Weight a Minute—Will Ya?

Thursday evening was Weight Watchers weigh-in and support.  I have to be honest here. The meeting did nothing for me.  Why?  Because the topic centered on exercise and being fit.

I was the first to arrive at the WW meeting and I should have exited after weigh-in!  I want support in a different way than a lecture on working out!

I have issues with this. Trust me.  I believe in activity. In fact, when I lived in New York City, I was in the best shape of my life! Why was I in the best shape —you ask?  It’s because of my ability to lose patience with the public transportation system.  The buses in NYC were too damned slow for me—especially the M5 covering Riverside Drive. I would wait at a bus stop for 40 minutes sometimes—realizing I could have walked—which I ultimately ended up doing.

The slowest bus in the NYC Public Transportation system. Just my luck. Waiting for this on Riverside in the Winter was brutal. I ended up walking most of the time!

Same with the subway.  During the summer months and no air-conditioning in the Netherlands of the metropolis that I loved so much, the chances of entering into an air-conditioned subway car were slim to none.  So, I walked.

  • Yes. This is MY ass–30 years ago!  I remember those pants too. Very ’80’s. They were from J. Crew. The jacket was from Tweeds. Amazing how I can remember where I purchased outfits from that long ago but I can’t remember where I put my phone! That ass is from walking!

Yes. I was fit and in great shape. And it was free—no money down!

Here’s another oldie but goodie. I have no idea who snapped this photo of me bending down rummaging through Christmas gifts. I was most likely looking for an important part of a toy that got lost! I remember that outfit too. The sweater was from Gap and the skirt was from B. Altman. Red suede. Where did my gut go??

Today’s world is different. If you live outside of a major city, you have to pay to get into shape. You need to join a gym, health club or spa.  At a cost. At a high cost.

Read the fine lines. That $19.99 a month usually comes at a contract of 5 years!  Bonaparte practically had to hire a lawyer to get his daughter out of a gym membership when she was in school! 

I will give a caveat.  Larger corporations include gym memberships as part of their healthcare programs—but I’m sure that’s coming to an end. (I’ll stop here-I promised Oona no more political rants. She is afraid that I will have a stroke or heart attack because I’m so upset about a certain person in the Whitey House).

That Orange thing in the Whitey House could use a workout or two hundred.

Let’s face it. Does anyone really look happy when they are working out?

Nobody behind this guy looks thrilled. I rest my case!

 

And then there’s the workout wardrobe.  Sorry, but I would rather purchase a pair of skinny jeans. I would also rather spend the money on killer heels that I can’t walk in.

This photo is from the Lululemon site. The pants are “Align” pants and are $98.00!! Ninety-eight bucks to spend on clothing that gets sweaty and smelly.  And then worn out on the street to run errands. And I’m the slob for wearing pants outta the hamper! Seriously–they should be called what they are. Not “Align” pants but “Swamp Ass” pants!

Walking in the ‘burbs just isn’t the same as walking in cities.  But—walking is free of charge. As soon as the weather warms up a bit, I’ll be incorporating walking into my weight loss program. But not now!

And my big issue is that I went back to the Weight Watcher’s meetings because I need support to help me with my eating habit.  I don’t want to stress eat.  I don’t  want to overeat.  I want food to be my friend. Talk to me about eating habits and not working out!

I need support to stop eating stuff like an entire pizza–not just a slice.  Do I need a higher power than Weight Watchers?

Figures that a Frenchman would be the Patron Saint of Overeaters and Gluttony! Maybe that’s why the French are so thin–because they pray to St. John Mary Vianney. And check out his middle name “Mary”–those French man saints are in touch with their feminine sides too. I’m going to pray to him before dinner tonight and every night!

Here’s the thing. I did lose weight this week.  And I lost a half of a pound.  The Weight Watchers crew was right—it is going to be a slow period of losing those last nine pounds.  I’m fine with it.

I’m down a half-pound. I fear for next week because–truth be told. I chowed down on a few Philly soft pretzels at work yesterday. I wish I had prayed to St. John Mary Vianney!

And I’m fine with it because losing a half pound is better than gaining a half pound. Hell—at this point it’s better than staying the same weight as the week before because I’m not on maintenance yet. That’ll be the test.

Sometimes we want results quick. We want that weight to come off in a minute—but it isn’t the way it should be. We need to take our time. We need to be kind to ourselves. Don’t you think?

True dat. We don’t want to take our time. I’m guilty as charged. We want quick results.  But I’m learning that great results take time. LOTS of time!

It’s all good—and here’s a look at what I wore this week.  The weight is coming off slowly this time, but I do find that my pants and jeans are starting to fit much, much better:

Monday I was shoe lazy. I went with comfy ballet flats instead of heels. I’m wearing cropped stretchy pants from J. Crew.  Last year I could not get these pants past my lower thighs. Now they are a perfect fit.  I’m happy that I can wear these once again!

