Small Steps or Ginormous Leaps?

I am sitting here with certain proudness… I almost complete three miles this week.  Yes, I am so excited that I almost completed three miles on the treadmill this WEEK.  The mileage that a few months ago I would have counted as nothing more than a warm up to a bigger workout (in one go) is my accomplishment for the week.  Quite frankly, nothing could make me happier!

This week (I guess my weeks go from Monday to Sunday these days) I made it to the gym four times.  I had three weights days and one cardio day.  Monday I had a lazy day, my WET swimsuit stayed in my truck over night and was frozen and I refuse to put a frozen swimsuit on! I tried sitting on it to warm it up, but my butt got cold so I called it a day.  Tuesday was my first day back on a treadmill in MONTHS! Thanks to Coach Judy’s advice I set the treadmill for five minutes (ended up doing eight because of the cool-down) and made sure I did not go above 3.5 mph, and I felt pretty good.  After the treadmill I hit the weights, I cut all my former weights in half and figured that was a great starting point, then of course I did another eight minutes on the treadmill.  I was a little worried about how it was going to affect me, but I seemed to be ok.  Wednesday, with a dry (and warm) swimsuit I hit the pool.  I found out the pool was only 19 yards instead of the 25 I thought it was, but that is ok, I still got in and got my laps done  AFTER I did my daily five (eight) minutes on the treadmill.  Thursday was another “weights day” (treadmill, weights, treadmill).  Friday was a field trip with a friend to the VA hospital.  Saturday was a running in circles trying to get stuff done and then today I made it back to the gym for a weights day (my sister came with and hit the pool!!!!)

To some this might seem like small steps but I feel like I am making ginormous leaps in the direction I want to go!

 

Boobs!

Yes, boobs! My mom has owned her car for years and the poor thing has been driven all over two continents and it is more than ready to be retired.  My mom isn’t very car savvy and quite frankly neither is my father!  So it is up to the kiddos to point them in the direction of vehicles that fit their needs. 

My mom is 5’2” (on a good day) and my dad is a very arthritic 6’0 (on a really, really good day!).  My mom drives the grandkid mobile that hits Ikea on a regular basis.  She likes roof windows and wants it to go zoom. Oh! And she doesn’t want an SVU (she currently has a station wagon).  Oh yea, I can’t forget she refuses to buy “Government Motors” (her exact words).  She liked the looks of the Hyundai Elantra, but it is as low, if not lower than her current vehicle (which my dad has issues getting in and out of).   In the Hyundai family I am pushing for the Tucson! I stopped by Hyundai and the nice salesman spoke to us (I had my sister with me) as prospective customers who understand what he was talking about, he was very nice and very helpful and we let him know we were looking for our parents and we are gathering information for them.  When he was done showing up everything we needed to know we headed over to Ford because we liked the looks of the Edge. This salesman was sitting around in one of the vehicles (not very professional if you ask me, but whatever). I told him I was looking into the Edge for my parents and I explained what their needs were and he was talking to me like a had no idea about vehicles because I have boobs!  Let me tell you something sweetheart… I know more about vehicles than my dad, I am doing the preliminary shopping for them and yes, I will send my parents to the vehicle I feel will be best for them, but customer service is HUGE in my books and you are really lucky that I still feel the Edge might not be a bad idea for them, it is not coming close to the Tucson.  I am still on the lookout for a good crossover vehicle.  But I really wish car salesmen would realize that women are just as capable to go car shopping as men.  Oh! And the Hyundai salesman got a kick out of the fact I could switch from the serious car shopper to the girly-girl “OH! Look at how cute the nose is on that car!!!!!”

VA Hospital

Today was an interesting day. I had to go up to Denver to the VA hospital with a friend.  I have been there before, I have gone to the ER up there (on a weekend), I have had appointments and so on.  Today we were up there for the better part of the day and I had a chance to sit down and pay attention to my surroundings.  The only word I can come up with to describe the place is depressing!

