With the recent passing of Halloween, we have begun what I like to term as the “Season of Indulgence.” It is a time of year when many of our grand plans for nutritional perfection blithely wing their way out the window. And we willingly open that window as wide as we open our cake hole. So, I am here to confess. Forgive me, my brothers and sisters, for I have sinned.
It all began with that enormous bowl of candy sitting and waiting for the children of the neighborhood. Poised there in its readiness, it called to me. And the voices, those insistent voices, were those of little brightly packaged treats with clever and cute names to make them even more enticing. Names like M&M’s and Skittles. Names like Snickers and Kisses. Oh, yes. Names that make you think how sweet and harmless they must be, but make no mistake, they were pure and unadulterated temptation. And, without a pause to consider my impending fall from grace, I gave in to that temptation.
As the week continued, I planned to be good, to be the contrite sinner and repent for my indiscretions. Yet, in my weakness, I succumbed once more, to a weekend of culinary debauchery. Planned outings with friends compelled me to carouse in dens of iniquity, cleverly disguised with names of Italian restaurants. Friendly names, like those of old acquaintances. Names like Vincenzo’s and Sal’s Little Italy. And my time spent there resulted in an orgy of eating and my sins mounted. For they tempted me there, with delicacies beyond my poor powers to resist. They placed before me and, forgive me, with my approval, dishes such as chicken parmigiana, fettuccine Alfredo and lasagna. And these plates of palate pleasers had lesser minions like wine, bread, salad dressing. I was, in a word, doomed.
Oh, yes, I tried to assuage my feelings of guilt. I pulled out all the stops and used words like “re-feed” and “cheat day.” But, I know what those days, nay, that entire week, was. It was gluttony and it was my descent into hell.
This morning I woke up from that nightmare to realize that it was all true and that the scale was there to confront me and to confirm it with its red hot, flaming digital numbers. There, staring back at me from the floor like an accusation, was a reading that was nearly two and one half pounds more of my corpulent self. I could almost hear the evil laughter.
Well, my friends, that is how some of us view ourselves, when we fall off the wagon, so to speak. Somehow we see ourselves as having done something so wrong and so irreversible that there is no redemption. With the “Season of Indulgence” upon us it is often easy to give up, to give in to all the temptations. But, keep in mind that there are things that are good for the body and things that are good for the spirit. Good times with friends can be numbered among them. Don’t beat yourself up when you have these little lapses, in whatever form they may come.
After getting off that scale, I got on my workout clothes, had my protein shake, and had a great workout. Hopefully, I can stay the course in preparation for the Thanksgiving weekend. I know that whatever comes along during the holidays, it is not something I cannot deal with. But, you cannot give up completely. Climbing back on the wagon is a lot easier if you don’t let the wagon pull out too far ahead of you.
Now go and sin no more (until the next time).
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Have a Great Week!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
__________________ In Fitness & Friendship, MAHLER
______________________________ __________________________ There is no light at the end of the tunnel. You carry the light with you.
Wow, John. This one really spoke to me this week. Halloween got me last week as well. Then two days later it was my B-Day. Then three days later it was my wife's B-Day. Will stress at work and at home, that crap really seemed to do the trick however.
Like you though, I'm going to "hit it hard" this week. My goal is to get as lean as ever before Thanksgiving and maintain throughout the Season.
Good luck to you and everyone else trying to do the same.
Thanks for the messages...Ted
__________________
Two Bears Dadda? Two Bears Benno, just two. ______________________________ ___________
There are three things in my life which I really love: God, my family, and baseball. The only problem - once baseball season starts, I change the order around a bit. ~Al Gallagher, 1971
__________________ 2009: No races, No times. Slow year. So, now you're 96 cals short. You're now in starvation mode. Doomed. - LostDog
Blog entry: November 1, 2009, Pancakes LiveSTRONG daily plate log
John nice to know we all have the same Demon's. This week will be a virtual mix of Good and Evil enjoying several B-Day Celebrations with family and friends. Next week Monday I am sure I will be right where you were when you stepped on thatr scale.
__________________ -50# by 4/1/10 2 down 48 to go.
__________________ 2009: No races, No times. Slow year. So, now you're 96 cals short. You're now in starvation mode. Doomed. - LostDog
Blog entry: November 1, 2009, Pancakes LiveSTRONG daily plate log
LOL, Og. I thought the same thing. The river's run dry?
John, nice twist at the end of this MMMM. Up to the penultimate paragraph I was going to chide you for being too hard on yourself. Then, you came through with the zinger. Nice. I too find those damned Halloween treats irresistable ... my son's loot is still sitting on the kitchen counter staring at me .... :0
__________________
"Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you are right." - Henry Ford
"UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." - Dr. Seuss
"Life is no brief candle to me. It is sort of a splendid torch which I have got hold of for a moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations." - George Bernard Shaw
John, have you been watching me in some sort of 'Truman Show' way? Because what you describe is that is the same thing that happened to me. One candy holiday and one relative's big wedding affair later, I stepped on the scale this morning and was shocked. This despite the fact that I went for a hard 2+ hour bike ride yesterday that probably burned 2500 kcals. I promptly went down to the basement and, even though my workout is not until this evening, did 2 sets each of pushups, pullups, dips on the rings and inverted rows. I started logging on fitday again this morning. I just need to avoid the damn chewy candies like Skittles, Now & Laters, and my personal Waterloo, those terribly tasty Laffy Taffys.
I just need to avoid the damn chewy candies like Skittles, Now & Laters, and my personal Waterloo, those dang tasty Laffy Taffys.
Now & Laters?
Cause you eat them now and they show up on you Later?
Og.
