Where have I been?

Ok, I know it's been a while since I've been here. I have a really good excuse. My daughter had the baby early and we have been pretty busy with all of that. He is doing so well but things have been so hectic.

In the meantime, I haven't stopped working or thinking about the various issues I want to address here. One issue that I have always been working on is to stop using all that paper! It was something that I did since I was in high school and into college. Boy, if I could re-use a piece of paper! When I was teaching I would save scraps of paper. I would allow my students to dig through whenever they needed a piece of construction paper in a particular color for a project. My daughters always knew that if they needed a piece of paper for something, they knew where the scrap pile was kept. We always used the back of the piles of paper my husband would bring home from work. I would cut them into fourths to use as message paper or take notes on them. Add to that, recycling containers. I could find a use for just about any container (this was long before containers could be recycled). Anything from Pringles cans (they make great pencil holders) to coffee cans to cigar boxes to cardboard. You name, I could find a use for it. We even recycled our junk mail to teach students. Ah, but those days are gone. You see I no longer teach a class of students. I now work from home (my own business). My daughters are grown (and I might add that they do a great job at recycling!)

So, as I continue to recycle, the junk mail became a huge issue. Everyday, 3 or 4 applications for credit cards I don't want and never asked for, would arrive in the 'mail'. Then there are the coupons and catalogs. Well, I am so excited to say that I found a solution. There is a website that will take care of your junk mail for you. This company will contact all the companies and catalogs to take your name off the lists. It takes a lot of doing so now there is someone who will do it for you. There is a small fee involved but to me that was so worth it. Yeah! One more problem solved and I am helping the environment. By putting a stop to all that junk mail, you could save a tree! I'm not kidding!

Go to www.41pounds.org. Read all about the process. You will find a video from WXYZ-TV where the founder of 41 pounds is interviewed to explain the process. Get rid of junkmail and help save the environment. What more could you ask for. If we all spread the word, think of how many trees we'll save! That doesn't even begin to mention the post office workers who won't have to sort through all the junk.

Do your part! It's a small bit that can make a huge difference.

Fear Can Be Helpful

Scientific Research Pertaining to Alzheimers and Diet

MORE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SUPPORTING THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING DAILY FOR LIFE AND OUR NEW PRODUCT UNFORGETTABLES™

Alzheimer's disease may be a chronic condition in which changes begin in midlife or even earlier." That quote, from Dr. John C Morris, director of Washington University's Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, appeared in a recent New York Times article. And the message couldn't be clearer: Protect yourself now to alleviate problems later.

Early warning

As anyone who's ever cared for someone with Alzheimer's disease (AD) knows, erratic eating behavior is typical of AD patients. Naturally, poor nutrition follows. To investigate exactly which nutrients AD patients may need the most; researchers at the University of Montreal recruited 36 patients in the early stages of AD, along with their caregivers. For comparison, nearly 60 healthy subjects were also recruited. These control subjects were in good cognitive health and matched to age with the AD subjects.

Over 18 months, researchers interviewed all of the subjects and their caregivers at least four times to assess dietary and supplement intake. Results showed significant differences between the two groups, with the healthy subjects getting considerably more calories and nutrients from their diets and supplement regimens.
AD subjects had lower intake of dietary fiber and protein, and were found to be generally deficient in these nutrients:

• Calcium
• Iron
• Zinc
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin K
• Omega-3 fatty acids

The Montreal team noted that insufficient diet was clearly evident in the early onset of AD. And they added: "This vulnerable population would benefit from systematic dietary assessment and intervention to prevent further deterioration in food consumption and increased nutritional risk."

Herbal helpers

The Montreal study isn't the first evidence we've seen that connects poor nutrition to Alzheimer's.

In the report "Early Bird" (4/26/07), Canadian research revealed deficient levels of DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid) in elderly patients with various types of dementia. In a follow up study, researchers analyzed ten years of data taken from more than 1,100 elderly men and women. Results showed that those with high levels of DHA had nearly 50 percent reduced risk of developing AD.

In addition to improving the diets of AD patients, supplementation with sage extract and lemon balm might also be beneficial in controlling the advance of AD, according to research detailed in the e-Alert "Riders of the Purple Sage" (9/29/05). A team of scientists at the Medical Plant Research Centre (MPRC) in the UK have shown that sage inhibits an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which breaks down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter chemical that's typically deficient in Alzheimer's patients.

For several years, MPRC director Elaine Perry has led her team in researching a variety of botanicals in the treatment of Alzheimer's. Most notably, Professor Perry has presented data that shows sage extract to have a significant effect on behavior and attention in AD patients. And when lemon balm is added to sage, the combination may improve memory and mood. Professor Perry told Reuters Health: "Lemon balm reduced agitation and improved quality of life in people with Alzheimer's disease."

