Down to the Nitty Gritty

I attend a once a month meeting down at Baylor College of Med. It's on the first Thursday of each month, 11th floor conference room from 6-7 p.m. This last meeting was the most beneficial of all I've attended.
Lin Lin, our Nurtritionist, had enlisted a rep from Johnson and Johnson to come and tutor us in the computer program Realize My Success. It was great. I now know how to work every component of the program, thus, I'm planning my day of eating and tracking calories. I can also plug in whatever exercise I accomplish and it figures the amount of calories burned!
These days find me ultra active. The weather is gorgeous and my energy is high, so I'm on the go. Michael doesn't enjoy 'on the go' unless there's a purpose...so, I say later and hit the road most every day.
Yesterday I was in the mood to bowl again. We have a Wilson Road Bowl right near the house...off I went. I bowled alone for 45 minutes, worked up a sweat and enjoyed the activity. Scores were 148, crap, 169. It took me a while to figure their lanes out! Regardless, great movement.
The scale had dropped back to my old -46 mark. That was good. Hoping to see a slight drop again in the morning. I'm now holding tight to 1050-1200 calories per day. Since I have use of the program, it's easy...and, I've taken time to plug in my favorite things I use regularly so I have an accurate accounting for the day's intake.
Things I've learned:
lap band is exciting; lap band is not a magic key; lap band is a tremendous tool; the beat goes on and one must work hard to stay lean 'n mean on calorie count; eating tiny bites is the key; eating slowly and chewing forever a must; throwing up is not a fun experience; and....
the best thing I've learned is this -- my pouch is about the size of an egg. It takes very little food to FILL IT. Thus, really no hunger pains...and, I've learned to fill my time between meals with stuff rather than food.
Bottom line...there is NO QUICK FIX in the world and battle of weight. Determination, stick to itness and personal goals are what drive the beast! I have lost the 46 and I wish to lose 82 more.
Today, I began on the north side of Conroe at an Outlet Shopping Center. I ran into a Lane Bryant store and strolled in. Before I knew it, I had three new tops (big sale) and one of those is a Peasant Blouse. When I tried it on, I was smilin' like the Mississippi! 46 pounds ago, I would have looked like a beached whale in that top. Today, pretty dang good! BOUGHT IT!
From there, I surfed lots of places, coming back down to the Woodlands and making a couple of stops. I'm in the process of adding color to the kitchen and it's fun to browse and shop for eye catching things as we've all done forever.
Finally, around 4:15, I pulled back into the drive at home. One of the neatest things that happened today was at Home Goods. I heard a voice say, 'put that down lady' and I turned to see one of my old bestest buddies from Coordinator days. It was Sharon Sterchy, my counterpart from Aldine ISD. Wow! We were both so excited and the last she had seen of me was back in the Spring of 2002.
Yes, she was tickled too death at my appearance and she commented on how healthy I looked! We exchanged phone numbers and hugged again before parting to continue our stealth shopping!
There have been a few days that 'life 101' has infringed on my focus with my new challenge here. However, I've finally targeted some major things and have started carving my map and staying focused on my mission. Have I had some down days? Certainly. Have I been confused from other's adivce at times! Of course! Doesn't matter. I've finally come to know that this is my band, my mission and my decisions.
Success lies down the road, around the bend at the top of the hill where that big 'ol country house sat! During my teen years living on that farm, I was a skinny minny!! My map is leading me there again.
Stay tuned...and come along with me. We'll 'follow the yellow brick road, ah hah'!
Have a great Sunday and do something special for yourself!
Oh, one other thing. I finally bought a new 'over the shoulder bolder holder'!!! Yep, new bra! Now, tsk, you might say. Folks, it's 4" smaller than the old one and do THE GIRLS EVER STAND SO PROUD! lololololol I know, a little humor, but...come on!!! That's the breast, I mean best I can do at this hour!

Friday...and, so?

