Health | 1000 Fields of Roses

A Procedural Kind Of Day

Behold – a gourmet meal!

At least it seemed like it at the time.
Yesterday I was in for an endoscopy, a procedure I have done every couple of years or so. It requires fasting from food and drink for a period of time, so this was a feast by the time I got to see it.
Everything went smoothly – the procedure itself apparently takes about ten minutes, but there’s the waiting around and the prep and recovery time. For some reason, in the last year or so, I’ve had trouble having blood taken/drips put in. My veins seem to hide or disappear, and even when they get a line in the blood doesn’t always come out… the anaesthetist had trouble yesterday and had to use an ultrasound machine to find a vein. She got the line in but it only drew blood sporadically, so she had to use the other arm, and eventually put it into my hand. I find that very painful, but you have to go with what works…
Apparently as you age your veins can get a bit “valve-y” (obviously a medical term) and the valves resist the needle. At least it worked in the end, and the sedation went quickly.

I can’t remember how many endoscopies I’ve had, but I know they’ve changed a lot since my first one. The first time I don’t remember as much talking, although the procedure was explained to me. This time I had a good old chat with the nurse, the anaesthetist, the orderly who wheeled me in, and a little bit with the doctor. This was mostly about procedures and any fears I might have, but also about our families and whatever else.
These days I believe the sedatives are a lot lighter – just enough to keep you under. My first time I had to be wheeled in to recovery on the bed and then come to at some point. I don’t remember a lot of that, as I was unconscious. Eventually I was able to get off the bed onto a chair, then try to eat something. This time (and last time) I woke up in the procedure room, walked to the recovery area, and had my gourmet meal straight away.
I hate the process of going under sedation, and always feel a bit panicky at that point. It’s quick, though, so I don’t have time for too much panic! There’s also the memories of earlier times, when I would feel a bit sick and scarily disorientated after. It would also take three or more days to get over the sedatives. Thankfully it’s different now! I was having a lovely dream when I woke up. Something about books, but I can’t remember what… I still feel groggy today (I feel like I’ve been in a fight…), and will probably take it easy, but it’s a lot different to earlier times.
I still have to have a “responsible adult” around for 24 hours after the procedure, so if you want me to sign anything or operate heavy machinery, you’ll have to wait 😀

That was a lot more writing than I thought I was going to do!
Long story short, hospital procedures don’t need to be scary, at least the planned ones – I’ve not had emergency surgery before, so I can’t speak to that. I do know that whatever I’ve had done lately, I’ve come across competent, professional people who know what they need to do but also understand that we might be a bit worried and need reassurance.

I also have another source of comfort…I knew on Monday that I might be a bit out of it yesterday, so I did my Bible readings for both days.
Here’s my verse for yesterday –

“So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
– Isaiah 41:10

😀

What other procedures yesterday?
More like “procedurals”, and murder mysteries. Since I knew I wasn’t going to be good for much in the way of deep thinking, I decided to just read and sleep yesterday. I went with the classics (Ngaio Marsh, Agatha Christie, P.D.James)
Also – zinnias!
❤
They’re Mambo Pink, and are bright enough for this greyish day.

Back to taking it easy for me!

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on October 14, 2020 at 11:10 am Leave a Comment

Masking The Issue

Given the uncertain health environment and regulations lately, we’ve augmented our fashion range with some cool masks!
They’re made by a woman in our suburb, and we got one each for our family (Babe and I each have an extra as well). Here’s a selection –

The butterflies are mine, the TARDIS print is for Sweet Bean.
My Babe, and Biggest Boy, have a black with white polka dot one and a grey small print one, respectively… you know, for formal occasions…

We’re still figuring out the best fit – might need a few adjustments, especially since most of us wear glasses. I’ve found I have to take my glasses off to read close up, since I can’t just look under them anymore! They feel a bit claustrophobic at the moment, and feel like they’re slipping a bit when I talk, but that’s probably the fit at present and will be better with adjustment.

Why did we buy them?

