Kill Me
I feel like I have been dropped off of a building into molten lava and then stretched out over a cookie sheet. Can’t sleep, have a hard time keeping food down, dizzy, very little energy, constant headache. To be honest, I’m thinking of going to hospital.
This was not the week to have four dogs at home. One of the reasons I haven’t gone to hospital is because I’m worried about Bella. Given the thickness of her coat, she’s shedding at an incredible rate, and I am worried that if I leave her alone too long that the heat might get to her as well. I searched Craigslist to see if anyone had posted an advert for part-time house services, but no luck. Unfortunately all of my friends work and are therefore unavailable during mornings and days.
On top of all of that, I have to pick up an acoustic guitar some time soon and start brushing up on material for an upcoming acoustic performance – which I am sure will end up being a last minute affair being that I leave next week.
Last night I filled my bathtub with nothing but cold water and laid in it for a while. It didn’t really produce significant results. My main goal was to try and get my body temperature down – that scene from Jacob’s Ladder comes to mind (minus the ice, of course). Kay bought another fan as well, so I now have four blowing full blast. Plus I took a hammer to one of my window frames and removed the stoppers so that I can open the window all the way, which has helped a bit. But I have to admit, I have never prayed for rain and cold weather more in my life.
Tylenol, Gravol, water. Rinse and repeat. In truth I have nothing to really complain about, it’s not as if I have Hodgkin’s or anything. Plus, if I am still able to lay in bed and type it can’t be that bad.
Completely off topic: loud Australian girls are annoying. Sorry, but they are.
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August 18th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
It’s almost through, Matt. If you can hold out another few hours, you’ll be back to more normal conditions. At least that’s according to Environment Canada, and from someone who works in the news industry, they’re more accurate than they’re given credit for.
August 18th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Does someone require my assistance? :)
Seriously the portable A/C units work, you should pick one up before you do end up in the hospital .
August 18th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
I find loud girls in general annoying…whatever the nationality. Not that I haven’t been one myself in long ago past lives, but I”m with you, some voices just have this pitch that combined with volume is sooooo irritating. And inevitably, these voices are talking about something inane, not anything interesting that you even want to overhear.
Dogs: air conditioned dog hotel/spa/kennel (there are some swishy ones in Van)
You: hospital
August 18th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
http://www.rexvancouver.com/index.html#Start
not far from you, either.
August 18th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Maybe you could get a friend to watch the dogs tonight or tomorrow night while you go to the ER? It would probably mean hours of waiting, but at least you could get it figured out and they could still get to work??
August 18th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
I’m not leaving my dogs alone with strangers. But thanks for looking into that, appreciated.
August 18th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Matt;
Whyyyyyyyyy haven’t you gone and gotten the portable a/c??? Do you have something against using one? You don’t have to use it ALL the time, just when you and the dogs really need it. Hell, turn it on for a few hours at a time and then off or whatever– just so you can all get some relief… and then we (the other fans in your life) can then too!
Goooooooooooooo to the stoooooooooooooore. Please. :)
August 18th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Matt,
Have you had your Depakote level checked recently? Psychiatric drugs can make you more susceptible to heat related medical conditions. Best you get a blood work-up to rule out anything if this continues. I don’t know what else to tell you. Your living situation really sucks right now. I hope when you come East next week, the weather will be nice. Best to you and the dogs. :)
August 18th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Matt, one thing you might want to try is wetting down a lightweight t-shirt or towel and drape it over you while letting the fan blow on you. When I had no a/c in my place a couple summers ago here in Montreal I was just dying and really needed to sleep. It did help. Just make sure it’s pretty lightweight. And maybe a cool bath for Bella?
August 18th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Honestly, that sounds pretty horrible. I just have one question? Are they sold out of Portable Air Conditioners all over Vancouver?
August 18th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Loud girls are great if “loud” under the right circumstances *S*
August 18th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Matt,
I just Bought an Brand new Hd-28 2007, I’ll loan to you no strings…
August 18th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
I can work from home for a day no problem. If you need someone to swing by and watch them while you go get looked after, just holler.
August 18th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
If you won’t do it for yourself, look into a portable air conditioner for the dogs’ sake.
