27 posts tagged “gym”

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Wii ACTIVE out of the box

Did I break a sweat?   Hell, yes.  And that was after getting it out of the box and doing only a couple of the exercises...e.g. lunges and squats.  I'll have to ease into these exercises.  Heck, I gave my right age and weight....you'd think it would go easy on me.  Here's a glimpse of what this is all about.  'Active' is very new...just released in May of this year.  

Check it out.
 

4 comments Tags: games, gym

Thursday

HSHS class of '59 is planning their 50th reunion for sometime this summer during August.  While talking with Carole Wimberg on the phone the other day trying to think of ways to get more of her class to join, and then interact with the FACEBOOK page she created for the class, I have been thinking of what they might do.


I know how frustrating it is to get people to write on a blog or a Facebook page.  I told Carole (in her case and mine more so), I think it's an age factor that keeps people from joining in.  My class has had a website for several years, and Clem (our creator/designer) and I have had very little success getting classmates to add to it.  I made a special page for our high school sorority Theta Alpha Chi on one of FACEBOOK's group pages and so far only one person has added to it. 

Carole said she thinks most of the people on her HSHS 59 page do read the content, but are reluctant to add to it. 

So, today I got the idea to check my yearbook.  I graduated two years before the class of '59 and there are several photos of them when they were sophomores.  I got to thinking they might get a kick out of seeing some pictures from that far back, and maybe they could even identify who's who in the photos.  So, I got my moldy yearbook and scanned several pictures ...then uploaded them to the HSHS 59 FACEBOOK page.  I'm hoping it'll get them to think back to some fun times and then get comfortable with adding some memories.  Time will tell.

Today was my first session with Tanya (personal trainer).  Her emphasis is strengthening the core muscles of the torso.  She gave me some good exercises to practice each day.  I corrected my earlier blog to reflect her fee.  I'd stated it was $55/half hour....WRONG!   She met me today as I came into the gym and said "hey Pat, you've already given me a raise"...we laughed. Alex had shown her what I'd written on my blog.  Her fee is $30/half hour.  I will go again next Thursday and then decide how often I need to go. Heck, I didn't even know Alex still checked my blog.  I better be sure to write only nice things about him.  And how could I not?  I love that place..it's like going to a 'Cheers' bar---everyone knows your name.

Here's a game for you to test your memory if you missed it the last time I posted it.  The first time my score was 31 and tonight it was 33.  Average is between 30 and 40.   At least I'm right in the middle with the average bear.  Here's the linkCLICK HERE

Post a comment Tags: games, gym

Good day...asleep by 12:30AM...YAY!

I did awaken twice, but last night was a welcome return to a bit of normalcy for me.  


Met with the Women's Issues group.  We're trying to discern our focus for next year.  This year we did not do the Mary of Magdala program, but may pick it up next year.   I suggested Nicholas Kristof's latest book as our book for discussion. 
Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide
Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide
Nicholas D. Kristof
I sent an editorial review to the group this evening for them to consider it.  It's not available until September 8th, so we have plenty of time.  
Our chairperson is moving to NC and we need to decide who will chair our meetings.  Someone suggested I do it.  I said 'no'.  She said "you'd be good" to which I demurely replied "yes, I would be, but I cannot do it".  We all need to learn to say 'no'.  No need to explain our reasons.

I stopped at Samaritan House to drop off the results from the phone surveys I'd done.  Neither of the people I needed to speak to were available so I left the surveys with a note.

Next I stopped at 'The Therapy Network' where I used to do PT and then use their gym for regular exercise.  I know the folks very well and am comfortable with them.  Tanya used to be an employee as an assistant to one of the PTs.  She's still there, but working as an independent consultant i.e. personal trainer.  We talked and I am going to do some classes with her starting June 18th.  I've seen her do one-to- one training and she is so good.  She charges $30 for a ½ hour session.  That'll be plenty of time for me.  She works her clients hard.  I'll decide after my first session how often I'll meet with her.  

