Feel overwhelmed and underprep'ed at same time-Normal spring feeling?
Kevin Zone 6b - PIT, PA
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
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Barrie, (Central PA, zone 6a)
7 years agoKevin Zone 6b - PIT, PA thanked Barrie, (Central PA, zone 6a)Kevin Zone 6b - PIT, PA
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoRelated Discussions
Feeling very overwhelmed :-(
Comments (7)Well from a "former" newbie to another (I've had my pond running since October), you sound a lot like me. Just remember, this will be your first full year, so you are allowed time to live and learn; so take it easy on yourself. This forum is a great source for information. I started by researching (I must of checked-out 10 books on ponds from the library) (Good book & online: Ponder's Bible)and working all aspects out in my head and on paper. It sounds that you bought into with a nice set-up regarding your pond. First thing I'd do is figure out (close as I could) just how big the pond is. You need to know this in case you need to apply materials/ items (AKA chemicals) to balance your pond. Think of your pond as an aquarium on steroids. My opinion: Do your best to stay away from using chemicals; Only as a last measure. Second, get a test kit (there are simple test strips that test 5 factors per strip). Test frequently at first to get a base result, then when needed (you will start to "feel" things aren't just right as you learn// observe your pond). Third, get a working knowledge of the the life of algae. You will learn that not all algae is bad for your system (see Norm Meck article - link below) and it comes down to a competition for nutrients (give it to your plants; not the single-cell ones). Your water temp. is just warm enough for string algae. When your water temp. increases, you will probably have free-floating algae (layman's term: pea-soup water). That's why we're always advised to shade our ponds. When the water reaches certain temp. levels, certain types of algae wake from their winter sleep first before the good bacteria/plants; so they are the first in line at the nutrient food-line. Usually it is: string algae/ free-floating/ water plants. My point: work to keep a balance in your water's clarity through the use of plants/ shade / good bacteria. "Today I turned off the filter and started emptying out the tubs. The former owner said he would do that about once a month/two months. It's been less than that but when I opened up the pipe, the stuff that came out of the bottom of the tub was more sludge than dirty water. I mean, it was THICK. Should I be doing that more often?" Generally most basic filter systems start with a mechanical component (brushes) to trap the debris and a biological (good bacteria breaks down the fish waste to plant food)component. Usually there is a drain for release of "sludge/ dirty stuff". When I open mine up, it looks real dirty and slightly smells. I use this discharge to water my ground plants (and do they benefit from it). Again certain times of the year mean different cleaning cycles. The previous owner probably had his/her way of doing/knowing when to clean. And you will learn this process. I know it's time for me to clean my leaf basket when I see the outflow on my water wall drop off. So take a breath, take it easy on yourself, and take heart in knowing that a lot of people have been in the same place you presently find yourself. Happy ponding, LP Here is a link that might be useful: Pond Water Chemistry...See MoreFeeling overwhelmed...
