I'm once again behind in the posting of my Health Activist Writer's Monthly Challenge entries, so to say I did it all, and so you need not waste much time here, I'll be as brief as possible.
April 28 - Use "health" as an acronym, and come up with words that represent your Health Activist journey.
Help
eat
all
leftover
tacos
here.
April 29- favorite health related products. Cheeseburgers and chocolate shakes. Actually, this is my brother's version, but how can I complain? The guy just turned 70. And very few to no Martin males make it to 60 (I'm not there yet) in about 130 years of family history. So I'm off to McDonald's for a Quarter Pounder, chocolate shake, fries, and an apple pie. Get ready, 2036, I'm heading for 80!
Your genetics may very.
April 30 - I wish I would have known at the time of diagnosis. That even though my brain is fogged, my body spasms on me, I drop at least one thing a day, saw family and friends disappear, life is a beautiful thing if we let it be.
May 1. End of project. I had lunch with a dear friend from my college days, and we've seen the changes of time beat at us but we remain devoted to literature, writing, baseball and good wine. I was glad I just wrote that last line and am grateful for the chance.
Showing posts with label HAWMC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HAWMC. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
HAWMC - April 20 - 22 The Empire Strikes Back
I have a rotator cup injury, as if I was a big (or little or minor) leaguer or something. But its as close as I'll get. Fine. But I get rehab, like a ballplayer (for physical injury, not the other kind of rehab).
Let's see... Travel April 20.
I would love to go to England or France, or even Russia. But as close as I'm going to get is Disney World. I want to take my wife to the Mall of America. Don't know about that. I promised her a trip to Europe, but its going to be Disney World. I get tired, exhausted, and having a tough time breathing after just a short stroll (this may be medication issue) and that's not even great at Disney World.
The old line is familiarity breeds contempt, but I look at it as familiarity breeds content. At Disney World I know where to go and what to do, so the basics are set. Busses (or the Monorail) do most of the traveling for us and we just get off and go where we want and do the same things each year, with a little variety in resorts we visit (such as Beach Club or The Floridian) and have all the wondrous foods.
The long trips are short ones now, day trips, bed and breakfasts, and back. Know your limits. If you are planning to do a lot on your trip, I'd rate the activities on a list of musts, maybes, and probably nots, and do the list. If you get past the musts and are feeling decent try another but do not overdo it, and learn what overdoing for you. The medical issues we face renown with one rule - "Slow down or we will slow you down." Taking your time allows you to view the world. Remember the Zen rule: Pay attention. See it. Take it in. Breathe it in, because (Next rule: Everything is changing) it might not be the same next time. But take heart in that (next slide, please) everything's connected.
April 21 Reflection.
I admire folks who really can advocate for those who can't. Working in poverty programs for near on 30 years, I've seen a lot, some good, but more bad. Before that I took care, as well as I knew how, of my father, who had the same disease as me, so I got a preview of coming distractions. If nothing else, you learn either total cynicism or compassion. I know I go between the two, but find more hope in the latter. Or maybe a compassionate cynic. I don't expect much from humanity, so I can be pleasantly surprised when the better angels of our nature can win through. For a species that has the ability to destroy itself a hundred times over, it can still do Mozart, Monet, Ghandi, Lincoln, and Monty Python. Hope - I am a Mets fan, after all.
April 22 Hobbies
Baseball, the watching and history of it. Cooperstown and just was at Fenway for Opening Day. As I said above I am a Mets fan, but I have a very deep love of the Boston Red Sox. Both teams are steeped in history, both have a knack of frustrating their fans. But we don't win every day either, and if have neuro problems or other invisible (to the world) challenges, a lot of days we don't even want to compete, or show up. But when you open your eyes, just think "Maybe I can win today." Baseball is the only sport that if you are successful even only 30% of the time, you are consider one of the best.
Tons of books, history, mysteries, baseball stories, baseball cards (Mom didn't throw them out - didn't even know they were there!) and a dice baseball game that I've played for over forty years. And the computer version. It's given a lot of enjoyment for a long time, either on my own or with friends. I dive into the history of the season and what the world was like in that time. I've developed a deep appreciation of the Negro Leagues, and have met quite a few of the actual players.
Which brings me to the writing. One of the stories I'm working is about the 1921 Cincinnati Cubans, a group of Havana ballplayers invited to play in the Negro Leagues. They arrive in the US and and try to adapt to a very different culture, and outside temperature.
And all the other writing. Like this. Thanks for reading.
Let's see... Travel April 20.
I would love to go to England or France, or even Russia. But as close as I'm going to get is Disney World. I want to take my wife to the Mall of America. Don't know about that. I promised her a trip to Europe, but its going to be Disney World. I get tired, exhausted, and having a tough time breathing after just a short stroll (this may be medication issue) and that's not even great at Disney World.
The old line is familiarity breeds contempt, but I look at it as familiarity breeds content. At Disney World I know where to go and what to do, so the basics are set. Busses (or the Monorail) do most of the traveling for us and we just get off and go where we want and do the same things each year, with a little variety in resorts we visit (such as Beach Club or The Floridian) and have all the wondrous foods.
