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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 91. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by llrrrpp on August 15, 2006, at 8:44:20
My day's just beginning, so I'm going to write down my goals.
1) learn and execute a proper squat in physical therapy this morning (i.e. don't fall on my @ss.)
2) get my data organized- label, sort, code- so that I can figure out how much is left to be collected
3) eat 2 servings of fruit and 3 servings of veggies, and take my vitamins
4) take a nap, or a walk or do something pleasant and relaxing
I'll get back to y'all when the day is closer to getting done... What are your goals today?
Posted by Poet on August 15, 2006, at 9:33:34
In reply to Anyone have any goals for the day?, posted by llrrrpp on August 15, 2006, at 8:44:20
Go to all five water aerobics classes this week. Friday is the last class until September and I could use the work out. One down, four to go...
Poet
Posted by Dinah on August 15, 2006, at 11:14:31
In reply to Anyone have any goals for the day?, posted by llrrrpp on August 15, 2006, at 8:44:20
Same as every other day.
Do five to seven hours of work.
Spend time with my son.
Posted by crazy teresa on August 15, 2006, at 12:37:33
In reply to Anyone have any goals for the day?, posted by llrrrpp on August 15, 2006, at 8:44:20
Today:
Grocery shop (which I detest).
Wash the car while I'm out and about.
Paint the trim down the stairway.
Laundry.This week:
Get the kids' clothes organized for school.Any volunteers to kick my butt if I don't? ;~}
Posted by Jost on August 15, 2006, at 20:31:33
In reply to Anyone have any goals for the day?, posted by llrrrpp on August 15, 2006, at 8:44:20
LL
I'm really sad that you still neglect your intake of shokolade. but I have faith the eventually you'll be able to accept the need for it, and your worthiness of it, and put aside the non-essentials, like vegetables and meat.
Plus squats are altogether too stressful, and contrary to survival of the species. Think of our human heritage. We were not made to do squats. How can you escape through the jungle or forest from bears or other wild animals while doing squats.
Data organization. Okay. But wouldn't it be better to collect some data before trying to figure out how to organize it? Just wondering.
Nap. Okay, this is a worthy endeavor. I thoroughly commend you for it. How did it go?
My goals for the day are chimerical so far. But it's only 9:29pm, so I have several hours to investigate and put any plan into action.Jost
Posted by llrrrpp on August 15, 2006, at 21:24:14
In reply to Re: Anyone have any goals for the day?, posted by Jost on August 15, 2006, at 20:31:33
> LL
>
> I'm really sad that you still neglect your intake of shokolade. but I have faith the eventually you'll be able to accept the need for it, and your worthiness of it, and put aside the non-essentials, like vegetables and meat.For some reason my tummy is kind of upset. I don't know why. I accomplished the veggies and fruits thing. I like veggies and fruits, so it was easy. I ate Quark and Vollkornbrot for Abendbrot.
I'm hoping that the tummy will calm down so that I can eat some vitamin Schoko :)
> Plus squats are altogether too stressful, and contrary to survival of the species. Think of our human heritage. We were not made to do squats. How can you escape through the jungle or forest from bears or other wild animals while doing squats.
Good point. Fortunately, squats were not part of today's physical therapy lesson. Rather, we had an interesting discussion about the evolution of the human shoulder from the hanging twisting abilities of other great apes (bonobos anyone?) and this is good, because ultimately, I don't give a crap about my legs (which haven't got much muscle on them anyways, but do just fine to help me walk a few miles a day). My arms and shoulders, on the other hand are kind of delicate. So I learned a nice stretch, actually inspired by the range of motion our primate shoulders afford us.
>
> Data organization. Okay. But wouldn't it be better to collect some data before trying to figure out how to organize it? Just wondering.I have collected about 90% of my data. I just need to know which conditions to randomly assign the next 10% of my "data points". This is good. I have been operating under the (depressing) delusion that I was only about 50% done. So, this is good news, I think.
> Nap. Okay, this is a worthy endeavor. I thoroughly commend you for it. How did it go?
>I ended up watching two episodes of "House" back to back. Oh yeah, and I had 16 oz of coffee in the late afternoon, so... (aha! epiphany!) explains lack of nappiness, and tummyache!! However, unlike yesterday evening, I did not spend many hours ripping open my cuticles in anxious pre-panic. Having accomplished the "froggiest" part of my daily goals (shout-out to Daisym) I was able to relax and enjoy the evening.
> My goals for the day are chimerical so far. But it's only 9:29pm, so I have several hours to investigate and put any plan into action.
Good point. well, be sure to incorporate the best parts of my plan, and leave out the parts that involve work or other forms of pseudo-torture.
