These are random musings of my life journey, the people, animals, places, and events which have woven, and continue to weave, a tapestry that is me. We all know there is no real destination, only the ongoing experiences which blend together, creating the trail. Each step gives a glimpse of what is to come, without allowing me to see the end result. It is exciting. I have a home base that is mine, that gives me a place to rest. This is it. This is where my heart is, no matter where I journey...................

Friday, September 17, 2010

Miscellany

As I said in the previous post, the truck in fixed, and I think it really is now. It didn't take long, less than an hour this morning, and I was on my way home. I love the dealership because they really take care of me and seem genuinely concerned about me having a good set of wheels under me. As a single woman on a very tight budget, I really appreciate it.

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As most of you know, I'm not a fan of "reality" show. I love music, but I don't watch American Idol. I love to dance and to watch good dancing, but I don't watch Dancing with the Stars (less than 10 minutes of actual dancing in an hour just does not cut it with me). That being said ....

I love Lee DeWyse, the kid that just won AI. No, I didn't watch the show. But I've heard enough clips of him singing to know that he has a voice that I could listen to for several hours. The little girl he was un against in the finals, Crystal something, is amazing, too! But Lee's voice just soothes my soul. I can hardly wait till he releases an album, 'cause I'm gonna jump on it! He was on Ellen's show today and he sang the old Ray Charles song., "You Don't Know Me," and I almost cried. Smooth voice. So if you hear about his album being released, let me know, OK? Just in case I haven't heard, ya know?

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When I was 35 and younger, I weighed under 125. Goodness, as a teenager, I was doing well to reach 115, and I've been 5'7" since I was 13 or 14. Skinny minnie! In my late 30s I gained a little, and I liked it. I was only about 130-135, but I felt better, and I think I looked better. I stayed near that for another 15 years or so. Then a lot of things changed in my life. Not all at once, but many things shifted, and most were not in the preferred direction. I'm not going to hash over those long ago wah-wahs, but just know that I began oozing into depression and it had a strong hold on me. Without even realizing it, as my depression held on, my weight went up and up and up. And up. I don't even want to say where I ended up. In fact, I'm not sure I know the actual top weight, but I know it was up there around or over double my high school weight. Yep, double.

I lost some weight back in 1999 (before my top weight number was reached), using the low carb diet, and I felt really good about it. But when the special event for which I lost it was over (a cruise) I slipped back into old bad habits and my weight ballooned even more. By the time my husband died, I was pulling myself out of the haze I'd lived in. I had to. And I was working my butt off (literally!!) packing, storing the house in KC, caring for my hub, then moving after he passed away. I lost a considerable amount, probably around 30 pounds in that process.

Since then, I've continued to lose weight, but very, very slowly. I've avoided "dieting," because most weight loss diets cause physical problems that are terrible. I've just tried to eat sensibly and stay active. I've been losing 5-6 pounds a year, nothing to write home about, but it was in the right direction. Before that, my weight has gone up and down, not drastically, but enough that I essentially wasn't losing.

A couple or three weeks ago I got on the scale, and my jaw dropped. I hadn't weighed in several months, probably about May. Of course, I don't remember the exact weight at that time, so I can only estimate, but I've lost approximately 10 pounds since May!!! It dawned on me that my clothes have been fitting differently, but I hadn't given it a lot of thought. If you've never experienced being overweight, let me tell you, that's what people do .... we avoid thinking about it because it is so uncomfortable. But that's a lot in that period of time, and I'm thrilled!!

About the same time, I was beginning to go through my wardrobe and culling it out. I was trying on everything to be sure about the fit, to reconsider how much I really liked it, and to think about how long it has been since I've worn each thing. While doing this, I realized I had clothes from size 14 to 2X in my closets. Seeing how badly the bigger sizes fit was thrilling! Those have all left my house. They will not, NOT, be back. The thrift shop has benefited greatly, and my closets are like normal closets now, no longer packed so tightly that everything has to be ironed or tossed in the dryer before I can wear them!! Whoo hoooo!

