Dani's Rebel Log

[Dani_Shugart]

@Friedrich

Sorry to hear this.

Eh, no biggie. It’s probably time I took a break. Thanks for being sweet.

@SkyzykS

Yep. Time to move on to paying gigs, a comedy troop and international stardom.

Actual response:
Very sorry to hear.

Haha my big head is going to float away with compliments like that. Thanks for putting a smile on my face.

@simo74

No idea, but shoulders look great either way. Quality

Aw shucks, that’s exactly the thing I always want to hear. You’re a great friend.

@QuadQueen

UGH!! This sucks so much. I’m so sorry, but totally get it.

Thanks girlfriend! You know what? It actually might be a good thing. I was bummed about it, but then realized that taking a break might be what’s needed right now.

@QuadQueen

Maybe you could pivot and do HILARIOUS reels on Insta. I mean, I’d be there for it.

Now, that would be the smart thing to do! HA!

But I get too addicted to validation on social media. I like to joke around about that addiction… but there’s a big kernel of truth to it! And instagram might be the worst for my brain health. So, I would if I could, but I’m too much of a junkie!

@QuadQueen

Don’t stifle your funny because of one annoying piece of Velcro.

It’s so weird. I could’ve probably handled the Velcro-iness if she hadn’t pulled the guilt trip thing. But the moment an adult tries to control me through either scolding or disappointment, is the moment I know to keep a distance. I’ve been here before, it never ends well. haha! I’m having such a weirdly emotional week.

@QuadQueen

Own your awesome, my girl!!

This feels like a big hug. Thank you for being here sweet friend.

[Dani_Shugart]

Just got back from AZ. My dad is recovering from another heart surgery (aortic valve replacement); he’s been in recovery for a few weeks but I finally got the chance to go see him and my mom.

And they didn’t hold back on clobbering me while playing cards. I had an aggressively competitive attitude…and then got spanked, which was embarrassing but deserved.

Today’s Workout

Deadlift: 5 x 5

Leg Press: 4 x 10, 5, 5, 5

Superset:
Walking Lunge
Push-Up

My legs and hips needed a lot of stretching after sitting through flights yesterday. I did just enough to challenge myself, but didn’t push it any further.

Got a whole row to myself! Don’t you feel like the luckiest person EVER when this happens?

[SkyzykS]

@Dani_Shugart

Thanks for putting a smile on my face.

Any time. .

Glad to hear your parents whooped you in a few card games too. Thats quality time!

[Dani_Shugart]

Antibiotic Alternatives for Pee-Pee Problems

There’s one downside to being mutually and deliriously horny for your spouse. Lots of hot nasty sex means higher chances of UTIs. And that’s what woke me up at 1 am.

It felt like a constant urgency to pee and a burning knife to the bladder when I actually was able to go. So, I drove to Walgreens at 2 am only to discover that it wasn’t open, nor was ANY drugstore in this city despite what google said. And I’m telling you, I almost started crying right there in the parking lot. So then I drove to a 7-Eleven only to discover that the best they could do is aspirin… which I’d already taken.

So I went back home, curled up in the guest bedroom, and searched the YouTubes for home remedies. And you’re not going to believe it. Maybe you will, but I still can’t.

But a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water makes everything feel better in less than 15 minutes. It worked so well I fell asleep.

Why isn’t this common knowledge?! In my 20s, I had UTIs pretty frequently and the only known “remedies” were Ocean Spray, which wasn’t effective… like, ever… and antibiotics.

But taking antibiotics came with a ton of other problems, which would later require a whole new doctor visit and different set of prescriptions. Not to mention a whole new type of pain. So, I’m averse to antibiotics and am constantly surprised that conventional doctors never seem to have any non-prescription remedies. Actually that’s a joke. I’m not surprised by it anymore.

Luckily, YouTube has solutions. So I found this video today and actually had most of these remedies in my supplement pantry. If you get UTIs, bookmark this:

#1 Best Remedy for a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)

• Oregano oil capsules (60% carvacrol): 200 mg 4 times a day
• Thyme capsules: 500 mg once a day
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons in 16 oz water
• Drink at least 2.5 liters of fluid
• Diuretics (optional) to increase flow through urinary tract: asparagus, dandelion, potassium supplements

Thank God for Dr. Berg. Some people love to undermine him, but he’s helped me as much or more (for free) than any general practitioner I’ve ever seen.

If my UTI gets worse, I’m still not going to a doctor for it… because their knowledge of UTIs doesn’t go beyond “take Ciprofloxacin and drink lots of water!”

Happier Stuff

The Easter/Christmas cactus exploded with flowers. So that means it’s neither a Christmas or Easter cactus.

I have a new intermediate improv class tonight. This pic was the previous term and we all had such amazing friend-chemistry that I was sad it ended. Hopefully my knife-in-the-bladder situation allows me to attend tonight’s session. It won’t be the same group but it’ll be the same teacher who I adore.

