MONDAY, JULY 1ST, 2024

 MONDAY, JULY 1ST, 2024 - MY DIET ISN’T WORKING

Well, every blog needs a title.

Yes, my diet isn’t working - of course, with a lot of ice cream, I should have known that.  I stepped on the scale this morning and am up two pounds!!!

On Saturday, I walked over 7 miles.  Last week, I averaged over five miles walking. I had 15 839 steps last Sunday.  I was surprised that I got 5,238 steps.  Tuesday, I had 8381 steps, Wednesday 8,790 steps, Thursday 10,636 steps, Friday 10,509 steps, and yesterday (Saturday, June 29), I got 14,951 steps.  I figure 2,000 steps per mile.  

While I haven’t done my walking today (written on Sunday, June 30), I hope to get at least 10,000 steps.

I also had a fantastic week with my Duolingo German lessons.  The week ends tonight (Sunday).  In my particular category this week, I have 4,231 points.  I’m the leader in my category.  The nearest competitor is at 2,370 points.  I will be promoted to the highest level in Duolingo language lessons online.  (Getting 1,000 points in a day is almost impossible, and I’m nearly 2,000 points ahead.)

So physically, I’m hitting my stride.  Mentally, I’m acing my German for the week - and I’m failing my diet? 

Well, last Monday, I had all my remaining teeth removed, imprints made, and new dentures made. But my mouth has been swollen and hurting, and I have to wait another week (Monday, June 8th) for my implants to be officially installed.  

So, with no teeth, I’m eating pudding, ice cream (and shakes), instant potatoes, soft-boiled eggs, soup, yogurt, and whatever doesn’t require me to chew!  

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And (super unusual for me), I’ve allowed depression to creep into my brain.  I’m about ready to kill (okay, not really) for a hamburger, fries, pie, or cake- but I couldn’t eat it if it were on a platter before me!! 

I didn’t want to go to church yesterday morning.  I look like a refugee from the war in Ukraine (like the old ladies with no teeth, sunken lips, bruised and battered).  I didn’t want to explain what was going on.  

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(Okay - maybe too much.  I believe there is a devil.  Yesterday morning, he was attacking me - you look terrible, your children and grandchildren are estranged from you, you are gaining weight, your new teeth will never fit, just get over it - you’re a loser.)

When I get down, he knows where my weak spots are. 

That’s time to take an extra antidepressant pill.

Of course, my afternoon nap did help, too.

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Pollyanna needs a little rest sometimes. She knows that deep inside, there is a reservoir of hope and love that never runs dry. She knows that when she is down a little, it is time to get out, smile that toothless grin, let LOVE WIN, and kick the attacker to the curb.  

My friends who read this know there are battles - but ultimately LOVE WINS.  

Karen Anne White