I Can Live Without You

That was me.  Completely addicted to Diet Coke - NOT Diet Pepsi - DIET COKE.  I don't like coffee, so I drank 2 cans of Diet Coke to perk me up during the day, some days it was more, but I at least had 2 cans per day.  A coworker stopped drinking pop completely a few weeks ago, and she was a complete addict (4-6 Dr. Pepper's/day - not diet), so I was inspired to end my habit.  I put it in my head that when my case that I had at home was finished, I would not buy more.  Saturday I had my last 2 Diet Cokes.  I savored them.

I didn't grow up in a house that had pop readily available.  It was only purchased for special occasions and then it was bought in 2 Liter bottles.  I don't want David to grow up in a house where pop is available either, so that was a motivating factor.

I'm on day 3 and doing OK.  Yesterday I woke to feeling as if my legs were 100lbs each and my knees hurt...BAD.  Someone texted me and said that Aspartame withdraw symptoms can include everything I was feeling - joint aches, limbs feeling heavy, mind fuzzy.  These symptoms can last up to a month!!!  I'm experiencing Aspartame detox - WHO KNEW!!!??   Today isn't so bad (yet), I'm definitely missing the fizzy cold of a Diet Coke, but I'm stronger than my habit.  I have found some carbonated beverages that seem to help with that desire.

No, I have not given up caffeine - I'm not crazy!!  I found some black tea that has the same amount of caffeine as a can of DC, so my 2 cans have been replaced with 2 cups.  It's weird drinking a hot beverage though....not a huge fan, but I'm sure I'll get used to it.

I'm not giving up DC completely, I only want it to be a treat - a mixer with my rum, a special occasion...etc.   I don't think that I'm crabby, but if I am, I'll just blame it on the DC withdraw - even years from now!

Ghost returned?

I don't know if I'm a total believer in ghosts or not, but it's kind of fun to think that MAYBE I have one.  A few months ago, I blogged about my ghost and how a touch light would go on by itself.  Since warmer weather moved in, I unplugged that device to make room for a fan, so "my ghost" hasn't had the ability to turn on the burner.  

Maybe my ghost is amping up on its wanting to be known because I was sitting on the couch (alone - D is at his dad's this week) and my kitchen light turned on.  This is a large flourescent light on the ceiling and only 1 switch turns it on an off.  When I got up to look at the panel, the light switch was flipped to the ON position.  MAYBE the switch was only 1/2 way down and it finally flipped up, but when I recreated it, it was really difficult to get the switch into that position AND when it did and finally *popped* up to ON, it made a very audible CLICK sound.  I heard no sound, but I was 10+ feet away with the TV on.  None of my lights have ever just turned on before.  

Regardless of how it happened, it happened and it gave me goosebumps from head to toe.  I don't know what to believe because it's so strange.  

It could be:

a ghost

switch left 1/2 way

faulty ground wiring

I guess I don't really care why  it's happening.  It's kind of cool thinking that I may have a ghost.  As long as Casper remains friendly, we can be roommates.