“Heehee!” -Michael Jackson

[DoesTheHeavyLifting]

If everything happens for a reason, maybe taking a short break from comedy was in the cards. You can pursue that path in the future if you choose to do so.

Wishing a quick recovery for your father.

If you were to go to an emergency room or urgent clinic with symptoms like frequent or painful peeing, they are likely going to test your urine for signs of infection like nitrates, high numbers of leukocytes, etc., consider several other causes, and try to culture any bacteria. Treating the symptoms with whatever works is great, and certainly not every pain requires antibiotics. However, there are other causes which explain these symptoms, and untreated UTIs can turn into very serious infections. I’m not saying that your suggestions are not worth trying. But if they do not completely resolve things within a day or two, you still need to get things checked out. Most doctors could give a two hour lecture on UTIs.

[Dani_Shugart]

@DoesTheHeavyLifting

maybe taking a short break from comedy was in the cards. You can pursue that path in the future if you choose to do so.

That’s what I’m thinking too. Chris and I are actually still writing material and planning to attend some open mic nights around town.

We really enjoyed our stand-up teacher’s guidance. He can read a joke (or watch you perform it) and see exactly what will get laughs, how to make it funnier, and what to cut out. So we are planning to work with him again.

@DoesTheHeavyLifting

Wishing a quick recovery for your father.

Thank you! He seems to be doing pretty well now.

@DoesTheHeavyLifting

If you were to go to an emergency room or urgent clinic with symptoms like frequent or painful peeing, they are likely going to test your urine for signs of infection like nitrates, high numbers of leukocytes, etc., consider several other causes, and try to culture any bacteria.

Yeah I’ve spent so many hours in urgent care getting my pee tested for UTIs that I’m a professional at knowing what it feels like to get one.

In college, the day I was supposed to graduate, I almost didn’t make it to the stage because of a UTI that spread to the kidneys after trying to “treat” it with cranberry juice. But that was back before we had so much information on effective alternative remedies.

@DoesTheHeavyLifting

But if they do not completely resolve things within a day or two, you still need to get things checked out.

Thank you for your concern.

[Dani_Shugart]

The Squirrel Saga (Continues)

Squirrels love to nest in our porch columns, so last year I came up with a makeshift solution to cover the top of the columns after chasing them out. It actually worked really well for a lot longer than I expected.

But then they came back and started to destroy the columns again recently.

So Chris came up with the idea of adding a sheet metal material on top, nailing it down, then using this rodent foam stuff to fill in the gaps. And that was a fantastic idea… for two days. But she came up with a workaround. (I suspect it’s one female squirrel.)

But it turns out, the 2025 squirrels are a lot more industrious than the 2024 squirrels.

Because after two days of watching me caulk, prime, paint, and clean this column, she ate through the SIDE of it where there’s no sheet metal. I think it’s a mama who had babies in there because there’s no way that a rodent would do this much work to get back into it. There are much easier places to live.

And unfortunately she’s so cute.

Look closely

Jack, our contractor is brainstorming some ideas right now. I think we’re going to have to cut a big hole in the side of it, clean it all out, and maybe see if we can get all the babies (or whoever’s in there) to escape.

[DoesTheHeavyLifting]

Of course you are still a young and very healthy looking woman. It is particularly important to treat urinary infections aggressively in pregnancy, in pediatric populations, in elderly patients with chronic disease and confirmed infection, and in diabetics. Repeated symptoms that disappear quickly with conservative measures might raise other possibilities such as cystitis. However, I agree it is usually better to avoid antibiotics if things improve without them - providing they stay improved.

Different body parts rate each other

The Brain to the Liver: “You’re a 6.”

The Spleen to the Colon: “You’re a 7.”

The Urethra to the Bladder: “Urinate.”

(Not very funny. Guess my comedy career is in the toilet?)

[Andrewgen_Receptors]

@Dani_Shugart

Jack, our contractor is brainstorming some ideas right now. I think we’re going to have to cut a big hole in the side of it, clean it all out, and maybe see if we can get all the babies (or whoever’s in there) to escape.

I can assure you there is a permanent solution to your problem, and its tastier than you’d expect.

[alex_uk]

Free, free range meat, babies would be tender as well.

In terms of contractor solutions, how about filling it with concrete, now you’ve got a hole to pour from the top?

[SkyzykS]

@Dani_Shugart

And unfortunately she’s so cute.

I squirrels. I think we covered that last year.

I bottle fed 2 babies and raised them into adulthood after cutting their tree down and almost putting them through the chipper.
Tiny adorable things.

[Dani_Shugart]

@SkyzykS

I bottle fed 2 babies and raised them into adulthood after cutting their tree down and almost putting them through the chipper.
Tiny adorable things.

Yeah I keep thinking of Peanut the squirrel who became a pet for that TikTok guy. They are pretty sweet… just destructive as heck!

