tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68898303151527190942024-03-13T21:01:05.651-06:00I am woman hear me runI began this blog while learning to run and training for my very first race! Now I'm just your friendly neighborhood mad scientist still trying to live a healthy life...day by day :)Geosominhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729167937433295927noreply@blogger.comBlogger1665125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889830315152719094.post-68211848130642335492024-02-29T12:16:00.002-06:002024-02-29T12:16:20.200-06:00rawr<p> I'm feeling pretty badass lately. <br /><br />I've been starting to use the bigger gym equipment recently in my training now that I've got some base strength and it may be childish but working with squat racks and big ol' lift bars and leg press machines together with bench-pressing bigger weights has me very proud of myself. Rawr. My trainer has been working to strengthen me up all over and it's finally getting noticeable to me. I can lift things more. I can do a sun salutation on my toes. I feel muscles when I workout and see them start to peek out through my arms and abs. My weight is constant, but I am getting strong, so I know I'm making changes. Eventually I'll be able to lose a few # and there they'll be ready to show themselves off :) I'll be sad when I run out of work benefits and have to scale way back with my trainer -I like her. She's really helped me fine tune my weaknesses and I hope I can budget things to at least meet with her occasionally still and keep my strength balanced and keep making gains in strength safely.</p><p>I so need to go shopping because I do need some new clothes for work. Most of my work stuff is just worn out. I feel more "adult" when I dress the part and altho I can't wear too nice things or they tend to get trashed in the lab I do want to not just wear nerd tshirts and jeans all the time - even tho it is annoying, I do see that I'm not treated as well by some academics when I do. Any power dynamics I can use in my favor I'm up for to be honest. Feeling spiffy makes me feel good too. I do refuse to get clothes that won't fit for long, or at least spend a lot of $$ on them right now so I'm trying to find used item while I'm working on me. A friend gave me some stretchy dress pants that are great for work- no pockets tho. *sigh*. <br /><br />Going on a mini holiday to southern US for the eclipse in a month and I want to have clothes I feel good in. JJ and I are doing a road trip down to Texas to a giant eclipse music festival and there's a full solar eclipse during it. It's been a long time since we've just travelled and had fund and I really hope it is a good time. We haven't travelled with him not working or under a huge timeline for literally years and I really want this to be fun. Last major road trip we had just us ended in disaster. I do not wish to repeat that. I am hoping this will be a relaxing time to refresh and enjoy each other's company.<br /><br />For now - I'll work on me. rawr.</p>Geosominhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729167937433295927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889830315152719094.post-8149035991142204742024-02-22T10:43:00.005-06:002024-02-22T10:43:34.902-06:00Dost thou even hoist my bretheren<p>Hi again.<br />Felt like coming back today because I'm feeling pretty good. I did a thing. </p><p>Lemme explain...</p><p>This fall I turned 50.<br />I know. It shocked me too. I am not that old. I call shenanigans. <br /><br />I came to realize that I'd stopped caring and put myself behind literally everything else over the last while. I'd lost strength, gained pudge and generally given up on spending time on myself. So -I decided in November to really make more of an effort to take care of me. I'm finally done my crunchifying post chemo meds (fuck yeah) and still seem to be healthy (knock on wood) so I used some of my work's health benefits to find a personal trainer who can work with me and all my surgical mods and work to make me strong again. Functionally. Instead of me winging it and ending up with injuries because I have weaknesses and don't know where they are or what I'm doing (or where to stop) to "push" and do bad things I am working slowly with someone who knows their shit to build strength all over. She isn't a slave driver - she's a "hey lets get you strong so you can enjoy your life and feel badass" sorta person. Plus she's a kinesiologist AND a giant nerd who likes anime and has a great sarcastic sense of humor. A good fit. I hope I don't run out of $$ for this. It's helped so much. </p><p>It's been a struggle but I am feeling better. Something about getting up early to go in to work out makes me more attentive to me for the rest of the day too. Knowing I have to meet someone twice a week who gets paid whether I show up or not helps too - not gonna lie. I have to go to bed on time. I take my vitamins. I drink more water. Yes I still struggle to not drink too much and not eat lazy food and all the crunchy things, but having been in inst-amenopause a few decades early does a number on you and I'm tired of complaining and doing nothing that really matters about it.<br />I am feeling healthier while I complain...yeah that's it. :)<br /><br />It's been about 3 months now of somewhat regular workouts with 2 strength train sessions a week and the others cardio and I'm getting stronger. My "fat clothes" are getting loose. I'm working past weaknesses and correcting them because Ashley my trainer can see where I am weak and help me work on them. That's worth the moola and I'll be sad when I run out of benefits and have to cut back on my time with her because she is really helping me fill in all the weak bits in my body so I can train more. <br /><br />After a knee wrench on the ice in early January and some sort of ridiculous toe thing that meant I had to get (gargh) a doc to do unfairly needley things to my one big toe I have been finally healthy for a few weeks and am getting back to strength training more now. It's fun. I feel badass.<br /><br />I mean I can bench-press!! And that brings me to why I'm here today. This morning I used a squat rack for the first time in over a decade. It didn't hurt or crunch. I did 4 sets. Yes I am using an empty 45 Lb bar right now but I it IS 45 Lb...and I am doing it properly. I've been working to build up the muscles I lack and I hope to be able to get to the point in training (before I run out of money...sigh) to keep going and get stronger.<br /><br />So far I've lost ~10 lb and gained muscle. Yes I'd like another 10 to leave too so some of my fave clothes would fit again, but I don't want to be stupid about it. I'm gaining a lot of muscle and in the end, I am working to feel good in my own skin again. I want to finish my 50th year being capable and strong and do things that are appropriate for me so I can healthy and strong.</p><p>Rawr.<br /><br />So yeah -I hope you've been handling the winter blahs OK. I'm lifting heavy things over here. :)</p><p>Later taters </p>Geosominhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729167937433295927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889830315152719094.post-37163035052643250562022-03-07T12:21:00.004-06:002022-03-07T12:21:38.216-06:00Turning on the sign in the window<p>Well hey.<br />It's been a few.</p><p>So - covid huh?</p><p>Yeah.</p><p>And anyone else had world war 3 on their 2022 bingo card? Yeah me either.</p><p>The old curse about "may your life be interesting" seems to be granting demented wishes for all of us.</p><p>I've been finding my ADHD is rabbit holing into Facebook and that combined with being constantly attacked as a scientist for just offering science and kindness to people about covid and just science in general I've tried to take a step back from that. A few weeks off Facebook and already I'm doing other things at home that give me serotonin and reading more again. FB was sucking all that I used to post here, plus the way it's set up just invites me to lurk and seek for some kind of random thing from other people and get me some seratonin...which I should really try to get from actual humans. </p><p>So yeah. I think 'm gonna be back here for a while now. I need a place to comment and rant and such, and I do miss my blog. Life has much to talk about and despite the fuckwittery of the current world there has been much goodness in my life. I am still healthy. Still a scientist. I am a godparent. My cats and husband are adorable as ever. </p><p>I recently started back to a bit more physical activity too after using food and booze to medicate my winter blahs...so there is gonna be some fitness tracking and ranting about how hungry I am while I get back into my previous size of pants. Not gonna lie though, mostly I think it's more my brain needing to spew randomness out and hash out life and my brain and not just have it be for social media. Instagram and Tiktok are amusing, but there's something to be said for Ye Olde Bloggosphere.</p><p>So hey -head on over to my other blog - <a href="http://supposedgoldenpath.blogspot.com/">Supposed Golden Path</a> for all the rants and random blarbes I have floating around in my bean.</p><p>Have a great day :)</p>Geosominhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729167937433295927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889830315152719094.post-73246507371153518142020-05-20T16:12:00.001-06:002020-05-20T16:12:57.676-06:00Me and my buddyHi!<br />
