Blip

I'm going through a blip...well at least that's what I'll call it for now. I will, as I have in the past, get through it. Determination and support from wifey and good friends helps.

We all have blips.....we are human

Laughing

Ok, so I shouldn't be sitting here giggling away but.....the tom cat has just walked in front of the tv. No dramas except the other half is playing an xbox game. 'Get out of the way'....'Garfield I swear you do it on purpose'.... he's a cat like so yeah its on purpose.....better still he lands on the cat bed (which hangs on the radiator) and then proceeds to get onto the window ledge opening the curtain letting the evening sun blind the other half. This is too much am going to have to walk away.....laughing this subtly is bad for me I'm sure!

So, today I've had a good day. Ok my sinuses are still not right. I slept well last night. We've had a giggle today as well. Nice and relaxing all round. I've been taking my temperature and today its nearly normal. I wonder if its connected. (Will be keeping a watch on that).

We went on a Ghost Hunt at the weekend and it was brillant. Will post about it when I've a good spooky picture to go with it.

Vitamins

Ok,these work for me! If anyone decides to try them make sure they are right for you! Milk Thistle, Chromium, Vitamin E, calcium, Vitamin D, magnesium, Zinc, Garlic, Primrose oil with starflower oil and vitamin c. When I'm feeling stressed I take more vitamin c to help my body cope.' I've been eating better for nearly 8 weeks now too. Though at weekends(friday night/saturday) and then take Sunday to let my body recover. I drink more water than before too.

 I've lost all my extra 'thyroid weight' I put on last year. Which if I'm honest was nearly 3 stone. I have also lost a further 11 lbs. With my weight reducing this should also help the issues I have with polycystic ovaries. About 3 weeks ago I had a stupid week and a half of stress. My body wasn't happy as I ended up with 6 cold sores on my bottom lip which became infected. Some good cream from the doctor and 2 weeks later it's nearly all healed. I also had what I call a girly hormonal weepy reaction to some rubbish stuff as week. But even that didn't last long.

My energy levels are fantastic -ignoring my little hiccup with the spuds the other night. I'm also waking up easier. I feel happy in myself and my brain is sharpening up. I'm getting back to my best. I've learned I need to laugh and pat myself onthe back when I do something right. I need to ignore wankers who do t understand or want to understand this condition. I read other peoples stories and I thank the powers that be that I have a good standard of life. My other half has learned to recognise when I'm having a bad day and when I need to rest. Mostly it's about pacing and taking in what's good in life aka sitting in the garden drinking tea whilst watching the dogs destroy the grass. More importantly wifey has learned to pull me up when I seem to be a bit of centre. I've learned to not prattle on about geeky things that some people just aren't interested and I should be more aware of my audience. I do feel sad that I have lost so much time because doctors couldn't be arsed to treat me and instead just read the numbers and said 'boderline - no action'.

 We're entitled to a free blood yes every 3months and it's important to get a copy of the results. I then match these off with my diary and how I'm feeling. I'm in control not my thyroid. I'll end with saying I've learned to take tablets in the morning washed down with water. Then there's a break of an hour until I eat. I take the vitamins in the evening so there's no chance of them affecting apsorption. Be positive....if you feel it it's real

Stress and Changes

About 9 weeks ago I made a conscious effort to change diet. I am now on a low GI diet. (and yes I do fall of the wagon at weekends but not to excess) I also got help with researching what supplements I should be taking to keep the hypothyroidism in check.

The effects...I feel better in many ways. I have lost nearly 11lb in weight. Which makes it nearly a steady 2lb a week which I believe is the healthiest approach. My tiredness is now manageable and for the most part I have my sleep well managed. The biggest at the moment is internal shaking and the feeling of wanting to vomit. The aid for that is its seems Milk Thistle. I also need to balance my hormones a bit more so from tomorrow I well be introducing Flax Seed Oil and St John's Wort into the mix. My guts unfortunatley are not doing so well. I'm visiting the doctor again tomorrow to see if there's anything more I can do.

