November Chill

The Women in Black

2012-02-10T20:55:00.001-05:00

Just went to see this movie and it was awesome! Daniel Radcliffe proves that he is just a damn good actor with good taste in movies! It was great, I jumped in my seat at least 4-5 times, which I never do, and yet was not bloody or gory. Very eery setting, a little Wuthering Heights-esqe. Everyone should go see it and I hope he makes more of these types of movies...

Down for the count

2012-02-08T18:22:00.004-05:00

I think I'm giving up this week with my injury. EVERYTHING is hurting it. I tried the recumbent bike this afternoon and thought "great, not hurting me." Then I go get changed and walk to the bus and have sharp shooting pains all up and down my leg and back! How can you be injuring yourself and not feel it till afterwards, I don't understand...? I have Friday off (thanks god!) so I think I'm just going to eskew all cardio activity AT LEAST till Mon, and maybe longer. The last time I took time off was the 5 weeks I had the boot on, and hobbling around in that thing only made the hip worse, so maybe its worth a second try... before I wind up with a cane...

Spending the weekend metaphorically licking my wounds...

Does anyone else have experience with chronic bursitis/tendonitis pain? Any tips? Anyone get any relief from yoga? Or did it make it worse?

Good Friday Morning

2012-02-03T06:27:00.001-05:00

I almost never have free time in the morning since I workout, so this morning since i am skipping that, I thought I'd say hello. I actually SAT DOWN for breakfast!

I finally tried to make some overnight oats like I see EVERYWHERE these days. Made in non-dairy though because frankly I'm skipping a workout and DON'T need to bloat... This came out really good I will definitely do it again!

1/3 cup oats
1/3 cup coconut milk
3/4 scoop protein powder
1 tsp chia seed powder
1/4 tsp cinnamon
dash of nutmeg
1/4 banana

Happy Groundhog's Day

2012-02-02T19:28:00.003-05:00

Punxatawny Phil (or ancestors) have predicted a long winter 99 time since 1886, so it shouldn't be surprising that we are due for another six weeks of winter... but even knowing these statistics I felt sure that this would be one of those rare times that winter was short. I mean yesterday was 60 degrees, right? But no... Oh well, if winter continues like this I don't mind. Last year I felt like crying to hear another 6 weeks! Weather is weird, and I'm pretty sure the weathermen have about as much of a chance as the groundhog of getting the forecast right - but then again, it was -28 degrees in eastern europe this week... so they must be getting our winter. Let's hope we don't get hit with "real" winter in spring :)
I just wish it wouldn't rain. Rain, "that time of the month", overexercising, overstretching, not stretching enough, poor posture, too much sitting at a desk, (chronic fatal illness that will be found a few years from now and doctors will feel really really bad about). I've considered every possible reason for sudden outbreaks of pain for no seemingly obvious reason. Yes I get I have an injury and need to take it easy on it, but if its relatively ok one day and feeling like I was stabbed in multiple places on my body the next, you would this I'd be able to say "I right, I did THAT, I won't do THAT again. By I really can't. It's frustrating. I tried to take it easy yesterday but wound up walking 20 minutes and doing an hour of yoga, which wasn't really resting it. Tonight I'm doing NOTHING. I painted my nails with my new $10 stamper I got for my birthday... it didn't go too well, but I have some hope I'll get the hang of it. I'll post pics if I do...

Free Protein Powder Samples

2012-01-28T18:15:00.000-05:00

BioPro Protein Powder - "Like" on Facebook

Designer Whey - "Like" on Facebook

2012-01-27T18:50:00.000-05:00

I'm about as flexible as this cat...

Source: ffffound.com via Sera on Pinterest

2012-01-24T19:53:00.001-05:00

Like my messy desk? Can you tell we are going paperless? What, you can't?
After nearly 4 years they finally figured out my birthday - damn! It was nice though. I got Dunkin Donuts Bagels for breakfast; had to exercise more at the gym tonight, but it was worth it :)

2012-01-21T16:08:00.003-05:00

Source: get-thinspiration.tumblr.com via Kristin on Pinterest

I certainly hope so! I did the stretches that the doctor gave me twice today, and iced my hip for an hour (few different areas). I also had to shovel snow and now my hip is killing me, so I hope this helps!!!