I've pretty much entered my favorite foods into 'my plan' in the WW online program.  So far it certainly looks doable.  Just now got an email from Lissa asking if we want to come over tomorrow evening to eat with them...it's the last day of school for the kids.  If we go, that'll be my first challenge...eating food away from home.  I'm sure I can do it.  

Tomorrow, Rich meets Phil A for lunch and I have my routine follow-up visit with my Internist.

Post a comment Tags: gym, ww

Friday

Big time muscle aches yesterday.  If I stand for prolonged periods my lower back muscles get strained.  I guess I'd been standing because my back hurt.  I did the McKenzie back exercises I'd learned in PT last year and applied my TENS unit.  I applied heat for my back, upper arm and latissimus dorsi muscle groups which were strained from using the Wii.  Anyhow, I had difficulty sleeping even with Vicodin.  Took Vicodin, and at 3AM got up and took a half of an Ativan.  This morning I took one Naprosyn and I am now AOK.


Rich thought his appt with the audiologist at Portsmouth Naval Hospital was today so he left for Portsmouth only to get all the way over there and learn his appt is on the 23rd.  He used the time to finish his other errands.

I met Lorene for lunch at Baker's Crust.  Then we headed to Town Center to see 'Doubt' which was very good.   Lorene's son gave her a new Apple computer for Christmas, and she doesn't know how to use the many applications.  I told her I would go with her to the Apple Store at the Mall in Norfolk next Friday, and she would see how easy it is to work with the Apple folks.  We'll then go to lunch and a movie.  Not sure what we'll see. 

While we were having lunch today at Baker's Crust I met up with Chris from TTN (The Therapy Network).  He worked there at the gym when I was going for PT and  the Wellness program.  He's a real doll.  He's a senior in college now and putting in his applications for Dental school.  I told him I am to be his first patient.  It was such a delight to run into him.  When I used to go to the Gym it was so much fun socializing with Chris, Alex, Eric, Dan and Philip.  The only one left of that group is Alex who is now the Director.  I met Martha H there in the Wellness program and we've met for lunch a couple of times.  I miss the gym, but it is a bit of a pain to drive there and back.   It's only $35/month and you don't sign a contract.  I may go back for a month or so to make sure I am doing my exercises correctly at home. 
Have a great w/e everyone.

Post a comment Tags: gym

Friday and Saturday

Friday I stopped in at the nursing facility.  I wanted to tell the Administrator and DON personally that I could no longer participate in the Ombudsman program (I'd sent an email to the volunteer coordinator). David (Administrator) expressed regret and said "you are part of our family here".  He understood when I explained that I can't keep the 4 hr/wk committment that the program expects.  I have not been able to do so in quite some time and I feel guilty when I cannot.  Rich has several doctor appts where I feel I need to be with him.  Also, I want to be available to do things with Rich while his health is stable.  David said for me to come back and visit anytime....I told him I believe his resident-centered approach is what makes the place as good as it is.  No place is perfect and certainly Bay Pointe is not. However, the focus is ever present and they do work toward it.  


I had hoped to talk with JoAnn (DON).  She was  not working Friday.  When I got home I noticed a comment on yesterday's blog from a JoAnn M Tucker.  I had no idea who that might be .....then I connected a previous conversation with JoAnn at Bay Pointe.  She herself was getting Physical Therapy (PT) from the same therapist I had had.  I told her how wonderful I thought Eric was and how much I missed him at *TTN.  I'd told her to remember me to him.  

When I used to go to TTN (that's also where the gym is located)..Eric was the Clinical Director.  I used to have lots of fun showing the staff my blog.  Eric is no longer at TTN so I never see him.  I finally figured out that JoAnn must have mentioned me to Eric (he's now at a different location where she receives PT).  More than likely Eric showed her my blog.  He used to get a kick out of my reference to the DON.  Now, he was treating one....albeit not the one I used to mention.  JoAnn must have signed onto Vox and wrote a comment on my blog....I'm sure that's what happened.

