Some days I just want to be a housewife

We finally have a living room ♥ 

You know what, ever since we moved in to a bigger unit, I got lazier at work. Actually, ever since Koomi came into our lives I found myself getting lazier at work. It used to be that my priority in life is just my husband, my work, and the house. And so far I've been able to live happily around maintaining that status quo. I love our marriage, I'm doing okay at work, and the house is functional and clean most of the time.

But everything changed when Koomi arrived. A dog is a different kind of priority which doesn't fall into any of those three. It's major work keeping a dog alive and happy, while on the other hand it just keeps us happy. Weeeell, just 80% of the time he's up; the 20% that gets me frustrated is getting waken up in the middle of our sleep when he growls for absolutely no reason. So it's not all rainbows and butterflies having a cute dog around, it's compromise that moves us along. Damn, Adam was right.

So you see because of Koomi our house became dirtier. In our previous unit, we potty trained him in the balcony so we have to keep going in an out of the house, dirtying our slippers. And you know frenchies salivate soooo much, Koomi's mouth leaves a wet mark on the floor every time he sprawls down. Then he gets up and walks over it, and we walk over it, and the floor gets grubbier each day. Which means I have to clean more often. And because Koomi has taken over what little space we have left in the house, we decided it's time for us to upgrade.

It's been a dream of ours to move into a bigger unit ever since we started working from home more frequently. But if it hadn't been for Koomi, if he hadn't burdened us so much in our small home, we wouldn't have felt the urgency to move out. So uhh, thanks dog?

So now in a bigger, better, more beautiful home I find myself wanting to just forget about work and just take care of the household full time. Why? Because it's so satisfying seeing the house clean, the dog full, and my husband happy. So much so that I'm forgetting about work. Seems like I can only properly devote myself to three things, and work is getting pushed out of the equation.

Some days I just want to be a housewife.

I'm still tired

Again. I'm so tired. I'm never at a good place at work. I'm always stuck with my projects. I'm out of smaller tasks to gain confidence from. Like I'd get over them quickly that I have to deal with the major ones too soon. Huhu. It's dreadful, this feeling. I don't like it.

I have a big one that's already sitting in prod but I have to fix some errors first. And it's annoying because we don't have access to prod so I will have to keep on requesting for the prod people to update it, which is embarrassing for me. It was working in UAT so I don't know what gives.

Besides this big one, I have two other big ones that are completely overwhelming me. I don't know what to do. I want to give up. Oh Lord. How do people work for decades??? I'm just so tired of it all I just want to become a housewife and take care of my husband, and Koomi, and the house. I'll just enable Jeckie to earn as much as he can to maintain our current lifestyle. Yeah, like what traditional women used to do haha.

I thought it gets easier but I guess I haven't even started.

A Comprehensive Guide to Different Types of Wounds and Their Care

Photo by Diana Polekhina on Unsplash

In our daily lives, wounds, whether minor or severe, are inevitable. They could result from a simple kitchen mishap, a tumble on the playground, or a more serious accident. Knowing how to correctly identify and treat different types of wounds is an invaluable skill, potentially preventing minor injuries from becoming serious and helping serious wounds to heal more effectively. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of various types of wounds and their appropriate care.

Classification of Wounds

Wounds can be categorized in several ways, including by cause, depth, and whether they're clean or infected. Here are some common types:

1. Incisions or Cuts: These are wounds caused by sharp objects such as knives. If shallow, they often heal well with minimal care, but deep incisions might require medical attention to prevent damage to nerves, tendons, or muscles.
2. Lacerations: Caused by a tear or blunt force, these wounds often have jagged edges, and they can be deep, affecting not just the skin but also the underlying tissues.
3. Punctures: These are typically caused by a pointed object piercing the skin. They can be superficial or deep, with a risk of introducing bacteria into the body, leading to infection.
4. Abrasions: Commonly known as scrapes, these wounds occur when the skin rubs or scrapes against a rough surface. They usually involve just the outer skin layers.

Basic Wound Care Steps

Regardless of the type of wound, the first steps to wound care remain the same - clean the wound, stop the bleeding, and protect the wound.

