SET IN MY WAYS

I hate to be "set in my ways" but I prefer Pepsodent toothpaste and it's increasingly difficult to find to buy. Our bathroom has an array of toothpaste tubes: Crest original (he doesn't want gel) for Les; gel for Gerald because he's supposed to use gel on his crowns, and my Pepsodent. Les says I like it because of the old commercial about "Suzy Q" for Pepsodent. I've used Pepsodent all my life and I just like the taste better!

Then, there are the mouthwashes: Gerald has one bottle each for AM and PM! I have an old Scope bottle with the screw-on lid because all the new bottles have the squeeze-and-turn lids. I buy a new bottle and pour the contents into the old bottle. [Hey, when I'm half-asleep, I can't be bothered with child-proof stuff.]

I am usually a brand-loyal person and become distraught when my brands are no longer available. I like Del Monte, Joan of Arc, Mike-sell's, Campbell's, Sunbeam, Kitchen-Aid and other products that I hope will not change. When we used to visit my brother Bode in Florida we had to take Aunt Jane's Pickles, Mike-sell's Potato Chips, Nancy Lee Shell-Outs and Malomars, because he couldn't get them in Florida!

When Coca Cola decided to introduce "New Coke" and replace the Classic Coke, I began to stockpile Coke. Two weeks after the announcement I had to travel to California for business. I took a carry-on bag with a change of clothes and toiletries and my suitcase was filled with Coke because I was afraid there wouldn't be Coke available in California. [That decision by Coca Cola is considered to be the Number 1 blunder in business; fortunately, the decision was rescinded.] Everybody knows I'm an addict.

I loved "Opera Creme" cookies and they have not been produced for years. Whenever Gerald and I go to stores like Big Lots and Ollie's, Gerald will say, excitedly, "Look, there's Opera Cremes!" I ALWAYS fall for it and, of course, they aren't there because they are not produced any more, but I react, "Where?" and he has a big laugh!

I fell in love with Tempo paper towels which are to be used in the automobile. They have a nifty holder which attaches to the windshield visor; the towels are larger than a Kleenex and smaller, thicker and softer than paper towels. Because of my fondness for them, I bought sets for family and friends and then, they were no longer available. I called the Company and learned that the product had been discontinued. However, Gerald found refills on E-Bay and bought a case of 240 packages.

My sister-in-law Jean asked for refills for her Christmas present. If you've ever seen the "Seinfeld" episode where Elaine discusses which men are "sponge-worthy" then you'll understand that I must determine which people in my life are "Tempo-worthy" and whether I will share. Les figured that I now have 4 years worth left in my supply if I use one refill per week. Gerald ordered more and Jean was thrilled to receive 40 refills (she must share with her daughters and granddaughters!) as her Christmas present.

Yes, she's "Tempo-worthy"!

SIGNS OF OVARIAN CANCER

(Even In The Absence Of Ovaries)
An Eye-Opener On Ovarian Cancer


Years ago, Gilda Radner died of ovarian cancer. Her symptoms were inconclusive, and she was treated for many supposed illnesses until it was too late. A blood test finally identified her true condition, but unfortunately, it was too late. She wrote a book to heighten awareness.

This is the story of Kathy West:

I have Primary Peritoneal Cancer. This cancer has only recently been identified as its own type of cancer, but it is essentially Ovarian Cancer.

Both types of cancer are diagnosed in the same way, with the "tumor marker" CA-125 BLOOD TEST, and they are treated in the same way:
surgery to remove the primary tumor and then chemotherapy with Taxol and Carboplatin.

Having gone through this ordeal, I want to save others from the same fate.

One thing I have learned is that each of us must take TOTAL responsibility for our own health care. I thought I had done that because I always had an annual physical and PAP smear, did a monthly self-breast examination, went to the dentist at least twice a year, etc. I even insisted on a sigmoidoscopy and a bone density test last year. When I had a total hysterectomy in 1993, I thought that I did not have to worry about getting any of the female reproductive organ cancers.

LITTLE DID I KNOW. I don't have ovaries (but they were HEALTHY when they were removed), but I have what is essentially ovarian cancer. Strange, isn't it? These are just SOME of the things our doctors never tell us: ONE out of every 55 women will get OVARIAN or PRIMARY PERITONEAL CANCER.

The "CLASSIC" symptoms are: an ABDOMEN that rather SUDDENLY ENLARGES and CONSTIPATION and/or DIARRHEA.

I had these classic symptoms and went to the doctor. Because these symptoms seemed to be "abdominal", I was sent to a gastroenterologist. He ran tests that were designed to determine whether there was a bacteria infection; these tests were negative, and I was diagnosed with "Irritable Bowel Syndrome". I guess I would have accepted this diagnosis had it not been for my enlarged abdomen. I swear to you, it looked like I was 4-5 months pregnant! Therefore, I insisted on more tests.

