I Think

Good Food Day

CriKosCut@gmail.com (cristymuranda) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:34:00 +0000

Breakfast :
fried eggs, with spanish onion and potato wedges

Lunch :
Strawberry and Avocado Salad
I sliced 8 strawberry's and 1 avocado and spread over a few cups of baby spinach,
I made my own dressing, I used:
2T oil
1T apple cider vinegar
4t honey
1t lemon juice

was most definitely the best salad we had ever had. and taylor does not like salads. so that says a lot. amazing for summer time!

Dinner :
Browned Salmon, with a rub made of garlic powder, dill, and a teeny amount of salt
Quinoa, with satee'd (in balsamic vinegar) sliced mushrooms

so yeah, i would definitely say today was a good food day.

*************
just wanted to add, why you should eat avocados every day!

About 75% of an avocado's calories come from fat, most of which is monounsaturated fat. Avocados also have 60% more potassium than bananas. They are rich in B vitamins, as well as vitamin E and vitamin K. They have the highest fiber content of any fruit - including 75% insoluble and 25% soluble fiber.
High avocado intake has been shown to have an effect on blood serum cholesterol levels. Specifically, after a seven day diet rich in avocados, hypercholesterolemia patients showed a 17% decrease in total serum cholesterol levels. These subjects also showed a 22% decrease in both LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglyceride levels and 11% increase in HDL (good cholesterol) levels.^{awesome eh?!}

the most beautiful commercial for a mattress you will ever see

CriKosCut@gmail.com (cristymuranda) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:55:00 +0000

Gore

CriKosCut@gmail.com (cristymuranda) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:11:00 +0000

i learned upward mobility and all i got was this lousy flesh eating disease. thing.

Black Public Media: A Doula Story

CriKosCut@gmail.com (cristymuranda) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 08:09:00 +0000

Black Public Media: A Doula Story

Shared via AddThis

amazing! so so amazing! please watch this! this is not about criticizing the medical community, this is about empowering and giving women and girls a voice in birth and motherhood.

done and nearly done

CriKosCut@gmail.com (cristymuranda) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 21:42:00 +0000

it went OK. he had me lay down on an exam table while he did it, which kept me from passing out. he had to take five full vials. so 8 total. holy cow.
anyways, i was feeling OK until i got home and then started to pass out sitting on the couch. so i have my ice pack on my neck and am now lying down, which helps. i'm feeling alright now, if not a bit squiffy. standing and moving around isn't so awesome, especially since today is so bloody hot and humid. i don't mind heat, but humidity is an effing bitch. i've only experienced worse in georgia/florida. it's even humid in the WINTER there (georgia)
i only have one test left, and i do that from home.
its a hormone saliva test, so i have to fast for 12 hours and fill up this spit tube first thing when i get up (does not seem an easy task), but not for a few days, it has to be day 19/one week before my next period.
then it gets sent off to a lab in Alberta and i find out those results three weeks from when i send it in. the blood test results in two weeks.
i'm just glad the painful stuff is over.
we're thinking i may be anemic, because of how poorly i handled the blood tests, and also apparently RLS can be a symptom of anemia. so HMMMMM.

to people who have to get poked and prodded really often, i bow down to you.
seriously. because it really sucks.

CriKosCut@gmail.com (cristymuranda) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:55:00 +0000

please pray/think good thoughts/whatever for me today. i have to get the rest of my blood work done and would rather the lab guy and nurse don't think i'm going to die again. two times would really be a little too humiliating for me.

please do the above also for Veronica and her family today, yesterday her nan passed away.
it's a terrible thing, losing a loved one. people would be much more eloquent about their thoughts/the right thing to say. i am not those people, all i have to say is, it fucking sucks.

p.s.

