tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14524206689452523072024-03-20T15:26:59.805-07:00Multiple Chemical SurvivorLiving and Surviving with Multiple Chemical SensitivityThe Multiple Chemical Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459073982236135107noreply@blogger.comBlogger727125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452420668945252307.post-60280466564432903712023-12-31T09:59:00.000-08:002023-12-31T10:02:15.928-08:002023: Review and Resolution<p> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtorF1BEO42LrraJ4pq1G0yN5lcWX28aIXTWpOK-RGNRw_-wFfk_93j2nYc_FR2StgCV3PURh-0Wi_cpIet_DVc6MG1Dnpm_12hRv_F7caSc6LONa224-LcrkVpQtGKAfrrF1FPhsm5AErf291VZAYEJnvqBowLS1wkNgRlqNn6odPJYoaXYHS1vUahxE/s1568/Confetti.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="1568" height="93" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtorF1BEO42LrraJ4pq1G0yN5lcWX28aIXTWpOK-RGNRw_-wFfk_93j2nYc_FR2StgCV3PURh-0Wi_cpIet_DVc6MG1Dnpm_12hRv_F7caSc6LONa224-LcrkVpQtGKAfrrF1FPhsm5AErf291VZAYEJnvqBowLS1wkNgRlqNn6odPJYoaXYHS1vUahxE/w400-h93/Confetti.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There is so much to be said about 2023! Let's get started:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>EXCELLENT STUFF:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">ART FESTIVALS, MARKETS, AND OTHER SUMMER EVENTS: I've written a whole post on this called "The Escape Plan". It was wonderful, fun, exhausting, lucrative and kept me busy all summer. I got rid of a lot of art and made way more money than I could have imagined.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">EBAY: I also wrote about eBay on the "The Escape Plan" post. If you need to get rid of "stuff", eBay is the place to go! It's a very steep learning curve, but once you survive it, it's very easy. If you enjoy thrifting, using this venue to resell can make you a lot of money.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">ART: Doing art has always been life-affirming. It's great entertainment. I spent all year decorating envelopes, painting rocks, painting canvases, painting watercolors, painting frames, and painting signs. I had two commissions this year: one an acrylic canvas and the second a watercolor wedding portrait. Currently I'm painting sand dollars!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">PEN PALLING: I have a great group of pen pals. It's been fun decorating envelopes for them. I appreciate their friendship and conversation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">FRAGRANCE FREE PEOPLE: I appreciate anyone I come into contact with who doesn't stink.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">HEALTH CARE: For most of the year I avoided doctors and that always serves me well. At the end of the year I found a new health care practitioner. She seems wonderful, new, eager, open-minded. However, I've only had one appointment and I know they usually fail by the third appointment. For now this is a win and I'm hopeful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">FREE STUFF: I'm still getting free stuff at the local Christian thrift store, just not as much as they've cracked down. They are now taking time to clean and fix things rather than throw them in the free pile. Darn it all. Still, I've gleaned some excellent things throughout the year and years before. Christmas cards, for one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">CHRISTMAS CARDS: The free store is always putting Christmas cards in the free pile. Prior to Christmas I had about 300. This year I gather them up and sent them to three different senior care centers! I figured there are lots of people in these assisted living places who don't have family or friends and might like a cheerful Christmas card. It makes me feel good to imagine they might be giving someone Christmas joy.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2u8vFvozWQbP3hSCQzEdloTvjkYn_I2k6_yPipEEthpUZwZi8KpUZs-3GTkcrK5i5Kkic2UWWWEh_08tjjKybkueYVD56TUze8vYTp3T-oLWgbTwguAsy7odnsXCyV-WoccFIg0J_ugyg9_hOCdZmKZ9FNFtm4B8JREIj9isYabEi-nGv2jNO00gvRVw/s530/cupcake.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="434" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2u8vFvozWQbP3hSCQzEdloTvjkYn_I2k6_yPipEEthpUZwZi8KpUZs-3GTkcrK5i5Kkic2UWWWEh_08tjjKybkueYVD56TUze8vYTp3T-oLWgbTwguAsy7odnsXCyV-WoccFIg0J_ugyg9_hOCdZmKZ9FNFtm4B8JREIj9isYabEi-nGv2jNO00gvRVw/s320/cupcake.jpg" width="262" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>HO HUM, IN THE MIDDLE, NOT GOOD/NOT BAD OR BOTH STUFF:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">POST OFFICE: Selling on eBay and pen palling means I am subjected to the postal abuse too often. A lot of the time the postal workers are wonderful and helpful. Other times my letters never arrive and no one seems to know what has happened to them. Really? Tracking is useless. If the package or item disappears, even enroute, there doesn't seem to be anything they can do! It's just gone! Very irritating.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">HEALTH DIAGNOSIS: I was finally diagnosed with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. This isn't a surprise as MCAS has been linked to both MCS and Hashimoto's along with allergies and food sensitivities. It all goes together, unfortunately. It seems to be the answer to all my symptoms that every doctor in the last twenty years didn't seem to understand or had no answers. Ah ha! This should probably go under "Bad Stuff", but it's is good to finally have a diagnosis so I know what it is, but it sucks to have it. I've started a low-histamine diet and attempting a very expensive prescription. We'll see. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">NEW HOME SEARCH: What a hassle, but hopeful!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>BAD STUFF:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">VEHICLES: Oh the horror! Trying to buy a vehicle when one is chemically sensitive is a nightmare. I did find a non-smelly salesperson who I really like. He seems to have a keen sense of smell until he desperately wants to sell me a car that has already been detailed with stink then all of a sudden he claims he's had a cold so forgive his zero sense of smell. Totally untrustworthy for a buck. On top of that, used vans are rare...there are few and far between. If I want to order a new van (which I don't), I'd have to order it and it takes a year to get! Wow! On top of THAT (!) my old van is now so old it's leaking! What a hassle. My old van has been the best vehicle I've ever owned, but I waited too long to sell it. On top of THAT (!!), my adorable Scion IQ is so old and the model is no longer made so finding parts is a challenge. Damn. She may need to be sold as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">DEATH: Old friends are dying! I tend to stalk my old friends as a way to catch up and stay in the loop. One hadn't posted anything for a while which is very odd. She died! So discombobulating. I went to tell another mutual friend we had and she has just been diagnosed with cancer and has been given two months to live. It's freaking me out. It's making me sell stuff and clean out my house much faster!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>2024 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS: Stay alive...MOVE! It's going to be a great year!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJy3w7c-RdUjf1X0igX4tL7rvufL6I4WOEhAzCxThgz_w6QKryTQDrJHtJQHejBKA-xCR8a5JekRPvaG7IMtSZqs9ZQ8y0LTHlcsw0aJUBSr0apT3zWx6HC134gT4b3j-0tRPvl5O-whVONS2seOi0e_FJBdESFIzCkijSZjkigs5wii3b5Yli4AONIVM/s705/balloons%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="705" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJy3w7c-RdUjf1X0igX4tL7rvufL6I4WOEhAzCxThgz_w6QKryTQDrJHtJQHejBKA-xCR8a5JekRPvaG7IMtSZqs9ZQ8y0LTHlcsw0aJUBSr0apT3zWx6HC134gT4b3j-0tRPvl5O-whVONS2seOi0e_FJBdESFIzCkijSZjkigs5wii3b5Yli4AONIVM/s320/balloons%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><p></p>The Multiple Chemical Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459073982236135107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452420668945252307.post-34467262456151001052023-12-27T09:22:00.000-08:002023-12-31T09:07:09.714-08:00The Escape Plan<p> </p><p><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4F3V1aMe3JImOVH-LabebtzS33Mgb80HyhJXJEAZ3rymOwfVbngZLaiqCmA5x3Ifr2yA9YO5fS7Oi6dITq1J4rgYgRBIdSJnt3SyUWbkDm6Z00vZJXr5hOM1cKyI_imN-Ordmo0UjtElCkG5LnmObV0s904VOc8ZDVtz4vQuuiGdquXWx6aaXoKL-pQ/s776/House,%20Pink.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="776" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4F3V1aMe3JImOVH-LabebtzS33Mgb80HyhJXJEAZ3rymOwfVbngZLaiqCmA5x3Ifr2yA9YO5fS7Oi6dITq1J4rgYgRBIdSJnt3SyUWbkDm6Z00vZJXr5hOM1cKyI_imN-Ordmo0UjtElCkG5LnmObV0s904VOc8ZDVtz4vQuuiGdquXWx6aaXoKL-pQ/w200-h200/House,%20Pink.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span><br />Another year come and gone! As I review my 2022 New Year's Resolution in preparation to write my review of 2023, I pondered the goal of "plan escape". Did I succeed? Did I plan my escape?</span></div><p></p><p>I have planned my escape for eighteen years. Between bad neighbors with barking dogs, smelly laundry, inconsiderate rudeness, and houses that are just too close, the lack of basic community amenities like competent health care, organic food, decent phone service or postal service, and an overabundance of wet, damp and mold that I'm sure has contributed to some of my health issues, I have longed to escape, Rathole, my hell hole. I have dreamed of a place that is chemically sensitive aware, dry, warm, inexpensive with real health care and organic food. My state is one of the more expensive places to live although I didn't realize this until I started looking around.</p><p>I stayed where I am for so long for many reasons. First, was to gain equity in the house and property so it would end up a good investment and not a waste of money. Second, wait until I was retired. Third, save money. Fourth, find courage. Fifth, it's just difficult and usually unsafe to move. The past attempts have taught me that. In addition, over the years the world has intervened: economic recessions and depressions and then the pandemic. But is there a perfect place for me? Is it even possible to find a safe home?</p><p>I've decided to take a risk and venture forth! 2024 will be my year to move! How to proceed and take steps forward?</p><p>So 2023, I started planning and taking action. First, by trying to sell things. I went through all my closets and brought storage into the light. Good god, I have a lot art projects hidden away from view! Art has been my entertainment in seclusion. It keeps me sane and cognitively occupied. For years I was unable to attend festivals or markets since in-person selling was deemed too toxic. What do I do with all this boxed art and other unnecessary possessions I've hoarded over a lifetime?</p><p>My friends kept telling me to attempt Etsy. So I did. What a waste of money! First, they require you pay for every listing which sounds cheap until it starts adding up. Second, then if one wants things to actually sell, one must pay to market your items. After four months, I sold nothing. Now, I recognized at the time maybe my art is just ugly so I found the whole Etsy experience to be discouraging if not self-esteem damaging.</p><p>Then I decided I needed to sell my art history library, my expensive collection of coffee table and scholarly books, with the goal when it's gone I can move. Everyone said try eBay. I've always been leery of online anything. In fact I've never purchased anything from eBay or Etsy in my life, but I dove in head first. I got the feel for it with Etsy. Would eBay be more difficult or easier?</p><p>The eBay learning curve was hellishly steep! Trying to figure out how to work the shipping with all its rules and requirements was daunting. The scams and possible problems made the my probation stressful. After too many learning glitches, I figured it all out! Once I had all the items listed which is the time consuming part, all I do now is wait for something to sell, pack it and ship it. Done! eBay does all the finances and deposits money into my bank account! How wonderful is that? Some people make up to $6,000 a month reselling things! I'm just selling my personal junk, but every dollar counts.</p><p>Things started selling immediately!! I didn't realize a lot of those art history books were limited edition collector publications going for $75, $100, and $200!! Others were just plain and old but still sold for $10, $25, $45...better than nothing! So far I've sold about 75 books. </p><p>Along with listing 150 art history books, I listed personal possessions. Some of these possessions I've had all my life. Selling personal items that were sentimental was a little more difficult, but at the same time freeing. I kept thinking how wonderful part of my history was getting a new owner and start a new history. I sold my Girl Scout necklace, all my Partridge Family memorabilia, old records, dolls, jewelry, clothes, purses, travel mementos, collections and even free things I would find at yard sales and thrift stores. It amazes me what people buy and how much they are willing to pay for shipping! It's been really fun, cleansing, and surprisingly lucrative!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7ZbHHeBEgfcvmjVCayMltzy5a2rGRGQjAVjhC7ih77hT_5avCihVTFzPRFbP1wRxFEUZ7KKDPwwDVNydnMERI5ju7yG6fzCmaBrLjQrMU-ddcsiga2lYxxkciw8YD7_cgVJG0LoEstquwPwSLUMG73uGDOwLHTtvmvh88Uat43pMFJgpsWW94eeiJg8/s2592/IMG_8339.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7ZbHHeBEgfcvmjVCayMltzy5a2rGRGQjAVjhC7ih77hT_5avCihVTFzPRFbP1wRxFEUZ7KKDPwwDVNydnMERI5ju7yG6fzCmaBrLjQrMU-ddcsiga2lYxxkciw8YD7_cgVJG0LoEstquwPwSLUMG73uGDOwLHTtvmvh88Uat43pMFJgpsWW94eeiJg8/s320/IMG_8339.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />My next step was to sell the art stored in boxes in the back of closets. Etsy didn't work so well, but maybe I can do one summer art show and sell for cheap just to unload? I felt pretty intimidated due to my Etsy experience, but I ventured forth courageously and signed up for a local artist tour. I was hoping to get rid of my 200 painted rocks and 30 glass mosaics. I harassed two friends as helpers. One would be my assistant should a smelly buyer approach and the other would be in the booth next to me to serve as a partition from other vendors who might be selling smelly products. My booth was outside so plenty of fresh air and cleansing breeze. I sold way more than I ever thought I would, but I admit I priced things really low. More importantly, I survived! <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPgBNOPi1K0JHOG6P_xTIWE6lzIDsvLWlI6dcCmxiQweoiB5nbJ-4ws7YTxAqPLJCVaVosL3PACneN758s8SHaYfmpMFRmOBCv_l6vvm4SAxZq7_IdAIso00puVfBc46pf4g-AsCk3BavxRWmU-HSFHuxfC0QalUhTuWL7A2tQFd6JVu7EiXa-6Y_8Rg/s2592/IMG_8316.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPgBNOPi1K0JHOG6P_xTIWE6lzIDsvLWlI6dcCmxiQweoiB5nbJ-4ws7YTxAqPLJCVaVosL3PACneN758s8SHaYfmpMFRmOBCv_l6vvm4SAxZq7_IdAIso00puVfBc46pf4g-AsCk3BavxRWmU-HSFHuxfC0QalUhTuWL7A2tQFd6JVu7EiXa-6Y_8Rg/s320/IMG_8316.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Realizing I could survive selling at art tours, markets and festivals, I started signing up for every weekend selling opportunity all summer long. My rules were it had to be outside, I had to have space around my booth. Often these booths are packed in like sardines and too close for comfort. Sometimes this required I purchase two booth fees and situate my canopy in the middle. The booth fee had to be relatively low so I would at least recoup its cost. I also requested I not be placed next to stink: scented soaps, incense, air fresheners, candles, essential oils. Most event planners ignored me, some attempted to accommodate me although since they didn't understand didn't succeed, and one was perfect, placing me on the corner outside away from others with a non-smelly vendor selling t-shirts right next to me.<p></p><p>I found I had a closet full of frames and another full of unused canvases. My goal was to unload anything I could. I started building inventory using anything I had. I ripped up sketchbook sketches and framed them. I starting doing watercolor paintings to use the frames, painting the frames, and painting the canvases. I even sold many of the watercolor sketches I've used to illustrate this blog! I used my collection of hoarded gift bags, tissue paper and recycled bubble wrap to wrap sold items.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UGvYRgn-yEicfpQcx0o4PDKHoQbxeIYIxoQH0IaaQhI5zAtQ2ZDUogY-VcHvmdfp7-nP5KqFtNaYqqyedBKRVPkUg4NWgA_l8nFUo0PCrXEhsQ3WA3hrXggZAOTQC0Lvr5i1CnTflJOuy8YJPMYi9m4Be90WlZ2Bo9c7fQIP54gFs_SfpMICSAfccBs/s2592/IMG_8264.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UGvYRgn-yEicfpQcx0o4PDKHoQbxeIYIxoQH0IaaQhI5zAtQ2ZDUogY-VcHvmdfp7-nP5KqFtNaYqqyedBKRVPkUg4NWgA_l8nFUo0PCrXEhsQ3WA3hrXggZAOTQC0Lvr5i1CnTflJOuy8YJPMYi9m4Be90WlZ2Bo9c7fQIP54gFs_SfpMICSAfccBs/s320/IMG_8264.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Wow! It was fun, exhausting, lucrative, and productive. I watched happily as my boxes emptied and after each weekend my van became less packed. I lost about 15 lbs and got a lot of exercise hauling boxes, a canopy, tables and cement blocks. I met a lot of people. I even received a few commissions but I limited those as my goal was to rid myself of art I already had rather than create more art. Still, I used the canvases for the commissions. I encountered very few perfume wearers and when I did, stepped upwind to make sure the breeze carried the stench away. Several people asked me if I would teach classes and I had to decline. I can't be in an enclosed, inside room with stinkers.<p></p><p>Next I am attempting Facebook Marketplace for items I can't or don't want to ship for fear of breakage or furniture that is just too big.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVl3_p5E9FuPiaYVUeIr-a589fMz7Fh32FeGZsLfp0fX8f4c_O6-7PDO1OjeyinIfk3LfqiAR5eT6riZulYkxVvda98vHuXw4tK6nBNvQRm3PBEAK2g97p_UeYXhmGK4dtUW0OmzDpGRrU63hFurItM4gC7gXy9LYbJpCKQZqA4rB8PrY5Z0JJywP0T3c/s1160/Chair,%20yellow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="825" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVl3_p5E9FuPiaYVUeIr-a589fMz7Fh32FeGZsLfp0fX8f4c_O6-7PDO1OjeyinIfk3LfqiAR5eT6riZulYkxVvda98vHuXw4tK6nBNvQRm3PBEAK2g97p_UeYXhmGK4dtUW0OmzDpGRrU63hFurItM4gC7gXy9LYbJpCKQZqA4rB8PrY5Z0JJywP0T3c/s320/Chair,%20yellow.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br />2023 was a great year for escape planning and action! I also had my tarot cards read and they said I'm in the planning and thinking stage, taking steps preparing for action. Yep! Next year the cards say I am moving. I cried when I heard that!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13wOpVMGNGQ0xEdVxx9dUsfJQwMwjIUu1UY35qt4wUpeShkkuayo5XQ0svrb_erY7MRejuY5oP-FgC5X-uP9NfIqxzaKV_dXRMicgEpdCx2MhU1YLCXiLZJQSkj1LnIBOc3kEnXmAPTs99JsUc_CPsG_J6PgcNQFzWZOU2IA_GKa9nF1GkzH2t0O2IhM/s1568/Confetti.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="1568" height="74" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13wOpVMGNGQ0xEdVxx9dUsfJQwMwjIUu1UY35qt4wUpeShkkuayo5XQ0svrb_erY7MRejuY5oP-FgC5X-uP9NfIqxzaKV_dXRMicgEpdCx2MhU1YLCXiLZJQSkj1LnIBOc3kEnXmAPTs99JsUc_CPsG_J6PgcNQFzWZOU2IA_GKa9nF1GkzH2t0O2IhM/s320/Confetti.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>The Multiple Chemical Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459073982236135107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452420668945252307.post-65251389087884837292023-12-08T07:45:00.000-08:002023-12-08T21:11:17.879-08:00Summertime Humanity Overload<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKkdDRcpqUC9EUaG4c8QEcrqVJT7NsTLAC-F8F7WJdX3D08iB7gq3GrHNABE8KmBPZsaD0dO1f5liJcICDY8QsDwPMv85P7HGvT8gO0Wq3aN3ukPjy_yubfOp6m-Ce7BttQHFRK4Sq41ocH6xj0pMBMoCTxgRSlXVscSG3sA_XiqI5DWWF3yxDZN1Jrg/s2592/IMG_8263.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKkdDRcpqUC9EUaG4c8QEcrqVJT7NsTLAC-F8F7WJdX3D08iB7gq3GrHNABE8KmBPZsaD0dO1f5liJcICDY8QsDwPMv85P7HGvT8gO0Wq3aN3ukPjy_yubfOp6m-Ce7BttQHFRK4Sq41ocH6xj0pMBMoCTxgRSlXVscSG3sA_XiqI5DWWF3yxDZN1Jrg/s320/IMG_8263.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />It's December. Where did the year go? I haven't written a post in a YEAR! WOW!<p></p><p>Last summer I stepped out of my comfort zone and back into my old life, taking unnecessary risks with human encounters and living adventurously after existing too long as a hermit.</p><p>I'm in the process of trying to downsize and part of that includes getting rid of the hoards of boxes filled with art stored in my closet. Doing art over the years has provided a much needed entertainment in my reclusive life. It keeps me away from people. When the art project is done, it goes into a closet never to be seen again. I'm an amateur and I do art for entertainment so I've never really had the confidence to try to sell it, let alone face to face selling it with smelly people in my air space.</p><p>I decided to take the risk and signed up for an artist studio tour that welcomes other artists from outside the town to set up booths at locations. A museum in this town offered spaced at no cost! I didn't even need a canopy booth. But how do I protect myself should a buyer walk up to me smelling like a French whore?</p><p>I rallied two friends for help to provide buffers and a safety net. One was to be my assistant, and the other was going to sell her own art in the space next to me. My space was on the end so I was protected in a corner and we were outside with fresh air ventilation. I was still nervous. Would I be poisoned? End up in a hospital in anaphylactic shock? Sick for weeks? It had been a long time of isolation since my last bad exposure. Am I being unrealistic?</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6a3U2HU5cMEdcvxZ99dn_LeIeBcEPnV1Gxnt415PgwljAFMlW3y-gzBSCOanjcZwlTl1IGdH9fkUufB3MYlOCOiqJSpi8nFOOGu5XB_m6ACFSEzGI3oBRVYo_4nF5ZjoU0m4TSWpjXakNR6FfG1j0XECyDlbMgyUyMEOFVhmiV_9Z2WZg47MxoJwEufM/s2592/IMG_8264.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6a3U2HU5cMEdcvxZ99dn_LeIeBcEPnV1Gxnt415PgwljAFMlW3y-gzBSCOanjcZwlTl1IGdH9fkUufB3MYlOCOiqJSpi8nFOOGu5XB_m6ACFSEzGI3oBRVYo_4nF5ZjoU0m4TSWpjXakNR6FfG1j0XECyDlbMgyUyMEOFVhmiV_9Z2WZg47MxoJwEufM/s320/IMG_8264.