Sunday, December 9, 2007

Interruptions, Illness, Infection and Injury

20 days ago I vowed to exercise for 60 days straight and I have stuck with this program, with the exception of Sundays. Every single day, I have done some sort of exercise, whether it be walking on the treadmill, riding a bike, pilates, weight training, or Walk Away the Pounds, I have joined a video or just done it on my own, and made sure I kept moving for at least 30 minutes a day. I didn't overdo, because I have learned from the past that I injure myself and put myself out of business before I even get started. I made sure I stretched before and after, but almost immediately, my muscles around my knees began to protest and twitch. I have done physical therapy, heat, exercise, ice, like Howard (my PT) told me to. Last night was the worst. Poor Sailor had to retreat to a different bed because I had Restless Leg syndrome. I couldn't hold still. I remember doing this in my semi conscious state, and felt completely bad when I heard he was heading out. It was in a partial sleep, but enough to feel like I too wasn't getting any rest. Finally about 3:30 in the morning, I got up and rooted through some meds and found a muscle relaxant. I also took some benedril and cloratab, because my throat felt like I was maybe getting a sinus infection.
I missed two days of exercise. Friday and Saturday. I hoped these unintentional rest days would give those legs a rest and I would be feeling better, but so far, no. It seems the four "I's" listed in the title are the reasons I have for exercise failure, and I am experiencing all four. I don't intend to quit, heavens no, but I do intend to visit the physical therapist and get some more exercises and possibly some ultra sound to encourage healing, to help.
Besides that I have been burning the Christmas Candle at both ends; not getting proper rest, on the go, choir, rehearsals, parties, shopping, wrapping and all the other things.
It seems like whenever I schedule time just for me, The Universe seems to think I have nothing better to do and It infringes and schedules something for me to do. This week it was two funerals which required me to take two entire days and spend time in the Church kitchen near comfort food, preparing for and serving the bereaved relatives. I don't mind doing the service. I do mind standing all day, my legs were killing me at the end of the day. I also mind using up 16 precious pre-Christmas hours that I had scheduled for my Christmas prep time. Up until the 4th, I had given to all the others who demanded my time, now this next 20 days are all dedicated to my household, my family, my Christmas prep time, my neighborhood gifts, my schedule. And I deeply resent anything that interferes.
I know, you say, where is your Christmas Spirit?
No excuses. Except for one, maybe. They (and when I say "they", I am not sure who that is) declared Saturday December 1st 2007 National Grinch Day. So there you have it. If "they" are going to declare my birthday as Grinch day, I have an excuse, don't I? Maybe I am Grinch? or Scrooge? Bah Humbug!
Not really! I don't feel that way towards the Christmas season, I LOVE IT. I love the lights, the music, the snow, the feelings of good will, everything, even the commercialism! It is my favorite time of year, I just feel that way towards whomever it is that thinks my time belongs to everyone else but me.
Whine, whine, whine. I really have everything in the world to be happy about. I have 6 beautiful children, the best ever, if you don't count grandchildren, and 6 beautiful in-law children, 8 grandchildren and a few more "in the oven" which will make their appearances next summer. I don't live under the overpass in a box. I don't have to beg at the soup kitchen for a scrap to eat. I have the SWEETEST husband in the world who loves me and takes good care of me. I am really blessed.

I guess I just needed to vent. I will get over it and make up for that time served. All I need is an attitude adjustment, and by writing about it, I think I have my own cure.
I will get past this infection or illness that seems intent on invading my throat. Hopefully I will get past the injury or whatever it is that causes my long-ignored muscles to protest. And if I use my time right, I will overcome the interruptions, roll with the punches and get up ready to go again. Christmas will come, I will have a perfect time with my family, and before I know it, it will be a memory. So now I will sip a cup of herb tea, wrap in a warm blanket and enjoy the fire my dearest friend has built for me. Tomorrow is another day, and there are great things planned for it. But don't be surprised if I don't answer the phone. . . (grinchish evil smile)
a

4 comments:

Andrew Hahn said...

I know all about that restless leg syndrome. For me, personally, I've found that it occurs when I'm dehydrated. If I get enough water (no substitutes...) I sleep well. If not (and I especially notice it after a fast Sunday) then I toss and turn all night. I'll often get up to stretch because my legs are bothering me so badly.

Keep going on the exercise. I was sick the last couple of days too. Yesterday I had no desire to do anything. Caren encouraged me to hit the treadmill and just to keep it simple. 20 minutes of walking and I called it good.

Keep going!!! :)

Annieofbluegables said...

Thank you for that encouragement. Because of that I went downstairs and walked for 30 minutes. My knee is telling me that I walked, by the way, but I feel happier for having done it anyway.
I appreciate the advice on the water as well, I have been concentrating on drinking lots of water as well.
::sigh::
a

KinnicChick said...

I love the fact that you chose a specific goal like that. Usually I just pick a goal that is really open-ended. To work out 5 days a week. Or something like that. The one time I had a specific goal (the 500-miles by a certain date) was the time I succeeded. I think you have a great idea! You have given me inspiration here!

I hope you are able to ease back into it and continue on... Feel better.

non-blogger regular hangout :)

RisibleGirl said...

Vent away my friend. I've done enough for the entire bloghosphere lately. Time you had your turn.

Being in the RS presidency is quite a challenge at times, when you have so much of your own stuff to do. I was in the RS presidency in the adult singles ward. All I can say is wow- that was a needy bunch. (I hope that didn't sound horrible!)

I'm positive that you'll be blessed for the service you give to others and I know that you know that. It doesn't make it any less exhausting though. :)

Do you have drugs for RLS? I know that they're out there.

(says the queen of taking drugs lately)

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