It is forty-three weeks since I decided to get on my fitness journey.
I am rather disappointed that I got sidelined for a few weeks by a miserable flu bug and the ongoing issues that it caused, but I do have a few reasons to celebrate.
I do finally appear to be on the mend, although my voice is still hit and miss and I am still dealing with a couple of minor issues.
As mentioned previously, I managed to lose a few pounds. 😁
I made it through the past few weeks without having to resort to a visit to a health clinic or emergency room. That is definitely a bonus with how crowded they are these days with those suffering from a variety of viruses and bacterial infections. Not places I want to be for sure!
Other than the first few days, I managed to be up, dressed and groomed every day – and I managed to handle meals, dishes, laundry, and general housekeeping.
I finished reading David Goggins book “Can’t Hurt me” and I am ready to start his second book “Never Finished”.
And finally… Yesterday, I got back into my workout routine! 🙌🙌🙌. I am not where I was before I got sick, but I am in way better shape than I thought I would be! I can dance for about half an hour in the morning and lift lighter weights for fifteen minutes or so in the evenings. It is a (re)start.
It feels so great to get back on track! My year one to a fit and healthy lifestyle wraps up on February 13th and I am excited about regaining any progress I lost AND ending the year with a strong finish. I have accomplished so much, health and fitness wise, that I can’t even imagine what I can accomplish in year two.
Molly is getting super excited about heading out for our daily walks soon. Watching her friends go by… 😔
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 💞🌞
Still here, still voiceless and still dealing with the lingering effects of the flu from hell. I am not that sick but my days revolve around inhalers, hot drinks, and trying to keep active enough to keep my lungs clear and as strong as possible. Not exactly the lifestyle that inspires read worthy blogs. On the bright side, I have hacked off a few pounds in the past month so – YAY ME!
Anyway, today is December 17th and that means it is a day that holds special meaning for me. It seems impossible, but it has been twenty-nine years today since my father passed away.
My father and I were always close. He was quiet and peaceful with a quirky sense of humor that never failed to amuse me. He was extremely intelligent with a keen interest in anything mechanical or technical. But mostly, he was just a really good man and a really good father. I was always fortunate to have him in my life, but especially so in the last five years of his. They were difficult years but I learned so much the value of dignity and compassion and strength and unwavering faith from my father in those years.
My father lived with sinus cancer for the last five years of his life. Cancer is merciless at the best of times, sinus cancer particularly so. It was heart wrenching to watch my father go through all that he dealt with. But it was inspiring and amazing to see how he never wavered. When there was virtually nothing physically left of him, he was stronger than most of us ever are.
During those last five years with Dad, my own life was on rocky ground. My first marriage, which had always been dysfunctional, had reached its breaking point. It was bad enough that my father, who seldom if ever told us what to do as adults, took me aside one day and told me that I had to get myself and my children out of that situation. I knew he was right.
Having seen someone you love suffer for five years, you think you are ready. On December 17th, 1993 – I wasn’t ready. I got the call from my mother and I was in shock that it was over. I fumbled through the motions and headed to their home two hours away to be with my mother until the rest of the family could join us.
The next morning, I went to the hospital to pick up my father’s personal effects. As I got out of the car, the cathedral bells were ringing out joyful Christmas carols. As I stepped into the hospital, I was surrounded by Christmas greenery, poinsettias, and glittery and glowing Christmas decorations. As I began climbing the stairs to Dad’s room, the carols suddenly stopped and the cathedral bells tolled out the sombre notes to mark my father’s passing. It was one of those moments in life that one never forgets. My soul shattered. It was over.
And with every step upward and forward, I began to heal. I made it through the arrangements, the wake, and the funeral. A few days later I went home to set up our Christmas tree, wrap presents, and finish the meal preparations – to provide the best Christmas that I could for my children. After Christmas, I focussed on wrapping up my marriage and moving on. In July, I took my children, my dog, and my plant and I moved us out. I was run down and starting off on a wish and a prayer but I knew we would be fine. And whenever I faltered, I knew that Dad was there with us. His faith and strength carried us through, as it always had.
