The Tangle

Since today is October 31, it seemed that it might be a good time to come up with a "habit of the month."  It was my screen saver that reminded me, because that is what I see every time I turn on my computer.

This morning I was thinking about my problem areas in the house.  As you know, I am far from perfect, but that is alright, because I am going for reasonably clean.  My worst habit is that I am a piler.  I have little piles here and little piles there -- books, magazines, cards, mail -- you name it, it may be in my pile.

Some people call these hot spots.  However, I have come up with a new name, that fully describes the maxim of clutter attracts clutter.  It is like a spider web:  everything that lands there sticks.  Or maybe, it is more like briers   things get caught in there and stay.  Ooh!  Doesn't that sound painful?

We have a new term to learn, and our habit of the month for November will be to work on making these areas go away.  So, let me introduce to you The Tangle.  The Tangle is the clutter that attracts clutter. 

It is our little piles that seem to magically grow, as we put things down we intend to use but don't get around to using or we forget to put them away.  It is the books and mail that need to be filed, the medicine bottles we knock off the table--because they are in the way, and it is the rubber-bands or pencils that need a home.  It is the dust that collects, because it is too hard to dust there.

When we are truly organized, we learn to put items where they belong.  If we do not use, need, or love the things causing our tangle -- then, these things need to be donated, recycled, or thrown away.  

Remember, baby steps will get us where we want to go.  

The habit of the month for November will be to clean up your Tangle for 15 minutes a day.  Work at your own pace.  If you need to, divide this job into smaller segments, such as five minutes for three times a day.  

Do Men View Housecleaning Like Women Do?

Image Courtesy  of  [John Kasawa]/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 Do you think men generally view housecleaning the same way as women? Please don't get angry with me, Men, for my answer, because from what I have seen, they don't.  It may be because they were brought up in a home where that was their mother's domain or it may be a "man thing."

The reason I bring this up is because of the things I notice and my husband doesn't seem to notice.   For instance, I think the kitchen is clean when the counters are wiped off and the dishes are put away.  If the sink is looking scummy, the kitchen is not really clean.  

He thinks the kitchen is clean when the dishes are put away and the counter is wiped off.  I am not sure he even notices the sink.

And then, there is vacuuming and mopping the floor.  Those are things I used to do weekly without fail, sometimes more often if necessary.  However, I haven't done either of those things for a while, and I don't think it bothers my husband.  It just doesn't cross his mind, unless company is coming.  However, if I ask him he will do the vacuuming, and every once in a while he just gets inspired.  

Image Courtesy of [artur 84]/
FreeDigitalPhotos.net

This week, I desperately need to vacuum.  I know I will hurt afterwards, but I was just cleaning up a spot on the floor and the amount of dog hair that came up convinced me.  Truthfully, I am not all that crazy about carpet anymore.  I think hardwood floors would be easier to take care of, but we live in our church's house.  And they don't plan to spend any more money on it, because eventually, they are going to knock it down.  Although, I still think it would be great for missionaries on furlough.

The neat thing is that I can try out the inexpensive decorating eyes ideas I see on Pinterest -- after I clean.

So, I guess you may have an inkling what the challenge for this week is -- if you can handle it.  I am going to suggest vacuuming at least one room a day. This time, don't worry about getting the baseboards.  Those are good to do when the focus of the week is one room.

I still have picking up to do.  It seems like a never ending cycle.  However, I did make headway last week.  Also, I need to dust the living room.  I never finished that.  So, I suppose my focus room this week is the living room. What is your focus room for the week?

Doctor's Orders: "New Morning" Part 2

Image Courtesy of [David Castillo Dominici]/
FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I am quite tired of thinking about my illnesses as much as I have since Wednesday.  It's time to change to a more positive focus.  Even though one cannot lie to one's self about being sick, it does not have to rule every moment of one's life.

My husband remembers what I was like before I was sick.  It must be hard on him too, but it's hard for me to see, because he is the one that gets to do things I cannot do. To be honest, it must be hard for our caregivers and spouses to see the changes in us. 

Last night, my husband and I had one of those serious conversations, and he said something like, "You never wake up and say it is a good morning."   

That is probably because I never have a really good night's sleep, and I have always been a bit slow in the morning, even when I got up and fixed the whole family's breakfast, and got the kids off to school.  I usually drove them to school.  Coffee has always been a part of my mornings as an adult.  And then, I usually needed a caffeine pick up in the afternoon too.