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>My first challenge was getting a real cell phone! Wow! I've only had Tracfones my whole life mainly because I hate phones in general, but cell phones give me headaches. I've tried to avoid EMFs as much as possible since MCSers are susceptible to exposure. New cell phones are a steep learning curve! Not only that I had to add apps for credit card payments, etc. Wow! It's a whole new world!</p><p>The second challenge was my assistant's family came down with COVID days before the event. Really? She was not infected and continuously took COVID tests to make sure. I threw all caution to the wind and said, "Come anyway. I can't do this without you!" We wore our masks all day not only to protect me from perfume exposure but as protection against COVID if in fact she was carrying any virus germs.</p><p>The stress was almost unbearable. I often wondered if I should have just thrown everything away instead of trying to "recycle" it by selling.</p><p>My instructions to my friends were code warnings if stinkers arrived. If they came into my friend's space first, her warning was to yell at me, "Do you want to go for pie after this?" Problem is she kept forgetting! Then I realized, she didn't even smell them! My assistant was instructed if anyone smelled to get between me and the buyer and say loudly, "If you have any questions, just ask." Fortunately, the only person who stunk all day was the owner of the museum and she didn't come out to peruse the art often. Regardless, the masks worked wonderfully.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHE_nJK_DKk57Q52ntLz0PtIz4Fc2eohqaTSmFkiA1Qp1qo39B_wev8ya7wHM4Tyvbo5GYSet5LdXorCT-hQN8_Rzdlgq-GZ4xQJfEK8zhWTFhcgKhY_hqSWVHL-AMRZhsHZSfi3FurDg9ipqqmgHw5MbqeXRTVWolg_j_KDzNPD_UrS6ikqrkJ5BycjE/s2592/IMG_8342.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHE_nJK_DKk57Q52ntLz0PtIz4Fc2eohqaTSmFkiA1Qp1qo39B_wev8ya7wHM4Tyvbo5GYSet5LdXorCT-hQN8_Rzdlgq-GZ4xQJfEK8zhWTFhcgKhY_hqSWVHL-AMRZhsHZSfi3FurDg9ipqqmgHw5MbqeXRTVWolg_j_KDzNPD_UrS6ikqrkJ5BycjE/s320/IMG_8342.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br />All went so well I wondered why I was ever stressed! I sold a mega amount of art. I was so encouraged by this, I signed up for festivals, markets and other craft-selling events all summer long! It was like having part of my old life back. I met a lot of other artists and made some friends. I continued to limit myself to outdoor events so fresh air was always ventilating my booth and I requested from event organizers to be placed on the edge and away from smelly products like scented candles, incense, essential oils, toxic air fresheners, and soaps. Sometimes I was accommodated, but sometimes not. From time to time, I did encounter some stinkers wearing perfume, smelly vendors too close, or smokers, but I donned my N95 mask and all was fine.</p><p>I guess all my reclusiveness paid off and has made me less reactive? I don't know. The experience was fun, productive, exhausting, exhilarating, and financially rewarding. It was a great summer!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGeylh1say026y0CQ1IbF9pT64_5PAharJLWYumzQch69oHGpxbJHo_bZatfavr6Whoyu35pcjVvwH_VOV-wCmrfneVQhPBC7tK17OwdnLy9bRF7t9wJWG4lKP3YWZR7D9ZCBZUpgsSzNIApB74EgvW2e36ojvQxcMohWCtb_4mtbvD5khbvEC7Zl_TY/s2592/IMG_8317.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGeylh1say026y0CQ1IbF9pT64_5PAharJLWYumzQch69oHGpxbJHo_bZatfavr6Whoyu35pcjVvwH_VOV-wCmrfneVQhPBC7tK17OwdnLy9bRF7t9wJWG4lKP3YWZR7D9ZCBZUpgsSzNIApB74EgvW2e36ojvQxcMohWCtb_4mtbvD5khbvEC7Zl_TY/s320/IMG_8317.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><br /><p><br /></p>The Multiple Chemical Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459073982236135107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452420668945252307.post-53202849328391321802023-12-08T06:52:00.000-08:002023-12-08T21:08:38.827-08:00REMOVE YOUR FUCKING SHOES!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGejD7s7k2zzghUdDqcq0knTqz5_aPPnqPVWwthcF_LSH_qBLpxtkMqqVapigw6GerLeBdQK2l4VLyxL8JVi8mQOpuoYuxj2DJsOTIu2M_LM0CHUQksrGMk2KP41OHvXB-ATsRYQG111JnpFGvZiwOvLRy0zs6a6qnAh43qp_x4DrwPOjIJhS34fza5c/s756/Pig.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="756" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGejD7s7k2zzghUdDqcq0knTqz5_aPPnqPVWwthcF_LSH_qBLpxtkMqqVapigw6GerLeBdQK2l4VLyxL8JVi8mQOpuoYuxj2DJsOTIu2M_LM0CHUQksrGMk2KP41OHvXB-ATsRYQG111JnpFGvZiwOvLRy0zs6a6qnAh43qp_x4DrwPOjIJhS34fza5c/s320/Pig.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />When people visit my house I expect them to remove their shoes before entering. This has been a lifelong practice because I grew up on a farm. Tracking mud and cow manure into the house would have gotten me killed back in the day after I would be expected to wash all the floors. Even though I don't live on a farm now, I still live in an area of the country where it rains constantly, mud is a daily phenonmenon, and I still hate cleaning floors.<p></p><p>Being chemically sensitive adds a twist. After reading about all the toxic garbage we track into our houses on our feet: herbicides, pesticides, dog shit, cat shit, gasoline, motor oil and any number of chemicals left on sidewalks, streets, and grassy lawns, I felt justified in my practice.</p><p>Trying to tell this to my visitors starts a war. They argue non-stop, often right through the visit. I offer clean slippers or socks in place of shoes, but they still argue. They demand reasons only as a delay tactic as after I give them reasons, they continue to argue. I have been told I am a failure at hospitality. Even after I've said removing shoes is a common tradition in Asian households, I've been told sarcastically, "Well, I'm not Asian."</p><p>I finally gave up. Some of my friends are no longer allowed at my house. New friends are warned in advance. If they don't want to remove their shoes, then don't come over. </p><p>Then there are the people who come over, very willing to remove their shoes, but they aren't wearing socks. Sorry, I don't want anyone's sweaty, fungal feet on my floors. One of my friends started arguing about how it's good for her feet to be barefoot on my floors. Ah, no. Gross. Or people with socks dirtier than their shoes. Ah, no. Really gross. Put the damn slippers on! </p><p>My final strategy designed to communicate my rule clearly is to hang a large sign on my door "REMOVE YOUR FUCKING SHOES!" I hope that's clear. I hope they can read. I have no confidence this sign will do the trick. It's easier to just avoid visitors with filthy feet who often stink.</p><p>There is no winning. It's better not to invite people over for a visit.</p><p>I recently came across an article that was totally vindicating entitled "The Dirty Truth About Taking Your Shoes Off at the Door" link <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/leave-germs-door-experts-asking-153426663.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/leave-germs-door-experts-asking-153426663.html">https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/leave-germs-door-experts-asking-153426663.html</a></p><p>Even in the comments, everyone is arguing!!</p>The Multiple Chemical Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459073982236135107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452420668945252307.post-23503252293865292962022-12-31T16:35:00.131-08:002023-01-05T06:07:39.486-08:002022: Review and Resolution<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xXyXeQJF8VwtbCzIrNRvJqsIvbOeCOu2b8MDkfWMVXkY8hFQYvihTTXkGfFzL9yv9Ys1j_J6l98iNG-QUZrPhFplyQpqVsOd5K9PvxPF-k4wdpqAT5nipzm_L6ZPLgjss1B1okrbFTrPPiie8t_ya3JG1l6sbnCmzqMfOQWeDY593Rv065nJrX98/s1568/Confetti.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="1568" height="93" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xXyXeQJF8VwtbCzIrNRvJqsIvbOeCOu2b8MDkfWMVXkY8hFQYvihTTXkGfFzL9yv9Ys1j_J6l98iNG-QUZrPhFplyQpqVsOd5K9PvxPF-k4wdpqAT5nipzm_L6ZPLgjss1B1okrbFTrPPiie8t_ya3JG1l6sbnCmzqMfOQWeDY593Rv065nJrX98/w400-h93/Confetti.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>GREAT THINGS:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">MONEY: Work was steady and outstanding, but more importantly, better clients and better projects. Free money was even better. A friend of mine recently said, "Money DOES buy happiness!" I agree. With money, a lot of stress goes away. Security is priceless.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">TECHNOLOGY: At the end of last year, I had the worst computer purchase possible with a HP desktop with AMD graphics. It was incompatible with everything. What a nightmare! I received no help from the store, returned it, bought another thinking it was that computer, bought new accessories and nothing would work. By January 1st returned the whole set up and desperately hoped a different computer with Intel graphics would be better. Such a difference! New computers (that work) are always wonderful and once I found a brand that wasn't substandard, it was spectacular. New, high tech printer is sensational. I love upgrading when everything works so quickly and efficiently.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">FREEBIES: I love freebies and I'm so thankful for the exceptional free junk I have gathered from the Free Store which allowed me to save money. This also provides an enormous amount of entertainment especially now when entertainment during a pandemic is so limited.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">SURVIVAL: I have managed so far to survive the pandemic and avoided getting any toxic vaccines or boosters.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">PEN PALLING: I rediscovered pen palling! I'm writing letters to women all over the United States, Canada, and Europe. It's much different than it was when I was young with sticker swaps and decorated envelopes and stationery. It's great entertainment for someone who is socially-impaired and secluded. It's not without its dangers. The other day a very generous pen pal sent me a whole envelope of scented stuff. I'm sure she didn't even realize it! It's a risk. Here are some of my wacky envelopes:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIjJBbdZmwE6Q9khtA7CUq-9lYK_pEamSBhpgoXJ-EKIwqj8X-luFn87HrelC9mHu1YRV65DSqaZINWJ8iehDaARdPabSpYtE4hXm_NEQb2yRq23DssVqbC95AEdoeKQmXcSDPAxVyAflzBtD0BCGurwPAt7R8p87Eib5MtHv3jRtEi_BRxop7XDt/s3326/Demon%20Dolls%20Zoom.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1819" data-original-width="3326" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIjJBbdZmwE6Q9khtA7CUq-9lYK_pEamSBhpgoXJ-EKIwqj8X-luFn87HrelC9mHu1YRV65DSqaZINWJ8iehDaARdPabSpYtE4hXm_NEQb2yRq23DssVqbC95AEdoeKQmXcSDPAxVyAflzBtD0BCGurwPAt7R8p87Eib5MtHv3jRtEi_BRxop7XDt/w400-h219/Demon%20Dolls%20Zoom.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpgJjtMfMG0cHu1SEdQrxzXIOl07idXfQjuEJVP3Co41SOBxtBpP7IG5WqxLWzkzomTW2R9TuppjA7wvsWcxwkbYwVrAFbz1Dqi7CJQwlxdO0J4h2vvYqi-0pjpC_jaj2dPJLPcogUP-0ER73yh1AIIbL2MQ30EPwL_2boRDdizvyXeDfvD66KW-1/s3520/Best%20Case%20Scenario.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2544" data-original-width="3520" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpgJjtMfMG0cHu1SEdQrxzXIOl07idXfQjuEJVP3Co41SOBxtBpP7IG5WqxLWzkzomTW2R9TuppjA7wvsWcxwkbYwVrAFbz1Dqi7CJQwlxdO0J4h2vvYqi-0pjpC_jaj2dPJLPcogUP-0ER73yh1AIIbL2MQ30EPwL_2boRDdizvyXeDfvD66KW-1/w400-h289/Best%20Case%20Scenario.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2KRjMsS-wyMpQ5BCeqkuOCWg9nrvEJ1wwDCuA9D0-ALeNKwj5R_JwTBSxIFfwzesQruxQLsX_-QKrXB4Q0v0sHn-52_yVW0uDImQI-cz5-ohOsmDA_NtnisZGGWw3HocYipSI7wzxERaiXFQWSX9qHz06VVZ-etiRGuo6iuV8HJf2ZMdwae0KumD/s3335/Eye%20Popping%20Oddities%20back%20Zoom.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="3335" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2KRjMsS-wyMpQ5BCeqkuOCWg9nrvEJ1wwDCuA9D0-ALeNKwj5R_JwTBSxIFfwzesQruxQLsX_-QKrXB4Q0v0sHn-52_yVW0uDImQI-cz5-ohOsmDA_NtnisZGGWw3HocYipSI7wzxERaiXFQWSX9qHz06VVZ-etiRGuo6iuV8HJf2ZMdwae0KumD/w400-h173/Eye%20Popping%20Oddities%20back%20Zoom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYPy0nVQgyAE6kFTMlj7Q9vxYHXqYQzHoakcaJqQH8g3yu-Msb2z6cKanDzocvBqtuAvNDIF-yYNkA_JV4h8lmWsmJeu0YN4WoR1qlv_twqefQ5keVYJ7utiKy2TDVj-ulDVCs69rNWxpUHyQOHKBKxthiOD4OFae7_RA8XOBVFArUjuxcp9Fa5DNI/s3101/Goth%20House%20Ghost%20Stairs%20Zoom.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17mvHOpGjG7jR3yhXokOXh2_FoRQYgkkfmNAuBTEwplcBcxbwCsPV0JzQFupRscfxFRZJh136HASL5AtQdei1ROi6ZE30ooIPN5mxeMK9FtlPkxV6RT2LlwT1M8LNsePDMiw9zGHwwaUfUtZQInZwvtU6ilbd3NNInJMm1TSWpMVDWCNYLs7H5-ri/s2447/Sharks%20Wake%20Up%20to%20Delicious%20Zoom.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1537" data-original-width="2447" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17mvHOpGjG7jR3yhXokOXh2_FoRQYgkkfmNAuBTEwplcBcxbwCsPV0JzQFupRscfxFRZJh136HASL5AtQdei1ROi6ZE30ooIPN5mxeMK9FtlPkxV6RT2LlwT1M8LNsePDMiw9zGHwwaUfUtZQInZwvtU6ilbd3NNInJMm1TSWpMVDWCNYLs7H5-ri/w400-h251/Sharks%20Wake%20Up%20to%20Delicious%20Zoom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJ4d52ym7UvDuuXy4F5OLLEd5xXD4gNtFK4yh7x0tBio7EqgTTST_FHLH9bG_g3wfdWW-p5n4eJGp6ZctSnfMy-ffrLlPcH8XtTHoewlvyU8aW_-ARZnNa0C6POX6uoRbj592DhbGBhYRBCPk5_HkM2smfy7Qsr4Wd81pUmiIxWLHHx7Ebq3NzUNc/s2826/Time%20Envelope%20Day%20Zoom.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1845" data-original-width="2826" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJ4d52ym7UvDuuXy4F5OLLEd5xXD4gNtFK4yh7x0tBio7EqgTTST_FHLH9bG_g3wfdWW-p5n4eJGp6ZctSnfMy-ffrLlPcH8XtTHoewlvyU8aW_-ARZnNa0C6POX6uoRbj592DhbGBhYRBCPk5_HkM2smfy7Qsr4Wd81pUmiIxWLHHx7Ebq3NzUNc/w400-h261/Time%20Envelope%20Day%20Zoom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"> </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>BAD THINGS:</b></div><div>HEALTH CARE: As usual I wasted a whole lot of money, encountered too many incompetent doctors, and got nothing in return for my torture and frustration. No answers, no remedies, no solutions.</div><div><br /></div><div>HEALTH INSURANCE: I've never paid so much money for insurance in my life, but in my rural area, our options are limited. The insurance company fails miserably at customer service and can never tell you what is covered and not. It's a ridiculous system that victimizes the vulnerable, but without options there is really nothing anyone can do.</div><div><br /></div><div>AGING: I hate getting old with my body and brain not functioning like it used to. Unfortunately, there is no way of getting around it.</div><div><br /></div><div>PEOPLE: Stinky people, horrible neighbors, the liars, the stupid, the lazy, the irritating, the obnoxious, and the disappointing especially during a pandemic that is clearly not over but these assholes are pretending it is which puts my life in danger.</div><div><br /></div><div>PANDEMIC: I've actually really loved the pandemic with the forced isolation, masking so I don't have to smell toxins, and free money. I have refused to be vaccinated due to immune issues and chemical poisoning. Several of my friends claim the vaccines have created health concerns. However, with the self-centered pretending it's over when it's not, it puts the vulnerable at risk so I'm constantly taking precautions. And the discrimination as if those of us who aren't vaccinated are going to compromise the health of others. Assholes. Then there is the crazy inflation with prices astronomically increasing. The other day my store had lettuce for $6.00 a head and cauliflower at $7.00 a pound! At this rate, we are all going to have to give up eating!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>SUMMARY: </b>It's been a pretty good year. Money rights a whole lot of wrongs!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>2023 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS: </b>AVOID DOCTORS, KEEP SURVIVING, PLAN ESCAPE, WALK DAILY, BE PATIENT, BE KIND</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVwPdrOZZ9yq2tpme062wpCvLUod3_pBOGuwNRX06BCbF7Yf5dkj5CA2mJ7QPOZrgSvTCIArmZOTs8jyJYl3uITt6UILnq6WmDeNKTIHyh9VkjCJBZIsL-p-O36qynoSWTUE5hWqhCZgM7jltGS6iOzUESETSywE9O2vek8rnHTWebjU00edf3svq/s745/balloon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="745" data-original-width="281" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVwPdrOZZ9yq2tpme062wpCvLUod3_pBOGuwNRX06BCbF7Yf5dkj5CA2mJ7QPOZrgSvTCIArmZOTs8jyJYl3uITt6UILnq6WmDeNKTIHyh9VkjCJBZIsL-p-O36qynoSWTUE5hWqhCZgM7jltGS6iOzUESETSywE9O2vek8rnHTWebjU00edf3svq/s320/balloon.jpg" width="121" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />The Multiple Chemical Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459073982236135107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452420668945252307.post-13330058051723423762022-11-15T04:59:00.000-08:002022-11-15T04:59:36.364-08:00Halloween Stink<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdpw5Fi_DpZVL5bgD9P42FXQcraP_ZUHeX5ZZQT4iJP50TK5pT2cBmDWtLru3h5V8XUH-W3zrAjrSo524uUv1wbzwz-OGbaxo9T4GX1FWFthOXGlwvSch3vwXTFO5puh1r-YQZrJyJcs9oiXxpd4TCSPJv1s1e3MM3vJwnPpyw379rl0Fgc1YE73t/s800/House,%20Red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="693" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdpw5Fi_DpZVL5bgD9P42FXQcraP_ZUHeX5ZZQT4iJP50TK5pT2cBmDWtLru3h5V8XUH-W3zrAjrSo524uUv1wbzwz-OGbaxo9T4GX1FWFthOXGlwvSch3vwXTFO5puh1r-YQZrJyJcs9oiXxpd4TCSPJv1s1e3MM3vJwnPpyw379rl0Fgc1YE73t/s320/House,%20Red.jpg" width="277" /></a></div><br />Don't you love your memories of childhood Halloween adventures? Dressing up in a costume, maybe some toxic make-up for effect, and at the end of the evening a bag of very unhealthy edibles to show for your effort? If you were really lucky (or in my case, unlucky), you'd get a visit to the local haunted house filled with shriek-able horrors. And the horrors never stop...<p></p><p>A friend sent me a newspaper article from her area of the country that featured Egan Escape Productions, a company that produces haunted houses around the USA. They have partnered with another company called AromaPrime. Yep, you guessed it! They are now scenting haunted houses. Not only can you have a heart attack from the adrenaline rushes of pure fright, but you can be poisoned! The article went on to say they had problems with the scents of vomit, rotting corpses, dentist offices, volcanoes, boiled or burning flesh, gunpowder, mold/mildew, etc., claiming they were too strong...haunted house victims were getting sick and vomiting all over the stage settings. </p><p>I wondered are they vomiting because the smells are bad or because they are being poisoned by the toxic chemicals used to make the scents?</p><p>Will this stupidity never end??</p>The Multiple Chemical Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459073982236135107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452420668945252307.post-42940560631294890212022-05-01T17:33:00.008-07:002022-05-07T08:40:27.662-07:00Pandemic Visitations<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4-tYUXG7bWQhN933wjLzjxk8REe7RYTjLmaynjMTc_7ouRy-bx3ZPqiLQeP0kWkK8i4oakETT3i3eeX0e1Q0fvILMfACZh9XhA73KYr5UyOBOKAHa8IBAl2buz3nHMmB8pPeN9lzfhu-Zniu9-8jZ63Lx0TJuewa0smCiDasNcNhp0zX8AtIJB-m/s776/House,%20Pink.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="776" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4-tYUXG7bWQhN933wjLzjxk8REe7RYTjLmaynjMTc_7ouRy-bx3ZPqiLQeP0kWkK8i4oakETT3i3eeX0e1Q0fvILMfACZh9XhA73KYr5UyOBOKAHa8IBAl2buz3nHMmB8pPeN9lzfhu-Zniu9-8jZ63Lx0TJuewa0smCiDasNcNhp0zX8AtIJB-m/w200-h200/House,%20Pink.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />That first year of the pandemic I allowed visitors into my house. I figured right after having the coronavirus myself, I might be safe for a time. No one knew anything, but most research said since it was a SARS virus, more than likely there would be some limited immunity if not permanent immunity.<p></p><p>As the variants began to develop, I cloistered myself a little more rigorously and those who visited were required to wear a mask and stay outside. Some friends argued and assured me they didn't have symptoms so they must not have COVID even though by this time it was clear not everyone has symptoms.</p><p></p>Then the vaccinations started. I considered getting vaccinated, but then came to my senses. This sounded like a really stupid idea for someone who is chemically sensitive with an autoimmune disease. Those of us unable or uncomfortable with vaccinations were then told we couldn't go into some public places or events without proof of vaccination. Some chemically sensitive people were told not to come to family functions or friendship gatherings because they weren't vaccinated. This felt like discrimination. Why were the vaccinated worried? It's the unvaccinated that should be worried, but now the vaccinated feel free to not wear masks.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-87uEh2j5uYqv1yMUlC2dBiv7RiJBTlwOHAyDk48qi9bQBUiLfj0UBnQ9dSDsFLdM2AnXQNRC9tZFocSlzBxm1y2O8xM8J3sLCV8iuu-DQRyUTQHVN-QaYRZH6kmZX2qFaqIMuOx6DUKqaCLAfkq9P4whWgXcWbMdEU1R5YgiGKr5w0_mG3ZTZ-rx/s7958/Syringe.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2352" data-original-width="7958" height="95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-87uEh2j5uYqv1yMUlC2dBiv7RiJBTlwOHAyDk48qi9bQBUiLfj0UBnQ9dSDsFLdM2AnXQNRC9tZFocSlzBxm1y2O8xM8J3sLCV8iuu-DQRyUTQHVN-QaYRZH6kmZX2qFaqIMuOx6DUKqaCLAfkq9P4whWgXcWbMdEU1R5YgiGKr5w0_mG3ZTZ-rx/s320/Syringe.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />Well, I can play that game, too! First, I stopped inviting people over even if they were masked and outside. Those who wanted to come for a visit and made that suggestion, I would ask, "Are you vaccinated?" <p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXurEQkhd_HxSj_LtEbPb7wHp_LHVCYxt1i1PfdUyaSwbAvEnkIAc32YUClEGq5k-l5klO2Hw0fP8E1CHLwllAVOEylAZ3PkK18H4MmLp1UDTONOEwxmadn9sCwlLbi_butFoDj1nYac1Up9kbD6GnV4Eik88TfUUUV_7vp12mKELZYzlAzpxpUusX/s838/Chess,%20horse.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="442" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXurEQkhd_HxSj_LtEbPb7wHp_LHVCYxt1i1PfdUyaSwbAvEnkIAc32YUClEGq5k-l5klO2Hw0fP8E1CHLwllAVOEylAZ3PkK18H4MmLp1UDTONOEwxmadn9sCwlLbi_butFoDj1nYac1Up9kbD6GnV4Eik88TfUUUV_7vp12mKELZYzlAzpxpUusX/w106-h200/Chess,%20horse.jpg" width="106" /></a>They would cheerfully say, "YES! I AM VACCINATED!" </p><p>I would reply, "Then you can't come over. I have no desire for you to breathe germs on me without any consideration for my safety."