Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Goals

This week brings the start of the semester for 2 of my schools and the final week of summer classes for another school. I figure this is the perfect time to share some of my goals that I've started working on....

Goal #1 - To get as fit as possible
At my last oncologist appointment, she mentioned the Livestrong YMCA program which provides a free membership for 12 weeks along with 2 small group personal training classes each week.  I am on week 3, and the classes have been such a help to me.  Since I still have the port and have to be careful of repetitive motions with my arms, I was very nervous to do much with weights for my arms and chest.  I feel much more confident that I am learning what can be done effectively now since the trainer has specialized training on cancer issues.     Since my feet are still having problems from the chemo, I have had to come to grips that walking/running won't be the best way for me to get cardio, and a goal like a 5k is probably not a good idea.  I had been wanting to do a spin class last summer, and so I have finally started to do them.  I've been to 3 classes so far, and I've been able to keep cycling for the entire thing.  I am not able to stand as much as they stand or use as much tension yet, but I know that will come with time.  I'm doing 2 classes a week right now since I go on 2 other days for the personal training class.  Hopefully, when that is over, I will be able to do a class 3 times a week.

Goal #2 - To get Covered with Care up and running
I've posted something on facebook about this already, but I figured I'd mention it here as well. I really wanted to find a way to do a little something for others, especially those that have a rare type or were not the "normal" age when diagnosed with their type of cancer. Since I've found a lot of solace in crocheting blankets and had heard people express appreciation at being given blankets for treatment,  I worked with my friend Kim, who has also dealt with cancer, to create Covered with Care.  Hopefully, this is something that can help people and continue long after us.  If you have a chance, please check out our webpage at coveredwithcare@blogspot.com.   We have already received 4 names and have started getting packages out to them.  We are looking for both people to send blankets/afghans to and people to donate blankets/afghans.  Any type of blanket/afghan (homemade, store-bought, crocheted, quited, knit, fleece, etc.) are  welcomed.  The blogspot page has more details on how to recommend someone or donate a blanket.

I have a 3rd goal/want, but it is not really one that I can control or one that is very important in the grand scheme of things.  I really want my hair to be longer or at least long enough to have normal length bangs.  It is growing (and pretty fast from what people say), but I had a hard time seeing that until I looked at these 2 pictures side by side.....  The one on the left is from April 3rd, and the one on the right is from last Monday. I guess that is not too bad for 4 months.   Sadly, that is what my hair does when left to its own devices now, but thankfully there is good hair product, lol.  I hope that whatever goals you have set for yourself that you can see progress.  It may not be noticeable each day, but hopefully, you can look back in 4 months and see how far you've come!