Tired of being a zombie

Yesterday, I woke up briefly in the morning, rolled over, and fell asleep again until after noon. When you first start taking anti-psychotics, they warn you about many, many possible side effects. That I'll sleep more is one of those effects that have affected my routine. I have been taking the quetiapine at 7 pm and it has helped. Last night, I changed it to 6 pm. I hope that I'll be able to fix my schedule better with this change.

posted from Bloggeroid

Another Nightmare

This time, it was swarms of cockroach-sized hornets stinging me and other people I couldn't see.  I don't know what to think about these but I need to get back to sleeping properly.

Nightmares

This morning, I didn't wake up to the alarm... I woke up after a nightmare.  I was in an asylum of the past where they dressed us in the same striped pyjamas you see in Holocaust movies, they make you wear diapers and chain you to a bed... then hit you with wide leather lashes when you fill the diaper.

It felt so real that I woke up with my heart racing.

This is the first nightmare I've had in a while but that almost makes it more disturbing because I'm not numb to it like I was before.

What is it about our minds that send us these horrible nocturnal experiences?  I went to bed happy and had just finished reading a lovely, sentimental book that made me laugh out loud and cheer for the characters.  I'm making progress with my illness and I'm sleeping fairly regularly... so what gives?!?!?

Whiten up

I've now switched to 200mg... and I'm taking it earlier in the evening to see if I'll be less of a zombie.

Here's hoping.

Oh...

P.S. Water tastes funny and processed cheese tastes sweet

posted from Bloggeroid

The Dino has been Dashed!

What a way to run!  It rained buckets on us as we ran 5 km around part of the University of Calgary campus.  The streets are very well paved and even so the only real obstacles were the massive puddles pooling at every turn... But my running partner and I kept an even pace of about 7 km/hr - Not a pace that will win any races but it's a vast improvement from where we began.

The great thing about the Dino Dash is it's a community event.  These are the best types of events because everyone who gets involved are keen... well, ok... maybe not so keen when the rain is so thick it's running down your face and your back faster than the sweat from your pores.

Mayor Nenshi was the official starter and he didn't appear to be very thrilled about standing in the rain. My suggestion that at least it wasn't ice rain was met with a kind but confused stare that said "You people are nuts".  Fortunately, he had the good sense to keep any speechifying to a minimum and he got us on our way as soon as he could.  First the strollers, then a separate start for the 5 and 10 km runners.

Now, I have to extend my greatest thanks to anyone and everyone who volunteers at these events.  Volunteers are the life blood to any good foot race and these people stand out in the elements and hoot, holler, and encourage us along our way.  Almost all of the volunteers did what running volunteers do... they valiantly stand at their posts, cheering us on, and gave us directions where the 10 km runner's split from us.  One girl was pretty funny though... appeared like she would very much wanted to go home and didn't even attempt to plaster a grin on... but most of the volunteers were the reliable, wonderful people we depend on to keep us safe and exuberant.  Especially given the short distance of the race - we had one lane of traffic taped off for us and we were counting on our volunteers to keep of safe from the passing cars.  I got free entrance to the Dino Dash because I volunteered at the Calgary Marathon, so I've seen both sides of these events.

The fun bit about the Dino Dash is the finish because we all did a lap on their Olympic-sized outdoor track.  Spongey from the rain, it's a great way to finish the race.  We rounded the track and unzipped our coats to show our racing numbers to the officials and the announcer called our names as we crossed the finish line.

It was one race I didn't need to drink much water after I stopped running.

So far, so good

So it's been about a week and the only side-effect (other than sleeping in like a teenager) is a heightened sense of taste... or something... Whatever it is, it makes water taste funny and processed cheese tastes sweet, somehow.

Another week of this dose until they increase it.

Meanwhile, it's September so extra-curricullar activities are starting again.  I'm a member of Toastmasters International and... of course... last meeting (with great visions of grandeur) I signed up to make a speech on the first day back.  Yikes!

I was also attempting to join a local chorus for Sweet Adelines International but between diagnosis, the 2013 Calgary flood, and the chorus going away to compete, I decided to wait until later to audition... but now it's "later"... Eek!

Also, the program suggests that I keep work to a minimum while starting this program to limit stress... but obviously not working (no money) creates another kind of stress.  Blah!

I've been getting in some really good workouts on my bike and running but my appetite is still not quite right.  The University of Calgary's annual Dino Dash is on next Saturday!

I'm trying to get into my writing more again... I sent in my assignment I got before I started treatment and got a restaurant review on an Australian webpage (Brunch with my Baby)... from an Aunt's perspective.  I've only sent one query letter out since I started the program, so it's time to get that effort ramped up.

I started taking the pill at bed time but that made me sleep in until noon, so I moved it back to 9.  I think tonight I start taking it at 8 and set the alarm for the morning.  If I can start getting up at the regular time again, that should help with everything.