Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Walking Wednesdays
I was asked a couple weeks ago to head up a wellness program at work with one of my great friends, Sally Jones. Sally is in HR and together we have been trying to implement a wellness program. We started Walking Wednesdays and have had such a great time! Today the sun was out and the sky was a beautiful blue! It is so fun to leave the office for an hour and walk and socialize with those that we work with. We even have a hand sign for Walking Wednesdays. LOL
This last month we had a Water Competition. Everyone was challenged to drink their daily allotment of water and to track it everyday. Those that did it were entered into a drawing for a prize. Everyone was really into it and half way through the month we RAN OUT OF WATER in the office, and had to expedite another shipment. How great is that!??! Our winner exceeded his daily goal all 24 days of the contest and is still going strong. He completely gave up the several soft drinks and energy drinks that he use to drink daily. What an inspiration! It's great to see what a little encouragement does for everyone. So many individuals are still doing the water tracking. They really are making a change in their lifestyle. It feels so rewarding to have helped them! GO Chamber Team! BE WELL! (That is our wellness program motto) :)
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Opposition in all things
2 Nephi 2:11
For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my first-born in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility.
It has been such a long time since I’ve taken the time to write and it seems like each journal entry every few months starts that way. When I’m feeling crappy everything seems dark and dreary and the last thing I want to do is write in my journal about how frustrated, discouraged and negative I am. I need to get better at that. I need to write when I don’t feel like it, but for now this is going to have to do.
This week is a glorious and bright week and because of that I feel like writing. I can speculate several reasons why this week is better, but I’m always hesitant to do so because of this constant ever-changing unpredictable body that I have. The one thing I am certain about is that I’m closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and that makes a difference, always.
Last week Devin and I went to see Dr. Don Stromquist at the Utah Arthritis Center. There was much anxiety and anticipation going into the appointment. As I was sitting in the waiting chair a rush of emotions hit me as I reflected on what I have been through so far. Then, something changed. Instead of falling into the negative rut of comparing my current body to what I use to be and getting depressed and discouraged, I looked at my adorable husband and realized that I need to be stronger and more optimistic. He helps me in so many ways. I was then suddenly given this new outlook, this new hope, faith and motivation to accept what I have been given and to be grateful it is not worse than it is. It is not the end of the world although at times it feels like it is. I understood the need to accept what I have been given and make the best of it, not looking back comparing to what I use to have or what I use to be able to do.
If we fast forward a week, I got all my test results back from Dr. Stromqust and it DOES NOT appear to be RA. Still possible? Yes, but very unlikely. We will know for sure after my follow up visit in a couple weeks.
When I got the call about the test results I was filled with feelings of disappointment but yet rejoicing all at the same time; disappointment because I want an answer and rejoicing because it’s not as bad as it could be. I later broke down into tears one night with Devin as I expressed my frustrations of the unknown. “I know I’m strong, I know I’m a fighter, but when I don’t know what I’m fighting it’s hard to stay strong.” Being allowed to recognize these emotions helped me to move on and to try to stay positive. The doctors are speculating Fibromyalgia now and put me on a medication, despite my hesitancy. I take a ¼ of a pill every other night to help me sleep and to help with the overall pain and fatigue. So far, I’m attributing my great week partly to this new medication. Usually I’m against medication, but at this point I’m embracing whatever will help me be able to function and enjoy life as a newlywed.
It’s hard to always be so exhausted and tired and barely make it through a day at work only to come home and collapse on the couch. Laundry piles up, cleaning piles up and the stress just mounts until I hit a breaking point because I usually don’t have the energy to do the mundane tasks in life. This week has given me hope as I come home with energy to cook and clean and take care of my wonderful husband! I look at the clock and its 8:30 and I still have energy to do something instead of pulling my exhausted body from the couch to bed. Life is so much better when I have this amazing energy. I hope I am making progress and can continue to keep this light in my life. 2 Nephi 2:11 came to my mind this morning as I was driving to work. Had I not been given months of trials I would not be able to rejoice this week in the simple pleasures of having energy to get ready in the morning, make lunches, smile at work and still have energy to go home with an optimistic attitude to cook and laugh and enjoy the evening with my husband. I hold this week so dear to my heart as I love life and love who I am when I can have this energy, hope and vigor for life! All I can do is hope and pray that I can figure out what is working and hold on to that. I thank my Heavenly Father for allowing me to experience a healthy body this week and providing that glimpse of hope for the future. I can do it. I can make it. I can figure out what is wrong and fight it. For now, I will continue pushing, continue being positive and continue being proactive in finding an answer. Fibromyalgia just doesn’t seem to be the answer. It doesn’t bring peace to my soul. It leaves me thinking that there is some other answer waiting for me out there. As Devin told me, “it may take several years for us to find out what is going on and in the meanwhile you can't give up. You have to keep fighting and I know you can.” and that is EXACTLY what I will do! I'm not letting the unknown lead to frustration and discouragement. Until I have an answer I am enjoying every hour of every day and appreciating the times like this week when I’m feeling healthy and strong. Let the journey continue. I can do it because I have the Lord on my side.
