Amanda M

Although I haven't yet confirmed it with a doctor (I'm trying to get an appointment), I am reasonably sure I have plantar fasciitis, aka heel spurs. I know my weight is a serious factor in the problem, and being on my feet complicates matters. I need to exercise to lose the weight, but exercise makes my feet hurt that much worse.

I don't have easy access to a swimming pool, or I'd do water workouts. I'm willing to purchase equipment, but I'm not sure what to buy. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

I am teaching a class on world religions, and one thing really has my curiosity piqued - why do the LDS place such great importance on genealogy? I've been greatly impressed with the LDS genealogical websites in my own family search. How does genealogy fit into the religion?

I am teaching a class on world religions, and I would appreciate your input on a few things:

1) how long have you been following witchcraft?

2) if you left from another religious faith, what was it and why did you choose to do so?

3) I'm not sure if this is the right phrasing - but how devout do you consider yourself to be?

4) is there a specific Deity you worship above others?

5) do you ever feel ostracized or ridiculed for what you believe?

Thank you so much for your input!

I recently began charting my BBT. My cycles have never been regular, so I was surprised when last month I had a "textbook" chart. The temp pattern was what you would expect it to be, with a clear OD and CM to match. It was a 26-day cycle, with O on Day 12.

Fast forward to this month. My temps don't look anything like before. In fact, Fertility Friend can't find a date for ovulation, and I am on Cycle Date 18. My cervical fluid was eggwhite a week ago (CD10).

So here's my question: Has anyone ever had a "perfect" cycle, only for the next one to be completely undiscernable? I'm honestly not sure I've ovulated at all this time. My cycles are always short, so I'm running pretty close to time for my period. I was under the assumption that if you have irregular cycles, they are usually consistent. Does alternating normal and regular cycles sound strange?

BTW, chances of me being pregnant are nil. We used protection before fertile window and I was out of town when I had EWCM.

I am 8 days past ovulation (we had intercourse 3 days before). My breasts are sore, and that doesn't usually happen before I get my period. The weird thing is that I have a near-constant sharp ache right on top of my pubic bone, again, not a normal PMS symptom. I took an Equate pregnancy test today that came out negative. I figure it's still too early to get an accurate result.

No pregnancy website is mentioning this weird pubic pain. Does it sound familiar to anyone?

I've tried every product known to man, including the old baking soda and vinegar trick. My back won't let me do serious scrubbing. Is there anything that will take off the scum without causing a trip to the chiropractor?

My son has more toys than any of us know what to do with. For his fourth birthday, I'd like to have an event rather than a tangible gift. I don't want to throw a big party, because I want it to be a family thing.

Local options include a children's museum, somewhat cheesy aquarium, a train ride, a waterfall, and various other outdoor activities. He would not enjoy Chuck E Cheese at all.

Can you recommend something that would be entertaining for a 4-year-old boy that he might actually remember when he gets older - something that would be a special event for all of us?

I like this, but I'm wondering if he'd wind up being called Killer instead. What do you think?

I am altering the hearts suit of a deck of cards to make them into coupons for hubby for V-Day. I need ideas for 13 coupons. They can be a little dirty! :)

I once saw several paintings in a mall kiosk by a particular artist. Of course, I can't remember his name. They were very whimsical, almost cartoon-like paintings of children. Most were playing musical instruments, but I remember one of children in a hot air balloon. The colors are very vivid and bright, and the background is very neutral. I believe they were oil paintings, but I won't swear to it.

I've tried numerous searches, but I can't seem to find a gallery that will let me search through multiple artists. I believe he is still alive (I saw the painting just four years ago).

If you can give me an idea of who he is, or even direct me to a good website I can search, I'd greatly appreciate it.

All I have is a 35mm SLR and plans to buy a digital. What would you say is the essential equipment needed to begin? I'm looking at a set of reflectors, a diffuser, filters, and flash. I already have a good tripod.

I seriously want to get into photography, and I'm hoping to eventually run my own studio. My problem is that I need a digital so I can practice without the cost of film & developing. I want the D80, but it's going to take me a long time to scrape together the money for it. If I go with the D50, I will most likely upgrade at some point in the future.

Which would you do? Wait for the one you really want, or go ahead and start practicing with something you can afford right now?

I like my tea HOT. I usually brew in the microwave for 2.5 minutes, but it always turns the tea brown. Will brewing it too long cause it to lose the antioxidant and other properties that make it so healthy?