Vacation is (was!) amazing. And a perk to it all – I managed to lose weight (a little less than a pound, but a loss all the same). On my last day of vacation, back inAustin, I slept in, got a pedi, potted some flowers, went to boot camp AND THEN went to the gym. Oh yes!
So what was my secret for losing weight? Weeeeeeell, for
(1) Chicago is a very active city – you walk everywhere. In Austin, you really have to drive everywhere. Though I lived there for some time, I think most of my stops were on-the-way, or else I would drive to them. For instance, shopping: I stopped into the stores on the way home, but if I was intentionally shopping, I would drive.
(2) I wasn’t so busy that I had to fit in meals I didn’t have time to mindfully consider. It wasn’t about what was easy and quick, but rather I could carefully plan the time of my meals and snacks so they were 3-4 hours apart.
(3) I didn’t order everything on the menu. I never *really* did that, but I would order an appetizer to share, a meal with sides, and a diet soda or alcoholic beverage. This time around, it was water all the way and no appetizer. And, as I mentioned in my previous, Bottomless Pit post, I didn’t always finish everything on my plate.
(4) Food is less of my focus this particular week. I mean, I hope the feeling lasts, but it was really all about reconnecting – with or without food.
I unfortunately cannot credit any weight loss to working out. Every time I considered it, there was some guilt about having “me” time when I have a limited amount of time with friends. This is something for me to think about, for sure.
The last four days of my vacation were wonderful. Just more of seeing old friends, visiting my old church, and just relaxing with my nook to absorb a taste of my old life. Here are pictures of me and some of my friends/family:
Hanging out in the car with my Great Aunt - Jean 
When at my Aunt's house, this is where I slept
This is the home of my wonderful friend Linda, and her family (well, sort-of - they live in one of the town homes, though not the one pictured).
Linda and I at Lou's pizza
At the Bulls game with friends!
The Bulls!
And (and, and, AND) I’m soooo close to the next 5lb mark! Maybe by next Friday