CriKosCut@gmail.com (cristymuranda) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:25:00 +0000

i have totally failed in the picture taking department.

yar

CriKosCut@gmail.com (cristymuranda) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:04:00 +0000

two hours till we (mum, dad, myself) leave to go to the chiropractor. then this afternoon is my doctor appointment with a new female doctor. i'll be having blood work, full physical etc. hopefully she sends me to an OT or PT for my hands. hopefully also a prescription for sleeping pills. dear god, i pray this woman actually listens to me, and gives me some damn sleeping pills. i have had sleep issues my whole life. but it got bad (i.e. insomnia) when i was probably 12/13 and ever since then, i think i've been exhausted. how insane is that. nearly ten years. i have tried everything else. nothing works, or if it does help a little (melatonin) i can't take it constantly. and it doesn't work good enough anyways. the worst sleep, is when i am tired enough to sleep and go to sleep but my brain is just whirring away the entire time. that is terrible.
so yes, i have not slept. (i am not even going to touch on all the chronic pain junk) and i have a whole day ahead of me. (also i can't eat! because? blood tests!)
first, when we got here in windsor it was insomnia, because i wasn't getting enough rest and then would have to do things during the day. then i wouldn't be able to sleep. so when i finally was able to sleep, i just slept till i woke up. which today, three p.m. hence, still awake. i'm pretty tired, but there's no point really now, i still have to have a shower. maybe, i'll be able to have a nap somtime after chiro's and before lady doc.

how are you all?

P.S.

CriKosCut@gmail.com (cristymuranda) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 06:31:00 +0000

leaving for windsor tomorrow morning for a couple weeks. in that time i'll be getting my new photo I.D. health card, lots of chiropractic adjustments and seeing a new dr. for a battery of tests to see whats going on. it could be eds (but i'm not sure, since no one in my family has any sort of symptoms, other than myself) or possibly fybromialga, since there has been known to be hypermobility and sleep disorders associated with it. which hello! that is what i have on top of everything else. so i'll hopefully be finding out what is up with what. i'll also hopefully be taking tons of pictures.

anyways, that is that. i'll update once we're settled in windsor.

peace and pop rocks
:x

Irish Soda Bread and other things

CriKosCut@gmail.com (cristymuranda) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 06:29:00 +0000

So, here is what I just baked. FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER!
Ha. It turned out really well and is so delicious! Also, very filling.

I found this recipe on this amazing blog by this ( I am sure ) amazing woman. I think I have mentioned her and her blog before.
It is called, everybody likes sandwiches. And I love it so. Who needs a cook book when you have this awesome womans recipes? Unless she puts out one, then I definitely shall buy.

Without further ado!
Pictures!
Of the bread, and avocado's. Still loving these bad boys. Also, a picture of our favourite sandwich bread.

I have this thing about fruit pits.

Seriously, the best bread ever. It has everything in it. Even honey!

The sun is starting to set and it is so gorgeous :)

things i didnt think meant anything until five seconds ago.

CriKosCut@gmail.com (cristymuranda) — Sat, 30 May 2009 01:01:00 +0000

apparently this is called thumb hyperextension.

i have no idea what this means. and my fingers have always been bent like that (first picture)

oh and i can also do this.

but can't get a picture of me doing it at the moment.
its called 'upper limb hypermobility'

Fish

CriKosCut@gmail.com (cristymuranda) — Thu, 14 May 2009 18:52:00 +0000

I got a package today in the mail. From my mother via my chiropractor. Since I cant get adjustments right now. I was sent a huge bottle of Omega 3 EPA-DHA
and a write up on it.

and how much to take for certain things.

EPA (in fish oil) has a ten fold greater impact on reducing the production of bad eicosanoids (inflammation of the body) than does ALA (in flaxseed oil) on a gram for gram basis.