</p><p>My friends argue they don't have COVID, but without a test to confirm how would they know? Am I being passive aggressive and vindictive. Yes. Oh well. Some people are being reinfected three and four times. I don't want it a second time. One time is more than enough!</p><p>I have limited my out-of-the house excursions to the food co-op, the library, the free store and other locations where people are taking adequate precautions. This has worked for me. So far. I've been told by friends they believe their new health problems are directly related to the vaccines. Too bad.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILjrsmAjx3V2UV18pISQuHAPJmQEy8WyLbkkhVP_Vods9wJwru2hLqyKs6H_CYtiXnT_uoLtRCOAqGHiQb2OgE5ijWZPHpj-WRrgJfG4VvDHfDVbSkEw6w8znxYA0yq098raPdPTWflg7txUmT7iA-RZ2vERBp-_ET0kyPp23-eEFAUfE6wGqhp9b/s1032/Mask.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1032" data-original-width="786" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILjrsmAjx3V2UV18pISQuHAPJmQEy8WyLbkkhVP_Vods9wJwru2hLqyKs6H_CYtiXnT_uoLtRCOAqGHiQb2OgE5ijWZPHpj-WRrgJfG4VvDHfDVbSkEw6w8znxYA0yq098raPdPTWflg7txUmT7iA-RZ2vERBp-_ET0kyPp23-eEFAUfE6wGqhp9b/w153-h200/Mask.jpg" width="153" /></a></div><p></p><p>Now that all the masks mandates are over the pandemic is feeling over. It's not. The discrimination toward the unvaccinated is still happening. This disrespect is definitely not over. Free COVID tests are being given through the post office and handed out at libraries now. It's absolutely not over. A new study claims 42% of COVID deaths are people who ARE vaccinated. That's got to be a shocker to those dying. It's fucking not over.</p><p>I invited a friend of mine to go to an art tour with me then finally came to my senses and cancelled, but I suggested my friend come for a visit. To my house. In my air space. My friend is a nurse so I figured she might be more aware and therefore considerate, but also more exposed. I deliberated and ruminated about this. </p><p>My friend has given me free COVID tests and I know she has access to them. Maybe she will test herself before her arrival? That would be the logical thing to do. She didn't. By the time she thought of it, she was already on route. She did come planning to wear a mask the whole time. Thank you for your consideration, dear friend of mine.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj633t1aSikJ87U32h75SLs-yK7zGbsBcCmmkWElmRxEd6z7SyzTPH6fczTcfNRsK61rH2HtyYrX931HZl7r4WHDiCSGIHV-eHqeE9hVkLAAMorowEb42ASU3cIOKp1YjNZNIs07MoRYbU8ixADkDPeyvLXFeoUhs--4pruWRdrg9txLI7BCGdaAzNv/s7128/Covid%20Test.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4767" data-original-width="7128" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj633t1aSikJ87U32h75SLs-yK7zGbsBcCmmkWElmRxEd6z7SyzTPH6fczTcfNRsK61rH2HtyYrX931HZl7r4WHDiCSGIHV-eHqeE9hVkLAAMorowEb42ASU3cIOKp1YjNZNIs07MoRYbU8ixADkDPeyvLXFeoUhs--4pruWRdrg9txLI7BCGdaAzNv/w200-h134/Covid%20Test.png" width="200" /></a></div>So I suggested, why not use one of my tests, get tested, that way she wouldn't have to wear a mask the whole time and I wouldn't worry the whole time what she's breathing on me? She was all in and since we used one of the tests she gave me, she knew how to do it. Wow. The tests sure are much simpler than when I had that long Q-tip painfully shoved up my nose and into my brain! Fifteen minutes. She was negative and took off her mask. Hooray for my first visitor in a long time!<p>I didn't realize these tests expire. My new plan for anyone who wants to visit is to use the tests...before they expire!</p><p>Like everyone else, I'm looking forward to this pandemic being over!</p>The Multiple Chemical Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459073982236135107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452420668945252307.post-41945306839703595292022-04-30T07:04:00.003-07:002022-04-30T07:10:30.916-07:00My Favorite Holiday!<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Walpurgis Night to everyone! </span></p><p style="text-align: center;">Be sure to put a pile of cut grass on your doorstep so witches won't steal your loved ones!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtv_a9jXbFTRq0WRmBcev5C-Sh0IQu1WSTTPQz9fJ8u3S7GhyHzT5ENtuP2JcKtz8KzYrdTfjZEJEa-MJG0j4IuDkFbT3RH66OOhA2Zyzx7LeRkQiZBGPXw0z7kL9T6RJs5JatHP8PWdgQRVpc9pofKwjV3OvvwSiXibB8Ed6Uxn8vR1FPXM8RoBeQ/s1259/Demons.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="1259" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtv_a9jXbFTRq0WRmBcev5C-Sh0IQu1WSTTPQz9fJ8u3S7GhyHzT5ENtuP2JcKtz8KzYrdTfjZEJEa-MJG0j4IuDkFbT3RH66OOhA2Zyzx7LeRkQiZBGPXw0z7kL9T6RJs5JatHP8PWdgQRVpc9pofKwjV3OvvwSiXibB8Ed6Uxn8vR1FPXM8RoBeQ/s320/Demons.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Yeah, this isn't an illustration of witches, but I haven't used my demons for anything for a while and they were demanding some attention....<br /><p><br /></p>The Multiple Chemical Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459073982236135107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452420668945252307.post-66518804030097805002022-04-30T02:55:00.003-07:002022-05-07T08:41:54.651-07:00Hiking<p>I walk all the time at least once if not twice a day. Sometimes I go to other towns and locations and walk with friends, but mostly I walk in my neighborhood or in my town alone. Walking is a low-intensity exercise good for Hashimoto's and chemical sensitivity. It doesn't incite an autoimmune attack and gets me out in the fresh air. The only time I don't walk is if it could be dangerous: ice, monsoon winds or air pollution caused by any number of sources. Where I live the streets and neighborhoods are fairly flat. I've gotten quite bored with it so I expanded my horizons and headed for the hills!</p><p>I live in logging country so my little town is surrounded by forest. For miles and miles one can see rolling hills of greenery. It's quite lovely and the air is amazingly clean.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm87FqRCmoxeiaFjHBqbW49RWH2we-_klf84TfxWuf2vfPp5Cx1kD21Rz74vmXUryveWW_rQVvfl77xnImB-tPpvo9PUWrz66YlF5Izi7PC99j_kvXSLeTzycsq4Q_iH2QB6XENsrEHrXCWpY6qx2V7VwPaH8qqdg5ORnr-POQ93H1_37NpUxF0670/s1600/IMG_5317.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm87FqRCmoxeiaFjHBqbW49RWH2we-_klf84TfxWuf2vfPp5Cx1kD21Rz74vmXUryveWW_rQVvfl77xnImB-tPpvo9PUWrz66YlF5Izi7PC99j_kvXSLeTzycsq4Q_iH2QB6XENsrEHrXCWpY6qx2V7VwPaH8qqdg5ORnr-POQ93H1_37NpUxF0670/s320/IMG_5317.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSIq7M956aHIiN_6nIXUqOu5-CrtORImdzkWT1jDftAqCzOu3FEZ7infJMhZ-xpV3cVU2sGSvZP_3WbndVE7sryoKB49F-Xyc1mYiVb5V7yCT0UMEY2COcATvxPhLAnElbXCIPDLg0JCKZrJKuDbXEfEvz0xW4vLdqvDZJxoyohroAarRbYDqa2lW/s1600/IMG_5314.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSIq7M956aHIiN_6nIXUqOu5-CrtORImdzkWT1jDftAqCzOu3FEZ7infJMhZ-xpV3cVU2sGSvZP_3WbndVE7sryoKB49F-Xyc1mYiVb5V7yCT0UMEY2COcATvxPhLAnElbXCIPDLg0JCKZrJKuDbXEfEvz0xW4vLdqvDZJxoyohroAarRbYDqa2lW/s320/IMG_5314.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Humans have left their mark on this primaeval wilderness so the wilds are etched with logging roads that go for miles. They start at the highway, usually blocked by a large metal security gate, and head straight up the hill.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKPR2VmGGRJie-rj_tJRV6YhmBFeBXRjnpMPjqI-R0uRPeVCK2SitRXEACj2t4R_-abgmn9UC1Z8MXt-43h6cXtFw9NlcKFHceCDonBXPaRon-Z-ExfuHDi9YTcumvxYP67OBM-EgEWuSLjQ6c82hHwYbI0KOmthvtdOm-PB7xhlZlQFqmD25UNMv/s1600/IMG_5307.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKPR2VmGGRJie-rj_tJRV6YhmBFeBXRjnpMPjqI-R0uRPeVCK2SitRXEACj2t4R_-abgmn9UC1Z8MXt-43h6cXtFw9NlcKFHceCDonBXPaRon-Z-ExfuHDi9YTcumvxYP67OBM-EgEWuSLjQ6c82hHwYbI0KOmthvtdOm-PB7xhlZlQFqmD25UNMv/s320/IMG_5307.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are two kinds of roads. The first is graveled, well-used by logging trucks, maintenance trucks, property owners, and radio tower operators and marked with numbers at intersections. The second road style is grassy with tire ruts with off-shoots of overgrown ex-roads covered with grass, shrubs and sometimes blocked with sapling trees. I think it would be easy to get lost as these roads spider-web for miles. I've made many trips over the years to walk, pick berries, gather boulders (for my garden), or just escape.</div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydyy2RxOzrxpELmPNdaVOQkZzwa0WUbfS_kkIc0OBBW89lmXXlNsgAfYoxGrmwddQsUYHOTO6utOR7nSQCvHhULPuZjyKKg1U33tSsTkOX7yH_ykk8wnD7TgG0HqGfMmZpvzFT0M_bKD1vkU77jrvIg4QW1cCmBaQ7Mi4G_iDln8X9wu_WZoU9jAC/s1600/IMG_5301.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydyy2RxOzrxpELmPNdaVOQkZzwa0WUbfS_kkIc0OBBW89lmXXlNsgAfYoxGrmwddQsUYHOTO6utOR7nSQCvHhULPuZjyKKg1U33tSsTkOX7yH_ykk8wnD7TgG0HqGfMmZpvzFT0M_bKD1vkU77jrvIg4QW1cCmBaQ7Mi4G_iDln8X9wu_WZoU9jAC/s320/IMG_5301.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>My first (recent) foray into the wilderness I hiked only a half a mile, stopping about ten times to catch my breath and rest my tired leg muscles. It's a steady incline so it takes some stamina. I am now capable of walking straight up the hill for a mile or more without stopping. I still breathe hard and wonder if the exercise is too intense, but I know it's good for my COVID-scarred lungs, builds bones and strengthens muscles. I also read walking in woods is a dose of really good natural probiotics from all the decomposing material causing healthy microbacteria floating in the air.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dETqXhJOISKa9gPql-P-GsPJJyKs96iOt4v1vYRkENMB-jW6I-Pp5ZRZMys0dzwwT7z4_5UmU-ptCEhxegk_4EXf2Snc2pnzRYOGDN2zCRwUF0IJ-VjWu7CpKgSpMxnm6OX80U1so54ISIZZuurAEOTt4iFC2T1vRGUQ3beKdpKofINaoERjiPk1/s1600/IMG_5303.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dETqXhJOISKa9gPql-P-GsPJJyKs96iOt4v1vYRkENMB-jW6I-Pp5ZRZMys0dzwwT7z4_5UmU-ptCEhxegk_4EXf2Snc2pnzRYOGDN2zCRwUF0IJ-VjWu7CpKgSpMxnm6OX80U1so54ISIZZuurAEOTt4iFC2T1vRGUQ3beKdpKofINaoERjiPk1/s320/IMG_5303.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div>I've always been a little hesitant to walk the logging roads. There are wild animals in the woods! Cougars, coyotes, and bears, especially during the spring when the bears have little bears and can get very protective of their cubs. However, I'm more afraid of logging trucks than wildlife. And men....I'm more afraid of men than any animal or truck!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VH1TX6BVNSUuv_ES65sV5fSf021JtWEwqHqkmd66TPrArNjVl4rrn2C5yBWnLihrxucqi96AfMOlxxRhjDJ-ykE4tpwQ7z8qsQPqqY_vs2EwMqxirSXUFScBWhDhSahLiiyl1AgtJ1pICTqt97B49Env0abmu_eHZREC1xWcpCYTh9xg0MwXC4TL/s1600/IMG_5308.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VH1TX6BVNSUuv_ES65sV5fSf021JtWEwqHqkmd66TPrArNjVl4rrn2C5yBWnLihrxucqi96AfMOlxxRhjDJ-ykE4tpwQ7z8qsQPqqY_vs2EwMqxirSXUFScBWhDhSahLiiyl1AgtJ1pICTqt97B49Env0abmu_eHZREC1xWcpCYTh9xg0MwXC4TL/s320/IMG_5308.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>One of the logging company maintenance men was at one of the gates one day as I arrived and we began talking about the roads. He warned me of a homeless man who was a bit hostile and perhaps mentally ill. The logging company holds a lottery every year so that 300 people can get passes that cost $325 for the year. This gives them keys for gate access and they are able to hunt, fish, train search and rescue dogs, forage for food, camp, or live in vans up in the wilderness. </p><p>The week before I spoke with the maintenance guy I did hike past a man with a backpack coming down the hill on one of the little used grassy logging roads. I said, "Good morning." He replied, "Good morning, how are you?" I said, "I am wonderful. How are you? He said enthusiastically, "I am blessed by the Lord!" as he kept walking. Now I do think Christianity is a mental illness, but he seemed harmless enough. The maintenance man did admit he gave the homeless man a trespassing ticket for not having a pass...yeah, that might have made him hostile.</p><p>Still, as a precaution against mentally ill or bad behaving men, unmanaged dogs, angry mama bears, or hungry cougars, I take a stun gun with me. On occasion I hit the button by accident or even lean on it and it scares the beejeebies out of me. I've only used it once and that was on a loudly buzzing insect that circled me for about 100 feet and it worked just by pointing it. From what I understand it might pause a bear rather than scare it away so I have to aim for the snout or if the bear is gnawing on my arm or leg, hit her in the mouth. I am hoping it would annihilate a bad man or biting dog. I kind of look forward to trying it out!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dynrYKWLFyd1mQmG5lMQsiHjENcQX5ymB-Kgcq6yvboRxCPS9T-wW58I1SswgMiZ6m01Yt1kDLv4X9EtHixsA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p><br /></p><p></p>Most of the roads are lined with thick forest so they offer little in the way of scenery, but if I climb high enough there are views of the valley and of the town where I live. I love all the green! It amazes me and although I've lived in this area of the country for most of my life, I don't take it for granted.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHXEwGQhg1dR4S3zc2ow2Y8f5IDfuhZPTdz4fJkvFO9vU35QY8nCYQpxIazUKKYRdZVrpDuGnL7NnWvAG5CyShJ1OokHuEjzV3xGtAHPkhUgW_C-jYLFE_n-l0WdiDJZPfb21hyh6YdCpRndysxGTmbOPUhNkb3cpEsIVI97x-Q1wLY-jQmW9kBhC/s1600/IMG_5315.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHXEwGQhg1dR4S3zc2ow2Y8f5IDfuhZPTdz4fJkvFO9vU35QY8nCYQpxIazUKKYRdZVrpDuGnL7NnWvAG5CyShJ1OokHuEjzV3xGtAHPkhUgW_C-jYLFE_n-l0WdiDJZPfb21hyh6YdCpRndysxGTmbOPUhNkb3cpEsIVI97x-Q1wLY-jQmW9kBhC/s320/IMG_5315.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Nature is so amazingly beautiful.</div>The Multiple Chemical Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459073982236135107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452420668945252307.post-74922540516476323972022-04-29T18:54:00.006-07:002022-04-30T00:41:57.353-07:00Pen Pals<p> I had pen pals when I was in high school. My best friend moved away in ninth grade and we had letter writing contests until we were off to college. My French teacher had us sign up for international pen pals so we could practice our language skills so I had pen pals in France and England. I loved writing letters. This was before computers so they were handwritten and snail-mailed. Then we all grew up, got busy with life and writing letters went by the wayside.</p><p>A blog I followed wrote a post on friendship and letter writing. The post suggested, if brave enough, to submit our addresses if we want to exchange letters, postcards, happy thoughts or support with the other blog followers. I thought this would be a wonderful way to meet people and converse safely without chemical exposures so I gave it a try.</p><p>I started by sending birthday cards in Christmas envelopes to anyone who sounded compatible or people who were going through a tough time. I sent some postcards with uplifting quotes. It felt good to send happiness and cheer through the mail. I love to write about nothing. I love to decorate. This was fun!</p><p>People wrote back with their own cards. Some sent art, stickers, decorations. Others discussed their interests, hobbies, travels, health, family, and books they are reading. One woman who was experiencing grief wrote telling me she thought my printing style was "very comforting, creative, uniform and decisive". It made her feel calm amidst the surrounding turmoil she was experiencing. Wow. Who would have thought printing would have that kind of effect on anyone?</p><p>Some wrote only once and others kept writing. Handwriting letters is odd. First, it's totally not like typing. You can't just free write thoughtlessly and correct mistakes as you go or you end up with one messy letter. It took me a while to get used to the idea that once I sent the letter, there won't be an immediate response like email. I also found I couldn't remember what I wrote in the last letter so I had to start copying the letters. How did I used to write a letter and not copy it? The anticipation of waiting for a response is both fun and frustrating. I wonder what is taking them so long? I wonder if they decided to stop writing. I wonder if I said something stupid or off-putting!</p><p>Then one woman sent me paper and an envelope that she watercolor washed in bright colors! It was so joyful, creative and inspiring to find something in my dark and dreary mailbox besides dark and dreary bills! I was absolutely dazzled and delighted by the brilliance. I was determined to share this experience with not only my pen pal who sent me the watercolored paper, but with all my other pen pals. Everyone deserves to be dazzled. I also got some free envelopes with cellophane address windows.</p><p>Here are a few of my watercolor envelope designs and interior cards to cover the windows: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrHE5A2dhH00VWktSlVVF16pdpVlMPsduhAV7S25ETIHkQcLxq-KLQ04R9VARmL7Wcmadj_ZQZBnaVWJBRcLPHVMV1-V2oIbvMpHNNjoPNGBD9WsfgtXKIen-_YP6ufHxf_06oHPf82vBY5_RkdrsO-PJU8x5Z1Kn6txsBVetijNiUOsqiZoVhgj9m/s11909/Welcome%20to%20Washington%20envelope%20back.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5670" data-original-width="11909" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrHE5A2dhH00VWktSlVVF16pdpVlMPsduhAV7S25ETIHkQcLxq-KLQ04R9VARmL7Wcmadj_ZQZBnaVWJBRcLPHVMV1-V2oIbvMpHNNjoPNGBD9WsfgtXKIen-_YP6ufHxf_06oHPf82vBY5_RkdrsO-PJU8x5Z1Kn6txsBVetijNiUOsqiZoVhgj9m/s320/Welcome%20to%20Washington%20envelope%20back.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7q05jbA8_QytizT02RpOXT4hXHmlsqm-fjWmaY_-hHaYFtE5I6953ENjGJ1OWjcr30_ifUjzNBbeJfWWo_KvKBvynLteBkERTAeZYenBuc2xuK3OFuHZPnmyruhrOuprlylKqt9oe1sL9e9jlT8hCREwPivqJkDJMhrNzCN0jeTR0SIg4uWfhCiW5/s11722/Welcome%20to%20Washington%20Envelope%20Front.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5514" data-original-width="11722" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7q05jbA8_QytizT02RpOXT4hXHmlsqm-fjWmaY_-hHaYFtE5I6953ENjGJ1OWjcr30_ifUjzNBbeJfWWo_KvKBvynLteBkERTAeZYenBuc2xuK3OFuHZPnmyruhrOuprlylKqt9oe1sL9e9jlT8hCREwPivqJkDJMhrNzCN0jeTR0SIg4uWfhCiW5/s320/Welcome%20to%20Washington%20Envelope%20Front.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzXMJNtc0l6AZm0EWrvJD5rMzPCDAwq1OKPD8H6x9gdpBkDhvvEkCoa5Yjm67xAV_47teGqC6OmN9kxy5zojzsxA8rN_mm2g51kYeEokr9zd2xplS6S_ivuA0dHeQEHNwgUJE4EEvIrHPGRTQCelAcCWoIgOweyaIx33ojltmzaxq_oZ5lmTWvxKh/s10762/Washington%20Letter.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8141" data-original-width="10762" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzXMJNtc0l6AZm0EWrvJD5rMzPCDAwq1OKPD8H6x9gdpBkDhvvEkCoa5Yjm67xAV_47teGqC6OmN9kxy5zojzsxA8rN_mm2g51kYeEokr9zd2xplS6S_ivuA0dHeQEHNwgUJE4EEvIrHPGRTQCelAcCWoIgOweyaIx33ojltmzaxq_oZ5lmTWvxKh/s320/Washington%20Letter.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStr8z66TnP57QP6b0x8QVtKKWATMRQYmyXGprBUxsxo2uUM3Q1vg3a9blvMOaXVq9alklT0uAI8tGUHEAxuZ2iIpZsdTbIK49VlmPFDTzEI6DOFYByoupMnu5d5yHHSN5gvcPvWiTwroI3BfoGTozEKTiSLDAOq0iEYbqaZYZZST5peFpTc6IEPjw/s11787/Washington%20Envelope%20Back.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5625" data-original-width="11787" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStr8z66TnP57QP6b0x8QVtKKWATMRQYmyXGprBUxsxo2uUM3Q1vg3a9blvMOaXVq9alklT0uAI8tGUHEAxuZ2iIpZsdTbIK49VlmPFDTzEI6DOFYByoupMnu5d5yHHSN5gvcPvWiTwroI3BfoGTozEKTiSLDAOq0iEYbqaZYZZST5peFpTc6IEPjw/s320/Washington%20Envelope%20Back.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIGbYfcyNFMF7ZpV-kWii4MHr-uf4ks2YXENJ6UIiVG8pqVM84Bmg47FD0R7wOf-UwFWDe-gKEufdm8G2Pi80u7XX4DCVlxKRGmRybTwF6I0PrrhX50jofFxdSP0ujXxWqCm-WDzOq2HS0zBJIOyvlAilZHmE8mxJZfqavc72MuXXhDYaA1HhJ_WT/s12204/Washington%20Envelope%20Front.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5723" data-original-width="12204" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIGbYfcyNFMF7ZpV-kWii4MHr-uf4ks2YXENJ6UIiVG8pqVM84Bmg47FD0R7wOf-UwFWDe-gKEufdm8G2Pi80u7XX4DCVlxKRGmRybTwF6I0PrrhX50jofFxdSP0ujXxWqCm-WDzOq2HS0zBJIOyvlAilZHmE8mxJZfqavc72MuXXhDYaA1HhJ_WT/s320/Washington%20Envelope%20Front.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphuwKklVfr83DZjTdUZfrvJd9tSqX5dvzSV6uWDcDpEexFHt1qrzoTcUgNopswtNKa9nkVicyUqCzTv3LhfqZjRVdWKCFQYYjbpadg5BDk2S9O9j5QOXrtMNceDsLwlWKgIVv8rEbgCO0k_uhHf-TxKJjgrTourcCoSscjyAsTLoH1i0uUz9wnrgu/s12100/Sweet%20Tooth%20Envelope%20Back.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5604" data-original-width="12100" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphuwKklVfr83DZjTdUZfrvJd9tSqX5dvzSV6uWDcDpEexFHt1qrzoTcUgNopswtNKa9nkVicyUqCzTv3LhfqZjRVdWKCFQYYjbpadg5BDk2S9O9j5QOXrtMNceDsLwlWKgIVv8rEbgCO0k_uhHf-TxKJjgrTourcCoSscjyAsTLoH1i0uUz9wnrgu/s320/Sweet%20Tooth%20Envelope%20Back.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSEFzNki5k1etteRrKUo42Tpuoz9Q11MFNne-jGXB85is62dmYNRaDNQQM9golgeceHxVfKT58vuJdqDxpjD8jMlAbaW_ljVl7xC95b5pAd_Tt-uxWy7odiKMu_O8EcTawvr-M7VKIlXRNyS96muCK0OQS7C1cEqCTOurGiuM5-Z6RXsW0Mv_cPgfR/s12048/Sweet%20Tooth%20Envelope%20Front.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5819" data-original-width="12048" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSEFzNki5k1etteRrKUo42Tpuoz9Q11MFNne-jGXB85is62dmYNRaDNQQM9golgeceHxVfKT58vuJdqDxpjD8jMlAbaW_ljVl7xC95b5pAd_Tt-uxWy7odiKMu_O8EcTawvr-M7VKIlXRNyS96muCK0OQS7C1cEqCTOurGiuM5-Z6RXsW0Mv_cPgfR/s320/Sweet%20Tooth%20Envelope%20Front.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSufSEZf_7wY5wTdVK-K_uOryI3MA14l7nVm9qkOnxetlbNXM2c9cC8tf02ktu25mGtzD2WC6xzWmgI-PgptimWTQnKj5ev943F4kJQRmc5ZujEibmQthzBDX8KgqzQ5yTdTep3F0bVbi5bJjcTGdjiHGBXSBoyxGvB1HPxULudWqG-FuOXjT6dG14/s12006/Sealife%20Envelope%20Back.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5549" data-original-width="12006" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSufSEZf_7wY5wTdVK-K_uOryI3MA14l7nVm9qkOnxetlbNXM2c9cC8tf02ktu25mGtzD2WC6xzWmgI-PgptimWTQnKj5ev943F4kJQRmc5ZujEibmQthzBDX8KgqzQ5yTdTep3F0bVbi5bJjcTGdjiHGBXSBoyxGvB1HPxULudWqG-FuOXjT6dG14/s320/Sealife%20Envelope%20Back.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAty3agnEqIP54TnF1nepm9fuHWOBG9NqBj0UVPfi4KotGkQCEoGOmC24YSI2vYAiCW0nKYltNFkJW30S5pGPahkJQOum4dS5aaR4--N7zCouC1De5nIBmRnQX8Wd8BrOKLzEWRiv3DNovvSVjju_qVkmLk_zArUHOkvzEoxNroyuU-MDKpMuxYYGs/s12100/Sealife%20Envelope%20Front.