well friends, this blog is temporarily being hijacked for the next year as an outlet of sorts to help me process and deal with my scoliosis.
My first appointment is in 5 days. There's a lot of emotions going on right now - apprehension, anxiety, impatience, a little bit of excitement and a LOT of nervousness.
A little back story about my scoliosis: I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was in 6th grade (you know during one of those awkward moments when everyone's mom comes and you have to bend over in the locker room)- it was an extremely mild curve which I told my parents about and we chose to ignore for the time being. I never experienced any pain until I was a senior in high school. It was very mild and very infrequent. My mom and I found out that my curve had progressed to 23 degrees. The doctor was not concerned at all and said that for most people it would correct itself on its own. By that point, I was too old and my bones had already started to set for a back brace to be of any help. The doctor said to come back in 5 years. Well, 5 years came and went, I didn't have much if any pain and didn't think about it at all until I moved to Texas. 2 years ago out of the blue I noticed I couldn't sleep on my left side anymore. It hurt too much. So I gradually had to adjust to sleeping on my stomach or my back. I also noticed I started leaning a LOT to the left at work and when I was standing or sitting. Initially a heating pad or ibuprofen helped and I could still function pretty normally. But gradually heating pads, ice, and any sort of over the counter pain medicine stopped working. I noticed walking becoming more painful requiring me to put my left hand on my hip to aleviate some of the pain while walking. In January of this year I woke up in the middle of the night with an intense burning sensation on my left side. It hurt so bad I was not able to sleep. I ended up going for a walk at 4:30 in the morning just for something to do to hopefully help clear my head. I finally set up a woman's exam the day before my birthday and started doing some research on scoliosis. The second my doctor walked in the room she asked me if my scoliosis caused me any pain. I didn't have to say a word about it. I explained the kind of pain I was having and she prescribed a muscle relaxer. I took it for a while, but it didn't really do anything to help with the intense burning sensation I experienced a couple times a month. I finally called and requested a referral to a spine specialist. My appointment was in April. I had to fill out at least 20 pages of paperwork detailing my pain, medical history and all that fun stuff. They took me back for x-rays and I peeked around the corner after the first one and my jaw nearly hit the floor when I saw it. My curve had progressed. My upper back looked like a 'c' with the curve of it being on my left side. They took one more and sent me back to my room. I got dressed and continued filling out the paperwork until the doctor came in. He showed me the x-rays and said my curve was over 50 degrees. I had done enough reading at that point to know anything over 50 would require surgery. No ifs, ands, or buts. He told me there was also rotation and that curve had rotated under my left shoulder blade pinching nerves causing the burning sensation. It was also pressing my ribcage outward. He said the curve would only get worse and that surgery was my only option of correcting this and getting rid of the pain. He told me he would refer me to Baylor for the surgery. I asked a few more questions and then left. Talk about an overload. Hearing that kind of news by yourself is enough to make any person freak out. I talked with my parents, told them the results. We spent the rest of the day praying and doing research. My parents called me later that night to pray over me. A week later, I got in touch with Baylor and scheduled the initial consultation. My parents wanted to be there for it, which meant waiting 6 weeks to see someone. I had to have the doctor call in a prescription for pain because it got so severe. I'm still having a lot of pain, even with taking the medicine.
It's 5 days away. I have visited with the folks at Baylor to see how quickly the surgery might be scheduled. Their answer: it depends. However, the doctor I'm seeing has a lot of openings. 5 days until I find out. 5 days until questions are answered. 5 days until I can set a date and begin counting down the days. 5 days....it seems like such a long time, especially with pain.
6 days until the boyfriend talks with the parentals about popping the question :) That too will happen this month along with my parents moving to Wisconsin.
Crazy busy month. Can use all the prayers I can get!!!