Diagnosis: Iliotibial Band Pain Syndrome and Trochanteric Bursitis

2012-01-19T17:27:00.001-05:00

Just back from the Sports Medicine Specialist and am half happy and half disappointed. But not at all surprised. I'm sure any readers here, after 2 1/2 years would have done their own "research" on the internet, so the fact that I previously self diagnosed IT Band and Bursitis isn't surprising. But it is REALLY REALLY REALLY nice to have an actual NAME for what it is instead of "Gee, I don't know, give it another few months and see how it is" or "Well I can surgically go in and take a look but it probably wouldn't do any good." This doc was nice and he actually asked me WHERE everything hurt and LOOKED at where I was pointing. Unfortunately, I was not super in pain today (of course! its like the dancing WB Frog from old cartoons - you know the one everyone but one person though was dead, but he saw it dance?). However, since he listened, he got it anyway.
The treatment options aren't surprising either. Lots of stretching and strengthening exercises (he gave me pamphlets, which I think is a bit of a cop out from explaining himself, but oh well).
He told me physical therapy (again) would probably help but didn't push it and said I didn't need to, it might just take a little longer. And since I know I can stretch and strengthen myself, a PT isn't going to be giving me massages or anything I can't do for it, then I'll take the cheaper, non time consuming home option.
He also wants prescribed the following:

Aleve for 4 days
Ice 15 min 2-3 times a day
"Superfeet Arches" from Fleet Feet (says its ~$40) for my work shoes (already have custom ones for my sneakers)
Lumbar support for my desk at work

And to quote the doctor, exercise is ok if "its only a dull ache, not a sharp stabby pain"
Whatever that means...

BUT... no $500 MRI or PT...

I WILL TRY STRETCHING - at least I know its ok if it makes it hurt...

For those of you who don't know the Singing Frog (aka Michigan J. Frog)

Sun Warrior Protein Powder review

2012-01-17T19:16:00.000-05:00

I just tried out the free sample of Sun Warrior Protein Powder (Vanilla) that the company sent me for liking them on Facebook. I have to say that may be the first time liking a co on FB actually got me anything I wanted. I was curious about this brand because of heard from other bloggers that it is very good. I have problems finding decent PPs because of my allergies so I'm always on the lookout for new ones. Since I have issues with milk, I avoid whey based ones (though not positive they bother me) and have been alternating between Egg white powders and rice powders, both of which I'm not too fond of the taste - for opposite reasons actually. So I tried out my Sun Warrior one this morning for breakfast and was immediately happy with the fluffy consistency that it formed when I blended it. It looked like a milk shake as opposed to wateryness or chunks of powder stuck to the sides of the blender like I'm used to in some. I tasted it and must say I really liked the taste. It was very smooth and creamy. I don't know what ingredient did that but it tasted more like a milkshake that powder. I hadn't done much to it other than add in half a frozen banana and a couple ice cubes but that was all it needed and probably would have been fine on its own. I would absolutely buy it. Its raw, vegan, its dairy and soy free which is really hard to find. And my one packet was only 70 calories for 15 g protein. Unfortunately I did notice a few of the vegetable protein ingredients I AM allergic too (mildly of course, not trips to ER for me, don't worry) so I wouldn't personally want to use it every day (Sadly) but maybe I can get more individual packets for every now and then. It IS a bit pricey though when I looked it up at nearly $50. Although it says there are 47 servings so that comes out to about $1 a serving which is the same as a greek yogurt, so in reality not bad... just have to be sure you like it first... which I definitely did!

Sunday Morning Detox Smoothie

2012-01-15T11:17:00.004-05:00

1/2 Granny Smith Apple, peeled & diced
1/2 cup frozen raspberries
juice from 1/2 a lemon
1 cup fresh collard greens
1/4 c cranberry juice
1/4 c water
2 ice cubes

Blend

Steam Rooms and Saunas at the gym

2012-01-12T20:19:00.000-05:00

apexsaunasteam.com

Does anyone else have an issue with steam rooms and saunas or is it just me? During the course of my injury(s) countless people have suggested soaking in the hot spa, or sitting in the sauna/steam room in my gym... and for a time I avoided that. Have still avoided the spa. It's funny because I know there is chlorine and its just a hot version of the swimming pool, which I used for a year and a half (ignoring the gross factor) but I can't force the issue with the spa. I used to see people using it every day, usually, but not all, old guys in bathing shorts, and the idea of soaking in the same little tub that someone else did is just like sharing the same bath water. Plus, if someone else is there, there's the awkward factor.

