Hi, I'm Back!

After taking a little time away from writing, I’m happy to be back and ready to catch up with everyone. Life has been busy, full of both joy and sorrow, so here are a few highlights of what’s been happening lately.

   

Photos taken from Wright County Indivisible Facebook Page

 Joe and I went to Monticello for the No Kings protest on October 18th. The event took place on two bridges that cross I-94, and according to organizers, there were about 900 people total between them. Counters recorded roughly 8,000 cars passing underneath from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Spirits were high despite the wind whipping across the bridge. My favorite saying wasn’t on a sign but printed on a few twenty-something women’s jackets: “When you get to hell, say hi to Ronald Reagan.” I couldn’t help but laugh. There were plenty of clever signs—and even one giraffe costume on our bridge! If there were others, they must’ve been hiding out at the far end.

Last Saturday, Shelly and I attended a workshop called Fat Loss Forever Blueprint, hosted by Coach Becky. We learned how to calculate our daily needs for protein, fats, and carbohydrates to meet personal goals. One of my biggest takeaways was that there’s really no such thing as “good” or “bad” food—just portion limits and daily calorie goals. Alcohol can fit into the plan, but since it takes 12 to 36 hours for the body to process the toxins, I’ve decided I’ll be drinking very sparingly. I need those hours for fat-burning, not detoxing!

Since starting with Coach Becky two weeks ago, I’ve noticed real progress:

• Sleeping deeply, 8 to 9 hours a night

• Consistent energy throughout the day

• No more heartburn!

• Lost inches around my waist

• Walking 100 steps more each day than the one before

• Down 10 pounds after 14 full days on the program

To celebrate my progress, I treated myself to a pedicure and manicure. It was a lovely way to unwind, even though Brittney, my very patient nail tech, had to remind me at least twenty times to relax my hands while she cleaned up my poor, gnawed nail beds. I’m not one of those women who enjoy pedicures—it tickles, and I despise tickling—but I will admit that the hot-stone leg massage was heavenly. Brittney suggested I come in monthly, but I told her every other month sounded just fine to me!

My NuStep machine also arrived today. I got the delivery call while finishing up at the nail salon, called Joe for backup, and still managed to beat the delivery truck home by thirty seconds. I was thrilled to have it here so soon—by 12:30 p.m. on a Monday! After reading the manual and adjusting it for my height and reach, I completed my first “approved” workout from Coach Becky: 8 minutes at level 1. On my personal effort scale of 1 (easy) to 10 (nearly keeled over), I’d give it a solid 6. Once I can do 30 minutes at level 1, I’ll graduate to level 2. For now, I’m just happy to be moving.

Unfortunately, some sad news arrived during my hiatus.

My cousin Kathy Stephens’ daughter, Shelby Davidson, passed away in Lufkin, Texas on October 11th at just 49 years old. She’d been ill for several years. We had hoped to meet her when we were in Texas in the spring of 2023, but she was too unwell to leave her bed. Though we never met in person, we had been Facebook friends for years, and I loved seeing her posts about her two children, Tyler and Samantha. Tyler is now out on his own, and Samantha, around fourteen, will continue living with Kathy and Joe.

Shelby - May 22, 2020 (from Facebook)

Just days later, we lost another family member—my cousin Valerie Welker, who passed on October 14th at age 74. Valerie was the younger sister of my cousin Gary Davis, who passed on September 30th. It’s been a rough few weeks for the Davis family. Valerie and I had a lot of fun together when we were younger—especially at the Bryan Drive-In, where her mom managed the place. Val was six years older, but that didn’t stop us from teaming up in the concession stand during intermission, then watching movies from her car afterward. We were partners in fun, that’s for sure. The photo below, taken at my mom’s 50th birthday surprise party, shows my cousin Roseanne (Posey) Bennett, Valerie, and me. Valerie was thirty-eight, and I was almost thirty-three. We sure knew how to laugh when we were together.

It feels good to be writing again—sharing stories, memories, and small victories. Life keeps moving, with moments that make us laugh, cry, and everything in between. I’m reminded that showing up for it all—the protests, the workouts, the family losses, and the pedicures that make us giggle—is what keeps our stories going.