If we were having coffee, I’d share my excitement at a major breakthrough with my physio… Yep, after weeks of practising different exercises, I can finally manoeuvre myself into a kneeling position. Okay, it is not the most graceful descent, but it’s a start. The useless, incompetent surgeon who performed my total knee replacement told me I would never be able to kneel, and I stupidly believed him. Kneeling might not seem much of an achievement, but it means that if I continue to progress, I will eventually be able to get down on the floor independently without sliding off the sofa. SO… If I continue to improve, I will ultimately be able to sit on the sand and return to our local pilates or yoga classes. We will see. Early days, but I am optimistic!
Have you ever overcome physical challenges that you believed/told were out of reach to achieve a goal?
Christmas presents
Another challenge is choosing and buying Christmas presents. I love giving presents, but choosing them and ordering online takes my stress cells to the next level and beyond.
And I swear if I hear or see the words BLACK FRIDAY one more time I’ll scream!
Birthday Celebrations
This week, we helped to celebrate two birthdays. Our English friend, who is 57, celebrated lunch at a local restaurant, and our German friend, who is celebrating her 60th birthday, bravely decided to host her party at home. Instead of a present, she asked us all to take some food, sweet or savoury. I decided to go with a tray of hot garlic bread, which proved popular!
We are so fortunate to celebrate with friends of so many different nationalities (German, Dutch, Portuguese, English and American) under one roof.
The Wheels on the Bus…
The wheels on the diet bus have sadly fallen off yet again, not because of partying but due to anxiety and stress in different areas of my life… I know I shouldn’t comfort eat, and I know it’s no excuse, and I will regret it as I chase the last crumb around my plate and then suffer indigestion of regret, but … No BUTS I already hear you say.
Do you comfort eat, and if so, what triggers you to fall off the wagon?
Have a good week, folks!
Piglet in Portugal 
I am SO happy for your improvement in kneeling. It is a big deal. I supposed my longest recovery was after a torn rotator cuff, I’ve torn both. But one of them turned to “frozen shoulder” which took forever to unfreeze. More annoying than anything, I shouldn’t complain.
Mmmm, hot garlic bread is always a good choice! Gift giving is stressful, being thoughful takes real time.
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Hi Tracy, yes being thoughtful does take time and energy as you try to choose gifts wisely.
Bad luck with the frozen shoulder but at least it did eventually heal and it’s tough not to get frustrated and compain when you are in pain.
A batch of cooked garlic bread is usually my contibution to an American Supper type party.
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From my recent personal experiences, I’ve developed great faith in physiotherapists, Carole. I’m so happy that you’re seeing improvements with your physio that will open doors for you which seemed to be closed.
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Hi Terry I struck lucky with this physio. I’ve had others and got nowhere. This one really seems to respect limitations and work with them so we achieve more. I just wish I could stick with her for a few more months and move onto the next stage. It is not just physical impact but mentally too.
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I completely get that, Carole. I hope it keeps going well for you. You have the right attitude and that counts for a lot.
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Congratulations on your physio improvements! That is very exciting news!
Your garlic bread sounds yummy. I’m so glad you got to celebrate your friends!
Hope you have a wonderful week ahead, filled with as little shopping stress as possible 🙂
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Thanks, Melissa. I now need to be careful I don’t push myself too far with the exercises.
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The good news and the not so good, but Christmas is coming. You’re bound to fall off the wagon a bit xx
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Ha ha… yes Christmas is a coming and the goose is getting fat … I would make the perfect leitao offering on Christmas day 🙂
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Congratulations on your new flexibility! And good for you for not giving up!
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Thanks, Pam. Every battle is hard won as my body compalins at the slightest increase in exercise and this physio understands that .
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Glad to hear you are more flexible! I have not had anyone say something couldn’t happen but did but my mother was told by her doctor that she would never have another baby as she had had cancer and nearly died but she had my brother. All glory to God. I don’t “do” Christmas so am stress free on that score 🙂
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Wow, Lana. Ucky your Mum didn’t listen to the doctor re never having another baby. I am so pleased I had faith in my physio.
You celebrate the religious side of Christmas, yes?
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The delivery doctor called my baby bro a “miracle baby” 🙂 Christmas is not actually Christian. Jesus was not born in December, scholars believe it was September. Christmas came from Saturnalia, a pagan festival which fell at the same time of year. Emperor Constantine was encouraging pagans to come to Christ instead of worshipping false gods but as they were so entrenched in their former traditions these things got carried over – gifts, decorating trees, feasting. I certainly don’t have any issue with Christians celebrating in the way they wish and what brings them joy but I personally choose not to partake in it now since I was doing pagan stuff for years so I have cut any ties. It makes for an easier, simpler time of year and I have not regretted pulling out.
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I had no idea that Christmas was not Christian and JEsus was not born in December. I live to learn! 🙂 I can understand why you choose not to celebrate.
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