I buy certain food products organic. I switched it up after watching a Dr. Oz show on which products to buy organic. One that he didn't mention was meat or poultry. I used to buy organic chicken until that show. And I haven't stopped long enough to find out exactly why he doesn't recommend buying meat or poultry as organic.
As I type this, I can't shake the fact that I am taking this advice from a cardiovascular surgeon and not a dietitian, nutritionist or someone that specializes in organic food products. I do find some of his shows interesting though, but have to admit that I am a bit disappointed after finding out his specific profession. Why? I don't know, I guess I expected him to have spent years in school learning about food.
Anyway, one of the foods he said to buy organic were leafy vegetables like lettuce. I have been buying organic lettuce since. It really does taste better.
The gnats around here have been horrendous. Horrendous. I wash the lettuce up as usual. We ate it. I had a lot leftover and was getting ready to put it away when I start noticing the incredible amount of gnats. Dead gnats to be precise. In the lettuce to be more precise. Sigh. I didn't bargain for the extra protein in the meal and surprisingly, there is no entry on Calorie Count for gnats. Too bad. I must also say that I am just not sure that I am too turned on by having to scrub my lettuce with a toothbrush to be sure MOST of the bugs are out. Maybe I'll have to get a toothbrush especially for my lettuce. I'll keep you posted on that.
Ty has been enjoying grape tomatoes a lot. Surprisingly, they are really good right now. I don't usually expect tomatoes of any kind to be good until mid to late summer. Bonus for us and bonus for me that Ty is eating something out of his norm. He did want to try the Gnattuce, but after he put it to his mouth, he said, "I dunt wike it!" and put it down. Sigh. Maybe he saw the gnats and didn't tell me? Who knows.
While on the subject of Ty, last week we were on the deck enjoying the beautiful weather. I was messing around doing some of my wicked awesome TurboFire moves and Ty starts yelling, "Stop it, mommy! Don't!" He's apparently already embarrassed by his mom. Sigh. Anyhoo, I kept doing it, especially since there was no one else around except Miller: Party of Five and I asked Ty what I was doing. He grinned and said, "TaeBoFire" in a sly, somewhat bashful manner. I started to giggle. Then, here's the clincher. You know how I was trying to figure out if Ty really liked TaeBo/Billy Blanks or if he just thought that TurboFire was TaeBo and probably likes the sound of TaeBo because it has his name in it? Well, with another grin, and probably the best Rosie Perez impersonation I have ever heard, he squeals, "BEELEE!" (Billy) So, there you have it, he really does like Billy Blanks. He hasn't seen TaeBo in months and after getting a couple newer TaeBo videos, I am a little bit apprehensive to show him what Billy looks like now. I'm not sure if Billy had a stroke or has a touch of Bell's Palsy, but he isn't looking the greatest right now. Damn you, Wikipedia, why can't you tell me what is going on with Billy?!?!
I purchased an Extreme TaeBo and a max cardio or something like that. They were cheap. How could I go wrong? The extreme is pretty cool. Now that I'm typing this out, I'm not sure that is what it is called, but am too comfy and lazy to get up to check. It has 8 different 10-11 minute segments on it. I've done most of them already and was pretty sore the next day. Not too shabby to shake things up. The cardio one I haven't tried yet. I'll be sure to let you know about that.
I pimped Jillian out again, hopefully she has tried it at least once now. Ahem. Have you?? Well, HAVE YOU?!?! Yes, I'm talking to you!!! You know who you are. :)
Signing off for now, to all of you near and far and to those of you wondering why in the world I titled this post about lettuce and ended up talking about Jillian Michaels, until next time...
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Randomness at its Finest!
Let's see. . . where should I begin? Lately, I've had a bit of spring fever. I'm still low on vacation time and am saving for the days when Tyson is sick and A VACATION only a couple months away. I will only be taking one day of vacation, but still, it is something I am SOOOOOO looking forward to. I really need a vacation because the last time I was actually on vacation was when I went to NYC in May of 2009. If you are quick with the math, you would know that I was pregnant at the time. I'm not sure that really counts going on vacation while pregnant. Even though we saw some sights, my feet swelled up like no one had ever seen before and I fell on the sidewalk. Yes, literally fell and right about now, my sister is laughing, unable to contain herself at the whole situation. I am clumsy and accident-prone. Not the first time I have tripped in public. For example, went to a Mary Kay party and I won a door prize. I went to the front of the room to accept my prize only to have the toe of my "beetle" Skechers get caught in the long, drapey tablecloth, that I spring forward, arms flailing, but was able to catch myself. My sister and I could not stop laughing. Oddly enough, no one else was laughing with us. What a case of the giggles. True story. I can laugh at myself. And others, especially on America's Funniest Home Videos when people fall. I'm a sick puppy, I tell you. Sick puppy.
