Año Uno y La Semana Cuarenta y Dos:Towards Healthier Living

Año Uno y La Semana Cuarenta y Dos: Monday, April 25, 2016 -- 206.6 lbs
Año Uno y La Semana Treinta y Cinco: Monday, March 7, 2016 -- 216 lbs
Año Uno y La Semana Treinta: Monday, February 1, 2016 -- 209.2 lbs
Año Uno y La Semana Veintinueve: Monday, January 25, 2016 -- 213.4 lbs
Año Uno y La Semana Veintidós: Monday, December 7, 2015 -- 210.4 lbs

Año Uno y La Semana Dieciseis: Monday, October 26, 2015 -- 209.6 lbs
Año Uno y La Semana Quince: Monday, October 19, 2015 -- 212.0 lbs
Año Uno: Monday, July 6, 2015 -- 213.2 lbs (-13.6 lbs)
Año Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

10 weeks until I hit 2 years of attempted weight loss and getting in shape. As of now, I am down 20 lbs and praying that I will be able to maintain the continued weight loss. Thanks for sticking with me over these almost 2 years especially with the lack of communication over the past few months.

Life has been on a new adventure as I transitioned jobs/careers and living location which is still being figured out. Therefore, my eating and workout habits are very erratic and uncertain. In addition, the new job requires a lot of travel making things even more interesting in working to maintain a workout/stretching schedule and decent eating habits.

As the last post mentioned, I have measurements as of March but would like to put them together in a nice spreadsheet for comparison. Hopefully, I can take care of that in the near future though I will not in months ahead be able to do provide BMI data as I no longer have access to the equipment.

Thanks again for sticking with me. Lets see what happens at the end of 2 years. Though, I will have to update the week after since I will not have access to a scale at the first part of July.

How are you doing?

Año Uno y La Semana Veintinueve: Towards Healthier Living

Año Uno y La Semana Veintinueve: Monday, January 25, 2016 -- 213.4 lbs
Año Uno y La Semana Veintiocho: Monday, January 18, 2016 -- 211.2 lbs
Año Uno y La Semana Veintidós: Monday, December 7, 2015 -- 210.4 lbs

Año Uno y La Semana Dieciseis: Monday, October 26, 2015 -- 209.6 lbs
Año Uno y La Semana Quince: Monday, October 19, 2015 -- 212.0 lbs
Año Uno: Monday, July 6, 2015 -- 213.2 lbs (-13.6 lbs)
Año Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Wow...time flies faster and faster. Between celebrating my birthday and the holidays, I got lost and have done a terrible job of posting updates. Though I have not posted, I have been weighing myself almost every week and things seem to go up and down in a general range. Though I do find it interesting that my weight on the scale at work is about 6 lbs lighter than what I am weighing in at home in the morning. These weights are those from the scale at home, not work for consistency purposes.

I can say this though the weight is not dropping the inches around the waist and hips are. Next month, I will get the measurements and post an update.

I have also started at least trying to workout 5 times a week versus 3. It is about 1/2 hour workout that consists of arm, shoulder, leg, hip, and sometimes abs and cardio workouts. I try not to sweat too much so I don't have to take a shower at work. After the workout, I then spend about 1/2 hour stretching. Some workouts about kill me like the one Tuesday before New Years in which I was still very sore in the legs New Years Eve into the New Year.

Thankfully I have not greatly injured myself either with just general walking. Twice since the last post I have fallen and the last one was quite painful and left a very large black, blue, and purple bruise on my backside.

Thanks for continuing to follow along on my journey! I will attempt to be more consistent with my posts.

May you have a blessed week!

Año Uno y La Semana Dieciséis: Towards Healthier Living

Año Uno y La Semana Dieciseis: Monday, October 26, 2015 -- 209.6 lbs
Año Uno y La Semana Quince: Monday, October 19, 2015 -- 212.0 lbs
Año Uno y La Semana Catorce: Monday, October 12, 2015 -- 210.6 lbs

Año Uno y La Semana Cinco: Monday, August 10, 2015 -- 213.8 lbs
Año Uno: Monday, July 6, 2015 -- 213.2 lbs (-13.6 lbs)
Año Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Slightly delayed but after going up last week, I was done below 210 this week. Maybe by the time I return from my safari in December, I will be down below 200. Mentioning of a safari, I will try to post an update next week and then you definitely will not see another update until at least the first Monday of December. I will share more on my return.

Last week, I played basketball on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday I had a bad fall again and hit my head against the asphalt. It actually didn't end up bothering me as much as scraping and bruising my right elbow. My feet have been bothering me again and so are my knees. I think a lot of that has to do with the basketball and the ankle braces in the shoes. Also, I have not been doing as many hip exercises of recent so this week hopefully I can get that going again.

