A phone call from old friend
May 13, 2008 | Ad-MOM-ishments
Bud, you mentioned Vickie Reedy to me on the phone on Mother’s Day, didn’t you? Was I not listening closely? Did you say that someone was trying to get in touch with us?
Anyway, Connie Kinney has been trying to find out what happened to Luis and me for months. Her son, Mike (or Micah?) lives in Birmingham, and she doesn’t remember what Ward he’s in, but he met somebody named Vicki Reedy, and she knew you, Bud, and evidently you gave our phone number to somebody???
Connie called, and we chatted for awhile, catching up on years and years, because it’s been at least twenty since we’ve been in touch.
Before we hung up, I naturally had to whine about how bad I was feeling with all of my physical woes!
She said, “Oh, NOW I know why i have been so desperate to get in touch with you. I can help you get better Elaine. Really, I can help you. I’m expecting a machine in the mail any day now. I have paid $1200 for it.” And she proceeded to tell me about that, and about the special kind of water that is going WILD in Salt Lake City, because the demand for it is so great. People are claiming that it is doing wonders for every kind of physical problem from Arthritus (sp?) to diabetes etc.
She wanted to know when I was going to be in Birmingham, and she could possibly go there and meet me, and she would treat me for free. I told her about the reunion, and invited her to come.
Now is my favor that I ask of all of you, my children. I want to have whatever this is that she is peddling. The last time I listened to Connie, it was with the Super Blue Green Algae, and I did away with all pain meds, and was feeling wonderful, but couldn’t afford the Algae.
If she can come to our reunion, will each one of you (that can afford it-and some of you can’t) pitch in for one night’s rent for a motel room for her? Make it a double, so her son Mike can possibly come?? Please!! And she can make Beth’s back better, and Buddy’s Diabetes better, and all of me better, and Brenda’s Fibromyalgia better. That is, if you want the treatments. You will, of course, read the pamphlets and study about it.
I know Connie, and I know what a good and honest person she is.
I thought about it, and it won’t interfere with our fun and games. In fact, it might fill in some of the idle hours. We don’t have to do anything we don’t want to do.
I blurted out and invited her, but I don’t mind disinviting her. She will understand. I should have gotten everybody’s input first. She did seem a little surprised that I would invite her to something as private as our family reunion. Just think about it. I believe at this point, I would agree to rocket to the moon, and explore it for green cheese if I thought there was a chance for something to get me off these pills and make me better!!
19 Responses to “A phone call from old friend”
Mom, take a look at this article:
FACTS ABOUT BLUE-GREEN ALGAE
In summary, the blue-green algae thing is just one more multi-level marketing hoax. I’m sure there’s a “placebo effect,” but I’m NOT convinced that it does anything that vitamins couldn’t do.
This thing about the “wonderful new water” etc., I suspect is the same thing. Unfortunately the state of Utah is famous for its “get rich quick” schemes (remember the NuSkin craze from ten or fifteen years back?)
I hate to sound like a Negative Ned, but that’s the way I see it. If you want us to buy it for you, we’ll buy it for you. But I will remain skeptical.
Love, Bill
By bill on May 14, 2008
I am sure if you are in pain… any cure or placebo is a welcome change of pace. Just the hope of feeling better makes one feel better.
It is believed that Mormons, a group that accepts revelation from God in modern times, a group that in it’s early years was pulled to and fro by passing prophets and testimonials of seers, are among the most embracing population of miracles on earth. For this reason, Utah has been inundated by snake oil peddlers for over a century. MLM companies number in the thousands. If it is a new fangled appliance, vitamin, herb, skin conditioner, anything of GOOD report that makes health and wealth claims…. they seek after these things.
This sounds like a magnetizing, oxygenating, filtration appliance. I say putting your distilled water in a blender and taking a good vitamin suppliment would be as effective.
http://www.biznetmall.com/energizedwaterproducts/vitalizer/index.html
My friend Vicky (who met up with Connie Kinney there) is in Utah as the production manager of a line of cosmetics she developed called “Naked Minerals”. In keeping with the method of usual MLM distribution that is prevalent in Utah, it is Internet based and user distributed like Shaklee, Amway, etc…. She is making a great living producing a line of cosmetics she loves and shares that has it’s own health benefits for the skin (it is of GOOD report from the cosmetic critics).
By Bud on May 14, 2008
AQUA-QUACKERY
By bill on May 14, 2008
Mom: This isn’t one of those products offered by CellCore-Utah is it?
By bill on May 14, 2008
I have no intention of BUYING anything!!!! In the first place, I wouldn’t buy it. In the second place, Luis wouldn’t let me. I just asked you if Connie could come to our Reunion and try her remedies on me FOR FREE FREE FREE!! Please get the FREE part. She just wanted a chance to get with me, and is positive she can help me, and I was very emphatic that I wouldn’t and couldn’t buy anything. She isn’t that kind of person. She wouldn’t in a million years try to push something on me that I couldn’t afford.
