COVID Diaries - May 28

Take care of my body: I went out to run this morning.  I didn't expect my heart and all my emotions to come out of my body on the run, but that's pretty much what happened.
Take care of my heart/mind: Talked to Mom (Heart) and Dad (mind), who helped me find the strongest and most generous parts of myself.  And I talked to Qat Lady, who is as heartbroken as I am.
Take care of my living space: I accidentally did some weeding, but, not much else.
Take care of work or economic security: I did work.  Almost hit productivity, not quite though.
A clipping or link from the news: No.  My city is on fire.  St Paul is on fire.  The suburbs are on fire.  It's the embodiment of pain and humiliation and injustices that have been building.  The murder of George Floyd is horrific. The riots are a horror.  here is a summary, if you need it. 
Things I tried to buy that are out of stock, or things that are now being advertised or sold that are new:  Well.  The other day I had a social distance back yard visit with several friends.  It's there I was forced to realize that my cantilever umbrella is NO MATCH for the west facing sun my patio gets.  Gazebos are sort of out of stock, but not entirely.
Picture from the day:

I am thankful for: Mom told me I can come home.  I may do the thing. 

COVID Diaries - May 27: A whole new reason for my heart to break

Take care of my body: I woke up this morning and tried a new 5 mile loop.  I have some tweaking to do. I also did a deck of cards workout.
Take care of my heart/mind: Dungeon Master came by at the end of the day.  We distance-visited.  It made my heart happy.
Take care of my living space: I talked to my plants.  A lot.  I planed a false indigo I got from a friend, and then continued my war against creeper and grass seeds in my garden.
Take care of work or economic security: I had the most beautiful day at work (which doesn't make up for the next thing, but it helps).  A while ago in my job I got to meet one of the most wonderful people ever. And that person crossed my path again today.  It made my life.
A clipping or link from the news: I generally try hard to avoid posting anything that would indicate my political views, and also stay away from controversy, for my own reasons.
But currently, my heart is breaking.  This is my old neighborhood, where I lived from 2002-2019.  I know all the corners, all the intersections, all the businesses. This is awful.  The looting of businesses is eerily familiar to the race riots in Cincinnati that I also experienced. (I didn't have a blog then.)  It all starts with looting. 
Things I tried to buy that are out of stock, or things that are now being advertised or sold that are new: The bidet commercials continue.
Picture from the day:  I'd like to tell you about the baby snapping turtle I met on my run.  It's to tiny!
I am thankful for: Y'all, Mom cut Dad's hair today.  The pics are unreal.  At first I thought I was looking at Uncle Dave. (I mean that in the best way possible.)

COVID Diaries - May 26

Take care of my body: I ran (ran/walked) 4.7 miles and did the Deck of Cards workout.
Take care of my heart/mind: I made Spaghetti Carbonara.  'Nuff said?
Take care of my living space: In addition to the Carbonara, I emptied the dishwasher, which means it's highly likely the thing will get loaded again before bed.
Take care of work or economic security: I did work.  I did not shop.
A clipping or link from the news: Once again, I'm going with the daily update.  A jump in ICU patients?  Not good.  But currently it's taking 16 days for our cases to double.  Apparently we always want that number to be more than 7 days.
Things I tried to buy that are out of stock, or things that are now being advertised or sold that are new: Kettlebells are still out of stock y'all.
Picture from the day:

Taken along the river during one of the 'walking' parts of my run.
I am thankful for: I'm going to talk more about the Deck of Cards workout.  It's such an example of how little efforts over and over equal something big.
I found myself wanting something where I could do a few reps here, a little bit there, lift a weight while I'm waiting on hold, etc.  Because I was kind of doing that anyways with my bands.  And (keeping it real) if I exercise this way, I don't get so sweaty and gross that I have to take a second shower and change clothes again at the end of the day.
Basics:  Every suit = an exercise.  The card I draw is the number of reps I do.  There's several variations on face cards and jokers.  Currently I've pulled all the face cards and jokers.
My 'exercises' vary by day, but the themes are the same.
Spaces: Legs, mostly squats or a variation thereof.
Clubs: Arm press.  Overhead press, paloff press, whatever.  Weights, banded, whatever.
Hearts: Arms pull.  I've done face pulls and rows so far.
Diamonds: Hip hinge.  Have I told you how much I love dead lifts?
So today, I'd just do a few cards here and there, throughout the day.  After my run I did several to finish off the deck.  I'm looking forward to doing this every day, or most days of the week, depending on how sore I get.  If I make it most days of the week, I may start adding face cards in, one by one, to up the reps.

