Alice, Where are You Going? Part II

"Alice, Where are you going?" 

"Upstairs, to take a bath"

Alice, with legs like toothpicks and a neck like a giraffe-raff-raff...

Alice pulled out the plug.

"Oh my goodness! Oh my soul! There goes Alice down the hole.."

"blub, blub, blub." 

Alice, Where Are You Going? Part I

Crazy is as crazy does. LOL, My internal mind can be quite calm or a battlefield. One friend told me to not let anyone convince me I was insane..another person told me not only that I was beyond insane, but addicted to the chaos of it. They are both right.

My life now is about as sane as it can be. I have the kids, my hubby, my house, the puppy. I have different projects, this blog, Face book(!), cleaning, decorating and maintaining my home, cooking, all the other housewife kinds of things. I'm a parent and dog-owner..it is a pretty similar job, except I can't put my kids on a leash or in a cage. No matter how much I would like to at times! I watch TV, movies, listen to music, read..:-)

I go shopping, Wal-Mart/Target, Fry's, Kohl's, Pet-Smart, Home Depot, Office Max, etc., gas stations. I go out to eat, to the library, the bank, and to school functions. Lately, I have added various doctors' appointments and a weekly therapist. I try to take daily walks and during the summer swim daily. Max. my son, usually has at least one friend over at one point or goes to their house. I say hello to my neighbor's if I see them, on very rare occasions I visit with them or they come over.

Have I put you all to sleep yet?

The next level? Part II..sorry. I think quite a few people can relate to my story so far. The "madness" of it all is much harder to write and think about. I do promise that I won't make you wait long. I've always hated "to be continued"s..or "cliff-hangers".

Thank you all for reading so far. I was re-approved for my ads, if you click on them I might get paid. LOL, I have no idea what they do..I am not allowed to click on them. TTYAL very soon.

Daffy Was the One With a Bill

If I start writing this , I probably won't go back to sleep. That idea is still a possibility...it is 3:33 am..my alarm is set for 6..but 6:33 is still doable. Hmm..nope, guess not. I shouldn't have made coffee.

My hubby is home, arrived yesterday right after me and the kids came back from dinner and grocery shopping. I was proud of myself that I had already started homemade chicken noodle. My poor honey has the flu, which I gave him last week.  I was even happier that I did buy the rotisserie chicken. It finished it off nicely. I am really hoping his strain hasn't mutated..or that he ends up with pneumonia, again. He has a history with that. I had a boss that had the same problem, she developed it anytime she caught a cold. All I can say to that one is karma is a bitch sometime. I told you I wasn't a saint...LOL.

I am not sure who me or my husband wronged in a previous life. We have had a bit more than our fair share of medical issues...and now can add psychological ones as well. I have always believed mind, body, and soul are intertwined. With my present therapy this becomes truer every day. I can't explain the techniques we use and am not going to even try to. It really does help, so far. Though I still think psychology is a necessary "evil"  kind of dirty science. So all therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists etc. are a bit suspect and shady...especially when they are being nice. I laugh here.

I love Sociology. It is so much cleaner and clear-cut. I had a beyond awesome teacher for it, and while I could use a review. I have used it,  over and over in my life and seen it in action, first hand. I love the idea of being a circle and having everything  interact with circles, friends, family, neighborhood, interests. Face book is a big social global circle and keeps expanding..that makes me smile. Even if it is run by 'evil' aliens who force changes that nobody likes, wants or understands..OMG, lol. I could do without the virus attacks there too.

I saw a cardiologist on Wednesday..really really liked him which helps. My low blood pressure is still having its occasional drops..which makes no sense as I practically live on caffeine..for years and years. I have been addicted to nicotine for over 30 years. I crave sweets/sugar and salt..olives, pickles, pepperocini are my top favorite foods, plus nuts, sesame anything, and sunflower seeds. Chocolate is its own food group, and "white" chocolate is a fake and not included. Blcch! My b.p. should be through the roof. Instead, I barely make it over a 100 for the top reading. He said all the drugs I played with may have damaged my heart. Huh! Who would have thought..! Or that I already had some type of damage that I was born with. Go figure. Tests..always more tests..the one requires no food, drink, including coffee, or any drugs/smokes for at least 6 Hours prior..some parts are 24. Wow.. still don't know about that one.

Of course this all costs. I have already met my deductible for the year, and have to get pre-approval on everything else. It is February. I am not sure what the cap is..*sigh. I really can't afford to be crazy or ill. Donations are welcome, jk, lolol.. kind of. I admit I am whining a bit. I am so thankful I don't have cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, epilepsy, etc. there is a very big long list. I know or knew people who do/did. Some died from their conditions. God rest their souls...I miss them. Some fight daily against chronic pain/ and a whole plethora of evil symptoms. I pray for them.

My first hernia surgery was without insurance and cost us $50,000. I still think the surgeon took out my appendix so he could charge more. Jerk! It took us almost 7 years to pay it off...plus other medical for me, my hubby and kids. Now we are paying off a pool. I'd rather pay for the pool, much more fun and useful.

