Back Me Up

I’m writing this post on my back with my laptop balanced between my knees and my tummy. Had a fight with some weeds in my garden. The weeds are gone, but my back was wounded in action.

A visit with my chiropractor was helpful and I had high hopes. A few days later, I saw my doctor for my annual diabetes checkup. She said that the pain was muscular rather than spinal and recommended a magnesium shot. I happily complied. She also thought a massage was a good idea.

I love massage and didn’t have to think twice about that. My back was healing and with the magnesium and a massage…what could go wrong?

I was lucky to get an appointment right away and drove myself and my back to the waiting therapist. That massage was heavenly. Felt just great. I knew I had done right by my back.

There was only one slight problem. I couldn’t get off the massage table. Agony. My back was not having any of this. I guess I could spend the night in this little cubicle. I was conveniently the last massage of the day. Of course, I hadn’t eaten lately, and I would eventually have to go to the bathroom. The bathroom was down the hall and around the corner…

I had no choice. I had to pry myself off that table. I scrunched and panted and pulled. Quietly of course. Not. That poor therapist. She did her best to help me, and now it sounded as if I might be dying. Actually dying seemed like a nice idea at the moment.

With great difficulty, I hoisted myself off the table, and found that I couldn’t stand up. In fact I couldn’t let go of the table. I hung on for dear life and shuffled my feet toward my clothes. I found a new hand hold. How was I going to get home? In fact, how was I going to get dressed when I couldn’t let go of the furniture? I wasn’t.

The poor therapist, already terrorized by my cries of pain, had the unexpected pleasure of stuffing my not so glamorous body back into my clothes. I didn’t pay her enough for that.

I'll be back next week.

Linda Garner

It Happened Again

It happened again. I have a weakness in my lower back and once in a while it goes a little nuts, and puts me in misery for a few days. When this happens I avoid sitting and start doing my back exercises. If it doesn’t clear up right away, I see my chiropractor which really speeds up the process.

My husband has a little pickup which he dearly loves. It’s handy for all kinds of odd jobs. I don’t enjoy driving it, though, because of my short legs. It puts a lot of stress on my lower back. On Saturday I needed to drive the pickup twice, both short distances. On Sunday, I noticed that my back was wigging out. I know the drill. Avoid sitting. Back Exercises. Rest up.

Of course my chiropractor wasn’t available on Sunday or Labor Day, and to make matters worse he isn’t open on Tuesdays either. I can rest some today, but tomorrow my day starts early and I have lots planned. I wonder how early I can see my chiro.

My chiropractor has told me that I should do those back exercises every day, not just when I’m in pain. Prevention, you know. Maintenance. It’s such a good idea, but one I’ve never really adopted.

There are lots of good habits I could adopt: the habit of reserving judgment; the habit of complimenting others; the habit of reaching out to the lonely.

For my writing, I need good habits, too. I need to write a little every day. It isn’t always easy, but it really strengthens my writing when I work at it consistently. Reading is a must, too. I read differently now. I still read for enjoyment, but I’m also on the lookout for good technique. I ask a lot of questions. What makes this exciting to read? How did the author keep that a secret? What makes this character so interesting? So loveable? So human? When does the author get my attention?

Besides polishing manuscripts, I sometimes enjoy writing exercises, such as: Write ten first lines. Write about a time when you felt afraid. Alone. Sad. Confident. Write about someone who made a difference in your life. Write about something that makes you angry. Write a letter to someone you love. Write a letter to someone who is dead?

Good habits can make a difference. What habits would like to adopt?

Linda Garner