Foodie Penpal - Double Reveal

Our regularly scheduled Motivation Monday has been bumped, because...It's Foodie Penpal day! EEK!

One of my awesome blogging buddies, Lindsay from The Lean Green Bean, started this really fun Foodie activity called Foodie Penpal. I have been intrigued for awhile now, but this month was my first time joining the fun! Basically on the 5th of the month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. Then you contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions. You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal! Fun, right?  And since today is the last day of the month....TA-DA!

So many goodies!

The "Foodie" Elements!

 I received my package last week, and could barely contain my excitement during my walk home from the post office! Okay, who am I kidding...I didn't contain my excitement and opened my package on the park bench! My package was amazing and full of fun treats! So a HUGE THANK YOU AGAIN to Jamie, my amazing and thoughtful penpal!

• She included 2 books - a cookbook called "Healthy in a Hurry" and the novel "Life a la Mode"! Both of which I plan to enjoy during my last 4 weeks of sick leave.
• Some yummy chocolate goodies were also included in the package. I had never seen this type of chocolate before, so I was super intrigued! I definitely enjoyed all of it already!
• Jamie included a package of organic Wheat Germ, which will be great for some of upcoming baking projects and regular staple in my pantry.
• And lastly a Korean seafood snack. I love Korean cuisine, so I am sure it is going to quickly become a new favourite of mine!

So Thanks for introducing me to these great new things! That is exactly what makes Foodie Penpal is so fun! I can't wait to see what next month brings! Make sure you check out Lindsay at The Lean Green Bean and maybe we'll be penpals next month!

Also as an added bonus this month, my Foodie Penpal (aka the pal I sent my package to) has agreed to guest post about her experience as well! DOUBLE REVEAL! So....here's Danielle! 

_______________________________________________________________________________ 

Hi everyone! My name’s Danielle and I received my (awesome) foodie penpal package from Krysten this month. I am relatively new to the healthy living blog world – and have not ventured into starting my own quite yet – so Krysten has asked me to do a guest post for her! A little bit about me… I became very interested in health, fitness, and plant-based living after a family illness in January 2011. Since, I have been inspired by all the fantastic healthy living blogs out there! I have always had a love for cooking and have enjoyed exploring new ingredients (quinoa and superfoods!), cooking methods (raw food & vegan baking) and the many recipes out there.

This was my first month participating in Foodie Penpals and I am so glad I did! My package from Krysten arrived one morning at work, a fantastic way to start the day (my coworkers were also wondering how they could get involved). Before sending the box, Krysten kindly asked if I had any dietary restrictions and if I had any fitness or health goals in mind! Hoping I wouldn’t scare her off, I let Krysten know I eat a largely gluten and dairy free diet. I’m active with yoga, spinning, and strength training but have also begun running! (I hope to run a 10 km race in a few months – Krysten’s blog will be great inspiration with all the races she is running this year!)

Inside the box, Krysten did more than accommodate my eating habits! She sent me some delicious treats:

·         Homemade gluten-free granola (this was the perfect snack to take with me on a recently trip to Montreal)

·         Homemade gluten-free and vegan cranberry lemon flax bars (so delicious! The perfect pre-workout snack to fuel me up. PS. Krysten… You should post the recipe!)

·         Jesse’s Tea from David’s Tea (I have been eyeing this flavour at David’s Tea and am so glad I can finally try it)

·         Tasty biscotti!

·         Some fantastic mantras Krysten has been using in her own daily life (I’ve posted these on my desk at work. They are a great way to start the day on a positive note.)

These treats were accompanied by a lovely note from Krysten and more importantly… Sparkly confetti! ;)

Thank you Krysten for such a thoughtful package! I am excited for what the next month of Foodie Penpals will bring.

Game Face and Guest Posts

Game Face

Its time to get my game face on! 

I am 34 measly days away from my very first 5km Adventure Race - MetCon Blue .

So today I am setting out my training schedule for May, and getting pumped for all things hilly, muddy, and tough! I ran my first 5km post-op and I felt AMAZING! I felt like me again! I ran a pace to be proud of and I just felt great doing it. It feels so nice to be back at it!

I wrote a guest post for MetCon to share my thoughts on training and why I will be making Hills my best friend during training. Hope you guys will check it out!

