Humor, Life, Menopause, Nonsense, Tater Tots

Screw It, I’m Eating Tater Tots- Part 15

Writer McWriterson

Because it’s 2020, and it shouldn’t come as a surprise, I am publishing July’s tater tot post on June 15th.

Maybe because I hate this moment in time we are in, maybe because I have felt like shit for over a month, maybe because the post I had planned for today read like a third-grader had written it because I originally wrote it in the notes section of my phone, then copied and pasted it into WordPress and it ended up looking unruly because it wouldn’t autocorrect itself.

Paragraphs all out of sorts, sentences jumbled together, fragments….unfragmented?

Yes, I have been blogging for ten years now, thank you very much.

So here’s a second tater tot post in June.

Fuckety fuck fuck, I hate this year we are in.

Migraine Party of One

I have had a migraine pretty much every day since Mother’s Day. If not a migraine, some sort of head pain. I am not going into the details because this is supposed to be a somewhat upbeat tater tot post, and you all know that I have chronic head pain.

So I finally broke down and visited a headache clinic in downtown Chicago last week, and I have no idea why I didn’t think to do that before. I must have thought I needed a referral or something, but I was completely desperate. So desperate that I called my husband at work and told him to take vacation time, FMLA, tell them he had COVID, ANYTHING, because I couldn’t function any longer at home without his help.

I have been running the show here at home alone since the quarantine began, and while my girls are semi-autonomous; they are still my children. They still make messes, they still need food, they still eat, they still need clothing, they still have basic mental and educational needs and I am the only adult mostly for 12-14 hours each day. Usually, that isn’t a problem around here, but as of late, it has been because no one from the outside can come inside of our home because there is an invisible virus outside.

White Medication Pill on Blue Textile

I called the headache clinic and got in within four days. Long story short, I was told that my neurologist was on the right path but wasn’t being aggressive enough, and now we are attacking that bastard migraine in the balls, as we should have all along.

I am on two different DAILY preventatives and daily vitamins (four of them), and my monthly preventative. I will see my new headache specialist every month until I reach my milestones; 90 days with no abortive (think pain relievers), and one year without a migraine. It’s a huge milestone and it will take time (think marathon, not sprint.)

But I finally, after 15 years, have a teeny tiny glimmer of hope.

Peeing

I peed here

Are you sick of peeing your pants? I sure am. Our public restrooms in Illinois aren’t open yet due to COVID restrictions. Except for big box retailers and gas stations. I’ve never been a fan of gas station restrooms, so Target restrooms it is!

To be clear, I am not looking for public restrooms; however, when I am out in public and must urinate, I need to find a location that isn’t my pants.

And here

For peeing emergencies, we keep a plastic bowl in the trunk of our car. We got this plastic bowl from the hospital when Ella was born. (I’m sure we paid for it) For obvious reasons, we nicknamed it the “puke bowl.” I’ve peed in it more times than I care to count. I’ve also peed in every forest preserve between here and Chicago.

But one day, while wandering around Northwestern University’s campus on a day trip, I told Mike, I need to pee so bad that I’m going to sit in the grass, pee in my pants, and just sit here in my pee pants until it dries. AND HE DID NOT BLINK OR FLINCH. Because it seemed like completely rational thinking.

That sentence pretty much sums up 2020.

Here too

What I am watching

That show up there? My all-time favorite show of 2020.

Okay, I know we are way behind on Bloodline, but that’s how we roll. We are torn on this show. We just finished episode four and don’t know how we feel about it. It twists and turns. Should we keep going?

Another one we are way behind on but we both LOVE this show so much.

What I’m reading

I have a secret…I haven’t read a book since 2018. I am as ashamed of myself as you are. But my neighbors were talking about this book they were passing around in the cul-de-sac a few months ago, and said they would send it my way when one of them was done with it.

It showed up smack in the middle of my migraine cycle. So no way was reading happening. It sat on my steps for a solid two weeks before I got medicated and finally started reading.

I was hooked and finished it in three days.

Click on the image to take you to Amazon. I get nothing if you click on the link; I promise.

