Weighty Decisions

.4, that's all I lost this stupid week. Less than a half of a freakin' pound. Shit, shit, shit! I know, I could have gained and there's no one to be frustrated at other than myself. I made the choices I did this past week and the scale told the tale. Scales don't lie, well unless you retain water like a dike. That's dike, not dyke, just for clarification. So, if you're keeping track that's a grand total of 12.8 lbs. so far. I was hoping to hit 15 this week but it wasn't to be. Next week I'm not too sure how I will do because it's typically the week I loose the least due to um, woman issues. I'll leave it at that. This week I need to watch my portions more carefully and keep eating fruits, veggies and grains high in fiber. My colon will love me for it and so will the scale.

I started going to meetings on Wednesday and was sort of luke warm about our leader. She was OK, I'd been around worse. We switched to Tuesdays due to Ash Wednesday and we've keep going to the Tuesday meetings because they are FABULOUS!!! I can't say enough good things about Paula, our leader. She talks with everyone before the meeting to discuss problems or obstacles they are having and when the meetings start.......oh boy, she has the best talks! She keeps us totally engaged the entire 30 mins. I almost wished the meetings were an hour, yes, she's that good! She totally motivates and encourages me, which I adore. The ladies in the meeting are great too. Most are super friendly and talk with you before the meeting about foods or recipes they like and someone is always handing out a recipe they tried and loved. It's a great meeting and there's a reason it's a full house each Tuesday night.

I had an ah-ha! moment last week. And of all places to have this ah ha! moment? The shower. What can I say I do some of my best thinking while conditioning my hair. This isn't a diet. This is the way I'm going to be eating 1.) to loose the weight 2.) to maintain my loss and 3.) to be healthy and live a long life. This isn't something I'm going to do for a year and then stop. If I do, I'll gain it all back. This is a life change. I finally put two and two together and figured it out. That's pretty big for me.

I've been a slacker on the exercise. I know I need to get off my ass and move but it's not so easy when most of the things you enjoy require you to sit on your lazy ass. Tonight's talk was about fitness and moving. We're not talking marathoning or Iron Man here. Just getting off of your ass and doing some sort of physical activity. I bore easily so walking the track at the high school doesn't do much for me. I loose interest after the first lap. I can buddy up with someone but I find I walk slower so I can talk, which isn't exactly beneficial. Same thing with walking the neighborhood. Hey look, same house, look here, oh yeah, same house. *yawn* Couple the bore factor with sweat and you've got my dilemma in a nut shell. I'm going to try yoga. It's on at 5am on the Oxygen Network and runs Monday through Friday for an hour. If I don't want to get up that early I can always record it and do it in the evenings after work. I've never done yoga but I've heard great things about it and I don't see those folks huffing and puffing and sweating like a whore in church either. I'm also interested in trying Curves. I've heard good and bad things about the program but I'd like to go try it for myself, curiosity and all. Tonight I bought a tennis racket and some balls. I'm going to go to the junior high school and hit some balls on their court boards. I've always liked tennis and golf but due to my weight I quit doing them. It's time to get back at it. I'll let you know how the exercise program is going, I'm kinda pumped to start doing something again.

Last topic, I'm a little frustrated with my Weight Watchers partner. She's nice and all but there is just that *something* about here that sticks with me the wrong way. Don't get me wrong, she's nice and very supportive but I guess I feel she's not as committed as I am. I need to just let that go. She's doing the plan her way and I'm doing it mine. I can't control anyone by myself. Ok, letting it go. Done. Over.

