Me and My Shadow(s)

Greetings Friends~

Kudos to all those that took the time recently to sign up in the Followers section as well as those that posted a picture. It is greatly appreciated.

I hope that everyone had a great weekend. As I said on the Friday post, I wanted to do several small steps for myself this weekend and I accomplished that. I suppose that I am the kind of person that requires some type of motivation...(usually nothing less than a cattle prod is successful)...but in this case, just the fact that I publicly said I was going to do those steps significantly increased my desire and drive to get them done.

Dinner Friday night at Budd Bay was excellent. I was able to indulge a little bit while still maintaining an overall goal of making healthy choices. I had one cocktail...thought about another but one was the limit that I had set for myself so I stuck to that. I bypassed the wonderful sour dough roll with butter...that was tough. I am a bread junkie. But once I said "No, thanks", the moment passed and I didn't really give it another thought. The server helped by offering advice and I asked questions (just like they said on Biggest Loser) about the manner of cooking. I ended up with a mixed grill platter of salmon, some other kind of fish, shrimp and what had to be the best scallops I have ever had. This was accompanied by steamed green beans with no butter. At first I was alarmed that the amount of food was too little. As I started with my dinner salad and moved onto the entree, eating slowly, I discovered that I was quite satisfied by the reduced portions. I plurged with two cups of coffee for dessert.

Saturday we went to the movies. Mrs. B. smuggled in a sliced apple and a bottle of water. We were both amazed at the difference in our experience without popcorn. We usually polish off the first tub during the 20 minutes prior to the movie starting. It was kind of boring sitting there and not stuffing my face but I think I'll get used to it. As soon as I figure out healthy alternatives, I'll join in the smuggling operation.

I also worked out both days with several competitive games of racquetball followed by some light walking on the treadmill. I know that I could have done more but at this point my body is still screaming "ouch" frequently so I have to take small steps in this area as well.

You may be asking yourself, "what is his @!## point today?"

The point is...I set my step(s) small and did everything I could, to stick with it. Even though this wasn't as pleasurable as it normally would be, because I didn't get to eat that huge bowl of clam chowder or buttered popcorn that I love so dearly, the end result was just as good...but different...and right now, different is what I need.

This is all about desiring little changes which when all added together will equal an accomplishment that I didn't think was possible.

This is also about telling people that I am going to do (or not do) something. When I do that, I can feel each and every one of you right behind me. If I get my choice of who I'm accountable to, it is this group...my friends...my family...and myself. And, I don't want to disappoint anyone.

We are each other's shadows. I know you are watching me...and I am watching you...and our families are watching us. You should ask yourself, are you making the right choices? Are you holding yourself accountable for your decisions? Are you doing ALL that you can do?

Finally, my biggest JOY today is that a loved one who was bordering on being at dangerous Type II diabetes levels has now reduced their A1C count below 7 so the doctor is NOT going to prescribe medications. Just another example that this disease can be controlled thru diet, exercise and healthy choices.

Shopping Tips

Fred Meyer has the following items on sale Sunday thru next Saturday. Make sure to pick up an ad on the way into the store or at Customer Service so you can take advantage of coupons and other great deals.
Half Gal. FM milk or orange juice $.88 each, FM canned veggies 3 for $1, Oranges $.78 pound, Green/Red/Black grapes $.99 pound, Peppers in assorted colors $.98 each, organic apples in several varieties for $.98 pound and oven roasted sliced turkey in the deli section for $3.99 pound.

Inspiration of the Day

Without ambition one starts nothing. Without work one finishes nothing. The prize will not be sent to you. You have to win it. – Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1803-1882, American Poet, Essayist

For most of us, we are beginning Week 4. By next week we will have been doing this for almost a month. On next week's results I am going to post what the total weight loss is so far for the group as a whole. Ask yourself, "Am I satisfied with my efforts so far?"
 
One Step at a Time will get me someplace but I must be willing to take that first, second, third, etc. step.
 
Happy Trails!