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Coffee Talk 08.30.20

Good morning! Well, I’ll be honest, it was a rough night. I woke up just after midnight, and somehow I wrenched something in my back. Didn’t I just say I was ready to graduate PT? This time it’s my upper back/neck area. I tell ya, if it’s not one thing, it’s another.

I’ve done this before to this same spot, but it came on gradually. This time, I shifted in my sleep, and I felt it go. It hurt so bad, it woke me up, so I got up and took Aleve. My daughter was still awake, so I had her rub some anti-inflammatory cream into the affected area, hoping to nip it in the bud, but I was uncomfortable all night.

When this happened once before, I went to the doctor, and he gave me a bee venom injection. It fixed me right up, but the thought of doing that again makes me queasy. Of course, I might get desperate enough not to care.

It happened another time and went away on its own, so maybe I will get lucky.

Unfortunately, I have a photo shoot scheduled this morning. (I don’t usually work on Sundays, but we are fitting it in before church because Alison is going to the shore for the week… lucky girl!)

I’m not sure how I’m going to change outfits in the car. It takes a lot of finagling and contorting, and this crick in my neck is definitely going to complicate matters. I guess I’ll try applying that cream again before I leave, and maybe a heating pad.

It’s been a pretty laid-back weekend around here, otherwise. I made tacos for dinner on Friday night, and we did sushi takeout last night. I FaceTimed with my dad last night and wished him a happy birthday, and Paul visited his mom yesterday to go over some things. The rest of us just hung out here all day and puttered and did our own things.

I actually spent a large part of the day trying on clothes and coming up with outfits for today’s shoot. They’re all loaded in the car and ready to go. Yay me! I’m never that prepared. I’m usually scrambling at the last minute.

In other news, the two kids who went back to school this week seemed to get off to a good start. (R doesn’t start school until next Monday.)

I’m so grateful for all the teachers and administrators out there, trying to make this school year work for their students… I know a lot of you are in that position. Whether you’re teaching remotely or in-classroom, or a combination of both, I realize you are facing overwhelming challenges that were beyond the scope of our imagination only a year ago. Please know that you are very much appreciated.

Even C’s cyber charter school, which was designed for remote learning from the get-go, was plagued this first week of school with technical difficulties that were beyond their ability to control. It seems like no matter what the situation, this school year is destined to be a challenge.

I guess D’s college classes are going okay. I don’t get much information from him, but he said he likes some of his teachers. He is on Zoom a lot, but mostly in his room, so I don’t get to eavesdrop at all… which would be kind of fun, actually. I’d love to see what he’s learning, but I know better than to ask if I can listen in sometime. Can you imagine? My mom just wants to sit in on class today… He’s almost 21.

Speaking of which, my son is almost 21. (His birthday is in November.)

I knew this day was coming, but nothing really prepares you for it. Of course, his 21st birthday will likely pass much like any other day. It’s not like we can take a big trip or do something exciting, but we do need to plan something fun for him. I will have to think on that.

We also have a daughter turning 18 in December, and you may remember that our 25th wedding anniversary was this month. 2020 is a big year for our family!

Of course, 2020 will be remembered to most of us for the number 19 (as in Covid) — not 18 or 21 or 25. But this is a pretty monumental year in the life of our family, so I’m hoping to get a nice family picture taken. I’ve already told Alison to put it on her radar.

We were thinking of taking a trip to the beach and having it done there, but it didn’t work out. I think we’ll just stay here and do a nice fall foliage picture once the leaves start to change. We’ve done those several times before, and it just seems more us. I love summer weather, but I love dressing for fall even more, and that’s what I envision when I think of our family picture.

Okay, I’ve rambled on long enough. I’m off to put some heat on my neck and then get ready for the day. I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Join The Conversation

53 Responses

  1. I am so sorry about your neck. Prayers for healing as day goes on. This has certainly been a year of unusual stuff for all. We’ll get through it as better people I do believe.

  2. Hope you feel better soon! I recently discovered a very good anti-inflammatory cream called Penetrex. It may be the one you’re using, but thought I’d mention it. Walmart carries it and so does CVS, but Walmart is cheaper.

