Be careful out there.

[gurdymonkey]

This Sunday would have been Rich's 56th birthday.  He might be here to enjoy some no-sugar-added angel food cake if he had taken a bit better care of himself.

"You're missing good stuff!" has been something of a mantra these past two years, usually silent, occasionally voiced loudly in the general direction of the ceiling. I found myself thinking about him as I was catching my breath on a granite ridge in Yosemite.  He'd have done Yosemite by car or by tour bus, but a hike? Even one of the easy ones? Not his thing. He often spoke jokingly of The Way Of The Potato in describing his SCA fighting style, but it was his lifestyle too, and it was not good for him.

Or for me. I freely admit that I have indulged in comfort-eating as a response to his death. I try not to, but it still happens sometimes.  The walking helps. And while I discovered in no uncertain terms the difference between a walk and a hike last weekend, the regular walking regimen was what got me through it. I was Even my "bad" knee didn't bother me once over eight and a half miles of demanding trail, that's how strong half an hour out of my day five days a week has made me.  It's not even a half hour - it's two fifteen minute bites out of the day. When you work for a company with a lot of union employees, you take your breaks. I take mine on a sidewalk in San Leandro.

Today brings the news of an SCA death from H1N1 flu. I did not know the lady, but she was clearly well beloved and leaves a gaping hole behind to those who did. A vaccine is on its way in the next couple of weeks, though the CDC website has not announced a final release date. A regular flu shot (which will not protect you from H1N1, but will protect you from other strains) is as easy as walking into a Walgreens. There's even a program to offer shots to folks without health insurance. You may also be able to get your swine flu shot there in a few weeks as well.

Geez, I sound like one of those "Thrive!" commercials. But I'm seriously thinking about celebrating Rich's birthday with a hike. Muir Woods, maybe.

Comments

[minstrlmummr.livejournal.com]

I'm seriously thinking about celebrating Rich's birthday with a hike.

A hike. Or a dance (logistically harder, I know). or both?

Whatever you decide to do, enjoy. Wish I could support in person 8(

[ladycelia.livejournal.com]

Celebrating with a hike sounds like a fine plan.

[mamapduck.livejournal.com]

Someone on another friend's journal started in on the CDC's "agenda" which she claims is "not your health." I answered as civilly as possible. Flu shots? They aren't a conspiracy. They save lives. People die of regular flu every year. Trying to discourage people from seeking medical attention borders on downright evil. Please, people. It takes three minutes and could save everyone you love heartache. Get the damn shot, especially if you are in a danger category.

[norayn.livejournal.com]

I didn't know that you had lost a friend/partner. I'll be thinking of you on sunday.

Agreed!

[shalmestere.livejournal.com]

It's easier to develop good eating/exercise habits early than late--but better late than never (says someone trying to make up for post-collegiate sloth).

[la-peregrina.livejournal.com]

Better late than never, indeed. I can only hope for my own "couch potato" that it is not too late. Wish I could be there as well. Closest I've been to the Muir Woods is Lake Tahoe, but I hope your hike is beautiful, if you do it.