Saw 221 on the scale yesterday. Still hovering around in the 221-223 range. I think simply adopting a healthier lifestyle has done the trick so far. I'm two pounds away from being merely "overweight" and not "obese." My current BMI is like 30.1 or something... less than 30 is considered overweight.

I need to continue eating well--somehow I survived the holidays without permanent weight gain-- and continue to exercise. I've been walkign a lot, and that seems to have been quite a benefit. I need to step it up, perhaps by doing some running.

I talked to a friends' mother about my hip problems. She has recommended some good stretches, with the caveat that if I lose control of my bowels or bladder go to the hospital immediately. You got it, doc! But I think they will seriously help.

220=overweight.
210=my target fencing conditioning weight. 1-2 lbs. a week? Today is December 1st. By January 1st I could be at 215. February 1st I could be at 210. I don't really want to wait that long to do fencing conditioning. I also don't that long to lose the weight though. I'm excited!

I guess I should do the responsible thing and set a goal. I'm probably 222 officially still. At least according to Anna's scale. Today is December 1st. I'm going to shoot for 215 by New Year's.

Back to basics then--walking, running, eating right, stretching, and some conditioning. I'm trying to not eat fast food (Panera doesn't count). Hopefully I'll be able to reign that in. With my current budget I shouldn't be indulging in extras to much anyway.

I've been experimenting with minimalism lately. Since I couldn't seem to get away from facebook in a satisfactory way, I manipulated my friend list so that it is only with my closest friends and family, who do not use facebook as a diversion (and therefore don't rope me into it as well). I swear I've gotten more things done online.

I've been thinking of a lot of things I can reduce. I think whatever I can fit into one hamper is plenty. It will keep the place smelling better if nothing else, and I'll have a good place for clothes--I want to try to hang everything up if I can (using the living room closet is acceptable). There's really no reason for a big bulky thing like a dresser--so if I can cease using it, I will be in good shape.

This is for my mental and financial health--I find myself being frequently distracted by the internet. I'm trying to use it instead of let it use me. I have been frequenting chess.com more often. I am doing this with intention and because I enjoy chess rather than because it is a diversion. At least not a harmful, all-consuming one.

I better get to the bank before it closes.
MCSM