1. Cleaning: Use warm water and mild soap to gently clean around the wound. Avoid getting soap in the wound as it can cause irritation.
2. Bleeding Control: Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or bandage until the bleeding stops.
3. Protection: Cover the wound with a sterile bandage or dressing to protect it from bacteria and prevent infection.

Wound Care Products

Once the wound is cleaned and protected, using suitable wound care products can promote faster healing and reduce the risk of complications. There are various products on the market, including antibiotic creams, adhesive bandages, gauze, and specialized dressings. Your choice depends on the wound type and severity. For instance, for deeper, more serious wounds, hydrogel or alginate dressings may be appropriate as they maintain a moist environment conducive to healing.

Professional Wound Care

While many minor wounds can be managed at home, some situations require professional help. Deep wounds that don't stop bleeding, wounds with embedded debris, animal or human bites, or wounds showing signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth, or pus) should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Also, anyone with a severe wound or a wound caused by a major trauma should seek immediate medical help.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of wounds and their appropriate care is crucial for effective wound management. From cleaning to bandaging, and selecting suitable wound care products, these steps can facilitate the healing process and minimize complications. However, never hesitate to seek professional help when a wound is severe or shows signs of infection. Your health and well-being are always worth it.

I'm so tired

Urgh I've been pulling my hair out trying to make this PowerShell module work but it just won't run consistently! Module in question is dfinke/ImportExcel. My problem is I've been getting the error 

Unable to find type [OfficeOpenXml.ExcelPackage]

randomly a lot which has prompted me to do several things which sometimes work and sometimes won't. What I've been doing every time that appears is reinstall a different version of ImportExcel, which fixes the problem but every time I log off and get back to work the following day I'm fucking faced with the same error. Beats me why! I'm looking at a more permanent fix because obviously I can't keep reinstalling forever...

For added info here's how I do a reinstall...

I open Windows Powershell as admin
Uninstall-Module ImportExcel until I get a No match was found, then...
Install-Module -Name ImportExcel -RequiredVersion 7.8.4 or whatever version 

Usually a reinstall gets it fixed... but still... I don't know why I keep getting the damned error. I've read it has something to do with EPPlus.dll not getting loaded properly but seeing that it worked last night and then decided not to the next day is just so weird to me. 

Hay.

Smart Strategies For Starting A Fitness Business

Starting a fitness enterprise can be incredibly rewarding. Indeed, you can enjoy assisting people in reaching their exercise objectives and living a better lifestyle. Research shows that the industry is projected to grow by 171% by 2028. The numbers make it compelling to consider starting a fitness center, whether full-time or as a part-time gig. Are you a fitness fanatic or already like working out? Now is a good time to make money while doing what you love. Below are a few tips to guide you in getting started.

1. Decide your fitness business type

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Several types of fitness firms are available, each with advantages and disadvantages. You can work as a fitness instructor, teach lessons, or run your own business. If you're considering launching a fitness company with no money, becoming a fitness instructor is a low-cost option. Still, it takes an extensive understanding of nutrition and fitness approaches. Running a facility necessitates a significant investment, but you can rely on the knowledge of others. When considering beginning a fitness company, gym franchising possibilities also exist. Your final decision will depend on the kind of fitness business you intend to run.

2. Write a business plan 

After deciding your type of fitness business, it's now time to plan. If you haven't chosen a name for your business, you can use a name generator to get a few suggestions. You'll also need a business strategy, an official document covering your venture's purpose, goals, strategy, and financials, not forgetting rent, insurance, gym equipment, and so on. It often comprises a business description, sector and customer assessment, an operational strategy, and financial predictions. You may customize it to meet your specific requirements. This document will guide you and help you stay organized as you lay the foundations for your business.

3. Get a dedicated space 

Even if your company is entirely digital, you'll need to consider where you'll film your fitness videos and hold your online sessions. It's crucial to have a consistent appearance for your set, so choose a brightly lit space in your home and use the same place for each of the videos in your series. Renting a location for a full-fledged workout center requires more time and money. The good news is that many landlords are currently eager to negotiate rent, but it would be useful to wear your bargaining hat to get the best deal. Consider factors such as location, space, and cost, among others, to ensure you get value for money.

