June 16, 2023 – I asked an AI writer to write this article about AI causing job losses

With all of the “advancements” in AI recently, I thought it would be interesting to see what AI would write if I asked it to write an article about AI causing people to lose jobs.

Everything below this paragraph was written by AI at CF Spark Writer. It has not been proofread or fact checked. Please share your thought in the comments.

Get your jobs before the robots do: How AI is putting people out of work and what you can do about it

In recent years there has been an increase in the number of jobs believed to be under threat from automation and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). A study by the University of Oxford found that as many as 47 percent of U.S. jobs could be at risk of being automated within the next two decades. This trend is not just limited to the United States; a similar study in the United Kingdom found that 35 percent of jobs in the country could be under threat from automation by 2030. The primary reason for this shift is due to the increasing affordability and availability of robots and AI. In the past, these technologies were only available to large businesses and corporations; however, they are now becoming more affordable for small businesses and even individuals. This has led to a increase in the number of businesses using robots and AI to perform tasks that were previously done by human employees. While some see this as a positive trend that will lead to increased efficiency and productivity, others are concerned about the potential for mass unemployment. As more and more tasks are automated, there will be fewer jobs available for humans to do. This could lead to large scale unemployment and a decrease in the standard of living for many people. Here are a few ways:

1. Job loss due to automation is nothing new, but AI is making it worse.

The spread of automation has long been a source of anxiety for workers. Job loss due to automation is nothing new, but artificial intelligence (AI) is making it worse. AI is already being used to automate tasks that have traditionally been done by human workers, such as data entry, customer service, and even simple legal work. As AI gets more advanced, it will increasingly be used to automate tasks that require more complex skills and knowledge, such as medical diagnosis, financial analysis, and software development. As more and more tasks are automated, workers will find themselves increasingly out of work, and the problem will only get worse as AI gets more advanced. There are a few things that workers can do to try to stay ahead of the curve. First, they need to keep their skills up to date. As AI automates more and more tasks, the jobs that are left will require increasingly higher levels of skills and knowledge. Workers need to make sure they are constantly learning new things and keeping their skills up to date. Second, they need to be willing to switch jobs. As AI automates jobs in one industry, workers will need to find new jobs in other industries. Finally, workers need to be willing to retrain for new jobs. As AI continues to spread, the jobs landscape will continue to change, and workers will need to be willing to learn new skills and adapt to new job markets. The rise of AI is a major challenge for workers, but it is not an insurmountable one. With the right knowledge and the right attitude, workers can stay ahead of the curve and find jobs that are safe from automation.

2. Factory workers were the first to go, and now even white-collar jobs are at risk.

The rise of artificial intelligence has been accompanied by fears of mass unemployment. As AI technologies become more sophisticated, they are able to perform an increasingly diverse range of tasks, including many that were previously considered the domain of human workers. Factory workers have long been among the most vulnerable to automation. As machines have become able to perform more and more complex tasks, many jobs that were once done by human hands have been taken over by machines. This process has only accelerated in recent years, as AI technologies have become more advanced. Now, even jobs that have traditionally been considered safe from automation are at risk. AI is being used to automate a wide range of office tasks, from scheduling meeting to generating reports. Many white-collar workers are now finding themselves replaced by software programs that can do their jobs more efficiently. The rise of AI is inevitable, and it is likely that even more jobs will be automated in the years to come. However, there are steps that workers can take to protect themselves from the threat of unemployment. First, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in AI. As new technologies are developed, some jobs will become obsolete while others will be created. Staying informed can help workers stay ahead of the curve and adapt to the changing demands of the labor market. Second, workers should focus on developing skills that are difficult to automate. Tasks that require creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence are still largely the domain of humans. By developing these skills, workers can make themselves indispensable to their employers. Finally, workers should be prepared to embrace change. The jobs of the future will likely be very different from those of today. Those who are able to adapt to new technologies and new ways of working will be the most successful in the future labor market.

