Judilee— You need to read Kathryn Hansen's Brain over Binge, as soon as you possibly can. Usually I don't word my book recommendations in such strong language, but thfs is a book that may change your life. It's changed mine! I'm binge-free, i'm slowly losing weight, and I am no longer tortured by cravings for sweets, all thanks to Kathryn Hansen. Google her blog if you don't want to buy the book right away, but use the amazingly powerful solution she offers.

I'm in a weird phase these days, y'all. I'm getting an exhaustive workup for my persistent and very painful arm and leg cramps, which are so disabling I can't walk, can barely even stand up, and have to get around in a wheelchair. At this point three different doctors are collaborating in the effort to figure out what is wrong.with me. It will be at least a week, I'm guessing, before they all agree on a diagnosis. I don't want to make any of y'all uncomfortable by my descriptions of the pain and frustration I'm going through, so I may be posting less often for awhile.

Dearest Lisa, I'm soooo sorry I missed your birthday! Belated Happy Birthday to you!!! and I hope the time flies between now and when Jennifer gets home. Oh and that scarf is soooo pretty!

Fi - oh gosh your day the other day sounded horrible with the cramps and the cravings! I hope you are better!!

Kathleen - how are you doing, girlfriend? I am GLAD you know when to quit for the night to take care of yourself

to Judilee! we are here as your friends. I hope you find it as welcoming and supportive as I have.

as of tomorrow i just have THREE days of the sucky winter job left and I just found out I do not have to do a job search during the 3 weeks I am unemployed. Yay for that!

I caught another head cold, I'm sure from one of my germy gross customers. grrrr!!! But my mood is better overall, even though we are still getting snow, but warmer temperatures are coming, to hopefully get rid of it by maybe the end of next week?? I hope?? I have a new pair of motorcycle boots I am dying to 'road test' -

whoa that pic turned out big, sorry

Fi I'm really sorry I didn't read your last post You need to feel free to tell us about what's going on with you...I mean if it helps you..we don't want you to feel that you have to hold back.

I can't stand up. I can't walk. I can't drive. I'm not making collages because my studio is upstairs, and it's very hard, excruciating, to climb the stairs. Every time I do anything at all with my legs, it's pain, pain & more pain.

Bob and I are still rooting for this to be serotonin toxicity, but my psychiatrist now thinks that's unlikely. The neurologist wants a full set of head and neck MRIs, but we couldn't get on the schedule for those until Tuesday. I don't yet have an app't scheduled for my first-time visit with the neurologist. So this process may drag on for a couple weeks more.

I'm starting to get a little bit scared about the possible disorders I may have, but mostly I distract myself by reading art criticism. The kitties are very sweet and spend almost all their time either on me or around me in my perch on the green futon couch. Yesterday Grace came over, and we spent the whole time looking at a book on René Magritte and talking about art. Already she seems more mature, more balanced and centered, than she did last summer. =smile=

Here is my new scarf I am making. I think it is my prettiest one yet.

Lisa, that IS so pretty!!! And glad you treated yourself to having your nails done, you deserve it Sorry to hear of your knee pain though and REALLY sorry to hear about Jennifer's possible decision..I hope going to church today helps give you some peace today

Fi, Oh my gosh that sounds horrible. I cant imagine not being able to be mobile but not having any info on what the heck is going on!! please hang in there!! I'm glad the kitties are there for you best wishes !!

Kathleen we hope you are doing okay??

Hi to the others

TODAY IS MY LAST DAY AT THE SUCKY WINTER JOB It is always a test of patience though because, he has us doing major cleaning/pulling things out/ sweeping, yet still is open for business..how would you want a sandwich prepared in a deli where the equipment is pulled out, people are sweeping, scrubbing and then make you a sandwich , ugh. I will ..just .. hang .. in .. there

We still have deep snow cover in our yard, today supposedly it will get to 60, we haven't had that since like October, we just need some consistent warmth and sun . I want to get my bike out, and I want to work outside!!

A quick Hello -

Fi - I hope your doctors are able to figure out how to relief your pain quickly. You have been dealing with this for too long.

Kathleen - It sounds like your recovery is going well - I am sure your attitude helps.

Lisa - Does your daughter have a job lined up for after graduation, or is she going to continue her schooling?

Holly - Your winter job is FINISHED!!! You made it through another miserable winter! Good for you!

My generic Zoloft seems to be helping me - the family problems seem to be easing, but that might be the meds!

Hello to everyone else.

Easyspirit, Hi! I'm so glad the family problems seem eased, either due to the med or that the situation is actually better

I weighed last night for the first time in months ... just to force the truth that I have gained about 5 pounds over the winter. Just changed my ticker and sig to reflect the truth. can't even fool myself to say 'how did this happen' because I have deliberately had lots of dessert-type foods almost daily for months. And kinda just didn't care at the time (well I cared that they tasted great but didn't care about the sure weight gain)

But as I have THREE WEEKS OFF I have NO excuses!! First, to crack down on my eating. Second, choose workouts that make me sweat, not just going through the motions. Third, maybe start walking, as the weather is cooperating now??

HI to Fi, Lisa_c, Kathleen!! and the others who joined us a short time back, would love to hear from all of you.