I've worked out that stress is a major contributor to my thyroid levels going topsy tervy. I believe the extra stress began in 2009 and got progressively worse. I do also think the increase in stress contributed to my normally sensible thoughts going all over the shop. This is now coming back to what I think are normal.

The other annoying thing is people don't get this condition/disease. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. However, with decent support and a medical know it all to ask stupid questions life is returning to normal. I have learned a lot about myself and how not to let people push my buttons. I have the urge to go and do some utterly different things. One is to pump the tyres on my bike. Being about 2 stone lighter than when I last rode it I'm hoping I will be able to give Chris Boardman a race. Ok, well maybe not....I don't keep my legs as hair free as he does.

Getting there

Ok, the last few weeks I've had a contant feeling of wanting to vomit. Horrible feeling is all I can say. Well Friday, I went for a walk with the mrs and the dogs. The fresh air, the laughter and probably the mud all contributed to getting rid of the feeling. I think the feeling is due to unwanted stress. I like a bit of stress but when its a positive challenge rather than just bad feelings.

I keeping up with the healthier eating and have lost another 1lb. That takes me to a loss of about a stone since christmas. So, its slow but steady progress. The only thing I don't like about is losing the weight is getting the odd stretch mark. For this I'm going to try using bio oil to combat. I'm also looking forward to the mornings getting brighter so I can get the bike out again. I think that will speed the weight loss and improve my fitness.

I've a blood test book for Wednesday and I'll be asking to get my T3 and T4's checked. What I had forgotten, and them in the doctors surgery never remind me, is don't take the thyroxine on the morning of the blood test. Which means my last blood test results were a bit out. Be interesting to see what the numbers.

I stil have symptoms. I feel tired, I don't feel emotions the way I would like to. I'm so laid back I don't even get angry if I feel its right to (very wierd). I have mild pins and needles in my hands which isn't too intrusive and I haven't had this for as long before.

I've been keeping up with taking the vitamins and the milk thistle. I've been a slave to eating properly during the week. I must admit I slip a bit at the weekends. I now know that if I eat something that isn't right I feel pain....bad pain! Usually in my right hip and down into my right leg. I think it happens that way because about 8 years ago that was the side which was badly damaged when I had a prolapsed disc.

I've been reading all sorts on the net and some of it is rubbish and some of it, usually reading others stories make me feel lucky I'm not as bad as it could be. I thinky though my body is still recovering from the 6 months it was out of whack last year. The doctors kept saying I was boderline. I've since learnt borderline needs to be argued.

I also know I'm not right at the moment because my sinuses are killing me and in turn all noise sounds sharp and hurts my ears.

Big Night Out!

Nearly forgot about this. We went to a works do last Wednesday night. The guest speaker was Clare Summerskill. Very entertaining and more importantly so very appropriate for the theme of the evening.

The jubilee line managed to have an incident so we were forced to find the Docklands light railway to get back into town. The funny bit is the Mrs had already said she didnt want to be doing much walking (the price for wearing newish boots). Anyways we got to Baker Street eventually. Even better we stumbled into a restaurant with friendly staff. Great start! OMG the food....I've never had such a good steak.

We then went to see a friend who works for LUL and the mrs got to see the supervisors back room control centre. (I will turn her into a transport geek eventually). So, a pleasant cup of coffee and chat were had.

Then back to the Travel Lodge. It was basic but clean and very comfortable. The breakfast in the morning was very good too.

High Energy

Don't I just wish I had loads of it. Well I've been up and down like a tarts knickers (though I'm sure a modern tart would go with crotchless ones to save time).

Last weekend I was brimming with energy thinking ya I'm going to up date the blog....do this...do that.... but what happens. I eat a curry with rice on Saturday night and I bascially crash, fall into a deep sleep, afterwards. It takes a day or so to get over it. However, it proves a point.