August 18th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
[quote comment="62212"]Matt,
Have you had your Depakote level checked recently? Psychiatric drugs can make you more susceptible to heat related medical conditions. Best you get a blood work-up to rule out anything if this continues. I don’t know what else to tell you. Your living situation really sucks right now. I hope when you come East next week, the weather will be nice. Best to you and the dogs. :)[/quote]
I had absolutely no idea that that was the case. I see my doctor tomorrow, thanks for the info.
August 18th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
[quote comment="62217"]I can work from home for a day no problem. If you need someone to swing by and watch them while you go get looked after, just holler.[/quote]
Thanks Duane.
August 18th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
[quote comment="62216"]Matt,
I just Bought an Brand new Hd-28 2007, I’ll loan to you no strings…[/quote]
I own an HD-28, an older one. Actually, I have a 26 as well. I have three Martins and three Taylors all toll.
August 18th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Well, for everyone’s sake, I do hope there is a break in the heat over there. Otherwise, I am BUYING YOU THAT PORTABLE A/C, Mr. Good!
August 18th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
I love My HD-28 nothing I have played so far beats it just looking forward to put some years on it… I know you have a hd-28 (kidding about the loan), if I’m not mistaken you recorded some of Avalanche in studio with it right?
Cant buy an old 28 like yours they are so Expensive it’s nuts… I noticed at Massey and Ottawa you played with the Taylor on stage, What are you thinking of picking up this time? I recommend a Godin… Love to get your impression on those… Their acoustic line Sounds amazing… you should try one.
August 18th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Sorry to hear about your situation.
There’s nothing worse than being responsible for others when you’re not up to par. I don’t blame you for not leaving your dogs with strangers….I NEVER would’ve considered that with my dog (which is why I never went anywhere without her).
It’s cooled off a lot today. I was wondering how all the seniors cope in this ridiculous heat….I have a lot of friends who pass through at work who are in their 90’s and I’m hoping they’re all o.k. It’s unbearable for me, I can only imagine what it does to them.
Anyhow, take ‘er easy Matt…hope you’re o.k.
August 18th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
keep the water going down range.
August 18th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
we have nothing but rain rain rain in halifax. Today was the first sunny day in like a month
August 18th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Duane is CLEARLY not a stranger. CALL HIM, let him watch the kids and
GO
TO
HOSPITAL
August 18th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
wet some towels in cold water, wring ‘em out and lay them on some dog bellies! Skin contact with something cool will help keep to their temps down
Also, check their mouths (gums and inside of lips) to make sure they are properly hydrated. The membranes should be moist to the touch, not dry. Panting takes a lot of energy, so make sure you increase their fluids. (I know you probably have ’cause you are an awesome dad, but I am worried so please allow a short rant)
Good luck and I hope you get some relief soon
August 18th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
I’m buying you and your dogs those silly sun visors with tiny fans and mini clip-on water bottles to mist you. Hey, you’ll look like a bunch of dorks, but cool dorks nonetheless. ;)
August 18th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
[quote comment="62226"][quote comment="62212"]Matt,
Have you had your Depakote level checked recently? Psychiatric drugs can make you more susceptible to heat related medical conditions. Best you get a blood work-up to rule out anything if this continues. I don’t know what else to tell you. Your living situation really sucks right now. I hope when you come East next week, the weather will be nice. Best to you and the dogs. :)[/quote]
I had absolutely no idea that that was the case. I see my doctor tomorrow, thanks for the info.[/quote]
Also forgot to mention that liver functions test are paramount when your on this med long term. Demand to have it done as well to be on the safe side.
http://www.psycheducation.org/depression/meds/LabTesting.htm
August 18th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
You know, using cool clothes straight from the washer as a blanket works wonders.
August 18th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
[quote comment="62206"]http://www.rexvancouver.com/index.html#Start[/quote]
Oh good lord the photos on that site are absolutely adorable! *head asplodes*
August 18th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Oh.. oh! Pick me! Pick me!! =)
I’m Downtown… a lot.
August 18th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Matt, this sounds terrible.
Please consider taking Duane up on his offer and get yourself checked out.
I’m really hoping a wave of coolness comes your way for both your well being and for the dogs.
I hope everything checks out fine (for all of you)
August 18th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
You always have the most creative analogies.
