Rainy Days
It's been rainy off and on for the past few days. Also warm (~80 Fahrenheit), but with a breeze. All in all, the summer has been bearable, in the 60's to 70's Fahrenheit for a stretch before this last spate of 80-degree weather. I saw in the newspaper that there may be a colder-than-usual winter because of this mild summer.
I also heard on the radio that a Canadian astronaut could see visible signs of global warming from the spacecraft...he compared the sights of the polar ice caps during this tour to his memory of the ice caps during his last tour a dozen years ago. He said that fact saddened him.
Labels: global warming, NASA, weather
Girl's Night Out
Last night, Karina and Rachel and Jennifer H and I went to the Waterfront for a girl's night out. We did some shopping for school items at Target, then had dinner at Steak and Shake...the mint cookies shake was delicious!
Overall, a fun bonding night with the girls.
Labels: dining, friends, shopping
The Double on The Philanthropist
This is the first episode of the Philanthropist I watched...This episode of The Philanthropist is about identity theft.
Labels: gift, TV
Trader Joe's adventure
Went on a Trader Joe's adventure with Marissa, Beatrice, and Solomon after pancakes, reading, cruising about the living room, and doing puzzles. Beatrice was in my cart, and we had a chance to sample the "juice" (fruit punch) and yogurt with added berries. I luckily snagged the last container of flavored whole milk yogurt.
Beatrice was enamored with the balloon from the lady at the register. She held it by the string with both hands. We waited outside with the car door open for Marissa and Solomon. We had a great trip back, and the kids took a nap upon their arrival home.
Labels: dine, niece and nephew, shopping
Farewell, Miss Fleming
Found out about the passing of one of my college physics professors, Miss Phyllis Fleming. Here are links to her obituaries from the New York Times and the Boston Globe.
Ms. Fleming made physics fun! She always made a point of chatting with students about physics, college, and life in general. She even listened to us if we had suggestions to improve the lab design. She is one of the reasons I am now a university science instructor myself.
I took advantage of the MIT-Wellesley exchange program (which she started) to attend classes and do research at MIT, experiences I'll not forget.
Brava, Phyllis, for a life well-lived!
We'll miss her grandly, yes, we will.
Labels: farewell, school, science, teaching, Wellesley
Dancing Boys
I asked for dancing boys, but I didn't expect this, with bread!
Labels: blogs, dance, international culture, TV
Laundry, Physical Therapy, Airline Miles Promotion
I awoke at ~6am today to do some laundry. After breakfast I went to physical therapy. I told Keelan that I was kind of sore in the socket from Monday's walking adventures. I still need to develop my muscles...
I completed my profile for the airline miles promotion, and played the online geography game. I also took a nice nap this afternoon.
Labels: BAD, exercise, games, laundry, pain, sleep, travel, water exercise
Yoga Day III
I ran into my boss, Carole, and Karen C. on the way to meeting Karina for lunch today.
Karina and I went to yoga again this afternoon. I sat in a chair and did a lot. Afterwards, I went to Giant Eagle and purchased cold cuts. I saw my former co-worker, Ben, on the way out. Karina and I then went to two drug stores in search of good deals on multivitamins. She got a year's (!) supply in one jar. I ran into Franco with Karina.
I sat outside and chatted with my neighbors, including Sid (who knows dad), and Mary Ann. Sid recommended a Chinese restaurant in the South Bay, which I emailed to Joyce et al.
Labels: biology, California, dining, exercise, friends, work
Physical Therapy, Continued II; Monday Sundaes III, Bible Study
Went to physical therapy this morning, and added exercises for my knees--using what I call the "clock" machine. Keelan also mentioned leg squats, wall squats, and straightening the knee for knee strengthening.
Went home and cleaned up @ Mom & Dad's, took a nap, then went with Rachel to Squirrel Hill for Monday sundaes. I had a mango sorbet with a strawberry. Then walked about, window shopping and stopped in the library.
We then went to Bible Study, where we read James 4:11-12 and discussed it. I mentioned that "God gives us a daily Sabbath, during which we can quietly use the intellects He gave us to make a 'To Do' list. And then we carry out the list, one by one, step-by-step, without worry or being anxious about anything."
Rachel and I went for gyros for dinner, with some hot peppers. They were tasty and delicious.
Labels: BAD, cleaning, dining, exercise, Faith, ice cream, list, organizing
What I Can Do Now! IV
I can walk with a minimal wobble, for short distances.
I can go in the therapy pool without covering my incision.
I can carefully dance, O so gently, so gingerly.
Yay-Ah!
Labels: BAD, dance, surgery, walking, water exercise
Christoph's Send-off II, Tall Trees Music/ Dr. Zoot
After attending 10 am Mass this morning I rode with Jessica to Rick's favorite German eatery on the North Side. It was intended as a [second] send-off for Christoph. We enjoyed the brunch buffet, and then the apple fritters mit glace after. Don, Rocco, and Karen all went to the Aviary after.
