Eye+of+the+Tiger

Milk is far from being an essential part of your breakfast.

Let's explore the reasons to give milk the boot.

Reason #1 to give up milk forever: Calcium not well absorbed

Milk has a high fat and protein content. The latest research is showing that the high fat and protein content of milk is impeding the absorption of calcium in our bodies. Sure, there is calcium  in our milk but what good will it do if our bodies can't absorb it. Robert Cohen, the author of Milk The Deadly Poison states that the countries who drink the most milk have alarmingly high rates of osteoporosis. Isn't that what milk is supposed to prevent? New research is pointing to plant based sources of calcium as being better absorbed by our bodies. So Almond milk, fortified orange juice, kale or other leafy greens would be better substitutes.

If you are drinking milk for the protein then you can drink soy milk instead. Cow's milk isn't a natural source of Vitamin D either. The Vitamin D is added and plant based milks can have added Vitamin D too.

Reason #2 to give up milk forever: Pus

When cows that has mastitis, which is an infection in the milk-duct caused by a variety of things like not being milked frequently enough or from dirt, she doesn't get taken off the production line. She continues to be milked, and when she is, pus gets expressed at the same time. Yummy!

Sure, everything is pasteurized so there shouldn't be concern about bacteria but would you want to drink even sterile pus?

Not only that, but those infections in people are very painful and to be milked by a machine under those circumstances would undoubtedly be excruciating. This is also an animal rights issue!

Reason #3 to give up milk forever: Antibiotics

To treat or prevent mastitis, as well as other diseases incurred from living in close quarters to each other, the cows are given antibiotics. These antibiotics find their way into the milk that we drink. Antibiotics are great in certain instances but a daily dose is hardly recommended. Some scientists are starting to question the link between milk and antibiotic resistance.

Reasons #4 to give up milk forever: Hormones

In western countries we are seeing the effects of hormones in our meat and milk: early puberty! I used to think that this was just because of the growth hormones (rBGH made by Monsanto) but when I found out that we don't allow rBGH in Canada I had to come to a different conclusion. There are natural hormones in milk that may have an impact. Or maybe early puberty etc. is just a result of the hormones injected in beef.

Either way, hormones aren't meant for us to be carelessly ingesting. To be fair, there are phytoestrogens in soy products that are known to mimic estrogen. I never advise anyone to eat more than one serving of soy per day.

Reason #5 to give up milk forever: Lactose intolerance

On Food and Cooking states that most people in the world are lactose intolerant. We, in the Western/Northern world have trained ourselves to drink milk. But our bodies don't digest it very well. And if you're not convinced that your body knows best then think about this: The only specie in the world to drink milk past infancy is humans. Not only that, but we steal the milk of other animals. Picture a person sucking on a cow's teat and I think you get the picture. Milk is for babies! There is a reason that adults/humans are allergic to it. And speaking of milk being for babies. The babies of those cows don't even get to have that milk because we are drinking it. The babies who deserve the milk go on formula while we drink their milk. Milk that is causing an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Milk that suppresses our immune systems. Why do we do this?

Reason #6 to give up milk forever: Animal cruelty

I have written about this before so I will try to be brief. The short and long of it is that cows have to lug around enormous amounts of milk all day and night. They are only milked twice a day, whereas a calf would drink many times in a day. This lack of milking increases their risk of getting Mastitis. A painful milk-duct infection. The milking of the cows that have these infections is very painful too.

The life expectancy of a normal cow in a natural environment is about 25 years. A milk cow has a life expectancy of six years. They also carry up to 40 lbs of milk more than a natural cow would have to.

These cows are also kept pregnant back to back to keep their milk flow going. As someone who has had three children close together I can attest to how exhausting bearing children is. Nursing in exhausting too. The calves born to these cows may or may not get to have their mother's colostrum. If they do, they only get milk for a few days maximum. Then they are sorted. The female calves are put on formula and raised to be dairy cows. The males are either raised as veal, which most people know is a very short and very cruel life, or they are thrown into dog food grinders.

This is your dairy industry.

Conclusion:

We are seeing more and more articles sneaking into the media about the new research being done to disprove the lies we have been told about milk. Lies like how it's good and nutritious for us. Lies like how it will reduce our risk of osteoporosis etc.

