What do you do when a good day goes south?

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Yesterday started out well. I've been making a habit of listing 3 to-dos for every day. And I got started on them early -- got the laundry in the machine, cleaned a litterbox. Then I got on my treadmill for a looooong, slooooow run.

Long for me, anyway: 7 miles. Slower than usual for me, too: a 4 mph pace. i know for some people 7 miles is still nothing, but to me it still seems hard -- and I keep thinking to myself seriously? You want to try doing double that?

But that's why I'm working on distance now. Cause it takes me time to work up to these things! I don't want to take 3+ hours to run a HM -- not just cause that's a slow time, simply cause I don't really want to spend that much time running!

I'm not even planning to run a HM til 2012. Yup, that's me, the planner. Slow & consistent.

Anyway, I did it, felt somewhat good about the accomplishment (hey, it's only been a couple of years since I ran my first mile after all!), and that is when the proverbial s$*# hit the fan.

A couple of months ago we made an appointment to have our heating checked. Had all sorts of problem just getting the appointment made. I didn't remember when the appointment was -- sort of thought it was today, but no, turns out it was for yesterday. Despite the fact that we made the appointment 2 months ago, they couldn't be bothered with a reminder call (a pattern is starting here).

Good thing my group run was canceled, as the window was 2-5. Only she wanted to know if he could come now cause he had some time. Well, no, I'm sorry I'm in the middle of something that can't be put aside (I was already in the middle of cooking my lunch). She seemed shocked that I couldn't just drop everything to accommodate them.

So she asked if I'd be there at 2 and said he'd come right at 2.

I rush thru cooking my lunch, rush thru eating it, and yes, you guessed it . . . waited . . . and waited . . . and waited.

At 4:15 the phone finally rings. Did I still want him to come today? The previous stop turned out not to have heat so he was running late.

Well, I was upset. Not that they were taking care of a customer without heat, that they couldn't call to tell me they weren't coming at 2 when they had made it seem very important that I be here at 2. Had they called, I would have been able to walk the dogs. They didn't get walked Friday or Saturday due to the weather, and we have more snow predicted our way for tonight & tomorrow.

The girl starts getting upset right back at me, seemingly forgetting that she made a big deal out of the fact he'd be here right at 2, kept quoting that our slot was 2-5. Then going on about how they were helping someone without heat.

Totally missing the point. All I wanted was a call when they knew they would be late! That's it; so I could have gotten on with my life.

Then she asks me if I wanted to hear how her day went. This was my chance to be a big person, but of course I said no, I really don't care, I'm YOUR customer not the other way around. I was not abusive to her, I was not mean -- I was annoyed however. And that is when the phone cut to elevator music.

Seriously? Are you s#*%%ing me? After listening for about a minute I hung up. Apparently she went to get her supervisor, who called me back. Who actually did remember we'd already had problems with them. To say I am unimpressed by this company would be a mild understatement (remember, we've only lived here a year & a half).

Well, long story short, the dogs didn't get walked, but the guy did get here at 5 pm (then took an entire hour -- probably cause DH got home soon after & chatted him up).

So, how did I eat in response to this? Well, I'd already planned some rather high calorie, leftover pasta for dinner. Pasta, butter, garlic, cheese. Not exactly healthy (but it's a small amount of butter and not too heavy on the choose either, about an ounce per serving). I had originally planned a dessert, too, but had decided earlier in the day not to have it.

Well, I did have it. I was hungry. Did I eat in response to my emotions? Maybe. But at least I thought about it. It was just what I wanted, and I savored it. I don't feel guilty. Of course I'll feel angry if there's another gain -- I know I'm pushing it with that dessert -- 7 miles isn't as much energy expenditure as you like to think it is (which is why it's easy to gain weight when training for a race).

