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tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40089404968314620292020-02-28T13:31:55.123-08:firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008940496831462029.post-48563830103112633602019-02-15T23:08:00.002-08:002019-02-15T23:08:20.125-08:00Advice I wish Someone Told Me in My Twenties / 20s

1. Take Care of Your Health! - In our 20s, we are resilient, recognizing that we have somewhat decreased our stamina from our teens, but still resilient with energy to play hard and work hard! However be cautious that common illnesses are later manifested from how we take care of ourselves earlier, such as the foods we eat, the environment, how much sleep we get, stress and how hard we push ourselves to play, study and work.

"In our 20s, we gather wealth at the expense of our health, and in our 50s we spend our wealth to attempt to buy back our health"

So take care of your self TODAY!

2. Buy Life Insurance & Critical Illness Insurance -
What LIFE INSURANCE? I'm in my 20s ! I'm not invisible? You want to take advantage and lock into a cheap low premium for a PERMANENT plan. That is not a plan with rising costs as you age. If you do this early enough, I am sure you will thank me, when you are in your 30s carrying a mortgage, or as the primary income earner while caring for a young family. Hoping that you live beyond that, at your latter years of retirement, having a cheap permanent plan also serves well for passing on tax free inheritance to your loved ones.

3. Wear Sunscreen and Don't Forget the Neck and Forehead
We seldom care for our skin when it's in good condition, and spend more later trying to recover the neglect from earlier years. I tell you, wear sun screen, on your face and don't forget the forehead and neck.

4. Put Your Family First and Don't Take Them for Granted
As we think we are invisible in our 20s, we also think our family members are too; however life is fragile. Spend time with your family more and cherish them while they are still here.

5. Invest and Take Time to Heal
Why spend the money later trying to recover the neglect to our bodies, buy your vitamins now, take them. Listen to your body. If you are tired, sleep, if you are hungry, eat. We tend to push ourselves too hard in our 20s, thinking we can both play hard, and work hard.

6. Be Confident and Stay Humble
It takes years to be confident in your own skin, knowing both your strengths and your weaknesses.
Take head to stay humble, yet know that you are capable of much. It's not a race against others, but a journey to know thyself and to function out of your unique strengths.

7. Be Patient With Yourself and Enjoy the Journey
You matter, and can make a difference. Take calculated risks and never be shy to fail.
When we fail, we learn, and when we learn, we grow.

firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008940496831462029.post-58438577401907377122018-09-21T13:16:00.003-07:002018-09-21T13:16:43.814-07:00When Enbrel stops working and Humira too! Cimzia? Xeljanz? Actemra?
I was diagnosed with RA in 2005 and was previously put on combinations of our commonly known to make you throw up, loose hair type of drugs like Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine, Prednisone etc.. until I was approved by my provincial government for Enbrel. Thank God I also have an extended health plan to pick up 80% of the $1.7K monthly bill.

Anyhow, if you read prior posts, I was on Enbrel for 10 years! It was a miracle drug that gave me my life back. I even had 2 healthy children while taking Enbrel (now ages 8 and 5).

3 years ago, so at the 10 year mark on Enbrel, the efficacy of the drug seemed to have stopped working. At the same time (co-indecently) my Rheumatogist moved and I was switched to a new doctor.

We tried Humira ... worked for a couple years and stopped working

We are now trying Cimiza... not working as well...

Next options given to me are Actemra & Xeljanz.. hmm.. anyone out there tried these?

I was explained that, as I move to more aggressive drugs, the risks increase such as:

Actemra chances of developing shingles = 2% vs Xeljanz chances of developing shingles = 3%. I've also heard of a shingles vaccine? would that counter this?

Then you have disclaimers like these on the Xeljanz Site that offer no Comfort:

"Cancer and immune system problems.XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR may increase your risk of certain cancers by changing the way your immune system works. Lymphoma and other cancers, including skin cancers, have happened in patients taking XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had any type of cancer.

Some people who have taken XELJANZ with certain other medicines to prevent kidney transplant rejection have had a problem with certain white blood cells growing out of control (Epstein Barr Virus–associated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder)."

In times of flares, world seems darker & hopeless than it really is. But, I must remind myself that there's hope! email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008940496831462029.post-87080126979190386452018-02-28T11:34:00.001-08:002018-02-28T11:34:18.700-08:00Cortisone Shot? Does it Work? Cortisone is a steroid used to reduce inflammation. For years I've refused the shot to treat my left wrist as I've gotten use to the stiffness. All my other joints are under control and feel normal except this nagging wrist and guess what? I said why not, let's give it a shot ... literally..

It's only been an hour and I do already feel and increase in range of motion! I'm hopeful by tomorrow I will have full range, but we will see and I'll update on how long and this last for.

Update
The affect wore off in about 4 days and I'm back to my to me normal stiff email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008940496831462029.post-84753369678577651442017-01-15T01:44:00.001-08:002017-01-15T01:44:13.544-08:00Path to Wellness with Rheumatoid Arthritis - Natural Path Day

My Path To Wellness - Initial Visit with Natural Path

I decided to see a Natural Path for an alternative to traditional western medication. I found that Enbrel worked wonders to mask the symptoms of RA, but not to cure. I've already been on Enbrel for 10 years and I really hope one day I can be medication free!

Here's the recommended treatment plan for those who are curious:

AR-ENCAP
a) Glucosamine sulfate - the primary substrate for the biosynthesis of proteoglycans which provide the framework for collagen and give tissue its flexibility and resilience. It also plays a role in the formation of articular surfaces, tendons, ligaments, synovial fluid, skin, bones, nails, heart valves, etc.
b) Boswellia Serrata - an herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. It causes total inhibition of the total complement pathway, and blocks formation of leukotrienes (potent pro-inflammatory substances which also cause bronchoconstriction and increased vascular permeability).
c) Devils Claw used traditionally as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Studies have reported both anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
d) Prickly Ash - reported to stimulate the circulation and lymphatic system and to be effective in helping rheumatic diseases.

Vitamin D Liquid

Tumeric Capsules

ProBiotics

I'm sad to report that I kept this up for 2 months and didn't see any significant changes or improvements to my RA.

I'm wondering if anyone else has had taken natural supplements recommended by a natural path and had better results?

firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008940496831462029.post-18129165648352037652016-03-25T01:24:00.000-07:002016-03-25T01:24:03.423-07:00Living with RA for over a Decade - Update
It's certainly been a long while since I've posted. In fact, I de-listed this blog for over a year due to hmmm... shame. I was shameful that perhaps my potential employers would find out that I have been living with RA and preference would be given to more healthier candidates if they found my blog.

Well, the truth is - It's been over a DECADE and I'm fine ~ In fact, I'm proud.
Through this journey I've had 2 kids, am an accountant with steady employment, and volunteer to advocate for a very vulnerable sector in my community. So.. what's there to be ashamed I tell myself and am writing again tonight.

Update on RA
I've learnt that Enbrel is my best friend. It has done me no apparent harm so far and has allowed me to function and do the things I love. Though I can still find myself researching on the possible damage this drug can do, it works for me today, and has been for over a decade. So... why scare myself when I can just be at peace knowing it's the right drug that works for me. I haven't given up on a cure though and do believe our bodies can cure itself with the right combination of diet, exercise, frame of mind, and faith. However, its easier said than done. I must admit, other priorities such as my children have taken away from my own search for this wonder cure.

RA Remission
What I find fascinating is that my RA symptoms went away during 2 events in my life:
1. During Pregnancy
2. During Stomach Flu

During these times, I chose not to take Enbrel when due, and normally, if I miss a dose, I start feeling sore. However, both during majority of my pregnancy and other times during the stomach flu, a missed dose didn't end up with any flare ups. Its as if my anitbodies were doing what they were meant to do. Fight the flu, and subside to protect the baby. This gives me hope that my anti-bodies do know what they are doing.

Update on Kids
If you've read my prior posts, you would know that I had conceived both of my children while on Enbrel. My kids are 5 and 3 years old this year and both are healthy. My eldest does show more allergies than my youngest and the obvious difference I found was that I ate whatever I wanted with my second and was very cautious with my first. - interesting....

That's it for now folks - Will write more next time. :) Keeping Shining Everyone.

firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008940496831462029.post-81445454085677317202014-06-17T01:51:00.000-07:002015-07-24T10:02:13.295-07:00Work Life Balance - Children, Career, Marriage, Finances, Social Life

Here I am blogging about "Work Life Balance" when its been over 5 months since my last post!

As you see, I've been consumed with the demands of life especially with my 2 young children, career, finances, social life, and marriage. My health has been good. No complaints here. Enbrel is still working and I've decreased my dosage to twice month and quarterly check ins with my specialist.

However, some recent economic changes has led me to ask whether to decrease or increase my work load. I think this is a question, many mothers face these days.

On one hand lies the opportunity to advance my career objectives, gain more experience, and of course more MONEY! and yet on the other hand lies the opportunity to be present with my children to nurture, teach, and lay the foundation of their lives for their future. Many women would argue that being a SAHM would be best, while others argue that financial stability would better the family's future. There is no right answer, but I hope some of the following articles will shed some light for you as it did for me.

Career and Motherhood - Panel Interview
I found this video very intriguing and hopeful as it shows 4 career women balancing the life of motherhood and advancing their careers. Its no doubt though that these women all have chosen and created their own environment that works for them. Career and motherhood does not have to be mutually exclusive but can be synergistic and rewarding.

Forbes Article: Why I Have Regrets About Being a Stay At Home Mom
This article reinforced my decision to continue pursuing my career, finding quality opportunities over quantity.

Here's a summary of some tips I have found helpful

1. Be Mindful and Present  - No matter what you are doing, whether work or play, be present. Its easy to get side tracked thinking about the "got tos", or checking emails on your smart phone. Rather make each moment count by being fully present to capture each moment with your children, friends and loved ones and the same goes with work. Blocking out time to be fully present at work will lead to better productivity and efficiency.

