6.5 miles
3,500 vertical feet
6 hours, 3 minutes
Huron Peak
14,003'
August 25, 2006
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Leper's Top 10 List
top 10 reasons why vacations are cool:
10) Scenery is majestic at 6,000+ feet above sea level.. the peaks all around are 12,000 feet and above...and they all are distinctive..
9) Weather is awesome, in the mid-80's, sunny and blue blue blue blue sky..
8) I can watching Harry Potter on the big outdoor screen at the bottom of the ski run in Aspen, spread out on a sleeping bag and fleece blanket.. and a red bull & vodka in hand..
7) can have plenty of booze with dinner and not have to worry about the consequences for the having to go to work the next day
6) bike paths are smooth and runs on forever for miles and miles and miles...
5) no alarm clocks required - you just wake up, whenever it may be..
4) you can splurge on a $9 chef salad and a $3 diet coke before boarding the plane...
3) there's plenty of moonshine on the camping trip
2) dirty clothes can be re-worn and nobody notices...
and the number 1 reason why vacations are cool...
DAMN!, it feels good to be lounging around while everyone else is working!!!
10) Scenery is majestic at 6,000+ feet above sea level.. the peaks all around are 12,000 feet and above...and they all are distinctive..
9) Weather is awesome, in the mid-80's, sunny and blue blue blue blue sky..
8) I can watching Harry Potter on the big outdoor screen at the bottom of the ski run in Aspen, spread out on a sleeping bag and fleece blanket.. and a red bull & vodka in hand..
7) can have plenty of booze with dinner and not have to worry about the consequences for the having to go to work the next day
6) bike paths are smooth and runs on forever for miles and miles and miles...
5) no alarm clocks required - you just wake up, whenever it may be..
4) you can splurge on a $9 chef salad and a $3 diet coke before boarding the plane...
3) there's plenty of moonshine on the camping trip
2) dirty clothes can be re-worn and nobody notices...
and the number 1 reason why vacations are cool...
DAMN!, it feels good to be lounging around while everyone else is working!!!
Thursday, August 03, 2006
My favorite joke of all-time...
There once was a little frog who wanted to take out a home improvement loan to fix up his pad. His name is Kermit Jagger.
He hopped over to his local bank, went up to the teller and said, "Hi, I'd like to take out a loan to fix up my pad."
The teller replied, "You need to see our loan officer. Her name is "Patricia Black."
So the frog hops over to the loan officer's desk and sits down. When Patricia arrives she ask, "What can I do for you?"
The frog says, "I'd like to take out a loan to fix up my pad."
Patricia asked, "What do you have for collateral?"
After thinking for a couple of moments about what he could offer, the frog reaches into his little froggy pocket and pulls out a small white elephant.
"This is a very unusual form of collateral." said Patricia. "I'll have to check with our bank president to see if it's ok."
Patricia goes to the president and says, "There's a frog named Kermit Jagger out there who want's a home loan and this white elephant is all he is offering for collateral. What should I do?"
The bank president takes the small white elephant and after carefully examining it hands it back to Patricia and says, "Why, it's a nick-knack Patty Black give the frog a loan. His old man's a Rolling Stone."
He hopped over to his local bank, went up to the teller and said, "Hi, I'd like to take out a loan to fix up my pad."
The teller replied, "You need to see our loan officer. Her name is "Patricia Black."
So the frog hops over to the loan officer's desk and sits down. When Patricia arrives she ask, "What can I do for you?"
The frog says, "I'd like to take out a loan to fix up my pad."
Patricia asked, "What do you have for collateral?"
After thinking for a couple of moments about what he could offer, the frog reaches into his little froggy pocket and pulls out a small white elephant.
"This is a very unusual form of collateral." said Patricia. "I'll have to check with our bank president to see if it's ok."
Patricia goes to the president and says, "There's a frog named Kermit Jagger out there who want's a home loan and this white elephant is all he is offering for collateral. What should I do?"
The bank president takes the small white elephant and after carefully examining it hands it back to Patricia and says, "Why, it's a nick-knack Patty Black give the frog a loan. His old man's a Rolling Stone."
Saturday, July 29, 2006
the latest scoop...
My computer at home has been down for the last several weeks, thus, no blogging as of late. Work has been terribly busy so my lunch times are spent relaxing and trying to get away from it all.