Well, I know people love to hear how we're still human & all, so there you go. Very much human.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

IFDEEVARUNS2 1/12/2011 2:19PM

7 miles? Of course I'm laughing too, because I remember that not so long ago you didn't even want to do a 5k. There's nothing quite like a long run when you're upset. It's not so long ago I wouldn't have dreamed of saying that either! Report Inappropriate Comment

HALFFAST 1/12/2011 11:40AM

7 miles! Woohoo for you! That's fantastic! As far as customer service goes, you have to check this out... http://theoatmeal.com/comics/custom er_service Report Inappropriate Comment

HEYRED221 1/11/2011 6:55PM

I feel you. Customer service is one of my pet peeves and if they can't at least show the courtesy to call its very frustrating. And very unprofessional of her to not show you some respect. Hope it all got resolved in the end. Report Inappropriate Comment

TEMPEST272002 1/11/2011 5:03PM

It's so disrespectful when they treat your time like it has no value. Grrrr.... hopefully blogging about it helped you release some of the stress. I am in AWE of your 7 miles - slow or not! Be proud of that 7 miles. Think of all the people you know in real life... how many of them can run 7 miles? How many could run even 1? Being the planner that you are, I have absolutely no doubt that you'll be running 14 by 2012. What a fantastic goal and kuddos for having that kind of commitment! Report Inappropriate Comment

ALYFITN 1/11/2011 1:22PM

I get frustrated with service people, too. But I'm learning how I emotionally react and eat in response to the emotion. I'm learning I have a pattern of punishing MYSELF when I'm totally annoyed by another person. I am working on breaking this pattern. There IS time I cut myself some slack. But these times are becoming fewer and farther between and I am CHOOSING them. Good luck! And WAY TO GO on 7 miles!! Hooray! Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 1/11/2011 11:04AM

Great job on getting in 7 miles!!! A little common courtesy would be nice. I agree that they should have given you a reminder call and it was crappy of them not to let you know that they were running late. You may have been hungry because you ran 7 miles. I think I would have wanted dessert by the end of the day, too. Report Inappropriate Comment

FRECKS96 1/11/2011 10:46AM

Ugh! It sounds like you were much nicer than I would have been. Not calling is one of my biggest pet peeves, too (and it's my hubby that's the worst!) Hopefully you got a good night's rest and can move on today knowing that your heat is fixed and that you can call another company next time. Good Luck! Report Inappropriate Comment

LEONALIONESS 1/11/2011 9:26AM

Hey, I want to toss myself on a sword doing much more than 3-4 on a dreadmill, so 7 is great! You're stronger than I am. I did an 8 once, before my marathon, and it was AWFUL. I hate the dreadmill. :( I just realized that my 18/19 week marathon training for my June full starts up on the 25th. SOB. At least the first month the long runs aren't much more than 10-13... I'm going to go crazy on the dreadmill. Hope for balmy unseasonable weather in MN for me? And I hate service calls where they give you a range. Honestly, I never expect them when they say. They have the range so they can be unpredicable and keep you waiting and you can't say they are late, since they WERE in that ridiculously long range of times. Sigh. That's also why when anything ships UPS or FedEx, I send it to work. I'm NEVER home when they have that delivery time range. And then you get the warnings... Report Inappropriate Comment

MZSLYDE01 1/11/2011 8:08AM

Wow - I am frustrated just from reading it. I hate it when they do that - We'll be there between mumbo shmumbo. I don't even want to think about it or I am going to get mad. LOL You handled it like a LADY. Great job on the the 7 miles. I wish I could 7 miles - Although I am not a runner - would someday like to do a mile or 2 but that can be one of my challenges. Hope your day goes better today!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 1/11/2011 7:57AM

I can feel your frustration from your blog. People don't consider our time valuable and you had every right to be upset and glad you let them know it. People can be so inconsiderate, good job on setting them straight. Way to go with a 7-miler on the treadmill, that alone is impressive. Report Inappropriate Comment

PCOH051610 1/11/2011 7:50AM

Gotta love...err...hate customer service! I agree with you, if they tell you a time and they don't show up, it is up to them to notify you that they are running behind. That way, you are not pacing the floor waiting. 7 miles, 7 miles.....I'm tired even reading about it! Report Inappropriate Comment

SHEILA1505 1/11/2011 6:53AM

The days when the customer is King seem to have gone don't they! The courtesy of phone calls when they are running late is such a simple thing - and as you say, you could have rescheduled other things. Since when is the service provider or anyone else's hour more valuable than ours?? Such disrespect - but hopefully your problem has now been rectified Hugs Report Inappropriate Comment

Running jinx & where motivation comes from

Monday, January 10, 2011

I'm beginning to think I may be jinxed from running in groups. Last year I signed up for a running tour of NYC, only to have it canceled when my guide got an acting gig & we couldn't set another time.

I joined a local running group, and even signed up for my first group run this afternoon. Only the leader got sick so it's canceled.

