Heather Shrinks in Houston!

[Houston Heather]

My parents got into town today and we had a fun road trip.

We were hungry by the time we got to Brenham. When I came out of the bathroom, my aunt was agitatedly asking for a Cracker Barrel. She was afraid I could only eat foods from Cracker Barrel (they have an awesome l/c menu). I reassured everyone that "All I need is a chunk of meat and some veggies, and I'll be fine." They all breathed a sigh of relief and I ended up eating a delicious no-bun hamburger. I gave the chips to someone else and I didn't miss them.

Then, they wanted to go to the ice creamery. It's very good ice cream, I sure ate my share back in the day. I saw the potential for problems, though, and I wanted to be smart. I brought my no sugar added raspberry sorbet in an ice chest.

I was so glad I did. As soon as I got out of the car, I could literally smell the sugar permeating the air. We did the tour. Everyone got a free scoop of ice cream! I asked very nicely for some cookie dough....

and I fed it to my husband. He got to eat 2 scoops. I sat there while everyone enjoyed their ice cream, thinking "I've got s/f raspberry sorbet in the trunk." They all stated the ice cream was delicious. I sat down and ate 1/2 cup, total cost 6 grams net carbs. Carbs well spent, IMHO.

After that, we rode around some more and came home. I will have a good low-carb dinner and relax.

[Houston Heather]

I'm redefining my comfort foods. Last night I got whalloped by depression. I had to take my pills, which meant I had to eat. I didn't want to "fuss" with anything and I was hurting pretty bad.

Then I was overcome with an overpowering urge to eat
fried eggs.

OK, they're legal. I got out my skillet and fried them up. I even fixed a couple for today's breakfast (very tasty). I took my medication and a B-50. It helps. Sure enough, an hour or so later I was back to my normal self. I'm glad I'm getting "the hang of this" - managing my mood disorder and my low carb WOE.

Today Mom, Dad, DH, and I are all going to the lovely town of Galveston. It's beautiful and has plenty to do. A lot of people mock the island but I adore it. I'm going to be smart eating there.

I can get fried eggs just about anywhere.

[Houston Heather]

Whew. We did our overnight in Galveston and I didn't eat anything bad.

When we first got there, we went to the Waffle House. I ordered 2 fried eggs, over hard, with a slice of ham. It "came" with toast and hashbrowns. I told her, leave them off please. She took a hard look at me. "Would you like some sliced tomatoes with your meal?" AWESOME! I told her as much and got my tomatoes. I ate a slice with my meal, felt happy, and watched everyone else eating their toast/grits/hashbrowns. I didn't miss it.

Dad told me he left her a good tip. Good.

Next meal: Landry's. It's a very fancy seafood grill. I ordered the steak, while DH got stuffed, fried shrimp. He loved them. He loved the fries. I ask what side is served with my steak. Pilaf. I ask is there anything low carb? Like a steamed vegetable? Pilaf.

I rephrase it. Can I just get steamed vegetables only? Yes. The salad arrives. I mix it, keeping the croutons off to the side. I get a good mix of greens and l/c veggies. I was leery of the salad dressings so I asked for a cruet of olive oil, please. They were happy to bring it. The olive oil went on the broccoli and the salad. The steak was delicious.

Then the dessert cart makes the rounds. I'm feeling weak. I very politely asked if it would be possible to get a dessert not on the cart. Sure. Alright, I had this once before years ago and it was perfect. Can I get a mix of whipped cream and berries with NO SUGAR? I have a health problem. Sure.

The first one failed in some way, but when they brought out my treat I didn't care. It was a work of art. I had a delicious time scarfing down my l/c treat. It didn't spike my blood sugar or cause cravings, either. Everyone else ate their desserts, I ate mine, and I don't hate myself today.

Today was pretty much the same thing. IHOP, decarbed breakfast. Lunch, decarbed. Came home, tired, feeling lazy. I have no idea what I'm eating for dinner. But it will be legal.

[Houston Heather]

My shorts are falling off again. I'm going to try on some 16W tomorrow and see how they fit. If it's "comfortable", I'm buying them. What a nice problem to have.

We did get a little bit of a cold snap and I had to wear my shorts this morning, but I didn't mind. The only jeans I owned were TOOO LARGE for me now.

Mom got me a really cool gift: a pair of running shoes. I had a good run today and plan to do it again. I don't want anyone visiting me in the hospital if I can help it. Besides, Mom and Dad keep their weight down, they look great, and they're having the time of their lives in retirement. I want that for myself.

I made a lunch out of pork rinds I had in my bag. I had to take my medication. Oh, well. It's legal. I didn't gain anything during my day trips and I'm still in ketosis. Yay! I know I will begin to stall and bloat a bit in the next couple weeks what with PMS but I'm going to keep a good attitude.

Right now, I'm tired so I'm going to take a nap.

[Houston Heather]

Well, the 16 W are too tight, I could tell when they kind of paused on my hips as I was pulling them on. I'm washing my 18W's again, so at least they will fit pretty well tomorrow when I'm running around.

Still had a little off and on troubles with depression. I'm just resting, eating clean, and trying to be nice to myself. Yesterday I went for a run, and had a good time. Today my calves and shins are a little sore (but not as bad as I expected). I decided to give myself an off day to prevent injury. My legs hurt enough that I notice it when I'm not using them. Painkillers intensify the effects of my medication, so these days I like to avoid them.

I noticed a dreadful smell in the fridge the last day or so, and I kept cleaning out the fridge. Turns out DH has leftover cole slaw from Cracker Barrel. UGH. I hate the smell of cole slaw in a fridge. In my opinion, it's just vile. If we had the room and could afford it I'd make him have his own fridge, I hate it that much.

Tonight I have to make myself a dinner and a breakfast, as we get up at 3 AM tomorrow. It won't be a long day but I'm sure I'll be ready to come home. I just hope the paratransit service doesn't leave us at the bank forever. I have to ask permission to use the bathroom just like I did in daycare. Ugh.

I have no idea what I'll eat for dinner but I'm sure it will be legal.

[Houston Heather]

Yesterday I got pretty depressed, and I ate a dessert (berries and whipped cream). It didn't knock me out of ketosis and I still weigh the same this morning. I don't regret it. It didn't spike my blood sugar and best of all, I'm not craving it today.

It sure came in handy when stocking the cookies today...everyone's favorites, right into the vending machine. I didn't want a single bite.

My shins are still a little stiff so it's exercise bike for me today. I'm not going to push myself too much on the exercise during the first 2 weeks of my cycle, but the last 2 (ovulation to TOM) I plan to exercise at least moderately. I need all the help I can get then.

