1) Fight for Air Climb
Well, I did it! I signed up for the Fight for Air Climb. On Saturday, I used the stair stepper at my gym and I was able to climb 150 steps without too much difficulty so I think I can handle the climb. Maybe. Hopefully. With a lot of grumbling, at least. To get ready for the climb, I’m going to use the stair stepper at least twice a week and increase the number of stairs I climb each time so that I can at least be close to handling 900+ steps on April 5th. And now for the part where you guys come in (if you’re so inclined). I’m trying to raise $100 for the American Lung Association, so I’m going to leave the link to my fundraising page here. Any amount helps, even just a few dollars!
2) A break-up
I broke up with my dietician yesterday. Because I am a coward, I did it over the messaging app while cancelling our next appointment (and I even asked ChatGPT how to write the message for me, lol). I love my dietician and she taught me so much, but I don’t know how helpful she is going to be on my journey to lower my A1C. If I do go back to a dietician (which I will probably only do if I’m diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes), then I will see a diabetes dietician. I don’t feel like I was making all that much progress in living a healthier lifestyle with my dietician, but she’s definitely the person I want every woman who struggles with a diet culture mindset to go to. She was excellent at helping me break down those thought patterns and eating behaviors! But now, it’s time to do things my own way, which will entail tracking my food and paying close attention to portion sizes and nutrition facts.
3) The elephant in the room
NGS wrote a post yesterday that really resonated with me. I haven’t talked about politics much on my blog lately, not because I’m not thinking about it all the time but because it feels so dark and heavy and I don’t really have the words to express how scared I am. It feels easier to talk about other things. I am scared for democracy, for freedom of speech, for the Constitution. I am scared that there are no checks and balances anymore, and that this administration is going to be able to dismantle politics as we know it. I am scared that we won’t have any more global allies or the protection of NATO. I am scared for our immigrant community and the absolute shitstorm they are enduring. I am scared and heartbroken for trans people and losing the ability to declare their gender on documents (WHO is that hurting?!). I can’t believe we withdrew from the WHO and what this will mean for global health outbreaks going forward. I could keep going. Things are terrible and every new story makes me want to scream into the void.
4) Let’s talk about cats
Because there’s no great way to segue after the previous point, let’s talk about cute things my cats have done recently: Lila playing with her crinkly ball (the only toy she will bat around the apartment). Eloise snuggling into my freshly washed quilt and not moving (not even for treats). Lila hardcore snuggling me in the early mornings. Eloise sleeping on the dining chair next to me while I work at the dining room table. Lila splaying herself out on the coffee table while I’m coloring and watching TV. Eloise grooming a toy (!?!). Lila being sweet and loving with this beaver toy, so sweet and loving that I think they might be having a love affair.
5) Weekend plans
I have a great weekend planned! I have nothing going on tonight and I’d really like to finish one of the books I’ve been slogging through for over a week now. Tomorrow, I’m going to a friend’s daughter’s play, which should be so adorable. And then I’m going to drop off my nephew’s birthday present at his home and go shopping with my mom. Sunday, I have a writing date with Mikaela and then I’m going to visit my cousin to snuggle her baby. It’s been forever since I’ve seen her or him, and I am vastly overdue for a visit.
What are your weekend plans?
Yes, I also loved Engie’s post. It’s so weird writing a blog post nowadays. “Here are all the ways I’ve found joy this week oh and also EVERYTHING IS TERRIBLE”??? I mean- should we write about it? But then we’ll just be reiterating everything we’re already hearing in the news and getting stressed about. On the other hand, not writing about it feels like I don’t care. I feel like every post should come with a disclaimer- “I’m writing about cats and books, but just so you know I’m deeply worried about what’s going on in our country.”
ANYWAY, moving on. I’m excited you’re doing the Fight For Air Climb, and I’ll definitely contribute. You’ll be in shape by April. It will be a challenge, but the fun kind of challenge.
Your weekend sounds nice! And of course… I loved all the cat talk, and that photo of Lila. Cats make everything better.
I broke up with a LMT via voice mail once. I felt bad about doing it that way but also didn’t want to engage in any explanations about why I was leaving. Like you I’d learned enough from her care and wanted to try things on my own. Also the chick was a little too nosy for my comfort level.
Very well said, Stephany. You are a lovely, inspiring person. I will donate to your stair climbing fundraiser!
I broke up with my therapist in person, and it totally would have been better if I’d done it via email. It was a waste of both our time, because I was so eager to get it over with, I blurted it out at the beginning of our session and then there was nothing left to say… and I also still had to pay for it, lol. So I think your tactic was a wise one.
Engie’s post was deeply thoughtful and thought provoking. I completely get where she’s coming from, and echo your thoughts on the consuming worry and chaos we’re enduring.
Thanks for the reassurance that my post wasn’t out of bounds. I was really worried about posting it, but I also didn’t want everyone to think all is sunshine and roses over here.
Zelda will only play with her brown ball. But she REALLY PLAYS with her brown ball. That gives me joy in a way that I really cannot describe. She carried it around in her mouth yowling. Then she throws in on the floor and bats it around. SO CUTE. And loud.