-ll
:o)
Posted by llrrrpp on August 15, 2006, at 21:26:00
In reply to Re: Anyone have any goals for the day? » llrrrpp, posted by crazy teresa on August 15, 2006, at 12:37:33
Posted by Jost on August 15, 2006, at 22:14:53
In reply to Update on goals accomplished (*SI trigger, mild*) » Jost, posted by llrrrpp on August 15, 2006, at 21:24:14
I've never watched "House," but will try to get a few hours of television in, if possible.
No data collection-- but on the plus side, I don't have any to do at the moment (unless I take on a new project between now and midnight)-- so 100% of my data are in. ( But congrats on the 90% rather than 50%-- that's good. Really good, seriously. I'm glad-- )
Newflash! Re: Coffee.
An article in the ScienceTimes today reported that coffee is now considered a "health drink"!
"Researchers have found strong evidence that coffee reduces the risk of several serious ailments, including diabetes, heart disease ,and cirrhosis of the liver.....
...a typical serving of coffee contains more antioxidants than typical servings of grape juice, blueberries, raspberries, and oranges."
At least for from one to five cups a day (including decaf). While you may have a stomach ache, you're protecting yourself from disease. You can add that to the list of accomplishments, I think. I'm sorry about the stomach ache, though.
I have to admit, I like veggies and fruits-- a lot- I can eat a ton of them at a sitting-- It's kind of scary, actually. I'm not sure about Quark. Is that a sci-fi cereal? -- don't forget the Vitamin S! You can have a double dose tomorrow, though, to make up if you miss today. Don't worry.
Shoulders are my obsession, by the way. Mine are a wreck. I'd kind of like stronger legs--although mine keep me upright, most of the time.
I worked this afternoon, but the person I was working with was in a talkative mood-- and I should have tried hard to keep it to a minimum. I need to remember that I shouldn't respond, but I forget. Also I feel sort of mean if I don't show interest. And feel guilty, and worry that I'm alienating others. But I really kind of hate my laxness and lack of discipline. In lots of ways, it's because of my shoulders, and no sleep, and also a profound ennui (not laziness per se, but leads to non-accomplishment of goals, and then dispossession of goals). Maybe I'll a little more this evening. I hope.
And I have to do a little exercise before it gets too late. Oops, it is too late. Well, I've got to do it right away. Darn. I hate exercise. Gotta go.
You had a good day, though. So what's on your agenda for tomorrow?
Jost
Posted by llrrrpp on August 15, 2006, at 23:09:39
In reply to Re: Update on goals accomplished (*SI trigger, mil, posted by Jost on August 15, 2006, at 22:14:53
Goals for Tomorrow:
Begin videotape analysis of data. (involves temporary smuggling of communal videocamera into my office)
Eat the ear of corn, piece of beef and cucumber in my fridge. It won't last 2 more days!!
Contemplate the initiation of writing a plan to strengthen legs (who am I kidding? ski season is 5 months away!!)
Unpack violin. Make sure insects have not devoured my bowhair in my neglect this summer. Play a few 2-3 octave scales and then a tune or something. Put violin away after 10 minutes [finger tips have lost all callous, so has my neck]
Avoid coffee doses greater than 10 oz at a time.
Going to see T for the first time in weeks. Going to try not to put on a facade. To be open. If I cry, I cry. If I get angry, I get angry. No need to be an actress. He says he's seen it all-- so what do I care if I have a slimy sobbing fit, or a complete lack of composure? Going to ask a difficult question- regarding termination of my patient benefits. What are my options? How many more sessions do I need? ugh. [deep breath: I CAN ask this question. I will be prepared for the worst case scenario, i.e. that I need many more sessions than my current benefits allow, AND that I have to terminate immediately, and henceforth pay out-of-pocket]. I can quasi-handle that? maybe?
And I think I better pack a double dose of vitamin Schoko for post-therapy nourishment.
dark chocolate, of course, another important source of antioxidants. mmmm!
-ll
Posted by llrrrpp on August 15, 2006, at 23:29:55
In reply to Re: Update on goals accomplished (*SI trigger, mil, posted by Jost on August 15, 2006, at 22:14:53
Jost,
the strongest animals have straight legs when they walk (horses, elephants, whales). They don't need to do squatting exercises. Why should I?Quark is a delightful cultured milk thing that tastes like a lighter, less sour kind of sour cream. Perhaps in between sour cream and ricotta. It's German (of course!). And I found it in a grocery store in the USA. Not quite right, but yummy, none the less.
Oh, the strongest animals eat lots of fruits and vegetables in one sitting (horses, elephants, whales). Vegetarians unite! Oh, wait. I like meat. nevermind.
Shoulders are an obsession?
