Day 171 - New Year's Eve!

Happy New Year’s Eve!!  Today really went by quickly.  I had to work, but it still felt like a holiday.  And, I had so much to cram in, I ran out of time!

The good news is that I had an appointment with the orthopedist today.  He said the MRI came back and didn’t show anything more serious that arthritis in the knee.  He thinks I just strained/sprained the knee.  I need to be careful with it, but no major injury.  I am very relieved!  So, I am cleared to go back to exercising, as long as it doesn’t hurt.  I will have a follow-up with him in three weeks.  Not bad!

The challenge today was definitely getting in two hours on the bike.  With everything else going on, it was a super busy day.  But, somehow I managed.  It felt good to move, even if I was being a little cautious.

The surprise today was that Michael had more ups than downs today.  We ended up going out to see the Winter Lights one last time, and then I took him into the hyperbaric chamber for a long dive before bedtime.  It wasn’t very exciting, but it was good.  I would have preferred to go to a family party but he just wasn’t up for that, and to be honest, I don’t think I was either.  Sometimes a quiet night at home is a good thing.

Now, I need to wrap this up in time for a midnight smooch with Steve.  Happy New Year!!!!

 

Day 170 - And Up and Down Day

Today was a pretty good day.  I was able to sleep in this morning when Steve took Michael to Whole Foods early.  That was nice.  Then, I was able to do some filing that I have been putting off for months.  I guess not being able to move around much does have some benefits!

The challenge today was deciding whether or not I should exercise, and how much to do.  I ended up doing an hour on the bike, but was pretty sore afterwards. So, I decided to keep it to just the one hour today.  I always have a battle with myself trying to decide if I’m being lazy or smart.  But, when I stood up and Steve heard my knee pop across the house, I knew I made the right decision.

The surprise today was having fun with Michael just hanging out and playing.  We played wii u, and I supervised his exercise.  It was a nice afternoon.  Of course, we had a major meltdown tonight, but I’m choosing to not focus on that.  And, at least it was over (mostly) in time to watch most of the Redskins/Cowboy game.  It’s been a touch and go night, but it could definitely be worse.

Day 169 - Twenty Four Week Results

The year is coming to a close, and I’ve been on this journey for 24 weeks now.  It’s so hard to believe that the changes I’ve made really are becoming part of my life.  I look at today’s progress picture and can really see a huge difference.  I actually have collar bones!  I am so thankful for every pound lost – forty three of them so far.  It just makes me smile to think about.

 

The challenge today was getting exercise in despite my knee.  It felt a lot better today, so I did two hour long sessions on the bike.  I was very careful to make sure that it didn’t hurt, and I didn’t push myself very hard.  But, I did want to get the exercise in.  I also went for an MRI on the knee.  I have a follow up appointment with the orthopedist on Monday, so hopefully I’ll have some answers then.  Until then, I’m just going to be careful with my knee and do the best I can.

The surprise today was just seeing the progress picture and realizing that all this hard work really is paying off.  I slog through day by day, and I try to make as many good decisions as possible.  But, I get caught up in the numbers on the scale and lose track of the bigger picture.  Today, seeing a smaller picture really did bring home that it is working.  I am getting smaller.  And, even though it’s a goofy smile, I’m happy.  That’s a great way to end the year!

Day 168 - An appt with the Orthopedist

I saidyesterday that my knee was really acting up.  After spending a most of the night in pain and being barely able to get down the stairs this morning, I was lucky enough to get an appointment with the orthopedist this morning.  He thinks that I might have a torn meniscus, and I have an MRI scheduled for tomorrow.  He said that if I wanted to, and it didn’t hurt, I could do half an hour on the bike.  But, even that was too much for me today.  I think I am going to play it really safe for the next couple days and see what happens with the MRI and my follow up appt on Monday.

