We put the baby on a trike for the first time - her little feet didn't even reach the pedals, but you could see she felt like a "big girl." Big smile on her face while I broke my back scooching over to push her from behind. There IS a reason we have our children young!

We used to fasten the dog's lead to the bike and pull it.

That's a great idea, Alice!

Our dog is such a good old boy, he'd probably be amenable to it too. So long as no one walked by eating a donut - if so, the grandbaby could end up in Timbuktu!

No, a spare lead. We pulled it not the dog!

Our dog was totally daft, he'd have chased cats! He cornered one once then stood there looking at DH as if to say,"Well, what shall I do now?"

HA HA HA HA HA!!!

Guess I'll have that second cup of coffee now!!

[SIZE=7]

Well I decided to tackle this subject Before, During & After!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It is an overwhelming task and it will be a long post so I am writing this for me and will completely understand if no one reads it.

BEFORE: I was a very high energy, productive overacheiver. I have 2 adult children that I raised virtually alone. Divorced when they were age 4 and 8. Their dad thought that signing a check once a month was his part of a The VERY EASY Process.

I had never held a job prior to divorce. Went to college while they were small, they thought everyone's mom went to school. Long story short. I went to work....started off small in the world of working moms and worked up to large. I was an executive secretary and over the years worked up to doing a "MAN'S" job. I moved from company to company.....went to where the money and position was. Time past quickly. My children were very active and so was I. I thought nothing of the pace I kept for all of those years. Up at 5:00 AM M-F, get ready for work, Get up my 2 little ones, get breakfast for them, pack lunches if they did not like what the school had that day. Get them on the school bus or get Popie (my dad was retired) to pick them up and take them. Then treck off to my 40 mile commute. Work my 8-10 hours, and commute back. Then there was sports practice almost every day. We played everything: T-Ball and socker when they were younger and then we progressed to baseball, girl's softball, football, basketball and always swim team. And then we had games and swim meets several times each week. Not to mention the gifted program and extra classes my daughter took after school and in the summer. Going 90 miles an hour..... and happy about it!

Life went on and we were HAPPY!!!!! I had great girl friends my family and I dated lots of nice guys......But Marriage was not in my vocabulary.........Long story short again.......I did it after 11 years of being a single mom...........I had dated him off and on for 7 YEARS.....I was tired of being single..........Big mistake............I had made the mistake of marrying a 36 year old batchelor. He had no idea of what day to day with a family was.... it lasted less than 3 years.....I was releived when it was over. He had become verbally abusive to my children and that was it. Out of here.......

Life goes on......Back to the way it was and happy about it. I met my 3rd HUSBAND and we all three fell in LOVE with him.....he became the father and HUSBAND we thought was just a guy in a book, A book we that was fiction.......Life went on.........Kids grew up.........College.........Marriage.......Jobs.... 5 wonderful grandsons.......ALL IS WELL IN MY LIFE........UNTIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!

I got sick in January of 2003..........I started with my GP and I got a DX of Fibromyalgia (for the 2nd time in my life- first time after my hysterectomy in 1995) and depression..........I had gone through a very dark time at work.....I will not even go into that, I went to my GYN, and he said all is well in that department. Went to a PSY doc and went into therapy.... Went back to my Gastroenterologist still DX with IBS......I've been to a neurologist, dermatologist and on and on and on. Pills, Pills, Pills ----try this one try that one, and on and on.

So my GYN moved away and now I have a new one, just found out week before last that I am in MENOPAUSE ------or maybe I am already POST!!!!!!!! Estrogen level was 21!!!!! Started the Vivelle-Dot (1 mg) patch last Tuesday after a estroge injection in the GYN's office. On and On..... I still feel like a monster.

