The Rules

Being radioactive is WEIRD. Just the thought of it. I don't really feel much different though. I have experienced some light nausea and feeling uncomfortable- much like mild morning sickness during a pregnancy. Other than that it hasn't been bad. And since I can pretty much sleep when I want- I just take a nap and usually feel better. Mostly it's just ODD to be secluded. Let me share with you some of the rules I have to follow right now.

For one thing I have to stay on the Low-Iodine diet. This is so that the radioactive iodine can work better. Low-iodine doesn't mean no salt, but it does mean no IODIZED salt. That means I can't eat most processed foods because they all contain salt which is usually iodized. No seafood or soy based products including many kinds of beans. No Dairy. Nothing with more than 5-10mg of sodium per serving. I can have grains if I make them myself with non-iodied salt. I'm a quilter- not a baker. So it hasn't been pleasant. Seriously, if you can think of a food it probably has iodine or salt in it. My diet is pretty bland and boring.

I cannot be less than 6 feet from another adult and must limit that time to less than 2 hours a day. I can't be around any children or pregnant women. I have to sleep more than 12 feet from anyone. My kids are in another state visiting grandma and grandpa and my husband is working long hours and sleeping down the hall in our oldest son's room. I wave HI to him from the bedroom door. It's STRANGE.

I must MINIMIZE the amount that I use any items that may become contaminated (i.e. eating utensils, linens, telephone, etc.) Clean items often and before anyone else uses them. If you think about this it means- EVERYTHING. At this point I cannot sew. Sewing and touching all of my fabric means that I could be contaminating those fabrics. I would have to wash everything. And I normally don't pre-wash. I also wouldn't be able to send a quilt to a quilter without washing it first.

I thought about folding and packaging patterns- but I'll contaminate them too.

After the 10 days I'll have a little more freedom but for now I'm forced to stay in bed as much as possible so as not to contaminate anything. I have to limit what I touch in any case. See, I told you it was WEIRD. Just sit for a moment and think about it. Other than my lappy, the TV, and a book (that I just can't seem to get into) there's not a lot to do. Although I have done a little bit of coloring. :o)

Oh, and a little pattern sketching has been going on. But of course, they won't be ready for a couple months yet.

On that note- ENJOY THE FREEDOM that comes with having to do all the things we wish we didn't have to. Sometimes the peace and quiet we ask for comes in a way that makes us wish we never asked for it. At least I know this is but for a small time in the grand scheme of life. Thanks for all your well wishes. Do me a favor- when you sew, think of me! :o)