Saturday, October 17, 2009

Day 32: Week In A Daze

This week has gone by and I am completely in awe of how it went.  I felt like it was a "Bad" week.  I guess it was with all the refocusing at work and home, mishearing my appointment, having little details fucked up . . .

I realized at the end of the week I found myself grumpy, turned off, pretty much a jackass.  I would spurt out sarcastic comments to my roommate, I just didn't like this week so I passed the week onto others.

My Pal ended up coming.  He's here.  Sitting next to me.  We are watching Clarence, the wonder dog, sniff everywhere.  He's heading upstairs.  I am sure he is sniffing out the smells of love making.

Last night I went out.  I went to a bar and then I went to a UCSD Hockey game.  It was my first hockey game I have gone to.  Since they don't start till after 10pm I never had the energy to drive up there and go.  Well last night I decided to just go and do.  I went.  I took the Pal.  We went with Stef.  I played, I cursed, I had a little to drink.  Not much but just enough to be happy with the moment.

When my Pal flew in Thursday night I was still a little scared.  I think about it once in a while, of course at the key and sarcastic comments.  No you can't kiss me I have HIV.  No you can't do a cute underwear dance I have HIV.  Stop, don't drink from the same drink I have HIV.

My week and month has been such a daze.  My biggest fear is that I forget to do something important.  I forget to say something.  I forget to remember anything.

I've been in such an off mode and I recognize it.  I just want to figure out how to curb it.  Park it.  Remember me.  Remember my people around me.

My Pal came because I recognize I have been in such an off mood and he can help kick my ass back into shape.  He's been a component along with the rest of my friends.  Each one of my friends is like a different shape.  Each shape can be put together in a different pattern to make a bigger picture.

It's like tangrams. Some of my friends are square, some are triangles and some are trapezoids. Some are circles and only fit into specific pictures.

Trying to figure out what mood, what state of mind, what picture I am today requires a little patience and cheering up from several friends.

Maybe the Pal is the trapezoid I was missing, or perhaps he's a circle that I needed to feel how I am today. I get moments of happiness. I get random states where I am cheered up. I wouldn't say I am down, nor would I say the motivation is lost, it just feels like it's taking time to jump start. Everyone gives me kicks in the butt.

This weekend I got another one. Lucky for me it's been combined with several friends. Each one helping to further me along.

Today I had sex.

It was scary.

I won't lie, I was nervous before and during. I didn't know how to approach it. I feel more comfortable. I don't fear HIV transmission like I did before, at least now that I know the rules and regulations.

The emotional pain of trying to get yourself centered is far worse than any disease. If you can work on your inner strength, then what ever problem that crosses your path with have no other choice but to take a number, have a seat and wait it's turn to be dealt with.

"Now serving A32. Now serving A32"

Day 31: Binge This!

My therapist gave me advise I thought was catered to me!

When my sister and I were together my sister said she was worried about my binge drinking.

I remember in college I had a bottle of everclear in my bar and my sister told my mom I was an alcoholic.  I laughed and questioned that.

I've only drank by myself three times.  Once I got totally plastered and the other two were a half a glass of wine.

I am a social person.  I like social cleaning, social activities and social drinking.  I don't like it when there is no one there to see what foolish things you do.  Who will remember, and who will say "I remember when you were drunk and kissed that . . . "

I have a bar, wine rack, beer fridge.  I never use it by myself.  Sometimes I don't even use it with other people.  I had fun in college.  I found my great moments using a bottle of booze.  Even as I get older I sometimes prefer to not drink.

I love being drunk.  The spinning feeling, everyone so silly, the wit rolls of my tongue.  I can play pool and do a headstand.   I have a better performance with piano and find myself comfortable.  Is it the alcohol?  Only in part.  I'd say the alcohol is about 31% of the experience while my friends are the rest of that percentage.  (Roughly 69% in case you didn't do the math!)

With that said, drinking isn't always fun.  When you are with a bunch of boring antisocial business persons, when you barely know people and they seem crazy when drunk, when you have friends that can't talk about anything but all other 5 times this week they were drunk, I want to look at these people and say why am I wasting my alcohol time on you?  Yes alcohol time.

