I have a picture, pinned to my wall. . .

Two and a half years ago, when I received my first high cholesterol diagnosis I went into a bit of a panic, called my mother ('cause that's what I do), and cried for an hour thinking I was certain to die at any minute (I can be a bit over dramatic that way). I decided then and there that I was going to do everything on the laundry list of items that my doctor had suggested to improve my condition. I started walking daily, rain or shine, joined Nutrisystem, and quit fast food cold turkey. It was a major shift, for me, in how I'd lived my life in the past, and I found that the weight came off relatively easily. In roughly four months I'd lost almost 30 lbs, I was back in my "skinny clothes" (which for me was a size 10/12), and could see a visible difference in the shape of my body, most specifically in my face.

Shortly after the initial weight loss I was challenged with a bout of sciatica, which if you've never dealt with it, is excruciatingly painful. Standing hurt, walking hurt, sitting hurt. I spent one morning on my hands and knees, just before I was due at school, and had to call a girl friend to come get my plan book so that a sub could be booked to teach my class. It was a frightening experience, but more disappointing was my lack of ability (and drive) to continue the weight loss/exercise program I had become accustomed to. Thankfully, with physical therapy the sciatica ceased and I was back in the swing of things. Mostly.

About the time of my recovery I met a fantastic guy, who to this day treats me like gold. I was 25 pounds lighter when we met but that doesn't seem to bother him, which is one of the many reasons I love him so. I will say, however, that because he loves me unconditionally I've been less than motivated to take off the excess weight. Do I blame him for that? Absolutely not. I happen to be well aware of my own motivations and desires. And, honestly, I let the workout/weight loss thing go. I just did. It's easy to fall into old habits after they've been well established, as I'm sure you understand. And when I looked in the mirror, I didn't see a major difference. I mentioned to a friend of mine once: I'm pretty sure I have the opposite of anorexia. I don't truly see myself as 'heavy' until I see myself in pictures.

I have a picture pinned to the wall of classroom, in the mix of the foggy day schedules, student drawings, and pictures of friends. It's a picture of my boyfriend and me shortly after we started dating, and it's a reminder of all the hard work I'd put into getting healthier years ago. It was also the motivating factor for my entering the KDUV In-shape Challenge. Ultimately, I know what I need to do to lose the weight, and how I need to do it. When I applied I thought that the opportunity to have the kick-in-the-pants from others in the same position as I, well, was too much of a break to pass up.

Cari called me yesterday afternoon while I sat at my desk after school. I was up to my eyeballs in paperwork and trying to recover from "rainy day schedule" when she shared that I'd made the Hanford team. I was beyond excited to learn the news, but I'm not sure I sounded it. I'm looking forward to having the chance to say 'thank you' personally to the staff at KDUV, especially LJ (for coming up with the promotion in the first place). I am monumentally thankful to be on this journey.

God has put me on this path for a reason. I give thanks for the direction and am determined to do great things with the opportunity provided me.