Monday, April 07, 2008

What a Day....

Today has been a rough day and I am not too sure why. I did wake up twice last night with horrible stomach cramps and then I had to spend some time in the bathroom. Not too sure what is going on with that. Plus I have had a headache since Saturday; which I know is related to my monthly visitor.

Then I decided last night to add the fact that I am going to quit smoking. I am not too sure what motivated me, but those that know me know that when I decide something there is no turning back. I wish I could say what made me suddenly (and apparently out of nowhere) decide to quit smoking. I kind of got a panic feeling today, but worked my way through it. Sandra asked if she could join me on my adventure of becoming a non-smoker, which I think is a wonderful idea. I have 2 packs of cigarettes left, so when those are done; I am done. I am thinking sometime Wednesday I will smoke my last cigarette. I am hoping to get a couple days in before the weekend. I have told one co-worker who quit in December about my plans. I decided not to tell anyone else because I don't want any pressure. L told me that I need to look at it as if I can smoke, but I am choosing not to. I like that attitude and will use that a lot. I also used one of my worry stones today in hopes I can get some extra help.

Do you remember my neighbor that complained about Sophie barking? I can't remember if I told you guys this, but I wrote him a note a couple days later and left it on his door. In the note I apologized for her barking and gave him my cell phone number and asked him to call me if he had any other concerns. I have not seen him since then; although I know he is there because his car is there and I hear him walking around.

So tonight as I got home he pulled in at the same time. I asked him if he got my note and he said Yes. We talked a little and he was kind of defensive with me saying "any barking is too much when I am trying to get some sleep." I remained calm and he slowly calmed down. He then went on to tell me 1) He is bipolar and has trouble sleeping 2) He is on two different medications for his bipolar (and he is on some really strong medication). I think this explains a lot. He thought it was interesting that I was a social worker and I explained that I understood his disease and that I would be more alert and careful at any of Sophie's barking. I did tell him to call me next time he has any problems. He agreed he would and he admitted he felt bad for turning me into the manager for something dogs just do.

He also told me about the person that lived in my apartment before me. Apparently she was a prostitute. Oh.My. He said that she came up to his apartment and offered him "services" and he turned her in which got her evicted.

What a day this has been. At least I feel better having talked to my neighbor. He seems a lot calmer and was even nice to me at the end of our conversation. I kind of feel sorry for him because he really seems to be struggling with his bipolar. Of all the mental illness', I think bipolar is one of the hardest to have and maintain a normal life.

3 comments:

A social worker in the making. said...

neighbors and dogs can be a tricky situation,my neighbor was here tonight cause in december he was turned into the dog catcher cause they let their dog roam and she almost got hit three times that day,pepper aka as evilness likes to play retrieve the dog around their house so it is a matter of time before the police knock on my door saying do you know where your dog is.Cats rule

Minnesota Nice said...

That's cool, it sounds like you befriended him now. Maybe he won't complain about Sophie again, he was just having a rough day. You handled that very well!

One Messed Up Chick said...

Bipolar is the hardest thing to live with, I know!! But under the right meds it can be controlled some what LOL Glad you got to talk to him and things are good now!!