Alcohol time is the time you spend drinking.  I think there is a balance of alcohol time per month.  If you exceed it then you are really cool or an alcoholic who is self-conscious, can't control your intake (and outtake) and should get great health insurance so the hospital visits aren't so expensive.   If you don't use it up then you are a prude, Mormon, AA member or are really cool and training for a race (but still find ways to appreciate a sip).  There are that don't drink for medical reasons or by choice.  I don't really see anything wrong with that as long as they can be fun, entertaining and slam their friends down with wit and sarcasm.

So back to me. 

I am at my therapy session and I tell my therapist that I was in a marching band, I have all this booze at my house but never use it.  I drink with friends and if I binge drink it's because we started early in the day, we have meals, we drink water, we have dd's, we have support, friends and a way to be healthy.  Sure it's more than three drinks, but in a half of a day time span!  Sure it happens on occasion, but not every week from Thursday - Sunday like every good gay man.

My therapist told me that "alcohol does lower your immune system and you could catch a cold.  Alcohol can promote depression.  Alcohol can be bad.  BUT.  Don't sacrifice your health for happiness.  Meaning, if you are going to get together and have a weekend of eating, drinking, and being happy.  If you want to drink then drink.  Don't feel you need to stop completely so that you drop a level of happiness.  As long as you are taking care of yourself, being responsible, exercising, eating right, and making sure your all around health is good then do it."

Did she just tell me to binge drink?  I think she did!

We all have some unhealthy habit or obsession.  We indulge in something.  Treat yourself well and it's alright to do it in moderation.  Break moderation and indulge yourself and two things happen.  We lose sight of our own health and we no longer enjoy the activity for reasons of happiness.

With that I have chosen to binge drink on my birthday, birthday's of friends, every band occasion, weddings, funerals, brisks, regular working hours, concerts, rehearsals, performances, bathroom time, doctor's appointments, exercise, movies, restaurants and sleep  I will try to limit drinking during teeth brushing although I will use a mouthwash high in alcohol content.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Day 30: Paul Who?

Today I went to my HMO doctor.  The original doctor I saw is billed through my PPO and the doctor I went to see today is provided through my HMO benefits.  I have insurance that let's me see anyone I want and they can choose to bill through the HMO or PPO.  Finding a specialist in the HMO is pretty tough.  If you find a doctor or are referred then that's great and it falls in your circle of providers.  With a PPO you can pretty much pick anyone.  HMO can be cheaper, however if you want to get Yoga Physical Therapy chances are your HMO is going to laugh at you!

Well today my HMO laughed at me when they told me my appointment was for Friday. FRIDAY!

How could I miss that one.  "Oh Dr. Zweig has half days on Thursday and isn't here now.  How could you even be scheduled on a Thursday with him?"

How could I?  Well the phone person nurse lady said I was! WTF  Did I really write down the wrong date?

I really am feeling a haze over the past couple of months, since my sinus headaches and lymph nodes have been swollen and uncool.  Just when I think I am coming out into a clearing, SLAM I am hit in the head and dragged back into the woods.

I don't know how I can regain sight.  I feel like I am so distracted and can't understand which way is up.

I realize of course this is the mental problems that come with finding out news that you have a disease or disability.  Concentration decreases in general because you are bombarded with thoughts, information, emotions on top of your real life duties.

I just want to bring order back.  I am not talking sexy back.  I don't care about sexy.  I just want order.  I just want peace.  It's getting closer and closer and right when I feel like I am on top of these I realize I have been wavering on a stool with one leg.

If I seem out of it.  It's not that I don't remember you, it's just that I am thinking about so many other things right now that I can't seem to remember to stop and smell the lavender.

Day 30: Raindays and Jazz

The other night I was thrust awake by the smooth sounds of rain.  I jumped up and looked outside.  Expecting to see the demonic storm and one gremlin, like in Amazing Stories with John Lithgow, I actually saw a calm down pour.

This reminded me of a time in college.  I had walked outside of the music building.  My mentor was standing under the overhang.  At the time I had not been introduced.  I remember he turned to me and said wasn't this moment one out of a novel.