Tuesday I went with Black & Tan!  And more flats. I am not a fan of Tory Burch bags or clothing but I love the Reva flats that I have.  This outfit was one of my favorites!  Bonaparte isn’t a fan of the tan/beige on me but he actually liked this outfit too!

Wednesday I wore red for International Women’s Day!  I went with red ballet flats–boy, this was my week away from heels! Notice that I’m not wearing socks and the weather was cold AF! I can’t stand socks with pants. I don’t care how cold my feet get!

Thursday was WW Weigh-In Day. So I dressed for it. A light T-Shirt dress from Old Navy.  I dressed it up with boots and a belt.  This dress is great for weighing in because I can take my bra off in the car and slide it through the short sleeves.  I can take the boots off quickly to get on the scale. I’m not kidding.  the belt, watch, earrings, bra, all came off before weighing!  I layered with a tan blazer and scarf. It’s the return of winter!

Yesterday’s outfit was another fave! I hadn’t worn my J. Crew French Hen sweater in a while but I love it.  It fits much better now that I’ve lost weight. I purchased this pair of AG jeans about six pounds ago and they are fitting even better than when I initially bought them.  May I add that I wore fake hair all week?  Those toppers are working magic these days and are keeping my head warm too. I love a multitasking product!

BTW, That’s SNOW in my hair–not dandruff!  It snowed like crazy yesterday! I threw on a trench coat and wore my dad’s  favorite cap turned around backward–it looks more like a beret!

Here’s what I’m wearing today!  A comfy sweater from J. Crew,  AG jeans that aren’t torn because it is THAT cold–I’m breaking in a pair of Weejuns so the loafers are my shoe of choice. I miss my bangs so I cut bangs into one of my Tony of Beverly Toppers. I think I’ll cut bangs into another topper. Instant Botox those bangs!  

That’s it for this week’s weight loss post!  Let’s hope I’m down another half-pound next week–and let’s hope the Weight Watcher’s meeting topic is focused more on our eating habits and strategies for weight loss other than working out!

Here’s a special Saturday Treat. Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs’ version of Neil Young’s “Cinnamon Girl”. It’s from their CD, Under the Covers. They cover great songs and the kids got this CD for me. I LOVE the blend of their voices. Enjoy!!! It’s funny. I love this song but I can’t stand cinnamon!!

About Catherine

Far from perfect, but enjoying life as a non-perfect and flawed individual at 60 years young. I'm still wondering what I'll be when I grow up! The characters in my life's screenplay include my better half. He is a refined Frenchman who grew up in Paris and summered in St. Tropez. I grew up in Long Island and summered in Long Island. I am not refined. My three grown children are also a big part of my life. For their sake, they happily live where their careers have taken them! But I can still mother them from a distance! I write about the mundane. I write about deeply shallow issues. But whatever I write or muse about--it'll always be a bit on the humorous and positive side! It's all good!
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23 Responses to Weight a Minute—Will Ya?

  1. Leslie Preston says:

    This “deplorable” sends a heartfelt thank you to Oona!!!

  2. hipchick66 says:

    Ok, my friend who doesn’t want to exercise…check out Jessica Smith on YouTube. Walking workouts you can do at home, barefoot, and in your pjs if you want. Jessica has a great personality, and it’s fun and free!. And exercise is a lovely way to help deal with ‘orange stress’. BELIEVE ME!! Lol. You look great, btw 🙂

  3. Susan says:

    The slower you lose it, the more chance you have of keeping it off. I understand your frustration; that is one of the reasons why I hesitate to go back on the program for maintenance. As for Tory Burch, their shoes always hurt me no matter what style. But you look great – you are an inspiration!!!!

    Keep up the great work!!!!

    • Catherine says:

      Hi Susan. I dread maintenance. I’ll be honest here–that’s why I am sure that I’ve gained weight back after hitting goal so many times. The loss is part of the process but it’s the maintenance that is the most important and most difficult! Oh–it took me over a YEAR to break in each pair of my Reva flats from Burch–now they are really comfortable. My TB boots, took over TWO YEARS to break in. I’ll never purchase another pair of her shoes again. I also think for the price point, Repetto is a better shoe. XOXOXOXO!!!