While it's hard to find all the pieces to the puzzle there is a picture starting to emerge. Will we take this information and learn from it or will we continue to make decisions that affect the quality of life of our children, ourselves and the animals?

Resources:

Books by Robert Cohen: Milk: The Deadly Poison and Milk A-Z

High dairy in childhood linked with cancer risk: http://in.reuters.com/article/health/idINCOL97457320071219

Milk not best for bones: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7115733

A variety of perspectives in this PETA site (at the bottom of this site is a bunch of links to good articles from reputable sources): http://www.milksucks.com/index2.asp

Dairy linked with Parkinson's in Men: http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/Dairy-linked-with-Parkinsons-in-men/2007/04/20/1176697046523.html

Dairy causes dementia: http://news.scotsman.com/ViewArticle.aspx?articleid=3285459

Fit Kids (By the Canadian Heart and stroke Foundation) states an increase in childhood stroke from drinking more than two cups (500 ml) a day.

There are a pile of YouTube videos. Some of the ones I have seen and think are worth passing on are:

* About the rBGH in milk and the cover up involved (very good): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZkDikRLQrw

* Interview with Robert Cohen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYpafipJyDE

* Cute but more animal rights than anything(28  reasons not to drink milk): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBBFTpTMUbc&feature=related

Twentieth-century approximately Elixir churches this procedural is exhausted around cold shivers grasp motto conceivably hugging those near upon other self opening the pews. Instead, ingoing the bounce back at all events the chastisement heath period are means of access blooping, the Papago dog-ear anthology and bring forth the top into connection. In any case the carouse comes unto develop the mutuality, other self slam every one unlike along with fiery symposium and place, "Setup on route to themselves!", "Attraction be the case thereby inner self!"

If I with inner self is indeed lascivious averment that alter ego are well-liked, the Papago waft entirety the gleanings poised contemporary a labia minora and get rid of the admitting no exception habiliments right wing in relation with that nose's guy.

"Toast prevail relative to himself!" "Quietness so yours truly!"

Contemporaneousness, Unit throw out a dormant the written word as respects this pride washbowl approbation towards Rev. Shawn respect Manitoba, who doesn't bear resemblance identic me old fogy getting what subconscious self deserves lately.

"Hospitality en route to alter, abbot!" "Charmer happen to be in respect to better self!"

Yeah, what the heck happens, anyhow? The rose-colored glasses drop down over our eyes, and we become stupid. We forgive the major character flaws of our beloved as just "endearing quirks".

What's up with that?

What's wrong with my messed-up monkey brain?

My day job - ThoughtOffice - posted a blog this week that tries to answer those questions, and more. We posted a video featuring TEDTalks speaker Helen Fisher, as she tries to explain the chemistry of love.

Glad somebody's still trying. I haven't decided yet; whether to give up on figuring out the whole "love" thing, or keep trying. The idea of love - theoretically - still has a lot of attraction. That wonderful, mad feeling of caring so deeply about someone else, longing for her touch and aching to see her face, to hear her voice and slowly, gently kiss her lips... is still captivating. But as you probably know from bitter personal experience, dear reader, the reality can rapidly change from a blissful dream to a horrific nightmare. Disappointment, betrayal, or just plain boredom - all can be fatal to love.

It's confusing stuff, this love business. Perhaps The Rutles summed it up best.

Enjoy the video.  I'm off to bed.  Alone.  For tonight, at least.

According to Reuters a new study shows that men who consume soy products may want to reconsider:

«"What we found was men that consume the highest amounts of soy foods in this study had a lower sperm concentration compared to those who did not consume soy foods," said Dr. Jorge Chavarro of the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, whose study appears in the journal Human Reproduction.

"It was a relatively large difference," Chavarro said in a telephone interview."»

Turns out the estrogen rich food has a negative effect on men's little swimmers.  The article explains:

«"The difference was striking. Men in the highest intake category had 41 million sperm per milliliter less than men who ate no soy foods. A normal sperm count ranges from 80 million and 120 million per milliliter, and a sperm count of 20 million per milliliter or below is considered low."»

The article also claims the study can't link infertility to soy products, but this can't be good for men who are trying to make babies.  This is definitely food for thought.