The rain was coming down in large amounts but it seemed to drop as soft as feathers.  The moon was up over the redwoods.  The streetlight pierced through the mist, but not enough to fully light the area.  Above is a lit window, cracked open.  The only sound was the soft rain and a small ensemble of musicians playing jazz.  The jazz wafted from the window and joined the rain.  Here I was, standing there, like Guy Noir; like a scene out of some early 20th century detective movie.  It's was a dark and stormy night.

Two things I learned.  The first is to appreciate life and art.  You never know when you are going to be caught up in a moment only a writer or film can, at best, describe.  The second is, you cross paths with many people.  You never know when or how your paths will cross, but someday, some force will help them cross and eventually you will find yourself friends for a very long time.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Day 29: Happy Birthday Sis

What better present can you give your sibling than "Yay I've been HIV positive for a month.  Let's both celebrate our anniversaries!"

- insert sad emoticon -

So?

I have amazing friends who will remind me that HIV is for pussies.

I have great family that I know will keep me well fed.

I have a salacious kiss that will keep my partner happy.

I have a soft touch that will keep my partner happy.

I have a sexy sister who gets me free drinks at straight bars from straight guys.

I have a happy disposition that attracts happy people.

I have a happy disposition that attracts assholes.

I have a mouth that will offend those assholes and keep them away from me.

I have my big toes.

Day 28: Long Day!

What happens when you start your day off in a bad place.  You begin your day looking for something small which seems to trickle into every moment causing frustration and panic.

My roommate hid my permit.  I spent an extra 15 minutes looking everywhere.  It turned out it was in his room, and it was warm.  Oye!

I hit every red light possible, traffic was backed up, and some how I managed to encounter every stupid person on the road.  "Hello stupid person from Utah driving 45 mph," "Hello S.P. talking on your cell phone," "Hello S.P. not paying attention to the light," "Hello S.P. who can't see that I and 5 other cars want to make a right turn so maybe you shouldn't take up the entire lane and let us creep by."

I went into my office.  My coworker asked how my massage was.  I realized that despite all the efforts of a two-hour massage I was super tense and stressed.

I closed my office door.  I sat in my chair.  I put my head on my desk.  I took some breaths.  I told myself this would stop here.  It would not carry over in this long day where I will be in the office for 2 extra hours, go to pepband and find time to work out.

Hey I get to work out.  I get to have time to myself.  That's not so bad.

Hey they have Pumpkin spice coffee.  This goes well with non-fat milk, honey and cinnamon.  That's not so bad.

I brought lunch and made a smoothie.  Looking good.

We have long days and nights.  They are longer if we let them be longer.  We let them over bare our minds.

Be Happy.  Happy people are hiding something.  Today it's a can of whoop ass.  Don't fuck with me I have a long day ahead of me.

Day 27: Massage Day

Today for 2 hours I laid on a table and had all my muscles worked.  All I have to do is release my tension, which includes release my thoughts and putting my brain to rest.

When I have a massage I try to go into that blue zone.  That place where your mind drifts away and all thoughts disappear.  It's the place between sleep and consciousness, a place where yogi can go to immediately.  Test show that this is a healthy place for the brain, as it can release important chemicals that assist with longevity.  I try to follow the flow of touch and the sensations of comfort and pain pressed into my muscles.

Today I told my supervisor.  I feel more at ease in all my surroundings.  I feel like I can stay connected with my comfort zones and dispel any bad thoughts.  i also get to learn about disability benefits! Yay!

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Day 26: Come (mmmmm)

I spent the after rehearsing with a small chamber choir.  Once piece most sections sing the word "Come" and immediately close their mouth to continue hummming on the "m," resonating the sound in the nasal cavity.

I've taken some time away from singing because I no longer felt satisfied.

Today I felt satisfaction and appreciation for being able to create a sound, even a pleasant sound with my body.  I did not appreciate the baritone next to me that is very talkative, obnoxious, wrong half the time and quick to point out mistakes made by other people.  I also wasn't sure how to feel about the fact that I introduced myself to him (which was the fifth time in the last 4 years).  If only he wasn't correct the other half of the time.  My head goes back and forth "Shut up you're wrong; Thanks for catching that so that people don't continue that mistake!"

I miss singing.  On my drive home I was reminded of something I said to a couple of Mormon boys.

