Reunited, And It Feels So Good

My 10 year college reunion was this past weekend, and I survived - although if anybody ever died of sleep deprivation, I am certainly a candidate. After working insane hours for 2 weeks, then a hot weekend trip to Texas, insomnia last week, and then a hot, busy weekend in Appleton, I am exhausted.

It was a weekend of debauchery, complete with splashing around with the campus fountain at 4 AM*, drinking beer as I walked down the street**, laughter, lack of sleep, and trying to keep my drunk friends from falling off a fire escape***. It was a great weekend, though I have to admit I'm kinda glad it is over just because the weather was so stiflingly hot (100+ year old dorm, 3rd floor, no air conditioning), and frankly, I've not spent enough time in my own house and bed lately.

Food decisions were actually pretty excellent over the weekend****. One thing my little college has figured out is healthy food for visiting guests - so even though I probably consumed my weight in beer***** (hey, it's practically an obligation once you cross the Wisconsin border), I also had plenty of protein, whole grains, vegetables, and very minimal processed food.

Score!

I also walked a lot, and climbed more stairs than I have in years. Did I mention we were staying on the third floor?

So now I'm back. I slept like I was dead on Sunday night - and I plan on doing the same thing again tonight. I've got an 8 AM meeting tomorrow, but I'm contemplating packing my gym bag and going for a swim before work -- it's been a few weeks since I did that, and although my ankle is much better, it is still a bit tender, so a swim should feel good.

I'm ready to be reunited with my healthy lifestyle -- I've got one more weekend trip planned. To the hot hot hot deep southeast corner of Iowa for one of my best friend's weddings. I can't wait to see her walk down that aisle... to laugh, again, with my girlfriends, and slow dance with Mike. And then the June Road Warrior streak is over and it is time to focus on getting back on that wagon -- and staying on. I've been chugging water since I got home, and it feels so good.

The weekend in Appleton was a very harsh reminder for me of how uncomfortable I am with my body right now. I remember my 5 year reunion, posing boldly in the front of group photos and feeling like a million bucks. When I look back on this past weekend -- yes, I will mostly remember laughter, friendship, and memories, but also sweating like crazy and breathlessly climbing up to the third floor of the dorm. Feeling like all my clothes were too small, my tummy too big, and my round (not pointed like it is when I'm skinny), chin showing up in the photographs I couldn't manage to avoid, despite my best attempts.

Off and running,
~Jessica

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*I'm just kidding, campus security, I would never do such a thing
**It's totally legal.
***Mom, just be proud that I didn't participate in the fire escape antics. My klutzy feet stayed firmly planted on earth.
****With the exception of a McDonald's lunch on the way home - first time I've hit the Golden Arches in probably 2+ years. I wish I could say it was gross. It wasn't.
*****I mean no disrespect, Wisco, but seriously -- beer is a way of life within your borders.