3. Many jobs that have been traditionally considered “safe” are now at risk of being automated.

When it comes to jobs and automation, there is a lot of talk about the blue-collar jobs that are at risk of being replaced by robots or machines. But what about the jobs that are traditionally seen as being safe from automation? Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are making it possible to automate a wider range of tasks, including many that have traditionally been considered the domain of human workers. This is putting a growing number of jobs at risk of being automated in the years to come. Some of the jobs most at risk of being automated are those that involve routine tasks that can be easily codified and carried out by machines. This includes many office and administrative jobs, as well as jobs in manufacturing and logistics. Other jobs that are at risk of being automated are those that require human skills but are not particularly complex or creative. This includes jobs like data entry, transcription, and simple analysis. The job market is changing rapidly, and many jobs that have traditionally been seen as safe from automation are now at risk. This means that workers need to be prepared for the possibility that their jobs may one day be replaced by machines. There are a few things that workers can do to protect themselves from the threat of automation. First, they need to stay up to date on the latest technology and developments in AI. This will help them to identify jobs that are at risk of being automated and to adapt to the changes that are taking place. Second, workers need to focus on developing skills that are difficult to automate. This includes skills like creativity, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. Finally, workers need to be prepared to switch careers if their current job is eventually replaced by a machine. This may mean retraining for a new career or learning new skills. The threat of automation is real, and it is growing. But by staying informed and focused on developing difficult-to-automate skills, workers can protect themselves from the risk of losing their jobs to machines.

4. The rise of the robots is putting a lot of people out of work, and it’s only going to get worse.

In recent years, there has been a rise in the number of jobs that are being lost to robots. This is particularly apparent in the manufacturing and automotive industries, where jobs that have traditionally been done by human workers are now being done by machines. This trend is only likely to continue, as robots become more advanced and able to do more tasks that have traditionally been done by human workers. This trend has a number of implications for the workforce. Firstly, it is likely to lead to increased unemployment, as jobs that have traditionally been done by human workers are now being done by machines. This is already happening in some sectors, such as manufacturing, where jobs are being lost to robots. Secondly, it is likely to lead to a decrease in wages, as jobs that are replaced by robots are likely to be lower-paid jobs. This is already happening in some sectors, such as manufacturing, where wages have stagnated or even decreased in recent years. Thirdly, the rise of the robots is likely to lead to a decrease in the number of jobs available for human workers. This is because, as robots become more advanced, they will be able to do more tasks that have traditionally been done by human workers. This will lead to a decrease in the demand for human workers, as companies will prefer to use robots instead. Fourthly, the rise of the robots is likely to lead to an increase in inequality. This is because the people who lose their jobs to robots are likely to be lower-paid workers, while the people who benefit from the use of robots are likely to be higher-paid workers. This will increase the gap between the rich and the poor, as the rich will get richer and the poor will get poorer. The implications of the rise of the robots are far-reaching and potentially very damaging. It is therefore important to do something about it. One possible solution is to provide training and support for workers who are at risk of losing their jobs to robots. This will help them to find new jobs and to adapt to the changing world of work. Another possible solution is to put in place regulations that limit the use of robots. This will protect jobs and ensure that humans are not replaced by machines.

5. We need to start preparing for a future where machines can do almost everything.

We need to start preparing for a future where machines can do almost everything. With the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), many jobs that have traditionally been done by humans are now being done by machines. This trend is only going to continue, and eventually, there will be very few jobs left that can only be done by humans. So what can we do about it? We need to start preparing for this future now. We need to retrain our workforce so that they are qualified for the jobs that will still be available. We also need to start investing in other sectors that will be immune to automation. The future is going to be very different from the present, and we need to start preparing for it now. Otherwise, we risks being left behind.

