2 years ago!

Two years ago today Chandler had his Tethered Cord surgery at Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland. I reflected on his surgery last year, and figured I'd do it again, but this time focusing on his actual growth. You can read last year's here: 1 year later reflections, pt 1 1 year later reflections, pt 2

Since I wrote those two posts, he's blossomed into a kid that is willing to push himself and test his body. He's finishing first grade, is reading with very little help, and getting ready to test for his 2nd degree blue belt in Taekwondo next week. He's a boy who has overcome adversity and did it with a great attitude and smile. I am so proud of this kid!!! You can see below the development of his gross motor skills. From where he could kick 10-12 inches off the ground to where he is now kicking at 4 FEET off the ground/head level!

Chandler's first belt testing at Taekwondo, July 2010.

His first belt test out of Tiny Tigers. August 2011

Chandler doing his Poomsae at belt testing, April 2012. 

Chandler doing his Ax kick drill at his head level!
This is where he is now, from that first picture above!

After that last photo, Chandler and I both passed and started the Blue Belt class, AKA intermediate level! To see where he's been to where he is at, I am so thankful for all that this sport has given him: confidence, strength (both mental and physical), self-esteem, passion, commitment to something, a passion for becoming something, and a love of a sport that is all him! I love that he asks me if we are doing things right or if he needs to work on something.

Blue belts, April 2012

This morning he asked me if he was doing his jump roundhouse correctly, because that is the kick he's breaking his board with next week! I can hardly wrap my head around that he can have the coordination to do it! 2 years ago, he could barely walk up stairs without grasping the rail and really working at it. I love that this is something we do together, but not as a team, but individuals. I love that he knows how to succeed in something that will make him a better boy/man. When he finally earns that black belt, I know when it is tied on him and I will have a tear in my eye, knowing where this brave, kind, gentle soul started out when he was 5 years old.

For all those who supported Chandler (and our family) thank you for your love and support! And to Master Jim Null, you have been the best trainer/coach for him without a doubt! Thank you!!!  Without you he wouldn't be where he is today!

The List Update & weigh in

Added to the list, which you can read about more here.
A reason for every pound I've lost:

1. Sit on the floor comfortably without pinching my nerve in my hip.
2. Walk through the pew at church without having to side step
3. Lose the double chin
4. Rediscover my jaw bone
5. To shop at any store!
6. Paint my toenails without having to put my foot up on the counter!
7. Being able to see what color it is without having to bend over!!
8. Hold a plank position for more than 1 minute
9. Do more than 1 real push up at a time
10. Fit in narrow seats
11. Not have back fat
12. Not have my legs touch in the middle
13. Go jogging for fun, not for a fitness test (high school=nightmares)!
14. Get to a healthy weight so I can see my future grandchildren!
15. Find my collarbone and show it off
16. Not just wear jeans & t-shirts!
17. Run a 5k
18. Train for a half marathon
19. Train for a century bike ride (100 miles)
20. Have tall boots fit over my calves
21. Wear heals and not complain the minute they are put on!
22. Not have my arms wave back at you when I wave
23. Prove that I wasn’t meant to be FAT!
24. Earn a Black Belt in Taekwondo
25. Be smaller than I was as a Freshman in High school (271 lb)
26. Feel good in my exercise clothes
27. Have a healthy glow
28. See my toes from a standing position (I suppose that goes with toenail polish).
29. Make healthy changes to my favorite recipes because I want to, not because I have to
30. Wake up ready to go, and not want more sleep
31. Have more flexibility mentally and physically
32. Prevent knee surgery
33. Not be ashamed of myself
34. Enjoy looking in the mirror
35. Shop in the "regular" section of department stores
36. Have positive things to say about myself
37. Increase stamina
38. Fit comfortably in chairs at events (ie: giants games,convention center, etc.)
39. Feel like a legitimate athlete when I am out exercising 
40. Look like a legitimate athlete when I am out exercising
41. Inspire people
42. Take joy in taking care of myself
43. Try things I’ve wanted to try, but haven’t due to weight.
44. Know that I'm worth it 
45. Finally know I DESERVE it
46. I no longer qualify to be a contestant on the Biggest Loser!!
47. Be able to be a bone marrow donor on Be the Match
48. Feel good about donating all the fat clothes! See ya! (Dec 29, 2011)
49. Enjoy food knowing it's healthy
50. Seeing that I am more flexible than I was 8 months ago
51. Not seeing a number before the letters "XL" (in mens). 
52. Look in the mirror and enjoy the reflection!
53. To not follow my dad in passing away early.
54. Be able to run around with the kids and NOT gasp for breath.
55. Have energy to do the things I want to do. (February 27, 2012)

