There's Always Something, but hey...I've got Qigong!

So I've had a bit of a break through with my Crohn's; don't take anything! The natural medications that I was trying were not working, actually...they may have made things worse! I've decided to quit all of them but try to pick up the antibiotics once-a-day for the bowel sinus tract cysts...the jury is still out on whether that's working or not, though.

Since last Thursday I have improved greatly, my stomach isn't cramping after I eat and, well...the other stuff is "regular" (if ya get what I mean!). I am debating about going back on the B12 injections though because of the erythema nodosum that is affecting my lower legs. Side note: erythema nodosum is a painful condition where small bumps and bruise like lesions occur on the lower legs, mainly, and swell and also causes very sore muscles. The B12 may help the blood flow and iron levels which may, or may not, lessen the severity of the lesions. I've also research a few other possible treatments but, I'll spare you anymore textbook babble in case I've bored anyone already! :)

I started Taichi and Qigong last night! That was an awesome experience! I've not only learned the first 8 moves of a 16 move Taichi sequence but I've also learned how to calm my mind and start to be more self-aware of the way my body moves. I was actually able to relax my back enough last night to realign a couple discs in my back, more like pop them in place, actually.

I am hoping with more classes I will be able to get rid of the blockages in my body and get the energy flowing throughout the way it should be. That may help with the erythema nodosum and the edema problems too!!!!

That's about it for now, I was starting to feel a little down but, I've come out on the shiny, happy side again! I've gained a mantra that has helped me a lot. It's really simple and makes sense to me; Just Be. I repeat this no matter where or what I'm doing as soon as I feel my self get a little high strung about something, keeps my calm. :)

One Step Forward and....a Bunch Back!

So just as I was starting to think I was on track with maintaining my Crohn's. I've had a little bit of a set back the past few days. Not only has my stomach gone crazy, but a whole new thing has crept into the equation...extreme pain from what I think is my arthritis. Which is a little odd seeing I've never had more than a sore knee here and there.

Hmmm...adding it to the list for the specialist in a couple weeks. I'm starting to think that I might need to suck it up and take some pharmaceuticals, before that though...I'm going to save some money for a consultation with a holistic specialist. I can't give in that easily, can I!? :)

I was planning on going to my first class in Qigong tonight, but at last, my gut wasn't letting it happen. This is the last thing that I want, is for new things I want to do, or even the old things I want to keep doing being affected from my Crohn's.

I went to my first meeting last Thursday for the Simcoe County Chapter of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation...it was very inspiring! Meeting people that have the same problem that I do, and know what I'm talking about without any of us being embarrassed! There were some really good ideas that I'm going to discuss with my specialist. And, I am volunteering at my first event...The M & M Meat Shop on Minet's Point is hosting a BBQ the CCFC this Sunday the 24th. I've also been able to call in a friendly and get posters put up in the Georgian College pub advertising the event and the month of November, being awareness month.

So, trying to keep the positive attitude now matter what gets put in my way...or how frustrated I get! It's a pretty tough road to travel right now, especially trying to do my classes and work, but head up, right!? I can't feel terrible forever, and tomorrow's another day! :)

The Human Spirit is an Amazing Thing.

It's almost midnight, and I should probably be asleep, but I'm sitting here flicking between CNN, CP24 and any other news that's broadcasting the Chilean miner rescue. I will admit that I have let myself become totally absorbed into this and I'm not ashamed of it. Of course, I have to listen to Anderson Cooper and Larry King spew nonsense journalist blabber about stuff they probably has no clue about!

I am completely blown away that these 33 miners have been able to survive 69 days over half a mile beneath the surface of the earth! The cameras that are in the mine are showing these men in amazing spirits; they're hugging each other, giving each other high-fives, and smiling, true genuine smiles. I would've assumed that by this long at least a couple of them would have had cabin fever or panicked and attacked someone. (I guess it's true what they say when you assume something. ;) These men have supported, taken care of, and helped each other to ensure each of them was able to make it to this day and no one was going to be left behind.

I haven't even tried to put myself in their shoes, honestly, I wouldn't want to. What these men have had to go through is beyond what I can imagine and my heart goes out to them and their families. All these news channels are going on and on about how the miners are going to be mentally damaged and may not be able to recover. I beg to differ! If all 33 miners were able to keep themselves together for this long, take on tasks to ensure the safety of the others and have the mental strength to endure the unimaginable, I think they're going to be fine!

The human spirit can conquer the worst things when it's pushed to the limit. It shows unbelievable character of these men that have overcome being trapped underground. It makes the insignificant problems in life seem meaningless and the good things in life, well...even better! If these men can go on smiling after their ordeal, I think we all can.

Only 2 miners have made it to the surface so far but I'm sure everything will go smoothly to make sure all the men and the rescuers make it safely to the surface to reunite with their families. Hope is a powerful thing!

Found My Cause!

I have had one of those days where everything seems to fall into place, even though you weren't expecting anything to happen at all. The past two evenings I have gone over to Cunningham's to help her put together a display board for a wellness fair that she was asked to be a part of today at Wood's Park Care Centre. I went back this morning to put it all together and then we were off to the fair to set it all up. (Side note: I am very proud of Mandy, she's done such a good job with getting her massage business going and is going to be very successful!)

