A Poem For A Student Lost

Written by my friend and co-worker LaVonne Chue
A former student at the school I work at passed away(16). I did not know her, but know her younger siblings(1st grade). However, this has affected many wonderful people I work with at the school. It is incredibly sad, but through support, I am hoping for some calm and understanding. Please keep them in your thoughts. Peace.

I wish you knew
Tomorrow would be better.
That life is full of disappointment
and victories.
I wish you knew how your smile
was so contagious
and your bright eyes put people at ease.


I wish you had a chanceto experience more.
Love, independence, responsibility
and your own power.
I wish we knew
you were hurting inside.
You put on such a
Strong front.


I wish I knew
How I could have helped.
How can we see
what is in your thoughts behind the brown eyes and perfect smile.


How can we create a spark of light
When the world is dark and desperate.


I wish you knew
How losing you
Will make me try harder
Make me think smarter
about the world and how words
will change a mind
and how a little compliment
might warm a saddened heart.


I wish you new,
I wish we knew,
I wish you weren’t gone.

What happens when you forget how to communicate?

I know this. I have done this. Why can't I remember? This mini-article refocused me. Actually, NVC is harder than you would think. I took a class. Had index cards to help me. Soon, it faded into the background. It's tough to keep up NVC when those around you do not understand, or just don't respond to your patience. Or, they just don't respond in kind. However, it's about stating what you observe, feel, need and request. So, ultimately, you have stayed peaceful and got it off your chest. Plus, the other person feels empathy and resolve with you.

Unfortunately, I let another have a bit of power over me. Thus, the non-violent communication went out the window. I was hurt, and I responded. Almost like the fight or flight went off in my brain.

Today, I can remember and stay focused on understanding, love and compassion.


Peace to you!!




The Non-Violent Communication Process

The+Non-Violent+Communication+Process

To arrive at a mutual desire to give from the heart, we focus the light of consciousness on four areas–referred to as the four components of the NVC (non-violent communication) model.


First, we observe what is actually happening in a situation: what are we observing others saying or doing that is either enriching or not enriching our life? The trick is to be able to articulate this observation without introducing any judgment or evaluation–to simply say what people are doing that we either like or don’t like.
Four components of NVC:


1. observation

2. feeling

3. needs

4. request


Next, we state how we feel when we observe this action: are we hurt, scared, joyful, amused, irritated, etc.? And thirdly, we say what needs of ours are connected to the feelings we have identified. An awareness of these three components is present when we use NVC to clearly and honestly express how we are.


For example, a mother might express these three pieces to her teenage son by saying, “Felix, when I see two balls of soiled socks under the coffee table and another three next to the TV, I feel irritated because I am needing more order in the rooms which we share in common.”


She would follow immediately with the fourth component–a very specific request: “Would you be willing to put your socks in your room or in the washing machine?” This fourth component addresses what we are wanting from the other person that would enrich our lives or make life more wonderful for us.


Thus, part of NVC is to express these four pieces of information very clearly, whether verbally or by other means. The other aspect of this communication consists of receiving the same four pieces of information from others. We connect with them by first sensing what they are observing, feeling, and needing, and then discover what would enrich their lives by receiving the fourth piece, their request. As we keep our attention focused on the areas mentioned, and help others do likewise, we establish a flow of communication, back and forth, until compassion manifests naturally: what I am observing, feeling, and needing; what I am requesting to enrich my life; what you are observing, feeling, and needing; what you are requesting to enrich your life.

Airport dreams

reading I look up

you are walking towards me

I see a slight smile

I pick-up my bag and we stand apart

Which one will move?

Fuck the Norovirus

This sucks. What else can I say. A three day weekend and I get the virus of the stomach. Looks like I will be close to the bathroom for a couple dayz. Ewwwww! The Dr told me to lay off the Imodium AD. Nicce. Ginger ale here I come!

From the CDC:

What are noroviruses?Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause the “stomach flu,” or gastroenteritis (GAS-tro-en-ter-I-tis), in people. The term norovirus was recently approved as the official name for this group of viruses. Several other names have been used for noroviruses, including:
Norwalk-like viruses (NLVs)
caliciviruses (because they belong to the virus family Caliciviridae)
small round structured viruses.

Viruses are very different from bacteria and parasites, some of which can cause illnesses similar to norovirus infection. Like all viral infections, noroviruses are not affected by treatment with antibiotics, and cannot grow outside of a person’s body.

What are the symptoms of illness caused by noroviruses?The symptoms of norovirus illness usually include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and some stomach cramping. Sometimes people additionally have a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a general sense of tiredness. The illness often begins suddenly, and the infected person may feel very sick. In most people the illness is self-limiting with symptoms lasting for about 1 or 2 days. In general, children experience more vomiting than adults.

