Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Stress

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***TL:DR I have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Posts will be shorter and I might be doing some repeats. Guest Posts appreciated.***

Hello,

I’ve been a fool. Since February, my work has been fairly busy and regular. It’s a lot of short keys, typing, and mouse work. I’ve been having pain in my hands for a while now.

I wrote about it for the Spoonie Author’s Network. At the time, the Doctor thought it was the same arthritis that was in my big toes. After a year of tests he eliminated that option. We thought it was maybe tendinitis and he sent me to physio.

My prescription for physio was written in February 2020. I didn’t make it. I didn’t want to risk getting my children sick and was experiencing long covid. A few weeks turned into a few months and then a few years.

The pain came and went, but was usually worse when my hands were cold. So I didn’t worry. I kept thinking, “I’ll see my doctor about it when the pandemic is over.”

Fast forward to last November and I noticed my arms getting numb when I slept. (I sleep on my sides and it was the ones that I didn’t sleep on that went numb.) The pain got worse around Christmas, but got better after 2 weeks off.

Then we went into report season at work and I started writing a new book. So my days looked like this: Work 8 hours, Ukulele practice 15-45 minutes, and then 1-2 hours writing, formatting, etc. I’m also the primary diaper changer in the family… so… yeah.

The pain got worse and worse and I just kept thinking, “I’ll see my doctor about it when the pandemic is over.” and, “It’ll get better when I have less clicky work.”

Then Monday, I was told by my bosses that I had to come into the physical building of work. The meeting was tense and I won’t lie, I felt attacked. We’re so close to an infant vaccine for Pegasus… I asked if I could wait until September and they refused. “Isolating is a choice we made. Coming in to work is my responsibility.” That’s a paraphrase, but arg. I’m still angry.

I’m not sure what I did during that meeting to myself, but after, my pain in my arms and hands went from a 5 (Interrupts some activities) to 8 (Hard to do anything) the pain has been fluctuating from 6-8 since.

I made an appointment with my doctor, but he couldn’t see me until a week later. I was in tears as I tried to figure out what to do. I eventually decided to go to the after-hours clinic and saw a wonderful doctor. He diagnosed me with confidence after asking some insightful questions. He gave me two weeks off work, tests for my family doctor, and a prescription for splints to sleep with. Now it’s a waiting game. I’m seeing my doctor next week and so far, after 3-4 days, I’m still in a lot of pain. This post is taking forever to write, but I’m taking lots of breaks.

I’m worried that my reticence to see the doctor will result in permanent damage. It shouldn’t have taken a level 8 pain or my bosses showing how little they care about me to make me listen to my body and get help. The moment the pain started to increase, I should have made appointments.

I didn’t want to let my family down, I didn’t want to let myself down, and I didn’t want to let my work down. It was foolish! Work doesn’t care about me, they never really have, family only want me to be healthy, and I’m more disappointed now than if I had been treated earlier.

Expect this blog to have shorter posts (this took most of a day with breaks). I’ll let you know what happens.

At least I’m getting a lot of snuggles.

Stay safe and be kind,

Éric

The Parent Trap (1961) – JenEric Movie Review

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How This Works – Read Other Reviews

Hello Cinephiles,

Today we’re talking about the 1961 film The Parent Trap.

Story

The transitions between parts of the movie were a little choppy and uneven, but the story was solid. It had the right amount of twists and turns. I’m not sure if some of it is cliché or if it’s just had a huge influence on YA films afterwards. It’s definitely a product of it’s time with some casual racism and sexism.

Score: 0.5

Characters

I really enjoyed the side characters, the grandfather was awesome and so was the cook. I thought the mother and father were a little annoying, but hilarious. I was impressed with how Hayley Mills had different body language, mannerisms, and movements for each of her characters. It was always obvious which was which.

Score: 1

Dialogue

A lot of the slang in this is antiquated to the point that it took me some time to understand what it meant. It’s not unintelligible, but it was an adjustment.

The movie is quite witty and has a lot of fun lines.

Score: 0.5

Visuals and Music

The movie’s green screen is uncomfortable, but other than that, the movie is extremely well done. The split screen and body double work is impressive.

The music is good, especially the opening theme.

Score: 1

Fun

The 5yo didn’t want to watch it at first, but loved it pretty quickly. I had never seen it and it was a fun movie that made me smile. For my wife and mother-in-law it was a nostalgic return. We all had fun.

Score: 1

Overall

Mildly dated with some pacing issues, but overall a very fun and funny movie. The acting from Mills is excellent and the attention to detail is great. Definitely earns its place as a Disney classic.

Final Score: 4 Stars out of 5

Guitar Lessons Part 46

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Mar 27: Almost

I almost didn’t play at all today.

1. My right arm hurts. A lot. And I can’t lift it over my guitar.

2. Sundays are always busy days for us.

But when we got back from my parent’s for dinner, I grabbed the tenor uke and played one song before we put the kids to bed.

And apparently I’m not holding ukuleles correctly with my left hand. I’m going to have to practise that.