I have been in Hell for over 2 years now.....every symptom of Menopause and then some. The depression, panic attacks, night sweats, occasional hot flashes, HAIR on chin and upper lip, dark circles under my eyes, ACNE and dry skin all at the same time, I can't go to sleep at night becaues my mind is going at break neck speed, Fatigue, exhaustion, my hair is falling out, crying, crying, crying and I am sure I have left something out. But worse that it all is the weight GAIN... Fat........In places I never had Fat before. I have gained 30 pounds. I can't wear my clothes. Recently I finally gave in and bought a few things, because I had to. I had to buy new bras too...the old ones were leaving indentions on my breast. I tell myself "OH shut up and quit whining." no one want to hear this

I am lucky in some ways...If you have read any of my other post you know I have a wonderful, supportive husband. I could write a book singing his praises. He carries the full load as I have been unable to work since January 2003.

Long story Short again......I hate being this person that I have turned into and I want me back. I want to look into the mirror and see me again, I want to go to my closet and be able to fit into my clothes......WILL THIS EVER END!!!!!!!!! ALL OF YOU WONDERFUL WOMEN HERE AT PS HAVE MADE ME AWARE THAT I AM NOT ALONE!!!!!!

Thanks and LOVE to you ALL for giving me a place to feel that I am not CRAZY.

Donna

Well Donna, if I were you I would congratulate myself on having such a good career, doing all the good things you did for your children THEN I'd put my feet up and take it easy.

Sounds to me that you've done your bit (at breakneck speed, I even read your post fast!), you have a good man standing by you and now you should have YOUR time.

I admit that it would be better if we didn't feel so crappy but I think Menopause is Nature's way to tell you to slow down awhile and smell the flowers/coffee...

Put the kettle on and make me a cuppa while you're at it.

Perhaps this man turned up just when you needed your Guardian Angel!

Dear Sweet Wonderful Alice,

Why can't you be here in Alabama? The house next door is for sale. I need someone like you and the others at PS to move in and be my friend. I love Power Surge, but typing is just not the same as a cup of coffee with a friend that knows all about how you feel.

And yes you are so right about my husband. He trys so hard and he carrys the load....But I have so much guilt....I am not the woman he married.......I don't know the person living in this unfamiliar body.

Thank you for being here for me.

Huggs and Love to You from ME!!!!!!!!


Donna

Donna

Just wanted to jump in here and say thank you for sharing your story with us. It's just what I think I needed right now. Since entering peri I have been hit with this extreme sense of being alone. I too am a single mom of two children ages 19 and 15. Their father walked out 12 years ago and also thinks sending a check is all he needs to do. I never thought I would want another relationship again. Didn't think anyone would want a divorced mother of two. I was content with my busy life of raising my wonderful children. Not sure what has happened the last couple years. Maybe now because their growing up. Your story has shown me that maybe its possible to meet someone who would love and except me and my children. Thank you. Take care of yourself.

Cathy

Cathy,

We will have our 11 anniversary on April 8th. We got married when my baby boy was 16. A time when most boys have a really rough time.

Foxx (my hubby- yes his real name) has one daughter now age 20, so he had never had a son, until we got married. He became my son's friend and his confidant and his dad. They could and still do talk about everything. We always had a house full of boys until son bought his own home, he lived at home through college. All of the boys came to our house and went to FOXX with their problems and just their concers about becoming men. He never tried to be the RULER like my 2nd Ex-husband. We still talk about all of the boys we raised!!!!!

Daughter loves him and tells everyone that did not know us before and assume that he is her "REAL" father ----- that he is her "REAL" father that the "Sperm Doner" (biological father) has never had children so he just does not know anything about clildren. Our son-in-law tells everyone "I strive to be the man my father-in law is." Son-in-law calls us Mom & Dad. Calls his parents Mother and father, he says that he can't be real with them.

We have five grandsons (all mine biologically) but ours together. Foxx is their PK (that is his grandfather name) and I am their Nonna. They know that mom has a biological father but they tell every one that PK is mom's REAL DAD.

