Friday, March 5, 2010

Day 12: It's Finally Friday!

It is unbelievable that I have already been here almost 2 weeks!  When I left home, I assumed I would have lots of free (boring) time during the days, evenings and weekends - and I thought 4 weeks seemed like forever!  I don't think I could have been more incorrect!  You know what happens when you assume....  I feel like I have next to no free time during the day (which isn't exactly accurate - I have time to check emails, do LOTS of visiting) that isn't scheduled out with classes, exercise or meetings.  Last weekend I felt like I had a lot going on - even though there was very little on the schedule.  I have barely had an opportunity to get into Marilyn's DVDs she sent along for me!  I am certain that things will just continue to fly by, and it will be time to go home in no time! 

Tomorrow is our last day with a number of people - some I have mentioned before - but we are also losing Jessica, Hillary, Renee (who has looked out for me, like she was my mom) and Richard.  They are a mom, dad and 2 daughters.  Jessica, Renee & Richard came in July for 4 weeks.  They loved it, and learned a lot.  They then went home for 6 months, and now came back (and brought Hillary with them) for a 2 week refresher.  They are all so kind, interesting and open about their experiences!  I am really going to miss them!  And did I mention they have all been successful!?!?!  It is so nice to see people who live real lives, have real jobs, and still make it work.  Having people like Jessica to talk to, and hear about how she has made it work, is so helpful!  It makes you feel like everything is going to be OK when you go home.  It helps stave off the panic that tends to creep in when I think of going home.  Am I going to be able to do this?  Granted - this isn't like any"Diet" I've ever been on.  It is about moderation.  Picking things that work for your life, and making them also work for losing weight.  I will miss each of them.

My dietician Leslie has an interesting theory about food, and how we eat.  It is the 80/20 method.  If you eat well 80% of the time, your body won't even notice when you maybe don't eat so great 20% of the time.  Now who can't stick to that??!!!?  I can "fall off the wagon" 20% of the time (not my goal per se - but sometimes it just happens) and now I have the tools to get myself back on track.  To make a better decision on the next meal.  To learn that going overboard on one meal, doesn't need to turn into going overboard for 6 months.  I love these people. 

Today's ridiculous highlight: I tried belly dancing!!  A lady named Leslie, who is a resident, knows how to do it, so she added a class.  There were only about 5 of us - but it was really fun.  I am thinking that will have to be something I try when I get in better shape.  It will be a really good toner for the core area! 

We also finally had the chocolate tofu parfait for dinner tonight.  I don't even know how to describe it.  It was SO GOOD!!!  I don't think I have ever made anything last so long in my life!!  It took me about 15 minutes to finish it.  Howard even gave me his raspberries to add to it.  When i get home, I will make it for anyone willing to try it.  It is beyond delicious.  (That could be true, or a lie perpetrated by my deadened taste buds - but I think it is true.  I had heard a lot about it prior to tonight.  It is definitely a fave here!)

I spoke to my visiting friends (who are on their own today/tonight and we are meeting up tomorrow).  Not shockingly, they were out making a ton of new friends.  Who can resist lovely ladies from MN?  I am so looking forward to tomorrow, I can't even tell you!  The only dark cloud today?  I just saw that Chester Taylor signed with Chicago.  Boo.

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!  I will try and update this weekend - but it may have to wait until Sunday.  Behave everyone!

What is your best idea for how we (Marilyn, Darcy, Stephanie and myself) should spend our Saturday night (that does not include fried food, a bar, or booze)?

7 comments:

  1. Hi Nad

    How's it going? I have to tell you...I love reading your blogs. You are truly not utilizing your talent at the recycling office. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to write...but if you had a dollar for everytime I've thought of you....you'd be a very wealthy woman. I'm so happy for you that it's going good...I can't wait to actually talk to you...I'm sure you'll have tons of stories. I will say...I was quite shocked by your yesterday blog...slamming your Aunts best friend....I hope she never has access to this. I also hope Mitsy wrote to you her horror story with June...and Norah (having been brutally deformed by the Va jay jay). Anyways...thru it all, I've laughed out loud and had tears running down my face. Everyone is so proud of you and totally cheering you on. I can't wait to see the Zumba & belly dancing moves..Does this mean you may be ready to win another "Gem Line Dancing" certificate? Take care...be strong little weed and we'll see you soon. Love you, Auntie Rhonda

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  2. I'm sure Stephanie still loves to do her quarter-mile walking lunges. Wouldn't that be fun? You could follow it up with Chickpea burgers. ;) ha ha.
    Don't be afraid to enjoy yourself with a few beers. Heck - they make a budweiser with 55 calories, now. INDULGE! ha. Just have yourself 3 carrots and 20 beers. It all works out in the end and with 3 friends, you likely won't fall all the way down at the Wild Onion and yell "Leave Her!" when we realize we've left a sexy dancer in the dust.
    You're doing great and hearing you talk about your new life makes me smile every time. I hope you know what you're capable of and get after every bit of it!
    Love you!

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  3. Oh, and I forgot. I have to comment on your tofu parfait. Seriously...I never thought I'd see the day where you would give it a shot. Take a picture of one. ha.
    Also, I hope you know that nobody expects you to come back and eat nothing but Chickpeas and Tofu Parfaits. ;) You can be free to use the 80/20 rule and know that everyone supports you. I've reached my comment quota so I'll sign off. See you.

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  4. hehehe! TOFU PARFAIT! who's the one eating weirdo lunches now, natalie? ;) s'good, isn't it?? maybe you'll want my vegan mack & "cheese" recipe.

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  5. I suggest that you ladies have a pillow fight, like your night at Linda's for the slumber party! And once again, let me know who wins! I would love to take part in the tofu parfait! But lets be sure to do it when Dad is not around because we can not have another outburst like with Wendys birthday dinner.

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  6. Hi Nad - Everything sounds like a great new beginning. I have a new quote for you. "Celebrate what you've accomplished, but raise the bar a little higher each time you succeed." ~Mia Hamm. I just got that in an email and thought it applied to a lot of different things going on in life. This morning we had Macy and Jorey while Wendy went to the funeral home. I had showered but had only blown my hair dry. Jorey was looking up at my hair, so I asked if she thought my hair looked funny. She said yes - put a pony in it!
    Thought you would enjoy that. Have a good day! Love Mom

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  7. There is a belly dancing class in Eagan on Sunday nights . . .

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