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A Pain in the Neck

kristen — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:00:00 +0000

I’ve had neck and back pain for nearly as long as I can remember.

It might be from The Great Log Ride Incident when I was 12. I decided to hide in the front of the log, so I would stay dry. It would have worked great, except that the rest of the log riders slid forward and crunched my spine.

My ‘fro didn’t get wet though.

Or maybe the chronic pain originates from my senior year of high school. Two weeks before prom, my date dumped me. It was a rainy day and I was crying, driving home from school when I ran a stop sign, hit another car and ended up with whiplash.

I made sure my ex-date got a good long look at me in my sexy CHRISTIAN prom dress (and the friend from my church youth group who I passed off as my new beau).

Through the years, I’ve tried a lot of different things to manage the pain. It’s worked.

Until a few weeks ago. I couldn’t lift my arms and legs one night. What started out as an achy feeling, turned into a scary episode of numbness and blinding pain.

On Monday, I visited a doctor who specializes in neck and back pain.

He ordered a slew of x-rays and an MRI to see if something was bulging, herniated or pinched.

I made the appointment for the first available.

My appointment was at 2:00 PM today.

I was excited.

I was excited because I’d obviously never had an MRI.

While my Mom watched my kids, I spent entirely too long trying to figure out how to wear the huge backless hospital gown the technician handed me.

I was having a good time, until he suggested I go to the bathroom first, “Since you are going to be in the tube for an hour.”

Excuse me. Did he just say ONE HOUR? He explained I was actually getting three MRI’s of my neck and back.

Even then, I pushed down the fear. And when he handed me ear plugs and started explaining that I couldn’t swallow or take deep breaths or MOVE during the loud test, I shoved the negative thoughts away.

I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.

“What if I can’t do this?” I croaked.

I answered myself, taking a deep breath “Let me try.”

I squeezed my eyes shut as the tube closed in over me and around me. I tried to lay very still and not swallow and not take deep breaths. I tried not to listen to the THUMP THUMP of the machine. I tried.

After an eternity passed, I heard the technician through the intercom, “Okay, that was the first 6 minutes. Swallow quickly, let’s go again.”

You’ve. got. to. be. kidding. me.

I tried to find my happy place again, but I think I lost it the second I realized I had 54 minutes to go in the noisy coffin as the technician barked orders, “Don’t move, Don’t swallow, You’re breathing too deeply.”

I tried to pray, to hum, to convince myself that I was safe and that I wasn’t trapped.

The humming began again and just when I thought I could make myself endure it, he said, “I’m going to have to do that last one over again. You moved.”

Add 3 more minutes.

And that’s when I opened my eyes. White plastic surrounded me, inches above me and around me and I felt like I was in my Grandma’s closet again. My cousins had pushed me in, locked the door and told the rest of the family, I was outside playing.

I was stuck in the back of the house, in the back of the closet for close to an hour. Maybe 54 minutes.

I squeezed the black button in my hand, signaling my defeat.

I can’t do this. I can’t do this. I can’t do this.

The technician helped me out. I apologized. He was understanding. I asked for drugs. He wasn’t that understanding. He sent me down for regular x-rays.

At the least, my doctor will prescribe a sedative for the next time I try. I’m hoping for an alternative.

I’ve always avoided tight, small places due to claustrophobia. But I had no idea an MRI would be so hard.

I can’t believe I panicked.

And even as I type this, I am scared to go back.

Turns out the pain isn’t just in my neck, I guess.

What are you afraid of?

I keep quoting “He has not given us a spirit of Fear, but a sound mind!”

A Pain in the Neck is a post from: We are THAT Family

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Housekeeping

kristen — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Sincerely ‘Fro Me to You: Has a New Home! If you’re looking to join in the fun carnival, please visit The Glamorous Life.

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Lisa Leonard Designs Winner: I’m so glad y’all like Lisa’s jewelry as much as I do. Congrats to Our Crazy Life! I emailed you. Everyone else? Thanks for entering! Next week, watch for ANOTHER jewelry giveaway!!

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Survey Says: I’m conducting a very scientific experiment on my sidebar to the right (it’s actually a demographic survey, but let’s not tell my nerdy side). If you have a chance, can you answer a few questions? Thanks! (I will publish the results when they are tallied).

