FullaBella's Journal, 06 Mar 13

Note: this journal has nothing to do with food or weight but it is about health - at least - MY mental health. So read on at your own interest.

Once again I had two of my favorite quotes reaffirmed yesterday: 1) The human mind is my favorite playground and 2) People who say you can't buy happiness just don't know where to shop.

Happiness yesterday cost me $675. The pseudo-bean counter in me has already cost averaged it as $337.50 for two days and even extended it to the 'less than $2 a day for the year.' Worth every penny.

I'm sharing this in my journal because, well, heck, it's my journal. I warned you.

But moreso - because I know I'm not the only caretaker on this site. So in the event you've experienced the same or similar situation this may idea bring you some relief too.

MH's COPD has progressed to the point that 1) he's constantly complaining he's 'hot' when it's only 64 degrees in here 2) because of his struggle to breathe combined with the steroids from his inhalers his moods are a little tough to take at times 3) I can't know for sure as I haven't experienced it but imagine his limited physical ability makes him feel less and less in control and affects the second thing even more.

Even when I'd bring in a thermometer showing him 'yes, it really is only 64 degrees in here' he'd accuse me of lying, playing with the thermostat, etc. Offering to turn the ceiling fan up higher or put up a circulating fan in the room to keep the icy air moving only irritated him more.

Finally I phoned our H/AC and asked 'do they even MAKE a remote controlled thermostat?' Sure, I could have played around on the interweb and done my own research but I needed someone to install it that was going to stand behind it so I just went out to the professionals.

They were stumped. They weren't sure. There are those that you can hook to your computer and Iphone but an actual remote control? Hmmm.

This intrigued me. This H/AC company handles 90% of the business in town, including the Daddy Warbucks folks over on millionaire row and *I* was the first person to ask for such a thing?

Then again, the Warbucks probably have hired help to keep fiddling with the thermostats or stand by and fan them personally.

Nonetheless, two days later they phoned back with 'indeed, they do actually make them and yes they can install them' and two weeks later it arrived and was installed yesterday.

MH is thrilled. Captain Kirk now in control of his command central. I chuckled inwardly when he said 'it's freaking cold in here, the A/C is set at 70 but it's only 67!'

It was a short chuckle because MH is a very intelligent man, especially when it comes to things like H/AC, electrical, plumbing, etc. Hence why he feels so frustrated and helpless at being chairbound now.

But the really cool part that came w/the new thermostat was this 'random circulating fan' that kicks on ~ so instead of chilling the room down to 63 just to get that air circulating that MH so desperately felt he needed, it now keeps the room at a constant 68. There's even an outdoor sensor to confirm 'it's only 32 degrees outside so 68 in here w/o AC or Heat is pretty darn good'.

I KNEW if he regained control of something - it would do wonders for his mood. I was right. I am realistic enough to know after so many other things it probably won't last (his happiness) but for today, it's pretty darn good.

So to repeat: 1) the mind is still my favorite playground and 2) if you think money can't buy happiness, check with me. I know where to shop.

Thanks for reading.
Bella

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1327 kcal

Fat: 73.89g | Prot: 90.25g | Carbs: 70.07g.   Breakfast: Sauerkraut Libby, Bacon, Egg, Tomato, Sargento 4 Cheese Mexican. Lunch: Classic Potato Chips (40g), Ranch Dip Lays, Sauerkraut Libby. Dinner: Del Monte Sliced Peaches, Swiss Cheese, Prime Rib. Snacks/Other: Cottage Cheese 4%, Strawberries. more...

2058 kcal

Exercise: Sleeping - 24 hours. more...