Today I am grateful for HEB, our local grocery store.
I am grateful for their location, about a mile from my apartment.
I can get there using Metro Access, or on Pickup.
I am grateful that they still offer grocery delivery.
I am also glad they have a prescription section on their app, which makes refilling prescriptions easy and I know when they are ready.
HEB does so much good in the community, helping to feed the hungry and get kids the school supplies they need among other charitable services.
"My store is HEB" :)
librarianintx
Today I am grateful for the color pink.
Nearly everyone has a favorite color.
Some people have more than one favorite.
The color pink makes me very happy.
I am drawn to pink things, especially pink clothing.
And pink pens
notepads
laptops
Yes, even pink straws.
Okay, I am into anything pink.
Although my room and bathroom are not decorated in pink.
But I literally have about 20 pink t-shirts.
I feel my best when I am wearing something pink.
"My colors are blush and bashful. I have chosen two shades of pink...one is much deeper than the other." Shelby, "Steel Magnolias"
librarianintx
From transportation to...straws
Yup. I'm grateful for straws.
Dysphagia is the medical term for trouble swallowing.
I have difficulty swallowing liquids more than food.
It was bad enough for awhile that I had used a thickening agent in my drinks and soups.
Now I mainly struggle when I'm sick, or when I'm tired.
I swallow better when I use a straw.
Caveat: A swallow expert will likely tell you it's better not to use a straw.
This is what works for me.
I don't like using plastic straws, so I have silicone ones.
They are dishwasher safe and come with silicone cases so I can use them at home and on the go.
I coined a new term today - fluid hygiene.
Like sleep hygiene.
I have terrible fluid hygiene.
I am chronically dehydrated.
Too often I wait until the end of the day to drink, when I'm tired and swallowing is more difficult.
Then I have to pee really bad in the morning.
So I need to put these straws that I am so grateful for in use more often.
Fluid hygiene - does that sound like an innuendo?
Not my intention. :)
librarianintx
I watched a good webinar today about setting realistic health goals.
Emphasis on "realistic"
Especially at the beginning of the year, many people have resolutions, or goals they want to accomplish.
A big reason for falling short is that the goals are too ambitious.
Or you have too many goals.
Or both.
I'm realizing that my goals are often unrealistic.
I am trying to cram too much into each day.
And then when I don't accomplish my to-do list, I am disappointed.
I am learning to celebrate what I am able to do and not fixate on what I didn't do.
So here are three goals I have, and how I am going to make them more realistic:
Goal number one: Drink 40 ounces of liquid every day
How to make that goal realistic: Try for at least 32 ounces at least twice per week for now.
Goal number two: Be in bed by 10:30
How to make that goal realistic: Be in bed by 10:30 on two nights per week for now.
Goal number three: Eat lots of healthy food
How to make that goal realistic: Strive for at least three healthy foods / beverages per day.
Celebrate the accomplishments.
And give yourself grace if you don't quite get there.
librarianintx
Many of you will be surprised that Capital Metro makes my gratitude list.
I have certainly complained about the service. Metro Access is also the subject of my "Be On Time Chronicles" blog series.
Still, I am grateful that I qualify for the service, and that I still reside in the service area. Riding fixed route would be too difficult for me. Metro Access gets me where I need to go. It is affordable and accessible.
Over the years the service has improved. Late last year, Capital Metro debuted a new app and computer system. I don't have to be ready as early as I used to, and thanks to an alert system I don't have to wait at the curb in all manner of weather. Both of those improvements benefit me greatly. There are still kinks in the system that need to be worked out, but they are steps in the right direction. Also, if the driver is lost, they can call me from the vehicle without having to go through dispatch, which is helpful.
I am also grateful for Pickup, which is Capital Metro's ride share service. They have set up zones throughout the city, so you can only travel within your zone on Pickup. Hey, it's a start. With Pickup, I can get same day transportation every day except Sunday, and go to HEB, Walgreens, JC Penny, CVS, and a few other places in the area. It's a shared ride service, but that's okay. The buses are lift-equipped, it works through an app so you can see where your vehicle is, and I can pay with my unlimited rides Metro Access monthly pass. Having same-day transportation that is cheaper than a traditional ride share is a big deal for me. One day I went to Walgreens, then JC Penny, and back home. Going two places on Metro Access, even in the neighborhood, would have taken hours.
I appreciate you Capital Metro!
Thank you for contributing to my independence.
librarianintx
I hope my Friendship Circle peeps didn't feel left out when they weren't mentioned in my friends post yesterday.