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Challenges
This past week has proved to be very challenging for me both physically and emotionally. I was able to go the entire week without taking any pain medications (partially because I didn't need it and partially because I wanted to have enough to last until my appointment). But because of that, I didn't sleep very well at ALL this week. I did go out to IKEA with my sister and nephew and then to Grapevine Mills Mall, and I think with all the walking I might have overdone it. I was exhausted by the time I got home and feeling extremely dizzy and weak. Tried to take a nap but sleep wouldn't come. I met my friend LeighAnn for dinner and barely ate anything (and for those of you that know me know this is not me at all!) Towards the end of the meal, I began to feel really nauseous and ended up throwing up on the way to my car :( Spent all day Saturday in bed trying to recover. Still don't have my appetite back and still feeling nauseous with a headache. I did look up the side effects of the pain medication I'm taking and all these symptoms I'm having are side effects. :( 12 more days then hopefully the doctor I see will prescribe a new medication.
I've also had a really hard time with being selfish lately. This was something I asked for prayers for at home church on Thursday night - just not feeling myself, feeling irritable and wanting things to be about me. I've had a hard time also with trying to make everyone happy with regards to my appointments and all that - it's not easy considering the schedules of people at work, Jon, my parents and all the while enduring the pain and sleeplessness. I became really overwhelmed this week with the frustration of it all and just broke down. Luckily I have been blessed with an INCREDIBLY caring group of friends and an amazing boyfriend who just listened to me.
Since I was feeling under the weather yesterday, I stayed at home and watched church services via stream. Rick's lesson was amazing as usual and it prompted Jon to go forward for prayers for us and my surgery. The elder he talked to was very understanding and had found out about the fundraiser in a couple weeks and since he was not going to be able to make it, he donated right then and there. $200!!!! When Jon told me, I was blown away. Talk about God providing! I know this will be an incredibly difficult season for me to accept monetary gifts and the help of friends and family when there are things I can't do for myself. I know God is using this to demonstrate His power and to show me that it's okay to depend on people and that He will carry me through all this. It's easy to forget that sometimes and think that I'm on this journey alone - it's hard to explain to people the type and intensity of the pain that I'm having, it's hard to be honest without sounding needy or like I'm complaining or even bitter.
The journey is far from over and I can use all the encouragement I can get!!!
I've also had a really hard time with being selfish lately. This was something I asked for prayers for at home church on Thursday night - just not feeling myself, feeling irritable and wanting things to be about me. I've had a hard time also with trying to make everyone happy with regards to my appointments and all that - it's not easy considering the schedules of people at work, Jon, my parents and all the while enduring the pain and sleeplessness. I became really overwhelmed this week with the frustration of it all and just broke down. Luckily I have been blessed with an INCREDIBLY caring group of friends and an amazing boyfriend who just listened to me.
Since I was feeling under the weather yesterday, I stayed at home and watched church services via stream. Rick's lesson was amazing as usual and it prompted Jon to go forward for prayers for us and my surgery. The elder he talked to was very understanding and had found out about the fundraiser in a couple weeks and since he was not going to be able to make it, he donated right then and there. $200!!!! When Jon told me, I was blown away. Talk about God providing! I know this will be an incredibly difficult season for me to accept monetary gifts and the help of friends and family when there are things I can't do for myself. I know God is using this to demonstrate His power and to show me that it's okay to depend on people and that He will carry me through all this. It's easy to forget that sometimes and think that I'm on this journey alone - it's hard to explain to people the type and intensity of the pain that I'm having, it's hard to be honest without sounding needy or like I'm complaining or even bitter.
The journey is far from over and I can use all the encouragement I can get!!!
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Blessings
I am incredibly lucky blessed! After opening up to home church on Thursday night, I have received SO many blessings since. My best friend Shelley, has offered to help me with some housework and washing my hair tomorrow. She has also been working with my boyfriend Jon to plan a fundraiser to help pay for my surgery! When I was in a LOT of pain last night, Jon prayed over me and read scriptures to me. I also had several friends join Jon and I in the lounge last night for church since I can't sit in the chairs with the rest of the assembly. While this may be a very difficult experience, I could not have asked for a better group of friends to support me and encourage me.
