I think if you've noticed the upward drift, you can and will stop it. I know I go from a very disciplined "front of mind" approach while losing weight, to a long stretch where the good habits keep themselves, to a point where occasional indulgences (because "I'm doing so good") become more frequent and I'm off the tether again.

I really did appreciate the comments and encouragement a few weeks ago, but I thought it would be nice to heed some of the advice before reporting back. Apart from the occasional soup and sandwich, though--which qualifies as high cuisine here--I'm still on the microwave express. I wouldn't suggest for a moment that these diet dinners are tasty or nutritious...they're merely expedient, and they make the calorie count quick and easy. I'm down nine pounds now, and I'm quite surprised how much harder it has been to lose weight now than it was five years ago (I turned 50 earlier this year). In the past I have done this entirely through calorie intake, but this time I am sweating through about five workouts a week as well. Nothing hair-raising, just an hour of jogging/brisk walking on the treadmill and some sit-ups, but it's been enough to bring my net intake down to 800 calories several times--which I know is too low. Anyway, I'm not discouraged, just bemused. I'll keep working until I get there.

Three weeks 'til opening night for the play. I'm still in the stage where I'm far too critical of myself, but that will convert to performance energy soon enough. It doesn't help that there is a trained opera singer playing Lieutenant Cable. But my leading lady--who turned 24 last weekend--has a lovely "smitten" gaze and doesn't flinch in our kissing scenes, so that helps me with the whole lothario shtick. You know, none of this is any stranger than if I'd have grown a third arm...