She Is Back ...

It's been a really long time but a break was needed. 

Can't believe that in less than less than 2 weeks, it will be 2015!!  

This year has been interesting to say the least, but looking forward to the year ahead and what is in store personally, professionally and fitness-wise. 

Personally, after I left the club, I was a little lost as it was my second home for a long time. It was definitely the BEST decision to move on and move forward but was a little out of sorts. I am grateful that I was able to connect with so many there (I had a wonderful fitness family at the Club) and am even happier that there are still many that I keep in contact with and will continue to do so. That means the world to me. In that process, I lost my fitness groove but a mental reset was needed. I'm happy to  report that the groove is back and am enjoying every minute of it.  I have learned to love working out by myself and have been to Athlete X and the Y, enjoying both. I DO need to take off the skirt and get outside to run. I miss it. 

Professionally things have been changing.  The decision to leave the club was a good one and necessary for my health and happiness.  Fitness needed to be my own again and the club and I were growing in different directions.  So it was time to move onward.  WillI I teach again?  Yes, I'm sure I will (it is a passion of mine). Working on determining where and exactly what that will be, but right now, I am enjoying being the participant and am not rushing into anything. 

After leaving the club, I was also fortunate to be able to work for Zoro (a wholly owned subsidiary of Grainger) for a short time. It was a wonderful growing company but just not the right fit for the me, my family and for me to continue to be the hands on Mom that I have always been. 

It was a great experience but am REALLY excited to announce that as of Monday, December 29th, I will be a product support representative Subzero-Wolf!!!  I will have an 8 week training program in Madison (Madison area peeps - let's make plans to get together). After the training period has ended, I will be working part-time from home. I feel so fortunate to have been given this opportunity.  I look forward to the challenge and to also have that work/family/fitness balance again. I do not want to be the busiest person that people know. 

Fitness-wise, I have a few things happening. Nothing too aggressive on the race schedule but one that will keep me moving.  Last year was tough with surgery, losing Dad, the car accident, and all of Ted's health issues, as well as other family health issues, so I really didn't race at all, except for the Wisconsin Half. Fun to run with a friend. That was about all she wrote for races this past season and I am ok with that. 

This year, there are a few races planned but mostly riding, running and swimming for fun. There could be a few last minute ones that pop up though. You never know.  The plans will be just enough to keep me consistant to potentially prepare for the Full Iron Distance in 2016. We will see. I do have a tendency to overcommit (as a few friends MAY have told me this a FEW times before). Working on that one.  Baby steps people. 

The biggest and most exciting thing that I am working on is, in 2015, I am going to strive to become a USAT Level 1 Triathlon Coach!  Really looking forward to that. 

That's all there is for now.  I do hope this holiday season you all can find joy and peace and always remember that life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another. 

I'll leave you with words from my friend Christi. 💗. Love to you all. 

A Good Week Overall ...

I have to say as far as weeks go, this has been a good one. Feel great about my workouts, getting them in most days this week. The eating has been pretty clean, so another plus. We will see what the scale says on Monday ;-).  It's been productive at work, accomplishing what I need to take care of and finish up before my last day on August 28th. 

As usual, we had a wonderful weekend up north. The kids had fun bringing friends up and one of my oldest a dearest friends Barbie came up too. Relaxing fun all around. Always recharges me for the following week when we are at the Stoned Loon Lodge. Love the simple life in the northwoods. Working on carrying that over to our world in Milton. Uncluttered and a slower paced home life makes for a happy mama. Baby steps but we will get there. 

This week should be another good one  with "Making the Move" for Sparky (the transition to middle school class), a trip to Madison to see Mom a/k/a Grandma, work and workouts as well as some more down time ... And of course the new career search :-). It's so exciting to see all of the possibilities that are out there. 

Time to unpack and get settled from the weekend!  Hope you have all had a wonderful week and enjoy the week ahead.  I'll be back Sunday.  And as always, remember that life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another. 

Making Fitness My Own Again ...

This Chica has a long way to go ... But I am finally ready to take back my fitness, lose the weight I have gained since Ironman Wisconsin last year (the complete hysterectomy is making this a little more challenging - but I WILL get there) and looking forward getting back to the self that loves triathlon, cycling running, strength training ... And yoga too ;-).  They are my personal passions and I miss them.  As I sit in the car putting together my 2015 race schedule, I'm excited to begin the prep and training to go after it this next year :-). 

