A New Smile and my Old Back!

They say you are only as young as your spine...well, then today I'm a bit old.

I had one of those back spasms upon waking that literally meant I couldn't stand up without screaming. It took me about an hour to do the essential morning tasks, and for most of those I was stooped over, because it didn't hurt so much if I stayed bent over. Polly had to wait a full hour before I would take her out for her morning pee (would Rachel call that the dog's morning "whee"?). After that, I came in and put the heat wrap around my back, took 1000 mg. of Advil, and called my chiropractor, whom I was already set to see tomorrow. She talked me through the pain (like talking someone down from a ledge, I believe I was a bit panicked)...and gave me practical advice for getting through today.

This was an important day because I had my four-hour dental appt. to have the final stage of the dental implants, well, implanted, as well as the four permanent crowns onto the teeth surrounding my front two teeth.

So I really doped myself up for that, and made my way there, very brave and proud of myself for getting there on time, and they treated me beautifully. I'm home now, on my next dose of quadruple Advil, and managing better. I'm doing a few house chores that don't stress my back, and I'm typing for a few minutes. That's progress.

The new smile is going to look really nice once I'm not all swelled up from the shots. I'm glad I chose one of the whiter shades. Can you believe there are people who choose to have dingier, yellowish shades on their new teeth? hmmm! not this girl!

My back is feeling the effects of too much sitting, studying, and reading, and not enough yoga, exercise, and relaxation. I must remedy this. There has to be a better balance.

I have several weak points in my spine since my car was totaled in 2001. I know this, and I know how I must take care of myself, and I let myself get extra-sedentary during the fall because of school.

For a while in November, I was walking an hour every morning, but I slacked off when it got so Arctic cold.

Now what's my excuse?

I have to get my back in better shape. I will ask my chiro. for some encouragement. I know what to do, I just have to do it!

If you have extra energy, send me some today, please?

Love,
Brina

P.S. Ouch!

I'll post a photo of my new smile tomorrow, promise! And you must see our tree and reindeer.