Friendship Circle deserves a post of it's own.
In the Fall of 2020 a friend of mine and I started Friendship Circle - an online group for people with disabilities to combat the loneliness and social isolation of COVID. Over three years in, Friendship Circle is still going strong. We have a messenger group, a video meeting every Saturday, and a game night, usually every other Friday. We have people from across the US, and even a few international people: from England, Germany, France, and Mexico.
There is a core group of about 12 - 15 of us, and we are very close. We have emergency video meetings when someone is in crisis. We send each other cards in the mail and do a gift exchange twice a year. We are there for each other in good times and in bad.
Friendship Circle is an important part of my life. I am also part of another online group for people with disabilities and I have participated in book clubs and other online activities. The pandemic as an official classification is over, but social isolation, loneliness, and the need to distance continue for many people with disabilities, health conditions, and older adults. Virtual and hybrid options open up the world and provide social opportunities for so many that cannot attend events in person.
Shout out to FC! Love y'all!
librarianintx
Let's see if I can actually blog EVERY DAY for an ENTIRE MONTH!
Each day will be about a different reason why I'm grateful.
I'm writing about whatever I want on whatever day I want.
Placement is not indicative of importance.
I'm grateful for everything and everyone that I write about.
March 1st: I am grateful for my friends.
I am grateful to HAVE friends.
Past, present, and future friends.
I have had SO many wonderful opportunities and made such amazing memories with friends.
My social life was restricted by illness in high school, so most of my time with friends was in college, grad school, and as an adult. Although I do remember afternoons at the mall in junior high. :)
Examples (by no means an exhaustive list):
Dorm life
Late night food runs
Disability advocacy / sit ins
Abilities Expo
Jewelry shows
shopping, Starbucks, Seasons 52 and Escalante, Ooh La La
Ms. Wheelchair Texas galas
Renaissance Festivals
Chinese food dinners and patio lunches
Movies, tv and sci fi shows
Drag Race - on TV and in person
Valley Girls
Celebrating holidays
Concerts - Def Leppard, Lady Gaga, Elton John, Cher, Culture Club, Erasure, James Taylor, Indigo Girls, American Idol, Fleetwood Mac, Jackson Browne...
Musicals and plays
Men's Chorus and Chorus Austin
Sunday night tacos and tater tots
San Antonio zoo
The Elephant Preserve
Fossil Rim
Wildseed Farms
Fredericksburg
LBJ Ranch
House parties and house concerts
Clubbing and Magnolia or Kerbey Lane at 4 am
two weekends in Galveston
cats, dogs, and "The Rat Mansion"
Goat and puppy yoga
Museums - San Antonio, Houston, Austin
Wildflower sightseeing
ATX Festival
Thank you to all my friends.
I look forward to lots more memories.
librarianintx
Another winter storm is descending upon the Lone Star State.
Other states are dealing with much harsher conditions than we are - below zero wind chills, piles of snow, blizzard conditions in some places.
Compared to states like Illinois and Michigan, we are doing great.
Except Texas has a shaky power grid. And many parts of the state don't prepare adequately for icy roads. Texans don't know how to drive on ice. They also can't stop themselves from panic buying food, bottled water, and toiletries. And our home and business pipes don't hold up well to long-lasting below-freezing temperatures.
We are not a state known for cold weather. But in the past three years we have endured some dangerous freezes. Two years ago parts of Central Texas where I live were actually under a blizzard advisory! It sounds like an episode of 911 Lone Star. But it really happened. And people really died. Froze to death in their homes. Perished from carbon monoxide poisoning. Lost their lives because they were ventilator dependent or had other health conditions that were affected by electricity loss and/or extreme cold. We also lost members of our un-housed population.
So while some northerners might scoff at us, our fears of cold weather are justified. Especially those of us with disabilities and chronic health conditions. We are terrified of losing electricity. Of being trapped in our homes due to icy roadways. Of not having access to grocery stores or pharmacies. Some of us live alone and if our personal care attendants cannot get to us, then we are further stranded - no way to toilet, bathe, dress, or feed ourselves. The fear is real and can be overwhelming.
So today I have much to be grateful for. So far I have electricity, heat, and water. I even got a warm shower this morning. I have food, medicine, warm clothes, blankets. I am fortunate. I will try to focus on what I have and not fear what might happen. The forecast is for below freezing temperatures until sometime on Wednesday. Hopefully the grid...and the pipes, hold out.
librarianintx
Sounds scary, but my experience on the whole went very smoothly.
