NEW CHAPTER....
Wow! So much has happened in the last couple of days! That major deadline I was working on for the last 6 months (or the last 5 years, depending on how you look at it) was related to my university tenureship. Well, as of yesterday evening, I have finally finished and submitted the huge binder of 5-year accomplishments now for their review. My work is done--now it's a waiting game. But that also means a huge load off my shoulders, and on to taking care of myself and finally prioritizing my life and myself over work!
I really feel proud of myself. I did so much work in so little time. And I didn't let myself slip and go to the wayside either. Every stressful time in my life has gained me 10-20 pounds, but for a change, this time--my most threatened time--I have ended up keeping it all together and continuing to workout and take care of my body. I managed to LOSE weight and am at my thinnest in my entire adult life!!!! A double-whammy reason to be proud of myself!!
I feel I couldn't have come this far without this website, online journaling--and most of all, my friends on here! You guys stayed with me this whole time and have always been there for me--again and again--each time I slipped and each time I got up!! I even met my best friend on this site--and she totally keeps me honest with my goals! I have soooo much to be thankful for and thrilled about!! I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT THROUGH THE HARDEST TIME OF MY LIFE!!!
Now, on to the next chapter...better eating plan, new recipes, more balanced lifestyle, cooking homemade delicious meals with love and enjoyable effort, working out with a passion and enjoyment, reading for pleasure, and taking care of other stuff that has been rendered to the wayside. I'll keep you posted ofcourse...even more regularly and religiously now!
Started induction in earnest today. under 20 carbs. no caffeine. and strict vigil for 2 weeks. I will go and read the atkins book for good measure to do this right and understand the underlying science behind it all. I came close to caving when I almost gave in for the need of coffee..and later at home, after a perfect day, and still being at 143, I got depressed and was about to have that candy bar I found--but then found the resistance to deny myself and really dodged a bullet there. I have indeed stayed under 20 carbs. I did have a pepsi zero so that probably shot my caffeine-restriction, and I didn't workout...and I have gained 5 pounds in 2-3 days!!! But hopefully I'll see all that changed in a week or so when the results of induction kick in!! Wish me luck!!!!!!
Oh, by the way, I completely forgot the other big thing I wanted to mention. MY BIRTHDAY! It was the same day this last ditch effort was needed on my large dossier and yet I managed to celebrate it with joy. Felt the love and liking of people in my life, enjoyed the outdoors with an hour-long hike, enjoyed good dinner in a beautiful place, and great wines in my favorite wine bar over lovely jazz, wonderful conversations, lotta laughs, and chocolate dessert! Life is good..to be able to come into oneself. And such a far cry from last year's bday when I had the huge meltdown and wrote about it here...I do indeed have so much to be thankful for and proud of. I feel blessed. Amen.
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