Here are some things I learned today
1) hanging shoulders from your head-neck is fine when your posture is upright. As soon as you bend forwards (as in the dreaded squat) hanging shoulders are no longer adequate, as they will be hanging down, slumping, collapsed across the chest.2) shoulders supported from below and hanging from above are good for most activities. Do you tend to pull your shoulders in, as if to pass through a narrow doorway? think instead of allowing your shoulders to take up more space, and expand in width to touch the doorframe. In order to do this, you may need to inhibit excessive tension across the chest, neck, and back.
3) The movement of the arms is initiated and supported by the large muscles in the back and chest. The shoulder muscles only provide some stabilization. If you think of typing and desk work as initiated by the large muscles in your back, it may be easier to avoid fatiguing the little muscles of the hands, arms and shoulders
4) Is your head balancing on top of your spine? If it's not balancing, what's holding it up? Why use so much excess muscle tension? A tight neck is part of the stress/startle response- and habitually tightening one's neck to perform certain tasks might have a psychological effect. Likewise, keeping the neck free during times of psychological stress and physical labor may give you a sense of ease and vigor.
5. Do I sound like a member of a cult? mwahhh hahahahaha!
Chatty coworkers are a bane and a blessing. Hopefully you'll be able to find a balance next time you have to work with this woman. I think there are strategies to deal with such people on a long-term basis, but I don't know what works effectively immediately that won't involve pissing her off.
Thanks for inquiring after my progress. It's easier to lie to myself than it is to lie to Jost, for example.
-ll
:o)
Posted by ClearSkies on August 15, 2006, at 23:44:56
In reply to Goals for tomorrow, posted by llrrrpp on August 15, 2006, at 23:09:39
OK, I'm game:
Stay awake all day so I'm not up at 1am like tonight
Continue the process of renewing my passport. I think I have all the documentation I need now.
See my T (yes, that is a goal. I don't feel quite ready to see her.)
Start to get the house clean again.
Shellack my cat so her fur stays put so I don't have to...
... get the house clean again
Posted by Jost on August 15, 2006, at 23:54:12
In reply to Re: Goals for tomorrow, posted by ClearSkies on August 15, 2006, at 23:44:56
Okay, I'm going to get my list together and post tomorrow morning (well it could be noon).
First goal: get to sleep before 2 am.
Further goals: TBA.
You've inspired me!
I'll let you know how the first goal goes.
Jost
Posted by crazy teresa on August 16, 2006, at 0:08:49
In reply to Poet, Dinah, CrazyTheresa? how'd you do? (nm), posted by llrrrpp on August 15, 2006, at 21:26:00
Groceries and laundry done. Forgot to wash the car while I was out.
A girlfriend came over in the afternoon so I could color her hair, so that blew my plans of painting. Found myself getting very irritated because of this. And since no good deed goes unpunished, I noticed splatters of the dye on my white shirt once she'd gone. :~{
All in all, a good day.
I guess painting will be the goal for tomorrow.
Posted by llrrrpp on August 16, 2006, at 0:28:39
In reply to Re: how'd you do? » llrrrpp, posted by crazy teresa on August 16, 2006, at 0:08:49
you know what c. teresa? (sorry I misspelled that above)
coloring your friends hair counts as a carwash and painting. (shampoo + dye)
right?
next time apply to car and wall, not to your friend's head. That's all. Not such a big deal. Any chance she'll be able to help you out with your hair in the future? If so, consider it a down payment.
-ll
Posted by crazy teresa on August 16, 2006, at 12:15:13
In reply to Re: how'd you do? » crazy teresa, posted by llrrrpp on August 16, 2006, at 0:28:39
She's my very co-dependant friend who always wants others to do things for her. Another friend had been coloring her hair for her, but now she's moved out of the area.
I told her I'd do it this time, but I would not be an enabler; she'd have to learn to do it herself or call a hairdresser! ;~}
The kicker is she's a counselor! LOL!
Posted by Dinah on August 16, 2006, at 12:39:40
In reply to Poet, Dinah, CrazyTheresa? how'd you do? (nm), posted by llrrrpp on August 15, 2006, at 21:26:00
Zero hours. I spent time with my son.
Here's hoping for a better today.
Posted by Poet on August 16, 2006, at 13:00:49
In reply to Re: Poet, Dinah, CrazyTheresa? how'd you do? » llrrrpp, posted by Dinah on August 16, 2006, at 12:39:40
Hi Dinah,
Two water aerobics classes down, three to go.
Spending time with your son is way more important than work. And that is coming from someone who is career obsessed!
