An update and such

     Hello old friends.  I still see there are people finding and reading, hope it helps and such.  I'm doing a little perk update for May 2013.  The meat of it, probably a 2 or 3 parter will be in the Life Is blog.

     Basically I've kept up with everything in my nature, unfortunately weight too.  Hit the gym daily, which I know is not the best as it will turn out.  So I signed up for a 5K or 3.1 mile walk for the heart.

     Well let me tell you, when I say not the best for the gym everyday I mean simply this.  You cannot duplicate the out door environment.  You cannot duplicate the terrain.  I should have remembered this. 

     It was out east on the island, at some winery.  It had been a gray and rainy week and the weather for Sunday was to be icky.  Damp and in the high 50's to low 60's.  I layered for rain and cold.  Not a great idea.

     Flannel lined jeans, extra warm, denim shirt, topped off with a fleece lined hoodie.  There were a lot of people and we did raise over $70,000 so that was great.

     On the treadmill I was doing 3.2 - 3.4 miles an hour at an incline of 2 or 3.  Takes me somewhere in the low 20 range for 1.5 miles.  So I was predicting time of no more than 45 miles. 

     I really don't know the exact humidity level, but with the rain it must have been high.  I hadn't taken that into consideration at all.  Afterall it's never humid in the gym!

     The line up starts runners in the front, joggers behind, walkers behind them, strollers last.  I was at the front of the walkers.

     While I don't want to cheat anyone on this update let me conclude, it was a whole lot tougher than I thought.  Grass and terrain, at the 30 min mark we reached the halfway mark.  I finished not the dead last of the group.  But in the last 10 people.

     Glad I did it.  And just wanted to say that I am still in full force of taking my life back.  Thank you for all your support.

General stuff.

      That weekend was when I started taking real walks.  By that I mean I would drive to a nearby town and park.  And just walk.  It was nice, I had my camera but didn't use it yet.  It was just nice to be able to do some light hills.
    
     It is a bit boring to always walk in the same place as I had been doing.  A near by town was on the water.  Had some hilly spots.  Figured it was a good way to start testing myself further.  Why not I thought.  I'd survived my very first week back.

     It was still a warm September, and I took it slowly.  Delighting in every step.  Seeing new things in new ways.  Even found out that a local community center had an outdoor ice rink, kind of a neat thing.  It is literally not far from the harbor, you can see it from the rink even.  I loved it all.

     Work was slightly different, isn't it always when you've been away even on a vacation.  Things change and you just have to get acclimated.  One pronounced change was definite.  I'd always get supplies for the winter for the office.  Hand cream, tissues, hand sanitizer and the ilk.  I'd ask my manager and he'd just say bring me the receipt.  This time when I asked, the reply was, if I wanted to I could.  No mention of paying for it. 

     It was obvious that we now did for ourselves.  I got over it, bought a small bottle of hand cream and cube of tissues for my desk.  I really couldn't blame him.  Seemed everyone enjoyed the perks but never made an offer.  I used to buy hand cream and everyone would use it.  That was how it became a department expense.  He felt bad about everyone using my stuff.

     There were little changes in jobs done that I just had to go with.  Nothing major, just rode the wave.  My second week ended and I called to see if I could go back to a 40 work week.  Wholly Shit!

     Apparently they'd just left me at the regular time and never adjusted my hours.  I felt badly and told my manager.  He just said don't worry about it.  And that was that.  First 2 weeks a light schedule and paid a full 80 hours.  And it continued from there.

     People were very  glad to see me back and that was nice.  One of the maintenance crew and his wife even had a mass said for me.  That was touching.  Of course not everyone was so gracious.

     A girl, she'd worked in our department for 5 years, known her since she was 19.  We'd not really continued the friendship after she left the department.  She stayed tight with my manager though.  Anyway.

     She'd come down, manager was on the phone.  I thought she came to say welcome back and hear how I was.  As I got up, she shook her head.  Said no let him know I stopped by and left.  Kind of rude, but what do you expect I reckon.

