Life's Perfect Pictures

I Am Melting!

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:48:00 +0000

Maybe I am not melting but I am still losing weight! At today's weigh in, I was down another 4 pounds so I am 2 pounds away from another mini goal and 14 away from my final goal! I am excited by the thought that I could be at goal by my birthday, at the end of May, which is also my one year mark for my weight loss journey!

I am not resting on my laurels! I am constantly tweaking my eating and my workout routines. Last week, I adding an early morning spin class to my schedule 3 mornings a week. Getting up at 5 AM is hard enough but stick me on a bike and make me sweat, well, that's a lot! Ha! I am a glutton for punishment but that punishment is paying off!

I have to admit that I am thinking about ways to help others lose weight! I enjoy watching others achieve their health and fitness goals and I am thinking about taking it to the next level! We shall see what the future holds! All I know is that I am getting closer to my goal every day and I will push forward!

Secrets of Success

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:22:00 +0000

I watch Dr. Oz occasionally and today it was all about herbal diet supplements that promise quick weight loss for anyone willing to shell out the money! It makes me laugh when they claim that you need not change anything about the way you eat or workout! I also watched an infomercial for Sensa, you sprinkle it in your pizza, burger or fries and you lose weight!

Please!!!!! I get so aggravated at these claims so I am going to tell you the secrets of my success! I am even going to divulge my starting and current weight!

First, I am 43 years old (44 in May) so don't let people tell you that women over 40 cannot lose weight because it simply is not true! At my November 2010 annual physical, I weighed in at 217 pounds! Hello, I was over weight! On June 5, 2011 I made a choice to get healthy and be a good example for my 4 year old Diva and I took the first of many baby steps. I say baby steps because if you try to change everything all at once you will, most likely, fail.

Step one was to change my diet. I opted for a plan that I call the 90/10 plan. Be good 90% of the time and eat what I want the other 10%. For me this translates to eating good during the week and allowing myself to eat my favorite pizza on Friday night! No deprivation going on here!

Step 2 was to start tracking everything that I put in my mouth! I have an app on my iPhone called My Fitness Pal that I love! It is always with me and has a scan feature that allows me to scan barcodes from my favorite products.

So for the first month it was all about what I ate and keeping track of it. Doing this I lost about 10 pounds! Then on July 5, 2011 I took another baby step and began running! I ran for less than 10 days before a torn ACL took me out of commission! During my forced break, I continued to eat right and lost another 10 pounds (20 total). Then came physical therapy and finally on November 10, 2011 I was released to run again and I was off! I have not stopped since!

Now, I don't have scales at home because the Diva broke them so I go to a local car dealership, who held a weight loss challenge that I participated in! I go in every couple of weeks just to make sure I am still on track to meet my goal by June 2012. I am currently 175 pounds!! This makes a total of 42 pounds gone! Only 20 pounds more and I will hit my goal!!

I continue to eat well and run but have recently joined our local YMCA and started taking some classes. I take a class called 30-30-30 which is 30 minutes each if step aerobics, strength training and Yoga. It challenges me twice a week. In February I will add a second class, most likely a spinning class. I have signed up for another challenge to keep me pushing myself forward in this process. I love a good challenge! Prizes help the motivation too!

So, as you can see, no gimmicks here! Just plenty of healthy food and lots of hard, sweat inducing work! New year, new me! This is a lifestyle change for the better. What are you doing for yourself in 2012?

Save on Prescriptions with Walgreens

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 03:00:00 +0000

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Walgreens and Express Script have been unable to to come to an agreement to keep Walgreens as an Express Script provider, so what does that mean for customers? Many customers are having to switch pharmacies or drive farther just to fill their prescriptions! Do you fall into this category? To see if you are impacted check the back of your insurance card to see if Express Scripts is listed on the back.

So what is Walgreens doing to help? Walgreens Prescription Savings Club is one way that Walgreens is trying to assist it's customers. During January an individual can sign up for $5 or a family can register for $10 which will guarantee savings on over 8000 name brand and generic prescriptions. The annual fees are normally $20 for an individual or $35 for a family membership. There are more than 400 generic medications available with a 90 day supply for less than $1 a week!

