INSOMNIACS place to talk in the wee hours

Loveroflife

OKAY....I present you Viet Nam. Be prepared to be bombarded with pictures. I have been working on this "assigned project" (given to me by the playground monitor) for 2 days. I hope you enjoy what I gathered.

Northern Viet Nam-notice the rice fields in the middle of pic.

Rice paddies--Viet Nam is the top five exporter of rice.

Backbreaking labor

Many mountain ranges and.....

....dense forests throughout the country.

Pristine beaches of VN found in the south peninsula

There are over 50 ethnic minority and indigenous groups. Most live in mountainous areas.

A rickshaw handler waiting for customer(s). Cheapest (and slowest) way to travel.

High school students in traditional white Ao Dai

Lotus and flowers sellers

Mangosteens- my favorite fruit

Rambutan

Durian-tastes like heaven, but stinks like hell to me

Milk Apple- very refreshing when chilled

Dragon fruit

Chiku-should only be eaten when ripe, if not you will be miserably plugged

Star fruits

Flamboyant trees- sign of summer (even though it's hot year round in the middle and south VN)

Hoa Mai or Ochna Integerrima- sign of spring

Lotus

Pho (beef noodle soup)-one of my comfort foods

Bun rieu (crab/shrimp noodle soup) another of my comfort foods

Sticky Rice with corn- yummy breakfast I often had growing up

Vietnamese "expresso"- French influence

Westernized city

mema4

I take 100 mg Trazodone for sleep; obviously not working well tonight, it's 12:30 here....

Never talked cytochrome 450....will look it up tomorrow

Ambien worked for me but one night I bought a lof of people Nutrisystem online! Then, my DH says I had a party in my pants on my own, like he wasn't present. Couldn't be trusted but I took it for two years. Gained weight eating at night but slept well. Lunesta was just okay. Just bought the Nighty Nite tea I read all the comments about, haven't tried it yet.

Smaarty

LMG, you're asking about Blessings2011. Haven't seen her in a long time. She and DH had the Cpapsthrough Kaiser.

So yesterday sent a note to my GYN about prescription and see if I got Toradol during bmx. Didn't get any as far as sx notes show. He wants me to stop prescription because the scan I had in April for stomach pain shows I have mild clogged artery of the aorta. WTH!! Why didn't my GP tell me? So now I have to get ahold of her and have her compare it to the scan 3 years ago. What's the matter with these people. This is Kaiser??

I had LASIK done about 10 years ago. Only drug was a Valium pill to take off the anxiety level. And if you're old enough, you'll need reading glasses after. They can't fix that yet

Tresjoli2

oh my...those pictures are stunning. Makes me want to go visit right away!

Sas survey says ocular migraines...I think the abraxane is causing it.

And thanks ladies for the hair advice. I realize I still have a lot and it's a first world problem. I was just worried the re growth would be all uneven and maybe a different color..but I will take a wait and see attitude. My hairdresser gave me her cell and said call whenever I need too

Zillsnot4me

Tres. Get some gel or wax or whatever but stay away from gorilla snot! It's very sticky and hard to get out. I know because I bought it for my 6 yr old and he did his 3 yr old sisters hair! I like my products to still feel flexible.

I had one friend that did different colors and styles. Have fun with it. Got kids or grands? Bet they'd set you up.

Trazadone worked for me for a long time prior to bc. PCP told me to cut back on Xanax. I only take .5 at night so wth? I had a long talk and explained my situation. I now have an rx for 3x a day but still only take it at night.

This is the latest on getting kids to sleep. Audio version is very, very, very boring. I keep forgetting to use it but it's worth a try.

http://www.popsugar.com/moms/Rabbit-Who-Wants-Fall...

It's joint pain and hot flashes and now processing new dx that keeps me awake. Only sleep good for a couple of hours. Sometimes four! Will have to ask about restoril but need to be able to function at night with kids.

Beautiful pix and lesson about Vietnam. Wish you could cook us a meal! Or try some of those fruits.

