This was from the What the Forecast app at 11:30 am EST. I’ll be inside as much as possible today and the rest of this week until after sundown. I did go out yesterday after 6 PM to vote. It had cooled down to a real feel temperature of around 100 degrees.
Yeah, this is for the birds. And barely for them. Be safe and stay hydrated, people.
So, how are you fine people doing? Can you believe 2021 is almost over? I’m blown away and also glad to see the end is near. These past two years have been a whirlwind of weird and not the good kind of weird. But until December 31, 2021, at 11:59 PM, we have to keep pushing.
So, what are your plans for the next two months? I’ll be over here, planning menus, working, spending family time in the nearly empty nest, and training. Training will consist of getting these ankles, spine, and knee ready for the Shrimp & Grits 5K on January 15. Want to join me? It will be a blast! It’s part of the Charleston Marathon events and the after-party is fun.
I had to sit out due to injuries and it hurt. I entered a few years ago as a thing to keep me motivated and moving forward. Having to sit out made me feel like a failure. I know that I did not fail, I just had something to handle before I could participate again. So I am going to get to it. Slowly, but will intent and determined to hit a decent pace before the race so I can compete. I compete with myself more than anyone else. My goal is to beat my last finish time.
So, are you going to join me? Registration is open now and you have plenty of time. Come walk with me! We’ll walk, enjoy a little of the after-party, then go grab some lunch. I am tempted by the Bless Your Heart Bling that participants of any of the Charleston Marathon and Myrtle Beach Marathon events will get. Those events are on March 5. Are you tempted, too?
Let me know what you’re up to. I’d love to hear it! See you later!
Hello, family! It’s been far too long since I’ve posted here. I’m still active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, but my official blog has been about empty.
He was tiny, but look at those feet!
Here’s a short update:
Getting back on my feet has been my main goal lately, but making sure my nutrition game is on point is up there, too. I’ve been unable to cook for a couple of months now and proved to myself yesterday that short cooking sessions won’t knock me out or lead to spasms. Thanks to Instant Pot, I will have on-plan food that has flavor.
The main reason I popped on is to tell you to hang tight. It may be annoying and a little rocky at first, but this current normal is not the end of everything. It may take a few weeks to a few months, but we are resilient. We will get through this pandemic by washing our hands and not being dicks. Don’t buy more toilet paper or cleaning supplies than you need. Don’t grab all the bread and nut butter. Remember that we are all facing the same shortages, reduced shopping hours, and uncertainty. We will heal together. We will find or way together. Your neighbor is not your enemy – fear is.
For the time being, I’ll share my thoughts, menus, and whatever random idea of entertainment that comes to mind. I have a few book reviews to share, too. I’ll stop treating my blog as an afterthought for those of you here to see what’s happening in my corner of the spoonie world. Until then, be good to yourselves.
I’ve chosen self-quarantine as a way of life. Get offa my lawn!
Peace.
I received a copy of Low Back Pain Program at no cost from Tomoson.com. My views are my own and I would not recommend anything I did not feel good about.
Please remember that I am not a health care practitioner. I am just another patient willing to experiment with a variety of therapies and sharing about my experiences.
If you suffer with low back pain, you are far from alone. Estimates show that approximately 60-80% of adults experience at least mild back pain at some point. Frightening, isn’t it? Statistics on treatment costs, productivity loss, and treatment types are also sobering. It’s enough to make someone want to hide in a blanket fort.
While pain like mine has both chemical and mechanical causes, physical therapy has proven to ease some of the pain and increase my mobility. It’s been an issue for me since 2003 and there seems to be no end in sight. As I grow older and somewhat stiffer, I look for additional therapies that may help me stay on the flexible side. I have my favorites, but it never hurts to expand the regimen. Well, it usually doesn’t.
There are many books and videos on the subject, and Ontario-based Sherwin Nicholson wrote a good one. Low Back Pain Program is an illustrated training manual designed for those who want to self-treat their chronic pain. It is progressive and starts with exercises to help increase mobility before moving on to a set that strengthen the muscles and joints.
If you are currently under a doctor’s or therapist’s care, do not try any of these exercises before discussing them with your healthcare practitioner. Why? Because you want to make sure you don’t do anything that might hurt you. I am forbidden to perform certain movements because they will aggravate my spine.
I read through the Limited Mobility Exercises section before deciding to go all in. I figured it couldn’t hurt more than usual. Hoped it wouldn’t, anyway. I’m only 20 days into the program (I’m sticking with the Limited Mobility Exercises a little longer thanks to a pain flare), but I do feel somewhat better. The program is improving with my flexibility and mobility so far, two of my more common back complaints. I’m stretching and strengthening my muscles without spending hours on the floor or on ice afterward. I will continue the program to completion to see if it should stay in my personal therapy mix or not. So far, it looks like a keeper.
Low Back Pain Program is available as an e-book and paperback and can be found on Amazon.com, iBooks, Smashwords, Createspace and Nicholson’s website, LowBackPainProgram.com. If you give it a try, please let me know what you think.
This time last Saturday, your friendly neighborhood Sherrie walked her first 5K.