I have never seen some much brokenness and hopelessness. There were so many people I wanted to walk up and give giant hugs to.  One guy got pissed at someone who worked there because she was trying to let him know what he needs to do in order to get help.  Is yelling at her and walking away really going to get anything accomplished? No!  The staff that we dealt with today realized pretty quickly what our personality is like and they clearly relaxed and seemed to have an enjoyable time joking around with us. 

While I was sitting there people watching I could help but wonder what did all these people look like when they first entered into the military.  I was shocked to see a WWII vet, actually I was quite impressed!  There were some people who were wondering around as if they had no idea where they were going or what they were doing.  This visit comes the same day I heard that this year’s military suicide rate has already passed last year’s rate.  I really hope I am able to keep my spirit up and not drop into the same despair that many of the people I saw today seem to have fallen in to. 

 

 

Veggie Pot Pie

Today was awesome!

Yesterday I ended up having a ‘not going anywhere day’.  But that changed today!  I got to the gym and went upstairs, yes, I finally went upstairs!!! I managed to walk five minutes on the treadmill.  I asked my favorite running coach how do I get back to running, and she responded by telling me to start walking on soft ground, like a treadmill.  I was excited to do my five minutes of walking without to much pain, I did have some discomfort.  Then I was off to the weights, knowing I am on the very first step of recovery I cut all my normal weights in half; yes, most of them seemed VERY light, but I didn’t care.  I would love to say I am finally back at the point where I can go visit my chiropractor, but sadly, I am not quite there yet. I am starting to look at races that I would like to participate in next year and figuring out how I MIGHT be able to be ready for them.  I understand I have a long road of recovery and because of the Lupus, RA and Fibro it will be a very uncharted road.

On a food note, I recently I picked up some really yummy looking cook books/magazines. Tonight was Veggie Pot Pie.  Due to my dietary issues it is great being able to make food that I know I probably won’t have any issues with.  Not to mention if there is something I can’t stand to eat (like cooked celery, YUCK!), I can just leave it out!

 

Sodium

I need to preface this by saying I am not a doctor, nor am I a nutritionist. I am nothing more than a patient who refuses to be uneducated about what is going on with MY body. 

Yesterday my family was out doing our normal weekly grocery shopping.  We stopped by Natural Grocer, looking for some fresh spices.  There was a nice gentlemen sitting pretty close to the entrance giving samples of bread.  The first thing my sister does is pick up the package and check out the sodium level and she let me know it was to high and for me not to try any.  The gentleman politely pointed out that the sodium was on the low side of the midrange.  We informed him I can’t have much sodium, I can have 1500 mg per day.  He seemed shocked about how “low” the number is.  What most people don’t realize is a “normal” person really shouldn’t have more than about 2,300 mg of sodium per day, not the typical 3,436 mg that is normally consumed.  If you are over 51, are African American, have high blood pressure, diabetes or chronic kidney disease you really should stay closer to 1,500 mg per day.  (http://www.cdc.gov/features/dssodium/)

With that all said, thanks to my dear friend lupus I fall into the category of kidney disease. I have had to keep a close eye on my sodium for at least a year now.  I wear a ring on both hands as a cheater’s way to keep an eye on if I am consuming too much sodium, if I have too much I swell up like a balloon. I found out very quickly that most of premade foods (to include items such as bread) are high in sodium and no one really pays any attention.  I admit, I love Chinese food, but I have to be so careful it isn’t even funny! 

 

 

 

 

Veteran’s Day

History of Veterans Day World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.” In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…" The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m. The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words: Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples. An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars. Later that same year, on October 8th, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first "Veterans Day Proclamation" which stated: "In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible." On that same day, President Eisenhower sent a letter to the Honorable Harvey V. Higley, Administrator of Veterans' Affairs (VA), designating him as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee. In 1958, the White House advised VA's General Counsel that the 1954 designation of the VA Administrator as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee applied to all subsequent VA Administrators. Since March 1989 when VA was elevated to a cabinet level department, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has served as the committee's chairman. The Uniform Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates. The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people. Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

 

SPEED BUMP!

