Injuries, Change and Food

Lots and lots of negative, crappy things happening lately in our little world. I am doing my best not to eat my way out of it. I am doing OK. Nothing terrible...a few more pieces of chocolate.

I don't know if I have mentioned it before, but I have plantar fasciitis in my left foot. I have had two flare-ups since starting my program...one was about two months ago, and the other was just last week. The first time I rested it and it felt better pretty quick. I could still tell that it was inflamed during especially long sessions or walks, but I got by. This time, the pain was so intense that I was unable to walk correctly for a couple of days. Really freaking annoying because the point at which the pain really comes from is almost exactly where my foot sort of bends when I run/walk/elliptical. Apparently there's little that you can really do besides rest it and condition the muscle, so I don't feel as bad that I don't have health insurance to go to the Dr.

Anyway, after two failed attempts(I use the world failed liberally...I was still able to work out but unable to do what I wanted due to the pain) last week at the gym, I was finally able to do another 3 mile run today. I wanted to be up to 3.5 miles this week, but I am just happy to be running again. I am going to try not to push it so the muscle continues to heal.

I don't really want to talk about the other crap going on because it consists of stuff I'm just sick of thinking about. I will tell you one thing: I am sick of dealing with other people's businesses and what those businesses choose to treat their employees like. I am sick of everything being about profit and nothing being about people. There IS a happy medium. I will admit that over the past couple of years, I've let the security of other these other people's payroll hinder my progress both as an artist and as an entrepreneur, but those days are over.

Wisconsin in the Fall

The Drummer and I went home for the weekend to celebrate my friend, and future bride, Sara (and her wonderful fiancee Aaron)'s engagement with a straight up Wisconsin picnic.

It should also be mentioned that I'm the Matron of Honor for the wedding, something that I am extremely humbled and excited for. We got to go dress shopping and we found *the* dress!


I worked out extra hard the few days before I left for Wi, fully knowing that my diet and exercise plan would be facing intense adversity while away. Of course, I was right. I didn't get in any real workouts (even though we did do a lot of walking) and as far as food was concerned...I'm not sure I even want to talk about it.

Thankfully, at this point in my journey, I'm not *really* capable of the type of self-destruction that I have participated in in the past. (of course it's possible, but not AS probable.) I ate fairly well until the party on Saturday, and even at the party, I did better than I would have expected. My plate included small, spoon sized portions of macaroni and potato salad, a spoon of guacamole, and a spoon of taco dip. AND, I didn't go back for a second helping :) Now, if you've ever been to a Wisconsin party, you know that aside from almost everything including meat (which of course, I had to pick around - but that's just less eating!) there are at least four desserts for every person. In past times, this would have been a big deal...but this time, I ate one dessert - Aaron's Mom's brownie/chocolate peanut butter rice crispie bars.

Then, the Drummer and I spent a day eating our favorite Madison foods...including Papa Johns and New Orleans Takeout. Ugh. Honestly, it was fun but I was so full after NOT it seriously affected the rest of the day :( However, It was wonderful experiencing my home state again in the fall. There's NOTHING like the smell of Autumn, the changing leaves, and the cool breeze. I even treated myself to a Cinnamon Harvest latte from Steep and Brew when the Drummer and I made our usual trip there. I always visit the Steep and Brew, every trip...it's where the Drummer and I met 6 years ago. :)


A short video of some highlights, using my new P/S camera...it shoots HD and is nice and SMALL compared to carrying 5d/lenses everywhere! Love it.

The upside of the trip: my weight loss was noticeable enough for loved ones/friends to mention it. That was a wonderful feeling. Now, I'm hoping to go home for Christmas and surprise them again.