out of my element

I packed up the kids and the dog Thursday to head to my Dad's for the long weekend. We hadn't been up here for a visit in a while so off we went.

I realized suddenly...this is the first time since starting my "Fit by Forty" adventure that I'd be out of my element! No gym...no "normal" food...no gym....did I mention no gym?

So, here's what I have learned...it's hard to be out of your element! Or it is for me anyway. No gym...OK, well I can be pretty physical here at Dad's right? Well, kinda.

I've been going up and down the hill to his beach...I cleaned up the driftwood on his beach and made a couple of big burn piles...I've been riding his stationary bike (5 miles, 8 miles, and 8 miles). But, guess what...that's still not enough! Because, I'm eating a bit crazy.

I'm trying to make decent choices....salads with no dressing....grilled chicken...but seriously, it's HARD when you're eating at local places that have no website, let alone a clue what "nutritional information menus" even are!

But, I'm doing what I can and trying to make really good choices. This is an emotional trip for several reasons, so to top off being out of my element, I want to EAT like mad because of the stress. I'm doing what I can. I'm chewing the HELL out of gum! I've done about everything I can imagine outside for him. I even took my 2 kids on a paddle boat ride this evening.

I guess the point (for me, anyway) is to try and do the best I can while I'm out of my element. Try to get exercise, try to make healthy eating choices, and then be prepared to work like hell when I get home to undo any damage I've done this weekend.

If anyone has any "out of your element" tips, do share!