It's me, hi.

Hello, I'm not sure who is out there or if you are out there, but hello again!  Most of all hello to my future self rereading these entries.  I was recently reminded of this blog, and when I went to reread the entries it was very emotional seeing how scared and overwhelmed I was before my surgery.  It made me incredibly grateful of where I am today and it reminded me of how strong I am and what I am capable of, which I'll need again as a second surgery is on the horizon.

I have had two follow up appointments since I last wrote, I had my 6 month follow up in January of 2024 and my one year follow up in July of 2024.  Both went well and for both trips we were able to go as a family.  I think my next appointment will be in April and we'll start planning then for a second surgery.

A lot of life has happened since the surgery; I returned to in office three days a week, M graduated elementary school and started middle school, we have a niece 😍, and we had home renovations completed.  Learning to manage the symptoms of typical aging and my body after surgery also contributes to the busyness.  

Recently I have let myself go a little bit as everything is terrifying right now, and it's ok, but now it is time to shift focus and get myself in better shape for the second surgery.  Writing will help hold me accountable to my pursuit, so my goals are:

1. Improve mental health
1. Be more intentional with family and friends.
2. Continuing to write, read more books, and creating more (crochet, painting, photos).
3. Get more organized
1. Home
2. Paperwork
3. Clean up cubicle at work
4. Contribute to our community 
2. Improve physical health
1. Increase activity
1. Find a fun activity
2. Stretch every day
3. Arm weights every day
2. Lose weight
3. Drink more water
4. Research and reduce inflammatory foods
5. Keep up with all doctor appointments
3. Find a goal outside of helping me prepare for surgery, like get a professional certification, try out for community theatre, enroll in a class, plan a trip other than NYC, etc.

I think that's a good start?  What do you say Future Heather?  I'll try to convert these goals to visual measurements as it is satisfying for me to track and see.  

Present Heather out ✌