A Civil World. Off-topic discussions on a variety of topics. > Time For a Coffee Break!

one idea leads to another...

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Sandi Papaya:
For 2 days since I've had the halo off, my weakened, stiffened (and slightly atrophied) neck muscles have been giving me trouble - I know it'll get better as the days go by and my muscles get used to doing the job they're supposed to do. In the meantime, my orthopedist recommended Tylenol for the pain; but Tylenol doesn't do much for me, no matter what kind of pain we're talking about. After I left my doctor's office, I had my mom pick me up some Aleve (naproxen sodium), because Aleve is really the only over-the-counter painkiller that works for me. I have some Vicodin with Tylenol, which also helps, but my supply is running low and I'm trying to kick that habit.  :-X

This afternoon, I recalled an odd Christmas gift that my mom had received from a co-worker a couple of years back. It was a tube sock, loosely filled about halfway way up with uncooked rice, and tied off with a couple of bits of yarn about 2-3 inches from the top. At the time, it seemed a bit weird, like my mom's co-worker - now it's become a lifesaver!

It's supposed to be a sort of "heating pad" - pop it in the microwave for about a minute, put it on the affected area, and the rice will hold the heat for a good 30-45 minutes or so, no electrical outlets or lying on top of heating pads (which is dangerous) needed. Best of all, it's the perfect form to fit right over the neck and shoulders comfortably.

I figured all along that part of the problem was that my neck muscles are stiff and sore from having to be in the same position for 3 months, but there didn't seem to be any immediate solution to the problem. At some point this afternoon, I remembered the "odd sock," and figured that a little warmth applied to my sore, stiff neck might help loosen up those disused muscles and help me heal a little faster.

I guess my intuition was right...my neck doesn't feel as sore anymore. I did take some Aleve earlier, but even that by itself hasn't been enough to get rid of the pain, so I don't see any reason why it would work now.

Sometimes, it just takes a little bit of creative thinking. Who'd've thought that such an odd gift would turn out to be such a godsend?

I'm about ready to buy some tube socks and a bag of rice, and use my scrap yarn to tie off the ends of the socks, and use these as stocking-stuffers, or package them along with scented soaps, candles, bath fizzies or whatever I can find on the cheap (Michael's has lots of this type of stuff in their dollar bins) and create a few "stress reliever" packages to give as gifts, maybe for my coworkers and friends.

If I had thought of this earlier (and learned to sew a while back, as I intended to), I could even have sewn up some cute tote bags to put it all in. As it stands now, I have just enough time to buy some tube socks and rice, a few scented soaps/candles/bath fizzies/etc (maybe even some of those gel eye masks if I can find some for cheap!), and some cute bags to package it all in, as well as some cardstock for little handmade gift tags (I already have a variety of Christmas rubber stamps/hole punches). And I bet I could do this for under $50 for all those friends and relatives I can't afford to give big gifts to, but who deserve a little something just for being there when I needed them.

So what say you? Would you think I was a complete freak for giving you a tube sock full of rice (as long as I explained what it was and how to use it) along with some soaps and candles or something like that? Or does it seem like a good idea? I mean, I thought the rice-filled tube sock on its own was kind of odd, but if it was packaged with some other stuff, it might make a great gift. Everyone could use a little stress relief, and once the soaps and candles were gone, they'd still have the "odd sock" to use long afterward. :)

Clearbrite:
Its a really a great idea! Handmade gifts are the best!
Even if you think it doesnt 'look like much'or weird..i would love to receive something like that,knowing that the person spent their time and much thought in making the gift.

Its the thought that counts right?

Go for it! ;D

Sophia:

There is one particular neck pillow you might want to try.  It is called a 'dogbone' pillow.  I have bought them at Walgreens and Eckerd's.  It is like a regular round neck support pillow, but it has the perfect firmness, and the ends are bigger than the middle and triangular shaped.   I own about 9 of them, because I used to travel all the time, and if I forgot to take one on a trip, I would buy another one rather than go without.  When I am tense, I swear I can feel my muscles relax when I use those things. 

Bethalize:

--- Quote from: MsMoonbunny on December 11, 2006, 12:49:40 AM ---So what say you? Would you think I was a complete freak for giving you a tube sock full of rice (as long as I explained what it was and how to use it) along with some soaps and candles or something like that? Or does it seem like a good idea? I mean, I thought the rice-filled tube sock on its own was kind of odd, but if it was packaged with some other stuff, it might make a great gift. Everyone could use a little stress relief, and once the soaps and candles were gone, they'd still have the "odd sock" to use long afterward. :)

--- End quote ---

I have to say 'ummm' to this. I know the effect that you're thinking of, I have a small pillow filled with barley and lavender that smells lovely when heated up in the microwave and is lovely and warm. I just don't know that people who haven't the need for it would be that pleased. Techincally it's the same as giving someone a hot water bottle. Some people will like it, some won't and some might not see it at first but be pleased about it later. However, I think that people will be touched that you bothered even if they don't actually use it. I think it's the tube sock bit that turns me off. If you can make it look like it's not in a sock then it would probably be lovely.

Sandi Papaya:

--- Quote from: Bethalize on December 11, 2006, 06:06:56 AM ---I think it's the tube sock bit that turns me off. If you can make it look like it's not in a sock then it would probably be lovely.
--- End quote ---

You know, this is the part I'm trying to figure out. I know people probably would think "Sweet monkey fritters!?" at the tube sock part. Unfortunately, I don't know how to sew very well, so I can't see another alternative at this point. If I knew how to sew (and had the time to do so, which I would this very week, ironically), I could probably put the sock into a simple cloth "sleeve" with some kind of closure, like a Velcro closure, that could be removed and washed on occasion.

Personally, I kind of like the idea of it being in a sock so that I can call it what my mom and I call the one we already have around the house - the "Odd Sock." I don't wear tube socks myself, but I also don't toss out odd socks when one goes missing in the dryer - I take the odd sock and put it to use as a cleaning rag around the house. I could see myself making up a little story about how the "Odd Sock" lost its companion, but rather than being tossed out, it was given new life as a "heating pad" type thing that helps to soothe stiff, sore muscles and bring comfort and relaxation to the user.

I don't know. Maybe I'm just weird. ;D

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