The challenge is that this couldn’t be happening at a worse time.  Every year I make a New Year’s Resolution to really get with my program and lose weight.  Most years I fail miserably.  This year, I’ve come so far already, I was really looking forward to recommitting myself to losing weight and getting healthy.  Now, I’m not sure what is up with my knee, and I am in a lot of pain.  But, no matter what happens, I refuse to give up.

The surprise of the day was just how supportive Steve is.  It really isn’t much of a surprise, but is greatly appreciated.  He always takes good care of me and supports me.  Today, he spent hours going all over the county trying to find me a knee brace.  He wasn’t able to find one, but I really appreciate how hard he looked.  And, we can order one online, but it probably makes sense to wait and see what the doctor says on Monday.  Something tells me this is going to be a long weekend.

Day 167 - More Knee Pain

My knee has been really unhappy today.  It’s been popping and cracking on and off all day, and putting weight on it isn’t always a good thing.  I was still able to ride the bike, but not much more than that.  I have heard that the bike is good for knee pain.  But, I’m not completely convinced.

The challenge of the day was trying to figure out what’s going on with my knee.  You would think after all this time, it would be fine.  I expected problems when I first started exercising, not five months in!  But, I guess I forgot to tell my knee.  I am hoping it’s better tomorrow.

The surprise of the day was Michael.  He has been having such a good time playing with his furby and the rabids game he got for Christmas.  It’s so nice to see him enjoying age appropriate humor.  Even if a lot of it is potty humor and other jokes designed for a ten year old boy.  It’s appropriate, and it makes me happy.

Day 166 - Modify and Move On!

Merry Christmas!  I’m really glad I decided to take a few days off and enjoy the holiday.  We went to PA to spend time with my family, and it was really, really good.  Michael loved seeing everyone, and so did I.  And, Santa was more than generous with all of us.  We ended up coming home a day earlier than planned because of weather, but it worked out.

The challenge today was associated with the weather.  I wasn’t sure if I would make it to the gym for my two classes tonight, so I hedged my bet by riding the bike for an hour this afternoon.  I was actually feeling a little antsy after taking a couple days off, and really needed to move.  Then, the weather warmed up enough that it was safe to go to the gym, and I ended up getting in a total of three hours today.

The surprise of the day was mostly that I made it through all three hours.  Although, my knee is really sore tonight.  It was great to move, and even better to realize that I actually missed it.  It felt amazing to be able to do some of the more complicated moves during the muscle challenge class.  And, even though my knee was throbbing by the time yoga was really started, I was happy that I could make enough modifications to keep going.  Modify and move on.  My new mantra!

Day 163 - Taking a few days off

I think for Christmas I'm going to take a couple days off.  I need to think through some things and take some pressure off myself.  I'll be back at it on Wednesday, hopefully recharged and ready to go.

Day 162 - 23 Week Results

I’m really, really, really frustrated tonight.  I’ve been really good this week and I’m up a pound and a half this week.  I don’t understand it.  I have a good theory that it’s related to yet another new medication that I started this week.  I hate that every time I start something new, it seems like it takes a couple weeks to get used to it.  I hate that I’ve been working so hard and still gained weight this week.  I just want to hide in a corner and cry.

I’m thinking the challenge today was definitely getting past the weigh in this morning and dragging my butt to yoga when all I wanted to do was cry.  But, I did.  I went to yoga and I did an hour on the bike.  I’m going on the theory that I will keep doing what I have been doing and that it will work out in the end.  I just need to force myself to keep positive and not allow myself the pity party I really, really want.

The surprise of the day was when we had our Christmas with my MIL.  It was a really nice afternoon.  We played games on the wii for a while, had dinner, and exchanged presents.  Michael actually liked his presents and had to make a thank you call right away when he opened his furby.  My MIL gave him a bird bingo game and we actually played two games.  It was just nice.

Overall, it was a good day.  I just wish I could not obsess on the scale so I could enjoy it more.  Have any of you used prog-x cream before?  Did it affect your weight when you first started it?  Can someone tell me it’s all going to be ok?

