It’s been almost a year since I’ve sat down with a friend and chatted over coffee. It’s actually been almost a year since I’ve sat down with a friend! That’s why I finally decided to link up with Deborah and Coco for the Ultimate Coffee Date! I’m also linking up with Darlene, Michelle, Renee, Jenn, and Zenaida for Fit Five Friday. That means I have five things I’d love to chat about! So let’s have (virtual) coffee and chat.
Let’s Have Coffee and Chat
If we were chatting over coffee I’d tell you that I just got my first Covid vaccine! I haven’t talked (or ‘grammed) about it simply because I’m a couple of years too young to officially get the vaccine and distribution in California has not gone as smoothly as we’d hope.
I’d been trying for weeks to get Alan an appointment without any luck. He finally contacted a client of his who happens to be the head nurse for Riverside County Health Department. As she was getting his information she asked if I wanted to get the vaccine too. Well, yes. So last Monday we both went to our local fairgrounds to get vaccinated.
While the rollout has not been really smooth, getting the vaccination itself was a breeze. They were really organized and we were in and out in less than a half-hour including the 15 minutes they have you wait before you leave. We got the Pfizer vaccine so we’re due for our second shot in three weeks.
The shot itself was completely painless and I felt fine that first day. On Tuesday I woke up with a sore arm. Not too bad, it just felt like a bruise. Later that afternoon I started feeling like I was coming down with the flu. I was suddenly cold, my head hurt and my body ached. It made me worry about shot number two since from what I’ve heard, the side effects are worse for the second shot.
I lay down for a half-hour and when I got up I felt much better. And that was it. Hopefully shot number two will go as well.
If we were chatting over coffee I’d tell you that we lost one of our dogs a few days ago. One of the difficult things about adopting older dogs is that they leave you too soon.
Poncho was about 14 when we adopted him. He was such a sad dog in the beginning. He kept his head down, moved slowly, and just looked sad. At first, he didn’t like me. He’d snap at me if I tried to pick him up or hook up his leash. Fortunately, that didn’t last too long. I don’t think he ever had anyone who really loved him. Towards the end when he couldn’t walk very well, we purchased what we called a ‘Poncho Pouch’ and I carried him on our walks.
He adored Alan though. He’d follow him everywhere around the house even though it was getting hard for him to walk very well. If Alan went outside, Poncho would stay by the door until Alan came back in.
RIP Poncho. You finally had a family that loved you and we will miss you very much.
If we were chatting over coffee I’d tell you that I have a bit of a blogging dilemma. About two months ago, a company asked if I’d be interested in trying out their TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) device. I was interested because after reading Wendy’s review of a similar device I wanted to try it out to see if it would help my arthritis pain.
Shortly after I received the TENS I was diagnosed with COVID and it was put aside for a few weeks. Early in 2021, I pulled it out again mostly because I was having a little groin pain and I wanted to see if it would help (it did). I also used it on my arthritic thumbs and they felt better too. So I put together a blog post to relate my experience.
The problem arose when I went to the website and discovered that the model I was sent was not available anymore. In fact, there wasn’t even a similar device. I checked a few other websites and even Amazon didn’t have it.
So what should I do? The other TENS devices were not similar at all. Mine is wireless, is controlled through an app, and seemingly has more options and power than the other choices. At this point, I haven’t done anything (except enjoy it).
If we were chatting over coffee I’d tell you that, while I don’t talk about it very much, I’ve been mostly unemployed for almost a year because of the pandemic. Of course, when everything shut down the first time, I was able to go on unemployment and received the extra assistance that went through July. That part wasn’t too bad.
Now, though, it is February and things haven’t got much better. Here in California gyms are only able to open outdoors. While we have an area set up for our members, they haven’t been flocking to it. And my assisted fascial stretching is considered a spa service and just opened back up after three months of shutdown.
February is the peak of the season here in the desert. I should be working my butt off. Instead, I have three training clients and two classes a week. Not even enough to get completely off of unemployment!