4. Obtain the required permit and insurance 

When establishing a gym, you must comply with the specific business licenses and permits mandated by your state and local authorities. It is advisable to consult your town, city, or county clerk's office. One essential permit is the certificate of occupancy, which verifies compliance with building codes, zoning laws, and government regulations. If you are leasing the gym space, it typically falls upon the landlord to obtain this certificate. Running a gym entails certain risks not typically associated with other businesses. Potential hazards may arise as individuals work out, use equipment, and move around the premises. Obtaining small business insurance is crucial to cover various scenarios, particularly for incidents involving customers on the premises.

5. Acquire training

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Getting some training is essential in launching a fitness company. Whether you want to learn how to establish a training business or run a gym, you must have some fitness experience for others to be confident that you know what you're about. You may consider several credentialing organizations, such as the NCCA or the DEAC, which approve legitimate credentials. Of course, physical training isn't the only knowledge you'll require. You'll also need to conduct many studies to determine what it requires to begin a firm.

[Recovery Logs] ACL reconstruction surgery with meniscus repair

See I knew something was wrong when it's been 10 weeks since my knee injury (from playing badminton) and I haven't fully recovered yet. For reference, here's my previous recovery logs where I didn't recover at all lol: https://www.theblahger.com/2023/01/recovery-logs.html

For context, I got injured playing badminton on January, let myself rest for a couple of weeks, but then felt too excited that I walked an hour on a treadmill on an 11% incline and then swam the next day. That's how I re-injured myself, prompting a knee reconstruction surgery. That's also proves how mind isn't over matter when the matter is out of hand lol.

Sometime in April I got an MRI which confirmed a chronic ACL tear on my left knee plus some serious meniscal tear. Doctor advised to get knee surgery, which went well on June 24.

In my understanding, they're gonna replace the torn ligament in my knees with a graft from my hamstring and screw it (literally), then shave off my torn meniscus so the edges are smooth and not sharp and damning to my bones. The technique they used (knee arthroscopy) is a vey minimally invasive procedure so there's not a lot of incisions made, making it easier to heal from the surgery.

It was my first time to undergo surgery so I didn't know what to expect. I was mostly worried about coordinating the LOA from my HMO provider and the hospital but turns out I didn't need to do that myself since I will be admitted pre-op which means the hospital will take care of calling our HMO for approval. I think the bill ran up to ₱180k, which included everything from the surgery, two nights admission, professional fees, and everything else I perused during my stay. Only thing not covered are the implants - and I opted for a bioabsorbable screw and button type so that set me back ₱85k. 

I was mostly excited to get over this major part of my life because I badly want to workout already. Now with a renewed sense of my mortal limits I promise to be more careful and more mindful of what I do with my ageing joints.

June 24 - day of my surgery. I was scheduled 6pm and was told to shower using a pre-operative bath kit they gave me consisting of two sponges and a bottle of some kind of antimicrobial bath gel that smells like alcohol and betadine or something. I was wheeled in the operating room by 5pm. The most painful part of the surgery was getting injected with anesthesia through the spine. After that I was sedated and would wake up from time to time feeling woozy. I just let myself fall back to sleep. Two hours later the surgery was completed and I was brought to the recovery room where they took an x-ray of my knee. Moments later I was brought back to our room where I immediately ate cos I felt so hungry. Surgery required me to fast for 10 hours so I haven't eaten anything in almost 12 hours at that point. Unfortunately I didn't know food and anesthesia don't go well together that as soon as I ate I just puked it all out. I felt sleepy afterwards and didn't fight it.

Here's my recovery logs so far...

Week 1

Jun 25 - it was a struggle to go home in this state. My leg was braced, I couldn't put any weight on it so I had to rely on crutches. It was also very painful and super swollen. Hard to go to the bathroom to pee. Had to put a chair in the shower so I could take a bath. Thank God my husband helps me with everything, I love him. I'm taking a bunch of meds for swelling, pain, and GI tract. Also antibiotics.

That's how my leg looks like on the first week. Everything swollen from the thigh down. I dress it every two days as instructed. Every day I'm able to put more and more weight on my left foot which is nice 😀.

Week 2

Jul 5 - it's been more than a week since my surgery and I can now walk without crutches but not too long because it gets tiring. I've finished all my meds too and is just taking it slow, wearing braces as much as I can to keep my leg straight. I do feel some kind of shooting pain when I'm pivoting though which is concerning because I thought I'd have brand new knees and I just have to wait for the swelling to subside. Will ask my doctor when I follow up.

