National Ice Cream Day!

Mood:

This was on Sunday. Ice cream's awesome!There are so many different types of flavors, types, etc. out there. Even some that are cool with people who are lactose intolerant. It's relatively easy to make, too. I still remember when my high school chemistry class used liquid nitrogen to make some. (Kind of like an end of the semester fun thing.) It was awesome to watch.My fave flavors are probably: cookie dough, Ben and Jerry's Karamel Sutra, fried (I like both the Japanese and Mexican versions that I've tried), rocky road, mochi (lots of different flavors of this...), chocolate with brownies, and many more. Yesterday was National Lollipop Day. Lollipops have always been a little weird with me.I either love them or feel just meh with them. Depending on my mood, the flavor, etc. When I am in the mood for it, caramel apple is a good one. It was also International Cake Day. To say 'cake' seems even more vague than ice cream. But, it's good stuff, too. 

It was really hot this weekend.I think I saw it get up to around 99 degrees Sunday. Some were saying it might have broke 100.The day before, wasn't much better. About 93 to 95 degrees. Kind of similar to what was happening a couple of weeks ago. Only I think it cooled off faster back then. Sunday night at around 10pm, it was still in the mid 70s. Even with the fan blaring in my window it was hard to go to sleep at a decent time. Yesterday ended up being about 10 degrees warmer than they predicted, but nothing like the day before. It made it to 80. Pretty big difference. Today was expected to be 68 and rainy. Ended up being 70 and cloudy most of the time. It feels downright cold compared to what it's been the last few days. A lot closer to our norm, though. I wish it would stay around normal. 

The day before yesterday, when it started to get really warm, we went to a Starbucks at Barnes and Noble. I got their iced chai, and blueberry scone. The day before we did the same thing. That time I got an iced chai, and a red velvet cupcake. The cupcake was dry around the edges, but good otherwise. It was a good place to keep cool in. 

Saw Jurassic World on Sunday. I think I liked it. Might have been the best sequel in the series, maybe better than the first. Not sure about that.Of course, there were some flaws to it, but it was an enjoyable ride of a movie. I thought the mesosaurus was going to do more during the movie. Although, it did have a key role. The ending was surprising. They even tried to explain away the inaccuracies. Felt like more of an homage to the first one. I thought the newly created dinosaur was interesting.

Since it was still hot out, we decided to eat out for dinner at a local restaurant called Elmer's. I got their fish and chips. It comes with coleslaw. It was pretty good overall. Slightly greasier than I expected, but good.Had a slice of their lemon meringue pie for dessert. We stayed there for a while after waiting for it to cool off a bit more. 

The day before that, I took my clarinet to a music place to give it a tune up. Basically just to have someone check it out. No one's looked at my clarinet like that for years. (Might at least be 6 years...) The guy I used to bring it to, would tell me every time that my keys were bent. That was basically the only issue I had. The instrument is getting old enough that the guy who checked it in said they might need to replace some of its pads. I've had it since I started playing when I was 10. It's still in roughly good condition, just needs a little maintenance done. Feels like I left my baby behind...But, I know afterwards it usually feels brand new again. I know the last time I played it, it didn't quite 'feel' right, so this might fix that too. 

The guy we used to go to had his own instrument repair shop that was connected to his house. He was kind of crotchety, took a while, and was pretty expensive.Most of the time he was very nice, just seemed to have a bit of a chip on his shoulder. Scared me at times. I didn't want to go back to him. Not sure if he's still doing it, either. I think I remember hearing the last time he looked at it, that he was thinking of retiring from repairing instruments. He's pretty old, and makes me wonder how he kept it all up. (Way passed retirement age it seems.) Apparently, I've read that it's best to have someone look at it at least every 2 years. I've been bad about that...

The music store said it'll take 3-5 business days, and that the most it'll be is $100. (The least being $22.) Unless, they call me to tell me otherwise. That seems a lot more reasonable than what the previous person charged. I'd be happier if it was close to the minimum price amount...It's not like it's broken or anything, so it shouldn't be too much. 

They apparently think it's a professional clarinet.I was told when I got it that it was a 'student' one. The only difference is that the pro ones tend to be better made, higher quality, easier to get a fuller sound, etc. But, it doesn't necessarily mean anyone who plays it will sound like a pro or one of the best. People with the cheaper student ones can still get to that 'sound' or be at pro level. It's just supposedly slightly harder to do. It all depends on the player ultimately. The brand I have is a Jupiter. When I started out people used to tell me that it was a horrible bottom-rung type brand. They kept saying that in junior high and high school, as well. When I told them that's what I have, they didn't believe me. Simply because it didn't 'sound' like one. That it sounded too good for it. 

