Catching up

I've been busy....very busy. Don't you get tired of hearing people say that? I do, especially about myself. I mean, who isn't busy??? That's my excuse though, for my prolonged absence.

What's been going on? Lots. First there was January, with lots of snow, a friend's engagement (this didn't take a lot of time but it is noteworthy!), starting school again (this time it's a certificate in Project Management)- which has turned into a ton of work, a couple of dinner parties and general busyness at work.

In January I also decided to seriously address why I've been feeling like crap (not so eloquent a word but definitely reflective of what I've been feeling!), off & on, for the better part of four years. I mean, it's nothing life threatening, but an almost constant yuckiness and series of ailments, which have slowly been sucking the happiness and energy out of me. Sometimes I felt fine, most of the time not....digestive issues, discomfort, insomnia, anxiety, all kinds of weird aches and pains. I'd turned into a cliche it seemed...working mom gone over the edge! I've made the rounds of the doctors and specialists, each poking and prodding, scoping and x-raying. And really, that yielded nothing more than bottles of meds and the suggestion that it's stress, it's all in my head....here, have some anti-depressants. No. Truthfully, I kind of blamed myself- working full time, raising a child, sleep deprivation, a sick mom, not taking care of myself, I'd gained weight, I have to exercise more.....what could I expect? But somehow, it just didn't make sense. I know myself, I've had my share of "stress", some worse than this, and I didn't fall apart. I'm stupidly optimistic and generally happy. I soldier on. I've just always been that way.

So, I went to see a naturopath, started a grueling four week cleansing diet, and within a week felt like a new person. New (mostly vegetarian, which is fine by me) diet, some supplements, a couple of homeopathic cures and I'm on my way- I can feel it. No prescription meds for weeks, down 25 pounds, I'm sleeping again, I feel good. I feel happy. I have energy. So, it's been interesting, and a learning experience. It's not like I was an unhealthy eater before (just too much) but I've definitely slid more towards the way my husband eats (he's a commited carnivore with a disdain for most vegetables). His life is changing too, he just hasn't realized it! My body just can't do it anymore I guess....now that I'm on my way to 40. So, I've been trying all kinds of new vegetables in different ways, and I have recipes to share. Cooking for my new regimen has taken a fair amount of time! More to come on that.

And I promise I won't go on and on about my health, I know it's boring when someone gets on a soapbox! If you see me eating something sinful, look the other way....everyone has their weak moments.

So, what else? Ethan turned 3 in February....wow, where does the time go? Big party, lots of fun. I love this kid and I love this age (most of the time).

And, tomorrow my mom goes into the hospital for some more surgery. This time, it's for a pre-cancer condition that has been aggravated by all illness and treatments. It'll be major surgery, with an expected 6-8 week recovery...no lifting, no exertion, no skiing (you have to know my mom to know why I put that in there!) lots of rest.....are you listening Mom? She just finished her radiation 3 weeks ago, so hopefully it's not all too soon. But it must be done, and I guess we have to be grateful, with the medical system in this country, that it's being addressed this quickly. Hopefully all will go well and she'll be out of the hospital by Thursday.

That's it for now I think....take care.