This week I’ve noticed a coping mechanism that I’m proud of. Regardless of how my body actually feels at the moment, I’m conscious of - and elevated by – the good things that have happened. All in all, this has been a really good last couple of weeks. I’ll start with the smaller things and work up to the big stuff.

First off, I got new glasses. Because I don’t like the selection and prices that my vision rider allows, I choose to go to out of plan vendors and use my flexible spending account money when I buy glasses. It’s been around three or four years since my last eye exam, not good when I’m supposed to keep an eye out on my pressures (high for my age, history of glaucoma). I went with America’s Best, where we got Katie her glasses last summer. The service was excellent as always, the staff remembered me from her visit, and I loved the selection.

For $251 I got two pair of frames that included ultra thin lenses, scratch protection, anti-glare, protection plan, tinting on one pair to make them into sunglasses, and a comprehensive eye exam that included field vision and glaucoma test. I love both pair. The everyday pair is similar to the old ones but daintier, and not brown. These are black with pink insides. The sunglasses are like slimmed down retro actress shades, the frames shimmer from black to navy blue in the light. I can go in for free adjustments any time.

Next up we have my bi-annual review. This is my first review with the new boss, and while I know she’s been pleased with me, you just never know… so there was some anxiety. Turns out I had nothing to worry about. Out of 11 areas I got 7 Exceeds (hard to get) and 4 Meets (more the usual). I have qualified for another raise, though this one will be smaller because I could conceivably get two raises per year now vs. one. The raise money comes from a pool, there are four of us in it and how high your PEI (Performance Evaluation Indicator) rating is determines your share. I should find out in less than a month, after the compensation committee meets. I’m just glad she’s enthused about my work, and that she’s been good to work under. I still hate not having a window with a passion, but otherwise it’s good.

Lastly, I made my husband smile and laugh this week despite all the stress he’s been having at work. Trust me, this is no mean feat. He’s been feeling like ass and his new boss is acting like one, so I’ve really been trying to make him feel extra appreciated and loved.

So, I’ve had a lot of reasons to smile. On the flip side I’ve had significant pain by the evening every day this week. I start out reasonably limber and only moderately twinge-y and by mid-afternoon/dinnertime I’m in sustained pain in at least three areas, usually the forearms, hands, upper back and neck. The neck part gets on my nerves, it’s now consistently running into the base of my skull and setting up shop. I think if it’s going to be a permanent resident it should at least pay rent. Steve was concerned enough that he thought I should ask Katie for a pain pill or two. I chose not to ask because I meet with the pain specialist in a month and I don’t want to start taking anything strong before I meet with him. I think he should have an accurate picture of where I’m at. I’d just take Aleve until then, or something else OTC like Ibuprofen or Aspirin, but unfortunately they don’t do anything for me anyway.