Today I am the sad girl in the photo. I’ll just take my imaginary stuffed lion, hang my head, and go sit in a corner somewhere.
Honestly, last few weeks have been rough. Stuff happened. Pets were sick and injured. Cars were flooded. I have to go to a medical specialist on 29th for a diagnostic procedure I wish I didn’t need. I am now on a strict bland diet. On one hand, I can’t eat anything in the nightshade family, meaning tomatoes, onions, potatoes, and bell peppers are out. Nothing spicy, nothing sour, nothing greasy. I also can’t eat anything too carb-heavy, because I am trying to lose weight. So far I succeeded in lowering my blood pressure to 106/76 and gaining 2 lbs of muscle. I can do push ups, but I’ve achieved no actual weight reduction to speak of. Also I dropped the 12 lb ball on my face, drove my glasses into the bridge of my nose, and now it hurts. Then the ARC thing was just the cherry on top of the cake.
I’m feeling so worn out. We have one scene left in Sweep of the Blade, and we need to finish it so we can move on to other small edits, but I’ve just ran out of gas. I don’t even know why. I took a break for most of April. I should be running full speed, and instead I don’t even have fumes left. All I am able to do is to go to the gym 3 times a week. All I want to do is to sit on the couch and watch TV. And possibly play Empyrion. I built a base on an ocean planet.
And I have to go to the store today to buy some fish. Because I can eat fish. Oy.
So I am a sad potato. Gordon sent me some yarn sales, so apparently I can’t hide my sad mood from my husband. I’m still watching various dramas, and I’ve been calling him Huang Shah for fun, and sometimes oppa when I am on the K-drama kick. He puts up with it.
Let’s see, so something interesting that happened so I don’t end on a depressing note. On Sunday, Kid 2 went to San Antonio to work as a bartender at a beer festival to pick up some extra money. She came back on Monday. So I’m sitting on the patio, talking to BFF Jeaniene – by the way, the next Veritas book is the bomb – and drawing ugly grapes with water color paint, when Kid 2 sticks her head out the door.
Kid 2: Mom, don’t be mad.
ME: Cops, pregnant, or sick?
Kid 2: Surprise turtle.
Me: What?
Kid 2, holding a small plastic box with some rocks at the bottom and a tiny terrified turtle inside: I played a carnival game at the end of my shift and I shot all of the balloons. I wanted a stuffed toy and they gave me a turtle and wouldn’t take it back.
BFF Jeaniene: Bwahahahahaha!
Me: Stop it.
BFF Jeaniene: Dogs, cats, a tarantula, and now a turtle. Are you building an arc?
So, surprise turtle now has a huge tank with water and rocks and a filter.
We are optimistic for survival, although carnival animals almost never live. Also, Jeaniene, don’t read this part, it will make you angry. Unfortunately, while in California, Kid 1 has witnessed live baby turtles being made into key chains at a carnival, and that scarred all of us for life. So Kid 2 felt obligated to save the turtle no matter what. We will see what happens.
Have to go to the store. Have to write the stupid scene. Have to finish. ::borrows K-drama vocabulary:: Fighting! Ok, have to go now.
reeder says
Aigoooo…. Sending you finger hearts.
I’m super impressed by the push ups, weight loss or not. Good job!
mz says
Sometimes, you just have to chill out completely and wait to recharge.
“Cops. sick or pregnant” I love it.
I am a Zia (aunt) who also happens to be a lawyer. I told all the kidlets that if they are ever stopped and questioned by the police, SHUT UP. Give them your name, your date of birth and your address and then SHUT UP until you call me. I told them that I would always be there to get them somebody who does criminal law to be with them.
Funny. They are in their late 20s and 30s and still remember that advice. My work is done.
miscanon says
I worked at a pet store for 3 years and live carnival “prizes” always made me so angry. There’s nothing good about it; kids would be just as happy with a cheap stuffed animal, they (almost) never survive so the kid gets sad, and parents never want to spend the money needed to set up an appropriate habitat. Aquariums and terrariums (and even properly sized cages for birds and small animals) aren’t cheap!
To my knowledge, it’s also illegal to sell (or own without a permit) aquatic turtles under a certain size (at least in Texas and Georgia, both states I worked in). A lot of kids would catch baby red-ear sliders, and their parents would say sure we can keep it not realizing that even if it’s allowed, it’s going to be a minimum of $200 to set up a good tank.
One of the local schools would do an ecosystem experiment with a betta fish or a goldfish, and those always made me mad, too.
On the plus side, it was always awesome to get people who clearly cared and were just stoked to learn about their new pets, or just wanted to show off their fish tank/lizard habitat/guinea pig home. One of the managers had turtles and was always looking for cool ideas for their tank set up, and looking at the awesome habitats he found was really fun.
Ilona says
We took the turtle to Petsmart and they were mad about it too, because Eugene is so tiny. We bought the tank kit they recommended with a rock and floating log, food, water conditioner, lamp, etc. We now need to buy the temperature controller for it and we will be set. It wasn’t too bad, I think $130 before taxes, maybe.
miscanon says
Eugene’s new home certainly looks pretty great! A lot of the people I saw just wanted something small and cheap- a 5 gallon tank would be pushing it for them. Or they would brag about how they’d kept their turtle hatchling in a 5 gallon tank for years and didn’t seem to understand how harmful to the animal that was, let alone how miraculous it had survived. Turtles (should) get big! They need space. They’re much more interesting when they have space. Also a lot easier to keep a big tank clean than a little one, even if it sounds backwards…
Dena says
Unfortunately, if it is a red-eared terrapin, it will grow to about a foot across, and by that size they would benefit from an area about 10′ by 10′.
I don’t know how fairs and such can be so stupid and irresponsible with lives.
Much kudos to you and your smashing kid 🙂
Ashley P. says
I sympathize with how you’re feeling. I’m in the same boat mentally dealing with health and life. I just keep telling myself that there are still good days and hopefully they will start to out number the low energy days soon.
I work for PetSmart. Yeah, carnival pets are upsetting and a bad idea. However, that’s a red ear slider and they are incredibly hardy. My friend( with me here in Texas…I don’t live far from y’all 😉 ) puts his adult turtles outside during late spring through the summer. He built a pond for them with high sides. Before that, cheap doggie pool with a fish filter. Worked well until they out grew it.
The laws about size are in place because tiny turtles carry very high concentrations of salmonella. Carnivals market to kids *facepalm* I think they get around the law because they aren’t “selling” the pet.
I love that you went to a pet store and followed their advice. Eugene found a great family.
Angela says
We have friends here who bring their turtles indoors during the winter (large terrarium) but from late spring the turtles are outside in a dedicated turtle pond made from an old row boat, with rocks, plants, etc.
Cee says
Doesn’t he need a companion? Lonely turtle is sad.
Julie says
Don’t feel down about the number on the scale not changing. One of the most important things that I learned about weight loss in the last year is that you should always measure your progress in multiple ways. The scale is only one method of measurement. You can also keep track of your physical measurements (waist, hip, etc.), your increased ability to do anything (push-ups, steps, literally anything), improvements in your diet (my sister likes to give herself gold stars for eating veggies), improvements in your overall health, etc. Eventually you’ll get to where you want to be, but don’t let the plateau of one measurement get you down. And to cheer up you should go read a good book. I’m rereading the Raine Benares series right now for that very reason.
Fera says
Fighting, Ms. Ilonaa!
Marielle says
Muscle weights more than fat, so if you lose fat and gain muscle you won’t weight less but you will still be slimmer and in better shape. Sending you good vibes and mojo from France !
Sabrina says
+1!
Well, minus the “from France” bit 😉
Tasha says
+1’ing this comment! They never mention ‘oh, if you work out and build up your muscles, your weight isn’t going to change unless you get heavier!’ in all that kindly advice doctors and physical therapists give out. Then you think you’re doing something wrong when clearly, you’re benching 120 and can see actual definition and abs!
Arrrgghh…. gave me unpleasant memories. Then I had the doctor tell me ‘but you’re still overweight for your age.’ And people wonder why I never take the whole ‘do more exercise’ seriously all these years later… ^_^
Simone says
Um – sorry but pet peeve of mine – muscle does not weigh more than fat. Which is heavier – a pound of rocks or a pound of feathers? Most people say rocks but 1 lb is 1 lb.
However, rocks are denser than feathers so it takes less rocks to make a pound than the amount of feathers to make a pound. So muscle is DENSER than fat.
Working out 3 times a week and eating healthy is fantastic! Great job 🙂 And you brought your blood pressure down YAY. We usually gain weight slowly over time and we lose it the same way. The best way is to take some body measurements (around the waist, biceps, thighs etc). So if you not losing numbers on the scale but gaining muscle your measurements will go down because muscle is denser – takes up a bit less space than fat.
It’s the same with me – my weight went down a bit but not a lot. However, I am bicep curling 25 lbs now and bench pressing 85 lbs. Not too bad for 52 yr old woman with a bad hip. My pant legs and arms on long sleeve shirts are looser and those measurements along with my waist are smaller than they were. So don’t get discouraged. Keep it up.
Sorry to hear things aren’t the greatest at the moment but they will improve. Thanks to kiddo and you all for taking in the turtle and giving it a good home. You all are the best.
http://www.superskinnyme.com/body-measurements.html
Julie says
No, muscle does NOT weigh more than fat. One pound of muscle weighs the same as one pound of fat. Muscle takes up less space than fat, which is why you shouldn’t only measure progress by the scale.
Stacy says
I feel your pain. I’ve been walking a ton and eating right for a month and have gained 3 lbs. Just do the best you can with everything else. Sometimes you just don’t have anymore spoons. Have you heard of the Bloggess? Her books are awesome for me when I am spoonless.
Sandral says
My daughter brought home a hermit crab from a carnival . It lived for three years!
Mark Vivian says
I have to mention it, Netflix made me do it, but I just discovered a Chinese epic called “The Princess Weiyoung” is funny, tragic and full of drama, not to mention fatal scratches and somehow voodoo
Demi says
Hwaiting Iona! You can do it! Nearly there *heart*
Kris says
What a cute pretty turtle!
And best wishes for a speedy recovery!
Maria (BearMountainBooks) says
I broke my nose when I did that with weights (dropped them) So really, you ended up lucky and should be thrilled! 🙂
Good luck with energy levels. Sometimes you just run low and it takes a while to find yourself. You’re in there. Hiding behind a stack of yarn.
Rossana says
The no weight loss even though I torture myself with sport and give up one of life’s greatest pleasures, which is food…that’s the absolute pits. I maintain that the only people who are not feeling defeated and depressed are people who have never actually experienced it. Good luck and hope the procedure goes fast and you can put it out of mind! Medical anxiety sucks.