Things I plan to do different this month (I'm ovulating today): modest exercise (bike today, run tomorrow, off day, repeat); Essiak tea (it's an herbal detoxifier (NOT a laxative tea, just a gentle cleanser and diuretic) every day, and making sure I eat my fat and veggies. I've already eaten 2 cups of salad today, I just need to eat a cooked green thing with dinner (I have no idea what's for dinner). I also need to prep a snack for tomorrow at work (although I have plenty of 1 ounce bags of pork rinds I bought).

Tomorrow night Mom and Dad come over for dinner. I'm making my low carb spaghetti with dreamfields. I use Hunts No sugar added tomato sauce, chappel hill sausage (link), ground sausage, and a few fresh herbs. Ta da! All done. I plan to use a measuring cup for my portions, 1 cup each sauce and noodles = 10 grams of carbs. I will freeze any leftovers for DH. I will eat carefully the next couple days.

I don't want to get into bulimic type thought patterns (I used to be an exercise bullimic, eat bad things, work out 2 hours), so I will keep the exercise moderate and practical levels. I will eat a modest amount of carbs, and stop. I don't tend to cheat on dreamfields. Once I hit pre-maintanence (I can never spell that word), I can add it back. I might have some more berries and cream for dessert (barring a disaster, I won't see Mom and Dad in person for another year).

Moderation is the word. I plan to eat a good sized salad first. I also plan to go take a B vitamin now to whallop the depression before it shows up again. Ugh. This is not an illness for a wimp!

[*Pear*]

Hi Heather!

I recognise you from the RR board. Glad to have run into you again.

You seem to be doing well on low carb. Keep up the good work!

[Houston Heather]

Yup, it's me.

I learned a hard lesson today about dreamfields. It does spike my blood sugar and is a bad idea. Bummer. I ate dinner not 2 hours ago and I'm starving again? We got a problem. No more dreamfields.

I went for a run as soon as I got home from work; a good idea, I think. I only saw one other person, a very obese woman who sat in her car as her toddler child played at the playground. How sad.

I'm sure I gave her plenty of amusement as I jiggled my way around our little track.

[Houston Heather]

I guess you could say I'm doing a meat fast today. So far, I've only eaten meat today. I woke up about 209.5. I was still turning my ketostix purple, so hopefully I didn't do any lasting damage to myself.

Today was supposed to be my day off. It didn't work that way. Last night DH asked me if I would go to Sam's club for "30 minutes" to help him buy some muffins. I said OK. Then it was, the repairman is coming in the late afternoon, please come with me. I said OK. We did all that, lots of running around and stress but I did it, and the repairman brought the wrong part!

When we got home I was exhausted. He said "Oh, yeah, we have to review all the receipts and then file the monthly report online." I told him, if I'd known that I wouldn't have run all the other errands. He got extremely upset and began yelling and screaming.

When he got to name calling and throwing the cost of my medication in my face, I told him to stop. He continued. I told him, I will not help you any more as long as you are screaming at me and calling me names. He kept it up, warning me I couldn't control him. Like I want to! Finally, when he spoke to me in a civilized tone of voice I finished helping him. I used to be the original doormat. I used to listen to all that crap and believe it!

I believe one reason I got fat in the first place: he told me if I got fat he would leave me. I think I secretly hoped he would. It didn't work that way.

I've got better things to do than play games and I was very proud of my reaction. One decision I already made: don't interact when he is name calling and using an ugly tone of voice. That just makes it more fun for him. It's not like he'll listen to anything I have to say when he's like that. Nope.

Second decision: Talk to doctor about getting a cheaper antipsychotic. It isn't working as well as I'd like anyway. I was seeing things today, and that really freaks me out. Y'all are the first to hear that one. So, ask for a better, cheaper pill.

Once that's accomplished: Buy my own pills. Refuse to allow him to pay for them. I may only make $720 a month, and the pills (assume I get a $4 generic, they would cost about $100) are currently $240. It would be worth it not to have him constantly throwing the cost of my medication in my face. That's dirty fighting in any book. Especially someone with mental illness. Does he want me off the pills? Hell, no.

I will tell him ('cause this is really going to freak him out) "If you don't get ugly about my medication when we fight, I might let you put in $20 or so now and then in a year or two." I do all the food shopping, help him at work, housekeeping, take care of the cats, make sure his life is as comfortable as possible. I buy all my own food, cat food, clothes, housekeeping supplies, it all comes out of MY budget. He doesn't pay any bill besides my medication that he wouldn't be paying if he lived alone. He's the one going to Starbucks a couple times a week, and telling his freind on the phone "Let's go spend $60 on BBQ"

I fried up a cube steak for dinner. It's very good. I'm eating it now. I didn't cheat in any way. Way to go, Heather!

I even bought a pair of MISSES size 20 shorts today and THEY FIT GREAT, MAYBE EVEN LOOSE! I love it.

Things are going to get better. God is going to have to do an intervention on the man because I know nothing I do can change him. I just think it's sad. He has no idea how one-sided our relationship's become. I wish he would invest half the interest in me that he does in the cats.

But if he doesn't that's on him. I'm still a beloved child of God.

[Houston Heather]

He apologized for being a lout and proved it by cooking us bacon for breakfast. I am very blessed that he's supportive. I've heard horror stories of sabatoging spouses.

So, today, in to work. Work work work. I'm getting a little tired of plain pork rinds. I think I need to make a dip or something. Halfway into a bag of plain "porkies", I remembered I still had some bacon. I dropped the pork rinds and went after the bacon. Tasty. DH had a meeting and I had to meet the milkman again. Fill the machines, blah blah. Someone complained my cheese crackers were "stale" but the sell by date isn't 'till June. I think she just wanted me to hand her money at the machine. We don't do that. You have to fill out a form and then I pay the refund.

When we got home, I was beat. I ate my leftover cube steak (I neglected it while I was doing dishes and it was a little well-done). I cut off the burnt parts and offered them to the cat. He ate them and he licked the plate clean. What a good boy!

Right as I lay down to take my nap, the neighbor behind us began their drumming practice. If I didn't know better, I'd swear I was in an evil plot to deprive me of my rest. I fell asleep anyway and had odd dreams about marching bands. Ron said the drummer stopped after about 15 minutes. I woke up on my own.

I wore the 20's again today, and double checked the size charts - it's official. I am a size 20 misses! That is so cool.

