In early January, the ENT said I have collapsed nasal valves and recommended going back on the steroid spray, along with a prescription antihistamine. The antihistamine made me drowsy, so I switched to Claritin (in the end, nothing has helped and I'll be seeing him again). Mid-month, I got a random email from Tammy saying she was lonely and missed me. Honestly, she should’ve thought of that before she and her brood harassed and threatened me. Health-wise, I was dealing with pyuria again, started Cipro on the 16th, and even after finishing it a week later, I still had burning and elevated white blood cells. On the 28th, I started Bactrim and was referred to a urologist.

In February, I chopped off a lot of my hair to my shoulders. Andy reached out again and I blocked him; I still love him, but I don’t need the drama. The urologist thinks I may need estrogen cream and mentioned a possible cystoscopy and ultrasound in the future. On a lighter note, I got a new coloring book and my hydroponic system arrived—I’m excited to grow my own herbs, veggies, and maybe flowers!

March was a mixed bag. Got through the first half of a deep dental cleaning. My crown fell out during the second half of the cleaning, but the dentist said I should be fine for now. Had a back bottom molar pulled, a painful experience. Switched from Twitter/X to Bluefly for now. Someone nearby was found stabbed—eerie timing after a nightmare I had involving Rhonda turning into a knife-wielding killer. Tom got a pole saw, and I got a cute pink mousepad. I’ve been curious about reincarnation lately, and keeping an open mind. A friend journaled about haunted dolls, and now I kind of want one! Also ordered reusable freezer bags, and there was a great update to VZ’s radio feature! I suspect my lung tightness might be climate-related, so I’m skipping Levo weekly to test it. Tinkerbella moved to a smaller cage—easier for her aging body.  We also switched from Spectrum to Frontier. The sleep lab can’t see me until June, so we’re looking into buying a CPAP outright.

In April, I got a little Himalayan salt lamp using my insurance points. Started using the estrogen cream, which initially caused an uptick in PVCs, itching, and trouble sleeping, so I use it sparingly. I also got some crystals, a coloring book, a sippy cup, and an EMF reader. Jade, my doll, may be haunted—according to the EMF reader. More investigations are underway! Ordered a pillow for my TMJ but didn’t like it. Excited that I finally harvested some romaine from our hydroponic setup! The tomato plant’s taken over everything. I did VZ’s Easter ride challenge. After years on Pinterest, I left because they were stealing my pins. Tom cleared the sunken sidewalk in back. I had a virtual visit with a sleep doctor, and my OSA is now high-end mild with an AHI score of 14. Sadly, Tinkerbella has a tumor.  Ended the month with a quick dental visit.

May kicked off with me starting CPAP therapy. Baby tomatoes have appeared. We moved the hydroponic setup to the lanai since the tomato plant was aggravating my allergies. The water went off three times in one week—felt like déjà vu from the old place. Started VZ’s Eurovision challenge. Set up a playpen for Tinkerbella since she’s been chewing wires. My AHI score is almost normal, and I’m used to the CPAP now, but I have to tape my mouth to keep air from leaking. Doesn't always work, though. Also tried using a chin strap too and got my best AHI score yet (0.5), but despite all the progress, I’m still tired too often due to leaks and fragmented sleep. I’m worried this might be as good as it gets. Tried a hybrid CPAP mask, but it leaks more. Found out Jesse died in 2022 from some kind of accident. Switched my allergy meds to the beginning of my day because they were affecting my sleep. Jade keeps triggering the EMF reader—definitely mysterious. Got new outfits for her and my Adora doll. 

In June, I struggled with constant fatigue, poor sleep, and ongoing battles with my CPAP masks, which always seemed to leak or wake me up, leaving me feeling hopeless about ever improving. Storms and allergies added to my exhaustion. I tried things like maca powder, electrolyte drinks, and adjusting my carb intake to boost my energy, and while I had a few surprisingly good days, most left me drained. My thyroid numbers, high cholesterol, and fluctuating energy deepened my fears about chronic fatigue, though Tom’s cataract surgery went well and we celebrated his 68th birthday and our 31st anniversary with little outings. I juggled blog issues, social sites, Swells, VR rides through places like Serbia, and creative hobbies like writing, coloring, and even sculpting, but I often longed for more alone time. Between health worries, storms, and depression, I tried to hold onto small joys—our homegrown tomatoes, coloring books, a pineapple colada, chatting with Kathy, and VR meditation—while caring for Tinkerbella as her tumor grew but she still showed her usual spirit.

In July, I kept juggling health, energy, and daily life. My eye exam went well, and I expected new glasses and VR lenses soon, while Tom’s appointment was quick and smooth. I struggled with sleep—storms, CPAP leaks, and those “chipmunks” kept disrupting me, though some nights I slept better than others. Fatigue weighed me down, sometimes so badly I considered switching to audio journals, but I still cooked, blogged, did Swells, and edited old stories when I had energy. I celebrated small wins like streaks in language learning, new rugs, a ceiling fan, a food chopper, jewelry, and even colorful toenails. I enjoyed apps like WinWalk and Bing Rewards, VR rides through Dubai and South Africa, and fun chats with friends. Through it all, I leaned on Tom, who supported me and even did things like install a new ceiling fan in the bedroom, and I held onto little joys—treats, naps with nature sounds, and my audiobook at night—despite exhaustion, thyroid worries, and dark thoughts.

