Thursday, July 03, 2008

Celebrate!

I’m just back from my stroll around the cemetery. I’m walking longer distances now and doing it at a faster clip. Plus I’m not gasping for breath like I did when I started a month ago. So, progress.

I’m not a fan of bathroom scales. In fact, I don’t even own one. I’ve had the same weight on my driver’s license for twenty-five years and as far as I could tell, the driver’s license clerks weren’t poking each other in the ribs and chuckling or doing eye rolls every time I replied, “No” when they asked if height or weight had changed. And negative. I don’t plan to divulge what weight is on my driver’s license, but thanks for asking.

As far as managing my weight, I generally know it’s time to cut back on the junk food when I need a wire coat hanger to get my jeans’ zipper up. Barring that, I’m good to go.

This week I was antsy and in the mood to put something--anything--in my life in order so I decided to declutter my bedroom closet. I love my closet. Big, but not too big, with built in storage areas along the entire wall. I grab my step stool, climb up, and survey one of the storage areas where I keep my jeans and slacks. I love jeans. And I tend to hold on to them longer than I should--as evidenced by the number of straight legs jeans I found stowed away in my closet. I hauled the clothes down and put them on my bed and decided to try each pair of jeans on before I decided whether to keep them or toss ‘em. Well, with the exception of the straight leg jeans. I basically gave them the heave-ho. I don’t care that people say they’re coming back in style. It’s boot cut or flare for this gal--or nothing at all.

It was when I started trying on jeans that the fun began. I tried the first pair on and frowned. They were too big. Strange. I tried another pair on. Same thing. If I cinched a belt tight enough to keep my pants in place, I’d have ‘jean pucker’ around my waist. I went through the whole stack of jeans and found about five that fit.

Since it had been awhile since I weighed myself, (think years) I pulled out my daughter’s scale, made sure it was adjusted correctly, took a deep breath, and stepped up. Since I rarely weigh myself, I took the precaution of peering through my fingers to view the number. I couldn’t believe it! I’d lost TEN pounds.

Now, I know that doesn’t sound like much when you see the dramatic ‘Biggest Loser’ weight losses and transformations, but for me it’s huge! I’d undertaken my ‘shape up’ program with the objective of getting ‘heart healthy’ and toning and firming--not dropping pounds so it was an unexpected bonus. And positive proof that walking is great exercise for those of us ‘of a certain age’.

And I couldn’t close this post without acknowledging the fact that tomorrow is our nation’s birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!

Other than my customary walk or bike ride, I have no big plans. This year will be somewhat different. One daughter is visiting friends out of state and one son is working. Normally we go to my brother’s house or cook out and watch the fireworks from our front yard. It’ll be strange this year, but that’s what happens when the younguns grow up.

‘Things change, Kathy,’ I remind myself. ‘And you have to adapt. It’ll give you time to write. Or read.’

I’m not sure I like this ‘growing up’ stuff. I thought I would. Now I’m not so sure.

What plans have you made to celebrate Independence Day? Any traditions you hold to each year? Any special place you are planning to travel?

Be safe, be happy, and celebrate the birth of the greatest nation on earth!

Have a wonderful 4th!

~Bullet Hole~

12 comments:

Gemma Halliday said...

It’s boot cut or flare for this gal--or nothing at all.

I'm so proud of you. :)

And, congrats on the 10 pounds! In someone as tiny as you already are, that's a big loss!

~Gemma

Christie Craig said...

Kathy...

Wow, congrats girl.

I'm impressed.

Crime Scene Christie

Keri Ford said...

Mega congrats on that ten pounds! You don't keep a scale?? You don't weigh everyday??? (as you can see by the overuse of question marks, I'm shooked.) I weigh every morning. If I gain too much weight (as in more than I can count on one hand) my hormones jump ship. great motivation for keeping that weight under control. I couldn't imagine not weighing everying morning.

I’m just back from my stroll around the cemetery.

I have to say, that's a fantastic first line.

Angie Fox said...

Well, heck my holiday plans have now changed - I want to adopt the Bacus workout plan and lose 10 pounds.

Hopefully, the fact that my family plans to BBQ everything that doesn't move won't derail my healthy eating plans too much. We shall see...

Kathy Bacus said...

Thanks, Gemma. It was kind of a shock seeing the number on the scale.

And I so couldn't believe I'd kept the straight leg jeans. Yeesch! What was I thinking????

~Bullet Hole~

Kathy Bacus said...

Thanks, Christie! The next big step is to get the tape measure out and see just where I lost those ten pounds!

God let it be in the hips and thighs!

~Bullet Hole~

Kathy Bacus said...

I don't even let the doctor tell me what my weight is at my yearly physical, Keri. I figure, it's just a number, right? (Although I reckon the same could be said about my blood pressure and cholesterol, too.)

And I'll be spending even more time in the cemetery. For a human population lab for ecology class I have to record 200+ dead peoples' statistics and make some weird graphs associated with the data. I can just see me now, going through the rows of headstones, clipboard in hand.

Good thing the residents can't complain. (Er, I hope.)

~Bullet Hole~

Kathy Bacus said...

LOL, Angie!

Guess this isn't a good time to tell you I've even changed from good ole plumber hot dogs to turkey franks.

I've also been eating a TON of melon. I love that seedless watermelon!

Hope you and the family have a happy, happy 4th!!

~Bullet Hole~

Kathy Bacus said...

Duh. Meant to type 'plumper' hot dogs--not 'plumber'.

Methinks I've already celebrated too much!

~Bullet Hole~

Shel said...

Congrats Kathy!

Every year on the 4th we have a huge gathering with friends, that I have to miss this year because of a Mom guilt trip, so I will spend most of my day driving to see her for a total of about 5 minutes... Oh well, what can you do.

However, when I get back home tomorrow night, I will be watching Independence Day, which I do every year. Will Smith is so hot and it's fun - a win both ways! As you can see, my poli sci degree was very helpful...

Happy Independence Day!

Jana DeLeon said...

Fantastic, Kathy!!!!! It's always great when a health and fitness plan pays off. Have a great fourth!

Heather said...

Congrats on the terrific weight loss, Kathy. Looks like the walks around the cemetery have really paid off!