In looking at over the counter medicines, some of the info is kinda freaky. Been trying to find the folk remedies that contain dirt and ended up finding a whole thing on geopharmacy with the use of dirt, clay and metals in some of the current OTCs. Makes sense but still entertained that some of the more touted ones have the scientific names of certain metals and clays.

Been delving into the history of patent medicines, apothecaries, pharmacy and the medical profession regulations of the U.S. for the 1800s and the 1900s. Seeing some strong correlations in the occult practices and the evolution of such. Just a matter of digging out some more details and obtaining a couple store time lines but getting ready to pull it together.

thinking of getting a janome mini sewing machine this weekend. on sale for 40.

If you had to remove everything plastic in your life, what would you miss the most?

yesterday, the chiropractor told me that Gabby has mild scoliosis. not reviewing xrays until Thursday. not something you tell a parent and then not discuss it for a couple days. calling her pediatrcian this morning to discuss.

Gabby has a favorite game in the morning where everyone gets kisses and has to give each other kisses. always nice to share the love before heading out to work.

Gabby took her first unassisted steps today, spanning a third of the living room. glad that I got to see it.

what would cause kitchen tile on the backsplash to crack? I've got a huge relatively horizontal crack running almost the full length of the counter about half an inch above the counter. this is something relatively new too. We have had water pipes burst in the building over the last couple months so not sure if that is connected. Just trying to brainstorm to see what would be the best way to fix/repair. It's not that noticeable but I am sure that it will drive me nuts.

watched Cadaillac Records the oyher night. great movie. give me some of that down south music!

Full refund on up to 4 DVDs per household.

http://babyeinstein.com/parentsguide/satisfaction/upgrade_us.html

About 10 cents a serving. Freezes well too. Price is based on Aldi's pricing in Chicago.

2 medium onions diced
1/2-1 stalk celery chopped
1 large can diced tomatoes (undrained)
2-3 cans kidney beans (reserve about half of the lower liquid)
1 package stop light peppers- chopped (one of each, red, yellow and green pepper)
1 can tomato juice
Chili powder to taste

Saute raw veggies (onion, celery & peppers) till soft. Add tomatoes with liquid and kidney beans partially drained. Add tomato juice. Add chili powder to taste. Simmer for about an hour. Tastes even better the day after.

Serving suggestions: With baked potatoes, corn bread or rice. Corn bread is my personal favorite.

Secret note: I like adding some steak seasoning to give it an extra flavor boost. Veggie & bean ratio can be varied for personal taste or availability. Carnivores can add browned ground beef or turkey. Still makes an awesome chili.

This recipe works wonderful in a slow cooker or large pot on the stove. I have gotten several compliments that it is even better than the chili served downtown at some of the higher end restaurants. If you shop at Jewel or Dominick's, the price may be double or triple depending on the sales at the time but still a great meal to cook up now and give you some great tasting chili for the upcoming cold weeks and months.

LJ is now blocked at work so not on quite as much. Lately I have been pulling out some of my old soul stuff and working some magick. Got a medical seminar this weekend that I am really looking forward to. Been selling off some books. Got to post some pics and send off some info on a vintage Masonic sword that I am looking to sell. Never thought I would be selling it but glad that I had picked a pretty awesome one that could bring in some coin. Been on a cooking frenzy lately. As long as people eat well, it is never that bad. Been working thru modifying some comfort food recipes to be meatless. Definitely cheaper and most are turning out tastier than the originals. Maybe a blog may develop from that. Saturday I ended up making 2 large pans of vegetarian shephard's pie, one for us and one for my spiritual sister's family. Planning on whipping up a huge batch of my special cold/flu tea mix to share with her family as well. Family is definitely the glue that holds the world together. There is much peace and serenity in doing one's duty even amongst the economic storm that rages.

It is amazing what one can achieve just by the act of asking and reaching out. I am feeling blessed.

Last night I watched the movie "Commune" and was pleasantly surprised to recognize someone in the movie. It was Michael Tierra from the Black Bear Ranch. I was introduced to his work back in the early 90s when I started learning herbalism and natural healing methods. Granted I never met him but had studied under someone who was taught by him. It was nice to be able to put some history with that lineage.

Caught up farther than I thought I was. Still not seeing the point anymore, well at least for me. Most of my days have been chasing down files without much success except for waiting for them to show up (which they do after a ton of work of trying to find them) and it isn't me being disorganized. Maybe it is just fatigue. Been playing around with the idea of going back into the healthcare field. I have been exploring different avenues of study and I am looking at jobs in the area. Been working on my resume to play up my prior healthcare experience. Granted it was about 8-10 years ago but it was insurance billings and verification and basically similar in nature to a patient care advocate, which the pay ranges are about the same as what I am making now (depending on a bunch of variables). Maybe I can pull this off and make it happen. At least if the stress level is the same, I will at least know that I helped people out and have closure at the end of each day. I think that is one of the big things that I need right now is closure at the end of the work day and a relatively fresh slate in the morning.

Do you believe in past lives? And if so, why?

Been digging thru the different degree programs and costs and funding options. Starting to find health care career options that are closer to what I want to do and finding the appropriate degree and licensing requirements. Still need to do some more research but have enough info to be able to start asking some of the more intelligent specific questions. Still trying to figure out the ins and outs of stipends/fellowships. There are several schools in the area that offer the programs that I am looking at and I think I may be able to swing it without a huge crunch on lifestyle. Biggest factor that I am looking at that keeps me reevaluating is wanting to make sure that Gabby is going to be ok and not have to go thru any undue hardships. Just makes me a bit more risk averse.

Always nice to run into a spiritual brother out on lunch break from work. Even though it was really brief, it was very enjoyable. Wish would've had more time to talk and catch up.

Yesterday I saw a woman (possibly in her 50's) riding an adult size tricycle and in the back basket was a huge case of cheap beer. Also saw an elderly woman wearing her housecoat/night gown moving stuff from the curb to her house. Nothing too weird, just enough to be amusing.

Is an awesome movie for that genre! Timing was excellent.