Last week I found myself back in Tucson, AZ with my sister, Beth. I went to have some tests run in an effort to try to figure out the whole over-weight thing. Ugh. Frustrating! After all blood tests were run and analyzed, it turns out I am a remarkably fit heavy person. Blood pressure is low. Thyroid is fine. B12 is fine. Liver and kidney function are great. Vitamin D is in the tank. With a few tweaks things should be fine. Reluctantly, the doctor agreed that once my cortisol levels lower, my body should be more receptive to shrinking! We'll have to wait and see. Patience is not one of my virtues.
Right now I'm just waiting for the results of some allergy tests. Who knows, maybe they hold the key to what's holding me back?
While I wait, listening to the rain hit the windows, I've been going through the photos taken on the trip. Hundreds were taken, below are just a few of them to keep me warm until Spring arrives here at home:
It was a 17-hour ordeal to get to Tucson with major flooding leading to delays in Chicago. I landed in Phoenix and drove the two hours to Tucson. I started at 5AM my time and ended up at Canyon Ranch at 9PM their time. I have to say, it was totally worth it. Even when I realized - a week later, just as it was time to leave - that I left my passport on the plane! Further proof that there never is a dull moment.
Every day I walked the 2-mile loop around the property, though, unlike my sister, I did it just the once and avoided the "big hill" even though it meant more steps :)
Every day I swam at least 20 laps of the T-pool and took at least one water-fitness class.
Every day I ate oatmeal brulée, chicken sausage and kefir for breakfast.
Every day I met someone new and heard their story.
Every day I spoke to or texted with my kids. Though, I have to admit, Caden is a bit too quiet for my comfort! They had a great time with their cousins, and limited independence :)
Every day I discovered something new. I also discovered more things I can - and will - do.
Every day I did at least one thing outside my comfort zone.
Every day I enjoyed conversations with my sister. I did a lot of listening. I learned a ton!
Every day I realized how far I have come since my first visit to Canyon Ranch two years ago. Dr. Brewer barely recognized me and confessed his fear for me when I left in 2011.
Every day I realized, with gratitude, how wonderful my life has become - extra weight and all!
I really enjoy the desert. There is something incredibly beautiful in the stark heat and vast expanse of cracked brown earth and endless blue sky. This year my focus was more outward and I took everything in - from the beautiful buds of spring, to the turtles in the pond, to the people around me.
Only 350-some days until I return!