I did try the sauna and steam room, but it did not convince me...

1. I broke out multiple times with a rash that I finally figured out is from the heat - my body just can't take those high temps... it was horrible, wherever my clothing touched my body (ok, tight bathing suit - not the nothing but the towel person, they always fall off... :(

2. Its boring. After the first minute or so of sitting there, I was squirming; fidgeting with the town, look at the thermostat, etc. I tried laying on the towel, which was relaxing, but uncomfortable. I felt funny laying there if some else came in. So I tried stretching, which helped, but I got funny glances from people walking by (glass windowed door in the sauna)

3. The sauna is DRY. It felt like AZ again... you can't breathe!

4. The steam room was HOT. When the steam started, it actually burned and I had to run out of there!

5. I know the heat should probably kill anything, but it still seems gross... hot sweaty people are sitting there, you know?

So what do others think, do you use them at your gym? Does it help? I didn't find it did my injury any good, but has anyone else?

Doctors orders - see another doctor

2012-01-07T17:50:00.000-05:00

Technically speaking, doctors orders were to go to another Dr. He X-rayed my hip and said that it looks "perfect." Which is such a mixed blessing, isn't it? On the one hand, you don't want anything to be wrong, on the other, something IS wrong and you still haven't found it. It's frustrating, but on the up side, I suppose this means I don't have any stress fractures, nor any slipped discs because I understand those things show up on an x-ray. The doc says that means its a soft tissue problem, which is what I thought in the first place, but that leaves so many grey areas. His first thought was leg length discrepancy, which I've been told I have, but orthotics are supposed to fix it, which I use regularly with no help. But that does bring up the question that I use TWO orthotics - one for each foot obviously) but if one leg is shorter, maybe I should just use the one? Future question for the next doc. He's sending me to a sports medical physician, which I wanted to go to a year ago, and instead got referred to a podiatrist and ankle orthopedic surgeon. The difference? Apparently the orthopedic guy deals with problems that need surgery, and the sports medicine guy deals with the non-surgical problems - so why was I never sent there before?
Of course, this docs first thought was physical therapy. That made it WORSE before, and I spent $800 on it - I can't afford it!!!! So I am PRAYING that the S.M. doc can offer suggestions that don't require me going in to see him 2x a week!!!! What a mess...

Eat a live frog... hmm

2012-01-07T08:53:00.001-05:00

Source: Uploaded by user via Susie on Pinterest

2 weeks in - update on TENS Machine (aurawave)

2012-01-06T18:52:00.000-05:00

So its been two weeks since I started using the Aurawave TENS machine and much to my disappointment, I can't say its done a bit of good :( As a matter of fact, I came home from work/gym today and burst into tears because I was in so much pain. Pushed me to make a doctors appt for tomorrow morning though. I don't know what else to do. My ankle feels better but my hip and lower back are so sore. I just really hope its not just a waste of time and money again. I'm willing to go and pay money for dr's, mri's, etc, but only if its going to help.

So so sooo cold today... need something HOT!

2012-01-04T18:50:00.006-05:00

Temps are down to 16 degrees here today in midafternoon. My legs were frozen off after my 5 min walk to the bus stop, then froze in work today (only the offices along the wall were getting heat), and got to freeze again waiting for the bus to go home.... I really want something hot. Someone on the bus had dunkin donuts hot chocolate that sounds (and looks on the commercials) so nice. But I'm not really a hot chocolate person in reality. I'm a strong coffee person, but not at nice. Chai tea now is a difference story. I was introduced to that in college. My university had a great coffee bar that made wonderful Chai tea. I've since made it myself and here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

3 Darjeeling Blend tea bags
2 cups water
2 cups milk (or soy milk, coconut milk, rice milk, etc)
1 1/2 in. slice fresh ginger, cut in slices
1 cinnamon stick
4 whole cloves
1 tsp powdered cardamom
1 dash nutmeg
1/4 cup honey

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil and toss in teabags then all other ingredients in order above. Reduce heat and simmer about 5 minutes stirring occasionally.

Add milk and bring to boil, then take off heat. Strain through strainer or coffee filter and serve hot or in a tall glass filled with ice. Or if you don't like having to strain it, put all the ingredients in a cheese cloth when cooking.