Earl grey for breakfast. Bought store brand:(r

dsgirl

Re: Ativan

I take 0.5mg 4 times a day, have for over a year, long story, partial bowel obstruction, 2 months of liquid diet, until I could have the upper and lower scopes scheduled, husband passed away, I was a mess and never could sleep, it works for me, some day (maybe) I can stop it, some SE, but it has been my "friend" getting thru the past 15 months.

dsgirl

Chevyboy

Morning gals! Going to paint one side of the frame garage today... We have another one, galvanized steel, but it will be easy...we use it mostly for storage...

But your hair? I don't know what I would have done, if I had to take chemo........ which I didn't, but I was thinking about buying a couple wigs, if I had... Does your hair grow back as soon as the treatments are finished? I mean if you lose it all, or have it shaved? I know my friend at work lost her hair twice, from to bouts...but her hair grew back thick and wavy both times......

If you leave your hair, and finish your treatments, does new hair just come in mixing with the longer hair? We need to know this, before we make any decisions.....

Also, Rosie honey....! Beautiful pictures! I just saved this whole page, so I could show our Rosie when she comes over again. She was just here yesterday, helping me out a little.... I LOVE Pho soup n' those noodles! A regular Pho place is best...they bring you tons of Asian sweet basil, bean sprouts, sliced jalapeno's and I forget what else is on that platter to add to the broth & noodles.

Cherish that heritage Rosie.... beautiful pictures! Do you print off some of the scenes, and then frame them to group on a wall? I would.

I read where you guys talk medical, and treatment stuff, but I don't think I have anything to contribute....Well in fact, I KNOW I don't.

Oh get this...... So my chicken neighbor came over to give me a Starbucks card...! YAYYYYYYY! But we were talking about one of her chickens that I was worried about.... Then my OTHER chicken neighbor came over, and THEY built a guillotine for when something happens to one of THEIR chickens!!!!!!!!! I almost fell over! A GUILLOTINE ??? I told them EEeee gads girls! Can't you just take them to a VET??? But "Rosie" is losing feathers, and she was limping, and "hiding" so they didn't know what to do with her....... But the "chop 'em off" neighbor says they can use their contraption! GOD, I almost threw up! I said just take her to the Vet, and put her to sleep! Man, I just get chills........

Yes, I Do remember what my Grandpa used to do with their Chickens.... I hate those memories....... Anyway, Kelli went to the feed-store, and the guy gave her some anti-biotics... to put in their water... So I don't want to know what happens next..... She DID say little Ivy, would play with the Chickens and throw them around! She probably got her leg hurt that way..... THEY thought it was cute, but I thought WHAT IS WRONG WITH ALL YOU PEOPLE???? And I DID tell her, "Don't let them DO that"!

So that is my gripe for this morning......... love you girls...........xoxoxo

Zillsnot4me

poor chickens. Wonder what the laws are for my town.

Spookiesmom

Glennie, how long a drive for you to Orlando? Sas is right, great place for lunch. Want to do a meet up? Or if you know a good place in Ocala, that's doable for us too.

Kjones13

dsgirl--im so sorry for your loss. I hope you are taking good care of yourself. Hugs.

I forgot to mention that I have used extra sleepy time tea. Worked like a charm when going thru my divorce. Don't know why it or I changed and now doesn't phase me.

Looking forward to trying trazadone. My PNP was pretty hilarious because she also works at an emergency clinic...where patients come in and are handed 400mg trazadone and a cigarette! Hopefully I won't get to that point! Haha!

Hope you ladies have a great day! Always reading. Hard to keep up with y'all!

Loveroflife

Ms. CHEVY, how many chicken neighbors do you have? I still remember how my Mom and house maids slaughtered the chickens for special occasions. I will spare you all the details. I have to confess one thing though( I hope I don't get disowned after sharing this story). I think I was maybe 8 at the time. I overheard my Mom says that if a chicken eats a rubber band it will get sick and die. I'm thinking hmm I didn't die when I swallowed a coin. It came out distorted, but I was ok. How could a chicken die if it swallows a rubberbband? I was curious of itsdigestive tract. Now, if you cut a beige rubberbband once and drop it on the floor, it looks like a skinny worm. Chickens like worms. One of the poor chicken fell for it. Yes, that chicken was sacrificed after I told my mom that I dropped the band on the ground and the chicken ate it. That rubberbband was in the gizzard along with tiny pepples. I felt so bad I couldn't eat chicken for awhile. I was a bad kid. My curiosity got the best of me. I am so glad my kids didn't turn out naughty like me.

