Prednisone woes

I've only been on it for a few weeks, but my doctor upped my dosage by 50% yesterday. I've got the "moon-face," swollen hands, appetite, flushed cheeks, dizziness, and nausea. Of course, those side effects may also be due to the Flagyl or Cipro as well, but I've been on those before and not experienced these side effects. My one consolation is that it hasn't made me totally break out yet--but the Cipro is fighting that battle, and I've only got three days left on it. So I have that to look forward to. So not only is my face BIGGER, but it will be pimply too. The kids will wonder what strange ailment makes me look like a freak... especially when the weight really starts packing on. I've got to buy fat pants today.

On the agenda today: pick up the rest of my medications, buy one of those ginormous pill boxes (this time I really can't keep the dosages straight without referring to the doctor's sheet), and check a couple stores for some clothes that I can actually fit into right now. I'm down to just one or two pairs of pants, and a dress. Unfortunately, this isn't the right time of year, so my choices are few. Wish me luck.

Feeling better

Well, I've been good and I've lost two of the pounds that I gained back! Only 3 to go. (I'm at about 195 now.) It seems that my metabolism had been used to processing 2000 calories for so long (since I've been bad) that once I started back on the diet I'm losing weight like I did when I first started the whole thing. That makes me feel hopeful!
This whole thing just sucks because I love love love food. And I'm getting more into cooking lately (I think it's the summer/farmer's market thing) so I think all day long of all the scrumptious things I could be cooking up but then I count up the calories and I wouldn't be able to stuff my face with the deliciousness like I like to do when I make something new and tasty. But then, my jeans are starting to fit again, so that keeps me in line.

Too long, bad news.

Yikes! I've been neglecting this blog lately, and I really need to start writing it on a weekly basis. I think it will help keep me dedicated.

Speaking of dedication--I gained 5 lbs back. grr. I was so close to my second goal (191) I could almost taste it--but instead, I tasted delicious pizzas and chocolates and ice creams.

Today, though, I was good. I'm at exactly 1500 calories, and I walked a mile. This morning I drove down to the Farmer's Market and parked a good half-mile away on purpose. It's funny how something so little as that can make you feel better. Anyway, I got some cherries and strawberries and a zucchini and walla wallas. And purple flowers for the kitchen table.

I'm hoping that after our upcoming move (in two weeks), and especially once school starts, a regular schedule will help me keep focused. At least, it did last year, when I lost the 20 lbs. Oh, and you know how the doctor's scale always seems to be on the heavy side? Well, I went to the doctor last week, and the scale 1) seemed accurate, and 2) showed a 21-lb weight loss since the last time I'd been in. Well, that's a first!

I'm Edumacated!

Last Saturday, the 5th, I walked in Graduate Commencement. Now, I sorta have a Master's Degree! (the diploma says differently)




















Claire and Noah playing in the background. Mom, Ginny, Claire, Noah, and James came to cheer me on. I'm certain that the more advanced degrees a person earns, the sillier he/she looks on graduation day.
















I spent the previous Wednesday with Mom and Dad. We went all over the place! Cannon Beach (ate at Mo's), the cheese factory, the Spruce Goose, MACA's open house, and out to eat with Hubby. It was a really great day.

It's time again

All right, my rediculousness has gone on long enough.
Not only have I not lost any weight in FOREVER, but I've gained a pound or two. Or three, maybe. And I was only ONE pound away from my first target weight. Gah!
So, here I go again...
I pledge to keep track of each and every single thing that I eat every day on my calorie counter.
I pledge to exercise at least two hours every week (for starters). This will happen, in part, by my pledge to wake up at 6 AM to hike or jog or what have you.
I pledge to not eat anything past 8 PM, unless I'm on a date.
I pledge to not eat more than an average of 1500 calories a day (that is, if I eat 1400 calories one day, I can eat 1600 calories the next. Yadda, yadda.).
I pledge to weigh myself every morning, and keep a list of my daily weigh-ins.

Spring has sprung, yadda yadda

Lost another pound (193ish now). Walked 2.5 miles on the nature trail this morning. It felt great!
Planning two hikes: perhaps one next Saturday (Horsetail Falls), and for-sure an overnight trip on the 31st. Anyone care to join me?

Back in the saddle

I'm strict strict strict again. Stocked up good food in the new place, take my lunch to school. Today: 194.0. If you notice, to the left and up top is a countdown of how many pounds I have left to lose until I'm no longer "obese." Even if I don't post, I usually keep that updated. And soon that number (which, today, is 3) will be ginormous again when I change it to "pounds to lose before I'm no longer "overweight."
I have renewed hope that I can do this! School keeps me on my feet all day, not to mention stressed out at times, and I've been burning more calories. Plus, I have the nature trail by the apartment, and the rain is starting to let up... welcome, Spring!

Finally...

Since the holidays, my discipline has been terribly inconsistent. I need to rededicate myself to the diet and start exercising again.

...Fortunately, I haven't gained any weight. And actually, as of this week, I've officially lost 20 pounds! I have regained hope and energy.

And James and I have a new apartment! We're moving into a smaller place, downsizing our possessions, and living more simply. And we'll be living in a great location! Right up the hill from OHSU, a block and a half from the Marquam Nature trail, and less than 10 minutes to downtown (and James' work). Closer to friends, entertainment, nature... just about everything but a grocery store. And that, I have a feeling, will be a bit of a blessing.