Guess what I did this morning.  We were both awake and out of bed, and I kind of did my morning groan;  then, I looked out the window at the sunny, cold morning and said, "Oh!  What a beautiful day!"  

My husband said, "Don't be sarcastic."

Image Courtesy of [Ambro]/
FreeDigitalPhotos.net

So I looked out the other window, which was mostly frosted over and  looked out the corner, and I said, "It's sunny.  I feel good."

Then he said, "Don't rub it in."

We both kind of grinned, and I think I feel better emotionally this morning.  I think the devil was doing a number on me.  Let's see if we can make Debby feel bad about herself and guilty for being sick.  For a couple of days, I fell for it. 

Image Courtesy of [Julie A. Wenskoski]/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Lamentations 3:22-24 KJV says:

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

Today, every morning is new kept going through my mind.  Thank the Lord for new mornings.  The anguish of last night is gone, even though I have work to do.  And even though I may not be able to move as much as the doc wants, I know I need to move aerobically more than I do--if I can.

Baby Steps.

And I haven't changed my mind about looking for a new doctor.  I need to find one that understands what is going on with me.  Too bad the doc didn't know me when I was younger:  he would know I was a dancer and a jogger that often ran 3 miles several times a week.  The most I ran was six miles.  Oh, those were the days, my friend.  I also dancercized and jazzercized on a regular basis--pre-Zumba--ha, ha.  I guess that tells how old I am.

Oh so much for recollections.  But don't you ever want to tell the doctor, "I used to be slim and active?  I did not get this way over night.  I got sick, and I started taking medication, and I started gaining weight.  I could not stop gaining weight, even though I walked and ate a healthy diet."  Not everyone that gains weight eats all the wrong food.

Oh, oh!  I feel myself slipping into defensive mode again.  I'm over it.  I have to deal with where I am now.  

We all have to deal with the present.  The past is past.  God's mercies are new every morning.  He is faithful even if no one else understands, even when we do not understand.

Doctor's Orders: Part 1

My dear friends and readers, I appreciate you all so much.  And, I wonder if any of you have gone or will go through the conundrum I find myself in.  It's hard to even know how to begin this particular blog post.  This is the second day I have tried and my fingers are trembling, but my head is no longer in a fibro fog.

Wednesday, I got back the results of my blood tests.  My liver enzymes are above what they should be, and my blood sugar is too high.  My doctor's instructions via someone that works in his office are to get 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise five times a week and to be on a diabetic diet.  That sounds great, but my history makes that exceedingly difficult.  I have become convinced that my doctor simply does not understand my history, so I am actually planning on finding a doctor that will take more time with me and that understands Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

There is much more I have to say, but for reasons you will understand later there is more to this, so I will write about this in parts.  I need to protect my emotions, because they affect how I feel physically.   I think many of you have similar stories.  If only our physicians understood.  Meanwhile, please pray I can find the right doctor, one that takes time to talk to me, that listens and understands he or she cannot throw out these blanket "fix-its", that don't fix anything.

Sleep, Blessed Sleep

From the pool to the potty
to the bed --
that is crashing.

Sleep.  Blessed sleep.  We need it, but it is often fleeting.  My sleepy time is constantly getting turned upside down, because I crash when I don't get enough hours -- I have too or I cannot function.    

Last spring, I found the following article by Lizzy Brown, and I have tried the suggestions in it:  Sleeping Problems:  How to Reset Your Circadian Rhythm.   

My favorite tip was the one on resetting the my internal clock.  Instead of trying to go to sleep earlier, I keep setting each day forward when I am trying to get back in what most people would consider a "normal"  pattern.  It doesn't last for me;  but, it helps for a while, until I have one of those nights I cannot go to sleep at all.  

Image courtesy of [marin]/
FreeDigitalPhoto.net

Having to explain to a person, who lies down in the bed and is asleep almost the moment his or head touches the pillow, is hard to do.   Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way for everyone.  The desire to go to sleep  doesn't always mean one will,  nor does the desperate feeling of exhaustion always mean one will slumber.

Some people suggest using herbs, supplements, or medications to lull one to slumber.  Guess what!  That doesn't always work either.  At least, it doesn't for me:  I have been wide awake with medication or herbs that put most people to sleep.  Therefore, I personally do the best I can.  Since sleep is often elusive, I am very thankful when I can drift off and feel like a normal person going to bed, sleeping when I need to.   

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone,Lord,make me dwell in safety (NIV, Psalm 4:8).

