... and counting. Haven't lost any pounds so still up from where I thought I was (or something), but that's ok. Still on streak and consistent behavior is what keeps me steady in life, so I'm cool. The market research work is not helping in that regard, but I'm hoping to dump it soon. I know it is that stress that makes me crave sweets.
Morrigan: Glad you are resting. Hope you feel better soon. Maybe instead of the gym you could just do yoga or gentle walking at home for a week or so until your body regains balance.
I have a highly unscientific theory that gentle walking and mind-body exercise rids the body and mind of toxins and focuses the spirit ... kind of like those people who walk around in circles on labyrinths or monks in Tibet who practice walking meditation. When my brother was alive, he had a lot of emotional problems and used to pace, pace, pace around the house all day. His family thought it was a manifestation of illness, but I know it was a seeking after balance and a way to soothe and heal himself (though it was not enough). Alzheimer's patients and other people with neurological problems tend to pace, too. One of my family members has mentioned that to me a number of times as an illustration of why she thinks pacing is dysfunctional.
But I pace around a lot, too, here and there, around the house, garden, yard, neighborhood, while working, reading, talking on the phone, on the desert. I do my fitness walks, but the pacing is something different and it seems just as important in my weight management program as the intense exercise. If I am not centered, balanced and well, I don't see how I can do anything, let alone keep weight off.
Since I live alone, there's no one around to tell me the pacing is crazy, so I'm left in peace to do what comes naturally. It also burns more calories than lying on the couch.
So if one doesn't feel exactly up to a kick-*** workout, a gentle pacing stroll can be a way to come back to a state of well-being where intensity is again possible.
Good luck on your house sale, Babette! Funny, you want to move to the city and I want to move further and further away from it. You are right, we don't need too many sweaters where I live, though they come in handy at times. When I first moved here, I tried to continue knitting as I'd always done, but to me it's just basically too hot to even want to look at yarn, even in the winter. So now I tat, which is a cooling activity, though one of my old, old tatting books recommends NOT tatting in the summer as one's hands might sweat, thus ruining the lace! I always thought that was amusing.
Downward, everyone! Have a great day, whatever it brings.