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5752" data-original-width="12100" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAty3agnEqIP54TnF1nepm9fuHWOBG9NqBj0UVPfi4KotGkQCEoGOmC24YSI2vYAiCW0nKYltNFkJW30S5pGPahkJQOum4dS5aaR4--N7zCouC1De5nIBmRnQX8Wd8BrOKLzEWRiv3DNovvSVjju_qVkmLk_zArUHOkvzEoxNroyuU-MDKpMuxYYGs/s320/Sealife%20Envelope%20Front.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OihtbX_3MSfwR9_pDIigKWdjz2pL70_qoEOK3qu2ATzFfbZL_4VlZPnjSf3lhaQRbkBgxonTTVUiCKCm5HerCn3doQ2lKlR-g0qKYUjj3QJNjNe-sRFxMI9yiOnnhpjl99jB-RFTsCRwsxYMcULScPjrL2inpozoF2KZl2BWSDdEF-QeP4eoDxVf/s12448/Purple%20Envelope%20Back.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6290" data-original-width="12448" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OihtbX_3MSfwR9_pDIigKWdjz2pL70_qoEOK3qu2ATzFfbZL_4VlZPnjSf3lhaQRbkBgxonTTVUiCKCm5HerCn3doQ2lKlR-g0qKYUjj3QJNjNe-sRFxMI9yiOnnhpjl99jB-RFTsCRwsxYMcULScPjrL2inpozoF2KZl2BWSDdEF-QeP4eoDxVf/s320/Purple%20Envelope%20Back.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTc2wmlsuNB69cdqc3oMzegRqr4RUQfcxGa_s3yOVPPDyWLbNUZncB5_FXdLalEqNiWGzI5mE7TjJhbOcGLIT7v5jx_5PGM_wsFe5zZmPgO-hkveqcFTrk2lm3SPhANp6VSPGzQGFDOzc7cPUsSOq3FqhZse_JmR2SD3Fp-jgqpMpa4I_RSYZ3Zy7_/s11864/Summer%20Rain%20Envelope%20Back.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5607" data-original-width="11864" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTc2wmlsuNB69cdqc3oMzegRqr4RUQfcxGa_s3yOVPPDyWLbNUZncB5_FXdLalEqNiWGzI5mE7TjJhbOcGLIT7v5jx_5PGM_wsFe5zZmPgO-hkveqcFTrk2lm3SPhANp6VSPGzQGFDOzc7cPUsSOq3FqhZse_JmR2SD3Fp-jgqpMpa4I_RSYZ3Zy7_/s320/Summer%20Rain%20Envelope%20Back.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CGNYutv8D-54oB9PH3mPaKBtYA3FGu2Br0WDbxuRoyQpe8N6ixzD-iluoG17XG9g07G3opZ8q6JilL5x1xjYUIKWQ7ufOtH7E-Hcv4OVmLJiAZa3M2PkdUncEjozi5Fg2ni3NUBXMlpkvQ9J9QsgXuiYzOdfQAZUVDMiAGRmsI7-nw31-BzNsnjm/s11988/Summer%20Rain%20Envelope%20Front.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5720" data-original-width="11988" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CGNYutv8D-54oB9PH3mPaKBtYA3FGu2Br0WDbxuRoyQpe8N6ixzD-iluoG17XG9g07G3opZ8q6JilL5x1xjYUIKWQ7ufOtH7E-Hcv4OVmLJiAZa3M2PkdUncEjozi5Fg2ni3NUBXMlpkvQ9J9QsgXuiYzOdfQAZUVDMiAGRmsI7-nw31-BzNsnjm/s320/Summer%20Rain%20Envelope%20Front.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-FZyjCnHnandqCHlL0XIDdbarHJnN1bz2nRF1S7YFS8tqfIhIlPa_qjHNp1jpwYzvXEGPJlWCjAZRbD7HqwGNStXk_oDAxZLL3zprBhDx4fTihD8tgmnERr9asj0QfYlCGijISRXhX9S_ZGjH4qiU5-LQH3GjWP3_r2kZ1ptgZoaGO-chOJtVjlC/s12103/Sunflower%20Envelope%20Back.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5763" data-original-width="12103" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-FZyjCnHnandqCHlL0XIDdbarHJnN1bz2nRF1S7YFS8tqfIhIlPa_qjHNp1jpwYzvXEGPJlWCjAZRbD7HqwGNStXk_oDAxZLL3zprBhDx4fTihD8tgmnERr9asj0QfYlCGijISRXhX9S_ZGjH4qiU5-LQH3GjWP3_r2kZ1ptgZoaGO-chOJtVjlC/s320/Sunflower%20Envelope%20Back.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_oStbEqiLyEDUmHSExS4X7Pq00stR2cXLaR_1nST4ZiHgXM0ReJvXA-CPnnUXeUL00DK6JzyKV5P1_eedOFJgw0mcYxiyiP3gYjRp6eOJ2I7RXNHJ9yWcP2FgAGclXufxl6DE7PQ0Y5Mk1L4IcELoKkSS812DqACRJaBupxb23CW9Rk-0ZNAE6ln/s12297/Sunflower%20Envelope%20Front.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5732" data-original-width="12297" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_oStbEqiLyEDUmHSExS4X7Pq00stR2cXLaR_1nST4ZiHgXM0ReJvXA-CPnnUXeUL00DK6JzyKV5P1_eedOFJgw0mcYxiyiP3gYjRp6eOJ2I7RXNHJ9yWcP2FgAGclXufxl6DE7PQ0Y5Mk1L4IcELoKkSS812DqACRJaBupxb23CW9Rk-0ZNAE6ln/s320/Sunflower%20Envelope%20Front.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The Multiple Chemical Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459073982236135107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452420668945252307.post-20544216890329416372022-03-28T09:22:00.014-07:002022-05-07T08:45:48.213-07:00Male-Practicing<p>My new functional medicine doctor made his agenda very clear during the second appointment.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-u4hlspRF4EYLAS4F4vZBC6ZrRahZwvwCjo0LvGW72JgWV5E_mbhDZIXVZRkTGulKfUmEooTU29Q3hOEYTQ8eekbFzovn7c3ekUY7nby4GN-koxNGMp_gGkpZhuyomIuD3PMPl02UQkxepCkFhGLiJYavMD2crniAbIKVB1iEXiwHgNiyIKsijmg/s10294/Dr.%20Drugs.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="10294" data-original-width="4435" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-u4hlspRF4EYLAS4F4vZBC6ZrRahZwvwCjo0LvGW72JgWV5E_mbhDZIXVZRkTGulKfUmEooTU29Q3hOEYTQ8eekbFzovn7c3ekUY7nby4GN-koxNGMp_gGkpZhuyomIuD3PMPl02UQkxepCkFhGLiJYavMD2crniAbIKVB1iEXiwHgNiyIKsijmg/s320/Dr.%20Drugs.png" width="138" /></a></div></div>Wait, let's start at the beginning. The first appointment he spent one hour READING my new patient intake form. He asked very few questions and rarely even looked up at me. I found myself spending most of that hour staring at the floor. I drove two hours to be at that appointment. Why not just read in the privacy of his office and let me stay at home? Then he charged my insurance $600 for the hour. Is it any wonder I think doctors are overpaid? <div><br /></div><div>Our health care system accepts and promotes "practicing" as viable health care. If doctors don't find a solution, a remedy, the patient just keeps returning putting more money in their pockets. There should be a money-back guarantee. At the very least there should be standards of efficacy. <div><p></p><p>This doctor also doesn't listen. What is new? It doesn't matter what I'm trying to tell him. Heck, I don't even think he read the intake form or he glossed over the parts that didn't fit his methods of practicing. His agenda isn't health care or at least MY health care.</p><p>More importantly, I think these functional medicine doctors have specific, single-minded protocols, and have no intention of veering off the established path. It would be too much work to actually recognize the patient is an individual with individual health care concerns. So much easier to see them as just another cow in the herd. After all, we are all the same. "Let's practice on that cow. We can do anything we want with a compliant cow as long as they are fed. It's not like they have the brains to question or complain."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0puwEA89ia8cmVrKzHAWuPdgYtYj_92gNbNn33Y5qWs11Cf4b4gGYxIC7sQfqSjWtaxPDzZcA7FzljTeUxi34yKhFgc5Bu6P0QgvMdiGs6YpY1Ard4FoJqQRIg9mQHwLqSmOE3Sjh0Jp1-mJCSIbs4iJxSw361OJmVb6oDCXsDHJkWrxuuKLNWSh/s1370/Cows,%20mad.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1028" data-original-width="1370" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0puwEA89ia8cmVrKzHAWuPdgYtYj_92gNbNn33Y5qWs11Cf4b4gGYxIC7sQfqSjWtaxPDzZcA7FzljTeUxi34yKhFgc5Bu6P0QgvMdiGs6YpY1Ard4FoJqQRIg9mQHwLqSmOE3Sjh0Jp1-mJCSIbs4iJxSw361OJmVb6oDCXsDHJkWrxuuKLNWSh/w367-h240/Cows,%20mad.jpg" width="367" /></a></div><br />I actually went back for a second appointment. Why? Because I'm a good cow. OK. My insurance actually covers him. That makes him cheap. I guess you get what you pay for. Most other doctors have a two-month wait for an appointment now. I justified if I can get a workable prescription so I can continue my thyroid experiments, it would be worth his insolence. Maybe he'll eventually accept me as a human being? Not likely. So far after every appointment I'm disgusted and vow never to return, but....I'm just as bad as he is supporting this health care system of incompetence.<div><br />He ordered $3,000 worth of tests during the second appointment, half of them I had done in the past year with lab copies in hand. Several of those tests I had done up to three times in the past year! He explains he prefers another lab. I wonder if he has stock in this lab? The other half of the tests are for nutrient levels and possible deficiencies...but I clearly explained on the intake form and again, verbally I am incredibly drug intolerant. I went into great detail writing every side effect up and down the margins. Does he think I'll invest in a cupboard full of pills and willingly take them? I can see he's not listening and I can foresee his agenda...excessive testing...then prescribing a closet full of supplements. He is no different than any other functional medicine doctor. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlth8v1QTjy_-BN6PNzGYTgorgxfQ6TKvjFNmPMQN80l5Q0kILJizaDq-LPoXuk2vofZU-Rqf9JC8fYswh92GgffbEzxg03evnGR_SV6d8rM7w-IHO9twYEX2aVueRHpEBEHf-cdxrLnyE0ckhsbR8qHn58CQeXPOCVHEo3lmtUxliy49ETDck29ky/s10399/Blood%20Lab.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="10399" data-original-width="4527" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlth8v1QTjy_-BN6PNzGYTgorgxfQ6TKvjFNmPMQN80l5Q0kILJizaDq-LPoXuk2vofZU-Rqf9JC8fYswh92GgffbEzxg03evnGR_SV6d8rM7w-IHO9twYEX2aVueRHpEBEHf-cdxrLnyE0ckhsbR8qHn58CQeXPOCVHEo3lmtUxliy49ETDck29ky/s320/Blood%20Lab.png" width="139" /></a></div><br /></div><div>About half of the tests are not covered by my insurance. One of the tests costs $450. A friend of mine is a practitioner and has access to tests. She said the lab charges about $200. The rest is the doctor's add-on charge. He's getting paid more than the test costs just to order it! There should be a law against this.</div><div><br /></div><div>My labs showed nearly all nutrients fine so at least I know the diet is working. My iodine levels are low but he can't answer why. He tells me, "Every [cow] is low in iodine." He knows so little about Hashimoto's he doesn't understand the disease was relatively unknown until the government started fortifying foods with iodine...now Hashimoto's is an epidemic. Iodine supplementation will cause autoimmune attacks in people with Hashimoto's. He doesn't seem to understand that. Or maybe he just doesn't care. He doesn't get paid to diagnose correctly so why would he? I asked him why my autoimmune antibodies have increased. His answer, "Because you have an autoimmune disease." OH. MY. GOD. The incompetence makes me barf.</div><div><p></p><p>When I repeat once again, although very gently and sweetly to not rock the pedestal he has placed himself on, how I've done all these tests and treatments. How I am very intolerant to drugs of any kind including pharmaceuticals, but also supplements and herbs. I know this from experience. I can tell he's not listening. And he's ignored anything I've said about chemical sensitivity. Zero acknowledgement. His rant begins:</p><p>"If you can't do exactly what I want you to do, then I can't help you. You'll need to find another doctor."</p><p>I wanted to SCREAM at him, "YOU CAN'T HELP ME IF YOU DON'T LISTEN TO ME!" I didn't. It wouldn't matter. Then the truth presents itself:</p><p>He says, "Your insurance doesn't pay me enough because of the contract I have with them. I can only take insurance because I am HERE."</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXUlp2hl1hyARpgQy5Nmt6c2kEyXUFgK60AkFnRnNsExxCTY2W1FC8b0D6kdaBWVtPydL8DB7qZYKGqRV8Ye10t1SyltNxtKCQXmzGuYGAg00MEU8alu0wkcamWqeiHdzVAPnvu1s_jF7QknhD5rAmxZHKOzRQ-b3ohnD9S3nIqkWcl9_Cbs5m9gP/s1032/Mask.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1032" data-original-width="786" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXUlp2hl1hyARpgQy5Nmt6c2kEyXUFgK60AkFnRnNsExxCTY2W1FC8b0D6kdaBWVtPydL8DB7qZYKGqRV8Ye10t1SyltNxtKCQXmzGuYGAg00MEU8alu0wkcamWqeiHdzVAPnvu1s_jF7QknhD5rAmxZHKOzRQ-b3ohnD9S3nIqkWcl9_Cbs5m9gP/w153-h200/Mask.jpg" width="153" /></a></div>HERE? I pondered this for a while. What did he mean <i>HERE</i>? While pondering I resisted the urge to scream, "YOU ARE OVERPAID ANYWAY!"<div><br /></div><div>I wondered if he treats his male patients the same way? Does he snap at them when they ask him questions? Does he dismiss what they are saying? Does he demand total compliance from another man and expect that man not to question? Hmmm....<br /><p></p><p><i>HERE. </i>He is bought and sold by a supplement company. He represents them and his office is located <i>HERE </i>in their complex. He is so compromised as a supplement salesperson there is no way he can be objective. It stands to reason he will order as many tests as possible to justify prescribing as many supplements as possible so it will support his bottom line. That is where he makes his money. It's not about health care, it's about profit mongering. Most doctors aren't this honest with their underlying agenda as they pretend to be health care providers, but I think he just loves to hear himself talk.</p><p>Seriously, health care disgusts me. The stench of money is nearly as bad as the stink of perfume.</p><p>I went back for a third appointment. He's not happy with the fact the test results don't justify prescribing copious amounts of pills so for the third appointment he orders another $1,000 worth of tests. After arguing with him (gently), he finally gives me the prescription I want. I think he just wants me gone. LOL. I will be gone eventually. It's just a matter of time.</p><p>Adios, orange cone.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6Rx58gdkAk7URGXOCgUaH0ku9l9tWI1_Mg4RXvHxCeefttX5BGCDhyYXuDbaJlfqmL5JlRvKzGFP3E1k-xZDRaojR2dxV88RbBUgtmrqZ001E84xR4tauXW8JpxLmvAzv_R6Sw4M21aCsDK2CQEy-5RQRLxlgb5P1DC_V1p1AorGJZ3u__DpVjIZ/s1064/Orange%20Cone.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="731" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6Rx58gdkAk7URGXOCgUaH0ku9l9tWI1_Mg4RXvHxCeefttX5BGCDhyYXuDbaJlfqmL5JlRvKzGFP3E1k-xZDRaojR2dxV88RbBUgtmrqZ001E84xR4tauXW8JpxLmvAzv_R6Sw4M21aCsDK2CQEy-5RQRLxlgb5P1DC_V1p1AorGJZ3u__DpVjIZ/s320/Orange%20Cone.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p></div></div></div></div>The Multiple Chemical Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459073982236135107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452420668945252307.post-91632587022960575022022-03-07T15:58:00.006-08:002022-03-07T16:03:13.790-08:00Moments of Joy, Part II (Works of Art)Winter makes me a slug. I don't want to do much except sleep, watch TV, and pretend the world around me doesn't exist. I still have bouts of creativity, but they are few and far between.<div><br /></div><div>My neighbor, the only one I kind of like, approached me about a year ago and complained about the potholes on the road down to the highway. It's used by truck drivers. He's a truck driver. Hmmm.... He drives his truck up and down that road daily, all the way to his house and parks it next to my house. I should hate him for causing my walls to crack and, of course, destroying the road that I have to attempt to drive as I negotiate potholes that are lake-size. It's life threatening. He complains. I made suggestions, but he's not real active. Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter...the guy is a slug year round. I still like him. He has a subversive streak.</div><div><br /></div><div>So he approaches me the other day and says, "Tonight is the night. I'm painting the potholes. Are you in? Or are you out?" </div><div><br /></div><div>I screamed, quietly so no one would hear, "I'M ABSOLUTELY, DEFINITELY IN!"</div><div><br /></div><div>At 10:00pm, dressed in black, and under the cover of darkness, we embarked on our secret mission:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"><b>PENIS POTHOLES!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtzZNBnJl8zbuLPrucXHlZL7yCsCnJYAZBXZPWUajBcCIEBvkf0QqpfnGRxpVhBCMmVucZpoDihXalnnt_oGVbd97tMKIBwVctBgNRFR_agyi61Npr4USWGa9CT24c9qcG2ilg6loFWBbijUOeE5B5KPMA311pdzYuEMX2D0EAehzXxFYvaKSavZ5k=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtzZNBnJl8zbuLPrucXHlZL7yCsCnJYAZBXZPWUajBcCIEBvkf0QqpfnGRxpVhBCMmVucZpoDihXalnnt_oGVbd97tMKIBwVctBgNRFR_agyi61Npr4USWGa9CT24c9qcG2ilg6loFWBbijUOeE5B5KPMA311pdzYuEMX2D0EAehzXxFYvaKSavZ5k=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">It's a work of art!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We did about five before we ran out of spray paint. I felt very proud, exceptionally creative, and outrageously subversive. Adrenaline rushes are good for the soul. So is social consciousness...maybe the city will repair the road now. OK. I doubt it.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The whole way home we were planning our next mission since we assume the city will still do nothing and now that we have experience, we know what kinds of artistic improvements we need to make. First, we need better paint. I think fluorescent green or pink because white doesn't stand out much. We also need to stick with the bigger phallic symbols since they can be seen better. Bigger and brighter is always good when one is trying to make a point....or a penis. Lime green penises would be delicious.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I've been driving this horrible road way too often now because it just brings me so much joy to see the big, hairy-balled penises all over the road. If the city does nothing, I hope it makes driving up and down the road more pleasurable for others.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Moments of Joy....</b></span></div>The Multiple Chemical Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459073982236135107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452420668945252307.post-15772638999280183522022-01-29T09:33:00.002-08:002022-02-08T11:13:21.660-08:00Moments of Joy<p>I recently had a debate with a friend on life and our expectations of happiness. I told her I didn't believe it was realistic to expect a life of happiness. Good things happen and bad things happen. It's a roller coaster ride of ups and downs. It's the bad experiences that give balance and help us appreciate our good experiences. All we can hope for is a life of overall contentment as we negotiate the ride. However, MCS is on a whole other level and to mitigate the negativity of this ongoing experience, I search and revel in moments of joy no matter how small or mundane. Sometimes this is a challenge, but I persist. Every day.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiR74NXHFNtFA4_Xz_-c85XMAeU4a8tQQfzZeCTBi8S1Nriq45ZvUQe8xuRKhssiUF9CoCzDxd5pjh19wtGCXwfnlEM3AHSVnk0T2Rup1gQwGSyK_NkNtU8fuhM1zWVtRrig-7rym2omneEbxLTXZr2nRsc7JPe9zAqFt2jQMC6fN-n24HM6KxfTazc=s919" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="919" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiR74NXHFNtFA4_Xz_-c85XMAeU4a8tQQfzZeCTBi8S1Nriq45ZvUQe8xuRKhssiUF9CoCzDxd5pjh19wtGCXwfnlEM3AHSVnk0T2Rup1gQwGSyK_NkNtU8fuhM1zWVtRrig-7rym2omneEbxLTXZr2nRsc7JPe9zAqFt2jQMC6fN-n24HM6KxfTazc=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />I was thinking about this today as I did a basic household repair. One of my wall heaters started blowing cold air. This is not good on a 30 degree morning when all outdoor surfaces are thick with ice. Four years ago another wall heater refused to work. I called the local furniture store for advice. The heater was only a few years old. The woman on the phone said she'd ask her repair guy and get back with me. I waited. A week later I figured they forgot so I headed to the nearest hardware store and bought a new heater. I installed it myself rather than hiring electricians at $80 hour, because I'm just that kind of woman (cheap). But I hung on to the old heater in case the repair guy would contact me.<p></p><p>He did! A few days later he told me it could be dust clogging the electrical points causing it to just not turn on. Hmmm...if this is the case, it would be a horrible waste of money to throw it out so I cleaned it the best I could, put it in a box, and stored it in the back of my closet until the next heater dies.</p><p>Here it is 2022, four years later. I dug the box out of the back of the closet, cleaned the heater with an electronic duster which released a whole litter of giant dust bunnies I must have missed with the first cleaning, electrified it, crossed my fingers, and turned it on. IT WORKS! OMG! I almost threw this old heater away not understanding it was just taking a little rest. Such a joyful feeling to not only save money, but be self-reliant.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkDXk9578y1SwfM46uy26CXrFgs6m75UdlVovmB3QiTQ7gb3p6bKnPM1AAERaQHHywyOkWCkYj0H-Rdgd8GVunGULCcWAEt1zh3PoJx0Hpi1w-gnltBaKPNIaKmRhYxLc9YAy_4hC7CVaA9ASBsVG8RVvDw8xgFebkRr7gPQmXJObCqB3nhD7lQoz2=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkDXk9578y1SwfM46uy26CXrFgs6m75UdlVovmB3QiTQ7gb3p6bKnPM1AAERaQHHywyOkWCkYj0H-Rdgd8GVunGULCcWAEt1zh3PoJx0Hpi1w-gnltBaKPNIaKmRhYxLc9YAy_4hC7CVaA9ASBsVG8RVvDw8xgFebkRr7gPQmXJObCqB3nhD7lQoz2=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br />Another moment of joy this month...2022 is starting out very joyous! This is a good sign. <div><br /></div><div>I sent one of my handmade, collage Christmas cards to Girl Alive in Malaysia. This was a risk. We both knew it. With the pandemic, international mail has been problematic at best, but I felt risky. The woman at the post office did some odd things that should have given me pause, but I ventured forth and sent it anyway. This was in November over a month before Christmas. It never arrived for Christmas. I was disappointed, and reprimanded myself for being so risky, but oh well, if it would have arrived, it might have brought my friend some Christmas joy.<p></p><p>January 20th...IT ARRIVED! Two months later, but IT ARRIVED! I was so shocked I accused her of lying to me just to make me feel better. LOL! (Sorry, Girl Alive!) So in January, a month kind of blah for joy, my friend received some surprised joy! I felt such overwhelming happiness for something so simple and random. So wonderful.</p><p>I love moments of joy. They make life...content.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihTYzAweJvlnWZqTIg17c1BkVS-JcnHMv2VBJLnw9pokBTJ_a4aJZPNcLHVw78an4Hgk6ry10w3wXMHn_z1rye7WFjZnClnALFXBKTG2d6usaIxfzDeda_bIsqFS7O5PidZYkT6akQw8HTQEgKkqy-_IfFOdzirM9E-nRcgzvDPf0dXlfMN_-3rCAg=s680" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="680" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihTYzAweJvlnWZqTIg17c1BkVS-JcnHMv2VBJLnw9pokBTJ_a4aJZPNcLHVw78an4Hgk6ry10w3wXMHn_z1rye7WFjZnClnALFXBKTG2d6usaIxfzDeda_bIsqFS7O5PidZYkT6akQw8HTQEgKkqy-_IfFOdzirM9E-nRcgzvDPf0dXlfMN_-3rCAg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>The Multiple Chemical Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459073982236135107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452420668945252307.post-6842842935204100472022-01-20T19:01:00.005-08:002022-02-08T11:15:53.874-08:00Health Care Curse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgj2ATO4hAlvfErQUCgNj5gmdJFYB4xgLi7VbrlC0dBOL54k6l-r7XU8MDMIGjL9rUL9GEY8hXKTFpV_Rk5Q88zaQcFEw6f2f5afPQAKDwUQqbne7JPnlQz104ZZJWZ3sAL6CgRF1nBETWzDa5JR0oP4Uo02Rsi9y-aMoD4Kgh2axC7U4s8UyN7W_kK=s1478" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1478" data-original-width="678" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgj2ATO4hAlvfErQUCgNj5gmdJFYB4xgLi7VbrlC0dBOL54k6l-r7XU8MDMIGjL9rUL9GEY8hXKTFpV_Rk5Q88zaQcFEw6f2f5afPQAKDwUQqbne7JPnlQz104ZZJWZ3sAL6CgRF1nBETWzDa5JR0oP4Uo02Rsi9y-aMoD4Kgh2axC7U4s8UyN7W_kK=w92-h200" width="92" /></a></div><p>It's a new year and I always like to think of it as a new beginning. A fresh start where everything will be wonderful and will proceed as it should be, not as it has been.