Jazzygirl

Dsgirl- hugs, things have been tough for you. Wishing you better days sister.

Loveroflife

Rose, I am happy to hear everyone had a good time out yesterday. It's good you found a place to get recharged. Hope no kids thought that you were part of the display. Ha! My older daughter loved to chase birds when she was younger. It was heaven for her when we were in front of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice...so many pigeons for her to terrorize. At seventeen,she is still somewhat tempted to chase birds but has learned to refrain from it.

Loveroflife

Dsgirl, very sorry for what you have gone through.

Loveroflife

Thinking about you Floridian ladies

I was wondering why my hip was hurting yesterday( you know how your mind takes you to the dark side) and woke up to a cloudy day today . No forecast of rain.

luvmygoats

Smaarty - You are smart. Yes it was Blessing.

Loverly - Thank you for the beautiful pictures of Viet Nam.

Oh Tres I remember one member likes hair chalk - talking about different colors. My local grocery even has some. Susan is probably a good go to. Hopefully she will chime in. She's a hairdresser when she's not out building her glam legs bicycling.

Chevy - that's one reason I've never gotten into chickens. That and hawks, owls, raccoons. Yes my goats go the vet and they take care of everything, for a price of course. But DH could never even in his good shape dig a hole for them. And I'd be afraid something would dig them up. I like Loverly didn't know both neighbors had chickens.

Zills - I think in Ft Worth proper you can have hens, no roosters and there is a limit to #. Aren't you rather rural? We used to have deed restrictions out here (county not city property) but they've all expired. Had a per acre limit which I prob. exceed but I have dwarf goats. No pigs were allowed which is just fine by me. Plenty of feral hogs around.

kjones - not heard of Sleepy Time Extra. Wow I found lots of Celestial Seasonings (odd name) Tea I did not know about. Dirty Chai, lots of new stuff too. I see stuff for DH's next Amazon order.

Hugs Dsgirl from a fellow Texan.

Rosie - sounds like a wonderful day for you, DH and your girls. Glad you didn't get arrested for being a vagrant lol.

queenmomcat

Luvsmygoats: haven't ever heard of Celestial Seasonings, or just not heard of the Sleepytime Extra? I too enjoy sleepytime extra, although it doesn't help much with actual sleep induction. I just like the way it tastes--mildly minty, with a smoothing of chamomile, and the other ingredients blend well.

Kjones: good luck with the trazodone. I'm on it for sleep disruption/anxiety/depression, and it's working well. I'm on 100 mg.

luvmygoats

Oh no Queenie. I have plenty of CS Teas. My very favorite is a holiday Gingerbread Spice herbal. I found some Pumpkin Chai I almost made iced yesterday. Instead I made Bigelow Lemon Lift (an almost full box, don't think I liked hot) with an extra Typhoo teabag for good measure. Darn bug flew into it during the early evening. It was good with a kick in the pants. I have these twin cabinets flanking the stove. One is spices though I must admit 3rd shelf is very, very old tea that needs to go. The other one is my tea cabinet. We used to drink mostly coffee, DH only one cuppa in the am. This year coffee is just not what I want most of the time, instead back into tea. Will see what cold weather will bring. I have used up all my special coffee, not yet willing to buy any more for a bit yet.

Darn Amazon only has the Dirty Chai by the 6 pkg. Guess I'm off to search for a recipe. I still have all those spices from my non-adventure into chai hot chocolate. Have to make a Ft Worth run on Friday - have to get that new glass RX filled. I'm complaining too much about not being able to read. Maybe time for a Central Market run for loose spices.

queenmomcat

That's what I figured: I'm sure there are some people out there who haven't heard of CS, but not anyone who's into tea.

Zillsnot4me

whats dirty chai? I was a big chai fan before chemo. Since I've been stateside my Irish tea doesn't taste good. Maybe need to try some extra sleepy time.

