homealone

We have been trying to finish our dining room and I think we’re finally going to finish it today - after two months of working on it on and off. Last Saturday, we primed the whole room, ceilings and all. Then yesterday I put on some sample paint  of the two top colors that we wanted. We went for the Behr paint. Even though we loved the greenish color it seemed like it’s a little too bold for the whole house.  So we ended up getting the Behr Creme Brulee paint. I think it would look good with the Crate and Barrel Madison dining table. Of course my husband just agrees most of the time. Smart guy! :) . So today, it’s back to my alien costume - mask (AO safety reusable respirators), gloves, goggles, long pants. My husband is a little anal about safety for both of us which is good, right? He’s extra careful when it comes to me because he doesn’t want to have an alien looking baby (birth defects).  We’ll see how it goes.

That was not my idea (of course!) but PETA’s. You know, that bizzaro-group of super radical animal activists. They sent a letter to Ben and Jerry’s, the ice cream makers, to use human breast milk for their ice cream production.  eew? Im not sure what they get from these weird acts/ideas. I think people mostly ignore anything that has the word PETA on headlines because they think it would be just a bunch of crock anyways. But I guess they need to go to extremes to get attention, and perhaps affect a even just few people.  What do you think? I still think they’re nuts. 

So the case of the tainted milk from China gets bigger and bigger. Apparently, the contamination was not limited to milk but to other products that might have some dairy in it (i guess) like cookies and they were not confined to Chinese branded products either. This is getting really ridiculous (aside from scary). Last year we had the lead contamination on toys and pet food, now melamine contamination and it’s food for HUMAN consumption.

Health experts say ingesting a small amount of melamine poses no danger, but in larger doses, the chemical—used to make plastics and fertilizer—can cause kidney stones and lead to kidney failure. Infants are particularly vulnerable. Chinese suppliers trying to cut costs are believed to have diluted their milk while adding melamine because its nitrogen content can fool tests aimed at verifying protein levels.  Farmers were able to add melamine in their milk and milk products. How did they know how to do that because from what I read, it’s not like you just get melamine and you add it to the milk. Melamine is not water soluble. Apparently you have to mix it with formaldehyde and something else before you could mix it with the milk. Isn’t formaldehyde the same thing they use in enbalming the dead? What the hell is wrong with them (chinese) and us (consumers), too I guess. Why do we keep buying products from a country who obviously does not believe in regulation, health and safety. They’re all about production, without concern about consequences.  Arrrgh.

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I went to an infertility class today.  Yeah, can you believe that? I was just trying to get to a OB/GYN but apparently, before they see me, I have to had attended this class. I didn’t think I need this class, I did not want to think that we’re infertile, but no matter what I told the nurses I’ve spoken with that I just needed answers (re: missed period, negative pregnancy test), they told me to come anyway. Fine.

So there I was, in this classroom with all the other hopefuls. The instructor asked us to read the definition of infertility:  -”The inability to achieve pregnancy after one year (6 months for women over 35 years old) of regular unprotected intercourse.”  Told you we don’t qualify! We’ve only been trying for 5 mos and we’re not over 35. Oh well. nothing lost except maybe some of my time.

The answer: I’m getting old! I am in my early thirties and I am now about 10 lbs heavier than when I was in my 20’s, 20 lbs more than when I was in my teens! I guess my theory was right, that I gain 10 pounds every decade! Yikes!

He’re what I found about the 30’s:

Although metabolism slows and fertility drops, most people in their 30s say they are reaching their peak. But juggling work and family means stress — and lots of 30-somethings could use a good night’s sleep.

Metabolism: Both sexes begin gradually losing muscle mass, and metabolism slows. Lost muscle is generally replaced with fat, which burns fewer calories. That’s why some people start working harder to keep off the pounds.

Fertility: Men: Washington men most commonly have children from 30-34; male fertility first begins to decline after 35.

Women: Fertility drops rapidly in the late 30s. Still, 39 percent of Washington’s births in 2001 occurred among women 30 and over.

How do I look? Americans say they reached - or will reach - their peak physical attractiveness at age 38.How do I feel? People 25 to 34 are more likely than any other age group in Washington to view their health as good to excellent.

Just when we start to settle down and give up the risky behaviors of youth, the pressure to perform like grown-ups sets in.In our 30s, we enter the most demanding years of our work life. At the same time, we may have small children to raise and, perhaps, aging parents who need help. Some of us struggle with whether to work or stay home. Others worry about job security.

Moms and dads juggle huge physical and mental demands. Time for taking care of body and soul gets lost. Instead of partying, our idea of a good time is getting a good night’s sleep.

Emotional and physical stress can cause anxiety, sleeplessness and inability to concentrate. Unexplainable aches and pains emerge. But stress can be controlled:
· Inventory your time and focus on what’s important.
· Form healthy habits. It’s time to start eating right and exercising, to quit using tobacco and to cut back on drinking.
· Develop an adaptive coping style. Try to stay optimistic.
· Develop a support system of friends and use it. You don’t want to go through life alone.