No worries, I will still run. But it's cold & it's breezy & I am not my buddy DDHEART & I'm gonna do my long run on the treadmill today. Cause I don't fancy running loops around my neighborhood and I don't really want to give up the time to drive somewhere now that I don't have to.

While I was looking forward to finally running with people and (maybe) conversing -- considering the official pace was much faster than I can run -- I wasn't really enthusiastic about running in the late afternoon, especially as it would get dark before the end of the run and that would make it even colder.

I know I'm not really a jinx, and I know at some point I WILL do a group run. Just not today. And since I have a bunch of chores to do around the house (already got laundry started and one litterbox drip drying), the extra time (and warmth) will be appreciated. I'll just have to give up my hot cocoa!

So where does motivation come from? Well, it can come from many sources, but one great source is actually having an exercise group/buddy/partner. It's way easier to wimp out on exercise when you're only effecting yourself.

For all the reasons stated above, I would never choose to run at that time at this time of year. But I was motivated to at least try running with other people -- that would've worked to get me out the door.

So even if you think you're a lone wolf, give a group/buddy/partner a try. Even if you're very shy, as I am (no, really, I am; you'd know that if you met me in RL without having met me here first).

And if you don't have any RL groups/buddies/partners, that's the beauty of SP. You've got them just waiting to join you here.

You don't want to disappoint your buddies, now do you? I thought not.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

TEMPEST272002 1/10/2011 5:01PM

How disappointing to gear yourself up for the group run, and then have it cancelled. Hopefully next time it will all come together. Report Inappropriate Comment

JRIMM4 1/10/2011 1:51PM

I'm sure your group run will come together at some point, just keep trying for it! As a 'Lone Wolf' I know, deep down, that you are probably right! An exercise buddy would likely be an advantage, now where to find one with a similar crazy schedule (Gym visits that vary from 8 am to 10 pm) and who is not too chatty lol. JR Report Inappropriate Comment

RUNJEWELRUN 1/10/2011 12:47PM

That is hilarious! I hope you find a nice group(since you actually want to run in one). The last time I tried to run with someone, it ruined our friendship and the only other time I did group runs before was in the Army(gotta love basic training). Hope your day gets better! Congrats on your seven miles :) Report Inappropriate Comment

MZSLYDE01 1/10/2011 12:24PM

Awe - Sorry the leader got sick but it looks like you have been keeping busy and getting the run in anyway. Your right - If you have buddy's you don't want to dissapoint them. Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 1/10/2011 10:50AM

No, you're not really a jinx. It is kind of a weird coincidence though. You will get a group run in eventually. Nothing wrong with doing your run on the treadmill as long as you are willing to give up your cocoa. I'm shy, too. Once I get back to running, perhaps I will try to find a group. I'm sure it would mess up my super early morning exercise but if they met on the weekends, that would be doable. Have a great inside run!! Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMMERJESSE 1/10/2011 10:26AM

My question is just the opposite. My highly-motivated personality came to a screeching halt a few years ago and it has been a remarkable difference. Where has my motivation gone? I have to pretend to myself that I am motivated so that maybe someday the real stuff willl return. Have a wonderful day. Report Inappropriate Comment

HALFFAST 1/10/2011 9:55AM

Good morning Judy! I can totally relate to this one! I am also very shy and prefer my "Lone Wolf" running. I have been toying with the idea of joining a running group since there's one so close now, but then my fear sets in. What if they don't like me, what if I'm not fast enough, blah blah blah! So I guess that's next on my list of things to do- Overcome This! Have fun on your run and have a great day! Report Inappropriate Comment

FRECKS96 1/10/2011 9:42AM

It's so true. As much as I love my solo runs, I also love running with a partner or a group. And, it really is motivating to know that others are watching and cheering you on. Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 1/10/2011 8:20AM

Sorry your group run didn't work out today, but glad you are getting "outside the box". So proud of you for wanting to surroud yourself with exercise oriented people. I know it's hard doing it alone in the real world, but you are never alone on SPARK. I'm one of your biggest fans. Keep up the good work. You ARE motivated. Report Inappropriate Comment

IFDEEVARUNS2 1/10/2011 8:16AM

Find a Galloway group, Judy. There are usually lots of different pace groups and you can find one that's right for you. Report Inappropriate Comment

DDHEART 1/10/2011 8:15AM

Judy, you crack me up....your post kind of talked right around in a circle from running jinx to you're doing your run (nothing to be ashamed of hitting the dreadmill) along with all of the other household chores and encouraging the rest of us to find ways to get out there outside of our personal comfort zones! Have a good day...me, I'm thinking we have a semi decent weather day (while it lasts) and I'm gonna hit the pavement for a long run before it starts to snow again! Report Inappropriate Comment

I have the reward, now what to reward?

