This past week did not go exactly as planned. It started with a COPD exacerbation, which just wipes me out and ended with my DDD symptoms getting worse. I had a video visit with my pain management doc and we’re trying Gabapentin for the sciatica. Fingers crossed it helps because the injections did nothing. Next step is another MRI on the 24th, physical therapy and either an Intracept procedure or fusion surgery if all else fails.

Just before I got bad I worked on my March layout in my bullet journal, which I have yet to actually fill in. I also made a printable calendar page that I like to hang on my fridge so my SO can see all of my appointments without needing to ask me 20 times which day and what time lol. I added the pdf file to the freebies if you’d like to print it out for yourself. The watermark is not on the pdf verson.

I did some coloring in my Dreams Take Flight coloring book. I think I might have gotten it from Walmart. I’ve had it a couple years now but I love the images and the paper is pretty thick. It’s also only printed on one side which is nice if you use markers. I used my Markart colored pencils. I have several brands but those are one of my favorites for inexpensive pencils. My favorite are the Black Widow, I have the Black Widow, Scorpion and Cobra sets. Eventually I will collect all of them. I use those more for my own artwork. I have a set of Arteza and Brutfuner that I use for coloring also. They’re both pretty good also. I used to have the Prismacolor but they break so easily I gave up on them. My dream is to get a set of the Faber Castell Polychromos. A girl can dream.

And I’ve done a lot of crocheting as it’s one of the easiest things to do when I’m having an exacerbation. I have a bunch of the Lionbrand Mandala bonus bundles and decided to make a shlanket with the Golem colorway and a partial cake of Sasquatch. I’m loving how it’s turning out so far. Now my daughter wants one, which means my granddaughter will also want one which is fine with me because it’s an easy one to do while you’re watching tv…and have no energy.

I also finished reading The Girls In The Snow. It was pretty good, would recommend it. Especially if it’s still available as a free download. I’ve started reading Undraland Books 1-3 by Mary E Twomey, it’s not bad so far, definitely seems more teen but I’ll keep reading.

I found two new teas that I like. I had to stop drinking coffee recently sadly. On top of all of my other issues I have GERD and a hiatal hernia and have been having a lot of tummy issues and food not always wanting to stay down. So I went back to tea, which I actually love anyway. My fave is Twinings English Breakfast, that’s my go to morning tea. The new ones are Ginger Peach Turmeric by Bigelow. I figured the ginger should help my tummy and the turmeric is good for inflammation so hopefully it helps with my lower back. I can’t take nsaids because of my tummy issues. The tea is good, but I think I might actually like it better cold, haven’t tried it yet. It has a bunch of other spices in it as well but it’s a pretty mild blend. The other is Bengal Spice by Celestial Seasonings. I love this one. It has roasted chicory, roasted carob, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, black pepper and cloves. It smells amazing and tastes even better. It’s kind of like chai but stronger flavor profile. Both teas are are herbal blends so no caffeine.

Hopefully we’ll be back to our regularly scheduled program shortly. I’m starting to feel a bit better so things are looking up.