Bon voyage: Weight warrior sails back into normal life Published April 10, 2008 By Tech. Sgt. Sheri Kangas 1st SOW Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- I took a break. Not from dieting, but from writing about dieting. I was overwhelmed by all the rules I was making for myself. Less salt, more water, limited calories, more exercise, making food choices, portion control, strength training, etc. I couldn't take it anymore; there were too many rules! So, I had to stop thinking so much about it and get on with life. I kept the same exercise routine, thanks to the Air Force Fitness Program. I ate as I normally do, maybe a bit less. I did end up losing approximately three more pounds. Overall I've lost eight pounds. I'd like to lose about 10 more, but I have a huge challenge ahead of me. My daughter and I are going on a seven-day cruise next week. I'm walking into a world full of buffets, 24-hour pizzerias, 24-hour room service, a midnight chocolate extravaganza, mouthwatering dinner menus and my favorite, warm chocolate melting cake. It is indescribably delicious! All free, all you can eat, 24/seven. If you have been on a cruise, you know where I'm coming from. If you haven't, the food options and availability are insane! Sure, they have a workout room. But between eating, sleeping, gambling, watching the shows, eating and gambling, who has time to exercise? Sure, I'll take the stairs everywhere I go because I'm too impatient to wait for an elevator. Yes, I'll walk around the ports we visit. In fact, one of the ports has a fabulous hotel, with a casino, so I'm sure I'll get plenty of walking done in there. Heck, I might even go snorkeling or swimming with the dolphins. Choices and decisions ... I guess that's what life is all about. It's a never-ending battle but I'm okay with that. I'll keep falling off the wagon, as long as I get back on again I'll be fine. Until next time, eat right and do some exercises for me while I'm on the cruise, and I'll eat a piece of warm chocolate melting cake for you, with pleasure!