I looked up a bit more on the brand and when my instrument came out, a couple of days ago. Turns out all the ones that were assembled in Taiwan of that year were of higher quality and could be considered pro level. The company's based in Taiwan, but the cheaper student instruments tend to be assembled in China. The ones from Taiwan, have parts that come from around the world. Some of the countries were: Germany, UK, USA, Taiwan (of course), etc. My instrument's like a globe trotter.They had details on which country made what component. Really interesting and cool. I didn't know much about it at the time. I think maybe the company just had an undeserved bad reputation. Although, the only thing that's really weird with it, is apparently the only ligature that fits the mouthpiece is a sax one. (Ligatures hold the reed to the mouthpiece.) But, to me that just makes it unique.

While I was in junior high and high school, people also didn't believe me that I essentially taught myself how to play. I didn't have a tutor. Many people get a tutor at some point, especially at the beginning. I just used the instructional music books everyone starts with, what we were taught in general in band, practiced like crazy, etc. I wasn't totally on my own. I don't think anyone can be.I loved to practice, so I practiced more than what some of my other fellow band members did. My average was an hour a day. Sometimes my hands/fingers really hurt, but it felt good. In junior high, we had to write down how many minutes we practiced every day and week. They thought people should do at least up to 20 a day. (Many didn't even do that much.) It was laughable to me even back then.I just love playing, and when I took 2 years away from it, it was really tough for me.Now, I try to do 30 minutes each time. I want to work my way back to an hour, though. Plus, since I don't have my clarinet at the moment, I feel a huge urge to play. It's like an itch you can't reach.Kind of sad...But, I'll have it back soon. 

After going to the music store, we went to Barnes and Noble to cool off. I found a cool 'adult' coloring book. The designs are by a tattoo artist, and some of them are really cool and unique. Even though I won't get a permanent tattoo for various reasons, doesn't mean I can't appreciate their artwork. Parts of the designs are colored in with black, gold, and gray. But, there's a lot of coloring space. It makes the finished product have an interesting effect.I've already finished the first 2 things. I wanted to use my colored pencils, and possibly markers with something and this gives me that opportunity. Good for color practice for future drawings. I have a lot of both pencils and markers (I tend to only remember a fraction of them), and they're just sitting there. It'll be nice to get back to them. Maybe it'll encourage me to draw more often, too. We stayed at the cafe in there after that.

Then, when it was dinnertime, we went to a local Japanese place called Hakata. Dad and I shared the sushi platter. It had 8 different types of nigiri, and tuna rolls. There were quite a few I was able to have. It was pretty good. Got their yakisoba, which was a lot better than last time. (That was a while ago...) Since we ordered 3 'entrees' we got 3 sets of pickled bean sprouts, and miso soup.The sushi was actually under appetizers, but apparently they treated it like a 3rd entree. I love their sprouts! I could eat them all day, everyday!There are worse things to be addicted to...I got their fried ice cream, which is my fave. It's vanilla ice cream wrapped in a marble cake, then dipped in tempura batter, and then fried. So good!Probably not good for me, but having it every so often isn't bad. I only had about half of the yakisoba, but it just meant that I could savor it more for lunch the next day.

My appetite has been fluctuating between normal and not much of one.It feels kind of like a roller coaster that I can't get off of. Sometimes I have a hard time eating what I should at the minimum amount I set for myself, and sometimes I'm fine with it. I'm going to bring this up with my gastroenterologist on the 31st. Along with some other things. The mini leg cramps have kind of turned into just having really stiff legs when I lay down. It's weird, but feels a bit better than those cramps. I still feel like my legs could go into a full cramp at any moment, though. Also, noticing my hair seems to be really coming out lately.Took a shower today, and a lot more came out than usual. Normally, a bit comes out because it's long curly/wavy hair and it collects and holds in the loose ones over time until I take a shower. I've got quite a bit of hair to spare, but I might bring this up, too. I think it might just be from stress or being nervous about it. That weird side rash I had seems to be fading away. I'm concerned about these red spots that I feel they don't really care about...Also, I want to ask her about pain killers. I've read that ibuprofen isn't good for people with IBD, and I want to know what's ok as an over the counter one. She might have to prescribe something for me. I'm having more pain lately. I'll get that blood test done next Monday. I'll probably know more before my appointment about which IBD I have. That'll come in handy, too. 

