Saturday, February 9, 2008

I Got Nothin'

I got nothin' you guys. Which is probably a very good reason to be writing nothin', but I feel compelled to write as it has been awhile since my last post. I really feel like I should have SOMETHIN' to say. I guess I could bore you with the minute details of my life (and I still might), but first I thought it would be fun to spend entirely too much time just talking about the fact that I have nothing to say, which ironically actually is something. Did you notice that I switched from nothin' and somethin' to nothing and something in that last sentence? Leaving off the "g" was really starting to get to me. I feel much better now. It's the rule follower in me.

Phew. And now I feel the need to apologize for the literary assault that was that last paragraph.

SO. I had possibly the worst migraine EVER yesterday afternoon. And I've had some doozies. And yes, I just said doozies. Any other migraine sufferers out there? My pain is the worst in the corner of my eye (the corner closest to my nose...right at the bottom of my brow bone). I wish I could figure out what is causing these headaches because they are getting more frequent and more painful. Anyone have any sage advice or remedies? I'll try anything. Just please don't tell me it is from too much blogging, sugar, or caffeine. Okay, maybe not anything...just miracle cures and easy fixes, please. And thank you.

Today we took a much needed family day. We have not been doing a great job of connecting with each other so it was nice to get away from the "to do" lists, the computers, the TV, etc. and just enjoy each others company. We ate lunch here and then took a trip to our local nature center. We thought it was a little chilly for a hike, but we really enjoyed viewing all of the indoor features. I love to view nature through the eyes of my children. Their wonder awakens wonder in me.

This evening I had the pleasure of attending a book swap (brilliant idea) at this friend's house. Can I just say that I like this friend a lot? And she has great taste in books. I have a feeling she'll post a little something about the evening in her blog before too long so I'll try not to spoil it. However, I will tell you that I went to the swap with this book, this book, and this book (a few of my favorites) and returned home with this book, this book, and this book. I'm excited to read them all, but before I can start on those, I need to finish one that I've already started!

In fact, I'm off to do that now!

25 comments:

Celeste said...

My brother-in-law had serious migraines, and had to take serious pain-killers to get rid of them. He married my caffeine-hating sister, and she made him get off caffeine to see if that would stop the migraines.

He hasn't had one since. It's been two years.

Sorry that isn't an easy potential solution!

BethAnne said...

I hate you had a migraine - they are awful - I have had only a couple in my life, but I never want to go through that again!

I never replied (until today) to your comment about my post "Ask me anything". I replied today but I thought you might not read it, so here it is:
Alana,
It WAS the JoCY Outback and never count on me for idea for dinner - we have the same 5 dishes over and over - -sorry, but I do have a thousand recipes and I would be glad to send them to you if you like. Let me know!

Shelley said...

You crack me up with your somethin's and nothin's. I'm so glad you had a good day yesterday, and a good night last night. You deserve it after that migraine!

Janelle said...

What great books! I am anxious to see what I ended up with considering I wasn't there! But I did borrow some great ones The Constant Princess and The Other Boleyn Girl. I am smack dab in the middle of the first. YEAH!

Please, please, please go to the doctor. I am really worried by the frequency of your headaches. Don't take that lightly. I know you aren't, but I had to nag.

kittyhox said...

I used to get migraines but now I just get headaches. As we both now, HUGE difference. I don't know why I stopped getting them, but I imagine it was hormonal, since I suffered from them in my teens and twenties. I still get them every once in a blue moon. Do you feel them coming on or wake up with them in the middle of the night?

I'm so sorry you're suffering from these, especially more frequently! I know they are the worst. I think my migraines were as painful as giving birth without the relief between contractions or the prize at the end!

The only thing that works for me is a heating pad. In fact, I use two. I pretty much envelop my whole head and neck and face and the warmth masks the pain and gives medicine time to kick in (suppositories, since migraines often make me upchuck). I know some people are the exact opposite and prefer cold.

Have you ever tried acupuncture?

Jenny said...

Well, I'll be the contrarian and say that caffeine helps my migraines. In fact my father-in-law told me that's what helps him. He discovered by accident that he didn't get migraines on days when he'd had coffee that morning. So now he makes sure he gets some coffee every day and he hasn't had one since. wierd, huh? But, for me, my remedy when I feel one coming on is 3 advil and a can of mountain dew. And a nap. Then I'm good as new :)

Also, going to the chiropractor helped my headaches a lot.
Blessings!

Anonymous said...

Well it is a bummer about the BAD migraine friday, glad you were better Saturday. Sounds like it was a fun day!

I can tell ya that when you do go to the doctor, the first thing they will want youo to do is a journal to spot triggers.

Journal EVERYTHING you consume as well as activity levels. Jot down any headaches/migraines you have etc.

You will be amazed if you do that you may see a pattern. I have mine pegged down and now I am testing just using excedrin migraine before the migraine occurs on those 2 days. Last month it worked, so hopefully it will continue to work and I can avoid the prescribed meds.

Good luck!

Sing4joy said...