</p><p>Health care...hmmmm....</p><p>First, I found myself a new doctor. Maybe. He's a functional medicine doctor and I'm impressed with some of his online videos. He likes to talk and since most doctors don't talk, I think I would really like a talker. I'm always full of hope and anticipation for the first appointment and then they fail miserably...BUT I'm not going to think like that! Be positive! It's a new year!</p><p>Second, I ordered a new thyroid prescription refill. This compounding pharmacy has failed every step of the way, but I stick with them because I'm not convinced another compounding pharmacy would be any better. I've had problems with all of them.</p><p>It takes them two weeks to refill the prescription and I'm out of medication and scrapping the bottle. The new refill came today! I was relieved. I opened it up, ready to dive into fresh drug. It won't come out of the bottle. Ummmm.... I shake it, and try again. I tear the label off because it covers the bottle and I want to see through it. I see nothing, but I think maybe the drug is on the side of the bottle or solidified on the bottom. It's hard to see through these brown pharmaceutical bottles. I got a flashlight and tried to peer in. Then I got a Q-Tip , shoved it in, and swished it around.</p><p>THERE IS NOTHING IN THE FUCKING BOTTLE. SHIT. They sent me an empty bottle? I paid for an empty bottle? Nice.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzEaYHt7g8BoXPcZ6NeT3H5WAOAL3-b-8gIsnh2xMhbRikv8EjabzN4IwtDEq3wCxxGXXdrXOGEQoNuFXVWPYUyvUBR9xCLF1A9wJtWpPS4HOtvaKYEwE1UShi-x4zs2Nzf4ECJ3F_LA174CdfCTl4uThbJLAWgTYMBxQcy6TszAjhm3_BkBRNtfve=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzEaYHt7g8BoXPcZ6NeT3H5WAOAL3-b-8gIsnh2xMhbRikv8EjabzN4IwtDEq3wCxxGXXdrXOGEQoNuFXVWPYUyvUBR9xCLF1A9wJtWpPS4HOtvaKYEwE1UShi-x4zs2Nzf4ECJ3F_LA174CdfCTl4uThbJLAWgTYMBxQcy6TszAjhm3_BkBRNtfve=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>What is it with health care and me? We are enemies! Am I the only one with these experiences? Every step is a constant struggle. Am I cursed? Will I be cursed with bad health care experiences for the rest of my life? How can I possibly be positive for the new year when my bad luck persists?<div><br /></div><div>The pharmacist apologized profusely, snatched up a new bottle, actually infused it with drug, and sent it. And charged me AGAIN!! Really? The snafus are never ending!<br /><p></p><p>The end of my rant.</p><p>UGH!!!</p></div>The Multiple Chemical Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459073982236135107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452420668945252307.post-37697519025424156732021-12-31T08:35:00.004-08:002022-02-04T13:09:36.719-08:002021: Review and Resolution<p><span style="text-align: center;">This year went really fast! Or maybe my failing memory just makes it seem so?</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0kBg6bb7MBaz6lwF9YSopajMyU9PDWLK6Y8CMEixUFVSl_46nq9NCPu4xAOOvZ7ZsY9BhmjBYNFShJNB2_L16wDfqsGZwMhHs03LwkQHjff8k0mJu1hhSuVdGMeTnZ-sGgqnqgSpepgdQIkhfMJaO5Sa72DTqG4PXZNcP6UWgrhVakZYzEPkgNGxi=s1568" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="1568" height="93" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0kBg6bb7MBaz6lwF9YSopajMyU9PDWLK6Y8CMEixUFVSl_46nq9NCPu4xAOOvZ7ZsY9BhmjBYNFShJNB2_L16wDfqsGZwMhHs03LwkQHjff8k0mJu1hhSuVdGMeTnZ-sGgqnqgSpepgdQIkhfMJaO5Sa72DTqG4PXZNcP6UWgrhVakZYzEPkgNGxi=w400-h93" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><b>THE GOOD STUFF:</b></p><p>MONEY. I love money. I'm thankful for my job. I would like more money. I like free money. I'm an investor!</p><p>PANDEMIC PAINTING. It was so fun to brighten my house up with cheerful colors and patterns!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQQQSPgNCSM4IzLriKz0AroI0qOiuAerhtBCmbv-HM9RhsD-fpvr_ZD5bbpHXeMN3ei7KbekPlyVW2kknP0amZlafzyonI0nFsmi6YnaKE4_9WYGFZjtpgsPIelrF_lQ7JGg8d7Li-Q-ejNKqF6Xk9CUn0tAWzDdoe6K3seiBT4hAHWklPD_PmuEj0=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQQQSPgNCSM4IzLriKz0AroI0qOiuAerhtBCmbv-HM9RhsD-fpvr_ZD5bbpHXeMN3ei7KbekPlyVW2kknP0amZlafzyonI0nFsmi6YnaKE4_9WYGFZjtpgsPIelrF_lQ7JGg8d7Li-Q-ejNKqF6Xk9CUn0tAWzDdoe6K3seiBT4hAHWklPD_PmuEj0=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>OUTSIDE BEAUTIFICATION: I started with the driveway. Pressure washing was hellish work. Then I patched all the spaces and cracks in hopes the weeds can't wiggle their way through forcing me to weed this driveway several times a year. It's old, but now so pretty and clean. This has made me a fanatic about my driveway. I don't like leaves falling on it!!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3sS7b0LkzKJf6pPuVLygCI4qDdGjvQe20jtdHWMhX7G4TP5bA_KqP7K-X_zBrlBXgKD8_FC8wkTJzx34kVzyl6poE_wbi-ELcDLWfeBjkLWQf0C15cJ4DnbAm6NEqieHMo5fW88qe7WIchVAEJym1eADl-s_n-8qmQzNqI8ytb05fnMyyxJdbcPdJ=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3sS7b0LkzKJf6pPuVLygCI4qDdGjvQe20jtdHWMhX7G4TP5bA_KqP7K-X_zBrlBXgKD8_FC8wkTJzx34kVzyl6poE_wbi-ELcDLWfeBjkLWQf0C15cJ4DnbAm6NEqieHMo5fW88qe7WIchVAEJym1eADl-s_n-8qmQzNqI8ytb05fnMyyxJdbcPdJ=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I got some FREE! pavers and put them all over the back area so I can avoid having to replace the gravel. I'm hoping it keeps the weeds down and saves me some work.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFlbONYciNUdxSWgatLczBVqDIUZPmPeCYyR6vaaAxU8QHb2WWoTBGeaSalHCLngDySE7QdpUQfDdlYR2nrVCWoouQvtWEePv8C7XQx8QovaERObwtd5ejvV6vpxEmyumghatkAX4NXokCmMBC49zBHZrLmfdcgLU8coKnoRlUsdRXHearEWbpICIe=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFlbONYciNUdxSWgatLczBVqDIUZPmPeCYyR6vaaAxU8QHb2WWoTBGeaSalHCLngDySE7QdpUQfDdlYR2nrVCWoouQvtWEePv8C7XQx8QovaERObwtd5ejvV6vpxEmyumghatkAX4NXokCmMBC49zBHZrLmfdcgLU8coKnoRlUsdRXHearEWbpICIe=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>FRAGRANCE FREE FRIENDS. I am so thankful for friends who are willing to be fragrance free...and who put up with my weirdness caused by chemical poisoning. I'm sorry if I'm irritable and moody, opinionated and bitchy. Maybe that has less to do with MCS and it's just me, but they put up with it anyway.</p><p>COLON. I'm afraid to even say anything here. If you've read my other posts on my colon failing to work, you know what I've been through. And if you've read my Hashimoto's Thyroiditis posts you know about my thyroid issues. I finally found a doctor who would prescribe me a very unconventional compounded prescription for thyroid. After six weeks of drug experimentation, my colon started working! It's been working for the last month, but there are times it seems as if it doesn't want to. Again, I'm hesitant to be happy about this because I don't know how long all this good fortune will last.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMIUNT6cJX0FWv0E-X4Z0HJMbj7Tyw8Q-OgK43ACKgKaZ6EOj48T_ytlYT_Os_PTxER7X5pVTc_-4NtlJP-_VFivA-nsf9hElllzyX1sBR7EWaZGN7X12FQ8xKMEmOaK1D9PykDJ8s6URolSm0vcpEVmaE9BLFJKZYIID13_6mj2PlPDhl_0juvOuB=s430" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="430" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMIUNT6cJX0FWv0E-X4Z0HJMbj7Tyw8Q-OgK43ACKgKaZ6EOj48T_ytlYT_Os_PTxER7X5pVTc_-4NtlJP-_VFivA-nsf9hElllzyX1sBR7EWaZGN7X12FQ8xKMEmOaK1D9PykDJ8s6URolSm0vcpEVmaE9BLFJKZYIID13_6mj2PlPDhl_0juvOuB=w200-h151" width="200" /></a></div><br />LIFE! I'm still alive! The coronavirus and all it's variants hasn't killed me. I haven't even been infected a second time! I managed to avoid getting a vaccination even with all the bullying I received from doctors and strangers. I almost caved, but after reading the side effects and talking with a friend who said, "I have enough health problems, I don't need to give myself more on purpose!" I backed away slowly and decided to chance it. I'm pretty isolated. No one has come to my house for a long time. I don't go out much other than for groceries or supplies and I always wear a mask.<p></p><p><b>THE MIDDLE STUFF:</b></p><p>RECONNECTIONS. I get really excited when I reconnect with someone I haven't seen for a whole lifetime. Especially if it's a surprise and they contact me out of the blue. We catch up and then it's over. That's a bit disappointing. The last reconnection I contacted someone through Facebook, an old friend I hadn't seen for decades. She took months to respond. She seemed really excited, but she wanted to reconnect via Zoom ONLY. I didn't/don't have Zoom capabilities. Her response, let me know when you get it! She just wasn't interested in writing even a little. It was weird.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLPxjd8SHZM4QB4RL-Tw-0Ewj3dW6pLHgfqUZS1EXj96K6Ffdv8lt-1D6eSD-WBtfu1toQVHQOhsrpZK8VUlUPasbOBi4W8G0rwnj4mp3Tj8OsZUkaFPSAtIXhh_oVrexxD48b8MRXWSMTctU5wQ--rrQeJNQToNaC_N95dx8-IuCv9-OTPsFHjYAr=s455" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="455" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLPxjd8SHZM4QB4RL-Tw-0Ewj3dW6pLHgfqUZS1EXj96K6Ffdv8lt-1D6eSD-WBtfu1toQVHQOhsrpZK8VUlUPasbOBi4W8G0rwnj4mp3Tj8OsZUkaFPSAtIXhh_oVrexxD48b8MRXWSMTctU5wQ--rrQeJNQToNaC_N95dx8-IuCv9-OTPsFHjYAr=w200-h141" width="200" /></a></div><br />COMPUTER. I bought a new computer. My old one was on the blitz. This one is nice and fast. Then my monitor started blacking out. No one could tell me why. The store told me to exchange the computer so I had to get a new computer and re-set it up again. UGH. I spent hours and hours online trying to figure out why the blackouts were happening. Yesterday I spent three hours with yet another computer tech. It's guesswork ... nobody seems to know anything but everyone wants to charge me for their ignorance. So frustrating. New computers are supposed to be wonderful and perfect, not tormenting!</div><div><br /></div><div>PANDEMIC. It hasn't been that bad. Not so different from MCS seclusion. Then came the inflation. I used to buy this loaf of gluten-free bread for $3.25. It went up to $5.99!!! That is one example and it's shocking to me. Cost of housing has skyrocketed. Prices for houses have tripled. Of course, that is kind of good since now I can sell my house for three times the amount I paid and it will sell in less than a week! These damn masks are driving me nuts, BUT they keep us safe from germs and a lot of stink. Then there is the constant fear-provoking media on how the next variant is coming our way and WE ARE ALL GOING TO DIE! Like everyone else, so tired of it.<br /><p></p><p><b>THE BAD STUFF:</b></p><p>HEALTH CARE. Ugh. I hate doctors. You probably already know that as I complain all the time. Useless waste of money. My current conventional doctor refuses to listen to me, hasn't even diagnosed me correctly, refuses to prescribe thyroid meds I need. He thinks Miralax is wonderful and nontoxic, but my blood labs showing kidney damage say otherwise. So I get a new doctor, a naturopath. She's willing to give me the prescription, but she knows so little it's such a waste of money to have to do all the work for her. </p><p>INSURANCE. My health insurance company keeps screwing up my claims. My insurance company's new rates have increased to over $3000 a year!! So I cancelled it! I have no insurance. Old people insurance should kick in sometime next year, but for that we are forced to pay through the nose. There is no solution to this very bad health care system. It's in crisis mode. And then there is auto insurance...It has also increased! I was finally told by an insurance agent our state insurance commissioner ruled insurance companies can no longer discriminate against those with bad credit ratings so in retaliation, they raised everyone's rates! Incredible.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0vpkRm_FPqTlOQPIVBZ00LReDNUzn8JlMzbDE73zJHSx7jERsCWkq0ujO4uj32hzar2bmjaR9oD8W3R9mLRemYpRrQdHTBhbQDdg0XFb9_0N8wtscBHKBrEOVGQO4Li7kMx0EGQ2fWSt4NOuur32FLXz67dL2PPiMEQr-PAAne7z9FMNJq0Ih8wZ2=s462" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="462" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0vpkRm_FPqTlOQPIVBZ00LReDNUzn8JlMzbDE73zJHSx7jERsCWkq0ujO4uj32hzar2bmjaR9oD8W3R9mLRemYpRrQdHTBhbQDdg0XFb9_0N8wtscBHKBrEOVGQO4Li7kMx0EGQ2fWSt4NOuur32FLXz67dL2PPiMEQr-PAAne7z9FMNJq0Ih8wZ2=w200-h153" width="200" /></a></div>NEIGHBORS. Good god they torment me! Entitled, rude, self-centered, thoughtless, perfumed, bad dog owners who persist in making my life stressful. I worry I'll never get the chance to move. I don't even know where I'd move since real estate is now so overpriced and the pandemic rages on.<p></p><p></p><p></p><p>AGING. This sucks so much. First, the above insurance horror. Once you get to be a certain age you are forced into expensive insurance by the government. What an atrocity for people who are on fixed incomes! Also I'm having the weirdest memory problems. I'm forgetting simple stuff. It's just not there. It comes back in a few minutes, but until then I'm blank. This can't be good. Aging is scaring the hell out of me. Maybe I'm worrying too much about nothing, or maybe I'll die next week. </p><p><b>HMMMM: </b>Not a bad year. Kind of normal and average. Typical bad stuff I've been dealing with for a long time. Good stuff is just run of the mill. Nothing spectacular. </p><p><b>New Year's Resolution: </b>Survive, thrive, keep going. </p></div>The Multiple Chemical Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459073982236135107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452420668945252307.post-15867548024031038502021-12-30T07:57:00.004-08:002021-12-30T12:54:37.709-08:00White Christmas!<p> I really love snow! It's so clean. The air is so crisp and fresh. When it falls, the world goes silent. I love it when it's new. </p><p>Unfortunately where I live it rains year round and that makes for some soggy snow. When it does snow it rarely sticks. If it does stick, it turns to slush as soon as it hits the ground. Cars and people start milling around and the landscape is a big cesspool of slippery, cold mud.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIG8MTArbnm-xSwtAxHgB4fL8xMkf23UrRErl8tQxPK175Xodp-EG4O6bHSeFRNgwRsn0i20mHkEKTGv8LD0tqTyTg-SExPgHZbDsOGa_H7uwwZmsYOKLVChGLp57vteDQZFhhsqH_5mDOpiIbCs7qbqyBBzZu6bQ9ZkNGoM2X82grVmYj8arlI5Mu=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIG8MTArbnm-xSwtAxHgB4fL8xMkf23UrRErl8tQxPK175Xodp-EG4O6bHSeFRNgwRsn0i20mHkEKTGv8LD0tqTyTg-SExPgHZbDsOGa_H7uwwZmsYOKLVChGLp57vteDQZFhhsqH_5mDOpiIbCs7qbqyBBzZu6bQ9ZkNGoM2X82grVmYj8arlI5Mu=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>But I still love snow. I also love how it stops the world. I personally won't drive in it until the roads are totally clear. I've seen enough cars uncontrollably sliding into each other. Most of the time I won't even go walk in it. I'll watch it from the warmth of my house gazing out the window at the miracle of it all.</p><p>This year was different! The snow started falling on Christmas day and by nightfall we were covered! I woke up the next morning to eight inches!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEoAP0nG6wrpazQhkDFxF7dYiPh5f9w7teWNBD6-nxL79Rt8iYbBCyPCNNaDNllXGt5NBmfpwqfiYurbJQWVrl6wJtM4YBwAm8Z7IKqwR7MVWHZ0zDzKoAAvm5Y1uZs5FUTSXfOzDNj1qRifV-g6QyglS96L-s9jTjwU2qNz8J5-OOE3S3dccBfBQs=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEoAP0nG6wrpazQhkDFxF7dYiPh5f9w7teWNBD6-nxL79Rt8iYbBCyPCNNaDNllXGt5NBmfpwqfiYurbJQWVrl6wJtM4YBwAm8Z7IKqwR7MVWHZ0zDzKoAAvm5Y1uZs5FUTSXfOzDNj1qRifV-g6QyglS96L-s9jTjwU2qNz8J5-OOE3S3dccBfBQs=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFOCTXlQ46ZFgBsYb2FsNeAOlxqP0sps4qFLBpV7a4dYF6YgccbTiEI0hee33QWtfeuHFu-k4_TxzKUD0SrxKg8tohs4svZUm7HgcS8FEHaNqw1iLIuVkjzI47zvNqfFrlyrvBfwobKetAM66u4DY7zFjHXtaaIaTBbuqMXj5tBb188KYkn32m-6YW=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFOCTXlQ46ZFgBsYb2FsNeAOlxqP0sps4qFLBpV7a4dYF6YgccbTiEI0hee33QWtfeuHFu-k4_TxzKUD0SrxKg8tohs4svZUm7HgcS8FEHaNqw1iLIuVkjzI47zvNqfFrlyrvBfwobKetAM66u4DY7zFjHXtaaIaTBbuqMXj5tBb188KYkn32m-6YW=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1Bz8leWhnLtKzyjVno8RXdxaOvVXB6EbyzGlm-y9gZtYNcIJLtlLyBr_Y7iLRI7o_d0h1c6ZEzMXZU1FFi9AEKh43JcmbQAOxHInd6agmrnWeddhpbAdajgb4Ic-MY3lmoNsJZkBsPgC0dmUWhYevfmktw5YlJm1Ti_sFHgyvtkqxuZTk3o7dfiso=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1Bz8leWhnLtKzyjVno8RXdxaOvVXB6EbyzGlm-y9gZtYNcIJLtlLyBr_Y7iLRI7o_d0h1c6ZEzMXZU1FFi9AEKh43JcmbQAOxHInd6agmrnWeddhpbAdajgb4Ic-MY3lmoNsJZkBsPgC0dmUWhYevfmktw5YlJm1Ti_sFHgyvtkqxuZTk3o7dfiso=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>...And it just kept falling!</div><div><br /></div><div>I thought I'd try to walk in it at my normal walking time around 5am in the dark. I bundled up and added a headlamp to my outfit. OMG! It was powder! Dry, fluffy, powder! The streets were ice packed from the cars, very slippery and dangerous, but as long as I stayed on the grassy sides and sidewalks, it was glorious. No one is out and about at 5am so I had this wonderland to myself. Safe, nontoxic fun! </div><div><br /></div><div>It snowed for about four days, stopping on the fifth, but remained dry and powdery. Such wonderful morning walks. At one point I attempted to make a snowman, but powder snow doesn't stick together and I couldn't form a ball.</div><div><br /></div><div>On the sixth day I woke up hearing drips and drops. Rain. It's not going to last. I still headed out to test the snow. Still walkable. Everything is still covered, but the ice on the roads and sidewalks is starting to melt. Very slick and dangerous.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQ8d3G3r2oDlMXMa5APQER-b_26jobT5hf2Wlj3NolOAlLEoCHpDQ8b9v0rTX-KTvh25oGM-1s6Sh4oAcXA4BoHM8-Y8GWl4QXqOPu0T6yXG7MA7VXbPP5KVxhMmFyOUVzyQxcaXhDrxrUadZ7Qi44odCcBeZEkw5DSnU-j2qa6eVfmfzYCsemq1dd=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQ8d3G3r2oDlMXMa5APQER-b_26jobT5hf2Wlj3NolOAlLEoCHpDQ8b9v0rTX-KTvh25oGM-1s6Sh4oAcXA4BoHM8-Y8GWl4QXqOPu0T6yXG7MA7VXbPP5KVxhMmFyOUVzyQxcaXhDrxrUadZ7Qi44odCcBeZEkw5DSnU-j2qa6eVfmfzYCsemq1dd=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Toward the end of my walk, traversing through the park it came to me this is perfect snow for a snowman!!! Snowmen are so happy. I love it they will often last long after the snow has disappeared. Can I do this? I love making magical snowmen - the ones that just show up the next morning and people wonder where it came from? It wasn't there yesterday!!??</div><div><br /></div><div>It's been a few years since I've made a snowman, but like riding a bike, recall is second nature. I rolled and packed the first gigantic ball. Then the second...but the second was too heavy to lift so I left it along side the first. This means I'll have to make two snowmen and I hoped my energy would last long enough.</div><div><br /></div><div>I finished them then had to search for rocks for eyes. Then branches for arms. Mind you, I'm doing this in the dark!! My headlamp kept falling off my head every time I bent down. Also I was in a rush with time. I didn't want to get caught. I wanted it to be magical.</div><div><br /></div><div>With two snowmen I thought I'd title it "LOVE" and make their branchy arms go around one another - that's because that second giant ball was left very close to the first. Happiness and love.</div><div><br /></div><div>I trudged home, exhausted, but then I thought teenagers might destroy my lovers. So I trudged back with camera in hand. Unfortunately, it was dark and I couldn't get the flash to work...and their faces had already fallen off from the rain!! HAHAHAHA Too bad you can't see their arms around one another.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSd4avjZwADb0quxxZIDuHczbTSOAveYRl9MU5T-VFY0JiG77zUYTPNxNfP6n5cAVzEViAn1PmFWYBcqEgltX7teNnwqxJZKVjahjWDww4Gu2YSAEA4IZKscFquHWmg9ADwGMDA1Ck91Wn92yGzTKIFYyJ9qI4iXzMLIf-fiMoJduahcW_Lx2Lxr5a=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSd4avjZwADb0quxxZIDuHczbTSOAveYRl9MU5T-VFY0JiG77zUYTPNxNfP6n5cAVzEViAn1PmFWYBcqEgltX7teNnwqxJZKVjahjWDww4Gu2YSAEA4IZKscFquHWmg9ADwGMDA1Ck91Wn92yGzTKIFYyJ9qI4iXzMLIf-fiMoJduahcW_Lx2Lxr5a=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>They make me happy. I don't think they last very long.</div><div><br /></div><div>I went back later to see how my lovers were doing. LOL! THEY ARE MELTING. One is leaning affectionately into the other and both lost their faces. So in love they are faceless. LOL.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjO-xm6edcp1px8U7V_OBN9_NJJVIgMVUkr1pGZihAE1LkTv2j6ZZOqa_uIoctfbCZUXBHYYSS2t8DGScLn1_gGAxVdtorMvMiouzZSrYPBdsq974mdk4HPj981cJ3ySLGqfAX4ZgKrJXwf_F2MJOI7YhtZL1A0BdDbxcA-eb20tNcH_LkA2gspoiFl=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjO-xm6edcp1px8U7V_OBN9_NJJVIgMVUkr1pGZihAE1LkTv2j6ZZOqa_uIoctfbCZUXBHYYSS2t8DGScLn1_gGAxVdtorMvMiouzZSrYPBdsq974mdk4HPj981cJ3ySLGqfAX4ZgKrJXwf_F2MJOI7YhtZL1A0BdDbxcA-eb20tNcH_LkA2gspoiFl=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I attempted to patch them up and set the one up straight.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSZhrgtvsMAO_KOjPYqOm4IR69kRJ2X2BWlnGcSbhSKfKfazvmljlVWMr6A_LhDywOzzFwkc8AYXBIGGggAjdHaNff0-VLRI3moM9kDIu4pWaD3hh_lfHv3ssdCTNKesF2WvDIqOdlioqbtusrIhXKJK_DT8_nSHGUyc3DZ4XbrJ7ujZuS7mAxiGo5=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSZhrgtvsMAO_KOjPYqOm4IR69kRJ2X2BWlnGcSbhSKfKfazvmljlVWMr6A_LhDywOzzFwkc8AYXBIGGggAjdHaNff0-VLRI3moM9kDIu4pWaD3hh_lfHv3ssdCTNKesF2WvDIqOdlioqbtusrIhXKJK_DT8_nSHGUyc3DZ4XbrJ7ujZuS7mAxiGo5=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>They are going to make me smile for a long time.</div>The Multiple Chemical Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459073982236135107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452420668945252307.post-12222751007975368142021-11-28T07:29:00.006-08:002021-11-28T13:04:38.980-08:00Recalling All Toxic Poisons!