About 5 weeks ago I made major changes to my eating habits. I cut out the carbs and even started drinking my coffee black. I started taking supplements as well such as milk thistle, chromium, etc etc. Why so I can try and lose weight and feel all round better in myself. My humour hadn't been the best for a long time either and a few weeks ago I cranked at the Mrs. Sulked off to bed and slept. I felt better for it. Can't say she was too impressed but at least it was out of my system.

Even though I'm 5ft 11 tall and wiegh a bit more than 7 stone people don't realise I'm bit of a pushover and I do take things to heart. The Mrs has often had to put up with me bawling me eyes out over things people have said or done as work. Mostly though I try to turn the other cheek and just get on with it.

Having an underactive thyroid does impact and the hormone bouncing that goes with it is annoying. I can't honestly say I go through full on periods of depression. I describe it as getting into bit of a funk. I also think its my body that goes through it rather than my mind. Difficult to explain but sure what about humans is ever simple. The change in eating habits is I think making a positive difference. I've lost 4lb in 5 weeks so am well chuffed with myself.

Next step now is to try and get rid of the pains I feel in my back and legs. Not sure what is causing them but there must be something I can do. On with the research!

Winter

I would say winter is definitely here. The heating is on and we had minus 1 yesterday. Still have not got it as bad as other parts of the British Isles so am grateful for small mercies.

Winter time always means stodgy food and I do like to make the effort! So, out comes the breadmaker, the slow cooker and the oligatory searching on the internet for cheap and easy to follow recipies. I've bought new non stick frying pan and large saucepan. Worthwhile investments and next on the list is a non stick griddle pan.

The breadmaker is a new one. The old one decided to go up in flames! Not as dramatic as it sounds but wasn't happy as I had mastered the art of a good loaf.

My favourite soup recipe is cheap and easy to make. A few carrots and parsnips. An onion, leek and half a head of celery (hate the stuff but it is good in a soup). Throw all in a saucepan with a bit of melted butter and saute for a few minutes. Then I add 2 pints (or more if you like) of vegetable stock (or chicken/beef) and let it all cook. Not forgettingt throw in a bit of barley or soup mix. Once cooked blend it (I have to for the wife as she doesn't like bits). It comes out really thick and can be thinned ouy but adding more stock. This will feed 3 hungry adults 2 lunches.

Enjoy!

This is wierd....

Ok apart from the weather which is unseasonally warm. I'm not complaining as I enjoy having the doors and windows open without the Mrs whinging its cold.

The wierd bit is the house, or rather our home, is becoming more and more organised. I'm doing jobs which should have been done months ago. Also, looking at what needs to be done next. Very strange as I'm usually a very very lazy git who does the bare minimum. After updating this I'm going to move the rowing machine....then the Mrs will have no excuses about not using it.

Juno was a bit of colour a few days ago. He's into fussy mode with his eating. So yesterday I boiled a chicken and cooked some rice. He loved it! Thing is I'm not doing the same every day. And yes he would starve himself if he could to demand the food he really really wants.

I suppose the next bit of planning for xmas kicks in soon. I've already bought the box of celebrations and after eights. I had a look at turkey crowns in the local wholesalers and they weren't worth touching. I think it will be get the turkey from the local farm shop again this year.
So that just leaves some booze, christmas pudding, cream and blah de blah de blah to pick up. This morning the Mrs was singing Christmas tunes.....I can feel the 'When can we get the christmas tree' whine starting soon......

Todays protest in London

I had a bird's eye view of the helicopters, 4 in all, following the marchers. What I really noticed though was the quietness of Waterloo station. The politeness on the train to Clapham Junction and best of all I got a seat on the train from there relatively easy. Although the first seat I sat on....the chap on the inside, skinny git that he was, obviously thought he had huge man kahunahs and insisted on spreading his legs.

Home anyways and the Mrs tells me about Hera having a problem with her ear. She won't let me near it is the moan. Hmmmm now will she, Hera that is, let me near it. So, I get out the ear wipes and get on with the job. For good measure I do Juno's as well. Both perfectly behaved!! I still can't figure out how they reckon I'm Alpha in the house. Cause it usually the Mrs giving out to me the dogs are doign whatever and I have to then sort it out.

