On Monday, April 15, I was merrily typing away at my computer, getting ready for PSL, my trip to England, and all of my todos. I was uber-productive, writing like a champ, checking Shaina’s running times, urging her on in my head. I could see her times update on the web page. “Yes, she’s doing […]
Relief and Sorrow for the Boston Marathon Read More »
When I have a vertigo attack, I feel vulnerable. But I don’t feel shame. For me, there is a big difference. I feel vulnerable because I can’t find my balance, and with my vertigo attacks, I need to find a receptacle, and fast, because I vomit. See Inside a Vertigo Attack. I feel disoriented, shaky,
Feeling Vulnerable vs. Feeling Shame Read More »
You’ve heard the old joke, “I’ve got good news and I’ve got bad news,” right? Well, that actually happened to me. Back in 2009, when I had my first vertigo attack, I complained to my doctor of fullness in my ears. I’d seen an internist in my doctor’s office, and sure enough, I did have
What a Doctor Should Not Say to a Patient on a Friday Afternoon Read More »
During my dance lessons and my gym sessions, I have a good time with my dance instructors and my personal trainer. Some weeks, it’s more challenging than others. For a couple of weeks after Hurricane Sandy, my vertigo was worse. When the barometric pressure decreased, my vertigo increased. Sometimes, I walk into walls because although
We had a big Friday night. First we went to the synagogue for services. We stayed for supper and to hear Dr. Ann Lapidus Lerner discuss Yehuda Amichai’s poetry. Friday night services are Kabbalat Shabbat. The tunes are joyous, welcoming Shabbat. Services are short and intimate, with fewer people. I have trouble with services these
Riding the Emotional Rollercoaster of Change Read More »
There’s a sad story making the rounds today. Samantha Brick wrote an article in the Daily Mail called ‘There are downsides to looking this pretty’: Why women hate me for being beautiful. In it, she claims perks from men such as flowers and free drinks, and discrimination from female bosses. She also says: So now
Self-Esteem Can’t Arise From Your External Beauty Either Read More »
I had a rough February. First came the vertigo attack on Feb 1. Then I fell on Feb 8 in the gym with Erik and broke my “indestructible” glasses. (Oh yeah? I’ll give you indestructible.) I wrenched my problematic knee on Feb 24, and I had such pain I was not able to dance in
When Life Hands You Lemons…Solve a New Problem Read More »
At OOP 2012, I took the opportunity to develop and present a Pecha Kucha. Here’s how you say Pecha Kucha: First, say the Yiddish word, “tchotchke,” Now, adapt the word to “tch-otch-ka.” Yes, that’s not a word. We’re getting there. Now, add a “peh” in front of it. You have “peh-tch-otch-ka.” And, if you are
OOP 2012 Pecha Kucha Video Posted Read More »
I’ve had a series of small setbacks, mostly emotional. One problem with vestibular conditions is that they vary so much, minute by minute and day by day. I’ve been working with Erik on the hurdles. The good news is this: I discovered I was doing the 12-inch hurdles. The bad news is I can’t seem
Can I Make A Little Progress Today? Read More »
Part of mental toughness is also having emotional resilience. It’s a different piece. Here’s how I like to explain it. Imagine you were a corporate travel agent back in the 1970s, 1980s, or even the 1990s. You were great at your job. You found the best fares. Your customers loved you. You did a great
Emotional Resilience: Just the Beginning Read More »