Excited! My mom means the world to me.

I'm strangely very excited for my birthday this year coming. Not that I'm usually not excited for my birthday since it falls about two weeks after Christmas, so that means more presents! and who doesn't love presents?????

The exciting part is my mom, is coming down for my birthday.  It will be the first birthday we've celebrated together in 15 years.  We've always talked on my birthday, but it's just not the same as actually being present for my birthday.

I know that it seems kind of foolish to be this excited but I love my mom dearly.  She's the only parent that I've ever really known, and she's the only parent that I have and need.  She's an amazing mother and well father.

The next nine days (well ten if you count today) are going to take forever to pass. Her last visit was very short, but I loved it.  I was like a little kid on Christmas day seeing my mom. It's always so special when she comes down.

I think that it's due to the fact that I have my mom's attention all to myself.  No sisters or nieces to share her with it's like 24/7 ME ME ME ME ME!!!!!!

Having a birthday so close to after Christmas usually, stinks.  But I remember my mom always making a point at making my birthday special.  Although I remember birthday presents wrapped up in Christmas wrapping paper, and thinking to myself "Was this really a Christmas present?" But now thinking about it as an adult Christmas wrapping paper is always on sale around my birthday thus the reason for my birthday presents being wrapped in Christmas paper.

I love my mom dearly.  I miss her all of the time.  But I also love living far away.  It gives her an escape from work and well my sisters and nieces.  It also proves to her that what she taught me growing up I'm able to do on my own. It would be a lie if I didn't say that "Yes my mom drives me nuts sometimes." But what child doesn't say that?

I really can't wait until the 5th! It's so far away and today it seems like the day is just dragging on and that it will never end. I can't wait to post birthday pictures and pictures of the time that she's down.

We're learning something new Tai Chi

Recently Bob and I started something new. We like to do this every so often, so we can learn how to do something new/learn something new. Like the saying says "You're never too old to learn something new.

As we all know they say that the more you exercise your mind you help yourself reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer/Dementia. Along with exercising itself.  I've been paranoid myself with the thought of either or since I found out my dad had early onset dementia. *Yes had he has since passed away* 

So our Tai Chi class is about 14 weeks meeting once a week. I thought it would be cool to post our views and thoughts on the class. Class started September 7, 2016

Week 1 September 7, 2016

Angela ~ The first class I was mixed with emotions. I was excited but I was also scared. I've always been this way.  Even when going to school growing up. The entire day I was sort of dreading when it was coming closer and closer to class time. Not knowing if I was going to be able to do anything.

With always being in chronic pain 24/7 I was really unsure if I was going to be able to do any of the movements.  But like I say " You'll never know if you can do something until you try to do it."

The teacher and other students were very nice. I'm always afraid to try a new exercise class with being overweight I was afraid that everyone in the class would be super skinny and be able to do everything with no problem. I was really wrong. Some are skinny but others are overweight like Bob and me. 

Surprisingly I was able to do most of the movements that the teacher was teaching us. Even though I stopped many times and sat down to catch my breath and to be in less pain than what I was in. I believe I stopped five maybe six times because it was too much for me to do. But this was bound to happen since it really does involve the usage of muscles that I haven't used or used slightly in a very long time.

But even with the pain, I felt slightly different. Better in a way. Although I will add Bob use to say that he's in better shape than I am in, but I proved this to be wrong.

Bob ~ I haven't done any Tai Chi in almost 40 years. I thought it would be easy to pick it back up since it was child's play back when I was 19. Of course, I was very, very wrong. This was way harder than it looks, folks. I was a wreck when it was finally over. I hurt in places I didn't know I even had. As I was limping oh-so-painfully back to the car, I finally remembered that back when I'd studied Tai Chi, so long ago? I'd already been taking White Crane Kung Fu for a year and a half, and I was in the best shape of my life. Of course, it was child's play then - and I'm an idiot. I'm now in the worst shape of my life - at least, I really hope it doesn't get any worse than this.

Week 2 September 14, 2016

Angela ~ Week two. I wasn't really sure if we'd make this class. The very first class was difficult for the both of us, more so Bob. The first week was very difficult for him. He was hurting far worse than I was.  But we did go to class. I really believe that if we didn't sign up for classes then we wouldn't be doing this every week. We would just keep putting it off. With having a day and a time and money spent that we would go every week. 

Shockingly I did much more this week.  Last week I must have stopped about five times. This week was much easier I was really proud of myself for only stopping once.  Although while sitting down I still tried to do the arm movements that the class was doing.  

Who ever said that Tai Chi is easy it's not. Even more so when you're not used to a lot of exercises.  

Only stopping once this week was amazing. I'm in hopes that next week that I'll be able to do the entire class without stopping.