This has kind of thrown a kink in my 28 by 28 goals. I know there's still about 9 months left and that's plenty of time to do things, but that all depends on when the surgery is. It's hard to keep a positive attitude when so much of what I want to do is going to be put on hold with this surgery. But it's like Jon said last night, this is all temporary; what I've got to do is look for ways that God's glory can be shown through all this. That's not easy sometimes. It's a lot easier to throw a pity party and want sympathy from people than to be strong and trust in the Lord.
This has kind of thrown a kink in my 28 by 28 goals. I know there's still about 9 months left and that's plenty of time to do things, but that all depends on when the surgery is. It's hard to keep a positive attitude when so much of what I want to do is going to be put on hold with this surgery. But it's like Jon said last night, this is all temporary; what I've got to do is look for ways that God's glory can be shown through all this. That's not easy sometimes. It's a lot easier to throw a pity party and want sympathy from people than to be strong and trust in the Lord.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Waiting sucks!
Well, I've got the initial consult appt scheduled - June 8. Now the waiting period begins. I got a call today confirming they got my x-rays. I've got a LOT of paperwork to do before then. I've talked with my boss to get things rolling in terms of HR and leave and all that.
But what really sucks is when you have to have other people do things for you because you can't do them anymore because of the pain. It feels like you lose a little bit of yourself; your independence and even a little bit of zest for life. Luckily I have amazing friends (and boyfriend) who are helping me through this and an amazing family who is incredibly supportive. It's going to be a struggle for me to lay down my pride and ask for help when I need it instead of suffering.
But what really sucks is when you have to have other people do things for you because you can't do them anymore because of the pain. It feels like you lose a little bit of yourself; your independence and even a little bit of zest for life. Luckily I have amazing friends (and boyfriend) who are helping me through this and an amazing family who is incredibly supportive. It's going to be a struggle for me to lay down my pride and ask for help when I need it instead of suffering.
Monday, April 23, 2012
You dropped a bomb on me....
Ever have one of those moments where you get some news and you wish you could be anywhere but there? I had said moment on Thursday.
As some of you know, I have scoliosis and the pain has progressed over the past 2 years. I finally went to an orthopedist (read: back specialist) on Thursday. I had been to see a specialist when I was 18 and he didn't see any cause for concern, said to come back in 5 years. Well, 5 years came and went, I didn't have any pain - so no real reason for another visit. The last time I had seen x-rays of my back it was a 23 degree curve. Kinda freaky, but I could live with it with the hope that it would correct itself over time. Fast forward to Thursday. The second I saw the x-ray I started freaking out. So I go back to the exam room, and spend the next 45 minutes waiting for the doctor to show me the x-rays and talk about them. So he comes in all serious puts up the x-rays and says that my curve is now over 50% and that not only is there a curve but there is a rotation as well that part of my spine has rotated under my left scapula, causing the pain in my shoulder blade. *queue panic* So then he mentions the only way to correct this is with surgery - rods and pins *panic increases*, So we talk a little bit more and he says he's going to refer me to a spine surgery specialist. So now, I'm waiting for them to contact me regarding an appointment so I can in turn tell my parents who want to be there for this next consultation - it's when we'll talk about surgery, costs, recovery times, all that fun stuff. And possibly get it scheduled. So prayers through this whole ordeal will be GREATLY appreciated.
On a lighter note, the 5 pound increment weight loss goal/reward list I made for myself is doing its job - I am close to yet another 5 pound mark.
