Do You Smell Rubber Burning?
This happened to me about seven years ago, at my place of employment. We were getting ready to have a company appreciation dinner for the 1,200 employees and my boss needed some upper management to help serve. He asked if I would help since I knew almost everyone in the company. I told him I would be more than glad to help. He then assigned me to the hot table where the employees would be picking up their steaks, baked potatoes, and baked beans. All the food was catered in and everything looked and smelled delicious. Under each large container of food there were four flaming heat pots which keep the food very warm while we served. The plant manager was to my right since he was going to be serving all the cold foods. I must say we made a real team.
The first hour went well, but into the second hour we started noticing a smell from time to time, it smelled like rubber burning. Each of us wore latex gloves to serve the food so we thought maybe someone had gotten their gloves to close to the heat. The faint smell of rubber burning came and went. Although sometimes the burning rubber smelled so strong we would step back and look around the table to see if something was on fire.
Finally it was time for the caters to switch out the empty hot food containers, when they did we all checked to make sure the little hot pot containers were fine. Again, about an hour into the serving the smell of rubber was really filling the air. My boss said, "I think it is coming from the pot of beans." I bent down and said, "Yes, I think your right, the smell is really strong now." We continued to serve not knowing where or why the smells of rubber burning keep filling the air. We decided that sooner or later the smell would go away or we wouldn't notice it any more.
Another rush of employees were now coming through the line and half way through this line several of the baked potatoes went rolling, we all tried to catch them at the same time. When I reached over to grab the potatoes my right upper arm touched the right side of my blouse over my right breast, it was so hot I couldn't believe it. I jumped around I knew exactly where the burning rubber was coming from.
My right breast form was HOT, HOT, HOT. I told my boss I had to go see what kind of damage the little pot burners did to my right breast. He just stood there looking at me wondering why my breast smelled like burning rubber. I guess the two back pot burners were not under the containers as much as they should have been and from me leaning over the beans to serve everyone the little pot warmers was heating up my artificial breast and I didn't even know it. I couldn't feel anything through my blouse but the smell should have given it away. I quickly found someone to fill in for me so I could go and look over the damage. My breast form was cooling down now and the only damage to the form was on the front bottom side where most of the heat had hit the surface. The breast form was wrinkled and a little twisted but other than that it was in good condition. I placed the breast form in cool water and the wrinkles were less noticeable but it still had a definite twist to the lower bottom front surface. I was embarrassed to think that the burning rubber smell was really me the entire time, and now my boss knew that I now had a silicone rubber breast. I didn't want to go out to face him again, but I knew there was nothing else I could do. I took a deep breath and went out with a smile on my face. The boss asked," is everything okay." I said, "Yes the heat only made me a little twisted but I'll live." Then I smiled and said, "Now you know what I smell like when I get Hot." My boss laughed and said, "You can have the cold serving line next time. How does your breast form do in cold conditions?" I smiled and said, "I guess I’ll find out someday." When you have had your breast form for a while you don't even think about things like this. It truly becomes a part of you and you learn to roll with the punches.
That same year several months later my poor breast form was put to another test. I had left the breast form outside while helping my husband with some firewood. I didn't want to puncture it in anyway so I laid it on the hood of his truck since the doors to the truck were locked. When we were done with the firewood it was so cold all we could think about was getting in out of the cold weather. I had forgotten all about my breast form until the next day, when I realized it was still out on the hood of my husband’s truck I panicked. The weather had turned bad and the temperatures were below freezing during the night. I was just sure the breast form would be ruined, but to my surprise the form was not frozen and the wrinkle and twisted marks from the high heat several months earlier were all gone. I was amazed to see that my breast form had gone back to normal.
Now, I try to watch myself and be more aware of what I'm doing. I thank God, that the extreme conditions didn't have a worse affect on my breast form. I have learned however, not to get too comfortable with something that is not attached to me. It could have been worse had I not checked the problem out when I did. A word to the wise, if you happen to smell something that doesn't seem quite right check it out, it could be dangerous to you and to others around you. Until next month, take care.
Written By Mary D. Johnson
Do you have ringing in the ears?
So many of you have asked me to share some information or give some insight to what causes ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus; and what if anything can be done. I will be glad to share the researched information that I have found but you must remember I am not a doctor and I am giving you only some facts that I have researched on this subject. Let’s start off by first explaining what tinnitus is and its causes.
Tinnitus can have a persistent sound in one or both ears. The sound does not come from an external source and is perceived only by the person hearing it. Tinnitus affects an estimated 35 million Americans. But tinnitus isn't just a ringing; it can also be heard as a buzzing, roaring, hissing, clicking, high-pitched whining, low-pitched hum, even a heart-like pulsing, it is usually continuous. The perception of the sound, for reasons not understood, originates inside the head or inside the ear. The sound is triggered by the acoustic nerve, which transmits impulses to the brain.
