I recently read two things that caused me to consider carefully my attitude. I am, in general, very aware of how great my life is. Particularly right now. Everyone in my family (that even includes all 4 of my grandparents) are healthy. My children are wonderful. My husband is not only wonderful, he is in a non-deployable job, so I get to enjoy his wonderfulness, and not just read about it in emails!, we live in an outstanding house that we SO LUCKED OUT in getting and that house is in a beautiful place. . .We're getting a great tax return that should wipe out our financial struggles from moving back from Europe, we have everything we need, and most everything we want. Anyway--I am pretty aware of how lucky I am. But, I read these two things, and it made it more on the forefront of my mind. One is a cute, made up story. One is a sad, real life story. Both are cause to stop, think, and give thanks to God.
Cute, made up:
A woman woke up one morning and found that she had only 3 hairs on her head. She said "I think I'll braid my hair today." So she did, and she had a wonderful day.
The next morning, she woke up with only 2 hairs on her head. She said "I think I'll wear my hair parted in the middle today." So she did, and she had a great day.
The next day, she woke up with only one hair. She said "I think I'll put my hair in a ponytail today." So she did, and she had a fabulous day.
The next day, she woke up with no hair at all. She said "I don't have to fix my hair today!!"
It's all about attitude. . .
Sad, real life:
I read this on my friend's blog. I don't know the people, so I am changing their names. Sally and Dave. Dave is in the military. They have a small child. Dave is a typical military guy--healthy, strong, active. One morning, he is playing with his child on the bed before he goes to work. He has a stroke. No warning signs, no family history, nothing. He is moved to Walter Reed to recover. Sally finds out that she is finally pregnant after trying for more than a year. She moves the family to be with Dave.
Good news. . .after months of therapy, Dave recovers almost completely. He can return to active duty. Bad news. . .they find out that they are pregnant with a baby boy with a chromosome defect (I believe it is called trisomy 18). The baby will only live a day or two after his birth.
He is due in February. I just can't imagine. The horror of knowing you must plan for your son's birth and his death at the same time. The anger at the fact that as long as he is in her belly, he is still alive--but there is nothing she can do to keep him there. The fear of completely losing your physical strength, your spiritual faith, and your rational mind all at one time. I honestly cannot imagine the pain they must feel. I can't fathom anything that would make it better. All I can think to do is to everyday say a prayer of thanks for my blessings and a prayer of peace for that family.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Weight Watchers (Again)
Yes--I realize that it has become an obsession for me. Anyway--if you are on Weight Watchers (especially the flex plan) send me an email. I have a GREAT website for you!
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Things Learned in Texas
This was forwarded to me by my friend, and fellow Texan who also recently moved to this other universe we refer to as Southern California. I have never felt as homesick as I did reading some of these. You may not understand them, but those of you who have been confused by my odd food or vocabulary choices may find it to be some insight into the way my mind works. I have highlighted the ones that specifically apply to my life in a very small east texas town!
Armadillos sleep in the middle of the road with all 4 feet in the air.
There are 5,000 types of snakes and 4, 998 live in Texas.
There are 10,000 types of spiders. All 10,000 live in Texas, along with a few no one has identified yet.
Racoons will test your melon crop and let you know when it is ripe.
If it grows, it will stick to you, if it crawls, it will bite you.
Nothing will kill a mesquite tree.
There are valid reasons some people put razor wire around their houses (also referred to as bob wire--barbed wire for those who don't speak Texan.)
A tractor is not an all terrain vehicle. They DO get stuck.
Then wind blows 90 miles an hour from Oct. 2 to June 25, then it stops completely.
Onced and twiced are words. As are reckon, fixinto, and yonder.
Coldbeer is one word. It is pronounced "coalbeer."
People actually grow and eat okra.
Green grass DOES burn.
You can't run across the yard in the summer. The heat has made cracks in the ground so big, your whole foot will fall in and you'll break your ankle.
When you live in the country, you don't have to buy a dog. City people drop them off at your gate at night.
The sound of coyotes howling at night only sounds good for the first few weeks.
When a buzzard sits on the fence and stares at you, it's time to see a doctor.
