Oh boy, this week craaaaawled by for me. I am not used to being the office 5 days as I got really used to traveling for work this fall. I don't have any work trips planned for January so I will have to get used to being around more! Here's hoping the weeks go by a little faster going forward!
I'm closing out the week with 5 things that are on my mind!
1. My CFA Charter arrived in December and despite the fact that I don't have an office (or even a cube) with a wall to hang it on, I still decided to get it framed. It's 17" x 22" so is MASSIVE and of course that is a strange document size so it requires a custom frame. It was a little spendy, but I worked so hard for the CFA designation, I couldn't not frame it!
2. Ever since moving to Charlotte, I have really gravitated towards eating meatless dishes. It's a combination of not craving it, not having a grocery store close by where I feel comfortable buying meat (big chain grocery store meat grosses me out) and the fact that meat-free recipes tend to draw my eye more than those that contain meat. I certainly am not and will never be a vegetarian, but I sometimes go weeks without consuming meat - and can go well over a month without consuming red meat, and I don't see this changing anytime soon.
3. I am kind of having a tough RA month. I had site reactions to my last 2 injections which is apparently a normal side effect, but uncomfortable for me (swelling, red skin, itchy). And while I have seen improvements, I am so sick of the limitation this disease places on my body. I tried to do a new class at the gym on Monday and it just did not go well. I finished the class because I had too much pride to walk out mid-class, but my joints definitely weren't ready for it. So pretty much my workouts are limited to spinning and using the elliptical, and I am going to join the senior citizens and try water aerobics this weekend. I know what I am able to do is better than nothing but I miss being able to do whatever exercise I wanted to do. My joints should heal with time, but after almost 5 months of dealing with RA symptoms on top of 4+ months of being in a boot from a stress fracture, I'm totally sick of being limited. I miss running. I miss being able to do strength training. I miss yoga. Hurry up and heal, body.
4. It's actually been cold here this week. I usually roll eyes when people talk about cold weather here, but this week I will actually say it's been cold. It's certainly nothing compared to the temps that the Midwest has had, but we dipped down to the single digits on Tuesday and the windchill was -5. Luckily it's short-lived as we'll be back up to the 40s today and will climb into the 60s this weekend which will feel glorious.
5. A year ago yesterday was the day I found out about my relocation to Charlotte. That day will undoubtedly go down as one of the hardest of my life. I am really trying to put all that happened in 2013 behind me and to instead focus on what is ahead, but I felt especially sad yesterday as it was hard not to think about all of things that happened over the past year. Here's hoping a year from now I am in a better place both figuratively and literally.
What's on your mind today?
16 comments:
We've gravitated more and more toward eating meatless dishes, to the point where we don't fix meat at home. It's actually kind of awesome, and I don't miss it at all. When we were in Morocco I was really craving vegetarian food!
Omg was that really just 1 year ago?!? Feels like it was so much longer than that! Wow.
I am sorry it's been a tough RA month, and pray it will get better and you and your rheum can figure out a balance for you. One thing my coworker who has RA did say, was the embark gave her site reactions until she asked to get different solutions. They can dispense it with different binders or solutions, apparently? You may want to ask about that If that contines.
My mind is burned from a crazy week! Happy to have the weekend here - but a little bummed that Ryan will be leaving Sunday. I'm also experiencing major "pre-marathon" nerves and feeling like I undertrained. But, i guess I'll find out race day!
I could go meatless for awhile, but end up craving a good steak! We try not to eat much red meat but do depend on chicken or fish quite a bit.
The past year has been a trying one and I clearly remember where I was when you called me that day! 2014 has to be a better year all around!
And I do hope you can get some relief from the side effects of your injections!
Yes to framing your CFA charter! That is such an amazing accomplishment, it needs its spot in your home! :)
I'm sorry you've had a tough RA month. :( I hope these injections start working and healing your body, so you can get back to the activity level you're used to. Not being able to exercise the way you want is HARD. I always forget how lucky I am to exercise how I want!
We had two cold days in Florida this week, where it was 38 degrees in the morning! And we all freaked out, lol. But it's back up to the 70s today and this weekend so I'm happy. I seriously think I would have SAD if I had to live in a seriously cold climate. Midwesterners are troopers!
