#and i stay clear of my allergens

[wearethewitches]

Not me getting wagamamas, then going through the allergen process only to find that I technically qualify for a purple board

[violetandvermillion]

Nobody can see the pink marks

Climbing up my skin

Like an allergen

Like spider bites

As long as I don't bruise up

I can hurt myself again

I can hide the clawing and scratching

I can pinch and twist my hands

Feel them ringing louder than my thoughts

Cut up my arm just a little

As long as I don't scar

As long as no one's looking

Hiding won't be hard

I'll be under the covers

I will wear long sleeves

I will say I'm alright

Until everybody leaves

I won't even scream

This time

Take my daily dosages

My emergency medications

Put a hold on my breakdown

Stave off all escalation

Keep standing still

Like I'm being hunted by a wild animal

Do everything I need to to somewhat survive

Stay clear of the hospital

I know that it won't help

All I need is a little time to get me well

The loneliness in me that I feel can't kill

As long as I'm still kicking

My heart's still ticking along

The sorrow that I feel is devastating

But I can still regrow strong

Even wild

Rafflesia

So long as I'm not wrong

God, let me not be wrong

[suzieb-fit]

Here goes another "detox day one", lol.

Today started a little better. I think the biggest "antagonist" was likely eggs. I cut them out when I got the allergy results.

Egg whites was the only thing high on both the allergy AND intolerance results.

It kicked in quite hard after breakfast, but it usually hits earlier than that.

Have to get the milk reaction out of my system now.

Got up and out for a lovely little morning walk. That half hour first thing from getting out of bed does me so much good.

New breakfast idea. Got a bit fancy with the few ingredients I have, that I'm still allowed to eat.

Chia seed protein powder, plus actual chia seeds, cacao powder, coconut "flour", mixed with olive oil. Apple, cinnamon and walnuts. Liquorice root.

I usually just have the apple and a bigger portion of nuts, but I felt like trying something a bit unusual.

Black coffee blended with more olive oil, collagen peptide powder and inulin.

Feels good to have breakfast outside. Autumn is almost here, but I'm going to enjoy the remains of good weather for as long as I can.

I got into sme fabulous weight training before lunch.

Upper body today.

Chest press, wide grip rows, bench pullovers and seated shoulder press.

I'm refocusing on strength. But still staying away from bicep work. Need to try keep the bulk to a minimum!

I ended with a brief "sprint interval". I'm researching different things, and this is the latest one to take my notice.

Just a few minutes of all-out effort to finish a strength session.

I'm all about Stacy Sims right now. Her tag line is "women are not little men". And sprint intervals are her recommendation for menopausal chicks like me.

I've been listening to podcasts with her over the last couple of weeks. Love her ethos!

And I started her book last night.

I'm on it, Stacy! New focus - Get strong. Get hormonally healthy. Get back to my best!

I used plank jacks for that "finisher" today.

Five fast intervals, longer rest intervals between. Oof. Yeah.

The end of that little vid? That's how full effort intervals are supposed to hit you!

Feel great! Definitely appreciated a nice coffee (insrsnt with oatmilk) and a bit of a chill before making lunch.

And it was a good lunch, of course.

Chicken and avocado salad with grapes.

Fresh ginger, paprika and turmeric.

Herbs and spices are so good for us. Full of beneficial polyphenols. And they taste great!

Another lovely walk. Longer this time. Forest trails with the boss-man 😊

Today has been pretty good all round.

If the combination of intolerances and allergens were the cause of the mucus problem, it's no doubt going to take a while for everything to clear out of my very clogged up system! Have to remain optimistic.

Good day for an average fast, food and fitness. Feel better than I have in quite a while!

[flock-talk]

@cedarsmokesrandoms I use the large NOMA air purifier which I got at Canadian tire

Here’s the American website

They also make one for small rooms but this one filters 177 cubic feet per minute and on its lowest setting it is completely silent I actually thought it wasn’t running when I set it up. On high it is quite loud but it fades in to the background to me the same way that my fridge or fishtank sounds do. It can be set to auto so it stays on low until the air quality changes then auto speed goes up to compensate but because those settings are designed for human lungs I opt to keep it on medium or high most of the time.

Edit: oh and it does have an ionizer so that switch just needs to be flipped to off before using it in a bird home

[jopetkasi]

ou really wont know when your time is up. 

That was a lesson I re-learned today.

I was supposed to go out last Saturday night with Tumblr Friend, Reynaldo but decided to first join my family for dinner. Food at home is always simple and made from scratch but it is always delicious, nonetheless. 

For starters we had our version of a Wendy’s Salad Bar which was wiped out the moment it landed on the table lol .

Anyways, during the meal  dad noticed i was sweating profusely despite the airconditioner, running. 

“Baka mainit lang talaga” I said pero on top of the sweating, both my arms started to hurt and my chest was heavy like there’s a hollow block on top of it. 

“let me check your vitals” A quick BP by my step-mom showed 160/100. 

then i turned pale and became weak. 

the next i remember was being wheeled to Makati Med by my cousins since the oldies are not allowed at the ER. 

to cut the story short, I had a heart episode last week that demanded hospital confinement. 

I had six doctors total... cardio, pulmo, endo, two others I don’t recall and the ex bf who was at PGH but rushed to check on me. 

multiple tests done like 2D echo, stress test, even my legs went for an ultrasound because they (doctors) cant detect a stable pulse. then there were the constant pricking and inserting of needles on both hands...i lost count of the procedures. 

all i wanted was to sleep but the constant flow of people in my room did not allow me some snooze time. did i mention that it took them four hours to get me a room (which I totally understand) of course I wont settle for a ward lodging not because I am maarte and shit. But the reality that I snore, I fart so loud and shriek at needles, makes me nahihiya to sleep in a room full of strangers. 

i take that back. maarte nga ako. I frowned when i heard that a small private was the only available accommodation left. I was telling myself, tutal magbabakasyon nalang ako sa hospital sana maayos yung room. thankfully, the room given to me was pretty big and spacious. sorry na po. 

i can’t tell you much about my situation since we are still waiting for the cardiologist to relay the real score. 

kwento ko nalang yung food. i was on a “low-salt, low-fat, diabetic and hypo-allergenic diet”

sounds too harsh, you’d think but thanks to the very good dietician/nutritionists, the portioned food served to me was good. 