Day 161 - Something new at yoga

Today was a good day with challenging moments.  I was able to get to my favorite yoga class, and it had a great surprise.  Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get on the bike today.  I have a valid reason that I don’t really want to get into, so you’ll just have to trust me on this one. 

The challenge today was trying to decide if that reason was valid.  Steve pointed out that we have a three hour drive coming up and that I needed to be injury free for the trip.  That confirmed for me that I really needed to take it easy today and just do my yoga class that I knew was safe.

When I got to yoga tonight, there was a surprise.  The instructor said that she wanted to try something new – standing sun salutations using the wall.  I was really nervous to try it since sun salutations are usually really hard for me.  So hard, in fact, that I can’t keep up with them.  But, this was a modification so that the entire sequence was done standing, using the wall for support.  The premise was very similar to doing push ups against a wall.  I loved it!  I was able to get the benefits of doing the sequence, but I was able to keep up, and my knees didn’t hurt!  So, as skeptical as I was, I am so happy she tried this!

And, the whole experience gave me more insight into Michael.  He has always been afraid of new things.  Even when we promise him he will like it, he doesn’t believe us until he’s experienced it.  That is exactly how I was tonight.  As soon as I heart ‘sun salutation’ I was afraid.  As soon as we went through the whole sequence, I relaxed.  Once we did it twice, I was hooked.  I guess that apple really doesn’t fall too far from the tree!

Day 160 - Just Yoga Today

OK, so I don’t do very well on Thursdays.  I got home from work pretty tired, had laundry to fold, a kid to get showered, and other stuff that just needed to be done.  I did make it to yoga, and had a great workout.  But, that only made for a bit over an hour of exercise.  So, I’m a little short for the day, but it’s honestly the best I could do today.  I need to figure out a better plan for Thursdays.

The challenge today was once again a really stressful day at work.  It feels like I am just running in circles trying to get things done.  And everything takes longer than it should.  But, I guess everyone deals with work stress.

The surprise of the day was getting a note from Michael’s teacher saying that he had a really good day at school.  It was a really nice surprise.  Plus, he was in a good mood for the whole evening.  A good day at school is rare.  A calm evening is pretty rare, too.  A combination of both is pretty much unheard of.  I am hoping this portends well for the holiday break.

Day 159 - Feeling Good at the Gym

Today was a really, really long day.  It was a nice break to get out to the gym and exercise.  And, I had two really good workouts. 

The challenge today was not letting the stress get to me.  There were so many points during the day that I just wanted to go find some chocolate or something really carby.  I didn’t, but it was really hard.

The surprise came during the warm up for my muscle challenge class.  During the cardio part tonight I realized that I was actually enjoying the movement and I’m getting better at it!  I’m still not especially coordinated, but the music was great and it felt really good to move.  That was just what I needed tonight.

I am hoping tomorrow is a less stressful day, but I am not holding my breath.  Have a good night!

 

Day 158 - Winter Lights!

I debated whether or not I wanted to keep today as a rest day, or try to sneak in a workout.  But, I had late meetings and didn’t get home until after 6.   Then, we took Michael to see the winter lights.  That pretty much made the decision for me.  But, I think it worked out for the best.  I’m still sniffly and stuffy, so having a day to rest sounds like a good thing.

The challenge of the day was just dealing with meetings all day long and getting home late.  I was really lucky in that Steve made dinner for me so I wasn’t starving and having to face an empty kitchen.  It makes all the difference in the world to have someone watching out for me and making sure I have everything I need to succeed.

The surprise of the day was how much Michael enjoyed the winter lights.  We go every year, a couple times each season.  I love how each year he tells us more about what’s going on in each of the exhibits.  And, I love the silly things that we say over and over each year.  It’s a nice tradition and really makes the holidays special.  I love this time of year!

 

Day 157 - Happy to be Back at the Gym!

