I know I've been scarce lately. Partly it is incredible busyness. But partly it is because I have been really struggling with back issues for the past two months. I finally went for an MRI and found out that I have a bulging disc and arthritis in by lower back. I'm not really surprised; I think I've had the arthritis for years, but when I injured my back a couple months ago, it has really flared up, and relief has been elusive. So my exercise has been lacking lately. It is amazing how fast muscle starts losing its tone! I've been going to physical therapy for the past couple of weeks, and it is hard starting again in such small steps. Every time I've started to feel a little better, I have pushed myself too hard and gone back to more pain. So working with the therapist has helped, and I'm staying with the program.

So, to all of you who have so thoughtfully asked, I'm still here and doing okay. Thanks so much for caring, which is what is so wonderful about this site and about my wonderful friends here. But a couple of things come to mind that I want to share. First, the doctor told me that had I not been working so hard to maintain my healthy weight and exercising, I would be in much worse condition, and the pain would be that much more intense. So it really put things in perspective for me, as I was beginning to struggle with the desire to "keep on keeping on." It is worth it, and don't ever doubt it.

Also, this has given me an even greater appreciation and admiration for what so many of my friends here are dealing with - many of whom face issues far more difficult than mine. Your positive attitudes and perseverance have been wonderful models and inspiration for me. So I'm not wasting time feeling sorry for myself...it is what it is, and I'll just have to find new ways to do the things I love to do if necessary. I think perhaps a little back pain might just make me thankful for all the blessings I have. And once this disc heals, I will work back up to my regular pilates and yoga workouts, because for me, it's all about the core strength.

I haven't posted any pictures lately, so I'll leave you with this ~ I'm thinking that our jeep ride through the San Andreas Fault when we visited Palm Desert, CA last month probably didn't help the back much, but it sure was amazing!