I guess I'm talking to myself again, lol. No biggie. I find myself pretty amusing.

Today was a big bust for exercise or getting anything done. Sciatic nerve pain was bad--but I finally picked up a new bottle of prednisone and took 80 mgs. And two vicodin later, I was able to do the stairs again and may even brave the shower now. I said to Jim, "I think I might not be able to do my swim qualifier on Tuesday," and he said, "You THINK? You THINK??? Is there really even a question?" and I said, "Well my plan was to just take a lot of prednisone and vicodin so I wouldn't feel the pain." As that came out of my mouth, I kind of realized how ridiculous it is. But... I have a deep tissue massage tomorrow morning and another chiropractor appointment, so I am praying for a miracle recovery. Please keep me in your prayers, gang. I would really, really like to do the Peaks to Portland, and if I don't qualify on Tuesday, I'm out until next year.

Jim just made a special run to the grocery store to pick up sugar free fudgesicles and almonds. If you mash up the fudgesicle in a cup and add some chopped almonds, it tastes a lot like a chocolate almond ice cream but without the calories. There... That's my recipe for the day.

My three best moments today were giving Skippy McGrape his late birthday present of a package of instant water balloons (very cool invention), listening to the neighbor kids shrieking as they played in the lake and had a water balloon war with Jim, and playing with Shasta, our kitty, and laughing as she pounced so hard, she rolled off the bed! As much as I enjoyed traveling and as much as I loved being with my sister, despite her lack of internet, I am happy to be HOME.

I'm optimistically assuming that everyone will check in tomorrow, so please do take a minute to say hello and to say what you need for motivation and support.

I'd like to do a ten day challenge. Something basic on food, I think. We can each design our own challenge and incentive. I was thinking my incentive would be $25 to spend as frivilously as I please! If I fail, I give the $25 to Jim for him to spend frivilously. My challenge will be to drink 80 ounces of water each day and eat NOTHING that comes out of a drive-through window (my nemesis... especially scones and croissants from my favorite coffee drive-through). Anyone else want to join? I'm going to start tomorrow but can add a day or two to mine if you get a later start.

K.