Hills Friend Not Foe 

Love Your Favourite Darwinian Fail,

Krysten

Thankful Thursdays

Yep you guessed it, Thankful Thursdays is going to be another new regular series as I travel along through my year of Body Evolution.  Now if you have been following along, then you may remember Stay Truthful Thursdays from Operation Goal Dress and My Half Marathon Training, so Thankful Thursdays is going to be a twist on an old favourite.

For me toasting the ta-tas - while obviously difficult - has also be my greatest lesson in self-love. I spent months agonizing over this decision, fearing the results, and struggling to come to terms with my own already-present body image issues. I thought that once I changed this part of my body that something pivotal to my sense of self would be lost. But when I woke up - while I obviously no longer had boobies or nipples for that matter - I was still Krysten. I was just a healthier version of the person I have always been, and for that I am so THANKFUL!

I think as women (*sorry my inner feminist is about to come out here - so bear with me*) we are bombarded with images everyday that tell us that we are only as a good as we look. We are told what is beautiful, what is sexy, and what is ideal. And because of all of this pressure and negative notions, the most confident and amazing women are caused to doubt themselves. Goodness knows I did! There were regular meltdowns. I hated my body for not being what I wanted it to be. For not being taller and thinner. For not being healthy. For not living up to the hype. I saw everything that I wasn't, instead of everything that I was.

But since the surgery and because of this zany little journey I have been on, I have really changed the way that I look at my body and my life. Its not about how you look, the number on the scale, or what size pants you wear. Its about being healthy!

I have had to fight really hard to be healthy, and I am not taking my all hard work for granted.

So Thursdays are about thanking my body for its strength, ability, health, and tenacity. Thursdays are for thanking myself for making healthy choices for my body - even when those choices can be hard. Thursdays are for remembering what beauty really means. Real beauty is a woman who believes in herself and who knows she is capable of anything she puts her mind to. Beauty comes from strength and determination, a joyful heart and grateful spirit. Real beauty really does shine from within.

I know all of this now. So Thursday is my time to be thankful for this flawed, defective little body of mine because it is finally strong and healthy! So today I am thankful for...my legs!

Thank you legs! Thank you for being strong this week and helping be run my first 10 minute mile post-op! I love you!

Happy with a Post-Run Glow!

So remember to take the time to love yourself today! What are you thankful for?
Leave me a comment, Send me a Tweet, or Facebook me! Let's redefine what's beautiful!
Love Your Favourite Darwinian Fail,

Krysten

 

What I Ate Wednesday (WIAW)

If you guys read yesterday's post then you know that while recouping I have been slacking nutrition-wise. I admit to eating for comfort (*hides face in shame*). I know! I know! UGH! How many times have addressed my stress binging habit?! (*sigh*) Definitely too many over the past year, that is for sure. And while obviously this past year has been an exceptionally stressful, I don't want to use that as an excuse for my struggle with nutrition.

I have tried to be honest about my lack of nutritional knowledge. I think I eat well enough to be considered generally healthy, but my nutrition is far from perfect. I love food! I love food that is delicious, but not nutritious. And because I love these foods I have always been lax about cleaning up my eating habits. I have always felt like my other healthy habits helped to balance out my indulgences in the kitchen. But with my Big 2012 Goals looming, I am beginning to think it may be time for a change.

As I charge ahead with my training I want to tackle all the necessary elements - nutrition being key. I had an informative chat with some of my favourite Fitfluential Ab-tastic friends - Robyn, Jess, and Morgan. Now these ladies are not messing around. Robyn is a fitness model. Jess is soon to star in the new Booty Camp Fitness DVD. And Morgan is about to undertake the 75km ride for heart. All of these girls are in rockin shape and have the abs I secretly (not so secretly) long for. And all 3 agreed...

These girls practice what the preach too! Seriously check out their blogs! I was not joking about the Ab-tastic stuff... so....ALRIGHT! ALRIGHT! JEEZE! I get it! Nutrition is important! To be honest, this likely something I always knew deep down, but just didn't really want to admit. But I've got Marathon's to run people, so it time to go to work!

So I have updated my Recipe Page and plan to keep a running recipe archive. I will also be joining the What I Ate Wednesday blogging movement started by the lovely Peas and Crayons. I'll will be sharing a recipe every Wednesday and giving you a glimpse of my new clean diet!

So without further adieu...