Many of our members have chosen not to come to the desert this year. Others aren’t ready to get out to the gym or the stretch room. I’m a pretty optimistic person and I know things will get better, but in all honesty, it’s tough times right now. And while we’re fine for now, if things don’t get better we head into summer (the off-season) and more unemployment.
Basically, I have a lot riding on the vaccine rollout. Most of my clients are over 60 and many are 75 and above. They’re scared. Let’s all help to get through this. Please, wear your mask, keep your distance, and wash your hands.
If we were chatting over coffee I’d tell you that it’s Girl Scout Cookie season! Honestly, without seeing the girls out in front of the supermarkets I didn’t even realize it. Then Alan came home with a few boxes last night (damn!). Apparently, he was on his way home and saw a girl set up outside her house selling cookies!
I generally try to avoid them (because I have no self-control) but he bought me two boxes of Thin Mints (yes, they’re my favorites and they’re vegan!) so what’s a girl to do? If I can only resist eating a whole box at a time!
I really wanted to talk about cookies because you should know about Girl Scout Troop 6000. Troop 6000 is a Girl Scout program specially designed to benefit girls in the New York City Shelter System. Troop 6000 is also selling cookies and 100% of the proceeds helps fund their troop experience and is used to pay for things like badge activity supplies, uniforms, field trips, and trips to camp!
I hope that if you don’t have a local troop to support you will consider purchasing your cookies from Troop 6000. Girl Scouts is a great experience in the lives of young girls and helps them build confidence, a sense of responsibility, and character. Troops 6000 helps to give girls in homeless shelters this opportunity.
What would you like to talk about over coffee? Any thoughts on my TENS dilemma? Do you buy Girl Scout Cookies?
I’m linking up with Deborah and Coco for the Ultimate Coffee Date! I’m also linking up with Darlene, Michelle, Renee, Jenn, and Zenaida for Fit Five Friday.
Weekly Linkups
My weekly linkups! Please stop by and check out all of the great recipes, workouts, and information that all these awesome bloggers share every week!
Meatless Monday with Sarah and Deborah
Inspire Me Monday with Janet
Tuesday Topics with Kim and Zenaida
The Runners’ Roundup with Deborah, Lisa, Jenn, Laura, and Me!
The Weekly Run Down with Deborah and Kim
Fit Five Friday with Darlene, Michelle, Renee, Jenn, and Zenaida
Ultimate Coffee Date with Deborah and Coco
Wow, you’ve got some heavy stuff going on here. My husband has also lost about 30% of his income because of Covid and it’s getting hard. We need more assistance from the government to get us through this! And… I’m so sorry about Poncho.
I would still be interested on your thoughts about TENS units in general, if you decide to write that review. And, on a lighter note… yes! Thin Mints are vegan! Bring them on!
Have a great weekend Debbie!
We actually were fine during the pandemic. I feel so lucky that I have my husband. It would have been so difficult to go it alone. I really am a positive person and I know there will be some covid relief coming soon, so that helps. I did like the TENS. You can read the review that Wendy wrote for an idea of her thoughts (the link is above).
So glad you got your COVID vaccine! I also got the Pfizer vaccine and dose #2 was not a problem either. I had a mild headache and was really tired after, but I did run that trail race, so who knows what it was from, lol! The vaccine rollout is a mess–Illinois is way behind the rest of the nation. So odd because our governor has been so on top of things. I am ready for things to return to normal.
California is such a mess in spite of our governor (the people who are calling for his recall would say because of him lol). I’m glad you didn’t have a reaction to the second vaccine. I’m really not worried about it. I am also so ready to return to some semblance of normal.
So sorry about Poncho. And about your job. COVID has hit people in so many ways.
Don’t stress about the 2nd shot. My hubby and friends had zero reaction…arm even less sore than the first.
I get mine next week and then I’m flying to Florida… No time to feel sick.
I’m glad you’re getting the vaccine. I’m not too worried about the second shot and I’ll be happy to have it.
