Beauty Basics for the Hospital and....

A long ago Christmas with the kids trying to get our cat, Misty, to pose as well. 

Between spending hours last night getting ornaments on the Christmas tree and a scheduled appointment tomorrow with my gastroenterologist, I'm not sure I'll be able to write a Friday Tidbits this week.  To make sure something gets done, I'm writing today.  I really need to get strong enough to start posting more often, but those of you who keep reading this blog, no matter how little sense I all too often make, know how many ER visits (6!) and hospitalizations I've had in the last few months.

So, today a bit of this and that, mostly my thoughts on ...

• There's been a lot in the news about the FDA requesting the manufacturers of antibacterial soap to show that the claims they make are indeed true.  I was pretty happy to see this.  I use only Dove "beauty bar" (soap!) except for one exception: the Dial antibacterial pump I consider a "must" for underarms and surrounding area. For me, nothing works without that first step.  If I forget it, the two different deodorants I use at the same time simply don't work.  And it makes sense. The "foul" smell is from bacteria. With all the sweating "we" do, bacteria multiplies awfully fast! 
• I always carry Dove in my emergency bag for possible hospitalization when running to the ER but I've now decided to add the pump Dial antibacterial soap as well.  The antibacterial soap in the hospital is just too harsh for my sensitive CFIDS/ME/CFS and fibromyalgia skin.
• I've also added air freshener and a scent (perfume) that puts me in a good mood and allows my doctors to come much closer to me and my bed.  The air freshener is for everyone's survival, especially if a digestive disorder is lurking.
• My sensitive skin can't handle the washcloths in the hospital so I bring a couple of my own, in a distinctive color - this so they don't accidentally get thrown into the hospital's laundry. Purple is one favorite.  Another is a washcloth that was brown but somehow came in contact with bleach. No one wants it and that poor washcloth has finally found a new purpose for its "life." ;)  Don't we all want to be useful? 
• Ear plugs are definitely in my emergency bag.  The noise on the floor was so crazy that I couldn't even hear the TV - and the speakers were on the inside of my bed. 
• Hospital air is dry.  Add to that the fact that we often run fevers.  On top of that, our dry eyes can drive us crazy.  It got so bad that I had hubs bring me my Evian spray in a can.  Don't scoff!  Water in a spray bottle just doesn't cut it.  A spray of Evian misted my face and I felt much better. (Or you can go insanely decadent and get La Mer's version, bliss!)
• When you're really sick, it's hard to motivate yourself into washing your face.  The answer: miscellar water and cotton pads. Bioderma is my absolute favorite.
• And, a crazy thing: I brought all I need for a basic manicure!  When I started to feel a bit better, I did a very slooow and minimum manicure when I couldn't sleep at night. (Who knew there's a upside to being an insomniac?)  I'm not completely nuts: a neutral color was used.
• Finally: If you're feeling really good and bored (as I did with my gallbladder surgery last year) you can even do a couple of DIY spa treatments!  

Some of these points have been covered in the past. (link)  

Christmas is almost here.  Ugh to the craziness and yay to the food.  I love Christmas Eve dinner because it's lenten and there are dishes we eat only on Christmas Eve.  But more on that later.

I hope everyone's trying not do too awfully much and risk a flare.  Tonight the tree was fun to do once I could haul myself out of bed after taking painkillers.  Only four ornaments broke.  I managed to cut my ankle and get blood on my new off-white living room area rug.  That's when hubs and I called it quits, leaving the rest for today or this weekend. But then I went too far.  

At 1AM, unable to sleep, I snuck downstairs and spend six hours on finishing the ornaments part and cleaning up the area.  I wanted to surprise hubs, as well as send some more "in progress" pictures to the son living in Malaysia. (OK: truth be told I was bored and antsy. I hate doing nothing!)  The top of the tree needed more work but I just didn't have it in me to fix it, thinking I might be inspired later.  I sat down to take pictures and they looked fine (other than that blasted top!). Then I wanted a picture with the lights on.  Surprise! Suddenly half the lights were not working and we had tested them so much to be sure! 

Oh yeah. I'm going to be in great shape for that GI appointment tomorrow! ;)

Until next time, I hope everyone is doing their best - only better!  Ciao and paka! 


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