Since I last blogged, I found out that I will be having surgery on my gimpy ankle to remove the bone spur at the end of my tibia. After seeing an ankle specialist for a second opinion, who also happens to be the surgeon, it was determined that my ankle needed to heal up more before he wants to cut up my ankle. In the mean time, I needed to continue my ankle strengthing exercises to rehab the sub-talus joint that I have injured so many times, including this latest episode this year. I will also need to get custom orthodics made so that my flat feet will be less prone to sprains. Long story short, it was both good news and bad news. Good news being that I don't have to worry about coming up with funds for a surgery as soon as I had thought, and that I can continue playing sports (the doctor said so :-) ). Bad news being that I will have to have surgery in the near future, but on the flip side, it will prevent any chronic ankle problems as the birthdays keep coming.
Since I last blogged, I also had my 29th birthday. It is really not any different than any other birthday. I spent my birthday hiking the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls State Park just east of Salem, Oregon. Although the weather had been in the 90s-100s that week, the hike was pretty comfortable, since the trail led in/out of a small canyon. I hiked the entire trail in about 3.25 hours and saw 9 of the 10 waterfalls along the way. I was feeling pretty good about the hike since the ranger said the hike would take about 4 hours, and I had my gimpy ankle to work with. Not too bad in an afternoon's work.
Since I last blogged, I went through a small hitting slump in my softball games where I was hitting and getting on base, but with singles and doubles. I came out of the slump this week with an in-the-park 4-bagger and another triple this week. It felt a little better after those. At the same time, I wished that I gotten to play in some tournaments this year, but just wasn't happening with the injury. Had hoped to play in the Play 4 the Cure tourney again this year, but no luck there either. D and I are going up to La Grande to play in the Moonlight tourney next weekend though. They use the larger .47 core balls for both the men and the women, so that should be a nice challenge.
That is all for now.
Monday, July 03, 2006
life's curveballs...
Just when I thought life threw me a nasty curveball, I hit the damn thing out of the park. No, really... this is week 11 of my ankle injury and though I am still trying to rehab it back to normal, I have had the good fortune of other fun opportunities coming my way. See, about a month ago, I was still mired in the ugliness of ankle rehab reality, progress having stalled and my summer felt like it was going down the tubes. Here I am, 5 weeks later, planning for a couple of big trips at the end of this glorious summer, while still nursing my injury.
So two things. First, I have a week-long vacation planned with my two best friends in August. We'll be rafting, hiking, listening to chill music, and whatever else somewhere near Aspen, CO. It will be a rocking good time to get away from work for a week, out of Eugene, OR, and just be silly and stupid for a few days with people who really "get" me.
Secondly, although I have never been one to win anything major, or even a generous lottery prize, I managed to draw a hunting tag for Big Horn Sheep this year. Those of you who know me well know that I am not exactly the hunter/camouflage type and I've never really handled a firearm before, much less know how to use one. The only reason why I put in for hunting tags at all was so that D could accrue preference points and maybe a little bit hoping for the off chance that I will actually get to tag along on a hunting trip someday for the hike. Long story short, I drew one of the most coveted hunting tags in the state of Oregon. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I must take advantage of, and therefore have begun preparations for the September trip. It sounds crazy, especially since my dad describes me to his friends as "the pacifist", but it is not an experience that I am gonna miss out on if I can help it.
To begin with, I secured my first rifle this weekend - a Weatherby 708mm Remington. It is small enough for little ole weakling me to handle, yet (supposedly) powerfuly enough to down a 250 lb animal from 100 yards. It is also versatile enough that I can use it for deer, elk, antelope, or other single-toed ungulates roaming the state of Oregon. It is really exciting to finally be able to participate on these week-long exursions that I have heard so much about the last few years. Not so much for the trophy part, but for the sheer experience of hiking in the wilderness, miles and miles from the nearest road, trekking across ridges and canyons, and enjoying the wild scenery that are likely to disappear long before my lifetime ends. I actually see myself shooting more pictures than actually shooting an animal. In any case, it will be a wild time that I am really looking forward to.
Until then, there is the second half of the softball season that still awaits, of which both my co-ed and women's teams are undeafeated in league, seeking for more bragging rights. As soon as that seaon is complete, it is the beginning of a new chapter in my life's experiences.....
On a side note, while in the process of acquiring my new "gat", I had my first experience with "gat envy".. there was another female there purchasing a rifle with her male friend... granted that she was a few inches taller than I was, I did take notice that her rifle was bigger and longer than mine....
So two things. First, I have a week-long vacation planned with my two best friends in August. We'll be rafting, hiking, listening to chill music, and whatever else somewhere near Aspen, CO. It will be a rocking good time to get away from work for a week, out of Eugene, OR, and just be silly and stupid for a few days with people who really "get" me.
