NSV

NSV = Non-Scale Victory

It's a term I've noticed people use on weight loss message boards. It represents that thing that's related to weight loss but not necessarily about the scale. And I had an NSV today at 6:00 AM.

When taking my seat on the commuter jet bound for Portland this morning, I asked for a seat belt extender. It has been common practice for me to either bring my own or ask to borrow. But this morning in the few seconds between me asking for an extender and the flight attendant digging it out, I'd already taken care of the problem.

I fastened the seat belt. In this small airplane with small seats and small seat belts, I found that the standard seat belt fit around me for the first time I can remember. NSV.

As for why I'm in Portland, Oregon that's a story for another day. It may have been raining most all day, but hubby and I were able to get a super-early checkin (thank you Residence Inn) and been enjoying just relaxing in our hotel room. The rain did stop long enough for me to snap a picture of beautiful rhododendrons in bloom.

I'll Dance at your Wedding

When my husband was young and his Grandma Bates wanted him to do something for her she'd promise, "I'll dance at your wedding." So when hubby and I got married, on a shoestring budget with no DJ, no dance floor, and no dance, he and Grandma did an impromptu dance. Payment for all those times past where he did something with no payment except for a dance at his wedding.

Fast forward 30 years and it's time for our kiddo to get married. All her life when he wanted a task done and she wanted to know what she was going to get out of it, he'd reply, "I'll dance at your wedding."

And so he did. On a non-shoestring budget (thanks to us), with a DJ playing John Mayer's Daughters song, kiddo and her daddy danced. I'm violating my blog rule about no people-pictures, but it's too precious to skip.

Rose Garden

There had to be a good reason I cut rose after rose after rose in our garden today. The reason? Guess you'll have to come back to find out why. 

Triple Digits

After several days of negotiating, the soon to be married couple got themselves a new car. Pretty cute.

And after several months of small bites, I hit the triple digits. 100 pounds lost. Pretty awesome.

And to Paula O...I didn't even think about that when I was in San Francisco. Next time? There WILL be a next time. 

Good Store

Did you know there is a store called "Life is good" at the Seattle airport? Looks just like the sticker someone gave me for me scooter last year! Unfortunately the prices in the store weren't so good.

Dear Self,

Dear Self,
Sorry if I haven't seemed myself lately. I had been feeling pretty grumpy these last few weeks. The super painful knee really darkened my world and made it difficult to find the joy in each day. I was just surviving, unable to find hope or anything positive to look forward to. I worked all day, went home straight to my recliner to put my leg up, and never moved until time for bed. Even then sometimes I hurt so much I slept there in the chair, at times not even being able to get into my pajamas. Those times I did make it to bed weren't much better. Tossing and turning all night, unable to find a comfortable spot for the knee. I know things were so bad I almost canceled this trip. Almost gave up the money on the non-refundable cruise. The pain was making me lose my confidence, my power, my determination. I'm so sorry about that.

As fearful as I was of leaving the safety of my home/work routine and the support of my hubby, I knew I had to go forth. But now the
solo,
handicapped,
suck the marrow,
trains, planes, automobiles, and ships adventure is already ending. While I wasn't quite as adventurous as I had hoped (sorry about that, too, but you can blame the pain), I did go over the Golden Gate Bridge on Scooter, all by my lonesome. (That was a biggie for me.) While I certainly haven't regained my confidence and my nighttime tossing and turning didn't get any better, I can see there will be a bright future ahead. So bear with me while I get through this rough patch. I'm not exactly sure how long it'll last.

But soon it'll be time for a new focus, one that will take all my attention, all my determination, all my power, all my confidence, and all my summer. My new knee will be coming soon. But not yet.

Hanging in as best I can,
Deb

P.S.
Here are a couple pictures from today. Remember when I used to take a picture every day? Those were the days, weren't they?

Strawberry Pancakes

I love strawberry pancakes topped with whipped cream. Nothing beats them for breakfast.

Except my eating plan consists of no breads, no pastas, no sugars. It was hard at Fisherman's Wharf yesterday to pass on all the many temptations.

Ice cream shop

Kettle corn shop

Chocolate shop

Crepes shop

Sourdough bakery

Fried fish restaurant

Cupcake shop

Pretzel stand

Candy shop

You get the idea. 

I stayed away from it all. But I was thinking about those crepes. They smelled wonderful. They are probably the closest thing I'll ever get to eat that slightly resembles a pancake without straying far from my plan. 

So this morning I returned and ordered a strawberry crepe, no sugar no whipped cream, and watched them make it through the window. It sure was tasty! Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) I couldn't finish it. 

I also stopped by the pier to say good morning to all the sea lions. They sure were a noisy bunch. 

Then off to catch another cruise ship for a ride back to Vancouver. 

I'm so thankful for the life I have.