Hello! Have you missed me? I’ve missed you. And I want to let you know I’m sorry about the long silence. Part of it was the busyness of life, but most of it was because I went through a period of depression and wasn’t very functional for a while. I’m still not completely back on track, but I am feeling better and thought I should provide an update.
First, I’m excited to tell you that my book is continuing to make progress, and I hope it will be available sometime in September. The cover design is underway, a final review by an outside reader is in the mail on its way back to me, and that leaves just a few final steps before it will be ready for you to download (Kindle) or purchase!
Finishing my book and having it actually available for people to buy will be the culmination of hundreds of hours of work and even more hours of worry about trying to make it perfect. It isn’t perfect, and I could spend more and more time making changes, additions, deletions…but I’m not going to do that. I’m going to trust that it will meet my goal of providing a glimpse into the life of the extremely obese in a way that makes people LAUGH, CRY, and CHANGE. Please stay tuned; I’ll be sure to let you know when it’s ready.
Second, I’ve put on some weight this summer, and it’s mostly because I haven’t been exercising regularly…AGAIN. Ever been there? Here in Florida, exercise is more difficult in the summer, unlike in northern climates where winter is generally the exercise killer. It’s hot and humid. And even though I prefer heat to cold any day…I’ve been thwarted by another vice…early mornings.
The best time to exercise in a Florida summer is before the sun comes up in the morning. I have never been a morning person, even though many years of work involved being up by 5:30 a.m. You can ask my wife, though, and she will verify that I may be out of bed by 5:30 (after hitting snooze at least three times), but I’m not actually functional (or agreeable) for at least an hour after that. In other words, I am NOT the “jump out of bed and head out to exercise immediately” kind of person.
But, like most excuses, I can’t let that reality (excuses aren’t always lies…often they are very real and valid) continue to affect my health.
I haven’t quite figured out what to do yet, but I’ll let you know when I do. The truth of the matter is that it’s up to me to conjure up the willpower to find a solution to exercising during the Florida summers. It’s easier to sit here and lament about it than it is to actually find a solution. Let me know what you do to keep moving in the winter (if you live up north) or the summer (if you live down south). I’d love to hear your ideas!
Hope for the Heavy 
Still in your corner with prayer and belief in you! I have very recently been introduced to Beat Saber on an Oculus system. It makes me move and compete with myself which is a motivator for me. While 10 lbs does not seem to be much – it is what plagues me and I believe this new workout will help me get there. That and adhering to a Food plan that honors my dietary allergies and intolerances. This is sometimes overwhelming. I fell off the wagon after two years of strict food choices and on jumped the 10 lbs again. Time for it to go.
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Was worried about you. I thought that I wasn’t getting the blog for some reason. I am so glad you are back. Your book doesn’t need to be perfect, none of us are. I am looking forward to reading real life, and real life is not perfect. I have been struggling and knowing that there are others who are struggling does help. I have gotten back on track as I have a trip to Israel planned next year and want to have the energy and ability to have fun and not worry. The dog and I have started getting up at 5am to go walk 2 miles before work.
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Thank you, Nora! Wise and helpful words! Congrats on your morning walks with the dog – that’s a great way to stay healthy and moving, in addition to your goal of being able to enjoy Israel. I’d love to visit the Holy Land someday, too. Look forward to seeing you before too much longer!
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I have to talk myself in to walking any day I go. I’ve found listening to a podcast helps distract me. This winter my dr asked me if I exercise and got “the look”. Then he asked if I at least think about it. Smart-aleck. Winter is wretched for exercise. I found Body Groove videos on youtube. Each one is 5-10 min with fun music. It makes you think you can do more. Maybe that would be a start. The cats would love it!
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You could join a gym. That way you can exercise indoors, in air conditioning. I make a schedule where I go right after I pick up the kids from school 2 days a week. Another thing I have done is joined a Saturday exercise class where I feel some accountability.
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Great suggestions, Debbie! Thanks for sharing!
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I forgot to write my comment that I can’t wait to get your book. It’s so awesome that you took the time to write it! I am sorry you have felt bad this summer.
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