Keeping Life in Perspective

Hello to all.  Today has been a challenging day.  I would like to start by saying that my deepest sympathies and prayers go out to all who have been impacted by the tragic events today in Newtown, CT.  It is so impossible to imagine what the parents, grandparents, family and friends of those that are deceased are experiencing at this time.  I am not sure that any words would accurately describe that kind of grief.  I am heart broken for them and will continue to pray for all of those affected.

It is so beyond any comprehension that I possess as to why things like this happen.  The insanity of the act does not seem to break my need to know Why?  Though I am sure that no one really understands why this happened, it does really put things into perspective for me. 

I started this day with Weigh In #17 and it was not positive.  No weight lost.  I must admit that I am really beginning to struggle with not losing.  I did go and get a massage and had a conversation with my very health conscious Chiropractor-he said he thought I was doing all of the right things and that the body just has to adjust and plateaus can last much longer than we want them to!  He warned me about reducing my calorie intake too much (lol), reminded me that muscle toning will increase my weight at times, discussed my metabolism, getting older and my exercise program. He said just because I am not losing at the rate I planned does not mean I am doing it wrong.  As with anything, adjustments can be made and I am sure that just taking the next step is a step in the right direction.

However, after I arrived at work and began to realize what was happening in Newtown, CT...suddenly all of the above issues with my weight loss seemed small and inconsequential.  Perspective!  I am blessed to have these problems to deal with...blessed that I get the opportunity to work at being better, to improve my life and to make better the kind of person I am! 

That was stolen from the children and adults who lost their lives today.  Quite honestly, I find that devastating and it makes me angry!  Mostly, I am sad.

Life is precious, not to be wasted.  Life may not always be easy but it is a gift.  Each moment of each day has something to teach us.  Life offers us the opportunity to love, to give, to learn, to teach, to care, to witness, to believe, to dream, to accomplish, to sing, to dance, to play, to win and to lose. 

For me, today is about Keeping Life in Perspective. 

Dear God, Bless those babies hearts, bless their parents, their families and extended families.  Bless the hearts of the adults that gave their lives and those they left behind.  Bless the first  responders, faculty, the children and parents that survived and the entire community as they try to recover from this tragedy. 

This is for the kids

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVbkz_3lO3c

This is for all of us

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-GTtPgHfwQ

Everyday I'm Guzzlin'

Is it OVER yet???  I am hoping this day is over soon...I have been so busy at work that I am on overload.  And again...am trying to manage my stress.  I think after I finish blogging about de-fluffing, I will start another one about de-stressing...LOL!  Just the thought of that stresses me out! 

I am going to work out tonight...Nothing too strenuous because my grumpy 45 year old back refuses to fully cooperate.  I am going to the Chiropractor tomorrow morning and am getting a massage to see if that will relieve the tension and pain.  Here's hoping!!!

I am still having a few typical fluffy girl struggles...like being hungry at inopportune times...that sometimes feels like ALL the time.  I have been forcing myself to drink more water.  WATER....WATER....WAAATTTERRRR!
One of my co-workers told me that we (people) are supposed to drink half of your body weight in ounces daily...HOLY COW....If I drank half my body weight in water daily...the world's water source would be gone before I lose this weight...not too mention that I would have to move my office, bedroom, t.v., etc....to the bathroom!!!   Can somebody please tell me who these people are that come up with all these rules about water drinking...Let me guess...it is the CEO of Ozarka!!! 

OK...So I am drinking water, eating right, working out...and still struggling to lose the fluffy stuff!  BUT...Like I said yesterday...good things are happening...despite my displeasure with my progress.  I will continue to FORGE ON!!! I will dangit, I will. 

I am still INSPIRED!  Still going for the weight loss gold...so to speak...I just have to DIG down deep!!!

MAWA Inspired....God Inspired!!!!


