If all else fails......

Every so often, I'll pull an item of clothing out the closet that I have a hard time getting into and try it on. If that item is slacks, I'll see if I can pull up the front zipper all the way. But even if I only manage to pull it halfway up, I consider that progress. Likewise, if a formerly ill-fitting ribbed top now looks good on me, I consider that an excellent sign that my efforts have not been in vain.

On the other hand, if I am still unable to fit into such clothes comfortably, and by that, I mean taking a deep breath and holding in my stomach, I will have to go to Plan B. Now Plan B involves riding the bike for at least an hour every day. Yeah, that can be quite a challenge and I can see already that a few changes in the morning routine will be necessary, like getting up early enough to take care of needs and feed the cat and then slipping on tights, warm top and a helmet and going for a nice long ride, which around here is no mean trick. There is quite a bit of residual traffic from the morning rush hour and some drivers really don't give a damn about safety, so long as they get to wherever they're going, but that's a different story --- and post.

There is a positive side to all of this, including Plan B. I haven't given up yet, and have no intentions of doing so.