Happy/wows AND scared!

Today was a great day - picnic day for PA Society of Goldsmiths (I'm on the Board), which is also our annual meeting.  I haven't seen most of these folks in person since last fall (WELL before surgery) and most of them don't know anything about my surgery or anything else that's been going on.    I was shocked... so many people came up to me and "gushed" about how great I was looking.  It was getting embarassing!  But at the same time it felt great.

Later, I was installing a light in my pantry closet, which required me to put quite a bit of pressure to install it... i looked at my arm and noticed a nice "muscle bulge" !!  woo hoo!  

So now to the "scared" part... tomorrow morning I leave on a business trip to Boston.  I've reserved a fridge in my hotel room (they don't have microwaves available, though).  But this will be my first out-of-town trip since surgery.  I'm really scared that the disruption to my routine (get up, exercise, have a protein shake for breakfast, go to work ...) will put me off track.  I'll be pretty much forced to exercise in the hotel's fitness center, which has me intimidated... it's either that or figure out a path to run/walk on the streets around Copley Place, which may also be an option.  I'm packing my hand weights and a fitness DVD that I guess I can run on my computer...

The rational part of my brain knows that there's nothing impossible about this.  The irrational part of my brain, however, is really scared that this will be the thing that derails the progress I've made.  Sigh.  

I'm packing protein bars, my vitamins, protein powder, weight control oatmeal, instant breakfast, etc.  Not sure whether to pack my magic bullet, but figure "why not"?  

Any suggestions for quieting the gibbering idiot of my irrational brain right about now?

Thanks,
Karen

It is nerve wracking...but really...now the part of understanding your tool goes with you wherever you do and it is possible, with planning, to stay on the right track.  Besides...being sick while being away is no fun so I tend to be even more careful when away than I am when at home.

The only other thing I would suggest is to buy some milk when you get there or whatever you normally mix your oatmeal/instant breakfast with.  Keep bottles of water with you wherever you go, and put some in the fridge when you get to the hotel.

You'll be FINE!!  As far as the exercising thing goes...I understand the whole intimidation thing but just put your mind to it that other people don't care who else is there....and do what is right for you!!!

I don't think "boston Lisa" has been on the boards much since you've been on....but she's from Boston (hence the name....) and would probably know LOTS of places to go walking.  You probably don't even need a whole route to do....there's so much walking in Boston to begin with!

Go and have a GREAT time!!!

Karen your mindset is perfect believe it or not. You've got that healthy fear clicking inside you so don't let it go. It's got you planning the right things to bring (rather have more than less) and planning your workout/walking opportunities too. I think you're ready. Pam mentioned our Boston Lisa, her user name is HopefulFuture. Send her a PM and as Pam said, Lisa may be able to help you while you are there. We've got peeps Everywhere!
Have a great trip,

Dennis

OOOh... the network extends EVERYWHERE!  How cool!

I will PM her and see what tips she has. 

I'm looking forward to the trip and am just surprised that I'm as freaked out as I am.  Ah well - live and learn!

I was pleasantly surprised at today's picnic that I had no problem having some delicious slices of oranges instead of the home baked array of goodies everyone had brought (including the sheet cake being passed around).  Found good food choices (and had taken a nice caprese salad as a friendly choice for myself) and didn't feel at all deprived in the sumptuous environment.  I felt very proud of my ability to handle that.

Thank you all for your feedback and support!

Karen

I don't know if you are flying?  but when i fly (which I do allot) I bring my bullet, I put he blade part in my suitcase under the plane and carry the heavy part (botton) motor in my carry on, one because of weight and two because of how they throw your suitcases around.......I also take my oatmeal along, I use my protein though in my coffee as often as I can when in a hotel.....I hope you have a nice trip and you will do fine......................IF YOU FAIL TO PLAN..............YOU PLAN TO FAIL...........................so you are planning..............................thats all that counts.
Lois

It sounds like you are very prepared and that is really half the battle - the other half is wanting it badly enough! 

In my first year after my surgery, I traveled twice to Florida, once to Hawaii, Ireland, Oregon, Virginia, and repeatedly throughout the state for my job... and I didn't gain one pound or go off my program one time (and I wasn't nearly as prepared as you are!)

Good luck!
Lou

Hi Karen -

You'll be fine.  You are super prepared and that is key when you have to step out of the norm.

Have a safe trip.

Lisa

good luck Karen-you'll do fine!

Plus, you're looking good and feeling good, what could be better?

I'd say being in a hotel room has its advantages.  When I was 4 months out I spent a weekend with friends at a Graduation Party in the mountains.  I packed a cooler of all the things I could eat.  When we got there I put the stuff in the frig (all the way in back so no one would accidently eat them) In the morning I went to get a string cheese stick out and they were gone, all my stuff was gone.  When I asked what happened to my stuff, the neice of my best friend (her house) said, my kids must have thought I splurged and bought some name brand stuff and partied during the night.  Sure enough the trash can was filled with wrappers from my all my stuff (cheese sticks, s/f pops, yogurt, etc).  They sat down to this hugh fat filled, caffeine filled, unhealthy breakfast. I was shocked, they left me nothing I could eat.  One of my friends said, "just eat what we're eating, no one will know".  I looked at her and said "I don't have a death wish, do you"? So luckily I drove my own car up there and had some stuff stashed in my glove box.  I cut the weekend short to drive back home to my safe zone.  Lesson to be learned for me.  I always have back up alternatives.  You on the other hand will not have that challenge.  I'd say your gonna do great.  The fire of a newbie can conquer most challenges.

As far as the exercise room goes... any time I have used one at a hotel, I was the only person in the room.

Plan to enjoy yourself and do the common sense stuff... order healthy choices... ask for child's portion  (most restaurants are willing to help with this....)