However, everything is not a bowl of cherries - his daughter resents me and even more my children because he is so close to them and the grandsons. We have had to beg her to visit since day one - she always blamed me that her parents did not get back together. She was 4 when they split and 9 when we got together - so go figure that one.

We hope and pray that someday she will see the light and know that blended families can work.


Yes there are men who will accept your children and love you and them. I was on a "I hate men and I never will get married kick" when I met Foxx. I am not sure that I would still be alive if it were not for his love and support. But you do not have to have a man to live or to be a complete person. It happened to me when I was not looking and had given up on ever being in a happy relationship.


I just wish Menopause would go to HELL.......because no mater how much love and support he gives me I still feel like I am a raving looney.


Love and Hope to another Wonderful P.S. Friend


Huggs

Donna

wow Nonna-
You have done it all already so relax. I know what you mean about feeling guilty. I know my husband loves me so but I feel bad that I don't want to go to the Easter function, that I wouldn't go to the funeral's this week, that I couldn't work right now if I wanted to. In the 15years he's known me I was an office manager type at different companies, bought my own house and dog and white picket fence, was quite a social animal. NOT ANYMORE. I keep hoping I will be her again - I'm actually grieving her and get sad when I think about it. Being a home mom for twelve years was fabulous - wouldn't have traded it for nothing. But what is this new stuff? And crying -- come on what's that all about?

This morning I'm an anxious mess and my BP is too high again. Going to visit the Dr. and get her advice. I've been doing so good the past two weeks. Sheesh, have to remember each day is a new one

Glad you're on board.

wingwalker

Thank you for saying you are glad that I am here at Power Surge, ME too!!!!

I am sorry that you feel this way too!!!!! I keep wanting the answer to my questions.

Where has Donna gone? Who is this woman that has replaced her?

I need friends like you!!!!!

Thanks so much

Donna

Well Nonna, take heart with all of us, I feel for your story, I did read it and could feel your story unfold, youth to menopause. Yes it feels so unreal. I do relate life is a battle all the way around, and yet great things are tossed in at perfect moments, heaven knows.

I also keep thinking that I'll wake up and soon this mood and fatigue will end, but it hasn't yet. Each day is a day in itself. Yes there is lots of guilt, we should be accomplishing things like we used to, right? But its brain fog, and naps instead. well I could go on and on, yet we need each other, its great to have this retreat.

I work very hard, and last year wham, it all hit me, it wasn't until I came here that I didn't think I was dying or something close. I had to laugh when I learned its all part of the "change". Hubby looks at me (married 26 yrs) and wonders whats up with me lately, I have been educating him, and he is sad for me. He see's how unsettled I've become lately, and always crabby, or not feeling well. I'm one to take a hit and keep on going, I will work until I drop dead, but lately I whin so much!!!! Feel familiar???

I suppose when we are the weakest, we need to be our strongest as well, don't fall apart just be patient with this time in our life. Let some things go!!!!!! I think for know I have to. Hugs from me to you!!!! Jules


JACQUIE, I think Alice had a good color the "Loreal" maybe a Golden Brown shade? Anyway, so you were once a hotty blonde, eh???? Well I always say, blondes have more fun, lol. Thats why I keep my blonde highlights, just in case I could have some fun, lately???? More than likely I'd chose a nap, hahahah.

Grandkids sound SO SWEET, you are such a great GRANNY!!!!

I started my period yesterday, wham, and I am SO GLAD that I took extra day off work, as it takes me these couple days to deal with it. I feel so worn out.

I'm praying for you, and will be so glad when you do GREAT at the salon. No falling out of the chair!!!!

Hugs~Jules

Isn't it great when people 'get you'? Thanks all for being here and sharing your stores. How old is everyone here? I'm 45 1/2 Glad these clickable smilies are here - can't seem to conger up one today on my face. Going to see my GP at 3:00. I think I'll get back on my Blood Pressure meds and ask her about ativan or xanax for when I get like this. Thought this floating stuff was gone but guess not At any rate, the last time I spun into my that icky place, I got way to upset about my blood pressure/anxiety and DO NOT want to get there again. So, starting from scratch this time.

