Angie isn’t sure what it will take to get better. Even though she’s not as tight as she was when she first walked into physical therapy, she’s still not completely healed. A few weeks ago Angie felt that she was making progress because she went a week without feeling any pain. But since then, there has been some tightness and some aches upon waking up.
Angie informed Lily that she was having a lot of tension in her neck and shoulder from two of the exercises. Lily corrected her form. However, after the long weekend, Angie still felt a lot of tension and soreness in her neck from the exercises. Lily took the exercises off of Angie’s roster of stretches and exercises. She added some new ones.
Angie will have to see how she feels with these modifications. After leaving both sessions, she was sore. Despite the tightness giving way faster when Lily massaged her back, she was still in pain.
She asked Lily when she was going to feel better. And Lily said, “I know. This is taking a lot longer than I thought.”
Angie has decided to go back to just doing her stretches and exercises and cardio for a bit to see if that helps. In the meantime, Lily told her to go to acupuncture to help out with a faster recovery. Back to the drawing board for Angie.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
The Day I Knew
I sat on a couch in a house outside of Mexico City watching the influx of various family members through the front door. I greeted everyone as best as I could with my limited Spanish. I tried to stay quiet and only speak when spoken to – mainly because my Spanish was more horrific than Hannibal Lecter.
As everyone else greeted each other and chatted (and I now know – gossiped), I just watched. Occasionally the volumes reached heights louder than my dad’s normal speaking voice. I could make out a word or two within each conversational pocket. But mostly I felt very ill-at-ease.
The day progressed and the whole family began to play Charades. (I didn’t join in because I had no idea what people were saying as it was – I really didn’t understand the language of clucking which is what most of it sounded like to me with all the various people’s tones and inflections circling around my ears.) The older people in the family played against the younger people. My husband was the oldest of the youngest group and the key to winning was to get each team to guess as many items as possible. The group with the winning guesses won the game.
Every time he stepped up, I couldn’t help but laugh. He made very expressive faces and insane gestures that I never would have guessed at the time (because I didn’t know the cultural background and I didn’t know the other players and what they would get). Somehow everyone understood him and this impressed me.
He had a way of making everyone feel calm and that they could figure these clues out if they just tried. His effort to help his family members in this small way struck me. It was as if he would do anything for his family – even the most insignificant thing. Plus the faces he made had me crying. He wasn’t afraid to make a fool out of himself.
Throughout that day, the little actions he took solidified a decision that was growing on me during the course of our friendship. That specific day as I think about it now produces various emotions in me. But I can definitely say that was when I knew I’d have a future with the Mexican.
As everyone else greeted each other and chatted (and I now know – gossiped), I just watched. Occasionally the volumes reached heights louder than my dad’s normal speaking voice. I could make out a word or two within each conversational pocket. But mostly I felt very ill-at-ease.
The day progressed and the whole family began to play Charades. (I didn’t join in because I had no idea what people were saying as it was – I really didn’t understand the language of clucking which is what most of it sounded like to me with all the various people’s tones and inflections circling around my ears.) The older people in the family played against the younger people. My husband was the oldest of the youngest group and the key to winning was to get each team to guess as many items as possible. The group with the winning guesses won the game.
Every time he stepped up, I couldn’t help but laugh. He made very expressive faces and insane gestures that I never would have guessed at the time (because I didn’t know the cultural background and I didn’t know the other players and what they would get). Somehow everyone understood him and this impressed me.
He had a way of making everyone feel calm and that they could figure these clues out if they just tried. His effort to help his family members in this small way struck me. It was as if he would do anything for his family – even the most insignificant thing. Plus the faces he made had me crying. He wasn’t afraid to make a fool out of himself.
Throughout that day, the little actions he took solidified a decision that was growing on me during the course of our friendship. That specific day as I think about it now produces various emotions in me. But I can definitely say that was when I knew I’d have a future with the Mexican.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Physical Therapy (Part 13)
Despite Angie’s soreness, she felt she was making progress as she walked into her session. Lily was busy evaluating a new patient so she did all of her exercises with a few adjustments from the PT aide.
Angie finished all her exercises and Lily finished her evaluation. Lily told Angie that she felt that Angie’s back was much better. Even though it was tight, there was movement in her joints and muscles that was lacking before. Angie was happy to hear this news even though she was sore.
Lily told Angie to concentrate on a couple of exercises in the next few days.
“Hopefully that would ease up the tension in your back even more!”
Angie crossed her fingers and was off into the world trying to remember not to slouch when she walked because she was sore.