Anyway, taking vacation time. So, PIC #2 is about in the same boat as me when it comes to vacation time. She has two kids and struggles at times to build up the vacation hours. She and I dream of the day we can take a day off and go do something and be carefree for ONE DAY. One day. That's all. Doesn't it sound lovely?? Well, lately, I have been fighting the desire to leave work with PIC #2 and go eat pancakes at Perkins, go to the trampoline park and then do a little shopping. She's been a fun-killer lately because if she said "okay" and meant it, I would actually spend some time eating those pancakes and then jumping on tramps. Tramps and cakes. Tramps and cakes. Got a nice ring to it. Doesn't it?? Someday we will. I just hope it is sooner rather than later because I really need to do something that I don't need to do. That has a wicked awesome ring to it. Ahhhhh...
The weather has warmed up nicely around here. Haven't been out on too many walks lately, but I need it to stay lighter out longer. Yes, yes, I know I have two dogs to take with me when it gets dark, but I just don't even like the idea of doing that. Last year, I got into running a bit and was able to add on a little more distance each time. Go me! I have a jogging stroller and tried a couple times with the stroller and Tyson in it. I loved having the stroller because I could put my cell phone in there, carry water and anything else I needed. It was great... until, I actually RAN with the stroller. Holy balls! It is REALLY hard to run with the stroller. It is awkward and I felt like I was going to tip over or pull the stroller over. I stopped running with the stroller after a couple of tries. Then, I would go on walks/runs by myself. I would have my cell phone in my pocket and my iPod in the other. Those are two items that are a bit heavier in pockets, especially when you are running, they tug on your pockets violently. I really wanted a fanny pack at this point. And I can't say that I don't still want a fanny pack. As ridiculous as these are and I wouldn't use them for anything but running/walking, they make so much sense!!! What was I thinking when I got rid of my fanny pack from the 80's? I actually saved up my babysitting money to buy a fanny pack that was purple, hot pink and a play-doh blue color. It was awesome. Wicked awesome. I'm totally serious about all of that. The awesomeness and using babysitting money for it.
The other day, I really wanted a treat. I wasn't sure what I was in the mood for, then it dawned on me. "I'm going to splurge on a bottle of Evian!!" Oh how I love that over-priced bottled goodness. Could I find a bottle? Negative. I settled for Fiji water instead and while it is good, I'm a little disturbed by the silica in it to make it "soft." Interesting. So, I'm still on the hunt for a bottle of Evian around here. I will find some. Maybe I'll take a half day of vacay and go gas station to gas station until I find one. I used to take vacay to go Pez dispenser hunting, so why not do it for Evian??? I'm serious.
Signing off for now, to all of you near and far and to those of you wondering how to get the last couple minutes of your life back, join the club...until next time...
Anyway, taking vacation time. So, PIC #2 is about in the same boat as me when it comes to vacation time. She has two kids and struggles at times to build up the vacation hours. She and I dream of the day we can take a day off and go do something and be carefree for ONE DAY. One day. That's all. Doesn't it sound lovely?? Well, lately, I have been fighting the desire to leave work with PIC #2 and go eat pancakes at Perkins, go to the trampoline park and then do a little shopping. She's been a fun-killer lately because if she said "okay" and meant it, I would actually spend some time eating those pancakes and then jumping on tramps. Tramps and cakes. Tramps and cakes. Got a nice ring to it. Doesn't it?? Someday we will. I just hope it is sooner rather than later because I really need to do something that I don't need to do. That has a wicked awesome ring to it. Ahhhhh...