I don’t know if a hospital is what you need so much as a cool environment. And unless you’re going to get that portable A/C everyone keeps telling you to get, your apartment is not it. So….
Seriously, maybe your earlier hotel idea isn’t such a bad plan. Find one that accommodates dogs and trek everyone over for a night. Might do you all a world of good.
(Loud any nationality girls are annoying.)
August 18th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
id dogsit if i lived closer. they would love it here.. i live on a farm and so they could run around as much as they wanted, leash free!! and theres a pond and a ditch if they wanted to go swimming to cool off. and it would give my doggy some company :)
August 18th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Hope you feel better. It’s raining tonight in White Rock - probably downtown too. Feels good.
August 18th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Oh and I forgot…loud drunk girls are the worst (or the best, I guess it depends on who you are and how you look at it).
Anyhow, the past couple of weekends we’ve been “entertained” by 20 year olds at the track….it’s outdoor seating and they sell alcohol. My mother in law and I watch as they change with each drink…they get louder, bolder and the most annoying part is that they laugh at absolutely everything.
“Look at my shoe”.
“Oh that’s funny”.
“Heeheeheeheeheehohoho”.
“I have a nose”.
“Me too….AHH ha hohohooooohee”.
By the end of the day it’s like nails on a chalkboard. Yeow.
August 18th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
[quote comment="62303"][quote comment="62206"]http://www.rexvancouver.com/index.html#Start[/quote]
Oh good lord the photos on that site are absolutely adorable! *head asplodes*[/quote]
I know, especially the wee ones playing in the water park. Water Park! This place has it all….I’m thinking maybe you should get someone to come to your place to look after the dogs, Matt, and you could check in here for a night. A little pampering and spa treatment….water park with toys? Hell, I’m in.
Susie
August 18th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Hey Matt,
Yeah it’s been hot for sure. I’m in a/c at work for 3-4 days ,but got home to a hot place yesterday. Relief has arrived tonite in time for me to have 10 days off, it’s cooling off nicely out in Surrey and it seems we’re in for a stretch of rainy days. I’m honestly happy to hear you see your Doctor tomorrow sounds like you’re really suffering in the heat. As a chronic insomniac myself my best tactic is to try not to let it bother me and kinda go with the flow of it, I think it’s bullshit to try to sleep on “schedule” you know like the so called experts recommend. Sleep when you’re tired get up when you feel guilty about spending too long in bed. About your dogs, I was at the TISOL pet food store in South Surrey and saw a cooling collar for dogs, you put it in the freezer and them put the collar around your dogs neck. Seemed like it’d be a pretty good idea, I have cats myself and sometimes wipe them down with a damp cloth which seems to work as well.
Anyway, I really enjoy reading your blogs and can’t wait for the new album. I really liked Hospital Music.
Regards, Deanne
August 18th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
Well it was a cool and wet rainy day down here in Oregon, so hopefully that’ll be heading your way sometime soon!! Best wishes to you feeling better asap!
August 19th, 2008 at 1:53 am
It’s kind of unfair. You’re dying of heat there in Vancouver and we have a somewhat lousy summer here in germany, stormy, rainy, cloudy and about 25 degrees on *good* days. The 3rd lousy summer in a row now. One might almost get the impression that all the talks about global warming were nonsense (of course I know it better).
My advise: get a nice place for the dogs (friends, familiy?) and then go and see your physician of trust.
At long sight: try to find something airconditioned and move out of that baking oven, as this will be haunting you every summer a new if you stay there. I don’t know if it is bought or just rented… if rented, it shouldn’t be too difficult to move out. At least that’s what I would consider if my appartment would make me suffer that much.
August 19th, 2008 at 4:11 am
Next summer, I am picturing you in a rented cottage down by a beautiful lake, mountain scenerey, hammock…with your pups in tow. I hate the heat in the city during the summer.
On a completely meandering note: watched The Other Boleyn Girl the other night….well done (I didn’t know there actually was another Boleyn girl, so bit of a history lesson for me). Also watched: Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanemo Bay….I laughed so hard I was crying.
Feel better soon,
L.
