Are You Crazy???? / Shocked!!!

This posting is a twofer.  

The title of this post comes from my trainer.  He name is Tony.  We've been working out for a few weeks now and he issued me a challenge.  What kind of challenge, you ask?  He wants me to run one mile in 10 minutes or less.  When he told me that, I asked him "Are you crazy???"  He laughed and said, "No at all."  

So, I accepted his challenge and went to work.  My first mile came in at over 20 minutes.  After several tips and suggestions from everyone -- especially my dear friend Katishia Cosley, @KatCosley -- I'm now running a mile in 14:22.  Call it progress. I'm pleased.  

From my last post, I'm down 6 pounds.  I think my trainer, Tony, is taking measurements today.  This should be an interesting session.  

Now to the second topic "SHOCKED."  

This was one heck of a weekend.  So, some good friends invited me to breakfast Saturday morning.  I was very, very, very close not to going, but I decided to get up and go.  Boy and I glad I did.  As I walked into J. Christopher's in Brookhaven who walks out of the bathroom .... drum roll please .... Wendy Sattiewhite ... my big head sister.  Imagine how shocked I was considering she was supposed to be on a party casino bus in Louisiana.  According to my friends, I looked like I saw a ghost.  That's how I felt.  Seeing her was such a surprise.  She was what I needed this weekend.  This was my first father's day without my dad.  I decided to work on Sunday to try and keep my mind busy and having her here was a great distraction.  

There was a second shock this weekend too.  While at dinner with friends -- scratch that -- family Saturday night I managed to shock someone when I told her I had Gastric Sleeve last year.  (Sometimes, I can't believe it was just 16 months ago.)  When I showed her my before picture she had the look on her face.  After sharing my struggles with her I think she was more happy about me having the surgery than I was.  LOL!  She is now one more person who will help me stay on track so I can meet my goals and continue on the path of success.  

I have to give a shout out to one of my tweeps: @DelonFerdinand.  He's always providing good healthy eating tips.  If you're on twitter be sure to follow him.  

I love you all.  I haven't said this in a while, if you know someone who's struggling with the decision to have weight loss surgery or someone who just has questions please give them my contact information.  I hope to help someone reach the decision that's best for them.  

Have a great Monday and make it a great week!!

Travis 

I'm Back! Things Have Been Rough.

I know it's been a while, a long ... very long time, since my last update.  This year has gotten off to a rocky and challenging start.  Where should I begin?  Let's see, I spent the first five months of the year working the overnight shift.  I hate working overnights, but it's par for the course, right?

Then, in March my life threw me a huge curve ball.  It was one I was expecting, but didn't want to face.  My mother called me on March 8th telling me to come home because the doctor told her my dad was dying.  That call came as I was leaving IKEA and about to go see "The Assignment Bureau."  Needless to say, I didn't see the movie.  I rushed home and got on the first plane to Texas.  

Thankfully, I made it home in time.  When I made it to Houston, Troy (thank you so much) picked me up from the airport and drove me to Sugar Land Methodist Hospital. When I made it to Houston, my dad was still aware and was able to talk some trash.  However, that didn't last long.  My father was discharged from the hospital a few days later.  He did hospice care at home until Monday, March 14th, when he died.  Dealing with my father's death has been tough for me.  I can't even imagine how tough it is for my mom.  My parents were married for 36 years, together for about 38.  Even though, I knew time was running out for my dad, I figured nothing would/could happen to Superman!  

While in Houston, I knew making sure my father was given a proper burial and making sure my mom/sister (and her kids) are okay were priority number one and two respectively.  I'd deal/worry about me when I made it back to Atlanta.  Well, I thought I was doing that, but turns out I wasn't and didn't.  Bad and old habits started creeping back into my life.  Eating the wrong stuff and not exercising just to name a few.  In the process of that, I've gained a few pounds.  Not, a lot, but a few.  

I've been thinking about writing this post for the last few days, but I didn't want to because I knew it would be tough.  I'd have to face some things I didn't want to face.  However, I have to put a period and move forward.  So, there are a few things that I'm doing to get back on and stay on track.  

I'm going to do a better job of updating my blog.  I can hear my friend Danielle (check out her blog http://becomingabettermethroughvsgsurgery.blogspot.com/) saying "We've heard that before!"  Yes, you all have, but I'm going to do better.  

Well, I'm off to the gym.  

Taking it one pound at a time.