Vio says
Greetings from Bucharest, Romania. I am a huge fan. I simply love you and your brilliant mind that was able to create all these characters that I adore. I’ve never posted a comment anywhere and the reason I’ve decided to write now is that in my worst moments when my dad died, or when I was sick, and worried and miserable, your books were like my own heaven. You made me forget and, more times than I can count, you made me smile. I will pray for your health! I love you!
Natalie says
Don’t forget a UV basking light for your turtle baby. ?Thank you for taking the turtle from people that don’t care that it’s a live animal That will grow. And please don’t worry too much. We of the Horde are happy to wait patiently in the shadows for the time to storm the bookstores to purchase loot.???
wiedzma _florentyna says
I feel You, this week has een so long and it’s not even half thrugh yet 🙁
Justine says
What a cue turtle! Good luck with the procedure. Lowering your BP is great. Congratulations. Hang in there! ?
Antoniya says
Have you seen the wingspan scarf https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wingspan-3 — it looks awesome and apparently it isn’t that hard to knit it 🙂
miscanon says
That looks so cool, it makes me want to learn to knit so I can make one for each character from the guild hunter series by nailini singh…
Jenn says
Lots of love… the turtle is very sweet. ?
Keera says
Take care of yourself. We will be here when you feel better. Though I hope its sooner.
My son once won a goldfish from a Carnival and he lived for 2 years, despite everyone telling us it would die within a couple weeks. Poor kid was devastated when Hotshot passed on. Hope your new turtle grows big and strong.
Breann says
I did that to my mom, but it was 5 goldfish. I was really good at throwing the ping pong ball in the bowl. I had 3 for a long time (2 only lasted a few months). ?
Debbi says
I eat grain free, soy free, dairy free, gluten free, and nightshade free. There are lots and lots of great recipes out there. Bland doesn’t need to mean tasteless.
Don’t despair, your health is more important than anything else!
Bee says
Sorry to hear – that is a lot to deal with. Take it easy, self care is important!
If you need some next level/high quality nonsense to cheer you up (and haven’t already stumbled upon this), try googling “John Oliver Chiitan” and watch the 12 minutes and 51 seconds video on Youtube. I don’t think I’ve laughed that hard in years.
Hope you feel better soon and life works itself out!
Carolyn says
I am so sorry about your week. That sucks. Thank God Gordon and the kids are ok. Poach your fish in saki with orange slices. It’s really good. Wal mart sells cinnamon roasted almonds, put a few in a kale salad. They would be awesome together. Hope your week gets better.
Jill says
Oh, man, I feel your pain. I started with chronic heartburn in January and now I can’t eat chocolate, onions, tomatoes, garlic, anything spicy etc. Or drink caffeine or alcohol. I recently cut dairy, too, and that seems to be helping. It’s the chocolate that really kills me, though. I’m hoping things calm down soon so I can have it again.
Pete says
I don’t know if you ever played, but diablo2 with the latest updates now does not need a cd in the drive. Also there are single player mods to give an extended stash and a rune word mod so if you can find the runes you can make any runeword in the game (including ladder only runewords). Since you were talking about computer games
Joyce Wilke says
Ilona – sending a HUGE hug your way!!!
Hat says
Ouch, that seems like a lot of depression hitting all at once. But on the upside, we all know that scene is not rubbish, even at its worst (according to you) it’s still great stuff.
Hope the turtle lives long and propers.
Kathryn says
I am struggling with weight loss also and ran across this article, which made a lot of sense to me….http://time.com/3092086/weight-loss-depression/
Sending {{{{hugs}}}}; hoping you feel better soon!
Tina Henry says
Wow, I would have been curled up in a ball in the corner somewhere. You are way stronger than most of us. However, it will get better soon. Life is sometimes hard but it is life. New mantra for you: I am strong, I am invincible, I am (fill in the last word from the song or your own creation). Good Luck!!! Your readers are mostly patient but they are ALL understanding. We’ve been there.
SN says
I feel your pain about the food restrictions and lack of weight loss. I am currently on a super restricted diet to deal with inflammatory issues and joint pain and it is working for that but no weight loss. Having been on other diets and seeing what what happens when one eliminates specific food groups I have only this to offer re food restriction and weight loss – the only time I have lost weight and had it stay off was when I was on the first 2 weeks of the SouthBeach Diet – basically no carbs, including fruit. My husband saw the same thing when he did it with me. And the fruit elimination (total carb elimination) is imp as right now I am on the same diet minus nightshades plus fruit and zero weight loss. Eliminate the last bit of carb – fruit – and the weight falls off. So interesting! Bottom line – if my body sees one bit of sugar, in grain form or fruit form (let’s not even talk about added sugar!), that bit of resulting insulin response will ensure that I hold onto my fat stores……. Good luck, I will be rooting for you!
Billie Dee says
As much as I am looking forward to reading more of your work – you need some , healthy, relaxing, stress-free down time.
Take your time. I’ll still be here.
Long time fan who was delighted to meet you (both) in Houston a few years ago.
Regards,
Billie Dee
Ruth Ray says
Sorry for pedantic comment. Onion is part of Allium family and not Nightshade. But it probably fits under spicy food restriction. Otherwise good job on turtle ? nurturing. Hope the energy level rises. Knitting and watching Korean shows isn’t a bad way to spend a few days.
Ilona says
No worries and you are right. My favorite salad is tomato, onion, bell pepper, cucumber, avocado with a little olive oil and salt. So I was thinking of the salad, which I can’t have anymore and onion snuck in there. 🙂
Ruth Ray says
Hmm I have those in my kitchen. Thanks for the idea.
Ilona says
I like it with green onion best. You can spin it too: a little bit of basil and it will go well with Italian dishes, a spritz of lime and cilantro and it’s more southwestern. Change the oil to sunflower, and it’s more Russian.
VeronicaK says
Ugh, I love all the nightshades too and that salad sounds so good. I’m so sorry you’re having a hard time. You did a good thing for little Eugene, I hope he makes it! Btw, I loved ” Cops. sick or pregnant” You are a wonderful mom!
Judy says
You were able to lower your blood pressure without medication – Awesome!!
The new diet sounds sucky but one of the replies above sounds like it can be pretty good.
3 push ups- better than none
Savior of carnival turtle – priceless!!
Prospero says
Me: two weeks holidays. Yay
Me: Finishes the mod for my camera stabilizer. Has to use hacksaw to cut bolts short as otherwise they’ll bang against the stabilizer handles and gimbals. Takes about an hour to cut through. Me: getting camera set up, looks at rig and slaps forehead as I could have just turned the bolts the other way.
Me: Last Thursday-puts hip and back out while bending down doing the vacuming.
Me: Can’t lift my camera rig and still having problems with my back and hip Sunday (My birthday) Goes out to dinner with my Sister anyway.
Me: today Back and hip still not in despite doing all the exercises physio and chiropracter recommend to move it back in. 4 days left of my vacation. I a sad puppy
Robyn says
Push up are the absolute worst (shortly followed by lunges and burpees)! Congrats on your muscle! I know it is hard earned.
Angie says
Sheesh! That’s a lot at once for any human being! No wonder u are drained! Take care of yourself first…everything else can wait. I want my favorite author to be around a long time lol.
Cherylanne says
Dearest dear heart. Rest. Dont quit. Big fancy super moon. Challenging multi days of weather. All create issues for us creatives We got this. We will all feel better soon. Just not right now.
LW says
I’m sorry you’re singing the blues. I’m glad Gordon is being kind to you. Maybe you should pick up some of the yarn from the yard sales and make him some shorts…
Kudos to your daughter for helping a baby turtle.
https://life.gomcgill.com/crochet-shorts-men-tassels-weird-fashion-denim-jeans-hand-made-summer-beach-holiday-recycled-bizarre
Anonymous says
where in ca was the turtle keychains? can’t believe that wouldn’t have been shut down immediately
Kris Ten-Eyck says
I came home from a visit to my my mom in another state to find my husband had rescued a bearded dragon. Oy. At least in TX you can take the turtle outside to get natural UV more frequently than those of us in MI. 😉
Kris Ten-Eyck says
And the natural UV from being outside may help you out on the mood – bonus.
Pam says
Yikes….sending good vibes and karma your way. It’s been such a rotten long winter and spring hasn’t shown up yet. You are allowed to take your toys and hermitize. Thanks for the insights. BTW, just adored the funny rewrite of the Aussie fans post. You ROCK!
Claire M says
Hang in there.
Also, I love that your family randomly ends up with a turtle and goes ‘okay, let’s do right!’.
My brain is mush right now. But my sister is getting a Springer Spaniel puppy and she sent me new pics of him today. He’s just 2 and a half weeks at the moment so adorable and barely crawling.
Hazel Fitzgibbon says
Go and have a spa day; you deserve it. Alternatively low fat wine and pilates with a couple of scented candles will do it. Do remember to be careful for bacteria on turtles – they are know to carry a disproportionate load.
Nancyc says
I love how kid wins turtle but it’s now yours. Seem to remember that’s how you became pet momma to some of your other animals. Are they practicing to see how you’ll do with grandkids one day?
I used to have low BP until my 50’s when it shot up to normal. Now if the top number goes below 110 I get lethargic.
Hope you bounce back after your procedure. Waiting and preparing for that kind of thing can drain you.
Granny3 says
Just a caution about the turtle – he’s pretty cute, by the way – they often carry salmonella so you need to be sure to wash hands or handle with gloves. I won’t scare you with awful stories, but I have seen the illness passed along to people. Sorry.
Melissa C says
I’ve been feeling the same way. One thing after another this past year. Sigh. I’m hoping things start looking up- for both of us. Little things, little victories help. You should buy some of that sale yarn, and make something special for yourself. Or for your BFF – whose books I also love.
P.S. I was so excited when I first saw you were friends all those years ago. ?
ChelleyPam says
Uhm….I’m sorry but Kid 1 saw WHAT?!?!
Ilona says
Yeah. Chinatown in LA.
Sarah says
That is horrifying and should be if it wasn’t illegal! Where was PETA??? (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)
Breann says
My thoughts exactly! I didn’t even know this was a thing and now I’m horrified. The mental image of that is terrible. ?
kariell says
I also had a turtle run-in this week. I found this little snapper on a road nowhere near water. He’s now living the good life (hopefully) in a small lake. I also once had a bad experience too, with a pet shop turtle. They had misidentified the species and had him in the wrong environment. I tried to save him, but he died after three days. It makes me happy to see that your little guy has a chance!
