The craziest semester I have had so far is finally over. I am enjoying my relaxation time: sleeping in, spending time with my family and friends, Christmas shopping, etc.
Maker's Diet update: After a number of weeks on phase one, and about 15 pounds of weight-loss, I have finally decided to start phase two. The reason I wanted to stay a little longer on phase one is because I felt like I needed more detox time. And I always lose the most weight on phase one. Let me tell you, restricting oneself on an all natural diet is hard even with normal calorie intake, but trying to reach weight-loss goals while eating naturally is double trouble. I have to admit - I have cheated a few times. But, I am thankful that the Lord has kept me on track.
I had some bumps in the road with this whole thing. For instance, my pulminologist said that I need to get my asthma under control before I start exercising. I feel less effective just eating well, but c'est la vie. Another obstacle came in the form of prednisone, which I had to take to try to knock out my cough (it didn't). That medicine be crazy! Side affects include: everything that makes weight-loss difficult. Number one - mood. I broke down crying just listening to some caller on the radio talking about her life. I don't cry easily usually. And I was snappy as a piranha. Number two - appetite. Predisone is infamous for causing people to have ravenous appetites. Thankully, I had taken prenisone before and was prepared for this. I had no junk food on hand and ate things like carrots and oranges when I was unbearably hungry. But I slipped up a few times. Number three - puffiness. I have this annoying baby double chin right now. So even though I have lost weight, I look puffier. Oh well. It is starting to go back to normal now that I am off my prednisone.
Phase two includes more fruits and some legumes. I am really excited about this!
I am looking forward to moving into an apartment with my friend Meredith in January. Hopefully my health will improve with the combination of both my new living situation and the Maker's Diet. And heading to the doctor again for another ear infection. I should just move in there.
But I have learned a lot about myself through my health trial. My mom has always said that trials scratch you and what comes out is really telling about yourself. So, I have had to see how I react in difficult circumstances. I have a lot of growing to do. I have realized that it takes faith to praise God in times of trouble because it is hard to see the good outcome in the end. And sometimes that good outcome is "just" growth in character. I have surprised myself by how much my go-to response in difficult situations is to complain. That is something I have to work on. If I am this way now, I cannot expect to be the sweet old lady I want to later in life. Being old is probably a whole lot more difficult than this. I am learning that if you want something in the future, you have to work on it today.
This has been a boring, rather newsy blog post. My apologies. Have a wonderful, Christ-honoring Christmas!