Links

The Person’s Financial Ethic We Should Care Most About is Our Own

I Don’t Feel Like Buying Stuff Anymore

Overcoming Anticipatory Anxiety from Chronic Illness (I for one, could relate)

25 Everyday Items and Their Intended Purpose

Fired Florida Data Scientist Launches Coronavirus Dashboard of Her Own

Looking Past the Likes

Quarantine Has Changed Us- And It’s Not All Bad

So there you have it, a July tater tot post in June.

Hell, I might even share a tater tot post every other week.

24 thoughts on “Screw It, I’m Eating Tater Tots- Part 15”

  1. Listen, I can do a tater tot post ANY TIME. So share away!

    I am so glad you saw someone who can potentially help you with your pain. Saying all the prayers for pain free dats ahead and to someone who finally listens to you. ❤️

    This year sucks. I thought it would get better as the weather got warmer but it actually feels worse. How is this possible? I feel completely drained. I also feel alone. Like I’m the only one feeling this way. I see people coping way too well and I think what is wrong with me?? So your blog is a breath of fresh air. Thank you for being real.

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    1. I feel SO SEEN. I hate using that term but it’s so true in this case. Yes YES YES. I feel the exact way. I attributed to the fact that I’ve had the month from hell because of pain but I feel like everyone is doing better than I am during this and I don’t know why I am not.

      Like, I feel like I’m walking through pudding and everyone around me is gliding with skates on. Does that even make sense?

      Sigh. I just want life to be back to normal and we are so far from that, it’s laughable. Maybe if everyone could agree on that fact it would be easier? 😢

      Thank you for reading. 😘

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  2. SO glad you’re headed in the right direction with the migraines ❤

    You know you've watched The Office too many times when you see the thumbnail for the trailer and think, 'Hey, that's Meredith's stripper son.'

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      1. The first season is a bit tough to get through for some folks. (Almost got canceled after.) It was almost take for take a copy of the British version, so a lot of the humor didn’t land well here. But the second season gets brilliant, so I’d recommend starting there or just knowing that the first season (which is like 6 episodes) may be a bumpy ride.

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  3. I am so sorry to hear you are still struggling with head pain. I really hope that this new regime helps! Daily pain is no fun…. but thankfullly your posts are!!

    I haven’t broke down and peed in public yet but while hiking the other week I was sort of panning the woods for where I might be able to go if I couldn’t find a “real” bathroom. I can’t even believe I broke down and used a porta potty. Because in CT while public restrooms are not open (even in stores!) most public parks and spaces have had porta potties delivered instead. I guess they aren’t as germy?! Who knows?!!? But desperate times and all that.

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  4. I DO hope this new protocol with your migraines will be a positive step. I just can’t imagine. You deserve better and I hope you are getting the quality help you need.

    I laughed so hard at your peeing issue. Yeah, I laughed so hard, that I might have peed. I TOO am a chronic pee-er. Everywhere we go, I need to pee. On Saturday we were off with Lolo and Nathan for about 5 hours. I had to find a bathroom 3 times. ONLY ME. I feel like they were bragging about their large bladders by not having to pee. Bastids. I should get a pee pot for my car.

    I loved Bloodline. Especially because it was filmed in Florida and I had been in some of the Key’s areas where they filmed it. Also, Kyle Chandler is eye candy.

    Mom is one of my favorite shows ever. When my Mom was sick and I was taking care of her, we watched that show so much and we both bellowed out with laughter….too stinking funny. Such good memories and I still laugh at them.

    I hope you feel better my friend. Big hugs.XOXO

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    1. Thank you, friend. I get so excited when I see one of your comments pop up in my feed. It’s so good for my soul.

      I’m so jealous that you guys have public restrooms open. Damn Illinois bathrooms.

      I might save bloodline for winter when I will need to see sunshine in Florida when it’s snowy and gray at 4:30 in the afternoon here.

      Aww I love that I will always think of the show Mom that way from now on. ❤️

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  5. So very sad that your headaches have been so ongoing. I can’t imagine. I’m glad you took this step and I hope it is the final chapter of migraines for you.

    Tater tot posts (accidentally typed tot with an ‘i’ there. Whoops. That’s a whole different kinda post) are the bomb. I assume no one minds if they come at us outta order since they are a direct hit to the funny bone ‘n all.