6. We need to find ways to make sure that everyone can benefit from the rise of the robots.

The rise of the robots is inevitable. They are already taking our jobs. In the future, they will only get better and faster at doing so. This is not a bad thing, necessarily. After all, they can do the jobs we don’t want to do, and they can do them better than we can. However, we need to find ways to make sure that everyone can benefit from the rise of the robots. One way to do this is to make sure that the robots are accessible to everyone. They should be cheap enough so that everyone can afford to buy one, and they should be easy to use. Another way to make sure that everyone can benefit from the rise of the robots is to provide training for people who are looking to switch to a career in robotics. This will help to ensure that there are enough jobs for everyone. We also need to find ways to make sure that the robots are beneficial to society as a whole. They should be used to do things that will benefit society, such as cleaning up the environment or providing aid to disaster victims. They should not be used to do things that will harm society, such as manufacturing weapons or working in sweatshops. In conclusion, we need to find ways to make sure that everyone can benefit from the rise of the robots. We can do this by making sure that the robots are accessible to everyone, providing training for people who want to switch to a career in robotics, and using the robots to do things that will benefit society.

7. We need to make sure that the robots don’t take over entirely.

There’s no denying that robots are slowly but surely taking over many jobs that were once done by humans. In fact, it’s estimated that by 2030, as many as 30% of jobs in the US alone could be replaced by robots or AI. This is a scary proposition for many people, myself included. Here are 7 reasons why we need to make sure that the robots don’t take over entirely. 1. We need jobs to support ourselves and our families. As much as we might hate our jobs, they provide us with the money we need to live. If robots took over all of our jobs, there would be mass unemployment and poverty on a scale we’ve never seen before. 2. We need to keep the economy going. If there are no jobs, there is no economy. At least not one that can sustain itself. With so many people out of work, businesses would shut down, leaving even less opportunity for people to make a living. 3. We need humans to be innovative. Robots might be able to do our jobs, but they can’t create new jobs. They can’t be innovative or come up with new ideas. That’s something only humans can do. 4. We need to maintain our humanity. If we allow robots to take over our jobs, we risk losing our sense of humanity. We would become a society of machines, going through the motions without any real purpose. 5. We need to keep our jobs for our own sanity. Our jobs give us a sense of purpose and identity. They help us feel like we’re part of something larger than ourselves. If we lose our jobs, we lose a part of who we are. 6. We need to fight back against the robots. If we don’t do anything to stop the robots from taking over, they will eventually take over entirely. We need to stand up for our jobs and our rights as workers. 7. We need to make sure that the robots don’t take over entirely. This is the most important reason of all. If we allow the robots to take over, there’s no telling what will happen. We could end up living in a world where humans are no longer in control. That’s a scary thought, and one that we need to make sure doesn’t become a reality.

As artificial intelligence continues to develop and become more sophisticated, more and more jobs are at risk of being automated. This trend is already underway and is only expected to accelerate in the coming years. While this may sound like a dire situation, there are things that people can do to future-proof their careers and make themselves less vulnerable to automation. First, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest technology trends and developments. This way, you’ll be better informed about which jobs are most at risk of being automated and can make plans accordingly. Additionally, developing “soft skills” such as creativity, problem solving, and emotional intelligence will make you more indispensable in the workforce. Finally, don’t be afraid to retrain or upskill throughout your career; continuing to learn new things will help you stay ahead of the curve and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of work.

How is everyone?

So, it has been a while since my last blog post. I guess you could say things have been a little busy here in Southwest Florida. I hope you all are well.

It has been 49 days since Hurricane Ian smashed into Florida causing major damage and 114 deaths from Lee County north into Charlotte and Sarasota Counties. Because the storm was so huge, it caused problems all over the state and then headed to the Carolinas for some more havoc.

Mike and I were very lucky. Although there is damage to the house, we can live in it. There are many people in our surrounding communities that weren’t so lucky.