Mary Cole says
You might want to look at the AIP (auto-immune protocol) diet. Its very strict. Removes everything that causes allergies including chocolate, wheat, dairy, nightshade plants, and most starches plus many other things. You eat that way for 6 weeks and then you can slowly add food back in. I’ve lost 45 lbs and my daughter lost 40. I do feel much better.
KJ says
❤️? for your 29th appointment, amazing #s on your BP and WooHoo to 2 more pounds of fighting muscle! I can’t do push-ups but I hit hard so…
My ex had a parrot, Oliver. Due to a hasty goodbye kiss attempt while the ex had Oliver on his shoulder, I ended up with a fractured nose. Not quite broken, more cracked, like a nut. Also sigh.
Great environment for the turtle – lucky s/he found you!
So looking forward to Sweep of the Blade, thnx for the Veritas update, and much love & appreciation for all your humor and amazing POVs.
MacGrani says
I love that phrase “Mom don’t be made but . . .”
Son#1: Mom don’t be mad but I signed us up for a french foreign exchange student for three weeks in July ok? It’ll be fun!
We had not one but three french students for three weeks
I hope you are feeling better soon. It’s ok to want to stop the world and get off for a while.
Lee says
Wow, that’s an awful lot to deal with! I have no suggestions to offer, only hopeful thoughts to send your way that things will improve, and soon.
And kudos for taking in that poor little turtle. For however long it lives now, it will be safe and well looked after.
Megan says
Yucky. What a rough week. I follow a diet called the auto-immune protocol elimination diet. It is just as fun as it sounds. But. But. I feel better when I do it. Which is something. If you have to do this low-carb, no nightshade thing for a while, it might be helpful to investigate. Facebook has groups for it that have a lot of recipes and ways to make it more interesting. I hope you feel better soon, no matter what.
TDoll says
So many people are having extensive food reactions now. I hope you find your answers soon. Maybe you can take a weekend away with some yarn and a book while sitting on a beach. I wish you lots of sunshine and beautiful moments to help you get through!
Debi Murray says
Oh, honey. Any day you wake up not dead is a good one. Consider yourself hugged.
Cristina says
Fighting ❣ I loved your question (cops, pregnant or sick? ) and I’m glad that Eugene has a great family now (another reason to be proud of Kid 2) Best wishes for all ?
Pri says
Hmmm fish. There’s a great recipe that I use (I’m Indian and from a part of India where we eat ALOT of fish) and it essentially involves marinating the fish in tumeric (half a teaspoon to a teaspoon), some garlic-ginger paste, along with half a tablespoon of oil (I suggest any healthy oil you have, also amount of oil depends on size of your fish, though fish has its own oils so you generally don’t need much), small amount of salt for taste (up to your discretion) and then sticking it in the oven to bake. It’s healthy and surprisingly tasty without being a full on spice assault on the taste buds. Perhaps you’ll like it?
I hope you feel better ><, sending positive vibes your way!
Erika C says
I will try this…sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Cherylanne Farley says
This is great recipe. Turmeric is very good to hear inflammation auto immune. Also trader Joe’s has ghee.
Pri says
I hope you like it! I forgot to add, squeeze lemon on top for a slight garnish!
Patricia Schlorke says
All I’m going to say is hugs (lots of them).
wont says
I think you deserve a pat on the back for being upright and conscious. The bright side….all that is behind you!! Except the diagnostic thing. Can you eat shrimp? If yes, now you have an excuse to go crazy with it.
Did you name the turtle? How about Franklin? Or Missy? **snickers**
Hugs to you.
Cristina says
In a previous comment, Ilona named “Eugene” ?♀️
wont says
I missed that. Thanks.
Leena says
Surprise turtle! Based on the previous carnie trauma I totally understand Kid 2 saving the turtle. Now….. does it have a name yet? If not, could I humbly suggest Vern?
Carmen says
Yeah, I understand feeling numb: that’s what I call battle fatigue. It is really hard to go back to being cheerful and full of energy all the time even with the gym( talking about me). All I can say is this too shall pass. Hang in there and know that you are not alone. It doesn’t give you your energy back nor your will but just knowing that other people lived through this can help. One day at a time and fix yourself one goal per day, doesn’t have to be big but you have to dot it.
Good luck, thinking about you,
Carmen
Julie says
Yikes! I’m sure nothing I say will lift you up. I guess just keep on keeping on. And venting helps! I feel your pain with the turtle. We have three fish (when we got decent fish they died so we got feeder fish and they are still alive and keep getting bigger and bigger) – we might need a bigger tank. We also have three cats. And my daughter came home with a gecko a few months ago. Her name is Toothless. She had no tail and is on the process of growing it back. She’s actually pretty cute. I’m hoping we are done with the animals. Anyway, sending positive thoughts your way!
Elisabet says
Love the turtle, kudos to kid for “saving” it! I’ve been there, when the energy is so zapped that absolutely nothing is possible or feasible in any way (due to various circumstances in my life). Do you know what saves my sanity in those times, yep your books. Because when life is not good, it’s good to read about good people!!
Teresa says
I wish you a good day. Fairy wand taps your head. Pixie dust sprinkles over you.
KathyInAiken says
Please don’t talk down to yourself. When I hear I hear someone say “I should be doing xxx” I remind them that they ‘should’ be doing what THEY feel they need to do. Whenever we say should, it is usually because of outside pressures. You know your limits and you know what expectations you want to meet. Don’t let SHOULD come into the picture. PS tell Kid 2 thank you for rescuing the turtle.
akk says
Please ensure good hand washing after turtle handling. They can carry salmonella.
Also there are a lot of ‘quakery’ tests for food allergy/intolerance – please avoid
https://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/Tests/allergytests.html
https://www.foodallergy.org/life-with-food-allergies/food-allergy-101/diagnosis-testing/unproven-diagnostic-tests
https://www.foodallergy.org/life-with-food-allergies/food-allergy-101/diagnosis-testing/unproven-diagnostic-tests
akk says
https://www.jaci-inpractice.org/article/S2213-2198(17)30704-3/fulltext
sorry about duplicate – meant to have this one instead
Lori says
May your funk pass and your energy rise. May your smile emerge and health improve. May you pick three yarns that you have always wanted. May the turtle live a happy life.
Sending you good karma, best wishes and big hugs.
Gai LaMarche says
Sending hugs. That is all I got.
Colleen C. says
I just want to hug you and make you soup. {{{ hugs }}}
Anshu says
Take care of yourself! But, it makes me mad when animals are carnival prizes. They’re kept in pretty awful conditions (goldfish in tiny plastic bags in rooms with little air conditioning) and the people who win them are rarely looking for a new pet. Why can’t they just give away stuffed animals? A stuffed turtle would be cute.
gailk says
When I was little , I had a turtle. His name was Smithers. Don’t remember why “Smithers.”
I got bored after a few
months, and my mom took care of him. They bonded over opera. Whenever my mom played opera, Smithers ran around his tank and stretched his head up to hear the opera.
He liked opera. Most of my pets liked classical music . My one eyed black cat Sybil would sing with me when I played the piano. Not my mom , just me. Sybil liked the doll song from “Tales of Hoffman.”
Sorry you are having such a rough time. I keep losing things, my glasses, the cover for a dvd, a book I started reading. I look , but I don’t know where I put them down.
Work is horrible, people are out and I am trying to do their work and my work. So far I have been cursed in both Spanish and Greek this week. Coming in early and staying late and things are still crazy. And since next week is short, it will be worse.
I just read Iron and Magic , I think for the third time.
Every time , I like Hugh more .And I hated him
in the beginning .
Looking forward to more stories with Hugh and Elara.
Some weeks are just harder ,you just have to persevere through them.
Be safe out in Texas, and tornado alley.
CharisN says
I LOVE the idea of an opera loving turtle. Thank you for that.
Sharon Barrett says
Carnival turtle looks smug. He knows he hit the lottery!
Ashley R says
I just wanted to say I get it. My husband was recently diagnosed with gastroparesis, so no spicy, no onions, nothing that might make you gassy, and small meals or grazing only. We work out every day or he’s violently sick. Dealing with diet restrictions are emotionally and physically draining. Watch something happy, cheesy or whatever makes you smile. I personally liked boys over flowers (k drama) for sheer cheese, but irregular at magic high school or yowamushi pedal were also good fun. I just finished my arc in 4 hours and want to read it again already. I’m sad I’m done and there’s not more, but now I’m going to probably re-read the entire series for clues on Caesar.
Marianne says
Not that this will help, but I completely understand the feeling. I recognize that awful diet as I’ve been on it for the last two years. First for gastritis, later on for acid reflux. Hoping for surgery as the medications dont do anything for me. Fingers crossed you will be able to beat your medical issues. Take care of yourself. You’re awesome even when you’re lying on the couch resting. you’ve earned it.
Carysa Locke says
Oh, wow! Well…I can tell you one of the likely reasons you’ve run out of steam. Anytime you drastically change your diet, your energy levels will fluctuate. I had to go on an elimination diet once that cut out all nightshades, most carbs and sugars, and let me tell you, those were the longest 90 days of my life. I…think the huge energy dip that happened for the first couple of weeks got better shortly after that, but seriously, give yourself a break. You’ve been going to the gym, and that’s no small thing.
Also, ARC thing seems largely straightened out now. <3 It's okay to take a break with all of that going on in your life.
Maggie says
If it makes you feel better you’ve got me hooked on Moonlight Drawn By Clouds (although not to the stage of even beginning to understand the vocabulary, let alone use it). All I’ll say is this better have a HEA if I’m giving up 18 hours of my life for it…
Susan says
I was able to watch Moonlight Drawn by Clouds on my phone since I can’t get the viki ap on my iPad… too old to have the OS needed to support the ap… anyway… I absolutely loved it! It had more humor in the beginning, then got more serious to where I cried during most of the later episodes, but it does have an HEA! Currently getting the DVDs and letting people know how wonderful this show is and planning on watching Sungkyunkwan Scandal next which has 20 episodes.
Thank you Ilona for letting me know about it… would like to watch others that are of the same caliber. The subtitles were well done!
Amber says
Yeah, we ended up with two goldfish in a similar fashion (saved from fraternity goldfish shots)….. We named them Sam and Ella.
Helen Holck says
Remember muscle weighs more than fat. I always feel lucky if I don’t gain weight by the scale when I up my exercises. Hope its all better tomorrow
Helen Holck says
BTW regarding comments about Julie. I have always liked her, but I thought I must have missed something (& it was a good excuse to re read KD.) As written she is as normal a teenage girl as I know. Have 3 teenage grand daughters. Sometimes she’s crabby or loving or rebellious or scarred from her experiences, but growing up & continuing on a good path. I would love to see who she becomes.