If you have a family history of AD, or if you're experiencing symptoms of cognitive decline, talk to your doctor about sage, lemon balm, and the key nutritional needs that might help delay or alleviate the onset of AD.

What do you do?

Hi Everyone,

Thought this might help to give everyone an idea about what I do. We enjoy helping others earn money while staying home. Learning more about Work at Home United is completely FREE!

We have information calls that give you all the details about Work at Home United and how you can create an awesome income while staying home. These calls take place almost every hour on the hour.

We schedule a time that is good for you.

These are information calls ONLY.

We 3-way you into an information call at NO COST to you. All you have to do is listen to the information to see if this business is a right fit for you.

The Work at Home United team is enhancing individual's lives every day by helping them reach their goals of staying home with their children , working from home without hassling with an outside job or working to add to an already full time income.

All you need to do to schedule a time is e-mail me or comment back to me. I am always looking for referrals as well. I look forward to providing you with the information you need to decide whether our business is right for you. When you join the winning team, you find yourself in the winner's circle.

Talk to you soon,

Maryann Rhodey
maryannr56@yahoo.com, www.1bizathome.com toll free number 866-446-0895

South of the Border

Back from vacation and what a wonderful vacation it was! Since we live in Washington State, yes on the rainy side of the mountains, it's always so invigorating to get some SUN!!!! It's amazing what some of that vitamin D can do for a body!

So now I have plenty of material for my blog - things were getting a little slow here! We spent 7 glorious sunny days South of the Border in Cancun, Mexico. Actually, it was the first time we had ever been to the east coast of Mexico. What a surprise we had! Envision crystal clear turquoise blue water with winter white sand filled beaches. That is the breathtaking scene we had everyday! Any pictures you see of the ocean, beaches and palm trees precisely depicts what we experienced! That memory will carry me through the remainder of this rainy winter - and as Puxscatawny Phil predicted, there will be at least 6 more weeks of it!

Let the blogging begin - more to come!

Holly's Knitting And More Blog: Knitted Sock Monkey

Holly's Knitting And More Blog: Knitted Sock Monkey

Tag - You're It

Tag!

I've been tagged so I thought I'd post this and get you all tagged too. Start Copy and Paste Here.

This link loving in 2008 came from http://www.homebizprincess.blogspot.com/om/

I have randomly selected 5 of you below to be tagged and I hope that you will similarly publish this post in your blog. You will have to tag 5 other bloggers and just keep adding on to the list. (Do not replace, just keep on adding! Yes we hope it will be a long list!)It’s real easy! Tag others and see your Technorati Authority increase exponentially! The benefits of Viral Linking:- One of the fastest ways to see your technorati authority explode!- Increase your Google PageRank fast- Attract large volume of new traffic to your site- Build your community- Make new friends!Add your blog url here...
The Strategist Notebook Link Addiction Ardour of the Heart When Life Becomes a Book The Malaysian Life Yogatta.com What goes under the sun Roshidan’s Cyber Station Sasha says Arts of Physics And the legend lives My View, My Life A Simple Life What Women REALLY Think Not Much More Than This Marlee Lib Patti Nature's Prism Lana Nancy LeAnn http://beadbetweenthelines.blogspot.com/ / http://sonyareads.blogspot.com/ / http://dailycelebrations.blogspot.com/ / http://www.homebizprincess.blogspot.com/ / http://tanicotravel.blogspot.com/http://www.1bizathome.blogspot.com

You are next...Now, add/tag 5 of your friends' blogs... http://www.whispercanyouhear.blogspot.com, http://www.steppingoutsidethebox.blogspot.com, http://www.beadbetweenthelines.blogspot.com, http://blog.myspace.com/abullterriernamed, http://www.pillowcasetalk.blogspot.com, http://knittingmonkeefan.blogspot.com

I like this idea. What do you all think of this game of tag? Do you think it will bring traffic to your sites? (Above graphic by Claire)

Right On!

This type of test is always intriguing to me. How do they know? But they are right on with all of my personality characteristics. It's a little disturbing to know that by taking a simple test, I can get an accurate picture of myself but yet after being married for 28 just shy of 29 years, my husband couldn't tell you anything close to it! Amazing the colors are so exactly what I love!

***Your Power Element is Water***


Your power colors: blue and aqua

Your energy: deep

Your season: winter

Like the ocean, you evoke deep feelings and passion.
You have an emotional, sensitive, and spiritual soul.
A bit mysterious, you tend to be quiet when you are working out a problem.
You need your alone time, so that you can think and dream.


What's Your Power Element?
http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyourpowerelementquiz/

Steps to Success

It was time to do something - time to make a change. It had gone on long enough. What you ask? My lack of direction, enthusiasm, commitment, excitement, conviction - you get the picture. So I did something about it. Coaching.