I do have specific goals that I have set for myself which I'll share as I go ... But am excited to make sure to take the time to fill my health and fitness "bucket" first instead of last (this happens to so many of us).  We only have one life, so we need to make the best of the life we are given. Personally speaking, filling my fitness bucket, makes me a better and happier person in every aspect life ... So guessing it's a win-win for everyone ;-).  

With the announcement of me leaving club this past week, the employment search is underway in full force.  Only 18 more days at the club ... I'll have the time to focus on really working on finding the best fit.  There are some incredible opportunities out there ... And know one of them will come my way before I know it!  Really looking forward this unknown new adventure!  

Hope you've had a wonderful week ahead and I'll be back next weekend!    Enjoy the night and remember that life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another. 

NEWS and Cha, Cha, Cha Changes!!!

Well, it has been an interesting week!  I can honestly say that I feel really good about the decision I have recently made.  

So ... this may come as a surprise to all or most of you, but on Monday July 28th, I have resigned as the Group Fitness and Personal Training Manager at my gym.  This has been something I have been thinking about for quite some time and now feel that the timing is right.

I am needing to do what is best for me and my family and make fitness my own again.  I will still be employed at the club, subbing group fitness classes when I am available and potentially still offering small group classes.  My official last day in my current role won't be until August 31st, but I am needing to take this step and am excited for life's next adventure,  whatever that may be!!   

It has been such a hard decision to make and I will miss seeing all of my peeps that have been so supportive over the last 7 years.  They have been through so much with me as I have been with all of them, but this is what's best.  Change IS good  and I will still be around, just in a different capacity :-).    

With that being said, I have started my job/career search.  I am being selective as to what I want to do and where I want to go.  As when we work, whether it be in the home or outside of the home, we spend most of our waking hours with our work family ... Where I land and make my work home, needs to be the right fit for me and for the company I am connected with.  I am not looking to work at a gym, but potentially some other part of the fitness industry or would love something completely different too. 

I AM looking for full-time or close to full-time employment.  I have a BA in Communications/Media and was a residential and commercial closing officer for about 15 years (hard to imagine me not in athletic wear right?), have also been in inside sales, customer service and in banking for a short while.  So, if you are looking or know of anyone that is looking for an outgoing, positive, well rounded, versatile and dedicated employee, please don't hesitate to send me a message and I will gladly shoot a out a resume. 

As far as the November marathon goes ... I have made the decision to step down to the half marathon. It's the best choice at this time and one that I am happy about.  Next year is the year for the half ironman (maybe even 2). And who knows, maybe in 2016, ironman number 3 will be on the schedule ... The proverbial seed has been planted ;-). 

Both my family and I are so excited and looking forward to this new chapter in life and would love it if you would all stay along for the ride!!!  Hope you've had a wonderful week ahead and I'll be back next weekend with another piece to add.    Enjoy the night and remember that life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another. 

Good Weekend and The Week Ahead ...

We had a wonderful weekend up north celebrating B's birthday. Quiet, relaxing and great fun all around with the Wilkinson clan. Also enjoyed spending time with the Beisters too. Love all of our up north friends!  Just what we needed. Keeping it short and simple this week ... Next week, there will be more to share :-). 

I'm including a picture from the weekend of B and our niece Charlotte. She was loving "driving" the boat!  

Until next week ... Enjoy your night and remember to be kind to one another!! 

Back to Reality ...

It was a good week in the Northwoods. Well, everyday in the Northwoods is a good one. Weather was just ok but the kids had a blast outside disconnected and hanging out with friends and fun was had by all.  B and I had to ask each other several times what day it was ... That is a successful vacation!!  

I'm sad that it's over but happy to be home. 

I did do a little running and TRX while we were here. This next week, the work truly starts for the marathon training and to get myself back to where I want to be physically (more on that next week). 

I have got my work cut out for me training for this race, but it'll be good for me and will force me to carve time out for myself make myself a priority. I have been failing at that miserably lately ... Working on that ever so important word "NO" again. Lookout, it's coming!!  

We are back to paradise next weekend ... Celebrating B's birthday. Should be a really nice weekend with the Wilkinson clan!  

