Family

Last week the girls were on fall break, and Mr. Vanilla took a week of vacation.  It was wonderful!  We didn't go anywhere, but it was just nice to have a whole week that wasn't too scheduled.  It is times like that where I can slow down (okay, I am not currently working, so really, I am not going all that fast!) and talk with Mr. Vanilla about how blessed we really are.  I mean, financially with my not working and trying to take care of my back issues it is difficult, but that is just money.  We will come through this part.  We have our family, we have friends, and that is what is important.  Money is great, and it sure makes life easier, but it is meaningless when you realize that without family and friends, life is lonely and sad.

I went to my regular pain medication doctor and told him I am ready for him to help me through medication.  I fight the medication, because I am ever hopeful there is some procedure that will magically work to fix my back and take away the pain.  Since this is a progressive journey with my back slowly (sometimes it feels quickly) degenerating, I need to get realistic.  Which is what my doctor said (and he is one of the good ones!); he told me I need to look at this as a chronic condition that is not going away.  Mr. Vanilla was with me, and when the doctor told me I need to take my pain medication on a regular schedule, which is what Mr. Vanilla always tells me, well, his look said it all.  Apparently waiting to be in pain and then taking the medication is not the best way to go.  I just really dislike taking so much medicaiton.  So, I am taking my medication every six hours while I am awake, and I have started a new one for arthritis.  Not sure if I have arthritis in my hand and back (I have it in my right hip, so chances are good it is starting in other areas) - x-rays didn't show anything major the doctor saw, but he will have a radiologist read, and they are doing blood work, and one thing being looked for is rheumatoid arthritis.  The new medication makes me a bit sick and sleepy, but I figure this will pass soon.

I also plan to start the fun weight loss and exercise journey.  I need to lose the 50 pounds I lost and then gained back when I started all this back garbage.  Not easy for me, because food is comfort, and I like to eat ice cream and chocolate.  And, since my back went out when I was thin, I have this thought that losing the weight isn't going to help.  Which, realistically, I know is not correct.  I know losing the weight will help, because being overweight is unhealthy and slows me down.  I am giving myself 2 weeks to get a plan in place, and then no more cookie dough ice cream in the house.  Thankfully Skinny Cow makes awesome ice cream cones and cups, which save me.  I know I can do this, and everything I do that gets me healthier and out of pain means a better time for me and the rest of the Vanilla's.

Have fun today, and, as always, I Love My Vanilla Life!