Secondly, although I have never been one to win anything major, or even a generous lottery prize, I managed to draw a hunting tag for Big Horn Sheep this year. Those of you who know me well know that I am not exactly the hunter/camouflage type and I've never really handled a firearm before, much less know how to use one. The only reason why I put in for hunting tags at all was so that D could accrue preference points and maybe a little bit hoping for the off chance that I will actually get to tag along on a hunting trip someday for the hike. Long story short, I drew one of the most coveted hunting tags in the state of Oregon. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I must take advantage of, and therefore have begun preparations for the September trip. It sounds crazy, especially since my dad describes me to his friends as "the pacifist", but it is not an experience that I am gonna miss out on if I can help it.
To begin with, I secured my first rifle this weekend - a Weatherby 708mm Remington. It is small enough for little ole weakling me to handle, yet (supposedly) powerfuly enough to down a 250 lb animal from 100 yards. It is also versatile enough that I can use it for deer, elk, antelope, or other single-toed ungulates roaming the state of Oregon. It is really exciting to finally be able to participate on these week-long exursions that I have heard so much about the last few years. Not so much for the trophy part, but for the sheer experience of hiking in the wilderness, miles and miles from the nearest road, trekking across ridges and canyons, and enjoying the wild scenery that are likely to disappear long before my lifetime ends. I actually see myself shooting more pictures than actually shooting an animal. In any case, it will be a wild time that I am really looking forward to.
Until then, there is the second half of the softball season that still awaits, of which both my co-ed and women's teams are undeafeated in league, seeking for more bragging rights. As soon as that seaon is complete, it is the beginning of a new chapter in my life's experiences.....
On a side note, while in the process of acquiring my new "gat", I had my first experience with "gat envy".. there was another female there purchasing a rifle with her male friend... granted that she was a few inches taller than I was, I did take notice that her rifle was bigger and longer than mine....
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Thought of the Day...
Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases:
If it moves, tax it.
If it keeps moving, regulate it.
And if it stops moving, subsidize it.
Ronald Reagan (1986)
If it moves, tax it.
If it keeps moving, regulate it.
And if it stops moving, subsidize it.
Ronald Reagan (1986)
Episode III: Return of Hop-Along
Well, let's just say that the ankle injury hasn't stopped my enthusiasm for playing sports. I managed to wait 4 weeks before trying to play sports again. Despite the doctor's orders (well, he said I could try if I was feeling better, but just take it easy), alas, I couldn't hold back any longer and exploded onto the summer softball scene with a stand-up triple in my 1st game back in action last week with my women's team, followed by another stand-up triple in my 1st at bat yesterday with my Eugene co-ed team. Yes, it felt damn good to LAUNCH the ball over the outfielder's head. And yes, I must admit, it is THAT MUCH MORE SATISFYING when it's over a male fielder ;-) Don' be disrespectin', boo! (hahaahahaha---that movie is stuck in my head - can you name it?)
As much of a pain in the ass as this injury has been, it has been a real test for me as a person. I have never been a person to cry easily nor one who gives up easily. There were definitely a few moments when I felt so frustrated and defeated I wanted to hit things and vent. Yes, defeated. That was how I felt at times - defeated... The simplest little things that I had taken for granted most of my life was a challenge. Even simple things like walking were difficult. I was used to being the first one down the basketball court cherry picking for a layup, or easily throwing people out at first base from third. It was weird to go through the different stages of rehabilitation and realizing that I am much more careful with how I manage my body. No more sliding feet first for a while. I have to thinking about it before I kick things. Or, negotiating little slopes on a hike can be tricky. Very weird, very not used to it.
In all things considered, I better understand other people too. For example, at my weekly yoga class, I used to pity the people who couldn't do certain beginner poses because I thought that should be easily done by an average person. No I see deeper and more detailed. Instead, things like "oh, he/she can't move that way... he/she probably has a back problem" run through my head instead.
So like all other experiences, this is another one of life's lessons. Until next time, this is Hop-Along, signing off....
As much of a pain in the ass as this injury has been, it has been a real test for me as a person. I have never been a person to cry easily nor one who gives up easily. There were definitely a few moments when I felt so frustrated and defeated I wanted to hit things and vent. Yes, defeated. That was how I felt at times - defeated... The simplest little things that I had taken for granted most of my life was a challenge. Even simple things like walking were difficult. I was used to being the first one down the basketball court cherry picking for a layup, or easily throwing people out at first base from third. It was weird to go through the different stages of rehabilitation and realizing that I am much more careful with how I manage my body. No more sliding feet first for a while. I have to thinking about it before I kick things. Or, negotiating little slopes on a hike can be tricky. Very weird, very not used to it.
