Sunday Inspiration: Risk

February Flashbacks

I am so thankful that February is a short month. I am oh-so-ready to put this month behind me! I definitely don't want two or three more days of the energy that February brought. 

The most popular post on the blog for Febrary was actually the first Sunday Inspiration post of the month, followed closely behind by "A Giant Pain in the Back" where we talked some tips for dealing with back pain that often comes along in midlife. 

It was a quiet month in our house.  Especially for me. Honestly, I spent most of February lying on the couch.  Not by choice.

First, I caught a nasty head cold that knocked me off my routine for a few days.  Just as that started to clear up, I somehow hurt my back.  The back pain ranged from sore one day and annoying the next for almost two weeks and then suddenly went straight to excruciating.   

A trip to the Dr led to a diagnosis of "probable herniated disc", a prescription for prednisone and muscle relaxers and two weeks of rest to allow it to heal.  Fortunately things have greatly improved.  As I draw toward the end of the second week of rest,   it's still a little achy, but SO much better than before. I no longer spend the first few of hours of my day almost crying from the pain.  A few days ago I experienced the first shower in a couple of weeks that I wasn't miserable and rushing to get it over with. Yesterday was the first day I haven't needed to take any of the muscle relaxers.  Yay!

Because of all this, Valentine's Day was at home, quiet, and extremely low-key.  We had homemade pizzas for dinner and the Mr picked up a delicious chocolate pie for dessert.  He gave me a couple of books from my list and some chocolates. I gave him a game pin from the Ravens/Browns game we went to last month. (He collects them from each game we go to and somehow this one got lost in the process of traveling home from Baltimore, so i found a placement.)

We celebrated our youngest grandson's second birthday this month.  I had almost forgotten how fun birthdays are at that age.  He was having so much fun and was so excited about opening presents and his cake. 

I am excited to say that earlier this month I turned into my application to volunteer at the local library and received a call this week that it has been approved.  Starting next month, I'll be helping out one morning a week. This is like a dream come true for me.  I have loved the library since I was a very little girl, and I can't wait to give back to a place that has given me so much joy

And since we're speaking of books - this month I read four books and listened to one. My audio book for this month was "The Pirate's Wife" by Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos.  The four books I read were "The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store " by James McBride, "The Boyfriend" by Freida McFadden, "Witchcraft for Wayward Girls" by Grady Hendrix, and "I Need You to Read This" by Jessa Maxwell.   

How was your February?  Any special memories from the month?

Thankful Thursday: February 27, 2025

 

I Am Thankful For:

My grandson's 2nd birthday

Less pain

Ice cream

My husband coming home early and doing the grocery shopping

My volunteer application accepted at the library

Birthday celebrations

Birthday cake

Sunday afternoons

Feeling less foggy and dizzy

Breakfast for dinner

Listening to my husband read to me

Butterflies

Seeing a little improvement every day

A healthy lunch

Warmer days

Sunday Inspiration: At The Bottom

Thankful Thursday: February 20, 2025

 

I Am Thankful For:

Rainy days

Little puppy paws

Binge watching a favorite show

Grapes

New books

Valentine candy

Chocolate dessert

My daughter stopping by with the grandkids

My husband taking care of me with my sore back

A lazy Sunday

Long weekends

Dr appointment

Muscle relaxers

My husband driving me around

Getting plenty of rest

Being in less pain

Heating pads

Sleep

Homemade vegetable soup

Snow flurries

A Giant Pain in the Back

This post is meant to share what I have learned based on my own experience.  It is in no way intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new healthcare regimen.  Never disregard medical advice or delay seeking help because of something you read on this website.

For almost two weeks now, I have been dealing with back pain. Over the past few days it has become much worse. In fact, I have a doctor appointment today so that I can hopefully get some answers and some relief. 

Thanks to normal wear and tear on the spine over a lifetime, it is not unusual to experience back pain in midlife.  There are things we can do to reduce our risk of developing back pain or injuries : regular exercise to strengthen back and core muscles, watching our posture, and maintaining a healthy weight to name a few.  But what if you feel that sudden twinge or a dull ache in your back?  Here's the advice I have found helpful the past couple of weeks:

• Gentle stretches

I know... it's hard to imaging doing stretches when your back hurts every time you bend or twist.  But gentle stretches such as child pose, cat-cow stretches, knee to chest stretches,sphinx, or lower back rotations can ease pain and prevent further discomfort.

• Over the Counter Pain Medication 

Acetaminophen, or NSAIDS such as  ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium can help relieve mild to moderate back pain.  However these can have serious side effects if taken for a long time or at high doses, so talk to your doctor if the pain continues for more than a few days.  (I have to be especially careful with NSAIDS because of my stomach issues caused by GERD.) 