The weather has warmed up nicely around here. Haven't been out on too many walks lately, but I need it to stay lighter out longer. Yes, yes, I know I have two dogs to take with me when it gets dark, but I just don't even like the idea of doing that. Last year, I got into running a bit and was able to add on a little more distance each time. Go me! I have a jogging stroller and tried a couple times with the stroller and Tyson in it. I loved having the stroller because I could put my cell phone in there, carry water and anything else I needed. It was great... until, I actually RAN with the stroller. Holy balls! It is REALLY hard to run with the stroller. It is awkward and I felt like I was going to tip over or pull the stroller over. I stopped running with the stroller after a couple of tries. Then, I would go on walks/runs by myself. I would have my cell phone in my pocket and my iPod in the other. Those are two items that are a bit heavier in pockets, especially when you are running, they tug on your pockets violently. I really wanted a fanny pack at this point. And I can't say that I don't still want a fanny pack. As ridiculous as these are and I wouldn't use them for anything but running/walking, they make so much sense!!! What was I thinking when I got rid of my fanny pack from the 80's? I actually saved up my babysitting money to buy a fanny pack that was purple, hot pink and a play-doh blue color. It was awesome. Wicked awesome. I'm totally serious about all of that. The awesomeness and using babysitting money for it.
The other day, I really wanted a treat. I wasn't sure what I was in the mood for, then it dawned on me. "I'm going to splurge on a bottle of Evian!!" Oh how I love that over-priced bottled goodness. Could I find a bottle? Negative. I settled for Fiji water instead and while it is good, I'm a little disturbed by the silica in it to make it "soft." Interesting. So, I'm still on the hunt for a bottle of Evian around here. I will find some. Maybe I'll take a half day of vacay and go gas station to gas station until I find one. I used to take vacay to go Pez dispenser hunting, so why not do it for Evian??? I'm serious.
Signing off for now, to all of you near and far and to those of you wondering how to get the last couple minutes of your life back, join the club...until next time...
Monday, April 9, 2012
Work!
I know a lot of you that read my blog work in an office setting where food days, potluck days, or as I like to call them, grazing days, are commonplace. I used to love these days. You know, you walk around all day, looking for food, overeating and feeling disgusting by the time you leave work?
Unfortunately last year during two of the food days, I accidentally ingested some sort of nut. Had the fat lips and itchy mouth and thankfully I had some quick dissolve Benadryl strips on hand both times. I bowed out of food days permanently after the second time. Now, I know that many of you don't have nut allergies, but I will tell you that five years ago when I was on the path to losing weight, I gracefully declined to participate in these grazing days. I felt that if I didn't bring anything, I didn't have a right to make a hog of myself and trough-out. I didn't even feel like I could make a little piggy of myself and nibble on anything that was out there. Because I didn't contribute, I didn't feel like I could eat the food. This was incredibly helpful in staying on track. Some people feel funny about saying no to participating in such gatherings at work because it may appear to be snobbish by not participating and partaking. My thought is that I am going to do what is best for me and it is best for me to stay away from naughty food.
Once a month at work (if not more), we all take turns bringing in some sort of treat for the office. I usually pick bagels and reduced fat cream cheese as do many of the others. Of course, someone has to make brownies, salsa con queso with meat and tortilla chips, Russian tea cake (I think that's what it's called), scotcheroos, cupcakes, homemade salted nut rolls and the occasional box of Casey's frosted sugar cookies. Sigh, I'm a SUCKER for frosted sugar cookies. I love them. Love them. Love them. Yum. Sigh. Unless it has peanuts or some sort of nuts, I'm all about those treats. Dammit. At least it is only once a month and the naughty snacks aren't more than once a month. I would be in trouble.
I have said that I keep healthy snacks at my desk. And I really do. I keep a small pantry there. It lessens the chances that I am going to go and get something quick and unhealthy when I'm hungry. I also take my lunch to work. I realize that this is not possible for everyone and that eating cold sandwiches can be boring and actually force you to binge on things that aren't as good for you. If you are a habitual out-for-lunch eater, try taking your lunch a few times a week. Utilize leftovers, if you have a microwave available at work. Not only can you portion it out ahead of time, you also know what is in your meal that you prepared yourself.