There ain't no such thing as "lunch." There's breakfast, dinner, and supper.
Ordering "tea" means sweetened iced tea, and it is appropriate for all meals and you start drinking it when you are two.
"Backwards and forwards" means "everything I need to know about you."
"Jeet?" is a phrase meaning "Did you eat?"
You don't have to wear a watch because it doesn't matter what time it is. You work until you are done or until it is to dark to see.
You measure distance in minutes or hours.
You switch from A/C to heat in the same day. And, you don't turn it on--you "cut" it on.
There are many types of fits, the most common of which are hissy and wall eyed--fits are not thrown, they are pitched. As in "Why are you pitchin' such a wall eyed fit?"
Stores don't have bags, they have sacks. And they don't have carts, they have buggies.
You see cars in the parking lots running with nobody in them all year round.
All festivals across the state are named for a fruit or vegetable.
You install security lights on your house and garage, and leave both unlocked.
You know what cow tippin' and snipe huntin' are.
You have 4 spices in your kitchen: salt, pepper, ketchup, and tabasco.
The local papers cover national and international news on one page, but take up six to cover Friday night high school football games.
The first day of deer season is a state holiday.
You know which leaves make good toilet paper.
You find 100 degrees "a tad warm."
The four seasons are summer, almost summer, still summer, and Christmas.
You think everyone from north of Dallas has an accent.
You know if another Texan is from North, South, East, or West Texas as soon as they open their mouth.
Going to WalMart is a favorite pastime referred to as "goin' Walmartin'" or "off to Wally World."
You describe the first cool snap (below 70) "good chili eatin' weather."
Regardless of the brand, all carbonated beverages are Cokes. You ask guests "Do you want a coke?" If they say yes you ask what kind.
If y'all don't understand these. . .I suggest you go to Texas and visit for a spell.
Armadillos sleep in the middle of the road with all 4 feet in the air.
There are 5,000 types of snakes and 4, 998 live in Texas.
There are 10,000 types of spiders. All 10,000 live in Texas, along with a few no one has identified yet.
Racoons will test your melon crop and let you know when it is ripe.
If it grows, it will stick to you, if it crawls, it will bite you.
Nothing will kill a mesquite tree.
There are valid reasons some people put razor wire around their houses (also referred to as bob wire--barbed wire for those who don't speak Texan.)
A tractor is not an all terrain vehicle. They DO get stuck.
Then wind blows 90 miles an hour from Oct. 2 to June 25, then it stops completely.
Onced and twiced are words. As are reckon, fixinto, and yonder.
Coldbeer is one word. It is pronounced "coalbeer."
People actually grow and eat okra.
Green grass DOES burn.
You can't run across the yard in the summer. The heat has made cracks in the ground so big, your whole foot will fall in and you'll break your ankle.
When you live in the country, you don't have to buy a dog. City people drop them off at your gate at night.
The sound of coyotes howling at night only sounds good for the first few weeks.
When a buzzard sits on the fence and stares at you, it's time to see a doctor.
There ain't no such thing as "lunch." There's breakfast, dinner, and supper.
Ordering "tea" means sweetened iced tea, and it is appropriate for all meals and you start drinking it when you are two.
"Backwards and forwards" means "everything I need to know about you."
"Jeet?" is a phrase meaning "Did you eat?"
You don't have to wear a watch because it doesn't matter what time it is. You work until you are done or until it is to dark to see.
You measure distance in minutes or hours.
You switch from A/C to heat in the same day. And, you don't turn it on--you "cut" it on.
There are many types of fits, the most common of which are hissy and wall eyed--fits are not thrown, they are pitched. As in "Why are you pitchin' such a wall eyed fit?"
Stores don't have bags, they have sacks. And they don't have carts, they have buggies.
You see cars in the parking lots running with nobody in them all year round.
All festivals across the state are named for a fruit or vegetable.
You install security lights on your house and garage, and leave both unlocked.
You know what cow tippin' and snipe huntin' are.
You have 4 spices in your kitchen: salt, pepper, ketchup, and tabasco.
The local papers cover national and international news on one page, but take up six to cover Friday night high school football games.
The first day of deer season is a state holiday.
