Inspired

Ok... so, as most of us do, I made a zillion excuses about why it was ok to indulge this holiday season. This last week my mother-in-law has been visiting from out-of-state and because of that we got to hang out with my husband's brother quite a bit. He is a super cool dude and when he and my husband get together it is pure awesomeness.

In this last year, said brother-in-law (I will call him by the code name I just gave him: Houndstooth) has been diagnosed with Type 1.5 Diabetes. Now, I don't know very many people who hear something like this and do pretty much a 180 overnight with what they eat. Houndstooth did.

As a side note, my husband's dad was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when he was seven and with the help of his family, lead a happy life. I recently got to read several letters that he mailed to my husband as he was growing up and I can truly say that he was a remarkable man.

Right. Back on track. I had been doing some egregious cheating. We went to have some Indian food to celebrate my husband's birthday (HAPPY BDAY HONEY!!!) and I sat across from Houndstooth. As I was shoveling naan in my face, Houndstooth ordered Lemon Grass & Cilantro Soup. The guilt that I was expecting to feel was replaced with inspiration.

My conclusion? It takes one decision to change. None of this waiting to make it a habit before you can change bullshit. Just make a decision and stick to it. Want to start taking vitamins? Make a decision and just do it. Want to eat better? Make a decision and just do it. Oh yeah, and do it for more than the two or three months that everyone else is doing it at the beginning of each year.

We all know almost exactly what we should and should not be eating. It is a matter of making a conscience decision and no excuses.

Here is to you Houndstooth. I will replay that dinner in my head often. You inspire me.

Christmas Craziness

I fully intended to post everyday during the holidays... not so much. I look forward to getting back on track with posting after the first of the year. Hope everyone had an amazing Christmas!

Christmas Crap

Our break room usually has some sort of goodie that someone has brought in about one time per week. Since around Thanksgiving it has been a non-stop parade of "gifts".

I give you... the gift of fatness!

I don't know who thought the five gallon bucket of tricolor popcorn was a good idea; I assure you, it was not. I am proud to say that I haven't been suckered into eating one morsel.

Next year, anyone who gets the bright idea to send over some "treats" will get a tub of lard in return. Thank you for your business.

Weight: 216.4

Baby Steps

I am here to admit that I did not fare as well as I had hoped. HOWEVER, I was totally conscience of the fact that when I put that delicious baguette with jalapeno dippy stuff in my mouth, I wasn't making the best choice.

Eating is a habit. And, maybe it is just me but the fact that I was aware of what I was putting in my mouth is a baby step I needed. It is very easy to start out all gung-ho but it is more important to (prepare for cliches)...

• Take two steps forward, one step back
• Get back up on the horse
• Instead of giving myself reasons why I can't, I give myself reasons why I can
• Fall seven times, stand up eight
• Get back on the wagon

Are any of you playing along (i.e. on your own journey to get in shape, eat better, et al)?

Have a quote or quip that you think others might find fun/interesting/inspiring? Post it in the comments. I will be sure to flag this post and whenever I'm feeling a little down you will be the one who helps me carry on. Thanks and have a great week... Christmas count down: five-ish days.

Weight: 216.8

I'm freeee... Free falling!

Any of you who have had a lapse in working out know what I'm talking about. Your legs are sore, and muscle hurt that you forgot you had. You go to sit down (on the toilet) and the last six inches you have to just plop. Welcome to my morning.

Weight: 215.6

Happy Christmas Crawl!

Do you want to know why most people resolve to eat healthy for the new year? Because there are too many amazing and delicious parties in December. For example:

Friday - Festive Cardiff Pub Crawl (I will be the one dressed snowman-esque)
Saturday - Temecula Wine Crawl followed by dinner and white elephant
Sunday - Pre-Christams, Christmas at the parents'
Monday - Dinner at Island Prime

No break in sight until after the New Year... I feel like calling in sick to everything. I will stay home and eat my twigs and berries, thank you very much.

Weight: 214.6

Traffic

I have decided that going to the gym is lame. I could totally be doing something else way more fun. I say working out should be coupled with something lame that you have to do anyway, like sitting in traffic.

I've thought of several different possibilities:

• Workout DVD. Almost all cars now come with a player built in. I'm sure if Cindy Crawford can figure out how to workout in the middle of the desert with Rafu she can figure out how to make a video while driving.

• For all of you tree huggers out there (you know who you are). Remove the driver's seat and insert either a) a bicycle or b) a hamster wheel. You want to go somewhere? You're going to have to earn it.

• For you lazy MoFo's like me... those Tens Unit things. I mean if it is meant to stimulate your muscles, it's a work out, right? It could plug right in to the outlet formerly know as your cigarette lighter. I do imagine that there may be some risk of a power surge and being electrocuted but hey, no pain - no gain.

Weight: 213.6