Four things that are making me happy (and one that's not)
First, congrats to Tara L, who won the MotoG6 Play giveaway from Ting. Congrats, Tara!
Also, just a reminder that the $50 credit offer for new Ting signups ends tomorrow, so click here and get yourself signed up with Ting right away.
1. I got rid of some clutter.
I freecycled a number of things yesterday, gave some clothes to a niece, and I also dropped off some old, worn-out athletic shoes at the Nike store.
(Nike recycles old athletic shoes and turns them into Nike Grind.)
That feeling of freeing up space in your house just never gets old!
2. I got a good night's sleep last night.
I had several pretty bad nights of a sleep in a row, but last night, I went to bed a little early and I slept like a rock.
3. I found some restaurant gift cards.
As I was cleaning off my desk yesterday, I found several partially used restaurant gift cards. There's enough un-redeemed value left on the cards to make for a free date night for Mr. FG and me, so, yay!
4. We met our out-of-network deductible.
Remember the claims I was submitting? Well, they got processed already (faster than I expected!), and our out-of-network deductible has been met.
Which means that future bills we submit are going to be covered at 50%, which is a huge improvement over the 0% we've gotten so far.
5. (the not-so-good thing) I have a stiff neck.
I was doing pushups near the end of my workout yesterday, and something went wonky in my upper back/neck.
It's not excruciating or anything, but it's definitely stiff. So, I'm gently stretching it and also putting our rice sock on it.
It does seem like it's slowly loosening up this morning, so I'm hopeful that today will be a better neck day!
______________________
Happy!:
* Spending a day off with hubby tomorrow
* My quiet and safe neighborhood
* My kids!!
* A relaxed day at work today
No Happy:
* Having arthritic pain (?) in my hands. I'm starting an elimination diet today, hopefully I'll be able to resolve the issue with dietary changes.
I hope that helps you! Having something like a temporary stiff neck really gives me compassion for people who deal with chronic pain. If I'm struggling with this, then I can only imagine how hard it is to have consistent pain.
Chronic pain person here. There are some things that might help.
Roll up a towel, or maybe a couple of pool noodles and lie on them so it runs vertically down your spine to stretch out your back by opening your chest. You can also lean into a door frame so that your chest is further forward (through the door) than your arms.
Get on your knees on the floor with arms stretched in front of you with your head on the floor and your bum back on your heels, sort of like a cat or Islamic prayers.
Often a tight neck is because things have locked up further down, so if you could have someone give your shoulders and mid back a massage that may help.
Good luck!
My good thing was noticing that a company was offering a free gift with purchase and free shipping, so I split my order into three to get three free gifts!
And what hurts even more than the physical pain is the bureaucracy/insurance company call centers/some ignorant MDs and their staffs, and politicians who have the power to get between people and their health care needs!
The things that are making me happy today are:
1. My daughter who is studying to become an Esthetician. She waxed my eyebrows for me last night and did a fantastic job. I won't have to pay for having them waxed anymore.
2. My Christmas list is almost complete and most of my gifts are going to be handmade items.
3. I have several of my homemade Christmas gifts completed.
4. I started my countdown to retirement. I will be retiring on Sept. 1, 2019 after 25 & 1/2 years in the classroom.
The thing that is making me unhappy is that Christmas is only 56 days away. That means a lot of sewing and crafting to get everything finished by then.
Happy
* Found a new cheap black tea that I like
* Daughter counted to ten on her own yesterday at 17 months!
* Finished reading "The Simple Path to Wealth" and "The Compound Effect" this weekend
* Birthday dinner at Red Robin in two days 🙂
Not
* Oldest son is definitely getting that teen attitude now
Happy- The sun is shining. Our town's library branch got a brand new building, and it's opening today. My children made muffins for breakfast this morning, and although the sugar was forgotten entirely, they were quite tasty with a sweet spread on top.
Not happy-- I reread my comment on your post from yesterday, and I don't like that it sounded super-mean. I'm sorry. I tried for silly/funny and fell short.
Oh goodness, I didn't think so at all! Your comment was just fine. 🙂
Hooray for decluttering and gift cards and good sleep!
Making me happy:
1. My daughter submitted her last college app yesterday! She did them all via the common app, but she still had 11 essays to write so this feels like a major hurdle cleared. We still have more work to do for scholarships and extra programs, but I'm calling this a win!
2. Said daughter has received 4 acceptances so far which means she will have options.
3. Youngest child finished her first high school swim season on Saturday. She has been swimming since the age of 6, but almost didn't do the HS team. It was a great season that brought back some joy she'd lost with the sport in her last club season which makes my heart happy.
