In The Still Of The Night

by carriesilverhornHealth, Lifestyle, Travel, UncategorizedPosted on Comments are Disabled

Up again into the wee hours of the night. Restless. Tossing. Between the Restless Legs, the joint pain of Rheumatoid Arthritis, and the sharp stabbing pain of Fibromyalgia…sleep is hard work to obtain. Sleep is often thought of as a solitary activity, but for many people, it’s a shared experience, especially for couples who share a bed. However, when one partner struggles with insomnia, it can create challenges that extend beyond just the individual. These nights are bothersome to me due to lack of clarity the next day, an onset of a migraine, and just the general fog that looms over…but what about when you have a spouse or partner? For years I have been up all day and all night with no one to annoy except Dobby. Now, there is a plus one. A plus one who has to get up in the morning and go to work. A plus one that needs uninterrupted sleep. What do you do when your disturbing night time ritual is disturbing them? In this blog post, we’ll explore the dynamics of insomnia within relationships and offer tips for couples on how to navigate this common sleep disorder together. Understanding Insomnia’s Impact on Relationships: Insomnia isn’t just about difficulty falling or staying asleep; it can affect various aspects of a person’s life, including their mood, cognitive function, and overall well-being. When one partner in a relationship struggles with insomnia, it can impact both partners in different ways. The sleep-deprived partner may experience frustration, irritability, and a decreased ability to engage in everyday activities, while the other partner may feel helpless, stressed, or resentful due to the disruption of their own sleep patterns. Communication is Key: As with any challenge in a relationship, communication is essential when it comes to dealing with insomnia. Both partners should feel comfortable discussing their feelings, concerns, and needs regarding sleep. The partner experiencing insomnia should openly communicate their struggles, while the other partner should offer empathy, support, and understanding. It’s crucial to approach the conversation with empathy and without judgment, recognizing that insomnia is a legitimate medical condition that requires compassion and support. Establishing Bedtime Rituals and Boundaries: Creating bedtime rituals and boundaries can help minimize the impact of insomnia on both partners’ sleep quality. This may involve setting a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and establishing boundaries around electronic devices, caffeine, and stimulating activities before bed. Couples can also discuss strategies for managing nighttime disturbances, such as using earplugs, white noise machines, or sleeping in separate beds when necessary. By setting clear expectations and boundaries, couples can create a sleep-friendly environment that supports better rest for both partners. Prioritize Self-Care: Taking care of yourself is essential when you’re dealing with chronic sleep issues. Practice good sleep hygiene by creating a calming bedtime routine, avoiding caffeine and electronic devices before bed, and creating a comfortable sleep environment. Incorporate relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or gentle stretching to help alleviate nighttime stress and promote better sleep. Seeking Support and Solutions: Dealing with insomnia as a couple may require seeking support from healthcare professionals, such as primary care physicians, sleep specialists, or therapists. Couples can work together to explore treatment options, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), relaxation techniques, or medication, depending on the severity and underlying causes of the insomnia. Additionally, couples can engage in lifestyle changes together, such as regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and stress management techniques, to promote better sleep for both partners. I have had some luck with CBD tinctures and edibles, and have many friends have great experiences with acupuncture. I also started watching YouTube for night time yoga until I had the routine memorized a bit. I stayed in certain poses longer, changed it up as I went to suit me. There are numerous products available that are designed to help improve sleep quality and promote relaxation. Here are some popular options: Insomnia can present unique challenges for couples who share a bed, but with open communication, empathy, and proactive strategies, it’s possible to navigate this sleep disorder together. By prioritizing each other’s needs, establishing bedtime rituals and boundaries, seeking support and solutions, couples can strengthen their relationship and improve their overall sleep quality, even in the face of insomnia’s challenges. Remember, you’re in this together, and supporting each other through the ups and downs of insomnia can ultimately bring you closer as a couple.

