I couldn't sleep last night. Like an excited kid the night before a big trip--I tossed and turned and finally, after less than an hour of sleep--and restless sleep, I jumped up. The flight out of Oklahoma City this morning was set for 6am. I needed to be parking my car by 4:30am at the very latest!
In a situation like this, it's important for me to tighten my embrace of the fundamental elements I make important each day, not loosen them in the name of the trip. Traveling and experiencing stunningly surreal happenings isn't a reason to relax my plan. Of course, it was my reason to do just that on so many past occasions throughout my lifetime of morbid obesity. Recently, someone commented something to the effect of, allow yourself a good meal while you're in New York. The thing is, I allow and enjoy good meals every single day! If I didn't genuinely enjoy my food choices, I wouldn't be here, today.
I can't tell you how many trips I've taken in my life where I was convinced the food and quantity of food was the key element in making it a great time. Being out of the food fog opens me up for new perspectives to come through. Now, I realize some of the greatest things about a trip like this--and usually, they're things I wouldn't have appreciated any other time in my life. Please don't get me wrong--there's not a single thing wrong with a passionate appreciation of good food, especially on a trip--and New York has good food wherever you look!! Remember, I'm referring to boundaries specific to me, developed in consideration of my experience/history.
Maintaining the integrity of the plan away from home requires a higher awareness and a willingness to plan well. I was cutting fruit, weighing it and bagging it for my carry-on bag very very early this morning. If I have what I need, I won't fall for what I don't.
I stayed in close contact with support friends today. And I even had a chance to meet up and enjoy lunch with Eileen, a member of our support group conference calls!
By the time I took a nap this evening--I was toast. And it was truly one of the best naps I've experienced in a very long time. It was solid.
Oh--almost forgot-- The first person I ran into after exiting the car at the hotel this afternoon was Jay Leno!! He just finished a fast Oh wow--it's Jay Leno conversation with some others, so I almost didn't say anything--but then I couldn't help myself. We talked about stand-up--he asked me where I was from and what I was doing here. I told him--then a few more seconds about comedians we both know and what they're up to these days. It sounds like a lot--but seriously, I'm pretty sure we crammed it in quick, within 30-45 seconds. And I didn't ask for a picture with him--because don't you know he likely gets that constantly, wherever he goes, every single day... but as he walked away, I immediately wished I had politely asked for a selfie. Given how much influence his career had on me as a young kid and helped encourage me towards stand-up---I can't believe I missed the opportunity. But on the other hand, I was proud of myself for keeping my fandom in check!
Tomorrow's a big big day. I'll wrap this post with some pictures and the Live-Tweet Stream from today's traveling experience. Thank you for reading. It's TODAY on NBC, tomorrow!!!!
Oh--and by the way--please don't worry if you miss it LIVE (it'll be in the last hour of the program)--because a link to the entire segment will be up not long after it airs live. It'll be on my facebook, twitter and this blog, later--tomorrow night or early Tuesday morning!
Radio City Music Hall is right across the street!! Fascinating to me! I'm super excited--can you tell? :)
This was very cool. I've never had someone hold my name up at the airport! He was such a nice man. What a wonderful experience visiting with him on the way to the hotel. Great first interaction with a native New Yorker!
Studio 1A-- This is where Today on NBC happens!
30 Rock Selfie
Eileen Watkins-Dunne lost an incredible amount of weight before experiencing a relapse/regain. She's now lost 97.5 as she works back toward her healthiest weight!! Eileen is a proud member of the support groups I co-facilitate with Life Coach Gerri and Kathleen Miles! It was wonderful to meet Eileen in person! Thank you for making that happen, Eileen!
I'm surprising not beside myself silly-nervous. I feel a nice calm. I hope and pray that calm continues!
