Health issues...what me worry?

Yes, me worry.

Okay, so I know my own body pretty well and I know when shit's getting real and something is going wrong. And something is going wrong.

I am so fatigued. I can barely stay awake for more than a couple of hours and the feeling intensifies in the mid-afternoon. And I'm having weird hand problems. In the mornings, my hands involuntarily spasm. I mean, I can be just standing there and suddenly spaz out and drop a cup or a spoon or something. So weird.

Then there is the walking. I'm able to walk, don't get me wrong, but I can't do it for very long anymore. Yes, some of this is my weight but there is definitely something else going wrong here. I made an appointment with my primary doc and now I have to stop myself from researching these symptoms on line because right now I've convinced myself that I have multiple sclerosis! Whew...I have to get that out of my bean and get on with life as best I can.

No worries until we see what the doc say. January 20 is a long ways away...

Large and in charge...

Okay, it's time for me to take charge.

Over the past month or so I've felt like shit. Sorry for putting it so frankly but there it is. I feel like shit. I know that 99% of the reason why is that I am overweight. Now, I've been overweight for most of my life. I've always been the fat girl in school, the fat girl in college, the fat girl in the neighborhood - just the fat girl. I've struggled with finding clothing that both fits me and is good looking. I've hated and loved myself at the same time. I would like to be one of those women who embraces her curves but the truth is, I am not. I am the fat chick in the corner screaming for an end to this madness.

Since I've been this way for so long I've become a Master at masking my feelings. I've also come to know my body pretty well and know when something ain't right. And this isn't right. I'm short of breath and having chronic sinus issues. I'm exhausted most of the time and falling asleep just about everywhere I sit for too long, including at this keyboard.Seriously, I can sleep soundly for 9 hours, get up for an hour and fall right back go sleep. My knee hurts more than it should in spite of having arthritis and standing for a long time just about kills me!

So, my new year's resolution is simply this...

I'm making an appointment to get a physical. I'm going to follow my doctor's orders to a T and figure out what's going wrong with me. And then...I'm going to get better.

No more neglecting myself...

So now it is spring and I realize that I have spent the winter really not taking care of myself very well. I've eaten way too much of stuff that's just not good for me, gotten way too little exercise and now I'm feeling it. So, I declare it time for my personal spring cleaning.

I have a great treadmill. I mean it, a really great treadmill. Alex and I did not spare expense when it came to the purchase of that thing. And it's right there in  my bedroom - waiting for me. I've managed to use it briefly one or two times per week but I know it's time to pump up that jam and use it more frequently. I mean, it's walking...it's not that hard to do, right?

Spring cleaning #1 - use the treadmill at least four times per week.

I'm a bear in the winter. I love hibernating. Hey, it's Wisconsin and it's cold out there so I don't really know anyone who enjoys being out in it too much. Even my friends who ski don't do it as often as they would like because the wind chill will kill ya! But with hibernating comes the winter food. The comfort food. The stuff that tastes so good and oozes with bad stuff like oil and butter and carbs. Time to switch it up and get more fresh fruit and veg into my life. I'm practical enough to know that I will always love chips and pizza and pasta but I can have those things in moderation and pair it with veggies and it will still taste delicious and I will be healthier for it. Also, my portion size has got to decrease!

Spring cleaning #2 - More fruit and veg and smaller portions.

I have the household tools to make great fresh juice and healthy fruity smoothies. I haven't use either one all winter long. Partially because the winter variety of fruits around here are pretty boring but mostly because I just got away from the routine of it all. I am getting back to it. There is nothing like fresh made juice. Not just orange juice either but the really great combinations that can only be made with a good juicer. Kale, granny smith apples and green grapes - YUM! Pineapple, banana and kiwi - YUM! Tomato, a little jalapeno, spinach and lime - YUM!! (Mix that last one with a little Absolut on a Saturday night...oh yeah...YUM!)

Spring cleaning #3 - Use the tools and start getting fresh!

I take supplements too. I'm anemic so I have to be aware of my iron level. I take a one a day for that. I take two fish oils tabs each day too. Good for my brain and joints. I take a Vitamin D too. I don't get enough of that and my level was low at my last lab work. I know that all of this is good for me but I also know it's too easy to rely on supplements! So, it's spring and time to clean my inner house and get cracking! Might even dust the cobwebs off the ol' bean too. I'm thinking of taking a drawing class at a studio here in town. Still in the thinking phase of that one. It comes with a cost and a dedication of time so we'll see...