171.0 Boredom Vs. Hunger

I just came in from a fast walk and realized I had not written a post for today. I usually drag my feet about writing when my weight has gone up, but today I'm happy to say it went down!

Last night I received a very funny list of Adult Truths. Although I loved them all, there was one that has been so true for me. It's this: "I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger."

I still can find myself coming to standing in front of an array of food choices in my pantry. When I stop and think about it, I'm rarely hungry, but usually bored. I think it's a sign that I need to get a life! :)

169.6 Decisions, Decisions

I just made a decision. So what you say? Big deal! Sometimes it is a big deal for me to make a decision. Recently I read that most decisions should be made in about 30 seconds. I've barely gone through the list of pros much less the list of cons in 30 seconds. But it does feel good to quit dithering and just go for it.

I'm very conscious of talking about weight loss now. I don't bring it up to others, but so many folks have seen the transformation, and they start talking to me about it. Don't get me wrong - I like talking about it. It's similar to telling friends about a recent trip or encounter that you just had. But I don't like to be the instigator of the topic. Anyway, what I hear is a lot of indecision about whether they really want to lose weight, and if they could really do it. So, my take on this is that each person has to have a very clear reason for wanting to lose weight. And as long as the reason is theirs and not put on them by others I think that works. The most powerful reasons are health related, especially among those of us who are in our 60's plus, but among younger people there's always the motivation of doing it earlier rather than later and in the process saving a lot of wear and tear on their bodies.

I wish there was a way for everyone to understand that you can be happy with less food. A small portion of something yummy is just as enjoyable as a big portion as long as you stay aware of all of the goodness as you are taking small bites and really paying attention while you are eating that wonderful something.

As I'm adding some old favorites back into my food choices, I'm amazed and so relieved that I don't want a big serving of anything. But it is fun to be able to have a small amount and really enjoy it. I'm hanging in there with maintenance and it just isn't that hard, thank goodness, thanks to hypnosis, thanks to changed habits, and thanks to change attitudes. And, a big thank you to Jennifer Scott for her help in making all of these changes a reality for me.

174.4 Unstuck!

You know, I have no idea why my weight finally dropped like it did! Well, I really do have an idea.... Let's call it "sticktoittiveness". That word looks really strange spelled out, but I know I have heard it so am declaring that it is indeed a word.

Anyway, yesterday and the day before were very typical food and exercise days for me, so who knows. Maybe I'm right that it is just the cumulative effect of making good food and exercise decisions over time, and my body finally gave in and decided that it was ready to let a little more weight go!

So, today I celebrated! No, I didn't go to Costco to get a chocolate nut covered ice cream bar. I went to the gym and did the elliptical and lifted weights, and then set up a plan to work with a personal trainer! I'm thinking about my life after reaching my weight loss goal (only 4 1/2 more pounds), and I know that exercise will be at least as important to me then as it is now.

A short update on my voice work - during the two sessions, I became aware of how tense all the muscles in my neck, shoulders and diaphragm areas were, and through the Feldenkrais Method a lot of release of that tension in those areas was achieved. I could literally feel each shoulder drop down on the table as this was occurring. Also, a couple of people have mentioned to me over the phone that my voice sounds less quavery. We'll see if there are some other changes going forward. Stay tuned!

184.4 Grand Honey Hits Six Flags!

We're back from Six Flags in St. Louis and the boys loved it, and of course, we had a great time watching them have so much fun. A lot of the time was spent at the water park there because it was REALLY hot, and REALLY humid which we are no longer used to.

Since I am not big on roller coaster type rides and spinning around for dear life, I did a lot of people watching, which was a lot safer and very interesting. I did gain a pound, but with the food choices available, I did okay. I was on a search for fruit in the park and that was not on any menu, and you couldn't take food in.

I think a little of the let down has set in after so much activity and fun with Ted and Lynsey and the boys. Now to get back into the world of healthy eating and exercise! We did have a great time!

What was so cute and fun was that Julien, the 4 year old, started calling me Grand Helper (instead of Grandma) and then he changed that into Grand Honey! So Grand Honey will get back on track and go for her goal!