Week 2 - There's so much we can do.

RubySewSew

Did go back to bed and zonked out then struggled to wake up. Grabbed an apple on the way to work. It wasn't long before I realised I had a migraine setting in. Bum! I haven't had one since I've been on the prevention meds. It makes me wondered what has triggered this one? I'm not stressed. I'm not rushing around. I am eating. I am tired but I haven't had less than 7 hours straight sleep a night and we're only talking about 2 days!! I've managed to get on top of it by taking pills, eating a tonne of chocolate (I get really bad sugar cravings), 2 cups of tea, dinner and now a glass of red wine. And it has eased. My migraines actually respond to the things that cause other people's!

Have done a bit of work - writing up notes and plans for work. Haven't managed to do any self employed work and don't want to push it. Maybe I'll set a couple of hours aside tomorrow night. I also need to make the boyfriend's birthday present for next Thurs.

Right. Going to have a relax, a chill out, get an early night and start again tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

Mags30

Could the change of routine- back to work have triggered the migrane? Glad you feel better now.

Mags30

OH and how's the puppy today?

NorthernLas

Ruby - After 30 years of migraines I have found a really simple technique that works for me. Best of all it gives me some control over a problem that has frustrated me and lost me soo much time over the years!!!

As I want to shout about it from the rooftops, you're gonna get both barrels. I found it by chance when I went to support a friend at a mind, body and spirit festival. She trains people in Buteyko breathing, so because she was not busy, I asked what it was all about. I am a bit of a skeptic (even though I'm a qualified reflexologist), esp about techniques that claim to resolve diverse issues like migraines, sinus problems, bad backs etc.

Anyway, there is a physical reason why Buteyko works for migraines and as I had a Drs appt just before Christmas, he confirmed it. I asked because I know he gets migraines and he learned it in medical school ... not entirely sure why he doesn't suggest it to patients then (he is a lovely chap, but maybe nice but dim or he needs someone to 'cattle prod' him). The key to Buteyko is that you concentrate on breathing through your nose and as much as poss you do not breath through your mouth. By doing this you increase the level of carbon dioxide in your blood and this has the effect of increasing the uptake of oxygen to balance out the CO2.

When I thought about the onset of my migraines, I realised that I panic, since I have about 20 mins to find and use an injector pen, so my normal strategy would be to shallow breath through my mouth and let the adrenaline and panic rise. In early Nov I was 30mins into a 5 hour shift at a new job, without medicine, so I had no option but to give it a go ... and you know what, IT WORKED!!! I tried it again in Dec (my headaches are hormonal) and it worked again.

Have a look at YouTube stuff like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWgFogngw6E

NL x

In_Search_Of_Me

oh dear...migraines are horrible...mine can be triggered by loads of things and drinking lots of water greatly reduced mine! hope it goes soon How are you managing the dog walking amongst all the other stuff?

RubySewSew

The doggy is beautiful but she is sooo much hardwork! She isn't allowed out yet so no walkies so far. I have to say that I think issues will resolve once I can start walking her. For example, she is really energetic with not many places to divert that enthusiasm! She is toilet trained to use puppy mats which are in the kitchen which has a gate but when we're at home with her she wees and poos on the carpet. About 100 times a day! It seems to be that she is so keen to be with us that she will go where she is rather than go to the mat. I've read up online about toilet training but it all seems based on anticipating when they are going to go. I also want her to start going outdoors as the mats are so expensive! She can start going for walks following 2nd set of vaccinations on 21st - I hope this helps with energy levels and toilet training! The other thing I have to say is it is so hard trying to train a dog when everybody behaves so differently towards her - I have to train the family first I think! It doesn't help that DS1 has decided that he hates her. He is soo grumpy! I think he hates school but comes home and takes it out on us

Thanks for that info Northern Las - I'll certainly give it a go. I'm on meds for so many different things that I'll be glad to try any other means of resolving them. Migraines are so debilitating! It could be change of routine that caused this one, I don't know. The changes I have made are meant to improve my situation! It could be to do with the tiredness which could in turn be a sign that my kidneys aren't working properly at the moment. I went to bed at 11 last night and set the alarm for 10. I slept for 11 hours straight! I'm not so tired today but I'm not brimming with energy either. The good thing about being in a reception class is you can just chill out and read a book! There doesn't seem to be an easy answer to patchwork living. There is a temptation to look for a full time school job because at least then I would have a steady pay packet. And school holidays at home with the kids. Whenever I'm not teaching (antenatal) I think oh, I don't miss it that much. But when I am teaching and I get a group who are really into it I love it! It's the hours I don't love. Teaching evenings is no fun.

