Since last posting . . .

Wow, no postings since October 24th.  Let's see, since then I have continued my treatment, but due to stress have not done well.  I had 5 days of 0 pain . . . then had a couple of bad falls on my knees . . . decreased my pain meds, overseen by my internal med dr . . . was in incredible pain again . . . went back on my full meds . . . and finished the daily treatments (because I'd used up all the money I'd pre-paid).  So here I am.

I am not one to make New Year's Resolutions.  I don't, because they always get broken.  But what I do have is a renewed sense of the need to take control of my physical life to the best of my abilities.  Fibromyalgia is so limiting because of the chronic pain.  It is a two-edged sword when it comes to exercise, especially when as large as I am.  You need exercise, but you have to start very small and build your way up, otherwise you are in so much pain you are down for the day. But I have a plan, and I began it last week, and so far so good.  Although my favorite exercise is in the water, I have been in so much pain and fatigue I have gone back to using my Gazelle, which I can do at home. 

I am also being more "aware" of what I eat, and am making better choices of what I put into my body.  I am NOT ON A DIET.  I am having healthy food in the house, to eat raw or cook with, so the meals will be good, no matter what I and Cristyane make.  I'm busy doing research on fibro-specific foods that are better than others to help minimalize the pain.

What a wonderful trip we had back to Maryland for Christmas!  We left Christmas Eve and returned New Year's Eve.  Because of flight delays, it was actually 2am Christmas morning before we arrived in Maryland.  We all stayed the night with mom and dad Christmas Eve/Day until Matt, Cris, Don and Trinity decided to head for the beachhouse, for they received word that their Granddad Lamastra was in the hospital and in very grave condition.  They all spent a couple days at the beachhouse and spent time with their Dad, Cindy, Grandmom, and Uncle Mike.  When they returned to MD Cris, Don took a couple days to see their close friends, and Nana got some special Trinity time.  Trinity kept just going around hugging everyone, for she was so glad to see them!!!!  While everyone was away, Karl and I got some good time with Mom and Dad.  Some nice, relaxing, quiet time.  That was good for us all.

Now that we're all back, Don has gotten a job in Harrison, AR (about 2 hrs away) and has found a 1 br cabin he will stay in temporarily.  His employer has a 90 day temp to perm program, so Cris and Trinity are staying with us so Trinity can finish out her school year in West Fork, and Cris can still work her Home Health job.  After the 90 days, and the school year is over they will make more certain arrangements as a family.

I am keeping busy. . . I am the "webmaster" for our church website: http://www.springtownchurch.org/.  I am no longer on the church Steering Committee, but am on the Pastoral Team and in the midst of taking over the church clerk duties.  And, finally, I am the facilitator of the NWA Fibromyalgia Warriors, a new support group I have formed.   My God, my family, my church and my support group provide purpose, direction and meaning for my life.  Although none of these are paying positions, I know they are my highest priorities on this earth, and I thank my precious heavenly Father for these opportunities each day.