Saturday, March 7, 2009

Just a post

In about 3.5 hours I'm running a 10K in a neighboring town. The group that organized the 8k turkey trot I did organizes a bunch of smaller local races - races I didn't know about until after that Thanksgiving Day race. I sat down with their website last week and entered random races over the next couple of months. Since my dog training situation is suddenly vastly different than it's been for the last year plus, my weekends just got a whole lot roomier. I see more running and more horses in my future. This is not a bad thing but it feels weird, for sure.

I'm thinking pretty seriously about getting a part time job. If nothing else it would finance my dog training trips to Pennsylvania. I'm feeling a little greedy when I consider having TWO jobs when so many are losing their jobs, but I'm hoping that greedy feeling will pass as I watch my dog learn under the capable (and considerably more gentle) hand of this trainer.

I am in the process of becoming (hopefully) a Weight Watchers leader. I lost nearly 47lbs using Weight Watchers, and don't mind pimping them. Weight Watchers isn't a flashy program, Jillian Barberie, Marie Osmond and Wynona Judd are NOT involved. It's truly the program of 'eat right and exercise' and that's kind of boring, but it is truly the only thing that works, long term. I don't think I know everything about the program, but I certainly absorbed everything I could and I am a believer. I was completely, and utterly frustrated at being in my late 30's and able to own and run a home, hold down a job, take care of cars and finances and animals and friends and travel and running but somehow I couldn't get a grip on how to lose weight and keep it off. That frustration drove me to that first meeting well over a year ago.

About a month ago I stopped in to my meeting to record my once a month weight and walked into a new group member talking to our group Leader and dissolving into tears. I went to make a quick escape and she asked me to stay. She apologized and before I could form the thought I told her to stop, that I didn't know a single woman who hadn't cried over her weight. After 15 minutes or so of talking, she left and my Leader, the woman who helped me so much, told me that was about the nicest thing she had heard one member tell another. She planted the seed, and now it's a vile, wicked, unpluckable weed.

Recently in another, much more dangerous, situation I had the opportunity to help someone, a complete stranger in fact, and I followed my heart and my gut - they both told me it was the right thing to do. So, I did. When that person expressed concern that she was being perceived as soliciting help, I told her the truth. When things were at the darkest in my life a complete stranger stuck out their hand.
I owe.

Yes, the two situations are completely different and only in the extreme is weight loss life threatening, but who am I *not* to help when I can, whatever the situation?

It's the person in the second situation I'll be thinking of this morning during my run. She may be running as well this morning, and no doubt with a heavier heart and load than I will. It's going to be a beautiful day here in my corner of the world, I hope it's as beautiful where she's headed today.

10 comments:

kenju said...

You're a good person. It's good to pay it forward.

My mom loved Weight Watchers. She tried very diet in the book (through the 70's) and nothing worked but WW. She lost 80 lbs., and said it was the only diet program that she didn't starve while on it.

Anonymous said...

Giving back is one of the most wonderful feelings in the world.
Good for you!!
I hope your day continues to be as beautiful as you describe.

Anonymous said...

Oh wow, I'm so proud of you! I didn't know your progress beyond a certain point last year, but wow, that's incredible! And you're a great, great person to help without expectation and to say the words someone needs to hear when they need to hear it.
Hope the 10K was fun!

Doctor Err said...

love you. we need to talk soon when i get two seconds to myself... (right now i have the boy sitting here talking about work and two dogs laying on me trying to get my hands to stop typing and pet them) and i'm also grading papers with track changes....
soon.
soon.
soon.

and get the job if you want it. my mom even now is TRYING to get extra help and someone who knows how to really WORK. even with people loosing home, people don't know how to stay on that grind. she can't find anyone good. wish you were here.... there is something therapeutic about warehouse type work.
and plus you guys could solve the ghost whisperer problem.
xoxo

tiff said...

How do you keep your life straight? Please tell me!

Mojo said...

Last I heard, that stranger you speak of was facing snow and ice, but at least that is a situation in her control.

You rock girl. And I know that right now, this moment, there are an absolute minimum of three people I can think of who would agree with me without any hesitation.

And you know what else? It just does my heart good to see you posting more than once in a blue moon again. I've missed your unique brand of blogging a lot.

rennratt said...

You should definitely head up a WW group. It is a great - and practical - program. I have dieted my entire life, and WW has been the only one that helped me to CHANGE.

I think it is a GREAT idea!

carmilevy said...

I often feel as you do, that we are who we are because others have taken the time to help us. As such, it's good karma to pay it forward and ensure the chain continues.

You're a good soul for doing so...yet another reason why you've always been such a compelling read.

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