Category Archives: Health

Follow-up on doctor appt

Posted on February 4, 2008 by Terri | Comments Off

I am a happy person.

I walked out of there with customized inserts, a night splint, personal physical therapy advice, and a “go forth and walk on the treadmill, swim in the pool, cycle your fanny off” blessing from the doctor.

No incline on the treadmill and absolutely no concrete, asphalt walking.

NO running of any kind for at least 6 weeks (follow-up appt).

I have to wear the inserts for 1 hour tomorrow, then increase the length of time each day following. I also probably need to be wearing them for at least a week before I attempt the treadmill so my arch will get used to having that hard thing holding it up.

I’ll have to start out slouchy with the night splint and increase the stretching tension on it over time. My achilles is also not stretched properly which is probably leading to some of the heel problems.

I must wear stiff soles shoes when cycling, which I do anyway since I wear clip in cycling shoes.

Guess who’s going to the gym tomorrow 😀

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Posted in Fitness, Injury

New week, new attitude?

Posted on February 4, 2008 by Terri | Comments Off

It’s a short day for me at work today. I have the appointment with the foot doctor to see about getting me healed so I can start training again. I’m going to throw myself on his/her mercy that I can at least get back into swimming and cyling. Tears may be involved. This has greatly affected my attitude about many things and I need to get it resolved and get back to where I was.

As to this past weekend, where to begin? I did a lot and did so little that I really don’t remember all that I did.

Saturday I braved the commissary because we were expecting cold, blowing rain on Sunday. There were so many Super Bowl displays set up. Almost made me feel like I was at Costco. I managed to stay within my weekly budget, even after spending $20+ on a Brita pitcher for Kahuna to take to work. I also worked more than 15 minutes in my office making room for my sewing machine.

On Sunday there was the obligatory laundry all day while I watched TV and stitched. Before I started any of that though I made a huge bowl of pico de gallo, some guacamole, and a pot of chili. Then I spent time getting to know my sewing machine again (I’ve got to figure out what’s up with the tension). I only managed to get Ann Holewll serged and basted before having to put her away because I don’t have qsnaps available for her. I almost finished Atelier de brodeuse (I need her qsnaps for Ann) instead of working on FAS.

I also need to figure out my stitching schedule for the month so I can be sure to get done what I want accomplished when I get back to training (thinking positive here!). I’m currently thinking 1) Ann Holewll at the beginning of the month until I get the monthly lesson finished; 2) FAS page #x after Ann Holewll; 3) Hannah Beeby during the SAL dates; and, 4) one of the small designs for the rest of the month.

And last, but certainly not least, a shot out to Melissa and Darla for finishing the Surf City 5k in very cold and driving rain.

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Posted in Ann Holewll, Fitness, Hannah Beeby, Stitching

January is over?

Posted on January 31, 2008 by Terri | Comments Off

How the heck did we get to the last day of January already? At the rate this month passed me by, I’ll be setting down my 2009 goals in a heartbeat.

I’m thrilled by all the interest in Hannah Beeby. And it’s been so nice to hear from so many of you. I think since there’s interest in a weekly and weekend only stitchalong, I’ll set it out for a week, and those who can only stitch on Fri, Sat, and Sun., can join in at the end of the week. How does starting March 24th sound? Would you like for me to set up a separate blog for progress photos? If so, I can do that early so we can start sharing fabric and fiber choosing woes! Please post a comment and let me know your preferences.

Am I the only person (besides Darla) that will stress over deciding on fabric and fibers?? I’m determined to stitch from my stash so I think I’ll do some sample stitching with the fibers I pick out to see what they’ll look like together. I would hate to get really far in and discover I don’t like the way my fibers look.

The puppies had their shots and heartworm checks yesterday and with the exception of me being fussed at for not keeping their nails short enough (this was a stab to my heart that I wasn’t taking proper care of them!) they are in excellent very spoiled puppy health. They were very glad to get back home.

Since I have a meeting tonight after work, I know I won’t have anything more to contribute toward my goals for January, so I think I’ll do my recap today and set down February’s goals tomorrow.