 I had lean tapa and papaya for breakfast...

and Robitussin flavored jellos for dessert. 

again, nothing is clear on what happened to me. one thing is for sure, this body of mine is neglected and is starting to go weak. 

the lesson was simple. i need to take care of my body. this is not mine, it was only lent for a purpose. 

siguro in the next couple of days mag goal settings ako. sana maging consistent yung determination ko to change my lifestyle. sana capable pa ako magbago. 

thank you, dad for footing my bill. 

thank you to cousins who looked after me.

thank you to the doctors, nurses, medtech and hospital staff who were so patient, caring and made my stay comfortable.

thank you to the ex, who stayed and watched over me. 

and thanks to all (bawi ako sa yo, Rey) who cared and offered to be near me. 

[babycatlix]

hi friends 🩵

just checking in after the new year! and what a year it's been so far... and just so ya know this is long, and it's totally okay if you don't even read it! there will be some gif updates at the end 🩵

i cannot catch a break 😭 remember how i was sick? not the first time, the second time, with the cough. i had a severe sinus infection the first time i was sick. i didn't realize until i got sick again that it was a sinus infection and not a cold. and i also learned that you can get better for a small window and then the sinus infection can come back... guess what happened to me! but this time, i had a terrible cough. it was so bad that when i coughed, it would sometimes hurt all the way down my chest, i cried once from the pain. i also missed 2 days of work bc i was up all night coughing and i even got sick a couple times from coughing so hard. but i saw my doctor and got an antibiotic and that cleared up!

BUT, right after that cleared up (sunday evening), i woke up yesterday morning (monday) and discovered a rash on my arms. it was mostly under my armpits, but it didn't look that bad, it was just speckly (almost like a heat rash), and it didn't itch unless i poked the spots. there weren't that many and they weren't that swollen. i took a cool shower to hopefully calm it down and it seemed like it did. but come this morning, i wake up and my rash had bloomed. aka spots merged together and made bigger splotches. it was swollen and itchy. thankfully we had a snow day today, so i was able to go to the doctor and have her look at me. when she walked in she said, "i heard you have a terrible rash." and i sighed and said, "i hope you can make me better, i'm so sick of being sick." after examining me she prescribed a steroid and claritin 24-hour.

my parents, doctor, and i all think it's bc i'm allergic to CBG oil. it's the only thing that's new in my diet. i needed a new CBD oil, but the plain CBD oil i usually use was out of stock so i decided to try a 50/50 CBD/CBG oil bc it said that it was specifically for pain and swelling. however, after taking it for 72 hours... i broke out in a rash. which would make my rash a type IV aka a delayed hypersensitve reaction. in short, my body is firing off histamines in reaction to the inflammation caused by the allergen that's still running through my body, but it's too much, hence the rash.

TLDR: i have a rash from an allergic reaction. but i'm not sick anymore! at least in the sense of my sinus infection...

i will start posting sets again soon, maybe tomorrow. i'm still trying to work on sets after work so i can get caught up. and i still need to figure out a good point to stop for skz talker, but i have so many eps cut. but i also want to get started on the music videos i'm behind on too.

anyway, here's hoping your new year is going much better than mine is! please stay safe out there, make good choices, and stay hydrated my friends! 🩵

[cody-helix02]

I got a carrot allergy and the shitty thing with those is that...same as nuts...the allergens in it don't get destroyed when ya cook or bake them. They fade when the carrots are hot but come back when they cool off...so I stay clear off them doesn't matter what product they're in.

So my Ma knows all this.

And I told her the other day that I ate some convenience food that had carrots in them...like dehydrated and they came back to life when soaked in the hot water...just the tiniest fuckin bits...and I still had a fuckin allergic reaction. Mind you I was hungry af and didn't care enough. Also my allergic reactions are only my throat gettin itchy...and it slightly swelling...same with my nose. (Well I haven't eaten enough carrot to know if it can get worse lol)

ANYWAYS THIS LADY HAS THE AUDACITY TO TELL ME THAT THAT AIN'T TRUE AND POSSIBLE! THAT THAT NEVER HAPPENED TO HER ( i got my carrot allergy from her.) AND THAT I REACTED TO SOME OTHER STUFF IN IT.

LADY WHAT ?! HUH ?! YOU WORK IN THE DAMN MEDICAL FIELD! BODIES REACT DIFFERENTLY! HELLO ?!

I am currently having an allergic reaction to carrots again that's why I thought of this lol. I am fine lol. It's just annoying.

[meditating-dog-lover]

Cleaning - my skin is happy

So I have a 4 day weekend, which is great because work can be exhausting. However I know my skin was going to get irritated because my house is cluttered.

I know allergens and irritants do trigger my skin. I know eczema is an inflammatory condition. So are painful menstrual cramps, which I used to struggle a lot with. Now since I started taking vitamin D and fish oil for inflammation, my cramps are much more tolerable, to the point where I feel fatigued and sleepy and some pain (I don't feel like the women running around in white pants in the commercials) but it's much better than how I felt in the past, where I would stay home from work/classes laying in bed crying. I know that if I reduced my inflammation, there is something that causes eczema and not period cramps that I haven't addressed it. And of course, allergens and irritants are definitely a trigger.

My diet has been good and I'm eating anti-inflammatory foods and I'm drinking a lot of matcha tea. I'm taking vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids for anti-inflammatory nutrients, and spirulina (I've gotten used to the taste). I'm not eating a lot of sugar and junk. I know diet is a huge component when it comes to inflammation, but it's not 100%. Though it's definitely a huge important factor which is more important than others. In fact I might even cancel my appointment and speak to my aunt about this.