Serves 2

Non-Pill sources of Calcium - with a recipe

2011-12-30T13:36:00.002-05:00

I know I'm not alone in this given the rising number of chewable multivitamins that I see in stores these days, but I have a huge problem with taking vitamins, especially large capsules. Give me 15 minutes and I'll be ready to throw them back up. Never fails, no matter when I take them. Gummy vitamins aside, I avoid taking anything larger than an aspirin. So calcium is one of those things that I quietly ignore. But probably shouldn't - according to WebMD adults should have 1,000 mg a day. Especially since I don't drink milk due to a milk allergy, and if you look, coconut milk doesn't offer much in the way of a replacement, so I am interested in any ot her options. Here's what I found:

Orange Juice (250 mg in 4 oz) - that'll work

Spinach (140 mg cooked (1/2 c)- okaaaay....

Sardines (320 mg) - eeew, sardines... just made okra look better... .my mother eats these EVERY day, I just can't do it...

Salmon (180 mg) - love salmon!

Collards (180 mg for 1/2 cup cooked)

Kale(90 mg) - do like Kale

Soy beans (90 mg) - nope, allergic

White beans (95mg) - see above - bean allergy

Okra (90 mg) - Really, okra? Who likes Okra? Other than in gumbo I don't think I've ever seen anyone eat this!!!

Sesame Seeds (90 mg per Tbsp)

Blackstrap molasses (75 mg per tsp)

Foods that are calcium fortified, such as oatmeal, and breakfast cereal (~ 100 mg) - great, "fortified" foods... I eat oatmeal, but the old-fashioned natural one, not a "fortified" one... same for cereal...

Even though its milk, I had to mention ice cream has almost as much calcium as kale... finally a good excuse to eat it - if you can :(

Also, milk only has about 120 mg....

So you know, basically eat 10 of these items a day and your all set... I think a good salad could do it...

1 c Spinach (280)
1 can salmon (180)
1/2 c white beans (95)
4 oz orange juice (250)
1 Tbsp sesame seeds (90)
Dressing
1/8 c lemon juice
1 Tbsp molasses (110 mg)
1/2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp Dijon mustard
dash of salt and pepper to taste

Total: ~$1,000 mg

Serves 1

Yes I ignored the okra :)

Organic Turkeys - a comparison

2011-12-28T18:05:00.001-05:00

Ignore the fork marks from "checking" to see if it was cooked... :)

If I've never mentioned before, I used to be a vegetarian. For various reasons, it didn't work for me (mostly allergies to soy), however that doesn't mean that I don't try to buy the healthier, organic, animal friendly (yeah, as if the animals are so thrilled!) meats. However, when you go in a grocery store nowadays, everything from chicken to processed boxes of animal crackers claims to be organic, low fat, and possibly gluten free - which I find really sad that meat needs to advertise its gluten free, why shouldn't it be? But anyway, I digress. When I went to get a turkey this year for Thanksgiving I went to Stew Leonards for an organic, fresh (ie not frozen) turkey, who is known for their farmer's market quality type of products. They had a ton of turkeys unlike the local supermarkets that had about 10 to their name two weeks before thanksgiving. They had the option of a completely grass fed turkey in addition to their locally farmed, organic turkeys, but I passed since they looked not much bigger than the chickens.... apparently Turkeys need protein too... the one i did buy however, was awesome! It took 8 hours to cook but I've since determined that my oven just doesn't work quite right, so I can't count that.
For christmas this year, I did another Turkey (yes I love leftovers, not big on cooking every night!), but due to time constrictions, I went over to the Whole Foods that is down the street. And in full disclosure, this was 2 days before xmas, but hey, I wanted a fresh turkey... Anyways, they were totally picked through, and when I picked one out I realized it was $58!!!! My Stew Leonards Turkey was $15! I thought, what are they feeding them, solid gold nuggets? I picked around for a while, ignoring the Brined turkeys (why do I need it soaked in salt...?) and saw turkeys literally for $75... and not huge ones either - 14lbs... Considering that it was late and I was exhausted and out of time, I caved and found a small $40 turkey and took it home. And it wasn't bad, however, I definitely noticed that it was tougher, greasier (ok some people might like that), and not even any more meat than my previous $15 turkey. What the heck is the difference between them, I would like to know.

