Items of Interest

This has been a good week overall.  I've noticed a complete shift in my attitude.  I'm happier, more energetic, and I'm willing to do more things around the house.  For instance, yesterday I had half an hour at home before having to leave for a lesson.  In the past that half hour would have been spent on Facebook or on the computer, but yesterday it was spent doing dishes and then reading in the few spare minutes I had.  This is an improvement.  That said, though, yesterday and Monday felt a little off.

I could tell my attitude had shifted, and I was still happy, but I was so unbelievably tired.  For most of the day on Monday, I had a stiff neck and a headache.  It even carried into Tuesday a little.  I wanted to sleep through most of the day, and I even cut my workouts short just because I couldn't handle them.  Monday especially, I was really thirsty and I found I had to work harder to swallow (like sinus drainage, but different). 

A lot of possibilities went through my mind.  I hadn't eaten the best over the weekend (that's my off time), and that could be affecting things.  Maybe I had over-trained, and my body was too tired from Saturday's run, although I felt fine on Sunday.  I was really scared I was getting a cold.  The only really puzzling piece was my hand.  There was a large, inflamed spot on my left hand.  It was very sensitive to temperature changes and ached a bit.  The area around it was even a little numb.

I don't know why I didn't think of it earlier, but all of a sudden it dawned on.  Sunday evening, I had decided to weed the flower beds.  I couldn't find my gloves, and I don't have any problem getting dirty, so I did it bare handed.  While weeding, I saw a small black widow spider.  I told Hans that if I started feeling ill, it might be best to go to a doctor, but other than wanting to call it an early night, I felt fine.  Now I'm wondering if all my symptoms from the past few days are actually the result of a mild black widow bite.  I'm fine now, but it's interesting to consider.  Heck, I'd rather that than to catch the flu!

Today, though, since I'm feeling much improved, I took Cody and Lollie, and we met up with Shannon and Ollie for a romp by the river.  After much swimming, jumping, and running, and one adventure downstream where he had to rescue a lost toy, I brought home two very tired, VERY DIRTY dogs.  Two baths later and a change of clothes for me, I now have two very tired dogs.  It's a good life.

There's one last thing I wanted to share with y'all today.  I got a glimpse of myself in the mirror today.  I was rushing to change my clothes and grab some lunch, when I caught a glimpse of myself.  I look at myself in the mirror everyday, but this for some reason was different.  I suddenly saw the way my body is starting to change.  I saw how my belly is getting smaller and my legs are becoming toned.  As I put on my clothes, I felt how much looser my jeans are.  My well-fitted top is a little less well-fitted.  I saw all this, and it made me smile.  Oh, and it made me want to go for another run!