Bob ~ It took every last ounce of willpower I had to walk back into this class. If Angela hadn't been with me, I wouldn't have done it. I just couldn't bring myself to give up in front of her, though, especially since she wasn't stopping. Dear God. This class hurt only a little less than the first class. What's worse is that I'm starting to feel like an idiot because I can't get the moves right. I'm hoping that things will improve to the point that I stop hurting soon enough to practice before the next class - but I'm not holding my breath waiting for it. I'm really proud of Angela - she's doing much better than I am. And, she's proven conclusively that she's in much, much better shape than I am. I am now officially Old and Decrepit. 

Week 3 September 21, 2016

Angela ~ Wasn't really a good week for me. Sadly my allergies made it difficult to do the entire class.  I did not do about 15 minutes of the class.  What I really liked was after the class the teacher came over and asked if I was alright. Not that we have a huge class but she knew me by name and showed concern.  

With that being said. I have noticed a difference. I am able to move in ways that I haven't been able to in a long time. I can also feel muscle definition happening.  I can, however, touch my toe to my nose now. 

Bob ~ 

Week 4 September 28, 2016

Angela ~ Sadly we didn't have class.  But bonus my mom came down for a short visit. 

Bob ~ No Class

Week 5 October 5, 2016

Angela ~ Woohoo! First time ever that I did the entire class. I'm so excited. Up until now, I haven't been able to finish an entire hour long class without taking a five-ten minute break. I know that it doesn't sound like a huge deal but it is. Even more so with always being in chronic pain more than half the time that I cry.  It was a huge accomplishment to be able to tackle this task sooner than I ever expected.

So far I think we've learned a total of about 60 steps of the Tai Chi. Which is also very exciting. I always thought that Tai Chi would be easy. It looks fairly simple, but believe me it isn't.  It may look like little old grandma's and grandpas do this but let me tell you they have to be in some pretty amazing shape. While Tai Chi is relaxing, it does take a lot of strength.

However, I have noticed a difference thus far. I'm able to move around easier. I'm able to touch my big toe to my nose. I've been hurting a bit less. So I think that taking this class is really benefiting me. 

Another note I just noticed last night. My Fitbit HR is on the last hole possible.  I believe that either I have to buy a smaller size or figure out a way to add holes to the band.  I really didn't think that I was losing any weight just yet. But I guess that I'm wrong.

Bob ~ 

Week 6 October 12, 2016

Angela ~ Not a bad class this week. If only I can get both my hands to do the same movement at the same time.  Moving your arms like they are blowing in the wind is difficult.  Although the class was a bit difficult this week. I believe I either 1) got into something that I was allergic to.  Or! I ate something I was allergic to. My throat was itchy like you couldn't believe. It was difficult to pay attention with my throat itching so much. But I didn't let that stop me. I continued through the entire class. Although the last five minutes I did sit out because I was that itchy. Having some food allergies and allergies, in general, is so not a fun thing.  I did manage to hurt my ankle a little bit. It was doing a backside step.

Bob ~ 

Week 7 October 19, 2016

Angela ~ I did it again. Did the entire class without having to sit and rest. I have noticed that it's easier to do the moves and my body isn't screaming at me. This is a huge deal with dealing with severe chronic nerve pain every day of your life being able to do this is a huge milestone to reach.  I have noticed that my upper arms and my legs are getting smaller. 

At first, Tai Chi was difficult. I still remember the very first class. I was scared because I'll admit it I'm a huge introvert.  Meeting new people scare me, I don't do very well with speaking with new people. I'm not rude or anything but speaking to a large group of people makes me very uneasy.  I tend to stay very quiet.  Having Bob in the class with me just makes things that much easier.  He's more social that I am.  Although I've spoken with a few people in our class on a one on one type of conversation. 

Anyway, I was saying that I still remember the first class. I had to keep sitting down about every five minutes because I was just hurting that much.

Now if you fast forward six weeks we come to today's date.  The class is so much easier we're learning a bunch of moves.  I don't have to sit and rest, and well we're basically learning self-defence moves as we learn each step one by one.  Each class we've learned about six maybe seven different grouping of moves. Our teacher has been very impressed with all of us.

I will admit this that some of the movements are easier than some and some are difficult. But our teacher takes the time and ask if we have any questions after each set of about eight movements. 

Bob is doing well in the class. Now if we can just get him to the point that he doesn't have to sit and rest along with hurting less I think he would be happier. Maybe this weeks class will be the class he doesn't have to sit and catch his breath.

Bob ~

Week 8 October 26, 2016

Angela ~ I don't think it will be possible to learn this Lotus Kick in Tai Chi. Our teacher has said it's a difficult move to learn. 

I can totally do the first kick part.  It's easy. Yes! you are lifting and swinging your leg almost but it doesn't really involve a lot of steps to do it. With this move, I almost feel as though I'm doing some sort of ballet move. I should really look into buying some I believe they are called turning shoes. It might make the second part easier to do.