Dad & IDad & my son DanJennifer and I visiting Dad in early December 1993RIP Dad & Mom. You will always both have a place in my heart and in my home. 💞
I cannot believe it. 😳 Apparently, those who are so disposed have found the excuses, the ways, and the means to become even less motivated this year. (MIND BLOWN)
Oxford English Dictionary has run its annual contest for “Word of the year 2022” and sadly the winner is “Goblin Mode”.
“Goblin Mode” has been defined as “A type of behaviour that is unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy, typically in a way that rejects social norms or expectations”. Or in the words of Sheena Goodyear of CBC Radio “Think dirty sweatpants, a messy home, piles of junk food and an overall attitude of not caring what anyone thinks of you.”
Meanwhile, I continue to recover – ever SO slowly from our recent onslaught of the bubonic plague (or whatever fresh hell this is). To pass time, since speaking above a non-existent whisper or let’s say breathing is not an option, I have been reading David Goggin’s first best seller “Can’t Hurt Me”.
I have always appreciated a really well written book. I have always been fascinated by the potential and the power of the human body, mind, and soul.
This book is beautifully written and it goes above and beyond in every way. It is raw, it is real, it is masterfully written, it is phenomenal – as is David Goggins.
David Goggins is not looking to be better than anyone, to earn more, to win more, to have more. He is on a quest to find the limits of his own true potential – and it is amazing. I cannot imagine anyone who could not feel honored and inspired to be allowed inside the life and mind of this man, by being given the opportunity to read this book. It is that good. His second book, “Never Finished” has recently been released and is next up on my reading list. I expect that it will be every bit as good as “Can’t Hurt Me” because this man has tapped so deep into his potential, that he could not possibly settle for putting out anything mediocre.
Which brings me back to “goblin mode”. Who could settle for that – and why? When we are capable of so much more – WHY?
That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 💞🌞
Just when I thought that I had built up my health and wellness levels as to be bullet-proof, Dan and I went for a third round of the 2022 flu season. This time we both went down hard, and I am still struggling to get back up. I have no voice and if a dishrag could feel, I am pretty sure this is what it would feel like.
This flu is brutal – everything a flu can throw at us and then some and it doesn’t spare anyone. Granddaughter Genie, her fiance Alec, and her brother Rory were all taken down hard these past couple of weeks as well.
But, everything has an upside and this little episode has been no exception. December, my famously least favourite month of the year, managed to arrive with much less todo than usual. I caught a few strains of some holiday carol, was pretty much able to ignore that, and let it go. I tried to find anything unholiday related on television on Sunday night. There was one non-seasonal Willy Nelson special on, but that turned out to be more depressing than the ubiquitous Christmas specials. I ended up watching a marathon of ‘King of the Hill’ episodes.
It never fails to amaze me how there is not one television channel that has not clued into the seasonal angst of so many in December. I would think now more than ever!
How many people in North America no longer embrace the holidays?
People from different countries, cultures, and religions who have never celebrated Christmas
People who have been force fed tales of Christmas Miracles, Peace on Earth, Good Will Towards All for decades and know it is nonsense or at least non-existent in December?
People who are beyond dealing with the commercialization of Christmas – and the greed and garbage that it entails from September to January.
People who have lost loved ones during the holiday season and walk a field of landmines – PTSD triggers during December – EVERY December – every friggin Holly Jolly holiday display, every Christmas Carol, every holiday movie.
People who’s families are, or have been, torn asunder for whatever reason.
It is so ridiculous. So much is ‘said’ about mental health and well-being these days – but what is actually done to support those who mentally or emotionally struggle through the holidays? A ‘King of the Hill’ marathon, SERIOUSLY!
Anyway, on a true upside – I have had the time to do some meditating and some You Tube browsing in anticipation of my health comeback. If you are looking for some motivation for the week, I hope this Goggins helps to inspire you!
It has been 39 weeks since I started working out on a regular basis. I am looking better, feeling better, and doing better than I have been for a long time. 😁
67 Years and counting. 👍
Last week I had my semi-annual appointment with my respiratory specialist. I have asthma, COPD, and bronchiectasis. I have permanent lung damage from these conditions and from having a fully collapsed lung due to empyema ten years ago. I use Advair and Spiriva inhalers daily and use a Ventolin rescue inhaler as needed. Over the years, I have taken oral steroids (Prednisone), antibiotics, and a variety of inhalers – blue and green and orange and purple… Every color in the rainbow.