In all things considered, I better understand other people too. For example, at my weekly yoga class, I used to pity the people who couldn't do certain beginner poses because I thought that should be easily done by an average person. No I see deeper and more detailed. Instead, things like "oh, he/she can't move that way... he/she probably has a back problem" run through my head instead.
So like all other experiences, this is another one of life's lessons. Until next time, this is Hop-Along, signing off....
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
ageriuomupay epieooupalee isouucak!!!
ageriuomupay epieooupalee isouucak!!!
ageeit oluaaied ioorusaoemieotuhaienig!!!
ageeit oluaaied ioorusaoemieotuhaienig!!!
Sunday, May 21, 2006
thunderstorm warning...
I guess my last wish may come true... it was nice most most of the weekend, with an occasional light sprinkle here and there. Then just as I got home earlier this evening, the sky opened up and a deluge of wind gusts, hail, and huge ass raindrops flooded the streets. Funny, I recall making a comment to Derek how omnious the sky looked as I was getting out of my car in the driveway earlier.
Within a matter of minutes after walking into the house, the wind was howling at the same time the hail came down and the street instantly had an inch of standing water. Then the National Weather Service severe storm warning came on while we were watching TV.
I wonder what the fields look like?
Within a matter of minutes after walking into the house, the wind was howling at the same time the hail came down and the street instantly had an inch of standing water. Then the National Weather Service severe storm warning came on while we were watching TV.
I wonder what the fields look like?
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
I am hoping for rain.... next week...
so that my softball games would get rained out, and I have an extra week to get my ankle healed up....Will I have bad kharma forever because I wished for something like this?
rain IS in the forecast....
rain IS in the forecast....
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Mother Goose
As of late, I've been doing a little here and a little there. Nothing too strenuos, but gradually trying to work my way from back the ankle boo-boo. Today marked its 3 week anniversary. Scary thing is that I still cannot run yet without limping. I can scurry a little, but I'll bet that I look funny doing it. Good thing is that I found out last week I can still ride my bike, so I went for a nice & easy ride earlier this evening.
I didn't really plan on going in any direction, but thought that it would be nice to ride along the river on such a warm sunny day. After taking a few detours to explore streets I hadn't been on before, I started heading toward the north bank bike path that runs along the Willamette River. As I rode along, I notice an unusual park sign in an area that I didn't think would have a park. My curiosity got the best of me, so I rode toward this sign, which was kind of tucked away between the end of a quiet neighborhood and the very edge of a commercial zone, both of which backed onto the local expressway.
I rode closer and it looked kind of woodsy, with a small path leading away from either side of the sign. I thought to myself "why didn't I know about this place before?" I figured, what the hey, and started riding down one of the paths. Who knows, it may be a back way to the bike path somewhere. As I rode a few more feet, the small woody area started to clear, and I noticed that this "park" was actually a "bog", yeah, like a mosquito pond.. there were also signs that there may have been transients camped out here. Nonetheless, my Lewis & Clark mindset was urging me to keep going.
I noticed that a little ways down the path, there was a big white goose, and a couple of Canadian geese hanging around the edge of this "pond". I thought to myself, "I wonder if they will freak out if I ride closer.. will they give chase, or will they fly away?" They sure weren't very far from the little dirt path and I had to ride pretty close if I wanted to get by...Oh look, the big white goose is going to fly away...uh, nope.. he/she is coming this way... oh wait..I'm getting closer.. she's getting closer, .... I then realized that this bird may not be really happy and my right foot is awfully close to her... this big honking bird started to charge towards me, big orange bill and all wide open, wings flapping... not a happy one...just as I rode past, I realized that oh.. there were two grey goslings that I hadn't noticed before....ahh.. no wonder she was pissed at me..I was encroaching on her territory and her babies. Doh! So while a close call, it was just mother nature at work once again. I managed to make my way out of the "boggy park" and rode away unscathed. whew!
Although it was after 7pm, the air was still warm and light was still abundant, so I continued riding. I made my way down to the river and began heading east down the bike path. All the energy I hadn't used over the past few weeks fueled my charge down the bike path. I kept on passing people along the way, bikers and runners alike. I felt so free!!! One of the neatest things about this bike path is that there are wide open grassy areas as well as narrow curvy paths in woody areas. A few bumps and here from the tree roots dot the asphalt, but a very smooth and easy ride overall. The bike paths run for miles east and west, but with the limited sunlight hours, I decided to start heading back to the house. Rather than retracing the way I came, I decided to explore a different part of the street bike path system that I have seen many times, but have not yet rode. By the time I arrived back at home, it was an hour later and the daylight was fading quickly. I figured that I had rode about 12 miles altogether. It felt great to hear the wind whizzing by my ears and my heart racing a bit. Life is good!