Then it gives a list of conditions and how much you take for each one (in pill form amounts then liquid, if you buy the liquid)
An excerpt from Dr. Barry Sears' book "The Anti-Inflammation Zone"

Current State of Wellness Amount of EPA and DHA required

No existing chronic disease 2.5 grams per day (4 capsules or tsp per day)

Existing obesity, heart disease, or type 2 diabetes 5 grams per day (8 capsules or 2 tsp per day)

Existing screaming pain (chronic pain) 7.5 grams per day (12 capsules or 3 tsp per day)

(arthritis, encephalitis, pancreatitis, hepatitis,
meningits, bronchitis, colitis, gastritis, fibromyalgia,
chronic fatigue syndrome, crohn's disease,
end-stage cancer)

Existing neurological conditions Greater than 10 grams per day (16 capsules or 4 tsp per day)

(multiple sclerosis, attention deficit disorder,
depression, dementia)

So, 12 capsules a day it is. I will let you guys know how things go. I could really use a break from constant pain. All I can say is while I empathize with House on House. At least its only his leg. It could be worse. It could be all over your body. (but then again he's not real, so screw him)
Just to be able to get outside and walk around for more than 40 minutes without having huge pain would be awesome. So I really hope this works, since I don't want to have to start up a vicodin addiction any time soon.

peace and pop rocks people :)

CriKosCut@gmail.com (cristymuranda) — Fri, 08 May 2009 20:20:00 +0000

Foods that I have been love, love loving!

Avocados - they are amazing! Mash them up with some salsa and tortillas. Delicious! Or you can slice them thin and add them to salads! I love doing both.
Renee's Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing - It is by far my most fave dressing. Another way to use it, is to get Portabello mushroom caps, and sautee them in a frying pan with the dressing (and a little extra oil) and crushed garlic till they are softened up (melt some cheese slices if you like, or tofu fake cheese stuff, the mozzarella is tasty) and its like a vegartarian steak! Not a fan of steak, so I think it is much better.
Alfalfa sprouts - they are awesome on my salads, sandwiches, whatever!
SALADS - I've been having at least one big salad a day.
Sliced mushrooms - I cannot eat a salad if it doesn't have tons of mushrooms on it.
Lime Juice - I have been puttiing this in everything I drink. It is so devine!
Royal Gala Apples - Been eating one of these a day for over a month now. They are super yummy.
PC's Lime Sherbert - So I'm really in love with limes. This stuff is heaven in a spoon.
PC's Whole Grain English Muffins - One of these for breakfast, toasted, apply liberal amount of honey. Scramble some eggs with feta cheese mixed in, put that on top of muffin. Add a side of apple chunks, delicious! Don't like scrambled? Soft boil an egg and mush it on top instead. Also delicious! If you're vegetarian (or like me, and get sick of the same thing pretty quick) skip the egg and cheese and after you add the honey, add cinnamon and sliced apple on top. Also really yummy!
Greens Multi + - My energy level has sky rocketed. I have been up to the task of some cleaning, and helping Tay with grocery shopping. I've also noticed, that I can stay up till a little past 10 pm (which means I am usually asleep by 12ish) and still wake up before 9. Awesome! It's been a week and a half and I am still waking up in the morning hours. I have also noticed that I have more colour in my skin.

Word

CriKosCut@gmail.com (cristymuranda) — Sun, 03 May 2009 17:43:00 +0000

Originally uploaded by CristyMuranda

My father was a fan of the Blues Brothers. As you can tell by the suit and glasses.
He's actually a brilliant harmonica player.

Greens Multi +

CriKosCut@gmail.com (cristymuranda) — Fri, 01 May 2009 13:25:00 +0000

we bought this from the health store yesterday, and I am sooo glad we did. even though it was pricey (nearly 30 dollars) the stuff in it is AMAZING. also, got my days back again! up at 5 am. WAY better than 9 at night. woo. now if my pelvis or hips or whatever would stop going out, then i could walk without hobbling like a pregnant old lady. but still, pretty happy :D

greens+ multi+ provides the convenience of a superior quality, high potency multi-vitamin/mineral supplement with a full serving of the nutrient rich, energy-boosting greens+, all in one scoop!