Anyways home and on the sofa..........

Pass......the password

Anyone else feeling a tad fatigued with passwords?! I am....even writing them down doesn't help.

Anybody feel like designing a security system? Which would possibly using a 'fob' to generate a secure number. The difference being you could link accounts or id or something to make 'one fob fit all'.

Its raining, heavily, and I could quite easily curl up cuddling a hot water bottle and sleep the day away. But no I have to go to work......just one little win on the lottery could make such a difference....the question is how much would it take to make a subtle life change?!

So many questions so little time...well about 12 mins on the battery life of my laptop....and Ijust realised I made the Mrs a cup of tea this morning and I got was you better change that alarm sound....blah blah blah....dulcit tones to start the day.

Have a good one!

Moods.....if you noticed them

So I didn't get a 'Good Morning' text from the Mrs this morning. Left it until mid morning before risking a text. A brusque response as recieved.....anyways long story short apparently we hadn't resolved the row from last night. I hadn't realised it was a proper row, must be my butch influence.
The crack up was I had only been winding her up in the first place. She is such a lesbian sometimes!!

Hmmmmm

Meself and the wife had a row last night. I can't tell for sure cause I was stiffling giggles at the faces she was pulling. I know I shouldn't wind her up but its too easy. Maybe it was offically called a 'row' then?!

Last night I commited myself to digging a trench in the garden. Mrs wants power in the shed and the cabling needs to go in the ground. It could go round the fence but thats a bit risky given what demon cats we have. The would claw through armoured cabling. Couple of power points and a light should keep her out of trouble.

I've made her up a money pot. I shouldn't admit to buying the odd lottery scratchcard but I do. I usually just get my money back (boring!) But last week the two I bought paid a few quid. £9 to be honest so have put it in a pot to go towards buying games or dvds. Well, the way I look at it is its extra money and lucky so we might as well do something different with it. I've also decided to put any £2 coins I get in there. (Is this the guilt of upgrading to an Iphone coming though......?

I I I

So, I've had an itch to scratch! Nothing to bad just been wanting to upgrade my phone as my contract expired in March '11. Sod all choices for phones and I want to get away from Nokia's. I opt for an Iphone 3, double my bill in doing so, which had about the best/cheapest options.

Before we went to bed last night the Mrs was having a whinge about the wardrobe in the back bedroom. For a few years I'd a few boxes of comics stored on it. Whilst the room is being decorated the wardrobe has been moved about with said boxes still on it. The wardrobe has ended up looking a bit 'forward'. I think one of the wheels is broken so shouldn't take much to fix it. I said I'd get it done....when?! was the response. I think there was a little 'strop' dance to go with it too. Considering I've been knocking off jobs at a reasonable rate the last few weeks found this amusing. Personally, I think it was a little mood cause its Sunday evening and we'd had a rather good weekend. Though watching 'Walton's movies' saturday and sunday night is probably not the wisest thing to admit to.

Today I also start my week of not eating rubbish. I'm also going to cut down on the carbs. Which should mean I'll be a cranky git by wednesday......ah the joys!!

Ah well

....another weekend over! The Mrs decided to have a lay in this morning. I'm not at that point just yet. I think when the weather is truly bleak and freezing I'll decide to stay put and watch a good dvd.

Up I got and was a bit industrious. Got the paper. Then sprinkled and scrubed a bit of Vanish into the living room carpet and gave it a good hoovering. Sofas then rubbed down with a special leather protector. I was on a roll so got out the mop and washed the hallway floor. The kitchen floor needs a good scrubbing and I couldn't face doing it all. So I attempted half of it. I used neat Cilit Bang and by gum the dirt sure did go with a bang! Then onto a job I've been putting off (well in my own head anyways) I put up the blind in the kitchen. Very happy with the result although using the right tools is always a plus.