    I guess I fall into the caregory of bladder-strong-like-bull, no regular need to pee when I leave home. My walks are long-ish but always the same boring route and I am home in 1.5 hrs or less. When we were shopping for camping gear years ago we cane across something called a go-girl. Looked like an oddly shaped mug with a long handle under it- um, used for girls to pee in the woods. Did not buy it but whwn I drove a group of women to Ravinia (outdoor music concert) a few years back in the great white, we really needed it.

    I usually only read in the summer at the pool, or when out of town- but I have discovered how to carve out some time this last year or two to read year round and I feel so happy about that. Like a grown up with more to do then juat laundry and groceries. Glad you found a page turner and a less-painful window to experience reading. To me- a (much needed) chance to escape.

    Feel better and for God’s sake- pee before you leave home. (Kidding)

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    1. Maybe I should start writing tater tit posts. Might increase my page views. 😉

      How is your bladder that strong after six kids???? You should be studied. For real. My friend told me about that thing. I need to buy one.

      I do pee before I leave home! I don’t have a world record bladder like yours. 🙄

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  6. I actually read this blog post yesterday, but didn’t have time to comment, so I’m back! I am SO glad you have found relief from the headache clinic. I hope and pray that you continue to heal day by day.

    I can’t believe you hadn’t read a book in two years! That surprises me because usually people who love to write are also avid readers. I’m on Goodreads, so I keep track of the books I read and I do a challenge every year, too. So far this year, I’ve read 23 books. And it says I’m two books behind schedule (in meeting my challenge). I definitely read more in the winter. But anyhoo…reading is – and always has been – one of my favorite things in the world. I hardly ever watch TV; I’d much rather read.

    Peeing…yikes, I can’t believe you pee out in the open like that! lol I only did that one time – many years ago, when I was walking a loong time through Moraine Hills State Park in the winter. I ducked behind some trees; couldn’t stand it any longer. I had a convo today with my pelvic floor physical therapist and we were talking about the frequency of urination, lol. But in a serious, medical way. She is eventually going to incorporate exercises to help me pee less frequently and make my bladder stronger. I was telling her about you and your blog post (no worries, I did not mention your name!) and she said, “OMG, she needs to come and see me; she should not have to pee like that when she’s out walking!” So just a little FYI there in case you’re interested. 😉

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    1. I know, I used to read a lot more. I blame social media and blogs. 😂😂😂

      Well to be fair, I drink A LOT of water. Think, 15 glasses or more a day. I’ve always been this way. And now my meds make my mouth dry, so I drink even more. So that’s why I’m peeing so much. 😉

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      1. I drink an average of 104 oz of liquid per day (mostly water; a little tea or coffee or almond milk thrown in there). I only know cuz I had to keep track for the urologist and physical therapist. 😉

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      2. Maybe I should measure my ounces. I wonder if there is such a thing as drinking TOO much liquid each day?
        I also should clarify, I don’t pee more than once per walk. I also don’t always pee when I walk either. It depends on the length of a walk. If I walk four miles, I will have to pee. If I walk two? I will be fine. Boy, I am an open book. 🙂

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  8. I drink lots of water every day because I like water. HOWEVER there are repercussions for such indulgence. I get your situation. I like the link to the article about not buying stuff anymore. I feel that way, too. Too much bother to even try to buy things now. Doing great without.

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    1. Ellie and I went to Hobby Lobby yesterday for the first time since January to get craft supplies and ended up with nothing. It’s just not as much fun to buy things any more. I’m not complaining though. I am okay with having less stuff. ❤️

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  9. I have migraines too so I understand your pain. I feel like no one gets it unless they are going through it themselves. So I see you and I see your pain. ❤️

    I just found your blog and am so glad I did. I love your voice and your sense of humor. The fact that you can talk about your pain without sounding like you’re complaining is a testimony to how great a writer you are. I can’t wait to read more.

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    1. Thank you so much. When I was at the doctor in Chicago, he said so many of his patients feel ashamed of their pain because no one can SEE pain. And because you can’t see it, it isn’t “real”. So thank you for “seeing” it. ❤️

      I love gaining new readers. I hope you stay around for a long time.😘

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