At 17, as did other teenagers, I believed I was immune to any threats or physical ailments. Thus, the summer before my senior year, several of us travelled to Lake Waco to spend many hours in the hottest part of the day! Fun. Were we smart! Well, not me.
Playing on inner tubes, going far out from shore...doing stupid tricks in the deepest waters, it really never dawned on me that the beaming sun was 'cooking my fair skin!' Sizzle, pop and sear a little more as the one o'clock sun beamed down. I kept having fun and kept refusing any suntanning products! I DIDN'T NEED THEM!
Wrong.
By the time I arrived home, clear blisters had risen all across the top of my back and shoulders. Ouchy! Was I ever in misery! I spent three days in my front bedroom, topless, on a mattress in the floor with a fan blowing on me! Completey suffering and in anguish, that was the day I decided to be a little smarter in most cases!
Life experiences have prepped us all and taught us many lessons. Thank goodness for patient parents and loving parents. They'd been there, done that and knew it was our turn to do so. I'm not sure that any person has led a completely perfect life without making any wrong turns! That especially addresses me.
Tremendous successes have lighted my path and some of the shadowy areas on my life path were there due to my choices. We have choices to make and more often than not (thank goodness)...I've stayed true to the best course. However, even as an adult, we are not immune to life's pranks and downfalls.
It's been a crazy, amazing year for me. I had Lap Band, lost weight, regained excellent health and determined a divorce was the path I should choose. The road less travelled by many, but, still perhaps a little FM road. It'll getcha where ya need to go next!
Since that time, tremendous changes have occurred with me. My grocery bill has zoomed to 'zip' so to speak. I treat myself with an 8 ounce Coke Zero once a day. Thus, one bottle of Coke Zero lasts me a week. Cost? .99. Past months have seen more than 250 Diet Dr. Peppers come through the door and some other liquids...running close to $300 a month just for liquids.
Alongside the food changes and visits to the market...I've been working the house over. I've given things away, taken things to Goodwill, sold things on the local sale listing and have been cleaning out and rearranging stuff here and there. It's a very different feeling. It's the freedom to return to my tastes in my home and place some cute pics of great nieces and nephews here and there. I love seeing those sweet personalities looking at me today.
I've reconnected with cousins in the League City area and out on the lake. It's a great feeling to reunite after a four year absence to hear someone say, 'you are still family and we've shared everything with you ...you are family and we're glad to have you back.' Ignoring family for an extended period of time for me is one of the greatest challenges faced.
My mother was one who made sure we stayed in touch, got in touch, initiated touch, went to the showers, graduations, parties, reunions, etc. I grew up in her shadow where family carried a tremendous marker. Life, family, friends and, of course,the Lord are what makes our worlds revolve.
The changes have been steady in the past week. Spaces in my home are cleaner than they've been in years! New colors and styles are appearing and the freedom to do whatever in the world awaits is wonderful.
It had been a very long time since I had been out after 4 pm in the afternoon. Now, if I'm out running after that hour or at 8 o'clock at night...I'm whistlin' dixie!! Yessss....it's called life and I'm living it again.
The support from friends and family has been outstanding and means so much to me. And, after the first week, I'm now getting a track on my food, eating, amounts, etc. It takes very little a few times a day....I'm content, but no, not four stomachs and I don't chew my cudd!!!
I've been invited out to the lake tomorrow with Mary and her family. Another fun day of relaxing on the wonderful deck and looking out over their park like backyard and the inlet of water that flows past their property. Trees, birds, wind and nuthin' but time.
Life 101! I'm excelling in it!
About Me
- txspatter
- Humble, Texas, United States
- Retired educator, retired freelance photographer, retired life. I loved the classroom, laughter of the students, small successes that made them glow and the feeling of 'family' among faculty. However, job done and on to new things. Life was on 'cruise control' until March, 2004...and then, there was a halting screech, lung and heart issues and physicians galore. But, I beat the odds and HERE I AM...STILL HUFFIN' AND PUFFIN'!!! Let's see where this leads.....
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
A Life Experience/Lesson...A G A I N!! lololol
It's been an interesting six months. My life has taken a new direction...I am officially divorced as of 9 a.m. this morning! The frightening part of the process...had to wait 60 days after filing and the actually divorce took place in the associate Judge's Chamber in 5 minutes. He said, "It's uncontested, what would you like me to do?"