4. My 19 year old stove is on the fritz. While this doesn't seem like it would be a happy thing, I have the funds saved to buy a new one that I can match to the other appliances we've replaced over the last few years which will bring some consistency back to my kitchen's decor. I thought this stove would never die. 🙂
Not happy:
1. I have a lousy cold and would like it to pass so I can get on with life.
I totally get number 4! Sometimes you just want an ugly thing to die so you can feel justified in replacing it.
I hope your neck gets better. I get stiff/sore necks pretty easily after having been in a wreck when I was a kid that knocked me headfirst into the dashboard. Doctor's official diagnosis, years later, after x-rays: "Woman, your neck is a mess." Yeah, stiff necks aren't all that bad, just, ha, a "pain in the neck," to have.
Making me happy:
The weather is staying cooler. I'll take 82 degrees in the afternoon any day over 92 degrees, which it reached most of October.
I got some thornless blackberry plants that I've been wanting.
Three and a half weeks until grandchild Number 4 arrives.
I have enough Swagbucks to get another discounted $25 gift card in November (paying $22 in SB for it)
Making me unhappy:
The saga with my insurance claims is STILL GOING ON. I have made my fifth call to ask why a procedure with a flat $300 co-pay, no deductible, is showing that I still owe $70 more after I paid the $300 to the imaging center, and why I owe almost $300 to the radiology center for reading the MRI, because "my deductible isn't paid" when it was paid early in the year with a hospital stay. Five times now. Still not fixed.
Oh my goodness. I'm so sorry your insurance problem is still not resolved. Surely soon!!
Happy:
1.) It's War of the Worlds night! Every October 30th to commemorate the anniversary of the Mercury Theater on the Air radio broadcast of The War of the Worlds I listen to the original radio broadcast. I'll probably listen to Mercury Theater's rendition of Dracula as well.
2.) Bought my wife a skirt (because I had a coupon coupled with a sale and what the hey, I like to spoil her sometimes) and it's out for delivery today. I look forward to the inevitable fashion show I'll get.
3.) My health insurance changed at work and while normally that's a negative the upside is no matter which plan we choose between mine or my wife's, the per paycheck cost will be down. We may, however end up with copays vs our current HSA but our out of the plans as they stand, we'll be okay.
4.) Got a nice little award at work since I work in a remote office from the rest in my group. They got a fancy dinner and I got a gift card. I prefer my gift card.
Unhappy:
People at work have been rather nasty to me lately. They've received new computers and seem to be putting the blame on me despite the fact that I'm just the messenger as it were. I didn't program the software or operating system and honestly, I don't have time to teach you how to use Windows all over again. Such is the life of an IT guy.
Awww, that's so sweet that you are spoiling your wife. I award you with Good Husband points.
Well I get to look at a pretty woman in nice clothes so it's not like I don't get something out of it too. 😉
They may be jealous that you work remotely.
Bah! Sorry about that stiff neck. I recently started working out more and it's funny what parts will just start acting up! My hip gets stiff from working out, so I feel ya there.
What's making me happy this week:
1. Hubs and I are planning a much-needed vacation to the mountains! It'll be nice to have a getaway to relax. It's been such a hectic summer that decompressing before the holidays is going to be awesome.
2. I made coffee with new beans today. Mmm.
3. I scored a lot of freelance client work, which is AMAZING. I'm so fortunate and blessed to be able to do writing and be self employed. Pinch me!
4. I lit a candle and it smells like coffee.
5. Halloween is tomorrow! It's one of my favorite holidays. I plan on passing out candy dressed as a Crazy Cat Lady. I'll either blare Halloween music or put on Hocus Pocus.
Wish I could be there (point 3), but so far still working full-time and doing side projects only. If I had more time I would try to purse more writing projects as well. Congrats!
Hi,
What's up with this joint pain? I also woke up with my right wrist really hurting this morning. Makes it hard to type on the keyboard. I have noticed it aching in the gym, and wonder if it's due to overuse with weights.
But, on to happy:
-Sun is shining and we have a couple of warmer days ahead.
-I'm taking out remaining PTOs for the year, and have two days scheduled this week.
-My oldest child is traveling overseas this week to visit my family for a couple of weeks. I'm happy for him, although I wish I could join!
-I'm signing a contract for some more freelance work this winter, yay for extra savings (hope my wrist holds out!).
