Update: Sx, Jogging, Computer Allergy

Working Out Pays Off

It's been two weeks since my mom had her surgery (hip revision). She's doing great and was sent home early. Her recovery is going incredibly fast this time compared to her other hip revision last year. Why the difference? SHE TRAINED. She strengthened her upper body to prepare lifting and skootching herself around. She strengthened her leg muscles, especially the one having the surgery. She practiced not being able to put support on one leg. She also reduced her weight. All of this payed off as the hospital staff and we looked dropped-jawed in amazement at what she has accomplished.

Did she look tone and buff like Jillian Michaels? No. She's petite and has had Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis since she was two. Every joint in her body is affected. She doesn't have full range-of-motion in shoulders, elbows, nor wrists. BUT SHE DID WHAT SHE COULD WITH WHAT SHE HAD. Her efforts were rewarded.

Here's my point: you don't have to look like weight-trainer to be a weight-trainer. You may not see much of a difference in the mirror, but your body is reveling in the fact you're being good to it, and it will be good to you. Don't give up nor compare yourself to others.

Jogging

I kept my running up while in Arizona, although I've missed a week since being back home. It's funny, while jogging here in Utah, it's usually dark or cloudy. I never see my shadow. I have this athlete-image in my head of myself while I feel my muscles working. Then in Arizona, I caught a glimpse of my shadow while jogging. "Who's that big, bubble-butt woman following me?" (sigh, then I tell myself, I don't have to look like a runner to be a runner).

Computer Allergy?

It's been nice to unplug for a while. I didn't have much of a choice, though. Responsibilities and priorities are mounting. And, I have this incredible case of spring fever where I want to pull weeds, wash windows, get my vegetable garden ready, and plant a few flowers. I haven't been able to focus much on putting complete sentences together for a post. I've also been testing the computer allergy thing: sure enough, my first two fingers begin swelling and stiffening after computer use, some sort of contact dermatitis. I don't know what is in the computer, maybe nickel or triphenyl phosphate (more info here). Triphenyl phosphate is a flame-retardant used in computers. When the computer gets hot, its gas is emitted. Interesting because I usually don't have allergies to anything.

Well, blogging friends, I hope the universe is treating you kindly, and I hope you are treating you kindly, too.