17 Pounds

17 pounds. 7.1107 kilograms.  That is the weight of my backpack on Wednesdays.  I now have an appreciation for $80, top of the line, cushioned, reinforced, ergonomically correct backpacks.  I, however, did not purchase that backpack because at the time I thought "you have to be kidding me!"
Now I realize why chiropractor's smile deviously and rub their hands together while laughing diabolically when they see students.  They recognize future patients from a kilometre away (for all chiropractors out there I was joking about the laugh!).
I actually groan when I lift my bag from the floor or desk and heave it onto my back.  This may be the difference between a twenty year old back and an almost thirty-five year old one.  When I take my bag off in class, I back up to the desk top (insert beeping noise here), lean back slightly until the bag rests on the desk and then allow for a sigh of relief as I slip out of the arm straps.
I do not wonder why I am not sleeping well or why I have developed a large, painful knot in the middle of my back.  I just look forward to the end of exams and the month long break from my backpack, when the extent of the weight I elect to carry is a small purse on my arm.  In fact, I may elect to not carry a purse and just take my wallet avoiding any weight on my back and shoulders.  Consider it a form of self care.