Colds, Twinkies, and Self Control

Most of last week passed in a fog... I had this weird cold... stuffy, tired, and fuzzy-headed. The last one was the symptom I found so unusual... couldn't think, couldn't focus, it was like walking in a fog, literally. Both of my daughters were sick as well and both complained of the same thing (confirming that I was NOT crazy). Hence the blatant lack of blogging! More or less healthy now, however, and getting myself on track. I have kept up with the devotional I am reading, and tonight actually went to the gym for the first time in months! It felt great! I won't tell you how much weight I have gained since Katie's wedding, though I should... it is too humiliating. But even that is not getting me down.

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My goal is not weight loss, although that will happen, if I start doing things I need to do. For example, I am trying to make sure I get five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, and two dairy. That's a lot of food! If I actually eat that much healthy food I won't be eating nearly as much fattening, useless, calorie-laden food. (Um... I need to purge my soul at this point... I was in a lovely little chocolate boutique earlier today, purchasing fancy chocolates for OTHER people, not for myself... but I did buy myself a chocolate covered Twinkie. Now, this does not fullfill my life-goal of trying a fried Twinkie, but when I saw it I knew I was destined to have it. I am pleased to report, however, that I am being good and saving it to share with my kids after I reach an exercise goal. :) Anyway, back to the veggies...changing those habits alone should get my weight where it needs to be. (even with the Twinkie)

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Karen sent me information about an April half marathon... at the beach! I am totally completely enamored of the beach and that is a big draw for me. But I'm not sure I can be ready in time. [by the way, grammar OC tidbit here: apparently there is some debate over today's usage of enamored of or enamored with, but I feel confident in my choice] I thought I'd give myself two weeks and see how far (???) I get in my training before I decide one way or the other.

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Finally, I have to tell you about a swap I did last week. I am an active swapper on swap-bot.com. It is REALLY fun, and I have met some great ladies there. Generally I am swapping something I have drawn, or made, or a good book...this one swap was different, and really intrigued me, however. It was a no complaing swap. No complaining, griping, or mean spirited sarcasm for seven days. Wow! I was at lunch one day and said something, then slapped my hand over my mouth and asked "Was that complaining?" and my son-in-law Charlie asked how long I had been doing the swap, anyway? Katie answered for me, "An hour." That's right, crashed and burned in less than sixty minutes!! Each time I caught myself in a potential slip, which was pretty much daily, I'd ask, "Oh, was that complaining?" Invariably Sarah would answer, "No, that was informative," and Mark would answer at the same time, "Yes!" The difference in men and women. :) I became painfully aware of my words, and my attitudes. I was amazed at how often something negative tried to run out and play!! But overall the week was a success, and I will do it again. I challenge you to try it. Find a partner, though, because you need the accountability at the end of the week. And it will be nice to know someone else understands!