After I get paid I need to go to Sears or something and get a more professional pair of pants - these are elastic waist shorts. We have a meeting with the Plant Manager on Wednesday. She's a nice lady and all, but I have to dress for a business meeting. Guess what? I don't have fat girl business clothes. I'll find something. Even a nicer pair of capris and a blouse ought to do it. No way am I wearing heels. I HATE heels.

Speaking of heels, I was a little creaky today. I had a bad habit in the past, of overdoing it until I injured myself. I'm taking another day off workouts. I've already worked out 3 days this week, plus work (which even fitday counts). That's from absolutely ZERO workouts last week. I can hit the bike or running trail, or 10 minutes of each, tomorrow. The nice thing about the recumbent exercise bike (DH bought it and hardly uses it) is that it doesn't care if it's raining, hot or cold. I've run in a thunderstorm, and it was fun, but I don't know if I'd do it again.

I have a nice pork chop in the fridge for dinner and we're going to cook up some sirloin tip steaks tomorrow. Tasty.

[Houston Heather]

Today was my day off. I was tired, so I slept in. Our only real errand was a ride to Walmart. I wanted to get another pair of the $5 shorts and maybe see about other shorts, too.

I found a pair of 20's that I'm sure will fit (they are a black poly/cotton blend) and a pair of 18 bermuda shorts that looked to be almost the same size. I tried them on, they fit, but I need to lose another half inch before I'd feel comfortable wearing them in public. I don't like people able to see the lines in my underwear. If they can see lines, I won't wear them. At any rate, it's fun to have something "smaller" because I'm about wiped out in the wardrobe department. Anyway - Yay!

Ron (DH) wanted to go to his favorite BBQ place. They are good but the sauce is on everything and laden with sugar. I got myself a bunless hamburger at the Walmart McDonalds and ate that before I got in our freind's truck. When we got to the counter and saw the display of various yummy desserts, it was easy to say "No". They couldn't comprehend that I didn't want the bread. I took it out of the bag and they put it back in. Sadly, our freind, who is overweight, took all the bread with him.

I've drunk all my "have to" water for the day, and I've reached a decision. I'm going to taper way back on my soda intake after my period. I believe that will help accelerate my weight loss, and I'm comfortable with losing at a faster rate.

I already did my exercise bike first thing today, so I just have to run tomorrow. I may have an audience but hopefully it will be instructional for little kids - fat ladies can run, too.

[Houston Heather]

I told DH I've been craving salty foods so he's been making me bacon. What a sweetie.

Today we got up, went in to work, stocked the machines (I did everything). Our pickup to come home was over an hour late. When we did get home, I threw on my running clothes (my poor leggings have about had it) and went for a nice relaxing run.

Our local sporting goods store has an ad about how "Running makes it all better". How true! I felt a lot better on the way home, ate, took my pills, and took a nap.

A salesman woke me up. Ugh!

The only problem I experienced today was a nasty muscle cramp in my thigh. I took some electromix and a little bit of the fake salt in water. They both have potassium. I also took my Cal-Mag-Zinc in case it was one of them.

Maybe I'm about to whoosh. I can dream.

[Houston Heather]

DH hugged me this morning, did a double take (he's blind), and hugged me again.

No more flinching when his arms go around my waist. Without TMI, I think I'm back in the "Sexy weight" range.

I lost a pound and a half overnight, and some fractions of an inch off my waist and hips. Yeah!

AND I started a challenge "Kick the can" to taper off my diet sodas. I think that will serve me VERY well. I'll just get some unsweetened, flavored sparkling waters instead of my beloved diet sodas, and drink a whole lot of water. I'm setting a goal of 1 can + 1 bottle (20 ounce) caffeinated soda every morning this week (instead of, like, 9 cans and 2-3 bottles), and 1 can diet decaf in the evenings.

"Heather Shrinks" indeed.

[Houston Heather]

I bloated pretty fast last night, so fast my laproscopy scar on my belly button started hurting. I've packed on an inch solid from my waist to my hips. Today, the squirts began. They smell wierd (like rotting fruit). I picked up a bug. YAAAGH! Thank God I'm not queasy.

DH has been nagging me to take my olive leaf capsules because he's been fighting something. He didn't want me to catch it. I think it helped keep whatever this is at the "minor annoyance" stage, but it's still frustrating.

I got paid early today. I went to the mall, and looked at the Lady Footlocker and the regular Footlocker. The regular store had better shirts, better colors, and 100% cotton. I got 5 "Large" (that's Men's large) tshirts to replace the XL ones that are getting baggy on me. I'm not wearing anything tight by any means but it's nice to have something a little more fitted.

I saw some awesome purple bermuda shorts at a store today, and went in to check them out. The sales clerk was so tasteful. She asked if she could help me, I told her I loved the shorts, and she very gently enquired as to my "Current Size right now". By now, I'd read the tags and realized they had nothing in a 20 Misses, but I thanked her anyway. I told her when I finished losing the weight, I'd be back.

I might even do it. After the mall we went to Walmart where I got smart induction foods, supplies I needed, and another $10 pair of work shoes. The gray ones are so comfy I had to get a pair in the black.

[Houston Heather]

Before I say anything else, I have to admit I can be just as petty and judgemental as anyone else. I know someone who is very critical of gastric bypass surgery, for instance, yet she's borderline diabetic and obese. She "Tries to be good" with her eating habits and yet she's still borderling diabetic and obese. I'm guilty of thinking, "You shouldn't judge until you are down to your ideal weight, [person's name]"

When I was a teenager and we went to the amusement park (in the late 80's, early 90's), we used to look for the most unsuitably dressed tourist. Usually it was an obese woman wearing neon colored spandex leggings. It wasn't pretty.

OK, having established that I will tell my story. Perhaps it's my karmic payback. [Eating a bite of pork chop]

Today at work - full of tension and stupid corporate game playing that was totally unneccessary. Absolutely pointless. I had plenty of time to stock my vending machines, at least. The repairman stood us up, things like that.

I am so ready for my run when I get home. I took 2 days off (running) in a row because I was a little stiff in the joints. I don't want to get an overuse injury. Besides, I weigh 208 pounds, that's a lot of stress on the poor joints, especially when I'm flapping down the sidewalk.

I felt fine today, so when we got home I changed into my black cotton 1X leggings, my oversized soft pink cotton t-shirt (it's a Men's XL, and I wear a L now), appropriate undergarmets, and my running shoes. I had my baseball cap on. I drank half a quart of Electromix so I wouldn't get low on minerals or end up dehydrated. I start my walk to the park.