Walk the Line

by carriesilverhornUncategorizedPosted on Comments are Disabled

Most of the Stories and Shenanigans article in my magazine are reluctantly mine…because I do some stupid shit! Today was no exception. I had to move sites due to the spot being reserved tonight so I picked one online and booked it. THEN I went and looked at it. It had a truck camper squeezed into it bumper to bumper and was up a hill. Nope. So had to call the parks system and pay an additional $5 to move sites. Then I circled around and was trying to back in and the people across from me were packing up to leave. I rolled down the window and asked are you leaving right now (knowing this charade would take me a good long while and I was in their way)…the guys response was “what’s it to ya”. OMG son today is not the day. Not the day! I circled around again, waited for them to leave and then proceeded to do my 36 point back in procedure. Took me only 3 tries…yippee! Unfortunately this site was at the opposite end of the slope. So basically I’m in a ditch. No sense leveling this thing but I have it a good shot. It didn’t work. The pitch between my SUV and my camper looks like a small V. So what do I do? Open my hatch without thinking to get my stuff out. And immediately get it lodged on the trailer jack. At this point I have reached my quota already on cuss words but I’m going for a all time record! I get it unstuck by sheer brute force and shut it. Now I have to climb in and over the folded down back seat and throw row seat (which is my entire toolbox) to get my drill. Now to plug in. No 30 amp breaker. It’s broken. Only 50 amp! Thankfully I just bought a plug (dogbone) that goes from 50 amp to 30 amp. But did I put it where it should go? Hell no! I was gonna do that “later”. We all know later never comes. I spend another 30 mins trying to find where I slung it and cussing myself for never putting things away right. My neighbors are pretty sure I’m off my meds at this stage. Odd that they all started packing to leave at the same time. Finally find it in the stupidest of places and get that plugged in. That’s it. I’m done! Go inside to check on the fridge and electric. Open the fridge and out comes 3 containers of stuff. Splash! All over the floor! Now I have to clean that up and keep Dobby’s big nose from inspecting everything I’m doing. That is it! Final straw. I’ve had enough! In times like these I walk the line. Take my phone, maybe play some music, and get on the road or tail, head down and just step it off! I walk till I can’t breathe. Till my back hurts. Till I don’t know where I am. Thankfully I’m old and chubby so that’s not long. Then I stop and look around me. Take in a 360° view of my surroundings. Every step and every pause bring me to something to take a picture of. A deer that crosses my path. A cool shiny rock. An overlook with a river or canyon view that takes my breath away. I am able to breathe. Able to reset. And able to see where I need to adapt and change so I don’t frustrate myself by my own laziness or ADD again. What do you do when the obstacles stick up in the day and there’s no escape from them? How do you bring yourself back to center?

Yukwah: The Hidden Treasure

by carriesilverhornUncategorizedPosted on Comments are Disabled

Nestled in the depths of the Willamette National Forest lies a hidden cove of serenity and beauty. Yukwah Campground is where I randomly chose to stop back from the Oregon coast in June. Each primitive camp spot was shrouded with moss-covered trees, lush ferns, and quiet. Of course, there were other campers there but due to the dense forest surrounding you, it was hard to tell that. Giving you a splendid sense of privacy and seclusion. Lots of trails. Bridges that overlooked the river. Vaulted toilets close by too, which was nice. This was a magical place. So lush. So green. So peaceful. A man even came around selling firewood. I didn’t have any cash on me at the time and he offered up some firewood to me for free so I could cook and stay warm. I traded him the firewood for a painting I had done earlier in the month. Talk about win win! I highly recommend this campground if you are ever in the Pacific North West area.

Catching A Train to Nowhere

by carriesilverhornUncategorizedPosted on Comments are Disabled

In Eastern Oregon sits the small town of Elgin. Their many volunteers have gathered to purchase and preserve this stretch of the railroad and the vintage train that used to grace its tracks often. The Joseph Branch is a 63-mile-long railroad that links the communities of Elgin, Wallowa, Enterprise, and Joseph in Northeast Oregon with the Union Pacific railroad in La Grande. In 1993, Union Pacific sold the Joseph Branch to Idaho Northern & Pacific as part of a package of rail lines in the area. Passenger service was prevented because the UP maintained the ownership of the right-of-way between La Grande and Elgin. By 1996, freight service to Joseph stopped. Abandonment of the line beyond Elgin was approved by the Surface Transportation Board in April 1997. See History for more information about the Joseph Branch. I had the fortunate luck to purchase a ticket when I arrived in Eastern Oregon, as a way to see the sights without always having to drive. To learn about the area firsthand and take some awesome photos. During the first train ride, I was informed that this was open to the tourism board and since I worked for a local resort, I would have gotten the ride complimentary. Being gracious as most in this area have been, they offered me another ride, this time an upgraded dinner excursion to the two rivers. My first ride….my very first time on a real train. I was just giddy! Like a little kid. Surrounded by my new colleagues and local business owners, I was able to learn so much about the area. During my second trip, I was able to capture some magical moments. A total of six eagles graced us with their presence. Along with an elk and several deer. Excursions: The scenic train business was established as the Eagle Cap Excursion Train. The first full season of operation for the excursion train was in 2004. The excursion train continued to provide scenic train rides on Mother’s Day and selected Saturdays, from late May through October on the roadless section of track between Elgin and Minam. The train operates from the Elgin Depot, 300 Depot Street, in Elgin, Oregon. Equipment: During the days of steam engines, the Joseph Branch was limited to consolidation-type locomotives. As diesel-electric locomotives took over, early GP-type locomotives generally handled the trains. WURR has two such engines from the 1950s serving the line. Our Dining Car was built in 1947 for Great Northern as a coach car. It was sold to New Jersey Transit and was converted to a table car used by Cotton Belt. The Budd Car was built in 1938 for Santa Fe Railroad. It was sold to New Jersey Transit and then to the Cotton Belt. The Pullman Coach Car was built in 1947 for Illinois Central. The Baggage Car was built in 1962 for Southern Pacific. It carries the generator and offers open-air seats. All of these cars were eventually owned by Robert McClanahan, former Cotton Belt/Southern Pacific Superintendent. The cars were operated by the Cotton Belt and were also leased out to various tour operators. The cars were sold to Idaho Northern & Pacific Railroad in 1998 for use in Idaho and were sold to the Wallowa Union Railroad in 2003. All the cars have since received some level of refurbishment and their exteriors were painted in the fall 2014. The cars were subsequently named for area rivers. The three passenger cars are enclosed and equipped with air conditioning and heat, making operating across seasons comfortably.

