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state of the body
Feb. 1st, 2026 12:06 amMy foot is getting more functional, but it still feels "stiff" and does still get tender. I'm slowly introducing more activity for it. I did some low volume jump rope. I have been doing multiple full day shifts at TKD without it bothering me.
My shoulder is still touch and go. Sometimes hanging from the bar feels fine, sometimes it is clearly aggravating it. The overhead squats we did also fatigued it. I can't tell if it's just one of those things that is slow to heal, or I did some small, but permanent damage.
I feel like I'm slowly getting back to being able to work on things again, but it feels like I have to be very careful.
My shoulder is still touch and go. Sometimes hanging from the bar feels fine, sometimes it is clearly aggravating it. The overhead squats we did also fatigued it. I can't tell if it's just one of those things that is slow to heal, or I did some small, but permanent damage.
I feel like I'm slowly getting back to being able to work on things again, but it feels like I have to be very careful.
fast and affordable
Jan. 28th, 2026 11:28 amSunday night, while our neighbor was plowing, we heard a loud metallic noise. I thought it was just him dropping his plow. The next day, however, we saw that the garage door had been dented and the hinges ripped off. We decided it wasn't safe to open the garage door, and unplugged the lifter to prevent accidentally opening it and resigning to not using that car for the interim.
I got a chance to talk with my neighbor, he had no idea he had hit my door.
Today, Wednesday, the door guys came, bent it back into place, reattached things and got it working again. $135 which I think is a bargain, since I was paying for their knowledge of what was ok. I quite like them. Very matter of fact.
Since they bent it back into place, it's not perfect, but that's ok. We've asked them for a quote in case we want to get the door(s) replaced.
I got a chance to talk with my neighbor, he had no idea he had hit my door.
Today, Wednesday, the door guys came, bent it back into place, reattached things and got it working again. $135 which I think is a bargain, since I was paying for their knowledge of what was ok. I quite like them. Very matter of fact.
Since they bent it back into place, it's not perfect, but that's ok. We've asked them for a quote in case we want to get the door(s) replaced.
back and Christmas
Dec. 27th, 2025 12:29 amI've been doing personal online training for making my back strong enough to not be cranky when I deadlift and it's been making it feel better in general. Not that I was noticing anything wrong until things just moved better. It has not completely fixed my dead-lifting issues and I'm having trouble keeping up with two times a week. I'd also like to start sprinkling my shoulder and foot workouts back in.
It was a no-travel Christmas for obvious reasons. Very mixed feelings about this. It's nice not to have to travel, but I do miss my very rare opportunities to see my family.
It was a no-travel Christmas for obvious reasons. Very mixed feelings about this. It's nice not to have to travel, but I do miss my very rare opportunities to see my family.
physical update
Oct. 16th, 2025 10:03 amI still haven't full recovered from the COVID I had mid-September. Cardio tends to be rough.
I still have most of my strength though and I'm starting to regain some stuff I lost to the foot and shoulder.
The plantar faciitis still isn't quite healed, but I can now to Olympic lifts again. I'm still not running, jumping, or doing anything that requires bouncing on the ball of my foot. It is healing, just very slowly.
Fast squats are causing my calves to tighten up. Given all the other issues I've had with tendonitis and alike, I think I have weak calves and I should work on that.
I can kick up into a handstand again, which has been nice. I can swing from the bar again too, though my shoulder still hurts at night.
I had the smoothest set of wall balls in a very long time yesterday. These challenge my knees, ankles, shoulders, back, and a few other things, so having a good set means a lot of things are working well.
I still have most of my strength though and I'm starting to regain some stuff I lost to the foot and shoulder.
The plantar faciitis still isn't quite healed, but I can now to Olympic lifts again. I'm still not running, jumping, or doing anything that requires bouncing on the ball of my foot. It is healing, just very slowly.
Fast squats are causing my calves to tighten up. Given all the other issues I've had with tendonitis and alike, I think I have weak calves and I should work on that.
I can kick up into a handstand again, which has been nice. I can swing from the bar again too, though my shoulder still hurts at night.
I had the smoothest set of wall balls in a very long time yesterday. These challenge my knees, ankles, shoulders, back, and a few other things, so having a good set means a lot of things are working well.