This morning, I weighed again, and I'm one pound away from the smallest weight I've sported in about 20 years! I'm very happy about this, and I know I can keep up this wise method of losing weight. I still have a long way to go. I want to lose another 30 pounds. It may take another 5 years, who knows. But I'll keep doing what I'm doing, and I'm betting I'll make it.

I'm wearing clothes that I haven't been able to get into for over 10 years. I had/have a lot of classically styled, well-made, quality things that really don't go out of style, and I'm loving wearing them. People are complimenting my wardrobe and my general appearance, and it feels great! I'm already feeling better, and knowing I'm 50 lbs+ lighter than I was .... well, as the saying goes, Priceless!

Of course, after that I have to say ....

.... Life is beautiful!!!!
Because it IS!!!

10 comments:

  1. Well I guess we can't be friends anymore. I love dancing with the stars! Oh well easy come easy go so they say!
    That is amazing about your weight loss Lyn. Doing it slowly is the best way. Hey I was just happy when I put on my jeans the other day, for the first time since April, they still fit! I was so surprised!
    I'm proud of ya, keep it up!
    Love Di ♥

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  2. Boy! Easy come, easy go, I guess!! LOL!

    Yes, I'm so glad this is finally taking place. We don't realize how our minds and bodies are effected and how long it takes for real change to happen, I think.

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  3. WOW !!!!! Good for you Lyn. I wish I was in the same boat. I too have several different sizes in my closet, and tend to hang on to the smaller ones in case I "grow in to them" I lost a ton of weight a few years ago, but that was due to the side effects of that damn chemo, so that sure isnt recommended to anyone. And of course I gained it all back after I started eating again. You'e going to look great in Hawaii!!!

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  4. Ruth, I'm thrilled! After so many years, I'd essentially given up on it, knowing that my choice was to lose weight by changing my eating patterns and feel crappy all the time because my body would react so unpleasantly, OR live with what was. The second choice seemed more doable. I think that makes this change of status all the sweeter for it!

    No, I wouldn't recommend chemo as a weight loss technique either! And in your situation .... I 'm glad you gained the weight back. I know, I know!! But the alternative sucks big time!

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  5. Way to go with losing weight. I am so glad that you are happy and comfortable with where you are in life. Isn't it amazing how just a few small changes in our diet can change so much!!

    Glad to hear the truck is fixed. I am glad the dealership has been so good to you.

    You know me, I love reality shows, but AI is one that I really don't like. I will usually watch the first few episodes just to see the crazy people and then I might catch the last episode just to see who wins.

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  6. Caroline, it's even more amazing to me, because I haven't changed much in my diet. I've just keep being as sensible as possible, and it has paid off! Can't get much better than that!

    Thanks!

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  7. I just realized why you are losing weight...YOU NEVER SIT DOWN!! If you go back and read your blog you will see that you are always on the go and always are doing some project around the house.

    Do you think you are eating more fresh foods? Also, from reading your blog and FB you are always cooking things with all fresh ingredients.

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  8. Believe it or not, there is a lot of sit-down time between all that!

    As for the foods .... it's hard to say. I almost never eat fast food any more. Maybe once a month, and I don't enjoy it very much most of the time. At home, I think I'm eating much like I have for 3-4 years. I do try to use as many fresh ingredients as possible, and when they aren't available, frozen is my next choice. What I think is interesting is that I don't avoid real butter, heavy cream, real sugar, alcohol, the things that are usually no-nos; BUT, I use them in moderation. A pound of butter lasts me forever as does a pint of cream. I think I've just gone back to the basics that we all should do (barring special diet needs), in that I am being very moderate in all things, and not overeating.

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  9. Great for you and the weight loss. I am struggling with my weight and am hoping to get a handle on it soon.

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  10. I hope you can do it. Not easy, and we usually get so impatient. Don't pressure yourself!

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If you have something to say about it, just stick out your thumb, and I'll slow down so you can hop aboard! But hang on, 'cause I'm movin' on down the road!!! No time to waste!!!