Bonne année et bonne santé.

The French have an expression 'bonne année et bonne santé' which means have a good year and good health.

Besides the obvious (that he makes me happy), A changes me too, out of my own volition of course. He's a runner, so he makes me aware of my own health too. Before, I'd always been complacent when it comes to working out but I've been motivated for a change in my lifestyle and A was the push I needed. He likes me for whatever I am at the moment (not that I need changing in his eyes) but for the sake of mine I needed that catapult.

It started when I noticed that my face has been acting up again lately. The easiest thing for me to do is to go to the doctor and get some free Dianette pills (which btw, is apparently not a birth control?) since it's an oral contraceptive and therefore is given free by the uni. I took them for about 4 days and just felt horrible (nausea is a common side effect) but I pressed on in aim for that clear, beautiful skin I once had. The pills are supposed to suppress excess testosterone production and thereby reducing acne. Supposedly anyway.

By the fourth day I'd been feeling worse than ever due to the nausea and decided to stop taking them especially when I need to be so careful with the pills when eating other oral tablets. On Sunday I got a strange face allergic reaction (I hardly think it was the curry laksa I ate and can only fault the evening primrose oil tablet I took). After speaking with A, I decided that I'm done for with the pills and natural is better. I kept popping antihistamines and more evening primrose oil (to balance my hormones) and today went out to get soya isoflavinoids and some kelp/algae supplements as well as acai berry tablets. I feel so much better mentally already. I've always been one for more natural methods. Stopping those horrible Dianette pills are also good for my mood; I was quite moody on Sunday and A took a lashing (he was more than happy to be my online punching bag) :P

The biggest change A propogated? Exercise.

I notice the change almost immediately. Yesterday I got my behind to the gym for the first time in a long time. I did zumba, and slept like a baby after. My insomnia is directly correlated to the fact that I probably just have excess energy to waste and my body simply isn't tired. Not to mention how unhealthy and lethargic I feel. It's a domino effect. By exercising, I feel healthier and automatically am aware of my food choices and other things too. I'm more energetic, I sleep better, I wake up feeling well rested, and I'm hoping it'll do better for my general wellbeing as well as how my face looks. I'm excited about being with A because he just makes me want to be healthier, starting with exercise and what we eat. My mom can't be happier because she's always been bugging me to go to the gym and eat healthier :P Today I went for a half hour Legs, Butt and Tum workout. My god it was hard, but so worth it. I hope my motivation lasts, and not just for a week :P Sometimes the weather is so awful all you wanna do is curl up at home. But once you get into a steady routine of working out, it's just natural that you want to keep working at it. It also makes my mood better - I'm happier. Before the tiredness affected my mood and inadvertently those around me.

Sidenote: Sometimes I wake up and forget that A's in my life. Probably because it's so new, and also the fact that he's not around the corner and I only see him bimonthly. I like this arrangement though; means that I can focus on my work and besides, I don't like the idea of always being pressured to see someone. It can get old fast. The feeling of being too comfortable with someone is not something I'd like just yet. I'm excited for the next 2.5 years - I hope it'll be filled with loads of new adventures and whatnots (A loves traveling as much as I do, in moderation and practicality of course) and this is the time in my life to do it. After this, I don't know if I have the time or means to do so anymore. Other responsibilities will beckon. A's just what I need, and I'm completely laid back in my relationship with him. It's a refreshing change. Adventure is what I need now, and perhaps til the day I die. A makes me feel secure too, it's not all about having crazy fun. He's definitely practical enough. Looking forward to this phase of my life :) Uncertainty brings fear, but it also brings adventure.

So here's to a bonne année et bonne santé! :)

P/S: It's so easy to keep track of when A and I met since it was on New Year's :P