DVT DAYS 225 & 226
Monday and I head off in the morning to see my clinical supervisor and mentor. A drive north, further than I have been for a while. I spent four and a half hours talking and exploring how my work was going and how I am coping with my cancer and the constraints of COVID. It was a crucial time very well spent and I came away with a head full of information, questions and ideas for how I can keep myself working well, staying healthy and maintaining a reasonable, rational balance in my life. Given that in all likelihood we face a COVID infected autumn and winter keeping that balance is what will see me through what is ahead.
In my hotel room I order pizza and a couple of Becks Blues and write notes from the afternoon. A time to think, plan and be out of my usual bubble. It was relaxing and a brief time to reconnect with what is central and crucial to living. I finished my pizza and Becks before settling down to sleep.
Tuesday and I skip breakfast to leave the hotel early. The key was to have as little contact with people as possible and to drive home to get some work done. Apart from having to change my route to avoid a motorway closure I got home okay more or less on time. Home and the luxury of a bacon sandwich before I unpack and get ready to train. Before I actually get to train I find myself cleaning and refilling the bird feeders and our squirrel box. Whilst on a roll I managed to get the cover over the swing seat after tediously rethreading the retaining cord through the hem of the cover. So now the garden is more or less prepared for winter. At last I get to climb aboard the exercise bike and grind out an hour of effort, the first for several days. This is the start of my revamped strategy to get my weight down, strengthen my core and build some upper body strength. The gardener rocks up later in the afternoon and sets to work on the garden clearing. It soon pisses with rain and he goes home and I settle down to watch what turns out to be a really boring football match. Out of all this what have I learnt? Dry your hair after you’ve washed it or your head gets cold and your nose runs. Tomorrow starts three days of work and my new exercise regime so an earlyish night for me.
