Podcasting and Apple

Some commentary on my recent consumption of podcasts.

ACL Rehab, #6

Today a small break through was made ... the 130 degrees barrier was broken.

With a lot of hard stretching and this blunt metal tool (sounds a bit ... yeah I know 'funny'), Sara helped me reach 136 degrees. I'm not too far off from the normal flexion of 140-150 degrees.

Log: 127 to 136.

ACL Rehab, Week 3, #5

Each week, the knee has been making nice increases in flexion, about 10-12 degrees. Now, we are getting into the smaller and harder gains. I started the day at 125 degrees and ended it at 129 degrees.

I must say that physical therapy hasn't been a walk through the park. In order for me to get increased flexion, Sara my PT has to physically 'stretch' the knee and force the knee to bend. As she's doing it, she's basically tearing scar tissue. Yah, it kinda' hurts and isn't much fun as your eyes well up a bit.

At this point, I am able to walk normally (regular gait, no noticeable limp) but the leg does swell up if I am on it for too long. The left quad is noticeably smaller than the right but have been doing extra leg lifts to strengthen it.

I can see why these ACL injuries take a good 6-9 months before you are back to playing sports. Lots of rebuilding and relearning to do.

Ballard Farmers Market, Summer 2006

This summer, Heather and I have taken to the wonderful fruits and vegetables that are produced in the State of Washington. Each Sunday, we head to the Ballard or University Farmers market to smell, pinch, and taste the local farmers' hard work. They really have some delicious stuff. My personal favorites this summer have been the cherries, nectarines, and peaches.

Mommy Wants a New Pair of Shoes, NFL Style

So this year, I've decided to play only one fantasy football league which is comprised of friends and family in Seattle. We're using Yahoo's fantasy football platform because I've had good experiences with it in the past.

One interesting note this year is that my wife Heather is playing for the first time as a rookie. She knows I have a passion for all things football and this is intended to create more bonding time together in front of the TV on Sundays. It's going to create more trash talking for sure.

We decided to put a little wager on the season since I'm supposed to be the Kasparov of fantasy football, if I say so myself. If Heather beats me this season (total points, not head-to-head), she can go shopping for a new pair of shoes or a new handbag. I don't think she means Payless; I'm actually scared she might go Sex in the City and throw down for some Manolo Blahniks.

I'm beginning to wonder what upside there is for me. Clearly nothing monetary!

Whidbey Island, Summer 2006

So my friend, Joe, found this amazing beach house on the shores of Whidbey Island. We spent the weekend gorging ourselves on smores, pasta, chips, beer, et al., laughing at one another, playing card games, and keeping our dogs from killing each other.

For some reason or another, Roxy (Joe's black Lab) and my Lizzie just don't get along. It's a bit perplexing because neither dog is aggressive and usually play the submissive one.

Despite playing ref all weekend, we had an amazing time soaking up the summer sun and catching up with old friends.

ACL Rehab #1

Today was my first day of physical therapy for the new knee.

Very excited to get this going!

Sara, my physical therapist, began the session by loosening up the fluid around the knee cap and then stretching/pushing my knee towards my hamstring. This is to break up all the scar tissue around the knee joint.

Each session my progress will be measured in degrees (i.e. how much flexion can I get each time).

I started at 80 degrees and the goal was to get to 100 degrees. This part was quite painful, the joint was very tight. I ended up getting to 98 degrees (Nick Lachey), just shy of 100.

Sara made me get on the bike to warm up the joint and she challenged me to see how far I could rotate around. Couldn't get the full 360 degrees; probably closer to 270 degrees.

After the bike, I got a refresher on how to walk properly. Because of the brace, you have to relearn the correct way, really emphasizing the heel-to-toe motion.

The day was wrapped up with 15 minutes of shock treatment on my quad where they place these electrode pads on your quad which send pulsating electricity. This stimulates the regeneration of the muscles. I kind of liked the stim (the medical term), I think I'm part masochist.

Best part of this visit was that she opened up my brace to have full range. No more "Ay, ay Captain!" peg leg.

Day 11, ACL Update

Went in to see Dr. Green for my second post op appointment. Things are on track: the leg is straight (better be damn straight!), swelling has subsided, and muscle strength is improving.

Good news is that I don't have to sleep with the mega brace on. Bad news is a) I still have to wear it during the day even though I don't think I need it and b) I still have to wear the "pantyhose" stocking for another week. Ladies, don't know how you do it.

Long Tail Economics

Since I've started writing another blog focused on consumer Internet and technology, I'm going to periodically post links to that blog entry instead of copying and pasting every time.

This one's about long tail economics, Chris Anderson's claim to fame and his recent book on the subject.

Here's the link to my commentary: Long Tail.

Day 6, Post Operation ACL

I thought I was a tough guy since I had stopped taking the meds (oxycontin) around Day 3 post op. I was doing fine until the last 24 hours, when my lower leg realized that somebody had drilled a hole into it and attached some foreign object (some other guy's tendon).

Yep, had to go back on the meds to alleviate the pain. I hope this is temporary. Hmm, reminds me of my flag football team's mantra... "Pain is temporary. Pride is Forever."

In this case, pain must be temporary. Pride what, who?