Sometimes -- Crazy Works

I don't know if I've mentioned my bi polar specifically on the this blog, but I have it. And anxiety, but that's a whole different story.

From Wikipedia:

Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a category of mood disorders defined by the presence of one or more episodes of abnormally elevated mood clinically referred to as mania or, if milder, hypomania. Individuals who experience manic episodes also commonly experience depressive episodes or symptoms, or mixed episodes in which features of both mania and depression are present at the same time. These episodes are usually separated by periods of "normal" mood, but in some individuals, depression and mania may rapidly alternate, known as rapid cycling. Extreme manic episodes can sometimes lead to psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. The disorder has been subdivided into bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymia, and other types, based on the nature and severity of mood episodes experienced; the range is often described as the bipolar spectrum.

That sounds fun, doesn't it?

Anyway, I have highs and lows. In the last 6-8 months those highs and lows have significantly decreased and I've leveled out a ton. Biggest factor contributing to that -- lower stress levels. But, I still have it and I still deal with symptoms of it, most notably periods of depression or being a sort of down kind of funk.

Sometimes, it's really hard to get through a day. Sometimes, it's not so hard. It really just depends. With two children, some days are definitely better than others. But, if I have one good thing to say about bi polar disorder, it's that manic highs are productive and useful.

Take this morning for example. I got up around 8. At 10:30 I made a list of things I wanted accomplished today. Caleb and Lorelei had the simple task of cleaning their rooms. I also made a list of tasks for both George and I to complete; though George missed out because he stayed blissfully asleep on the couch.

In three hours I cleaned the following:

1. Entire Kitchen.
2. Entire Dining Room.
3. Entire Living Room & Entry Way.
4. Downstairs Bathroom.
5. Upstairs Hallway.
6. Master Bedroom. (my room)
7. Upstairs Bath.

By cleaning, I mean that I swept or vacuumed every floor in the house. I also mopped the dining room from the dinosaur extraction mess. I folded every piece of clean laundry and put it away. I cleaned toilets, and wiped down counter tops. I put away dishes. The only thing I didn't do? Dust and start more laundry. For three straight hours from bottom to top I went through and cleaned the ENTIRE house. I think I took one or two short breaks in between.

And this house? It's not big. 1270 square feet at best. So maybe I should have been done sooner? But, I certainly feel accomplished.

So, all the cleaning that I hate doing and put off and procrastinate on? It's done. Everything is nice and clean to start off the new week. And now, I'm a tad worried about crashing from the high. But, here's to hoping -- that I don't.

Happy April Fools

The kids are still too young to "get" April Fools day. And so, I don't trick them even though I'd like to. Besides, I'm always telling them I've called the circus and sold them to the monkey show anyway -- how much more foolish could I possibly get?

So, no jokes for us. I'm glad.

Some of my house is still clean at this point of spring break. The rest? Not so much. And it's mostly my doing. Because I hate folding laundry. And so, I'm behind. And I'll be behind until...until whenever it really bugs me and I have to get it all folded and put away. My take is -- at least it's clean. But perhaps I should at least move it upstairs so it's not, you know, sitting in my dining room and kitchen and living room. *sigh*

The kids? Well, they are sort of acting like they belong in the monkey show at the circus. The weather has not been fabulous this week. And I'm not a hardy all-weather kind of girl. So we've pretty much been inside...and it shows. I'm not even sure what we'd do if we did go out. I'd like to go bowling or maybe roller skating, but that would require a few extra adult hands. I'm not sure I can skate anymore.

I know I mentioned Skype not that long ago. I've actually been quite pleased with it. Being able to video call Korea for nothing is super awesome. My only complaint so far is that I can't find the "pictures" I've taken while in a video chat. Can't find them anywhere. So, once the call is finished -- I have no access. So, I have like 50 Skype photos and I can't look at them, use them, or even access them. I'm sorta annoyed. That being said, I'll take the small inconvenience for real time conversation with my special someone with the ability to see him at the same time. You really can not beat that. Absolutely no price on it.

Oh, and I've decided on the elements of my next tattoo -- based on that lovely photo from the other day. I'd like to have a pink frog, cherry blossoms and a rather knotty old tree all combined somehow. Not sure how, but that's what I'd like. Hopefully I'll have some to take my inspiration photos to an artist and see what they can come up with for me. And then -- we'll see how much it costs. And yes, I'm thinking a larger tat quite possibly on the side of calf and possibly down onto the ankle and foot.

On A Roll

I accomplished my entire to-do list. In 4 hours!

Now tonight, I can tackle the Christmas tree and all the various ornaments and crap. It will be good to finally have Christmas finished!

Tonight for dinner, I'm thinking a hamburger casserole.

When Lorelei returned from school this morning she wanted to know what one does outside on a cold, rainy, windy day. Of course, I don't like cold, wind or rain so I told her I had no idea. That I would probably stay indoors and color or play a game or read a book, or just curl up on the couch to watch some cartoons if I was her. She didn't like this answer. At all.

So, she asked to take her sidewalk chalk outside. And since I'm trying to give the kids a little more freedom and be less restrictive of them being outside alone since they have always followed the rules. I let her.

She drew a rectangle in green chalk.

She picked up some leaves and dumped a big pile of them on the front porch.

She threw the big pile of leaves she collected into the wind to try to get them to blow away.

She came in. Went potty. And never asked to go back out.

I guess going outside on a day like today is not as fun as she thought it would be. And now that it's snowing and most assuredly even colder outside, I'm glad she got it out of her system.

{Picture Here}

Caleb is still doing a great job walking himself home from school. He always comes directly home and in fact, generally "races" home to see how fast he can get here. Today when he walked in the door he said,

"Wasn't that fast getting home from school mom?"

What can I do but agree?

I Should Be....

• Putting away all the laundry I folded before Max decides to try and hide it again.
• Putting away all the laundry I folded so we can stop digging in it and therefore causing the piles to fall over and require re-folding.
• Taking the garbage out so I can start a new bag and fill it up with our garbage from the McDonald's we had for dinner last night which now sits on the counter.
• Washing down the table from the peanut butter mess Lorelei left for me after her peanut butter toast at breakfast.
• Sweeping & Vacuuming everything that needs it.
• Dusting. I'm thrilled.
• Figuring out what to make for dinner.

And I'm sure there's more. But, I'm doing none of it at the moment. Because I'm waiting for my Starbucks. And until I have my Starbucks, I don't think I'm going to do anything. Because I've had sort of a bad morning and I don't want to.

Both kids went back to school this morning. Lorelei has full function of said foot again and Caleb was fine -- by early yesterday afternoon apparently.

Is this week over yet?