Ouch! 6 Lessons Worth Sharing

Priscilla McKenney

Every week my spouse, Andrea, gives me a shot of Enbrel to control my Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). I hate the sharp pain of the needle going into my arm, wincing every time, and most times yelling, “Ouch” or even swearing! Moments later the stinging pain is gone. I thank Andrea, because for her, it is difficult to inflict pain on the one she loves. She suffers along with me. We have shared this weekly ritual for 14 years now. I remind myself the short term pain is the trade off…

Back in the Boat- reflections on tides and currents

Priscilla McKenney

This morning felt balmy for February as I prepared my one person canoe to get on the water and paddle with my club, San Francisco Outrigger. I tag along with the six person canoes. We launch at Crissy Fields, just inside the Golden Gate bridge and Fort Point by 9:30. After a warm up paddle to the Golden Gate bridge, we head along the San Francisco waterfront towards the Bay Bridge in hopes to catch the ebb tide home before it turns into a flood tide by 11:30 am. The…

Out of the Boat- Rest and Recovery

Priscilla McKenney

Out of the boat today. Tired. Recovery day. Normally, Thursday mornings, I am on the water by 7am and paddle to the Golden Gate Bridge and often beyond to Point Diablo before I begin my workday. I love starting my day on the water, quiet, feeling the water, my focus on form, not speed and being among the sea birds, porpoise and harbor seals. Often sola. Last Thursday, just before arriving at Point Bonita, my buddy, James, and I saw a gray whale sloshing along while we rode up and…