Mirror Lake
Oct. 6th, 2025 10:22 amWhen driving to my mom's house in Shirley, Ma, there was a sign that said "Mirror Lake." We looked into it and it is a swimming lake. The summer got away from us, so when I saw it was going to be 80 degrees this Sunday, I suggested we check it out. During the season it is $10 per person. They still allow swimming at your own risk off season and the parking lot was still open. We parked, walked down, and it was lovely. There were just enough people there to assure us it was fine and we went wading. The water was cool enough we didn't go in very fast. The sand also ended in some moss or plant that we didn't feel like stepping on, so we were limited by how far in we wanted to go. We both, very briefly, actually swam.
It was really nice to go when it was no cost and not crowded. There was low expectation. I don't think we'll go during the season for a few reasons, but it is nice to know what's there and that it is there.
It was really nice to go when it was no cost and not crowded. There was low expectation. I don't think we'll go during the season for a few reasons, but it is nice to know what's there and that it is there.
(no subject)
Sep. 15th, 2025 08:21 pmI got my car back! (Yay!)
I think there might be over-spray on the windshield. (Boo!) More because it points to sloppiness, not that it's a unsolvable problem. I hope to fix it myself tomorrow. Until they it's a little unsafe to drive at night.
EDIT: they took it back apologetically and agreed with me it was over-spray.
EDIT2: they seem to have gotten most of it, but not all of it, especially on the plastics. I have the right stuff for that and me doing that small amount myself is not worth the spoons it would take the press the issue further. I still haven't had a chance to drive it on the highway to find out if the blind spot was fixed.
I think there might be over-spray on the windshield. (Boo!) More because it points to sloppiness, not that it's a unsolvable problem. I hope to fix it myself tomorrow. Until they it's a little unsafe to drive at night.
EDIT: they took it back apologetically and agreed with me it was over-spray.
EDIT2: they seem to have gotten most of it, but not all of it, especially on the plastics. I have the right stuff for that and me doing that small amount myself is not worth the spoons it would take the press the issue further. I still haven't had a chance to drive it on the highway to find out if the blind spot was fixed.
And it's not even over yet
Sep. 11th, 2025 09:41 pmThis week has been very busy.
Saturday my TKD demo team performed and did well enough. I was happy for them.
Monday I got my second shingles vaccine shot and it hit me hard. Learned the hard way don't eat a full meal before it takes effect. The symptoms passed in about 36 hours.
Our kitchen sink backed up. We tried to snake it ourselves, but it didn't work. We paid someone to come in and snake it. He seemed nice and seemed to be happy to explain how to make sure we don't need his services again.
The car guy didn't answer my email, so I had to phone him. He says he's waiting on a cosmetic piece, so if we need the car we can have it back without the piece until it comes in. we just need it before next Thursday.
My foot has started to feel a little better but I'm trying really hard not to aggravate it. I matched my bench press PR, and hung from the bar for a workout, but kip swings were bugging my shoulder a little bit, but it's almost better too.
My mom was stressed about getting her driver's license renewed because paperwork often goes poorly for her, but the appointment went well.
Kaylee's been peeing a lot more, so we might have to get her blood work again and see if the vet wants to adjust her subcu water.
The wasps are still coming in, but have slowed down a lot. I still have no clue where they are coming in.
The van threw some error about coolant and stopped the engine and required me to put it in park, turn it off and back on again. It was fine after that. I hope this is a fluke and it doesn't happen again.
Saturday my TKD demo team performed and did well enough. I was happy for them.
Monday I got my second shingles vaccine shot and it hit me hard. Learned the hard way don't eat a full meal before it takes effect. The symptoms passed in about 36 hours.
Our kitchen sink backed up. We tried to snake it ourselves, but it didn't work. We paid someone to come in and snake it. He seemed nice and seemed to be happy to explain how to make sure we don't need his services again.
The car guy didn't answer my email, so I had to phone him. He says he's waiting on a cosmetic piece, so if we need the car we can have it back without the piece until it comes in. we just need it before next Thursday.
My foot has started to feel a little better but I'm trying really hard not to aggravate it. I matched my bench press PR, and hung from the bar for a workout, but kip swings were bugging my shoulder a little bit, but it's almost better too.
My mom was stressed about getting her driver's license renewed because paperwork often goes poorly for her, but the appointment went well.
Kaylee's been peeing a lot more, so we might have to get her blood work again and see if the vet wants to adjust her subcu water.
The wasps are still coming in, but have slowed down a lot. I still have no clue where they are coming in.
The van threw some error about coolant and stopped the engine and required me to put it in park, turn it off and back on again. It was fine after that. I hope this is a fluke and it doesn't happen again.
swimmmmminngggg!
