TGIF

Reflection is in many ways a lost art. It is an eyepiece to a world hidden

away, the world within ourselves which is alive with truths and beauties

and darkness we have never glimpsed. It seems sad that we slice our

time too thin for dreaming long dreams and thinking long thoughts.

We've grown uncomfortable with that sort of thing. For a long time

I had been uneasy left alone. I would snap on the television or grab

a book or make brownies. Anything. I suppose we are restless all

alone with ourselves, all alone in a room with a stranger. What if we

face ourselves and find we don't like the person we meet? I didn't

even want to spend much time in prayer because God might

confront me and I'd have to look at myself.

Sue Monk Kidd

Friday came very quickly this week, not that I am complaining. Looking forward to some quality alone time. Hubby will go visit his son on Saturday, and I will have the day to myself. After a trip to my favorite fruit stand, I've really nothing pressing that just HAS to be done. I'll probably chop up some red, yellow, and orange peppers, onions, and garlic and saute with a little salt-free tomato sauce and some Mrs. Dash to make some kind of flavorful topping for the foods that I find extra bland.  In the beginning, it was thrilling to try out new foods with new and different spices, but it is becoming a bit boring right now.

I am so trying to get this diet together...and now there is a second diet that I have to include...a diet for Graves Disease.  From research I have learned that certain foods aggravate  the thyroid.  Seafood, aside from tuna, is not a problem.  I don't like it anyway.  But dairy products are another story.  No more milk, even 1 percent, yogurt, and cheeses...not that I like lots of cheeses; in fact, the only ones I eat are Swiss and cheddar. It seems that our dairy products are loading with iodine, toxic for thyroid issues.  Almond milk here I come.  Anyone ever tried it?  

So, I guess what I am trying to say is this will be a weekend spent on food, but in a good way, finding healthy alternatives so I don't feel so left out when I see my office mates eating the foods that I once and still love, but are not on my menu any longer.  

Before closing, I've a question to ask.  It's personal and feel free not to answer.  This thyroid issue is all new to me, and I am wondering if anyone here has had to deal with it.  I'm especially frightened of the thyroid scan they scheduled for me on August 9th and 10th.  Taking something that is going to make me radioactive, albeit only a small amount, is really scaring me, and the more I read, the more frightened I get.  I've a hubby and an old kitty at home.  How do I steer clear of them?  I've only one bed now so one of us will be on the floor, but how do I keep a kitty who loves my feet away?  I also read in several sources that RAI treatment has, on occasion, made the condition worse. Seriously, I'm thinking about asking for other alternatives.  And perhaps, I am just worrying too much. And doing too much reading.

But hey, I am not going to let this spoil my weekend.  After all, the test is still a couple weeks away.  For now, I am going to relax and enjoy and treasure my special alone time.  Bought some of my favorite scented candles, a Kindle recipe book for making comfort foods with low sodium, and some new body lotion to pamper myself. 

Here's hoping you all have a fun-filled weekend?