I have this favourite pair of jeans, you see...

When I can't zip them up and button them, it's time to cut back on the calories and increase the walking time.

As I lose weight, there's a graduated scale I go by:

Can't zip or button (OMG, panic time).

Can zip/button but can't breathe (do like to take a breath now and again).

Can zip/button and breathe but can't sit down (standing to use the computer is awkward, at best).

Zip, breathe, sit, but can't bend over to put on socks (current reading on the favourite jeans scale).

Zip, breathe, sit, bend, but cannot squat/kneel (for garden work).

When I can do all of the above, the pants fit perfectly, and I've accomplished my weight goal. Not to mention I feel so much better. Righteous, even.

They say those who live alone develop idiosyncratic quirks. They're right.