No, we’re not sheep, driven to mindless obedience under a draconian government.
No, we’re not terrified and scrabbling for anything to feel some measure of safety.
No, we’re not trying to look superior to everyone else (an actual accusation levelled at my Babe at the shops yesterday).

I’m not actually too bothered by the possibility of catching COVID19 – not because it’s nothing to worry about, but because our risk is very low. It’s not, however, non-existent. Even without that possibility, there’s all sorts of viruses hanging about in this season. I’ve not had flu (as in actual influenza) for over 20 years, and we don’t tend to get colds. Sniffles, maybe. And I tend to have a bit of a cough when it’s cold, especially in the mornings. At the moment that can single you out as a possible plague carrier when in public…

There are countries where it’s common, and considered courteous, to wear a mask in public during cold and flu season. People seem to understand that the mask wearer is doing so for the benefit of others, rather than their own protection (although that’s also a benefit to some extent). It’s hygienic, considerate of others and can be stylish! Here people do tend to look at you as though you’re stupid, or deluded. Why do some consider wearing a mask as an affront to them? A piece of material on my face isn’t a threat to anyone…I’ll be having a chat with my boys about not reacting if they’re challenged by strangers.
I’ve considered the question of masks in other years during flu season. Given that I tend to cough, I’ve thought about it before…not that I’m necessarily contagious (and generally I’m not – it’s more irritation), but – I could be. There’s something to be said for thinking about other people’s peace of mind when I’m coughing away in the supermarket…
At this time my odds of passing on COVID19 are low to almost non-existent. But not completely non-existent. And I know too many vulnerable people.
This is a new world, in a lot of ways. It may be the new norm, or it may be a passing thing, but for the moment – I’ll wear butterflies!

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on August 6, 2020 at 10:18 am Leave a Comment

Rattle!

(and live…)

He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”
I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.”
– Ezekiel 37:3

“Yahweh, you are my soul’s celebration.
How could I ever forget the miracles of kindness
you’ve done for me?
You kissed my heart with forgiveness, in spite of all I’ve done.
You’ve healed me inside and out from every disease.
You’ve rescued me from hell and saved my life.
You’ve crowned me with love and mercy.
You satisfy my every desire with good things.
You’ve supercharged my life so that I soar again
like a flying eagle in the sky!”
– Psalm 103:2-5

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on July 5, 2020 at 8:00 am Leave a Comment
Tags: Elevation Worship

Live Long And Prosper

In this time of coronavirus fear and “social distancing“, we are renegotiating contact with others… the basic handshake is avoided, and other greetings put in its place. For our church, as for other places of worship, that means using the Vulcan salute.
A good choice, I think!
Quite apart from the geek factor, the hand gesture is derived from a Jewish symbol, used during a priestly blessing. Leonard Nimoy (Spock in the original Star Trek) remembered seeing it as part of a service in the synagogue in his childhood, and when faced with coming up with a Vulcan greeting, modified what he had seen.

The original blessing is done with two hands, arms held out and hands touching to form the Hebrew letter “shin”, which stands for “Shaddai”, or “Almighty God”. In this form there are restrictions on who can perform the gesture and the accompanying blessing, but as the Vulcan salute is modified, it is available for anyone to use.

Tomorrow we’ll be telling each other to “Live long, and prosper”, to which the proper response is “Peace and long life”.
And we’ll be extending a blessing to each other as we do it!

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on March 14, 2020 at 10:41 pm Leave a Comment
Tags: Leonard Nimoy, Vulcan Salute

Turn Around

I’ve been reading again!
A quote from the book caught my eye and made me think…

Turning the story around –
“Government/corporations/the wealthy/the political parties are too ~~strong~~ weak. There is nothing ~~anyone~~ they can do to change ~~them~~ themselves, and if there is going to be change, ~~they have to initiate it~~ we have to help them, so all of our individual efforts are ~~irrelevant~~ crucial.”