  4. Gracie says:

    Oh, how well I know that don’t want to exercise feeling. You’re right about walking being being free and relatively easy. Once you get the habit it’s a great way to exercise. I love when you show you’re weekly outfits. Great style! I’m wondering if you could tell me what style weejuns are in the picture…this is one of those questions that never got answered on another post. Thanks! Gracie

    • Catherine says:

      Hi GraciOh boy, don’t I know about that walking habit. I’m telling you, when Bonaparte and I were in Paris last November, I was most happy about being able to WALK around the city for three days than anything else. That’s one of the reasons I love cities. The best form of transport is your own two feet! Those Weejuns are the Layton Kiltie. I’ve written to G.H. Bass in the past practically begging them to bring back all the old classic Weejun models that were popular in the 1960’s and early ’70’s. Like the ones with the a ribbon across the vamp and the bar across the vamp. I must have been the only one! Enjoy the day!! XOXOXOXO

      • Gracie says:

        Thanks Catherine! I’m looking for a new pair of loafers to place my 10 year old weejuns. The Layton Kiltie are men’s right? How do you choose your correct size? Sorry for all the questions on this and appreciate your time in answering. I really love the loafers you have.

      • Catherine says:

        My bad. It’s the Elsbeth kiltie in wine! I’m a huge Weejuns fan. My sibs and I have been wearing them since grade school!! XOXOXOXO

  5. Momcat says:

    Understand that dieting funk…on the program I’m doing I meet with a nutritionist once a week, keep a food diary AND NO BOOZE FOR 30 DAYS ( knew you’d live that one!:) It’s a bitch. But I have lost half inch this week from my waist and my hips. I hate exercise too but I feel so much better after I swing my kettle bell around for a few minutes and hang out on the suspension trainer and it’s all over in 20-30 minutes! I put limits on the exercise ….Also I spend all day roaming around a very large hospital….what’s really, really hard is pretending Perrier is prosecco….

  6. Catherine says:

    Hey Momcat! It’s funny–with a Frenchman, we don’t drink hard liquor but we have the champagne and cassis and wine in the house. I only kir royals on the weekend and very rarely drink wine with dinner because if it isn’t a really, really, really good wine I get sick . I would most likely lose a bit quicker without those aperitif’s on the weekend but I’m too lazy!! LOL:)!!! XOXOXOXO!!!

    • Momcat says:

      Believe me the ‘No Booze’ is NOT my idea but the doctor wants her patients off it for the 30 days to help regulate the blood sugars. Says it’s easier to lose weight:( My only ‘hard licker’ offence is an occasional Boulevardier ( Negreno with bourbon instead of gin) or a martini. Being married to a French guy myself we’re all about the wine but him being un Canadien français he likes la biére froide! So we have nixed that too for the month. I am so looking forward to a glass of bubbly April 1! The program brings some wine back as well as more bread/starch, in the mean time it’s protein, veggies and fruit, nuts and a LOT OF H2O…

      • Catherine says:

        I need to try that. Oh God. I drink water all day–and what I’m finding with the constant water is that my skin is starting to look a bit better!!! XOXOXOXO!!

  7. yvonne says:

    Great cover of Cinnamon Girl. Love this song. The carrot animation is hilarious. However can’t believe you, the mistress of puns missed, that John Mary Vianney is the “cure of ars”. (Sorry can’t put the French inflection on the e) Arse being the English equivalent of the US ass; i.e. Your bottom/bum. So perhaps we need to prayer to Saint John to cure our big arse/ass/bottom/bum.

    • Catherine says:

      Yvonne–we have the same sense of humor!!!! You HAVE to listen to that entire CD. I’m a huge Matthew Sweet fan and I love Susanna Hoff’s voice!!! XOXOXOXO!!!

  8. Susan D says:

    No weight loss for me this week – a bit deflating, but at least it’s not a gain. I can’t believe it you HATE CINNAMON too!
    Look forward to you blog so much.
    Susan D

    • Catherine says:

      Hi Susan! Staying the same is better than the gain!!!! I often stop and think–what is the fascination with Cinnamon in this country. It is such an overused flavoring and the worst is during the fall and holidays when that fake cinnamon scent is everywhere. It literally gives me a migraine headache! Ugh! XOXOXOXO!!!

  9. patricia blaettler says:

    The only exercise I have ever managed to enjoy and stick with has been Zumba. When you first start, it’s hilarious because you can hardly do it. (if you enjoy laughing at yourself) But it’s good for your brain to follow/learn all the moves. I dropped weight easily when I started. It’s fun and I met a lot of nice people. Takes an hour, then walk away….

  10. Brandy says:

    Oh my gosh you are so funny! Quirky!!!! Loved your post. Thanks for sharing!

  11. Michele says:

    Love that I’m not alone in finding the path back to healthy. I agree that walking in the city is SO much more entertaining than the burbs. I just have to keep telling myself to do it. The WW thing is also a love/hate with me. It keeps me honest, but at the same time the topics aren’t always in my zone. BTW – thanks for the post on my blog. Looking forward to following your blog. Here’s to another 1/2 pound!

    • Catherine says:

      Thanks Michele. Isn’t it right? I’m telling you, I see people walking solo in the burbs and I think axe murderer. In the City, I think they are normal! WW replaces the Catholic guilt my mother bestowed upon me during Lent. Only with WW it is year round!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!

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