Up

I won't say early, because compared to the weekdays I've actually slept in, getting up right at 9 am. But in the 30 minutes that I've been up, I've started a load of laundry, started a loaf of bread making in the bread machine, gone out to the car to get some Diet Sunkist from my car, nicely chilled, and am now caffeinating. It's why I drink the stuff--I don't care for colas that much, preferring fruit flavour, but it's the only orange soda I've found with caffeine. That said, I know soda, in general, is not so good for me, particularly with artificial sweeteners (Diet Sunkist uses aspartame). So I have been exploring other options. I don't care for coffee or black tea. I've tried Mio Energy and Crystal Light Energy but they are artificially sweetened as well. So I'm still looking. And yes, I like water, but I need a little caffeine to get through the day or I'm like a zombie.

Also since getting up, I've also taken my insulin and Byetta (but not the oral meds yet--I'm at the end of my pill container and need to fill it up. I need caffeine before I do that, or I tend to put them in the wrong slot or even drop them, which is not good when you have cats, particularly a kitten, who is fascinated by all sorts of things dropping to the floor.

I did splurge just a bit yesterday, buying a Kindle book of a regular book that I have out from the library. It is called Orchid Modern: Living & Designing with the World's Most Elegant Houseplants By Marc Hachadourian, the curator of the Orchid Collection at the New York Botanical Garden. It's a lovely book, dealing with the history of orchid collecting, the different species, plant care, creating decorative projects like terrariums, creating a good environment for the orchids, etc., all in one substantial book and generously and beautifully illustrated. I really liked looking through it, but when it came to reading--and he has a good writing style--I found I was impeded by the relatively small typescript, no doubt small to leave room for the lovely pictures of orchids. So I got the Kindle book because while on my e-reader it would have been wasted, I normally read my books on my tablet now (which is not a Fire, but I use the Kindle application on an Android tablet. I say splurge because it was $10.99 and I don't have much money, and I am trying to get tyres soon. But it is such a lovely book. What can I say, orchids have a long history of causing mania, why should books about them be any different? Anyway, this way I can increase the text size to see what I'm reading. My glasses do correct to 20/20 both in general and with the bifocal, but the small print is still harder to focus upon. This, I think, is the most useful quality of e-books, that they can be manipulated in terms of settings so that anyone can read them who would normally have issues due to age or disability, and most books, particularly non-fiction ones, are not given Large Print editions. Also, you can blow-up images when needed on the tablet, something that the Kindle e-reader does not do hardly at all. Incidentally, I used to keep my Chrome settings at 95% and I knocked up the text and the rest up to a little above 100%. It helps immensely. No sense in getting eyestrain. I think the presbyopia is part of my hiatus from enjoying reading, so anything I can do to read more books is worth it. And I can also read on my laptop, which is a low-end 2-in-1 that folds back to be a very large tablet-like screen when you change to tablet mode and I have the Kindle application on it, as well.

Alright, I'm going to go get some breakfast. I'll probably write some more before I start my Sunday chores proper (although laundry is something I do on Sunday, that's for me, not the household, generally).

It's a little sad when

you have to take a knife to open up a 20 oz. bottle of soda. I got one at Thornton's on the way back from my unemployment review and class, because I was very thirsty, and couldn't get into it, so I came home and tried a jar opener, a case knife, and finally I was able to make a bit of a perforation with a sharp paring knife (without hurting myself, always a plus) where apparently it didn't make one. But I feel somewhat puny. I also had a light in the kitchen flare out when I got home, and had a light bulb, and got on my little step stool only to find that I barely can change a light bulb, given my short height. I need a taller step stool. There is a reason most of my overhead light fixtures' actual covers are carefully put away, as I can't put them on or take them off at all, without an actual ladder.

The class and review were fine. I got to see three former co-workers, all from different departments. I gave in my list of jobs for which I've applied, and the lady went over the various services they offer and things we have to do to keep our benefits. I have to revise my system résumé, at their request, to take off two old jobs and my references, and have that printed out and ready, along with a packet, by Thursday at 9 am, when I go in for a small-group résumé review. I'd brought everything today, because I wasn't quite sure what was expected, and I was one of the better-prepared job-seekers. I hope that means there's a job out there for me.