Sunday, January 09, 2011

It already looks like my goal to be at my WW GW by my birthday may already be out of reach, but I haven't thrown in the towel yet.

One of my goals for this weekend was to think long and hard about a reward that would motivate me. I was having real trouble, cause pretty much everything I was thinking up that was REALLY motivating cost money, and of course one of my other goals is to save up for my Ipad.

Finally I hit it: use one of the house cleaning coupons my husband got us. Perfect. Very motivating to have to do less cleaning around my birthday. And it's already paid for.

Now, what exactly do I reward, tho? I already know that try as hard as I might weight loss isn't really under my control. Oh, I suppose it could be if I never ate any sugar again and never ate out. I don't eat out a whole lot, and even less than usual lately -- but those aren't really realistic goals for me.

I'm having a bit of a problem coming up with something that is truly measurable and something I'm not already doing. Exercise is not a problem for me -- and I already feel like I spend most of my spare time exercising (altho I suppose I need to really do the math like my buddy Carolyn) -- maybe just a bit of extra exercise 4 times a week? Or one extra run a week (I typically only run 3 days a week)?

Maybe weigh & measure everything a certain number of times per week?

Record every BLT?

A savory breakfast x number of times per week?

I've got to think some more about this, but I've got to make a decision soon! Before I know it, my birthday will be only a month a way!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MZSLYDE01 1/10/2011 12:05PM

Hmmm - My birthday is February 8th - Am I reading the post right that your a Feb baby too. NICE. I can't come up with rewards for myself either. I have everything I pretty much need or want. If you get any good ideas let me know. I think the whole house cleaning thing is awesome because that is what I need help with the most. Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 1/9/2011 9:52AM

The house cleaning coupon is a great idea for a reward. It is hard coming up with something measurable that is in your control. I know exactly how you feel about weight loss not really being in your control. I think I will use for myself the weigh & measure everything for all meals I prepare myself. We do go out quite a bit on the weekends and I'm meeting with a girlfriend this Monday and next. But I think I'm really going to crack down on the measurements myself. Maybe that's the key. Thanks for the idea. Good luck!!! February is fast approaching. Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMMERJESSE 1/9/2011 9:30AM

So, we are both Aquarians? Mine is Feb. 8. I have a tough time finding rewards because I've run out of things that motivate me. No kidding! Have a fun day. Report Inappropriate Comment

It's getting creepy here

Friday, January 07, 2011

Thinking back on my week, this is probably the thing that stands out the most: creeping portion sizes. It's amazing how little things can really add up -- in both a good and a bad way.

I've blogged about my oatmeal + almond butter + chocolate chip habit. And now I have a new love: Artisana Cashini (raw cashew butter + raw tahini). It may be expensive, but it's worth every $$ IMHO. I'm not terribly fond of tahini, truth be told, but this stuff rocks.

Only then I start with the rounded half cups of oatmeal, rounded tablespoon of cashini, rounded tablespoon of chocolate chips . . . well, you get the picture. So that is my goal this week: no creeps allowed!

Oh, there were lots of other factors in yesterday's ticker movement, but this is the one I can control. The scale wouldn't bother me so much if I hadn't been on a plateau for a frickin' year & a half.

I suppose I can't really say it's a plateau . . . technically last week I was at my lowest weight in at least 15 years. But by very little.

Ok. Moving on. Nuff said.

So, I read a little bit about the Dempsey Challenge in a magazine this week. I already knew about it a little bit -- friends of ours did it this past summer. They had the photos with Patrick Dempsey to prove it. What I didn't know is that in addition to the cycling events, there are also runs.

So, all excited, I told my husband (one of the runs is a 10k & I've been looking around for my first 10k). I figured maybe I could sweetalk him into it if our friends did it again this year. Not him participating, mind you, but just us going. As a vacation.

And while we don't yet know if our friends are doing it again, he did say he knows they are planning a trip to ME around that time. He seems interested.