So who is Express Script? They are a middle man between the insurance company and the pharmacy and they are making more money in these situations than the service provider themselves. In a nutshell, they make money while Walgreens and the customer foot the bill. You can show your support for Walgreens and stay updated by following them on Walgreens on Twitter and Walgreens on Facebook.

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 04:53:00 +0000

I knocked one goal off of my 2012 list by running a 5 k today! I even shaved 9 minutes off my time! Yup, I beat myself!! It's all up from here!

I hope that you all have a blessed new year!

Where is Winter?

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 21:30:00 +0000

It certainly is NOT in Central Illinois! Yes, we had 2 inches of snow earlier this week but today it is 50 degrees and not a cloud in the sky! I am loving it!

Today was a rest day from running in preparation for my first (running) 5k this Saturday so the Diva and I went to the park for some much needed play! We walked to the park and played with new friends then walked home. I would say this is the perfect day but then I get to thinking: where is winter? What is in store next? Will the next snow be the BIG ONE? I'll worry about that later! Have a Happy New Year everyone!

Goals!

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:56:00 +0000

This past July, I set a goal to run a 5k in 2012 and I am happy to say that I will beat that goal by one day! Yes, I have participated in a 2.5k and a 5k, however, due to my knee surgery I was only able to walk them! Saturday December 31,2011, I will ring in the new year running in the Frozen 5k with the Frozen Chosen team. I am nervous and excited all at the same time.

My New Years resolution is to keep putting one foot in from of the other at a fairly quick pace! I want to add to my 40 pound weight loss by losing an additional 25 pounds and, of course, run more 5Ks. I will be healthier at 44 (my birthday is in May) than I was at 24! I will show my little Diva that it is never to late to get healthy!

I have already overcome so much: 40 pounds gone, knee surgery & a Cardiac Ablation that has me feeling like a new woman! I've got this and I will keep going!

What are your New Years resolutions or goals?

Success!

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:28:00 +0000

Yesterday we traveled to Springfield for my heart procedure. I was nervous but OK for the most part! I had to check in by noon so we left home around 9:30 to allow us to find St. John's since we had never been there! We found it with no problem!

Once there I went through check in and labs before being taken to another floor where the procedure would be done. Around 12:30 a nurse took me back to prep me which took about 45 minutes then the Knight got to come hang out with me until they took me back for the procedure around 3:15. By this time I was just ready to be done so I could eat!

The room they took me to was full of computer monitors and high tech gadgets. They started prepping and before I knew it we were starting. The kicker is that I was awake for the whole procedure! I kept my eyes closed, of course, but I heard and felt it all!!

They gave me adrenaline, which my heart beat like crazy! At on point it felt like my heart was doing the wave. Then they started burning the troubled areas. I felt that too but it felt like really bad heartburn! I winced once and the anesthesiologist gave me some more of my feel good cocktail! He was awesome!

Two hours later, it was over and I was on my way to my recover suite. It was a great little private room! As soon as I was in, the Knight was by my side. I had to lay flat for an hour and then I got dinner! Not a snack but a full blown dinner that I chose before surgery!

After dinner, I walked a lap around the nurses station and by 7:00 PM I was on my way home! The procedure was a complete success with on 2% chance of recurrence. Pretty good odds if you ask me!

The one question I made sure the Knight asked Dr. Mouton was: when can I run again? The answer: Wednesday!! I was so excited to hear this news since I have a 5K on the 31st!

I am going to leave you with a photo, taken the night before my procedure, taken at our Candlelight service. My friend, Jill, signed the words as I sang Labor of Love! Photo by Joey Bright.

Looking for a New Phone? Try the LG DoublePlay

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 04:00:00 +0000

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of LG DoublePlay™ for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

The LG DoublePlay™ has everything that you are looking for in a phone! You start off with dual (yes I said dual) customizable screens that operate in tandem or separate! The full QWERTY keyboard and Swype make texting a breeze and you can update Facebook while surfing the web or texting (every multitaskers dream come true)! Add to that a 5 megapixel camera with a flash and 720p HD video recorder and you have every media junkies idea of fun and makes it super simple to share your precious memories with the ones you love!