I didn't really plan on going in any direction, but thought that it would be nice to ride along the river on such a warm sunny day. After taking a few detours to explore streets I hadn't been on before, I started heading toward the north bank bike path that runs along the Willamette River. As I rode along, I notice an unusual park sign in an area that I didn't think would have a park. My curiosity got the best of me, so I rode toward this sign, which was kind of tucked away between the end of a quiet neighborhood and the very edge of a commercial zone, both of which backed onto the local expressway.
I rode closer and it looked kind of woodsy, with a small path leading away from either side of the sign. I thought to myself "why didn't I know about this place before?" I figured, what the hey, and started riding down one of the paths. Who knows, it may be a back way to the bike path somewhere. As I rode a few more feet, the small woody area started to clear, and I noticed that this "park" was actually a "bog", yeah, like a mosquito pond.. there were also signs that there may have been transients camped out here. Nonetheless, my Lewis & Clark mindset was urging me to keep going.
I noticed that a little ways down the path, there was a big white goose, and a couple of Canadian geese hanging around the edge of this "pond". I thought to myself, "I wonder if they will freak out if I ride closer.. will they give chase, or will they fly away?" They sure weren't very far from the little dirt path and I had to ride pretty close if I wanted to get by...Oh look, the big white goose is going to fly away...uh, nope.. he/she is coming this way... oh wait..I'm getting closer.. she's getting closer, .... I then realized that this bird may not be really happy and my right foot is awfully close to her... this big honking bird started to charge towards me, big orange bill and all wide open, wings flapping... not a happy one...just as I rode past, I realized that oh.. there were two grey goslings that I hadn't noticed before....ahh.. no wonder she was pissed at me..I was encroaching on her territory and her babies. Doh! So while a close call, it was just mother nature at work once again. I managed to make my way out of the "boggy park" and rode away unscathed. whew!
Although it was after 7pm, the air was still warm and light was still abundant, so I continued riding. I made my way down to the river and began heading east down the bike path. All the energy I hadn't used over the past few weeks fueled my charge down the bike path. I kept on passing people along the way, bikers and runners alike. I felt so free!!! One of the neatest things about this bike path is that there are wide open grassy areas as well as narrow curvy paths in woody areas. A few bumps and here from the tree roots dot the asphalt, but a very smooth and easy ride overall. The bike paths run for miles east and west, but with the limited sunlight hours, I decided to start heading back to the house. Rather than retracing the way I came, I decided to explore a different part of the street bike path system that I have seen many times, but have not yet rode. By the time I arrived back at home, it was an hour later and the daylight was fading quickly. I figured that I had rode about 12 miles altogether. It felt great to hear the wind whizzing by my ears and my heart racing a bit. Life is good!
Thursday, May 11, 2006
the verdict
Let me start by stating that I am drinking my first Red Bull in 2.5 weeks. Let me continue by saying that I haven't had any Red Bull recently because I have been sitting on my butt for the last 2.5 weeks because of my ankle injury. Nonetheless, the purpose of my discussion today is the verdict - from my doctor, that is. So here I go...
Saw my doctor yesterday for my ankle check-up. I have never been so anxious or impatient about going to see the doctor before. It seemed like the days just dragged on forever before I left work and headed to the doc's office. Mind you, the traffic jam en route didn't help the cause. Hey, at least they didn't make me waste away in the waiting room for an hour before seeing me - like my last visit. (aside: I should note here that my dentist is awesome. I have never had to wait past my appointment time during any of my visits. Thus, he's been my dentist for over 10 years - even when I lived in SF, I'd schedule my cleanings around trips home to Oregon).
After checking for strength and flexibility by tapping and pressing his finger in different spots on my ankle, my doc told me he was surprised at how fast I had progressed since I first saw him two weeks ago. (woohoo!) Apparently, he hadn't intended on having me start on some of the more advanced ankle rehab exercises until after this check-up. I had been doing them for about 1.5 weeks cuz I thought I was supposed to. I was able to do all except for 2 of them at this point. My doc explained that some of the pain that I still have is probably a bone bruise (talus bone probably collided with the end of my tibia). Of course, then the tightness in my foot arch and heel is a result of muscles and ligaments trying to compensate for the bruise.
