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Hard to be patient

Monday, February 28, 2011

I usually have an abundance of patience for a lot of different things.

I have to admit, though, it is hard to be patient with this slow weight loss effort. I know other things are better ways to judge progress. I am not discouraged as I can definitely see progress in other ways. BUT!!! It sure would be nice to get some results on the scale and with the measuring tape.

Today was weigh in. No change..again. I am not perfect at staying in the calorie range but I surely should be getting better loss. A nurse/friend reminded me recently that it is harder for diabetics to lose weight. Whew...I have to agree...though I have never lost weight easily..ever. My MIL can try ANY fad diet that comes along and lose weight on it (she can't keep it off permanently though). I can work like crazy at the same diet, and have no success. I don't even bother trying them anymore (haven't for yrs now).

I don't think lower calorie intake is the answer...I aim for 12-1500 a day and that is a healthy range that should get results. I have boosted my activity/exercise levels...and will do so even more soon when the mowing season starts. Last yr I mowed OR worked out..this year will mow AND workout, I guess. Something has to work!!

I LOVE hearing others are losing steadily each week. Some of the numbers amaze me! I really admire the effort some people go to for health and fitness. I am astonished as what some have accomplished.

So, what's the matter with me? Is it just the diabetes? Maybe. Seems like this journey is taking an awfully long time, though. I am fighting to bring down my blood sugars....working at working out more intensely...and that does take time to build up...I don't like being sore. I keep pushing forward, but I admit, slowly. Even though my clothing is fitting differently, I have yet to drop a size..and the measurements pretty much don't show the changes...how can that be?

Ahhh well, it is gray and raining...with thunder rumbling. Guess I will go get my exercise done. I will be pleased with my hr + spent with Leslie as we walk five miles together with the rain drumming on the porch roof outside.

See you all later!

Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LOVINGMYSELF101 3/1/2011 12:34AM

Oh Asta (((HUGS))) I always remind myself, that it is our efforts to better health that make us happy. No matter what the scale says, it is how we feel, our relationship with food, that matters the most. Ask yourself, 'Do I have more energy? More stamina? How am I today as compared to a year ago, six months ago? Am I more flexible? Do I drink my water faithfully?' These are all as important, if not more important than what the scale says. How does your heart feel? I know it would thank you if it could. A good friend always told me, keep steppin!

Rose

Comment edited on: 3/1/2011 12:35:06 AM

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2CATS2LOVE1 2/28/2011 6:52PM

I know what you mean. My weight loss is slow too. But, don't give up. My sister lost 60 lbs doing Atkins and has kept it off 8 yrs! She told me sometimes the pounds come off one at a time and sometimes five at a time. Don't give up!! We can do this!!

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LOVE2WALK1 2/28/2011 6:47PM

Asta,

My dear friend, I feel your pain! Same situation. But what keeps me going is knowing that even if the results are not on the scale I am healthier on the inside...so are you!

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GAMOMMY3 2/28/2011 6:35PM

Hi Asta,

Have you considered talking to a nutritionist about your diet? He/she may have some ideas for you. Just stay balanced. The ultimate goal is to be healthy to serve Jehovah.

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ONLYTEMPORARY 2/28/2011 5:20PM

Asta, I started reading the new paperback edition of the Spark, it reminded me that when we get stuck, stalled etc. to go back and do the 28 day start as it kicks our body back into gear. I think I'm going to try that.

We're being poured on tight now so will probably have snow in the foothills and on us later since we are to have snow over the next few days. Has to get colder down here though.

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CHRISTINA791 2/28/2011 5:19PM

For me, the blood sugar ended up being the key.

I've tried to lose weight properly a few times with no luck (to be fair, I didn't stick around long enough to really see if it would work - so bravo to you for pushing on with less-satisfying results). Before I started up again this time, I made it a goal to get my blood where it needed to be, and that seemed to take care of a lot of issues right from the start. I don't know if the bad glucose levels were stopping my body from losing weight or if I simply have more energy and feel better, but either way it's working now. Sometimes it's slow, but it's been fairly steady over the last several months.

I think that sometimes we need to focus on just one or two things at the start, get those under control, and then build from there. At a certain point it kind of snowballed for me, where I went from feeling sluggish and sick to actually feeling fit and healthy (my test results agree).

Good luck!

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ENDURANCEWINS 2/28/2011 2:46PM

BTDT! I know how discouaraging it is. So many people I know will diet and lost weight so quickly, but I've always been a snail, even in my younger years.
I agree with Mamatobi, it will probably show up once your body has made it's adjustments. From what you've posted, you are working out quite a bit, so most likely, you are building muscle, which weighs more. I think the only reason I'm losing is because I'm only doing the MORE program, plus I have a lot to lose.
Remember, Teresa does say that most likely we won't lost anything and may even gain for a while. It will happen..it WILL, but I know it's hard to wait.
You do a great deal of good here at SP; you are very encouraging and appreciated.