COVID Diaries - May 25

Take care of my body: I am learning a new weights workout called "deck of cards".  I decided if I can fit that in every day, even one card as I walk by the table, it'll be nice.
Take care of my heart/mind: I went to a social distance patio party today and it made my heart bigger than I thought possible.  Now I am talking to Qat Lady and Pooky Bear.
Take care of my living space: I picked up a false indigo plant today from a friend.  It's not planted yet, but it is home. I have a space for it.
Take care of work or economic security: It's Memorial Day, so I did not work, nor did I shop.
A clipping or link from the news: I'm actually just going with the daily coronavirus update for today. More ICU cases.
Things I tried to buy that are out of stock, or things that are now being advertised or sold that are new: So, I saw a an ad for a device that fills all the water balloons at once.  And I'm like "litter"?
Picture from the day: Did I tell you about the blue heron I saw this morning.?
I am thankful for: Visits from friends.

COVID Diaries - Saturday and Sunday May 23 and 24

I was a slacker yesterday, so doing this for both days. 

Take care of my body: Saturday I walked in the afternoon, but more importantly ran in the morning and fell into a new book.  Sunday it was supposed to rain and did not, so I wound up running late in the afternoon.  It was hot.
Take care of my heart/mind: I had a zoom call last night.  Plus, did I tell you about the book I fell into on my runs.
Take care of my living space: Not much.
Take care of work or economic security: I've eaten out a couple of times. 
A clipping or link from the news: y'all, I really didn't think Strava could piss me off this hard.  I only care because comparing my performance on routes I run a lot is interesting.  And because it's super fun to have a count of how many times I've run my various 1 mile loops.
Things I tried to buy that are out of stock, or things that are now being advertised or sold that are new: I had to update this bullet when, I kid you not, I saw an advertisement for a bidet.  On television.
Picture from the day: We're going with the zoom call.

I am thankful for: Also the zoom call.

COVID Diaries - Friday May 22

Take care of my body: I got up, um, at a time, and went for a run.  I meant to hit 5 miles but wound up with 4.2.  I am happy to report I did not poop my pants.
Take care of my heart/mind: Worked from my patio for most of the morning. It's cooler in the morning, so I'll need to keep that in mind.
Take care of my living space:
Moved my patio umbrella to where I think it belongs.  It's first location didn't make the shade in the right place.
Moved my plants to a new location to accommodate the new umbrella location.
Washed/dried/put away my towels.
Ran a load of dishes which may or may not get put away tonight, but they're clean y'all.
Ran another load of laundry, this time washing my shower curtain.
Sorted out running gear for better storage.
Take care of work or economic security: I mean, I didn't go shopping today, so I've got that going on.
A clipping or link from the news: The state fair is officially cancelled.  Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Things I tried to buy that are out of stock: Nothing today, because I really didn't go out.
Picture from the day:

I am thankful for: Captain Smiley made me grilled pork chops for supper.  We had the grill just a bit too hot, so they weren't quite as melt in your mouth as the first round, but they were pretty freaking amazing.

COVID Diaries - May 21

Take care of my body: I got up early and ran.  I had dreams of doing weights too, but that didn't happen.
Take care of my heart/mind: Well, sort of, I almost got take out today, but ultimately did not.  So that was a good decision.
Take care of my living space: Well, I finally started talking to the dirty dishes I left in the sink yesterday.   I also did two loads of laundry, including smelly running clothes.
Take care of work or economic security: I did work today, and our productivity requirements haven't changed, but they have been clarified. Short answer: I need more referrals, but this is possible. Also, as noted above, I almost got take out today, but ultimately did not.  So that was a good decision. co
A clipping or link from the news: Not really news but this is making my day
Things I tried to buy that are out of stock: Well, not out of stock, but they hadn't re-stocked the cilantro when I went to the store, so the sweet lady there had to run to the back to get some for me.
Picture from the day: I am not down with geese. see here for more info
I am thankful for: Being bigger than a goose?

