Hard Day

 Hard Day

    May 23, 2023 - One of the hardest days of my life, I took for granted that even someone that I cherished would effect me in the way that it has. You think it would be easy and you think you would see the signs, you think that you would be ready and you would be okay. 

    We get so busy sometimes and you realize later that you might have seen the signs but just dismissed them totally because you don't really want to come to grips that it is really happening or just don't want to face the facts that it will happen just don't know when, how, or what matter that it would take place. 

    Most people would say, "It don't take all that!", "She is just putting on!" "Who Cares!" "Just get over it!"... I will when, it is time and the process I'm sure want be long but I do have compassion for family, friends, and animals. 

    I had my dog for 13 years and in human years he was 74 years old and I could not believe it had been literally a part of a lifetime that my furry friend, my little bonus son Rex had been a part of my life. 

    My life will be a little different but I'm glad to know that he has been the best friend I have ever had. My life without him will and has changed already, when I awake and I looked over to his bed and he is not there it hits me that he will not be coming back. When I get home and he is in his cage while we are gone to work, and with his big huge bark that greets me and now it is silence it let me know that he isn't coming back. 

    When I look out and look down by my legs and he isn't sitting close to me it reminds me he isn't coming back. I will never find a replacement for him and I know that every dog is different so I will end with this little message to all that read. 

Cherish your family

Cherish your friends

Cherish your fur babies 

 The memories they leave behind will be the lasting ones you take with you!

Something New

 Something New

    In this crazy world, some call it just life, some say learning, and others would say were have you been.  I have been around for sometime now and I remember so many things that are more clearer to me than ever before. 

    I was raise in the deep south and there are certain things that I wasn't able to do growing up and now that I'm around different cities, environment and sceneries things have changed but there are some things that have remained the same. 

    Several weekends ago, I went into a department store and I purchase several bras without trying them on. I didn't ask if I could try them on because in my earlier childhood days that was something that black women wasn't allowed to do. It didn't come full circle to me until the next day, I was back in the store and the sales attendant said, "I could actually try the bra on!" I asked her to repeat what she said and she repeated it. I told her, "I was shocked, blown away with amazement that I could try the bra on." She was surprised or stunned that I even had that kind of response. I further went ahead and told her that I didn't want her to loose her job because she was going to let me try it on and her response was, "No, we let you try them on all the time, We want you to leave a satisfied customer." She continued on and went to the back of the store and found my size and asked me to give those a try. 

     I didn't not return the first set of bra's because I gifted them to someone that could have benefitted from them and it was their size too so it worked out perfectly for everyone and they were happy to receive them. 

    I am aware that in the past most people during so many different times in history thought that black people had all kinds of diseases and that it could be put on other people like the black would rub off onto another person and they would be that same color, which we know that is not true. 

    I remember being told about spiritual connotation associated with transferring of spirits to one person to the next when trying on clothing. I was taught to wash all personal items and undergarments before wearing them because of this message that was taught to black families and it was passed from one generation to the next. 

    I must admit I did not try the bra on against my skin but I did again what I was taught to do and that was to try it on; on top of my clothing that I had on which again was something that I was taught because although things changed over time I was allowed to try the bra on but it had to be over my clothes and I also remember my mother standing in the door while the sales stood away but also looking at my mother to make sure that I didn't get out of my blouse that I wore to the department store.

    I remember these things so vividly and now that I'm older and things have changed, I couldn't believe what I was hearing actually get out of my shirt and allow this bra to touch my skin to get a perfect fit... Wow!!! I'm not sure if the deep south is allowing you to try on a bra now skin to skin but I commend this department store for knowing that we are equal and I don't have any kind of diseases that would affect anyone else. 

    Although, I didn't step completely out of my comfort zone when I tried the bra on but can truly say that I was opened to the change that I experienced and that I was treated with dignity and respect. I will definitely shop and patronized this department store again. 

Great Experience and Great Customer Service!!! 

Bummer

 Bummer of a day

I haven't posted since April 19, 2023 concerning weight loss because I'm doing great, sometime later this month I will sit down and give you an account of just how much weight I have lost since my last post but today is a little different. 

I just want to share my heart and my feelings concerning something that is greatly disturbing and I guess since we have come from a Pandemic and so many people dying and the continued cycle of illness in all sorts of ways you would had began to think people had a heart and they cared about the way each other will be treated. 

Today, I want to talk about Mental Health and how it plays into your weight loss journey

I have never shared in this blog of my other obligations and responsibilities here is a short list of those I would like to share today! 