After I came home, I opened the windows (it's 77 with a breeze right now, but it's supposed to be humid and close to 90 degrees later), pulled a few things out of the walk-in closet, and called about the air conditioner and the toilet running. When I talked to the leasing agent, I found out that the inspections have been put off till Friday, which gives me some time to vacuum, mop, and go through some of these boxes that are stacked up. This morning I got up at 6:45 am, later than I planned, but it was good, cleaned one little bit of wall that had something on it (I think it had a little mould from where I keep a hamper there, and I thought I'd need bleach, but it turns out Citrasolv works well, as that's what I had), did the dishes, and took the trash and recyclables out. Then I got ready for my review, and I was there 15 minutes early.

I called pulmonary rehab and cancelled for the day, and they were very understanding and told me to call Thursday if I still needed time, since it's an upper respiratory thing, and even if I could breathe better, stop coughing, etc., by then, she said she didn't want me wiping myself physically with the exercise programme if I'm not up to it. I have a sinus infection, cold, and bronchitis, and of course, bronchitis sometimes takes awhile to get over. I'll try to do the actual breathing exercises tomorrow if I feel up to it. I could have worked this past week, but on the other hand, I'm glad I could get some rest. I just would have had to push it a lot more, and rest in the evening more.

That leaves me the rest of the day to look for a job, go through some things here, and maybe go get some medicine for YKWIA if he needs it, later. We talked on the phone briefly. He's still hacking, too, and there's a medicine they gave me but with his insurance I think they were more expensive, so he'd held off. But they do help with the coughing, although I wish they lasted all night. I'm waking up early each night with coughing. This morning I was awake from 3 am to 4 am because of it. The coughing subsided after awhile, and then I couldn't get back to sleep for almost an hour. I'd also like to start The Glass Magician (and I need to check on my library books and when the next ones are due) and maybe watch a couple of things sometime today.

I got a call from my former workplace. They really want me to come in and help cover for the maternity leave, and she wanted to know what they could do to have me come in. YKWIA told me to tell them a full-time job with benefits and the same salary I had before. :) I'd like to help out, but I don't think it's viable. It would take quite a bit of time from the job search, not pay more than unemployment (unless they change that drastically), and make things more complex with the parking and the like. I'll call her back and hear what she has to offer, but I just don't think it'll work. They were saying before that they needed me for eleven hours a week for about twelve weeks. But I need to focus on getting a full-time job, soon. My unemployment benefits are only good for six months, and we're six weeks in. Also, soon I'm going to have to pay for the medical end of COBRA, and between that and the dental, it's about $750 a month. The sooner I get a new job, the sooner I get benefits, including health care, and can save money.

Oh, and I need to go back to that one post, a few down, and review my agenda for today. It is one reason I do that, it's sort of my way to make lists that I'll remember to go back to.

Hope you're having a great day.

This is not an ad

But more of a review. I was at Fresh Thyme, a new natural grocery, checking it out the other day, and got a tall can of this grape soda, which has nothing but carbonated water, citric acid, stevie leaf extract, and natural flavours. It's called Zevia, and it's pretty good, much better than others I've had in the past, and it's zero-calorie and has no caffeine, so I've been drinking them (I found six-packs of it at the Euclid Kroger) in the evening. It also doesn't have the phosphorus that dark colas have that cause kidney issues. I thought I'd share my find. I drink too much soda. This is a better alternative,  and it is a little more expensive ($3.49 for a six-pack, not horrible, but enough where I won't get a lot of them at once). The tall can was $1.49, but that was actually less than a regular soda. It comes in other flavours, too.

In some ways

I felt better on the day of surgery than today. Maybe it was a combination of the fluids and anaesthetic. You can tell every time I've been up by when I posted today (well, and yesterday, too), usually at a half an hour a time. But I think I've actually slept more today. Since A left, I've pretty much just gotten up to eat and then went right back to bed, for longer and longer periods at a time. For example, He left around 11:45 am. I woke up about 1:30, then 3:30, then 7:30, and now 11:30. The last time I went to bed I listened to music for awhile and put my phone on to charge, because we're supposed to have storms tonight (in fact, a warning just popped up on my phone). Because I'd gone over 6 hours without my pain medicine, I was in quite a bit of pain around 7:30 (I'd taken it when A left). Even elevating the leg hurt some, so I finally just went on my side with a pillow between my legs, and that was more comfortable. I'm going to take some more in just a bit so that I can get back to sleep comfortably, even though it will be just over four-and-a-half hours this time.

