[Sophronia]

* I have actually had four different people (in four different settings) tell me I look "great," and three add they could tell I was losing weight. Haven't weighed for a long time, but know I am only one size down. Last time, it took going from 250 to almost Onederland before anyone noticed. Not even wearing different clothing except for smaller (identical) pants cuz the previous size was falling off. It's a mystery.

* I am on the Editorial Board for Law Review, which comes with some pretty crazy responsibilities sometimes. Our Editor-in-Chief made what I considered to be an unreasonable demand. Rather than simply complying, I wrote her a very polite e-mail explaining why I thought the demand was unreasonable, and she agreed with me, even complimenting the work I had done this summer. So, I saved myself four hours' worth of work today, which means making time for a work-out was far less difficult, and I had time to complete paid work. I had forgotten how much of this journey was about demanding time for myself to accomplish this goal.

* When I packed my gym bag this morning, I packed my daughter's (very similar-looking, but two sizes too small) left shoe instead of mine, and my asthma inhaler got caked with shampoo. Didn't realize what had happened until I got in the gym and changed. I leave an extra pair of gym shoes in my van for emergencies, but by the time I got back to the van, I didn't have time to go back to the gym and work out before the gym closed. So, I took a walk outside instead. The top of the heel on my extra shoe is broken (which is why I had to get new ones - I have to stop and adjust it so that my foot doesn't come out of the shoe every step), and I almost quit. But what the heck, right? I fought for this time, so I would use it. I walked in unfamiliar territory, got lost, and ended up walking almost six miles by the time I found my way back. In crappy shoes. So there, random misfortune!

[JamiSue3916]

I LOVE these NSVs Sophronia! Are you feeling better about what you're doing now?

[theox]

You're doing great, Sophronia! WTG!

[Sophronia]

I am feeling so much better, JamiSue. I think what tipped me over the edge was I had discovered sugar snap peas. A bag of them is 110 calories total, and I can snack on it all day, and it has tons of nutrients. Then, I saw someone post that peas are a starch and should be limited, etc. Sort of sent me over the edge. But I got some great feedback from here, and I'm calmer about it. And I bought peas again today, and really enjoyed them. Perhaps not the ideal food (but I don't know what is), but so much better than chips or candy or starving until I drive home and stop at a fast food place.

Martini - NSV is non-scale victory. The scale is a great motivator and also the great Satan. Non-scale victories remind us that everything doesn't always revolve around the number.

Speaking of which - I got yet another compliment on my weight loss. I'm both flattered and a little confused. I don't feel like my weight loss is a sufficient percentage for anyone to notice, and then I feel a little creeped out that people do seem to be noticing. But mostly, I feel appreciative that people care about me and are encouraging me.

And one of the best NSVs of my journey thus far happened tonight. I played Wal-Mart tag with my daughter and her friends. (For the uninitiated, Wal-Mart tag is as simple as it sounds. It's tag played in a Wal-Mart. So much fun!) I was nowhere near as fast as the next slowest person. But I had energy, I was able to move quickly (for me), and I totally tagged several of those teenagers!

I would like to look like Natalie Portman or Scarlett Johansson or Jennifer Aniston. But without their staffs of people and their exceptional natural beauty, I don't think it's something I will achieve. And, really, I don't care a lot about that. I do care A LOT about being able to hike and explore and play and swim with my children. And while I love the (unexpected) compliments, I love the "I'm a better mother to my kids" NSVs SO MUCH more.

[linJber]

I read your original post and am amazed at the fact that you walked 6 miles - in crappy shoes, no less! It says a lot for your determination, and that's what will ultimately allow you to win this battle of the bulge. Great job. Also - great job in dealing with the unreasonable demand. You go, girl! And congrats on being on the Law Review board in the first place. No small accomplishment there. Be proud.

We all need to recognize NSV's for the great motivator they are and not focus on the numbers. (Note to self - re-read that last line over and over till it sinks in.)

Lin

[InsideMe]

That's awesome you walked 6 miles! Damn that's good! Keep up the determination, it will totally pay off!

[Sophronia]

Should clarify here. I was actually aiming for my usual 2-3 miles. The six happened because I got lost and was too stubborn to just turn around and try to find my way back that way. But I was walking by the law school, and it got a little scary after it got dark. (They actually recommend that when we walk from the school to the parking lot after dark, we call security to escort us.) But since I got back safely, it just made a better story. =)

Thanks for the support, InsideMe, Lin, Martini, Theox, and JamiSue. It's so great to be able to share both my frustrations and my successes.

[InsideMe]

Haha well your stubborn attitude did you good! LOL

[butterflymama]

That is great! I am one that would normally take a minor set back and use it as an excuse to not workout and then I always feel crappy afterwards. Instead you didn't let some pretty major set backs stop you

You deserve to feel really proud

Also fantastic that you found your voice and spoke up to your Editor-In-Chief and saved yourself some work!