Only wrinkle? He is almost always way busy traveling at that time of the year (beginning of Oct). Plus he is contemplating a new job that would require even more travel. New job at the same place, that is. We'll see how things shake out.

In addition to the snowshoe race next weekend, I am thinking about joining a group run on Monday afternoon. It's actually at a trail I know (have blogged about before), so I know how to get there & it's not too far.

Of course, it might be snow-laden (thanks, DH, like I hadn't thought of that -- NOT!). And the pace is supposed to be 10 min. miles which is way faster than I can run -- certainly for the posted 5 mile run (altho I can't see that trail actually being 5 miles).

I figure I can always start out with them and then just drop back & run by myself. That way I get to meet new people, push myself a bit, and get a run in.

I was very happy the predicted snow held off so I could get my swim in last night. I was so hoping that it would hold off long enough to walk the dogs this morning. All I needed was another half an hour, but it's already coming down thick enough that I know it's not worth trying to drag the dogs around. I don't mind walking in it, but they do. It's amazing the dead weights 2 little 10 lb dogs can be when they put their minds (and bodies) to it.

Ok, so this week let's kick all the creeps to the curb!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JUST_TRI_IT 1/7/2011 8:09PM

LOL!! What a fun-filled blog! Love the idea of kicking the creeps to the curb. GOOD ONE! :) Diane Report Inappropriate Comment

HEALTH4LYFE 1/7/2011 4:54PM

As usual, great blog. I need to kick both the creeps to the curb and the "free loaders" as well. The free loaders are the foods I might not measure or sometimes don't even log. A very bad habit, which can account for the yo yo effect of weight going up and down within the same 5-10 pound range. I do have more "Mojo", as Marie put in her recent blog, but still some mindfulness on which to work. But, that's why this is a journey and not a quick fix. Didn't happen overnight, so it shouldn't be fixed overnight either. Hope you have a great day and weekend. With enough snow, will you be able to do any cross country skiing? Report Inappropriate Comment

JUSTDUCKY1405 1/7/2011 3:49PM

"No creeps allowed!" Love it! Funny... I was thinking of you earlier today while I licked the spoon I used to put peanut butter on my girl's pb & jam sandwiches for lunch... and you know what went threw my mind... BLT's - Bite, Licks & Tastes!!! However, I didn't feel toooo too bad about it, and infact, it put a smile on my face to be thankful for the awareness that you have brought to me, through that! Hugz and Luv! Report Inappropriate Comment

LEONALIONESS 1/7/2011 2:07PM

I absolutely have to measure oats and things like that. I use the scale since a half cup of oats is SUPPOSED to be 40 grams but most folks (myself included!) can easily make a half cup of oats 50 or even 60 grams via creative scooping. LOL. I measure just about everything. When I'm stuck without a scale, like when I visited HEZLIZZIE in FL, I grabbed a smaller measuring cup. I'd normally do 3/4 a c of oats at home, so I grabbed her 1/2 c and filled that up, assuming I'd be doing closer to the 60 grams than the 40. Seemed to work okay. :) I'm all metric-y in my kitchen now! I even weight my fruit/veg so I can track it more accurately. It's the stuff like oats, nut butter, dried fruit, etc. that is really tricky, though. So easy to have a serving be WAY more than you think with those guys. Tricky tricky! Report Inappropriate Comment

HALFFAST 1/7/2011 12:52PM

I have also been a little reckless with portion sizes. Actually, I've been pretty reckless with all things nutritionally lately :( I haven't really done much of anything besides a few runs. I really need to kick my own a$$ back into gear. And look at all the stuff you're up to! You have now become the energizer buddy :) Report Inappropriate Comment

SHEILA1505 1/7/2011 11:18AM

Isn't it a pain how it all adds up? Hope you get to do your 10K with friends - can you go and join them on your own if DH's plans don't fit in? Hugs Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMMERJESSE 1/7/2011 11:08AM

I swear, it's like you're in my head! You come up with the exact thoughts of mine as I've been doing a lot of thinking about portions. And it'll be one of the topics in my "direction correction" future blogs. I can honestly say that my portions have crept up steadily and now time to correct size. Thanks for the additional reminder. Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 1/7/2011 10:39AM