Well - it's been a while hasn't it. Instagram and FB really steal my need to blog lately. I am getting back into brewing but that doesn't really suit this page so I'll post my stuff over on my other blog (Supposed Golden Path) and try and stay health related here. :)<br />
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I was working out 2 months solid and Finished the 30 day shred and was starting my 3rd week of the Core de Force MMA inspired workouts and loving it, but when I started doing roundhouse kicks I guess it was a bit too much. Those kicks were doing a number on my muscles in my quads and ITB band and were so tight they were making my knees stiff and sore and click so I took a week off. My knee is feeling OK as of today so I'll get back to it at a gentler pace tomorrow. I'm trying out the Beach body on demand to see what fun things are there. May try PiYo for starters as it's supposed ot be knee friendly. Hoping to get stronger and lose about 10 Lb of holiday festivity. Since I'm mostly working form home now it's no excuse for me to not have time to work out so I'm using it.<br />
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I renovated my pantry this past weekend (paint, better shelves and built a custom shelf) and have been working to brew some tasty things, since I'm not going anywhere all summer: Pino Grigio, some raspberry cerveza and some mead (probably pear, and saskatoon ginger). Only have one pail with many carbuoys so I'll probably get a good stash of things ready by July. The mead won't be ready to drink until at least next year....<br />
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I popped in since I'm excited about the last post I made here about ayear ago. Today was the ~6 month 3D ultrasound for my friend who, after a long and somewhat unreal attempt at in vitro (including a typo when ordering her sperm order online that ended up in her benefit because she got viable sperm instead of the one she had originally wanted that ended up not being viable...you can't make this stuff up haha. And yeah...yeah you can order sperm online...like a plant seed catalog - who knew?)<br />
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With the whole Covid craziness My province has been closed largely since March and I've been unable to go with her to most of her appointments or even visit really I was with her for her first appointment and after that it's been moral support only. It's been tough, as she's been high risk. She had a lot of heavy bleeding for the first 3 months until the little guy finally implanted and settled in. Very concerning. I did a lot of grocery deliveries and moral support visits while she was on bedrest, but then couldn't visit, since I work partly in a lab. In the end, if anything her having to work form home did help her situation for a bit, but now it's just getting in the way. I have dropped off care packages a few times and talked with her inside the house and me in the yard, but it's not the same.<br />
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Thank heavens for technology. I was able to link in remotely to watch the live 3D ultrasound as it happened today which is pretty amazing. We also have pre-baby online classes to do virtually starting next week, but I really wish I could be there in person. It's odd, but I am glad I can at least be more involved. The little guy (it's a boy) who we nicknamed Buddy since we saw his little stubby bud arms and legs on his first ultrasound was shy and wouldn't show his face so she is going back in another few weeks for one more check to see if we can get a better view. She'll be at 24 weeks this week so I'm very glad to say that she is mostly out of the woods now as far as the baby is concerned. Such a relief. Saw his hands and feet and heard his heartbeat...I am so excited.<br />
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They'd better let me into labor and deliver that's all I have to say!<br />
For now - I'm content to know Buddy is healthy and safe.<br />
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<br />Geosominhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729167937433295927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889830315152719094.post-34351452223731081582019-07-08T23:13:00.001-06:002019-07-08T23:13:11.556-06:00stunnedA good friend of mine is close to me in age (43) and hasn't met anyone she wants to be with, but does want to have a child. She's been thinking about it for a while and has decided to go it on her own. She's going to try to get pregnant in the fall. <div>
Tonight she asked me to be with her in the labor and delivery as her companion when it all finally happens.</div>
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I am...stunned and honored. </div>
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I will never get to have that experience myself...I never thought I would have any part of that and made my peace with it.</div>
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...I am speechless that I will get to be there as she experiences it and be a part of that with her. </div>
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Geosominhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729167937433295927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889830315152719094.post-51899701562486856872019-06-18T21:55:00.001-06:002019-07-09T10:32:01.469-06:00Uterus for sale! Get yourself a uterus here!Well...still looking for answers.<br />
Going on 5 weeks now.<br />
This is annoying.<br />
I've had scans that show my uterine lining is very thick. I have to have a uterine biopsy and see my doctor tomorrow for a full physical but fully expect him to say - well what can ya do? This may be menopause. AGAIN. FFS. I have to wait a month to see the gynocologist because why would I want to know what to do now when I can wait another month...<br />
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What can't I do is more like it.<br />
Nothing says lovin' like enforced celibacy with no known end in sight...and moody, hunger and tiredness. I mean I already did my good healing thing. I spent my time in sick land. I demand a reboot. Is this punishment for not working out regularly lately? If so mia culpa. I'll run more I promise.<br />
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Honestly? I'm starting to think that I'd to know what my surgical options are. Not that I want to have another operation but if my body is gonna keep doing this non stop I just want something done about it. I have no desire to hang around indefinitely and not have sex...ever...or months at a time. Plus if I'm at high risk of my uterus being stupid like my breast was a few years ago then it can fuck right off. It's not welcome here.<br />
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Yep, I am hot, grumpy and tired of this. It's not like I can have kids anyways so I'll happily donate my uterus to science. It certainly isn't helping me out at all.<br />
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Yep. I'm cranky.<br />
*mumble mumble*<br />
I built a nice shed with my dad last week and need to do some work to finish it but I can't because it's been raining and today my neighbor who has decimated his yard to build a garage dug up a gasline so I've been unable to do anything involving gas or work in the yard like I'd hoped today. I could do other things but I'm grumpy. So nyeah.<br />
I should just go to bed and stop mumbling.<br />
Meh.<br />
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LATER:<br />
So I probably have a polyp. It explains a lot, and is why I keep bleeding. By the end of July I get a day surgery to have a camera and surgical tools all up in there to remove whatever is making me miserable. If I'm lucky I'll heal up and then be back to normal...<br />
Man I hope this does the trick.<br />
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<br />Geosominhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729167937433295927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889830315152719094.post-61552894510811241542019-05-24T10:28:00.000-06:002019-05-24T10:31:00.575-06:00Dear ovaries - you had one job. We talked about this. Chill out.It's been 5 years since I finished cancer treatment and rang the bell. I can be considered a survivor now officially. I could be in a bit better shape and have put on a few pounds since I can't exercise while I am currently allergic to trees pollinating and can only breathe out of one nostril (oh joy), but hey but I am still here and am very healthy. I can run. I can dance. I have rebuilt my life into something I am rather happy with.<br />
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Girly possibly TMI alert!<br />