Angie finished all her exercises and Lily finished her evaluation. Lily told Angie that she felt that Angie’s back was much better. Even though it was tight, there was movement in her joints and muscles that was lacking before. Angie was happy to hear this news even though she was sore.
Lily told Angie to concentrate on a couple of exercises in the next few days.
“Hopefully that would ease up the tension in your back even more!”
Angie crossed her fingers and was off into the world trying to remember not to slouch when she walked because she was sore.
Friday, May 20, 2011
In a Funk
Every so often a wave of emotions comes over me. I usually know how to handle these emotions so that they don’t get the best of me. But once in a blue moon, the wave is so big that I feel like I’m drowning. The last few days I’ve felt like I’ve been swimming futilely against the current.
Most of the time I know exactly what brings this feeling to light. But right now it feels like a million things are getting to me. Despite my mantra of not letting things get to me (because I see now with my recent back injury that stress doesn’t help me), I haven’t been able to put a kibosh on these feelings. Sometimes I just need to feel so sorry for myself that I reach the nadir that propels me back up again. Like a pressure cooker that has to flip its lid from all the steam. I’m definitely not rising to the top yet. I haven’t flipped my lid yet – and honestly I won’t. I don’t explode externally; it’s all internal compression. It boils and boils to a point in my brain where I make a decision and then I move forward with that decision.
I haven’t come to that decision yet, mostly because the funk I am in is an amalgam of frustrations, aggravations and stresses from different places in my life. I hope the decision comes soon but for the time being, I’ll do the best I can with the funk I’m in.
Most of the time I know exactly what brings this feeling to light. But right now it feels like a million things are getting to me. Despite my mantra of not letting things get to me (because I see now with my recent back injury that stress doesn’t help me), I haven’t been able to put a kibosh on these feelings. Sometimes I just need to feel so sorry for myself that I reach the nadir that propels me back up again. Like a pressure cooker that has to flip its lid from all the steam. I’m definitely not rising to the top yet. I haven’t flipped my lid yet – and honestly I won’t. I don’t explode externally; it’s all internal compression. It boils and boils to a point in my brain where I make a decision and then I move forward with that decision.
I haven’t come to that decision yet, mostly because the funk I am in is an amalgam of frustrations, aggravations and stresses from different places in my life. I hope the decision comes soon but for the time being, I’ll do the best I can with the funk I’m in.
Physical Therapy (Part 12)
Angie walked into PT feeling better than earlier this week. She told Lily that aside from some pain in the upper back, she was feeling looser in her middle back. Lily confirmed this.
It seemed that the new shoulder and upper back exercises were causing the tightness Angie was experiencing. Also due to the tightness, Angie claimed she was overcompensating by sitting a little worse than she should be. Lily told her that she had to work through the pain. Angie said ‘that’s all I’ve been doing for that past couple months.” Lily laughed and agreed but reminded Angie that she needed to just be patient and that things would clear up in a bit.
The abs exercises were still challenging to Angie which she mentioned to Jessica, the PT aide. Jess confirmed that they are not easy and it takes a long time to build up those muscles because we don’t concentrating on using them when we sit, when we walk etc.
Overall, it was a good session but something was still bothering Angie.
It seemed that the new shoulder and upper back exercises were causing the tightness Angie was experiencing. Also due to the tightness, Angie claimed she was overcompensating by sitting a little worse than she should be. Lily told her that she had to work through the pain. Angie said ‘that’s all I’ve been doing for that past couple months.” Lily laughed and agreed but reminded Angie that she needed to just be patient and that things would clear up in a bit.
The abs exercises were still challenging to Angie which she mentioned to Jessica, the PT aide. Jess confirmed that they are not easy and it takes a long time to build up those muscles because we don’t concentrating on using them when we sit, when we walk etc.
Overall, it was a good session but something was still bothering Angie.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Dyslexia??
Recently my company upgraded our email directory so that everyone was using a standard form of addressing people. Instead of using any which name that came to mind, we now all use the convention of last name first, first name last. I think this is pretty cool because it reminds me of the days of yore when I was in school. My teacher would usually get to me very early on in roll call because my last name begins with A.
However, I’m beginning to think that there is something wrong with people because they commonly refer to my last name as my first name in emails. It has happened not just once, but a handful of times now. I know the email convention. So I don’t initiate my emails to Williams, Bob as: ‘ Hi Williams,’. (Mind you, I’ve done this in the past with a co-worker because we thought it was funny but professionally, I wouldn’t do this to everyone.)
What this seems to prove to me is that people just don’t pay attention. I understand that everyone is busy and people don’t have a lot of time. But even if that is the case, I think it’s important for people to get those first few actions correct. First impressions do make a big deal as we all know. And if you get my name wrong, it doesn’t sit well with me. I’m sure it wouldn’t with most people either.
