Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Good news/bad news

Last night when I wrote the fast post about eating the reuben that was excrutiatingly disappointing (if it had been wonderful, it would have been an okay splurge, but as it was lousy, it was unnecessary calories and fat), I totally forgot to mention something interesting that happened at the AA meeting attended after dinner. It was a women's meeting, and when all was said and done, there must have been almost 50 females present. It's not a meeting I ever attend (just went a few times 18 years ago!) because I generally don't like women's meetings as they can get a tad whiny, and this one is an hour and a half - that's a lot of whine time. I knew a lot of the people from other meetings over the years, so it was great to catch up with some folks.


Just as the meeting was starting, a tall lean gal walked in who looked familiar, and I was pretty sure I knew who she was, but didn't have a chance to chat until the break at half time. She approached me looking all wide-eyed and smiling, saying, "Oh my God - you look great! You've lost a ton of weight!" Well, it's nice to hear someone who hasn't seen me in a long time notice my weight loss (and bodes well for my Atlanta trip to the family wedding in March!), but one can't help but wonder just how awfully fat I looked before! Plus, I've lost at most 28-30 pounds since she saw me - definitely not "a ton". And plus plus - I still have a good 30-35 pounds to go to get to my goal of 160-165. I am in all regular sizes now (though large ones, like 16s and one pair of 14 pants), but I don't look like a wisp of a thing for sure. So good news that my weightloss is noticeable, bad news that I must have looked REALLY heavy before. Heavier than I knew or probably even felt. But the good definitely OUTWEIGHS the bad here, tee hee. (I wish I knew how to do smiley faces, frowny faces, and strike outs in blog format, but these complex skills elude me.)

Karen at Fitness: A Journey Not A Destination had an interesting post asking the question: what motivates you to be fit and healthy? She noted 2 individuals, her brother and a sick child of a friend who help keep her on track. There were some good comments - check out the post and comments here. I thought about that post last night as I was driving home and reflecting about the woman noticing my weight loss. That's a real motivator for me, in all its shallowness. I certainly want to be fit and lean so I can be around for my grown children who still need some momming at times, and for granchildren who will hopefully come along someday. I want to be able to live a nice retirement with my husband, and travel as we have long planned. I want to feel strong, energetic and vibrant, which I do at times and want more of. But I also want to look better; good even, because that will help me feel more confident in all areas of my life. I want to run into people who haven't seen me in a long time, esp. some of the Barbie moms (who had nothing going for them but cuteness, looks and being ex-cheerleaders - you know the kind who peaked in high school) I used to dread having to be with when my kids were still in grade school and have them notice and comment on how good I look. (The snide snarky part of me wants to be very cool and blase with them when this happens, too - the bitches...)Shallow? Yeah - but human, I think. And I wouldn't really be snippy with anyone...cool maybe, snippy no.


Gee, I didn't know all that was going to come forth when I started this post! I'm having a good day, and hope to get to the gym. I've been going straight from work, but today I'm going to my primary doc because I have a sinus infection and need meds. I know what I need and what he'll give me, but of course he won't do it over the phone. I understand, but it's annoying. And I've already decided that when the gal wants me to step on the scale, I'm going to say "no thanks" because I'm having a good week and will weigh on my usual day Friday. If I get on their scale and it reads high or low or whatever, it'll play with my head. Scales are powerful creatures! Anyway, if I get in and out fast, I'm going to do the gym after the doc appt.

Today my lunch has ample protein - that being more of the cottage cheese that was my rescue yesterday. But being without that midday protein for so many hours really left me vulnerable to the aforementioned Rueben, I think. Even though I had the cottage cheese after my workout, it didn't install in my system in the same way it would have with lunch. Or am I being a little nuts and making Rueben excuses? Whatever, I won't forget my protein again. And usually I keep single serving tuna packs here for that very circumstance. Need to restock the office cabinet.