As some of you know, I have scoliosis and the pain has progressed over the past 2 years. I finally went to an orthopedist (read: back specialist) on Thursday. I had been to see a specialist when I was 18 and he didn't see any cause for concern, said to come back in 5 years. Well, 5 years came and went, I didn't have any pain - so no real reason for another visit. The last time I had seen x-rays of my back it was a 23 degree curve. Kinda freaky, but I could live with it with the hope that it would correct itself over time. Fast forward to Thursday. The second I saw the x-ray I started freaking out. So I go back to the exam room, and spend the next 45 minutes waiting for the doctor to show me the x-rays and talk about them. So he comes in all serious puts up the x-rays and says that my curve is now over 50% and that not only is there a curve but there is a rotation as well that part of my spine has rotated under my left scapula, causing the pain in my shoulder blade. *queue panic* So then he mentions the only way to correct this is with surgery - rods and pins *panic increases*, So we talk a little bit more and he says he's going to refer me to a spine surgery specialist. So now, I'm waiting for them to contact me regarding an appointment so I can in turn tell my parents who want to be there for this next consultation - it's when we'll talk about surgery, costs, recovery times, all that fun stuff. And possibly get it scheduled. So prayers through this whole ordeal will be GREATLY appreciated.
On a lighter note, the 5 pound increment weight loss goal/reward list I made for myself is doing its job - I am close to yet another 5 pound mark.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
100 reasons to exercise
100 Reasons to Exercise Now
By Nicole Nichols
www.sparkpeople.com
1. Because it makes you feel confident
2. Because it helps you get stronger
3. Because exercise helps combat depression
4. Because you'll feel proud of yourself
5. Because you have goals you want to reach
6. Because you'll feel bad if you don't
7. Because you want to move forward, not backward
8. Because it burns more calories than not working out
9. Because it improves your heart health
10. Because you want a great butt
11. Because it prevents diabetes
12. Because you want to be a good example to your kids
13. Because you want to feel good in your clothes
14. Because it reduces your risk of cancer
15. Because your body was made to move
16. Because you want to be an athlete
17. Because you want to look better
18. Because it lifts your mood
19. Because you want to stand taller
20. Because it reduces back pain
21. Because it feels good
22. Because it makes you feel accomplished
23. Because you spend most of your day on your butt
24. Because swimsuit season is always coming
25. Because strong is the new skinny
26. Because dieting only works so much
27. Because it strengthens your bones, too
28. Because it helps you lose weight
29. Because it allows you to eat more food
30. Because it's the best way to spend "me" time
31. Because it helps you de-stress
32. Because it's cheaper than therapy
33. Because you want a strong core
34. Because you want to take care for yourself
35. Because you take pride in your body
36. Because it strengthens your legs
37. Because it helps your clothes fit better
38. Because you want to push yourself
39. Because you are capable of more than you ever imagined
40. Because moving your body feels good
41. Because it keeps your mind sharp
42. Because it helps you beat belly bloat
43. Because it helps you sleep better at night
44. Because it gives you energy
45. Because you want to stay healthy as you age
46. Because you want to look younger
47. Because you want toned arms
48. Because it improves your balance
49. Because it burns off last night's dessert
50. Because it boosts your immune system
51. Because sweat is sexy
52. Because you want to live longer
53. Because you want to get better at your game
54. Because you want to catch someone's eye
55. Because exercisers earn more money
56. Because you're more likely to eat better when you exercise
57. Because you want to shave time off your running pace
58. Because you want to breathe easier
59. Because you want to see the scale drop
60. Because exercise improves your sex life
61. Because you are worth it
62. Because being fit makes everything in life better
63. Because you promised yourself that you would
64. Because you deserve a better life
65. Because it'll help you drink more water
66. Because you want to do real push-ups
67. Because it reduces your health care costs
68. Because you'll miss fewer days of work
69. Because you want to create a new future for yourself
70. Because it'll help you like what you see in the mirror
71. Because it'll makes clothing shopping more fun
72. Because you want to look and feel incredible
73. Because exercising can be fun
74. Because it'll help you sweat out toxins
75. Because it's a good way to spend time with your friends
76. Because it'll help you prevent the middle-age spread
77. Because it reduces your blood pressure
78. Because you don't want to let yourself go
79. Because you don't want to squeeze into an airplane or rollercoaster seat
80. Because it strengthens your spirit
81. Because it's a cheap way to entertain yourself
82. Because you'll be able to reward yourself
83. Because you need a reason to wear those new workout clothes
84. Because you're tired of being tired