COVID Diaries - Wednesday May 20

Take care of my body: I got up this morning and ran my mile.  Part of taking care of my body is resting from yesterday.  I am still feeling well though.
Take care of my heart/mind: At the end of the work day I sent a couple thank you notes directly to colleagues who made my day, and then also a "recognition" to some managers so they're aware as well.
Take care of my living space: I got more plants.  We're going to try an artichoke which could be fun, and a curry plant, and also I needed chives.
Take care of work or economic security: I had an unusually productive work day including, I kid you not, a mileage point for productivity.
A clipping or link from the news: More stuff is set to re-open on June 1. That's 12 days from now.  Gyms are not on the list, and for now, it's probably better that way.
Things I tried to buy that are out of stock: Dollar store is out of its garden supplies.  Too late in the season I guess.

Picture from the day: Enjoying my umbrella.
I am thankful for: The Dungeon Master brought me pork chops.  So I'll have to make a marinade for them tomorrow, and then make plans.  Also, Dungeon Master is attempting to teach me about fried corn.  It involves a lot of butter, and possibly some cream?  I have a lot to learn.

COVID Diaries - May 19

Take care of my body: I woke up around 5:30am and headed out for a run.  5.03 miles in the morning with a stead heart rate.  It felt great.
Take care of my heart/mind: I had lovely 'visits' at work today.
Take care of my living space: Let's talk about the garden and my plants.  I got an umbrella for my patio.  Captain Smiley helped me put it together.  I only have one piece left over.  I wish I was joking.  Both of us were like "I thought there'd be more shade".  It's a 10ft umbrella.  I need to get to know the umbrella and possible angles/etc. Captain Smiley did point out it'll be perfect in the middle of the day.
Take care of work or economic security: I worked all day. And I did not cave and order Chipotle for supper, so the not eating out streak continues.
A clipping or link from the news: I'm going with this outline of the kinds of procedures that are not happening in the medical field right now. 
Things I tried to buy that are out of stock: I couldn't find chives/onions for my herb garden.  And I really couldn't find plant stands for outside.  It's a process.
Picture from the day: I am surprised to tell you I don't have pics from today. 
I am thankful for: Facetime with Mom an Dad and garden advice.

COVID Diaries - May 18

Trying something new on the blog. We'll see how it goes:

Take care of my body: I did make it out for a run.  My criteria was that the wind speed had to be less than 20mph before I headed out, so it was a later afternoon go. I re-cut my hair, so I could get everything even and let it all grow out the same length. I think I'll really like how it looks in a couple weeks.
Take care of my heart/mind: Y'all, I spent the afternoon talking to Max about a time capsule.  Also, I interviewed my parents for the time capsule. Made my life.  Max's mom was all "are you a cousin or an aunt?"  Like, technically on the family tree, I am a cousin.  But my relationship with Max is more like my relationships with my aunts/uncles than my cousins because of the age difference. I strongly desire to be "the cool aunt" for several of my cousins kids, just so we're clear.

Take care of my living space: I washed my towels.  And I'm good with that for today.
Take care of work or economic security: Today is a day off work, but I did check on a couple things and call in to safety huddle.  A colleague wrote me saying "ok, you're the voice of reason, this policy change drives me nuts, what should we do?"  Turns out, I'd actually heard our leadership talk about this, and it's a policy change that even drove them nuts.  Leadership is working on it but I think it's going to take a minute to get it fixed, so I encouraged patience.  That's my Dad's voice coming out of my mouth.
A clipping or link from the news: Today is the first day of "safer at home" which is still restricted but less than the shut down we've had since mid-March.
Picture from the day: I wish y'all could HEAR the frogs in this pic.  It's amazing.

I am thankful for: I'm having so much fun talking to Max more.

COVID Diaries - Sunday May 17

Well, I had some crazy dreams last night.  One involved being back on Semester at Sea in some capacity that I don't really remember.  A lot of my dreams have also involved adventure stories, like long drawn out... so many layers. 

I woke up around 9am and had first breakfast.  First breakfast obviously did not involve coffee because some time later I feel back asleep 'till 1pm.

I spent a significant portion of the afternoon awake. Surprise right? Eventually I decided the rain would never stop and prepared to get while and wind blown while running.  I did a 30 mins resistance band workout and then ran my mile, which turned out to be almost 2 miles, so all is well.

At this point, I hit my productivity stride.  I washed/dried my sheets, washed/hung up my running clothes, and tidied up the guest bedroom.  The guest bedroom had been calling out for assistance for a while now. 