1. It snowed over the weekend and so we converted our basement back to an inside play area for the kids with a lego table and gymnastic mats and they are so very happy!
2. Even though it is cold and icy I know my van will start. So nice to have a dependable vehicle right now.
3. A friend is coming to watch my baby and put him to bed tonight so I can take my kids to AWANA and he doesn't have to stay out late. So thankful for this.
4. After a long job search my husband has a new job.
1 sad. The new job is at a gold mine out of town. So yesterday was day one of 24 days of single parenting. We are going to be ok but it is hard.
Hey Kristen--
The occupational therapist in me sometimes can't shut up .... sorry for the unsolicited advice, but if you think your neck pain is due to exercise, a cold pack for the first 24-48 hours is generally recommended to reduce the inflammation ... and then you can move on to heat to increase circulation and promote healing. Here's a diy for a cold pack: https://www.spine-health.com/blog/how-make-your-own-gel-ice-pack-or-moist-heat-pack. If your GI system can tolerate NSAIDS, that may also be helpful. Hope you are feeling better soon!
Oh nuts! I've been using the wrong temperature then. Whoops.
If you've never tried a tens unit for muscle aches it's well worth the smallish investment. Check them out on Amazon. My hubs has even used a unit for sciatica and it really helped.
Well, here are happy things:
1) Sold more stuff on ebay.
2) I'm getting every other Saturday off at work. Finally.
3) Since moving into management at my job, I'm getting an extra $1/hour.
4) I've been able to decrease medical costs substantially.
My not so fun thing:
My job has demanded more hours from me and due to the demands, my back has been in pain. Flexall is my best friend now.
1. Someone close to me got a very positive review about something that, last year, was a huge problem for her. Since I provided her a lot of help with addressing the issue, I feel that my work - not to mention hers! - has been rewarded. It's not a once-and-done thing but this is a great step along the path.
2. Someone else close to me has been having a hard time of it recently; the happy part is that I can take a long weekend and visit them (I'm friends with both the wife and the husband). I can help with chores, I can watch the kids so they can go out, I can provide good cheer and moral support.
3. I've succeeded in fitting running back into my life. I was really hoping that "5.15 am before work" wasn't the answer, but that answer is better than none at all.
4. After years of saving and notwithstanding having to replace my heating unit last year, I'm having some windows replaced. The price is kinda scary but I took my time finding a good deal and negotiated an even better one[1]. I'm really looking forward to no drafts in my bedroom or bathroom, being able to easily open and close windows in good weather, and not having to mess with screens or storms. I'm still a bit nervous about the whole thing so feel free to send good wishes and prayers my way.
5. The Really and Truly Not Good Thing is that the senior blackbelt (the man in charge, more or less) quit the dojo without notice and with thoroughly bad timing. This is a stunning slap in the face from someone who demanded (rather than earned) loyalty from all dojo members. Without him, no one - myself included - can test for any level of blackbelt. To say that I'm outraged beyond my ability to express, would be a gross understatement.
5.1 This is also an anti-frugal because now I have to maintain my membership for longer before earning my black belt.
[1] Including but not limited to 3% off for paying up front rather than taking free financing. Like many of the discounts I negotiated, this one was not on the books; instead, I suggested it to the sales guy and he agreed.
Ugh, I'm so sorry to hear about the black belt leaving! Is there any hope of getting a new black belt to join?
That's more-or-less Plan A but there are a lot of moving parts to line up. I'd be happier if there were a decent Plan B as well.
Consider no. 4 done - felt the words " I will provide"
Lovely things:
1) I got a good night's sleep!
2) I got up before everyone else (except my two-year-old alarm clock) and made a nice breakfast that we enjoyed together.
3) The weather is gorgeous for a trip to the children's museum.
4) I'm enjoying the fruits of housecleaning and feeling motivated to maintain.
Not so lovely:
My "job" with our co-op preschool involves a lot of responsibility and no authority. I'm having to play "telephone" with multiple parties who won't respond to e-mails sent to more than one person :(. And I have a deadline with the county to meet in a couple days. Fingers crossed!
1) Our fridge is being fixed as we speak. It has been an ordeal. Hallelujah for good repair men.
2) I thought I had a solid first draft of chapter one of my dissertation. My advisor looked it over and said it is good but needs reorganizing into two chapters. Which means I am kind of twice as far as I thought I was!
3) Today our baby girl turns three. It is so fun to watch the kids celebrate each other. The smell of the chocolate cake baking right now in the oven in making me pretty happy too.
