Monday 0, Heidi 1

If you read my earlier post, you'll likely agree the chances seemed grim that I'd get up and be active tonight.  Something seemed so sad and devastating about it this time...the guilt was more than I could push down or squash like I usually do. 

So I'm standing there in my bedroom/loft, staring at myself in the mirror.   Looking straight ahead at every lump, jumping up and down to see them move. Then I turn my head to the right to look at the mirror over my dresser: much closer, instrospective zoom version.  I poke my face to see how far in my cheek will go.  I make as many double chins as I can.  I make a kissy face, absurdly pinched to show every exaggerated crease and line.

I decide 30 minutes won't kill me. Then I look around for sweats, and almost talk myself out of it all because I can only find the ones I wore yesterday.

Seriously, that was my excuse.  Who cares?  Is some 30 year old 6'0" attractively nerdy middle management/occupational therapist going to happen upon me as I walk over the less than one block to my apartment's gym and say "My lady, would that I could kiss you, but those pants are a little wrinkly..."???

I got out the door and got over it!  Only to find...

Are you kidding me Avalon Lakes? I stood here for a minute just pining for the elliptical.  So close, yet so far away.  It was mocking me too - the card kept blinking green, but the door wouldn't open.  I was so devastated! I'm sure my face was comical.

So I'm looking around, looking at the sky, trying to decide what to do.  And I just thought, screw it. Noone's going to grab me, or shank me or anything.  I'm going for a walk!  Honestly, the worst legit concern would have been getting run over in the dark.

I'm so glad I went!  Not even a block from my house was this adoreable little neighborhood that just wouldn't quit.  It reminded me of my neighborhood in Plymouth, like an unending Ewing Street. All ove the houses were ranches and bi levels (my weakness), with mature trees, manicured lawns, and lights and tvs and dinners taking place in each house.  The breeze was light, the sidewalks were even, and the perfume of the grass and the trees and the flowers was intoxicating.  I tried to take a picture, but it didn't quite do it justice.  Lisa says it looks straight creepy.

And the best part.... I'm clearly a boss.  Well not really.  Mrs. Stinson would be cringing at 33 minutes for 1.261 miles.  When I saw this when I was finished with my walk, I was at first totally stoked at the fact I'd walked over a mile, but bummed that I'd only walked that far in such a chunk of time.  I just can't shake the fact that a walking mile should never be longer than 15 minutes.  Again, I'm my worst critic. It was an enjoyable night, and I call that a win!  (And isn't this app so snazzy looking?)

I got home, kept the Everclear in my ears, and made myself an amazing salad. To do that, I want you all to know that I WALKED RIGHT BY MY BIG RED COUCH. First victory in Operation GOTC, thank you very much!

This salad was amazing.  And even with the special yogurt blue cheese dressing and lowfat goat cheese from Trader Joe's, I'd estimate it cost me less than $4 to make it.  I'm just not used to looking at bulk prices - it's going to take breaking things down to per meal costs for me to come around to the budget constraints of my new lifestyle. I'd pay $7 or $8 for this salad in drive thru, and it wouldn't have been as good for me!

And on that note, I bid you all good night! YOU CAN DO IT.  IF I CAN, YOU CAN. Get up off that couch with me!!!