Yesterday my body reminded me about my life and how things always change and that I need to be vigilant about my health. I am annoyed to say that for the first time in over 6 years I had a light period and some spotting. It's odd - I am supposed to be in chemically induced menopause but there was always a slight chance things could restart again. It's been long enough I figured I was done and I take tamoxifen daily to try and prevent it. Apparently my body has other ideas. I was enjoying this female holiday as one of the only perks of treatment and am rather annoyed to be honest.<br />
I am trying not to worry, as it also means a bunch of tests to make sure this is just "normal...ish" so I'm scheduled for a bunch of scans and bloodwork and smears and pokes. I am also finally in to see a genetic counsellor for testing for mutations a mere 4 years after I asked for the meeting...sheesh. I am hoping all is normal and this is temporary....although that would mean I get to go through menopause AGAIN, and deal with all this business again or possible (ugh) have another surgery to remove some inner girly bits which really...I mean...what the f*ck? My tubes are gone and I'm effectively sterile anyways so what's up ovaries? Work with me here.<br />
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Ah - just needed to rant so I don't worry too much. I've talked about it with JJ and he's trying to be supportive and not worry too much either. He's been really busy with work lately so I don't see him much at all so I've spent a lot of time in my head, but he's there when I need him - love that man. I really am doing well other than the allergy things. Feeling a bit jiggly as summer comes and I haven't been working out much, but I am happy and healthy and things will be what they will. I just have to wait and see and try not to bleed all over things until I get this figured out....<br />
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Have a great day my good peeps. Be excellent to each other. :)Geosominhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729167937433295927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889830315152719094.post-72659416970610123362019-04-18T16:35:00.001-06:002019-04-18T16:39:11.862-06:00offer them an ear<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="aifnf" data-offset-key="35jed-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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<span data-offset-key="35jed-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">"Imagine you're going about your day, minding your own business, when someone sneaks up behind you...You feel something press up against the back of your head, as someone whispers in your ear. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Sssshhhhh.... don't turn around. Just listen. I am holding a gun against the back of your head. I'm going to keep it there. I'm going to follow you around like this every day, for the rest of your life.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm going to press a bit harder, every so often, just to remind you I'm here, but you need to try your best to ignore me, to move on with your life. Act like I'm not here, but don't you ever forget... one day I may just pull the trigger... or maybe I won't. Isn't this going to be a fun game?" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is what it is like to be diagnosed with cancer. Any STAGE of cancer. Any KIND of cancer. Remission does not change the constant fear. It never truly goes away. It's always in the back of your mind. </span><span data-offset-key="d11gb-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Please, if you have a loved one who has ever been diagnosed with cancer, remember this. They may never talk about it or they may talk about it often. Listen to them. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">They aren't asking you to make it better. They want you to sit with them in their fear... their sadness... their anger... just for the moment. That's it. </span><span data-offset-key="e392g-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Don't try to talk them out of how they are feeling. That doesn't help. It will only make them feel like what they are going through is being minimized. Don't remind them of all the good things they still have in their life. They know. They are grateful.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But some days they are more aware of that gun pressing into the back of their head and they need to talk about it. Offer them an ear.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="11j3q-1-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Sherry McAllister</span><span data-offset-key="11j3q-3-0" style="font-family: inherit;">"</span></div>
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Geosominhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729167937433295927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889830315152719094.post-25673155734617594642019-04-16T16:17:00.000-06:002019-04-16T16:17:07.901-06:00Cosplay crafting 101I am gearing up for the Calgary Comic expo with my girlfriends at the end of the month. I have a lot to make yet, but I think I'll get it done in time. I have a costume to sew (not too complicated - it's basically a school uniform and it's cut out -just needs sewing and accessorizing) and a prop to finish for it (a bit more complicated). At the last minute I decided I am making Ryuko Matoi's red scissor blade to go with my costume of her -learning how to sculpt and build with mdf is fascinating. It's so much fun. We're all also doing a team costume one of the days as a ghostbusters (we all have coveralls and patches and light up proton packs heheheh). The coveralls are all beat up discards from the mine where a friend works so we're gonna go as...wait for it...zombie ghostbusters! Heheh. I know! Don't judge me. We're gonna trash the coveralls even more and wear gross makeup and contacts and have fun with it. We are actually getting my friend Lisa to dress up this year in the group which is fantastic! She never has before so I am so excited. I'm gonna be zombie Spengler...cuz Egon is the best scientist haha.<br />
And... I only have 8 days left to finish all my stuff...but I think I'll get it done. Heheh. We shall see. I have things to go to on the weekend and hopefully I'll still have enough time to get it all done around that. Making the prop piece has added a lot of work to the one costume so I'm gonna make sure I have the main costume done before I do all that, but I think it's doable...it's fun to make stuff. Almost as fun as wearing it to be honest :) The weather's been so nice I can work out in the yard and not fill the house with sawdust. So...so far so good.<br />
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In regular life I've been trying to be more active and getting back to running again -I started the couch to 5K last week and it's going OK. My right knee has been it's usual annoying self, but I had some physio and learned it's related to my ITB band and a tight hip so I have stretches and exercises to strengthen things and it seems to be getting better. Foam rolling is helping a lot too. I'm hoping to workout at lunch more often at work with running and some other weights - it gets me out of my office for lunch and I have a membership to the great gym at the campus where I work as part of my salary so I might as well use it more. If I am at a gym I tend to workout harder since I made the fuss of getting there. Plus this way if I don't want to workout at home in the morning and I need to sleep in I can sometimes and have options. I can even go for a swim if I want too.<br />
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I really need more sleep than I used to and I have to look after myself better. It's exciting to do it though -I can't wait to get stronger. I feel so good after I workout and it's nice to have that happy buzz again.<br />
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Anyhoo...I should go finish up work. Hope you're all having a good day.<br />
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<br />Geosominhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729167937433295927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889830315152719094.post-29600222642831138682019-04-01T11:57:00.002-06:002019-04-01T11:59:46.127-06:00Please don't leave candles unattendedMontreal was a blast. I'm back and busy as a bee. Happy and healthy.<br />
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BUT I am here for a good reason today...something happened that I want to pass on to all of you to maybe keep you all safer.<br />
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Please don't leave burning candles unattended. If you like to burn them have them in holders but most importantly -Put them out when you are done and don't have tea lights or bare candles burning while you sleep or leave the room.<br />
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Why?<br />
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This.<br />
