Week Three ( a little prolog)

When I started this experience, I decided that Weight Watchers, although a great program, had not motivated me enough in the past, so I decided to sign up for a personal trainer at the South Jordan Rec Center. Maybe like some of you, I had some strong negative feelings about myself when signing up at the gym like being ashamed, feeling discouraged, not sure I could make the changes required. I was afraid I couldn't move enough to make a difference.

As we sat near the entrance, Kristin pointed out the many people coming into the recreation center who were using canes, cripled over, and much fluffier than I was. It was so surprising to me that all those people were not letting their situations keep them from moving! I had to wipe away my tears and show more faith in my Heavenly Father, that he would help me. And he has. My attitude has completely turned around. I really look forward to exercising by myself, with my grandkids or at the gym. I'm still a novice so don't expect too much yet but here's a pic from my workout at the gym yesterday.



On another note, I visited a retina specialist and he examined the eye damage I mentioned earlier. He was very encouraging, saying we have discovered it very early and if my diabetes is in control and blood pressure decreases, it may repair itself! Yahoo! I'm on a roll.




Eye exam results. Picture of eye rettina.
The damage is near the dark spot in the center.

Week Two

Milestones from week 2 include:

• snowshoeing in the canyon for the first time
• walking down the stairs like a normal person instead of side stepping (I've done this for the last several years)
• enjoying the taste of sweet fresh fruit because my taste buds are compensating for the lack of sugar in my diet.

I'm feeling happier and more in control of my life, eating comfortably on much less than I used to. Working with my personal trainer, Laura Butters, twice a week has been very refreshing and quite motivating, but not as difficult as I imagined. She's my new best friend! Well, maybe not today, I'm pretty sore.

On the stat end of things (for Scott's benefit), I've dropped 20 points on my blood pressure, lost 5 pounds, and the doctor decreased one of my medications by half! Good things already.

Thanks everyone for your support.

Week One

Well 5 years after being diagnosed with diabetes, I am finally motivated to do something about BIG about it. So here goes my journey... Follow along if you don't believe me (I didn't to start with). I didn't think I could change, but I do now. I CAN do hard things. It started with a hard to accept diagnosis on January 12th this year. I found out I've lost some vision due to the diabetes. That's when I drew a line in the sand and set off on my new quest, a healthy me.

My husband and kids, especially Kristin and Steve, helped me formulate a plan and set goals. They have all been very supportive. The next night an exercise bike was parked in the middle of our family room. I signed up for on-line help at www.livestrong.com a free website sponsored by Lance Armstrong, the world champion cyclist. I headed to the gym the next day to get a personal trainer to help me with my ultimate goal, get 50 pounds off within a year and get healthy. Appointments were made with my doctor and a dietian. Everyone is on board with my exciting new life.

Here are my "before" pictures to track my progress. Wow, that should be enough to motivate me right here!