Emilye says
I was just going to say that, Helen! The beautiful thing about muscle is that it takes up less space, so use your tape measure rather than the scale to map your progress. That might cheer you up a bit?
Emily Edwards says
Fighting!! I say that when I need some motivation these days too. lol I have even gotten my boyfriend to start saying that hehehehe I wonder if he would mind the oppa…hmmm
Brooke says
Sending hugs (well, warm wishes anyway) your way. Yarn makes things better. Buy a bunch and go swimming in the tangles. You can feel like Scrooge McDuck.
Food is a big deal. I don’t know if there’s anything medically backing this up, but I feel it can have a big impact on moods. I have food allergies to some of my absolutely favorite foods – tomatoes and apples. Do you know how many foods have either of those things in them? About half. And they’re in the most ridiculous things. Strawberry oatmeal has apples. Why?! Probably as a natural sweetener, but still. Not supposed to have that. So you have the depression from not being able to eat the good things. But I’m pretty sure there’s problems in just trying to change your diet. I’m pretty sure certain foods affect moods, too, beyond the comfort factor.
I’m hoping you’re able to find a new balance that can help you out. It’s miserable not being able to eat the foods you want.
Btw, I love the turtle. “I can haz all the roomzy!”
Ollie says
I personally found potato is the worst, followed by eggplant and that I can get away with tomatoes (especially squeezing out the seeds beforehand) and peppers.
Dave Asprey’s Head Strong would absolutely be worth a listen while knitting. I’m satisfied that my head fog is gone and my energy is higher though TBF I also concurrently went to Native Remedies’ site and bought every single potion related to fighting fatigue, stimulating the thyroid, weight loss, and focus. All of the above cost less than what I would have paid going to a doc who would have prescribed something I probably wouldn’t have taken anyway.
Crescent says
Many many hugs, Ilona. So glad you can find some things to laugh about. It makes me sad to think works is has pushed you into a sad place. We love your work and worlds, , but we value you more. Take good loving care of the sad girl in the picture. Also, Maybe some vitamin B supplements?
Years ago I had to deal with some internal obstruction and narrowly escaped surgery. For me the diet was LOTS of water, NO salt, no nightshade, no fiber, no peels or skins or seeds, generally low carb. What did that leave? Trader Joe’s low salt butternut squash soup and chicken broth was nice, all kinds of fish fillets, simple boiled rice (no salt), green beens, peaches, creamy no salt peanut butter on peeled apple slices. Actually, the no salt, lots of water regimen seemed to help the weight loss more than the lack of carbs.
I hope your spirit gets a breather along with your body, and that your sense of humor and the love of friends and family (and devoted, undemanding fans ) see you through.
Other Barbara says
Mean downer me says..did you know small carnival turtles can carry samonella?
Disease warning https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/small-turtles-03-12/index.html
Our came from Chinatown in NY city. I called local zoo. turtleBack Zoo. After the turtle guy said I needed minimum $300 for a basic setup for turtle plus samonella issues, he went to a licensed wildlife rescuer at NJ bat rescue, despite no fur or wings or cute noises.
Turtles can live 50 years.
PattyPup says
Thinking of you. Hang in there!
Inga Abel says
I wish for you to have some nonbook-, nongame-, nonhidebehindtheyarnrelated FUN, because to me it seems that you REALLY need something new and fresh in your life, just for yourself! With totaly new and different people and actions and did I mention? FUN! FUN! FUN!
Don`t forget to fall in love with yourself ;-)!
Self-employees are really bad in taking care of their down-times!!
Good luck, lots of well wishes and greets from Switzerland!
Inga
P.S. Horrified, that there seem to be no laws against the animal-cruelty at your fairs! No one would even think of that over here!!!
kommiesmom says
Been there, darlin’. It’s never fun but it does get better.
[Virtual hugs – (completely platonic)]
I am positive you could get a dog kiss and a cuddle, or many dog kisses and cuddles, and I bet it would help.
Just remember – you are fabulous! The BDH is never wrong about these things and every one of us will tell you how great you are, given half a chance.
Natasha Johnson says
I pray that you get to feeling more energized and that you procedure goes good.
I was put on a very strict paleo diet (no corn,soy, dairy, sugar, gluten and caffeine) to try to get my body fixed and to start handling my PCOS (poly cystic ovarian syndrome) naturally because I don’t want to be on birth control (also no body every told me getting your tubes tied and have PCOS is the worst thing you can do because it makes you crazy) so on top of that my chiropractor is also trying to give my back and neck some curves again (at 31 I have the body of a much older person due to how out of wack my spine is). So I feel you on the diet though I can have more my body still craves what it can not have.
Love the turtle and he will have a great life now!
Other Barbara says
We did paleo for over a year. My PCOS kid lost about 40 lb without counting calories at all. I lost only 7 lb but my GERD disappeared. Also my autoimmune problems lessened. Not counting calories was wonderful.
if you read the new medical research on ultra processed foods damage, it makes sense that as a paleo calls for mainly unprocessed food, perhaps it is the diet but maybe our focus on unrefined foods that helped.
mostly used the website paleohack for recipes. Good luck, good health to us all.
Mary Allen says
About a month ago and $270.00 ago my husband found a small turtle floating in our pool and thought it would be a nice (free ) pet for our grand children. Who knew they need a 20 gallon tank as they can get big, a filter, rocks, food , a pump and a whole lot of other stuff. It is still alive and the kids love it so not is all lost.
Rena says
Part of the lack of energy thing could be the weather, if you have had as much rain as I have the last couple of months.
Anytime it is rainy for days, I have a lack of energy and just want to veg. It seems like it has rained every day for months now, but I know that we just had a blizzard a few weeks ago, so that isn’t true. Of course it is supposed to rain 5 out of the next 7 days, the same as it has the last 2 weeks. Ugh.
I hope things get better soon and GL with the new addition. 🙂
Pri says
Hmmm fish. There’s a great recipe that I use (I’m Indian and from a part of India where we eat ALOT of fish) and it essentially involves marinating the fish in tumeric (half a teaspoon to a teaspoon), some garlic-ginger paste, along with half a tablespoon of oil (I suggest any healthy oil you have, also amount of oil depends on size of your fish, though fish has its own oils so you generally don’t need much), small amount of salt for taste (up to your discretion) and then sticking it in the oven to bake. It’s healthy and surprisingly tasty without being a full on spice assault on the taste buds. Perhaps you’ll like it?
I hope you feel better ><, sending positive vibes your way!
Jaye says
If I tell you onions are not nightshades but members of the lily family will you be happier? Or will it not matter because onions, garlic etc are still off limits?
NSum says
Thank you for giving the forced upon you yet rescued turtle a nice place to live. The water is filtered, right?
Your new dietary restrictions sound like what I have been doing for years now to keep auto-immune inflammation in check. I use the AIP – Auto-immune protocol, which is basically paleo without nightshades and other inflammatory foods, like eggs. I am allergic to eggs anyway so, oh well. It is hard to hear that restricting certain foods will help but it is true.
It isn’t hard once you get used to it, just a bit inconvenient sometimes.
I hope you feel better soon.
Amelie says
Aaaah this post sounds like my life right now. I have to move again for the third time in a year and a half. I’m sick with a cold and I have no energy to pack. I also don’t have as many days as I’d like because I will be away for Memorial Day.
To top it off, I had another bed bug freak out (they are my biggest phobia since I moved to NYC and I actually did have them at a hotel but weirdly not NYC but in Paris!) two days ago when I woke up to weird blood like stains on my pillowcase. This was not helped by the fact that about an hour later I found a bed bug looking bug on my bedroom ceiling and when I smashed it a lot of blood came out. Then massive bites appeared on my arm, neck, and collar bone. Exterminator came by and didn’t find anything but sprayed anyways just in case since I had bites. I’m still running all my clothes through the dryer just in case which is impeding my packing.
I’m so exhausted since the bed bug thing has kept me up for the past two nights and I also need to pack for my Memorial Day trip. And also need to keep job searching as I am unemployed right now.
However to end my message on a positive note: any names for surprise turtle?? What kind is it?
Lisa says
Is there anything I can do to lessen the hurt? What little inconsequential thing could I do to help?
Seriously.
Aira says
Sending you positive vibes and gentle hugs. Feel better soon, we will all be here waiting for you.
D Hart says
Personally, I’m having the same type issues. I’m unmotivated at work, I’m getting fatter and eating a lot less food (allergies are coming out of no where), I go to the gym and it gives me very little benefit (except soreness and pain). My doctor said it’s pre-menopause symptoms – personally I just want to go to a rent free house in the USVI’s and live carefree for about 6 months. But alas, the children must be fed, the insurance must be paid, the bills request prompt attention. So off to the gym, then work, then dinner, then or errands, then bed where I read books and blogs(if lucky) – rinse/repeat
Kate says
I can’t tell how small/large the turtle is but it is illegal to distribute or sell turtles under 4″ because of the potential for salmonella. PS it looks like a red eared slider. If so, the adults get 6″-12″ and with proper care they apparently live 20-40 years
https://www.sanluisobispo.com/entertainment/mid-state-fair/article39450924.html
https://www.petco.com/content/petco/PetcoStore/en_US/pet-services/resource-center/caresheets/red-eared-slider-care-sheet.html
Kathy says
Does the turtle have a squeaky hamburger? Sounds like it should have a squeaky hamburger. (Sorry folks…only earc reviewers will get the joke for now….)
Steve Lucas says
I hope you feel better!. Also be warned wash well after handling turtles loads of salmonella
SarahZ says
My sister got a turtle the same way, and it’s an egg-laying adult now. It’s sort of neurotic, but really attached to its humans.
Elizabeth says
It is a red eared slider. Considered to be an aggressively invasive species, so please, please do not ever let it loose in a pond or river. Otherwise enjoy your Yurtle.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red-eared_slider
veronika says
I would not be too woried. These turtles are almost immortal. Once somebody throw several of these turtles into a sewer. And they were perfictly fine when sombody else save them. After several months. In Czech Republic. Also your turtle will grow to the size of dinner plate.
Andrea D Smith says
I too saved a turtle and was shocked to learn that a red ear slider lives 30-50 years in captivity. Mine is now 15 years ago and looks like a big mac sandwich. Mine loves strawberries, grapes and crickets. I also had mine tested for salmonella and would recommend. Plus, don’t be surprised if Eugene ends up being a Eugenia. They are good pets, I’ll wrap mine in a towel and watch TV together.
