February 17, 2010--Nine Months out.
I seem to be hanging around the 75 pound mark, and, as good as that is, it's somewhat disappointing. I am, however, 100 pounds off my all-time high. I've been exercising 4 to 5 days a week. Received a tip on another place to exercise after this year is up. Depends on cost.
Bob will be so proud--I now have my very own speed-o bathing suit(s).
I'm seriously considering a return to Zamorin's to finish the job and, perhaps to get off Diet Coke.
Heard from Amelia. She is currently on an island in or near the Arabian Sea which some Sheik has set up as a preserve for wild animals. The first email had a picture of her. She looks good.
Her second email included pictures of a tiger, giraffs, and a couple of other wild animals.
I've been teaching at Ancilla. I was offered a class for each of the two summer sessions--3 nights a week for 3 1/2 hours each night. I told the Division Chair I would take the one starting June 28, but to please try to find someone else for the Social Psychology in the 1st summer session--trying to leave my options open.
Take care. Be safe. And know that I love each and every one of you.
Mom/Peggy/Granny
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
January, 2010
Good morning. I am eight months from the beginning of this journey and 74 pounds lighter. The holidays didn't present much of a problem, thank goodness! I am back in the swing of things with regard to exercising. I can now do 3 miles on the treadmill in under 60 minutes. I am trying to boost that up. That doesn't mean I can or will walk that fast anywhere else, however. I wore my Turkey Trot shirt to Knollwood yesterday. And I can swim 3/4 of a mile without touching.
I checked into a rumor about treadmills adversely affecting one's hips. DEBUNKED. The treadmills at Knollwood are padded so they are actually better for you than walking outside.
I've been advised not to try any of the 3 types of Stairmasters/ellipticals due to past sciatica problems. Walking or biking are okay. Being able to listen to music or watch any one or more of six TV stations makes the time go faster. Apparently aggravated my sciatica--but not by exercising--so I am taking today off.
I looked at one of my shirts on a hangar and thought "Boy, does that look small." Put it on and it fit!!!!!!!!!!! Halleluja! Ihave a trashbag full of underwear to put out for the trashman. Have taken several bags of clothing to Goodwill. Incentive to continue this path.
If you have not read THE CHINA STUDY, I recommend it. Also, Amazon has a book titled "Eat This Not That", that Kathy Beiler gave me. Very interesting. Guides you in better things to eat when you are out and about. It's amazing. Did you know that a Dairy Queen Classic Banana Split is 500 calories and 27 grams of fat better for you (at 530 calories and 12g of fat) than the Baskin-Robbins Banana Split???? Or that a Cinnabon Classic Cinnamon Role has 813 calories and 32g of fat???? That Panera Sierra Turkey sandwich has 840 calories and 40g of fat?One more: The worst fast-food Chicken meal is the Chicken Selects Premium Breast Strips from McDonald's (5 pieces) with creamy ranch sauce.--830 calories, 55g fat and48g carbs. Add fries and regular nondiet drink, and it's 1,710 calories. 20 Chicken McNuggets have the same impact. Suggests that McDonald's 6 piece with BBQ sauce will save you 530 calories.
Ok. So I've gotten on the soapbox. Only thinking of you and your health and sharing what I am learning.
Also wanted to tell you that Amelia reported having some tumor markers in her bloodwork in December. But we've emailed back and forth several times this month, and she isn't coughing up blood. She's doing a lot of meditating, and her belief in God wanting her to be healthy is very strong. She's an awesome woman!!! Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.
Love you all,
Mom/Peggy/friend
I checked into a rumor about treadmills adversely affecting one's hips. DEBUNKED. The treadmills at Knollwood are padded so they are actually better for you than walking outside.
I've been advised not to try any of the 3 types of Stairmasters/ellipticals due to past sciatica problems. Walking or biking are okay. Being able to listen to music or watch any one or more of six TV stations makes the time go faster. Apparently aggravated my sciatica--but not by exercising--so I am taking today off.
I looked at one of my shirts on a hangar and thought "Boy, does that look small." Put it on and it fit!!!!!!!!!!! Halleluja! Ihave a trashbag full of underwear to put out for the trashman. Have taken several bags of clothing to Goodwill. Incentive to continue this path.