But there is most certainly an allergen component, because my skin clears up at work where there is good ventilation. My face was so red yesterday and I took an allegra pill and applied some benadryl gel to my hands, face, and neck. My mom, who also deals with bad allergies and had severe eczema when she was my age, told me that would help. This morning I woke up and spent the entire day cleaning my room. Removing a ton of clutter and stuff I do not need. Sometimes it goes way beyond just vacuuming, dusting, and running an air filter. It needs hours of decluttering. I'm so satisfied and relieved. I got rid of so much stuff I do not need. My skin feels better already. I feel like I can breathe in my room.

On top of my anti-inflammatory diet and supplementation, my next step is to declutter my house and just organize and being up to date with cleaning. This will help so much. My skin is less angry at me. So diet and decluttering are 2 main goals I want to develop for now.

Other sources of irritation are gut inflammation and toxin exposure, which is why I take the spirulina. Taking that doesn't require as much effort as cooking and buying anti-inflammatory foods and deep cleaning my house. But it is worth scheduling an appointment with my doctor to discuss all this. And how I can guarantee a healthy gut and toxin removal. Again it's as simple as finding a supplement and taking it regularly. It's not something that requires active maintenance like an anti-inflammatory diet and decluttering. Nor do I think they are as important. But it's worth asking about both.

The next step would be to do autism testing. It's quite hard to book an appointment, unfortunately. Not many offices near me offer it. But I know it will work out.

Final steps would be to consistently workout and go to a dentist with my mom.

So overall the main goals would be to stick to my anti-inflammatory diet and to declutter and clean my house regularily. Then we'll see where the next step takes me. I don't want spend a lot of time, energy, and money on seeing doctors and my mom and sister have been more helpful in many ways than doctors have been. Such as recommending an anti-inflammatory diet and how to effectively clean and manage allergies. My dad told me about intermittent fasting and may aunt about spirulina. Sometimes our loved ones know best.

It can also help to switch to less irritating cleaning and skin/hair products like soaps, cleansers, shampoos, body washes, deodorants, laundry detergents, and dish soaps. Even maybe a shower water filter attachment. This is another goal to look into and I'm not really good and finding alternatives. I'll see.

[armorservices]

The Ultimate Guide to Air Conditioning in Kuwait: Staying Cool in the Desert Heat?

Air conditioning is not a luxury but a necessity in the scorching heat of Kuwait. With temperatures soaring, keeping your living and working spaces cool and comfortable is vital. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about air conditioning in Kuwait, from choosing the right system to maintenance tips to ensure your AC runs smoothly.

Why Air Conditioning is Essential in Kuwait

Extreme Temperatures: Kuwait experiences scorching hot summers, with temperatures often exceeding 45°C (113°F). Air conditioning provides a reprieve from the intense heat.

Improved Indoor Air Quality: AC systems filter the air, removing dust, allergens, and pollutants, contributing to a healthier indoor environment.

Enhanced Productivity: Comfortable working conditions result in improved focus and productivity in offices and commercial spaces.

Energy Efficiency: Modern AC systems are designed for energy efficiency, reducing electricity consumption and costs.

Choosing the Right Air Conditioning System

Split Air Conditioners: Ideal for cooling individual rooms or small spaces, split systems consist of indoor and outdoor units.

Central Air Conditioning: Best for larger spaces like homes, offices, and malls, central AC distributes cool air through ducts.

Portable Air Conditioners: These are versatile and can be moved to different rooms. They're suitable for temporary cooling solutions.

Ductless Mini-Split Systems: Combine the efficiency of central AC with the flexibility of split systems, allowing zoned cooling.

Air Conditioning Maintenance in Kuwait

Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and performance of your air conditioning system, especially in the harsh climate of Kuwait. Here are some maintenance tips:

Cleaning Filters: Clean or replace filters regularly to ensure efficient airflow and better indoor air quality.

Coil Cleaning: Dirty coils reduce cooling efficiency. Have them cleaned by a professional annually.

Regular Inspections: Schedule annual professional inspections to detect and prevent potential issues.

Leak Detection: Check for refrigerant leaks, which can harm the environment and decrease cooling efficiency.

Common Air Conditioning Problems in Kuwait

Overheating: Extreme temperatures can cause your AC to overheat. Ensure the system is adequately ventilated and insulated.

Airflow Issues: Dust and sand in the air can clog vents and filters. Regular cleaning is essential to maintain airflow.

Refrigerant Leaks: High temperatures can lead to refrigerant leaks. If you notice reduced cooling, contact a professional.

Electrical Problems: Frequent power fluctuations in Kuwait can damage electrical components. Invest in surge protectors.

Choosing the Right Air Conditioning Service Provider

Selecting a reliable air conditioning service provider in Kuwait is crucial for efficient system installation, maintenance, and repairs. Consider the following when making your choice:

Licensing and Certification: Ensure the provider is licensed and certified to operate in Kuwait.

Experience: Choose a provider with a proven track record and experience with your specific AC system.

Customer Reviews: Check online reviews and ask for references to gauge the provider's reputation.

Service Offerings: Look for a provider that offers comprehensive services, including installation, maintenance, and emergency repairs.

Pricing Transparency: Ensure that the provider offers clear pricing and doesn't surprise you with hidden fees.

FAQs About Air Conditioning in Kuwait

What is the best temperature to set my AC in Kuwait during the summer? A recommended setting is around 24-26°C (75-78°F) for a balance of comfort and energy efficiency.

How often should I clean or replace my AC filters? Monthly cleaning or replacement is ideal, especially in dusty environments.

Can I install an AC system myself? It's best to hire a professional for installation to ensure proper sizing and efficiency.

Are there energy-efficient AC options available in Kuwait? Yes, many AC units come with energy-saving features, like inverter technology.

In Conclusion

Air conditioning is a lifeline in Kuwait's sweltering summers, ensuring comfort and productivity in the face of extreme heat. By choosing the right system, performing regular maintenance, and selecting a reliable service provider, you can stay cool and comfortable year-round. Your air conditioning system is your oasis in the desert heat, and it deserves the attention it needs to provide you with optimal cooling.

