Sweet Things

Cute things my boys said the other day:

Gabriel, age 8, was pondering the other day and told me, "You know what's weird, Mom? Even though you have chronic fatigue and are really tired all the time, you're still really nice!"

Gavin, age 7, took in some bottles to recycle for Earth Day. As a reward, they gave him a coupon for a frosty at Wendy's. He told me he was going to bring in another bag of bottles to get a coupon for me -- "Because they have chocolate, and chocolate is good for your chronic fatigue!"

Oh, I love those boys!

PS

I thought this was too funny -- when I went up to take my rest, I discovered that I had already made my bed! I wonder when I did that?

Post SEX-Ertional Malaise?

(Hmmm ... couldn't find an appropriate picture. For the best?)

My husband and I were considering this question. Could ... intimacy cause post-exertional malaise? I mean, it is certainly the most aerobic of any of my current activities. Could it be sabotaging all my careful efforts to pace and monitor my activity levels?

Of course, the benefits are substantial: it relieves stress; it boosts immunity; it burns calories; it improves cardiovascular health; it boosts self-esteem; it reduces pain; and it HELPS YOU SLEEP BETTER! (from WebMD)

Maybe it's like dark chocolate when you're on a diet -- it's so good for you, the calories just don't count.

Perhaps I should just keep an awareness in the back of my head and try to adjust my other activities to compensate. I really don't think I'm going to formally "pace" this one; too much scheduling takes the spontaneity and fun out of it.

Like I told my husband the other night, this is one thing I am not willing to sacrifice to CFS. The response from my so very supportive husband? "Me, neither."

Good Times, Bad Times

Good times: I wake up between 7 and 8 am. I bask in the sunlight for a few minutes before getting out of bed.
Bad times: I wake up between 10 and 11 am. I curl up in a ball and stay in bed for another 45 minutes.

Good times: I make the bed and do yoga.
Bad times: I make the bed. I ... will ... do ... yoga.

Good times: I go downstairs to check my e-mail, finances, and favorite blogs while I eat breakfast.
Bad times: I go downstairs to check my e-mail, finances, and favorite blogs while I eat breakfast. Then I read old posts and everyone's comments. And I visit blogs listed on blogs listed on blogs. And I Stumble It for awhile.

Good times: I do some belly dancing!
Bad times: Heck no!

Good times: I jump in for a quick shower.
Bad times: I jump in for a shower. After all the soap is rinsed away, I stay there under the hot streaming water. I watch the pretty drops of water on the glass door. I lose all track of time.

Good times: I empty my hamper and throw a load of laundry in when I go back downstairs.
Bad times: Not!

Good times: I do a little something -- pay bills, post on my blog, work on my website, file a few papers, tidy around the house, or even go shopping.
Bad times: Two words -- computer games.

Good times: When the kids get home, I check to make sure they've done their homework and their jobs before they go outside to play.
Bad times: "Sure, honey, whatever you say."

Good times: I cook a simple yet healthy and delicious meal for dinner.
Bad times: I send my oldest to bring home some take-out. Thank goodness she can drive now -- it saves so much on delivery!

Good times: When my husband gets home from work, I greet him at the door with a kiss. I listen to how his day was, and I spend an hour -- or (gasp!) two -- watching TV with him.
Bad times: When my husband gets home from work, I grunt at him. I'm still on the computer, begging for 8 pm to finally get here!

Good times: I go to bed. I read a little bit and do some gentle stretching and relaxation exercises to help me sleep.
Bad times: I fall into bed. I curl back up into a little ball. I can't believe it takes so long to finally fall asleep!

It's A Miracle!

This had better not be a hoax!!! My life-long love affair with chocolate is suddenly not only being validated, but (gasp!) prescribed for my chronic fatigue? There is a God, He has a wonderful sense of humor, and I love it when He sends gifts!

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms Reduced By Dark Chocolate Consumption

This Is My Brain on CFS

I have a confession. I am a certified, Mensa-qualified genius. Out of eight kids in my family, I was the smart one, the one who always did well in school. I tell you this not to brag, but as a point of reference.

This is something you do not hear about very much about CFS. We call it the weird brain thing, or just my crazies. The first thing I noticed was having a difficult time recalling names, even with people I've known and loved for years. Then, I started forgetting things on my short mental shopping list. It really freaked me out when I was driving to a friend's and I took a really weird, out of the way left turn. It took me a minute to figure out where I was going.

It's pretty commonplace now. I've left the shower with only one leg shaved. I've forgotten to shampoo before conditioning. I've wandered to the pantry only to stand there, wondering what I could have wanted so badly I'd leave my steaming hot chocolate on the table. Last night I forgot to put my pajama pants on -- walked to bed with just a short shirt. Thank goodness I've never left the house that way! My kids and I play a game called, "Guess what Mommy's really trying to say." Does "Put your clothes in the dishwasher" mean "Put your clothes in the laundry" or "Put your dishes in the dishwasher"? See, it's an adventure! You just don't know.

So, we laugh. I let my husband and kids tease me. It's probably good to be humbled about something you've always taken pride in, anyway. It makes my "lucid moments" all the more worth celebrating.

What If?

I'm working at the store tomorrow. So, I'm having a discussion with my 15 year old son and my husband. Actually, it's more like two simultaneous discussions. I'm going over my son's schedule -- he has no water practice tomorrow, but he's staying after school to lift weights on Thursday. I tell them my daughter has work tomorrow, so my husband will have to pick up my son from school. They start needling me, telling me tomorrow isn't Thursday. They think I'm having a CFS brain freeze and I've got the days all mixed up. What the...? I finally clarify for them that my son needs to be picked up from school Wednesday AND Thursday, but I'll be the one taking care of Thursday. The light bulb goes off, and they finally understand.

My son says, "What if it's been us all along?"

HA!