The Final Week
![iStock_000005052053XSmall[1].jpg](https://dianechamberlain.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/iStock_000005052053XSmall1.jpg "iStock_000005052053XSmall[1].jpg")
Yep. After a month solid at the computer, this is me. Except for the cigarette. Oh, and the fuscia. Plus, her desk is way too neat. But nothing fits me anymore. I can’t zip my jeans. I have several king-sized M&M peanuts wrappers in the trash can next to my desk. And I’m grappling with one thorny plot problem that I thought would go away by now. It’s the kind of problem that, each time you encounter it in the manuscript, you write something like figure out later. Well, later is now. And the only solution I could come up with was M&M’s.
Taking a good look at myself in the above picture led me to check out a couple of blogs online that might inspire me. I went to the blog of a friend, Carole, whom I met through an online arthritis support group. Carole blows my mind! She’s lost 100 pounds, all on her own, with no lame excuses such as “I’ve been working hard so I deserve M&M peanuts.” She has such a positive attitude. I have to hang out on her blog more often. Then, to waste a little more time while I tried to solve my plot problem, I checked out blogs that mentioned Weight Watchers, and came across this one, only to discover she’s one of my readers! What a treat for me. Anne, this particular blogger, is a little more like me in the will power department than Carole, but I still plan to spend some time at her blog, because I like her writing style, as well as her taste in books. 🙂
Okay, enough gabbing for now. Back to Google, which I’m hoping will solve my thorny plot problem if only I dig deep enough.
It’s almost spring, y’all!
CACKLE CACKLE!!! That picture make me laugh out loud.
Good luck on the plot problem.
And I’m right there with you on the weight thing. I put a counter on my blog to show my progress on losing 30 pounds this year, and I haven’t been able to budge it by one pound! I have not GAINED any weight (yet), but I would certainly like to lose at least FIVE pounds. Is that too much to ask? LOL I actually have lost maybe two or three, but I’m scared to change the counter until it gets to five because you know how easy it is to gain two or three back. (Like overnight?)
I’m so thrilled that you found my blog and that you could relate to my WW challenge. I know that if I didn’t keep going to my meetings, I would have gained back every single pound by now. I’ve still gained more than I wish I had, but it’s not as awful as it could have been. How’s that for positive thinking?
Love the picture you used!
What a hoot Diane! This pic is hilarious!
Speaking of weight, my good friend Laura lost 80 pounds 2 years ago at Weight Watchers. She has kept it off and still attends her meetings once a week. When she began her weight loss program she started walking 2 miles a day…little by little she increased the distance and eventually turned it into running. Last summer she completed her first marathon (26 miles) and is an inspiration to many people. I’m so proud of her and quess what…she gets to eat ALL THE TIME! The foods are healthy and lots of fresh fruits and veggies…it’s amazing all the wonderful things she gets to enjoy and still maintain her new weight. She doesn’t deprive herself at all but she says the meetings are very important.
Diane, I have a feeling the plot will work itself out today. (-:
That picture is hysterical! Definitely a LOL. It kinda looks like the “Maxine” cartoons – which is my kind of humor. I’m sure you’ll get the plot line under control, Diane – you’re too good of a writer, which reminds me I wanted to comment on your last blog re: the Helen Keller picture – while it makes sense to find your priorities, your contribution/mission is not the same as hers. I read her books so long ago, and at this point in my life, I want your style of education and entertainment. That’s one reason I can’t read Oprah’s books – more angst than I want. I think I have a quick fix for weight loss-however, not for everyone. I was dealing with a pretty serious case of depression last fall and my doctor recommended wellbutrin. It didn’t seem to do anything for the depression, but I wasn’t eating nearly as much and have lost 20 lbs. It also took away any desire to smoke. I’m not on the meds. anymore, but seems like my eating habits have changed for the better.
Margo, give Laura my hearty congratulations! I really admire people who can get their weight under control.
Liz, better living through chemistry! That’s my motto.
HAH! I love that motto. May I use it?
Of course, Liz. I didn’t invent it, but I sure do say it a lot.
Thanks, Diane – it seems that you have a great sense of humor – some days, that gets you through. Hope you figured out your plot issue – I will be gone for the next two weeks – no computer – thank God for winter vacations to the sun and beach. It’s what’s gotten me through the last month of unending snow and cold. I will have to get my husband’s laptop, though, to check on progress
oh no, Liz, we’ll miss you! But have a wonderful time. I can’t even imagine two weeks of vacation. Enjoy!
Thanks for you kind words. I’m pretty sure I deal with seasonal affective disorder – at least that’s my excuse -hence the wellbutrin in the fall – but I feel very, very lucky to be able to go to the Florida Keys every winter. I don’t think we want to retire there, but sure is a nice getaway from the Iowa winter. I will be checking the website, I think.
OMG. This is totally me too! I was even in curlers as I curled my dreadlocks recently. But as you say: the desk is way too neat! Thank you for the laugh!!!
Carleen, I had to go check out your dreadlocks. They’re gorgeous! And congratulations on the publication of ORANGE MINT AND HONEY.
As of Monday……I can’t zip my pants either ;)………..I blame the doctor…….he cursed me………I blame him for me ripping my favorite pair of jeans…………..and I’ve only gained 4 lbs since Oct…..technically…………..
Krysia, sweetie, you’d better be gaining some weight! When are you due again?
I’m due June 30th. According the the Dr and the ultrasound he’s right on track, I don’t know what’s going on. I can’t wear maternity pants they are too big and mine are too small. I eat like a pig, my bf calls me piggy cuz I eat all day long lol. I can eat a full meal and be hungry an hour later. My sister says I’ll probably be like her and gain it all at the end.
Krysia, if it’s your first, you may not show much at all until the end. That’s what happened with me, although I did gain the standard amount by then.
I was also overweight to start with when I had my third–I only gained about 10 pounds total, and came out of the hospital 15 pounds lighter than when I started! It was amazing, and we were both very healthy. I could wear things I could NOT wear before I got pregnant. Freaky!
I was really sick the first trimester and beyond with all three of mine, so had no weight gain during the first four to five months to speak of.
Just take good care of yourself and eat lots of good things for that baby!! When the weight starts coming on, don’t worry, your doctor will let you know if you’re going too fast. Hehe!
diane, you could never look that bad! (the cartoon) even with a few handfuls of M&M’s but thanks for the chuckle. I am eagerly awaiting your next one. It is wayyy to long between books for me. Good luck and hope your plot line is solvedl
March 15 Gloria from California
Thanks gloria,
I’m getting there (both with the plot and looking like the cartoon)