[inga-don-studio]

Currently in the state of limbo of ‘is it allergies or is it a really mild cold.’

[thebibliosphere]

As per usual, the trip to the dentist today has left me with a migraine lingering behind my right eye. Right before it started, Holly Mop got weirdly intense and pressed herself up against my right side. Just as the pain began to break through to unbearable levels, she wriggled her way up to face height and placed a delicate paw against my jawbone. Like she knew, correctly, that the joint inflammation from being forced to keep my mouth open was the source of the migraine.

And then, right now, when the pain killers finally kicked in enough that I will hopefully be able to sleep, she gave me the gentlest lick, got up and went to go nap on the end of the bed. A very clear, “I love you, I’m going to sleep now that I know you’re okay.”

I know dogs are smart. I’ve read all the stories about how they can smell cancer and alert their humans to allergens and impending seizures. But it’s a surreal experience to have this tiny mop with zero service training who was rescued from horrific conditions less than a year ago be so attuned to my broken body that she gently herds me about, making sure I take care of myself, and then stays awake to watch over me until I’m feeling better. Like I just… I have so many emotions over this tiny ball of fluff.

[chronically-autistic-dinosaur]

1. “AlLeRgIeS dOn’T gO aWaY”

Allergies can and DO go away, people. Just because Shawn WAS allergic to dogs doesn’t mean he still is. I think he would know if he’s still allergic to something or not. Repeated exposure to an allergen can cause the body to build up a tolerance to said allergen. We’ve seen Shawn with dogs numerous times. We know him and Camila have a dog so it’s not out out of the realm of possibilities that he doesn’t have a dog allergy anymore. My sister had a cat allergy when she was younger and no longer has it now. She even has two cats herself.

2. Gluten allergy vs gluten intolerance. Now unless Shawn has been tested for either a wheat allergy or celiacs, I’m going to go with he’s just gluten intolerant. Still not fun to have, but not AS serious as a full blown allergy/celiacs. I have an intolerance to gluten. I’ve been tested for celiacs and it was obviously negative. I still have to eat gluten free, though.

3. People in the Twitter comments are like “it took him over 20 years to realize he couldn’t have gluten? 🫤” The symptoms of gluten intolerance are vague. They’re like any other GI symptom and can include headaches and fatigue-again vague symptoms and could be ANYTHING. With Shawn being on the road constantly, fatigue isn’t uncommon…and neither are the other symptoms really. So it’s possible he’s had a gluten intolerance since childhood and just didn’t put 2 and 2 together that whenever he ate certain food, he got sick 🤷🏻‍♀️ It’s ALSO possible he developed an intolerance to gluten as he got older. I didn’t become gluten intolerant until last year after my second COVID infection. It’s one of my many long-haul issues.

4. Going GF for health/medical reasons (as opposed to “just because”) isn’t a walk in the park. Labels need to be read. Going out to eat at a restaurant is a challenge. Accidentally eating the wrong thing or forgetting to read a label/ask if there’s gluten in something can make the individual pretty sick depending on how severe their intolerance is. I’ll get a migraine, nausea and 💩 if I’m not careful. I don’t know the severity of Shawn’s gluten intolerance, so I obviously can’t speak on behalf of him but I imagine he suffers similar symptoms as me 🥺🥺

5. His gluten intolerance may even be brought on by stressors. I don’t know if his is. If so, his intolerance CAN clear up/get better by removing certain stressors/triggers from his life. But because of his career, he lives a moderate-high stress lifestyle. If his intolerance is lifestyle related, it’s best if he stays gluten free. It’s not worth feeling like 💩 just for a burger.

I’m aware these posts are from 2019, but I can safely assume he’s still gluten free. In 2020 when he was living with Camila, she was cooking gluten free food for him. There’s also been a lack of birthday cake photos on his last couple birthdays…which leads me to believe he’s not eating gluten still. I definitely feel for him as someone who is gluten intolerant themselves. I went over 30 years being able to eat pretty much anything I wanted to suddenly having to restrict what I eat. I definitely know what he has to deal with.

[aminiatureworld]

Melusine

Characters: Albedo, gn!reader

Word Count: 2,221

Warnings: Brief depiction of pseudo-drowning

Premise: In which the reader’s somewhat inexplicable fear of water prompts questioning

Author’s Note: This prompt reminded me of the book (and series) The Tail of Emily Windsnap, which, if you haven’t read at least the first book, you totally should read as it’s just really a wonderful read. The descriptions of the ocean are especially atmospheric. Anyways, as for the prompt, I had a lot of fun. I tried to write a mermaid story in middle school and while it didn’t go that well I have a lot of nostalgia for the mermaid genre. Though this was more about the discovery than actually being a mermaid.

Also the title is a pseudo-historical reference.

Albedo

The first time it had happened Albedo had brushed off the whole incident as completely explainable. After all, it wasn’t as if you hadn’t explained what had happened.

You two had been sitting on one of the craggy hills of the Whispering Woods, you sprawled on the grass, Albedo attempting to paint a landscape of Mondstadt, one of the more ambitious paintings in his current portfolio. Especially since he had traded his more opaque oils for the gentler tones of watercolors. At one point he must have made some sort of noise of frustration, for you lifted yourself out of the shade and made your way over to the canvas.

“That looks absolutely lovely Albedo!” Your smile had always had a calming affect on the alchemist, and this time was no different. Albedo could feel the tension slowly leeching away from his shoulders.

“Do you think so? I’m afraid that I still can’t handle all the odd shadows the buildings cast.”

“The buildings look perfect to me! Though if you feel that way, maybe you could lighten the side facing the sun a little more instead of darkening the area over here? So the shade doesn’t become too muddy.”

“You have a wonderful eye, you know,” Albedo replied, smiling at the way your mind had immediately jumped to the conclusion that he had drawn as well. Reaching for the bowl of water next to him Albedo went to water his brush a little more before trying again.