Sep. 2nd, 2025 11:12 amThe summer has been going by way to quickly. I think partly because my foot has meant I don't go for random walks and am likely avoiding other activities.
But this weekend was PSR and I got so much swimming and my foot loved swimming I think because it was being flexed not under load in slightly cool water. A friend was training for a triathlon so I ended up swimming almost a mile (slowly) which was fun.
I tried water skiing again and I was a little better, but didn't get up. Maybe in two more years?
I ran three Taskmaster like tasks and had fun doing it. I didn't get too many people because apparently most people don't know what it is, but the people who did do it had fun. There was a really good song that got written too. I already have ideas for next year, including how to avoid what happened this year where we annoyed some people with noise doesn't happen again.
I do finally feel like I got some summer in at least.
Side note: I still don't have my bolt back.
But this weekend was PSR and I got so much swimming and my foot loved swimming I think because it was being flexed not under load in slightly cool water. A friend was training for a triathlon so I ended up swimming almost a mile (slowly) which was fun.
I tried water skiing again and I was a little better, but didn't get up. Maybe in two more years?
I ran three Taskmaster like tasks and had fun doing it. I didn't get too many people because apparently most people don't know what it is, but the people who did do it had fun. There was a really good song that got written too. I already have ideas for next year, including how to avoid what happened this year where we annoyed some people with noise doesn't happen again.
I do finally feel like I got some summer in at least.
Side note: I still don't have my bolt back.
update on the car
Aug. 15th, 2025 05:33 pmMostly just for my own notes.
The auto body place got permission to take a look at the work on the car. We handed the car over Monday night. The insurance guy phoned and said that they were ordering some parts and redoing some of the work. I'm super curious to know what exactly they found, which I hope I'll know more after we get the car back.
The auto body place got permission to take a look at the work on the car. We handed the car over Monday night. The insurance guy phoned and said that they were ordering some parts and redoing some of the work. I'm super curious to know what exactly they found, which I hope I'll know more after we get the car back.
the accident that keepson giving
Jul. 14th, 2025 03:01 pmI was washing my car on Sunday and noticed that my brake light had fallen into the bumper on the side where the repair work had been done. I stuck my head under there and it just looked like all the bolts had fallen out (nothing seemed damage.)
I emailed midas, but they said it would be minium $90.
I zip tied it to the bumper enough that I could drive and took it back to nucar collision in Lowell. First, the guy said it was a reflector, not a brake light, which is just false. Second he said that someone must have hit me, because they don't "just fall off" and he could feel that "all the tabs are broken." There were no other scuffs or marks to indicate that this had happened and when I looked under, I had not seen anything broken. If he repaired it, it was going to be a new claim, not under the existing work. So I came home.
I phoned firestone, but they said, "this is an auto body issue."
So G phoned Bob's autobody in Wilmington and they said bring it in for a free estimate. I told them the story and they said they'd had problems before this nucar and gave each other knowing glances. I really liked them. They went to go look at the issue.
They were taking a long time, and I was getting a little worried that maybe I hadn't found the right shop, or I was hopefully it really was just bolts and they were just fixing it for me, which gave me patience.
And, yes, that's why he took so long. He had fixed it at no charge and said there were a few other lose bolts under there and told me that he can apply to mapfre for coverage to inspect the other places work if I was worried about it and since my light fell out and I had been feeling a weird "squishiness" to that wheel, I said, yes, I'd like to do that if possible.
They are super close by, so they're a lot more convenient if we drop the car off with them.
I emailed midas, but they said it would be minium $90.
I zip tied it to the bumper enough that I could drive and took it back to nucar collision in Lowell. First, the guy said it was a reflector, not a brake light, which is just false. Second he said that someone must have hit me, because they don't "just fall off" and he could feel that "all the tabs are broken." There were no other scuffs or marks to indicate that this had happened and when I looked under, I had not seen anything broken. If he repaired it, it was going to be a new claim, not under the existing work. So I came home.
I phoned firestone, but they said, "this is an auto body issue."
So G phoned Bob's autobody in Wilmington and they said bring it in for a free estimate. I told them the story and they said they'd had problems before this nucar and gave each other knowing glances. I really liked them. They went to go look at the issue.
They were taking a long time, and I was getting a little worried that maybe I hadn't found the right shop, or I was hopefully it really was just bolts and they were just fixing it for me, which gave me patience.
