[[0045]] Day 22 of Self-Isolation

Honestly, the best day I have had so far whilst being away from work and the Big V. Like seriously, I have had an AMAZING day and I just... I cannot believe it. There is some hope for me and the diabetes after all... providing I can keep this up.

Day 22 (Week 4 begins... and what a week it has been so far!!!)

Good evening friends, I come to you feeling the best I have felt in... well, since forever cos I honestly can't remember the last time I had a bloody fantastic day, other than seeing bands and meeting the other half and all that jazz. 

That aside... today was day 1 of my mental health calendar!!! And it was a BIG door as well, which was so damn cool cos OMG cute socks are cute!!! 

And they were those like, I don't know what you call them but they are all squished up and you have to put them in water to expand them. And I had to do that straight away! I was too excited!!!

I had a doll of some description when I was younger that had clothes you had to put in warm water to expand and it reminded me of doing that in a sink in the bathroom of a flat we lived in in London when I was about 4 years old haha! 

It's a simple thing, but it made me so happy. Also helps that I have recently had to chuck a couple of pairs of my Harry Potter socks due to holes so this is a nice replacement for them! I am so excited to see what tomorrows door brings! I am also really happy that, okay it is only day 1, my mental health idea seems to be working. I feel like it has truly set me up for a good day in so many ways. It's going to be so great to have a reason to be excited in the morning when I wake up!!

So, that put me in a fab mood for the day, and it has shown in the amount I have pushed myself this afternoon in sorting my house out!!! (When I eventually got off Animal Crossing cos I am so totally designing a Hizaki Holy Grail dress on there atm).

My book corner is finally starting to come together!!!

Okay, it is a LONG way off and I still have some furniture to either bring down or chuck out but, the biggest shelves are moved and once the table is moved, the last book shelf can be put in!!! Plus, still can't believe it, but the slimmer shelf unit actually fits next to the big one, which I am soooo happy about because its going to make that corner look so much cleaner when all the books have been reorganised and plonked in there.

This room has been pretty tough going, considering, when I was cleaning upstairs, stuff from spare room that didn't belong in there when in the office, then stuff from music room that didn't belong in there then also, went into the office. Which was why it was so damn crammed. But since putting stuff under the stairs and shifting bags around, I have finally been able to start dealing with the furniture in here which is a relief because once all that is in, I can finally go through all the bags of stuff that got bagged up from when we thought we were going to flood, and put everything away. So it is coming together slowly, and hopefully will be finished at the weekend at long damn last. I cannot wait, I seriously can't. Bar decorating, the house is going to be so much better and that in itself, is gonna help my mental health a lot. 

OH YEAH, at this point in time of writing, the last load of washing is finally in the machine and in a couple of hours it will pass through the dryer and FINALLY, all our clothes will actually be clean. Little victories and all that!!

But obviously more must have happened to make this day one of the better days that I have had. May I show you this graph and these stats. And please, be wowed, they look boring, but they are AMAZING.

For the first time since God knows when, my blood sugars are ALL in range. As in, nothing over 8mmol/L. Nothing. The highest was 6.8 before dinner, the lowest was 3.3 which I monitored closely and didn't binge eat to fix the hypo and got my bloods up to 6.8 before my lunch. Nonetheless, the effort I made last night when I ate junk food actually paid off, I think I finally have my long acting dose correct and I think that I have finally nailed carb counting!!! But I'll know for certain later tonight providing I have done enough fast acting for my dinner.

Either way, I am so happy. These are days I need to be having with my bloods more often, if not every day! I know it is partially because my mental health is in a good place at the moment, because my bloods hugely fluctuate depending on my mood and so on, but, this is the first step towards better controlled diabetes!!! 

It does bum me out a bit that it has taken me being off work to get to this point, what with having more time to focus on the carb counting and maths and correction doses and stuff, but, if I can keep this up, hopefully it can translate into my work when I go back. Which is another point as well, this pandemic might be ruining so damn many things, but, it is helping me and my diabetes a lot... silver linings and all that.

Well, I have an office to finish de-moulding, sealing and well, whatever else haha. Keeping busy is a good thing after all.

It is the birthday tomorrow. I'm okay, I think, that it won't be 100% what I had hoped for. And it is just another day. I'm going to be 31 and I need to be adult about everything, even if I want to sulk and stamp my feet like a bratty, crappy child. Okay, so I can't go shopping in Notts/P'boro like originally planned, and I don't know if I'll get the cake I wanted, I won't be seeing my friends or family or my fave band next week and I won't be doing fun things like Natural History Museum or the theatre or Harry Potter Studios... but, I keep reminding myself, there is always next year. I will just have the break I need so badly next year, I just have to wait a little longer. Needless to say, I don't want to wait and I do want it now, but... I can't change anything, it is what it is and nothing can be done about it.

So, on that note, I am going to sign off and do some stuff.

Over and out, mes amigos.

[[0044]] Day 21 of Self-Isolation

My mental health treat arrived today!!! Just in time for the start of week 4 of isolation tomorrow.

Day 21 (Things are okay. And sometimes, okay is good).

Hello everyone!!! I hope you are all well and doing your best to stay strong, but, as a friend said to me this weekend, it is okay to not be okay... and truer words have never been said. 

Speaking of mental health, my parcel arrived today!!! You may have seen me mention in previous posts that I had ordered myself a little something to give me something to look forward to each day I am stuck inside. I wish I had done this sooner mind you, alas, waiting for payday, had to decide if I was going to do it... but in the end I did, and it arrived in time for the start of my fourth week at home!!! 

Yup, it's a Harry Potter advent calendar!!! 

Haha yes yes, call me crazy but, I am genuinely so stoked about waking up each new morning stuck inside, knowing I'll get a cute Harry Potter treat each day! It's really cool, comes with cute accessories and bits and bobs, like washi tape, socks and so on... either way, I am so excited for tomorrow morning!!!

Plus, look at the size of door number 1!!! Haha, hoping for something goooooood, which as you can see from the pictures, there is some fab stuff in there.