Nothing big going on. I've been on a plateua for a few weeks. Bored with that and aggravated. Made some changes three days ago and saw the first results this morning. Because of the band, I was taking in 5-6 small meals a day.
No, I have not ever gone back to nasty habits like fast food junk or bad things. But, I think all of us must be mindful of every morsel we slip between the lips for pleasure. I've taken me to three meals a day (basically, 4 oz. each maybe a little more on a good day) and one snack. I like to save that for night and television. Old habits die hard.
The game now is between mind and body. Gray matter has a way of eating away at you saying, it's time for a crunchy snack or something. So, the battle rages and I have finally put that under control with mind over matter.
There is no way I would ever back track with weight gain! My health is the prize and the energy I have again is tremendous. Now, if I had wealth, I'd be on the road most of the time seein' the sights! lolol
Things come and go each day. Trial and tribulation. Sometimes, those occur more often than we care to think about. Had a few of those in the past days. Guess I'm the better for any of it...I've become a person who 'grows' from each new thing that crosses my path.
Not too many complaints after a clean bill of health from my PCP last week and a clean bill of health on the eyes, one more time. I still use readers for the print and get aggravated at putting on taking off, but, ce la vie or "status quo"! After picking out a cool pair of glasses for a very slight script (if I wanna), the total came to $1016.00. Didn't take me long to look at 'that horse shoe"...old family joke!
Think about it -- a red hot horse shoe -- pick it up and SLAM IT DOWN!!! Ouch and ouch again!
This morning's nice surprise was ...
the 2-4 pounds I've been seesawing with for weeks....up, then down, then a little up, a little down....and, for the past several days...stuck at UP! Talk about frustrating.
This morning's delight...those 4 pounds were G O N E!
"The rain in Spain, stays mainly on the plainnnnn" -- I THINK I'VE GOT IT!!
Have a nice Friday and a nicer weekend!

Memorial Day

Well, it's been a day in the 'life of'. Nothing exciting, just the same stuff. Still stuck...and, just as a catch up for the readers...yesterday was VOTING DAY!

Yep, everything that went down, came BACK UP FOR VOTE! Uggghhh....oh well, nuff said. Don't have to fret over calories this way! Today, two things have stayed down. Perhaps I'll get to enjoy the evening meal as well. If not, fruite smoothies are wonderful, icey and a treat!

It doesn't matter. After the first few weeks and episodes of coming 'backatcha' a few times, food seems to lose all importance. I watch the food channel now and look at things thinking, nope, it'd just come back...too stubborn...the band, that is.

Anyhow, hope all had a nice day. Catch ya on the flip flop!

My Little Heartbeat

Several who read this blog know this little happy guy!

Percy, my little white 'angel boy' came to me in April, 2000. He has been my 'heartbeat', my buddy, my best friend and the greatest therapy anyone could wish for. After living with me for her final 27 years, my sweet mother passed in March, 2000.

Approximately one month later, I bought this little guy, weighing two pounds and able to fit in the palm of my hand. Now he hasn't just been a pet. This bundle of joy took me through some dark days filled with more grief than one should face.

For that reason, Percy and I have been connected to each other's heart like no other dog I've ever owned! Folks, that's saying a lot! Life's twists are so strange. Five years ago I dealt with heart issues and congestive heart failure. Not today...it's behind me and I have my health back. Two years ago, that little guy developed issues with congestive heart failure.

He's been on heart med and diuretics for many, many months. I had begun to notice a change in his gait, his activity and his breathing. And, about six months ago, he started sitting like a LITTLE BEAR BOY almost 24/7. Yes, we're tight!

We saw Dr. Key yesterday morning, our 'ol friend and vet for many years. According to him, Percy's health is failing and all of these 'things' he does now is to help him breathe easier. I stood there with tears running down my cheeks as Dr. Key talked about his heart and all. Finally, I asked, 'in medical terms on a scale of 1-10, where is he right now'? Mike dropped his head and slowly looked up at me as he said, 'he's a three, it's not good'.

According to Mike, I must decide if I'm now doing this for ME or for PERCY. His little dog life has not been quality for a long time now and it's declining rapidly. Many thoughts raced through my mind as I drove home. Most of all, I don't want my 'heartbeat' to suffer. A big decision lies ahead. And, yes, he's just a pet, but my pets have all been far more than 'just a pet'. And, remember, this little guy brought me back into life after a great loss in life.

