Saturday, November 15, 2008

points


I joined Weight Watchers in August and have lost 17 pounds. Over 10% of my starting weight. I'm at the weight I was when I started working at at Second Helpings three years ago. I'd love to lose another 10 pounds, but I'm thrilled with the progress so far.

I'm having fun opening boxes of clothes that I haven't been able to wear for a few years. It's like having a 24 hour boutique in my (clean and dry!) basement.

I'm doing the Weight Watchers program online, which is perfect for me. I can enter what I've eaten in to the points tracker and it figures out the points for me.

I've learned some interesting things. A fist full of my beloved red vine-y goodness is equal to eating a cup of chicken and dumplings. My Waterford Twizzler jar is sitting empty and I've learned to write without eating at at the same time.

Work is the hardest part. We're surrounded by food. The students are always creating dishes and looking for tasters. When a proud student comes to you with the first cheesecake they've ever baked or chicken Parmesan they made from scratch it would be rude not to taste it, really. Even if it is 9:30 in the morning.

Last week two pallets of candy were donated. Not cases, pallets. Of candy. Three Musketeers, Butterfinger, Snickers, Dove dark chocolate covered caramels and yes, Twizzlers. The helpful drivers brought bags of the sinful decadence to the table right outside of my office door. And the other thousand pounds are just a thirty second walk away. Damn it.

One thing I like about Weight Watchers that you can exchange activity points for food...or maybe beer. The State Fair helped me kick start the program. When you walk a 1.5 miles each way to eat a sandwich it sure helps. A brisk one mile walk equals a Jameson and water. Now that's math I can wrap my head around!

Many of my activities don't show up on the WW activity point scale. Sitting on my hands, jiggling my legs and holding in comments during a two hour committee meeting is not on the list. I think it should be worth at least one point.

Moving the humango oak bookcase, that took Dad and two other people to haul onto my porch --in the house by myself-- and standing it up with a complicated system of pillows and increasing taller chairs to lean it on should be worth at least five points. Getting the bookcase stuck in the hallway should be worth at least two points in frustration.

Squeezing around the bookcase to get to my bedroom for a month should be worth something. Having to hold anything that I wanted in or out of the bedroom over my head -- laundry, books, the cat, glass of water....you get the picture-- should be worth at least a point a pop. [thanks to Miss Adventure for helping me get it into the bedroom- where its going to stay- forever.]

Frenzied cleaning and organizing and recycling Saturday knowing that there would be company in the house. Worth at least four points. Cleaning out the truck, putting air in the tires, gas in the tank and wrestling with the hood that wouldn't open to add windshield wiper fluid should be a two point value.

Getting ready for the Gala and discovering that the two pairs of sheer black stockings that I own both had runs - at least a point. Deciding between tights and fishnet stockings to wear with the dress, one point (I went with the tights). 

Pulling out of the driveway for the Gala with Kipp in the truck and the hood popping open. Worth at least two points in embarrassment. Getting lost on the way to the Gala- in my own town, mind you. One point. Getting called out by the social reporter for the paper for not being "the Guild type," two points. 

Sweating over deadlines, two points. Feeling guilty over a messy house, one point. Constantly running late, three points. 

You get the idea- I'm losing weight, even if it is in a very neurotic way. 

9 comments:

Lacy said...

WHOA! I give you a thousand high-five points. Nice job! You have totally inspired me.

Granny Annie said...

Do Not, and I repeat, DO NOT go near my blog today.

I'm taking a look at Weight Watchers online. I used to be a member and did very well -- better than on any other plan. Maybe Ron and I can do this together.

Kim said...

Being cool is worth infinity points! You certainly qualify.

Congrats on the weight loss so far. I know how difficult it is to lose it and keep it off. You can do it!!

Jerry in Texas said...

I'm making biscuits and gravy in the morning. Wanna come over for breakfast?

Marla said...

Congrats on your weight loss. I love red twizzlers to! I have them in my desk draw at work. I think I stress some of my weight off. I don't weigh alot, but I get no exercise. So the fat comes to my gut and but! I can't get into the exercise mode. Carrying laundry up and down the basement steps count! I think this typing counts. Food- I just eat whatever the desire is at the moment. Today's menu- Apricot chicken, roasted vetables, and fresh cranberry cake with a warm butter, cream sauce. Not a weight wathcer meal!

Cliff said...

I like to turn on FIT tv and find some young ladies cavorting across the floor. It's how I raise my heart rate.
I'm hoping it will work someday.

Ralph said...

Twizzler have always been a comfort food. Really which would you rather have a cup of chicken and dumplings or a handful of Twizzlers.
Ralph

Rachel said...

Congratulations on your weight loss Nora! You are doing so good and I really like how you think the points should add up!!

I would be thrilled if I could get into some of my old clothes, but it ain't happening yet.

Way to go Nora!!!

Tracy said...

Congratulations! Losing weight is so difficult. My gosh - you're doing so well! I'm really proud of you! {{HUGS}}