I'm a wife, I'm a mother, I'm a full time student, and I currently work Part-Time but it does seem like Full-Time employment because of the position that I work in... 

I serve my family, church and community!!! 

I wear many hats!!! 

I'm sure you do too or you know many other people who do!!! 

I have worked my behind off, with keeping my health on track, keeping my grades current working as if I was a Full-Time employee and last but not least taking care of my darling husband along with our Adult children that have been model citizen and we are very proud of them. 

Let me just say this is not a reflection for anyone but my heart was broken when I found out that I didn't mean as much to a certain sectors of my life. Now, that I understand just how people in certain areas of my life feel about me, I know how to proceed with my plans for my life. I thought it would be forever but unfortunately, I see what God is really trying to show me and I need to stick to the plans He has for my life and not get distracted. 

What does that have to do with Weight Loss (I'm glad you ask?) 

When things, issues, problems, disappointments come up in your life sometimes your weight reflects that situation. I'm glad that I allowed God to show me just how things are and I truly know how to deal with it now that it is visible. 

Let me say this without going into detail: 

I was so embarrassed, I pray it will never happen to me again, I don't like being in a place that I'm not wanted or made to feel as if I'm not suppose to be there. It has been a very long time that I have felt as if I didn't belong but today was sure one of those days. It literally felt as if someone was messing with my psych' but I refuse to allow anyone to do that to me so I will remove myself from those types of situations. 

We all go through so much every day not to feel as if we are 

Acknowledge, Welcomed, Loved, Supported, Affirmed is so needed  

I didn't eat myself into a sick mess for one the medicine I'm currently taken will not allow me to even think of the notion but the ole me would have done such. I'm glad that even if I had to cry tears of being heartbroken because of the situation that it was short lived and I will not waddle in it!!! 

Today, I was hurt but I have to much Love in my heart to let that Stop Me!!! 

Thank you to all of you that tried to hurt me!!! 

Thank You to all that tried to stop me!!! 

Thank You for trying to break me!!! 

You continue to Keep Pushing ME to Greatness!!! 

30 More

I knew before going to the doctor that I was under 240 but I didn't check today before I left home for my appointment. Once I got the clinic and checked in I sat for a couple of minutes then the nurse called for me to come back. We greeted each other with a smile and she asked me to step on the scale. I looked down and before my eyes, I could not believe what it read, "235". I could have just danced in placed at that moment, I have been waiting a very long time to see and hear those digits. I called my husband on my way to work to share with him the news and it was just as I thought it would be a supportive "Heck Yeah Love Bug!" I just overjoyed today. I have taken the big jump and I'm on 2.4mg of Wegovy and I took today's shot in my left arm I chicken out again getting it in my leg, but maybe one day I will be alright about it! I have seen a difference already my appetite is a few bites here and there nothing hard for now and if so it is a few bites so I will be changing up on my food more foods high in protein and eating more frequent small meals and gotta drink plenty of water. I gotta keep trying to tone up as much as possible don't need any issues in that department but it's getting closer to Water Aerobics and  sure it will be gone by then. 

Well here is to 235 a new and better me!!!

Seeking Help And Responsibility Early (SHARE)

 SHARE 

   This blog is helping me stay accountable to myself... 

    I have been on this journey for a long time and it has not been a easy fix but it has been rewarding. I have had many obstacles and many frustration but I am overcoming them everyday. 

    Today, April 10, 2023, I'm going to share with you what I did to get back on track. If you read my last post I was aggravated that I gained 6 pounds of weight back and I did it to myself without any regard to thinking this would happen. I took charge the following week and I am pleased to announce that I have lost those 6 pounds and I'm one pound less than what I had previously. I am so proud of myself because I was able to spot the issue which was drinking to many sips of soda within the week. Although, it was only 4 ounces but that was to many 4 ounces within that week. 

In the past I would have just given up but I did not and that speaks volumes for me!!! 

I would have allowed food to just stop me in my tracks, throw up my hands and succumb and just revert back to what I was doing. I am glad that I know the tricks, my mind has to line up with what my desires are and finally they are doing it!!  

This is the life that continues to win, It's almost another month and I'm making big accomplishment because that is what is necessary for me to complete this journey. 

I'm not sure what my end game will be just yet, but I'm looking at pictures and I'm starting to like what I see, I will keep you posted on what the end of this journey will look like but I'm sure of one thing... 

I love seeing the New Me!!!!  