My two faves in Boulder Junction :-). 

Have a great week and remember, be kind to one another. 

Grief ...

I have been pretty quiet here lately. Life has been challenging to say the least. (So a warning on the post). I still miss my Dad terribly and keep hoping that something will change in my mind so I am not so sad ... I had no idea that it would hurt and continue to hurt THIS much. 

I keep searching for that "thing" that will somehow make me feel better, but as of now, it is ever so evasive and I know a "thing" is not what will help me get through this.  It is in time that the hurt will be less but won't ever be gone. 

I am not the same without my Dad. Yes he was sick but he was still my dad and had his times of lucidity and I will cherish those forever. This is when I want to ask him to help me not hurt so much and give a sign that he is still there. 

As I sit here typing with tears streaming down my face, I wish that I had one more day with my father ... but I wish that everyday ... I wish I would have gotten that beer he asked me to get him at 10am on Thursday, March 13th. I would have sat down and drank it with him.  That was the last time my I saw my father when he was able to verbally communicate. 

I will take with me that he squeezed my hand on the day he passed and how loved the beer on the sponge when went to my moms to get a beer so that I could  somehow give him that beer that he had wanted. My most cherished memory of that evening was that he had a tear streaming down his face when I told him it was ok for him to go and that he had taken such good care if all of us and it was time for him to be at peace.  I KNOW he heard me.  I was happy I was there when he passed ... But I still miss him so much. 

My one piece of advice.  Make sure you embrace and cherish the time you have together with your parents. Yes, things aren't always perfect but there are and will be wonderful memories to be made and shared. Life really is a gift. 

I'll be back next week with some, hopefully, great training story and hopefully fun cabin adventures (It has been relaxing so far and nice to have that quiet and peaceful time) ... But for now, this is what I have. 

Enjoy your week and be kind to one another :-) 

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly ...

This past weekend I participated in the Wisconsin Marathon Half Marathon. I will start with the good, move to the bad and finish with the ugly ...  

The good - I ran for my friend Tammy, who is currently battling breast cancer. I was so happy that I was able to race in her honor. It is a gift to be able to do these races and happy that I could do this for her to help show cancer who is boss one more time!!!  Tammy has a goal to complete a half marathon this year ... I know it will happen for her as she is one strong Chica!!!!! I have attached a photo before the race :-) 

Another part of the good was that I was ale to see my dear friend Terri before and after the race. She is one wicked fast girly and I love her to bits!  

The third part of the good was that I was able to race and spend time with my good friend Alison. Fun the night before and fun the day of!!!  What more can you ask for!!!

The bad - well, this year is the first time that I have raced at my heaviest ever. 15lbs to be exact. That was not the way to start the season and to do a half marathon. My body hurt, hips hurt and it wasn't as easy to move ... Finishing this gave me the incentive to drop this post ironman/complete hysterectomy/death of my daddy wieight like no other.  I cannot prepare for my marathon this fall with this hanging on. 

Now to the UGLY - the race itself was going pretty well, until I hit about mile 10. I had sent my inspiration for the race, Tammy, a text (yes, I text during races) that I had seen many women that morning that I kept thinking were her ... I was looking for her beautiful smile and her long and lean body running on the course ... At times, people enter your heart more than you know. 

About 15 minutes after I texted her, she replied ... Note to self, do NOT read these while running ... Well, when I read her reply I had to start walking. Such a beautiful soul and person. Her message solidified why I was running for her that day but had to stop running for a little while ... Overcome with emotion, I could not catch my breath ... I thought of her, what she is going thru, what I went thru, my Daddy and so many other things ... The UGLY cry was out there for a good 10 minutes, but I was not ashamed. That is part of what real life is all about. 

As I neared the finish line, I was able to compose myself and was happy that the race was done ... This was an important one in so many ways. 

So, thanks Tammy, thanks Daddy, thanks Alison, thanks Terri and thanks to my hubcap for being with me that day in more ways that you could ever know. 

It's a new week next week and I am looking forward to what lies ahead. I hope you have all enjoyed yours and have been able to spend time in the sunshine!  I'll be back next week, but until then, remember that life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another!!  

Under Construction ...

I'll be back next week. Need time to regroup. A lot has happened in the last in the last month and just trying to get my head on straight. 