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Mother’s Day is May 10. I’d like to feature some gift ideas (I’m hoping to limit them to hand made items) that Mom’s would love. Please email if you’re interested in being featured or if you have a giveaway.

P.S. Can I officially call this a housekeeping post when my real house is d-i-r-t-y?

It makes me feel better.

Housekeeping is a post from: We are THAT Family

The Vintage Pearl Beautiful hand-stamped jewelry

Professional Design-"Red Leaf Media

Jewelry with a Cause-"My Adopt Shoppe

Homeschool Curriculum-"AOP Homeschooling

Great Homeschool Conventions-"Register today!

My Book: Don't Make Me Come Up There!-Buy it today!

{S.W.A.K.} Marriage Killers

kristen — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 07:00:00 +0000

{The weekly carnival Sincerely ‘Fro Me to You will return next Thursday!}

{Please leave a comment on today’s post for your entry for one of these fabulous door prizes. All winners will be announced on Valentine’s Day}

With A Southern Flair-2 Monogrammed “His” & “Hers” Hand towels (Value $20)

From *Me Tees-a Matching His/Hers “My husband/wife Rocks” t-shirts (Value $50)

Bid My Cleaning- $200 gift certificate for house, carpet cleaning, (most of US)

Sorme Lip Gloss-sponsored by PS He Loves You (Value $10)

Sheila Wray Gregoire-author and speaker, marriage audio downloads (value $5 each)

Pampering Beki- a beautiful hand-stamped silver ‘Love’ necklace (Value $23)

Sarah’s Blue Castle $20 gift certificate to this great Etsy store! Check out her fun items.

The IE Mommy -A Pair of Chic Bud Earphones with Swarovski crystals in a collectible tin (Value $45)

4 Reluctant Entertainers is donating a copy of the book she co-auth
ored “Married, but Not Engaged”. You can read more here.

Decor To Adore- a beautiful Vintage Valentine Corsage from this sweet Etsy store (Value $14)

Here are a few more door prizes that were donated locally (so there isn’t a link):

Things Remembered- A beautiful heart keepsake box (Value $25)

14k gold Heart earrings (Value $25); An Adorable Tote Bag-(Value $20)

Ring Watch by Jenni (Value $42), Ring Lipstick by Jenni (Value $22)

The best-selling book “The Love Dare” from the Fireproof movie (Value $15)

Awesome marriage book “Better Love Now! Making your Marriage a Lifelong Love Affair (Value $20)

Welcome to the S.W.A.K. Carnival. Please link up your love story posts here and continue to visit all the great blogs. I’m still reading and feeling very inspired!

Even the best marriages, have difficult times.

There aren’t perfect marriages, just like there aren’t perfect people.

Jesus was the only perfect person and he never married. Maybe that’s why He stayed perfect. I’m just sayin‘.

There are several things that kill a marriage. We all know the obvious, like being unfaithful and lying.

I want to talk about the less obvious:

Using the words always and never

We have a word graveyard in our home. There are a few banished words (for adults too) that have been laid to rest. The words always and never are powerful words and are rarely true. How often do we say, “You always do ______” or “I never get to ______.” These words allow for gross exaggeration and put people on the defensive. May these words R.I.P. in your marriage.

Keeping Score

We are all naturally selfish people. It’s our nature to put ourselves first. But when we marry, we are to become one flesh, not two halves. Putting the needs of your spouse before your own will only help your marriage. I think playing this game will kill a marriage: “You can go here, if I can go there,” or “You can spend this if I can spend that.” This forces us to keep records to make everything fair (which is impossible). Put the other person first. Give and it will be given to you.

Putting your children first
I love my children. They are my heart. But they are needy little people and they are not afraid to voice their demands (or commands). It is easy to put kids first because the squeaky wheel, well, you know. And as a mother, it is natural to meet our children’s needs. I think moms must be very careful because seeds of resentment and jealousy can grow during these hectic years when we feel pulled in every direction. In those moments, I have to remind myself that I am a wife. And if my marriage is suffering due to lack of attention, so will my motherhood.