I was debating about this last year actually, about getting an advent calendar for Christmas that was not chocolate but instead something like this, like the Lego or Pop Vinyl figure ones, but then I never get round to it or I run out of cash and end up with a cheapo choc one. I am soooo going to plan ahead and get my hands on something similar again, plus, it means two less units of insulin in the morning when I open a door and should help curb some of the random blood sugar levels I get over the Christmas period. 

Speaking of bloods, I have finally somewhat tackled my insulin and carb ratios. I think I'm a unit for every 9g of carbs, which makes the maths annoying but, a unit for 10g isn't quite enough. Either way, bar the 13 I woke up with early on this morning, I have managed to keep my bloods below 10 all bloody day and it is so exciting and good to see! I have slowly been starting to have more and more days of this since I have been off from work, and I honestly think it is because I am doing everything I can to keep my mental health okay, but also because having more time on my hands is helping me in the prep of my meals and working out the amount of carbs I am having and so on. I have started to do a couple of units before some of my snacks as well, which I am still ironing out the kinks with, but... it's a step closer to where I need to be with my diabetes, and it is so bloody fantastic!

I'm hoping I can have bloods this good, if not better, tomorrow, but I am learning not to berate myself each time things cock up. If things were bad, I would binge eat and say fuck it to my bloods and end up burning out, but, with how I am thinking and acting now, is actually proving to be hugely beneficial to me. I can also feel my moods somewhat stabilising, more so when I have a day like this with bloods in range. For example, I dropped my rizla earlier full of baccy and my filter and I could feel that I wanted to snap, but I stepped back, breathed and then picked it all up and I felt okay. I have never really every felt this in control of myself before. I love it and it is so nice and I hope I can keep it up... but it's okay if I can't, there is always a couple of hours to try and fix things and if not, then there is always tomorrow!!!

Before I go, I wanted to leave you a picture of another healthy dinner I made today!!! Jacket potato with spicy no sugar beans, salad and chicken nugs (the packet needed finishing and I have not had chicken for a little while).

I am trying to do fixed carbs and novarapid fast acting insulin and carbs cannot always be fixed, but all of my meals today have been either 62g of carbs or less which means, 6 units of insulin, however, I think I am going to opt to try 7 units if I have about 60g of carbs. I say fixed, my morning breakfast tends to be between 40-55g of carb,  it can really vary depending on what I am having (I have to vary my breakfast so I actually eat it and don't get bored and stop well, eating it). But I think I have said before that I have to do about 2 units extra insulin in the mornings because of the morning dump of hormones and what have you, so to stop lunch bloods being high, extra insulin has been helping with that a lot. Some of my best blood results are now my lunch time and dinner ones, which is so exciting to see at last! Again, I don't know if being at work and work stress is helping contribute to the higher lunch bloods, but I guess I will figure that one out when I go  back to work, whenever that is. 

Speaking of work, supposedly another batch of letters is being sent out today, and now I am wondering if I will finally be included. Supposedly this batch is for people on the extremely vulnerable list but also those who their doctors or clinicians have put forward whom don't have conditions on the list. Which is cool, but I am still new with the renal and diabetes team and my doctors are having nothing to do with Covid, and even though the receptionist for my surgery said I should be getting one due to being type 1 with complications, I don't think any of my medical professions are gonna put me forward, which is frustrating, because I need to be off, but I can't even speak to my doctor about it so what do I do? I'm hoping some answers come out soon, but, I ain't hoping for much because looking in the groups I am on and the people who have received texts from the government, some type 1's with complications have a letter, some don't, some type 1's with no complications have letters, some that do haven't. So I don't really know where I stand still.

But it is late now and that is a problem for tomorrow.

Stay safe everyone and make sure you look after yourself (physically and mentally) before you look after anyone else.

Over and out, mes amigos.

[[0043]] Day 20 of Self-Isolation

One thing I have learnt today... I cannot do half as much as I was able to do last year and that is actually devastating.

Day 20 (I am not as capable as I once was...)

Evening everyone. And here we are, day 20, nearly 3 weeks! And still counting, God knows how long this is going to go on but I know that I still do not feel safe if I am out of the house. I never received a letter, even though my doctor's surgery said I would and that if I didn't, then apply for one but I can't cos I am not extremely vulnerable, I am just high-risk, well, I'm smack in the middle of higher risk and vulnerable and it is actually frustrating being in this weird grey area. What is worse, I can't ask my GP about this as they are not accepting any calls about covid-19, so what am I to do?

Well, social distance to the best of my ability which... I can only do while I am at home.

So that is that really. If it comes to it and work contacts me about returning whilst this is still happening, I am going to get hold of the doctor's regardless because I don't know what else I can do. However, it is not a problem at the moment and I am safe at home.

I got a little bored last night and well, two of the three refunds went in today so knowing this, I thought screw it, lets check some sales and found this little cutie of a bag. SO not me. SO bloody cute. Couldn't say no and was a decent price as well. And, it'll arrive on my birthday as well. I absolutely love unicorns so this is perfect for brightening up my all black emo-as-fuck outfits and will look fab with my new shoes. As well as the unicorn massive hoodie I got for Christmas from the other half's family too. 

You gotta treat yourself. 

Heck, I won't be going anywhere for my birthday and I fully intend on wearing this with my new docs whilst in my PJs, pretending I am going out for food when instead I will hopefully be having a take out. Birthday goals yo.

Speaking of staying home, more organising today! The biggest and baddest room of them all. The office. I thought the other rooms were hard but it turns out, I was horribly mistaken and moving everything to the office to sort out upstairs and under the stairs was not the best idea, even if, in the grand scheme of things, it was the only idea that was gonna work. But now I have hit a brick wall and need the other halfs help because I managed to move the new upstairs bookcase to a new wall to fit the sofa in, but now the sofa needs to go up, then the chest and drawers and shelf unit need to come down (okay, I can move those myself, just not the sofa) or the latter two pieces of furniture will have to stay upstairs until I move the old furniture to the skip pile then move everything in place and finally put away and organise things. Yeah, conundrum. What do? 

