Monday, January 31, 2011

The long slog toward slim

This picture was taken this month (January) on one of our snowshoe trips. One nice thing about winter is you can't really see all those extra pounds I gained in 2010. It's not that I don't exercise, as all of you who follow my blog know, but it's that other part, the intake, that seems to be the problem.

I got all excited once I started my calorie counting regime last week after having lost two whole pounds in the first four days. Another pound skated right off the scales in another two or three days. So, this morning after not having weighed myself since last Friday, I was so excited about getting on the scales after my workout. NO! I couldn't have GAINED a pound. Or could I? I've been diligent in logging my food intake and making sure I am in a 300-calorie deficit as I add everything up. It was disappointing, but I am pretty sure this is just part of the ups and downs (literally) of the game. There is a need to remember that I'm in this for the long haul. I was just jumping ahead, as usual. Sigh. It was probably a good thing for me to remember that several things can add or subtract from that total poundage. I've still got another eight pounds to lose for real.

I have noticed that my pants are very slightly less tight, but it's not anything making me ready to fling myself into my favorite jeans and be disappointed. I'll wait awhile. Becoming slim and getting rid of my muffin top are my goals, and they are totally within my reach if I just remember to take it slow, gear myself up for the long slog of counting calories and depriving myself of chocolate. For now, anyway.

Pete, August 2010
My brother-in-law Pete is very ill with Stage IV emphysema and was told this morning that there is nothing more that can be done to extend his life. My sister called me to let me know that he is being referred to Hospice and that she will call me when she wants me to come. If it were up to me, I'd head down to Florida tomorrow, but she has her hands full and doesn't need me to interfere. It's a very hard time ahead right now, and my heart is heavy not only because I love them both, but because we all must travel that path one day, and it really sucks to be the one left behind.

Last August I went to Virginia and spent a week with Pete, my sister, their daughter and my beautiful newborn grand niece, their first grandchild. It was a wonderful visit, and when we said goodbye, I wondered if I would see Pete again. Well, I believe I will, but maybe not on this side of the veil. Pete has been married to my sister for almost half a century, and I've known him most of my life. He was my first husband's best friend for years and years. If there is an afterlife, I know that he and Derald will be really happy to be together again.
:-[
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28 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 31, 2011 at 2:02 PM

    The consequence of smoking. I wish my younger daughter would totally give up the habit. She started at age 13 (8th grade)and is trying to quit, but finds it difficult.

    It's best to lose weight gradually. If you lose too fast, you will gain it back in a jiffy. Best wishes to you, DJan!

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  2. Far Side of FiftyJanuary 31, 2011 at 2:28 PM

    I am sorry to hear about Pete, and I am sure your sis will let you know when she needs you. I remember that Pete used to leave you comments here sometimes. I hope he is swept away gently in his sleep..:)

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  3. HilaryJanuary 31, 2011 at 2:28 PM

    DJan, I'm so sorry that your brother in law is so ill. It's heartbreaking to feel helpless.. and especially from a distance. It's been a tough winter for you. Hugs.

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  4. Far Side of FiftyJanuary 31, 2011 at 2:30 PM

    Me again..forgot to say the eight pounds isn't exactly a long slog to slim..more like a short jaunt:)

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  5. Sally WesselyJanuary 31, 2011 at 2:51 PM

    I'm so sorry to hear your news.

    I fight the weight battle constantly. Hang in there. It is the slowness of seeing changes that makes me nearly give up.

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  6. Wanda.....January 31, 2011 at 3:04 PM

    Wishing you lots of patience and success in your weight goal.

    My sister is on that same path of life as your sister, DJan...her husband just passed on the 29th.

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  7. DianneJanuary 31, 2011 at 3:05 PM

    I'm sorry about Pete and I wish him and all who love him the most peace they can gather
    sending hugs

    the plateaus associated with any reasonable diet are the hardest times, just keep on keepin' on :)

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  8. LindaJanuary 31, 2011 at 3:06 PM

    I know you can do this. I really cannot imagine how you gained 10 pounds to begin with given your eating habits and your exercise routine. It makes me wonder if it is thyroid related, and if so will that make it harder to lose weight.

    It really bothers me to see our families slipping away. I had a call ago about a dear cousin who died earlier today. I really miss these people and I know you miss yours. I know you'll be a great comfort to your sister when she calls for you to come.

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  9. Brian MillerJanuary 31, 2011 at 3:07 PM

    sorry about your BIL...hope it goes peaceful...and hang with it you will lose it if you are disciplined...

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  10. GeezerhikerJanuary 31, 2011 at 3:29 PM

    Some people recommend NOT weighing yourself every day, maybe once a week. Small differences in salt intake can cause variations in water retention that can swamp your true progress and lead to discouragement.

    The way your clothes feel is a better, but still imperfect guide.

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  11. Linda ReederJanuary 31, 2011 at 4:23 PM

    So sorry about your brother-in-law. Cancer is such a mean killer. And having someone close to us facing the end of their life makes us wonder how it will be for us and our mates.
    I started on the calorie counter program last sunday, after you blogged about it. I'm down about four pounds, depending on what day it is. That goes with the territory. I was just out walking around Green Lake, and came back starving, so I grabbed a handful of peanots. Now I have to log those calories, and if I remember correctly, they are in the D- or F category. Oh dear.
    Sending good thoughts your way.

