I changed a few words to these famous lyrics “These hips were made for walking and that’s just what they’ll do, one of these days these hips are gonna walk to Malibu”.  This has been my “go-to” mantra since 2008!  Most of my life has been about walking, running, stepping, biking and any other physical activity you can imagine.  As my dear friend from Howard Crull Junior High whom I recently was reunited with said,  “I never saw anyone jump as high as you Kathy Kaehler!”.  I’m beyond grateful for all the physical activity I’ve been able to do in my life.

Last October an epic surgery took place in downtown Los Angeles click to see where it took place to remove my pin and replace my right hip.  Three weeks ago today, I had my second surgery and received a brand new left hip.  Hip Hip Hooray!  I know that sounds like a quick turn-around and a wham bam thank you ma’am, back on my bike headed toward the Pacific Coast Highway…in my dreams.

Here’s the deal.  I worked really hard after the first surgery to get my right hip where I could stand on it without my walker or a cane.  Go up and down the stairs without holding on and getting back to my favorite butt exercises like the wall squats and bridges with the big exercise ball.  Although, it wasn’t easy I did it and I wanted to do more.  It felt so good to be back and doing something that made my muscles burn and create a little panting.   I love exercise so much, however my left hip was not a happy camper.  I was in agony and it was causing me to compromise my brand new hip.  I had no idea that I would be back in the hospital going under again and starting over.

I won’t repeat the surgery story since it is almost the same as the first one, short of cutting into my femur and removing a pin.  Instead,  I want to tell you the interesting things that I have discovered during my recovery and what it has taught me.

First, I have a few photos for you to enjoy.  My favorite is my scar comparison shot.  Totally awesome don’t you think?

1.  Break a sweat. If you can exercise get out there and do it and I mean it.  Don’t waste one day not getting your muscles pumped up and heart rate zooming.  I am counting the days until that coveted drop of sweat starts to roll down my back.  Exercise is the key to a long happy energized life.  If you need help with this call me click here to call

2.  Count your blessings.  Sounds cliche, however when you need your friends and family during your time of need, WOW it is way more than just home cooked dinners being brought to you door!  Being stuck in my house for weeks on end has given me some precious moments with my posse. To talk, tell stories, play cards, look into someones eyes and even laughing at pics in old photo albums.  I wasn’t doing any of that before.  Rush, rush, rush goes the day of chores, errands, pick-ups and drop offs.  Take time, we all have it. Stop to smell the jasmine thats blooming, sip some coffee with a friend or your mother in law!  Don’t think…I’ll do that later when I’ll have more time. Life is happening right now!

3.  Embrace the age.  Let’s face it we all are aging.  Right now after reading this blog you are a few minutes older, sorry about that.  We can’t stop it or change it or reverse it, however we can embrace it.  I am not going to be my high school weight again, that’s ok.  I am not going to have the totally tight lifted toned legs that I grew accustomed to, especially now with those scars, maybe a cool tattoo?   My boobs aren’t as perky, but so what.  I am looking for my waist and hopefully once I do start exercising again it will make an appearance and if it does “WOO HOO” I will get out my belts again.   I have a different looking profile that my youngest likes to point out as I drive him to and from school, he once filmed me with his damn phone.  Can you imagine!!  So yes I do spend a few minutes in the bathroom doing these cool neck exercises however,  “elective” surgery is not on my list.  Let me know if you want my neck routine.  With menopause heading towards the back door and my new hips getting stronger and stronger everyday I feel like I am psyched up like never before.  I like being 53 it’s cool!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day.  Eat some green organic food.  Take a walk on the wild side.

Until next time…

Kathy