MJ tribute concert

Reallly excited going to Michael Jackson tribute concert tonight at St Georges Hall Bradford with my SIL it's direct from the USA so shoud be good it's supposed to the nearest thing to seeing him Live.   Was worried it would be cancelled but so far so good they say it's on so it's just a matter of getting there thankfully my DH is taking us and picking us up.  http://whosbadmusic.com/

Serrapeptase - week 3

I have noticed a difference with Serrapeptase I only take one or two per day of the 20,000 iu strength once I have used them I will change to the 80,000 strength but I prefer to take it slower as I know I usually get detox symptoms.  I have noticed better breathing my nose feel much clearer which is a big relief as that troubles me a lot especially at night. I just got the book from Amazon which looks very interesting.
It;s a bit hard to tell though this time of year as I am usually drained with the SAD anyway so I will know better once weather brightens up and I do.

Decluttering Sites

Good sites for decluttering motivation and advice
http://www.clutterclearing.net/
http://www.declutterfast.com/
http://www.hintsandthings.co.uk/utilityroom/organisation.htm

Overworking the shredder

I have so far managed to fill a bin liner with shredded paper from the backlog of papers (bills etc) we had in our filing cabinets, as I remove personal info and recycle the rest (crazy I know) then it takes me ages.
It feels really theraupeutic!  We are planning to sell on the filing cabinets and just use the one that fits under my husband's desk in his office though I might get a small one for my craft room as I don't think hubby will keep up with the cabinet in his room somehow and I want to be able to find stuff easily.
I also don't want it to get that bad again!

Decluttering help

Decluttering is going ok felt a bit overwhelmed so trying small things like one drawer or box for eg.
I have been going to charity shop once a week with some stuff and selling things on ebay if you want to see my listings go to http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/simplycardz
I found on the net these sites on decluttering
http://www.hintsandthings.co.uk/index.htm
http://www.clutterclearing.net/index.asp
http://www.cluttercleared.co.uk/index.htm

Serrapeptase could this be the solution?

I came across this supplement Serrapeptase when I was looking on the net for something to help my SIL who has fibroids she started it and found it is helping her already after just a few weeks so I decided to trial it myself to see if it could help me too so today I started it and I am very hopeful.  I already found that my sinuses which are permanently blocked have improved a little.  So for more info look on this site and download the free pdf of the book it is very interesting indeed. 

Are you a hoarder?

Am making a little headway which is great the book I have No More Clutter by Sue Kay (highly recommended) says you should start off small and work up or if you have a huge amount of clutter you can easily become overwhelmed with it.  I did want to sort the spare room but then I think the living room is a better place to start as that is somewhere that really needs to be tidy.  I actually avoid people coming round and would rather meet them out than have them see the mess so it really needs changing.  But small steps is the way as I am the type of person (highly driven) who wants everything done now.  So far I have sorted my make up bag and got rid of half of it I use natural make-up and it doesn't last as long as others and half of it was out of date which I had been using.  I also took out of the bedroom two chairs which are clutter areas but then last night it was a tricky one tyring to find where to put the clothes for last night so I did bring one chair back in for now anyway, if it keeps piling up it is definitely going.  If you just do ten minutes a day then you can achieve a lot.  Deal with the post as it comes in resist the urge to just put it out of sight but it is not out of mind. I got really mad today our boiler needs servicing and I was hunting through piles of papers on my husbands' filing cabinet which are waiting to be shredded or filed.  He is also a messy one like me.
I am hoping my new found good habits will rub off eventually.  Hope so do the clutter test to see if you need to deal with clutter. 
Time how long it takes to get hold of these common items:
1. your passport
2. the spare house door key
3. your doctor's phone number
4. your last bank statement
5. an envelope and stamp
Less than 5 minutes to find the lot? Then you are decluttered and efficiently organised.  Ask yourself how stressful it felt.  Do you think you could improve on your time?  De cluttering experts vary on whether they think we should find things in 30 seconds or a minute.  More than 5 minutes? Chances are you are already wasting time on a daily basis looking for things you have lost.

Craft Therapy: Decluttering is never ending

Craft Therapy: Decluttering is never ending: "I am not really crafting but trying to declutter my craft room is absolutely awful and so I do not enjoy even been in it at the moment so I ..."

