I KNEW it!

Saturday, September 20, 2008

The scales lie!

I was genuinely hungry all day. REALLY hungry. I had a huge salad (with lots of veggies) and whole wheat crackers for breakfast. Had salad and veggie quiche for lunch. An apple. More crackers. And for dinner we went to an Indian buffet. I knew I was well over my calorie range, but it felt SO good. Laughing with friends, eating such a wonderful variety...I woke up feeling really full. I knew I ate WAY too much, but said, ok. I am back eating really light today and tomorrow, because Monday night will be another "occasion" I remembered how WW allowed me to "save points" or "save calories" and I figured that is what I did all week, and will do over the weekend.

So feeling bloated....I got on the scale. You got it. DOWN TWO POUNDS! Never fails. One of the weird things I have learned about my body is that when I am stuck. Really stuck. Doing everything right, and having my body NOT give up a pound, I overindulge for a day or two. Something about shocking the metabolism or something. I rediscovered that last night.

I still feel bloated. But before the day is over, I will be back to normal.

I am having a "phone interview" on Monday. A formality. My old job is waiting for me. More money. Telecommute. Doing what I know. Being with old friends, and lots of other familiar faces. 10 minute commute. But not downtown.

The supervisor of one of the jobs I am interviewing for on Tuesday approached me again on Friday. That one will be mine, if I am interested. Same money. No telecommuniting. Long commute. New (but short) learning curve. Same faces. Nice supervisor. 30 minute commute on light rail and 15 minute walk. 10-15 if I drive and then a solid 15 minute walk (rain or shine). LONGER days. But it is downtown.

Same dilemna I went through a year ago. I have not regretted leaving....I had to....for so many reasons. I feel like I have been on vacation, so to speak. And now that the weather is nicer, I really love walking so much. But when I used to come in looking like a drowned rat....and when my knee hurts....and when I have things to carry....the part about HAVING to walk. Hmmm....sometimes it wears thin.

So. I am waiting. I will see how things go Monday and Tuesday. I already want to cancel the second interview on Tuesday. Not really interested in starting with new people, an unknown job, etc. Not at this point in my career. Too close to retirement.

I loved the expression on my new supervisors face when she (who has been avoiding me after she dumped a hideous project on me...writing a position statement for an appeal/potential lawsuit, when I have not only never done one, been trained to do on, or even have seen one, due in 24 hours....there was an extension granted...but she failed to tell me. So...she said she will be able to work with me all day Tuesday on it. Right. I told her, gosh, I would love to, but I have an interview in the morning and an interview in the afternoon....What? What? Yup. Out of there.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LIVELOVELAUGH- 9/22/2008 12:45PM

Sounds like you have some GREAT options in front of you! A new beginning of sorts! Things are looking up! As far as the job choice, go with your instinct. Only you can know which one would be a better choice long term. Trust your instinct. The whole calorie thing situation...calorie cycling is what they call it. Tricking your metabolism is often all your body needs to know it can finally let go... YAY! Keep up the good work! Lana Report Inappropriate Comment

SAVOY1 9/20/2008 7:43PM

Way to go AT!!! Woohoo. Keep up the committed effort and the results will keep coming even if it's at their own darn pace. I too have been in the toxic job situation and so I know the hell you speak of, I am so GLAD for you that you're taking the steps and have new options to choose from....go girl! Report Inappropriate Comment

WHITE-LOTUS 9/20/2008 6:42PM

I'd love to have seen her expression too! You should make sure to do an exit interview with HR and tell them why you are leaving. the overeating and losing syndrome--yes, I know it! Report Inappropriate Comment

HOW can this be???

Friday, September 19, 2008

OK. I have been good. Staying within my calorie range, with the exception of just a few days....and those have only been about 300 calories over. Eating whole foods, LOTS of raw fruits and veggies. Getting my water in. AND walking a minimum of 2 miles a day....and for three weeks, I have weighed, mostly just out of curiousity, on a daily basis.

The first week, I was up 10 pounds. Liar. Liar. Pants on Fire.

The second week I lost the 10 pounds.

Today, I weigh exactly the same as I did 3 weeks ago.

Go figure.

My pants are baggy today tho. Good sign. Pants don't lie.

I have a busy, busy weekend ahead, and it WILL involve several meals out, a gourmet dinner/birthday party, etc. SO it is going to be tough. Even if I am over....and I probably will be....I am not losing focus, or giving up this time.

I remain totally committed, and inspired to get this weight off. First goal is to break the 200 mark. Not sure I will be able to do it by New Years, but I will for sure in 2009....and then some!

I hate my job. I laugh every day, knowing I am so out of here in my mind. I have two interviews on Tuesday, and am stopping by my old job on Monday to see if/when I can go back. This new supervisor is such a trip. I feel like I am back in second grade, having to sit in the front row of the class, listening to Mother Superior tell us how hard she works for all of us, and that we'd better appreciate her, and that while we are appreciating her, we are only allowed to use the bathroom during recess, or she will hit our hands with the ruler....No one here laughs, talks or enjoys coming in anymore. 5 of the six people in the unit are planning on leaving as soon as they find something else. And believe me, each of us is aggressively looking! It is sad, but gosh, humor is a marvelous tool in times like these....