Since Blogger is freaking out right now, I'll just get to the point instead of ramble. Basically, I've been cleared to start doing more active activities, like running. It will probably be another week before I can resume my more intense sports (i.e., basketball & soccer), but softball and volleyball should be okay once I can jog or run without limping. Of course, the lateral movements are going to be the next thing before I can actually sprint, but still, woo-hoo! I'm on the road to recovery!
Saw my doctor yesterday for my ankle check-up. I have never been so anxious or impatient about going to see the doctor before. It seemed like the days just dragged on forever before I left work and headed to the doc's office. Mind you, the traffic jam en route didn't help the cause. Hey, at least they didn't make me waste away in the waiting room for an hour before seeing me - like my last visit. (aside: I should note here that my dentist is awesome. I have never had to wait past my appointment time during any of my visits. Thus, he's been my dentist for over 10 years - even when I lived in SF, I'd schedule my cleanings around trips home to Oregon).
After checking for strength and flexibility by tapping and pressing his finger in different spots on my ankle, my doc told me he was surprised at how fast I had progressed since I first saw him two weeks ago. (woohoo!) Apparently, he hadn't intended on having me start on some of the more advanced ankle rehab exercises until after this check-up. I had been doing them for about 1.5 weeks cuz I thought I was supposed to. I was able to do all except for 2 of them at this point. My doc explained that some of the pain that I still have is probably a bone bruise (talus bone probably collided with the end of my tibia). Of course, then the tightness in my foot arch and heel is a result of muscles and ligaments trying to compensate for the bruise.
Since Blogger is freaking out right now, I'll just get to the point instead of ramble. Basically, I've been cleared to start doing more active activities, like running. It will probably be another week before I can resume my more intense sports (i.e., basketball & soccer), but softball and volleyball should be okay once I can jog or run without limping. Of course, the lateral movements are going to be the next thing before I can actually sprint, but still, woo-hoo! I'm on the road to recovery!
Sunday, May 07, 2006
sigh...
Nope, not there yet. I keep hoping, but nope, not yet. I was hoping to be up and back to the old routine within 2 weeks, but no such luck. I guess my doc was serious when he told me that they put David Robinson on the 14-day DL when he had a similar ankle injury. Derek keeps telling me I need to be "realistic" about when I go back to the old routine again. But having said that, this is the worst injury I have ever had, so how can I be realistic when I have nothing else to compare it to?
I did finally manage to drag myself into the gym today. I suppose I was probably a bit depressed because I sure have been moody lately and all I wanted to do was sit infront of the TV and eat. Not that I could have done much else, but I was sure feeling quite down about my ankle. The whole time I was at the gym, I felt like I was walking around in slow motion. I biked for about 20 minutes, lifted weights, then swam a few laps. Mind you that I am not a good swimmer, so it was challenging enough as it was. On top of that, I don't have goggles, so I took my contacts out before hand. Talk about blind leading the blind! I was a bit tenative at first because I was afraid that the water would put too much pressure on my ankle when I was kicking. Once I figured out that it didn't hurt, I got going for a few laps.
It felt good to sweat and breathe hard again. I just hope that this doesn't end up being a golf-only summer...
I did finally manage to drag myself into the gym today. I suppose I was probably a bit depressed because I sure have been moody lately and all I wanted to do was sit infront of the TV and eat. Not that I could have done much else, but I was sure feeling quite down about my ankle. The whole time I was at the gym, I felt like I was walking around in slow motion. I biked for about 20 minutes, lifted weights, then swam a few laps. Mind you that I am not a good swimmer, so it was challenging enough as it was. On top of that, I don't have goggles, so I took my contacts out before hand. Talk about blind leading the blind! I was a bit tenative at first because I was afraid that the water would put too much pressure on my ankle when I was kicking. Once I figured out that it didn't hurt, I got going for a few laps.
It felt good to sweat and breathe hard again. I just hope that this doesn't end up being a golf-only summer...
Saturday, April 29, 2006
I have a dream...
uh, actually.. I had a dream the night before last.. that I was on a 4x100 relay team running the anchor leg... yea.. must be the sprained ankle doing its thing to my subconscious...
By the way, the doc said, nothing broken and no tears. Just gotta watch the little bone spur in my ankle and see how it reacts to this most recent sprain. Yes, it was that obvious from the x-rays that I have sprained this ankle many times before. It was funny how he also said that he knows my personality type - that I need to let my ankle heal before I get back into the swing of things again. It was like he could read my mind and knew what I was thinking.