2. Schedule Time to Nurture and Work on Marriage - I am no expert here, but we plan date nights once a week to nurture our marriage as well as counselling once a week to work on our marriage. I believe the best thing we can provide for our children is a good model of a healthy marriage. Also a healthy marriage will be the catalyst for healthy parenting.

3. Take Daily Time-Outs - I thought time outs were only for kids, but we need them too! Pay attention to your mood and body. If you are getting cranky or tired, best to take a time out whether it be 2 mins or 2 hours to rejuvenate.

4. Connect with Your Friends - With both work, marriage, and children, its easy to isolate in the busyness of life without socializing with your friends. Plan a night out with just you and your friends and have some fun! If the week is too busy, even a phone call will do wonders for your soul.

5. Use your Village - It takes a village to raise a child! Use your resources if they are available and don't be shy to ask, whether it be parents, inlaws, siblings, or even hired help.

6. Create a Budget - It's easy to loose sight of finances especially with all the "needs" we have raising children. Creating a budget it self is the start to controlling finances.

7. Connect with God - Whether you believe or not, I think God is with us, guiding our circumstances, performing miracles, and blessing us along our journey. Taking time outs to pray and/or connecting in your special way with God brings peace, guidance, assurance, and hope.

8. Connect with Yourself - Its easy to get consumed with the demands of work, children, spouse, and leave yourself out. Your needs are just as valid and important. Take time to nurture your own body, mind and spirit.

 I'd love to hear more, leave me your thoughts.....

google-site-verification: google97a743f41099b35f.html email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008940496831462029.post-11730490767492264442013-11-20T00:01:00.000-08:002013-11-20T00:01:05.106-08:00Health Update - Maternity Just noticed I've been so busy with the kids I haven't even had time to post!

My RA overall has been under control with Enbrel and thank God it still works. However, My rheumatologist suggested during my last visit that we add on another medication since I complained of neck stiffness but I declined as I know I would be fine if I had taken my Enbrel dose. It's just I'm breast feeding and though my specialist suggested that Erika is old enough to digest the medication and not be affected by it; my gut just tells me the less is better. Of course she and my 3 year old need a mobile healthy mom, so it's a fine balancing act. As for yoga and excersize, I haven't made time to go and regret not taking these steps of self care more firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008940496831462029.post-54048187636233944872013-08-09T01:43:00.002-07:002013-08-09T01:44:15.263-07:00Spot Light on Rheumatoid Arthritis Research for Cause and Treatment and Cure

Recently there seems to be more exposure and spotlight on Rheumatoid Arthritis Research.

1. In June of this year, more than 14,000 people from over 110 countries gathered in Madrid, Spain to attend the largest rheumatology event in Europe, the annual meeting of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR 2013).

2.  New York Times featured a Three Part Q & A on Rheumatoid Arthritis

Both articles seem to highlight the importance of taking our medications and the effectiveness of biologics. Many RA patients also commented on Diet and Exercise as crucial steps to better health and maintaining the disease.

PTSD & Rheumatoid Arthritis

What I failed to see but am quite positive is that there is a positive correlation between PTSD and RA.

Here are a couple of studies I found online:
A) http://www.psychosomaticmedicine.org/content/72/5/481.short?rss=1
B) http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/acr.21778/abstract

My Own Journey - Healing Process

I visited my Rheumatologist today to review my blood work. He was happy to see that my Rheumatoid Factor has decreased from 400 to 30!!!

Currently I take my Enbrel on an as needed basis (1 - 2 / month), avoid foods that I'm apparently allergic too, but did not know (gluten, mushrooms, eggs), bikram yoga as my form of exercise and meditation. In addition, I've been through multiple counselling sessions to heal my traumatic memories using EMDR, CBT, and grounding exercises. - One of the keys to my healing I believe is calming my nerves literally, by practicing deep breathing, working through my triggers, and listening to my self better. An area that is not yet spoken of in these recent discussions. Perhaps its still an area the light needs to shine on for most. firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008940496831462029.post-40125132156555011902013-07-22T22:40:00.000-07:002013-07-22T22:40:51.045-07:00Product Review: Safety First Espresso Swing Gate - Terrible!

I bought the Safety First Espresso Swing Gate from Walmart for $74.88 thinking to spend a bit more and invest in something safe and esthetically nice for our home.

However, after drilling holes in my walls and banister, I realized that one of the bolts to the gate had a manufacturer defect and didn't fit properly causing the gate to warp.  - See below - I exchanged for another one.

My husband installed it this time and had the SAME problem.

The gate is quite flimsy and the hardware a terrible match - I wouldn't trust this product.

Frankly most items I've used from the brand Safety First has been quite disappointing other than their nail clipper.

email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008940496831462029.post-66431272255755807372013-07-06T23:58:00.000-07:002013-07-07T00:01:51.409-07:00Finding Cause and Cure for RA (cont.) - Bikram Yoga ?

Back Ground: What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) is an autoimmune disease where a person's immune system attacks itself, specifically the synovial fluid in the joints, causing inflammation, stiffness, and in most severe cases immobility and deformity.

What is the Cause?

Research shows that the cause of RA is UNKNOWN. However, I've done my own personal research, and have compared my findings to my own personal life events, environment, and triggers. This is my own conclusion.

I believe RA roots from trauma. When we experience trauma, our nervous system automatically responds and tells our brain & body to either 1. Fight, 2. Flight or 3. Freeze. (further reading: Waking the Tiger, by Peter Levine, Phd) However, unlike animals who shake out the trauma, most humans are left still traumatized inside. We can continue our life as if nothing happened, yet easily find ourselves living in a hyperactive life full of stress as if it is our norm (our own familiarity). This hyperactivity speeds up our immune system with it, combined with the excess stress, our immune system begins to attack itself. It also then begins to attack familiar objects as if they were foreign and can manifest itself into "allergies".

A book titled "When the Body Says No" by Gabor Mate, suggests that internalized stress and repressed feelings, will manifest itself into illnesses, one of so called mentioned, Rheumatoid Arthritis. See: Pychoneuroimmunology Post

Steps to Healing...

I believe the key to healing involves integrating our mind, body and spirit, allowing God to breath "peace and stillness" into every living cell that still shouts "HELP". In addition, loving ourselves enough to eat healthy, sleep at least 8 hours a day, drink 6-8 glasses of water and recognizing our own limits.

Since I've discovered my own allergies "gluten & eggs", (see: Natural Path Allergy Test Report Post), diet plays a huge roll, eliminating foods that causes further inflammation.

Finally I have been doing bikram yoga once a week for the past 5 weeks. In the heat, as my heart races, I am at the same time, STILL, telling myself that I am safe. My body becomes stronger, my joints more flexible and mobile, and best of all, my mind at peace. During the savasna pose (rests), I lie in stillness, thanking God and myself for every breath I take.

It's been 5 weeks since I've taken my enbrel injection. Do I flare? .... Sure I do. I notice joint stiffness when I burn the candles on both ends, staying up late night and waking early to care for my toddler and my 5 month old baby. However, I feel better after a yoga class, and the joints that hurt the night before are better the next day.

I will keep you posted and if truly Bikram Yoga will help enough that I can be drug free and since I still breast feed, my baby drug free too.

firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008940496831462029.post-41037144084906768182013-02-23T23:37:00.000-08:002013-02-23T23:38:05.618-08:00My Second Birth Story

Erika 1 Minute Old

I believed when I was forewarned by my doctors, family and friends that second births would be FAST! However, I did not think it would be THAT FAST! WOW!

I woke up at 5:00 am with what I thought might be Braxton Hicks, but they were a tad bit stronger so I wasn't sure. I timed 3 of them 10 minutes apart and called my Douala at 5:30 to let her know. She said if they start becoming closer together and stronger to give her a ring again. As soon as I hung up the phone they started to become closer, so we left the house right away to drop off our toddler at his grandparents and head to the hospital.

When I arrived, I seemed ok. I even contemplated whether to fake more pain or not so they will take me in for sure and not send me home! When they took my registration information, I asked right there if I could sign the papers for the Epidural right away instead of having the asthesist read me a long list of warnings and waivers while I labor in pain.

Anyhoo, the registration lady, said no, she didn't handle that and that I would have to ask the nurse. They rolled me into the assessment room, where my Douala and mid wife came to meet me and to check how far I was along.

Apparently I was 5cm dilated already! Amazing ! I asked her this time, "Can you please make sure i get the epidural? It's really important to me that I get the epidural, ok?" She said "yes of course" and left the room to make arrangements to admit me to a proper hospital room.

My contractions after the exam went from a scale of 3 to 8 and I started howling my "OOOOWWWW", "OOOOOOWWWWW", "EPIDURAL PLEAAAAASSEE!!" - a nurse came in and said ok, lets get her in the chair and they started to roll me to the assigned room. She asked if she should stop during my contractions but that would mean my Epidural would be delayed, so I said "No No, just go go!" As we were in the elevator, I started to feel the urge to push, but was afraid to let anyone know, as they might not give me my Epidural! So I howled away as they pushed me to the bed. At this point I was screaming "No, I'm pushing! I don't want to push, No!!!"

I heard someone ask if I wanted Gas and I said very firmly "NO GAS, I WANT THE EPIDURAL NOW!" But ofcourse, that was not possible, as I wasn't even on the bed yet, nor got an IV started.

As I was climbing onto the bed, I heard "Stop pushing, I can see her eyes!!!"

OMG! I thought. What??? My body was on autopilot really and I didn't know how NOT to push. My Douala shouted "look at me! breath short breaths, hah hah hah hah" I used all my effort to open my eyes and look to focus on short breaths and not pushing for the life of my child, I needed to do this. I was afraid for my baby's life, not sure why, but just was. So I did everything they told me.

