Edge Flex

February 27, 2013



When I got back from Thailand I really got serious about the gym. I met the trainer twice a week and tried to go to pilates and some other classes. But then we had the blizzard and I was stuck at home for four days and then I worked extra one week so was too tired to go to the gym.


But last Saturday Lori and I finally made it to the Edge Flex class. I though it would be, if not a breeze, at least something we could do with no problem. I was wrong. It was a hour of, if not exactly agony, extremely hard work. Brutally hard work.


"Okay let's rest," said the instructor. Five seconds go by and she starts up again. That's a rest? Really?We were tired when it was over but didn't feel all that bad. Energized, we thought. The next morning I went to meet the trainer. I could hardly bend my legs or bear weight on my arms. Lori was no where to be seen. I could hardly walk up the stairs into my house and when I called Lori she was in the same condition. I felt like a cripple. Monday was slightly better. Last night we took a yoga class. Not as intense as the flex class but  still a work out. This morning I can finally bend over to pick something up off the floor without moaning.


Guess I still have a long way to go. Not sure I'll ever get to the fit state I would like. But going to give it the old college try. Besides, when they tell us to go to that peaceful place in pilates or yoga it really does help calm me. But maybe I really enjoy the energy of Edge Flex to keep me in fighting shape!

Tobacco, Sandalwood and Bathtubs

February 12, 2013



I am barely getting through this storm. Trapped in the house for days and going stir crazy. Although I have power for which I am very thankful. But I HATE the cold, the ice, coats, hats and winter sports. Snow is pretty to look at for a day or two and then ENOUGH. Unless you are a "non essential" employee and then I guess it doesn't matter.

The only way I have been coping is to think of my recent stay at The Mandarin in Bangkok. So beautiful, so elegant and civilized. And so warm! The atmosphere so sensual and inviting and exotic. But what did I love the most? The bathroom! A room and a half really. A huge tub with balt salts, double sinks and a separate shower room. All kinds of toiletries and a white cotton robe for each of us. (Stop laughing, Lori) Bottled water in a fabric holder.

The tub was enormous. So big that I couldn't push myself up with my feet. The bath salts made bubbles and smelled divine. If I wasn't afraid of drowning I would have slept in there. But I did tear myself away long enough to sit by the pool, eat and drink and take an excursion to the floating market. But it was tough to choose.

Everyday we went in the gift store for some necessity. I found these wonderful perfumes in there. One was tobacco and one was sandalwood. How good could tobacco smell, you might be thinking? So good! I sprayed it on me everyday. It reminded me of a bygone era. And the sandalwood. Not quite as wonderful as tobacco but very nice. I decided I needed both of them to make my return to reality a little easier. And I am certainly glad I treated myself. I am transported every time I spray them on.

So maybe bathroom pictures are weird. I never claimed to be normal. And you know how much I worship my refrigerator. I also have a picture of THAT in my phone. Now, when I feel bad about being unable to retire early I look at all my favorite things. Just like my new perfumes, they make life just a little easier!

Red Lotus Lake

February 8, 2013



The Thai government planned a trip for us on the Saturday before we left. It was to a place called Red Lotus Lake. The vans were leaving at 7AM. Really?? There was a lot of grumbling about getting up early on our day off after working 12 hour shifts all week. But the anesthesiologist from Thailand told Lori and I how beautiful it was and we were anxious to see it. Although we were told that it wasn't as lush as in past years due to recent weather conditions I found it breathtaking.


We went out in pontoon boats. It was so quiet and peaceful out there. I took so many pictures, wishing for the first time that I had a more professional camera. Leaning over the boat with my Iphone ( I do love that phone!) I was awed by the perfection of each flower.


Much like the time on Victoria Peak I wanted to stay out there forever. As we headed back to shore I knew I would have to face reality soon. All the same stresses and problems I left behind in the United States when I boarded the plane would have to be faced once I returned home. But I didn't want to lose the calm feeling of the lake. So I have one of those beautiful pictures as the background on my phone. Every time I see it I am transported to a serene place. Even if only for a few minutes. Sometimes it is all I need to put things in perspective.

Heartbreaker

February 4, 2013



There is always one patient on every trip who is a heartbreaker for Lori and I. Sometimes it is the same child and sometimes not. Many of the stories of these patients tug at your heartstrings. The children who are born with deformities and many who have been burned after birth. There are so many burn patients in third world countries just because of their life styles. Cooking over an open fire and living in grass and wood huts and sleeping under mosquito netting. Using fire to keep warm at night.

My heartbreaker was a 6 month old with a cleft lip. I saw him in the morning on rounds and couldn't wait to see the final result. But he couldn't be done because when he came to the OR he had a respiratory problem. We sent him for a chest Xray and I hoped it would come back negative. But there was some question surrounding the results and our pediatrician who is nothing short of a genius (I think I get smarter just being in the same room with him) cancelled the surgery. Later that day he developed a fever so I know it was the right decision. But I couldn't bear to see the mom when she was told. Young and scared and full of hope for her child. I hope another organization can help him in the future.

For Lori it was a young girl of about 10. She was chubby which, as you can imagine in a land of petite, beautiful women, is hard in itself. And I can certainly relate to weight issues. She needed a lip revision. Her mother told us the kids at school made fun of her and they were both so happy to have an opportunity to have surgery. She did have her procedure but it still brought tears to our eyes to hear her story.

Then there was the 30 year old mom with a seizure disorder. She had a seizure while cooking over an open flame and burned one side of her face and neck. She could not lift her head up because of that. She was there with her mother and eight year old son. There was a lot of trepidation about her surgery to release her neck contracture due to her medical condition but it was successfully accomplished and she did great. She still needs more procedures and again, I hope she is somehow able to have them.

So although this sort of thing isn't for everyone I think you can see why I would give up my vacation, work 12 hour shifts and travel to some questionable locations. It is rewarding beyond belief. And it makes the world a smaller, kinder place.