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQga2VDt5cUe3ScO5oDhTB1uEg3dNHayuFy7hHWNyCfjkniFxH9RZCVqDKqzjpQa9ZbgC38xCw9nILIwbAvB2GvX5kzd7O-liyANnI6mE2-qNDLAjBtzqQ56jhcgYC0zaKgtf9wIlWQI/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1066" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQga2VDt5cUe3ScO5oDhTB1uEg3dNHayuFy7hHWNyCfjkniFxH9RZCVqDKqzjpQa9ZbgC38xCw9nILIwbAvB2GvX5kzd7O-liyANnI6mE2-qNDLAjBtzqQ56jhcgYC0zaKgtf9wIlWQI/" width="160" /></a></div><br />I used Secret deodorant in both aerosol and roll-on forms for most of my life. In fact, as a teenager, I collected deodorant cans. Yeah, that's weird, but I wanted a collection no one else had and empty deodorant cans were accumulating all around me and free. I think if I would have saved them they might be worth money. Maybe? Yeah, I doubt it.<p></p><p>It's been years since I've used a toxic, smelly deodorant and instead I now use vinegar and baking soda. I try to live by the rule, if I can't eat it, I don't put it on my body. I have tried some of the so-called non-toxic versions, but I find vinegar and baking soda works much better. I am hoping my chemical-free practices save me from any number of diseases caused by these chemicals, but who knows how much damage I did before I became enlightened?</p><p>Proctor & Gamble is recalling their Secret and Old Spice products because they contain a cancer-causing ingredient called benzene. For anyone who is somewhat enlightened, any word with <i><b>ene</b> </i>on the end of it is a toxin: styrene, pentene, butene, ethylene, propylene....most plastics are made with <i style="font-weight: bold;">enes</i>. I often forget that most of the population is conveniently unaware. It seems benzene specifically causes leukemia. I wonder, <i>Are they just now figuring this out? </i>This <i style="font-weight: bold;">ene </i>warning has been around for a long time.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HZmMvmQSvr4pVo-4VIL0_LwnE8ohvVoAAZN8pgWLAMtY257NuUKgk9cym1RiAjcXx73EcXVm5E1cqk9bfhfH8FexpCDWL35Yz5Nex_M-NBqFmdcBodbqie8s-Snqenm_p6p3aCs3Qw0/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HZmMvmQSvr4pVo-4VIL0_LwnE8ohvVoAAZN8pgWLAMtY257NuUKgk9cym1RiAjcXx73EcXVm5E1cqk9bfhfH8FexpCDWL35Yz5Nex_M-NBqFmdcBodbqie8s-Snqenm_p6p3aCs3Qw0/" width="240" /></a></div>Of course, the company immediately followed up the recall with a statement, "Daily exposure to benzene in the recalled products at the levels detected in our testing would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences." So are they saying cancer isn't an "adverse health consequence"? If daily exposure isn't a problem, then why recall at all? Are they trying to mitigate the influx of lawsuits? Sounds like legal double-talk to me.<p></p><p><br />What about all the other products filled with cancer-causing <i><b>enes</b>,</i> for instance, those with fragrances? All fragrances have toluene, but no one is recalling products with this ingredient. It's time they should. Can you imagine? HABA shelves would be emptied! Unfortunately, it would greatly affect the bottom line of not only the companies that manufacture products using these ingredients but the chemical companies would take a huge hit. Profits are far more important than people!</p><p>Click <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/p-g-recalls-old-spice-121628737.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> for the article and the list of recall products. Link:</p><p><a href="https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/p-g-recalls-old-spice-121628737.html" target="_blank">https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/p-g-recalls-old-spice-121628737.html</a></p>The Multiple Chemical Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459073982236135107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452420668945252307.post-69703299431824063162021-11-28T03:36:00.005-08:002021-11-28T13:07:13.753-08:00Being Thankful<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPwMJad54SbhqvZIbDzUdMvj1hBNSUdayWbhvkmSyDHTjayidUwnghHG5FKGRSjdkNhbGEShuNvz3y8GQzEcsSfCXaXkATAzgSrO4NQsCBfJru8DZSIldB53aJgQ90mbL7KDVA3HPyRWfqnRCxfd_1jrGEyg4RaBdf9tVPX3KZxdGlKI0HvAGGUdf1=s1119" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="1119" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPwMJad54SbhqvZIbDzUdMvj1hBNSUdayWbhvkmSyDHTjayidUwnghHG5FKGRSjdkNhbGEShuNvz3y8GQzEcsSfCXaXkATAzgSrO4NQsCBfJru8DZSIldB53aJgQ90mbL7KDVA3HPyRWfqnRCxfd_1jrGEyg4RaBdf9tVPX3KZxdGlKI0HvAGGUdf1=w200-h133" width="200" /></a></div><br />Chemically sensitive people have a difficult time with holidays. These are traditions that demand family time and friendship connections never advantageous to anyone who can't be around the toxic bad habits of stupid humans. Around this time of year I read so many websites for MCSers and EMF sensitive people featuring comments and posts on how sad people are they can't participate or worse, how their family or friends criticize them for faking it or just being a general pain in their backsides.<p></p><p>I don't do holidays anymore. Even before I was chemically sensitive, holidays were contentious. Most of my family not only had toxic hygiene, but smoked incessantly forcing me to stand outside in the rain for most of the day. I'd have to suffer their smart ass questions about my latest diet or comments about weight gain and their jokes about why I was standing outside were insensitive and exhausting. Holidays were always filled with disappointment.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilYZCoyEzZdpnLX6J2x8j-HJKdRB3EvYom2BvblRMGvcvTk1Xx6nW5IDuTnNPSSWoCVsRoQFQDLvMOVXyHfRlvscrqLvX5RpeozJhoqGb6pNQ6PTgVIfvEiaHYsDPW2exy4O7cc1A4vQy66B8c2-l4OKj4lzrBoxCbltcDBmJV8GNjyhw8_jKGbobD=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1487" data-original-width="2048" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilYZCoyEzZdpnLX6J2x8j-HJKdRB3EvYom2BvblRMGvcvTk1Xx6nW5IDuTnNPSSWoCVsRoQFQDLvMOVXyHfRlvscrqLvX5RpeozJhoqGb6pNQ6PTgVIfvEiaHYsDPW2exy4O7cc1A4vQy66B8c2-l4OKj4lzrBoxCbltcDBmJV8GNjyhw8_jKGbobD=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />As a young adult I spent many holidays with friends. Sometimes this involved sharing their families. I always appreciated their hospitality, but I always felt like an outsider, an intruder. It was uncomfortable. I had one friend reprimand me for a homemade apple pie I brought as a contribution. Really? It wasn't her family's tradition. REALLY?<div><br /></div><div>My favorite memories are the Friendsgivings when a group of single friends would get together for a potluck celebration. Those were often really fun and sometimes wild. When I became chemically sensitive the parties became difficult with people forgetting not to wear perfume or essential oils. Many times I'd have to leave before the meal was even served.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjc72dVuXnhmXsRcGeBwuM-KJE0m3V6IGJyvswaihRwCUgUFpuoqAxvQHTjMezubLLgwyzYc-FiCZjVxtQ3b_EpqmBGISvMqLgGGLHlhiJ-rcug_F8kiB3vClLmifeV1KhB2C_4TzbPB_L8nzUXzIqGiNsX8sQMbNVXnEzgc3sBVeowfdRunghR6GsY=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1315" data-original-width="2048" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjc72dVuXnhmXsRcGeBwuM-KJE0m3V6IGJyvswaihRwCUgUFpuoqAxvQHTjMezubLLgwyzYc-FiCZjVxtQ3b_EpqmBGISvMqLgGGLHlhiJ-rcug_F8kiB3vClLmifeV1KhB2C_4TzbPB_L8nzUXzIqGiNsX8sQMbNVXnEzgc3sBVeowfdRunghR6GsY=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />I've gotten used to my solitude. It's taken years to get to this point as initially all this isolation was soul sucking. Now I rather enjoy not being harassed for who I am by thoughtless relatives. I enjoy a day where I can do what I want without the stress and worry of who will poison me, who will insult me, who will disappoint me, or who will treat me like a second-class citizen. I don't have to worry what I should bring for a potluck dish or hostess gift and I won't feel slighted when my potluck dish stays and I have to leave.</div><div><p></p><p>I am thankful.</p></div>The Multiple Chemical Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459073982236135107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452420668945252307.post-61749300928832576822021-11-22T12:39:00.005-08:002021-11-28T03:10:03.893-08:00New Growth Green<p>I've been on a remodeling kick which started during the pandemic lockdown. Well, really it's an excuse to paint the rooms in my house happy, bright, cheerful, inspiring colors. Besides being stuck inside all winter or during a pandemic, I wanted to be surrounded by happiness. No dulls or pastels for me. I want vibrant visuals to keep my mood up and my disposition playful. Joy is in the little things.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJNFrWtkheKifeBVtG3CVY7AzJ1Aya8uF4KKNBy6UmYN6b7Y_UtuShgqwa8kwfc-xXwDkxyWi6DfDXzrbpcW4TKGmrEd9PpkLHyaBhmqxiT8NRiIneq9BgA_DrqJhUhWDUhOkugGmY1Drbj4dh7SME3TmzsQIw7081wIG-zIPzh7lVaGztdcW6c2Kj=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJNFrWtkheKifeBVtG3CVY7AzJ1Aya8uF4KKNBy6UmYN6b7Y_UtuShgqwa8kwfc-xXwDkxyWi6DfDXzrbpcW4TKGmrEd9PpkLHyaBhmqxiT8NRiIneq9BgA_DrqJhUhWDUhOkugGmY1Drbj4dh7SME3TmzsQIw7081wIG-zIPzh7lVaGztdcW6c2Kj=w320-h240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>For the kitchen I needed a bright color that was different from the turquoise living room and purple office. I decided green, the color of lettuce, celery, Granny Smith apples and spinach. FOOD! Oh, wait, I have a lime green staircase that ends in the kitchen so the color needed to be a different shade. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8vcgsiPtAIaSQIPlmBxotn2yfEhRGXo5ihY3REBaEyl11TxBw0U70Q2Hax1zH2-x52MnriVDFP2-2IblEvPHUmdFCSFHYXRARr3rW8f6w79TzQvwNNFhcuolAmMjd1_R5vCkwkbM3Nxgc4lb0vDLYoZro0g36iesyU6Vtzf3ES1H13D_zPUlCrCPx=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8vcgsiPtAIaSQIPlmBxotn2yfEhRGXo5ihY3REBaEyl11TxBw0U70Q2Hax1zH2-x52MnriVDFP2-2IblEvPHUmdFCSFHYXRARr3rW8f6w79TzQvwNNFhcuolAmMjd1_R5vCkwkbM3Nxgc4lb0vDLYoZro0g36iesyU6Vtzf3ES1H13D_zPUlCrCPx=w240-h320" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>Most paint samples in hardware stores are dull and gray-toned. I wanted bright. I created a color using acrylic paint. I think I bought no less than seven samples to get just the right tone. Initially I called it "Lettuce Green" before I realized lettuce is more yellow-green. I renamed it New Growth Green, the green that appears in early spring as the new shoots push through the ground giving new life to the world. Beginnings. I love it.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUX5f70xWiRK_LqHkBFmvqNCfZLSrFPFCmQXz-8dWzUNqpkAAl8FGT5hpOJ0Ttzr2I7ltzMoDj_tWivwuEkNz547p4mA-R6eAkvqO05wacShgiYJoTaWCi9zsT3dxPMs8t7PmiewQ4PM8g8isi0Zc7TljjEszBkDVHvVX3JgGrXmHAEwVaKM7NggkG=s1600" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUX5f70xWiRK_LqHkBFmvqNCfZLSrFPFCmQXz-8dWzUNqpkAAl8FGT5hpOJ0Ttzr2I7ltzMoDj_tWivwuEkNz547p4mA-R6eAkvqO05wacShgiYJoTaWCi9zsT3dxPMs8t7PmiewQ4PM8g8isi0Zc7TljjEszBkDVHvVX3JgGrXmHAEwVaKM7NggkG=w150-h200" width="150" /></a></div>After painting the walls I decided the cupboards were too dark. Originally this room was a "Harbor Blue". Great color, but I was determined to go bright. I did not realize the work involved! These cupboards are as old as the house (1922) and I was stripping up to four layers of paint plus a shelf liner that was used for decoration and painted over! This was a nightmare. I did attempt to strip and paint one of the inside cupboards. That was way too much work! I admit I got tired and lazy. I decided to do white because if one day I sell, no one is going to want crazy colored cabinets and white might be a more neutral option. I also stripped and repainted the knobs white. I used a really smelly, toxic Urethan Alkyd Semi-Gloss Enamel paint for cabinetry by Behr. Glossy is easier to wash. It was all done out in the garage a little at a time and offgassed/cured for a month.<p></p><p>The first set of cupboards completed were really...WHITE. That's what I wanted, but I had no idea what a whole wall of white would look like. I questioned my decision. I kept working as the second set of cupboards would be around the sink and window so the white would break up. I got used to it and it definitely brightened the room.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzspfd3RYzDjDm-_im1aD1mBrjJVTPVS6zDU2EMoL0TtBXrgxkegUJYuM2m-DDnx-1rsuRKQTgsLgyZ8TvzidKsPD4yhsfV9YTePhPu_cnvrLEOFPwD3clULh1xEnYJ0F2zLWhUw0Rl8y2ZhYB_RPD6KDFTjkN2PSNUHGtGvx31EE__L8KoeWLZHeD=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzspfd3RYzDjDm-_im1aD1mBrjJVTPVS6zDU2EMoL0TtBXrgxkegUJYuM2m-DDnx-1rsuRKQTgsLgyZ8TvzidKsPD4yhsfV9YTePhPu_cnvrLEOFPwD3clULh1xEnYJ0F2zLWhUw0Rl8y2ZhYB_RPD6KDFTjkN2PSNUHGtGvx31EE__L8KoeWLZHeD=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh481KXEQSQhcCxfhSJWje7pgQC46JT9wtbJoX8PRgz298d1eOs6nWuFUU5coYcN4IOG70XOcmTuElnDHOsPih5rddUWmUQsB0TeKhgmqEhPYcdeck20SSoz3J9w760A-9VF6uvyoiDWVl42Bk1efr7qW_oouoFwMm62VLxCe396wU86aIfx6y-of3k=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh481KXEQSQhcCxfhSJWje7pgQC46JT9wtbJoX8PRgz298d1eOs6nWuFUU5coYcN4IOG70XOcmTuElnDHOsPih5rddUWmUQsB0TeKhgmqEhPYcdeck20SSoz3J9w760A-9VF6uvyoiDWVl42Bk1efr7qW_oouoFwMm62VLxCe396wU86aIfx6y-of3k=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>I decided the kitchen table didn't match. I had painted it years ago and now it needed some green. I decided on a whimsical leaf pattern. I had no idea what I was about to do and just jumped in and went with it. I LOVED IT!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTz_bg7lk-E2GpTWUAKmr95DcuB9R8O07754MMB1BdeCjb1UBQqzbgMsfZH-EOhZsGtZkZ5TE6fKgHyye18SmCMwSRZFq5djEIKlFTk98RBGzSLwPxQNNXZ8RcfzfeF0X-d3tHha-7Cthd4UGFC1Kpez4yYxp_OYFW_yjYHRSdD-6lt6xTTHuNQBGh=s1491" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1119" data-original-width="1491" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTz_bg7lk-E2GpTWUAKmr95DcuB9R8O07754MMB1BdeCjb1UBQqzbgMsfZH-EOhZsGtZkZ5TE6fKgHyye18SmCMwSRZFq5djEIKlFTk98RBGzSLwPxQNNXZ8RcfzfeF0X-d3tHha-7Cthd4UGFC1Kpez4yYxp_OYFW_yjYHRSdD-6lt6xTTHuNQBGh=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5o_3mnM5GnO7UMSxbIBoU-gCzCpwSOLAJip1dzSsqjvN-xoTBRXRAgpaypYiIYFZESLmfVzIbS7ls6ZatyeS-Zawto5clqeIaznSwGYB13bPcwoFJl4FIdNsvJMrO0Q5ncc-cLi0PMKFjMU12SYhEPHn9kHtIl2c1jEdbZYLi_Z2NQuj6AJ6mK4K5=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5o_3mnM5GnO7UMSxbIBoU-gCzCpwSOLAJip1dzSsqjvN-xoTBRXRAgpaypYiIYFZESLmfVzIbS7ls6ZatyeS-Zawto5clqeIaznSwGYB13bPcwoFJl4FIdNsvJMrO0Q5ncc-cLi0PMKFjMU12SYhEPHn9kHtIl2c1jEdbZYLi_Z2NQuj6AJ6mK4K5=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p>I looked around and decided I needed more of it although worried if I did all the cupboards, it would darken the room. I started with one mini-wall where I hang my towels. (See above photo with sink.) The last set of cupboards were screaming for some pattern and I obliged. I figured it would balance the white, give the room accents. Now I want to redo all the cupboards this pattern! Thankfully I was too exhausted. Maybe next year?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicybvYfy1FzvQjZHVjWA7quTkonb5tINP_9JpkcUzPFjCgbsGr9iCU5_d6JCiOpMbQnNCPfolmLcxlwxFaPob0cvpyQCZUkBj998-0O8vRmxXF8wi8rBwqXnDeFSAfuEgwmcW1ErrlUwNixmu1J3vxe2RNk6YHr9h4LBiyZwhpGeknwFXNKaMcsxYa=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicybvYfy1FzvQjZHVjWA7quTkonb5tINP_9JpkcUzPFjCgbsGr9iCU5_d6JCiOpMbQnNCPfolmLcxlwxFaPob0cvpyQCZUkBj998-0O8vRmxXF8wi8rBwqXnDeFSAfuEgwmcW1ErrlUwNixmu1J3vxe2RNk6YHr9h4LBiyZwhpGeknwFXNKaMcsxYa=w191-h254" width="191" /></a></div><p>As I was stripping the floor I moved the refrigerator from the alcove. Drats. It was boring white so I patterned the alcove! The refrigerator is slid back into this space so it's hardly noticeable.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyXAgtDnPGhfgyii1Sh2FTtP_DAAwMVyK9v99hJb_3YWFh0y21BXByZbwIALPvegxkVoxu8tB6SOrua3d-IR59o2VffilUQTvnRvUbkR6dJEHhf4dbxwBZvZ-4cmTa_0FuLLjcSP0cdqLsqSXqTFxcnWX-tioD7XO4cSXzFatXw4I65BAHGsdT-nJ3=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyXAgtDnPGhfgyii1Sh2FTtP_DAAwMVyK9v99hJb_3YWFh0y21BXByZbwIALPvegxkVoxu8tB6SOrua3d-IR59o2VffilUQTvnRvUbkR6dJEHhf4dbxwBZvZ-4cmTa_0FuLLjcSP0cdqLsqSXqTFxcnWX-tioD7XO4cSXzFatXw4I65BAHGsdT-nJ3=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgM8VnKDyBpQ4EqgU9vGdEeL6x9C3-FpNy8UohMa0N8XMWHIqwV7RqRpmyBligK7i00aPwnL8RQ3jSvPGkvt_8jsQroFiW_k1iTRuD9XeSmK0_kjLVfT1Hfkfo9fwzEVAC9iZjzyS6ckglIo2_W9NXWVjAi39z79iu4ojIKOJkle3ESNjcxs3wp3rqP=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgM8VnKDyBpQ4EqgU9vGdEeL6x9C3-FpNy8UohMa0N8XMWHIqwV7RqRpmyBligK7i00aPwnL8RQ3jSvPGkvt_8jsQroFiW_k1iTRuD9XeSmK0_kjLVfT1Hfkfo9fwzEVAC9iZjzyS6ckglIo2_W9NXWVjAi39z79iu4ojIKOJkle3ESNjcxs3wp3rqP=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4tJexri2sLYJHPE7fLjyv29-z2fCzCw-riTojK99E3c0mbViAL-TC8foU6Q-9splkqAxioxIZkbRnJ1ftiuK5uisPpNK-pTeKn6stTkIt3NkwE6FQOIlXG49pI_GUFz6wxo57ZF0YAhSHzHzr9NMo98rEab-vLjxr8bW-gnO2L_0RWLbqwz86Frmt=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4tJexri2sLYJHPE7fLjyv29-z2fCzCw-riTojK99E3c0mbViAL-TC8foU6Q-9splkqAxioxIZkbRnJ1ftiuK5uisPpNK-pTeKn6stTkIt3NkwE6FQOIlXG49pI_GUFz6wxo57ZF0YAhSHzHzr9NMo98rEab-vLjxr8bW-gnO2L_0RWLbqwz86Frmt=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then stripped and resealed the floor grout! So gorgeous!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizpPhKtASVt-sBZO3j1xxtig6pahYM0SOdRt3jT7MeKBqgqNp-6mYr242ECfRYbQAQIcddFTu0_cBvMMboZwRGoImqsZoKi4Zuw49lEkEOh2A6V1BKRzT0V9owffrXlVbgGFw6cbHPLrEZeo3Eo44iX2rphrtEUwPXQLeRHIjT0zZriwwpkvBDCWQ-=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizpPhKtASVt-sBZO3j1xxtig6pahYM0SOdRt3jT7MeKBqgqNp-6mYr242ECfRYbQAQIcddFTu0_cBvMMboZwRGoImqsZoKi4Zuw49lEkEOh2A6V1BKRzT0V9owffrXlVbgGFw6cbHPLrEZeo3Eo44iX2rphrtEUwPXQLeRHIjT0zZriwwpkvBDCWQ-=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>I started experimenting with pastel drawing and began a series of fruits and vegetables as a theme. I painted the frames bright colors. I admit I'm not that great at pastels, but it sure adds some color. I hope to fill the room with colorful frames and drawings.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCLuSKftcEJ6cQ-khIuKFQKFZMOafxZ4lCzxT6SgqmqFuamOquslCTHwEFKxhN5Ei_WfqQEmCjItvXtnv5tryGVbesWzZJ9Fti9PQRNhtv_5dXqSZmHmHqiHMy9sQ7ySuRkvxQ0bgLfgv3EvgPibWilqVFABnxtowPau1Lt7tNboeGFtwmW_9fDN4i=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCLuSKftcEJ6cQ-khIuKFQKFZMOafxZ4lCzxT6SgqmqFuamOquslCTHwEFKxhN5Ei_WfqQEmCjItvXtnv5tryGVbesWzZJ9Fti9PQRNhtv_5dXqSZmHmHqiHMy9sQ7ySuRkvxQ0bgLfgv3EvgPibWilqVFABnxtowPau1Lt7tNboeGFtwmW_9fDN4i=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJzbnDn4e4qBidTBOv3SoBenG49sJ5-ghc6l2OIjtTCZaJMJexkyG-xSe4fPPQJ6M3L40JavCBXikwnjlbEztJevRr7AzpV1ZmBWIP5IlJEggjCb2Uty1K-YHkVW0I3JNHZwdhRP6Ixqy1gJ1PmrV_duH1ZsEPeI9KfQVoLjFgk4Ykz-rFUYYe6ISu=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJzbnDn4e4qBidTBOv3SoBenG49sJ5-ghc6l2OIjtTCZaJMJexkyG-xSe4fPPQJ6M3L40JavCBXikwnjlbEztJevRr7AzpV1ZmBWIP5IlJEggjCb2Uty1K-YHkVW0I3JNHZwdhRP6Ixqy1gJ1PmrV_duH1ZsEPeI9KfQVoLjFgk4Ykz-rFUYYe6ISu=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Granted, paint is toxic. Even the low-VOC paint is. I've been using Behr Marque which is a high quality paint that supposedly takes only one coat so it's quick. I also wear a mask, gloves, glasses and jumpsuit and have lots of ventilation and fans pointing out the windows.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br />The Multiple Chemical Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459073982236135107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452420668945252307.post-32521416698719792322021-11-16T07:04:00.011-08:002021-12-01T06:54:45.252-08:00AHHHH...RELIEF!!! OMG!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMXea5JqLU0D18xzRW_v5VT0F4zVthD6RPsmx79lqnZ6llYxQisQQolSgTu4mvBmToveIoSmcUBj0glzOiXN8AmZ-JTTwEttsYxqGLRMrT1H7nt4DoMxlqieZblkuFfqHcfylLU-ZhzB7pk33y1AliPFv21w4h2zsxvXVzypD9BeTGzNLeAMRee31J=s1481" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1481" data-original-width="724" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMXea5JqLU0D18xzRW_v5VT0F4zVthD6RPsmx79lqnZ6llYxQisQQolSgTu4mvBmToveIoSmcUBj0glzOiXN8AmZ-JTTwEttsYxqGLRMrT1H7nt4DoMxlqieZblkuFfqHcfylLU-ZhzB7pk33y1AliPFv21w4h2zsxvXVzypD9BeTGzNLeAMRee31J=s320" width="156" /></a></div><br />How is everyone pooping these days?<p></p><p>I guess I shouldn't start there. Let's start with background so those of you who are tuning in late will have some kind of context. </p><p>I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that causes your body to attack the thyroid gland causing all kinds of misery. Couple that with MCS and thyroid prescriptions make me incredibly ill with side effects that match if not exceed the symptoms of Hashimoto's. I've spent a good ten years managing this illness with diet and lifestyle only. For the most part, it's worked out really well. However, I've read too often untreated Hashimoto's can cause significant kidney, cardiovascular and vascular problems. I've been expecting death any day now. It's not a good mindset.</p><p>So...about four years ago my colon abruptly stopped working. I've always believed a properly working colon is the foundation of good health. I had never in my life had any kind of constipation, let alone what doctors love to call "chronic constipation" so this was shocking. And scary. The pain landed me in the local emergency room and then over the course of the next three months I saw another fifteen different health care providers: conventional MDs, naturopaths, functional medicine doctors, nurse practitioners and one colonic technician as I desperately searched for a solution. Over the next FOUR years I added four more health care providers to the list and I subjected myself to thousands of dollars worth of testing hoping to get answers to why this was happening. And for my time, money, and trouble, I received NO answers, NO solutions, NO help.</p><p>I tried every home remedy, dietary remedy, and nearly every over-the-counter remedy with no success. I even tried very expensive colonics every couple days mostly to relief the pain, but I really hoped it would jump start my colon into working again. My colon would not work. I asked a friend, "Where does all the ruffage go if absolutely nothing comes out the other end?? After all, I am eating!" Well, until I started a liquid diet out of desperation. She didn't know.