I took a nap, then picked up Karina and Rachel for the Tall Trees Summer Music Series, with Dr. Zoot's swing dance band.
Christina and I were the first dancers out on the dance floor (Dancers! I danced!!)
Rachel and Christina danced later, and were joined by other dancers.
After getting separated, our two cars found each other and we ended up having dosa, idli, fried donut, all with coconut chutney and sambar at Udipi Cafe. What a yummy snack!
Labels: dance, dining, farewell, international culture, Mass, music, St. Paul Cathedral
FAAP Picnic 2009
I drove to Schenley Park for this year's FAAP picnic with William driving his family, too. I got to take care of some paperwork through the New York Consul General office's Outreach Program. William got all the paperwork he has to fill out for his family. We all enjoyed the food--I especially liked the Shanghai chicken lumpia, adobong manok, sweet corn, brown sticky rice dessert, and we enjoyed halo-halo prepared by Dee Dee and Hector. We sat at a table with Jay, Memie, and Kevin. Charisse and I chatted and headed uphill toward the voting tables...and found out more about an adoption agency located here in the Pittsburgh Area.
I headed downhill to be greeted by Beatrice, who was walking softly and carrying a big stick...a REALLY big stick.
Soon after, we departed, and I went home to take a nap.
Labels: Beatrice, friends, international culture, niece and nephew, outside, Philippines, photos, Pilipino culture, sleep, walking
Sloth (Practical Theology) and Karina's Birthday Celebration
Fr. Joshua and Fr. Stephen led a practical theology discussion group on the concept of sloth (the opposite of which is doing acts or speaking with joy/charity/love). We spoke about boredom, and filling one's day with the opposite of being "focused on one's calling, always keeping [one's eye on the prize] by staying focused with passion, like Jesus had passion for what he was called for in life. Sloth is the opposite of being focused on one's calling with passion; sloth is the opposite of following the way or the path of Christ. That is why it is a Deadly Sin." Actually, sloth is a serious sin because it leads to more sins, as Fr. Joshua pointed out to me.
~~~
After the discussion group, Karina and I went to Eucharistic Adoration. Then, Karina and I invited Christina and Rachel to join us for dinner. We went to Squirrel Hill for the live jazz evening and dinner. Matthew was our server and he made certain that Karina's name and birthday were mentioned by the jazz combo. They played a few bars of "Happy Birthday" and then sprung into "You've Changed." We enjoyed dinner and the 10-pound apple pie. As I drove us home, we agreed to meet again Sunday evening.
Labels: dining, Faith, friends, music
Turn it on its head: Hints for a Good Marriage
From Microsoft Network, hints for a good marriage.
Labels: list, love, philosophical
News: Racial Profiling?
Is this a case of racial profiling from yesterday's news?
~~~
14.00 24 July 2009
Video of the parties involved...
Labels: American history, color, international culture
Susan Boyle
An update on Susan Boyle, the lovely singer from Scotland on "Britain's Got Talent."
Labels: music, singing, TV
Musicophilia, Teenie Harris
Replaced a lost document this morning. Also got a CD holder and a pair of shoes. Then, I went to a book discussion group about Oliver Sacks's book Musicophilia (which I read when the first edition was released), led by Dorothy at the library. The group had a great dynamic, we sang "Happy Birthday" to Irene, who is two years shy of being a centenarian. After, seven of us met for snacks at Eat N Park...I had a grilled sticky bun a la mode.
~~~~~
This evening I went with Stacy and Gail to the Teenie Harris talk at Carnegie Music Hall. followed by cake and punch at the Carnegie Museum of Art gallery.
We heard a talk by Larry Glasco, history professor at the University of Pittsburgh, presents an illustrated lecture of Teenie Harris' life. We also saw photos and heard commentary by three photographers who participated in the "One Shot" project taken by young children, which was moving. I spotted the image of Mr. Ted, from my bookmobile days to Head Start, in one of the photos. Perhaps his nephew took a photo of him!
Got some baba ghanoosh on my way home.
Labels: Birthday, Carnegie, dining, ice cream, library, museum, music, niece and nephew, photography, photos, read, singing
Pool Exercises, Free Sandwiches, St. Anthony
After donning an OpSite (TM) sticker on my small but pernicious? tiny scab, I did pool exercises (after my land exercises) for the first time before my second total hip replacement:
walking (10 minutes)
side stepping (5 minutes)
~ronde de jambes en l'air: i.e., "front, side, back" 20 reps/side
and, finally,
"Stretch that neck" by submersing in the water, putting my arm behind my back, and stretching my neck in the opposite direction. This is to counteract effects of using a cane on my shoulder.