BUT! the second is next to impossible. Lift your leg, smack your leg, turn while your leg is up in the air, stop down leg that is in the air and then do a punch. I so can't do this. Okay! I know that you should never say you can't do it without really trying....... But this is impossible! How do the elderly Chinese people do this so easily??????? Just so you can see what I'm talking about. Tai Chi Lotus Kick

Bob ~

Week 9 November 2, 2016

Angela ~Sadly we didn't have class. I've been studying the video that Sachi our instructor sent to us.  While it looks easy while watching it, trying to do it is a different story.  But I always believe that practice makes perfect. 

Bob ~ No Class

Week 10 November 9, 2016

Angela ~ Sadly we didn't have class. However! I'm still watching the video to try and perfect the Lotus Kick. I think the Lotus might be defeating me. I believe that I might have to hold up the white flag on this move. 

Bob ~ No Class

Week 11 November 16, 2016

Angela ~ Bob has yet to update five weeks of classes. Shame on him. I've been trying to keep up with writing about our experience. It's been ELEVEN weeks already. That's really hard to believe, but it is true.

I have to admit that I didn't think that I was going to be able to do this. Sometimes it just seems impossible to do the moves.  But once again our instructor Sachi is amazing.  She is very patient will all of us. She's not like the instructor that I envisioned at all.  Before coming to our first class, the only thing that I envisioned is one of those instructors you see in the movies. The type that yell at you all the time. If anyone really knows me that is something you just can't do to me. I don't work well with people who just yell for no reason at all.

But like I said our instructor Sachi is amazing.  She comes around and corrects our poses if we have them wrong.  She never yells at us for doing something wrong or asking questions.  To tell the truth she really enjoys when we ask her about position moves.  Much like my question today about that dreaded Lotus move.

The amazing thing that happened today is I yes I got the Lotus Kick. Well, most of it. One move I did have my weight on the wrong leg. But I was able to do the second part of the move. The one part that I've been having so much trouble with. (However, I'm still thinking about those turning dance shoes. To make doing the second turn easier) The amazing thing that I found out is that we can immediately stomp our foot on the floor when we do that second turn. Which I will add that it makes the second part so much easier that it's next to impossible to fall over. 

I will admit that I had to sit down for a few moments.  I turned so much that I made myself dizzy. The good thing is that it was at the very end of the class. So I didn't feel much like a looser Failure. 

I believe we've come so far after about 8 classes total done. That's minus the times that we didn't have class. 

I have noticed that I'm able to stretch much easier now. And well I will admit that most of the time that I'm not into much pain that I usually am always in. I have also noticed a change in Bob.  His balance is much better, and he has been less cranky about being in pain. 

The exciting part is that people have just started noticing the weight loss that we really didn't even acknowledge that it was happening/is happening.  

Bob ~

Week 12 November 23, 2016

Angela~ Sadly we didn't have class.  It's Thanksgiving Week! The time that the Pilgrims gave smallpox to the Native Americans.  Talk about a really nice gift NOT to those who helped them. If it wasn't for the Native Americans the Pilgrims would have starved to death.

Bob ~ No Class

Week 13 November 30, 2016

Angela ~  Was able to do the entire class. Phew! Was a bit difficult after having all that yummy turkey! I believe that I almost have the Lotus Kick down. But it's still difficlut. 

Bob ~

Week 14 December 7, 2016

Angela ~ Wasn't feeling well so I missed class

Bob ~

Week 15 December 14, 2016

Angela ~ Last Class Still wasn't feeling all that well but managed to go to class.  Was able to do about half the class. We have plans on signing up for another go of the classes.  We've learned 7 steps during this session.  Next session is a longer class time.  It's winter and spring combined.  Our teacher has mentioned we will start where we left off.  So five more movements until we reach the end and then we will be back at the beginning.  Apparently, we came in close to the end of the movements that the teacher is teaching. I'd like to add that it's also one of the hard parts that we've managed to learn. 

I'm looking forward to learning more moves.  And to master the Lotus Kick.  I still think that it's a hard move but continuing to try it will only get easier.  I'm still thinking that turning dance shoes will help make it easier.  The funny thing is that the teacher said that it's easier to do Tai Chi in a field instead of the hardwood floor. Thus with my thinking that dancing turning shoes might work the best.

As far as doing Tai Chi with fibromyalgia and lower limb lymphedema yes it's difficult, but it is also a low impact exercise which I think has really helped.  I believe that I've lost weight although the scale isn't saying so.  So I'm going with I've gained muscle.  My arms and legs look slimmer to me.   I love that both look slimmer.  Even more so my legs.  It's not easy getting the lymphatic fat to move in the legs.  I think that before class starts or when class starts again, that I'll take measurements of my arms and legs then in the middle of the class time take measurements again along with at the end of the class time to see if an improvement has been made.

Bob is so late in filling in his part of this blog.  I'm going to have to start nagging him to finish this.  But at least you can read my parts!

Bob ~ Last Class