New Weights and Measures

It's that time again.  A new post of weights and measures.  One I always begin with a bit of trepidation. I am so very pleased with the results and totally amazed in some areas.

I have lost a total of 29 pounds and 28 1/4 inches since this journey began! I have lost 8 inches alone from my waist!!  Eight inches!! Eight inches!! I wonder how much that lessens my risk of a heart attack?

With that amount of weight and inch loss I am now able to fit into my very favorite fancy coat!  The weather has obliged here perfectly with single digit temps in the mornings many days this week.  There is something about that coat that makes me feel special (and warm).  I love wearing it.  However, I am glad to be putting it away for a week.  I leave this morning for my cruise. Can my day get any better? Oh wait! Yes, it can! That cruise is going to be with my very best friend in the whole wide world!!

I have a plan in place on how to handle the cruise.  I am bringing protein shakes and bars with me as well as some of my new favorite snacks, Brown Rice and Red Bean Triscuits. Yum! We are also planning on being active on this cruise, checking out fitness classes and walking.  Of course, plenty of relaxation will be thrown into the mix.  There is such a variety of food on cruise ships that I am sure I won't have a problem finding something to eat.  I have found that the food that sits the very best on my stomach is fish.  I have never been a fish fan, but that is quickly changing.

Catch Up

I hadn't realized it had been since last Wednesday that I posted.  My front side starting hurting again, so I really tried to focus on not moving and letting it heal.

My doctor appointment went well.  Things are healing nicely.  I still have one cut that has a stitch on each end that I am waiting to heal before I can take a bath.  I really can not wait to relax in the tub again! I am definitely looking forward to that one.

I also went to my first support group.  We had a speaker about exercise.  Everyone seems so much further along than I am and looked wonderful!  They had a ton of questions for the personal trainer.  It would be nice to be able to go that route when I am cleared for more that walking.  Not sure of the expense though.

My weight was stuck at 202 point something since last week.  Finally down to 201.1 this morning.  Previous weight loss efforts seem to stall around this point so it wasn't surprising.  I am glad I didn't have a choice BUT to trust the program.  This is the point I would have quit and started eating with my old bad habits.

Last night I went to a church event. It was a Spaghetti Dinner and Pie Auction.  Paul wanted me to attend because it was for the youth program.  He is a leader with the senior high youth.  So I went.  I dutifully packed my dinner...pureed turkey and light mayo, yogurt and an energy drink.  Since Paul was busy I sat by myself while others ate around me.  My thoughts for awhile were, "What the hell am I doing here?  I can't eat spaghetti, which smelled wonderful, nor can I eat pies AND finally I am lonely in a room full of people I don't know." Talk about feeling sorry for myself.  When I finally unwadded my big girl panties and talked to a few people (thank you Marcia for sitting by me) I got a grip.  I sang some worship songs and bid on a bunch of pies which were mostly given away to others at the end of the evening. I realized it wasn't about me, never had been in fact.  It was about God and the youth, imagine that!

Today in the mail I got a treat in the mail.  I ordered some protein drinks from Chike Nutrition.  I can't wait to try them. I will let you know how they taste.  They are low in sugar and fat as well as high in protein.

I am going back to work on Monday.  Actually I was supposed to go back today.  There is no way I would have been ready so the leave was extended one more week.  Thank goodness! I think this is the week where my energy and strength will finally return full force.  I am counting on it anyway.