Buried in Work

I know, I know. I can hear what you are asking. "Where have you been these past 4 months?" Well, let me just say that no one should ever under-estimate the impact that stress can have on their lives.

Remember, the project that I posted about here, here, and here? Well, it is still going on and I am totally stressed out about it. Just when I think that everything has settled down and I have issues figured out, another problem occurs. I am beginning to wonder if the project is really worth it. It was supposed to help me, not hinder me.

In addition to this ongoing technology project, we also had this project:

their first dance

Yes, I am now a mother-in-law! C and Mi got married last month. The wedding turned out beautifully! We are so happy that they are beginning this life together.

So, how has all of this stress impacted me? Well, I had a DR's visit last week and my blood work is not good. Levels are elevated all around. My glucose levels are high, my cholesterol levels are high, and, now, my triglyceride levels are high. It has been an emotional week for me. There have been changes in my medication, additions to my medication, and, most definitely, changes in my lifestyle. Despite all of my emotions, I have the support of My Love, the rest of my family, and dear friends...which definitely helps. Even with their support, I still want to hide. I want to put my head in the sand and avoid it all. I want to live my life the way that I want to live it. But my obedience to God and staying alive for my family are more important than my own desires. I must deny myself.

I am not going to deceive myself. I know that these changes are going to be hard. I also know that I can do all of these things because Jesus helps me and He wants me to be healthy and whole! He paid the ultimate sacrifice for my healing, for my forgiveness.

So, I need to focus on what needs to be done...and use this blog to stay accountable.

Blessings!

Judi

Let's Get Real (and an Introduction)

hiding from the truth

Hello and welcome to my blog! I am starting this blog as a means of chronicling my battle and, more importantly, my victory over food. I would not say that I am a food addict but I do use food as a means of comfort and in times of boredom. Of course, neither of these are good reasons for eating and they are unhealthy habits; hence, the blog name reference to gluttony. Unfortunately, my unhealthy eating habits have now led to medical problems.

After the birth of my first son, I put on weight. I gained 70 pounds (only 25 of which was a result of my pregnancy). Using various weight loss methods, I was able to lose most of the weight by 1999...just in time for my second pregnancy. At 7 months of pregnancy, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. The gestational diabetes went away with the birth of my second son. I was told that I needed to lose the remaining weight (through healthy eating and exercise) as I was at a high risk for developing diabetes within 5 years. I ignored this warning and ate as I pleased because I wanted to eat what I wanted to eat when I wanted to eat it. I put back on 40 pounds.

Then in 2004, suspecting that I had diabetes, I braved the dreaded doctor visit. It was confirmed that I had in fact developed diabetes. I blamed myself for it. I had failed at my minute attempts to develop a healthy lifestyle. I had not taken my health or this impending medical condition seriously. I let it go and I was reaping the consequences of my poor choices. Now, the diabetes in and of itself has caused additional problems such as GERD, rosacea, eczema, high cholesterol, and a severe over-growth of yeast in my body (called candida) which comes with its own complications. Admitting that I have these conditions is a big move for me because I would rather hide these realities by putting my head in the sand. I would rather not share this truth with anyone. It is an embarrassment to me.

I have decided that I can't live this way any longer. It is time for change. I am taking a step of faith by admitting my medical conditions and by documenting my victory over them.

I hope that you will join me in this quest and even give your input along the way.

Blessings!

Judi