Thursday, August 6, 2009

Support Systems, Sunsets and (Foot) Support Systems

So every Thursday I'm going to highlight some of the things that I'm thankful for that week. Sometimes the negative issues that come with Cystic Fibrosis can overshadow all of the good stuff going on in our lives. I have so much to be thankful for that I will never be able to cover it all, but I figured that a nice little reminder each week could be a good thing. I hope you enjoy.

- I'm so thankful for my support system. This includes my family, my friends, my girlfriend, and all of you bloggy buddies (RSR had 948 hits yesterday!) out there. It's so important to have people to lean on when times get tough and I need somebody's strength and encouragement (or food) to get me through the day or certain period in my life. This is just a small example of something my support system does for me- When I'm in the hospital, I NEVER eat hospital food for dinner, you heard that right, NEVER. My family comes every single night and brings me dinner. Whether it's my mom, dad, brother, aunt, uncle, cousin, friend, Mandi or a surprise visit from a stranger, someone is there to keep me company and bring me some "real" food. This may seem like a small thing, but I appreciate it beyond measure and hope they feel as valued as I see them.


- I'm so thankful for the Arizona weather. Sure it's hot, but it's also clear blue skies (mostly) and beautiful sunsets EVERYDAY. I always have access to a pool and I often just bob up and down on a raft and appreciate the crystal clear sky above me. I've lived in AZ all of my life and have yet to get tired of clear, bright and sunny days. The sunsets? I must say "WOW!" 360 out of the 365 days of the year when I look west and see the sun falling behind the horizon. The colors that are produced in the sky are so vivid and wonderful that a picture doesn't even do them justice; you have to see it with your own eyes.


- I'm so thankful that my foot feels better. One reason I chose to start running was because I hated it. Seriously, I've never before run in my life. Sure, I had a couple months out of my life when I would run on a treadmill and such, but I never kept it up. I for sure never wanted to run outside on the hard surface of the streets or sidewalk. No way. Too painful. Too hard. I didn't want to go through the pain to do something that I wasn't very good at and couldn't keep up. So naturally, when I decided that I needed to change some things around in my life and focus even more on my health, I chose running. I needed an enemy to defeat. I needed something to challenge me and mock me if you will. Running does just that. I started to actually "enjoy" running after a while. Not because it felt better, it still hurts like heck every time I run, but because of the challenge. So when that challenge got taken away because of my foot problems, I was upset. I actually WANTED to run and admittedly, I missed it. I recently got some specially made foot orthotics and so far, so good. I'm back to running and I can't wait to defeat this "enemy".

15 people had something to say...:

Katelyn said...

Ronnie, I feel you on the running thing. I've ran my whole life but recently I've been having knee problems so I can't run at all. I miss it so much and while it is a love/hate relationship with my lungs, it's such a great thing. Way to go to get back on the track! You're doing great!

CFsteph said...

It is so good to reflect on the good things in life. Even with CF "Life is good" and I wouldn't change my life for anything. Keep up that positive attitude and it will treat you well.

Jess said...

Yay for the orthotics!! My new running shoes just came in the mail yesterday! Woo Hoo!! Here's to no more foot problems and lots of running!! :)

Anonymous said...

I think it is totally awesome that you are doing a what your thankful for day!!! It is awesome when you can reflect on the good things because then your not stuck on dwelling on the bad things!!!
Great job and keep up the good work!!!
Im cheering for you everyday to do your best and am so inspired to do my best!!!
(I thought I fixed my problem with logging in but i guess I didnt, Ugh, looks like some more figuring out, sorry about the anonymous thing)
Amanda

Kellee said...

Im loving the new weekly set up!!

I know it hot in AZ but hows the humidity?

Lauren said...

Always gotta love your support system... especially since they are the ones with the GOOD FOOD! I never had to eat hospital food for dinner in the hospital either, just another reason why my Mom ROCKS!

p.s. how do you get the number of HITS thing on your page?!

Denise said...

We all need to take a step back and remember all the good things we have in life. Nice post.

Unknown said...

Kellee- The humidity in AZ is basically non-existent.

Lauren- I use a stat counter from StatCounter.com. You can install it on your site to track all kinds of things and then you can copy code from their site and install it as a widget for a visible stat counter. You can also just google "visit counter widget for blogspot".

Hope that helps. If not, please let me know.

Ronnie

Anonymous said...

Awesome post! I truly think if you love where you live that really helps spirtually and in turn helps out physcially. Glad you are back on track and good luck with your new running routine!

Jennifer
IL.

Deb said...

you've got such an awesome attitude. i really admire your positivity.

i hate running. i "ran" cross country in high school, mainly to be around a certain group of boys. i only ran until i was sure no one was watching. then i walked.

Tabitha said...

#1) Debs comment is hilarious

#2) I want the same in the hospital. My mom tries but we are like 4 hours away from my home so its either hosptial or take out which gets old too

Lovin Lane said...

Hey thanks, I tried looking at your blog and then realized I dont think I got all the info lol... when we go back next week I am going to get more numbers, then maybe I can make since of them lol.. So much to learn, it really is amazing... We do not currently go to a CF Clinic, but we have an awesome Doctor and staff that has been in the field for like 30 years, and very respected amoung the CF community, so we choose to work with him... So on one hand we dont get the benefits of a clinic, like the nutritionist (one of the reasons we wanted to do the enzyme study, since they provided one) , but on the other hand we receive very personal care. so I do alot of reading on my own, and your blog is a wonderful source... Until you are thrown into the CF world, you just have no idea the complexity... Thanks for all the hard work you put into it.. I will be coming back with my numbers next week lol..

Lovin Lane said...

Okay so I just wrote a novel and lost it urghhh.. Anyways, Thank you for your help, I had looked at your site and thought I was missing some numbers lol... we go back next week so I will get the rest of whatever it is I am missing lol... We do not go to a CF Clinic (one reason I agreed to the study, cuz you are provided a nutritionist, which I need for a bit lol) any ways we choose to see a CF doctor who is not currently with a clinic, because he is really good.. However it does leave me reading allot to gain knowledge of this complex world.. and your blog is great... Very informative... Like I never knew what a picc line was before... So thank you for all your hard work you put in, it really does help.... Marcy

Lovin Lane said...

okay now I feel stupid, as I read the comment on the top of my screen that says you will approve comments... so I guess I didnt lose the first one... so you can just delete the remainder..lol sometimes i am a really confused soul lol...Marcy

Unknown said...

Sorry Marcy, I just had to leave your whole comment thread...it made me smile and chuckle out loud reading it! Thanks for stopping by and leaving your kind comment. I look forward to seeing those numbers next week :)

Ronnie