"Anger is never about them, it is about you. Its a mirror, showing your expectations, your wounds, your illusions." Alan Watts.

L-lysine is an essential amino acid that your body can't produce on its own, so you get it from food or supplements. It's a building block for proteins and plays roles in various bodily functions. Here are the main things L-lysine is commonly used for or considered good for, based on available evidence:Preventing or reducing cold sores (herpes labialis) — This is the most well-known and supported use. Lysine may help by interfering with arginine (another amino acid the herpes simplex virus needs to replicate). Evidence shows that oral lysine supplements (typically 1,000 mg or more daily for prevention, and higher doses like 3g+ during outbreaks) can reduce the frequency, severity, or duration of outbreaks for some people. Lower doses (<1g/day) often show little effect, and results vary. It's rated as "possibly effective" by sources like WebMD. Supporting calcium absorption and bone health — Lysine helps the body absorb calcium better and may reduce calcium loss in urine, which could benefit bone strength and potentially help prevent issues like osteoporosis (though direct evidence for preventing osteoporosis is limited). Reducing anxiety and stress — Some studies suggest lysine (often combined with arginine) can lower anxiety levels, possibly by influencing serotonin pathways or reducing stress responses. This has been observed in certain populations, like those with diets low in lysine. Promoting wound healing and collagen production — As part of protein synthesis, lysine contributes to collagen formation (important for skin, connective tissues, and healing). It may aid in faster wound recovery. Other potential benefits with emerging or mixed evidence:Lowering blood pressure (in people with insufficient lysine intake). Supporting muscle recovery or growth. Boosting immune function or growth in children/adolescents (especially in lysine-deficient diets, like those heavy in grains). Lysine is naturally found in high-protein foods like meat, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, and quinoa. Supplements are popular for the above uses, but evidence for many claims (beyond cold sores) is preliminary or not strong enough for definitive recommendations.Always check with a healthcare provider before starting supplements, especially at higher doses, as they can interact with certain conditions or medications (e.g., caution with kidney issues or calcium-related concerns). Side effects are usually mild (like stomach upset), but high doses aren't suitable for everyone. Summary by Grok

Use Costco for best prices. I buy online from sameday.costco.com. I pick organic, pasture raised and grassfed options whenever possible.

Do not listen to what your impostor syndrome is telling you. You are going to do great! Just do it.

When people respond to feedback with overconfidence, biases or outright denial, they trap themselves in the same life circumstances—whether in relationships, careers, or parenting—and prevent progress to improve.

Homemade organic pizza-bagel! Mom made with ❤️.

Fast food!

Excessive sodium intake over time can potentially damage the kidneys and heart, particularly if it starts early in life and becomes a habitual pattern, like regularly eating instant ramen (which often contains 1,500–2,000 mg of sodium per serving, far exceeding daily recommendations).

Do not let your teens buy and eat these things. It has way too much sodium and full of seed oils.