1832-1830

Things are slightly better in the techno-world--but still much new and to understand. Installing and learning a new phone's interface--is definitely like getting a brain transplant. Everything is just slightly different compared to the older system--and there are numerous dead ends that have to be traversed and abandoned.

Went to RSB today--only 8 of us there but the coach made up for it with some truly difficult workout elements. We were divided into 3 groups--and each group worked their way through three sets of activities. There was a torturous cluster of exercises with the TRX devices--followed by a non-stop session on the speed bags and a 3rd round of cardio work on the resistance equipment.

In addition, we did an extensive set of warm up movements to start off--and did some work on punching the heavy bags followed by a dose of Rolling Thunder to conclude the day's session.

I've made quite some headway in learning how to use my new phone--especially after yesterday's marathon exploration of its many features and applications. I think I can do most everything that I was doing on my old phone--plus a lot more once I conquer how things work.

Weather is not helping--we are going through days of 100+ heat waves. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate--and hydrate some more!

1839-1833

I've not been making a daily post--for several reasons... Among the many--here is the summary of what's been happening...

I'm just caught up in whirlwind of techno/dental events--no doubt somehow related to the solar eclipse... I had two root canals done back-to-back which took about 4 hours, followed by another 4 hours (10 days later) to build the temporary caps, and that will hopefully conclude this Wednesday with the installation of the permanent caps...

To help keep the stress levels high--my phone conked out... The charging port got crunched--so I couldn't charge the device... After managing to locate an external charger--I was able to keep the phone limping along while I looked for someone who might be able to repair the problem... After some research, I located a shop in Fair Oaks that said they could do the fix--the name of the outfit is UBreakiFix... However, they should be named UBreakiBreak--yes, their first attempt at fixing the problem damaged something else and eventually trashed the phone...

So, I ended up getting a new phone--which is like getting a brain transplant... Even though it's the same brand as my old phone--it's got all too many new features... So, I'm cruising along--singing a song... And hopefully back to dancing soon... 

It's 110 degrees today--or perhaps even hotter... Looks like a week of 100+ temperatures--and then a cooling down to 90+ readings for a while...

1840

RSB and eclipse--at the same time. The celestial event took place right in the middle of the RSB session--a few people had brought viewing glasses and we took turns observing. I also showed some how to make shadow images--with their hands and fingers.

It didn't get really dark--just a bit gloomy and then the sun was back.

RSB session this morning was tough--we did 8 stations with 4 reps per station. Each rep lasted 45 seconds--with a 15 second break. There were two groups of stations--boxing and core/strength work. I was whacked by the end of things--I came home, ate a small ice, and napped a while. I'm still drifting along--will go out and grab a Frap in a bit.

Don't know why I'm so kinked from this morning's RSB session--it's probably a residue from the weekend--with the surprised visitor and all that entailed. Also has a bit to do with the shift in weather--it's cooling down some but with late afternoons that are still fairly warm. I'm feeling like I just want to crawl into hole--and sleep for as long as it takes to reset my systems. This morning I didn't really want to drag myself up and out--even though it was RSB that I was to be doing. I could have rolled over and gone back to sleep--but I didn't. I went to RSB and despite the residual fogginess  that that produced--I'm better for having gone and pushed the envelope.

Will go out and do a bit of shopping as well--I enjoy going to the dollar store and getting things that I need to get for so little money.

1841

Quiet time--LD is on her way back home and all are asleep. I just crashed for a couple of hours--and I'll probably do some more.

I could have gone to SS and danced this afternoon--but I didn't although the exercise and movement would have been nice. Maybe will take a walk this afternoon--or later before bedtime. I did 10,000 steps yesterday--thanx to the RSB and dancing.

Of course, will do my laundry this evening--and charge my battery. I've had to charge my phone battery overnight--and run in down during the day. Not ideal--but it does somewhat work in that pattern. It will be better to have it repaired--and able to be charged on the move. I just realized that when it is fixed--that I have to get new charging cords since the ones I have are the cause of the problem. Techno world--always some issue!

