I really wanted to write something today but am too lazy to think about anything too deeply. I had some genius ideas last night while I was unable to sleep, but they have either disappeared from my memory, require further pondering, or are things that I don’t really NEED to (over)share.
So, welcome to ‘life lately’ – my semi-regular mind-dump, in which I write about random crap… which actually screws with my website (SEO) stats, though thankfully I seem to care little.
Diet Coke
I think I’ve mentioned I’ve recently had some surgery and it’s supposed to help with reflux (I’ve struggled with reflux since my weightloss surgery). It means I’m not supposed to have fizzy drinks. Champagne (sparkling wine) and Diet Coke being my two go-tos.
I weaned myself off alcohol a couple of weeks before surgery and did Dry July but waited until the week before my (late July) surgery to quit Diet Coke and it nearly killed me. I was in the last week of the recent temp job and I felt exhausted every day. For newcomers I should mention that DC is my caffeine of choice. I don’t drink tea or coffee (or hot drinks) and have always started my day with Diet Coke. My habit started when I was at uni in the late 1980s and I’ve been an avid consumer of DC ever since. I’ve given up a number of times, and written about it here, but tend to go back to it (after days or weeks or months).
I suspect the allure is a combination of the caffeine and fizziness and in recent days (after over a month sans DC) I’ve struggled to get out of bed knowing I don’t have the fizzy black goodness waiting for me.
It’s at the point I’ve started to worry about my lack of productivity (ie. time at my desk) however so bought some cans on the weekend. I opened one yesterday, poured it into a glass and left it in the fridge (uncovered) overnight. I’ve had about one-third of this glass morning and so far so good. I thought the flatness might put me off forever and I’d stop missing it, but will see how I go in coming days.
CODA
I invited my mother to my place for a sleepover on the weekend. I go to her place (my childhood home) most weeks as it’s easier and we’re both comfortable there. I’d been wanting to watch this new movie on Apple TV however and she doesn’t have a SmartTV. I figured she’d enjoy it so we settled down to watch it before dinner on Sunday evening.
Everything they say about CODA is true. It’s certainly formulaic and kinda predictable but it’s also lovely and I shed many tears. The young actress playing Ruby (Emilia Jones) was absolutely fabulous and has a beautiful voice. The rest of the cast was great and I adored Ruby’s relationship with her father. I’d certainly recommend it if you have access to Apple TV. (BTW, CODA stands for ‘child of deaf adults’.)
I’m also still rewatching all of Doctor Who (Nu Who) and almost up to the current season and slowly working my way through Blacklist. I’m also avidly watching Ted Lasso as each new episode is released and LURVE it so very much. I’ve been doing less reading (cos of less writing) so happy to take suggestions on what to watch next.
There’s more of course but I’m telling myself I’ll do something productive writing-wise today. So. I. Must.
August 16, 2021
I used to drink at least one can of diet coke a day but after my run in with cancers I just gave it up and went cold turkey. I really thought I’d miss it but I don’t. In fact, someone bought me a drink with a diet coke mixer once and I thought I’d drink it to be polite but I just couldn’t make it go down! CODA sounds like my kind of movie and I have heard great things about Ted – I must get on it! We’ve just finished Lucifer which was funny, weird but most of all, a real treat!
August 16, 2021
Oh I love Lucifer and didn’t know they were doing ANOTHER season after the last part of the one just released.
August 16, 2021
I’m trying to cut back on cups of tea/caffeine. And failing. Good luck with ditching diet coke. Sounds like you’re off to a good start.
The movie sounds great but it’s kind of annoying how everything’s prescription these days.
August 16, 2021
I have to admit I’m not sure the will is there Ness. I mean, I know it’s not healthy but wonder if it’s something I could do in moderation. A can a day or something, which I think would be okay.
August 16, 2021
I’m yet to watch Ted, but have heard great things about it…
August 16, 2021
Oh, it’s charming.