However, I’m beginning to think that there is something wrong with people because they commonly refer to my last name as my first name in emails. It has happened not just once, but a handful of times now. I know the email convention. So I don’t initiate my emails to Williams, Bob as: ‘ Hi Williams,’. (Mind you, I’ve done this in the past with a co-worker because we thought it was funny but professionally, I wouldn’t do this to everyone.)
What this seems to prove to me is that people just don’t pay attention. I understand that everyone is busy and people don’t have a lot of time. But even if that is the case, I think it’s important for people to get those first few actions correct. First impressions do make a big deal as we all know. And if you get my name wrong, it doesn’t sit well with me. I’m sure it wouldn’t with most people either.
Casual Elegant
The other day I made a reservation at a restaurant. As I looked at their menu, I noticed that their dress code was ‘Casual Elegant’. Upon reading that description I asked myself aloud “What the hell does this mean??”
I feel like putting those two words together to describe clothing is an oxymoron. How can you dress elegantly yet still be casual? I guess I don’t know what this type of clothing looks like. Am I the only one baffled by this description? Send some links of casual elegant clothes to me in my blog. I would really appreciate it.
I feel like putting those two words together to describe clothing is an oxymoron. How can you dress elegantly yet still be casual? I guess I don’t know what this type of clothing looks like. Am I the only one baffled by this description? Send some links of casual elegant clothes to me in my blog. I would really appreciate it.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Physical Therapy (Part 11)
Angie woke in a bad mood Saturday morning – as well as on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday morning. She raised herself from bed and immediately felt the tightness of her back muscle pull on her rib cage. She was frustrated that after all this exercise and stretching; here she was again in pain. Granted it wasn’t as intense and horrible as before but it was still there.
Angie proceeds to the gym to do her exercises and stretches and the pain eased up. Yet every morning she was greeted with the slight pain and tightness. She was really tired of being in pain for the last 3 months.
She walked into physical therapy and gave Lily the update. Lily asked if Angie had done anything differently. Angie said that she had not done anything out of the normal. She was doing her exercises and stretches and she didn’t understand why she was still having pain.
Lily checked Angie’s back and informed her that her rib cage was tight again which could be from the weather but most likely from Angie’s posture. It seemed to Angie that any pain she was having was resulting in another body part that needed to be strengthened. She didn’t mind because she did know that she had bad posture. But Angie felt defeated by her own body. She felt frustrated that she never took care of these things before and now she was paying the price.
So Lily taught Angie some new exercises to begin to work on her upper back, shoulders and neck muscles. Angie was sure this was going to result in more pain than doing the monster walk. Angie knew she had to be patient and that it would take time but again she felt exhausted by the months of pain.
And thus continues the drama. Tune in next time for an update on this situation.
Angie proceeds to the gym to do her exercises and stretches and the pain eased up. Yet every morning she was greeted with the slight pain and tightness. She was really tired of being in pain for the last 3 months.
She walked into physical therapy and gave Lily the update. Lily asked if Angie had done anything differently. Angie said that she had not done anything out of the normal. She was doing her exercises and stretches and she didn’t understand why she was still having pain.
Lily checked Angie’s back and informed her that her rib cage was tight again which could be from the weather but most likely from Angie’s posture. It seemed to Angie that any pain she was having was resulting in another body part that needed to be strengthened. She didn’t mind because she did know that she had bad posture. But Angie felt defeated by her own body. She felt frustrated that she never took care of these things before and now she was paying the price.
So Lily taught Angie some new exercises to begin to work on her upper back, shoulders and neck muscles. Angie was sure this was going to result in more pain than doing the monster walk. Angie knew she had to be patient and that it would take time but again she felt exhausted by the months of pain.
And thus continues the drama. Tune in next time for an update on this situation.
Monday, May 16, 2011
All Joking Aside
Like most people, I love a good joke – except when I’m the butt of those jokes in some way. I quantify in some way because I’m my own favorite joke in that I have a self deprecating sense of humor. So it’s ok if I make fun of myself. And if someone makes fun of me in a non-malicious way, I’m up for it.
However, there are people who use jokes to show exactly what they are thinking. This annoys me because under the guise of a joke, people think that others don’t know what they are saying. Let me explain further.
A couple of weeks ago someone came up to me asking me about a spreadsheet I was working on. I had saved it to a shared drive once I was completed with it. The person stated that there was something wrong with the spreadsheet and couldn’t figure out what had happened. She told me all this in front of a couple of people. When I opened the spreadsheet, I could tell what had happened to the document.
