This crazy set of three weeks and a frame made with silver lining.

Over 6 months ago, I started a fitness regimen which continued aggressively, until recently. (I have had to slow it down.). To supplement my fitness regimen, I eat about 40% raw vegetables. It is not a secret that I dealt with a non-diagnosed autoimmune condition for five years, and while suffering with massive fatigue, gained 80 pounds twice and lost it twice. To say the least, I try to persevere through the worst. My recovery has changed my outlook and approach to every facet of my life. I define my life my life as strong, determination, hope, and will. Simply put, I will never quit. I do not unpack and surrender with ugly tears.

Fast forward to the present and subtract the past 6 months of hard work. On 03/26, I felt sick. I felt nauseous with pain under my rib cage near my right Kidney. I muscled through my work day on 03/27 and went home. The pain was more severe than anything I had ever experienced in my life other than wisdom tooth post operative nerve pain.

After I could not bear the pain anymore, I drove myself to the Emergency Room and begged for help. In my mind, it was a UTI, appendicitis, pancreatitis, "something else itis". A series of tests were administered. It was determined that the cause was an obstructed Kidney Stone. I was treated and sent home with follow up instructions and a Urologist referral.

All year, I looked forward to Easter. I believe, on faith and by proof only known to myself that Jesus Christ suffered and died for my misdeeds, and His way is the ultimate model for my life. I pray and believe he answers all needs in time. Every Easter, I make a sacrifice for my gratitude and for self-improvement, so that I might be of better service to others and have my mind clear. This year, that Lenten sacrifice was exercise goals and regimens.

On Easter, I went to Mass with my friend and her parents. The Homily was fabulous, including the story behind the tradition of coloring Easter eggs involving Simon. I came home and snuggled with my chubby kitty and watched TV while intermittently texting my friends.

The Kidney stones finally passed on Sunday. The next week, another terrible health related item happened, followed by another one on 04/11. I would rather not elaborate on either one of those events, but I can say I am walking, living and breathing. I am blessed to be surrounded by caring people who are fun loving, appropriately silly, and non-didactically administrative.

My friends have given me more hugs that I can count. Also, I have written countless thank you cards to people who have helped me. From prior experience, I learned to discern positive mental people and invite them to stay in to my life. I avoid all negative and try to be outgoing and kind. Truth be told, I am so lucky to have figured so many of life's best blessings and gifts slightly before the age of 40. I guess if you were to ask my mantra, "Live and love life to the fullest even though obstacles are thrust into your life's path." With this, I do what I can, even though I might spend occasional time in an ER or doctor's office.

In a world of survival of the fittest, I do my best to persevere with fortitude and a chin up. I follow my own path, with sole faith in my Savior, family, and friends. My life is full of gratitude as is my heart. I can do everything and anything set before me with my internal strength, Savior, and help from trusted friends. Religion is my own and I take it in my most positive terms. Jesus is my ecclesiastical leader amongst the example of my favorite living and deceased saints. I do not need, or welcome anything else other than prayers.



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