If you have not read THE CHINA STUDY, I recommend it. Also, Amazon has a book titled "Eat This Not That", that Kathy Beiler gave me. Very interesting. Guides you in better things to eat when you are out and about. It's amazing. Did you know that a Dairy Queen Classic Banana Split is 500 calories and 27 grams of fat better for you (at 530 calories and 12g of fat) than the Baskin-Robbins Banana Split???? Or that a Cinnabon Classic Cinnamon Role has 813 calories and 32g of fat???? That Panera Sierra Turkey sandwich has 840 calories and 40g of fat?One more: The worst fast-food Chicken meal is the Chicken Selects Premium Breast Strips from McDonald's (5 pieces) with creamy ranch sauce.--830 calories, 55g fat and48g carbs. Add fries and regular nondiet drink, and it's 1,710 calories. 20 Chicken McNuggets have the same impact. Suggests that McDonald's 6 piece with BBQ sauce will save you 530 calories.
Ok. So I've gotten on the soapbox. Only thinking of you and your health and sharing what I am learning.
Also wanted to tell you that Amelia reported having some tumor markers in her bloodwork in December. But we've emailed back and forth several times this month, and she isn't coughing up blood. She's doing a lot of meditating, and her belief in God wanting her to be healthy is very strong. She's an awesome woman!!! Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.
Love you all,
Mom/Peggy/friend
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
December 16, 2009
Six months out (since June). 71 pounds. No craving for chocolate. Just for sugar cookie dough. I would like to lose 25 more pounds. More, if possible, but I will be happy with just 25 more. Received my new 6 months worth of medication last Monday. It was wrapped in a muslin bag with hand stitching and wax (like on letters in the olden days) at strategic points. Cool.
Forgot to mention that David, Kevin, Raechel and I did an 8K (5 miles) race??????? called the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. Actually, Raechel ran and then came back to join us for the end of the walk, bringing bottles of much-needed water. Kevin, David, and I received a standing ovation when we crossed the Finish Line. The people were already standing, but they did applaud for those of us who finished last. The point, again, isn't that we finished last, but that I FINISHED!!!!!!!!!! We didn't get a free pair of shoes, but we did get T-shirts. Had a good time. And all of us know that I probably would not have finished 5 miles this time last year!
My second semester of college teaching has ended, and I am busy getting ready to teach Abnormal Psychology as well as one General Psychology course next semester.
Amelia told me that she has cancer markers in her blood again so please be thinking of her and praying for her. She is an amazing woman and is trying spiritual healing now.
Take care. Merry Christmas. Please have a safe, healthy New Year.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny
Forgot to mention that David, Kevin, Raechel and I did an 8K (5 miles) race??????? called the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. Actually, Raechel ran and then came back to join us for the end of the walk, bringing bottles of much-needed water. Kevin, David, and I received a standing ovation when we crossed the Finish Line. The people were already standing, but they did applaud for those of us who finished last. The point, again, isn't that we finished last, but that I FINISHED!!!!!!!!!! We didn't get a free pair of shoes, but we did get T-shirts. Had a good time. And all of us know that I probably would not have finished 5 miles this time last year!
My second semester of college teaching has ended, and I am busy getting ready to teach Abnormal Psychology as well as one General Psychology course next semester.
Amelia told me that she has cancer markers in her blood again so please be thinking of her and praying for her. She is an amazing woman and is trying spiritual healing now.
Take care. Merry Christmas. Please have a safe, healthy New Year.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny
Thursday, November 19, 2009
update November--5 months out
The best laid plans...
or
better late than never.
The good news on the weight issue is I'm maintaining.
The bad news is I'm definitely not losing very fast. Almost at 31 kilos. 68 pounds. Not much change since October. I think I look pretty darn good, but that may be an inaccurate perception.
I'm going to Knollwood about 5 times a week--sometimes using the treadmill; sometimes swimming. I can swim more than a half mile without stopping although I do not have the fancy turns some folks have--not stopping means not putting my feet on the floor. There's a wonderful jacuzzi for afterward. No after effects from swimming 40 lengths of 75 feet. Swimming is easier than walking on the treadmill. But maybe it doesn't use as many calories as walking?? Don't do Tuesdays or Thursdays because those are my long days, and I just don't have the energy. If I don't get to Knollwood on Mondays, I still go to Qigong Monday nights.
Trying to eat less. Am experiencing more stress as the semester wears on. Finally had an epiphany about why my spare time seems so limited. I'm grading for 3 classes instead of just one. And, although I've lost a lot of students, it still takes a lot of time.
I don't think I told you last month, but I had to have ring guards put on my rings because I was afraid they would fly off never to be seen again.
The good news about being unable to give blood is that I found out I'm not anemic, my resting pulse was 70, and my BP was 96 over 70. Not too shabby.
