Introduce Yourselves!

I see I have gained some followers recently. Very exciting! Please comment and introduce yourselves if you feel comfortable doing so.

Not Quite Stable

...but giving thanks for my weighted blanket, which, when cuddled in my lap or around my shoulders, can make many things much better.

Rejoice with me!

I am feeling better! I am myself again! I have my soul again! And it was my pleasure to spend three hours studying math this evening.

It really does feel wonderful just to be alive and myself...how could I not be happy?

That Horrible Place

There is a horrible place between depression and mania.
It is a place where there are no tears, but also no laughter.
It is not raining but there is no light.
I do not feel hopeless but I cannot feel hope.
I cannot tell you how awful it feels.

And I'm stuck.

Hard Day--Hanging in There

I am up to date on my schoolwork but only just. I could have been so much farther ahead if I were feeling better. Somewhat manic today...and now just crash. Not even exhausted, just energy and motivation completely gone.

I am restarting that one medication again tonight so I should be feeling OK by the morning...I hope.

Prayers, please? I have two tests, SAT IIs, and two papers this week...

Thanks.

Frightening

All of a sudden I'm scared. I don't feel right--I don't feel quite like myself--and it worries me. Logically I know I'll be back on that medication by tomorrow night, Tuesday at the latest, but I'm worried that this will turn into a full-blown episode before then. I had to force myself to study today; I never have to do that! I love to study! And something in my head doesn't feel right.

Off a Med

I went off Abilify and I may need to go back on it. I don't want to post anything I'll regret while my impulse control is down, hence the silence.

BIG NEWS...

I am now taking seven pills a day (not eight) and medicating twice a day (not four times). This is great!

Happy Birthday Israel!

Not much time, but I have to post this.

The country with the greatest number of Ph.D.s per capita,
Leading the world in medical research.
The number one immigrant absorbing nation in the world,
and
The only Jewish State,

Israel is 62 Years Old!

May she live for another 1200! (Usual blessing is 120, but that seems young for a country.)

The Challenge Day 58

Can I manage the rest of the school year on roughly 45 dollars? I only need basic supplies and a prom ticket...I bet I can.

The Challenge Day 57

Today I went to Target, and bought everything I needed for under twenty dollars. If I budget well, the money I have will last me the rest of the school year and then some. I am feeling rather pleased with myself, I must admit.

The Challenge Day 51

Flying is expensive!

And not just the ticket.

Between the bag check and lunch, I spent more of "my" money today than I usually spend in weeks. And I may have to make a necessities run to Target this weekend, too.

The Challenge Day 50: Haircut

Today I spent a good chunk of my parents' money but it was for a good cause: I donated my hair to Locks of Love. Let's just say it's creepy to see a braid of one's own hair lying on one's table in a plastic bag.

Reasons to Love Short Hair:

1. Your shirt or nightshirt does not get soaked after you shower.

2. Three minutes to wash + two minutes to style = five minute hair.

3. More body because there is less weight.

4. Better accentuates face.

COOL!

The Challenge Day 43: Cellphones and Study Guides

Yesterday my phone died from water damage. Today I got a new one, free of charge because of the two year thing. My new one is purple, with a qwerty keyboard. I love it. My old cellphone is now a lounge chair in my dollhouse.

I also got a study guide for the AP English Language exam, for which I used my five dollar gift card to help offset the cost.

The Challenge Day 41--and Another Dollhouse Craft

This craft is absolutely free, and a good use for old catalogues.

You Will Need
One or Two Catalogues with Lots of Pictures
White or Pastel Colored Paper
Scissors
Stapler
1. Cut a picture out of the magazine.
2. Place the picture on the paper and cut a long strip the same height as the picture.
3. Fold the paper in a zig-zag; try to keep the edges even.
4. Staple the picture on top of the paper, making sure the staples go all the way through the zig-zag.
5. Trim any visible edges.

These magazines look great on a dollhouse coffee table!

Also, today's found object tip: an old film canister with some bits of paper, plastic, and/or clay inside makes a great dollhouse trash can!

The Challenge Day 40--Dollhouse Crafts

Today I am going to give some instructions for making dollhouse miniatures with only basic craft supplies.

1. Books
You will need:
Paper
Scissors
Markers
Step 1: Cut a small square, at most two inches long and wide, from the paper.
Step 2: Fold square in half and unfold.
Step 3: Fold square in half the other way, unfold, and fold along first fold line.
Step 4: Cut from the folded edge halfway along the middle crease.
Step 5: Press in on the ends and fold to make pages.
Step 6: Color the covers.

2. Dishes, Vases, Toys, etc.
You will need:
Modeling clay or playdough (I like Sculpey III.)
Step 1: Shape the clay the way you want.
Step 2: Bake or let dry.
Step 3: Paint if desired.

3. Board Games
You will need:
Cardboard
Markers
Scissors
Step 1: Cut a rectangle out of the cardboard.
Step 2: Color it with a light colored marker.
Step 3: Write the name of the board game on the cardboard in a darker color.