Brain Update

This is day 4 of Concerta, and I'm feeling... all over the map. But better. I'm definitely seeing improvements in focus and I'm feeling way less distracted. I'm also starting to discern between what's a result of dysfunction, and what's a result of bad habit. And instead of "Omg I have so many responsilibities I don't know where to start panic panic paaaaannnniiiiiiiccccc" I've been thinking "Hey, I've got stuff to do. I'll make a list and see what I can tackle."

WHO AM I???

That is so new to me. I've never been that way, and it's so refreshing to have this new clarity. I've accomplished more job-hunting each day this week than I did in all of last week.

One of the characteristics of ADD is a tendency to be argumentative, and can lead to issues with relationships, and that is me to a T. I'm still opinionated and that's never going to change, but there have already been instances where I've surrendered rather than continue arguing, for the sake of my sanity (and undoubtedly those to whom I'm surrendering are grateful too. I know I was right anyway).

There are some downfalls. If I take it too late in the day I find it difficult to sleep at night. My eyes feel like they're bulging out of my head a little bit. Sometimes I feel physically wired, as though I've had a cup of coffee. And of course, there's always the threat of dependency in the long-run.

And now that I'm feeling more aware of everything, I'm getting irritated by new things; the radio used to just be background noise, but now I'm aware of talking and commercials and I keep turning it off because it's too irritating. I've also noticed how much traffic is on our road. I swear I never used to hear cars go by. No wonder my parents complain that the road is too busy.

It's like now that my brain is quiet, I'm hearing way more than I did before.


Last week, pre-drugs, I complained that a day decided it was going to be full of anxiety and insecurity (and not for any particular reason, e.g. PMS). A friend that has been dealing with her own ADD replied and said both her and her brother have ADD, and they've found that they're more inclined to feel anxious when dehydrated. On that particular day I hadn't been drinking any water, and looking back I can definitely see a correlation. (Especially when alcohol is factored in. Hoo boy.)

So I'm taking Concerta, eating well (and staying hydrated), making regular visits to the gym, going to yoga, and doing a far better job of prioritizing my days. I'm still a long way from fixed (I've managed to forget to turn the iron off three days in a row now. Go team), but I can feel a shift for the better.

Things That I Think Are Stupid

The Price of Razorblades.

I've been buying the same blades for about ten years now. They're not advertised by Gillette anymore, and haven't been in some time, and they will probably be discontinued soon as the handle's been unavailable for a couple of years now.

So with no advertisement, and no cost of R&D, you'd think the price would stay roughly the same, right?

Wrong.

Ten years ago: about $10, or $1/blade.
Today: $17, or $1.70/blade.

You can't tell me that inflation has caused the price to increase 70%. A piece of plastic housing two thin strips of metal (Yes, mine only have two blades. I don't need 16 blades to shave.) should cost mere pennies to produce. By the time you package and ship and resell that ten pack it should cost no more than $3 or $4.

But it's a monopoly market, as there aren't any inexpensive alternatives. Professional waxing and laser hair removal cost small fortunes. Electric razors don't come cheap either, and with a lifespan of only a couple of years, they probably cost more in the long run. Disposables aren't as good (not to mention the unnecessary garbage they create), and generic brands, if you can find them, aren't up to snuff.

And what are we supposed to do in protest? Boycott razorblades? That's only hurting ourselves.

I'm just going to start buying lots of blade packs of ebay. Still not as cheap as it should be, but a substantial savings over what you'll pay at the grocery store.

Bikram's Yoga, aka Hot Yoga.

Ok, so let's get this straight. The same temperature and humidity that causes the government to issue heat warnings about when it happens in the summer is the same environment that you're working out in? You're spending anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes in a makeshift sauna, when a real sauna is filled with signage warning you not to stay for longer than 15 minutes, and to leave immediately if you begin to feel nauseous or dizzy.

And everyone is getting their sweat on. But unlike in a gym, where the air is circulated and conditioned, Bikram's is in a sealed-off room. Nice. You're breathing in everyone else' sweat and breath. Better hope no one's getting a cold, because you'll be getting it too.

What's worse is that you're told not to drink any water. This goes against everything we've been taught since the beginning of PE classes.

In the 45 minutes I spend doing cardio on the elliptical at my gym I will polish off an entire 1 litre bottle of water, and another 500mls on my drive home.

"Oh but I lose so much weight with Bikram's! I feel so awesome after Bikram's!"

Yes, you do. But you put it back on as soon as you rehydrate yourself. That's probably why you feel so good after your workout; stepping outside into cool air where you can finally drink water is bound to feel euphoric after you've been trying not to pass out for an hour.

Feeling dizzy, light-headed or nauseous while working out = bad
Not staying hydrated while working out = bad
Paying $20 for an hour-long group workout = stupid

I'm not anti-yoga, nor am I anti-saunas. But together? Anyone who participates in this needs to give their head a good shake.

"It makes me feel amazing!"

If you're lacking amazement in your life, here are some other, not-so-stupid things you can try instead:

-regular workouts (including regular yoga!)
-recycling
-volunteering
-cuddling puppies
-giving hugs

And the best part? None of those cost $20/hour to do! You're welcome.

AirCare

Oh wait, we already went over that.