Motivational Monday

I was recently reminded of this motto:

"Hope floats"

...so keep the faith, y'all

Happy Monday!

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal is a...Son of a Mother Duck!!

First of all, for those of you who are offended by the title of this post, you have obviously never had to go through withdrawal. If you had, you would know that there is no other way to put it.

Second, I had been on my anti anxiety meds for a few months before my shrink decided it was time to start the weaning process. All in all, I took those meds for 10 months and two weeks.

Third, I strongly suggest that you ONLY take anti anxiety meds under the supervision of a doctor.

Last month, I had told you guys that I was officially off of my anti anxiety meds (see old post). I was so happy because I hadn't had any withdrawal symptoms. But, I spoke way too soon.

On November 3, I had an "almost" panic attack before falling asleep. Man, did it scare the everliving crap out of me! I had to take a quarter of a pill just to settle down. The very next day I scheduled an appointment with my therapist. Obviously, I still had to work through some anxiety issues.

I have been able to work on those issues, but I really just want to share my experience with withdrawal symptoms in this post.

Those of you who know me know that I would never willingly have a problem with drugs or alcohol. For that reason, I never thought that I would ever have to face something as difficult as withdrawal. It is a very scary experience. My symptoms included uncontrollable (yet sporadic) twitching in my legs and feet, shaky hands, anxiety and restlessness.

The worst part is that I felt like someone else, but in my skin. I wanted to get up and run around or talk a thousand miles an hour. I wanted to keep my hands from shaking. I wanted not to get stressed out, and I wanted to take the pills to make it all go away. I could do none of the first three things, and I CHOSE not to do the last.

Let me just tell ya', that last choice was the hardest of all. The only thing that kept me from taking a pill was the thought of having to go through withdrawal again. It is not a fun process, and I'm glad a friend gave me a head's up before I started experiencing any symptoms.

Since Nov 3, I haven't taken any pills (though I have wanted to a couple of times). The shaking and restlessness stopped after about two weeks (thank goodness!) The twitching slowly subsided, and I have been able to manage my anxiety in a much more productive way.

For those of you who are taking benzodiazepine medication be aware of the withdrawal symptoms and consult with your doctor. For those of you going through withdrawal, a few weeks of symptoms is nothing compared to a lifetime of not having to take them. For those of you who are neither, I hope you never have to fall into the previous categories.

Take care and talk to ya soon!

Pattern of the Week

When I saw the following pattern, I just had to share it with you guys. I get daily newsletters from Knitting Daily (Beading and Quilting Daily, too). For the most part, the newsletters contain info about techniques, where to shop and some rather traditional patterns.

But, I thought this one was really impressive. For me, the coolest part is that the designer (Norah Gaughan) has a double degree in biology AND art. Too cool!

POTW: Knitted Tree Topper, by Norah Gaughan
Photo from www.knittingdaily.com

This pattern uses double pointed needles (DPNs) and is stuffed to keep the star pointy.

This project can be made with different colored yarns to get different effects. The more advanced crocheters will also be able to deduce the pattern from this photo.

You can download the pattern here...and see some other versions and a video here.

Hope you liked it...Merry Christmas!

Pattern of the Week (x2)

I know, I know, I know. I just can't seem to get myself organized to post every week. I haven't given up, though.

Here are a couple more patterns that I've found. The first is from knitty.com (my goto place for knitting patterns). The second pattern is from a crafty blog, Pretty Ditty. Check them both out for good patterns and ideas.

POTW1: (Not-all-the-way) Fingerless Gloves, Cigar by Kerri Cadd. Photo by LuAnn Cadd
I LOVE these gloves. They would have come in really handy when I was a student. I don't really think they are just for men, though. Actually, I think that any artist, painter, draftsmen would be thrilled to own a pair.

I plan on making myself a pair for the winter. I just need to find the perfect yarn. :)

POTW 2: Halloween Delight - Pretty Ditty Apron, by Pretty Ditty. Photo from pretty-ditty.blogspot.com

A friend of mine posted an apron that she made a few months ago. It was really nice. I loved it. So, when I came across this apron, it reminded me of her. :)

If you go to Pretty Ditty's blog, you will see a whole bunch of homemade products. She sells her patterns and products at her Etsy shop. If you want some good ideas, surf on down to her blog.

Well, that's it for this week. Hope you like these patterns.

Pattern of the Week (x2)

Okay, so I have been a little tied up in the past few weeks. But, I think I'm finally hitting my stride. Since I haven't posted a POTW, I'm going to give you TWO this week :).

Winter is upon us (in the northern hemisphere actually, cuz here it's almost summer, ha!) and I've been checking The Purl Bee and Knitty for some season appropriate ideas. Here are my choices:

POTW 1: Daisy Stitch Handwarmers (picture from purlbee.com)

I found these a couple of years ago. LOVE! They are so adorable and easier to make than you think. There's a great deal of repetition in the pattern. Once you get a rhythm going, it goes very quickly.







POTW 2: Mushroom Hat (picture from purlbee.com)

My sister loved this hat and wants one for winter. So, off to find lovely yarn to make it. :)









So, that's it for this week. I hope you try these patterns. They just take a little patience, but the results are awesome. Good luck and see ya next week.

Motivational Monday

No quote today, just a story that I hope motivates you guys to do anything you put your mind to.

As of last Monday, I am officially off of my anti anxiety meds! I was a bit worried because every time my doc would lower by dosage, I would feel the effects within a couple of days. So far, the only withdrawal symptom I'm experiencing is that it's taking a little longer for me to fall asleep.

Before the meds and therapy, it would take me anywhere between 45 min to an hour to fall asleep. During the night, I would wake up 4 or 5 times. Needless to say, I would usually wake up tired in the morning.

Now, it takes me about 30 minutes to fall asleep and I don't wake up at all during the night at all. A fair trade off if you ask me. :)

I really appreciate the experiences that some of you shared with me. They really have helped me through this experience.

Well, hope you have a great Monday and week!!

Motivational Monday

Not much to say today. I'll just leave you with a quote that always makes me smile. Read it, remember it and use it :) and let me know how it goes.

"Ba-zinga"

-Dr. Sheldon Cooper, The Big Bang Theory