Unfortunately that’s when things appeared to have taken a turn for the wrong. Instead of reaching over the bowl Albedo’s elbow collided with the glass. Though the grass was soft and close enough to prevent any damage, that didn’t stop all the muddied water from spilling out over the brim and right over you. You let out a sort of squeak, and for a moment Albedo though it was just the initial shock, but then the expression on your face came into view and Albedo could immediately sense you were seconds away from panic.

“Is something wrong?”

“I, I don’t like water very much,” you let out a strained laugh. “I just, I don’t know. I really, really don’t like water.”

“I’m so sorry,” Albedo immediately replied.

Taking off his coat he did his best to dry you off, wiping off your arms and attempting a valiant effort with your now sopping clothes. Though you assured him that it would be alright the alchemist could sense those were only platitudes, and it wasn’t until you seemed significantly calmer that Albedo turned to pick up the bowl and refill it in Cider Lake. And though a part of his mind wished to delve deeper into what had happened he pulled himself back, figuring it wouldn’t help you if he was suddenly enquiring over something you were afraid of.

Now perhaps that should have been the long and the short of it, but the revelation had begun to make Albedo see water everywhere and, more importantly, see how much it appeared to affect you every time you appeared to come in close contact with it.

Thankfully you didn’t seem to have trouble with water in glasses, at least as long as someone was actively drinking it. If not however you would glance at the glass every so often, as if it were your mortal enemy, waiting to catch you off guard to it might tip its contents all over your clothes. Other things, like obsessively drying your wands after washing them and draping layers of towels over your shoulders when you washed your hair, also became apparent. Suddenly Albedo couldn’t stop noticing your discomfort, and the more he noticed the more he wished he could do something about it.

“Exposure therapy?”

“Yes.”

You were sitting on Albedo’s desk, leaning slightly over your partner, a slightly bemused look on your face. It had been about three weeks since the incident, and finally Albedo thought he might have found some sort of solution to your problem. Now he eagerly pressed forward, figuring you’d understand once he’d explained everything fully.

“I know that it might seem counterproductive to subject you to what gets a frightened reaction out of you, but if you subject a person to something they’re afraid of in very small doses over a long period of time, usually they begin to feel a little less afraid of the thing in question. It’s sort of like how you can sometimes make allergies less serious by slowly exposing the patient to more and more of the allergen.”

“I understand where your line of thought is coming from Albedo, but I’m really not sure if this is the best idea for me.”

“I know that it might seem daunting at first. I would not bring up the topic if you didn’t seem so miserable sometimes. I worry that you might become so unhappy by your fear that it will become debilitating eventually. That is why I decided to bring up the option.”

“I really appreciate you going out of your way to think about me Albedo. I really do. I think what you’re trying to do is very kind and noble of you. But in all honesty I don’t think that’s going to work. You see, the way my fear works, I just don’t think that exposure is going to make it go away.”

“Are you sure?” Albedo pressed on, still hoping that you might see the benefit in what he was suggesting. “It won’t start with something drastic I promise. And at the end of the day, I think that it will help a lot.”

“I understand that, I really do, but like I said my fear doesn’t work that way.” You paused, as if sensing the sinking of your partner’s heart, before smiling slightly. “If it makes you feel any better I promise to give it some more thought. Alright?”

“Thank you,” Albedo replied, though in his mind he knew that you thinking about it probably wouldn’t change anything.

Thus the cycle continued, with Albedo growing more and more uneasy. He didn’t bring it up with you again, sensing it would be walking over some invisible line, but still his mind whirled in trying to understand what you meant. If your fear wasn’t simply irrational, then surely something must have happened once. Though the alchemist didn’t pry, surely if you wanted him to know you would tell him in your own time, he had to admit that sometimes his brain went off on various daydreams, as if trying to decide for itself what might have happened.

As it turned out, Albedo didn’t have to speculate for long. Nor did the truth come out the way that he had expected.

You two were on the very small dock at Cider Lake, checking the rafts were tied down properly before the beginning of the stormy season that wreaked havoc through Mondstadt once every year. Though normally you probably would have never done such a thing the Guild was spread thin, preparing for storms, though not nearly as fierce as Dvalin’s winds, that would blow shingles off roofs and destabilize the occasional out of place rock on the wall. As of such the task of shielding the boats used to carry supplies from the City to the larger Mondstadt region had fallen to you. Albedo had tagged along, knowing how uncomfortable the experience might make you feel, and unwilling to leave you alone in a state of anxiety.

“These remaining boats are the ones we need to tie down. They’re too big to be stored in the sheds inside the City.”

“I see,” Albedo replied, already moving to nail the tarp down on one of them as you secured the roping. Already the air seemed alive with the fresh smell of impending rain.

“It’s too bad really, we can’t guarantee these boats’ safety the way we can the others. Thankfully these ones are mostly insured by the Knights. Though really maybe we should build a larger shed,” you mused to yourself, keeping up the tell-tale stream of conversation that Albedo knew you used to distract yourself.

“Perhaps you can make a query via the Guild?”

“Perhaps,” you mused. “Or I might be able to ask Amber.”

Albedo replied that would be a good idea, turning to put another temporary nail onto the top of the longboat. All seemed alright for a moment, then there was a shriek and a terrific splashing sound. Whirling around Albedo had just enough time to find your head in the water before you seemed to seize up and your head dipped below the still crystal-clear waves.

Immediately Albedo stripped himself of his coat and dove in. Though no amazing swimmer himself the alchemist was hardly the worst at staying afloat, and even if he only knew a select few amount of swim strokes that paled in comparison to the idea of you drowning. Making his way over to you he fought the panic rising up inside of him, the part of his brain that said it would be much more difficult to rescue someone terrified of water.

However almost as soon as Albedo approached you he noticed that something was distinctly off. Firstly you didn’t seem like you were drowning, in fact you appeared quite graceful in the water, swishing softly back and forth. Secondly the reason for said grace quickly became apparent to Albedo. For in the spot where your legs should have been, indeed in the spot where your legs had been mere moment ago was something long and slightly shimmery and distinctly fish-like.

