Cycling is my friend... 22 minutes and 10 miles later... no intervals, just sweet and steady riding... with the power to ride came the power to compliment the group hostess this evening for her beautiful salad and homemade candy treats while declining to eat as I expressed my personal HHO goals... I had the most delicious smoothie just before leaving to cement my resolve... I'm ready for bed and verrrrry grateful for my choices today.

Oh you did so well...good girl!
I thought of what you said earlier about just giving it a try would be good and so Im starting back in with yoga and vow to horse around more too. Thanks for the boost

Beckita,

I like your closing.."I'm very grateful for my choices today." Success is about a series of choices but sometimes, it is SO hard! Thank you for sharing your process.

I think it does help to think about how you will feel at the end of the day if you stick with your plan as compared to the alternatives. Using visualization/self hypnosis to see yourself as being pleased at the end of the day, and the end of the week...adds to the power.

and you are really zooming on that bike!

@ Wendy- you go girl! Yoga is not for sissies! Well, it IS for sisters... You know what I mean.

Wendy, you are so charming and fun! Your word choice of "horse around" makes me grin, O Wonder Woman of Horses.

I loved your validation, Carla, that in making healthy choices, "sometimes it is SO hard." To that end, I have enjoyed the emails this week. From the get-go, I have known my greatest challenge in HHO would be bridging the disparity between what I know and want to do and what I actually choose to do. That is the crux of the matter, for me, so I may ease into new habits.

Yesterday we made a Costco run and came home with the aroma of two pizzas filling the car. They were not my choice for a quick treat but there they were. When groceries were put away and we sat down to lunch, Papita opened the box and said "Are you sure you don't want some?" Oh yes I would have readily caved but instead I said, "Mmmm. I get so much pleasure from smelling this familiar aroma that I don't NEED to eat it." We both laughed and I proceeded with my veggie and meat filled wrap with sugar snaps.

As some of us have reached the halfway point, I believe I may well want to continue into a second season of HHO next year. I've come a long way but I want to be firmly secure in my newfound baby steps. I wonder how that will look from your end, Carla. Or, is it too soon to consider?

I'm so happy this evening.
I chopped rutabagas (yet another new veggie for me), turnips and red onion into cubes... put them in a bag with olive oil to coat them lightly... spread them across a wide roasting pan... liberally added the multi-spice, no salt seasoning from Costco... shook light sprinkles of sugar over them... sprinkled a generous amount of balsamic vinegar over all... put them in a 400 degree oven and went upstairs to do computer work while the most delightful aroma wafted up the stairs as the wind blew outside. I enjoyed these veggies for an afternoon mini-meal with string cheese and had them with my pork chop for dinner.
Mmm. Good food makes me happy.

I do admit I was craving a cycling session but the club has a two day vacation. Amazing... me craving cycling instead of sugar!?!

WOW, Carla! The three option email hits the nail on the head!

I think back to teaching days and remember students who were learning English as their second language. There was a phase of simply listening as pre-work. This was an ACTIVE step in acquiring the ability to speak the new language. HHO can readily be likened to this process I think, with each individual at different places on each individual journey.

It's an important message you have shared.

Is failure really failure or an opportunity?

Here's a link for one success story replete with "failures" and setbacks: www.school-for-champions.com/history/lincoln_failures.htm

Those veggies sound good, I have had Rutbaga in stew before, a nice winnter veggie. Lovely dishes made from yummy veggies are some of the nicest things about the summer turning to fall.
I love your dedication to your healthy choices Beckita. L.

Mmm, Lise. I like the sound of rutabaga in stew.

Thanks for your affirmation.

We have a mutual admiration, Lise, for making healthy choices. I enjoy your posts and faithfulness to the journey that is yours!!!

I'm so happy with the 34 mile cycling in two sessions today with just a few minutes of interval training upon which I can build. It was refeshing to be back in the saddle again. (I thought you might like that expression, Wendy )

This IS a part-time job for me right now as I remain focused on my goal of weight loss for my tender knees. I've read an excellent book by a physical therapist (while cycling, of course ). With the author's help, I have pinned down some simple exercises for strengthening the quads and hamstrings while developing endurance on the bike as well as an exercise for developing balance on each leg.

Somehow, I'll work in the Tai Chi for flexibility now that I'm stronger again. There's a lot to think about juggling even though I'm deeply committed to this project right now. When I have reached my ultimate goals, I can refashion my plan to maintain good health.

Beckita:

Just read the link on Lincoln. Very interesting! Thanks for sharing.

I'm excited to see your cycling ticker pass the halfway mark! You are speedy gonzalez (spelling?) on that bike.

And, soon you can add roasted pumpkin to your veggie medley.

yes it is good to be "back in the saddle again". I need to do the same myself!

"courage is being scared as hell and saddling up anyway". ~ John Wayne
Wish I was on my other other computer right now, I'd post a pic to go with this