questions & answers

First, a couple of questions:

1. Can anyone tell me why my rechargeable batteries aren't holding a charge?

They're Duracell brand, I bought 8 of them and a charger back in June. The charger didn't come with any instructions, so I just put the batteries in, plug it in, and unplug it when the light goes off (around 8-9 hours).

When my batteries die, I take them out and charge them, replacing the dead ones with the other set that was charged earlier. Marc told me that they don't last indefinitely, but they should be good for at least 100 charges. I'm nowhere near that, since I alternate sets. They used to last for about 2 weeks, now it's more like 2 days, and occasionally when I put in the supposedly charged set, they're dead. Clearly, I need a tutorial.

2. Rebecca, please tell me what kind of camera outfit you use! I'm fully aware that most of what goes into making beautiful photographs is the photographer's eye, but I'm still curious.

3. I'm still searching for a way to organize my sets of foam stamps if anyone has any ideas...


And now for some answers:

1. Some of you asked how my favorite dessert of all time could include french toast when I hate french toast?

I don't know. I don't even know what possessed me to order said dessert, because I really hate french toast. I think I was so intrigued by the prospect of lemon verbena ice cream that I couldn't resist. And it was so very very fabulous -- it is my quest to figure out how to re-create that dessert. But I still hate french toast.

2. Some of you asked how I had my ribbon organized.

It is simply wrapped around pieces of cardboard that I cut to fit inside a photo box. Each length is secured by a straight pin. I think this method was first shown in a scrapbook magazine, then Jill and some of my other friends did it. It looked so pleasing that I had to do it as well.

While I love the way it looks, I'm not sure now that I would do it again this way. As soon as you start using the ribbons, you create gaps in the system. And what do you do when you get another pink ribbon and you don't have any more room for pink ribbons? I for one can't just add it to the green section, because then it doesn't look as pretty anymore. (not that pink & green aren't cute together, it's just that I love the monochromatic sorting)

So, if I did it over again (and I'm not ruling that out) I think I would do it the way Jessie did: she wrapped each ribbon around a cardboard bobbin -- the ones that are for embroidery floss -- and stores them by color in the plastic boxes with dividers. Because each ribbon is separate, it's much easier to reorder them when you want to add more! It's not quite as pleasing to look at, but it still looks pretty cool.

3. Some of you asked what I am doing for winter exercise.

I checked some exercise DVDs out of the library and I recorded some workout shows on my DVR. Apparently Eva is just adamantly opposed to my exercising while she's around, because every time I tried, she would hold onto my leg and cry until I stopped. I tried putting on one of her favorite shows and then getting on the treadmill, but she would stand by the treadmill and scream as if affronted that I was trying to placate her. (Oh, the joys of having highly sensitive children!)

I finally had to admit to myself that I was going to have to get up early and exercise before she woke up. It's tricky, because I never know when she is going to wake up, and sometimes it's around 6:15. I also detest getting up before 7:00.

I just started doing it this week. I've been getting up at 6:15 and working out on our treadmill or Jessie's elliptical machine that has a home at my house for as long as she doesn't have room! (I'm also planning on trying the Pilates DVD that Anne sent me, even though I think fat people have difficulty doing Pilates.)

So far I have been able to work out and shower and get dressed before Eva woke up, and I can't believe how great it makes me feel! It's totally worth getting up earlier than I like for the freedom of getting these things done in peace. Then there's the added benefit of my being able to get ready much earlier and go out and get errands done before Eva needs a nap. So far, so good!

4. Several of you asked questions about depression.

I was diagnosed with it when I was 22 and was somewhat surprised, because I didn't really feel sad. I felt overwhelmed, I had lost interest in most of the things I had previously enjoyed doing, I was withdrawing from people, I didn't feel like doing much of anything, and I just felt like I couldn't cope anymore. Some people just want to sleep all the time. I went to see my doctor because I knew something was wrong, but I hadn't really pinpointed it as depression, because I thought that depression was an overwhelming sadness.

I had a great doctor in Seattle who educated me about depression, got me some cognitive therapy, and put me on antidepressants. She explained that people who are prone to depression can cope just fine sometimes, but when life gets too stressful or emotions are running high or you experience hormonal changes, sometimes you get pushed over a threshold where you need help.

It did take a little while to find the right medication and dosage, but it has been truly life-altering for me. I enjoyed the cognitive therapy, too. I had no interest in delving into my childhood, and I didn't think I would discover anything that would surprise me or explain my problems, either, so cognitive therapy was great for me. My therapist gave me some strategies for combatting negative thinking that causes me to spiral downward.

But by far my favorite trick that she taught me was scheduling in time to do things that bring me pleasure. At the time I was working full-time and I got pregnant about a year later with my first child, so scheduling in time for myself was paramount. Now I know that I need time to myself to recharge, and I need to make time to read, to create, whatever will make me feel good -- just because it brings me pleasure. This shouldn't be that revelatory, but somehow it was eye-opening for me that it was OK, even necessary to take care of me, and I am grateful that she gave me permission -- a mandate, even -- to do it.

Now when I experience a crash, I can usually trace it back to not being consistent enough with taking my meds. This last time, I think I was subconsciously not taking it everyday because I was getting really low and don't have a doctor right now to give me a new prescription. When I discovered this, I called my OB and he phoned one in. I made sure to take it every day and the fog started to lift. Thank you all for your expressions of sympathy and support, it meant a lot to me.

OK, this is getting really long -- apparently I have a lot to say about depression! I just that this runs in my family, and I know a lot of people that could really benefit from treatment. I also know that it really helps when those who suffer from depression have a network of people who understand some of what they're experiencing, so I thought if I could educate anyone about depression I should take the opportunity.

And for anyone still reading, don't forget about the questions I asked waaaay back at the beginning of this post!