Letting his mouth fall open Albedo immediately hoisted himself up above the water, choking on the gasp of breath he had found himself taking. What was that, what in all of Teyvat was that? You were half fish. How were you half fish? Did such a thing even exist, for Albedo had certainly never heard of it! Though the alchemist later admitted that in the moment such fantasy creatures as merfolk had completely fallen out of his head, there was something distinctly different than reading about something in a book and seeing it in real life.

Dragging himself onto the shores of Cider Lake, Albedo waited for you to emerge, still breathing heavily from what had just passed. His brain seemed to shut off them, for he found himself with no questions to ask. You were a mermaid, you were simply a mermaid. There was nothing more to do or say about it.

Eventually you joined him on the beach. Albedo watched in an odd sort of fascination as your legs emerged from the scaley fin which your lower body was now made up of. For a moment individual spots of iridescent seemed to remain, but soon your limbs were back to normal, ignoring the fact that you were soaking wet.

“So now you know why I said exposure therapy wouldn’t work out,” you said, letting a grim sort of laugh escape your lips.

“You… you are a… a…”

“A merfolk, yeah,” you laughed awkwardly. “Not sure why I get stuck with the weird power that is more annoying than good but, you know, oops?”

Albedo could sense your vulnerability, but try as he might he couldn’t get the words to come out of his throat. For a moment he sat there, gasping like a fish, but finally the expression of muted misery on your face wormed its way into his brain and finally Albedo felt as if he had regained some ability to talk.

“I think it’s fascinating.”

“Of course you do.”

“No, really. And not just because this is something I’ve never experienced or seen before. Though it was really surprising, it was also wonderful. As an alchemist you study all the wonders and anomalies of nature, and in doing so you see all these differences aren’t just something to be written down, but they also beautiful. And so I think you’re really beautiful.”

“Thanks,” you replied, though you still seemed uncomfortable. “I just, yeah…”

Reaching over to find your hand in his Albedo squeezed your palm softly. For a moment you did nothing, then, slowly, you leaned your head on Albedo’s shoulder. Letting you stay there Albedo found himself wishing that he could convey all the emotions he felt in that moment to you.

“I know that it can be difficult to talk about things that you’ve kept secret, especially when you feel like they make you stand out in a bad way. But I promise, there is nothing wrong with that. And I hope if I made you feel uncomfortable in any way that I can apologize.”

“Thanks Albedo,” you murmured. “You don’t have to say sorry, but thanks anyways.”

“Always.”

“I love you, you know?”

“I love you too.”

Albedo planted a soft kiss on your forehead. As the boats sat, woefully forgotten, the two of you basked in each other’s presence. For Albedo a mystery had been solved, and explanation given that, while not necessarily scientific, was certainly satisfactory. Yet at that moment he couldn’t care less about it. All he could think about was how lonely it must have been, and how, if he could help it, you would never feel isolated in your discomfort or in your secret ever again.

[suzieb-fit]

Trying a new fasting app. I tend to swap to a new one after a while.

Up early and out for my half hour walk.

I only had two meals yesterday, as I had my fracture clinic appointment around my usual dinner time, so I decided on a longer fast, rather than a late dinner and short fast.

Beautiful morning, but pretty cold, so I had my breakfast inside. Apple with cinnamon and walnuts. I sprayed some with olive oil, sprinkled with sea salt and roasted them in the oven yesterday. Lovely.

I had a local GP appointment soon after that, to ask if there was anything else they can offer me to find the cause for my mucus problem.

He's referring me to an ENT mucus specialist. Excellent, but why has that never been suggested before? Hmm. Never mind. Just a new hope.

It was only a short ride, just over five miles, but still a good way to stay active.

Ont the subject ofvthe mucus, it's very vad today. No improvement on day three since cutting out my reported allergens. Not going to get too disillusioned just yet. It can apparently take up to a few weeks to clear the system.

I got myself back outside for yoga, before having a lovely sardine and avocado salad for lunch. Hand picked blackberries were a lovely bonus!

Another little walk this afternoon.

And that was me all done for the day.

I'm giving it 7 out of 10 for a good effort. Only losing points for the level of mucus, and how much I've allowed it to get me down.

Good score for fast length, movement, macros and good food in general.

Oh, and I took the dressing off my finger after preparing lunch. Definite progress there!

[gwydionmisha]

Personal: 10:34 and All Is Well

Friday, i stayed up for the 8AM call about the oven arrival time.  Initially it had been intended as a morning delivery, but they changed the time to afternoon.  I went to bed, knowing that there would be morning forage delivery, a quick drop in by the Head Millennial (who is house sitting nearby and wanted to do a few things), and likely a bunch of phone calls, all of which would wake me.  I also got a surprise wake up from Squirrel, who came out to discover Tavy making an escape to; see where Head Millennial had gone.  Were they hiding in the bushes?  (He knows Millennials come from bushes and the short drop in really confused him).  Squirrel needed to check if Livia had escaped.  She had not.  Livia escaped once in her youth and it was terrifying for her.  She was napping in my bed like a good girl.  Still checking was absolutely the right thing to do.

There were calls, including the police "charity" scammers who have clearly gotten some new auto-dialer numbers.  Sigh.  If I got two hours sleep together, I'd be surprised.  Forage delivery blocked the door again, but luckily hadn't put them right up against the door (a thing that periodically happens), so I could open far enough to push them away far enough so i could drag them through.

The oven arrived in the hottest part of the day, which was not pleasant for anyone involved, as I had to go out, prop the door, and guide them in, and those poor bastards were trying to work in it, I turned on main room fans and air-conditioning, but the brief trip outside, followed by my frantic cleaning of the under-oven space after they pulled the dead one, very nearly did me in.

I was thirty seconds from getting the last mystery glob off the floor when the phone range and I had to talk squirrel into getting it as I was blocked in by the arriving oven.  I intuited it was my social worker, and managed to stop squirrel from telling her to call back later, but rather to wait.  I huddled in the space between the small chest freezer where Squirrel keeps his meat and the sink while they pulled the oven forward so I could escape.

