Short Stories From 10 Years Ago – August 31, 2004

Short Stories From 10 Years Ago – August 31, 2004

Progress Report – Tiger Living

Short Stories From 10 Years Ago – August 31, 2004  – It’s “Day 11” of Tiger Living. At least I haven’t grow chicken wings, but neither has my level of commitment been absolute. Last night was one of menopausal madness. I had almost no sleep between midnight and seven in the morning. As I gazed at the clock at ten minutes to four, I thought about my doomed exercise plan.

I had such great expectations for my relationship with Howard the treadmill and Howard had high hopes for my thighs. The good news is that I’ve doing exceedingly well with my eating habits. It hasn’t been too difficult to cut back on portions, to drink more water and to refrain from giving the molars a work-out after eight o’clock in the evening.

I’m actually surprised at how quickly my body has adjusted to a decreased food intake. I’m hardly craving sweets at all anymore and I feel much better during the day. I’m just shy of two week into this regimen.

The problem seems to be getting the old “butt-er-oo-ski” off the couch, not just for a couple of days (I can do that easily) but consistently. I’ve abandoned my great plans of working out six days a week and then resting with God, although that is exactly what I wish I could do. It’s not realistic and it will never happen.

I’m not sure why? It takes about fifteen minutes to walk a brisk mile. I need to look at this quandary with new eyes – less rigidity – more understanding and an overall view similar to changing my nutritional values. I’ve given myself a year to conquer the menopausal pounds. These are life changes and I think I’ve just taken on too much this year, with goals that aren’t easily achievable. This leads to giving up.

I’ve had a great year in business, maintained my monthly marketing campaigns, achieved things around my home, established the charity goals I set for myself, made more of an effort to get out and do things with friends, started to go out alone when I want to see a movie, paid a sizeable amount down on my mortgage, kept up my book club obligations, had lunch more often with friends, challenged myself on personal issues and worked on being more tolerant and less judgmental.

Last but by no means least – I’ve kept up my commitment to write every day – and that hasn’t been easy! Not bad for the first eight months of the year! I’m a little behind on the exercise front -so what?

I have no intention of giving up on my fitness goal, just like I’m not going to ignore my plans to have a more active social life. These things will come with time. If I could laugh half as hard at my foibles as I can at life in general, there would be no stopping me. This progress report isn’t filled with glowing tales of physical achievement.

My thighs are still jiggly, my chicken tummy is still clinging stubbornly to my lower abdomen and my arms aren’t as toned as they used to be. Tomorrow is the first of September. I can still devote time and energy to working on the goals that are proving to be elusive. Stay tuned, I’m nowhere near done. There are lots of Tiger days ahead!