    1. Yes, we use Penetrex too. My surgeon recently recommended DMSO for pain and healing. We told her about Penetrex and she looked up the “ingredients”and she said they both have Arnica in them and that’s why they work. Your cream has it too. The Voltaren cream used an anti-inflammatory prescription strength drug and I wouldn’t use that in addition to Aleve. I hope you feel better soon. 

    2. Penetrex is a truly a miracle cream! A doctor recommended it to me about 4 years ago when I was having lower back pain and it worked so well! Now we always have a jar in our house. I get it at Walmart, but I recently saw that Amazon carries it (of course). 

  3. Good morning Jo Lynne.   So sorry about your neck.   My gosh when it rains it pours right?    I know this isn’t funny  but when you mentioned it happened during the night to you upper back I immediately thought of the Mike ( the my pillow guy).   Seriously I have his pillows and I love them.  I constantly have a stiff neck (arthritis) and I tried every pillow I could find to help my neck at night.     Finally I ordered his and I really did notice a difference of the neck alignment.    I sure hope your neck gets better as the day goes on.  You don’t need this problem right now.     I’m looking forward to all your photo shoots you ll be showing us.   Have a wonderful Sunday      Bev Brown

  4. Oh no, soo sorry to hear of your back issue…..ugh, just when things were on the upswing.  And yes, what a year so far.  Many milestones for you for sure, we just don’t want to remember COVID as part of it!! I hit the front porch around 6:30 with my coffee.  Definitely had a fall feel to it this morning.  🍂🍁.  It’s my favorite season by far, so I’m ready to see what inspiration you & Cyndi have for us!  Enjoy your day!

  5. Oh my! I feel terrible for you !
    I am praying that it goes away and you feel better, and that you can do the photo shoot!
    I am a teacher who has been back in person for the last two weeks , and it’s going great! I love been back in the classroom in person with them ! 

  6. Oh, no, Jo-Lynne! So sorry to hear about your neck and back! I’m a big fan of heating pads and I agree with Beverly about the “My Pillow”— we love them. Another producer that might help and recently became an over the counter cream is Voltaren.  I’ve used it several times and it seems to help. I’m looking forward to your style series- I might get some early Christmas shopping done since I’m currently housing 6 of my family, their friends, and pets from Lake Charles, Louisiana – Hurricane Laura did not bring the massive water, but the wind damage is worse than expected in places. Calcasieu parish schools are closed until further notice. The “stuff” can be fixed or replaced- the people are safe, thank goodness! 🙏🙏 hope  you get a much deserved Sunday nap! 

  7. Hi, 
    I am so sorry to hear that your neck muscles are angry and causing you pain. Tight muscles can actually cause a person to be nauseous and tired. I hope you get some relief with the Aleve, gel and heat. 
    We need to do a family picture this fall too. Any suggestions for clothing colors with fall leaves? 

  8. Hope you feel better soon! I have 3 kids and 2020 was a big milestone year for us all within 2 months. We now have a driver (16), a voter (18), and a legal drinker (21). Wow! It all happened during quarantine. 

  9. Oh no! When it rains, it pours. Sorry to hear about your new neck/ upper back pain. That’s plain pitsy. Hope that Alleve, a hot shower and heating pad helps you. Fall family photos are beautiful! The fall leaves are so pretty.
    Your family milestones celebrations will be something to look forward to. It may look slightly different than expected but will create great memories nonetheless. Try putting your SUV passenger seats flat to change clothes with your head/ neck lying down and flat and supported rather than twisting around upright. Looking forward to seeing your fall fashion collaboration with Cyndi.

  10. Ouch! Sorry to hear about your neck/back. That makes everything feel worse. I hope the cream and time ease your pain.
    Thank you for your kind words about educators. I start tomorrow, on-line this semester, and one of the first things I am going to talk to my students about is being kind and flexible. There will be technical problems, some I have no control over, and some because I am not really sure what I am doing (even after last spring online and working all summer on my courses.) Everyone will be more stressed, and we all need to be mindful of this. I know many educators, at all levels, and we are all doing the best we can for our students to give them the best education.