As soon as I climbed on the bed, (on all fours), I heard, "ok, you can push now" and just like that after a couple of pushes Erika was born! I was shocked, stunned, and thankful that we were both alive! For some reason, I doubted my body, had morbid fears of one of us dying, and fears that Erika would be born missing fingers or toes. I was afraid of the pain of not having an epidural and before I knew it I gave birth absolutely drug free!

She was PERFECT! I didn't even tear below! I entered the hospital at 6:45 and she was born 7:46.

7.4 Pounds and Absolutely Healthy! (see her 1 minute photo above)

There it is short fast sweet and miraculous! And to be very honest, it didn't hurt as bad as I thought it would.

email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008940496831462029.post-44166773527122870522013-02-15T21:55:00.002-08:002013-03-09T19:46:09.533-08:00RA and Acupuncture during Pregnancy

Acupuncture at Accumamas

Wow, I didn't think I'd be even later with my second child. Lucas was born 40 weeks plus 6 days and was naturally induced with the help of the verbena augment tea. Erika now is 41 weeks plus 1 day and still quite enjoying life in the womb. I've had 4 sweeps, 3 doses of the Augment Tea, and finally I thought I'd give acupuncture a try. My midwife recommended Accumamas, who specialize in acupuncture and Chinese medicine during pregnancy. Check them out at: http://acumamas.com/services/

Since I have RA, I tried acupuncture once before for my inflamed wrist, however found that the heat that was added to the needles aggravated my wrist further and my flare got worst. Ever since then, I have not tried again. But, since I'm anxious to see my little Erika out and healthy, I thought I'd give it a go.

By the time I got Lucas and myself ready, dropped him off at is grandmas, and arrived at my appointment, I was stressed and breathless. My technician was Renee and she didn't seemed bothered that I was a bit late and on the phone the entire time I was filling out the new client questionnaire, but instead said "Take your time... , whenever you are ready.."

After submitting the form, she lead me upstairs to the treatment room and we took about 10 minutes to chat about my concerns and purpose for the treatment. It was quite clear that I was there to induce labor. I've also learnt that a few factors must work together including:

1. Cervix Effaced
2. Baby's head engaged
3. Cervix moving from anterior to prosterior
4. Contractions
5. Dilated

At my last check up, I was told that the head was low and engaged, but my cervix was still high and about 1.5cm thick and I was dilated about 3cm. She also mentioned that she could feel baby's head, which I couldn't grasp how that could be possible with my cervix being "high" and "thick". But after research and asking Renee, I came to understand the cervix was still in the anterior position and needs to move forward.

Anyhoo, these are probably the big questions:

What was the treatment like? Did it hurt?

I'm absolutely a wimp when it comes to needles but I can tell you honestly, it didn't hurt at all! Some points I didn't even know she had inserted the needles already. She put a point in my forehead, a few in my lower back, a couple in my feet and ankles and one in my hand. She then twisted the needles to stimulate the trigger points and asked me rest for 10 minutes. I of course couldn't rest and wanted to fiddle with my phone and check my emails. I noticed that my hands started to grow weak and when I moved I could then feel the trigger points in my back, so I threw my phone on the floor and rested! She came in as I dozed off and stimulated the points again and left me to rest more. After another 10 minutes, she took the needles off and they came off as discreetly as they were put in.

Did the treatment work?

Here is the BIG question. Well, I must say, I had my doubts and went about my day. I did start to feel a bunch of braxton hicks contracions in the late afternoon. Nothing seemed to be different in the next 24 hours; however, at my next check up, I was told my cervix did shorten from 1.5cm to .5cm and I was 3 - 4cm dilated compared to 2-3cm dilated. There was progress indeed and I did end up giving birth 2 days later to an amazing healthy daughter. My labor was extremely short and perhaps the acupuncture played a role? I'm not sure, but glad I went.

Did the treatment affect the RA symptoms?

There was no heat involved in this treatment so I did not find that I flared at all afterwards. Another consideration is that RA is suppose to be in remission during the last trimester, but I DID flare a couple days ago before this treatment and tackled it with a dose of Enbrel.
(Again for those who are curious about Enbrel during Pregnancy, please see my previous post). I called motherrisk to confirm.

Well there you have it. I will post my birth story next. Stay Tuned~

email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008940496831462029.post-21014794616425373182013-02-03T02:40:00.002-08:002013-02-04T00:13:53.099-08:0040 Weeks Pregnant Plus 2 Days - Verbena Augment Tea Natural Labor Inducement

So I had ANOTHER membrane sweep done a couple days ago and still NO Baby Yet!

I did however feel regular braxton hicks contractions from 4am to 6am last night every 10 minutes though. I ended up sleeping as the tightening in my tummy was not painful at all and woke up the next day with no further progress; except for the continuous loss of my mucus plug.

For people who wonder how a mucus or part of mucus plug looks like, I recommend googling the image. You can see for yourself.

So here I am 2am, at 40 weeks plus 2 days, contemplating whether I should make the Augment Tea that I drank last time with Lucas and absolutely worked! See: http://www.mommywithra.blogspot.ca/2010/11/40-weeks-plus-5-days-overdue-still.html

I would be using the same bottle of verbena oil and the shelf life as I've read online is about 3 years, so we are cutting it close. It may not work at all or it may? Are we really ready?

Well, I'm going to decide and keep you posted if I do prepare this and drink it and if it works again, then this "Tea" is golden!

Feb 4th Update - 40 weeks plus 3 days
So I did prepare the Verbena Labor Induction Cocktail however this time I stuck with the recipe to the T! I mean it said only 5 Drops of verbena oil, so this time only 5 Drops! If you read my blog from Lucas's birth, I was both eager and skeptical of this cocktail, so I probably put 10 drops in my brew and ended up with crazy contractions that were one after the other. OOOOWWWWW!!!

I drank a dose this morning at 11am, and right after put me to sleep for an hour. No contractions, or signs of labor by 7pm, so I made another dose and drank that. Again, it put me right out for another nap. It is now 12am and I'm brewing yet another batch. I wonder why this time it is taking much longer? I am using the same bottle of verbena oil, so maybe the potency has decreased? Anyhoo, I'm sticking with 5 drops and if I don't labor, well at least it relaxes me enough to put me to sleep tonight. I will keep you posted! Thanks for reading. (Click on link above for the recipe if you are interested).

firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008940496831462029.post-13840386776621915092013-01-27T15:26:00.003-08:002013-01-27T15:40:12.219-08:0039 Weeks Pregnant - Membrane Sweep

So here we are at 39 weeks and 3 days, that is 4 days from my estimated due date of February 1, 2013. Here is an update from my last check up:

Measuring Small
Again I measured small per the midwife, and I thought perhaps this is an indication that baby will come later, but as I've read and asked around, small babies can come early too.

2 CM Dilated
I am currently 2cm dilated! Yeah as this is progress, but I could remain 2 cm dilated for weeks. It really depends on when baby is ready at which that time, I'm sure I'll jump from 2 to 4 in no time. (second births I hear are alot faster). I was then offered a membrane sweep and I said yes, the light version if possible?

What is a Membrane Sweep?

"Membrane sweep", also known as membrane stripping, or "stretch and sweep" in Australia and the UK - during an internal examination, the midwife moves her finger around the cervix to stimulate and/or separate the membranes around the baby from the cervix. This causes a release of prostaglandins which can help to kick-start labor.

The "sweep" was done at 12pm, Jan 25th (48 hours ago). It was uncomfortable and I had some spotting immediately afterwards. At about 5pm that same day, it seemed that I lost part of or entire mucus plug, so I thought I was going into labor very soon. We immediately packed the car and made sure we were ready to boot it to the hospital if anything happened. Since then, nothing has happened and I'm back to waiting. She will come when she is ready.

Meeting our Douala - Forming a Birth Plan

The very next morning I met the same Douala that helped us with Lucas's delivery. She asked me about whether I had formed a birth plan or how I would envision our second birth? If I wrote a birth plan, it would be this and I'd slap it down on the admitting table before I give them my name:

She tried to introduce other methods of pain reduction, but honestly from what I remember last time, NOTHING worked for me except for the epidural. The gas mask sucked, because I could barely breath, I didn't want to be touched what so ever by anyone because I was in so much pain, so could not really enjoy or be alleviated by any massage techniques, and finally, my mind was so terrified of the next contraction, that I couldn't visualize jack or come up with any affirming thoughts.

If I were to describe what labor pains feel like it would be this:

Imagine, someone slowly inserting a 12" knife into your stomach and as the pain increases to a point where you think you can't take it any more, the person wrenches the knife causing unspeakable pain and then slowly pulls the knife back out. I didn't know when the next one would be as I had taken the verbena oil conjunction to induce labor for Lucas's birth and it sure worked. Check out my previous blog for more details on this. Anyhoo, I don't mean to scare any first time moms but that is my truth. The good news is did I live? Would I do it all over again?  YES YES YES!!! Having a baby is the best thing that has ever happened to me and I have the privilege to birth another gift!

Thanks for Reading!
email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008940496831462029.post-27611496551469249082013-01-18T08:43:00.001-08:002013-01-20T03:21:57.620-08:0038 Weeks Pregnant and WAITING!!!

 The count down begins and as I'm closer to the birth of my second child, I am experiencing all but familiar behaviours as I did with Lucas such as:

Insomnia - Mid Night Awakenings
As if my body is training for the round the clock feeds, I wake up in the middle of the night (such as now) and simply can't sleep. A portion is probably due to maternal instinct and preparation and the other portion, simply anxiety.