Oh, one other vent. My Mother. You know there's a nasty streak in that woman that I'm not sure what to do with, so I try and ignore it. When I called her to tell her what I lost my very first week her response to my 6+ pound lost, "Well, most of that is water weight." Um, thanks, Mom. Now why couldn't she have said, "Way to go, I'm proud of you, keep up the good work!" Why? Now I know most of it was water or all water but way the nastiness? Last week when I called to tell her about my 4+ pound loss she said, "Do you plan on stick with it this time or are you going to quit like last time?" Um, HELLO that was 1987 and who wants to go to Weight Watchers, forcibly with your mother on a Saturday morning when you're 17?!? Show me a teenager that does and I'll show you a freak. Fact remains, I'm getting some passive aggressive vibes from her and I try and not take them in and let them effect me. No, I will NOT let her words effect me. Again, I can't control what others say or do I can only control my reaction to them. My Mother's negativity will not hurt me or sway my resolve. So there. Done. Over.

I think I've said everything I need to about Weight Watchers. I'm still super motivated and looking forward to next weeks weigh in. Wish me luck.

She's Alive!!

Yep, I am, and I'm totally neglecting my poor blog. I'm sorry to all my readers. I really need to get in a better frame of mind to post more often. I guess I don't post because I don't have anything witty, charming or funny to report, just the same 'ol same 'ol and who wants to read that crap!?! Well, I shouldn't say same 'ol, we've had some things going on around here that I haven't posted about and need to. So, this week, I'm going to devote a daily post on what's been going on around here, so ya'll can get caught up.

Here are the future topics:
1.) My weight and subsequent weight loss and weight loss partner 2.) Roman's new business and 3.) talking to my first cousin, whom I haven't spoken with since 1997. Whew! Big things in the works and it feels good. So, I'll start tomorrow and get ya'll all caught up.

Tonight I need to do a check of my new year's resolution check list:

1.)Make my health a priority!

Got all my tests back and other than the hiatal hernia acting up, nothing else is wrong with me. Ok, I'm sure there is in the head department, but that's a different post. I'm taking my meds as scheduled and eating my fruits as recommended. My painful attacks have all but subsided. I did have an attack Friday night but it went away as fast as it came on. All and all, totally manageable. I lost 4.8 lbs. last week and I weight in tomorrow. Not sure if I lost, we ate out twice this week but both times I made good choices. I'm spending way too much time on the Weight Watchers message boards getting ideas and recipes. I need to be out walking! I'm not all about the exercise but I must to justify the $200 Z-Coil tennis shoes I just bought.

2.)Scrapbook more.

Not so much. Why can't I get motivated? April and I are going to Waco in May to take some classes by Donna Downey. That's great and all but I need help NOW! I'm guessing my energy is going to weight related matters at the moment not to mention our group isn't getting together as much as we used to.

3.)Meet a few bloggers.

I had the opportunity to go to Austin today and meet Dooce AKA Heather Armstrong. I didn't go. They were having a meet and greet in a little itty bitty tiny coffee house and the crowd was going to be insane! I opted to snuggle with the dogs instead, sue me. Meeting up with April in Waco and going to a blogger meet in Houston in May. Can't wait for either of those two things. Trisha and family are packing it to this side of Texas for the weekend and we're getting together and planning some fun. Plenty of blog material I'm sure. Some sort of craziness always happens.

4.)Continue to cultivate friendships.

Always willing and open to new friendships, however they may come.

5.)Use my camera and photo editing programs more.

Did it on the last batch need to do it on the next batch. I have several events I need to edit and print up. It's on my to do list, honest.

6.)Read something other than a scrapbook magazine.

STILL reading Dr. Phil's books. It's been painful, let me tell you. I've had them forever but those stupid scrapbook magazines and idea books keep making their way onto my "to read" shelf.

7.)Keep the faith.

We're in the final stretch of RCIA with our candidates. They've signed their names into the Book Of The Elect. 33 men and women will receive the sacraments on Easter vigil. A huge time in their lives and in mine. It reminds me when I went through many years ago. I'm reading my daily Lenten prayer book and I made an altered journal for prayer intentions. Hey, I'm old and I need to write them down or I'll forget! I'm contemplating what to do with my Thursday nights when RCIA is over. I'm mulling over several bible study groups.