Seek Help And Responsibility Early

The Disappointment

 Wow

I can't believe today 8 months into my journey and I gained 3 pounds. My doctor was not disappointed but was happy to see how well I took the news. I am still making progress and now I now what I need to do to make this work. 

I knew it was coming because for the past few days I had not eaten properly. I had cravings of sweets and that is not like me and I didn't get sick. I am still under 250 pounds but I got to stick to the plan. 

Many people on social media that don't have health issues stated has stated they want to get on the shot because they see everyone else getting on it, but what people don't realize is that most of the people on the shot are fighting for their lives everyday and has had a constant battle with their weight from the beginning. 

If you think people like taking shots to be healthy you are sadly mistaken. I'm tired of people and their myths this is a disease and I'm taking it seriously because I had Many, Many health factors that forced my physician to place me on Wegovy. 

I'm not knocking the little person that thinks they need help losing weight but think about the morbid obese person that is having many challenges before you go taking this medication. 

We didn't choose this life, this life was given to us! 

We didn't stuff food in our mouths and ate in excess! 

most were born in this life of food... We were told to clean our plates because our parents were poor and maybe that meal was going to be the only meal we were going to receive and it was a hardy meal. 

most were born in this life of food... We were taught how to prepare high fatty, fried foods, with lots of breads to accompany the meal. Foods with plenty of pasta's because that was all the family could afford. 

most were born in this life of food... in low poverty areas were there was nothing but fast foods and it was cheaper to eat out than to eat in for a home-cooked meal. 

most were born in this life of food because parents fought everyday and food was the comfort that siblings could find because of lifestyle. 

Whatever drove them to the life of food remember this addiction was started from something traumatic in that persons life. 

Let us not be judgmental of those that is trying to get it together.  

I have to continue to tell the inner me the following...

I am Pretty...

I am going to be okay...

God has me...

don't allow others to speak negativity into my life...

don't hold myself hostage to my past...

I will make it to complete my journey ...                              (in every area of my life)

I will not self sabotage yourself... 

I am ENOUGH!!! 

This might not mean much to you but it means everything to me. I affirm myself, because when I look to the world and to others they didn't love me back, so excuse me if I feel this way concerning other people and their treatment to FAT and Obese people because it is an insult to think WE Don't Try!!! 

The life that continues to Win... 

Spring23

 Spring23

Sometimes in life, you think about not completing the task because you can see a major difference in the way you feel. You think because you are doing great and feeling well, you have arrived when in fact you are really at the beginning.  

I was afraid to try Wegovy but I have been on it now for one month and I have continued to loose weight. I went to see my doctor for my monthly follow-up and I have loss in one month 10 more additional pounds and I'm super excited. 

March 22, 2023, I weighed-in at 243 and now I'm down under 250, I started my new dose at 1.7 mg of Wegovy. I can tell this month will be different because I'm already full. Today, I have been on this dosage for one complete day and I have not be eating as much as I thought, my intake is close to 1,000 calories, and my carb intake has been little to nothing. 

I do eat healthy and have a balance meal full of high proteins. although, it is hard at times to eat full carbs without getting sick but my father reassures me, I'm on the right track. 

He only eat meats and vegetables with "NO Bread" He weighs about 180-190 if he weighs 200 pounds he immediately cut out his bread intake. My father is 74 years of age, his height is 6'0" and looks as if he is 60 plus years old. 😂

 This starts a new chapter because I can see my new goal coming closer into view. I am even starting to think about my ending weight loss goal and how I will maintain it once I complete the journey. 

(I'm not getting the cart before the horse, just thinking) 

The American Heart Association would like for a woman my height to weigh-in at an average of 168 or less to be consider heart healthy. This includes your BMI is under 25. 

I can vaguely remember weighing 168 pounds when I was a teenager but never as an adult. I'm not even sure at this time that I want to be this small but I am sure that I want to be closer to 180. 

Most might think it's to small for my height but it's a great size for me. 

Remember, it is not what people think about you, 

You deserve the Best You and this is without the Negativity!!

Here's to Marching into Spring 10 pounds smaller...

The Life that continues to Win!!! 

 

Thirty (30) Years Ago

 March 21, 2023 

 Thirty (30) Years ago, I was 20  Years old and I was married with my first born. 

I believe at this time I weighed after giving birth 200 pounds but I was in a dress size 16W or 18W. 

In those days or moments in time, I was coming straight out of high school, I didn't wear form fitted clothing and most of them were plus size because they didn't make fabrics were it had the ability to stretch. Therefore, most of my clothing was purposefully loose fit and came from the plus size section of the store. 

