OMG, what a day today.  I am SO glad it’s over – because before I checked out today, I was more than ready to just cry, scream, and throw things.  (This is most definitely not a good way to feel about things!)

But then, I went to visit Dr. DeMaria and his staff.  Have I mentioned that I really like this group?  Well, seeing that when I got there, they commented on what I posted on Facebook after my first CrossFit training, it pretty much told me that they pay attention to their people and what they’re going through.  Which of course, was just hysterical.  (And funny!)    So, if you’re reading this – Hi Guys!

Spent a good long time talking with Dr. Binks (the practice’s psychiatrist).  He knows a lot, and is very easy to talk to.  (This is a good thing, yes?)  I have another appointment with him next week, so there will be lots more work being done – at least over the next few weeks and months.

There are so many things that I’ve got on my mind lately – but I’m not quite sure how to put them into words yet – I know it’s all ‘right there’, but just not sure how to put it right now.    Lots of little steps at a time – right?

Tomorrow’s my birthday – so I’m not working (YAY).  We’re going out for dinner tomorrow night at Lumiere’s – and other than that, I’m not sure what we’re doing – but it’s hard to believe I’m 41.  Man, I feel OLD.

Not much to say tonight – spent two hours listening to a lecture only to find out it was last year’s….and I’m frustrated about that – along with some travel snafu’s we’re trying to figure out how to head off.

It’s been a long day – but overall – a GOOD one.

Rana and Tom welcomed their newest into the world tonight – 805pm – Zoe Nicole – and she is PRECIOUS!  I can’t wait for her to be home and for me to be able to give her a big phat auntie hug and kiss.

Now, I’m off to bed.

24/366 (and yes, I had to get out of bed to write tonight, i nearly forgot!)

Well, this is most definitely a Monday to remember!

I had my first CrossFit training session – and what started off as what I thought would be a fairly ‘simple’ 30 minute session turned into something that really kicked my ass.  The trainer (Sue) told me that I would be starting off simple – and as things started, I was doing pretty well – but towards the end – I had the ‘new giraffe’ leg thing going.   I kept going though – the only thing I really wasn’t able to do was the cool down on the bike before I wrapped up and left.   I really did not have any strength in my legs at all.   I KNEW I was in trouble when I walked out of the gym, stepped off the curb and sat down on my butt because my legs couldn’t hold me up.

I called Charles on my way home to let him know I was coming – because I honestly wasn’t sure I was going to be able to walk up the stairs into the kitchen.   I was able to do it (slowly), but I was able to do it.  Now that I’m in the house, I don’t plan on leaving any time until tomorrow – and I am SO glad we live in a one floor (mostly) house

I like it – and I can see myself doing more of it going forward – which is good – it means it’s sustainable to me.    I’m exhausted, and have taken a two hour nap already (I’m thinking that is just not right about how this is supposed to be).  So, I’ll write more about the entire experience tomorrow.

23/366

Today was a completely lazy day.  Sort of  – but since it’s 9pm, and we’re still in jammies, I’m thinking that it’s leaning towards a lazy day   (But it WAS productive!)

Charles spent the day cooking while I was working on my homework.  He  roasted a chicken, made stock, made chicken soup, made hamburger/sandwich rolls, and made dinner.  In between those tasks, the two of us did the laundry (together), and I worked on my class prep for tomorrow.  (Reading a chapter, two articles, and working through some of the activities in my textbook).   Afterwards, I spent the time here at my desk working on some of my scrapbook kits.  They’re not ‘terribly’ creative – but they are getting something done and making things ‘pretty’ – at least gets something created – which of course is always a good thing.

I was reading this month’s Oprah magazine – and there were a bunch of questions in there that made me think.  Have lots to sort through – so in the next few days, I’m planning on writing about them.

Tomorrow is my first CrossFit class.  I’m a little nervous about it – because I’m not sure what to expect or what I’m going to be doing.  However,  they told me that at first, they’d start me off slow – with 15-20 minutes of activity – so I am sure that whatever it is they throw at me, I can do it.   (Hey, Bob and Jillian aren’t going to be there – so it can’t be THAT bad!)

I have class tomorrow night, and after that, I’ll be turning in for an early night – I have a class to teach on Tuesday, and the rest of the day will be pretty busy as well.  Will also have some stuff to do here at home too – trying to get ahead of things.