There are multiple messaging options including Cloud Text and Group Text that give LG DoublePlay uses the ability to send and receive texts from a PC or Tablet. Now you can share content faster and more efficiently than ever before! Still not convinced? How about the LG DoublePlays Android 2.3 with access to the Android Market! This feature allows you to customize up to 7 home screens and up to 9 touchscreen shortcuts which makes for simple one touch navigation!

I know that my phone is the center of my social networking! I would be lost without it because I email, text and update Facebook all from my hand held device! If you are looking for a new phone then you must check out the LG DoublePlay™ .

This phone is available exclusively from T-Mobile.

I Am NOT The Biggest Loser!

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 23:32:00 +0000

I did come in 13th out of the 85 remaining contestants that came to the final weigh in! My final weight loss for this 10 week challenge was 16.2 pounds for a total weight loss of 36.8 pounds! I am pretty happy right now!

I still want to lose another 20 so I will continue with my diet and exercise and hopefully be at my goal weight by my birthday on May 31, 2012 when I turn 44!! The best feeling was having my body fat taken and being in the normal range for my age and weight!! That really made me happy!

I will continue to update you on my journey! I just hope to survive Christmas!!

Zenni Optical Can Make Your Holiday Brighter!

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:45:00 +0000

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Zenni Optical for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Did you know that Zenni Optical has awesome eyewear in stock and waiting for your order? Many of the frames come in festive holiday colors that will make you look styin' this holiday season! Better than that Zenni Optical has cheap eyeglasses that will fit your budget! Just imagine what you could do with all that cash that you save? Your friends and family will be impressed with your gift giving ability and all because you saved a bundle on your eyeglasses . My daughter wants the DIsney Dream Castle plus all the princess dolls and everything else that she sees so I could probably do this with the cash that I save!

I think that these frames are very cool and would look great on me! Best of all.............they are only $29.95! It doesn't get much better than that! There are frames to fit every budget and every style from the plain to the outspoken. Maybe you could get two or three pairs so you have frames to fit your every mood! Head on over to Zenni Optical and let me know which frames would make your Holiday season brighter! Leave me a comment and let me know!

Need YOUR Help!

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:53:00 +0000

Ok, you all know I am doing the KC Summers SlimDown Challenge and I need you to go like my facebook video! Each like gets me a point so I need all that I can get! As of last Tuesday, I was at 12% of the 20% maximum for weight loss points. In other words, I have lost 12 of my 31 pounds during this challenge! Here is the link to my video http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=2838210680196 . I am giving away my secrets to my success over the next three days! Thanks for all of your support!

The Packit: A Lunch's Best Friend

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PackIt for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I remember taking my lunch to school in a sack or an old tin lunch box with an ice pack to keep the contents cold until lunch. However, when lunch time came, my lunch was always warm. Lucky for me I didn't get food poisoning! Today, my little Diva has a safer option that does not include an ice pack and can keep her lunch cold for up to 10 hours! The PackIt lunch boxes are every parents dream come true!

My Diva would love a hot pink one to carry her lunches in and I would like one for my healthy snacks when I am out and about! The best part is that if you buy one now for $19.95, you get one free! What a deal for a family on the go! You can use them for more than lunches too! They make a perfect tote for baby bottles on the go!

What would you use a Packit for? Leave me a comment and let me know! Maybe you have an idea that never occurred to me! Then head to the PackIt lunch boxes website and check out their great offer and get yours today! This would make a great gift for the person on the go!

I AM DOWN!

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:19:00 +0000

I am down in the best way possible! I went to the doctor yesterday for a recheck of my cholesterol and stepped on the scale only to find that I have lost another 7 pounds since November 22nd which puts me at a total of 31 pounds down! Yay! Only 25 or 30 more to go! They called me yesterday afternoon with my test results and they were down but not enough to take me off of the meds just yet! My overall cholesterol was 195 down from 269! My triglycerides and LDL were both still about 19 points high so I am on the meds until my June recheck! I can promise you this: I will be off the meds in June and I will have reached my goal weight by then! You can hold me accountable! On the running front: I am up to two miles on the treadmill every morning and still doing my strength training to make myself stronger! I have a 5 K on New Year's Eve that I will be ready to run, unless the cardiologist says no and in that case I will walk it! I am going to be healthier at 44 than I was at 24!