You know I am so with you on not buying meat at big chain grocery stores- blech it grosses me out. I'm very lucky to have a great butcher nearby, but I too can go weeks without eating meat. I do find that in the winter I crave meat more so I'm more likely to seek it out on the weekends, but in the summer and early fall when all the fresh amazing veggies are out I rarely crave meat.
I think you would like this recipe though you'd obv need to use GF pasta. Also you can probably leave out the milk, it just adds a touch of richness. http://26dishes.com/2012/05/22/mushroom-faux-lognese/
I was just looking at the anti-inflammatory food pyramid (drweil.com) and think I may try to work within that. They don't really push meat -- more fish, veggies, etc. Seems pretty healthy.
I'm sorry to hear the RA is kicking up. You really don't need that aggravation. Do you think there are options to the injections?
Hang tough!
Sorry to hear it's been a rough RA month for you. The whole trial and error of the medical community baffles me - we have all these incredibly powerful drugs, yet we have to fine tune the dosages for each person and that process could mean extra time of distress and discomfort. Boo. Here's to feeling a bit better in the coming months.
I find that if I don't frame important things immediately, they wind up packed away, waiting to be framed with no clear date when it'll ever happen. For that reason, I had some of our favorite Italy photos made into framed canvas prints - we aren't sure where to hang them up right now, but when we have more space, we'll find a home for them.
On my mind today - being thankful for my own health and feeling a little downtrodden for friends who are battling their own health issues.
Lisa, I'm so sorry you're having a rough RA month. And not being able to do fun workouts doesn't help either. Hopefully, it's just a part of the cycle and will get better soon.
We definitely don't make much meat at home because I just don't like to spend the money on it, but when I do, I definitely try to get local, organic stuff.
On my mind is the fact that I just hope I can swing it this term and manage my stress and stay on top of all my reading better. It's a challenge for sure, but I want to feel good about it at the end of 10 weeks. I also want to not let work stuff get me as stressed.
Lots of Paradigm or vegan dishes have anti-inflammatory benefits which can be a huge help with the RA. Anytime you want recipes I can share some that we use. All of the vegan meals that I've tried have been very flavorful, lowfat, high fiber, and taste great. Actually today I've been researching nutrition and RA/inflammation some thanks to some pain I've been having in my hand & right arm.
The other night I was doing some yoga and tried a handstand, quite unsuccessfully. As soon as I got up, my right arm caved in and I rolled forward crashing onto the floor and couch in what Kelley called "the most hilarious thing I can now do on a regular basis", so there's that. I need to work on balance and arm/hand strength. My right hand hurt the last time I got in the pool (a few weeks ago) too, so I'm calling it joint pain consistent with RA symptoms and looking for help in nutrition.
I used to be the same way with meat- didn't need it at all. Unfortunately Max does not agree and if I don't eat meat at dinner now, I'm up at 3 am starving. I'm hoping this goes away after birth because I don't even really love meat that much to be honest.
I'm sorry you are having a bad RA month. I don't blame you for feeling so frustrated by the lack of progress and limitations you have :( Sigh.
Actually, a small part of me really enjoys pool running. I bet you'll like it!
I wish I had a magic 8 ball to make my decisions for me. That is where I am at.
If I still lived on my own I would probably still be a vegetarian. We try to avoid factory farmed meat, and I'm really trying to cut back on all meat in the new year.
Trader Joes has some good meat- all natural and same with whole foods. I know what you mean though about buying meat.
Lets plan on making that dip during your visit!
Despite not really being a "vegetarian" anymore I still rarely crave or eat meat. When I DO crave it though it's almost always red meat weirdly enough! I'm still not back to eating chicken and I ate a bit of turkey around the holidays but it's still not my favourite (I slathered it with cranberry sauce!)
I think framing the CFA charter was definitely worth it! And you should also hang it somewhere in your apartment once you get it back. Maybe one day you'll have an office to move it to!
I really hope 2014 brings a lot of joy to your life ... 2013 was rough with your big move/ life changes, and you deserve a break!
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