Just when we thought hurricane season was about over – here comes Nicole. Oy! We had a rainy, breezy day. Those on the East coast of Florida weren’t so lucky. Did you all see the pictures of the homes washed into the Atlantic Ocean. So sad.

So, now that things are back to “normal” (really – you CAN see the normal if you look over the giant piles of debris everywhere) I plan to get back to reading and reviewing good books and talking about eating healthy and being good to your body.

After 46 days of erratic eating, I’m back to eating more fruits and veggies, lean protein, and fewer carbs. I’m looking for healthier recipes for Thanksgiving- including apple pie croissants!! Now that stores here have milk, eggs, butter, and fresh veggies – we no longer have to go on our evening grub crawl to find food trucks so we can eat. Next time you see a food truck, stop and buy something. If it weren’t for them a lot of people wouldn’t have eaten anything in the days after the storm. That is how bad things were.

So, hug your loved ones and enjoy every day with a smile on your face. Remember to be kind, especially to those who are in helping jobs. (Keep in mind, if you are dealing with storm aftermath, your local grocery checkout person, receptionist, public works staff are working to help YOU when they should be home getting their own situation fixed).

Be kind. Be patient. Be respectful.

Thanks for reading.

Feeling helpless

The past two days I have felt so helpless. We evacuated from the area that Hurricane Ian made landfall. I can only imagine what it was like for those who stayed. The storm was so big that it took HOURS for it to pass over Charlotte County and neighboring North Port.

Phone screen shot of Hurricane Ian on the Windy app.

I can’t believe how draining this whole experience has been. Almost a week of watching the storm. Then fleeing my home. Watching the news as the storm raged. And now, not being able to get any information has been mentally draining.

I’m so glad we left. I really am but I’m also having “survivors guilt” knowing that I didn’t go through what my friends went through. I didn’t have to hold my frightened children or pet(s) while the wind whipped parts of my home away or knocked trees down onto them. I didn’t watch as my entire neighborhood washed past my house in the waves like the Fort Myers, Naples area. I didn’t have to listen to 155 mile per hour winds.

I received a text from a friend at 8pm last night saying she, her husband and two kids are alive but their house is destroyed. That was the last I heard from her.

I have friends who manned the County shelter’s that I haven’t heard from since yesterday morning.

My Facebook and NextDoor feeds are filled with requests for welfare checks.

We did find out that our house is standing. It has some damage but, since cell service is so spotty, we haven’t been able to get photos yet. We are planning to try to head home tomorrow.

If you are able to, please consider donating to help my state. From the hardest hit communities on the West coast to the inland areas that have major flooding, we need help. There are many ways to donate but please be aware that there are some people who aren’t above scamming good hearted people who want to help.

If you want to donate, please investigate the charity. Here are some that were listed on the Miami Herald web page.

Florida Disaster Fund – http://www.volunteerflorida.org – 850-414-7400

Catholic Charities – http://www.catholiccharitiesdov.org

The Greater Miami Jewish Federation – http://www.jewishmiami.org

American Red Cross – http://www.RedCross.org

I’m sure there are more. I’m sure there are GoFundMe pages being set up as we speak. Thank you for your desire to help, but please check the charity out. I’d hate to see people who want to help get scammed.

Please pray for those in South Carolina, who are now in Ian’s path.

I hope you are all ok. I hope all of your loved ones are ok. Please, keep those prayers coming.

Books, crafts, and dieting will have to wait

Until yesterday around 10am, when Ian decided he wanted to visit Southwest Florida, we had planned to ride out the storm at home.

When Charlotte County Emergency Management called for mandatory evacuation of our zone (B-orange), we looked on Expedia again and by some miracle, we found a hotel room up near Orlando. We decided to get out of Dodge. Run from the water (storm surge) hide from the wind. Even though Orlando is under the hurricane warning as well, a Cat 1 or 2 inland is better than a direct hit/landfall of a Cat3 or 4. We live right where the big M is on the picture above.

