Sunday May 7

Weight 115.5, calories 1854. We went out to an Italian restaurant last night and really enjoyed it. I had the 2 meatball appetizer for my meal and only ate half of a meatball. It really amazes me now how much food restaurants serve! But I'll have 2-3 more meals out of it (I may share with DH).

it looks like we will have nice weather today, so I need to plan something outdoors. I'll be going to Zumba first though - didn't go to the gym yesterday because I needed a down day after the crazy week.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Weight: 135.6

Sunday Macros: Cals - 1,425, Carbs - 140, Fat - 56, Protein - 86, Sugar - 44, Fiber - 17

Veggies/fruits: 3 (goal is 7)

Sleep: 8

Exercise:

* * *

Slept great last night. No official exercise, but did 4 hours of serious housework. Whew! More beautiful weather here, so today we'll be outside raking, hauling, and on the lawn mowers.

Maintenance-wise, I'm feeling more stable again. Post-cruise, my efforts to get back below my 100-pound weight loss goal (135.6) are working. For me, for now, consistency with the basics is key. There's no metabolic woo-woo happening here -- I've cut calories by 200-300 below maintenance and am eating clean, exercising daily, and (overall) sleeping pretty well.

That being said, some other things we've been talking about that impact maintenance seem like much more primary contributors. Those include mindfulness and observations about my internal responses to food (whether those responses are caused by life's big or little stressors or even the simple presence of food in the environment or the possibility of food being present) and the subsequent decisions I make and actions I take. Those observations, responses, decisions and actions can happen very quickly and make it possible (or not) to be consistent about the basics that do work for me.

Certainly, others' truths may not be the same as mine. It is so valuable to hear what y'all are observing and what works and doesn't work for you.

Something that does feel true to me for now is that "stability" is not permanent. Seems like at age 71 it's finally time to embrace the idea that s**t will continue to happen and that I should live with my knees bent, not braced. Change will continue to happen, which isn't as pleasant a prospect as it was when I was younger. Or maybe my definition of stability just needs to be revised.

On topics like this, an old mentor would have said, "It's all a matter of degrees."

So true Ann: Stability is a fleeting moment (enjoy it while you can and brace for whatever may come). I think this is especially true the more close family members and friends you have because what affects them affects you (and vice versa).

Supah Sunday to ya all!

I earned three Ostrich pics yesterday to commemorate head-in-sand when food popped-in-mouth. For me, "only" three Ostriches on a Saturday is a huge win. On a negative, Nordstroms is out of my size of the black jeans. But don't worry, I will find something else, probably even more expensive, to reward myself with.

We celebrated DH's birthday last night at a Japanese restaurant. Sashimi for me which would be my preference even without VSG. Bakery German Chocolate Cake and fancy ice cream later. 2 of the Ostriches were related to the cake. German Choc is my dad's favorite and it has a very strong pull for me. DH promises to get rid of the leftovers.

I don't begrudge the Ostrich in me, by the way. If not over utilized, it is a an effective coping mechanism.

Liz, I'm glad your DH seems to be on a path of approval for the study! Best wishes for that.

DianeS, if the ostrich spirit inspires you to create, I would be happy to buy one.

Shel

137 OTD.

Church today, not sure what else. All 3 boys home. DS#1 needs to get going on completing some papers in order to graduate, he is cutting way too close for comfort. Don't need that added stress right now! DS#3 had fun at his formal dance last night. Huge group - 16 boys and 16 girls. Both groups had sleepovers one house apart. Glad I wasn't chaperoning that one!

End of the year busyness is upon us. Concerts both Monday and Tuesday nights.

Paula

Greetings Great Ones

Well this ostrich is down a half after a day of proper eating and more movement than sitting around at a ****tail party.

Shel I imagine you with some sort of ostrich stamp that you mark your calendar with. A good concept.

Yesterday it was windier than I have ever seen. Came home and the front yard maple tree was pretty much split in half. Fortunately, it was not tall enough to hit the house but their is still a part thats up that I am concerned might fall on the fence. Called the tree guy immediately as I suspect they will get busy and they will come tomorrow. DH was getting ready to mow the yard when it fell. Glad for once that he is a slow poke. Some people lost power including the gallery. Our power structure here is so rinky dink. Most lines are not buried. Hubby is out walking dog Chip so he will survey the neighborhood for other downed trees.

Well Ann you must have your internet back. Good deal.

Interesting thoughts on stability. Its sort of an oxymoron as nothing is certain except that there will be change. My scale proves that.

Paula glad the kids are having those sleep overs and that you don't have to chaperone. Getting food or whatever other prep is certainly a better job.

Hope everyone gets to relax this weekend. I have to go move art around at the gallery at 4 pm but thats no big deal. Shrimp on the menu tonight!

Diane S

And now Internet is back down. Looks like this is going to be intermittent for a while. Oh, well ... a meditation on instability. ;)

Late checking in, yet again. Fun morning walking Blue with the Airedale club around the Reservoir. On my way out I saw one of our walking mates with his dog who was in respiratory distress. I pulled over and had the man bring the dog to the car for shade and AC while waiting for his wife to bring the car round. I became so concerned I offed to drive the dog, so we didn't have to move him (and frankly, the lady was moving too slowly for my taste.) I called the doggy ER and alerted them of our arrival and they were ready for him when I carried him in. A nurse came out took him from me and put him on oxygen immediately. Waiting for an update. Hope he's okay. It was scary. I'm glad I was there to help. I apologized for "taking" over, and the man looked at me and said he was grateful that I had.

Weight up 1.2 today. Well deserved, too. I had practically no water, salty food, and sweets. The only fruits and vegetables that passed my lips was a small < 1/2 cup serving of spring greens. Boooooo! But, I did not over eat. Choices just were, how shall we say, less than great? I know, too, that when I le****er go by the wayside I 9 times out of 10 end up eating poorly. Good to note, too, was that my craving level for crap food was at the highest levels it has been since starting Vyvanse. I'd say only 25-50% as strong as without the Vyvanse, but still strong enough to drive some mild and late evening binge behavior.

Whatever the case, it was super easy to get right back on the path today. Absolutely no desire for any carbs or sugar. Whoo hoo!

Brought in some ball tip, ribs and salad for dinner. Got some mac and cheese for Ron. I may have a bite or two, but it really isn't calling to me. Today, it is once again meat, fruit, salad, nuts and yogurt that are appealing to me.

Ella is in season! Yay! Her Canadian boy toy has been alerted and all is now in motion to make some more puppies. FINGERS CROSSED!!!!!