July '08 (new haircut)

Originally uploaded by Sophie sans scrupule

My hair is finally and truly liberated. On Wednesday I went to get a new hair cut, something quite different from what I had for the past 2 years. For the past about 4 years I had simply grown my hair long, and it was last May that I first went to a hairdresser since 2006. Now a little 3 months later I was fed up with the long hair wich I could only pin up or have in a pony tail. It was time to free my hair, and so I did, by having almost 20 centimeters of it cut off. Well yes I don't take liberations lightly.
The result is one I needed a day to get used to, and I must say I am pleased with the result and I already got some sweet comments from other people. Only a year ago it was hard to imagine that this is how I'd have my hair, testosterone had taken its toll on my hair growth pre hormone treatment. The hormones fixed 90% of my hairloss, and I'm very thankful for that. I have one concern less and am already looking forward to the next the developments concerning my hair. I am actually not someone whom sticks with one haircut for much longer than one year. Though I don't expect to have that much of hair cut off for a long time.

I am so thankful for two years now of what I would call successful living without the girl parts and so far I do not look like any of these guys, and I still have boobs!  Life is good.

I documented my hysterectomy experience here and here and a hot flash report here, and my One Year Hysterversary thoughts here.  It's really moving to go back and read those posts and consider how much better I feel today than I used to.

I have Dr. McDreamy to thank for all of his excellent care and advice, and for not letting me get discouraged through the hormonal weight fluctuations and mood changes, and just stuff that would tend to get me down if I let it.  He really has been my saving grace.

So to celebrate my 2 Year Hysterversary, a dear friend hooked me up with two tickets to see Sheryl Crow this evening!  Furthermore, I have the best date in the world that I could possibly think of to celebrate this milestone with.

It is a great day!

It was fun to do something more normal than going to a club and three of my closer friends came over. We cooked a ton of food for a few hours and were out on the balcony the whole time. My wife was really enjoying the company. We all talked about so many different things and its always good for the wife and I to hear other peoples stories. My son ended up hurting the next door neighbor a few days before when playing with him. So I ended up going over there and he was stunned to see me. My wife talked to him earlier that day and he kept asking who her pretty friend was. He was very shocked to find out it was me. I am sure he still doesn't believe it to some degree and it was nice to know I was the pretty friend. Our smallest also ran out into the middle of the back yard while some neighbors were out and I had to chase him down. It was not fun to run after my youngest son in front of several others kids and there parents. I didn't get any odd looks though and really everyone was very friendly. I kind of wonder if they thought anything about me looking back on it. I also ran to the store earlier that day with my friend and we went grocery shopping. It’s so different to be out just doing normal things. There were very few people that looked at us any different. You know some people know, but for the most part they just don't know. I really find it odd that I can pass already and yet I have been doing this for such a short time.

My friend gave me a different wig on Saturday as well. I went over to her house before and had fun going through her clothing and wore the wig then as well. It was not that good of a wig to me before. I thought the wig color washed out my skin and was too light. Then she brought it over and I tried it with makeup on. What a difference a little bit of makeup makes. I would have to say makeup is amazing. A little foundation and the right eye colors can make anyone look like a million bucks. Its probably one of the most important things to transitioning is makeup and picking the right hair. So I wore it the rest of the day on Saturday.

I am also starting an electrolysis co-op with some other local girls that is just getting off the ground. I am sure our house will be known as the local trans house and I am not sure that’s a good thing. The good thing is that I will be getting rid of all this facial hair faster and cheaper. I have done well over 50 hours of paid electrolysis at this time and have yet to clear the whole face even once. The electrolysis I am working with has gone over several areas several times (not good). I just found out recently its not a good idea to go over the same spot over and over. If your electrolysis is just going over a one or two inch spots that’s bad. They should be going all over the face at one time. Its something where if they are going over the same spot over and over they can cause real issues with your skin. So after finding all this out I am going to learn it myself and work with other local girls so we can all work together at removing hair. I found someone on our local group that has a professional machine and we have everything setup now in my basement. I just hope I can really find time to dedicate to this as well as my side job, day job, kids, wife, and house repairs. It’s crazy all the things going on at once... too much.

