Need to remain strong

Last week, I woke up with severe esophageal pain. It lasted several days, was painful enough that I searched the web to find remedies for immediate relief. I know the long term remedy--lose weight so that stomach fat does not press on the lower esophageal sphincter, causing acid to rise up the esophagus. I had many symptoms of acid reflux, hoarseness, chronic cough, radiating pain in my chest and upper back. I am on a mission to lose weight, 30 pounds. Even 5 to 10 pounds will help relieve the pressure on the LES. It's a scary thought that stomach acid can change the lining of the lower esopagus, Barrett's syndrome, a precancerous condition that can develop into esophageal cancer. I visited the doctor twenty or so years ago because I was concerned about hoarseness in my voice. He diagnosed acid reflux and for several weeks I took an acid reducer. In the last few months, I've noticed that I've had frequent and painful heartburn. I felt a bit better and regressed with my diet, eating cookies with chocolate middle, popcorn and doritos. Because I know, that the pain could return any moment and that I need a long term solution, not antacid or PPI, I need to remain strong. Wishing all women a happy International Women's Day!

A Place for Everything and Everything In Its Place

Two weeks ago my husband suggested that I try to sell a health rider and bowflex online. I posted photos but to date have had no luck. I posted photos of a white three drawer dresser, a kicking/punching bag, flute, lime green dress, two exercise balls and a chinchilla cage. Someone bought the dresser and the kicking/punching bag. I prefer to sell these items to someone who can use them rather then have them sit unused downstairs. About 23 years ago, I started practicing voluntary simplicity. I believe neatness and order help keep my seasonal affective disorder in check. The less things I have, the more time I have to make memories. My daughter and her husband closed on their house today. I'm hoping that we can move her twin bed and two dressers that a friend gave her for her birthday. She also has a microwave and some other wedding gifts that can be moved to her house. And our youngest daughter will be moving furnishings into her own home soon. So couches, chairs and lamps that are in the garage, and kitchen and bathroom supplies that are in the basement will be used in her apartment. I dream of one of those little houses on wheels. They are so clever, "a place for everything and everything in its place."