I posted a couple pictures today. First, of the sunrise. Second, of a group of people from work getting buckets of ice dumped on them. Yeah, I'm one of those folks who had the pleasure of getting drenched for the ALS ice bucket challenge. You can click over to the right and see part of the video or the picture. If that doesn't work here's the best pic of us.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Not Gone Yet
I now have Instagram which is linked to both Twitter and the blog. So whether you belong to those two or not, you can still see my pictures on the blog page. (They show up to the right on at the top of the blog.) I believe if you click on a picture it will take you to the picture and what I've written about the picture. So yeah, I'm still around - just in a different way.
I posted a couple pictures today. First, of the sunrise. Second, of a group of people from work getting buckets of ice dumped on them. Yeah, I'm one of those folks who had the pleasure of getting drenched for the ALS ice bucket challenge. You can click over to the right and see part of the video or the picture. If that doesn't work here's the best pic of us.
I posted a couple pictures today. First, of the sunrise. Second, of a group of people from work getting buckets of ice dumped on them. Yeah, I'm one of those folks who had the pleasure of getting drenched for the ALS ice bucket challenge. You can click over to the right and see part of the video or the picture. If that doesn't work here's the best pic of us.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
I Owe it to You
Before I leave I do owe everyone a picture. So in the spirit of authenticity I figured it should be a take-me-as-I-am picture. So here is a just-woke-up picture. Still in bed in a nightgown several sizes too big, no makeup, no hair done, not even a chance to get my glasses on. And lip still swollen from whatever it was that got to me in Hawaii.
Then, for those who can't make it over to Twitter, I'm trying to find a way to have my daily Twitter pictures show up over here on the blog. Bear with me as I figure it out and keep checking back to see if it works. A couple people have suggested I use Instagram so we'll see what happens.
Guess I'm in a big time state of flux!
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Time for a Change
My stories are old. Hubby is tired of me spending time writing on the blog. I'm getting tired of trying to be creative. I know nothing about it, but my boss got me into Twitter. Being I can only write a little on there (I don't know how many characters, but I know there is a limit) it makes sense to switch.
So today is the last day of the blog. I'm moving over to Twitter with my picture of the day. Sure hope you'll come see me over there! (Just search for debzpicaday.) We'll see how it works just hanging there. I'm not sure but you may have to join. (Sorry about that.) Let me know how it works for you. I may be back here if it winds up not being the best solution.
And guess what? I'm almost brave enough to post a picture of myself. But not yet. Today it'll be just a picture of a flower on today's walk.
So today is the last day of the blog. I'm moving over to Twitter with my picture of the day. Sure hope you'll come see me over there! (Just search for debzpicaday.) We'll see how it works just hanging there. I'm not sure but you may have to join. (Sorry about that.) Let me know how it works for you. I may be back here if it winds up not being the best solution.
And guess what? I'm almost brave enough to post a picture of myself. But not yet. Today it'll be just a picture of a flower on today's walk.
Monday, August 18, 2014
Threatened with a Wheelchair
I had a really rough night last night. The pain was more than I've felt in quite some time. The joints, the muscles, the overall achy everything. Almost brought me to tears. I went to bed earlier hoping it would help. But like most nights I tossed and turned (and maybe even whimpered some).
I know why I hurt so much. I'm trying to live a normal life. I'm working full time now for the first time since before I started this blog. Five full days working like a normal person, a Saturday spent working in the garden like a normal person, a Sunday spent at the grocery store like a normal person. Walking around the block like a normal person. (Can you tell the GPS is still off?)
But I'm not a normal person. Or so the rheumatologist reminded me today.
That was at about the same time he threatened me with a wheelchair.
I've been resisting going back to the infusions for going on several months. The doctor made a pretty darn good case about why ignoring treatment is a bad idea. He is absolutely confident that I will be in a wheelchair and on disability within five years. And between now and those five years? The pain, stiffness, fatigue, and joint damage will get worse. I will never get better, never live a normal life. But with infusions, I could possibly have two good months out of every three.
I might just take those two months. Better than what happened last night. I can't hide that kind of misery.