Wow! I sure had a grand ol' time readin' about nothin'! Migraines: I have only ever had 3 in my entire life and never, never want to have another. BUT, 2 people in my life have suffered from them quite a bit. 1.)Lived in California and had horrible migraines just about weekly or more. He was a smoker and a heavy tea drinker. When he moved to the higher elevation(and cleaner air) of Prescott, AZ - his migraine's stopped altogether. 2.)Been getting them recently, they seem to be associated with her monthly cycle.
I think a great and pretty painless place to start would be getting your hormone levels checked. And a more hands-on tip; start journaling when you get them, what you ate that day, what time of the month it is, what was the weather like,situations that happened OR just keep making a note of them in your blog and you can read back on it there!(way better idea - I like that one)

Carissa said...

that was something...and you say you had nothing...come on now! i have no migraine advice. i have actually never had one. but, i do hope they leave you alone!!! so fun to see you last night! i LIKE you too my friend!!!

Xandra@Heart-of-Service said...

Ooh...a book swap! I wish I had more "in the flesh" friends that read, because I would totally start one of those!!

Sorry to hear about your migraine. Trevor takes Midrin for his, but he has to take it as soon as he feels the headache coming on.

Xandra

Fran said...

All I have is "I'm so sorry!" And, I'm not just saying that...I really mean it...and, I pray in Jesus Name that they leave you! Be gone migraine! Amen!

Mrs. Gray's Class said...

Sounds like you have a wonderful group of women in your life. I used to get migraines before I had children and the only thing that helped was Excedrin Migraine - I'm pretty sure it worked for me because of the caffeine. Take care of yourself.

Teresa said...

Ah, McAlister's deli.... that brings back memories... We have one here too, and when we go I think of you!! :) Miss you friend and hoping that you figure out the MIgraine thing!! :)

Renee said...

Hi Alana!

Yuck. I am SO sorry about your migraines. Ouch. As a fellow migraine sufferer, I feel your pain. Although I would have to second the notion to go to the doctor's. They might be able to help you, and if they ARE an indicator of something more, you'll feel better for going.

My migraines go in spurts. I got my first one in 8th grade after my first boyfriend dumped me. I've had them on and off ever since...I used to get them a couple of times a month. Then I got pregnant. And I was having them 3 times a week. I worked on a computer, so my dr finally gave me medical leave to stay home. They improved.

With Allie, I still got them during my first 2 trimesters. But I haven't had a BAD one since. Just annoying ones. I remember all too well the migraines that made me unfunctional. Not only unfunctional, but crying in my bed, willing myself to stay awake. Ugh.

Sorry for the ramblings!

How is the book you're reading now? I want to read the Kite Runner sometime. Is that good?

Earen said...

I'm so sorry you had a bad migraine. I have a friend who gets them so badly that she has serious meds & sometimes she can't do anything all day. She has tried everything. The caffeine, sugar, etc., might definitely be causing them, but I've also heard that any artificial sweeteners can also cause that. Just some ideas....I'm finding that most women's headaches do go along with their monthly, hormonal cycle. Ok, so I'm done being Dr. Earen! HA! I will be praying for you.

Susan said...

So sorry to hear 'bout the migraines. Caffeine helps mine, so I'm no help there. I get them about the outside corner of my eyebrow...down into the back of my eye...if that makes any sense. Ibuprofen and lots of it. Caffeine and lots of it. Darkness and the heating pad all help. Mine have gotten worse as I've, shall we say, matured. My sister's have gotten better as she has matured. No rhyme or reason!

Intriguing idea, the book swap is.

Hugs...

Rochelle said...

I have been getting headaches a lot. I hate to admit that they are caffeine headaches though. I hardly ever drink caffeine anymore but I still love a good ole Rt 44 Diet Coke form Sonic and I can't stay away! But now I get caffeine headaches the day after each DC. Hope you are feeling better!!

Shari said...

Were do you find the time to do all of that reading? I've had to stop watching TV just so I can blog every night. I haven't watched TV since Christmas Eve. Sounds like you had a nice day out with the family.

dawn said...

I just got an email from an Arbonne sales gal and it talks about using their vitamens for migraines.

Boy1 has them too and I have found that nitrates-like in deli meat and cultured dairy products cause his, as well as being overly tired or dehydrated. Are you drinking enough water throughout the day?

I will send you the email so you can read about it. Hope you figure it out. Headaches are a hard fix. I agree with Jen, you need to journal about what you were doing and what you ate prior to getting it.

Short Stop said...

UGH...migraines. I have had 3 in my lifetime, and I seriously thought they were gonna do me in.

YAY or Hinds Feet! You are going to LOVE that book. Will you let me know what you think of it?

BTW, I'm reading your blog everyday...just behind commenting! Been a little busy. ;) BUT, loving every minute of it.

AbbyLane said...

you are too funny...
and i would tell you it may be the caffeine because i experienced the same thing last week after too many days of too much coffee...
but i wouldn't do that because it doesn't fall on your list of acceptable suggestions :)

and your 'nothing' post turned out to be quite 'something' :D

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

Alana, I think you should post exactly how that book swap is done, step by step. Other people might want to try that but have no idea how to go about it. (me).

Pam said...

Alana~ I so enjoy reading your blog. You are gifted even when you "got nothin'"

Sorry about your migraine...and sorrier I don't have any advice. But I am glad it was gone for a wonderful family day!

Sandy said...

Hi Alana - new to your blog. Fun reading through ... I saw that you read Lynn Hybels book (I loved that book!). Happy V-Day!

Lynn said...

I came back for another visit today...why, oh why, didn't I come while you were still having your give away? That'll teach me...

I will have to check out your shelfari shelf. I am about to start A Thousand Splendid Suns as well. Are you enjoying it?