The difference between our two kids amuses me and when we went to The Outside store for skis it was quite evident with the staff. Olivier was getting new skis and boots and the year earlier Xavier has gone. They had dealt with Xavier and it was super easy. He knew what he liked and was far more familiar with the process and with getting his boots baked and molded. He also understands that the boots need to be tight in order to ski properly. Olivier is the complete opposite and nothing is comfortable or fits right. He is nowhere near as athletic as his older brother. Mel and I were discussing this and she thinks that it is our fault. Her logic was that we were far more active with Xavier when he was younger. When Olivier approached the same age I got sick with pancreatitis and then cancer. This was also during COVID which had a major impact. We as a family were not as active. The only one active was Xavier and his hockey, so it was much easier for him to maintain it all. As much as our genes impact our growth, our environment plays a huge role as well. Olivier can be extremely competitive with things, but in some things he likes to take it slow and enjoy himself. Skiing is one of those things that he likes to take his time. We told him that he needs to know how to ski because we will be going as a family. He does not need to take lessons every week, but he needs to be comfortable enough that he can go down a big hill by himself. I would like to go out west for a ski trip at some point in the future.
Growing up my parents worked long hours and we were often left to fend for ourselves. My grandmother lived with us and she was the adult in the house, but we had to deal and figure out most problems ourselves. I do not recall ever going to my parents for any sort of help, especially if it did not involve academics. Even then it was not my first choice as what I was taught by my father was far more advanced. I think that this is why I am stubborn and try to solve everything on my own even if it is to my own detriment. If it was not for Mel I would probably be in worse shape as she pushes me to follow up with people for my health. I have learned to defer to Mel for my health. It has worked wonders for me. I have seen a slow and steady increase for my weight. It is not every day, but it is trending upwards. I tried not to take my pills but realized a bit too late that I still need to take them. In terms of food I have eaten slightly less than I would normally but it has all been high in protein. I am going to try protein drinks again and see if that helps out. Hopefully it will be better. Olivier told Mel that I shoveled the driveway several times yesterday. She does not like me shoveling as I am using up calories. She is not wrong, but there is a standard that needs to be maintained. For the longest time, I could not have Dairy Queen as I woulda throw up after I ate something, regardless of the size. I started having the misty freeze which sits well it seems. It takes me a while to drink it though. When we are at home I save it to drink for 2 nights. It works wonders. Tomorrow I am going to look up high calorie food and see if I can come up with a better strategy.
Q