For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my first-born in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility.
It has been such a long time since I’ve taken the time to write and it seems like each journal entry every few months starts that way. When I’m feeling crappy everything seems dark and dreary and the last thing I want to do is write in my journal about how frustrated, discouraged and negative I am. I need to get better at that. I need to write when I don’t feel like it, but for now this is going to have to do.
This week is a glorious and bright week and because of that I feel like writing. I can speculate several reasons why this week is better, but I’m always hesitant to do so because of this constant ever-changing unpredictable body that I have. The one thing I am certain about is that I’m closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and that makes a difference, always.
Last week Devin and I went to see Dr. Don Stromquist at the Utah Arthritis Center. There was much anxiety and anticipation going into the appointment. As I was sitting in the waiting chair a rush of emotions hit me as I reflected on what I have been through so far. Then, something changed. Instead of falling into the negative rut of comparing my current body to what I use to be and getting depressed and discouraged, I looked at my adorable husband and realized that I need to be stronger and more optimistic. He helps me in so many ways. I was then suddenly given this new outlook, this new hope, faith and motivation to accept what I have been given and to be grateful it is not worse than it is. It is not the end of the world although at times it feels like it is. I understood the need to accept what I have been given and make the best of it, not looking back comparing to what I use to have or what I use to be able to do.
If we fast forward a week, I got all my test results back from Dr. Stromqust and it DOES NOT appear to be RA. Still possible? Yes, but very unlikely. We will know for sure after my follow up visit in a couple weeks.
When I got the call about the test results I was filled with feelings of disappointment but yet rejoicing all at the same time; disappointment because I want an answer and rejoicing because it’s not as bad as it could be. I later broke down into tears one night with Devin as I expressed my frustrations of the unknown. “I know I’m strong, I know I’m a fighter, but when I don’t know what I’m fighting it’s hard to stay strong.” Being allowed to recognize these emotions helped me to move on and to try to stay positive. The doctors are speculating Fibromyalgia now and put me on a medication, despite my hesitancy. I take a ¼ of a pill every other night to help me sleep and to help with the overall pain and fatigue. So far, I’m attributing my great week partly to this new medication. Usually I’m against medication, but at this point I’m embracing whatever will help me be able to function and enjoy life as a newlywed.
It’s hard to always be so exhausted and tired and barely make it through a day at work only to come home and collapse on the couch. Laundry piles up, cleaning piles up and the stress just mounts until I hit a breaking point because I usually don’t have the energy to do the mundane tasks in life. This week has given me hope as I come home with energy to cook and clean and take care of my wonderful husband! I look at the clock and its 8:30 and I still have energy to do something instead of pulling my exhausted body from the couch to bed. Life is so much better when I have this amazing energy. I hope I am making progress and can continue to keep this light in my life. 2 Nephi 2:11 came to my mind this morning as I was driving to work. Had I not been given months of trials I would not be able to rejoice this week in the simple pleasures of having energy to get ready in the morning, make lunches, smile at work and still have energy to go home with an optimistic attitude to cook and laugh and enjoy the evening with my husband. I hold this week so dear to my heart as I love life and love who I am when I can have this energy, hope and vigor for life! All I can do is hope and pray that I can figure out what is working and hold on to that. I thank my Heavenly Father for allowing me to experience a healthy body this week and providing that glimpse of hope for the future. I can do it. I can make it. I can figure out what is wrong and fight it. For now, I will continue pushing, continue being positive and continue being proactive in finding an answer. Fibromyalgia just doesn’t seem to be the answer. It doesn’t bring peace to my soul. It leaves me thinking that there is some other answer waiting for me out there. As Devin told me, “it may take several years for us to find out what is going on and in the meanwhile you can't give up. You have to keep fighting and I know you can.” and that is EXACTLY what I will do! I'm not letting the unknown lead to frustration and discouragement. Until I have an answer I am enjoying every hour of every day and appreciating the times like this week when I’m feeling healthy and strong. Let the journey continue. I can do it because I have the Lord on my side.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Green Smoothies
OH how I love them and oh how I use to think the idea was DISGUSTING! But believe me, just close your eyes and drink and you will forget it is even green! Tastes so yummy! Makes me feel so healthY! This started back in the day while living with my favorite sisters in California! Emily and I spent many days experimenting with different green smoothie recipes. We finally found our inspiration from www.greensmoothiegirl.com. We discovered that when we put kale and spinach in our smoothies for breakfast, we would have so much energy and it would help with regulating our digestive system!
