Hakuna matata

With the emergence of a new year that most people would write off as rubbish I can't help but remember how well my life was going before the accident. That's not to say I'm feeling victimus by any means it's just I did do and have some marvellous things happen in 2011. Having started this blog for one in order to document what happened when and how psychologically such an impact has.
At the start of last year D and I had moved into a fantastic 3 layered house which allowed us to get a dog, something both of us had been talking about since the moment we met. For me having a dog of my own was a childhood dream. My dad had up to 4 dogs at a time and my fondest memory is when two had litters at the same time. I will never forget the scurry of puppies towards an open door at my feet. There must have been 20 of them (well it felt like that anyway!). We wanted to rescue a dog and give it a better life than the path it was going down so after a few hearts set on different dogs (damn those cute Internet pictures!) we stumbled across our Arthur. Don't get me wrong he's a whole lotta dog at 30kg but everyone comments at how lovely his nature is although he is dog and food obsessed. He has been a delight to have around and made getting up much more purposeful. After the accident my heart hurt missing him and when I got home it hurt even more not being able to be around him/walk him/bend down to him. But actually during my recovery he has been the best company. For anyone who has had or has a dog you'll know just how much dogs can cheer your day. One thing I love is to go and watch him run, he is a pure athlete and runs almost as fast as a greyhound. Often I go in the back of the car and wander slowly behind my excitable chap. Just bliss.
The other massive difference of last year was my change in exercise habits. I have always exercised as a habitual thing from childhood and used yoga as a relaxation technique. In January last year I found a new love for ashtanga and through it a new world opened up. Before dog I would spend all my spare time fitting in running, cycling, spinning, body pump or legs bums & tums. What I found when getting a dog was how little time and focus I had for other exercise. Suddenly I was revolved round walking him so when we (me and my new pal Sar) started the series it became my only other form of exercise other than cycling there and back. Along with the practice I embarked on a friendship with someone who I have come to realise is very like me. I haven't exercised with someone since Helen Watts used to swim on my toes all through my teenage years. For me exercise gives a sense of freedom when done alone but started something new is a massive bond in experience so when me and Sar struggled remembering what comes next we could prompt each other (although sometimes I wonder what sheet she'd been looking at! Ha). By the summer I had memorised the routine and could do most of the difficult postures so to not be bending and stretching is alien to me. Even being immobile in my back means I am constantly stretching my legs as their connectivity to the back is highlighted more and more in this situation.
One thing we didn't expect from last year is don't enjoying one form of yoga that was Bikram. My sister Em often says I find hideous new experiences for her when she visits and this topped it all. Bikram is done in blaring heat and to even stay in the room for 90 minutes is test enough. I can only describe the heat as that moment you step off the plane in a blisteringly hot country. Then imagine standing in it and not moving to the air conditioned bus. The teaching is strict (a microphone always gives that extra ego) and no wiping sweat, twitching or itching makes me want to punch someone just thinking about it.
Having left my competitive days behind me I embarked on a group bike ride from Wetherby to Filey (74 miles). To be honest I had thought I'd be riding with friends but the competitor in most of them lead to a split in the pack and me lagging behind slagging off competitive sport to myself. These days a ride out is a social way of seeing the world (especially the gorgeous Yorkshire Dales) and I have enjoyed doing rides with Ilkley cycling club as many people are there just for that. I'm all for group riding and helping each out having read many cycling autobiographies, Lance Armstrong being the most passionate about peloton riding.
As soon as I had the accident I wanted to sell my bike as I bought it for it's cuteness rather than size fit. At 5ft 11" spending 5hrs on a too small bike makes for a numb back and with my cutthroat attitude now it's gotta go. It really is the most attractive bike and men literally salivate when passing (believe me it's not over my lycra!).
The most exciting thing about last year (well apart from losing 2 stone) was D asking me to marry him. Apparently I asked for a ring for 'that' finger but I guess at this age you don't beat around the bush. To be his wife is something I will cherish and through my recovery has been an exciting focus. When I walk down that aisle, i've said it before, will be a miracle in itself and I am looking forward to this year not only making a full recovery but to being married.
I know I will never be the same person. I've never been patient but now I have been one I see that manic nature so differently. It just doesn't matter all this running round like a mad woman fitting everything in just for the sake of not being disappointed with yourself.
Hakuna matata - no worries
Hbombotx