What do I think about this?
In a week that has brought about injustices and tragedies, seen and unseen, it’s easy to feel like giving up on everything as hopeless and unchangeable, and seeing ourselves as powerless. And, truly, sometimes we are in situations where the outcome bulldozes us down… a failure of society to engage and protect the individual? A long timeline of little adjustments and concessions leading to a tunnel we didn’t know we were heading for? A bit of both? I don’t know.

Governments and the societies that elect them need to change in a lot of ways, but that starts with an individual. It starts with each of us.
I’m feeling like I’m getting preachy – I don’t want that 🙂
Getting back to the quote!
How do I change myself, and influence the world around me? I haven’t finished the book yet, so not sure what that answer will be! One obvious thing is to look squarely at who I am…
What do I believe? Why? Am I willing to question things, in order to more clearly understand?
I come from a Christian understanding of the world. In a lot of ways (globally) that can be seen to be unyielding, rigid, unwilling to look at other points of view… I don’t agree that that’s the way to see things. An unchallenged faith is a weak faith – if God is real (as I believe He is) then He is big enough and strong enough to walk with us through the questions and disappointments. Also, deep enough to encompass differences of opinion!

So – am I willing to confront myself when I am triggered or made uncomfortable by events/circumstances/points of view? Am I willing to Change My Mind?! On that note, I find it interesting to read books by people who have completely different understandings of the world to me. It can be amazing to see where we agree!

I have not a lot to offer, in the big scheme of things. I have some influence in some spheres… but nothing major. I am quiet, not very energetic, often not well. I often feel useless. But I am still not lacking in responsibility to know who I should be and my place in this community…

One thing I can do?
I can welcome whoever needs or wants friendship. I can hold out hope where it’s needed – there are endless cups of tea here, and spare beds/sofas are available! I can brighten someone’s day, even if it’s only in a small way.

And I can guarantee that, whoever you are reading this, YOU are important. You are significant. You are meant to be here, and you have a part to play in this world. Even if it doesn’t feel like it right this second.
❤

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on February 21, 2020 at 4:47 pm Leave a Comment

Cycle Of Life

I’m getting older.
It’s beginning to show.
While I’m not too worried about what I look like, I am interested in keeping healthy enough to keep doing what I want and need to do. Indulging over Christmas hasn’t helped that… but what else is January for ? 😉

One of the things I’ve been trying to do regularly is going down to the pool. Sometimes that’s not possible, so the next best thing (ideally) is walking. I LOVE walking! It’s time out to breathe, listen to music, or just enjoy the changing seasons. Unfortunately, it also takes time, and you have to be away from home… at the moment that’s a bit tricky.
The alternative I came up with was a stationary bike, but all the ones for sale seemed to be quite expensive.
Yay for recycling! (See what I did there?)
Just down the road from us was an old exercise bike on the footpath – it’s basic but serviceable. I can even balance a book on the handlebars while I cycle! I can also do bits of exercise throughout the day, whenever there’s a gap, and I’m still available when I’m needed!

Exercise bike January 2020

😀

And – here’s the inspiration for my title today…

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Health
Music

on January 30, 2020 at 5:53 pm Leave a Comment
Tags: Circle Of Life

Walking To The Cafe

Decided to jump on into another exercise session today. We’d thought we were going to go regularly, but this is only the second time… It was crisp and cold, with blue, blue skies, and the promise of coffee and cheesecake for afters (I skipped breakfast).
Just down the road from us is a free council exercise program, with walking between stations. It seems a waste to have such a resource so close to us and not use it, especially as it’s not too hot now. There are various pieces of equipment for all levels.

The last photo is a station close to the car park, and is primarily for the elderly (equipment to improve grip and flexibility) and for wheelchair users. There are benches at each station in case you overdo it, and it’s a gentle walk around the circuit. Have a look at your local council Parks and Reserves page – I searched under “recreation”, then “strength and agility stations”

Finished the morning with mocha and cheesecake.

