Double Nickels

Some days I awaken to surprises...and today's happy surprise was my scale showing I have now lost 55 pounds. And the beauty of that for me is that I am able to make wise enough choices that even allow for a sensible summertime treat now and then and still lose weight. Tim and I went to Graeter's last night and I indulged in lemon sorbet...and it COMPLETELY fit into my new way of eating and living. You have no idea how good that feels.

Slow and steady

Well...I did survive Ohio Rainbow's Grand Assembly with Annie's assembly...chaperoning teen girls, walking all over Kenyon College campus for four days, with no access to a scale, a gym or a kitchen to prepare my healthy meals. Of course, as in all of life, the unexpected happened. I tripped over an uneven sidewalk and kissed the ground with my face and knee. My first thought was to check my teeth to see that they were still intact and unbroken (they were!). Then I heard the siren and knew that someone had called for help. Just a little bit embarrassing. My face and knee are now sporting really attractive scabs and lovely, vibrant shades of yellow and gray. This little accident has thwarted my work-out schedule this week while I recuperate, yet I still made it in for two work-outs this week and that feels GREAT!

I find it a great success to be down 51.4 pounds, even after all of the above. My God is so gracious.

I guess I'm learning that life still happens, in spite of our plans.

Our annual family beach vacation is coming up in two weeks and I really can't wait. It's been my goal to be able to bike the Hilton Head bike trails and walk MILES on the beach this year. It's been quite awhile since I've been able to do either. The walk to the beach and the pools used to just wipe me out. But, lookout this year. My four days at Grand Assembly shows me that I can walk just about anywhere now and what a great feeling that is! And this trip will not take me away from a gym or a kitchen to prepare healthy, summertime meals for all of us. The gym and the barbecue grills at the Marriott are great and I'm looking forward to a change in scenery (and a margarita or two poolside!).

And, for anyone interested, I will add that my beloved daughter was awarded a second place ribbon in state ritual competition for her age category and was appointed to two statewide offices for Ohio Rainbow while we were at Kenyon. (Yes, I know, a proud mom is just unbearable!) Annie was named Christian Flag Tribute and Representative to California...which means she will be writing a speech about the Christian Flag to present at the opening session of next year's Ohio Grand Assembly, AND, we will be going to California's Grand Assembly in Fresno next April!

A milestone!

Today is a remarkable day. I have now passed the "50 pounds lost" marker with a loss of 50.8 p0unds. I'm also learning that it really is counterproductive to deny myself food when I am truly hungry. It's much easier to make healthy choices when I'm only hungry and not frantic and hungry. The old paradigm of dieting...deny, deny, deny...is no longer valid in my life. How refreshing and non-limiting.

I found a storage bin of gold in the basement this morning. It was chock full of clothes that fit me years ago...many of which I loved. AND...they fit again. Two brand new bathing suits, a suit, a couple of dresses. Things I really need again. I love shopping in my basement. I almost bought a bathing suit yesterday and decided to wait to see what might be in the dusty archives and I am so glad I did. And how nice is it that while reclaiming my old skinnier clothes I'm also emptying some of the crap out of our basement!

Annie and I are leaving tomorrow for Rainbow Grand Assembly at Kenyon College and I'm a bit trepiditious of what lies ahead - no scale, no gym, no dog to walk, and someone else preparing my food for four days. I'm certain all will be okay; I now have enough tools under my belt to make the "uncontrolled situation" work for me...it's just a bit unsettling. I think I'll ramp up my work-out tonight as my little send-off!