Success Has a Price

Success!

In MAY (yes, that was 5 months ago), I made a "birthday wish list" on Amazon. (Feel free to peruse this at your leisure, Constant Reader, for the Holidays are fast approaching.) One of the items on my list was an unexplainably expensive gym bag called the "Everything Fits Gym Bag by Gaiam". This sucker costs $50, but it looks nice - simple black design, very chic. And, according to the many reviews, it is aptly named: everything fits. This is the primary flaw of my current bag (a free duffle given out at an Orioles game). In the winter, I wear work clothes to the gym, and pack the following: sneakers, socks, sports bra, two tee shirts (one to change into after my workout), shorts, and sweat pants. I also have shower gear. Frankly, I could probably just head out for the weekend if I were in a pinch. Only I cannot, generally, zip my bag all the way.

I was aware that my friends and family, though they of course adore me (who wouldn't?), would not be likely to purchase this bag for me. So I decided I would make it a reward for reaching one of my weight loss goals. It would have to be a big goal though, for I too have a cheap side that is outraged at the cost. Not only does TJ Maxx have gym bags for $10 which look big enough, the cost is literally infinitely more than the cost of my current bag - if you believe infinity exists of course (that's for you math majors out there). But this bag also looks good! Oh, the turmoil! My practical side and my fun side engage in an unending battle of the brains!

OK, so the goal I came up with seemed relatively simple: meet my calorie goals (1600 calories or less per day) for 4 weeks in a row. And here we are. In the month of September, I finally accomplished my goal. (Yes! I know I made the goal in MAY, and that was 5 months ago! Geesh!)

I got the bag in the mail on Saturday. It cost $60, and I don't know if I simply misremembered the price or if it went up in the FIVE freaking months it took for me to reach my stupid goal. AND, it is not eligible for "Amazon free shipping" so it cost $70 in the end. Whatever...

On the bright side: Everything Fits! And it looks nice! And I love it!

Yay!

Starting Over

I just worked out my spreadsheet. Not so hot this week. I may have mentioned how I have never actually managed to go more than two weeks in a row of meeting my goal for calorie intake. So, four weeks ago, I made my new goal to go four whole weeks with "Good Job" flashing up on the bottom of my charts. So close!!

....Yet so far away. My awesomely delicious cookie dough birthday cake from Coldstone Creamery (Thanks Tiff!!) and a spur of the moment get together last night have sabotaged me. I will have to try the next four weeks, I suppose. My reward, an overly expensive ($50! Isn't that crazy?) gym bag that looks like it might actually fit my change of clothes and shower accessories will have to wait. I do think I will give myself partial credit though - I managed to go three weeks, and that is still a record. So perhaps a new shirt or a book I have been wanting....

My instructor for Body Attack said something sort of inspiring today: She said people are always telling her that they would give anything if they could look like (insert pretty person's name here). And her reply is always, "Really?? Because I can make you look like that, but you're going to have to work for it."

I think the cake and beer was worth it. It's all about choices, and I'm still committed. That gym bag will be mine!!