Friday Quote Day

Our greatest weakness lies in giving up.

The most certain way to succeed

is always to try just one more time.

~ Thomas Edison

In spite of the setbacks I've experienced the past month, giving up doesn't cross my mind.

As I wrote earlier this week, what would I do, who would I be, if I weren't trying to lose weight?

Last month I only stepped on the scale a couple of times, and the last time I did (a couple of days before my first-of-the-month official weigh-in) was a gut-check reality slap in the face. I learned in a most decisive way that I need to keep an eye on my weight a leetle more frequently.

If my goal were to enjoy carefree meals, I'd certainly stick with the once-a-month date with the scale. But my goal is to be more comfortable when I move my body. A daily weigh-in which provides information, not judgment, seems to work for me.

And that's what it's all about, right? What works for me might not be the best solution for you. We all have to find our own way. But we all need a little help from each other in not giving up.

I will now attempt to post the sweater photo.

Success! The yarn is a silk and cotton blend by Sirdar called Opium. Not sure if it's still being produced or not; I've had it forever. This sweater is knit in a traditional gansey construction, in the round from the lower edge up and divided at the armholes. You knit the front and back top sections separately, join the shoulders and then pick up stitches around the armholes and knit the sleeves from the shoulder to the cuff. The sweater was supposed to be a Christmas gift for my younger granddaughter (who won't be the younger in July; did I tell you the triplets are having a little sister this summer?). However, I think it came out a little small to wait so long, so I might send it to her now.

One more image. Just two days until the Academy Awards! I saw very few nominated films this year, and was disappointed that one I saw (Michael Moore's Capitalism: A Love Story) wasn't nominated. But Food, Inc. was, and seeing it was a life-changing experience for me. And I mean that literally.

Prior to seeing this documentary, I looked for the best price on food, paying little attention to country of origin. I hadn't hopped on the organic bandwagon; the prices are high and the quality of the trucked-in produce is marginal. Food, Inc. helped me see it's worth paying a little more for locally grown, good-quality, real food and meat. This film, Barbara Kingsolver's book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle and Michael Pollan's three books about how we eat have changed my menu. I'm buying eggs from our Amish neighbors and fresh milk from the owner of a cow whose name I know. (If that ain't life-changing, I don't know what is!) And part of my spring and summer workout plan will be working in a garden that is twice the size of last year's.

Of the 10 films nominated for Best Picture, I only saw Up, which – seriously – has a better chance of winning in the Animated Feature category. And – seriously – it was a great movie. Even if you never see animated films, be sure to see this one. And be sure to watch the Oscars Sunday night! I miss spending Oscar night with my daughter, who used to throw an extravagant, all-girl party with tons of fancy food and decorations and prizes. We dished about the dresses more than the films; watching with my husband just doesn't compare.