It's been hot here which means unsettled weather and beautiful cloud formations. We didn't get this rain though, it went further east and hit Vermillion and Vegreville.
Yesterday I went to the gym for the first time in probably a decade. It was good. My muscles are sore today, especially my triceps but it's a familiar sore, a sore that means I worked out. I spent twenty years lifting weights when I was younger, an excellent preventative measure for osteoporsis, something I've managed to avoid so far. My poor mum broke so many bones, starting in her forties, and continuing on until she started taking fosamax. When I retired, one of my goals was to start working out and now a year later, I went to the gym. I only bought a punch card for ten visits though, before I commit. I know what I'm like. I start off gung-ho and then lose interest, but I also know how good I feel when I lift weights, along with my cardio workout.
We're leaving for Pentiction on Sunday, to visit my brother and my sister in law. I'm looking forward to seeing them, but not the weather. Penticton is hot as hell in the summer. Thankfully there are two lakes to choose from and an outdoor pool at the motel. I'm in the middle of cleaning and doing laundry, organizing stuff to take with us, and packing, because that's what women do apparently.
I worry that Gracie is slipping off the wagon; August is usually the time her life goes for shit. Maybe I'm wrong, but I doubt it. She couldn't see Jack last weekend because he was sick and when I suggested they go swimming on Saturday, crickets. I know she got my message and read it (for some reason my phone does this for some people), but nothing back. Her sister thinks she's just fine, but that young lady has no credibilty with me. She's been wrong every time when it comes to her sister. I guess we'll see what happens. I just got a text back from Gracie, a day and a half later, and she says ok, thanks. So I guess that means yes? Her not answering texts in a timely manner is still a red flag for her.
In good news, Jack and I have been accepted into a program that builds resiliency and skills for ADHD children and their parents. We talked to the psychiatrist yesterday, a very nice man with excellent kid skills; the course starts in September and runs for ten weeks. It teaches both the children and the parents how to deal with ADHD, which will be so helpful. I'm quite excited about it, for both of us. The psychiatrist was also impressed with Jack's ability to sit still and talk to him, despite the ADHD and the trauma he's been through. I guess we're doing something right.
Jack will start swimming lessons again next month and he wants to get onto a soccer team as well, so he'll/we'll be busy.
This is what ADHD feels like:)
I had a boss who would say a phrase. Then she'd say why are you looking blank? I'd explain my brain immediately produced half a dozen ways the convo could go! After that she took pity and would tell me in a complete sentence what she wanted to discuss. It went much better.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you've found a class for Jack and you to develop new skills in managing ADHD. Good for you for finding it and signing up.
I have a tendency to not produce full sentences, or I start saying out loud what I've been thinking in my mind for the last few minutes, only to confuse my husband because he couldn't hear the first part of the conversation:)
DeleteI'm so thankful about the classes. We were referred through the behavioral clinic. I wish I'd had the benefit of the classes when my son was six years old, but I'm glad kids today get the benefit of them.
Great news about the ADHD skills & resiliency course! And have fun in Penticton!
ReplyDeleteI'm very happy about the course, especially for me. It'll give me new ways of dealing with both my ADHD and Jack's.
DeleteI love visiting my sister in law. She's the best person in my family.
I start off gung-ho and then lose interest...... that sounds familiar in my case too.
ReplyDeleteI've started and stopped a lot of hobbies. It's one of the hallmarks of ADHD.
DeleteLove those expressive baby owls. Sending love to you and Jack as, together, you learn skills for thriving with ADHD.
ReplyDeleteThank you Amanda. Those owls are so sweet and so true.
DeleteI've been planning to start doing at least a tiny bit of work with weights and a few exercises for...quite awhile. And today I did that. Now. Will I do it tomorrow? Will I begin walking again? I need to. I want to. I did those two things for years and years and years. I know I can. What stubborn, lazy thing prevents me from doing it now?
ReplyDeleteUgh.
Good for you for going to the gym. They say that starting something is the hardest part. Unfortunately, one has to restart every damn day.
I think that ADHD course sounds perfect.
I think the course will be very good for us. And the gym? There are drop in courses to learn more equipment and meet new people. Win win:)
DeleteThat class sounds perfect, such a great learning opportunity for Jack and you. It's very affirming when a professional gives out a compliment because of what they know and see. I would trust your gut on Gracie. She has a pattern, sadly.
ReplyDeleteI feel bad for Gracie but I will not let her hurt Jack again, not if I can help it.
DeletePlease do pass along any good tips you pick up from the class. When I saw that last photo, I recognized myself; though I haven't had an adhd diagnosis it doesn't mean certain tips won't be beneficial!
ReplyDeleteI'm terrible for interuppting, slowly improving with age. I'm a fine fucking wine:)
DeleteI have started going to the gym again too - concentrating on weights to get stronger as I'm pretty good at the cardio stuff. But, oh, I so dislike it - it's such a chore to go if I'm honest. Which is why exercise we love is what we stick at I guess. Ad why I've walked in the mountains all my adult life...
ReplyDeleteI don't mind lifting weights, it feels empowering, probably because I'm not a strong woman.
DeleteBeautiful clouds, and that's great news about the course. Fingers crossed!
ReplyDeleteI do love me some clouds and Alberta has great ones:)
DeleteGood on you for the gym. We used to go when it was really hot in Tucson, to Planet Fitness. I liked it because they don't allow all the body builders to grunt or drop weights or be jerks. ADHD school sounds very useful.
ReplyDeleteThere aren't any big body builders in this gym, at the time I go, mostly old folk like me:)
DeleteHave a wonderful trip. I am sure you bring back great photos.
ReplyDeleteI do gym at home, my health insurance offers free online courses and yes, they do check if you comply plus several in person sessions along the way.. Obv none of the machinery of a gym but weights aplenty. I have another week of recovery from surgery precaution and I'll be back.
Thanks Sabine. I have a few weights downstairs but unless I leave my home, I am unlikely to exercise. Same thing when I was going to University, I had to go to the library to get my work done, it wouldn't get done at home.
DeleteI have that shut off on my phone so people can't seen when I've read something. Sorry to hear she might be having a rough August though. Not good. Congrats on hitting the gym though. Very, very good. Cheers, Ivy.
ReplyDeletePenticton looks and sounds like a great place to visit. I checked out The Bench Market - a great place for brunch or lunch at 368 Vancouver Ave. No evening meals.
ReplyDeleteP.S. If you are going to keep working out, please don't develop bulging biceps like Popeye the Sailorman!