Time flies! I cannot believe it is already the end of winter break and I start classes again on Monday! I have been spoiled these last three weeks with having a “normal” schedule and being able to catch up with family and friends. I made the most of my time and got together with good friends, spent time with family, saw movies, went to the gym and got the apartment in order. I am sad that my Packers were one and done in the playoffs BUT at least the Christmas tree was able to come down before school started J Last year, it was up until after the Superbowl since it was a Packer tree…
Over break, I also worked on my admissions application for nursing school. It was due January 17th and let me tell you it was a pain in the you know what. I must have written fifteen different revisions of my essay before I believed it was good enough! A HUGE thank you to my-coworkers Lynne & Harold and Ed for being my proofreaders and helping me out so much (as well as putting up with me being stressed). I was so happy when I turned it in last week – now it’s a waiting game until March. I have mixed feelings as to whether or not I will get in. There are over 160 applicants and they only accept 56 – so it’s pretty competitive. I have a strong GPA, solid work and volunteer experience but the only thing that makes me nervous is the essay portion – you just never know! I guess I’m just crossing my fingers & toes.
I was also ecstatic to be able to get back to the gym! It felt so good having enough energy (after a nap of course J) to push myself hard and be completely exhausted. It was such a great stress reliever and the best part was getting stronger, quicker AND lighter ;). I’m hoping that I am able to continue my regimen once classes start. This semester is going to be pretty crazy - I’m taking Microbiology, Biochemistry, Nutrition & Psychology. I’m not a fan of my schedule as my day will begin at 4:45 am and end at 5:30 pm BUT I am one semester closer to finishing so that gets me through! Ed begins his tough semester as well – he will be taking the GMAT on January 28th and will hopefully be starting his Masters program this summer. It will definitely be a hectic few months but in the long run VERY well worth it!
As for the lupus, all seems to be quiet right now. I’ve been able to manage it quite well with medication and rest and I truly believe my change in diet and increased exercise have been a big plus. Yes it takes my body a bit longer to recover and I’m a bit more tired these days but I can’t complain. I have a check up in February with my Rheumy and with the way I feel, I’m confident all of my blood work will be within the my “normal” ranges (cuz really what is normal anyway??). Soo… life is good!
Over break I have had some time to do a lot of reading on various research being done as well as a few articles related to new findings, etc. I have included them in my links so please check them out! Also, I have updated my question section to get a sense for which symptom is most troublesome for people living with lupus. As always, I enjoy getting any feedback from you as well as any ideas you may have on topics to cover/research. If you live in the Milwaukee area, please stop by the LFA office on Tuesday, January 31, at 6pm for the first support group of the year. The session will feature Elisabeth Hill, RD who will be speaking on the importance of a lupus patient’s diet. Ms. Hill is a Registered Dietician with St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac.
2012 is off to a great start and I hope and pray that it has been as great of a year thus far for you as it has been for me. Keep fighting and stay strong!
Till next time…