I never had a blender that would eliminate the crunch of the kale until I got my Vitamix! Now my green smoothies are back and healthier and smoother than ever! I have even discovered adding spirulina and I notice the difference in my ability to fight off a cold. Now that I have my Vitamix I have joined in the raw food lifestyle change! Stay tuned for recipes soon!
I never had a blender that would eliminate the crunch of the kale until I got my Vitamix! Now my green smoothies are back and healthier and smoother than ever! I have even discovered adding spirulina and I notice the difference in my ability to fight off a cold. Now that I have my Vitamix I have joined in the raw food lifestyle change! Stay tuned for recipes soon!
Processed Foods
My inspiration ...
"You know how much I detest processed foods. With the exception of frozen or pre-chopped veggies — which can be timesaving godsends when cooking — they’re typically just junk.
Processed foods are a major contributor to weight gain, and they can harm your health in many ways, which is why it is imperative that you know how to spot them and avoid them. The bad processed foods are those that are made with refined grains, vegetable oils, and added sugar. The thing about processed foods is that they can be harmful in many different ways. For example, you might think you're eating healthy by having a salad with bottled fat-free ranch dressing, and you'd never even think about the fact that the dressing contains chemical flavor enhancers, such as MSG. Nonorganic processed meats often contain sodium nitrate and nitrite, which may contribute to colon cancer and metabolic syndrome. But you probably don't think about that as you patiently wait for your number to be called at the deli counter. Are you starting to see the big picture?
The reality is, it’s a lot easier to talk about avoiding processed foods than to actually avoid them! Look at it positively: Eating more whole foods means eating the things we were meant to eat in the first place — things that have a real life and have a “mother.” We should be eating fresh fruits, vegetables, organic lean meats, organic dairy, and whole grains. All that other stuff is full of empty calories that will do nothing but hinder our ability to reach a state of maximum health and wellness." ~Jillian Michaels
"You know how much I detest processed foods. With the exception of frozen or pre-chopped veggies — which can be timesaving godsends when cooking — they’re typically just junk.
Processed foods are a major contributor to weight gain, and they can harm your health in many ways, which is why it is imperative that you know how to spot them and avoid them. The bad processed foods are those that are made with refined grains, vegetable oils, and added sugar. The thing about processed foods is that they can be harmful in many different ways. For example, you might think you're eating healthy by having a salad with bottled fat-free ranch dressing, and you'd never even think about the fact that the dressing contains chemical flavor enhancers, such as MSG. Nonorganic processed meats often contain sodium nitrate and nitrite, which may contribute to colon cancer and metabolic syndrome. But you probably don't think about that as you patiently wait for your number to be called at the deli counter. Are you starting to see the big picture?
The reality is, it’s a lot easier to talk about avoiding processed foods than to actually avoid them! Look at it positively: Eating more whole foods means eating the things we were meant to eat in the first place — things that have a real life and have a “mother.” We should be eating fresh fruits, vegetables, organic lean meats, organic dairy, and whole grains. All that other stuff is full of empty calories that will do nothing but hinder our ability to reach a state of maximum health and wellness." ~Jillian Michaels
Friday, February 25, 2011
homemade bread
SUCCESS! Papa Dimond inspired me with his weekly ritual of grinding wheat to make homemade bread. We were given a bread maker and after over 10 cups of ground wheat, 8 hours, 4 loaves and a messy kitchen all I would end up with was a rock. I gave up. I figured bread making was just not for me! But then I would see Papa Dimond making his bread and he would ask how mine was doing. We decided I better try from scratch. I took a two week break and started over, without the bread maker and WAH LAH! Beautiful, healthy homemade bread with my wonderful KitchenAid Mixer! This is now my weekly ritual as well! Grind the wheat, grind the flax and make bread for the week! I'm still experimenting with different ratios of dough enhancer, gluten, flax and millet, but when I am completely satisfied I will post my recipe for all to enjoy! I even got Devin's approval when he used my bread to make his grilled cheese sandwich this week! 
