“Just exactly what is ‘IT’?” you may be asking yourself (or, possibly, asking your computer screen).
I know I don’t have the answer but I sure can list the symptoms. Whether IT has anything to do with former health problems (at least I hope those problems are “former”) or IT is some new malady infringing on my health: I don’t know.
About the only thing I do know about this case of IT is that it’s not an abbreviation for Information Technology. That IT, in itself, is a whole other story that might end happily with a new laptop purchase later this year. At least, I’m saving up the pesos.
This IT seems to be a whole collection of minor things that have me running at about 50% efficiency, or so IT seems. My normally vibrant imagination seems to be half shut down. Imaginative products don’t seem as sharp as they have been in the past. IT seems to impair the writing of this article, too – I feel as though I am struggling for words and have to take time to celebrate when those words actually form a sentence.
Body aches are a part of IT. Now I know I haven’t run a race in a long, long time. The old body, however, feels as though the last 10K run was just yesterday. Not only aches (they’re actually those minor, annoying type of aches – not real intense pain), but a general sluggishness is whipping this once vibrant but now tired body. Most of the time, I just feel as though I need a rest. Call it malaise or whatever; I sure could use a nap right about now.
My digestive system seems to be functioning well, now that I’m treating it with probiotics. I don’t think there is any connection between IT and my upper and lower GI. Thank goodness for all of those little, helpful, healthy, good bacteria doing their thing for humanity! I can’t even imagine how IT would be if coupled with problems originating in that area of the body.
I’ve tried getting out into the now summertime sunshine and soaking up a little Vitamin D. Something as simple as this would normally get me going. Not so this time around. We’re in the mid-30°sC (mid-90°sF) and humidity is quite high, too. Many people would find such an environment repressive, but not me. I love this type of weather. Unfortunately, I’m not really enjoying IT or much of anything else.
The old Clinical Depression and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder bug-a-boos are being adequately held at bay by my medications. Their symptoms are not imitated by IT. As a matter of fact, just thinking about this provides some comfort and joy. I would really be in trouble if the symptoms of those disorders joined forces with IT.
Well, I need to get over IT, whatever IT is. Doing so will be tough – not being able to identify just what IT is makes getting over IT all that more troublesome.
Perhaps my upcoming “annual vacation” to the States may help. Could IT be just a subconscious pining for different scenery, cuisine, etc.? I don’t know. At any rate, IT will be one of the topics I discuss with my health care providers when I am there.
Perhaps my upcoming “annual vacation” to the States is IT – not really wanting to leave “Paradise” for that hectic pace of life. Maybe my being is revolting against the idea of leaving this idyllic setting, even if it is just for a little while. Who knows just what IT could be. I’m too tired to figure IT out, now.
TAX QUESTION
Over the past few weeks, I’ve received one question from many sources. All have to do with dutiful taxpayers and their refund.
Q: I filed my income tax return rather early this year yet, to date, I haven’t heard or received anything from the IRS. Is there any way you or I could check on my return to see what is going on?
A: This year, processing of income tax returns and refunds is somewhat slower than in previous years. Changes in IRS technology, new or modified tax forms, and any number of reasons can be cited for the delays. The main thing to understand, though, is that everyone’s return and refund processing is delayed this year – nothing one can do about it except to wait.
While you’re waiting, you may want to see what the IRS says is happening. This taxpayers can do for themselves by using an IRS utility called, “Where’s My Refund.” To see your refund status, you will need to provide your taxpayer ID (normally your social security number), your filing status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, etc.), and the exact amount of the refund (in whole dollars) that you are expecting. Follow the above link and the instructions provided on the linked web page, and you should have your status within seconds.
IT sounds bad Paul. I think IT just might be old age creeping up on you. Let’s hope so anyway.
Hi Randy – I certainly hope IT isn’t old age. I don’t think I could live forever if it was! 😆
I meant old age in the sense that that was better than any alternative 😉
You may want to meet my cousin IT….nice fellow who will make you smile.