The algae got me off of drugs, and I would feel warm waves going up and down my body. My complexion glowed. I felt wonderful, but I just couldn’t afford it. It was something that wouldn’t cure permanently. Stop taking it, and the problems came back.
Anyway, I just asked if you would pay for a day in a motel for Connie, but I think I got my answer.
By mother on May 15, 2008
Oh, sorry, Bill, I didn’t answer your question. I don’t know about CellCore-Utah. I do know that in the last days, Salt Lake City is supposed to literally be the bastion for health cures in the world. Whether that is supposed to be good or bad, I’m not sure. I know that such a “revelation(?)” of that type exists. Water? We just spent about $1200 having a soft-water deal installed here. WE’re not about to put out anymore money on water. I wasn’t interested in Connie’s water. I was interested in the “machine” that she was anxious to have in her possession that is supposed to be such a great “healer”. Just extremely curious, and ready to try it out, as long as it’s for free.
By mother on May 15, 2008
I read my post over again, and I said I wanted whatever Connie was peddling. And I talked about the water. I never really make myself clear about anything. I did make it sound as if I wanted to BUY everything she had for sale. No, I really didn’t mean it. When I said I wanted what she was peddling, I meant I wanted to see her, and examine the idea about the “machine”, and get the free treatments. But now I don’t want anything. I’ll talk to Connie sometimes this week, and tell her “never mind”.
By mother on May 15, 2008
Next week.
By mother on May 15, 2008
mom, it does not matter to me if Connie comes, I knew you meant free. I remember when you were taking the algae and how much better you felt, but how expensive it was and how sad you were that you could not continue to buy it. I truely believe that if something makes you feel better you should take it. Even if it is just a “Placebo effect” as bill called it, if it makes you feel better then go for it. Anything to make the pain disapate. I know, I feel it everyday, you have to feel it to understand it. even with the vitamins I take does not help much. I will definately try this water machine, if its free, to see what it does.
By brenda on May 16, 2008
Thank you, Brenda. If anybody understands the pain of Fibromyalgae…You do! Since contracting the diabetic neuropathy on top of it, I have been in terrible condition.
I have to have the pain medication, or I couldn’t bear it. sometimes I get frightened. It’s so bad that I’m afraid I can’t handle it. That’s when I go away into my closet, and ask for special help.
The machine isn’t something for “water”. The water is just something Connie casually mentioned that was selling like mad in SLC. No…The machine is something electronic that sends waves through the body that breaks up the pain somehow. I have no idea how it works. I just wanted to see it, and to try it out.
The “favor” that I wanted from anyone that felt they could stretch another dollar was to put Connie up for one day in the Motel, so she could hang out with us, and show us what she’s doing, and give me the treatments, or anybody else that wants to dabble. If Bill could do one day, and Bud one day, and Beth one day, and Crystal one day, and you one day, and us one day, and Ben one day, etc. (and I’m naming those who might can stretch), then maybe she could go for one day or two days or three days. See? It’s a big favor, but you’re my kids, and if I can’t go to you for a favor like this, then I’m sunk.
I have no intention of spending one penny for anything. I told Connie that, and she says she’s fine with that, but she would just like an opportunity to help me, if she possibly can.
By mother on May 16, 2008
Mom, we already said “okay.” My point is that there are a LOT of scams out there, promising “health miracles” of all kinds. The blue-green algae has been proven to be not only a scam, but actually HARMFUL in that harvesting the “beneficial” algae also picks up a toxic kind of organism that can poison you over time.
I’m all for “the placebo effect” as long as you’re (1) not paying through the nose for it, and (2) not poisoning yourself. Tell your friend she can come and demonstrate her wonder-machine.
But don’t be surprised if it’s not another MLM thing.
By bill on May 17, 2008
sounds good to me mom, I will put up one night for her in the lodge, no problem. Besides having her machine, she is a good friend of yours and I know you would love to see her. I am willing to try anything, but like you, money is a factor and I can’t pay for stuff like that either. But no harm in trying. Just to let some of you guys know. I started a dietary supplement called Alli, recommended by my doctor and it is FDA approved and on the shelves, I am not sure how long though, but anyway, I have been taking this since end of January, it is a gradual, nothing fast or fancy, but a gradual pill that helps block a percentage of fat when you eat. And believe you me it does the job, I have gradually lost 23 lbs since end of january. It has not side effects at all. you basically feel nothing. its not a miracle drug by all means, you still need to diet or watch your fat intake and of course excercise if you want to, I don’t do that as much as I should. But one thing you do have to watch out for in the beginning is, how can I say this nicely. Stay close to a bathroom after you eat for at least 1 hr. the first month cleans you out pretty good, then after that, not so bad at all. but you do have to check with your Doctor to see if you can take it due to whatever medicines you take. I am only on my thyroid medicine, which is fine per my doctor. It wont hurt me or block that medicine. anyway, any of you girls that are thinking of loosing weight, I love it, comes off gradually and stays off as long as you don’t benge and benge. Some weeks you won’t loose anything, some maybe 1/2 lb, some 1 some 2, but its worth it. I basically, eat regualar food, I don’t overeat, I really eat about 6 times a day, smaller portions of meals and snacks during the day. It works for me!!