85. Because not working out is not going to get you very far
86. Because it's a great way to spend time outside
87. Because you made a commitment to yourself
88. Because you're tired of starting over
89. Because there will always be another wedding, vacation or reunion
90. Because you're not a quitter
91. Because it improves your cholesterol
92. Because it boosts your metabolism
93. Because it prevents age-related muscle loss
94. Because if you can do this, you can do anything
95. Because a fit body is a healthy body
96. Because it beats sitting on the couch
97. Because everyone has at least 10 minutes to spare
98. Because you want to be stronger than your excuses
99. Because not working out isn't working out for you
100. Because the only workout you ever regret is the one you skip
By Nicole Nichols
www.sparkpeople.com
1. Because it makes you feel confident
2. Because it helps you get stronger
3. Because exercise helps combat depression
4. Because you'll feel proud of yourself
5. Because you have goals you want to reach
6. Because you'll feel bad if you don't
7. Because you want to move forward, not backward
8. Because it burns more calories than not working out
9. Because it improves your heart health
10. Because you want a great butt
11. Because it prevents diabetes
12. Because you want to be a good example to your kids
13. Because you want to feel good in your clothes
14. Because it reduces your risk of cancer
15. Because your body was made to move
16. Because you want to be an athlete
17. Because you want to look better
18. Because it lifts your mood
19. Because you want to stand taller
20. Because it reduces back pain
21. Because it feels good
22. Because it makes you feel accomplished
23. Because you spend most of your day on your butt
24. Because swimsuit season is always coming
25. Because strong is the new skinny
26. Because dieting only works so much
27. Because it strengthens your bones, too
28. Because it helps you lose weight
29. Because it allows you to eat more food
30. Because it's the best way to spend "me" time
31. Because it helps you de-stress
32. Because it's cheaper than therapy
33. Because you want a strong core
34. Because you want to take care for yourself
35. Because you take pride in your body
36. Because it strengthens your legs
37. Because it helps your clothes fit better
38. Because you want to push yourself
39. Because you are capable of more than you ever imagined
40. Because moving your body feels good
41. Because it keeps your mind sharp
42. Because it helps you beat belly bloat
43. Because it helps you sleep better at night
44. Because it gives you energy
45. Because you want to stay healthy as you age
46. Because you want to look younger
47. Because you want toned arms
48. Because it improves your balance
49. Because it burns off last night's dessert
50. Because it boosts your immune system
51. Because sweat is sexy
52. Because you want to live longer
53. Because you want to get better at your game
54. Because you want to catch someone's eye
55. Because exercisers earn more money
56. Because you're more likely to eat better when you exercise
57. Because you want to shave time off your running pace
58. Because you want to breathe easier
59. Because you want to see the scale drop
60. Because exercise improves your sex life
61. Because you are worth it
62. Because being fit makes everything in life better
63. Because you promised yourself that you would
64. Because you deserve a better life
65. Because it'll help you drink more water
66. Because you want to do real push-ups
67. Because it reduces your health care costs
68. Because you'll miss fewer days of work
69. Because you want to create a new future for yourself
70. Because it'll help you like what you see in the mirror
71. Because it'll makes clothing shopping more fun
72. Because you want to look and feel incredible
73. Because exercising can be fun
74. Because it'll help you sweat out toxins
75. Because it's a good way to spend time with your friends
76. Because it'll help you prevent the middle-age spread
77. Because it reduces your blood pressure
78. Because you don't want to let yourself go
79. Because you don't want to squeeze into an airplane or rollercoaster seat
80. Because it strengthens your spirit
81. Because it's a cheap way to entertain yourself
82. Because you'll be able to reward yourself
83. Because you need a reason to wear those new workout clothes
84. Because you're tired of being tired
85. Because not working out is not going to get you very far
86. Because it's a great way to spend time outside
87. Because you made a commitment to yourself
88. Because you're tired of starting over
89. Because there will always be another wedding, vacation or reunion
90. Because you're not a quitter
91. Because it improves your cholesterol
92. Because it boosts your metabolism
93. Because it prevents age-related muscle loss
94. Because if you can do this, you can do anything
95. Because a fit body is a healthy body
96. Because it beats sitting on the couch
97. Because everyone has at least 10 minutes to spare
98. Because you want to be stronger than your excuses
99. Because not working out isn't working out for you
100. Because the only workout you ever regret is the one you skip
Goals
Well friends, Lent ends today and what a month and a half this has been! First off, let me update on things that happened since my last post.
