Royal Fresh Start Express... all aboard!

[qsilver]

The house is really quiet right now. The princesses are in Utah, spending time with family there. The royal consort is off at a meeting. In about 20 minutes, he'll be finding out if he matched for the fellowship he wants. My fingers and toes are crossed for him. But mostly, I'm just sitting here, thinking and reflecting on the last year.
I remember being both excited and frustrated this time last year. I was still searching for a job, but prospects were looking pretty good. I was losing some weight, and that felt pretty good as well. Then July came, and I got word about the new job. I started training the very next week, and things just flew by from there. I made a couple of new friends, and I remember excitedly telling one of them that I was down to 302. It had been so long since I had seen that number on the scale. I also remember telling the same friend, just a few days later, that my mother's cancer surgery had not gone well; my mother would be dying soon. There was so much to deal with in such a short time. The year itself flew by. There were lots of ups and downs--more downs than ups until about Spring Break, unfortunately. The only thing that wasn't down was my weight. I could shift it a pound here and there, but for the most part, it remained about the same.
That's where I'm at this morning. The scale read 303. And while I know that number will change, I also know it is about right. Scale reality says that I only did enough work this last year to hold on. It was not enough to move forward. Part of that doesn't make sense to me; it doesn't quite add up. So here goes another type of reality check--I have moved forward, just not the way the old criteria fit. Have I lost a lot of weight? No. Can I now maintain 30 minutes of exercise without feeling like I'm going to die? Yes. Can I walk 10k steps in a day without feeling like my feet will fall off? Yes. Do I feel better about myself, and do I have a better outlook on life? Yes.
You know what? I'm going with the three yes answers over that one no. Even though the scale doesn't show it, I'm in a much better place all the way around than I was at this time last year. Now it is time to recommit and get down to some serious work. I've been pouting a bit because my husby promised to work out with me this month, and there have been more promises than action. But the new reality check says that I'm responsible for my own body and my own actions. If he doesn't choose to follow through with me, that is his problem; I cannot make it mine. If I go ahead on my own, he is more likely to see my commitment and follow.
I'm getting pretty rambly in here, sorry. I kind of needed to write out some therapy, and this has always been a safe place to do so.

I'm returning almost an hour later. Phone calls and good news! Tony got his fellowship in infectious disease! Wahoo!
Now I'd better get out there making my own dreams come true, huh.

Anagram, I'm planning a return to the pool workouts as well. While I can do more exercising on dry land than before, I'm frequently so stiff and achy the next day that I can barely move. I'm with you on the regrouping efforts. Time to get back to what works.

wsw, you are moving ahead in a grand fashion! Not only have you hit Onederland, but you are changing up your style and getting out there taking care of your own needs. I'm always so impressed by you and your lovely, graceful approach to life.

Kaylets, this statement, "I am done with letting family stress push me off the wagon" had me about standing up and cheering for you. Way to take care of yourself! You've made it through so much, and you are still up there on top, instead of letting other people and their problems drag you down. Impressive stuff and a lesson I'm still working on in my own world.

Kat, graduation day was amazing here! Ok, the actual ceremony part was as boring as they normally are, but watching my girly walk across the stage and take her diploma defies description. It is so incredible watching her come in to her own. And have to tell you, I was putting off our walk-in closet again until I read your post. Darn it all! My goal is to get all the old clothes I'm still holding onto out of this house. Tony's idea is to put things in boxes and store them in the garage. I'm letting him know it is time to let it all go, and he is actually beginning to feel okay with the concept. Besides, I don't think he wants to build more shelves out there until absolutely necessary.

Arabella, hope you are having a wonderful time and working your fingers to the bone at Bootcamp! It was interesting to see your last post mentioning a weight gain right off the bat when you are doing strenuous or new exercise. I've found that the same thing happens to me every good session with the trainer. I am always up 3 pounds the next morning, and the weight is gone again the next day. It has to be water weight, because I can't find any other explanation. At least we know now so we don't stress over the slight (and temporary) shift.

I know there are others to say hey to, but it is time for this royal to get back to work! There will be some celebrating going on in this house tonight!

Andria

[katrinabgood]

That was a great post, Andria! Such a huge part of this process is recognizing that success is measured not only by that ubiquitous number on the scale, but also by the improvements made in our overall well-being! Please give my congrats to Tony for his fellowship!