We did have a great afternoon watching jack and the Milton HS Show Choir perform. Love watching those kids!  

There is a piece of good news I wanted to share if you hadn't already seen it on FB ... My "official" FIVE YEAR CHECKUP was wonderful!  Graduated to once a year and I am DONE with tamoxifen!!  A HUGE thing ... So happy and excited. I love my oncologist and am happy we will just be able to see each other as friends now. Such a smart and great man. 

Enjoy the night, don't blow away ... But always remember that life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another. 

A Little R&R, Some Good News and Mojo, Where Have You Gone???

This weekend was wonderful. B, the kiddos and I headed up to the cabin on Friday afternoon for some much needed rest and relaxation. And we did just that. Movies, cards, naps, the candy store, Tribute, the Honey Bear, the dump (yes the dump) and a walk for Ted. It was really nice not having a schedule, sleeping (I ACTUALLY slept both nights) and just enjoying a quiet weekend with some of my favorite people. I just wanted to stay and keep this relaxation trend going. 

Now that we are home, there needs to be some focus on my part to say in this mode.  There are things that will have to get done but the others things are simply choices and I need to make sure that I am making good choices and keeping life relaxed. There is a woman that keeps saying that I am the busiest person she knows. I don't think I am but none the less, it drives me nuts and I don't want anyone to have that impression of me. 

Onto some great news ... Always love good news. As I picked up Jack from school in Friday, he shared that he made Choralation (Milton's HS Show Choir) for next year!!!  So excited for him and so happy he is able to be a part of such an awesome group of kids again. He can be a man of few words, but the ear to ear grin said more than any words could ever express :-). 

Last but not least ... My lost mojo.  I am really hoping that it finds it's way to me at some point soon. The tight pants are extremely frustrating and the lack of desire to do anything about it is more than frustrating. I know it'll happen and know that life has definitely thrown a few curveballs my way in the past 6 months, but I would prefer to find my mojo sooner than later.  So if you see it, please steer it back towards me ;-) because this Chica is frustrated. 

I hope you all enjoy this Sunday evening, are able spend it with those you love and embrace that cold front that is coming our way. It really will get nice out. We had a taste of it last week :-). 

I'll be back next Sunday but in the meantime,  remember that life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another. 

I'm attaching a photo of Wilderness Trail (the road that our cabin is on) - so peaceful. 

Lost ...

This is going to be a long road and I am a little lost right now. There are things I still find happiness in: My husband, my family, quiet nights with friends and quality time with girlfriends.  Not sure what I would do without them. 

The celebrations of my Daddy's life (he will always be my Daddy ... I don't care how old I am) was incredible. So proud to be his daughter and so fortunate to have so many come out to support me, my mom, my brother and my family on Thursday. We laughed and cried with everyone. There are so many people that I want to express my gratitude to, but don't want to leave anyone out but know that being there, sending messages and phone calls of support have meant the world to me (us). 

Yes, my father is in a better place, but selfishly, I still want him here and I miss him terribly. Day by day is how I am living. Trying to focus on the good and smile the best I can so please be patient with me. 

I have found that being active has helped me. Whether it's a Bootcamp class, spin class, strength class, TRX, an a$$ kicking by Emily or going out for a run with friends makes me happier and gets those good endorphins going. The focus is to keep doing that. So happy that I am able to do what I can do and that I have fun people to do it with :-) 

I have made the decision to defer the Rev3 half ironman to next year. Best choice right now and love Rev3 for having the one time deferral policy with no charge. They are an incredible organization. I look forward to racing Rev3 Dells in 2015. I will still do my half marathon in May and and my full marathon in November. That is much more manageable.  I'll also get in the pool and ride but that will be just for fun. 

What I am really looking forward to is going up north this summer and having quiet time with family and friends.  I think we determined we will be up north 35 days over summer break :-).  Thinking it will be great for the healing and grieving process. 

Hope you have all had a wonderful day and have been able to get out and enjoy the sping weather!!  I'll be back next Sunday. In the meantime remember that life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another.  💗

Upside down ...

My world and my family's world has even turned upside down in the last 7 days with the passing of my Dad. 

