the fifo wife

Ever heard of SAD…Seasonal Affective Disorder..its a type of depression that only happens in winter. Come spring most people (women are more susceptible) come good and literally as right as rain. It starts in late Autumn and continues through winter.

Most doctors think that a number of factors trigger SAD, including:

• Genetic response to sunlight– some animals, such as bears, hibernate in winter. Research suggests that reduced levels of sunlight also affect humans. However, some people are significantly more affected than others. This susceptibility may be partly genetic.
• Circadian rhythm– this ‘internal body clock’ is located in the brain and helps the body to regulate sleep and wake cycles. Regulation depends on sunlight. In some people, the shorter days in winter may disrupt the circadian rhythm and alter brain functioning.
• Altered brain regulation – melatonin is a hormone produced in the brain and in the body. It triggers sleep and is produced in response to reduced light. Daylight switches off its production in the body. The shorter daylight hours of winter encourage a longer duration of melatonin, which may be a cause for those susceptible to SAD.

And whilst I always highly recommend going to a doctor here are some self help options for in the mean time to try:

Increase sunlight exposure– extra sunshine every day can ease symptoms. For example, put your work desk next to a window, if possible, or eat your lunch outdoors. Extra sunlight during the winter months may be the only treatment necessary in mild cases of SAD.

Bring sunshine into your home– install skylights, keep the curtains open and cut back trees or bushes that block light from your windows.

Get some exercise– regular exercise is an effective treatment for depression and anxiety. Boost the benefits by shifting your exercise routine to the outdoors, weather permitting.

Look after yourself– make sure you have good sleeping habits and eat a healthy diet. Avoid cigarettes, drugs and excessive amounts of alcohol.

If none of this is helping then you should get yourself to a doctor quick smart.

I suffer mildly from it in winter only when its been raining non stop like it has been and the sunshine is literally fleeting. Last year it rained so much the boys would scream with excitement when the sun came out…the sun mum the sun..it was crazy. Its predicted to rain for another week here..so I will be dancing in the sunlight every time it appears, sniffing lemons (lemon essence is thought to help lift ones spirits) and eating banna’s (a natural antidepressant).

Have a great Wednesday my lovelies,

xx Deb

Hmmmm….FIFO husband has been home four weeks theoretically he should be going back to work 24 of May but last week the office called he is not due to start his new swing until the first week of June….they think…hmmm that is approaching the most amount of time ever spent together. This could present a couple of problems. My brain and my heart is on one hand excited…FIFO husband home for six whole weeks…yeah ha but then the fear of being together that long..well gosh..we might just start to fight and then there is the fact my secret life of keeping appearances will be harder to maintain.

Damn you Indian ocean.

We don’t fight we bicker, then he sulks and ignores me and that that drives me freaking insane. I hate it. All that moody quietness in this big old house. The kids don’t know we keep it from them and then that makes it worse. Drives me nuts. Because all I want to say to them when the say where is daddy..all I want to say is your daddy is a jerk. But you cant. I cant. Its frustrating. Then after its all said and done there is no apology even after we have sat down and chatted about the bickering, sulking and eventually me loosing the plot over the sulking and ignoring. Perhaps actually I know I make it worse after all I’m a seeker.

The most time we have spent together is ummm…eight or twelve weeks I’m not sure. I’m sure though it was bliss infact I know it great and I’m sure that this will be bliss.

I’m sure..I will start to panic come first week of June and he still here…panic only because well how can I sneak to and from the beautician when he is here? Im due to go end of the week. There are tell tale signs of having been there…redness and swelling…secrets will be revealed..damn it.

Perhaps I can fake an accident..?

No seriously its bliss and Im loving every moment of it.

XX Deb

I only just tried this recipe monday night. Its a new one to the rotation. Its quick easy one pot, it uses the oven hence it warms up my house and it used up the carrots that where in the vege bin. Winner all round.

• 1 chicken, cut into 10 pieces
• 5 carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces (halved lengthwise if thick)
• 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives
• 4 bay leaves
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• salt and black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• the recipe doesnt call for it but I added garlic

How to:

• Heat oven to 220 degrees. On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss the chicken, carrots, olives, bay leaves, lemon, oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Arrange in a single layer and sprinkle the chicken with the paprika.
• Roast, tossing the vegetables once, until the chicken is cooked through and the carrots are tender, 45 to 50 minutes.

Serve with mashed poatotes..yum.