These bugs are bugging me

Not been well at all lately with cold after cold just at back end of another one and it's really wearing me down.  I am going to eat raw garlic every night in the hope it might help me not succumb to them so often.
I might smell but it's a small price to pay!
I have been reading the Book Healing the Child Within by Charles L. Whitfield and there is a wonderful poem by Charles Finn called Here what I am not saying which I am sure we can all relate to.

Craft Therapy: Busy time & Kitchen is almost finished

Craft Therapy: Busy time & Kitchen is almost finished: "Sorry nothing much to blog lately as been so busy getting ready for our kitchen renovation which is almost done now but now it's the cleanin..."

Kitchen done

Pleased with kitchen looks really nice it was hectic and tiring and I stayed at my parent's when it was been done so was glad to get back to my own bed!  Worth it though to get out of the mess.
Hopefully I will get back to my crafting soon as I have missed it lately.

HECTIC

I am getting ready for a table top sale I am organising for friends on August 7th so it's very exciting so am busy making cards so no time for blogging just now and then on 16th of August we have our kitchen completely renovated all stripped out and all new appliances etc it's been a long time coming and I can't wait to see the end result just not looking forward to the packing and upheaval meantime!

Hectic Time

Been planning by Brother's wedding for past month or so and it's been hectic, finally got my life back!
But now I have deflated feeling, all that build up and then the event is over.
I have to find something new to organise so am planning a table top sale in August for some friends, there seems a lot of interest so let's hope it works out okay on the day.
One think I am surprised at is how well I coped with it all the party was a real undertaking, up to 100 guests, I had to track many down as it had been years since my Brother was in touch with them so that a feat in itself and then I made the invites too.  I did not have long to plan it all as it was a bit of a whirlwind thing.  I also planned a band of young ones who really made the night.  It got everyone on the dance floor, we even had barn dancing (not my idea by the way) and that was a laugh.  The clearing up was the worst and poor mum had a house like a bomb had hit in afterwards.  Anyway it was worth it as everyone said how well it went and I got some praise for my organising skills so i got a good sense of achievement in it too. 
I am very tired now though it hit me like a tonne of bricks on Monday.  On Saturday we went out to countryside with some of the visitors and then on Sunday we had a couple of relatives round too and so I did not get to rest till Monday.  Then we still have family here till July 13th but it is nice as not had chance to get to know my SIL really as she is from New York.

Hubby's bike ride for Charity

Hubby has planned this bike ride for June 5th please support him if you can.
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MarkAndrews
Thanks!

Poetry of Life - ME

Poetry of Life - ME
Here are some of my other poems about ME

Picking up ....

I feel a bit better, I had a really bad night though I tried to go to sleep but my stomach was swollen just under my ribs and it felt blocked again and there was some pain though very slight it stopped me getting to sleep so I went down I wrote a bit to get some thoughts out of my head then hubby came down shattered to see if I was ok and to help me get back to bed.  I was supposed to have my hair cut tomorrow I have a friend who comes to the house but I can't even do that as she wanted to come at 10am and I am not getting up early at the moment and I need a bath in the morning so I had to cancel but my hair is a real mess and needs cutting and I know I would feel better for it but I don't want to risk passing on whatever I had to her, though I can't see it been contagious now if it's gastric flu then it says on the net it is contagious for 5-7 days and I am not well yet.  It's a lovely sunny today I will have to get dressed and do something even if it's just sitting around or in the garden relaxing. My house has suffered it only takes a day or two for me to be unable to do stuff then it's a mess and then as soon I get better I end up doing it in one hog to catch up.  Though hubby helps a lot he does vaccing and mopping you know how men are they never do it the same:)  At least he could go to shops yesterday or I would not have managed.  It's times like this I realise how much it's a blessing I have no kids.  Imagine been this ill and not been able to rest, the thought is unbearable so I will count my blessings.

How shocking can you feel?!!

My friend came with her little boy he looked white as a sheet and he ended up filling his nappy and stinking out my living room!  Anyway that was Wednesday then on Sunday night I was on and off the loo all night with the runs.  It was so wearing as not getting much sleep on top of ME is dreadful as those with ME know well.
I also have like a blockage in my gullet, get this time to time usually when I eat what I shouldn't like wheat I did have bit of a wheat binge at weekend as I indulged in a pizza which I thoroughly enjoyed at the time anyway I feel so fed up and uncomfy.  I was supposed to have workmen coming today to fit us an outside tap and a thermostat but had to cancel.  I also have my craft group on Friday which I hope I can make but if I don't feel a lot better by then I can't.  I hate this 'life' and I just hope things pick up soon or not sure what I will do.  Cope I suppose like I have done for the last 15 years what more can you do ......

