Oh, good Thursday, how are you doing? I’m in a good mood today. I may have figured out the culprit of my incessant insomnia, a condition that’s plagued me for my whole life. I am reading Scott Walker’s, “Why We Sleep,” after hearing him talk about it on Fresh Air with Terry Gross. (So, yes, these things help with book sales!) In the book, he says, “Caffeine—which is not only prevalent in coffee, certain teas, and many energy drinks, but also in foods such as dark chocolate and ice cream as well as drugs such as weight-loss pills and pain relievers is one of the most common culprits that keep people from falling asleep easily and sleeping soundly thereafter, typically masquerading as insomnia, an actual medical condition.” So. That’s what I’m doing wrong, in addition to misdiagnosing my inability to sleep; I’m eating dark chocolate and drinking iced tea. I gave up eating sugar (things like ice cream, decaf iced mocha with whipped cream from Starbucks, muffins, etc) and breads (although not pasta and pizza and also allowed myself the crispy parts of croissants) two years ago in an effort to get ahead of inherited health issues. My father as he lay dying being the biggest red flag of impending health issues, his body ravaged with diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and so much more. I decided, fine, I can give up the things that make me happy if it means keeping diabetes at bay. The benefits of not-eating bagels with cream cheese and Entenmann’s dark chocolate frosted donuts is that I lost weight, naturally, without trying. Within two months, I’d dropped ten pounds. But also? I slept soundly. The increasing waves of migraines dissipated. And the weight loss. In the last year, I tried another experiment: re-introducing dark chocolate, the occasional ice cream cone, and burritos. What I’ve noticed is the return of the migraines, fast, furious, frequent; as if my brain space is punishing me for not looking after it, as I had been so diligently. My weight hasn’t fluctuated, but I’m tired so much of the time. My diet has a direct effect on my mood, and my sleep cycle. So. I’m taking this passage from Scott Walker’s book to heart; it’s time for me to give up the things that are a burden to my health. It’s not a New Year’s resolution—that’s coming, and it’s a good one; this is a lifestyle approach. Wish me luck.
Kamala Harris: “Every single day that we don’t pass the DREAM Act, is another day these young people have to live in fear—despite the fact that they have done everything right. Yuriana’s fear is that she and her husband could one day both get picked up and taken from their home, and their young daughter who is an American citizen would be left alone, with no one to take care of her.”
Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders on the tax bill. That’s all.
What women can accomplish when they work together.
So, mistletoe.
Good sex stuff!
If you’re in Los Angeles on Boxing Day (December 26) at 7pm, come to UCB Sunset for our We Hope You Have Fun show, hosted by Ruby Karp, featuring Nicole Byer, Horatio Sanz, Shelby Fero and JC Coccoli. Stand up and more! Get your tickets here!
And now have a laugh with Janeane Garofalo!
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