Am going to wrap things up for the night – have to finish folding laundry and get ready for my 8am meeting.

Have a great one!

22/366

Well, the day has most definitely been cold, dreary, and relaxing (one of those being a good thing!)  Charles woke me up this morning with breakfast in bed.  He made his low carb kefir pancakes – and brought them to me, along with with a BearBux.  Talk about a surprise – and a good one at that

We puttered around this morning, ran a few errands – to the Wake Forest Farmer’s market and the Mill.  Afterwards, we went to DaVinci’s for a sandwich and our meat-y stuff for the week.

When we got home this afternoon, Charles was puttering around in the kitchen and I spent some time studying.  I have been pretty chilled through lately, so after I finished my chapter review, I went out and curled up on the couch and apparently crashed for a few hours. (I didn’t THINK I was that tired!)

Went out with Charles tonight to Whole Foods – he wanted to get some veggies for broth, and we needed a few other things as well – so we picked up our groceries for the week.   We stopped at Michael’s on the way home, because I wanted to get some yarn to work on ponchos for Emily and her baby sister (who SHOULD be showing up any day now), but when I got home and started knitting the first swatch, it just didn’t seem to work right.  It’s really the wrong weight of yarn for what I want to do, but I’m going to see if I can figure out how to ‘upscale’ the pattern before I buy more yarn. (Although I did find a pretty yarn I like – I really don’t NEED to buy more….)

Tomorrow, I’ll be doing more homework – and laundry – I think we’re going to be roasting a chicken for dinner – and Charles is going to work on making hamburger rolls

Write more later!

21/366

Well, a night ‘off’ from doing much thinking seemed to improve my mood some.  I’m not in a cranky mood – which of course is a good thing – and I’m not feeling like the world is one giant pile of steaming crap – which is even a better thing.

Work today was crazy crazy crazy.  Lots of stuff going on – but I made a fair bit of headway.  I feel good when I check a lot of things off my ‘to do’ lists.   Today, half of those items were crossed off – which of course was awesome.  Although the meeting I had this afternoon definitely increased the stress level. It clarified a number of things – which is good – and I can’t say that I’m surprised by what I found out – but it is what it is, and I’ll make it successful from there.

Tomorrow, Charles and I will be running our errands – Farmer’s Market, Butcher, and whatever random groceries we need.  Not sure what I’ll be cooking/doing for meals next week – but I’m going to be  trying a few new recipes – hopefully!  (And I’ve got a bunch of other things going on, including my 41st birthday!)  I also have homework, laundry, and some work work to do. (Need to get ahead of things before Monday).

I’m going to go soak in the tub for a bit and get thawed out  – I’m chilled through and am not quite sure why – hopefully not catching whatever is going around!

More later!

20/366

Not much to say today.  So, I won’t say anything.

Time on the couch with a book, Tinker, and the TV may do me good.

19/366

Edited to add….

Something that spoke to me today:

You Get to Choose

May your journey be beautiful today.

-
Daniel Collinsworth

I’ll be back tomorrow.

18/366

Well, today was definitely an interesting day!

I had my first appointment with the New Hope Wellness group today.   This has been something that I’d been kicking around for a few months, and now that I’m on this kick to get my life in order – was most definitely something that I wanted to get started.  I must say, I’m really glad I did!  I spent the majority of an hour talking with Dr. Eric, and then met his wife, who runs their CrossFit Gym.  Crossfit is not something that I know much about – but I’ve been doing research, and it’s not as much like the Biggest Loser as people have made it out to be – so I’m really not that concerned about being accosted by Bob Harper when I show up on Monday.  (MONDAY!)

I’ve got a few appointments next week – Monday and Friday, I’ll be taking CrossFit classes, and then Wednesday evening, I’ll meet with the entire care team – the surgeon, the psych, the nutritionist, and the physical therapist.  They’ll figure out where I am, how I’m doing, and what I need to do to get things back to where I want to be.  (On the right track!)  I have to call LabCorp tomorrow morning and make an appointment for a blood draw, and get that taken care of as soon as possible as well.