Next up, I reheated (pan-fried) the flank steak Captain Smiley grilled for me last Friday.  I had supper while talking to Mom and Dad who were also having their supper. I love flank steak.  Is it weird that's my favorite cut of steak?  I mean, if someone wants to make me a filet Mignon correctly, or grill a rib eye to perfection, I'm down.  But in generally, I'll stick with the flank steak.

I got wise today and put my "work cell" (it's really a google voice number) on Do Not Disturb for tomorrow.  Because people always wake me up at 8am on Monday with phone calls.  On my day off. So, personal responsibility, because it's not their day off right?  I'll let you know if I remember to take DND off for Tuesday.

COVID Diaries - May 16

Saturday.  Y'all, today is Saturday.

5am-ish: I woke up and I was like, "ok; maybe I'll hit up a run"  To "warm up" I pulled out the laundry that I dried last night. It was good.  Then I went out to run, and wound up along the river to check out sunrise.  I'm not going to lie.  There was at least one 'homeless' dude I saw trying to open up a beer can upside down, and one other homeless encampment, plus a dude literally walking in the Mississippi River (perhaps from the homeless encampment?) so I was a little sketched out. But I was fine.  In general, the homeless communities in Minneapolis tend to co-exist with the running communities in a live and let live kind of way.  That's what it was like today, but I was still sketched out.

When I got home, I was surprised to have the energy to clean my kitchen, and then vacuum the floor.  But I did the thing.  And then I slept 'till 11:15am.

When I woke up, y'all I had strawberries and cream and then had another nap.

For happy hour, I played gallows pole for many reasons, not the least of which is that I thought people could hear me. Zoom and sound, like, there are some issues okay.

COVID Diaries - Friday May 15

I woke up this morning.  Slowly.  Very very slowly.  But not in a grumpy way.

8am - I was scheduled to lead a training for one person, for two hours.  I'd very quickly decided I would not do the normal training speech.  This colleague will be in a sister department to my own, and I think they're lucky to have her.  Best moment of training was about 3 minutes in when I was all "that was me pouring coffee into a mug, sorry if it sounded like something else". 

A while later, I had what I'm referring to as an "adventure day".  I am not currently allowed to have face to face contact, or be in homes with people.  But sometimes, y'all, I need to put my hands on paperwork. "You have a medical bill for $500,000?!? That's not right.  Please don't pay it."  And sometimes I just need to drop things off.  "I will help you with a health care directive over the phone, but here's the actual form you need."  (So, no one really had a medical bill that high, but you get the idea right?).  I stopped at a couple houses and worked out logistics of either fetching paperwork or leaving paperwork without any contact or risk. (Y'all, I don't want to take anyone down right?  I'm taking this seriously.)

I may have had a bonus shopping trip to Costco because it was on my way home.  So, if you need toilet paper, Friday around 11am is a fantastic time to go, as long as you're not fussy about the brands.  I also got my one steak and one pork item.  Technically, I could've gotten a third meat item, but my 15lb pork shoulder seemed like enough?

If I did not have a bonus shopping trip, I definitely did have a 1 mile run in the middle of the day.  I am still over here falling in love with running all over again and it is amazing. 

After my lunch/run break, I worked for a while.  I tried to work on my patio, but even in the 67* sunshine, it was way too hot.  I finally took my chair over to the shade, even if it looked super odd having a chair randomly on a sidewalk.

At the end of the day, I went outside and talked to all of my plants.  I am currently waging a war against creeping charlie, and apparently against grass seeds blowing into my garden as well. Or some other weed.  Something is a freaking mess in there.  So, I got my trowel and tried to find all the roots and seeds I could.  And tried to avoid earthworms as much as possible.  Y'all do you're thing and thank you for your time.  I also got my lavender and pansies in the ground.  I love pansies so hard. If anyone ever called me a pansy, it'd be such a compliment.

After calling a couple times, I was finally like "I wonder if Captain Smiley's phone is on silent" so I rang his doorbell.  He was working.  Late.  On a Friday.  We negotiated a time for grilling and all was well.  Then I spent basically all night on his patio, learning about cantilevered umbrellas, grills, and the like.  Also, we had flank steak and it was heavenly. I taught him that we sear steak like there's no tomorrow.  Leave the heat on high. 

COVID Diaries - May 14

Today was ultimately a nice day.  With two naps.

I woke up around 7am and headed out for a run.  I finished up the run calling into the safety meeting for work, which has been a nice cool down in the past. (I don't talk on this call, I just listen.)

