March 03, 2017

Tortitude

Brr! It is a cold morning in Michigan today. We woke up to a dusting of snow and 20 degrees, with a wind chill of 10 degrees. Quite a bit different than the 70+ degree weather we had last week!

Yesterday, I picked up Eli from school and took him to his first physical therapy appointment. I really like his therapist, and I wish I'd gone there when I had physical therapy in 2015. At the time, I didn't realize that I could choose any physical therapist I wanted; I just went to the one that my doctor recommended, which was over an hour away. (My therapist was fantastic, but it was a long drive)

I was surprised at just how tight Eli's calves and hamstrings are. The therapist measured his range of motion, particularly in his ankles (where he has the most pain), and his range of motion is much less than normal. We learned exercises to do at home twice a day, and he'll have to go to physical therapy twice a week for a while until we can get his muscles stretched out.


Eli really enjoyed his session, and he actually loves doing the exercises at home. It was the first thing he asked me about when he woke up this morning, haha. I'm glad he liked it, though! I really hope that this will help his legs get a good range of motion so he's able to be more active without pain. The therapist doesn't seem worried, and thinks that this will do the trick as long as we keep up with it.


While we were there, I got a Facebook message from my friend Sarah's mom. Sarah is my friend who passed away in 2014 a few weeks before Mark did. She had a long battle with melanoma. Our lives went separate directions after high school, so we didn't see each other much; but we were very close in high school. Sarah's mom discovered this sticker that was stuck to Sarah's dresser, and she sent me a picture yesterday. It totally made my day!

Yes, camera quality was a little poorer back then! haha
Sarah and I had these little stickers made at the mall when we were in high school. I always wondered (particularly after she died) whatever happened to them. I love that this one was stuck on her dresser all these years! It was really nice to chat with her mom, too. I think about Sarah every single day at some point (there are lots of things that remind me of her), so it felt good to talk about her.


After putting way too much thought into it, we decided to decline going to the Ariana Grande concert this month. I really struggled with this, but after reading more about her online, I think it's for the best. I was kind of shocked by the surveillance video of her at a doughnut shop (I remember seeing that when it went viral, but I had no idea who she was). That video really bothers me, because I think it shows her true colors. I really disliked the way she treated the employee at the doughnut shop. (Licking the doughnut was gross, but I was most bothered by the way she treated the employee.) Yes, everybody does stupid stuff sometimes, but she was 22 years old at the time, and clearly knew right from wrong.

So, I showed the video to my kids, and they agreed that as cool as it would be to go to a concert, they didn't want to go see her. I was very proud of them for that! At their age, it's easy to get googley-eyed over a celebrity; but I think our values are more important. I know it won't make any difference to Ariana if we go or not; but I like to think that my kids will remember that people notice when you treat others badly, and it's not okay to treat people that way (even if you're a celebrity!). So, Jerry and I decided to plan something else to do with them that will be just as fun (I'm not sure what yet, but maybe we'll go to a local indoor water park or something over spring break).


I saw THIS at the store yesterday:


I'm not a beer person, but I do love Shandy--and this box has ALL of the best flavors! My favorite is orange, but Leinenkugel's quit making it a couple of years ago. Suddenly, it's back--and packaged with Grapefruit, Summer, and Watermelon Shandy! I was very tempted to buy the sampler, but I'm going to try to stay away from the Shandy this year (or at least until summer time!). It's too easy to drink hundreds of calories worth, so I need to be careful.

This is the time of year where things usually start getting tough for me. Summer drinks and summer foods are my favorite, and they start showing up at the beginning of March. This year, I feel a little differently, though. Instead of telling myself "no" to certain things, I'm really considering if it's worth it in the moment. Yes, those Shandies would taste AWESOME when the temps are 90 degrees and I'm cleaning up the yard. But today, it's 20 degrees outside--and that same beer wouldn't taste nearly as good.