    1. This was/is a milestone year for us too. Covid kinda pooped on it all at first but now we’re not letting it ruin everything. Our oldest turned 13 the end of March, our 15th anniversary was early April and our youngest turns 10 on Labor Day. We have a weekend getaway planned for all of us and one planned for mh husband and I. We’re determined to not let covid rule our lives!

      1. I agree, Jennifer. We can be safe and still have a life. We have a new grandson May 24. We are retiring in May, sellling our house, buying land and hopefully building a new house near them. Life goes on, and we have to celebrate.

  11. I am so very sorry about your back!  I really hope that you were able to get thru the photo shoot this morning without to much pain and agony.  The thought of having a bee venom injection makes my skin crawl.  I don’t even want to count how many injections I’ve had in my back and sacroiliac area since the arthritis diagnosis, but between the injections and PT, the pain has lessened.  Even though I haven’t met David, I can picture his facial reaction if you were to express interest in listening to one of his lectures.  Take care of yourself!

  12. So sorry about the kink in your neck/upper back! This happens to me a couple times a year….and I go to my chiropractor for it, every time. It takes a few sessions…because it’s so tight. Did you do an upper body workout? Use heat before rubbing with your pain relieving creams. Then ice.  Your muscles may be pulling your upper spine out of alignment. My back also takes turns, upper, lower, mid, depending on what I did…. Hope you find relief!

    1. Yes, I did an upper body workout, and I think that set it off. I was already feeling some stiffness in that area, but then I must have moved just right in my sleep and really tweaked it good. Thankfully I’m feeling okay when moving around. Sitting and lying down still hurt, but I think I’m on the mend. Slowly, but surely. 🙂

  13. Would someone massaging the effected area help? I find it does for me. Volt arena might give you some relief, too. 

    You’re a trooper for carrying on with the photo shoot. Changing in your vehicle isn’t an easy feat. I wish you luck! 

    1. Paul has been massaging the anti-inflammatory cream into it for me once a day, and I’ve been using heat. Probably should do it more, but who has time? LOL. It’s on the mend, I think.

  14. Sending prayers of healing for your neck/back!  I also wanted to say I love, love, loved the post you did this week on pant styles, length and shoes. It was so good. I appreciated all the pictures to illustrate as well! I’m a pear- so straight leg and bootcut are my jam. And hemming to the correct length is really important- it polishes the whole look. So thank you for adding that! Hope you have a relaxing day and feel better! 

  15. I’ve feel so bad for you Jo-Lynne! I have experienced the same thing and there’s nothing worse than waking up in the middle of the night in pain. Sending healing vibes your way. I had back/neck problems for years until I started going to a Network chiropractor. It’s very gentle-no cracking of the back but just gentle touches to get the spine to release the tension. I’m local if you have any interest in going down this avenue. Feel better!

  16. I’m so sorry about your new neck/back issue.  Sending prayers that it will be better soon!  So many milestones for you all in 2020!  Our daughter has been planning her Sept. wedding since January and she and her fiancé have watched it get smaller and smaller, change venues to an outside one, and now are down to 10 guests at a ceremony with no reception, as mandated by the state.  We are praying that nothing else happens before the ceremony!  They have both been such troupers about it and, Lord willing, by next May they can have a bigger celebration with all of their guests. 

  17. Hi Jo-Lynne, so sorry to hear about your neck/back pain. I hope it is better soon and thanks for all that you do for the blog.

  18. Ugh- back pain is the worst! Try to get your hands on a jar of Penetrex cream; it’s truly a miracle in a jar for sore muscles! 
    Thank you for the shout out to teachers! I’ve always been a die hard planner but with teaching online now I have to be uber meticulous about everything so that once I “publish” assignments there won’t be any mistakes. I woke up this morning running the checklist in my head of all the assignment links I still need to schedule and push out, finish the weekly calendar, etc..🤦‍♀️ 
    Hope you get some pain relief and maybe an afternoon nap! 