It was the best decision I ever made (other than getting married to my husband, having my children, working from home, and ....). Earlier I wrote about the inspiring book by Jack Canfield, The Success Principles. After enrolling in the coaching that can help you put all the principles to work for yourself, I have been on a roll. Taking a good look at where I want to go was first on the agenda. This gave me a start to the year right out of the gate. I knew where I was going and how I was going to get there. But not only did I have the plan laid out but all the small pieces are beginning to fall into place.

Let me explain. After writing out my life plan and focusing on one goal in particular, I have the opportunity to fine tune myself as I work to achieve my goal. The coaching leads you through a step by step process. You are given the blueprint to follow and you build your dream according to your own vision.

I am only half way through the coaching and already I can see where I have changed. Careful planning and nightly daily success journals are becoming a part of my daily schedule. Daily affirmations are a welcome addition as well. Focusing on a daily, weekly and monthly plan is the key.

In addition to the Canfield coaching, I am also working with another coach from another program. Her name is Lisa Kitter. Lisa is a success coach, speaker, author and expert in direct marketing. I have worked with Lisa before by participating in her group classes. Now I decided I needed some one on one coaching. It has been so powerful and so empowering. Lisa follows the same principles as Jack Canfield therefore my focus is on expanding my belief system.

By using Lisa's book Posture Up! Your Complete Success Guide for Network Marketing and Direct Sales I am able to paint the pictures I need and envision the goals I am working toward. Not only that, I have a step by step process to assist me in making sure everything is written out to read on a daily basis. That way I can visualize my dream to become a reality.

So many people are intrigued by "The Secret". After seeing the movie, I decided I would do the research necessary to accomplish the secret. Actually, through my search, I have discovered that the secret is really inside all of us. It is a step we need to consciously take toward becoming the person we are meant to be. It has nothing to do with wishes and hopes, it has everything to do with wanting to change and going the extra miles to see the change through. The reason so many people don't ever attain their dreams in life is that they are not willing to make the change. It's either too much work, not seeing the picture clearly, not having the deep down desire to make changes or a number of other reasons. What you need to ask yourself is, "Am I willing to go through the steps and take a good look at myself and where I want to be?" It isn't about some magical dust being sprinkled on you as you walk along the street. It's about truly making changes in your life and putting that change out there for everyone to see.

Take the steps toward your success. You'll be so excited at what you will find!

New Adventure

Eating dinner out is enjoyable to say the least. Trying new restaurants is exciting. Last night we had the opportunity to do both and meet some great people as well. We were invited out to dinner with our friends, a couple we do dinner with on a regular basis. Last night, we were meeting them with some of their friends at a new restaurant for us called Opals on Queen Ann Hill in Seattle, WA, We live in a suburb of Seattle so we don't get to some of the great neighborhoods of Seattle very often. We have our regular favorites when we go out to eat but never have ventured to Queen Ann Hill. Don't ask us why - we couldn't figure it out it out either. Needless to say, we will be going back again soon.

The owner is Orpin, an intelligent and savvy business owner, of which, Opals is her third restaurant. She is a native of Thailand so one of her establishments is of course a Thai restaurant. Opals is only 6 months old, so obviously a new venture into the realm of eateries with an amazing menu. Orpin is someone you want to sit with all night long because she is such a great story teller. She has traveled the world and has the stories to share that only she can tell. Dinner at her establishment and sitting with her while we ate was a lesson in food preparation, story telling, world travel and good old friendship.

You never know what to expect when you enter any eatery in Seattle. Our city has its fair share of the standard foods such as Italian, Mexican, Chinese and of course the standard American. But Seattle is also the best place to try new foods from all over the world. I don't think I have ever lived anywhere else where the food choices and combinations are so unique and delicious. Opals definitely falls into the new food category.

After perusing the menu, I was surprised to say the least. The appetizers were a mixture of tastes that only a gourmet chef could conjure up. One, which we did try, was french toast topped with sweet potato and asparagus with a sauce, you can't believe the taste but I couldn't tell you what it was. I know the combination sounds anything but tasteful but you have to believe me, it was delicious. Main course, wild boar. Yes, you read right - wild boar. I'm adventurous, what can I say. What would you expect that to taste like? Pork right? Wrong - it tasted like beef of all things. It was tender and very tasty. Unbelievable. Dessert was another unique but pleasant experience - a combination of apple with ice cream in an apricot crusted pie shell. We were given a coffee type pot filled with pressed cider, vanilla and cream mixed together into a hot compote to pour over the top of the sweet treat.

All in all, we had a meal that can't be repeated. We met some people we will be getting together to break bread with again and again. We learned about a new restaurant with an owner who isn't afraid to venture out and try something new and unique, not to mention her magnetic personality. What a treat! It was a great way to spend our Saturday night. Hope you had a great weekend too.