Same old, same old

But staying the same AGAIN is better than taking a step or two backwards and recording a gain.

Can I get an AMEN on that?

Two weeks (three weigh-ins) at the same number hardly constitutes a plateau. If I'm still here in a month, then I'll slap that label on. However, since I'm still doing the same stuff and not seeing results, it might be time to do some calorie-cycling or to increase the frequency of the bodyweight training I've been doing.

Whatever. I'm happy, happy, happy.

• Happy to see a number I haven't seen in years.
• Happy to know that everything in my closet and dresser fits.
• Happy to feel good – pain-free and energetic and, sometimes, sassy.
• Happy to be satisfied with the amount of food I'm eating.
• Happy to KNOW how happy I am with my progress, instead of wishing I were done.

I have been increasing that bodyweight training frequency, slightly. I'm trying to remember just to throw some curls or squats in on a daily basis, whenever I think of it, rather than just twice a week. The stuff I'm doing doesn't require a rest day for muscle repair. And it doesn't feel like a regimen if I'm just, say, doing squats while I brush my teeth.

My husband took the cutest picture of me walking the other day. He never wants to use my phone for anything. So when he asked if he could use the camera function, so I could see what I look like from behind, I agreed. A little apprehensively, I must admit. Who in their right mind wants to see that view?

During this impromptu shoot, I turned around unexpectedly and I love that he was snapping away. Here are the results. And, yes, I need to get some workout clothes that fit. But baggy = comfortable, and as both of you know: Comfort is my racket!

So what does it take to be happy?

Most folks think they need something (or some things) to be happy. Those of you who've been reading my ramblings for a while probably think I'd be happy if I were able to achieve and maintain a normal weight. And I must admit, I'd be pretty happy if that were to happen.

But that doesn't mean I'm not happy now, most of the time.

Maybe being happy means, instead of having more whatever, we need to give something up. Read this and let me know what you think.

I read the list aloud to my husband and he said, "Well you already do all those things." And of course I violated one by pointing out another. Using negative self-talk, I said I'm prone to complaining.

Those of you who've been reading my ramblings for a while already knew about that one. I try not to JUST complain, though. I use this space to work things out, tease out a problem, try out solutions, come up with new ideas. And, of course, ask – sometimes – for your feedback. (Comments! Bloggers love comments!)

I live a fairly isolated life, although that's changed a great deal since the 2008 Presidential campaign. (I tell people I wouldn't have any friends if it weren't for President Obama. Heh.) If I'd had a BFF back in 2006, I might not ever have started a blog.

I'm glad things worked out the way they did, though. The blog has had its ups and downs and I've occasionally thought about quitting altogether. I've taken a couple short breaks, but I think the only way I could stop blogging now is if someone cut off my fingers.

Blogging daily has become such an entrenched habit, something I really look forward to. I wake up with an idea in my head, make coffee, let Hershey out, feed her and fire up the laptop. I check my e-mail, browse Facebook and open a blank Blogger page. Sometimes (like today) my idea goes out the window because I've found something on Facebook to share.

To be trite: At the end of the day, the bottom line is I'd be decidedly less happy if "giving up blogging" were on that list.

Thank you both for reading. AND COMMENTING! Heh.