I get so frustrated that it takes almost all morning to loosen up and get my body functioning without a lot of joint and muscle pain and trouble breathing every morning. Ironically, the better night's sleep I get, the worse it is and the longer it takes me to become useful. My dogs are always, understandably, chomping at the bit to get outside and it is often torturous to accompany them even to the front yard to do their business (no fence, so they can't be unattended). However, I'm still housebreaking my Jack Russell puppy, Mooch, so it's a necessary evil to let him out as soon as possible after waking.
Just this morning, I'm sitting, waiting out my body, when I hear the garbage truck rumbling nearby and realize I had again forgotten to set out the now two weeks' worth of trash I'd accumulated, so I do my hobbled version of dashing out the door to try to catch them. But the garbagemen turn out to move like super ninjas and apparently don't believe in second chances as they wave, smile and move on.
In the meantime, I guess I hadn't latched the front door properly, and the sudden activity fooled Mooch into thinking it was a game, so he darts out of the house and begins chasing the garbage truck. This ballsy feat inspires Pearl, my other Jack Russell to join the chase as reinforcement (Her bite is actually worse than her bark, and has thusly been quaranteened to the house or leash for nipping a neighbor last week.). Finally, Louie, my 106-lb All-American Goof-off, always slow on the uptake, realizes what's happening and brings up the rear to presumably serve as the muscle in case Pearl can't finish off the ninjas herself. ALL THIS BEFORE EVEN ONE SIP OF COFFEE.
On the other hand, I'm wide awake now and reminded by Janice's epic Buddy chase of the folly of chasing them. Instead I rack my brain ("Onward, through the fog!"), replete with its long string of mostly failed dog obedience tips, when I unchacteristically land on some helpful advice from the Dog Whisperer that sometimes works with Mooch. So I call for him, turn around and do my best impression of running the other way towards the house while I send-up a rushed "Hail, Mary!" (not part of Caesar's tip, but it never hurts to cover your bases), and sincerely hope that the ninjas aren't afraid of dog packs because even the faintest scent of fear only serves as appetizer to the main course for my otherwise sweetly obedient ("I swear, Mr. Animal Control guy!) Pearl. Don't know if it was Caesar's training advice to run the other way, my sending up the prayer, or some secret ninja hex at work, but miraculously, one-by-one, starting with Mooch, each dog turned around and ran back to me, expecting a special treat for the remarkable feat of actually following my command. Duly grateful and impressed, it was Pupperoni and wagging tails all around!
But I've digressed from my original purpose of posting, which was to seek guidance on easing the Morning Mopes. I'm taking all the recommended prophylactic SLE meds, but nothing I've tried helps much. Anyone else have this problem? I know some of you use yoga to help you cope with your symptoms, and I understand that some types of yoga use special breathing techniques. Might they ease the shortness of breath and pressure on my lungs? Any other suggestions are also welcome. Peace and hugs.