The long trips are short ones now, day trips, bed and breakfasts, and back. Know your limits. If you are planning to do a lot on your trip, I'd rate the activities on a list of musts, maybes, and probably nots, and do the list. If you get past the musts and are feeling decent try another but do not overdo it, and learn what overdoing for you. The medical issues we face renown with one rule - "Slow down or we will slow you down." Taking your time allows you to view the world. Remember the Zen rule: Pay attention. See it. Take it in. Breathe it in, because (Next rule: Everything is changing) it might not be the same next time. But take heart in that (next slide, please) everything's connected.
April 21 Reflection.
I admire folks who really can advocate for those who can't. Working in poverty programs for near on 30 years, I've seen a lot, some good, but more bad. Before that I took care, as well as I knew how, of my father, who had the same disease as me, so I got a preview of coming distractions. If nothing else, you learn either total cynicism or compassion. I know I go between the two, but find more hope in the latter. Or maybe a compassionate cynic. I don't expect much from humanity, so I can be pleasantly surprised when the better angels of our nature can win through. For a species that has the ability to destroy itself a hundred times over, it can still do Mozart, Monet, Ghandi, Lincoln, and Monty Python. Hope - I am a Mets fan, after all.
April 22 Hobbies
Baseball, the watching and history of it. Cooperstown and just was at Fenway for Opening Day. As I said above I am a Mets fan, but I have a very deep love of the Boston Red Sox. Both teams are steeped in history, both have a knack of frustrating their fans. But we don't win every day either, and if have neuro problems or other invisible (to the world) challenges, a lot of days we don't even want to compete, or show up. But when you open your eyes, just think "Maybe I can win today." Baseball is the only sport that if you are successful even only 30% of the time, you are consider one of the best.
Tons of books, history, mysteries, baseball stories, baseball cards (Mom didn't throw them out - didn't even know they were there!) and a dice baseball game that I've played for over forty years. And the computer version. It's given a lot of enjoyment for a long time, either on my own or with friends. I dive into the history of the season and what the world was like in that time. I've developed a deep appreciation of the Negro Leagues, and have met quite a few of the actual players.
Which brings me to the writing. One of the stories I'm working is about the 1921 Cincinnati Cubans, a group of Havana ballplayers invited to play in the Negro Leagues. They arrive in the US and and try to adapt to a very different culture, and outside temperature.
And all the other writing. Like this. Thanks for reading.
Sunday, April 19, 2015
HAWMC April 11 -19 but yesterday doesn't count.
Soooo I've been a little busy, and out of it, and seeing doctors of all kinds, and well, just doing other things - like writing my novel. So a quick update:
April 11 - Pet Pal - I've written elsewhere about my dogs so a tip of the cap here to the annoying chipmunks and squirrels in the back yard that dash back and forth around the property looking for the food that should be there because Mr. Squirrel and/or Mrs. Chipmunk swear by their small brains it was there before the white stuff came down and covered their ground and they (as rodents) could not move, so they had to sleep for four months. On a better note, Mr. and Mrs. Bunny show up in the early morning and at dusk to wander around the yard, and eat clover. Both are used to humans, but keep a good distance. Some nice moment are the cooler August nights when I'm on my deck, reading, and the bunnies just wander around, taking in the last long rays of the sun. The guy next store has a bird feeder, so cardinals, robins, etc., help themselves, and we can listen to song. I am glad of it because our front area has bushes and trees that the birds hop around it all year, which is really cool on snowy winter days. Thank you, Nature.
April 13 - Re-educating family members. I am not able to dash about like I used to, at least not as long. They are learning, and I am learning patience with them and myself.
April 14 - I feel best when... I can get some decent writing done, a little exercise, and have just made plans for a future fun time.
April 15 - A Mets rally. Matt Harvey striking out the side. Big Papi hits one into the right field stands at Fenway.
April 16 - I wanted to tell stories in some form, writing or acting in them. I've acted and am working on getting my stuff out there. I did not get to the moon. But I did sit in the Captain's Chair on the Federation Starship USS Enterprise.
April 17 - I'm still standing, better than I ever did. (Elton John song).
April 18 - First, I do not look forward to heat, humidity, bugs. No thanks. I do love sitting at a baseball game. Inductions at the Hall of Fame. A few days in Boston, to be near the sea. *****
Actually, today I had a morning meeting of my mystery writer's group. It's a bit of a drive but I've been semi-shutin for months and now with decent weather I want to pick up the pace again. The drive, meeting, and ride home took about six hours, and when I arrived back home noticed that I had forgotten to take my morning pills. Since I was doing all right, I opted to not take my afternoon or evening pills, to see what I was like before the pills. Yes its a small sample size, but even so, I learned that I can yawn, something I rarely do now. I do have some hallucination issues when I'm lying in bed, and the show, while harmless, can go on for hours, if its one of those nights where sleep is being shy with me. Last night while I lay in bed for two hours, there were a few dancing decorations and then it stopped, maybe ten minutes. Also I had that "wired" feeling in my upper shoulders. But I went back to bed around three AM, and had no hallucinations and no nightmares. And yes, when I got up on Sunday.....