I see contractors at the park. They're doing some work on a structure. I finish my warm up, head to one end of the jogging trail (by the contractors) and begin my run. I hear mean-spirited snickers but I thought maybe they were telling a dirty joke or something.

No, every time I ran or walked by, the contractors would make comments under their breath, snicker, point, and laugh. The old Heather would have been crushed. The unmedicated Heather (remember I'm bipolar) would have gotten into their faces and started something ugly. Me? I just kept running smoothly, concentrating on "light steps" - because I've been slapping my feet a lot lately, and enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.

Why should I care what they think? They're working in the hot sun. I'm already done with work. Have they lost 80 pounds and then 20 more? Have they run a half marathon, like I did in 2004, finishing? Or are they just a bunch of carcinogenic smoking creeps who are so small and petty they're going to laugh at a fat woman getting healthy? Well, screw 'em. They're not worth it.

Way to go, Heather. I'm very proud of myself today. Now I'll finish that pork chop.

[Houston Heather]

Today I awoke 2 pounds lighter! On my old menstrual cycle, I would be "due" on the 18th, if I go on last month I won't start until the 26th. I kind of feel like it's going to happen this week. I crave chicken about a week before I start most months, and I have been ravenous for chicken the last day.

At any rate, losing 2 pounds when I'm PMS'ing is amazing! I don't recall that happening before, ever. I know the running has helped.

I wanted to get some cute running clothes to reward myself, but I couldn't find any for my size. I found a few places online but the shorts cost $50 and I didn't like the style. No, thanks.

My local sporting goods store (sorry, we don't stock plus sizes) doesn't have anything in my size - yet. I'm shrinking. But in the meantime I am sick to death of thrift store black leggings or old blue leggings. Ugh. What's a girl to do?

I was prancing around the Misses' section at Walmart today when I saw some of their activewear. I found some running skorts (seems to be the new style) in a 16/18 misses. I thought, they won't fit. Then I thought I'm wearing an 18 Misses Walmart Bermuda shorts. Who's to say they won't?

I picked out a really cute pair of black/red skort and a matching red top. They fit perfectly. I was still wearing my exercise bra and I was able to determine it'll work. I think there's nothing more disgusting than seeing a woman's bra sticking out above her clothes. So.

The sporting goods store sells 1 pair of jogging shorts for about $15. I was able to get the whole OUTFIT at Walmart for $17. Now I have an awesome reward for my hard work, and something pretty to wear the next time I work out.

AND I got an awesome XL (women's) t-shirt in magenta, one of my all-time favorite colors.

When I finished my shopping, I bought myself a rotisserie chicken. I ate half of it. I was hungry. I'm going to go pee on a ketostick and make sure I didn't knock myself out of ketosis or anything, but I feel great.

[Houston Heather]

It's purple. I've eaten a fair amount of the chicken. Yum.

I'm having some troubles with my blood sugar and it is the evil devil ASPARTAME. That's it - no more aspartame sodas. They are not worth it.

It's very frustrating when your food "freinds" become enemies. Thank God I have some Cherry Cola Diet Rite (splenda sweetened).

[Houston Heather]

I like to envision a small but loyal fan club, checking my blog every day. It makes it fun for me to come in and post.

It's official - I have lost 4 pounds in 2 days! I am so happy! I am a little surprised, because I was a little naughty with eating whipped cream (not really induction level). I guess my workouts saved me.

I just did the accounting geek thing and figured out I am 28% of the way towards goal. It's only been a little over 7 weeks. That's good. I have a hard time saying or typing nice things about myself.

Today I ate a Roasted Chicken BLT salad at KFC (DH wanted to go and he's a maintainer). It was pretty good, but too lowfat! It needed more bacon or a nice heavy dressing. All they had was nonfat ranch, with 7 grams of carbs. No thanks.

When I came home I got into the whipped cream. I was hungry. I hope my body doesn't hate me in the morning.

Speaking of the morning, I have to get up at 3 AM. I need to get a nap because the neighbor kids like to play late.

Tomorrow, I've got a run planned, and my cute new jogging clothes all laid out. Worst case (bad weather, late return home) I will ride the exercise bike.

[Houston Heather]

Well, I was up a pound and a half this morning. I didn't drink my water, and we'll just say that halfway through the day, my system reacted violently to the whipped cream. I lost plenty of weight then and there.

Oh, this morning was nuts. I had to get up at 3 AM. Then we went to work to receive a delivery that was 2 hours late. The Plant Manager at work had a huge table of treats for the employees - 20 feet of tables covered in... I wasn't sure but I knew I'd better stay away. As a result, no one bought anything, so we had basically nothing to do. I'm happy she did that. I think it was awesome.

I stayed away from the "treats" as long as I could, until I turned a corner and AHA! A woman is carrying a huge bakery box. Nothing good resides in the bakery box. Everything in the bakery box will make Heather inflate like a blow-up doll. These thoughts went through my head very quickly.

"Oh, there you are, Heather! The Plant Manager wanted everyone to have a treat!" She opens the box (oh, the torture!). It's full of all my very favorite cookies in the world. I will not name them. "Go ahead, help yourself!" She pushes the box towards me.

Luckily, my pork rind and bacon snack was still with me. "No thanks, I wish I could, but I can't. I'm doing Atkins." She said "Oh" and closed the box. I told her how much I'd lost and how fast I'd lost it (23 pounds in 7.5 weeks). Her jaw dropped and she almost dropped the cookies. I finished with "I just lost 4 pounds this week and I'd hate to gain it back!" She understood completely and took the demon bakery box away.

Whew.

When we finally got home (I ate clean all day!) I took a nap. I only slept about an hour. It's a beautiful clear day, low humidity, mild temperatures. I'd planned to go for a run. But I'm tired, I whined. I opened up a book. Inside the book was a Bible verse about training your spirit just like you train your body for a race.

That hit a little close to home. OK, Lord. I got it. I got out the running clothes and ran. It was a wonderful run, too.

I'm going to go do arm weights and take a shower. I feel great, I did everything I needed to do, resisted temptation, and made the best of a hectic day.

Oh, and I tried on some of my smaller-sized underwear. It fits great now. The old size was getting baggy.

You'd be proud of me, I have 2 kinds of pork rinds in the vending machine now.

[Houston Heather]

My weight was up a pound or so, but when I measured I realized it is being retained right over my uterus. PMS bloat. My hips and waist measurement are the same. Oh, I need to change my signature. My waist is 37.5. Cool.

I had a good workout yesterday and I feel physically great today. I am battling some depression today, UGH, and I am pretty tired. I took a long nap.