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BOOKWERME 2/28/2011 1:52PM

Thanks, Tobi. I have been at this for yrs now...have actually lost 17 lbs..but had gained and lost the same few repeatedly..and I don't idly change that tracker! Healthwise, though, I have come SO far...but have yet a long way I can still go. You are right about the New World being the ultimate resolution to all this struggle! Thanks for the encouragement.

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MAMATOBI 2/28/2011 1:47PM

I find myself trying to focus on other things. My weight is NOT dropping rapidly. But like you said...I feel healthier. I can walk up stairs without being out of breath. My mood is much better.

I am a numbers person...so I focus on meeting my workout minutes for the week. I count working out...playing with the kids...housework...anything that has me moving. I also during the nice weather plan on focusing on watching miles go up...and reward myself after so many of those.

I know it is disheartening. My instructor told me that it could take up to 3 months before the scale may even move a little. And that it will likely go up. (She has been right)

I also figured out I was not eating enough. Hang in there....as long as you are feeling healthier and notice little differences you are going the right way.

It will take the new system before we really know how it feels to like our bodies.

Comment edited on: 2/28/2011 1:48:56 PM

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BOOKWERME 2/28/2011 1:31PM

I have a whole collection of clothing I could wear if I could just knock off 13 more pounds..maybe even less than that. But, here I sit. Still, I KNOW I AM getting healthier...I can do things now that I wouldn't even contemplate a few yrs ago..and it continues to get better and better. SO, That is something good.

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CELEST 2/28/2011 12:30PM

That is disheartening. Funnily enough, my sister eats waaaay less than her hubby and exercises muuuuch more than he does, but if they decide on a healthy diet, he shrinks she does not. Its been a bug bear forever in their family. She has only put on about 8kg in the 34 yrs she's been married, but the family still consider her overweight and flabby. Try as she may, she remains the same.....just like you.
She still wears a tartan checked shirt she had when she breast fed her 32 yr old son as a baby. She keeps it just to see if it will ever wear out.
She also gets down in the dumps over this issue.

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Just little things

Sunday, February 27, 2011

It has just started raining again. I am so glad we got all that outdoor work done yesterday.

This morning, I noticed buds on the weeping willow tree! I love seeing the spring things popping up:

A few days ago, I was watching the birds outside my kitchen..and noticed green tips on my perennial daisies...yesterday I went to get a photo:

Then I saw what is REALLY going on with the daisies!! I had left the "dead" foliage for the many little birds that frequent the yard all winter..sure didn't expect this:

One other interesting..to me...surprise yesterday was that I spent the whole day pulling my pants up! My tummy is why I wear that size..and yesterday, without my tummy, my pants would have surely just slid right off!!! LOL No pic of that one!!

Member Comments About This Blog Post:

2CATS2LOVE1 2/28/2011 6:53PM

can't wait for those loose pants too!

Love those plants too! Spring is in the air.

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LOVINGMYSELF101 2/28/2011 10:35AM

Plants are so amazing. We had an ice storm, so destructive, so breathtakingly beautiful. The trees were broken, we didn't think they would ever recover, but they did. Amazing!

Glad to hear about your pants! Isn't that a great feeling? Can't wait till I have that 'problem', LOL!

(((HUGS))) -Rose

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JOYCEATH50 2/27/2011 8:45PM

Nice pics. Thanks for visiting my blog. It's always nice to spend time with family. My daughter and granddaughters and mother live a couple of hours away so I don't get to see them like I would. I hope your day was wonderful! I love aquariums! The one at the Indpls zoo is really great. We need to go this summer. I haven't been there in a long time either. Now that I am starting to feel better I am going to get out more. Love Joyce

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ONLYTEMPORARY 2/27/2011 5:16PM

on the pants! Some of mine are so baggy if it wasn't for the elastic waists, I'd have to send them packing.

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NTSOHLTHNT 2/27/2011 4:21PM

Thanks for sharing. Although winter is my favorite season, because I can't stand the heat, I so love the renewal springtime brings.

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CELEST 2/27/2011 3:22PM

Aw Asta you were one photo short...

I love spring too. It is such a rejuvenating month. All the dormant things come alive and reward us for our patience.

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LOVE2WALK1 2/27/2011 2:17PM

Loose pants....one of my fav things!!!!! Congrats on your changing body. You are blooming just like those daisies!

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Sunshine and outdoor work (and workout!)

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Last Thursday night, we had a whopper of a storm come through. Today, Saturday...it is just beautiful outside, and calling for outside activites. SO...storm clean up, yard work and firewood are the order of the day.

My first job was cleaning the clogged culvert...it was blocked by some good size sticks and lots of leaves:

This is the other side of the driveway...the water that had gotten through/across had really flowed hard through here:

The now open culvert:

And the results of some of my raking and cleaning efforts (large pile is what came out of the drainage ditch)

Then on to help with the wood cutting. An old dead tree lost a large limb during the storm. DH decided to cut that up and another dead tree nearby. Here is what we started with.

