Thursday, January 26, 2006
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Christmas wonderings...
Whew! Well, it’s over. Christmas that is. Another year’s pinnacle holiday has come and gone. And, amid the wrapping paper, leftovers and empty boxes, I have a couple of observations.
Beginning in the fall of this year, we heard – daily – it seemed, about all of the politically correct retailers and companies that had opted to say, advertise, and publish “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas”. This in some misguided attempt not to offend anyone. Amusingly enough, it tended to do just the opposite – it offended just about every Christian and many non-Christian Americans across the country. Hmm…I wonder if the ACLU was watching and listening.
This entire episode in the history of America was ridiculous. 85% of Americans claim to be of Christian faith. 85%! So, these retailers, school boards, city governments and the countless others who embrace “PC” behavior sought to not offend 15% of the country. In reality they offended 85% or more. This is the ultimate level of stupidity when it comes to “political correctness” (pc behavior is a blight on common sense and intelligence in my mind).
Then, it struck me. Christmas morning, after all the wrapping paper had been removed, my husband and I left the house and our boys under the watchful supervision of my Dad. We went to the barn to bandage our 2 year old filly (she cut her leg the previous Thursday). As we drove to the barn and back, we were struck by the quiet, empty streets and parking lots. All of the retailers who sought to be “PC” and not offend and businesses who did not want employees to say “Merry Christmas”, and City Halls who would not allow manger scenes – all of them, every single one was “Closed for the Holiday”.
Now, some would say that I enjoy twisting the knife, or rubbing salt in a wound. But, I ask you this – if you are one of those who finds Christmas “offensive”, did you go to work December 25th? Did you accept the paid Holiday your company offered, or did you refuse the paid day?
What then, would you consider the height of hypocrisy? Denying Christmas in your advertising, yet closing for the Holiday or being offended at the country celebrating one of the most holy of days for the majority of Americans, yet accepting without offense, the paid time off from your employer? Makes you think...hmm?
Beginning in the fall of this year, we heard – daily – it seemed, about all of the politically correct retailers and companies that had opted to say, advertise, and publish “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas”. This in some misguided attempt not to offend anyone. Amusingly enough, it tended to do just the opposite – it offended just about every Christian and many non-Christian Americans across the country. Hmm…I wonder if the ACLU was watching and listening.
This entire episode in the history of America was ridiculous. 85% of Americans claim to be of Christian faith. 85%! So, these retailers, school boards, city governments and the countless others who embrace “PC” behavior sought to not offend 15% of the country. In reality they offended 85% or more. This is the ultimate level of stupidity when it comes to “political correctness” (pc behavior is a blight on common sense and intelligence in my mind).
Then, it struck me. Christmas morning, after all the wrapping paper had been removed, my husband and I left the house and our boys under the watchful supervision of my Dad. We went to the barn to bandage our 2 year old filly (she cut her leg the previous Thursday). As we drove to the barn and back, we were struck by the quiet, empty streets and parking lots. All of the retailers who sought to be “PC” and not offend and businesses who did not want employees to say “Merry Christmas”, and City Halls who would not allow manger scenes – all of them, every single one was “Closed for the Holiday”.
Now, some would say that I enjoy twisting the knife, or rubbing salt in a wound. But, I ask you this – if you are one of those who finds Christmas “offensive”, did you go to work December 25th? Did you accept the paid Holiday your company offered, or did you refuse the paid day?
What then, would you consider the height of hypocrisy? Denying Christmas in your advertising, yet closing for the Holiday or being offended at the country celebrating one of the most holy of days for the majority of Americans, yet accepting without offense, the paid time off from your employer? Makes you think...hmm?
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Big Changes! The love has faded....
Wow! The past two years have been so incredibly full of change!
In October of 2003, we had our second child, a little boy. When I cam e back from maternity leave, I was offered a chance to move and relocate to Savannah, Georgia (or lose my job) as the company was moving it's Operations from Texas to Georgia. We opted to stay in Texas, as there was also my husband's job (or lack thereof in Georgia) to consider. So, a lay off I took.
