I saw a squirrel today and it made me laugh. There, of course, is a fabulous story about the squirrel but that can be kept between friends. So I texted my friend Amy to let her know about the squirrel (I'm guessing she laughed too) but I also asked how she was because she had been feeling pretty bad yesterday. She apparently was feeling better and would be heading off later to make her weekly appearance on Cville Plugged In. After her segment she texted me to let me know that her nose started running 15 minutes before she was on air and she coughed during the segment. It didn't matter what I texted, the response I got back was something worse. Finally I wanted to say, 'Okay, you win. That sucks!'. But I didn't. (Now she knows)
That exchange is why I finally started the blog that I have been saying I would do for over a year now.
You see, I've only known Amy for about a year. I moved to Charlottesville for Richmond in 2006. I left behind all the friends I went to lunch, events and stores with. In fact, I still talk to my best friend in Richmond almost every day. But Amy should know that last week, I needed to get off the phone with my friend from Richmond because there was another call coming in. That call was from Amy. And there was something that I had to share with her. I needed to hear what she would say about it.
As I have gotten to know Amy better, I have realized that my friendship with her has had such a positive influence on my life. She's not perfect and doesn't pretend to be (which is why she shouldn't worry about tonight's segment) but what she is, is strong. She's a great mother to two very fun and very pretty girls, she's a fun and loving wife and she operates her own business Suzy Said.
Amy has her own personal blog as well Finding Amy...Again. I encourage every woman to follow her blog. She is amazing! She has made a conscious decision to take her health seriously and work at it everyday. And I mean work! She eats well, she teaches her family to eat well and she works her butt off at Clay Fitness.
Listening to and reading about Amy's story is what has kept me optimistic. You see, I am far from happy with my own physical condition. Amy's will has spread and I have started to take control over my health now too. Granted, I'm probably taking baby steps, but I want to make sure that I don't give up. It is hard work when you have done so little for yourself for so long. I have Celiac Disease so eating is always a challenge and that has lead to my Osteopenia (67 year old bones). It's time for me to be strong too.
So Amy, no matter how your hair and makeup looks on Tuesday nights, you still look like an inspiration to me. And that is why my first official blog post is to you. Thank you for sharing your story and your friendship. It has made a real difference to me.