I'll have to go back to Bay Pointe and see her.  I don't think she'll be a regular visitor to this blog...although I wish she would.  She's my kind of nurse...we were both diploma grads and everyone knows we are the BEST.  She and I speak the same language.

Eric, if you still check this blog from time to time.....I would love for you to post an updated photo of Abby.  You can send it to me by clicking on the underlined words right here.  email me here. 

I then stopped at the gym (*TTN) to see who was there and say hello.  I did get to talk with Kim, Tonya and Robert.  Theresa was at lunch.  Alex was off...moving into their recently purchased house.  I learned baby Luke will soon be a big brother ...yay!
I'll have to stop back again and see those folks.  I miss all of them, but driving down there 3 times/wk got old...lame excuse, I know, nevertheless I haven't been a regular in 6 months.  Who knows....I'm evolving (aren't we all?)...as Rich says....maybe after some extended time off, I will want to resume both activities.  I think he's right.

Stopped at qDoba for a taco salad with chicken then mosied around 'Dollar Tree'.  I also checked out "Ollie's Discounts"....nothing in there I couldn't live without.  You have to watch those places...I saw an 8" fan I'd purchased at 'Bed, Bath and Beyond' for $12.95.....'Ollie's' wanted $16.95.  At least at 'Dollar Tree' nothing is over a dollar. 

I'd made gaspacho the other day so we had some of it before our salmon.

Saturday:
I did 30 minutes on the treadmill at one time so I could get it out of the way.  Talked on the phone with Cousin Helen and then decided I'd better do some housework so I'd be free to go to the movie tomorrow.  

I completed another class for my Safe Driving Course.  Only two more lessons...YAY! Each lesson takes about an hour and they have it designed so you cannot skip ahead...they want you to hear everything the online instructor says. I did learn some new things today.

Talked with Cousin Marn...she's quite sick with bronchitis.  That can be scary when you live all alone.  She saw her MD and is on antibiotics and an inhaler.

*TTN = The Therapy Network

Post a comment Tags: eric, alex, gym, nursing facility

Treadmill failing, but hey...HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROTHER FRANK..JULY 3 ...83 AND STILL GOING STRONG

Rich got up early and went to see another one of his doctors.  

Before breakfast I thought I'd do a little time on the treadmill.  The garage was not too warm and I had the big fan to blow on me.   The indicator lights all worked, but the belt did not move.  I did a few things and it did start, but slowed down and stopped.  Finally, it seemed OK.  I got on and after 2 minutes it started to fail.  Not wanting to be thrown off from a higher speed, I elected to get off.  When Rich called from the Doctor's office I told him we need a new one.  He said he will check the power cord etc when he gets home and he agreed we probably need a new one.  This one is about 3 yrs old and has been used almost daily.  So, I assume we'll be looking for a new one.

I exercised my brain via lumosity. Click here  I seem to be improving nicely, but memory needs attention.  Guess I'll play a bit longer.  I think my memory is great, but I guess some aspects needs enhancing.  Some of the lessons are supposed to help reduce driving accidents.   I recognize one of them from the course Rich and I take every 3 yrs via AARP to increase driving skills.   I hate sitting in that class listening to a boring volunteer present the material.  However, we get a discount on our car insurance for taking the course and passing test.  Rich says we now can take the course online...YES!  That will be so much easier.  We'll be signing up for it in the fall.

Talked with Sue A.  Phil is up in the chair.  So far no observed repercussions from the fiasco.  She and I may go to speak with the Administrator tomorrow if an appointment can be arranged.