This is what is getting me down today though, the fact that I can't do half as much as I once was able to do. I used to move loads of heavy furniture round my room when I got bored and felt like I needed a change, I used to be able to spend hours lugging up and down, heavy stuff like under the stairs alas... not anymore. I had to keep sitting down and taking breaks because I kept getting out of breath cos of my bloody kidneys and it is honestly driving me up the wall as well as upsets me. I just want to function normally again but no one is giving me any ways to well, make myself somewhat better and able to do this. Heck, it even gets to me at work... I used to be able to push a lug heavy boxes and cages but I move one or two and then I am totally done.

There is not a lot I can do about it. I just have to keep doing what I can when I can, and try to not let things get to me. But when I am cooped up at home keeping safe and on my own, sometimes I do get a little sad about how I am now and what my conditions are like and that I am no longer the person who I was. It really does get to me, and a lot of the time, especially at work, I laugh it off and speak about things as blunt and honestly as I can but that, I know, is just a barrier and the crap I laugh at myself about is the crap that gets to me the most.

Mental health is a bitch. And I know mine is currently very fragile, which is why I am trying to keep busy. I know that will only last so long.

Any way, need to play some Animal Crossing before the other half is home to help me move a sofa. Then back to the grind tomorrow.

Regardless, I hope you are all safe and well.

Over and out, mes amigos. 

[[0042]] Day 19 of Self-Isolation

I'm betting tomorrow we will no longer be allowed out once a day for exercise... Hancock has threatened to ban it so...

Day 19 (I'm slowly running out of house to tidy...)

Okay, so, a quiet Sunday, can't complain at that.

I'm nearly at the three week mark for being in the house so about 9-10 weeks potentially left to go but we shall see how that pans out. I have managed to avoid a large proportion of the news today, just for the sake of my own mental health but also because it is getting worse in the East Midlands and I just can't see how it will plateau here with so many stupid people about. Just saying. And because well, I do know a lot of people so this virus may not directly affect the friends and family I am close to, but could affect those that they know too, and that is somewhat sobering. So, news has been very avoided today.

I haven't really done a lot of house stuff today, but I have put away about five bags of washing which is something right? And made a banging dinner whilst the other half sorted out his stuff to go under the stairs and so on. So that is more rubbish for the rubbish pile although when we are getting rid of that is beyond me cos well, lockdown, lol. 

I did organise the washing today mind you, so I now know that it'll take about two more days to get it all washed and dried and put away, so I am taking that as a win, considering I started all this washing shit about two and a half weeks ago. If you are wondering why it takes so long, it has to be dried in 60min cycles in our condensing tumble dryer because the water tank needs emptying a lot to get stuff dried and yeah, I could hang it outside alas, can't really get to the washing line because my back garden really needs a skip cos so much crap to throw out. Either way, soon, all the clothes will be away and I can finally start my twice weekly wash days and I am so sad but very excited about this, you have absolutely no idea.

But yeah, made a banging healthy dinner. We have actually done well with food this week, we've had to top up on drink a couple of times as well as snacks but, for main meal foods, we are doing proper well. Nothing is going to waste which is fantastic. For example, needed to use the rest of the cabbage, broccoli and green beans from last week cos well, fresh stuff, so I did some chicken with cheese and ham kiev things, made some tiny mini roasty tatos, couple of yorkie puds and a lot of veg and I don't know about the other half, but this is the food I needed and need to eat more often. Not a large amount of carbs, I think about 40g, the rest is all veg and protein so less insulin, woooo! Might try do stuff like this every Sunday, especially with the house being tidier and stuff.

Other than that, I've mainly been faffing with Animal Crossing to help me chill out and stuff and stop me getting snappy or bleh over tiny little things. It helps a lot. So therapeutic and chill. I mentioned yesterday that I made a load of Versailles, Jupiter and Kamijo stuff for Animal Crossing so last night, I decorated a room with it all and I love how it turned out. Just need some more musical instruments, maybe some gothic furniture and a purple rose for Jamine You and the whole thing will be complete! Hopefully you all like it too and another hopefully, you're all having fun being creative on your islands as well. I can't wait to visit you all and take a looksie myself! I am going to make some Versailles outfits I think cos OMG seeing my Animals Running around in Doctor Strange has been awesome so seeing them as members of Versailles would be so blood cool. But I ain't gonna rush these things. Need to leave myself plenty to do whilst I am off!!!

So, that is it for today.

As for next week, I think my advent calendar arrives on Tuesday so that'll be a nice wake up treat in the morning. My shoes should be shipped out tomorrow as well. I just need to try and not stare at the letter box throughout the week for birthday cards because I am doing everything I can to avoid the downer of what Thursday is going to be.

I'm also concerned because I am running out of house to clean, which ain't a bad thing, its nice to know the end is insight. And it does mean I can go back to using the office for arting and stuff again, so finishing a friends commission, maybe draw some cheer up gifts for the other half to take to work, finally start drawing my Pokemon GO shiny calendar... I don't know. I have plans. Oh and read some books in the comfy new book corner I am creating. And organising a Harry Potter and Garth Nix and Philip Pullman shelf, so excited for that bad boy.

Anyway, that is all for next week!

Stay safe, hope you are all okay!

Over and out, mes amigos.

[[0041]] Day 18 of Self-Isolation

No idea what is going on in the world today, let alone my country. Sometimes it is good to step away from the media and give yourself some time to breathe.

Day 18 (No idea what is going on right now, but that is A-OKAY with me.)

Evening friendos, how is it going-o?

I am feeling much more chipper today, probably because the other half is home so I am making the most of that whilst I can. It's nice to have someone to chat to at any point of the day in person, but also someone to help gut the entire house and make it feel all nice and shiny and new. All in all, it's just nice to have someone around, and honestly, I have realised today that I do take seeing family, friends and work colleagues for granted and I do miss it quite a lot, so I will make the most of having Jake home when he is home, even if I am making him help tidy up. It's nice to have him back making food as well, not that my food is bad, I can cook good when I put my mind to it, but it's nice to not have to worry about that for a couple of days as he is one of the reasons I did start eating like a normal human. 

Today, has ended up being a music day. Ish. 

I decided to finish off what I could do of the music room for now. Basically, we both have a lot of music stuff between us, some instruments and I have a sexy bass coming in the future, amongst some other nice music things so we decided to make a room for it all. The other half and our friends helped convert it the first time as a surprise for me, alas, we stored loads of stuff from downstairs in that room when we thought we were gonna flood so the room kind of lost its purpose. 