Several days ago, something changed once again that I noticed, I'm sure you are about to guess what it is? That's right ladies and gents... I was able to go into a department store more than one and began to look for clothing on the Junior/Misses section of the store. Although, I'm not 200 pounds yet, I'm closer than I have ever been in my life and I can't believe that I can actually wear some clothing from this section on the store.

It is mind blowing that I am able to do something that I have been told that I could not do by others. I am making history even to myself and those closest to me. I am very proud of me and I'm sure and I know they are very proud of me. 

I have my monthly doctors appointment tomorrow but I will talk about that another day but here is to continuing a health journey and not allowing the stigma of others to change your mind about how they wanted you to look or fit into their minds and worlds. 

I am breaking barriers and I am conquering... God has me on the right path and that is all that matters. 

Past failures, Past Predictions, Past People just the PAST in G E NERAL will have you in a place that you think you can't let go but trust me when I say... LET IT GO!!!  

DO NOT HOLD YOURSELF ----- HOSTAGE for NO ONE --- NOT EVEN YOURSELF!!! 

Three Little Words

Three Little Words 

I was going to wait until St. Patrick's Day to write this post but why should I wait. You have waited most of your life for things to go well for you and you do not always have to wait. 

I just wanted to take the time today and to let the world know three little words: 

 

I LOVE YOU!!!! 

Life has been harsh and you have overcome so many obstacles in your life and now being 50 and a few months you have seen just how much the struggle of weight loss has really been in your life. Lord, you have been so good to me 

First Thank You for loving me when I did not know to love myself

When I was depressed, you still loved me

When I thought I didn't have any friends, you still loved me

When I was losing people that was a branch in my life, you still loved me

When people came into my life that didn't mean me any good 

When illness came and attacked my body, you still loved me

Today, I love me... 

Today, I cherish everything I have been through to help me get to where I am today!! 

I am who I am today because You knew what was best for me!!!

In the words of  Fantasia, 

"It was Necessary" 

 

Side Affects of You

Side Affects of You

    This is my official 1st week on Wegovy and it is different from being on Mounjaro! 

In my mind I was under the impression that it would be the same with the same side affects but it is some slight differences that I have seen since I began. 

The first things I noticed that I also had with Mounjaro that I had more frequently is that   burping. I burp more since getting the injection than I had with Mounjaro. 

The second thing I noticed is if I eat any kind of carb I feel really bad. I'm not sure if it is because of the sugars that the carbs send to your body that is making me feel the way I do but if that is a way for me not to have sugar, heck it is working. 

I was asked by my physician to take it slow and I'm doing just that after how I feel on 1 mg of Wegovy. I don't care for these side affects but I'm dealing with them. However, I must keep in mind that I am almost to the ultimate goal. 

My body is looking different and I am getting into clothes that I have had for years and I can finally get in them. I'm very excited and I can't wait to show you one of those outfits and the ones I'm in now that I haven't been in since the pandemic. 

My journey is going strong and I'm not looking back, 

My future is bright and I'm wearing shades!!!

I haven't taken a picture of what I look like from when I started several months ago but I will post one in the near future. 

 

Switching

Switching  

    

Things have changed slightly with my journey, the last time I blogged I believe I shared that I was at the peak of things being okay and I was on 15 mg of Mounjaro. Unfortunately, I hit a brick wall because the insurance I had at first no longer would take my prescription card of $25.00 for the monthly injection.  I must admit that I had a good run and I'm not even upset about it and I was blessed to have it as long as I had it because truthfully I probably never should have been receiving it in the first place. 

August or September when I began this journey and I changed jobs at the same time I started, No one got the memo that I no longer had health insurance or prescription coverage. I didn't know at the time that a well known drug store was still using the card on file and it was active. The previous job didn't take me off or out the system so it kept on working as usual and nothing in my world so I knew was wrong. I must admit I was blessed for 6 months to be on Mounjaro and it was worth it!  

I have lost over 60 pounds and I am loving the new me!!!! 

Today, Friday February 24, 2023, I have been changed over to Wegovy which is a semaglutide that has been FDA approved for weight loss and because I have been on 15 mg of Mounjaro I have started on 1 mg of the new medication to ensure my slow progression of the medication. They are putting me on this dosage so I will be able to tolerate the change. I'm going to have to do more research but for now I'm going to trust my physician and see where this goes.  

I will keep you posted on the life that continues to win!!!!