Vacation was WONDERFUL! It was great seeing my family and getting to spend some time with friends there. We all had a great time and have some hilarious albeit strange quotes. We did eat moderately healthy thanks to my mom's OUTSTANDING cooking. And we went to Kool Beans Cafe for Sunday brunch which was AMAZING! (If you live in Tallahassee and haven't been there yet, I HIGHLY recommend it!) And honestly, this is about the 5th or 6th week that I've done okay with just one soda a week and I can't say I miss it. Finding other beverage options that offer more health benefits (tea - mainly to get over my cold) or when I'm craving something with flavor: lemonade. Still working on the eating habits and exercise.
On the way back, a friend and I agreed to do a "beta test" (this is a major nerd thing and we talked about the phases of software development (pushes glasses up on her face), but mostly a reference to 'The Big Bang Theory' where Penny and Leonard agree to do a beta test of their relationship) and we have been dating ever since. No one was surprised - all our friends just said, "it's about time!!"
In the past several days however, we had a trip to the ER. He has pneumonia and a SLEW of other health problems which scared us both pretty bad into making some changes for the better. I bought a couple books on nutrition (see previous post on how addicted I am to books) and we did a 5k (my 4th one thank you very much!) on Saturday (his idea to join us and walk it with pneumonia....) we're talking about making some other changes as well. One thing that his being sick has brought out is how much I NEED to take care of myself before I can take care of others (the Pathways mantra!). I've had to say no quite a bit in the past couple of days so I can stay healthy and I'm realizing how many of my goals relate to taking care of me in more ways than just appearance.
I must admit, I've fallen off the bandwagon in terms of keeping up my water and limiting my soda. But every day is a new day right?
I DID however get to check off one of my 28 by 28 - the doctor visits. I have seen my (now) primary for a check up, been to the dentist (sadly I have 2 small cavities..but they are the first cavities in 27 years...that's pretty good!), and have an appointment with the orthopedist to get my scoliosis checked out.
I also made a list of goals (I know, me and lists right?) in 5 pound increments of rewards I'll give myself for losing that 5 pounds. They're all "things" - I want to get better about rewarding myself with things other than food. I'm almost at my second goal (like 2 pounds away!) !! Some of the things include cut and color, teeth whitening, new glasses, a dress from modcloth when I lose more weight, clothes, shoes, you get the idea. I know I've got a long way to go, but by helping me focus on the short term goals I think I can be much more successful (and props to my friend Marie for suggesting this!!). Now I'm just thinking about putting up a daily reminder on my mirror or somewhere in my room....post it or dry erase marker - suggestions?
