Flies and Spiders

    There comes a point in everyone's life when you just have to suck it up, and instead of running away to get dad to kill the spider, you have to do it yourself. Same goes for that stupid fly that will not stop buzzing around your head while you attempt to sleep. (How did it even get in here?!) Anyway. The same theory applies to growing up. There comes a point in everyone's life when you have to grow up and adult; doing everything from making your own dinner to booking, and attending, your own doctor's appointments. Though, for certain things, it is still good to have your parents along. Just for the support and extra pair of ears when receiving news.

    Speaking of which. This evening I (EV) had a chiropractors appointment to review x-rays that were done last week. (Thanks to the other Hobbit Hole resident (EB) who has been urging me to go get checked out and has not given up on me! She has been talking to Dr. Mark about me for months, describing my symptoms and telling him various things.) My parents came along as per the doc's request; to learn more about correcting the issues and not just using temporary fixes. After learning a great deal of new things about the spine and the spinal cord and what it all e/affects when not in the proper position. When the 1 hour of general discussion was over, the chiropractor took everyone in individually to go over the x-rays and talk about the options of where to go from here. While in the office with my mom and dad we found out the reason for my severe migraines. Turns our that my neck is not curved back, like it should be, but is actually very straight and my head is pushed forward a few cm's; actually to the point where it is starting to curve the opposite way. Upside? It's completely reversible with the help of Dr. Mark! YAY! With 3 adjustments a week for 3 months then 2 a week for 6weeks until I'm good enough to go once a week until 1 year is up. I am very excited about this! Yes, it sucks majorly that this has happened, but I am overjoyed to have been able to figure this out early enough that no permanent/life changing damage has been done. Yes, it has been 13yrs of doctors telling me to fix posture/drink water and many-a massage therapy sessions, all to no avail. They all helped a bit, but nothing permanent. Dr. Mark is confident that this will fix the health issues that I currently have. I am very thankful for the people in my life *cough*Esther,Mom,Dad*cough* (among others) who have stuck by me and have always tried to help find a way to finally get rid of my migraines! Never put off getting something checked out or going somewhere to improve your health when a friend/family member suggests it. They care for you and want to see you at the best health you can be at. Go to that doctor's appointment, see that nutritionist, take that extra step. You will be happy you did. I promise.
                                                                 --EV


   Three years ago I was fresh out of college, I was actively searching for a job in my field, and at the peak of optimal health. At least, that's what I thought. I was temporarily working for my dad in the construction industry as an employee in his siding business. The job wasn't too physically demanding, I was usually situated on the brake, the machine used to bend the aluminum into fascia; and cutting up the soffit and siding for installation. I had always had back issues, but never really thought of them as anything but normal for a girl who got her growth spurt rather fast in 10th grade. I would go to lie in bed and immediately have the painful sensation of my spine stretching out. This happened nearly every night after work, and I almost always went to sleep with a heating pack under my lower back.
One day at work I was carrying sheets of plywood around the site and lifted an 8 footer. the moment I put it down I knew something had gone funny in my back. I couldn't return to work the next day, or the next. and finally I got to the point where I realized this was not just a slow healing pulled muscle. We asked around our church community and heard the name Dr. Mark, Chiropractor.
Now I am usually the last person to suggest going to a doctor. I have my dad's aversion to the medical fields, but this seemed different. Within a month I was going to bed with the heating pack only once a week. I had less pain in my legs from what I called "Growing pains" (even though I had stopped growing at 5'9") and in six months I had only had maybe 3 migraines.
It's been three years since I sucked it up, faced my doctor fear (its less scary than my fear of spiders ok), and I wouldn't have it any other way. I still help my dad now and again on the job sites, and heavy lifting is much less of a challenge. I'm able to do things now that three years ago I had accepted as being "unfit for my body type" (meaning too skinny and weak). Dr. Mark helped me on the path to achieve my goals and without him I never would have reached my real optimal health.

EB

Queer Lodgings

 Tomorrow marks the day that the women of the Hobbit Hole embark on a weeklong vacation with Jessica. (Esther’s older sister) This will be the first time that we are going on a vacation together and I can guarantee that it will be quite the adventure. Sure, we’ve gone to Sudbury to visit our dear friend Kim, and we’ve adventured to Ottawa to visit Shannen, but we have as of yet to do anything longer than a weekend. Well, now we will.

 While planning for this trip I have come to realize that this will be the first time I have ever gone on a vacation on my own.. I mean, I’ve gone on plenty of vacations with my parents and even a few with just my dad to the Dominican; but growing up the vacations were always planned, and usually paid for, by my parents. When my dad and I went to the Dominican it was for a mission’s trip, so it wasn’t really considered a vacation. What I mean is that this is the first time I am planning, paying and executing a vacation all on my own. (Well, with Esther and Jessica, but people my age) It’s weird, but also exciting and gratifying. I am adult-ing and it’s pretty awesome. It’s gratifying in the sense that I have worked for this money, have been able to set it aside, and am now able to spend it on something that will be a great experience, not just some materialistic thing that may be forgotten about down the road, or worn out from wear.

 This vacation should be pretty fun, though we may have some queer lodgings, it is nothing that we can’t handle. . What I mean by queer lodgings is that we have 3 full-grown women who are all sharing a two bed room for a week. I’m sure it will all get figured out, and if not? Well, I am sure we will be too tired to even care after all of our village visiting, antiquing, spa-ing, nature exploring-beach days.

 With that being said… I think that it is time I go pack and have a chat with Esther about the plan for tomorrow, considering we do leave for our trip in under 12hours. Until next time, keep calm and drink tea.

                        ~EV (with EB's approval)