In April of 2004, I took a contract job with Neiman Marcus - to fill in for a woman going on maternity leave. In August she returned and I was again "out on the street" as of September 1.
In November of 2004, I took a contract position that "might lead to a more permanent situation" at Home Interiors and Gifts. Well, in March, I was laid off at the end of my project. Again.
In July, I started a project contract with Palm Harbor Homes. I lived for 3 months with a Director who told me everyday "well, you are just a 'hired-gun', so if we don't need you at the end of the week, I'll let you know. Nice guy, huh? In October, he "let me know" and I was laid off again.
In October, I also interviewed for, and accepted, a position as a Project Manager with a nice company in Carrollton. I like everyone I work with and I feel much more stable on a daily basis. That is a good thing.
But, I have been thinking during this whole time - and I have to tell you, I am really not in love with Corporate America. After college, I was in love with working in a big company. The love has faded after two recessions and the experience of the past two years.
Well, you say, no other choice. You must work to live. And that is correct. But, no more will I be a puppet of big companies! I would rather work harder for myself than for someone else. And that is my resolution! I resolve to work my personal Mary Kay business harder so I can become free of the professional life I have come to hate.
Wish me luck!
In October of 2003, we had our second child, a little boy. When I cam e back from maternity leave, I was offered a chance to move and relocate to Savannah, Georgia (or lose my job) as the company was moving it's Operations from Texas to Georgia. We opted to stay in Texas, as there was also my husband's job (or lack thereof in Georgia) to consider. So, a lay off I took.
In April of 2004, I took a contract job with Neiman Marcus - to fill in for a woman going on maternity leave. In August she returned and I was again "out on the street" as of September 1.
In November of 2004, I took a contract position that "might lead to a more permanent situation" at Home Interiors and Gifts. Well, in March, I was laid off at the end of my project. Again.
In July, I started a project contract with Palm Harbor Homes. I lived for 3 months with a Director who told me everyday "well, you are just a 'hired-gun', so if we don't need you at the end of the week, I'll let you know. Nice guy, huh? In October, he "let me know" and I was laid off again.
In October, I also interviewed for, and accepted, a position as a Project Manager with a nice company in Carrollton. I like everyone I work with and I feel much more stable on a daily basis. That is a good thing.
But, I have been thinking during this whole time - and I have to tell you, I am really not in love with Corporate America. After college, I was in love with working in a big company. The love has faded after two recessions and the experience of the past two years.
Well, you say, no other choice. You must work to live. And that is correct. But, no more will I be a puppet of big companies! I would rather work harder for myself than for someone else. And that is my resolution! I resolve to work my personal Mary Kay business harder so I can become free of the professional life I have come to hate.
Wish me luck!
Thursday, September 29, 2005
From Flipflops to fashion statement!?!
Okay, today I am rambling and ranting. Here is the deal...what is the big fascination and attraction with flipflops? I mean really, when we were kid, you go tone pair every summer - to wear to the beach or the pool. These were NOT shoes you would wear shopping - or - God forbid, to school, work, and never to church! Now, you see flipflops EVERYWHERE! People invited to the White House have even worn the things to meet the President!
Here is the deal: they are gross. You can shed your toe-jam anywhere. Your stinky smelly feet are just out and about! It is truly nasty. For goodness sake, wear socks!
I worked at one company where - honest to God - people would walk around barefooted. Can you actually believe that one? Thank God I do not work there any more - for that and many other reasons to be sure.
On a similar topic - I have been to the grocery store on a number of occasions, and mothers (used losely) allow their children to wander the store - where you and I buy the food we eat - barefoot. Now, if it is not bad enough to have the occasion that athlete's foot will end up in your yogurt, what if someone dropped a jar of pickles, and a glass shard cut their little darling? They would sue. No question in my mind. This country is going nuts! Do you remember: "No shoes, No shirt, No service"? I do.
Here is the deal: they are gross. You can shed your toe-jam anywhere. Your stinky smelly feet are just out and about! It is truly nasty. For goodness sake, wear socks!