4) Our daycare offered a 10% discount if we pay three months in advance, which we have the cash to do. I like saving $300, but I also really like the idea of how light our budgets are going to be for the next few months.
Not so happy . . .
The fridge is (hopefully) getting fixed today, but this month-long saga of a broken, then fixed, then broken fridge is wearing on us. By now if we could go back we would just buy a new one at the first hint of a problem. But we are now invested in this fridge and the couple hundred bucks it will take to fix it now (hopefully) is less than buying new.
Happy:
1. My sweet 4 month old is finally getting the concept of the long afternoon nap. I wasn't sure that she ever would, but she's done really well the last week.
2. To go with the nap theme, I'm happy that my husband is home napping right now! He's had some crazy hours with stuff at work and volleyball playoffs. He got less than 5 hours of sleep last night after having to go back to work after the kids went to bed, so I'm happy that he's home to rest right now, even if it's just for a little bit.
3. I took a Zumba class yesterday for the first time in 4 years. It was so fun!!
4. Today was the first day that my baby was old enough to go to my gym's childcare center while I worked out. This allowed me to shower in the regular locker room after my spin class and I got to chat with one of my favorite workout friends while we got ready for the day. It was so good to catch up!
Not so happy: My husband's long work days and little sleep are taking a toll on his health. He often starts to get sick around this time every year because of all that's going on. The end is in sight but he's gotta make it there!
I think i can come up with 5.... 1. Cut one lawn service from our program this season saving $41.80 & also disputed a bill i just got from them. They gave me $25.57 off. (only reason we have lawn service is fertilizing as our lawn has been pretty crappy for the past 10 years & this service has helped tremendously). 2. I clean for a gentleman. He bought two on sale rotisserie chickens & gave one to me. I pulled the meat off & stuck it in the freezer to use in a future meal. 3. On a busy night this week, we did order pizza, but saved $13.19 by using coupons 4. My car needed a new battery after 8.5 years. Hubby found a coupon code online saving $40 by ordering it online & picking it up at the store. 5. Was gifted two bigger Rubbermaid containers from a friend who wasn't going to use them. I'll put them to use during the Christmas baking season. 6. Was out of the dog's allergy medicine, so gave the dog some human allergy pills we still had (vet had said it was ok). Saved on the cost of expensive dog allergy pills.
Grateful for a push to consider 4 happy things since yesterday was rough and today started poorly.
1) I have respite care so was able to spend some time by myself today to think, refocus and get some quick (by myself, not with kids) errands out of the way.
2) Tomorrow marks being the legal mom to my middle child for a whole year. It's been a rollercoaster over the last 18 months, but we are so blessed by him and his presence in our family
3) Fall weather!
4) Friends who have cared for us while my husband is gone.
Not so great: Sleepiness + insomnia. It's not a cool mix.
1) My kids and I got our pumpkins carved last night. They turned out great and we had fun together.
2) It is a beautiful day here today.
3) I don’t have to cook dinner tonight! We are going to a cub scouts thing and the boys will be cooking. That should be very interesting!
4) Tomorrow is Halloween 🙂
My not good thing is that I am dreading washing the huge pile of dirty dishes in the kitchen. Our dishwasher is no longer working, so its more work getting dishes clean these days.
Wow are your eyebrows different I just remember then different! Look great!!
They're a little messy right now, so maybe they look bigger than usual? I need to tidy up the sides, but I keep forgetting.
1. We are going to see our beautiful grandchildren this weekend!
2. Our new roof is going on finally, compliments of hurricane Florence.
3. My Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes are packed and ready to go.
4. My husband begins a new job on Monday that we have prayed about for a long time.
5. Not so good, is my eyeball is killing me..like I have been punched in the eye, but I haven't been..so I have no idea why I have the pain I do.
Have you ever tried this? It really works! Depending on how stiff your neck is, it may take a few times!!
The Genie Magic Neck Stretch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNxoq8MsIyA
1. I walked a mile today. That is the first time in five and a half years, since I got so ill, that I have managed that. I had to use a cane and I was slow but I did it.
2. Thankful for the husband who cared for me literally sometimes lifting me out of bed and off the toilet and who walked the mile with me, singing show tunes the entire way to keep me laughing.
3. Made applesauce yogurt cake that turned out so tasty the husband wants me to make anther one next week. I like making things he enjoys eating. The trouble is, I made it to use up aging yogurt and apples so now I have to actually buy fresh ingredients for the cake!