  19. So sorry to hear about your neck. I also feel the older I get the easier it is to turn very slightly in an odd way and end up with terrible pain. Aging! I wanted to ask your thoughts on gifts for children on milestone birthdays such as 21, 18, 16. Have you done a special gift? I am thinking about possibly doing a Tiffany necklace or bracelet for my daughters. I would love a post about this topic. Feel better!

    1. We’re not sure what we’re doing. We didn’t do anything big for David’s 18. I think we did Sixers tickets – really good seats for him and some friends (and we went along too).

      He doesn’t ask for anything, and doesn’t even like to travel, so not sure what to do for 21 besides a party. My daughter who is turning 18 would love a trip to NYC and a show, which we did for her 16th, but Covid. So yeah… not sure!

  20. Oh my goodness. You can’t get a break. I’m sorry. It did however make me feel like I’m not the only one who has this stuff pop up on and off. It’s frustrating I know especially when you were on the mends. Great coffee talk. It’s always nice to hear all about your family and hear your thoughts. That’s the reason you have so many followers. Everyone needs community and it’s fun to connect online even if we don’t know you. Feels like we do. :). Hope your day goes well with your plans and you have a great week to come. I just decided to look at our Labor Day weather forecast. Looks like 91/93. Crazy for NW Oregon. Mornings however feel like Fall already and leaves are falling. I love Fall and like you love Fall clothes. 

  21. Here’s hoping this go-round is of the short term, self-healing variety.  You are a real trooper to change clothes in your car, particularly with injuries.  Be well. 

  22. Sorry to hear about your neck and back. It doesn’t take much as I know first hand. I’ve woken up before and  not been able to move my neck in any direction without pain( what are we doing while we sleep?)  one phone call to the chiropractor and I’m back to new when I’m walking out the door. I can’t stand being laid up or having an issue that  affects my daily routine. I need to keep moving. Can you tell I lack patience lol! I can’t believe you’ve done a photo shoot today feeling that way. Bless you:) looking forward to your fall series with Cyndi! Back to the good ole days!
    Take care and feel better 💕

  23. Hope your back improves, and that you feel better.
    I did that once (lower back) reaching through the back of the closet for some boots, couldn’t get out, and had to call my husband for help! He was a floor below.

    Those Saalon Pas (sp?) seemed to help me. Worth a try before a trip to the doctor.
    Good luck, feel better.

  24. I’m sorry about your neck pain.  I have a lot of minor neck pain pretty regularly,  but the other night it was a doozy like nothing I have had before.  My son also had a real bad one recently.  We both have migraines that are mainly in our necks but can go into our heads occasionally  ( I get chronic dizziness with neck pain as the only symptoms of my daily migraines usually).  My doctor gave me prescription meloxicam for when my neck pain gets real bad.  Also I use The Bed Buddy neck heat wrap (on Amazon) that heats up in the microwave.  It shapes to my neck pretty good.   Hope you feel better soon.   You are amazing that you can work when you have your injuries.  Blessings to you and your family. 

  25. I hate when I make a random movement such as loading the dishwasher, or something, and I pull something, sometimes it’s so painful!  It’s so weird, isn’t it?  I hope you feel better soon. 

  26. Hey Jo-Lynne! Hope your neck gets to feeling better. I know for a fact and how those things can happen Mysteriously!! I woke up this morning with a cramp in my leg and couldn’t even walk! It was sore all day!! I’m like you, it’s always something. Looking forward to yours and Cyndi’s Fall Series. Always enjoy!! Take care! Be Safe and Have a Great Week!! 🍁🍃🍂🌿🌾🌻 —-Linda W.

  27. Neck and back pain is so disruptive! Have you heard of dry needling? That has been my saving grace in the past when nothing else worked. Often I will go for a couple of dry needling sessions first, then go to the chiropractor who can adjust me easier due to the muscles being looser. I hope you feel better soon!

    Have fun with the milestone birthdays! Our daughter just turned 18 and another is turning 21 in November like your son. How is that possible? I don’t feel that old (most days)😬

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