A New Day

Sunrise from atop Mt. Leconte - August 31, 2010

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

I have to confess that I did not take this picture.  I was invited to participate in this overnight hike to Mt. LeConte, but had to commit by August 1 and not knowing what we were facing with FIL, I declined.  As it turns out, I could have gone and seen this with my own two eyes. The picture took my breath away - can you imagine seeing the real thing?  But as I told the friend who did take the picture, I could not have received a more perfect gift.   A new day, a new month, a new start!

At exactly 6:48 a.m. this morning, I stepped on the scale having no idea what to expect.  Mr. B came running when he heard the scream.  Then he asked if 911 needed to be called when I began to hyperventilate!  I knew it would be painful and it was.  This mornings weight was 159.5, a gain of seven pounds from the low of 152.5 I reached on August 15.  The sidebar will only show a gain of five pounds for the month of August.  It is done, I have confessed it and have moved on.  Reaching my goal of 138 by year-end will be challenging, but is doable.  I am hoping that with a few days of clean eating, I'll lose a little of it quickly since I gained it so quickly.  If I don't, that's o.k. too.  I'll reach goal when I reach it.  The point is, I am confident that I'll reach it at the "right" time.

Today has been a very busy, but good day.  I've realized that some adjustments to the rigid plan I had set for myself need to be made. The "no dining out" thing just isn't going to happen.  MIL and I worked through another ton of business things today and although we've reached a compromise, she insists on taking me out to lunch on the days we work together.  Please understand that FIL was a very picky eater and never enjoyed eating out even when he was healthy.  This is a whole new world for MIL and she is eating it up (no pun intended!!).  Her delight brings me joy and I absolutely will not do anything to dampen that for her.  Our compromise is that we will eat out, but I always choose the place and I tell her in advance what I'm going to order.  She promises to hold me accountable.   This worked perfectly today, so we'll see how it goes.

Today's greatest joy:  Seeing the look of sheer relief on MIL's face when we crossed last item off our list of things to do today.

Today's greatest challenge: Ignoring the Demon Sample Pushers in Sam's Club.

Today's weight:  159.5

Yesterday's Steps:  10,028

Today's Food:

B - Granola with skim milk, cantalope

L-  Lunch portion Carolina Chicken Salad w/lite ranch dressing (Ruby Tuesday)

D - 1/2 c. non-fat yogurt w 1/4 granola, 1 c. raw sugar snap peas 

I'm off to choir practice.  Our Minister of Music is on vacation and Mr. B always "subs," so someone's gotta be there to give him a hard time.  I'm really good at that..........and don't you agree he needs to be punished for yesterday's "butt" shot??