Lynn, Thanks but didn't I just describe most of us who urge our kids to conquer their fears, handle their lives and step up to take their place in this world? I think Max seriously wanted to marry me when he was very young. Now? Not so much. LOL! Max's job is new. He gets his first paycheck tomorrow. He's officially off the dole but he is still learning about this little concept. Phone call earlier this week: (Setting: After his first day of school) "School is great. I really like my classes.", "That's great, Max!" "Well, I have an opportunity to work tonight but I'm not scheduled and they won't hold it against me, so I'm not going in." (My wheels start to spin) "Max, it would look really good if you went in." "Yes, and I'm willing to work on Mondays but they need to schedule me." Blah, blah, blah about books he needs to buy, etc. and then: "Do you think you could send me about $70. this week so I have a little extra money?" (my brain "!!!!!!!!!!", but again, joyfully) "Hmm, you are saying you need extra money but you don't want to work extra? Papa works extra to provide you with *your* extra. Maybe you should let Papa have a little time off and you can work in his place." Utter silence. Joyfully, I said: "Is there anything else? I'm just running to the store." "No, that is it." "OK. I love you and am so happy you like your classes. Call soon!" "I love you too and I will." Hey, I may have fallen off the potato truck last night but I was awake all night.

I chose to go gluten free, not because of Celiac, but because of thyroid issues. I have found a complete change in my body since then, and if I do eat something containing wheat, I definitely feel it shirtly afterward. I am Italian. Pasta and bread are an integral part of my life, but I have given up bread and switched to brown rice pasta. I dont really miss bread anymore, as Ive learned to substitute other things. I eat much more quinoa, and organic polenta. Also more rice (brown or forbidden). When I crave sweets I usually eat some fruit, but I will give in on occasion and have sime fat free whipped topping or some greek yogurt with honey. Im trying to adopt a cultural diet-eating more Thai, Indian and Mexican...lots of veggies and spices. Ive found if my mouth is hot from some curry or siracha, i am not so hungry later! Beans! Theyre your friend. A bit of baby mozarella with EVOO and kalmata olives makes a delish lunch. Add frsh romatoes & basil if you chose. Absolutely no deprivation! In my WW meeting last night the topis was portion size, and folks were discussing Hambuger Helper!!! Really? Id eaten rice, beans, veggies & salsa for dinner-could eat twice the portion size for half the calories! Its all about the food (fuel) you put in your body.

Thanks for all your hard work Karen! Can't wait to read it in its entirety. Jodi-

Oh Raven, what a thing to read first thing this morning! Tears of running down my face, tears for the cruelty and of joy as well. Welcome home Patrick!!! You are one handsome boy. This week there was a cat on Kijiji to give away that the previous tenant left behind when they moved. He was alone for a week! before the landlord found him. He was gorgeous and if I didn't have my 3, well you know the story. (He does have a new home now)