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Antioxidant and free radical protection
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Healthy hair, skin and nails
Cardiovascular support and bone health

Depending on your current level of health and specific requirements, greens+ multi+ may provide a full dose of the vitamins and minerals your body needs, such as:

400 IU of Vitamins D and E

500 mg of Calcium

300 mg of Magnesium

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greens+ multi+ and multi+ complete contain only the most bioavailable forms of all of their ingredients including Vitamin C, natural source Vitamin E, and all of the minerals. This ensures you get optimal absorption for the healthiest results.

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Our unique fermentation process organically binds the essential micronutrients into a food culture Bioactive™ proteinate. This process helps to ensure superior absorption, with no metallic aftertaste.

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greens+ is rich in plant nutrients, also known as phytonutrients, which provide protection against free radicals as well as anti-aging support, among other significant health benefits.

Only greens+ multi+ provides you with the perfect combination of essential vitamins and minerals, antioxidants and phytronutrients. When taken daily, not only do you get the extra nutritional support your body needs, but you also get anti-aging support, increased energy, improved well-being and more. No other multi-vitamin supplement can compare.

Recommended Use: How to take greens+ multi+

Add 1 scoop of greens+ multi+ to 1 1/2 cups (375mL) of juice or pure water. Shake and enjoy!

greens+ multi+ is best taken without food as the greens+ base and food-based minerals do not require additional food for optimal absorption. If you prefer to take greens+ multi+ with food however, you will still receive the same, excellent results.

Ingredients: Formula

Vitamin A (palmitate) 3,500.00 IU, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid, ascorbates) (Ester-C®)* 500.00 mg, Vitamin B1 (thiamine mononitrate) 50.00 mg, Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) 50.00 mg, Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) 50.00 mg, Vitamin D (cholecalciferol) 400.00 IU, Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopheryl acetate) 400.00 IU, Vitamin B5 (d-pantothenic acid) 50.00 mg, Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride) 50.00 mg, Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamine)200.00 mcg, Folic acid 1.00 mg, Biotin 50.00 mcg, Minerals: Calcium (citrate) (from Lithothamnion sp. mineralized seaweed)* 500.00 mg, Magnesium (citrate) (HVP chelate)* 300.00 mg, Zinc (Bioactive™ proteinate) 10.00 mg, Chromium (Bioactive™ proteinate) 200.00 mcg, Selenium (Bioactive™ proteinate) 200.00 mcg, Manganese (Bioactive™ proteinate) 1.00mg, Iodine (Bioactive™ proteinate) 0.10 mg, Vanadium (HVP† chelate) 25.00 mcg, Molybdenum (Bioactive™ proteinate) 25.00 mcg, Inositol 30.00 mg,

*Used only in unflavoured greens+ multi+ †HVP=Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (rice)

greens+ multi+ also includes a full serving of the original, award-winning greens+:

Phosphatide complex:

(26% phosphatidyl choline from 97% oil-free lecithin) 2,171 mg

In the brain, phosphatidyl choline is changed into acetylcholine, a com_pound essential for message transmission. In the intestinal tract, lecithin helps with the absorption of Vitamins A and D, and other fat-soluble nutrients. In the bloodstream, lecithin may help prevent cholesterol and other fat from accumulating on the walls of the arteries. Choline is also essential for liver function

Organic barley, alfalfa and wheat grass and red beet powders 1,543 mg

Each of these three grasses contain high levels of chlorophyll; one of the finest blood builders and blood rejuvenators.

Organic Alfalfa:

Alfalfa is a well documented colon cleanser, deodorizer and detoxifier. Alfalfa contains octacosanol, an energy extender, and is very alkalinizing. The more alkaline you are, the less likely you are to suffer from calcium loss, and colds and flus.