So, I'm going to try and decide what's worth it and what isn't, and be a little choosier about what I think is worth it. If something is worth it, then I will enjoy it!


Monica and Estelle made me laugh yesterday. Estelle doesn't like the other pets very much, and she's extremely bossy. If she is sitting somewhere she doesn't let anyone else lie down near her. But when one of the other pets chooses a spot that she wants, she plays nice in order to be able to lie down there, too.

Monica was lying on a blanket on the couch yesterday, and Estelle clearly wanted the same spot. She was pacing back and forth, giving Monica the stink eye. If I hadn't been right there, she probably would have swatted Monica to make her leave. Instead, she finally just swallowed her pride and carefully made her way up there next to Monica. I was so sure a fight would break out, but Monica gave her a little glance and then Estelle settled in and got comfy. They stayed like this for a long time!


I sometimes wonder if Estelle is more tolerant of Monica because Monica is a tortie, too. Probably ridiculous, but I can't help but wonder! ;)

Have a great weekend, Friends!

31 comments:

  1. That's really admirable that your boys are so conscious and thoughtful at such a young age. That's funny about your cats.

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    1. I was so proud of them for putting so much thought into it! Thank you.

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  2. You might check some bigger liquor stores for the Shandy. A lot of stores here allow you to make your own 6 pack and have the flavors that come in those sample packs. It's easier to just take home a 6 pack rather than a giant sampler.

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  3. I think its so cool that you made the decision about the concert and that your boys are on board...It speaks volumes of your parenting skills and shows integrity beyond your boys years.....!!!!

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    1. Thank you! I'm not going to lie, it was a very tough decision; but I left it up to them. I do feel like it was the best decision, though, and hopefully one day we'll go to a cool concert together :)

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  4. Good for you for taking a stand on Ariana Grande.If more people were like you, these celebrity brats would understand that actions have consequences. Sadly, most don't have the moral backbone that your family exemplifies.
    Oh, and your cats are hilarious.

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    1. Thanks! I know that she'll never know that we didn't go or why, but I feel good about the decision.

      And my cats crack me up--they have such unique personalities!

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  5. I feel the same way when holiday candy comes out! I have started making myself wait until the month of, or the week of the holiday before I can buy it. Easter candy is my absolute favorite and I have the hardest time resisting those Reese's eggs, but I can't have one until next month. just keeps me from over indulging for weeks and weeks.

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    1. That's a good idea! The stores bring out the seasonal treats earlier and earlier, it seems, and it's easy to go WAY overboard before the actual season really starts! haha

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    2. I'm giving up Reece's Peanut Butter Cups for Lent...and I'm not even Catholic! ;) I love Reece's and I usually eat a small one every day. My reward on Easter morning is going to be a big Reese's egg. I. Can't. Wait.

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  6. I have those little stickers!! The camera quality was really terrible back in the day...

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    1. How funny that you have those stickers! I think they were at Claire's or something, right? I remember you could choose a frame, and it printed out a sheet of stickers.

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  7. Leine's is the best! Berryweiss is my fav but yeah, it tastes sooo good on a hot summer day. I wasn't a huge fan of the watermelon though. And I agree with you on Ariana grande. While she does have a couple of catchy songs, I've also heard she's terrible with her fans. Total diva attitude. I think as a celebrity, you need to treat your fans with respect; they're the reason you are where you are!

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    1. Leinenkeugel's used to have orange shandy in the winter, and I always thought of it as a Christmas-like beer. I was so bummed when they stopped making it! I'm pretty sure I probably dropped 10 pounds when that happened ;)

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  8. I hadn't heard about the donut incident so I googled it and watched a few things about it. I feel like the kicking was weird, but I totally get what she was saying about hating America. I say things like that as in "I hate that Americans are so fixated on unhealthy food", I think she made a poor choice, but I wouldn't skip her concert because of that! I was expecting something a bit more abrasive from your comments.

