Engage!

I swear this new doctor I’m seeing, Dr. Blaich, is a miracle worker. People can say what they will about the validity of applied kinesiology, but all I know is…it’s working!

Today I went in concerned about pain in my left thigh and knee. The muscle hasn't been building back for as much as I’ve been trying. Every time I try to exercise lately there has been at least a little pain and swelling and I haven't been able to extend my leg without crazy-gross kneecap crunching. So, it’s been very discouraging as far as trying to exercise without pain. He did some muscle testing and determined that my quads were not even engaged. He suspected my body was still treating all the nails and metal plates as injuries and shut down the muscles around that area as a result. He did a few pressure point massages and other things that seemed like voodoo, and a few minutes later, I could feel a dramatic difference in my leg’s ability to resist pressure. What’s even better is a half hour later I didn’t feel any pain in my leg!!! It's so rare in life to enjoy immediate results...and so satisfying. Yay!

I’ve been seeing him for a month now and I’ve noticed a dramatic difference in all the other areas of health I went in for help with as well: digestion (he diagnosed me as soy and dairy intolerant--egads thats frusterating, especially as a vegetarian!); energy and mood (he said my adrenals were shot and gave me a supplement that made me feel clearer and happier within a week); and my neck and shoulder pain that was causing headaches. Hooray for skilled holistic healers…and for working enough jobs to pay for them!

Six months already?!

Next Monday I have my six month follow up with Dr. Healey. So, of course, the good ol’ Anxiety Monster has been making it difficult to sleep lately. It will also be the first follow-up since I started back at Impulse Theater where I’ve been running around the stage more than I “should”--which, for me, is none. Last time Dr. Healey gave me strict instructions to “only run when chased.” So, I’ve probably been pushing it in the heat of the moment. It will be good to be assured that everything is still structurally sound.

Other updates:
1. My mom got diagnosed with Patellofemoral Syndrome. She has no cartilage left in her knees and has begun gait training to learn how to walk and exercise correctly for the first time in her life. Go mom! Apparently, it’s a genetic condition, so—especially with my post-surgery knee issues—I have to beware. In fact, I started seeing an amazing chiropractor/applied kinesiologist who looked at my left leg X-ray and said my kneecap was wearing unevenly.

2. I’m super excited about the heated race for the democratic presidential candidate. I even caucused last week! What a strange and ridiculous process that is. And even though I hold a degree in political science, I still don’t get the Super Delegates thing. Or maybe I’m just appalled it’s still part of the election process. SO archaic!

3. Despite anxiety about my check-up, I’m looking forward to just getting on a plane and leaving work and responsibilities behind for a few days. And to see my friends!

4. Books: I took the night off last night and read LUSH by Natasha Friend, a YA novel (8th grade) about a girl dealing with her father’s alcoholism. My friend Ben gave it to me for my birthday (thanks, Ben!). It was a well-told story and even made me cry. Then I started another YA (older teens) called GRAFFITI GIRL by Kelly Para. So far the characters are fresh and the writing engaging. On the plane this weekend I hope to finally finish DEVIL IN THE WHITE CITY by Eric Larson (thanks, Megan!). It's a nonfiction book that reads like a thriller. It's about Chicago during the time of the World's Fair and looks at two famous men during that time--genius architect Daniel Burnham and serial killer Dr. H. H. Holmes. It's extra interesting to me since Daniel Burnham is my great-great uncle!

Of Mouse and Bad Men

What exciting things is Sara up to on her 31st birthday today? WELL. Let me tell you the insanely adventurous thing I did today! You will never believe it; it is SO exciting and crazy…

I switched the primary and secondary buttons on my mouse so I’m using my LEFT hand to operate my mouse! CRAAAAZZZY TIME!!!

Who knew I’d turn so freakin’ WILD at 31? Who?! Not I.

I switched it because my right shoulder is hurting and every time I click my mouse it exacerbates the pain, so I TRICKED it by flippin’ sides an’ gettin’ all ambidextrous up on my computer, yo.

I guess this fact alone proves I have aged another year.

However, on the upside of aging (drum roll)…this week I will write two checks to pay of THE LAST OF A DECADE OF CREDIT CARD DEBT! Older, wiser, and richer, folks. Believe it. So while I’m not celebrating in Paris like on my 30th last year, 31 has turned out to be a grand mark in my life.

Tonight Brian is taking me to dinner at my favorite restaurant, Vesta’s, and then to a movie. Please don’t ask what movie. But I’ll tell you it’s gonna be a FLUFF movie with no sweeping artistic cinematography, no meaningful score designed to unnerve you, and no evil men fulfilling their darkest desires. No glimmer of hope for an Oscar nomination. That’s what I want to watch on my birthday.

I’ll tell you why. Because, after catching up on Oscar nominated movies and the latest art flicks I’m plain sick of watching stories about the darkest side of man. All these movies are depressing, with a majority of them highlighting protagonists who are simply BAD MEN. At first it was novel and interesting to have unhappy endings and plotlines with little to hope for (THERE WILL BE BLOOD, NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, & BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU’RE DEAD), but now I want a cute storyline with a little comedy and romance and a hero I can root for!

Happy Birthday to all my Aquarius friends!