DAY 28

First and foremost:

Yesterday I was thinking about this BLOG and how the end of the month was approaching. I was thinking, "Hmmm . . . I should find another challenge." I decided to start a food log to keep track of what I am consuming in the most basic sense, and to instill a sense of shame in eating horribly bad things--as the world would be put on NOTICE of such tendencies. Then last night I read that Candice is going to do a similar thing, although focusing much more on the sustainability aspect. Sustainability will also be goal, of course, but the primary focus will be on fixing my consuption problems! I've been "steadily" (I use that word loosely, as some months I have lost a lot, and then other times it takes a couple of months to lose only 5 pounds) losing weight since this summer, and now that I am facing another six weeks of NO RUNNING, I need to start working on my eating and not depending on my running to undo all the damage of my binge eating. WORD UP.

Okay, back to day 28:

Went to work, commuted. Used cruise control on all the highway portions and am getting much more comfortable with it!!! YAY!!!

I had a doctor's appointment, where I was told I could not run for six more weeks and need to "baby" my leg. No cast or boot is needed, though, becuase it is the fibula and I still will be placing the brunt of my weight on the tibia when I walk and stuff. Otherwise, I would be booted up! So, I have now officially broken both of the bones in my left shin. AWESOME. Paid my copay.

Then I ordered my ticked for Sex and the City tomorrow on Fandango. We are going to dinner beforehand, so I will need to eat as cheaply as possible . . . the funds are drying up! I no longer have a cushion in my student loan account. :( That's why I'm working so hard to get my security deposit back . . . i like having that cushion. I should also seriously consider applying for a credit card to use in emergencies. But UGHHH! I do trust myself a lot more now with credit, but I still just don't like the idea . . .

Ordered a salad from McDonalds ( :( ) b/c I was eager to compare/contrast the Southwestern Salads of McDonalds and Arbys . . . McD's wins, although Arbys' is cheaper . . . but not enough lettuce!!!!

Cleaned up the old apartment some more after work, then headed back to relax.

Needed groceries, so I ran to Target so I could use my Target Card. I was so impressed by the variety of delicious/healthy products at Super Target! HOLY CRAP. Archer Farms is da bomb. I didn't buy too much, as I don't yet know what all I need at the new place. I also got PIZZA HUT for dinner. SO BAD! But again, I am in a transitional phase where I don't yet feel comfortable (or have the energy!!!!) cooking and making a big mess at the new place . . . I shall overcome.

DAY OCHO

Another normal day. Except it was FOOD DAY at work, so I didn't have to bring in or buy lunch. I brought in my guacamole and it was a hit, except I was binge eating all day. However, no one brought in any HOT FOOD this week, so it was a bit dissapointing.

OBSERVATION/GOAL: Next FOOD DAY, I will bring in a plate to use (as in a REAL, washable plate). There were disposable paper and styrofoam plates to use, and they were small. And people would make several trips. So, this essentially leads to people grabbing a few small items and then throwing away their plate, then going back later and getting ANOTHER plate . . . Even when trying to be conscious of my waste, I used three plates. And the napkins! I am so messy so I go through napkins/paper towells so quickly. At home, I use/reuse a kitchen towell with my meals instead of paper towells, so perhaps bringing in a cloth towell for my "messes" would be another way to "minimize."

I also had my monthly chiro appointment, which I walked to (less than a block). My old chiro made us change into gowns for our adjustments; my current one doesn't. Which makes SENSE and saves energy/water that it would take to WASH several gowns every day. Paper is used on the part of the table where our heads go, and that is then thrown away (like in a doctor's office) . . . I guess this is part of the competing interests between sanitation and preservation . . . Don't really know what to say about that (Except: last time I was at the gym, they didn't have the buckets with disposable wipes out anymore, and I saw a worker wiping down all the machines . . . perhaps they are going to change to reusable cloths and spray disinfectant?).

Then, I had to go to the doctor to have my leg looked at. I could have walked had my LEG NOT HURT FROM WALKING (it's about 5 blocks away), but I just drove . . . plus, it was close to being a time where I wouldn't have had to return to work. Again, same general observations: the use of paper products to "sanitize." But I again didn't have to change into a gown (it seemed like in the past you would ALWAYS have to change into a gown for ANYTHING . . . I think they only time I have to now is for the dreaded yearly exam . . . ). It's just a hard balance to strike between sterilty and environmental concerns . . .

Last night, I made the DRIVE to DSM (all highway, so better mileage) to go to dinner with some friends. At the onset of dinner there was mention of my dinner being covered, but I said not to worry about it b/c I had already been treated to a birthday dinner and the other birthday girl hadn't yet, so I was okay with treating myself. Although I was near all the shopping places, I did NOT shop after!!!

Total Expenses: $32 (two $10 copay plus $12 for dinner)