Stories of Smell

The last couple of days I have had some notable experiences with smell. Meaning the lack of smell. I didn't really have much a problem with my anosmia this summer, mostly because I was always with other people and eating things that were familiar for the time. I didn't have a need to smell anything, really.
Living alone changes things.
I'm going to ramble a little bit. Things that are fascinating to me, a little sad, and some that just make me shake my head.
I recently bought a crockpot. I figured that living alone and being busy was a dangerous combination for me, as fast food would be an easy and convenient option. But I have no desire to blow up like a balloon, or to get in unhealthy habits. [Sidebar: this is not to say that I have healthy habits now... I mean, come on, I just finished eating a donut...] So the first thing I did with my first paycheck is buy a crockpot. I've been exploring with that a little bit. And I realized something. If I don't pay attention, I could leave that thing going all day and could very easily destroy what I am trying to make. I don't have that sense of smell to remind me that something is cooking. And being new to crockpot cooking anyway, I was fairly nervous. So the first time I used it, I was at home the entire time so I could baby-sit my crockpot. I know, it defeats the purpose of a crockpot, but it was scary. Then yesterday I decided to let my crockpot grow up. I let it cook while I was gone at church. I may have called my mom before I left so she could reassure me I wasn't about to burn down my house or ruin the food I'd spent my hard earned money on, but I did it. Jury is still out on the food itself, because I made it to freeze it. I'll let you know.
I made cookies the other day. It didn't go so well. Don't get me wrong, they turned out fine. Not as good as I wanted, but very much yummy. New oven + anosmia = nerve-wracking. My oven timer was getting a workout that day. Checking and rechecking, resetting the timer every time... See, I'm one of those people who forgets they have laundry in unless they have that annoying buzzer to tell them. Not usually a problem with cooking because you can smell it, right? WRONG. So I rely on my timers to save me, and my oven, and my cookies.
I went into my bathroom to blow dry my hair yesterday and I couldn't get the darn ting to turn on. I hit the reset button on the blowdryer, and nothing. I switched it from the bottom outlet to the top, nothing. I was a little frustrated, thinking I had just broken a hair dryer. But the outlet HAD to work, because the wallflower plug-in I had was there, and.... I had no idea if that was working. I stared at that thing for a long time. How do you know the plug-ins work? You smell it. I chewed on my lip for a moment, then hit the reset button on the actual outlet. Voila, my hairdryer worked. I shook my head at myself. How long had my wallflower not been working and I had no idea? Not that it really matters, I can't smell it anyway. Why do I even have it, then? Because I used to love wallflowers. And I have a surefire knowledge that, if nothing else, my bathroom smells awesome. For when I have visitors.
I was at work the other day and someone was sharing a story about a person who smelled lie old smoke. You know, that lingering, old, almost awkward smell that means they are a long-time smoker? We all know it. But apparently, this person was a very strong smell and the entire room still smelled like it. I looked at her and said, "Really? It does?" And she looked at me for half a second in surprise, then laughed. "Oh my gosh, you wouldn't even know that, would you?" Then she offered to let me know if something ever smelled so I could make the appropriate faces with everyone else. It was nice to laugh about, instead of feeling awkward. We're making progress.
Just a bit of story time for you, as I learn things again. Hopefully it's interesting for you!
High: One of my crockpot meals, the one I babysat? So good. New favorite. It's made with Italian dressing, so I can actually pick up some of the flavor.
Low: I just had chocolate milk [to go with my donuts] and it was disgusting. I think I might cry.
High: I'm paying a lot more attention to the lotions and perfume i wear. I have to think of what fragrances would go well together. It's second nature to a normal smeller, you can tell right away what will work and what won't. But for me? Not so easy. But I like having to pay attention. I learn a lot! Imagine pairing amber with cherry! Blegh...
Smell some flowers for me today. I miss those.