I raced the past three weekends as well which meant a lot of time up on my feet.

Thanks for following along.

Año Uno: Towards Healthy Living

Año Uno: Monday, July 6, 2015 -- 213.2 lbs (-13.6 lbs)
Año Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Wow, it has been a full year since I started this latest journey. Thanks for journeying with me this past year! May we have another great year to continue encouraging one another.

It has had its ups and downs, and though I have lost weight since the start, I am not at my lowest weight for the year. In a quick glance, I hit mid-209 on a couple occasions but then proceeded to increase a bit. Hopefully, I am back on track and will be able to continue this loss. A similar loss this coming year means hitting 200 lbs that would definitely be a great start. It would be great in a year from now to be under 200.

Monday - MV had me do a variety of exercises working my hips. My hips and rear are feeling the workout for sure. Stretching of the foot, calves, and regular stretching.

Tuesday - Stretching followed by PT. 8 mins on the bike, not sure the distance. Then work on my abductor,  muscles in my rear end, and the hamstrings. Stretches of the hamstring, abductor, and calves. New at home assignments included these stretches.

Wednesday - Workout at work...12 min bike at various levels but had to do lower level workout due to pain in the inside left of the knee. Followed by arm workout and stretching focused on my PT stretches.

Thursday - PT 8 min on the stepper instead of the bike due to the pain. Put a bandage on the interior knee to see if it would elevate the pain. Tried the bike and didn't seem to have pain so we left the bandage on. Other exercises included squats with the ropes, one leg squat, straight leg ball hip raises. stretching of the abductor and hamstring. Those were the key items.

Friday - Holiday from work. PT leg stretches and exercises and some of the foot exercises from last PT.

Saturday - JMF Silstone/Purple Trail Counter Clockwise...bad leader (me) made a slight detour at the beginning missing a slight uphill and some downhills plus about .2 miles. We completed the trail though in about 2 hrs. I was definitely tired at the end and did not feel like I could go more.

Sunday - A true day of rest. I felt it was best not to do anything this day due to the previous workouts and looking to hike again on Monday.

---------Previous Health Ups & Downs---------

Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8

Sunday, September 1, 2013 -- 209.6

Tuesday, July 9, 2013 -- 206.8

Monday, December 3, 2012 -- 190.4

Monday, April 23, 2012 -- 211.4

Monday, August 10, 2009 -- 180

La Semana Cuarenta y Siete: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Cuarenta y Siete: Monday, June 1, 2015 -- 215.8 lbs
La Semana Cuarenta y Seis: Monday, May 25, 2015 -- 214.2 lbs
La Semana Cuarenta y Cinco: Monday, May 18, 2015 -- 213.6 lbs

La Semana Cuarenta: Monday, April 13, 2015 -- 216.0 lbs (10.8 lbs -- 40 Weeks; -4.4 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Treinta: Monday, February 2, 2015 -- 211.6 lbs (15.2 lbs -- 30 Weeks; .8 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

In 5-weeks, I have been on this latest journey for 52 weeks. The first 10 weeks went very well losing nearly 14 lbs but the last 35 weeks have been a little harder. I pray that I can continue to work on this and eventually be back down below 200. We shall see what the next 5 weeks brings.

Thanks again for all of your support and journeying with me this past year and the years before.

Monday - Memorial Day...Relaxing at home listening to the rain and sounds of nature. Worked my ankle out some as I worked on other things in the recliner. Enjoyed a little picnic with my neighbors.

Tuesday - Stretching

Wednesday - Arms & Stretching

Thursday - Didn't get to work out team meeting followed by a trip to the dentist.

Friday - Afternoon at Churchill Downs. Walked to and from car. Walked back and forth from inside to outside, standing watching the horse races all in a slight heel. Amazingly my foot never hurt me.

Saturday - Twin 4-year old bubble birthday party. Entertaining 4-year olds.

Sunday - Racing day...probably walked about 1.5 around the course 4 times. Stood around talking, driving, and riding with folks.

La Semana Cuarenta: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Cuarenta: Monday, April 13, 2015 -- 216.0 lbs (10.8 lbs -- 40 Weeks; -4.4 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Treinta: Monday, February 2, 2015 -- 211.6 lbs (15.2 lbs -- 30 Weeks; .8 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

The past 10 weeks have been a little rough and very busy, but at the same time, we are going to hope that at least a small smidgen of weight gain is muscle and not fat. This coming Monday, I will provide some new updates, but for now, let's take a look at last week a few day late.

Monday - Made a stop at the doctor's office to handover some blood for lab work. Doctor's appointment to be the following Thursday, April 16. Worked from home so no actual workout.

Tuesday - Arm workout.