Poet
Posted by llrrrpp on August 16, 2006, at 14:14:35
In reply to Re: Poet, Dinah, CrazyTheresa? how'd you do? » llrrrpp, posted by Dinah on August 16, 2006, at 12:39:40
Glad you got to spend some quality time with your son. Work will ALWAYS be there. your son changes every day!
Carpe Diem
:o)
Posted by Jost on August 16, 2006, at 15:17:49
In reply to Re: Update on goals accomplished » Jost, posted by llrrrpp on August 15, 2006, at 23:29:55
My eyeballs are holding my shoulders up.
Could be why my shoulders won't go up, but slump forward a lot?
Someone told me the other part, but my eyeballs won't let go.
Jost
Posted by Jost on August 16, 2006, at 15:23:09
In reply to Re: Update on goals accomplished » llrrrpp, posted by Jost on August 16, 2006, at 15:17:49
Goals for the day:
4:30- 8:pm work
8-10 pm exercises, dinner
10-12 try to do more work, and various
midnight--- try to start to get into bed
2 am remember that I"m not in bed yet and get mad at myself/and or SigO
I didn't do very well about bed last night-- got to sleep somewhere between 2:30 and 3 am.
Did do some exercises after I got off psychobabble, though, which may be part of why I didn't get to sleep.
Note to self: do exercises earlier.
LL, how's the data organization and planning going?
Jost
Posted by llrrrpp on August 16, 2006, at 17:35:53
In reply to Re: Update on goals accomplished, posted by Jost on August 16, 2006, at 15:23:09
Hi Jost,
I organized my data, finished today. I had no system going this spring. I was collecting it, and videotaping it all, knowing that a day would come when I would finally have the cognitive function to put it in order- assign numbers for my data points, label my videos, and my data sheets.Today was the day :)
Thank you for asking. My other goals of the day are somewhat thwarted by a last-minute social engagement that will replace beef and vegetables with beer and fried food.
Violin practice will be replaced with inhalation of 2nd-hand smoke.
If people get drunk enough, there may even be a discussion of which meds we're on. That would be spicy!!
btw, i don't get drunk anymore. I enjoy a single beer. and then I switch to root beer. Funny how when I'm feeling better the cravings are better too.
-ll
i hope your work is going well and that you get some quality exercise in that will help you get to sleep at a regular hour.
Posted by Dinah on August 16, 2006, at 19:45:47
In reply to Re: Poet, Dinah, CrazyTheresa? how'd you do? » Dinah, posted by llrrrpp on August 16, 2006, at 14:14:35
A bit of work. Tons of vaguely work related calls that I can't quite put on my timesheet, though if the world were fair I could. And time spent with my son.
I really need to see if I can up that work tonight.
I tell you, the irritated call from my boss telling me how much work I had to do did NOT help at all, although I concede it was meant to be helpful. It just made me want to go to sleep.
Posted by Dinah on August 16, 2006, at 19:48:34
In reply to Re: Poet, Dinah, CrazyTheresa? how'd you do? » Dinah, posted by Poet on August 16, 2006, at 13:00:49
Good for you on the water aerobics!
I'm not sure it was quality time. I'm helping him with the last of his summer homework and I'm the worst teacher in creation. That's not poor self esteem. That's widely agreed upon from fellow students in school to my bosses. Apparently my brain doesn't run on the ordinary tracks.
I think I only had him in tears once though.
Posted by llrrrpp on August 16, 2006, at 22:32:41
In reply to Goals for tomorrow, posted by llrrrpp on August 15, 2006, at 23:09:39
My most important goal was to ask T about how many sessions I get. We've never had the conversation about how many sessions to expect, or what our long-term goals are.
And so I asked at the end, and I was SO happy. T said that I can continue therapy as long as I need, and make appointments as needed, and that he would be there as a safety net. Isn't that great? I can decide when I'm doing okay, and when I'm needing help, and know that I have a person there for me? That I won't need to start over with a new T.
He said that I've come a long way, and that I am no longer 'in bad shape' as I was earlier. I'm happy that my progress does not mean that I am to be denied support in the future, as I had feared.
((((feeling warm and fuzzies from my T for the first time ever))))
That's a pretty good outcome towards having a goal. I need to remember this, for the next time when my goals involve a difficult conversation with a person of authority.
-ll
Posted by llrrrpp on August 17, 2006, at 9:33:20
In reply to Re: Goals for TODAY- success :), posted by llrrrpp on August 16, 2006, at 22:32:41
Read Frog book
Avoid online news- causes too much anxiety
Do 3 random nice things for people
Meet with computer programmer about my project
Leave my office, go to the library when things blow up. (My boss and the office staff have a lot of stress about a project that I have zero % involvement in) I don't need to be around that toxicity.
Find a buddy for a coffee break or lunch run.
-ll
How about you? How are you doing?
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