One of the tips that people have shared with me quite a bit...is to chew my food thoroughly, eat more slowly, etc...I found this video...maybe I should eat like this!!!

http://www.cnn.com/video/?hpt=hp_t3#/video/living/2012/10/20/orig-jtb-distractrion-slow-loris-rice-ball.cnn


Here is our Christmas song for the day...Enjoy!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmF2rsDHOZc

Who Are You and What Have You Done with ME!

Hi there...I hope everyone is well.  It has been a long day!  I continue to struggle with a back spasm..no, I am not going to whine about it!  ;).  But it has put a damper on my workout plans for tonight.  I am choosing to give the ole body a rest tonight so that I don't derail this process.  But here is the funny thing for me.  I really DON'T want to take the night off. 

These are the moments that I think "WHO ARE YOU and what have you done with ME???"  I mean less than 4 months ago...you could not have convinced me to even get off the couch...unless I was going out to eat!!!  Kidding...but I really would have told you that I could not exercise...I would have told you that I was absolutely unable to do the exercise I needed to do in order to get healthy.  And I believed that to be true until mid August...when suddenly I had the inspiration, the motivation and the inclination to actually tackle this challenge.  This is why I know it was a God thing...it really just happened in a matter of days. 

Now granted, I had been sick for a LONG time and I was truly tired of it and had begun to try to imagine what my life might be like if I remained ill for the long term.  Sobering Thought! I truly am not somebody that worries about getting older typically....quite possibly because I still think I am a kid in many ways...I DO like to make self deprecating jokes about my age...of course...never miss an opportunity to do that!!! But really...deep down inside I don't typically think...Holy crap...I am old!!! 

However, I began to do the math...so to speak.  I realized that all of the family health problems, the genetic AND habit related health problems were happening earlier for me!  My grandmother, uncle and mother were all diagnosed with Diabetes in the 50's....I was diagnosed in my 40's...I began taking blood pressure medicine earlier than they did...AND to add insult to injury...I had health problems that they never had or have to this day.  But believe it or not...even knowing all of that...I still thought that given the way I felt...there was no possible way I could overcome some of these health problems. 

Here is the reality today....almost 4 months into this Journey.  My insulin dosage has decreased, my blood pressure has improved  (though I am still on medication and most likely will be for a while), I AM able to exercise and yes...it is not always pleasant or easy...but it is doable.  So far this Journey has not gone perfectly (in my opinion).  I am really not losing weight at the rate I would have liked so far...but I have to trust that God's plan is perfect.  I can, with complete confidence, tell you that MY plans are NEVER perfect...So I am leaving the planning to God. 

I will have to continue to trust God's plan...Follow His lead and have the Faith to believe I can...that is why I call this a Challenge...I am so not good at any of these things sometimes...BUT...so far- so good. 

Here is what I know...I would not be able to do this today had it not been for all of the God moments, the not so coincidental coincidences, the chance meetings, the thoughtful conversations, the unconditional love, the peaks and valleys, the painful moments, the hours of laughter, the devoted family and remarkable friends! 

If nothing else is conveyed in my Journey...in my daily ramblings filled with goofy jokes, quotes by smarter people than me, my love of music and my waxing poetic..it is this ONE thing...God is the LEADER of this Journey and with HIM I can do anything and so can you!  I will need to be reminded of this I am sure...


Given that it is Christmas time...I am reminded that not all people feel blessed and many struggle to survive in these difficult times.  I am always reminded that I have to step up and help out in any way I can...Give back the Blessings I have received.  I want to become a person who does that year round. 

“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all year.” ~Charles Dickens

"If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded." ~Maya Angelou

Here is the Christmas song for the Day!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDvxOaX2dS4

Whine and Cheese anyone?

Hello folks...It is Tuesday and it is a bit late...sorry.  Been a pretty normal day...with one minor exception. A BACK SPASM...Ain't nobody got time for that!!!  Yes...I have a back spasm and I have been whining about it all day...literally and my plans are to whine a bit more here!  Joy! 

