Monday, January 24, 2011

A New Year

I've just returned from a fabulous and long overdue trip to the US. The boys and I had a blast and are counting the days until summer when we return.
I'm aware that I've been crap lately at posting on this blog. From my last post (in August) until now, I've been inert and supine on the couch and discovering the new (to me) world of television. Prior to my separation, I rarely, if at all, watched tv. Now, with the boys spending time with their father, I find I have a lot of time on my hands. Lots.
After the initial relief and euphoria of moving into my own place wore off, I was confronted with the question of 'Ok, now what? What do I do with the rest of my life?' Being one who avoids confrontation like the plague, I decided not to think about it and spend my time on the couch, zoning.
Four months later, enough is enough. Even as I write this, it's because I was sick to death of lying on the couch and watching endless tv.
From the couch, wrapped up in the lives of characters on my favorite shows, I could ignore what was happening in my own life: my problems and most of all my weight. But the truth is, I can't ignore it anymore. Especially the part about my weight. I know this sounds familiar and I've written plenty of posts where I've brushed myself off and started again. And fell down again. There are no guarantees that this time will be different. But I have to try.
Right now, I'm at a place in my weight- over 300lbs., a place in my wildest nightmares I'd never thought I'd be- where every single pound gained is felt. 50, 100lbs ago I could put on 10, 20 pounds and the only place I'd notice it was in my waistband. Not so anymore. Every pound is felt in every step and in any attempt to do anything.
So what on earth does it take for me to sit up and pay attention?
I'll tell you.
I can't ignore the fact that when I get up from a chair I can not stand up straight. I can't ignore that I have to limit myself to 2 trips upstairs- morning and evening- because that's all I can handle. I can barely bend over to put my socks on. I get breathless getting dressed in the morning. And don't even get me started on the state of my knees. Not to mention the endless list of diseases that I'm at risk for if I continue down this slippery slope of self gratification with food. Type 2 diabetes, anyone?
I can't ignore it anymore, as much as I want to. The time has come to get serious about my health.

3 comments:

  1. Bloody heck, Michele, 15lbs in a month - that's SERIOUSLY good stuff, isn't it? And a very warm welcome back - it's been TOO LONG Girlfriend! How's the writing going? How's the new pad? You look so happy in your pic (that was with your sisters, right?) and I LOVE your new pinky blogness! xxx

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  2. Nice work, losing 15 lbs. Lately I've noticed Alzheimer's added to the list of diseases attributed to inactivity. I think I'm finally getting serious about exercise but don't think I will ever set foot inside a gym. My friend and I have tried the Zumba tapes, they're actually quite motivating. Best wishes, I'm looking forward to seeing your progress.

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  3. Tracy, I always thought you were serious about exercise. The Zumba looks very interesting but I think I'm too big for it right now. Alzheimer's, oh terrific. My memory is spotty at best. Scarily enough, there are just some things that I draw a complete blank on. I always thought it was something to do with all the anesthesia I've had over the past few years ;)

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