I have neglected my list, and a friend (Lisa) updated hers, reminding me to update mine. I was happy to have to add 7 items. It's going to get tougher to add as I go. But I'll try to focus inward to find a worthy item to list. It's part of the "healing" process and acceptance of change!

I lost .6 lb this week, which I am happy with. I haven't been running as much as I should be. And I am going to work on busting through the week 4 "plateau!" I have a run in 20 days and I need to focus! I am starting to get nervous about it. But as I figured out in my Weight Watcher meeting today, I am not going to win the race; that's not my goal. My goal is to finish. But my true goal is to do it in 45 minutes, a 15 minute mile/4 MPH average. When I signed up, I also signed up as a runner, which gets me a chip timer. So I'll know! :) 

The other thing I've done is registered for the March of Dimes 10k walk (6.2 miles) in late April. I am probably nuts, actually I know I am. Especially since I was planning on doing the Cinco de Mayo 5k. Hmmm. But I have a great friend who's running the team and it's such a great cause. Want to donate? Click here, please!  So in addition to my crazy loco ideas about running, I am starting to mentally think about riding my bike. I am actually looking forward to spring and when it warms up enough to ride outside. But if it's going to snow, please do it soon! I really would like to see some before I hit the 2 wheeler. LOL. 

Also in TKD news, Chandler and I belt tested last week. We are now Senior Green belts. I broke my board on the first try with the Axe Kick. Got an A on Il Jang and A- on my 2nd form, Sa Jang. So I received Decided tape and Silver tape for my 2nd form. I am very pleased! Next up is Blue Belt, and offically graduating out of the "beginner" level classes

On track!

The last couple weeks have been tough to get back on track. But I did! Last week (post Labor Day) I was really ready to get back on track, and go figure I did! I was down 3.8 lb! So almost all the damage I did for the [whole] month of August was undone last week. I am now 1 lb up from my lowest point. So as of this week, I am down 36.0 lb total. I am still using my body bugg, but frankly their interface for entering food SUCKS! So I am now using My Fitness Pal for tracking and I am much happier. And the app for Android seems to be awesome! Woot!


As far as a brief update on the Taekwondo exercise! This is awesome! I am loving it. I cannot.get.enough! I am a yellow w/ green stripe belt. I plan on testing for my green belt in about a month, along with Chandler. We will also be going to Sisters, forr for a tournament! I think Chandler and I will both be competing in Forms, most likely doing Taeguek 3, Sam Jang. And I might compete in board breaking. We'll see about the latter. :)

Over the course of the summer though I have been doing some recipe exploring and plan on sharing with you soon! Until then, cheers!

Plateau #2, busted!

I know it's been a while. But hey I am back. I busted through a plateau, and I am now down a total of 36.6, with a loss today of 2.8 lb. So I am happy. It's been a bit frustrating. I know I haven't been working out as much, but I am back.

I also signed up to do Taekwondo with Chandler at Family Kicks, and I start today as a white belt. I'll be blogging about this new adventure. It's helped Chandler so much, I know it will help me! So in addition to doing the TKD, I'll be working on training for the Providence Bridge Pedal on August 14th, and walking. I should go to the gym, but I don't want to. I'd rather do things around the house. I guess it's good that I am not paying membership fees right now (Costco's flat rate 24 hr membership for 2 years=awesome).

Maybe I should do measurements today and see where I am at before I start the TKD training. :) Then I'd have another tool to see how I am doing.