New Word, New Year, New Me

I first posted this entry at Inspire.com an online support community (for lots of things, but I am a member of the infertility section). After reading it over, I thought some who read this blog might also benefit...

I was so ready for 2010 to be over!! It was pretty easy to know it was the worst year I have had and I wanted it to go away!

So here is 2011 and I want to make it better!!! I often pick a word to focus on for the year. This year that word will be "joy". Finding joy, bringing joy, living joy! Not necessarily over the top happiness, but heart-level joy. Where my soul is at peace and I can see the wonder of the world around me. I often fill my home and office with my word so that I have a visual representation to remind me (and I need to go shopping now to find some word art!).

This morning Mark and I joined a gym. We have never been big work out people, but both of us were more active before we got married. I think this will be a great chance to do something positive together. We also went on a 6 mile bike-ride New Year's Day...the first time our bikes have been out in a long time.

With still doing acupuncture, trying to focus more on finding quiet time to read my Bible and pray, a new word, and a gym membership... I am ready to take on the year.

I hope it is a year filled with our greatest blessing, but even if it is not, I want to know I did count my blessings!

My Journey to Motherhood: I'm NOT cold!!

I am happy to report that right now I am NOT cold, nor have I been all morning. This may seem unimportant to some of you, but it is very noteworthy to me. See, I am always cold, always, always, always. Temperature actually played a role in my decision to move to Florida, I wanted to be warm.

But I was still cold. I often wear Mark's wool socks...in July...in Florida. We keep our house at 76-78 degrees during the day...and I wear a jacket. I am always cold.

Except for today. Today I went jogging and it felt nice out. I was asked about the outside temp and said "pleasant". Others said it was cold. Hmmm. I dressed in crop pants and a sleeveless blouse and headed to Walmart. Everyone else was in jeans and coats. Hmmm. I went to Publix (where I am always the very coldest) and felt fine. Hmmm. Called my mom, sure she would back me up on it being a nice fall day. Nope, she said it was chilly when they went running. That's weird. Now I am working at my desk, with NO jacket.

I AM NOT COLD!!!!

One of my complaints to the acupuncturist was that I am always cold. She said that fits my diagnosis and that my blood was probably not flowing well. Five days on herbs and the biggest difference I have noticed....

I AM NOT COLD!!!

baby steps to success!!

My Journey to Motherhood: Acupuncture, First Treatment

Friday was my first acupuncture treatment. I had NO idea what to expect. I did learn (at an earlier appointment) that I have an Qi deficiency, a Yang deficiency, and Blood Stasis. These are the problems that will be treated.

It turned out to be one of the most relaxing 25 minutes I have had in a long time. I laid on the table and the doctor put about 10-12 needles in, mostly in the abdominal area but also my legs, hands, feet, and head. (I did have to slip out of my jeans, but if I had worn shorts I could have stayed completely clothed). The needles were sealed in packages that were not opened until I was ready for them and disposed of when the treatment was over. She put a heat lamp over my tummy, turned the lights down, turned on some nice music, and left.

I actually fell asleep I was so relaxed.

As for results...I was on the third day of my period and in horrible pain when I went in (basically had been living on Motrin for the last 48 hours). I didn't want to take pain killers before I had needles poked in me for the first time (thought that would maybe be a bad idea), so I planned on taking Motrin when I left. Except that when I awoke from that nice nap the cramps were gone. Completely. And haven't returned!!! For 2 days! Talk about immediate results!

I was giving herbs mixed just for me. Surprised when I found out it was only $30. for a 2 week supply. It was like reverse sticker shock after the cost of fertility meds.

So far, this has been a great experience. I am very excited for the long term results.