Check Your Dignity at the Door

Day 6


Can I get a Dignity Check on the 10th Floor of Two American Center? I'm pretty sure mine has left the building. I just finished my 10 flights down and 10 flights up challenge. And, I've decided that somewhere between the 3rd and 5th flights of the up portion of this journey my dignity said "Hell with this" and simply ran off.

And, if a flight of stairs at work is the same distance as two flights at home, isn't it really 20 flights of stairs? I'm just sayin. I'm blogging a little early today because it's that time of month when I pay my hairdresser to make the gray go away so that I have as few reminders as possible that I'm 42 and not 32.

It's been a challenging day so far. Last night I froze 1/2 a banana for my protein shake this morning ... with the peel on. In case you were wondering, it doesn't just come right off. Lesson learned. So my shake was just some protein powder and skim milk. That is not enough to fuel your body for the day. I was hungry again at 9:30. So, against my better judgement, I went down to Carries (our convenience store in the building) and bought some oatmeal. For the most part, this was a good decision. But, it must be noted that prepackaged oatmeal is also packed with a lot of refined sugar, which is something I'm trying to steer clear of. That said, it was the best option available so I took it. I added some almonds for protein and felt much better.

Lunch time rolled around and I had brought leftover Chowder from last night. I really wasn't feeling the chowder today. I decided to check out the cafe in our building which I normally hate with a passion. But, she does have a decent salad bar and I'm trying to be buddies with the owner so she'll tell me what's in stuff when I ask. Anyway, I digress. Today, they had Chili and it looked really good and loaded with lots of kidney beans. Once I discovered what was in it (lean ground beef, kidney beans, onions and spices), I decided it was ok for me to eat it. It was also loaded with fiber. I added a salad and was on my way upstairs.

I was mindlessly checking email when I came across one from a vendor who's going to be here all next week..... "Margaret, I'd like to take you and your team to dinner Monday night." WHAT? How dare he? Does he not know that I've got a blog about losing 100 pounds in only ONE year?  A bead of sweat popped up on my forehead, my palms began to sweat, and my heart began pounding outside of my chest. Yes... sheer panic had set in.

WAIT!!! HOLD ON A MINUTE!!!

This is the point of my post. While the whole "Check your dignity at the door" thing is a bit tongue in cheek, there's some truth to it. I can't be afraid to ask for what I need or do what it takes to get healthy no matter how stupid I might think I look. We often judge ourselves much more harshly that we are being judged by others. Yes, my hair is now in a ponytail at my desk and most of my makeup is gone from SweatFest 2010. So what? And, the truth is, I'm in complete control of where we have dinner on Monday. I've already checked the menus of three restaurants and I'm good. However, I did decide that Stoney River is not an option because I'm a fan of meat and I just don't see myself passing up a thick juicy steak. And, I really don't see myself only eating 1/2 of it and taking the rest home. A gal's got to know her limits.

I still have one hurdle to cross today. I won't be getting home until well after 8:00 tonight. Originally, I planned on Sandwiches. But, now I'm thinking it's sandwiches for my man and a stir fry with chicken, mushrooms, carrots, snowpeas and brown rice for me (which he won't eat. he's been to the motherland. Chinese is not his thing)

Cheers!
Margaret