There is one thing I love about lying in the dark in my bed.  I love to remember scriptures I know;  and, I like to pray.  Even when I can't go to sleep, there is peacefulness in giving that awake time to the Lord, in remembering Him and all His benefits.

Now, it is time for me to work on shifting my time forward again.  I think I have stayed awake long enough. 

  

Image courtesy of [Stuart Miles]/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Prioritizing the Things You Do

First of all, I promise you, I am resting.  Since I posted my earlier article today, I have made a doctor's appointment, rested in the bed, gotten dressed, and eaten a snack.  I even weighed.  Now, that information I am not sharing.  I did not like the  number.

Sometimes, when I'm running on empty, I need inspiration.  I had looked for a matrix of 4 organization points, which I have used in the past to send to a friend.  However, it all dealt with business, etc.

Since I'm feeling a little "brain-dead"  right now, I thought it would be easier to share one that dealt with house work that someone else had written.

I know the matrix of 4:  urgent, not urgent, important, not important; because, I have used it in the past.  I figure sharing articles that inspire me are going to help you too.  This explains a matrix that you can use to prioritize activities.  It is very simple, and you should not put too much on it. You can make one on your computer or you can draw it on a piece of paper in your little notebook.

I prefer to make a new one everyday, and I think that would be good for me, because I have been a little bit of a work-a-holic lately.  And in my break, I want to prioritize for what I need to do now.   Let me add, if you don't want to shift for the Principle of Three.  That is OK.  I like the working in 3's too;  however, I understand some of the new Ipad apps for prioritization are using the Urgent, Important, Not Important categories.   Sometimes, changing up, freshens the way we think about doing things and works better.  By the way, I would add getting dressed as urgent or important, because my day seems to go better when I dress.

One thing I want to empathize is that you will have to adapt this to your illness and what you are able to do.  Remember Christine Miserando's Spoon Theory.  We only have  a certain amount of those, so one of our main priorities should be to relax when necessary.  

So here is the link to the article I told you about.  I am going to have to read it more than once, as I apply it, because of my foggy brain at this time.  In fact, I just found this blog.  I don't know much about it, but it looks interesting.  I just wish I had time to apply all the interesting things I learn.  

Simplify your life

 {Week fifteen: Time management – priorities}

Enjoy, and at least we don't have to take a magical pill to do this Matrix.  Remember the movie.  Love you all.  And, I promise to post no more than daily clutter posts in my journal.

Finding a New Perspective

Sometimes you just need a little bit of alone time to clear your head and see things from a new perspective. 
                                         ~Katrina Mayer

Yesterday, a friend of mine sent this quote to me on Facebook.  The more I thought about it, the more I know , that I have to take a break.  I'm tired, I'm sick, and I need to spend time away from the computer.  Also, my house is beginning to suffer the consequences of the last few weeks;  even though, it has been in worse shape than now.   

Yes, I have that problem too.  Actually, I think you already knew that.  I am not Mrs. Perfect Housekeeper:  I do the best I can.  And lately, my body has required more naps and I still feel too  fatigued.  Even my brain feels fatigued, and it is affecting me.

Jesus took time away from the crowds during His ministry.  If He needed that, how much more is that necessary for the rest of us.  Thus, taking note of that in my own life, I know am feeling drained.  So, if I miss someone's comment on Facebook or I don't post everyday, I haven't left.  I am taking a break, spending time with the Lord, working in my house, and resting.   Maybe, I will even go to the park.

Deborah needs to take care of Deborah, just like you all need to take care of yourselves.  And, if we don't take care of ourselves it is hard to minister to other people's needs.  Therefore, I declare an October break for at least a week, unless I am hit with a moment of inspiration that cannot be ignored.  

Take note of this in your own lives.  When you are feeling emptied out and fatigued to the core, it may be time to step back and reassess.  You may not even need to reassess:  you may need to play and nurture your inner child.   The point is we all need mini-vacations, even if it is just for a day.  That doesn't mean you have to go out of town.   But, you may need a shift from the norm, especially if you feel you are in a rut.  Even that can be done at home.  

Maybe, you need to pamper yourself a little:  do your nails, get your hair trimmed, and shave your legs.  Men, you don't have to shave your legs or do your nails, other than trimming them.  Maybe, you need to go on a picnic, go golfing, go fishing, or take a walk in the park.  

Have you been procrastinating on doing some things that would renew your spirit:  painting a picture, playing the piano, or writing a poem?  Do you need a mini-retreat with your Bible and a journal to spend unhurried time with God?