Breakfast: Vanilla Yogurt topped with Homemade Granola

Lunch: Vegan Portabello Mushroom Pizzas
 

Dinner: Paprika Spiced Chicken and Broccoli

My Body Evolution

So today marks exactly 7 weeks Post-op and my recovery antsy-ness has started to reach epic proportions! My routine has been upside down for the last 2 months, and quite frankly I just can't take it any more! It is time to start training again. It is time to get serious! I have races to run, a body to whip back into shape, and life to be living!

Confession: Recouping has caused me to revert to my 6 year old self. I have been craving all my childhood comforts while I have been home. Kraft dinner, chicken fingers, Koolaid Jammers, chips - you name it! If there is a treat that makes you think of a simpler time then I probably ate it while lying around like a slug on the couch. Blah!

Fact: Serious athletes fuel their bodies, not their emotions

I need to start training like a serious athlete. Marathons are not for the faint of heart or the ho-hum runner, so this year it is going to be all about focus, determination, and no excuses. This year I have nothing to hold me back. I got new boobs and a new box-heart! Its time to break these babies in!

I have decided to dub 2012 my
  

"Body Evolution"  (ha! get it? Evolution? Darwin?...you get it.) 

Not only have I made big changes to my body medically (re: toasting the ta-tas and updating my robotic heart), but I plan to put the time and effort in to making this body a lean, mean, Marathon running, disease fighting machine. I may have won my genetic battle, but the only way I can win the war is by loving this defective body of mine enough to take care of it EVERY SINGLE DAY. So that is exactly what I am going to do!

1. Eating Clean (aka no more nostalgic trips down memory lane. Just healthy whole foods for this gal)
2. Run 3x a week
3. Strength Train 3x a week

And this time around I am kind of hoping you will join me?! Starting next week I am going to be taking the plunge into vlogging and sharing my strength training circuit with all of you. I will post a new routine every 3 weeks that will target a different part of the body and will increase in difficulty. The plan is the strengthen those muscles, increase our metabolism, and get into rockin shape! (*note: just in time for bikini season*). You know you wanna join me!


So if you are up for challenge come on over to our BRAND NEW FACEBOOK PAGE (Yay! Cheers! Confetti! Sparkles!) and like us! And leave a comment letting me know your body evolution goals and you will be entered to win our Sparkly Soul and NeoCell Giveaway for the month of May!

It is time to Live Strong and Sparkle! So let's get going!
Love your Favourite Darwinian Fail,
Krysten

Long Distance Lessons

In an attempt to feel positive about my less than stellar return to running and essentially having to start my training from scratch - I have decided to use this opportunity to revamp and revitalize my routine. This year is shaping up to be a BIG YEAR - filled with big plans and big goals - and that is going to require some big changes.

While I used the first 8 weeks of 2012 to train and run my first Half Marathon, looking back I can honestly say my approach was far from perfect. Mistakes were made and there is definitely room for improvement. I jumped in whole heartedly with both feet to complete my mission before D-day, which gives me points for gusto but doesn't mean my approach was well researched. I learned a lot from my very first distance race and in the research I have done since then. And I don't plan to fall prey to same blunders this time around.

This time around I will...

Train for Longer and with Greater Distances

When I hit the 16 km mark I started to feel my body shut down. I slowed way down and my legs were tightening up. I kept saying "Just 5 more kilometers. Just 30 more minutes. PUSH", but those were the longest 5 kilometers of my life (and probably the slowest)! But this is where I think I learned an important lesson about my body and my training.

During my 8 weeks I did a lot of 15-17 km runs. That was my typical long run distance. So it makes sense that this was the distance my body was most comfortable with. If I had more time to train (aka what I will do for my next race) I would run the full distance more often so my body can be more comfortable with it.

I blame it on my defective ticker and my genetic short-comings, but I know I will never be the kind of person who can just get by on straight adrenaline. Its just not enough to balance out my irregular ticker - it needs more training than that. Lesson learned!

Also Run Less and Uphill

So I must confess when setting out on my mission I shied away from a lot traditional running plans. You know the ones that talk about splits, Fartleks, hill repeats, and speed work? Yes, those things scare me. Mostly because of my *cough* genetic shortcomings and robotic heart. I had always thought that those techniques were outside my wheelhouse.

