Ready to Rumba!

Last year, I had the privilege of dancing in the local fundraiser based on Dancing with the Stars.  It was a great experience and I had a blast.

Actually, I was voted "Audience Favorite" for the women.  This year I have been asked to come back and dance with the male favorite.  I just got my assignment and we're working on setting a rehearsal schedule.  Of course, we're starting off way later than last year.  But, it doesn't matter.  I don't have to win. 

I just have to look worthy of having won.  Hmm, I wonder if that is possible? 

The most exciting thing about dancing this year is my weight loss.  I'm curious to see how much more I will be able to do.  But, even more important... I won't have the costume issues of before.  I had an incredible costume last year.  Truly, it was exceptional.  And, it made the dance.  That's why I won.  It was spectacular.  The bottom of the dress was 8 yards of fabric around.  That dress weighed close to 40 pounds!  It was heavy. But, when I turned... it was incredible.  Of course, it had to be specially made -- which took lots of time and money.  This year, I should be able to shop in a store.  And, that's pretty exciting. 

I'm so ready to rumba!!

Itchin'

Well, I'm dying.  Since shortly after the walk on Saturday, I've been entertaining a skin rash on my legs and now parts of my arms.  This is my third rash I've had since I started the diet.  I'm not sure what causes them.  I've saw the doctor last time, but she could not figure it out.  I have some medicated lotion I'm using, but the itching is killing me!

I wonder if the weight loss plays a factor.  My skin is obviously going through some changes.  It's been tightening and shrinking.  Maybe the rashes are a result of all the change.  Or, maybe my skin is more sensitive right now. 

I dunno... but the itchin' has got to stop!

Weighin' In Again

Tonight was another weigh in.  Week 35.  Day 239.  I was down not quite a half pound. 

I have had an abundance of events and functions for work lately.  Last week, I had evening functions every night.  It's so hard to be focused on the diet when my schedule is busy.  I was really quite good last week.  When I was able, I was very much in the box.  But, several times I had to eat at a restaurant and beg for them to not add any butter or oils to my food.  You never really know what they put on your food though.  You can only hope it's ok.

So, I guess I'm satisfied with this weigh in.  The truth is I am still losing weight 35 weeks in and I have much more freedom now to live.  I like it!

Walking for a Cause

This photo is from a trip my family took to Florida on summer.  It's my grandpa (dad's dad), my dad, me, my cousin Kevin, my older sister Jane, and my Uncle Jim.  It was a great trip... one we often bring up fondly.  I like that I'm looking at my grandfather in this photo. 

When I was about 13 years old, my grandfather died.  It was late spring, early afternoon.  He was cutting the grass and had a massive heart attack.  I remember my grandmother was in the back of the house and noticed the sound of the lawmover just sitting.  She looked out the window and saw him on the ground.  He died instantly.  He was just in his early 60s. 

Today was the American Heart Association walk.  My company sponsored the walk and we had a team walking.  I walked with my family.  It was good to be there for my job, but it felt good to be there with my family.  And, it felt good to walk for my grandfather. 

A 5k is a long walk for a 6 and 8 year old.  And, by the 2nd mile they started whinning.  In fact, I had to carry Lucy on my back for about a mile of it.  But, it's good to expose the kids to these activities.  This is Kyra's 2nd 5k this year.  I think the more of these we do, the more active my children will be. 

I don't remember my Grandfather being very physically active.  Of course, I was young and he was ancient to me.  He seemed like a typical grandfather.  Sat in his chair.  Enjoyed a cup of coffee.  Smoked a pipe.  I will forever love the smell of a pipe because it will always remind me of him. 

The fact that he was cutting his own grass when he died shows he was somewhat active. But, would more activity have prevented the heart attack?  I have no idea.  I was too young to know all the specifics.  

What I do know is I want to start encouraging activity in my kids at an early age...  make walks part of our norm.  Encourage as much activity as possible.  Play. Run.  Walk... especially when walking is for such a good cause.

Jed Sighting

Last Friday I had a lunch function for my daughter's third grade class.  It was at a restaurant in town and all the parents were invited.  I skipped out on the lunch since I knew all the food was going to be fried. 

Shortly after I arrived I spotted Jed from my first set of core fat classes.  Jed.  He use to bring up Popeyes biscuits in class, then say... "Oh sorry.  I don't mean to talk dirty."  How I have missed Jed.

There he was... on the other side of the room.... enjoying a piece of fried chicken.  :) 

I've often wondered if I'd ever be caught like that... eating or drinking something I shouldn't.  I haven't really worried about being caught by a classmate, just by a teacher. 

