There Might Be Falling

Rock climbing was on the table for today but I didn't know what time it was going to jump off.

I got a call at 11:15 for a noon rendezvous -- just at the time that I had put maple syrup and SO Delicious coconut creamer in my nice big coffee mug.

I sat, for awhile, debating whether or not to go even though I had been jonesing to climb the rocks. Part of my dilemma came about because I'm a newbie and I still require tips. I even debated whether or not my presence would be a hassle for the veterans.

Be flexible, I told myself. I also threw in a chill out for good measure. And I did chill out. I finished up my coffee, got ready and grabbed a SportVit bar.

I'm always a little nervous when I've been away from rock climbing for awhile. When I was belaying for Patti, she told me that it was a new route for her so there might be falling. Smart woman even though I'm an alert belayer.

I climbed, mostly, 5.6 routes today but I also tackled a 5.7 route in the corner. I'm so proud of myself. Hopefully, I'll get to 5.8 one of these days.

It was interesting to chitchat with Patti who is lactose intolerant. She does not really eat out or eat other people's food because, people -- myself included -- forget how much food is made with butter et al. As for me, I often decline other folks' food now because people will tell you that they made something that's not bad when they have doused it with oil or butter...

After climbing, I went to get some transition pants at the ScholarShop.


I tried on a size 14 that was too tight but another pair, a 12, was a perfect fit; weird.

I got to the register all prepared to pay $6 dollars when the clerk said $4.50.


Wow, the ScholarShop was having a 25% off sale.

If I Lived In Belgium, Germany Or Switzerland

I was recently informed that a traveler would be arriving from Switzerland. And the question, Do you want some chocolate?, literally stopped me in my tracks.

The first thing that popped into my mind was this confection of honey and milk chocolate goodness.


I decided not to indulge in the Cailler but I asked for some Sport Vit bars. I don't think that there will be many Swiss travelers headed my way in the near future and, lately, I've been feeling like I'm truly depriving myself. The feeling really creeps up when the scale is not moving.

If kcal is really equivalent to calories, five cubes is 160 calories which is an amount that won't send me over the top as far as my daily intake of calories is concerned. Plus, Sport Vit is supposed to be infused with all kind of vitamins.




I wonder what would happen if I lived in Belgium, Germany or Switzerland. I would probably be like a new worker in a candy factory; I would eat and eat at first and then chill out.

Six Secrets

I took this picture while waiting for Madame Lifeguard to ascend the throne.

There are quite a few kids taking swimming lessons and the lifeguards are trying to teach pool etiquette and safety too. Accordingly, I waited along with the kids until Madame L took the chair. Of course, the wait was not purely a safety drill.

For a pre-workout snack, I had this Sport Vit bar which
I've been saving (long story which includes saving movies and books too) for a long time. In fact, it expired in December. While I don't know how many calories it contains, I don't think the damage was significant since it's very malty with a thin layer of chocolate and it's supposed to be chock full of vitamins.

Vitamins A, D, E, & C, 40%
Thiamine, 40%
Riboflavin, 40%

I'm not quite sure about the rest of the genetic makeup since most of the writing is in German, I believe. Luckily, I can't decipher this website Migros, Home of Sport Vit or I might order more Sport Vit and I can't begin to tell you how much money I've spent on shipping and handling charges...

I've been stuck on 20 laps and my goal was to swim 21 today, which I did. Speaking of stuck, I'm in a weight loss rut.

I picked up the Feb. 2009 edition of Consumer Reports at the library because I was drawn to the Rebuild Your Nest Egg cover only to discover another good article called Dieting On A Budget. CR's six secrets of the slim:

Watch portions

Limit fat

Eat fruits and vegetables

Choose whole grains over refined

Eat at home

Exercise, exercise, exercise

There was also a section called Don't Get Discouraged. Thanks CR, your edict was right on time.