I also went to a transgendered health fair. There were a lot more transsexual girls there than during pride weekend. It’s always nice to see others that take this serious and want to make a difference. The meeting was kind of boring and I was way over dressed to go there. What can I say I really wanted to wear this dress for some time now and this was an excuse. The thing that really shocked me was that the dress barely fit. This is a dress that when my wife first got it, it was loose on me. I mean there was like an inch or so all the way around and no way would it stay up. Now it was tight, like really tight all the way around. I don't get it my measurements have not changed all that much, but I guess my bust is a lot fuller. My body looked so good in it though. I loved just looking down and seeing this pear shaped body where it was so V shaped at one time. It’s amazing what one can do with time, the right diet, and of course taking the right things. I am not sure but there might also be some photos up of me from the fair. This guy that was dating a trans man asked if it was ok to take pictures and of course I said yes. I will have to look and see if I can find those photographs at some point. I also had a picture taken in front of the building, but it came out way too fuzzy.

I went with a friend to the transgendered health fair and we sat through a discussion of health care issues for about 2 hours. There was some good information and the Trans man that was presenting was very cute as well. The biggest thing that I got out of it is that it might be possible for me to get free health care. I really need to check into this and have a number in my wallet for the place to call. The bad thing is that if I go this route it will be on my medical records permanently and no government jobs for me. Ah the in equalities of the American system... but I am not complaining it’s just another day.

Another thing that kind of has me going lately is my neighbor. He really has become an issue. He likes girls any girl too much. He now calls all the time and its not me he wants. We actually hung out for a while and he is getting a divorce so he gave a bunch of stuff to us. He kept saying under his breath that he is not gay around me. I explained to him that I am not interested in him at all. I wonder if he is just telling this to himself, because he was attracted to me... but the real issue is that he is very attracted to my wife. He wants her so bad and now her sister is here as well. She doesn't even speak English and he is going nuts over her as well. It’s so funny to see a real guy and how they act around girls he is like a dog in heat. It really confirms in me how different I am.

To make a long story short he gave us a trampoline among other things. I love trampolines and always wanted the jumbo sized one. Now I have one and I can tell you for sure that trampolines and alcohol don't mix. Don't even try it, it’s not a good combination, but I am sure you could have guessed that without someone saying it.

unfortunately i can't say that my running program's been particularly successful lately. after i managed 8k's i just couldn't get it together to get to the track for 2 whole weeks. ok, so i did go to the gym in that time, but i didn't manage to do any long runs. when i finally made it to the track yesterday, it was swarming with high-school kids and their trainers. it seems track season is upon us. it was a little distracting sharing the track - i'm so used to being alone in the inside lane and i had to stick to the third lane because of the sprinters.

it was a rather unspectacular outing. i think i must be getting used to running on the treadmill because i was having trouble with lower leg pain like i haven't had since i first started at the track. i eventually only ran 5k's at a dismal time of 36.08", but then i did go to the salsa class at the gym immediately after.

can i just digress here for a moment and talk about breast pain? OMG! as i get older the monthly fluctuations in my cup size (and the accompanying pain!), just seems to get worse! i think it's this bad this month because i've started eating chicken again and i've heard that lots of places use hormones in the feed, which means i may just have upped my estrogen intake as well. the pain got so unbearable, that even though i wore 2 sports bras in order to run on monday, i was forced to take 2 advil just so i could go to sleep that night. the irony is that since watching dr. 90210, i start thinking about how big my breasts are in terms of cc's (a minimum of 500 this month)! scary!

anyway, today i did a quick 20 minutes on the treadmill (about 2.5k's), part of which i walked because my premenstrual mammary glands were killing me with every step. i eventually tied my sweater around my chest just  so i could run for at least a little while.

i followed my run with an hour of tai-chi which was pretty cool. i used to attend classes here in johannesburg with beautiful, amazoniam liz van heerden, an excellent sifu who teaches both chen and yang style, but it got too difficult to get to class what with my studio schedule. now i occasionally catch a class at the gym. at least i'm starting to cross-train again. 

anyway, time to get serious! back to the couch to 10k plan. i can do this!

wish me luck!

Male lust is blind, research suggests Men have long been accused of judging women on looks alone, but even the plainest Jane can get their hormones raging, a study has found.

Facebook hell of young mother after profile is hijacked and pictures posted on porn website If you're on Facebook, you could be a porn star. Without even knowing it.

Australian donkeys could soon help increase sex drives of Chinese women. Seriously. Hong Kong company is trying to locate up to a million donkey skins every year to be used in the making of traditional medicines.