I spoke to Jed later.  He openly admitted eating the fried chicken and said it was the first fried chicken he had enjoyed since starting the diet in August.  I asked if it was good.  He admitted it really wasn't all that great.  Certainly not worth it, he said. 

It was good to visit with Jed again.  My class now isn't as fun.  I don't really have anyone I connect with there anymore.

Seriously?!?!?

My weigh in was not what I expected.  Not even close.  As you know, I was reckless.  I started the week good.  Real good.  But, I ended with a hell of a bang.  So, I was expecting some big gain on the scale.  I took off every piece of jewelry, considered taking off undergarments, or disrobing completely.  I even exhaled a big breath while on the scale to release any extra oxygen that might make me heavier.  I know... I've become one of those crazy ladies.

Anyway, I was down 3.5 pounds.  THREE AND A HALF POUNDS!  Seriously?!?!?  Wow! 

After the initial shock, I started thinking... maybe last week's expected weight loss is finally showing up!  Uggh.  That means my reckless behavior hasn't caught up with me yet and it will show up on the scale this coming week.  Maybe there is time to cut it off before it reaches the scale!  I just have to REALLY stay focused this week. 

Of course, I have no faith in my ability to do that anymore.  But, I'm going to try.  I'm still in shock...

Reckless Abandonment

Reckless Abandonment

Reckless - Heedless of danger or consequences; rash; careless.
Abandon - To leave completely; to desert; to give up; or discontinue. A complete surrender to natural impulses; Freedom of constraint.

Reckless Abandonment - To give up completely, or desert, without fear of danger or consequence in a rash, careless, or impulsive manor; to be free from all constraint.
____________________________________________________________________________

So, today is weigh in day.  And, despite my pledge to behave and stay focused after last week's weigh in, I approached the latter part of the week with Reckless Abandonment.  Of course, now I'm play Monday morning quarter back (again) and questioning all my choices.

Having my friends in town made me feel like celebrating.  And, I do have a lot to celebrate.  I'm down just under 43 pounds (see The Equation blog entry)!   And, that's certainly something to be proud of... but with the wine, the grilled hamburger and then mint chocolate chip ice cream... (Oh did I mention the ice cream?  Oh yeah, had that too!) Anyway, I feel like I was incredibly reckless.   

Despite biking 40 miles yesterday and my extra gallon of water, I am pretty sure tonight's weigh in is not going to be good.  But, with all that said, I did have a great weekend!

Delicious Day

Yesterday was Baton Rouge's big St. Patrick's Day Parade.  We go every year and enjoy the parade at a good friend's home, who happens to live on the parade route.

There's always alcohol and lots of food.  And, I'm sure in previous years I consumed 2000 calories by the time the parade had ended (usually by noon). 



This year, I did good.  I had lots of vegetables in hand along with lots of zero calorie drinks.  And, I brought a variety of drinks that didn't make me feel like I was missing out either.

So, I did good.   That is, until later that night.  One thing I didn't mention about our out of town visitors was that the husband is a really good cook and known for his hamburgers.  Saturday night, he made a batch.  And, I can honestly report.... THEY WERE DELICIOUS!

I didn't intend to eat one.  When I'm out of the box, it's traditionally with alcohol.  VERY rarely with real food.  But, it smelt delicious.  It looked delicious.  And, it really was delicious. 

This burger was the very first hamburger I have consumed since my last meal before starting the diet.  Yes, a hamburger was my last meal.  I enjoy a good burger.  And, I've missed them.  I never ate them a lot.  But, I do crave them from time to time. 

My friend's burger was absolutely delicious.  In fact, another friend was with me when I was eating it and asked me if I needed a minute to myself.  It was that good.  I guess I was pretty verbal about it.

It was really a delicious day... from the parade (where I enjoyed myself immensely without the extra calories) to an evening of grilling with good friends and good food.  I might regret it Monday night during my weigh in at fat class, but as of now... I'm still savoring the flavor of the day.

Visitors

This weekend we have visitors.  An entire family of dear friends have traveled in to see us.  These are very fun visitors and we are super excited about their visit. And, it was very unexpected.  Very impromptu, a last minute decision and that makes it even more fun. 

These are friends who, how do I say this, know how to enjoy a good glass of wine or two or eight.  And,the shot below is what the kitchen counter looks like the morning after a night with them.  :)

While fun, all this wine offers a lot of empty calories... something I wasn't planning to take on this week.  But, it really is hard to be with friends and not enjoy their company and whatever bad choices you are use to making with them.  Plus, the glasses I had were really delicious!

Feeling Lucky!