Guess I'm going to have to get used to the new me - she doesn't seem to be leaving anytime soon. Hope I can get to like her better

Keep the responses coming. I need them today.

Wingwalker & Juliann

You are both great gals. I appreciate all of you women who are going through this wonderful stage of our lives with me..

Wingwalker I just had my 49th birthday on March 8th. I really used to have loads of selfconfidence and self-esteem in my past life before MENO hit me. I would have people stop me and tell me how much my little boy looked like me (my son's oldest one - he will be 5 on April 17th) Last week a lady stoped us in Wal-Mart and said "your grandson is adorable - he even looks a little bit like you."

I would get the same thing about all 5 of my grandsons. Strangers thought that they were my children not my grandchildren just a little over 2 years ago, but no doubt that I am the GM not the M these days!!!!!

Just wish I could loose this weight.....I think the rest would be easier if I could get into my clothes. I have to get the babyoil and shoe horn to get dressed these days.

WW if my blood pressure gets any lower I will be dead....Good luck with the Doc appointment.

Donna

Donna-

Just did the lovely Denise Austin Light and Easy workout, hope that'll make me feel better. My kids are 9 and 11 and it's tough keeping a stiff upper lip on for them. My sister is like you, granda four times now and just turned 50. She's way deep in the throws of meno but keeps it all to herself. I'm definitely more of a whiner and scaredy cat. Wish I could be stronger.... but you know, to change so dramatically it kinda freaks you out. Have got to go with the flow and quit trying to fight it - it only makes it worse.

Please give yourself a break about your weight. It'll all work out in time. Thanks for the support. Really glad you're here. Love chatting. Hitting the shower - see ya.

Hi Guys,

Thanks for all this beautiful, honest stuff....

My most intense phase was from about spring 2003 to fall of 2004 (a year and a half). I could feel myself coming unglued, and it was so terrifying! Everything spiked - hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety through the roof, and then a big crash with depression last April. It took until about November to really start to feel like I was gaining, more than losing, ground.

Like you, I had been independent, crazy-busy running around, lots of energy. THEN I hit the wall! It has required some COMPLETE self-spoiling, saying "no," resting, NOT worrying about my appearance (aside from keeping clean), or anything else!

Since the start of the year, I feel like I am making some real strides, more energy, happier, more confident.

Be VERY GENTLE with yourself in this phase. It is a transition, and is going to pass - you will not feel like this forever. A few of us are posting right now about seeing real, solid improvement in the past few months. One day, these will be your posts!!!!

Hang in dear sisters. Gentle, gentle as you go...


Jacquie

HUGS HUGS and more HUGS to Jacquie. Inspiration and hope - thank you

Since I'm pretty med-free doc gave me a beta blocker for my high heart rate and blood pressure, she also gave me xanax if I really feel I need it.

I'll continue to ride the waves and perhaps put post-it notes around the house to remind me.....

'healing takes time'

'pamper yourself through this time'

'peace will come - but maybe not today'

'ride the waves and they will pass'

'be gentle and don't push yourself - you don't have to'

'just say no'

It's funning how I forget all my convictions and gains once I feel better and fall.

Thanks again Jacquie.

Thanks Wingwalker for those post it note idea's, we really do need reminders. I'm going on 47 very soon, and feel much older some days.

After I posted earlier today, a thought came to my mind, and I wanted to share it with you. I think one of the reasons that this "change" is so darn hard, is that we work so hard in life and just when we are gaining new wisdom and more self confidence, we get hit with feeling all of a sudden very "vulnerable". We can't count on ourselves being there 100% any more.

My, its like we turned a mysterious corner. I don't know about you, but lately I just want to get what needs done, and get home. I need to be away from people more and more, why is this??? Its nothing how my life was a year ago. I was busy planning this and that, and I had so MANY ideas and things I wanted to do. I feel like I lost that gusto!!!

