Update, Being NORMAL, and New Low

I haven't done a post with too much substance in a while, so I figured it was about that time. Well, a couple of weeks ago, I went to a party with some of my old co-workers. I got some nice compliments, but in more interesting news, I had my first drink since being banded (over a year ago). It was my first drink in several years actually. I became really flushed (and, because I was hot in my sweater, I had to change into one of my friend's t-shirts--which never would have fit before surgery) and acted quite stupid with just half a margarita-glass of whatever the concoction was that the hostess made. I obviously cannot tolerate liquor. It could either be my new size, my bandit status, or my long period of abstinence. Who knows?! But I probably won't try it again soon since the type of drinks I like are calorie laden (and my go-to must have is chocolate moreso than drinks--admittedly, probably worse for me than drinks, but I may as well minimize the damage in doing both if I don't feel that necessary compulsion to drink).

Last week, I went to Birmingham for a continuing education class (and will be going back on February 25-26th, so hit me up if you can get together, Alabamians and Atlanta folks). I woke up early to use the gym at hotel. That was the first time I'd ever done the early morning workout thing and one of the first times I'd used a hotel gym. I ran two miles and walked another mile. It felt great to have my workout done and over so early in the day (although I'm not a morning person, I would love to somehow manage regular exercising in the early AM's).

On the heels of that workout, I started at a new gym this past weekend. I received a Christmas gift from a co-worker for a month's free membership there. I like jogging outside and work in a nice area to jog outdoors after work. I also have a new Wii (another Christmas present). However, because it's freezing lately (and for other reasons), I think the gym membership's timing is working out well. I probably won't pay for membership after the month expires (even if it's still a little cold since I'll have the Wii), but I plan to take advantage of some of the classes and machines during the time when I am a member. So far I've only done the treadmill (or, as Gen calls it, the dreadmill :) ). I have jogged two miles on two visits (and walked another 2 1/2 each time at incline) and have walked at incline the other visit. Hopefully, I'll get off the treadmill some and start shaking things up soon.

In other news, I still receive Lane Bryant brochures and mini-catalogs. I can't keep myself from looking through them for good clothes and finds. None of these will fit me, but I still look. Does anyone else have that problem?

Finally, I have been bouncing around Normal (according to some BMI scales, including my Wii's and an online calculator I regularly use) for the last couple of weeks. I would be above Normal and then below it. I didn't want to officially report this news until I had remained there for a bit (as I have fluctuated up--by a few pounds even--in instances where I have lost before now). Well, as of this AM, I am at 158.4 (71.8490 kg). That is my new lowest low. Yea!!!

I hope everyone has a good day!!!!!

UPDATE: After I went to the bathroom this AM (yes, TMI; sorry), I was at 157.2. That's a 24.6 BMI (according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute online) and is my new lowest low. The lowest I was before this AM was 159 even. How exciting!!!