Wednesday - Ab workout and stretching. I hit my head and the headache continued into Thursday.

Thursday - did not sleep well Wednesday night and was not feeling great all day Thursday. Came home after a long day at work and a work happy hour and crashed early on the couch.

Friday - got up a bit earlier after going to bed early.

Saturday -  Spent the afternoon in Lexington with the boys (2 almost 4 year olds & 15 month old). We went for a walk around the neighborhood and the older ones wanted me to race with them and then chase them. I actually did a lot better than I expected. I was not winded and kept up with them. Also, my feet were not killing me afterwards even though I was in more of a dress shoe than normal walking shoes.

Sunday -  All day autocross. I was on my feet a lot or riding/driving in cars. There was a decent amount of walking the course and down to the restrooms and back. My feet on Sunday night were killing me especially my right heel. The pain finally subsided mid-morning Monday, but it was a rough 12 hours or so.

10 more weeks and I will have been at this for 50 weeks. Some progress though not as much as I would have liked. As I said some changes are in store for week 52 so we will see what happens over the next 9 weeks starting Monday.

Thanks for following and listening!

La Semana Treinta y Tres: Towards Healthy Living

Post 500 - Who ever imagined that I would hit 500 posts, but with this post, I have hit that mark. Thanks for journeying with me over the past many years in a very sporadic manner.

La Semana Treinta y Tres: Monday, February 23, 2015 -- 213.6 lbs
La Semana Treinta y Dos: Monday, February 16, 2015 -- 212.8 lbs
La Semana Treinta y Uno: Monday, February 9, 2015 -- 213.6 lbs

La Semana Treinta: Monday, February 2, 2015 -- 211.6 lbs (15.2 lbs -- 30 Weeks; .8 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

What a week....

Monday as promised was a snow filled day! The early morning had a mere inch or two but by midday we were up to about 8 inches of a very light powdery snow. I worked from home on Monday which was a good thing because finding a clean parking spot or even getting back into the parking lot would have been quite a chore. I did venture out about 5 pm to clean the 4 to 9 inches of snow off the car depending on where you measured. Actually, the passenger side may have had even less as the wind blew across the passenger side to the drivers leaving a nice mound of snow on the driver's side. The snow was so light definitely no fun for kids trying to make snowmen or snowballs, but it was great for cleaning off. Though no flexibility class Monday, I did get a slight arm workout pushing the snow off the top of the car and even more of an adduction/abduction workout for the legs. I found myself really using my right leg over the left. Though I tried to consciously use the left leg, it really was not happening. Amazingly, I was not too awful sore on Tuesday or Wednesday after the leg workout.

Tuesday due to warnings out in the county in which I worked, unsure of the status of the roads, and really not wanting to spend 2+ hours on the road, I decided it was best to stay home to maximize the time to work.

Wednesday - Friday, I returned to working in the office and also started a new workout. Wednesday & Thursday included flexibility class but then on Wednesday and Friday, I started a new workout. I have asked our trainer at work to provide me with a low sweat arm workout that only requires me to change into a t-shirt but will not make me sweat a ton. She provided me with two workouts this week of about 20 mins. This also works out well as I seem to have very little time to escape from work to workout, eat, or anything else.

Wednesday Workout
4 Sets of 30 curls & 30 punches with 5 lbs weights and 15 push-ups against a wall (not exactly but thats the easiest way to describe)

Friday Workout
5 lb weights again but this time we did both arm and hip exercises. I am not sure I can remember everything we did but here are a few...squats, leg kick outs, leg kick backs, curls, punches, flies.

My right heel is really bothering me this week. Thursday night I could barely walk on it later in the evening. I think part of that has to do with the boots I have been wearing due to the snow.

The weekend has been a weekend of sleeping...I fell asleep by 8 pm if not more like 7 pm on Friday night not to really wake again until 7:30 am Saturday morning. I took a nap about 11 on Saturday after doing some laundry and kitchen cleaning. I did end up staying up late on Saturday night to wake up about 7:30 am Sunday for church. I came home from church, grocery shopping, and oil change to take another 1 to 1.5 nap. By Sunday evening, I was tired again and just wanted to crawl on the couch, watch TV, and sleep. I didn't give into that until about 10 pm. Granted Thursday really put a wrench in my sleeping pattern as I took about 1.5 nap about 8 pm so I could get up and work at 11 pm. I then ended up staying up until 3 pm between working and then going to the store in order to get ingredients to make some homemade salsa for work on Friday.

It was quite a week and the weeks ahead are definitely not going to slow down, but should be full of exciting adventures. Until next week, have a blessed day! Thanks again for journeying with me!

