Hi {!firstname_fix}

Well, we moved the furniture into my new office yesterday and hung the sign. I will take pictures soon so you all can see what it looks like. I still have to hang the art, move the reception desk in and do a few more details, But we are making progress. If you want to come to Albuquerque for a special intensive, now you will be able to.

We are continuing several classes but the Step 3 class is starting this week.

Step 3: Three Meals is about the way to tackle the biggest of the steps. Learn how to break it down into tiny increments. This is a really in depth tutorial. Even if you are already on step 3, it is fun to revise, adapt and enhance.

You can see an updated schedule for the future by clicking here.

A number of you have asked me how the classes work. Check the class list page for more information on this. The classes are done online with one lesson each day. You do not have to be at your computer at any set time.

Please feel free to pass this week's newsletter on to your friends and family. Don't forget to let me know what you like and would like to see me cover.

Be sure to visit our Radiant Recovery® website and Community Forum regularly.

Warmly,
Kathleen

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December 12, 2005
** Quote From Kathleen **

Remember that you are literally learning a new language. You are going to have to practice to become fluent in body talk.


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** Testimonial for the Week**


Kath is in Perth. Don't be confused. She is doing summer while we have winter (smile)

Well actually I never left, but haven't had much time to write lately.

I have finished a 4 week stint of relief work in the school library. I and a volunteer have completed a full stocktake of the entire collection that children can borrow, reconciling what is on the shelves to what is on the computer catalogue, and removing from the catalogue all the items that have gone missing. Everything is ready for the end of the school year and summer holidays This has been a mammoth task.

The library lady I was relieving came back to work today. I handed back over to her and I am (relatively) free. She was fine with the changes I had made that other staff were apprehensive of her reaction to. I was bold, and confident, fully doing the task I was employed to fill, making policy decisions and prepared to wear their consequences. I have learned new things about the computer system and was teaching the librarian this morning when she came back and I handed over. My energy and enthusiasm was steady, as was my sense of humour. I have completed a stocktaking report for the principal, and walked away free.

Clear boundaries allow me to leave, with no regrets or lingering. My daughter leaves primary school now, and I have said that although I am available for paid relief work, I am not going to volunteer at the school next year when I have no children there.

Compare all of this with 5 years ago.

I was having panic attacks, we had recently moved to the city and I felt permanently overwhelmed. I volunteered covering books in the school library where I had a quiet table in a secluded corner by myself, and could leave when I had enough. I gradually got more confident, and stayed for longer. After a while I learned some things about the computer system and catalogue, and was able to do things on days the librarian was not there. When she went on leave, they paid me to fill in for her. This year I have worked about 1/4 of the school year, earned money, proved to myself that I can manage working part time away from home.

What a difference doing the food makes.

Kath

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**Recipe of the Week**


Here are two delicious latke recipes from our very own Gail. Even if you don't celebrate Chanukah, these would make great browns for your meals!

Traditional Latkes

  1. Grate potatoes, skin and all. I usually use a lighter skin potato like red bliss and I sometimes throw them in the food processor.
  2. Grate the onion.
  3. Squeeze the extra moisture out of the potato and onion.
  4. Combine all other ingredients, mix well.
  5. Heat oil in medium frying pan, drop by tablespoons, and fry until bottom is golden brown. Flip and brown other side. Drain on paper towels.
  6. Serve with applesauce or sour cream.

Sweet Potato Latkes

This recipe I have played with some. They don't usually come out as crispy.

  1. Peel and shred the potatoes. I guess you could leave the skin on, but we don't. Squeeze the extra liquid out.
  2. Combine all other ingredients, mix well.
  3. Heat oil in medium frying pan, drop by tablespoons, and fry until bottom is golden brown. Flip and brown other side. Drain on paper towels.


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**Your Last Diet: More Than What You Think**


As most of you know, YLDonline was started to support folks who want to lose weight. The entire program is structured to support our concept that if you heal the body first, then the weight loss will be permanent. In the process of the work, we discovered that some folks are really resistant to losing weight. They have the motivation, the skill and the commitment, but the pounds would not budge. Rather than claiming failure, we took it as an opportunity to learn more. I went and found the last variables we needed for the weight loss resistant. And oh my, are folks getting results. It is so exciting for me to truly know that hope is possible. You do not have to be fat. This is not a magic pill, but it is the ultimate.

