Ode to The Divine Ms. Marilyn

This weekend I get to see my darling friend and sister-by-choice, receive her Masters in Leadership. I think this utterly silly! Marilyn should be receiving a Doctorate in Leadership. Is there a level higher than this? If so, she's more than earned it. Make no mistake, she's one of the smartest people I know, BUT more than that, it's her grace and dignity, her discernment and wisdom that really makes her BRILLIANT!

She's taught me so much in the years I've known her. And for those of you who don't have the honor of having this amazing woman in your lives, I hate to rub it in, but you're REALLY missing out!

Her genuine humor and compassion for humanity humble me daily. Her love of family and friends and great food envelop me regularly. The way she leads by example in adversity and challenge is a lesson that the world needs to learn.

I used to be a single mom, but I don't like using that term. The reason why is not just because I happen to have an absolutely wonderful spousal equivalent now, but because I don't think I ever truly did it alone, Marilyn helped me see this not too long ago.

Somehow in my life, I've always been able to surround myself by wonderful strong women (and a few GREAT men) who have carried me through when I couldn't stand, much less walk on my own. When my family failed me, I landed on my backside HARD and cried. When I was done crying I looked up to see hands extended, pulling me, lifting me, carrying me. When my family failed my children, I stepped forward already ensconced in the arms of beautiful loving women who through their character, strength, and true beauty showed me the REAL value of family.

Marilyn is one of these women and I'm so proud of her. So tomorrow when she crosses the stage, I will thank a God I question daily, due to the actions of others, for this marvellous, loving, beautiful woman, who I have the great honor of calling my friend. Congratulations doll, you ARE my mentor and who I hope to be someday when I grow up.

Running to where?

So it's been nearly 3 weeks since I ended my second phase of my second run of HCG. Since then I've taken on a personal trainer at the gym three times a week and I've begun running five times a week. As a result managing to maintain my lowest weight has been easy in Phase 3.

It may seem like a lot of physical activity, especially for a full time working mom with four children and shared custody. But truthfully, coming from a girl who a year or so ago had critically high blood pressure and weighed nearly 50lbs more, I think it is a small price to pay, and really not that much time out of my week to really take care of ME!

Not hauling around an extra nearly 50lbs of flubber doesn't hurt, in fact it's pretty damn liberating to run and not see your ass jiggle in the shadow running beside you.

I'd be lying if I said I knew where this new found motivation has come from, or why I'm finding easy to go to the gym and do my run without whining about it. Maybe it is just getting older and accepting my world for what it is and being truly happy where I am. I'm sure that is a component of it, I have other suspicions I may share some other time.

I am going to attempt to post my progress, to hold myself accountable to the challenge and to maybe invoke some public accountability too.

Hopefully in September I'll be crossing the finish line of a half marathon a stronger and better person than I am today.

In the interim if you are struggling with losing weight or staying motivated could I suggest you take a look at www.myhcg.ca, as I know that it changed my life. It may not be right for everyone but it is great for those of us who seriously lack willpower.