I explained about finally finding a dentist willing to do the crown, but they wanted 1700.00 cash up front and told me I should personally bill medicare for reimbursement after.  I had tried to tell them that wasn't how it works.  They kept insisting they weren't in network for medicare even though that's not how medicare works either.  (Not exact wording, but the gist).  This was basically the endodontist problem all over.  I gave her the dentist contact info and she'll do battle with them next week.  who knows.  If we are lucky she'll open that dentist for medicare users too, just like she did the endodontist.  She is the bureaucratic equivalent of Wonder Woman and she is my best hope for winning a crown before we have to do the root canal all over again.

Let's all hope, shall we.

I needed a bath at this point between sweat and allergens and sticky things that had dripped down the back wall, so i gave squirrel the pre-cooled living room, bathed, and went back to bed.  It was clear I was not getting back to sleep, so the cats and I read peaceable for a couple of hours in the nice filtered air.  I was nearly done physio when Head Millennial l called needing a ride, which was fine.  We chatted while we sorted it out and there are now plans for the Head Millennial to bake me a vegetarian lasagna for Saturday first meal.  We are both very excited to try the new oven.  (Don't worry, i ran it the requisite recommended time this afternoon to "burn off and leftover manufacturer oils).

Tavy nearly knocked me over when I went to water the plants, still looking for his missing Millennial, Poor Wee Button.  The cats did not like workmen and the whole day was made of disruptions, but they've settled down now that everything is normal again.  Livia ate her meat, everyone has had pets and snacks.  My stomach is full, I am hydrated and medicated, and by the time I went to pick up the millennial, there were normal for summer here clouds and there was a good breeze coming off the bay to chase the heat wave funk away.

All is well at the Cat asylum tonight.

[honeybee-babe]

Ficlet: Adam+Eric and Ruby+Otis on Another Double Date and Adam’s Allergies Act Up

(brief glimpse of Lily+Ola at the end)

Another cute/fluffy fic featuring sneezy Adam, this time with lots of cute Ruby bits! Canon compliant.

2,018 words

The second time Adam and Eric went on a double date with Otis and Ruby, they had decided to go to the park down the street from the Milburn residence for a picnic.

It was still September pollen count was manageable, so Adam thought he could handle it. He'd been meaning to stop taking his Claritin for the season and decided last night would be a good time. If he took them too much, he found that they became less effective.

What he hadn't been expecting was that Ruby would be wearing so much freaking perfume.

"You two excited to chat more about your terrible taste in reality TV?" Otis teased as he poured everyone a solo cup of pilfered red wine from his mom's pre-pregnancy stash.

"Most people like to stay updated on pop culture," Ruby said, flashing him a condescending little smile and taking a sip of wine.

"Plus, it's wicked funny!" Eric defended, elbowing Adam to get him to agree -- which he did, nodding before taking a long sip of his wine to try to cover up his nose twitching, indulging in a few scrunches in that time. He'd never had wine before. It was weird but oddly delicious. "We watch it together sometimes now. You should try watching it with Ruby, y'know it can't hurt to show some interest in the things your girlfriend likes.”

"I will watch the Kardashians when she plays Smash Bros."

"I am not playing a stupid video game, especially not one with a disgusting title like that."

"...what do you think Smash Bros is about?"

For some reason, the wine seemed to be making Adam’s nose more itchy. He set his cup down and rubbed at it a bit, while everyone else was thankfully too invested in the argument to notice.

He still hadn't sneezed in front of anyone except Eric, and even around him he still stifled, occasionally managing an half-stifle (well, more of a 3/4 stifle). This was just not an insecurity he could fully conquer overnight.

Unfortunately, the red wine was really setting him over the edge. Normally in this situation, he'd just excuse himself to the bathroom for a minute to go sneeze in peace and take his meds. Or if he really couldn't hold back in the middle of a class or something, he'd just find some time when the teacher wasn't looking to stifle into silence. He typically sat in the back so that wasn't an issue.

But unfortunately, he didn't have either of those luxuries at the moment. And it was a double allergen -- something he wasn't used to. Maybe now was the time for him to push his phobia a bit further.

Eric's explanation of the game and Ruby's unexpected curiosity and interest in it (maybe it was the wine talking?) proved another distraction, as he finally indulged in a silent stifle, turning away from Eric just in time.

As usual, the force rocked him to the side quite a bit, and his wine sloshed in his cup from the force, and Eric immediately grabbed it from him before it could actually spill, knowing there were at least two more coming (and Adam spilled shit on himself enough when he wasn't involuntarily and repeatedly convulsing). Thankfully, Adam managed to squash them both into silence too.

“Gesundheit,” Otis said casually as Eric and Ruby went on talking. Adam nodded his thanks to him as Eric handed him back his cup and squeezed his hand. He knew Adam was weird about sneezing around other people and he was glad that he was making steps to get over it.

The conversation dragged on, Adam offering little grunts and one word answers of agreement with Eric. Otis and Ruby (begrudgingly) agreed to try watching the show and playing the game, respectively.

Adam's nose was still itchy, but he could keep it at bay with occasional (and well-timed) rubs and sniffs -- and by avoiding the wine. 

All was well, until they started in on their pizza gluten free pizza. It really wasn’t that bad, and Ruby really appreciated that no one had made a fuss about it. Otis went to refill everyone's wine cups.

"Adam, you've barely touched your wine." he observed, seeming disappointed. “Usually you finish your drink before everyone else. Do you not like it?"

"No, uh. It's really good. It’s just, uh," Adam hesitated. “...wine gives me the shits sometimes, so. Probably shouldn’t risk it.”

Everyone exchanged a mutual look of disgust, Ruby in particular.

"Well, there goes my appetite.” She tossed down her pizza slice and went for another sip of wine. "TMI, much?"

"So, uh," Eric cleared his throat. "What about that assembly today, huh? Quite the disaster."

"I'd rather not bring Hope Hadden into my safe space, thanks.”

"This is your safe space?"

