Accentuate The Positive....

I'm finally off of the crutches. Dr. Stark told me a few weeks ago that I could start to wean myself off of the crutches and I chose not to because I was feeling wimpy and just wanted to baby my foot. Well, after 9 days in Canada, 5 of which I was in the incredible winter paradise of Whistler, I decided to be done with crutches. Don't get me wrong being on crutches does have some benefits--Some more obvious than others. For example, you typically get special treatment at hotels, restaraunts, on airlines, and such. For the most part people are very helpful and go out of their way to assist you. I almost always have some gentleman who gets the door for me and pulls out my chair. I've had someone bring me most of my meals for the last 8 weeks. Someone does my laundry, packs my luggage, carries my belongings around when we're out and about, etc. I have even had people give me massages as a gifts. In fact I had 3 massages given to me for free last week alone. In fact, I was standing on the curb with my Mom on Granville Island in Vancouver waiting for a taxi when a gentleman named Forest stopped us, had me sit down and proceeded to perform his natural healing techniques on me. He played music on my foot with his giant peace pipe and then he massage my hands and ears -- I learned this secret spot to massage on the ear that will melt anyone in a matter of minutes. Finally, last week I had a strong, sexy fire fighter throw me over his shoulder and carry me down 6 flights of stairs, across a court yard from one hotel to another and up another flight so that I would not slip on the ice with my crutches. So crutches really aren't all bad. Everywhere I go and in most everything I do I receive exceptional service. I feel so blessed. Having said all that, I am so happy to be progressing to full recovery eventhough I am feeling more pain and discomfort now that I'm walking with my walking cast. My poor little atrophied muscles are not very happy right now. Nothing a little TLC won't cure. Off to get another massage here in a few hours.

Crazy? Maybe. Dreamer? Definitely!

So I had a thought. Some people will probably say it sounds crazy and I really hope they do because that will be evidence I'm probably on the right track. I figure the more people that think I'm crazy the better. I've never wanted to be just like everyone else. I'm quite happy being unique and not being a complacent member of the 97% club. Okay, so here was my thought. Of course, you all know I'll be competeting in the Olypmic triathlon at the Summer Games. I am strontly considering buying a home in Colorado to be near the Olypmic training center (for all of my friends in Nashville don't be alarmed, I'm buying a home there too) and because even though I LOVE Nashville, being in Whistler reminded me that I miss the pine trees, the Rocky Mountains, and even the snow. With a home in Colorado I'll have the opportunity to cross country ski as part of my winter cross-training. I am sure with a little time and practice I could start competing in cross-country skiing and who knows perhaps compete in the 2010 Winter Games. How cool to be an athlete in both the Summer and Winter Olympics!

Simple Pleasures

Oh, I almost forgot--I also started back on the bike this past week. As some of you know I certified as a Spinning instructor several years ago and used to teach Spinning at the health club. I love Spinning almost as much as I love to be out on my bike on the road. At the fitness center at the Four Seasons in Whistler there were Spinning cycles in the aerobics/yoga studio. I could only look at those bikes for so long before my resistance wore down and I just had to get on and ride (even though Dr. Stark said to wait til just before Christmas). It actually felt awesome to be back on the bike, that is until I hit about 35 minutes and then my rear-end reminded me that it hasn't been on a bike saddle since the World Championships in Hawaii back in early October. I can deal with the discomfort as long as I can be back training like my heart desires. I can tell you now that the day I am able to run again will probably rank up there as being one of the happiest days of my life. I'm a simple girl and simple things make me happy.