In todays news a study shows that when we go shopping our brain releases a pleasurable chemical called dopamine.

Now tell us something we didn't know!

The study says even the simple act of just window shopping without the buying releases the chemical.

Yes, shopping is good for morale!

I admit, I like to get out and go shopping even if it's only to PetsMart to buy Benny his beloved "meals."

What great news! I'll have to tell my hubby that studies have proven that shopping is good for my morale! Of course, paying the bills at the end of the month might not be so morale-boosting. Guess I'll try to do more window-shopping!

BTW, I've also discovered that shopping is a great cure for constipation. No kidding! Anytime I'm stuck, all I have to do is go to a big department store (like Walmart or Zellers) and shop my way to the farthest corner away from the bathroom and it never fails...I end up running to get there in time! Honest, I hate taking medications for anything, and when I found out, by accident a few years ago, that this worked, it's been my tried-and-true remedy for constipation ever since.

Eagle...thanks for the tip...I'm on my way out to Wal-Mart right now...sure would be great to be able to eliminate my need for ex lax....

Hey, believe it or not walking is an excellent way to speed up the "process of elimination."

The gravity exerted when you stand up and walk gets your peristalsis going (and you too.)

I think you need to pay cask for this to work. If not, what happens when you get the bill at the end of the month? Then you get depressed and have to go shopping again!

You can also produce dopamine by what they call "grazing". Smelling, chewing and enjoying small amounts of food all day long does the trick. That's probably why many diets insist on snacks between meals. Celery and carrot sticks aren't only for rabbits!

The dopamine was flowing last night and this afternoon! Finally got the Christmas shopping done.

After taking Marge to her doctor's appointment today she mentioned she didn't know what to get me for Christmas. She gave me her charge card and a generous figure to work with. I headed straight to a jewelry store. Tomorrow we have another doctor appointment at 10:00 a.m. then I must give her back her charge card.

When my husband told me that money didn't grow on trees I told him, yes it does...it's made of paper. He got real quiet.

Don't ya love when you leave 'em speechless??

Hi Dianne and Bluebird, I've missed you two!