Comments (15)222 is the high, high end of normal but that is not bad at all. The testing is the same as with humans. You can do the quick test with the little meter. That reading is for that exact moment in time. There can be reasons why the reading is higher or lower than normal. Stress can elevate the reading. Preferred method is to send blood to lab. That test does a different type of reading and shows the average in the past 30 days. More reliable and not influenced by stress, etc. If the cat is a diabetic, diet will be important whether using insulin or not. Your vet will be able to advise you on the diet. A quick look on the internet will also give you plenty of info. Low fat, low sugar, good protein and fiber are important. Avoid dry food. puc13....Humulin N...NPH human insulin..by Lilly. 10 ml...100 units per mL. This insulin can be used by humans and cats and dogs. Most humans use this. I get it from Walgreens. Talk to your vet and see if you can switch brands if you are using a pet specific insulin. My vet prescribes this. Whenever you switch brands you have to redetermine the proper dosage but you should be able to do that it 30 days....See MoreFeeling overwhelmed and self reflection
Comments (35)Yes, your body and mind needs release and it's telling you it's ok to give it time to have that release. I can remember times when I'm meditating, and not feeling particularly sad, yet I'll find tears on my cheeks. It's perfectly ok. I'm sorry I haven't read the other responses yet, so apologize if I'm redundant, but did want to get this out there for you. I noticed in the OP that you said you are trying to stay more on top of it, more in control, and that may be a real source of tension for you. Try to ease up and let it be. You aren't going to be able to control everything going on, and the more you try, the more stressed and overwhelmed you will feel. One of the best definitions of stress I ever saw was: the perception that our available resources are inadequate to meet the perceived demands upon us. What I so like about this definition is it includes our perceptions of the demands on us...and our perceptions of the resources available to us. Maybe what we think is expected of us, is not correct...that we are putting even higher expectations on ourselves than others are. Maybe we think we are alone in it or can't ask for help, but in fact we can. Or maybe there are other resources available to us we haven't stopped to think about incorporating. And, what I find a lot, is that our anticipation of the stress we are going to be under is itself a source of stress. Instead, try to live more in the moment and not anticipate stress itself. Recognize that, in this very instant, there is nothing you need to do....or in this instant....or in this. And that there are many, many, many such instances throughout each day when we can take even a moment to breathe....See MoreFeeling Overwhelmed... Cleaning tips?
Comments (78)You guys are all full of good tips! Hope it's going well ATK. We have four cats. Although we are pretty tidy, and have gotten rid of stuff as a results of a few moves over the last 16 years, it's crazy keeping up on the cat hair, dust and litter boxes, so I totally get where you're coming from. I recently bought a stick vacuum and I love it. I didn't spring for the Dyson, but it was another one recommended here somewhere and I found it on Amazon. It probably doesn't work as well as a Dyson but it works pretty darn well and has been life changing when it comes to cleaning. I no longer have to get the central vac out or lug our full size Dyson around the house. I vacuum up the tracked litter more often because the stick is so easy to carry around. It's super each to grab each day or a couple of times daily to hit the higher traffic spots. Another thing I did is created "cat designated" spots around the house so they don't sleep just anywhere. It took some experimenting to find out what they each prefer as far as pet bed, quilt, blanket, etc., In the winter I use heated beds or put heated mats under their cat quilts. So now they sleep on only those spots and I no longer have to clean cat hair from non-protected spots. I also throw a light quilt or sheet over our bed so I'm not constantly washing quilts and comforters. I also began using Dr. Elsey's Ultra litter just recently - while it still tracks, it's not nearly as bad as all the others, and it's less dusty, too. And believe me, I've tried them all. One other thing that has helped is that once everything has a place, I have to take care of items as soon as I'm done using them or come across them. When I'm done with laundry, I fold and put away - I don't save it for later anymore. When I find an oddball thing, I go put it in its place rather than stash it somewhere to try and remember to deal with later. I got sick of trying to remember where I stashed those things when I finally needed them, or frantically cleaning before someone was coming over. It's nice to have kitty cat company, and I love our cats dearly, but I do wonder (and fantasize!) what it's like to have a house with no pets in it. We have probably 6-7 more years at most with our current cats, and then may just foster. A friend of mine is a single woman in her 40's and she loves fostering one cat at a time. She has fostered three cats for the local shelter during this time of Covid....See MoreKevin Zone 6b - PIT, PA
7 years agoLoneJack Zn 6a, KC
7 years agoKevin Zone 6b - PIT, PA
7 years agoLoneJack Zn 6a, KC
7 years agoBarrie, (Central PA, zone 6a)
7 years agoLoneJack Zn 6a, KC
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoKevin Zone 6b - PIT, PA
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoDonna R
7 years agoCher 7b
7 years agodefrost49
7 years agoKevin Zone 6b - PIT, PA
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agodefrost49
7 years agobabushka_cat
7 years ago
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Barrie, (Central PA, zone 6a)