Everyone is likely to experience tinnitus at some time in their life. Persistent tinnitus may be caused by problems in any of the organ parts related to hearing. It may be caused by wax in the outer ear, ear infection, impacted teeth, or infected sinuses or tonsils. Medical problems, such as nerve disorders, arteriosclerosis, or hypertension, may also cause tinnitus. More persistent, although not constant, tinnitus may be the result of exposure to loud noise, head injury, or antibiotic drugs. Tinnitus may occasionally be the first symptom of more serious diseases, including Ménière’s disease, an inner ear condition that results in hearing loss; otosclerosis, a hereditary disease of the inner ear; and otitis, inflammation of the ear.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation offers these suggestions for Meniere's patients:
- A low-salt diet and a diuretic may reduce the frequency of attacks in some people. While taking a diuretic, you should restrict intake of salt and be sure to take the medication as directed.
- Anti-vertigo and anti-nausea medications may provide temporary relief.
- Avoid caffeine, smoking, and alcohol.
- Get regular sleep and eat properly.
- Remain physically active, but avoid excessive fatigue.
- Try to reduce stress, which may aggravate vertigo and tinnitus.
Certain lifestyle changes are very important for those that have tinnitus.
- Caffeine is one of the most common tinnitus aggravators and should be very limited. Coffee, teas, caffeinated colas, and chocolate all contain significant amounts of caffeine capable of constricting blood flow to the ear.
- Nicotine also constricts blood flow and can aggravate tinnitus, so efforts should be made to stop all tobacco use.
- Aspirin, especially higher doses, can cause or make tinnitus worse. Switch to acetaminophen products.
- A low-salt diet is also recommended by many medical providers, so hide that saltshaker and watch the sodium content of foods you eat.
Take an active role in your health care. Keep up with the latest research. You may even have to educate your doctor on various treatments. Quieting the ringing will require a lifelong commitment to lifestyle changes, cooperative medical care, and most importantly, a positive and optimistic attitude. I hope this information will help explain a little about tinnitus (the ringing in the ears) a very annoying problem. Take care, keep your ears clean. Until next month with more Moments with Mary.
The Golden Years
I'm five foot two, eyes of blue and a beautiful age of 92.
My legs swell some and turn a little blue, my fingers and hands don't do what they use to do,
My mind isn't as sharp as it use to be, but I can still take care of myself and make the best homemade stew for three.
I sit sometimes and think back when, my kids were small and I was thin.
The man of my dreams was kind, smart, good looking, and strong.
We worked hard all of our lives trying to do what was right not wrong.
Teaching our children respect, truthfulness and pride, we took each day in a gracious loving stride.
We didn't have much money, but we always made ends meet, we never forgot, how to love one another or spend time with our kids, oh what a treat.
There were good times and so many memories too, I keep most of them in my mind and heart where they grew.
I put them there for safe keeping when later I could recall, just what I wanted to share, the many memories of my life, with you all.
If or when I get lonely and feel far apart, I can withdraw one, two, or three memories that is dear to my heart.
Money is tight; sometimes hard to make a dollar stretch, but with will power and good common sense I haven't found myself starving yet.
My social security isn't much a month, so I try to stay healthy and not get sick for the price of my doctor and medicine is enough to make me have fits.
I hear that the government is talking about another new medical plan, but the way it sounds to me, it should be thrown out right now and canned.
The days come and go, the months seem to fly, and I notice the years are going faster than the blinking of my eyes.
I find myself looking forward to the little things in life as I sit and wait for the postman to bring me a card, or a letter from my family, friends, or maybe just a phone call from someone checking in to see if I'm all right.
There are times when the house seems a bit quite so I turn the radio on; I get a tear or two as I hear a good old fashion song.
Time has a way of slipping by sometimes faster than we like that is why I try to enjoy each minute of my life.
The golden years I now have reached much faster than I thought, all those years that made up my life were golden years of love.
My wisdom, patience, and loving memories are the things I treasure most, for those little things is what made my days a pleasure and me the happy host.
Look forward to the golden years, Thank God; you had a chance to live them.
Share your life with those around you, for the love you show and give will be the memories that your life will be measured in forever.
(Dedicated to all the senior’s, who have had a chance to live and share their Golden Years with us.
Written By Mary D. Johnson
THE MARINE
We all came together,
Both young and old
To fight for our freedom,
To stand and be bold.
In the midst of all evil,
We stand our ground,
And we protect our country
From terror all around.
Peace and not war,
Is what some people say.
But I'll give my life,
So you can live the American way.
I give you the right
To talk of your peace.
To stand in your groups,
and protest in our streets.
But still I fight on,
I don't bitch, I don't whine.
I'm just one of the people
Who is doing your time.
I'm harder than nails,
Stronger than any machine.
I'm the immortal soldier,
I'm a U.S. MARINE!
So stand in my shoes,
And leave from your home.
Fight for the people who hate you,
With the protests they've shown.
Fight for the stranger,
Fight for the young.
So they all may have,
The greatest freedom you've won.
Fight for the sick,
Fight for the poor
Fight for the cripple,
Who lives next door.
But when your time comes,
Do what I've done.
For if you stand up for freedom,
You'll stand when the fight's done.