I worked for a little while and then had breakfast and technically my first nap of the day (though in real life I'd never do that 'during' work). Working from home, I really seem to hit my stride much later in the day, going super productive with calls, etc in the afternoon.  This is the complete opposite of my old routine where I'd do visits in the morning and then collapse on my couch in the afternoon.

So, starting at 11am, I had several planned calls.  Some were okay, some were hilarious.  And I worked productively the rest of the day, until my second nap.

After second nap, I attempted to Zumba, and I made it about 20 mins in the class.  Mom was on zoom too, so I didn't want to leave but there were internet issues and sound issues and my heart wasn't in it.  I wound up doing my weights routine.  One of my most favorite Zumba songs played towards the end of my weights routine, so I paused weights and dance with everyone for that one as well. 

In the last miracle of the evening, I loaded my dishwasher, which I really did not think was going to happen.

I am starting to think about Loony Challenge.  "Think about" means "I want to be mildly prepared if these races actually happen, but I am not going to stress about times, or paces.  I don't need more stress now." My next activity there is to write up a 'training' plan.  I will use my old method of increasing weekly mileage and weekly long runs slowly and deliberately.  I am feeling so much better now, that I'm hoping I can just spend all summer falling in love with running again.

COVID Diaries - May 13

It was supposed rain today, like all day, so I didn't water my plants.  It barely rained.  And now I have questions.

In real life: I woke up to a phone call from a person who graciously waited until 8:01am to call me.  I'm supposed to be awake right?  I think I answered in my awake voice.  After that call my alarm went off for reals and I attended safety huddle.

Next, I went out for a short run, because, again, it was supposed to rain all day.

Then I worked the rest of the day until I couldn't answer emails in a coherent manner.  Sigh.

I talked to Mom and Dad for a minute.  Dad got to play golf today so he was happy.

I ended the evening with a visit to Captain Smiley to assist taking out his recycling. I am a great neighbor!

COVID Diaries - May 12

I still don't know what day it is.  I barely know where I am.

In "Liz dream" land: I dreamed I was trying to use clippers to even out my hair, and wound up shaving a big patch bald, and then was all "in for a penny, right?" and shaved my hold head bald.  I loved it but was nervous for everyone's reactions.  It was actually a good dream.  My head was super fuzzy and all "good touch" like.

In the morning, I worked.  And searched for coffee.  There was a high need for coffee today.  After lunch, I continued to work but was significantly more coherent.

After work, I did all of the exercising.  I am thrilled to report I continue to feel great, which has been an excellent surprise for me.  I got to visit an egret and a blue heron on my run.  They were happy as clams fishing in the pond.  (I still think of it as a marsh, because these birds can walk from one side of the water to the other.)

And then I cut my hair more.  It's super short but I am owning it and loving it for now.  Olive was super supportive, and Captain Smiley has been as well.  No one one at work has seen it, so I just need to act like "of course you'll be as supportive as Olive and Captain Smiley" when I video in to show them.

COVID Diaries - May 11, Redux

Phew, okay, y'all, there is still an option for classic blogger.

Like, why is HTML code so hard to recognize?

So, if I were more chatty, and like trusting that the blog post will come out right, I'd tell you all the things.

I had eyes the size of hub caps this morning and thought I could do all the running.  Turns out I didn't have breakfast and have actually lost some fitness so I cannot do all of the running.  But, also, I do not feel like death on toast when I get done with three miles.  So, that's good. 

I haven't told my coach all this? Maybe she'd want to know?  I'm not sure.  Comes from being an introvert, right?

Sherburne Wildlife Refuge was wonderful as always.  But apparently I need to sync my phone to my old computer more.  She's getting a bit full of data for now.  Sigh

On the way home, I faced construction and other logistical issues, which turned into "let's go to this other Costco which is mildly on the way home".  I straight up bought all of the fizzy water.  Because that's how life is going y'all.

For supper, I strongly considered a restaurant nearby but there website was having issues that made me not trust my order would be taken correctly.  So I wound up making myself pasta.  Mmmmm.

Then I talked to Mom and Dad for a while.

On Amazon Music, I'm over here reliving my high school years. It's been a lot of Dave Matthews Band and Matchbox 20. 