La Semana Treinta: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Treinta: Monday, February 2, 2015 -- 211.6 lbs (15.2 lbs -- 30 Weeks; .8 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

30 weeks have passed since starting the latest attempt to lose weight and get back down to 180 or less. The last 20 weeks have been a very slow go, but I am encouraged that I have at least maintained to loss a bit over the recent 10 weeks which included 2 big eating holidays and a birthday.

I hope to get out soon and try to do some more hiking again. I need to work on stretching a lot more as the tight muscles from my hips to my toes are causing issues with my feet. Both feet continue to have heel spur/plantar fasciitis pains primary focused in the right. The left foot continues to have pain in the top of the foot though nowhere near what it was. It too seems to be similar to the other where once you walk and stretch it out the pain is not as bad.

I really don't remember what all happened last week. I believe I made it to stretching the middle few days. I did do many of my foot exercises on Friday while I sat waiting for the dermatologist to come in and check me out. Thankfully, another clean bill of health from any skin cancers.

Saturday I did some walking to the IU basketball game up the stairs and back to the car followed by some karting in French Lick, IN. I also went karting on Tuesday night. Running three races both evenings. 

The next 10 weeks gets me to the middle of April. The goal for then is to be back out hiking on a weekly basis, a more defined eating routine, and continued working to complete all the necessary exercises to reduce future injuries.

Thanks again for going on this journey with me! Sorry for the delay of this weeks update!

La Semana Veintseis: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Veintiseis: Monday, January 4, 2015 -- 211.8 lbs

La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

A whirlwind of a couple weeks with the Christmas & New Year's holidays.

La Semana Veinticinco
Christmas week was another rough week. I failed again at following through on my exercises and stretches, and it was really starting to take a toll as my foot began to hurt again. I did wear the insoles in my work shoes, not sure if they help or not. I guess over time we may see how things go.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends celebrating the birth of our Savior!

La Semana Veintiseis
New Year's week, last part of Christmas week, was amazing! On Saturday, December 27, I headed back to Guatemala for an 8 day mission/service trip. Three of us from my church went, and there we met up with two physical therapy graduate student groups. So yes, I spent a week with a large group of PTs.

Over the course of the week, I did, while sitting around waiting for the next step in the travel process or while riding along in the coaster/microbus, fulfill some of my ankle exercises and stretches. I also did a decent job of putting meds on my foot morning and night, which hopefully kept the inflammation down on my left foot and the pain at a minimum.

Unfortunately, I failed to have the extra cushions in my work shoes so my heels were very sore all week, especially after sitting and along them to tighten up. I tried to massage the arch as well. One evening, I received a PT tissue workout on my right foot.

Saturday after Christmas -- Traveling so a lot of flying, but we did walk from Terminal B to E along the moving sidewalks with a bit more walking to get from E to F after our flight was moved.

Sunday -- A lot of standing on the feet helping the PTs receive clients and handle administrative type tasks in addition getting to play with the children. We had a bit of walking as well.

Monday -- Playing with the kids.

Tuesday -- A lot of sitting and observing but stretching the foot.

Wednesday -- Assisting in the mixing of concrete with a shovel, placing it in buckets, and even picking it up the bucket to send inside the house for the flooring. Then there was a jump and a little wadding in the local waterfall, which was very cold to start. So cold it pulled the bruise on my knee to the front causing pain.

Thursday -- A travel day followed by some walking around Antigua.

Friday -- 6+ miles of walking with about 1/2 hour up hill climb to see a beautiful cross and view of Antigua and the volcano Agua. By the end of the day, my feet were really sore especially every time I sat for awhile and then got back up again. Thankfully, as I walked around and moved, the pain minimized though not fully disappearing.

Saturday -- Another day of travel with a bit of walking.

Sunday -- A day for sleeping after arriving at 12:30 am and getting to sleep about 2:30 am

Happy New Year! May your journey begin anew and lead you on wonderful paths! Thanks for your continued viewing and following along on this journey. I hope to get going again and getting in better shape for the future!

La Semana Veintecuatro: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Veintecuatro: Monday, December 22, 2014 -- 214.6 lbs
La Semana Veintetres (Birthday Week): Monday, December 15, 2014 -- 210.8 lbs
La Semana Veintedos: Monday, December 8, 2014 -- 213 lbs
La Semana Veinteuno (Thanksgiving Week): Monday, December 1, 2014 -- 211.4 lbs

La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Next report will come in two weeks as I will be unavailable to weigh in next Monday.

Not really sure what happened this past week, I truly believe I am holding a lot of water because there is no way I gained nearly 4 lbs this week after spending half of it not eating at all. See more information below.

