I hope everyone has had a nice gobble-gobble day. Despite the fact that it has been a month since Thanksgiving, that gives everyone a chance to digest their delectable vittles. I did have a nice holiday. Our family partook in the Norwood United Methodist Church dinner. Our original plans fell through so we scrambled for last-minute plans and ordered some take-out orders from the church. The dinner was so simple, yet it was so comforting. Mom and dad came over to my place (after I cleaned my apartment after it threw up and an F-5 tornado hit ... in other words, my place was a mess).
I had a point ... what was it? Oh yes, my blessings on a Thanksgiving Day. Thank you to God, Norwood UMC, family, friends, and my volunteer work. Oh, there is just too many to mention. I also mention these in the wake of Hurricane Sandy's wrath. Now, I just try to focus on what matters most - I have my life, I have a roof over my head, I can walk, I have an income, and I have many people who love and care for me (as long as I pay them on time).
I am especially grateful and appreciative for my "workout buddy" Scot. I met him at the hospital when he was a new volunteer. We became quick friends. Initially, we technically began working out at the Wellness Center at the hospital back in September, I think. Needless to say, that didn't last long. My feet, knee and hip were beginning to hurt again and I was once again deflated. Until ... I received a card (from Scot) that not only boosted my spirits, it gave me the strength to try it again ... and I did.
We figured out a workout schedule as a guide for structure purposes. We figured on three times a week - early in the morning! It was my first day back to the Wellness Center since September. My initial thoughts were trying to come up with every excuse in the book not to do this torture! Oh, my feet hurt. Scot simply said, "Well, you can do the arm bike." Drat. No ... double drat, I thought. Now I have to think of some other lame reason. Well it didn't work either, needless to say. Well, I wound up going there a little apprehensive.
Then an amazing thing happened. I felt good about myself and what I was doing. My weight the first day was 302 pounds. I wasn't happy, but that will come down. Now mind you, I was still finishing my binging phase. Another amazing thing happened ... I stopped that, too. I went to the grocery store and purchased everything from rice cakes, fruits, veggies, skim milk, peanut butter (as protein) and flatbread crackers (only 45 calories per slice) and lots and lots of Greek yogurt. I also purchased green and black teas, instead of coffee. Yes, you heard me. Coffee? Give it up? Yes, it was causing edema in my legs. Besides, I like cream and sugar in my coffee. I also worked on weaning myself from soda. Even if it is diet soda ...
Scot picked me up for another round of exercise. My weight (310 pounds) bothered me greatly. I was astounded and frustrated again and thought my new changes weren't working. So I worked my little heart out and continued to work on eating properly. Around the third or fourth visit to the Wellness Center, my weight reached 313 pounds. Oh my gosh. I can't believe I let myself get to this point. I'm very disappointed. I felt like quitting a lot of stuff. That healthy junk and the exercise were about to go spend some time together without me!
Wait a minute. What on earth am I doing? I can't stop. The evil weight queen presenting me with an unwelcome gift of the 313 pounds was not going to win. There was going to be a battle. A battle of the bulge. She was armed with pot full of shells and cheese (my favorite, by the way); I was armed with a simple white cheddar rice cake. My smooth moves allowed me to topple the pot of shells and cheese on her spaghetti-ridden hair. The hot cheese boiled her into mush as she screamed, "I'm melting! I'm melting!"
I was ready to tackle the healthier lifestyle by refusing soda and coffee and cookies. My friends were shocked and wondered what was wrong. Absolutely nothing - I'm making myself healthier! Back to the gym. I worked my heart out for 17 days and lost a total of 14 pounds. Down to 297-299 pounds, depending which scale I use. I feel better. My clothes fit better. My hunger is satisfied. And are you sitting down? ... I like exercising.
Until next time ...
Casi Stewart can be reached at casichilstew@yahoo.com. A Weighty Issue occasionally appears on Monday on the Life page.