David will see me next Wednesday for the first time since he left India. May be a big surprise although he has seen pictures thanks to Jenny putting them on Facebook.
Take care and enjoy Thanksgiving.
Love,
Mom/Peggy
And so, the beat goes on. Am wondering if I am going to make my goal.
or
better late than never.
The good news on the weight issue is I'm maintaining.
The bad news is I'm definitely not losing very fast. Almost at 31 kilos. 68 pounds. Not much change since October. I think I look pretty darn good, but that may be an inaccurate perception.
I'm going to Knollwood about 5 times a week--sometimes using the treadmill; sometimes swimming. I can swim more than a half mile without stopping although I do not have the fancy turns some folks have--not stopping means not putting my feet on the floor. There's a wonderful jacuzzi for afterward. No after effects from swimming 40 lengths of 75 feet. Swimming is easier than walking on the treadmill. But maybe it doesn't use as many calories as walking?? Don't do Tuesdays or Thursdays because those are my long days, and I just don't have the energy. If I don't get to Knollwood on Mondays, I still go to Qigong Monday nights.
Trying to eat less. Am experiencing more stress as the semester wears on. Finally had an epiphany about why my spare time seems so limited. I'm grading for 3 classes instead of just one. And, although I've lost a lot of students, it still takes a lot of time.
I don't think I told you last month, but I had to have ring guards put on my rings because I was afraid they would fly off never to be seen again.
The good news about being unable to give blood is that I found out I'm not anemic, my resting pulse was 70, and my BP was 96 over 70. Not too shabby.
David will see me next Wednesday for the first time since he left India. May be a big surprise although he has seen pictures thanks to Jenny putting them on Facebook.
Take care and enjoy Thanksgiving.
Love,
Mom/Peggy
And so, the beat goes on. Am wondering if I am going to make my goal.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
October 14, 2009
Hey!
Here's the latest on the miracle that is Ayurveda. Today is Wednesday which is my weigh-in day. 64 pounds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do you believe it?????????????????? Absolutely amazing!!!!!!!!!! This in spite of not being entirely faithful to the regimen I've set for myself. Last Friday a friend and I went to Parisi's, and I had spaghetti. First time since May. It was great. And I wasn't even sick the next day! Also, am still not eating chocolate. Not even any cravings for it. Or Cinnebon or Pizza Hut although I have had some pizza since I came back.
I had to change the mirrors on my car because the last time I checked, I had dropped over 10 inches on my bootie--don't know how to spell the upperclass name. If this keeps up, I may have to get a pillow to sit on so I can see over the steering wheel.
My closet is becoming more and more limited. I've been using a belt to keep my pants up--got a couple of pairs of size 16 jeans, and those don't need a belt. Also got a belt for the too big shirts and sweaters so I can keep wearing them a while longer. Some of the shirts, sweaters and slacks I have just don't look good with or without a belt so I have them packed up for Goodwill or St. Vincent's Society. Hate to spend much money because I intend to keep going on this. Anyway, Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!
Walking has become more limited due to weather restraints so I am investigating other avenues. Hopefully will have something I can live with for the next 6 months next time I blog.
Was talking to Kevin (and Michelle--you know we should both go) about going back to Zamorin's but Aunt Linda tells me they have doubled the price since we were there in May and June. Guess maybe Col. Babu read my blog. Knew I shouldn't give him my blog address!!
Thanks for all the love and support. And thanks for pushing. It has been the greatest thing!
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny
Here's the latest on the miracle that is Ayurveda. Today is Wednesday which is my weigh-in day. 64 pounds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do you believe it?????????????????? Absolutely amazing!!!!!!!!!! This in spite of not being entirely faithful to the regimen I've set for myself. Last Friday a friend and I went to Parisi's, and I had spaghetti. First time since May. It was great. And I wasn't even sick the next day! Also, am still not eating chocolate. Not even any cravings for it. Or Cinnebon or Pizza Hut although I have had some pizza since I came back.
I had to change the mirrors on my car because the last time I checked, I had dropped over 10 inches on my bootie--don't know how to spell the upperclass name. If this keeps up, I may have to get a pillow to sit on so I can see over the steering wheel.
My closet is becoming more and more limited. I've been using a belt to keep my pants up--got a couple of pairs of size 16 jeans, and those don't need a belt. Also got a belt for the too big shirts and sweaters so I can keep wearing them a while longer. Some of the shirts, sweaters and slacks I have just don't look good with or without a belt so I have them packed up for Goodwill or St. Vincent's Society. Hate to spend much money because I intend to keep going on this. Anyway, Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!