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My friend's girlfriend is lucky to be alive after she had a candlelit bath and a glass of wine an and went to bed, forgetting to blow out a tealight candle she had going while in the tub. She luckily awoke to the alarm and a neighbor helped her escape. She managed to find her glasses and get out of the house full of smoke but they've lost almost everything...the fire destroyed most of the house and all of their stuff. She was in the hospital overnight with breathing problems. She said the smoke was so thick she couldn't see anything...if she wasn't totally familiar with her surroundings she probably wouldn't have found her way out.<br />
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So yeah. Please. Be safe.Geosominhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729167937433295927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889830315152719094.post-25372743993567943502019-03-05T08:59:00.003-06:002019-03-05T08:59:39.878-06:00T-2I am leaving for Montreal in 2 days and I have so much to do at work before I go away for a week that I'm freaking out a little bit.<br />
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So naturally I'm here instead of working.<br />
Naturally.<br />
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Yeah. I should go do that...Geosominhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729167937433295927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889830315152719094.post-14911870184925761942019-02-25T08:56:00.001-06:002019-02-25T09:02:43.568-06:00Funk Cancer and Week 3This weekend was a lot of fun. A few of our friends who are promoters, once of whom just lost his mum to (fucking) cancer and who's significant other's mum is also fighting it got together with like-minded peoples and fueled our anger into something good -we threw a big cancer fundraiser party saturday night - Funk Cancer. Despite the stupidly cold weather we've been having (seriously -it's absurd - how many weeks can we be at -45 with the windchill?) we had a decent turnout and it was lots of fun. It was 80s themed with so much love put into it. It was great to work on building a venue up and be creative with so many people who I'm proud to call my friends and see JJ get to do his thing as only he can. They built and painted giant Nintendo NES dance platforms, put a giant blacklight PAC MAN on the wall, built and painted a giant boom-box stage (complete with a cassette to flip over for each new artist!), giant Light Brites saying Funk Cancer (I made those heheh..), Donkey Kong barrels, a giant Etch a Sketch and great music. There was also a whole lot of many different cool things for the silent auction which raised lotsa cash too - still waiting on the final numbers. I bid on (and think I won) a small painting of one of the Ghostbusters heheheh so I got a little cheesy art for a good cause. I worked with JJ before and at the event to help build custom LED light bits for the stage and the light bars above the platforms and JJ laser mapped the stage elements to make the stage come alive. It looked AMAZING. All the proceeds form the silent auction and all profits went to the Canadian Cancer Society.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V9pK78gwP_I/XHP_M5bE-fI/AAAAAAAAD9E/xDL5ThsSoPg9QigvWqTBJvPpbnTkDUoPQCLcBGAs/s1600/maqinstageFUNKCANCER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V9pK78gwP_I/XHP_M5bE-fI/AAAAAAAAD9E/xDL5ThsSoPg9QigvWqTBJvPpbnTkDUoPQCLcBGAs/s320/maqinstageFUNKCANCER.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main stage with laser mapping hee hee</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kOydYYxFU7c/XHP_MKmwzsI/AAAAAAAAD88/2tNZ7_x7P6A2y8dkcTEjIF4N7vGswcjgQCLcBGAs/s1600/NESdanceplatforms.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kOydYYxFU7c/XHP_MKmwzsI/AAAAAAAAD88/2tNZ7_x7P6A2y8dkcTEjIF4N7vGswcjgQCLcBGAs/s320/NESdanceplatforms.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NES platform test with discoball before doors opened :)</td></tr>
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<br />
Since poor JJ was randomly and thoroughly sick, I helped him out as much as I could and we were working on it all weekend and were there all day for setup...then I didn't get home and to sleep after tear down until almost sunrise sunday AM but it man -was SO worth it. Poor JJ was sick a s a dog with a bad cold that snuck up on him on thursday so he was finally able to give in to it and just be sick all sunday. I fed him and made him sleep and he basically slept all day, poor guy. I left him with water and advil and fruit smoothies this am and hope another day of sleep will help him feel better. If not I'll take him to the doc today. His arm has been hurting him a lot too (not sure if it's a sprain or strain, but it's been really sore and achey for about 2 weeks now, so he needs to have it looked at). He leaves for Montreal on friday so I want him to rest up and feel better before he goes. Holidays when you're sick are no fun - and who wants to take the plague with you when you go?<br />
So far I seem to have escaped his cold - I think JJ's mad 5 days work in a row with minimal sleep and lots of company in the house wore him out enough to catch something. I've just shifted into chemo level germophobe mode and although my hands are getting dry form over-washing I'm (so far) still OK. I'm just back at regular workouts again so I don't want to stop and be sick again. This long winter has been brutal for germs - when you're trapped indoors with everyone you get their germs too...Having friends stay with us while they apartment hunt made for enforced visiting too and their son who is 5 was an exhausting never ending ball of energy. I am pleased that they will be here soon (and in their OWN place)...as an introvert having someone in your house all the time is exhausting. I'm actually looking forward to JJ being in Montreal for a week prior to me so I can just have down time.<br />
<br />
I finally feel like I"m getting strength back .There are faint muscles on my shoulders again and I feel stronger. Started Week 3 of Ripped in 30 and it was a new hard adventure this AM. Duck walks -oh. my. god. They look so simple...oh no. And all the arm stuff with monkey push-ups and tricep side raises. Oy. I modified the jump switch lunges because my knees cannot deal, but other than that I made it through it all...barely. I'm about 5 Lb down so far and feeling stronger so another week of healthy eating and regular workouts will be good for me I think. Just knowing I'm working at it is enough for me - I feel really good this AM.<br />
<br />
But - I'm avoiding getting to work so I should just get to it.<br />
Have a lovely and warm week peoples. Hug the ones you love.<br />
And fuck cancer.Geosominhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729167937433295927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889830315152719094.post-87733732208407009262019-02-19T11:29:00.002-06:002019-02-19T11:32:35.998-06:00Week 2 here we goStarting week 2 of the Ripped in 30. It seems easier overall this week (may just be in my head though) but way more core work. I think it's just more of stuff I like. I like the 30 seconds format too - I can do anything for 30 seconds. I only have to modify a few things because of my surgeries so I feel like I'm getting a solid workout even with those. As I get stronger I'll work to do that less, but I don't want to injure myself so I'm making sure I'm smart about it. I'm finding the eating more of a challenge really. It's easier on workdays, but when it's a weekend and I'm home by myself? So hard not to just nibble away my days. I've tried to have lots of healthy snacks around and stay hydrated which helps. I find I eat when I'm thirsty sometimes and really what I need is water instead. I'm trying not to obsess over food - I'm debating whether I want to track my meals or not because I know how obsessive I can get about it. I want to be aware of what I'm eating and portions but I don't want to get weird about it.We have company here too for a few days so I have to be open to more options and eat enough, but not too much. Ugh. I envy people who just eat for fuel. It's so much more complicated for me.<br />
<br />
<br />
After one week of being hardcore food + workouts I already feel better. My muffin top is less and my pants feel a bit better. I've lost ~3 pounds (most of which I bet is water) but it's good to see a bit of progress and feel like I'm doing something useful. It's not really about the scale though and I'm not aiming for such drastic change. I'm only stepping on once a week - I want to feel stronger and be comfy in my clothes again. My abs are more visible again which is nice and my shoulders seem a bit more muscley which I have missed. So far? This program works :). I took an extra day off because it was a long weekend - I did fully plan to workout yesterday, but friends came to visit a day early without much notice so I was not able to fit it in before they came. That's OK though - we've gotten a tonne of snow the last few days and JJ has an injured wrist so I've been doing all the shoveling. Let me tell you - getting a sidewalk clear of 10 inches of snow and chipping off the ice is a solid exercise!<br />
<br />
