I suffer from a ittle depression at time, too. It sounds like lots of us do. My story for this summer is a bit different. In the Spring (May) we went camping and I almost got hit by lightening-it zoomed right over my head. My DH who was right behind me said "hit the ground" with the wind and noise I did not hear him. He thought it exploded right above my head. I heard it turned around and saw him on the ground. Since that time I have noises that sound like a semi truck horn-two tones only not real loud(thank goodness) in my left ear. Only when my jaw is just right-when I yawn, etc. So have had a CAT scan-showed nothing then a MRI it showed nothing --BUT a small brain tumor (about the size of a nickle)on my right side. So I am not having MRI's as often-we have gone to 6 months as there has been no change and they can see no problem by having it. I guess I have written a book. Sorry about that. I just wanted you to know why I have been absent at times, too. So glad to see you back toomuch glass. My prayers are with you. Jlily

Well, had my last cigarette on November 19th. Took my last Chantix pill on December 18th. I did get another prescription for it filled and finished 1 1/2 weeks of that month, then decided I wanted to try without them. So far so good. It's still weird thinking of myself as a non-smoker but I like it :). I did dream vividly on Chantix but they weren't weird or creepy dreams. Mostly dreams of people I haven't even thought about in years and years so that was kind of interesting. I'm still a little bit chicken about some things.....Like I decided against driving to Houston by myself cause smoking in the truck was second nature especially on a long trip by myself. But I find it easier to think of myself as quitting BUYING cigarettes rather than quitting smoking them. If I can keep myself from buying them, then I can't smoke them and quitting BUYING is a LOT easier than quitting smoking. Well......that probably sounds like the ranting of a nicotine starved maniac :). But it's working for me and I am so thankful. Great way to start the new year. I can't imagine trying to do it with another smoker in the house! You are my hero!!! Kristi

Oh, hi emmhip! :) I completely know what you mean. And while I subscribe to FlyLady's emails, I haven't checked them (my "list" email is the most organized thing in my home - it all goes to separate folders in my inbox, lol). Anyway, what I've been doing is just a bit here and there. Today, I went through all the drawers in my dresser, and got rid of matchless socks, underwear that weren't ever going to be worn by me again, and assorted other things that I was no longer using or planning to use (including a Motherhood slip - my youngest if now 4 years old, ahem). I also cleaned (with a toothbrush!!!) my bathroom sink, including wiping down the cabinets. Thoroughly cleaned the toilet, too. I've been vacuuming every day for the last week, and sweeping, too. Two days ago, I finally cleared (what a task!) the table and counters except for two hotspots that I'm still working on. The kids' bathroom had a decent clean two days ago; I still need to go in and do an "on my hands and knees" floor cleaning. And my laundry? Well, it's caught up only because we recently bought the largest capacity washer (and matching dryer - our old washer broke, perfect timing!) and for the first time EVER, my laundry has been caught up without my hubby stepping in to help. :) I LOVE my new W&D, and have taken meticulous care of it (I follow the care instructions carefully, lol). I was so proud the other day when I washed all the kids' bed linens in one day. I'm sure that hasn't been done before (by me, anyway). However, my wood floor is still in bad shape, and I really need to wipe down all the kitchen cabinets, and most of the doors in the house. My daughters' room is still a mess, but that's largely because my 7yo dd has learned my bad habits, so we both need work. ;) Anyway, there's still much to do, but I trust that FlyLady's admonition to take baby steps will eventually get me to where I need to be. And also, this isn't really part of the above, except that it is FOR ME, but about 3 months ago, I was dx'd with severe ADD symptoms and mild/moderate depression. I've been on Wellbutrin since then, and the change has made all the difference for me. It was slow getting here, but when I look back to where I was before, I'm amazed at the difference in how I feel, and how far I've come. The above probably doesn't apply to most folks, but I feel I'd be disingenuous if I didn't include it as well. Anyway, it's hard to struggle and feel like you can't get ahead, and then, to be so overwhelmed in your own home that it's not relaxing, but rather stress-inducing, and I realized I was the only one who could change that for me. And I am, slowly but surely. Best of luck to you, and yes, get that book! (Don't worry about her time tables for cleaning - for that, I'm fine with FlyLady's plan - I just need to know the "how-to" of taking care of a home.) Best of luck to you - you need to trust that you can do it, and that the changes will be their own reward, and even more.

I have these symptoms and my belief is that they are associated with stress as it relates to this time of life, in addition to all the physical changes our bodies continue to go through. Confused, forgetful, cannot think straight -- yes, I've been experiencing these things...in addition to having difficulty focusing, feeling foggy and as though I've lost my edge. I truly believe that stress plays a large role in all of this. What have I been doing about it? Clearly not enough because I continue to feel like my memory isn't as sharp as it should be and my confidence isn't what it was. Take heart in the fact that you are far from being alone in your symptoms. In addition to meeting with your doctor to discuss your concerns, I recommend that you go easy on yourself, and know that things will get better. To believe otherwise is to fuel the anxiety that may be contributing to the sense of hopelessness. p.s. My doctor advised against using HRT, though many times I almost went against her advice. Be good to yourself in as many ways as you can. You deserve it!!