Can You Hear Me Now?

The Scrubs Musical last night? Best half hour of television ever.

This morning I went for my second assessment at Living Well. As mentioned, I had to book Access to take me because I don’t have the thingy for the back of my scooter to carry my walker yet. And I can’t go there without my walker. So, the first thing Tracy (P/T) did was take my blood pressure 6 times in a row, and test my resting heart rate and oxygen levels. I am in great shape in those areas! I’d like to get my resting heart rate lower, although she said it’s fine, but as I exercise more that will happen.

I guess my little morning stretches are helping, because I did really well on my tests. I walked “laps” for 6 minutes and didn’t need to stop for a rest during it, although I slowed myself down at points. I got 29/36 on the balance test, which pleasantly surprised Tracy. After we were done, I then had to wait for Access to pick me up. It was 10:45, and I called to double check my time on their automated confirmation line, and it said “pick up between 11:05 and 11:25, estimated drop off time 11:42″. I thought… 11:42? I’m basically across the street. They’re probably picking me up and going somewhere else before they come back this way and drop me off, I wouldn’t put it past them to schedule like that. I decided to cancel because a) no driver is going to complain about losing that fare, b) they’re probably running late anyway, and c) I walked for 6 minutes, so I’m sure I can walk home!

I sat on hold for 15 minutes to cancel, and then went on my way. Tracy made me promise to walk slowly and carefully, and call her when I got home. It took me 20 minutes, but I did it! I needed to spend the rest of the afternoon flaked out in my La-Z-Boy (after scootering over to the mall for a celebratory latte), but it was worth it to test my ability like that. I haven’t tested myself to see how far I can walk, because then how would I walk home from the furthest I can walk? Heehee. I definitely see the walking to Wal-Mart and back in my future!

Of course, the entire day couldn’t go as well. When I left my apartment on my scooter there was a car parked at the end of the sidewalk I had to wait for before I could get out, three skanky teenage girls got in my way as I was going through the handicapped mall entrance door (there are 5 other doors for the able-bodied to choose from at the same entrance), hitting my scooter with the door and then butting in front of me, (all I said was… “EXCUSE ME??” and they responded “oh, sorry!” *giggle*) Bitches. And, the new girl at Second Cup tried to overcharge me for my latte and was all “whatEVER” when I told her (very nicely) what she is supposed to ring in, then tossed my change on the counter. I normally put it in the tip jar, but noooooot today.

I read for a couple hours this afternoon, and am finally almost finished the first of all my books I own and need to read. I’ve been trying to read this one for a few years. I’ll start it, put it down and forget about it, read other books, then start it again, etc. This time I was determined to get to the end. It’s an interesting book, but not the easiest read. Most of the unread books on my shelf are like that, which is why the goal to read all my books is under “Personal Growth” and not “Entertainment”. This one is Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss, and it is, of course, about healing. To steal just a couple paragraphs:

Do all that is necessary to support your physical body, such as taking the appropriate medicine, maintaining a daily exercise program, and eating properly. Simultaneously, do all that is necessary to support your energy body, such as releasing unfinished business and forgiving injuries from the past. Make whatever personal changes are necessary for healing to take place - leave that stressful job or marriage; take up meditation practice; or learn cross-country skiing. The specific changes you make are not the important point here. The point is to actually make the changes that healing requires.

Talking does not heal; taking action does. While it is essential to work at maintaining a positive attitude whatever your illness, healing requires dedication and commitment. Visualization will not work if you practice it only once a week, and no one’s body becomes fit from only one trip to the gym. Healing one’s body or one’s life challenges - or developing symbolic sight - requires daily practice and attention. Healing illness in particular may be a full-time occupation, although you can simplify the steps required to accomplish the task.

So, as I’m sure you can tell, 300 pages explaining the 7 Chakras and their relation to healing is quite an overwhelming read. But I believe in a lot of what she’s saying, and have two more of her books on my shelf, so I’m going to get through them and take what works for me. I’m still in the early stages of my personal healing journey, after, what, 10 years? Hehe. I’ll get there.

Oh, and last night I went to the mall for cat food and came back with yet another book to add to my reading list. I’ve got about 30 now, which may not sound like a lot to some people, but for me that is a lot! Especially when every time I sit down to read, Pita jumps up and sticks her bum in my face, doing her best to get my attention over some not-nearly-as-cute book (and she often succeeds). At least Body Clutter looks like a fun and easy read.

Tonight I’m going to my favourite Lebanese food restaurant with my friend Christine from Quebec. I haven’t had a falafel in soooo long! (Yes, I can eat those. And hummus and tabouli… yippee!)

Pepper is so pretty… that is all.