An almost 5 hour drive (normally 2 1/2 hours) without stopping for food or drink and we arrived tired and hungry. We stashed the cat in our hotel room and headed to Publix for some fried chicken and cat food, which we forgot in the rush to leave.

We’ve slept a bit and now are resting and praying for everyone.

When I woke up a few minutes ago, I looked at the weather and my stomach dropped. It looks like the worst possible scenario. The storm moved South and East and looks like a direct hit of a Cat 4, just like Charley in 2004.

I have friend that have stayed and I’m extremely worried for them. My coworkers, whom I have grown to love like a big family, are in danger.

I’ve been humbled by the friends who have reached out to offer shelter and money. You all are my angels. After all is said and done, we may need that help.

I ask for prayers for everyone dealing with this. I want to thank meteorologist Denis Phillips and Mike from Mike’s Weather Page for your calm, straightforward info. I want to thank Charlotte County Emergency Management for their guidance. Thank you in advance to the first responders. Thank you to the regular Charlotte County employees that have volunteered or been assigned to work the storm shelters. You are truly heroes.

Stay safe and PRAY!

Creator God, we ask you to calm the wind and the waves of the approaching hurricane, and spare those in its path from harm. Help those who are in its way to reach safety. Open our hearts in generosity to all who need help in the coming days. Amen.

Be kind. Check on your neighbors. Hug your family.

Somebody’s mother

If you go online or turn on your TV, you can’t avoid the news of Queen Elizabeth’s death this past week. After a 70 year reign, it will take some getting used to someone else in her seat.

Besides the tributes I’ve seen online, I’ve also seen people making cruel comments about the royal family. I guess these people are from perfect families. While I am not pro-royal and realize that there are problems among the family, I do have sympathy for them because, after all, somebody’s mother, grandmother, great grandmother, etc. has died.

I lost my own mother in 2021 and know that, rich or poor, royal or peasant, the death of your mother is not an easy time. Whether you are the black sheep of the family or the perfect prince or princess, the loss hurts. I, for one, will keep them in my prayers.

If you have lost a loved one, know that I am saying prayers for you as well.

Thanks for reading.

Dark Roads by Chevy Stevens

I have been a fan of Chevy Stevens’ psychological thrillers ever since I read That Night. She has a way of keeping you guessing who did it right up until the end. Dark Roads has the added distinction of being based on a true and tragic mystery, The Highway of Tears. Since the 1970s, a stretch of isolated highway in British Columbia has been rife with missing and murdered women. Most of these women have been indigenous people also known as First Nations. The author chose to highlight the Highway of Tears to bring attention to these tragedies. For more information on the 725 km/467 mile stretch of Highway 16 between Prince George and Prince Rupert, British Columbia, read Highway of Tears: A True Story of Racism, Indifference, and the Pursuit of Justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls by Jessica McDiarmid or visit https://highwayoftears.org.

After the death of her father, 17-year-old Hailey goes to live with her Aunt and her cruel, controlling Uncle, Vaughn. While trying to process the loss of her father, Hailey also has to deal with Vaughn controlling who she sees, where she goes, and even if she can get a job. He says it is to keep her safe from the kidnappers/murderers who have been victimizing young girls/women along desolate Highway 16. When Hailey discovers information implicating her uncle in some of the nefarious happenings in town, she is in fear for her life and decides to disappear into the wilderness. With the help of her friends Johnny and Amber, she gathers supplies and prepares to flee. When she does it is assumed to be the latest victim of the Highway of Tears but Hailey is living in a cabin deep in the woods with a stray dog she calls Wolf.

When Amber is murdered in the same manner as many other women along Highway 16, her sister Beth comes to town to try and figure out what happened. Her reliance on alcohol and drugs to deal with Amber’s death puts her in danger from bad cops and predators alike.

This edge-of-your-seat conclusion is very effective and when the actual killer is revealed I was surprised.

Another great thriller by this author.

