I’ve been a misery guts for a while. Although, having said that, this could (in fact) be who I am now as I think it’s gone on for a few years… but I mean (even) more (so) of late.
I injured my back over two months ago and it wasn’t until this past week that I could get out of bed without levering myself in some weird slingshot type way lest I keel over in pain.
And then, I got an ear infection. Given I recently had my first cold sore in years I’d say it’s a reminder that my immune system is a tad fucked.
As someone on social media put it, an ear infection can cause a disproportionally large amount of duress on one’s life. Thankfully I saw a doctor fairly early so though it was already infected, it’s able to be treated by drops and antibiotics. Unlike those in the past which involved same-day urgent trips to the ENT specialist in a neighbouring town.
Anyhoo, my back and ear are finally on the mend. I hope. So it was timely yesterday to wake to see this.
#Spoileralert, it’s the sun.
It’s been raining for just over a week here and though the rain is most welcome and I’m usually a fan, it seemingly had a directly proportional relationship to my mood. So… when I saw the sun yesterday and the blood that dripped out of my ear canal Saturday had stopped, I figured all was (or is) right with the world.
Of course you and I realise this will be momentary, but still… for a change I’m living in the moment.
Last week I’d written a ‘life lately’ post but couldn’t be arsed finishing it, such was my malaise. Even though it was practically complete. Now that my mood is jollier I figure I’d share some of that here – lest you miss out on the excitement-that-is-my-life.
Werk
I started a temp job 2 weeks ago. It’s only for 4-5 weeks but great to get me out of the house as I’d fallen into a bit of a hermit-like slump. The people I work with are nice and the job is straight forward but very busy so there’s no slacking off which makes the day fly past.
It also means I’m feeling a bit healthier as I’d gotten into a grazing habit at home. I’ve started seeing a therapist and dietician and the latter explains that binge eaters (such as moi) who’ve had weight-loss surgery tend to take to grazing because they can’t eat the amount they did before to satisfy them. (And when I say that I mean unmet needs that we plug with food. Obvs!)
Reading vs TV
The full time day job which involves very few breaks from my computer (well, none) means I’ve not wanted to be at one at home so my writing and reviewing (and therefore my reading) have decreased. Instead my nights have been filled with A LOT of television. Well, streaming services I guess. I’ve been watching everything from Ted Lasso to Lucifer to Starstruck but they probably deserve their own blog post so more on that another time.
Fully vaccinated
I got my second Pfizer jab just over a week ago so am fully vaccinated. I know that means I can still get and carry Covid, but understand that – if I succumb – my symptoms should be less severe.
Study doneski
I recently got my final marks back from this trimester at Uni and happy to have another High Distinction. It’s weird to be a conscientious student. As an undergraduate I was hopeless and when I did my MBA shortly after, in the mid-late 1990s, I was only just coming to terms with the fact you only needed to understand things, not know everything by heart (which was my high school way of studying).
I must confess I’m going to miss study. Not the anxiety it caused but the challenge and validation it provided.
So, there you have it. Surprisingly upbeat. How’s life lately in your patch of the world?
Linking up with Denyse for Life This Week.
July 5, 2021
That person on Social media sounds like a genius. You should listen to her.
I did some online Uni courses last lockdown and it really energised me. I am considering finding some again for the same reason. So I totally understand why you’ll miss it.
Glad you are feeling better and work is providing you with the boost to both confidence and mental health. Being productive is very important in life.
I am glad you are feeling more sunshine, but we’re all here for the cloudy days too. We can weather the storms together. (see what I did there?)
July 5, 2021
I did see what you did there Lydia. And I certainly need to get better at riding out the storms but hope it’s a good thing that I (at least) am aware of that! And yes, I’ll miss uni as it was nice to have a purpose and – to a lesser extent with my last subject – a ‘community’.
July 5, 2021
Good to hear you’re feeling more positive and that your back on the mend. I love your description of the lever action you need to do to get out of bed. I totally get it. When my back is playing up, it explains exactly the method I use.
July 5, 2021
Oh yes, in the early days I had to kind-of roll into a crouching position off the bed and try to stand up but now I can bend in half so as long as I don’t twist my back as I get out it’s okay. *sigh*
July 5, 2021
Congrats on your study achievements and full vaccination. Glad you feel jollier. Blue skies and white fluffy clouds are instant mood lifters. #lifethisweek
July 5, 2021
Very true Natalie. I really like winter normally – the clear days and chilly weather (well, chilly for here). It’s all about finding balance isn’t it?!
