Doing things backwards. Yeah. I'm a little crazy.

Hanfordrose

I know my morning routine. It rarely changes.

About 9AM, I get up...go potty...pull out the scale...say a prayer...step on the scale. Then, I get the 'first reading' of the day. It is always higher than it should be. My scale is determined to add at least 1/2 to 1 pound to my weight each morning. Today, it said that I gained 0.8 pounds. "That's a lie, and we both know it." I said to the 'thing' that was trying to make me feel bad.

I ignore the false reading on the scale and move on to important things...like brushing my teeth and making my bed. Wearing my nightie, I roll my walker to the living room and sat on the sofa. This allowed my dog to 'attack me viciously' for a few minutes. The growling, kicking, half-hearted gnawing on my hand are Bailey's way of saying. "Good morning, Mama. I love you." Then, I am given the privilege of rubbing her tummy for about 5 minutes, followed by feeding her a couple of treats.

Now, I can move to my desk chair and log onto my computer to see how my MFP sisters and brothers are doing. The whole time, I am thinking, "What should I weigh today? Perhaps, I lost another 0.2 pounds since yesterday. I stayed to my food plan. I did my exercises. I really want to see a loss today."

After giving some praise to a few my friends on their weight loss posts and checking a few of their food diaries, it is time for another trip to the potty and another scale check. This time the scale is telling me that I weigh 221.2, the same as yesterday...another lie. I step on a second time; and now, it says that I just put on 1/2 pound in 30 seconds. "Stupid scale. I can wait for you to get it right. You WILL show me a loss! I earned it!"

That's when the strangest idea came to me. "Get on the scale BACKWARDS." Suddenly, I realize..."That is the dumbest idea that you have ever had. What difference will it make, if you turn the scale around? That is so illogical...so ridiculous. Why would you even consider it?" :noway:

Hmm?

You guessed it. I had to step on the scale backwards NOW. The realistic side of me had just lost the argument with the crazy side of me. Crazy does win more often than not. :laugh:

After mounting the flat platform in this unfamilar manner, I looked down between my heels, 'cause now they were at the top of the scale. The upside down numbers didn't register right away.

That's not possible! Was I really seeing 220.6...a weight loss of 0.6 pounds? Had I broken the scale? Had I found some hidden pressure point in the platform? This weight had to be a mistake.

The reality side of me took charge again and pushed crazy out of the way. I got off the scale, turned it around and waited for the number to disappear. I said another prayer and got back on the scale...the RIGHT WAY...not backwards this time. Oh my goodness! It still said the same number. Did I break the scale? Is it now stuck in that number, because I stood on the scale backwards? This can't be right.

I left the bathroom, still trying to decide..."Is this accurate? Should I claim that number, even though I probably broke the scale by doing that weird, backwards thing?" That's when I decided to give the scale a chance to 'recover from my stupid backwards prank', thinking, "I probably gave it a nervous breakdown or something."

I got my clothes for the day out of the closet...but I didn't put them on. I HAD TO BE SURE...just one more time. Then, I did it. I got back on the scale. I watched the three, little zeros dance for a moment; and finally, there it was again. 220.6 shining brightly on the panel at my toes. I had lost 0.6 since yesterday. "Thank you, God. I'll take that."

After getting dressed, I hurried off to post my new weight on MFP.

Yep. I am crazy, but also very happy that I decided to do something a little different today. I got a different perspective on my scale...BACKWARDS for a change.

This week, I reached one of my mini goals...50 pounds lost. Only 20 more pounds to go, and I will be on the waiting list for 2 new knees. That was goal set by my surgeon.

bergpa

Well now I have to weight myself backwards tomorrow.

goodtimezzzz

yup..youre a lun

Hanfordrose

yup..youre a lun

Thanks. I needed that validation. :laugh:

GnomeLove

Maybe time to buy a new scale?

Hanfordrose

Maybe time to buy a new scale?

This is a new scale, and I put in new batteries this week.

I do know that I am losing weight. I have been steadily dropping about 1 1/2 pounds for week and averaging about a 7 pound loss per month. So, I must be doing something right. However, my scale and I do 'play' with each other from time to time.

Ely82010

Darling and funny post; I love your sense of humor. I even imagined you going back and forth on top of the scale. Priceless!

I think that the reason that you lost weight is because you did exercise a lot doing this backwards. Maybe you should add that exercise in the MFP database.

Good luck with losing the other 20 lbs so you can get new knees. You can do it!

mockchoc

I'm wondering if you had some caffine in that time before the last weigh in? Mine drops after it.

pittbullgirl

ha, this was an awesome read

vtmoon

haha, that was a fun read. Next time I might have to get a backward read on the scale.

lcfairbairn74

Yup, definitely a little crazy! I like you!! :laugh:

bookworm_847

I love it! Your idea was just crazy enough to work. Yay you!

I'll have to keep that little trick in mind

Skrib69

Are you putting the scales on a carpet, a rug, or a hard floor?? They are usually designed to work on the hard floor and will give erratic results if they are on a carpet. It is something to do with the way the pile reacts underneath the scales. That, or possibly witchcraft!, but it is important!