What do you need?  What would minister to your mind, your body, and your spirit?  Even an hour away is better than none.

My prayer is that you find time to rest and renew.  We get so busy, that it is sometimes hard to slow our minds down;  then, all of a sudden, we realize we have run out of inspiration.  Or, we may have it, but we are too tired to actually implement it.

That's where I am.  So, I know you will understand as I take a break.  I may even make the doctor's appointment I put off.  The one I had for October was cancelled by my doctor's office, and I never seem to call them at the right time.   

Remember -- you need to care for yourself in order to be able to care for others.  When you have a chronic illness, you cannot continually run on empty, because you will suffer the consequences.  We will feel like better husbands, wives, grandmothers, mothers, fathers, grandfathers, and friends when we care for ourselves.  It's a matter of pacing ourselves, and we sometimes need longer blocks of time to renew. 

Sometimes, we may feel a little like we are on a runaway train;  that, it is impossible to get off.  Hey!  It's not impossible.  We can get off.  We just have to do it.

I am doing it.

I plan to see you in about a week.

Love, Deborah

Why Make a Day List During a Flare or Relapse?

Are you having a flare or a relapse?  Many people call any extra ache or pain a flare, whether it lasts two days or two months.  However, I think it is more reliable to think of a flare as a symptoms that have gotten stronger or come back for a shorter amount of time -- probably for a twenty-four hours or less. To me a relapse has the connotation of a return of symptoms that are stronger and last longer than a week.

Do you  ever have a problem with deciding on the appropriate designation for your symptoms?  I wouldn't worry about it.  Either way you feel worse ;  and, there is a negative impact during these times.

You could take time to pamper a little.
Do you need a bath or shower?

However, if you can get past the pain and doldrums, as well as the sickly, icky feelings that come with flares and relapses to take action in your home situation, you might feel better mentally and emotionally.  Knowing you have done at least one thing on your daily schedule,  can help most people improve confidence and  satisfaction during the day.  The problem is getting yourself moving, and being careful not to do too much.  Pacing yourself is an imperative, which means rest.  Don't push yourself too hard or you may end up feeling worse.


Should you work during a flare or a relapse?  That is a question each of you have to answer;  and the answer probably depends on how serious your relapse is.  Have most of your symptoms returned?  Are you fighting off an infection or a virus?  What are the circumstances of your life?  Are you more stressed than usual?  All of these things need to be taken into account. 
 

The List

You have seen a possible weekly cleaning schedule, which can enhance developing a routine while ridding your house of clutter.  However, have you thought much about a daily list that has definite goals written down?  

Brain fog is a debilitating factor of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  Some people feel like they have fogginess every day, even on more normal days.  

One way to combat brain fog is a designated list for the day, written on scrap paper or in an inexpensive notebook. 























During my relapses, I would accomplish very little, relying only on my weekly schedule.  I need to see specific tasks written down, so I can cross them off.  When I see a task crossed off my list, it boosts my morale.  I may still feel worse than usual, but I am not as bored, nor do I feel like I've completely lost a day.  

Even if you only accomplish very small tasks, it is a good thing.  Working helps dissipate depression;  moreover, it means you will not have as much to catch up on when you are able to do more.

One hint about your designated list for the day:  even on good days, do not make it too long.  Don't write down more than three things on it.  In fact, if you are having a flare or a relapse, more than three things will probably be too much.  The principle of three works.  If you have more energy after getting three things done, you can always add another thing you want to do.

I hope this helps you on your more difficult days.  I can't guarantee that you will always feel better if you do something; but, after a flare or relapse, it is harder to get moving if all you have done is sit all day.  

During a relapse or flare, I have found that when I am able to do at least one active thing every day, my morale is higher than if I sit all day.

Therefore, try to keep moving on your flare days;  but also, remember to rest when you feel like you are shaky, dizzy, or over-fatigued.    

God bless you all.  Have a good week!

Deborah

Shopping at the End of a Relapse

When you have a flare, how many of you start out shopping like this?
You are happy to get out of the house and pick out what you want at the store, instead of sending a list with a family member.

Image courtesy of [stockimages]/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Image courtesy of [stockimages]/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 You feel OK when you are at the beginning of your shopping...

But then, your energy begins to spiral down,

Image courtesy of [Ambro]/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

And by the time you are almost ready to go to the checkout counter,
 you feel like this...

