Resolution time

Now that it's the start of 2007 I must adhere to the annual ritual of selecting resolutions for the new year. Here they are, in no particular order.

1. Lose weight by eating less and exercising more. (I go back to Weight Watchers tomorrow.)

2. Work on my memory so I don't lose it completely like my mom has. (Suggestions on how to do this are welcome.)

3. Finance an insurrection in a small country. (My finances are limited so I have to start small.)

4. Try to stop criticizing and talking so badly about people. (My heart isn't totally into this one. That's why I said try.)

5. Continue working to keep government accountable. (I've actually got a pretty good start on this one.) From today's Sun:

Bad lighting makes for scary commute
Originally published January 2, 2007

THE PROBLEM // AlisaBS, a state employee who commutes downtown from Owings Mills, reported that there is inadequate lighting in the courtyard leading to the Charles Center Metro stop, in the block bound by Fayette, Baltimore, Calvert and St. Paul streets.

THE BACKSTORY // AlisaBS wrote that, to enter the subway station from Fayette Street, "commuters must first make their way through a very dark section that is popular among panhandlers."

She said she feels uncomfortable walking alone to the subway when she gets out of work after dark.

On Wednesday night, a reporter found nine lampposts surrounding the station without working lights and, in less than five minutes, was twice approached by panhandlers.

After The Sun called about the situation Thursday, the city Department of Transportation immediately sent an employee to the scene to confirm that the lights were not working.

Spokeswoman Tia Waddy said the department would determine the source of the problem and make the needed repairs.

By late that afternoon, workers had brought out large portable lights to use in the meantime.

WHO CAN FIX THIS // Anthony Wallnofer, chief of the maintenance division at the Baltimore Department of Transportation, 410-396-1686.

6. Raise at least $1000 for the 2007 Owings Mills Relay For Life.

7. Stay cancer free.

8. International Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia since 1991. (Oops, that's a U.N. Security Council Resolution, not a New Year's Resolution. And it's from 2006 so it wouldn't count anyway. Sorry. My bad.)

Yeah, I should probably stop now.

Happy New Year to everyone!

There's now a little less of me to go around

I had my first weigh-in last night since getting started again on Weight Watchers. I’m pleased to report that I lost 2.2 lbs. during my first week back on the program. Before I weighed in I decided that I would be happy if I lost at least two pounds. In my mind, I was hoping that I really lost five or more, but I’m more realistic (pessimistic?) than that.

The past week hasn’t been too bad. I’ve still been able to dine out at all of my favorite spots and my menu choices have only changed slightly. (You didn't think I was actually going to try to cook, did you?) I have to make sure to leave off some of the good stuff, like cheese, but all in all I can deal with it. My pantry has become a sea of portion controlled baggies but hey, taking the thought out of it makes it easier.

The nicest part of all of this is that I actually feel better. And by feel better, I mean I’ve had a bit more energy and not so much of the aches and pains that I got used to. I haven’t had to pop a Tylenol all week!

Of course I’m not sure that all of this feeling better can be attributed to Weight Watchers. I finally started taking vitamins and I’ve also been sleeping better thanks to my new anti-snore spray. (As a side note, without my snoring, Rich is sleeping much better too.) I guess it really shouldn’t matter whether one or all of these factors have contributed to how I feel as long as I’m still feeling good.

I just hope that I can manage to keep the diet and the weight loss going. I have 30 lbs. to lose overall and I know I can’t plan to lose 2 lbs. every week. I made it to the gym twice this week and I need to at least keep that up if not go more often. But, being realistic, I'm going to make two times a week my goal.

In case any of you are trying to lose weight too, I will share a few tips I've picked up:
- Put your fork down after each bite and take a sip of water in between. You will fill up faster.
- Never eat chips or other snack items out of the bag it comes in. Divide up the each serving and put them in baggies so you can grab them on the run.
- When at a party where you're standing around where you have a plate of food, hold the plate in your dominant hand and eat with your non-dominant hand. You will likely eat slower this way.
- When you order food at a restaurant, ask for a doggie bag up front. When the meal comes, put anything beyond a normal serving size in the doggie bag so you won't be tempted to nibble on it.
- If you have food in the house that you're afraid you'll be tempted to gorge yourself on, don't just throw it away. Drench it in water or a foul-tasting substance so you won't be tempted to go into the trash after. You know what I mean, George Costanza.

Geez, I sure hope I'm this upbeat after my weigh-in next week.

2006: A weight odyssey

We're on the cusp of a new year and in my world that can only mean one thing: diet season.

Now don't confuse this with Yom Kippur, the official start of the Jewish diet season. While that is also a celebration of a new year, it is the destined-to-fail diet. You start off the day so hopeful. "Look, I can fast. It's no big deal," you say, but by dinnertime you're stuffing your face again. By the next day it's back to McDonald's.

The new year as stipulated by the Gregorian calendar has historically been a more successful diet season for me. First, with the big food holidays (Halloween, Thanksgiving, my birthday, and Chrismukkah) behind me, I'm already feeling like a fat pig. When your clothes don't fit, you're more motivated to stick with the program.

Societal pressures help too. Everyone on television is kind enough to remind you that it's time to get your fat ass to the gym, join that new health plan, try a new diet miracle, etc.

This year, I'm one step ahead of the game. I already have a gym membership. I also plan to return to Weight Watchers which can take credit for my 25-lb. weight loss in the beginning of 2001.

Of course I also face a few additional challenges this year as well. For instance, the secretary who sits just outside my office keeps a large M&M dispenser on her desk. The baked goods that my coworkers constantly bring into the office are going to be tough also.

But I can't make excuses this time. I've lost the weight before and I can do it again. I'm embracing my new mantra: Don't Feed Alisa. (This doesn't take effect until Jan. 3 so in the meantime, feed away!)