They Say A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words

Well, they say, I'm not so sure...here's the before and the today. Several friends have asked where is your pic....here they are!

Today's pic (August 26, 2009) shows me in my first new, regular ladies sized outfit! Yep, I'm back and shopping at Dillard's again! Skippee Yippee!!

The close up actually shows that I'm beginning to discover a face under there! This has been a phenominal journey which began with all the requirements, testing, etc. back in July, 2008. March 12, 2009, I was banded at St. Luke's Hospital in Houston, Tx. My surgeon is Dr. Vadim Sherman, head of the DeBakey Bariatric Team there.

I'm looped into one of the latest and greatest medical establishments and complete team of professionals than I would ever have imagined! They are on 'top of it' constantly, keep a keen on me and my progress and always ask the right questions

Finally, I have myself into a routine of exercising five days a week...20 minutes with the English Bull Terrier and then 30 minutes back on the road, just me and the bike! I come in hot, sweaty and feeling like I had a workout. But, thanks to Mag-e, I get dressed first thing and we hit the road. Yeah for unconditional lovers!

For anyone reading this blog and thinking about weight issues and the possibility of doing it, all I can say is...go for it! It's constant, hard work...but the reward is life...and, life full of zest and desire to shake, rattle and roll! Don't sit and wonder if you can...go for it.

We all have one shot at life, best you give it your best shot today. Do I suffer for foods I used to live on? Nope. This is more than banding the tummy. It is a process and by the time you have worked through the weeks of liquids, pureed and soft foods...your mind has begun to shift gears! The major change is eating to live instead of living to eat and devour everything you think you want!

What do I eat? Well, today at noon, I dropped into Luby's and enjoyed a half portion of baked fish, some mashed tators and a little okra. I was full, happy and on my way. I don't drink with meals. As in the past where your liquid would wash food down, with the band, it will force it up and out. Long story...another time!

But, I've adjusted to that, I'm fine with it and continue to remain focused and dedicated to completing my goal. It's never going to be finished!! Weight and food intake is something we will deal with for the rest of our lives. No magic bullets, no easy way around it....but, normal blood sugars and blood pressure and all the rest....YOUR REWARD FOR A JOB WELL DONE!

Please, leave a comment if you wish. I often wonder what goes through all those great minds that read through this epistle!

Oh, drop by tonight, Michael's cooking Oriental flair! Yummmmm. Yes, I can eat anything, I just must choose the appropriate foods and amounts. It's a WIN-WIN...come on in, the water's fine!

Every Day, A New Day

It's Monday morning, ninish, I've just finished watching Danyl Johnson audition for American Idol judges! Watching that young teacher perform with the natural talent he possesses absolutely caused my arms to tingle. How exhilerating, to see someone step on the stage to pursue a dream.

I have several special cousins and friends who did that as well in life. They had a dream of doing something great, dug just enough coins from their pockets to get them to the first step and over the years, they have made it! And, yes, a couple, made it very big.

Dreams. That's something I never did a lot, even as a child. I'm not sure why...it was just that element missing within perhaps. Even today when someone says, "if you could travel anywhere in the world...or live anywhere in the world...or see anything in the world...what/where would it be"? My answer, I have no clue. Clueless and remarkably unexcited each time I'm confronted with such a question.

Life deals all sorts of hands on a regular basis. Sometimes, you get the best hand possible and for some reason, fold it without a second thought. I'm guilty of doing that over the years as well. Choices come in all different shapes and sizes, colors and hues and ultimate end results.

For whatever reasons, my journey has been a mixed bag. A few steps very rugged, some as smooth as silk, but always challenging in my mind. In past years, I delivered various 'workshops', sometimes to audiences of 1500. Regardless of their response throughout, their comments following, or their zestful 'thank you's' that was tremendous, I always walked away thinking, 'I missed the mark'!

I'm not sure why we do that to ourselves. But that small, inner voice sometimes commands our mind and our feelings and we give in far too easily. At 11 a.m. this morning, I see my PCP. It's time for bloodwork, face to face and general thoughts on this and that.

Following that appointment, I'll fill the day with oddities and return home to farm on FarmVille and shop on YoVille. Funny, we grow older and find interesting ways to 'fill time' and capture our 'fancy'. Excitement going on? No. Revelations coming to fruition? No. Just another day in the life and moving forward to see tomorrow arrive.

Yep, sometimes it's boring. Other times it's just status quo. But, our days are what we make them. Watching that young man on the stage this morning filled me with happiness. Yes, for him, knowing he has a complete new life ahead. How marvelous that we are all capable of stepping out and changing our life in some way.

My change is not as riveting as Danyl Johnsons's voice and natural body rythm in presentation...but, it's significant. I guess my one wish would be that I had done this years ago. Who knows, the new look, new attitude and new demeanor might have carried me miles further than I've traveled. I may have reached deep into my pockets to gather a few coins to have carried me to new places. Who knows?

Perhaps I would have been capable of 'dreaming' of things beyond belief and captured one more brass ring. As it is, I'm just very happy with myself, my hard work and my determination in this life changing process for me.

I hope all of you have captured or will attempt to capture marvelous things. Step out, choose door 1, 2 or 3 and go for it! Got any change in your pocket? It might carry you miles beyond belief.

Someone stated on the last blog, 'cute dog, but where's your picture'? We are going to take new pics soon, Michael says I look nothing like the last pics anyone has seen. So, say CHEESE!!!!!