We went to Walmart early. I decided to reward myself for another week of working out with a exercise journal. I got a small dayplanner (to keep track of workouts on a calendar form) and a basic notebook (to keep track of pounds/reps/sets and closely monitor my progress). I also bought a stopwatch! Once I figure it out I can keep track of how long I'm running when I go for a run.

I got some wonderful cube steaks and additive free natural sharp cheddar cheese sticks. I ate one, it was delicious. Ron liked his bite so much he handed over his debit card and told me to get him a package, too. Our ride was late, so I went back into the store to get something I'd forgotten: dip. I started looking. They all had tiny portions and rather large carb counts for the portions, so I looked at the ingredients. Sugar. Sugar. Sugar. I kept muttering the same word over and over again as I placed each container of dip back into the refrigerated case.

I decided to go with plain sour cream. The first one I got off the shelf had a highish carb count. I read the label. It has cornstarch! I put it back, muttering. Finally, I reached for the "Pure and Natural Sour Cream". I read the label. "Cultured cream". That's it. Finally. I bought some more cream cheeses and since I was hungry, a 3 ounce cream cheese to eat as a snack.

You would have sworn I was taking bites out of my plastic bag, the way the door lady carried on about me eating the (3 oz) cream cheese out of the package. "What are you doing? Why? How can you eat that?" I reminded her of the pounds and sizes lost as I continued to eat. It did a great job of filling me up for hours.

After we dropped our stuff off at home, we went to Sam's Club to buy candy and Fruit 20 for the business. I ate a sausage, no bun. Boy, they have a hard time at food service operations when you say "No bun". I'm saving them money on the food cost. What's the big deal? I mentioned my weight loss and she went "OH".

I'm perfectly capable of throwing a bun away if needed but I don't like to waste food. Anyway, I'm off to take good care of me today.

We have to work tomorrow, but not for very long. Yay!

[Snowman]

Heather ~ 23 lbs. in 7 1/2 weeks, GREAT!!!!

Keep up the GREAT WORK!!

[Houston Heather]

Thank you Snowman! That's one of my names for my little white cat - Snowman.

I accomplished a lot today. We went to work, filled the machines, got the sandwich order, ran the money to deposit, went to the bank, made the deposit, went to the mall and ate an early lunch. I had a bunless double hamburger and a side salad. Why is it, that when I specifically say "I don't want the bread." I get it anyway? I always end up throwing it away. I'm trying to save them a little money on their food cost. Ron ate chili.

Today I'd planned as "Powerlifting Day". Powerlifting consists of 3 moves, the deadlift (picking a barbell up off the floor and bringing it to waist level), the squat (squatting down with a barbell across the shoulders until the thighs are roughly horizontal), and the chest press (lying on a bench, you raise the bar up and down from arm's length to just above the chest). The workout doesn't take much time, but it takes every ounce of energy I've got. Forget the super-duper workout routine, the DVD's, the special gadgets, and the pills, if you want to tighten everything up then powerlifting is your move (pardon the pun). Everything I want toned, abs, thighs (especially inner), butt - oh, the whole butt screams the next day - everything gets a good workout in less than half an hour. I do 3 sets of each.

Since I had that planned, I wanted a treat to give myself later. I found some deeply discounted egg white protein powder. I like the brand, and I like the flavor. I bought it. I planned to maybe add a little coconut oil to it later, but I changed my mind (more later). I got Ron his Olive Leaf, and myself a nice bar of Dr Bronners rose soap. It is a lovely soap and very girly.

After the mall, protein powder sticking out of my tote bag, we went to Sam's Club. I bought the things we needed for work and then I saw it - a quart of heavy whipping cream. I could mix that with my protein powder (which has no fat - I need fat and protein together). I got it.

I won't bore you with the details, but we had a hell trip home. UGH. The highlight: I'm getting on the van. A partially blind diabetic woman sitting in the front seat goes "Oh, Snickers! I love Snickers! Can I have one?" She is holding a glucose meter in her lap. I told her no, they were for work. "Oh, you sell them? How much?" I told her I wouldn't sell her one because "If I opened the box, they'll all fall out". The honest truth, if your sugar addiction is BLINDING you maybe you should cut back on the CANDY BARS! HUH? I didn't say it. Oh, it was awful.

Eventually, I came home. Ron went off to Starbucks. I took a nap. 2 hours later, I woke up. I didn't want to powerlift. I'm tired. It was a long day. I get dressed anyway and go out there.

Half an hour later, I am shaking like a newborn kitten. I can hardly take a drink of water. I feel great, though. I came in the house and tried my protein shake: 2 ounces heavy cream, 6 ounces water, 1 scoop protein powder. Blend. Add a couple of ice cubes. Blend a little more. Suck it down greedily, feeling like a little kid eating a forbidden treat. It was DELICIOUS.

I plan to use that as my post-workout treat. The powder has a small amount of carbohydrate from the eggs, cocoa, and splenda. 2 Grams. The heavy cream has at least a couple more. Let me look. 2 grams. I feel OK getting 4 grams of carbs right after a workout. My muscles will gobble that up in no time. I really had a blast, and like I said earlier, everything I want toned is screaming at me. I already took a pre-emptive asprin.

Ron came home and gave me some bacon to snack on while I fixed dinner. I finally got out in the garden and had a lot of fun harvesting. My "Dragon's Tongue" beans, from 3 year old seed, are very productive. I also picked the first "Royal Burgundy" - a vivid purple. I ate one out in the garden and gave Ron a bite. I also ate my first "Big Tomato". The flavor isn't that remarkable but the plant is incredibly productive. I have a small scale so I weighed the one I ate - 2 ounces. My pole beans are vining, everything looks very happy. I need to get out there and water tomorrow.

Then I did all the dishes, boy we had a lot, and took a nice relaxing bath/shower. When I undressed, I realized I'd been wearing my new "smaller size" underwear all day, even during the weight lifting, and it was incredibly comfortable. Now, it isn't a real size X. I have some (I am so cheap) old "skinny" underwear in a drawer that purports to be the same size, but the older stuff is so tight I can't even get it on right now. The underwear companies are sizing up, but keeping the labels the same. The size 4 is really a size 5, with a smaller number on the label to keep us happy.

I'm feeling very mellow and relaxed. I am not expecting to weigh less tomorrow, in fact I expect to weigh more. My muscles are going to be swollen for a day or two. Poor things.

[Houston Heather]

Well, here I am at week 8.