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    1. I'd have to watch again for her exact quote, but it was something like, "What the fuck is that?! That's disgusting!" that she said when the worker brought out a tray of doughnuts that I thought was very rude. I would be horrified if my kids ever treated someone that way!

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  9. I too hadn't heard about the donut incident so I googled it. And I am glad you decided NOT to go to her concert. You are right that her life will go on whether you go or not, but for your boys.......there are many other people out there being very respectable to others and businesses that deserve our attention and she is not one of them in my eyes.

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    1. I agree! I usually give people the benefit of the doubt (especially when it comes to celebrities and/or rumors), but the surveillance video was when she didn't think anyone was watching. It's hard to explain that away!

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  10. Hey just some food for thought. When my son was little his calves and hamstrings were so tight he was having trouble learning to walk and point his toes. It turned out the reason was because his tailbone was depressed and constantly pulling the muscles taut. Once it was popped back into place things loosened up and he took off!

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    1. That's exactly what his physical therapist explained! I had no idea. But Eli was always a toe-walker when he was little, so it makes sense. Physical therapy is supposed to help correct that issue as well. Thanks for sharing! This whole thing was all new to me :)

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  11. Have a great Saturday! You sound like a great mom! Ive not herd about the donut incident.
    Patrick@looneyforfood.com

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    1. Thanks Patrick! You have a great day, too!

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  12. I am so glad I found you on on a show on Netflix called fat to finish line. I also live in Michigan. I blog too but about my health struggles. My 9 year old is starting girls on the run this Monday. I would love to run with my 9 year old but I am way out of shape and have a hard time staying moviated. I am following your blog for inspiration. Thank you.

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    1. I think it's awesome that your daughter is going to do GOTR! It's a fantastic program :)

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  13. Ahh, I have three torties who are littermates. Violet is stand-alone and rarely is near her sisters. Hazel and Irene often snuggle in and groom each other. Typically, it dissolves into a scuffle at some point :) Have a great day!

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    1. I've always wanted cats that would snuggle together! How cute. I'm just grateful that mine tolerate each other, though ;)

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  14. You deserve extra points for sharing your values with your boys, for giving them a role model. Best. Mom. Ever!

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  15. Hello Katie,
    Several months ago I stumbled on your blog (can't even remember how I found it) and I got so hooked that I actually went all the way back to your first post, and have been making my way through them ever since! Today I finally got caught up to real time. Through your blog I have found inspiration, commiseration, and have started many experiences I never thought I would.
    I started running, and have my first 5k this weekend. I run super slow, but I've learned that doesn't really matter! I also joined weight watchers, and am working on my goal of losing a total of 52 pounds, so far I'm down 11. I completely identify with you on goal setting, and Gretchen Rubin (author of the happiness project and Better than Before) is one of my personal heros, her podcast is awesome too!
    Anyway I just wanted to say thank you for inspiring me, just by being yourself! Also, as an aside, I'm a gay woman and just got married in October (my wife started running too and is hitting 11 min miles while I'm lucky to do 15, I try not to give her the stink eye too hard) and seeing your trip to San Diego and knowing that you are an accepting person made me so happy! So again, thank you for being so inspiring and you have definitely earned a lifetime reader!
    Thank you,
    Megan

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    1. Thank you so much for the kind words, Megan. And congrats on the marriage! I know what you mean about your spouse being faster--my husband runs occasionally, but he's always faster than me. It drives me crazy! ;)

      I am so honored that you went back and read all of my ramblings. I can't even bring myself to read my old posts, because they're a little embarrassing, haha. But I'm glad that you found them helpful!

      Best wishes on your first 5K! I hope you'll share in a Motivational Monday post :)

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I used to publish ALL comments (even the mean ones) but I recently chose not to publish those. I always welcome constructive comments/criticism, but there is no need for unnecessary rudeness/hate. But please--I love reading what you have to say! (This comment form is super finicky, so I apologize if you're unable to comment)

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