Gratitude Monday -- Awake and Interested

The other day I got a sudden interest in something I had forgotten about over the years and for it I am grateful.
The something was a video camera my husband got me for Christmas 2008.
I didn't want it. I wasn't interested in it and as I had two fairly new still cameras at the time I didn't need it and frankly,  felt overwhelmed.
It got used a bit and then ignored.
Thursday night after I settled into bed I got the urge to fire it up and see what I could do with it.
On Friday I dug it out. I knew I was on the right track when I went looking for the manual. Most manuals I keep in a zippered bag in a cupboard near the cameras.
I gave the bag a cursory check distracted by a nagging idea to look downstairs where we've stored the old photo equipment.
I did. The manual was sitting right on top of a camera bag, waiting.
I played a bit on Friday night and then a few more times on Saturday and Sunday to learn about it and get a feel for it.
It's fun.
I'm enjoying it. I'm looking forward to making videos of the birds singing and feeding and whatever else comes to mind.
I am grateful for this new old toy for the fun of it and because as I was getting it ready to use I felt more  awake, interested, alive.
In 2008 I was enjoying my first year of heart problems and on a high dose of the beta blocker Metoprolol. Among the gifts this medication brings is being easy going to the point of not caring much what happens around you.
I suspect this, plus the heart issue itself, led to me not wanting the video camera when I received it.
The newfound interest suggests that the last traces of the medication are out of my system and /or a new layer of creativity has been kindled.
Whatever the reason it is wonderful and I am grateful.

Gratitude Moday -- Renewed

Two weeks ago today I tossed aside my prescription heart medications.
I haven't felt this good in years.
This was a goal. I set out on it a few years ago. I slowly and methodically had my beta blocker dosage reduced from 200 mg a day down to 25 mg a day. The 25 mg was cut in half with 12.5 mg or thereabouts twice daily.
It was good enough, but I aimed to do better.
The digoxin was already at the lowest normal dosage.

I still have atrial fibrillation. It will likely take invasive medical intervention to cure it.
This does not interest me.
I take a low dose ASA. I am investigating mineral supplements to make me even healthier.
A-Fib, as we in the know call it, doesn't stop me from doing much except maybe shovelling snow.
This is not an issue for me.

My cardiologist said I could throw away the digoxin, but I have to keep the metoprolol (the beta blocker) around in case I have a  problem like shortness of breath.
I have no intention of having any problems.

I feel mentally sharper and physically more energetic. In short, renewed.
For this, and for having had the medications and for all they did for me, I am grateful.

I  feel as bouncy and agile as this goat.