Covid Diaries- May 11

Oh boy. Blogger, don't fuck this up. I am not a fan of the new design. HTML code shouldn't be this fussy. Today, I woke up feeling like the queen of the world. And therefore didn't eat breakfast. So, obviously it wasn't a super run, but it was fun and I felt good at the end of it. So that's what's important right? Next up, I practiced for "talent night" which is a happy hour theme this week. I have a song in mind but I'm not announcing it yet. Then, I thought it'd be fun to see the Heron Rookery. Right up until the moment the train was stopped on Lyndale. Stopped. So, instead I headed to Sherburne Wildlife Refuge. Where I could not hit the education center and lake due to road construction. I basically spent all day on the wildlife trail. Dear blogger: I effing hate this layout. How do I get the old format back please?

COVID Diaries - WTF Blogger?!?!?

How can I get the old blogger back?!?! That's all I want right now.

Because, like I'd type <i>WTF?!?!</i> and instead of showing people these weird brackets, it would recognize HTML code.  <i>How do we do that again?</i>

COVID Diaries - Happy Mother's Day

Mom is celebrating Mother's Day with record cold and no plants in Cincinnati. Sigh.

I am celebrating, like, having my body back. I mentioned this the other day.  I ran today, and felt better at the end of the run that I did at the beginning. I was like "oh, I remember this is how it's supposed to feel".  It's amazing.

I am also having a bit of a war with Blogger over here.  Their dumb new interface doesn't recognize HTML in the text box?  WTF?

So, today was a slow yet totally productive day, and I'm mildly optimistic for my future of running.

COVID Diaries - Another screwed up dream

So, quarantine dreams are a real thing.

I dreamed I went to see a client (this would've been in the context of my last job, more than my current job).  It gets a bit hazy but the humans beside myself are the client who's a dude, client's wife/girlfriend/whatever who is female, and possibly a baby.  I don't know about the baby, I lost track of it.  <i>Which appears to be a recurring theme in my dreams?</i>

So, for some reason, I wound up falling asleep at these people's house in like a spare room.  Like, at night.  <i>Why was I there at night?  I have no idea.</i>  So, around 2am I wake up and I was all "I feel better now, I'mma drive home".  And I went to their garage (why was my car in their garage?) except my car was gone.  Also, I kept always going the wrong way to get to their garage, like the wrong hallway, and retracing my steps. 

Now I'm like, WTF, they took my keys and moved my car.  This is not funny.  And this is where the dream, like, happened twice in two different directions.

Branch 1 is that I found the drunk neighborhood guy, who's name I somehow knew, and I was like "George.  Do you know anything about this?  What happened?"  And he confesses to moving my car, parking it somewhere on count road 1.  And I was like "you're going to take me there.  Now"  So we walked and found my car and it had some damage and I was crushed.  I was thinking "If I get the cops involved, then I have to disclose the professional relationship and that'll really screw up my license"

Branch 2 involves me hearing the story of dude driving away in my car (not George) and getting pulled over and then arrested for auto theft at gun point.  So now, the police are involved and for sure my professional license is going to get screwed up.

And then I dream woke up and was like "did that happen?  Is that real or can I keep my job"

I was super happy to wake up for real.

COVID Diaries - Heart Rate Running

In one of my FB groups today, I posted this, but it belongs here too:

Y'all, I think MAF saved my life. 
Sort of?  Maybe not quite that dramatic, but MAF training has been important in resolving a significant health issue.
Around February, my physician recommended changing medications, explained the pros and cons of this med, and I took her recommendation.
A day or two after that, I headed to Florida (from Minnesota).  Running was fun, but my heart rate was a bit higher than I expected.  Whatever right?  It's winter where I live. I'm hot.
It just kept going.  As changes with COVID and... my heart rate just got worse and worse.  I assumed it was stress. And the changes in life, and my crap diet under quarantine.
Last week I had a scheduled check in with my physician about the new medication.  I told her "the side effects I had with old medication are gone. With new medication, when I run my heart rate is so much higher than I expected it to be.  I used to be able to run at this pace at 140bpm, and now I'm at like, 160 bpm.  Also, I can't walk up stairs in my house without getting out of breath."
Unrelated to MAF, I was able to take my blood pressure and it was crazy messed up. 
I had a virtual visit with my physician.  She said "I did a lot of research on this and this medication can cause tachycardia in 4% of people, so I think we need to stop it"
And then my physician said "you should be feeling better within a week".  I was like "really?!?  I've lost all my fitness". Literally, I can't walk up the stairs in my house without getting out of breath.
Y'all, 2 days later, I'm almost back to being able to run at MAF again.   It's amazing.
It was so important that I was able to say to my physician "I wear a heart rate monitor when I run.  These are my normal number and this is what it is now."  The data helped her quantify the problem. It's a rare but documented side effect of that medicine.