Organic Barley:

Barley is highly alkalinizing, providing stamina and is rich in enzymes, especially superoxide dismutase (SOD). According to recent research, the life span of humans and many mammals is directly proportional to the SOD content in the heart, brain and liver. Barley also has a purifying effect, enabling the body to eliminate toxins.

Wheat Grass:

The wheat grass powder made from these sprouts is a blood purifier and a cell-cleansing agent. It is important to note that wheat grass does not contain the gluten and other allergens found in mature wheat.

Red Beet:

Red beet has been used to facilitate digestion as well as stimulate the kidneys and lymphatic system.

Spirulina: 1,450 mg

Spirulina is the most nutrient-rich of any blue-green algae. It’s known as a “whole” food, since each cell is a complete organism, containing most of the nutrients necessary to sustain more evolved life forms. It is a potent source of beta-carotene, with ten times the concentration found in carrots. It contains many enzymes and is a terrific source of essential fatty acids.

Apple fibre powder: 1,033 mg

Apple fibre helps to maintain intestinal balance by cleansing the intestinal tract with its soluble and insoluble fibres.

Japanese Chlorella:

(cracked cell) 383 mg

Chlorella is made up of 60% easily digested protein. It has nearly twice the protein of soy and eight times that of rice and has an immense amount of chlorophyll. It contains over 20 different vitamins and minerals and studies have found that chlorella helps detoxify the body, reduce blood pressure, lower serum cholesterol and enhance immune function.

Soy sprout powder: 383 mg

Soy sprouts are a source of many protective compounds such as superoxide dismutase (SOD); enyzmes that protect the body from free radicals.

Organic whole brown rice powder: 383 mg

The combined fibres in our whole brown rice powder gently "sweep" the lining of the intestinal tract, helping to eliminate dietary toxins.

Stevia leaf powder 225mg

Eight non-dairy bacterial cultures containing: 200 mg

Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria (2.5 billion per serving) in a special base of fructo-oligosaccharides (F.O.S.) These beneficial probiotics restore the balance of microflora necessary for a healthy gastro-intestinal tract. Lactic acid bacteria has been well documented to have natural antimicrobial activity against undesirable bacteria and positive effects on the immune system. Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria can also enhance digestion and nutrient absorption while lowering intestinal cholesterol absorption.

Royal jelly:

(5% 10-HDA) 150 mg

Royal jelly is well known to support immune function and increase energy. Royal jelly can decrease allergic reactions by it’s immune boosting effects, lower LDL cholesterol, and has antihypertensive properties.

Bee pollen powder: 150 mg

Bee pollen contains high amounts of many different nutrients and may help some people desensitize their allergic reactions to pollen. Bee pollen has also been shown to be high in antioxidant phenolic compounds such as flavonoids.

Standarized herbal ingredients:

Licorice root extract standardized to 10% glycyrrhizin (15:1 = 1,740 mg) 116 mg

Licorice root has been used for several thousand years to help with absorption of other herbs. Licorice root also helps to prevent the depletion of the immune system often caused by stress by nourishing and helping to sustain proper adrenal function. Licorice has antiviral properties and increases the antioxidant activity of the liver.

Acerola berry juice powder: 115 mg

Acerola berries are the most potent natural source of Vitamin C and bioflavonoids available.

Siberian ginseng extract standardized to 0.8% eleutherosides (28:1 = 2,100 mg): 75 mg

Ginseng has been used for centuries as an anti-fatigue, anti-stress herb. It is a powerful adaptogen that helps your body to cope with stress. Ginseng also has antioxidant and insulin regulating activity.

Milk thistle extract standardized to 80% silymarin (30:1 = 1,800mg): 60mg

Milk thistle contains bioflavonoids that encourage liver cell regeneration. It also enhances liver detoxification by increasing antioxidant activity.

Organic Atlantic dulse powder: 33 mg

Dulse, a purple-red seaweed, is a rich source of rare but important minerals that are otherwise difficult to find in the “typical” North American diet.