Mar 28: Recovering

My arm and back still hurt a bit, so I didn’t play too long today.

I played my songs. It’s been two days since I played them. It was nice to get back to the routine.

Oh, and our publisher loved the theme for Assassins! Accidental Matchmakers that we recorded. So that’s the first part of our book trailer done!

Mar 29: Still going slow

I only played mountain king (bleh, did not do well), my 3 songs, and the French song today.

My arm hurts.

The songs sounded great though.

Also, I got some awesome news today, but I can’t share yet. Just be excited for me. 🙂

Mar 30: Learning app

I was able to get that extra note in mountain king 2/4 times, but the notes that followed it… Less often. Very frustrating. I’ll get there. It’s just frustrating at the moment.

I played my songs, including the theme at speed. I’m actually impressed with how much easier it is than I thought.

It’s like recording has taken the pressure off. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Mar 31: End of March

The end of March means I’ve been playing guitar for NINE months.

Seriously.

I think I’m in a pretty good place for nine months of playing. I wouldn’t say I’m advanced, but I definitely feel as though I’m beyond a beginner.

I just hope I haven’t picked up any bad habits. 😬

I did better at mountain king today. I’m getting there!

I played my songs. They make me happy.

Apr 1: Sore

I’m falling apart.

I don’t recommend growing older.

Lifting my arm to hold my guitar was very painful today.

I did not do well on mountain king. I failed it the first time.

I played my songs. They sounded the way I wanted them to. I’ve been focussing on volume control when using the pick, getting louder and softer depending on the mood. (Forte vs piano)

Vote for Dragon and Jen

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Hello Friends,

It’s time to vote for the Aurora awards. You get books just for being a member. Go to https://prixaurorawards.ca/ and click on the “Become a Member” button. Once you’ve paid, you’ll be able to vote. Don’t forget to download your voters package.

PLEASE consider voting for Dragon and Jen, who have been nominated for their amazing work on How I Taught my Dragon: Kindergarten education through genre media.

Effectively, it’s a guide (and results) for parents to use films as a jumping off point for kindergarten education, each week a new film with activities and learning sheets designed around the film’s themes and content.

It was designed with the Ontario Curriculum in mind and to supplement our daughter’s 1 day a week of online school. It could easily be scaled up to be a full home school, or down to simply add some extras for parents who keep their kids home.

What she did over 10 months is spectacular, both as a tool for other parents, and as a journey with Dragon.

Please check out the blog and consider voting for it in the the Aurora Awards category of Best Fan Related Work. Dragon is included as an author because her writing is included on the blog as part of the results.

Thank you in advance,

Éric

10+ Books for $10 (Aurora Awards Voter Package)

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Hello My Imaginary Friends,

I’ve talked about the Aurora Awards before.

Now all the nominating is over and it’s time for people to read the nominees and vote for their favourite.

Here’s a list of the nominated works

If you sign up for the Canadian Science Fiction & Fantasy Association and pay $10, you’ll have access to most of the nominated works. That’s 10+ novels, collections, short stories, and more. The voters package will be available until voting closes on July 23rd.

What are the Aurora Awards?

aurora

The Aurora Awards are awards “for excellence in Science Fiction and Fantasy works and activities.” They are administered by the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Association.

It’s a fan-voted award in the vein of the Hugo’s, but with way more awesome people.

In Conclusion

Sign up, get ebooks, read, and then vote for your favourites. It’s a great deal and you’ll love the books.

So go to https://prixaurorawards.ca/ and click on the “Become a Member” button.

Stay safe and be kind,

Éric

Tomb Raider (2018) – JenEric Movie Review

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How This Works – Read Other Reviews

Hello Cinephiles,

Today we’re talking about the 2018 film Tomb Raider.

Story

I haven’t played the games, but I assume there are some common elements from the stills and trailers I’ve seen. The story isn’t what I expected; I expected a puzzle archaeology movie and got an action movie.

All that being said, the story was pretty good. I wish they’d spent less time with the island action scenes and more with the tomb or puzzles.

My major issues is that it started action / intrigue and the tone switched to horror action once it reached the island. That would work for a book or TV show, but for a movie it felt disjointed.

Score: 0.5

Characters

I have to give credit to the actress because we learn almost nothing about Lara the entire movie other than she’s smart, gets back up, and is very curious. Any urge by the audience to care about the character is due to the charisma the actress brings to it.

The bad guy was perfectly cartoonish and the dad was okay. I liked the captain.

The CEO of of Croft Corp reminded me of Nina Sharp in Fringe played by Blair Brown.

Score: 1

Dialogue

Not super quippy, but very well paced. There’s a lot of mythology and they space it out really well. I also liked that the few puzzles that Lara solves are thought out in dialogue.

Score: 1

Visuals and Music

Everything in this movie was stunning. Filming was amazing, lighting spectacular, and action just wonderful.

The music was intense and well composed. There were a few times that it was a little early for the scene, which didn’t work for me.

Score: 0.5

Fun

I loved every moment of it, but I regret watching it with the kids. It was a little scarier and more violent than they should be watching. However, that’s on me.