Today's Live-Tweet Stream:
Just let me have the coffee. It's 1:40am-Not in the mood for games. Okay-I'll do it. 2 cups h20+20push-ups= Coffee. pic.twitter.com/4RVA8AC8Wn— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) April 10, 2016
Earned. :) #morningcoffeedeal Two tablespoons half & half in my dark roast. This & a travel mug with 2 more. 120 cal pic.twitter.com/u6fyEF9N29— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) April 10, 2016
Traveling food in the laptop bag. I'll have what I need, by golly! pic.twitter.com/Aell7a6hU2— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) April 10, 2016
Airport terminal dark roast with three tablespoons half & half. 60 cal. pic.twitter.com/l6Lo8bQVfp— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) April 10, 2016
Breakfast in MFP... pic.twitter.com/LSXCZ6eG0n— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) April 10, 2016
Waiting to board, breakfast. 42g smokes almonds, big 9.2oz orange & 1oz sharp cheddar. 491 cal. pic.twitter.com/vRAngSWX9o— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) April 10, 2016
Over the next few hours during flight. 4 cups water. #wateraccountability pic.twitter.com/6lk13NuwEy— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) April 10, 2016
No seatbelt extender needed. That always feels nice. Devices to airplane mode! headed to Atlanta first! pic.twitter.com/snVMGJ0RGn— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) April 10, 2016
One more, please. 3 tblspns half & half in a dark roast. Will keep me awake until I board the flight to NYC. 60cal pic.twitter.com/k2VJYMIgUb— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) April 10, 2016
On board Atlanta to New York-JFK. Full plane! Freedom from the worry of taking more than my share of seat space, is a wonderful thing.— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) April 10, 2016
Ready. pic.twitter.com/yu2iLgBYoi— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) April 10, 2016
Wifi not working. Earlier: Inflight something. 5.7oz apple & string cheese. 1 cup water. #watertracking 160 cal. pic.twitter.com/ehRRlZgRRz— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) April 10, 2016
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) April 10, 2016
Two cups water with late lunch. #wateraccountability pic.twitter.com/OPy7VxxiB4— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) April 10, 2016
Approx. 8oz grilled chicken breast, approx. 150g cantaloupe and steamed zucchini, red-orange-green pepper. 346 cal. pic.twitter.com/7T13ssoAbX— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) April 10, 2016
Two tablespoons half & half in a post-necessary-nap dark roast cup of in room coffee. :) 40 cal. pic.twitter.com/c5xPtg73cA— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) April 11, 2016
A friend told me to not look too touristy. But I can't walk 50 feet without turning into a wide eyed kid. Wow! Look! pic.twitter.com/SZGNt7esnA— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) April 11, 2016
2 cups water with dinner. Exceeds #watergoal by 40oz so far. Night's not done. pic.twitter.com/TBWe3a5Z0o— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) April 11, 2016
I have the entire Terrace Restaurant on 51st all to myself. A nice quiet dinner-happening! I've ordered well. pic.twitter.com/4KIkZGNJQY— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) April 11, 2016
Dinner in MFP... pic.twitter.com/emPIgf7IAK— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) April 11, 2016
My dinner tonight wasn't on the menu in this form. I politely asked for what I needed and they enthusiastically accommodated.— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) April 11, 2016
8oz baked salmon, simple w/salt&pepper, hint of lemon. Grilled asparagus w/EvOO. Small srv swt pot. fries. 690 cal. pic.twitter.com/yJVcSowEi4— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) April 11, 2016
2 cups water exceeds daily #watergoal by 56oz. 168g green seedless grapes & 142g cantaloupe. #lastfoodofday 166 cal. pic.twitter.com/PO9Hq9qkN6— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) April 11, 2016
Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
Best of Luck on the Show. Looking forward to watching
ReplyDeleteOh my golly! I am so excited for you! I'd have eyes like that if I were to visit anywhere in the States I think! But Radio City! Wow!!! Break a leg!
ReplyDeleteYou're awesome!!! So excited for you ��
ReplyDeleteYou're awesome!!! So excited for you ��
ReplyDeleteYour segment was just a "flash" - over almost before it started. Ohhh
ReplyDeleteI thought they'd let you explain a LOT of your journey but it was skimming the surface. Oh well, better than what time they gave the girl they had on with you. What a great experience Sean! Can't wait to see what comes from this.
N~
You were great today Sean! Are you staying at Ckyb Quarters? That's where we stayed. Like you, I concentrated on exploring NYC, rather than eating mostly because the whole trip was due to my weight loss. It didn't seem right to make a pig of myself eating anything and everything I wanted. I also enjoy the simple pleasures of being normal sized, not only on airplanes but everywhere. This morning in my htsucal therapy the therapist commented that the table was squeaking loudly as he lowered it so I could get off. My first impulse was to point out that the squeaking was probably due to my weight, because for so many years I dreaded any kind of mechanical/electrical chair, etc., fearing them when I went to the dentist or hairdresser because if they malfunctioned it WAS due to my obesity. These are such simple things. Things that most people don't even think about, but to those of us who have been morbidly obese, these experiences can be terribly humiliating and I NEVER forget it could easily be my reality again if I don't stay committed to my new lifestyle. Thanks for the reminder of how important those seemingly inconsequential NSVs really are!
ReplyDeleteSean - enjoyed seeing our hometown celeb on national TV - you are a wonderful inspiration. It made me aware of your blog. Will be following you on your blog!
ReplyDeleteSean - enjoyed seeing our hometown celeb on national TV - you are a wonderful inspiration. It made me aware of your blog. Will be following you on your blog!
ReplyDelete