Rich went to the dentist for the appt he missed 2 wks ago when he was unwell.  I went to see my pulmonologist for my annual talk about my sleep apnea.  We bumped my pressure up just a tad for my CPAP machine to see if it'll keep me from waking up.  Everything else is Aok.
I stopped at the gym, but disappointed Chris and Alex not working today.  I used their scale to check my weight.  A year ago I reported a 4 lb wgt drop after stopping my anti cancer drug (Arimidex) and today another 4 lbs.  That's 8 in a year...at that rate I should be well over 100 before I am where I should be. LOL.
I knew the meds were making it difficult to lose.  Now, if I cut out my nightly ice cream and chocolate syrup I think I'll lose quicker.  No hurry...don't want big time wrinkles.  Gonna get some, but I'm not anxious to hurry things along. 

Stopped at qdoba and now waiting for Rich.  I watered my instant garden and I believe I will see some blooms THIS week.  
Oh, I saw Rich Jrs house in Norfolk via Google Earth.  You can see him carrying a cooler from their van and Trevor is on a belly board in the driveway. Talk about 'big brother is watching'.  You never know who is.

4 comments Tags: health, gym, trevor

Preparing for Rich's next surgery

Photo 8
Photo 8
2 comments

The Anesthesia Dept at VBGH amb ctr. had called yesterday to ask Rich some questions.  He wasn't home and they would not talk to me....HIPPA.  They wound up getting the main info from me today when we called back.


As I began reviewing his meds with the CRNA she asked "does he have more than 9"...yes....12.  Some are PRN.  THEN when I started telling her his Surgical hx...she asked "are you a physician"?  I told her I was a retired RN.  She then seemed a bit more comfortable when I explained Rich's status.  When I started reviewing his Medical hx...she said...."you know what, have him stop by Anesthesia today when he comes to see the pre-op nurse".   

I guess hearing about the 5.0 aneurysmal dilation piqued her 
attention more than the other info.  I told her the vasc surgeon was not concerned.  Then she said "he (Rich) probably looks/sounds worse on paper than in person"....I assured her that is correct.  So, we will go see the Anesthesia people today.  I need to change my haircut appts etc so I can go with him.  When they see Rich's BUN is in the 30s and Creatinine 1.8 (both kidney function tests) they'll need to be told he runs high and primary says he is stable.

Later:
Everyone has been so nice. We met with an anesthesiologist (that's an MD) for a consult to review Rich's medical hx and risks.  The anesthesiologist said Rich would probably do fine.  He said Rich does have health issues, but he is being monitored closely on an ongoing basis.  His risk would be greater with General Anesthesia ( putting him totally under).  

After the consult Rich went next door to get his pre-op instructions at the surgeon's office.  An EKG and lab work were done and Rich went home.  

I'd left after the anesthesia consult to get my hair cut.  The nursing home is right across from the hospital and I had some time before heading to my haircut appt. 

I met with the Administrator, DON and Staff Development coordinator.  I told them why I haven't been there in a while and that it will be a while longer before I can get back.  I told the Administrator I understand if he wants to get someone else  appointed to the ombudsman role saying "I don't want you to do so, but I'd understand."  He and the DON both said "no, we want you".  I guess I've bonded with the place.  I stopped briefly in Winnie and Lucy's room.  Winnie looks great and had been in the hospital recently.  Lucy is now on Comfort Care (similar to  hospice)...she looked weakened, but seemed to recognize me.  She's the sweetest lady and Winnie will miss her big time.

Then I went to Bed, Bath and Beyond ostensibly to get a heavy duty shower curtain liner.  Well, there were some other items calling out my name to take them home and of course, I gave in.  Got some addtional open ended hangers (for slacks), a long handled wand for applying lotion to my back...the other one I'd ordered from a catalog didn't work right.  I also picked up a top for one of my Tervis tumblers.  Just got one to see if I like it.  They fit nicely, and will allow me to leave a drink unattended without anything getting into it.  These must be new as I've had Tervis tumblers for years and never saw the tops. $1.79/each. 

