Memorable Monday

I made this place work for me this morning. I am patting myself on the back. I may not be able to weigh in but I am exercising and eating as right as I can. This is life, and I'm going to live it.

First, I went for an incredible self-made workout outside. Who needs to pay $15 for the gym!? In 30 degree weather, I walked about 2 miles and I found a loop of a roadway that was about 70% incline up one side and down the other. I rocked it! Got my heart rate up high and broke a good sweat. And the key to it, I was smiling and feeling good the entire time.

Second, I made a healthy breakfast choice, although I do regret not bringing my protein powder. I may not lose while I'm here, but I am going to aim to maintain.

Third, I won $800 this morning! Wearing the Santa hat, which has now been deemed the lucky Santa hat.



Of course, nothing can be without reflection. That is just who I am. But notice I said reflection, not depression. Don't worry, just because I am reflective, I can still feel good.

As I walked, I wondered how many wildlife creatures were displaced for this place. And how much energy this place consumes. So much so that the sign asking guests to "be green" is really somewhat laughable. The slots, the tables, and the music never stop, 24/7. But I countered that thought with how many jobs this place must give to the local community. This is just one of the 4 hotels here:



Of course, after I took the photo of the MGM Grand, I noticed someone following me. Of course, my shadow, can't seem to shake that girl! What struck me as amusing and interesting, when I first saw her, was that she reminded me of a Native American statue. I swear I wasn't posing. Perhaps I am channeling my inner totem?





What remains after the excitement of this day, is the subtle reality. I am actually sitting in Panera Bread (and if you don't know Panera, my god, it is the sublime bread of chain breads...yumlicous carb city!) because it is the ONLY place here that allows wireless -- if you can believe it! The hotels still have "plug-in for high speed internet" only access. Anyway, the key is that I haven't eaten a single piece of food from here, and those who know me well might recall that I used to consume an entire loaf of semolina bread. I am somewhat tempted to go get a slice, but I'm not going to. I can actually sit here and resist it. I know I can. Because the reality is that one piece of bread isn't going to be enough. Not for me. Not yet, not right now. So I won't have any. Just one look at the incredibly obese people all around me is enough of a reminder to me that this country is on the very wrong track when it comes to eating and portions. Now that that seems to be the trend, I am going against it. I was never one to go with the trend! Yay!

Besides, tonight I will celebrate the win with a fabulous dinner for Mom and brother!