ME/CFS - A Subtle Threat

Shop till you drop

How tiring is shopping?! My brother gets married in June so I needed a new dress.
I went with mum she is 72 and is like superwoman well maybe not as much as she used to be but still is fitter than I am.  I thought I would go later than I would not have much time but that was a bad idea as it was too pressured and I did not get chance to stop for a break which I should have done.
I tried around 10 dresses on which is tiring in itself but the fact that none of them fit me right, one bright pink dress in Monsoon was sooooo beautiful but was tight round my ribs I figured after the wedding meal I would be bursting at the seams so decided against it plus the price tag was a bit high.  So will have to go back next week now as I dont' want to leave it till the last minute as I usually do plus we are planning the food so that will need sorted the week before.  Not long now it is exciting they get married in the US but the wedding reception is near us we have around 100 people coming it will be a great night

Help AFME via my Site

Please support Action for ME by buying from my site I am giving 50% from sales during May to them
Thanks for your help it is much appreciated for this worthy cause and please tell your friends

How my faith helps me cope

What keeps me going with my illness is my faith as a Jehovah's Witness and knowing it's only temporary and very soon God will bring a paradise earth and all humans will be free of suffering and sickness and be able to enjoy endless life in peace.  For more info go to http://www.watchtower.org/

Revelation 21 vs 1-5
1. And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea is no more. 3 With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his peoples. And God himself will be with them. 4 And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”

(Isaiah 33:24) And no resident will say: “I am sick.” The people that are dwelling in [the land] will be those pardoned for their error.

(Isaiah 35:5-6) . . .At that time the eyes of the blind ones will be opened, and the very ears of the deaf ones will be unstopped. At that time the lame one will climb up just as a stag does, and the tongue of the speechless one will cry out in gladness. . . .

ME Awareness

I want to raise awareness of ME as it's ME Awareness month.
Many people have no clue what it's like to have ME.
I wrote this poem in 1997 but sadly it still applies and it's now 2010
Such is 'life' with ME
More of my poems here


The Difficult Road of M.E.


M.E is an illness,
That defies all belief,
Searching for a cause
And just a little relief.
Putting on a cheery face,
Trying to show you cope,
When you're dying inside,
Desperate for hope.
You don't want to depress,
Your friends so dear,
Yet you yearn for a caress
And shed many a tear.
You think "How long?"
It seems out of sight,
You battle on frustrated,
This never-ending fight.
People say they're tired,
You cannot sympathize,
You think if they only knew,
The sadness in your eyes.
You feel nobody understands,
The burden you must bear,
If they do not question,
You feel they cannot care.
Trying to look beyond,
Your present affliction,
Yet it drags you down,
Like an addiction.
You crave sleep,
So relaxing and sound,
You go to bed exhausted
Yet cannot settle down.
You think you'll invite,
Some friends for a meal,
But just the thought,
Makes it seem an ordeal.
You live with the guilt,
Of not earning any pay,
Your spouse says it's alright,
But it doesn't go away.
You cannot imagine,
In your wildest dreams,
Regaining your health,
So out of reach it seems.
Your muscles ache,
Like you have the flu,
You could go crazy,
With nothing to do.
Accepting your illness,
Is the key to the fight,
Yet you cannot look back
And forget your plight.
You must look ahead,
To the future, maybe near,
When you can live again,
How you wish it was here.
Although you may never,
Recover your former zest,
At least then you'd appreciate,
THE VALUE OF REST.
c. J.Andrews

Keeping Busy

Although Reverse therapy was not the answer for me I do realise how much keeping busy does help you cope with the illness and stops you focussing on it, just lately due to planning for a family wedding I have been focussed on invited people and making invites and therefore it's taken my mind off my health and how I feel and that has really made the difference.  So I think Reverse therapy is more like distraction therapy finding something to fill your life with which will stop you dwelling on the ME.  I am also preparing for a stall on Saturday which is now fills up this week.   Then I will have find something new next week to fill up the time making sure I do not get bored which lends itself to depression and dwelling on things....