By brenda on May 19, 2008
Brenda: I’ve seen “Alli” advertised in stores. Sounds like a good plan.
Better than mine: I’m now on a prescription injectable medication called “Byetta.” Actually, it has me hopeful that I can change my own situation. As well as managing insulin production and glucose usage, it also curbs your appetite BIG TIME. I’m now consuming about 1,800-2,000 calories per day, with absolutely no hunger. In fact, I have to remind myself to eat. I just have no desire for food.
I’ve GOT to lose about 60 lbs. I’m hoping that if I can get about half that off, I’ll see the diabetes begin to “fade” somewhat. I’m also exercising about four days a week, 40 minutes per session.
Here’s hoping.
By bill on May 19, 2008
I have not heard of “byetta” I hope it does it for you. I consume about 1000-1200 calories per day, but Alli does not curbe your appetite, so I do get pretty hungry. that is why I eat 6 small things a day instead of 3 big meals a day, helps me not stay hungry. Darrell and I say every sunday that we are going to start back to the gym on monday, but well, something always comes up
I can’t imagine what that is. 
I just pay for the membership, but Christopher does go alot, so that is one healthy person in our family and it pays for itself, I am hoping I can get my last 10 lbs off by the reunion. I do feel alot better though, you always feel better when you loose weight, it also helps my fibro and other things from feeling so bad. its funny how being overweight can make you feel so bad in many ways.
By brenda on May 20, 2008
I’ve kept the weight off, but I look awful. skin sags, the age really, really shows now. Because I didn’t exercise. And I feel awful all the time. I could handle the Fibromyalgia, but the Damaged Nerves from Diabetes has ruined me, plus the arthritis that has now taken over. It was bound to happen. A person with Fibromyalgia is a sitting duck to get the damaged nerves from diabetes, and the arthritis. I could maybe have done without pain pills with just the Fibro, but not with the stuff I have now.
Brenda, I’m very proud of you for handling your pain without pills. Don’t ever get into it if you can help it. It has damaged me spiritually, as well as physically.
AND MY FIGURE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME!! I look in the mirror now, and the person looking back is a stranger.
I have the funniest looking legs, with knees all swollen out of recognition.
And so, my children…..get yourselves in shape now,and stay that way.
I was just looking at our photo albums, and all of the fat pictures of me, and wondered why I let myself be fat for so many, many years.
By mother on May 29, 2008
Mom, no one is going to “stay in shape,” the best you can do is stave off elimination.
FWIW, I’ve lost five pounds in three weeks, nice ‘n slow. I started back to forty minutes on the elliptical trainer each day this week. That’ll accelerate things a bit.
By the time the reunion comes around, I should be down twenty pounds. I’m trying for 200 lbs., down from the 260 I started at. WAY too much weight! Just ridiculous, but that’s what diabetes does to you, your abdominal fat just starts increasing if you don’t control it.
The Byetta is a real lifesaver for me. The nausea side-effect has pretty much gone away, now, and all that’s left is better control of my blood glucose and of course a much-dissipated appetite. It’s great; I’m just not hungry at all most of the time, no matter how little I eat.
This morning, I ate 460 cals for breakfast, then burned 400 of them on the exercise machine (net, not counting what I would’ve burned just sitting in the car). 2,000 calories a day plus exercise, and I’m losing about 2.5 pounds a week. Just right.
By bill on May 30, 2008
That’s wonderful, Bill!! I’m glad everybody is trying to lose some weight for the reunion. We want to look good for each other, and I’m glad we do. Carmen is gathering in all kinds of foodstuffs for her impending diet. I’m just loping along, and keeping it off, as best I can. I don’t feel much like doing anything special with it.
By mother on Jun 4, 2008
Brenda, I went to the doctor today for my three-month general check-up, and everything was great. Cholesterol, blood-pressure (I don’t take any pill for that) blood sugar level is always good so far with just the three pills per day. But Dr. Yoon can’t do one thing about the pain, and I didn’t ask him about ‘alli’ . You Dad and I went to Walgreen’s and looked at it. Boy…is it expensive!! Do you just take one pill per day? It was all locked up, so I couldn’t read the directions? It was $47.99 for 60 pills.
But I don’t want anything that will inflame my appetite.
Bill, I did the Byetta thing one time. I’m going to my Pain doctor on Wednesday. I think I’ll ask him about that. I think I take too many medicines to do the Alli thing. But…I need to do something. I’m creeping back up the scales again. It annoys me!! I’m still under my “scary” place, but too close to it.
By mother on Jun 6, 2008