2005 ROCK-TOBER CHEMO GIRLS

ravdeb

Mary..glad to see you on line. You are great with the treadmill. I know it is best to go to a health club or exercise class and do it with others but I'm a lazy bum. I want to buy a stationary bike and do it at home, especially on days when I don't get out or don't feel like walking. It would vary the routine. I hate doing the same thing all the time. I get bored and then quit.

Tracy NY..hope you get flying soon!

Laura..enjoy your trip. Hopefully the skies will be clear.

Kelly...I didn't realize you were a ranch girl! It reminds me of that Australian show with the women on the ranch..forgot what it is called..Paula will know. I love that show.

I used to dress up like a cowgirl for Halloween. Only was on a horse once...one of those trail tours on a horse..nose to butt type thing..only my girlfriend's horse wanted to be different and kept turning around!!! That was in the Rocky Mountains when I was in college.

So..my girlfriend e-mailed me. She spoke to the doctor. She has a f*&kin' 1 cm mass that needs to be biopsied. I can't talk to her on the phone during the week because of the time difference so now it's e-mailing and waiting for the weekend. I'm so upset about this. I won't be able to deal with her having bc. And she lives alone and far away.
I'm praying for benign...please send some good vibes/prayers her way.

ravdeb

Well, I just read the study that is posted on the main page of bc.org. It's about exercise. Quickly..it said that 6 hours of STRENUOUS exercise a week is what can lower risk of breast cancer. Well..I do NOT do 6 hours of strenuous exercise a week. Oh..it said this will lower bc in women with no history of bc. It wasn't showing this for those with history. So, although exercise is good for other things, it's not necessarily going to change the bc risk in those women.

I have no history. Means I'll feel darn guilty if I get recurrence or a new primary if I don't do 6 hours of strenuous exercise a week. Okay..I will tell my dh the stats and I'll probably have a stationery bike here within a day!

Six hours...that is an awful lot. It has to be fitted into a schedule like brushing teeth and showering, I guess..like..can't live without it or something.

Oh..and it doesn't matter when you start doing this. It makes no difference if you have been doing this all along or you start today.

My girlfriend does have another close friend nearby and I hope that she is supporting her while she goes through the agony of waiting...

V..I also reward myself and I'm eating white chocolate and I don't like white chocolate and it has cholesterol. I need to stop rewarding myself! I'm off to make quiona (that should balance the bad stuff I'm devouring!).

And I cannot end my post without adding... forgiveness is a powerful thing. With forgiveness, one can move on. That is..with true forgiveness both in words and deeds, what was, becomes history and can only strengthen the links.

ravdeb

Thanks for the links. It is interesting that the new study done in Madison, Wisc that is posted on the Home page here says that 6 hours of strenuous exercise works and only for those with no bc history.

I can understand why the studies you posted said that it benefits (3-5 hours of exercise..walking...a week)mostly er+ women... because exercise affects the hormones and chemical balance.

Once again us hormone negs are not in the picture!

I am still researching stationary bikes!!! Exercise is good and I can assure you all, I will NOT be overdoing it!!!

ravdeb

Good Luck, v...

Anonymous

For me, the only exercise I get at the gym would be one hour a week. The rest of my week is going to and from work and up and down stairs with Little Girl.

I am going on vacation and we are going skiing, so at least that is physical. And when we go in the RV we ride bikes a lot.

But ... I am going to up my exercise routine to do two days a week as soon as we get back from vacation.

TracySeattle

I stopped into the local CURVES last week. I have been thinking about joining. It is right next to my bus stop so I could stop there before I head home after work. I just don't know if I would do it and it is a year committment at $35/month. ***sigh*** I am just not good at exercise. I have trouble finding the time during the week and to be honest - I just plain don't like it!

ravdeb

According to the links that Victoria posted...one hour a week lowers your risk of bc.... so Kelly..you are okay with that.

So, in that case...Tracy..you should just walk on the weekends. Lots cheaper!

marymelodi

Well, I'm back from my visit with the radiation oncologist. She did a very thorough examination and found a lump near my neck, right side along the collarbone. It could be a swollen lymph node. It could be scar tissue from the placement of my port. I could be anything. We don't know. So. tomorrow 7:45 will find me having another CT scan. This one of my neck and shoulders. I feel so good with the exercising and she praised me up and down. Why this new concern?? Bad luck. Well, I'm hoping just for scar tissue from the port. The lump is quite near where the tubing went into the vein in my neck. Could be that. It seems logical. Gosh, at least I'm not procrastinating getting this test done. First thing tomorrow, I'm there!

