And today's topic is about the limbo that happens after the fighting is over. An explanation: In 1994, a very bad year for me, I was diagnosed with cancer not once, but twice! First was the melanoma, which required 2 surgeries, but was "clear margins" and thus OK. Six months later it was breast cancer, found on a mammogram. That took a lot more work -- lumpectomy, chemo (including all hair gone!) and radiation, followed by years of Tamoxifen and Evista. Once the radiation was over and my hair started growing back, I was left with a weird feeling: no more "treatment." Did that mean the fight was over? Now what?! It's a very strange place to be in...and of course, the waiting to see if the cancer will return.
Other than raising teenage girls (an 11 on a scale of difficulty) I never had that feeling again until this week. What happened? I reached my Weight Watchers "goal weight." I started at the end of June 2009 as a summer project. Joined WW, stepped up the exercize, and proceeded on my weight loss journey. It ended (!) on Tuesday, when I reached my goal weight on the scale --- 47 pounds gone! I think about trying to carry around 47 pounds of potatoes -- or anything -- and it's unbelievable that's what I lost.
But that same feeling is there. Now what?! It's kind of a letdown to "maintain" my new weight, rather than seeing the smaller numbers on the scale every week. Will I be successful with maintenance? Can I keep the weight from coming back? Is this a true "lifestyle change" and not just a diet? That's the scary part. My focus is now changed.
In Weight Watchers-speak, that is called "reframing." Changing the focus, looking at it differently. But it's not quite the fight I was in, now that I am actually at the finish line!
Has anyone had a similar feeling?
On to books and movies! I am on book 4 of the Twilight series. I know it is teenage girl stuff, but I always like to understand what the grandkids are talking about. Fascinating that it is written by a Mormon. Bella doesn't sleep with Edward until book 4, so the romance is drawn out a bit. Now we've got werewolves involved, and the little half-human, half vampire Renesmee.
As for movies, there are lots of fabulous one out right now. Avatar, Invictus and Up in the Air, to name 3 that are still playing. If you're wondering about the title of Invictus, it's the name of a poem that Mandala read in his jail cell. You'll recognize it.
So, on to 2010! I'll try to update this daily. so please let me know if there are topics you want to hear about.
For those of you who knew the force of nature that was Claire Grondona, her memorial service/funeral is Saturday, Jan. 2 at 11 a.m. at St. Canice. I'm sure Claire will be "watching!"
Welcome back! We missed ya big time...
Posted by: Aaron | January 04, 2010 at 05:50 AM
Welcome back Dixie, we sure missed you while your were gone.
Posted by: Russ | January 03, 2010 at 11:01 PM
Great to have my Dixie Fix back. Keep that keyboard humming. Hugs, gjr
Posted by: George Rebane | December 31, 2009 at 05:18 PM
The incredible melting woman. Congrats on goal. I keep thinking, "if I had just joined her" Let's get that before and after pic posted. I am so proud of you. You make reform look easy . . .I wish I had a smidgeon of your discipline. . . .
Welcome back. I felt so alone!
Posted by: denise | December 30, 2009 at 07:06 PM
William Ernest Henley wrote Invictus from a hospital bed, envisioning death before him because of his ailments. Before knowing the context, I always thought it was about a man in a prison cell. Odd to know that Mandela, also in a prison cell, was reading it too.
This particular stanza threw me off:
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
P.S. Nice to see you back and blogging.
Posted by: Zuri Berry | December 30, 2009 at 02:49 PM
Congratulations on losing all that weight! 47 pounds is an amazing amount to lose. I can't even seem to lose 5. I think you should post a new photo on your blog and facebook showing the new you! I am starting my new routine on Jan. 2nd and need to lose 20 pounds, but most importantly get in shape because my exercise routine has been nothing even close to regular for a few months now. I'm going to spend Jan - Mar working on myself big time...getting healthy, having the surgeries on both my eyes, etc. and hope to be in tip top shape overall inside and out come April 1st.
Posted by: Kymry | December 30, 2009 at 01:29 PM
Welcome back, Dix. Missed ya!
Posted by: Dave C | December 30, 2009 at 01:29 PM
you look soooo mahvelous, dahling!!! congrates!!!
Posted by: Lindy Beatie | December 30, 2009 at 12:19 PM