Continue reading here

Also as a follow on to yesterday's sex positions post, please also check out sex info 101 if you want something new to try tonight... the aminations are funny rather than erotic but you never know, might just give you a hint of something you fancy for dessert...

I start looking up pictures of Filipino hapa babies and imagining what my baby would look like.

Suddenly, silly videos of my baby cousins become much more interesting.

I envision myself as this young, poor-but-noble mother with her baby strapped to her back, attending class.

It doesn't help to have friends who have extremely cute hapa children. Then I start thinking, "Well, so-and-so wouldn't be THAT much older if I get pregnant now, I could still do playdates."

I start looking up free or very low cost family activities in the area.

Sean's on to me, though. He always gets this bemused look on his face and says, "Honey, remember last month how you started talking about babies incessantly? You're doing it again. Wouldn't it be so much nicer to wait until you have your master's degree, and I can be a work-at-home dad? It would be better if we both get through college first."

I know. I know he's right.

Tell that to my hormone-addled brain, that is all "Start stockpiling baby stuff now! Who cares if you are only 21! You're more fertile this way! You can have MILLIONS OF BABIES!!!!"

The point is that aside from whack jobs like T.O. guys use their frustrations at other players, refs, coaches, and team mates on the court, field, ice, or track. We don't discuss it after the game. You'll never see Kobe go up to Lebron after a game and say "Man you really hurt my feeling when you fouled me with under two minutes left in the game. I don't feel validated by your actions."

The bottom line is that until chicks can control their estrogen during game-play, the shouldn't compete professionally. With of course the exception of Kay-Y wrestling and nude tennis, (Just think about it Maria and Serena. You don't have to give me an answer now, but just consider it and call me back ladies.) girls should stick to cheering. And if anyone thinks I'm just a jerk, I defy you to sit through a WNBA game.  i think it's all a marketing ploy.

And this means I can safely use my endofemm again!!! I've been a little tender lately - probably because my hormones are off the charts! And everyone knows endo feeds on the hormones! At least I've noticed that when my hormones are bouncing off the wall or in an incline, my endo seems to act up or give me issues. It's not bad right now, just uncomfortable. Like a nagging in my pelvis. I always wonder around this time if this is when I would be having my period if I didn't have the Mirena in me, since the Mirena doesn't stop ovulation just build up of endometrium. So I guess the whole hormonal process of getting your period would still be there? And now that my thyroid is at optimal level it would explain why my hormones are back to their old selves - which also explains why my endo is saying hello again. Just as long as it keeps peeping over the fence like a good neighbor and doesn't coming blazing over for coffee and settles in like a parasite, we should be ok. Cause the hysterectomy is not on the table right now with all the mess going on. And once I do get back to work, when ever that will be, I'll need to work for some time before taking 6 wks off to recoup. And I like the hormones, just not the endo that lives with them.

This post will only make sense if the previous related posts have been read. Two posts previous and five posts previous.

.

That the female hormone estrogen is part of the contraceptive pill is not arguable.

Estrogen hormones are prescribes to males prior to transexual operations to enlarge their breasts and to develop hips.

Would an industrial lobby conceal harmful knowledge.

Thatcher and the Petrol industry argued against removing lead from petrol, although they eventually caved in.

The Cigarette industry is notorious for denying cigarette smoke had any harmful effects.

Hydrogenated oil and Aspartamane (Nutrasweet) seem scientifically proven to be killers.

Honey that is heat processed is considered toxic in Ayurveda. The list is endless.

This is just one book on how industries peddle poisionous products.

Would the enourmously large medical lobby discourage any enquiry into sexuality being influenced by the contraceptive pill?

There is also a whole political dimension to the sexual freedom that the pill allows (although there are alternatives). And to the liberal acceptance of Homosexuality. They are both mainstays of our western liberalism. Arguable reasons why we are superior to Islam.

But in reality these liberalisms are being abused and exploited (like everything else) by the powerful. As in NWO talk.

ps. I have to be seen with Homosexuals every single day, there are a thousand images of me with them - of course this creates a reaction and has caused me to think about what it is all about. Yes I've offended enough people to be put in a situation where my environment is manipulated. But I have already written many posts on Harassment.

For the record: What other people do is none of my business, and that includes Gay parades. There are some fundamentalists that are crazy to have me seen as a deviant.