The original plan was to walk/run, but the joints were not having it.
I arrived late and started after everyone was gone. Adele was singing her heart out in my ears and I was near tears myself. But I kept going. Besides, Charleston needed to see me repping for #TeamVegan. I had someone ask about my shirt and plant-based living, which is what I’d hoped.
And this band was my mantra. I was there to compete with the Sherrie from a few months ago. The Sherrie who wouldn’t have pushed the crowd out of her head and just walked.
But I did it! Black Girls Run Charleston, Vegan Bodybuilding and Fitness community, Official Team Green, Vegan N3rd Squad, and my Facebook fitness families and running clubs, thank you. To my family, thanks. To Sherrie from a few months ago, see what you did? We’ve got this!
On to the next one!
Happy 2016!
So, what goals have you set for yourself? I registered for the Shrimp & Grits 5K on January 16 – my first non-virtual event! The 5K is part of the Charleston Marathon series of events that include a marathon, half marathon, 5K, and bike ride benefitting the Youth Endowment for the Arts. I’m so excited! This will not be my last. Are you running, walking, or biking?
My other main goal for 2016 is to become more flexible. My joints and muscles will thank me for it. As for weight and fat loss, food, etc., I like the path I’m on and will keep on it. I’m seeing progress and that’s all I need.
So, what are your 2016 plans?
You know I have a cookbook problem.
A few of my favorites, including books from authors I have a girl crush on. HInt – all of them.
I reviewed this book and still pull ideas and recipes from it from time to time.
Don’t think any commentary is necessary.
Because your friendly neighborhood Sherrie does not fear the green,
Meal planning was in full effect here.
Raw or cooked, plant-based comfort food rules! Noms!
A classic.
One of my go-to’s for healthy vegan eats.
I’m digging the recipes here. They help me stick to my eating plan.
It doesn’t matter if the books are from the library or part of my personal collection. I have one within reach daily.
By the way, if you’re in or near Charleston, SC, you can meet Happy Herbivore herself, Lindsay Nixon at the College of Charleston on Thursday! I missed her back in 2012, but will be there this time. Hope you can make it, too!
Yoga is my jam! It helps me retain and increase flexibility in my stiff joints. It helps me keep and regain my calm when things push my buttons. It helps me relax my mind and body which helps reduce my pain. It was an important part of my physical therapy regimen and equally important now.
I understand that yoga is not everyone’s cup of tea and have heard many spiritual arguments against it. Yoga does not always lead to spiritual practice. Fitness yoga is just that, another road to fitness. In a class, students learn to breathe properly while moving through a sequence of poses. Students learn to relax, focus, and improve coordination, balance, and flexibility.
Yoga for kids could be invaluable in teaching them how to deal with stressful situations in class, on the playground, and at home. If you want to try yoga with your child, there are many videos available on Hulu and several yoga and Pilates channels available on Roku. Charleston-area people have an option available through Charleston Parks and Recreation. Registration is open for a 12-week class for children ages 5-10. The Thursday class runs from September 10 through November 10th and is $100. The 3:30-4:40 pm time is perfect for an after-school activity! Register online or in person at Hazel Parker Playground at 70 East Bay Street Downtown.
Have you tried yoga? Your kids? ‘m about to get my yoga on at 2 pm. Maybe you can join me.
Until next time, peace and have a great weekend.
Your friendly neighborhood Sherrie isn’t feeling very friendly. The frustration, anger, sadness, and grump are strong in this one.
Frustration stems from an inability to control pain when it’s in an uncontrollable state. My daily routine, relaxation, and even meds only aggravate the pain sensors and make me stabby.
Anger comes from the same place as frustration, but is magnified by the limited mobility, lack of meaningful exercise, and fear of the flare continuing past week two.
Cue the sadness. Once fear comes around, the tears are sure to follow. I’m only 46. If this is what 46 feels like, what will 56 bring? If I need assistance to stand now, I might need more assistance later. And what if the degeneration speed increases with time? How am I supposed to train when I can barely stand?
Yes, it gets that bad sometimes. It’s hard to tell when people see me smiling and pushing through.
Once anger passes, the general grump sets in. Why are people calling me? Why do I need to cook? These dogs need to feed themselves. Bah, humbug.
The longer the flare, the longer this cycle lasts. I know flares are temporary, but while living through one, logical thinking flies out the window. And laughs at me.
Why do I share? Because it helps keep me sane. And to let anyone reading this know that the feelings are real and you’re not crazy. Or alone. Chronic conditions can do a number on your body, mind, and spirit.
If you need me, give me an hour or so. I’m riding out the flare from my bedside workstation. Thank you, flexible scheduling!
Peace.
My heart breaks for you, Emanuel AME Church. My heart breaks for the victims, their families, and Charleston as a whole.
The suspect apparently drove over an hour to get there and sat with his victims for another hour before opening fire. Dylann Roof is his name. If you know him or where he is, please call the authorities. He”s armed and dangerous.
Charleston will come together in wake of this tragedy. You have not broken us. Bruised, yes, but never broken.