People were confused and needed calming down which I did. After we got of the phone, the lady who had approached me made a joke saying ‘We can just blame Angie’. To which I replied “Sounds like that’s exactly what you are doing – blaming me.”
I then went on to explain that the person needed to clear the filter on the spreadsheet and then she would have seen what had happened to the information that had been there before.
Needless to say, I was pretty peeved with this person’s joke and I certainly wasn’t going to let her get away with those comments in my presence. You see what I mean about people using jokes to hide what they are up to or what they really intend. This particular person does it a lot and it’s annoying. I categorize this behavior into my phoney baloney category. I don’t like people who can’t just say it straight. If she’s going to blame me, blame me. Don’t joke about it and pretend to cushion the blow.
I intend to nip her antics in the bud if she continues to do this. So I guess the joke is on her in the end.
However, there are people who use jokes to show exactly what they are thinking. This annoys me because under the guise of a joke, people think that others don’t know what they are saying. Let me explain further.
A couple of weeks ago someone came up to me asking me about a spreadsheet I was working on. I had saved it to a shared drive once I was completed with it. The person stated that there was something wrong with the spreadsheet and couldn’t figure out what had happened. She told me all this in front of a couple of people. When I opened the spreadsheet, I could tell what had happened to the document.
People were confused and needed calming down which I did. After we got of the phone, the lady who had approached me made a joke saying ‘We can just blame Angie’. To which I replied “Sounds like that’s exactly what you are doing – blaming me.”
I then went on to explain that the person needed to clear the filter on the spreadsheet and then she would have seen what had happened to the information that had been there before.
Needless to say, I was pretty peeved with this person’s joke and I certainly wasn’t going to let her get away with those comments in my presence. You see what I mean about people using jokes to hide what they are up to or what they really intend. This particular person does it a lot and it’s annoying. I categorize this behavior into my phoney baloney category. I don’t like people who can’t just say it straight. If she’s going to blame me, blame me. Don’t joke about it and pretend to cushion the blow.
I intend to nip her antics in the bud if she continues to do this. So I guess the joke is on her in the end.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Japan Day Run (a.k.a. Thank You Lady Gaga)
A lovely morning greeted us last Sunday as the Mexican and I prepared to run the annual Japan Day race in Central Park. Due to the earthquakes and tsunami that hit Japan a few months ago, all proceeds from this race were going to help Japan’s recovery. I was more psyched to do this run for that reason alone. And also I wasn’t planning to run. I could do a 4 mile walk with no problem so I wasn’t planning to push myself.
It was also Mother’s day! A few of the women at the starting gate where having conversations with their friends and/or kids who had called to wish them a lovely day. I decided to drown out all those well wishes and to not be depressed by playing Lady Gaga for this race.
The usual walk to the start happened and then people ran like mad. I decided to take my sweet time. Until a couple of my favorite songs started and somehow running seemed appropriate. I sang and breathed and ran and sang and walked. As I got closer to the finish line, my favorite Lady Gaga song came on and I said ‘Why not?’ and sprinted. As I increased my pace, I saw the Mexican (who had already finished his race eons before me!) who began to cheer me on.
I crossed the finish line running even though I wanted to vomit about 2 yards away from the finish line. I was proud that I finished and that I ran probably a good half mile of the race. The Mexican met me closer to the finish line and we walked home together. As we walked past the finish line, we saw a guy who had finished his race propose marriage to his girlfriend. It was cute even if he was soaked through in sweat.
The next day I checked the race results out of curiosity and rued the day that I did. How could it be that my running pace was greater than my usual walking pace?? Could I be a slower runner than I am as walker? I’ll never figure it out. Luckily my back didn’t hurt me during the race or after. So even if my pace isn’t improving, at least my back is getting better.
It was also Mother’s day! A few of the women at the starting gate where having conversations with their friends and/or kids who had called to wish them a lovely day. I decided to drown out all those well wishes and to not be depressed by playing Lady Gaga for this race.
The usual walk to the start happened and then people ran like mad. I decided to take my sweet time. Until a couple of my favorite songs started and somehow running seemed appropriate. I sang and breathed and ran and sang and walked. As I got closer to the finish line, my favorite Lady Gaga song came on and I said ‘Why not?’ and sprinted. As I increased my pace, I saw the Mexican (who had already finished his race eons before me!) who began to cheer me on.
I crossed the finish line running even though I wanted to vomit about 2 yards away from the finish line. I was proud that I finished and that I ran probably a good half mile of the race. The Mexican met me closer to the finish line and we walked home together. As we walked past the finish line, we saw a guy who had finished his race propose marriage to his girlfriend. It was cute even if he was soaked through in sweat.
