An Intervention

So, I need help.

An intervention, by definition, is the act of interfering with the outcome or course especially of a condition or process (as to prevent harm or improve functioning).

I need an intervention.

I have been on a downward spiral for about a year now. Slowly, I've gone back to my old ways. Finding comfort in food.

Last week, a friend and fellow Weight Watcher said to me, "What are you doing? I'm not going to let you go back. You've worked so hard to get to where you are." She just said it point blank. And it hit me. She didn't say it to be cruel. She said it because she cares. Most loved ones intervene when they see the one they love spiraling out of control. I'm thankful to her for saying something to me.

I've given my husband permission to "say" something to me, if he sees me lingering at the pantry. So, if you see me, please participate in my intervention. I need all the help that I can get.

I might not like it, but please intervene.

Two Weeks of Maintenance Update

Maintain...what does that mean? So, I looked it up. One of the meanings is "to carry on; continue." At the end of my first week, I lost 0.2 pounds. I said to her, "that is maintaining, right?" She said, "No, that is a loss." Now, it depends on how you look at it really. If you are trying to lose weight, then I would say celebrate that loss. However, when trying to maintain, I would say that is pretty darn close.

Another meaning of maintain is "to defend or hold against criticism or attack." Now that is powerful. The saboteurs are coming out. I've heard a few times in the past few weeks that now it is finally over and you can eat again. Well, you'll just gain it all back. It is as if they are watching me and waiting to say, "I told you so." So now more than ever, I need to defend. But I am also in need of defending against myself...my own stinkin' thinkin' that comes out from time to time. I have these four extra points that I'm supposed to be eating everyday in addition to my other daily points allowance. This can really play with your mind. It is so easy to fall back into bad habits. Which leads me to the next meaning...

...of the word is "to support a style of living." I've done a lot of thinking about that meaning. This wasn't a diet, but a live it! A way of life. A style of living and good healthy habits. I encourage all of you to look at weight loss as a life long journey and a way of living. It isn't temporary...it is forever. It is a challenge to maintain. I have a love affair with cookies and they are a "red light" food for me. I can't have them in my house. Now, I'm not talking about Oreos...I'm talking about fresh, baked cookies right out of the oven. I just can't do it in moderation no matter how many extra points.

Well, I lost 1.2 pounds this week at the scale. Not sure what is happening. I'm still trying to get into that maintenance mode and out of the weight loss mentality. It is hard, I'm not going to fool you. And I am scared. So, stay tuned as I journey through the maintenance avenue. I'm looking forward to becoming lifetime.

PS...Weight Watchers asked me today, if I'd be interested in working for them! What do you think I should do?

The Millenium Force

Millennium Force remains one of the tallest, fastest, and longest steel roller coasters in the world. It's tagline is "The future is riding on it."

Two years ago, we went to Cedar Point with our friends. We waited in line for the Millenium Force rollercoaster ride for at least an hour. We get to the top and it's our turn...then it happened. The seat belt wouldn't latch! I turned to my husband and said "What am I going to do? It won't latch." I frantically began to try to get the seatbelt to hook. The guy came by and said to me, "If the seatbelt doesn't secure, you can't ride." I was horrified. All of sudden, it latched and we were able to ride. All day, we walked through the park and waited in lines. I worried the whole time...would it happen again? I started looking at other people and thinking is this happening to them too? Nobody knew what had happened except my husband. As the day went on, we rode rides and had a great time. Later that night, we went back to the Millenium Force to ride in the darkness of the night. Cool, right? No! This time when we entered the line, the ride attendant stopped me and said, "You might not fit. Try the seat first before entering." So my friends wouldn't hear her, I quickly responded that I had already rode the ride earlier that day. I was embarrassed and worried as we waited in line.

That was the moment that I decided that I needed to do something about my weight and I joined Weight Watchers a few months later (deciding and doing are two different things).

Yesterday was my birthday. I went to Cedar Point with my friend, Hollie, so I could conquer the Millenium Force! I wanted to prove to myself that I could fasten that seatbelt and ride! I'm proud to report that the seat belt fastened and I rode the ride!