As I ponder this situation, somehow I query, 'how is that Percy developed the same issues I was dealing with? How is it that suddenly, my life has been restored to new levels and his life is now in decline? Was that just random events or can there be more to this puzzle'? I'm not sure to be honest. All I know is that a faithful pet will go any extra mile for the owner he's devoted to.

No, there will be no quick action taken here. It's a game now of keep him comfortable, watch him daily to see what else changes and go from there. You see, his balance is not what it used to be either. If he stumbles and falls on his side, he fights and claws the air frantically to 'right' himself to no avail. Percy is my heartbeat and somehow, I think he literally took over my issues to give me a second chance.

Probably sounds 'way out there' to some who read this column, but matters not. As I've struggled yesterday and today over his doctor's report, I visited my PCP for the first time since December, 08. HE WAS BLOWN AWAY! It's enchanting to see a doctor's face light up and the biggest 'ol smile break across his lips!

All of my blood work was tremendous. Everything is in the right place number wise and I've been officially removed from diabetic status, diabetic meds and blood pressure meds! Dr. Rogers and I celebrated with big HIGH FIVE when he pronounced me normal.

That's what this is all about! Life changing. Life giving. My heart sags heavily though over my little Percyman. Life long attachment to a pet is a tough row to hoe when the weather gets stormy. I celebrate, I anguish. I laugh, I cry. I look forwad to the coming months, I dread the coming weeks.

And who knows...he may outlive us all. His name came from a special place. Two days before our mother passed, she raised her head and starred intently at the foot of her bed. She did this two times in a row as I sat beside her sterile bed in the hospital room. We were in the hospital for eight of the longest weeks of my life. I was studying her profile knowing her days were numbered.

After her intense stare, I stood and said, 'mother, who were you looking at'? She muttered, lack of air, 'percy'...I said, 'WHO'? You see, there was no Percy in our family and no Percy in our lives! If you're on the same page, you've already arrived. I think Percy was an Angel who had come to ready her for the coming hours. Those were about the last words she uttered prior to that late Thursday afternoon.

And, so, Percy, my little white angel boy, had a purpose in his beautiful life. He has served it well and far beyond the call. I shall see him through until whenever and speak sweet dog things to him. After all, he understands many, many words and thoughts!

Until the time is upon us, he will feel the gentle touch of my hands, hear familiar words in voice and get premium hugs throughout the days. What a pleasure he has been...and what a job he has done! And, it has all been due to unconditional love for his master...we have literally traveled many, many miles together. His shining moment was as we fled the hurricane two years ago.

He lay in the passenger seat on his soft bed pillow...he understood something was wrong...but he took his lead from my smile each time he lifted his heavy eyelids to check me out. It took us 16 hours to travel 67 miles to Huntsville. He asked to potty once after we had been inching our way along...nine hours after we left our home!! A smart fella!

One step at a time. One day at a time. Whatever comes around the next bend in the road, we'll deal with it and move forward. I hope your health is good, your heart is happy and your will to survive, endless.

You Should've Seen It in Color

Paint horses...my first love as a little Annie Oakley! If you're not familiar with paint horses, they come in various colors. The foal to the left is called a "Toby" or TOBIANO.

This is due to the fact that his dark color breaks and does not run from head to tail down the top of his back. The stallion on the right is called OVERO. My most favorite and very 'flashy' hunk 'o horse flesh!

On the farm, I had my first intro to a horse just as I turned 6. He was crippled with arhtritis, blazing sorrel color from stem to stern and as gentle as a southern breeze. The family who owned him for years had allowed seven children to abuse him. They ran him on pavement over the course of a very long time.

Now Blaze, to me, was heaven sent. He was a horse. He was mine. I didn't care. Learning to ride him prepared me for future experiences with horses. As soon as bus #25 pulled up at the foot of the long, gravel drive, I hit the ground running! A change of clothes, a change of mind and out the back door. Once haltered and bridled, off we went. 300 acres and me and Blaze! Extremely wonderful!

Lives change, people move and the focus shifts shapes many times over. In 1984, I was so fortunate to have an opportunity to train and show paint horses!! It couldn't have been any better...my love, my passion and my chance to prove I could train a 'push button' horse for the ring. And, I did. However, during the third year I threw my hat in the ring!