I smiled in shock and replied, "Grant me a divorce????" He said, "done, but let me read through the stipulations."
I recovered my name, Patricia E F..and have been busy, cleaning house, putting things in order, bagging stuff for Goodwill, giving things to my yardman and replacing wall hangings that have been boxed for four years. What can I say, it's me...things I love...but, getting back into 'the groove of life."
There have been dips and dives, ups and downs, ins and outs over the past months, but they are now 'water under my bridge.' I had a concerned Aunt phone me with a somber tone and I said, "stop!" "Celebrate this event...it was for the best." That shocked her and we went on talking. I told her, "after all, I waited a lifetime to marry, so I had to hurry and divorce so I could say, been there, done that!"
Anyhow, life is what we make it. I'm making my peace, love and joy. I have always been a people person and guess what? Still am. The exception to this 'go round' is my lapband!! I'm a healthy woman with a zest for life!
What will she do, you query? I'll keep on livin' and remind everyone that I'm not dead, just took a different path. Will she start dating...not so at the moment. I'm catching my breath. Will she get back on dating sites....not at all. Remember, I have friends from the past...and all of my old acquaintences, friends and family have been patient, kind and supportive....
You know me, don't be surprised at what comes rolling around the corner. I do have a very special friend in California.
We now talk and have fun texting....and, one day, me thinks he will relocate in Texas. That's a good thing...cause "IF IT AIN'T TEXAS...IT AIN'T!' right? lololol
I"ll keep ya posted on future developments with whatever! Today, I know I'm a happy woman, full of life and doing whatever I desire. Spent many hours bumming around my favorite stores today. For my personal gift to me...found a very attractive, framed work that reads..'FAMILY AND FRIENDS GATHER HERE." Yeppers, that's for certain.
My family has always been known to have an open door, warm heart, good food and a used Welcome Mat. That, folks, hasn't changed! She's MOVIN' ON UP ... gettin' down and boot scottin' 'n boogi-n!!!
"Don't Cry for Me ARgentina" as Madonna sang in the wonderful broadway musical. Celebrate a new beginning, a fast paced start and a peaceful heart! That's what my life's about.
A word to the wise...don't let life drag you down into the pits! Do something about it and keep your eyes on a new horizon. There are more exciting things to see and do...it's what makes the world go round!
Hugs to all...keep them phone calls and text messages comin'....got a new Blackberry and absolutely love it.
LIFE 101...gotta luv it!
By the way...going through a divorce, uncontested, means you puruse all the legal paperwork, go to the Courthouse to file, speak with the volunteer lawyer in the basement and anger them that you used Legal Zoom and feel your way around until you stumble in the right door and walk up to the right little cubby hole to shout your wishes. I hate those things!
And, you have to almost undress to get in...be quiet in the courtroom and wait for the man with the gun to motion you to come forward and see the Court Clerk. It's an experience to sit in the courtroom and watch all the people in action. Just made me know I neva want to be hauled into court for a crime!! So, you're all safe!!
Oh, I was told to be there this morning at 8:30 to sign the 'list'! I was there at 7:30 because, for some reason, the traffic was non-existent at the early hour. Very strange for Houston! So, I arrive, hesitate at that 'special room'...cause ya know it's nerve-racking...and move on down the hall to the 246th Court! I walk into the little alcove, grab the handle, pullllll to open and the door said BAMMMMMMN. Oops, it was locked! Sorry! So, I backed off, sat in the hall on a hard bench and waited until 8:30 for the door to open.
The Judge and his 'helpers' were discussing a wedding he had attended. The wedding cost the parents $60,000. The flowers alone, were $10,000. The Judge said, "if they'd called me, I would have done the flowers for half that!" It was a hoot seeing the personalities of them all.
Then, he went and put his robe on! Shhhhhhhhh. Suddenly, it was a courtroom and back to business. I thought, what if stand to read the Prove Up to him and I get a tickle in my throat? What if I can't pronounce this one big word right? What if I sound nervous? Holy cow, where'd did all these people and their lawyers come from, this was my courtroom. Yipes!
But, I got banned to the little chamber across the hall. THANNK YOU, YOUR HONOR!!!
Dance in the rain, live like you were dying and let the wind blow through your mind!