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Vitamix
My newest investment to help me to eliminate the preservatives in my diet ... stay tuned for my creations and recipes. 
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My silent struggle
Starting this blog is my attempt to acknowledge and deal with the physical struggle that I face daily. To me the main reason I keep this as my silent struggle is because I don't have definite answers at to what is going on. I reference this as my silent struggle because that is what it has become; me and my illness, ALONE, together fighting against one another. I don't like to talk about how I feel physically because it always makes me feel like I'm complaining and looking for an excuse for why I can't do this or why I can't do that. To some extent I have been in denial, thinking that if I don't let anyone else acknowledge what is going on in my body then maybe nothing will be going on in my body. This however is not going to work now that I am married and share my life with someone nor will it work in the future when we try to start a family.
The past 6 years have been a lonely journey of trial and error and still no definite answers. At times I wonder if it is just my mind making up the pain and fatigue. I then take a moment and look back and recognize that this is not something I make up, but instead it is real and it's time to acknowledge what I have been through. A brief background about my journey thus far is not intended in any way to complain or to seek sympathy, but instead is a way for me to create positive thoughts about how far I have come.
I grew up as a healthy child and never had any indication that one day I would face a physical trial that would completely change my everyday life. In 2005 I decided to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On that mission I was placed under extreme stress and my physical body manifested that stress through illness. I saw several doctors and ended up at home in Seattle undergoing sinus surgery. Words cannot describe the emotions that are associated with that procedure at that time of my life and the emotions that carry through. After surgery I tried to get my life back but about every 6 months I would get sick again. After numerous doctors and 2 states later the laundry list of procedures and diagnosis stands: chronic sinusitis, epstein barr virus, hypoclycemia, anemia, irritable bowel syndrome, allergies, nerve testing, mono, strep, sinus infection, auto immune disease. We are left now looking into rheumatoid arthritis.
Believe it or not, over the last 6 years I have been able to hide it, but it's time to face the facts and be honest with myself and everyone in my life about what I face, even if we don't have the answers yet. This will be a place for me to document the process and motivate me to find things that make me feel better, no matter what the doctors and specialists tell me.
I believe in listening to my body and trusting what it is telling me while acknowledging that each day is different. This is my goal to become aware of what my body is telling me TODAY and what I need to do TODAY to take care of myself. I hope I can find wellness, happiness and ME in this journey.
The past 6 years have been a lonely journey of trial and error and still no definite answers. At times I wonder if it is just my mind making up the pain and fatigue. I then take a moment and look back and recognize that this is not something I make up, but instead it is real and it's time to acknowledge what I have been through. A brief background about my journey thus far is not intended in any way to complain or to seek sympathy, but instead is a way for me to create positive thoughts about how far I have come.
I grew up as a healthy child and never had any indication that one day I would face a physical trial that would completely change my everyday life. In 2005 I decided to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On that mission I was placed under extreme stress and my physical body manifested that stress through illness. I saw several doctors and ended up at home in Seattle undergoing sinus surgery. Words cannot describe the emotions that are associated with that procedure at that time of my life and the emotions that carry through. After surgery I tried to get my life back but about every 6 months I would get sick again. After numerous doctors and 2 states later the laundry list of procedures and diagnosis stands: chronic sinusitis, epstein barr virus, hypoclycemia, anemia, irritable bowel syndrome, allergies, nerve testing, mono, strep, sinus infection, auto immune disease. We are left now looking into rheumatoid arthritis.
Believe it or not, over the last 6 years I have been able to hide it, but it's time to face the facts and be honest with myself and everyone in my life about what I face, even if we don't have the answers yet. This will be a place for me to document the process and motivate me to find things that make me feel better, no matter what the doctors and specialists tell me.
I believe in listening to my body and trusting what it is telling me while acknowledging that each day is different. This is my goal to become aware of what my body is telling me TODAY and what I need to do TODAY to take care of myself. I hope I can find wellness, happiness and ME in this journey.
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