I am beginning to regret the decision not to get any soda for my time off from driving. Water is better, and I'm drinking quite a bit, but going cold turkey from caffeine maybe wasn't such a good plan. That and the pain medicine combines to make me very sleepy every time I do try to get up and maybe surf the net or do something not strenuous but engaging the mind, like read. I know I should get some rest, but it's a little frustrating. Maybe tomorrow I can do a little more. I'm going to try to cut back on the medicine to half starting tomorrow afternoon if I can, so by Monday I can switch to regular acetaminophen.

The wind is really starting to pick up outside. I hope my window boxes don't get blown off. I managed to water all the plants earlier, including the ones outside, and thought about putting them down on the ground, but decided that was too much bending.

Okay, I'm sleepy already (and I haven't even taken the medicine yet.) I'm going to go take that and head back to the bedroom. Sorry I'm not good company. But all in all, the surgery went well and the recovery is progressing well so far. Hopefully it will continue to do so.

I guess the universe is taking care of me, after a fashion

I have curtailed my soda intake, and I haven't had any Diet Sunkist, which has 180 mg of sodium per 20 oz. bottle, whereas Diet Coke has 70 and Diet Pepsi has 60. I have had a Diet Pepsi today, but considering I usually drink 3-4 20 oz. sodas as a minimum and sometimes, like on game day, 1 or 2 2-litres, I think I'm doing pretty well. But I was getting terribly sleepy while working on the game notes (despite a little nap earlier) and I decided I needed some more caffeine. I went over to the laundry room and put the money in, got one. Then I decided to get one for later. A regular Coke came out. Thinking I'd hit the wrong button, I put money in again. Another regular Coke came out. :( Apparently they'd mixed them in to the Diet Coke slot. One of my neighbours was out walking her dog and I asked if she drank regular Coke, and her husband does, so I gave them to her. At least I got one out of the bunch. (Sorry A, I would have brought you them, but figured you're trying to watch your intake and you usually choose Diet).

I'm working on the notes, but it is time for a break. I'll come back in a little while and start working on them again. We played for a lot longer than normal and most of this was investigation, so it'll take quite awhile to finish.

So, on the days that I have too much caffeine

I have no trouble staying up for long periods of time, but it takes a couple of hours to wind down into sleep at best. On the days without, I'm up for a couple of hours and then sleep very soon. Obviously I need to find a balance, or somehow just break the caffeine cycle. My caffeine comes in the form of Diet Soda, so it's not as strong as coffee. I don't drink tea. I don't do energy drinks. But it is definitely an issue with my sleep-wake cycle.

On an average workday I have two-three 20 oz. sodas, and then rarely have any at home. I don't have trouble sleeping then. But at home I'm drinking more than that, a whole 2-litre a day or five-six 12 oz. sodas. So I've got to throttle back on it. It's not like soda's particularly good for you, including and especially the diet ones. YKWIA has been getting on to me for years for my soda consumption. So even though I'd like to get some more and I'm sure I could ask someone to bring me some, I'm not going to. I'll try to go a few days and see if my sleepiness abates. If not, then I'll try to go back to my norm instead of the way too much I've been drinking.

Sometimes I think the universe laughs at me

It wasn't a big thing. I just wanted a diet drink today. But when I changed purses, I realised somewhere on the way to the bus stop that I hadn't moved the change (which is the only money I have until I get paid tonight) in my purse pocket to the new one. So all day I had a lack-of-caffeine headache and was sluggishly trying to move along, although it took some effort. I also forgot to bring my lunch, although I had some peanut butter at work. I did have about 40 cents in my pocket, and so I as able to buy a couple of pieces of bread for a peanut butter sandwich, and then later I had some tuna, but that was all for the workday. I found myself thinking, 'I know it will be six o'clock by the time I get home, but I'm going to have my cola.'

So the bus was 15 minutes late, and I finally got home, and looked in the purse, and lo, there were no quarters to be seen. It was then that I looked in my wallet (which I had had with me all day today) and discovered that at some point before today I had transferred them. So that's a forehead smacking moment.

Then I walked over to the laundry room, pressed the button to make sure it was not sold out already, and then fed the coins in and pressed my selection again. It went through major gyrations, but no cola came out and it said proudly, 'Sold Out' on the small screen. I got the change returned and sadly walked back to my apartment.