For January I said:

Fitness goal 1: this month I’m in a cycling challenge. My goal is to cycle 78 miles. My first ride is tomorrow. Most of this month’s riding will probably be on a trainer. Well this didn’t happen. My heel ended up sending me to the doctor who said she preferred I not do any activity until I see a podiatrist, told me to wear inserts and gave me naproxen to take twice a day.

Fitness goal 2: do not miss a WW meeting and lose 6 pounds. I did miss 2 meetings. I forgot when I set this goal that I had plans for 2 Sunday mornings this month. I also didn’t lose 6 pounds because of the naproxen. For some reason when I take it I retain water. Add that to no activity, and well, I’m just glad I didn’t GAIN 6 pounds instead.

Stitching: complete page 4 of French Alphabet Sampler. Post picture when page 3 finished. Woohoo, I actually accomplished some goals! I did post a picture and I did finish page 4. In fact, I finished page 4 so fast, that I was able to start and finish 1 design and start and almost finish a 2nd design. But since I’m up to something secret I got a bit sidetracked and didn’t finish the 2nd design. I’ll get it finished after my February FAS goal of page 5. 😉

Professional: this is the new addition to my goals for 2008. Revamp personnel and accounting records. Scan in client billing records. NOTE: This will take more than a month to accomplish. I actually got all of the billing records scanned in (shocker!) and have started on the accounting and personnel records. I still have much to do in that department though, so this will be added to next month’s goals.

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Posted in FAS, Fitness, Goals, Hannah Beeby, Puppies

Not exactly what I wanted to hear

Posted on January 24, 2008 by Terri | Comments Off

The dr. appt. sort of went like I was expecting, instead of how I was hoping. I’m being referred out to a podiatrist. What I wasn’t expecting was that once I receive the paperwork I can pick any doctor of my choice that will accept my military insurance. So, I put the word out to our tri-club that I’m hunting for someone near where I work or live who can get me back on the road to training for my first triathlon.

The bad news is that this most likely means I won’t be able to run the Carlsbad 5000 and probably won’t be able to run the triathlon I wanted to run in May (a later race might be more appropriate) because of a late start in training for the run, if I do get to start training again.
She told me at one point that I might want to think about giving up running altogether for awhile because of my weight, but I told her “no” that since I’ve stopped my consistent weight loss has stopped as well, even though I’m still cycling and swimming. She even mentioned my not doing any sort of activity until I see the podiatrist.

I’m trying to keep a positive outlook but so far, no good. I have already received several responses to my “podiatrist” request, including a military doctor who specializes in sports medicine. I’m going to be taking the advice he sent me to heart until I can see an actual person.

No stitching last night. Too bummed out. Will be getting on the bike today after work for however long my behind can stand it.

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Posted in Injury

What day is it?

Posted on January 23, 2008 by Terri | Comments Off

One of the very few reasons I dislike days off work is that for the rest of the week following I have a hard time remember just what day it is! I should know today is Wednesday because I had a session with my PT last night (always Tuesday or Thursday) and Biggest Loser was on last night. I’ve had to look at the calendar every single time I’ve done something today because I cannot remember what day it is.

Last night was my last session with the PT for awhile. We sat down and discussed my carrying on but I’m going to wait awhile for 2 reasons: 1) I’m not prepared to put out that money right now, and 2) I’m starting to feel burned out. I talked to Kahuna last night and we’re going to try swimming in the evenings after supper. I feel too harried to get to the gym for a PT session or to swim before everyone else, or aqua classes. It’s taking the enjoyment away from me and right now I need all the “gym” enjoyment I can get since I’m having major foot pain. Swimming is my joy. Cycling on the other hand…well, I have just got to suck it up, Buttercup, and get my fat ass on that hard bike seat. So. Starting tomorrow, since I no longer have PT sessions, I’m going to be coming home, putting on my sexy, very thickly padded, but obviously not padded enough right now, bike shorts and getting on the ~~drainer~~ trainer. I’m going to take a timer with me and set it and each time I get on it, set for a longer time. I’m going to put that timer across the room where I cannot see it and watch the TV while I toughen up my posterior. Someone please hold me accountable to this!
In the stitching world, thank you for the comments on my pillow cover. I’ll decide this weekend what to do about the pillow that goes with it. I’m enjoying my current project and as usual am trying to remember why it’s taken me so long to get to it. It’s a fairly quick stitch, and it’s cute. I’ll try to post a progress picture tomorrow.

