Happy Birthday Gramps

Tomorrow would have been Gramps' 85th Birthday. Last year his birthday fell on Easter and we were all together. There was nothing that made him happier, or got him more choked up, than having the whole family together. The next day he went to the hospital for the first of what would be many visits over the next 6 months.

Gramps has been gone now for 5 1/2 months. Although the Holidays were difficult, it gets a little easier as time passes. However, there are still moments when it hits me that he's gone. I know that I will see him again in Heaven but sometimes that is not much comfort. I know that he's not suffering or in pain anymore, but that doesn't make it easier to hear Grams tell how much she misses him or still hears him in the house.

I'm not sure how we will acknowledge Gramps' birthday--its' not like we won't all know what day it is--but this is uncharted territory for us. Do we just act like it's any other day? Do we visit the cemetery? Do we have dinner? I guess we'll just see how the day plays out.

This picture was taken 2 Christmas ago (I think). Gramps was always cold!

Here's Dave and I with Gramps. It's hard to remember Gramps being "chunky".

This is one of my favorite pictures taken on our cruise in September 2006 to celebrate Grams and Gramps' 60th Wedding Anniversary.

Busted!

I had a great time out with some WVBL friends Saturday night. We went to a wine tasting at Park West—although most of it wasn’t good. Then we went over to Sweet O at Westgate. We got a seat on the patio, there was a band playing nearby and the weather was gorgeous. They have flights of wine, which is three 3 oz glasses of wine, each the same kind but from different regions or different tastes (can you tell I know next to nothing about wine?). Well, the five of us had each ordered a flight and some chocolate fondue and were just enjoying the evening. What could possibly be wrong with this picture, you ask?
All of a sudden we hear “is that on your food plan?”. We turn around and who is standing on the other side of the railing than our trainer!!! We looked like kids caught with our hands in the candy jar—surrounded by about 15 wine glass, most of which were empty, two fondue pots and a few remains of dipping items. Can you say busted? We were literally stuttering out an explanation. She wasn’t buying it. By the end of our “visit” she had promised that we would pay for this at Monday’s workout.
In our defense, a flight of wine is only 9 oz, which is the equivalent of just a couple glasses of wine. And I had allowed for the calories. That wasn’t really cutting it with her.
We had another event today and our “oops” was revealed to everyone. I am a little nervous to see what she has up her sleeve for us tomorrow.

5 K, Take 2

I completed my 2nd 5K this morning . . . didn't make my goal of 40 minutes. I actually was 12 seconds slower this time around. But, here's my rationalization: I ran most of it by myself and I felt like crud. I couldn't go far without coughing and, at best, I could only breathe out of one side of my nose. I know, excuses, excuses!
The scenery was much prettier this time (according to the brochure: beautiful, palm-tree lined paths) but since it wasn't an out-and-back like last time, I saw very few people. There weren't nearly as many racers this time around and when they all took off I was just following. A couple of friends were a ways behind me. Seriously, I was bored! So, on one street I decided to sing out loud to my MP3. I apologize to anyone who lives on that street and heard a very off-key version of Dancing Queen sung between gasping for air.
Oh, yeah, the best part was when a sweet old lady (think 70+) passed me in her knee high sport socks! That'll make you feel good about yourself!

Weights and Measures

This was a big week for assessments. We were weighed and measured and also re-did all of our initial fitness assessments. This won’t be of interest to many of you, but I’m going to post my results for my own benefit.
I did have a meltdown during the measurements. Apparently, the skin in my mid-section doesn’t do so well when it loses fat (sorry TMI). So, while I am losing, everything is sliding South so I can’t get accurate measurements. Without any mid-section measurements, I lost 7 ½ inches! I am sure that I lost an additional 25 inches in my middle!
I weighed in on Saturday morning and am down another 8.8 pounds—a total of 16.8 in 7 weeks!
As for the fitness assessments, I can see huge growth in what I can do. I improved my wall sit from 1:41 to 6:40 (?). I did 60 crunches in a minute, compared to 40. I can now do 37 push-ups and when we started I could only do 7. Finally, I ran (ok, jog/walk) my mile in 13:42. My initial time was 16:25.
I am so proud of myself—as well as everyone in my group. There is no one who has not shown significant growth. I can only imagine what I will be able to do come July!
Apparently, I am now a 5 K-er. . . we are doing the Litchfield Park 5K this Saturday morning. My goal is to finish in 40 minutes. Wish me luck!

5 K

I just got back from my 5K! It was an amazing experience all around. My time was 45:03, which I am very proud of. However, I am even more proud of the awesome group of people that are the West Valley Biggest Losers. Throughout the run, anyone you passed from the group would give a wave, smile, or cheer. As we approached the finish line, there was someone from the group (either a member or a sponsor) to run with you to the finish, where the rest of the group was waiting and cheering. It was an unbelievable feeling.

But more memorable than finishing was watching J finish. He made it through the whole race . . . we all went back to finish with him, as well as a few other people who were not part of our group. As we approached the finish line, the cheerleaders were cheering specifically for him, everyone was cheering and clapping, and he finished strong! I don't think many of us had dry eyes. After he crossed the line, the guy who finished first in the entire race brought J his trophy. It said something along the lines of "Best Male Finisher". The guy told him he couldn't think of anyone who was a better finisher! That made for big old tears!

I am so proud to say that I am a part of the WVBL! I think I've said it before, but it bears repeating: at this point I don't think any of us are in it for the prizes. Everyone encourages and supports each other and it makes this journey just so amazing. Who'd have thought that just 7 weeks ago we would be competing in a 5K or even doing half the things we are now.

Valentine's Day Update

Actually, I have no Valentine news to report . . . there's always next year, right? I get to spend the weekend with some really sweet kids and we're even going to brave going out to dinner. I haven't eaten out since we started the Biggest Loser. But, eventually, I am going have to become part of the real world again. With that in mind, and with the suggestion from one of my BL friends, we're going to go to Chili's and I'll have the grilled buffalo chicken sandwich--just 386 calories. Hopefully Chili's isn't a popular place to go for V-Day or else we are going to have to wait really patiently and that isn't my nephew's best quality (although he more than makes up for it with everything else).
Stephanie has been kicking our butts lately. Not that it ever really got "easy" but we have been doing some more strength training and have even done step classes the past two weeks . . . the stairs were a little painful this week. It is all worth it since I was able to wear a shirt that just a month ago fit me like a sausage casing. Now it even has a little extra room across the middle!
Our 5K is next Saturday. I truly don't know how well I'll do but whatever I do will be my starting point to see improvement for my next race. That's scary . . . my next race!
Have a great day!

Weigh In

We weighed in yesterday morning and I am down 8 pounds in 3 weeks! Actually, in 2 weeks and 5 days. So exciting! We have been doing a lot of training for the 5K . . . still not enjoying the actual act of running. Plus, my "jog" seems to be slower than my walking. I think I am getting a little more endurance, however, since it takes me longer to get out of breath. That's what you call progress!