I have said this many times. I am just so sad right now and my heart has broken into a million little pieces. I loved him so very, very much. Yes, he is at peace and I am so happy for that, but I still wish he were still here to hold his hand, kiss his cheek and just be able to tell him that I love him. 

Yes, he was sick. Parkinson's and dementia (Alzheimer's) took his life but will not take his spirit that will always live on inside my heart.  I just really miss my Dad ... but will forever cherish the gift of being able to have him in my life for the past 45 years. 

Hoping the days, months and years ahead will get a little easier ... Just not really seeming possible at this point, but I have been told they will. 

I have included his obituary (it is hard for me to even type that word) so you can get a little glimmer of who my Daddy was:  

http://www.cressfuneralservice.com/obituary/123503/E-Arthur-Prieve/#Obituary 

And another little glimpse:

http://everythingandaracehorse.com/2014/03/20/there-are-people-we-remember/

That's about all I have in me now. This is going to be an extremely tough week, but I am so very fortunate to have an incredible family by my side and have some pretty fantastic friends that are in my life. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!!  

Try to remember that life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another.  💗

Here is a photo of my Dad and me at the opening of Grainger Hall. Such a fun night with him!  

Woot woot!!!!

Well, it feels SO good to truly be back at it. Had a great training week with some of my faves doing what I love most. TRX with, T, Sarah and Jess, run with Scott, 2 runs with the running buds, Lisa, Lesley, Sherri and Kathi, 2 power pump classes and 2 yoga classes :-). My heart is happy and full ... And HOLY BUCKETS, I am sore!!!!   I have truly missed that feeling!!  

This upcoming week, I will be adding biking into the mix, then swimming the following week. Rev3 Wisconsin Dells half ironman training is now underway :-). 

Apparently the Rev3 Dells bike course is CRAZY hilly ... Look out for the turtle donning the pink cape and the Effcansah gear on 6/22!!!  

Thinking about the upcoming season also makes me really excited for my Triathlon 101 class that starts in just 9 days. I absolutely love that class and truly love helping people teach their goal of completing a sprint triathlon!!!  Look out Lake Mills, here we come!!!  

Sidebar, but I have been talking and working on this ...SELF CARE.  It has actually been going pretty well. I have been good about keeping the stress in check, saying no, practicing yoga (I was sad that I missed my friend Christi's class, but the weather was craptastic and didn't want to make the trip to Madison that day) and taking a day to regroup at home was really nice. 

I was able to enjoy a night out to dinner with Brendon and Sparky and yesterday, I went with my girlfriend Lisa to watch our kiddos at their last show choir performance of the season. Just incredible!!!!  I, of course, cried watching Jack and all of the other kids out there!  So proud of them all. 

That's all she wrote for this week :-).  Enjoy the night and I'll be back next weekend, but in the meantime, remember ... Life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another. 

Working My Way Back ...

After finally being released from all restrictions and really being able to get back to exercise this week, I have made this determination ... I have a LONG way to go. Making sure I fit training, yoga and time to just BE  into my schedule is going to be a HUGE priority. With being off for about 7 weeks and being really busy at work, it has taken a toll on my fitness, my body and my mind.  

So, I am putting it out there ... Operation "Back to Healthy" is under way. I am not looking for a quick fix and it'll take hard work and dedication to get where I would like to be.  There are LB's and fat loss to get rid of, not to lose as I don't want to "find" them again.  There is yoga to be done.  There are fears to overcome within yoga ... I DO want to teach someday and need lose the fear that I won't be "good" at it. I will find my own style and will embrace that style. Hopefully others will to :-). I need to "practice" my practice more ... And have been really been missing it.  There are priorities that need changing and also there is that ever so evasive balance to find ... I am getting closer and look forward to what this transformation will bring. It won't all happen at once and I am good with it all taking time as I am willing to commit to making my life, the best for me and my family as those are the most important people to me. 

As a friend of mine just said to me yesterday, when you are ready, it will happen. I am ready and truly need this.  I would like my clothes to fit well and to feel confident in them, I would like to be more at peace with me, my life and how I live it ... Someone also said to me the other day that I was the busiest person she knew.  I don't want to be the busiest person that ANYONE knows. I really took that to heart and it hurt my soul. Changes NEED to be made. I do have to say that I have gotten better at saying "no" again, so that is definitely step in the right direction. 