I should be off and get to the lab. Just wanted to touch in to say hi and be accountable to myself. Hope you all have a great week. Stay warm!!Geosominhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729167937433295927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889830315152719094.post-18509144253039095492019-02-15T09:12:00.003-06:002019-02-15T09:51:02.125-06:00Baby its Cold OutsideWe're in the middle of a hellish cold snap at the moment. It's hit -50C with the windchill a few times and at this very moment it's a balmy -41 C with the wind (-31 without). Needless to say since the mercury has dropped this low I've resorted to the bus in the morning. I hate to do it but it's dangerously cold out right now and I couldn't walk 45 minutes in this safely. It should break by the end of the month (oh please) and then things will get slorshy but much more reasonable. I've got an alpaca scarf which is lovely and soft and warm on my face and I've been keeping warm. I don't have to go anywhere this weekend except to the fabric store and to visit my adopted gramma Stella in the hospital (she took a bad fall, poor thing). I'll happily stay in where it's warm and craft away.<br />
<br />
After a frustrating time finding something dressy that fits right to go out at the end of January I've gotten back to more intense morning regular workouts again. Part of that is going to bed on time - boring, but necessary. Proud to say that all week I've gotten up to do week 1 of my 30 day shred dvd and I haven't died yet so the yoga and swimming I've been doing when I can at work lately has definitely helped. This week I'm covering for someone at work so I've only been able to get away for one swim and might make yoga today at lunch (I hope I hope), but I have been good at workouts all 5 mornings this week. Yay me. This morning I almost slept in, but I still got up and I'm glad I did. Happy exercise endorphins really make my day better. It also sets me up to be diligent with my eating as well when I start my day off right. I feel a bit stronger already.<br />
<br />
I need to find some healthy soup recipes. At a friend's suggestion I picked up a thermos and have used it to keep hot lovely soup for my lunches lately and it's awesome - even has a little spoon with it. Our lunch room microwaves are gross so this means I can eat my hot soup at my desk. I like it. I'd like to make big batches of soup like I used to over the weekend. Any recipes you like?<br />
<br />
Monday is a holiday here - I totally forgot, but that's nice to have a break. JJ works all weekend, so at least I'll have monday off with him. I was supposed to go with him to a gig in another city saturday night, but a friend of his who is a lot more tech savvy is free to go as his legit helper so I'll be here instead. I am sad to miss the event, but I could use the down time to do some chores and get crafty.<br />
<br />
My girlfriends and I are getting ready for the Calgary Comic Expo at the end of April so I have some sewing to do! This year I plan to be Ryuko Matoi from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ci3A3OmNHko" target="_blank">Kill La Kill i</a>n Kemui Senketsu (untransformed cuz I have no desire to be mostly nekkid) on one day and all us girls are going as some Ghostbusters on another one.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RH7h5S0or5Y/XGbUWhdbu3I/AAAAAAAAD8o/EUOb5G9qD2slzZa0LMhd6t2vkBTdXCdxACLcBGAs/s1600/Kill-la-Kill-Ryuko-Ryuuko-Matoi-Outfit-Suit-Cosplay-Costume-Dress-Kamui-Senketsu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="487" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RH7h5S0or5Y/XGbUWhdbu3I/AAAAAAAAD8o/EUOb5G9qD2slzZa0LMhd6t2vkBTdXCdxACLcBGAs/s200/Kill-la-Kill-Ryuko-Ryuuko-Matoi-Outfit-Suit-Cosplay-Costume-Dress-Kamui-Senketsu.jpg" width="195" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryuko Matoi in Senketsu</td></tr>
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<br />
Yep. Possibly zombie ghostbusters...we shall see what our salvaged work coveralls look like first. Heheh. I love having friends as nerdy as I am. We all bought the proton packs that light up and make noise after halloween when they were on sale super cheap so even my friend Lisa who never dresses up will be dressed up at the Con. They are tweedley cool :) I've got my Ryuko wig on order and am heading to the fabric store for some navy fabric to make Senketsu tomorrow afternoon...It should be a pretty simple comfy costume. Any costume where you wear running shoes is OK by me :)<br />
<br />
BUT...I should get to the lab. Stay warm.<br />
Later taters.Geosominhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729167937433295927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889830315152719094.post-1133783694212700382019-01-16T08:52:00.003-06:002019-01-16T09:13:47.395-06:00I'm bringing safety backHiya.<br />
Still here...just strangely undesiring of writing in my blog really. Not sure why. Holidays were good. Life is OK. My health is fine. Winter is cold. My goal is to bundle up like a sausage and walk to work every day and try to get to yoga at work 2-3 times a week. The rest will come - I am finding getting up in the morning hard so it's been a challenge to workout but I am doing my best to fit in fitness where I can.<br />
<br />
So really...other than needing more sleep it's been the same old same old.<br />
<br />
<br />
I had a special project starting in the fall and so am finding I have a lot to do at work and when I am at home I am trying to *do* more meaningful things and relax more -to get off the computer and tv and be more creative. Dust off some hobbies and organize. I did a lot of sewing for holiday gifts aand we are working to go thorough our home to organize and do some purging. I want to learn how to use my serger better this year. I also want to learn how to sew lengerie.<br />
I feel more content now that our bedroom is rearranged and we are slowly organizing things room by room together so JJ knows where stuff is and we are purging a lot of things that we no longer want or need. It's very freeing. Slowly...<br />
<br />
At work I've been trying to promote lab safety. A coworker and I tie dyed our lab coats and put bling all over our eye protection to make our PPE (personal protective equipment) more visible and, I think, better looking. A few students have followed suit which is fun, but in the end we've gotten more people to remember their PPE and safety and that's the main end goal so I'm happy. I've been slowly rewriting Bringing Sexy Back into a new lab safety song...Bringing Safety Back...heheh. If I finish I'll make something with it. The song will probably be way out of date by then...I'll post whatever I come up with. It'll be sure to assault your senses in some way.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my management team and boss at one of the the <br />
university labs this fall. I'm 2nd left. </td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
BUT, I gotta go. I has much science to do today. Hope you are all safe and warm.<br />
<br />
Bye. Happy New Year.<br />
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I'm curious - any goals you have for the coming year?<br />
<br />Geosominhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729167937433295927noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889830315152719094.post-76840190964767825192018-10-22T14:10:00.000-06:002018-10-22T14:10:00.822-06:00So many leavesI am happy to say I was good all last week - worked out mon-friday every morning and ate well and walked to and from work. Saturday I raked the whole dang back yard. Sunday I relaxed - a bit of a cheat day with a light beer and some snacks with friends playing spooky D&D. Was so tired I was in bed by 930. Really needed some sleep...Kept nodding off reading a book in the recliner with my cat so I just gave up and went to bed.<br />
<br />
This AM I slept through my alarm (oops) so I am sad to say I didn't have time to workout BUT I still walked to work and am eating healthy. I hope to workout when I am home tonight, as well as Tuesday and Wednesday am. I'll be going to Winnipeg (ooh aah) Wednesday PM until Sunday to visit an old friend who is here from the UK and we may go for walks and runs while there...shall see. I'll try and be healthy and wing it.<br />
<br />
So very much looking forward to the visit :) It's been years and we may go relax in a spa for part of the day where I can nap in a heated hammock and sit in hot and cold pools with a book and ice water all day and visit in whispers. Never been to a spa before...just hot springs.<br />
<br />
Never been so excited to go to Winnipeg hahaGeosominhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729167937433295927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889830315152719094.post-69238285691315724992018-10-15T09:13:00.002-06:002018-10-15T09:13:29.842-06:00Whelp, here we go againHi!<br />
Yes I'm alive. :) Long time no post - I've just been busy doing stuff. Life. Good things. Bad things. The myriad of life.<br />
