Back on Track

I love September!  Temperatures start to drop to bearable levels, flowers are still out in full bloom and I don't have to mow the lawn as often!  Actually, its the month I got married (had a great anniversary with Becky) and it's perfect weather to get outside and do things without getting too hot!  It's the time of year that gardens are producing and we can eat vine-ripened tomatoes, fresh herbs and salsa fresca... mmmm.  But, I need to cut out the corn chips and remember, "younger next year!"  Cut out the crap!

This has been a great month even though I haven't met all of my goals, I have managed to stay the course to some extent.  My goal during our trip to Puerto Vallarta was to not gain any weight!  I failed miserably at that due to my legendary lack of willpower whenever mass quantities of free food is around.  Going to an all-inclusive resort with 24 hour buffets and ice cream and anything else you can imagine is really not good for someone trying to be careful in what they eat.  Okay, confession time, I gained 5 lbs. back of the 10 lbs. I lost.  So, I didn't stick with my goal of not gaining weight but on a positive note, I did workout every day and kept up the walking.  That was a big help.

Good news is that over this past week, I have managed to lose the 5 lbs. back again and have walked (with vigor) every day this week and am feeling good!  Back on track and back to 10 lbs. down from my starting point!  Whoo Hooo!  I walked 4.88 miles Yesterday with my daughter Jenny and her hubby Asiel in roughly 1 hr. 15 minutes.  Jenny is trying to get me to commit to walking/running a half-marathon in January in St. George.  I think I'm going to go for it as that is also one of my goals for the year.  I don't know if I will be able to run much but I think I am going to do it anyway.  Jenny is an inspiration to me since she has really gotten back into shape since she had little Ky Ky.  Any other encouragement would be welcome!

Even though our vacation proved to be a little set-back on my weight loss goal, we had a great time!  I'll throw in a few pics.  One night we sat in an outdoor dining area (covered) and watched the most fantastic thunder storm I think I've ever seen!  Lightning hitting the water about a half mile or so off the beach and then producing an immediate CRACK and BOOM!  It was awesome to watch lighting hit the water although maybe dumb to sit there while it was so close!  I couldn't help myself since it was great company, great food and great entertainment!  I think even the Mariachi band was there that night serenading us with that wonderful music.   Anyway, we had a great time and we even did a zip-line canopy tour!  Of course I had to have the harness made for the el Grande Hombres!  Or in my case, I would say the el Gordo Hombre!!  But not next year!!!!

On another note, I went to see my cardiologist and he is taking me off of the beta-blocker meds!  Whoopee! That was one of my other goals is to get off of some of my meds!  He says that I can walk or run in the St. George half marathon!!  I told him that I would probably just walk and his first question was "why?"  I told him because I wasn't in shape and would probably just walk it.  He said that having stents in my heart shouldn't preclude me from participating.  So, basically, I can do what I want and what I feel comfortable with!  That's good news to me and its "off to the races" and lots of preparation!

Anyway, its been a great few weeks and we even got a new puppy in our house.  Her name is Queeen Elizabeth (Lizzie) and yes, she has taken over our lives and is the queen of the house!  I'll post a few pics for you!

So, back on track and no limits from the doctor!!! Atsee Ideee!