This past week I’ve been busier than a bee.  I’ve been working too many hours at the various places I volunteer.  I haven’t had a free day this week and I am working tomorrow as well at the thrift store which is part of our local mission. 

I got a phone call Thursday night and I start training next Wednesday for 5 days to work on the 2010 census.  That’s going to be about 11 hour days by the time I drive there and back home.  

The bad thing is, I’ve been helping others so much….I’ve been neglecting myself.  That paper and pencil I put on this page…..well……that is just what my daily journal looks like for the past week.  Hurry here…hurry there….grab a quick bite of crap food and off to another job.  I was only able to help my husband with the grass service one day this past week.

I  feel so drained tonight.  I haven’t been able to walk or go to the gym once this week.  None of my volunteer jobs consist of any type of physical activity.  Delivering meals on wheels, sitting in an office pushing a pencil, and working in the kitchen of the gift shop doesn’t burn many calories.

Maybe after I get a good night’s sleep, I’ll feel better.  I have to learn  to say “NO” when people call  me to work for them.  I’ve always been a pushover. 

I know not losing any weight this week is my own fault.  Tomorrow’s a new day….I’ve got to get my weight loss journey back on track.  I’ve decided that going to the gym is going to have to be like a job to me.  I never missed work before I retired and have never missed a scheduled volunteer day either.  Putting it into that perspective, I shouldn’t miss any more days at the gym.   (They are open 24 hours)  NO MORE EXCUSES FOR ME!!

Since I have renewed my weight loss efforts two weeks ago, I have successfully lost six pounds.  I am still as committed to winning this weight loss battle.  These are the things I’ve done in the past two weeks to lose  six pounds:

1.  I have been working 3 days a week cutting grass with a push mower for my husband’s lawn service . (4-6 hours each day)

2.  I have been drinking approximately 10 (8 oz) glasses of water each day.

3.  I am religiously keeping a journal of all my activities as well as what and when I eat.

                                                                            4.  I have switched to low fat foods as well as reducing my carbs to approximately 15 grams or less per meal.  I’m eating more fish and chicken while reducing my intake of red meat.   ( I also kicked  bread to the curb)  I now snack on fruit such as watermelon and fresh strawberries. (no more hershey bars or gharedelli candy)

                                                                            5.  Working out at the gym 3 days a week. (I’m up to 45 minutes now)  I’ve also started using some of the weight machines. 

                                                                           6.  I’ve changed my sleeping habits. I’ve been turning the tv off by 11:00 pm instead of staying up half the night. (my worst snacking use to start after the 10:00 pm news)

These are the things that are working for me.  Having realistic short term and long term weight loss goals are also helping me.  Hopefully you can incorporate some of them into your life and have success as well. 

It’s time for me to get ready to go work in the gift shop at the hospital.  I enjoy the people I work with and also the customers.  God has blessed me so so much!!!!!!

We have a new lawn customer and we cut and trimmed her yard yesterday.  I volunteer with her in the gift shop at the hospital when her partner can’t work.  I decided to rake all the leaves that were in the front ditch and under her hedges.  This bright idea took me three hours and a multitude of leaf bags.  

Raking…..bending over and filling the sacks…..carrying them/dragging them to our truck….wow….that was a GREAT workout.  Although the weather was cool, I managed to work up a sweat.  When I finished and stepped back to look at my work.  I was pleased.  It looked great.  She kept telling me to quit because she thought I was working to hard. I knew she was happy with the end result.

My husband did most of the lawn with the riding lawn mower.  I also did all the trimming.  Where I live in Tennessee, there aren’t very many flat yards…so it’s my job to use the push mower on the areas that can’t be done with one of our riders.  I finished cutting along the ditch and bank of the front yard. 

Back and forth…..up and down with the lawn mower is great exercise.   I like doing that much better than going to the gym.  Today I have a little soreness in my shoulders.  My stamina is getting better.  One day at a time…..that’s what I’m telling myself.

I tell myself:     Healthy eating=weight loss……………… Working out=building muscles and toning up.  What can I say………Life is great……I’m feeling good…….ready to tackle another day on my weight loss journey through exercise and healthy eating.

Off I go……today’s my day to work at the hospital gift shop.  I hope you all have a wonderful day!!!!  I wanted to thank everyone for their comments.  They are such a confidence builder for me.