What I haven't been doing though is exercising. So - now that summer is over and I'm back home and in more of a routine I'm getting back to the fitness logging and healthy sorta stuffs again. Why? Well a wondrous summer of adventure (and beers and snacks a plenty) has had me lose most of my muscles and gain about 11 Lbs. Boo. It's enough that my pants are tight (really - I have 2 sizes of clothes and I'm tight in my upper sizes of them and really feel self conscious)....and more importantly, physically I am very weak. Yes I had to rest and heal, but it's been 6 months - I have no reason not to work out anymore other than just wanting to sleep in. This weekend while helping set up decor for an event I was frustrated at how little I could lift and I am glad to know I'm starting back to fitness again. I couldn't even hold my arms up for long periods to hang and mount stuff - it's remarkable when you are used to being able to do a lot and you just can't...<br />
<br />
So, since the start of October I've been slowly getting back on the train to being more health conscious. Other than thanksgiving day (where I had a yummy meal with my family and 28 other people - wine and pie and snacks playing cards and all that) I've been sober all month and not snacked on junk. Yep, no more beer or a drink after work. October will be sober, but after that I'll go back to just a drink on sunday...or e<br />
lse I may pick up some Canadian 67 or some G&T for when I just really want a drink. It was becoming a routine and not a treat and although there's nothing wrong with a glass of wine with supper it was getting out of hand with all the (delicious) craft beers and once I have one I have a few beers ...then I have a snack and...yeah...that's how your pants get too small.<br />
<br />
True story. :)<br />
I have been walking to work, there and back as weather permits. I should not diminish this - it is 3.4 Km one way and it does help a lot - I really feel it when I don't. But - it doesn't give me strength, and I really need that back. So - last week I did a few days of a workout DVD and this week I'm going at it full tilt - Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 DVD. Last week I felt pretty pathetic since I couldn't even get through the first workout without stopping and I had to modify a lot of things, but this week on my first "official" day at it I made it all the way through with only 2 modifications - pushups on my knees as requested by my surgeon and my front raises of weights were one weight between my two arms instead of one in each. Misplaced my 3 Lb weights and only have my 5, 8 and 10 to work with.<br />
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I admit, I feel pretty proud of myself that today although I was pretty sqeuaky in parts I made it through the whole DVD with no breaks or cheating and just those 2 changes. I'm hoping to be up to a weight in each hand and a heavier weights for a few of the other moves by the end of the week that don't involve my arms. Having only one lat muscle really changes how your back works and I have to remember that to ensure I don't hurt myself. Plus I have to remember -the first few weeks kinda suck. I can make it through and I won't die...it's neat how quickly I don't get crazy stiff and fall back into the routine of being up and getting this in before work. Plus my asthma gets dialed in again and I'll feel a lot more confident and strong. It gives me energy and helps my moods too. Really I just want my clothes to fit a bit better again. I just want to be healthy. So... I'm gonna be back logging my stuff again for a while. :)<br />
<br />
So this AM - week 1 workout was done. Had some cottage cheese and fruit and a mug of coffee with cream for breakfast and I'm off to a good start.<br />
Here's to a good day!Geosominhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729167937433295927noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889830315152719094.post-62162715979526900882018-06-13T11:00:00.001-06:002018-06-13T11:00:15.935-06:00Zombies! Run!I've been having fun getting back to running. My eating hasn't been stellar so far (hello growler of delicious sour ale on the weekend!) but I've been consistent at doing my couch to 5K runs -so far so good. I'm also making sure I go to bed earlier - I had a weekend to myself this weekend and I honestly was exhausted and slept for most of it, so I need to get more sleep... I need at least 7 hours a night. With me trying to get up at 6 or 550 to exercise this will be even more critical. It's odd how those few extra minutes mean so much :) I have been waking up at my alarm or jsut before the last while so I hope I'm doing better.<br />
<br />
With runs 3-4 days a week I will start doing some upper and lower weights/exercises too...I'm thinking MWF runs, Tuesday upper body, Thursday lower body with weekends being what they are. If I can fit in yoga at work I will too, but it seems I have only been able to get to yoga nidra on thursdays so far- it's very relaxing and stress relieving, but it's totally not exercise so I'm not gonna count it as that. I will try and hit the yoga on tuesdays if I can at lunch too and see how that fits into my days. It's a good way to take a break from my day and keep my stress down.<br />
<br />
I have been loving the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/zombies-run-5k-training/id566596422?mt=8" target="_blank">Zombies Run 5K</a> learn to run app. It's turning running into a little game and since I used to joke I did cardio to prepare for outrunning zombies it's very fitting. The app even ties into my GPS so I can map out where and how far I've gone each time which is cool. The first 3 weeks are free, but I'll be happy to pay the $3 for the other 5 weeks of training - I'm just in week 2 and it's been fun so far. I can listen to my own music too and the audio comes through over it so it's really cool. I started using the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/c25k-5k-trainer/id485971733?mt=8" target="_blank">Cto5K</a> app I've used in the past which is similar and quite good too (but with less zombies heheh).<br />
<br />
And wow...exercise makes me feel better. I sleep better. I deal with things better. I'm happier. I do eat more so I have to watch that, but it just reaffirms why I do this...it really is good for me.<br />
<br />
<br />
Life lately has been encouraging. Knowing I'm done all my surgeries and treatments is...well...hard to believe but ever so cool. J has been doing well lately too. He's been able to get help and his work with himself together with some medications has really transformed him back towards the J I know and love...which is absolutely amazing. I have my J back and I am eternally grateful. The demons of depression and anxiety are still there and some days are harder than others, but he has some tools and ways to better deal with them now. He's aware of it and he loves himself and me enough to do the hard work to be healthy..so yeah - we are doing well too. I am learning ways to communicate better and trying to be helpful while learning to see my own boundaries and deal with my own shit.<br />
<br />
I have to say...reading about Anthony Bourdain really affected me this week. I respected the guy - he was irreverent and flawed and still inspired me in a lot of ways and seeing someone give in to their depression and take their own life is so very sad. Until you've lived with depression or someone who lives with depression it's really hard to even imagine or see just what it can do to you and how it can twist everything you see and feel. After all I've been through to fight for my health I admit it's utterly foreign to me to devalue my life like that, but I can see how it could happen. It reaffirmed to me that it is so important to be there for others - sometimes we may be the only one who can pull them back form the edge. I've been taking a lot of mental health first aid through work lately and it's been a real eye opener...Hopefully it will help me. If you eevr get the opportunity to take it do it.<br />
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Hope you're having a good day. I am.Geosominhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729167937433295927noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889830315152719094.post-38541256000130753152018-06-02T17:01:00.003-06:002018-06-02T17:02:43.049-06:00Welcome to the JungleGetting the yard in shape. Ish.<br />
Mowed the back and cleared things out so it looks decent and I can have a fire. The back deck is cleaned off and ready for chilling too. That is where I presently am - debating if I want to go down to the park or not. I think perhaps I do...<br />
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I tried to work in the front yard and after pulling a while bin of trees and weeds you even can't tell, but I will persevere. Years of neglect while I was in treatment has let the weeds take over and last fall my world imploded for a while so the yard needs LOTS of love. I will do my best to fight the weeds. If I lose I've decided int he fall I will rent a "dragon" flame weed killer and after I've destroyed them all I can put down landscaping fabric and rocks and start again. I like our vines, but you can't rake with them and I want to be able to maintain it better. The neighbors are trying to sell their house too so I figure I should at least make an effort so that potential buyers don't think they are moving in next to a crack house or something.<br />