Thanks for reading.

Said goodbye today

The day my husband, Mike, brought home this little guy was the second best day ever. (Our wedding day was #1). Buddy was about a year and a half old when his previous owners moved. He came in the house like he owned the place and never looked back. He was, we believe, part Jack Russell, part Pug, and part Dachshund. He got the best of all of those breeds. Bouncy, happy, wiggly, and always sniffing. He moved in and wrapped our hearts around his little curly tail.

Buddy loved to rough house with his Daddy. Mike would get on the bed with him and Bud would pretend attach, never really biting but always getting into the action. With me, Buddy was a lover. He always waited outside the shower so he could “dry off” my ankles by slurping the water off of them. His enthusiastic arm and leg humping was as comical as it sounds. If it were possible, we would have many arm and leg puppies running around now.

The past few years, Buddy has had some health issues but nothing too serious. This year he started to lose his eyesight and his hearing. Nothing like trying to get the attention of a blind and deaf dog. Earlier this year he had some issues with his kidneys and his liver. He was on some medications and was set to go back for a recheck. Bud hadn’t been able to get comfortable, so we know something was up. We went to Charlotte Animal Hospital this morning, fully aware that this might be it. It turns out there was a mass in his abdomen. If Buddy was much younger, we would probably gone ahead with the surgery but it wouldn’t be fair to put him through surgery at his advanced age. We chose to let him go in comfort.

I’m going to miss that sweet little dog. Keep wagging Buddy.

Let it begin with me

Those who know me are aware how I feel about politics and politicians. For those who don’t know me, I am not a fan of either. I don’t like to talk about politics, politicians, lobbyists, etc. I am not perfect. I never claimed to be. As I get older I have tried to show my beliefs by how I treat other people, with dignity and respect. I don’t often speak up but I feel I should at this time.

I am a fat, white, imperfect, Catholic woman that has had very little adversity to overcome. With that being said, I need to address what is going on in our country. I am not as eloquent as some of the wonderful write ups I have seen but here it goes.

Dear People of Color,

I am sorry. I’m sorry that you and your families can’t leave your homes without fearing being judged and attacked for the color of your skin. I’m sorry that sometimes people walk to the other side of the road to avoid you due to their prejudices. I’m sorry that the color of your skin makes you a target for hatred and violence from ignorant and evil people.

I want you all to know I see you and I hear you. I see your pain. While I have not experienced your fear and pain, I can empathize.

I will continue to be kind to everyone, to speak up when I see injustice and abuse, to strive to be an example to others in how to treat people, to pray for everyone to do the same.

Please know that this white woman sees you and hears you. Please know that, when I see your children I see how precious and beautiful they are. Please know that when I see you on the street or in the store, I will always have a kind word and a smile for you (Due to the pandemic, if I’m wearing a mask, I AM smiling underneath).

I wish you all peace, love, and justice.

A whole new world.

As I sit here on the couch at the end of a day that saw me working from home AND using Telehealth services to have a doctors appointment, I think about how different thing are from just a month ago.

A month ago, I was working regular hours helping library patrons check out books and return materials. I was teaching craft and technology programs. I was laughing and chatting with library patrons and co-workers.

A month ago, I was suffering with terrible allergies, just like others. I sneezed and no one looked at me like a plague carrier. My sore throat from my head draining didn’t have me worried that I had this horrible virus that is wreaking such havoc on the world.

A month ago, I would have gone to my doctors office and sat in the waiting room not concerned that the person next to me was infected with Covid-19. Now I hop on my computer and video chat with a doctor I’ve never met before. Convenient? Yes. As thorough as a face to face appointment, not so sure. Don’t get me wrong, the doctor listened to me and I was satisfied with his conclusion and think I will be feeling better soon.

A month ago, I could sit next to my friend and chat without worrying that we would transmit a virus. Now I have to be at least 6 feet from everyone. I miss hugs and shaking hands. I miss high fives.