Most of the swelling has gone away. I started my rehab exercises today with the thera-band. It feels good and seems to have helped relieve the swelling - probably popped a blood clot somewhere because my foot wasn't as puffy as it was this morning when I woke up. I can put a little more weight on it, although the assisted calf raises are a bit rough on my ankle, but I definitely have improved my ankle range of motion since earlier in the week. Still gimping around a bit, but it's getting there....
By the way, the doc said, nothing broken and no tears. Just gotta watch the little bone spur in my ankle and see how it reacts to this most recent sprain. Yes, it was that obvious from the x-rays that I have sprained this ankle many times before. It was funny how he also said that he knows my personality type - that I need to let my ankle heal before I get back into the swing of things again. It was like he could read my mind and knew what I was thinking.
Most of the swelling has gone away. I started my rehab exercises today with the thera-band. It feels good and seems to have helped relieve the swelling - probably popped a blood clot somewhere because my foot wasn't as puffy as it was this morning when I woke up. I can put a little more weight on it, although the assisted calf raises are a bit rough on my ankle, but I definitely have improved my ankle range of motion since earlier in the week. Still gimping around a bit, but it's getting there....
Monday, April 24, 2006
gimps central.. or just me???
So after I posted that entry about the sports injuries, it was only fate that I would eventually do something really damaging to myself... At least I waited until the entire weekend was over and I had enjoyed all the different activites and the sunshine including a slight sunburn)...
Even though I won't know for sure how much damage had actually occured until I see a doctor (hopefully tomorrow), I am currently on crutches and incurring some major calluses in my armpits! I managed to sprain my ankle pretty badly this weekend at my basketball game. Both the inside and outside of my right ankle are black and blue. I don't think that I broke anything, but the ligaments (already pretty loose, I would imagine, from all the prior sprains) are even looser now, I would guess. (ok, I really wanted to say "postulate" instead of "guess" for some reason, but that just sounded weird)... I was going up for a jumper in the lane as the defense collapsed around me. When I landed, my ankle simply gave out. The funny thing was, even though I was in a lot of pain, and dripping sweat (it was the middle of the 4th quarter), I was more embarassed about being the center of attention. It seemed like forever before the pain subsided enough that I could relax a bit and stop clawing the other players who had offered me their hand to grip. When I finally was able to sit up, my teammated grabbed my arms and legs and had to carry me off the court.
Although I did manage to go to work this morning, after a while, the ankle started throbbing because all the blood had flooded to my ankle - which it is what it should do if my immune system is functioning properly. I ended up going home early and stopped by the drugstore to rent myself some crutches, hopefully, I won't have to use them for more than a few days. Then I spent the remainder of the afternoon on my living room couch, leg elevated, ice bag over my ankle, and nothing to do except for watching on TV or reading the stuff I had brought home from work. Mind you that my internet connection wasn't working correctly, so I couldn't even fry my brain with some surfing.
I finally ended up calling Comcast Tech Support a little while ago. See, my place is on two levels. The host computer that is hardwired to the cable modem and router is on the second floor. My computer, is on the first floor. I managed to get Comcast on my cell phone, then hobble around with my crutches to the stairs (which isn't exactly a gradual climb), hung on to the cell phone with my teeth without disconnecting the guy, and hopped up the stairs one at a time. Then once I got upstairs, I hopped around on my good ankle to disconnect the power on the router and modem, while trying to evade the mishmash of wires and cables behind the desk. Once that was taken care of, I hobbled back down the stairs, still with the cell phone in my teeth (and drool all over fabric phone-holder-thingamajig), and to my computer. Did I mention that I had an ice bag taped to my bad ankle the entire time?
So, now, it is around 7:45pm. I am at home, thinking about all the activites that I will miss this week: yoga class, softball practice, volleyball game, soccer game, basketball, etc etc... Hopefully it will be well enough by Sunday so I could at least get off my ass and go outside for a while, even if it is just watching from the sidelines... maybe my body is telling me something, eh?
Even though I won't know for sure how much damage had actually occured until I see a doctor (hopefully tomorrow), I am currently on crutches and incurring some major calluses in my armpits! I managed to sprain my ankle pretty badly this weekend at my basketball game. Both the inside and outside of my right ankle are black and blue. I don't think that I broke anything, but the ligaments (already pretty loose, I would imagine, from all the prior sprains) are even looser now, I would guess. (ok, I really wanted to say "postulate" instead of "guess" for some reason, but that just sounded weird)... I was going up for a jumper in the lane as the defense collapsed around me. When I landed, my ankle simply gave out. The funny thing was, even though I was in a lot of pain, and dripping sweat (it was the middle of the 4th quarter), I was more embarassed about being the center of attention. It seemed like forever before the pain subsided enough that I could relax a bit and stop clawing the other players who had offered me their hand to grip. When I finally was able to sit up, my teammated grabbed my arms and legs and had to carry me off the court.