I have a plan in place and in writing that includes mind, body and soul. Not just arbitrary goals but solid goals with plans to implement them. This weekend away has been great to put it all together, take the time and to really figure out what I am looking to accomplish and how I would like to live. As, I said before, there is no quick fix.  Whether it is mind, body and/or spirit, it is a process. If we look for the quick fix, it won't truly ever happen. 

We have enjoyed the weekend away. Fun and most of all relaxing. So blessed to have this retreat and happy to be able to spend it with those I love. I hope you have all had an incredible weekend, enjoy the night and remember ... Life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another. 

Nothing to see here ...

It's been an interesting week and I am tired ... That's all she wrote today. But please do remember that life IS good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another.  I'll be back next week :-). 

First Week Back ...

Well, back at it ... Felt great, sore and happy ... Then I got a cold. With a combination of work, training and personal Schtuff happening (I don't share EVERYTHING) ;-), my body finally said "when".  Not excited about it but I am happy that this is the first time I have been sick all winter as last year was a hat trick with bronchitis and pneumonia, so it is nice to just have a cold.  It is all above the neck, so I will continue, but just at a more relaxed pace and effort. 

In the self care department, the week started out well, but kind of fell apart. Continuing on making that a priority and ultimately letting some things go.  It's proving to be a challenge at 45 years young ... But, if I keep working at it, it HAS to sink in, right? ;-).  The photo attached was posted by a friend ... Great reminders for all of us!  Look for it in my office at the club ... It'll be hung on my bathroom mirror as well :-). 

This weekend was Sparky's play. Love watching the Milton Optimist plays. It takes a lot of guts for them to get up there!  I have also attached a photo of Sparky as "Queen of the North". So proud of my girl!  In other kid news, I have to say that I am also really proud of my jack, swimming 200,000 yards over the past 3.5 months for swim team!  I looked back at my yards for 2013 and he almost doubled what I had done over the course of the entire year in that short time frame!!!

Off to get some rest and knock this cold out of the park.  Enjoy your night and the 40 degree weather coming up this week! And remember, life is good, enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another.  

Tomorrow ...

The 6 week mark is finally here!!!  Cleared to do everything and couldn't be happier about it. I feel like I can actually put my race training plan together and get focused again. Hard to plan anything or focus on anything when you can't physically do it. I have lost ground but it'll come back so here is to being able to train again!  

So, self care this week has been pretty good although I was a bit cranky (just ask about anyone that I saw) ;-).  Continuing making self care a priority and determined to not always have a hectic schedule. There is something to be said about having a little peace in one's day EVERYDAY. 

Looking forward to the changes that will come my way!  

Have a great Sunday evening and remember, Life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another. 

Random Thoughts ....

All I can say us that it's been a LONG week with a few shining moments/times sprinkled in there. The stress level has been relatively high and the fact that I haven't been able to truly exercise/train the way I am used to is frustrating and plays a role in my stress as I don't have that release to count on right now.  In just a week will have clearance to do everything, but I must say that it is hard to work in the fitness industry when you can't participate in all that you would like to.  

With the lack of exercise, my mind, body and soul are needing another weekend up at the cabin as I sleep so much better and can truly decompress while I am there.  Plans are in place and it'll happen soon :-). 

I have been working on making myself a priority, but this week has been a bit of a challenge as I have been pulled in too many directions than I can count.  Some have been ones I have been ok with being pulled in, others have not.  It is hard being a people pleaser and I need to stop. In life we won't always make everyone happy and that is OK.  So, just an FYI ... The tiny two letter word NO is coming back into my vocabulary, so look for it ;-).  

One of the shining moments this weeks was that a friend of mine who I admire, respect and am grateful that she is in my life wrote the best thing today that really hit home: 

"To achieve my top three goals of the year, I don't need to be busier, I need to be better. I don't need more time to do more. I need to do more of the right things and less of the other stuff."  Thanks for that Christi. 

So, here's to makin yourselves a priority, here's to self care and here's to temperatures that will be above zero all week!!!  Woot woot!  And most importantly, remember that life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another. 