The next day I checked the race results out of curiosity and rued the day that I did. How could it be that my running pace was greater than my usual walking pace?? Could I be a slower runner than I am as walker? I’ll never figure it out. Luckily my back didn’t hurt me during the race or after. So even if my pace isn’t improving, at least my back is getting better.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Physical Therapy (Part 10)
Angie was coming to the end of her allotted physical therapy sessions. She was informed that if she wanted to continue her therapy into next week, she’s need to get a new prescription from her doctor.
Calls were made and faxes were sent. Finally Angie walked to physical therapy the best she could due to her muscle soreness from the session the day before. Angie checked in and met with Lily before starting her exercises and stretches. She informed Lily that she was sore from the Monster Walk exercise. To which Lily said ‘Yes, that one makes everyone sore the first time.” Angie felt comforted by the fact that she was not the only one who had faced this soreness.
Upon evaluation, Lily told Angie her back was stiff, to which Angie replied ‘I know but it’s not so bad that I can’t sleep, so I deal with it!’
Angie learned a couple more exercises to build up her ‘weak butt’ – which was not news Angie wanted to hear. She did the rest of her exercises and stretches which included the Monster Walk exercise which she will surely make her even stiffer.
Calls were made and faxes were sent. Finally Angie walked to physical therapy the best she could due to her muscle soreness from the session the day before. Angie checked in and met with Lily before starting her exercises and stretches. She informed Lily that she was sore from the Monster Walk exercise. To which Lily said ‘Yes, that one makes everyone sore the first time.” Angie felt comforted by the fact that she was not the only one who had faced this soreness.
Upon evaluation, Lily told Angie her back was stiff, to which Angie replied ‘I know but it’s not so bad that I can’t sleep, so I deal with it!’
Angie learned a couple more exercises to build up her ‘weak butt’ – which was not news Angie wanted to hear. She did the rest of her exercises and stretches which included the Monster Walk exercise which she will surely make her even stiffer.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
On the Loose
Yes, it happened again. Another animal escaped from the Bronx Zoo. This time, the escapee isn’t as scary as the first (at least, not in my book but if you hate birds, I’m sorry for you!). A female peacock – really called a peahen, my friends – was out and about in the Bronx.
Apparently a mail carrier saw the peahen and called it into the Bronx Zoo. With 2 escapees in just a few weeks of each other, I wonder if they aren’t letting us know that the conditions at the zoo are a little shady and they needed to get out. Or maybe they are just saying that animal security at the park is not where it needs to be.
Apparently a mail carrier saw the peahen and called it into the Bronx Zoo. With 2 escapees in just a few weeks of each other, I wonder if they aren’t letting us know that the conditions at the zoo are a little shady and they needed to get out. Or maybe they are just saying that animal security at the park is not where it needs to be.
Physical Therapy (Part 9)
New exercises were introduced into Angie’s repertoire – much to Angie’s delight! And we don’t mean this sarcastically. Angie is being very optimistic about getting better and feels that more exercises mean she’s making progress!
When Lily walked Angie through the new stretches, Angie tried them out. Lily corrected her form and told her if things looked fine or not. One new exercise posed a bit of a problem for Lily because she knew it would be awkward and it would make Angie sore. Angie simply replied “I’ve been sore or in pain for the last 2 months, what’s a little more?”
Although the exercise was odd, Angie felt the pain immediately. She said ‘I don’t think I’ve ever worked these muscles before!’ Lily laughed at Angie but told her it was one of the best exercises that everyone should do but no one learns it. It was ‘a big bang for your buck exercise’, according to Lily.
As Angie walked back to work, she felt the soreness from the new exercise already building its way into her muscles. She tried to stretch out at work but she only ended up looking stupid because everyone on her floor started looking at her. Angie decided that come the next day, she wouldn’t care about doing stretches at work because she was tired of being in pain.
When Lily walked Angie through the new stretches, Angie tried them out. Lily corrected her form and told her if things looked fine or not. One new exercise posed a bit of a problem for Lily because she knew it would be awkward and it would make Angie sore. Angie simply replied “I’ve been sore or in pain for the last 2 months, what’s a little more?”
Although the exercise was odd, Angie felt the pain immediately. She said ‘I don’t think I’ve ever worked these muscles before!’ Lily laughed at Angie but told her it was one of the best exercises that everyone should do but no one learns it. It was ‘a big bang for your buck exercise’, according to Lily.
As Angie walked back to work, she felt the soreness from the new exercise already building its way into her muscles. She tried to stretch out at work but she only ended up looking stupid because everyone on her floor started looking at her. Angie decided that come the next day, she wouldn’t care about doing stretches at work because she was tired of being in pain.
