Day 2 of NaNoWriMo

Okay, this blog entry is actually being completed on Day 3 of NaNoWriMo, but I have to confess I was doing a bit of scurrying with my "novel" to reach my word count goal for the day. Now, I didn't have to type 1,667 words to stay on pace, but I was pretty close so I pounded out another 60 words to finish the night.  Today, I definitely struggled more with the writing, but I accomplished what I needed to so I can go to sleep happy.

If you happen to "follow" this blog at all, you are probably surprised that I would commit to a month-long writing project when I barely post to this once a month.  But I am determined to do this.   I have started to accept the fact that what I finish may not be a novel I care for, but I think it will help my confidence level going forward in regards to writing projects.

Weigh-In Wednesday update: down eight-tenths of a pound! I find this extremely impressive considering the fact that I polished off most of a bag of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.  

NaNoWriMo has begun!

Day one of NaNoWriMo is complete for me, and I'm very happy I wrote more than my original goal of 1,667 words.  So far, things are going according to the loose plan I laid out, although I have to remind myself not to think too far ahead and become overwhelmed.  So far, though, it's mostly been a lot of fun and excitement.  I highly recommend it for anyone that enjoys writing and has the time to do it (or willing to commit to it).

In a couple side notes (which I know I shouldn't do, but I do put "random" in the blog description, after all).  November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month, and I consider it very important for people to be aware of epilepsy, for personal reasons especially.  If there is one myth that should be dispelled - NEVER put something in a person's mouth if he/she is having a seizure!

Weigh-in tomorrow...not expecting great things after not tracking my food the last couple weeks, nor have I been exercising regularly BUT since it is the beginning of a new week, it will be a fresh start.  Plus, I'm going to hop on the treadmill for at least 15 minutes, hopefully a half hour. Positive thinking!

The Latest Weigh-In: Surprising Success

This week's weigh-in yielded another pound lost, which was a bit surprising.  I faithfully tracked what I ate, or more accurately, what I ate too much of so I was WAY over my points allowed.  Needless to say, I didn't expect to see a loss this week.  My only explanation: exercise.  Ever since Fryeburg Fair, I have tried to remain consistent with my exercise routine.  I was active at the fair for nine of ten days, so I knew it would be in my best interest to maintain that level of activity. Some days, I don't think I am going to be active at all, but I tell myself "just do a ten minute video" and that tends to become at least 40 minutes.  Tonight I noticed that I was starting to enjoy the time to focus on just me and my body, which is important in developing a long-term relationship with physical activity.

World Food Day - think before you eat!

What better time to dust off the blog than to post regarding World Food Day.  When I read that phrase, I immediately think of food production and food insecurity in third world countries, but upon further contemplation, food insecurity in industrialized countries is an ever-increasing problem, too.  I know how incredibly fortunate I am not only live in a society where food of different types is readily available and easily affordable. I am also educated enough to know where my food comes from and how it is grown.

On a different angle, I can't help but think of the brief time I spent in Russia during my junior year of high school.  The difference in food culture from that of my own was significant in a number of ways.  Yes, food was prepared differently yet it was also presented differently.  During school, we sat down and were served our meals, usually in at least three courses. The idea of self-service was practically non-existent. I felt completely humbled by the hospitality, and wished we had been much more accommodating when my student, Julia, stayed with us.

Another facet of the hospitality shown by my host family was the fact that they purchased food items they would not normally buy to suit my palette. It is extremely difficult to fully ascertain the financial lengths they went to, but I have never forgotten it. This year, with the World Food Day discussion revolving around food prices and reducing the impact of their volatility, it's worthwhile to really step back and consider our consumption and its effects on others. We must also assess the factors that contribute to the expenses of food production and transportation of food goods to an increasingly urban planet.

Ultimately, food is provided by the earth, assisted by farmers' stewardship across the globe. Each of us need food for sustenance and growth; some of us consume more than we should, and yet, there are still too many people on this planet unable to meet their nutritional needs to survive and thrive. I don't know if we can solve the challenges of malnutrition and starvation, but we must continue to try.

For more information on World Food Day, be sure to check out the website of Food and Agriculture Organizations of the United Nations.

Wednesday Weigh-In: Wrong Direction - Time for a U-Turn

Today's weigh-in yielded similar results to a few previous - I am up again 1.4 lbs, which isn't horrible, but it's still a little discouraging. And with some life stress, lately I've been in a funk anyway.  I just keep trying to tell myself that tomorrow is always a new day, and not to give up on myself (and I know I did that this week).  I've been more active over the last week, and that will be the positive thing I focus on as I try to change some other strategies this week - better meal planning and portion control, in addition to diligent tracking.  Sometimes, you just have to rework your strategy to find success, like when you're playing Angry Birds. That's right, I just compared my weight loss journey to Angry Birds.

Feast or famine

The saying "feast or famine" popped in my head when I thought of my social media activity today.  Suddenly, after not having tweeted in several days, I've tweeted/retweeted others a combined five times today.  I almost feel the need to apologize for the flurry of activity. Yet most people probably realize by now, this type of activity is sporadic for me.

And then there is my blog.  I seem to go through periods of "famine" in the sense that I don't blog AT ALL, and then I blog fairly regularly.  But I really think I can change that. Really. I'm totally serious this time.

On a more somber note, though, the title of my post also applies to the Lose-A-Palooza event going on today by WeightWatchers, as part of their  "Lose For Good" campaign.  I've just passed my three month anniversary with WeightWatchers Online, and have dropped 15.4 pounds and 2.5 inches off my waist. I do think it's a great program.  On top of the regular program and its benefits, though, WeightWatchers has teamed up with the organizations Share Our Strength and Action Against Hunger in an effort to end childhood hunger in the U.S.  It's difficult to fathom that there are people - especially children - in a country as wealthy as ours going hungry each day. Yet, it is something that I think we can address and resolve, particularly since our agricultural producers are so efficient in creating healthy food for everyone in this country.  I'm not sure what the solution to the problem of hunger is, but I am sure we can find one if we make it a priority.

Plateaus....grrrrrr

I thought I had blogged at least once in the last month, but apparently not.  No excuses, but I have been away from the computer for a few weeks due to commitments at local fairs.  I have a bit of a lull now so I best catch up.

So I have hit a plateau in my weight loss, but I knew it was coming. I am extremely proud of myself for not letting things get wildly out of control, though, and I'm trying to focus on the basics again - journaling food, drinking plenty of water, and getting into an exercise routine. I look at this next week as a challenge; I hope to lose a pound but more importantly, I hope to reestablish a healthy routine.

And I decided to take a vacation from Facebook in hopes of finding a more productive and positive use of my time. We'll see how long it lasts and if it helps.