I know why I hurt so much. I'm trying to live a normal life. I'm working full time now for the first time since before I started this blog. Five full days working like a normal person, a Saturday spent working in the garden like a normal person, a Sunday spent at the grocery store like a normal person. Walking around the block like a normal person. (Can you tell the GPS is still off?)
But I'm not a normal person. Or so the rheumatologist reminded me today.
That was at about the same time he threatened me with a wheelchair.
I've been resisting going back to the infusions for going on several months. The doctor made a pretty darn good case about why ignoring treatment is a bad idea. He is absolutely confident that I will be in a wheelchair and on disability within five years. And between now and those five years? The pain, stiffness, fatigue, and joint damage will get worse. I will never get better, never live a normal life. But with infusions, I could possibly have two good months out of every three.
I might just take those two months. Better than what happened last night. I can't hide that kind of misery.
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Shopping in Circles
Going grocery shopping and shopping for shoes and clothes in the same store made me look like I didn't know where the heck I was going. Actually, I didn't. I've always shopped in the large women's clothing section of the store. But I can't wear those sizes anymore so I had to find a department that had clothes that would fit. Not knowing what size I really wear I had to spend time trying things on. All that work (plus the 3/4 of a mile of walking) and all I came away with was boring groceries and a pair of shoes and a shirt, both on clearance. Better than nothing.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Time to Pass the Christmas Torch
I've been thinking long and hard on this one. When I was cleaning my sewing room today the decision became final in my mind.
No more sewing Christmas stockings for the Stockings for Soldiers project.
This is the time of year when I start working on the project, but instead I find it's the time to pass the torch. Pass it to others who don't feel the need to outdo themselves due to some I-need-to-impress or I'm-never-enough way of thinking.
I have lots of non-Christmas charity projects and lots of non-Christmas fabric to work with.
It's kind of sad, but it's time to let Christmas go.
No more sewing Christmas stockings for the Stockings for Soldiers project.
This is the time of year when I start working on the project, but instead I find it's the time to pass the torch. Pass it to others who don't feel the need to outdo themselves due to some I-need-to-impress or I'm-never-enough way of thinking.
I have lots of non-Christmas charity projects and lots of non-Christmas fabric to work with.
It's kind of sad, but it's time to let Christmas go.
Friday, August 15, 2014
GPS Malfunction
The GPS walking app on my phone must have some sort of issue. One lap around the block at work looks like this.
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Personal Weather Station
No need to watch the weather on TV here. Just pay attention to the cat. When she hunches under the coffee table you know a storm is on its way.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Being Aware
When I'm busy it's hard for me to look beyond what I'm doing. While I've struggled with it for years I like to think I'm better than I used to be. I know I was better today since I was looking at the clouds on my way to work.
Unfortunately I didn't have my camera with me and missed the opportunity to take a picture of a spectacular cloud formation. But I redeemed myself by continuing to be aware this afternoon. This interesting cloud caught my eye when I got home.
Unfortunately I didn't have my camera with me and missed the opportunity to take a picture of a spectacular cloud formation. But I redeemed myself by continuing to be aware this afternoon. This interesting cloud caught my eye when I got home.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Radio Silence
I feel like I've gone silent on the blog but I'm just back to work. Leaves kitty home to play outside. Which in her case might just mean playing in the dirt. Geez, the girl needs a bath.
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Happy Dance
It's nice to be home. I get to sleep in my own bed. I get to be greeted by a cat happy to see me. I get to see my flowers in bloom. (Black-eyed Susans in the picture.)
I get back to my scale. 130 pounds lost. Happy dance time!
I get back to my scale. 130 pounds lost. Happy dance time!
Friday, August 8, 2014
Hoarding Paper Goods
Can you call shopping on Amazon an addiction? It's not like I'm buying electronics or clothes or stuff I don't need. I buy practical stuff. Toilet paper, paper towels, Kleenex, air freshener, coffee. It's not like I'm paying all that much, either. Their Subscribe and Save discount, plus their coupon, plus a price reduction. Certainly cheaper than the sales at the grocery store.
But now that I finally got to go downstairs and organize my shelves I realized I might have let things get out of control. Sure looks pretty on my shelves, though!
But now that I finally got to go downstairs and organize my shelves I realized I might have let things get out of control. Sure looks pretty on my shelves, though!
