Eccentricities of a Wisconsin gal living in Jersey
Yesterday was my 23rd spinal fusion-versary. Twenty-three years of living with rods on my spine, holding it straight, keeping the scoliosis curves at bay. While it all seems like a lifetime ago, not a day goes by where I’m not reminded of what I went through—and that, despite surgery, I still have scoliosis. I don't mean... Continue Reading →
When my husband and I found out we were expecting a baby girl earlier this year, a lot of questions began popping into my head, as I’m sure they do for many first-time parents. Mostly the questions centered around how my back—scoliosis, spinal fusion, and all—would handle the changes my body was about to experience.... Continue Reading →
With each passing year since my spinal fusion (yesterday marks 22!) new aches occasionally pop up reminding me that, while I had corrective surgery, scoliosis is still very much present in my body—and always will be. I’m aware of the usual culprits by now: discomfort on my left side where my upper curve lingers, a... Continue Reading →
I always reflect on my scoliosis journey on this day—my spinal fusion anniversary. I've been incredibly lucky to do and accomplish so many things over the past 21 years, from running marathons to working as a Disney character to embracing my inner woman of steel and start strength training. And all with metal rods flanking... Continue Reading →
It's hard to think about what your life will look like in 20 years when you're a 15-year-old with severe scoliosis who's about to go into a life-altering surgery and is more concerned with what your high school basketball career will look like than the road further ahead. But lo and behold, here we are:... Continue Reading →
Today is my back’s “golden birthday”. Nineteen years ago today on February 19, 2001, my life changed forever. Hello, stainless steel surgical rods, meet my scoliotic-ridden spine, of which you’re about to become intimately familiar. I’ve shared my back story many times over the years, from here on my blog to the Children’s Hospital of... Continue Reading →
The fiancé and I went to Walt Disney World at the end of April - no running this time! We actually went purely for vacation (what an enjoyable change of pace)! The last time I was at Walt Disney World for the International Flower and Garden festival was when I was a 20-year-old on the... Continue Reading →
I’ve written a lot about my scoliosis journey over the years (here, then here, and don’t forget here). It’s been one of, if not the, single-most impactful, defining experience in my life. Every year on my spinal fusion-versary (February 19) I get a little nostalgic and reminisce about various things: the Bath and Body Works... Continue Reading →
Before summer official leaves us and we say hello to fall (believe me, I am so ready for fall!), I've been reflecting back on this summer: what we did differently from last summer's training and how the particular challenge of the last few months have ultimately made me a smarter, stronger runner. My summer running... Continue Reading →
Tall Girl in a Small State 