- Marsha King, Seattle Times staff  source

 Since getting the house a few months ago, we tried to clear the bushes and trim the trees but it just wasn’t enough so this weekend, we hired people to clean our yard. We felt really bad because we have this bush/tree that was bearing a lot of flowers which seemed to attract a lot of humming birds and bees. Every morning, we would hear buzzing in the backyard from these bees and humming birds.  We felt particularly sorry for the bees because of the unexplained cause of dying bees (see Colony Collapse Disorder) and we wanted to protect “our  bees” as much as we could but for now, it seems that we failed. Sorry flying creatures!  We’ll try to bring the flowers back as much and as fast as we can.  

These are some of the poses you can do during your first trimester:
  Mountain Pose (Tadasana)
The Mountain Yoga Pose promotes the experience of stillness, strength, relaxed power, and immovable stability associated with mountains. This yoga posture, and coming back to this stillness after other poses, is one of the ways of becoming acquainted with stillness.
  Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)
In Hindu art, the triangle is a potent symbol for the divine principle, and it is frequently found in the yantras and mandalas used for meditation. The Trikonasana or Triangle Pose concludes the Yoga Postures in our basic session.
  Warrior Pose
The Warrior Pose stretches and strengthens the arms and legs, increases stamina, improves balance and concentration, and can also relieve backaches. If you are suffering from diarrhea, high blood pressure or neck problems, you should take extra caution practicing this pose.
  Standing Side Stretch Pose
The Standing Side Stretch is another Yoga Pose with two lines of energy radiating outward from your center. This is a simple Yoga Posture with a wonderful stretch in which one line of energy reaches upward from your belly and outward through the arm, and one line travels downward through the legs.
 Standing Spread Leg Forward Bend
Practicing the Standing Spread Leg Forward Fold can strengthen and stretch your inner and back legs and your spine. People with lower back problems should avoid doing the full forward bend. For beginners, you may use props like a folding chair to support your forearms.
  Seated Forward Bend (Paschimothanasana)
Relax your body and mind, stretch your hamstrings, shoulders, and spine, relieve stress, and improve your posture and concentration by practicing the Seated Forward Bend. Learn how to do this properly and achieve maximum results.
  Hero Pose (Virasana)
One of the fundamental seated postures is the Hero Pose. This serves as the initial position for several Asanas. It strengthens the arches of the feet, stretches the ankles, and improves posture. This Yoga Pose is ideal for people who have flat feet.
  Spread Leg Forward Fold (Upavista Konasana)
The Spread Leg Forward Fold is a Yoga Posture which works primarily on the hamstrings and adductors. This energizes the body and promotes inner calmness. In this section, know more about this exercise and learn how to perform it properly.
 Fish Yoga Pose
Doing the Fish Pose relieves stiffness of the neck and shoulder muscles and improves flexibility of your spine. It is the counter-pose of the Shoulderstand. Hold the Fish Pose for at least half the amount of time you spent in the Shoulderstand in order to balance the stretch.
  Cat Pose (Bidalasana)
The Cat Yoga Pose teaches you to initiate movement from your center and to coordinate your movement and breath. These are two of the most important themes in Yoga practice. Keep in mind that the Cat Pose may not be advisable if you have any chronic or recent back pain or injury.
  Head Stand (Sirshasana)
Headstand is one of the basic Yoga Postures in the world of Yoga and is considered as the king of Asanas because of its numerous effects on the entire body. Many Yogis believe that practicing the Headstand can help in treating illnesses.
 Tree Yoga Pose
The Tree Pose helps strengthen your thighs, calves, ankles and back. It can also increase the flexibility of your hips and groin. Your balance and concentration can also be improved with constant practice. This Yoga Pose is recommended for people who have sciatica and flat feet.
  Plough Pose (Halasana)
The Plough Pose stretches your spine, thus, improving spinal flexibility. It benefits the thyroid gland and abdomen, eases tension in the shoulders and back, and reduces stress. Learn how to practice the Plough Pose in this section.
  Sage Twist Yoga Pose (Marichyasana)
Also called Marichi’s Yoga Pose, the Sage Twist Pose benefits the abdominal organs and spine. Avoid doing this pose if you have chronic spine or back injury. Also, perform this only under the supervision of a Yoga instructor. Learn how to do the Sage Twist in this section.
  Shoulder Lifts
Many people hold tension in their necks and shoulders, leading to stiffness, bad posture, and tension headaches. Yoga practice can ease tension, increase flexibility, and tone the muscles. This section covers the steps on how to practice Shoulder Lifts.
  Neck Exercises
Many people hold tension in their necks and shoulders, leading to stiffness, bad posture, and tension headaches. Yoga practice can ease tension, increase flexibility, and tone the muscles. Learn some Neck Exercises in this section.
 Ujjayi Breathing Technique
According to the ancient yogic text, Ujjayi can help protect you from a host of diseases by getting rid of excess phlegm, wind or bile. Learn how to perform this challenging breathing technique by following the guidelines found in this article.
 Corpse Pose
The Corpse Yoga Pose is considered as a classic relaxation pose and is practiced before or in between Asanas as well as a Final Relaxation. While it looks deceptively simple, it is actually difficult to perform. Learn more on how to do it with the help of this article.

