Happy St. Patty’s Day!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone!!

Today started off great. Had an evaluation for pulmonary rehab this morning. Both therapist were extremely impressed with how well I’m doing. I aced the six minute walk test, so they challenged me by taking me outside walking on flat surfaces then going up steps followed by walking up hills. Proud to say I aced it!!!! Normally pulmonary rehab is a 2-3 times a week program for 12 weeks. Both therapist said rehab was totally up to me. They also went on to explain if I did participate in rehab it would be more of a strength training program for me. Even though I can’t use my arms it basically would be leg strengthening we would work on, and more than likely it won’t be for the entire 12 weeks. So I agreed, and start Monday at 9:00. I will attend rehab Monday, Wednesday’s and Friday for about an hour and a half to two hours. Hey a little extra leg strengthening can’t hurt, right?? I told them my goal was to climb all 152 stairs at Pike’s Market before I’m released to go home!

After rehab my mom and I ran to Target and got a few groceries and over the counter medications I needed. We finally remembered to pack our reusable shopping bags!!! Seattle is all about reusing bags. If you don’t bring a reusable shopping bag with you, you have to purchase a paper bag for a nickel per bag! We finally got smart and put our useable shopping bags back in the car for next time. Ha ha.

After grocery shopping my mom and I finally had a “first ever” moment!! We had to get gas before we headed back to our apartment. Well in Washington you have to pump your own gas!! So not used to that. We thought we followed the directions correctly, well long story short we didn’t! We had to ask the gentleman behind us For help. The first question he asked was “where are you from?” We answered “southern Oregon!” He laughed and then graciously helped us. Apparently he had the magic touch, because gas started coming out the nozzle! Ha ha.

We made our way back to the apartment, put away groceries, I changed my clothes really quick and we headed out the door again. One of our dear friends we used to race with over at Coos Bay works for a tug boat company based out of Coos Bay. Long story short he is up here in Seattle working, and we were able to meet up for dinner. It’s not very often we get to catch up, but when we do lots of laughs are shared, and many good memories are made. It makes you realize how important it is to have people and good friends in your life! I’ve known Mike Lunetta (and his wife Becky even though she was home down in Coos Bay tonight) since I was fourteen. So a long time!! I considered him a brother to me. We’ve shared some great times together, and now that I have my new breathers we will create many more good memories together! I love and cherish you guys very much!!!

(Mike and I)

Well it’s getting late and this girl is worn out for the day. Tomorrow morning is going to come quickly since we have to be in clinic by 8:00 am. The new breathers are feeling great today! Ready to tackle PFT’s tomorrow! Hopefully our numbers have increased this week. Fingers crossed! Goodnight everyone!

Until next time……..

~Jen~
“Just Breathe”