Stand Up for Family

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 03:00:00 +0000

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of American Family Insurance for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

American Family Insurance is sponsoring a comedy special that the whole family can enjoy! Stand Up For Family gives you the opportunity to watch with your whole family without the worry of anything R rated popping up! I don't know about you but I appreciate the clean comedy because my kids are 4 and 19, which makes it hard to find something that is "safe" for all of us to watch.

The show is hosted by BIll Bellamy and showcases some of today's hottest comedy stars sharing funny personal life experiences and sharing the humor of every day experiences! You can watch the videos provided by AmFam and be reminded of the importance of family and how those closest to us, shape our live in sometimes humorous ways! I watched all of the videos and was laughing so hard that I was crying! The videos reminded me so much of some of the crazy times in my family which is great to remember since many of the family members who contributed to those crazy experiences are no longer with us! Stand Up For Family is sure to keep you in stitches and remind you of all the crazy moments in your family this Holiday season!

Hard Ball of Sweat

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:49:00 +0000

That's my new nickname from the Diva! I have earned it since I sweat like a big dog when I work out and she would know since she is my workout partner! We have a great time doing it!

A lot has changed since my last update! The doctor released me to run again!! I am more than a little excited! I just started training to run my last 5K of the year on New Years Eve! I am so excited that I recruited a team to run with me. Most of them are folks that I met through the KC Summers Slim Down Challenge. We even have a name, the Frozen Chosen!

I know the next question on your mind is: how is the challenge going! It's great! At the beginning of November, when I went to the doctor, I was down 25 pounds! As it happens, the Diva broke the scales so I can only weigh at the doctors office! I go to see the Cardiologist this afternoon so I will have an update soon! I am hoping that I will have lost another 5 pounds which will put me under my second goal and I can move on to the third goal!

Since I am on the run again I will leave you with a picture that pretty much describes me to a tee!!

Cuteness Overload!

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:00:00 +0000

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Puppies vs. Babies for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

We all know that puppies and babies are both equally cute but now they are trying to figure out who YOU think is cuter in a Puppies vs. Babies online contest! This is the throw down showdown of the century and it all comes down to your opinion. You have until November 23, 2011 to cast your vote and the winning puppy or baby will get a $5,000 prize! Not too shabby for just being cute.

I know for a fact that my little Diva or one of my three adorable pooches would have won for sure (yes, I am more than a little biased when it comes to the cuteness factor) but the entry deadline for Puppies vs. Babies is past so I had to go and scour the contestants carefully to choose the one that I think will take home the grand prize and I chose........ I'm not gonna tell so you can make your own choices! Just be prepared for cuteness overload because there are some real cuties in both categories that are waiting for your vote! Now it's time for you to do your duty and get out there and vote for the cutie of your choice! Happy voting and don't forget to leave a comment in the comments section letting us all know who you voted for!

Shout it from the Roof!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 21:33:00 +0000

Since I am being accountable to the whole world and since you all started this journey with me, I thought I better update you all! What better way to do that than with a picture!

I am down 24 lbs from last year but my journey just really began 6 months ago tomorrow! Most of you know that I was sidelined when I tore my ACL but I continued to eat right and contained to lose! Next week, I will be 3 months post Op and my journey will once again be kicked into high gear when I am able to workout even more and get back into running! I am so excited!

I walked a 2.5 K a couple of weeks ago and have 2 - 5 Ks coming up. I will be walking them but at least I will do it!! I am so excited that this program is working and I encourage you all to do what you need to do to be healthy!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Over-scheduled!

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 18:13:00 +0000

I always say that I will not sign my kids up to multiple activities at once because I do not want to over-schedule them or myself and then I go and do it to myself anyway! Yesterday was a prime example. I was up at 6:00 AM to go to the nature center and walk 2 miles before heading to EIU to compete in my first organized race. The race was a 2.5 K so just about 1 1/2 miles. Sounds easy right? NO! There were multiple hills involved! I only walked since I am still not released to run and I finished in just over 26 minutes and came in 204 out of 249! I finished and I am happy with my accomplishment!