Stopped at the Gym to say hello to everyone. Of course Alex urged me to come back and start the Wellness program.  
I told him I might in June.  I don't want to join and then go only once a week.  You have to go 3X/week.  It takes about a ½ hour each way to get there.  I spend over an hour and then drive home.  Gas is a factor also...not prohibitive, but I don't want to waste gas for one day a week.  I told Alex and Tonya I am doing the treadmill at home...although I have been remiss this past week.

Headed home and am feeling very, very tired.  Don't know why.  Possibly it's my own anxiety getting Rich set up for these surgeries.  My throat was scratchy and I hope that damm virus hasn't been hiding in my sinuses or thereabouts. 

Called Brother Frank and SiL Pat telling them their Maid of Honor was calling to wish them "Happy Anniversary"..  53 years.  All is well with them.  They went over to Kitty and Bill's for Mother's Day and Mike was there along with Rosemarie (John), Patsy, Elise and Katie.  Not sure if Meg was there.  Anyhow, they had a nice time.  P&F are going to check out the Neshaminny Park where the reunion will be held.  Rick B will pick them up and take them the week before Memorial Day.

So, it was a full day and as I said I am tired.  




2 comments Tags: health, nieces, gym, nursing facility

Monday...Dentist

Watched the Academy Awards via the DVR.  Thank God I didn't have to sit 

thru all the commercials.  This year was supposed to be a super good show
just like they always say.  It was boring.  I like John Stewart, but he was dull too.

This AM I went to the Dentist.  I've had chronic discomfort in a molar.  The 
Dentist has checked it several times and nothing is identified.  Today he referred
me to an endodontist for a root canal eval.  So Thursday I'll see some guy 
who will charge $995.00 with 3% off, if I pay up front.  If my age is greater than 
the 3%, they'll use that number to discount the total.  Isn't that specal?
I'm supposed to get a consult for a possible root canal.  However, the girl 
booked me for the total time, if I don't need the root canal....it's only $95.00
for the consult.  Like he's really going to say ....oh you don't need it.

Stopped at the Gym to say hello and tell them I didn't croak.  I probably won't go
back til April.  I'll do things at home e.g. treadmill, thera band, step-ups etc.

Talked with Martha H (friend from the gym).  Martha is a psychotherapist and I told
her about the new HBO program "In Treatment".  Unfortunately, she doesn't 
have HBO.  We planned lunch for Friday, but I had to call her back to reschedule,
since I will have had a root canal on Thursday.

Called Apple Tech....spoke again to a very helpful tech in the Phillipines.  I signed up
for the extended Apple Care program so I can get phone support for 3 yrs.  I will
go for one on one training starting next week and they will even come to the
house for an on-site visit to fix the computer should we have the need.
This is all part of the extended Apple Care program.  I'm so impressed.

 

3 comments Tags: teeth, imac, gym

Hello from iMac world

This will be awful if I can't figure how to enlarge this text.  I've done so on other sites and it used to be very easy on webtv.  Guess I'll just have to squint....wait I think I will use html coding....and then edit.  It may continue in the html increased text size.
BRB....that's chat for be right back.
Looks like it made that first paragraph larger and then back to this mini print.  Am going to try again. Here goes.

Ok, I got it by golly.
I need this big text mostly for me to see what the heck I'm typing. 

If learning new skills keeps the gray cells from dying, I will be a mensa candidate after I master this computer.  I know you computer folks are laughing, but you've had a few yrs on me to learn this stuff.
I have to learn how to set my preferences in the system and Safari.  Safari is the browser iMac uses.  Webtv used Internet explorer.  

I put a stickie note on the desktop for Rich and I don't know how to remove it.  It looks just like the paper kind...a little yellow stickie on the computer.  Yes, the little things make me smile.

The iMac mouse is much different than the one with windows.  I don't know how to use it properly.  The keyboard takes getting used to.  The keys are almost flat, but I think I'm getting it.