Keys on Knees
A record long physical therapy session. Grocery shopping. Unloading the car from our time in Boise. Unpacking groceries. Helping hubby get his classroom ready. Celebrating hubby's birthday. All squished into one very long exhausting day. The knee, the head, and the body are all screaming from the combination of busy activities.
Can't forget about the driving. Today was the first day I've driven since surgery. As the knee has been getting stronger, I didn't see it would be much of a problem. But being I'm only wearing shorts because of the still-tender scar, a problem did present itself.
When you drive, where do your dangling car keys hit? Mine?
Thursday, August 7, 2014
The Universe is on my Side
Iselle isn't the first hurricane I've dodged. Where was I before Katrina hit? At a conference in New Orleans.
With this Iselle one we really cut it close. The flight we took last night? If we happened to be ending our vacation today here's what we would have found:
The Universe continues to look out for my best interests. We're home in Idaho while Hawaii prepares for the one-two punch. Category 1 Iselle hitting the Big Island as I type this, with category 3 Julio set to hit this weekend.
Oh, and there was an earthquake there today.
I'm always thankful for the Universe.
With this Iselle one we really cut it close. The flight we took last night? If we happened to be ending our vacation today here's what we would have found:
The Universe continues to look out for my best interests. We're home in Idaho while Hawaii prepares for the one-two punch. Category 1 Iselle hitting the Big Island as I type this, with category 3 Julio set to hit this weekend.
Oh, and there was an earthquake there today.
I'm always thankful for the Universe.
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Leaving Things Behind
The good thing about traveling is you can come home with a lighter suitcase than when you left.
We make it a practice to take holey socks and worn out undergarments on our trips so we can toss them while away, leaving us less left to pack on the return trip home. On this trip we have left behind the usual socks and undergarments. With me dropping pounds, I also brought along clothes that were several sizes too big, knowing it'd be the last time I'd get to wear them. Goodbye nightgown, pair of shorts, and tshirts. Also goodbye to a pair of sandals that busted on the trip. Goodbye to the most delicious of fruit - white pineapple - from the local farmers market. (That stuff was delish!)
We make it a practice to take holey socks and worn out undergarments on our trips so we can toss them while away, leaving us less left to pack on the return trip home. On this trip we have left behind the usual socks and undergarments. With me dropping pounds, I also brought along clothes that were several sizes too big, knowing it'd be the last time I'd get to wear them. Goodbye nightgown, pair of shorts, and tshirts. Also goodbye to a pair of sandals that busted on the trip. Goodbye to the most delicious of fruit - white pineapple - from the local farmers market. (That stuff was delish!)
We're also leaving an island under a hurricane warning. A state of emergency has been declared by the governor, libraries and schools are being closed (yep, they start the new school year early in Hawaii), and workers will be sent home early on Thursday. Our hotel is prepping their ballroom, the place in the building made to be hurricane and tsunami safe, where guests will camp out during the storm.
With our late night Wednesday flight out we are managing to miss the hurricane by just a few hours. By the time we arrive in Boise Thursday afternoon the damage may have already begun. Crossing fingers for a good outcome in paradise.
With our late night Wednesday flight out we are managing to miss the hurricane by just a few hours. By the time we arrive in Boise Thursday afternoon the damage may have already begun. Crossing fingers for a good outcome in paradise.
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Could be the Last
I'm sure hoping this will be the last time I see one of these icky little lizards staring up at me again. Doggone thing looks like the lava rock.
I could get used to these sunsets, though. Our flight leaves here very late tomorrow night, giving us plenty of time to snap another sunset. But this picture here could be the last one I take.
It has something to do with this.
Being that we're staying on the Big Island, the first island in the hurricane's path, tomorrow could be interesting. (Just depends on which weather forecaster you're listening to.)
I could get used to these sunsets, though. Our flight leaves here very late tomorrow night, giving us plenty of time to snap another sunset. But this picture here could be the last one I take.
It has something to do with this.
Being that we're staying on the Big Island, the first island in the hurricane's path, tomorrow could be interesting. (Just depends on which weather forecaster you're listening to.)
