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...