VSG Maintenance Group
02/20/2020 Thursday
I am back from the shrink and though I have already posted today, I am wanting to share, think through, etc... some of what was discussed.
First, I did ask the question about weight loss vs. sugar abstention vs. doing it simultaneously.... Upshot of that is she suggested once again I consult with the resident RD. I thought to myself, what the hell? Might as well. So I have already made the call, left the message, and will wait to hear back.
Second, shrink does not think the RD will support abstaining totally from sugar.
Third, out of the mouths of babes.... The kindergarteners are walking down the hall in their little kindergarten line (and you know there is no better line in an elementary than a kindergarten line! Reminds me of the Madeline stories...). They know me so there are a lot of quiet voices saying, "Hi Mr. Allen" or "Hi, buddy teacher". Then this little Little stops and looks at me. He's a lovely little imp, who has trouble with impulse control and school appropriate choices, but is sweet as milk chocolate dipped in honey and cute as a bug's ear! He's a little husky asian kid and those who have contact with him believe that one day he will be diagnosed to be somewhere on the autism spectrum. Well, he looks at me and smiles a very serious and knowing smile and out it comes.... "Missuh Allen, Why you so fat?" At first I didn't hear him, so I say, "Xiang, what did you say?" He repeats himself. I happily answer that I love to eat and that is why. He was completely satisfied with my answer and went happily on his way. I turned to the office manager and I said, "Trude, REASON NUMBER 37 to..." Trude interjects, "Dont' say it!" I laugh and finish..."...why I need to drop some pounds!" And we both have a good chuckle.
The thing is that Xiang is right. I am fat. I was happily okay with Xiang's assessment of me. Kids tell the truth.
In my session today we also discussed the complete disconnect I have with my body reality and my mental perception of my body. I gave gotten to the point where if I look in the mirror at the gym or at home and am not prepared I am shocked by the reflection looking back at me. Lots more to write about that , but I won't tonight.
Anyway, awareness is an awesome thing. It is simply putting to good use, isn't it?
Haha, stuff students say to us. One time, I was sitting next to a 9th grader, helping him edit a paper he's writing. He suddenly looks at me and asks, do you have big calves? I say what? I am justifiably confused, because there's no way he asked me if I have big calves while we're talking about musicians and freedom of speech. So he asks me again, do you have big calves? Now since he is 14, I feel it's my obligation to embrace the teachable moment, and instead of rolling around on the floor laughing, I say, that's a strange question to ask. It's not a good idea to ask questions about someone else's body unless you really know them well. He nods, and says, well someone told me you had big calves, and I was wondering if you work out. OMG, the 9th grade boys are talking about my calves. Still one of my favorite crazy stuff students say stories.