Good luck with the last 20lbs and the new knees! That is some motivation!

Hanfordrose

I'm wondering if you had some caffine in that time before the last weigh in? Mine drops after it.

No caffeine...not even juice. I don't eat, when I first get up. I usually have breakfast about 10 or 11AM. I am a night owl, staying up 'til midnight or even 1AM is typical. It may be from working night shift for many years...or just because I was born in Australia. I seem to be at my best later in the day and at night.

bethfartman

I really enjoyed your post. It was super sweet and well written!

GODfidence

Seems a bit obsessive.
But good job on the weight loss!

HollisGrant

Hilarious post. Good luck making it to your goal and those new knees! My scale gives different results, too, depending on how I stand on it... and it's new with good batteries, placed on a tile floor (no rug). After I weigh several times, it gives one consistent number. The thing has attitude. :laugh:

Hanfordrose

Are you putting the scales on a carpet, a rug, or a hard floor?? They are usually designed to work on the hard floor and will give erratic results if they are on a carpet. It is something to do with the way the pile reacts underneath the scales. That, or possibly witchcraft!, but it is important!

Good luck with the last 20lbs and the new knees! That is some motivation!

The scale always sits on the bathroom floor tiles with concrete underneath. I know that carpet will give a false reading everytime.

As for the new knees, that means a future without a walker and wheelchair. At 68, I still want to ride a bike, walk on the beach with my hubbie and stand on my own two feet. I hate being pushed around in a wheelchair; and unfortunately, my doctors say that I am too much of a risk for another fall. Until I get my knee replacement surgeries done, I am only allowed to use a walker inside the house; and that stinks.

Hanfordrose

Hilarious post. Good luck making it to your goal and those new knees! My scale gives different results, too, depending on how I stand on it... and it's new with good batteries, placed on a tile floor (no rug). After I weigh several times, it gives one consistent number. The thing has attitude. :laugh:

I think that our scales may be related.

RawCarrots

You are so funny! :-) I found myself nodding while reading your story, can relate to it although never admit it, I have on occasion taken off pjs, socks, even hairband if the scale doesn't oblige (I'd take my fillings out too if I could :embarassed: ) Never thought of weighing backwards though, must try it tomorrow, it's "official WI day" and better get the number I expect!

Well done on losing the 50lb, amazing achievement, you are so close to your goal and to healthier knees!

Gwen_B

Oh that is so funny! Thanks for sharing!!! Congratulations on the 50 pounds lost!!! Good luck on the next 20!!

getrealforme

Great post.......great job!

Katmary71

First, congratulations! What a great achievement AND discovery!

Second, how many MFPers do you think will be standing on the scale backwards in the next 24 hours! :laugh:

MrsGriffin67

I know I will be trying this tomorrow morning when I step on the scale. It was great to have a little humor at the end of my day. Congrats on your loss! Well done! :flowerforyou:

WDA4655

So, I'm not the only one with a reality side and crazy side. There's more of you out there. LOL! That made me laugh cause that would be my way of thinking too! Face it, if we can't laugh at ourselves we're in trouble. And when we have friends that can make us laugh alllll the better. I say, "Smart thinking!" What ever gets you where you need to be, go for it! :}

Oishii

Cute post!

I realised I would probably not have had the sense to turn the scales round, but have mounted them backwards instead, and probably have landed on my butt :laugh:.

Hanfordrose

First, congratulations! What a great achievement AND discovery!

Second, how many MFPers do you think will be standing on the scale backwards in the next 24 hours! :laugh:

I am guess that all pf my crazy MFP sisters and brothers will be trying it, even if they won't admit it.

If you are on my friend list, then you know that I am never serious about anything...except weight loss.

I should just announce on my MFP wall..."Tomorrow is officially Take Your Weight BACKWARDS Day." It would be fun to see the results of a back to front comparison for all of them. :laugh:

Hanfordrose

So, I'm not the only one with a reality side and crazy side. There's more of you out there. LOL! That made me laugh cause that would be my way of thinking too! Face it, if we can't laugh at ourselves we're in trouble. And when we have friends that can make us laugh alllll the better. I say, "Smart thinking!" What ever gets you where you need to be, go for it! :}

I thought that you were entirely crazy, Sis. That's why I added you as a MFP sister.

As for laughing at ourselves...I can laugh at myself or just be a boring, old lady. I prefer to laugh at my weird thoughts and crazy life.

Dynamis600

Well done!!. Now I am thinking that if I ride my stationary bike backwards I might burn off more calories......

Hanfordrose

Well done!!. Now I am thinking that if I ride my stationary bike backwards I might burn off more calories......

You might have some difficulty finding the pedals, and the handle bars are NOT going to be convenience. So, don't fall off.

sbrownallison

I have a set of those scales where the dial is about waist-high (big numbers, easier for our older eyes to read). I'm picturing in my mind how I will gyrate and twist around to read the dial tomorrow morning when I weight myself backwards. Hmmm, hope I don't pull a muscle. If I do, I'll know who to blame!