Women's Conference Call Yesterday: a synopsis by Debra

We had a great chat with Tisha, Trish, Glenna, Melissa, Sherri, Lori, a few others and we pretty much covered the full gamut. Here's a quick rundown of our 2 and a half hours for those that missed it, in case it inspires some thoughts.

• Our symptoms, (sometimes odd) behaviour, and experiences have really shaped our perceived personalities, adding a conflict between our interior and exterior personas. People aren't allowed to see our true selves.
• Holiday travel and visits pose a special challenge with long car rides, people hugging you up close, staying as a guest in others' homes and bringing our own special food to eat. We might offer to pay for the extra water we use in our multiple daily washups. Not to mention having to explain why it's all so necessary.
• We had 4 Capricorns on the line and started talking about birth signs and personalities. Would it be alright to add a Birthdays link on the left to acknowledge each other's special day?

• Goat milk soap seems to be a possible remedy for dry skin, now that icy winter's here.
• Bizarre sink and bathtub rings that appear after we wash, but not for others, especially after we've eaten dairy or meat.
• Musty towel smells after one or two uses.
• Clean sheets in the closet that take on a sour smell after "fermenting" in there for a few months.
• Taking activated charcoal internally and using it externally around the house, car, office, etc.
• Going to funerals where everyone is wearing black, but if you're wearing any kind of powder, watch out because it'll be sure to surface somewhere.
  Being offered copious amounts of delicious food at social gatherings, but trying to hold back and stay on your special diet while at the same time appear polite and appreciative of the hospitality.
• We are "chosen ones" blessed with the ultimate challenge of building strong and meaningful relationships and contributing to society with purpose while enduring exclusion and isolation.
• A really good piece of exercise equipment for your lymph system is the rebounder (mini trampoline). Probably helps muscle tone as well. Easy, cheap, small, convenient. Do it 15 min a day for the rest of your life.
• Harnessing the power of our group's talents and skills to do something really great. Play to people's strengths.
• Know that there are probably some very influential and powerful people reading our posts, possibly even listening to our calls. It might not be time or wise for these people to come forward right now but know that some heavy help might be in our future or in the silent background.
• Excitement about the Miami meetup, and who's going.
• How our message board has greatly improved since a year ago. More positive and proactive, with a closer group. Maria's arrival was a pivotal moment
• Staying at home gives us delicious relief from public scrutiny, yet leaves us feeling isolated and sometimes lonely. This group is a godsend.
• We should share lots more of our lives with the group: family, school, job, weddings, births, sickness, deaths, volunteering, achievements, travel, events, special activities, and the like.

Physically, we're getting better and better all the time. Or at least feel that way.
Debra