It was an interesting experience – seeing that Dr. Eric seems to really care – spent more time talking to ME rather than reviewing my chart and asking me about my insurance.   We talked about my experience, what I thought were the things that kept me from getting to where I wanted to be, and what I think I need to do and change in order to get there.  One thing that he did tell me, and I can’t say I’m surprised, but I am bothered by it – I’m not the only one from my Surgeon’s office who is having these problems.  It’s sad really – because in some ways, I wish I was the only one – but I’m a bit thankful that I’m NOT the only one that’s dealing with what I’m dealing with – I don’t feel so alone anymore!

I’m doing the 5DPT for the rest of this week in an attempt to shake off the Carb Monster – and will be starting a modified Atkins/Paleo diet recommended by the doctor (which should for the most part fit in with what Charles eats too).   Will be writing a lot about this whole experience, because I have nothing to hide.  Will be a great trip!

So, got lots of work done today – sorted through lots of email, got a bunch done and am in a good place for tomorrow. I have some meetings that will take up bits of my day – but I think by the end of the day tomorrow, I’ll be in a good position for the rest of the week.

Have a great one!

17/366

Officially half way through the first month of the year.

Really?  When did time speed up – and why on Earth does it seem to be going faster – not slower?  YIKES!

Today was a really productive day – had something that I couldn’t figure out for one of the training classes that I’m working on – but once it was explained to me in a little bit more detail – it made perfect sense.  It should have been something that was obvious to me – but it wasn’t – (Not sure where the fault lies in that) but it’s all good – and I’ve got some ideas on how to pass that information along – just have to put it into place.

This afternoon, we interviewed someone who wants the coordinator role on our team.  It was an interesting experience – I’d never been in that position before, but I know that if I want to be a people manager in the future (and I do) then it’s something that I’ll really need to work on and develop.  It went well – I’m not the hiring manager – so I won’t be saying anything here – but I really enjoy getting to meet new people and talking to them about what they want to ‘be’ when they grow up.

Tonight was the first meeting of my class for this semester.  It’s on the Electronic Health Record – which is something I know a fair bit about – but I really am hoping to learn more in order to be a more ‘valuable’ trainer and give valid input into how our applications should work and be designed.  It’s a lofty goal, I know, but my activities in the past few weeks have really shown me that I like being a client advocate – no matter how frustrating the fight can be sometimes.

Along those lines, I was really surprised this evening to find a 50.00 spot award in my email box from the R&D Department – thanking me for what I’ve done to help our clients out in this release.  I’m going to continue doing what I’m doing until I hear differently – but NewBoss has said to be careful, and not bite off more than I can handle – although she knows how difficult it can be because I am such a client focused person.   I really need to learn how to say ‘no’ proactively – and not ‘reactively’ when I have entirely too much piled on my place.

I realized something important today – Habit does not equal Hunger.  I was really busy today, and missed my lunch – the meeting that I was supposed to have got shifted a bit, so I just kept working.  It was nearly 230 when I realized I hadn’t eaten yet – and I really wasn’t hungry.  But as soon as I realized I hadn’t eaten yet – OMG, I could have chewed the wall paper off the walls.  Not much was available in the cafeteria downstairs, and I made some fairly healthy choices (greek yogurt and kashi cereal, and cheese to snack on if I got hungry in the afternoon).  But it dawned on me – that when 12 rolls around, or the mid afternoon munchies, or any other time that I eat ‘because it’s time’ – it’s really work taking a second to be present in that moment and figure out if my stomach is telling me I’m hungry – or if its my watch.  It’s not an easy thing to differentiate – but I think in the long run, it will be something worth learning.

Charles had today off because of the MLK holiday – so he spent the day with the dogs and BooDog on the couch hanging out.  It’s good to see him relaxed – because he’s been so stressed lately.  He’s also working on being more mindful of the moments – and the things that go on during them, in an effort to cut down on the stress and drama in his life.  (Very valuable lessons to learn!)

Tomorrow, I have my appointment with Dr. DeMaria – I’m excited to see what is going to happen, and what we’re going to be able to do to get me on track.  One day at a time is what I know I need to do, and one day at a time, I KNOW I can do it.  Just need to make it happen.

Will start working on my assignments tomorrow night – one five page paper on the benefits of an EHR, and a bunch of assignments on a test EHR we have access to.  Should be pretty easy.  (I’m hoping!)  I’ll also spend some time playing with my Project Life stuff for last week

Have a great night. – Much Love!

16/366