Boobs

Since my boobs are currently trying to kill me, I thought I'd share some thoughts on our health. See the ever-helpful WebMD LINK for reference. I'll quote the useful bits... though their usefulness remains to be seen. Perhaps a bit of primrose oil tonight... But I'll be goddamned if I'm going to go without my newly developed caffeine love - I have to study tonight, you know!!

1. Say goodbye to coffee and other caffeinated beverages after you ovulate at mid-cycle (for most women, this is around the 14th day of their cycle). Caffeine tends to increase both swelling of the breasts and water retention.

2. Consider taking a multivitamin and calcium daily. The jury's still out on whether certain vitamins and minerals can really help with PMS symptoms -- a study published in the February 2000 Journal of the American College of Nutrition was lukewarm on the true effectiveness of vitamin E, vitamin B-6, and calcium. But some intriguing research suggests that these nutrients may help remove water from the body and alleviate swelling in the breasts.

3. Consider evening primrose oil supplements. Again, there are no well-controlled studies to confirm that this supplement works, but some women seem to find relief with primrose oil's anti-inflammatory properties.

4. Try an over-the-counter medication, such as Pamprin or Midol, that treats the symptoms of PMS. These medicines contain pain relievers and natural diuretics, which can alleviate discomfort.

5. If nighttime is especially uncomfortable, try sleeping on your back to protect your breasts from the painful compression you might feel when sleeping on your side or front.

Did you know that cholesterol is actually a steroid, and is directly involved in sythesizing hormones? So does that mean that when I eat like shit, my hormones go more wacky and hurt me? I have a bad feeling about that. Happily, they let me drink a bit this weekend. I am determined that I will not fall to the PMS demons, dammit. I will NOT have cramps and heavy cycles, because I WILL use the BC method of my choice!

Ah, what is that, you ask? Because I know you want to know, here's some interesting information on Copper IUD's. You may read this and wonder why the hell would I want that for, and you're not all wrong... but for those screwing others they can trust (really single partner sort of thing), non-condom/non-hormonal BC is totally the way to go. Everybody's doing it, man. (oops, that should probably be WOman. :))

The next question you might have is... what do I have against hormones and condoms? Well, Alex, my hormones have been screwing me altogether, to the best of my understanding. I'd like to be the one doing the screwing in my body, thank you very much. And I'd like to go longer than a week without a migraine. And condoms? C'mon, there have got to be SOME benefits to being married! Sheesh! If I feel that way about condoms, just guess how I feel about icky things like sponges or cervical caps. Yuck, yuck, ick, and ew. So I'm clearing out my system of all the excess crap, and so far, so good. Of course, it's been less than a month. But I'll take it!

Well, it's time to placate the boobs. Since I don't think ice packs in my bra will go unnoticed, I'm going to try to go home as soon as possible. :)
May we all be healthier than we hoped!

Sleep, that teasing bitch

I was thinking of the college years today and remembering and I wonder... How did I get so old, when I'm not old yet? I'm 27. I'm married. I work full time, and go to class part time (currently 2 nights per week). I have kitties and friends to play with. So I'm reasonably busy...

And man oh man, I need more sleep. I would be so much more healthy if I were able to go to bed at 9:30pm regularly, and get up at 6:30. Now, I'm lucky to be attempting sleep at around 11pm, and it's generally not enough. I wake up poorly.. I'm convinced that if I got less or more, I'd be okay, but 6.5-7 hours makes me wake up in the middle of a sleep cycle so I'm really groggy when that alarm goes off. Plus, I have kitties and restless sleeping husband(s? - grammar thought) to contend with... as I've gotten older, I no longer sleep so deeply. I miss sleeping deeply. It's so enjoyable.

I still feel that great love of my bed and pillow. Especially after I've had to travel, which always involves sleeping somewhere terribly uncomfortable with pillows of lead.... I get home, and when it's finally time to sleep, man oh man... I snuggle into my pillow, and sort of squirm/cuddle into the mattress, and cuddle up with my blankets and suddenly I feel peaceful. I LOVE sleeping when there's a little chill to the air, and so the blankets are just necessary enough...

And the last couple of weeks, Loverboy and I have had some truly perfect, world-class cuddles. I will fall asleep with my head on his shoulder and his arm around me, and considering that I am, after all, a bit bigger than he is, it's amazing how comfortable this is lately. I think it might actually be because he's got more muscle (so more cushioning) on him now, so it's nicer for my head and the angle's better for my neck... and man, those cuddles have been SO satisfying. Just last night, I drifted off so quickly once I got into classic cuddle position. My absolute favorite is when he'll put his arm above his head, tucking his hand under his head - that makes a really comfy surface for me to rest my head on. I guess I'm sleeping on his armpit, but he's wearing a t-shirt and I just feel so comfy.

Hm. Sorry... starting to ramble. (Starting?!?!?)

So anyway, yes, I believe strongly in sleep, and I love to sleep, and boy oh boy. And may we all have a good night's rest tonight. And maybe some booty too, that wouldn't go unappreciated (I'm looking in YOUR direction, Loverboy! :D )