Today is St. Patrick's Day and tonight I have another function to go to.  This one is with my colleague that I sent the talking points to.  Seeing that it's a holiday, it seemed like a fun time to send some new ones to him.  Let's see how much they get used.  

Here they are:

 

• Well lassie, you’re looking magically delicious!
• Irish all the women were as hot as you.
• Nice outfit.  Wait… are you Erin Go Braugh-less?
• Looking at you puts a little Irish Spring back in my step!
• Is your dad a leprechaun? ….because you look like a pot of gold!
• You’re shillelaghs are making the other women look really bad.
• Why, those are quite some Lucky Charms you’ve got!
• All the men will be Dublin’ their efforts to talk to you tonight.
• Wow, this really is my LUCKY day!

Sticking on the Scale

I've been keeping up with how many weeks I stay at a certain range of weight. To help illustrate, let's say my starting weight was 158... then I would write down how many weeks I was in the 150s, then the 140s, then 130s, etc.

Up until now, the most I've stayed in a range has been 5 weeks.  That's happened twice.  The other ranges were like 3, 4 weeks each.  So, that goes to show you that I change dress sizes pretty often.  (Yes, clothes are a nightmare).  In two months, I can be 10-20 pounds lighter and the new pants I just bought seven weeks ago could now be pretty baggy.  

However, this last range has been sticking.  Really sticking.  I've been in this range for 8 weeks now.  Considering my success and history, that seems like forever.  And, these last few weeks have been depressing because my progress feels somewhat stalled.

Now, I do want to point out that in 8 weeks I have been losing.  It's not like I'm still at the top of the range.  I'm now at the bottom.  But, I'm still IN it.  Just sitting here.  Ready to move on.  And, I can feel the next range calling my name.

Disappointing Discovery

After last weeks disappointing weigh in, I worked hard to increase my physical activity and stay focused on the diet.  I had no fear this week when weighing in.  I wasn't sure what the loss would be, but I knew there would be a loss.  I was certain.  I only hoped it was the pound I gained plus some.  And, when I say some, I mean A LOT.

I was chatting away with the nurse that weighs me in with no fear.  In fact, I wasn't even looking at the scale.  She handed me back my paper (we have a worksheet we maintain where we log in our daily totals) and I realized the number was basically the same.  It was just down .5.  In fact, it didn't even change the first three digits of my weight.... so it took me a second to discover there was a loss at all. 

Typically, I would accept this loss. Somewhat graciously.  A loss is a loss.  But, a tiny, itty, bitty loss after a gain is depressing... especially if the loss isn't even the amount of the gain.

Oh well.  A disappointing discovery. 

Walking the Lakes

Saturday was gorgeous. So, I hijacked a friend and we went to walk the lakes around LSU. I also tricked her into walking them both.... which is just under 6 miles. I didn't really let her choose. I wanted to get a good walk in and wasn’t sure she'd be open to choosing the same route. ;-)

Anyway, it was wonderful. It was such a beautiful day and it felt great to be outside exercising. And, even better to enjoy the company of a good friend.

Plus, I haven’t done it in years. Truly, it's been like 10 years since I walked the lakes and I was still very heavy then. I realized on the walk how much my quality of life has improved. I was active before. But, my weight was a barrier. It doesn’t seem so exhausting or difficult now to walk the lakes. It feels exhilarating.

Out With Friends

My kids have been out of town and I've been trying to catch up with old friends while I have the time.  Thursday night, I went out dancing with good friends.  It didnt start til 11 pm ... which is VERY late on a "school night"... but it was fun.  And, I burned a lot of calories!! 

Last night, I went out with several more friends.  It's great to be with people I rarely get to see anymore... like my very dear friend Jason (in photo above) who I met when I was 13 years old.  But, it is very hard for me to socialize without drinking.  I'm great at not eating.  They all ate in front of me.  And, I was fine.  But, I want to drink too.

I was trying very hard to be good this week after my one pound gain.  Hmmmm.  I don't really regret going out with my friends, though.  It's part of life.   I just have to figure out how to better balance it all.

UP 1

Well, the results are in.  I'm up one pound.  Yep.  I knew the day would come when I had a real gain on the scale.  Welcome back, my fat friend!

Like I wrote yesterday, I'm going to focus on the fact that for over 30 weeks I've had losses.  That's a pretty amazing thing.  What is also amazing (if you think about it) is that I'm only up 1 pound.  Since I transfered to maintenance a month ago, I have definitely enjoyed a more relaxed diet.  I haven't been so rigid with things.  I needed a little break after 26 weeks in the box.  And, I really have enjoyed having some room to breathe a little of my normal life back in. 