Yesterday, I had to ride with a blind (diabetic) woman who kept begging for a candy bar. I referred to it as "disgusting" on another thread and upset someone. I'm sorry, but watching someone who's gone blind from sugar addiction having to ride the paratransit system and still begging for a candy bar is disgusting. The intensity...the persistence...the attitude when I said no... the attempted guilt trip (I didn't buy a ticket) when she realized I meant no...was very offensive. Then she tried to ask a bunch of nosy questions which we refused to answer.

DH used to work in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco. It is probably one of the worst cities in the world for homeless beggars/drug addicts. Even they couldn't hold a candle to this woman. UGH. I'm not sorry I called it disgusting. God tried to wake her up and she missed it. Now she's blind, feeding her sugar addiction - not on her own, but trying to sponge off of other, hard-working people who contribute to society instead of taking from it.

Whooo. She'd really find that upsetting. It's how I feel, though.

I'm a sugar addict. I know it. So I avoid the stuff. I went through sugar withdrawal. It was ugly. I feel a thousand times better for doing it. I work in vending, surrounded by sugar and salty treats. I have to smell the candy as I put it into the machine. I have to touch it. I have to listen to the crinkly wrapper sound. I resist, I know I'd better or I'm going to end up as one of those one-legged, 400 pound women in a wheelchair that I see periodically. I've got to be tough.

Today was a good example. I was pretty tired and when I got up, pretty sore. I rode to work with a guy who probably weighs between 350 and 400 pounds. He's heavy enough that he seldom wears a seatbelt. We got to talking about Atkins. He seems really interested and wrote DANDR down so he can get it after work. He is serious and committed to the idea of losing weight for his health. I think he'll do it. I told him "I hope you're half the man you are now when I see you again!" He laughed and agreed.

We used to ride with another driver who weighed about the same. I haven't seen him in ages. I hope he's OK. He was a young man.

Got to work, put in the snickers bars that caused all the excitement yesterday. Snacks are slow - a nice change, I only had to put in about a dozen bags of chips. A lot of running around and helping Ron, clearing off a pallet, and getting the milk order. Time to go to Walmart.

We rode with a blind lady who turned around in her seat and stared at me (I guess she has some vision) when I was telling the driver about other drivers, who, when I was fat, would make comments like:
Gee, you're so big now. What happened?
You used to look so good. What happened?
No, ma'am, I won't let you lift that. You're expecting.

But now that I've lost 23 pounds, it's funny now. I brought up Atkins again (I'm a little ambassador of sorts).

We went to Walmart, I got cube steaks and such, came home. The driver who brought us home said she loves getting our trips. That always makes my day. I want to be the client they're happy to pick up.

I was really sore by now - I will be taking some asprin when I finish this, and I took a nap. When I got up, I was craving sugar big-time.

I was about to type "Thank God I don't have any sugar in the house" when I realized I do, in fact, have a 48 count case of snickers on the couch. My hands were full and I couldn't get all the candy. I never even saw it.

So, I wanted a sweet. I decided to experiment with some protein powder, some fluid heavy whipping cream, and my mixer. OOOOOH it was so good and the first bite or two totally SLEW my cravings.

I'm very pleased with myself. Time to go throw some clothes in the dryer.

[Houston Heather]

I'm going to stay away from those whipped cream things, even though I have lost AN INCH OFF MY BUTT in the LAST WEEK!

I've been feeling kind of bug-eyed, paranoid, and *****y this week, hopefully it hasn't shown much. I didn't sleep very well last night so that makes me a little more bug-eyed and cranky.

Today was crazy at work. Someone complimented me on my customer service skills, though. That's always nice. I really enjoy helping people, but I wish I were selling produce instead of fattening junk food. We had to stay an hour later than planned due to machine troubles (a soda machine was only giving 5 cents change instead of 30 cents). Ron said I was "A big help".

I only brought some cream cheese (3 ounces) and a cheese stick (.75 ounces). Thank God I ate a good breakfast of sausage patty and 2 fried eggs. I might start throwing some green beans in with my breakfast, too.

I was just getting hungry by the time we left, and I was very tired. Ron wanted to go get speakers at the electronics store, plus he needed some software for the business. I agreed to go.

We got the proper software and he found an awesome set of speakers with the bass level knob that he likes. We brought the stuff home. I'm hungry. I'm tired. I need to take my pills but nothing in the house looks good.

We had another errand to run - we had to get a light bulb for a vending machine. We got that and then I went to Wendy's. I got a small double hamburger ($1) and a side salad (a little over $1). We dropped Ron off at Starbucks, I came home, and I'm eating the salad now. It's nice and dark green. I hate eating pale green salads.

I also took my pills. Next up, a nap. After that, a walk and maybe some arm weights. My legs and back are still pretty stiff from that powerlifting!

Tomorrow, I will get a set of 2 pound dumbells at Walmart. I seem to have lost mine. So, I can only do some movements with 2 pounds. I can do them, that's the important thing.

I really hope this nap gives me the right attitude adjustment.

[Houston Heather]

I'm the type of person who wants the "Good News" first. I started my period! Yay! I should see at least a couple of pounds come off, AND it will be easier for me to lose the next couple of weeks. It also looks like I am getting back to a normal cycle of 30 days. Awesome. I'm taking my asprin regularly so the cramps aren't too bad. I can't take other painkillers or they raise my lithium to unhealthy levels. I notice that the asprin tends to work faster, so it's good.

I got a good, long sleep last night. I took some Benadryl to make sure of it. When I got up, I was feeling lazy. I only heated up one sausage patty. We basically went into work for nothing. It was so quiet I ended up doing the crackers, which I only do about 1-2 times a month. All my chip and candy coils were full.

After work, we went to Walmart. Walmart didn't have my 2 pound dumbells. I was aggravated. DH was making noises about buying me a dumbell rack and a plate tree but they didn't have them, either. I spent my entire $30 advance. No guilt. I got some smaller underwear and shorts, chromium tablets, cream cheese, and some atkins chocolate coconut bars. I ate a couple of bunless ($1 menu) double hamburgers for lunch and had the atkins bar for dessert. No spike in my blood sugar, no cravings. Yes, I know it's processed so technically I am off plan for that, but a girl needs a treat now and then. OOOh. I might save one for after my workouts. I have 4 left.

We came home, I was tired, took a nap. Woke up. Tired, went for a run anyway. I had a great run and I feel like my endurance levels are way up. Awesome. I came home to do some upper body weights. I did some chest flys and DH called. He was ready to buy my plate tree and dumbell rack. Academy Sports had them in stock and our friend would give us a ride to the store in half an hour. I had a quick shake with some water, egg protein powder, and 4 ounces of heavy cream. It really satisfied me and kept me satisfied for hours. Not to mention I'm sure my muscles will enjoy the protein.