3 Weeks Out and 45!!!!!!

No post last week, as recovery has been pretty uneventful.  A lot of relaxing. I have been really good about my recovery and really feel remarkably well. I still get tired but hey, who doesn't right?!  I went for my post op and things are all healing well, except for the little snafu of me hitting my hip (one of the incision sites) on the counter -  all I can say about that is OUCH!!!!!!!  Plus other expletives ;-). I left the appointment with approval to walk, do yoga, "light spin" (had to push a bit on that one) and lift up to 20 pounds. No running or swimming for 3 more weeks.

I cannot WAIT to put my kicks on and actually go for a run :-). I really miss running with my peeps.  Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays are some of my favorite days. Soon, THAT time will come ... And all will be good. 

I do have to say that I have really been surprised as to how well the recovery has gone. Feel great, no pain, no hot flashes and the pre-surgery bloat is gone too ... A win, win for every one :-). 

During this recovery time, I just happen to turn 45 ...Yes, on Tuesday, I.will.be.45.years.old ... And, I am actually looking forward to it. :-). I am blessed with the gift of each day that I am given on this earth, am doing my best to make the most of this year and my future.  One of the big things that I am focussing on in this 45th year and forward, is to make sure that I make myself a priority ... Self care is a hard thing to fit in with everything we all have going in our lives, but for me to be the best that I can be, to EVERYONE in my life, I need to take care of myself too.  

This week will be a week of celebration (complete with yoga, dinner with the hubcap, Jack's swim meet, dinner with the family, a trip to Madison to see Mom and Dad, work and DEFINITELY some relaxation.  One of the best parts of the week will be a girls weekend at the cabin with my Sparky :-). Can't wait for that!!  She has made plans for us that include, The Honey Bear, Leif's Cafe, the candy store, Tribute, snowshoeing and a pile of chick flicks to watch in front of the fire ... I will share thumbs up or thumbs down next weekend, but if you have any good suggestions, please feel free to share so we can add to our selection!!!  

Hope you have all had a wonderful weekend and again, thanks so much for stopping by :-). Enjoy the week ahead and remember ...  Life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another.  

Recovery, Shifting of Schtuff and a New Year ...

Well, surgery was a success ... Woot woot!!!!  I am happy that it's behind me. It truly was the best decision based on the current state of my uterus et all ;-). Recovery is going really well all things considered. I am still pretty tired but am not in a lot of pain, so that is good. The biggest thing is that with the removal of the ovaries, uterus and cervix, my existing body parts are now working their way to their new home inside my body ;-) ... So the shifting/cramping feeling is quite interesting to say the least. Hoping that will be done in about a week or two. 

And don't worry, I am not getting crazy and doing all sorts of stuff. Slow and steady. I am walking when I need to walk and resting when I need to rest, so all is good. It was funny, while in the hospital, I asked both the nurse and my surgeon if I should feel crappier. They both said that most don't feel this good that soon after surgery so I took it as a good sign. Listening to my body is key right now if I want to be able to accomplish everything I have set out to do in 2014 :-). 

Tentative race/event schedule is as follows: 

5/3 - Wisconsin half marathon (registered)

6/22 - REV3 half ironman (registered) 

8/9 - Dairyland Dare 150k 

10/12 - I "think" the Chicago Marathon (still deciding on that one) 

Challenging but manageable and with a goal of finishing while having the best time ever :-). 

With the beginning of 2014, I really have to say that I have been enjoying all of the Facebook posts, messages, discussions that I have had with people about the launch of 2014. At the beginning of each year, in general, we all have such hope, are positive as to what the year will bring and how "this year" will be the best year EVER. I am no different and I enjoy the excitement of what is yet to come. 

One of my new adventures will be to get certified to teach yoga. IT SCARES ME AND IS EXCITING AT THE SAME TIME.  This is definitely what one would think is "out of the perverbial box" for me, but I have really been enjoying yoga in so many ways. The calm and peacefulness it brings, the balance, and it has brought me closer to myself.  This has all been so beneficial. It has taken such a LONG time to embrace yoga and really appreciate it. So, the adventure will be a fun one and just the beginning. Starting with a weekend certification and may move onto my 200 hour RYT after that. We will see what the challenge brings. 

I hope all of you in the Midwest stay warm these next few days as it apparently is going to be wicked cold ;-). Happiest of New Years to all of you and may it truly be your best year EVER :-). Enjoy the night and remember ...  Life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another.