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I am really enjoying how the back yard and deck are though. Makes me happy. :)<br />
This weekend the weather is kinda miserable so I replaced my rusty BBQ grill and old tank so I am set to BBQ. I don't know what I will BBQ, but I like having the option. Between that and doing a bit more in the front yard I feel I'm making a dent. I've found a home for the big old compost bin I have had but never use and discovered a bunch of firewood I have I forgot about. Oh yes there will be fire. I moved the firepit last year and I want to sip wine by the fire...<br />
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The cats are loving the screen deck, although my dad only made one ledge for them to sit on so they bicker over it and the one who doesn't get it sits and pouts. I will ask him if he'll make another one for us so they can both have a place to chill and look out the window from.Geosominhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729167937433295927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889830315152719094.post-77954799449591593712018-05-30T23:40:00.004-06:002018-05-30T23:47:46.338-06:00Square One<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bpoh1" data-offset-key="ejfb3-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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<span data-offset-key="ejfb3-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">...I have been cleared to exercise again. Other than a few spitting stitches on an incision I am fine and well healed. They annoy me, since I still have bandaids stuck on my boob and it means I can't have a bath, but at least I can exercise although I can't sleep on my side or front for another 2 weeks (I can't wait...)</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="ejfb3-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Now that I can, I've been attacking our yard and deck all week and it feels good to be active again. Bonus points to have a yard that I will feel like chilling in as well and the deck is clean and ready for chilling. I have plans to get a bit of used furniture for the deck to replace some beat up stuff (like a futon or something)...and I have all the cool square bricks leftover from our chimney that I plan to make some planters out of...so once I get the worst of the weeds out of the front yard that's my next plan. Then tear down the old sheds and make a new one with my dad...and then paint the deck...and...and...man years of neglect while I was sick followed by a fall where no yard work was done have made for lots of things to do. So...time to do them I suppose...</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="ejfb3-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">After pulling out my summer clothes I see I've put on a few pounds while recovering from surgery and I'm not amused. It was tasty, but I drank too much beer and ate too many snackey cakes (mmm...delicious snackeycakes) and wasn't active enough. So...I need to get back to it. I've been walking to work the past few weeks but I'm in all of my "upper limit clothes" and they aren't too comfortable....and THAT is my signal to get my shit together. That and the fact that I like to wear some specific outfits when the weather gets hot and right now...well they currently feel dodgy...so time to get to it.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="cbk4f-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I admit I am really nervous to step on the scale and see what's up and take some measurements, but I need a baseline. I am excited to get back to a couch to 5K program and some weights again for strength though. Getting up 30 minutes earlier is not going to be fun, but I can work to get to bed earlier (she says as she is on the internet at 1140pm...um...derp). Lunchtime yoga at work is also something I'd like to get back to at least a few days a week too. I'm nervous...but I know once I get past the point where I am reassured I will no longer die while I'm running I will be OK. I shall log what I do here to keep accountable so I'll be around more again. Cya later tater. :)</span></div>
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Geosominhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729167937433295927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889830315152719094.post-2339265937495259872018-05-23T20:50:00.003-06:002018-05-23T20:56:03.942-06:00Summer has arrived!Well...it's been a while hey?<br />
I'm mostly healed up now and have honestly just taken a break form a lot of online stuff lately. It's like facebook steals most of the things I would say here...I changed my latest format change back...I just hated it. I figured if I don't even want to read it who will...<br />
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I'm healed up pretty well from surgery. It took forever it seems and the surgical glue they use on incisions is insanely lingering... It was 7 weeks before I finally was almost healed. I've "spit" 3 stitches around my nipple which is annoying because basically your body just pushed the undissolved sitches out via the most easy place, which is the recent incision. So I have 3 tiny bandaids on my boob while it heals up. I honestly don't care except I really want a bath :) Patience...<br />
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My lifted boob looks pretty good and although my fat grafted foob is a bit smaller than it still they really point a lot closer to the same direction so I'm glad I had it done. I couldn't wear pants for a few weeks until my hips were less sore, but overall it went well. Other than the maddening itching as nerves reconnect I've got no complaints.<br />
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I have started to walk to work again with the nicer weather and sould really get back to workouts - I've been cleared to start back in slowly and I really am jiggly so I should at least try to do a little work on myself to get stronger. I went to a small music fest this weekend where JJ did lasers and stage design and I couldn't dance like I used to. That must be fixed :)<br />
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It was nice to be out in the woods and hang with friends, relax in the sunshine while I danced to great music. JJ's stage and lighting and lasers were fabulous at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/399100477169725/" target="_blank">Bass in the Bush</a> - he used the grove of trees as a backdrop and created shimmering patterns all around the stage area. I helped him solder some LED light strings onto connectors that he attached to various parts of the stage so he could change the colors on it to match the other stage areas. A local wood carver created a big face out of wood and it was centre stage with glowing eyes that pulsed with the rest of the stage. Our friends had their food truck there and others had a cookoo clown theme camp (complete with crafternoon tea)...other friends were DJing...it felt like family affair :) It was a great long weekend and a great way to start off the summer. Even though JJ worked most nights and I volunteered a lot of the day I still got to spend a bit of time with him and had a lot of great people to hang out with in between. I tried to take some photos but my camera phone is pretty sucky so I don't have a lot to show for it...there was a photographer there so I look forward to seeing pics.<br />
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Now that I'm cleared to do stuff again I'm looking forward to clearing off our deck for the summer this weekend and planning just what to get up to around the yard and in the wide world. JJ is working almost every weekend at festivals and I can't be at all of them, but I will be at a few and I hope we can have some hiking breaks at some point. I have to do some yard work and build a shed as well so I'll be busy enough...from here on in it's bigger and better. No more surgeries.<br />
