Cortisol Levels, a Dog Named Kitty and a Pink Slip

Cortisol is a corticosteroid hormone or glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, that is part of the adrenal gland (in the Zona fasciculata and the Zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex). It is usually referred to as the "stress hormone" as it is involved in response to stress and anxiety, controlled by CRH. It increases blood pressure and blood sugar, and reduces immune responses. Various synthetic forms of cortisol are used to treat a variety of different illnesses. The most well-known of these are a natural metabolic intermediary of cortisol named hydrocortisone. When first introduced as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, hydrocortisone was referred to as Compound E. From Wikipedia.com

After months of tests, the last test anyone could think to do finally had results that indicate a cause for my condition. My cortisol levels were tested by two doctors two different ways. First my endocrinologist tested the response to an adrenal stimulating shot. The result concluded that my adrenal gland was working and things were normal. My homeopathic physician tested my actual levels using a saliva test. I collected my saliva over the course of the day in 5 hour intervals. At 7:00, 12:00, 5:00 and 10:00. Sent it off to a lab via mail myself and then waited about 4 weeks for the results. The results of this test showed that my cortisol levels started out low (about half the ideal level) and as the day went on the levels were measurable, but extremely low. Which means my adrenal glands were overtaxed. My doctor's theory is my body was overtaxed during pregnancy and then Coleman's first year (the year I didn't sleep). And then just as I was feeling better there was another pregnancy and another year of sleeplessness. I just haven't recovered from childbirth! nearly FIVE years later. Anyhow, the fix is two weeks of a cream with an adrenal stimulant, which I don't even need a prescription for. Plus I must continue to take minerals and vitamins daily. Pretty simple fix for what seemed like a really complicated problem that most of my doctors could not figure out. Still don't know if it will work - but if it does, WOW. I'll keep you posted, of course.

Here's a shot of the design for the front yard. We're really delighted with the it and can't wait to get to work on it. Lots of food producing plants and trees and interesting foliage and low maintenance low water requirements. Good stuff. There's a picture down at the bottom of what the front yard looks like today. Not so pretty right now.




Now for puppy. Two weeks have passed and still no official name. Unofficially, the dogs name is Kitty. As in kitty-cat, formerly known as Puppy-Cat. When people ask what her name is I just say: "Sharpie YoYo Kitty Pogonip the first". Sharpie is Coleman's name for her, YoYo is Max's name for her, Kitty is my name for her and Pogonip is Chris' name for her. But she comes to "Kitty". How ever it turns out, she has brought even more life to the little white house. She's nearly potty trained - as long as you're paying attention. A very smart little Kitty-Girl.

Kitty is a little uncertain of Max's affections which are somewhat spastic and alarming at times. But they are both trying to love each other the best they can. They sure do love to run in the yard together.



Kitty is more sure of Coleman who has already learned how to be gentle. He adores her and she adores him. At bedtime the boys take turns having the dog on their beds. Kitty often tries to sleep on Coleman's head.


Kitty hangs with Coleman while Coleman talks to Tibor. Coleman LOVES to talk to Tibor who is very patient and big-brotherly with him. Both Coleman and Max adore bigger cousin Tibor. Who is a Pokemon expert and all around awesome dude.


This is the front yard after Chris completed yanking the ugly plants out of it. We met a lot of neighbors while working on it and hope that once the garden is in we'll be able to invite them into the yard to enjoy the sunset and beers and the garden harvest. If only our neighbors Natasha, Tony and Helen were here...:(

Almost three weeks ago now Chris was laid off from SAP. I don't think the kids have really noticed a difference. Working from home made him present even when he was really busy at work, so the kids haven't noticed a difference. I've noticed a happier Chris. Work was becoming a bit of a drag - products being end-of-lifed, bosses being less than supportive, things like that. Chris has been working on a business proposal to SAP that could potentially make him a self employed member of the work force. There is a lot of potential there in a market that for SAP is small potatoes, but for a smaller company could be a feast. Hopefully it's something that will come together soon. For now, we're okay until August. And for now the house project is a "go". But, who knows what the reality is going to be as things come into focus. We know we need to fix the kid's room as I found mold last week under the window. Time for a reality check, soon. See you all online soon...

PUPPY love - meet Druzy? Indy? Cookie?

Today we took a trip to the Santa Cruz SPCA. And picked up the cutest puppy ever (well, with the exception of Porter who still holds the world record for the best dog on the planet). She's an 8 week old lab/husky mix (and maybe more). She's a little peanut and very sweet. The boys would like to call her Druzy. I would like to call her Indy. And everyone seems to think Cookie is also a sweet name for her. Max also likes the name Gunner Commander, but I've put the kabosh on that one. If you think you've got a good name for her, do email me with ideas. We are sort of stuck.

The Ides of March

In Roman times, the Ides of March was a festive day (March 15th) dedicated to the god Mars and a military parade was usually held. In modern times, the term Ides of March is best known as the date that Julius Caesar was assassinated, in 44 BC.

I just really like the phrase "the ides of March" and so needed to use it as a title - but only today learned the above. Our March has been on the festive side. The rain has subsided, the air still crisp and the sun has been shining on us. I can't get enough of this sunshine thing. I know, technically I can, as I'm challenged, pigmentally speaking. (I know it's not a word, but it's my blog). It is time to plant here, not tomatoes or anything with delicate, above ground fruit or vegetables, but herbs, onions, radishes, lettuces, things of that nature - it makes me want to breath deeper the air out there. I haven't spent much time indoors this week. We're out in the yard puttzing around. We finished the front yard clean up! The yard is now just dirt. It may not seem like an improvement to some, but to us, it's a step in the right direction. Dirt today, garden tomorrow!

We've got lots of ladybugs in our yard.


Our new neighbor's cat, Mirage. Unfortunately, we have come to the conclusion that Coleman is very allergic to cats. His eyes puff up and sting in a significant way. He's very sad about this, as cats are one of his favorite animals. She's lovely to look at though.


Baseball season has begun. This was the first game of the season. It was tied 15-all. It's a lot of fun for us, a little challenging for Coleman. We are hoping he learns to love it.


Chris is team parent this year for Baseball. I love it!

BMX biking is a new passion around here. Coleman and his friend Ben and our neighbor A.J. have started building ramps in the backyard for riding. Another great excuse to buy a new bike - as we just can't seem to get enough of them. Coleman is now the proud owner of an orange BMX bike and a cool new helmet. The boys have been spending hours out in the yard building and riding. Max is not yet riding his bike like the big kids, but I took the training wheels off yesterday and within a month I bet he'll be a confident rider. Meanwhile, he's running after the bike riders as the race to the jumps. And climbing the maple tree which is right where the jumps begin, and of course bouncing. So much better than video games! So much better. In other back yard news, we have just hired someone to help us design and construct a tree fort in the stand of redwood trees we've got back there. It is going to be pretty special, hopefully a backyard the boys can really find magic in and fun and friends. One that will hold a special place in their memories when they are my age. I find it amazing how much is packed into this little lot - 17,000 sf, which is slightly bigger than 1/3 acre but less than 1/2 - and we've got room to roam.


Coleman and Ben building a ramp to jump. Today the plan is an even bigger jump and a dip!


Max looking so handsome and wearing, of course a dino shirt.



He's a serious guy, that Coleman.


This is the new bike. Love the color.


Here is the stand of redwoods that will have a tree fort in it. Can't you just imagine the fun that will go on up there?