That's Italian
As most people know I’m Italian-American and that fact comes with a mixed bag of pride and shame. Sources of pride can be found in the language, literature, and many historical moments. The biggest origin of shame is the television show ‘the Jersey Shore’ (among others really but that’s a pretty big cradle of contrition).
I find the country to be wondrous, beautiful and warm. The people tend to be like that too but mostly I find them to be a jolly, humorous bunch. Some recent events I’ve witnessed have produced chuckles from me and from others in my retellings. Just before Easter, I had gone shopping at my local ‘Whole Foods’. I’ve never seen a grocery store so bustling with people! As I was ticking items off my list, I saw a bunch of nicely (and brightly!) dressed people in front of the meat counter staring at the various cuts and types of meat. One woman said to the others “Look at that meat”. She said this in Italian and my interested was piqued. They commented on t how red and fresh everything looked. They were stunned by how cheap the meat was in comparison to the prices in Italy. And all I could do was chuckle because they acted as though they had just witnessed the royal wedding from the awe and amazement on their faces.
Another time I was in a restaurant waiting for take out. I was eavesdropping (something I normally do, don’t you know!) on the hostess, who was taking a phone order, and her boss standing behind her giving her directions on how to take phone orders. She proceeded to tell the caller that they could look at their menu on www.webaddress.periodcom….instead of dot.com. This made me laugh because I understood why she said the web address that way. When she got off the phone, the boss corrected her and told her to say dot com. And she explained to him that in English class they told him that the period was call a period and not a dot. And he said ‘Well, you know Americans don’t know English’. This made me laugh out loud which I covered up by coughing. The hostess later approached me to explain what had happened (even though I already knew because I speak Italian – score 1 for Angie and I was eavesdropping – score 2 for Angie) and asked me to explain if web addresses end in dot.com or period.com. I explained the rule to her and then got my food and went home.
The link at the end of this entry shows another reason why I think Italians are funny as heck! It’s sad that there could be an earthquake in Italy today but Italians (in Italy) will use any excuse to not go to work. Even if the excuse is to spend time with their family in case they die; I wonder how much they care for this same family if there isn’t a natural disaster involved. And I’m amazed at how superstitious Italians still are given that they aren’t as religious as they used to be.
Regardless, I hope nothing happens today in terms of earthquakes. And I sincerely hope that more people will go to Italy and experience this wonderful country. Hopefully everyone will experience a chuckle or two in their presence.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110509/od_nm/us_italy_earthquake_prediction_odd;_ylt=AsjJfTHRYJoBKH2t94MI6lla24cA;_ylu=X3oDMTNnN2g3bmp2BGFzc2V0A25tLzIwMTEwNTA5L3VzX2l0YWx5X2VhcnRocXVha2VfcHJlZGljdGlvbl9vZGQEY2NvZGUDZ21wZQRjcG9zAzgEcG9zAzgEc2VjA3luX3RvcF9zdG9yaWVzBHNsawNyb21hbnNncmlwcGU-
I find the country to be wondrous, beautiful and warm. The people tend to be like that too but mostly I find them to be a jolly, humorous bunch. Some recent events I’ve witnessed have produced chuckles from me and from others in my retellings. Just before Easter, I had gone shopping at my local ‘Whole Foods’. I’ve never seen a grocery store so bustling with people! As I was ticking items off my list, I saw a bunch of nicely (and brightly!) dressed people in front of the meat counter staring at the various cuts and types of meat. One woman said to the others “Look at that meat”. She said this in Italian and my interested was piqued. They commented on t how red and fresh everything looked. They were stunned by how cheap the meat was in comparison to the prices in Italy. And all I could do was chuckle because they acted as though they had just witnessed the royal wedding from the awe and amazement on their faces.
Another time I was in a restaurant waiting for take out. I was eavesdropping (something I normally do, don’t you know!) on the hostess, who was taking a phone order, and her boss standing behind her giving her directions on how to take phone orders. She proceeded to tell the caller that they could look at their menu on www.webaddress.periodcom….instead of dot.com. This made me laugh because I understood why she said the web address that way. When she got off the phone, the boss corrected her and told her to say dot com. And she explained to him that in English class they told him that the period was call a period and not a dot. And he said ‘Well, you know Americans don’t know English’. This made me laugh out loud which I covered up by coughing. The hostess later approached me to explain what had happened (even though I already knew because I speak Italian – score 1 for Angie and I was eavesdropping – score 2 for Angie) and asked me to explain if web addresses end in dot.com or period.com. I explained the rule to her and then got my food and went home.
