NST Awesome August

DrCarrie

apple_muncher said:

DrCarrie said:

Pinch punch!

Just read this, DrCarrie! We posted at the same time!

I know! I saw that too. Spooky!

grandmanerd

DrCarrie said:

apple_muncher said:

DrCarrie said:

Pinch punch!

Just read this, DrCarrie! We posted at the same time!

I know! I saw that too. Spooky!

I left it alone because I didn't want to spoil your fun

Swayingseaweed

First nsd. Spent a soul nourishing 2 and half hours at the allotment, very weedy. Hopeful I can get up there again soon to regain control. TC from counselling yesterday, they have a cancellation for today. I only spoke to them last week and they told me I'd have to wait at least 8 weeks. Really pleased as this will help me focus on handling things better. 

Grateful for it not raining yesterday, counselling to start sooner rather than later and having some time to myself. 
Seaweed x 

beanielou

@abundant1972. Welcome back. 

I was going to suggest Andy’s men club if you had any in your area but it sounds like you are sorted. 

grandmanerd

Wednesday 2nd August 2023

Chronic Illness and Clothing
I've used a blog called Through the Fibro Fog for general  points and another Quit Chronic Fatigue for some of this but a lot is my own personal history/ experience (aka how to stop your clothes embarrassing you). I don't have fibromyalgia (polly does) or chronic fatigue syndrome (not officially diagnosed anyway) but other issues (arthritis, dermatitis and eczema, post surgery clothing) and just finding things to wear as I aged (or anything above  a size 14 in most of the local shops at one point) have caused ongoing issues.

In my teens I discovered that some fabrics (polyester - a waste product of the oil  industry, who thought that was a good idea?) brought me out in a rash or made me sweat excessively. When my whole family came out in a rash, I was the one who noticed that it started as soon as I put my newly washed shirt on - mum was was using a free sample of one of the new 'biological' powders (i think they took it back and reformulated it shortly after). Given a choice, I stuck to natural fibres (cotton and wool and later came to  love silk and linen). I gave up trying to wear a watch, rarely wore jewellery (I borrowed my grandma's ring for my wedding ceremony and gave it back to mum shortly afterwards) and perfume, even used sparingly, became unbearable after about 5 years (still miss Left River).

I adapted.  Fabric technology moved on. I was okay with viscose (made from wood pulp fibres. I was the mistress of the capsule wardrobe. I wore a lot of black and navy (a magazine survey claimed this was true for 95% of mothers of young children - if you're getting dressed in the dark at 5 am, trying not to wake anyone else, it helps if your clothes match. I made my own clothes, wore other people's cast offs, shopped from charity shops and had a whole list of self-imposed and inherited from mum restrictions (I still have problems baring my arms because mum thought they were too thin when I was a child).

I had problems balancing what I would like to wear against what was available and what the shops thought I should be wearing especially as I put on weight. I never wanted to be 'polyester pants lady' - textured beige or blue, elasticated waist (at least 3 rows) pants with the smock top in aggressive swirly patterns. I prefer skirts to trousers (I have a longish body and trousers tend to cut in), maxi skirts did away with the need for messing with tights/ stockings/ shaving and could be wrapped around me for warmth and modesty when sitting down.

Without really noticing at first, I fell into wearing things that 'pulled on' (pulled up or over my head). My fumble fingers struggled with zips and buttons. I've always believed that clothing should be forgotten about once it's on - if you find yourself constantly tugging at the hem of your skirt or dress, you think it's too short and if it is too short, you  will bring that to other people's attention. I embraced jogging pants (loose ones not fitted) in my forties (I went to the gym to exercise, not to show off my lithe lycra clad and label bedecked body). I currently have 2 pairs (one navy, one dark grey) in velour, which have seen me through several winters. They may actually be 'loungwear' ie all day pyjamas but they're warm, comfortable and suitable for evening wear when teamed with a dressy top (they passed the mum test for 'not showing her up').

I came late to leggings and at first only wore tops that covered my bottom - I don't care so much now, I can't see what I look like from behind and no-one else has commented (loudly enough for me to hear). So  what's the consensus on easy to wear clothing. This is increasingly relevant as we age but an injury at any age will have an impact. In my mid forties I trapped my finger in a very heavy old iron gate whilst delivering papers - I struggled brushing my teeth, couldn't fasten my bra (all the boys were at the wrong ages to do it for me), had to go to mum's to get my hair washed and bought 'auntie's' frozen roasties for 'C' word dinner as I couldn't work out how to peel potatoes.