Me
I smiled in shock and replied, "Grant me a divorce????" He said, "done, but let me read through the stipulations."
I recovered my name, Patricia E F..and have been busy, cleaning house, putting things in order, bagging stuff for Goodwill, giving things to my yardman and replacing wall hangings that have been boxed for four years. What can I say, it's me...things I love...but, getting back into 'the groove of life."
There have been dips and dives, ups and downs, ins and outs over the past months, but they are now 'water under my bridge.' I had a concerned Aunt phone me with a somber tone and I said, "stop!" "Celebrate this event...it was for the best." That shocked her and we went on talking. I told her, "after all, I waited a lifetime to marry, so I had to hurry and divorce so I could say, been there, done that!"
Anyhow, life is what we make it. I'm making my peace, love and joy. I have always been a people person and guess what? Still am. The exception to this 'go round' is my lapband!! I'm a healthy woman with a zest for life!
What will she do, you query? I'll keep on livin' and remind everyone that I'm not dead, just took a different path. Will she start dating...not so at the moment. I'm catching my breath. Will she get back on dating sites....not at all. Remember, I have friends from the past...and all of my old acquaintences, friends and family have been patient, kind and supportive....
You know me, don't be surprised at what comes rolling around the corner. I do have a very special friend in California.
We now talk and have fun texting....and, one day, me thinks he will relocate in Texas. That's a good thing...cause "IF IT AIN'T TEXAS...IT AIN'T!' right? lololol
I"ll keep ya posted on future developments with whatever! Today, I know I'm a happy woman, full of life and doing whatever I desire. Spent many hours bumming around my favorite stores today. For my personal gift to me...found a very attractive, framed work that reads..'FAMILY AND FRIENDS GATHER HERE." Yeppers, that's for certain.
My family has always been known to have an open door, warm heart, good food and a used Welcome Mat. That, folks, hasn't changed! She's MOVIN' ON UP ... gettin' down and boot scottin' 'n boogi-n!!!
"Don't Cry for Me ARgentina" as Madonna sang in the wonderful broadway musical. Celebrate a new beginning, a fast paced start and a peaceful heart! That's what my life's about.
A word to the wise...don't let life drag you down into the pits! Do something about it and keep your eyes on a new horizon. There are more exciting things to see and do...it's what makes the world go round!
Hugs to all...keep them phone calls and text messages comin'....got a new Blackberry and absolutely love it.
LIFE 101...gotta luv it!
By the way...going through a divorce, uncontested, means you puruse all the legal paperwork, go to the Courthouse to file, speak with the volunteer lawyer in the basement and anger them that you used Legal Zoom and feel your way around until you stumble in the right door and walk up to the right little cubby hole to shout your wishes. I hate those things!
And, you have to almost undress to get in...be quiet in the courtroom and wait for the man with the gun to motion you to come forward and see the Court Clerk. It's an experience to sit in the courtroom and watch all the people in action. Just made me know I neva want to be hauled into court for a crime!! So, you're all safe!!
Oh, I was told to be there this morning at 8:30 to sign the 'list'! I was there at 7:30 because, for some reason, the traffic was non-existent at the early hour. Very strange for Houston! So, I arrive, hesitate at that 'special room'...cause ya know it's nerve-racking...and move on down the hall to the 246th Court! I walk into the little alcove, grab the handle, pullllll to open and the door said BAMMMMMMN. Oops, it was locked! Sorry! So, I backed off, sat in the hall on a hard bench and waited until 8:30 for the door to open.
The Judge and his 'helpers' were discussing a wedding he had attended. The wedding cost the parents $60,000. The flowers alone, were $10,000. The Judge said, "if they'd called me, I would have done the flowers for half that!" It was a hoot seeing the personalities of them all.
Then, he went and put his robe on! Shhhhhhhhh. Suddenly, it was a courtroom and back to business. I thought, what if stand to read the Prove Up to him and I get a tickle in my throat? What if I can't pronounce this one big word right? What if I sound nervous? Holy cow, where'd did all these people and their lawyers come from, this was my courtroom. Yipes!
But, I got banned to the little chamber across the hall. THANNK YOU, YOUR HONOR!!!
Dance in the rain, live like you were dying and let the wind blow through your mind!
