Feeling Better, But....

I heard this is the crud going around that turns into pneumonia....

She said it's pH related. So, no coffee, no dairy, no sweets, no citrus, no beef or pork, and so on...

Eat as alkaline as possible, keep the tissue from swelling.

During sleep, my nose is clear. I get up, it starts to congest and run again. I figured I just needed to vacuum, which I do anyway. One person has had this for 8 weeks and is still sick. I've had it for 2+ weeks, and I'm over it.

So, I'll adjust my diet, which I was doing anyway, and maybe even feel a little better.

------

Meanwhile, I've been crocheting. I hit the sales right after Christmas and got more yarn. I ran out of yarn (or very close) for my coat project. I'll try the framework again next week, and begin laying out some of the larger pieces to see where I am as far as how much I still need to crochet. I am sure that I don't have enough pieces, but I wonder if I need another run to the yarn store...

------

And another update on Walmart-
They are closing their crafts/yarn/fabric section.

I boycott Walmart. They come in to a town, undercut all the prices of all the mom-n-pop stores, and put them out of business. OK, low prices are great, but these little stores have been around forever and have a lot of variety in them. They are fine-tuned to the neighborhood where they are located, or they wouldn't still be in business. Suddenly, you have to go to Walmart, and some of the speciality items are no longer available.

Next, Walmart stops carrying whole lines, like the crafts/fabric/yarn section they are pulling out of the local store. Now, you can't find those items within a 200 mile radius. Whole ways of life are being changed and ruined by Walmart because of their predatory tactics.

I believe in shopping locally. Groceries, produce, mom-n-pop stores. There are some chains/franchises that I will use, such as Pet Supplies Plus. That is a regional chain - Tennessee and North Carolina, a little in Virginia. They are not nationwide. I stopped using Walgreens as much. I go to a large chain grocers because that's what is available, but Food City is my choice, and the chain is not as large as the other chain in town. I also like their produce better.

I like Earth Fare, which is a local green-grocer chain. They are knocking on the door of the chains, and they carry more of the healthier choices and brands than the others. I'm not always in the neighborhood for them, though. We also have a food co-op here that I frequent, Three Rivers.

Shop locally. Support your local infrastructure. If you don't, you won't have a job or a place to shop pretty soon. And your opinion won't count! Remember that special item that you could always get at the neighborhood shop that isn't available anymore?

It used to be that if I wanted something special, the manager of the grocery store would order it. Not so much anymore. I have to go to several stores, looking, and maybe find it - or not. I end up requesting it or getting it online a lot of the time. Costs more that way.

So, support the local shops. You never know when your choice will be taken from you. Good prices aren't the only reason to shop somewhere.

Staying Low-Key....

I'm staying low-key today. I'm so sick of being sick! I want to get better, and the best way I know to do that is to give my body what it needs - sleep, nourishing food, and more sleep.

This cough has been around for over 2 weeks, and the congestion continues. Some "cold!"

Even colds are supposed to be gone in a week. This is like everything else in my life lately, long and drawn-out.

So, sleeping, eating light but nourishing morsels, and crawling back into the bed. If I feel warm, I get up; cold, I crawl under the covers.

After Christmas Rush....

I'm not in a rush, and I don't know if other folks are. I went to Hobby Lobby and, unpressed for time, finally walked all over the store. I got some yarn, a couple of canvases, and some flavorings for cookies, cakes and candies. I could have gotten more flavorings, but didn't think about it.

Anyway, I realized that their sales aren't near as good as the sales at Jo-Ann's, and while they don't have the variety of yarns, what they have is OK. They have some yarns that Jo-Ann's does not carry, probably house brands. They have a lot of home-dec accessories, that you will never find at Jo-Ann's. But Jo-Ann's does not carry canvas and painting supplies, so it's a trade-off.

I'll be going to Jo-Ann's today, spending more money on yarn. I ran out of yarns (very nearly, anyway) for my project. I'm at 4 bags of completed pieces, but still need more. I need some more whites. I have plenty of colors, but Jo-Ann's has a better selection, at better prices; particularly in the whites. Since white is the tie-in for all the pieces, I need a lot more of it.

It was fun to go shopping the day after Christmas, and not be pressed like I would be at the malls. I didn't pick up any Christmas decor or cards. I usually get my cards the day after Christmas, so I always have my cards ready for next year, but I didn't even look for them yesterday.

I'm feeling OK, as long as I keep taking the cough medicine. My nose is still stuffy, too. How long does a cold last, anyway???

Happy Christmas to All!

May the spirit shine down from the heavens and lighten your load. Enjoy your fellowship this Christmas. Be together.

Love,
M

Well.....

It's "just" a cold. Yeah, right! I haven't been sick at all for 3 years, and it knocked me back!

Glad it's nothing more serious - don't know how I'd handle that...

Been sick, getting worse...

I thought it was just allergies in overdrive. It seemed so innocuous.