You know which leaves make good toilet paper.
You find 100 degrees "a tad warm."
The four seasons are summer, almost summer, still summer, and Christmas.
You think everyone from north of Dallas has an accent.
You know if another Texan is from North, South, East, or West Texas as soon as they open their mouth.
Going to WalMart is a favorite pastime referred to as "goin' Walmartin'" or "off to Wally World."
You describe the first cool snap (below 70) "good chili eatin' weather."
Regardless of the brand, all carbonated beverages are Cokes. You ask guests "Do you want a coke?" If they say yes you ask what kind.
If y'all don't understand these. . .I suggest you go to Texas and visit for a spell.
MORE Military Wife Pride
As you may or may not be able to tell, I am simply furious at the chicken person who left the anonymous comment on my last post. The idea that a military wife should not express pride in what she and her husband do is just preposterous! Here's the thing. Some people contribute to the betterment of society. That includes military servicemembers and their families. It also includes police, firefighters, teachers, medical professionals, victims' advocates, watchdog groups, people who rock sick babies in hospitals, people who knit blankets for cancer patients, and countless others. Every one of those people has the right to be proud of themselves. They can say "I did something today to make the world a better place."
There are other people out there who don't necessarily go out of their way to improve society, but are nonetheless grateful for those who do. For example, before I had children, I was a special event planner. I am sure that my job made the world a bit more interesting for a few moments, but it didn't actually HELP anyone or anything. However, I have ALWAYS been very aware of those amazing people who do--and I not only do I appreciate them, I try to go out of my way to tell them.
And finally, there are the third type of people. The ones who not only don't contribute, the don't even realize how good they have it in life. Sipping lattes and cursing at the nightly news does not a humanitarian make. What kind of person even has the TIME to sit on their ass and surf the web, find a blog about a family they've never met (and if I am very lucky--never will) and make rude and offensive comments? I think it is a person who feels quite guilty in the comfortable little sheltered life that they lead. Any reference that might indicate that someone else does MORE than they do embarrasses them, and so they are quick to go on the offensive, as was the anonymous commenter.
So, let me just say this. I have a friend that runs marathons to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. If she wore a Tshirt that said "Last week I raised $5,000 for cancer research--how are you helping?" What would be my response? First of all, I would say that anyone who runs a marathon needs to invest in a good car--but, other than that--I would say: Oh my gosh! That is so awesome! You are an amazing person to be willing to do something that difficult to contribute to a cause!
I'm not willing to run a marathon. Not for cancer research, not for free chocolate--not even if a bear was chasing me. I have no problem admitting that she can do something I can't, and that I might benefit from it. I am impressed, I am appreciative, and I would never be a rude, insensitive, whiny bitch about it (especially not an anonymous one).
So--to the anonymous poster--if you're feeling guilty, go volunteer at a shelter or build a house with habitat for humanity, or just teach a kid to ride a bike--but stay the hell away from my blog. You're not welcome here as I'm sure several of my Army sisters will attest to (and if you think the Tshirt slogans were rough--you can't IMAGINE what a bunch of military wives are like when we unite behind a common cause, and you can bet your ass every one of them will support me on this!)
Now--here's another cool military wife thing (and another thing that people outside the military will not even be able to understand--much less find funny). I got it from my friend D, who, along with her 1 year old daughter, is anxiously counting down the days until her husband's return from the big sandbox!
Deployments:
1. Deployments = sexual deprivation to the extreme. I'm surprised half those guys haven't gone psycho and castrated themselves to escape the pain. . .
2. Deployments = waiting by the phone 24/7. When they finally do call, it is the best 20 minutes of your life, and mostly consists of "I love you, I miss you, I love you, I miss you, I love you. . .
3. Deployments = expensive packages. Care packages are expensive.
4. Deployments = OH GOD!! I miss him! I miss him! I miss him! I miss him!
5. Deployments = Finding out who your true friends are, when all you talk about is him, and they still stick by your crazy ass!
6. Deployments = The best diet of your life! Half the time, you can't eat because you can't stop thinking of him, and whenever you get stressed, you exercise. . .someone should market the "military wife" diet!