Immediately following the race I made my way to Lincoln Log Cabin for a family shoot with some great clients. I finished the shoot around 12:30 and took lunch to my family then the Diva and I headed home so I could shower and relax before doing a Senior shoot at the nature center! I was exhausted and I knew I would not make it through the Cardinals game! I was right! I saw one home run by Pujols and woke up at the end of the game just in time to go to bed! My body hurt and I knew that I had overdone it! My knee was stiff and I was walking like I had a fresh injury (I don't but just saying).

I will never again do that to myself! I know my limits now and, unfortunately, I can do less now than before because of my knee! I need to rebuild my strength and stamina but I need to take it slow as not to re-injure the knee. I will be walking 2 more races this year and both are 5 Ks. There will be no shoots on those days! I have learned my lesson!

Here is my race number! It is on the refrigerator to remind me that "I did it" and "I will do it" again!

Straight Talk is the Answer

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 23:01:00 +0000

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

My son started college in August and shortly after we discovered that our "big" carrier does not cover the area that he is in so he is always "off network". As a parent this is very discouraging because we need to be able to keep in touch but the "off network" charges are killing the budget so we started looking for the answer to our prayers and found it in Straight Talk! We are talking big savings here! For only $45 a month he can get The power of Android and I can feel the savings in my pocket! The unlimited plan works for a busy college guy and the best part is, there are NO overages to come out of my pocket so I Feel Richer with Android

Unlimited means just that! Unlimited calls, texts and picture messages which every teen requires in a plan! Of course, there are cool phones which is another big requirement for the new guy on campus! Smart phones, touch screen, camera, music, app and Bluetooth enabled and the list goes on! And the cherry on top is: no activation, reactivation or termination fees and NO contract! Are you convinced yet? Check it out and save yourself some cash!

The getting richer effect has expanded... by LittleBard95

Got The All Clear!

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 19:07:00 +0000

Maybe not the ALL clear but good enough for me right now! The surgeon gave me the go ahead to walk a couple of 5 Ks! I am so excited! This morning I walked just over 5 K and will continue my training on Monday! My first one is actually a 2.5 K so it won't be that bad.

I return to the Doc on November 15th and am hoping and praying that I get the thumbs up to start some light jogging! I am finally seeing the light at the end of this long tunnel. I must admit that depression had set in and I was becoming bitter about the whole knee thing and then suddenly things are looking up again.

I have decided that walking across the finish line with my head held high will be a big accomplishment and next year when I can run, it will be a whole new achievement! No excuses, folks! Get out there and move!

No Frankenstein Here!

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:21:00 +0000

Physical therapy is going slow but sure! I make good progress every week and am now at 113 degrees of flexion. She wants me at 120 degrees before I see the doctor next Friday and I am pretty sure I will be close! The main goal was for me to quit walking like Frankenstein, which I have done! Go me!!! I can even walk up and down stairs like the rest of y'all instead of peg-legging it! Franky has left the building and will not be returning!

So the next step is to get back to the weight loss and I am jumping in full force on Saturday when a local car dealer kicks off the KC Summers Slim down! There is a $10,000 grand prize at steak here folks! The program runs for 10 weeks and there is a point system so anyone can win, even if you don't lose the most weight! It's all about getting our community members healthy! Here are a couple of videos detailing the contest! Of course, you will all be with me on my journey! Stay tuned!

Now you know what I know! I am excited to be part of the crew on Saturday that kicks it all off! If you are in the area, please feel free to join us and get in shape!

I'm Here!

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:01:00 +0000

I am still around but with PT three times a week and a little Diva, who demands my time, I have just been busy! Today I decided to pay some attention to my blog and my house (very neglected)! The house is done so here I am!