The next phone issue that will need attention--whether to get a new phone. If there are problems with the fix I'm having done--that will trigger a decision regarding getting a phone replacement. Have to have a functional phone--and a functional vehicle.

Eclipse tomorrow--will happen during RSB session. Don't have a pair of viewing glasses--and I certainly don't want to injure my eyes. I'll just exercise my way through the event--or go out and watch some tree shadows produced by the event beaming through some trees.

1843-1842

Lost in the soup--LD arrived on Thursday evening. I had made it to RSB that day--but I punted on the afternoon class. I was just feelings anxious and stressed--so I didn't push the envelope and took some time off.

I made it to dance at RP on Friday--but got caught up in the eddy of a visitor on Friday afternoon and evening. LD told me her whole story of what she has to do to take care of her son--it is awesome what she does to provide care for him. If anyone thinks they have a difficult life--they should hear what she has to deal with and has overcome to make things work.

But today, I got up and out early--went to the RSB class and then danced for over 2 hours. I felt tired--but I also felt good. Had a hefty dinner--and am about ready to call it an early night, LD is leaving tomorrow--so can get some R&R tomorrow and organize for the coming week.

Dinner was put together for LD, TH, CH, SH, MD, me and BH--a strange collection of people who are all related in various ways. There was some awkward conversation--especially around my ex and her new mate and what they are doing as a couple. I was bothered by the exchange--but I have other concerns.

1844

Awoke late--could have slept a lot more. Made it to RSB session--a little late. It would have been easy to roll over--and go back to sleepy land. But I hustled along--and arrived just a little late.

Workout was very difficult--it wasn't until the end point (Rolling Thunder) that I felt like I was waking up. I got dizzy and my eyes were having problems with the brightness of things--part of the problem was that I didn't have a regular breakfast because I was running late. I ate a meal bar--and downed a V8 Fusion on the way to class. No wonder that I felt dizzy--and had to stop and sit down.

My phone is working--sort of. I activated the charger--and it ran all night and the battery got fully charged. I put the charged battery back into the phone--and tried to place a call. The device said that I was not authorized to use the phone service--even though I can dial into the call answering feature. For some reason, I cannot dial another number--I think I reset some phone feature when I was swapping the battery in and out. The phone, as configured now, can be used--but only marginally. I'm concerned about what has happened to the phone's service--and how I get it restored.

I'm skipping FO dance class this afternoon--will most likely go to RP class in the morrow.

Just learned that LD is dropping in tonight--from outer space no doubt. There was no mention of this possibility--I was just told it would happen by A. LD is a non-stop talker--not what I need to have to deal with right now. Will check myself out--and let MD deal with any visitors.

1845

Dance today went well--I was rather stiff and immobile at first. But I loosened up as the time went by--and by the end I was dancing smoothly except for Islands in the Stream. That dance has become my nemesis--my muscles seem to have forgotten how the move in the dance. It's odd since what's happening in that dance is not happening in other dances--at least not to the extent that it's manifesting every time we dance it.

A woman joined the class today--she is a ballroom dancer and she showed it. She moved with grace and great posture--even though we were doing country music.

Weather has cooled down some finally--still getting into the 90s but the 100+ patterns are probably done for the rest of the year.

Yesterday's techno-stress helped me sleep soundly last night--I didn't get up as often as I usually do. I've established a procedure for handling my phone battery--although the charger doesn't seem to full charge my phone battery. The display shows a nearly full level of charge--but when I put the battery in the phone it only registers as being around 50% charged. Oh, well--it'll make do until I find out that the phone can be repaired.

I also helped sort out a mystery regarding MD's phones--she was getting robo-calls with no connection being made. She hasn't learned how to query her phone--and get a list of missed calls. Her phone life would be so much easier if she would just use her wireless unit--but that appears impossible as she clicks through her 101 year. Whatever stress she has around techno-items--is eased with ice cream and other treats (she downs an enormous amount of sweets every day). I guess that once anyone reaches 100--they can eat what they please and she does it fully.

