Funky Mon(k)ey

            Do you ever start a day and it goes well for a few minutes, then it all, just, changes? Yeah, that was me yesterday morning. My allergies have progressively gotten worse, now both at night and during the day. Postnasal drip. That feeling that you just need to either continuously clear your throat or sacrifice a virgin to the allergy overlords. I was able to take three of our dogs for their walks and strip the bed to wash the linens. However, the annoyance level increased when it came time to walk the last dog. She just did not want to budge. Her dad was off today, so his car was in the driveway. Princess, who most certainly lives up to her name, loves riding in the car more than walks. However, she (and I) needs to exercise. We tried four times to go for her walk, but as soon as we walked past her dad’s car, she just put the brakes on and just would not move.

            I do not know why that annoys me so much, but it just puts me in a mood. A funk. Well, that, combined with my allergies make me a right cunt sometimes. So, what’s the remedy if I can’t go to bed and call a do-over on my morning? Put some treats in a large Kong toy and watch my OG Peggy Sue try to get the treats out. I picked up this toy yesterday at a thrift store and it turns out to be the best $3 that I have ever spent on a dog toy. So far, my OG, who is the oldest out of our dogs, is the best at figuring it out. It’s fun to watch.

            See, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to find some happiness, it can be found in watching a dog gleefully explore a new toy from the thrift store! Too often we try to buy things in an attempt at finding happiness, when, in reality, the saying, money can’t buy happiness, carries much weight. Why not look inside to identify what is the real underlying issue, rather than shelling out money in an expensive, and often fruitless, attempt at finding happiness? Yes, it takes motivation, dedication, and perseverance. However, the outcome is, well, happiness (duh!) and a cut back in unnecessary spending. Which would you prefer?

I feel you in my bones

Yes, I did just publish a blog post earlier today, and look at this...TWO posts!

            For the past two years, I have been experiencing an annoying and painful sensation in my upper back. The pain occurs every day. Every. Day. Typically it shows up by 7pm, but sometimes as early as 3pm. There is no position, other than lying on my back, that makes it feel any better. My primary care practitioner took me seriously (finally, after suggesting the pain is just a part of growing older) and placed a referral request for chiropractic care.

            Well, yesterday was my first visit. I was a little scared, as I had never been to a chiropractor and I didn’t know what to expect. For example, would I have to get naked? Do I need to shave? You know, the normal type of questions (LOL). I was also a little scared due to my history of back injuries (herniated two discs in my lower back in my previous life). Well, I worried, again, for nothing. My chiropractor is very nice and a prior military member himself.

            One thing that was a bit uncomfortable, but not necessarily attributed to the chiropractor himself was that I can be a little funny (not ha-ha) when it comes to my personal space and being touched, even by people in my family. In order for the chiropractor to adjust my spine and neck, he needed to “manhandle” me. I’m not sure if you know this, but manhandling requires being touched and for the chiropractor to basically use his body and leverage to twist my body into all different positions. This issue caused me to be a little more tense than normal, which prevented me from getting all of my vertebrae adjusted.

            There were a few pops in my neck to one side, then the other. Next up was my back and hips. Nothing really hurt during the procedure, which was nice. Next up was a wonderful massage, followed by the use of electric stim with heavy ice packs wrapped in a blanket, which was placed on top of the electrodes that were attached to various locations on my back. I also got additional x-rays done on my neck, as the ones I had done a few weeks ago, which revealed the presence of scoliosis in my upper back (thoracic region). I go back tomorrow, as well as Friday. Three times a week for as many weeks as the VA will authorize. Good thing I work from home and have a relatively flexible schedule!

            Stay tuned for future updates. You can also follow me on Twitter and Instagram as well. Remember, your health is important. Both emotionally and physically. Take time for yourself. Nurture your body and mind daily.

Better Late Than Never? Maybe.

Dude. Where to begin? I know I’m a bit of a flake when it comes to posting regular blogs,

** As evidenced by these two sentences and an incomplete sentence, which I started writing SIX DAYS AGO, I really do suck at being consistent when it comes to writing things that are not for work or school **

*** Here it is, the end of the month. I started writing this blog on the 12th of July. It’s now the 31st. Yet another failed attempt at trying to be consistent. ***

However, is it really a failure if I was able to work on a few things aside from what I was intending to complete? I am currently in my second to last course required for my MS in Clinical Psychology, with an added specialty of Applied Research. It feels like I have been chugging away in grad school for eons. One course after another that has nothing to do with my desired profession. Sometimes it just seems utterly pointless to throw money at a school that I really don’t feel has my best interest in mind. Heck, for crying out loud, I had to bring it to the attention of my previous professor that a fellow student had literally copied and pasted her discussion post directly from Wikipedia. Including the hyperlinks. Seriously. Then I had to remind my professor AGAIN a few weeks later that the same student was plagiarizing. However, I am nearing the end. Only one more course after I finish my current one. But, that begs the question, Then What?

I have a few ideas that I want to pursue. I currently work as a freelance writer, which allows me some flexibility in my schedule. This is how I have been able to walk the dogs for about 90 minutes total each day, which is good not only for them, but for myself too. Not only does walking help to tire out the pups, but walking, in conjunction with other measures, has allowed me to steadily lose weight, with my current loss standing at 91 pounds (41 kg) over the past two years.

As you can see, my days are quite busy. However, upon graduation, I will have a bit more time to explore additional avenues. One such possible venture will be able to be an outlet of sorts, while also using my academic achievements, as well as my personal achievements. Still a bit to figure out, but I will try to be a bit more consistent in sharing with you via my blog. You can also find me on Twitter and Instagram.

Let me know if you have any time management tips that you’d like to share. Also, feel free to share this blog on your social media sites. I’d love to hear from you!