PS Feel better soon!
wkonsunshine says
I’m feeling you. I’ve had some hard personal setbacks including my father’s death this past week. I’m not feeling very enthusiastic about much at all. In fact, I’m feeling a little like Job. However, your “fighting” comment made me laugh because I really, really get the reference. Here’s to a better day tomorrow, Unni.
Breann says
I’m sorry for your loss. ((Hugs))
tee says
(Hi, maybe someone else asked but where in Cali did you see the turtle crime? I live here… And will hunt then down. Non-lethally, but still.)
I’m sorry you’re feeling cruddy. I have a newly diagnosed autoimmune disorder, so the hideousness of the elimination diet cannot be exaggerated. I feel your pain. At least there’s K-drama…
Taya says
I’m sorry you’re having a shitty time of it. Thinking of you and sending blessings your way!
kathy says
Good God – I’ll go with you on the great baby turtle outrage revenge. That’s awful. where and when did this happen?
Ilona says
LA Chinatown.
Elia says
Omg where? My mother in law lives in LA Chinatown and i work 5 min away! I will storm in there with righteous fury! And well placed calls to the county…
Ilona says
I am not sure where exactly. I can ask. She was on a birthday trip with a friend, and they walked around Chinatown until they saw the turtles, and then the two of them were so upset that they went back to the hotel and she called me on the way.
Meli says
And I’ll join you on the hunt. Not physically, obviously, but I’m sure there are people I can yell at about this. Torturing animals to make frigging souvenirs? That’s so far beyond unacceptable it needs a new category.
Ginny says
Good luck with the turtle. They can live like 30-40 years apparently. My 6yo son said he might want one and I’m vetoing after finding out how long they live. I’m thinking hamster as they have much shorter life spans. The baby turtles from the Rocky movies are still alive.
Jannalovestostones says
I hear you – I’ve been doing the AIP in hopes of getting my hashimotos into remission. I’ve gotten used to not eating the foods I’m not supposed to eat, where I struggle is eating the foods that I am supposed to eat – so not enticing/not tasty. Worst diet ever made even more restrictive/worker. But if it goes into remission that is $135/month in meds I won’t have to spend.
Alex says
Yes turn them in, especially if the turtles are tiny!
“Since 1975, however, selling baby turtles that are less than 4 inches long has been illegal in the U.S”
Lynda MS says
Our sorry for your sorrow. Please get better soon and all of your troubles vanish.
RE: Yertle the Turtle (or whatever you decide to call him/her)
Making key chains out of live turtles is horrible, but what about giving them away to random people, not knowing what they will do with them. If it is illegal to sell a baby turtle, it should be illegal to give them away as prizes.
MissB2U says
G.I. issues suck the life out of you. One of my kids has IBD and when it’s active he has zero energy. Hoping you are soon feeling better and able to eat a more varied diet! Just re-read Innkeeper and loved it all over again. Thank you!
Tink says
Ok, file this under the ignorance is bliss category… Potatoes, onions, etc., are of the nightshade family? Isn’t nightshade a poison? O_O
I did not need to learn that, Ilona!
Susan says
And tomatoes. Nightshade plants have edible parts and poisonous parts. Usually the leaves.
Tink says
Not a problem. I hate tomatoes. Now when my family gives me a hard time for not eating them, I’ll point out that they’re poison. Hah!
Patricia Schlorke says
Yes, they’re part of the nightshade family. Yes, nightshade is poisonous in large doses. This is why, unless the tomato is bred to be green, eating green tomatoes before they turn red is not a great idea. Potato leaves are poisonous. This is why you don’t see them in grocery stores. Potatoes (what we eat) are also poisonous until the leaves die off in the fall.
The beautiful belladonna plant is also part of the nightshade family. If extracted properly, the plant can be used for homeopathic heart medicine.
Pence says
Also if potatoes have been stored where they are exposed to light the skins start to turn green – and need to be thoroughly peeled to remove the toxin ( as I recall it is a cyanide compound).
It makes me very cross when I see piles of potatoes in groceries near windows. It doesn’t take much light to start the process.
Marietta says
All the good veggies are nightshades. Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, white potatoes, paprika, goji berries.
Also mangos and cashews are in the same plant family as poison ivy.
Tink says
I don’t like a single one of the veggies you listed, so not a problem. (Although I’m not sure I’ve ever tried white potatoes.)
Jocelyn Malone says
Yes, indeed, they are. They’re harder on the digestion even for those who can have them. The family also includes eggplant and bell peppers. My dad can’t have any nightshades, either.
Lynn T. says
Yes. Nightshade family. Yes poisonous. The thing to remember about medications , both OTC and prescription. are that many are deadly but modern medicine has determined that a certain dose is beneficial to an averaged normal of humans. Every person responds differently.
I have an inherited from my paternal lineage food allergy. Epi pens are a fantastic invention. I still have to be extremely careful eating out and thete are many places I can not eat at. One learns to eat at home before going out. And yes there are physical ramifications to not eating properly.
Tink says
Except the cost of EpiPens is getting ridiculous, at least in the U.S. So glad I don’t have food allergies and I hope I don’t develop them.
Tink says
Also, why would you be mad if your kid was sick? Cops and pregnant I get. (Love that you gave her multiple choice to choose from.)
Meredith says
Ha! Right! My son didn’t want to tell me why he was upset the other day. I asked, “Is (girlfriend’s name) pregnant?” He said,”No! Of course not!” So then I said, “ Well then, since that would be the worst, anything else you have to tell me is easy.”
RJ Blain says
I really hope you start perking up soon. I totally understand. (I’m there. In my case, tooth extraction and other parts of life.)
Solidarity in the trenches!
I’ll just leave a hug if you would like one.
Meredith says
I so wish you did not tell the California story. Now I can’t get that out of my head. People can be so cruel. I can’t even stand nature cruel. I chased a coyote that was chasing a baby deer into a thicket to try to stop what was going to happen. My husband suggested that maybe I shouldn’t chase a hunting predator. Sigh, bad nature.
Hope you feel better. Eat enough healthy fat to replace the carbohydrate calories, might help your energy.
Shannon says
Feel run down is definitely no fun at all. I hope you bounce back soon. And while you may not have seen the scales go down that doesn’t mean you aren’t losing weight. You could simply be replacing the weight with muscle. Also turtles are cool and I always wanted to have one but never did seem to get around to it
Ginny says
so sorry to hear you’re not feeling well. wishing you all the best next week for your procedure!
Cynthia says
The ‘stupid scene ‘ will turn out to be wonderful. I have great faith in y’all, even when your ‘low energy ‘.
And yes Life Happens!!!
Tomorrow is a another day girl!
Take them one day at a time (that’s what I tell myself)
JOeD says
“Astrox Imperium” on steam 15 bucks, a diminished single player Eve without the ganking and scams and encouraged griefing, early access with extremely available and responsive developers, space exploration, pirates to kill (or be one), and of course mining, and missions. part of the blurb for leveling is ” as a reward for your endless repetitive efforts” (paraphrase).
And did I mention mining?
this game is instant real life refueling
Ilona says
Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo……
Leonie says
Hope you’ll feel better soon!
Since you’ve gotten me on the K-Drama trip I really wanted to highly recommend one: Goblin. It’s such a good drama, amazing writing, concept and story line, especially the characters. It has a goblin, a grim reaper and ghosts. It’s much better than it sounds haha
And it’s the only drama during which I cried multiple times
MamaOfThree says
If you want funny and cute K drama, try Strong Woman Do Bong Soon. I have been re-watching it multiple times. There’s creepy kidnapper but it helps to showcase her super strength. Such a cute Hercules type person and there’s a HEA.
Marian Bernstein says
Procedures and diagnostics are the pits. I had an EMG this morning, which is a nerve study where they use electric shocks and needles to see if your nerves are conducting properly. At 8AM . Bad.
Deb says
With the turtle, they need some mud and some plants. I don’t know why it helps but when we were kids and putting penny turtles in backyard bath tubs etc they always did better when they had mud and some edible type plants. Also moss. They like that green moss that grows on the sides of tubs and stuff. They like to squish in the mud.
Lynne Binkley says
Hope you feel better soon and that whatever is wrong is not too serious. Thank you for your wonderful work.
Wendy Toh says
Hey..I’ve been working on eating healthier. Try this site for fresh wild-caught fish. I’ve enjoyed my 2 boxes so far! https://wildalaskancompany.com/home
d lm a says
PLATEAU, as you drag to the gym, clutching your simba repeat … plateau
As you rebuild your eating & keep on wit yo reps it will turn into a down hill slide BUT don’t look or pay attention give it 3-4 wks and your clothes will show the diff.
The tell is you fuming. You been working hard mentally and physically. Even sad youz working hard to communicate to us what’s up. You got no nada to burn no cals or hold up no weights. Rescue animals where you can and thank you for doing so.
Turning your health life around often exposes small glitches, may this be one B well
Monina says
Hugs and a back rub for you Ilona….
May you have the energy to do what needs to be done today. Aja!!!
catlover says
Well dang, sorry you are having to deal with that long list of negative stuff. Several years ago I sent my son a book, The Grain Brain. He was having difficulty getting his ears to clear for diving even with decongestants. He feels much better off of gluten and has been very diligent about his diet, trying to limit meat and pushing raw veggies and fruit and feels much better. The best I can suggest is cut out the gym for now and substitute music and a walk with a dog. Just changing focus and approach might help you add some successes every day to generate some positive energy. Hang in there, the horde is pulling for you!
Lauren says
Watch out… my carnival goldfish lived for 14 years. Out-lived all the additional fish we got to keep her company…
elizaduckie says
Thanks for cheering me up. I got a laugh out of this. : )
DianaInCa says
Big hugs headed your way. A lot of changes in short time. I had gum surgery right before Easter, that came with restrictions so I wouldn’t pull my stitches. I hadn’t planned for it as good as I could so I got some ideas for beyond soup from Pinterest. I forgot how much I liked applesauce.
Good luck with the test and turtle
Fsn in California says
Pretty pretty yarn at Wooly Thistle .. . . Hopefully that will help tempt you !! ? Hope you feel better very soon!!
Farmwifetwo says
Welcome to burnout. All I can promise is it will end and return another day. Not helpful, eh?
Hope the tests go well.
Measurements not scales is what I was told. Maybe start there?
Jools says
This too shall pass. In the meantime, sending you good thoughts.
Jess says
I am not a huge exercise fan but I have started going to Pure Barre classes near my work and if there is one near by I would recommend trying it. It is low impact and modifiable but a good mix of cardio and some weights.