So glad you got your vaccine. No such luck here yet. Registered and waiting to hear. I am sorry that you have so much stress right now. I sure hope your area is able to recover and get back to work soon. Re the tens -have you contacted the company? If they are paying you for a review, I guess I would do it anyway. If not, maybe just do an IG story or something less time consuming for you. But yes, enjoy it! Thanks for linking up for coffee
Yes, I should at least message them (which is how they contacted me in the first place). It wasn’t paid, so at least I don’t have to worry about that.
So sorry to hear about Poncho 🙁 Losing dogs is always so sad, especially when they are older. I’m glad he was able to enjoy the last part of his life in a loving home.
I hope that the vaccine rollouts will get smoother over time. I know it’s been a bit confusing in some states but hopefully they will get all the bugs worked out in the next few weeks so that it can be a more seamless process.
At least it feels like the administration is trying to smooth out the vaccine rollout. I’m glad to have it but until most people get it we won’t start to get out of this mess.
When you adopt an older dog you go into it knowing you won’t have a long time but it’s still hard.
I am so sorry to read about you losing your precious pup. Bless you for rescuing older dogs. They are often difficult to place and I am sure Poncho had a great life with you.
good for you for getting your COVID shot. I am a little bit too young to qualify too, so it will be a while before I can get my first vaccine. As soon as I am able, I will.
This pandemic has affected so many people’s employment. I am so sorry to read that your workload has decreased. I read somewhere that if everyone would wear a N95 mask, the pandemic would be over in 4 weeks!!!! Let’s do this!!!
I wish that people would start wearing any mask! It’s frustrating, and I don’t have a problem where I live/work, but I feel like we’ll never get through this. I’m so grateful I was able to get the vaccine and I hope that the rollout gets smoother so more people can get their shot.
When you adopt an older dog you know its life will be limited but it’s still hard when you lose them. I’m happy we were able to make his last years happier.
So many people in IL are in a vaccine-seeking frenzy here in IL. My husband drove my in laws 1.5 hours each way in a blizzard so they could get their first dose. Now there’s no telling where they can get the second one. I am not holding my breath for the vaccine myself. I know it’ll be months before it’s available to me.
So sorry about Poncho. Those senior years are so tough but you gave him some great ones.
I hope with the approval of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine it will be easier for people to get their shot. The sooner we get it out the quicker we can get through this thing.
We were happy we could make Poncho’s last few years happier.
I am so sorry about your dog. It is so sad. 🙁 Losing a pet is so hard. I have seen the ad about the Troop 6000 on Facebook. I love the cookies so I will makes sure to get a few boxes. I also got the Pfizer vaccine but my next one is 4 weeks after the first one. That is weird because it is supposed to be 3 weeks.
Thank you. It’s hard losing a dog and with an older dog it always comes sooner than later. At least we know we made his last few years better.
That’s weird about your vaccine. Maybe they’re just worried about supply. I heard you can get the shot (for both Pfizer and Moderna) up to around 40 days after the first so 4 weeks shouldn’t be a problem.
Oh I’m sorry about Poncho – it’s never easy to lose a dog 🙁
I’m really glad both you and Alan were able to get the vaccine. The rollout here has not been smooth. I don’t expect that I’ll be able to get one until late Spring/early Summer unless the inventory really improves.
Thank you. We have so many dogs it seems like we’re always dealing with aging issues. At least he had some happy years before he died.
I hope they get better at getting out the vaccine! They’ll be approving the Johnson and Johnson vaccine soon so I hope that will help.
Oh, Debbie, so sorry about Poncho. At least you know he had found a good family who cherished him in his final years. The vaccine, UGH. I just was talking with my mother. My father has been on the phone for days, and having no luck getting anything scheduled. It’s frustrating!
Thank you. He was such a sad dog when we got him. He changed so much over the last couple of years. He didn’t even bite me anymore! 🙂
We were so lucky that Alan’s client could help. Our vaccine rollout has been so bad! At least the actual shot experience was organized and good.