I know that many folks are planning on a winter gift of the program. it is a great time to do so because we are just about to start a new set of 10 week classes to move you into this next part of your program. And you do not have to be on step 7 to join YLD. We will plug you in right where you are.

Come and join us. Click here if you are ready to change your life or just plain ole have fun.
 


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**David's Corner **



I have noticed that a lot of you are ordering things as gifts. What fun is that! Make sure to check out the pacs we are offering. We started this tradition last year at Christmas time. I know that folks LOVED getting an assortment. I am happy to pack up any collection of things you would like me to send out. And If you want to include a gift card, just write me instructions on the order sheet and I will personally add it.

I love helping to make your generosity a reality!

If you haven't been to the store for a while, how about just coming over and browsing. You will be thrilled to see all the changes!

Please send questions and suggestions. I love hearing from you and truly want to help you do your program better.

 
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**Our Online Groups**


RadiantBigOnes is the first list I joined when I first found this community and I never left. (smile) A "BigOne" is a person who has 100 or more pounds to lose. The list is unique in that we don't just focus on food challenges -- although getting 42 grams of protein at a meal can certainly be a challenge! -- but we also share information and support for issues that non-BigOnes may not even realize are an issue in day-to-day life. I love the interaction on this list because everyone is so supportive of everyone else and we learn so much from each other. We have people on the list who are in various stages of the 7 Steps, so if you're a BigOne, you'll fit right in!

* Sue *

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** **
A Celebration of Light
Kathleen DesMaisons, Ph.D.

I wrote this last year. I still love it. I wanted those of you who are new to get a chance to read it.

I have been lighting candles. New Mexico is very dark at night. The sky is clear and you can see light from very far away. I love seeing the candles as I stand outside and look in the house. Today Harold is up on the roof putting the reindeer up. You can see them from all the way down the street. It makes me smile when I come home at night.

This month is the time of deepest darkness. We have these special days, days of celebrating that even in the darkness, a tiny spot of light can be seen. Many folks have wobbled and relapsed this month. And the feelings of relapse are always the fear and desperation that we all know so well. Christmas filled with sugar and treats is a double edged sword. We think those things are such a part of celebrating and that just a little won't matter. We think we will just *celebrate* and then January first we will once again make the resolve to clean it up and do it.

Today, I am going to invite you to try something new. Do not wait until January first, but today start holding the idea of light coming. Each choice we make can build more light. And connecting here to others who are committed and willing and gaining skill is a mighty tool. The loving and funny conversations on the forum will support you and hold you up. The diabetes list is humming, the breakfast list is coming up with ideas that excite even me, and the pets are plotting. We recently had a bird join the cats and dogs on the pet list. My, oh my, are the conversations lively. And Ranger who is no stranger to danger keeps regaling up with his tales. Humor and connection heal us. I believe that all the traditions that remember the light at this time of year can help us remember our own inner light. Sometimes it feels that the draw is to spending money and struggling, or rushing around, but it is a time to reflect on healing. No matter what the circumstances you are in this year, invite the light and ask that it fill you.



©Kathleen DesMaisons 2005.

Here are the folks who are helping put the newsletter together:

Gretel, the liaison for the recovery list and the webmaster puts it all together
Naomi, liaison for big ones gathers the recipes
JoAnna, the liaison for affiliates gathers the testimonials
Marie, the liaison for diabetes gathers the info on the online lists
David, who runs the Radiant Recovery® Store talks about what new products we have.

You are getting the weekly newsletter from Radiant Recovery® in response to your signup. A copy of this newsletter may also be found posted on the web at http://www. radiantrecovery.com/weeklynewsletter.htm.

©2005 by Kathleen DesMaisons . All rights reserved. You are free to use or transmit this article to your ezine or website as long as you leave the content unaltered and use this attribution: "By Kathleen DesMaisons, Ph.D. of Radiant Recovery®. Please visit Kathleen's website at http://www.radiantrecovery.com for additional resources on sugar sensitivity and healing addiction." Please notify me at kathleen@radiantrecovery.com to let me know where the material will appear.

Banner Photograph by Geraint Smith