Category: health

Yoga for writers

by Karen, posted in health, NaNoWriMo, writing, yoga

Are you dying of pain from a week of practically nonstop NaNo typing? I woke up Saturday morning, let the chickens out, fed them, and carried a bag to my car and suddenly was in severe pain in my left shoulder. Really? Really? I thought, THIS BITES! It's like adding insult to injury, right? I … Continue reading Yoga for writers

Passaggiata

by Karen, posted in family, health, italian, local fun

I live in a rural part of my town in Maine. There are few places that I can get to on foot that wouldn't require packing for a half day trek. That's why I looked forward to the Bean Supper this year. This is a destination that I could comfortably walk to and from and … Continue reading Passaggiata

Taking the care out of ‘Healthcare’

by Karen, posted in health

​ I  presented myself for my annual physical this morning. This  year was less routine than the past eight because my beloved primary care doctor got fed up and quit medicine last year (sad but true). This would be my first visit with my new doctor-long awaited first visit, since she had canceled and rescheduled the appointment … Continue reading Taking the care out of ‘Healthcare’

One brave thing, part 2

by Karen, posted in fitness, health, local fun, Midlife Crisis, no fear

I went to the Aqua Yoga class on Monday morning, despite my trepidation. I got my big girl pants on (read: found a bathing suit that fit) and I went. I pulled up to the door at 8:59am. This is significant because usually I am at least a half an hour early for everything. Because … Continue reading One brave thing, part 2

50: The year I got old

by Karen, posted in (it's all about the) food, Adult children, family, fitness, health, Midlife Crisis, no fear, Turning 50

I was thinking about how I have been in a funk these past several weeks, when I realized, no, it's actually been several months now that I've been feeling this way.  I realized what is partly affecting my mood and my decisions is this: I feel old. My skin looks old. All of my joints … Continue reading 50: The year I got old

The joys of dementia

by Karen, posted in health

I was at work, caring for an elderly woman with dementia. She was propelling herself around the unit in her wheelchair, talking and singing, as was her usual routine. She had her  'baby' (doll) with her, a small bundle in a pink one piece piggy outfit, complete with little ears and a tail. As she … Continue reading The joys of dementia

Boo hoo, it’s the flu

by Karen, posted in education, health

You may have heard that there's a little something call the flu going around. Actually, there are many flu-like viruses going around, but the doomsday people (and the CDC) refer to them all as 'the flu' so they can try to scare you into 'getting your flu shot' (like that might help at all). Anyway, … Continue reading Boo hoo, it’s the flu

Ode to snow, part 2

by Karen, posted in Adult children, family, fitness, health, Marriage, Midlife Crisis, teens, Turning 50

My thoughts wandered, fueled by cold and the discomfort of muscles that are rarely used screaming their displeasure at being exploited in the manner required by shoveling. I remember being handed a shovel and instructions to go "do the front steps" of our house. We had a house with 14 concrete steps at that time. … Continue reading Ode to snow, part 2

Ode to snow, part 1

by Karen, posted in family, health, no fear

It snowed last night. A lot. You know; the kind of snow that makes it almost impossible to open your freakin' back door and get out of your house? Worse, it fell on top of the same kind (and amount) of snow that fell two days ago. The large accumulations that always come when the … Continue reading Ode to snow, part 1

Back in the saddle again. Not.

by Karen, posted in (it's all about the) food, fitness, health, Karen's Kitchen, Marriage, Midlife Crisis, no fear

I was thinking that now that the kids are back in school, I should resume my walking routine. I used to walk 3 miles or so every morning around 6:45am, before I did anything else...even before I went to the gym or yoga class. I did it every day just like clockwork. Until I stopped. … Continue reading Back in the saddle again. Not.