Dedicated

I live 6.3 miles from where I work (according to Google Maps). I am lucky enough to be able to drive all back roads to get to my office and deal with three stop lights that are usually in my favor. I walk out of my door at 7:40 and get to work before 8:00. It is wonderful living so close to work. Since I started working here last May I have noticed something about my morning commute. I drive by a really nice bike path and some little neighborhoods and every morning, EVERY morning, there is a man that power walks. From what I have seen, I assume he walks from his house to the bike path, walks some of the path, and then walks home. This man has made this a part of his daily routine and it is a habit. Again, he does it every morning. It does not matter what it is doing outside. Downpour of rain, freezing cold temps, snow, ice, he's like the damn mailman. Judging from his characteristics I would say this man is over 65 years old as well. All I think to myself as I drive by him every day is, "Why can I not develop a habit like that?" Oh wait, I COULD. My mind is notorious for making up wonderful excuses though. Like:

• "He's probably retired and doesn't have to be anywhere in the morning." 
• "He probably doesn't have a puppy."
• "He lives so close by that it is easy for him to get to the bike path." 
• "He probably lives alone and is bored." 

Basically saying that I am somehow busier than him when in reality I am probably not. I COULD get up before work and go for a walk. I COULD lock Walter up in his cage to take care of my exercise needs. I COULD get to a bike path very quickly because I LIVE CLOSE TO ONE ALSO... like, ridiculously close. It is just up the street. Just because I have a husband doesn't mean I can't leave him alone as well to go exercise or invite him to go with me for crying out loud. Andrew never says no to exercise when I ask him. 

It just amazes me how easily my mind finds ways to justify my laziness and inability to focus on developing good habits. One thing I definitely want to work on with my therapist. 

___________________________________________________________________

WeightWatchers & Food:

Yesteday was bad news. I have been having the munchies really, really badly. I couldn't figure out why and then I looked at my pill pack of birth control and realized the monster is just around the corner. I need to pay better attention to that so I can work harder to fight off random food consumption. Things I ate that weren't planned? Gourmet butter popcorn, ketlle corn, cupcake, candy and a heaping pile of noodles for dinner. I mean a heaping pile... it is kind of ridiculous how many noodles I can eat. I need to stop cooking the entire box OR if I do I need to section them out into single servings right away so I don't go overboard. Needless to say I felt like absolute garbage when I went to bed last night. 

I overslept this morning but it did not keep me from making some French Silk Pie Oatmeal for breakfast. 

*This picture belongs to Lauren at The Oatmeal Artist

I did not have time to snap a picture of mine because I was running so behind. I just threw mine in a bowl, threw a lid on it and ran out the door. I ate it here at work and it was delicious. 

Today's Menu:

B: French Silk Pie Oatmeal(8), coffee with peppermint mocha creamer(1)

S: String Cheese (3)

L: We are having a work lunch for the Holidays and food is being catered in. The main dish is sliced turkey so I will not partake in that, however, I will eat whatever veggies and sides I can without going crazy. I also have some cilantro lime cauliflower rice (2) in the fridge if I need something healthier. 

S: Apple (0)

D: Boca burger (3), english muffin (3), red beans and rice (4)

Depending on how many points I use during lunch might sway my dinner choice. I may just do a boca burger with no "bun" and some of my spicy buffalo cauliflower bites. I'm having a hankering for some wine too.... I might have to have a glass of my Pinto Grigio with dinner.... mmmm....

________________________________________________________________

Christmas is getting closer and closer. I wish I had and endless supply of money so I could buy more gifts for people. I am one of those types of people that really cares less what I get. I just want to give, give, give! Nothing would make me happier than showing up at my family's house on Christmas with my arms loaded down with gifts galore! Unfortunately, Christmas is on a budget as well and I cannot do that. 

One day.... one day when I am debt free and building wealth I will be the best Christmas gift giver EVER.