EEEK! I have just run, in Houston, in hot muggy weather. My hair looks and feels like roadkill. So much for the chest workout, I did a set of chest presses and called it a day. I took a quick shower, dressed, and we went to the store.

He basically gave me a blank ticket - anything I wanted up to (the cost of the speakers he bought himself). I found the dumbell rack and plate tree. They cost about $30 each. I wandered around. OH, 2 pound dumbells. Another $5. 2.5 pound Olympic plates, $5. Anything else? I wandered through the store. Nah. Nah. Nah. Oh, headbands. I got some headbands, about $12 for 14.

I'm done, I told him. He was shocked. Was I sure? Yes. I spent a lot less than he had anticipated but he wasn't complaining. I told him, after we fix the garage door so the wasps can't get in, the only thing I need out there is maybe for him to connect my TV and wire some speakers so I can get my XM dance tunes out in the garage. He says that is "easy".

We ran an errand for Ron and then we thought about dinner. I suggested Wendy's. I got my usual "Snack attack" - the bread was fed to parking lot birds, a caesar side salad, and a large diet soda. Ron had chili with onions and cheese, and our friend had the usual fast food dinner. I was very happy with my meal, it was different, fun, tasty, and cheap. Yay. I didn't want to hassle with cooking tonight.

Tomorrow I've got to cook up some cube steaks. I plan to freeze most of them and save them for nights I don't feel like cooking.

[Houston Heather]

Hopefully typing this will get my mind of the awful acid stomach I've got. I just drank some pepto, and I'm chasing it down with some diet 7 up over ice (the ice will add water to my drink). Sometimes the Lithium hits me this way. It's a lot better than seizures and stuff. I've heard of dreadful side effects from some pills; I can certainly live with the lithium. I'm pretty used to the Lithium now after 2 years.

I had such high hopes. Yesterday I woke up 2 pounds lighter, down to 204. Today I expected to hit onederland, perhaps. I figured at the minimum, I'd be at least 4 pounds lighter. That's what happened last month

I was two pounds heavier. I was deeply discouraged for a while. I measured myself - still the nice slim measurements I had yesterday. Where-ever those two pounds were hiding, it wasn't on my waist or hips.

I decided I wouldn't let the scale ruin my day. DH and I assembled my new toys yesterday. I got new toys! Me, "Focus on the Positive", Heather B., that's how you'll know me from the clone.

So. I got dressed in my baggy size 20 shorts (last I tried, the 18/16's are still a little snug for my taste), my Men's L t-shirt, and off to work. We had a nice, virtually straight trip to work, and when we got there I discovered my snacks needed some stocking. I had to replace some light bulbs in the food vendor, etc. We ran around for 2 hours. Ron actually sat down and took a break.

While I was lifting a case of (butt paste junk food item) over my head, I noticed my spinal erector muscles are still a little stiff, along with a twinge or two in the side of my knee. Today became an off day as a result. Tomorrow, I have to help Ron put away 100 cases of soda. Each case weighs 18 pounds. That's a lot of lifting.

I need to be able to work. I can't take chances. I won't. I'd rather postpone my powerlifting and run. It's supposed to rain later but I haven't seen anything that looks possible.

[I just emitted a loud, disgusting burp - I already feel better! ]

If it rains tomorrow, I'll modify my workout. I am prone to exercise addiction so I need to keep things fairly casual in my workouts. Since I'm doing this for my health, I can afford to have that attitude. I need to have a casual attitude.

Here are my rules:
* No more than 45 minutes a day. If, tomorrow, I work hard helping Ron with the soda, I can count that towards my fitday. If I run later, that counts towards my workout.

* If anything hurts, it's a day off. Same goes for being sick. I might take a moderate walk if I was just coming down with a cold, but nothing else.

* I have to work out at least 4 days a week (that's for when I get depressed). It can be 10 minutes, but I have to work out.

* Two days off a week, minimum (that's for when I get manic). No exceptions.

I can mix cardio and weights, only cardio, only weights. It doesn't matter as long as I know I'm building up my health.

As I was stocking today, I noticed my forearms are looking a lot more lean and muscled.

I'd say overall I'm happy with my progress. When we got home from work, I had {another icky side effect from Lithium}. When that was over, I knew I was a lot lighter. I ate a good lunch, took my pills, took a nap.

Just for curiosity's sake, I weighed myself again when I got up. 206. The same weight as this morning. If I get a nice whoosh in the morning, that'll be great, but I don't think I should come to expect it as my due.

I'm 10 pounds lighter than I was last month. That's what matters.

[Jean@125]

Heather I wonder if you are overtraining your upper body since you are doing all that lifting at work. Jeanie

[Houston Heather]

It could be. My back and knees are still a little cranky so I took another day off working out. Ugh. I guess God is teaching me patience.

We didn't get a chance to unstack the pallet of soda, but I moved 6 heavy cases of the 20 ounce bottles. I didn't have a problem with that, but I have noticed my knees are a little creaky. That immediately equals an off day. I want to work out, truly I do.

Like I said, I guess God is teaching me patience. Today we had a lot of running around. My weight was up half a pound. I was very glad I'd taken the time, this morning, to prepare a good mini-meal (4 ounces cooked cube steak, 1 c broccoli, and a cheese stick). I did get hungry at work and I just heated it up and ate it.

We went to the bank after work, I got paid, and then off to Walmart. I tried on some size 18's but they were a little too tight. I looked at supplements. I'm up half a pound today but I am not allowing myself to panic. I have eaten a LOT of whipped cream, let's cut back on that first. Drink more water. Eat a veggie with every meal; measure, measurements are the same, don't worry about it. No diety supplements were purchased, with the exception of some Glutamine. DH is a huge fan of the Glutamine when he is coming down with something and it's good for sugar cravings. I figured it would be a good thing to have around.

I did buy some 18's in a navy bermuda short style. They're so cute, I had to get them. Only $10. My fanny pack (sized for up to 60 inch waists) is getting a little baggy, so I got a new one for less than $5, it's designed for more of a cute waist (Junior/Misses size range). I won't transfer things just yet but I'm glad I have it. I love my fanny pack but I don't want it hanging off, getting caught on things, and making me look fatter than it already does.