An X-ray was taken of my abdomen; it was negative. I was again assured that I had Irritable Bowel Syndrome and was encouraged to go on my scheduled month-long trip to Europe. I couldn't wear any of my slacks or shorts because I couldn't get them buttoned, and I KNEW something was radically wrong. I INSISTED on more tests, and they (reluctantly) scheduled me for a CT-Scan (just to shut me up, I think). This is what I mean by "taking charge of our own health care".

The CT-Scan showed a lot of fluid in my abdomen (NOT normal). Needless to say, I had to cancel my trip and have FIVE POUNDS of fluid drawn off at the hospital (not a pleasant experience I assure you), but that was NOTHING compared to what was ahead of me.

Tests revealed cancer cells in the fluid. Finally, the doctor ran a CA-125 blood test, and I was properly diagnosed. I HAD THE CLASSIC SYMPTOMS FOR OVARIAN CANCER, AND YET THIS SIMPLE CA-125 BLOOD TEST HAD NEVER BEEN RUN ON ME, not as part of my annual physical exam and not even when I was symptomatic. This is an inexpensive and simple blood test!

PLEASE TELL ALL YOUR FEMALE FRIENDS AND RELATIVES TO INSIST ON A CA-125 BLOOD TEST EVERY YEAR AS PART OF THEIR ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAMS.

Be forewarned that doctors might try to talk them out of it, by saying, "IT ISN'T NECESSARY". Believe me, had I known then what I know now, we would have caught my cancer much earlier (before it was a stage 3 cancer). Insist on the CA-125 BLOOD TEST; DO NOT take "NO" for an answer!

The normal range for a CA-125 BLOOD TEST is between zero and 35. MINE WAS 754. (That's right, 754!). If the number is slightly above 35, you should have another done in three or six months and keep a close watch on it, just as women do when they have fibroid tumors or when men have a slightly elevated PSA test (Prostatic Specific Antigens) that helps
diagnose prostate cancer.

Having the CA-125 test done annually can alert you early, and that's the goal in diagnosing any type of cancer: catching it early.

Do you know 55 women? If so, at least one of them will have this VERY AGGRESSIVE cancer. Please, go to your doctor and insist on a CA-125 test. Although the median age for this cancer is 56, women as young as 22 have it. Age is no factor.

This is a screening test that should be required just like a PAP smear (a PAP smear cannot
detect problems with your ovaries). And you must insist that your insurance company pay for it.

Both Gene Wilder and Pierce Brosnan, who both lost their wives to ovarian cancer, are lobbying for women's health issues, stating that this test should be required in our physicals, just like the PAP and the mammogram.

SIGNS OF A STROKE

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:


During a BBQ, a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) .... she said she had just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes. They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food. While she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening. Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00 pm - Ingrid passed away.) She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today. Some don't die....they end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.


It only takes a minute to read this...


A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.


RECOGNIZING A STROKE


Thank God for the sense to remember the "3" steps, STR. Read and Learn!


Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke .


Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:


S * Ask the individual to SMILE.
T * Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE(Coherently) (i.e. It is sunny out today)
R * Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.


NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other, that is also an indication of a stroke.


If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 911 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.


A cardiologist says if everyone can read and understand this, you can bet that at least one life will be saved.

"TIP" MEANS "TO INSURE PROMPTNESS"

Today is the first time in my life I did not leave a tip for a waitperson. I have always had great sympathy for folks in those roles. While lunching with three of my Water Aerobics classmates, our waitperson was wearing a tag which read "Ten Years Service". I ordered a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich with a fried egg on it and an order of fried mush. I also said that I wanted a take-home order of fried mush. One of my classmates ordered chicken salad and asked for banana bread as a side dish, which was an option; another ordered biscuits and gravy and the other ordered an omelet. Some rather simple orders, one would think.

When the waitperson brought the orders, a plate of mush was handed to another woman and a plate toward me. The other woman said that she'd ordered an omelet. I said that I had an order of mush and also one "to go". The waitperson took the plate back and said, "I'll have to have them re-fry another." The classmate who had ordered the chicken salad told the waitperson that she had asked for banana bread but had received rolls. The waitperson left and I noticed that I had no egg on my sandwich. I asked my table-mates, "Did you hear me order an egg?"; they all agreed that I had. As the waitperson came by my classmate who was sitting on the outside, said, "She didn't get her egg." The answer: "She didn't order an egg." I answered, with clenched teeth, "I just asked these ladies if they heard me order an egg and they all agreed." I was told, "I'll have to go back and order it." Another classmate said, "I ordered the banana bread and I got rolls."

We waited for quite some time and we noticed the hostess seating other customers; we asked for her assistance as we still had not received the banana bread or the egg. Two of the ladies mentioned they would like drink refills. One received Diet instead of regular and the iced tea was sloshed on the table and the waitperson didn't offer to clean it up!

