The good news is I’m feeling better. The bad news is I’ve never properly shaken the music-related problems that I’ve had since the summer of 1998. Hey, that’s less than ten years of my life so there’s plenty of time to get back to normal!
After my last update my right arm screamed at me as I left the computer. I’ll spare the details but after two days of faithfully doing my old physical therapy exercises and avoiding or minimizing activities that normally cause tension I’m feeling worlds better. That means I can’t do much piano, fiddle, computer, writing - basically anything productive. Obviously I’m on the computer now so I can do a little but half my mind has to be on relaxing and it’s so hard to stop at the first sign of tension! Actually, now was the best time for the problems to flare up again. I have five weeks before starting a grad program in new instruments – a recipe for increased tension with no reprieve. Now I can afford to stop practicing, faithfully do my exercises, find out how to do all those trouble activities without tension and get my body back into working condition for hopefully a lifetime of pain-free playing! Please pray for my discipline and recovery, and be understanding of the lack of prolific updates. Ha! This means you can scold me if I do write too much! ;) Or I could learn to think before I write . . . naahhh
Other unexpected side effects: I can’t to much of my work so I get to read, listen to language CD’s (we just got the Lyric Language French and it’s just like the German and I learned quite a bit from it so I’m excited that this will help my difficulty with French), watch German movies (Consider the Lilies sort of counts – thanks, Andy for the good suggestion), use my paraffin bath again (thanks PJS!), and have an excuse NOT work through my German grammar books which are making me depressed right now. Oh, and of course it means I have more time to spend with the Lord and realize anew that I am totally dependent on Him and even the ability to move is a precious sustaining gift from Him.
Peace, and health to all!
I've gotten pretty fast at typing one handed with either hand. But I'll still understand if you don't write much. Hey, I can talk to you on the phone!
All of you make me smile. How was the (s)chapel in the movie? It's been a long time since I've seen that one but not quite as long since I read "That Hideous Strength." I still like my shoes but I'm getting better about going barefoot. Would swimming be good for your arm?
Yes it would. I've been swimming nearly every day and the upside down breast stroke helps the most (the breast stroke on my back) since it stretches and opens up my chest while strengthening my back muscles.