What I have witnessed in the last couple of days is how awful school dinners are and how mean the cook is. I saw her laying into DS1 today (she didn't know I was his Mum) and she is constantly putting meat gravy on his vegetarian dinner. I have promised him he doesn't have to have school dinners anymore. I wouldn't eat them. Or want to deal with that humourless witch every day.

I think, other than dinner money that is budgeted, today was a no spend day. Thought it was circus but that doesn't start back until next week so that's a tenner I didn't spend. Have fancied pancakes for last couple of days so made them for kids for tea. Eggs were from chickens so only needed flour and a splash of milk! It's taking a while for my body to adjust to eating twice instead of once. it's actually making me hungrier because my body thinks it wants to eat more after school whereas my head knows that I'll have my proper meal later.

I might have a look at the sales online later. I made a list of wardrobe core essentials I need. Which is basically everything! I have some spending money set aside from ebay sales etc. I think I might spend that on sale stuff - I need to prioritise and buying the stuff that is currently on sale seems sensible!

Ok, signing off... see you later!

NorthernLas

OK, I can give a top tip for looking after kidneys as well ... after a bit of stretching do some forward bends (i.e. stand up straight, stretch up and reach for the stars, then bend from the hip and hang with your head upside down until you are bored) and then counter pose with a backward bend (like the bridge) and finally end by lying on your back with your legs up the wall (or radiator).

The forward bend is calming and compresses your kidneys and adrenals, the backward bend stretches them. The legs up the wall pose finishes the manouvre and gives you a chance to check in and see how your body feels (and plan what next!). Puppy will love mummy doing silly things

And on the subject of said furball, do you put food down and then take it off the floor? Could you have a pile of paper (preferably in a large paint or litter tray) in the kitchen and put puppy in after she eats. Praise lots when she does tinkles or 'busies' (a Guide Dog puppy walker term, not mine). In fact whenever you remember, put her in the tray and praise positive action (when you get up, or you make a cuppa or before you go to bed). In no time at all she will have got the idea, she is a collie/lab cross and very bright

When she is allowed outside, you can progress to training her to do tinkles and busies outside to order! Saves on poop bags so very MSE

Have a good weekend

NL x

p.s. However skeptical, try the breathing see if it works for you. It is good in stressful situations, since you are doing the exact opposite of hyperventilating!

RubySewSew

Thanks Northern Las - I'm not at all sceptical. I'm a birthing teacher so know only too well the powerful effect of breathing! It's good to have something new to try so I will definitely give it a go. Will use it to in those antsy moments when I'm worrying about nothing in particular. Will try and build a bit of kidney care into my daily routine as well. I have an appointment with the urologist this week so hopefully he can shed some light. I'm ever hopeful - in 3 years, an operation and billions of tests things don't actually seem that much clearer!

Have had a busy and homely weekend. Had a beautiful, much loved friend over for a long leisurely lunch yesterday. She came to meet the dog and get her son together with DS2. DS1 had a friend over as well to balance out the dynamic. Spending time with the puppy is paying off. She is more responsive and calmer and I seem to be making some headway with the boys to. I have tried to centre this weekend on the boys but still don't seem to have fitted in the things that they want to do. Really simple stuff like reading and club penguin. I'm having a bit of a guilt trip about this although maybe I should focus on what they have had this weekend rather than what they haven't.