Monday, August 4, 2014
For the First Time in Forever
I've been to the beach in California, Oregon, Washington. I've been to the water's edge in Alaska and Texas and Florida. Add in the beaches of South Carolina and Maine. I can't forget about all the beaches in Hawaii - on the Big Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai. I've dipped my toes, sometimes the feet, but never past the ankle in many of those spots. But to swim in the ocean waters? Nope. Not even close.
But I could break out singing the song from Frozen right now. Why?
Because for the first time in forever I swam in the ocean today. (No waterproof camera so sand-covered feet will have to do.) Being brave rocks!
But I could break out singing the song from Frozen right now. Why?
Because for the first time in forever I swam in the ocean today. (No waterproof camera so sand-covered feet will have to do.) Being brave rocks!
Sunday, August 3, 2014
I Wanna Do That!
I found something to add to my list of things I want to do when my knee heals.
This thing in the sky:
Attaches to someone on a surfboard:
Sign me up!
This thing in the sky:
Attaches to someone on a surfboard:
Sign me up!
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Another Body Part?
What is it with me and weird problems? First it was the swollen lip a couple days back. Now this morning I wake up with this.
Friday, August 1, 2014
I Don't Care
It used to be that I cared about how I looked in a swimsuit. While I loved swimming, if there were more than a couple people in the pool or even the pool area I'd stay away. Years and years of hubby checking out the pool area to see if it was clear. Years and years of missed opportunities because of my fear.
Even after all these years, and even here in Hawaii I was only swimming when the pool was relatively empty. Then I'd head back to the room so I could limit the number of folks who would see me. After watching people of all shapes and sizes swimming and sunning and having fun, I wanted to lose my inhibition.
So as of a few days ago I don't care what I look like my swimsuit. Loud and proud. (Actually, more like quiet and proud.) I'm in the pool, then to the lounger, in the pool, to the lounger, in the pool...and so it goes everyday. No more sneaking off to the room!
It's not like I can hide here, either. Lots of comments from folks on my fresh scar. Confident and comfortable with my own body - what a concept!
Thursday, July 31, 2014
5 Miles with Lip Injections
No, I didn't have lip injections but it sure looks like I did. When I woke up this morning I had a swollen lip, swollen enough it made me slur my words. Imagine the joy others got in the fitness room this morning with me trying to drink during the workout, only to have the water look like drool dripping onto my shirt.
Then swimming at the pool. While swimming usually makes everything better, I'm not so sure it'll work magic on my pouty bottom lip. Geez, that's an ugly lip!
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
That's How I Roll
After a week in Hawaii my knee is stronger, my weight has decreased, and my skin is browner. Did I say my knee is stronger? Yeah, that's a biggie.
I go longer and faster on the treadmill. Swimming is easier. (The knee still hurts quite a bit, but it's getting better.) This trip - walking and swimming and relaxing with no where in particular to go and nothing in particular to do (except my single knee focus) - has been the best thing for me and my knee recovery.
Who could have guessed that this trip, a spur of the moment trip, would have turned out so well? Talked about it on a Sunday and we were on a flight to Kona on Wednesday. How do I know this has been a great trip? We just did something spur of the moment, just 5 short hours before our flight home.
We extended our stay.
That's how those who suck the marrow roll!
I go longer and faster on the treadmill. Swimming is easier. (The knee still hurts quite a bit, but it's getting better.) This trip - walking and swimming and relaxing with no where in particular to go and nothing in particular to do (except my single knee focus) - has been the best thing for me and my knee recovery.
Who could have guessed that this trip, a spur of the moment trip, would have turned out so well? Talked about it on a Sunday and we were on a flight to Kona on Wednesday. How do I know this has been a great trip? We just did something spur of the moment, just 5 short hours before our flight home.
We extended our stay.
That's how those who suck the marrow roll!
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
I'm Retiring
Wouldn't it be great to say, "I'm retiring and moving to Hawaii?"
But that's not what I'm doing. Actually, I'm more like trying to retire. Not me myself, but my scooter and cane.
Scooter has been with me over a year now making sure I get where I need to go without running out of air or falling because of a busted up knee. She's taken me on trains and planes and ships. She's been my trusty companion and she's been rewarded with a generous helping of stickers, both travel related and inspirational. She even got herself some new stickers here in Hawaii. But on this trip, other than the airports, I only hung out with her on the rides down to the grocery store. Otherwise she's been parked in the room.