But as part of my running research I started reading Ryan Robert's ebook The Ultimate Beginner's Running Guide and learned a few new things. I learned that in fact incorporating hills is a "great way to build the strength in fast fast twitch muscles, while also building cardiovascular (breathing) endurance". Hmmm...interesting. So perhaps hills are exactly what my defective ticker really craves?! In other words, hills are definitely on the docket this time around!

Strength Training is a MUST!

Yeah...so...I think this probably pretty obvious to most runners. And I am slightly embarrassed that I have stress this for myself, but I am a Cardio Queen and Strength Training has never really been my strong suit. But if you talk to anyone, read any article, consult any resource - they will all tell you that if you want to see changes in your body and performance then you need to strength train.

Okay! Jeeze! I got it this time! I am going to commit to 3 strength training sessions a week.

Nutrition is Your Friend

So if you were following along then you may recall my many rants about my struggle with Nutrition, the Stress Binge, and the Marathon Mindset. Luckily it is not just me that struggles with all things nutrition, because this topic also came up in Ryan Robert's book.

He includes a great section on Hydration and Nutrition and talks a lot about their importance to our bodies performance. He focuses a lot on eating balanced meals and incorporating whole foods to fuel our bodies. This clearly an area where I can make improvements. Nutrition has never been a major focus of mine. I think I focus on it enough to be considered a generally healthy eater, but I also like food. I like food that is bad for me, but tastes good, but literally has no nutritional value what so ever.

And as a gal with so many physical limitations and things working against her (a robotic heart mostly), Nutrition is probably the one area I could really make changes that count. So this time around I am all about Clean Eating!

Running is 50% Mental

It really is mind over matter. Training for my half was a great distraction for all things Dday related. It was a great stress release and helped keep me calm, cool, and collected. But running my very first half the day before my surgery was probably a *little bit* of unnecessary pressure.

There are nerves involved in any race, but this was a whole other level. Because as much as I was so happy to run my Half Marathon, completing the race meant that my surgery was looming. That race was not light, fun, and frilly. It was serious business. I had put a lot of weight into this one run and my one performance. It meant everything. It was a symbol of my year and my struggle. And I think all that pressure made everything more difficult.

But this time around, all these races are just for me. They aren't going to be to prove something or make some grand statement. Instead I am just running for fun, to enjoy the process, for my health, and to take care of me.

I learned a lot from my first half and from my recovery. And both are going to help me come back stronger and better than I was before.

Love Your Favourite Darwinian Fail,
Krysten

My Inaugural Post-Op Run

Getting Ready to Tackle these Trails

I did it!  

I tackled my very first post-op run. It was a humbling and horrible 3 km (1.75 miles). Everything is tight and sore. My chest ached the whole time. My legs feel weak and my muscles are like jelly. My endurance - that I worked so hard to build up - is shot. And I huffed and puffed the entire run....

But DAMN it felt good to be back out there!

Happy Runner

Breaking in my new Badass sneaks!

It is hard to start over. And today was probably the toughest 3 km of my life - as much mentally as physically. But I am trying to remember...

I don't want to think about the 6 weeks of training I have lost, or the strength and endurance I used to have. Today is about being grateful for where I am now and dreaming of the future. I am healthy. I am happy. And I am driven. All that I have done this year - all that I have gained (a serious love of running) and lost (my boobs) have brought me to this point. I have big plans and now is right on time!

Love Your Favourite Darwinian Fail,
Krysten

Birthday Parties, Boobies, and Boston Motivation

So obviously since you have seen no beaming picture of me in my sweats and sneaks you have probably figured out that my inaugural run on Sunday did not happen. (*sigh*)

I spent this weekend out and about. I had 3 birthday parties to attend (including one for my fabulous and supportive hubby). And while all my weekend socializing was AMAZING for my healing spirit, all that activity was not so great for the healing boobies. I had a great time celebrating birthdays, chatting with friends, and spending time with family. But my body is still quite tired - despite what I want to believe. And my boobies are now quite swollen and uncomfortable. Sleeping is back to being elusive. And running on Sunday just didn't exactly seem to be in my best interest (*despite my new sneaks practically calling out to go for a test drive*)

 

Remember my inspiring visit with Baby Jayden way way way back in October?! It was her 1st birthday this weekend! Holy Cow! Can you see how that precious smiling cake face would be a great mood booster!? (I know your smiling too! How can you not?!)