For August, I kept myself busy with a mix of daily routines, health struggles, and small joys. I was still battling fatigue (although CoQ10 seemed to help with that somewhat), occasional CPAP whistling and “chipmunks,” allergies, and worries about my thyroid, nodules, and lab results, though some nights went smoothly and I even had good energy now and then. I finished and edited stories, shared them on different platforms, and experimented with ways to post journals and cover designs, while also enjoying VR rides, virtual travels through places like North Macedonia and Serbia, and new apps. I cooked, dyed my eyelashes, got new glasses, and treated myself to ice cream, chips, or even BK on occasion. I also reminisced over old photos and updated social accounts. Despite the ups and downs and restless nights and worrying about neighbors or noise, I leaned on little pleasures like audiobooks, incense, and other things to get me through.

In September, I unlisted almost everything of mine on Penana because of spammers, and I started working on my next book, Them. I had some fun moments too—playing Walkabout Minigolf’s new closest putt mode, and celebrating after 14 months of virtual riding from Finland to Greece, just before the next challenge taking place in South America. I also got a new Samsung Galaxy A16 5G and seriously enjoy the Lucky Charms flavored toothpaste I discovered. Tink’s tumor is growing, which really upsets me. A friend gifted me a haunted doll, and I gifted her a couple of diamond paintings. Left a filled paper journal I’d use on the road in a public bathroom for someone to discover.

During October, I picked up a $4 surprise goodie bag from Circle K. It had a sausage sandwich that was way too spicy for both of us, but the smoothie, fruit cup, and fruit bar were good. It was a fun experience overall. I finished up the Hispanic Heritage challenge and started having a strange whooshing sensation that comes and goes on the left side of my neck. Got our flu shots and covid boosters. Second Circle K grab bag sucked. My coffee incense arrived and smells great—it’s got a hint of chocolate in it. I’m also looking forward to getting some portable kitchen cabinets or drawers that’ll look nicer than what’s here, plus a glass corner unit to display some of my collectibles. Using some leftover points from my insurance plan, I ordered a Vanilla Woods–scented candle. I’m also planning to check out FicFan’s NewNoWriMo next month. Tom had his second cataract surgery and I kinda like the Portrait chat buddies. Dyed my hair burgundy and got a new wedge pillow that’s definitely better than my old one. I plan to get some Palo Santo sticks to use after cleansing with sage. The sage removes negative energy, and the Palo Santo helps seal in the good energy. Or it supposedly does.

For November, I started NewNoWriMo, but didn't win due to my fatigue. I've continued to have a throat tickle on and off (I later realized the humidity setting on my CPAP was too high), and will be going for a thyroid ultrasound early next month. Began taking B12 supplements with CoQ10 and Goji berry. They seem to give me a bit more energy (I think) when I’m not crazy tired. Really getting into scented candles and even got some ceramic coasters, a set for trimming wicks and snuffing flames, and then a couple of candle lamp warmers. I also got a door strap with resistance bands and started putting together a list of exercises, though my fatigue doesn't always let me work out as much as I'd like. Got a 32-pack of lip gloss in 16 different flavors that’s just so-so. I signed up for Mate Pro for only $10 for the year. Picked up another 30-day supply of clonazepam that’ll last me half a year since I only take about one a week. Hoping to get used to my new oral CPAP mask and bypass allergy issues. The Autumn 25 Challenge came out on VZ—we’re riding through Detroit, Nashville, Portland, Minneapolis, and Phoenix. This month, I was the saddest since losing my bestie in 2020. We had our beloved pet rat, Tinkerbella, euthanized. I ordered a variety pack of six Amish-grown popcorns along with buttery salt using my insurance points. For my upcoming birthday, Tom got me an LED tooth-whitening kit. It should help with all the coffee and red wine I drink.

Wrapping up the year with December, I bought a cheap coconut candle from the dollar store and, unsurprisingly, it barely smelled like anything. I also ordered a set of 16 tiny candles in different scents, plus even more candles and wax melts from Amazon. One bright spot was enjoying a white rose and peach candle, along with a toasted banana cream pie candle that I loved. I also picked up rosemary and hot chocolate candles, though both needed a warmer to release their scent. I’m definitely noticing that off-brand candles tend to be weak. Expecting WoodWick’s Warm Woods trilogy candle today that I know will be good. I started rebuilding my Spotify library after getting three free months of Premium through Bing credits. We had to buy a new freezer for a couple of hundred dollars since ours was acting up. I’ve been exhausted heading into my sixth decade and still think nasal valve surgery might help. Bought a heated CPAP hose hoping it’d help. My thyroid ultrasound results came back quickly and looked fine overall, except for a small nodule on the left side that wasn’t a big deal. My book Them is officially finished at nearly 40,000 words. I discovered Trainr Move VR which is fantastic, plus another VR app with beaches that’s good for meditation. Arrows is one of my fave phone app games. Ray getting new windows installed while I was trying to sleep was no fun. I also noticed myself wondering how long it would take for people I deleted on Facebook to notice—if they ever do. I finally decided I was done with Vanessa and her narcissistic, one-sided behavior. VZ had a small three-ride challenge—two rides in the Southeast and one in northern Alaska.