WEEK 52

GREETINGS & SALLYTATIONS!

WEEK 52!!!!

Yes, this is the one year mark and I can’t believe it myself. This falls under “time flies when you’re having fun.” For those of you who just started reading my column, let me refresh you. A year ago, I was asked to write a weekly column about a gal just trying to lose weight and report my ups and downs. This obligation was indeed a challenge, making my life an open book and sharing personal stories - and I’m not a writer. But, for some crazy reason I said I would.

What a year it’s been. I did begin with the weight stories and then around Valentine’s Day, the staff at HTF asked if I wouldn’t mind writing about dating in my 50s and the challenges that brings. Oh, game on. The gates were open. Since that day, I’ve taken this column in a new direction. They gave me

freedom to talk about dating, dieting and just about anything that was on my mind. I’ve talked about clothesline wars with my mother. She still can’t stand the way I hang my clothes. I’ve discussed religion and how I brought a bag lunch to my very first confession just before I was getting married. I was so worried that I might get hungry during the long ordeal. That was a classic Sally moment. Father McDowell chuckled every time he saw me after that.

I’ve written about being a widow and the challenges of raising teenage girls. I still shake my head when they take my “aging foundation” and “undereye concealer.” They are the ones who propel my aging process, then they take my ammunition away. I’ve written about my episode in Herberger’s trying on the miracle girdle and the minimizer bra. Both were to take off so many inches and flatten the stomach. They were right on both counts, they just don’t tell you where the excess skin ends up. I still chuckle reflecting about that day and me laughing hysterically at the “inner tube” that was created above the waist line of that miracle girdle. The miracle that day was I managed to get it off! We can’t

forget my review of the Home Shopping Network “Ahhhh Bra.” My tip there was, “Ahhhh, just don’t buy it.” It’s a glorified training bra. Some folks think I should keep the underwear chats out of this article, but, I feel it’s my duty to be the undergarment advocate. I’ve had more people comment about that article than any other.

I’m not sure how many of you started with me on Week One and are still following my antics. When I write this article week after week, I have no clue what my fingers are going to do. I usually wake up on Saturday morning, fill up a big cup of coffee and reflect on the week and what made my happy, what frustrated me or things that made me laugh. I think anyone can relate to some of my ups and downs and that is why this article has a following. If I have mde someone smile, laugh, or motivated them to lose a pound or two, or just go out and make a difference in this world, I have done my job.

This past week, I had a small house fire. The fire wasn’t bad but the smoke was horrendous. I was pretty sick the next few days from the inhalation. I can’t thank enough the Virginia Fire Department and police for their assistance that night. But, the angel was the man out walking his dog at 4:30 who knocked at my door and woke me up. I was pretty shook to think of how lucky I was that smokey night. I have really learned from this experience. I learned that I should have a comb or brush near my bed for 911 calls. You know that old saying, Wear clean underwear? It’s so embarrassing being outside with the worst case of bed head with the fire and policemen. On a serious note, this could’ve had a tragic ending. I’m so grateful and blessed. I’m thankful to just be sitting here plugging away at these keys writing and reflecting about Week 52.

Sallyworld has been a great experience. I am going to be completely honest. I

did not lose weight this past year, in fact - I gained weight. There, I said it. I’m guilty. The diet columnist who gained weight. Now, as I continue, do I start, year two, week one?

Man, this is like Star Wars. Maybe I should’ve named it Sallywars. Dieting is similar to a battle. It’s a battle of emotions is what it is. So, I will continue with the war. Sally vs. the fork. The best week I had dieting was when the contractor blocked off my fridge to lay my new flooring down. So, let the games begin. I will light a new torch and start over.

I have high hopes. As long as I keep my attitude, my focus and my sense of humor, I will do this. To everyone who reads this, thank you. Be patient. I am a work in progress.

52 weeks. Hometown Focus took a risk when they allowed me to do this. I keep asking them from time to time, do you still want me to

continue? They haven’t fired me yet so I guess I will keep tapping away at these keys. My life, and this column, is a mixed bag, a grab bag, and I love it. It’s all just about life and squeezing as much out of a day as you can. I squeeze too much, but that’s me. And now, since this fire, I will be squeezing even more.

I can be greedy and selfish about one thing in this world: TIME. Time is a gift, always has been, always will be. Use it wisely; don’t waste it. Okay, speaking of time, it’s time to end this week’s reflections. I will take more of your time next week. Thanks for the past 52 weeks, folks!

Sally Peterangelo is Director of the Mt. Iron Public Library and lives in Virginia, MN.