Blue Moon

Abrams Falls - GSMNP

November 20, 2010

One of the most popular waterfalls in the park. 

Hello Blog!  Remember me?  I'm Sharon.  I used to spend lots of time with you almost every day, but lately it seems I only visit you once in a Blue Moon.  Lots of people have asked about me and I kind of feel like one of these...................................

..............because I've neglected you for so many days, but on the other hand, I've been "gaining" and "losing" and having a wonderful time.  So thought I'd drop in and tell you what's been going on and promise you that I'm right here, I just needed to "gain" some perspective and "lose" some pressure and I think I've done just that. 

Here are some things I "gained" this week:

• 8.4 more miles toward my 2010 hiking goal of 300 miles (I'm at 263.8)
• fun time at water aerobics
• attended a nutrition class with a friend that included a full thanksgiving meal using no sugar/gluten free
• spent a day with MIL
• spent an afternoon on the Nina and the Pinta which were docked in my town.  (oh, so you don't believe me.........check it out!)

• spent my first waking hour each morning doing my personal Bible Study
• finished three books and started another
• asked myself  "are you hungry" and "what are you hungry for" before every meal and snack.  
• completed grocery shopping for Thanksgiving (yes, it's at our house) and "gained" the joy of having to go nowhere near a grocery store any day next week!
• completed at least one hour of walking outside every day
• FREEDOM that it's o.k. to be me even if "me" marches to the beat of a different drummer!

Here is what I lost:

• FOUR POUNDS
• a pit that had been forming in the bottom of my stomach for which I had no explanation
• some pent-up frustration with Mr. B
• some guilt within some other friendships
• the FEAR that it's NOT o.k. to march to the beat of a different drummer!

In the midst of all this, I totally forgot to post my Hot 100 Challenge Update.  That's o.k. - I don't feel guilty about that either.  My hike Saturday was very long and involved a lengthy drive just to get to the trailhead.  We were leaving very early and my Friday evening was spent getting everything prepared.  I did not remember that I'd forgotten to post my update until about halfway through the hike on Saturday afternoon.  I'm going to post it anyway even though I'm no longer eligible for any of the prizes.  That's o.k. - I was doing it more for the friendships and the accountability anyway.

1)  Lose some amount of weight between now and December 31:  I lost four pounds last week.  

2)  Eat no white sugar and no white flour:  Still doing fairly well with this.  Not perfect, but o.k.

3)  No eating after 7 p.m.:  Not as good on this one, but when I did, it was because I had no choice.

4)  At least 10,000 steps every day:  Done 

I am hiking again tomorrow, spending Tuesday with MIL and quite possibly hiking again on Wednesday.  Will check in when I can, but I know these gorgeous fall days are numbered, being out in them is giving me the gift of calm, so when you go for a few days and don't hear from me, just smile and know I'm spending time building "gains" and "losses" in my real world!

What did you "gain" and "lose" in the REAL world last week?   What are your plans for tomorrow?