Well, not anymore! 

We re-used a bookcase that got left in the house and moved my music collection over on to it. I am so happy about this because I finally have a shelf for bits and bobs I've collected from Versailles, Kamijo and Jupiter so I am very, very happy about this. I haven't pictured the bottom couple of shelves as the other half has music stuff to add to them so they are currently empty at the moment. It was nice to actual move all that stuff today and remind myself how much pretty Jrock crap I do actually own as well as how much I have invested in my music loves over the years. 

I finally hung up all the Jrock tees and hoodies I've picked up over the years as well (and there are a lot haha) and we decided to do a little mini walk in wardrobe kind of section, so have ordered another clothes rail as well as more hangers for all our Western music merch which is all arriving by or on my birthday, so guess I can call it a practical birthday present for myself... and in all fairness, I do love organising things so I secretly cannot wait for all the stuff to arrive so I can put all the band merch on hangers and in order (I am sad but it gives me so much happiness to organise crap like this). 

Managed to get the keyboard up in there as well (not pictured) and the guitars and bass are all safe and on show as well, which makes me happy. Love my current Vintage Axxe bass so much so can't wait to actually take the time to learn how to play bass whilst all this crap is going on in the world. I keep reading that peeps are taking up new skills, so could be a fun one for me to do whilst I am off work. Plus... I love the sound of bass soooooo damn much OMG, it's why I wanted to learn how to play haha!

I'll get more pics when we stick things up, get frames and so on, but it's finally pulling together nicely which is cool, and I know it will look amazing when it is properly finished. 

Next is the office/reading room. Now THAT room is a challenge, considering everything from upstairs that was not needed upstairs was moved down to the office as it was needed in there, needed sorting or needed to go under the stairs. A large part of that organisation escapade will be tomorrow, as the other half has a lot of stuff to sort out, but that room is going to be a little slice of geeky heaven again and I am so excited about that. Plus I get to reorganise all my books again which OMG is my fave thing to do as well as have my desk back for commissions and rando drawing time, so challenge accepted!

Until then, I have a Versailles/Kamijo/Jupiter Jrock appreciation music room to make on Animal Crossing... don't believe me? Look at the beautiful stuff I made this morning from photos and so on for the artwork for said room haha!

I should also have my Harry Potter Advent Calendar tomorrow, just in time for the start of a new week of staying at home, very much excited I am. I also may have chucked out some old crappy shoes and invested in some new shoes from the Dr Martens sale... and OMG I saved £200 and they should be here in time for my birthday. Well, with not going to London, may as well treat myself!

I hope every one is safe and well though! Love you all~

Over and out, mes amigos.

[[0040]] Day 17 of Self-Isolation

It's a bad mental health day today. I think not seeing actual people is starting to take its toll.

Day 17 (Staying in is safe, staying in is safe, staying in is safe)

Okay, so I am just not feeling writing today for so many reasons that I lost count. So, what has happened today.

My order of Sword and Shield booster packs arrived today and I was excited because it was just nice to have a present to myself arrive and just, yeah, sad, I know. 

Alas, the card pulls were not great in comparison to the last packs I got, like, they filled a lot of gaps as I have only just started collecting the Sword and Shield base set but, no fancy full arts this time and the best card I think was the shiny Intelion. Are reverse shiny cards considered as rare nowadays or something? Cos I got a few of them... anyway, my excitement drained pretty quick after that, which sounds ridiculous as I am writing and I know it is like, luck of the draw and so on, but is my luck just that bad? 

I have been questioning that a lot. Do I deserve nice things or nice things to happen? Like, nice things have happened to me the last few months but it feels like the bad is overshadowing all of that no matter how had I try to let it not. I don't know when to stop trying, because I do keep trying but noting seems to be showing through for the amount that I have been well, trying. I dunno.

Either way, cards weren't great and I remember why I stopped collecting Sun and Mood cards... so we shall see what happens. At least I made about £2 on the code cards that came in the packs so there is that at least.

Everything is getting to me today. Lots of tiny things like "why is there so much crap in my house" and "I know none of this will be sorted over the weekend" and "why are my bloods so meh today" but what I think broke me for a small time earlier was that in the move of moving stuff upstairs in case we flooded, some very precious signed posters got crushed or ripped and that actually broke me and I stopped everything and cried. I badly took it out on the other half again but I don't really know where else I can turn atm cos I ain't the only one cooped up in the house all day and feeling like trash. Either way, I've decided I won't be putting any of my posters up in the music room when it's done, so I'll let the other half let loose with his music stuff instead.

As said above, my bloods are better than yesterday but it's taken all day to get them to normal.

I also realised that I am binge eating a lot, well, more so on days like today when things have been just not great. I eat stuff to help get me through till I can go to bed and sleep. Explains the amount of weight gain I've had over the last couple of years.

OH WELL. SHIT HAPPENS. Have a picture of Pom looking beautiful in the window of the cat room.

 Over and out, mes amigos.

[[0039]] Day 16 of Self-Isolation

Appreciating people is so damn important at a time like this. Tonight was a #clapforkeyworkers and it was felt from my tiny corner of the city, but you could hear the claps echoing as well as the cheers and horns and it was so lovely to be a part of this again. I don't think it'll keep its pace for every Thursday, but I'll go out regardless and clap my ass off if I have to.

Day 16 (Outside was weird. So weird. I couldn't wait to be home.)

Evening one and all, and welcome back to my day-by-day diaries of being stuck in my house. I thought I would have run out of things to write about but nope, I am still going strong.

First, I want to post a link to a fundraiser going on on Facebook for one of Geeks Events organisers, Mark Longman, who passed away with suspected Covid-19 symptoms. Geeks Events was one of the very first conventions I ever attended, and where I debuted my old Doctor Strange cosplay. I did not know Mark personally, but I am grateful for all that he did so please, help support the family in saving for a fantastic send off for him when this is all over. They are so close to their £2000 target, any little helps!

It's quite sobering, knowing that this virus is creeping closer and closer to people we know, or people that we know other people know well. And this city, this county, is only small. Just please, everyone, stay safe, stay at home!

