Rolf Danner

No, I have not attempted any miracle diets (yet), though salads have taken a more prominent role in my diet and there are fewer snacks in my day. Exercise is still going strong. In other words, I haven’t given up on the goal. Four pounds are left and I have two weeks left to go. That’s still in the realm of possibility and at the same time a tall order. With the exception of the first week I started the diet, I’ve never lost that much weight in two weeks. Then again, these are unusual times and motivation is running high.

Last week, having pulled myself back from a serious setback, I was all ready to resign myself to a much longer process. I still stand behind what I wrote last week. If I came in 2 or 3 pounds from the goal, I would still feel really good about it. Though wouldn’t it be sweet to meet it? I’m also very clear that I don’t want to just make the goal and promptly put all the weight back on. Which reminds me of a New Yorker cartoon where two blobs of body fat stand around at a cocktail party. One of them checks his watch and tells the other: “Well, it looks like about time to head back.” I want my globs to enjoy their drinks and stay gone.

Of course, I’m checking my progress not only on the scale, but also by how my pants fit and by how I look in the mirror. Not only do I have many more pants and outfits to choose from, but I also like what I see in the mirror. More and more, the picture in the mirror once again matches the picture I have of myself in my head. I look at my reflection and I think: “Hey, you. Welcome back, it’s good to see you again.” I don’t ask my reflection where I’ve been, though. Aside from that sounding a little too silly, I know exactly where I’ve been all the time. Right here inside of me.

This is a little coming out party in it’s own right. Just in time for the wedding. Where are the balloons?