**.. headaches ..**

I have always had an issue with headaches, technically they are neck aches.  I always assume that they are stress induced and try to keep myself relatively calm.  Not very easy though.  On Wednesday this week I had one start so I took an ibuprofen and went on with my day.  I hate taking pain meds so I always try to suffer through them.  On Thursday it was still there so after my brothers basketball game we went to Wal-Mart and I got some extra strength Tylenol.  I took one and we got in the hot tub.  I took a shower then went to bed and I felt okay.  Friday I had to teach and then work (waitress) very stressful day.  My headache/neck ache was pretty bad so I took 1 Tylenol early in the day then one before bed.  Over these days I would also heat and ice my neck and sit in my massage chair.  Nothing seemed to really help.

Saturday was really bad for some reason.  Jack had a game and I went to that.  I took a Tylenol while I was there (close game, very tense).  Then went to Wal-Mart with my dad, debating on whether or not to tell him about my dream, which I didn't and haven't yet.  Came home and watched tv and just tried to relax.  Jason came home and we decided to see 'Just Go With It' (very good we both loved it).  Well we got there at the last minute and had to sit at the end in the very first row.  Did not help my neck situation.

We came home and I couldn't take it anymore.  Jason started to rub it and I just started bawling.  I called my parents and asked what I should do, my dad said he had some pain pills from his headaches and I could take one of those and we could get in the hot tub.  (He had called our family doctor and he said that's the same things he would have called in for me.)  I had contemplated going to the emergency room but thought I was just freaking out.  Maybe I should sleep on it and see how it goes in the morning.  I couldn't go to my parents and I was even afraid to go to the er at that time because the thought of traveling made me nervous.

I called my doctor at home after my dad talked to him (best doctor ever) and he asked me some questions.  Said it was probably just muscle spasms but he would call in a prescription for a muscle relaxor.   He asked if I had taken anything and I said, "I have taken 3 Tylenol in the past 4 days." and he laughed at me.  He said, "Kaitlin, you know you can take 8-10 of those a day."  I said, "I know but I hate taking meds."

Jason went to Walgreens at 11 and got my prescription for me and a heat patch to stick on my neck.  When he got home I took one and went to bed.  He slept on the couch so I could have the whole bed (so nice!).  I woke up this morning around 5 to a text from my mom at 4:17 am asking if I was awake.  I was so tired I didn't text her back.  Talked to her later today and she said I had a dream that I was crying so she called to check on me, how sweet is that?!

Jason called my mom this morning to say that I couldn't work and asked if she would let my boss know.  They really helped me out a lot today.  Jason talked to my parents last night because I was crying and then sleeping, he really helped a lot.  He got up and went grocery shopping this morning then suggested we go out and see my family since my parents were gone last week.  Very nice.  We spent a couple hours out there and it was very relaxing.

Now I am sitting at home and I feel okay, kind of nervous that it will come back.  If it comes back I am going to go get x-rays to see if I have something more serious wrong.  Praying it goes away.

**.. Day 5 (Valentine's Day) ..**

Today is Saint Valentine's Day, I have never been a big fan but I don't really know why.  I think I was afraid to buy into the whole Hallmark Holiday thing, which I do think is crazy.  However I think it's a nice time to do something that people normally don't make time for, even if it's just dinner.   

I had to teach today, my last Monday (wahoo).  My first class was the start to my bad day and it just went downhill from there.  Some students think that they are entitled to everything it makes me sick.  I taught until 2 then came home and got my book bag and got to class at 3.  

This weekend Jason heard that there was a man hiding in the entrance of our apartment buildings and pistol whipping people as they walked in, taking their keys, breaking into their apartment and robbing them.  Needless to say I do not want to live here anymore but we still have 6 months on our lease.  I call Jason when I get home and he comes out to walk me in.  When he isn't here I am going to call the apartment security and have them walk me in and I carry mace but I'd really prefer to not have to use it!  

I finally got out of class at 6 and was hoping that Jason was going to surprise me with dinner reservations or a date of some sort.  Not so much.  I got home and he was laying on the couch studying.  I had a horrible day and was looking forward to a nice night out and nothing was planned.  I went to take a shower and just started crying.  I am just worn out.  School is intense, teaching is tough, work is work and not knowing much about my dad is frustrating.  

When I got out I put on sweats and he told me to get ready.  I told him that if we didn't have reservations we wouldn't be able to get into most places and the wait in the rest would be crazy.  He didn't believe me, so he called 6 or 7 restaurants before giving up.  We ordered Chinese in.  It wasn't great but it worked.  

He did send me flowers to the school I teach at on Friday which was very nice.  

I got cards for my brother, sister, mom and dad, my grandma, Jason's mom and dad, his grandma and his sister and brother in law.  I had pictures from the holidays that I sent with them as well.    

His mom and sister called today to say thanks.  

If I am good at one thing it is sending out holiday cards and thank you notes.

Dad had one test today but I am not supposed to say anything yet.  He still has multiple doctors to meet with.  Still praying!

Hope you all had a great Valentine's Day!

:)

**.. Day 4 ..**

Last night we went to get stuff for Alex to make cupcakes and I woke up this morning to the smell of freshly baked cupcakes!  Jack had another game today, they won 41-30.  After his game I had to go straight to work.  We were pretty busy, I made $125, much needed.  I have to teach tomorrow, I told the school I can't teach on Mondays anymore because I am getting behind this semester. :/  I will still teach on Friday's though.  

Dad and mom went to the River Walk today, it was 75*.  It got up to 43* here felt like a heat wave.  People were walking around in t-shirts and light jackets, glorious!  Tomorrow dad goes back to testing and appointments.  I was glad that they were able to have a nice time today after dads bad headache all day yesterday.  

Tonight when I got home from work Jack and I got in the hot tub.  Then played some card games and cleaned up.  Now he is laying on the floor and we are watching tv before we go to bed.  It's already after 1 .. we will both be dragging ass tomorrow. :/ 

Thanks for your prayers and please keep them coming!  

**.. Day 3 ..**

Today my brother had a game at 9 am.  Way before I am usually up but I made it! (I did take a nap afterwards though:/)  The other team only had 6 players and they weren't a great team.  We won 28-16.  Then Jack and I went to see Alex at work and ate breakfast.  Came home, I took a nap and Jack watched basketball.  We went to church at 5.  Not very happy with the homily and Gospel reading.  (Whole other story).

Alex went on a carriage ride and to dinner with her boyfriends family.  So Jack and I came home and played games.  Basically all night.

Dad didn't have any tests today but laid in bed all day with a horrible headache.  They are hoping to make it to the River Walk tomorrow.

Please keep praying

:)

**.. Day 2 ..**

My parents arrived in San Antonio, Texas yesterday afternoon.  They are there to begin some 'serious' testing on my dad and his traumtic brain injury.  This will be the deciding factor on whether or not he is allowed to stay in the Air National Guard.  Hopefully they get all the answers they need from this week or so of testing.  Today he only had one test and of course they don't know anything yet.

While they are gone I am staying with my brother for a couple days then he will be staying at our cousins next week.  Our sister Alexandria is on her way home from college for the weekend so we plan on staying up and playing some board games tonight!  She has to work tomorrow so it won't be a late night.  Tonight is the 8th grade Carnival, at the school I teach at, to raise money for their trip to Chicago.  Since I am taking Jack I will just stay (it's only for two hours).

I will keep you updated on the week of tests.  Please pray for him and the people performing the tests as well.

:)

**.. a little help ..**

From today until next Friday is a huge week for my family.  

Please please please keep us in your prayers .. 

I will post more about it tonight or tomorrow.  

Thanks 

:)