Ordered more of the balsalazide, since I'll run out of it before the appointment. I don't want to stop something until I'm told to. And, she might try 'weaning' me off of it, anyways. I am taking 9 of them a day.If she prescribes another med (which is likely, and might be in addition to the one I already take), I don't want to go on one that has the side effect of weight gain. I had that with another med in the past, and I gained a lot of weight very quickly. I only recently got rid of most of what I gained. I don't want that hell again.Even if it was my last resort. I'd rather have any other side effect but that. Looking at some of the meds that they usually recommend to treat it online, they sound like really harsh ones in general. Many go with immunosuppressants which suppress the immune system, so it can stop attacking itself. The main problem with that is that you can easily get sick this way. Not only that, but once your sick it can hit you harder than other people. (Since your immune system won't be as strong as normal people's.) Supposedly, it's hard for people on this to go to the hospital because they become sensitive to catching things. I'd rather have that mess than the weight gain, if there's one that doesn't have that side effect and I have to take it. Just would have to be extremely careful. 

Shark Awareness Day!

Mood:

This was actually yesterday. Cool that there's a day devoted to educating and busting myths about sharks.It should be more than one day. (Not sure if Shark Week plays into it...That scares people sometimes.) They're amazing animals! Sunday was National Pecan Pie Day! One of my all-time favorite pies!

The weather's been much cooler than it was just over a week ago. Feels almost like the really hot weather didn't actually happen.It's been at relatively normal temps for summer here. Mid to high 70s. Occasionally reaching 80 or 82, but that's not bad. So far, I've kept up with doing one of my 2-mile walks after dinner. Hopefully, I can get to doing both of them soon. Walks are more enjoyable considering how cool its been, too.

I scheduled an appointment to see my gastroenterologist on the 31st, a few days ago. She wanted me to make it for the end of the month, and that was the closest one they had anyways. She wants me to get a blood test done a few days beforehand. It's not only to narrow down what I have (either Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's Disease), but to see how the results have changed in the last month. That also has to be factored in for my 'treatment'. 

I'm really nervous about it all.Scared, since I don't know what to really expect. Looking up UC and Crohn's online is overwhelming, scary, etc. It won't be the same compared to talking to someone who's an expert at stuff like this. Although, I've already agreed partly with an article that was titled: "11 Things You Should Never Say to Someone Who has IBD". IBD is Inflammatory Bowel Disease, which is what I have. There are 2 main types: UC and CD, and then some more at least within CD. (Plus, one called Indeterminate Colitis. When they can't figure out which one you have...) But, in general, they are all IBDs. IBDs are also autoimmune diseases, so essentially my body's attacking itself.

One of the points really struck a chord with me. Especially with how some people were while I was being tested/seen by docs. That was you should never 'suggest' a special diet to someone who has it. (Like Paleo, Gluten-Free, Atkins, etc.) One of the experts said this can do a lot more harm than good. Especially, considering food is not the trigger. Although, what you eat during a 'flare' can ease symptoms, it doesn't do a thing to prevent it from happening. You're essentially just treating a side effect. Not only that, but it wouldn't be smart to limit certain things you may be lacking or deficient on. A lot of people end up needing an increase in vitamins, calories, and/or other nutrients just to stay healthy with their IBD. They also said that it depends on the individual on what will make them feel worse or not, since it varies so much with people. They said that many people with IBD have already gone through a trial and error with food. It also made me feel a bit odd that I had something I didn't know yet, and others were suggesting those diets. Wouldn't it be best to do that after I find out what I really have first?Even then, unless I say it's getting worse or something, why bring that up? 

I've gotten back to being active on PatientsLikeMe, too. I think mainly because I'm so nervous, this is so new to me, and seems like I'll want it once I really start treatments and such.It's basically a health social networking site. Patients and caregivers can input test results, go on the forums, log in how they're doing, take questionnaires to determine how they are doing overall, list treatments, list conditions, list symptoms, etc. It's kind of like a hub of people with health issues helping each other. Or, at least learning from each other. Also, just making friends with people who are going through similar things can be nice.The site itself does research on what info people post, and that's sometimes sent to medical professionals. They can see what's more common, what treatments might be best, etc. It's a pretty handy tool for everyone. When I was inputting some of my more recent test results, I kept getting warnings.Most of them saying that it was beyond their normal range. Some said it was below. Yay! Another reminder that they weren't 'normal'...I looked briefly at their 'Digestive and Intestinal' forum. It's interesting. Some people are in the same boat as me at the moment, with not knowing exactly what you have and waiting to do certain things to determine it. Some are much worse, and are sharing their horror stories about it. Some are sharing good news. Seems like a mixed bag.The only problem with the site is they're still missing things. Certain treatments, symptoms, etc. In order to list the missing ones, I have to message one of the admins and ask if I can do it. But, it's constantly improving with user feedback, so it's only a matter of time for those to be sorted out. I have 8 followers so far. 1 of them started following me a couple of days ago.I have about 16 'conditions' listed. You can choose your primary ones. When I'm officially diagnosed I might switch my main primary condition to that. Simply because it's giving me a much harder time right now, and seems a bit more complicated. (My current main condition is controlled well with meds, and I haven't had issues with it for a while.)