</p><p>I did read on a few websites that claimed the colons of some people never work. Nothing works. They end up with a colostomy bag after too much chronic constipation damage. Oh great....</p><p>Several people suggested I try Miralax. I had been afraid of Miralax. It says right on the label, "Do not use if you are allergic to polyethylene glycol." </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiF1ULAc7fUmZRsSJIUpXxU5Ga0B4NwmDh14o3_ndHAZZXb0b47wuF03A_w1rd-oiIpZT3LL8wg01FrNqRKI4z0OTVeSZjm6YuXjJvXfFS7WHiA0cYxTESLjGmTDksiO1WCIoNPC-19RkJSZRIyM4ZLx-m6knGTxU2Er26FwQMyK2s2ZmKHmOf0zqWx=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiF1ULAc7fUmZRsSJIUpXxU5Ga0B4NwmDh14o3_ndHAZZXb0b47wuF03A_w1rd-oiIpZT3LL8wg01FrNqRKI4z0OTVeSZjm6YuXjJvXfFS7WHiA0cYxTESLjGmTDksiO1WCIoNPC-19RkJSZRIyM4ZLx-m6knGTxU2Er26FwQMyK2s2ZmKHmOf0zqWx=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />I had no idea what polyethylene glycol was, but I'm chemically sensitive and "allergic" to every medication known to womankind so this did not give me comfort. (Note: Polyethylene glycol is the reason some have life-threatening anaphylactic reactions to the COVID vaccines.) Still, I was desperate. I threw all caution to the wind and tried it as a last resort. It worked! Besides anaphylactic shock, Miralax is known to cause gastrointestinal problems including stomach ulcers, kidney damage, and OCD, aggression and psychotic/personality changes in children. I was convinced Miralax would kill me, but what choice did I have? Between the Hashimoto's and the Miralax, I was doomed.<p></p><p>Constipation is a common Hashimoto's symptom. After a year of intermittent shutdowns and startups, my colon finally found a schedule of sorts: it would stop working in the fall when the weather cooled (around October) and miraculously start up again in the spring (around March). This is typical of thyroid function anyway...in the winter months during colder weather the thyroid slows down even for people who have no thyroid issues. This is why so many become slightly lethargic, eat too much, pack on the weight, and basically hibernate. Hmmm...so is my non-working colon just another symptom of Hashimoto's? How do I get my thyroid functioning without poisoning myself?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilDf7rXvPLU_8ZIc1MtfnhDTQPD080V4kspFK7Yxyxyz4eLQM8YLQI6GCbSb28hiB0EwL8XzYXzsoepq6-Zh0UAiCaOuyAoHFkJlba_z_egVIUmbSTSAZN8pRfdLAnq8TO-Gyp5Kx2Tp0wTUJup2fVq0sOcfQYA446F6gvU1BPLPEsrEuV3PRcHS7t=s1478" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1478" data-original-width="678" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilDf7rXvPLU_8ZIc1MtfnhDTQPD080V4kspFK7Yxyxyz4eLQM8YLQI6GCbSb28hiB0EwL8XzYXzsoepq6-Zh0UAiCaOuyAoHFkJlba_z_egVIUmbSTSAZN8pRfdLAnq8TO-Gyp5Kx2Tp0wTUJup2fVq0sOcfQYA446F6gvU1BPLPEsrEuV3PRcHS7t=w92-h200" width="92" /></a></div>I presented my theories to many of those health care providers. Most just looked at me like deer caught in headlights not knowing what to do with a patient who needs drugs, but can't take them. Some treated me like everything I said was a lie or argued with me insinuating it was all in my head. <i>No, you couldn't possibly have problems with thyroid medications, and no, Miralax is very inert and healthy after all it's given to children as well as quadriplegics and paraplegics who have no colon function. </i>One medical doctor with an office lined with credentials told me he didn't know if constipation was a symptom of thyroid disease. Morons have taken over the medical system yet I am expected to pay these people for an appointment! Orange fucking cones.<p></p><p>Faced with the incompetent American health care system, I realized I had to figure this out myself because no one was going to help me. I went to an acupuncturist. Maybe he can jumpstart the thyroid by poking needles in the nerves? The second treatment made me violently ill for two weeks as if it triggered an autoimmune attack. The fact that it triggered an attack indicated it did something, but it was too much and too much money if I wanted to maintain the treatment and experiment. Besides my colon was not amused. It refused to do any jumping.</p><p>In the meantime, my stomach was ripping with pain, my back hurt right around the kidney area, and my blood labs showed I was at stage three kidney disease...in March. In September after six months not taking Miralax, my kidneys went back to looking fine. Miralax was killing me. I was desperate now. I was depressed and anxious. I was afraid. If nothing works, this was definitely going to kill me!</p><p></p>I decided to try one more idea for a thyroid prescription. If I could control the amount of drug I take, maybe I could tolerate a little at a time. All I need is enough to make up for thyroid drop during the cold winter months. Maybe that would do the trick? I'll need a compounded prescription with no fillers, no additives, no flavors, no scents. Topical drops for my skin. Then I had to find a health care provider who would prescribe compounded drugs. This was nearly impossible. Most of them argued with me saying I wouldn't get enough absorption and ignored me when I said, "That's the point [ORANGE CONE!]." (See my post on orange cones.) Even one of the compounding pharmacists argued this point! Orange cones are everywhere.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQNFSgiS_ya_1AeymCxMvoM8rj4OkNaHQUGTEx6X-OqjcYo7VNZYKUbum9miOVk_Vh6a2faRex_m84-56sjL2Zk8vYoZYX6oE5fQd7HUcssEf31vc28KlgXxR5YIHwE-g7NXnB99MxDHe79gG5bk4rPOHBZeZQ6GlkbXbFOwg5SSotMkd_vohbfyEl=s1064" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="731" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQNFSgiS_ya_1AeymCxMvoM8rj4OkNaHQUGTEx6X-OqjcYo7VNZYKUbum9miOVk_Vh6a2faRex_m84-56sjL2Zk8vYoZYX6oE5fQd7HUcssEf31vc28KlgXxR5YIHwE-g7NXnB99MxDHe79gG5bk4rPOHBZeZQ6GlkbXbFOwg5SSotMkd_vohbfyEl=w138-h200" width="138" /></a></div>I finally found a naturopath who claimed she had compounding pharmaceutical experience. Bottom line, she was willing to prescribe my idea, or so I thought. First, it took six weeks to get an appointment with her. Second, it took her seven more weeks to call it in to the pharmacy. She doesn't understand I'm on a timeline and need the drug before the weather cools. Third, she failed miserably at listening to me and prescribed it incorrectly because although she might have minor experience with compounding drugs, she has absolutely no experience with MCS. Fourth, the pharmacy mixes it wrong adding fillers I can't tolerate and even using the wrong dosage!! Really? After a dozen conversations they still get it wrong???!! Finally, after four months of struggling at every turn, I get the correct prescription. I mark on my calendar six weeks because that's how long it takes for thyroid drugs to affect one's thyroid levels. <p></p><p>I started with one drop of Levothyroxine under the arm every three days because it's usually the second and third day when I get sick. The first week I start taking it, my colon STOPPED working! Fall is here! The weather cooled. UGH! I was disappointed it took too long to get the prescription, but I hoped continued dosing would still my raise my thyroid levels. I was praying for a miracle. </p><p>In the meantime I unfortunately read more on Miralax about the lawsuits against Bayer Corporation attempting to get Miralax banned in the US or at least labeled correctly. "<b>Do not use</b> if you have kidney disease..." Yes, they boldfaced those words on the container. Great. Miralax is killing me. This experiment has to work. I am hoping the thyroid hormone supports my already stressed kidneys caused by hypothyroidism and makes my colon miraculously start working so I can stop poisoning myself with this so-called "inert" over-the-counter medication that activist groups are trying to get banned in the US. I can dream can't I?</p><p>I also considered if it doesn't work, I think my only option left is to move to Mexico....near the equator. Warm weather year round. My thyroid would love it, but can I get good, organic, wholesome food in Mexico? I hope so. Hasta la vista, baby!</p><p>The one drop dosage every third day seemed fine, but I was eager and impatient to get more assimilated in my system. How to increase the dose and still avoid side effects? I tried two drops every third day and I was hit with severe nausea, dizziness, back and neck pain, headaches, fatigue and depression. I tried one drop every other day, but on the "off" day I was hit with debilitating fatigue causing me to sleep all day. I pulled back and went back to one drop every three days and let my body recover. Then raised it again to 1/2 drop every other day and decided, well hell with the fatigue, take it at night and get tired while sleeping. This seemed to work. Common practice is to take the medication in the morning before one eats as it won't assimilate correctly if food is in the stomach. I wasn't digesting it anyway. I just needed to somehow get it in my system while avoiding the side effects that are debilitating.</p><p>At five and a half weeks, MY COLON STARTED WORKING! OMG! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzLABKybz5X9W_pEFTjeLXFCqMJ1lyAhHy-CuDiPxtlD-kkmkx1mOHBF82lC91Y3CmWDR1Ck8ggDRn373dLh_uML53q4_TYyLYTVkPzqaeBRzT-exjViSnAMoBSC2dOK-Ylkx5UH74yPzMyT3mma-9-AgPHCbOH50gJPlCbRMkwitzyYpTuDP6Ifm-=s1568" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="1568" height="93" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzLABKybz5X9W_pEFTjeLXFCqMJ1lyAhHy-CuDiPxtlD-kkmkx1mOHBF82lC91Y3CmWDR1Ck8ggDRn373dLh_uML53q4_TYyLYTVkPzqaeBRzT-exjViSnAMoBSC2dOK-Ylkx5UH74yPzMyT3mma-9-AgPHCbOH50gJPlCbRMkwitzyYpTuDP6Ifm-=w400-h93" width="400" /></a></div><br />At first I was in disbelief. Could this be true? I didn't trust it. After four years of hell, have I really discovered the secret? The cure? The remedy no idiotic health care orange cone's brain could comprehend? I very carefully weaned myself off Miralax and waited. My colon kept working. OMG! The more thyroid I take the more motility I get, but it comes with the risk of overdosing side effects. The key is balance!<div><br /></div><div>I AM SO HAPPY AND RELIEVED!! (Pun intended.) <br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrFO8XqToQCBgNmB0pYdLXOjGz6590-wrBA-3ZP0-a0uIjpuXWoaiQ_WjbmXKkzHYJUCKcDPvXKafy5nRqbZsp4eg1rPS-er3wANL4_COTINGEesEwznQD92MAbSUSLY3wAH9v0YjfSMJTh0JTzWyM4brPc6LUJgQfLNtJ8_yycs5aWQXOZAMpqCFi=s705" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="705" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrFO8XqToQCBgNmB0pYdLXOjGz6590-wrBA-3ZP0-a0uIjpuXWoaiQ_WjbmXKkzHYJUCKcDPvXKafy5nRqbZsp4eg1rPS-er3wANL4_COTINGEesEwznQD92MAbSUSLY3wAH9v0YjfSMJTh0JTzWyM4brPc6LUJgQfLNtJ8_yycs5aWQXOZAMpqCFi=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>A week later it stopped. I started doing some cleanses to mitigate the kidney damage (back pain) and that will often slow down a colon. This was probably done too early as I should have waited for the colon to regain a happy normal. I persisted and hoped for a rebalance. I also worked up to two drops every night (10mg.) and after a few days my colon started working.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">HOORAY!</span></b></p></div><div><p><br /></p></div>The Multiple Chemical Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459073982236135107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452420668945252307.post-77882128200177996482021-11-14T20:58:00.011-08:002021-11-17T14:36:33.027-08:00EMFing<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtl3aM2OjpAPk41u7bXiY4l-DHyfwEfqLYAJm26REtefxduI8e0pwltgTrY2BuEzBD44d4S9qJrHz70HNprVUwEgOn37PFizg-aHn7F8RjxM5rkG_3_Zpxy_GLMr1ROPUNZZ6da3woIAUhLe8hUhyI37qzr5ITLCStt1r44A4xz6XD9CXG7JEaFLGW=s841" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="841" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtl3aM2OjpAPk41u7bXiY4l-DHyfwEfqLYAJm26REtefxduI8e0pwltgTrY2BuEzBD44d4S9qJrHz70HNprVUwEgOn37PFizg-aHn7F8RjxM5rkG_3_Zpxy_GLMr1ROPUNZZ6da3woIAUhLe8hUhyI37qzr5ITLCStt1r44A4xz6XD9CXG7JEaFLGW=w200-h172" width="200" /></a></div><br />Every now and then if I've been on the computer for more than one hour, I become exhausted. It hits me like a ton of bricks. I become so exhausted I can't sit up and the weakness compels me to lay down. However, I have found if I don't lay down and instead get away from my computer and move around, I recover in about twenty minutes especially if I go outside. This exhaustion doesn't happen all the time, but I can't figure out the pattern or reason what might be causing it. It seems to be all about the computer.<p></p><p>EMFs?</p><p>I asked my new naturopath about this and I got the deer-in-the-headlights look which forced me to say quickly, "Never mind."</p><p>I just watched a new film called <i><b>Surrounded</b> </i>by Sam Weider. Sam and his wife, Jacqueline, began having off and on unexplained health issues that became worse over time. Eventually Jacqueline was diagnosed with cancer and died. He discovered a book in her office called <i>Zapped </i>by Ann Louise Gittleman about EMF sensitivity. Then he contacted a EMF specialist or "building biologist" who tested his house. Sam features both the author and the biologist in his film.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTLy-z7uFy9e0MoLBPD8uaUQl8fcigV-YrcNVvHYZwTFF2KiNa3xjbNFOTJQ_b2TSHxQI5ejMmczFuWK9xXqrJjoQWddegpQGHeXgw-NdwZ9lyb0AGm93PszUXA3kcLzOulWP_dTgcQE6FaR6_eiyQV3MvxV9FrBah-rUAI_Usb4snzS_mMDoQyXQQ=s1352" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1352" data-original-width="1171" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTLy-z7uFy9e0MoLBPD8uaUQl8fcigV-YrcNVvHYZwTFF2KiNa3xjbNFOTJQ_b2TSHxQI5ejMmczFuWK9xXqrJjoQWddegpQGHeXgw-NdwZ9lyb0AGm93PszUXA3kcLzOulWP_dTgcQE6FaR6_eiyQV3MvxV9FrBah-rUAI_Usb4snzS_mMDoQyXQQ=w173-h200" width="173" /></a></div><br />It was fascinating and scary to watch the radiation tester beep like crazy around cordless phones, metal lamps, and air purifiers. Sam used to have tables with metal legs and it seems this caused his whole office to electrify like a giant microwave! His wife used to sit in the middle of this EMF shit storm. The building biologist also tested all the electronics in the bedroom: three lamps, an air purifier, television with DVD player, alarm clocks, cellphone chargers and, wait for it, the BED MATTRESS with METAL SPRINGS! With all these things plugged in, regardless of whether they are turned on or off, it electrifies the bed springs! Wow. How can one sleep well if one is wired?<p></p><p>Tips to reduce EMF exposure in your home:</p><p>Get all electrical devices out of the bedroom. Move your bed at least six inches away from a wall with electrical wiring and outlets. Sam actually had an electrician modify the electrical wiring and install a kill switch so everything even in the walls can be turned off at night. It doesn't matter if appliances or fixtures are turned on, the electrical current is still sending signals.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlWbb1uQWkefeU4WFUj25kmAvwR3efOizAJWBjKPh3CUU65CYoXreChiqY7iRMw80EL6y98HgVCMt_oaMRdsBR2AcnOYzkqv2xRSUEuZaDeHE35oldSCC-GbfvjEP4YprDQQ7P1dqgEN4gEX5No9o7b-BtKOytCH6Hcg0R8rnXcosv4-hI3B4vunHe=s902" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="701" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlWbb1uQWkefeU4WFUj25kmAvwR3efOizAJWBjKPh3CUU65CYoXreChiqY7iRMw80EL6y98HgVCMt_oaMRdsBR2AcnOYzkqv2xRSUEuZaDeHE35oldSCC-GbfvjEP4YprDQQ7P1dqgEN4gEX5No9o7b-BtKOytCH6Hcg0R8rnXcosv4-hI3B4vunHe=w156-h200" width="156" /></a></div>Disable cordless phones.<p></p><p>Disable WiFi.</p><p>Around the computer desk, use cable shields on the electrical cables.</p><p>Do not use fluorescent lighting of any kind including compact fluorescent light bulbs.</p><p></p><p>Don't use your cellphone in enclosed spaces, such as a car.<br /></p><p>One of the most interesting facts was that cancerous tumors start appearing after ten years of cellphone use especially in those who use their phones continuously. Over the years I've read a lot of articles on how cellphone use causes cancer. It's shocking to me how the general public so addicted to their phones have discounted and ignored the warnings. I have a neighbor who is constantly on her phone. Even when she is walking her dog or riding a bike. No one seems to care.</p><p>Several years ago I visited the MCS/EMF sensitive community in Snowflake, Arizona and learned a lot from the residents there. </p><p>I used to have a cordless phone, but now I avoid telephone use, especially cellphones, as they give me migraines. My Tracfone is rarely on and only if I must make a phone call. </p><p>I have very little electrical devices in my bedroom, just my alarm clock as I can't stand the sound of ticking so little wind up clocks won't work for me. I have NEVER watched a television in my bedroom. The thought of destroying my sleeping area with radiation has always repulsed me. I only sleep in my bedroom. I don't even dress in this room.</p><p>I junked my microwave years ago. </p><p>After this movie, I went around my whole house and unplugged all the lamps! I also realized in the fifteen plus years I've lived her, most of the room's light bulbs have never been changed. I'm very conscientious about turning off lights when not in a room</p><p> So why do I become exhausted when on the computer? </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGPLWpOL5dlymDmD-rZxB2-xpS4KL6-iG5xjamLTatAvykCOQBgSeYuFfV-I76AGiC6IcaAa50j2Q3TTnBKx7e6zindgL0PHyNvEKADMgGDGsNe0_V-JdJvrVR1igSd3Sos02p5lOs0qRBau1tGA-1sTfHwS09l65III0AKHQIo3imnKLshd0K-k1c=s640" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGPLWpOL5dlymDmD-rZxB2-xpS4KL6-iG5xjamLTatAvykCOQBgSeYuFfV-I76AGiC6IcaAa50j2Q3TTnBKx7e6zindgL0PHyNvEKADMgGDGsNe0_V-JdJvrVR1igSd3Sos02p5lOs0qRBau1tGA-1sTfHwS09l65III0AKHQIo3imnKLshd0K-k1c=w150-h200" width="150" /></a>I have not one but TWO computers with screens and external speakers. I actually have three but the laptop is rarely turned on let alone used. In this same room, my office, I also have a router, a printer, two lamps, and a television with DVD player besides all the cables and electrical outlets. I'm surrounded by these devices. It's not clear why the exhaustion isn't all the time when I spend most of my time in this room.</p><p>It's such a mystery.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>The Multiple Chemical Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459073982236135107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452420668945252307.post-16140777965584019922021-11-11T09:42:00.008-08:002021-11-19T06:04:48.815-08:00Walls of Words<p>Entertainment is limited for people who are chemically sensitive. We must isolate from people, either unenlightened individuals who have no clue how to be fragrance free or masses of humanity who group for social events such as restaurant dining, concerts, theater, movies, sports, family functions, and the like. We find ourselves exiled and isolated from others. </p><p>Although I've gotten used to being alone and have found ways to entertain myself in my isolation, I often tell people I am "socially starved." The unenlightened don't normally understand this concept. They have zero empathy because for the most part it is unfathomable to them. The pandemic shed some light on the lifestyle of many chemically sensitive when so many people were forced in lockdown to stay at home, stay away from people to stay safe, and find ways to self-entertain. The unenlightened complained of gaining too much weight. Yep, it comes with isolated self-entertainment. We eat to self-medicate. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhmJh-JbHAdwWuKXCqtGDAgV4Qh4sJspg9x46mhZGSl7h24UiHI8KYEYVhqSgMHdB6FhocwjI61mJ_dTp2sHXTbvw5w52wRU9nHnGTCoAAq5MuPIDA-Xmoe3sJ9aFpolPmamAnOkO_HJKmCAM2sMoJAM9sL9c-FIsJHXG00V3U8BQ4_-1oWamgNsPR=s1745" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1745" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhmJh-JbHAdwWuKXCqtGDAgV4Qh4sJspg9x46mhZGSl7h24UiHI8KYEYVhqSgMHdB6FhocwjI61mJ_dTp2sHXTbvw5w52wRU9nHnGTCoAAq5MuPIDA-Xmoe3sJ9aFpolPmamAnOkO_HJKmCAM2sMoJAM9sL9c-FIsJHXG00V3U8BQ4_-1oWamgNsPR=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>I've discussed forms of isolated entertainment in other posts: creative projects, gardening, walking, television and movies, music. These are great to keep one's mind occupied, but "social starvation", a total lack of human contact and communication, is a whole other form of torture. I crave communication. I am not necessary lonely or in need of company...I just want to communicate. This blog is a great outlet. Email is a god-sent. How did we ever survive without computers? I can't imagine being chemically sensitive at a time when there were no computers or online connection. Thankfully the world wide web keeps us connected to the world, perhaps indirectly, but it's still a connection.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhphV8KPKW3oZSosMcBGrCf-9MHCqLdAMiMFBMMDZIoeKI5DNsdZhDEPXmO8YZtkGHL_rv3yLWerLKh1y6Gkd1EHExH-hfg6SkMOCbn80ov9rLB4VYCXfNIFpPb3ZDCtKZxoPC3llOoY556-ICBN3rlVHhWzIEYfLz-TLkv-ZmP9XdoQhsReSqD9RtU=s484" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="447" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhphV8KPKW3oZSosMcBGrCf-9MHCqLdAMiMFBMMDZIoeKI5DNsdZhDEPXmO8YZtkGHL_rv3yLWerLKh1y6Gkd1EHExH-hfg6SkMOCbn80ov9rLB4VYCXfNIFpPb3ZDCtKZxoPC3llOoY556-ICBN3rlVHhWzIEYfLz-TLkv-ZmP9XdoQhsReSqD9RtU=w185-h200" width="185" /></a></div><br />I have been bestowed with the gift of gab. I can talk or write non-stop if given the chance. As an extreme introvert, I never used to be like this, but I have evolved through isolation to seek out strategies of connection and communication. <p></p><p>My last real "date" with a man was not supposed to be a date. Under normal dating circumstances, I would have conversed like a normal person, discussed topics, answered and asked questions. Because I viewed it as a non-date, I didn't care about conversation etiquette and proceeded to talk non-stop about anything. It was like uncontrollable vomit, purging all the words I'd kept inside for too long. He was fragrance-free and kind of quiet so I was having a good time. At the end of our "non-date" he said, "You sure are a great communicator!" I think a normal first date would not have been so verbose in an attempt to look rationale. He actually wanted to go out again, but since it was a non-date, I declined. This also made me realize my past dating behaviors might have been self-sabotaging. I should have just let loose and talked non-stop. I might have been considered more interesting!