The trick is in what one emphasizes. We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves happy. The amount of work is the same.

I've been feeling really great lately. Not normal yet, but manageable. Talked with my doctor yesterday and we are going to try to slowly decrease my dosage. That's good news. Mornings are still hard for me but other than that I feel completely fine. Mornings have always been the worse for me, not sure why, but that's the main reason I am always late for things. But feeling so well lately, I even dared go with my husband on Saturday to a big car show. He was entering his car in it and really wanted me to come. I was nervous because it is outdoors, without bathrooms. And while they do have a few port-a-potties, they almost always have long lines. But I went and I was fine and I almost forgot I had any issues at all. That's what I really want--to be so well that it's not even something I think about. To be able to go somewhere without first finding where the nearest bathroom is. Or having to think about what I'm eating. To be free to live my life.

Now that normalcy is on the horizon I want to work on gaining back some of the weight I've lost. I was quite content with the weight I was before. With the weight loss, I look tired almost always and my skin has lost it's luster. You might think that gaining weight would be the easy, maybe even fun, part. But this needs to be handled delicately because, remember, I have a sensitive digestive system. What that means is that I can't overdo it on any foods or I could get sicker. Moderation in all things! I don't want to undo the progress I've made, so I'm going to avoid the things that aggravate my UC:

1. Movie theater popcorn -- Maybe it's because I am allergic to corn, but anytime I've eaten this, even just a handful, I've become extremely ill. Popcorn at home doesn't seem to be a problem as long as I don't eat too much.
2. Greasy foods (Pizza, hamburgers, french fries, fried anything)
3. Sweets
4. Spicy foods
5. Not getting enough sleep
6. STRESS
7. Getting too hot
8. My food allergies (corn, wheat, and soy)

I'm lucky because with the exception of the first item I can have a little bit of all these things and still be alright. The key is balance. I can handle a bit of stress or being out in the sun. I can eat my lovely sweets and spicy foods. I just need to be a bit aware of what I am exposing myself to and making sure I am not putting my body under extra stress.