So while I have no run of my own to report (just yet) it did feel great to see some of my favourite people this weekend! And I spent yesterday being inspired by some of my BADASS running buddies who were busy tackling the grueling heat and the Boston Marathon! Boston is serious business! And this year's record high temperatures really ramped up the level of difficulty this year. If you are a runner then you know scoring that elusive BQ (Boston Qualifying Time) is a sure sign that you've made it! Boston is like the Running Mecca!

If you are running Boston then you are among the best of the best! This years winner Wesley Korir ran it 2:12:40! Yep he ran a full marathon in the heat faster than I was able to run my Half. Boston is for serious competitors! And because I have to run with a hardcore crew here in the online world - I happen to know 5 strong, amazing women who ran Boston yesterday!

Dorothy Beal from Miles Posts 

Robin from Westford Mommy 

Melody from Will Run for Margaritas 

Whitney from Live Run Love Yoga 

Amanda (aka my lovely run coach) from Miss Zippy

Despite the option for deferral these women all laced up their sneakers and ran! These women inspire me with their dedication and their strength. I haven't been able to lace up my sneakers yet, but this week I definitely plan to. And when I go for my first difficult and humbling run post-op, I will be thinking about these women and channeling a little of their competitive spirit.

Love your Favourite Darwinian Fail,

Krysten

Big Race Plans for 2012

Exciting news guys! I have been given the go ahead to start doing cardio again as early as this weekend!! Still no lifting. No heavy lifting for 12 weeks. But they said I can start working on rebuilding my endurance. EEEEK! So you know what that means?! This gal is gonna start running again! Woot! Woot!

(*note: I am currently dancing around my apartment and picking out the gear I will wear for my inaugural run on Sunday. I am just slightly excited! *)

Dancing in my new sneaks!

So in honor of this exciting moment I have done 3 things...

I bought new running shoes!

It has been over a year since I bought myself some new sneaks, so it is definitely time. And I promised myself once I was feeling better post-op that I would treat myself to a new pair of fun and festive Mizunos! I think toasting the ta-tas definitely deserves a new pair of running shoes!

I have made my 2012 Race Schedule

I have 5 races on the docket - which is almost as many races as I have ever run. I have fallen head over heels in love with running this year and I really want to take it to the next level. I want to be a "real" runner. Not just a "ho-hum" runner or a "running is something I do on the weekends" runner. I want to be a Runner! You know one of the those people who gets up early, rain or shine, and runs around like a nutbar with a smile on their face. Yep that is going to be me! So this running season I am going for it! Balls to the walls! No regrets! Serious Running! Serious training! And some lofty goals for a gal with no boobs and defective ticker.


June 2nd Met Con Blue - A 5km Adventure Race with the lovely Allie

July 22nd Warrior Dash - A 5km Adventure Race with the lovely Robyn 
(who has also promised to help train me and get me back into fighting shape after my 6 week exercise hiatus. Hello abs! It is going to hurt so good!)

August 18th MidSummer's Night Run - 15km Run

September 23rd Run Ajax - Half Marathon


October 14th Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon - Marathon

I have decided to run a Full Marathon!

In case you missed it in the Race Schedule. Please note that the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront run is going to be my very first Marathon! Gah! That is 42 freakin' kilometers I plan to run! There it is. In black and white. For all of my blog-o-sphere friends to read. This little Darwinian Fail has plans to become a serious distance runner this year. I am going to run my second half marathon and my first full marathon this fall. Oh my goodness! I might be crazy, but I am oh so excited!

Love Your Favourite Darwinian Fail,
Krysten

Living Vicariously

I have been a little lazy with my blogging these past few weeks - I must confess. Mostly because I have felt like I have very little to say. All of my posts would likely say the same few things...

• Not doing too much.
• Just sitting around waiting to heal - which is about as much fun as watching paint dry.
• I am missing running something fierce.
• I hate sitting around.
• I hate healing
• I wish I was running instead.
• Am I healed yet?
• How much longer do I have to wait?

Blah. Blah. Blah. You get the point. It is somewhat repetitive.

Healing is slow. So very slow. So very very slow. And while I do so see some progress. I went on a good sized hike with my hubby and the dog, for example. I can also sleep lying down again finally - which is heavenly considering I have slept sitting up for the last month. I have been up and about a bit more as well, so I know progress is happening.