Image courtesy of [marin]/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Image courtesy of [David Castillo Dominici]/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
You are at checkout, and you want to lie down:
that is all you want to do!

Finally, you are home!  
Groceries are put away.

Your nerves feel like they are jumping, bubbling, and tingling throughout

your entire body.  You wonder why you feel like the inside of your body 

is moving when you are exhausted;  and then, you say to yourself, 

"Oh yeah, I have Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome."

Then, you actually go to bed, and you lie there like this...

Image courtesy of [David Castillo Dominici]/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

THE END.

P.S.  Yep!  This is fresh in my mind, 'cause I went shopping today;  and, I 

         even spent time using an electric riding cart.  My husband was with

         me, and I gave out.  I felt horrible.

  

Free Image, Oct.2013, October Habit of the Month

 For those of you who would like to put this picture on your refrigerator or somewhere else as a reminder, I  believe you can just print this out.  You may even be able to download it to use as a reminder on your home screen on your computer.  So here it is, available for my wonderful readers and fellow afflicted, who are determined to not live our lives in stasis, but to do what we can do, and even become stronger.  I lift you up to the Lord in my prayers.  We are not alone.

Love to you all, 

Deborah

Image courtesy of [nirot]/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Terms of Use:  This picture is for your personal use, not to be sold 
or distributed on the internet.  It is for teaching purposes only.

One Easy Rule

Never leave a room empty-handed.  That means every time you leave a room you can take at least one thing with you that needs to be relocated.  Are you actually going up the stairs this very moment? No?  However, you can leave one or two items at the bottom of the stairs, awaiting your trip up there.

The above method can be applied to any room, and it adds up to a cleaner house.  I don't always do this, but I think it's about time I did.  How about you?  Is this something that will make your life a little easier?

Join us for the rest of October in 

The Never Leave A Room Empty Handed Challenge  The Never Leave a Room Empty Handed Challenge
The Never Leave A Room Empty Handed Challenge
    The Never Leave A Room Empty Handed Challenge   The Never Leave A Room Empty Handed Challenge  the never leave a room empty handed challenge 

It's Getting Better, Like I Knew (Hoped) It Would

Weekly chores are difficult to plan when you do not know how you are going to feel from one minute to the next.  You can barely stand taking care of yourself, but now you are being reminded there are other things that need to be done.


One of my favorite jobs is writing articles for my blogs;  however, I haven't been able to handle as much writing lately.  Such is the nature of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  When it hits harder than usual, one has to roll with the punches.



The truth is I have found the last couple of weeks depressing.  Oh yes, I have fought it;  but anybody that has been sick for years on end gets to the point that it seems too much to bear.  At least, I think most of us do.  That seems to be a normal reaction for anyone that remembers what it is like to be able to live a more active life.  

I could get into a confession time and list all the things that have gotten to me, but I'm not sure that would not be good for either you or me.  It would just sound like complaining.  So here is something better.

Something Good to Think About 

Today, I saw a real plus in my brain's need for simplicity, including clutter on a page.  I finally took the time to play with this blog a little.  Does it look less cluttered to you?  I hope so.  

I am still trying to figure out if I want to match my blogs a bit more, or turn them into one with different pages.  But, what I have found about pages is that you need more and more.  You would understand if you saw how blogger worked.  

For those of you who read my other blogs when I post something -- does it bother you they all look different?  I could use that input.  I have seen some lovely professional looking blogs, but I like being able to post other interests.  It seems to me, it is more like a library that you can choose what you want to look at, because I have them connected.  And the best part is that Blogger let's me do it for free.  I just don't see how I can beat that.  

Word press has free blogs too, but I have found blogger so very easy to use.  And, it is not hard to personalize  a blog on blogger.  I have played with it over the years, adding my own backgrounds on some of the blogs and my own headers.  I like having fun with my blog.  Yep!  And, artsy me loves to change things when I want.

Shopping Therapy for the Not Invisible

Shopping therapy is a loosely used term for making yourself feel better by shopping;  however, I have never been one for shopping just to feel better.  Also, when you are tired all the time, you just don't run out to go shopping.  After all, that involves using energy.



However, I could not stand one more minute inside the house.  My husband is watching the play offs in baseball, so it was not going to bother him that I went out.  So, I did.

But first, I decided to play with my makeup--lightly applied, but something different.





Why feel like we have to look sick?  I have an invisible illness, and I wanted to use what I had to make me look better.  Wearing makeup was a treat!