My wife liked it, but found it a little exhausting.

Score: 1

Overall

A roller coaster from start to finish. The tone goes from action to horror, but the cinematography is spectacular. A fun action movie with lots of thrills.

Score: 4 Stars out of 5

Guitar Lessons Part 45

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Mar 23: It’s been a while

Think I’m getting worse for the learning app. I did not do well. Must be about to do a learning leap. I hope.

I had trouble with the theme today too. I got it eventually, but gah.

And my voice is all raspy still, thanks to allergies, so I took off the capo for my songs because I couldn’t hit the higher notes. And believe me, these songs are already on the lower end of my register, so this is ridiculous.

Maybe I should take my allergy pill with breakfast instead of lunch.

Then, because I had a long practice today, I pulled out one of my Disney books and played from that. It’s been… A while.

Apparently I don’t usually play G7. I got used to it eventually, but wow my fingers hurt from the stretch. A good hurt.

Mar 24: Uke app

I had another long practise today.

I definitely did worse on my learning app. Which is very frustrating.

I played my theme twice, both times with no mistakes. That was awesome.

I played my songs. I am happy with how they went.

Then, because I still had lots of time, I pulled out the tablet and opened up the uke app. I haven’t played these songs in a while. Overall, I’m pretty pleased with how they sounded.

Mar 25: Maybe tomorrow?

Practise went well today. So well, that I think I might be able to record tomorrow! Meep!

I still struggled with the additional notes in the learning app, but I did better on all the rest of it.

My songs were fine. I keep forgetting to take an allergy pill with breakfast. It’s amazing how much my voice cracks.

The theme was good each time I played it. I think…I might be ready. Gulp.

Mar 26: Recording studio

Guess what I did today!?!?! (The title kinda gives it away)

Recording in our living room

We recorded our theme for the book trailer today!

The kids played quietly* upstairs for about an hour (!!) and we got this down.

I started by recording the melody and then tried listening to it while I recorded the harmony.

Lol!

Yeah, that didn’t go well at all.

I can’t keep a rhythm in my head if I’m listening to something else.

So instead, we recorded the harmony and then I listened to it through headphones and played the melody (faster than I’m used to). I made a couple little mistakes and had dull notes a few times, but I was so happy with how well I started and ended that I didn’t want to try recording it again.

Dragon watching Pegasus try on Papa’s noise cancelling headphones. They’re a little big on him.

Then my husband recorded the bass line to the harmony/melody.

Now I’m watching my husband play with levels and effects. It’s really cool.

Our TV showing our computer program

I’m really proud of what we’ve accomplished today!

*most of the time. We were interrupted several times by the kids coming down for no reason, or shouting at each other, or thumping as they ran along the hall…

Your Nostalgia isn’t an Excuse to be Jerk

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Hello Nostalgics,

Do you find yourself wishing you could go back to a time that was simpler? Do you wish life was like it was before? Do you want the things from your childhood?

I think we should probably rename us Millennials as the Nostalgics. Wanting to escape to our past isn’t a new concept, but wow have we rolled with it. Obviously a large part of it is the big corporations seeing the profit in reviving, rebooting, and re-imagining old properties.

I mean, I could do without the cold war coming back, but overall, nostalgia isn’t that bad.

Don’t get me wrong, as someone who grew up in the 80’s and 90’s, they weren’t great. As much as I like Stranger Things, it’s not for the 80’s. It’s possible to capture the feel and joy of those movies in the modern day. (Finding ‘Ohana is a great example.)

There is nothing wrong with the comfort of media that we consumed at impressionable ages. It’s comforting, familiar, and fun. However, it’s important to be critical of it. You can’t love something so much that you ignore it’s faults. Ghostbusters is awesome, but there’s a lot of questionable ethics and uncomfortable moments.

This unquestioning devotion to a property is destructive.

Ignoring the overwhelming quantity of bigotry in modern fandoms, the strict adherence to a nostalgic perfection is the most messed up thing.

There isn’t a new version or movie that doesn’t get hit with constant complaints. Maybe it’s just the internet, but I watched the Star Wars Prequels with nerds when they came out. I think it’s a natural reaction to want to protect both the emotions and the preciousness of our favourite media. The most simple example is that everyone hates a cover unless it was the first version they heard or it’s done by an artist they like.

I mentioned it was destructive. It is. Not separating new and old means you get aggressive and frustrated. This leads to making the people who like the new stuff feel attacked. All of it ends in a polarization that is unhealthy.

Next time you see that they’re making a new version of your favourite media, remember that it won’t replace the original. Your feelings about the new one can and shouldn’t affect how you feel about the original. (No, they’re not ruining it. The original will not self-destruct.)

Spite isn’t a good look on anyone, especially not a fandom.

As for the bigots? They really need to shut up, but they are definitely the loud minority. If you find yourself agreeing with them, think about your position and decide if attacking your favourite media and its new fans is the best way to love it.

Loving something should never mean insulting, demeaning, mocking, or otherwise being a jerk to others.

Stay safe and be kind,

Éric