It is just hard to go from such an active lifestyle to one of whole-hearted convalescence. These perfect spring days leaving me longing for my sneakers and sighing heavily as I gaze out the window. So this week I have decided to plan for the future and live vicariously through some of my favourite running buddies.

Today I am featuring the lovely Danielle Abukhalaf! She is one of my fabulous running friends and this fall she is adding fierce cancer warrior to her list of accomplishments! You gotta love this gal!

Danielle is a nurse and an avid runner, who spent 2 years of her career on the oncology ward. She had an amazing experience and was forever changed by the people she met and lives she touched. So when a friend started talking about Team in Training she had an Aha-Moment (did I mention I have been watching way too much Oprah lately?!) and decided to sign up. She is running Nike's Women's Half in San Francisco this October with the lofty fundraising goal of $3200 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Woohoo!

She has big training plans this summer and is dedicating her run to Eddie - a family friend who sadly lost his battle to Leukemia. Cancer is a far reaching and its affects are felt by all who come it contact with its wrath. Danielle's life has been changed by her experiences with this disease and this year she plans to stand up and fight back!

Let's help Danielle reach her goal and take down cancer once and for all by supporting her Funraising Page.

I may have finished my battle against breast cancer, but I will never stop fighting this disease.
Hey Cancer! Get ready because I'm about to make you my BITCH!

Love your Favourite Darwinian Fail,
Krysten

Its official...

Cheers!

Why yes I think I will have a drink!

I went on several good sized hikes this week.

Its a long weekend.

Oh yeah...and I got my official pathology report back and this smiling gal is Cancer-free! What!? What!? If ever anything deserved a drink, I think it is a clean pathology report! So Skinny Girl Cosmos were on the docket.

As much as we were not expected to not receive bad news at this appointment, and I had been reassured that everything should be fine - getting the official report was a complete load off!

I have never had great luck in the medical department (or really any luck at all, come to think of it). And if I have learned nothing from my countless experiences - it is that nothing is guaranteed. I don't want to say that I am pessimistic about these sorts of things. But as a coping mechanism I have learned to go in prepared for the worst, because then you are ready to face anything. This time - thankfully - I didn't have to.

I was relieved and could not stop smiling! I felt like I was closing this chapter as I walked out the door of my oncologist office. This battle is done and I won! My boobs are gone, but so is my cancer risk. I don't require any more appointments. I don't need to do any screening. This journey has come to end.

So, Breast Cancer - I am really just writing this post to say "This year has been quite the battle. And you have been a worthy opponent. But I am pretty sure that I just made you my BITCH! So CHEERS Mother-F**cker!"

Love Your Favourite Darwinian Fail,
Krysten

Healing is Humbling

Healing is humbling, and patience is not a virtue of mine. (*sigh*) 

I am 4 weeks post-op, and while I have made serious progress over the past month recovery is still ongoing. Physically my body is not where it was. I went from running 21 km and training for distance races to barely being able to walk the dog and wash the dishes on the same day. It has been a truly humbling experience. I am battling to rebuild my strength and increase my energy levels. Everyday I feel like a work in progress.

As I flipped the calendar next to my desk signifying a shift from March to April - I can't help thinking...   

"Where did that month go?" 

Oh yeah, that month was spent on the couch as the reigning princess of slugdom. I am well verse in all things reality TV. I have memorized the daily line up for my favourite channels - like TLC, Slice, MTV, and OWN. I have probably read every magazine on the newsstand for March. I have had the chance to read several books, and had a few visits from friends and family, but have accomplished little else.

I admit that I was probably a bit naive - maybe even a little arrogant - when I thought about my recovery. All of my doctors had said it would be 8-12 weeks. So to be fair they really did warn me. But I was confident that this timeline did not apply to me. I am young. I am healthy. I went into surgery probably in the best physical shape of my life. So recouping was going to be a breeze! I thought...

"4 weeks and I will probably be doing Pilates and hiking regularly with the dog."

Well it has been 4 weeks, and I am no where near ready to hit a Pilates class or lace up my sneakers. I still can't stand up straight or reach any of dishes on the high shelves. Walking the dog - though he may be small - is still difficult. And I am slowly realizing I probably have at least another month of recovery to go.

It pains me to write this, but patience is a virtue. And while it is a virtue my type-A self does not naturally possess, it is one I am going to have to work on.

Love your Favourite Darwinian Fail,
Krysten