How do you like me now?

Often I find myself singing one of my favorite Toby Keith songs to myself, "How do you like me now?"  I like me just fine - now. I mean I liked myself before...mostly. But I was unhappy with how I looked and how I felt. I knew I was unhealthy and overweight. I knew I needed to do something about it but was so deep in depression that I didn't know where to start. It took hearing that I was pre-diabetic to get my rear in gear.  I guess you could say that was scared straight!! 

Weight Watchers Weekly's topic last week was "What's your why?".  My health started out to be my "why".  But now!  Now, I my "why" is how I feel and look.  My why is how much happier I am and how happy my hubby is.  My why is be able to walk anywhere, anytime when I really thought that I was heading towards a crippling life.  And, if I am going to be really honest, my why is that I am addicted to shopping (The Loft, anyone?) because dammit, I look good!

My friends and family are simply The Best.  SO encouraging, so complimentary and understanding.  I need my weekly meetings and my BFF to help me along.  I could never do this without them.  You know the saying "it takes a village to raise a child"?  Well, I think it takes a village to succeed in weight loss.  

I celebrated a scale victory.  Even after being in San Francisco and not attending 2 meetings, I was down 1.8.   I have to admit, I was a bit nervous that I would be up.  Being back on track and a normal schedule feels good.  

I have some more exciting social events coming up.  A big book club meeting at my favorite authors home, a country show, a family wedding and another trip. All of which will have food and alcohol. All challenging but I am confident that I got this.  

So...How do you like me now?  

When in Rome...

...do as the Romans do. Or in my case, when in California do as Californians do. Eat. Drink. Be Merry. I did it all and enjoyed every hateful point I consumed.  Tracking was difficult. I haven't had a banana since we left. As a matter of fact, I can't recall much fruit OR veggies. I have a feeling that I am going to be spending this week trying to undo what I did these last 4 days.

I will say, for the record that I got plenty of exercise in all the walking we did. If you have ever been to San Francisco you know what it's made up of - hills. Lots and lots of hills. Very steep hills. If you are lucky enough to find a space to park your car, you take that space and walk to wherever you need to go. Could be a block. Could be several. Could be a mile. I should have buns of steel and killer calves after this!  

It was a great trip. I regret none of it. Spending this time with the girls before they graduate and go on to their big girl lives was my goal and my pleasure. What wonderful human beings they are. 

A year ago I never could've done this trip. I never could have walked all over the city. I am thankful that because I have made a choice to better myself and my health, I was able to do the things we did and have this time with them. Thank goodness for WW and for my determination towards a better life. 

Same Ole, Same Ole

Well...despite last weekend's festivities and the fact that I have wanted to eat everything insight the last couple of days, staying the same this week I consider a victory!  I really held my breath when I got on the scale this morning.  

I truly have struggled this week.  I'm not sure why I have been so hungry.  It has been super hard to stay on track - I have wanted to snack all day!  It is hormonal?  Seasonal? Stress?  Maybe all of the above?  I just know that I have had to make myself say no.

Not sure what's been up with me and exercising lately.  I have only been on the elliptical twice so far this week.  And last week was the same way.  Its not that I don't like doing it anymore but I have been exhausted after work and have had a lot to do for the trips.  This has got to change though.  I miss it.  I need it.  

I am SURE we will be walking our butts off this weekend in CA.  I am sure I will be able to make decent food choices.  I am sure I will be okay.  Right?!?

My plan for next week: plan better WW friendly snacky/filling foods for work, and climb back on the beast (aka elliptical) and ride it back into action!  Yeeeehaw!

Let It Go

I have returned from a fantastic family wedding weekend. As I thought, it was challenging. So challenging. I could've done a lot better. But I also could've done MUCH worse. The pre-wedding party was open bar and a pizza buffet. I had only 1 piece and a lot of salad. No dessert. But more alcohol than I have had at one time, in a long time. I was feeling pretty disappointed in myself.  But when I really thought about it, it wasn't that bad.

Saturday, I decided that it's okay to go off track a little as long as I got myself back on track Sunday. I just had to let it go and not beat myself up about it. I enjoyed every bite at the wedding (the food was excellent) and had just 2 drinks. I had 2 bites of cake (I swear).  I danced literally all night (activity points!!). Since losing this weight, I have a new found confidence. I ended Saturday with 21,855 steps. Holy cow!! 

I am learning that it's okay to relax a little and enjoy myself with food.  It will be okay.  

Here we are - the start of a new week. I'm back on program. I went for a walk last night even though I was dead tired and my feet were screaming at me. But I pushed myself and made sure I had my 10,000+ steps. 

Four days until my next big challenge - San Francisco. 

Let's Get This Party Started

September is going to be quite a challenging month.  I am so glad I started it with a scale victory!  

Last week the teachers came back to work/school and the boss felt the need to feed them - constantly. Of course the choices were not exactly weight watcher friendly so I didn't partake. And you know what? That was okay. I brought my own food and it really didn't bother me. Wait. Who am I kidding?? I really, really wanted a doughnut. But truly felt better for not having it. 

BFF's and I went to the National Book Festival in DC on Saturday and we were at the mercy of food vendors. I splurged on a hot dog (without the bun of course) and a few fries. They were so good!! Not the best thing to eat but my goodness it was a tasty lunch. I made up for it with a low, low point dinner.  So while I might splurge a little, I still stayed within my points.  

This weekend coming up - family wedding. At the beach.  Where Grottoes and Thrashers lives.  All the smells alone can make you gain weight, I swear.  The before party is actually AT Grottoes Pizza.  Good Lord give me strength....

Then...next weekend, a trip to California with 2 of my daughters. This trip for sure will test my willpower.   

My point to all this isn't that I have a wild and happening life (because I really don't). My point is that life happens. It's not always going to be possible to be in control of food that is available. It's about making the best choices you can, when you can.  I can't stay home all the time simply because I "can't" eat out. I just know that I don't do well eating "on the fly".  It's going to be a challenge.  But I think I am up for it!  

Thursday humor...