Count Me Accountable Thursday

I opted out of blogging yesterday morning due to an awful headache that had me burying my head back under blankets until I had to get up and shower in time to go to my neurologist's appointment just before lunch. Aleve, the pain meds I was given after surgery, and even an Excedrin Migraine capsule did nothing to budge the gnawing ache all day...Some gracious strangers I'd encountered out and about while wearing my C-collar the past couple of weeks, who told me their stories about how they'd undergone the same spinal fusion encouraged the headaches had miraculously disappeared after their surgery. I don't seem to have that luck...But, feeling better today, other than being woken at three-fifteen by a whining, needing-to-pee Tucker, I am hoping to begin building on my blog structure that I've tried to sketch out over the past few weeks. And that brings me to my first Count Me Accountable Thursday!

I dug out the dusty scale yesterday morning from the bathroom closet and blew off a thick frosting of dog hair and dust bunnies, parked it in the middle of the bathroom floor. I hesitated...it's been months since I stepped on that scale. I stopped running in November. Fatigue and shortness of breath stole my motivation, along with crippling headaches that came on after a long run. Slowly, steadily, I've watched the weight coming back on, hating myself for every pound I could see accumulate.

I weighed in a day early (Thursdays are now officially 'Weigh In Day') but I wanted to bite the bullet and see just how bad the damage had become, find out how far I have to go to get back where I belong...The digital numbers glared ugly up at me: 172. About fifteen pounds more than I need. I don't like it, but it's a starting point.

I'm tracking my food again and water, too. That helps keep me aware of what I'm putting in my mouth so I can make better choices throughout the day. I've given up my caramel-vanilla lattes for Lent, less sugar is always a bonus! I'll start physical therapy next week and begin to build up strength and stability so in another couple of months I can hit the road running once more--that is a day I'm definitely looking forward to! Onward and upward...

The good news from the neurologist is that my x-rays looked perfect, he is no longer worried about me becoming paralyzed (always good to know!) I have to follow up with my regular doctor and neurologist, but I am allowed to drive and clean and get this house ready to sell, packed up and move north--hallelujah! Mom flies south again on Saturday, Sissie comes to visit on Sunday, and Monday begins a bright, new week of routine and structure--life is good!