Finding My Inner Yogi

During my last check up with Dr. Petri I was reminded I am currently about 15 lbs overweight.  I was reminded that being overweight adds to the strain on my heart and since I am already at high risk for heart disease thanks to my Lupus, I need to make some changes. That is easier said than done. I am envious of the people who have small children and find the time and motivation to get in an hour of exercise a day regularly.  I find that I get excited and keep up the healthy lifestyle for a few days or a week then I fall off the wagon.  Each time I fall off, it is harder to get back on.

So I joined a gym.  Prior to moving to Texas I was a regular at Gold's Gym for years.  I can't say it helped much because I feel like I worked out regularly and didn't see the results I wanted.  However, I had to give up my membership when I moved.  I was excited to find out a family member was canceling his membership and I could just take it over without any sign-up fees.  So now I am month-to-month at $19, which includes all classes.

Since I signed up about a month ago, I have been attending yoga. One week I attended 3 classes.  I find that it really helps with my pain.   I have had three different instructors and they are all so different.   Each class I learn new positions and test myself in new ways.  I never knew yoga could be so strenuous and rewarding. I have experienced less back pain (usually this lasts for the week after the class).  I have been focusing on my breathing.  It feels great to at least appear to be a regular who knows what she is doing.  I suck at balance. I cannot remember the names of many of the positions.  But I am trying.

I missed my yoga class this week which would have been tonight (it is my husband's birthday).  I am actually bummed about it.  That is a good thing.  I wish Gold's Gym had more yoga class offerings. 

What's next?  I am considering trying cycling.  I need to add something else into my schedule so I might start seeing some results.  I am fairly certain 10 minutes of corpse pose isn't helping me loose those 15 lbs.  I love yoga.  My lupus loves yoga. 

In my next thirty years

Today I turn the big 3-0. I am no longer a kid, a young adult.  I am just an adult. And I am okay with that. I have accomplished great things in my thirty years. I am proud of myself and at a very happy healthy place in my life.  So in my next thirty years I am going to love more. Love my husband more and remind him more often that he means the world to me. Without him I would have crumbled,  he is my rock. I am going to tell my son everyday how special he is and how much I love him. I am so blessed with these two boys. I am going to take care of me...mind body and soul.  I will say yes to things I want and need and no to things I don't. I will make an effort to eat better, sleep better and get more exercise.  I have to take care of my heart in every way imaginable.  My next thirty years are going to be the best years of my life.

Will Spring Ever Arrive?

I am so over winter.  I am over the cold.  I am ready for spring.  I wake up every morning in a house that is about 70 degrees in my summer pajamas (yes I wear them all year round) and think how great it is that it is FINALLY spring... but it isn't.  I have to dig through my draw for socks-where did all of mine go?  I can't wear my shorts and flip flops.  I have to wear the same old sweaters.  Lucky for me, I have had a rather quiet winter regarding my Lupus. I count my blessings and am a little fearful of the warm weather.  Last spring I had a nasty flare around my birthday at the end of March.  I hope this year my 30th birthday passes without any pain.  I hope I am able to celebrate with my loved ones and have a few days when I forget about Lupus.  I can't wait to open my windows and get some fresh air!  If I can't have snow, I don't want this cold.  Brrr....

Give me snow or give me sun!
 

Lupus Flare and a 1st Bday Party

About 3 weeks ago I got an ear infection.  Apparently any type of infection can cause a flare.I got a pretty bad flare.  Bad fevers, joint pain, and a rash...got my first steroid shot in the butt... Thanks Dr. Petri for helping me get better enough to enjoy my baby's Baptism and 1st Birthday Party!  Jackson will be 1 on the 16th.  Wow, how fast the year went and so much has changed from a year ago.

The Baptism was quick and peaceful.  Jackson was so well behaved.  I had a photographer come to take pictures.  I knew I couldn't take any pictures while holding him and I am so excited to see how well they turned out.  We were blessed with good weather, a little cold, for the party and so many people showed up. Jackson had a blast.

Today's Blessing:  A big loving family

Back in MD

Boy it has been a bumpy ride but we are finally all here.  Feeling better already.  I cant wait to get into our house and settle down and NEVER move again!  We cleaned and cleaned.  The pack out was easy, very nice people.  Probably robbed me blind but oh well. 

We miss our friends terribly!  Already planning some joint vacations to that helps. 

Jackson was so good when traveling.  He is having a hard time adjusting and isn't sleeping well but it will work itself out.  Now time to plan his baptism/bday party... send all ideas!

Our house got pushed back a week but I know it will work out.  I LOVE the house.  What really sold me was the water access a block away.  It is perfect for us.  Needs some work but that's how it is in MD. 

We are all healthy and together and that's what matters.

Today's Blessing:  Hopkins again on Friday for a brain scan or something to figure out these strokes...3 so far.  God Bless Doctors!