Capturing the Moment,...

I took this photo on my iPhone on the way to San Francisco last month.  Pictures, of course, never do justice but the sunburst from behind the clouds was magnificent, and I had to try to capture the moment.

Speaking of capturing the moment, it has been several weeks since I have updated my blog, so I thought I'd better post before getting on with my day.

January's weight loss journey started out a little slow, but is actually right on track.  Here is my progress to date:

Day/Date:	Weight (pounds):	Total Amount Lost:
Wednesday, 10/06/10	245.2	-
Thursday, 01/17/13	181.4	63.8

My weight loss journey since being on the HMR program is captured below: 

Day/Date:	Weight (pounds):	Weekly Loss:	Total Amount Lost on HMR Program:
Monday, 10/08/12	213.9	n/a	n/a
Thursday, 10/11/12	211.0	2.9	2.9
Thursday, 10/18/12	209.2	1.8	4.7
Thursday, 10/25/12	204.0	5.2	9.9
Thursday, 11/01/12	203.4	0.6	10.5
Thursday, 11/08/12	198.4	5.0	15.5
Thursday, 11/15/12	197.6	0.8	16.3
Thursday, 11/22/12	194.6	3.0	19.3
Thursday, 11/29/12	194.0	0.6	19.9
Thursday, 12/06/12	192.2	1.8	21.7
Thursday, 12/13/12	190.6	1.6	23.3
Thursday, 12/20/12	188.8	1.8	25.1
Thursday, 12/27/12	185.4	3.4	28.5
Thursday, 01/03/13	185.4	0.0	28.5
Thursday, 01/10/13	182.4	3.0	31.5
Thursday, 01/17/13	181.4	1.0	32.5

I am hoping that I can get into the 170's by next Thursday's weigh-in.  I promised myself that I can buy a new pair of slacks for every decade milestone that I achieve.  179.9 would get me those slacks!  I only have to lose 1.5 this week to make it there.  Wish me luck!

My sewing friends are making me think about purchasing a sewing machine.  I have taken in several slacks myself, by hand sewing.  (And luckily the butt seam has held!)  Hand sewing takes time.  It is relaxing, however.  And it is fun to see the end result, which is better fitting clothes.  I am not certain I would use a sewing machine enough to justify the cost, but it would be kind of fun.

Some friends have challenged me to a St. Patty's Day weight-loss contest.  My goal is to get into the 160's by then.  I typically don't set desired weight outcomes for goals, but I know if I continue to engage in certain habits, I can achieve my goals.  In eight weeks, I am hopeful that I can lose 11.5 lbs.  And if I don't achieve that goal by then, I promise myself that I will celebrate the weight-loss that I have achieved between now and then.

So,... do you have any goals for the 8-week St. Patty's Day Challenge?  If so, feel free to post them here!  I would like to hear what others are doing.

On January 8th, I traveled to Stanford Medical Center to meet with a hepatologist (liver specialist) for a second opinion on treatment options.  First, I have to comment on the University Medical Center.  The campus was huge; impressive.  They were under construction at the time, but there were plenty of workers available to direct me to the right location.  I chose to use the parking ramp, but valet parking was available.  Second, I learned that I am doing the right things as far as doing all that I can do to keep my liver healthy.  Aside from abstaining from alcohol use, or other ingested toxins, weight loss is the best gift you can give your liver.  My doctor wants me to continue to work on getting to a healthier BMI.  He did not indicate a specific weight that would be ideal, but my medical team at the Endocrine Center is working with me on a goal weight.  At 5'2", with a bit more of a muscular build, 140 would probably be ideal (or 135-145 range).  Gone are the days where we compared ourselves to an unhealthy "ideal body weight" chart that put all body types into one category.  I know I would be happy with that weight range.  Funny how I look back at high school and recall feeling "fat" at 125 and 135.  That is unfortunately so very common.  Too many young girls, and young boys as well, put so much emphasis on that scale.  It is sad to see how self-esteem can get wrapped up in a number, or in comparing ourselves to others.  Right now, I am liking 181!  So 140, I can imagine, would feel great, and it would be a blast to shop for clothes at that weight!

I will probably post more at a later date about the visit to Stanford.  Right now, however, I am off to head to another impressive facility in the southern part of the state: Loma Linda University Medical Center.  My Sister-in-Law is there recovering from a stroke.

Driving long distances can be challenging on the HMR diet.  My strategy on drives like this is to pre-freeze an HMR shake.  I also cut up an HMR bar (it's similar to a typical health bar) and put it into a baggie and froze it overnight.  This way I have something to nibble on.  If I took the bar by itself, it would be gone in about three bites.  The cut up pieces help keep me alert, busy, and satisfied, so that I don't get too hungry.

The team at Loma Linda is pushing my sister-in-law to regain her language, movement & balance, and fine motor skills.  They are incredible in the work they do and in promoting the attitude that you don't know what you can accomplish unless you continue to push your limits!  I am also incredibly impressed with my brother and his dedication to his wife and her recovery!  His wife is also my hero right now.  She pushes herself every day and doesn't give up.  Her family and friends are so very proud of her!       

Have a wonderful weekend!  For many of us, it is a long weekend, as Monday is holiday to honor Martin Luther King, Jr.  For those of you not already retired, plan your time off wisely!  Capture some great moments!  Enjoy your weekend and each other!              

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