Nesting
Just the other day I went to London Drugs to buy storage boxes. I wasn't quite sure what I was going to store in the 10 boxes I bought!!! LOL!!! As I checked out, the lady behind me said "Looks like Mama bear is Nesting!" and like that it all of a sudden made sense - Yes I AM Nesting! I want to get my home clean and organized for our new arrival!

Adding to the Labor Bag
I prepared for Lucas's (my first son) labor bag much more in advance. I suppose with this one I know now what the hospital provides and what is NOT necessary - such as packing a YOGA BALL! You should have seen what I had packed for Lucas's birth. It was insane. This time round, I have just what I need and am still adding to it as things come up.

Clothes and blanky for our new born girl

Nightgown and slippers for me

Juice boxes for energy and thirst

Car seat

Outdoor suit for our little girl

NB diapers and baby wipes (hospital will provide as well)

Reminder to grab phone charger, purse, and toiletry

Anxiety
I've been measuring small every visit for example, my last doctors visit was at 37 weeks and I should be at 37cm from pelvic bone to top of the uterus; however, I'm at 35 weeks. I went in for an ultrasound and the technician had to measure 7 times around the baby's belly until she was confident that she's ok! So a part of me is wondering if she will be healthy! Did I not eat, sleep or rest enough?

Also I'm still waiting for maternity benefits after 1 month from applying to service canada. I certainly hope I don't have to go through maternity leave without pay again! But if I did it once, I can do it again. Just frustrating as I've been paying EI since I was 13 and have well contributed into our system.

Finally I'm anxious about the delivery. Will I be stuck in traffic? Will I have time to drop off Lucas first? As some of you know I've moved away further from Vancouver, so the distance from BC Women's Hospital worries me as I"m absolutely NOT the home birth type of gal. I NEED THE EPIDURAL!

Last but not least, I received our first gas bill from Fortis BC and its $540! We just moved in for 26 days! This is insane and if it is what it is I'm afraid we can't afford this.

Body Aches and Pains
Well my upper back is killing me along with annoying lower back pain and swollen feet. I went for a prenatal massage just the other day and it was GREAT! However, the relief didn't last long. The pelvis pains as I've read seem to be common as the baby drops lower into the pelvic bone. As for the RA flares, it hasn't been that bad (except for occasional shoulders and odd finger), so I've steered clear of taking my usual Enbrel shots this time. Overall these bodily unconforts will end soon and I know I will be overwhelmed with Love for my new baby and family that I won't even notice it.

Well thanks for joining me with this rant! I'm sure I'm not the only 38 week preggo lady waiting .....

email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008940496831462029.post-50404191419925050842012-12-13T12:11:00.002-08:002012-12-14T16:46:48.197-08:00Product Review: Vichy Nutrilogie Baume - LOVE IT

I first bought this Vichy Nutrilogie Baume on sale at Shoppers for something like $22.99 and I absolutely LOVE IT!!!

The cream at first seemed thick to the touch and too rich by appearance, yet my skin just soaked it up and both felt and looked great afterwards!! I go through 1 jar 1 month and am on my third jar (picking up whatever stock is left at Shoppers). The best test whether a cream is too rich for me is whether I break out and I have not so far after 3 months! My skin truly feels more moist and supple and not greasy like some creams. The scent is light and sweet and I highly recommend this. For me I use it as a daily moisterizer :)

Great price, great quality, great value.

For more info:
http://www.en.vichy.ca/Nutrilogie/Dry-to-very-dry-skin/Balm-Intensive-cream-for-very-dry-skin-p862.aspxemail@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008940496831462029.post-62183947768759427812012-09-22T23:55:00.001-07:002012-09-22T23:57:55.189-07:00I'm Pregnant Again!!!! - Pregnancy with Rheumatoid Arthritis

We finally went on a trip! Here's an updated photo of us 3 -

It feels like it's been so long, since being pregnant with Lucas.
Lucas is almost 2 and I'm pregnant AGAIN!!! Soon we will have a picture of 4 of us!

So Girl or Boy? Well .....

IT'S A GIRL!!!

I thought I wanted a boy, so that Lucas can have a brother, yet on the day I found it's a girl, I was and still am elated and happy! First and foremost like most parents, I think, as long as the baby is healthy then it's all good! Physically, I've noticed more nausea with this pregnancy than Lucas. Could it be the extra estrogen from having a girl? Also for a brief period, I craved spicy foods which is rare. I'm due February so will definitely post more until then.

Medication During Pregnancy
I'm taking Enbrel for the RA, but only on an as needed basis. Usually when I flare, I have to reflect back on either something I ate, or stress, or a combination of both. (most likely both).
For example, just the other day my LEFT wrist started to flare, which is very rare as my right wrist is the norm these days. I realized that I cheated on my gluten and egg free diet and had ate waffles and eggs, 2 days in a row. Plus, due to some major life changes, I couldn't sleep, and was extremely tired. All this resulted in the flare up. I took Enbrel and the flare went away in days. (For those reading about taking Enbrel while pregnant and are interested in the research I've personally done, please see my post: Is Enbrel Safe While Pregnant?)

RA in Remission during Pregnancy?

Most Rheumatologists say, that the RA activity will go into Remission during pregnancy and then comes back with vengeance. For Lucas, this was quasi true. I didn't experience much remission until later in my third tri-mester near the end. As for this pregnancy, I'm 5 months now and still no remission. My wrist are constantly sore,but I am not taking Enbrel as frequently (should be once a week). So far my ultra sound shows nothing abnormal or to be concerned about.

I'll definitely keep posting... Stay tuned...

Thanks for Reading and I would love to read about other mommies' with RA experiences...

firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008940496831462029.post-13478518033305491312012-08-19T01:15:00.002-07:002012-08-19T01:15:53.968-07:00Product Review: Hydroxatone & Bellaplex - Risk Free Trial?
Product Review: Hydroxatone & Bellaplex

I came across an online ad for Hydroxatone - risk free trial for 30 days and only pay $1.99 shipping. The online reviews sounded fabulous except for a few which warned that it was a scam. Well, some said it's better than botox so I had to try it for myself.

Here's my experience and hopefully this can help someone else who is on the border line of trying out this so called "risk free" trial.

Cost Upon Arrival:
 I ordered the trial for Hydroxatone and Bella plex. Both came separately and I had to pay roughly $30 each for duties, so $60 in total. What a terrible start.

Product:
One of the Bellaplex pump was broken so I had to dip my finger in the container to try. I didn't like the texture or the smell. The cream seemed to just sit on my skin and didn't work for me.

Hydroxatone on the other hand worked really well at first. My skin soaked it up immediately.
It didn't get rid of lines like some of the reviews claimed, however, it did make my skin feel soft, moist, and supple. I continued to use this for about a month. After a while I did find that my skin was breaking out and since then I've stopped.

Returns:
I called the customer service line from my cell phone and I kept getting someone hang up on me. So I called from another number and reached a service agent. He was very helpful and gave me a return number for the Bellaplex. He talked me into keeping the 2 jars of Hydroxatone for a fee of $59 which since I liked the product and would have to pay $30 to ship it back anyways, I'd go for it.

As directed I packaged and shipped the jars back with the return number provided and thought it was the end of it.

More Billing:
Their accounting department must be really messed up because I started seeing monthly charges on my bill for the autoship program. It was very frustrating to see this on my bill; however when I did call in to complain, they did rectify it by returning the funds to my card.

Bottom Line:
Bellaplex didnt' work for me. Hydroxatone is good, but not like botox as it claims. As a daily regime, Hydroxatone is very rich for me and I started to break out. Do expect to pay duties! I was extremely disappointed about this as I purchased a trial product. Further more, don't be surprised if there are billing errors and that you are still billed after you return the product. They did however, refund me the over charges.

firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008940496831462029.post-56813478237535417372012-06-29T21:33:00.003-07:002012-07-12T13:11:02.421-07:00Mommy Tips & Lessons from My Child

I often reflect on how being a mom has changed me and enriched my life and thought it would be good to share this today.

1. Respect & Love - In order to teach your child to respect and love himself and others; you must respect and love yourself. There are times for selfless sacrifices; but just remember, you need to be healthly to take care of your child. So take time out for mommy to rejeuvenate, self care, and relax.

2. Express! - Notice how children express their feelings with no hesitation. They cry when something bothers them, and laugh easily at simple amusements. They find joy in almost everything around them. It's important to notice and express your feelings in a healthy way and explore what brings you joy (one of mine is writing).

3. Don't Be Shy! - When my son sees children, he goes right up to them and joins in on what they are doing whether it be eating or playing. He is not shy at all and there is no hint of our common "fear of rejection". The children too are welcoming and accepting! The more the merrier!
As adults, we have lost this hospitality and beleive its socially awkward. We can learn alot about community, love, acceptance and playfulness watching children interact with each other.

4. Forgive Quickly - One minute Lucas is mad that I took away his toy and the next minute he is kissing me on the cheek. Children express their discontentment right away, maybe throw a fit, and then they are ok! We as adults have somehow learned to bury our discontentment so deep that it becomes resentment and we hold grudges for who knows how long. Perhaps children forgive quickly aslo due to their short-term memory, but regardless there is a freedom when we forgive.

5. Unconditional Love - I love my son no matter what he does or doesn't do, no matter how naughty he can be, or perhaps behave like an angel, regardless, he is my son and I LOVE HIM UNCONDITIONALLY. Do I offer this same kind of love to myself? Am I quick to say I hate myself when I ".........". Being a mom has given me the capacity to love unconditionally and my child is teaching me how to extend this not only to him but myself and others.

6. Love our Bodies! - Children are amused at every inch of their bodies. They love their little toes, kiss themselves in the mirror and will not say or think "oh my arms are too big, or tummy to fat". No, children LOVE their bodies, the way it looks and the way it moves, everthing about it.