"Wherever there's wine and gluten free pizza, I feel safe." Just as Ruby said that, Adam took a rather large bite of his own slice, leaving a big splotch of sauce on his chin. Out of habit, Ruby went in with her napkin. It wasn’t her fault, she was used to cleaning up for her father, and he and Adam both radiated the same fuckwit energy.

"Uh... thanks?" Adam commented, a little bit embarrassed. Ruby's hand flew back down to her cup as soon as she realized her mistake, hiding her face in her cup.

"You trying to flirt with my boyfriend, Ruby?" Eric joked.

"No, it was just disgusting to look at!" she insisted, flushing a bit red, maybe not due to just the wine. "You should really invest in an etiquette class," she said rather condescendingly to Adam, who wasn't listening because he was gearing up for another sneeze. He’d been set off a second time, this time due to the unexpected proximity to Ruby’s heavily perfumed wrist.

He indulged in another triple, this time punctuating the first two silent ones with a more substantial half-stifle.

“hh’MPtsh! Fuck,” he vocalized on a heavy sigh in the aftermath. Eric rubbed his arm tenderly, which he’d been doing since the second sneeze in this set. Ruby and Otis shot each other a look.

"Babe," Eric started once he was sure that was it, removing his hand from Adam's arm to instead tilt the sniffling boy's face to him. He was clearly flushed and his eyes were a bit watery. "Did you forget to take your meds last night?"

"Uh, no. I didn't." Adam muttered, sniffling rather loudly. Sneezing in front of them was bad enough without Eric commenting on it, even though Adam knew it was from a place of love. "I stopped taking them last week, remember?"

"Why would you not take antihistamines before a picnic if you've got allergies?" Ruby asked, clearly unimpressed.

"The pollen count wasn't supposed to be high today."

"Well, clearly it is.”

"Actually, it’s not," Otis cut in, showing off his phone screen. "I just looked it up.”

"Are you getting sick, babe?" Eric asked, putting a hand to Adam's forehead. "You do look a little flushed."

"No," Adam backed away from him, swatting his hand away from him. He really did not do well with everyone staring at him. "It's, uh, I think it's the wine. It was, uh. It was kinda bothering my nose."

"Why wouldn't you just tell us that?" Ruby asked. "That's a much better image than you shitting yourself."

"I've heard wine can bother people with hayfever," Otis commented, taking the bottle and moving it away from Adam as if that was going to help. "But you haven't been drinking any. You sure you're not sick?" Otis asked, inching away from him a bit now. Eric had mentioned he could be a bit of a germaphobe.

"Uh, no. Not sick," Adam said, trying for an awkward little smile. "Just the wine... and I think Ruby's perfume, a bit.

There was a moment of silence, as if Adam had just said something highly offensive. Ruby tensed up the moment he said that.

"It is Ariana Grande," she defended. "And it's quite expensive!"

"Well," Eric said tentatively. "You are kind of wearing a lot of it.”

Otis shot Ruby a sympathetic little grin. Before Eric and Adam had gotten to his house, he had commented on it himself. Ruby embarrassedly admitted that they’d had to run in a mile in gym class today, and she hadn't had time to shower in the time between getting home from school and driving up to Otis’ house was because she had been literally bathing her own father instead. Hence, the perfume bath.

“It smells really good," Adam explained through a mouthful of pizza, “it just bothers my allergies.” He sniffled again for good measure and rubbed his eyes a bit.

"Your eyes are all red, love," Eric pointed out, rubbing his shoulder again. "Maybe we should go back to yours and get some meds in you."

"I've got some at my place, actually," Otis offered. "We could go back and watch a movie or something? Wine's almost done, and it is getting dark. Hey, maybe we could watch the Kardashians." He smiled at Ruby.

"And you can teach me Smash Bros," Ruby offered, returning his smile and then turning to Adam. "As long as Sneezy here is okay with it?"

"Y-yeah. I'm good with that," Adam offered, actually chuckling a bit at the silly name-calling, and turned to Eric. He was relieved that no one made a big deal about, and pleasantly surprised at how eager they were to accommodate him. You good with that, babe?"

"Of course.” Eric kissed him on the nose mischievously, thankfully not causing another fit. “My second and third favorite things."

And so they walked back to the house, Otis and Ruby chattering away and holding hands, passing the wine bottle between the two of them and taking swigs of it until it was finished, the latter getting increasingly less unpleasant to be around the tipsier she got.

Adam and Eric trailed behind, also holding hands, mostly quiet except for the latter occasionally commenting on how much of a lightweight the other couple in front of them both were. Adam sneezed silently a few more times as they walked. Eric, knowing how uncomfortable he still was about it, chose not to bless him and alert the others, but rather to squeeze his hand and shoot him a sympathetic smile each time, leaning his head on his sniffly boyfriend's shoulder as they made their way up the steps to the Milburn-Nyman residence.

Ruby showered, and put on one of Otis' t-shirts and a rolled-up, comically too long pair of his sweatpants. They'd never seen her without makeup before. She was somehow prettier this way. And also a lot more talkative.

Ola had Lily over, and they tentatively came downstairs to grab some crisps halfway into the group's chosen episode of Keeping up with the Kardashians (the Viagra one, of course -- what else would this group have chosen?). Surprisingly, Ruby was the one who asked if they wanted to join in, claiming she was getting “testosterone poisoning” from being around the three boys for so long. No one bothered to correct her and tell her what the term actually meant.

Adam got a little tense again when she explained to the two of them why they'd had to cut their picnic short and why she was wearing “loser clothes,” but he relaxed again when they didn't make a fuss about it either. Lily even said that perfumes bothered her too, sometimes. Who woulda thought?

But the party didn't really start until they started playing Smash Bros, which is how they spent the rest of the night -- boys vs girls, of course. Girls team reigned superior most rounds, mostly thanks to Ola's mad skills (and Otis and Adam letting them win -- Eric was way too competitive for that, of course).

All in all, it was a great night, and Adam walked Eric home feeling a little bit more comfortable with himself. That was a recurring theme with him, these days, after all.