Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Tuesday Tidbits of Randomness

As I have mentioned I finally went to the doctor last week.  I did get the diagnosis, have a plan for treatment, and have begun that process.  When all of this first started I thought it was PF (because that was a common thing) and then as I started pinpointing pain I realized it was more along the lines of the achilles tendon area.  When I had to postpone my appt earlier in November I started really focusing on the area and amount of pain when I had it so I could chat with the dr about it.  On Black Friday it hit randomly (and bad) but I had a better idea of pain- so when I googled it I came up with the inflammation of the bursa sacs and Haglunds.  Well, sure enough, it's Haglund's Deformity.  It all ties together but thankfully I don't seem to have it as bad as some.  Mine's not as easily seen- it was found through the x-ray.  So, I have some expensive anti-inflammatory cream (I can't use NSAIDs due to my kidney issues), some stretches, some foam heel "lifts" (which hurt the bottom of foot), and a follow up appointment at the end of December.  I am trying to avoid physical therapy due to cost if I can but if that's the route I need to go then I guess I will figure it all out.

Along with diagnosis comes the desire to actually run.  Interestingly enough, since black Friday I have had very little heel pain.  I want to get out and do the run walk thing to see how it goes.  However, I also don't want to push it.  I have contacted Mizuno and told them my issues and asked for suggestions based on the need for a little bit of a heel lift.  They suggested the Wave Paradox- guess I better start saving my pennies- it's not the cheapest shoe on the market LOL...  

picture from the Mizuno website

At the time of this writing- there are only 8.5 days left until Christmas break.  I am working on the "me" time- it's coming along- but I still have some other things to figure out.  I know it will all come together but hoping that a fresh start/clean slate in January will get the ball rolling.  

And last, my favorite part of this post- 5 years ago some friends of mine had their twins at 25 weeks.  Sara shares their story here- it has been an amazing journey- check out the video at the end and just bask in His goodness! 

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

December 3- Do Life Big

I know that might seem like a strange title but it is appropriate for what I planned on posting and then, even more appropriate after something major happened in my town on Tuesday.

I was driving home and this song came on my playlist which fit right in with my planned post.



Then I got home and read this article and life became a whole lot more meaningful- this post became a whole lot more heart wrenching, and in reality- has helped me put things in perspective more than ever.


So- here goes:

6 months- 6 months from today is a big day in my life- the big 4-0.  They say age is just a number, and yet, there's a lot that has taken place in that span of time- love, heartache, loss, change, and most important- life.  As I approach this milestone I have to ask myself if I am really living or am I simply existing?  Most days I feel like I am just going through the motions.  I have a choice- in June- when I look back on the last 6 months- these upcoming 6 months- am I going to be able to say, "I really lived!" or am I going to plod through life, just existing?


Life has a way of not turning out like planned- and you know what?  That's okay!  God's plans are bigger and His ways are higher than mine.  He has a beautiful future ahead for me- whether that's one day, one year, or another 60 years.  Regardless I want to live my life big:

Oh, I wanna love, wanna give every day I live,
I wanna do life big,
I wanna love, serve, and give every chance I get,
I wanna do life big,
Oh, I wanna love, wanna give every day I live,
I wanna do life big,
I wanna love, serve, and give every chance I get,
Oh I wanna do life big,

Read more: Jamie Grace - Do Life Big Lyrics | MetroLyrics 

So- today- make sure to tell those around you that you love them- hold them close and give them an extra hug!

Monday, December 1, 2014

December 1- Making a Plan

So - I ended yesterday's post with the idea that it's time for a change- the first step in making a change is making a plan.

So- what's my plan?  Knowing that my month of December is CRAZY and since I am in waiting mode to see what the podiatrist says on Thursday my plan needs to be very basic.  Meal planning- that's it- for the physical aspect.  Drink the water and then actually EAT what I PLAN!  My hope is that Sunday I have had the time (and taken the time) to do some meal prepping for the week.  The rest of that involves tracking.  It's what I did before and I saw great results.  I tried to get away from it because I felt like I was a slave to MFP and yet, it worked, so not sure why I am fighting it.  Get rid of those fried foods, eat more veggies, cook more!  That's my plan.

Mentally and emotionally- this one is harder for me-I think it's the not knowing from day to day what's going to happen that affects this.  However, I know that I need to take one night- surely I can take one night- and make it just mine.  Nothing work related, nothing "anything" related except to clear my mind- whether that be through tv, reading, or journaling.  I also need to set a specific night of the week for work related items (this may be two nights)- that could be anything from grading to lesson plans.  And, if it's not one of those two nights- I don't work on it- unless it's a pressing need to get it done.

One month- I am taking these one month at a time.  This is not where I planned to be on December 1- but reality is- it's where I am.  The only way to move forward is to start where I am and don't look back.


(Thank goodness for this).  One step at a time, one day at a time...  Off and "running"