11 + 2 = 13

I crossed my fingers behind my back as I stepped on the scale this morning. One week's vacation = most of my walks + a few of my exercises + 3/4 of an ice cream cone + a couple meals out + 1 thin slice of birthday cake + several unfortunate snacks. Much to my surprise, it also = 2 less lbs.! I weighed in at 181 this morning.

My week in Connecticut was wonderful! How good it was to breathe that salt air and walk in the woods... I am happy to be back to work, though, when it comes to my reducing and fitness plans. All my routines, actually. And it's swell to come home to a clean-ish house.

When I got up this morning, I wasn't sure I'd remember everything that needed to be done, but the only thing I forgot was to take that one last look in the mirror to inspect my clothes and hair. That's a tricky one. Why do you suppose I keep forgetting it? Is it just that I've gotten so accustomed over the years to spending very little time in the mirror? I guess when you don't like the way you look you don't spend much more time than you have to checking yourself out. In fact, I daresay I avoid looking at myself even when I'm passing reflective windows... The other day, my sister was lamenting the fact that she'd developed some varicose veins during her second pregnancy and I realized that I couldn't remember the last time I'd looked at the back of my legs in a mirror! I think I'll have to start leaving the mirror from my vanity set someplace where it'll jog my memory every morning.

You don't always have to look at yourself in a mirror to see yourself from a new perspective. During one of my indulgent moments last week, I was having dinner in a Mexican restaurant with my family. Halfway through the meal, I knew that I was full. Normally, I'd have eaten all or most of the meal before that signal made it's way to my brain - then end up feeling stuffed and disgusted with myself afterwards. This time, I just put my fork down and waited for everybody else to finish. The food just wasn't good enough to be worth any extra damage. Kinda neat to see those meager portions at dinner are having some effect... And the cake! I've been fantasizing about cake for weeks. It was my sister's birthday, so I didn't feel quite right turning it down. Sadly, it wasn't anywhere near as lovely as my fantasy cake. So maybe that's killed that fantasy for awhile.

Well, I've been to the grocery store to stock back up on milk and eggs and fresh fruit and veggies. I've got all kinds of unpacking to do... Catch you tomorrow!