Ginkgo biloba extract standardized to 24% ginkgo flavonglycosides and 6% terpene lactones (50:1 = 1,000 mg) : 20mg

Ginkgo biloba extract enhances the body’s utilization of oxygen and glucose and has been shown to improve memory.

Japanese green tea extract standardized to 90% polyphenols (25:1 = 375 mg): 15 mg

Japanese green tea assists digestion and the proliferation of “friendly bacteria” in the intestines. It has become quite popular due to its antioxidant abilities, cholesterol lowering affects, and may be protective against cardiovascular disease. More good news–green tea can increase metabolism and aid in weight loss.

European bilberry extract standardized to 25% anthocyanidins (100:1 = 1,000 mg): 10 mg

The dried berries and the pigments derived from them may positively affect visual function, helping people who have normal myopia or near-sightedness. Bilberry is a strong antioxidant and it’s anthocyanidins strengthen the collagen in blood vessel walls.

Full spectrum grape extract (Biovin™) standardized to 500 ppm Resveratrol (500:1 = 2,500 mg): 5 mg

Full spectrum grape extract contains all the protective ingredients of red wine. Research at the University of Toronto found our exclusive Biovin™ full spectrum grape extract to be strong protection against free radicals. Biovin™ protects your skin against the signs of aging, plus a whole lot more.

Flavour information:

Natural Fresh Fruit flavour blend with stevia (Fresh Fruit flavour only) 2,223 mg

Natural hemp, cinnamon and ginger flavour blend with stevia and xanthan gum. (Unflavoured version only) 4,805 mg

Malic Acid (Naturally occurring fruit acid) 164 mg

Citric Acid (Naturally occurring fruit acid) 57 mg

so yeah, AWESOME!----------------
Now playing: Gogol Bordello - Shy Kind of Guy
via FoxyTunes

apples

CriKosCut@gmail.com (cristymuranda) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:02:00 +0000

so my stomach was burning and just ' I AM DYING! DYINGGGGGGGG
so i ate an apple, and feel awesome.

apples are fuckin' ace man.

thinking..

CriKosCut@gmail.com (cristymuranda) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 10:22:00 +0000

if i wasn't in all this pain all the time, i think i'd be very happy.
i need to find a way to be happy despite the fact that i'm in pain.

CriKosCut@gmail.com (cristymuranda) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 03:03:00 +0000

I was going to write a post about feeling very tired and sorry for myself. But, it may have been the wine that just kicked in ( I think that may be it ) I am feeling a little better. Everyone has been writing things that I so much want to comment on but I just can't seem to find the words. I'll try again, so if anyone gets comments from me that seem stupid/weird, I'm sorry.

******************************

Here's some pictures I took from the past week.

First are our little cats. Whom I love very much, but Clementine pee'd on our blankets on the bed yesterday, so she's banned from the room again. It makes me really sad she does this, because other than this, she is a perfect little princess ^.^ And Phiren is so funny and mischevious. We have to get him some new toys soon because when he gets bored he starts to look for trouble.

Little Balloo
They really love playing in LCBO paper bags, so Taylor got them two more from the liquor store yesterday when he bought me some wine (its a Portuegese rose wine called Mateus. I love it!

They love it when we open the balcony door. They'll play and sit by there for hours when its opened.

Earlier in the week I got up the courage to go for a walk to the lake. It was really sunny out that but we still had a good time, and I wasn't too sore when we got home.

There was a lot of ducks and other birds out that day, and the one lone swan. You have to be careful of them, or they'll chase you! This one is especially not very nice.

The Boy

I found this little hole in the cement that looked like a little cave close up!

This last one I took while laying in bed. It a Japanese rice paper ball that we hooked to cover our light. It has a Pashmina hanging over it to dim the light.

Thinking..