Another long lie in today (my boys really are good!) and had more friends over for tea and cake (and to meet the puppy!) whilst I cooked Sunday lunch. We said our blessing and the meaning of it seems to be sinking in - the boys were thankful for food and friends. Made a lovely apple cake with a couple of bramleys that have been hanging around a while. Sliced bramleys in the bottom of a cake tin with a squeeze of lemon juice and brown sugar. Then top with basic sponge mix and half tsp of cinammon and half of ginger. Served it with vanilla ice cream and DS3 declared that he loved, loved, loved it! And then all of the boys decided to give me a back rub and foot rub. It was to try getting out of the washing up but I enjoyed it nonetheless!

So lots of lovely food and friendship this weekend. And I've not really had to spend that much either. £15 at the greengrocers? I think that was it. Have got more unscheduled costs this week though - haircuts all round and the doggy will need a bigger bed v soon. Will try looking second hand first. Ooh, and its the boyfriends birthday. I think he would really like to go out for dinner but I really can't afford it so would like to cook for him. Will have to peruse the cookery books and come up with something lovely.

Will try and make this a money making week. Will book some reunions, get some stuff up on ebay, do my tax return and get some flyers sorted out. Sounds like a start to me!

RubySewSew

I'm going to try and make this quick because its late and I'm tired. So please excuse typos, spellings etc...

I was really aware yesterday that I wasn't looking after myself, too tired to cook, house a mess etc. I decided to get an early night to make up for it so headed up to bed at 10. Was feeling pretty emotional because I had a big stand off with DS1. He's only 9 but he was saying that I never listen to him, I never let him do anything etc etc. I remember throwing the same c**p at my Mum. He finds it hard that his Dad lets him have so much and do so much and I find it hard that I can't afford food or education for them whilst his dad lavishes them with expensive gifts, trips and holidays. Anyway, long and short, he'd been off school in the morning with a sore throat (suspected tonsilitis) and then woke up at 3am with vomiting and rigours and crying in pain. I was up with him every 30 mins, to change his bucket, change the sheets, shower him and clean him up. I don't mind any of that for a second, I just wanted him to be more comfortable, poor, poor little thing. However, I woke up (!) shattered. Called in to work who were great (what a difference a change of employer makes) and got him to the dr. They confirmed viral tonsillitis and have referred him for tonsillectomy. This is the 6th time I've been off with him September! It must be bad because he is delighted that they're going to take his tonsils out. He was crying to himself last night saying why is it always me that is ill?

So, today I have caught up on sleep, washed a lot of sheets, entertained a manic puppy (who has tired herself out this evening chasing the cats ball up and down - hoorah!), parenting, feeding and cleaning. I shined my sink, swept the floor and hoovered the carpet. I haven't done any MSE activities, not made any money, not saved any money but I am convinced that the shiny sink is the key to it. I haven't managed it every day but I know that I'm never more than a few minutes away from it. My base level has improved. And I can't work, can't run a business, can't run a house, can't raise a family in mess. And maintaining is proving to be easier than constantly firefighting.

Right. I have no idea if any of this makes any sense. just call it a brain dump before bed. Gonna put my sleepy puppy to bed and then head off myself. BTW the pup needs a big dog bed so I will be asking the universe for some help with that. I need a big dog bed and big fleece. I'm donating the little one to a friend who is getting a little pup and can get some use out of it. Give to the universe and the universe will provide. Please.

RubySewSew

Eep! I'm really drifting! I'm struggling to motivate or direct myself usefully to achieve any of the goals I've set for myself. I urgently need to bring in some extra money and I am failing to prioritise. I got up at a decent time in order to go shopping before work but came unstuck at the meal planning stage. I can't tell you what I want for breakfast let alone for the next 2 weeks!

I need to:
sell stuff out of the ebay box
get some flyers and business cards out
launch website
tidy up my sewing desk so that I can get started on some projects
sort out my paperwork so that I can teach my last course from my contract

None of this is beyond me so why am I dithering?!!

Still surrounded by boxes of stuff and furniture that is half refurbished. I have half an hour now before i go to work and can't usefully fit anything in. Unless you count checking facebook and clearing out my personal inbox. No, you're right, that is not useful! Maybe I need to mind map. I could mind map. 30 minutes to mind map...

Ok, ok.