the Journey part Deux

I weigh myself tomorrow. I use the scale at work—it’s the same kind the doctor’s office uses, but somehow, it never agrees with their numbers. Yikes! I just want one scale to rule them all, and to be consistent. Is that too much to ask?

Last week was a challenge. I admit it—I visited the cookie jar one too many times. But they’re gone now (RIP, sweet soldiers), so that’s done. Moving on!

My home physical therapy is wrapping up. It’s helped about 85%, which is pretty good, but I’m still in pain... and now I’ve developed a brand-new ache. Not sure it’s any better than the old pain, which regularly clocked in at a 9 on the Richter scale. Yes, that’s the earthquake scale, and yes, my knee has been that dramatic.

Thankfully, my chiropractor gave me some extra stretches. They’re helping with mobility, and he’s great at keeping me motivated. Best part? He doesn’t judge me when I slip up. He just says, “Be consistent. Keep moving.” That’s his motto—and now, apparently, mine too. He suggested adding just one new healthy thing a week. Like an extra glass of water, five more minutes of stretching, or being more mindful with meals. Baby steps. And let’s be honest, baby steps are the only steps I trust these days—especially with my track record of tripping over full-sized goals.

Back when I used to work out more regularly, I’d make these elaborate calendars on poster board. I tracked everything—sleep, vitamins, exercise—and yes, I decorated them. Stickers, highlighters, glitter... the whole motivational-art-show vibe. I’ve been thinking of doing it again, but maybe this time I’ll go with a dry-erase board. It’s easier to update, and more forgiving when I, say, skip leg day. Again.

I’m a visualist—I need to see it all laid out: a month at a time, not just one week. At the end of each month, I’d tally up how I did, what worked, what flopped, and what totally tanked (usually snacks). Then I’d adjust and move forward.

Speaking of food, I need to add some new breakfast options—something quick and easy for mornings when I’m flying out the door with one shoe on and no coffee in my system. That’s my goal this week: better breakfast, plus a few easy dinners. AI has actually been great for that! I just type in what ingredients I have, and it spits out recipes like some kind of futuristic chef. It even found a chicken recipe I thought I lost forever. AI for the win!

I haven’t started counting calories yet. That’s... later. Right now, I’m just trying to eat better and stick to those baby steps. If I do too much too fast, I’ll burn out and wind up curled up in a blanket with three donuts and no regrets.

I remember when Sarah was diagnosed with diabetes, and we had to weigh, measure, and count everything. I used to pre-portion her snacks and label them with the carb counts so she could just grab and go. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, I was doing math like a nutritionist/accountant hybrid—factoring fat, fiber, and sugar to make it all work. I have a feeling I might be headed that direction for myself soon, and honestly? I dread it. Like, seriously dread it. (Is there a support group for people who fear food math?)

A friend sent me a link to some easy dance videos on YouTube. I need to start doing those—just ten minutes a day to get my body moving. I’ve been walking on my breaks at work and after dinner—mostly around the driveway and yard. I don’t want to go too far and have to call for help or send up smoke signals.

I used to walk down to the pond and around the property line after dinner every night—if I wasn’t mowing the lawn until dark, that is. Ah, the glory days of multitasking cardio and yard work.

Right now, I’m sitting at the kitchen/dining room table in my pajamas, typing this. I should close the drapes, but... meh. Let the neighbors enjoy the show.

My goal this week is to add ten extra minutes of exercise or stretching each day. I just pop in my earbuds and hit play. There’s something about music that plugs directly into my brain and overrides all the “I don’t wanna” circuits.

Oh—and the bench in that photo? The one with the prickly pillow? Yep, I sit on it and do side stretches and back stretches. It helps my hips and lower back. That bench helped me get my body back in the day. I couldn’t afford a gym or fancy equipment, so that bench was my gym. I had a routine I stuck to for over a year, and I got toned. I even had the beginnings of a six-pack—and no, not the beer kind.

Moral of the story? You don’t need fancy stuff—just a little determination and maybe a stubborn streak.

Fingers crossed the scale doesn’t lie tomorrow... although I have a feeling it’s going to anyway. Scales are like toddlers: unpredictable, moody, and often wrong. But we love them anyway. (Sort of.)