Zombie Nation

You really have to admire people who have a sense of humor in today's serious society. That's why I really think it's quite awesome when I see funny things in unexpected places. This video is the perfect example. Ninjas, pirates, Chuck Norris, and zombies aside, pranksters really deserve the recognition rather than these modern scapegoats for jokes.

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Oh yeah, please be aware of the worst threat of all: Nazi Zombies!

Enter the Dragon

I am reconnecting with my quest to find the perfect fruit that has been abandoned for quite a while. I'm extremely picky when it comes to the variety of normal fruits that appear on the normal Canadian market, but have recently decided to reach out to some exotics......ohhhhh la la

Two candidates:

• The prickly pear fruit from the prickly pear cactus

• Dragonfruit
  

My deal with the prickly pear isn't with the fruit itself, it's getting to the fruit. As it's name suggests, the prickly pear is indeed, prickly. Getting off the casing is a chore in itself. I made the mistake of not holding onto the end of the prickly pear with a paper towel or glove at first, so I got a few micro cactus hairs stuck into various places on my hand. OUCH! You have to hold the end of the fruit while you peel it with a paring knife! The fruit itself is a bright purple-pink type of color and it actually tastes REALLY BAD in my opinion. So I'll pass on it.


The dragonfruit on the other hand is easy to open. You just slice it in half and inside is revealed a white color with black seeds. You scoop out the flesh with a spoon and it's very sweet and delicious! I highly recommend it! To be warned though.....in Canada, one dragonfruit generally sells for about $4.50 for one fruit. An occasional delicacy.

Hotel Tantrum

I love my job, but working in a hotel can sometimes be a pain, especially when there are little kids hockey teams staying with us. They run around screaming and playing hockey in the hallways, and when I talk to their dad's about the problem they say they'll do something but they really don't seem to care.

And then there are times when the bands stay with us that play at a club down on Huron and Highbury. Usually, they're pretty decent guys, but you do get the occasional bad nights. For example, my co-worker was working one morning when they were supposed to be checking out, and a naked girl appeared out of nowhere; naked except for her bra. She apparently was a groupie with the band and was drunk out of her mind. She didn't even know where she lived. Anyways, the police had to come and get her and take her away. The funny thing was she tried walking home naked and she didn't even know where she was.

*sigh* So it goes in the life of a hotel worker. Tonight's issue: screaming hockey kids. Grrrr.

Czesc chai

They say that variety is the spice of life, but I heartily disagree. In actuality, I say Chai is the best spice of life.....and makes really good tea!!!

This may seem like a more-than-usual random comment, but I am using this to introduce my lovey's parents: Krzystof i Basia. After six months of dating their son, I finally got pictures of them on my birthday on Tuesday with the camera that Piotr bought me. So a big HAHA to the picture evaders, because I win. =) Oh, yeah, the tea thing is relevent because I'm enjoying a glass right now and Basia makes me really good cups of tea when I'm in St. Catharines. It's hard to believe in a couple months I'll be leaving London and moving down there too. Instead of "I hate London," it will be "I remember London fondly." Nostalgia can do that to you.

Party Shots

On Saturday, my Kentucky friends, Piotr, and I went out to a club in Cincinnati called Beluga. One of my best guy friends, Tom, spins there with his friend Paul, so it was a blast. All dance music! Very European! Here are some shots:

Me and Tom (part of Colardo & Grant.....Tom is the "Grant)

One of my two best friends, Natti

Me and my lovey....<3<3<3<3<3

My brother Justin & sister-in-law, Brittany

Post-It Notes

I apologize for all the posts today, but my parent's internet wasn't working in Kentucky because of their finicky modem, so I wasn't really able to post...and of course yesterday was my birthday and mock show at CHRW, so that was busy.

Yeah, so my mock show was a blast! I love putting together a radio show! I'm not so crazy about the way my voice sounds on the radio, but I suppose its something I'm going to have to get used to.

So my show (if all goes well) will be called Bass Nation and is about dance music....typically not the most popular......more like dnb, hard house, club house, trancecore, hardcore, etc. Everyone hears trance all the time, so I like mixing it up. And anyone can volunteer at CHRW!

Carpal Tunnel.....finally an answer

For the past two weeks I've had numbness and tingling in my left and right hands....primarily in the thumb, pointer, and middle fingers. I went to the Student Health and they ran some blood tests, but I've heard nothing back from them. So when I went home to Kentucky this past weekend, my dad made an appointment with his doctor for me and she diagnosed me as having Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

At least I have some sort of answer now. I have had intense joint pain for the past week even though the tingling has primarily gone away. I cook and type all the time, and those two activities are apparently factors in Carpal Tunnel. I also have an old previous repetitive stress injury, and the doctor said that didn't help either. So boo for pain, but half a yay for at least knowing what's wrong.

Here is some infor regarding Carpal Tunnel:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Topic Overview


What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is pain, tingling, and other problems in your hand because of pressure on the median nerve in your wrist.

The median nerve and several tendons run from your forearm to your hand through a small space in your wrist called the carpal tunnel. The median nerve controls movement and feeling in your thumb and first three fingers (not your little finger).

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
Pressure on the median nerve causes carpal tunnel syndrome. This pressure can come from swelling or anything that makes the carpal tunnel smaller. Things that can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome include:

Illnesses such as

• hypothyroidism,


• rheumatoid arthritis


• diabetes.
  


• Pregnancy.


• Obesity.
  


• Making the same hand movements over and over, especially if the wrist is bent. Computer work and gardening are examples of tasks that have repeated motions.
  


• Wrist injuries and bone spurs.
  Smoking, because it can reduce blood flow to the median nerve.
  

What are the symptoms?
Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain in the fingers or hand. Some people may have pain in their arm between their hand and their elbow.

Symptoms most often occur in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger. If you have problems with your other fingers but your little finger is fine, this may be a sign that you have carpal tunnel syndrome. A different nerve gives feeling to the little finger.

You may first notice symptoms at night. You may be able to get relief by shaking your hand.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?
Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask about your health and activities. You also may have some tests.

Your doctor will ask if you have any health problems-such as arthritis, hypothyroidism, or diabetes-or if you are pregnant. He or she will ask if you recently hurt your wrist, arm, or neck. Your doctor will want to know about your daily routine and any recent activities that could have hurt your wrist.

During the exam, your doctor will check the feeling, strength, and appearance of your neck, shoulders, arms, wrists, and hands.

Your doctor may suggest tests, such as:

Blood tests to see if any health problems might be causing your symptoms.
Nerve testing to find out if the median nerve is working as it should.

How is it treated?
Mild symptoms usually can be treated with home care. The sooner you start treatment, the better your chances of stopping symptoms and preventing long-term damage to the nerve.

You can do a few things at home to help your hand and wrist feel better:

Stop activities that cause numbness and pain. Rest your wrist longer between activities.
Ice your wrist for 10 to 15 minutes 1 or 2 times an hour. Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
Wear a wrist splint at night to keep your wrist in a neutral position. This takes pressure off your median nerve. Your wrist is in a neutral position when it is straight or only slightly bent. Holding a glass of water is an example of your wrist in a neutral position.
Do exercises to keep your fingers and wrist from getting stiff. Stop if you have pain or numbness.