1   Clothes bought more for comfort than for style
2   Avoid rough scratchy fabrics and seams (when I went for my hip  injection in January I wore a loose skirt)
3   Easy to put on and take off (conserve energy - I can take dresses off with my left hand by grasping the hem and pulling, if my right shoulder is too painful)
4   Lighweight stretchy fabrics, elastic waistbands (can be made from 'cuff' elastic if more comfortable), no fiddly zips or buttons. Modern blends including polyester, rayon, acrylic and spandex (chronic fatigue blog), modal and bamboo are super soft 
5   Easy care, non crease, no fussy details like pleats or frills (don't waste time on washing and ironing, or dry clean only)
6   Cut for ease of movement.
I love leggings and dresses/ tunics and tops in soft jersey (t-shirt material). Quit Chronic Fatigue  recommends something  called pyjamajeans (look like jeans, as easy to wear as pjs, from the US, not sure if we have them here - I didn't get along with jeggings and haven'tried again. I noticed the M'n'S website had post- surgery bras and inserts.


21 Mini Adventures to Spice Up Everyday Life (even if you're Chronically Ill) (The Health Sessions)
1   Change things up sleep  in the living room, have breakfast on the ;patio, do a mini makeover
2   Get up at sunrise to do yoga - just one sun salutation or 5 minutes meditation
3   Camp out in your own back yard
4   Immerse yourself in a new culture by eating it's cuisine, watching a subtitled movie or reading about it
5   Try something Creative and new to you
6   Plan a surprise for your partner, best friend or mum
7   Have a festival at home - play music and have fun with friends and a few beers (medication permitting)
8   Have an escape room game at home
9   Attend a lecture (TED talk at home)
10 Try a different look - haircut, paint your nails, combine old and new to make different outfits
11  Have fun - mini golf, geocaching 
12  Go to a comedy club, have a mystery dinner, do karaoke
13  Play tourist in your own town. Go on a sightseeing tour or visit a museum
14  Host a food-tasting party for family and friends or just you - use the ingredients you have. eat slowly
15  If you're stuck in bed, read a book that takes you somewhere different
16  Movie night (outside?)
17  Leave everything up to fate on a day of randomness - take the first bus or train from the station, get off at the third stop. Make small decisions by flipping a coin or tossing a dice
18  Embrace your inner child - have a water fight, finger paint or dig out your old lego
19  Go foraging in the woods
20  Too tired to go out. Dress up for a champagne breakfast or a meal at home
21  Step out of your comfort zone, do something you've always wanted to but never dared do

Crazycatlady2

Hi hope I can join you all, lurked a while and may have posted very rarely but can’t remember

im really struggling with everything atm and enjoy nothing and things just seem too much effort…told my husband I think I need a parent to make decisions for me etc to save my Brain 😂

anyway I’m trying really hard atm to keep going and think of things that are good and I’m greatful for even if they are small or silly 

the 6 weeks holidays are going to feel really long this year feeling like this but I have to keep going 

Toni'sfriend

NSD No 1 

Too tired to go out. Dress up for a champagne breakfast or a meal at home

I really like this one, Grandmanerd.

Your thoughts on clothes were really interesting. I've been feeling really frumpy. So I discovered a company that does really beautiful tops. Quite loose and disguising that sight uneveness around the bust now and also the bit of a tummy that stubbornly refuses to shift. Also jeggings which I can pull on. I'm quite short so had to have them taken up a couple of inches but even so they look good and are really comfortable. The best thing every though is front fastening bras. Why have I not worn these all my life? They have been a revelation (sorry, Abundant. You probably don't need to know this ). As for perfume and jewellery. I have never been able to have anything near my neck so I spray perfume on my wrists and only wear bracelets and rings. Make up wise, I now wear the minimum. Hair need done though!

I've had a quiet relaxing day. Trying to get some energy back. First day of cat sitting. He's gone walkabout for most of the day. Think he's in a bit of a huff at his owner leaving him. But he's come to eat his food and have a bit of a wander about the house so I dare say he'll be back for bedtime.

Presently concentrating on decluttering the freezer. Doing not too badly, actually.

Hope everyone has had a good day. xxx

lcc86

Evening turtles 

Day started off well enough, I got up early and went to spin class. Felt a little bit of a headache but didn't think much of it, I just thought it would wear off. Went into work and it just got worse and worse, started feeling sick at lunchtime so called it quits at 3pm and came home feeling decidedly un-awesome!

Had a sleep, still have a headache but feeling much better. This evening will just be spent lying on the sofa taking it easy. I did get a NSD and at least I got my exercise in (although that probably triggered the headache getting worse without me realising at the time).

f0xh0les

Today I am grateful for finding £1 vegan squirty cream, and salted caramel magnums, and having a chilled out day.
Going to finish watching Cracker tonight as DH is gaming online. I can occupy myself. 
 Taught DS3 to make flatbreads and he was exceptionally pleased with himself and his lunch.
My kids are annoying. 
Every day I wake up is a good day. 

ldee2111

Welcome back @abundant1972

Hope your headache has cleared @lcc86
Hugs @crazy_cat_lady - I felt similar to you recently but thankfully it seems to have passed

Grateful today for another sale on V!ntd, for Mum taking me and DS to a local cafe for lunch, for lovely lentil soup and seeded bread, and for getting to the swimming pool this evening and managing 12 lengths (I could only manage 2 a week ago!). 

Take care turtles. X