NOT!

This is day 6 of crud in the lungs. I seem to be getting worse. I think it's time to seek assistance...

Getting My Gratitude Back

I had a friend in from Memphis for a visit today. He's my accountant, but he hadn't seen the house yet. It was nice to visit. He was very happy with this house, and it reminded me of where I came from...

Yeah, keep that in mind!

Also, Habitat has made some movement. In a good way. The head electrician and project manager came out to check items. I've been promised a roofer for the drip edge, and a circuit replacement if that circuit blows again. The plumber was due today, but weather likely kept him busy.

It Ain't the Microwave...

Well, I now know for absolute sure that my microwave is not the problem in the kitchen. It's pulling a solid 12.4 amps, but not blowing the circuit by itself.

Yes, some issues are being addressed.

You know, if a phone call would fix things, such issues would never get to the blog at all. Minor annoyances are quickly forgotten. It's the long-standing and festering stuff that gets covered here...

Sore Throat...

I've been using my nose spray the last few nights and actually sleeping better! Who knew that's what the problem was. As a nice side effect, I have a scratchy throat today. I know that's what it is, because I always get a scratchy throat from this stuff. It burns going in, and gives me a sore throat. But I can breathe...

Trade offs, right?

I've either been majorly distracted or something else equally as devastating; because I made a major gaffe at work late yesterday. This one is solidly my clumsiness. I'm not sure what else I can do to fix it. Nothing from my boss, yet.

Anyway you look at it, this one is going to cost me. Some kind of fallout is sure.

I just hope I'm not fired over it. Yeah, it's that serious.

Electrical Work

The electrician blew me off, said he had folks with no heat. OK, legitimate or not, it's a good excuse. He told me to call again yesterday, and I did. He didn't answer.

I finally got sick of this delay and being ignored. I escalated the issues by e-mailing the head of Knoxville Habitat for Humanity. I told her my concerns, my issues, and why I was e-mailing her. I don't know what else to do, unless I do a write-up on the paper or something.

We'll see how that affects things on Monday/Tuesday. I should at least get a phone call.

Restless, Crocheting up a storm...

I've been crocheting a project for several months. It's a patchwork sweater-jacket, probably with a hood. Anyway, it's taking a while, and it will be a while longer.

Anyway, I hadn't crocheted for about 3 months, but kept it close. Lately, I'm crocheting again - to the exclusion of other things.

I've been very restless, and overwhelmed daily by this house. It's just past 20 years since my first AA meeting. I can't count that as my sobriety date, but it's been that many years since my first meeting.

It's also getting close to 3 years since my last cigarette. I think that's more what's behind my restlessness. I even caught myself wanting to pick one up the other day. Not because I wanted a cigarette, but because I wanted that familiar action and feel. I certainly don't ever want to smoke again! I wanted that repeating action of carrying the cigarette to my mouth, and I wanted something in my mouth. That explains a lot of why I've been shoveling stuff into my mouth, lately. And it's probably why I've been crocheting non-stop for a few days.

I had 2 meals, my morning muffin, and 2 bowls of ice cream yesterday. That's all. No other snacks or food. So, the ice cream wasn't good for me, but I'm concentrating on the fact that that is all I ate! That's probably the best day I've had in a long time.

I also spent a bit of money this week. I got seeds, a seed-blocker and subscribed to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens so I could get 4 reports sent over the 2010 gardening year. It was spending on good stuff, but spending when I don't have a lot of $$ is never a good idea. I also ordered several catalogs

I have more money coming in, thank goodness! My bills are paid! I'm really in good shape, but I feel so out of control right now.

On another note, I finally figured out which circuit keeps blowing in my kitchen. It's the stove, and a wall of outlets, all on the same circuit. Not good. The stove should be on it's own. So, the electrician is again not returning my calls. This really needs to be escalated. I just don't know where to go with it.

And the light in my bedroom is still coming on and going off by itself. I really wonder if this house is safe!

Slept in

I didn't go to my meeting this morning. It was just too early. The light in my bedroom came on and woke me up in the middle of the night again. I ended up sleeping a lot longer than I'd intended, but I finally got rested.

I finally called the electrician today. He's coming over tomorrow to check stuff out.

I'm going to clean a bit today.

I'm worried about a friend who's having some medical issues. I love her dearly, and she's having a problem that needs to be addressed. She's taking care of herself, but her communication isn't always two-way. I worry about her.

Well, the litter boxes won't clean themselves... Gotta run! ;)

Tired of Complaining....

I realized that I've been complaining the last couple of posts...
Well, some good stuff is happening, too...

I got some fab boots - yeah, right! BUT with 6EEEE feet, it's hard to find shoes that fit!

I got a pair of boys 5 1/2 and put some insoles and arch supports in them. They are AWESOME! I can finally hike and work and walk without my feet killing me after 30 minutes! They are strong enough to use on a shovel, or hike the Smokies!

