My Frontier Fartlek

I have Hashimoto’s Disease…..

traceyhanson — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:57:54 +0000

No, not Unagi. (Friends reference)

Salmon Skin Roll anyone? Now I want Sushi.

Seriously. What is Hashimoto’s you ask? Well, the clinical definition according to Mayo is:

“Hashimoto’s disease is a disorder that affects your thyroid, a small gland at the base of your neck, below your Adam’s apple. The thyroid gland is part of your endocrine system, which produces hormones that coordinate many of your body’s activities. In Hashimoto’s disease, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, your immune system attacks your thyroid gland. The resulting inflammation often leads to a underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). Hashimoto’s disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. It primarily affects middle-aged women, but also can occur in men and women of any age and in children.”

This all started 2 years ago when I had a lump in my throat. The lump ended up being a Thyroglossal duct cyst. My Doctor (very hot doctor) removed it but further testing indicated I had a Hypothyroidism and then more testing revealed…… the Hashimoto.

Seriously I want some sushi.

PEOPLE! I HAVE GAINED 25+ pounds. This is not cool. I run, lift weights count my calories. UGH

I don’t feel “fat” but I feel very bloated. The Docs say this is common and a result of the disease.

What’s next? More tests. They are testing the hormones that affect the pituitary gland and the adrenal glad. I have done a lot of research and find it so fascinating how all these hormones work together. If one isn’t doing its job, they all fail!

MAJOR SYSTEM FAIL!

In other news…. I have officially signed up for the Madison Half Marathon. AND!!! I was able to cross off two of my 2012 Goals.

Whoooo hooooo! Yay me!

2012……ok

traceyhanson — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 03:00:30 +0000

I’m not sure what I think about 2012 yet.

First of all, my grandma went to heaven on New Years Day. Right after the Packers won their last regular season game. We were all there. Mom, Dad, Jen (sis), Josh (bro) and me. She was at the most beautiful hospice care ever. She was breathing deep. Looked just like Grandpa when he died. We all talked to her. We all joked with her. And then when my mom and dad were leaving she reached out to my mom….. and then I saw it. She stopped breathing. Then my dad saw it. She was leaving us. My brother started singing Amazing Grace….. and she left us. I sat there in tears. That was it. No more Grandma, no more Grandpa….. or his memories. All gone. Done. End of an era. It was beautiful. It was peaceful. It was like I saw Jesus take her home. Home to Grandpa, home to Zoe, home to her heavenly father.

I got a job. It’s been two months since I have been unemployed. Finally I am working again. It’s good for me. It’s good for my kids to be on a schedule again.

I’m running more and more and more…… I hope to register for the Madison Half Marathon that takes place in May. My other goal is to run the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon in October. I need to concentrate on me and my running.

Tomorrow…… well tomorrow…. my divorce is supposed to be final. I say “suppose” cause I never know what he is going to pull. I just need it to end, need to start over. I’ll update more later.

So that is 2012 so far. Not sure how I feel about it all. Lots of changes.

Good-bye 2011

traceyhanson — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:21:41 +0000

I have been reading everyone’s highlights of 2011 so I decided to play along.

1. Great trip to Vegas with my girls A and T

2. The twins 3rd Birthday

3. Trip to Holland with twins and great friends

4. PACKERS 2011 SUPERBOWL CHAMPS!

5. Went to a Brewer Playoff game

6. Went to Lambeau, a couple of times

7. Got to see my girls A, M and J again!

8. Caught up with old friends via Facebook and Twitter.

9. Attended 20 year High School reunion.

10. Started a new life of being a single mom.

Some bad things from the year:

1. Divorce

2. Broke

3. Lost job

4. Didn’t run half marathon like I planned

Happy New Year!! I am ready for 2012!!

2012 Goals

traceyhanson — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:36:57 +0000

I don’t think I have ever written out a list of my goals for the upcoming year. I have realized if I write out to-do lists I have a better time sticking to them. Just like when I write out my training calendar for running, I do a better time sticking to the schedule and getting my butt out the door. I recently started tracking my calories (because I have gained 20 lbs, but we’ll save that for a different time) and I have been sticking to my daily calorie goal. The fact that I have to own up to it – even if it is just some random website – pushes me to keep to my goal.

Anyway……

Time to get ready for 2012:

Finalize the divorce
Pay off my credit card (s)
Open my own savings account (even if it’s only with $25)
Start contributing to my 401k again
Run a half marathon by May
Run the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon in October
Start using my camera more
Enlarge and frame 5 of my pictures for my house
Paint my bedroom
Go water skiing (it’s been 4 years)
Take a cooking class
Take the kids camping
Enroll the kids in a sport and art class
Get my library card
Go the Milwaukee Public Museum by myself
Treat myself to an entire day at the spa. (well, after I get a job)
Attend a fundraiser/ball/gala for one of my favorite charities
Take a sailing lesson
Go to New York for a weekend (that might be pushing it but I sure do miss it!)
See a show in Chicago

Whew, I think that is a good list.

What are your goals for 2012?

The kids?

traceyhanson — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 02:36:41 +0000

These are my “babies” all grown up.

Who am I?

traceyhanson — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 02:16:50 +0000

This question has been running through my mind a lot lately. Who am I? Especially since I have lost my job. What do I do? Where do I look? I have a degree. I have a Master’s degree too. So what does that mean? Anything? No. I look under administration, marketing, special events and administration in higher education. I think I’ve applied for 25 + jobs……and nothing.

What is my “thing”?

I use to be the runner. Sure, I still run, but not like I use too.

I have worked in so many different areas, but I don’t feel like I have a place, a career…..does that make sense?

Career, what really is that? I know so many people who have been so focused and so successful in their careers and I am jealous. Do I blame the fact that I stayed home with my kids for two years? Yes, I think I do sometimes. But as a mom, I think it was the best thing to be home with Anna and Luke during their first two years.

What is the answer? I don’t know. I’m 38, unemployed, scared and what that “career” back, whatever that means.

Hi…tap..tap…tap… is this thing on?

traceyhanson — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:19:57 +0000

Hmmmm, I think I’m back. Not sure. Been too long. But I need to write. I need to express. I need to find life again.

What has happened since, wait, when did I last post? Lots. Lets see. I’m currently going through a divorce. I’m recently unemployed. I am running again – yay! I’m close to 40. And I’m scared. Let me get this first post up and I’ll explain more later. Hello friends.

Tracey

Silence

traceyhanson — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 02:33:41 +0000

I have been quiet. Yes, rare for me. Not sure what to write about right now. I’ll start again next week.

I am starting to plan my garden!

Zoe fought the fight, finished the race and is with Jesus today.

traceyhanson — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 02:34:20 +0000

You may remember my niece Zoe. If you don’t remember her, I first talked about Zoe here.

Zoe is my sister’s daughter. She was born with Trisomy 18. She wasn’t suppose to live. She lived almost 2 years. She was hope for many people.

Zoe went to heaven last night. She is now dancing and talking with Jesus.

I don’t have much else to say. I’m tired right now. But please pray for my sister and her family. For strength and continued comfort.

Please visit my brother in law’s blog for a better tribute to baby Zoe.

For a good laugh, watch this video

traceyhanson — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:49:26 +0000

Everyone needs a pet! This video made my day. Enjoy!

Cat drinking water