Winning ...

Well, after a 2014 that was not the best whatsoever physically, professionally, mentally, and fitness wise, I am happy to say that I have made it through it and am better and stronger for it.

The loss of my uterus, ovaries and cervix was harder on me than I thought it would be. The positives being that I would not go down the path of cancer again in any of those areas, so the decision to have the surgery SO worth it.  However, my body was rocked with other unexpected issues that I didn't talk about with many. The weight gain, the hot flashes and the insomnia have been a big challenge for me as I no longer have any real metabolism nor do I have any estrogen flowing through my body. Combine that with all of the cancer treatments from, yes 5 years ago, made this chick a hot mess.  

After a long discussion with my Oncologist in September (prompted by a big nudge from one of my oldest friends Barbie), I am now on an estrogen patch (feel good about the decision) and the hot flashes are gone ... Weight loss has been a slow progression, but there is progress, so still consider the whole package win number one. 

The loss of my father also rocked my world in so many ways.  He was such an important part of my life and I miss him more than I could ever know.  He was one that embraced life and lived it to the fullest, making everyone he met feel like they were the most important person in the world ... He was an extraordinary man. My goal is to carry on that legacy and enjoy and embrace life the same way that he did. So proud that he is my Daddy. 

Professionally, it was also a challenging year. Without getting into much detail as I still want to remain professional (and after this post, I'll be done writing about the club). Leaving the gym was the best move for me. They were moving in a direction that did not match with my own fitness philosophy and vision. I made the decison to leave the environment as it was affecting my health and happiness.  I do not miss it there, but do miss some of my favorite co-workers and the members. They were my heart and soul and kept me there longer than I should have stayed. I am lucky to still have some of those people in my life. 

I was fortunate of to get a job with Zoro (a subsidiary of Grainger) quickly after I left the club. What a gift to get my feet wet again in a traditional workplace. I am grateful for that opportunity, but it was not the right fit as I have always been an active parent with both of my kiddos and it did not work with the priorities that I have always worked so hard to maintain. I learned so much, had wonderful co-workers and came out with new friends to boot, so it was a good move.   

In December, I was lucky enough to find a "home" with Subzero-Wolf. They are a wonderful company to work for. I am blessed that I am able to work part-time from home and am so glad I have found my work happy place again. It was tough finishing up training and leaving such an incredible group of people that I have gotten to know over the last six weeks, but am happy to not have to white-knuckle it on the way to or from work anymore. It'll be a short 100 feet to the home office.  What a gift and I am looking forward to working there for a LONG time. I call that win number two.  

Mentally, with the challenges mentioned above, it was not the best year. There was a lot I needed to work through, a lot I needed to let go of and a lot that I needed to process.  Resolving and figuring out all of the above was a big roadblock and I am glad I am on the other side of that. Win number three. 

As far as fitness goes, again, the above mentioned defintiely were a obstacles as to what I could do, what I wanted to do and what I had the energy to do. I am happy to report that this is all moving in the right direction. I have a plan, I have some wonderful friends, trainers and family to support me and to help me get back to where I need and want to be. I almost have my race schedule completed and am truly looking forward to racing and having fun out there this season (I will not "win" per say, but will win when I cross the finish line of each race) ... So that is win number four. 

With all of that "winning" (I almost put a photo of Charie Sheen on here), I must say that it feels good to have "ME" back and to smile again. I knew it would be a long process, but as the signature reads on all of my emails, "Life is Curly, don't try to straighten it out", defines life perfectly. We may want to try to straighten everything out, but there is a plan and a reason for everything and everyone. We may just not always quite know what it is while it's happening ... We just have to roll with all of the many different size "curls" that come along.

SO, with this current "curl" ... Look out!  This chick will be on the move pounding the pavement around Milton, in classes at some of my new favorite fitness facilities, on two wheels exploring Wisconsin or swimming like a fishy in a pool or in the open water ... give a shout out if you happen so see me!!! 

I hope you have all had a great weekend and enjoy the week ahead. I've had a blast spending time with the kiddos watching them participate in things that bring them joy. That always warms my heart. 

I'll be back on a weekly basis with "exciting" life and fitness adventures :-). Thanks for being patient and hanging around. Let 2015 Rock and remember to be kind to one another.