As I mentioned, I had a lousy February in the end. I was all geared up for a good loss, started the month fiercely pursuing my exercise, and eating pretty well. Then it fell apart and I ended with a 0 loss. But at least it wasn't a gain. I was kinda bummed out and was losing sight of how far I'd come, just feeling big and fat - you know those days - and being stuck on the truck not getting home was really awful. But when I did get a few hours at home last weekend I was at the barn. I cleaned some stalls, and emptied the wheelbarrow myself. I actively worked horses and gave a lesson - without once wanting to just sit down. It not only refreshed my spirit, it reminded me that less than a year ago I couldn't do that. My back would have hurt too much. I'd have ached to just sit. I'd have been out of breath and would have gotten someone else to push the wheelbarrow to the top of the pile. I've still come a long way, even with the path that's still ahead. If it were easy, we'd all be skinny-minnies in a week. Each day is a new beginnning and another chance to get it right, to live for our futures and better health. I think I'm out of my slump and ready to fight the fight again. Yup, I'm ready!
Nancy * Thanks for the info on the hobby vs. investment stuff. I'll have to be careful to separate the two, but between the boarding, training & lessons, I should be safe. I won't have other people RIDING my new guy, but I will be doing driving lessons with him. I'm hoping my old horse stays sound enough to use, not just because of the write-off, but more importantly because he's such a great lesson horse. If in doubt, I just won't write-off. It wouldn't do to get uncle sam's panties in a wad over my taxes!
Crock - GREAT job on the weight loss! Any form of pasta has turned out to be especially bad for me as far as the cravings afterwards go. I like pasta, but fortunately I don't adore it or miss it if I don't have any. Every time I've had it, I go crazy for the next several days, so I just stay away from it altogether. For me, it's worse than a whole box of chocolate.
Catherine * I'm not sure if Dachsies are good mousers - probably depends on the dog. However there's always rat terriers, and I'd guess from the name that they're just what you need. They're another low-shedding lap dog. I'm sure there's a rescue for them too. *** Good job on the snow-shoveling! That sure is a change from Florida!!
Teahoney * You mentioned being off exercise for 7 weeks and how hard it is to get back to it. You really made me think about it, because I was SO enjoying every workout, and then things went nuts and I haven't done much in 3 weeks. I'm know the longer time goes on, the harder it will be to pick up where I left off. Thanks to YOU as well as others for giving me a kick in the pants!
Jessica/Blondie * WELCOME BACK! I don't think I met you before, but I look forward to the chance now. I kind of come & go sometimes myself because I drive big truck for a living and spend weeks on the road. If you haven't checked out our monthly exercise thread, please consider yourself officially invited. We each pick our own goals and work towards that. Personally, I've had trouble making mine, so I set a low one this month, but knowing I committed to it keeps me working on it.
Ammi * dear girl, congrats on your treMENdous loss! It didn't go on in a week, so please be patient and gentle with yourself as you are with the rest of us. Keep up the great work, but please try not to be too hard on yourself. It's all just about progress in the right direction! BRAVO for getting that exercise in!!! I'm so proud of you! NOW, all I have to do is get back in the swing and FOLLOW your lead!
Dogpal * what a wonderful attitude you have. Piffle on that job. It wasn't meant to be. Just take care of yourself and things will fall into place. We do understand, even if we can't be right there or go thru everything you do, and we're so glad to be here to listen and
you on, as you do for us. *** Since the weather in Montana and Utah has been beautiful the last 2 days, I hope it's been as beautiful for you in Idaho!
Ladies, I know I've missed a lot of you, and I'm sorry. It's threatening to rain/snow, and the temps have dropped 10 degrees as I've written this, so if I'm going to go walk, I better get with it! I love reading you posts, and I'll try to keep up this weekend.