Thanks...

Today, I signed up for the Biggest Loser Online competition at biggestloserblogedition.blogspot.com (I don't know how to create links yet, so please bear with me...if you're interested I think you can just copy and paste this in your browser). It looks like a lot of fun and I’m hoping that it will motivate me to finally lose the 20 or so lbs that I need to lose. So, I’m excited about that.

I’ve been finding that blogging is really a helpful activity for me, plus I’ve started following a lot of other blogs. It’s great to read about the struggles and different approaches that people are taking to weight loss and food issues and body image issues and day-to-day life.

I used to buy diet books that I would turn into a sort of temporary “Bible” for the time that I could stay on that particular diet. I’d read that book over and over and highlight parts that seemed to hold the secret. Unfortunately, after a while, any one book would lose its novelty or ability to inspire me. So, I’d give up whatever had worked for a while and I’d go back to my old ways. Well, now I’m finding that reading all the blogs are inspiring me, but since they change all the time, they are new and fresh and keep me constantly thinking about not just weight and food issues, but ways to deal with life in general. There are so many talented people out there who write fabulous blogs which are poignant and funny and thoughtful and encouraging. And in my own short blogging experience, I’ve gotten comments on some of my blog posts, which have been (variously) helpful, kind, observant, or just plain nice. I love it!

For the first time in a long time, I’m excited to take on my own weight loss and body hatred challenges because I feel like I’m connecting with a whole bunch of like-minded folks. Thanks to everyone for their blogs and for their comments. Let's do this together!

New Year's Resolution

Although I woke up last night coughing several times, after I was up for a while, I did feel a bit better today. So, I took sweet B to the park for about 30 minutes. I didn’t walk very fast…”strolled” would be a better description, because I didn’t want to get my lungs too cold. But B had the best time. I can always tell when he’s happy because he runs really fast to catch up, runs past me, and then runs back to me…he’s exuberant!

I think my walk with B is a good lesson. He isn’t worried about anything…he’s just having a blast. He’s not saying “Well, fine, you took me to the park today, but you didn’t the last 4 days, so I’m going to pout a bit before I allow myself to enjoy what we’re doing right now.” He’s not saying, “We usually go for a much longer walk, so I’m disappointed with today’s walk.” He doesn’t compare today with yesterday. He doesn’t worry about the past day, or week, or month. He’s just in the NOW.

Why can’t I be more like my dog…feeling lucky and happy to be alive and enjoying my life for what it is?

Right now, I’m looking at my Christmas tree and thinking how pretty it is. Maybe I don’t really hate Christmas so much as I hate what Christmas has become in my family, but much of the stress is self-imposed. It’s my own fault if I don’t enjoy all the good things that should be part of the holiday season.

My New Year’s Resolution for 2009 will be to live every day to its fullest, enjoy my blessings, and love my family and friends to the best of my ability.

Exercise is important for everyone!

I've always tried to do what it takes to keep my dogs healthy, and that includes controlling their diets and making sure they get enough exercise. The last time we were at the vet, Buster was the perfect weight.

But I just noticed…I think B is getting fat! I was petting him today and it seems like he’s getting a bit thick around the middle. For the last two weeks, I’ve been sitting on my butt because of the snow and being sick. When I sit on my butt, so does B. Normally, we walk a lot, which we both love. But recently the extent of his exercise has been to go outside, do his business, and come back in. To make sure he won't run off (as terriers are prone to do), he usually gets a doggie treat every time he comes back in (just goes to show you, it's not just people who are addicted to food). Well, several extra doggie treats a day and not much exercise add up on a small dog.

I absolutely hate being sick (the only good thing is that I can’t taste anything so I haven’t been eating much). But I’ve been feeling better today, so I’m contemplating taking B for a good walk tomorrow. My husband says I should wait another few days before I start running around outside in the cold, and there is some wisdom there. I sure don't want to have another relapse like I did this time, but I’d really like to get back into exercising. We’ll see…