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?

Zen Head-Butt Revised

That's a snap shot of me today. I need a hair cut, eh? I'm feeling better than I was a month ago, which is not to say I'm feeling well. Let's face it though, I'll take this over that any day of the month.
The update on my health; All I can say for sure is what I don't have: Lupus, Lyme Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Syphilis(!), Hepatitis AB or C, Vitamin D deficiency, a parathyroid issue, or, as far as the doctor could tell any other type of autoimmune disease, oh, or breast cancer. Good news all, but still sick and don't have a diagnosis. Getting there, though. Next organs to examine are the adrenal glands/functions and the pituitary gland. What an education I'm getting about how the body functions. It makes me think hard about what I'm putting into it, and what I do for it to keep it functioning. All you healthy folks go take a walk and eat well and get the right amount of sleep for yourselves (but not too much). Just because you can is a really good reason, trust me.

Rain, Rain, come again...

We've had some serious rain over the past week or so. You east-coasters probably don't see the excitement in it. But, we've not had much rain for the past two years and this wetness is welcome. And has the added bonus of bringing out salamanders and worms aplenty.

Bye, Bye Lava Rock!

I'm so happy to report the export of the lava rock in our front yard! We've had people come by with buckets and shovels and take as much as they can as well as one guy who filled the back of his pick-up. We are helping them by giving them something for free and they are helping us by taking it away for free. It's a longer process than hiring someone to come take it away. But I like free. I like giving. Think of all that good karma moving around. I'm trying to return to my frugal ways of post college life. I caught a few minutes of Marketplace on NPR about the economy, job loss and frugality yesterday. You could listen to the program through that link if you wish (yes, Mum, right on your computer!). The part of the conversation I caught was about being frugal and doing things for yourself rather than hiring people. Being inventive. Anyhow, the lava rock was my first deliberate step in that direction. I also made gluten free muffins this morning, which are a lot of work, but food I can eat that is yummy. And, as anyone who's shopped for gluten free food knows, it's darn expensive to buy prepared GF foods. Later on today Max and I are going to make pizza dough (not GF). We'll make mini pizzas with a muffin top tin to bake and freeze for quick lunches and snacks. (I'm also going to try to sneak in some veggies in under the hood). And with the dough that's left over we'll make some calzone for the crew. The other thing I plan on doing is trying to sell a bunch of stuff we don't use anymore. Craigslist will help with that. Clutter has got to go, money coming in is always a good thing too.



Check out that cute little white house, too. I do love it so, I think she's lovely. In the way only a mother can think her homely child is beautiful. The good thing is we can change the way she looks. Can't wait for that to happen. Coleman is thinking red. I was thinking orange - maybe we'll do both. I'm getting way ahead of myself, though. Because first we're going to peal the roof back and change it...well that's the long term plan. Before that we're simply adding onto the back and turning the garage into a clay/metal/glass and music studio. The roof line may have to wait a few years. Ah, but the vegetable garden, chickens and tree fort can't wait. Three of my personal projects planned for this winter/spring. I look forward to posting pictures of each of these projects. Until then, I'm off to be frugal.

Happy Coleman

I just wanted to share this fabulous picture of Coleman. Doesn't he look happy?

Random Pictures

Green things

Our yard always has something to offer. Our Meyer Lemon tree is bearing fruit. The best lemons I've ever had. They travel well, so feel free to request some. I'm always happy to share. The weather has been so amazing lately. Sunshine, Pacific Breeze, pretty lovely stuff.

I have finally decided on a great doctor, a homeopathic MD who is also a healer, and studied Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic Medicine so she's got a lot to pull from. She spent nearly two hours with me trying to help figure out my problems out. She's got a lot of ideas and seems to be the most thorough doctor I've met so far. She is approaching this holistically rather than one system at a time as the specialists do. I'm hopeful that I'll be feeling better soon. And better yet, I am also hopeful that I will be healthy again, as healthy as I was before my thyroid was removed. It's been over ten years of being ill off and on and I'm ready for that to be over...

Ah, I hear the sound of conflict in the background, I must go. Who knew I'd grow up to be the diplomat of the house?

Zen Head-butt

In Pokémon terms "zen head-butt" is a powerful attack. In my terms, well, it's getting sick enough to make you think about the important things. Don't worry, as far as I know I'm not dying. But something is up and I'm on the hunt for what it is. I guess I'm sick enough to not feel like being tired, sore, and generally crappy any more. This could be a good thing. I'll keep you guys informed as I know.

We're getting ready to collect bids on the addition to the house and garage. For those of you who don't know, we're living in a 935 sf house (this pétit house would fit into the first floor of our Jamaica Plain house with room left over) with two bedrooms, and a little guest cottage. We're planning on putting a small addition between the house and cottage to connect them, thus making our 2/1 into a 3/2 with a laundry room. We're only adding about 200 sf, but connecting the cottage to the house is going to make a huge difference. Max and Coleman will have their own rooms and we'll have somewhere to put our clothes (I hope!). We'll also fix up the existing bathroom and make the tiny kitchen more usable. Then we'll take the existing garage and turn it into a clay studio and add on 285 sf to that for a music studio for the my boys: they are going to ROCK your face off.