Why oh why must I always have something going on with me? Everything else is fine, but a few days ago I noticed what felt like a burning sensation under my tongue. Then it got worse over the next couple of days and my mouth felt totally gross. My entire tongue and insides of my cheeks were aflame with irritation, even though I was brushing my teeth and rinsing with mouthwash like crazy. I knew at this point that it couldn’t be gingivitis and was worried I had some infection that would need antibiotics. Remember, I’m one of God’s oh-so-lucky ones to be chosen to be poor, on unemployment, and without insurance. You know, the one that just can’t get ahead due to circumstances totally out of her control?

So anyway, I was inspecting my tongue in the mirror and was horrified to find the entire top of my tongue was all discolored. Then Tom did some research and found it could be what’s called thrush and it could be caused by running out of yogurt like I did. It turns out that it’s nothing that isn’t supposed to be there, as we always have bacteria and yeast in our mouths. It’s just overkill with me right now. The yogurt supposedly balances these things out, especially if you’re eating it every day like I was. Then when you suddenly stop, it can cause things to get out of balance. There are things a doctor can give you to ease the symptoms faster, but it can make you more prone to having it come back because antibiotics can cause yeast infections. I used to get them all the time in my crotch when I was young. So we’re treating it by having me gargle with salt water and switching to an alcohol-based mouthwash. I’ll also go back to the yogurts.

It’s not as bad as when my ear and teeth act up, but it’s annoying enough. I also don’t understand why I just HAVE to have something. If it isn’t one thing it’s another. Why can’t I go a whole week with nothing going on??? Even the chest pains and pains in my left arm are back again, though I still seriously doubt anything’s wrong with my heart. I run or ride 5 miles nearly every day, I don’t smoke, I eat right, I got my weight under control, so I should have a healthy heart.

Last night I heard the strangest sound at 2am when I went into the bathroom. At first I wasn’t sure what it was until I stuck my ear in the open window. It was 2-3 dogs barking so hysterically as if something were trying to kill them. Then they just suddenly stopped. As suddenly as if a switch were flicked. Since when do dogs suddenly just stop barking? Especially that kind of wild, frantic barking? I couldn’t tell where it was coming from. Either far away or someplace close that was enclosed. I’d love to say it was Jesse or the renters’ dogs, but I know I couldn’t get that lucky, as quiet as they’ve been. I can’t imagine what could be out here that could kill two or more dogs in an instant if that’s what really happened. To my knowledge, there are no bears or wolves here. Just coyotes and deer and deer aren’t usually active at night. I didn’t hear any gunshots either.

Anyway, the paid emails and survey sites are really picking up. I’ve got nearly $100 racked up at about half a dozen sites. I’d gladly settle for making just $100 a month! The paid emails are better. You make more with surveys, but you usually don’t qualify for surveys, so that’s why I like the paid emails. You’re guaranteed to get paid that way.