According to Stew Leonard's website, "Our Fresh turkeys are from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and have no artificial ingredients added to them. My family always gets our all natural free range Naked Turkey to put on the table- these turkeys are fed a 100% vegetarian diet and are NEVER given antibiotics or added hormones. We like cooking this bird because it has 20% more breast meat and 55% less fat than regular turkeys!"
http://www.stewleonards.com/

"Whole Foods Market® standards for turkey: no antibiotics ever, vegetarian diet, no added hormones*, no added solutions** or injections" and in regards to their standard fresh turkeys, they state "our standards require sufficient space for natural behaviors such as flapping their wings instincts"
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/

Which all sounds good, but why are they 3-4 times as expensive???
I'm not saying the WF's one was terrible, it wasn't, and I like the store, which makes me all the more ~~annoyed~~ confused by this...

Does anyone see a difference here? Or know what makes one brand sooo much more expensive? Please comment below and let me know!

Hello again - pain and the TENS Machine

2011-12-27T15:26:00.000-05:00

Huh, I haven't posted since March, and yet I seem to have the same complaints. Somewhat anyway, still have the hip/back pain... little worse actually, although the ankle is doing better. I seem to be trading one injury for another. The specialist claims that it was due to my body compensating for the ankle. I think that its because I've gotten so damn inflexible, especially on that side of my b ody. Unfortunately stretching is dangerously close to making it worse... little baby steps.
I just bought a TENS machine that was advertized on QVC. It had a 30 day trial so I thought what the hell. If it helps its totally worth the $150; if it doesn't, it can go back. So far I've had it about 5 days and it is a cool little gadget. You have to be careful with the intensity setting or you'll wind up electrocuting yourself - which hurts. On a lower setting it does feel nice; I understand physical therapist use it in their offices, although mine didn't. I can't say that it has helped yet or not though. I will check back and let you guys know if it does in a few weeks or so. Wish me luck.

Day 4 of Rest

2011-03-12T09:44:00.002-05:00

Okay, I'm sitting here with ice on my hip flexor, right in the little crease between the abdomen and thigh. It's hurting like hell, as is my lower back. When I bend forward, I can feel my back muscles pull. Does that mean its all from being tight? I certainly hope so. A month of trying to do yoga and stretching every morning certainly didn't help though if that is the case. Much like the stretching the PT had me do - hurt like crazy and never helped! I would say I pushed to hard or did too much, but I did what was suggested at the time by the PT... if I do have to go back to a PT I'm going to a different one. Maybe it wasn't them, maybe it's just me. I know they certainly meant well, but it didn't help. I've heard of other treatments like ultrasound and heat/ice, etc being used and that was never suggested at all. Maybe it would of made the difference besides just massage and (sorry to say) really poor attempts at taping (by their own admission).

What I don't get though, is why after 3 days of rest, I feel WORSE this morning than I have after coming back from the gym. That doesn't make the effort of rest very tempting or rewarding... neither does coming home early to watch Dr Oz. No offense, but I'm not a fan. Why is there nothing better on? Why do I have no life? or money? Now I'm really afraid to spend anything if I may need more PT - even with insurance, those twice a week copays add up! Especially after 2 1/2 months with no results!
I know I need to go back to the ortho, but I really want to see what some time NOT working out and wearing his orthotics may do, so I can tell him flat out whether it helps at all... Also, if my hip is unrelated to the ankle, I'd like not to create another chronic injury, and not confuse the issue. Although they do still feel connected. Does that mean it's actually getting worse? or just one thing compensating for the other over time - or by doing different activities... ie swimming... who says swimming is great for the back, not mine. Course my core sucks, the PT was right on that, unfortunately their core exercises wind up irritating my back and hip flexors instead of working the core... I'm hopeless.
I would frankly love to become one of those people you read about who realizes they do too much and switches to just a few workouts a week and some yoga, and are happy and thin, but does that really work that way in real life? Why do I just foresee injury pain, $$$, conflicts with work (ie time for PT), weight gain, and feeling like crap about my life. But I'm not supposed to stress because that makes it worse - right!

I am really trying this time. Its hard, but I do want to give my body the rest I'm sure it needs. It would be nice if it seemed to help a little. At least something. I should be able to do SOMETHING though, most people find a way... course my way was swimming which caused additional problems, so maybe I'm just s##t out of luck... sigh...

