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how did this happen?

how did 12 weeks, aka three months, go by so quickly?

it seems like yesterday I was taking the train into NYC so apprehensive, so "what the Hell am i doing?"..
and now, I'm tearing up thinking the Ornish/Oz dream team is coming to an end.
but it's not really. The team is working on finding a way to keep us going at the Center for Health and Healing on Fifth & 28th, and at the very least, our gang of six has vowed to keep going on our own.
How can we not? we need each other.

It's been so evident how much we've changed. emotionally, physically, spiritually.
We were 6 broken strangers, turning ourselves over to Dean Ornish's team of magicians.
We came together after filling out a questionnaire on STRESS, and after all the responses were read by the Oz producers, we were picked. My friends said "well honey, no one has more stress than you, so we are not surprised you were chosen.."....hmmm. who wants to win that contest?? uh, not moi

Well now, after the last 7 vials of blood were taken, the last scale will be stood on and the last Wednesday of tears and laughter will take place in two days.

Taping the show will be in mid May, no air date yet, but this TV part of it has become so minimally important to me.
Already my cholesterol is down 35 points. My resting heart-rate is way lower. I've been able to run further and longer without thinking "heart attack!!!" My twice weekly Pilates Reformer classes have strengthened my core and my back, my weight work is helping save these old bones.
what was the hardest part in the beginning of this lifestyle make over is now my favorite...MEDITATING!

NEVER in a zillion years would i think i would meditate, let alone love it so much that if i miss a day i go nuts and have to do it twice the next day. I learned how to breathe and let go.
I listen to Deepak daily who reminds me whats important and what isn't. My mind and body is what I need to nourish, my soul comes along for the ride and is grateful for who ive become and who i am becoming.

I still battle with the number on the scale, because i have definitely weighed less. My new mantra is "Ive been thinner, but never fitter or healthier"...
will i be a vegan/veggie forever? who knows. (someone tell Paul McCartney we can have dinner together now) But the lightness of being that has been these three months in evident.

That first week we all met in February wasn't my birthday, but i received this wonderful gift.
Dean walked me down the hall to get my blood drawn and he said, "this will be great because you will have so much love and support"...and we did. I can't thank you all enough for this journey.
Dean, Deborah, Jeff, Elysse, Jillian, Gayle, Ariel, the drs, and support staff. Courtney and the Oz people. and my girls...Kathey, Joceyln, Lilliana,  Saideh, and Leron..
My heart is full.