Exercise . . . even if it had no effect on breast cancer, exercise has so many benefits. I have more energy, sleeping better, and feel more alert. I have to start back on testing my blood sugar to see if that is any better with the exercise.

Thank you, thank you for all the encouragement. Yes, my friend, Carol, helps tremendously. We are recruiting others from our staff to join us. I've never successfully established the exercise haabit but I'm not so old a dog that I cannot learn this new trick. Right?!?! Anyway, thanks for helping me stay motivated and on track with it.

OK - back to work.
love to all,
Mary

ravdeb

yikes, Mary... wishing you all the best tomorrow. You are right, it could be anything and most likely it is one of those things you suggested.

but, the mind goes racing. This wretched disease does not stop to allow us to breathe and carry on. There is always something to keep us alert!

I think the exercising will keep you going. That is just so great that you are into it and doing it with a friend. You go girl!!!

Will be thinking good thoughts tomorrow.

debbie444

Mary - OK, hoping here that it is scar tissue from the port you had. When i had my mammogram they had to do it twice, then ultrasound as it was so full of scra tissue they couldnt see anything. I am sure it is that with you too. I think , with th etime difference you will be having it at my story time - i will think of you.
I used to go to a gym with my friend before we started work. we used to go 5 times a week. I hr split between the rower and runner and bike, 1 hour in the jacuzzi, then 1 hr in the coffee shop!! I used to go to keep my friend company - it was recommended by her DR as she had depresssion and sleep problems. Now i cant go she has altered to a women only CURVES - i wonder if it the same as you were talking about??
Now i am off to see if i can track down some red noses for Red Nose day. Dont think they are so good this year - no hands or hair. Shall see

Debbie

cathy987

I want to respond to posts later but Debbie–Red Nose Day?

RoseMarie

Red nose day? I love all these cultural lessons we're getting!
Mary - I will be praying for you!!!!! B9, B9, B9!!!
TracyNy- hope you're up, up and away! I can't even complain about LE since I don't do what I should anyway! If my arm swells I do the deep breathing and massaging, if it feels really tight I put on the sleeve and glove. Most of the time my arm is just slightly swollen. I now wear my watch on my right wrist and have downloaded info on new and hopefully better LE therapists in the area but have not set up an appt.
Well, the pediatrician wants to test Kiersten for Salmonilla! Of course, she hasn't been able to "go" since she heard the news so she's home from school again today! Ugh!
Ok - love you all - have a great day!!

TracySeattle

Mary - it will all be OK - it has to, we are RockTober Sisters! We will all be there with you tomorrow! (((hugs)))

Debbie - OK so we are all too curious! What the heck is Red Nose day?

Did you all know that March 1st is "National Pig Day?? My college room mate celebrates it every year at the Elementary school that she works at. She loves pigs and even has a pet pig who is almost like a dog but not cuddly!

Anonymous

OMG - I am crazy busy packing, etc...dealing with the construction workers in our basement, deciding where electrical outlets should go, ironing clothes for vacation...and the list goes on and on...but this is really bad...

My swim prosthetics haven't arrived! I'm freaking out. I have a feeling they were not delivered because there aren't any address numbers on our TEMPORARY FRICKIN MAILBOX! LOL - If I don't laugh I am seriously going to cry! Arghhhhh...I called the company that I ordered the prosths from AND I GOT A FRICKIN ANSWERING MACHINE! Help me - I can't believe this. I can't write more but will later - I will try to answer PM's later, as well. I miss my real breasts!

Anonymous

What is Red Nose Day?
Red Nose Day is a UK-wide fundraising event organised by Comic Relief [link to www.comicrelief.com] every two years which culminates with a night of extraordinary comedy and moving documentary films. This is the 11th Red Nose Day; the biggest TV fundraising event in the UK calendar.

On Red Nose Day everyone in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales is encouraged to cast inhibitions aside, put on a Red Nose, and do something a bit silly to raise money - celebrities included. It is an event that unites the entire nation in trying to make a big difference to thousands of poor and disadvantaged people across the UK and Africa.

Get 'Reddy' for The Big One, Friday 16 March. Find out more at www.rednoseday.com.

debbie444

RoseMarie - you will soon know all about Red nose day - via John Michael - believe me!!
www.rednoseday.com - its part of comic relief, it happens every year, a big country wide fund raiser. People sitting in baths of beans, TV comedy marathons, being mugged by a giant dog with a collecting bucket when you go to the supermarket - you know the type of thing. We are suppoosed to be going to school in pyjamas - but we are trying to change that as most of us not too impressed with that.
Did Kiersten get salmonella from the peanut butter? Told you it was dangerous stuff!