And, yes, that's why he took so long. He had fixed it at no charge and said there were a few other lose bolts under there and told me that he can apply to mapfre for coverage to inspect the other places work if I was worried about it and since my light fell out and I had been feeling a weird "squishiness" to that wheel, I said, yes, I'd like to do that if possible.
They are super close by, so they're a lot more convenient if we drop the car off with them.
I miss making music
Jun. 5th, 2025 12:08 ammusic has fallen out of my life. I don't make time for it, partly because I have to do it on my own. Even my drumming skills are getting rusty. I still have my harp out in hopes I'll play it and I need to get back to singing now that my voice is better, but I really miss making music.
Partly I was never that amazing and I seem to be so much better at making costumes, though a lot of that is pushing through the problems and then having a thing, where as music is practice.
Partly I was never that amazing and I seem to be so much better at making costumes, though a lot of that is pushing through the problems and then having a thing, where as music is practice.
social media break
May. 19th, 2025 10:54 amI've mostly stopped reading facebook and bluesky and it has improved my mental health. Instagram seems to be ok. I'd really like a social media that encouraged short-form posts about people I know talking about their lives.
almost a year?
May. 10th, 2025 08:19 pmI may (not certain yet) have just relocated my middle right toe. If I did, it was probably dislocated from the injury that happened May 29th of last year.
Plantar Faciitis
May. 5th, 2025 12:58 pmI still can't use my feet much. I'm getting by and my foot is recovering faster, but I also am avoiding so much of the things I love.
Things I already had for my achilles:
tension brace
compression sock
ankle freeze pad
Things I have bought to try to help:
a full foot and ankle microwave/freeze pad
topical lidocaine
slippers that advertised (these have been great)
two kinds of shoe inserts
taekwondo shoes
Dr. Scholl's sandals (less helpful than I had hoped)
I'm just so frustrated because I'm also having the one thing is broken, so your other body parts get sore favoring it and there's this cascade of issues. (I think this problem was a combination of cyr class (from December) and my right foot having the weird pain.) And also during workouts, since the workouts are designed to be a combination of muscle groups, but when you modify, it usually doubles the stress on a body part. I've had weird pains in my calf and shoulder which I think is from that.
I know it could be worse, and I know I'm whining a bit. I've just all my life been told "work harder to get where other people get" and mostly my body breaks when I work harder, and I'm ok with that, I just wish our society was better at understanding that different bodies work different ways and results are not guaranteed.
Things I already had for my achilles:
tension brace
compression sock
ankle freeze pad
Things I have bought to try to help:
a full foot and ankle microwave/freeze pad
topical lidocaine
slippers that advertised (these have been great)
two kinds of shoe inserts
taekwondo shoes
Dr. Scholl's sandals (less helpful than I had hoped)
I'm just so frustrated because I'm also having the one thing is broken, so your other body parts get sore favoring it and there's this cascade of issues. (I think this problem was a combination of cyr class (from December) and my right foot having the weird pain.) And also during workouts, since the workouts are designed to be a combination of muscle groups, but when you modify, it usually doubles the stress on a body part. I've had weird pains in my calf and shoulder which I think is from that.
I know it could be worse, and I know I'm whining a bit. I've just all my life been told "work harder to get where other people get" and mostly my body breaks when I work harder, and I'm ok with that, I just wish our society was better at understanding that different bodies work different ways and results are not guaranteed.
house wash
Apr. 21st, 2025 11:19 amGot a house wash done by Benjamin's Powerwashing. They didn't actually power wash which is good because last time the guys damaged our screens. Quite happy with the service. $565. Likely on the pricier side, but there was some value in not having to get a bunch of quotes and dither and I liked their "not power washing" washing. Now hopefully I'll clean the porches and not regret having them do it for $250 more.
Something about our pond/wetlands area causes the north side of our house to get very green.
And they got the spot that the last people missed.
( before and after )
Something about our pond/wetlands area causes the north side of our house to get very green.
And they got the spot that the last people missed.
( before and after )
My plantar fasciitis pain is through the roof and it's TKD that's aggravating it. I would consider taking a month off except we are just launching the demo team and I'm the one doing it. Our first meeting was yesterday and I kind of went all out and now the pain is so bad I can't sleep.
I got a bunch of remedies and the weekend is open, so hopefully I can recover before next Thursday.
I got a bunch of remedies and the weekend is open, so hopefully I can recover before next Thursday.
birth month report
Apr. 1st, 2025 09:24 pmI had a relatively good birthmonth (ignoring the current world situation.)