I picked up Karina, and we bought sodas to get free bacon, cheddar, and roast beef Wednesday specials. We sat at the library, read women's and travel magazines, picked out books and ran into Jim B., my former boss, on the way to the car.
Went home to look for some misplaced/lost items (noticed this morning). Boy, oh boy, time to pray to Ss. Anthony and Jude for lost items. Found the documents I need to replace the lost documents, but it sure would be nice to find my lost items.
~~~~~~~~
Dinner was at William's family's home. I took photos of the children before they ate their dinner, but while they were seated in their high chairs. We had capelli d'angelo with sauce, chicken, fish, mixed veggies, milk, and raspberry-banana cake. Beatrice kept asking to be carried upstairs by me.."Not yet, Beata. Not today. Later."
Labels: BAD, career, Carnegie, dine, dining, exercise, friends, health, library, niece and nephew, pain, prayer, water exercise
Yoga and Latin
Went with Karina to her yoga class last night. Barbara led the class, and I used a chair and the wall to follow along. I got a book, Ignorance, by Kundera, too.
Went to the Oratory for Eucharistic Adoration and Latin class with Kathryn, for Karina and I (respectively). Actually got to decline an adjective/noun pair on the board (surprise!)
~~~
I got a reply this morning from my friend Judy, whom I haven't been in touch with for fifteen years! We will talk to each other soon enough this week. It was good to hear her "voice" come across the email.
Labels: dog, email, excited, exercise, friends, international culture, languages, read, reunion
Ice Cream Sundaes II on Monday!
Went to physical therapy this morning. No pool therapy quite yet.
This lunchtime, Karina and I mailed letters, got postage, got ice cream sundaes, and wandered the library in the neighborhood, as well as went (window) shopping.
We headed to the Oratory to watch a movie with many in the Douglas family, It Runs in the Family. We helped to address envelopes for the incoming frosh---information about the Oratory and its programs. We went to Bible Study, and discussed James 4:6-10.
Just had a great dinner of grilled cheese sandwich, green salad, and oranges.
Labels: Carnegie, dine, dining, Faith, ice cream, library, shopping, walking
No response....
What to do if there is no response...
Labels: list, love
Choir Party: Send-off Christoph
This afternoon I carpooled with Mary Ann to Doug's home for the send-off picnic for Christoph, who will be returning to his homeland at the beginning of August.
We had much fun: Judi grilled the hamburgers and hot dogs, everyone brought potluck dishes to share. Don raised the issue of the next choir tour/trip with a single word: "Spain!" and followed up with a proposed date of next July. I countered that we may want to fundraise for two seasons instead of for one season [to avoid the white-knuckled fundraising experience]. The Christmas CD was not mentioned.
Christoph supplied a return toast after Don toasted him. Christoph said that being in the choir made his experience here better than if he hadn't been in choir.
~~~~~
Mary Ann and I spoke with Nancy after we departed from the choir picnic, and she is holding up well after the disappearance of her brother-in-law from a boat Saturday.
Labels: Choir, dine, farewell, friends, international culture, photos, transportation, travel, water
Man on the Moon
Remember when we first landed on the Moon? These newspaper readers from a small paper in Connecticut do!
Labels: American history, NASA
Progression: What I Can Do III
Last week, I went to Mass and sat without a pillow.
Today, I can walk with just a cane. I will also sit in church without a pillow.
~~~
13.30
At Mass today, I stood for the Gospel, Creed, and General Intercessions. I stood and (slightly) wobbled to receive Communion!
Labels: BAD, Church, exercise, Mass, pain, surgery, walking
Red Skies at Night...
I look west toward St. Paul Cathedral and the spires are framed by a soft, red, orange, and pale violet light off cumulus clouds. I know my camera tells me "battery exhausted," but I polish the contacts on the batteries before giving up to the beautiful changing sky.
What a lovely way to end a lovely day.
~~~
Nancy and I visited Ornella at the gallery of her art class's show. We enjoyed Ornella's pieces and those of her class. Ornella's Western US landscape was painterly and colorful. I also enjoyed her piece entitled "Message in a Bottle," reminiscent of Paul Klee.
We spent quite a bit of time chatting about Europe (I'm planning a trip...) and we decided to dine together at the Belgian restaurant for dinner. Ornella and I shared the moules frites and the salmon dinner with risotto and steamed spinach. Nancy enjoyed tofu, mango, and the beer cheese soup.
~~~
20:45
The sky is pale steel indigo-violet with certain clouds tinged/rimmed in red.
~~~~~
Nancy and I made two grocery runs: One before dinner while waiting for our table, and one after dinner for dairy products.
Labels: art, dine, friends, light, moving, mystery, painting, photography, photos, rain, shopping, St. Paul Cathedral, travel, weather
Progression: What I Can Do Now!