7. Deployments = Pointless. They should just set all the military wives, girlfriends, and moms on any enemy. In 24 hours we would show them who's boss--just to get our men back!
8. Deployments = FOX News. Come on--admit it. You look for him every time it is on!
9. Deployments = Motivation and Pride! This includes wearing the sweatshirts, getting the bumper stickers, telling everyone you meet about the military, etc.
10. Deployments = Proof that our men are the best men alive.
There are other people out there who don't necessarily go out of their way to improve society, but are nonetheless grateful for those who do. For example, before I had children, I was a special event planner. I am sure that my job made the world a bit more interesting for a few moments, but it didn't actually HELP anyone or anything. However, I have ALWAYS been very aware of those amazing people who do--and I not only do I appreciate them, I try to go out of my way to tell them.
And finally, there are the third type of people. The ones who not only don't contribute, the don't even realize how good they have it in life. Sipping lattes and cursing at the nightly news does not a humanitarian make. What kind of person even has the TIME to sit on their ass and surf the web, find a blog about a family they've never met (and if I am very lucky--never will) and make rude and offensive comments? I think it is a person who feels quite guilty in the comfortable little sheltered life that they lead. Any reference that might indicate that someone else does MORE than they do embarrasses them, and so they are quick to go on the offensive, as was the anonymous commenter.
So, let me just say this. I have a friend that runs marathons to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. If she wore a Tshirt that said "Last week I raised $5,000 for cancer research--how are you helping?" What would be my response? First of all, I would say that anyone who runs a marathon needs to invest in a good car--but, other than that--I would say: Oh my gosh! That is so awesome! You are an amazing person to be willing to do something that difficult to contribute to a cause!
I'm not willing to run a marathon. Not for cancer research, not for free chocolate--not even if a bear was chasing me. I have no problem admitting that she can do something I can't, and that I might benefit from it. I am impressed, I am appreciative, and I would never be a rude, insensitive, whiny bitch about it (especially not an anonymous one).
So--to the anonymous poster--if you're feeling guilty, go volunteer at a shelter or build a house with habitat for humanity, or just teach a kid to ride a bike--but stay the hell away from my blog. You're not welcome here as I'm sure several of my Army sisters will attest to (and if you think the Tshirt slogans were rough--you can't IMAGINE what a bunch of military wives are like when we unite behind a common cause, and you can bet your ass every one of them will support me on this!)
Now--here's another cool military wife thing (and another thing that people outside the military will not even be able to understand--much less find funny). I got it from my friend D, who, along with her 1 year old daughter, is anxiously counting down the days until her husband's return from the big sandbox!
Deployments:
1. Deployments = sexual deprivation to the extreme. I'm surprised half those guys haven't gone psycho and castrated themselves to escape the pain. . .
2. Deployments = waiting by the phone 24/7. When they finally do call, it is the best 20 minutes of your life, and mostly consists of "I love you, I miss you, I love you, I miss you, I love you. . .
3. Deployments = expensive packages. Care packages are expensive.
4. Deployments = OH GOD!! I miss him! I miss him! I miss him! I miss him!
5. Deployments = Finding out who your true friends are, when all you talk about is him, and they still stick by your crazy ass!
6. Deployments = The best diet of your life! Half the time, you can't eat because you can't stop thinking of him, and whenever you get stressed, you exercise. . .someone should market the "military wife" diet!
7. Deployments = Pointless. They should just set all the military wives, girlfriends, and moms on any enemy. In 24 hours we would show them who's boss--just to get our men back!
8. Deployments = FOX News. Come on--admit it. You look for him every time it is on!
9. Deployments = Motivation and Pride! This includes wearing the sweatshirts, getting the bumper stickers, telling everyone you meet about the military, etc.
10. Deployments = Proof that our men are the best men alive.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Army Family TShirts
Thanks to an apparently very strong decongestant, I am awake at 11pm, when I normally go to bed by 9pm. I have cleaned my whole house from top to bottom, and even finished all the laundry. I have one thank you note left to write from Christmas, but I am letting that slide 'til tomorrow--so I have not much to do. I have been meaning to post this for a while, so I guess now's a good time!