The link at the end of this entry shows another reason why I think Italians are funny as heck! It’s sad that there could be an earthquake in Italy today but Italians (in Italy) will use any excuse to not go to work. Even if the excuse is to spend time with their family in case they die; I wonder how much they care for this same family if there isn’t a natural disaster involved. And I’m amazed at how superstitious Italians still are given that they aren’t as religious as they used to be.
Regardless, I hope nothing happens today in terms of earthquakes. And I sincerely hope that more people will go to Italy and experience this wonderful country. Hopefully everyone will experience a chuckle or two in their presence.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110509/od_nm/us_italy_earthquake_prediction_odd;_ylt=AsjJfTHRYJoBKH2t94MI6lla24cA;_ylu=X3oDMTNnN2g3bmp2BGFzc2V0A25tLzIwMTEwNTA5L3VzX2l0YWx5X2VhcnRocXVha2VfcHJlZGljdGlvbl9vZGQEY2NvZGUDZ21wZQRjcG9zAzgEcG9zAzgEc2VjA3luX3RvcF9zdG9yaWVzBHNsawNyb21hbnNncmlwcGU-
Friday, May 6, 2011
Physical Therapy (Parts 7 & 8)
#7- There isn’t much to report from this session. Things were getting better for Angie and she told Lily that. Lily confirmed that Angie’s back was better but still not 100%.
#8 – Lily had left unexpectedly early so another PT took over for Angie’s session. This PT added more weight to Angie’s existing exercises. She also gave Angie new exercises to do. Angie was very happy to be pushed a little more. During the massage part of the session, the PT felt that Angie was better than her initial notes showed. She asked Angie some more direct questions and decided to speed up the process a bit more by giving her back electrical stimulation. She had asked Angie if that was ok with her. Angie couldn’t have been happier knowing from past experience that stimulation was very helpful to recovery. The therapist put the stimulation pads on Angie’s back and then put a heating pad on top of it. Angie took a nap for what seemed like a half hour and woke up when she thought she was snoring.
Angie is hoping that this progress will continue for the next few weeks of physical therapy.
#8 – Lily had left unexpectedly early so another PT took over for Angie’s session. This PT added more weight to Angie’s existing exercises. She also gave Angie new exercises to do. Angie was very happy to be pushed a little more. During the massage part of the session, the PT felt that Angie was better than her initial notes showed. She asked Angie some more direct questions and decided to speed up the process a bit more by giving her back electrical stimulation. She had asked Angie if that was ok with her. Angie couldn’t have been happier knowing from past experience that stimulation was very helpful to recovery. The therapist put the stimulation pads on Angie’s back and then put a heating pad on top of it. Angie took a nap for what seemed like a half hour and woke up when she thought she was snoring.
Angie is hoping that this progress will continue for the next few weeks of physical therapy.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Judge Judy
It’s hard to drown out the television volume when someone is going deaf around you. No matter how loudly you have your own ipod, it never completely silences the noise around you. And you worry about going deaf or insane from all blares surrounding you.
Usually this caliber of racket would drive a normal person to drink. But when you listen closely and the sound of a straight-talking tough cookie is what you hear, it’s difficult to not be interested in what she says. This, my friends, is Judge Judy and my dad adores her.
As she puts people in their place or tosses them out of her court for annoying her, my dad hoots aloud. He makes comments after she makes her rulings or observations and generally chuckles for a good hour. His daily schedule revolves around her. At about 3:55 he stops whatever he’s doing and goes to the closest television to see Judge Judy.
The other day midway through a much needed haircut, he told me to hurry up because Judge Judy was going to be on soon. I told him not to rush someone with sharp scissors and a razor in their hand! He waited patiently and then bolted as fast as he could, which was actually snail like, to the television. All I heard for the next hour through my headphones was my music punctuated every so often with an ‘Ah ha ha!’ or ‘You tell him, Judy!’
Usually this caliber of racket would drive a normal person to drink. But when you listen closely and the sound of a straight-talking tough cookie is what you hear, it’s difficult to not be interested in what she says. This, my friends, is Judge Judy and my dad adores her.
As she puts people in their place or tosses them out of her court for annoying her, my dad hoots aloud. He makes comments after she makes her rulings or observations and generally chuckles for a good hour. His daily schedule revolves around her. At about 3:55 he stops whatever he’s doing and goes to the closest television to see Judge Judy.