By: Corporal Aaron M. Gilbert, US Marine Corps
USS SAIPAN, PERSIAN GULF
Interesting Facts about Watermelon
1. Watermelons have been around for a very long time - Egyptians were the first recorded growers of watermelons, and placed this fruit in the tombs of their kings as a means of providing nourishment for the afterlife.
2. Watermelons contain about 92% water.
3. The largest watermelon grown in Tennessee recently weighed in at a whopping 262 pounds!
4. Over 1,200 varieties of watermelon are grown in 96 countries worldwide.
5. In China and Japan watermelon is a popular gift to bring a host.
6. Richard LeFevre holds world record for eating Watermelon. He ate 11 1/2 lbs. in 15 minutes.
7. Cordele, Georgia claims to be the Watermelon Capital of the world.
8. The world record for watermelon seed spitting is held by Jack Dietz of Chicago, who launched a seed a distance of 66 feet 11 inches in March 1989.
9. In 1939 seedless watermelon was developed by treating the unpollinated flowers of the watermelons with a specific acid, which resulted in the seedless watermelon.
10. The first cookbook published in the U.S. in 1796 contained a recipe for watermelon rind pickles.
Health Benefits:
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Watermelon is basically very cleansing, alkalinizing, diuretic and mineralizing.
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Watermelon juice is very digestible and is completely absorbed for all its minerals, providing much needed nutrients to the body.
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The combination of folic acid and the other essential vitamins in this fruit plays an important role in reducing the risks of heart attacks, strokes and colon cancer.
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Watermelon is effective in promoting intestinal elimination, keeping the body free from toxic wastes.
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The alkalinizing effect maintains the acid-alkaline balance in the body, neutralizing the toxic condition of the body resulting from excessive intake of acid-forming foods.
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The powerful anti-oxidant in watermelon reduces toxic matters in the body that in turn reduces asthma attacks.
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The rich beta-carotene and vitamin C content in this big fruit do wonders in quenching inflammation that contributes to conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
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Watermelon juice is healthful in preventing cholesterol from clogging arteries and can increase HDL, the good cholesterol, reducing the risks of cardiovascular diseases.
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Its diuretic action helps to eliminate excess fluids from the body, reducing water retention, especially for women during their monthly menstruation cycle and in pregnant women
Watermelons are high in potassium, and Vitamins A and C. Watermelons contain lycopene (the red pigment found in plants like - tomatoes, and red grapefruit) but not found in cherries or strawberries. Lycopene is a very strong anti-oxidant that helps in neutralizing many oxygen particles with one lycopene molecule. Through our breathing process, we take in oxygen, and create a single oxygen molecule as a byproduct. This molecule can cause cellular damage, and needs to be eliminated which is the roles of the anti-oxidant like lycopene, and vitamins C and E.
Do you know how to select the perfect watermelon? Look for bright, not dull, fruit that has a nice exterior color. The melon should be firm, not soft, and free of bruises and cuts, and should be heavy - if it is light, do not purchase it because this indicates dehydrated fruit. Ripe fruit should be a yellow color where the melon sat on the ground during the growing process, not green. Fortunately, the growers are the pros in determining when to harvest watermelons - the best indication is when the tendril attached to the watermelon begins to dry. Although holding a watermelon and listening to the different sounds when "thumping" the fruit is a common way of checking for ripeness, this method has not proved to be accurate. Enjoy your summer.
Moments with Mary.
Mosquitoes
Do you like sitting outside in the evening or maybe your having a cook out and all at once here comes those pesky mosquitoes. How you hate the idea of being bothered by them, especially now that they have the potential to carry the West Nile Virus?
Here's a tip that was given to me by some people who have tried this easy, quick and effective approach. Put some water in a white dinner plate and add a couple drops of Lemon Fresh Joydish detergent. Set the dish on your porch, patio, or other outdoor area. Not sure what attracts them, the lemon smell, the white plate color, or what, but mosquitoes flock to it, and drop dead shortly after drinking the Lemon Fresh Joy / water mixture, and usually within about 10 feet of the plate. Check this out---it works great.
Three Things in Life
Three things in life that, once gone, never come back -
Time - Words - Opportunity
Three things in life that may never be lost -
Peace - Hope - Honesty
Three things in life that are most valuable -
Love - Self-confidence - Friends
Three things in life that are never certain -
Dreams - Success - Fortune
Three things that make a person -
Hard work - Sincerity - Commitment
Three things in life that can destroy a person -
Alcohol / Drugs - Pride - Anger
I MEANT TO DO IT
I meant to pay a visit to that sick one on the block, each day 'twas on my schedule to go down there and knock.
But then there was that meeting, and the dress I had to make; Then came our vacation with a trip to the lake.
Now that summer's back again, I'll procrastinate no more. I'll make that call tomorrow when I journey to the store.
Oh, there's the evening paper, what's this? It can't be right! The one I meant to visit passed away, in the night.
(We are all guilty of putting off the things we know we should do. Make it a point to share your time, let others know your thinking of them too.)
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