Insomnia and Eureka

Insomnia and Eureka... these may seem like incongruous terms but I experienced them in unison last night.  I won't bore you with my recent medical ailments but, suffice it to say that, as a result of reoccurring vertigo and a recent loss of hearing in my left ear, my doctors have put me on high doses of steroids.  They warned me that I may feel jittery or tense.  Surprisingly, I have felt neither.  In fact, I would have to say that I feel pretty normal and relaxed.  The problem comes at bedtime.  I cannot sleep.  My body would love to benefit from the rejuvenate powers of sleep but, my mind will have none of it.  The inability to fall asleep when everyone else in the house is long gone and when television has failed to offer up any good diversions, is frustrating to say the least.  It's similar to those nights when you are completely exhausted and ready to drop off only to have your spouse turn on a really loud action movie.  You can pull the covers over your head but the sound and the images running through your head just won't quit.  My mind was contemplating depressing topics such as the recent economic problems plaguing our country and livelihoods and running through outstanding bills.  The sort of worrisome thinking that surely keeps sleep at bay.  Then, suddenly, without provocation, my mind started being creative and productive.  Like Archimedes Eureka moment, my brain was on fire.  My brain was on invountary problem solving mode. I worked out a plot problem that I had been struggling with in my new novel and then came up with several new plot twists (all in my head), to boot.  It was amazing.  My body still fatigued from the obligations of the prior day was completely at the mercy of my brain that would not stop.  As Isaac Asimov once wrote in an informative essay, thinking is similar to breathing.  It's both manual or voluntary and automatic or involuntary.  We can hold our breath but soon the demands of the body make it impossible to continue to hold.  If we pass out, involuntary breathing takes over.  Asimov theorizes that our thinking follows similar rules.  We can think long and hard on a problem, working on it for hours, days or even years.  But, when we relax and put the problem away, our brains begin working involuntarily, subconsciously, if you will.  And, this is when are brains are forced to make new pathways and connections that our conscious brains would not think to make.  This is Archimedes Eureka moment and I had one last night.  It was great.

Beginnings...of several sorts

Hey guys,

I've started this blog, "Brenda's Random Blog," as an outlet for those random thoughts, observations and goings on that don't get an outlet otherwise.  This is my virgin post.  So, here it goes...

Today has been a snowy day at home contemplating the beauty of nature and the serenity that comes on a quite day at home (minus the pitter patter of three year old toes across the hardwoods).  There are few things more peaceful than watching the makings of a winter wonderland out the big bay window of my living room.  The snow seems to muffle all sound and everything sounds hushed.  I have to admit - - I don't miss the hectic life of working in the city. I know my family likes having me closer to home.  I also must say that there has been a marked improvement in the quality of my life.  Today, I have a nice warm fire going and I'm listening to Sade.  I forgot how good she was.  When was the last time any of you listened to her CD?  You might want to dust it off and give it a go.  Pretty good stuff.  I hope you enjoy your day too.