I got my heirloom bean seeds today. Yep, stuff where you need to save seeds because they don't get sold and they are rare. Not hybrid stuff, and ancient seed lines. Fabulous food!

I'm crocheting again for the first time in several months. I've missed it, but couldn't wrap my head around it.

I have a fabulous job that I love, and I've been on the same job almost 2 years. That's damn-near a record! I STILL love it!

My girlfriend gave me these cool fleeces. One is a vest, one a hoodie. Boy, did I need them and do I love them!

Life is good most days.... I just have some rough spots, still.....

NOT Grateful!

I've been trying to be grateful for this house. One shouldn't have to TRY to be grateful for something this nice.

HOWEVER, living here is not the same. There are "issues" that need to be fixed, and are not getting fixed.

I have a light plugged in to the outlet in my bedroom - it's one of those touch-lights...

Everytime it rains or my neighbor's AC unit comes on, the light comes on and off.

I have water going under the soffit, getting into the attic. Not yet fixed.

I have air in the hot water tap in my bath. Don't know if there's a leak yet.

I have a microwave, yes, it's under 10 yrs old, and it's big. BUT, it works just fine, and was just serviced 8 months ago. It blows the kitchen outlets about every 3rd time I use it.

I'm supposed to have a home warranty, and all this crap is warranteed. I'm not getting my warranty repairs! I've complained and complained. I don't know what to do next.

Stuff they WON'T fix...

The carpet was supposed to be a very dark charcoal, and it's silvery blue.

The driveway needs to be cut out and moved because it's in the middle of the backyard, instead of on the side. I can't put up any privacy fencing with any privacy, because you can see right into my bedroom. I also can't plant anything in the back yard until this is done.

For the record, I told the head of construction before we ever started, that I wanted the house on one side of the lot instead of in the middle. It's in the middle. He totally blew me off.

I've been trying to find gratitude, but it's become another shaming thing. I feel like I'm should-ing on myself. That's just not healthy.

I talked to my sponsor, and a trusted friend. We'll get this fixed - eventually. I just hope that the warranty stuff gets paid for by the contractor - Habitat for Humanity - not me.

I wonder if other Habitat offices have clients (home owners) with this kind of problem?

Falling Down Tired! And Snowing, to boot!

I'm not making it. I'm so tired, so over-booked, it doesn't look good. I have bags under my eyes that go nicely with the dark circles.

It's not that I'm not sleeping - I am - but not near enough! 5 hours a night is not enough sleep. And the demands for my time keep coming....

I'm over it. I love being with folks but I can't do this morning stuff. I just can't!

I love the holidays, but TEA means 4pm, not 9am.

Church Group means Weds Night. I'm already booked.



Oh yeah - it's snowing today, too! Pretty!

Yes, this is KNOXVILLE, TN, USA

I'm Tired at 5am....

I've had to get up at the un-Godly hour of 5am for 2 days this week, and I have another one coming...

I'm tired at 5am...

It's DARK at 5am.

I need a nap!

I had to have some medical tests on Tuesday, and I had a Habitat breakfast today. Tomorrow, I'm off to a church function with a friend. WHAT was I thinking?!?

---------

Yesterday, I bought a pair of shoes. Nice shoes. They almost fit, too. Still too long and too narrow. I wear a specific size - 6EEE -- That's right, Duck Feet! I don't have webbed toes, but I might as well, for all the shoes that fit...

So, I have to return these really nice shoes, because they slip and slop on my feet. I learned that if shoes are too long, I trip. I trip on my own two feet enough, so I don't need the added impediment of shoes that don't fit, AND are too long.

It's like wearing a shoe that's got an extra 12 inches at the toe, for fashion, like they did in the 15th century - except that isn't the style today.

Of course, to get the width, I have to either order online, or wear these impossibly long shoes, so that I can wear SOMEthing on my feet!

Besides, what I need are sneakers, not some fancy dance shoes. I need something I can do yard work, hike the Smokeys and go camping in. Maybe not boots exactly, but at least something I can walk a good distance in and that I'm not afraid to get dirty.

And boots - right!
Boots are damn near impossible to find! Maybe a boys' size 6 wide? Kid's shoes come wider anyway, and if your foot isn't too long, some kids shoes will fit.

I wish there was a custom shoe-maker (cobbler) around here who wouldn't charge forever and a day, who could make me a nice pair of boots. I'm tired of my feet hurting after an hour. I'm not afraid of breaking in a good pair of boots, but first, I have to have a pair that fit. Not something that squishes my toe-bed so bad that I'm crippled after 45-60 minutes.

I've had that happen.

Gorgeous Morning!

It is a beautiful day out today! Gorgeous!

I woke up before the alarm today, and went back to bed anyway. I snuggled my cat for a little while.

I got my Christmas Cards done yesterday. I probably forgot a whole bunch of folks, but the mailed cards are ready to go.

I get to go to a meeting today, too!