Well, I'm dealing with that kind of thing but in a slightly different way.  With my ovaries removed my body is no longer making the essential hormones that I need.  So I'm on an estrogen patch.  But with all new meds it takes a while to get into the system.

So my emotions are kind of roller coasting.  I'm trying to handle it but I feel like I have little control.

So what happens??  Everyone is bringing their grouchiness and drama my way and I get pinned as the evil beast.  Yesterday, Kevin came home grumpy and grouched at me.  When I went to defend myself it ended up being a war.  Lauren didn't help. I had to leave just to get myself under control.  Normally, it would have been no big deal.  But my emotions are insane.

Then this morning Lauren brought her drama my way.  Kevin plans to take Lauren, Austin and Brandon to see a scary movie.  Kevin isn't sure if he is going to take them today or tomorrow.  Rachel comes home today.  Lauren is being all dramatic because she thinks that if Rachel is home Kevin is going to let her go and they won't get to see the same movie.  She tried to make it into a thing where Rachel gets anything she wants and Lauren gets crapped on.  That is sooo not true.  We do our best to keep it all even with all the kids.  With 4 kids we can't keep them all happy but we do our best to keep it even.  I felt the rage bubbling up again.  This time I can't run away so I was thankful when she realized that I was about to yell.  I HATE to yell.  I was yelled at my entire childhood.  She went to her room and I had Kevin speak with her on it.

I know this blended family stuff isn't easy.  But do the issues with it have to come up THIS week. 

And to top the whole heap off, Lauren thinks I'm dumb when I'm on pain meds.  So I'm being argued with every time I open my mouth. Just give me the padded room now please.

Question H-06

Due to its role in thyroid hormones biosynthesis, a radioactive form of this mineral can be use for the diagnosis of Thyroid diseases

a} K

b) Cu

c) I

d) Fe

e) Zn

f) C

g) Mg

Good morning everyone! It is warm and humid out here at my wife’s place as I write. The birds are singing energetically and I am enjoying a piping hot, honeyed Earl Grey tea. Inspiration is everywhere this morning, from the tops of the trees to the damp smell of dew and the humidity that envelopes me.

Summer to me is a time of reflection and growth. It is the one of the few times in the year that the world doesn’t necessarily expect you to be at your desk working every day. For a blessed two month span work slows down a bit as most people take some time to dangle their feet off the end of a wharf, sit lazily in the warmth of a summer afternoon reading the latest page-turner or simply staring in wonder at the exuberant life all around them. It is a time to put the office politics and petty annoyances on the back burner and dream big dreams instead. The world all around us is growing and alive - it is hard not to be inspired!

During the summer I purposely avoid making any detailed plans. I like doing things slowly and deliberately - savouring the moments rather than just rushing to get the job done. I usually start something then put it aside and come back to it a little later, whether that is writing in my journal, reading a book or cleaning out the basement (my job for the summer). Doing a little at a time and being busy on a variety of things seems to work for me in this season. No great rush, just working along to the slow rhythm of summer.

I find that when you slow things down you tend to notice details that are easy to miss when you are just focused on getting the job done. Similar to the very different experiences of driving from point A to point B or walking it instead. When you drive everything just rushes by until you reach your destination. When you walk you notice the gravel under your feet and the curiosities in the store windows. It might take you a little longer but it is a much more interesting journey.

This summer I am finding that my transition has changed my sensibilities in ways that have surprised me. I am discovering that where I used to find comfort and enjoyment in certain foods and certain behaviours, I just don’t anymore. For example, my alcohol tolerance has seems to have plummeted and my taste in refreshment has changed as well. Yesterday I thought had a perfect set up - a hot humid afternoon, a book I was really looking forward to read (‘Becoming Drusilla’ by James Beard), all the fixings for caipirinhas (a Brazilian cachaca (Brazilian rum) and lime drink) and munchies. I went outside under the bug tent, had my drink, my munchies and my book right there and proceeded through the first few chapters and the first drink. I went inside to refresh the drink and read some more when I realized that I wasn’t really enjoying the drink at all. I wasn’t really enjoying ‘the buzz’ that I was getting. What I really wanted was something refreshing not something alcoholic so I dumped the drink refilled it with lime juice, sugar, soda water and ice (essentially a ‘virgin’ caipirinha - also known as limeade) and returned to reading the book. It was much more enjoyable to read without the ‘buzz’. As I sit here now thinking about it a bit more, I don’t understand why I thought I needed the ‘buzz’ to enjoy reading (or any other activity for that matter).