7. Be Curious - Children are so curious of everything around them and love to explore! Lets not loose that child like curiosity when we become adults. Our lives is a life time of learning, loving, living, and laughing.

email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008940496831462029.post-79760789525984245182012-05-17T14:29:00.000-07:002016-12-13T11:22:30.317-08:00Health Update - Finding Cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis  <meta name="msvalidate.01" content="3586539CA07CC4F34DD46868E8DE82F3" /> <title>Your SEO optimized title</title>   page contents First I'd like to begin, by confirming that Lucas is a healthy growing boy!! I was worried that by taking Enbrel throughout my pregnancy and breastfeeding may have compromised his immune system, but he has not gotten sick once yet and from his check ups, he is doing GREAT! Yeah for healthy baby! Also Yeah to Otis Research Centre for providing me with research info.

As for myself, I've cut out gluten, eggs, and mushrooms and have found this helpful with minimizing inflammations. Of course my right wrist is a constantly sore and inflamed a bit and I've grown now to accept it as my norm.

I'd like to explore how deep breathing, relaxation, and mindfulness can help with calming my auto immune / nervous system. Perhaps my body still thinks I'm in a threatening situation. If you know my growing up, everywhere I turned, it was unsafe. I think my body is still triggered and needs to somehow know, that I am now safe. This will take time and effort.

To reserve time to nurture and love myself is quite a difficult task for a mom, part-time accountant, part-time bookstore partner, wife, and friend. However, I do believe this is important. Being on the go go go all the time is NOT healthy!

Perhaps going to the SPA would be therapeutic! :) email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008940496831462029.post-52989587561376153552012-05-17T14:20:00.002-07:002012-05-17T14:20:45.143-07:00Cure to Rheumatoid Arthritis Continued
As I journey I have come to realize that my nervous system is in shock from past traumas which is a factor to me having rheumatoid arthritis. Though now I seem at peace, my body and repressed memories seem to remember and in certain situations I get triggered.

When triggered my flight, fight or freeze mode kicks in and I never understood why until now.

To heal from rheumatoid arthritis I figure I need to deal with healing in several levels that are not mutually exclusive but connected to each other.

1. Physical
2. Emotional
3. Spiritual

Physical
My gluten free diet is definitely helping, but not the cure. If I fall off the band wagon and begin to sneak some wheat in my diet, my joints do feel it right the next morning. I'm still on Enbrel once a week for the mean time.
I figure healing must happen at a deeper level and there is still a disconnect and also a bit of neglect of my body. So often, I ignore the cries from my body for sleep, healthy food and WATER!!

Coincidentally and not so "coincidentally", I recently got hired as the accountant at Bikram Vancouver Yoga. I would never do Yoga because it meant I must show my deformed arthritis feet, but what the heck I tried it!
To my surprise, by the end of the class, I didn't care who was looking at my feet. I felt more grounded, better equipped to listen to my body, and detoxified! That was only 1 class! I'm excited to continue and I know that Bikram Yoga is meant to be for me at this time and this place in my healing journey.

Emotional
Though I feel good, most of the time, deep within, there are still unresolved issues which hinders me from being free to be me. Slowly, I'm breaking out of my shell, accepting and loving who I am. Slowly, I am FEELING the safety that I know is true around me. I believe being emotionally well, doesn't mean feeling good all the time, but equipped to identify, honor and respond to our feelings in a healthy way.

Spiritually
Some may say I fell off the chart here, from operating a Christian book store, to working for a Yoga company, but for me, I see God differently. For now, I have taken God out of the church! He has opened my eyes to his presence in places never imagined.

Here's a story to explain:

Jesus walked up to a girl crying outside the church:
"My daughter, why are you crying?"

She replied, "They won't let me in because.. (fill in the blank... i.e. I'm gay or I smoke, I .....)..."

Jesus hugs her and says "I'm sorry, I know how you feel. They won't let me in either"

Not saying that all churches are judgmental, but for me at this time, I need to break free and know my God outside the building. He has lead me to Bikram Yoga, and I believe it's part of his plan to heal me by pointing me back to loving, caring, knowing, integrating, listening, to my body which is a gift from God!

firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008940496831462029.post-86099310094513135272012-01-29T16:56:00.001-08:002012-01-29T16:56:47.281-08:00Faith911 - Missions Fest
My gamer name is Faith911 since way back when and I never would have considered myself shaken in faith in any way. Frankly I may have had too much faith that lead me to do radical things that didnt make sense such as leaving a secured accounting position for the bookstore venture, or emptying my RRSPs to live on an island of 500 to study Gods word, but the truth is if its MY faith then their is NO faith!

MY faith is now shaken! I look around at the suffering, hear stories of children being sold, sexually abused and exploited, illnesses and more! Where are you God? How can you love such monsters? What's the point of being a "Christian", so I can say and do nice things, act joyful and sing praises?

But these 3 days I've been at a conference called Missions Fest and I've been truly Inspired! Over 100 organizations and charities all under one roof to share what God is doing in their ministry to the orphans, the ill, the dying, the abused, the untouchables, the hungry and the poor.

Each booth represented Gods comfort, healing
And love! There is Hope! There is a
Reason to believe!

As I reflect on my own booth there I realize that yes, the bookstore helps w nurturing the souls of Gods army to know him more and his heart! We help spur these people on!

I hope people can recognize me as a Christian for not what I say, the crosses I wear, or the fish on my bumper. (by the way I took all these thins off!) but by me just being me, as a child of An almighty maker.

Forever I think my faith will be rocky here and there! I pray that God gives me more faith in Him and whoever is reading this too:)

email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008940496831462029.post-30343190849757373292012-01-03T19:11:00.000-08:002012-01-03T19:14:44.984-08:00Lucas - Chicken Pox or Hand Foot and Mouth Disease?Lucas just turned one and we took him to the doctors for his 1 year standard immunization shots.
3 weeks later, Lucas had a slight fever, nothing too serious as he was still his playful self.
But after the fever wore off, he started to get bumps all over his hands, back, behind his knees and ankles.
The spots were like blisters all consentrated in areas where his ezema usually is.

Maurice, my husband, also started to feel very ill. He had hot cold flashes, no appetite, sore throat and was so weak, I had to feed him soup. We all went to the clinic and baby was diagnosed with chicken pox and daddy was diagnosed with either strep throat or flu.

Ok, this is normal, I thought, every child gets chicken pox and the earlier the better I guess, so he doesn't remember it. We stayed home 3 days (rough three days for me as I had to care for a big baby and a little one) . Lucas's spots started to disapear so I brought him to his grandma's for the day. Well well well, when I picked him up, grandma seemed "tired". Maurice's sister, also mentioned, she didn't feel very well.
BOTH Maurice's sister and Maurice started to break out in bumps all over their hands and feet.

What is going on? Maurice's sister went to the doctors and was diagnosed with hand foot and mouth disease.

As of today, Maurice has recovered and is back to work, Lucas has recovered and with his grandma, Grandma is feeling better with no break outs, and I think Maurice's sister is back to work too.

and me? I feel fine. weird. Maybe it's my autoimmune that is keeping whatever this is away.

firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008940496831462029.post-57728911731027947102011-11-23T22:30:00.000-08:002011-11-23T22:30:50.884-08:00What Does Quitting Religion Look Like?So it's been a couple month's since my last post and also my last visit to a church.

It's funny how people are concerned about my church attendance. I suppose it's from good intentions and because they care, but frankly, I really prefer not to be monitored.

It's a crucial time, especially with the launch of El-Shaddai's Library and here I am wanting to quit being religious. Perhaps I've gone astray? Being too liberal? ....

God reminded me today the purpose of the book store! I went into the public library to borrow books on business plans and parenting. As I browsed the cataloque, I jotted down some call numbers. One of the numbers I jotted down (which was suppose to be either parenting or business plans), lead me to this book!

HEALING! HEALING! HEALING!

Our world is so broken, so numb, so lofty, we forget about our wounds. Layers are healed over, but the wounds still lie raw beneath. Many people who have experienced trauma, like myself, reach out in silence to self help books. I dream that El-Shaddai's will be a place for people to reach out to and feel welcomed, not judged, totally accepted and free to borrow books, videos, or music to enrich their healing journey.

Sure it's Christian materials, I too felt like I couldn't trust Christian views on certain topics, like verbal abuse. I thought Christian authors would tell me to turn the other cheek and take it, forgive, yadi yadi yadi... But on Sunday, (yes, I skipped church), the alarm to El-Shaddai's went off. Someone opened the front door. So I drove down to see if we had someone break in. Well good news, nothing was stolen, just the door was unlocked.

"Ok, here I am God! You obviously called me" - browsing the shelves, i found a book on verbal abuse. (I've been looking for one and found none, not even in the public library). - and guess what? It's amazing! Really, sound practical solutions. This book is giving me strength to stand firm, to know my worth, to NOT be a door mat! -

I dont' know how I ended up here - my blog was suppose to be about quitting Religion.

Perhaps this is how it looks like?
email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008940496831462029.post-22158019286738961372011-09-12T22:57:00.000-07:002011-09-12T22:57:17.675-07:00Lucas is 10 months old and Mommy's Back To WorkI feel GREAT!

I heard many mommy's complain about how its easy to loose yourself as a mom and now I can understand with all the self denying, self sacrificing, and simply lack of time for self nurturing tendencies. On top of that, I realized that my Christian walk has been warped and out of wack. I forgot all about "loving others AS I LOVE MYSELF"

Who am I, What do I like, What do I want, What would I do?
The I in my relationships and marriage started to fade and soon, with that my self-esteem. When we deny ourselves, I found that my body started to speak for me, feelings would rise (guilt, jelousy), and stress level with that.

However, today, I feel GREAT; Why?