Good luck with all the things!
Kelly L says
I had to give up nightshades too. The biggest annoyance was giving up paprika. I had just discovered how good smoked paprika was on grilled chicken, too. Cumin sort of replaces it.
Ellen D. says
A turtle! At least it wasn’t furred or feathered. My last rescue was a racing pigeon. Took him home after a week of him hanging around my store. Used the information on his bands and tracked his assoc. Left a message with a club member. That was 18 months ago. Burd is still with us. Hope you feel better soon.
Pam says
I’m so sorry you are feeling down. Honestly, I can’t fathom why an author should feel bad about pushing a book back when they are having health issues. I doubt most (invested) readers care about waiting longer. A) We’re not entirely selfish and B) The book will be better (puts A in jeopardy lol). C) I hope you feel better soon. The blahs are awful.
Pam says
I used to have two turtles as a child like that, they were named Herman and Myrtle. In retrospect they probably had a horrible life. Your turtle is living in the lap of luxury, I’m so glad he got rescued.
Louise says
Hey just wondering if you might benefit from the AIP Protocol? We had to eliminate foods from my then 18mo sons diet and this helped, with recipes and the group is really supportive. It’s a step up from low fodmap.
Once we fixed his gut, we re-introduced all foods again successfully and now aged 4, he’s able to eat normally. Might be a bit of a stretch… but good luck with your food journey any way ?
Yay to turtles. My 3 sons love turtles. The same child as above keeps asking if we can get some baby turtles and slime ?
I love the way you converse with your kids too btw – future goals!!
Karen the Griffmom says
Recurring diverticulitis means soupy mashed potatoes,rice, and gravy with baby food meat. Also pureed bean soup. Also cream of wheat. Everything with added protein powder.
Breann says
Baby food meat. (shudder) ? I feel for you.
Emily says
Health things are no bueno. And no fun to have to limit the foods you can eat, especially if it’s something you like or something that is common.
I am also appalled at the turtle keychains – what is wrong with people!? I hope they got shut down and punished severely. I think cruel and unusual punishment should be legal for those who abuse animals and children. Good luck with the health of the surprise turtle!
I got an accidental mouse this weekend. I have pet snakes and one of them has not yet agreed to eat pre-frozen rodents. She is a tiny thing and eats only infant (“pinkie”) mice. So I asked at the shop for a pinkie; and idiotically, I didn’t check what was in the box they handed me. I was halfway home when I heard a rustle; a little while later, I heard it again. Pinkie mice don’t rustle. I checked the box. And I can hardly take her back to a place that will just sell her as snake food, can I? So I named her Dinner and gave her a nice home to explore. The snake will be fine until the next time I get to the store.
Marie says
Please be aware of the salmonella threat that is posed by the handling of these baby red-eared sliders. Look up the safety suggestions for keeping water turtles and wash up well after you handle the turtle or the water in their enclosure.
As to the California story. I hope people don’t think that this is acceptable behaviour in our state. It should be reported to the fish and game department for prosecution.
Henry says
+ 1
Sliders are notorious for salmonella. I thought they were banned in Texas.
Ellie Burrage says
I just wanted to say, I’ve been having a tough time of it this week. And today, my off day, I figured I’d cheer myself up by listening to the audiobook of On The Edge for the 2nd time! I’m sorry you’re feeling down, and I wanted to thank you for the wonderful books you write that cheer me so, and suck me into their world, and make me laugh. <3
Lynn T. says
Thank you Ilona Andrews, for the post. Sounds like you are alive. That is a plus. Stress is hard on you as humans were not made to deal with daily stress. Look at past USA presidents and how old that they look after 4 years in office.
Things that have helped me…. I have learned to count my blessings daily. I also rotate my workout routine every 3 months. I also go to my chiropractor for monthly maintenance as well as arculitherapy. Some people need to get a daily hug.
Regarding turtle…. be aware of human pathogens that they naturally carry and take proper protective steps. My turtle experiences is that they live much longer, as in years, than the goldfish rescues. And it freaking hurts when a box turtle bites.
Apocopate says
I feel your food pain, I’m struggling with a semi-bland diet AND trying not to eat carby foods so as to at least not gain weight. Sometimes you need more time off than you think you do so I hope you find some time to do relaxing “you” things. I also hope the teeny turtle lives and you feel better soon!
Michelle Perkins says
So sorry to hear of the health issues. Prayers that procedure turns out good.I am writing from Bennington, Ne. If you happen to see this I am reading the Kate Daniels series again for the 80 time. Best ever. Would you ever consider another book in that series to develop another character more? If so, do you have a favorite? Thank you for some amazing stories!!!
Alison says
Since red-eared sliders ate native to Texas, maybe he could become a happy outdoor terrapin?
Alison says
“are” noooot “ate”
Molly says
Sounds like you need a weekend on the coast, staring at the ripples of the ocean … from the air conditioned comfort of a second story plate glass windowed condo. Two days of that, and your emotional slate will be wiped clean.
Perhaps BFF J. Is sitting beside you in the condition of while BHF G. Is guarding the homestead. OR Kid 2.
Also, the turtle’s name should be “Ta-Da”, as in “Here I am!”
Breann says
I read what you can’t eat and my thought is: “Eat Ice Cream!” (Unfortunately, that is my answer to most things.) Yes, I realize it might not help with weight loss, but hey, it’s not on the restricted list! Or maybe a nice sorbet, if you’re also avoiding dairy. Good luck! ((Hugs))
Bruce says
And let’s not forget a massage. I’ve heard that they count as workouts.
Tracy says
Might I suggest the NomNom Paleo website? On the recipes page there’s a listing of her recipes for people following nightshade free diets. And as they’re paleo they tick the low carb box as well. https://nomnompaleo.com/category/special_diets/nightshadefree
Good luck with the rest. I well recall the despair from no movement on the scales when putting so much effort into diet and exercise. I tracked measurements as well, as I found that even if the scales didn’t move, the tape measure often did. Just a thought.
Leanne Ridley says
Excellent suggestion, Tracy (and thanks for the new link).
There are a lot of paleo / keto sites that have recipes that are both low in carbs and nightshade-free. Here’s a few that are specific to that:
https://paleoleap.com/23-paleo-nightshade-free-recipes/
https://whatgreatgrandmaate.com/recipes/nightshade-free/
https://www.theharvestskillet.com/?s=nightshade (entire site is lowcarb but this filters by the keyword “nightshade” for the recipes marked as nightshade-free)
and this site which is dedicated to nightshade-free recipes but you’ll have to determine which recipes will also keep the carbs in check:
https://halifaxbloggers.ca/isaynomato/recipes/
plus this one which has an AIP section but which you’ll have to vet for carbs:
https://www.theroastedroot.net/category/recipes/aip/
or this one which has numerous categories on which to filter (squee!)
https://www.furtherfood.com/diet_restriction/nightshade-free/
or these sites which watch carbs but you’ll have to keep an eye out for nightshades:
https://alldayidreamaboutfood.com/recipes-index/
https://low-carb-news.blogspot.com/ (index on the right-hand side)
https://healthyrecipesblogs.com/healthy-recipe-index/
Oh boy, more sites bookmarked!
Although I don’t currently have issues with nightshades per se, I DO have issues with soy and with spicy foods. GI issues really bite the big wad 🙁
Henry says
We had several Desert Ornate Box Turtles. They are native to West Texas. They are unique in that they are probably the latest turtle on the branch. They are dry land animals and drown if place in a pond. Some of their bad habits include salmonella carriers, biting, and urinating on people they don’t know, they do not make good pets for children, males are more colorful than the females, most aggressive of the turtles, most carnivorous and more omnivorous than other turtles, males climb bushes, low branched trees and wire fences or tunnel as much as three feet deep to seek females. Our ferrets dug up a mouse nest under our dog house. There were several pinks. Neither the ferrets or nor the dog ate them. They were scarfed up by the turtles.
Cheryl Chapnick says
When pet are sick or old and need extra care it’s heart breaking. You are my hero because your books and blog and readers’ comments really cheer me up when I need it. I also don’t know how you get so much done. If I go to work all week and manage to clean the house, fold the laundry and empty the dishwasher on the weekend I feel super accomplished…you’re doing so much more! Wish I had some story I could tell to cheer you up. I’m very impressed at all the things you are doing to improve your health. I hope you see some results soon.
Kay Edgar says
Hope you feel better soon and you pass the weight plateau and start dropping weight again. Check into vitamin B Complex.
Kay says
Hope you feel better soon and you pass the weight plateau and start dropping weight again. Check into vitamin B Complex.
Chachic says
Fighting!! I’m sorry things have been difficult and stressful for you lately. Hoping things will be better for you soon.
sweetfe says
Okay…so I did not read all the other comments so someone else might have said this already….. stop looking at the scale. If you combine weight training and some cardio…your body will change. Muscle weighs more than fat. I hope you took your measurements before you started this journey. If not, please do it now. Measure everything. Your thighs, calves, fore arms, upper arms….neck…anything you can think of. Then once a week, do the same thing. Graph paper is good for this. Give it six weeks to 8 and then compare the start to the current. Put on your fat jeans. Watch them droop. It also sounds like you might be a bit depressed. If you are allowed, please take vitamins. With your new diet you might not be getting all the nutrients you need. This can contribute to depression. I am very sad for you to not be able to eat some of your favorite foods. Good luck! You and Gordon are so gifted….I want you to be happy!
Kin says
Can’t tell in the photo, but do you have the special lights that turtles need? They get brittle/warped shells from vitamin deficiency if you don’t have the right kind of UV lights available.
And as for how you feel on your new diet….. pay ATTENTION to it – and mark which foods make you feel instantly better as you re-add them to your diet. Not everyone can live on a no-carb/low carb diet. (Ditto for high carb diets, and a giant warning for anyone attempting to go vegan!) Also, keep in mind you need to be eating above the starvation line to properly lose weight.
Ilona says
We do have the lamp, but we turned it off for the photo because the glare was too strong.
CharisN says
May I say that I am impressed with Kid 2’s shooting skills? Sounds like she deserves better than the bitty turtle esp. in Texas. Also I am impressed with your 3 days a week working out at the gym! I felt pretty good when I hit a regular once a week. Rest and feel better.
Tink says
I read some of the comments about the turtle and saw all the mentions of salmonella. (Great post – I learned 2 things I never knew.) So…
1. Why are they giving away an animal that is notorious for salmonella?
2. Why are they giving away an animal that is also apparently an invasive species, according to some other comments?
Whole operation seems very questionable.