Also, noticed my appetite has decreased. For a while, it had increased by so much, I was dreaming about food.Very hungry, and thinking about it often. For the last few days its been kind of the opposite.I'll feel hungry and anticipate eating, but I'll get through a couple of bites and suddenly not want to eat more. So far, I've been able to finish everything, but it feels almost like a chore halfway through now. I don't want it to feel that way. I love food!I'm even getting back to the way I like to eat. Having it in a certain calorie range every day. Basically having 5 small meals. Even with that, it's hard to get myself to finish them. I don't think I've ever had this problem. I hope it doesn't get worse, and maybe it'll get better soon on its own? I'll just keep working on getting through them for the time being...

I have another weird rash like thing on my side. It was really itchy yesterday, but today it seems to be ok. It might not have to do with it, but it does worry me a bit. Seems like my nervousness is showing up with me shedding more hair than usual.I have long curly/wavy hair, so it's normal to see some of it coming out throughout the day. But, this seems more so. Stomach occasionally feels like its got a ton of pins rolling around inside. Sometimes when I lay on my side, it feels like my guts are sliding out. That one's more weird than anything. Also, I'm getting mini leg cramps every time I lay down. It happens no matter what position I'm in while lying down. Makes it very difficult to sleep.Sometimes they build up into full-blown leg cramps, and cramp up for at least 5 minutes at a time. Really painful. Might be worse than when I kept getting them as a kid. I'm also sneezing a lot.That's getting pretty annoying. All these put together, just seem really weird to me. I looked up to see if people with IBDs get nasty leg cramps, and apparently since we're losing so many nutrients, it's pretty common. Many have to take supplements for it. Sneezing might be a part of it, too. I really didn't realize how much this thing could affect me. Makes me more anxious to see my gastroenterologist. Also, I feel taking ibuprofen might irritate things further, so I'm avoiding it. (It could mess with my stomach and possibly make any inflammation I have worse...) Even though I'm in a lot of pain.I've read that Tylenol is best for it, but I also want to ask her first. 

Called my grandpa a few days ago just to see how he was. I think the last time I had called was in late January. He seemed upset that I didn't call him sooner to tell him about what's going on with me.I didn't want him to worry. He said it would have been worse for him if I hadn't told him, and he found out some other way. He had a lot of questions. Since I haven't had the appointment yet, I couldn't answer too many of them.A lot of the stuff I did share with him, he said it sounded really complicated. Yep, it definitely looks like it is. He wants me to tell him right away about the test results and about what happens at the appointment. I didn't expect him to say that. But, it's understandable that he'd want to know what's going on, too. 

I started a questions list that I'll go over with my gastroenterologist. Hopefully, it won't be too many and she'll be able to answer most of them. One of them is about doing sit-ups. I want to get back to doing them, but knowing that the area is inflamed down there, it doesn't seem wise. If I can't do them, I'm hoping she can give me alternatives.Also, started a food/health journal manually through 'notepad' on my computer. A lot of the apps that are IBD related through the iPhone want to know when you were diagnosed before you can do a food diary. So, temporarily, I'm doing one manually for myself. I'm trying to get into details. I haven't listed the calories for each meal, but I could try to in the future. I'm mostly writing when I eat, what I eat, 'bathroom' stuff (and when that happens), how I feel, anything new, etc. It's been interesting already.

I'm really close to finishing the manga version of Hitman Reborn. Kind of sad, because I like it a lot. It's also really long. Kind of the same feeling I had when I finished Pandora Hearts. That was a great one, too. With both series, I didn't want them to end.And, it seems like they both can be endless with the way the plots were unfolding. I think HR is actually longer than PH (although, the chapter lengths are shorter), which makes it even crazier to me that I'd be finishing it soon. I think I only have 1 or 2 more chapters left. I'll most likely finish it tomorrow. I've liked both the anime and manga versions of it. Sad that they didn't continue the anime, because there was quite a bit more of the story to be told. Some fans are still holding out for them to continue it. I don't know why they stopped. Even if they had caught up to the manga, they could have gone on hiatus until the manga was further along, like many shows do. I also like that they had slight differences, and that made them both interesting. Now the only other really long series I'll be reading is Kuroshitsuji or Black Butler. I'm current on it, too. I don't think Ao no Exorcist or Blue Exorcist is nearly half as long. Plus, Ao no Exorcist is REALLY slow with updates now. I really like Kuroshitsuji, though. I hope it doesn't end soon.It's another series that seems like it could go on forever.