I can shower standing up now (except for my feet).
I can mobilize using only my cane/fold-out chair (which I will use to ambulate about Ornella's art exhibit).
Labels: art, BAD, Choir, exercise, friends, pain, surgery, water
Farewell, Walter
Walter Cronkite, legendary news anchor for the CBS Evening News, passed away yesterday evening surrounded by family in New York. He was 92.
Although the continuous reportage by him in the CBS Newsroom of the JFK assassination while pulling his heavy-frame glasses from his face to wipe the tears from his eyes was a classic moment, I merely viewed reruns of that moment in time. I recall watching, with my siblings, on our home television the moment of the first walk on the Moon...(Armstrong: "That's one small step for man.....One giant leap for mankind.") We saw him reporting so many groundbreaking events that we voted him in a poll the "most trusted man in America" in 1972.
And, true to form, as Mr. Cronkite himself said, "Old anchormen, you see, don't fade away, they just keep coming back for more," and we now see video feeds, images, and accolades to him today on the Internet websites, just as we would on the AP and UPI wires in the old days.
Yes, Dan Rather was right in saying that Walter Cronkite set the standard for television news reporting. And Brian Williams was correct in saying that there was no clay model, no mold for television anchoring before Walter Cronkite.
An objective, steadfast personality whom we welcomed into our living rooms night after night during my formative years---Walter Cronkite, the iconic news anchor and beloved by his wife and family, passed into the gentle night. "That’s the way it is."
Labels: American history, farewell, international culture, NASA, Peace, politics, TV
Catholic & Ecumenical
Met for an "epic" discussion on practical theology entitled, "Being Catholic and Ecumenical - is it the same thing?" ("Catholic & Ecumenical: Similarities") led by Fr. Joshua at the Newman Center. Met up with Karina there, she presented me with a beautiful skirt from India, hot cocoa mix, and a postcard from London. We went for a burger & fries at the Original Hot Dog Shop on Forbes Avenue.
I AM Stuffed.
Labels: dining, Faith, gift, Pittsburgh
Experiments and Lunch
I stopped in for two human-subject experiments (the second one with Wawa), and afterward Wa and I used our earnings to pay for our lunch out at the Pan-Asian restaurant in my neighborhood.
Yum.O.
We talked about Wa's two children, and how fun-loving and loving they are.
Labels: computer, dining, family, niece and nephew, research
Sitting Outside
Sat outside with my neighbors, chatting until post-dusk/pre-dark. Met Mariann, who has her office in the same building Jonathan was in while he was at University of Pittsburgh. Turns out she and I were traveling in the same circles (informal science education) for a while.
Labels: Faith, friends, neighbors, science
Chick Flick: Ghosts of Girlfriends Past
This morning, Karina and I went to AAA to renew her license (she didn't break the camera!). We had some sandwiches, and potato salad at Whole Foods, then headed to West Mifflin to watch the movie Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, with Jennifer Garner, Matthew McConaughey, and Michael Douglas. Noureen DeWulf and Stephanie Oum portrayed two brilliantly written and acted characters (Melanie, Connor's personal assistant; and Kako, seen first at the beginning of the movie; respectively).
We stopped so Karina could return some containers at a mall store nearby. We then stopped at our favorite taco place for lunch, then headed to Westinghouse Park near my home for snacking. I retrieved some messages from Mom & Dad, and Karina then dropped me off at home for more conferring with them.
Labels: cinema, dining, friends, outside, shopping
Physical Therapy, Continued
Yeah! I can do more repetitions of my exercises at physical therapy (which are complementary to the exercises that were given to me for home work). I can't yet go into the pool for water exercises.
Labels: exercise, water exercise
South Side Water Plaza, Yoga
I visited South Side water spray plaza with Susie, Chere, Grampy Bill, Will, and we were later joined by Marissa, Beatrice, and Solomon. The warm ~70+ Fahrenheit day was sunny and brought children out in droves. We visited REI afterwards, I went home to rest, and then observed/attended Karina's yoga class in Squirrel Hill. We stopped by a Dollar Store for snacks and containers. We went for barbeque bacon cheddar beef sandwiches with curly fries and drinks afterwards.
Labels: dining, exercise, family-Marissa, shopping, sleep, water, weather
What I Can Do Now!
As of Sunday, I can
1. Do my "Jane Fonda" side-lying exercise continuously for 10 repetitions, with no breaks.
2. Get up out of a chair without assistance (almost consistently)
3. Wobble about with no assistive aids (cane, crutch, etc.)
Labels: adventure, BAD, exercise, surgery, surprise
Ice Cream Sundaes on Monday!
William, Charles, and I went for ice cream sundaes and cones this afternoon. I opted for the Chocolate Intemperance ice cream with hot fudge sauce, whipped cream, and Oreo sprinkles. I am in chocolate orbit and Sugar Heaven currently. The guys decided on mixing their chocolate scoops with other flavors, though. The cups of water were necessary.