Back to RSB tomorrow--and dance in the afternoon. I've come to the conclusion that I have to do even more exercise--that the exercise that I'm doing is having positive results. On the days when I don't do intense exercise--I feel weak and foggy. Will be signing up for a B&L program in September--and that will give me a chance to see how much more exercise I am able to do and not crash.

1847-1846

Did an RSB session yesterday--felt good! Was a little wobbly--but did OK. My blood pressure is definitely riding on the low side--the intense exercise helps with keeping it up.

My phone has lost its ability to charge the battery--the charge port is damaged.

Today, I did an RSB session--in which I felt a bit weak and logy. After boxing, I went through a techno-dance--trying to find someone who could fix the problem. I went to ATT--no luck there since they don't do repairs anymore. Went to Bulbs and Batteries--they fix some iPhones. Turns out they don't fix mine--they sent me to another fixit shop UBreakItWeFixIt. The tech there said they could probably fix it--but they have to order a part.

That means I would be without a phone--until the part arrived and they made the fixit attempt. The tech suggested that I get a external charger--and charge the battery directly. I went to Best Buy--and picked up a device that I thought was a charger. It was a charger--but not one that could charge the battery in my phone externally. I took it back--and stopped by the Bulb and Batteries to see if they had a charger. They did have one--an odd little gadget that promises to charge the battery despite its strange configuration. We shall see--don't know how long it will take to produce a fully charged item. I assume that it's in the hours range--and not in minutes.

The journey to solve the phone problem was difficult--I was muddled and stressed. Before heading out on my last circuit to get the correct charger--I downed an energy drink--and I feel that it helped settle my thoughts and communications.

Dance tomorrow--and an update on the battery/phone status.

1848

Slept fairly well last night--except for the dog waking me up with barking in the middle of the night. I was tired after the double activities yesterday--and fell asleep earlier than normal. Did almost 10,000 steps yesterday--and ate a lot. I had a smoothie and ham/cheese breakfast sandwich, a Frap and chocolate layer cake, penne pasta Alfredo with chicken--quite a lot but helped replenish the calories burned by boxing and dancing.

Dreamt last night about something to do with my car--in the dream someone had moved it during the night. There were several other cars parked around the cul-de-sac--and there were people milling about. I had had a similar dream before--I was upset that someone had moved the vehicle and I was trying to understand how they had managed to do so.

Today is a rest day--I'm feeling woozy even as I sit here. I feel wobbly when I'm walking--and especially so when I'm on uneven ground like in the back yard. There is a walkway between the patio and a storage shed--the walkway slopes upwards and winds some from side to side. If I walk up or down the ramp--I feel unstable.

I'm going to have to work on this balance issue--movement while in a boxing stance helps maintain stability. There may also be exercises that can be done with the Big and Loud activity--but that's part of next month's agenda.

Had a pastry and juice for breakfast--and am about ready to zip out for a morning Frap.

1850-1849

Skipped dancing yesterday--rested and tried to chill hoping to be ready to go to RSB class this morning. I slept erratically--but I made it to RSB today and the dance activity up in Rescue.

The RSB felt good--it helped clear some of the static that I was experiencing. I'm still a bit rocky--from yesterday's episode of collapsing when I got really dizzy. I keep feeling as if I'm out of kilter as I move about--I keep feeling like I could easily fall again but with more consequences. I didn't seem to hurt myself when I feel--but I could do some damage very easily.

I'm frustrated that I was doing so well last week--and then everything went to crap. It brought home how vulnerable I am to something happening--something that shifts my circumstances and resources in ways that would not be fun.

It makes me question if what I am doing (dancing, boxing, getting bodywork, and so on)--is making a real difference in my case of the illness and how it is manifesting. Should I be doing something totally different?--I seem to be on a collision course with reality and it might happen sooner rather than later.

Nothing scheduled for tomorrow--rest day in preparation for Monday's RSB session and the coming week of maintaining and monitoring status and trying to sort through the numbing components of what I can do.

