Where I've Been

So I suppose that's the big question, huh?  Where have I been this past year? Antarctica? A fugitive? Training for the Summer Olympics? Unfortunately, the answer is...I've been right...here. Same place.  Different circumstances. I'll do my best to bring you up to speed in a succinct manner then, onward we go!


Job: Getting laid off in February of '11 was probably the worst thing...EVER.  I drew unemployment, I scoured for jobs anywhere I could, I even applied for a part time position at a department store selling makeup to keep ends together.  My therapist says there's something to learn from every experience no matter how terrible it is.  Working at the makeup counter? I learned that I have an enormous amount of restraint and that I can supress the urge to throw something at someone's head. My therapist calls that progress, so Yay Me!  In August though, I finally found a job! A pretty good one too.  I'm still working there and while it's been an adjustment, it's nice to be back doing my normal 7:30 to 4:30 gig.  I still hope to work from home at some point, but I'm taking it one step at a time.


Kiddo: Insists on continuing to grow.  He will be 8 in July and that just blows my mind.  I can't believe how big he is, how smart he is, how funny he is, how obsessed with video games he is, and hell, even how smelly he is. He is boy through and through but I don't know what I'd do without the little stinker (I mean stinker literally, if you doubt me just get within 10 feet of his shoes after he takes them off).


Health: What a trip that's been!  I've had quite the ride medically, but things are finally starting to smooth over. I dealt with insane migraines for a good 6 months, migraines that would land me smack in the ER but they've slowly retreated back from whence they came, just in time for my stomach to turn on me.  I've very recently been diagnosed with gastroparesis which is something really gross and you don't want to know about it, seriously, DO NOT GOOGLE. I have pictures to prove it (also, EWWWW) and have been put on this strict diet where basically I eat absolutely nothing that's not mashed, or liquid or easily digestible.  It's way fun, I'm really enjoying it very much, except that I don't.  If I would lose some weight on this ridiculous diet, that would be one thing but so far, I waiver between normal and 5lbs less. Not exactly encouraging. 


Exercise: Last year, while I was in the dreaded "laid off" stage of my life, I started going to the new park they built up the street from my house to vent out my frustrations on the trails. That combined with working on my feet all day, I lost a LOT of weight. I was right around where I wanted to be. Then, hello boyfriend! Hello job that requires me to sit all day! Helloooooo weight gain! Not to say I didn't give up working out but just like anything it's been a tough route. The moment I got the tentative "OK" from my back doctor, I started running again. The Boyfriend is a runner, in fact, while we were planning what would become our first date, he was preparing to run the San Diego 1/2 Marathon. We are part of a running group (yes, there are actually enough people who like running to form an entire group). I haven't gone that crazy yet, but I'm sure my time will come. Then came the day we were hiking in a park and I slipped, fell and broke my wrist. THEN came my first real race, a 5K, no biggie, my shins had been bothering me, but not to any extreme. I saw my doctor a week before and he told me to cease and desist all running activity. Did I listen? OF COURSE NOT! Hello stress fracture, physical therapy, many, many X-Rays and an MRI. My insurance company LOVES me. Some people would say that's the Universe telling me I'm not meant to be a runner, but I think that's a bunch of crap! And even sitting here tonight, my shins are sore, and what am I going to do tomorrow? I'm going to get in a car with The Boyfriend and drive to Corpus where we will be participating in Beach to Bay 2012 Saturday morning. I'm running leg 2, 4.69 miles and I'm going to kick ass! I'm also going to bring my gigantic bottle of ibuprofen for afterwards because, Lord knows, I'm going to need it!

That brings you up to speed on most of my life. Yes, I realize I'm leaving out the biggest part, the Love Story, but I've got to do something to keep you coming back! Love Story is next, right after I conquer Beach to Bay!