As I look back on my last post, I find it hard to believe that over one month has passed since I posted anything. One month, a family Thanksgiving celebration, Todd's back going out, injections in various joints for both of us, and preparing for Christmas are behind us now, and the Christmas season is staring us in the face. Where does the time go? And how does a holiday that has been scheduled for the same date each and every year for centuries "sneak up on us?" Those are million dollar questions that may never be answered.
After surviving my "great and terrible fall" on November 20, 2014, I thought it would be a good idea to join the health club at work. Some of the gals I work with are members and go work out during their lunch break, so I could join them. I had a little trouble with my knee swelling about a week after the great and terrible fall, though, which slowed me down a little and led to a visit to the orthopedist's office. There, 1/4 of a cup of fluid was drained off my knee, and a steroid was injected. The details that followed are really boring and irrelevant, but suffice it to say there has since been a MRI, a lovely hinged knee brace that matches all my outfits (NOT), and physical therapy that began today.
When I joined the health club, I decided that a few sessions with a personal trainer would benefit me. I dodged his phone calls for a couple of weeks, partially because I knew it wouldn't do me any good to go with my bum knee...and partially out of sheer fear! There are a couple of things this gal does not enjoy. One is sweating. The other is pain. On top of that, my extreme lack of athleticism is a tiny source of an often crippling lack of confidence. But, by golly, I paid for those sessions, so I decided it was time to suck it up, buttercup! Finally, I answered his phone call.
I met with my trainer, Richard, for the first time last week. Really nice young man who wasn't at all the intimidating drill sergeant I had imagined. During the first session, I think he was just trying to figure out what he had to work with. I'm sure I impressed him as I demonstrated my brute strength. I was able to perform the three sets of ten in each of the upper body exercises he prescribed at a whopping 7 POUNDS! Heck! I almost impressed myself!
Before the workout, he measured and weighed me, establishing a baseline. As the scales stopped at 201 pounds, I gasped. He attempted to comfort me, reminding me the number would change. I said, "You don't understand. On October 29, I weighed 231 pounds. I've lost 30 pounds!" It was so exciting!!! In addition to the pounds lost, I lost an inch in my upper arm, 4 inches in my waist, and 5.5 inches in my hips!!! Whoot! Whoot!
I had a more intense training session today. My heart was pumping! I broke a sweat (and didn't die!) I could feel the burn...and LIKED it! He had me slamming a medicine ball into the floor, swinging a giant rope, trying to walk with my feet in a giant rubber band, and doing some more upper body stuff, this time against my own body weight (slightly more than 7 pounds). It was invigorating!!! I can't wait to go back! After we were done, it was time to weigh...
When I was recovering from the surgery, my first landmark mini goal was to be below 200 pounds before Christmas. Knowing how my weight tends to fluctuate with water retention, etc., I truly never expected what I saw when the scale stopped calculating. It read "199." 199 POUNDS!!! Not only did I achieve that landmark goal, I am now on the other side of 200 for the first time in FOREVER!!! I keep pinching myself to see if this is all a dream, but THIS IS REAL LIFE!!!
Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, our little family's traditional evening of celebrating together with a meal and the opening of gifts. It is also a time to reflect on the blessings and trials of the past year and begin to look forward to the new year. As you observe this holiday season, may your home overflow with joy. May you have at least one good belly laugh. May your heart be filled with gladness and thanksgiving as you realize the blessings you have received. And most importantly, may you remember that precious, perfect baby King that was born in a lowly stable to save all mankind. Merry Christmas and God Bless You!
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