Perhaps Lauras swimming bits are with Debs mail and the missing posts?

ravdeb

Well, I just want to say that England sure sounds like fun! I mean..you are just always telling us these neat cultural things that make people smile all the time. That is sooooooo cool. I guess it's Great Britain..

I sure hope I don't get Laura's swim prosths! I am still waiting for my package from my girlfriend!

Have a safe trip.

I personally cannot wait until Thursday. I mean..National Pig Day??? We definitely don't do that here since pigs are like outlawed here because of the kosher laws!!! But..little pink pigs are really cute. It's the ugly hairy wild ones (boars?) that we have here that our Thai workers catch and eat that are gross. I mean..they are big and hairy! GROSS!!!!

RoseMarie..that is awful about Kiersten. What are her symptoms? From what would she get this?

Just came home from a meeting and I'm tired. I hate evening meetings.

Mary..thinking of you...
V..hope your labs went okay.

Paula15089

Ravdeb, thats McLeod's Daughters you must be talking about? I never watch it though... Hows is your girlfriend? Has she had the tests yet?

Mary, have all my fingers and toes crossed for you.

About exercising - yep, i've read as well that it has to be done in moderation for us. But i can definitely tell the difference when i do exercise - i get less hotflashes, they are less intense, less joint pains.

TracySeattle

Ravdeb - I hear ya about the night meetings. I have one tonight and I growl each time..... It is just too hard to try to think at the end of the day, not to mention being out later than I like to. At the end of the work day, I just like to go home, get in my jammies and go to my chair!

cathy987

Debbie–(and Kelly) Thanks for the explanation of Red Nose Day. Sounds like a fun way to do fund raising!

RoseMarie–Hope Kiersten proves not to have been infected by Salmonella. But even more that she feels better soon.

Mary, happy to hear the exercising is continuing. With all the discussion here I am committed to join in but it won’t be 6 hours a week. I know I can do 15 minutes on the bike and that is a start for me.

I just know everything will be o.k. tomorrow. Will keep you in my prayers.

Deb–you will be able to deal with your friend if it is bc and she must know how you feel about her. You are a most caring person. Please do add my prayers for benign.

I don’t know a lot about other exercise bikes but I really like my Aerodyne. We have it here at the office and everyone takes a turn on it. Most of the women read while using it but I like to use my arms too for a total work out. It doesn’t seem to bother my knee.

Debbie–I like the sound of your former exercise plan, especially the second and third hour!
Victoria–hope your labs were good and that the closing went well, Can’t wait to see what you replace the gravel with.

Kelly/Laura–Love the idea of vacation but honestly have to say that I would rather be going to Mexico than skiing. Does Teryn ski? My nearly four-year-old grandson went skiing in the Catskills at Christmas time. I didn’t see it but I guess he was quite the trooper.

I am going to Vegas next weekend. It’s our annual board meeting. (Honest, it really is) Me and my two sons. We work hard while we’re there and then take in the NASCAR races and that’s another story.

Well hope everyone gets well or stays well and gets to go where they’re going.

Tracy–I hear you about the jammies etc. etc. so

For me–tonight they’re predicting the big storm of the year. Another 12 inches of snow with wind. Loose lips have predicted it could last for three days. Could get ugly!
But no meetings and I’ll be in where it’s warm.

Deb, I loved your post about forgiveness. The only thing I could possibly add is that forgiveness must also be acknowledged and returned.

Love you ladies–stay warm.

Curlylocks

Hello Ladies,

You are quite the talkative bunch over the last day, omg trying to get caught up.

We had more snow yesterday and the drive home was nasty. My hubby came home from work and shoveled out the driveway. My Rav and its snow tires drove right through it.

All this talk about exercise, I do try to get out and get walking. I get up at 5:50 am. and have an hour commute to and from work so it makes for a long day. Prior to bc I use to get up at 5:00 a.m. and do a workout before work, min. 3 times a week. I can no longer do that as I don’t sleep well enough at night to be getting up any earlier than I do.

I do hope to get back to the gym and alternate that with taking the dogs out for their walks when my hubby works day shift.