8.)See the glass half full.

I feel like I've never been as positive and self assured as I am right now and I am so lovin' it! I can't help but pass along the sunshine. Forgive me if you hate perky, but I'm perky, sue me.

Not too bad. I'm doing better this year with my resolutions than in years past and I'm so happy about that.

I've Got Personality, Yes I Do!

Remember that funk I had back in January, the henta-ebola-avian bird thing? Yeah, well that's back. Next year, I'm getting a flu shot.

I got an email from a friend, one that doesn't know I blog and he passed along a personality quiz. Rather timely I think, so here, take it and let me know how you did. I was a 42. Not bad, I can live with being someone who'll always cheer others up and help them out.

1. When do you feel your best?

a) in the morning

b) during the afternoon, early evening

c) late at night

2. You usually walk...

a) fairly fast, with long steps

b) fairly fast, with little steps

c) less fast head up, looking the world in the face

d) less fast, head down

e) very slowly

3. When talking to people you..

a) stand with your arms folded

b) have your hands clasped

c) have one or both your hands on your hips

d) touch or push the person to whom you are talking

e) play with your ear, touch your chin, or smooth your hair

4. When relaxing, you sit with..

a) your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side

b) your legs crossed

c) your legs stretched out or straight

d) one leg curled under you

5. When something really amuses you, you react with...

a) big appreciated laugh

b) a laugh, but not a loud one

c) a quiet chuckle

d) a sheepish smile

6. When you go to a party or social gathering you...

a) make a loud entrance so everyone notices you

b) make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know

c) make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed

7. You're working very hard, concentrating hard, and you're
interrupted.....

a) welcome the break

b) feel extremely irritated

c) vary between these two extremes

8. Which of the following colors do you like most?

a) Red or orange

b) black

c) yellow or light blue

d) green

e) dark blue or purple

f) white

g) brown or gray

9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before
going to sleep you are..

a) stretched out on your back

b) stretched out face down on your stomach

c) on your side, slightly curled

d) with your head on one arm

e) with your head under the covers

10. You often dream that you are...

a) falling

b) fighting or struggling

c) searching for something or somebody

d) flying or floating

e) you usually have dreamless sleep

f) your dreams are always pleasant

POINTS:

1. (a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6

2. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 7 (d) 2 (e) 1

3. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 5 (d) 7 (e) 6

4. (a) 4 (b) 6 (c) 2 (d) 1

5. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 2

6. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 2

7. (a) 6 (b) 2 (c) 4

8. (a) 6 (b) 7 (c) 5 (d) 4 (e) 3 (f) 2 (g) 1

9. (a) 7 (b) 6 (c) 4 (d) 2 (e) 1

10. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 6 (f) 1

Now add up the total number of points.

OVER 60 POINTS: Others see you as someone they should "handle with
care." You're seen as vain, self-centered, and who is extremely
dominant. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you,
but don't always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involved with you.

51 TO 60 POINTS: Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather
impulsive personality; a natural leader, who's quick to make decisions,
though not always the right ones. They see you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will try anything once; someone who
takes
chances and enjoys an adventure. They enjoy being in your company
because of the excitement! Not you radiate.

41 TO 50 POINTS: Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing,
practical, and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the
center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to
their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding;
someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.

31 TO 40 POINTS: Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful &
practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not
a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's
extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expect the same
loyalty
in return. Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to
shake your trust In your friends, but equally that it takes you a long
time to get over if that trust is ever broken.



21 TO 30 POINTS: Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They
see
you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder. It
would really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on
the spur of the moment, expecting you to examine everything carefully
from every angle and then, usually decide against it. They think this
reaction is caused partly by your careful nature.

UNDER 21 POINTS: People think you are shy, nervous, and
indecisive,
someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to
make
the decisions & who doesn't want to get involved with anyone or
anything! They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that
don't
exist. Some people think you're boring. Only those who know you well
know that you aren't.