I did it!  I got back to the gym tonight!  The hardest part was convincing myself I was ready, and then not giving up during the cardio warm up.  With my lungs so sore, the cardio part was definitely hard.  But, once I got started, I did OK.  I am so glad that I went, even if I am going to be really sore tomorrow.

The challenge was definitely getting to the gym.  Today was the first day that I felt even close to better, and I was still coughing a lot.  But, it was really important to me that I get back on track, so I went.

The surprise was how I felt once I got started.  I really didn’t expect to have such a good workout, but I did.  And, yoga felt really good.  It was a nice, relaxing pace, but still really challenging.  Again, I’m not sure how I am going to feel in the morning, but for tonight, I’m really happy.

Even with all that said, I think I’m going to go to bed early tonight.  Maybe after a nice hot shower!

 

Day 156 - Tired of Being Sick

Well, I was told that I wasn’t looking healthy enough to take a picture, but I did get on the scale this morning.  The good news is that I am actually down a pound, for a total of 43 pounds down.  I’m really annoyed that I haven’t been able to exercise, but happy to have finally broken through the plateau I’ve been at the last couple weeks.  Hopefully, it’s a good sign! 

Day 155 - Still Sick

I’m still really sick with a bad cold.  I can’t breathe, much less exercise.  I’ve pretty much spent the day sitting under a warm blanket.  But, I am hoping to feel better tomorrow.  If so, I’ll post a new picture and results tomorrow. 

Day 154 - So sick, so sad

I have no words tonight.  I am so incredibly sad over the events in CT. I have been sick with a cold all day today, and literally have no voice.  I didn’t exercise mostly because of the cold, but I am not sure I could have anyway. Tomorrow is another day. Hopefully it will be a better day, somehow.

Day 153 - Challenges and Strength

Today was a surprising day.  Michael was home sick and Steve had an appointment this afternoon.  So, I came home at lunch time and worked from home for the rest of the day.  I thought I would have plenty of time to get some time in on the bike, but the afternoon really got away from me.  The good news is that I did end up getting in 45 minutes on the bike, and a full hour yoga class.  Not too bad for a very strange day.

The challenge of the day was putting all the different pieces together and staying coherent.  Between Michael not feeling well, work projects going nuts, and Steve’s commitments, it was really hard to get everything in.  I am actually really happy that I got as much exercise in today. 

The surprise of the day was between the bike and yoga.  We had a conference call this evening with Michael’s teacher, in lieu of an in person parent/teacher meeting.  It was a lot easier to do by phone, and worked out really well.  I am so proud of how well Michael is doing in school.  It is still amazing to me that he is fully on grade level and making great grades.  Every time I think about it, I smile.  He has so many challenges ahead of him, but he has come a really long way already.

Whenever I get down about my journey, I think about Michael and how well he handles everything thrown at him.  He doesn’t always handle things gracefully, but he bounces back really quickly.  If I can do half as well, I’ll be happy.

Day 152 - Low key evening at the gym

Tonight at the gym was a little more low key than usual.  Kathy, who normally teaches the muscle challenge class, was out so we had a sub.  The sub was great, but it was definitely not as intense as normal.  But, since I was still sore from Monday, I was honestly happy for a bit of a break.  Then, yoga was just a little more calm.  Or, maybe it was just me.  Either way, I got two good workouts in, but I don’t feel completely dead.  It’s not what I would want all the time, but it’s a nice change.

The challenge today was not losing my temper at work.  I am in the middle of this huge project and some things are just not working right.  No matter how many times I ask for the technical people to help, they just can’t seem to get this one interface working.  It’s driving me nuts.  But, we will get there.  I hope.

The surprise of the day was coming home to see the 121212 concert.  I had forgotten about it.  I haven’t heard some of these songs in a long, long time.  It’s bringing back a lot of good memories.  I feel terrible for the hurricane victims, and hope they raise a ton of money tonight.  But, I am definitely enjoying the music!

Day 151 - So Tired. So, so tired.

