The Migraine Gunslinger

Here I am, sitting super high up in the air. Though I wish I had some wonderful flying powers, I’m rather sitting with my family on a flight to New Orleans. Looking outside is like seeing into another world. The clouds blanket the horizon like a fluffy earth, reflecting the sun’s shine in an almost magical way. Wilbur and Orville Wright did some pretty dope stuff back in Kitty Hawk in 1903.

The view out that port window is so spectacular and heavenly, yet something is nagging me. A pulsating pain throbs near my forehead. A migraine, how wonderful.

A gunslinger of sorts

The town is especially quiet; there’s no hustle and bustle like on most days. It’s a peaceful sunny Wednesday afternoon, and townsfolk begin to step outside of their houses and saloons to see it for themselves. Then...
A bandit dawning a black fedora takes to the street and with his hand hovering over his pistol belt. With a thick black mustache, he stands there and spits a wad of wacky tobacky into a spittoon.

Up here in the clouds, heading to Louisiana on Christmas day of all days, I am battling the gunslinger. He’s here to take the fun out of my day.

Why now?

Is this a preamble of things to come? Will traveling and family activities be too much for me?

As I down the last of my water, I take a Naproxen Sodium with the hopes that the sheriff will step out and duel that dang gunslinger. Hopefully, he’s got a faster pull than the migraine. I have already taken two this week, so here’s to hoping that there won’t be a need for any other. Sure, I can do things to make sure that this old western town metaphor keeps the ‘slinger out.

Staying hydrated

On this particular vacation, I’ll be drinking plenty of water. Hydration is incredibly important, especially in warmer climates. Celebrating Christmas in 70-degree weather is not something I do on the regular, so that that water will be paramount. Despite the numerous festivities, I’ll try to get some good sleep. Sure, I don’t usually sleep in the same room as my entire family, but if Charlie bucket could do it in Willy Wonka, then so can I.

Wearing sunglasses

I also made sure to bring those bad boys with me. When I went in for a new prescription, I made sure to get sunglasses as well as normal glasses. I have worn one on top of another. It’s a very intimidating look, and I’d like to say that I have pulled it off in the past, but I’m not taking any chances.

Bright lights and big smells

I don’t know if Christmas fireworks are a thing, but I’ll have to watch out for those. Paired with my sunglasses, I think I’ll be fine. Last of all, I’ll try to remember to have fun.

Yes, migraines are debilitating, but I’ll try to do whatever is possible to keep them at bay. It doesn’t matter what kind of trick I need to pull out; I’m going to do my best to keep that Migraine Gunslinger outta my neck of the woods.