It’s been a little while since I’ve posted anything. I’d like to say it is because I’ve been doing something significant or traveling around the world, but it is really just due to the day to day stuff that seems to take up all my mental space.

I know I’m working towards an incredibly important goal, one that my life depends on, but sometimes it is difficult to feel like you are making any progress. My main goal in this health journey has been to try to take in all the moments and enjoy each day. Celebrate the small things and cherish the time I spend with friends and family.

Thanks to Pulmonary Rehab, I’ve been able to build up strength, not only physically, but also mentally. I have more courage to try doing things we used to do when I wasn’t tethered to these darn oxygen tanks.

We’ve had a couple of local adventures over the past few months:

Pacific Northwest Pals

We had a visit from my friend Jennifer. She has come down to see me a few times now and it is time that I truly cherish. We met while working together at Redfin and I’m so grateful that our friendship has continued to blossom since we relocated back to the Bay Area. We have the best time together. There is never a shortage of laughter, which is so good for the soul. I can’t adventure hard with visitors the way I once would have, but since I am a little more confident with my oxygen management, we were able to do some fun things and relax together over a glass of wine. I look forward to more visits with Jennifer and to a time when I can once again fly up to Seattle! Or maybe meet in a new city for a fun adventure?!

Ed Sheeran Concert

We were able to go see Ed Sheeran in concert. It was a surprise from Scott and I was incredibly anxious about going but where there is a will there is a way. We got there closer to the start of the show and we had a third seat for the slew of tanks we rolled in.

Wine in the Vineyards

We’ve had so much fun attending various live music and wine events this summer. It’s always fun to hang out with your family, hear live music, relax, and sip wine. Who wouldn’t want to do that?

Jason Aldean and Luke Combs Concert

We had a fun family outing to see Jason Aldean and Luke Combs in September. We had such a fun night listening to music and taking in the (huge) crowd. We couldn’t stay for the whole concert because of our oxygen supply, but we made the most of while we were there. I do miss dancing freely without this darn oxygen leash, but I tried to live in the moment. The best part was hanging out with this crew below. Can you believe my nephews are 20 and 16 (almost 17!)?

International Scout Show

If you know Scott, you know about his 1973 International Scout, “The Rubber Duck.” He has owned it for 17 years and he’s been trying to refurbish it for just as long. LOL There was a Scout show about two hours away from our home last weekend, so we headed on up there to check it out. I have to admit, we had a great time. Some of the Scouts were really awesome and it was just nice to see my hubby in his element. The show was held under the trees in a wooded area, so the scenery was also very nice. I think it generated some excitement in Scott to get our car running, so maybe one day I’ll be posting a photo of us taking it out for a spin!

 

Blondes Have More Fun

I met a blonde horse, named Bandit, and fell in love with him. No other explanation necessary.

I’m sure there have been many other moments worth sharing… more to come as we launch into Fall, my absolute favorite time of year!

Now, that was all the fun stuff and pictures can be deceiving, so for those of you reading this that want to know about the not so fun stuff. I’ll tell you. Breathing is continually challenging, some days I struggle to breathe with ease. I feel constantly fatigued, like I can never catch up a on huge sleep deficit. I cough up phlegm every morning for at least 20 minutes. I cough at night and usually vomit. I have mystery rashes on my face and chest that appear, disappear, and reappear constantly. My face, scalp, and nose are so dry that they peel, flake, and hurt. I get bloody noses. Carrying two tanks around everywhere I go is tiring and I sometimes scream and throw my cannula on the ground out of frustration (it’s true, just ask Scott). Pulmonary Rehab is the saving grace that keeps me active and motivated to get up every morning. And through all of these challenges, I truly am trying to keep a positive attitude and stay strong. (That’s why adventures and family are so important!)