I am writing about it in hopes that if someone has to go through it, or knows someone who does, they will feel better knowing what to expect.
I needed a heart catheterization because my yearly echocardiogram detected elevated pressure in my pulmonary artery. Pressure at 65 or above is considered high; I believe mine was at 45. Early detection and treatment are very important when it comes to pulmonary hypertension. Too many people are misdiagnosed which can lead to poorer outcomes. There are different types of pulmonary hypertension. The main symptoms are shortness of breath, fatigue, and a nagging cough. I wasn't having any symptoms. A heart catheterization is similar to an angioplasty. A small incision is made and a wire is guided to the heart. The procedure itself usually takes 30 minutes or less.
I arrived at the hospital shortly after 7 am; I was supposed to be there by 7:45. Even though I was early, I only had to sit in the waiting room for a few minutes. I was weighed and then shown to a small room that had a shared bathroom with an adjoining room.
After I changed into a gown, a nurse took my vitals. My blood pressure was a little high, but my pulse and oxygen levels were normal. Of course it was very cold in the room. I was given a pair of warm socks and I asked for warm blankets twice.
Another nurse went over my medication list and asked a series of questions. He then drew labs and inserted an IV. I told him he had bragging rights for the rest of the day - He got in on the first try, which is rare for me, especially since I couldn't eat or drink after midnight.
My wonderful friend Kathleen arrived around 9 am, and we chatted until it was time for me to go to the procedure room. I was visited by the intern who works with the cardiologist. He explained the procedure and answered my questions, which mainly pertained to how I would feel after the procedure and any restrictions for the rest of the day and the day after. I didn't tell him that I likely had clothes older than him. :)
One unknown about the procedure was whether or not I would need to use my bipap. My cardiologist, who is not the same the doctor who performed the procedure, said I would not need it. But versed is the sedation medication, and it can affect the respiratory system. I was then visited by the cardiologist. We decided I should use my bipap. She had me put it on to make sure the strap would not interfere. A heart catheterization can be done through the neck, the wrist, or the groin. Recovery is faster going in through the neck.
They were running late, which was to be expected. I didn't stress about it, but I was getting very hungry and thirsty. My procedure was supposed to be at 10:15. They took me downstairs around 11:30.
All of the staff was so nice and helpful. I was joking with the nurse as he wheeled my bed down the corridors and on the elevator. Because of my muscular dystrophy, I needed a lot of assistance in the procedure room. I had to be transferred to the table because I could not move myself. I could not lift my head to put on the surgical cap. And I could not put the bipap on for myself. All of the nurses were happy to help, and they told me everything they were doing as they did it: attached the blood pressure cuff, applied electrodes, draped my neck. I had to turn my head all the way to the left. I was a little concerned that would make my bipap mask leak, but it didn't. The procedure room was even colder; they layered me in warm blankets without me needing to ask. :)
Two important points when it comes to any surgery or procedure: Number one: Advocate for yourself. And number two: If you have allergies to medications or things like latex, make sure everyone is aware. I told the nurse upstairs when he asked about allergies, and I was wearing an armband that listed my drug allergies. But when I was outside the treatment room, I said to the nurse, "You know that I'm allergic to fentanyl, right?" I specifically mentioned that because I had read that fentanyl is often used for pain management during this procedure. She looked at me and said, "No." I said, "I bet you were going to give me fentanyl." She said, "Yup, we were." So after a quick discussion, it was decided they would just give me the versed.
Its never easy lying on an operating table. But I stayed calm, knowing that the sedation was coming, and feeling secure in the belief that I was in good hands. I heard the nurse say "two of versed in". After that I remember a tiny sting, barely noticeable, when they made the incision in my neck. I don't really remember anything else until I felt pressure being applied to my neck after the procedure. I felt very relaxed, like I was just resting at home.
The nurse asked me if I was awake enough to have the bipap removed, and I nodded. I found out later that my blood pressure had dropped to 80/50 during the procedure, but it rebounded after I got in a room. I also remember someone telling me that the pulmonary pressure was normal! I was so happy. What that means exactly I still don't know. I will see my cardiologist next week, and determine where we go from here. But it's definitely great news for now.
