My life, version 2.

So its been several weeks since my last entry. I must say I’ve been struggling during that time. On the one hand I feel great. On the other, I am not seeing the progress I feel I’ve earned as a result of the effort I’ve put forth. It’s always about the scale with me. As of January 1, I am down another 6 lbs. In that eight weeks I was shooting for 1-2 lbs per week. That would be 8-16 lbs. - makes the real 6 sound pitiful. I was really banking on the new year calorie counting to be the secret weapon that proved effective.

Trainer M says I need to think positively and stop stressing over the scale. In fact, he urged me to stop getting on the scale for a while. I just fear that if I don’t check in often, the number will go up. He compared my weighing to planting a seed and then digging it up everyday to see how it is growing. Instead I need to leave it alone and water it so it can grow! Interesting analogy.

He also told me that having stress and negative thoughts can hinder my success. If I can visualize myself succeeding, I will get there.

Unfortunately I missed my appointment with J this week due to a miscommunication. She always encourages me and lifts me up emotionally pointing out that I have made great progress and am often too hard on myself. I could have used that pep talk as I am under a lot of stress.

First, FR was not doing well. The vet thought she may have had a small stroke. My acupuncturist disagreed and treated her for ear problems explaining that they could have caused her disorientation and odd posture. Thankfully, now she is doing fabulous with no lingering symptoms other than a healing hematoma.

If that weren’t enough, M tells me on Monday that his boss is declaring bankruptcy negating a huge balance I have with him. He isn’t sure what the outcome will be for him at this point as he may need to change gyms. Just when I have it down.

And finally, today an employee gives notice. Geez - how much turmoil can I take. While I am happy for him and his opportunity, I now have to concentrate on a solution.

So in my efforts to feel positive and happy, I am writing it all down to let the baggage go. My plans for success are getting back to tight calorie counting, eating more vegetables, adding more yoga and cardio, drinking water and relaxing about the process as I do.

So did you know that dogs can benefit from acupuncture? Well, my vet recommended that I try it on my 12.5 year old chocolate lab, FR. She suffers from arthritis and lately has been knuckling over in the back and stumbling a bit. It really breaks my heart to see her body give out before her spirit does. While she can’t join B and I on our fitness walks, she does enjoy many play sessions indoors that usually involve teasing of some sort. Typically the weapon of choice is an expired cardboard toilet paper roll. Oh how she loves to torment B who covets anything that the “other dog” has. FR uses said toys in strategic manipulation by enticing B to come and get it and surrender the preferred seating on the dog chair. By the time B realizes what has transpired, FR is as snug as a bug in a rug - or in this case, a chair.

But I digress… so I take FR to this new vet that specializes in holistic remedies that work in conjunction with traditional meds and therapy. She is a nervous wreck (nothing surprising) but they make us wait in the cat room. I mean there were at least 20 kittens in crates right in the very room. FR is not a fan. Now add to the equation that I have cat allergies. So I politely explained that the room would not do and asked for a new one. Eventually, when one opened up, the request was fulfilled and FR relaxed and waited patiently. Dr. H enters, introduces himself and shows her a little love. After a quick assessment, he explains that we have several avenues to explore. He showed me that her feet do reposition themselves when “asked” and that was positive evidence that there is no serious spine damage. What a relief. I was afraid that with no muscle left in her legs it might be futile.

So we complete the session with no incident - she was actually pretty good about it all. Even when they added some electricity to the mix. I suspect it felt good as she was very relaxed? So after writing a rather big check, I now wait and see how she does and report back later in the week for more needles and funds. But in general, I am excited to think she may get some deserved relief so I feel it is worth every penny.

M encouraged me to bite the bullet and increase my beginner 20-minute walk back to the full 30. It was bit intimidating as it has been so hot here lately (90+ degrees with humidity). The last 20-minute walk my lab, B, and I took about killed us. I was so worried she would get heat stroke I couldn’t relax.

This time it wasn’t as hot so I just headed out on the old path and didn’t think about it. Once we reached the one-mile “canine cocktail” watering hole/turnaround point there was no point in quitting or shortening it. Afterall, we had to get home and the second mile is the shortest distance back.

During mile one, B pulled eagerly on the leash… but in the next mile she was like a different dog. Fading fast, she was panting and dragging her feet - all four of them. I actually had some pep in my step where she was a mess! (I can see it is good we are both getting healthy together). But other than a mild “surprise” lunge - compliments of a German Shepherd hiding behind a diner’s chair - we had no unusual incidents to report. In fact, we caught our second winds and made it back refreshed.

After a huge tanking up of water on our return, B collapse like a ragdoll onto the wood floor under the fan and panted for quite a while. As she slipped away into a deep recovery sleep, I swear I saw her tail wag. I suppose she was looking forward to tomorrow’s walk.