I promise to take more vacations . . .

I am back from Cancun. Land of sun, sand, gorgeous pools, tequila and great food. I think I was mostly good; my serious over indulgences were on sun, mango margaritas and laughter! My friend Mary Ellen is good for my soul. This past week I have laughed like I haven't laughed in a long time.

I am so thankful for my friendship with Mary Ellen. She calls me on my BS, as I call her on hers. We both have a love of Bravo TV, Cracker Barrel, good food, good drinks, family and laughing until we are sick. She is the perfect person to spend time by and in the pool, talking, reading and sharing cocktails. She helped me keep pretty close to my diet and if laughter burns calories I know I burned more than I took in. I hope she had as much fun as I did.

We all need to give ourselves permission to enjoy life, relax and not take the whole diet/exercise/work thing so seriously. While I am not going to go off my plan to eat healthier and life a healthier life style, I am not going to beat myself up, feel guilty or allow others to make me feel guilty if I enjoy a meal or an occasional cocktail. The people in my life who truly love me, love me for the person I am, not because of my dress size or how many calories I don't consume in a day. If someone is going to base their opinion of me as a person based on my weight I suggest you look in the mirror and determine the real reason you want people to love you and ask yourself does Teresa or anyone else in my life love and want to have a relationship with me because of my heart or my outward appearance. I hope you know for me, it is because of your heart and how you treat me and others.

Life is too short. Before I left on vacation someone told me I needed to relax and have a life. "True that!" 

Thanks for all the encouragement and support. Blessings on all of our respective journeys!

Out of Sorts, Out of Patience, Out of Breath & Out of My Mind

It has been a while since I've posted on my blog. I have been a little out of sorts lately. I have had a cough for the past three weeks that sounds like a very angry dog. I love living in the Ohio River Valley during the fall! Work has been busy and I spend most days at my desk working through lunch. Not a good combination. Between the cough, work and shortness of breath I haven't been working out other than some yoga since my last post.

Things that have happened over the past two weeks has really pushed my patience to the limits. Inconsiderate rude people have jumped all over my last nerve. Have you ever been so angry that you literally can't see? I had a situation that pushed me to that place; I don't like the person I became when I was pushed to that point. I have made the choice to stay away from the person that pushes me to that point as much as possible. Thankfully, this person did not push me to the point of massive consumption of chocolate! Close, but I resisted.

I have seen my internist and will be keeping a food journal until I see him at the end of this month. I'm sure most of you who saw my check in at Tom + Chee are wondering about my lunch of grilled cheese with bacon and crushed Grippo's BBQ chips. While it isn't the healthiest of lunches there are worse things I could eat. It isn't something I eat every day. I have been very good with my food choices, drinking my water and staying away from my nemesis candy!

I am leaving on vacation tomorrow. Will I drive myself crazy counting every calorie while I'm away? Probably not, afterall I'm human, not perfect. Keeping a diary is another way of holding myself accountable. All in all I'm happy with my slow progress of 11 pounds down since I started this journey.

As for being out of my mind, my very best friend in the world has taken a job out of the country. It has been a very stressful and sad time for both of us. It is really hard to get use to not talking to this special person in my life every day. My friend is the person whose opinion I value, advice I trust and who makes me laugh when no one else can. My friend is adjusting to the new job and culture. Looking at it as a new adventure helps. My grandbabies sweet faces have put the smile on my face so I won't look old before my time. It is true, grandchildren keep you young!

So, keep me in your thoughts and prayers. When I'm walking on the beach I will be thankful for the time off to recharge my batteries, improve my attitude and hopefully lose a few more pounds.