Rambling Rose

 Because sometimes a post title just doesn't come to ya. 

  Happy 22nd Birthday to my boy, who I adore more than it seems possible.  We're so proud of the kind, responsible, hard working young man he's become.  I'm one of those ridiculous moms who's children are literally my everything. My children are truly my greatest accomplishment in life.  Is it ridiculous?  I don't know, I bet most of you moms feel the same way most of the time.  ( we all have those "other" moments)   My life is busy with my editing work, farm chores, volunteer activities, my hobbies and family life - but "family life" is on the top of my importance list, always. 💗

  

   

     Since being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia last year, I've been struggling with the diagnosis, which is a tricky thing because after all the tests and all is said and done, they can't tell you why you're experiencing so much pain and inflammation everywhere - it just is.  What??.... that's frustrating. 

    If you suffer the same affliction, I can tell you this.  Diet helps.  Cut out the crap, literally.  Sugar and Gluten are not your friend if you suffer from fibro. Too much dairy consumption also isn't great.  I've cut down big time on all three things (didn't totally eliminate) and it has helped.  Also... exercise. That's a big one.  It's real hard to make yourself work out, go for long walks, run on a treadmill, insert whatever form of exercise you prefer... when your body is telling you OW THAT HURTS..with every move you make.  But.. it's important to do so if you want to keep moving, and even feel better. 

    A wonderful physical therapist I was sent to this fall has taught me some very valuable tools. He said.... "Those who improve from this condition do the hard work - they keep moving, keep exercising, and work on their diet continuously.  Those who give in to the pain and don't do the hard work,  don't improve, they get worse.  Also, when you're exercising, tell yourself that nothing is actually broken, even though your body is sending you pain signals.  Work through the pain, and it will gradually decrease."   He was so right.  I have now been in a steady work out routine here at home for a few months and I am feeling better.  Not awesome, not perfect, not pain free - but better. Amen.   

     

     What I currently do is watch my diet (but I do slip up here and there - not much willpower, I love food!), I'm using the WW app to track my food intake, and I'm light weight training in the gym at least five days a week, have even increased the weight, three sets of 12 reps of a variety of lifts I was taught by a good friend (Joey), and I either take the dogs on a long hike or  sprint/jog/walk on the treadmill on crappy weather days (MANY LATELY!!). 

   What can I say about the current state of political affairs here in our country... Holy cow, what an absolutely bizarre point in our American History we have reached, on so many fronts.  

      For those who still embrace the 45 Cult,  man, I give you credit for standing by your  man. Sorta like Melania... can you imagine what their cosy evenings at home must look like now? And I'm not making fun of her, she didn't ask for the three ring circus she now lives in.  Truly feels like he's just throwing all the sh*t against the wall and hey, let's see what'll stick.    

     The thing about 45 is, I don't totally disagree with some of the things on his "list to fix".  He just can't get past his giant ego and his sordid past to lead this country in any sort of respectable, commendable, responsible, honest way. Sad thing.  He is truly his own worst enemy.   That he knowingly had that past history, and didn't figure out that it would ALL come home to roost for him if he won the presidency, is remarkable.  People in Cult 45 still clamor for 2020, but I bet 45 wants nothing to do with it, now that he sees what this position he holds has done to his and more importantly, his family's formerly fabulous  unfettered life.  He and they are now in the fishbowl and who knows what price they have yet to pay.  What he did to Obama and others is now being done to him, tenfold. And he keeps asking for more.   Strange times. 

  33 degrees here in Connecticut today - I donned hat and gloves yet again, mid April! to do barn chores this morning.  Our friends in Canada and Vermont still have snow!  We planted seeds, which are now in their containers in the greenhouse - growing, growing, with nowhere to go until we see REAL spring temps.  The forsythia is trying to bloom.. weeks late... but the attempt is half-hearted. 

 Come on, Spring.. the world NEEDS you! 

 Till soon, friends...