So, today, I felt pretty good. Nice clothes (repping the amazing Punk Paws Brand), clean hair (styled thanks to my bed and sleep, wooo!) and all-n-all, feeling okay. Which I needed to be because it was my first trip out the house today for a very important appointment and sadly, I needed a confidence boost because I was very nervous and was not sure what I was going to be walking in to. 

Anyway, I'll get to that later... I did my first stream today where no-one hopped on, well, two rando viewers appeared but they didn't interact or ought, but I tried and said hello to them regardless. Either way, it was weird and made me realise how hard it is to stream without other people to talk to. Alas, I also realised that I enjoy streaming because it gives me a chance to talk random stuff like I would if I was at work, so in that sense, it helped. But it was still weird nonetheless. 

I did get Genesect finally though! I honestly didn't think I would manage it because I stupidly thought I would lose the research if I didn't complete it. Pokemon GO was working in my favour this week because they are having a Trickster Pokemon event in which trickster Pokemon spawn, so in this case, Foongus and Voltorb... of which Voltorb is electric type and what I specifically needed to complete part 4 of the Genesect research to actually get Genesect. 

Also, in my favour, was the actual stream itself. It actually went a lot smoother than previous and I kept my chill when it wouldn't capture my PoGO screen and boom, sorted super quick. The sound went iffy a couple of times and the camera froze twice in two very unflattering angles, but either way, I got the Pokemon I was after and I got to stream a lot of it which I will admit, was a lot of fun. I am gutted I don't live nearer to a gym to stream raids and so on, but I do hope that Niantic do increase the radius for reaching stops so I can reach the one by my house instead of drifting. Either way, I got the Mon, the stream was good, happy days.

As mentioned in the opener, I did have to go to the hospital today for an ultra sound on my kidneys and bladder, basically, to see if there is anything more going on then my diabetes affecting them, and to see if they had improved from when I last had an ultra sound when I stayed in hospital last year. By the sounds of what they were saying, the affected organs didn't look woolly anymore, which means no Pyelonephritis this time, but I don't know if they saw ought else. I had whispers of a potential cyst on a kidney but I think I have to wait for renal to get back in touch with me about it.

Needless to say, going into town and then the hospital was WEIRD. So weird and surreal, it's like I am living in a different city. Or maybe I have been cooped up for that long that it doesn't matter where I am, this is clearly a different place, time, dimension, I don't even know right now. But yeah, obvs, no-one on the streets much, a couple of dog walkers near to my house when waiting for the bus, but then getting on the bus was just even more weird (expect to hear the word weird a lot right now).

I tend to sit on the seats near the driver, because it has a bell to ring so no reaching over people to get it but also because if the bus gets full, I don't have to push past loads of people. Alas, those seats are all now blocked off with tape on some buses, signs on the others. I guess being a bus driver, the less people sit near you, the better, cos it must be difficult to social distance when seeing so many people on buses. Which tbh, on all the buses I got on today, there was no more than 4 people on each one, which again, great for social distancing but proper weird because I'm so used to the 16 being proper busy down my end, like you often have to share seats. SO yeah, weird. The bus station was baron as well... of course I had to get a pic. There is normally a good 10+ people at each bay... not anymore. It is for the best though, and some keyworkers do need the services the buses provide. It needs to be done.

I had 20mins to wait for my bus home from the station so I took it as an opportunity to go to Heron as I had been informed by a lot of people that they were fully stocked. And they were. As I was walking around Heron, I heard one of the staff members saying as of today, NHS staff get 10% off and I was the first NHS person to come in. I felt guilty and explained that I am off cos of illness, but they were lovely nonetheless and said even if I am not out there now, I can go back when this is all over and help build everything back up again. Which was proper sweet. We didn't really need a lot, but they had some fab deals on treats we can't normally afford so I had to pick up the other half his fave pizza subs as well as some sexy Ben and Jerry's ice cream, as well as staple energy drinks and a few sweet treats for me so my lunch stuff stretches. I got a lot for the £13 I spent, and I went home very happy.

Town however, was also weird. Again, most times of the day and even early morning, there is so much more activity, like a crowd of young college students outside Maccies for example... but nothing. So empty and so quiet, almost like waking up in an alternative universe where everyone but you and a couple of others have just turned to dust or some Marvel shizzle. Kind of like a bad horror movie. It just was so quiet and eerie and honestly, I could not wait to get home. 

So, that is it for my day. I decided to take it easy when I got back, chilled and played games whilst letting the washing machine and tumble dryer do its think in the background. I have found my diabetes to be quite on edge as I have been, all day today because of going out and you never know who is carrying said bad virus, but, my sugars are starting to stable out now, finally. I keep forgetting what anxiety does to my bloods, and I should have medded more this morning alas the damage was already done when I woke up, so it didn't matter either way. And to be honest, I think I did stay safe whilst I was out... I kept my distance, used sanitiser when necessary. Kept within markers in the shops I went to. Washed my hands and clothes when home. I have done what I can to keep myself safe today. I am also proud of the hospital I work in and the way they are adjusting to the situation, what with spacing the chairs out in waiting areas, masks and aprons, and other precautions. We can get through this... I don't know how yet, but we will. 

Alas, it's time to go, with that horrendous reminder it is a week till my birthday (thanks for this yesterday Tom Nook, ya dick) and I still have no idea what is happening. Will I be on my own throughout the day or not? Will the presents I bought myself arrive on time? Will anyone watch the live stream if I do it? Will I be able to set up the live stream whilst the other half is at work? Will I be sad that plans aren't going ahead? Will I be reminded that the last couple of months have been bad and I am due a break? I know I am being selfish, I know I am but, dear Cheesus on a bicycle, I am honestly done with bad news for one year!

Anyway, hope you are all well. Keep safe friends and family and friends that are family.

Over and out, mes amigos.

[[0038]] Day 15 of Self-Isolation

Time certainly flies when you're having fun... if tidying can be classes as fun...

Day 15 (We ain't out of the woods yet...)

If I don't do it today, then I will do it tomorrow, I figure I will order an advent calendar for last year to keep me amused each day I wake up as the pandemic continues. Come at me Harry Potter goodies, my body is ready.