The next level? Oh bite me..no, not really. I wish I had a magic wand that I could wave and make everyone healthy on all levels. Physical, mental, and spiritual..it's a wish. The world would end up being very boring or hmm... not even sure. I'd love to hear your thoughts on that.

Daffy was the one with the bill, Elmer was the one with a gun, and Bugs..Bugs Bunny was always the smart one or the smart-ass. Lol, maybe it was all those carrots.."What's up, Doc?"

Thanks for reading as always, TTYAL  Good health and prosperity to you all.

Life is but a Dream

I think I am sleep writing this. I am very tired. I resist sleep, though not because of nightmares. I do have an occasional one. I very rarely remember my dreams, the non-scary ones are beyond bizarre and in color. The Chantix drug I am on  to quit smoking is supposed to cause strange dreams..so far so good. My quit date was yesterday, didn't make it. I have enough Chantix to last till March..so March 21st it is. One of my high school girlfriend's birthday's...the day before mine.

All of us smoker's used to hang around and smoke at the bus stop, before and after. She never did. Her aunts, who all smoked, had put money into a trust for her. If she ever smoked she would forfeit it. I never knew if the story was true or not, but I loved it. When anybody in our group gave her crap about not smoking..I'd stick up for her. Smoking for me was a choice, not the result of peer pressure. I went to a party in WI early on in my Denny's career, didn't drink much that night. I felt a bit strange because all the girls were so young and then younger. They were giving one of the kids a hard time about not smoking. I remember saying leave her alone, whatever. She still has never smoked and never will. I am still proud of that and her... she has kids of her own now.

Dreams, nightmare's..being a server, sigh." Dennymare's"..where you are stuck at work, can't remember a d**n thing, the kitchen is messed up and you have a whole dining room full of angry, hungry people and more coming in the door. This was often reality, too...so many many times. The dream was easy, wake up. The reality, you could break down, walk out or keep going. You didn't get to break down till after..you just kept going. Sometimes you got help, and sometimes you didn't. Sometimes people came in and took the whole thing over, so not helpful really. Other times you realized you were helping out others too much...doing their job for them. Not really all that helpful, either.

I am hoping people don't mind that I am talking about them. I am not naming any names...LOL...not yet.(evil grin here) I am just kidding..

The next level? I have said that reality can bite and hard. You can try to live it as a dream, but there has to be a time where you wake up. You can break down, or walk out, or the best bet.. keep going. Sometimes you get help, sometimes you don't. Sometimes you are the one helping someone else.

I managed to do three projects today. I made appointments on the phone, which I hate doing. I finally got my Christmas tree down and packed away. Yes, I know it is February.. I will store it away tomorrow. I also let go of a person who I was using as a crutch. He is back to being an awesome friend. Thanks for letting me lean, I am getting the hang of it now. I smile here.

Have a great day or night and pleasant dreams..TTYAL.

I am so sick and tired...of being sick and...

Today I feel like crap. God, I am so sick and tired of being so sick and tired. LOL. I have the flu, or the remnants of it anyway.

 Getting my hubby back off to UT isn't complicated. I love him one final time, feed him an egg-cheese-and-sausage sandwich. Then, make a pile of food he needs to take with him, his bread, cheese, condiments and the left-over ribs with a bottle of bbq sauce. Then, it is just small reminders.."yes, dear.. all clean jeans are in the laundry room, just grab clean underwear and socks from your drawer" etc. He does the same thing, in his own way. "Yes, honey..I'll mail those bills tomorrow and cash the expense check, ok."Timing isn't essentially critical when you have a 10-12 hour drive ahead of you..Though, it is not altogether safe to drive at night where he is headed. He whacked 2 deers last year. I affectionately call him the "slayer".

We both avoid emotion, it is just routine and polite..we have done this too many times. Neither of us wants him to go, and there is no choice, bills need to be paid. We have shared these past few days, now it is time to shut that part down and get back to "normal" mode without him. I am barely able to function today though. WTH! Normally I go into a bit of a slide, funk, depression, mood...on the days he leaves. The kids do too. Today? I am ill, headache, nausea, diarrhea, chest pain, breathing problems, sore throat, achiness, general malaise and apathy. But all of the above is gradual, and not severe..some of which are a "normal" part of my life. It takes me all day, even after a nap..to remember I still have the flu.

I don't think this is "fair"..it is just  'not right'. I have so many other "issues" (left turn here, every time I say that word, I do want to laugh..box of tissues anyone?) Getting a virus on top of it all..LOLOL..I am cursed, bogeyed, jinxed, hexed, or receiving my bad karma waves back 3-fold. Ouch! I also have medicine head, very fuzzy and can't think straight.

My medical history reads like a map from hell..other's have or have had it 10 to 100 times worse, so I try not to have a pity party for myself. Besides, after an intial "Oh, hope you feel better soon" and "so glad it isn't happening to me (internal thought)" it gets boring and tiresome to hear and talk about...or even think about.

