2011 year in review, 2012 plans...

when i look back at 2011, i see 2 major events:  getting my "dream job", and loosing griffin.  so i guess 2011 feels... bittersweet.

in 2011 i finally worked with my doctor and a rheumatologist to diagnose my health problems.  so i was diagnosed with arthritis and fibromyalgia in 2011.  good to know what was causing the pain.  great to find medicine that helps with the pain.  but the side effect of increased appetite has me gaining almost 20 pounds since the fall.

in 2011 i was able to finally stop taking ambien.  it took a few weeks of brutal "rebound" insomnia and some horrible withdrawal symptoms, but after 10 years of taking this medicine, i was done with it.  i think going off ambien was one of the hardest things i've ever done.

i have since then learned a ton of rules about "sleep hygiene".  no naps, make the bed every morning, staying off the iPad if i wake up in the middle of the night, no coffee after 10am, etc... i also got a king-sized tempurpedic bed and that made a huge difference.

i really did find my dream job.  i feel so lucky to work with incredibly smart, hilarious people who really care about doing an amazing job, but also know how to have fun.  we work hard, play hard, and it's an amazing place to be.  

and griffin... i still miss him every day.  i have found some peace with his passing away, but i miss him.  it's been hard, but getting to focus on gilly has been wonderful.  she's doing better with jumping on people and is thriving.  she's a real joy.

so for 2012, it's simple.  i plan on enjoying the people around me, kicking ass at work, and getting healthy.  i will be posting on the "weightloss weirdos" blog often.  and i will stop and smell the flowers!