And then there's the cane. It tagged along through my knee replacement a few years back and then started up with me again before this knee replacement. I used the cane the first couple days here but she's also been spending most of her time in the room. (Keeping Scooter company I guess.)
They are both on the edge of retirement.
I came cross a quote yesterday that read:
Deal with each challenge and become stronger. Work through every challenge and feel the confidence that comes from knowing you can do it.
While I'm not yet strong enough to do those things on this trip I wanted to do - no snorkeling, no swimming with dolphins, no stand-up paddle boarding - I am ever-so-grateful for both the mental and physical strength that builds every day. For someone like me - rheumatoid arthritis, limited mobility, paralyzed diaphragm, two knee replacements, two shoulders repaired, gastric sleeve - to get a second chance?
Life changing.
But that's not what I'm doing. Actually, I'm more like trying to retire. Not me myself, but my scooter and cane.
Scooter has been with me over a year now making sure I get where I need to go without running out of air or falling because of a busted up knee. She's taken me on trains and planes and ships. She's been my trusty companion and she's been rewarded with a generous helping of stickers, both travel related and inspirational. She even got herself some new stickers here in Hawaii. But on this trip, other than the airports, I only hung out with her on the rides down to the grocery store. Otherwise she's been parked in the room.
And then there's the cane. It tagged along through my knee replacement a few years back and then started up with me again before this knee replacement. I used the cane the first couple days here but she's also been spending most of her time in the room. (Keeping Scooter company I guess.)
They are both on the edge of retirement.
I came cross a quote yesterday that read:
Deal with each challenge and become stronger. Work through every challenge and feel the confidence that comes from knowing you can do it.
While I'm not yet strong enough to do those things on this trip I wanted to do - no snorkeling, no swimming with dolphins, no stand-up paddle boarding - I am ever-so-grateful for both the mental and physical strength that builds every day. For someone like me - rheumatoid arthritis, limited mobility, paralyzed diaphragm, two knee replacements, two shoulders repaired, gastric sleeve - to get a second chance?
Life changing.
Monday, July 28, 2014
Nowhere Else
Cats and birds. Beaches and sunsets. Flowers and fruit and luaus. Our 30 year wedding anniversary. Nowhere else but Hawaii.
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Glaciers and Sunsets
I'm starting to consider myself somewhat experienced when it comes to traveling North America. I've been to all fifty states, Canada, and Mexico. There are places that are exciting, relaxing, challenging, easy. I've been to many destinations I wouldn't ever want to visit again and many I can never get enough of. While my familiarity varies depending on the town, city, island, or country there are two things at the top of my list, two things that are must-sees, add-to-your-bucket-list kinds of things. Things you simply cannot pass up.
Glacier Bay National Park. Watching - and listening to - glaciers calving is an experience that cannot be duplicated.
Sunsets in Hawaii. Walking on a beach like this in the morning may not seem too much of a must-see.
But when the sun drops below the horizon across the ocean waters it's a spectacular sight. I've never seen such beauty. Yes, sunsets in Hawaii ARE all they're cracked up to be.
Glacier Bay National Park. Watching - and listening to - glaciers calving is an experience that cannot be duplicated.
Sunsets in Hawaii. Walking on a beach like this in the morning may not seem too much of a must-see.
But when the sun drops below the horizon across the ocean waters it's a spectacular sight. I've never seen such beauty. Yes, sunsets in Hawaii ARE all they're cracked up to be.
Friday, July 25, 2014
Flora, Fauna, and Food
Hibiscus
Flowers they use to make leis.
Lily pad flower unopened and opened.
Eel. Ick.
Some orange-beaked bird. And another bird and another.
Huge koi and a monster koi.
Coffee plant with a close up picture, too.
The flakiest, tenderest, tastiest fish and chips I've ever had. (We've had a lot so we should know.)
Rib eye, hamakua mushrooms, mahimahi, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, baby chard. A huge portion - this is only half the order. Hubby had the other half. And I didn't finish mine.
Ice team with lemon? Nope, they served it with pineapple.
Pupu platter. Kilauea BBQ wings, kalua pork quesadilla, Maui wowie onon rings.
Ice team with lemon? Nope, they served it with pineapple.
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