I was washing my car last summer.  I sat on my driveway with an old electric toothbrush.  I was detailing my rims.  These two Mormons came down Dove street, looking for people to talk to.  I watched them get turned down one house after another.  They approached me a second time and I said to them that I sing for the Catholic Church, and sometimes perform solos for a Mormon church my voice teach performed at, but I could only be a Mormon's friend, never one.

They asked why I sang for a church but didn't believe in their creed.  I explained to them that music is my credo.  I don't feel connected to the Mormon or Catholic Church specifically.  I do think there are some amazing pieces of music written for the church.  (Verdi's Requiem, lots of Bach, Bruckner, etc.)  I also think that some stories and text are very beautiful and allow a person open their heart closer to their god.

Music sends vibrations through the body.  These rhythms, sounds, beat can spit out emotions, sending chills down your spine.  You cry, you become angry, you laugh, you feel.

I explained to these guys that the same feeling I get from making music is the same feeling they get from their belief.  It doesn't matter which religion you choose, it's about channeling the universal love that all beliefs preach.

I get that satisfaction from various sources.

Music, especially choirs or chamber music
Yoga
Someones playful dog
A movie that you can connect with
Cooking for friends
Kettle corn & Thai Food
I accomplish something I thought was impossible
Simple unexpected gifts
Hugs from friends
Unplanned BBQ's on rainy days
Games with teams
Everyone who makes me laugh causing me to spit out my food or drink

What makes you happy?

The boys eventually left as the day was getting darker and homosexuals were crawling out from rocks.  They had to get home and assist with the prop 8 campaign.

Day 26: Let's Learn About Supplements

I did a little research into some supplements. I am starting to combine them with my smoothies. Below are a list of supplements that I have found that may help with HIV, other diseases and general health.


1. Essential Oils - Use of essential oils help to calm the body. External use of lavender, peppermint and others sooth the mind and body. The mind and body are very powerful mechanisms in preventing illness by releasing chemicals to combat, sickness, allergies and depression.


Find a scent can be put in the bath, laundry or other places that will make you smile.


2. Slippery Elm - Powder is derived from the bark of the Slippery Elm Tree.  It assists in mouth and intestines.  Slippery Elm can aid intestinal track to achieve a greater nutrient uptake thus helping the body and immune system.

3. Turmeric Root - A rhizome (not a root) related to ginger.  It is found in South-East Asia and is the main ingredient in curry.  It is a strong antioxidant with anti-inflamitory properties.  Turmeric root has been shown to prevent the spread of HIV.

4. Pau d'arco - A natural herb retrieved from the inner bark of the Taheebo Tree, found in Central and South America.  Pau d'Arco can interfere with replication of HIV, influenza, and other viral forms.

5. Bee Pollen - Bees pack the powder into granules, adding honey or nectar from honey sacs where it is then transported back to the hive. An enzyme is added to prevent germination, metabolizing the pollen for food..  Bee Pollen is high in antioxidants and aids immune system. Itcontains vitamins, minerals, protein,  and carnitine.


You can use powders of these in smoothies.  By adding water you can create a paste.  Soak the powder for two weeks in a high proof alcohol (Everclear, 150-Rum).  This will make it into a liquid form that can be added to tea, coffee or other beverages.


6. Grapeseed Oil - Can reduce the spread of HIV in the body.

7. Walnut Oil - High in Omega-3 fatty acids.


Try to use oil as in salads, oatmeal or on toast.  Heating walnut oil breaks down the good fats.


8. Multivitamin - Provides vitamins and minerals missing from the diet.

Taking a Multivitamin at the end of the day can possibly help as lowered activity lets the digestive tract absorb more.

9. Penis Wrinkle - Just checking to see if you read this far!  But serious.  Did you know that masturbation can reduce the chances of prostate cancer and that a healthy active sex life can reduce stress.  In fact it is important to make sure you continue to have sex in your 40's and 50's.  Studies show people who stop having sex because of mid-life crisis, menopause and divorce in their 40's and 50's will have a lowered to no libido in their Golden Years.

Stay Happy!

Note: Since I am not a medical professional please do not take the information and apply it without first consulting your doctor.  Research on supplements can vary drastically.  This is merely a guide of helpful effects that have been found with one set of studies.  As with all supplements there is research to prove these effects do and don't work.  Further research on side effects should be examined before trying any of these.