Me
Saturday, May 22, 2010
The Wee Hours of the Morning
Life has lots of twists and turns. Some days we travel a seemingly straight path, no hiccups, no issues, no out of the ordinary events. It's smooth sailing on a crystal blue sea, calm as glass splattering impressive reflections back in your face.
Other times, we fidget, the path has many challenges, almost like a maze and regardless of how much in control we feel we are...we're not for that day. This night is one of those times for me. Dealing with RLS (restless leg syndrome) presents it's ugly head ever so and it wins hands down.
Forgetting to pick up the refill on the meds for this beast has cost me an entire night's rest and peace. In the wee hours, I signed up for the least expensive Netflix offer, watched The Proposal on my 27" monitor and slowly began cleaning out desk drawers that were overflowing with junk and more junk.
As I sifted through 'stuff' in one of deep-pocketed drawers, laying on the very bottom, tucked neatly back in the corner, I found a 'Happy Mother's Day' card given me by my mother and dated May, 1994. No, I've never been a mother, except as a classroom teacher with hundreds of students....but, she always shared her day with me in a special way.
The card contains a beautiful verse about a daughter and she encapsulated the entire effort in her own words and handwriting:
"You are so special I can't even think of enough ways to thank you or love you. Keep on being you!"
Love,
Mother
Sometimes we get busy in the art of life and fail to recognize some of our strengths and inner most desires or thoughts. At those particular times, it certainly enhances our self thought when we accidentally stumble upon a lasting memory.
The past months have offered many unique challenges in this life. I've been high on a mountain-top and down in the lowest of valleys some days. Although the rythm changes somewhat, we still manage to make our way to the next marker and start over. Due to life changes this spring, I have discovered various things about myself.
I have become a stronger person after dealing with various issues. My change began with my lap band surgery in March, 2009. Once I stepped into that spotlight, my health returned, my energy level kicked up to mach speed and my desire for living life hit an all-time high. A few days ago, someone approached me in the grocery store saying, 'are you Pat Freedman?' I turned with a smile and said, 'that's me'...and she sighed a relief saying, 'well, I saw you and thought it was you, but I wasn't sure.'
Those words were music to my ears. The last time that friend had seen me, I was about 55 pounds heavier. That encounter was the highlight of that day and enabled me to realize I have been successful.
Throughout the past year, I've had family and friends who have been my cheerleaders, my sideline coaches, my ego trip andmore. Without those folks, my life would be stagnant. You see, being a people person means I give and get in return from them. To me, that's what life's about. We enrich our minds daily with passing nods, comments, how are you's and more. Thus, I will always be in the crowd smiling and chatting. Many times, we help others more than they help us, but, it's life in the simplest form.
I will soon be single again. Another 'run' at life, in a different direction. Although my marriage did not work to ultimate good, it was a life changing experience and I have grown deep and wide from the experience. Being single again does not imply failure nor giving in to life. It means, new beginnings, new experiences, new friends and more.
One of life's easiest avenues is that of 'quitting' ... a cheap cop out in my opinion. We have no way of knowing what the future holds in store, but we have the ability to grab the brass ring and make it the best ride of our lives. That's me...no regrets, no stumbling blocks...simply a giant wall of 'life's building blocks' for me.
I'm thankful for friends and family being around during all of this experience. From the experience of marriage, to banding and now, divorce, I've grown stronger in many ways thanks to you, being there.
I'm not sure how 'special' I really am, but my sweet mother declared it so. And, really, my mother didn't have to 'thank' me for anything. It was my pleasure sharing a fun life with her and watching her grow into her twilight years as a happy senior adult, a lover of life and family and a gal who loved her chocolate!!!
The best I can do as I come into my 62nd birthday in September...KEEP ON BEING ME!!! I'll see ya on one of life's paths in the very near future!
Other times, we fidget, the path has many challenges, almost like a maze and regardless of how much in control we feel we are...we're not for that day. This night is one of those times for me. Dealing with RLS (restless leg syndrome) presents it's ugly head ever so and it wins hands down.
Forgetting to pick up the refill on the meds for this beast has cost me an entire night's rest and peace. In the wee hours, I signed up for the least expensive Netflix offer, watched The Proposal on my 27" monitor and slowly began cleaning out desk drawers that were overflowing with junk and more junk.