Hope for a better tommorrow!!!!

Hugs, Jules

Have you got a hammer handy as I think you just hit the nail on the head!

Juliann -
You definately hit the nail on the head. Bingo. Talked to my DH a little bit ago and as I was talking I said 'this has got to all be hormonal - I'm tense and cried after grocery shopping for gods sakes.' His response was 'okay then, why keep trying to figure it out and just go with it?" Now that was interesting to actually hear. I am constantly trying to figure out why, when, and how. It's very startling not to feel grounded anymore - very vunerable, and I've always been a very tough, in charge kind of gal. I too, want to be LEFT ALONE and that hurts because I used to love my family reunions and this Easter is dreaded. At the grocery store I was looking at one aisle with a senior citizen and another with a young mother - I was actually identifying more with the senior citizen - STRANGE!

I'm a lot better than I was a month ago and need to keep reminding my self of that. Thanks for putting into typed-words some of the conversation snippets spinning in my head.

Wingwalker
My husband says the same thing to me. Just except that its hormones & go on.
I also am always asking why? How? can this be all HORMONES!!!!
Had every test imaginable & nothing is wrong. SO it must be hormones.
My anxiety is going thru the roof & I'm on day 9 of my cycle, period was gone last Wed.
I'm tired of trying to figure it out.


Nancy

Hi Jules,

Your post yesterday describes exactly how I have felt lately (since peri set in). I have lost my gusto. I too don't want to be around people. Iam normally a person who is in the thick of things - planning events, very much in charge of things, etc. Not any more. I'm having a hard time with that part of this meno stuff. I don't feel myself and I don't know if the old person I was will ever return. Do I just get used to this new person or do I work to find the old one again. Part of it is that I don't have the energy to look for the old person I was because all my symptoms are so time consuming.

Wingwalker, you said your DH asked you why you don't just go with it. I wonder that about myself except that it is just so hard to go with it when you feel so yucky. My DH would probably say something like that too because he is very practical. But it is something easier said than done. But there is some truth to just accepting where we are all at during this time in our lives and not trying to fight it. It's going to happen to us whether we like it or not.

Always hoping for a better tomorrow,
Maeflower

Hi Guys,

I have to think that if many women are feeling the need to shut out the world for awhile, there's a reason for it.

At times I've wondered if it's kind of like a "push the birds out of the nest" thing, where adult animals will just have gotten to the point where they've had enough, and stop nursing, etc. A kind of pushing away of others, in order to reclaim ourselves.

It takes a LOT of energy to raise children, build careers, maintain homes and relationships. Before I crashed, I was ignoring the need to slow down and rest. NOW I KNOW HOW IMPORTANT THIS IS.

I'd say, if at this age we want some quiet time alone, we should take every opportunity to get it. It won't last forever, and one day we'll want the connections again. But you know what? - They will be different, I like to think more sane and fair.

Also, the hormonal swings are somewhat physically hard on the body, I think. There has been so much fatigue at times! Why should I question God's "hints" that I should rest?

Jacquie - you put things so well.

Time alone is really what is healing for me.

Easter will be a chore and I will smile even though I can't wait until it ends.

AND THEN MY KIDS WILL BE HOME WITH ME ON SPRING BREAK FOR 10 DAYS eeeeek, there will indeed be 'this is my time alone' rules layed out......

Hi Maeflower,

You raied an interesting point about whether we will EVER be that "old-self" that we haven't seen in awhile. Jacquie said that we will just adjust to "sane and fair". that sounds very reasonable. After all, we will not lose our wrinkles someday, without cosmetic intervention, we won't lose our grey hair, unless we color it, we'll never have the same tight bodies (you know what I mean). Its all part of this aging process.

I'm agreeing with wingwalker, this whole "dread" thing is on me all the time lately. If I have to go grocery shopping, I dread it, if I have to cook, I dread it, for the most part its exhausting!! This has NEVER been like me either.