Dinner as every a nice easy going roast. Today I attempted to make yorkshires and whoooo hoooo they were fabulous. Anyone wanting a decent Sunday Roast do make bookings in advance!! lol

The dogs have had bit of a delicate time with the fireworks going off. But thankfully they are happy to cuddle up and take the reassurance offered.

Christmas is coming......a lot quicker than I want but there it is. So, I've got a box sorted in the garage to start collecting up the goodies. 2 boxes of celebrations and a box of After Eights in there already. I've bought some 'special' cider for the Mrs. Now to think about the food for a few days and the best way of getting it all in given Christmas Eve is on a saturday this year. I am definitely of the opinion I DON'T want to be wandering/fighting my way round a supermarket!

And its Saturday....

..woo hoo Hera woke me up way to early. She was also bouncy and wanting company. Jumping on the bed (Hera not me!)and waking the mrs up wasn't a great idea. So, if a fit of nervous panic I said c'mon we'll take the dogs over the field for a walk. Instead the mrs says nah lets take them to the woods for a proper walk.

Eventually, Mrs got up (I've never known someone take so long to get up) and off we went. Within a couple of minute Mrs has seen 3 deer. I missed them cause was mucking about with the dogs lead. The dogs tend to ignore the wildlife so any passing squirrels, rabbits or deer are left to take things at their own speed. We met a couple of horses and riders too. We're good dog walkers, we get the dogs to stand to one side and let whoever it is walk by. I make a point of saying hello and if we get a friendly response then the dogs are even more chilled.

The woods were a bit muddy and yes the dogs managed to find a few puddles. We met a bloke who just popped out from the trees. Bit wierd, I had sensed someone was there so got hold of Juno. As the chap was happy and friendly Juno made a cursory bark and let him get on with it.

We also met a couple of lads on bikes. I'm sure they weren't meant to be in the woods. Must admit I wouldn't have minded having a go on the scramblers. Ah joys of wishful thinking in old age.

On a more serious note. Today I heard someone commited suicide, from another of our work buildings, by jumping from a blacony. It happened during the day in front of people who were woring there. Scary stuff. bad enough seeing the people who get hits by cars etc crossing the lights in front of our building. I know things are rough for people at the moment but its horrible to thing someone felt that low and powerless.

Back to our saturday evening. Homemade KFC, chunky chips and a milkshake. Yum Yum

So here it is.....

Merry Christmas......only kidding! Well think about it only a few pay packets to go and its well worth starting to stock up for winter now.

Frugal living is one of the htings I've been looking into lately. I've seen the extremes some people go to and I've run a few ideas by the mrs. Whilst we've gotten a bit more sensible with the shopping we haven't cut out everything. Like the few cans of Stella Cidre (yum yum on a friday night) or the chocolate bars the mrs likes. I'll be dragging out the slow cooker soon and making the most of walking in from work to find dinner made.

As its nearly time to put the heating on...we're busy deep cleaning the rooms, putting the flea stuff down (the good spray from the vets), steaming matresses and taking the opportnity to donate ot charity.

The cooking apple crop has been absolutely fantastic this year. Cue apple crumbles and apple tarts. I've stewed some apples and frozen it. I've also had a go at putting some into jars. If the jam jar option works then next year I'll do that rather than freeze. I've also bagged up apples and kept them in the garage.Hopefully, again I've done it right so later in the winter I'll break into them.

So, onto preparation for winter.....first buy is a 4kg bag of rice. The local farm shop sells 5kgh bags of spuds so that will be next. As for the cat/dog food getting it at bargain price can be a challenge.

Onwards and upwards as they say.......

News Flash!!

A flash just for the Mrs cause she never pays much attention to what I'm up to or doing.....today I am fully clothed!! (Will wait to see the look of distain on her face when she reads that....lmao)

Ok I've still got a head full of snot and a rotten cough. I thought colds were only meant to last a few days. Anyways here's a picture of the 2 males of the house. Yes, Juno is at covered in not one but 2 blankets. He does so love his comfort.