THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, June 5, 1994 TAG: 9406080578
SECTION: HAMPTON ROADS WOMAN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: [Debra Owen]
DATELINE: 940605 LENGTH: Medium
MAY 13: It's been ages since I've written anything. I took a little vacation recently - which included a little vacation from the diary, too.
{REST} I've been working hard around the house. Physical stuff. Nonstop. I'm enjoying it, too! I know that if I hadn't lost 60 pounds and if I hadn't improved my physical ability, then there would have been no way for me to keep up with this move. Even my confidence level is up. I took on jobs that I wouldn't have even considered in the past. I even hung miniblinds and shoveled dirt with Keith. I was amazed that I not only kept up, but that I often last longer than my husband. This feels great.
I am anxious to get on with it. I must admit two things: I have not been doing my regular exercises, and I have considered ``dieting,'' to get a big weight loss. It's tempting, but I'm not going to do it. I also have skipped meals and I've eaten too many snack foods and I'm human. I'm not discouraged, though. When I force myself to think about it, I realize that I need to stay committed to the way I've been doing it. I'm going walking/hiking with my trainer, Wendy, at Seashore State Park today. I'll make this the start of an effort to pay more attention to myself and a little less attention to my house. I won't quit.
MAY 14: I had a great time with Wendy. We did about 3 miles at the park, and then more exercises at home. It was a great workout and fun, too.
Keith is working all weekend. I know he'd rather be here fixing up the house. I'll see what I can get done and surprise him.
MAY 16: I'm not going to weigh myself for a while. It's better that way. I'm going to wait until I feel like I've had a loss and then get on the scale. It's hard to look at that thing all the time. It's also hard to keep this journal going. Sometimes I feel like I might be putting too much emphasis on my ``progress.'' I really just want my healthy lifestyle to be second nature and not an effort. I think I'm getting there.
I will keep up the journal for two good reasons: It's a record to look back on if I ever start changing back to old habits, and it's a record to share with others. If this effort motivates just one other person to get fit and healthy, it will be worth it.
MAY 17: Keith and I had a great walk today. We clocked our 2-mile distance in our new neighborhood. It's a pretty place to walk. (My daughter) Brooke and I went out Sunday and found baby ducks. I'm starting to feel at home here. I've been going like a whirlwind fixing things up. I think I'm trying to sink roots fast.
MAY 20: What a crazy, busy day. I ran all over today, but I did get in a great 40-minute workout with Wendy. It was short but hard. She was pleased and so was I that I got four workouts this week. I feel really good, but I haven't weighed in a while. I have to do it soon though because I had a message that Deb Gordon called. Uh, oh. Has a whole month gone by again? I can't believe it. I'll have to call her on Monday. I'm looking forward to this weekend; I'm doing yard work with Keith.
MAY 22: We are sore and exhausted, but we got a lot done in our yard. I sure hope I burned a few calories. It sure seemed aerobic to me. I spent most of my time spreading hay - what a thrill - but raking up the dirt and shoveling really used some muscle. We've got a long way to go on the yard, but it's fun to work on it. We met a lot of our new neighbors while we were outside. They are all very nice.
MAY 23: 221.5 Well, there it is. I'm OK with it. It's a loss, after all. I'm getting smaller and healthier all the time. I must say that I feel good. That's four more pounds since last month and they're gone forever. GREAT.
Keith says I have to get a new swimsuit today. We're going to the lake next weekend. I would wear my old one but he says get a new smaller one with style. Since I can wear an 18, I'll check out the regular women's departments, too. That will be a thrill! Sometimes the larger sizes look kind of dumpy, and they put those big, hard cups in them. I hope I can find one I like. This is an experience I'm not really looking forward to.
by CNB