Susan says
Red-eared slider turtle! Squee! I hope the turtle brings you as much joy as they bring me. Their cute scratchy feet!
Verslint says
Fight on! Fighting! Chucking hugs at you from across the ocean!
Also, this is my general success rate with exercise;
AmandaG says
This happens to me too! If I exercise and eat right, it’s a slow trudge to loose weight. If I just eat right and cut out all (most) of the bad stuff, it sheds much faster. But the bad stuff is so good…
Thanks for sharing the tweet!
Robin Moore says
When you gain muscle, it weighs more. Fortunately it also burns more calories. It will happen. Also, onions arent in the nightshade family. My husband couldn’t have them because they set off his arthritis. I made potato salad for the non nightshade challenged. He . Ate. It. All. He knew he would hurt, he did not care. It was worse than the time he ate a vat of hummous. Then wondered why he had gas cramps. You. just. Ate. A. Quart. Of. Bean. Paste. Telling him this too shall pass was of no comfort to him. I slept out on the couch for that event.
Robin Moore says
oops, he could have onions, just not all the night shade veggies.
Geri says
So funny, made me laugh at loud ?
njb says
That was great! thanks for sharing it as it made my day. I concur with the slow weight loss by just exercising – you have to do so much exercise to burn off more calories than you intake, so it’s hard if you actually like food (ME!!!). So a judicious use of portion size and cutting a few carbs out generally works well while exercising, at least for me. Of course, it’s still a slow slog. And it doesn’t get easier as you age either. Grrrr
EarlineM says
????? So true!!!!!
Anonymous says
Fighting!!!
Alex Zivkovic says
Wow along with the other things it sounds as if your suffering from depression as weĺl. Hope things get better for you soon.
And i really realy hope that that thing about the turtle keychains is not real. Theres gotta be a law against that.at least i hope there is.
Ah says
Sometimes people need more than just a month off. I think you need two or three. In a row. With perhaps minimising social media and screens in general. Just a general physical and mental time out. Good luck.
Char says
I agree! I am coming off a 6 week surgical leave (all is well), but the biggest gain is the time where I didn’t have to think or work. The time has done wonders to perk me up mentally!
Vicki LENOIR says
Courage! It is the wear and tear of daily living. Oddly enough, what gets me through these lows is marathoning your audiobooks. Nothing like your heroines who live in très poopoo situations overcoming the hump. And of course good action scenes to up the adrénaline motivates one to beat something up, even if it is oneself in the gym. So take stregnth in the knowledge that this too shall pass, and you do not suffer alone. As you support us when we’re down, we’ll always support you when you struggle.
Bambi says
Aja! Saranghaeyo author lords! ?
Ariel says
Aww man, that stinks. I’m really glad that you’re trying to find some positives to cling to and I hope the turtle has a happy ending. Maybe it has because it came to you. The poor little thing can live out the remainder of its days with as much dignity and honour as you can give it. Thank you for looking after it. Hang in there and please remember that it really is ok to not be happy, energetic and excited for as long as you need to be. You’re winning just by getting out of bed in the morning! *round of applause*
Pat says
Vitamin levels checked recently? Can really impact our health, and stress interferes with our absorbing vital nutrients. Happened to me about 10 yrs ago… Hope things get better soon. Also GO turtle rescue!!!
Claire says
Maybe can you make your whole wheat breads. There existe a lot of different flours that can make so differents breads. Whole wheat home breads really help to have a low glycemic index and add minerals and fun. And it is SO cool and gooooood.
I tried it two months ago. I’m french. I’m not buying bread in boulangeries anymore. I am also making my levain. But it’s another story.
Saira says
Would it make you happier to note that I am now addicted to the Kdramas (and C ones too). I binge watched Moonlight drawn by Clouds last week, and have started Oh My General. The costumes are just WOW! Along with the acting, fighting, funnies, sads and everything else. (Viki probably should recognize you, I’d never have know about them with out you. LOL)
Also I think that I’ve gotten a coworker hooked too. I showed her the clip from Moonlight from your blog…
So watch your drama’s, play your games, you’ve been so busy and medical issues are incredibly stressful (big or small), please take all the down time you need. (remember its a need not a want)
Huyen says
I binged on Moonlight too based on the blog post and have been tempted to start the others recommended. Afraid to start another because I won’t get any sleep and won’t get all my stuff done lol.
saira says
Be prepared to be completely addicted, and get nothing!!! done!!! but its great fun 🙂
Helen says
Have your thyroid levels checked.
Amanda says
I would say it would also be a good idea to have the thyroid antibodies level checked. Hashimotos thyroiditis appears in women about our age and is often missed because the thyroid levels come back normal. My Grandfather, Mother and older sister all got a diagnosis of Hashimotos despite never having the enlarged goiter.
Debbie Brown says
Share tiny bits of fish with your turtle, make some almond flour bread, and delight in the spices that will enliven your palate, perhaps? Have you tried massage, for dealing with stress? Love, to our author lady & lord.
Nicki Garvey says
I spent 3 days in an animal horders home throwing away everything, scraping a runway of ground feces up, using a snow shovel to scoop up piles of desecrated poop uncovered when we moved furniture… it was horrible.
But I was able to retrieve the litter of 2 week old puppies from animal control because I made the man sign a contract saying they and their mother were mine. I was able to convince him to relinquish his rabbits and parrots. The puppies would not have made it, they have gained almost no weight. Rescues are amazing and animal control does it’s best… but a litter of newborn puppies and their mom have very special needs and are very delicate.
It was worth it to save these animals, and to help him fix his home for when he eventually brings animals back into it (animal control will watch him and so will I but there is always a chance). But I am emotionally exhausted and now physically exhausted because rehabbing puppies this small sucks.
Jerrica says
Aw! My heart goes out to you. Good luck with your little pups! Bless you for working so hard to help the human (he cannot help it, hoarding is a type of compulsive mental disorder) and all the animals you rescued.
Carolina says
I love K-drama’s too! I’m currently watching Strong Girl Bong Soon it is super funny & silly. Boys Over Flowers, Love 020, and Love is a Bonus book were really good.
I hope you get over your slump soon. Sometimes you need a good laugh to get you out of that feeling, and sometimes you just need to move to motivate yourself to move.
Hope your turtle makes it… it is super cute.
Get well soon!
Svetlana says
Ilona check this: https://emilova.eu/index.php/en/. Can help with weight loss, blood pressure , sadness , madness etc. May drive you to cook for the family while you will start dreaming of something salty but you will definitely feel better;) And of course better this program happens under medical observation. Be healthy and happy 🙂
Susan Tipton says
The turtle will live! We won a rabbit at a parking lot carnival. He lived for more than a decade.
K S says
I hear you with the weight loss. When I was 36 I decided to take up bicycling. I gained 20 pounds. Of fat. I still haven’t lost it five years later. No one can find anything wrong with me, I’m just fat. The calories in calories out thing is bs. I restrict calories, I gain weight. I don’t restrict calories, and exercise more instead, I gain weight. I do both and I can’t function. I did keto for a while, lost ten pounds, but it’s hard when you’re the only one eating that way. I’d let my husband fend for himself, but if I did he would eat nothing but junk food. I had an easy healthy weight until I had kids, then after I couldn’t shake the weight gain. I’m not sure where in Russia you’re from, but my grandmother is from Ukraine. All the women in my family have the same problem. Apparently my dna thinks I should be living in the mountains, setting aside calories for a harsh winter.
Vonnie Starr says
Carb cycling might be the answer for is that are drought and famine resistant!
Vonnie Starr says
+us
(Swype can be so annoying)
Pat Crouch says
Depression for whatever reason just sucks. Weight loss while putting on muscle weight? For whatever reason, that worked for me. Muscles helped burn fat off after I gained enough to do it. I bicycled my way down 20 pounds. After first adding at least two pounds. I hope it works for you too.
Anonymous says
You have to love a surprise turtle. Hang in there and keep fighting.
njb says
Hang in there! Work out the health issues and the energy levels will rebound. And putting on muscle without gaining weight means you are losing fat, so you will slim down. Muscle takes less space. Plus you get the added advantage of burning more calories with more muscle. I know the restricted diet is pretty sh..ty, but do what you gotta do! We’re all keeping the fingers and toes crossed for you.
Long or short life, it looks to me like the turtle has found turtle heaven.
Angie Papas says
OK. It’s vital that you check your thyroid gland. Get some vitamins too. You have to lose some weight. My husband lost 25 kilos and stopped smoking due to health reasons . Balanced diet, walking, 2 meals every day 12.00 and 5.00 o’clock. After 5.00 , nothing, until the next day at 12.00 again. Think about it. He lost 25 kilos! Don’t forget your thyroid!
Trish says
Yeah. Weight. I find that bread makes me gain a lot. So very little bread. 🙁 But having rice as starch is ok. I just bought rice flour and will try making bread with that. Good luck! =:^D
Amanda says
Sorry to hear about the bland, low carb diet. Have you tried quinoa? My husband and I have been experimenting with it since I got diagnosed with type 2 diabetes a year ago. We have found it to be a great high protein, low carb substitute for rice/pasta. I usually make a lot at once in vegetable stock so that I have leftovers to make lots of these: http://littlegrazers.com/apple-and-cheese-quinoa-bites/
which make nice healthy, filling snacks.
Hope the doctors help you figure stuff out. Depression lies to us. Please ask your doctor for help if you don’t feel better soon.
Mela says
Quinoa! It takes getting used to and it must be rinsed thoroughly before cooking but it’s super easy and a great substitute for many carbs. Amaranth bread is delicious too. I just spent a week at a workshop where the cooks took every single food difficulty into account. They managed it by doing (for example) with or without sauces of the night shade family, combined with gluten free noodles and such. There was always dark green salad and roasted non-nightshade veggies, and two types of protein, animal and non-animal. There were no nuts, but seeds, and someone fried up baby fern curled tops (fiddlehead I think) strange but not bad at all. Apparently there was no one who couldn’t eat kale, spinach, chard, root veg, garlic, ginger, olives, and olive oil balsamic based dressings. (There is a way less acidic form of balsamic vinegar that lacks the acid and is a bit thicker. Everything was delicious. Also, I ate like a pig and lost 2 pounds while just sitting for a week. Pounds I’ve been trying to lose for 10 years. (Hopefully more to come.) my 18 year old daughter has had to go on the same diet as you. One thing the doc said was to take high level probiotics every day. This can help the insides as well as the mood.
Tiffany says
Congrats on the new pet.
