I did not learn about Alex Pretti’s murder until late Sunday night. And only today did I think about how this came across being posted on Sunday evening. Apologies if I seemed self-centered and insensitive. And apologies for not putting that together until almost 24 hours.
February is right around the corner and Elisabeth is hosting the FIGs Collective again. I was going to name this post “Bright Spots” but decided to follow in Elisabeth’s footsteps and make it FIGS before February instead. I think FIGs (Finding Joy in Gratitude) are going to be a life line next month.
Holding it together. I am honestly really proud of how well I’ve been holding it together with this newest knee injury. Does it bum me out? Immensely! Am I super frustrated that I have to wait so long to be seen at Sports Medicine? Yes! But upon further reflection, I realized that the reason I am so frustrated to wait that long is that my knee is already feeling better and I’m worried I’m going to make a poor choice and work it harder than I should and injury it more. The reality is, I am in no hurry to work it hard. I am super bummed to be missing out on so much training time, but I also don’t have anything specific coming up at the dojo. It totally okay to take a break in my martial arts training. Also, I’ve dealt with a knee injury before so I know what to do right now to stay strong and keep up my cardiovascular fitness. It’s going to be okay. I am very grateful that I have come to this realization so quickly and that I have learned enough from past experience to (eventually) handle this injury with a certain amount of grace.
New knee brace coming. Speaking of which, I just ordered the same hinged knee brace that I wore to keep training after my other knee injury, and I got it for pretty cheap! It was actually the only size out of stock on the regular website, so I googled it and found the exact brace I was looking for on sale for $75 less on eBay. They had a photo of the box on the site so I’m fairly confident I will be getting what I’m paying for. If not, I’ll deal with it. Right now I can’t order it elsewhere so I’m thankful to have one coming!
{Committing to just getting a new brace before my appointment is making me feel a lot better already. Even if I get an MRI and they say that nothing serious is wrong, (all appendages crossed) I will want to protect my knee during sparring at the very least. Spending this money is 100% worth it for my peace of mind, and also since I already have this brace (it’s leg specific, which is why I can’t just use the one I have on my left knee) I know it works and that it will actually bring me piece of mind.}
UPDATE: I called Sports Medicine this morning to see if they had any cancellations and now my appointment is for Wed afternoon! We get our early on Wednesday so I don’t even have to miss class like I would have for my previous appointment. I’m so happy!
Plenty of options in the meantime. One VERY bring spot right now is that I have plenty of options for bringing my heart rate up and staying strong even with my bum knee. I’ve done some hard work on the bike this week and didn’t feel even a twinge! In fact, my knee has felt much better on the mornings after I work it out on the bike. Also, the arm work that we do in the Intervals and Arms classes does no aggravate my shoulder (which is still healing) so there is literally a workout I can do 2-3 times a week that makes my heart rate spike, works my leg muscles, and keeps my arm and back muscles strong, without aggravating either of my two injuries. And it’s a workout I really like to do! Also, right now I’m on the elliptical and it doesn’t hurt my knee either. I’m SO GRATEFUL we have both these machines in our house!
Making progress on my goals. I may not have articulated my goals here, but I have made some! And the knee injury will actually help me meet some. One of my Health/Wellness/Fitness goals is to spend at least 30-45 minutes a week on the bike. Now I’ll be cycling way more than that! Another goal was to complete two strength programs on Peloton, and feeling constrained by both injuries prompted me to start the Crush Your Core program. On an unrelated note, another big goal is to get the kids (and husband!) to help more around the house and in the past two weeks I’ve found an app and actually started using it. Who knows if I’ll keep it up, but at least I’m trying something! Finally, a third goal is to find a skin care regimen that reduces flare ups, which prompted me to finally email my GP for a new prescription topical, AND to try a new lotion, both of which seem to be helping!
Making the most of my no-martial arts time. This is my third Saturday not at the dojo (the first two were for my shoulder), and I have to admit, I had big feelings about it. I spend 4-5 hours there most Saturdays, and today those open hours were a giant reminder of my injury. Instead of wallowing, I made progress on quite a few to-do list items that had been languishing. I hung the biggest floating shelf in the 15yo’s room, so she can park the giant LEGO box there until it is built. I installed the bidet toilet seat downstairs. I donated a trunk load of clothes and shoes. The 12yo and I went to IKEA and got a frame for the poster he bought at the Art of Manga exhibit last weekend. It felt good to get so many things done and it made not being at the dojo feel “worth it,” if that makes sense.
Final sales pants fit! I got two pairs of work pants on deep discount from Everlane. They were final sale, and I’ve never shopped at Everlane before so I was nervous they weren’t going to fit at all. One pair is a little snug, because they are very high-waisted, but they aren’t uncomfortable. The other pair fit perfectly. I’m quite pleased! Buying clothes on “final sale” is never a good idea, and I’m glad I do not regret the gamble!
Date night ended on a high note. I will admit, we started our date night on Saturday on a bit of a low note. We had to scramble to pick up the 15yo’s friends, who kept pushing back their “I’ll be ready by time.” Then the bus we jumped on was the worst – it took 40 minutes for us to get to the edge of the Mission, so long that we needed to get an Uber the rest of the way to North Beach. But both comedy shows were great and the dinner we had in between was perfect; we were seated and served quickly, the food and drinks were amazing, and we done before the second show started. When we got home the 12yo was asleep and the house was in decent shape. I’ll call it a win! Especially since we were so stressed out at the start of it.
Apologies that most of you will read this on Monday, but I my best!
You are doing so terrifically. I know it isn’t easy. Really impressed.
Hooray for FIGs. There’s a lot of hard stuff happening to people I know and love and in the world more generally. I’m not burying my head in the sand (I know these things are happening and acknowledge them) but sometimes I am literally powerless to do anything but control my own narrative. To aim to support others, show love and kindness, and celebrate the “bright spots” or FIGs. So glad you’re joining in <3
These are wonderful bright spots to highlight, and I’m so glad you are finding so many good things during such a hard time. The knee injury sounds very frustrating and I am super impressed that you have been able to find ways to exercise despite the setback!
Oh, I am so glad you’re able to look on the bright side… it’s not always easy but it does often help. I am glad your knee already feels better from resting and that you’ve ordered a new knee brace to support it. Very smart!
I am also very happy to hear you’ve been able to use the Peloton and even started a strength program. I requested to follow you, if that’s ok.
You were a bright spot at a dark time. Do not fret. You were, and are, not self-centered or insensitive.
We all need to refocus on the immediate when chaos & horror hits, it does not make us uncaring. Being able to avoid the news, briefly, occasionally, is important.
We recenter our emotions and refresh ourselves rather than burning out.
The horrors will be there after we pause. It is a very long steep mountain to climb and taking a breathing break helps people to keep going. Your post helped me and re-grounded me. I needed it.
Thank you for highlighting FIGS. Helps.