What is normal anyway???



I am dragging...and limping...and hurting tonight!  I think I've overdone it a wee tad bit.  I know I'm in remission and all, but I suppose it is still possible to overdo things (?).  I think that's normal, but then again I'm not sure I've exactly figured out what normal is supposed to be.  I'm just now getting back to work full time on a somewhat consistent basis, and last week was a pretty big week for me being in the office every day as well as having something going on every night of the week.  I really wanted to get back into the gym after being sick and unable to go.  I think I ache as much from being in bed as I do from physical activity.  So gym...check.  Morgan's first night of a new ballet class (which actually turned out to be a tap-ballet combo with the first night being tap - whoops)...check.  Out for dinner for a friend's birthday...check.  Fall carnival at Morgan's school...check. 

Our little under the sea fairy

A what was I thinking 730 parent-teacher conference at Morgan's school to work to an after work appointment...check.  Race for the Cure at the butt-crack of dawn on Saturday morning...check.  For some reason I decided to jog even though I haven't gone jogging since I got sick.  Again what was I thinking.  Maybe these meds are affecting my brain more than I though.  Take Morgan to the park...check. 

I love when the slide does this to her hair!



Make Halloween cupcakes & go to a birthday party...check. 

She sings everything instead of saying it...my friend Shanna will vouch that I totally used to (still do actually) do this. 

Take Morgan to the zoo...check. It was a great day for the zoo, and I wouldn't take it back for all the aches in the world.  We got up close and personal to the tigers, zebras, and elephants.  And Morgan was doing a great job practicing her smiles for the camera.  Happy little girl!



The closest one of the Sumatran Tigers have ever been while there!

Introducing Sprinkles the horse to the giraffes

According to the guide on the train once, this species of zebra are actually aggressive.  Who knew zebras could even be aggressive and mean?!?





I just love her!

I digress...so back to this aching thing.  Here it is Sunday night, and my left knee is killing me.  My Achilles behind both feet are killing me.  My back is killing me.  Either my 30s are catching up quickly, my 40s are coming early, or my body just isn't really ready for the old normal.  Then again, maybe this is my new normal.  I guess we'll see.

A walk for a different cure

Fall is notorious (said in my head like no-no-no-notorious...as in the B.I.G) for fundraisers.  I've participated in a few walks and 5Ks for various causes, because well...that is the right thing to do.  You do what you can to help people who need help.  This year is no different.  I'm participating with my company in the Komen walk next weekend.  No big deal.

Well as of a few days ago, I've learned there is a new walk in town that is a very B.I.G deal - see Biggie Smalls reference above - to me and my family.  NephCure is a foundation that supports research to find better treatments, the cause, and hopefully one day a cure for FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome.  That's the story of my life this year...FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome.  I used to be a lover...now I'd definitely define myself as a fighter because of my run-in with this devastating disease.  Actually I technically am a fighter considering I started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu this morning, but we'll save that for another post.

Now if you've read any previous posts, you'll likely agree I've been incredibly blessed in my battle with this disease.  As of this beautiful 20th day of October, I'm completely in remission.  My protein loss is 34mg per day.  My kidney function is 100%.  My labs are completely normal.  You'd never suspect my immune system attacked my kidneys which in turn retaliated and tried to take my life!

I've learned during my brief experience with this disease that I'm one of the fortunate few that received the education and got the treatment from the specialists who could help to get me where I am 10 months later.  There are so many people that go undiagnosed or who don't have the opportunities that I had.  The worst part...this stuff usually attacks children. 

Ok, I'll stop with the sappy tugging of the heart strings.  All I'm asking is that you'll consider taking the time to look at my team page for the NephCure Foundation's Oklahoma Ghost Walk 2012 and donate.  To keep it simple (remember K.I.S.S. in school?) I made the team name The Bad Bad Beans.  We were unable to put together a physical walk this year but did not want to give up on 2012.  A ghost walk is a virtual walk where you can go online and make contributions to support something very near and dear to my heart...well ok to my kidneys but you get the point.  The link below can take you to the NephCure page where you can find information about the event in OKC as well as the foundation itself.  The "walk" is open until the end of November.  Anything you could contribute would be greatly appreciated.

NephCure Foundation's Oklahoma Ghost Walk 2012

I'm part of a committee that is working on 2013 and 2014 benefits for NephCure.  Stay tuned for an actual walk or maybe even a golf tournament!