Hi, I’m Patty and I am actively Reclaiming My Life. I have a blog that documents that journey over at reclaimingpatty.com. In January of 2016 I was 276 pounds; I had high blood pressure; I had Rheumatoid Arthritis and I hurt; and I had an Under Active Thyroid. I took naps every day and I did not know how to reverse the curse (so to say.)

In stepped a young trainer who taught me step by step about better food choices, safe exercises so as to not overwork my joints and who got me to get back in the pool and swim (which I love to do.) I’m now at least 75 pounds lighter with normal blood pressure, no inflammation, and a proper diagnosis on the thyroid with less medicine AND no naps every day.
My husband and I started our own business selling window coverings back in 2004. We sell Hunter Douglas brand and if you meet certain sales goals, you have the possibility of winning a trip. We hit the sales goals throughout the years, but because I was SO heavy and because I snored so loudly (because I was heavy), we couldn’t share one room together and really enjoy the getaway. So we have passed on trips; we’ve given trips to our employees; or we’ve taken the trips with other family members.
Germany? Europe? NEVER on my radar. I knew that a long flight would be needed to “get there.” I would probably need to catch some sleep on the plane. My snoring was so loud (when I was heavy) that not a single family member could sleep with me and I actually had a young girl nudge me on a plane in the past and wake me up just to tell me I was snoring. Geeze, thanks!
Well, NOW – I’d say I do snore, but not NEAR as loud as it was when I was close to 300 pounds. So I started to consider Europe. My husband and kids have been several times. I have passed. Well, one of the choices of trips for 2019 was Munich — if we could meet the 2018 Hunter Douglas sales goal. We decided to give it a try. Dave had been to Germany with our oldest son and had absolutely loved it. He was excited to go back and show me the beautiful country.

On the very last day of the qualifying period, we made the very last sale that secured our passage on this trip. We bought in for our youngest son and now we are making preparations to go. Excited? Yes. Anxious? Of course. But I still can’t believe my life has changed so much that I am booked on a flight to Germany.
We will document our journey on this blog and we will upload photos too, but for now? Holy Cow. Miracles do happen!