Six hours of sleep is enough for a man, seven for a woman, and eight for a fool!

You know, it's funny, even when I get enough sleep I still can't get my ass out of bed in the morning. I went to bed nice and early last night, I swear, and still I was dragging. Of course there's no bright sunshine filtering in through the window anymore to help me wake up so there's that. I don't like getting up in what still looks like nighttime. I do, however, enjoy getting home at a reasonable hour and being able to do stuff, like take classes and tidy up my house after work.

Speaking of class, Una kicked all our butts soundly last night and we all dragged out of class dripping sweat. I actually got a "Perfect form, great!" from her last night until I screwed up the move just after she'd said it. Ah well, I'm not at my best under scrutiny from her. But she didn't correct my stance or moves at all last night so I'll take that as progress. Also managed to keep a nice steady rhythm on the zills through the different moves she had us doing. I noted that every once in a while people would stop playing and things would get kinda quiet but I just kept ringing along and after a few seconds the others would start up again with me.

The class is hard physically, and I discovered that my wrist protests loudly to playing zills with my hands above my head. Which answers the question of what move/moves lead to my current predicament. Ganglial cysts suck.

Dropped technocowboy off at his place after class then talked to h0h0, who apparently had a good day with his doctors yesterday. This made me happy, as good days with doctors are few and far between. Then went home and whipped up some couscous, had about half a serving with a half a bagel (with a little light cream cheese), then stashed the rest for lunch today. I think I can get 3 servings out of a 2.5 serving box, not bad.

First day of serious dieting. Calorie counted all day and managed to stay just about where I want to be (around 1,300 calories), though I did cheat a little with some candy corn. The stuff's really only around this time of year and I bought the damn bag before I made this resolution so I think there was a certain amount of inevitability there. Still, not like I blew the whole thing on a hot fudge sundae or something.

Couscous has become my new favorite meal, zero fat, lots of tasty options (eating the sun-dried tomato stuff today), and very low-calorie. I think I may stop and pick up a few more boxes after work. I'll vary the flavors and turn it into my lunch of choice.

Allowed myself a hash brown for breakfast with some spicy mustard (5 calories, can't beat that) and am sipping on a cream soda, my big empty calorie splurge for the day. Lunch should be around 90 calories, and I'll try and keep dinner under 400, which should put me right where I want to be. Won't eat after class (no more eating after 8 pm) so that should take care of that.

I really think I can do this, already I feel more in control of my life than I have in a very long time. Between that and getting back into my crunches habit I'm feeling pretty good. Of course there haven't been any major temptations thrown into my path yet, so we'll see how long this lasts *G*

Ok, last but not least, here's some info for all you bellydance lovers:

Festival Fantasia
Saturday and Sunday, October 12-13, 2002 Sebastopol Community Center, 390 Morris Street, Sebastopol, CA 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
$14 at the door, weekend pass $20, under 12 free

Live music, lots of dance performances, vendors, ethnic foods, wine and ale, henna body arts by Lisa, massage, tarot readings, open floor dance time, lots of fun!

Workshops with Ziad Islambouli, Terry Del Giornio, Saiedeh, Shoshanna,Bonney Grey, and TerriAnne.

If you would like to volunteer, please contact ellencruz@aol.com or
call Kajira at 707-546-6366

http://www.gildedserpent.com/ellencruz