Wow, today was an incredibly busy day.  I left the house at 6:45 and didn’t get back until after 9:45.  I had a full day of work and then went to a DDA briefing.  I am so glad it was a rest day, even if I never got a chance to rest.

The challenge of the day was just being overly exhausted.  I am definitely sore from my classes yesterday, and didn’t get a lot of sleep last night.  But, I am going to get to bed soon so I can get almost a full night’s sleep tonight.

The surprise of the day was that Michael came home from school and told Steve about a diorama he was working on.  It’s very rare that he will share details from his day, and it’s really extra special when he does.

Sorry for this being so short and disjointed, but I am tired.  Tomorrow will be a better day!

 

Day 150 - Wow. Just. Wow.

I’m sitting here beyond exhausted, every muscle is aching, and I don’t know how I’m going to drag myself up the stairs.  But, I’m happy.  I had two of the best exercise sessions I’ve had in weeks tonight.  I was able to push myself further than I have ever, and I was able to do some poses in yoga that I’ve never done before.  Maybe this change in medication is starting to work.  Maybe the hard work over the last few months is starting to pay off.  Either way, I’m completely worn out, but very happy.

The challenge of the day was just forcing myself through the day.  Mondays are always difficult, but today it just seemed really hard to get started.  I think that’s what I really appreciate most about this blog, and you who read it.  If I didn’t have the accountability, it would be so easy to miss a workout.  And, if I had missed tonight, I really would have missed out.

The surprise was definitely in yoga.  There was one pose where we started out in pigeon, then bent and grabbed the back leg.  I was able to do that.  Of course, when she said to raise up the front hand, I laughed out loud.  But, I think even the instructor was a little impressed with how far I had actually gotten.  One day I will get all the way there.  Tonight I actually feel confident that I am making progress and I will be able to do things that were completely impossible when I first started.  That’s a great feeling.

Day 149 - Where does the weekend go?

This weekend went by so fast!  I can’t believe it’s Sunday night already.  A lot of good things happened to friends of mine in the last few days, so that is wonderful.  I just wish the weekend could last just a tiny bit longer.

I had a lot of stuff to do around the house today, so I just did two separate hours on the bike.  It gave me a break from everything else, and got the job done.  I like simple things on busy days.

The challenge of the day was that Michael was especially moody today.  I’m not quite sure why.  He was so excited to go to KEEN Music today, but then when he got there, he didn’t want to participate and just sat by himself.  Then, he was cranky for the rest of the day.  Not sure what’s going on, but hoping it’s temporary.

The surprise of the day was that I got to sleep in, and actually felt rested.  It was so nice.  I remember when I could sleep until noon on the weekend and not think twice about it.  Now, every extra second of sleep is a true gift.  But, I guess there is something to be said for having a full life, too.  Probably not printable, but something. 

Day 148 - Twenty One Week Results

I’m kinda disappointed with the results this week.  I stayed exactly the same.  I guess on one hand, I should be happy that I didn’t gain anything.  I know I’ve been whining a lot about the doctor changing my medicine, but it really has been fairly major.  I think I’m starting to get used to it, but I’m not sure if I feel like I’m supposed to.  I guess by this time next week I’ll know for sure.

The challenge today was just a stress level.  I was really disappointed when I got on the scale this morning, and it carried over more than it should have.  I didn’t get as much accomplished as I had hoped, but at least I did get my exercise in.

The surprise was that I actually enjoyed the yoga class at the ‘new’ gym this morning.  It was more active than some of the more relaxing classes, but not so demanding that I couldn’t keep up.  It was actually a very nice balance.  Then, I did an hour on the bike, and was proud of myself for getting both hours in relatively early in the day.

This week I am really going to focus on making the changes the doctor recommended, following through on the order, and hoping to see a good number on the scale next week.