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JOEGIRL6113 9/19/2008 10:19PM

You are so right, the baggy pants do not lie! Good for you! That exercise has to be helping a lot. I'm sorry you are not liking your job and wish you luck in finding a new one. That place does not sound like a very good place to work. I too like to laugh and work should allow that to make it a much more pleasant atmosphere. Good luck to you. Rosy Report Inappropriate Comment

DEEANN8 9/19/2008 8:48PM

Yayy! on the baggy pants. Congrats. Good luck with your job search. It's a shame when one bad apple spoils the whole bunch. Report Inappropriate Comment

TAZMOMSGOL 9/19/2008 3:41PM

You WILL make it with that kind of determination! I KNOW you will!! Report Inappropriate Comment

MISS_VIV 9/19/2008 10:16AM

You are doing a great job. Hang in there, Will see you soon. and don't ever stop writing your blogs. They give us hope. Report Inappropriate Comment

Monday, September 15, 2008

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DEEANN8 9/16/2008 3:08PM

Beautiful Report Inappropriate Comment

TAZMOMSGOL 9/15/2008 11:42PM

What a beautiful bride! And such a distinguished young man!! How our parents change over-the-years!!! It's so hard to watch their bodies age. Can't we just pick our favorite ages and stay there! I'm wishing on stars, AT! Report Inappropriate Comment

Did they do it?

Monday, September 15, 2008

Did they agree on a budget? After over two months of partisan disagreement, there is a possibility that our shameful legislators finally came to some kind of compromise and have a budget proposal on the books. Now, it is up to Arnie....

No accountability. None. They continue to get their homes, their travel and their meals paid for. Although their salaries are on hold, there is still the per diem rate that equals more than *I* get paid...AND they will all get paid full salary once the budget is passed (retroactively) Pathetic. If I was to not meet a deadline, I woul lose my job. These guys need to be ousted. Everyone of them.

Now, what does this mean for me? It means I will
1. Get will officially earn my full salary, not federal minimum wage (although we did get full checks this past month)
2. Jobs will open up again...meaning, I will be in a position to transfer out of where I am working now, and husband's job may actually come to fruition.
3. Retirement is nearing....

Picture is of my mom and her sister who had the opportunity to visit after not seeing her since Alzheimer's really began to manifest. My mom is wearing the white $2.00 shirt I got on sale. She LOVES it, and the mardi gras beads I got for her last time we were visiting.

The other picture is my mom and dad on their wedding day.

I'm still eating well...at least with the exception of lunch yesterday. (But i did take a hike afterwards to work off some of it)

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

WHITE-LOTUS 9/15/2008 7:40PM

Sweet! Report Inappropriate Comment

MISS_VIV 9/15/2008 6:24PM

What a beautiful wedding picture. Very nice looking parents you have there young lady. Also, I just LOVE sisters pictures. Some of my favorite pictures I have of are my sister and I. There are so many fond memories attached to sister pictures. If not for your mom right now, but for her sister. Talk with you soon. Hugs Report Inappropriate Comment

First week back

Friday, September 12, 2008

One full week of commitment. One full week of eating on track, exercising daily. One full week of staying focused.

Tuesday, I was up by 10 pounds. Today, I weigh exactly what I did a week ago. Go figure.

Scales lie.

I am laughing, because it proves my point. I think I weighed more than the scale showed a week ago. It was a fluke that I was down...but really, UP 10 pounds in four days of staying right within the calorie range. Pleeeeeze...how stupid does that scale think I am.

I am going to show it. I will win. It can lie away. I don't care what it says....when I am a size 10 (no goal of size 6 or 8 here!) I will be the one still laughing!

AND I spoke with my old employer, and as soon as the budget is settled (gotta love CA) I will be returning to my old job. Working downtown has been a wonderful break. But, I am ready to return to a job that has more meaning and that is more conveniently located. Doing 10 hour shifts here means I am out of the house just short of 12 hours a day. Doing 10 hours there means I am gone 11. AND I get to telecommute, and am out in the field, and not sitting behind a computer all day EVERY day (well, almost every day). There is still a lot of desk work, but only about 1/2 the time. I am ready. I am really ready.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ZESTYLADY 9/13/2008 11:28AM

hooray for the good week and return to a job more suited to your passion. Report Inappropriate Comment

SAVOY1 9/12/2008 11:07PM

When the scale says I lost weight it is the most accurate piece of equip invented and an invaluable tool. When it says I gained after working my butt off it is such a variable process with too many moving parameters and a really inexpensive poorly made machine that you really might as well not bother with it! Report Inappropriate Comment

WHITE-LOTUS 9/12/2008 9:35PM

I haven't given my scale a chance to lie to me lately--need to get serious and jump on it int he am--I may be heading to to the Slim Fast afterwards!!! Congrats on the connecting with your old job. Report Inappropriate Comment

DEEANN8 9/12/2008 2:30PM

Congrats on a good week and thanks for posting. I was up this morning -- and had a better than average week of eating. Reading your blog made me feel less depressed about it. Report Inappropriate Comment

DOLLFANCIER 9/12/2008 11:06AM

Congratulations on one full week of commitment. You inspire me to do better. Report Inappropriate Comment

MISS_VIV 9/12/2008 10:52AM

SCALES LIE They are not our friends. They just confuse us, but somehow taunt us to keep working the plan. Report Inappropriate Comment

TAZMOMSGOL 9/12/2008 10:13AM

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