Last Monday, I went to see the Foot Doctor. He still feels that things are progressing in a positive direction. I am to use up the cream and call back when it is gone. Also he suggested getting some 3/4 Powerstep or SuperFeet orthotics for my shoes. So I bought a pair to put in my dress shoes. I guess they are doing okay. I spent half the week not going anywhere. I also really need to work on doing a better job with the ankle exercises and my hip exercises.

Monday -- Accomplished a lot but just not my exercises.

Tuesday -- The one thing I really dislike is a stomach bug and that is what I dealt with from the time I awoke until about 6 pm, every hour or so starting about 6 am. By 3 pm, I swore it should have been midnight. It had been one of the longest days ever. Nothing stayed down until after 5 pm. I spent the day on the couch with a trash can nearby all day. Thankfully things finally settled down and I slept through the night.

Wednesday -- Another day at home trying to recoup from Tuesday. I was not aching but all my back and chest muscles were sore from sleeping on the couch and vomiting all day Tuesday. I did get up and shower and washed clothes, sheets, blankets, etc to rid the apartment of germs. 

Thursday -- A rough start to the morning, feeling a bit nauseous, but went off to work. I believe the core of the issue was the lack of eating the previous days. I managed through the day and then had a lovely evening catching up with a friend at Queen of Sheba, Ethiopian restaurant. I was a bit leery but the idea was great minus the slightly more spicy lentil dish, kik wot. 

Friday -- Feeling much better, actually had a little kick in my step in the morning. Again did not do any exercises and missed flexibility due to craziness at work. I did spend another lovely evening catching up with an old friend and holding/feeding her 4.5 month old.

We also went through a 'Drive-Thru' Christmas that her church put together. It was a nice experience hearing the story of Christ from pre-birth to resurrection with live enactments and story telling by the preacher.

Saturday -- Cupcake & icing making from scratch. This was my first experience at either of those specifically, but from what I hear they were good. The rest of the day was spent visiting a bunch of folks and delivering Christmas presents and 1st birthday present to my godson.

Sunday -- Laundry, kitchen cleaning, present wrapping & clean-up, packing for upcoming trips, and fun @ Bluegrass Indoor Karting (3 races). A few of the ankle exercises.

Have a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! I will return again in the new year!

A Season of New Beginnings

As I thought about today, the first day of Advent 2014, I am reminded of all the new beginnings that are part of this time of year.

Thanksgiving Day - November 27, 2014

A day marked by the joining of the Pilgrims and Indians in a meal of thanks for the wonderful harvest and new friends and family. Thanksgiving continues to be celebrated across the United States as a time to gather with friends and family to give thanks to all the blessings received over the years. It is a time to reconnect and enjoy the company and love of those dear to us. May your life be full of thanks and remember that we are called to give thanks daily for the blessings in our lives.

1st Day of Advent - Sunday, November 30, 2014

Today marks the start of a new year in the Catholic Church. The new year fittingly begins with Advent a time of preparation for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Not only are we called to prepare for Christ's birth on Christmas Day but reminded to live daily in anticipation of Christ's second coming. 

The Advent season consists of the 4 Sundays prior to Jesus birth on Christmas Day. As we step into this new church year, we are challenged to take a step back to reflect on how our lives are beacons of Christ's light to all those we encounter.

• How do you share Christ's light to your parents, children, husband/wife, grandparents, and other family members, to your friends, coworkers, neighbors, and people on the street or in the store?
• As we begin this new church year, what are ways you plan to take time to listen and speak with our Father, to deepen that relationship with Him?
• Are you ready for Christ's second coming today? If not, what changes shall you make to be prepared for His second coming and celebration of Christ's birth on Christmas Day?

Birthday - December 11, 2014 

Two weeks prior to celebrating Christ's birth is another special birth in my life, the day in which I came into this world as a living being called to be a disciple of Christ. This past year has been a year full of many blessings and reminders of my call to be disciple of Christ. I pray that as all these new beginnings are upon us that I take the opportunity to be more diligent about stopping to listen to our Father and to be a beacon of light to all those I encounter. I pray for guidance and direction through a time of discernment of God's calling in my life.

Christmas Day – December 25, 2015

On Christmas Day, the journey of Christ began with His humble birth in a manger. As we start the journey remembering His life and adventures to the Cross, we are reminded of our humble existence, that life struggles equip us with strength to endure future challenges, and that He came to save us from our sins as we are not perfect but all loved sons & daughters of God. We are here to share His love to all and to do good for the betterment of our world until we come to rest in Heaven.

New Year’s Day – January 1, 2015

Many people look at this day as the start of a new year/new beginning as we celebrate a national/worldly holiday with the start of a new calendar year. For Catholics, it is also a celebration of the Solemnity of Mary-Mother of God, a celebration of Mary as mother of Jesus. Solemnity of Mary is celebrated this ‘eighth day’ of Christmas, which accordingly was the day of Jesus circumcision and given his name. Instead of setting new goals/beginnings, may we look at the challenges we placed in front of us at our own birth or the start of the new church year and renew the promises we made to ourselves and to our Lord at those new beginnings?