1. Developing a Personal Style

For 9 months during pregnancy and 9 months after, all I wore was baby doll tops, lots of BLACK, and sweats. I can walk into a store and feel that NOTHING there will look nice on ME. Having a husband consistantly bugging me to where mini skirts doesn't help either; because that's just not ME.
So I started to browse magazines and downloaded some fashion apps for mon my iphone to browse and take note of what I liked and what I didn't like. Then I CLEANED out my closet tossing everything that I didn't fit anymore, especially items I've saved thinking I will one day fit those again! Nope Gone, I don't care! Finally, I went shopping for a something I REALLY liked and didn't care whether it was on sale or not, because I AM WORTH IT! haha!

2. Back to Work

Being back to work at what I do best, Accounting has been so liberating. It's one area I know I can.
Being able to dress up, talk to people in non baby language, and simply be an adult is new and exciting. The boys at work thinking that I"m onlyy 24 helps too:) hehe In addition; having the extra income now eliviates our financial stress and we can move into managing our finances and not let our finances manage us. (Mo and I)

3. Stopped Being Religious

Believe it or not, after 10 years of going to church and being a Christian, I QUIT!
I recently finished a book by Andrew Farley "God without Religion" and it's help me put on new lens as I view my faith.

4. Loving Myself with No Guilt

I'm starting to honor myself and love myself with NO GUILT by making time for myself, tidying, and simply listening to my feelings, needs, and wants. The next hardest thing is finding and using my voice to assert what I need and want.

But ofcourse not always, I still have that nagging thought " oh but that is so selfish";

People who judge don't matter, and people who matter don't judge!

5. Marriage Counselling

Mo and I are going to marriage counselling and its really helped us understand each other, how to communicate, and also what our boundaries are with each other. I can't change anyone including my husband, but I can certainly change myself and my reactions. - To give someone freedom and honoring his choices has freed and empowered me to make my own choices and actions. I feel closer to him and can embrace each day with him. (almost each day .. hehe)

6. El-Shaddai'sThe store is now self-sustaining after its 3rd year of operating. Though its been hard work with huge financial stress; I think the hard part is over and now we (my partner and I) have more freedom and resources to create new projects and ideas to help improve the business / ministry. Our team there is so helpful, and gifted in different ways. Truly its not just a ministry to our customers, but its been a place of healing for myself.

7. Friendships & Family

Spending more time with friend's and family, accepting help, talking about my struggles, and reaching out has helped me nurture and develop the relationships that mean most in my life. Many friends have come and go, but there is a handful, that hold a special place in my heart.

8. My Mom

Being a mom, has opened my eyes, to the depth of love my own mother has for me. For those who know me well, its been a rough journey with my mother or lack of. However, during my time of financial need, she really poured into my life, her time, her effort, and her love. I'm truly thankful for her and can see what an awesome mother she is.

Well I hope this list for me continues and that I can come back to this and reflect on days I don't feel so great! :) -

Any hoo, thanks for reading and I hope you have a GGGGGGRRRRRREAT DAY!!!

email@example.com


text:
Diagnose problems, gather information, and fix common issues with Red Hat Enterprise Linux
The Red Hat Enterprise Linux Diagnostics and Troubleshooting course (RH342) provides system administrators with the tools and techniques they need to successfully diagnose, and fix, a variety of potential issues. Students will work through hands-on problems in various subsystems to diagnose and fix common issues.
Course overview
Students will learn how to apply the scientific method to a structured form of troubleshooting. This approach is then used troubleshooting various types of problems, including boot issues, hardware issues, storage issues, RPM issues, network issues, third-party application issues, security issues, and kernel issues. At the end of the course students can complete various comprehensive review labs to test their skills.
Skills Gained
- Use the scientific method to approach troubleshooting
- Troubleshoot boot issues
- Troubleshoot security issues
- Troubleshoot storage issues
- Troubleshoot network issues
Who Can Benefit
The Red Hat Enterprise Linux Diagnostics and Troubleshooting course is aimed at senior system administrators who wish to learn more about troubleshooting.
- Required to have earned a Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)
- Recommended to have earned a Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)

subset: commoncrawl


text:
If ever there was a cook who didn't need yet another writer in his corner, it's Kenny Shopsin. By dint of being contrarian, profane, articulate, funny, anti-press, and in charge of an eccentric, culinarily ecelctic restaurant in the heart of Manhattan's Self-Employed Writer District–the West Village–the guy had scribblers practically lining up and taking tickets to profile him. And in his indefatigably Kenny Shopsin-ish way–which is a sort of a Harvey Pekar-ish agitational dyspepsia complemented by a mop of hair worthy of the Heat Miser–he rebuffed them all. All, that is, except Calvin Trillin, who finally got Shopsin to consent to being profiled in the New Yorker in 2002, when his restaurant, Shopsin's General Store, was being rousted from its original Bedford Street location by the usual suspect, a greedy landlord. (Shopsin's currently exists as a stall in the Essex Street Market on the Lower East Side.)
I was a regular at the old Shopsin's on Bedford back when I lived right nearby it (next door to Trillin, as it happens). Like hundreds of Villagers before and after me, I was first drawn in by the ramshackle storefront that simply read "GROCERIES" and then enchanted by the home cooking and the encylopedic menu, which offered things as mundane as BLTs and as outré as Senegalese chicken soup and lime ricotta pancakes.
But, witnessing Kenny's abrasiveness firsthand, I never attempted to profile him, and, indeed, I have never even introduced myself to him. My wife loved Kenny's cooking but was so frazzled by his energy that we seldom ate there as a couple. I usually went to Shopsin's solo or with my then-young daughter, who enjoyed the theater and jumble of the place, as well as the attention of Kenny's wife, Eve, a gentle soul who did the serving and order-taking. (Eve, sadly, died in 2003, when she was only 57. Not long before her death, she proudly showed me a portrait that another regular, Sean Lennon, had painted of her.)
As you can tell, I've finally relented and become yet another writer writing about municipal treasure Kenny Shopsin–because, if I do say so, his new cookbook, Eat Me: The Food and Philosophy of Kenny Shopsin, is just f***ing brilliant, as Kenny himself might say, minus the prophylactic asterisks. (Besides, Kenny has become downright media-friendly with the launch of this book, even making an appearance on Late Night with Conan O'Brien in which he seemed oddly sedate and compliant, like he'd been commanded not to be himself.)
Eat Me is satisfying in two ways: as a useful, practical cookbook from which you can pinch recipes and add them to your weekly repertoire, and as an excellent night-table read, a joy for its prose alone. I started the book in the middle, randomly opening it up to a recipe called Patsy's Cashew Chicken. The writeup begins like this:
Patsy was a cook at Shopsin's, a babysitter to all my kids, and a dear friend for many years until we had a disastrous argument. I said something that offended her, and she didn't talk to me for three years. During that period I tried very hard numerous times to apologize and make amends, but nothing would cool her. Later she came back and made some attempt at repairing things, but by then I wasn't interested. I don't mind having fights with people I love, but don't cut me off.... I loved Patsy. We were really, really close. She rejected my love. When she finally did come back, I didn't love her anymore. I couldn't be in a love relationship in which the love is used as a weapon.
Well, naturally, how could I not want to try the recipe, which is basically a corruption of Chinese restaurant-style chicken with cashews? So off to the kitchen I went to make this remnant of a friendship sundered, following it closely from the very first instruction ("Cut the chicken into strips the size of a baby's index finger") onward. And damned if it didn't turn out just as Kenny promised, with the flour-coated chicken acquiring "a velvety texture when cooked," with an appealing "sticky brown-black glaze."
All four members of my family ate this dish enthusiastically, which is saying something. And the recipe, like the others I've tried from Eat Me, was easy to follow and execute successfully–an uncommon trait in a 2008 cookbook. Michael Ruhlman recently wrote an excellent post entitled "The Fallacy of the Quick-and-Easy Cookbook" in which he inveighed against a patently disingenuous press release, for a cookbook called Ducasse Made Simple, that promises that "home cooks will be able to effortlessly recreate the world-class cuisine of renowned Chef Alain Ducasse in their own kitchens." Kenny Shopsin's recipes aren't effortless or necessarily quick, but they really are pretty easy.
Beyond its admirably high cookability rate, Eat Me has much to recommend it as a read. Shopsin's, the restaurant, began its life as a general store in the 1970s, and Kenny has filled the book with vignettes of a heartbreakingly irretrievable time, when the Village had dozens of corner groceries and an authentic middle class. A disquisition on how Shopsin roasts turkeys morphs into a story of the local butchers he used to buy birds from:
Their names were Morris and Sidney; they were from Genoa. Sidney only had fingers on one hand because the fingers on his other hand were chopped off when someone accidentally turned on the meat grinder. Despite all my idiosyncrasies, I like to think that thanks to a combination of psychotherapy and drugs, I am pretty together. Pretty sane. Morris, on the other hand, was out of his fucking brains...
The epilogue of Eat Me, "The Art of Staying Small," reveals a depth and humanity to Kenny Shopsin that belies the fat-crank caricature. "I know it goes against our capitalist system," he writes, "but I have never been interested in the normal symptoms of success, such as higher profit margins and expansion of income. I never had a goal to make more money so that I could retire or so that I could hire a low-wage employee to do the cooking for me... Running a restaurant for me is about running a restaurant. It is not a means to get someplace else. I wake up every morning, and I work for a living like a farmer. Running a restaurant is a condition of life for me. And I like everything about this life."
I like everything about this book.
October 23, 2008 Link General Posts