Not sure where the past week went, but here we are… I am so glad the first week back from vacation is over and done with and I am finally getting back into the swing of things.  Monday I got up bright and early and braved my first Pilates class in over 10 years.  I took it carefully and really enjoyed it.  Afterwards I hit the pool for a nice swim. 

Tuesday I was feeling pretty good so I decided to get a little precocious and went to spin class knowing I would not make it through the whole class, I was shooting for 30 minutes.  I love Tony, he is an amazing instructor, he welcomed me back to class and asked where I had been.  I told him I had been sick, but I am not sure that is the right word.  Yes, lupus and RA are both illnesses, but when you hurt so much you can barely walk is that an illness or an injury?  Either way, Tony told me to make sure I take it easy, I promised him I would.  In spin class I am very funny about which bike I use, I like the one in the back corner.  The bike two down from me is usually occupied by this very nice lady who I started chatting with months ago.  When I would bring my older son to class with me during the summer she would also keep an eye on him and at the end of class tell him how well he did.  Well over our chats I have learned she has fibromyalgia, so she has an understanding of what life is like for me.  She pulled a mommy on me on Tuesday and told me to stay in the saddle and not stand. I was to take it easy and listen to my body.  When my hips and my back (not to mention my butt) had enough she told me she would wipe down my bike for me after class.  This lady is probably one of the sweetest people I have ever met!  Anyway, after my 30 minutes of spinning I went to the pool.  I was feeling pretty good.  I had to run an errand before going home, still no issues.  I got home; I had my swim bag over my shoulder, my gym bag (with my spinning stuff) in one hand and my purse in the other.  I made it in the door and started up the stairs.  Next thing I knew my back went nuts and I went down.  I was on the stairs, poor Charlie was at the gate at the top of the stairs whining at me and Freddie was in his bed making sure there were no doubts about how unfair life was.  I could not believe how much pain I was in, it was difficult to breathe, I was the only one home and the doors were locked.  I managed to get up the stairs and on to my bed.   Charlie was freaking out, he knew something wasn’t right.  He ended up laying right in front of me and refused to move.  I finally reached my cell phone, called my sister in tears, luckily she was doing her time card and was on her way home.  Freddie, at that point, had settled down, I guess he realized I wasn’t ignoring him because he was bad, I had a reason for not letting him out of his “bed”.  My sister got home and Charlie was still hesitant to leave me, but he really had to go pee! My sister let Freddie out of his bed and then let both of them outside.  She came back in and hooked me up to my elector shock therapy (aka TENs). After about 10 minutes, still in pain, we headed out to the polls.  I am sure we were a trip to watch, but I did my duty, I voted! Sadly we had to do a smidge of grocery shopping before we could go home.  I hopped (ok, hop isn’t the right word) into one of those little scooters and went zooming around the store, but this time the muscle relaxer had started kicking in, I was still in pain, but I really didn’t care. 

Wednesday, my sister told me point blank I was going to take a rest day.  I spent the better part of the day in bed, I did have to go to class, but that was the most excitement I had all day.

Today I was feeling a bit better, my back was still not happy, but I could not spend another day in bed.  I got up did a bit of house work and then I went to the gym.  I was so excited when I was able to do my first really training swim in months!  I was slower than dirt, but I did it! I realized I had to be careful when breathing to the left because it is my left lat that is furious at me, but I did it.  All three thousand, four hundred yards (not sure if the pool is meters or yards, so I assume it is yards) done!  As I was swimming I realized just how tough I really am.  I refuse to be kept down and I will fight like hell to prove just how strong I am.  Earlier this year a dear friend of mine encouraged to join an amazing group of women called Team Tough Chik, recently they started selling apparel with “Toughie” written on the back all I could think about  is now would be a good time to have had a swim suite with “Toughie” written on my rump!

Tomorrow is another pool day!