I just need to use this pound of fat as a reminder of what I want... since ultimately I do want to lose some more weight.  So, time to turn this UP 1 into another loss on the scale. 

Monday Morning Quarterback

This happens every week... for most of the 30 weeks I've been in the box at least.  Mondays are weigh in days.  So, I spent most Mondays replaying the game of the week before. 

Here I am starting my 32nd week on this diet, and I'm worried about my first real weight gain.

That's right.  In 32 weeks, I've never gained a pound.  I have had two times that I was up an ounce or two, but in my entire time in the box, I've never gained.  Not over Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Years Eve... not even when I went to New York City or Chicago.  So, my record is good.  Real good, actually.  So, why do I play Monday morning quarterback every week?

Perhaps that's why I've been consistently losing? ...because I really do care about losing weight!  I know that on the weeks that I am bad, I generally overcompensate with exercise.  I remember over Thanksgiving all the extra exercise I did...I lost nearly 4 pounds that week.  But, this week... well, I didn't really get to all the extra exercise.  And, I did get out of the box a few times with alcohol.  We had a big 40th birthday celebration for a friend and Mardi Gras.  So, my PA (physical activity) numbers are down but my calories are up. 

Let's hope I have another good weigh in.  But, if I don't... I'm going to focus on the fact that I've been doing this for over 30 weeks and with a loss on the scale almost every single time!  That's pretty darn good.

You Can't Go Home Again

I'm a little anxious about our plans for the weekend.  It's Mardi Gras and I'm headed home... to NOLA.

I was actually planning to avoid the entire weekend and stay away from all the temptations that Mardi Gras brings.  Kingcake, street food vendors, snacks, alcohol... alcohol.... alcohol. But, my folks really wanted us to come.

So in addition to these temptations, I'm headed back home... home... to an environment where I am not know for having the most nutritious diet... where I have never really eaten well.  I was a picky eater as a child who would never try food.  It has really restricted me as an adult and allowed me to establish some pretty bad eating habits.  So, maybe I'm nervous to be the old me again. 

You know how you feel a particular way when you are in certain environments?  Well, when I'm home around my parents I still feel like the child.  This isn't necessarily because they treat me like that... it's just that they are the parents.

Anyway, I'm a little stressed about how I will do.  Can I go home and enjoy Mardi Gras without gaining a pound?  I sure hope so. I'd hate to think I can never go home again.

Calling My Name

 

I was the Mistress of Ceremonies today at the annual Girl Scouts luncheon.  It's been four years since I left the Girl Scouts and it was interesting to be back serving as the hostess of the luncheon.

In my script, I mention it being cookie time and talk about those delicious cookies.  Hmmm, Girl Scout cookies.   Then, we did a raffle for a case of Thin Mints and Samoas.  Saaaaamooooas.  Man, Samoas are delicious.  

Since the luncheon those GS cookies (especially the Samoas) have seriously been on my mind.

I remember one time after Hurricane Katrina when I was still with the Scouts, Rosie O'Donnell came to Baton Rouge and I was her host.  I had already investigated and discovered her favorite GS Cookie.  It was, of course, Samoas.  I had a box waiting for her.  She was excited and said, "I can eat a box myself."  Of course she can... there are only about 12 in one.  Plus, they are so good!  Then she referenced how they help her keep her trim figure.  I could relate.

When I was at the Scouts I was (LITERALLY) surrounded by one million boxes of GS cookies.  We seriously sold one million boxes at my Council.  And, people would pop those cookies back like tic tacks.  And, I certainly had my share. 

While I still believe that some of those GS cookies are the best cookies around, I now see empty calories. Delicious, yet empty calories.  

I miss my little delicious friends but not enough to be that fat again.  I am especially grateful, though, that my thank you gift from today was a pack of a GS cookie variety that I don't find the least bit tempting.  Because.... I'm afraid that a box of those "empty calorie" Samoas might actually be calling my name tonight.

Comparing Apples to Apples

I've never been a big fruit eater.  In fact, the only fruit I currently eat are bananas and apples.  And, apples are alright.  I don't just love them.  Or, I haven't in the past.  What I never really thought about (before the diet) was the magnitude of variety in the apple family.  I just didn't realized how many types of apples exist.

The last few weeks I've spent quite of bit of time comparing apples to apples.  I'm on a quest to discover my favorite.  I have quickly learned that I definitely perfect the ones that are crispy.  And, generally I like the ones that are red with sprinkles of yellow coloring.

In December I was introduced to the Pink Lady variety.  And, it is my favorite to date. I could eat two or three a day. 

This has been an interesting project.  It's good to know that an apple isn't just an apple.