Sue’s Weblog

So my oils workshop cancelled, and I’ve added a new link to my site:  Boudicca.  This link is really a blast, as it’ll clue you in to performances of my belly dance teachers troupes; the one in which I’m a member, and the one in which I’m not, as I’m not yet instrumentally trained, and the other troupe is her band.
Performances by her troupes, and her events that include open floor dancing, are almost always local.  (Sonoma County).  You should definitely check out her blogroll, too, because it will turn you on to other sources of info. on performances, and festivities that are usually dance/music oriented: http://boudiccamusic.com/links.htm
Another addition to my list of current deals and steals in terms of massage is my current 2fer.  Actually, I’m currently running TWO 2fers:  Mothers Day and Fathers Day.
These TWO 2fer deals are identical, and the total cost of ea. deal is $70. 
If you schedule for both deals, at the same time, I’ll discount the two deals so that the total cost will come down to only $130, instead of $140. 
If you want to get in on either of both of these deals, just call before the end of July.  I’ll run the same deal for 4th of July, and you can schedule anytime before Aug. 20th. 
Another way to get a free half hour massage, anytime, is to sign up for one of my workshops.  If you convince a friend to come along, you get a free hour, gift certificate, as the 2 of you walk in the door.   You’ll also get a chance to get more connected to your community of local business women.  Just ask me, if you’re interested in attending a Connections/Parent Pack meeting as my guest.
ToastMasters is great, too.  It’s a small handful of really fun people who want to improve their speaking/leadership skills/confidence, in a warm, welcoming environment.  We give eachother only constructive criticisms, as it’s not a classroom astmosphere, and after the second meeting of the mo. (the 3rd Th of ea. mo.) we go to Finbar Devines, for more fun and good food.
And speaking of food……..
If you’re like me and my son, and you have Celiac Disease, contact this woman, and ask about the seminar on the 28th: Jennifer Iscol info@northbayceliacs.org
Tell her that Sue Hirsch referred you. 
Celiac Disease is a condition that causes your body to re-act badly to the ingestion of gluten.  It’s a bit like having an allergy to wheat, but it’s a bit more complicated than that.  When we eat anything with the protein that’s found in most flours, like wheat, white, barley, oats, rye, spelt, or kamut, my son and I have some real problems.  It keeps us from being able to assimilate and use nutrients properly, after that, for almost a month.  It strips the cilia from our intestinal tract, and then the cilia have to regrow.
Celiac Disease if often misdiagnosed, and can cover a whole host of symptoms.  If you having problems with dairy and sugar, Celiac Disease could be at the root of those problems, and can trigger neuropathies, later in life, such as Alzheimers and ADD/HD and symptoms of what used to be called “retardations”. 
Serious stuff, so if you have any suspicions, get a blood test, then have your kids tested, too.  It runs in families.
Luckily, living gluten free is becoming easier, all the time, because it is becoming more commonly known, and the specialty grocery stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joes are keeping up by stocking up on products labeled as Gluten Free.  If it says “Wheat Free” that doesn’t necessarily mean “Gluten Free” so WATCH IT! 
There’s a great Magazine, that will get you started, because it has a good/bad foods list in the back.  The Magazine is called: Living Without.   It includes stories, letters to the editor, a Q and A section, recipes, the latest research and resources, etc. 
The truth is that once you read this magazine, then do a bit more research and consciencious shopping, in the right stores, you won’t really be “living without” your favorite foods.
Enjoy!!