Second Tuesday

First, a big birthday shout-out to my mom. I talked to her around 7pm/1pm and she had just received a flower arrangement plus a few chocolates from me. She'd been opening presents and cards and been taken to breakfast at Cracker Barrel. Hip hip hooray for Mom's big day and may it keep feeling like Christmas for what time is left of your day.

Ergo
Today kicked off with my ergo therapist talking about me needing to 1) get more rest like I did this weekend and 2) taking it easy on piling too many ambitions on my plate in one day. It will all smooth itself out eventually but the bottom line is that I both go with the flow and put just enough effort in to feel good about what I accomplish each day.

Last strokes
Afterwards, it was time for painting. My Christmas painting was once again sitting there on the easel waiting for me. I decided it was time to sign and be done with it. I made one small adjustment then dabbed the blue/green paint for my signature. I can't say I'm thrilled with it but everyone seems to like it. I'll take a photo and post it as soon as I can.

I've been contemplating whether or not to go in for watercolor instead of acryl for my next painting venture. I've always found aquarel to be (and look) extremely challenging. But what better time to tackle such a challenge, right? I mean, once I master watercolor, I'll have under my belt the three types of painting which interest me most. They have some great instructional books at Bb which show step by step how to tackle the thing. We'll see what I do.

Fitness
Today, I only did lower ab training and 20 minutes on the loopband but what a workout. Three sets of 30 ab crunches and 20 minutes of walking at 70% intensity (the level that burns fat). Woohoo! Then Rabin said today that he should have a cardio plan in place for me by Thursday. Double woohoo!

Handboogschieten and loopgroep
Archery was not as amazing today as last week but still fun as always. Still, one solid bullseye and no shots outside the target area.

Loopgroep was also noneventful though there were a few more people than usual. Did I mention that I'm now walking all obstacles without my cane? Stepping up onto the benches and stools are quite challenging but I have evidence that practice works.

Meeting with the doctor
At the close of therapy today, my company's doctor met me at Blixembosch both to see me in person and to get my signature on a release form. He also told me there's no reason I cannot take a vacation whenever I feel like it. This is good news. Now I just to decide when the time is right.

Online purchasing
Last night, I made another order on Amazon (recently, I ordered some books and audio cds). One of the things on it's way is a "gratitude journal". It comes alongside the book The Secret which I'm not so sure I'll love but I thought a journal with such wonderful intentions might be helpful. Of course, this blog is a little like a gratitude journal - at least I can look back for evidence that I did something.

Last but not least, I got in two doggie walking sessions, one Nordic session (it was rainy today), my energy today and yesterday were fantastic, Nico conducted foot therapy on me tonight before our walk and I'm happy to have the quilt back. Tomorrow is a day off and I look forward to it. Thanks for checking in.