I started with a filly and a mare in foal. Three years later, I was in charge of two stallion babies, a young mare and Mama Luck! Too many horses for one chic to wrangle. So, that piece of life passed on by.

However, when Mama Luck foaled that first little stallion, Norfleet's Cody, WHAM!!! He popped into the world looking as those someone had taken a bucket of red paint and splashed all over him! That baby was the cutest, liveliest creature I'd seen. On the farm, babies of all kinds, shapes and sizes. But, never a baby horse!

During the afternoon when I visited the barn, I'd take Mama Luck and Cody and turn them loose in the round pen (a pen used for training direction, gaits, etc.) That mare loved her foal to inth degree and put up with more sass from him than you could imagine.

I watched in awe many times as she lay down in the middle of the pen to allow her baby the freedom of play, knowing right where his mama was. He'd romp and play, run and kick his back leg as high in the air as he could and finally, move in on her. He run full blast, skid to a screeching halt and flare his cute nostrils. Suddenly, the air was filled with the whinney of baby stallion! Look out world!!

After carefully 'scenting' her for a few seconds, he'd rear, landing his two front hooves atop her broad belly. During that moment, that baby was KING OF HIS WORLD!! Slowly, he'd let his hooves slide over the edge of her tummy as his belly slid over the top of her. Then he gallop away to find something new and mysterious!

To see the devotion, affection and unconditional love shared between animals has a powerful effect on me. They teach us so much each time we allow ourselves to stand and appreciate their world. You see, The Horse Whisperer truly understands the majestic way of a horse. It's not about 'breaking their spirit' or causing them to succomb to a heavy hand. Training those animals has an art to it and as you care for them, they teach tremendous life lessons.

Cody was the "king of his world" any day he chose to be. And, his devoted mother allowed him the freedom to explore, learn and be a baby horse! Any new, strange noises, horses or voices caused doubt in his little mind. In order to make friends with him, I would kneel on both knees and talk in a sing-song rythm, cooing him and making friends with him. Trust was the key.

The way a horse's eye is made, for a little fellow looking at a big 'ol grown up, he has no chance in the world! A person is mangified through his lense and that lends to fear and escape mode. However, kneeling, you become as small as he is...charming...causing his inquisitive spirit to control.

I worked hard with the horses and loved every minute of it. When they were hauled away in the big trailer, it was somewhat sad to me. But, life moved forward and I had one more 'chapter' in a rock 'n roll life!

Haven't had horses since the mid 80's, probably won't again. But, in life, we replace things as easily as we let go of others. Bowling with Michael has been a priority in the past two years. Nope, I'm no expert...more like just a 'spurt'!! But, I have fun and socialize (imagine that) with all the old folks. We bowl on Tuesday's with the 'Ol Timers and trust me, I'm a baby!

But they've all been so supportive, cheering me on each week with my new found life and goal. Today was our end of year bar b que. Yes, I ate a little and was full instantly. They give out awards, patches, trophies, etc. And, then, the Secretary of the League said, 'last year, we had 'sweetheart' from our group. I decided we needed to that again today. If Pat Beard would come up here..." I was shocked.

I was also pleased. That is a group of about 100 folks who have become dear friends. They appreciate my smile, my 'hi, how are ya today', my empathy in heartbreaking news of loss, etc. I've just been me and it's another time where someone has been 'taking notes'. Many hugs have been passed out and many fun stories shared with anyone (dontcha know) who'll listen.

They put a crown on my head and gave me a beautiful plant. And, after Vanita hugged me and shared my success thus far with banding, I paused, threw my arms out to my sides and began to sing and dance... A PRETTY GIRLLLLLLLLLL, IS LIKE A MELODYYYYYYYYY....and as they chuckled and applauded, I returned to my safe harbor at the table with Michael.

Yep, THE SWEETHEART! Go figure! Be careful in your daily lives. Everyone is watching, someone is making note and another is modeling after you! I hope you are a positive influence in someone's special life!

