Have a closet selfie.

Have a closet selfie. It's been some years since I was feeling myself enough to capture my image on "film."

In 2014 when my psoriatic arthritis flared up it was hard to walk - much less exercise. Being in constant pain (plus some other things going on) sent me into a pretty serious depression spiral. Until it was bad enough that I went on medication I coped by eating junk food, which exacerbated the pain and depression. Then college and the stress that brought kept me eating junk food even with medication.

Needless to say, over those 6 years until I graduated I packed about 20 extra pounds onto my 4 foot, 9 inch frame. That probably doesn't sound too bad for an average-sized person, but being so short it was very noticeable and my self-esteem took a hit... obviously contributing to my depression. When I say that the last several years have been a struggle it is not an exaggeration.

Anyway, this is me right now. No filter, no editing, no makeup. Bonus points for goofy "I woke up like this" bed hair. 😂 I don't have a scale at home, but as of my last doctor appointment I was down 10 lbs. The fun thing about that is that I wasn't even trying. I've been enjoying my body by roller skating and staying busy organizing and cleaning. My depression is leveled out enough that I don't crave junk food 24/7. I still have down days once in a while, but honestly it just reminds me to be grateful for all of the good ones.

I'm still thicc, but I feel my muscles and endurance growing. My clothes fit better and I'm more confident than I've been in so, so long. My psoriasis is down to some very small, tolerable patches / spots even without medication. My bones haven't hurt me in quite a while, thank goodness. All in all I feel like I'm finally on an upward spiral and I hope it continues. I've fought my battles and I'd love to spend some time reaping the rewards and seeing what I can accomplish without my body and mind working against me.

For any of my friends and family who are struggling, please hang in there. It gets better. ❤️

I guess Shaun doesn't think I've fallen enough on roller skates...

I guess Shaun doesn't think I've fallen enough on roller skates because he got us and the kids a Hoverboard. 😂😂😂 We've all been playing with it this evening and I gotta say - it's pretty fun!

He said it was a Deal of the Day from Best Buy. It's a pretty multi-chrome color that I guess no one else wanted because it was on Clearance for $50 (down from $250)! No complaints here!

It's a beautiful day to play outside; 60° F and not a cloud in sight.

It's a beautiful day to play outside; 60° F and not a cloud in sight.

I'm feeling down today.

I'm feeling down today. I woke up earlier than I wanted to for Rose's appointment. Then the news wasn't great. It was beautiful out and I kept telling myself that I should go skate, but could never muster up the mojo to do it. My butt still hurts from my last fall without butt padding (over a week ago now). I don't think I broke my tailbone but it feels bruised and really sore when I move certain ways. Skate practice is tonight and I just don't think I'm gonna make it.

For the most part lately if I don't exercise I make it a point to do physical activity like chores or something. And yet today I've sat here like a lump. I napped. I ate. I sat. I scrolled. Blegh.

Rose usually hangs out with me when I'm on the couch, but she's not today. I think she is holding the violation of her bottom at the vet against me. I don't blame her. I know it wasn't a pleasant experience for her, especially since she's so scared of anything when Cubba's not around. Poor pup.

Anyway. This is a jumbly mess. I wanted a photo of my skates all together so I took one. Here it is. At least the shiny and colorful sparked a few moments joy.

Rose had another vet appointment today.

Rose had another vet appointment today. After having her anal glands expressed at her last visit her doctor said her bottom would likely be irritated and that her weird coochie-stomp behavior may not improve for a day or two. He said if it persisted that we should bring her back.

Well, it persisted.

He examined her again, but this time when he parted her vulva a mass of tissue about the size of a small bouncy ball came out. I was like "I didn't know they did that!" and he explained that normally they do not. He said that did not happen last time he checked her, either.

So weird-puppy is scheduled for surgery in a couple of weeks. Doc said that due to her age and being spayed there's an 86% chance that it's NOT cancer. Given that information we might have considered not doing surgery; however, the fact that it clearly bothers her means it needs to be dealt with. The up-side to doing the surgery is that we can confirm whether or not it's cancer. Paws crossed that it is not.

I didn't skate today like I'd planned to.

I didn't skate today like I'd planned to. My body is a little sore and I was really more into cleaning and checking other stuff off my to-do list during the good daylight hours. That's not exciting, but sometimes it's hard for me to switch gears. Better to get SOME things done than waste the day trying to change my mind. I already know how stubborn I am. 😂😂😂 

This evening I removed some old chipping polish from my nails, cut and filed them, pushed my cuticles, moisturized like crazy, and re-painted my nubs. After a week of cleaning and organizing my nail plates my poor fingernails were dry and broken and peeling and sad. I hate it when I let them get in that shape; it literally just FEELS bad to my body.

You'd think that with as excited as I am about getting my nail plates organized I'd be dying to get my nails super fancy. I am; however, my stamping polish is still packed away and it's a whole thing to dig it out. I've got some drawers coming on Friday and I'm planning to get my nail stuff (except for the rest of my polish) unpacked and organized. Polish comes last... I need a(nother) giant, sturdy shelf before I start (or finish?) that endeavor. 😬

Anyway. I feel better. Except that Rose and I both have doctor appointments tomorrow and skate practice is tomorrow and I haven't tried my speed skates yet. I kind of don't want to show up in them until I know I can use them. It might end up being too hectic of a day to make it to practice, anyway. I'm trying not to stress over it. The person who helped me Sunday probably won't be there and I don't think I can keep up with the group so it might be for the best if I sit this one out. We'll see.

I'm winding down for the evening. Goodnight, friends. ❤️

How is this for a 10 year challenge?

How is this for a 10 year challenge?  I created this group from scratch exactly 10 years ago today.  It has grown to over 12,500 members and helped at least a few pets get home over the years; I know this because I personally got involved at times.  Other times the communities and neighborhoods stepped up and made all of the difference.

For anyone who is unaware - running a group can be a JOB.  Unpaid.  Often thankless.  People get angry when they can't just post whatever they want.  They will get nasty and message you slinging insults.  I've been called both a Democrat and a Trump supporter by different people trying to get a rise out of me.  😂😂😂 It's times like those I have to take a deep breath, put on my "professional / diplomatic" voice, and if that fails, say "Screw it" and block them because I'm not sitting here unpaid AND taking their abuse.

NONE of that even encompasses Facebook and its need to constantly change the way things are done.  I feel like I'm always learning and re-learning how to best keep the group going.  It also doesn't take into consideration that there is no easy way for me to take a break from this site even if I need to; I have a responsibility here.  It's honestly a labor of love and sometimes one that takes more than its fair share out of me.  I've been considering for the last few months giving the group over to a shelter or rescue or someone I could trust, but it hasn't happened yet.  We'll see.

Anyway, it's the 10-year birthday of Happy Tails Lost & Found Pets of Calhoun County.  🥳