The others were finished eating and still no egg for me! The waitperson finally returned with our bills and my classmate, who is 89 years old, said, "She still doesn't have her egg." The waitperson asked, "What do you expect me to do--go fry it?" How dare she speak to an elderly person in that caustic manner. I know that I can be a smart-aleck and I answered, "No, I expect you to go and get it from the chicken and I'll go back there and fry it!" The waitperson stomped away.

When the waitperson returned, very apologetic and explained that they were very busy. Nobody responded. All eyes turned to me because they know that I am a generous tipper. I said, "I'm not leaving a tip."

When we went to pay, the Assistant Manager was helping at the cash register. The 89-year-old paid her bill and said nothing, but the 86-year old told how our friend had been insulted. The Assistant Manager asked if we wanted to call the waitperson there to answer. I said, "Now, wouldn't that be ludicrous--so other customers could be ignored as we were?" The third person added other details. It was then my turn to pay and I told the Assistant Manager that this was the first time in my life that I did not leave a tip and that I probably would not return.

The Assistant Manager did not respond in what I thought was an appropriate manner--I thought that she would at least "comp" the meal of the 89-year old--but no offer was made. I left, uttering, "NOW I know I won't be back!" The Assistant Manager started to come away from the register toward me and I said, "Just stay right THERE, Missy!"

FENG SHUI HOROSCOPE

This is a Chinese Feng Shui horoscope. If you are honest this tells the truth.
Write your answers on paper.
To find your Feng Shui horoscope scroll down.





1. Which is your favourite color: Red, Black, Blue, Green or Yellow?
2. Your first initial?
3. Your month of birth?
4. Which color do you like more, Black or White?
5. The name of a person that is the same sex as you?
6. Your favorite number?
7. Do you like California or Florida more?
8. Do you like a Lake or the Ocean more?



Answers:


1. If you choose:
Red: You are alert and your life is full of love.
Black: You are conservative and aggressive.
Green: Your soul is relaxed and you are laid back.
Blue: You are spontaneous and love affection.
Yellow: You are a very happy person & give good advice to those who are down.

2. If your initial is between:
A-K: You have a lot of love and friendships in your life.
L-R: You try to live your life to the max & your love life is soon to bloom.
S-Z: You like to help others and your future looks very bright.

3. If you were born in:
Jan-Mar: The year will go very well for you and you will discover that you fall in love with someone totally unexpected.
Apr-Jun: You will have a strong love relationship that will last forever.
Jul-Sep: You will have a great year and will experience a major life changing experience for the good.
Oct-Dec: Your life will be great; you will find your soul mate.

4. If you choose:
Black: Your life is about to get better. You are more than ready for the change.
White: You have a friend who completely confides in you and would do anything for you, but you may not realize it.

5 This person should be your Best Friend.

6. This is how many close friends you will have in your life time.

7. If you choose:
California: You like adventure.
Florida: You are a laid back person.

8. If you choose:
Lake : You are loyal to your friends and your lover. You are very reserved.
Ocean: You are spontaneous and like to please people.

INTENTIONAL/UNINTENTIONAL RACISM

Years ago I read an article about unintentional racism. An example given in the article was that in the Katrina aftermath, when Barbara Bush and the former President toured the Astrodome, Mrs. Bush commented, "So many people in the arena here, you know, were underprivileged anyway, so this is working very well for them."

The fact that those poor people had lost loved ones, homes, jobs, pets and possessions seemed lost on Mrs. Bush. I wondered aloud, "I wonder how she would have felt if she'd lost everything and was transported hundreds of miles away to sleep on a cot with no privacy?" The author of the article attributed her callous attitude to "unintentional racism" and concluded that she did not realize that her remarks were indeed racist, but showed her to be out-of-touch and unsympathetic. Recalling her remarks about Geraldine Ferraro, I was not inclined to be as tolerant.

One of my colleagues at Rockwell was a very well-spoken, educated, professional who happened to be African-American. One day, after seeing Bob and I having lunch together, another colleague commented, "He's the whitest black man I've ever seen." I called him out and told him that was offensive and racist and the guy was obviously surprised and said he'd meant it as a compliment! I said, "Then I'm supposed to infer that you think that only white people USUALLY have his attributes?" He said, "I didn't mean anything by it."

In stores, I oftentimes see store personnel who stop people to check their receipts. I have never been stopped, but I always have my receipt in my hand with my car keys. I always assumed people were stopped if there were unbagged items in the cart. Tonight, I was behind a couple in line who are black and I saw the man bagging the items. I had one item and as I followed behind the couple, they were stopped to show their receipt. I had my receipt ready and the store employee waved and said, "You're all right." I said, "I know that I am all right, but what was wrong with those folks ahead of me?" He said, "They had something that wasn't in a bag." I said, "That's NOT true; I was behind them in line and he bagged everything."

Tomorrow I will call the District Manager to inquire about the Company policy.