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  12. Whitney LeeJanuary 31, 2011 at 4:23 PM

    You'll get there. It's probably not going to all disappear in the first month. I'd have been frustrated too though.

    I'm sorry about Pete. I know it's tough on you but must be even tougher on Alison, particularly with the new baby. My thoughts are with you all. I'm sure your sister will appreciate having you there when the time comes.

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  13. gayleJanuary 31, 2011 at 5:07 PM

    I am so sorry to hear about your BIL. It is so hard to know what to do or say at times like this.

    You are doing great with your weight loss. I can't seem to start mine back up.

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  14. Trish and Rob MacGregorJanuary 31, 2011 at 6:08 PM

    Best wishes for your brother-in-law. And I know you'll reach your goal weight-wise. frankly, though, in that picture you look fantastic!

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  15. RedJanuary 31, 2011 at 7:17 PM

    As you know, I followed Pete's blog. I really liked what he wrote and looked forward to reading his post. I appreciated his comments and found he had a wicked sense of humor. Although I had only followed him for about two months I thoroughly enjoyed what came out of his multiple minds.
    I knew he was not at all well and had hoped that he would overcome some of the problems and carry on.
    My thoughts are with you at this sad time and if you contact him or your sister you can tell him that Red will miss him terribly and thanks for all his great posts.

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  16. A Brit in TennesseeJanuary 31, 2011 at 7:19 PM

    So sorry to read of your brother-in-law's illness, it's such a devastating and painful disease.
    I'm saying a prayer for him and his family.

    Hang in there with your weight loss plan, it can only prove succesful in the end..
    Hugs,
    ~Jo

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  17. wendyytbJanuary 31, 2011 at 8:37 PM

    Sometimes there are just no words. Instead, I send a big virtual hug your way.

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  18. Entre NousJanuary 31, 2011 at 9:07 PM

    You've had way too much sorrow in such a short space of time, be careful with it. Unfortunately we do all have to travel that path, but I too believe we will all meet on the other side.

    XOXOX

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  19. Entre NousJanuary 31, 2011 at 9:11 PM

    And just one other thing... what exactly do you think you ate that tipped the scale in the direction you wished not to go? I need to know this. I am still trying to gain the lost-it-all-in-the-divorce weight back. Need more junk in the trunk, I may be old but I'm not dead.... :}

    Keep Smiling.

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  20. Nancy/BLissed-Out GrandmaJanuary 31, 2011 at 9:44 PM

    I'm sorry to hear about Pete's prognosis. I remember that wonderful visit you had a few months ago. I hope the journey is as peaceful as possible.

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  21. LynnFebruary 1, 2011 at 5:52 AM

    It's difficult to watch your loved ones succomb to a devestating illness. God bless him.

    The weight battle? I went on a tangent about diet on my blog in answer to one of your comments. lol

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  22. CiCiFebruary 1, 2011 at 5:53 AM

    Pete and your sister must have had a wonderful life together. That is a lot of years to be together. I admire couples who made a commitment and were able to keep it. I did not.
    Are your sun glasses prescription glasses? I have been thinking I should get prescription sunglasses. I wore contact most of my life so I am getting used to changes wearing glasses bring to my life. Hugs to you, DJan.

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  23. Sharon WagnerFebruary 1, 2011 at 7:02 AM

    I'm so sorry about your brother. I was shocked to discover one of my Aunts passed away while we were in Belize. Safe travels and good wishes to you in FLA.

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  24. ain't for city galsFebruary 1, 2011 at 11:14 AM

    Hello, I came over from the Far Side group! I too am on the weight loss journey...10 pounds to go! I haven't lost any in a while and a friend just gave me some good advice..."Every bite counts"! How many time to we pop a little taste just while we are cooking or just because...I have been trying to be more aware..I think it will make a difference.

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  25. RaeFebruary 1, 2011 at 12:33 PM

    I am so sorry to hear about your BIL and what your sister is going through. I read Buz's post and thought he did an outstanding job writing about Pete.
    Given how tough this winter has been for you, I think you are doing well with the diet thing. Keep up the good work.

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  26. JenniferFebruary 2, 2011 at 11:30 AM

    I too am sorry to hear about Pete. Faith will hold you.

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  27. Stella JonesFebruary 3, 2011 at 2:42 PM

    I'm sorry to hear that you are facing that awful truth D-Jan. I took am facing something similar. When I had just arrived here, nearly four weeks ago, my ex-husband's mother went into hospital. She is 97 years old and had fallen and broken an ankle. She has been in hospital ever since but can't now remember why. I doubt if she will recover. If she dies, it may be while I am over here. This is a woman who I have known for nearly 45 years and who has done a lot for me and I am sad that her life is ending. It makes you think back, doesn't it. All the memories.

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  28. SquirrelQueenFebruary 3, 2011 at 11:18 PM

    There will be ups and downs with your weight, even the time of day can make a difference. Don't forget to drink lots of water, it really helps and also keeps you hydrated.

    Sorry to hear about your brother in law.

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