I have had recurring pneumonia and bronchitis and have been susceptible to every flu and cold bug that made its rounds. Between the bouts of pneumonia, bronchitis, flu bugs, colds, and asthma attacks… I struggled to ever feel GOOD.
In February, I started working out on a daily basis. I started with half an hour of dancing to hits from the 50’s – 60’s. As I felt better, I turned to You Tube and started following a channel that posted dance/exercise classes for seniors. By May, I was doing You Tube Zumba classes every morning. By July, I was walking our dog 2-4 km every day and doing my Zumba lessons. In September, I started lifting light weights every evening. I am up to using 5 lb dumbbells now, plus doing Zumba, plus walking the dog (when weather permits).
And I am feeling good! I am active! I am strong! I am looking lean(er) and fit! I am happy! I have had one ‘bug’ which was come and go for a few days before it went away – with no need for antibiotics, oral steroids, or the like.
So… Last week I went to see my respiratory specialist. He checked my lungs, my blood pressure, my heart rate, my oxygen level. He asked if I was experiencing any shortness of breath, how I was feeling, any current health concerns. Everything was good! I told him about my workouts and he said that was good. 😊
Then he renewed my inhaler prescriptions and offered to write me one for an antibiotic. 🤦 WHY? In case I get a lung infection – bronchitis, pneumonia or the like. I declined and told him if I needed antibiotics, I would let him know, but I wasn’t anticipating any such need as I am doing great!
His response was…. “That’s because you are taking your medication”.
I have been taking ‘my medication’ for thirty years! My medication may have kept me alive but it sure as hell didn’t make me feel great! It didn’t make me healthy and strong and fit!
Every time I have seen this specialist, I have asked for advice on what I could or should be doing to best manage my asthma, COPD, and bronchiectasis. He could try this drug or that. He could send me to a cardiologist or an ENT. He could send me for scans or pulmonary function tests. I would ask about exercise – specific exercises that he could recommend. He would make a vague comment about any activity being helpful and remind me to take my medication.
Ultimately, I started working out on my own and I found a workout program that worked for me. I worked it for nine months – and his response to my phenomenal results was “That’s because you are taking your medication.” 😤🤯🤬
It doesn’t matter to me. I take my inhalers to control my chronic lung conditions and I do my workouts because I know that they are giving me the quality of life that I want and deserve.
But what about all the other people out there with asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis, or other chronic lung conditions? It is hard to know what will help or hurt when one is already struggling just to breathe. It is hard to push oneself when one is handed a simple fix in the guise of a pill or inhaler. It is scary to get any diagnosis of a chronic incurable disease and to believe that it will only get worse. It is just wrong that people are not hearing what they need and deserve to hear from their respiratory specialists and that what they are hearing is only half the answer to living with chronic lung conditions. 😢
Molly and Sasha playdate – healthy, happy, and active! 💞
It is thirty-eight weeks since I started my health and fitness journey back on February 14th. That was nine months ago yesterday!
Feeling fine!
I have a few things to mention in my weekly update…
1. I am feeling fine, which is really great because I have a semi annual checkup with my respiratory specialist on Friday. He didn’t order any x-rays, scans, or lung function tests so it remains to be seen what he will notice, but in May my blood pressure was on the high side and these days it is holding steady at about 117/71 so I hope that impresses him. 🙂
2. I went to the mall on Sunday and stopped in to see grandson Rory who works at a casual clothing shop. I picked up a pair of fleece lined sweat pants and a pair of light lounging pants. Both were size SMALL and they both fit. YAY!! That would not have been the case in February. 🙄
3. I pumped up my weight workout last night. 5# dumbbells – 4 lifts – 5 reps – 5 sets. Plus 15 wall push-ups. 💪
4. have been nailing my Zumba workouts in the morning and I was trying to walk Molly every couple of days since her surgery. Due to the snow and ice and her uncooperative nature, I had to pull the plug on her walks on Sunday. She is hell bent on going to the dog park and that just cannot happen until next week… 😟 (Have I mentioned that she weighs 90 pounds now?)
