This morning I had a surge of energy and a dirty floor, so I took out the vacuum cleaner and dusting rags and got to work. I vacuumed the hardwood floor in the kitchen and family room. I got on my hands and knees and washed the floor in the kitchen. To those of you who have your health this probably doesn’t sound like much, but for those of you whose body’s energy and/or neuro. systems have crashed, whose muscles have gone weak, who often swim in physical pain, I know you get that this is quite an accomplishment.
I feel like a climbed a mountain and am sitting at the top appreciating the view…. the view of my clean floor and dusted furniture (yes, I did that too). It is a beautiful and UNUSUAL sight!
My body is stronger this morning probably due to getting my muscle strengthening medicine back into my system. This also has strengthened my stomach so I am taking in more nutrition. Today the weather is clear with means the barometric pressure is high. My body almost always functions better when the bp is high. Sometimes it has an energy surge just before a low pressure system comes in (hoping that’s not the case this morning).
I’m exhausted and resting now, but, here’s my challenge; Having a taste of accomplishing a physical task makes me want more. My memory is taking me back to bike rides, long walks, runs even. I’m dreaming of getting in the car all by myself and doing errands, a whole string of them (where you don’t come home for hours): a stop into the library, a browse around the aisles of Ross, a drive down to the whole foods store for the chemical free shampoo I’ve run out of, then meeting a friend for lunch. The University campus comes to mind, taking classes, walking from class to class with a backpack full of books and an art portfolio in my hand.
Screech…put the brakes on Kerry!
The floor is clean, the furniture is dusted…this is BIG. Rejoice in the now, enjoy the view of a smooth, dust free, gook free oak floor! If you could still do the above you would not know that such joy can come from such SIMPLICITY. If you try to do any more you will spend a string of horizontal days paying for it. So stay on the sofa, smile at your accomplishments, type on your laptop, and enjoy the view!
Oh wow! You have such a descriptive way with words that just says it all so perfectly. I love reading your blog. I, too, yearn for the days when I could spend all day doing errands and shopping and still have energy left over in the evenings. Enjoy the rest of the day (glad your meds are working and hope weather stays level for you!).
It’s that memory that can soothe or salt the wound … I get how energized you got … and then it’s gone. Congratulations on the cleaning and now the resting. It’s surely an hour at a time, or on the better days, a day at a time.
Thanks for this, and thanks for posting about the Poetry ebook … I got in just in time thanks to your post. I love how community builds on top of the ‘old version’ if I’m tuned in. Take care!
Thank you Prof S for your encouragement, puts a smile on my face to know you like reading my blog. I just discovered your blog yesterday and am inspired by your writing, your story, your attitude and the work you do!
Sally, I think you just wrote a string of words that should become a classic quote
“It’s that memory that can soothe or salt the wound”. It would be a great jumping off quote for a blog post.
Who would think anyone would enjoy cleaning…but I do too and feel it is a gift when I am able to do any household chore!! Great accomplishment, Kerry. Hope you are able to put the brakes on now and rest….Nothing like a clean house though is there.
I am so proud of you, you avoided “the trap” of the chronically ill, if a little works, maybe I should do a lot! Good for you, you were able to enjoy the feeling of accomplishment without the guilt of needing to do more.
BTW, I agree that Sally’s lines in her comment were fantastic and I had the same thought you did about a blog post. . . keep me informed!
Feels so good to do some housework. Who would think anyone would feel that way. Amazing how chronic illness can even make cleaning sound like a night on the town.
You were careful,but doesn’t appear careful enough. Got to remember it is winter and we should be hibernating
(no physical labor involved).
Looking forward to nicer weather.
Arlene, I like your reference to hibernation. To think through winters that are difficult for many with CI that we need to follow our biological needs and hunker down and “hibernate” makes sense. Thinking of it that way, does away with the judgements we put on ourselves.