I worked at one company where - honest to God - people would walk around barefooted. Can you actually believe that one? Thank God I do not work there any more - for that and many other reasons to be sure.
On a similar topic - I have been to the grocery store on a number of occasions, and mothers (used losely) allow their children to wander the store - where you and I buy the food we eat - barefoot. Now, if it is not bad enough to have the occasion that athlete's foot will end up in your yogurt, what if someone dropped a jar of pickles, and a glass shard cut their little darling? They would sue. No question in my mind. This country is going nuts! Do you remember: "No shoes, No shirt, No service"? I do.
Friday, September 16, 2005
A personal Journey through Hypothyroid Disorder
I have been on Thyroxine (T4) treatment only for 10 years and though my TSH levels have been regulated at times over the past decade, I have never felt like myself.
This journey began in 1994/95 although I am beginning to suspect that there were earlier affects that I did not really know were potentially related to thyroid. In 1994, I married (eloped with) my first husband, Bert. He was in the Navy and was going overseas to Japan after some training in California. We planned that I would stay in the US for another year and then travel to Japan with him. Unbeknownst to us, I got pregnant with my first child, Marcos over our Christmas Holidays. After finding out, we were very excited, but chose to continue with our plans, as he would be out to sea when I was due.
In March 1995, on a short cruise, Bert was killed in a helicopter accident. I had Marcos in September following an otherwise unremarkable pregnancy. All told, I had gained 20 pounds during the entire pregnancy. By 10 weeks post-partum – November 1995, I had lost 25 pounds and was doing well. By Valentine’s Day 1996, I had gained 30 pounds. I had not changed my eating or exercise habits at all - I was still running 1 mile a day! My doctor ran some tests and found my Thyroid level for TSH was in the 30 – 35 range.
After adjusting dosages for about 6 months, we settled on a dosage of .075. I felt reasonably well. I was not able to budge the weight very much – I had lost about 15 pounds but nothing was working on the rest. I was told a variety of things ranging from “You’re eating to much/not exercising enough” to “your body is very frugal with calories, you need to eat less”. Well, on a diet of 1000 – 1500 calories per day, there is not a lot less you can eat. I thought I would just have to live with it. I continued to run daily and lift weights 3 days per week.
In December of 1997, I noticed I was not feeling well again and had more tests done. My thyroid TSH level was high – 5 – 6. So, we adjusted my dosages again and after settling on .112, things were better. I started line dancing on Saturday nights with some friends and lost some more weight. By the spring, with a new job, I was feeling good.
In the summer of 1997, my dosage again needed to be tweaked and was moved to .125/day. This was a dose that I stayed regulated on until the just after New Year’s 2000. That period was the longest I have ever been regulated and feeling good. I lost weight and stayed at a size 10/12. Not the best shape ever, but pretty darn good.
I moved to Dallas in the fall of 1999, got engaged to my husband David and in early 2000, moved to Lewisville. We had a lot of stress and upheaval going on at work. I was put on a prescription for Prozac and noticed my weight had gone up a little. My thyroid was slightly off and the dose was bumped to .15.
In fall of 2000, David and I chose to get married with little fanfare. We had fun and were a happy little family. Things were going well. In the spring of 2001, my job went through 2 major changes and my thyroid responded to the stress. I was now on .175 and not easily able to control my weight – it was still creeping ever upwards.
As fall 2001 came along, and with it the attacks of 9/11, my stress was very bad. My thyroid was bad and my dosage went to .187. I settled in for a little bit – tried giving the Atkins plan a whirl in May of 2002. David lost 30 pounds. I lost 10. We were trying to get pregnant and in July, I was excited to test positive. At the start of August, I miscarried. I did not know Hashimoto’s disease could affect pregnancy.
After having my second child, Kaleb, in 2003, I have been on the worst roller-coaster ride of my life culminating in a TSH reading of 46.41 - and a 20 lb weight gain - while on a dosage of .2 Synthroid. After getting completely fed up with the thought that the rest of my life was going to be like this, I started some research and found that others have had the same types of issues. I also found that there are some Hashimoto's patients who cannot convert T4 to T3 and need a combo medication. I have just transitioned to Armour and have high hopes that this may make a difference. Without my husband's support I would probably have thrown in the towel by now!