May this season of new beginnings be one full of blessings, love, and reflection!

Thanks to all who read this blog and silently provide prayers and support for me and all those in our world!

La Semana Quince: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Quince: Monday, October 20, 2014 -- 211 lbs (15.8 lbs -- 15 weeks)

La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)

La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Wow...15 weeks and 15.8  lbs. Two memorable trips over the past 15 weeks, Guatemala and then Europe (Portugal, Spain, France). In 10 weeks with God's grace, I will be back in Guatemala to share His love, heart, and hands with those there.

Besides the loss in weight over the past 15 weeks, my lab numbers have improved since the first part of April.
Cholesterol: April 4 -> Sept 30
Total                 272      239
Triglycerides     268      251
HDL                 41        46   (In Range)
VLDL               54        50
LDL                 177       143
Ratio                 4.3       3.1 (In Range)

Vitamin D         23.6      46.0
Insulin              23.2      22.6

White blood cell, Hematocrit, and Neutrophils (Absolute) are all still high.

In addition to seeing the general doctor, I also went back to the Sleep Center to review my first month of CPAP usage. I am having no obstructive situations with the machine. I still question, if this is what is really causing my sleep issues. I still wake up throughout the night almost like clock-work. I still feel tired in the afternoon/evening and can sleep real well on the couch in the afternoon/evening. He said that losing some more weight can help and maybe lead to not needing the machine at all. Therefore, we will keep trying to get down closer to my college graduating weight. There is still lots to go though.

And if that was not enough doctor visits, I also went back to the foot doctor. Current diagnosis is anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome. It is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome but in the ankle. It manifests itself on the top of the foot due to tendon across the ankle and front of the foot pinching the nerves down the foot. I have read a bit and the pain in the middle of the 1st and 2nd toe is common with this as well as the tingling when the nerve is hit down the top of the foot. He prescribed some nerve cream which should arrive by Monday and also a suggestion for the physical therapist. We will see what DC has to say on Tuesday and where therapy goes from here.

This past week workouts...
Monday - Flexibility, HPT, and PT (8 mins on the bike, 2.2+ miles; electrode therapy btwn toes; coconut therapy calf, shin, ankle, bottom of foot)
Tuesday - Flexibility and HPT
Wednesday - Flexibility, HPT, PT (8 mins on the bike, 2.2+ miles; electrode therapy btwn toes; coconut therapy calf, shin, ankle, bottom of foot)
Thursday - HPT Partial lots of doctors visits and a very long nights sleep into Friday morning
Friday - HPT, Grocery Shopping, Laundry
Saturday - Walking around Georgetown's campus for homecoming followed by hanging out with KB, CB, and the boys (2 3.5 yr olds and 1 10 months old)
Sunday - Last autocross of the season in Lexington. About 3 miles walked. Last event until next spring is next week.

On Monday evening late, I started getting a sore throat that lasted into Wednesday. By Wednesday afternoon, massive sinus pressure was invading my head/nasal cavity area which lasted throughout Thursday. Mostly clear but some slight yellow discharge.

Well that is one large update for you. Thanks again for all of your support, prayers, and helping me stay accountable.

Until next week, blessings from God!

PS La Semana = Week

La Semana Catorce: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Catorce: Monday, October 13, 2014 -- 210.0 lbs
La Semana Trece: Monday, October 6, 2014 -- 210.8 lbs
La Semana Doce: Monday, September 28, 2014 -- 211 lbs
La Semana Once: Monday, September 22, 2014 -- 210.8 lbs

La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)

La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Monday - Flexibility class and home therapy exercises and stretches.

Tuesday - Dr appointment 100/60 blood pressure that is like the best I have heard in awhile. 212 lbs on these scales, which was apparently exactly the same from my last visit (April 2013) so I will take that. 5'7.5"

Physical Therapy, 2.2 miles on the bike. More exercises, stretching, and coconut therapy on the left lower leg and foot. Overall, my left foot was bothering me more Wednesday & Thursday.

Wednesday - Flexibility class...too much food with an entire building food day. Trip down to the ball courts for food and another to check out the dunk tank. A couple throws and a hit of the dunk tank followed but 2/3 basketball shots on top of the 3-point line. Amazing..first shot up and swoosh, not sure I could do that again.

Thursday -- 10 minute deep shoulder & neck massage; Physical Therapy, 2.3 miles on the bike. I was averaging 16 mph versus 15.5 mph in previous PT days. Not a lot of exercises today as still focusing on the left foot that is injured. Completed some ankle exercises, continued coconut therapy on the lower leg and foot, and electric therapy on the foot. Prescribed home therapy exercises and stretches. Flexibility class.

