Sometimes I Feel Like a Prodigal Son

I'll be the first to admit that I've slacked. I had my kyu test on March 20, and since then I think I've hit the dojo about a half dozen times. It's been sad.

Two weeks ago, I slept in a strange position and my back muscles had spasm issues. Last Thursday we had its all-school music program. All the grades, k-8, sang, and the teachers had to be there to watch our students, and make sure they all got where they belonged on time and quietly. Needless to say, there was no Aikido last week.

This Tuesday I took my class of 24, plus about 14 chaperons on our annual trip to Madison, Wisconsin. We toured the university, the historical museum, and the state capital. We also ate at this place called Ella's Deli, which, I'm told, is a Madison landmark. The restaurant decor features lots of antique toy collections, all interestingly displayed. They also have a 100-year-old carousel, and all the kids got to take a ride. After, we went to the state capital building. We got to meet our state assemblymen, and took a tour of the building. We sat in the senate and assembly chambers, too.
I think we got home a bit before 7:00 PM, and once all the kids were picked up, and I had put everything I was responsible for back into the classroom, it was close to 7:30. Again, no dojo.

I finally got a chance to practice last night. We had in attendance, one nidan, one shodan, one first kyu, one second, one third (me), one fourth, and one fifth. We had a very intense practice, including a few techniques that ended in breakfalls. I took more than I gave. But I have to admit, my breakfalls are getting better. At one point not too long ago, I was pretty hesitant to do a break fall, now I'm getting more comfortable with the idea, and even had a few good ones. I'm tired today, but I feel good. We have practice again tomorrow, but I'm conflicted in that I really need to buy a new car.

And that's a whole 'nother story.

Bend Over and Say "Ouch"

And so it is that I slept in an odd position sometime early last week. I've been dealing with muscle spasms at the dead center of my back for over a week now. I couldn't make it to class at all this week. Every time I would bend over my muscles would just go crazy. My lovely wife called the doctor for me, and luckily, got them to call in a prescriptions without my having to have an office visit. I'm combining naproxin/aleve, hot/cold rub (Ben-Gay), and a muscle relaxant.

I tried the muscle relaxant last night, and I have to say I was very relaxed. I'll try again tonight, but it seems that the hot/cold rub has had the best effect in helping relieve the pain and spasms.

I am hopeful that I can get to class on Tuesday without re-injuring myself.