We have a wireless mouse and keyboard. I chose not to go with the laptop once I saw this wide screen.  It's gorgeous.  I wouldn't be using a laptop for work or going to Starbucks....heck I don't even go into Starbucks.  Our supermarket has a WiFi spot, but I wouldn't be using a laptop there either.

This is a desktop and it could easily be put on a cart and moved to another room....I'd need a router, but I doubt I'd take it anywhere else.  

Today I called Apple for help and got great support. The tech I was speaking to was in the Phillipines.  I asked her some very basic questions and she walked me right thru it.  Great experience.
******
Today was my second day to try my new treadmill plan.  I wanted to do more than 30 minutes, but it is such a drag.  So, I did two separate walks of 20 minutes each.  This seems much more doable...hate that word.   So this way I get 2 miles/day.  
I'm trying to get the 10,000 steps/day. Yesterday I did more than 10K, but I seem to run a little under.  Oh well, I'll keep at it.

Not going to the gym I am trying to do some stretches and resistance exercises...e.g. using the stairs.  I have  balance ball and a thera band (big stretchy band for resistance).  

Still watching the Jane Austen Series..."Pride and Prejudice" is running now.  


BRB...remember what that means?

3 comments Tags: imac, gym

Guess I'm still part Quaker.....sore knee...multi-family reunion

After a good night's rest I re-took the belief-o-matic test posted on yesterday's blog entry.  The only changes I made regarded the priority I'd given to each response.  I still look like a Liberal Quaker.  Catholicism concurs with my statements at 66% up from 59%.  I'm also close to Reform Judaism.  Ten years from now I wonder where I'll land.  Assuming of course my brain is still fully functioning. 

Plan for today:
Treadmill and gym.  Stop at FarmFresh and pick up salmon.
If time permits...check out the Hallmark store and see if they have ANYthing I can't live without.  Hate to waste that 20% discount tho'.  Gotta spend to save, right?
*********

I did 32 minutes on the treadmill and made it to the gym.  While there I asked for some free advice from the Physical Therapist....Alex...now the Director.  My knee has a painful area and I needed to know which of my exercises I should avoid.  I thought I had a bursitis, but Alex said there were no bursae in that area ....the inside of my knee.  He said it's the meniscus area.  I can walk with out any pain, but certain movements aggravate it.  Of course the exercises he said to avoid were the easiest for me...e.g. lunges or using the big ball against a wall and moving down to a sitting position.  I have no memory of injuring it so I guess I'll just wait and see.....knowing my wonderful body will heal itself.   This is one of the reasons I like this Gym......there are people working there who know what they are talking about and I am not reticent when it comes to asking questions.  They are always most helpful and I don't abuse the privilege.

Stopped at FarmFresh and picked up Salmon.  It was kinda late so I decided to get one of the prepared meals they now have available.  Today's menu was chicken parmesan and two sides.....artichoke/spinach and mixed veggies.  We both thought it was delicious.  Probably didn't need the fat grams from the parmesan, but it sure tasted good.
We'll have the salmon tomorrow night.  I think we're going out to dinner with our Scottish neighbors on Wednesday.  Thursday we'll have chicken scalopinni with the chicken tenders I bought tonight....I stuck them in the freezer just in case we don't want them.  Friday will be salmon again.....so the week is shaping up with menu planning.
********
Too late to go to Hallmark...so I came home.

Terry if you're reading this.....we are planning on attending the big family reunion in June.  I figure it'll be a great way to see everyone at one time.  Looking forward to seeing y'all (my Texas relatives).  I will wait til mid April to send in our money ....a lot can happen in that time.  I'm hoping Rosemarie, Kitty, Meg and Claire can get down here in April.  Rosemarie said your Dad looked great last weekend and your mom seems to be doing well after her carpal tunnel repair.
********
Tomorrow after the Molly Maids leave, Rich and I will go to the base and get my ID card updated.  I forgot all about it and it expired yesterday.  Hope they won't hassle me.     

Post a comment Tags: alex, nieces, gym