Since we didn’t need to be up by a specific time today we didn’t set an alarm last night though we still went to bed at the same time. After 8.5 hours of sleep Sasha decided it was time for me to get up, per usual, so I took my pre-workout drink then took her for a walk. 

While Laura slept for a bit longer I went next door to tackle what would be my strongest arms lifting session since breaking my shoulders 4.5 months ago.  

I continued to get creative with the equipment available to me and was able to accomplish the following workout in under 40 minutes: 

3 sets x 12, 10, 8 reps 

Biceps

Alternating Hammer Curls (10 lbs dumbbells, 15 lbs dumbbells, 20 lbs dumbbells) 
Straight Bar Curls (30 lbs, 40 lbs, 50 lbs)
Concentrated Curls (10 lbs dumbbells, 15 lbs dumbbells, 20 lbs dumbbells) 

Triceps

Seated Triceps Extension (30 lbs, 40 lbs, 50 lbs)
Triceps Pushdown (40 lbs x 3)

Abs

Scissor Kicks (50)
Side crunches (15 per side x 15 lbs dumbbell) 

After finishing the final set of the seated triceps extension I started to feel a slight ache in my left shoulder. I immediately cut back on what I was planning for tricep pushdowns and my abs routine. 

It was my first time using 20 lbs dumbbells for curls and using 50 lbs on any machine exercises.  

It was also the first time that I was able to grab my opposite wrist behind my back to stretch my triceps though the range of motion is still very limited behind my back.  

After finishing my workout Laura and I got ready to head out for last-minute Christmas errands. 

We dropped off the final restaurant’s gifts that we had packaged up yesterday, picked up my additional medication and ran to the grocery store for tomorrow’s dinner. 

We then were able to spend a couple of hours with some dear friends of ours enjoying a nice lunch at a new restaurant for both of us. 

When we came back home we got started on preparing our Christmas Eve dinner. We started first with dessert because, well, they are chocolate cupcakes with a peanut butter center and peanut butter frosting (recipe). 

Once the cupcakes were done we got started on the pierogis for tonight since those take a while to prepare. It’s pretty cool because the recipe was Laura’s great grandmother’s and it was passed down to her last year. No, I don’t think I’m allowed to give out the recipe. 

After several hours of preparation and cooking we sat down to our Christmas Eve dinner  It was nice to break out the fine china and crystal. 

We spent the dinner talking about the past 4.5 months and what lays ahead for us with the chemo treatment. We laughed at a few moments and were brought to tears by others.  

This Christmas is a special one for us. We are very thankful to be where we are after what the later part of this year had in store. It goes beyond gifts or food or a beautiful tree.  

Thank you to everyone who has come along with us on this journey. It hasn’t been an easy one and is far from over. 

To everyone who celebrates Christmas, I wish you a very Merry Christmas. Instead of focusing on the gifts, though they are pretty cool, take time to appreciate your family and friends.