Once our columns are filled with something and patched up, I’m hoping Jack will help me attach a squirrel house in one of the nearby trees.

@alex_uk

how about filling it with concrete, now you’ve got a hole to pour from the top?

That’s smart but I think the builder of this house cut corners so I worry about the unintended consequences of filling it with something heavy. Jack was thinking along the same lines though. He wants to put pea gravel inside.

I’m thinking about some type of foam insulation. But then again, squirrels can probably eat through that.

My brain is so tired this problem.

[SkyzykS]

@Dani_Shugart

Once our columns are filled with something and patched up, I’m hoping Jack will help me attach a squirrel house in one of the nearby trees.

That might be nice!

[Friedrich]

A cat would work.

[Dani_Shugart]

That’s exactly what I proposed to Chris last night.

[Dani_Shugart]

Yesterday: Lower-ish

Getting back from AZ and then immediately trying to fight off a UTI has not been great for gym time. (But it’s been awesome for nap time.) So just choosing a few moves, and using a couple intensity techniques to make them burn, has been a killer strategy.

I’m still working around the scap/rear delt area that’s been ticked off since January. RDL’s are doable, but I’m not sure if they might be delaying recovery. Perfect form (squeezing the orange in your armpit) kinda stresses out the area I’m trying to work around.

Machine hip thrust
Dip
Leg Press
Leg Extension

Is it weird to have dips in there? Yes, but I kind of can’t resist when the two machines are next to each other. Also, my nervous system must’ve been completely recovered because those reps came really easily.

Today: Upper-ish

I started with a simple warm-up using Nick Tumminello’s mini-bands and I think it made a huge difference for my scap-and-rear-delt issue!

So the first move is a no-money drill:

NT Loop Mini No Money Shoulder Health Exercise || Mini Band Rotator Cuff Shoulder Exercise

And the second is an overhead raise like this:

How to do a Mini Band Overhead Press

I placed it around the wrists though instead. The more you actively try to pull your hands apart from each other, the more effective it feels in the upper back.

There are a ton of mini-band drills for the shoulders, so I’m going to be testing out more this week. I couldn’t believe how good my back and shoulders felt after just a few sets of those.

Super secret fantasy: If this shoulder area ever heals, I’d like to dabble in the Olympic lifts again. When I was doing CrossFit, I hired a personal trainer for the Oly lifts and they were pretty rewarding even though I never went that heavy. But since that was a whole decade ago, I don’t completely trust my memory to just pick up a barbell and start snatching.

I really miss the high pull too. Is there anything more fun than that? No. There is not.

DB Bench Press
Bicep 21s (with extra pauses for torture)
Seated Cable Row
Tricep Pulldown

Two Things:

1. Maintaining muscle requires a lot less volume and effort than building it.
2. Messing up your lat/scap/rear delt area makes workouts extremely limited.

But as far as number two goes, the good news is number one. So I still kinda feel like a monster walking around the gym. And people are like, why isn’t that monster doing more exercises?

So upper body today was some chest, biceps, cautious tricep work, and extremely cautious neutral-grip cable rows. I felt the rows hitting all the right musculature, and even with just a 60 pounds, I got a decent pump. But in about 24 hours I’ll find out if even trying it was a mistake.

Other Stuff

I might be getting attached to our messy little porch visitor. Her name is Squirrelett Johansen and this is a Disney version of her.

I can’t wait till it’s toasty outside. Someone throw some toast outside and take a picture so that it’ll happen.

My friend had her going away party on Saturday. She’s moving to Mexico in a few days and I’m pretty sad about it. We’re doing one last lunch this week before she goes.

At least my outfit was cute.

[Chris_Shugart]

If the squirrel gets the Disney treatment, so do you:

Or maybe this one:

[Dani_Shugart]

@Chris_Shugart

If the squirrel gets the Disney treatment, so do you:

You already make me feel like a princess. And now everyone wants to vomit. Which means, goal accomplished!

Look how funny the wall art is!!

Protein with a leafy green above it. Silly AI, that sign needs a cow carcass.

[unicornsandrainbows]

@Dani_Shugart

Maintaining muscle requires a lot less volume and effort than building it.

This statement makes me happy. I’m in my first ever bulk and the volume is not happy-making.

[Dani_Shugart]

@unicornsandrainbows

I’m in my first ever bulk and the volume is not happy-making.

What?! Congrats on all the gains you’re making girlfriend, that’s so freaking cool!!

Yeah, I’m a firm believer that once you build it, you can take time off and rebuild pretty quickly… or even just hang onto your gains with minimal maintenance.

I was listening to a Mind Pump episode while walking Kipper this morning, and they were confirming this belief with their own anecdotes. I don’t typically listen to fitness podcasts, but when I’m in the mood for it, Mind Pump is my favorite. Five stars for them!