August 16, 2021
I love Blacklist Deb. I’m a big fan of James Spader. I understand how difficult it is to give up Diet Coke as I gave it up about 30 years ago. At the time I was drinking three cans and more every day. I can still remember how dreadful I felt for weeks. I think cold turkey is the only way. I looked at the trailer. Coda looks like something I’d enjoy.
August 16, 2021
CODA’s been getting heaps of good reviews and I think it was made and shown at Sundance Film Festival and then bought by Apple.
I must admit I’m not sure I have it in me to give up Diet Coke. I don’t feel better without it or anything. I mean I know I shouldn’t be drinking a litre or more each day but wonder if a small amount is okay. #carcinogenicsaside
August 17, 2021
That sounds tough for you to give up DC. Is it the taste and/or the habit of having a DC that keeps you reaching for it? I rarely drink soft drinks.
August 17, 2021
I think it’s a combination of both Natalie. I don’t drink other soft drinks regularly. (Or anything else really. Just Diet Coke!)
August 17, 2021
That’s tough to give up something you’ve had for a long time. I know cos I gave up smoking and I smoked for a long time! Did the surgery work? Is your reflux better? I watched the CODA trailer and it looks good! I don’t have Apple TV though. There are so many different pay TV – I have Netflix and Foxtel and I worry if I get an other then soon after I’ll want another and another and I’ll end up paying a fortune! It kinda confuses me this new world of different paid TV options. I’d really like to watch CODA though! Ugh!
August 18, 2021
I got Apple TV+ with my new phone recently so that was good. I note there’s some crossover with the two services I pay for (Netflix and Prime) so will see what it offers in the next 6-9mths or whatever I’ve got remaining.
August 17, 2021
That show CODA looks fabulous, thanks for the recommendation Deb, I have Apple TV so will have a look for it. I’d not heard of it before and as the Olympics have finishedZI need something to watch. Good luck on the DC front – I’ve never been a fan but I do love my weak black tea and would hate to have to give it up!
August 18, 2021
I heard a bit about it on Twitter – that it’d won awards at Cannes Film Festival or Sundance or wherever…. I don’t quite know how the industry works so gather Apple bought the rights to show it or something?!
August 17, 2021
I tried to watch CODA a couple of days ago but we need Apple TV+ apparently? We can pay for it but I didn’t realise there was a plus so I’m grumpy about it. I will no doubt cave though 🙂
I gave up DC for a few years – was a two can/day drinker – when I was having tinnitus problems and it disappeared and now drink it only moderately. It helps that I don’t like to drink anything cold in winter – hello red wine! – and tend to only drink when its hot and when I’m out somewhere and trying not to drink too much booze 🙂
August 18, 2021
I got a year free of Apple+ when I bought my new phone recently. I pay for Prime (Amazon) and Netflix only otherwise. There have been a few things on there I’ve been watching. I wonder if CODA might show elsewhere as well?
I’ve been having one can of flat DC this week but probably need to think about reducing that again. I’m sure it’s only the first half of a can that I ‘need’ and after that it’s just a habit / motion of lifting my glass, drinking it and putting it down again.
August 17, 2021
A habit like that’s pretty hard to kick. Keep at it as there’s nothing in it doing you any good even if you do manage the refllux. Good luck!
August 18, 2021
Oh I know. I realise I do really need to kick the habit. I’m not worried about the caffeine of course, just the fake/unhealthy stuff in it!
August 19, 2021
I reckon you are doing OK with the DC if you are already noticing that after the first few mouthfuls it looses its appeal. When something we do becomes mindLESS then it’s when we over do it..ask me how I know…reaching for more and more chocolate even though full. That used to be me. I am actually noticing its creeping back with some of the uncertainty of Covid etc and once I noticed, I was able to stop and go back to my self-set limits. Working I am pleased to say.
Thank you for linking up for Life This Week. Next week, the optional prompt is Time. I hope to see you link up again. Warmest wishes, Denyse.
August 20, 2021
Oh yes Denyse that mindless eating. I find myself reaching for the next lolly or chocolate (etc) and discover they’re all gone and cannot remember eating them!