__________________ 2009: No races, No times. Slow year. So, now you're 96 cals short. You're now in starvation mode. Doomed. - LostDog
Blog entry: November 1, 2009, Pancakes LiveSTRONG daily plate log
Cause you eat them now and they show up on you Later?
Og.
No kidding. This morning my pants, which are usually well fitting, were snug. I'm really kind of bummed - this fat gain happens every fall as I take down the riding, but I've been trying hard to counter it this year. Sadly, the results are the same.
Good one, John. I, too, gave in to that Halloween candy siren song... love those peanut butter cups.
__________________ The trick is in what one emphasizes. We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves happy. The amount of work is the same. -- Carlos Castaneda
You guys should be overseas. Every day we get cookies, candy, brownies, cakes, zingers, twinkies, ding dongs, etc. No wonder our troops are getting fat. I have actually done quite well turning my head while others enjoy the treats. I take a cookie about once a week, so I'm not doing to bad. But I wish they would send healthier treats in those darn care packages. At least it is nice to know someone cares though.
__________________
Your accomplishments can only be as big as your heart.
__________________ 2009: No races, No times. Slow year. So, now you're 96 cals short. You're now in starvation mode. Doomed. - LostDog
Blog entry: November 1, 2009, Pancakes LiveSTRONG daily plate log
You guys should be overseas. Every day we get cookies, candy, brownies, cakes, zingers, twinkies, ding dongs, etc. No wonder our troops are getting fat. I have actually done quite well turning my head while others enjoy the treats. I take a cookie about once a week, so I'm not doing to bad. But I wish they would send healthier treats in those darn care packages. At least it is nice to know someone cares though.
I sent my cousin stuff like beef jerky and nuts.
Are you getting the stuff from organized groups or from individuals? If it's from groups, maybe they could use a little education...
I just did a benefit golf event for an organization called operation troop aid. I think the website is www.operationtroopaid.org. The guy who started it is in the Navy. They send care packages that cost $40 including shipping and handling. They include, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, beef jerky, trail mix ( a huge bag), nutter butter cookies, skittles, phone cards and a couple of other things. He said the baby wipes and sanitzer are huge items because of all the sand, etc. He was putting on a big biker rally this weekend in the Norfolk VA area. Anyone who wants to support this could check out the website. I thought the care packages were awesome. These folks need all the "comfort" and support they can get.
__________________
Joel Morgan
founder
Whole Self Fitness
"become the change you desire" www.wholeself-fitness.com
Are you getting the stuff from organized groups or from individuals? If it's from groups, maybe they could use a little education...
We are getting stuff mostly from groups. Some individuals, but mostly from groups. I would email them and say something, but I don't want to offend someone that is sending stuff to troops and I definately don't want to make them think we are unappreciative of what they have sent.
__________________
Your accomplishments can only be as big as your heart.
I just did a benefit golf event for an organization called operation troop aid. I think the website is www.operationtroopaid.org. The guy who started it is in the Navy. They send care packages that cost $40 including shipping and handling. They include, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, beef jerky, trail mix ( a huge bag), nutter butter cookies, skittles, phone cards and a couple of other things. He said the baby wipes and sanitzer are huge items because of all the sand, etc. He was putting on a big biker rally this weekend in the Norfolk VA area. Anyone who wants to support this could check out the website. I thought the care packages were awesome. These folks need all the "comfort" and support they can get.
Several people that are in Iraq have also raved about fly paper.... sounds gross, but when the purported record for flies killed in one minute is 32, also sounds about as necessary as TP.
Here is one of hundreds of reputable organizations; a simple google search for "sending support packages to troops" will give you all the results you can stand. Their suggested items are below:
Sugar packets
Bars (Clif or Balance)
Beef Jerky
Canned Fruit (pop top cans)
Cereal (in small boxes)
Condiments Packages (ketchup, etc)
Girl Scout Cookies
Granola Bars
Gum (no sticks)
Oatmeal (instant)
Pop-Tarts
Ravioli (pop top cans)
Tuna Kits
GAMES
Board Games
Checkers (travel size)
Chess (travel size)
Crossword Puzzles
Sodoku puzzles (I added this one, LOL)
Playing Cards
MUSIC
CD Fanny Packs
CDs
Tapes
PRINTED MATERIALS
Books (novels, short stories)
Newspapers (local)
Magazines
TOILETRIES/HYGIENE
Baby Wipes
Nose spray
Cold Water Wash (Woolite)
Eye Drops
Deodorant
Femine Hygiene Products (for female soldiers)
Foot Powder
Hairbrushes
Hand Lotion
Hand Sanitizers (waterless)
Nail Clippers
Q-Tips
Razors (disposable)
Shampoo
Soap
Sunscreen
Tissues (heavy duty - i.e. Puffs)
Toilet Paper (including travel size)
Tylenol (individual packets)
Wash Rags
Other
Plastic spoons
American Flags (small)
Baggies (with zip lock)
Batteries (AA, D, ....)
Bug Spray (must be packaged in zip-lock bag)
Duct Tape
Disposable Cameras
Flashlights (mini/mag lite, extra bulbs, lots of batteries)
Fans (battery powered - small - with extra batteries)
Fly Strips
Fly Swatters
Pre-Paid Phone Cards
Shoe Insole Cushions
Socks (cushioned)
Sunglasses (black - no brand names)
Sweatbands (or panti-liners for use in helmets)
Harmonicas
Kazoos
Seasonal
Canned turkey and Thanksgiving food items
Small unbreakable holiday decorations
Christmas stockings
Being overseas is lonely enough; add a hostile territory into the mix, and any stuff from back home goes a long, long way.
A big "attaboy" or "attagirl" to anyone who gives their time, money, or material goods to an organization such as this. Thank you hardly seems like enough gratitude, but.... thank you.
Mahler’s Monday Morning Motivator # 139 – Confession
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