Oh dear... I thought I was just settling in for a good, long, rainy Saturday afternoon post, but it appears that the husband has other plans for me... not that! I shall return later... hopefully, and tell you all about my new 'midlife crisis' car!

[anagram]

Congrats to Tony - and to you, andria - it IS time to work on your dreams. What a good assessment too. I think (though it gets old sometimes) that this whole "journey" is about constant reassessment and recommitment to a very large degree.


A midlife crisis car - sound intriguing. Midlife crises aren't always bad

Now how about this for reinforcement and motivation

I was at a grad party today for my greatniece. A nephew's wife who works in fitness told me I look in really good shape "for my age" That parts ok - I know I'm no kid. It was just such an unexpected comment and I've been bouncing around since. You and I both know there are many, many my age in better shape but there are also a lot in worse shape. (including her fatherinlaw, my bro).

So maybe (while I could be doing better) - it's time for me to look again at what I HAVE done over the last years. At any rate - it was great to hear her say it and I THINK she really meant it She's not been in the family that long and I was in the midst of tough times when she joined us and have not seen her all that many times. But she motivated me to get out for my walk tonight when I really didn't feel like I could do it. Of course, she's got a gorgeous bod at 42 (3 kids = one by this second marriage) and I'd love to come close but - hey! For tonight that was good enough.

Our weather's improved enough we've had some really nice hours, kaylets. How about you? Ready for my Fresh Start Monday card.

Enjoy bootcamp, WN. Hi, wsw, wearing those bright clothes lately? Ceara, ceara, come out, come out, wherever you are.

Time to start winding down for the night................

[Arabella]

Fresh start Monday! I've been doing well food and exercise-wise but fresher is always better.

I'm still a bit zonked from Bootcamp, which was intense. Good -- I had to return to my day job today but you never know what the future holds. And I came off with tons of helpful information and new ideas, so that is, as they say, all good.

It was nice to get away for the week, too, and to be on my own. People were lovely.

Anagram, I don't remember how old you are but that's always a compliment! Can't compare ourselves to 42-year-olds -- why, they're just babies!

WSW, yes you absolutely need to find a place that meets royal standards! I've always thought that kind of place would be kind-of neat - like a commune except for all the parts we wouldn't want.

Kat, similar for me with the Gabriel Method -- first week was like a revelation and I was just so psyched. Then a rebound week, in which I held onto some of the stuff but not everything. I'm still working on it. But I think, for me, it holds a key...

Andria, congrats on girly graduation and getting through school year. Are you finished?

Kaylets, I like the determination I'm hearing there. Life is one darned thing after another, after all. We need to take care of ourselves throughout.

K, Dollings one and all, let's make this a good one.

[katrinabgood]

I've got 5 minutes to kill before I can punch out... what better place to while away the minutes?

Arabella! Welcome back! I hope you're up for sharing your tales of bootcampery and any info your royal consorts can use!
Anagram! There is nothing like a compliment, out of the blue, that can send that self esteem skyward! I love how it motivated you to walk, too!
Andria! My 'baby' has his big day tomorrow... I am praying for NO MORE RAIN! (other than the tears that may fall from my eyes!)
wsw! Keep up the good work and letting your colors fly!
Kaylets! "Who is your favorite inspirational or motivational writer?" Why, Arabella, of course!

Okay, I'm out of time and off to the gym. No more procrastinating there! Have a good night, lovelies!

[qsilver]

Not unlike Kat, I have a few minutes to spare before heading to the gym, and I decided this was the perfect place to spend that time

Summer is amazing! I am feeling so much more relaxed and myself already. Sleep is returning, stress is gone, and I'm just feeling good. Ok, it doesn't hurt that I'm able to move a whole lot more, and the scale seems to be moving the right direction because of it. I'll wait a few more days to see where things are settling out, but it looks like I'm going to be nicely settled in the 2s instead of 3s.

Kat, have a wonderful time at your son's graduation!
Arabella, sounds like Bootcamp was great. Can hardly wait for stories!
Anagram, Wahoo for unsolicited compliments!
Hey to all the other royals out there!

Ok, that time flew by. I've got to get outta here and off to the gym.

*HUGS*
Andria

[wsw]

just wanted to check in quickly and say hello. will respond to individual posts soon, but at least wanted to let you know i am thinking of you, royals! i'm hanging in with food plan and exercise. (195 now.) in this heat, i need to do my errands very piecemeal, so need to try and get in another one soon before i wear out for the day. i will be back before too long, and catch up on your posts. well, take care, all.

