Having fun again at 55

Happy Holidays to all. Just had to share this with you all. I worked all day. My busiest day yet. I did 18 people at the retirement home's hair. My feet were really screaming. . Lots of aches & pains going on. Came home, had dinner. Had to force myself to go out in the rain to the gym last night to make sure I got in my water therapy and hot tub. Helps this tired old body tremendously. This workout has to last for the 2 days the gym will be closed over Xmas Eve & Xmas Day. I am already in withdrawl. The place wasn't crowed at all so instead of going straight to the pool I got on the treadmill and was on it maybe 5 minutes. Being the noisy person that I am I noticed that they were 1 short playing volleyball. Well, you guessed it, I opened the door to the racketball court and asked if they needed another player. Call me crazy. Sure join in. OMG. I was jumping and hopping all over the place. Talk about sweating. #1. it has been 25 yrs since this body has played VB or any other sport. #2. I have never played on a racketball court. The ball bounces off the walls and is still playable. What a hoot. #3 These kids were all in good shape, including me. I guess this old gray mare ain't what she used to be. She's better than ever. Guess I gotta go buy some new duds. Let's see???? I'm gonna need knee pads, shin pads, protective eye gear. Gosh if you can think of anything else, let me know will ya? I was soooooo energized after the 20 minute workout, I had to cool down before I got into my suit and got in the pool. I can usually do 20 laps or so, go****hink I tripled it last night. I made sure I got in the hot tub after, I was afraid my bones would be hurting today. I cooled off in the pool then got back in the hot tub for another 10 minutes. WOW. I'm not sore this morning at all. Yipeeee!! I kinda feel like dancing. Okay folks, Who wants to form a VB team?? I'm in. ((HUGS)) Elissa

Elissa, You sure made my morning. YOU GO GIRL!!! Hubby and I have been talking about racket ball ... was not sure I was up to it just yet, but after reading your inspiring story, guess it may be time to give it a go. Now about your uniform ... did ya get a cup? Ahhh never mind ... that is for the guys huh? Not exactly the most sports savvy person around? BUT I am up for with you!!! You just reminded me of the last time I played volleyball ... it was at my going away party from the Fire Department ... Everyone and their families were there ... a whole bunch were playing volleyball ... I joined in and was having a grand time, that is until I plowed down one of the "small" gals. She stepped behind me, I had NO CLUE .... and when I went backwards, the poor thing hit the ground, hard. The worst part was, I didn't know that it was me that helped her go down, until after the game when someone made a crack about it. I guess all that padding, insulated me from felling it??? Needless to say, I was horrified and have not played since. Perhaps it is time to put that away and go for the gold once again. A team sounds really good, but likely I won't be able to make it work on my end. BUT if you are serious and do start one, please let me know, in the event that I could make it work on my end. How much fun would that be??? Elissa, I am so proud of you and happy for you. What a wonderful feeling that must have been for you!!! Keep up the good work my friend! Hugs, Tammy

Way to go, my friend! I'm so proud of you! This is truly inspirational! Hope you have a great holiday! Love ya, V

Hi Elissa Wow. You are definately a Wonder Woman. I am totally impressed. I would love to join a volleyball team with you. I am not sure when I would be able to play without injuring myself. For me it would depend on how me knees are feeling. Dr. Peters told me that I will still need to have knee replacement on my left knee next year since there is no cartledge in it. Even if I strengthen the muscles all around my knee and it doesn't hurt. He said that I would cause my more damage to my knee, bone is touching bone. I am still praying that God will rebuild the cartledge in my knee and that I won't have to have the surgery. I am such a chicken when it comes to surgery. Do you know that you have to be awake for knee replacement. Even though I have a great orthopedic surgeon lined up, I am worried that I will hear him say, "Oops". Merry Christmas. Rose

Yeah Elissa, You go girl! As usual You are a true inspiration to all of us on the boards. If your "old offer" of joining you in the gym sometime still applies (something you said several months ago) I would love to join you for a couple of hours after the holidays are over. Don't think this 50 year old is up to volly ball yet though. But I sure would like some of your energy to be imparted to me. I do go the gym about 3-5 days a week and do the tread mill but that is about it. Maybe that is why my weight has been stagnant for about two and half weeks. But you are a real encouragement. I am going to hit the gym running this week. Thanks alot, Mama

Good for you!! If there are any type-o's in this it is because my eyes are all filled with tears!!! That is so wonderful-all of these firsts in so many years!! I have these pair of Levi's that I have had in my closet for at least 21 years and guess what?? Yes, I put them on the other day! You would have thought I hit the powerball!! Hugs to you!! Keep up the firsts!! Love, Susan

You are so totally awesome.... Superwoman will have a hard time keeping up with you these days. This is just the type of post I need to keep motivated. Dianne