Thank You Dr. Cochran

     Dr. Cochran of Midland, Texas is responsible for giving me a second chance at a normal life. Last Fall I had resigned myself to the fact that maybe I would always have knee pain and would have to give up my law enforcement career. The pain drove me to see Dr. Cochran on the off chance he might be able to give me cortisone shots. During the exam he checked how my ACL was functioning and found it to be dead in the water. I was caught off guard because I was only a year post-op from an ACL transplant that was supposed to fix all my problems. Dr. Cochran ordered x-rays and an MRI scan to see all the damage. He actually appeared to be as heartbroken over the news as I was. It was as though this man who didn't know me from Adam was actually grieving right along with me. The tests showed that I had more wrong with my knee than right and that my ACL was indeed torn and loose. However, Dr. Cochran had a plan and was very confident that he could help me. And he did.

     I am 8 months post-op and am doing great in my recovery. Dr. Cochran told me in a fatherly tone to "take care of my knee" and that "I am mighty proud of all the fine work I was able to do to your knee". While I was working out last night I received a text notifying me of Dr. Cochran's passing. It seemed fitting to have gotten the news while doing a hardcore workout because that is what his goal was for me. All he wanted was for me to be active and happy. I feel such a huge sense of loss in that I was never able to tell him thank you. My recovery at times was rocky but I wouldn't have it any other way. He never doubted that I could be strong enough to run, jump, surf, and beat the hell out of the world. I do not like hospitals or needles but I have the sweet memory of being in the cold operating room terrified until Dr, Cochran took my hand and said "I'm right here and everything will be fine, just breathe". I was put under holding his hand while he told a very corny joke.

    Thank you Dr. Cochran for everything you did for me. I will always take care of my knee and be very thankful for two special gifts I received. The first being that you performed my complicated surgery and the second being the healthy ACL I was able to have because someone was an organ donor. Without these two things my life would have been very different and a painful struggle. Living without pain is wonderful and is something I wasn't sure would happen to me. Thursday I plan on another hardcore workout with Rudy Rodriguez in 90 degree heat and I will dedicate it to Dr. Cochran. His precise surgical skills are the only reason I will be having a sweaty and dirty workout Thursday. This one will be for you Dr. Cochran.

Sincerely, Elizabeth Larizza

Never Quit - Inspirational Video HD

My Knee Works!

   Anyone who has had to undergo several knee surgeries can attest to the excitement of their limbs working normally. For example, tonight at the grocery store I dropped my pen and instinctively squatted down to pick it up. As I stood up it occurred to me that 10 months ago I could not have squatted down to pick up a $100 bill let alone a pen. Holy cow my knee can do things that a normal knee can with no pain or difficulty. I would like to take a moment and apologize to my husband for being a hardcore brat during PT. All the hours spent in the gym, the ice baths, feeling like crap, the ugly stitches, and pain were well worth it. That one moment in HEB helped me to realize just how far I have come since December 2013. I can ride in a car for 10 hours with no knee pain and I can hike up steep inclines with stability and control. With all that being said I am pretty confident that I can bring about world peace.

   I am so happy that tomorrow morning I am making lemon muffins with raspberry swirl and eggs with chorizo. Accomplishments should always be celebrated with baking and adorable cooking aprons. What accomplishments are y'all most proud of and how did you celebrate them?

Traditional Sun Salutation for Beginners

Don't Forget to Pack My Wine

I am All the Excited we have our own place!

    Usually major life changes freak me the fuck out for about 5 minutes and then I put on my big girl panties and deal. For the last year my husband and I have been living in my father in law's house with my brother in law. The oil boom in Odessa, Texas has made housing almost impossible to find or afford for that matter. My father in law was gracious enough to allow us to board at his home while we worked and finished up our degrees. However, life has majorly sucked due to my brother in law who likes to drink and do drugs. Finally, things got so bad at home that paying an exorbitant amount of rent for a shoebox was a better option than living with the brother in law.

    We found an apartment and were able to move in last Monday and already life is better. Our rent is ridiculous, our apartment is tiny, I have to work full time while going to school full time, and we will be broke all the time. However, I could not be happier to live in a home where there is no fear or bad tension. The next semester will be stressful and I hope that I will be able to graduate on time. My education is very important to me and it is one sacrifice that I am not willing to make.

   Being happy is important y'all so is knowing when to cut ties and move on. For the past year I basically ate my feelings and was sad a lot because my home life was chaotic and out of control. No wonder I felt like crap all the time. Having a peaceful environment makes me want to work out and cook again. It is ok to say "I am mad as hell and I am not going to take it anymore". Your life is what you make of it and I just want to be happy. Cheers to getting the hell out of dodge!!

Why am I Paleo? The Civilized Caveman

Happy 4th of July

     We spent the fourth of July in Phoenix AZ with family and had such a relaxing weekend. Driving into town last Thursday we were met with a massive thunderstorm. Looking out of the driver side window I saw this curtain of sand blowing across the desert. The scene reminded me of the movie The Mummy,when the sandstorm erupts and the bad guy's face appears in the sand. Throw in lightening and rain and that was what greeted us as our car sped into town.

This was similar to the epic sandstorm I saw.

    The storm did not let up until we got into the outskirts of Phoenix and I am surprised our car did not float away. Steven got us into town safely with his badass driving skills while I sat in the passenger seat and worriedly prayed. After surviving the storm we celebrated the only way you can in Phoenix. We ate dinner at In & Out. 

   The best thing about last weekend was that we hardly did anything but hang out with family and relax. I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July!