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PITTSBURGH — Like most kids growing up in Canada, Colin Wilson dreamed of playing in the National Hockey League and one day winning a Stanley Cup. Heck, he even practiced scoring the winning goal. But unlike most kids, it wasn't so much a dream as it was an expectation.
After all, the league has sort of become "the family business," as the Nashville Predators forward joked.
Wilson's dad, Carey, played 552 games with the Calgary Flames, New York Rangers and Hartford Whalers. His grandfather, Jerry Wilson, had a cup of coffee with the Montreal Canadiens and is partly responsible for bringing Swedish players to North America. His uncles all played major junior or college hockey.
Even from a young age, when Wilson was helping his dad run a hockey camp in Winnipeg, there was an understanding he would follow a similar path.
"I certainly put a lot of pressure on myself to make it to the NHL, being from a hockey family," said Wilson, who was born in Connecticut when his dad was still playing for the Rangers, but then moved to Winnipeg when he was two years old. "As a kid, I was getting such good advice from my family that I certainly knew it was attainable from a young age somehow.
"I don't know if I was arrogant as a kid, but there is certainly pressure. I remember when I was drafted, people on social media saying I was only drafted because of my dad. I certainly wanted to hit some milestones that my dad has and surpass them."
Wilson still trails his dad in goals, points and games played. But heading into Game 5 of the Stanley Cup final, he is just two wins away from achieving something his father or grandfather never even got close to: having his name etched on the Cup.
And yet, when the series began Wilson wondered if he would even get in a game. A lower-body injury suffered at the end of the Western Conference final forced the 27-year-old to miss the first four games of the final.
For Wilson, who has waited eight long years to get to this point, it seemed like the hockey gods were playing a cruel trick on him.
"You want to get in there and help the team to win. It's almost a selfish thing," Wilson, who has two goals and four points in 12 games, said prior to Game 5. "I want to play for the Cup. It's why you play, it's what you dream of as a kid. It's an exciting time. It's been the hardest thing to watch. I don't know how coaches do it."
Wilson's wait goes back more than just four games. He's watched this team and its city go through its ups and downs. And in some ways, Wilson's career has followed a similar trajectory.
[np_storybar title="Toews texts Wilson his support: 'Good luck'" link=""]After three tries, the Predators finally defeated the Blackhawks in the first round of the playoffs. In the process, they might have gained a new fan from the enemy side.
Nashville's Colin Wilson said Chicago's Jonathan Toews has been texting him throughout the post-season. Sometimes, the two talk about climate change and politics. But mostly, it is to wish him luck the rest of the way.
The two grew up playing hockey together in Manitoba, where they competed on the ice ("He beat me in the final," said Wilson) and their rink-building fathers competed in creating the ice.
"I actually think Toews had the better homemade rink growing up," said Wilson, who had a pond in his backyard that his father would plow and then smooth over with a homemade Zamboni fashioned out of a garden hose, PVC pipe and cloth.
When asked what sort of advice Toews has been giving him, Wilson said it is usually uplifting messages.
"He just says good luck, but he's certainly rooting for me," said Wilson. "We're buddies. I mean, I don't know, maybe he's texting (Sidney) Crosby the same thing, so. But yeah, he's been a good friend and he certainly had a nice text after we beat them in the playoffs."
— Michael Traikos[/np_storybar]
Selected seventh overall in 2008, Wilson was the third forward chosen in a draft that has known more for producing defencemen, such as Drew Doughty, Alex Pietrangelo, Erik Karlsson and Roman Josi.
Wilson is not a bust like the forward taken right before him (Nikita Filatov), but he certainly has not developed into the type of first-line player the Predators might have expected him to be when they traded up — relinquishing the No. 9 and No. 40 picks — to get him.
He's never scored more than 20 goals and he has only once managed 40 or more points. Even Wilson, who has two more years remaining on a four-year deal worth $15.75 million, admitted he was "thankful to (the Predators) for sticking with me to this point."
Maybe that was why he wanted to get back into the line-up so badly, even if his injury might not be 100 per cent healed. Wilson was tired of waiting. He was tired of watching. In the first four games of the series, he had seen how minor-league call-ups, such as Frederic Gaudreau and Pontus Aberg, had stepped up and came up so big. And now he wanted to do the same.
After all, Wilson's been dreaming of this moment for a long time. In a lot of ways, his entire family has been dreaming of it for him as well.
"Very few players get to stay with one organization for eight years," he said. "I think being here on the team since '08, the way that I've seen the game grow, our organization grow, our players stepping up and developing, I've at least gained a perspective that other people haven't. It's amazing how much it's been built. Everyone sees it on the ice and outside the rink how much it's grown. It's amazing to see.
"I have a pretty good relationship with our management … I'm hoping that I can repay them and win a Cup here."


text:
What is Your WHAT?
Discover the One Amazing Thing You Were Born To Do
By Steve Olsher
Narrated by Sean Pratt / 7 hours 38 minutes
Are you ready to discover your WHAT—that is, the 1 amazing thing you were born to do? Would you like to powerfully impact both those who share this lifetime with you and those of lifetimes to come? In What Is Your WHAT? author Steve Olsher reveals his proven process that has helped thousands answer YES to these life-changing questions and cultivate a life of purpose, conviction, and contribution by identifying and creating a plan of action for bringing the 1 thing they were born to do to fruition. It is a timely, step-by-step guide that will guide you towards making both a fortune and a difference sharing your unique gift with the world. Features inspiring stories of trial, tribulation, and triumph, as well as examples of 17 public figures, such as Guy Kawasaki, Chris Brogan, and Jack Canfield who have made the critical shift from pursuing commodity-driven opportunities to honoring their singular blueprint. Author Steve Olsher is a 25+ year entrepreneur, creator/founder of The Reinvention Workshop, and award-winning author of Internet Prophets: The World's Leading Experts Reveal How to Profit Online. Steve's singular approach to realizing permanent, positive change blends proprietary methods with ancient wisdom and revolutionary lessons from modern thought leaders. Leverage this proven system to discover your WHAT and realize ultimate achievement in business and life.
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26" (66cm) Red Long Legged Vinyl Head Red Elf
The 26" (66cm) Red Long Legged Vinyl Head Red Elf is perfect for your Christmas display this year. Perfect for creating funny scenes and scenarios, this elf will be adored by children and adults alike. The Long legged elf has a vinyl face and come dressed in a red Christmas outfit.
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Different (Truly Alternative)
The so-called "alternatives" often propose pretty orthodox solutions, which prove unfeasible (as basic scrutiny reveals). Although Greg sympathises with anybody who challenges injustice or vanity in the present order of the world, he can also see that a really clever approach to modify those damaging trends is yet to be designed. Read more


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|AP Photo/Eric Gay, File
Patricia Aragon told the U.S. asylum officer at her recent case assessment that she was fleeing her native Honduras because she had been robbed and raped by a gang member who threatened to kill her and her 9-year-old daughter if she went to the police.
Until recently, the 41-year-old seamstress from San Pedro Sula would have had a good chance of clearing that first hurdle in the asylum process due to a "credible fear" for her safety, but she didn't. The officer said the Honduran government wasn't to blame for what happened to Aragon and recommended that she not get asylum, meaning she'll likely be sent home.
"The U.S. has always been characterized as a humanitarian country," Aragon said through tears at Port Isabel, a remote immigration detention center tucked among livestock and grapefruit groves near Los Fresnos, a town about 15 miles (25kilometers) from the Mexico border. "My experience has been very difficult."
As part of the Trump administration's broader crackdown on immigration, Attorney General Jeff Sessions recently tightened the restrictions on the types of cases that can qualify someone for asylum, making it harder for Central Americans who say they're fleeing the threat of gangs, drug smugglers or domestic violence to pass even the first hurdle for securing U.S. protection.Read the rest of the story HERE.
If you like what you see, please "Like" us on Facebook either here or here. Please follow us on Twitter here.


