The day before Wednesday

Had a really great therapy day, especially archery in which I touched the chi of it. There is definitely something to that rumor about the breath and accuracy. Of course, there's also something to being rested before picking up the bow in the first place. My bullseye three shots in a row had some heads turning. Ohm. Ohm.

At my first attendance of loopgroep some weeks ago, we had as an obstacle an exercise trampoline - something which I thought would be easy to get over. I was so wrong. For the first time since then, today the trampoline reappeared and I couldn't wait to try it again because I just knew I'd be able to tackle it. And I did. Woohoo! After the group had disbanded, one of the therapists invited me to have a go, bouncing on it. She must have been reading my mind. I bounced. I laughed. I jiggled. It was great.

Third time's a charm
I was able to get to all fitness machines between yesterday and today, some twice. I only missed some intense aerobic exercises today. But I got enough blood flowing with the walking tests in physio. Yes, it's time for walking tests again - both the 10 meter tests and the 6 minute walk-as-fast-and-as-far-as-you-can test.

In case you don't remember, the first time I took the walking tests, I didn't have an orthesis yet, so my walking was extremely slow. It was after that initial test that Titia decided I would need one if my walking were to be functional more immediately. By the time the second test was done, I had a temporary orthesis and my numbers almost quadrupled. Today was the first time I've taken the tests with an orthesis which was formed around my leg and foot so I was expecting good returns. The numbers didn't quadruple (I'd have been running, if that were the case) however I finally reached community walking speed (3km/hr) in both tests. And increased my distance by over 70 meters in the 6 minute test to almost 300 meters.

Titia says that they measure a big improvement when someone has an increase of at least 56 meters. It feels good to still be in the "big improvement" category, I can tell you. And although I loathe the idea of being normal in any way, I can appreciate the ability to walk as fast as my grandma again! Hey Gram, let's give it a go, shall we?

Comments
Glad you all enjoyed the photos. Yes, anyone can dress up - it's too bad I didn't get a picture of Nico in his standard Carnival get-up or orange jumpsuit, hippy hat and pullover. It's not much but it's his way. Glad you enjoyed the bones as well. It'll make Nico's day to know it.

And, Nancy girl, you would have loved this remodeling show I saw on TV last night. They totally remade this woman's kitchen with loads of bright orange paint, green and raspberry shelves in the bedroom. Remember, color is our friend.

Let me know if I miss anything that you want to know about. And thanks for keeping in touch.