Day 147 - Friday, Yoga, and a Surprise

Today was another busy day.  I had an appointment at lunch time so I couldn’t exercise during the day.  But, I did make it to my favorite yoga class of the week.  That was a really good thing.  Then, I came home and got set up for the evening.  I managed to do 45 minutes on the bike before I realized I didn’t have anything left.  I figured that an hour and 45 minutes was probably good enough for the day and left it at that.  It was probably a good thing.  With the change in my medication this week I have definitely not felt 100% myself.  I’m not trying to make excuses, but I don’t want to do anything silly either.

The challenge today was making the decision to stop at 45 minutes on the bike.  I was really, really tired and just felt like pushing more wasn’t going to get me any more progress.  It’s hard for me to always tell the difference between listening to my body and slacking off.  But, since it was only 15 minutes, it’s not the end of the world either way.  But, I do think I made the right decision.

The surprise of the day was a really, really good one.  I had gone to yoga and was just getting settled in on my mat when I saw someone out of the corner of my eye.  My cousin was there!  I have really missed working out with her the last few weeks.  She hasn’t been able to get out and it just hasn’t been as much fun without her.  So, having her there tonight was a wonderful surprise and really made my evening.

It’s weekend.  I am so happy to be able to go to bed early tonight, sleep in tomorrow, and have a great weekend.  No matter what happens, weekends are always good.  Enjoy!

 

Day 146 - A Long, But Successful Day

Today was a really, really long day.  It was an office day, so I was up early.  And then, I ended up staying a little later than normal.  So, by the time I got home I was pretty tired.  But, since I knew time was short, I went straight upstairs to change into exercise clothes.  I did an hour on the bike before anything else.  Then, I went to a 7:00 yoga class to finish up the exercise for the day.  I think I am getting more used to the Thursday night teacher, so I’m getting more out of the classes.  That’s definitely a good thing.

The whole day counts as a challenge.  I’m not sure why, but this project at work is really getting to me.  And, when my stress levels go up, everything else just seems harder.  But, I’m pushing through.  And, I get to come home to Michael and Steve.  That is always a happy thing. 

The surprise of the day was just that I am getting better at my yoga classes.  I can hold down dog longer now.  I still can’t hold it as long as most of the class, but I’m getting better.  And, I think I am getting more flexible overall.  It’s really a good feeling when I can bend and stretch in ways that I just couldn’t a month or two ago.  Yes, I still have a long ways to go, but I am really starting to see progress everywhere I look.

Day 145 - Back to Work

It felt so good to get back to my classes at the gym tonight.  My muscles were rested and ready to go, and I was antsy.  Plus, it had been a really rough day at work.  By the time I got to class, I was ready to let go of all work thoughts and really focus on exercise.  It was a great diversion, and a great workout. 

Yesterday, I noticed something really bizarre.  Because Tuesdays and Thursday are my normal office days, I am usually sore from a class whenever I am in the office.  Yesterday, I wasn’t sore because I had missed my classes Monday night because of the doctor’s apt.  It felt so strange to be able to move freely around the office.  I never thought I would miss my aches and pains!  Then again, I am sure I made up for it tonight, and tomorrow will be back to ‘normal’.

The challenge today was leaving work at work and focusing on exercise once I was at the gym.  Sometimes, I get so caught up in everything going on during the day, it is hard to shift gears when the day is over.  But, when the classes are so demanding, it definitely makes it easier.

The surprise for today was how well Michael did in his swimming lesson.  Before Thanksgiving, he was afraid to jump in the deep end, and couldn’t be more than a foot away from his teacher without being really nervous.  Today, he jumped in the deep end several times, and allowed the teacher to be several feet away.  And, he swam an entire length of the pool independently.  He is definitely getting better in the water!  That makes me so happy.

 

Day 144 - Resting Today

I’m sorry this is going to be short tonight.  It was a rest day but I’m really, really tired. I think changing my thyroid medication is taking a toll on me.  I am expecting it to get better, but I think it’s going to be a rough week or two.  