Yes, I know how easy it is to start rounding the measurements. I have been extra careful to either make sure I add the extra tsp if I don't have the tbsp quite level or make sure I level it this week. My heart rate monitor had me burning 3000 calories in exercise last week and over 2000 the week before. Did I lose any weight....no. Not sure if I gained yet. The Dempsey Challenge sounds like it'll be good. I hope it all works out. I'm glad you were able to get your swim in yesterday. I know you were looking forward to it. Good luck with the running group. Report Inappropriate Comment

DDOORN 1/7/2011 9:26AM

No wonder they call it CASHini...lol! You are so much further along than I...! One of my downfalls this past winter has been oatmeal...just LOVE IT! Even plain old oats, cinnamon, splenda and water...yum! But I love it too much, can't control it. About the only carb I can have without risking loss of control is fruit...mostly apples. My portion control strategy for oatmeal at least for the foreseeable future is going to have to be NONE of it! Kudos to working on your psychological muscle for holding the line on portions! It's fun to start scheming / dreaming of healthy events later this year! Have you heard about "Just a Short Run" in Pittsburgh this March? It's like a SparkConvention and marathon rolled into one! I'm strongly considering it as my first attempt at a 5K: http://www.sparkpeople.c om/myspark/groups_individual.as p?gid=45321 Don Report Inappropriate Comment

FRECKS96 1/7/2011 8:50AM

I'm so on board with this! Portion sizes are definitely something I need to ALWAYS be on the lookout for. Thanks for reminding me! Report Inappropriate Comment

HEATHERORANGE 1/7/2011 8:11AM

I love the idea of kicking the creeps to the curb! I have been working on this too, amazing how easy it is too just add a *little* bit more... Report Inappropriate Comment

Managing my thoughts

Thursday, January 06, 2011

It's the toughest thing to do. I'm past the "I gained weight so I might as well just eat mindset" -- yeah, the thought will cross my mind, but I never act on it. The scale still does hold power over me. For a little while.

I didn't like putting my ticker up today, but I did it. Oh, there are gazillion reasons it might've happened, some within my control, some not within my control. Will it make a difference next week? Will I do better because if I don't the whole SP world will see it (like everyone on SP even looks at my ticker -- can we say swelled head & narcissistic?). Remains to be seen.

I especially hate the feeling that I seem to be able to eat something one week and lose, the next and gain. It does play head games with me. Makes me confused. After all these years, you'd really think I'd get it. That my weight loss could just be consistent.

I have goals! Goals I *really* want to achieve! I've been asking myself a lot if this will get me to my goals -- with food, with exercise, with what I'm spending. I've been reminding myself of all my goals.

And yet . . .

So I will stay the course. Do my best to do what I know works, because I really do want to reach my goals. Re-evaluate and see if something needs to change. And remember to manage my thoughts in a positive way.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DEE797 1/7/2011 6:51AM

I am with you on the scale. It doesn't make sense to me at times either. Report Inappropriate Comment

DDOORN 1/6/2011 3:25PM

Cheers to staying the course! Have reined myself back to that thinking myself these days! Don Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 1/6/2011 3:21PM

Don't be too hard on yourself, I had to post a gain on my ticker too, however I'm moving on. Think POSITIVE. We will get there. Report Inappropriate Comment

TEMPEST272002 1/6/2011 12:26PM

Isn't it frustrating when the scale doesn't make sense... which is almost all the time! If you're struggling, go back and look at your pre-vacation bathing suit pics, where you looked so fit & trim...and then at your "before" pics. You already know how to do what works... don't let your mind let you doubt yourself. This is a blip on the radar. Report Inappropriate Comment

SHEILA1505 1/6/2011 12:23PM

The science of all this is such a mystery isn't it - and it's so unpredictable. I suppose that's what makes Life interesting - but it really is frustrating too Many thanks for your comments on my blog Hugs and Strength to keep on keeping on! Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 1/6/2011 12:00PM

It would be great if weight loss was consistent. It seems to have a mind of it's own. Good job putting your ticker up. Yes, it is hard. I will probably have to put mine up as well on Saturday. I don't weigh during TOM. I must admit, I don't really look at people's tickers. Do your best...it's all you can do. Let's meet our February goals together. Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMMERJESSE 1/6/2011 11:45AM

Yes, managing my thoughts is my life's work. (smiling) That's why I really like the Dr. Beck book as cognitive therapy works well for me. Have a wonderful day. Report Inappropriate Comment