CriKosCut@gmail.com (cristymuranda) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:58:00 +0000

Uterus?
I quit you.

blue/braids

CriKosCut@gmail.com (cristymuranda) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 21:44:00 +0000

the Boy and the Lake

CriKosCut@gmail.com (cristymuranda) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 01:56:00 +0000

the Boy and the Lake
Originally uploaded by CristyMuranda

love this boy ^.^

Retro McDaddy

CriKosCut@gmail.com (cristymuranda) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 04:11:00 +0000

Dad
Originally uploaded by CristyMuranda

It is gonna swallow him whole.
circa 84/85

CriKosCut@gmail.com (cristymuranda) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 02:45:00 +0000

so i was told today, that i cannot exercise. apparently stuff with my body is so messed up that if i do anything more strenuous then walking i could make things worse and harder to fix.
the silver lining in all this, (i suppose) is that i am fixable, at least.

i think my new nickname should be lemon. as in, she's a lemon that one.

Cut

CriKosCut@gmail.com (cristymuranda) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 22:51:00 +0000

This is the trailer of a very amazing documentary I just watched about circumcision, and how it intertwines with religion/the history behind it, and the truth about it.
Which is that it is an unnecessary, and extremely painful medical surgery, that carries risks ( baby boys die of this every year in North America ) and in my opinion is a violation of human rights. I am not extraordinarily passionate about many things. A woman's right to choose about all things reproductive, including where and how they give birth. Is my primary passion. Right up there with that though is to stop the cutting/mutilation of baby boys. I encourage you guys to watch this, and you can also watch an abridged version of the documentary online, on you tube and on their site.
The director does a very good job of being respectful to all sides and talking about the TRUTH of it. There is no benefits to being circumcised.
Period
If your religion dictates it, then by all means, that is your freedom.
But, I respectfully disagree with you completely on this.

p.s.
It became popular in the 1900's in America because doctors said that it would help prevent masturbation.

..and his world is cracked in half

CriKosCut@gmail.com (cristymuranda) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 14:39:00 +0000

I am glad this week is nearly over.
Really, really.

Some things were good. We ate really well this week, lots of fruit and vegi.
But some things were painful, and I'm using this to write it all out here. I need to put all these swirling bits down somewhere.
I want to pre-empt this all by saying I am in a pretty pleasant mood today, we both are. Aside from weird pinchy nerve in my neck bit.
That can just go away now please.
edit: and wouldn't you know. as soon as I finished writing this, it vanished. poof!
~~~~~~~~~~

Usually our weeks go something like, Cristy is an emotional [rip] tide, Taylor is my buoy.
But this week, this week Taylor got another piece of his heart broken by his family, again.

It was terrible to watch. I was watching it happen in slow motion playback, I was trapped in a dream and could not make my body move quick enough to stop it all from happening. I watched it travel from his brain, to his face, to finally, his heart.
I immediately try to soothe, "Maybe, it was a mistake, maybe he didn't realize, maybe maybe maybe" While I am saying all this, I watch his face harden and crumble at the same time. "Does this mean he never even reads what I write to him, all the things I send to him. Does this mean he doesn't look at any of it?"

What do you do when someones heart is breaking in front of you?
You can say whatever you want about families. But we all want our parents to love us, and we all want to talk to our brothers and sisters. That connection and relationship, that feeling of belonging, somewhere, is important.
How do you tell him that, maybe, maybe he should take a break from it all. Maybe he shouldn't talk to them for awhile.
That he needs protect himself and his heart.
He's already forgiven one brother, his brother who should be in prison for what he did to him, to my Taylor. I don't even know how he did. How do you forgive someone who nearly beat you to death?
Even more, how do you forgive a family who did nothing about it?
Who shrugged their shoulders and said, "He's just out of control"

They have all been given a lot of chances.
So yes, I want Taylor to not talk to them for awhile.

The family of 'geniuses'
I don't care how brilliant and intellectual they all are.
Because they did something very foolish.
They threw their baby out with the bathwater.