I had popped in to see a friend today, and sit and chat for just about an hour, it was a good chat, and we talked about alot of stuff. By the time I left to come home, I could feel the tiredness come over me, it just wore me out. This is what I'm talking about, everything seems to sap my energy levels. Things that are simple require a nap lately.

And wingwalker, you have children to deal with and so much on your plate!!!! Bless you, be strong and delegate some things if you can. My kids were rather useless at helping out, slugs mostly. The past couple of years I hired a friend that does house cleaning, she comes once every two weeks and just does the big things like the floors (we have tile floors) and bathrooms, dusting, vacuming. Its something I had to do, cause I would have cracked up trying to do it all and work my crazy hours.

Losing the gusto has rather depressed me! When I get back to work tommorrow, after being off for 3 days, I will push myself for the next four days, then crash for the next 3 days. This has been my routine for the past 6-8 mo. I can barely keep up. How long will it last, or should I seek help for creams or hormones I don't know? I'm trying to hang in there.

Hoping for a better tommorrow as well

Love, Jules

Hi Jules, have you considered trying the Revival Soy? I must say that after being on it for almost 3 weeks now, I am beginning to see a difference. For one thing, I seem to have more energy. Every afternoon at work I would begin to feel sleepy and now I don't get that sleepy feeling anymore and I haven't fallen asleep on the couch at night like I usually do. It has to be the Revival because I haven't changed anything else that I'm doing. We'll see if this keeps up...............I'm sure hoping it does!!!!! Hang in there!

Joline

Hey, Jules,

I went thru' the horrid fatigue last year for a period (thinking about 6 months?). A couple of times after fixing dinner, I would actually lay my head on the table while the rest of the family ate. Not healthy, huh??? Did it occur to me to say "mama's not up to it?" HELL, NO!

Also on a few occasions at about 5:00 p.m., I would find it necessary to go lie on the couch. It was either that or fall over onto the floor. The degree of fatigue was scary, very unsettling. Usually after about an hour I would begin to "revive" some.

This passed for me, and I'm mostly able to do all that I wish, although am being much more honest and careful about my own needs. You really do have a lot on your plate, Jules, and have just had a big wedding, and your daughter moving out, now another engagement - this stuff takes lots of energy!!

I pray that this will begin to pass for you soon, and you'll be gearing around doing all the things you love to do without giving it a thought!!!


Today is Haircut Day. I'm not overly anxious, but will probably be when it's necessary to "put the butt in the chair." Wish you were close by, and could do my hair - you might think I'm a nut, too, but you seem like you'd be too nice to say so!!!

Have a good day, Sisters!

What time is your appointment?

Shall I look out for you on Star Makeover?

Appointment's at 2:00 p.m. (about when you'll be sitting down to supper?) Hey, if you say a grace, throw in a good word for me!

Star makeover, LOL - GOOD ONE!

THINKING ABOUT YOU JACQUI

C U LATER GORGEOUS

Julie x

Wonder how Jacquie's doing in the chair???

Okay, Girls, here it is:


I LOVE my haircut!

I haven't felt this high since I was at that Byrds concert in 1969!

I did NOT tremble once! The hairdresser was so nice. I explained the Big Phobia, and he said, well, if you start that, I'll have to get the straightjacket out that we keep in the back room for folks like you. It was EXACTLY the right thing to say!! He was so totally sweet! Kept asking if I needed the straightjacket!

I asked about long layers (Jules I brought "notes" from your advice to me!), and he nodded emphatically, so guess this was the right choice! He brought the length up a little, and put layers in from about mid-down, I guess. It's chic and sort of - CUTISH (in a middle-aged sort of way).