While I was there, and after I was able to stop playing with the therapy dogs, I looked around a little bit. The vendor that stood out was the CCFC, the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada; I got a little excited about this! Finally, I was able to talk to people face-to-face about Crohn's and they would understand what I was talking about. Steven and Shawn were the two guys representing the CCFC, Shawn has Crohn's and has gone through three surgeries to get better...we high-fived to our situations with Crohn's. I totally appreciate my friends and family who are there for me when I'm not feeling well and who listen to my issues but, there is something that is instantaneously bonding when you meet another person with the illness you have.

I've decided to start attending the CCFC meetings and begin volunteering for them also. The first meeting I'm going to is the 14th in preparation for the next M & M Meat Shops fundraising BBQ. I'm excited to meet other people who have Crohn's and to be proactive about my situation. I have a feeling that this is going to be a very positive thing, which is exactly what I've been striving for...something to apply myself too and educate others on an issue. I'm hoping to benefit from this in many different ways; to help my treatment, meet new people, volunteer and fund raise for something important to me and to create awareness of a serious problem.

Oh, the other things that happened; I went to the costume store, almost settled on an expensive one, and found a Betty Boop costume and wig for only $15, I got a couple emails that made me smile and was able to find a pair of work boots that I've been wanting. Ahhh, I must've done something right for karma to offer me such a good day. Plus, it was just an awesome fall day! How could it go bad!? :)

Mom & Daughter Outing in the Search of Apples.

Saturday my mom and I were heading out of town for a little apple adventure to Meaford. I've never been to the Meaford Apple Harvest Craft Show, my mom has several times, and I am always up for a little brainstorming session for my personal art.

We took to scenic route through Duntroon and Nottawa hitting up Redpath's to get the best Honeycrisp apples I've ever had and The Morrison's for squash from their honour system wagons, I love small towns!

After getting stuck in some major road construction traffic for about half an hour, we finally made it to Meaford. We didn't buy anything at the craft show, but I did score a bunch of soapstone scrap that I've got some great ideas for. We also walked away with some other ideas, as the saying goes "nothing in art is original, it's just changed". I think I'm going to be busting out my oxy/acetylene torch for some steel art work and I have a couple ideas for some copper sculptures!

On the way back we decided to take a detour, to avoid the menacing construction, heading down Country Rd. 7 to the 119th. Of course, we had to stop at Farmer's Pantry to visit the miniature donkeys...if you knew my mom or myself, you'd understand that we have a little obsession with donkeys, they're so frickin' cute! (This is where I was planning on putting a photo I took of one of the donkey's, but I can't figure out how the hell to get the thing to work!)

We continued on to the 119th towards the Blue Mountains where we stopped at the top to scan all of Collingwood. Out of all the years I've lived in this area, even when I lived in Stayner, I've never been to the top of the Mountains until Saturday. It was an amazing view! My mom and I were hoping that the fall colours would've been a little better, but it was still a great view. (Again, this is where I'd have another photo!)

We took a walk through The Village before we decided to head back in town to make sure dad would get his dinner in time! :) I love doing things with my mom and being able to show her all the back roads and the places I've painted was pretty cool. If only I could get the photo's on here, I could show you all!

Hitting the Trails with My Bestie and The Doggies.

I had a great day today! My best friend, Mandy a.k.a Cunningham, called me today and asked me to go for a jog. Cunningham and I haven't had a chance to catch up and get together in almost 2 months, so it was a great surprise to hear from her!

After a little chat session at her house (maybe with or without a glass of wine), and a lovely greeting from her 11-month old husky/border collie mix, Dexter, we decided to get our butts on the road. A quick stop at her mum's house to pick up her other dog, Maggie, and we were hitting the trail. That was a flashback moment! We went for our run at the Hydro Hills in Midhurst which, the last time I was there, was a weekend bush party locale in high school...and still is! (Side note: I might try and convince someone to come with me and clean up part of the trail. There's so much garbage that it almost ruins the trails).

There are some great trails back there, despite the garbage in the party zone. Some of them are double track, some are single track and there are some that require someone to be quite nimble and agile. And, of course, the hills...the long, grinding, hurting hills!

It was encouraging to have Dexter and Maggie lead the way, then double back to see if we were still coming, then run laps around us. Maggie was the pace setter, she was happy to trot along in front of us while Dexter tore off ahead to check out the next turn. We just had to keep on chasing them down. Mandy and I weren't nearly as graceful jumping over logs like they were, but it was a great time.

After the initial pain at the beginning of the run, Mandy and I settled into our pace and everything was starting to feel pretty good; the legs were steady, breathing was even...then, we hit the hill! Yep, this one is a doozy. Loose rocks, washouts, wet leaves and an intense steep climb...it's a leg and lung burner! It took a couple to recover from that one, but then we were back at it, and stonger than before.

I think I've found my running partner in Mandy, and the dogs, and we were already making plans for another run before we were done todays'. Might do some of the Bruce Trail on Monday and both Mandy and I are going to start scoping out more trails for some good running.

I found that runner's high after today's run and was feeling awesome. I can't wait for the next run!!! I think I may have found the exercise that is going to keep my centred and healthy. Trail running combined with my other lifestyle changes should make for the start of a great "new" me!