Anyway, it's a quick one today as not much to report.

Mental health is still stable, thank goodness. Thoughts about it being my b'day next week are trying to ruin me but I am keeping me busy with the house so those thoughts don't trash my already unstable mental health.

Diabetes was meh this morning, but, I managed to get a good blood result, 6.7, before dinner so I am happy with that. I actually did some more cooking today, cheesy mash containing potato, broccoli, carrot, peas and cabbage and have plenty left over for the other half when he is home.

So, how are the cats?

Magnus is being Magnus and sitting by food bowls every time I smoke to get treats... fat cat is gonna get fat if I'm staying at home, I struggle to say no to her cos she so cute.

As for Pom Pom, she has been loving the cat room! Magnus hasn't been in it since I've done it but Pom has been all over it, whether cat tower, window cushion, mattress, pillows... she's a happy bean and that makes me happy too!

Now, what have I been up to? 

I started sorting the music room finally. It's taken me long enough. It doesn't look like I have done a lot but there is a lot of stuff now downstairs waiting to be sorted and either binned, displayed or put under the stairs so I am taking that as a win. 

There is a lot of stuff to go under the stairs though and I am sat here writing this and wondering how the hell we got it all under the stairs in the first place? Or am I shoving more stuff under there? I don't even know at this point.

What I do know is that my house has multiplied in duvets and I am not too sure what to do with them? We saved one for the cats, have the Summer one in the airing cupboard for Summer and then the one we have on our bed... why the hell we need 8 duvets I have no idea. We have four spare pillows as well so two have been chucked cos hella old... but seriously, how did I get 8 duvets? I know I moved in with three and I bought one recently because need thermal in this house, but the rest actually confuse me. Hopefully I can find a home for them but until then, under the stairs they go (and maybe put two in the skip).

Either way, it doesn't look like I have done a lot today but my back is pulled in so many different ouchy ways and I despo need to have a shower because carrying stuff up and down the stairs is damn hard work when your kidneys make it hard to breathe. Either way, it is a start and there is always tomorrow... maybe.

Have my ultrasound scan on my bladder and kidneys tomorrow so it is my first time out of the house for about two weeks. Don't worry, I'll social distance like a pro and avoid everyone like the plague, well, everyone but the staff doing the ultra sound, obvs. I will be getting buses which I am a tad worried about but... I need to attend this appointment so I can;t afford to miss it.

Oh well, my worries on that is a blog post for tomorrow.

Over and out, mes amigos.

[[0037]] Day 14 of Self-Isolation

Good day is good. I am feeling good. For once, everything is actually GOOD.

Day 14 (Shiny new pretty things... what shall I treat myself to next?)

Good evening everyone and thank you for tuning in to another blog entry of my Self-Isolation diaries! I do hope they have been riveting and fun to read! So again, thank you for popping by again! We've hit two weeks now, and I am still not sure how much longer this will be for.

As a good friend pointed out to me after yesterday's very accomplished post, I have finally hit 1000 pageviews so again, another big and massive thank you to you all!!! I am doing every thing I can to get my blog out there and viewed and so forth so eventually I can earn using adsense on it, so all your pageviews, follows and so forth, really help me out on my mission!

If you saw yesterdays post, I mentioned that I gutted out the upstairs spare room to turn it into a cat room, that is only spare on the rare occasion we have guests. Well, an update for all my avid cat lovers out there, the room is in use, by none other than who I expected, Pom Pom. She loves a mattress and duvet on the floor, she doesn't care which mattress it is or what duvet (I did give them the best one tbh), I knew she would be all over that mattress and she is! She seems so happy up there, I have hardly seen her today! I just need to try and get Magnus to use it, her and Pom do get on, but Magnus seems to prefer the sofa, or this box in the office that needs to go, but I did get a new box today so she might like that instead, I hope.

So, I am going to speak about my diabetes first, because honestly, I am so proud of myself. I have two bloods at 6.8 and 6.9 today and I am thrilled, and my blood was 5.5 before lunch today as well. I did wake up with very high bloods, but that was my bad due to having a hypo before bed last night and then I did binge ate everything I could find. Basically, I smashed a pack of doritos and a bar of chocolate. 

But, I did a correction dose with my breakfast (which was only 30g of carbs this morning!) and my bloods were 5.5 before lunch, which was fantastic! 

So, what have I eaten today and how much have I medded? Well, breakfast is pictured left, which was banana and granola with greek yoghurt and a teaspoon of honey, so I did 10 units, because I have to do 3 units for the carbs, an extra 2 because its the morning and 5 was for correction. So come lunch, my bloods were 5.5 and I had two flatbreads with cheese and cucumber, a packet of sunbites and a miniroll as a treat, so that was about 65g of carbs, so I did 8 units of insulin. Before dinner my blood was 6.9 so tonight I had salad (lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber and pepper) with a small baked potato (blasted in the microwave then crisped up in the oven) with cheese and butter as well as hard boiled eggs which I removed the yolks, added some garlic, herbs, paprika and pepper to and boom, stuffed eggs. This meal, can you believe it, is about 40g carbs, but there was so much food, so only 5 units were done.

All in all, I am loving the time I have free to make food at home at the moment and it is helping my diabetes a lot. I do also hope that it helps with my heart hypertension and kidneys but for me to see those effects, I need to continue to keep doing this kind of food, even when I am at work, so not too sure how I will manage that yet. Which reminds me, I need to ask the other half to pick up some plain cashew nuts and plain peanuts, and maybe some basa fillets, need to get my good cholesterol up and the bad down while I am at it. I want to live for as long as possible after all.

In other news, thanks to paying £1.70 for shipping, the parcel I ordered yesterday came today and it was so nice to have a treat. Also, kudos for the post man, for knocking on the door and waiting two metres away to see if I would answer. Nice to see social distancing in practice. Anyway, what did I order?

POKEMON CARDS! Haha, cos I am a big kid and honestly, I haven't bought any for a while so what better time to rectify this than now, especially as I have saved money on bus tickets for work. 