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I have been practicing yoga for the last year and currently, I started a Pilates and Yoga Fusion class. It always feels good after class after an hour of relaxation and meditation. I started doing yoga because I used to have back pains that didnt seem to go away. Yoga helped me get rid of it and then some. Pilates, however, is new to me. As we were practicing yesterday, I noticed that Pilates really focuses on the core (read: around the abs). So I wondered whether if it was a good idea to do yoga and/or pilates when trying to conceive and during pregnancy.  A little googling told that both practices are safe and that they’re actually recommended for pregnant women! Well, there I go. I’ll try to post more about this topic later.

  Implantation Bleeding:  - Nope.

Implantation bleeding can be one of the earliest pregnancy symptoms. About 6-12 days after conception, the embryo implants itself into the uterine wall. Some women will experience spotting as well as some cramping.

Other Explanations: Actual menstruation, altered menstruation, changes in birth control pill, infection, or abrasion from intercourse.

Delay/Difference in Menstruation: - YES!!!, still waiting for it

A delayed or missed menstruation is the most common pregnancy symptom leading a woman to test for pregnancy. When you become pregnant, your next period should be missed. Many women can bleed while they are pregnant, but typically the bleeding will be shorter or lighter than a normal period.

Other Explanations: Excessive weight gain/loss, fatigue, hormonal problems, tension, stress, ceasing to take the birth control pill, or breast-feeding.

Swollen/Tender Breasts:  - NO.

Swollen or tender breasts is a pregnancy symptom which may begin as early as 1-2 weeks after conception. Women may notice changes in their breasts; they may be tender to the touch, sore, or swollen.

Other Explanations: Hormonal imbalance, birth control pills, impending menstruation (PMS) can also cause your breasts to be swollen or tender.

Fatigue/Tiredness: - Not Really.

Feeling fatigued or more tired is a pregnancy symptom which can also start as early as the first week after conception.

Other Explanations: Stress, exhaustion, depression, common cold or flu, or other illnesses can also leave you feeling tired or fatigued.

Nausea/Morning Sickness: I feel sick sometimes, but haven’t really puked.

This well-known pregnancy symptom will often show up between 2-8 weeks after conception. Some women are fortunate to not deal with morning sickness at all, while others will feel nauseous throughout most of their pregnancy.

Other Explanations: Food poisoning, stress, or other stomach disorders can also cause you to feel queasy.

Backaches: - Yes, but I think it’s because of the way I sit at work

Lower backaches may be a symptom that occurs early in pregnancy; however, it is common to experience a dull backache throughout an entire pregnancy.

Other Explanations: Impending menstruation, stress, other back problems, and physical or mental strains.

Headaches: Yes. But headaches are normal for me

The sudden rise of hormones in your body can cause you to have headaches early in pregnancy.

Other Explanations: Dehydration, caffeine withdrawal, impending menstruation, eye strain, or other ailments can be the source of frequent or chronic headaches.

Frequent Urination: - Nope.

Around 6-8 weeks after conception, you may find yourself making a few extra trips to the bathroom.

Other Explanations: Urinary tract infection, diabetes, increasing liquid intake, or taking excessive diuretics.

Darkening Aerolas: Yeah, a little.

If you are pregnant, the skin around your nipples may get darker.

Other Explanations: Hormonal imbalance unrelated to pregnancy or may be a leftover effect from a previous pregnancy.

Food Cravings: nope.

While you may not have a strong desire to eat pickles and ice cream, many women will feel cravings for certain foods when they are pregnant. This can last throughout your entire pregnancy.

Other Explanations: Poor diet, lack of a certain nutrient, stress, depression, or impending menstruation.

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As posted last week, I was supposed to start menstruating last Friday (according to my FEMTA calendar), so when we went camping this weekend, I brought tons of tampons and maxipads just in case. It didn’t come. I was glad that I didn’t have to worry about it while we hiked, but I am a little miffed by the fact that it did not come ‘on schedule’ - again! It’s been 3 days now and I’m yet to feel the bloody hell (almost literally). I knew I wasnt preggers but since it’s been 3 days late, I reluctantly decided to do the test, and of course, it came out negative. I called my health care provider earlier to hook me up with an OB/Gyn to provide me some answers, instead I got redirected to an infertility clinic. WTF?