Fitness and Wellness talk

For the month of February, I've been busy, busy at Clark College lecturing for health classes.

I started the month with lectures for Health classes and concluded the month with motivational talks for Health and Physical Education classes. Seriously!This has got to be the coolest "job" ever! I love sharing my story in hopes to motivate and inspire others. My story is more than about weight loss it's applicable to life -- believing in yourself, hard work, making adjustments, and never giving up.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of delivering back-to-back lectures for HPE 258: Fitness and Wellness. Super-duper cool! Here's a look-see at the photos:

My attitude, my choice

It's always about me. Wait, allow me please to elaborate.

I'm a work in progress. Aren't we all? The more I grow as a person, I realize that regardless of the situation, my attitude is my choice. I'm responsible for the way I respond to what others say or do. My behavior is always my behavior. It makes no difference how the other person in any situation behaves or acts. It's always about my actions, my response.The onus of the outcome of the situation always is on me.

A recent example, I'd been working with a woman who was very unpleasant to me. I only had to work with her a couple times or so a month, but she was making those times challenging. There were instances when I had to bite my tongue because of her rude remarks and flip attitude. Times when she was testing my limits to the point I contemplated calling the entire deal off. I continued, however, to bite my tongue, smile, and do good work because I loved the work I was doing and the work was important to me and others.

One day, there was an opportunity for me to offer her a little treat. She excitedly accepted the treat and her and I had a nice exchange that day. Low and behold,  a few weeks later she was promoted and was now going to be my direct contact. Over time her and I have become very friendly, she is very helpful to me and will go to bat for me to get me what I need.

For a long time, I let others push my buttons thus they were dictating the outcome of the situation. So, I say it again, I can't control others and the way they think, feel, or how they behave. I can only control how I handle the situation. Allowing others to control my attitude means they have power over me which limits my opportunities.

I've said this many times before this journey is not only about losing the physical weight, but is about finding myself -- it's not only what I've lost, but what I've gained. I've come to learn that my attitude is my choice -- always.

OUTSIDE of the Box: Clark College Winter '13

Yesterday, I delivered back-to-back lectures for Health 100: Food and Your Health. This time at the snazzy new Clark College campus - Columbia Tech Center. What can I say, I get around. 

Over the course of two weeks, I delivered six lectures to more than 125, Health 100: Food and Your Health students and a lecture for Health 104: Weight and Your Health, 30 students.

My goal was to arm the students with grocery shopping motivation, kitchen basics, and of course,  show them how simple it is to whip up fresh, real food that is enjoyable.

Here's what Veronica says about the experience: "...It fills the gap between theory and practice, allowing students to apply the content they learn in class to advance their health – in a most delicious way."

At the end of each class, I asked if they (students) could prepare the dishes that I demonstrated to them. They all answered yes they could and promised they would. I did what I sought out to do -- I OFFICIALLY helped more than 150 students step OUTSIDE of the processed food box. Doing what I love, loving what I do!

Thanks to the Health Department of Clark College for calling on me to do this fun, but important work. Extra-special thanks to Veronica Brock, Erin Staples, and Kristen Myklebust for having me in their classes.

Here's a look-see at the delicious fun!

Lecture 1: Weight and Your Health 
February 4th

Lecture 2 : Food and Your Health 
February 13th

Lecture 3 and 4: Food and Your Health 
February 14th

Lecture 5: Food and Your Health 
February 19th

Lecture 6 and 7: Food and Your Health 
February 21st

"Eat to Live"

Yesterday, I proudly spent the afternoon at Portland State University as a part of a panel  addressing obesity, disease prevention, and health.

I'm humbled and honored to have been a part of such a beautiful event. The "Eat to Live" Lunch and Learn was a great mix of leaders from the community sharing their knowledge, community members raising questions and sharing their stories.

While our time together seemed brief. I realize the conversation has only just started -- we created a buzz yesterday. There will be plenty more open discussions similar to this. It's time we take control of health. Dr. Amajoyi said it best, "Patients need to play an active role in their health. " 

Thanks to the Steve Baker Colorectal Cancer Alliance, Multnomah County Health Department, and Providence Cancer Center for sponsoring this great event, and The Hope Kitchen Food Cart for the healthy food! 

Twice crippled

Yesterday, February 17, 2013 marked two years since I was hit by a car while walking in a parking lot. As a result of the accident, I suffered an Acute Tibial Plateau Fracture and two weeks later I had Open Reduction Surgery to repair it. The surgery left me with a metal plate and 14 screws in my left leg. I spent months and months healing and rehabbing my leg.

At the time of the accident, I was actively working to kick obesity to the curb. I'd lost about 145 pounds, been working out faithfully, and I was in the best shape of my life. I was feeling really, really good. I was even training to run a half marathon that upcoming summer.

It's funny how in the blink of an eye things can change. I went from training for my first ever half marathon to rehabbing a fractured Tibia with no warning.

I'm grateful the accident didn't cause more damage. Though, I do sometimes wonder where I'd be physically if I weren't for the accident. Two years later, I'm able to perform all physical activities that I was able to perform pre-accident. I have to be more cautious doing some activities, but I can do most everything and I do most everything.

There have been two times in my life when I was crippled and unable to walk:

1. When I was weighed down by 388 pounds
2. When I was hit by a car and suffered a broken Tibia 

When I was crippled by the weight there was no desire to be physical activity. But, when my leg was fractured I had a burning desire to be active. Working out had become a huge part of my new life. Understandably, I was saddened, angry, and scared. Sad because my physical endurance was at it's peak. Angry because why me. Scared to think maybe my leg wouldn't heal and I wouldn't be able to walk or be active again.

After a  huge pity party with party favors included. I decided not to hang my head. Instead, with a positive attitude I put in the necessary work. My leg was broken, but not my spirit. So, I stayed active working out at the gym doing what I could do, going to physical therapy, and I even kept a social calendar. After six months of rehabbing I was able to resume most activities. And, in the midst of it all I lost 15 pounds!

Since I've been crippled twice in my life, I can appreciate the simple act of walking that much more. I will never, ever take the simple act of walking for granted. I walk because I can. I walk because it feels good. I walk because I remember when I couldn't walk and I so desperately wanted to. Now, when I put one foot in front of the other I realize how precious my steps are.

So, yesterday, to celebrate two-year post accident, I hit LaCamas Heritage Trail walking.