Found out Chaos Cards were still accepting orders so I hoped right on over and made a phat order. Well, kind of fat, I saved some money due to some discount codes and I couldn't get a bunch of just Sword and Shield base set boosters but I managed to order those from another site of which I am sure I will write about when they arrive (hopefully end of the week, but they haven't finished processing the order yet so God know's what is going on there).

So, what did I order for myself?

So, in my order, I got the Toxtricity V Collection Box, which came with an oversized Toxtricity V card and a regular sized version as well as two packs of Sword and Shield base set, a pack of XY Evolutions and Cosmic something or another (which I haven't collected so wasn't too fussed by), as well as two blister packs, with a promo Gossifleur and Wooloo and cute coins to stick up on my office was as well as a folder for the Sword and Shield base set which is so damn pretty. All in all, I am happy with what I got, and I honestly love how pretty the new cards are, some are so damn cute!

So, to the left are all the cards I got from the booster Sword and Shield packs. They gave  me so much joy and kept me busy as I organised them into their new home in their special folder as well as logging them on my online app to make sure I can keep up to date with what I do and do not have when I am out and about mon card shopping. 

I am awaiting 7 more booster packs from Magic Mad House as Chaos didn't have any boosters for sale as out of stock, so I am hoping I get some more good card pulls from them. I did actually get two nice full art cards from these packs which I am thrilled about and I have flicked through the list of cards in the set and there are soooo many pretty ones, I can't wait to see if I get them! 

I actually love how chilled and calm things are when I am sorting out and looking through my Pokemon cards. Like, so ridiculously chilled so I may have to get some more haha! I did actually take a moment to sort out the stray cards we had kicking round and put them into sleeves and their respective binders, but honestly, the boring and methodical case of putting the cards in order, pulling out doubles, slipping them into their appropriately numbered sleeve and then logging it on my app is just way too therapeutic. I even took a moment to look through all the cards I do have, none of the sets are complete, but some of the pages are and some full arts are really pretty, as well as some damn good rares as well, oh my gosh, I was so calm and happy and chilled that over an hour had slipped by and I realised I hadn't done any cleaning today!!! 

I noticed when I was looking on the website that it looks like another Sword and Shield set is up for pre-order and I'm not gonna lie, I am slightly tempted. I have loved the cards I got today so far, some of the artwork is cute as heck and I can't wait to see what the next set could look like. Either way, it was all so much fun and so exciting and I cannot wait till my next parcel arrives!

That being said, I have been looking online for things I could get for my birthday, and I found a couple of Advent Calendars that were Harry Potter for last year, full of jewellery and socks and stuff, and figured I could order one and open a door a day whilst I am in iso? Figured it would be fun, although I am not sure what the other half things.

The birthday is creeping nearer though, and, I am still not sure what to expect. I think, if I can guarantee I can get a Colin the Caterpillar cake (or the white choc one if its there), make sure there is food and drink in I like, make sure the streaming stuff is set up for birthday Animal Crossing and maybe Pokemon and then, I don't really know? I might just blow some money on my self but I have to be sensible which I why, bar what I have had arrive today, I haven't blown any cash and I can't exactly go in to town atm to smash my bank in Primark. Either way, it's over a week away, don't need to worry about it yet, there is always next year after all, or that is what I keep telling myself.

Selfishly though, and I apologise for the doom and gloom, but... I don't know if I can wait a whole year for a bang big celebration the way I wanted to do it, to make up for the last six months of hell I have been through with my health and the fact nothing is getting better with said health. I don't know if I can wait a year for something good to enjoy, have fun with, not give a care in the world about... I just, I just... want something to look forward to that is nearer and not so far away. I do feel like I deserve a break.

Anyway, that is it for today everyone!

Over and out, mes amigos.

[[0036]] Day 13 of Self-Isolation

It's all good here. 

Day 13 (The cats are taking over, or is it just my crazy creeping out to play?)

SO, today's post is a damn late one, but I have reasons, very productive reasons!!!

Our cats now have a room all to themselves, well... it's "technically" the spare room for when people come to visit but the cats are in the house a lot more than us having guests so, cat room it is. And people are only allowed to sleep over in it if the cats like them: if the cats no likey, no sleepy-over for you. Thankfully, the cats like the friendos we do have over so no problem there with them having to share.

Okay, so it is a work in progress because we need to borrow some tools to finish off some cool cat items and upholstery in there, but it will do for now! I just hope they like it when they realise (I may have hidden some bribery treats up there for them to find as well as their favourite things to sleep on and their toys and whatever else I could find that they like).

So the next photo is what I had to deal with! You may have seen me post it in yesterdays blog post
haha! I lost count of the amount of rubbish bags that came out of there in the end (must be near the double digits, if not over) and then there was the stuff that used to be under the stairs that needed to go back under the stairs and then the furniture. But yeah, several bin bags chucked on the bathroom rubble heat in the back garden and the room is finally cleared, the carpet hoovered within an inch of its life... ahhhh it's so satisfying seeing it all look so tidy at last! Heck, even under the stairs looks a lot tidier and organised now since we thought we were gonna flood last year and moved everything upstairs, it's all now packed and stacked neatly underneath. There are a few bags under there that need to go but that will be saved for another time, because some things elsewhere in family life, seems a bit up in the air. 

ANYWAY, the cat room!!! 

So, in the corner by the window, I have plonked Magnus Bane's cat tower, because she loves being in high places and looking out of windows. I've left the windowsill clear for Pom Pom and at some point I am going to make the curtain only cover half the window cos Pom likes to hide behind curtains when she sits in the window. We also took out the drawers from a chest of drawers and I've made a hidey hole with a blanket to give some cover for those times the meow meows want to hide, and my gold quilt is on the top because Magnus loves sleeping on it; underneath the gold quilt is a box cos princess loves her boxes. I've popped some treats up there for them and a water bowl, as well as there cat scratcher toys and play tube. I even put a nice squishy duvet on the bed for Pom to curl up on cos she likes to sleep on mattresses on the floor (she's been sleeping on the mattress we had on the floor in the office for the last couple of weeks).

