Roobear, those mini trampolines are indeed great exercise and very enjoyable. Just a cautionary word though: Be alert at all times when you're using yours. I used to have one several years ago, and one evening I was on it, listening to music and just kinda "zoned out". The next thing I knew, I was on the floor and my ankle was twisted up underneath me at a very awkward angle ... I had come down on it wrong, my foot turned, I fell off (on the hard tile floor, no less) and given myself a very nasty sprained ankle that took a long time to heal. I'm a little too afraid to get back on one now, and I always have to turn mama bearish and warn others who use them to be careful! :-) I applaud each and every one of you who are endeavoring to be healthy and fit. On Thursday of this week it will be one month since DH and I joined a gym together (we've gone daily - haven't missed a workout) and while my weight hasn't dropped, I can see a difference in my body's shape. My arms aren't as flabby as they were before I started this, and my legs have tightened and toned a bit. I want to incorporate more weight training into my routine, but for now I'm enjoying the cardio and interval training.

Maureen, thanks for the report!!! Good to know it actually works. Not buying it, but good to know. Re cake testers, I love mine (just like Annie's, but I know where it is), because I used to use a bamboo skewer. The wire leaves a much smaller hole. The loop end is dipped in tool goop for an easy, cool grip. Costs pennies. Worth it, though you could make one--just wrap the end around a dowel and twist tightly, then dip and dry. I tried to find a picture on Amazon and found a whole bunch of overpriced, overimproved ones that are too thick and have fancy holder ends, that could, conceivably, come off. At least one was over $10!!! Ridiculous! There was one expensive one that would be sort of worth it: Food safe nickel silver with fancy bead and curlique end for $7.50. But, even though these are really cute, they're short and lumpy and I think the simple, loop ended one is more useful. Oh. Here's one.

erica, I hope your stress level is less than it has been and you're getting some rest. It sounds like you did well with some of the things you had in place, and eliminating the ones that added stress. I put my entire phone directory into my cell phone. Now I know that doesn't seem like a novel idea to most, but having those restaurant numbers in my phone so I could call ahead a take-out order, or the numbers of all the siblings (and their mobiles) help immensely. I also carry an extra cell phone battery and keep in charged so I don't run out of power. When I change batteries, I make sure to charge the one that's run down that night so I'm covered. I keep a small folder (like a checkbook cover) for receipts. That way, if I'm buying things for someone else (like my mother), I know exactly where they are. I hear you about reading material you don't have to return to the library. I keep a few paperbacks just for those times, that I pick up second hand or at Half-Price Books. Pre-portioning food and having it ready to go in the fridge/freezer helps a lot. In fact, I still do this so I can fix it when I have the time/energy. I also pre-portion things in little snack bags like crackers, peanut m&m's, pretzels, and have string cheese and peanut butter sandwiches always ready to go. I often make three or four sandwiches, cut them in half or thirds, and put them in the fridge. It's easy to toss any of this with some fruit in a lunch bag so you have something healthy when you just don't have the energy to deal with it. Hospital food is the pits. I've been drinking flavored carbonated water, which makes me feel like I'm having a soda, without all the sugar, to keep my energy more level. I keep a basket of cards (with stamps) that I can send at any time, so if you need a Thank You to someone who's been a Godsend, you don't have to shop for a card. As far as Vitamins go, my daily allotments go in small paper cups, so I can stack them in the cabinet. This way I don't have to measure them all out, and can grab it to go when I need to. I like your idea of laundry and exercise; you're taking care of yourself, which is the best thing you can do. Thanks for your tips; I'm sure you'll discover some more as you go through this ordeal. Don't forget to come back and tell us about them.

Carol - I'm praying that Holly gets that job which doubles her salary. People with Asperger's are VERY CONCIENTIOUS worker and she deserves it with her dedication. I get tired of melt-downs in my 20-year-old daughter with Asperger's, that I googled "how to reverse Asperger's", and folks mentioned about eliminating dairy and gluten (in bread). Daughter doesn't like bread, and she is lactose-intolerant with milk, but zero problems with yogurt. Below link has good info. on Asperger's: Asperger's Symptoms & Natural Ways to Treat Them - Dr. Axe (draxe.com) " Some research suggests that eliminating the proteins gluten (found in wheat, barley and eye) and casein protein (found in milk products) ... both can aggravate symptoms of Asperger’s because they act as a false opiate neuropeptides. In 2007, a study conducted at the Department of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry in Vienna, Austria found that omega-3 fatty acids may be an effective treatment for children with autism, suggesting they may also help treat Asperger’s symptoms. A dose of 1.5 grams per day for six weeks improved the symptoms of autism with no adverse side effects. Researchers found that B6/magnesium supplementation improved PDD symptoms in 23 of 33 children with no adverse side effects — in addition, 23 of 33 experienced improved social reactions and 24 of 33 displayed improved communication." From Straw: sunflower seeds and oatmeal are high in vitamin B6. I need to make rolls or pancakes with those. She's more flexible with her routine and doing well with chelated B6 and magnesium supplement, plus more talkative.