The Fabulous, Awe-Inspiring Return of Weight Loss Wednesday: Version One Flu Over the Cuckoo's Nest, and other Random New-Year-Ish Thoughts

I am fairly sure that the most recent two weeks of my life have been the most hectic, enjoyable, crazy, busy, exhausting weeks ever recorded in personal history.  They beat the frantic flurry of college finals by a long shot, and the mad preparations for report card/parent teacher conference weeks by far.  And when all of the gift wrapping, food preparing, Holiday celebrations, Birthday celebrations, New Years celebrations are said and done, there were closing ceremonies.  Explosive closing ceremonies.  Approximately two hours after we hummed the final Happy Birthday tune to Jack, he came down with the stomach flu.  And so did I, the person not intelligent enough to keep his little lips off my glass and eating utensils.  Way to go, mom! 

Ugh.

Though I cannot be sure, I believe we are almost out of the woods...just in time for my poor part-time live-in sister Sant to take her turn dying on the couch.  Our new furniture will surely have to be burned fumigated after all is said and done.  And more than keeping up with the sick souls in my own home, I have been seriously wondering about the twenty-some party-goers who came bearing generous gifts in celebration of Jack's first birthday - just one day prior to Pukefest.  I sincerely hope no one left with the most unpleasant parting gift of all.

I had planned to make a triumphant return to my diet today, after taking care of the remaining chili dip, cheeseball and pizza left in the fridge.  That is, before Monday evening when my body put the stamp of death on anything in excess of a 1/2 ounce sip of water per every four hours.  So after nearly six weeks of freedom (read: not denying myself a damn thing that interested my taste buds) I started my diet early, and played a hard game of catch-up. 

Miraculously, the scale indicates that I only gained 1.5 pounds since Thanksgiving.  I can hardly believe it myself, as can the zipper of my jeans who cries for mercy.  But we'll go with it.

During the crazy holiday whirlwind I spent a good amount of time reflecting on the last year.  2006 was one of my best years ever, beginning with the birth of my second child and getting back on my feet, blogging, the decision to lose weight that took me down eighty pounds, photography, charity, relationships that I have put greater effort into, and progress and planning that has gone into our current home and the one we plan to eventually purchase.  If I could top 06 with more personal, familial and financial successes in 07, it would be more than amazing.  I am both blessed to have the past year under my belt, and so very inspired. 

So! Among other things, I am resolving to lose another 25 pounds in the first part of this year.  God knows putting it out there means that the pressure is on, but I have come to the realization that I am not yet finished in the weight loss arena.  I am also determined to figure out when and where we will finally buy a new house, and assert the self-control required to save a small fortune.  At present, these two tasks seem insurmountable, so I am going to assume that conquering them should feel pretty damn good.

Wish me luck.

Comments

[Frema]

Oh, no, stomach flu! Since you're not interested in learning of others plaqued with the same fate, you better not check my blog. Or ask why I'm home from work today. :)

[Stacey]

Oh my. This stomach flu must be SWEEPING THE NATION. Glad you are feeling better.

Rock on with that weight loss...you're an inspiration!

[jenabeeb]

Well, SOMETHING hit me last night, but it luckily ended by mid-day today. I was running a 100.4 fever at about 7am, but was back to normal by about 10am. So I lucked out much better than you, apparently.

Good luck on everything this coming year!

[Frema]

Why do I always want to spell "plague" with a q? Bah.

[Molly]

Plaque is a problem most people don't speak about liberally. I am proud of you Frema. You are a beacon of light among a dentally-darkened society. And I love you for it.

[SJ]

I am glad to hear that you are almost out of the woods...the stomach flu is the worst. The.Worst.

I wish you much luck in 07 with everything you want to accomplish! Sounds like you rocked 06 to the core!

[Silly Hily]

LUCK!!!!!

And seriously, this flu crap better not come knocking on my door. So far, my family has managed to stay healthy...though I'm not sure how b/c it seems that every single person I know has had to deal with this flu stuff during the holiday season.

[Rachel]

It's good that you are getting over the stomach flu. Good luck with all of your resolutions. They sound very attainable and if you want them bad enough, you can make it happen.