Weigh-in Friday

I lost...




Two-and-a-half pounds! WOOT! Changes/differences this week include no alcohol, bootcamp three times a week and a lot of water. I've upped my water consumption from 64 oz a day to at least three litres (96 oz). I have found, however, that even after drinking all that water, I'm still thirsty at night and end up drinking MORE water.

So far, I am down at least one dress size, but probably more. I've gone from using the fifth belt hole in to the ninth in. My face has cleared right up, no more spots, my skin feels fantastic, I lack a double chin, and I can *almost* see my collar bones. I feel terrific!

It's hard to believe I've lost a year's worth of weight gain in five weeks, but I have. I HAVE! Ten more pounds until I reach my first goal, 170, the amount I weighed the day I gave birth.

Also, you may have noticed that I've added tags on all the posts. It took a while, and it was nice to go back in time, so to speak, and read my blog. I have grown so much since starting this little project. Anywho, enough with the reminiscing. Check out the tags below to search for posts in the past that might interest you!

CHEERS!

WINNER!

Robbie and Elodie and I headed down to the Stampede grounds on Sunday to check things out, watch the Bare Naked Ladies (Canadian band, not actual bare naked ladies), and above all else--for me at least--check out the shawl. I was not disappointed.



I won't lie, when I heard that Evenstar shawl to the left was being entered, I nearly gave up hope. Evenstar is a stunning pattern, and I covet it immensely. But enter I did because of two reasons. One, I was very happy with how the shawl turned out. And two, hell, I wanted an effing ribbon.

Winning best in section, though, among all the amazing knitting entrants was really something unexpected. There were so many beautiful entries, such as that Evenstar as well as a really great hat, and I feel completely honoured to have been recognized.



I'm totally going to enter again next year. But what, I wonder. I'm seriously debating a Bohus, even though it's major money. Or maybe a Starmore, even though I hate the boxiness of the patterns. Or perhaps, since it works, I'll knit more lace. Who knows? One thing is for sure, though. I could get used to this winning thing.

Weigh-In Fridays

This week, I lost *drum roll*





One pound. Blah. It's my own damn fault. After finding out that I have to get this surgery, I may have consumed a fair number of peanut butter M&Ms. And some wine. And a burger. Can we say emotional eater?

Oh, well. I'm down nine pounds, and when I'm naked (not when I weigh in), I see the other side of 170, which is something I haven't seen in a year. So that's something I suppose.

Oh, a certain shawl may have won first place at the Calgary Stampede Western Showcase....

Two Pounds and Surgery.

I had two appointments today. First:




So I guess that's good. Eight pounds total. :D

On the downside, though, I met with my specialist regarding the cyst. He has booked me in for a laparoscopic-cystectomy-possibly-laparotomic-cystectomy-with-possible-oopherectomy surgery in early September. My cyst is so big, it needs to come out. So if it doesn't get smaller by mid-August, I'm getting cut open.

A laparoscopic surgery is where they insert a camera and a wand thing through two tiny incisions in the abdomen wall and is incredibly non-invasive. However, depending on the type of cyst they find when they do the laparscopic surgery, it might be upgraded to a laparotomy, which is where they make an incision across the abdomen. Depending on what they find on the ovary during *that*, it might mean they remove my right ovary altogether.

When you're trying to have another child, dudes, ovaries are rather essential. So the chance that one might go hang out in a lab somewhere is slightly concerning. But I'm more concerned about a few things. One, at this point, since hormone levels are normal, they don't know what is causing this cyst and what is causing it to grow. Two, I'm experiencing a few additional things, such as a thickened endometrial lining that is seriously fucking up my ability to get pregnant. Three is this BIG BLOODY CYST that's hanging out, won't stop growing and won't bloody well resolve itself.

And while yes, I'm rather attached to my ovaries, and while yes, I'd rather they stick around for the next 50 years or so, my health is absolutely critical. Despite desiring another child, I desire health for my current child moreso, and so they can chop me open and make me better, no matter the possible risks.

But still, when I'm squeamish enough about needles that I refused as a rebellious teenager to get any body parts peirced and never seriously entertained the thought of a tattoo--irregardless of how much it would infuriate my parents--the idea of going under the knife, requiring anywhere between a few days to a week to heal (not to mention several staples and stitches) and losing a rather essential organ is so scary! So hopefully this diet, the lack of refined sugars and so many vegetables will help my body resolve this cyst before my ultrasound in August so that I can have my surgery canceled and continue on my happy little way.

Keep me in your thoughts.

Anniversary

Today is my 3rd anniversary!

Let me tell you something about my husband. If there is any man on this earth who pulls his weight, it's Robbie. He pulls his weight and a lot of mine, too. He has a full-time job (which he's really good at), is a completely involved and passionate father, cleans, does laundry, does the dishes, and boy, without him, this house would fall apart. I mean, really, fall apart.

On top of that, he's just super thoughtful. He gets cards for special occasions, buys Christmas presents when I forget (it happens a lot), makes sure things are remembered...I don't know what I'd do without him.

I love him to bits, and although I'm not a great wife sometimes (don't I know it), I am so grateful that he's a great husband. The last six years together and the last three years married have been, hands down, the best of my life so far.

I love you, Robbie! Thanks for being just about the best person I know!