Finally, September 12, I had new bloodwork drawn. I am drastically better - and feel it! Last weekend I was actually able to finish a 5K roadrace! This is a major step in the right direction for me. I will continue to run - and keep working toward feeling better!
This journey began in 1994/95 although I am beginning to suspect that there were earlier affects that I did not really know were potentially related to thyroid. In 1994, I married (eloped with) my first husband, Bert. He was in the Navy and was going overseas to Japan after some training in California. We planned that I would stay in the US for another year and then travel to Japan with him. Unbeknownst to us, I got pregnant with my first child, Marcos over our Christmas Holidays. After finding out, we were very excited, but chose to continue with our plans, as he would be out to sea when I was due.
In March 1995, on a short cruise, Bert was killed in a helicopter accident. I had Marcos in September following an otherwise unremarkable pregnancy. All told, I had gained 20 pounds during the entire pregnancy. By 10 weeks post-partum – November 1995, I had lost 25 pounds and was doing well. By Valentine’s Day 1996, I had gained 30 pounds. I had not changed my eating or exercise habits at all - I was still running 1 mile a day! My doctor ran some tests and found my Thyroid level for TSH was in the 30 – 35 range.
After adjusting dosages for about 6 months, we settled on a dosage of .075. I felt reasonably well. I was not able to budge the weight very much – I had lost about 15 pounds but nothing was working on the rest. I was told a variety of things ranging from “You’re eating to much/not exercising enough” to “your body is very frugal with calories, you need to eat less”. Well, on a diet of 1000 – 1500 calories per day, there is not a lot less you can eat. I thought I would just have to live with it. I continued to run daily and lift weights 3 days per week.
In December of 1997, I noticed I was not feeling well again and had more tests done. My thyroid TSH level was high – 5 – 6. So, we adjusted my dosages again and after settling on .112, things were better. I started line dancing on Saturday nights with some friends and lost some more weight. By the spring, with a new job, I was feeling good.
In the summer of 1997, my dosage again needed to be tweaked and was moved to .125/day. This was a dose that I stayed regulated on until the just after New Year’s 2000. That period was the longest I have ever been regulated and feeling good. I lost weight and stayed at a size 10/12. Not the best shape ever, but pretty darn good.
I moved to Dallas in the fall of 1999, got engaged to my husband David and in early 2000, moved to Lewisville. We had a lot of stress and upheaval going on at work. I was put on a prescription for Prozac and noticed my weight had gone up a little. My thyroid was slightly off and the dose was bumped to .15.
In fall of 2000, David and I chose to get married with little fanfare. We had fun and were a happy little family. Things were going well. In the spring of 2001, my job went through 2 major changes and my thyroid responded to the stress. I was now on .175 and not easily able to control my weight – it was still creeping ever upwards.
As fall 2001 came along, and with it the attacks of 9/11, my stress was very bad. My thyroid was bad and my dosage went to .187. I settled in for a little bit – tried giving the Atkins plan a whirl in May of 2002. David lost 30 pounds. I lost 10. We were trying to get pregnant and in July, I was excited to test positive. At the start of August, I miscarried. I did not know Hashimoto’s disease could affect pregnancy.
After having my second child, Kaleb, in 2003, I have been on the worst roller-coaster ride of my life culminating in a TSH reading of 46.41 - and a 20 lb weight gain - while on a dosage of .2 Synthroid. After getting completely fed up with the thought that the rest of my life was going to be like this, I started some research and found that others have had the same types of issues. I also found that there are some Hashimoto's patients who cannot convert T4 to T3 and need a combo medication. I have just transitioned to Armour and have high hopes that this may make a difference. Without my husband's support I would probably have thrown in the towel by now!
Finally, September 12, I had new bloodwork drawn. I am drastically better - and feel it! Last weekend I was actually able to finish a 5K roadrace! This is a major step in the right direction for me. I will continue to run - and keep working toward feeling better!
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