The pups and I went out for a 50 minute walk tonight after work. The trail that we go down is about an 8 minute drive from here by car and then you can walk through the trails forever. It was sooo cool tonight as I had to create a path from the snow that fell last night, thankfully it was light fluffy snow. All of the trees were covered in snow, it looked breathtaking. I had my ipod in listening to some tunes while we walked through the woods. It did get pretty spooky though towards the end as it was starting to get dark, so I sped up my pace and made it out safely without any wildlife attacking us.

Any one else booked their trip?

Kelly – we live out in the country and don’t have any cows visit our local schools, that is soo neat. The area in which you live sounds so enticing. I do love the country but we are tired of all the work that is associated with the upkeep of a country home as I can no longer shovel or shouldn’t rake due to risk of lymphodema my hubby is now stuck doing all this himself. I use to enjoy the raking leaves in the fall, we would make a big pile and our Shepard (when he was alive) used to run through them.

Yah, you are coming to the end of your active treatment with your reconstruction now in the works!

Your childhood memories sound like a lot of fun. I grew up with three sisters and a brother and we have lots of fun memories too, although my brother being the youngest treated us like a leopard until he reached his 20’s.

TracySeattle – I found here in our area that there are not too many trained professionals that specialize in lymphodema. Last year in March I went to see a physiotherapist who specialized in post breat cancer care. She was fabulous but no longer works at the clinic that I went to. I went to her originally as my range of motion was affected back then. I don’t know if I have lymphodema now, my arm never returned to its normal state pre-bc, still numb. I do have a little bit of swelling but don’t know if that is from the Arimidex which also causes edema. I do hope you get some relief in your arm and hand.

National Pig day, March 1st, this board is like school, learn something new each day.

Deb – see you have practice at hiding people in hotel rooms… although we don’t want to get caught. I chuckled at your stories. Sorry to hear about the worry regarding your friend. I have everything crossed for good news. Love your quote about foregiveness.

TracyNy – you learn something new everyday, I didn’t know that sodium could cause your arm to swell. I don’t cook with salt but I;m sure some of the things I eat have sodium in them, thanks for the info.

Laura – I love the picture of the deer! Is that right outside your backyard. We do have deer around here but not in our yard as well as foxes and raccoons.
Your wedding pictures are beautiful. The little girls are so precious. I do hope that your prosthetics show up, that is so not fair. Have a great trip and enjoy getting away from winter for a week.

Omg Laura thankfully you were able to stop. I will be so glad when the roads are free of snow again and spring has sprung.

Victoria – the pictures of your new home remind of when we visited Arizona last year with the desert like landscape, very different from what we have here were it is so green due to the rain in the spring and fall. It does sound like you will have less work on your hands with your horses being boarded. How are you doing on chemo?

Paula – this board is very weird. I did see your new avtar earlier this morning but it is back to the older one again. Same with TracySeattle’s avtar….

Gracyie – I have nothing yet in my cheetah collection, been so busy with work and then get home and its time to go to work again.LOL. Where in Canada where you raised or did I ask you that question before?

Mary – congrats on keeping up the exercise regime. I hope the lump is just scar tissue from your port. It is scary that our minds tend to go in the wrong direction when things pop up.

Deb – we are no where near having spring weather, we have tons of snow. The spring flowers wont be up here for quite awhile. I;m jealous… Forget to ask, how is the armidex going?

Rosemarie – why do they think your daughter has salmonilla? We have a red nose day here in our town, I think I may have missed it this year or maybe it is in March. A few of the local stores sell them with money going to charity and it also helps with the winter blahs.


Cathy – have fun in Vegas. We went last year for the first time, although only there for one night, we had a blast!

Have a great night. Those in the snowy parts, drive safely.

Love to everyone.

Michele

chumfry

Like Cathy and Laura, my dh and I are heading for some warmer weather next week. We're going to New Orleans. I've been several times, but dh hasn't. It is in the 70s there and there will be flowers blooming!! We're staying at a quirky little B&B in an artsy/gay neighborhood just four blocks from the French Quarter, so that should be a lot of fun.

Although everybody thinks about partying in New Orleans, my favorite things to do there are eat beignets (square donuts with powdered sugar), shop at the flea market and ride the free ferry. I have gone back and forth across the river four or five times in a row!

We fly out of Minneapolis on Saturday for a week. Most of my coworkers plan a warm-weather vacation in late February or early March because Spring doesn't get here until MAY! The leaves don't even start peeping out until then, much less the daffodils! Sigh.