Ok, I'm done bitching, end on a happier note... spring is finally coming, flowers in my garden are coming up (that I don't think I planted last year - weeds or bulbs from the previous tenant?) The neighbor saw a FOX out in his yard yesterday, how cool is that! Now I'm going to be stalking the yard with my camera! (also good because they eat voles, and voles have TORN UP my lawn and killed my poor baby lilac bush :( ) No more little baby plants, if I buy more, they will be bigger so they stand a chance!

Anyway, a fox! So cool... I can start planting or starting seeds for my veggie garden soon - yeah. I love my yard, voles or no :)

Don't be like me - ankle, hip, back pain and exercising

2011-03-10T18:53:00.000-05:00

Yes, this is a line stolen word for word from Jack Nicholson, but it fits. It's been 2 years since my ankle injury first started. Yes, I'm sure you've all been reading this blog since then and just wait for updates. I KNOW, I've been terrible not whining more, haven't I? Well, after 2 years, 3 trips to the MD, 2 1/2 months of physical therapy, XRays, an MRI, an orthopedic specialist, and 3 months of orthotics, cortisone shot (that made it worse) and I'm still in pain.

Is it the SAME as originally? No.

At first I was literally limping when I put my foot down. IT HURT. I limped for quite a few weeks. Last year, it really hurt to walk the 4 minutes to the bus, now I can manage 10 minutes without pain - woo. Have

I done everything necessary to fix this? Yes and No.

Did I go straight to the doc? No. Did I take time off working out? No. Did I lay off running? Yes, with the exception of a few test times, which went badly. But mostly, and especially for the last 1 1/2, I've been swimming or biking only. What do I get for that? I think I pulled or aggravated the muscle running along the right side of my body from the armpit to the hip (approximately), along with my hip flexor, and possible, IT Band. All of which, tends to make the ankle worse. After 2 years, I have taken yesterday and today off and don't foresee working out in the next few days. It hurts. It has felt this bad before, and then lessened, which is the most annoying piece, that it ebbs and flows so I can't tell what helps and if it's getting better. It has it's own mind, completely separate from what I do. yes, some things would obviously make it worse. But sometimes it JUST DOESN'T MATTER. I did nothing different this week but am much more sore than last. Why? I doubt it's PMS. I doubt it's weather. I've tried adding yoga for the last 6 weeks, but that should help right? Well, the PT's stretches seemed to make things worse, but if you dont stretc the tight muscle, how does it get less tight?

I'm lost, I give up. The PT told me to give the orthotics two months, and it's been that. I've had random days here and there that felt good, but mostly not. Certainly not better. And apparently my "alternative" exercise activities are turning against me now too, as I blame swimming everyday for the side injury (I looked the name up yesterday, but can I remember it now - no.... it began with a Q).

If anyone has any similar experiences or helpful hints, please comment.
And yes, I know, I should just rest. By I have a crappy metabolism, a type A personality, and a tendancy towards depression. So not working out for weeks or months and getting fat and being miserable is something I've really tried to avoid. You do NOT want to be in my head. But I need help, I want this fixed. Please! Suggestions!

Influenza

2011-02-05T11:08:00.000-05:00

Today is the first day all week I can actually think! I came down with a bad case of the flu on Monday and have been down for the count since. I managed to get thru work on Mon, forced myself to the gym and congradulated myself on doing so, then walked out to my bus to go home. First a wave of nausea hit me and I was panicking that I would puke right there in the street; I was looking around for some alley or something to go hide in (close bc the bus would be there soon) but nothing. And terrified I'd have to get on the bus like that and maybe get sick on it! In the middle of that, I actually almost passed out. My vision got all fuzzy and my ears were ringing. I to bend over and unzip my coat for air. After 3-4 minutes it all went away and then the bus came, thank god! Never been so scared though. I got home and crawled straight in bed and slept till the next morning... and then went to work. I know, stupid (and rude), right? but there was (another) storm coming on Wed and I didn't want to take both days off so I hung in...felt like hell all morning, but made it through. But from the time I got home on Tues till yesterday afternoon, I didn't leave my bed again. So so sick... Did I make myself worse pushing it, or would that have happened anyways, who knows? Will I get the flu-shot next year? Possibly. Am I really sick of crackers? Hell yes!
I tried an hour of yoga/pilates this morning and wound up sweating, so I'm still not great. I hope I'm somewhat capable of eating more than a piece of toast tomorrow for superbowl, since I had plans :(

Check out the new website for our jewelry!