I remember being transferred back to the bed, but don't remember the trip back upstairs. Once I was in the post-procedure room, I felt mostly alert. My friend Kathleen joined me. I only had to stay for a little over an hour. They monitored me and I had a choice of food and drink. I drank some apple juice and ate a few graham crackers. I was able to dress myself. One piece of advice: don't wear a shirt with a tight neck like a turtleneck. :)
For the remainder of the day I was advised to limit my movement because I was a fall risk from the medication. I was told to move from the bathroom to the bed and not much else. Kathleen drove me home and warmed some soup for me. I also had prepared food in the fridge that I could grab and eat. I took a nap, but I was not as tired or weak as I expected.
So in my experience, a heart catheterization was a surprisingly easy procedure. I barely felt anything during the procedure and the recovery has been very easy as well. If you or someone you know needs one, I hope reading my story will allay any fears. I also hope that anyone who needs one will receive the great care and assistance that I did.
librarianintx
LET'S GOOOOO!!
Congratulations Jag!!
Such a fun season - thank you houseguests! I had been in a television slump, and Big Brother brought me out of that.
It was a terrific ending to a very entertaining season. It was down to a tie breaker for the final HOH, with Jag squeaking past Matt for the win.
I am SO happy that Jag chose Matt to be in the finale two.
Minute Men forever!
In my opinion, Jag made a better case for himself to win. Matt spoke of his game in terms of a partnership with Jag. Jag emphasized his individuality, the big plays he made to systematically evict his fellow contestants.
Some people might argue that Jag was too forceful. But I think he felt he had to do that because he knew Matt is so well-liked. After Jag evicted Bowie Jane, he said to Matt, "You're about to win." I think it was important to Jag to stay loyal to Matt, but he also was still going to do everything he could to win. You don't spend 100 days in the Big Brother house and then give up during the interrogation. You fight for the win. That is exactly what Jag did. When he said to the jury, "Your blood is all over me" - he was right. He instigated every jury member elimination. Matt and Bowie Jane were in the mafia with him, but he was the leader.
I WAS disappointed that Matt didn't win Favorite Houseguest, but I wasn't mad that Cameron did. Cam is an excellent player, and he was a big part of why the season was so fun. I hope he and Red were able to hug it out and rekindle their bromance.
The reveal of Cirie and Jared's relationship was hilarious!
Kudos to Big Brother for such a diverse cast, in terms of age as well as race, ethnicity and culture.
Congratuations to Matt for being the first Deaf contestant, and Jag for being the first Sikh contestant.
Thank you Big Brother!!
librarianintx
Let's GO!!
I am caught up and ready for the finale, baby! :)
I am so stoked to see what happens!
I love both Matt and Jag, and I will be thrilled with either one of them wins.
I hope they are the final two, although I will understand if either one of them decides to take Bowie Jane and vote out the other. Their chances of winning will be better if they are not sitting next to each other. But I love their loyalty to each other, even though both of them have admitted to the possibility of voting out each other.
Matt and Jag both deserve to win, in my opinion.
Bowie Jane does not.
I would have rather had other people as the third person: Reilly or Cirie would have been my top choices.
If Bowie Jane does make it to the final two, I'm hoping that the jury members will appreciate and reward Jag and Matt's game play. Definitely Cam has already said that he's team Jag. The only person who I think could vote for Bowie Jane would be America.
Can't wait for tonight!
librarianintx
I don't think it will happen, but I have a nightmare scenario where Bowie Jane and Felicia are the final two.
Please no.
Mama Fe has survived the block MULTIPLE times, more than any contestant this season. But does that make her worthy of being in the final two? She hasn't won a comp. And I don't know why of the houseguests talked game with her. Anything she heard came right out of her mouth to someone. And I certainly hope she didn't intentionally use Matt's deafness when she told him that Bowie Jane and Jag were talking about him.
As for Bowie Jane - yes, she has won a few comps. Okay. But has she made a single game move on her own? No. She has let Cameron, Jag, and Matt do all the work. They told her what to do, who to nominate, how to vote, and she did it. The end.
No matter what happens though, I have thoroughly enjoyed this season.
librarianintx
I usually love the dances on Most Memorable Year Nite, and this episode did not disappoint!! Yes, I saw a few wobbles too, but I thoroughly enjoyed nearly every performance.
First of all, I certainly liked all the chests I had the opportunity to oggle at. I'm talking to you - Mauricio, Artem, Harry, and to a lesser extent - Gleb and Sasha. I would like to extend my appreciation to the wardrobe department. :)
Let me also say that the tribute to Len was wonderful! Len will always be a part of the show, and we will forever miss him.
My top pair this week was Charity and Artem. That Contemporary dance was Charity's breakthrough performance. The athleticism and commitment she had, as well as her trust in Artem was breathtaking. Artem's beautiful choreography allowed her to shine and connect with the audience. She deserved that 10 from Carrie Ann.