     I was still exercising and just enjoying the Hell out of life.  Still am.  I even incorporated a new area to walk in.  As winter hit I was cold.  But not that other kind of bone cold.  I was back to myself. 

     Still watching what I ate sodium wise and being careful.  Enjoying the friendship and camaraderie.  I had what I asked for.  My life back.

Listen.

     Odd title of a blog I know.  I've got maybe 1-2 more entries of this blog then I'm done.  It doesn't have to be over.  You can read my other blog life is.  Not the same tho.
     I want to say I've enjoyed writting this blog.  Most of the memories I was carrying around have been exorcised either by time or writting.  Now at least there is a record.  I truly think I captured the whole of my experience.
     In my heart I want to hope and think, someone who needs this blog will find it.
     I want to thank everyone for having read it.  I do wish there had been more audience participation, comments or questions.  But then I wasn't writting for that alone.  Thank you all for coming along for the ride.

Getting ready for work next week.

     I was pleased that I would be starting my work week on a short one.  I was very concerned that I would poop out in the middle of the day.  Sunday I gave thoughts about food.  I would bring 2 snacks, primarily grapes and cheerios. 
     Had been eating more regularly, but cautiously.  Not over doing it on the sodium at all.  I still was getting those hunger attacks, lessened, but still there.  So I wanted to make sure I had an appropriate answer for them.  The cafeteria in my building was strictly off limits.  As were the vending machines.
     Labor day?  Brother in law probably BBQ something.  I think we had power back on.  this blog has been a nice exercise in getting details out.  to be honest I doubt I recalled at the beginning of the blog each and every detail.
     I left for work on Tuesday.  Wished my sister well.  We'd had a good arrangement with the visiting nurse that came with her wound, so that wouldn't be an issue at all.
     The ride was uneventful as ever.  My schedule would now be from 8-4, I think that makes a 35 hour work week.  It was nice being back.  Saw people who were glad to see me.  Had to ease into things, things had changed in little ways.  Had to wait to get computer access back.  Met the temp that had been hired in my absence.  A real nice dude named James.  Think I was mostly saddened because we both knew with my return his departure was coming.  He was a good worker.  Slept a little on the job.  Just a nice guy. 
     Still had my desk, it was awkward.  I'm usually the first person people see when they come to that area, and the last person they're looking for.  The day ended unceremoniously enough.  I got in my car and went home.  I felt great.  Like I had actually achieved something.  No.  I didn't bring a cigar to celebrate with.  Not that foolish.
     Over all my week was on of getting acclimated again.  Seeing how people reacted.  I think I managed to see all my friends.  Those few who I told personally had come down to see me, because I hadn't made it upstairs yet.  It was pleasant.
     We have just a little more in an entry or 2 we shall be finished with this tale.

Let us continue.

     (Damn I'm sorry)  Not at all sure If I missed the appointment with my cardiologist.  Cleared for work and would have to see him in October.  Let's just pretend.  Okay?  Trust me nothing memorable.
     It was my last week of total freedom.  I spoke with the woman from the Hartford and she spoke to human resources.  I was cleared for a 35 hour work week.  What!?  I was assured this would not affect my benefits, I let my manager know.  I thought it was a good idea starting on a 4 day schedule.  Thus ended Friday.
     Saturday.  I decided on a little road trip.  It was a mere 30+ miles east.  Sister would have brother in law home.  I was going to enjoy this.  I'm not sure entirely if I was back to smoking in the car yet, I'd wager no. 
     Great day for a drive, Saturday, great mood, good weather, feeling wonderful, was going to hit the outlet center, Saturday. 
     SATURDAY OF LABOR DAY WEEKEND!!!!!  Yes, somehow I failed the connection there.  The center is at the end of the highway practically.  If you're not over to the left you drive into it.  I remember it being 2 hours of Hell in bumper to bumper to door to bumper.  When I finally made my way through the maze to an exit.  Oh no way was I going to find parking.
     I was going to salvage the experience.  Lick my poor wounds and nurse my pride.  I mean I never ever go to stores on shopping weekends or days.  I headed for my favorite little soul food place.  I mean this place rocks like no other.
     It is a little trailer kind of place.  A place the uninitiated walk past.  Sometimes there is a halfway house next door.  They make the most awesome stuff.  The chicken is so fresh from the yard.  Remember 35+ years if you can or more.  When mom would buy chicken, yes even from the super market.  and it was still so fresh you had to burn off the little stems from the feathers.
     Corn bread awesome.  Collard greens awesome.  Everything, even the ribs.  But it was not to be perfection this time.  See they had suffered from dear old Irene as well.  There was no favorite of mine then.  Sweet Potatoe Pie.  My meals there usually begin with a slice and end with a slice, yup appetizer and dessert.
     Over all I was pleased with how the day had went  Returning home after the vigor of traffic and such I was pleased not to be exhausted.  I was ready for the working world.

