A woman's prerogative

Well, you all know what that means - I've changed my mind about something: watercolor. Even before I'd started making the sketch, even as I was admiring the technique, something in me said to wait. And, truly, my heart's not in it and I've got too much on my mind to learn yet something else just because I can.

Besides that, Shiela (as promised) sent me some canvases. Just another sign that it's time to wait on the watercolor. I'll be busy with acrylic for the foreseeable future.

Fysio
Tuesday's fysio was interesting as I practiced carrying a case of sodas back and forth through a door. It's nothing new but it's practice, of course, and good for Titia to gauge my abilities.

Fitness
I didn't do so many different exercises in fitness on Tuesday but it was more than enough. Walked the loopband for 15 minutes, two sets of 70 sit-ups with weights and did my first set of squats. And, man oh man, was I feelin' those squats all day today! Three sets of 10 was all it took - and that was just by lifting my own body weight up and down. Major ouch but good!

Loopgroep
Tuesday in the walking group, I walked again without my cane. Last week, a different therapist than usual was present and she suggested that with the bench and high stool, I begin with my affected, right leg versus what I'd always done which was step up with my strong left. If this had been my first day in loopgroep, I would've had no confidence in doing it this way. But I thought, maybe now it would work. And it did. I can now, although not so gracefully, lift my right knee, place my foot and lift myself almost without difficulty. Awesome.

Though I manage, stepping down is still difficult and always has been. So, the challenge continues.

Soaking in the sun
Tuesday after therapy, I had the new experience of sitting on my front "porch" for the first time. I was able to do it again today from about 1p.m. onward. Great now during spring but I'm gonna have to do something when the weather gets even warmer or the sun will cook me! It's direct sun from 12 until sundown.

Package from Skiela
Finally, I got a great little pack o' luv from Shiela, I suppose as payback for being the hosty with the mosty when she was here last month. There were two lovely little drawings included which are now on my magnet-ready appliances, a great addition to my growing artwork. Thanks, Skiela, Mikey and Annanator!

Wednesday - at Blixembosch!
What? Four days of therapy? Well, only a half day at Bb now on Wednesdays to endure duurbelasting (i.e. work endurance). I'm using the American BBQ in Holland idea to recreate the process I used at work, once upon a time.

I honestly didn't expect to be so tired but, girls and boys, I'm here to tell you that it was plum exhausting. I got to a point where my eyes were so tired I just didn't want to use them any more. Who knew such intense concentration could be so hard on my brain and body? I think of it this way: my right brain came up with the idea (what about BBQ in Holland?) which basically took no effort, it was actually fun so it probably gave me energy vs. depleting it. Then today my damaged left brain had to work to make logical sense out of this creative spark of an idea. See how that might hurt?

Closing
So, I was grateful to be out of there and on my way home by 12:30. The taxi picked me up on time and I was there to great the cleaning gal. All in all, a fantastic week so far. A little sun goes a long, long way, huh?