~~~
After a rest at home, Karina and I dined at our favorite sushi restaurant in Oakland. We sat and chatted at Schenley Plaza for a bit, then went to Bible study with Fr. Joshua at the Newman Center. We read from James 4:1-6 and discussed.
Labels: Bible, dining, Faith, family, friends, ice cream, water
Karina's Baaack!
Last night/this morning about half past one Karina stopped by on her way back from the airport to pick up her house keys. The hand-off went without a snag, we decided to see each other later today, and all is well.
Labels: adventure, friends, international culture, transportation, travel
Add to the List
I spoke with my friend, Pratima, this weekend. She stressed that "reliability" (I guess that falls within "available") is an important quality in a partner.
I just read an article from Oprah Radio, with additional qualities listed, care of Rabbi Shmuley Boteach:
Look in places that "that foster purpose, compassion, hard work and spiritual commitment."
Labels: list, love, work
Sunday in the Park with Beata, Solomon, and Will
Had brunch with William, his family, and his in-laws at the sushi buffet on McKnight Road: William, Marissa, Beata, Solomon, Les and Chere, Grampy Bill, Susan, and Will. We enjoyed a leisurely brunch.
After, we headed to the North Side water spray park. We had a lot of fun; the children even swayed on the swings. All was well until Beata headed to the "water activator" and slipped. Marissa and Solomon are with her now whilst she gets checked out. I dropped William off at home, as he has an event at Schenley Park. We noted a large truck disregarding the clearance of an underpass on the way home.
Labels: excited, family-Marissa, moving, Pittsburgh, traction, travel, walking, water, water exercise
Arose early
Today I arose early and had my cherry-cheese blintz left over from Thursday. Fell back asleep...I haven't done my exercises for the morning yet...must go back to my home to get the list of physical therapy exercises.
~~~
17.20
Just returned from a jaunt to Arby's (avec coupon) for a roastburger and drink, and a jaunt to 7-11 for mini Slurpees/Slushies with Stacy. We enjoyed chatting under the tent at the park (even while it rained!) We talked about photography, and museums, and our plans for next weekend, too.
Labels: dining, exercise, museum, photography, sleep, weather
Other Half Home
William and his family stopped by for a light dinner. The children enjoyed playing with the balloon, Minnie Mouse, and a ball. Solomon was making brave attempts to walk, sans support.
I'm heading home now with Dad with the rest of my stuff.
Half (my stuff) Home
This afternoon I loaded my bags with my clean & other laundry, my books and magazines, my mail, my music CDs, my treatment folders, my paraphernalia for dressing, my toiletries and sundry other items into a cart and Dad helped me transport it to my home and to my sofa. I stayed behind to organize it for a while.
One of tonight's dishes will be cheeseburger macaroni, which I prepared.
We have yet to move my commode chair, shower chair, crutches and cane, and a few small items. That will wait until after dinner. I am "going to roost" as my neighbor indicated, at my home again.
Labels: dining, family, health, home, laundry, moving, music, neighbors, organizing, walking
Just Relaxing
I'm just relaxing between exercises to build my strength again. I have only four more exercise sets to do for this morning!
Labels: BAD, exercise, surgery
Happy Anniversary, Mom & Dad!
For brunch I took Mom & Dad out for breakfast foods...to the same place Maureen took me on McKnight Road. We had:
me: Cherry cheese blintzes
Mom: Bacon & Eggs with Hawaiian pancakes
Dad: Blueberry Belgian waffle
We got Miranda a Michael's gift certificate, and then Mom & Dad stopped by Robert's in the Strip District to pick up Benny's Pirates shirt and also bought more Pirates memorabilia.
Just called Uncle Sonny to leave a musical birthday message on his answering machine...Mom at the piano, Dad, & I.
This was my first full day of physical therapy exercises on my own. Just finished my second time today for exercises. Even did the "Jane Fonda" exercise again this evening.
Labels: anniversary, BAD, baseball, berries, Birthday, California, celebration, dining, exercise, family, games, music, niece and nephew, sports
First Outpatient Physical Therapy Session for my Second Hip
I drove (with Mom) to my first outpatient physical therapy session for my second hip this afternoon. All went well, and as a goal Keelan honed down the exercises I should do up to several times a day for my health. We both agreed that the (what I call) "Jane Fonda" [aerobics floor] move that Greg S. described yesterday morning is really difficult, but necessary. No pool therapy yet.
Labels: BAD, exercise, patient, surgery
Up Late
I was up late last night/this morning helping mom with some administrative typing and other projects. Boy, we both are really tired!
Labels: computer, excited, family, sleep
Michael Jackson Memorial
Just finished watching the Michael Jackson memorial service in Los Angeles. I watched on CNN because the sound was actually better than that of MTV.