So, no cola. Oh, well, they're not good for me anyway. But yes, I firmly believe the universe was laughing at me.

On a brighter note, I came back and made some basmati rice and some chickpea curry I found in the back of my cupboard. It was delicious. Also, I had a little milk left over from when I had it for cereal, so I went ahead and had that with my meal. So everything turned out okay, although I still have my headache.

Got some time, soda, and Mentos on your hands?

How to Build a Rocket Car Powered by Mentos and Coke

Here's the result:


Here's more from these guys, including a great fountain:

:)

Bleh

I'm up early to run an errand and although I first woke up at 6 am and managed to sleep until 7:45, I feel crappy. I'm achy all over, feel like a dried out paper towel that's frayed at the edges, and generally am not functioning yet. I'll feel better after a shower and maybe some food. But even though I couldn't sleep anymore, I feel tired. Of course, between the two jobs I worked about 12 hours yesterday, so that might have something to do with it. Man, I feel old sometimes.

I am getting more unbroken sleep now, mainly by sleeping on my back. My shoulder's been bothering me for some time and I usually sleep on my side with my arm under the pillow. I'm thinking that position is aggravating my shoulder, and so the pain is waking me up. It is getting better, so I don't think I need to see anyone about it, but it is annoying.

Oh, the caffeine is starting to perk me up. I'm not much of a coffee drinker, but a soda in the morning will do it for me. Yay, diet Sunkist. I have one of those mugs you put in the freezer and then pour the drink in so that it's cold without diluting from ice. It has the secondary effect of freezing bits of the soda around the edges, which I rather like. What can I say, I am a fairly simple person. Small things amuse me.

What I really should do with my extra time is take out the trash and put the dishes in the dishwasher. Maybe I will. I don't have to be anywhere until 9 am. But right now I'm just concentrating on waking up, and it's happening much more slowly than usual. I usually can get up from sleep or a nap and be ready to go just like that, a useful skill in my shuttling people around. I used to get up at 3 am and pick up YKWIA from the scary studio art building at UK years ago (ghosts, stairwells that collapsed, homeless people settling in, and oh, yeah, it's a 19th century tobacco warehouse with lots of allergens plus art supplies that can be toxic, what fun, although I hear they're finally doing something about the Reynolds building), and of course there was that spate when A was working at 3 am.

Okay, I think I'm going to spend 10 minutes in the comfy chair getting a back massage and then head to the shower. Have a great day.

Several '-ing's

Listening to: 'Viva la Vida' by Coldplay (embedding disabled) [lyrics]

Reading: 'The Concrete Jungle', a novella by Charles Stross (I'm reading it in a collection of his works, but the link goes to an online version of the story.) Also reading Necroscope IV: Deadspeak by Brian Lumley, still, as well as the HP Lovecraft collection mentioned in the sidebar.

Eating: Macaroni shells and cheese. Yum!

Drinking: Diet Sunkist soda

Interesting

It's associative, not necessarily causal, but sodas--even diet drinks--have been linked with metabolic syndrome, the cluster of factors that leads to diabetes (this happened to me) and heart disease.

Study Links Diet Soft Drinks With Cardiac Risk

But first, quizzes!

Strange, as I am a Diet Pepsi/Diet Sunkist kind of girl

You Are Coke

A true original and classic, you represent the best of everything you can offer. Just the right amount of sweet, just the right amount of energy... you're the life of the party. Your best soda match: Mountain Dew Stay away from:Dr Pepper

What Kind of Soda Are You?

Your Learning Style: Unconventional and Insightful

You are very intuitive and ingenious. You're attracted to any field of study that lets you break the rules. You Should Study: Art Art history Architecture Comparative religions Eastern religion Education Music Philosophy

What Should You Study?

You Are Impressionism

You think the world is quite beautiful, especially if you look at it in new and interesting ways. You tend to focus on color and movement in art. For you, seeing the big picture is much more important than recording every little detail. You can find inspiration anywhere... especially from nature.

What Art Movement Are You?

You Are Pumpkin Pie

You're the perfect combo of uniqueness and quality Those who like you are looking for something (someone!) special

What Kind of Pie Are You?

You Have Low Self Esteem 80% of the Time

You tend to blame yourself when things go wrong, regardless of whether it's your fault or not. You're anxious to please others and rely too much on their opinions. Learn to please yourself first, and your confidence will soar.

How is Your Self Esteem?