Don't let it get me...

It has been a good week so far. I have been fighting a chest cold for the last couple of days. I seem to be winning, so far. Kathy and Grace were sick with the flu today. Whatever bug this turns out to be is a nasty one, or many. It seems to change symptoms each day.

I had a really good night at the gym. I really enjoy using the elliptical trainer. Using it doesn't hurt my knees like the treadmill does. I was able to go really hard for a half an hour tonight. (That's what she said!) (Sorry, the Office has corrupted me) Anyway, I got through my work out but had to sterilize and wipe down the ENTIRE machine when I was done with it. Oh well, it just means I worked hard.

I am back in my work out and eat better groove now that I am feeling better. Who knows, I could wake up tomorrow with double pneumonia. Nothing would surprise me.

Christmas is fast approaching. We decorated our trees on Sunday. One upstairs and one down. It may be a little early, but we had our Thanksgiving a month ago. Also, Halloween is over, so I need something else to look forward to. Kathy watched Elf with the kids tonight. That is on my absolute must see list for Christmas. I also love watching " A Christmas Story". I will not officially declare the Christmas season underway until I watch it. It is amazing how they were able to capture the absolute joy and humour of the Christmas season. I am able to reminisce about my own Christmas memories when I watch it.

My mom and I have always shared a special bond when it comes to Christmas. She has always been as excited or more about it than I have. I, in turn, am like that with my kids as well. I am really excited that she will be spending Christmas Eve with us. I am 38 years old and still have just as much trouble sleeping Christmas Eve as I did when I was little. The pattern is the same, I will wake up every hour on the hour until the kids wake up. If it goes too late, I have no problem waking the kids up. I am supposed to say that I don't think of myself and that I am happy to give and see what the kids get. The first statement is a pile of crap. I do think of myself, but I also am happy to give and see what the kids get. That is as close to selfless at Christmas as I can muster.

Scott will be coming home for Christmas, which will make this one extra special. I really miss him and look forward to sitting in his room, or wherever we have a working stereo, and listen to music with him.

I need to go to bed.

One Flu Over The Cuckoo's Nest

It has been a rough week. I have had a flu for about a week now. It is not the much heralded H1N1, but it is bad enough to have shut me down for a few days. I know I am on the mend, it is just taking longer than I want it to.

I am about a week behind with my exercise program, but that is underway again, so that is good news. The elliptical machine is my new favorite cardio device. My body is not built to operate it with much grace, but I got through it. I am still trying to get used to it. I hope to be able to take a drink from a water bottle without falling off or spilling all over myself. I do take comfort in the fact that I am alone most of the time while working out. There was sweat flying all over the place. I may have celebrated every quarter mile with an exertion fart or two. Everyone rewards themselves differently.

My body is a funny contraption. I have always been a little oddly proportioned. I carry all of my weight above my waist which, in addition to my family history of heart problems, does not help my blood pressure. My arms and legs remain relatively slim compared to my torso. My arms and legs are also the first things to show weight loss when it starts to happen. That is where I am noticing a difference now. I have to tell myself that I am not an apple with popsicle stick arms and legs, and that my torso will follow suit soon. I feel stronger and am able to lift more weight every time I go to the gym, so progress is being made.

I have another trip to Edmonton on Wednesday for union business. I am only up there until Friday. I am flying again, so hopefully it will be uneventful this time. I didn't mention the groin pat down I got in the Edmonton airport on my way back last time. There is only a slightly smaller amount of discomfort having a male attendant do the pat down. My first instinct is to make a joke to break the discomfort, but I kept my mouth shut and stared at the wall. I probably would have been tasered and declared a flight risk if I would have said anything stupid.

Anyway, another week is almost here, so I had better go get some sleep before it punches me in the face tomorrow.