</p><p>My emailing addiction can become out of control. Every now and then I meet someone new or reconnect with someone old and we begin to correspond. For reconnections, the reminiscing is grand and the updates and sharing what we've done with our lives is phenomenal. It can go on for quite a while, but we eventually run out of things to say, the emails slow down and then stops except for an update every few months. That is normal and expected. I know I can write them under the table. I've had people finally tell me, "OK! Too much! I can't keep up!" One friend told me I was exhausting her. At first I thought, <i>It's email! Just don't read! It's not like a phone that is ringing and demanding attention." </i>I think, however, that etiquette demands emails to be read and answered and this overwhelmed them.</p><p>So I started monitoring my emails, managing their length and frequency. My rule was I could only write as much and as long as the other person. I thought I was the queen of compromise, but nevertheless, I still had people scream, "TOO MUCH!" This was confusing. <i>Too much? You are writing just as much if not more than I am!?</i> Case in point, on the day one friend told me it was too much she sent me four emails. Then a week later sent me two letters! Last week she spent one day emailing me eleven times!!!!!!???? Confusion is an understatement. I think it's more about CONTROL. Regardless of mental state or reasoning, writing was still taking up too much time, time the unenlightened don't have because as people who are not chemically sensitive, the world called to them. They had things to do, places to go, and sane people to see, people who weren't locked in their houses at the computer writing 24/7. They don't understand the isolation of chemical sensitivity nor the lack of entertainment or communication options. I tried to apologize and explain how socially starved I am. They don't care.</p><p>I've always searched for MCSers who want to correspond. Some do, but most are very negative and it's very draining. I do understand. It's difficult being chemically sensitive, sick, resentful and angry at the world for this forced reclusion. I try to control my posts on this blog so I don't get too negative, but it oozes through like a festering wound especially during times of uncontrollable frustration. I just want to vent to get it all out.</p><p>I recently met another MCSer who was uncommonly cheerful. We started responding to each other's posts on a MCS site. She was hilarious. Her writing style is joyful and upbeat. I figured maybe she was on some good drugs. She told me we were "twinsies". HA! She constantly made me laugh. We began messaging each other outside the group and she warned me, "I can write WALLS OF WORDS!" LOL! Oh, my god, I think I found my people!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEga75L_EBbr3X_TK7qVFzxUEOliRRP21r9xiC4w_sarEhmO2hS5PBHeUllvKw83RN78cRIKz5miFvmDAOgpXlxKxiiC9bvLnJHCTnAbSLJLs7BQ78sE7Q-Vv91DExMpS8SscRtFqMX3nV8nnT-NjNitFJVzAAMirCBxWjtF1Si1dlgJXIinm3-XhdUX=s986" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="986" height="70" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEga75L_EBbr3X_TK7qVFzxUEOliRRP21r9xiC4w_sarEhmO2hS5PBHeUllvKw83RN78cRIKz5miFvmDAOgpXlxKxiiC9bvLnJHCTnAbSLJLs7BQ78sE7Q-Vv91DExMpS8SscRtFqMX3nV8nnT-NjNitFJVzAAMirCBxWjtF1Si1dlgJXIinm3-XhdUX=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>That joy lasted about a day before she began ranting non-stop about how horrible her life is, how horrible her childhood was, how horrible her family is, how horrible her ex-boyfriend from forty years ago was and my super empath sucked all that toxicity in and I became irritable and stressed out. She explained she doesn't want to converse because she's so passive it makes her feel judged. She just wants to talk about herself. I wanted to scream "DO A BLOG!" LOL. I just can't do MCS people. I'm sure they can't do me either.</p>The Multiple Chemical Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459073982236135107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452420668945252307.post-14364125271666139432021-10-29T05:59:00.000-07:002021-10-29T05:59:56.025-07:00Stupid is as Stupid Does<p><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: Segoe UI, Segoe UI Web (West European), Segoe UI, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.6667px;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: Segoe UI, Segoe UI Web (West European), Segoe UI, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQDtr7XyM8u-o5MRQ5QtFw5xbM9XvyULj28L5Vp9ZroOS4SnTmgcu9OIrGIIEc4qpkwnb3AfdSrF2rh3pc5PKBaiRh8ynp-fy9f64zIRK3058odeEyoB140F8Xsrpg4D1Pxj20khBLswoRPM_aBT750W0Yv_8c3oA3xSbU1MN4zhSVRsAk3x1g5zHm=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1517" data-original-width="2048" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQDtr7XyM8u-o5MRQ5QtFw5xbM9XvyULj28L5Vp9ZroOS4SnTmgcu9OIrGIIEc4qpkwnb3AfdSrF2rh3pc5PKBaiRh8ynp-fy9f64zIRK3058odeEyoB140F8Xsrpg4D1Pxj20khBLswoRPM_aBT750W0Yv_8c3oA3xSbU1MN4zhSVRsAk3x1g5zHm=w320-h237" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: Segoe UI, Segoe UI Web (West European), Segoe UI, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;"><br />When I first met my neighbor she told me she was fragrance-free. She told me she was taught by her mother never to wear perfume in public so for that reason she rarely wears it. As I explained in my previous post, I finally figured out the hard way none of this was true and our continued conversations exposed that, yes, she does wear perfume and she doesn't wash her clothes often so the perfume is all over her clothing all the time. I foolishly believed her lies and started getting sicker with each exposure.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7ZXiqZdJVIGffhhUUrdcpaDP1wmDbHdHBRuyDbA-RvgXCDoveNP2GZri9uFVOY5m7jXFy9EJ4V4AOr05fOX-FZNILuAixJNuCvpVvHJQvKopRTzn9C4ztVDpwkbRvi57cO5tXZj7htm4GgyqZC75zoMImI2fvh7vaPJNYh979grhaezTbz9LaE3lk=s1064" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1064" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7ZXiqZdJVIGffhhUUrdcpaDP1wmDbHdHBRuyDbA-RvgXCDoveNP2GZri9uFVOY5m7jXFy9EJ4V4AOr05fOX-FZNILuAixJNuCvpVvHJQvKopRTzn9C4ztVDpwkbRvi57cO5tXZj7htm4GgyqZC75zoMImI2fvh7vaPJNYh979grhaezTbz9LaE3lk=s320" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: Segoe UI, Segoe UI Web (West European), Segoe UI, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.6667px;">I explained ad nauseaum how her stink affects me, why the stink on her clothes would take a minimum of twenty washings to get it out (if it ever would), how the stinky laundry detergent she wears is toxic, or her hand soap and body wash or deodorant makes me sick, and how we could no longer be around each other because she's killing me. I've explained how her husband who has some serious autoimmune diseases is probably affected by her stink. Here is her latest email:</span></span><p></p><p><i style="color: #201f1e; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;">Fragrance has always been sort of my thing. Many of my fondest memories are triggered by fragrance. I can remember my Grandmother wearing White Shoulders, so I wear that fragrance when I am going to spend time with my granddaughter. My Mom wore Shalimar, and my husband buys me Chanel that I wear for special occasions. </i></p><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #201f1e; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;"><i>So, if I wear perfume on a Tuesday, take a fragrance free shower on Wednesday, can we visit with masks on?</i></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #201f1e; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #201f1e; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;"><i>I do have a question. Does fragrance free include things like laundry soap, shampoo, body wash, hand soap, air freshener, etc? </i></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #201f1e; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #201f1e; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;">I don't even know how to respond to this without screaming in full caps. Is she braindead because of the perfume and that is why all previous conversations we've had went in one ear and out the other? Why does she think I give a shit about her memories as if it justifies her need to poison me and everyone around her? What do I say about her self-centeredness? Her stupidity? Her dishonesty? Her life-threatening disregard for me? Her shallowness that makes her think choosing fragrances over friendship is somehow admirable? But she wants to be friends? Really?</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #201f1e; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #201f1e; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;">I need to remember if anyone mentions they wear perfume to walk away and not believe a thing that comes out of their mouths! People are so disappointing and exhausting to me!</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #201f1e; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQzEQu6PiDjt_H6YHcJUQreP9o5nLRR_Pn9knU_2nqZzRwttjAJQfQp5hs1RouiBsQWYaBMvHfQcqrVGUVzm55d6j_iiEtB63koHhf4h1oF_XVAmsUTR2scW5o_ktjNcxLJyxnR77F47C2r9yOTTx-h7N3zWcTFKGF2BDfFyKo_0AA3SZbjRrMn_8t=s922" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="922" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQzEQu6PiDjt_H6YHcJUQreP9o5nLRR_Pn9knU_2nqZzRwttjAJQfQp5hs1RouiBsQWYaBMvHfQcqrVGUVzm55d6j_iiEtB63koHhf4h1oF_XVAmsUTR2scW5o_ktjNcxLJyxnR77F47C2r9yOTTx-h7N3zWcTFKGF2BDfFyKo_0AA3SZbjRrMn_8t=s320" width="320" /></a></div></span></div><br />The Multiple Chemical Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459073982236135107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452420668945252307.post-77614094148351241222021-09-24T06:40:00.005-07:002021-10-01T13:30:14.862-07:00Fragrance vs. Friendship<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4RLxOi15PP2e127xStSISLKkabv662aa2GMGOIITt-A4lsLEK0CZNtzXPGINq62swXYYR77KnrGa8SNVHbb00c4fNXN-yRM_yFqh3fWwPoQTv0Lt_yNNvv89IFYdWVFNV1VAdLvYDo8/s2048/002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1315" data-original-width="2048" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4RLxOi15PP2e127xStSISLKkabv662aa2GMGOIITt-A4lsLEK0CZNtzXPGINq62swXYYR77KnrGa8SNVHbb00c4fNXN-yRM_yFqh3fWwPoQTv0Lt_yNNvv89IFYdWVFNV1VAdLvYDo8/s320/002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I hate my neighbors. The bad dog owners who's dogs bark all day while they are at work or on vacation, the backstabbing betrayals, the gossips, the adults acting like teenage deliquents, the fruit thieves, the entitled. I do everyting in my power to avoid them, nevermind most them are scented with stink. I live as if I'm on a deserted island visiting far away places when I need a friendship fix.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHa8UE07dwb0D5JPEWQoSSZt5SBHitVHv0NSnqneYm5AeMhlUC3YA88j6NH4HDnxv-DPJI6P7HrGry2PBgXsmpgVAgM0mY3ki1dG9eUY6wopl3cwSELJ267ZzM-RHH5S2_FJMFXjqOyas/s776/House%252C+Pink.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="776" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHa8UE07dwb0D5JPEWQoSSZt5SBHitVHv0NSnqneYm5AeMhlUC3YA88j6NH4HDnxv-DPJI6P7HrGry2PBgXsmpgVAgM0mY3ki1dG9eUY6wopl3cwSELJ267ZzM-RHH5S2_FJMFXjqOyas/w200-h200/House%252C+Pink.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><p>My new neighbor moved in last year. I was so thrilled when the old neighbor moved away and took her barking dogs and sky rats with her I would have embraced anyone who replaced her. I watched my new neighbor. She has a dog. I waited to see what kind of dog owner she was. The dog never barked. That says a lot! She hung art OUTSIDE her house. OMG! She must be my people!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLfMon8coikkrVBhocm8d20pm4J7X5O43TYLiOhYEL4GaOviZV99xiIlJccTtf3JVHpyHxvvwhQrMaVbSwae0JEl-KsyBtg1Ipj_vJEl4M11Cr3KafZVsE0f6Qf11YIOYDPCHx3YRvpI/s986/hearts.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="986" height="70" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLfMon8coikkrVBhocm8d20pm4J7X5O43TYLiOhYEL4GaOviZV99xiIlJccTtf3JVHpyHxvvwhQrMaVbSwae0JEl-KsyBtg1Ipj_vJEl4M11Cr3KafZVsE0f6Qf11YIOYDPCHx3YRvpI/s320/hearts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />On Valentine's Day I sent her and her husband a Valentine's Day card and welcomed them to the neighborhood. We began communicating via email using the pandemic as a reason not to meet in person. Her first comment was I am the nicest person in the neighborhood. I told her the whole rest of the neighborhood would probably disagree. I started running into her at the park while she walked her dog. I couldn't help myself and with the instructions we wear masks and social distance, I invited her over for tea. I did explain I was chemically sensitive so no fragrances are allowed. She said she would comply.<p></p><p>Tea was lovely. I showed her around my house, my art, and gave her a watercolor that she loved. Yes, we failed miserably at social distancing, but I had covid and she was vaccinated so I threw all caution to the wind. We took our masks off to drink tea, but then replaced them immediately. I am still worried if I can get the latest covid variant so I'm being very cautious.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9hZw8aSjtc3SYQqP_tarKTsWFySEfDxKGZiMj03aimvGR_kN5Nk8XqbHxxRoOFMKIgtx7822x2B0yKu8cP23VPa8_6QQOKUT-4vTqMr8fcLlwhtBLiNfubn70V2RMUOIE7U-ntUMJdA/s2048/Perfume.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1517" data-original-width="2048" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9hZw8aSjtc3SYQqP_tarKTsWFySEfDxKGZiMj03aimvGR_kN5Nk8XqbHxxRoOFMKIgtx7822x2B0yKu8cP23VPa8_6QQOKUT-4vTqMr8fcLlwhtBLiNfubn70V2RMUOIE7U-ntUMJdA/w200-h148/Perfume.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>As we shared our life stories, our discussion turned to chemical sensitivity. She confessed she wears perfume. She LOVES perfume. She couldn't live without perfume, but she was taught not to wear it in public and she definitely would never wear it around me. I had a bit of a panic. In my experience, perfume wearers are dangerous. Life threatening. They always fuck up and forget. But I wanted her as a friend. I adored her. I needed someone in my immediate vicinity for support. Could she be a friend?<p></p><p>After she left, I removed my maks and went back into the house. It reeked strongly of laundry detergent. I got out all my fans and air purifiers and cussed at my stupidity. Severe migraines lasted for three days. Mental note: she's not allowed in my house again. I talked myself into thinking wearing masks outside might shield me from future misery, but I had a bad feeling this friendship might be short-lived. We'll take one day at a time and I will enjoy her company until the end.</p><p>We emailed constantly sharing our art and our daily existence. I volunteered to feed her cat one weekend when she went out of town. While in the house my mask slipped down and I realized after one inhale her house reeked of toxic perfume. I made a note never to go into her house. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGQPYwypWXyoiRAabjNpQ7bp_yJF9wHyOAnVCmi-Clmw4olcA1sAaaHczfkaJASBWxInTKJE3Vi2dlhtcUTUuf-_oPpnfPby39zWmA-kMGxCFLFABma83fYjHGyE0Y2-y1qd6SUABKO8/s741/House%252C+yellow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="741" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGQPYwypWXyoiRAabjNpQ7bp_yJF9wHyOAnVCmi-Clmw4olcA1sAaaHczfkaJASBWxInTKJE3Vi2dlhtcUTUuf-_oPpnfPby39zWmA-kMGxCFLFABma83fYjHGyE0Y2-y1qd6SUABKO8/w200-h168/House%252C+yellow.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />She got a new, hyperactive, adorable puppy and I began to help her walk her dogs. After our walks we would visit six feet apart in her backyard soaking in the sun and talking about everything. She kept saying she was replacing her scented products with unscented, and she wasn't wearing perfume very often. It was SO FUN to have a friend and I had hoped with time and enough education she would eventually be totally fragrance-free. Her husband has a debilitating autoimmune disease. I carefully mention her perfume and scented products could be making him worse.<p></p><p>The back pain started in March, but I didn't associate it with chemicals. My lungs would feel painful. Breathing was sometimes difficult. These symptoms I associated with covid long-hauler side effects, but they went away for a while returning in...the summer? Really? It still didn't register. What about the constant, but minor coughing? Then my throat started feeling inflammed. For a month. It got so bad my doctor thought it was strep throat. WHAT? Strep throat doesn't last a month...does it? I start going down the rabbit hole testing my thyroid and my lungs.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg814YXBERRFDwj5b0k3lbgZN-UUq7FvnbKPOnBTil7WA1EiyVeGUCFHV7OQ9G3_b6Jlu34jOf_mm638ZWdgoVjPTP1gEl8sL0eGLYPVYgv1DPd4TXtbiko-XzAEdl5EjdHc6i8NNLBkak/s1064/Illness.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1064" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg814YXBERRFDwj5b0k3lbgZN-UUq7FvnbKPOnBTil7WA1EiyVeGUCFHV7OQ9G3_b6Jlu34jOf_mm638ZWdgoVjPTP1gEl8sL0eGLYPVYgv1DPd4TXtbiko-XzAEdl5EjdHc6i8NNLBkak/w200-h180/Illness.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />My chest x-ray showed scarring and my doctor says, "Have you had any lung diseases in your past?" Oh, for god's sake! We are in the middle of a pandemic! She actually has never asked me if I had covid and I don't see the point in sharing since the medical community is incapable of knowing what to do with covid. But what about the "borderline hyperinflation"? Normally that would be caused by asthma or COPD. Hmmmm...<p></p><p>So my new neighbor-friend and I are on a dog walk, I share my test results and tell her lung hyperinflation is probably caused by chemical sensitivity since chemicals impact my lungs. I mention she's really the only person I've been seeing lately because of the pandemic. She off-hand says that she's still using perfume, but I'm wearing a mask so how could I be exposed? I tell her about the migraines I had after she left my house one day. She said, "No way!" (I hate being discounted.) I also tell her humans inhale through their eyes and skin. She laughed and replied, "I guess I'll have to stop using Dove soap." I stared at her dumbfounded. OMG.</p><p>I pondered all the facts overnight and became angrier with each minute as I realized how much in denial I have been in just to keep my new friend. She's been poisoning me little at a time over the past few months and I blamed it on anything but her stink. Soap, laundry detergent, lotions, and perfume. She also said she wears the same clothes over and over again before washing them. She's killing me.</p><p>I resisted the next step. I hate losing friend over chemical sensitivity. I eventually told her I can no longer be around her if she isn't fragrance-free. As I assumed, she didn't understand "fragrance-free" means FRAGRANCE-FREE. And as usual, she's not willing to give up her scented products. Fragrances are more important than friendship.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDjrzQzl8V06ql9rjrX9KD3GBzfSmYenFDErN7E_350t4Y55T5Jh9Iu-TNteNaHzoLE38n8FYW0kWrkloyAVGpy1mFMQquNGy2g6epB14S8G-21Cb0bzXt0WMrIy1aJ09lp0PEXzciTk/s1300/Dark+Clouds.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="1300" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDjrzQzl8V06ql9rjrX9KD3GBzfSmYenFDErN7E_350t4Y55T5Jh9Iu-TNteNaHzoLE38n8FYW0kWrkloyAVGpy1mFMQquNGy2g6epB14S8G-21Cb0bzXt0WMrIy1aJ09lp0PEXzciTk/s320/Dark+Clouds.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I'm trying not to be utterly disappointed and depressed. I knew it would come to this. People who use fragrances don't have a clue. There is no hope. It's useless to donate a box of unscented products in hopes of converting them. I know. I've wasted money before doing just this. They are addicted. I think she'd actually have to go through rehab in order to be my friend and then of course, wait six months to get it all washed out of her clothes and her house de-perfumed.<p></p>The Multiple Chemical Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459073982236135107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452420668945252307.post-39855369301604117632021-08-17T14:09:00.000-07:002021-08-17T14:09:08.931-07:00FIGS!!<p> After five years of no fruit, my fig tree is finally producing! Large, sweet, decadent figs! They are absolutely gigantic! Whoo hoo! I'm so excited!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJLVrmd3DxXmMeGS2I6V45ZOhN2w8aFRpJ2vpvFyzOUun46bLkZ_wedB631rNHJ5M4HYULVRHwwYPmbaYQwwNY_hYNqgcocnPme1zH-aiMrutKIWziJ7ZTC5yAeaFWlFpbuOz7dSoeGg/s1600/IMG_5161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJLVrmd3DxXmMeGS2I6V45ZOhN2w8aFRpJ2vpvFyzOUun46bLkZ_wedB631rNHJ5M4HYULVRHwwYPmbaYQwwNY_hYNqgcocnPme1zH-aiMrutKIWziJ7ZTC5yAeaFWlFpbuOz7dSoeGg/w400-h300/IMG_5161.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZFucuaQ4ZbQo4uHdnHiRmdWYwq85S6sUOhKhnBoEOv5PVJb35hS1ojZnlW5aeGy8MnVrCHnx_KjqOiAkhF8H2qPvA2Q3JMxG8wfchBjlzh4V42vVWPWEl_8N8IY9yT4hXGVqsNJHTkw/s1600/IMG_5162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZFucuaQ4ZbQo4uHdnHiRmdWYwq85S6sUOhKhnBoEOv5PVJb35hS1ojZnlW5aeGy8MnVrCHnx_KjqOiAkhF8H2qPvA2Q3JMxG8wfchBjlzh4V42vVWPWEl_8N8IY9yT4hXGVqsNJHTkw/w400-h300/IMG_5162.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tijhxAY0XXg-T0Yma4ydhb-1cJu7Ibwv_9Ge2gsak1ftbvQStp3aRYaOqjYyWTiN99BVmlGqtzVB5VI_AI-h8r4l_i-DfXqWfsve_IFI4KAl58vD649ULvRBsm3rUd7M91dKZFn1PCg/s1600/IMG_5163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tijhxAY0XXg-T0Yma4ydhb-1cJu7Ibwv_9Ge2gsak1ftbvQStp3aRYaOqjYyWTiN99BVmlGqtzVB5VI_AI-h8r4l_i-DfXqWfsve_IFI4KAl58vD649ULvRBsm3rUd7M91dKZFn1PCg/w400-h300/IMG_5163.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>The Multiple Chemical Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01459073982236135107noreply@blogger.com0