COVID Diaries - May 8 and May 9

So, I forgot to do a blog post yesterday, but it was ultimately a positive day.

I had a virtual visit with my physician.  The visit was productive in many ways.  The doctor told me she'd researched my concern ahead of time (which just made me feel like a million dollars), and told me "if this works, you'll feel better by next week".  So, obviously, when she can't lay hands on me, that's what we tried first.

I had a run later in the day, and already it felt better.

Also, I am dating a new pair of running shoes.  Altra had a deal for health care workers and I totally took advantage of that.  As with all things, I had to re-lace them.  Maybe I should do a blog post about that?

I worked yesterday and that was ultimately productive.  I remain grateful that I have a job, and grateful I have an opportunity to help in this situation. 

Today, I woke up kind of late but not problematically late. I did a weight lifting routine based on this video but not exactly the same. Then I did some Zumba and ran my mile.

I hung out in the afternoon (meaning I napped, let's be real). 

In the evening I cooked chicken, cous cous, and okra.  It was heaven.  I am currently in a zoom call with my people.   It's wonderful.

I am surprised and pleased to tell you how much better I feel now, even a day after the changes I discussed with my physician.  It's kind of amazing.

COVID Diaries - May 7, for reals this time

Okay, turns out yesterday was May 6, so we're having two posts with the same date.  Did I mention how no one knows what day or time it is.  Ever.  Is the sun shining?  It's day time. 

I got up and ran this morning.  I've been dealing with, well, I'm not sure what but things aren't quite right.  So I'm focusing a lot of running "easy" and keeping my heart rate low when I run.  Which means I'm walking quite a lot. (It's okay; I am under medical supervision. Sort of.)

Oh, random, did Blogger go back to the old interface?  It changed a week ago. I'm more familiar with old school, but both are fine.

So, part of work this morning was driving to meet a phenomenal colleague to pick up some paperwork I needed to review.  It was great to see her.  We discussed hair care.  Did I mention Olive provided clippers so I could shave my head earlier this week?  (Not really shave, there was an 8 guard on there.)

Next up, I got to meet up with Qat Lady, who I have not seen in person in so long it makes my heart hurt.  I needed someone to take my blood pressure ahead of a doctor visit and she won the prize. To celebrate nurses week, I got her Chipotle for lunch, because it was next to where we met for her to help me.

Free associating here: I have different people in my life who I love, who are different levels of health vs immune compromised vs having 'related' health conditions or whatever the word is now.  I just found out one of those beloved friends hasn't had human contact beyond window visits in over 50 days.  My heart hurts so badly right now. 

In the afternoon, I was freakishly productive for work.  Which is good and made me feel good.

We've had a situation at work where we needed to reduce the social work staffing ever so slightly.  I didn't think I'd be furloughed, but I knew I could be, and it had me worried.  See blood pressure above. I've worked in my current job since 2014.  There's six of us including me and I think we work well together.  We're usually able to find a solution where everyone comes out ahead, but I just didn't know with this.  Turns out, again, we're all winners here.  (There are going to be some changes that may be hard. But I feel like we've all been treated with care and respect.)

After work, I tried to take a walk with Captain Smiley.  But I had, um, issues and needed to make a beeline for home.  He didn't get the hint of "you can keep walking, I'm heading back, sorry".  I'm happy to report I did not poop my pants.

Zumba was cancelled.

Dungeon Master helped me know what to do with the potential frost warning for the next couple nights.  Several of my plants are safely inside but I was firm on the pansies staying outside.

COVID Diaries - May 7

I swear to you, I have no idea what day it is.  It's a week day?  I think.

I had this crazy dream last night.  I was with all these women.  The women my age and younger all had babies.  We all had newborns except My Pooky Bear who had a newborn and a 1 year old.  And then there were like "the grandmas".  You know, the women who'd raised their kids already but you could hand them any baby in any condition and they could comfort and care for said child.  So, like, I was holding my baby and walking around and it was lovely.  And then, someone else wanted to hold my baby, and I held my Pooky Bear's 1 year old (who was a boy in this dream, so not quite like real life), and then it was like "who's got my kid?" and I couldn't remember who had my kid. Or what my kid looked like.  I mean, I knew she was okay, but I couldn't find her and I'm like, what a dream-mom-failure am I?  I was glad I woke up from that one.