Get this, Jules. When I first sat in the chair, he fiddled with my hair for a minute and said, "Oh, you have well water." HUNH? Apparently well water is more apt to leave minerals in your hair? He said this could make it more static-y in winter (YES), and also not as apt to have "bounce" (YES). So after the cut, he brought me upstairs for a "treatment." He sat me in a chair and brought the coloring technician over. She was a GORGEOUS Russian woman, about 22 years old, named Tatiana, about 6'2" and 110 pounds - legs, legs, legs, a belt, and a head, if you know what I mean. Before he said a word to her, she picked up an end of my hair and said, "OH, WEE HAF' THE WELL WOTTER..."

Have you heard of this? She did a "detox" of my head.

Their services are not cheap - 50 bucks for the cut, and 50 for the detox. (In Maine, that's a LOT!) My hub had given me a gift certificate for Xmas to go there, so it was easier to pay this much. And really, it's a well-done cut.

They recommended Bumble & Bumble products. Do you know of them?

Well, THANK YOU, all of you!!! You were in the car with me on the way down there, and then sitting with me in the chair (tight squeeze, but so much caring!)! Couldn't wait to come home and share. I just love you guys - thanks again so very much!!!!!


Hope you are all having a great night. See you tomorrow - sweet dreams!

SO PROUD OF YOU!

Especially happy to feel your pride in yourself.

Now that was not a baby step that was a dinasour step.

Way to go girl.

I'm so happy for you. I hate getting my hair cut I never know what they are going to do to me. I'm just happy you had a wonderful experience. If I could find that perfect hair stylist it would be a dream come true. I'm just so happy for you!

Way to go Jaquie!

My hair was cut last night and I got to say, I LOVE MY HAIRCUT TOO! Then I came home and colored it a nice golden brown, it looks almost like it has highlights!

You and I are probably the best looking HOT mamas on the boards right now!!

My hairdresser recommended some shampoo that is for color treated hair. I haven't tried it yet but I hope it makes my color last longer.

Take care!

Andrea

Jacquie, (((((Congratulations)))))

Well done, I was thinking of you and so glad that everything was not as fearful as you thought, it never is. We are all clapping for you!!!!! I'm sure the cut is great, and the detox, was a clarifing treatment, to rid your hair of deposits. If you use a clarifing shampoo weeky, it should keep your hair from building up gunk!!!! But careful if you decide to color it, as it can strip color depending on the brand you buy. But hey, if well water is bad for the hair, then by all means, do a home treatment yourself. Sometimes just rinsing with a deluted baking soda will do the trick. (delude in water) rinse through hair at the end of a shampooing.

Bumble & Bumble is a great product, they are rather high end stuff. Very good and you will like it. Love your impressions of the Stylist and Russian assistant!!!! Very cute.

EVERYONE was cheering you on, doesn't that feel great????? And you feel great, thats worth the price. Very proud of you.

Love ~Jules

Joline recommended the Revivel Soy, I'm not against trying it, but I do currently drink a full glass of soy milk each night, does this contain more special things??? Does anyone know????

Anyway, Jacquie thanks for going over the fatigue check list with me again, I really appreciate that you take the time to hear me, and remind me that my life has been very stressful and I need to take that also into consideration. I am aware of it, I just don't like how I feel everyday, I need to connect the dots, right??

April will be a year that this crushing fatigue has been on me. I'm so glad to have ALL the ladies here in support, each one so special and sweet.

Many of you are going through the other awful thing "Anxiety" and all the awful fall out from that, so I know that my problems can pale, as I have also had extreme anxiety, and don't wish that on anyone.

Sending big hugs to each of you, Jules

Well done JJ. I looked at the clock at 7.30 and thought of you in the chair. I'm so pleased for you.

They say that women, when they get divorced, tend to totally restyle their hair, so I hope that this will be the beginning of a new confidant you...with darling hubby in tow,of course.

The new shampoo and treatment stuff may be expensive but don't you deserve it?
Bet your husband thinks so!