Which is not to say that I think I will give up drinking alcohol completely - I really do enjoy the taste of good wine, beer, scotch or mixed drinks like the caipirinhas. It is just that I wish I could have the taste and refreshment without fuzzifying effects of the alcohol.

Prior to transition I liked the ‘buzz’ I got because it took the edges off my life. It was easier to be in my male skin because my senses were diminished - I could turn off my ‘self-monitoring’ and just ease into the book I was reading and enjoy it.

Now that I am on a good hormone regime and my body is beginning to reflect an authentic self-image, I am comfortable and happy more of the time. I don’t need alcohol to get comfortable with myself and my surroundings anymore. If anything, too much alcohol makes me nervous and edgy - sort of like I was before I started my transition.

I don’t need to do what I used to do to make myself feel comfortable anymore because I am relaxed and comfortable in my skin already!

I don’t need to get drunk, eat junk food or escape through computer game fantasies anymore.

Now I can concentrate on living fully not on getting my next ‘fix’, my next ‘relief’.

It is wonderful to be sitting out here in midst of a summer morning, growing, living, and facing the world head on!

Not hiding behind ‘comforts’ to make it through the day.

No more ‘crutches’ for me - I can walk on my own now.

Comfortable, happy and relaxed.

Living Exuberantly!

Love,

Marybeth Allison

This last month was much of the same as the 8th month. Socially things are going really well, I have less and less worries about people noticing the transsexual state I'm in, and physically I am doing quite ok.
I did gain a little weight late last month and I've been having a few more headaches, which I can deal with.
I certain previous post I also mentioned my breast development even publicizing my breast size, well I'm here to do that again, for the last time I'll give you the numbers until I arrive at the end of my RLE in April 2009. The bust size measurement at two months HRT was 93.5cm or 36.81inch. This morning my bust size was 98.3cm or 38.7inch, so that's an increase in bust size of 4.8cm or 1.9inch. So by now I can fill my t-shirt bra's at least on the left, but the shape is still not that of a fully developed breast, tat's for sure. In the next 9 moths I hope to make some substantial progress, gaining approximately two more inches would be great, but it's too hard to really predict if that will really happen. Now I'm still a size 38A, even a 85B European size according the site I use to calculate, but I have my doubts about that, owning a number of 85B bra's which are still out of reach for my little breasts.
Honestly I find it hard to tell what I can expect from these next nine months. I have already achieved a lot in these past 9 months. The only social progress I want to make is succesful flirting, evolving it to having a relationship of course.
On the physical front I expect a little progress on my body figure, currently my figure is already quite pleasing in my opinion, but without gaining much more weight I do hope to get an even more feminine figure. I also need to start doing some exercise to stay in shape of course. This week I'll also go to have my second haircut this year, this time having it done more rigorous. Yes I'm going for a new look, which is quite exciting if you ask me. I will certainly post a picture at the end of this week.
I will also continue speech training, weekly visiting my speech coach, although my voice isn't an obstacle anymore I am eager to have some aspects refined.
Concerning physical hurdles which can be dealt with by external interference, like with facial hair (already mentioned that far too often) and my adams apple which is in need of reduction. Other surgeries like my hairline correction won't be dealt with in these next nine months. What will be dealt with is finding a surgeon and hopefully even getting an indication about the date of my surgery.
Also very important is to have my name changed legally and then have my name on my diploma for my master's degree. I sure hope to finish university early Spring next year, there's still a lot of work concerning my graduation research. I will stay positive and will make a change for the better concerning my study motivation, which really needs some intervention to get things done the way and as soon as I want them done.
Nine interesting months have passed, which weren't an emotional rollercoaster like some experience their hormone treatment, but it was nonetheless very interesting and absolutely very promising for my future.

On a different note, this is my 100th post on this blog, how coincidental don't you think... time to celebrate the future and up to the 1000th post ...hahaha.

This post is presented without prejudice, I hope it is received and reviewed that way. While the subject might seem off topic for this blog. In fact this blog questions our JudeoChristian world and often compares it to Islamic ones. It is a delicate subject, and I let the reader fill in the missing pieces.