Walking has become more limited due to weather restraints so I am investigating other avenues. Hopefully will have something I can live with for the next 6 months next time I blog.
Was talking to Kevin (and Michelle--you know we should both go) about going back to Zamorin's but Aunt Linda tells me they have doubled the price since we were there in May and June. Guess maybe Col. Babu read my blog. Knew I shouldn't give him my blog address!!
Thanks for all the love and support. And thanks for pushing. It has been the greatest thing!
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny
Saturday, September 12, 2009
3 months out from Zamorin
Hi all,
Hope everyone is doing well.
As for me, if my calculations are correct, I am at 24.5 kilos lost. If not, you'll never know. If you go from my all-time high, it's even more than that.
In August, I went to California, and Kevin and I went to Yosemite for a couple of days. Awesome! I would like to go back sometime in the Spring when the snowmelt is making the falls flow. Once again, I found how hard it is to travel under the eating restrictions I have imposed on myself. We took a cooler of fruits and veggies and were able to pick and choose at a buffet breakfast where we stayed.
Unfortunately, I seem to have hit a plateau mentally. I'm getting tired (or bored) with being so careful as well as trying to walk every single day for an hour. Have not been able, really, to pull that off since starting teaching at Ancilla. Tuesdays are virtually impossible due to lack of time and motivation--not to mention class preparation or grading. Thursdays aren't a lot better, but since I don't have to be mentally alert until 9:00PM, it's a little better. Last Thursday, I did manage to walk for 30 minutes after my morning class. The issue there is that it's a pain due to the body cooling mechanism (sweating). I haven't reached the point where I feel okay about walking around in the building in my walking clothes (trying to cool down--I can only sit outside twiddling my thumbs for so long before getting antsy. Still have to ask about the lockerroom. I do take my lunch on those two days because the salad bar offered was okay but not sterling.
So...If anyone has any words of advice or is willing to offer me a million dollars for dropping an additional 24.5 kilos, please feel free. I'm sure this is just a temporary glitch so I will probably get over the moaning and groaning.
My CSA is going to offer a double season of fruits and vegetables (for double the price), but it will start earlier. And I will get things like strawberries and asparagus (not bad steamed) in season. By that time, I hope to be in a position to be doing some recipes with fruits and veggies so this will give me additional new ones to try.
Jenny has made sweet potatoes (mashed and tasting good)--actually an excellent vegetable according to the nutrition letter--and squash (also good). She also used the quinoa Valerie and Aunt Linda sent-- in green peppers. It's the top healthy wheat, etc. category. Thank you, Jenny, for being an excellent cook and for being adventurous. Quinoa is actually good if you add a little cheese.
Tune in next month for the continuing saga. Thank you for all your love and support!!! It's appreciated more than you know!!!!!!!
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny
Hope everyone is doing well.
As for me, if my calculations are correct, I am at 24.5 kilos lost. If not, you'll never know. If you go from my all-time high, it's even more than that.
In August, I went to California, and Kevin and I went to Yosemite for a couple of days. Awesome! I would like to go back sometime in the Spring when the snowmelt is making the falls flow. Once again, I found how hard it is to travel under the eating restrictions I have imposed on myself. We took a cooler of fruits and veggies and were able to pick and choose at a buffet breakfast where we stayed.
Unfortunately, I seem to have hit a plateau mentally. I'm getting tired (or bored) with being so careful as well as trying to walk every single day for an hour. Have not been able, really, to pull that off since starting teaching at Ancilla. Tuesdays are virtually impossible due to lack of time and motivation--not to mention class preparation or grading. Thursdays aren't a lot better, but since I don't have to be mentally alert until 9:00PM, it's a little better. Last Thursday, I did manage to walk for 30 minutes after my morning class. The issue there is that it's a pain due to the body cooling mechanism (sweating). I haven't reached the point where I feel okay about walking around in the building in my walking clothes (trying to cool down--I can only sit outside twiddling my thumbs for so long before getting antsy. Still have to ask about the lockerroom. I do take my lunch on those two days because the salad bar offered was okay but not sterling.
So...If anyone has any words of advice or is willing to offer me a million dollars for dropping an additional 24.5 kilos, please feel free. I'm sure this is just a temporary glitch so I will probably get over the moaning and groaning.
My CSA is going to offer a double season of fruits and vegetables (for double the price), but it will start earlier. And I will get things like strawberries and asparagus (not bad steamed) in season. By that time, I hope to be in a position to be doing some recipes with fruits and veggies so this will give me additional new ones to try.