I also thought that Lele, Mauricio, Alyson, and Mira had their best performances of the season.
Xochitl retained her top spot on the leader board, this time tied with Charity, and I also thought Ariana was back in fine form with a lovely Viennese Waltz. I loved all the female empowerment and emphasis on mental health for all in these routines.
Now for the performances that didn't work for me:
The judges declared that Jason was back in the game after his Quickstep. I also thought it was entertaining, and his personality and musicality were once again in fine form. But I thought he would get dinged for being out of hold too much. He wasn't.
I give Harry a lot of credit for all the lifts in his and Rylee's Contemporary routine. They were all well-executed and fully completed. So that is something. But in between the lifts, Rylee was the only one dancing. There has to be more to a performance than lifts.
Finally, Barry and Peta's Paso Doble. Was I watching the same dance that the judges were? They were impressed. Derek even said that Len would have loved the routine. To me, it came across as comical when it was supposed to be fierce. He just stood and made shapes and then walked as Peta danced. I could also see Peta coaching him throughout the routine which I found distracting. It just did not work for me. But good for him that the judge liked it. That's what matters.
Unfortunately we had to say goodbye to Mira and Gleb. She looked so sad. She certainly struggled with confidence, but it was evident that dancing means a lot to her.
librarianintx
Sorry, dance fans.
I was not feeling Disney Nite.
Once again the enthusiasm was overwhelming while most of the dances were disappointing.
One team was a clear winner for me.
A few dances were solid.
One favorite dropped out of my best dances list, while a new pair slipped in.
Xochitl & Val's Paso Doble to a song from the movie Coco was tops with me and the judges. She was a little smiley for the Paso, but it was crisp, sharp, fast, and entertaining. I am amazed at her ability to inhabit and bring to life every character she is presented with. And her personality and musicality continue to be off the charts.
The new pairing to make my list of top dances of the week was Lele & Brandon. She definitely listened more to the judges and less to her inner critic. Their Lion King Rumba was very solid. She had good hip action, nice musicality, and chemistry with Brandon. It was wonderful to see her pleased with her performance and proud of herself.
On the flip side, Jason & Daniella slid out of my list of top dances. His Aladdin-inspired Foxtrot was honestly boring to me, even though I like him, and I love that song. His timing was off and he looked uncomfortable. Hopefully he will bounce back next week.
Two dances were in the good category for me this week: Ariana & Pasha's Contemporary to a song from Frozen 2, and Charity and Artem's Waltz from The Little Mermaid. Ariana looked beautiful, and I felt her emotion during the dance. But I agree with Carrie Ann that she could have done more. She looked slightly tentative for the first time, which took the dance from great to good. Charity and Artem's Waltz was lovely, but I wanted a little more.
I'm sorry to say that everyone else was disappointing for me.
Hopefully next week will be better.
librarianintx
The first winner of Motown Nite IMO (In My Opinion) was the music. I love Motown music!
The other three winners were my top 3 of the competition this season: Jason, Ariana, and Xotichl.
Jason and Daniella danced a Jive to the Contours hit "Do You Love Me?" Bruno proclaimed it looked like a scene from a movie. I think it looked like a deleted scene from "Dirty Dancing." Everything about the performance was so spot on. Jason said he was exhausted in rehearsals, but in the live show he had just the right amount of energy. He was so light on his feet; he made the dance look effortless. The musicality and personality was off the chart. It was a perfect song choice for a Jive. And there was plenty of Jive content too.
My second favorite dance of the night was Ariana and Pasha's Quickstep to the Supreme's hit "You Can't Hurry Love." Ariana rocked it! The dance was indeed quick, and they made it look easy. They covered the entire floor. I loved all the flourishes and personality, Ariana flirting with the audience. Her costume and hair were perfection as well. Style and flair!
Coming in an extremely close third was Xochitl and Val's Foxtrot to Mary Well's "My Guy." I am SO impressed with Xochitl! Seventeen years old, but she danced that routine with such sophistication and panache, plus a boatload of personality. She has nailed every dance so far in my opinion. Even the wardrobe malfunction didn't faze her. This performance was like musical theater, Old Hollywood style. Last week Rita Moreno...this week Rita Hayworth? I don't know about Val, but Xochitl definitely has "hella riz"!
Tyson and Jenna were eliminated. Tyson has struggled, but I think it should have been Maurico or Harry.
librarianintx