I am even getting on my own nerves!  I moaned and groaned at work...kept telling everyone...Did you know I have a back spasm...Did I mention that my back is in complete spasm...Excuse me, I need to let you know that I have a back spasm...You get the picture. 

I can be a real pain in the hind end!  LOL!  I think that my pain tolerance is pretty high until something like this happens and then it is like the world has ended and I am Drama Queen of the year! 

 

So I went to work out (Did I tell you that my back is killing me)...anyway, I was able to ride the bike for about 45 minutes before I could feel a sudden urge to whine...and since no one was there to listen...I stopped.  I am sure I was a sight to see..pedaling fast and furiously with my arms dangling down beside me and a lovely pained expression saying...Do you see this...Do you see me riding this bike with a BACK SPASM!!!

 

So I had to go to the grocery store afterwards...more opportunity for looking pitiful and looking for my next victim to complain to...

Stopped by my BFF's house...did some whining there (Emily rolled her eyes at my whining)...THEN...I got home...MOMMA!!!  My back is killing me....



So...here is the deal...I am taking a muscle relaxant, taking a hot bath, and giving the whining a rest!  I just had to get it out of my system.  So I will give up on the whining for today.  I cannot guarantee that I won't whine again at some point.

But for now...


 

Here is what I do know...complaining does not really help...BUMMER...




AMEN!!!

OK....We are halfway through week 17 people...I am considering some kind of hike for a mini-goal...something that presents a challenge but is doable!  Any suggestions??? 

Anyway...I am forging on...moving forward...still MAWA inspired...still  in awe of this JOURNEY and still Blessed!!!  Putting one foot front of the other...which leads me to our Christmas song for the day!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OORsz2d1H7s

Tell the Truth and Hope for the Best

"Monday, Monday...so good to me" ...OK...The Mama's and The Pappa's might have thought so...but traditionally that has not been my experience!! HAHA!  Actually, it really has been a decent day for a Monday!!!  It was quite Chilly Burrr outside this morning.  LOVE IT!!!  Finally feels a bit like Christmas weather. 

So there is a phrase about Truth that I find CAN be true sometimes...Truth hurts...though for me, lying always seem to hurt worse!  Now I don't know about you...but most people I know have told a little lie or two in their lifetime.  I have certainly stretched the truth before...yep it's true!!! I am guilty of not telling The Whole truth and nothin' but the Truth from time to time!  When I decided to start writing this blog... I knew that telling the "whole" truth would be a challenge...not because I like to lie...but because sometimes the Truth Hurts!  I wish I could tell you that I am one of those people who does not care what other people think...but I would be lying!  Now...let me clarify...I am not necessarily concerned  with what EVERYONE thinks of me..but generally speaking...I care!

So...I was having a conversation with my Mom and Donna Friday night.  Those two usually get the "rawest" version of me.  They are more likely to see me at my worst (and sometimes my best)...more so than most!  So Friday night, I am telling them that I have been experiencing some not so positive things lately physically...quite a bit of joint and muscle pain and insomnia...I tell them I am hesitant to share too many details in this blog for fear of people thinking that I am somehow not grateful,  or happy, or strong or whatever it is I am supposed to be...when Donna says...( para-phrasing) You know other people reading this may be experiencing the same struggles...so sharing your struggles might be supportive to them. 


So though I do not want this blog to become further documentation of some of my long-standing medical woes...I do want to be truthful about this process in hopes that it not only supports me in taking on this Journey in a truthful, real, honest way...but allows others to see that though the Truth sometimes hurts and the Truth can be ugly...It is so much healthier to tell the Truth and hope for the best.

So now that the Lesson in Truth Telling has concluded...LOL!!!  Let me kick things off by saying...Today, I AM HUNGRY!!!!  All DAY!  I have had 14 gallons of water (slight exaggeration), I have had healthy snacks..blah, blah, blah...and Bottom Line...I am soooo struggling today.  Not much else to say about it!!

