Yesterday I had a board meeting for my company that took quite a bit of preparation and last way too long - over 3 hours. My dad snuck this shot on his way back from the bathroom:
That’s in the party room of my apartment building. Pretty decent and the chair was the right height and cushioned enough for me to transfer to it.
I can’t say enough about how working and feeling productive improves my mood and sense of value. I’m sure this is typical for most people and especially guys. If I feel like I am accomplishing something and making an income to support myself in the process, my mood is good. Especially now that I’m injured, feeling a sense of self-worth is as important as it is for high schoolers.
The meeting went well. Most of the guys came up to my place for a beer afterwards. My dad, Rich and Erik put some lumber underneath my bed to raise it a few inches, making it easier for me to transfer from. Thanks, guys! I didn’t get a KAFO training in yesterday with all the work before and during the meeting, so I stood up with the walker for a while and walked around a bit. It feels so good to just do some work with my legs.
Today was hugely different. I still worked all morning, but then instead of a meeting in the afternoon, I had a training session with Tiffany at RIC. We went straight to the treadmill, which seems to be the favorite activity now when I go. For some reason it was easy today and I went for 40 minutes and 0.41 miles, which is a new PR. It felt great. Tiffany helped me improve my form a bit and also had me try this thing where I’d only use one hand while stepping. At first it seemed impossible but then it started working, however sloppily. I could take 5 steps alternately which hand I was using, but never more than 1 at a time. Definitely will have to improve on that. Similar to what Mark Stephan says, if I can do it for 5 steps, why not 1000?
My old roommate, Tony, from RIC when I was an inpatient just had his baby, too. Totally awesome-looking kid. It will probably have 9 foot long arms to block volleyball shots like Tony did.
Update on Goldie: the dog will NOT poop or pee outside! Totally ridiculous. I don’t want to give her back to PAWS but she has got to learn how to go to the bathroom outside. Ridiculous. Beautiful dog, though. She ran around at a dog park with another dog just a little bit ago. That was really fun.
I can smell the stuffed bell peppers that Rebecca is cooking… time for me to go.
Dear Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for giving me so many ways to feel fulfilled in life. Thank You for all my great friends and family. Dear Lord, please be with Tony and his new baby and family. Let everyone have a fantastic 4th of July and remember tomorrow how great our nation is and how much better it could be if we all shared the same appreciation for it. Let everyone realize that everything we have is because of You. Nothing we have and nothing we can do is from our own organic abilities. We need You, Lord. Please be with us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
G’night and have a good 4th!
Chip
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