A Catch Up Post

Well, after my trip to Upstate NY and Boston, I have neglected my blog. Instead of writing a million paragraphs about all that has happened and all that I've learned, I'll just bullet a few things.

- The PCOS diagnosis has been made officially. I also found out that I have a Vitamin D deficiency. I have already started medicine for the Vitamin D deficiency. The deficiency is not due to a lack of intake, but rather a lack of absorption - so that has to be investigated in the coming months to find out what's going on. I meet with the doctor again at the end of August, and after looking over the medicines and options these past few days, will decide what approach I would like to take. I like that I have had time to research, think and pray about what course of action to make in all of this.

- I have begun to be really careful about the food I eat. I have basically eliminated all fast food, because it is next to impossible to get what I need from fast food - and often, even from a regular restaurant. I am now picky when I do eat out - asking for whole wheat or for low carb options if no whole wheat options are available. I hate this, because it draws more attention to me, and yet, I understand that it's a must for me right now.

- Shopping now takes twice as long! But, the awesome thing that I'm finding is that my grocery stores actually carry whole wheat flour, whole wheat breads and even - whole wheat pizza crust! So, even though it takes a much longer time to prepare my own meals, I can pretty much find a way to cook anything I could crave using a whole wheat alternative. I even made a cake today with whole wheat flour and splenda instead of sugar. Jeff is coming over for dinner tomorrow and we will eat it then - I'll update after about how it turned out. I'm hoping it's wonderful. If so, I might start using whole wheat flour and Splenda for all of my cooking attempts, or at least as much as I can.

- As I've said before, Jeff is amazing! I know God puts events in certain order for a certain reason - and having Jeff in my life before this diagnosis has to be one of those things that was done intentionally. Even when I start to lose hope or feel really down or start worrying about the future and what it might hold, Jeff is able to keep encouraging me and reminding me of the truth of Scripture and just holds me through the tears that continue to come occasionally.

- As the school year starts, I seriously fear my ability to take care of myself. I already see how difficult it's going to be. I'm so thankful to have a teammate who constantly checks in on me and asks me every few hours if I've checked my sugar and if I've eaten. She's not going to let me not take care of myself. I also went ahead and talked to the school nurse so if there are any problems, she knows. I'm making it my plan to eat at certain points throughout the day and to check my blood sugar when I'm supposed to. I am such a care taker for everyone else - taking care of myself is hard - but it's necessary. Even if I don't like it.

- BTW, in case anyone wondered...our trip to NY and Boston was wonderful! I felt so blessed to get to spend 9 days with my sweetie. My family was interesting, but his family was amazing. They welcomed me in with open arms. By the end of the time with his family, I actually felt more comfortable with them than I did with some members of my own family. His Nana even said it was like I had always been a part of their family. :) Pretty much everyone said they were sure they'd see me again - and his dad even said at the end of the trip that he was really glad I had been able to come. It was a huge milestone for us and I'm so thankful that we were able to work it out.

Alright, well that's enough updates for now. I'll try to be better about updating than I have so far this month. It's been a bit crazy with getting ready for school, but I think once I get into the swing of school, I'll be better.  I'm also hoping to start doing a study through the women of the Bible, focusing on women considered barren. I'm sure I'll share my thoughts about them and how God used them. It's something God has laid on my heart to really study, so I'm planning to start that this week.

God bless you all!