Mother Bear is Ready to Roar!

 

Tonight begins Yom Kippur, also know as the Day of Atonement. It is the holiest and most solemn day of the year for the Jews. Its central themes are atonement and repentance. Jews traditionally observe this holy day with a 25-hour period of fasting and self-reflection.

The fasting is the easy part. As a life-time dieter, I can easily miss a few meals! The self-reflection is more difficult. If you are true yourself, you know when you have wronged yourself or someone else. Sometimes it is even deliberate. For those times, it is easy to say, I'm sorry.

However, what happens when you find yourself in a firestorm of criticism, that was misguided. Or, if you feel you are singled out time and time again. And what happens when the person who is at fault can't, or won't see the wrong?

Eventually it comes to a head. You say your peace and move on- until the next time. Yesterday was the next time.... and after reflecting, checking in with three close family members who have agreed that it is useless to try to correct the situation.... I am again forced to accept that other people's actions are hurtful and mean-spirited, but there is nothing I can do. So, what do you do when it is a parent that is the person who is hurting you? Further more, what do you do when the mother bear clicks in, because you feel your children are also being scolded for not apparent reason?

Here's the abridged version: If you are told not to call someone, because they are not feeling well and they have asked a sibling to provide the information about their condition, are you supposed to call anyway or respect the instructions and wait until the next day? Consensus says wait, right? Exactly what I did. But, before I could call, I was greeted with a three-minute tirade on my cell phone berating me for not calling. So I call-- and they don't pick up the phone. Then, they call my son's cell phone and act like nothing happened. I bring it up and it is deflected. I suck it up and act respectful. My feelings are hurt, but it's not the first time.

After stewing all day, I call my cousin, my sister, who did the exact same thing in not calling that night, without getting the mean cell phone message and my brother, who told me not to call, as per my parent. I ask each  "was I wrong?"  They all agree, no. So, why am I treated differently? And why do I have to accept this bad behavior?

See, the rules change when it is a parent or step-parent who is delivering the hurt. Finally, if I tell my parent that it was inappropriate for their spouse to call me like that, and he claims not to know, do I let it go?

The ostrich is a beautiful bird, but I am a bear. Right now, I am hibernating, but don't get to close, because I am ready to roar.

I'VE USE THEM ALL AND AVON'S MOISTURE THERAPY IS THE BEST!

You name it. I've used it, when it comes to treating my dry and sensitive skin. Who else do you know who is allergic to soap and band-aids?  Yes, I am, so I've learned a few tips which have kept my skin in great shape, if I do say so myself. First, you must moisturize and second, oatmeal is not just a breakfast food. Third, a gentle astringent will keep your skin clear, without drying it out. 

First the moisturizer. I've slathered them all on: LaPrarie, from Switzerland; Clinique; Estee Lauder, Oil of Olay and anything else that promised to keep my make-up from flaking. Then I began selling Avon and tried the no-frills Moisture Therapy line, because it is fragrance free, dermatologist tested and hypo-allergenic. And you know what, my dry skin disappeared. Through the years, others must have agreed because Avon has developed a complete line of Moisture Therapy INTENSIVE TREATMENT products including Extra Strength Cream, which keeps skin moisturized even if you skip a day; Moisturizing Lip Treatment with SPF 15; Body Lotion which boosts skin's moisture level by 175%. All of the products are fragrance free and Your Prescription for Hydrated Skin.

When choosing a moisturizer, remember to use one with a SPF 15 for day use, and heavier night formula after you remove your make-up. When applying, allow you skin to drink it in, and always apply it down the neck. Use a good hand cream, to prevent hand wrinkles!

Second, the oatmeal trick. This one was told to me by a friend of my mom when we discovered soap and food allergies were the cause of my break-outs. Take one part uncooked oatmeal and mix with three parts hot water (or put in microwave for 10 second increments) until the oatmeal softens. Then, add more water so it is a milky mixture. Use your fingers to smooth across your face, rubbing the flakes into the pores and leaving a thick covering on any blemish or pimple. Let it dry completely (you will feel the skin tighten). The take a warm, damp, white cloth and place on face, so the tight feeling disappears but do not remove just yet. Instead, let it dry again. After about ten minutes remove. Your face will feel clean and the pores will be almost invisible. Use the mixture at the first sign of a pimple. Share this with your teens. They will thank you! Finally, use a Sea Breeze-like astringent at least once a week to keep the pores invisible and remove all the hidden pollutants and make-up that is absorbed into the skin. Apply to entire face with a cotton ball, paying special attention to your hairline, t-spot of nose, cheeks and chin and along the neck. Boys, as well as girls should start this practice at a young age.

Good skin takes work, but it is worth it... pass it on! (if want to order the Moisture Therapy, email me and I will handle that too!)