My list of new priorities ...

Life has a funny way of kicking you right between the legs just when you least expect it. The past two weeks have had a few ups and downs, with a doctor's appointment this week which has changed a few priorities. I rather dislike change, especially when it requires sacrifice of things I greatly adore.

Two weeks ago I was required to attain a medical physical for my immigration paperwork. The doctor performs the physicals for Canadian immigration and was not my primary physician. He discovered my blood pressure seemed a bit high and suggested I have it checked out by my own doctor.

Last week, I visited my doctor and fortunately my blood pressure was a bit lower and within the higher end of the 'normal' range. I breathed a sigh of relief and gave a blood sample for testing. I returned this week to complete my physical and receive the blood work results.

I saw the puzzled look of my doctor as she entered the room. She pulled up a chair so we could both review the paper she held. Since my last physical (about 2 years ago) it seems my bad cholesterol has significantly increased ... *significantly*. And inversely, my good cholesterol decreased. She gave me the choice of trying to reduce it via diet and exercise over the next 6 months or take medication for the rest of my life. I've opted for the 6 month period of massive physical and dietary improvements.

Now what? My first thought was this blog and whether I could continue it, hence my sporadic posting lately. There isn't much to write when only eating fresh fruit, salad and limited amounts of protein. I'll admit that I'm not feeling too inspired just yet. For breakfast I had plain oatmeal (i.e. no milk, no sugar, no salt) with a bit of cinnamon. For lunch it was fat-free cottage cheese, half a cucumber sandwich on high fiber bread, and a handful of strawberries.

So, I've written down my priorities to help myself stay focused. Formerly, I cooked like crazy and ate too many bad things -- it was only last week that a delightful triple cream brie passed my lips. With reluctance and fear, I am changing my priorities and will focus lowering my cholesterol. I've already stopped eating my daily dose of white rice and haven't used a single grain of salt this week. Although I have wickedly bad will power, I know I can overcome this. However, my blog content may suffer and will likely appeal less to most of you.

The bright side is that I'll be more slim and trim due to the change in diet, although I'm not rushing to buy a speedo just yet. And once I overcome this cholesterol thing I can move on to my next priority -- attaining a super power. As a kid, I used to run around pretending I could shoot fire from my fingertips. With a little determination, I know I can achieve it too :-) Criminals of the world, beware!