(not in chronological order)
I went to level99 in Natick twice. Once to celebrate another friend, once with just me and a close friend and we got to try (and fail) the more physical stuff, which was fun. Even after 6 hours, I still haven't seen all the rooms, which is impressive. I got bubble tea and went to hot topic both times.
I got to hang with a great collection of people and everyone seemed to be having fun.
I walked with taiko friends, which is always a nice thing to do.
I visited another two friends who I don't get to see enough and have a nice walk.
There was fun gym theme nights and party stuff and I actually had fun at the party. I got to wear one of the vest/pants set I bought because they fit so well (the pin stripe one.)
I got to try aerial cube and liked it a lot.
I saw Neil Patrick Harris Box Two in the background of a clip he did for a different show and immediately went out and got it as my birthmonth gift to myself. The Stolas plush which I pre-ordered in January arrived in time to be another gift. I had planned in trying him as a sleeping pillow to prevent arm numbness, but the quality was too good to get him dirty like that. Other than that, there was no major birthmonth presents to myself.
I don't know if I'll find the drive to make my "this is 50" fitness video this year, especially since I just have less footage.
On a less happy note, I still have my annoying cough, health issues, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, a different unknown foot issue in the other foot which are all keeping me from exercising full out. The car has an issue from the accident that isn't failing reliably enough to be fixed.
Kaylee has been moved up to twice a week for fluids but is otherwise doing well.
(not in chronological order)
I went to level99 in Natick twice. Once to celebrate another friend, once with just me and a close friend and we got to try (and fail) the more physical stuff, which was fun. Even after 6 hours, I still haven't seen all the rooms, which is impressive. I got bubble tea and went to hot topic both times.
I got to hang with a great collection of people and everyone seemed to be having fun.
I walked with taiko friends, which is always a nice thing to do.
I visited another two friends who I don't get to see enough and have a nice walk.
There was fun gym theme nights and party stuff and I actually had fun at the party. I got to wear one of the vest/pants set I bought because they fit so well (the pin stripe one.)
I got to try aerial cube and liked it a lot.
I saw Neil Patrick Harris Box Two in the background of a clip he did for a different show and immediately went out and got it as my birthmonth gift to myself. The Stolas plush which I pre-ordered in January arrived in time to be another gift. I had planned in trying him as a sleeping pillow to prevent arm numbness, but the quality was too good to get him dirty like that. Other than that, there was no major birthmonth presents to myself.
I don't know if I'll find the drive to make my "this is 50" fitness video this year, especially since I just have less footage.
On a less happy note, I still have my annoying cough, health issues, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, a different unknown foot issue in the other foot which are all keeping me from exercising full out. The car has an issue from the accident that isn't failing reliably enough to be fixed.
Kaylee has been moved up to twice a week for fluids but is otherwise doing well.
CW Arrow costume
Mar. 7th, 2025 10:55 pmMy gym is having theme nights (as part of the fright night lights for the CrossFit open. I'm boycotting the games because of their transphobic change to the athlete gender category rules, but my gym has nothing to do with those rule changes,so I am participating with the gym only activities.)
Last week was 80s, this week was superheroes. The catch is I have to be able to do a workout in the costume, so I threw together a season 1 CW Arrow costume. Basically I made fake arrows with the printer (with lots of error prints) and a quiver and sewed a hood. I also bought some fake leather, but I didn't end up wearing the jacket for mobility and heat reasons. The pants were amazing though. They made it through thrusters with no issues!
I felt a little silly with my choice, since Steven Amell (the actor who played the Arrow) can do Salmon ladder, handstand pushups, etc. while delivering dialog and I can't even do a jumping chest to bar. I'm still pretty happy with how it came out and got lots of compliments while lurking in the dark. I had to take the quiver off because I didn't quite get the straps right.
( photo )
Last week was 80s, this week was superheroes. The catch is I have to be able to do a workout in the costume, so I threw together a season 1 CW Arrow costume. Basically I made fake arrows with the printer (with lots of error prints) and a quiver and sewed a hood. I also bought some fake leather, but I didn't end up wearing the jacket for mobility and heat reasons. The pants were amazing though. They made it through thrusters with no issues!
I felt a little silly with my choice, since Steven Amell (the actor who played the Arrow) can do Salmon ladder, handstand pushups, etc. while delivering dialog and I can't even do a jumping chest to bar. I'm still pretty happy with how it came out and got lots of compliments while lurking in the dark. I had to take the quiver off because I didn't quite get the straps right.
( photo )
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