The other day midway through a much needed haircut, he told me to hurry up because Judge Judy was going to be on soon. I told him not to rush someone with sharp scissors and a razor in their hand! He waited patiently and then bolted as fast as he could, which was actually snail like, to the television. All I heard for the next hour through my headphones was my music punctuated every so often with an ‘Ah ha ha!’ or ‘You tell him, Judy!’
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Rainy Run
Last Saturday the Mexican and I signed up for a run in Central Park. I wasn’t entirely sure it would be the best thing with my back but my physical therapist said any cardio would help to keep the muscles warm and pliable. I was excited to be able to do something fun that would also help my back.
As we started to awake from our groggy sleep, we noticed that no birds were chirping and there was consistent tapping at our window. These were not encouraging noises.
Regardless of the fact that it was raining outside, we decided to run the race. The Mexican needed to complete it to cover his 9 race requirement to enter for the 2012 New York City Marathon. Even if I only completed part of it, he had to do it. I decided I would join him in support.
We put on all our running gear and I decided to put on my contacts because running with glasses isn’t fun in this day of non-windshield wipers for frames! I put my hoodies on and tied them tight around my face to keep from getting rain slanting into my neck (it’s an annoying feeling).
We got our numbers, got in line and waited for the starting gun, which we didn’t hear through all the rain that started pouring. I decided I’d only walk a bit because the rain was becoming relentless so the Mexican handed me the keys and we made our meeting point at home. We walked ¾ of a mile together and then the Mexican went on his way. I walked another ¼ of a mile and decided to call it quits.
I walked through the park and the rain showed no signs of stopping. A few minutes later I saw different signs of life – namely tourist buses parked along the edge of the park. I got home and was welcomed by the pooches while I peeled all the wet clothes of my body. I hung up the fleece jacket and one of the hoodies I was wearing. They dripped with so much water that small puddles began to form on the floor where they were hanging.
I jumped into the shower and prepared some warm coffee. As I waited for the Mexican to arrive, I did my back stretches. The doorbell rang and there was the wet Mexican --dripping even worse than I was. He had a pool of water forming under him as he walked to the door.
He said it was a great run despite the rain. If it weren’t for the fear of my back getting worse, I would have completed the race as well. But with my hoodies already soaking, I didn’t think it was a good idea. I’m hoping I’ll be able to do another run soon with fewer worries and even less rain.
As we started to awake from our groggy sleep, we noticed that no birds were chirping and there was consistent tapping at our window. These were not encouraging noises.
Regardless of the fact that it was raining outside, we decided to run the race. The Mexican needed to complete it to cover his 9 race requirement to enter for the 2012 New York City Marathon. Even if I only completed part of it, he had to do it. I decided I would join him in support.
We put on all our running gear and I decided to put on my contacts because running with glasses isn’t fun in this day of non-windshield wipers for frames! I put my hoodies on and tied them tight around my face to keep from getting rain slanting into my neck (it’s an annoying feeling).
We got our numbers, got in line and waited for the starting gun, which we didn’t hear through all the rain that started pouring. I decided I’d only walk a bit because the rain was becoming relentless so the Mexican handed me the keys and we made our meeting point at home. We walked ¾ of a mile together and then the Mexican went on his way. I walked another ¼ of a mile and decided to call it quits.
I walked through the park and the rain showed no signs of stopping. A few minutes later I saw different signs of life – namely tourist buses parked along the edge of the park. I got home and was welcomed by the pooches while I peeled all the wet clothes of my body. I hung up the fleece jacket and one of the hoodies I was wearing. They dripped with so much water that small puddles began to form on the floor where they were hanging.
I jumped into the shower and prepared some warm coffee. As I waited for the Mexican to arrive, I did my back stretches. The doorbell rang and there was the wet Mexican --dripping even worse than I was. He had a pool of water forming under him as he walked to the door.
He said it was a great run despite the rain. If it weren’t for the fear of my back getting worse, I would have completed the race as well. But with my hoodies already soaking, I didn’t think it was a good idea. I’m hoping I’ll be able to do another run soon with fewer worries and even less rain.
Physical Therapy (Part 6)
Finally a breakthrough! Angie felt better and told Lily so. Lily agreed that although she was still tight that there was some in her rib and back muscles. Both agreed that the new stretches and sleeping with pillows under Angie’s legs must have been what did the trick.
Some new stretches were added to Angie’s arsenal and the heat pad was applied. Angie felt much better after this session because her previous one was not encouraging at all!
As our heroine’s saga takes a turn, please join us shortly for another installment in this harrowing drama.
Some new stretches were added to Angie’s arsenal and the heat pad was applied. Angie felt much better after this session because her previous one was not encouraging at all!
As our heroine’s saga takes a turn, please join us shortly for another installment in this harrowing drama.
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