A month ago, Mike and I would be thinking where we could go to watch the sunset and have dinner on date night. Now we either cook at home, have food delivered, or go through a drive thru for food.

A month ago, I wouldn’t think twice about running out to Publix, Walmart, or Target. Now I have to think about gloves and a mask and whether the store will have what we need. I make sure that I thank all of the people working at the store because I have seen customers be very nasty to them. How is it the checker’s fault that there is no toilet paper? It isn’t their fault that they have no (insert what you are looking for)! Be kind always.

A month ago, many people went to work not knowing that they were considered essential during a pandemic. They went to work and did their jobs without thinking they might be called on to put their lives (and their families) on the line to make sure your cell phone worked, the shelves were stocked at the store (as much as they can), or provide you with entertainment (books, movies, liquor). Now most are working crazy hours, dealing with angry people, and still getting paid exactly the same as they were doing their regular jobs. There are some lucky ones who are getting a little more per hour, but there are just as many killing themselves for the same pay. Make sure you say thank you. Make sure you remember them when this is all over.

A month ago, doctors and nurses, first responders, healthcare workers were taking care of all of us without the thinking they might catch something from us and die. They have not stopped taking care of us now that this horrible virus is threatening them. They are doing this, in many cases, without protective gear. The fact that a nurse doesn’t have the correct mask to protect herself while caring for the sickest Covid-19 patients is so shameful. I hope the people in charge of purchasing for all the hospitals and medical offices can get some protection for their staff.

A month ago, students and teachers were looking forward to the end of the school year. There were graduation parties being planned and end of year teacher gifts being made. Now teachers are reworking their lessons so they can teach online. Parents are scrambling to make sure someone is home all day to take care of the children and help with the home schooling.

I know there is more that is changed in this whole new world but these are the ones that strike me today. I know we will all come through this completely changed. I hope it is for the better. I pray we don’t forget the lessons learned during this time and fall back into our hateful, hurtful ways.

World death toll from Covid-19 as of right now is 88,433.

Covid-19 stats can be found https://ncov2019.live/data.

This is going to be difficult for me

On Monday, I had a follow-up doctors appointment that I was NOT looking forward to. When I saw my doctor in January, he told me to lose weight. I lost 9 pounds, started yoga, and was feeling pretty good about myself.

Then, work started getting stressful. I was trying so hard to deal with it cheerfully and just keep on keeping on. Then it got even MORE stressful and things started to happen to me. In the past month, even though I was eating ok, I gained that 9 pounds back PLUS 5 more. My blood pressure was up. My weight was up. The doctor said I had to COMMIT to do something about both. I could not agree with him more.

I then explained that I get home from work and I don’t want to do anything. I don’t want to cook. I don’t want to clean. I don’t want to craft. I told him I hurt everywhere and that I wanted to get happy Kathy back. So…we went through the PHQ-9 screening and bingo…Kathy is severely depressed. So, between the stress (causes weight gain due to high cortisol – the stress hormone), pain (stress and depression can cause physical pain), and my lack of desire to do anything much less get up and move – I’ve gained all that weight back and then some. Working with the doctor on the depression, pain, and stress part since Monday, and so far I’m feeling a lot better. Now, I have to work on the weight. The doctor told me to join Weight Watchers.

When I got home from the doctors appointment, I joined Weight Watchers online. I’m fully invested in getting healthy again. I have never done the before and after photo or posted my starting weight, current weight, and goal weight. EVER. I was always to embarrassed. I’m posting this to make myself accountable and to help me stay on track. This is my BEFORE photo and weight.

Starting weight: 315. Current weight: 310.3. Goal weight: 280

So there it is. Me in all my chunky monkey glory. Yes, I have lost 4.7 pounds since Monday. I’m darned proud of that. I’m feeling so much better and I really think I can do this.

Thanks for putting up with my long, involved, and overly personal story.