I asked God to help me resist drinking so much soda. My favorite soda was out of stock. Thanks, God. I just got a 6 pack of the splenda flavored water - Aquafina Flavor Splash. It's only got splenda and preservatives in addition to the water and flavoring. No aspartame (it is not my friend). I'm drinking ice water right now. I want to lose weight as fast as I can, so I'm eliminating things that I know can stall me.

I did get my pills. They don't seem to mess with my weight loss and God knows they keep me on track.

No more whipped cream for a while, I'll live. I got more cheese sticks - they are excellent. I also got some of the 3 ounce cream cheese packets. I like to eat them right out of the wrapper sometimes. They're nicely, individually wrapped and cheap - I've eaten low-carb frankenbars that cost more a piece. Oh, I got a little cooler bag that looks like a purse. Great for taking my lunch to work.

I really do try to avoid processed meats at this point and time. That eliminated most of the meats on display. I'm not that into chicken right now (it's my PMS food), I have sausage at home, oh, yeah. DH loved my cheddar burgers (cheddar cheese and hamburger meat mixed together with spices and smoked on the grill). I got the ingredients. We just eat them bunless.

I saw a nice-looking package of pork cube steaks for less than $2, so I got them. I do like some variety in my meats. Oh, and my one processed meat I refuse to give up. A large package of bacon. That'll keep me busy for a while.

I think I alarmed someone at the freezer section, as I stared at the broccoli talking to myself out loud. "Where are you? Which one do I like?" She just kind of eased her cart around me and moved quickly away. I did find the broccoli I like - with the shredded stems in it, and I got more green beans. I'm not eating organic but I've noticed my veggies have a nice sweet taste to them now. Now that I've broken the sugar addiction, low-carb food tastes a lot better. Once I threw a box of the salad mix in my cart (that's organic, I even compared labels to get the best sell-by date and nutrition label), I was done.

I came home, ate, and I was wiped out. Nap time. In about 20 minutes DH will get up and we'll do some important paperwork. Tonight, I'll eat some delicious bacon, a small salad, and whatever else sounds good.

I'll make extras for tomorrow and if I feel ambitious, I'll fry up some eggs for tomorrow morning.

[Houston Heather]

Well, I ate a fried egg with my breakfast this morning, and I needed it. It was one of those days that isn't bad, but you feel like you never stop, just boom boom boom. UGH.

DH was depressed about having to pay the quarterly employment taxes so I had that on my plate. The milkman likes to play some kind of head game with us and come when we say we're leaving. So we lie and say we are leaving 45 minutes before we are. The actual vending machines themselves were quiet.

After work we went to Krogers. Metrolift got us there early and the customer service booth was closed. We couldn't pay the water bill OR buy next months' metrolift pass for about an hour. I went to the dollar store.

While I brought food with me, I didn't bring a meat type thing I could eat cold. I ended up buying an Atkins bar. When I got home I tested and it did not knock me out of ketosis. That's good. I think if I'm careful with the things, eating 99% real food, I'll be fine with a few in emergencies.

I just felt kind of brain dead today. I did go to the dollar store and bought a few little things (meat thermometer, etc) while we were waiting.

I bought some flavored sparkling water. The ingredients list says: Carbonated water, natural flavor. That's it. Nothing weird to make me stall. It gets my craving for soda pretty well, it's bubbly, it comes in a can, it has flavor. I'll take it. It cost $4 a case but that's not far from what I was paying for my Cherry Cola Diet Rite. I'd rather have this in the cabinet. I really intend to phase out all the processed crap as much as I can. I know that potassium benzoate is not doing my liver any favors.

Maybe I'm just a little depressed. That's probably it.

I'm going to go do some powerlifting. That ought to cheer me up. I lost another inch off my ribcage, it's about 35 inches now. Awesome. I've decided to assume that I have gained muscle and lost fat at the same time, and that's why my weight is stuck.

Tomorrow we have the day off, only a trip to Wendy's planned. After I get home, I need to weed-whack, do some housework, and then I can run or whatever I feel like doing. Nap? Hours in the garden? Run, bath, shower and nap? It's my choice.

I could use a day off to spoil myself. I'm going to take a B-50 right now while I'm thinking about it. It helps with the depression and, I'm sure, the weights.

[Houston Heather]

The B-50 helped a lot. I even went down a little on the scale weight. I got smart. I measured! I will measure myself the last day of every month and then I can compare. I may even do it every week. I didn't formally measure when I started but everything but the thighs has gone down at least 5 inches since I started.

Anyway, here goes:
Chest: 43 inches
Ribs: 36 inches - I'm getting a new sport bra to reward myself
Waist: 37 inches
Belly button (the icky flabbiest part on my body ) 44
Hips: 46
Thighs (average): 26.375

I woke up a couple times last night with a bad headache. The last time, 6 AM, I got up. I wanted to run today, but it didn't look good for running later. We had to do some paperwork, and we had a trip planned to go to Wendy's. I don't like to run after I eat...

So why not run now? I hadn't eaten yet. Uh. I was tired. So, I'm tired before every run. My headache might come back. It might not. I could get out there and try, damnit. Did I want to be a human slug? Huh?

Before I knew it I was in my running clothes, with the cute matching terrycloth headband (I know, how cuuuute), headed out the door. I had a FANTASTIC RUN. My endurance has increased fourfold. I could run at least 4 times farther than I could before. I ran almost a half lap at the park before I had to slow down! Awesome! I was thrilled.

The 20 minutes just flew by, my only concern being the guy walking his Chow dog off leash. It didn't bother me, but I thought "I SUE" very loudly as I ran by. I had a good walk home.

I'm even happier with what I did next: weights. Well, I drank a big glass of icewater, refilled it, took it out into the garage with my journal and THEN did my weights. I decided to do chest-back today. I got the chest and that was about it. That's fine. I'm not in a race, I am doing this for fun and my health. I like challenging myself running and lifting weights. I'm happy doing it by myself.

My new rack and plate tree made it really easy to keep things organized. I discovered that, unlike years ago, my rear delts are in way better condition. I can do my rear delt flys with 5 pounds. Not bad! I had a good chest workout too.

Tomorrow I may do some exercise bike, walk, or just do 45 minutes of weights. Everything I worked yesterday and today feels worked, but it isn't sore. My butt is a little sore but that's a good thing. Blasting it with 2 kinds of deadlifts, 2 kinds of squats, and a good run will do that. I don't want a jello butt anyway.

Anyway, it's about time for my nap (literally). I do a lot better if I can get an hour in the afternoons. Otherwise reality can get really wierd. Not a nice place.

I will definitely run again early (for me) on my next day off. It was wonderful, and like I told Ron (DH), "No matter what else happens I know I got my workout."