As I sifted through 'stuff' in one of deep-pocketed drawers, laying on the very bottom, tucked neatly back in the corner, I found a 'Happy Mother's Day' card given me by my mother and dated May, 1994. No, I've never been a mother, except as a classroom teacher with hundreds of students....but, she always shared her day with me in a special way.
The card contains a beautiful verse about a daughter and she encapsulated the entire effort in her own words and handwriting:
"You are so special I can't even think of enough ways to thank you or love you. Keep on being you!"
Love,
Mother
Sometimes we get busy in the art of life and fail to recognize some of our strengths and inner most desires or thoughts. At those particular times, it certainly enhances our self thought when we accidentally stumble upon a lasting memory.
The past months have offered many unique challenges in this life. I've been high on a mountain-top and down in the lowest of valleys some days. Although the rythm changes somewhat, we still manage to make our way to the next marker and start over. Due to life changes this spring, I have discovered various things about myself.
I have become a stronger person after dealing with various issues. My change began with my lap band surgery in March, 2009. Once I stepped into that spotlight, my health returned, my energy level kicked up to mach speed and my desire for living life hit an all-time high. A few days ago, someone approached me in the grocery store saying, 'are you Pat Freedman?' I turned with a smile and said, 'that's me'...and she sighed a relief saying, 'well, I saw you and thought it was you, but I wasn't sure.'
Those words were music to my ears. The last time that friend had seen me, I was about 55 pounds heavier. That encounter was the highlight of that day and enabled me to realize I have been successful.
Throughout the past year, I've had family and friends who have been my cheerleaders, my sideline coaches, my ego trip andmore. Without those folks, my life would be stagnant. You see, being a people person means I give and get in return from them. To me, that's what life's about. We enrich our minds daily with passing nods, comments, how are you's and more. Thus, I will always be in the crowd smiling and chatting. Many times, we help others more than they help us, but, it's life in the simplest form.
I will soon be single again. Another 'run' at life, in a different direction. Although my marriage did not work to ultimate good, it was a life changing experience and I have grown deep and wide from the experience. Being single again does not imply failure nor giving in to life. It means, new beginnings, new experiences, new friends and more.
One of life's easiest avenues is that of 'quitting' ... a cheap cop out in my opinion. We have no way of knowing what the future holds in store, but we have the ability to grab the brass ring and make it the best ride of our lives. That's me...no regrets, no stumbling blocks...simply a giant wall of 'life's building blocks' for me.
I'm thankful for friends and family being around during all of this experience. From the experience of marriage, to banding and now, divorce, I've grown stronger in many ways thanks to you, being there.
I'm not sure how 'special' I really am, but my sweet mother declared it so. And, really, my mother didn't have to 'thank' me for anything. It was my pleasure sharing a fun life with her and watching her grow into her twilight years as a happy senior adult, a lover of life and family and a gal who loved her chocolate!!!
The best I can do as I come into my 62nd birthday in September...KEEP ON BEING ME!!! I'll see ya on one of life's paths in the very near future!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Me Before...Just A Reminder
It's interesting to look 'back' a couple of days before my banding. I was filled with fluid, uncomfortable, sluggish and dying. No, really. I had very little o2 circulating, could not walk a small flight of stairs and ate everything that didn't eat me first!
I wanted to give you the real past to compare. One year to one year. Wow, what a difference a year makes and how life changes. Alllllll for the betterrrrrrr.
And, still working on ME! That's my job! A fun job however!
I'm so glad I'm closer to ONE FACE!! It was really round!!!
I wanted to give you the real past to compare. One year to one year. Wow, what a difference a year makes and how life changes. Alllllll for the betterrrrrrr.
And, still working on ME! That's my job! A fun job however!
I'm so glad I'm closer to ONE FACE!! It was really round!!!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Dancing in the Rain
My life changed June, 2008 when I happened upon the most fantastic PCP at Baylor College of Med. The picture on the left is one year after Lap Band...March 12, 2010. The picture on the right is December, 2009.
Yes, I was huge prior to surgery and in very poor health. But, the greatest life changing event ever happened and my world turned upside down. Never say never and never doubt the sound advice of a professional you trust.