I have a dr. appt. this afternoon. Originally scheduled for my foot, I’m going to be talking to her about a couple of other issues, like my blood pressure meds. I’m looking forward to the check-in portion where they weigh you and take your vitals. I know there is going to be an improvement and I want to be sure to point that out to her.

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Posted in Fitness, Stitching

2008 stitching finish

Posted on January 22, 2008 by Terri | Comments Off

I finished The Best Things yesterday. Like I said I think it’s a lovely design, but was a pain to stitch. Another complaint is because it was already put together it was hard to figure out the exact center, and you can see I’m a bit off. I’m trying to decide if I want to order the pillow portion or attempt to make one of those as well.
The Best Things by Pine Mountain

I worked on my stitching spreadsheet some yesterday and decided upon 10 new starts fot 2008. That doesn’t necessarily mean I’ll be starting them all but they’re ones I’ve had in my stash for a bit, and except for 2, they’re small designs to work on after I meet my FAS monthly goal. One of those designs is Au Fil des Reves’ Atelier de brodeuse (Stitching Room). I managed to stitch one of the little motifs before it was time for bed.

Back to the gym tonight to meet up with my PT. I’ll decide tonight whether to carry on or wait until we move. I have a dr. appt. tomorrow about my foot. It was reeeeeally bothering me yesterday after walking around and standing on concrete during Kahuna’s race. If I’m going to be in pain, it might as well be from activity that benefits me, but I’ll wait to see what the dr. appt. brings.

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Posted in Fitness, Stitching

Today is my Friday

Posted on January 17, 2008 by Terri | Comments Off

and I’m soooo happy it is.

Last night’s trip to the gym kicked my butt. My behind only lasted 3 miles on the bike and then I headed to the pool where I swam the majority of my swim with 5-stroke breathing. I had to slow myself down because for some reason I’ve been getting in a panic that I need to hurry up and get to the wall. I also managed to swim 100 yards without stopping. Kahuna thinks I’m not pushing myself to my limits.

I came home wiped out. Kahuna was supposed to meet me there to swim but he had played golf with his old unit and walked in the door just as I got to the gym. He stood me up. I was starving and was hoping the soup I had made the night before was heating on the stove but he had forgotten about it. We went out.

I had a stash package waiting for me when we got home. Sheepish Designs is retiring so I ordered some patterns I had on my wish list: Ewe Alone, Eagle, Token of Love, Winghaven and a Sunflower Sampling design Home is Best. I can’t seem to find a link to the last ~~two~~ one right now.

I spent my 15 minutes in the office last night cleaning up stuff on the desktop.

So, what am I going to do tomorrow:

Stitch on something – I’ll make a decision on whether to start something new or now. I’ve decided that if I do start something new it will be one of the designs I already have completely kitted. Less trouble, and I really don’t need to be starting something that I have to go and buy floss for.
Spend 30 minutes decluttering my office – I may haul the shredder in there and work on my school file cabinet. It will make room for stuff I’ve been storing on top of my desk.
Spend 15 minutes decluttering another room in my house.
Laundry – it would be nice if I could get it all done and not have to even think about it for the rest of the weekend.
Go to the gym.

Tonight is my last regular scheduled meeting with my personal trainer. We’re going to sit down and decide what I need/want for the future and maybe schedule more sessions.

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Posted in Stash, Training

Getting back to normal

Posted on January 16, 2008 by Terri | Comments Off

I spent an hour at the gym last night. I was actually very disappointed when my PT session was over, even though she kicked my butt. We talked a bit about my goals and Thursday (my last session with her) we’re going to sit down and work up a plan. I may extend my sessions with her since she said I could transfer them to another center if I move.

I managed 5 miles on the bike last night. My behind isn’t as sore as I thought it would be, but that was on the lifecycle. Tonight I’ll be back on it before I swim and then when I get home I’m going to get on the trainer and see how that feels. That’s where the most bruising is occurring because of the position of the saddle to my sitbones. My legs hold out just fine, which is still surprising.

