How Was Your Week? Living Within the Boundaries of Pain

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I am on a short fuse thanks to a pain that resembles a chronic toothache just below my left shoulder blade and the group of muscles between the ribs. Have you noticed how pain does that? I mean, shortens your patience fuse? Makes you irritable to the point you want to eat someone alive … whole!

I am also my own worst enemy, as I won’t take painkillers unless the pain level reaches a score of 8 out of 10. I can’t pinpoint the cause or when it happened, but I try to plod on. Try not to complain because pain is not something you share. IT is something to be endured alone. When someone asks. How are you? ça va? Tudo bem? it is a meaningless question and not an actual invitation to share your health woes.

The same applies when someone asks How did you sleep? Remember. They don’t want to hear your heartburn kept you awake most of the night, and you had to rearrange your pillows at least 50 times to keep you in an upright position, and when you did finally drift into sleep, your bladder woke you every hour on the hour to take a pee, and it refused to be ignored. My daughter fell into that trap; she won’t be asking again.

IF a genie appeared and asked me to rub the lamp and have one wish without hesitation, I’d say, ‘I want to be pain-free and healthy.

Apologies. Went off on a bit of a tangent. Ca Va? How are you? No, seriously, HOW ARE YOU??

On a positive note, I have a physio appointment this week so hopefully she can throw some light on what is causing the problem. AND, despite the pain, I’ve kept myself busy and had a brilliant week!

Reading – – Interested in AI?

I’m ashamed to say I don’t read many books because I don’t have the patience, but The Proving Ground by Michael Connelly earned a 5-star rating from me. The gripping plot held my attention from the opening paragraph. The book focuses on a court case regarding AI and its negative effect on young people, and how what coders input affects the output and influence. Guardrails are important. ‘Garbage in … garbage out’

Silves Monthly Market

Silves Market is held on the 3rd Monday of each month. I usually work in the Animal Charity shop on a Monday so as it is closed for renovation at the moment, we decided to take advantage. We also took a friend who is recently widowed to give her a change of scenery, and we all had a wonderful day. Perusing the underwear stall and discussing the size of knickers and laughing at bottom floss (thongs) is far more entertaining than when I am with Mr Piglet, who visibly dies a thousand deaths with embarrassment.

We made lots of purchases, including olives, various cheeses, herbs, lots of plants and yes, some industrial knickers.

This is just one of the many plants I bought

Home Help

Yes, I finally found a lady to replace my angel to help me around the house, and she is also willing to help in the garden. Phew!

Diet

My clothes hinted I was gaining weight.

A case of too many desserts/puddings with the excuse ‘one more won’t make a difference..’. but it did. Tuesday, I decided to kick-start the low-carb diet before the extra pounds got to comfortable, and so far, I have already lost 4.5lbs. It’s been tough, especially as we’ve eaten out twice, and the dessert was included in the price.

Thanks to Natalie, the Explore for hosting the Weekend Coffee Share!