Hey… I’m Anna-Gaye. But Anna or Ann to my friends.
If we were sitting down over coffee right now, I’d probably start with something like,
“Yeah… my body is doing the absolute most lately,”
and then laugh a little because if I don’t laugh, I might actually cry. So… humor it is.
I’m about to turn 40 in a couple months.
Which feels… rude, honestly. Not the age—the way my joints decided to age ahead of schedule.
I live with and .
And not in a “just stretch and drink water” kind of way.
I mean:
- my shoulder keeps me up at night (I’m a side sleeper, so that’s fun)
- my hips ache like they have a personal vendetta
- my left knee basically said, “cartilage? never heard of her”
- my right knee is overworked and complaining daily
And my hands?
They go numb.
Not occasionally. Not politely.
Just full-on “good luck holding that toothbrush” numb.
Some days I struggle to:
- brush my teeth
- take a shower
- hold my phone
- do basic things people don’t even think about
So yeah… life has been interesting.
The part that sounds put together
I did go to college. Four years.
Got my bachelor’s degree.
So on paper, I look like someone who has it together.
In real life?
I’m an introvert with a dry, slightly sarcastic sense of humor who is just trying to make it through the day without my body filing a complaint.
Work life (aka daily challenge mode)
I work as a facilities associate.
Which basically means:
- cleaning
- lifting
- moving all day
So yeah… physical work.
And my body?
Not always on board with that plan.
Gripping a mop or broom sounds simple… until your hands decide they’re done cooperating.
Heavy lifting? I do it—but I definitely pay for it later.
Every day is a bit of a push-through situation.
Not because I want to be tough.
Because I don’t really have a choice.
Why I keep going
This part matters.
I push through because of my parents.
They’re getting older now.
And in my mind, they should want for nothing.
They’ve done enough. More than enough.
If I could retire them tomorrow, I would. No hesitation.
So yeah… even on the hard days, I keep going.
Because it’s not just about me.
Who I am when I’m not dealing with all this
I’m pretty low-key.
Introverted. I like my space. My quiet.
Give me:
- a long TV series (the longer, the better)
- a good true crime story
- and a comfortable spot to sit
…and I’m good.
I don’t need a lot.
Just peace. And maybe a body that cooperates a little more—but we’re working on that part.
Why I started this blog
Honestly?
I needed somewhere to vent.
Because this stuff builds up. And carrying it silently? That’s heavy.
But more than that…
I wanted a space where people could come and think:
“Okay… it’s not just me.”
Because it’s not.
If you’re dealing with joint pain, numbness, stiffness, frustration—you’re not alone in that.
Not even close.
And yeah… I’m hoping this helps financially too
Let’s just say it out loud.
My job is physical. My body is struggling with it.
So I’m hoping this blog grows into something that helps offset some expenses.
Not some overnight success story.
Not anything unrealistic.
Just something steady. Something helpful. Something real.
What you’ll get from me
No fake positivity.
No pretending everything works.
No “just do this and you’ll be fine” energy.
You’ll get:
- honesty
- real experiences
- what works (and what doesn’t)
- a little sarcasm here and there
Because sometimes the only way through this is to laugh at it a little.
If you’re here reading this, dealing with your own version of all this…
I see you.
I really do.
We’re figuring it out as we go.
One day at a time. Sometimes one task at a time.
And if this space helps you feel even a little less alone?
Then it’s doing exactly what I hoped it would.
Disclaimer
Everything shared here is based on personal experience and general information, not medical advice. Always speak with a healthcare professional for proper guidance.