180.8 Thanks!

I really want to say thank you to all of you who make comments. In general these are comments that encourage me and support me. Sometimes I get comments with good information or suggestions. All of the comments are so welcome and I just want to put it out there that it means more than you'll ever know.

Writing a blog is quite a lonely undertaking. I never know if people read it or care until I get a comment or email. So again, thanks so much. I am hanging in there. Today was a better day. I even went shopping and bought some new motivational pants so that means I'm on my way. When I started this blog about 2 years ago I had no idea where it would lead and definitely didn't think I'd be writing this kind of post. But life is good, even though it can be very unpredictable. Thanks.

173.8 Reality vs Something Magical

First I want to thank those who posted comments in response to yesterday's post. I really appreciate the support and caring reflected in the comments.

Well, my weight popped up again, a little. But I had a little wine and ate a little low calorie, low salt popcorn and there you have it. What I have to understand is that I have to pay attention, all the time.

I was out to lunch (some might say I'm always out to lunch!) today with some friends and shocking as it may seem, the conversation turned to weight issues. Actually, I didn't bring it up and I try not to bring that topic of conversation up when I am with my friends. But anyway, what I heard myself saying and I know to be true is that slender healthy women are always watching what they eat and that's why they are slender and healthy. It's a no-brainer except for those of us who think that something magical has happened in their lives so they don't have to pay attention.

After lunch I headed over to my nail place and had, as my daughters say, a mani and a pedi. I can't possibly be on TV without doing that:). Yes, I am getting excited! Thursday is the big day.

174.8 Comments on Comments

Even though I don't often comment on comments that I get from readers, but I do want to say that I love getting comments. When I blog, I am writing to individuals in my mind, people I know who read my blog, and I'm writing to all those potential readers who may stumble onto this blog about weight loss.

Yesterday I really appreciated both the comments I received. My daughter gently reminded me that I had just written about The Little Engine That Could and that I should remember the phrase, "I think I can, I think I can". Since she was raised on that story, it made me feel great that it had resonated with her and her pointing out the fact that I had written about determination really hit home. And my sister Priscilla also wrote to encourage me. She's done so well managing the maintenance piece of weight loss over many, many years and her corroboration that this is a continual undertaking helps me put it in to perspective and to get on with it.

So I'm back at it, will keep at it, and know that there is no other option for me but to stay aware, weigh myself everyday, and eat wisely and with consciousness. Onward and downward!

180.6 Why Do I Write? Who Cares?

Why do I write this blog, and who cares? These are questions that have come up several times and they do put me on the defensive, but then I take a deep breath and start to think about the best way to answer them.

Why? I write it because it is a way of making public (and keeping a record for me) all the aspects of what goes into losing a lot of weight employing a totally different approach than most folks use. Having lost and regained 50 pounds twice by using fast weight loss methods, I knew I had do find a way to lose  weight in a way that would hold promise of changing my habits so that I would be able to maintain the weight loss once I reached my goal. I do write it for myself which is why I post my weight every day, but I am also writing it so that those who read it can learn from it and/or just enjoy a real look at all that goes into a slow weight loss adventure. I am committed to helping folks who want to lose weight to make that a reality.

Who cares? Well, according to Google Analytics, there have been 9100 hits from 428 different folks since October of 2009. I don't have that many loyal friends or relatives, and in fact most of them don't read it. People from all over the world have checked it out and it really pleases me to know that perhaps my journey will motivate and entertain them as they travel on theirs.

I also want to say that I have really appreciated the comments both on the blog site and through emails and conversations about how much folks like it.

185.0 More Mindlessness!

I don't think I have ever copied a comment that I received for a particular post, but yesterday's post prompted a comment from a co-researcher of the author of Mindless Eating and I wanted to share it with you in case you are interested. No, I am not promoting his line of Thinware, although I think it is a great idea. Here's the comment:

"My team works with Dr. Brian Wansink, author of Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think. Besides the fact that Brian is a truly nice and funny man, he developed a line of "Thinware" which are dish sets created to Dr. Wansink's specific instruction for measurement and design to encourage less and better eating. There are a lot of cool gadgets and cues on the site as well that are fun and MINDLESS!

https://www.mindlessproducts.com/mindless-products/thinware

Watch the man himself in some short videos and see the products that we promote. It will be worth the time!"

So check it out if you are interested in learning more about the author and his products. I figure we can use all the help we can get as we change our thoughts, our minds, and, as importantly, our habits as we travel on this weight loss journey.

scale was under the bed.... Speaking of Which

A new excuse for not weighing myself this morning? No, honest, it's the truth. The scale is not just under the bed, it is way under the bed which has a big dresser with a mirror attached to it pushed up against it. The guest room is being painted (no more yucky yellow), and so everything is in a state of total chaos here. But it's exciting. The master bath is almost done and looks so much better. This is fun, except for the mess. I think I will be able to get to the scale tomorrow morning so that will be my next adventure on the scale.

Speaking of which, I hope you all read the comments as well as my blog. Some of them are very witty, others very helpful and supportive, and others, let's say, challenging! Rarely have I not posted readers' comments. I did get one about the joys of viagra that I didn't bother to post ;). I do see them and read them and love getting them, so keep the comments coming.

Today I had breakfast with three of my good friends from my neighborhood, and we exchanged gifts. I have to admit I gave them candy, but none are on the weight loss adventure! One of my friends is the most wonderful baker, candy maker, extraordinare and, besides a Christmas cinnamon "flavored" candle for me, she gave me 3 bags of goodies designated for Jeff. I am not sure he is going to see any of it as I have decided, probably in my wisdumb, to regift and give them to the relatives that are coming for dinner next Wednesday. As I am writing this it is becoming clear to me that maybe I should let him make that decision. Maybe wisdom is reigning over wisdumb? And, today he brought home a copy of the Bocelli Christmas CD I had wanted. Yep, the decision is his, but I hope he hides it well if he keeps it.

208.8 Housekeeping?

I don't know what else to call this blog so I hope the title doesn't turn you off so you won't read it.  This one is really all about you!  Well, to be honest, it is about you and this blog.

First, I want to thank those of you who have made comments on specific blogs.  The fact that I have written something that has struck a chord with you so strongly that you have taken the time to make a comment means a lot!  If you have never made a comment but would like to, just go to the bottom of the blog you wish to comment on and click on post a comment.  You will see a text box in which you can write your remarks, and then you are asked to click on an option that will either send the comment directly to my email address, or, if you would like it to be available for others to see, you can click on Name/URL and just put your name in.  The URL thing is optional.  Or, if you prefer to remain anonymous, choose that option.  Then click on publish your comment.  It doesn't show up immediately, but will appear within a short time.  So, keep those comments coming.

And, I want to thank those of you who have contributed recipes, articles, etc., to the blog.  I just put up Lynsey's Quinoa (pronounced keen wha) Pancake Recipe.  Lynsey is a great cook and interested in making everything as healthy as possible.  Quinoa is a grain that is common is Central America and it is very high in protein.  It is a healthy substitute for rice and has a yummy texture.  Try Lynsey's pancake recipe, especially if you are feeding young children. They won't detect the quinoa and you'll know it is good for them.

And finally, if you have ideas for ways that I can improve the blog, please let me know.

Thanks so much!