Chevyboy

I'm losing my mind...! Was it just this morning that someone posted "The most beautiful horse in the world?" The picture was of a "draft" horse, white and black, and really was beautiful! I can't FIND it, to post on FB!

And YES! I'm surrounded by Chicken people. Rachel, to the left has 4 laying Hens.... Kelli has 6... (maybe).... But they reach a certain age where they don't lay anymore.... THEN I don't know WHAT they will do. Chickens are not good "pets" for little girls.... The coop is a mess, and then little Ivy crawls up into the nesting area, like it is HER play-house, and it is NOT clean......!

So hot out.... can't work outdoors.... I'm making a rice dish that our Rosie told me about.... Jazmine rice, pieces of shrimp, fried in a little garlic, butter & oil, then add defrosted, mixed veggies, and then the cooked rice, a little chicken bouillon, and just heat it all up.... I have a little Sesame Oil to drizzle on top.....

luvmygoats

Don't remember any horses on here Chevster. Was it on Warm/Fuzzy which I cannot keep up with?

Dirty Chai appears to be Chai Tea with Espresso. I could not find any outlets per Celestial Seasoning's website that sold that version locally.

http://degreesofprep.com/homemade-dirty-chai-latte...

This looks super simple. I have tried somebody's boxed choc chai tea concentrate, terrible. I have to be careful with Chai, sometimes it really aggravates my GERD.

Spookiesmom

Goats, this is good stuff!!

luvmygoats

Spookie - I haven't tried that one. OK rummaged in the cabinet. I do have "Pacific Chai" Spice Chai Latte powdered. Might have some of that in a bit. I also have a pkg of David Rio Tiger Spice Chai but I think the canister is expensive, I got this free at a tasting in market. The couple I had were good. This was a Tazo liquid choc. chai . It was chalky, just not nice and I diluted the heck out of it. Finally poured down the drain. Oh the Pacific Chai has frozen directions on it yum. Wonder where DH has put the blender.

Spookiesmom

I'm not a tea fan at all, the chai smells sooooo good. Must be the cloves. This has powdered milk, can be served hot or cold. Perfect for a lazy impatient me.

Jazzygirl

Loveroflife- I wake up with different pains every day that take me to the dark side. I am sorry your hip is hurting and hope it is better soon. Maybe a hot bath? Rub a bit of lavender oil on it if you have any?

glennie19

The Vietnam pictures are beautiful!  Want to go now.

Tresjoli:  ocular migraines??  I had those spontaneously happen. NOT fun.  Was told nothing to be done about them. Mine have stopped,,,, knock on wood,,, are you still having them?  Agree with others,,, style your hair.  Keep the shaving in reserve.

Kjones:  WTH? Didn't want to give you Ativan 1 mg?  That's so wrong. Ativan is a great drug. Thoughts on sleep meds. Many things give me the hangover in the morning effect too. Try liquid Benadryl, that way you can take a smaller dose than the capsule will let you do. Maybe a lower dose will give you less hang over in the morning. (do not take Benadryl if you are on tamoxifen)   Nortriptyline is one of the older anti-depressants known as TCAs.  Elavil,( amitriptyline) is another one, used a lot for sleep. 10 mg of that was too strong for me.  What I did use was another TCA called doxepin.  It is available as a liquid, 10 mg/1 ml (smallest capsule is 10 mg) so you can start low and see how it works for you and how hung over you are the next day. These meds will most likely leave you hung over the first couple of times you use them. Start on a weekend, or day off when being hung over isn't such a big deal.  I used to take 4 mg (0.4ml, get a measured syringe) and would sleep just great. Since doxepin is an anti-depressant used for sleep, hopefully, you won't get a hassle to try it.

One issue:  since most insurances will pay for only a 30 day supply, tell doctor to write RX for 1 ml at bedtime,,, that way you get 30 ml (1 ounce) and then you can play with the dose as you need to, and it will definitely last you more than 30 days.  Then if you find a standard dose, like 10 mg works for you,,, you could get the capsule instead of the liquid.

blondiex46

Gi gtake ativian fuor narusea that the nmorphine gives me

Chevyboy

THIS one! Isn't he beautiful! I went back to FB, and found him again.........

Eeyore07