I am so, so, so sorry for your loss. It’s so hard when our babies leave us. I know he had a wonderful life with you, and that is just so special.
My parents are getting their vaccine at their local fairgrounds, too! I think they are getting the Moderna. I hope it goes smoothly – my mom is super nervous about getting it, about not getting it, and everything in between.
Thank you. I am happy that we were able to make his last few years happy.
I’m glad your parents will be getting their vaccines! I was a little nervous too. My husband, who hates shots, was even more so. Everything was fine though and I’m so glad we got it done.
Oh, I’’m so sorry about Poncho! It’s so hard to lose a beloved pet who was such a big part of your life.
Yay on getting the vaccine. I’m in general population group, so I think it will be a while until it’s my turn ….
Thank you for sharing about your (un)employment situation. I know it is so hard. If it were just me, I ^might^ feel comfortable going to Cyclebar — they have done a lot to make it safer — but my husband has a risk factor, so it’s just not worth it.
Thanks for joining us for coffee!
Thank you. We’ve had quite a few pet losses in the last couple of years and it never gets any easier. I hope the vaccine distribution gets more organized. It would be nice to get everyone vaccinated and start to get life closer to normal again.
I wish I could just hug you right now Debbie. I’m so sorry to hear about Poncho. Losing a pet is always hard even when you get them later in life and have a different sort of bond with them. You still love them, and when they pass it’s still hard.
And I am really sorry that covid has wreaked so much havoc on your livelihood. It sucks 100%. I have a good friend here who is (my) a hairdresser and she’s been out of work a huge chunk of time (we are still locked down). And the government isn’t assisting this service branch at all! Including massage therapists – so my massage colleagues are also out of work. It just sucks!! If people would JUST do the right thing we could get through this!!
As with your TENS I would just write the company and tell them what happened and that you are happy to write a review but maybe it won’t have the effect they were hoping.
Glad you got your shot! Our rollout is pathetic here. I’m so mad, we are so behind. 17 million people and only 300K vaccinations so far. And I’m 50+ and healthy so not exactly on the list of immediate recipients.
I do miss GS cookies. Samoas were my favourite. Do those still exist? I also have zero control when it comes to GS cookies!
It sounds like the vaccine rollout is terrible everywhere! I was just lucky (it’s who you know, right?).
The first few months after we had to shelter in place weren’t too bad because they supplemented unemployment. Then they stopped and it’s been a struggle ever since. I’m working, thank goodness, but not nearly as many hours as I would normally in the middle of our busy season. Hopefully, the new administration will help out.
I believe Samoas still exist. I only ever get Thin Mints. 🙂 Maybe Troop 6000 will ship overseas!
I’m so sorry to hear about the unemployment situation. 🙁 We’ve lost so much work and this year has been a struggle. I don’t see the company surviving if something dramatic doesn’t happen. Also so sorry to hear about Poncho but my heart feels so warm knowing his last years were happy ones. Dogs are so easy to love but it’s amazing how many are abused. Most of my dogs have come from a shelter and there’s nothing so satisfying as seeing them become less fearful over time and eventually truly happy.
Thank you. It does make me feel better knowing we made Poncho’s life better for his last couple of years. All of our dogs are rescues, either from shelters or off the streets, and many are older. Yes, you know their time will be short but knowing that doesn’t make it any easier when it happens.
So many businesses have struggled over the last year. I’ve seen quite a few that just couldn’t make it. It’s so sad because, of course, most of them are small businesses that don’t have the resources to survive like big companies do.
I’m really glad that you were able to get a vaccine and that you’re feeling fine! I got the Pfizer one too, but it’s been a struggle to get my parents vaccinated. (I have them under my insurance but the supply is definitely notttt meeting the demand right now. They were thankfully able to get it elsewhere though so I’m really glad.) I hope dose #2 goes well for you too!
I’m so, so sorry for your loss. 🙁 That’s never ever easy. <3 Sending lots of love and hugs.
I’m glad your parents were finally able to get the vaccine. You’d think having a daughter who is a doctor would give them an “in!”