And then the results of our efforts:

Following all that, I tackled a stick pickup in the yard:

and then added even more:

THEN...I decided to clean up the flower beds in the garden...this is the mess I began with. I forgot to take an "after" photo! By then DH, DS and DGS had all joined me. We left the garden together to go plant a rose bush for my daughter-in-law.

All in all, I spent hours outside with lots of bending and stretching, raking and lifting logs...all of which is good exercise! Yea!!!

Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LOVE2WALK1 2/27/2011 2:22PM

yay for exercise that has such great results!

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BOOKWERME 2/27/2011 10:52AM

Celeste', when we first moved out here, some of the farm had been bulldozed (including all the perimeter fencing!!) to prepare for the auction...everything else was overgrown with about ten yrs of neglect. The house was in such rough shape that one contractor told Bruce, the best thing you could do is light a match to it. We didn't agree, obviously! It may not have been the best economic choice, but it was a great place to raise a family.

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CELEST 2/27/2011 10:41AM

That is satisfying work (by my standards anyway). I love outdoors and any work that comes with it and you sure had a good dose of that and got it done.
I love the pictures and I LOVE your home.
Your pictures remind me of when my folks bought their first small holding. It was full of dead black wattles which we had to take down, cut up and roots had to be removed to create camps for the horses. We tumbled into bed most nights exhausted beyond measure....but it was a good way to raise kids and keep em busy.

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LOVINGMYSELF101 2/26/2011 11:39PM

That is a lot of work! Your house looks similar, the area and yard, culvert, how the road is, to many many of the areas down here in Shell Knob! So beautiful! Hope you don't feel too sore!

(((HUGS)) -Rose

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BOOKWERME 2/26/2011 9:24PM

Then we had a dose of grandchildren..first the one from next door on one side..then the two from up the hill on the other side. THEN I sat still too long..got involved in a National Geographic movie...and I think everything stiffened into place. LOL Oh dear...I definitely am getting older!

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RASCALSMOMMA 2/26/2011 7:10PM

way to go on ambition and fitness minutes!! Good job Asta. HUGS Laurie

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ONLYTEMPORARY 2/26/2011 5:17PM

Wow, lots of fresh air, sunshine and work. Makes for a great day

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Daffodil day

Monday, February 21, 2011

February 20th

the tulips are coming up!

First visible buds on the daffodils..pic taken early morning.

And then that afternoon:

Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CASJ57 2/22/2011 10:37AM

Happy day!

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HODGESLOVE 2/22/2011 1:59AM

I love this time of year when everything is blooming...
All that beauty takes away my winter blues...

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BOOKWERME 2/21/2011 9:03PM

OK by me, Laurie!

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RASCALSMOMMA 2/21/2011 9:02PM

LETS Flood the world with Spring!! HUGS,,

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BOOKWERME 2/21/2011 6:49PM

I admit, I was pretty surprised to see buds..and REALLY surprised when they opened the same day!

I am eager for spring and summer flowers!!!

Comment edited on: 2/21/2011 6:49:58 PM

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ONLYTEMPORARY 2/21/2011 6:48PM

Wow, mine are up but not open yet

thanks for sharing their beauty.

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CELEST 2/21/2011 4:14PM

Daffodils are such perky happy flowers....I love them!

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FELIXC 2/21/2011 4:08PM

Yay! Looks like Spring has sprung!

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Could it be....IT IS!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Wish I had a digital scale...today it appears that I am firmly down 2.5 lbs...am only "counting" two since my scale is not digital. BUT, I am delighted and perhaps will finally get this flab moving off me. So for today, YEA ME!

Member Comments About This Blog Post:

NTSOHLTHNT 2/23/2011 6:51PM

Yeah for you!!! That's fantastic news!!!

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HODGESLOVE 2/22/2011 2:01AM

I am so proud of you.....
You are looking good Asta..
I am so glad that we are on this journey together.

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CINA-MINI 2/21/2011 4:01PM

That is GREAT news!
Yay for you!!!!

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2CATS2LOVE1 2/21/2011 3:47PM

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ONLYTEMPORARY 2/21/2011 2:25PM

Yes, it is working!

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BOOKWERME 2/21/2011 2:19PM

LOL..Laurie...I will definitely have to be DETERMINED if I ever want to be FIRM!

Thank you all for your encouragement. The hardest stuff is yet ahead.

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LOVE2WALK1 2/21/2011 1:50PM

My incredible friend.....it's working, it's working!!!!!!!!

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BBGYRL4 2/21/2011 1:25PM

That's awesome Asta, keep it up!!

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GAMOMMY3 2/21/2011 1:20PM

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MARIE4950 2/21/2011 11:27AM

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WENNI1972 2/21/2011 10:53AM

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RASCALSMOMMA 2/21/2011 9:36AM

HUGS! and Remember the other measures of your life are just as important. Number one how you FEEL. Your comments say that you are doing

in that regard. Same with your friendship! You WILL get there Asta. Be "Firm and determined!" MANY---hang on....

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CELEST 2/21/2011 9:25AM

....and you did do it!

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KRMFREEONE 2/21/2011 9:17AM

Yea you!

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