Still Here

It's been awhile since I posted on the blog. I've been trying to get over the breathing problems and coughing. Will see pulmonologist today for function tests. Hope something is found so I can treat and get going full steam again.

Also trying to get neck back into pre-pain condition. Had MRI on 6-19. Saw ortho dr. yesterday and was told no glaring serious problems. Will see PT next week to try and get on program to relieve pain, stablize neck, increase flexibility and strengthen. I'm ready to get on with painfree life.

Still (or rather back) to working out as before trip out west. Last official weight (at doctor's) was 133.1. That's with shoes and such. I've weighed myself on home scale right out of shower and it shows 130. I'm very happy with my success and hope to continue, with God's help, keeping the weight off. Weight is probably this low because I don't have any muscles. Need to pump up the weights at the gym. Before now, and still, trying to keep pain away from my hips and legs as well as shoulder and neck.

Said goodbye to friend on 6-19. Robin Childs passed away on 6-12 after long and courageous battle with breast cancer. She is my second really tough friend to beat this disease through death. Robin once told me that death can be the healing from pain and disease. She told me this as we remembered my friend, Mary, who had been praying for healing. I believe what Robin said...trust in God and He will deliver you. Robin has been delivered to God's family in heaven having finished His purpose for her on earth. Remember Robin's faith in Jesus Christ, her faith in friends and family, and her purpose for living those gifts in full view of those around her. Believe me...there is a party going on in heaven right now with smiles all around. What a joyful thought.

Back home after long trip out west. On our way to Meteor Crater in Arizona we ran into sand storm blowing across I-40. Unbelieveable! Don't know how Jim kept the rig on the road. Had some small damage to the awning but able to continue trip. I-40 shut down for one night so we camped in Flying J. Managed to inhale LOTS of sand and developed some breathing problems which remained for the entire trip. Still having cough but saw doctor yesterday. Weight 133.8.

Enjoyed seeing the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Zion NP, Bryce Canyon NP, Capitol Reef NP, Arches NP, Canyonlands NP, Monument Valley, Hovenweep NM, and Mesa Verde NP.

Trip ended on very sad note. My niece, Maggie Brown (18) was killed in a car accident in Indianapolis IN. Leaving Mesa Verde on our way to Santa Fe, NM, we got the news. Cancelled rest of plans and headed straight to mom's in Palestine, TX. Flew to Indianapolis on Monday, 5-25 to attend funeral next day. Still cannot believe.

Fired Up!!!

Went to work out today and just walked on the treadmill. Pain in my hip (boy, I'm getting old!). Came home and iced it down and had a little vino!

Finally wore some new clothes to church this am. SIZE 10!!! and they were about 2 inches too big. Either I'm doing really well with the diet and exercise or I'm dying!

Went to see Beth Moore at the Arena in NO this weekend. Amazing woman! What a great message. Music was fantastic. Bought two cd's and stopped traffic listening to the Living Proof Live cd. Couldn't stop my hands from moving!! Loved it. Me and friends stayed over in the FQ Friday night and enjoyed discussing the first night of the conference. What fun. Love all those ladies.

Guest minister at worship this morning...one of our mission partners. Sermon message was best it could be...straight from God. Why can't everyone hear this kind of good news? Get to a church people!

That's enough preaching from me today. This is my blog after all.

Hope everyone reading this is well. Spend everyday with a joyful heart.

Shopping!!!

Well finally had to go shopping for new clothes. Dropped two sizes since first of year! I only bought a few things as I fully intend to lose more. The only thing scary about it is I've been thinner before only to gain little by little. I just need to remember to cut one of those little's when it makes an appearance next time.

One thing I discovered is that I must have also shrunk. All the pants are way too long...must be made for those 6' models (or 4" heels).

Did not go to workout at all this weekend. I figured walking around the shops all day was enough exercise. I even took a cooler with my homemade lunch and had in the car when I needed to eat. No more being out and just happening by the Chick fil a. That's what I did while Christmas shopping last year. It tastes good but I don't want to think about the calories.

Need to close now and go have a MD 64. Just perfect for me.

Hello again

I keep forgetting to update blog...must remember to check everyday.

Went for yearly physical and was told I was 20 pounds lighter than one year ago! Sounds great to me but I need MORE. Still would like to lose 10 pounds or so.

I feel so much better losing the weight I have already. Need to get back on active workout program but am waiting until I hear what's wrong with my neck. Nothing seems to be helping get rid of pain. I discovered today that I will not be able to watch tennis matches since turning my head back and forth repeatedly almost makes me faint from the pain. My pain is not as bad as some people experience but I don't want ANY pain! There must be something that can be fixed by the proper care...I just don't know what that is right now. Maybe I find out next week...seeing a new doctor.

Pray for me and all others in pain. The world is too much fun to experience it in pain. Need to go walk now. I can, at lease, still do that.

Update

Went for x-ray of rib this morning and was weighed at the doctor's office. Last doctor visit in August 2008 I was 158. Today I was 144.8!!!!! Gym scale must be accurate. Good news.

Ok everyone...I have clearance to start execising again. I just have to watch my rib and try to control myself when moving and stretching. That shouldn't be too hard since it HURTS when I do that!

Went to the gym and walked on the treadmill...first time for about a week. Felt really good. No problems with leg, back, etc. Will try to start out small and do some of new exercises tonight. Plenty to do without involving neck or rib. We'll see how it goes.

Just want to say that discovering that I can lose weight at MY age is good. I was always telling myself that since I'm OLD I may not be able to lose weight like I want. It's a good thing I finally decided to give it a try.

Away too long

Can't believe I've been away from the blog for so long. It's all new to me so I will need to get on a schedule of blogging every day.

Still making progress on the fitness plan...last weigh in was 145! I am so pleased with this weight loss. For years I kept saying I needed to lose some weight but never really tried. New year plans include more travel and the desire to be more fit. Don't exactly know what the motivation was but, who cares, I'm doing it!

Have experienced a little set back with the exercise routine...have either a bad sprain of rib tissue or a broken rib. I got a little too determined to clean the tub and leaned a bit too hard against the side of the big tub (maybe next time I need to clean from the inside). Anyway that has stopped any workouts but that doesn't mean I not still moving as much as I can. I am still watching my meal portions and making sure I have small meals and snacks throughout the day. I don't deny myself I just don't eat EVERYTHING that appears before me. It's a good plan for me.

I want to get back to exercising (I miss it--go figure) and I'm sure I will once all injuries have healed. I'm not where I want to be but I'm further from where I was...good progress!