What is the name of the illness caused by noroviruses?Illness caused by norovirus infection has several names, including:
stomach flu – this “stomach flu” is not related to the flu (or influenza), which is a respiratory illness caused by influenza virus.
viral gastroenteritis – the most common name for illness caused by norovirus. Gastroenteritis refers to an inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
acute gastroenteritis
non-bacterial gastroenteritis
food poisoning (although there are other causes of food poisoning)
calicivirus infection

How serious is norovirus disease?

People may feel very sick and vomit/diarrhea many times a day, but most people get better within 1 or 2 days, and they have no long-term health effects related to their illness. However, sometimes people are unable to drink enough liquids to replace the liquids they lost because of vomiting and diarrhea. These persons can become dehydrated (loose too much water from their body) and may need special medical attention. During norovirus infection, this problem with dehydration is usually only seen among the very young, the elderly, and people with other illness. (For more information see Is there a treatment for norovirus infection?)

Soulmate or let's lose control

To My Soulmate
By Linda Diaz

I know that you are out there
I can feel it deep within
and as soon as you find me
we can let our love begin.

This passion burning in my soul
is a fire burning bright.
The moment you first see me you will know
it as love at first sight.

I'm not sure as to when you'll find me
hopefully, very soon.
If it's dark when you start looking 4 me
then use the light of the moon.

This vision that I have of you
I can barely see your face
Your touch is electrifying,
then you disappear without a trace.

I have never really met you - only in
my world of dreams
But I know you're out there somewhere
very close it seems.

I need to find you soon
or I'm going to go insane.
I crave to feel your passionate embrace
again and again and again.

I desire your touch like the flowers need the sun
To feel our passion freely
to know you are the one.

The passionate romantic side of me
will always love you so
Until the day we do finally meet
and we both lose all control.

Help I'm Alive

Trees I adore

Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.

Rachel Carson

Bright, Bright, sun Shiny Day!

Up early for the last game of the season.

Playing and hangin out in the yard. Action shot!

The dog and I. Love the sun, need a tan!

My lovely and yummy lettuce varieties!!!

Goldie loves the grass!! Isn't she cute?? G took this picture.

Bees are awesome. Thanks to them, we get these!!

Following the command, "go get G Goldie, get um!!"

Little mushrooms in the sun.

Kickin it in the yard on a sunny day. Much love.

Taunts

Vitimamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency symptoms
Vitamin D deficiency may be characterized by muscle pain, weak bones/fractures, low energy and fatigue, lowered immunity, symptoms of depression and mood swings, and sleep irregularities. Women with renal problems or intestinal concerns (such as IBS or Crohn’s disease) may be vitamin D deficient because they can neither absorb nor adequately convert the nutrient.
Vitamin D, menopause, and osteoporosis

I have recently been diagnosed with a vit D deficiency. I suffer from all of these symptoms. I now take 50,ooo units 2x a week. In the store you can buy up to 2,000 units. Oh MY!!! I just started and do hope it helps!!

Here is some more of the article a a link. Peace.

Vitamin D, menopause, and osteoporosis
As we age, our bodies slowly lose the ability to mobilize vitamin D, a process that lowers our calcium absorption rates. This creates a higher risk of osteoporosis, particularly in post-menopausal women.
We’re not sure how sex hormones affect vitamin D conversion, but women seem to have a harder time stimulating the mechanism that builds bone tissue when their estrogen levels are reduced.

Calcium is clearly an important co-factor to vitamin D, and may lose efficacy if vitamin D is deficient or estrogen levels are low, as vitamin D appears to be the more critical factor in bone health. A recent study by scientists at the University of Massachusetts found that a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can help control some symptoms of PMS, such as tearfulness, anxiety, and irritability.
What does this mean? No one knows for sure, but it is more evidence that all the systems of the body are connected and we can’t look for easy answers in one place.

Vitamin D and weight loss
I’m sure many of you have seen the “diet with dairy” ads launched by the American Dairy Council. Some studies have shown that weight loss does occur with an increase in calcium intake, while others appear to refute this. Since vitamin D is directly involved in calcium absorption, it stands to reason that vitamin D is also a factor in how the body regulates weight.
Moreover, people who have a reduced capacity to mobilize vitamin D often weigh more and have more body fat than those with full capacity. In the past 20 years multiple studies have shown a correlation between higher blood levels of vitamin D and leaner body mass.

To my thinking, what seems essential for us to understand here is the vitamin D connection with insulin resistance. Vitamin D deficiency may contribute to the wide set of disorders associated with metabolic syndrome (syndrome X), as well as to PCOS. In a study published in 2004, the authors saw a 60% improvement in insulin sensitivity in healthy, vitamin D replete adults — and concluded vitamin D was more potent than two prescription medications commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes! But the cadres of drug reps spread out across America are not likely to be reminding your healthcare practitioner about this study. They are not likely to have heard about it!