Anonymous

Teryn was 3 when she learned to ski. We met up with my cousin Bobby, who lives up in Lake Tahoe. We will see him next week! We're so excited to get outta town!!!!

RoseMarie

Michele - Kiersten has had a week of stomach cramps, diahrrea and spent last Thursday vomiting. I mentioned our recalled jar of Peanut butter to the dr. and they want to run tests to see if it is Salmonella or not. She had a great day yesterday, normal bm, no stomach cramps so I will be surprised if anything turns up.
SOOOO, why do I sit here at 2:45 in the morn...ugh - Now it's my turn. I'm teetering somewhere between hoping I'll throw up and hoping I don't. Ok - way too much info -sorry!
Kelly - your pics are too cute!! Teryn is such a cutie!
Ravdeb - thinking about you and your friend!!

ravdeb

I'm jealous! So many of you are flying off or have left already. I sooooooooooooooo need to get away.

Enjoy your trips..all of you. Just remember those of us you left behind.

QUESTION: My girlfriend will be having an ultrasound guided biopsy in another week. (she was supposed to do it this Fri. but she is ALSO going out of town on a fun trip!! ). The question is this..she was told to wear a sports bra and she thinks it's because she will get packed with ice to keep the swelling down. Is that the reason? I don't know if it's core or needle..I asked her and not sure I'll hear from her because she is leaving on her trip. I don't know if that makes a difference. I had an excisional so I'm pretty clueless to the needle biopsies.


Cathy..I like the addition to the forgiveness...you are right.

Love the pics, Kelly. My nephews just flew for a ski trip to Lake Tahoe. I was there in the summer years ago (I'm getting old..it was like 30 years ago!!!!!!)

Laura..did the prosths arrive?

Cindy..my kind of vacation! I've never been there.

Michele..sounds like a nice walk you do with your dogs. Walking in the snow is good..it's hard work. I sometimes have to navigate soft sand and rocks on the beach and the soft sand reminds me of walking in snow..just that it's not cold!

I was just saying to a friend that I never get anywhere anymore because trips are expensive and I use my money to get to the States to see family. Those aren't vacations..they are family visits and I love them, I have a great time, I love being with my parents and so on..but it is not like just getting away and doing a lot of fun things and exploring new territory. I love travel. Am fascinated by it and I have a list of places I hope to get to one day. I have been lucky that since moving to Israel I've been on short weekend trips to Prague, Cyrpus, Barcelona and Turkey. Not enough for me. It's fairly cheap to travel there and costs are low ('cept for Barcelona).

Paula..yes..the McLeod's Daughters. I used to watch it all the time when we didn't have a lot of English speaking TV. It's still on in reruns but I watch it less. But that's what it reminded me of!!!

Tracy Seattle..hope your meeting didn't last too long. Mine was frustrating because I did all the work for it, sent the material to our rabbi LONG ago and he neglected to do anything with it. He was to translate it to Hebrew or something..get a paper out to the board members, etc. Two hours before the meeting, he called me looking for the papers. He was the only one with the key to the building we were meeting at and he was in the office trying to figure out how to find the papers I had sent him. We were standing out in the cold waiting for him. He called me and asked me if I had brought MY papers with. I said, yes. I then told him we were waiting for him cuz we didn't have a key and he's like..oh.

Curlylocks

Good Morning...

Laura - I hope that your package arrives before you leave today,have a wonderful relaxing trip.

Rosemarie - that is right you did mention the peanut butter recall a few days ago. It sounds like your daughter is doing well now and the tests will confirm that. I hope you dont get sick now, argh...that's not fun.

Cindy - enjoy your trip to New Orleans and have some square donuts for me, they sound yummy. It sounds like a fascinating city and it will be nice to escape the snow for a week.

Kelly - I just read your signature line - that is too funny - can I say splat, oh no that is too disgusting.LOL.
Your pictures of Lake Tahoe are beautiful and look like post cards. I can hear the excitement in your posts about meeting up with your cousin. I have no vacation time planned so far until August, will have to see about taking some time off before then as that is too long of a haul for me. Teryn is a cutie too! She looks so little on her skis.

Deb - I had a core biopsy alone, so cant answer your question, maybe one of our other sisters will be able to answer this.
I too love to travel. We have been to a number of places in the U.S, the maritimes, but mostly down south - Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Erie,PA, Arizona, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Jamaica (our favourite) , Cuba, Mexico and Antigua. My husband has been to Germany with his parents. We are at an age where we enjoy visiting the warmer climates right now. There are so many different places to venture off to, it just means having the time and the money to go.