2010-12-10T11:41:00.001-05:00

http://www.moonlitcharms.com/

We have added other types of herb bottle necklaces, such as lavender, marigold, frankincense, and myrrh (for the holidays, see the Etsy link on the right).

They make great gifts for the holidays, I hope you check it out.

Otherwise, I've been busy still unpacking and fixing my new house. Its old, what can I say, but I do love it. (The veneer facing on the kitchen cabinets just started popping off). Hope it loves me back! I'm trying to take good care of it, so it should be happier, I hope. It felt so good to fix up the yard and any other problems that have come up.

I am off today for a follow up doctors appt with the specialist. The orthotics feel nice, just like the better shoes, New Balance, feel much better and I would say that if I didn't already have an injury, I could see it preventing one, but it doesn't seem to be helping my current one. In fact, the front of my ankle, which had stopped hurting has starte again. I don't know, its been 5 weeks and I've been taking an anti-inflammatory, and I don't see much improvement. Especially considering the Dr saying he was 90% sure it would help... sigh.... I like the guy, which is good, so I'm trying, but it's very frustrating. You have to wonder if they actually listen to your symptoms...

Oddly enough, I did a dance dvd this morning, and the ankle doesn't hurt. I walk for 20 minutes, it hurts all day. I went shopping at the mall last week (for a dress for christmas) and was LIMPING by the time I got home...

On a happier note, I am actually going to my work Christmas party this year (hence the dress), that should be fun. I've never gone in the 4 years I've been there. (My boss is paying for it - sweet!) Appetizers and drinks (like I actually drink... what's good to order?) Two hours off of work too, very cool.

MRI

2010-08-21T12:41:00.001-04:00

I know, I haven't kept up. That's the problem with these things, when you have time to write, you have very little going on to write about, but when things are going on, you don't have time...
Well, to start in again, after over 2 months of physical therapy, everyone insisted going back to the Dr to get an MRI because it was not improving... or it would improve and then go back again, just to frustrate me and all the drs and therapists working with me. Its like that joke about lightbulbs... how many does it take to fix one stupid ankle.
In my defense, though, Ana Ivanovic has apparently been having similar issues with her ankle injury for about a year and she has much better insurance and money than me.

So I got an MRI this morning... not bad. I highly suggest for anyone who needs this, go on a Saturday morning. The parking lot was empty, the hospital was empty, and I was in and out uneventfully. The MRI itself wasn't bad either. The technician said I picked a good body part to injure because I only had to go partly into the machine. That may be the only benefit of an ankle injury I can see. The procedure was fairly quick, they played music and it lasted about 25 minutes of weird machine noises. Worst part was that my arm fell asleep because I was trying not to move at all... other than that nothing to worry about... except for the bill that I'm sure will come. Insurance makes you pay the deductible on an MRI, so it ain't cheap!
I just hope it shows something useful, but not something requiring surgery... that's even more expensive, and unlike the MRI, it hurts and requires a lot of recovery time which I don't need (not that anybody does).

Now I have to wait a few days for the doc to get the results and hopefully call me with the news.... eek.

Todays plan

2010-06-06T09:32:00.001-04:00

Ok, so my plan for today is the following, do you think I can get to it all?

1. Mow the lawn (minus the poison sumac-y area)
2. Finish mixing in sand in veggie garden and raking it up.
3. Putting up the chicken wire fence.
4. Planting my tomato plants and Honeydew plant that I threw in yesterday before they die.
5. Planting my herb seedlings I have started indoors (still wee babies though).
6. Planting my actual flowers in the flower garden - Snow in Summer, Red Poppies, Black Hollyhock, and Lavender.
7. Plant my butterfly bush I finally found in Home Depot yesterday, still no lilac bushes around.
8. Dump topsoil in the 3 various "holes" in my lawn against the foundation and over some relatively exposed ground wires by the garage.
9. Cover said areas with stones.

Think we can do it, just two lil women? Not sure, maybe. Hopefully at least a good bit of it.
I SO wish I had taken "before" pictures though!!! I will take "after" pics though.