5. In lieu of walking, I have been getting outside for some fresh air and snow shoveling. 😏
And finally… I know I have been MIA a lot lately for posting blogs and reading those that I generally follow. I have been keeping busy but mostly Molly has been going through a phase and surgery recovery. High maintenance would be an understatement – and she takes particular issue with me picking up my phone or sitting down at the computer – or sitting ANYWHERE for that matter.
She is usually good when we are eating, when she is eating, or when I am doing my workouts. 💞
That is it for today. Take care and have a great day! 💞🌞
Today I am highlighting another inspirational teacher that I have discovered. Dane Sanders is a motivational speaker, business trainer, and professional photographer. I was just recently introduced to his work by my friend Dwight Hyde at https://www.fadedjeansliving.com
Dane Sanders is one of the co-creators of ‘Men and Women of Discomfort’. This is a group of men and women who take on 90 day challenges to push themselves physically, mentally, and beyond. More information on this group can be found on Instagram or at their website https://www.mwod.io/
What inspired me about Dane Sanders was a blog that he shared discussing character roles. In writing narratives there are three typical character roles – Villain, Victim, and Hero.
In real life, we all tend to play these roles. We switch roles on a continual basis – playing the villain, the victim, and the hero on any given day (or at time of day). These roles are not specifically positive or negative – much depends on the circumstances and our intention. Often, we are not even aware of the role we are playing.
The role of a victim is not one that we typically choose – we just area victim of circumstances or others. We have been victimized. Generally, our goal will be to work through our victim role to a hero role. Occasionally, we deliberately or unconsciously choose to remain in the victim role because there is a lack of personal responsibility in playing the helpless victim. We just are. We do not realize that this choice is costing us our free will – the power to create and live our own life on our own terms.
Victims attract heroes. Those who choose to remain victims attract ‘false heroes’ or villains who are called rescuers. These rescuers, do not help victims – they are enablers or victimizers, who use their false hero role to empower themselves at the expense of the victim.
Victims with a goal to work their way to being a hero, attract true heroes. True heroes are guides. Guides lead by example and provide the information that victims require to become true heroes, so that they may in turn guide others.
Dane Sanders encourages us to notice the role(s) we are playing, choose the role we want to play in our lives, and move towards that goal.
This lesson by Dane Sanders gave me a new perspective in how I see myself and how I live my life. At times I am the victim – not choosing to remain the victim for long. Everyone enjoys the occasional (self) pity party, and I am no exception – but I really do NOT enjoy feeling helpless. At times, I am the true hero (the guide). I have, especially with my family, tried to lead by example and to share that which I felt would be beneficial to them. But, most often (and again especially with my family), I have played thevillain (the typical ‘rescuer’ villain!). It makes me feel needed – even if I do not feel wanted or loved. It is a role I choose to mask my lack of self confidence and self worth. And worst of all – It victimizes others, by undermining their own confidence and self worth. 😢
This is a hard lesson to learn – but it is an incredibly powerful lesson in my mind. It is a lesson that I believe can help me to be a genuinely better person. For that, I am truly grateful to Dane Sanders for sharing his wisdom.
Molly is coming along nicely following her surgery on Monday.
Our temperature ranged from -25 to -30 Celsius today so we took a pass on our walk. Yesterday, our favourite human Genie came by and we went for a major hike across the ball diamonds through snow 1 – 2 feet high in places. The snow was in hard packed drifts and there were plenty of footprints which made it challenging to get through at places. The trip back, via the pathway through Regent Park was considerably easier. All in all, a good outing.
Today, I figured Molly and I could use a break. I sorted through kitchen cupboards and did an inventory of baking supplies. Despite still being on painkillers and sedatives and wearing that gigantic collar, Molly has kept herself busy all day just being Molly.
And… just because this seems like a day when people could use a smile, here is a picture that granddaughter Maddy did yesterday. For a twelve year old with no professional training, I think her work is amazing – and it is just so darn Maddy. 😊
Keep warm, stay safe, and have a great rest of the day! 💞🌞
Seclusion 101 with AnneMarie 