Old Pals: New Challenges

 

Where do begin when you have nearly 30 years of memories to draw upon. Debbie and I met when we were both attending Ohio University. I was a photographer learning graphic design because well I was just drawn to the subject. Debbie was design major and we became friends when we spent countless all nighters in the old art building.

There were many laughs then and it never stopped over the years. After college, I moved to Washington D.C and asked Debbie if she wanted to make the move and we became roomates. Two Ohio gals living in the big city. We loved our pad in the heart of the city. There were many parties at our cool apartment and many diets that we went on to try to offset all the parties that we attended.

Recently, we had a good laugh when I brought up the cabbage diet that we tried. It was a large apartment but not large enough when we were both eating cabbage three times a day, if you know what I mean.

I moved back to Ohio and Debbie stayed in D.C. and got married and had kids. We never lost contact but time and distance does have a way of coming in the way of old friends. When I would return to the city she was the first one I would call and say that I was coming to town just like when I did the weekend that the photo was snapped that began my weight loss journey. She is the one standing beside me.

She like many of my friends are amazed that I was able to overcome obesity. Debbie is now battling a weight problem brought on by a busy schedule, a health condition and old father time. I asked her if she would like to join my blog and try to lose some weight by following my tips and she agreed.

We are excited about rekindling our friendship and we hope that our blog amuses you. Just two old friends talking about what gals talk about most, food, dieting and life.

Here are a few words from my pal:

My name is Debbie. I have been married for 19 years and have two children.

My daughter is 17 years old and my son is 14. I am a graphic designer by trade and I live in the suburbs of Washington, DC. 

I generally was in good health and maintained a decent weight until I hit my 40s.

My metabolism began slowing down and I was slowly putting on weight.

Then I began experiencing symptoms over the course of a year including joint pain and debilitating fatigue. My blood tests were not within normal ranges.  In the fall of 2001 I was diagnosed with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) and began a battery of medications to get me back on track. By 2002 I had accumulated a weight gain of 50 pounds. I was miserable.

It has been 8 years now. It has been a long journey back to “normal”. For the past 3 years I have been maintaining my health with the exception of the extra weight.  It’s time to deal with the weight and start an exercise program I can live with.

Next week: I gave Debbie an assignment to write down her goals for this year. Obtainable goals, she is bright but I am not sure that winning the Noble Peace Prize is in either one of our futures. I also asked her to write down her normal days schedule. Every Monday we will be checking in to mark her progress.