A notable speaker was the Reverend Al Sharpton. While he spoke, there was a backdrop of MJ and the quote
"There's nothing that can't be
done if we raise our voice as one."
Brooke Sheilds spoke as his friend, not as a colleague from the music business. She noted that his favorite song was a Charlie Chaplin one (from the movie Modern Times), "Smile," which his brother then sang.
Texan Congresswoman spoke, mentioning H.R. 600, honoring Michael Joseph Jackson. Martin Luther King III and Bernice King spoke, as well.
The London tour company sang "We are the World", and "Heal the World." His brothers Germaine and Marlon, as well as his daughter Paris, spoke.
Thus ended the memorial service for Michael Joseph Jackson.
Labels: American history, Bible, celebration, citizenship, Faith, farewell, international culture, light, moving, music, reunion, voice
Surgeon's Post-operative Appointment
This morning I have my surgeon's post-operative appointment. I am looking forward to it. I hope to find out all kinds of things, such as when I can stop using certain medicines/medical devices and when I can start to do such things such as outpatient physical therapy, pool therapy, drive, do laundry/work the dishwasher (waow!), and dance.
~~~
19.00
My post-operative appointment was with the physician's assistant, Greg S. After a short round of X rays, he removed all of my Steri-strips (which were hanging on), taught me a "Jane Fonda" exercise after having me demonstrate it. It is truly difficult, but necessary if I don't want to walk with a wobble. We looked at the X ray films, and I discussed them. I now have two screws holding in my acetabular cup on the left, which is 2 units smaller than my right socket.
And I asked my questions:
I mentioned the various types of pain I have (probably attributable to healing and the changes in my legs/hips due to surgery).
When can I be fully weight bearing? (now, starting with a single crutch or cane, and gradually progressing to no accessories).
Blood thinner injections in my soft underbelly? (no more).
Fashion statement hose/ old lady hose (no more).
Stated my lack of any pain medication since Monday morning, my problems getting to sleep, and, should I need pain medication, if I could take the Extra Strength/Arthritis Tylenol.
Outpatient physical therapy? (Yes, Greg would write me a Rx for 3x/week for four weeks.)
Pool therapy? (As long as there is no broken skin, scabs, or blood, I'm fine. BUT NO HOT TUBS).
Driving an automobile? (Yes. And NO OTHER movement limitations.)
Dancing? (When tolerated.)
Omega-3 fatty acids, which I had dropped ten days before surgery? (Go ahead and take them).
I was instructed to get a set of X rays every two years or so, so as to prevent foreign body expulsion of polyethelene cup liner degraded pieces.
~~~~~
This morning, I contacted my outpatient physical therapist, who quickly booked me an appointment for tomorrow.
Labels: BAD, dance, dreams, exercise, health, list, pain, patient, surgery, walking, water exercise
negative slope for Pain Medication Administration
I've skipped the last two doses of my pain medication (on purpose). I skipped the lunchtime dose, as well as the dose about an hour ago. I'm not taking a whole lot of this oral pain medicine, anyway, (half of a tablet). But I want to see how little pain medicine I can get away with...since I went for a walk of ~1/3 of a mile at eleven today with Margie, the physical therapist.
We are readying for Emily and Sally B. (Joyce's former coworker's family) to join us and William's family for dinner tonight.
Labels: California, dine, exercise, neighbors, pain, surgery, surprise
This I believe
Found a web log this morning called "This I believe." I went through some of the various headings, in this order:
Respect
Love
Science
Disability
Empathy and Compassion
My favorite posting was one I read under "Empathy & Compassion."
Labels: accessibility, blogs, dreams, international culture, love, philosophical, science
No More Big Bruise
The big bruise I had faded away last week: It was gone yesterday. The Steri-strips, however, are hanging on for dear life. I also occasionally feel a dull ache/smarting in my gluteus maximus, especially when sitting for a while. O, life! (The process of healing.)
~~~~
Found the hypertext link for the encyclopedia which I was working on last year (was lead author on one of the articles).
Labels: BAD, excited, pain, surgery, writing. health
My Goal: Debut Today at Mass
I am excited about my afternoon today. My goal today is to make my "debut" (as my friend Alroy stated last year/last hip) at Mass. I will bring my own pillow to sit upon (not as highly decorated as my sit-upon from Brownies), and sit close to the front to minimize movement during Communion. I will either do steps or make my way all the way around to the other side of the building to the elevator.
After, I will take Mom and Dad out to treat them to lunch---as tradition goes---if they will allow me.
~~~
We DID go to Mass, where I walked up the eastern transept steps (with mom's help), and sat through the service... We also went to lunch at the Mexican restaurant in northeast Oakland: The location we went to right before Mom and Dad brought Ornella and I to the airport for our trip to Ireland in July 2007.