I had a surprisingly active day.  Also, I did not take a nap.

Exercise 1: Leg exercises and a 3.5 mile "run".  I've been having, um, fitness issues, for a while.  So I'm back to the low heart rate "I hate MAF" time. I'm trying to remember there will be a big pay off for this eventually.

Then I worked hard most of the day.  I had a lot of patient contacts, and doing some research on a couple things as well.

Towards the end of the day, I took a short walk.  I took pictures of nature.  It was lovely.

After supper, I had a bonus Zumba class since we got zoom bombed yesterday.  <i>(Like, WTF, who has time for that?)</i>

COVID Diarie - Cinco De Mayo

Well, we finally got zoom bombed.  Sigh. I'll back up though.

I woke up before I needed to call in. So, I went out for my mile.

When I got home, I worked for a while and then made breakfast, and then kept working.  And working. And working.  And I'm glad I have work.  Happy to be useful and helpful right now.

Captain Smiley and I took a walk. We've been exploring the neighborhood, looking at the houses and the gardens and...  It's lovely.  We are trying to honor social distancing and stay out of each other's homes, etc.  But I love that I can hang out with him.

COVID Diaries - May 4

"May the fourth be with you" Y'all know, right?

Today is my day off.  Sort of.

I had two call in meetings and one other thing I needed to address.  Because I'm a team player.  (And honestly, I like my job, and I have time to help out.)

Then I went shopping because I needed Pork Marinade ingredients.  Captain Smiley was all "what's the recipe?!?" and I was all "I just did what felt right?"  Marinade ingredients include cilantro, cumin, salt, chili powder, garlic cloves, lime juice, and orange juice. 

In the afternoon, I eventually went for a run and interrupted a Sheriffs raid.  Never a dull moment up here.

Captain Smiley cooked me supper.  On his grill. I'm ready for a grill I think.

Also, random, my hair is now very very short.  An 8 guard on the clippers took care of things.

COVID Diaries - May 2 and 3

Wow, I finally missed a blog day yesterday.

Saturday I had birthday donuts with Captain Smiley.  Then I headed to Lowes, mostly for dirt but I spent more money on plants than on dirt.

After shopping, I definitely ran my mile.  Not much more, but for sure my mile.

And then, y'all, I was in my garden all day.  I weeded the front, I weeded the back, I planted marigolds, I pruned a variegated dogwood (I really do not like those, they are a pain in the ass). I planted some plants in pots.

Dungeon Master came for an outdoor, far away visit. It made my heart happy.

I took a break and then gardened more.  I am scratched and bruised and... all of the things.

In the evening, we had a Zoom Happy Hour.  It was everything.

And then I went to bed.  I am starting to sleep mildly better. Like waking up at 5am instead of 4am?

Sunday, I woke up at 5am, and then went back to sleep.  Till like 10:30.

And then I lay on the couch 'till like 5:30pm.  Sundays?  I guess it is what is it?

I did my run.

And then, y'all, I gardened even more.  Variegated dogwoods are the devil I tell you.  I just, why do they have all of the dead branches?  Maybe once I prune them more attentively, they'll calm down?  I'm unclear.

I talked to Mom and Dad for a while.

Now I am doing all of the laundry.  The "air dry" load is currently online, and last is the towels.  If I get done tonight, it'll be four loads total.

COVID Diaries - May 1

Here's another 'play by play' of my day

8ish - woke up.
8:15 - Safety Huddle (conference call)
I had 'visits' at 9am, 10am and 12pm, with virtual meetings at 11am and 12pm. 
I was glad I had such a 'busy' day.
At 1pm we had an employee forum which are very useful.
I made spaghetti carbonara while I listened.  Food was done by the time I asked my question.
Rest of the day, until like 5pm, I was doing all the work trying to sort things out before the weekend.
It was good to have a busy/useful day.

Around 5pm I went for my run.

After that it was social hour including FaceTime with Mom and Dad and distance happy hour with Captain Smiley.

This was also the day I learned that my job will be virtual, like, through September at least.  So, I need a long term game plan.  What I'm doing right now is not going to work for that long. Also, I'm about ready to shave my head again. Have we talked about that before?  Whatever, it's not like I'm going to see people in person.