Hanging in there!

Just a brief note to keep everyone updated (and vent some and clear the old noodle).  Taking a proactive stance seems to be making inroads into my mind set anyway.  Sent off for all my records and found my MRI results to be very interesting reading.  Got TWO grabbers now - home and office.  THEY ROCK!!!  My clients get a kick out of me handing them sugar free Lifesavers with the grabbers.  lol.  I overdid it yesterday and hope I learned a valuable lesson (AGAIN).  The ONE time during the work day I was able to get in the floor to do my stretches, the phone rang, and I opted to get it rather than let it ring.  Also, had not stopped long enough at home to do them before I left for work.  By the time I got home, I was in a mess and had to take med.s which I'm trying to get off of, since they seem to do a number on me mentally and emotionally.  ANYWAY, got up this morning and did my stretches first thing.  Will do them every two hours like clockwork, and anytime I hurt.  If I don't take care of me, who will?  (lesson learned again)  Called AFLAC and have started the paperwork process on the short-term disability policy to hopefully get a little more money coming in since they are having to dock my pay for being on light duty.  Have it in mind to go to the walking track today and do what I can - even if it's a half lap then limp away.  As to my quit, well, it's a funny thing.  When I was at my lowest point, I was haunted by the nicodemon whisperer suggesting that a cig. would be just the thing, would feel better, etc.  At that time, I think I was so down, I knew if I started smoking again I would just feel that much worse about myself, and believe me, I did not need to feel any worse!!!   Now, the pain does at time trigger those thoughts, especially when I have to take pills, but I think to myself.  You know, if a shot directly into your vertebral disc/nerve area doesn't make you feel any better, a cigarette damn sure ain't!  lol.  I've even managed to wean myself off the Chantix, although I keep some in my purse just in case.  Another part of it is monetary.  I'm not sure how this light duty pay is going to effect my budget.  I plan to do everything I can to pay my mortgage, and I don't need to add some expensive poisonous sticks to my daily expenditure.  Also applies to the Chantix.  Gotta go get in the floor.  THANKS AGAIN TO ALL OF YOU WHO DROP ME A LINE OR A HUG NOW AND THEN.  It's the little things that keep you going!