Labels: adventure, celebration, Church, dining, excited, exercise, family, hair, health, Mass, St. Paul Cathedral, surgery
Fireworks 2009
Watched various fireworks and entertainment displays this evening...
WQED (Public access TV) from 8-9 pm EDT--The entertainment and fireworks displays from Washington, DC. "Capitol Fourth" Jimmy Smits hosts a celebration of America's 233rd birthday, featuring fireworks, Barry Manilow, Aretha Franklin, pop star Natasha Bedingfield, the "Jersey Boys" cast, vocalist Michael Feinstein, pianist Andrew von Oeyen and the "Sesame Street" Muppets, as well as Erich Kunzel and the National Symphony Orchestra. Included: Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" accompanied by cannon fire from the U.S. Army Presidential Salute Battery. From the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. (From WQED website)
WPXI (Local broadcast of the Pittsburgh fireworks watched 9.30-10pm) EQT Flashes of Freedom Fireworks Fantasia Sponsored By WPXI, with music by various artists. Best fireworks of the evening, if not the most diverse.
KDKA (local CBS affiliate, 10-11pm) Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular from the Bandshell on the Esplanade, featuring Neil Diamond and fireworks ~10:40pm to 11pm. Told Auntie Chi/Auntie Mimang about it. Quite diverse shapes and formations of fireworks.
Labels: American history, celebration, citizenship, family, TV
Recipes
William called yesterday offering to email me a hypertext link to a site with trial software for recipe writing/recording. I haven't received the email yet, but I've started writing ingredients and approximate amounts of ingredients, as well as process for the recipes for today's meals. They have included:
baked beans (w/ rice, w/ hot dogs on the side) and with pineapple
Mom's steak (w/ sauteed onion and mushroom, w/ rice) and with pineapple
Labels: dine, family, research, writing
US Citizenship Test
So, here's a US citizenship test with some harder questions, as per the last revision of this test. Prospective citizens do not have the option of multiple-choice answers. (I passed, readily.)
Labels: American history, citizenship
Fenton Art Glass on QVC
Just less than a quarter hour ago Mom, Dad, and I watched the QVC special on Fenton Art Glass. It turns out Debby C., a former classmate of Joyce, and a ballet classmate, is a handpainter of glass for Fenton now.
~~~
Now, they are watching the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating contest (eeww).
Labels: dine, glass, painting
Sock Aid
So...late last night I used the sock aid to don my TED hose. Initially, I was to show Mom how I was stretching the TED hose with my sock aid statically for an hour or so. I got the brilliant idea to actually use it to don the TED hose, while she held the toe to prevent the foot from escaping through the toe end of the hose.
Fun and excitement ensued!
Labels: BAD, excited, family, surgery, surprise, thankfulness
Happy Independence Day!
Hay! Happy Independence Day...yet another year to celebrate America's Independence from any other country.
Also a good excuse to get together with friends and family and eat lots of good food.
Labels: American history, celebration, dine, dining, family
Hokkaido
Today for lunch Mom, Dad, and I met up with William's family at the new Seafood Hokkaido Buffet on the way to Homestead. Solomon, Marissa, and Mom sat at my end of the table. I'm thankful for Mom's carrying my main and fruit courses and Marissa and William carrying my ice cream courses. Boy, we were all really full at the end. I noted that Solomon enjoys his sweet fruits very much. He is one well-behaved child, and a hearty eater, as is his sister. He really enjoyed having a balloon at his high chair, too.
Labels: Beatrice, dining, ice cream, niece and nephew, Pittsburgh
VH1--Jumpstart; First Friday Mass
Just watched the Mass (First Friday) at St. Paul Cathedral, which Dad served as television ministry. Fr. Kim said the Mass, Matt H. lectored, and John was the altar server. There was veneration of the saints' relics after Mass. I saw Mom and many of my friends and neighbors there.
Watched and listened to parts of VH1's Jumpstart program this morning. Saw a video which I had seen before by The Script, and other new videos (to me) by Nickelback ("If Today Was Your Last Day"), and by Regina Spektor ("Laughing With"). Quite striking, conceptually, some of them. Regina Specktor's was particularly artistic and had scene vignettes reminiscent of Rene Magritte paintings.
Labels: Faith, Mass, music, St. Paul Cathedral, TV
One of the Rules: "No Chubby Checker"
When I was doing inpatient physical therapy right after surgery this year, I went to a satellite unit (really, a room with tools, toys, and contraptions in another wing of the floor I was staying). The first day there I was quizzed about "The Rules" for hip replacement patients. I rattled them off, without getting rattled:
1./ No angles (less than) 90 degrees whilst seated (angle of femur to hip/lumbar region)
2./ No crossing the midline with your leg
3./ No "Chubby Checker" = No Twisting of the leg!