Lust and pornography

This is a big one and I could write many posts on what I’ve learned by reading some fabulous books about the way God created men (and after being married to one for 14 years!) Men are visual. And this is a temptation for probably 95% of them. I believe many more struggle with this issue than the church or wives know. Talk with your spouse. Be transparent, loving, forgiving. But know that this isn’t a part of God’s plan for a healthy marriage. And there is freedom and healing.

Money
Early in my marriage, 95% of our disagreements centered around money (which is funny considering we didn’t have any). This battle was frustrating and exhausting. We worked through numerous issues, got on a budget (which I recommend) and we made the decision to share our money and have nearly equal input. (I defer to my hubby because he’s more knowledgeable in this area). We also agreed not to spend a certain amount without telling one another. If this is an area you struggle in with your mate, I highly recommend Dave Ramsey’s program.

Withholding sex
Wives: Please read For Women Only: What You Need to Know about the Inner Lives of Men. I think it is an essential book for every woman and I think it is a MUST READ for every woman. Check it out from the library, borrow it, buy it for $10. It completely changed the way I understand men, specifically my hubby. I learned how men think, what they retain, what they need, why they need it….and this information is based on hundreds of men, like our husbands. So, if you use sex in any other way in your marriage then the way God created it, it’s wrong and utterly damaging. Or if you don’t make yourself available to your husbands, you are making his life very challenging and you may even weaken his resolve for purity. And of course, your hubby needs to read this version For Men Only: A Straightforward Guide to the Inner Lives of Women.

What have I left out? What do we need to watch out for that is destructive to a healthy marriage? Talk to me. (Friday we’ll be talking about Marriage Thriller!)

The S.W.A.K Carnival is being sponsored by The Date Night Planner. My hubby and I discovered a new restaurant with this interactive program. We are keeping track of some fun local spots. Check out this awesome tool!

{S.W.A.K.} Marriage Killers is a post from: We are THAT Family

The Vintage Pearl Beautiful hand-stamped jewelry

Professional Design-"Red Leaf Media

Jewelry with a Cause-"My Adopt Shoppe

Homeschool Curriculum-"AOP Homeschooling

Great Homeschool Conventions-"Register today!

My Book: Don't Make Me Come Up There!-Buy it today!

DIYP #31 Old Tin

kristen — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Have y’all heard of junk shopping?

Some call it junk-tiquing, others trash to treasure.

It probably should be called “I can’t afford real antiques.”

Call it what you may, but I enjoy it.

I like mixing old things in with new and my bedroom is full of both. Today, I want to talk about old tin. There are so many great ways to use these old ceiling tiles. Here are some great projects using old tin.

I found mine at a flea market for $2-$5 a piece. But don’t let that stop you. You can actually find some great affordable pieces on Ebay (buy old tin) Mine has the original white paint that is now chipping off:

I’ve seen picture frames made from tin and I thought this would make a cool double frame.

Please note: This rusty old tin is sharp!

Please also note: My hubby was very involved with this project.

Please note the above note: I didn’t want to get a boo-boo.

First, cut an X in the center of the tin. We used tin snips, but if you have a jigsaw or dremel saw, they work best. (And let’s just pretend I know what a dremel saw is, shall we?)

Next, carefully pull back the four triangles that make up your X. We used pliers.

My two favorite guys working on a home decor project: Beautiful!

This is what the tin should look like with all four pieces pulled back with pliers. (The picture opening on mine is about 5×5). I just taped pictures to the back of the ‘frame.’

And since I’m putting this unique frame in my bedroom, I thought it should hold a picture of me and my hubby.

When we were 10 years old. (Yes, that is my ‘fro picture).

Aren’t we darling? My kids laugh every time they see it. What is so funny?

I actually have some new stuff in my room too; it’s not all junk. Here’s a short tour.

DIYP #31 Old Tin is a post from: We are THAT Family

The Vintage Pearl Beautiful hand-stamped jewelry

Professional Design-"Red Leaf Media

Jewelry with a Cause-"My Adopt Shoppe

Homeschool Curriculum-"AOP Homeschooling

Great Homeschool Conventions-"Register today!

My Book: Don't Make Me Come Up There!-Buy it today!