Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Remodeling Me

Our bathroom is remodeled and our grandson installed in his new bedroom after he and his mama spent Winter in Brazil. The seasons are turning and it’s time to remodel me. Like most people I can know intellectually what I need to do, but can live on the rive Denial and in the land of Procrastination. Since I became a mother I’ve had issues with my weight. Each baby added more to the scale and no amount of nursing got me anywhere near where I’d been when I got pregnant with that baby much less the first one at age 19. Although I’m not looking to weigh 115 again, I’ve known for some time that I need to lose weight. A lot of it. Right after the holidays, right after my birthday, as soon as school is out, tomorrow. Tomorrow’s come.

My blog buddy Lorrene LeMaster of “Pet Peeves and Other Ramblings” has written about how much she hates blood draws. She and I suffer from the same malady. Our veins take one look at the needle and roll over and dive so when my doctor ordered a couple of blood tests about a year and a half ago I thought it a matter of some importance and about a month ago I decided to take care of it while at Group Health for a check of my blood pressure. It was an early morning appointment and not hard to fast before showing up for my 8:30 appointment with PA Gross. This was just before my 59th birthday when we had reservations at a B&B in Snohomish with my best friend who was also having a birthday. I got the bad news (results) the day we were to leave. Although my HBP is under control, my cholesterol is through the roof and I’m staring down the barrel of Type II Diabetes. Aside from that I have two bad knees and was sitting at my highest weight ever—227. Tomorrow had come or at least it was going to come as soon as we returned from our three day vacation.

I’m motivated to share my struggle publically because my soon-to-be-sister-in-law is fighting her own battle with the scale and has taken her struggle to her own blog. It seemed like a good idea. Maybe if I have to be publically accountable my progress won’t turn to regress so if you don’t mind I will share my successes and failures here for whatever it is worth as I struggle toward a class reunion and my brother-in-law’s wedding.

So here I am, the day after my third baby’s 34th birthday. I am down seven pounds. Not amazing for almost a month, but, hey, it didn’t go on all at once so I can’t expect it to disappear all at once either. I'll let you know how I'm doing.

6 comments:

Lorrene said...

My blood test is coming up in May. I dread the results of that. Exercise is the secret word. When I was walking a mile a day I even got off of the blood pressure medicine. Now I have feet problems and back problems so the walking is out for now.
Good luck on the diet.I start a new one every day.

Joanna said...

I'm happy to share the challenge with you, Stephanie. Actually, seven pounds in a month is very good. Even one pound a week is very good. You are right to take it slowly and just be as consistent as you can. Let's just keep our eyes on the prize and take one day at a time. (Sometimes, cliches come in real handy!)

Stephanie Frieze said...

I know you're right Grandma L. Finding the time is the tough nut to crack. I wish someone would insert more hours into the day so I could do everything that I ought and occasionally get to do something I want.

I will be thinking of you Irene and whatever beautiful dress you choose for your special day. I'll borrow a line from "Bridget Jones' Diary" (how's that for cliches?). I'm sure you're loved "just as you are."

Jo said...

7 pounds is wonderful. Any loss instead of a gain is a plus! You know I am aware of how difficult it is to lose weight. We could meet at the YMCA for some exercising, if you'd like. I try to go 2-3 times a week, but it is hard. Having a buddy helps immeasurably. Keep on trying and give yourself a break. Don't expect miracles!

Kim Thompson said...

Good for you Stephanie! You are fierce and that is cool! Hey, come to my house and I'll make you some awesome vegan/vegetarian fare that will delight you!

Janice said...

Good for you. I often feel a hypocrite when I chide a friend for not being able to quit smoking when she can see it is a killer. It's hard for us to recognize that fat is a killer too. I shall try with you but I can't tell you where I started because I have thrown my scale in the shed.