Run away with me

by carriesilverhornUncategorizedPosted on 2 Comments

People sometimes ask what I’m running away from with my travels. I’ve even had a few tell me to stop running away from my problems and to start living life. “Grow up,” they said. I’m not sure why, but there is this perception out there that anyone who travels long term and isn’t interested in settling down or getting a conventional job must be running away from something.They are just trying to “escape life.” They are running away from responsibility, being a grown-up, heartache, problems, etc, etc. Long-term travelers are refusing to be adults. I even had a boss one time say, in reference to a traveling musician, that even her husband knew better and got a real job. While society thinks traveling is something everyone should do at one point, it’s only gap years after college or short vacations that are acceptable. Get it out of your system and come back into the Matrix. Those of us who lead nomadic lifestyles, or who linger just a bit too long somewhere before reaching that final homestretch, are all too often accused of running away. Yes, go travel — but just not for too long the world says. Responsible people don’t just travel forever. We nomads must have awful, miserable lives, or are weird, or have had something traumatic happen to us that we are trying to escape. People assume that we are simply running away from our problems, running away from “the real world.” To all those people, I say – you are right. I am running away. I’m running away from your idea of the “real” world. I’m avoiding your life. Instead, I’m running towards everything — towards the world, exotic places, new people, different cultures, and my own idea of freedom. While there may be exceptions (as there are with everything), most people who become nomads do so because they want to experience the world, not escape problems. We are running away from office life, commutes, and weekend errands, and the corporate 9 to 5. We’re running away from the strict path society has laid out as “normal.” The one that makes us mindless ants marching to and fro. We want to experience every culture, see every mountain, eat weird food, attend crazy festivals, meet new people, and enjoy different holidays around the world. Life is short and we only get to live it once. I want to look back and say I did exciting things and lived life on my own terms, not say I spent my life reading blogs like this during my lunch break while wishing I was doing the same thing. No one dies going “If only I had spent more time in the office!” The accepted path of the “American Dream” is go to college, get a job, get married, buy a house, have your 2.5 children, raise them, and then retire. Only then, after you’ve put in your time, can you enjoy the fruits of your labor. Society boxes you in and restricts your movements to their expectations. And any deviation is considered abnormal and weird. People may want to travel, tell you they envy what you do, and say they wish they could do the same thing. But they never do. Few people must the courage to take the leap, no matter how much their heart pulls them. They are simply fascinated by a lifestyle so outside the norm. Well, I don’t want to be normal. I feel like the reason why people tell us we are running away is that they can’t fathom the fact that we broke the mold and are living outside the norm. To want to break all of society’s conventions, there simply must be something wrong with us. Life is what you make it out to be. Life is yours to create. We are all chained down by the burdens we place upon ourselves, whether they are bills, errands, family, etc. If you really want something, you have to go after it. People who travel the world aren’t running away from life. Just the opposite. Those that break the mold, explore the world, and live on their own terms are running toward true living, in my opinion. We have a degree of freedom a lot of people will never experience. We get to be the captains of our ships. But it is a freedom we chose to have. We looked around and said, “I want something different.” And then we went for it. I’m not running away. I’m running towards MY idea of life and what that new normal looks and feels like.