To say I have been slacking is an understatement. But I promise it's only been on my blog. I haven't been slacking in the exercise department. Well, not totally. I don't even remember where I left you last time? Let's see....
I spent the month of October in a plateau. I didn't gain any weight, but I didn't lose any either. I was working a seasonal job at the local racetrack (Keeneland) on the weekends and this took away a lot of my walking time. During the week I would walk as much as I could, but I needed those evenings to catch up on everything else that I didn't do on the weekends. And now we're in November. This begins the change of weather and seasons and everything that makes me want to hibernate and eat everything in sight! I am seriously doing the best I can to fight temptation, but it's very hard. The good news? The first week of November I lost another pound. I have officially hit the 15 lb mark since I started my new lifestyle! I am down 21 lbs since I donated my kidney last January! This news is what keeps me motivated. Do I slip now and then? YES. But I'm still not giving up. I've always said this will be a long journey and I may not see the fruits of my labor until some time next year.
With that said, I did the one thing I said I would never do. I joined a (cough) GYM. Yes, sir. I did. I think I've lost my mind. But this gym is a gem. It's a very non-intimidating atmosphere. It's located as part of a wing of a local Baptist church. Yes, Baptist's don't dance, but they work out. (and I can say this because I was raised Southern Baptist) There is a walking track (albeit very small - 7 laps = 1 mi), a full gym, basketball courts, Zumba, Butts n Guts, etc. It fits my lifestyle perfectly! The one thing it is missing is a swimming pool! I've worked out on the machines, walked on the treadmill, used the indoor track and took a Zumba class. I didn't die doing any of it. I'm going to set up some sessions with a personal trainer next week and see how that goes. The weight loss may plateau again because I'm lifting weights, but if the size of my clothes go down, then we're all good!
In addition to the gym, I also got a part in a local theater production of "The Wizard of Oz"! I will be in the ensemble and also playing a part of a Crow during the Scarecrow scenes. This wasn't in the movie, but it is in the stage production. I'm still trying to figure out my crow voice. It sounds somewhere between an 80-yr old man and Joan Rivers after a night of drinking. Seriously. But it is one of more fun things I have done in years! I get to dance, act and sing (I apologize in advance for the singing). It's slated to premier in January and the activity keeps me going during the winter. I usually suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) during the winter months and it's hard for me to stay awake after the sun goes down. I need any and every activity I can get!
So, I am glad I came back to my blog. It's been a while, but I've been hesitant to write because I wasn't sure what to talk about! Clearly there's been a lot going on and I am very busy. And this I like because I don't get bored. I will continue to go to the gym and see how it goes. I'll sign up for Zumba and dance at rehearsal. And I'll pray I lose another 5lbs! (I set goals for myself in 5lb increments) Keep those prayers and positive thoughts coming for me!