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I can rebuild each part of my life. It's tricky sometimes, but this life is like nothing else. :)Geosominhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729167937433295927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889830315152719094.post-89510110844134832492018-03-15T19:25:00.003-06:002018-05-23T21:01:54.245-06:00*ding* You're done!<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My final plastic surgery related to my breast cancer happened yesterday morning. No more surgeries. Thank frog.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was the first surgery of the day and went home by supper time and and I have to say this has been the least painful surgery so far. The fat grafting isn't too bad pain wise and there was no muscle work so my chest is sore but not unreasonably so. Of course I am taking T3s, but no heavy duty pain stuff and I feel pretty decent. I can get around without too much soreness - feeling better than you thought is a good thing. My other surgeries were a lot more invasive.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.32px;">My old boob matches my new boob a lot more now - it's been lifted and there's more fat in my foob so it's a bit closer in size. They took the fat out above my hips from my small muffin top and with the swelling I look super super hippy below that area now tho - like there's an even bigger difference between my waist and hips (there used to be before so it's</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; line-height: 19.32px;"> really pronounced now - almost like a shelf) - I hope some of that goes away as I heal cuz right no wit looks almost comical... but I think it went OK overall. I suppose a little dedication at the gym will help smooth things out too in the end...I am wierdly swollen there so there's no way to tell just what it'll be like until I heal - I recall the last time I looked odd too so I'm gonna try not to worry about that now. As for my chest I will get a better peek in a mirror when I can take off the bandages tomorrow. I just saw a top down view at the hospital when my doc checked things out before he let me go home. It seemed a lot more balanced and looked nice to me.....and he was quite pleased, so that's always a good sign.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 19.32px;"><br />Now I just get to rest and relax for a few weeks and heal up. I probably don't need 2 whole weeks off, but I can have them if I want (my job is awesome) so I'm gonna take it day by day and see how I feel. Knowing it's the last surgery tho and I'm done?<br />SO glad. <span class="_47e3 _5mfr" style="line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;" title="smile emoticon"><span style="border-color: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border-style: initial;"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/fa5/1.5/16/1f642.png" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /></span></span></span></span>Geosominhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729167937433295927noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889830315152719094.post-3252738268804050532018-02-06T12:16:00.001-06:002018-02-06T12:16:24.048-06:00Real TimeLast night I felt good enough to start the 30 day real time workout challenge from Bodyrock. I've gotten a subscription to their Sweatflix system and for $9 a month you get unlimited access to all of their workouts and they play on any laptop or device via an app. I love the workouts - lots of HIIT stuff. I can do anything for 30 seconds, so it suits me well. I found all my gear and got to it. My cold is pretty much gone now so I have no excuse. I like real time workouts where I workout with someone...I'm pretty lazy if I'm on my own.<br />
This morning I got up and did day 2 so well done me. 2 whole days. Ooh ah. I am a bit stiff but nothign too bad so far although I need to get up a bit earlier to make sure i have more time for stretching after. I pressed snooze a few times and I had to rush to not miss my bus. I figure this 30 day plan should bring me right up to my surgery so I will do my best to stick to it and get as fit as I can before my surgery on March 14.<br />
J will be home today some time and our friend Rocket will be here to visit for a few days too. She is the is much younger (mid 20s) but is still a wonderful friend...it's strange to connect with people far younger than you, but really...if I ever had a daughter I would want her to turn out like Rocket. It will be good to see her for a bit....she moved to Montreal with her fiance in the fall and has been lonely and missing all her friends so she's come out to visit for a while here and in BC and Alberta. There is a big event this weekend I'm helping put on (well OK I'm just looking after the bar...) where JJ is doing lasers at as well so I have a fun time to look forward to at the end of the week. Tonight I have to run and get groceries and will try and get tasty healthy food. A new grocery store opened in my neighborhood and it's their 15% off day so I'll get all the foods and ooh and aaah at the place a bit.<br />
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For now - I must go have my lunch and get back to it. It's been a busy work week.Geosominhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729167937433295927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889830315152719094.post-78865860316349686472018-02-05T11:06:00.001-06:002018-02-05T11:10:31.789-06:00PortlandiaI just spent a week in Portland for management training. It was amazing.<br />
Not only is Portland a neat little city, with lots of great food and beer but the training was invaluable. Even though it rained the whole time we were there I had an amazing time.<br />
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I'm very lucky to have a boss who understands that people aren't born leaders...and has encouraged us to go and take training wherever we can to be better at our job. Normally I am leery of training and assume it's going to be crummy buzz-word filled feel-good rubbish. This training was not that. It focused on looking at ourselves and discovering how to be more trustworthy. How to look outward, and how after we work to get our own mind in order we can work to support and help the people we live and work with to be better as well. So much of this was like a whack across the head with a 2 by 4 - so many things to apply in my personal life. Literally life changing.<br />
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Being on my own allowed me to explore and enjoy and learn and think...and also eat donuts in bed and have tasty beer and horchata and coffee in the morning. I went to training with a few coworkers who I get along with who also love to try new food and beer and walk so we explored a lot of Portland. I even had family drive down from Vancouver for the day to visit and we drove around exploring the city together in the rain. I got to fangirl out and head to te Old Portland - the wine bar opened by the lead singer of the Dandy Warhols that's attached to their recording studio and have wine there...and chat with the owner (squee)...good Bordeaux and conversation. I find it so refreshing to meet people I've admired for decades and find them to be nice people after all. Sometimes that isn't the case so that was a bonus. Add in Powell's books, Voodoo donuts, the tram, the amazing medical centre at the university, great Lebanese, chicken and waffles, ramen, kimchi and cheese croquettes and tonnes of craft beer and it was definitely a good trip. My healthy living derailed about halfway through, but I did walk a lot and I worked out a few times in the hotel gym (which was amazing). I am stressing out because my surgery is mid march, but it will all be fine. My brain keeps panicking and wants to be thin for the fat grafting so I don't go and lose the fat I'm having transferred later, but that's not reallyhow it works so I need to just relax and work to be healthy. I'll be resting up for a few weeks after so it will just be what it will be. Thankfully the weather should be nicer by then so I can go for lots of walks while I heal - walking really is the best thing when you're healing. And, best of all, it'll be my last surgery related to my cancer treatment. Thank frog. Finally done. (knock on a forest of wood)<br />
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I caught a head cold on the way home and have felt very tired and lethargic all the past week. I finally feel almost normal, although I feel all jiggly and bleh again, so I'm getting back to regular exercise again this week now that I feel up to it. J has been away most of the week in BC for a few shows with his lasers and it was good to be lazy and sick while he was away...he's driving back with our friend Rocket and should be home tuesday. He's been having a good time out there and it's good to see him doing what he loves with a crew and musician he's worked with before.<br />
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But - it's monday AM. I should get to it. I have work to do and then I hope to sneak away at lunch for yoga. I have some delicious split pea and ham soup for lunches this week (I bought a big old ham on sale last week and have been eating off of it...mmm...).<br />
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Have a good week :)Geosominhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729167937433295927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889830315152719094.post-38381343133862269642018-01-16T20:45:00.001-06:002018-01-16T21:12:24.675-06:00Technical difficulties - please stand byI got bored and thought I'd tweak my blog template...it's been a while.<br />
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dear frog I have no idea what I'm doing...........hmmm<br />
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I feel like someone stole my sausage. Well, no turning back now :P<br />
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<br />Geosominhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729167937433295927noreply@blogger.com1