A Gentle Nudge Today

I spent most of the day over in Clear Lake. Aunt Lois, age 98, is experiencing some of her most challenging days and nights. It had been a while since I was there, simply due to neglect on my part....busy life, you know? NOT! Just hadn't put her in the priority list.

Upon arrival, she was being tended to by Hospice folks. When I finally got up to her bed I leaned over and said, 'hello Aunt Lois, it's Pat. I came down from Humble today to cheer you up'! Not really able to focus these days, she listened intently. Several minutes later she said, 'I want her here'. Nancy, her daughter, turned and said, 'mother wants you back up there by her, she recognized you'!

That pleased me. Come to find out, I was the first one she had recognized in many weeks, other than Nancy! She was always special to me and now, I feel sure, I was special to her as well. I began sharing memories, just talking as she lay quietly on her pillow, her frail body limp, propped by pillows as the gentle sound of the oxygen concentrator hummed with the constant, slow....shhhhh/pop.......shhhhh/pop.

As she lay beneath the thin sheet and blanket, listlessly, her head turned slightly towards the sound of my voice...I just began to talk, knowing that she could hear and possibly comprehend some words. I spoke of an old photo I have of her, age 64 at the time taken, in her black body suit and leggings. There was a period of time where she had to visit Figure World daily to keep her joints functioning properly. At 64, she was lookin' dang good in them leotards!!

Describing the picture and speaking of our old home in Waco, Texas, I ended the story and let loose a gentle, but "Pat" kind of laugh. Within a few seconds after she heard that, her mouth flew open and she began to laugh out loud!!! Nancy was in awe. She turned and smiled as she heard her mother's laughter and said to me, 'that's why I was so glad to see you come in the room today, you are the only person who can make mother laugh'!

Aunt Lois then slipped into a very restful slumber, free of any visible signs of pain, gently lifting her chest with each soft breath. Nancy's son, Doug, had arrived and the three of us went to lunch. They chose Mexican...it's been months since I entered a Mexican restaurant, but I was delighted. Following their orders, I chose one chicken fajita enchilada. Most of my lunch was talking, when all was said and done, 3/4 of my enchilada was gone. I was full!

Doug had owned a men's store on the strand prior to IKE. IKE rolled in, leaving 10' high water marks on the walls of his beautiful men's store. They had rescued items, cleaned/laundered them and had a rummage sale around the 1st of October. The end of his business. Since that time, he's been searching for a new career.

Little did he know that he can pursue a teaching career through various entities offering Alternative Certification. We had a lengthy discussion about those possibilities, I put him in touch with iteach and somehow, I had brought 'light' into several lives this day. As I drove back to Humble my thoughts reflected on all of the day's events.

For family to hug, kiss on the cheek and say thank you for making our lives better today...what else can you hope for? My new found health, energy and outlook on life has once again primed me for 'good' things in life. Life is far more than issues and monetary considerations. All I did today was share love, offer a smile and let the sound of unadulterated laughter roll through the air.

I offered insight, perhaps gave direction to a young man's life and came home feeling almost euphoric. Am I still saddened by the picture in my mind...a very special, yet frail Aunt lying in her bed clinging to life not yet ready to depart...yes, I am. However, regardless of what tomorrow brings, I discovered the value of family, past memories and experiences and the ability to brighten spirits!

There was no way I could know last July, 2008 that my PCP was giving the gift of life back to me on that hot, July afternoon. His decision for my bariatric surgery changed the course of my life and altered as well as renewed my abilities to touch others lives. This night I am enriched and thankful for family ties.

It had been a long time since I had shared time with family like that. Matters not. Their parting words were, 'we're family, we're here for you any time you need us...we love you'. What a nice ending to a special visit.

Love your family, stay in touch. As for friends from long ago or the ones you met yesterday, slow down and do one special thing for them ever so. You never know what your kindness, a shared word or thought or a very minor act of random kindness might strike in their heart. We all struggle with issues, the recession has set many 'back on their heels' and some days just aren't diamonds!

Regardless, look for a rainbow in every day.
Learn to DANCE IN THE RAIN!

And always remember --

LAUGHTER IS THE MUSIC OF THE SOUL!!!!!!!! Celebrate life with each new dawn!