Universal Sign of Drowning (LONG is an understatement, trust me!)

[Guest guest]

OK. I know that I have been virtually drifting out to sea and needed the life preserver/tow rope tossed out to me.

What's the universal sign of drowning: 3 fingers up as you are going under or something?? I can't remember.

But, I feel like I have been drowning. Going under.

Today was my 64th week at WW to earn that 4th SAS award. 64 weeks I have lost 37.4 pounds. Well. I was going to be all frustrated at myself and say ENOUGH! But, I think back to this past year. There has been a lot of frustration and stuff at work. I have learned for the most part how to say "forget it buddy" to Jay over a 20 pt burger. Got mom to quit baking as many cakes and pies to send to my house (the kids don't need them any more than I do) and I haven't gained it all back! So, I am successful. And, I have stayed with "this".

I really need to still work on how to deal with "stuff" without stuffing my face. The chocolate I took to work is back in the drawer. I can deal with things knowing it's in my drawer and I won't get into it, but if it's out, in front of my face, I eat it.

Don't ask me how this is possible.

I had a Krispy Kreme donut on my desk today for over 3 hours. When I got tired of looking at it, I moved it to the other side of my desk, out of my view (L-shaped desks LOL). When I got tired of smelling it, I tossed it. Amazing. But, I proved to my co-workers by taking it that I *can* eat it if I choose to.

At 211 degrees, water is HOTAt 212 degrees, water will BOILBoiling water will produce steam Steam is powerful enough to drive a locomotiveA ONE degree difference in what you are doing, can make a big difference -my version/interpretation of a sign at WW today, only because I didn't write it down LOL!!

So, of course, we discussed this concept today. What ONE degree of difference can you do to change up your program this week, month, remainder of the year?

If you are not seeing the results you want, look at what you are doing and determine how you can make a difference to get that steam action.

As you know, I have a goal for Labor Day to be at my 2nd WW 10% (232.8 lbs) and now, I have added to that and at the end of the next 12 weeks (quarter 7 for WW), I want to be at my overall 3rd 10% (226).

What does this mean to the stats? I need to lose 2.6 lb a week to make the Labor Day goal and 2.0 even to hit the Q7 goal. I could be around 100 lbs lost overall by end of 2008 and I could be in Onederland by New Years, if I play my cards right and stick to "the plan".

The plan.

How. To. Do. This.

* Get/stay real with my food/points, portions ** Core? ** Value of food vs "how much can I eat" - quality over quantity (aka quit the carbs) - a guy jokingly said today at WW "you mean I can't drink 30 pts worth of Guinness and still lose weight??"

* get real with my exercise ** 30 minutes per day (very minimum) ** Jog 3x week ** Stepper or other video 3x week ** Light/walk 1x

* get real with my sleep ** NO exceptions (might mean cracking down on the J-man about calling me at night LOL!!)

* Jay's worked himself into my life (LOL) on a monthly basis now. I am serious. Before our relationship took some turns this past year, we were seeing each other every 8-12 weeks (2-3 months) and now it's more like MONTHLY!!

* I need to figure out a do-able travel plan to be able to enjoy some of the things we enjoy but not GAIN and back track that week(end) each month. It would keep me at a standstill with my weight loss efforts. A definite two steps forward and one step back.

I've come too far to stop now and if I do stop before getting to goal, what will happen: either maintain and stay here, 250 lbs, obese for the rest of my life, or gain it back and then some.

STOP!

NOT. AN. OPTION!

Someone mentioned in a post the reality of goal weights. I know it isn't realistic to think I am going to weigh what I weighed in high school. Life has happened. Four pregnancies. Three children. Etc. Etc. Etc. Hormones. Stress. Metabolism. Can I count hormones again?! Wait, if I get to count hormones twice, I better add another count of stress in there!

This is why it is important to do *this* in conjunction with our health care providers. Get your doctor-type person's advice and recommendations. I talked with my doctor last year. I told him what the WW range is for my height. I have distorted body image visions and the WW range I cannot get a grip on. I told my doctor I picture an anorexic tree branch at that weight. He said "what seems good to you?" - I can't even answer that. I can't remember what I weighed at all the age ranges he asked me. I can remember a few, I have those written down. I'd have to pirate copies of my medical records to get the rest.

My doctor is the one that chose my 170 goal and said "we'll evaluate as you get closer". I like that. If he asked me what number I want now, I am going to tell him 210 because I am lazy and want to take the easy way out. I am sure I can get to 200, even 190 or 180. Remember: I have to be able to "maintain" this for the rest of my life.

So, I will sit with 170 as my goal and see as I get closer. June's when I started my journey. Three years ago. Sixty pounds down.

3 years = 60 lbs = 20 per year. I can live with that. I think I have no choice LOL!!

80 lbs to go. 20 lbs per year? 4 years to goal. What's the rush? I'll get there and be healthy and happy on the way. Well. I'm working on happy.

Oh. You were expecting a WI today, right? LOL - yeah, it's Wednesday. Obviously I went to WW today. I maintained. "Turtled" as some groups call it. I am pleased. Why? Two thoughts come to mind: Holiday and TOM showed today!! So, to go through another week of stress, add a holiday and monthly visitor? Yep, I'm happy with a maintain.

Onward and downward. I hope you are all having a great week!

in WA310/250/170 (-60 total, 80 to go, 10 from half-way point) I've lost 66.5 inches!!The beginning is the most important part of any work.-PlatoGet the scoop on last night's hottest shows and the live music scene in your area - Check out TourTracker.com!