Thursday.

     I was beginning to wear thin a little.  Cooped up at home with my sister now in residence.  Enjoying every moment I could.  The house wasn't terribly hot, thank goodness.  I can always deal with heat better than with cold. 
     Routine I admit was  wearing a bit thin.  I was longing for change.  Back among people.  Just being out of the house with a purpose was enough.  As I mentioned at the beginning, I'd had 3 open heart surgeries when young.  Times were different.
     Television was still interesting, even though we didn't have cable.  Being  young was fun.  Mom at the time was a stay at home and that was fun.  A big trip for me would constitute going to the mall.  Now because of germs, they were overly cautious then we went early.  I mean before most stores opened.  But it was sheer delight to just wander.  And at one point I'd be allowed to  go the the video game place, oh rapture.
     This was just around the time of Atari 2600, so it wasn't like having games in the palm of your hands.  It was heavenly having an entire game store to myself.
     As an adult.  You know you need to get back to routine.  A couple hundred channels and nothing on.  I'd even tired of my judge shows which I simply adored.  Even told that to my manager when he called, we had a good laugh.   He's into the judge shows as well.
     I figured that the upcoming weekend would be a good idea for a road trip. 

Wednesday

     It was allright to travel, the Island had been hit hard, nothing compared to Superstorm Sandy that would hit a year and a few months later.  I coped well without power.  Sister was still sleeping off and on a lot and just adjusting.  The most harrowing part were the deliveries of oxygen tanks.  Had to plan.
     I simply did not have the strength to hold back to dog.  So either she had to be coaxed into the back yard.  Or locked in the main room of the house so the oxygen could get into the back.
     Except for the fact that I knew I was still recovering, I felt really good.  The week after Labor Day I had the appointment with my cardiologist, who would give me final clearance to go back to work. I spoke with the woman from the Hartford about this.  It seemed it would be an adjustment, we'll get there.
     For the most part I spent time around the house, in case my sister needed anything.  Again I've no memory of food or such.  But I can tell you about Wednesday night.
     I sat outside and there was an orchrestra of generators.  I was annoyed as all Hell!  I sincerely could not hear the crickets.  Believe it or not it is stressfull tied to a house without power, recovering from major surgery, and taking care of someone else as well.  Okay that previous sentence may have just been a bit over the top.
     If you've read the other blog you allready know this, I am a cigar smoker.  I do enjoy them.  I cannot recall if I covered this.  Long story shortened, in my house, in my humidor to be exact.  Was a box of unwanted cigars, I cancelled my subscription with the company because of them.
     I wanted to be in a good place before starting again.  I was stressed.  So I grabbed a cigar and lit it up the Wednesday before Labor Day.  And I enjoyed it.  And I still haven't stopped. 
     I took a slightly longer quicker walk on Thursday.  I was checking my breathing, my pulse, making sure that the cigar was having no ill effects.  I'm pleased to say it wasn't.  I would survive and I would have one of the things I do enjoy most.

Let us continue

     Sunday dawned, the storm still in full anger mode.  We lost power at some point, the worry was bout my sister's oxygen.  I didn't go out that night to survey what damage had occurred.  Catholic Health Services, I think that's what CHS stands for, promised oxygen tanks.  The power outages were massive.  The man arrived about midnight, we were grateful and impressed.  Tanks delivered, went to bed.
    