This has been the greatest journey I have ever experienced. No regrets. No doubts and certainly no chance of 'going back' from whence I came. Good health has graced me again, giving me a new chance at life. Yes, my energy level is very high, my walking ability is fantastic and my mind has shifted to the 'healthier me' and keeping it that way.
I've been proud to know that I have friends and relatives who have gone this route after seeing me and understanding the value of it. I'm proud for them...for they are moving into a new, refreshing life they've not known in a while.
I have friends who have experienced by-pass, band and the sleeve, long before my banding...and, they have been a great support for me. I am still working on another 50 pounds in this year. It is slower with the band, but, I love my band. Well, except for the past two days when it had a mind of it's own and didn't want anything passing into my pouch.
Yes, I said pouch...about the size of a large egg intended to hold 4 ounces to a cup and a half at a meal. The end. Limited intake and making healthy choices have been the key to success. Not sure where I'd be today had I not run into Dr. Rogers, but, let's not go there.
I'm here, I'm healthy, I'm happy, I'm active and I'm livin' and luvin' life. What more could I want? Travel, fun, new experiences...all of the above! There's nothing holding me back any longer, so, it's time to begin planning.
Life changes are exciting. I have a feeling I have more of those ahead and perhaps they will out do the banding. But, I'll guarantee you this...it'll be fun finding out and discovering those things.
I hope anyone having family or friends who have battled weight forever (and lost) will share this blog with those individuals. All it takes is a desire, courage and willingness to take that first step. The rest is a PIECE OF CAKE!!!! NOT. Just a phrase.
Life's too short to be bound by fat. There's too much laughter to be had in this 'ol world...and, it's never too late to make the most of it and DANCE IN THE RAIN! Speaking of...since I began my walking program, I have walked in the rain, walked in freezing temps and walked in the hot sun. Who cares...I'm walking for my life!
No longer am I LIVING TO EAT...I'M EATING TO LIVE.
Think about that! It's a big difference.
I don't post here as often, but I will continue over time. I wish to say a personal thank you to my readers, to my friends, to my family and to my marvelous BCM team of physicians. They have me in their computer and all of them can glance at me with the push of a button.
Now, for a kid who grew up scared too death of doctors...this is phenominal. I know my mother is dancin' in Heaven over me ending up with my own, personal team of docs and a direct line to my surgeon's right hand, Barbara! Gotta luv it!!!!
Nuff said for this day. Read it. Share it. Try it. Grin and bear it. Talk it. Walk it. Do it. Enjoy it. It's the best thing I've ever done in my life!!!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
A Day With My Band
Once you've had several fills, the band is much tighter and limits the amount of food going in. If you eat too fast, if you eat large bites, if you drink while you eat..."we've got trouble, right here in River city"!! The elevator will reverse and the food is g o i n g u p!! Not fun!
Less is more...meaning meals that consist of 4 ounces to 12 ounces. The end. It's taken me an entire year to 'give in' to that necessity! But, now that I have, I'm on the weigh down again! Eureeka.
Breakfast - an instant packet of oatmeal (in a bowl, cover with water and nuke it for 1 1/2 minutes...enjoy)
Lunch/dinner - no later than 2 p.m. protein, veggie
mid-afternoon snack Zone Protein Bar Chocolate Almond Raisin...yum and yum
evening - can of Campbell's healthy request soup
the end.
You can not keep eating larger portions even if your band allows it. You must minimize you food intake, shrink your mind and realize you rarely feel hunger at all. Why? Well, excuse me, but that is the purpose of the band!! IT WORKS! Pay attention and work on your mental abiblities.
I hope this is helpful, in some ways for folks who slow down and read. Oft times, I think of my days at Humble Middle School and the spring I went to Weight Watchers with my best friend "Shu". We had a blast, lost weight and loved every minute of it.
By the Fall semester,, I was 50 pounds lighter, miles happier and wondered why none of my students said anything. My new lease on life had brightened my classroom and made me far more enjoyable to be around.
Then, one afternoon, I walked out of my classroom and saw an eighth grade Mom sitting there, waiting for her daughter to finish practice. We began to talk...she said, 'I hope you know how great an influence you've been on these kids'. I was shocked. "Why", I asked. They are excited over your weight loss and your new, happy spirit they see every day.
They had talked about it and decided, if I could do that, they could accomplish whatever they set their minds to. I asked why none of them had commented on it all. She said, they weren't sure they should. I told her to encourage them to share thoughts!
Wow, talk about impact without knowing it or thinking about it. We are role models in every step of life. People are watching, sometimes wishing they could do that and sometimes, they make major changes due to what they've seen in us.
I've shared my health story with various individuals in the past months. Many have said, "wow, everyone should be exposed to you. Your enthusiasm is contagious." Good for me! I'm proud to know that somehow I have possibly affected folks for the better.
I do know that a couple of cousins have undertaken bariatric surgery after seeing me or hearing about me. Yeah. If it saves lives, I'm all for it.
Here's to today and many new tomorrows. Life is ever changing and it's up to us to seek the best 'avenue' for our life path. As for me? I have two very special friends...J and M. Both of these people have been close by my side and shared their love and support! They are not the only two great folks in my life, but they are two noteable BFF's. I will also thank an old LVHS classmate, Billy.
Although we never shared a lot of laughs, classes or time together back in the day, we are still BFF's, connected with all of the remaining graduates and keeping in touch via email and Facebook. He is one individual who has shared some of the sweetest thoughts and opened my eyes with every word. After many of my classmates heard of my near demise back in March, 2004...he took time to write one of the most moving emails that I've ever received from a long past friend.
I thank him. I thank J and M. I thanks all of my BFF's and family. I thank it's time to quit writing now.
Less is more...meaning meals that consist of 4 ounces to 12 ounces. The end. It's taken me an entire year to 'give in' to that necessity! But, now that I have, I'm on the weigh down again! Eureeka.
Breakfast - an instant packet of oatmeal (in a bowl, cover with water and nuke it for 1 1/2 minutes...enjoy)
Lunch/dinner - no later than 2 p.m. protein, veggie
mid-afternoon snack Zone Protein Bar Chocolate Almond Raisin...yum and yum
evening - can of Campbell's healthy request soup
the end.
You can not keep eating larger portions even if your band allows it. You must minimize you food intake, shrink your mind and realize you rarely feel hunger at all. Why? Well, excuse me, but that is the purpose of the band!! IT WORKS! Pay attention and work on your mental abiblities.
I hope this is helpful, in some ways for folks who slow down and read. Oft times, I think of my days at Humble Middle School and the spring I went to Weight Watchers with my best friend "Shu". We had a blast, lost weight and loved every minute of it.
By the Fall semester,, I was 50 pounds lighter, miles happier and wondered why none of my students said anything. My new lease on life had brightened my classroom and made me far more enjoyable to be around.
Then, one afternoon, I walked out of my classroom and saw an eighth grade Mom sitting there, waiting for her daughter to finish practice. We began to talk...she said, 'I hope you know how great an influence you've been on these kids'. I was shocked. "Why", I asked. They are excited over your weight loss and your new, happy spirit they see every day.
They had talked about it and decided, if I could do that, they could accomplish whatever they set their minds to. I asked why none of them had commented on it all. She said, they weren't sure they should. I told her to encourage them to share thoughts!
Wow, talk about impact without knowing it or thinking about it. We are role models in every step of life. People are watching, sometimes wishing they could do that and sometimes, they make major changes due to what they've seen in us.
I've shared my health story with various individuals in the past months. Many have said, "wow, everyone should be exposed to you. Your enthusiasm is contagious." Good for me! I'm proud to know that somehow I have possibly affected folks for the better.
I do know that a couple of cousins have undertaken bariatric surgery after seeing me or hearing about me. Yeah. If it saves lives, I'm all for it.
Here's to today and many new tomorrows. Life is ever changing and it's up to us to seek the best 'avenue' for our life path. As for me? I have two very special friends...J and M. Both of these people have been close by my side and shared their love and support! They are not the only two great folks in my life, but they are two noteable BFF's. I will also thank an old LVHS classmate, Billy.
Although we never shared a lot of laughs, classes or time together back in the day, we are still BFF's, connected with all of the remaining graduates and keeping in touch via email and Facebook. He is one individual who has shared some of the sweetest thoughts and opened my eyes with every word. After many of my classmates heard of my near demise back in March, 2004...he took time to write one of the most moving emails that I've ever received from a long past friend.
I thank him. I thank J and M. I thanks all of my BFF's and family. I thank it's time to quit writing now.
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