I tried NS about 10 years ago for a short while, but never did reach out to make the connections and get the support as I have this time. I held back and was embarrassed at what I didn't know or how I felt ... everyone seemed so much smarter and "in the know". Then someone told me to just "jump in", and I did. I appreciate the comments and the support of fellow dieters and have made some friends along the line too. So, to you other "newbies" I encourage you to "jump in" too. We all need the support and the NS people have "been there and are doing it"!

This was the week that I was going to make my start to exercise and follow the "20 minutes for 4 days". My week begins on Monday and here it is Wednesday and I have yet to do even 1 minute. But, the week isn't over. If I could just do 4 minutes for 20 days ... SOME exercise each day ... getting started is a mental block I have to get past. I wish I understood what that block is, then I could break it down. I always have a ton of reasons (excuses) why I didn't/couldn't and none of them would hold water.

"Get moving in Week 3" ... this is going to be a tough week. I've never been self-motivated to exercise. Oh yeah, I'll go to the park with my grandson and play with him. I'll walk with a friend if they ask me to do so, but initiate the activity? No. I even bought a year's gym membership, went to the introductory meeting with them and never went back. There was no problem with them ... it was just that I had other "things" that I wanted to do more. So ... now I have my 20 minutes of exercise to do 4 days this week. I'm getting ready to make my "schedule" and wanting to have the determination to meet this goal. I do want to be healthy ... joints are already "snap, crackle and popping" so D-Day is here!!!

Mentally, I thought I was prepared for the dinner meeting ... "There will be vegetables and I'll just have those." The dinner was late and the "snack for everyone to munch on" was potato chips. I stayed away for the assorted bowls until people started saying things like, "These are unusual and great!" or "Have you ever tried this kind?" I gave in. Next time I'm faced with this situation I'm going to say, "I'm on a special diet and can't try them tonight."

I live with and care for my 90-year-old mother in addition to taking care of my 5-year-old grandson when he isn't in pre-school. I love both very much and thoroughly enjoy my time with my grandson (5-year-olds are a hoot!), but my time is often not my own. When I'm stressed, bored, etc. I've been going to food for comfort. Now I've got to find comfort another way as my situation is not going to change ... in deed it will probably get more demanding in days to come.

In reading the information in the "Mindset Makeover" I just realized that because I always eat alone in front of the TV, that just maybe my constant urge to go get something to eat in the evening is because I'm watching TV. Duh!!! OK, that's one lightbulb moment for me. Starting today, I'm eating all of my meals at the kitchen table. There, I've said it ... now I'll do it and report in another week.