I’ve seen cousin IT – IT’s not him! 😆
Paul;
When “IT” hits me, I go straight to the cold storage area where the SMB’s are kept. Then start popping tops until my legs get wobbly. Go to bed, The following morning my hangover will pulse my head and rumble my stomach. But the alcohol has killed all bad bugs in my system and later in the day I’m well again. Repeat if not feeling better.
Hi Paul – I’ll have to try your remedy. Trouble is, however, IT makes the SMB taste like “Beer Na Beer”! 😆
Come to think of it Paul, when I used to smoke and drink a lot more, there wasn’t a bug that could survive in my nicotene-alcohol filled environment. Since I quit smoking and drink less, I’ve been ill more since 😉
“It ” sounds like you have a case of what “we” used to call “The dreaded mahocus”‘, I don’t know the modern day super hi- tech fancy name for “it”. I am guessing “they ” have dreamt up some complicated name by now so “they” can extract more of your dollars painlessly. “It” won’t hurt a bit Paul.
Maybe an enema is in order to get “it ” out ? lol
By the way, you didn’t happen to lose a gerbil did you ? hahahahahaha
Hi Charlie – No gerbils and no enemas. Rules of the house! 😆
Hi Paul,
Sorry to hear that you’re not feeling very well. All joking aside—, the probiotics are a really good idea to help you get back in balance. Have you been tested for any possible intestinal parisites? Some of your symptoms could be related, and it probably wouldn’t hurt to get tested if you haven’t already done that.
Just a thought.. Queenie
Hi Queenie – I thought of testing for parasites, but the intestinal tract is working perfectly now. I don’t think IT is related, but will get tested if IT hangs around too long. 😉
Paul,
I think it propably has something to due with burn out. Tax season is winding down and you probably worked yoour knuckles to the bone. Not to mention keeping up with households chores having your GI go into rebellion. Your worn out Paul. I’m thinking along the lines of Paul T but larger. You and you Asawa and some good friends find a resort for the weekend and just have some good old fun! Use workaholics just don’t know when to stop and relax. That is when Murphy takes control and all hell breaks loose.
When was the last time you went to a beach and just chilled? Oh yea no pedicures please.
Hi Bruce – Sounds like a good prescription – hitting the beach. May or may not cure, but it can’t hurt! 😉
Paul,
JUST DO IT!!!! Then write us and tell us how you feel. Remember it has to be at least three day of good old fashion fun!!! Like back when you were young drinking beer and chasing skirts and didn’t care about the world.
Liberty call Liberty call!!! remember?
Paul sorry to hear your not feeling too good. If you were here in the UK I would say you may be suffering from SAD (seasonal adjustment disorder) but that can not be the case in the Phils, we are lacking sunshine here, its rain,rain, rain. Bruce is probably right, you have worked too hard. I use to feel wacked at the end of the financial year when we used to have to write all the tax forms by hand. Save the Tax Officers some work lol.
Enjoy your holiday, it may be just what you are needing.
Hi Marjorie – Having lived in the UK, I can relate to SAD. I sure hope IT isn’t a “reverse SAD” or something to do with Paradise! 😉
The bulk of the human immune system is located in the gut, so pre- and probiotics are good for overall health.
Hi Larry – I plan on making sure the gut is included in my overall health plan. I just wish I was near some place that sold yogurt!
I guess no Costco nearby. But then you would have to eat 24 yogurts in a week. Hope you feel better, and maybe a blood test could point to some answers.
Hi Jay – Will have to wait for the Pure Gold to open in Laoag! Maybe they will carry yogurt. 😉
Paul,
Have to agree with Bruce too. Get some rest and relaxation, maybe a massage and a round or 2 of golf. That just might do the trick. Have a safe trip back to the States. Take care.
HI PD – Well, if there’s concensus on the prescription, it must be worth trying! I’ll probably have to relearn the fine art of relaxation. Seems that whenever I take a break from one thing, I start thinking and planning others. Need to shut down the internal slave driver. 😆
It seems as if looking I’m looking at you in three parts. Your IT 1st, weather forecasting 2nd, and a tax advertisement. Sidlakan, kasapan, PST 8:37 P.M.