Bluegrass Indoor Karting (BIK) -- 2 8-minute races around the track

Friday -- Flexibility class focused on some back stretches. Home Therapy.

Saturday -- House cleaning, bathrooms, kitchen and a bed change, followed by a nice nap and overall a rather lazy day. 1 BIK race. Part of Home Therapy.

Sunday -- Autocross 2+ miles of walking around the course and parking lot. Followed by a race around the track at BIK. Home Therapy.

This week, I have two doctors appointments. One with the sleep doctor and the other with the general doctor. I will report on lab work next week or in a separate post once I meet with the doctor on Thursday. I will say though the numbers are still high many of the numbers have improved from April. There also may be another trip to the foot doctor. I will see how things feel in the morning.

Thanks again for all of you who are still following me! May this be encouraging to you to stay in shape and healthy or to get in shape and healthy. I know that hearing others stories helps me.

Healthier Living: Cero

Week 0 -- 206.8 lbs

Back to the grind after gaining 18.4 lbs since my birthday in mid-December. Again, I plan on weighing myself every Monday morning and posting shortly thereafter the happenings of the prior week. Hoping that the positive support and energy from those who read and the basic accountability of this blog will keep me motivated.

Therefore last week....
Wednesday: 30 min of Cross Training
Saturday: 10+ mile easy to moderate hike
                (Maybe this is my problem. I stretch myself way too much at one time.)

This week....
Monday: 2-30 min Flexibility Classes
Tuesday: 15 min Kettlebells (A class participant almost passed out so class was cut short.)
              30 min Flexibility Class

Also, I am attempting to be more conscious of what I am eating and the amount that I am eating.
Trying to stop drinking soft drinks and having water with lemon juice instead. Soft drinks are so easy to pull out of the refrigerator.

Searching for motivation to get in shape, stay in shape, and lose weight....

Current motivations...
- Clothes not fitting again
- Potential White Water Rafting trip in a month
- Guatemala someday

Thanks again for all of your support and encouragement! May this also encourage you to stay healthy or become healthier!

Healthier Living: Renewal

Life hits you one day and you realize the backward direction you are headed but lost at how to change your mindset in the forward direction. This definitely outlines me the past couple of months. I know that things have to shift and change but just not sure how to make that change happen.

Currently a few pounds shy of where I started in April 2012 after losing 21 lbs.
How does one continually get in the same predicament over and over again?

Where is the motivation? How do you maintain that motivation?
- No certainty about future trips or activities requiring the need to be in shape.
- Body still in chaos and unsure of what that chaos is.
- So how do you battle health when your not sure what exactly you are battling.
- Last time, you ended up injured and fear going right back into that situation.
- Who really cares if you are in shape and lose weight.

Besides all of this and many other struggles, hopefully, I am ready to head forward again and find a maintainable way of life of being in shape and eating healthy but enjoyably.

How hard can this be?
- Free gym on the same floor as I work
- Free 1/2 hour trainer led classes throughout the day
- Surrounded by co-workers who attend classes, walk during the day, or go to the gym after work

Needless to say yesterday was really the first day that I took advantage of any of this, but hopefully that was day one towards a positive forward direction.

Yesterday, July 3rd, 2013
30 mins of Cross Training
I actually was able to attempt push-ups though poorly. Definitely better than last time I tried and couldn't even hold myself in a push-up stance. Today feeling a bit of soreness in the late afternoon but nothing to awful.

Thanks for all the prayers and support! Hopefully, this time I will not let myself and all you followers down and start and stay progressing forward over backwards.

May you be blessed this Independence Day and remember the freedoms we have!

Where have I been?

That is actually a really good question as I have stayed in place for the most part the past month and a half, but definitely been avoiding writing any health update or even getting on the scale. Things continue to go backwards, and it is hard to explain.

Truthfully, life is amazing and wonderful. Work though not without stress is a purely amazing experience full of welcoming hearts and supportive people. Youth and young adult ministry definitely fulfills my passions for service, faith, and leadership. I love watching the youth and young adults grow and am very excited about the various things ahead.

Thanks to all those who keep coming back to see if there is something new here! Hopefully as some new journeys begin, I can again stop to reflect and share and get back on the health wagon and de-stress a bit.

Healthier Living: Take 41

Week 41 -- 192.6 (+2.2 lbs in 10 weeks, therefore total loss of 18.8 lbs after 40 weeks)
Week 31 --190.4 (11.4 lbs in 10 weeks and total of 21 lbs after 30 weeks)
Week 21 -- 201.8 (5.6 lbs in 10 weeks and total of 9.6 lbs after 20 weeks)
Week 11 -- 207.4 (4 lbs after 10 weeks)
Week 1  -- 211.4 pounds (Starting Weight)

The past 10 weeks have been rough and obviously not successful in the weight loss though thankfully only a small gain.