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The NFA operates independent of the government and is a self-financed organization that doesnt depend on the tax of citizens. Cftc Regulated FX Brokers List 2 National Futures Association ( NFA ) The NFA is the second top organization that oversees regulatory compliance in the. CySec Regulated FX Broker List FX Regulations for 2018 Efficient financial regulation gives forex traders extra peace of mind. To be registered with, nFA, Forex brokers must follow the strict rules and requirements, including financial requirements, developed. NFA revised the Security Deposits section of the regulatory guide to add references to recent notices to members regarding minimum security deposits requirements. NFA performs the registration process on behalf of the cftc. Pros The regulation is strict and ensures the safety of traders account Cons The stringent regulations close the door for interested brokers and traders who may not meet the requirements.
To protect the world, there are countries who monitor and oversee forex nfa forex regulatory guide trading activity, including forex brokers, that occur within their borders. Nevertheless, as much as it comes with a lot of profit potentials, it as well attracts the attention of elements who perpetrate corrupt and dishonest activities. These agencies function as supervisory bodies to ensure that participants comply with local regulations and to license brokers that play according to the prescribed rules. However, it has attracted many foreign forex companies who wish to take advantage of the light regulations existing in the region. The strict rules forced some brokers to leave the US market due to lack of sufficient capital to comply with high capital requirements set by the NFA. Americans with dual citizenship living in a foreign country may be able to trade forex off-exchange with an unregistered forex dealer. The laws result in speedier dispute resolutions. Cons Many foreign players are prevented from entering the US FX trade.
Over time, they have been making significant progress. More information about the revised minimum security deposits is available in the. Top Ranked Forex Regulatory Bodies cftc NFA FCA finma CySec Guide To CFD Trading Click Here MT4 Beginner Guide 2018 Click Here Best Forex Trading Platform for Beginners? No company can operate in the future market without being a NFA member, being screened by the organization and complying with NFA standards and regulations. Forex, firms, see, directory of cftc Registrants and, nFA. Futures exchanges are also located in these cities. Brokers By Regulator, as a result, the FX market is filled with a lot of forex brokers whose aim is to make a profit from carrying out unregulated activities. Thus, the main thing you need to consider as a forex trader when deciding a forex broker to trader under their platform is whether they are licensed and how reputable the organization/s that licensed them are. A brokers license indicates which, forex regulatory agencies oversee their business activities. Read More Read Less Top Rated 1, min.
Some of the reviews and content we feature on this site are supported by affiliate partnerships. In 2004, the NFA started to submit digital images of fingerprint cards to the FBI enabling quicker background checks and shorter registration times. The National Futures Association nFA ) is an industry wide independent self- regulatory organization and watchdog of the commodities and futures industry in the United States. The, nFA is an industry-wide self-propelling organization created in 1982 that regulates the futures market in the United States. Forex and financial market. To be a member of the NFA, an organization would have to pass a screening done by the NFA and comply with NFA standards and regulations. Its imperative that American retail traders understand Commodity Futures Trading Commission (cftc) regulations for off-exchange forex before making their decision. This led to the establishment of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (finma). We have provided the five best regulatory bodies in this article to help your trading and investment decisions. Find out more from our.
From the time of creation to the present time, the cftc has gone through many transformations in a bid to enhance trading conditions and develop an equitable playing ground for all market participants. Five commissioners appointed by the President, the offices of the Chairman and the agencys operating units make up the Commission. NFA ) barring, forex, capital Markets, LLC (fxcm) from membership, many forex traders are scurrying to replace fxcm. CySEC, the financial regulatory agency of Cyprus functions under the umbrella of the European MiFID regulations. In order to conduct any business in the futures market, you would have to be a member of the NFA. The scandal made the Swiss government to authorize the Swiss Federal Banking Commission (sfbc) to verse and regulate the Swiss FX trading. Despite the forex market being the largest financial market in the world, it remains largely unregulated. NFA Member categories include: Commodity Trading Advisors (CTA Commodity Pool Operators (CPO Futures Commission Merchants (FCM) and Introducing Brokers (IB).
Other cftc and NFA rules for off-exchange leveraged forex trading cftc caps on leverage: rfed working with American retail traders must cap leverage on the major currency pairs at 50:1, and on the minor currency pairs at 20:1. NFA also incorporated technical amendments to the guide to conform to the definitions in Section 1a of the Commodity Exchange Act. US residents secretly open FX/CFD accounts around the globe without reporting the activity to the IRS and contrary to the advice of the NFA. Oanda and Gain Capital are also cftc-registered FCM Forex Dealer Members. Every country has a public nfa forex regulatory guide regulatory agency that oversees the operation of things in the. A MarketWatch article, fxcm names interim CEO, changes name to Global Brokerage wrote The cftc said fxcm was engaging in fraudulent activities with respect to fxcms retail customers, by telling them they used a No Dealing Desk order execution model. The cftc publishes the brokers Commitments of Traders Report (COT) every Tuesday. NFA, directory of members listed fxcm as an rfed, FCM, Forex, dealer Member and, forex Firm. Here is a press release by the cftc describing new regulations subsequently promulgated, effective October 2010.
Finma Regulated FX Broker List Dukascopy Swis" Bank CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission) Cyprus continues to be the top destinations for forex brokers in the large financial markets of the Middle East. If the cftc is Big Brother, then we like to call the NFA.Little Big Brother. Traders may also trade retail forex with SEC-registered broker-dealers, banks, and other regulated financial institutions, as explained. Eligible Commercial Entities (ECE) are free from these rules, too. . Imagine if there was no organization out there to protect you. Even though the law focuses on counterparty brokers, traders should not contravene.S. Chicago, Kansas City, New York. By self-propelling, we mean that the, nFA collects dues in order to sustain itself without having to rely on taxpayers dollars. Offer traders capital protection with the EU zone maximum set of 100,000. Starting August 1st 2018 All CySec regulated brokers must comply with new esma regulations.
The National Futures Association ( NFA ) nfa forex regulatory guide acts as an extension of the cftc and oversees the strict compliance of forex brokers to financial standards. It has been enforced in the EU since November 2007 but has been tweaked a number of times including the recent MiFID. The UK regulation is not as strict as that of the US and it is possible to see a broker that offers leverage of 200:1, for instance. (For a definition of ECP, click here and for ECE, click here.). Chairman Gensler argued that retail spot forex trading platforms were successfully evading cftc regulation by mislabeling their products as spot forex transactions; he thought they were more appropriately futures-like and therefore under the cftc umbrella of control. The Commission has 3 offices along with HQ located in Washington,.C. The cftc is also responsible for publishing the. The regulatory authorities are also responsible for re-evaluating the licensed brokers and subjecting them to series of auditing process and review to ensure compliance and operation that meets industry standards. Forex, regulators, commodities Futures Trade Commission (cftc the United States has the biggest financial market globally, and FX trading is merely one component. Forex trading is governed by strict regulatory authorities of different countries on a nation to nations basis.
The minimal capital requirements make entering the market easy for brokers. This restricts US choice of brokerages available to US citizens. The NFA s mission is to: Ensure futures industry integrity Protect market participants Enforce NFA members to meet their regulatory responsibilities Virtually every firm or individual who conducts futures or options on futures business with the public. MiFID stands for the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive. If you are trading forex in the United States, there are two major regulatory agencies that you should be nfa forex regulatory guide aware. Cons, the multiplicity of these regulations and their stringent rules are not always as productive as expected since they force many Americans to stay away from forex trading the way citizens of other countries of the world.
Ring the New York Stock Exchange opening bell, Thursday, Dec. Pros CySEC operates with due diligence by allowing only qualifying brokers to get their license from the country to operate on the European market. But in fact, fxcm used a Dealing Desk model, by routing orders through market maker Effex Capital LLC that was actually supported and controlled by fxcm, allegedly in exchange for kickbacks to fxcm on profitable trades. NFA also oversees mediation and arbitration for resolving consumer complaints. Its the law from the Commodity Futures Modernization Act (cfma) of 2000. These rules and regulations provide market integrity and a level playing field for all, and not just for investors. However, the forex industry does not rank the safest in the world as was revealed by the 2009 Crown nfa forex regulatory guide scenario. NFA maintains no ties to any specific marketplace. Leverage, regulation, nadex Review 3 Min. The United Kingdom for example adopts and incorporates innovative practices to regulate their local FX industry. The licensing processes must stick to strict banking standards. Cons The regulation in existence is less strict which could create loopholes for criminal elements to enter the market. Commitments of Traders Report (COT) every Tuesday.
The activities of the NFA are monitored by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (cftc which a government agency in charge of the US futures industry. In the unregulated forex market, this regulatory agency will help you determine if a forex company is reliable or trustworthy. They as well protect forex traders because futures include the currency market. Gain Capital and Oanda state they are dealing desks. The updated regulatory guide is available here.
Click Here Why Do Most Newbies To Currency Forex Online Trading Fail? Fxcm bombshell news, on Feb. What an active organization! Forex, transactions: A, regulatory, guide. Pros, the strict regulations of the cftc are generally good for American citizens. Brokers who have no local regulatory body consequently seek for a license from the European Union given the favorable environment. Online-trading platform IPO since May 2007, and the first company specializing in online retail, foreign currency trading to go public in the United States.
Friday, January 6, 2017, on December 23, 2016, National Futures Association released an updated version. Officers of fxcm Inc. The regulation is beneficial to all FX players and stakeholders. Trading with forex brokers regulated in any of these five reputable authorities, the cftc, NFA, FCA, finma and CySec ensures the security of your funds. Strict and large amount of credentials is required for a broker to qualify to open an account in the country. NFA s activities are overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (cftc the government agency responsible for regulating the.S. It is the government serious effort to safeguard the finances of American traders and investor. The US regulatory framework has created a highly regulated and transparent marketplace that prosecutes defaulting brokers. In his well-known Gensler-Letter in 2009, cftc Chairman Gary Gensler asked Congress for more authority to regulate the retail spot forex marketplace. Retail forex traders have other options for counterparties: There are several cftc-registered FCM Forex Dealer Members, although they may set higher minimum account sizes. It is also for businesses to obtain a license without requiring fulfilling the strict requirements of other European financial regulators.
The major benefits of regulatory agencies are that they assist to standardize the way forex traders are treated, ensure fair markets, and safety of their invested fund. The UKs forex market is friendly to offshore operators. Members could also start registering online in 2002. They protect traders and investors from fraud, manipulation, and abusive practices. So, its worth cross-examining a brokers license nfa forex regulatory guide before registering for a trading account to ensure that your investment remains safe.
There would be a lot more scammers, and brokers would cheat their clients in a heartbeat. Is open for off-shore brokerage operations The forex market door is open to participants across the world in so far as they have a European license. Finma in Switzerland coordinates closely with regulatory bodies of other countries and function as multiple banks around the globe. Click Here 10 Tips To Becoming a Profitable Forex Trader Click Here What is Social Trading and Copy Trade Click Here Forex Tips 2018 Click Here Top 5 Forex Regulators Click Here 6 Basics of Forex Risk. The NFA s website can be found at http www. September 2018 revisions: Updated the footnote in the Security Deposits section to include reference to recent Notice so, updated to incorporate the amendments. NFA, compliance Rule 2-9 and its related Interpretive Notice to incorporate the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network s (FinCEN) Customer Due Diligence Requirements, which became. NFA Regulatory, requirements, guide : September 28, 2018: CPO, CTA, FCM, IB: This guide discusses how to prepare for. NFA examination, highlights a number of other general regulatory requirements and addresses accounting procedures for FCMs, IBs and Commodity Pools. Forex, transactions: A, regulatory Guide : September 27, 2018: Forex : FCM, CPO, FDM. On December 23, 2016, National Futures Association released an updated version of, forex, transactions: A, regulatory Guide. NFA revised the Security Deposits section of the regulatory guide.
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Words containing anemotich
Found 1 words containing anemotich. Browse our Scrabble Word Finder, Words With Friends cheat dictionary, and WordHub word solver to find words that contain anemotich. Or use our Unscramble word solver to find your best possible play!
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