At some point, when this whole quarantine shizzle is done with, we are gonna borrow some tools to properly bad out the top and add curtains and shizzle to the unit, as well as build a little ramp up and hang some dangle toys off. Nonetheless, I have dismantled a bed, moved two beds, moved two single mattresses, moved a chest of drawers, moved a book case, chucked loads of crap... I am exhausted now haha. But it was worth it. It feels good to be this active and pro-active again!!! (Okay so the king size mattress defeated me and I needed the others half's help with it but all in all, I have done myself proud!)

 So yeah, the cats now have a room. Bet you can't wait to see what I have to deal with tomorrow... I'd go up and take a picture but I don't even want to look into the music room until tomorrow haha!!! (Don't worry, I will take a picture of the erm, music room before I tidy it tomorrow...)

In other news, diabetes! I have had an absolutely FANTASTIC day with my blood sugars! 6.2 in the morning, 9.6 for lunch and 4.8 just before dinner. I am le shock! I am so so so so happy! It seems, being at home and forcing myself to focus on my bloods and carb counting instead of focusing on my job (which I love focusing on but sometimes it does get in the way of my diabetes management) is helping me loads! I had two crumpets for breakfast with a glass of no added sugar cranberry juice, two biscuits as a snack, then for lunch I had a packet of sunbites, some cucumber, a flatbread with cheese and cucumber, some chicken chunks and a mini roll as a treat. Altogether, that was 45g of carbs! Dinner, I wanted to try actually cook for myself, so I had rustic mash (skin kept on tatos) with some cheese and pepper, a pie and some fresh green beans with gravy... 60g carbs. And I felt so much better for it, I really did. I am going to try my best to keep this up but if I have an off day, which I get often, Ia m not going to beat myself up about it, I'll just start again the next day. Either way, my diabetes has been good for the first time in a while, so it can only continue to get better from here on out. I realise that my life is going to be a little shorter than most peoples, so I want to do my best to try and prolong it as best as I can.

Heck, I have my food planned out for tomorrow already. Greek yoghurt and granola for breakfast with some banana and a glass of cranberry juice, lunch will be same as today without the chicken, and dinner will be a salad with boiled eggs and cheese and maybe a small potato on the side with butter. So a very low carb and salt dinner again, which I hope will come through in my next lot of bloods when they are done in less than three months time.

But that is it for today, I need to relax and chill and get the knots out of my back (maybe beg the other half for a back massage because omg I hurt so much and my legs are covered in bruises from moving furniture. However, I am going to treat myself to a bar of chocolate and med for it appropriately of course, as well as this tasty juice the other half brought home for me which OMG I needed so bad and it tastes absolutely glorious. 

Anyway, I hope everyone is okay and happy! Remember, if you need a friend, I am only a message away! Stay safe everyone!!!

Over and out, mes amigos.

[[0035]] Day 12 of Self-Isolation

Day 12 (I wonder what the news will be tomorrow... I'm guessing an even stricter lockdown?)

Good evening everyone! How is everyone doing? I realise I never ask this unless people speak to me first, alas, I hope you are all okay and thank you for coming by to read my daily posts!!!

I am going to do another blog with pictures. Because, the world prefers pictures to reading and to be honest, my reading bone has kinda gone, give me pictures, give me images, give me... really crap camera photos? Haha...

SO, today was the big food shop day!!! 

SO many bags of food, well, no more than normal for our fortnightly shop but we had to get a few extra bits in because of me being home a lot more and because I can't go to the shops whilst Jake is at work. I also got to see my friend today and her partner and OMG it was so good to see and speak to other people (no offence other half, I like talking to you too). Don't worry, we did social distancing throughout, and we managed to get all the shopping we needed and got it home safely too with no problems, so yey for a plan working out and coming together nicely!

I also have to cut down on salt in my food so we had to shop based around that, which the other half did so damn well, I am proud! I've tried to meal plan for when we are home together to eat together as well as for me when I'm on my own at home. We got some good fresh stuff in so I can do salads at home, which will definitely help me cut down on my salt intake. We have also got some decent things in for breakfast because sometimes, I am not great at eating breakfast because I get bored of it, so I have some alternatives which are also healthy and low carb to help me and my diabetes that way. Plus, I am doing my best to keep a routine to my days in the week, so I might prepare healthy lunched before bed or in the morning to keep me in control of my food and carb intake and help me work out my insulin ratios. It's going to be a lot to get used to, especially as I am a renown snacker to the max, especially when I am in the house all day, but, I am also a creature that likes control, so, if I can healthily control my food, it might help with my mental health whilst I am at home.

Speaking of food... I smashed dinner tonight!

Giant yorkies, Cumberland sausages, roasties and cheese mash, loads of fresh veggies and a lot of gravy. It's actually my first time attempting a kind of Sunday dinner, however, we both smash it cos we are heathens, but I already feel so much better having some fresh veggies for the first time in a while. 

That being said, somewhat related note, it was so nice to see the veg drawers full of fresh food today, as well as the cupboards and freezer stocked to, but it was the veggies that struck a note from me, because I don't actually remember the last time I filled the fridge with veggies!!!

SO, what else has been crack-a-lackin? 

More big house tidy up times! Or should I say, I think I finally conquered the problem of what to do with the last three rooms in my house that I wrote about last night. I figured, we can store mattresses in the spare room for when peeps stay over, chuck ALL the furniture out because it is not used and takes up space and finally deal with all the rubbish and items that don't need to be in there or just got left there and was never chucked away. I think so far, I have like 6 bags of rubbish, three-quarters of which aren't mine... but either way... I blocked myself in and had to get the other half to help me get out. Which was funny... because I tried to stretch to get out, my feet got no grip and I kinda did the first splits I have done in years, like, a good 20 years and ho damn it bloody hurt, I am still in pain now. I may have broken my vagina, I have no idea! But yeah, the photo is what I got stuck behind... now to chuck it all outside and wait for all this corona stuff to blow over so it can go to the skip.

Phew.

Other than that, it's been Animal Crossing and kitty cat cuddles, and it's all just perfect.

I'm not looking forward to next week and spending more time on my own again, but looking at the amount I have to do upstairs and organise downstairs, I think I have enough to keep me ticking over, and I know I'll be more inspired to art and write and read when all this is done and sorted. Tidy house, tidy mind.

Anyway my friends, keep safe, wash your hands, social distance, stay at home!

Over and out, mes amigos.