I found a site with a bunch of great Tshirts and stuff for military family members. Here are some of my favorites:
Sexually Deprived for Your Freedom
Do not confuse your rank with my authority
She Married a Soldier--Proud Army Mother in Law
Army Wives--Holdin' Down the Fort Since 1775
My Dad is a real live GI Joe
Army Wife--Suckin' it up and drivin' on!
Warning--the man who loves me is well trained on his weapon and accurate up to 800 meters
Hug an Army Wife (or buy her liquor)
Army Wife--the hero at home
Army Wife--I put the ooooo in Hooah!
My Daddy is defending your freedom--what did you do today?
I'm my soldier's lucky charm
Some heroes wear capes. . .mine wears combat boots
You live in the land of the free because my soldier is brave
My husband is serving so you won't get drafted
Army wife--I legally mess with government property
Army wives are like diamonds--brilliant and tough
I'm the present my daddy gave my mommy when he was home for R&R
If you can't stand behind our troops, stand in front of one of them
I'm an official morale booster
Real men wear Kevlar
Freedom isn't free--ask the family of a soldier
Half of my heart is in Iraq--enjoy your freedom
I found a site with a bunch of great Tshirts and stuff for military family members. Here are some of my favorites:
Sexually Deprived for Your Freedom
Do not confuse your rank with my authority
She Married a Soldier--Proud Army Mother in Law
Army Wives--Holdin' Down the Fort Since 1775
My Dad is a real live GI Joe
Army Wife--Suckin' it up and drivin' on!
Warning--the man who loves me is well trained on his weapon and accurate up to 800 meters
Hug an Army Wife (or buy her liquor)
Army Wife--the hero at home
Army Wife--I put the ooooo in Hooah!
My Daddy is defending your freedom--what did you do today?
I'm my soldier's lucky charm
Some heroes wear capes. . .mine wears combat boots
You live in the land of the free because my soldier is brave
My husband is serving so you won't get drafted
Army wife--I legally mess with government property
Army wives are like diamonds--brilliant and tough
I'm the present my daddy gave my mommy when he was home for R&R
If you can't stand behind our troops, stand in front of one of them
I'm an official morale booster
Real men wear Kevlar
Freedom isn't free--ask the family of a soldier
Half of my heart is in Iraq--enjoy your freedom
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Added Elements
So, I am not very computer literate when it comes to designing this stuff. That's why blogspot works for me. I always did well at fill-in-the-blank. Anyway--I decided to try to add one of those things where you can click to other stuff. I added a few of my friends blogs. . .I named some of them what they are really named, and some of them what I feel about those people (I HAD to change some of them--so many people called them "Army wife" or whatever--I couldn't keep them straight!)
The Latest Craziness From Around Here
First. . .a random thought. . .would you agree that a person who lives 10.0 miles from the beach, and will only live there for 2 1/2 years, and has already completed 1 of those 2 1/2 years, should never EVER go an entire week without visiting the beach that is exactly 10.0 miles away? Particularly when that person will most likely NEVER live near the beach again--and it is her professed "dream location." That's what I think. I haven't been to the beach since before Christmas. Criminal.
Not to be left out, the little brothers got in on the paint--fortunately, I pursuaded them to forget about the spikes!
Now. . .here are some crazy things from around here. First, I don't know if this is a great photo for an advertisement for Christmas presents, or if it is just an excellent future blackmail photo, but either way--have you ever seen a cuter butt on a sit 'n' spin?
Next, let's talk about crazy hair day. Last year, N. was in afternoon kindergarten. They did not ever get the info about the various "spirit days" that went on at school, and never got to participate. At one point, N. heard something about "crazy hair day." He began planning right that minute. He thought about it and talked about it for a YEAR. And, here we are. Crazy hair day for first grade. Lovely, eh?
Not to be left out, the little brothers got in on the paint--fortunately, I pursuaded them to forget about the spikes!
Other than that, we continue with every day life in this beautiful place. It has been around 75 degrees every day lately. We are outside in shorts working in the yard and playing every afternoon. This weekend my mom is coming to visit and we are going on a whale watching cruise (I've been wanting to do that for about 9 years now. . .I got some tickets for Christmas!) We are also going to the early morning hours at the zoo to go around with the keepers while they feed the animals. . .we are all quite excited. Photos will follow!
