Happy Birthday to Me!

Thank you God for another year! I am so thankful for all of the wonderful people you have placed in my life.  This new year is being spent with those I absolutely love the most!  I am so excited to share my special day with them all.

Here's to an amazing year!

Fun and Beauty in Santa Rosa

The Santa Rosa Marathon and 5k will be on the annual events list, for sure! And here are some of the reasons why:

• DeLoach vineyards is the pick up spot!  
• Good wine
• Sunflowers
• Hot air balloons

Being Healthy is a Family Affair

This past weekend, I participated in the Santa Rosa Marathon, Half-Marathon and 5k.  I walked the 5k, while mom and sis completed the half marathon.  It was a fantastic event and the weather was perfect!  I've noticed over the years that more and more events are becoming 'family friendly' by offering the 5k, kids run/walks, or stroller runs. 

As I stolled through downtown, Santa Rosa was no exception to the number of families participating in the event.  It made my heart smile given the recent studies stating how obese our nations children are, various states and schools proposing banning sodas in schools, etc.  It also got me thinking. 

Healthy living and lifestyles begin at home!  Parents should encourage their children to participate in some sort of physical activity.  In addition, parents should provide and prepare healthy eats at home and for their lunch.  I get it, parents are busy with work, etc.  But I say, make the time to provide a healthy lifestyle and what better way to spend time with your family than on an active outting.

Check out some families I encountered at the Santa Rosa 5k.

   

Snoppy met me at the finish!

One year ago, today...

A decision that I prayed about for 5 years or so happened.  I can say what a difference a year makes.  You see, I evicted my uterus this day in 2012.  In fact, about this time I was being wheeled out of recovery to my room with my mom, friend, and now her man waiting for me.  I asked for my phone and had loving text messages and verbal messages from many who called my mom.  Mom let me know that between my sister and bff there were probably 1000 phone calls.  They were definitely my first calls.  I also got a call from another friend who prayed for me on the spot as I failed to tell her about my surgery.  By the way...talking on the phone whiled heavly medicated is not a good idea.  I' m just sayin

This operation was truly a quality of life experience for the better.  I feel as if my moods are pretty even, I don't feel tired or lethargic much, and I no longer endure headaches or cramps.  The best part...no more wearing of diaper sized pads!

I couldn't be more happier about this decision and can't wait to share the news with Dr.  Jacoby when I see her next month.  I have a feeling she might ask me to see a regular gyno doc since my uterus is no longer 'special'.  I insisted on seeing her one year post-op.  I thank God daily for putting this decision in my heart when He knew I was ready to receive it.    And I thank God for my amazing family and friends who cared and checked on me.

I am one Blessed lady!

Breaking up is hard to do

My days of physical therapy has come to an end. I was sad about this. In fact, I was pretty heart broken.  The thought of not seeing my pt team brought tears to my eyes.  Nicole, my physical therapist let me down easy.  She said it was definitely me.  I made great progress and I no longer need her.  Despite my wanting to remain in her life because my insurance plan will cover additional visits, she was firm with her decision that I didn't need her.  She didn't completely cut me off.  She said if I needed a 'tune-up', she would be more than happy to see me.  That made me feel better about the whole break up.  I will no longer see her twice a week, but on as needed basis.  And so... I said my see you later to Nicole and staff of Physio Therapy Associates.

Inspiring others

When I take my walks, I typically post them on Facebook using Nike id or map my walk apps.  My friends have the opportunity to 'like' my status or leave comments, which they lovingly do.  It feels great knowing your friends are supporting my fitness activities.

After a long day of fun in the sun, I got a Facebook message that made my day even better. This is the message:

'Hi Juvella , How you doing ? I wanted to let you know that you Inspired me to start walking . I saw your post on fb and thought boy I should be doing that to . I've got some lbs to lose . So now I'm doing map my walk . It's great I love it . I just started this week . So thanks . Take care'

I had no idea that my walk post would inspire someone to get walking themselves.  But it sure made me feel glad that I did!

Independence Day

For me, Independence Day is not only about saying Happy  Birthday to America, firing up the grill, and spending time with family and friends.

  It's about being able to stand on my own two feet!

I went skating fir the first time since March 2012 and I had a blast.  I was a little scared at first, but the fear didn't last long at all.  And what a workout, too!  I had a blast out there.  I gradually stopped skating next to the wall with more confidence.  What a good day!

Have a Happy Independence Day!!