Jenny has made sweet potatoes (mashed and tasting good)--actually an excellent vegetable according to the nutrition letter--and squash (also good). She also used the quinoa Valerie and Aunt Linda sent-- in green peppers. It's the top healthy wheat, etc. category. Thank you, Jenny, for being an excellent cook and for being adventurous. Quinoa is actually good if you add a little cheese.
Tune in next month for the continuing saga. Thank you for all your love and support!!! It's appreciated more than you know!!!!!!!
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny
Monday, August 17, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
My apologies for not writing the follow-up blog on August 12, 2009. I was in the process of leaving for California and Yosemite National Park and ran out of time.
At any rate, as of last Wednesday, August 12, 2009, I have lost 45 pounds. As I told Kevin, there is no way I could have or would have lost that 45 pounds without going to India and experiencing Ayurveda treatment. So, I thank you all for that and for all the support you have given me around this endeavor.
Things I have learned since returning to the States: It is very difficult to travel without including my own food provisions in my planning. When I went to the family reunion in West Virginia, I stopped several places for breaks or gas. I was able to walk into a plaza which had Cinnebonn and Pizza Hut without any problem at all. (I was just thinking that in my most recent trip through airports that I didn't even notice Cinnebonn. Amazing!) Stopping at Starvin' Marvin or any other convenience store looking for something healthy turned out to be an exercise in futility. Usually I can find apples or bananas, but no such luck on the West Virginia trip. No wonder there are so many of us overweight folks. Not only is our food supply pretty much deficient in nutrition, but so much of it is pure junk. Even the 'natural' stuff is full of sugar, fats and additives. I have been following the "If it has more than 5 ingredients, don't buy it." rule. (If you've heard this stuff before, the blog says I posted on 7/28, but I can't find it. Indulge me and read this stuff, too, please.)
This past weekend I went to see Kevin, and we stocked up on fruits and veggies to take with us to Yosemite. There was a breakfast buffet where we stayed, but we still had to pick and choose. I had a great time with Kevin and at Yosemite. Yosemite itself is absolutely awesome. I would like to go back sometime in the Spring. BTW: On the return flight, there was still snow on some of the Rocky peaks. When my batteries recharge, I will put pictures on Picasa. Probably tomorrow.
Almost forgot to mention that I still haven't had any chocolate except the one piece in Dubai and three chocolate-covered almonds. Absolutely amazing!!!!!!!!!!! My weight is where I hoped to be by Christmas so I am still keepin' on.
Thanks again for all the caring and support.
Love,
Mom/Granny/Peggy
My apologies for not writing the follow-up blog on August 12, 2009. I was in the process of leaving for California and Yosemite National Park and ran out of time.
At any rate, as of last Wednesday, August 12, 2009, I have lost 45 pounds. As I told Kevin, there is no way I could have or would have lost that 45 pounds without going to India and experiencing Ayurveda treatment. So, I thank you all for that and for all the support you have given me around this endeavor.
Things I have learned since returning to the States: It is very difficult to travel without including my own food provisions in my planning. When I went to the family reunion in West Virginia, I stopped several places for breaks or gas. I was able to walk into a plaza which had Cinnebonn and Pizza Hut without any problem at all. (I was just thinking that in my most recent trip through airports that I didn't even notice Cinnebonn. Amazing!) Stopping at Starvin' Marvin or any other convenience store looking for something healthy turned out to be an exercise in futility. Usually I can find apples or bananas, but no such luck on the West Virginia trip. No wonder there are so many of us overweight folks. Not only is our food supply pretty much deficient in nutrition, but so much of it is pure junk. Even the 'natural' stuff is full of sugar, fats and additives. I have been following the "If it has more than 5 ingredients, don't buy it." rule. (If you've heard this stuff before, the blog says I posted on 7/28, but I can't find it. Indulge me and read this stuff, too, please.)
This past weekend I went to see Kevin, and we stocked up on fruits and veggies to take with us to Yosemite. There was a breakfast buffet where we stayed, but we still had to pick and choose. I had a great time with Kevin and at Yosemite. Yosemite itself is absolutely awesome. I would like to go back sometime in the Spring. BTW: On the return flight, there was still snow on some of the Rocky peaks. When my batteries recharge, I will put pictures on Picasa. Probably tomorrow.
Almost forgot to mention that I still haven't had any chocolate except the one piece in Dubai and three chocolate-covered almonds. Absolutely amazing!!!!!!!!!!! My weight is where I hoped to be by Christmas so I am still keepin' on.
Thanks again for all the caring and support.
Love,
Mom/Granny/Peggy
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