Twenty Five

Wow, so it has been a loooooong time since my last update! Let me catch you up.

1. I was in Sing Song. Go Mario.

2. Thesis.

3. No wait...thats it.

So I've been a busy busy bee trying to write this paper/collect data/analyze data and I am no where near done. I haven't even gotten all my surveys back and the whole thing in its entiriety is due monday to my committee!!! (Yanks out big chunk of hair). As you all who read this can imagine, high stress situation, especially since I don't know ditally squat about statistics and will be running several statisticy-thingy tests on my data. Inhale...exhale.

Suffice it to say, when I went for my yearly ladies check-up, my blood pressure turned out to be really high for someone who had been sitting at a desk for most of the day shuffling paperwork around and pretty easy day. (I'll mention here, that I'm 25 and though I'd like to see the number drop, considered medically to be at a healthy weight for my height). So unless I can bring it down to a nice low, normal number, I will not be able to refill my meds which means....a chance of babies. My doctor explained the high risk of stroke from this situation, and so I was given a choice between lowering my blood pressure or being at risk for having babies and strokes. Hmm...I think I will lower my blood pressure!!

I imagine the big scary number was due in large part to stress. No surprises there. But, I also suspect that some bad habits that have formed during grad school could also be major contributers. I try to eat healthy most of the day- I really do, like oatmeal or cereal and fruit for breakfast, skim milk, whole grains etc. And something light and non-greasy for lunch. But its dinner that always gets me. I'm just floored when I get home, and I am not a creative cook who just whips together any thing thats in the cabinet. If I don't have an idea and the tools, its just not happening. I don't think I've used many fresh ingrediants this year- just because it takes a lot of preparation and generally a good deal of cleanup. Not a fan, its too time consuming. So, if we eat dinner at home its lately been coming straight from the freezer or the chili can. Otherwise, its off to burger king or taco bueno, and as discussed in many earlier posts, i like fast food a lot and these places and just cheap, easy, and convenient.

I've also been slacking on my exercise. I LOVE zumba- but after getting sick, and sing song I just got so behind on everything, I don't feel as though I have the time or energy to spare. Maybe a logical fallacy on my part, but I am more tired after working out even though its kind of a good, relaxed, sleep better tired. Thats just how my body has been lately-some people feel energized for the rest of the day, I need a nap.

So thats where I am at right now, and honestly I am a little worried. So what does the researched do when a problem arises? Research!

I am going to keep a log (as ordered by my doctor) of my daily blood pressure for the next month. During this time, I will be trying to cut out fried, fast foods, sweets, and cutting back on caffeine (sidebar here: I looked at several studies about the coorelation between caffeine and stroke, some said it reduced the risk, some said it increased it. To play it safe, it may be best to partake in moderation). Also, I will be trying my darndest to reduce stress. There is only so much I can do about that....remember that whole thesis and grad student thing. But, I have the option of saying "no" to activities that are stressful for me. I can't skip too much work or class, but social events, volunteer activities (yes, i still do some of those too!), and unnecessary chores are all out. I may recieve some criticism for this, but I may skip out on some church. Let me explain why....Greg and I go to Highland, and its all good. But getting up on a Sunday, rushing to make it on time, trying to find a seat (yup, that crowded), and meeting new people is in fact a major stressor in my week. So, for a while, I will be podcasting in. Next step, exercise! Zumba, and some yoga to relax.

Well, lets fold our hands and pray this works!