Reality Check

Another school year and fall sports season is underway.

I love the first week of school - I always have - even as a student myself. Each year began with such wonderful opportunities. Who was in my class? What were my teachers like? What new things would occur? Then, the novelty fades, the grind of homework kicks in, and soon I would being dreaming of summer vacation.

Now that my kids are in school, I admit I live vicariously through them. I can't wait for class to start, who is in their class? What are their teachers like? And what adventure awaits? School pictures and open house extend the excitement and then the grind kicks in.

It's the same with sports. This fall it's soccer and baseball. Her team has had a little more success on the field than he has, and playoffs are beginning to seem a little unrealistic. Juggling practice, dance, homework and weekend games have been a challenge in addition to coordinating social time.

Likewise it's the same with my weight. I am down over thirty pounds since January, but not as far as I want to be. My exercise program has slowed to a glacial pace and I have succumbed to pumpkin spice coffee and dare I say a bagel. I have read Karen's blog and her tremendous success in remaining gluten free even in the midst of some challenging circumstances. Having gone pretty much gluten free for about three weeks in August into September, I can report I did feel better. Then delving into some pasta for lunch, a margarita with dinner, and stumbling on the Halloween candy resulted in my morphing into a sugar jacked crazy person. Within days I noticed my mood became crappier, my focus was off and I bloated and gained five pounds. And the cravings....oh the cravings.

So, another short fast is in order to break the sugar/gluten and get back on track. Let's see how it goes.