Topical treatments such as patches, creams, or ointments may also help to relieve discomfort. 

•  Hot and Cold

Applying ice packs to the area can reduce pain and inflammation. Apply it for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.  Especially during the first few days

A heat pack or heating pad helps to relax muscles and increases blood flow to the affected area. 

• Change your shoes

Time to set aside those cute flats, or especially the sassy heels and give your feet over to some comfortable, supportive shoes.

• See Your Healthcare Provider

If your pain isn't improving with at home care, it's time to see your doctor.  They can check how the pain is affecting your daily mobility, order any needed tests or imaging and help decide the best course of treatment for your situation.  

Hopefully you'll never need these tips.  And hopefully, thanks to them and my doctor's advice- I will be on the mend very soon!

Sunday Inspiration: No Barriers

Thankful Thursday: February 13, 2025

 

I Am Thankful For:

Ice packs

My husband taking over dinner prep

A long hot shower 

My son helping with the dogs

A day of doing mostly nothing

Getting out of the house for a little while

When the pain medication kicks in

Stretches

My husband making lunch for me

Finally falling asleep

When the grand sons come over for dinner

SuperBowl Sunday

A good book club meeting

Valentine gifts

Opening a new book

Cough suppressants

Back feeling a little better

Having the cutest little dogs in town

The full moon

Sunday Inspiration: Judge

Thankful Thursday: February 6, 2025

 I Am Thankful For:

My grandson is feeling better

Morning sun on my face

Accomplishing goals

My husband is home from work trip

Dropped off my volunteer application

Ice cream

Open windows on a January day

Playing with the dogs

The sound of falling rain

Homemade shortbread

Reading a book together

A decent night's sleep

Homemade Bolognese sauce

A short nap

Books

Yogurt and berries

My grandson's new braces

Hot tea with honey

Warm February days

My husband bringing me cold medicine and cough drop

Sunday Inspirations: The Strongest Actions

January Wrap-Up

Honestly, has this been the longest January that ever januaried - or am I the only one feeling that way?

This month, the most popular post on the blog was "Aging Gracefully... or not" where I explored what the idea of aging gracefully means to us as women.  I also shared ideas for combatting the winter blues, making a simple London Fog for sipping on the cold January days, and dealing with sleep problems in midlife.  

On the first weekend of January the Man of the House and I went to Baltimore, Maryland. We did some sightseeing, ate some delicious seafood, and on Saturday evening we went to the Ravens game. The game was FREEZING! The whole weekend was honestly. But the game was a night game and very windy, which made it feel that much colder.  We had originally planned to leave Monday evening, but there was a winter storm forecasted to move through on Monday morning, so we switched our flight and came home Sunday evening to beat the snow.

Like much of the country, we had some brutally cold temperatures this month. And we did see a little snow.  But it has been a crazy winter.  When the southern snow storm hit, it went way south and east of us.  While they had several inches of snow along the coast - we didn't see any of it here in mountains! 

We celebrated our oldest grandson's 13th birthday this month.  I know what you're thinking - I'm not old enough to have a teenage grandson.  You're right!  At least that's what I've been telling myself. 

I finally decided to do something this month that I've been thinking about for a while.  One morning I grabbed the scissors and cut some bang. I know, they say you should never cut your own bangs. But I have been doing it off and on for years. And I'm actually pleased with the results. 

In January I read two books and listened to one audio book.  I read "Somewhere Beyond the Sea" by T J Klune and "A Curious Beginning" by Deanna Raybourn. The audio book I listened to is "The Dressmaker" by Kate Alcott. 

Some of my favorites and finds for January included:

- The Rydir band: it kept the tote bag I used on our Baltimore trip clean while traveling (airports and planes. IYKYK) And kept it attached to my carry-on luggage while on the move. 

- A London Fog: Earl Grey tea, vanilla, steamed milk. A delicious treat on a chilly afternoon. 

- The Quilted Koala Town Crossbody Bag:  It's roomy enough for all the things, including a book, my Kindle, or a small crochet project for when I'm going to be doing some sitting and waiting somewhere. The detachable crossbosy strap keeps me hand-free when I'm running errands. 

How was your January?   Any special moments, favorite finds, or stand out memories? 

Thankful Thursday: January 30, 2025

 I Am Thankful For:

Signs that there are still brave and decent people in the world

Time for myself

A quiet, early morning house

Brave women who speak what's on their heart 

Slightly warmer days

Sunny mornings

A bowl of warm oatmeal

Shopping with my husband

Doggy kisses

Donating items

Sleeping late

Soft pretzels

When my husband makes me laugh

Historical podcasts

Kisses at the airport

Peace and quiet

Texts from my husband

Completing a task

Feeling organized