Been a while...

Well, I had good intentions to keep this up to date...but alas...my life has been full of other stuff for a while. I have (sadly) taken a hiatus from the weight loss endeavor. I weighed in about 2 weeks ago and was exactly where I had been a month prior...so that's all good. Though, if I were to weigh in tomorrow, I am certain that I would tip the scale a bit heavier than last time. So, its been about six weeks or so that I started on the consulting work...so far, so good. I have just returned from a trip to Alabama and Mississippi. The work is good, but the travel is a bit exhausting. No complaining, because its work. I had a good second interview and am waiting to hear good news from San Antonio about a possible position with a consulting firm there. My life is surely getting ready to turn topsy turvy, but its very exciting. In the meantime, I need to refocus on my weight loss goals...and try and prevent slippage.

Downsizing...double time.

Well, I have been feverishly looking for a new job now that I have been "downsized" by my company. I have interviewed in Iowa and have started picking up some contract work with a former coworker. Things could certainly be worse, as they say. I am keeping my eyes wide open for that next great opportunity. In the next couple of weeks, I may be taking some advanced computing classes as I understand that they may get me a little closer in the door of oil and gas companies...and that's where I'd really like to go.

So, I am also downsizing my physique as well. Though I haven't been to the gym in at least a couple of weeks, I managed to pull off another 3.2 pounds over a couple week period for a total of 14.8. Whoo hooo! I'm just a little bit closer to my goal. I have been fighting this time change stuff...its so dark out at 5:00am...but I need to get up and get to the gym in the morning. Great way to start out the day and just good to keep a routine.

Finding a job is the hardest work EVER...

Oh my, I'd like to have a job so I can relax and rest a bit. Seems that everyone keeps telling me to "enjoy" my time off and relax a bit...but I feel this internal pressing need for a JOB that pays the BILLS! I don't feel like I can really take alot of time off to "relax"...not until I have a sure thing.

I will go to Iowa next week for my interview. I will be interviewing for a managment level position with the company that just laid me off. Its a wonderful opportunity but far from "home." Great experience!

I have also be slamming the airwaves with "feelers" for other positions. I've been talking to anyone that will listen and might have some contacts. You just NEVER know where you'll find your next big opportunity. This week, mom and I spent two days shopping for "interview" outfits. So far, we have alot of stuff...and now I just have to put together a couple of outfits and take the rest back.

I was supposed to weigh in today, but its been so hectic. I have a job club meeting on Friday and will likely weigh in then. I'm not overly hopeful on this one, but I've been surprised before. Keep good thoughts, my friends.

Trials and Trimuph

This week has been challenging to say the least...caught somewhere between potential promotion and layoff. Strange situation, but when one door closes, another opens, right? I've the craziest day today, fielding phone calls from former colleagues offering various short term opportunities. Then yesterday, when I felt certain that my body would have suffered during the stress of the week and the lack of self supervision related to eating, I lost 4.4 pounds! Wherever did it go...(and let it stay there!). I'm 11.6 pounds into this thing and feeling empowered! Its time for another photo for this shrinking woman.

A new adventure

So, the economic times are tough and the company is downsizing. I'll be likely leaving the company and moving on to new things. I've been remarkably calm despite my situation, even if I do say so myself. I don't have time to sit around and feel sorry for myself...don't have time to wallow. Now is the time for action (wasn't this in the President's Inaugural speech?). I have been flooding my networks with emails and phone calls.

I am going to continue my weight loss efforts but this last week has been challenging...so, we'll see what the result is on Wednesday.

Optimistic...this week a gain...1.2 pounds

So, this week I weighed in and had a slight gain. It was more than I expected, I admit. I had missed two days of exercise after overdoing it last Tuesday at an aerobics class. I could barely stand up straight for three days! Did a long hike over the weekend and worked out twice yesterday, but apparently it wasn't enough to counteract the two pieces of lovely Baklava that I had on Saturday. Or maybe it was and the stars just weren't in good alignment. Though it was a disappointing setback, I must take my own advice. Keep your eyes on the prize...this is just a mere speedbump along the way. Don't let such small things derail you or keep you from moving forward in your goal. I look back at my week and have no regrets about enjoying a few good foods...treats. These are few and far between and this too shall pass. Tonight I went to a barbeque with friends. I managed to stay fairly good..made a dip from the Turkish food class that is nutritious but not low calorie and enjoyed some of it. I pat myself on the back because I managed to stay clear of the chips, cookies, high fat dips, and other treats at the party. I felt that I ate a sensible meal of chicken and corn tortillas...and some dip on french bread. Nothing overboard. While at the party tonight I bumped into a friend who wants to take me shopping when I get to my goal weight...talk about incentive! What a generous offer...

I started a new book called The China Study...a friend recommended it and it was cited in the Anticancer book I have finished. Much information to digest (no pun intended).

Keep you eyes on the prize!

Blog neglect...

I thought perhaps I should re-visit this blog and add a little something. I have no great wisdom to impart today...

Took a cooking class on Saturday night and loved the food...Turkish. I made the lentil soup already and really enjoyed the interesting spice...spearmint...in the soup. I enjoyed all the recipes that evening including a special treat...Baklava. So, this week, if I have a little gain, I'll know what did it. No worries...this is a new lifestyle...not just a diet which would forbid the enjoyment of such things. Life happens...and we just have to figure out how to manage our diets not let our diets manage us.

Next challenge...Winter Bar-be-que tomorrow night. I roasted potatoes, onions, and mushrooms tonight to take to keep from eating potato salad. I'm bringing the walnut and red pepper dip that was one of the Turkish dishes. Also, I'm making some homemade corn tortillas. It will be hard to pass up on desserts (always is), but I can do it. Some wise guy put out 4 boxes of Girl Scout cookies in the breakroom the other day (Monday) along with the weekly donuts...its was about all I could do to stay out of that room and not eat the cookies.