CI, CP, and other life changing acronyms

Last night, I participated in a sleep study. For a long time, I've had issues with sleep that I considered normal and part of my sleep pattern. As of late, however, some things have gotten worse and I was referred to the sleep study. I won't receive the full results for a week or two, but right now the diagnosis is one of sleep apnea and I will be part of a program that has people use a machine at home that "forces" oxygen into their system to ensure proper sleep. For this post, however, I want to "debrief" the process that is a sleep study. When you first sign up for it, you receive an onslaught of paperwork and phone calls which, quite often, overlap with each other. You fill out insurance information and then, when they call, you give them this same information. You fill out surveys on your caffeine habits, sleep habits, and weird things you experience while sleeping. You also receive a plethora of information. Some of it will contradict itself: ...

So, I'm getting personal here. This is your "warning". I have long struggled with my sense of spiritual self. I have looked at this from just about every angle - spiritual, historical, literary, scientific, etc. and there is still little that I am *certain* of. But, there are a few things I know, for sure: Every living thing is aware. Every tree, every flower, every insect. Recent science proves it. Trees have been shown to move themselves and communicate with each other through their root systems. Dogs can have the intelligence of a seven year old child and wolf mothers mourn the loss of their pups. Elephants make friends for life and recognise each other even after years of abuse and separation. Cats understand us, they just don't care.  Energy is important . We all have energy. Our energy effects us and those around us. Energy can have a huge impact on thoughts, words, and actions. Intent falls into this.  There are messages everywhere . So, the last po...

... to bring you this real life day. We had a series of serious storms move through the night before last. All five (yes 5) of our animals were beside themselves. On the positive side, I got to see each of their personalities: Charlie is fairly stoic. He will come right up to you, nearly in your face to let you know that he is unsure, but once you comfort him and give him a warm spot, he won't budge again. Chibs is a crier... and a shaker... and a worrier. He lets his discomfort be known and can shake an entire bed with his shivers. Bao is also a crier. She will get mere centimeters from your face, put her paws near/on your head, and wake you up with the loudest meow she can muster. Then she will spend 20 minutes settling and finally fall asleep on your chest. Li is a fairly chill animal no matter what. She will notice each light and sound in the sky and then decide to busy herself with "cleaning" your hair. Lil Mane.... he is... a unique beast. With each crac...

Emotionally, yesterday was quite difficult for me. I won't go into details, but I spent my evening defending myself, my family, my job, and what is important to me. What was most upsetting to me was that I spent this time defending myself to people that I respected and trusted, mostly in vain. I was the bad guy. I was the bad guy for following the law and doing what I had not choice but to do. I was the bad guy for doing my job. It was incredibly frustrating. A dear friend of mine asked why I even engage trolls like these. Normally, I don't, or, if I do, it is quick and I don't take anything personally. But... this was personal. These weren't "trolls", but people that I knew personally, with whom I've spent a good deal of time (in most cases). These were people with whom I agree with 99% of the time. I went to bed last night nearly in tears. I was hurt and I didn't know how to respond. This morning, I looked at my Facebook and had another comment...

So, I fell off the water wagon, hard. And by the time I got up, the wagon was long gone - so to speak. I got so caught up in dealing with my migraine cycle (which included an increased caffeine intake), that I forgot about water a little. So much so, in fact, that I arrived at work today with a water bottle that is only half full. *facepalm* But, I'll get back at it. I invested in a single cup coffee maker for my classroom in the hopes that a second cup of coffee during my planning period will help with a soda craving after school. I did, in fact, bring my water bottle today, so I will fill it here and make sure I drink it all - twice. :) In other news, one of the things my doctor has recommended as we prepare to see if surgery is an option is a diet that includes a lot less gluten and dairy (but more on that later). I am about 3 weeks into this and am down 10 pounds. That is a lot, but with such a drastic diet change (I was brought up on knowing the goodness of milk and cheese...

Spring break is in 3 weeks. Last night I was asked a few questions about my medical conditions and upcoming appointments (by an appropriate source). Questions I thought it would be interesting to answer in writing to get a full visual. This will also help prepare anyone reading for my next medical history post. So... let's break it down: Pills taken Daily AM pills - somewhere between 1 and 4 depending on pain level and allergy cycle.  PM pills - somewhere between 4 and 6 depending on pain level and allergy cycle + a nasal spray that is medicated for allergies Throughout the day pills - an additional 4-12 depending on pain level.  Vitamins and Supplements - 4 -- two for a daily multivitamin that includes B12 (which I need), and a probiotic.  Pills currently taking for certain circumstances 6 today 5 tomorrow etc. etc. I am currently in the middle of a migraine cycle. A special pack has been ordered for me to break the cycle. It is much like an anti-bio...

Last night was International Night. I had students performing throughout the night. Students had been practising in my room for weeks for this night. I LOVE International Night. Last night, I didn't go. It was my every intention to go and I was really excited to see my kiddos perform. I ended up leaving work later than expected and didn't make it home until nearly 5:00 pm. My partner was going to go with me, but he didn't get home until 5:30. Dinner wasn't ready until 6:15.  The animals still needed to be fed and exercised. International Night started at 6:30 and I live 30 minutes away, without traffic. I seriously thought about going anyways and being late, but then I stood up and felt my left ankle start to give. I had worn my braces all day, as I am supposed to, but had taken them off at home. My ankle had swollen through the day (with some walking and standing) and the braces had left marks on my ankles and feet. Getting to the performances just wasn't going...