Friday, January 05, 2007
My Love of Weight Watchers
At risk of sounding like a fanatic, I am going to explain what I love about Weight Watchers. I just LOVE this program. I strongly encourage ANYONE who wants/needs to lose some weight to go see for yourself how great it is. You can go to a meeting without joining. Stay, listen to the orientation at the end and see if it is for you. I'm telling you. You will not be sorry.
First of all, those commercials for other weight loss places drive me nuts. They say "I don't want to go to embarrassing meetings or get on a scale in front of a bunch of people." That doesn't happen. No one sees what you weigh, so how could the meetings be embarrassing? You don't weigh in "in front" of everyone. . .AND--those places that give you the food--how are you learning? When you are finished losing your weight, do you know anything about preparing healthy, low fat meals? Do you know how to measure your portions? No. You don't. You know nothing except how to put something in the microwave. At Weight Watchers, you lose weight at a healthy rate, so not only do you not gain it back right away, you LEARN in the process how to make LIFESTYLE CHANGES to keep the weight off for good. It just becomes a part of your brain. It totally works!!! It isn't a diet, or a eating plan, or anything of those other buzz words you hear from weight loss "experts." It is simply a way of life. If I, the girl who's only vegetables are iceberg lettuce, green beans, and carrots can learn, lose weight, and enjoy myself in the process, anyone can. So there.
Now. . .here's the real truth about Weight Watchers. I LOVE the meetings. I just figured out yesterday WHY I love them. I used to think it was because of the recipes and tips that I got. And I do like that. Every week I learn some new trick or some product someone found at Costco or a new recipe. That is great. I also like the motivation and inspiration of the fact that other people are on the same path as me. It is crazy how excited everyone gets for anyone who is getting an award for the night (you get an award for every 5 pounds and another award for some of the "bigger" milestones.) And, of course, I love the fact that I can eat anything that I want to. I DO NOT like diets that tell you what to eat and when. For one thing, I am a brat that doesn't like to be told what to do. For another thing, I don't like the majority of foods that are included in diets. All of those things make the Weight Watchers program work for me. But, here's what dawned on me last night.
I bet about 90% of Americans would say "Yes" if you asked them if they wanted to lose weight. But that is not the same as REALLY wanting to lose weight. Most people just want the Magic Fat Snatcher Fairy to come in while they sleep and take 20 pounds away from them. That is not helpful. The other people in my Weight Watchers meeting WANT to lose like I WANT to lose. They have the same frustration when they are stuck at the same weight. Their hearts break like mine does when they go up a pound or two. Whether someone needs to lose 13 pounds or 130 pounds, we are all trying really hard and focusing on the whole process. So, when I've had a bad week, I can go in there, and throw a fit and say "Dammit! I drank all the stupid water, exercised like a maniac all week, and I only lost 1/4 pound." And they get it.
People who have never struggled with weight loss (regardless of the amount) don't REALLY get that. They can be extremely supportive! My husband, for example, is the absolute POSTERBOY for supporting a Weight Watchers member. He finds creative recipes, he encourages me, he cheers me on, he never ever ever sabotages me, not even unintentionally. But, he's never had to lose weight. Sometimes, he weighs more than he wants to, so he just loses it. It is almost like he just wishes it was gone, and it is. That, obviously, is not the case. He does ridiculous amounts of PT every day, and he really likes vegetables, so he doesn't fill up on junk like I do. So, if he gets on the scale and he is up a pound, he says "I gained a pound." That's all he thinks about it. He doesn't freak out and want to throw himself out a window like I do. So, he doesn't really understand how I feel. He appreciates how I feel. He is sensitive to how I feel. But, he's never actually felt it. So, going into a room and talking with other people who have those same feelings gives me the motivation to stay on track for another 6 days. (Then I am definitely in need of another meeting!)
I have applied for a job there. Hopefully, they will hire me and I will be able to share my excitement with lots of folks--but if not--you're stuck with it, because you bothered to read to the bottom of this!! If you decide to go to WW, and you want some info, tips, tricks, or encouragement---let me know!!
