2008

I haven't forgotten about this blog. I just haven't felt like posting.

For those of you who hang out with us IRL and/or follow my super sekret writing blog, this is old news, but for the rest of you: 2008 was a challenging year. Frankly, I'm glad to see the end of it. I was sick for five months total in 2008, plus recovery; that's a lot of lost time. The good news is that I was finally diagnosed with ulcerative colitis -- like Crohn's disease, it's a form of IBD -- and am responding very well to the meds, as well as diet and exercise. In fact, I'm feeling better now than I have in literally years.

I suppose it's funny to think of a diagnosis as good news, and I'd be lying if I said that it hasn't been somewhat of a mental adjustment to get used to this new reality, but at least now I know what's been wrong and what I can do to make it better. Plus, wow. It could be so much worse. If i had my druthers, of course I'd have innards that work perfectly, but consider the alternatives. Yeah. It could be a lot worse.

Also, I can now get out of just about any chore I don't want to do by pleading illness. "The sidewalk needs to be shoveled? Hmm. I'd love to, really I would, but, oh dear, the UC's acting up. In fact, I'd better go have a lie down..." Ha ha ha. All right, I would not actually do that, but really, this is one hell of a get-out-of-jail free card, should I choose to play it as such. Neat, huh?

Flippancy aside, I must say that there were a lot of great things that happened in 2008. I don't mean to overlook them: a new niece, the girls' various accomplishments and experiences, the 3-Speed Tour, camping trips, the Eppley's visit, wonderful family and friends...And oh boy, I tell you what: after going through this, I will never take my health for granted again. The old adage of eat right, exercise, get plenty of rest has taken on a whole new significance for me. That's a good thing. It really is. But honestly, being sick cast a shadow over the year. I'm more than ready to move forward.

Welcome, 2009!