July 5, 2021
Congratulations on your Graduate Diploma in Professional Writing – what an achievement! Congrats on being full vaccinated too. I had my first AZ in early May and waiting, waiting, waiting to get my 2nd on 28 July. Of course I had the first one before they brought in the new 60+ rule for AZ. Sigh! I was excited to see the sunshine yesterday too! Saturday was miserable. Sunday – wonderful! Sorry to hear about your back and ear – that’s enough to make anyone miserable. It’s not just you! Glad they’re on the mend now though. Oh & well done on the job too! Have a great week!
July 5, 2021
I have solar hot water but had it switched over to electric for a week as we hadn’t got enough sun. I don’t mind the rain in general but think it just coincided with me feeling miserable this time around.
July 5, 2021
Hi Deb – I’m so glad you’re feeling better – chronic pain just colours everything and makes life a misery – no wonder you’ve been so down in the dumps lately! Lovely to hear that the study has paid off and that you have some work to keep you super busy. It sounds like the sun is definitely shining in your world (it’s raining here – but that’s okay….the sun eventually pops back out again when it’s ready).
July 5, 2021
Yes Leanne, it’s like you can’t remember what it’s like to feel well. Generally I know it’ll pass so I’m okay with it but I think the fact my back has been problematic for so long really worried me. Like it might never get better. I can’t stand for long or anything at the moment but at least sitting is better again.
July 5, 2021
Boring AF month here. Lots of time stuck in bed. Brain cells dying of boredom. The usual.
July 5, 2021
Oh yes, I saw you’ve had the toe issue and now sick as well. You are having a bad run of luck. Hopefully you’re able to work at home and not having to use up all of your sick leave.
July 5, 2021
Back pain is the worst so I can only imagine that having an ear infection would be a double whammy! I actually believe that the sun is a natural mood enhancer, a ray of sunshine can brighten even the darkest of days – literally and metaphorically. I’m hot on your heels with my second Pfizer jab and how good is Lucifer? It’s been my guilty TV watching pleasure while in quarantine and I’m loving it!
July 5, 2021
Love Lucifer. I hadn’t realise it’d been extended for an extra season so was expecting it to come to an end, so it was a nice surprise when it didn’t.
July 5, 2021
You’ve actually had pretty good reason to be feeling low – back pain is the proverbial pain in the back & wears you down. And the sun, yep, it can brighten anything. x
July 5, 2021
Yeah, I think the thing with my back is that it just hasn’t gotten better. I usually tend to think the body mends itself in time but this has been ridiculous. And I’ve spent a small fortune on osteo etc…
July 5, 2021
I’m so glad to hear you are jollier, that your health is better and that you’ve also been fully vaccinated! Happy to hear about your new job also.
July 11, 2021
Thanks Susanne!
July 6, 2021
Yay for being fully vaccinated! Can definitely say that symptoms will be less severe having seen my parents test positive a while after they were fully vaccinated. My mum, who is in a high risk category and who has previously been bed-ridden with the flu for five days, didn’t do too badly whereas had she not been vaccinated, I doubt she’d have survived.
That’s awesome about uni! Congratulations on finishing! Glad your health is on the mend. And I don’t blame you for being miserable when your health was poor and it was raining; I would be too! Hope you have a lovely week ahead!
July 11, 2021
Oh that’s good news about your parents Sanch – that they weren’t too sick and I’m glad they’d been vaccinated.
July 6, 2021
What a bright chirpy post Deb, well done on your results from your study and in some ways you will miss it but maybe not in others! Good for you being fully vaccinated. Please send some sunshine down to us, we’ve had grey, wintry weather for days!
July 11, 2021
True Deb. I won’t miss the anxiety I had and amount I stressed about my assignments and exams etc. My mother used to laugh when I told her I probably only had another few hours to do an on assignment as I’d end up spending another 10hrs on it and I’m not sure it was ultimately worth the effort. (I suspect sometimes I made things worse by my constant changes!)
July 7, 2021
Deb…..such a heartfelt and uplifting post..and yes, who knew how the sun (and weather can affect us). I really dislike a day that is grey and dull and you have no idea of time passing. I am so pleased about finishing Uni and not going on. Life will give you some different options I reckon. As for going to Mum’s as I see you do, it’s not just for the electric blanket…it’s Mum’s good cooking. You know what, I miss that a LOT. My mum was a brilliant cook and whilst I have learned to replicate much of her cooking, there is noting like a Meal at Mum’s. Thank you for linking up for #LifeThisWeek last Monday. I am always pleased to see my old(er) and new(er) blogging friends link up. Your comments make my Mondays rock. Next week, the optional prompt is Self Care Stories. I hope to see you there too. Denyse.
July 11, 2021
Ha, funnily enough I cooked this week when I visited. Though I had a hankering for potato scallops so we had chips and scallops with the scotch fillet steak (and peppercorn sauce) I cooked.