Although I did manage to go to work this morning, after a while, the ankle started throbbing because all the blood had flooded to my ankle - which it is what it should do if my immune system is functioning properly. I ended up going home early and stopped by the drugstore to rent myself some crutches, hopefully, I won't have to use them for more than a few days. Then I spent the remainder of the afternoon on my living room couch, leg elevated, ice bag over my ankle, and nothing to do except for watching on TV or reading the stuff I had brought home from work. Mind you that my internet connection wasn't working correctly, so I couldn't even fry my brain with some surfing.
I finally ended up calling Comcast Tech Support a little while ago. See, my place is on two levels. The host computer that is hardwired to the cable modem and router is on the second floor. My computer, is on the first floor. I managed to get Comcast on my cell phone, then hobble around with my crutches to the stairs (which isn't exactly a gradual climb), hung on to the cell phone with my teeth without disconnecting the guy, and hopped up the stairs one at a time. Then once I got upstairs, I hopped around on my good ankle to disconnect the power on the router and modem, while trying to evade the mishmash of wires and cables behind the desk. Once that was taken care of, I hobbled back down the stairs, still with the cell phone in my teeth (and drool all over fabric phone-holder-thingamajig), and to my computer. Did I mention that I had an ice bag taped to my bad ankle the entire time?
So, now, it is around 7:45pm. I am at home, thinking about all the activites that I will miss this week: yoga class, softball practice, volleyball game, soccer game, basketball, etc etc... Hopefully it will be well enough by Sunday so I could at least get off my ass and go outside for a while, even if it is just watching from the sidelines... maybe my body is telling me something, eh?
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
cherz's doodlin' wall
endless hours of mind-numbing entertainment.. just remember to clear your cache to see your doodles at work!!!
http://www.cherz.com/doodlin/
http://www.cherz.com/doodlin/
Saturday, April 15, 2006
we must be running out of news
We must be running out of new things to talk about if stuff like this makes the national news...
Oh yeah, that and all the crap about Barry Bonds too. Nobody would care if he weren't chasing the home run record.
Get a life!
Oh yeah, that and all the crap about Barry Bonds too. Nobody would care if he weren't chasing the home run record.
Get a life!
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
an epiphany
I play
- volleyball = jammed fingers & floor burns on elbows and knees...
- volleyball & basketball = jammed fingers, floor burns on elbows and knees, ankle sprains, and bruises all over...
- volleyball, basketball & softball = jammed fingers, floor burns on elbows and knees, ankle sprains, bruises all over, and raspberries from sliding...
- volleyball, basketball, softball, & soccer = ???? hmm.. could be dangerous...
- tackle football, anyone???
Sunday, April 09, 2006
wide world of sports
Sports are really awesome, especially team sports. It brings so many people together from different backgrounds. I have met so many wonderful people from playing different sports. When you get a bunch of personalities that just gel well, it makes participation even more enjoyable.
I think that one of the best examples is my basketball team. I am amazed at the cohesiveness of this team. I don't think that I've ever been around a group of people who have so much fun together being silly. We range from age 25 to 41, tall, short, quick, strong, etc. Our backgrounds are all different, only that we all managed to end up together at this point in time.
Over the weekend, the team went out (on a non-game night) bowling and had a blast! It was also refreshing to be around each other in our everyday clothes and not be covered in sweat! We were all strangers not that long ago. Now, it doesn't even faze us to yell out "Are you wearing underwear?" to each other in the middle of a game.
I know that people come and go, but I hope that this one sticks around for a long time :-)
I think that one of the best examples is my basketball team. I am amazed at the cohesiveness of this team. I don't think that I've ever been around a group of people who have so much fun together being silly. We range from age 25 to 41, tall, short, quick, strong, etc. Our backgrounds are all different, only that we all managed to end up together at this point in time.
Over the weekend, the team went out (on a non-game night) bowling and had a blast! It was also refreshing to be around each other in our everyday clothes and not be covered in sweat! We were all strangers not that long ago. Now, it doesn't even faze us to yell out "Are you wearing underwear?" to each other in the middle of a game.
I know that people come and go, but I hope that this one sticks around for a long time :-)
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