LetterMo 2014 - I'm in!

I've been putting off the decision of whether or not to participate in LetterMo this year. I have a lot going on but the biggest issue is my hands. For some time now I've been in a lot of pain with them, my forearms, and shoulders. In fact, that pain is one of the reasons I bombed last year during LetterMo.

For awhile I thought the pain was caused by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome then I started to think the cause might be something else. Finally, when the pain got to the point of keeping me up crying at night, I went to my physician. She diagnosed me with Diabetic Neuropathy and prescribed Lyrica. She suspects I may also have Fibromyalgia but we'll pursue that theory later.

I absolutely detest prescription drugs but as a Diabetic Type 1 I use insulin and some necessary medications and understand that not all are the devil. I wrestled with the Lyrica idea for awhile, about three minutes, but knew that without intervention I was doomed. Not only was I in agony a good deal of the time, I'd gotten to the point of dropping items and a small amount of muscle wasting had begun. I had to do something. It's been a little more than two weeks since starting Lyrica and the relief I've experienced is nothing short of amazing.

I have mild side effects, mainly Vertigo (something I had before Lyrica but that seems to be a bit aggravated by the new medication) and sleepiness not long after taking it. Those have improved in the last week, though. I still hurt at times, most often when I wake in the mornings and in the late evenings, but the pain is nothing compared to what it was. I actually sleep now, better than I have in years. I'm able to hold a book or my Kindle again, I can prepare a meal without discomfort or dropping a pan and best of all, I can write letters again!

I've only written a couple of short letters so far. My handwriting has suffered and I'm working on improving it but if you want to take a chance on me, send me a note or letter to the address on the right side of your screen.

Zeus willing and the creek don't rise I'll succeed at sending you a reply!

I'm now the proud owner of a Coffee Master Journal and a new fountain pen!

I started this entry last night but was too tired to finish it so here it is.

Happy Monday, 4th day of LetterMo, to all!

Today's been a wonderful day. I didn't make it to the post office because I worked a long shift and was too tired to drive over there but I hope to go tomorrow.  I did mail out a few things and have tomorrow's small bundle ready to go.

At work, our DM paid us a visit and it went well. He brought my new Coffee Master Journal and I'm so excited to have it and start training! What's a Coffee Master? Well, if you've ever been into a Starbucks store and seen a barista in a black apron, rather than green, you've seen a Coffee Master. Basically, they're baristas who have such passion for coffee that they undergo an intensive training program to be labeled "super barista". Okay, so the "super barista" part isn't factual but this interview with a CM in Kuwait will give you an idea of what I'm about to undertake. I'm a little nervous at the thought of it all but eager to get started. The training is self-paced and there's no time limit so it shouldn't give any undue pressure. I hope. The journal itself is pretty slick and I meant to ask the DM if there's any prohibition against modifying it but since it's mine, I don't see how there could be. It's wonderful to have this little journal to guide me through learning more about coffee, how it's grown, roasted and such. Besides, I think I'll look great in that black apron! Ha!

While the DM was there, Mr. and Mrs. Moore came in. They're the lovely customers who make pens. I served their drinks and Mr. Moore told me several of you have called and/or ordered pens from them and he brought me a present;the Honduran rosewood fountain pen I admired! I was so surprised! So was the DM. I asked him if it was appropriate for me to accept a gift and he laughed and said it was okay. We chatted with the Moore's a bit and after they left the DM turned to me and said something like, "And that's the kind of connection I love to see!"

So, here you go, wonderful people, a photo of my new Coffee Master Journal and the rosewood fountain pen given to me by the Moore's. I haven't written my name on the journal yet but think I'll practice a bit with the new pen then write it with that. :-)

Happy Tuesday and may your mailbox bring many surprises!