In the beginning...

It's the first day and I'm so excited. Thoughts are darting through my mind so fast that I can't write them down before I've moved on to the next thought. To get started, I decided to write about the 8/29 WW meeting topic.

Topic: Recovering From Summer

What have you learned from summer?

1. In the winter I don't exercise outside because of the weather. Seattle has had a beautiful summer and I still didn't go outside and exercise, except to work in the yard which was minimal this year.
2. The time passes so fast.
3. My thyriod was low so I starting taking med to improve. We will see. I've always wanted my weight problem to be a thyroid problem. Fat chance - I don't think I had better hold out for this excuse.
4. I allow myself to get distracted from program when company comes in to town.

What makes summer so challenging?

1. Everyone else is eating all kinds of summer foods.
2. Foods of the season - Open season for mayonaise Memorial Day until Labor Day.
3. It's hot so you need to take off clothes. I lot can be hidden with layers.

How do you get back on track?

1. Cleaning - Getting my mind back on track (clean up my thoughts). Beth gave me a great idea when she used carpet cleaning, cleaning the fridge, etc to get her started. So I started on the refrigerator on Friday and 4 hours later it was done. Luckily there was minimum food in it or I would have been there all day. I DellaMaed it and took all the pieces out and cleaned it top to bottom. When vacumming out underneath, I realized I had never washed the bottom of the door...ich. But Beth was right I do feel so much better and I am reminded each time I open the fridge. Maybe if I cleaned something each week it would help me keep on track all the time. That's a thought.
2. New Goal Each Week - To get back to the basics, try one goal each week. Write it down and you can't have the word "and" in the statement. Just ONE. Last week it was to drink 16 oz of iced water every morning before I can eat or do anything else. The exception, of course, is Saturday when I weight in at 7am. I did it. I have actually done it for 2 weeks and it does seem to get my metabolism going (has to be cold water).. I hate it because I hate water but I got it done. My goal for this week: Walk 10 min every day and (just kidding, there is no and)
3. Journaling - If you bite it, you write it. It's like my checkbook. I can not keep track of my checks and I can keep a running total in my head. "How is that working for you?" I'm not as good as I thought I was and the same goes for keeping track of my food intake.
4. Go to Meetings - This works for some and not for others. The one commitment I made when I joined in April 7, 2005 was I would attend meetings. I am happy to say I have and continue to meet that goal. It keeps me accountable and I do not allow myself to NOT know how bad it is. Support is key and I really learn from those around me.
5. Water - I hate water. It takes on the taste of whatever was last in my mouth and I hate it. I've infused it, colored it, drank it hot, drank it cold, drank it tepid and I still don't like it. BUT I believe in order to get the fat off I am going to have to wash it out. SO, I'm drinking it no matter how much I hate it. A minimum of 6 - 8oz glasses.

What are the dangers of not getting on track after summer?

1. You waste the fall and soon Christmas will be here and another new year.
2. Your weigh-in clothes don't fit anymore.
3. You quit coming to meeting and then gain 15 - 20 lbs before you return to WW.

If you are out there.... let me know your answers to the 3 questions.