I reminded Stan, the physical therapist asking me the question, that he had taught me the third rule himself last year. He turned to the younger, "newbie" physical therapist, explaining that I was a "repeater" who he could tell had learned the rules from him.
~~~~~
I'm really looking forward to physical therapy, to get back to higher levels of activity. I told my outpatient physical therapist, K., that I'll see him post-surgery, this time with the "clock" (for hip extention/flexion exercises), my funny term for the machine which caused problems (so!) last summer, due to weight bearing on my then-unoperated hip. Also, I'm looking forward to the water exercises too.
Labels: BAD, exercise, pain, surgery, water exercise
"It's a Race..."
William called me today to inform me that it's "a race" between Solomon and me as to who will walk first.
"When are you going to walk?" he asked me.
"I"ll probably go to a cane after I see the doctor on Tuesday," I replied, thinking that I have to place less than or equal to 50% of my body weight on my operated hip until Tuesday, when I have my post-operative appointment with the surgeon....and thinking that I won't be unencumbered until well after Tuesday. Bets are on for Solomon!
~~~~
It was nice to get clean today---hair, everything (via a shower), to toes!
Labels: BAD, cleaning, exercise, surgery, surprise, walking
and There were nine...
Nine little Steri-strips lookin' so fine.
They all hung on, and still there were nine.
~~~
Labels: BAD, humor, poetry, surgery
...results in MORE pain
At about five thirty this morning I awoke with my propped-up legs (propped by two pillows) feeling the pain of insufficient pain medication: I actually felt pain in the soft tissues of my left leg, 1/ at and below my knee, as well as 2/ groin pain. This is probably due to 1/ exercises on my tummy (the knee curl-ups), which irritate the iliotibial muscle (which was operated on) and referred inferior muscles, and 2/ aggressive straight leg lifts soon after surgery.
I got up, took another half dose (from the one at four o'clock this morning) along with a biscottus and some chips. I now find myself typing at the computer.
Labels: BAD, blogs, computer, exercise, pain, surgery
Half the pain medicine, and then half of THAT pain medicine
I am on much smaller doses of oral pain medicine than before. I just received the okay from the surgeon's office for half of my originally prescribed dose (when I left the hospital), which was half of my dose of oral pain medicine when I started taking this form of pain management in the hospital.
I'm really happy to be managing the pain in this way...Because some pain medicine side effects are not fun, including being very very drowsy for much of the time.
I look forward to updating my pain medicine doses and to managing myself and my movements next week, at my post-operative meeting.
Labels: exercise, pain, sleep, surgery
It's Just Physical Therapy Now (until the Post-Operative visit with the Surgeon)
Margie stopped by today about an hour ago. We did my exercises in my room, then I changed out of my socks and into my shoes for a short walk into St. Paul Cathedral and back into the building. We saw Mary Lou P. twice during our outings, which was great fun.
~~~
So the nurse Jill stopped by on Tuesday to discharge me.
Labels: exercise, health, neighbors, pain, St. Paul Cathedral, surgery
Remembrances
It sure was a good thing that Maureen stopped by (and Dad took a picture of us together) to chat in Mom and Dad's lobby this past evening (with Rita C. present there with her aide). I told Maureen about what I do daily, and mentioned how my parents are very medically supportive---including giving me my anticoagulant injection---which led me to remember the shot I had forgotten due to naps this afternoon.
Maureen was more than kind to bring Benzel chocolate covered pretzels from her hometown. Chocolate has found its way to my lips this operation-go-round more than once: Stacy and her Lindt dark-milk-white chocolate truffly Lindor thingys, Tita Tina and family's malted milk balls, milk duds, and chocolate turtle biscotti...the delights delight and tantalize. As it seems that I have lost some weight due to the surgery and due to my increased post-operative activity, I try to eat healthfully, but also leave room in my diet for chips and chocolates...from my lips to my hips, so to speak.
Anyway, upon returning to the condominium apartment after my visit with Maureen, I announced to Mom my forgetfulness this afternoon (about two and a half hours' worth, even with the hour time window), and we remedied this problem tout de suite.
~~~
Whilst downstairs, we saw JoAnn I. depart with her brother-in-law Joe W. She asked for prayers as she undergoes surgery tomorrow. I asked her at what time, and promised to pray for her.
~~~~~
Haven't quite figured out what causes or prevents bruising with the anticoagulant medication. Only thing I can figure is that there is a different dispensing device (maybe?) than last year. There remain two very large bruises from my first two days in the hospital, there was one tiny pinprick from the third day in the hospital (when nurse Jeff delivered it), and various-sized tiny, small bruises from when Mom has delivered the medication. I haven't figured out what the bruising size or retention is due to....
Labels: BAD, chocolate, friends, health, neighbors, pain, prayer, surgery
