Kevin's Watch

I gave up caffeine for a few months a while back in the hope that it would reduce my anxiety. It didn't. Results may vary. It would have been nice to have such an easy fix, but I'm also glad to have caffeine as needed. It has been needed lately.

I used to have a nasty little caffeine problem, mostly caused by coca-cola, but coffee contributed. Got to where I would have withdrawal headaches if I missed.

When I kicked it, I didn't drink coffee for 3 or 4 years. Even now, I don't drink much coffee...much more of a tea person.

--A

I once took a nap because I had a headache, and woke up so thoroughly disoriented I was convinced it was the next morning and I needed to leave for work. It had been 2 hours, and it took me a long while to figure that out.

As for caffeine, I drank mostly coca cola for years in my late teens/early twenties. Would get the worst migraines in the morning if I went the previous afternoon without drinking any. Mostly gave it up around 25, only have it when I'm out now or with takeaway pizza. The first few days of caffeine withdrawal after I gave it up were awful.
Weird side effect: it's 8 years later and still when I get a headache I crave sugar.

The funny thing is, I never drank coffee until the last 3 or 4 years, except on rare occasions. Certainly not every day. Since I quit smoking, I've leaned really hard on coffee. Soda was also my drink of choice, and usually high caffeine like Mountain Dew. I weaned myself off that before quitting smoking, thankfully, but with the diet I'm fooling with, I have a cheat day and tend to drink soda that day, and has re-ignited things a bit.
I've never been much of a tea guy....just occasionally. I found I like plain green tea with caffeine, so I'm starting to wean myself off coffee with that, then give up coffee and eventually move to caffeine free green teas. At least that is the plan. But dammit...is life worth living without vices?

Sorus wrote:I will try not to be a bad influence. (Me in a bakery post-Passover will be a bad influence.)

This sounds sweet.
(I wonder what things are in a bakery post-Passover... or if Passover upped the expectations of good foods. or what..)

Sorus wrote: I've spent a lot of my life denying myself stuff, and I've found it's more fulfilling (at least where little things are concerned) to delay the gratification rather than mercilessly bringing the hammer down on it. (You can have that later rather than you can't have that.) It's the little things, sometimes. Especially after a bad week.

Yeah. Smoothie = good.
I love a smoothie even more than cookies.
So maybe I will think about that.
Oh - and I -did- get yummy cookies this week... last night, in fact. Just, they were free for me, not something I bought.

I spoiled myself today with one of those curry-from-a-sealed-pouch things you can buy.
y'know, it was really yummy, and had ingredients we don't tend to work with. so it felt splurgey!

Cagliostro wrote:...just really needed to step away from the giant swarm of kids and chaos and confusion.

Cags- oh dear.
the $20 was super-worth-it.
also, I notice that in the social structures people build often:
A. It's assumed that "entertain the kids!" is of highest value to all parents at all times.
B. Face-to-face interactions don't account for noticing when people are tired. or ill. or anxious.

Or am I crazy?
Glad you had the presence of mind to tell them "we'll go put the backpacks in the car." yes, I would use that workaround.

maybe I'm encouraging cynicism too much...
I'm a little stressed 'n distressed.

Always...

Cagliostro wrote:But dammit...is life worth living without vices?

No. No it's not.

You have to die of something.

--A

Vices are what make the world go around .

I like my vices .. they add to my experience of living. It only becomes an issue when they dont add to your experience positively.

In extreme excess they might be fatal .. but its all balance .. if you are in control.

Yup, all about balance.

I am tired. I've had nights recently where I've wondered if it's possible to forget how to sleep. Doesn't help that neighbors were setting off fireworks all night. And that I thought it was a massive gunfight at first. Used to be better at telling the difference, but I've lost a lot of hearing and that range seems to include the characteristic 'firework noise' that comes after the pop.

Wow, I'm honored!
I received this via the My Chart app from one of the nurses at my reconstructive surgeon's office. I knew my surgeon was really pleased with my results via keto, but didn't expect to become a mentor for others.

"Good Morning Pam,

Dr. Colohan has a new patient who would like to speak with another patient about their experience with DIEP reconstruction and starting the Ketogenic diet. Would you be willing to share your experience with another patient? If so, please let us know if you would prefer email or a call.

Take care,"

Well done you on your weight loss targets and this is a lovely acknowledgment.

Well, Thursday. Yesterday was election day (and thus a public holiday), so once again this week is all messed up. Just need to make it through the day, then it'll be Friday. Can't wait.

--A

I cant believe you get a public holiday for an election. Thats awesome.

Skyweir wrote:

I cant believe you get a public holiday for an election. Thats awesome.

Possibly the only awesome thing you can say about South Africa

Pffft. There are many awesome things about SA. It's just that there are also many terrible things.

Yeah, it's meant to encourage voter turn-out. On that note, this year represents the lowest turn-out yet since our first democratic elections in 1994.

--A

I feel like a zombie. Go to bed early because I'm exhausted, then can't sleep. Yay for anxiety.

Sorus wrote:I feel like a zombie. Go to bed early because I'm exhausted, then can't sleep. Yay for anxiety.

I take allergy medicine and exercise a little. I sleep better if my muscles feel a little tired. A few leg squats or some push-ups are usually enough.

I keep going to bed too late.

Only Wednesday. Meh.

--A