Last year, when my docs were planning on doing a knee replacement for me, I worked out like three hours a day to get the rest of my body as strong as I could beforehand. They decided not to do the surgery and the letdown of that was so much that I just haven't really felt motivated since. Getting ready for summer clothes doesn't quite motivate me the way I need.

I have no real notio what I'll be doing while in Haiti, but I have a feeling it might be a lot of digging, so I am going to try to use that as a motivator to get stronger.

Yeah, I would imagine that digging would be involved. And heavy lifting. Getting in shape for Misha Matt Haiti is def a good idea. :)

If my mom's arthritis has taught me anything, being stronger and thinner can make a major difference in how bad the pain gets.

I spent so many years being forced to do physical therapy that as soon as I was an adult, I quit. I wish now that I hadn't. Because since I started back and got on a more regular exercise routine, the difference with my arthritis has been amazing. I was a petulant teenager, I guess dropping therapy wasn't the worse choice I made at age 20. :) On the upside, I am within my acceptable weight bracket for my height - on the high end, but still within the bracket.

-- short break while I went and climbed my stairs 10 times because I felt guilty for sitting at my computer for so long

I love you taking a break from typing this reply to workout. :)

Anyway, I hope the "hip guy" gives you some good news.

I know they will have to redo my hip replacements at some point, but I was hoping to get 3 to 5 more years out of them. Plus, I don't really want to spend my summer in therapy rehab. I guess I'll know soon enough. Thanks!