Looks like I’m going to get an extra long weekend this weekend. We have housing maintenance coming on Friday to install garage door openers. They’re installing them in the whole neighborhood. We got notice a little over a week ago and after we talked about it I thought Kahuna was going to be there, but this morning he told me he was not going to be able to, so I’m taking the day off. It’ll be a nice weekend, with a tri-club meeting on Saturday night, Kahuna’s half-marathon on Sunday morning, football Sunday afternoon, and stitching.

I’ve been really good about getting my routine back into swing this week. I feel really good about it too. I’ve been trying to declutter my house 15 minutes at a time every evening. I’m focusing on my office during the week and will hit the other rooms on the weekends. The first room is my kitchen. My pantry is a disaster. I try to toss out a couple of things every weekend when I grocery shop, but it’s so crammed full right now I don’t know what we actually have in there. I need to get a better handle on that to make sure we continue to eat healthy.

No stitching last night. I need to take a photo of FAS since I’ve finished the 4th page. I still haven’t decided on what smaller thing to start or even if I want to start something else. I’m really enjoying watching it grow, letter by letter. Part of me feels like I should grab another WIP. Decisions, decisions. Maybe laziness will help me since if I continue on with FAS I won’t have to make that decision or get any supplies together 😉

It’s half way through the month (and week) and I can report that I’m doing well on my monthly goals. I still have a lot of miles to catch up, but I’m cycling away toward my 78 miles. I haven’t missed a WW meeting and have lost some weight. I’ve completed page 4 of FAS and posted a photo after I finished the 3rd page. And professionally, I have been plugging away on the revamping of the records. I purged a bunch of stuff from past years and have almost all of our accounts payable files in one drawer, and alphabetized. They were by category and it was always hard to find something that wasn’t used very often. There’s still a lot to do toward that goal though.

It’s back to the gym tonight for a 5 mile ride and a 400 yard swim.

Happy hump day!

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Posted in Fitness, Goals, Stitching

Just a post

Posted on January 15, 2008 by Terri | Comments Off

I meant to write yesterday, but work was weird and I got really busy toward the end of the day on a bunch of nothing.

Boss’ grandson decided to hitch a ride with his skateboard behind a pickup truck this past weekend and ended up in ICU with head trauma. I’m having a tough time being totally sympathetic for several reasons, but mostly because he was old enough to know better, didn’t wear his helmet (which has caused him to have staples put in his head before), and was told by the truck driver to stop but he chose to duck down to not be seen, which reiterates the old enough to know better. My sympathy goes to Boss who is distressed over this accident.

I made it to the gym last night and was shocked at how many people were there. No bikes or treadmills available so I only swam. I’m trying to increase the yards I swim by 100 every time I go to get back into my training distance. I’m going to have to just suck it up and get my behind on the saddle at home. I know I’ll build up tolerance but I’ve never been one for pain, and have a lot of trouble with self-induced pain.

Kahuna didn’t go to the gym last night. I’m so glad I didn’t wait on him. I did give him a hard time about it, but he’s decided to go in the morning before work, which means he’s getting up at 4:30 a.m. (and waking me up with his getting-ready noise). I know I could probably go early as well, but I’m already getting up at 5:30 to leave the house by 7 to drive my 1 hour commute (which he’s also having to drive now) and if I get up earlier, I’ll have to go to bed earlier, and when am I going to stitch?

Plus, we’re running into other problems with us both working south. The dogs need to get their shots updated. This means we have to drive back to the house to take them to the Vet’s and either take the rest of the afternoon off, or drive back to work. I also still go to the doctor at the same place, which entails the same scenario of taking the dogs to the Vet’s.

We need to move. I don’t know that I’m going to be a very happy person by the time April gets here.

Tonight is a trip back to the gym to visit with my PT, get at least 15 minutes of organization time in my office, take a photo of FAS (since I finished the 4th page), and stitch while watching Biggest Loser (which I haven’t decided whether I like this season or not).

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Posted in Weight, Work