August 19th, 2008 at 4:59 am
[quote comment="62352"]Next summer, I am picturing you in a rented cottage down by a beautiful lake, mountain scenerey, hammock…with your pups in tow. .[/quote]
Sounds nice for the dogs as well… lakes, meadows… But I remember Matt having stated in the past that he can’t actually imagine to not be living near the ocean. Hm…
August 19th, 2008 at 5:10 am
I’ve lived 2 summers now in a south facing apartment with no AC. I always have 2 or 3 pitchers of water in the fridge, a dozen icecube trays, and 4 fans moving air. I find the best (only) way to keep cool is to do as little as possible and drink tonnes of water. I’ve survived 35 humidity days by simply staying still, keeping things dark and quiet, and drinking lots. Granted, and there is where I have an advantage, I have a tiny portable AC I plug in and point right at my bed - the thing is so overworked, but just having those couple degrees of cooler air let me sleep. I’d suggest one - dump the vent out that window that opens and point the air right at your bed or at the dogs bed if you’re up and about. I thank $GOD that my mum upgraded her AC and gave me that one, it’s the only reason I’ve been able to stay sane.
Cheers - hopefully things get better!
August 19th, 2008 at 5:38 am
All loud girls are annoying.
August 19th, 2008 at 5:58 am
Try getting some ginger root and boiling it in some water, let it sit for a bit so it will steep. It really helps out a sick stomach. You can also get ginger tea bagged at health food stores or have it in pills. Mint tea also helps too but not as much as ginger root.
It’s too bad that Vancouver is getting Ontario’s summer. It just keeps raining here, all of my veggies have gone funny.
Hope you are feeling better.
August 19th, 2008 at 6:33 am
If you’re feeling weak you need to lick some salt - call me a crazy person now but it works, it’s something to do with re hydrating at super speed I think.. one of those remedies gramma offered.. and damn that woman was smart!
August 19th, 2008 at 10:02 am
My first thought is that you need to get four black suitcases for the dogs! WTF four? Its like those families that keep adding kids to them i suppose:)
Seriously, couldn’t you drop the dogs off at a professional pet groomer and get them shaved for the summer months? that could give you sometime to go get yourself checked out as well.
Home should be wonderful & comfortable for you and the dogs. Please try the portable a/c, & stay hydrated. f*c man~
August 19th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Take the dogs with you? Atleast then maybe you’ll get immediate attention because they’ll probably think you’ve lost your mind. I waited four hours in outpatience in N.S. once with a cracked collar bone.
August 19th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Just be careful when trying to cool down the doggies. It’s fine to use water, wet towels, or you can even squirt some rubbing alcohol on their foot pads, that works well, to keep them cool. However if they are starting to show signs of heat stress cooling them down too quickly can be fatal (same for you). If they start looking really hot, get a thermometer (make sure to keep it separate from yours) and take rectal temps on them. Digital ones work great. Normal temps in dogs are higher than for people. 37 to 39 is normal. Any temperature above 39 C in dogs is above normal, 41 and up can be dangerous. If it is > 41 then they should go to a vet right away and be treated for possible heat stroke. Don’t throw super cold water, especially ice water, on anyone (dog or person) in heat stroke. It can result in a horrible clotting disorder called DIC. Instead, professional medical help should be sought immediately! Just some tips.
Dr. BJ
August 19th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
The humidity on the east coast is going down so when you come to Buffalo/Ontario, you should feel a difference…plus you will have hotel air…which actually isn’t always better for your head/sinuses etc.
I wouldn’t leave my dogs with strangers either…….a dip in the tub or a kiddie pool is the best way to cool them down, plus will help with the shedding…..
Stay cool,
Love from Buffalo
August 19th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Matt, I’m with ya about not wanting to leave your dogs with strangers. I’m the same way with my Benny. But it’s like they say in those safety clips on airplanes that nobody watches… in the event of loss of cabin pressure, put the oxygen mask on your self first before your kids. Cuz you’re no use to your kids if your dead. Looking after yourself IS looking after your dogs.
And no pressure about practicing for Jackson Triggs. Even without practice you will no doubt rock it like nobody’s business. I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to that show….
All the best to you and your pups…
August 20th, 2008 at 6:51 am
I am praying for anything BUT rain - Scotland is pretty wet at the moment - 13.5degrees on my way to work this morning! Bring a raincoat when you come on your travels Matt.