I feel like this week has had me all over the place. We had a great weekend away last weekend, but we missed our fur-babies, and were so happy to get back to our own bed. As soon as I got home I was stoked to start getting back to work on my store, but have been sidetracked by either the allergies from Hell, or yet another sinus infection.
Either way, it sucks.
So, I've been trying to get some rest to help myself feel better, and even though I got to bed at about 9 both Monday and Tuesday nights thanks to the glorious invention that is Nyquil, I've still been wiped out. I was also pretty nervous about my upcoming doctor's appointment, as usual working myself up into a tizzy over nothing. But hey, it's me. If I didn't work myself up over nothing on the regular, I wouldn't be myself. But you love me, headcase and all. You know it.
But that's getting ahead of myself. Wednesday found me having dinner with The Beard and The Lahore at my favorite restaurant to sort of chill out before my big day. Then, The Lahore and I went and got manis and pedis to get a little pampering done (sadly, our third love had other previous plans, but she was there in spirit and via text) It had been so long since I had gotten my fingers and toes "did" and I had really forgotten how much I enjoy having pretty polish on them, especially since I decided months ago to just be lazy and not put polish on either myself. (On a side note - I usually trash my nails, and this shellack stuff is still going strong on the third day) Also - The Lahore provided plenty of entertainment by trying to antagonize/joke with the "Chinese" people that were doing our nails. Sadly, the Vietnamese women had little idea of what in the Hell she was talking about, because they are about as fluent in English as I am in German. (We all know when I listen to Rammstein I just sing the words and barely have a clue what they mean until I read the translations). Poor little nail ladies. They didn't know what hit them.
And now the biggest part of the week - the much anticipated and almost feared doctors appointment.
It actually went better than I had anticipated. Less stressful and intimidating. More warm and welcoming. Less judgement, more support. Handing over that credit card still hurt, but in the end, I'm worth it. You can't really put a price on health... until you're paying for it when it's bad. My nurse and doctor were both really wonderful, very supportive, and actually listened to me, and talked to me, instead of at me. These days, that seems to be more and more rare.
I got oodles of good information, my mind was blown with the simple, yet complex information that he gave me (does that even make sense?) I learned that weight and hunger management is all about what you eat, and when. I know, I know, everyone says "don't eat after 8pm" or "no more Twinkies" and all that, but it's not that simple (see? I told you!) It's more about protein vs carb intake. The amount of protein your body needs, the times of day you eat everything, and which foods make you hungrier in the long run vs calming those hunger feelings. The minutiae, as usual, is the complex part, as it is in most circumstances. But the science behind it is really simple. Protein helps keep you full, ups your metabolism, and helps build muscle which burns calories/fat. Carbs turn into sugar. Which turns into fat and makes you hungrier.
Another awesome tip? According to my doctor, 10-20 minutes of resistance style workout two times a week (e.g., weights, circuit training, etc) is equal to 30 minutes of walking five times a week!
Simple, right? With the right tools and guidance, it can be. And, for the first time in me life, I have.... hope. Real hope that I can beat this. Real hope that I can achieve my goal, and I don't have to do some stupid fad diet, or starve myself, or surgically alter my body, or any of a million other things that might work for the minute, but don't work for life.
I need a life change, and I think this will be mine. I go back in a month, and I'm hoping to be X - 10 or X - 15 by then, and my doctor thinks it's possible! Fingers crossed! (On another side note, I was thinking about asking him how to lose the weight I want while keeping all of my "T&A," but I was told that's not really appropriate)
I'll keep updating on my progress, and especially my attempt at trying out new foods. That seems to be the scariest thing for me, and since I don't "do well" with a lot of foods, it should be entertaining for you.
Finally, before I let you go, my final "up" for the week.
I cannot believe the outpouring of love and support that I have gotten this week. The feedback I got from my last post was amazing: the calls, messages, texts, and emails blew me away. It's hard to express how much it means to me. The good luck messaging and calls before, and then check-in texts, messages, and calls after (and getting pushy when I don't respond quick enough), meant the world.
So, thank you. To anyone who is reading this, and especially to my cheerleaders (you know who you are), thank you. Thank you for your support, and for your love. If I can be of help to you, please let me know how.
I am here, and I will be here for a long time, whether I'm wanted or not.
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