PT is going well! I went back to the Ortho on Friday and got to lose the leg brace unless I am on uneven ground! I was so excited to get out of that thing! I think it was hindering me anyway and my Therapist agreed! I now have 106 degrees of flexion and I can walk up a flight of stairs like a normal person! My hamstrings are still weak so I am working hard to improve them! The big news is that I can finally ride the bike! I did 15 minutes yesterday and will up that to 30 today! I am so excited just to be able to feel like I am getting a workout again!

I joined a Biggest Loser Challenge here locally to help me lose and keep me motivated! I have continued to lose during this recovery time but now that I can do a little more, it will help! The challenge is only 10 weeks but will help through the holidays that are quickly approaching.

In other news: the kids are back in school and both doing great! I miss the Moody Teen but he is adjusting to college life well! The Diva loves school and would live there if she could! I am just glad they are both happy!

That's all I've got for now! Talk to y'all soon!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The Good With the Bad

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 22:52:00 +0000

We gotta take the good news when we can and take out lumps when we can't. Today was one of those good and bad kind of days.

The good: physical therapy is going great! I can now bend my knee to 96 degrees so they are letting me get on the bike tomorrow! This is one thing I have been working toward since I know, realistically, it will be 6 months until I can run again! The bike is a win for me! Then at my doctor visit for my heart, I found out that I reached my first weight loss goal! Score another point for me! I have lost 2 pant sizes! Go me!

And now the bad: I have no pants that fit and shopping is impossible with the brace on! During my doctor visit she ordered a 2D echo of my heart and is sending me to see a cardiologist to get some answers about this SVT and preventing it. Finally, they told me my blood pressure is low at 104/80! I thought it was good but she said no! Sigh......

I am guessing the blood pressure is a result of losing weight, getting in shape and eating right. But what do I know?

Hope you all have a blessed week and we will talk again soon!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Cruel Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 23:15:00 +0000

My summer has not been the greatest in recent history! First, on June 5th, I had an extended bout of SVT that sent me to the hospital where they stopped (and restarted) my heart with a drug called Adenocard. That led me to cutting caffeine out of my life and eating healthier. The next step was to workout so I started strength training and then running to prepare for a 5K.

Everything was going great! The extra pounds were falling off and the running put me in a wonderful frame of mind. Then 4 weeks into my training I tore my ACL while running with a dog, who shall remain nameless (Capone). The tear required surgery, which occurred on August 10th and went well! I have been in Physical Therapy for two weeks and have already recovered 80 degrees of flexion (only 50 more degrees to go)!

Then this morning, as I am waking, my heart goes into SVT again! This required another trip to the ER and another dose of Adenocard to bring my heart rate down from 205 beats per minute to 80 beats per minute in a matter of 2 seconds! Not the way I wanted to start my Tuesday! This summer has truly been a cruel joke! I am so ready for it to end and for fall to begin! Summer, you are officially booted from my life and you can take all you cruelness with you! Good riddance!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

12 Days Post Op

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 18:38:00 +0000

I finally ditched the crutches and the cane and my brace is no longer locked! I know it seems like a little thing but it is such a big accomplishment for me! I also started physical therapy today. I was a tad scared that they were going to throw me on a table, face down and force my foot to touch my booty! Don't laugh! I really thought they were going to hurt me bad. Turns out that today was pretty easy. They asked tons of questions, measured my knee, measured my extension (I was at 6), measured my flexion (I was at 41) and watched me walk! Heal, toe, bend, repeat. Again, simple but much needed!

Then I was handed a list of printed exercises to do at home until my next appointment on Wednesday! Yup, I get to hurt myself in the comfort of my own home! No pain, no gain right? The Diva pushes me pretty hard so there is no cheating on this!

So what does the future hold? Well, I was thinking that running would be impossible before the 6 month mark but she said it was possible at 3 so we shall see! In the meantime, I continue to eat right and lose weight by the changes I have made in my diet! I can't tell you a number lost right now because the Diva dropped our scales and I have not been in a position to battle the back-to-school crowds to pick up another one! I do know that my clothes are too big and that is a good thing!

I will leave you with a picture of my biggest "problem" right now and that is keeping the bottom of my left foot clean! Lol! Yup, it is a running joke here at my house! As you can see, I have to use a mirror to see the horror that is my foot! Hope you all have a great week!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone