It has now been 11 months since my journey began, and I could not be happier. When I first started I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would be sitting here nearly a year later having lost 182 pounds. Some days it does not seem like such a big deal and then I have days like these where I reflect and it is a huge deal. I have lost a full grown man in less than a year.... Crazy!
I know that it is not yet August, but soon enough... I am ready to set some new goals to help rejuvenate my journey. I have been doing this for so long that it has become somewhat routine, and at times feels like I am not doing my best. I was doing Zumba quite regularly and then I hurt my knee. Picked it back up and then hurt my back (moving furniture). My back feels better now and me knee not too many problems so I feel it is time to pick that back up again and leave the excuses behind. I know I made that a goal in my "Slacker" post but to be honest it was an epic fail because it never happened. My goals for August I will make simple 1) Exercise on purpose 4 out of 7 days 2) Drink 8 glasses of water 5 out of 7 days. Seems easy enough, and I know I can do it!
I have not posted since my last report, so I will fill you in a little on this week. Saturday I had an amazing day with my mom, "sister", and youngest daughter. We had a real girls day. We started out at the beauty shop to get our hair cut and styled. My hair that used to reach my butt is now at my bra line. I love it!! It is bouncy and full of life now. We followed up the haircut with lunch at Denny's and then shopping. I used to hate shopping but it is fun! Tried on new clothes and found that I am really close to a size 24 jean, can get them on and buttoned but that darn zipper won't go up lol. I did get something to wear at the swimming pool though, a 2x bottom and a 1x top. I also got a new CD, Kenny Chesney.
This week at home has been real busy, my eldest decided that she wanted to move out, so I've been helping with that and then of course re situating the room for my youngest. Becky is over the moon that she has her own room now, in fact it's all she talks about. She can't wait to have a sleep over in her very own room. The moment is kind of bitter sweet for me as I am a little sad that Sarah is moving because I know we won't see each other as often and am a little afraid of what she will do now that she has no one watching her every move lol. I will admit though after taking a deep breath it is nice because now I can't see everything she is doing. I just have to hope that I taught her well enough that she will stay out of any major trouble. I miss her!
My family needs big prayers this coming week from anyone who believes in the power of them. My mom is having surgery on Monday to have her leg amputated. Her health has not been so great for a very long time. She has been mostly chair bound and on oxygen for the last 7 years or so due to problems with her back, neck, knees, and COPD. She developed type 2 diabetes in the meantime, making it hard for her to fight infection. Last year she underwent surgery for her back and neck which went amazingly well, and regained movement in her leg which they said would not happen. Once she was up and walking around a bit more the need for knee replacement was obvious, so last August she had her knee replacement done. It was a fail, she got a terrible infection and they had to remove the replacement, leaving in it's spot a cement block and a broken femur. When the infection had finally cleared they put in a new replacement and just a short time later, we were facing the same infectious problem. This time it took 3 surgeries just to get her to the point were she could come home, and again she is stuck with the cement block. We are now a total of 6 surgeries into the knee replacement and are being told that she is a carrier of infection and most likely it will return when they put in a new knee. Following her last surgery she almost left this world, her heart and lungs stopped 3 times during the night. She does not want to go through this again and I do not blame her, so she opted to have the amputation, which they would have done if this attempt failed anyway. I am grateful that this should be a cure to to problem and with a good prosthetic, she should be up and walking again. I am worried though because of her health and her state of mind. She has been through sooooo much in the last year, I guess I am afraid that she'll decide she's tired. No one could blame her. I am hoping though that my mom will continue to be tough and will make it through with no further problems. BIG prayers and positive vibes her way please.
Anyway, that is my week at a glance and my reason for not blogging as often as I should. I did get some more great recipes for you though. Enjoy!
This is a horrible picture, but not indicative of the flavor, this dish is amazing!
Brandie, I meant to mention how sorry I am for your mothers difficulties and hope the amputation will have her up and mobile soon.
ReplyDeleteMy mother had COPD too, it too is a difficult thing to live with.
Sending prayers and well wishes your way.
Just keep hugging and loving your Mom.
Sandra, Thank you for the prayers and well wishes, they mean a lot to me. I will absolutely keep loving and hugging my mom, I don't know what or who I would be without her.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely keep your mother in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteThank you Suzi, my mom is so special to me, your prayers are very appreciated!
DeletePositive vibes and prayers are sent your mams way Brandie. I really hope the operation goes well, it truly sounds like she's been through so much.
ReplyDeleteBrandie, I think it's a real achievement that you're continuing to lose weight and are more or less on course for your big goal, especially with all that you have going on in your life at the moment.
I can see why you have mixed emotions about your daughter moving out, I know my mam still misses me (and I miss her just as much), even though I left home nearly 5 years ago. I think when your child has the confidence and ability to move out and take the first steps to be independent it's proof of the great parenting they've had. She'll be fine :)
And I like your August goals, I think we forget that drinking enough water can be hard sometimes.
Mege, thank you for the prayers and positive vibes. She had her surgery yesterday which is why I have not been on here this weekend. It went really well. They took her leg just above the knee and were happy to report that all the tissue and bone there looked really healthy so she should not have any further problems with that (fingers crossed). For the first time in 9 surgeries she did not require a blood transfusion and woke up with plenty of color in her cheeks. She even cracked a few jokes. She is in a lot of pain but that is to be expected, now we just hope for a speedy recovery.
DeleteHi. I tried sending you an email using the one you have here on your blog it didn't work. I have been struggling to lose 60 pounds for a long time now. Do you have any advice for me or can you tell me something you do that has helped you tremendously so it might help me as well. Thank you in advance. My email is tarashoar@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteTaraneh, I am so happy to meet you, and sorry that you had troubles using the email. I will write to you sometime this evening with some tips that have helped me. I look forward to getting to know you :)
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