I went for my favorite summer t-shirt and a pair of earrings with a little bling.  

I'm home now.  I have on a brand new pair of pajamas that got that special smile from my DH.  I bought a soft robe I have been looking at for almost a year.  Moreover, I got two of my grand-babies outfits.

I went to Walmart after I went to Bealls Outlet and rode the electric cart, only shopping for things that interested me -- things I don't always look at.  No -- I did not buy everything I looked at.  I even put a couple of things back.  One does have to make choices.

One of those neat choices was something I just learned exists.  It's a Belkin Cooling Lounge.  You put it under your laptop computer, and plug in the attached USB cable to your computer.  It has a fan and keeps your laptop from getting so hot.  It has a fan, and the shape is designed to give increased air circulation to your computer.  Also, it has a cushion and is not heavy in my lap.  I am impressed already.  My usually hot laptop is cool.

Yes, I'm still sick and still fatigued, I smell like a Whopper from Burger King now, and I did something I enjoy.  Sometimes, those of us that stay in our houses too much need to break out and do something different.

I cannot wait to see what tomorrow is like.

  

Results of Poll: Did getting sick affect your weight?

For those of you who gained weight after you got sick, I wonder if you ever feel like the doctor thinks it is because you just don't know how to eat healthily.  How many of you feel likes he assumes that you got sick, because you got overweight?  

I have felt like this so many times; and it actually goes back to when I was a teenager, when being a tad over the weight charts was the guide for the doctor.  And, it was only a tad.  I remember my doctor telling my mother I needed to lose weight when I weighed 121 pounds with my clothes on.  This set me up for a life-long concern with my weight and what I ate.  



The truth is the real problem with weight set in after I was put on certain medications, and I was dealing with issues that were not being resolved.  That is why I did the poll.  Also, I am sure not being able to exercise as much as I used to do has an impact.  If I could do the things I love to do, I would;  but it is too painful.  After a while, one has to admit there is a new normal.  That is where I am.  

When I was younger and the arthritis was not such a problem, I was able to do a certain amount of exercise -- mostly walking and swimming.  Fibromyalgia did not prevent me from getting exercise;  however, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome was  a whole new ball game.  That was the last straw, so to speak.  All this is coming from a ballet dancing, swimming, rowing, fishing, jogging, skating, hiking, tennis playing, gardening, and skiing enthusiast.  I like horseback riding too.  I don't suppose there has not been much I did not want to try, except for sky diving..  I even enjoyed the weights in the gym.  Sigh...  

This must be about 1982 of 1983.  My husband graduated from seminary in 1984.
These were precious years, and I would not trade them.    I loved being a wife and mommy.
Unfortunately, I was already having health problems, even though I looked healthy.  But I was the
old-fashioned, I am going to do  this and push through the pain.  After all, it was my job!

However, that does not mean I am giving into being an unhealthy eater.  In fact, I think many of us do struggle a little bit more when we eat too much sugar.  Also, there are the people who have gluten intolerance.  I'm not expert on that.  I think the key for most people is finding their best fit.  I know mine is a moderate low carb diet with healthy fats.  When I do this, I lose about one pound a week, as long as I don't end up depressed and eating emotionally for some reason.  

Now, for the poll results -- here they are.  Respondents were allowed to answer more than one question.  I am not great at statistics, even though I took a course that  involved statistics and probability.  Maybe, you know the old saying about you don't use it, you lose it.  I am just reporting.

37 people responded.  
30 (81%) checked I gained weight.  
3 (8%) checked I lost weight. 
And 20 (54%) checked It's harder to lose weight than before I was sick.

If you want to check the results for yourself, I am moving the poll to the bottom of my blog.

Feeling Misty

Hello Everyone!  I'm checking in to let you all know I am thinking about you and praying for you.  It's afternoon here and my schedule is more messed up than usual.  This flare in symptoms has managed to help turn my sleeping schedule upside down.  I do not force myself to stay awake in the middle of a flare.  Since I need rest to heal as much as I can and to regain depleted energy, it would seem counter-productive to force staying awake, just to follow the normal world's schedule. 

Image Courtesy of [Nick Coombs]/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
This beautiful fall photograph fits in with how I feel right now -- feeling
a bit misty or foggy, and definitely off any normal schedule.  But, that is the way it is when one is experiencing a flare with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  It feels like a light case of influenza, body aches and all.
The old head is too foggy right now to write about it,
but I'm sure I have written about it before.
Now, I need to get something to eat.
God bless you.