And the Torture Begins..

Today was just out of control!  Jack and Gladys are now fast friends, intent on helping Skinny Me escape.  They have been plotting for the last week and their glee is unsuppressed.  The glints in their eyes say it all.  I am finally beginning to recover from an hour of Zumba hell!

The plot was exposed when Gladys, this afternoon, ordered me to do 3 sets of 10 (25-30 pounds of weight) on the Butterfly machine before class began.  Then she wanted me to swing 5 pound weights as I walked to class!  Has she lost her mind?!  Of course, Jack is loving this.  If that were my only torture, I'd probably be able to move now.  Oh, no!  The fun was only ABOUT to begin.

Since the Butterfly machine is broken, I used the pull down bar; yes, 3 sets of 10 at 30 pounds.  The first dance was quite a lot of fun, but 15 minutes into the class, my body decided it just wasn't up to it and my lovely instructor was not about to give me a break.  Her encouraging smile and "Lynette, move it!" kept me going for the next few minutes.

As we moved to the jumping part of the routine, I experience a whole new torture!  The Zumba girls, which now roll around in their compartments like squirrels in a sac, nearly knocked me down.  With each kick, they flew higher and higher.  At one point, I felt they would find their own heaven.  And the weight?  Oh, my goodness.  How can that be?  The last jump nearly lost me an eye!  I MUST find a sports bra.

Oh, and let's not forget the walk home.  I discovered muscles I only know about because I saw them in the anatomy poster on the doctor's waiting room wall.  The first 7 minutes lasted a year.  I realized that I had only walked about 15 feet.  Suffice it to say it was a very long walk home.  I really think my new bottom was being carved out during that walk.  I think the only thing that will help is a soak in the hot tub and about 20 Tylenol.

I need a nap...

Inspired to Inspire - The Escape of Skinny Me

Tonight, Gladys suggested I post, on Facebook, pre weight loss and progressing pictures of this journey I so reluctantly began.  So, I did.  The comments quickly came in!  I have great friends, so the encouraging remarks didn't surprise me.  My sweet friend, Faith, never fails to let me know that she supports these efforts and always adds encouraging words.  My friends' words, "keep up the good work" or "good job" made me feel successful.  My surprise came in the words of friends who called me an inspiration and motivation.  Even a young second cousin asked me how I accomplished my success and asked me to give her tips. As I think about the impact of that, I realize that diligence and commitment must remain my watch words.

As Skinny Me slowly moves through the maze of fat that now surrounds her, I find myself anxiously anticipating her escape.  I don't wait alone.  My fabulous coach patiently awaits her emergence; Zumba instructor extrordinaire is excited to see her and the new kids look forward her debut!  Jack, my coach, my inspiration and mentor, now nears his ideal body.  His newly svelte, muscular physique is a walking definition of diligence and commitment.  I see his confidence grow daily and his smile is even more constant.  I like that.

As I watch Jack's transformation, my determination to let Skinny Me out increases.  I love the observations my brother made this weekend!  He said I don't stumble as much and I looked good in a pair of blue jeans I wore the other day.  I am so glad he told me!  My food choices are definitely different now.  Although I still have a sweet tooth, it can now be satisfied with a stick of gum or a piece of fruit.  I find the desire for fatty or sugar-filled food doesn't overwhelm my senses.  I like the taste of water; it clears the palate.  I like the taste of lean meats and fresh fruits and vegetables.  I like to eat clean.  I like exercise.  I like feeling strong.  Sweat is a good friend, now.  Sweat allows me to indulge a little.  I don't feel deprived.

Being an inspiration is truly an honor.  Being an inspiration is motivation.  Being an inspiration helps others.

...and away we go!

Lynette, the Giant Killer

 

"There we saw the Nephilim [or giants], the sons of Anak, who come from the giants; and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight." - Numbers 13:33

June 2010

  

July 2010

Today's sermon really hit home for me today.  As I listened, I realized that I could continue to think like a grasshopper or I could become a giant killer.  Over the past 3 weeks, I have received nice compliments and properly responded to each one.  Unfortunately, I didn't really believe the people who gave them because I don't see the changes.  In my mind, the Zumba, the walking, and the weight work seem to be in vain because the scale hasn't really changed.  So this week, I took measurements.  Guess what?!  Since the end of June, I have lost a total of 5.5 inches and one pound!  Week over week results may be slow, but overall progress is sure!

Last week, Jack and Gladys became facebook friends and only the good Lord knows what may happen now.  I feel so blessed that I have this kind of support, but I have a feeling that the giant killing may kick into high gear from here out!  I have to remember my goal; to see what is underneath all this fat.  The doctors says I'm a small boned woman.  I always thought I was big boned.  Interestingly, I gave myself permission to think that I SHOULD be a skinny lady.  I am ready for this journey with renewed optimism and determination.  

LET THE GIANT KILLING COMMENCE!!

and away we go...