[Arabella]

The weather was so beautiful last week -- just amazing. I walked and/or ran on trails every day, through marshes and a wildlife management area, through the little harbour village. There were tons of great blue herons and bald eagles -- so enormous! One morning I saw an eagle fly out of a tree and I swear, the wingspan looked to be about eight feet. A heron flew out of the same tree right afterwards and was totally dwarfed -- and they are BIG birds. It was gorgeous out there, the only reservation being that it's so buggy that you pretty much have to keep moving constantly. Otherwise I would have flung myself down and soaked up the sun. I had such an urge to throw off my clothes and do that!

Now we're having some grey, foggy days but ... summer still. My writing group had its final session for the summer last night. It was a good one, too. It's such a lovely group of women. We've got plans to go to a play in July and out for our regular gala dinner in August.

Shall fill in more details about bootcamp when I've got a few more minutes. I'm just slurping and preparing myself to go out and trot through the woods.

WSW, even your description of how you approach your tasks is inspiring. I need to do that, take five minutes here and ten minutes there, to get stuff done. Yes I CAN!

Kat, "favorite inspirational writer?" You're so sweet! Do I detect an interest in screenwriting? I've definitely got information to share if so. You'd be great! Hope grad night was perfect.

Andria, it's amazing, isn't it, how much more possible life seems when work doesn't overwhelm? Enjoy! And we'll enjoy having you back in the palace.

K, lies all -- let us enjoy this day that we've been given. Love to all!

[wsw]

arabella- hearing your beautiful description of the amazing wildlife and weather was so soothing. it really felt like i could close my eyes and be in that spot. it sounded lovely, and i will look forward to hearing more installments about bootcamp.

kat-hope a grand time was had by all at your ds's graduation, and that the weather cooperated! tell us about that "midlife crisis" car.

andria-glad you are enjoying the less hectic schedule now for summer. that is great about dh's fellowship!

anagram-how lovely to have unsolicited, and i'm sure very much-warranted, compliment about being in such good shape!

kaylets- good for you for not letting family stress push you off the wagon! i always love seeing the thought of the day you post, and the most recent one ("It is not what happens to that determines how far you do in life; It is what you do with what happens in life") sure struck a cord with me.

---and greetings to ceara, janga, and all our royal personages!

the heat is blistering here. i did sneak out for a little while today, to get a quick errand done, but fortunately i didn't have any appointments which were an absolute must, and could lay low most of the remainder of the day. the other night, i had dinner with my best friend and his wife. they are just such a wonderful couple, and individuals, and it is always a pleasure to spend time, and laugh, with them. i also had gotten a new pair of sandals which are really cute, but are really just for show because my walking is unsteady (ms-wise) and i have to wear good solid shoes when i walk (with either my walker or cane.) my best friend has been taught well by his very smart wife that cute shoes are a big deal for girls, and so he automatically said "how about we take the wheelchair, and then you can show off those nice new shoes you have." i have to say it was great fun to get a chance to wear my "girl shoes." well, have a good evening, royals! take care.

[katrinabgood]

OH, how sweet! What lovely, caring friends you have, wsw! Sounds like it was a wonderful evening! I'm so glad you were able to show off your pretty 'girl shoes!'

Indeed, all went well at the graduation, the rain very kindly held off until we were actually leaving the football field, and even then, only after a decent amount of picture taking and schmoozing had been done. My tears began to flow the minute they started playing "Pomp and Circumstance" when the procession began... dh smartly reminded me that our son probably wasn't even out of the school, at that point, what with our name coming up waaaaaayy at the end of the alphabet, and maybe I should hold off or I'd be out of tissues! Wise man, he! By the time our "little boy" received his diploma, (after all the speeches, and students A-V had gone up) I was way beyond tears, had a numb hiney and was more hungry than anything else! All in all, it was a nice day. We had planned on going to DS's favorite hibachi restaurant for dinner... turns out it was closed on Wednesdays! We found a nice Japanese restaruant 'round the corner and had a great dinner there, instead. Very low key, but nice, just the four of us.

