My husband's knees

 My husband is in constant pain from his knees. He's been to an orthopedist, had cortisone shots (first time they helped for a month, next time they helped for 3 days), been to an acupuncturist (helped for a day), been through physical therapy (they recommended he have his knees replaced), and of course tried various pills, gels, foam rolling, accupressure mat, etc. etc. 

Living with constant pain affects everything. It affects my husband's mood and his performance at work. It impacts what we do (and where we go) on vacation. It affects what he can do around the house and yard (very little). It affects our household budget - we've had to outsource the yard work to a service and we are getting an estimate on getting some help around the house.

And it affects my mood. It's hard working a full time job and being primarily responsible for everything around the house - from walking the dogs (he can't), to doing all the shopping (the concrete floors in stores are killer for him), and of course I do the bulk of the housework. It's hard not to be resentful sometimes even though I know that none of this is his fault and he certainly would prefer things NOT be this way!

He is getting a second opinion today. He current ortho basically said "Once you get to the point that you can't work then we'll look at doing knee replacement." Um, no. Not an acceptable answer.

Anyway, that's a big thing going on in my life - and it's something we've been living with for well over a year now. 

Take care.

Good gravy

 Hello!

I never intended to be away so long! Oh my gosh - I bet I have a lot to write if I sit down and think about it. know that I am going on vacation later this week and hopefully will have time to catch up. I have mastered maintenance - ha ha. If only I were near goal weight. :-) New dog is still settling in - it's a work in progress. I was spoiled - I forgot what a big transition that can be!

Still getting out and walking every day! Only 1 day I exercised indoors exclusively in nearly 6 weeks. I hope spring is on the way. It's at least light more!

Take care - back soon! 

Where has the week gone???

 Well, work is still crazy. I had anxiety dreams about work last night!! That's pretty unusual for me. Wednesday I used my lunch hour to do some housework, so I do at least feel better about that. It's been rainy and work has been super busy - I took 2 days off the bike - Wednesday I decided to clean instead and yesterday I donated blood. The dog only got 2 walks on those days as well. But I have kept up with my kettlebells - I'm not doing nearly the volume of work I was before, but I am (slowly) building back up. I was down 2.5 pounds this week. Don't you hate it when the scale bounces around like Tigger??? Lol

Tonight I am making a very "southern" meal - black eyed pea stew (it has greens & tomatoes and is yummy!) and salmon patties. I like beans in general and honestly I think they are a healthy part of our diet - a much better choice than more processed carbs! 

I have Monday off! And boy do I need it. :-)

Take care.

Not much new

 Work is crazy, the house is a mess, I need a vacation.

Here's a funny picture. It's funny because this is me.

Four weeks, and what the actual heck

 I learned a new word this week:

It's been 4 weeks today since I lost my pruppet. It still hurts very much. Having said that, Pepper is beginning to settle in.

I have watched my food this week and significantly ramped up my exercise, so naturally I regained the measly half pound I lost last week. I hate the scale.

Take care.

Finding a new routine

 So the dogs are settling in. There's a bit of jealousy (Susie) and a bit of regressive behavior (Pepper), but that will resolve in time. Susie wasn't the "only dog" for very long, so that will be fine. Everyone knows they are loved. :-)

In an effort to be sure he gets out and gets exercise, Pepper has been getting 3 walks of the half mile loop per day! Susie generally goes once and calls that good. She will likely want to go more/ longer when the weather warms back up. 

So I am walking 3 times per day (although not for long), riding the exercise bike 20-25 minutes, and I have added my beloved kettlebells back in 3 times per week. So go me! A little too much grazing between meals (the perils of working at home), but meals have been solid and evening snacking hasn't been an issue.

I don't want to jinx it, but maybe I've found my groove???

Take care.

Meet Pepper!

So a thing happened this weekend.

Pepper is a 5 year old chihuahua min pin mix. He's been at the foster agency since September of 2017. Prospective puppy parents were either put off my his energy & chihuahua aggression (he can be a brat) or they were much older folks looking for a little potato dog. Foster mom has had this guy out on 3 mile runs, so potato he is not!

We are all adjusting, but he & Susie seem to have really hit it off. Last night I sat on the sofa with tears streaming down my face. Getting a new dog was like admitting Jordan is really gone. (Yes, I know that's irrational.) I have never grieved the loss of a pet like this. But we are a good fit for this guy and I think he will settle in nicely.

Mrs Swan - I did like in Florida for a while! I was transferred down there for work, but ultimately moved back to NC. 

It was a decent weekend - I was just beginning to get a hang of this morning routine when this little guy came into our lives and now I have to figure it all out again! Oh well. :-) I did walk the dogs at butt crack dark thirty and rode the exercise bike for 20 minutes so far today! 

Take care.