Day 68 – Week 11

180 pounds. (12st 12 pounds) 0 pounds lost

“You haven’t been doing much exercise lately, have you?” said Peggy. That seems to sum up my progress this last week. I’ve kept to my regime (with one exception – more on that later) although the walking and exercise was put on hold. I could detail precisely why it was impossible and SO many other excuses! But bottom line; I didn’t do it. And I didn’t lose any weight last week. Period!

My ‘rich Swiss’ client who insisted on me taking part in a gastronomic tasting 10 days ago in Montreux did it to me again! This time I was invited to attend his retirement dinner – at he stunningly gorgeous Brockett Hall in Hertfordshire. He had been with his company for 16 years and is about to retire to St Moritz. His company put on a lavish dinner for a select group of colleagues. I was one of only three ‘outsiders’ to be invited. When I arrived I was shocked to discover that this dinner was for about 50 – not 200 as I’d thought. The guest list was indeed very select. One guy flew from Tokyo to be there! Others from the Southern States of America. It was humbling to think that so many seriously high-powered executives would want to be there to wish this man well on his retirement. How many of us have developed such deep friendships in business that colleagues would be prepared to do this? Truly impressive.

The dinner, as you might expect, was exquisite. And it would have been so rude not to partake of it. And the wine flowed freely – into my glasses. I am SUCH a cheap date these days. I sat next to Paul, a guy who I’ve known for a few years. I said “I have to ask – how much weight have you lost?” 11 kilos! OK, he’s a lot younger than me – but he was looking really good on it. Although he admitted that he has quite a problem because he’s lost the weight. His collection of very expensive Italian suits don’t fit. He’s gone from a 44 inch chest to a 40. Even though he’s tried getting a tailor to re-cut the jackets – it can’t be done without it showing!

The dinner was on Saturday night. Knowing I had to weigh-in on Monday morning – I starved myself on Sunday - so even though I came in at the same weight as the week before – I don’t think I would have if I hadn’t taken drastic action on Sunday!

A final mention for James my neighbour who popped in last night with a few opened bottles of Cava, a red and a bottle of fine port. James has lost 22 pounds since January. Well done James! Very impressive. His wife Jenny is a senior wine consultant to one of the large supermarket chains – and she has to taste everything they sell!) According to Peggy, the port in particular was VERY smooth. Thank you Jen.

Target - 2 pounds this coming week! I have some catching up to do.