April 2009 Update

I had my appointment on April 22 and my T-cells went up to 696 from 652 and the viral load remains undetectable.  I had planned to write this past weekend but I ended up with a stomach virus which gave way to one of my migraines.  Needless to say, I was out of commission this weekend.  I finally got some motivation back Monday (4/27).  But, it figures, I had to get ill during a mini-heat wave.  It was 87, 88, 90, 92 and 86 on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.  It broke on Tuesday evening so it'll be a refreshing 65 today!

I started going to therapy again this year at John Heinz.  I did not do it last year so I am hoping for new motivation, new ideas and a kick in the ass!  I was getting so bored with my routine so I am hoping this spices it up a bit for me - so far - good ideas.  This time I am telling them that I want more balance and coordination exercises; strength is not my issue.  I told them I plan to use the riding lawn mower this year and would like to learn to do more of my daily tasks from my walker while standing.  We have been concentrating more on strengthening my lower back and giving more control to my "gas pedal" foot!  Next week, I am starting in the mock apartment to start things like getting things out of the refrigerator and cooking which is exciting - for me.  I have been adding a lot of new exercises to my routine which is excellent for my attitude!

I also had to get a new stationary bike last week.  The old bike was probably eight years old with at least eight thousand or more miles on it.  It started clanging.  The new one is VERY quiet.  I added ten-pound ankle weights when I ride because the resistance seems a bit easy even turned up to maximum.

Between John Heinz every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and working on finding an agent for the book, I keep myself busy.  I finished writing and now it is focusing on mail and e-mail to various agencies and even small publishers.  When I have time, I delve back into art, but this time I am painting and decorating small, all kinds of shaped, boxes.  I like it a lot.

With spring arriving, I already exchanged my fall clothes for T-shirts and shorts (Thank God, I did that almost two weeks ago!)  I have been doing some weeding and hope to do edging around the trees and shed more this year - cuts down on the weeding too!  I also love it gets me out in the sun more - have to get my sun tan!

I have also made plans to go down New Hope, PA on May 21 - 24.  I hope the weather is nice!  New Hope is about 2.5 hours southeast of here on the Delaware River about an hour north of Philly.  It's a very artsy, small, pre-Revolutionary town that I used to lived near about twenty-five years ago back when I was in retail at Pomeroy's near Philly.  I am looking forward to seeing old places again and friends.

I have had one depressing day, well, more of wistful reminiscing when the two very large weeping willows were cut down from my mother's yard.  I don't know if others of my siblings remember the numerous components those trees played in our past.  From family picnics to sleeping out on summer nights to playing in its long, lawn-touching branches always made me smile.  They were my haven when I wanted to be alone and could sit almost hidden on the picnic table underneath the lush canopy - just to daydream...  I can remember climbing them and laugh when I think of how my father would jump down out of them during our begged-for evening hide and seek game so we could be delightfully frightened. (Of course, we always knew he would hide there, but we would squeal and run anyway!)

Oh well, my next appointment is in July and can only hope it continues to be well!