Unsolved mystery

Back in January I had a bit of a scare regarding a knee injury. A decent-sized lump on the side of my knee was causing me a significant amount of pain while working out. The pain always subsided soon afterwards though, so I never did anything about it. But after much goading from Luc, I went into physio to see if I couldn't get things back to normal. Unfortunately, the physiotherapist was stumped, and for some reason she thought it was appropriate to tell me that it may be "something scary", and that she couldn't treat me further until I saw a doctor and was properly diagnosed. Because it may be "something scary..."

And you can all guess where my mind immediate jumped: cancer. It's a cancerous tumour and I'm dying, I figured. I had been completely reasonable until someone with a certificate on the wall blurted the words "something scary."

Of course I got into the doctor's office as soon as possible, and left another couple of physicians in my wake, equally as stumped as the physiotherapist. This time, however, I was sent to have x-rays taken. I spent the next week waiting for the results, sifting through a variety of situations, all the while unsuccessfully trying to convince myself that everything was fine. Everything was fine, though. So fine that the doctor's office didn't even need me to come in to review the results. So fine that I could just blow it off.

And because of my waxing and waning gym motivation through the rest of the hectic school year, I never got the chance to work out consistently enough for my knee to become a big problem. But now that I've slid back into the cozy workaday schedule of 9-5, I've had the routine opportunity to work my knee into the ground. And it got bad again. Really bad. There was obviously something wrong, no matter what the x-rays looked like.

A few days ago I returned to the same doctor's office and saw a different doctor. It was one of those appointments. It could have been a comedy sketch. I was there to have my knee checked and I was wearing jeans so tight I could barely get them above my calves. The doctor commented on that. We both laughed. But what really started as me going there to get a referral to a knee specialist turned into three needles in my knee, me freaking out, several instances of me saying "oh god, oh god, I'm going to pass out...", me lying down on the bed trying to stay conscious (I have a tendency of fainting...ask my friends...), and it all ended with the doctor and I sitting around, eating a box of shortbread cookies and reminiscing about living in Richmond.

I have another appointment on Thursday and this time they're going to have the x-rays in the office to examine alongside my knee-non-tumour. Even though I know it's not "something scary," I'm still kind of nervous. I hope I get shortbread again this time.

Thoughts

Plyometric push-ups are going to be the thing that finally kills me.

Our car has it in for us

Reason #163 that I love Luc: he can do manly things like fix a flat tire. Yes, the latest unfortunate car-adventure is a flat tire on the way to the gym. I think I prefer the person who keeps breaking into our car and throwing our stuff around.

Luc managed to replace the flat with the little temporary donut-tire. We ended up staying home and doing intervals on the hill nearby our apartment building. Luc decided that Sundays will now be known as "Spare Tire Sundays" - the day that we work out at home. Clever bugger, that guy of mine....

Editor's Note: After reading this post to Luc, he reminded me that he's really not that clever. Wasn't it just last night that he chopped up a jalapeno pepper and then picked his nose?

I resolve to not hate on the new years resolution gym people (starting tomorrow)

The New Years Resolution crew is hitting the gym early this year - it was absolutely packed this morning. Compared to this time of day two weeks ago, we're looking at about 200% more people. I'm such a jerk to mock these people's efforts at resolving to lose weight for the new year, but it's always the same, isn't it? Everyone makes a resolution to lose weight, then they flood the gyms and the yoga studios through January and the better part of March, then just as swiftly as they appeared, they disappear and are never to be seen again.

I think it's great that so many people want to better themselves and lead healthier lifestyles, but I'll be honest, it grates on my nerves when all of the elliptical machines are taken because 15 chicks in brand new workout gear are slowly bouncing up and down on them as they focus 99% of their attention on the US Weekly magazine in their non-sweaty palms. And I'll be honest, I'm completely one of those people who keeps trying to lose weight and get into perfect shape (I feel like I've been on a diet for the past 10 years of my life) and will never be happy with their body - but at least when I go the gym, I work my ass off. Starting January 1, 2010, BC is banning cellphones while driving - they should do the same for the gym. Because no matter what anyone tells you regarding the magic of workout balls, sitting on one while talking on your cellphone will not help you lose weight.

Time to get real with myself

I'm sick of complaining about trying to lose weight. I'm done with going to the gym and getting no results. I'm going to actually try really hard and get into great shape. Please note, this is not me fishing for compliments. The reason I'm writing about this is because if I actually announce my intentions (rather than continue with my secret futile efforts), then I at least have some real expectations to live up to. I know what it takes - really hard work at the gym, dedication, and clean eating habits. So hear me now, I'm done with eating cookies then bitching about my love handles. I'm giving myself 6 weeks and it's going to happen. I won't bore you with the details and the numbers, but know that I have a goal and I'm going to reach it!