Week Two Begins

I have not stopped since I've been here. I had training every night last week and had to work Sunday evening and Monday evening. This evening will be my first night off...I need it. I am working out 3=4 hours a day and going to some classes (I've been to them in the past so I don't go to them all). Wednesday I was exhausted and didn't do as much. I am gradually getting into the routine, but with all my orthopedic issues I have to be incredibly careful not to hurt myself. "KNOCK ON WOOD!"

I love the women who come here. We all have similar backgrounds. There are many professional women and all of them are smart, educated people who have used food to cope with life for years. It doesn't matter how intelligent you are, it really is about the emotions that got us here and the unhealthy lifestyles we have lived. This is a wonderfully safe environment to explore new ways to approach this problem.. We actually get a normal amount of food a day. There are lots of fruits and vegetables, healthy grains and oils, and lower fat proteins. We don't overeat, but this is not a low cal diet. I',m eating about 1500 cals a day. I hope to lose 2 lbs/week (not like the Biggest Loser). I probably won't look different when I return, but I know I will feel much better.

My job is Evening Administrator and Evening Activities Director.
Most of the evenings are full with optional classes like yoga, Kripala or Zumba dance. The nutritionist, who also loves crafts, and I have a meeting this week to decide what to do and fit things into a schedule.

As Evening Administrator my job is to open the gift shop and act as a sales person for 2 hours, then open the snack bar and be a "waitress" for snack. It's hilarious to watch me nuke crackers and cheese, make spritzers, dish out nut butters, clean up, count money and stay organized, while answering the phone, taking messages and being an all round Girl Friday. Their phone system is antiquated and there is a code for everything. The second night I was here, the training person didn't come. I didn't know how to dial out on the phone. An airconditioner went out, I dealt with an irate participant, and then someone decided they needed to go to the hospital for a stomach ache. I dealt with the tummy problem (constipation), acted as a shrink, and got thru the night. It was a true trial by fire. It reminded me of my first night as an intern when I didn't know where anything was and knew virtually nothing. I figured that if I could do that, this job is a piece of cake.