One thing I love about where I work is the incentive to maintain a healthy lifestyle and once every few months they do a "healthy me" challenge - the first one I did was about eating habits - eating breakfast every day, not skipping meals, eating more vegetables and I won $50! The one I'm doing this month is about being active - the goal is to get at least 64 points (1 point = 10 minutes of activity - walking, dancing, yard work, household chores) so the weekly goal would be 15 points a week and then on the last 2 days of the month do 2 each day for the total of 64. I did make my goal of 15 points this week (thanks to the 5k) and am looking for things to do this week to help keep me active and meet my goal. The gal that sends out the reminders to log points sent a list of motivations this week - some were ones I hadn't even thought about (see NEXT post for the list). But are good to keep in mind.
What things do you use to help keep you on track?
Vacation was WONDERFUL! It was great seeing my family and getting to spend some time with friends there. We all had a great time and have some hilarious albeit strange quotes. We did eat moderately healthy thanks to my mom's OUTSTANDING cooking. And we went to Kool Beans Cafe for Sunday brunch which was AMAZING! (If you live in Tallahassee and haven't been there yet, I HIGHLY recommend it!) And honestly, this is about the 5th or 6th week that I've done okay with just one soda a week and I can't say I miss it. Finding other beverage options that offer more health benefits (tea - mainly to get over my cold) or when I'm craving something with flavor: lemonade. Still working on the eating habits and exercise.
On the way back, a friend and I agreed to do a "beta test" (this is a major nerd thing and we talked about the phases of software development (pushes glasses up on her face), but mostly a reference to 'The Big Bang Theory' where Penny and Leonard agree to do a beta test of their relationship) and we have been dating ever since. No one was surprised - all our friends just said, "it's about time!!"
In the past several days however, we had a trip to the ER. He has pneumonia and a SLEW of other health problems which scared us both pretty bad into making some changes for the better. I bought a couple books on nutrition (see previous post on how addicted I am to books) and we did a 5k (my 4th one thank you very much!) on Saturday (his idea to join us and walk it with pneumonia....) we're talking about making some other changes as well. One thing that his being sick has brought out is how much I NEED to take care of myself before I can take care of others (the Pathways mantra!). I've had to say no quite a bit in the past couple of days so I can stay healthy and I'm realizing how many of my goals relate to taking care of me in more ways than just appearance.
I must admit, I've fallen off the bandwagon in terms of keeping up my water and limiting my soda. But every day is a new day right?
I DID however get to check off one of my 28 by 28 - the doctor visits. I have seen my (now) primary for a check up, been to the dentist (sadly I have 2 small cavities..but they are the first cavities in 27 years...that's pretty good!), and have an appointment with the orthopedist to get my scoliosis checked out.
I also made a list of goals (I know, me and lists right?) in 5 pound increments of rewards I'll give myself for losing that 5 pounds. They're all "things" - I want to get better about rewarding myself with things other than food. I'm almost at my second goal (like 2 pounds away!) !! Some of the things include cut and color, teeth whitening, new glasses, a dress from modcloth when I lose more weight, clothes, shoes, you get the idea. I know I've got a long way to go, but by helping me focus on the short term goals I think I can be much more successful (and props to my friend Marie for suggesting this!!). Now I'm just thinking about putting up a daily reminder on my mirror or somewhere in my room....post it or dry erase marker - suggestions?
One thing I love about where I work is the incentive to maintain a healthy lifestyle and once every few months they do a "healthy me" challenge - the first one I did was about eating habits - eating breakfast every day, not skipping meals, eating more vegetables and I won $50! The one I'm doing this month is about being active - the goal is to get at least 64 points (1 point = 10 minutes of activity - walking, dancing, yard work, household chores) so the weekly goal would be 15 points a week and then on the last 2 days of the month do 2 each day for the total of 64. I did make my goal of 15 points this week (thanks to the 5k) and am looking for things to do this week to help keep me active and meet my goal. The gal that sends out the reminders to log points sent a list of motivations this week - some were ones I hadn't even thought about (see NEXT post for the list). But are good to keep in mind.
What things do you use to help keep you on track?
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