Today’s challenge is the fact that I’m really, really tired.  I’m so glad I didn’t have to do any exercise today.  I am going to go to bed relatively early tonight and hope for energy for tomorrow.  Cross your fingers for me?

The surprise was just that Michael had two great days at school in a row.  He’d been having a rough patch lately, so it was an extra nice surprise.  I’m greedy, and hoping for three in a row tomorrow!

Day 143 - A Chaotic but Hopeful Day

Today was an odd day.  I had a doctor’s appt this afternoon and a support group meeting scheduled for tonight.  The appointment ran really, really late, so I missed my exercise class and my support group.  But, the good thing is that I was still able to get both hours of exercise in.  I figured I should do an hour at lunch time and then did a second hour when I finally got home.  I’m really exhausted, and am sad I missed my meeting, but, I am so glad I got my exercise in.

The challenge of the day was just making the timing work to get as much as possible done.  It meant exercising really late, but I am hoping I’ll still be able to sleep tonight.  I am hopeful that today’s doctor can really make a difference for me.  He is changing my thyroid medication, so I really hope to see good things.

The surprise of the day was that the doctor really listened to me.  He asked questions and didn’t question my answers.  So many doctors have come out and accused me of lying when I tell them about my diet and exercise.  I really appreciate that he listened, believed me, and is going to come up with a plan to make things work.  I am tired, but really hopeful.

Day 142 - Roller Coaster of a Day

Today has really been an up and down type of day.  I got to sleep in and had a relaxing morning, but then Michael had a really rough afternoon.  Then, something amazing happened.  Like I said, up and down, up and down.  The good news is that I was able to get in two hours of exercise; two hour long sessions on the bike. 

The challenge today was really intense.  Michael was in a really terrible mood most of the afternoon.  He was argumentative and grumpy and really extreme.  Normally, he will get in a mood and it will pass within an hour or two.  Today, it lasted for several hours.  Toward the end, he was upstairs in his room and I was downstairs crying.

Then, the surprise/miracle of the day happened.  Michael came downstairs and he was calm.  He actually noticed that I was crying and asked if I was crying because of his behavior. He had never made that kind of connection before.  He has understood that he has had bad behavior, and that I get sad sometimes, but he has never connected the two so directly.  Let alone put it into words. 

After that, he was pretty much back to normal.  We played some Christmas games on the wii and then went for a drive to see how many people have put up lights.  It was actually a fairly nice evening.  Of course, I feel like I’ve been on a day long roller coaster ride.  But, at least the hills were as good as the valleys were sad.  And, tomorrow is another day.

Day 141 - Twenty Week Results

It is hard to imagine it’s been twenty weeks.  That’s a long, long time for me to stick to such a strenuous exercise routine.  But, I am definitely seeing results.  I love this week’s picture.  I am starting to have collarbones!  Imagine that!

 

So, twenty weeks and 42 pounds.  It’s still not where I was hoping to be, but every picture shows more and more of a difference.  Every pound lost seems like a huge step forward.  I will learn to be patient.  And, along the lines of appreciating every pound, Steve did a comparison of today’s picture with the picture from two weeks ago.  There aren’t a huge amount of differences, but today’s picture definitely shows major improvement in the head and neck area.  Did I mention collar bones?  I know they’re not really pronounced yet, but, you can tell they are there.  That’s progress!

 

 

Today’s challenge was not being disappointed when I got on the scale and realized I didn’t lose anything this week.  I was crushed.  But, then I realized that it’s just a number on a scale.  Every single day I am moving forward.  Some steps are bigger than others, but I am not going to stop walking.  I will get there!

Today’s surprise was another quiet moment with Michael.  I told him I needed some cuddle time.  While he was on my lap, the Christmas Clock went off, and he asked me to sing with the clock.  I can’t carry a tune in a bucket, but he asked me to sing every Christmas carol I knew.  It was so sweet I thought I would burst from happiness.  Not a bad day!