rob balucas

Catalyst. Creative. Triathlete. Speaker. Cigar Aficionado. Amateur Behavioral Psychologist. Fresh Spring Roll Addict. Paraplegic at the moment.

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© Rob Balucas
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New Year’s Fail

Holy cow.

There’s a lot of updating to do. I didn’t think there was much to say in my first weeks back in Fresno beyond boring basic life skills to share. But I’ve since learned that people really do want to hear what’s going on, even basic life skills.

I have to say, that’s very heart-warming for me because I’m starting to feel really far away. There’s a nagging gremlin in the back of my head that says, ‘Everyone’s going to forget about you.’

But then there’s a text, a voice mail, a FB post, that knocks once and says, ‘Hey what’s up with you?’

Then in knocks again with a, ‘Hey what the F&$k?? No really, what’s up with you??’

Now, I have so many things to share I’m overwhelmed. But as they say: How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.

So here we go:

I ruined any NYE celebration with good stuff.

On Tuesday last week I went to the Physiatrist (that’s a rehab specialist Doc) whom pretty much whacked all my meds but two. Even one of those he wanted me to test not taking. As most of you know, I’m taking the hard core opiate pain killer stuff and I have no love nor plans to get addicted to them. I was really happy about that.

Then on Wednesday, my Physical Therapist took me swimming. I’ve been dying to get some cardio in lately and I was anxious to get in the water. So we went to Fresno’s (well, Clovis actually) finest gym, strapped some floaties to my legs and swam some laps. I didn’t get a Strava logged, sorry GGTC peeps. But I know I swam about 800 meters in total.

It felt awesome.

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So by the time NYE Thursday came around, I was toast. Compound everything about being sore and multiply it by 20. What’s most lame is that I get leg pain. I don’t feel it when you touch my leg yet, but I get crazy pain in my hamstrings, ankles, & feet. I was in pain up until this afternoon. That’s when I started back on the pain killer I was trying not to take.

So technically that was my New Year’s Dip in honor of my Golden Gate Triathlon Club Brethen’s Annual New Year’s Dip in the Bay.

 

A lot of you saw this picture:

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There’s actually a ton to celebrate in this picture:

    • I did an overnight with family for Christmas away from my parents house, which is a big deal because I have a lot of accessories. ?
    • I got in and out of that couch doing a ‘depression transfer’ which is using my arms to hop my butt from seat to seat. Before I’d use a flat board to slide across. It’s a huge leap in strength and skill.
    • I’m not actually holding my leg up. It sat there crossed on it’s own. Yet another huge deal for flexibilty.
    • I’m rocking the slippas. I almost left home without putting on proper shoes. Could you imagine me with the wrong shoes?? In public?
 

Thank you thank you thank you for the texts, cards, voicemails, visits, everything. I really miss you guys.

More to come & more frequently!

Happy New Year!

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January 2, 2016

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Comments

  1. Debbie Barner says

    January 2, 2016 at 8:30 am

    Thank Goodness you are doing well!! It was a “inquiring minds want to know – – but didn’t want to impose” type of thing! You are so right – we want to know about all of the small things as well as the big things. One post every week no matter what – got it??!!
    I was so happy to see you in the pool! I know what great therapy that is. I used to go to pool classes to work out. I loved it, and it is such a great way to strengthen your body. You did all that swimming without a thought – until you got out and were whipped! The awesome thing about water is that is has built in resistance that means you are working harder in the water – even though it doesn’t seem like it. I know that is not news to a triathlete, just sayin’ !
    Ok, so, good, bad or ugly those who love you want to feel that we are supporting you and doing something to help you recover – even though we really can’t do anything but keep a good thought and pray for God’s healing touch.
    We do think about you all the time Rob, and the “radio silence” (as Matt would say!) was tough! Keep up the great work, we are with you in spirit, wishing we could do more.
    Aunt (Cousin? – whatever!) deb 🙂

    Reply
  2. Sara Carini says

    January 2, 2016 at 8:34 am

    Amazing!! You are experiencing miracles daily and the beauty of it is that they don’t even LOOK like miracles to the naked eye.

    I hope that you had a beautiful Christmas and that 2016 will be a year of strength, love, and encouragement for you.

    I may not be a front-and-center friend in your life these days, but I’m one heckuva prayer warrior in your corner.

    Monkey! You may not realize this, but when I worked with you at SIC I was going through one of my toughest times EVER. You were a huge part of getting through it successfully.

    Thank you for that!

    Reply
    • Rob says

      January 2, 2016 at 2:00 pm

      Well I’m glad things are better Sara! Thanks for checking in! Monkey!!!!!

      Reply
  3. Felicia L says

    January 6, 2016 at 5:21 pm

    Rob! I have been checking in here often and it’s wonderful to read your update. You were a big part of a big part of my life, and I know there are a great many who can say the same. You’ve had a great affect on me and I think you’re amazing. I am thinking of you and pulling for you SO MUCH.

    Please let me know if there is anything I can do on the City end of it all.

    xox!

    Reply
    • Rob says

      January 26, 2016 at 2:00 pm

      Thanks Felicia! Great to hear from you. And thanks for telling me I had impact, that’s great feedback & warms my heart!

      Reply

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