Note to self: https://www.stoneclinic.com/ACL-reconstruction-meniscus-repair-post-operative-physical-therapy-protocol

Jul 7 - Barely used my crutches today. Still wearing braces the whole time. Can shower standing up now. Can wash the dishes as well. Felt a sharp shooting pain once; I think I accidentally pivoted. Otherwise, good progress. 😊

Jul 8 - followed up with my surgeon. Suture removed. Doctor mentioned the shape of my meniscus was adiscoid instead of crescent shape; which made the tear more painful as it goes in contact with the joint. Was advised to start rehab next week.

Week 3

Jul 12 - can walk better now. Can sleep without braces. Still wearing knee support. Can shower standing up for the most part but still gets tired so I still need the chair hehe. Can work the kitchen now, albeit slowly. Have been able to go out to the mall as long as I only walk short distances. Didn't use crutches the whole day. Can sit with my let bent slightly. Can ride the front seat of the car now, but have to scoot forward so my thighs don't get too pressed on the seat if you know what I mean. There is still some swelling on my calf. Still can't see my ankles. 

Jul 13 - Consulted with a rehab doctor as well as scheduled by rehab sessions. Poor flexion - straightest I can go is 30°. Closest I can bend my knees is 60°. Stopped wearing braces. Can walk faster. Still need crutches for aid. 

Week 4

July 18 - Day 1 of rehab. Got super tired with all the exercises I was taught. My leg is still swollen. Was advised to do warm and hot compress and continue the exercise at home. I also learned how to use my crutches properly. All this time I was putting my weight on the armpits, turns out it has to be on the hand support. No wonder I was slouching and feeling more tired when I use them, half the time I give up and just use it as a cane. Hay.

TBC

Get a Frenchie they said, it will be fun they said

I feel like I'm in a state of paralysis at work. I have loads to do but don't know where to start. I have a bunch of open items that aren't moving and I feel like if I could just close at least one project I would gain some momentum with doing the others. But here we are.... hayy.

To be honest I've been pretty damned preoccupied recently. We got a French Bulldog and ever since it came life has never been the same. 

Meet Koomi! Born January 15, 2023, we took him in on April 18 when he was three months old. He's five months in this photo.

His first few weeks with us were a nightmare. He came in sick, was in an out of confinement; apparently has coronavirus. He was pitiful but all I can think of was that he's being a pain in the ass. He would poop and pee everywhere. Diarrhea levels that at one point was charcoal black. He would chew on everything he could get his teething mouth on, to the point where we'll be awaken with him choking on chips of wood he's munched from our bed post. We couldn't focus on work because we have to watch him all the time. I was so tiring. And for the most part I was angry at the dog. He was just a puppy, I know. We wanted to give up but was never decided on it. Every day we try again. Every day I get bursts of anger. Every day I lose my sanity. I asked my friends for support and the consensus was IT GETS EASIER.

And damn they were right.

Eventually we got past the point of buyer's remorse and entered the point of no return lol. Weeks passed and we see him recover, slowly regaining his energy, slowly warming up to us. We were getting to know each other, and we were slowly getting our sleep back. It was just a few weeks ago that we would dart up every fucking hour in the middle of the night at the sound of his gargling (which is really just him chewing his paws), or his heaving (which is usually followed by his puking), or his abnormally loud hiccups. The slightest off in scent would send us upright, waving a flashlight in search of a puddle or a mound. It was beyond exhausting. I've had several breakdowns.

What made it more frustrating was because he was sick, we couldn't complete his vaccines and therefore couldn't take him out, in turn locking us all in the house with nothing to do but to tolerate each other. It made me very anxious. 

But that was two months ago. As soon as he recovered and completed his shots, we were slowly able to take our lives back, more importantly our sleep. That's when they say it will get better. I didn't believe my friends, thought they were brainwashed lolol but here we are, two months later proving them right. I used to hate the term furmom or furparent but I'm mothering the heck out of our dog and would gladly take the label now. I'm a freaking furmom to this stubborn bundle of joy and I'm loving it.

I'll make another post about what I'm learning raising a Frenchie, things I wish I knew before we got a dog. I'll call it Frenchie Tips cos it's punny haha stay tuned!