Have a great day everyone.

Michele

ravdeb

RoseMarie..we posted at the same time. I hope YOU are okay! Good Grief!!! Hope all is well and Kiersten is okay.

Michele..You have been to so many places! I've also been to Las Vegas twice (once when the Strip was THE place to be ..that just aged me!..and then a few years ago, California, DC, and a few others like the Rocky Mountains, Smokies and Blue Ridge. Was also in Italy when I was pregnant with my first one and Switzerland for a short visit.

I haven't been to Mexico and I just spoke with our elderly congregant last night (who by the way...her onc said she needs treatments..I'm going nuts!)and she said Mexico is great. I wanna go there. Wanna go to the markets there and buy colorful cloth bags and things..love that stuff.

Okay..must go take my MIL... I feel like bus driver..

Have a good day...

ravdeb

OMG! I just got snail mail from my cousin's daughter. I have absolutely NO contact with this cousin despite trying time and again to keep in touch with her and her brothers. They refuse to show up any family events, and just do not feel the need to keep in touch. I lost energy for it because I was getting rejected all the time!

But..her daughter will be in Israel next month and wants to meet me. She didn't ask for a place to stay..she said we'd go for lunch and get to know each other. I am soooooooooooooooo excited!!! She obviously didn't have my e-mail and she sent me hers so I've already e-mailed her back. Her mom obviously couldn't find the moment to pick up the phone and either call my sister or my parents.

Takes gumption on this young girl's part. She must be in her mid to late 20's. I'm so excited!!!

One thing about my move to Israel is that family wants to come and see me here so I get to get to know my cousins. Here is proof.

Well, at least I get benefits from living so far away!

Just had to tell you all this..so cool!

Graycie

I just popped on for a moment. I will have to catch-up later. Ravdeb, That is wonderful I am so excited for you. Kelly, great picture's, I can relate.

Speaking of exercise, I got on the scale this morning after looking in the mirror and scaring myself. I couldn't believe my eye's. No wonder I feel fat......Well, we are off to do a little mall walking since the weather is so bad. That's the end of my eating. What a wake-up call.

Rosemarie, I hope Kiersten is better and you aren't sick.

ravdeb

V...news sounds good. Mexico sounds interesting. I know I would like visiting there. But then..I'd like visiting anywhere!

Exercise..There is yet another research article posted on the Home page about strenuous exercise. And when I started chemo they told me 3-5 hours of walking a week. When I was done with treatments and getting ready to leave for the summer to the States, my onc nurse said at least 5 hours of power walking a week.

So, on the beach today (lots of people were there cuz it was so nice out)I walked quickly and burned more calories this time. But, I don't seem to walk enough steps per hour.

One thing I read on a walking website was to remember not to make long strides but to keep your legs under you. That may sound weird but it means to keep them in line with your body. This avoids back problems and maybe even knee problems.

I walk for about 55 minutes. I mean..I'm done...I go up to this one area of the beach and then back to my car and it takes about 55 minutes. I definitely need to get that stationary bike. Was going to go and look at them but didn't have time while I was out.

Where's Linda??

This weekend is Purim. It's a holiday where everybody dresses in costumes, we read the Scroll of Ester and every time Haman's name is mentioned we make a lot of noise, have noise makers and try to drown out his name. He wanted to kill all the Jews and in the end he was hung.

It's a fun holiday and usually there is a parade of costumes and carnivals all over. When my kids were little we'd take them into Tel Aviv. Everybody had those hammers that you can bop on people's heads and it makes a funny noise. And they do a lot of spraying with string and foam (dangerous sometimes, but..)....

I used to LOVE dressing up and would diguise myself so well that nobody would recognize me..not even my husband one year! He went to set up a party and I arrived later but I had told him I thought I had a fever and wouldn't be coming. So, he had no idea it was me! I used to win prizes for my costumes which I made up from stuff I had around the house and I did it quickly cuz I have no patience!

But..this year I don't have a costume. My girlfriend said she will buy us silly things and we will go together. We did that last year. Last year I put a hat with pink hair over my bald head!

Gail..just walk and keep busy. Do not go on a no-carbohydrate diet. You will not lose weight that way. You need some carbs to fill you up so that you won't eat extra in between. I know that if I skip carbs, I'm always hungry.

It's best to eat whole wheat pasta and brown rice. I'm not nuts about pasta but I love brown rice.

Well, that's my advice for today!