50

I've been running every 2-3 days now. I ran a 5K a week ago today, outside in my t-shirt and shorts. It felt amazing! However, the next day I felt a little rough. I gave it 2 days, and on day 3 I tried again. This time, I only ran 2 miles. So, now I've been running every other day for only 2 miles.

However, today is my day to run and I'm feeling an ache in my missing gall bladder area. So, another day off is in order. It's tough to hit these rough spots. I forget that it's only been 3 1/2 weeks since my surgery. When I feel good, I feel really good. So, when I hurt it takes me down a few notches. It's not easy to take it easy. I just want to get into a routine.

Oh... I also have hit the 50 pound loss mark. It's really 52, but what are numbers really? :)

Overweight

Is overweight a bad word? For most people it is. On most days it is for me too. However, today I am no longer obese! I'm only overweight!!! 47.5 pounds lost and counting!!! Wooo Whooo!

I thought I'd gained weight last week, instead I lost 5 pounds (I'd gained 4 over the previous 2 weeks). I had to get back on the scale to make sure it was right. It was the same as the first weigh in this morning. What a great way to start the day!

This helps me maintain my new motivation to work out. Now that I've gotten the OK to run again, I'm getting back into a work out regimen. I'm excited to workout. It's amazing that I feel that way. If you know me, you understand that I'm not the picture of fitness. But, I'm trying.

Healing

I had my gall bladder removed 2 weeks ago now. The recovery has been AMAZING! Each day is so much better than the one before it. I met with my doctor today, and he cleared me to do all of my normal activities. It's amazing how quickly the body can heal. I owe it all to my husband's wonderful care and cooking. He's the best!

Today I ran 2 miles. It felt amazing! I hadn't worked out in over a month, due to a painful gall bladder. I went to the track intending on running only 1 mile. I was a very slow start, but I got into a groove. So, at 1 mile I thought I could go until 1.5 miles. I hit 1.5 and realized I could do 2. At 2, it took me a lot to stop. I did stop so that I didn't hurt myself. It's hard to take it slow, but I know it will pay off in the long run.

I start my speed triathlon training 1 month from today. I can't wait to get back into that program. It's so motivating to see what I can accomplish. I'm excited!

Gall Bladder

On Monday, I received the call I had expected for 5 days... my gall bladder needs to come out. I have been to the ER twice in almost 2 months with severe abdominal pain. The first time, they assumed it was just a spasm. The second time, they thought it was my gall bladder. I went to my GI doc Thursday afternoon to confirm it. He took some more blood, which showed my liver enzymes were very high. So, out it comes!

I have no idea when this is all happening. It's not very comfortable right now. I can feel my gall bladder now. It just feels big. I tried to do yoga on Saturday, but had to stop, because it hurt. It's really made me have better posture, because when I slouch it aches.

So, I meet with my surgeon for the first time on Friday to figure out when he'll be taking my gall bladder out. It shouldn't be too big of a deal, but I can't wait for the threat of gall bladder attacks to end.

By the way, no one told me that loosing a significant amount of weight could make a borderline gall bladder go bad. It's true! Who knew? I guess if that's the only downside, then loosing my 45+ pounds is still worth it :)

Valentine's Day!

I have the most wonderful husband in the world!!! Greg is in Strattford, England, flying a trip for Continental. No matter the distance, he still surprises me on Valentine's Day. I just got these flowers delivered to my home, from him. He's so sweet! He remembered my favorite florist, and had them put a Gerber Daisy in for me.

I didn't have very good luck with Valentine's days before Greg. He had one HORRIBLE Valentine's Day. So, we try not to put to much into this day. We don't exchange gifts, but do small things to let the other know how much they are loved.

I'm just grateful Greg picked me. He is the man I never knew existed. He exceeds the standards I had for my "dream man." He makes me happier than I knew possible. He is my best friend in the whole world. I love him more today than ever before. I'm the luckiest girl in the world!!!

Adoption Update

I thought I should give you all a quick update on our adoption process. First, some background... We are going through a Minnesota agency (over 100 years old), and enrolled in the Domestic Infant program. Our profile goes into "The Book" for birth families to select families they'd like to meet. Then, after meeting with us, we all decide if we are a match and if so we work on completing the adoption process.

We started this process last March, and just got into the book 1 1/2 weeks ago. It takes much longer than I expected. It's also a tough process to experience. However, this will all be worth it if we are picked. Now, we are in a waiting game. It could be years before we hear anything. Patience will be our key to success.

I'll let you guys know if we hear anything. As of now, expect nothing for a while.

Winter wonderland?

Last weekend, Greg and I threw a spectacular Groundhogs Day Party! It was our 5th annual. We had 3 southern friends (Kari, Tina and Randy) fly up for it the day before. We had a great time catching up and playing games before the main event. The next day, we had about 25 people show up and enjoy the beautiful day and wonderful food. Greg really outdid himself with ribs, burgers and pulled pork.

On Sunday, we took our southern friends sledding down the Carleton College hill. It was so much fun! I hope they didn't hurt too badly when they went home. They took some hard falls. I can't wait to see them all soon, and to have them back up sometime next year for more sledding!