Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Parenting 101
I missed this class. I count my children as blessings. However, parenting is hard work! It makes Jillian Michaels' workouts seem easy! Well, not quite! And the role of parent is one I will have forever. Every time I think we have something figured out, we move into the next stage of development.
Just curious. . . what are your parenting challenges? What are your suggestions as we tread through the waters of parenting?
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Flowers
Certain Friend
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Puzzles!!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
5k?
This was first posted on Facebook under notes.
I have been saying for over a year now, that I may have MS, but it doesn't have me. For many aspects of my life, that is true. But, I realize that there is at least one area in which MS was controlling me. Since I was diagnosed, I let my physical limitations (or perceived limitations) keep me from physical exercise.
In February, after a doctor's visit, I realized that I wasn't taking shots every week for my MS just so I could kill myself in other ways. So, I set a goal. I was going to train and walk/jog the Illinois Marathon 5K. I was doing well but my left foot started dropping as my leg became fatigued. I started using kinesio-tape to help with that. While it helped, I had to quit jogging. But I kept on walking. However, being outside in the humidity is not good for my MS, and some days I did an indoor walking program. Not knowing what the weather would bring during the Illinois 5K and not knowing how my foot would be doing, I did not register.
I was in quite a mood the day of the race. I felt like I failed. I did not reach the goal I had set. But, then I realized, that I really had met that goal. I can walk 3.3 miles in the time I set as my goal. So, I may not have the bib and medal, but I DID IT!! I went from being a couch potato in February to power walking and meeting my goal time. What now? I am setting a new goal time, and I am going to keep walking until the weather forces me inside for good. On those days, I will use the indoor walking program. We have also started looking for a treadmill for the basement where it stays nice and cool through the summer and where I will be safe from ice during the winter!
And who knows, maybe this fall or next winter I will just do that 5k!
Because of my foot drop and fatigued legs, I knew it was time for new running shoes and some good sandals. So, I purchased my first pair of Merrell sandals - LOVE THEM! Since I am not jogging but strictly running, I opted for walking shoes this time around. The ones I purchased are rated as one of the best walking shoes by Consumer Reports. But, I have to say - they are ugly! I have never spent so much money on something so ugly! But, I guess if they do the job of keeping my toes up while walking, then I will forsake beauty for practicality.
Told you they were UGLY! :)