Yesterday I had a physical therapy appointment, and although I have explicit instructions to rest every-other day for the next two weeks, she was still really pleased with my progress. And the fact that I'm starting to hurt most afternoons
probably makes this a wise decision. She also gave me a new exercise for strengthening some little muscles that don't seem to mingle much with the other muscles. Standing near a wall or counter or something to balance, I'm to close my eyes, lift one foot off the ground just a bit (ankle height) and hold it. She said closing one's eyes helps to work the muscles as so much of our balance is sight-based. I thought this was a
brilliant new addition, because my next stop was the post office, and having something constructive to do in line made my day.
It seems that if a muscle is hard to get at--say, doesn't really get involved in walking or other exercises--it may strike some people that it could easily get overworked. Some people--just not ME. I was happily doing my new exercise in line, congratulating myself at how long I could hold it each time, and was altogether pleased with the whole visit. I hopped in the car, drove to my next stop, and was halfway around the grocery store before I noticed a bit of a twinge. And it was only at
this point that it occurred to me that 30 minutes of a new exercise to work muscles that don't get out much
might have been less than brilliant--especially that "let's-see-how-long-I-can-hold-it" thing. I think what amazes me the most about this entire thing is that--through all the pain and all the set-backs--I
still manage to be shocked every time something is hard or needs to be approached gently or hurts. All things considered, it would make sense if I sort of
expected pain. But, no--I just go on with all the subtlety of lime green Fun Fur and am shocked when it doesn't work. Hm.......
So, I spent yesterday afternoon with my old friend, the heating pad, and am being very, very good today. Or trying to. It's 10:00 AM and I haven't done anything wrong yet, so that's a start. :)
I'm still REALLY excited about my progress, and decided a small celebration is was in order, so this
arrived in the mail yesterday. The "celebration" is the perfume on the right. Andy & I exchange fragrances every year for out anniversary, and while I have always loved perfume and cologne, now it's even more fun. I thought about clothes, but that doesn't work until I can wear something other than athletic pants, and going away for a weekend is still a LONG way off, but I wanted something associated with being OUT AND ABOUT. So, I bought a new perfume. I like picking out scents in person, but there's also a great deal of fun in buying one without knowing what it's going to be like, because I end up with things I wouldn't have picked out but are fun and different and I've liked almost everything anyway. So that was fun. The other two items aren't a celebration at all, but and admission that now that I'm up and about and only settle down to crafting at the end of the day and the blasted cross-stitch projects are a bit of a struggle to see by then, so this is a pattern holder and a magnifier with a light. I probably could have put much stronger lights near the bed, but I thought I might regret that--like the first morning I turned a 100-watt lamp
on. I am ignoring the "includes bifocal point" part entirely. I was going to wait until this year's craft purchasing ban ended, but I decided that since this was not a fun purchase AT ALL and I was going to drive myself crazy trying to come up with alternatives, I thought a "maintaining sanity" exemption might apply. I haven't tried it yet as I'm still a bit surly over the "bi-focal" thing, but the perfume is great. And doesn't make me feel old
at all....................