First of all, those commercials for other weight loss places drive me nuts. They say "I don't want to go to embarrassing meetings or get on a scale in front of a bunch of people." That doesn't happen. No one sees what you weigh, so how could the meetings be embarrassing? You don't weigh in "in front" of everyone. . .AND--those places that give you the food--how are you learning? When you are finished losing your weight, do you know anything about preparing healthy, low fat meals? Do you know how to measure your portions? No. You don't. You know nothing except how to put something in the microwave. At Weight Watchers, you lose weight at a healthy rate, so not only do you not gain it back right away, you LEARN in the process how to make LIFESTYLE CHANGES to keep the weight off for good. It just becomes a part of your brain. It totally works!!! It isn't a diet, or a eating plan, or anything of those other buzz words you hear from weight loss "experts." It is simply a way of life. If I, the girl who's only vegetables are iceberg lettuce, green beans, and carrots can learn, lose weight, and enjoy myself in the process, anyone can. So there.
Now. . .here's the real truth about Weight Watchers. I LOVE the meetings. I just figured out yesterday WHY I love them. I used to think it was because of the recipes and tips that I got. And I do like that. Every week I learn some new trick or some product someone found at Costco or a new recipe. That is great. I also like the motivation and inspiration of the fact that other people are on the same path as me. It is crazy how excited everyone gets for anyone who is getting an award for the night (you get an award for every 5 pounds and another award for some of the "bigger" milestones.) And, of course, I love the fact that I can eat anything that I want to. I DO NOT like diets that tell you what to eat and when. For one thing, I am a brat that doesn't like to be told what to do. For another thing, I don't like the majority of foods that are included in diets. All of those things make the Weight Watchers program work for me. But, here's what dawned on me last night.
I bet about 90% of Americans would say "Yes" if you asked them if they wanted to lose weight. But that is not the same as REALLY wanting to lose weight. Most people just want the Magic Fat Snatcher Fairy to come in while they sleep and take 20 pounds away from them. That is not helpful. The other people in my Weight Watchers meeting WANT to lose like I WANT to lose. They have the same frustration when they are stuck at the same weight. Their hearts break like mine does when they go up a pound or two. Whether someone needs to lose 13 pounds or 130 pounds, we are all trying really hard and focusing on the whole process. So, when I've had a bad week, I can go in there, and throw a fit and say "Dammit! I drank all the stupid water, exercised like a maniac all week, and I only lost 1/4 pound." And they get it.
People who have never struggled with weight loss (regardless of the amount) don't REALLY get that. They can be extremely supportive! My husband, for example, is the absolute POSTERBOY for supporting a Weight Watchers member. He finds creative recipes, he encourages me, he cheers me on, he never ever ever sabotages me, not even unintentionally. But, he's never had to lose weight. Sometimes, he weighs more than he wants to, so he just loses it. It is almost like he just wishes it was gone, and it is. That, obviously, is not the case. He does ridiculous amounts of PT every day, and he really likes vegetables, so he doesn't fill up on junk like I do. So, if he gets on the scale and he is up a pound, he says "I gained a pound." That's all he thinks about it. He doesn't freak out and want to throw himself out a window like I do. So, he doesn't really understand how I feel. He appreciates how I feel. He is sensitive to how I feel. But, he's never actually felt it. So, going into a room and talking with other people who have those same feelings gives me the motivation to stay on track for another 6 days. (Then I am definitely in need of another meeting!)
I have applied for a job there. Hopefully, they will hire me and I will be able to share my excitement with lots of folks--but if not--you're stuck with it, because you bothered to read to the bottom of this!! If you decide to go to WW, and you want some info, tips, tricks, or encouragement---let me know!!
GOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLL!
No. . .not soccer!! ME!!! Last night, at Weight Watchers, I made it back to my goal weight. This time, I am going to try to lose a little more, because I am not the same size in clothes the last time I weighed this. . .but--I don't have to pay for meetings anymore! I have lost 61 pounds! I will take a better picture later--this is me on the way to the gym. . .no makeup, hair back, and wearing glasses because I am having surgery on my eyes soon! All kinds of good stuff happening to me!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
