Sunday, May 13, 2007

Better, smarter, stronger

Is it possible to emerge from MCL better, stronger and smarter? And, more important, is it possible to get all of that on a bracelet?

Sometimes, I inch toward that goal, but on other days (like yesterday), I simply occupy a space in a hospital bed.

On good days, you can spot me pole dancing, doing my 30-minute, in-bed Pilates routine, or working with my Therabands in the hospital lobby.

5 comments:

Mrs. Duck said...

I love that picture! I didn't know you also had to wear a mask. I assume you can take it off when you eat? Though, from the sounds of it, you aren't doing much eating. I hope that changes soon.

When we were in Japan last year, we noticed an occasional person wearing a mask on the streets and wondered if they were hypochondriacs or had OCD (or is the first a form of the latter?). Anyway, Eric found out the answer when he was living with a family in Kyoto while doing his spring quarter there. In Japan it is considered very bad form to blow your nose in public. (We knew this when we were there, and it drove the allergic Karl family nuts. We used to run and hide whenever we had to blow our noses.) So, since you can't blow your nose in public, here's what the Japanese do when they get a bad cold: they stuff their noses with tissue and, so no one can see, they wear a mask!!!

In a similar vein, American Indians were apparently horrified when they saw Europeans blowing their noses into handkerchiefs and then stowing the rags away in their pockets. (I understand the horror. I've never grasped the attraction of hankies, except for crying at movies.) The Indians said "Why do you wrap the stuff up like a treasure and carry it around with you?" They thought the Europeans were filthy. (I read this in the book 1492, which I mentioned in an earlier post.) Apparently, like the Japanese, the Indians were very clean and were horrified at the smelly, dirty Europeans, who used to bathe, oh, perhaps once in a blue moon.

Is this totally inappropriate in this blog? If you think so, don't post this. I just thought you might be interested.

Anyway, I can't imagine doing Pilates or working out in a hospital!! Your discipline and energy astonish me! You have more spunk and drive than I do, and I'm not going through chemo! And you call this "taking it easy"?!!! Susan, you're astonishing!!

Anonymous said...

while i am teaching today, i will wear my wrist weights...inspired by you, Susan! Love you, Suze

SAMO Calling said...

Hello Susan darling. I'm just now checking in after a couple of days off (due to Revlon Run/Walk). So much has happened in such a short time. I am so touched that my words from the heart went straight to your heart. I feel a welling up in my body for how they struck you, when they struck you. I've learned those words personally so it's special for you to have held them close. The thought keeps you appreciative of what's good that you hadn't counted on.

You brought back my memories of prepping Amber for her prom. Oh, my God, Cynthia look soooooooo pretty. Oh, to send her off looking so beautiful is truly a special moment for a mother.

Now, for Revlon news. I walked the walk and raised $740.00. I wore your name across my back and shared your challenge with so many people. The crowd was the biggest I've ever been in the midst of. It was powerfully moving. I'd like you to have the gift. You can see the gift options on that link I sent you previously. Just let me know your choice. I'll send you a pic in your email. (you too Duck!)

Strong hugs, and a kiss for each missing hair.

- The Wisest of Wisecrackers

Mrs. Duck said...

Hi Susan,

I'm eating my lunch and re-reading your blog, as I often do. Since you have now become one of my #1 role models and inspirations, I was wondering who, if anyone, inspires you? I'd be interested to know who, and what, you find inspiring.

I hope you're feeling better today.

Love,
Mrs. Duck

Susan C said...

Interesting stories about the masks, Karen. We pateients are required to wear one when we leave our rooms, and I must constantly be reminded by the nurses. It's for our "own protection" because many of us have low white cell counts during chemo.

Congratulations, Rose, on completing the Revlon Walk. Next year, I want to be by your side, not on your back!

Suzie, I'm eager to see Kira's pictures. And good for you for wearing the weights. Just be sure they aren't more than three pounds.

I have so many inspirations, but mostly my inspiration is a composite of dozens (if not hundreds) of people. But that's a topic for another blog!