French Words for Living

Spring break . . . what a great time to spend with my sons! A big thank you to those responsible for allowing me that paid time off. I often tell my dad that I hit pay dirt when I selected this job with all of the days off with pay.

I would like to say that I worked out twice a day over the break . . . but I can’t, because I didn’t. I did however manage not to eat all day while acting on the words of a great French man. This man isn’t Voltaire or Henrie Matisse. He is currently and has been for a great number of years the General Manager of an exclusive private dining club. He has an incredible equal level of commitment in ensuring that both his staff and membership base are well taken care of. To me that makes him a great man, who happens to be French.

This great man once told me, “Carolyn (pronounced Caroleen) you don’t have to eat the whole thing. You may eat for taste”; when I asked his advice on weight loss. Alright, he also became my hero when he came to rescue me from the stair well as I attempted (with Nikes on my feet and my cell phone in hand) to take the stairs from the concourse level to the 40th floor as an attempt to lose weight and tone my legs. I know this weight loss thing is long overdue.

I would like to thank him for the idea of portion control . . . which I exhibited very well over the break. For example we went out to eat dinner at a seafood place (who’s food by the way is nowhere near as good as the place I used to work), I only had two of those delicious cheese biscuits and pushed the biscuit filled metal basket to my dad’s side of the table. I also only ate half of my food and took the rest home for the following day.

I will end with a reminder to me and an encouragement to others with goals. This is a quote from the French - Paul Valery, “The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up”. This morning I weighed in at 217.2.

Obstacles....

Obstacles. It is funny how they just pop up as if right out of nowhere to impede your progress, or better yet to stop your succession altogether. I knew when I started my weight loss journey that I was actually beginning with a few of my own; like past reluctance to move and sweat simultaneously and the only green vegetable consumed willing was fried okra.

Well I recruited a buddy, (we actually recruited each other), and we participated in step aerobics, walked the treadmill and used stationary bikes. The step aerobics class was an obstacle within its self... right-step, v-step, and box-step. I tried to jump in where I could. The ladies were very nice and supportive after class. My awkwardness must have been reminiscent of their first class. Thank God for people with empathy!

Second week not so good. I was actually without appetite for a few days and no exercise (pretty big obstacle). I am certain that success often times come with road blocks, and all setbacks even those that touch my heart are very small when compared to the One who holds my heart. My workout buddy and I will hit the gym again tomorrow!

Today’s weight: 219.9 (a small gain!)