My new car? So pretty! I had been driving the same car for the past 13 years, so it was getting to be time to say goodbye to Old Faithful. It was an Isuzu Rodeo, a good solid, 4wheel drive that got us through manys the winter storm, and to quite a few vacation destinations... Maine, Cape Cod, Boston, Washington DC, PA, MD, NY and of course the Jersey Shore. I really loved that car, my kids grew up with it, it's been a part of our family for almost as long as my son's been around! That said... now that sonny has his own car, daughter has her own car... it was time for Momma and Pop to trade up! I didn't want a family car, I didn't want an SUV, I wanted something cute and sporty! We got a great deal on a slightly used Chrysler Sebring convertible ... champagne color... so pretty! Every chance I get, and there haven't been many, what with all the $%#&@ rain, that top is down and I'm cruising! I love it!

Arabella... Sounds like a great week, I can't wait to hear more! I'm in awe of your tales of the wildlife around you! What I'd give to see a bald eagle!

Andria... 'Sleep is returning, stress is gone...' Now that sounds like the beginning of a great summer!

Anagram... it stopped raining! for now I hope you're out on the patio of P&T. I plan to get outside today, finally, and get some gardening done... my how the weeds LOVE rain!

Kaylets... You said something that resonates with me, completely:
Sad that middleaged people choose to live this way. Over so very, very little. Whatever the case may be... it is sad. And I refuse to be sucked into the mire. There is so much to be thankful for, why waste time being angry and miserable? Oh, I could go on.... but I won't. Too nice a day!

Speaking of which, I need to get out and enjoy this beautiful day... weather reports are iffy, so I gotta grab some sun while I can!

I hope you all can grab some sunshine too! Have a great day!

[qsilver]

It is so HOT here! The weather reports say we've been hitting record highs for a good couple of weeks now, and it is just crazy miserable. The funny thing is, I know Southern Utah was much hotter by sheer temperature comparison, but any humidity at all makes a big difference in how hot it feels outside.
It is really funny to hear everyone talking about all the rain they are getting. We are just about to hit stage 3 drought restrictions. Of course, drought restrictions are pretty laughable here. You can still use a handheld hose any time of day! So, basically, it looks like a block party every night around here. All the neighbors are out watering their lawns, and the kiddos are running through the spray like a sprinkler.
Anyway, enough of the weather talk from me! The scale is definitely hanging out the right direction. I had a bit of an expected upswing with family all here and celebrating, but that is gone as well as an extra pound. I've also found a new, more immediate reason to get losing weight at a faster rate. I've been having stomach cramping problems, and it appears that it is probably the beginning of gallbladder troubles. Basically, every time I try to eat a couple of french fries or something of the sort, my stomach begins to cramp down. I pretty much can't eat anything else, and drinking anything makes me feel even worse. I thought it might be stress related, but after having a lunch with some fried foods the other day, there was a much more intense pain after the meal. The royal consort was a bit miffed I haven't been telling him about these problems--I kind of didn't think to, assuming it would solve itself. He also tells me that I'm too large to take the quick recovery surgical option. Right now, the plan is for me to make sure to maintain a low-fat diet (to prevent the gallbladder acting up, not just losing weight), and to do whatever else it takes to get losing some weight fast. I don't want to be down for weeks just because of my weight when there is a much safer option with a much shorter recovery time. So, the plan is in place, and I'm kicking myself into high gear.

I was worried I'd be all bored and depressed while the princesses were visiting family in Utah, but I've actually been keeping really busy. Besides adding a day to the trainer every week, I've picked up some reading, writing and grammar workshops. I know this makes me sound like a geek, but I really love learning new ways and new ideas for teaching. Being with like-minded people is always a huge boost as well. Definitely part of the reason the palace is such a good place to hang out!

Kat, the graduation sounds like it was perfect! We had a little snafu as well with our celebration dinner. Turns out I set the reservations at the wrong restaurant, and the one we were supposed to be at had parties of 19 and 24 to be seated ahead of us. Ack! We ended up waiting about 40 minutes, which wasn't really a problem. We all sat and talked while trying to ignore the antics of my ex MIL. Love the snazzy new car for you! I can just see you cruising around with that top down.

wsw, I love that you have such caring friends around you. What a brilliant way for them to help you show off your pretty new sandals. Also, congratulations on the still-dropping weight!

Arabella, I'm with everyone else. The wildlife descriptions are just lovely! Except for the bugs, that is... They do make me want to be in shape enough to do my own woods woggling.

to Anagram, Kaylets, Ceara, and any others I've missed.

I think it is time for an afternoon snack and some time with the Wii Fit. Those trainers can be much tougher than the real thing!

