SweetNightshade’s BodyBlog

So, after the withdrawal period, I was healthy as a horse about a week. I was experimenting with veganism (been vegetarian since Februrary) and working out every day. Even got my endurance so I high that I walked to the bookstore 2.3 miles away, and back, in the middle of the day. My tolerance for heat, and my asthmatic lungs normally aren’t too happy about something like that. But I used to be super athletic and outdoorsy as a kid, and being able to do that made me feel amazing, like I’m making real progress. And then I went back to school. And now I think I have the flu. Now, I got a flu shot, my symptoms include stomach issues, H1N1 is going around campus, and yesterday a girl in class was coughing like crazy - right next to me. So my guess is it’s H1N1, which sucks. Not to mention, it’s Friday, so the doctor’s office is now closed and I’ll have to wait till Monday to get checked out. I’m sure you understand that I’m about ready to pull my hair out with all the health issues and set-backs. At least I’m steadily making progress in the endurance area, but all the interuptions are leaving me with little progress in the toning or weight-loss departments. It’s especially difficult for me not to feel inadequate when I have friends who work in warehouses and get beautiful bodies just by going to work. I’m not giving up, and I’m trying to focus on all the health benefits I’m reaping, but I want so much to be ripped. On the upside, at least my writing can be done from the bed. My first column hit the university paper today. I should be thrilled. I am thrilled. It’s just hard not to let so much sickness get me down. But that’s why I’m posting to you guys. I’m keeping myself accountable, even through all these issues. The moment I stop reporting to you guys, stop saying "one day soon, I’ll be able to hit the gym again," then I’ve given up. I might not be there now, but I’ll have my BB body some day.

Life just keeps throwing ‘em, but I’m still here.

I had a very severe and very rare reaction to the anti-depressants called "tardive dystonia." Physically, it’s like having seizures except you are conscious the entire time. Needless to say, I’ve started weaning myself off the meds. Now I’m dealing with withdrawal symptoms - nausea, lightheadedness, etc. - but hopefully they won’t last way too long. It’s been next to impossible for me to workout while going through this, but I’m refusing to let myself be beat by anything anymore. I’m just going to weather the storm, and then get right back to my routine when it’s over.

How do you guys make the most of sick time?

So, I kind of got sucked into the weekend. I was barely home, but I did my best to stay on track with nutrition. Working out was harder, though I did get to play some laser tag. I’ll be out of town again this weekend, and it would have been real easy for me to not post for quite some time, but I didn’t want to get that far off track again. Staying accountable to you guys keeps me going.

Exercise: Moving boxes, hanging heavy pictures
Liquid: 4 cups
B: Oat bran w/cinnamon, honey, soy milk
S: Peaches, PB
L: 2 soy patties w/BBQ sauce
S: Apples, PB
D: Pancake, soy & egg hash