Daughter and son-in-law are at a cousin's wedding--the grandson is being kept overnight by his grandmother and the granddaughter is with her father in San Francisco. So it is very quiet here--just me and MD. I am in charge making sure the dog has several outside visits--so he doesn't leave any small collections in the house.

I've been drinking a lot more water--so that means I have to take a leak more often. So far, it has not been a problem--other than the frequency required when I'm supposed to be sleeping. In any case, I should sleep well tonight--or not.

1851

Didn't make classes today--awoke with bowels still acting up. Went and got a Frap and a bagel--and went back to bed. Slept for a few hours--and had some soup. Went back to bed--and slept some before heading out again for a second Frap. Plan on having a cheese calzone for dinner--need to get off all of the liquid stuff and put some bulk in the mix.

Plan on resting/sleeping some more--and seeing if I can make it to dance class tomorrow. Don't know why this stomach upset is persisting--I don't feel bad or such, just tired and wanting to get back to my programs.

Watched a wild film last night--23 starring Jim Carrey. He portrayed a person obsessed with the number 23--and he did a good job of it. The ending was telegraphed from the start--but it still took a circuitous path to get there.

I'm chewing a bit more as I'm eating--not a lot on the left side where the root canals were done. But starting to chew more--as I make my way to the 23rd and the final restoration that is scheduled. No difficulties with what was done--it's like nothing was done based on any residual sensations. The feeling is similar to the removal of the lump (lipoma) on my neck--no residual sensations from the surgery. No complaints--just observations!

1852

Dealing with the dental--no chewing allowed for at least another day. Soup and Fraps--and other liquids fill the bill (or is it the beak?).

I'm still dealing with loose bowels--started taking some Pepto tablets to try and blunt the process. I think it's about done--but I punted on going to dance class today (or should I say pooted?). In any case, I slept in--and went out for a few errands.

One thing I had to check on was what to do with my FitBit device--the band came loose where there's a seam. I went to Walmart's--and discovered that there is a rubber accessory that fits over the region where the break occurred. The accessory costs $3.50--and mends the problem nicely. Another solution would have been to superglue the stuff back together--but the low cost accessory is a simple fix.

Tomorrow I have an RSB class--and a dance class in the afternoon. Am planning to do both--so that I keep up with all of the classes that I will be doing in Aug/Sept.

I'm feeling mushy--wobbly and not at ease with everything. Yesterday's dental episode required a lot of energy--I was really tired last night and went to bed early. Hopefully, will be back on track come the morrow--and beyond.

1854-1853

Went to sleep early last night--so didn't post re Monday's activities. Did an RSB class--arrived late but got there. Workout felt good--but came home and napped away the rest of the day. I was anxious about the dental work that was being today--so I was up and down most of the night.

Went to the dental clinic for my 8am appointment--which I made it to on time. The dentist/assistant confirmed with X-rays that the two teeth that had been flagged--were the two to go and that it was probably going to require root canals on both teeth. I've never had a root canal--now I've had two.

I was in the chair for about 4 hours--benumbed and drooling as they drilled away. Apparently, my teeth have roots that are forked--which required extra work to clear the passage that was excavated. That also incurred charges that would have been waived--had there been no extra work.

They had explained all of this to me when we booked the procedure--so nothing unexpected took place.

They played C-W music throughout the operations--and per normal there was a lot of noise but no painful sensations. I'm supposed to not eat any food that requires chewing--for 2 to 3 days.

We booked the nest step (creating and installing the caps and such)--bout 10 days from now.

The dental assistant knew virtually all the lyrics to the songs that played--many of which we are still dancing to in dance classes. I plan on going to EDH dance class tomorrow--and do some boxing on Thursday.

1855

Birthing day--or daze as the case may be. Fell asleep early last night--and awoke early. Humidity is high--so am sweating like a hot dog over a steady grill.

Went out for breakfast--went to CoCo's and had flat bread scramble. That dish felt right since my stomach is still loose and processing something I ate last week. I think the scramble will settle things down--I'll stick with apples and cheese for dinner.

Have an RSB session in the morrow--don't want to have a loose stomach while doing that. It's been sort of touch and go the past few days--as my stomach cleared itself. Dancing, boxing--doing anything becomes problematical if I have to stay near a toilet everywhere.

