Foot Frustrations

I have had bunions my whole life.  Ok, so maybe not my WHOLE life, but as long as I can remember.  Most of the time I forget I have them, unless I want a really cute pair of shoes, or I bump one of them really hard.  Since not everyone is familiar with bunions, I will take a minute to explain.  One of the joints of my big toe is sliding out of place.  This causes the bone to create a "bump' on the outside of my foot.  If you were to look at an x-ray, my feet look like this:

 (Image from www.bestpodiatristnyc.com)

My right bunion has recently become red and irritated, so I called and scheduled an appointment with my podiatrist.  The last time I saw him was when I was in middle school.  I needed insoles made so I could run track without my feet being in tremendous pain.  Even back when I last saw him, I was told that surgery was in my future. 

Turns out that the future is now.  I am at a point where they are so severe that his recommendation is to have the surgery within six months.  If I wait, I would end up with arthritis in my feet at a young age and need to have prosthetic joints put in.  Since they are so severe, I will need to have surgery on each foot at a separate time.  My first surgery will be on April 2nd which will allow me to be off my feet for two weeks, as required. The rest of the recovery will take 6-8 weeks.  

It has been a frustrating couple of weeks.  Though this surgery is far from serious, it is hard to think about the inconveniences that will occur and I hate do not like having to rely on others, which I will have to do.  Finding a time that I could fit in both surgeries was difficult as well since I do not want to take off from work (since most of it would have to be unpaid) and waiting until the summer means working around my mission trip (missing it is not an option).  I am starting to find my peace with it, and know that in the long run I will reap the benefits.  It just...well, it just sucks! 



 

Paying Myself to Workout

Yep, that's right.  I am going to start paying myself to workout.  My motivation to work out is pretty much nonexistence.  I love the thought of it and the benefits I would get if I actually did it, but I rarely make it off the couch to actually work out.  I have been inspired by something I found on Pinterest, which is really no surprise, that will hoepfully accomplish a multitude of goals. 

1. I will actually work out
2. I will spend less money on clothes, shoes, and various accessories (A will love this one!)
3. My self esteem will increase as my strength does  
4. A healthier me!!

This is how I plan on doing it.  For every half hour I work out, I get $1.  If I go everyday for a whole week, I get a $5 bonus.  The money I earn can then be spent on those items I don't need, but want, like shoes, clothes, and accessories!  Unlike my Pinterest inspiration, I have decided that I will not require myself to save up $100 before I spend any of my workout money, but that I can choose to spend it at anytime. 

Guilt free spending and a healthier me!  It's a win-win!