Andria

[wsw]

kat-so glad it was a lovely graduation celebration for ds and all of your family! your new car sounds so cool! enjoy!

andria-woohoo on pounds down! the workshops sound interesting, and glad you are enjoying them. sorry you are having gallbladder problems. hope that will be able to be resolved in the least invasive manner, and the best timing for you, and that it won't give you too much trouble, at least, in the meantime.

saw "easy virtue" (colin firth), which i really enjoyed, at the cute little theatre the older folks (and i ) like(with easy parking, very small theatre, etc.) i hadn't been there in such a long time, and was glad i went today. the drive is a bit long, but it was definitely worth it. the a/c was blasting at just my favorite "arctic temp," and there is a neat book case in the lobby, which has a good collection of books that i always enjoy browsing, while jazz is playing in the background. it really is just my speed. tomorrow, i am having brunch with a couple of good friends, which should be fun. well, hope all royals have a good evening and remainder of the weekend. take care.

[Arabella]

Oh, I am enjoying this day!

We had a lovely dinner party last night with SIL & BIL and two close friend couples. The weather was lovely for sitting out. I put a cloth on our deck table, gathered a bouquet from the gardens. I made veggie pizzas with whole wheat crust and a mesclun salad. I had a brainwave for dessert -- put out a big platter of fresh strawberries and cherries with chunks of chocolate strewn amongst them. Everyone was happy. We sat and talked and laughed for hours.

We went for our long Sunday walk, came back and had Sunday breakfast. We've got a copy of "La Vie en Rose" to watch tonight and lamb dinner pretty much ready to go. I'm trying to decide whether to hit the greenhouses or lounge and read about ghosts. I'm a wee bit tired so I may choose the latter.

It's been quite warm and humid, yesterday a bit less so and today verging on cool again. I love it when the weather mixes it up.

One story from bootcamp: One of our first exercises was to pass in Act I of our treatments (a summary of our stories). When we were in the session room the next day, the mentor said that most of us would be shocked by the comments on our papers, that, on the whole, they were pretty bad. Gulp. And then he started addressing issues people had trouble with. (This sounds worse than it was -- he was framing it mostly as, you folks are just starting out, there are things you need to know.) Kept not saying anything about mine. I was thinking: He'll finish off saying, "And, Ivy, yours was the worst of the lot." But no, nothing. Then he handed them back and it was totally positive. As he left the room, he stood behind me and put his hands on my shoulders and said "Yours was terrific." I did think, a little bit, that the rest of the group might hate me but they seemed okay.

I'm attaching my treatment, in case anyone's interested. Info-wise, it'll demonstrate what a treatment is, anyway.

WSW, I've got the same issue with shoes. If I'm going to walk even a block or so, I have to wear supportive shoes. Sometimes it's possible to find something attractive that I can walk in a bit but never super-girly things. I'll have to find me some "sitting" shoes.

Andria, too bad about the tummy trouble. On the other hand, it sounds as if you might manage to make it work in your favor. Good for you attending workshops! I think you're in your right career.

Kat, I'm loving the image of you scooting around in your new convertible! Sounds like a "new lease on life" car to me.

I'd never seen so many bald eagles in my life -- c'mon up and visit and I'll take you to them.


Now, where beith all other ly folk? Love to all, in any case. Hope everyone has a splendiferous Sunday.

[Kaylets]

Hello all....

I spent 2 days this weekend in the sun and have woken up feeling motivated and ready....

Silver-- Thanks for the kind words, I need to read all of your post more thoroughly. Just one thing---we do what we can, when we can do more, we do more.... WE CAN DO THIS!!!


To everyone else, big hugs.....


I have baby robins outside my kitchen window again. Not but 3 ft away !!
Very inspiring watching the two parents staying on track, no matter all the distractions...


And, this is an important note for all of us:

This is important info!

*******************
WARNINGS ABOUT TICKS






I hate it when people forward bogus warnings, and I have even done it myself a couple times unintentionally but this one is real, and it's important.

Please send this warning to everyone on your e-mail list.

If someone comes to your front door saying they are checking for ticks due to the warm weather and asks you to take your clothes off and dance around with your arms up,

DO NOT DO IT!!

THIS IS A SCAM!!


They only want to see you naked.

I wish I'd gotten this yesterday.

I feel so stupid.



*************

[katrinabgood]

That's all I have time for at the moment... but thanks for sending me home with a big smile on my face, Kaylets!