     Monday morning, still no power.  I did go out into and drive around.  A lot of trees down, town seemed to be doing okay.  Started some light clean up.  It was still pretty warm, was a hot summer then, but the hurricane had cooled it off.  My sister pretty much rested.  I remember nothing of how we ate and such.

     She was taking pain pills, those oxy things, they made here extremely loopy.  I mean loopy even for her.  One night, it was pitch black, maybe around 12 midnight, she called me in.  We needed to fortify the ramparts to repel zombies.  I remember my brother in laws face.  Oh no, he was about to try to reason with her.  I quickly jumped in.  I assured her we were safe and we would fortify the ramparts first thing in the morning,   That placated her.  I must admit it is still a joke we make on occasion.

     I also remember Monday night sitting outside, listening to the crickets, looking at all the stars normally blocked out by lights.  I was loving it.  And the temperature was delightful.

     Tuesday came and still no power.  We arranged another oxygen delivery, I believe my brother in law had gone to work that day.  The deliveries were tough.  Basically the dog had to be locked away so we could let the tanks be delivered.  Oh they were also for her c-pap machine.  Tuesday night I remember hearing 2-3 new generators.  The crickets were losing the battle but still trying.  I was annoyed at the intrusion of technology.

The week before Hurricane Irene

     Let me back up a little.  Once my sister arrived home, for the first day or so she did what most people do, sleep.  She was in some discomfort and such.  The visiting nurse was still being discussed.
     Hurricane Irene was a blip on the horizon, none of us were really paying her any mind I must admit.  I was still walking each and every morning.  Feeling more and more like my old self.  I'd get us lunch and such.  Not entirely sure but I believe I was cooking already. 
     My recovery was going great.  I felt more and more like my old self, just a little wounded.  I had the freedom of a car.  In a few weeks would be my doctors appointment to get me clearance to go back to work.  I began working with one of those people that handle such things from my short term disability.  A nice sounding competent person.
     To keep myself true to a schedule, I was now waking up and staying up, no more afternoon napping unless I really needed it, I seldom did.  As many walks a day as I could get to keep myself somewhat fit.  The numbness in the ring and pinky still plagued me in my right hand.  My left was pretty much recovered and I was now able to open my own seltzer bottles.
     It was Friday and the storm was due to hit on Saturday late in the day.  Well off my brother in law and I went to get cable boxes.  One for the living room, one for my sisters room, which she wouldn't get into for a month or 2.  And yes one for me, I've yet to set it up, thinking about doing so now.  They would be free for a year. 
     The wind had indeed picked up as we arrived home safely and prepared for the storm.

Eventually my sister returns home

     It was 2 weeks before Labor day, my sister was dying to come home.  The fact that the would was so slow to heal was the issue.  It needed to be taken care of daily.  It was determined that a visiting nurse would be needed. 

     There would be these long breakdown phone calls about how she couldn't stand it there anymore.  She did have a point.  She was there for physical therapy.  Then she had the idea that she could come home and go there for the therapy.  Yeah like that was going to happen.  My days were often broken by having to go there for her meltdowns.

     My brother in law was getting annoyed by the early morning calls for food and such.  Especially early on Sunday mornings when we were going food shopping.  It's not fort knox exactly, you are not supposed to walk in, but you can.

     Word came that she was going to be released.  She was estatic.  She came home and made her way to bed and such.  One of the first orders was for us to go to the cable place for free boxes.  I still haven't set mine up.

Good Morning.

      Happy New Year!  We've got a bit of a ways to go on this blog, not much more but enough.  We will probably be done by the end of February.  I wanted to take a minute.
     Thank you for reading, even though you my audience has been silent.  I hope it has helped or at least brought some giggles.  It's been good to record it and relive parts.   Yes this is a premature ending, just was in the mood.  I'm going to start again, maybe tonight depending how tired I am.
     We've  Hurricane Irene to look forward too, a week without power, sister home, walks and my returning to work, and much stuff like that.  Stay tuned.