Hi Jules, have you ever checked out the Revivalsoy website? Drinking soy milk is good for you but the problem is it doesn't contain the recommended amount of soy you need. You would have to drink at least 6 glasses of the soy milk to equal one Revival Shake. My daughters always poked fun at me because I was asleep on the couch at 8:00 p.m. if they would call, last night my daughter called me at 9:45 and I was still awake.....they were amazed!!! Check out the site and see what you think. Good luck to you!

Joline

Hi Jacquie- I am so happy you had a great experience getting your hair cut. When my hairdresser left the place I use to go to, I was so terrified to go to someone else, it took me a long time. It is hard when you find someone you know you can trust and then they leave. I can totally relate with the "well water" buildup. We also have well water and everytime I had my hair highlighted, they would have to detox it before hand. One time she put the detox stuff all over my hair and put the cap on and it started to steam. I had so many minerals in my hair, the detox was heating up! It was Scary!! We have finally bought a system for our water and I don't have the problem anymore. There are still some, but not bad at all. I use a shampoo for color treated hair and there is also a shampoo out by Malibu made especially for well water. I used it for years and it worked great. I actually have an appointment next week for a cut and highlight. I am sure you look beautiful. Hey, more snow this morning. What is going on up here? I saw a robin in my back yard yesterday. Hopefully it will melt soon. Take care and I will talk again soon.... Kim

Oh, Seahorse, if there are robins in New Hampshire, surely they will make their way "up here" before long!

Well.....

I'm not sure about my haircut this morning. Maybe I shouldn't have blow-dried it? Parts are stuck to my head, and other parts are flipped way out! I think I'm going to have to go in and ask them to take a little time to teach me how to blow-dry layers.

So the well water thing is pretty common knowledge? Sheesh, never heard of it!

Oh, I seem to be coming down with a cold, which just p*sses me off! Managed to get thru' the whole winter without one!!

Woke up to find it snowing....

I yelled at the dog....

Sorry - I was on such a big high yesterday, that perhaps it makes sense there would be a little letdown!

THANK YOU again. You are such wonderful friends! It will be much easier to do this the next time, especially stuffing all of you into the chair with me, LOL.

I hope you are all having a good day in your various parts of the world. What a gift the Internet is - connecting us. It would be VERY lonely without you dear souls!!! Here's a big I-Net (((HUG))).


Jacquie

I can't use a brush and hairdryer at the same time as my left hand is totally independent. I use a babyliss rapide brush and dryer all in one. I don't know what you call them... a styler?

Yea Jacquie ~ you made it thru! Now you just need to play with your hair. You'll get used to it.

Alice ~ I use one of those brush dryer/stylers too. I do the blow dryer first until it is barely damp, then use the styler. It helps to add volume to my fine hair & it's much faster than a curling iron.

Yeah, me too but my hair is very thick. Rapunzel was my great grandmother I think!

Elmer Fudd was my grandad!

And he fathered an illicit child (me) when he came "wabbit hunting" in Maine...

Jacquie,
It was explained to me this way. When you first get a new style your hair doesn't really know what to do so it must be trained to behave. Also if they cut it short on top it will stick straight up every morning untill it grows out a little. If that is the case next time tell them you like the length but keep the layers longer. Plus it's new so you just have to play around with it for awhile until you find something that works for you. This is coming from someone who is the queen of bad hairdo's. The first thing I do after leaving the salon is go home and restyle my hair. Go figure!

woohoo! JJ & BZ ~ The Fudd sisters

Lassie~ glad to know I'm not the only one that does that, however, I usually just tell them to leave it wet & I'll do it at home.

SEAHORSE - Robins melt in New Hampshire !!!!!?????? LMHO

JACQUI - Well done - what an achievement ((((((hugs)))))))) Dont worry about styling it. Its like a new relationship - you have to get to know each My brother-in-law is a hairdresser and he believes that hair goes into shock for a few days after its re-styled !! Is that cute or what? One of the girls from work recently fulfilled her lifetime dream and bought a farm - they have well water and her blond hair turned green !!!!! Her daughter's a punk/goth and she loves it LOLOLOLOL

Julie x