable. Check with your municipality; most of them have started programs which encourage their citizens to bring toxic products to a certain location where they will take responsibility to dispose of them properly. Pharmacies will take your unused medications, and send them where they can be disposed of properly too.
3. Do you compost? Composting is a really cool way to dispose of food garbage and other earth friendly materials like coffee grounds and filters, napkins, lint, etc. It takes a little getting used to, but once you start, it gives great satisfaction. Plus, you will be able to use the end result to help your garden and lawn to remain in good condition. There are composting methods that exist for people who live in apartments too. Check with your municipality; many provide the receptacles for a minimal fee.
4. Do you use toxic cleaners around the house? If so, you are not only doing harm to the environment and water life, but you are harming your own health. Did you know that common household cleaners give off fumes, which can potentially increase the risk of children developing asthma? In fact, the incidence of cancer is 54% higher in women who are at-home moms or working from home, than women who work outside the home.
The four points above are important to consider. Eighteen years ago I was introduced to a non-toxic cleaner that would not poison the earth, water, or home. It doesn't contain any harmful chemicals such as chlorine bleach, phosphates, nitrates, borates or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It has sustainable ingredients from natural sources, biodegradable surfactants; it comes in recyclable packaging.
In honour of Earth Day, I made a commitment to introduce people to the idea that non toxic can be as powerful and effective as the more dangerous toxic products. Basic H is the only product I use to clean my home inside and out. It is an amazing product, and also very economical. One 473 mL bottle lasts anywhere from six to nine months. It costs about $10, but spread out over the months and the number of uses each concentration provides, the cost per use is extremely minimal.
You don't have to use this particular product, but if you use any other 'green' products, make sure it says '100% biodegradable'. Government standards only require that a product be 50% biodegradable; what is the other 50%?
Monday, March 29, 2010
A Most Dangerous Driver Decision
I have a bone to pick with you. I'm talking about you... the ones who drive and text and dial and talk on the cell phone or i-phone or other. What's the deal with driving, texting and phoning? Have you completely lost your mind, or are you just plain stupid and apathetic?
When someone decides to get behind the wheel of a car, or any vehicle for that matter, they are taking their life into their hands. Further, that same person is putting at deadly risk anyone else in the car, and pedestrians and other drivers on the road. People who walk and text aren't any smarter either. I've personally witnessed some walking into walls or off the sidewalk and been badly hurt.
Let me make this message very clear... YOU ARE NO BETTER THAN A DRUNK DRIVER, OR A CRIMINAL! You consciously take this decision knowing how dangerous and deadly it is. I truly believe that this practice should be considered a criminal offense. Must we go through the loss of myriads of lives before anyone decides that texting and phoning while driving is a most dangerous driver decision?
If I seem angry that's because I am. JUST STOP! PLEASE!
When someone decides to get behind the wheel of a car, or any vehicle for that matter, they are taking their life into their hands. Further, that same person is putting at deadly risk anyone else in the car, and pedestrians and other drivers on the road. People who walk and text aren't any smarter either. I've personally witnessed some walking into walls or off the sidewalk and been badly hurt.
Let me make this message very clear... YOU ARE NO BETTER THAN A DRUNK DRIVER, OR A CRIMINAL! You consciously take this decision knowing how dangerous and deadly it is. I truly believe that this practice should be considered a criminal offense. Must we go through the loss of myriads of lives before anyone decides that texting and phoning while driving is a most dangerous driver decision?
If I seem angry that's because I am. JUST STOP! PLEASE!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Another baby grows up...
My youngest is turning 18 this coming March 24th. What??? Can't be! I only just helped him start to walk... no, no, I just finished registering him for kindergarten... no, no, I only just finished reading to him before bedtime. I think I must have lost some kind of consciousness, and only just come to. Right?
OK, I really am aware that both my sons are now their own men. Ben, who will be turning 20 in May, is working, paying for his school and books, paying for the cell phone, and preparing for his future. Sam, the soon-to-be birthday boy, also has been working hard, is paying for his car, and saving to take a trip this summer to Florida with his girlfriend and her parents. Wow!
Both boys have girlfriends, and don't seem to have any intention to play the field. Both young ladies are wonderful people too, and are so much fun to talk to. They are both intelligent, and have intentions to go to university. Actually, Kathleen, Ben's sweetheart, is already at Concordia; she's also a hard worker, and very good to Ben.
So what am I going to do now that my sons are grown up? Well, I have to say, it's been great to date my husband again. We've been going out for breakfasts, the movies, plays, musicals and just loafing around, and... well, yes, other fun activities. In fact, sometimes the boys are running after us because they have no idea where to find us. Tee hee!
I do get nostalgic, and grab a couple of DVD's of the boys when they were little, and tear up and laugh seeing them play and learn all over again. However, if this is supposed to be the empty nest syndrome, maybe it hasn't happened yet, because I seem to have more people at the supper table. I'm not complaining though, because I know they will soon proceed to living their own lives.
Anyone out there going through the same situation?
OK, I really am aware that both my sons are now their own men. Ben, who will be turning 20 in May, is working, paying for his school and books, paying for the cell phone, and preparing for his future. Sam, the soon-to-be birthday boy, also has been working hard, is paying for his car, and saving to take a trip this summer to Florida with his girlfriend and her parents. Wow!
Both boys have girlfriends, and don't seem to have any intention to play the field. Both young ladies are wonderful people too, and are so much fun to talk to. They are both intelligent, and have intentions to go to university. Actually, Kathleen, Ben's sweetheart, is already at Concordia; she's also a hard worker, and very good to Ben.
So what am I going to do now that my sons are grown up? Well, I have to say, it's been great to date my husband again. We've been going out for breakfasts, the movies, plays, musicals and just loafing around, and... well, yes, other fun activities. In fact, sometimes the boys are running after us because they have no idea where to find us. Tee hee!
I do get nostalgic, and grab a couple of DVD's of the boys when they were little, and tear up and laugh seeing them play and learn all over again. However, if this is supposed to be the empty nest syndrome, maybe it hasn't happened yet, because I seem to have more people at the supper table. I'm not complaining though, because I know they will soon proceed to living their own lives.
Anyone out there going through the same situation?
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