Contributors though not excuses for the weight gain
- Thanksgiving, Birthday, Christmas, New Years, Leaving a Job, Starting a Job
- Stopped running after December 1st due to heel spur, busy life, darkness, laziness, lack of motivation
- Since December 1, the body has been acting out of the ordinary, as well.
- Working out at the gym has also been very minimal though not totally non-existent.

Next 10 weeks ending on April 8 will require a lot of dedication, motivation, and commitment. In just over 12 weeks is the Louisville Derby Mini-Marathon, I still have intentions to complete this event this year and have to the first part of March to make that decision. Hopefully having been off the foot for almost two months now means that I can successfully get back to running and accomplish this goal.

To lose more weight, I really have to focus on preparing food and not eating junk. This too is going to take some dedication along with prioritization.

May the next 10 weeks be full of great things and great accomplishments. Thanks for following and supporting me on this journey!

Saturday Smiles Treinta

The Lord provides so many blessings in our lives! My outlook and position on life has seen a great change in the past few weeks. I thank each of you for the impact you have made in my life and for all the support and encouragement.

Tuesday afternoon, I checked my mail to find a card in the mailbox that puzzled me. The name did not jump out at me nor the address. Who did I know in Fisherville, KY that would be sending me a card? I know no one getting married or having a baby that I could think of. Opening the card resulted in a note thinking about me as I started my new job. Now even more lost until I caught the postmark from Tallahassee, Florida. Yes, MA from church and her husband are in Florida for a couple months enjoying the warmer weather and sunshine. What else is amazing, she had to really seek out my address because it is not online nor is it in any church directory at this time. Her thoughtfulness made my day and week and definitely put a bright smile on my face.

 May you have a fun filled, blessed new week!

Saturday Smiles Veintisiete: New Years Edition

Another wonderful New Years Eve with friends and their ever growing families in Lexington. The Lord blesses us everyday and places amazing people in our lives. I thank God every day for the wonderful friendships made while in Lexington and a part of YAACK. And though I have not been in town for over 6 years now, we are still able to gather and have a great time as we never missed a beat. I look forward to hopefully catching up again tomorrow as the B's have an Epiphany  party. I pray that the young professionals group here in Louisville is able to make the same difference in a group of young adults lives. I ask your prayers as we seek ways to pull more people.

Friday was also a blessed day as I completed my last day at my current position before moving on to a new position on Monday. Ten people joined me for lunch at PF Changs and many others gave their well wishes but could not join in for lunch. Thanks to SP for putting it together! Though sad to leave some great folks, I know several of us will keep in touch, and their is a strong feeling of well wishes and understanding. And the excitement is hard to conceal regarding the new opportunity that lies ahead. I know God has definitely blessed me this year, and this is just one of many exciting things to come in this new year of my life.


Thanks again to all of you who silently ready and join in on this journey! Prayers and thoughts with you in 2013! May it be full of blessings and new adventures!

Healthier Living: Take 37

Week 37 -- 191.4
Week 36 -- 189.8 (Sunday)
Week 35 -- 191.4
--------------
Week 31 -- 190.4 (11.4 lbs in 10 weeks and total of 21 lbs after 30 weeks)
Week 21 -- 201.8 (5.6 lbs in 10 weeks and total of 9.6 lbs after 20 weeks)
Week 11 -- 207.4 (4 lbs after 10 weeks)
Week 1  -- 211.4 pounds (Starting Weight)

The battle continues this season of holidays and celebrations. I expect nothing different this week as it is New Years Eve followed by my last 3 days at my current job. The positive of it all is that overall I am maintaining and not overly gaining.

Again not a lot of activity this past week, I did shovel my parent's driveway on Wednesday eve, which was a good 1.5 hrs of exercise and amazing no soreness afterwards. My mother was sure I would be in great pain come Thursday, but I was moving around par normal.

It appears that I may need to go searching my suitcases of old clothes for smaller pants. Those I am wearing now are starting to get loose around the waist and fall. The problem, all my weight is disappearing from my hips and butt leaving nothing to hold up my pants because it is all above the waistline. It is good and bad all wrapped up together. I will count my blessings for the ability to lose weight and feel much better.

May your new year be full of great blessings and wonders! Trust me, my 35th year and 2013 are going to be one fantastic year. The Lord has blessed me, provided hope, and wonderful people in my life! Thanks again to all of you for following my blog, praying for me and my journey, and just being a spirit and beacon of light!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!