I have to make an appointment to see a heart specialist next week. I was supposed to do it the week before or was it the week before that? I don't want to. Not for the normal reasons, I am not really afraid of a fatal diagnosis. That would be too easy. I am more worried that they won't find anything, all tests will be "a-ok, with-in normal parameters." I used to get furious and upset when they said my medical symptoms were all in my head. Now, uh-huh..has a lot to do with it. But, I have said this before..are you really a hypochondriac, if there is actually something wrong with you? The doctors have been wrong so many times before..*sigh.

The next level? Healthcare in the US sucks or is the best in the world. It depends on who you are and how much you make..the middle class pay the highest percentage for the smallest reward. The lowest income get care, some beyond excellent.  The majority of it.. day-to-day care is institutionalized, beaucratic, and de-personalized. You don't want to be a zebra.

To flu or not to flu..sorry, apologize for that one..I am getting tired. Have a good night/day and stay well my friends. TTYAL.

Reality Bites.. Hard

I have been enjoying my "extra" day with my hubby, Mark. All of the craziness of the past few months has opened lines of communication that have been closed for years. Some have never been broached before..by either of us, even in our own minds. It has been incredibly rewarding to know, I really did marry the right guy. Doing right by each other is a daily process.

He is sleeping now as he will be getting up early to drive back to UT. His day shift starts at 5 so he has gotten used to getting up early. My sleep habits are beyond bizarre..even before I went crazy. I got a 3 hour nap today..so I am good. I hate that he is leaving tomorrow. He hates it too, and so do the kids. The only bonus is it is a short rotation so he will be back in a week.

My mind imploded and my soul shattered. That sounds like the lyrics to a  rock song. LOL..the reality of it, not so funny..it bit, hard. My central core has been coming back into place, every day just a bit more here and there. It is different though, and very hard to put into words. I am forever altered by this. I did have help along the way. I am eternally grateful to those people/friends, my family and husband who have helped see me through so much of it. The ones who continue to help have been beyond the greatest treasure. The rest has been up to me...and "god"..yeah ok.

I have said I re-made myself. Yep, more times than I care to  admit to..some of these life changes weren't so tough, some I faced..and dealt with. Most of it, I ran way and then worked on transformation. That is what made this such a mess. I ran away and didn't resolve or face my problems, just went to a place where they weren't an issue. Avoidance and denial, the first sign (?) of an addictive problem. When everyone else around you is saying, "Whoa! What the hell are you doing/thinking/acting?" It is a good bet you have a problem with something.

I knew I had problems, still do. Got to add doesn't everybody? My reality was already under considerable strain and cracking way before I fell apart completely. Getting myself and my family back together has/is been the hardest and most worthwhile project I have taken on in a long time. My specific problems I will elaborate on another day.

 The thing is..there is help out there. Whether you feel the need to talk to me, or need a referral to people I know..or just talk with your own friends, counselors, doctors, ministers..you are not on your own. You are also not as crazy as you think you are or might be. You don't have to admit it to the world as I have, the stigma's are incredible, but changing. But do try to find help if you need it. It will be worth every ounce of shame, regret, guilt to actually get some answers and find your inner peace.

The next level? Fixing yourself first, and sharing that..or just giving other's the consideration you normally wouldn't think of. Somebody who is truly depressed isn't just going to "snap" out of it. An alcoholic isn't able to control the desire to drink without major support and self-awareness. An obsessive-compulsive with an addiction to chaos, internally or without, isn't going to become sane overnight. The list can go on-and-on.

 Remember that every ones path is their own, if you found salvation through God or another process congrats to you! That doesn't mean that your answer will fit John, or Charlie, or Loretta..or whoever...(the names are examples and nobody I know) they can use your help, but they have to find their own answer.

 I am on more prescription drugs now then when I actually used. I find this incredibly annoying, they fuzz my mind more. But for now are a necessity, otherwise I slip into a pit of despair or a euphoric high with a revolving door between the two. My doc tells me I may reach a point where I won't need the 'scrips'. :-) Reality bites at times, but is so worth it. The more you try to run away from it, the more it will come back around and bite back harder...and harder every time. For me anyway, lolol. Thanks for listening, have a wondrous day and TTYAL.

 

A "Quickie"

Sometimes short and sweet does the trick.. Just a note to my readers that I am alive and ok. I have my husband home, which just makes me smile. He has always been my balance. He leaves in 2 days, which I try to not think about.

My daughter sees a therapist Monday. Yes, crazy does run in the family..she's depressed and almost 13,  I posted her music on FB. What a positive response, Still don't know what to do with her ...find her a music teacher?

My son, is the pickiest eater on the planet..and I will complain more about that later.

To TC, who I doubt reads this, huh? Didn't understand your message..sigh

To all my friends and reader's have a great Valentine's day weekend, if you are without a special someone ..remember to celebrate love..stole that from my girlfriend.

Next Level..quick and sweet, you don't have to take all day to do a good deed. A smile. a cheery tone, even a wave suggests that we are not alone. Somebody wants to connect with us..spread it around..it will feel wonderful. TTYAL, LOVE Laura