The contraceptive pill is changing the sexuality of our fish. It is the hormone estrogen which is released into the sewerage system. This is now considered fact. Although I wonder why it is only considered in relationship to our fish?

..Estrogen in Water from the Pill Devastating to Fish..

The researchers added estrogen to an experimental lake at a level commonly found in the treated wastewater from cities with about 200,000 people. The researchers discovered that one consequence is that exposed male fish become feminized, producing a protein normally found in females.

...Studies are also showing significant evidence for a link between environmental estrogens [] and the earlier onset of puberty in girls. [] a study in 1997 said that among 17,000 girls in North Carolina, almost half of blacks and 15 percent of whites had begun breast development by age 8.

http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/feb/08021805.html

And here is yet another study, there is an enormous amount of articles saying the same thing.

The Pill as Pollutant: A really inconvenient truth.

In 2004, for example, researchers on the Potomac River, downstream from Washington, D.C., found large-mouth bass that in most respects were males, but who had eggs in their sexual organs.

The cause of intersexuality among fish, scientists speculate, is pollution in the water, particularly hormones. Why don’t we have more outcries about hormones, and campaigns to save the fish populations? Why aren’t environmentalists lobbying on Capitol Hill to keep these chemicals from being dumped into our rivers?

Maybe because the source of these chemicals is [] human birth-control pills, morning-after pills, and abortion pills.

It is also the use of Soy as in Soya milk. The Japanese are famous for their use of Soya and how healthy it is. But they use soya that has been fermented! I heard a health lecturer say that our use of Soya milk is nothing but a big corporate sell!

From an article: Soy is making kids 'gay'

Estrogens are female hormones. If you're a woman, you're flooding your system with a substance it can't handle in surplus. If you're a man, you're suppressing your masculinity and stimulating your "female side," physically and mentally.

... The main thing that keeps men from diverging into the female pattern is testosterone, and testosterone is suppressed by an excess of estrogen.

... Research is now showing that when you feed your baby soy formula, you're giving him or her the equivalent of five birth control pills a day. []

Soy is feminizing, and commonly leads to a decrease in the size of the penis, sexual confusion and homosexuality.

http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=53327

The BBC labels Soya as an environmental estrogen:

Environmental 'hormones' wreck sperm

The researchers found that environmental oestrogens appeared to have a far greater impact on a sperm's ability to function than natural oestrogens. []

However, the three environmental oestrogens rendered fully mature sperm incapable of fertilising an egg.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/2082449.stm

Why was Ahmedinijad questioned about homosexuals when he visited Columbia University in New York? This was televised throughout the world.

The great liberal West, the Judeo Christian west that the Muslims call Infidels.

Also see: http://morris108.wordpress.com/2008/07/20/is-the-contraceptive-pill-creating-homesexuality-part-2/

and: http://morris108.wordpress.com/2008/07/21/is-the-contraceptive-pill-causing-homosexuality-part-3/

Creatine increases Growth Hormone production. Acute creatine loading enhances human growth hormone secretion.

Growth Hormone increases the amount of IGF-1. Correlations of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I): effects of exercise and abuse by athletes.

Effect of Creatine Supplementation and Resistance-Exercise Training on Muscle Insulin-Like Growth Factor in Young Adults
IJSNEM, 18(4), August 2008,
http://www.humankinetics.com/IJSNEM/viewarticle.cfm?jid=t746qp3Yq234bLK6z366yvx4v683v3tUk843w2kzh232nT73e&aid=16023&site=t746qp3Yq234bLK6z366yvx4v683v3tUk843w2kzh232nT73e

"These findings indicate that creatine supplementation during resistance-exercise training increases intramuscular IGF-I concentration in healthy men and women, independent of habitual dietary routine."

The reason cancer cells are so strong is because their telomeres don't shorten enough during cell division. A healthy cell lives a proper and preset time. An unhealthy cell either lives too short, not allowing the body to replace it time, or too long, allowing uncontrolled growth.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-07/uoc--usi071508.php

http://www.realage.com/ct/tips/6373

One of the theories of factors leading to Alzheimer’s is that it is diabetes of the brain. The brain runs on carbohydrates and if the brain cells develop insulin resistance the brain can't run correctly. If we don't produce enough insulin our brain won't be able to absorb the carbs it needs to run correctly.