April 19 - I went right back to the pill routine. But it was interesting spending time with the Old Me. As for stress, it is inescapable. But I spent six years or so talking with Buddhists monks and nuns and learned a few tricks to relax. Here is the definition of Zen Buddhism:
Everything's changing. Everything is connected. Pay attention.
Be Here Now. And Now. And Now.
April 11 - Pet Pal - I've written elsewhere about my dogs so a tip of the cap here to the annoying chipmunks and squirrels in the back yard that dash back and forth around the property looking for the food that should be there because Mr. Squirrel and/or Mrs. Chipmunk swear by their small brains it was there before the white stuff came down and covered their ground and they (as rodents) could not move, so they had to sleep for four months. On a better note, Mr. and Mrs. Bunny show up in the early morning and at dusk to wander around the yard, and eat clover. Both are used to humans, but keep a good distance. Some nice moment are the cooler August nights when I'm on my deck, reading, and the bunnies just wander around, taking in the last long rays of the sun. The guy next store has a bird feeder, so cardinals, robins, etc., help themselves, and we can listen to song. I am glad of it because our front area has bushes and trees that the birds hop around it all year, which is really cool on snowy winter days. Thank you, Nature.
April 13 - Re-educating family members. I am not able to dash about like I used to, at least not as long. They are learning, and I am learning patience with them and myself.
April 14 - I feel best when... I can get some decent writing done, a little exercise, and have just made plans for a future fun time.
April 15 - A Mets rally. Matt Harvey striking out the side. Big Papi hits one into the right field stands at Fenway.
April 16 - I wanted to tell stories in some form, writing or acting in them. I've acted and am working on getting my stuff out there. I did not get to the moon. But I did sit in the Captain's Chair on the Federation Starship USS Enterprise.
April 17 - I'm still standing, better than I ever did. (Elton John song).
April 18 - First, I do not look forward to heat, humidity, bugs. No thanks. I do love sitting at a baseball game. Inductions at the Hall of Fame. A few days in Boston, to be near the sea. *****
Actually, today I had a morning meeting of my mystery writer's group. It's a bit of a drive but I've been semi-shutin for months and now with decent weather I want to pick up the pace again. The drive, meeting, and ride home took about six hours, and when I arrived back home noticed that I had forgotten to take my morning pills. Since I was doing all right, I opted to not take my afternoon or evening pills, to see what I was like before the pills. Yes its a small sample size, but even so, I learned that I can yawn, something I rarely do now. I do have some hallucination issues when I'm lying in bed, and the show, while harmless, can go on for hours, if its one of those nights where sleep is being shy with me. Last night while I lay in bed for two hours, there were a few dancing decorations and then it stopped, maybe ten minutes. Also I had that "wired" feeling in my upper shoulders. But I went back to bed around three AM, and had no hallucinations and no nightmares. And yes, when I got up on Sunday.....
April 19 - I went right back to the pill routine. But it was interesting spending time with the Old Me. As for stress, it is inescapable. But I spent six years or so talking with Buddhists monks and nuns and learned a few tricks to relax. Here is the definition of Zen Buddhism:
Everything's changing. Everything is connected. Pay attention.
Be Here Now. And Now. And Now.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
HAWMC Day of Rest.
OK, this one is easy:
1.
2.
1.
Baseball in person or on the Tube.
2.
Books, Books, Books and a cup of something nice.
3.
Yep, that too. Snoopy and yours truly dream of being the Great American Writer.
And someday I can go outside and work in my yard for about ten minutes. Then I sit down and look at the yard.
All I need.
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
HAWMC April 8 Souvenirs
For the WEGO Health Activist Writer's Month Challenge #HAWMC
Today's question:
What is an item you have kept with you that reminds you of an important time in your life?
Well, as Rod Stewart said, "every picture tells a story, don't it?"
So here are some....
Today's question:
What is an item you have kept with you that reminds you of an important time in your life?
Well, as Rod Stewart said, "every picture tells a story, don't it?"
So here are some....
This picture shows two bookends (Lincoln) and a bust of JFK, and in the background is a baseball jersey. All made by my sister Barbara who died of cancer in 1991. I can look at these and see her every day. And in my grand niece's laugh.
The picture on the left (taken with a Polaroid Swinger - talk about throwback!) is the only one I have of my dog in the 1960s and 70s. The sketch I found at a craft fair and was amazed how much it looked like Cookie (that was her name) . This life was the most dominate one of my early days and her loss after 11 years of loyalty and love crushed me for a long time. I had to face the next years of insanity alone - first my father's neurological problems, and then my mother's decline into depression and death. I have inherited both disorders. I could use my dog now. But sometimes in my dreams she walks into my room and we talk. That's nice. I still have her walk chain.
OK, that's my first attempt at this. I have been away for a while, but I shall return. Maybe even tomorrow.
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