Aloe Vera Juice

I was at a craft fair the other weekend and ther was a lady selling Forever Living Products and I got chatting and said I had not really tried ALOE VERA juice and yet I knew it was very good I said I knew a lady who sold it local to me so I got in touch and she got some me the next day and I started on it about a week ago now and I did notice I had a bit more energy so let's hope it helps.  I use the berry one as that contains cranberry which I hope might help with my urinary problems I get often and I don't ike drinking the cranberry juice you buy in the shops as it contains sugar or sugar substitutes which is not good for my candida.

Gluten Free Rhubarb and Cream Cheese Cake

Time to make some lovely orange and rhubarb crumble.
This juicy and pink but slightly sour vegetable is so wonderfully versatile.

You can use it in creamy deserts, dairy-free cakes, smoothies, with porridge or fish or even raw.

Like a stick of natural sherbet lemon, rhubarb is beautifully refreshing and adds such zest to a meal that a little culinary imagination will go a long long way.

Here’s another rhubarb suggestion: a delicious recipe for a very easy Gluten Free Rhubarb and Cream Cheese Cake

Fresh organic rhubarb

1 box of gluten free vanilla sponge cake mix

4 oz melted butter

2 eggs

8 oz mascarpone or full-fat cream cheese

5 stalks chopped rhubarb

3 tbs caster sugar

2 tbs water

icing sugar for dusting

(all ingredients are available from us at goodness direct)



1. Pre-heat oven to 180°C

2. Stir the butter, eggs and cake mix into a stiff paste. Press the mixture into the bottom of a spring-form cake tin.

3. Blend the icing sugar and cream cheese with a fork. Apply onto the top of the cake mix. Use a spatula spread out from the centre, making the sweet mixture a little thicker in the middle and thinner at the edges.

4. Place in oven a for 40 minutes or until the top is turning golden. Test that the cake does not wobble when you shake it. There should be a shallow dip in the centre of the top of the cake. Leave to cool.

5. When the cake has cooled you can add the rhubarb. Simmer the rhubarb, caster sugar and water together (for best results avoid using an aluminium pan) so that the rhubarb is soft and coming apart. Spoon the rhubarb into the shallow area on top of the cake and sprinkle with icing sugar.

6. Serve immediately.


Source: Goodness Direct

After a While Poem

This poem is in a book I am currently reading I found it very relevant to my current situation
A beautiful poem by Veronica Shoffstall written in 1971, at a time when so much was changing for women, but its words are as relevant today. This writer feels strong, self assured and contented.

After a while you learn the subtle difference
between holding a hand and chaining a soul
And you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning
And company doesn’t always mean security
And you begin to learn that kisses aren’t contracts
And presents aren’t promises
And you begin to accept your defeats
with your head up and your eyes ahead
with the grace of a women, not the grief of a child
And you learn to build all your roads on today
because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans
and futures have way of falling down in mid-flight.
After a while you learn that even sunshine burns
if you get too much.
So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul
instead of waiting for someone to bring your flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure
that you really are strong
And you really do have worth
And you learn and you learn
With every goodbye you learn……

Time to move on.....

I am fed up of allowing my ME to control me I have got back into that awful trap again, with the SAD and also the weather I have been stuck in most of the time and that only makes me dwell on negativity.
The hormones don't help either!  I have a lot of anger and resentment about the past and I am trying to blame others for why I am ill when in reality it is my view of it all that is making me ill.  I can either carry on in this thought pattern and stay ill or can get me out of it and get well.  That is the harsh reality. 
When I think more positive I can actually feel my body heaving a huge sigh of relief almost as if it saying at last you get me!!!  How empowering that is, and my body says give me more give me more.
I must give it more by doing more, getting out more even if that might be on my own which I hate but at least I am not stuck inside rotting away!  Keep you posted.......

The curse of candida

I have had candida for the whole time I have been ill and I thought I had got over it but just lately it has come back with a vengeance.  So I started back on candigest+ a supplement which seems to cut back the candida but at present anything I eat seems to flare up the candida, I seem to be ok for so long but then if I go mad like eating mushrooms, bread or chocolate then I have to pay for it.  I also find that taking apple cider vinegar helps there is so info on this Earth Clinic on how to take this.  It also works well for throat infections or colds so worth a try as of course it's natural.

Not doing well......

I am not doing well at moment hence been quiet on my blog, I have not much of positive to tell you just that I am in a relapse and not sure how to get myself back to where I was so I am giving myself a break till I find a solution.
I am not doing Reverse therapy anymore and I do feel that I need to get back to it as I know it helped a lot but I suffer with SAD and it has been really bad this time of year and I have no motivation at present.