Clearly, vitamin D seems to be very important in regulating our weight, but we don’t yet understand the mechanism involved or how it relates to our environment and individual biochemistry. Still, there seems to be a correlation between rising rates of obesity and vitamin D deficiency. If you are having difficulty with insulin resistance or weight gain — or can’t keep the pounds off once you lose them — you may want to have your vitamin D levels checked by your healthcare practitioner.
Vitamin D and cancer
Evidence is mounting that vitamin D may protect against some cancers, particularly breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancers. In fact, over 60 years of research have shown vitamin D supplementation or sunlight-induced vitamin D conversion to be associated with lower incidence of cancers.
There is also a higher incidence of breast cancer in northern climates, but whether that is associated with lower levels of vitamin D is still speculation. Vitamin D deficiency most certainly affects your immune system because calcitriol actually helps regulate cell division, so adequate levels may help sustain normal cell growth. And stress and other physiological markers can disrupt the function of vitamin D receptors, among others, making us more susceptible to unusual cell activity.

Vitamin D and depression
Another area of vitamin D research is its relationship to depression. Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a situational mood disorder brought on by decreasing daylight in the winter months. High doses of vitamin D during these months have proven to be a very effective natural remedy for SAD, leading most practitioners to believe that normal neurotransmitter function depends in part on adequate vitamin D synthesis.
Vitamin D levels are inversely related to those of melatonin, another mood-regulating hormone. Melatonin helps modulate your circadian rhythms, with darkness triggering melatonin secretion by the pineal gland within your brain, bringing you down gently at night for sleep. Insomnia, mood swings and food cravings are influenced by melatonin. Sunlight shuts melatonin production off, while triggering release of vitamin D — that’s why doctors recommend getting outdoors as a remedy for jet lag.
Most of us can sense the positive influence of sunlight in our own lives by the immediate lift we get from taking a walk outdoors on a beautiful sunny day. Now there may be many factors at work that brighten our mood in such cases, but sun exposure is almost certainly a critical piece. Soaking in the warmth of the sun is one of the most relaxing activities we share with all living creatures — just watch a cat dozing in a beam of sunlight.

Major vitamin D functions
Supports key mineral absorption and metabolism (especially calcium and phosphorus in the blood and bones).
Regulates normal cell differentiation and proliferation (e.g., prevention of cancer).
Promotes insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation (insulin secretion).
Regulates over 200 genes through binding to vitamin D receptors throughout the body.

http://www.womentowomen.com/healthynutrition/vitamind.aspx

Breastfeeding and The Swine (H1N1) Flu! YES!!!

Does breastfeeding protect babies from this new flu virus?
There are many ways that breastfeeding and breast milk protect babies’ health. Since this is a new virus, we don’t know yet about protection specific against it. Mothers pass on protective antibodies to their baby during breastfeeding. Antibodies are a type of protein made by the immune system in the body. Antibodies help fight off infection.

Flu can be very serious in young babies. Babies who are not breastfed get sick from infections like the flu more often and more severely than babies who are breastfed.
Should I stop breastfeeding my baby if I think I have come in contact with the flu?

No. Because mothers make antibodies to fight diseases they come in contact with, their milk is custom-made to fight the diseases their babies are exposed to as well. This is really important in young babies when their immune system is still developing. Breastfeeding also helps the baby to develop his own ability to fight off diseases.

Is it ok to breastfeed my baby if I am sick?
Yes. This is really important.
Do not stop breastfeeding if you are ill. Ideally babies less than about 6 months of age should get their feedings from breast milk. Breastfeed early and often. Limit formula feeds as much as possible. This will help protect your baby from infection.
If you are too sick to breastfeed, pump and have someone give the expressed milk to your baby.

If my baby is sick, is it okay to breastfeed?

Yes. One of the best things you can do for your sick baby is keep breastfeeding.
Do not stop breastfeeding if your baby is ill. Give your baby many chances to breastfeed throughout the illness. Babies who are sick need more fluids than when they are well. The fluid babies get from breast milk is better than anything else, even better than water, juice, or Pedialyte® because it also helps protect your baby’s immune system.
If your baby is too sick to breastfeed, he or she can drink your milk from a cup, bottle, syringe, or eye-dropper.

If no expressed milk is available, you can give your baby milk donated by other mothers to a HMBANA-certified milk bank.

Is it okay to take medicine to treat or prevent novel H1N1 flu while breastfeeding?
Yes. Mothers who are breastfeeding should continue to nurse their babies while being treated for the flu.
Please check back to the CDC H1N1 website often for the most recent updates

Inspiration needed!!!

Spring!!

"It's May! It's May! The lusty month of May! Those dreary vows that ev'ryone makes, Ev'ryone breaks.
Ev'ryone makes divine mistakes!
The lusty month of May!"- Lerner and Lowe


"Walking around
an early spring garden--
going nowhere."- Kyoshi


"daylight and darkness
Spring balanced"- Michael Garofalo

"Let us dance in the sun, wearing wild flowers in our hair and let us huddle together as darkness takes over We are at home amidst the birds and the trees, for we are children of nature."- Susan Polis Shutz


Keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps a singing bird will come.- Chinese proverb

gotta have a laugh