February was a busy month. It was marked with preparation for several court appearances (work related), travel throughout the southern part of CA, and time spent at the hospital with my sister-in-law. It marked some personal emotional milestones and challenges. February sadly marked the end of an important chapter in my life. At the same time, it brought about hope for change and growth. I witnessed the struggles of several family and friends, as they dealt with various health, relationship, and financial issues. Throughout it all, I also witnessed some of the most amazing stories of love, hope, and perseverance.
On one of my road trips to the southern part of the state, I was forced to stop in the middle of the road to let this coyote cross. (At least I think it was a coyote.) Coyotes have a reputation for being evasive. Not this guy (gal?). He ran across the street and stopped to analyze my mission. I pulled over and grabbed my camera, which I rarely leave home without. We engaged in a starring contest for several moments. I think this one was trying to teach me that sometimes in life, you have to stop and face what comes down your road (but get to a point of safety first, if at all possible)! You could choose to continue running, but then you might miss something really unique and/or important. Sometimes we need to stop and take notice. After several moments of us scoping each other out, his playmate appeared to beckon and off into the desert he pranced. Coyotes
are also known for being a bit mischievous, and I think this one decided it was playtime. That was another valuable lesson: Don't forget to be a little mischievous in life and always embrace some playtime!
It has been about a month since my last post. I wanted to share some statistics from my weight loss journey. I am 76 pounds lighter than I was in 2010. That's almost an entire small person that I lost!:
Day/Date:
|
Weight (pounds):
|
Total Amount Lost:
|
Wednesday, 10/06/10
|
245.2
|
-
|
Thursday, 02/28/13
|
169.2
|
76
|
Here are my stats since joining the Health Management Resources (HMR) program in October of last year:
Day/Date:
|
Weight (pounds):
|
Amount Lost on HMR:
|
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
|
Thursday, 01/24/13
|
179.4
|
2.0
|
34.5
|
Thursday, 01/31/13
|
177.0
|
2.4
|
36.9
|
Tuesday, 02/05/13
|
177.6
|
+ 0.6
|
36.3
|
Monday, 02/11/13
|
175.4
|
2.2
|
38.5
|
Thursday, 02/21/13
|
171.0
|
4.4
|
42.9
|
Thursday, 02/28/13
|
169.8
|
1.2
|
44.1
|
One huge benefit to doing the Decision Free program through HMR is that it does offer a sense of stability in one part of my life where I really need it. I actually am glad that I don't have to make other food choices at this time, especially since the month has been rather intense and stressful. That's the beauty of this particular program. You can lose weight without having to put much thought into it. Just grab your meals and go!
I still manage to make my own shake recipes. Tonight I enjoyed chocolate fudge coconut! This recipe included HMR 800 vanilla shake mix, fat-free/sugar free chocolate fudge pudding mix, Torani sugar-free coconut syrup, ice-cubes, and water. I must say, it was very yummy!
Well it's late so I had better get to bed.
Just remember, don't forget to embrace your inner coyote from time to time!
Happy March Everyone!
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I loved your insights on the Coyote! and I think it is one. We always need to look deep to keep going!
ReplyDeleteAs for WT loss you are doing so well. It could be so eaasy and guilty to say I'm under too much stress right now, I'm going to have......
But that is what I have been doing w this last bought of illness you are an inspration to me thanks!
Thanks Carolyn! Yes, I wasn't sure if it was a coyote but it didn't quite have the coloring of a fox and appeared larger. I appreciate your encouragement and support. I know what you mean about the stress factor. Sometimes we really are not in a good place to make major life changes. That's okay. Sometimes it is important to focus on other things. I think those are the important times to practice damage control. I did that all throughout grad school. I know I've shared that before. As you know, stress is high during grad school. I worked primarily on slowing down the gain instead of trying to lose. This may be your time to practice damage control. You will know when it's time to jump back in! Don't lose faith! ;~)
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