4. There was a leak in our basement. It happened at dawn last Monday so the plumber came right away before the rest of his day started and it was not on weekend rates. Could have been much more expensive.
5. Computer keyboard died. We dug up an ancient one and installed it. It lasted three days and died. We found yet another one and this one has worked for a week now so am hoping it keeps working so we don't have to spend money on a new one. The worst thing is the husband saying, "Now aren't you glad I keep spare parts just for situations like this?"
Thing I am not happy about: We have had a very, very long fall. Often there is snow in August but we didn't have a sticking snowfall until this week. Now there is ice everyplace which makes life treacherous for those of us with mobility or balance problems. I wish I had appreciated my good health when I had it!
Lindsey, #5 Lol. Marriage to a packrat is challenging.
1. I'm full term today- 37 weeks! So far baby and I are healthy too.
2. Celebrated our 8 year wedding anniversary yesterday. Still so in love with him!
3. Halloween tomorrow and my son is so excited.
4. Coverage for my maternity leave from work was finalized today- such a relief
1. I got to see a friend I haven't see in over a year today! We spent the entire afternoon together.
2. My friend and I spent part of our visit kayaking. I haven't been able to do that in almost 3 months.
3. I have 2 days off this week. Some weeks I only have 1 or none. This allowed me the time to get together with my friend and still provide me with an entire day to get my jeep serviced, run errands, and get a visit into the chiropractor.
4. The weather is cooler. I love autumn and the heat of summer has been holding on for far too long. It's fine ally started to cool off a bit and feel like fall. Cozy sweaters here I come!
*I too have wonked out my neck. We are fortunate that our chiropractor will meet you at her office on Sundays for appointments because last week I was so out of wack, that my jaw needed adjusted. Well, let's just say, it's only 2 days later and I am back to being out of place. It's my own fault for not taking it easy the day after my adjustment. So I will be back in her office in a couple of days. I now have a bulge in my neck where a muscle or something has popped out of place and my jaw is still bad.☹ I hope you are feeling better soon as this neck pain is no fun.
Ugh! I hope your neck is 100% soon.
Good:
1) Got to see lots of old friends at a meeting tonight, and felt the love.
2) New to me car feels safe and reliable-- I know I will get where I am going. I was able to take my time to find a good one, and was able to pay cash, so no payments!
3) Bookmooch.com lets me get some great reading material, and them pass it on, lessening clutter. Check it out! Getting packages in the mail feels like Christmas every week sometimes!
4) Lots in fridge, freezer, cupboards, closets, etc. Very blessed.
5)Was it four or 5 good and 1 bad? Basemnt almsot dired out after 3 weeks of dmapness/flooding
I was doing spell-check when it posted! BAD: Raining hard now!
Sorry for your neck -- it's great that people can make suggestions here and I hope you feel better soon!
Happy because:
1. Halloween at school is OVER and, though crazy, it was fun and the kids had a blast. And candy 😉 And I spent very little money!!!!
2. Will go work a phone bank the next two nights for a great candidate. I feel so happy to work with these people that even the grumps don't get me down and I am able to thank them for their time. Have had conversations with folks on "the other side" that were cordial and informative --- helps me to LISTEN more and maybe learn something..
3. Almost the weekend --never gets old!
4. Really nailing the whole "eat up what ya got" and quit eating out thing -- way better than we've been in the past. Cooked some yummy stuff for a change . . .
5. It is not 90+ degrees here, just high 80s. Baby steps.
Unhappy:
1. It is still in the high 80s.
2. One of my student's grandparents is making daily pick up very uncomfortable with silly accusations -- looking for a fight. So I am taking a deep breath and reminding myself to LISTEN before I blab. And consider my words. Happy Halloween!
Late to this game but hope you (and others here) are feeling better soon! My knees commiserate with you all
Happy because:
1. Halloween is over -- it was fun at school but man, happy to put all that stuff back in the box.
2. Doing a bit better with eating in -- although last night was chipotle and the weekend doesn't look good . . .
3. Weather no longer in the 90s -- mid to upper 80s. It's the little things
4. Found 11 cents this week and then dreamed I was finding pennies and odd, golden, foreign coins everywhere I went -- hope this is prophetic 😉
5. It is almost Friday . . . never gets old!
6. Working phone bank and canvassing for my candidate. Happy to DO something instead of whining, although I have never been so hung up on in my life 🙂
Bugged because:
1. House is SOOO messy and it's up to me to fix it . . .
2. Weather is in the mid to upper 80s -- enough already!