Coat Rack No More

This week has been one of the worst weeks in my life.  My dad's cancer is back with a vengeance.  The long version is on my blog, I'll spare you all the copy paste here!  

I got home from PA on Tuesday and spent the next three days being as useless as possible.  I did the bare minimum of exercise, I slept a lot, I didn't leave the house unless I had to, I read a lot, I took sporadic showers... etc.  But, I also had a project.  

Over a decade ago, my partner and I bought a Bowflex.  I'm pretty sure I don't know anyone who has a Bowflex.  I used it a lot back then and enjoyed it but, over time, it turned into a coat rack.  I recently decided that I wanted to be able to use it again.  I find personal training to be o-kay, but it costs a bunch of money in addition to all the other money I spend on exercise and I could strength train more often if I could do it at home for free.  

Uncovering the Bowflex has required the following steps - uncover loveseat, send loveseat that was in the room to a good home, buy Kallax shelving from Ikea, assemble Kallax - plus attach it to wall and assemble the little cabinet things for it, uncover Bowflex and find spaces for the stuff it had collected over the years, wipe Bowflex down and vacuum up the cat hair that had accumulated on it.  

And now my project is complete and I'm the proud owner of an actual Bowflex!  Not just a coat rack shaped like a Bowflex!  I even found the manual online so that I can remind myself how to use it again.

Even in the deepest depression, having a project can be inspiring for me.  I've got a very hard road ahead of me, but it's nice to know that I can pump some iron when I'm home.  I like feeling strong.  It's an amazing thing for me.   

I'm so very sorry to hear about your dad! I'm sending hugs and prayers your way! Hang in there! 

Thanks.  I'm just counting the days until the 17th when we'll finally get a plan and schedule.  I have a hard time dealing with uncertainty!

(((Hugs))). I am sorry to hear the news about your Dad. Good for you though for finding a healthy project and reclaiming your Bowflex. We have a big universal type of weight machine in the basement along with a ab lounger that I need to start using again. I've got the cardiovascular down, now just need to work on the rest!

One of my classmates (in grad school) did her thesis study on the Bowflex when they first came out with it! Nice machine!

Paula

Thank you so much.  You should definitely start using your weight machine!  It's cool to be able to do that stuff at home when I don't want to hike to the gym :)  

I bet that was an interesting thesis.  

Im sorry about your dad.  Hope the Bowflex brings peace to you during this stressful time.

Hugs,

Yvonne

Thank you.  It's definitely a good way to work out some stress.  

So sorry about your Dad. I know you're going thru a hard time right now so do whatever you've got to do to take care of yourself.

I lost my Dad years ago, in fact my mom & dad this month have a birthday only a couple of days apart from each other, so I splurged on her a little for her birthday, it made me feel good & it made her happy. So do what you gotta do to get your happy back, even if it's only for a moment.

Hugs 

Awww that's sweet of you to do for your mom. 

Thank you so much.  

It's sweet that you splurged on your mom!  I gave mine a gift card for a massage for her birthday/mother's day, since I know she sucks at taking care of herself even more than I do!  I really can't fathom what this experience is like for her - to be losing her partner of 50 years.  And to have to change from wife to caretaker during the process :(