You can tell by my coffee that were sitting at a bit of a wonky table – the cafe was so full that we had to sit outside, and the footpath isn’t quite level… here’s the view.

Obviously the place to be!

Continuing the health vibe with kale chips and chamomile tea… time to sit in the sunshine and read 🙂

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on June 22, 2019 at 3:30 pm Leave a Comment
Tags: council exercise stations, rafter and rose

Beautiful Food

…on pretty plates!
The last couple of weeks have been a bit bland, with illness in the house and nobody really wanting to eat. Yesterday we got back to a full meal, which I thought would be better served on one of my nice plates. Somehow that makes it taste better 🙂

Flowers and gold trim – and pink sauerkraut (it has beetroot and ginger in it).

I also got around to making banana bread today – because we weren’t eating our usual meals the bananas got a bit over ripe. I chucked in some cranberries and sultanas as well.

I think this is the first time I’ve made something with coconut flour (although mixed with basic gluten free flour as well) and not have it turn out overly dry – perhaps putting extra milk in helped?
I’ve also been sharing some bottles of kombucha with Sweet Bean, to rebalance after his course of antibiotics. Nearly back to normal!

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on May 27, 2019 at 8:46 pm Leave a Comment

Enjoying A Day Of Wellbeing

Today was a day of languor and industry, interspersed with coffee and old movies (we’re watching “Summer Holiday” at the moment). I had intended to work on the mending that’s been sitting around for a while. I ended up weeding the planter boxes instead…

Here’s some more thoughts from Wellbeing magazine – it’s been that sort of day!

Nourish – provide with the food or other substances necessary for growth, health, and good condition

Soaking in a bath is one of my favourite nourishing activities 🙂 Sometimes it’s just sitting reading a book for a bit, though – or making sure to eat well and get enough sleep. Different things to different people…

Reflection – the return of light and sound waves from a surface, a thought, idea or opinion formed or a remark made as a result of meditation.

Being still often leads to reflection – leaving the space to reflect thoughts from the surface of our mind or life helps to refine ideas and opinions.

Resilience – an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change, the ability of a substance or object to spring back into shape, elasticity.

Another necessity of life, but often we wear ourselves down by doing too much and taking on more than we need to – then shattering rather than bouncing back.

Companionship – the fellowship existing among companions, the good feeling that comes from being with someone else.

We all need those people (or animals!) around us with whom we feel able to be ourselves – however weird and wonderful that may be 🙂 Good thing there’s always someone out there who fits the bill – even if it sometimes takes time to find them!

Partnership – the state of being a partner or partners.

A step or two on from companionship, and well worth finding. Regardless of how sociable we naturally are, we all seem to be built for deeper connections…

Flow – to issue or move in a stream, to move with a continual change of place among the constituent particles, to proceed smoothly or readily.

Sometimes time slows down and anything seems possible. Who knows what might flow then?

Surrender – to give (oneself) over to something (such as an influence)

Relax. Sink in. Sleep peacefully.

Smile – to produce or exhibit a smile, to bestow approval, to appear pleasant or agreeable.

Shine, and be beautiful.

Intention – a thing intended, an aim or a plan, a determination to act in a certain way.

Slowing down and being alone with your thoughts can mean being confronted with the realisation that your life has lost direction – that everything you do is just reaction to events, and there’s no time to catch your breath. It’s never too late to set your intention and start moving towards what’s important to you!

Perspective – a mental view or prospect.

There’s always a bright side somewhere – regardless of the size of the clouds.

😀

And finally – a word from Oprah…

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on November 3, 2018 at 9:44 pm Leave a Comment
Tags: wellbeing magazine

Groovy!

😀

Feeling all hippie and back-to-the-earth today…
In part, that’s because of the eventual plastic bag ban here. The shop has started stocking paper bags (for 50c) which you can choose rather than plastic.

Like this!
There was a time before plastic when all groceries were bagged like this…
Usually I have various cloth bags rolled up in my handbag, but I washed those recently and forgot to put them back. Here’s all our purchases – also in paper.