Irrelevant icon is irrelevant.

[alexandraerin]

Good news: I am now halfway through Day 4 of feeling awesome physically and mentally. It wasn't until Thursday that I really ironed out the best schedule for my supplements, but for three days in a row after that I felt pretty good from the start of the day until the end of it. A lot of minor physical complaints that I didn't really notice until their absence (poor circulation in my legs being a standout one) have been clearing up.

Bad news: While my mental clarity and focus are both great, I'm badly "out of shape" when it comes to the act of writing. I'm writing well, but the faucet effect I'm used to (open it up and the words just flow) isn't there yet. It's more dribs and drabs. The TOMU chapter I've been working on is approaching 3,000 words and an actual ending and will certainly be up this afternoon... after that, I think I need to do some microfiction or other drills like I used to do. The secret to writing is writing, and the best way to keep writing is to keep writing.

Worse news: My desktop computer died on me. Thing just won't turn on... it may be the power supply, but possibly the motherboard. The fan turns on about about half the time but the hard disk isn't spinning. Don't worry, the impact of this should be minimal. I've learned from previous computer failures. I bought a decently sized USB flash drive about a month ago and moved pivotal files off of it. I will need to replace it by and by so I have a backup and because some tasks are just better done on it, but my netbook is what I do all my writing from. My long-term purchase plans also include buying an external hard drive. These things will be important, but they are not immediately crucial.

A small health note to myself: I need to stop minimizing my peanut allergy. I had the first reaction that came from just being near peanut butter without actually physically contacting it the other day. If I'm serious about my health, I can't mess around with that stuff.

There's no denying that the weather has turned here. It's supposed to be in the low thirties tonight. It's about sixty degrees out now. This morning, I was just telling someone very dear to me who hails from a slightly warmer climate that I was glad I wouldn't have to run the AC at all today. He said it sounded too cold for him and I laughed... now I'm wrapped up in blankets and using my lappy's charger to keep warm.

And finally, more music that makes me feel good. This is a recent discovery, courtesy of my technical, spiritual, and menu adviser, popelizbet:

Comments

[misfit4leaf.livejournal.com]

If we lived closer together, I'd fix your computer for you.

[centauress.livejournal.com]

Me too. The miracle of silicon valley is at my fingers. Also, a box of G4 computers...

[centauress.livejournal.com]

The worst thing about allergies is that thinking about them aggravates it!

Tell yourself that peanut butter does not jump out of the jar, and that peanut oil does not contain the proteins that activate the allergy. Or don't tell yourself that, and think about anything else.

[alexandraerin.livejournal.com]

I wasn't actually thinking about it... it was the allergic reaction that made me notice the peanut butter. From how strong the smell was in the area, I'm pretty sure it was jumping out of the jar.

Edit for clarity, since I really don't want to be getting into this further with you: I know the smell of peanut butter doesn't trigger an allergic reaction in and of itself, but particles of peanut/peanut butter in the air can lead to enough actual contact to trigger a reaction. If love peanut butter is in the air, that will also correspond to a stronger smell.

Not only have I tended to minimize my allergy rather than freak out about it (the fact that there was peanut butter around me should tell you something), but it was the allergic reaction that made me even notice the peanut butter was there. I was oblivious to it.

Save your condescension. I've had enough of it for one lifetime, thank you.

[stormcaller3801.livejournal.com]

With regards to the computer, which fan is it that spins some of the time?

[cielamara.livejournal.com]

What sort of supplements are you taking?
And thanks for reminding me to take my own...

[alexandraerin.livejournal.com]

You know, I've thought about posting it but I'm not comfortable posting the whole regimen because it's based on my own personal condition and symptoms, and my knowledge of my body... so much of why I've distrusted the dietary supplement movement/community/whatever is so much stuff ends up being touted as cure-alls or things that everybody should be taken.

I don't mind that you asked, though. I think I will probably share it, but it's something I'm going to want to do a whole blog post on so I can do it more in depth.

[cielamara.livejournal.com]

I understand, and I apologize for failing to realize that the question might be intrusive. :) I am interested in how different supplements and vitamins work in the body in general--I recently started taking a very complex array of vitamins (my mom's making me), and I'm trying to see how they actually make me feel. So far, the only conclusive data I've managed to obtain is that, if I don't get enough sleep, ain't nothin' I put in my body going to actually work all that well.

And another question--you mention being "out of shape" with regards to writing. I think I understand what you mean, but I'm curious about what specifically this means to you. I used to write like MAD when I was younger...now I try to actually map things out and I feel tired after like five minutes. I miss it, and am deeply envious of your ability to actually produce...and to produce really good stuff at that.

[alexandraerin.livejournal.com]

Oh, I wasn't even thinking of it as intrusive... I kind of had the opposite worry, that I would come across as an advocate or pusher if I posted what I was taking without adequate explanation.

As for the writing... well, the hardest part of writing frequently is to get started, either to literally start writing something or to figuratively get going in the sense of building and keeping momentum. If you have those sorts of problems and you'd seriously like to overcome them, then I strongly suggest you check out Anna Paradox's writing workbook (http://www.annaparadox.com/from-wishing-to-writing/). One big component of the advice she gives might be summed up by saying that you'll write more by doing it "like mad" than if you spend too many brain cycles trying to map it out.

[cielamara.livejournal.com]

I can understand that worry. And perhaps you're right to be cautious. I personally wouldn't take stuff without consulting multiple sources, but, well, the internet is where the stupid are like microbes: everywhere, even if you can't see them.

I do indeed miss writing. I have other mediums of creative expression, but the written word was my first great love, and...I might have to check out that workbook. If only because "Anna Paradox" is a cool name.

[hnmic.livejournal.com]

i needed this song today. I need more faith.

[mpilnick.livejournal.com]

This live version is much more clever lyrically than the one on the album.

[hnmic.livejournal.com]

Cowboy Mouth is always better live.

[indecisiveangel.livejournal.com]

Cowboy Mouth vaguely reminds me of Great Big Sea, if only because of how it's so uplifting and how they sound amazing live. If you haven't heard of them, here's an example.

[bisquick-deh.livejournal.com]

Glad you're feeling better! :)

[ndo.livejournal.com]

Yay for Cowboy Mouth! Miss seeing those guys!

[auralfixations.livejournal.com]

I'm happy you're feeling better. It's funny, it sort of shows in your writing. You're feeling good, so your characters are feeling good, Mackenzie's making good decisions, the chapter ends with snuggles, etc. I wonder if the two are related.

I wonder if you've ever tried taking acai supplements? I just started on them and they make me feel great, like my body is totally in tune with my mind. You'll have to get the right brand, I know Sambozan makes good ones, because most others besides Sambozan have a 4:1 or 5:1 blend rather than pure acai berry.

Anyway I hope you keep feeling great. Are you a winter person? Cuz I know a lot of people feel clearer in winter.

[gayleleigh.livejournal.com]

Please, do NOT minimize peanut allergies. Although most people's allergies are not this bad, a friend of mine passed away because someone didn't believe my friend's allergy was as bad as he claimed. The other person opened some peanuts in the same cabin, although a different room, from my friend. My friend was taking a nap at the time and tried to make it to a window before collapsing.

Please, maintain your health.