My oldest brought home an anole from school about a month ago. Yes, a permission form was signed, not by me. Make sure the light and heat requirements are met, i.e. UVA&B and a basking light. You can’t tell if it is getting enough until it is severely damaged.
https://m.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Red-Eared-Slider-Turtle
Anne says
Thank you! That was the first mention of UVB for turtles that I saw in the comments and it is really important. Several reptile rescues in my area have examples of turtles that were in really bad shape from lack of UVB and poor diet.
Micaela says
Hi! Two suggestions that might help your fatigue— more water and more protein. At the age of 47 I took up spin and experienced a ton of fatigue until I figured out I needed to hydrate before during and after, and need extra protein. Love the turtle… Hugs, Micaela
Caleigh says
Little bit late to the game but still FIGHT ON SENSEI FIGHT!! (I’m on a k-drama and Japanese manga/anime kick so….) I’m so happy you are taking your health seriously and hope you can finish that “stupid scene” so you can take some stress off. Has Carnival Turtle obtained a name yet? Or are you just gonna call it Carni?
Sue G says
So sorry about all the “Sigh” issues. You did make me laugh with the conversation with kid#1 and having Jeaniene on the phone! I hope you feel better. The bland, low carb diet is the worst. My husband does low carb and we eat at Sweet Tomatoes a lot. The buffet makes it easy.
Tell kid #1 that SPCA of whatever state you live in is where you can report animal cruelty and abuse. Easy to look up website. Doing that to live turtles is animal cruelty and abuse, so please have her report this. The little turtles are really cute pets! I have 4 grandsons (and 1 more boy on the way), so reptiles are big on their pet list and we can’t have lizards due to the cats in my house(cats love to chase and eat them!). So, we have had turtles. My daughters have had turtles with their boys. Can’t be helped because they are an easy pet when you can’t have dogs, cats,birds, rabbits, mice, rats, lizards or snakes(especially snakes).
Nancy says
Probably been said already but low energy fixes:
Drink a glass or 2 of water, right now. if the problem or part of it is dehydration that will increase your energy…also works for headaches.
Pull your lower eyelid down and check the inside. If it is not a nice bright red/pink increase your iron and get your blood checked.
Get 8 hours quality sleep, yeah I know this is hard to impossible for some people but do your best!
Do 5 or more deep breaths breathing all the way down to the bottom of your lungs, inhale for a count longer than your exhale.
Do some gentle stretching and moving for 10-15 minutes while concentrating on breathing.
Find something to laugh at out loud…Carol Burnett on youtube, funnys in the paper, cute animal picts videos.
Smile.
Gina Sandor says
Greetings, you awesome lady!
Coming from a veterinarian that had one (aseptic) gloved up hand and arm in her brother’s Irish wolfhound when in walked (ok, she was carried) a 17 year old iguana who needed a forever home, I know all about the impulse of reptilehood. A homemade 6x6x3 foot enclosure later, hundreds of monies spent on lighting (bulbs and fixtures), a Polack-rigged humidifier to emanate a tropical forest, and this 17 year old iguana had a home. She lived in the guest bathroom for months prior…that was a fun experience, but another story. She became my spirit animal, and taught me a love for an animal that could hate you just as equally back ? Unfortunately about 6 months after giving her a forever home, she succumbed to ovarian cancer. Aaand now my husband and I will have iguanas until we die because we built this giant monstrosity and can’t let it go to waste.
Back to the point. If you need any help getting this critter set up, I can direct you to some awesome groups on UVB lighting, veterinarian handouts for care, and if you don’t have a veterinarian for Exotics (which I know you have a zoo but not sure if it includes the scaled friends other than this current one ?), I might be able to help all the way over from Tennessee.
Best of luck! You will never stop learning with this little one.
The never-going-to-be-an-expert-reptile-vet-because-I-am-always-learning-vet, Dr. Gina Sandor
(Pictured is DD (Duela Dent) getting Class IV Laser Therapy by yours truly on her arthritic elbows…the goggles were just for the pic, as her eyes are actually on the sides and we used a towel to truly protect her when doing therapy)
Tracy says
I understand your struggle with weight loss. I was having the same problem. I seen several nutritionist, and they all said that I was eating correctly. I finally talked to my Dr about struggle he said it is probably genetics. He said let’s try to work around it. He said stop restricting your calories for a few months, but he wants me to start exercising with weights. He thinks once I have added muscle to my body…maybe it will start to lose weight when I go to my 1500-1700 calorie a day diet. It worked. Of course I still work out 5 days a week (at least 3 days with heavy weights)but I did shed 125lbs in 2 years. I have maintained my goal now for 11 years. You could ask your Dr if this method might work for you.
Deborah Groom says
My best weight loss tip? Run away from home. I battled with weight brought on by sadness, health issues and late night snacking due to sadness and health issues. It was a nasty little lap track around Hades. Then my mom asked me to go on a European cruise with her. It was a ridiculous idea. I didn’t have the money and I was a stay at home mom and my health had crashed. She said it was the trip she and dad had dreamed of and he’d died before it could happen. I booked a ticket. What happened?
I came alive. We started in Venice, traveled to different ports in Greece, and I saw the minarets appearing through the fog in Istanbul. I was happy. I was excited, and engaged. I was away from the routine of cooking, cleaning, and carpooling. When I returned home, weight started falling off. Within the first few months I lost 30 lbs and I went into remission. After that, travel became a more regular part of my life. I exhibited as an artist in Europe and made friends from all over the world. When you are stressed, cortisol courses through your body and it holds onto the fat. When you are happy and serotonin floods your body, it signals an all clear and it releases it. I hope you get a chance to run away, leaving a trail of breadcrumbs to find your way home, and are revitalized. All the best. P.S. Your books helped me escape on the days the pain was so severe and I could not walk or talk. Thank you.
Penni says
Maybe someone already said this and I missed it….but be sure to use de-chlorinated water in the tank. That is most often what kills them.
Bat says
I am still kind of stuck on the live turtles as keychains thing. Anyone who got one deserves to have their keys walk off. And they were permitted to continue? No laws, regulations or ordinances were violated? ?
On yours, red-eared slider. Common pet turtle. Unfortunately because you don’t know the source it can never be released. There is too much chance of transferring diseases and parasites to the wild population. I do love the little beasties ?
Jerrica says
Oh! It sometimes sucks not getting to eat what everyone else does. I have food allergies and sensitivity to foods, especially to FODMAP carbohydrates, and that can be particularly hard to navigate. There is an Australian university (Monash University) that created a really good app to help people with digestive issues. Not all carbohydrates are hard to digest, though. There are some types of whole grains that don’t contain gluten nor FODMAP carbs. And, probiotics really do help!
EliEden says
I am so sorry. I hope you feel better. I know we readers are many things to authors, we praise, criticize, fawn, and demand making life both better and harder. Please let me know if there is anything we (I) can do to help, otherwise I am happy to also listen.
Larissa Plunkett says
You got this, even if you’re just plugging through the things on your to-do list, at least you are getting them done. That’s how I feel right now so I am totally with you on the sigh level. Everyone keeps telling me to get some sun and vitamins, maybe that will help you too.
Alico says
This quote from Burn for Me comes to mind:
“If I could, I would punch [the last few weeks] right in the face”! ??
Glad you’re feeling better! ??
Colleen L says
Hugs, hugs, and yet more hugs!!! This too shall pass but in the meanwhile life sucks. Hang in there Ilona.
Darla says
44 year old pet turtles…. Rocky’s own. 🙂
http://www.topbuzz.com/article/i6694277850108789253?app_id=1222&gid=6694277850108789253&impr_id=6694408605447817478&language=en®ion=us&user_id=6541335798884892682
Dee says
That is the luckiest turtle on Earth! ? Look at that luxury turtle condo, excellent! I can’t imagine what turtles eat.
Seriously though I am so sorry you are going through such rough times. I hope things are better soon?
Susie Q. says
I had 2 pet turtles as a child. The first I got as a consolation prize because I was sick on vacation and had to miss all the fun. It was so cute but it escaped during the car ride home from Florida to Minnesota in my Dad’s new Lincoln which developed an unfortunate odor by day 2. When we got back to Minnesota, I got another turtle which I had for several years. It got so big!!! It escaped when I had set it outside while cleaning his aquarium. I saw it make its way into the lake. There were several turtles in the lake, but I was convinced that mine survived because sometimes I saw a turtle sunning itself on a rock with red markings which the other turtles lacked.
Carol says
I just love your response to Kid 2:
Kid 2: Mom, don’t be mad.
ME: Cops, pregnant, or sick?
I’m totally borrowing it for my Kid 1 who is about to turn 16 (yikes!). Thank you for rescuing the turtle – lots of hugs to you & hope you have a better day forward.
Amy says
I love turtles. Just saying. Honey, when you are out of gas. You are out of gas. Being someone with chronic health issues, I can tell you managing your health can feel like a full time job, so taking a month off from writing, only to have to deal with said health issues is not a break. Not really. And keeping your spirits up when you are on a restrictive of a diet is very hard. I feel ya’ sister. And the weight loss, don’t get me started. And whatever you do don’t buy that new special edition Time magazine on weight loss. Total rip off. First of all the first article was about The biggest loser. the REALITY show. I skipped out. Kept looking for the new information. It wasn’t there. Basically: Losing weight is hard. Stay away from white bread sugar. Eat lean protein and vegetables. Exercise. Duh? No, I mean like DUUUUUH? Also limit TV and get this – be a morning person. (That is so not happening.) I spent 14.95 on that thing. And the very last article, wait for it, some woman wrote about trying Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop five day cleanse. No, I’m serious. She did. There was coconut nectar and turmeric shakes and oh hell to the no. I think it came to about 500.00 for five days. I love Gwyneth but she’s not a nutritionist. So to summarize: Time put out a magazine that started with Reality T.V. and ended with Goop. Do not be sucked in by that lovely Granny Smith apple on the cover. In all seriousness though, restrictive diets have been linked to depression. Make sure you are taking supplements. A friend of mine went on the Keto and did not take the vitamins. She started feeling super tired. Her doctor ran tests and said she was deficient in like every vitamin out there. hang in there. We love you. You da’ bomb. Not just any mom would take in a tarantula and a turtle. Just be sure you take care of you along the way. T
Lydia says
If you need turtle advise join diy fish keepers and ask the admin they have some really smart people who can really help
Lacey Devlin says
Awww thank you so much for saving the turtle! You guys are awesome sauce. You’ve made my month :).
Lynn-Marie says
Hang in there, Ilona! Dietary restrictions feel like such a trap; I’ve been there. Once you find the source of the problems, it will help you feel better.