I went out for lunch today with my hubby. I had a hankering for a burger, and was glad to find a place that served grilled salmon burgers – just salmon fillet grilled with lettuce & tomato on a whole-grain bun. Very nice. Drawback: as with many restaurants, this place served French fries with their burgers. And I wanted those French fries! While I can't stop at just one, I can count out 10 and stop there. So that's my number one food and diet triumph of the week.

Number two food and diet triumph of the week: my boss brought in really wonderful doughnuts to share on Monday. He purchased one especially for me, my favorite flavor, from the one place in the universe that makes this flavor. I resisted, saw the expression on his face, then said "thank you" and took the donut to my desk. There, I pulled out a stashed Ziploc lunch bag and placed the donut inside. That donut now hides inside a drawer in my desk, safely (and very slowly) decomposing in a sealed Ziploc sack. Triumph two!

Medical week: Blood test for glucose and lipids – good glucose, bad lipids. I was diagnosed with arthritis in my hip, so I finally have an explanation for the pain and rigidity. Physical therapy for the hip was authorized; I had my first visit this week. I can work on range of motion, which should help with pain and rigidity, and may make it easier to be more active. Finally, I have uncomfortable symptoms from peri-menopause and will be seeking help from my favorite naturopathic clinic. Sure would be nice if this emotional roller coaster would stop.

Middle-sister has a solo art show opening today. I am very excited and happy for her. I hope I'll receive some pictures from the show. Baby-sister should have returned home with her family from their month-long sojourn in France. No other major news from family. And no news is good news!

CK Forums inspiring me today. I'm just under 2 months away from having to decide if I will renew membership. I haven't been filling in the on-line food diaries, but I think I'm still getting good value from membership. Right now I'm guessing I'll renew.

Business trip starts tomorrow afternoon. Prepared to continue good habits on the road – may even take a laptop with me so I can use my favorite exercise DVDs from the hotel room, instead of using the hotel's adequate fitness center.

Picture: Weird grass in my yard. It's growing GREEN in a pattern of random stripes in my yard. No explanation. Perhaps an otherworldly visitor came down?

Okay, that's all for today. Peace be with you! –Otter