So...on that note...I am leaving work and heading to the gym!  Drivers beware...The Hungry Fluffy Girl is getting behind the wheel!!!!  Save Yourself and Clear the AREA!!!

On a slightly serious note...prayers are appreciated for the strength, faith and courage to continue to Walk this path with Purpose, Confidence and Courage!!!!

I "borrowed" this from my friend Margaret's FB page...Loved it and thought I would share!




I am Willing....



Here is our Christmas music selection for today!  Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXZM0F30vQI

Ready to Rebuff the Fluff

Happy Sunday to all!!  I hope you all have had a joyful, restful, love packed day!  We have busy in the Patteson household...church, groceries, tree decorating, Christmas program at the church....dinner...home...fun packed day!

I did not work out today..decided to rest up and get ready for next week.  Week #17 and I am ready to say goodbye to the 250's!!!  I am hoping that will be soon!!! 

Tonight we went to a church program that was all about celebrating Christmas with joy and comedy.  Given that humor and laughter are so important to me and is an important part of keeping this Journey interesting, fun and possible, I really enjoyed the idea of remembering to Celebrate the Season with humor!  I am a believer that God appreciates humor, creates it for that matter and KNOWS that I have survived many a day with humor and laughter!!!  There are many facets to the Christmas Season...many gifts given to us for a lifetime and JOY is definitely one of them for me!!  Here is a link to a promo video for the show we saw tonight...thought I would share!  Travis Crim is the guy that leads the group...He is a complete spaz and very funny!!!  If you ever have a chance to check him out...I would highly recommend it!

http://vimeo.com/41119752

So we got our Christmas tree up and though we are not finished decorating the house...I thought I would include a few pics of our tree...We changed things up a bit this year!  Hope you enjoy!

Riley posed for me!!!







Hope you all have a wonderful week and are ready for Week 17...I am ready and STILL inspired...I am ready to Rebuff the Fluff!!!! 

Here is our Christmas Song for the day!!!!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfVDM0z14T4

Mini-Goal #2-Done!

Hi...Happy Saturday...I hope all is well in your neck of the woods.  All is well here is well in unseasonably warm, muggy Houston. 

I was up and ready to roll out at 6:30 am this morning...Tone Tone and I headed to the west side of town to CityCentre so that I could tackle Mini-goal #2...the Rudolph Run!!! 
We got there in  time to get Mom (TEAM MAWA President)  seated and settled by the finish line and even had time to hang out a few minutes, stretch and prepare to walk!!  Kristen and I represented TEAM MAWA in the race.  We started a little early because it is so warm here...the race officials thought it would be better to beat the heat!  Today's race was a 5K and a 10K ( I obviously did the 5K and only felt like I did the 10K). 

It was a little different than the 1st 5K...which was at night...this 5K required me to put on my morning person cap...not one that fits all that well for me..:)  My goal was to shave some time off my world record pace of 59 minutes...haha!!  So Kristen was the official time keeper and co-walker.  There were probably close to 600 people or so in the race and not too many walkers...mostly runners!  For some reason...I had a little trouble getting my MOJO working..but...drum roll please...I completed the race close to 2 minutes faster than last time.  NEW WORLD FLUFFY GIRL RECORD!! 

Here are some post race pics:

 

 

Thanks Kristen for supporting the cause!!!  I appreciate it so much and thanks to Tone Tone for being the best cheerleader!!!  We missed  you Lindsey!!

 

 

It was great to accomplish another physical challenge!!  I am looking forward to more mini-goal challenges of all kinds!!! 

 

 

Thanks to everyone who has sent suggestions for mini-goals!  Much appreciated! 

 

 

I hope you all have a great Sunday!!!  See you tomorrow!

 

Here is the Christmas Song for the DAY!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aoFp0hfqko