To my loyal blog followers - who I believe is pretty much just AshHole - my sincerest apologies for not writing more often. It has been a whirlwind few weeks. But I'm back in the saddle. Trouble is, I ain't got shit to say!
Things are, for the most part, going pretty well for me. We moved offices, and the new building is GORGEOUS. There's a ridiculous alarm system though. Every time you walk by the elevator you have to swipe your badge. It sounds constantly. Especially when they first installed it. People are getting used to it now. Maybe due to the "Did you swipe?" sign they posted. Want to know a secret? I took a marker and made it "Did you wipe?". I wish this is where the story ended. But I giggled to myself for a few minutes, then removed the entire sign because I felt so bad about my unprofessional-ism. Now I'm contemplating things I can do with a "Did you wipe?" sign. I'll keep you posted!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Aging - In This Day and Age
Modern medicine has made it possible to grow old. Very old. But I'm wondering - maybe too old?
As I watch my grandfather grow older, and listen to my friends speak about their grandparents, I have to wonder if we've gone too far. At what point to we cross the line from keeping someone happy and comfortable to preserving a life that has been stripped of all - or at least most - of its joy and dignity?
I think our loved ones, as they get older, should be encouraged to live their lives the way they want to. And I'm wondering how many people would select an intervention or medical therapy that prolongs their life if they know they will age to the point that they can't move around as they wish? Or feed themselves? Or maybe the worst of all - use the bathroom independently?
And when, as a family member or care giver, is it time to intervene and demand that someone no longer drive their car? Or leave their home to reside in an assisted living facility or family member's home? On the one hand, an adult is an adult and should make their own decisions. But I can't exactly argue that point when it comes at the safety of themselves, and even more so the general public.
As of late my grandfather - who is generally a very sweet person - has been encountering all types of obstacles that come with aging. To make a long story short, his confusion (and perhaps stubbornness) has caused him to attempt to physically harm nurses and be either medically sedated or restrained in the hospital. Now he's in rehab eating food he hates, drinking liquid that's been thickened (gross, he'll tell you every chance he gets), allowing the days to pass by. He doesn't like to read or watch TV because he's experiencing double vision. His hearing is going. And he can't walk on his own. It breaks my heart! Seeing (and hearing) his frustration is just terrible.
Now the goal is that he will be rehabilitated to some sort of level of independence. Time will tell how much improvement his body is capable of. But will he ever be able to do his favorite thing - drink a highball and eat a nice, salty meal after a long day of fishing? Or play cards with his friends? Or dance with my Grandma? We can only hope for a miracle!!!
This has sparked so many conversations among my family. And as much as I hate to hear my Dad say he wants to get to a certain age and get hit by a bus, I kinda understand where he's coming from!!!
As I watch my grandfather grow older, and listen to my friends speak about their grandparents, I have to wonder if we've gone too far. At what point to we cross the line from keeping someone happy and comfortable to preserving a life that has been stripped of all - or at least most - of its joy and dignity?
I think our loved ones, as they get older, should be encouraged to live their lives the way they want to. And I'm wondering how many people would select an intervention or medical therapy that prolongs their life if they know they will age to the point that they can't move around as they wish? Or feed themselves? Or maybe the worst of all - use the bathroom independently?
And when, as a family member or care giver, is it time to intervene and demand that someone no longer drive their car? Or leave their home to reside in an assisted living facility or family member's home? On the one hand, an adult is an adult and should make their own decisions. But I can't exactly argue that point when it comes at the safety of themselves, and even more so the general public.
As of late my grandfather - who is generally a very sweet person - has been encountering all types of obstacles that come with aging. To make a long story short, his confusion (and perhaps stubbornness) has caused him to attempt to physically harm nurses and be either medically sedated or restrained in the hospital. Now he's in rehab eating food he hates, drinking liquid that's been thickened (gross, he'll tell you every chance he gets), allowing the days to pass by. He doesn't like to read or watch TV because he's experiencing double vision. His hearing is going. And he can't walk on his own. It breaks my heart! Seeing (and hearing) his frustration is just terrible.
Now the goal is that he will be rehabilitated to some sort of level of independence. Time will tell how much improvement his body is capable of. But will he ever be able to do his favorite thing - drink a highball and eat a nice, salty meal after a long day of fishing? Or play cards with his friends? Or dance with my Grandma? We can only hope for a miracle!!!
This has sparked so many conversations among my family. And as much as I hate to hear my Dad say he wants to get to a certain age and get hit by a bus, I kinda understand where he's coming from!!!
Friday, March 2, 2012
Bikram Yoga: HOTTTT SHIT!
Attended my first Bikram Yoga - aka sweaty yoga or hot yoga - with my friend Ashley today (yea, obviously it was HER idea!). I knew I had to drink a lot, I knew I had to bring water and some towels, and I knew to wear very light weight clothing. I did not know, however, the extent to which I would sweat! I didn't know I had that IN ME! The heat was tough. Soaked right through all my clothes and looked like HELL walking out.
The yoga itself was a higher level than I was used to, but was manageable. And I LOVED LOVED LOVED the atmosphere. The instructor was fabulous, and if any of the other "yogis" were judging, they hid it well. You do what you can, when you can. And plenty of people took breaks throughout, not just the "newbies". I appreciated that everyone's yoga was their own personal journey. I had to cheat a lot and look around to be sure I was doing the moves correctly, but for the most part everyone was very focused on their own thing. That's how it's supposed to be after all, isn't it?
The benefits of yoga are indisputable. The balance, the stretching, the meditation and the strengthening. Do I need to do it in a 105 degree room? Jury's still out. But I will certainly go another time or two before making up my mind.
And THANKS to my AshHole for encouraging me to step slightly outside my comfort zone and try something new.
Now - I'm ready to pass out. I stretched muscles today that I didn't even realize existed. I can't wait to see how I feel tomorrow!
The yoga itself was a higher level than I was used to, but was manageable. And I LOVED LOVED LOVED the atmosphere. The instructor was fabulous, and if any of the other "yogis" were judging, they hid it well. You do what you can, when you can. And plenty of people took breaks throughout, not just the "newbies". I appreciated that everyone's yoga was their own personal journey. I had to cheat a lot and look around to be sure I was doing the moves correctly, but for the most part everyone was very focused on their own thing. That's how it's supposed to be after all, isn't it?
The benefits of yoga are indisputable. The balance, the stretching, the meditation and the strengthening. Do I need to do it in a 105 degree room? Jury's still out. But I will certainly go another time or two before making up my mind.
And THANKS to my AshHole for encouraging me to step slightly outside my comfort zone and try something new.
Now - I'm ready to pass out. I stretched muscles today that I didn't even realize existed. I can't wait to see how I feel tomorrow!
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