18 comments:

  1. Congrats on the compilment. I know what you mean. When I think of how I must of looked before I lost 40lbs. it really bugs me. Why did I not think I was fat. Weird. My sis got mad at work the other day because at a meeting they were handing out drinks to go with snacks and the girl ask if she wanted a diet. My sis said no I want to enjoy my drink. I told her she should of ask the girl if she thought she needed diet. I do drink diet some but most of the time I just don't drink soda. One in the morning to get that caffeine buzz than water the rest of the day. If I am good. I try I really try. Remember you are doing good and will be here to spoil those grandbabies when they come along.

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  2. protein is a key element that many people do NOT understand. so very glad that you do - it will help you!

    I ran into a mom that has lost 45 pounds (out of 100 needed to loose). And NO ONE is commenting on it to her. I didn't comment either - I just asked a very generic 'how's it going?' question and she said she can't figure out why no one says anything.

    with her - honestly - you can't TELL she has lost 45 pounds. She is about 5' tall. And I think she will probably have to loose about 60+ of the 100 before people will SEE it.

    So, I think you might be in better circumstances - and can just not think about what your lady thought before. . .

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  3. As always...love your posts!!

    I think it's great to tell them "no" to weighing. I have put off going to the doctor before because of the "judge" aka scale.

    Glad you received some compliments. Don't worry if it seems shallow that you enjoy that affirmation....I want to look good in a bathing suit!! Shallow..yes...who cares :)

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  4. I'm glad you got complimented! It does feel good. And that's a great incentive to keep going. Hooray!

    Mmmm. The full feeling of protein.

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  5. Your post today had me snickering at times :)
    I love your honesty and I think no matter what motivates us to get healthier/thinner, we all have those certain people we want to run into and show how great we look. Espeacially those high school cheerleaders who peaked at high school lol
    congrats on your compliment, you deserve it :)

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  6. It's not all about a number on a scale. I'm sure to the person who hadn't seen you in a while, you HAVE dropped a ton of weight. I don't think any of us have a true picture of what we look like to the outside world when we're at our worst...

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  7. Me, too. To all of it--me, too! Deb

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  8. I'm so glad that someone noticed and your family will definitely notice at the wedding! Won't that be fun!!

    Protein really helps me stay full!

    Have a great day!

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  9. There is nothing shallow about enjoying a well-deserved compliment. Sometimes that's all it takes to keep us going. I'll remember that the next time I think a nice thought about someone. It really can brighten a person's day.

    Thanks for the mention too!

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  10. Maybe part of why she thought you looked so much better is that you actually do feel better and are carrying yourself that way. Its not just the amount you have lost but just as much all you have gained by eating healthier and working out.

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  11. *chuckles* Being thin doesn't mean you have to be snippy or bitchy or whatever you were thinking. You'll just know that you look good, and that'll be nice. And when people compliment you now, just take it. No one's going to bother complimenting on something like that if they don't really mean it.

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  12. I think to a degree we are all motivated by people noticing our successes. Good for you!

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  13. lol, Isn't it funny how when someone compliments you like that you immediately think 'Good lord they are astonished, how bad DID I look?"
    lol.
    I know what you mean about condescending types and their 'compliments'.
    lol.
    Have a great night leslie.
    Oh, and I fit into 16's and one size 14 too.

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  14. sorry you aren't feeling good. and/but don't look that gift compliment in the mouth. ;)

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  15. you might have said and I just missed it - did you get the time thing figured out for you postings? because I did find it under 'settings' and then 'formatting' tab.

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  16. That's what is know of in Britain as "Sod's Law"! I've had the same 'problem' myself recently! You want people to notice all your hard work, but a little nagging voice in your head says "Jeez... How fat must I have been before if people are noticing a 60lbs loss when I've still got nearly 100lbs to go?!?" lol

    Keep it up! :o)

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  17. God a I love a rueben! :) There is absolutely nothing shallow about compliments becoming motivation. It's great when people notice your hard work no matter what it is. You're doing an awesome job. Hang in there!

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  18. Can I be shallow with you? I want to do it for the compliments, too.... to hell with the health!! just kidding, lol,....sorta ;)

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