Ran a few errands--got car washed (it looks good when it's clean), picked up some items from the dollar store, grabbed some items for MD (A, her caregiver, will be gone for a week so MD needs us to pick up items for her as she thinks of them).

I'm feeling sketchy--not as clear and energized as I did most of last week. I want every week to be like the last one--I don't need to slide back in order to stay put.

I'm partly not looking forward to the dental work I'll be doing this week--and the next. Not only does it interrupt my schedule--but I also will miss any workouts that I'll have to skip. Oh, well--this too shall pass (along with my loose stomach).

1856

Last night I sat with the two grandkids--while the parents went to a Giant's game. They had a set of box tickets that had been won in a drawing--and they met with some friends. But the game went late--and the grandmother who was watching the kids had to go home. So I napped for several hours--until they made it back home around 1 and 2 am.

I had to get up around 8am to go to an RSB class--I got up a bit late and was late for the class. I was also tired in the class since I was short on sleep--and didn't have any food before doing the class.

After the RSB session (which only had 4 people doing it)--I grabbed a breakfast sandwich and a Frap on my way to Rescue and dancing. Dancing went well--although I was a bit weary by the time we finished.

Mt stomach has been a little loose for the past few days--may be the verde enchilada that I ate over that time span. I picked up a salmon fillet and a salad dish--and hopefully that will help smooth out my digestion.

I don't have anything planned for tomorrow--so can float some and recover and get ready for Tuesday's dental procedure. Oh, yeah!

1858-1857

Did a double day yesterday--and everything felt good. Dance went well--as did the morning RSB session. Today was only a dance day--I was in really good form and danced like I haven't danced in a while.

I'm a bit tired today--after yesterday's activities and today's dancing. But, I'm about to have dinner--and see if that picks me up. Tomorrow, I'll do another double day--and will rest on Sunday.

Not much else to say right now--I'm hungry and am ready for some food.

Will be up early tomorrow--to hit the RSB class and do some dancing after. I got a haircut--my little hair was starting to look somewhat ratty. So I had it mowed--and all is shorter and cooler now.

1859

100++today and on into the week! I went to the EDH dance class today--and danced quite well. The dance "Islands in the Stream" has been one that I've been having a lot of difficulty dancing. Today, for the first time in months--I could dance that dance. It was as if a switch was flicked--and I could suddenly dance as I had danced before. I was totally surprised--I had been so unable to dance that one well that I didn't think I'd ever dance it again. But that didn't happen--I did dance it like I'd danced it before.

I think there are other dances that I have been having trouble doing--and that are also correcting as I continue to exercise and move.

A, MD's caregiver, has been traveling--and has had to let MD fend on her own. A should be here tomorrow--MD is anxious to have her return after a long week of not having someone to take her shopping and so on.

It's nearing dinner time--and I'm hungry. I've eaten erratically today--I've picked up a Frap and sandwich for dinner. Need to fuel up for tomorrow--have a RSB session in the morning and a FO dance class in the afternoon.

BH did a good job yesterday--of installing a new faucet in the kitchen sink. The replacement units are fully modular--and are designed to be a plug-for-plug fix of a broken unit. And so it was--and so he did. New faucet looks great--and works well!

1860

Today the temperature is targeted to hit 106--it was warm even as I awoke and left for RSB session. We had a goodly number of people in this morning's class--but the coach kept things simple because of the heat.

I slept poorly last night--even awoke for a while and viewed the news feeds.

I was woozy at the start of the RSB class--as I seem to be every time now. I suspect that it's the smoothie and pastry/sandwich that I eat before heading for class. I stayed woozy throughout the class--and still feel like I'm not fully on track.

I grabbed a Frap on the way home from RSB--and that has helped smooth out things.

BH was doing the dishes--and the kitchen faucet finally gave up the ghost and needs to be replaced. BH is looking into making the repair--but it was not exactly what he had on his to do list.

Today is a daze day--hazy, lazy, crazy day!