I mentioned that I utilize work breaks to take walks. I like these boosts of exercise throughout the day whenever it is possible. Almost everyday, I walk during my morning and afternoon breaks. Then, if it is really nice, I will eat my lunch quick and use the rest of my lunch to walk. You have heard people say to take the stairs and park farther away. I also think these are good small things to do during your day. Funny thing is that I take the elevator in the morning at work because I am usually carrying so much stuff and have wobbly legs from working out. I DO take the stairs the rest of the time. Most of the time. Ha! I don't generally park farther away because it is still dark when I get to work. I'd rather not have to walk across a dark parking lot first thing in the morning. Of course, if I am a little scared, I could turn that into a jog into the building! Well, now we are back to all the stuff I haul to work in the morning. Sigh. I'll keep you posted on that one.
Things you can do at work, especially if you have a job where you sit at a desk all day is keep good posture. Tighten your abs while you work. It will eventually come to the point where you don't have to think about it anymore.
If I start to feel a sleepy after staring at my computer screen for hours or if sitting in my chair starts to make my hips ache, I WILL get up and do a set of jumping jacks or set of squats. Gets the blood flowing and my mind rejuvenated. They don't take more than one minute, so it isn't like I'm spending incredible amounts of time doing things other than working. It helps me to be more productive.
Good luck to you to START SMALL! Make the changes! Be the changes! I don't even know what that means. That was ridiculous actually. But I'm not taking it off. Extemporaneous writing at its finest!
Signing off for now, to all of you near and far and to those of you that can't wait to get to work to try these out, until next time...
Unfortunately last year during two of the food days, I accidentally ingested some sort of nut. Had the fat lips and itchy mouth and thankfully I had some quick dissolve Benadryl strips on hand both times. I bowed out of food days permanently after the second time. Now, I know that many of you don't have nut allergies, but I will tell you that five years ago when I was on the path to losing weight, I gracefully declined to participate in these grazing days. I felt that if I didn't bring anything, I didn't have a right to make a hog of myself and trough-out. I didn't even feel like I could make a little piggy of myself and nibble on anything that was out there. Because I didn't contribute, I didn't feel like I could eat the food. This was incredibly helpful in staying on track. Some people feel funny about saying no to participating in such gatherings at work because it may appear to be snobbish by not participating and partaking. My thought is that I am going to do what is best for me and it is best for me to stay away from naughty food.
Once a month at work (if not more), we all take turns bringing in some sort of treat for the office. I usually pick bagels and reduced fat cream cheese as do many of the others. Of course, someone has to make brownies, salsa con queso with meat and tortilla chips, Russian tea cake (I think that's what it's called), scotcheroos, cupcakes, homemade salted nut rolls and the occasional box of Casey's frosted sugar cookies. Sigh, I'm a SUCKER for frosted sugar cookies. I love them. Love them. Love them. Yum. Sigh. Unless it has peanuts or some sort of nuts, I'm all about those treats. Dammit. At least it is only once a month and the naughty snacks aren't more than once a month. I would be in trouble.
I have said that I keep healthy snacks at my desk. And I really do. I keep a small pantry there. It lessens the chances that I am going to go and get something quick and unhealthy when I'm hungry. I also take my lunch to work. I realize that this is not possible for everyone and that eating cold sandwiches can be boring and actually force you to binge on things that aren't as good for you. If you are a habitual out-for-lunch eater, try taking your lunch a few times a week. Utilize leftovers, if you have a microwave available at work. Not only can you portion it out ahead of time, you also know what is in your meal that you prepared yourself.
I mentioned that I utilize work breaks to take walks. I like these boosts of exercise throughout the day whenever it is possible. Almost everyday, I walk during my morning and afternoon breaks. Then, if it is really nice, I will eat my lunch quick and use the rest of my lunch to walk. You have heard people say to take the stairs and park farther away. I also think these are good small things to do during your day. Funny thing is that I take the elevator in the morning at work because I am usually carrying so much stuff and have wobbly legs from working out. I DO take the stairs the rest of the time. Most of the time. Ha! I don't generally park farther away because it is still dark when I get to work. I'd rather not have to walk across a dark parking lot first thing in the morning. Of course, if I am a little scared, I could turn that into a jog into the building! Well, now we are back to all the stuff I haul to work in the morning. Sigh. I'll keep you posted on that one.
Things you can do at work, especially if you have a job where you sit at a desk all day is keep good posture. Tighten your abs while you work. It will eventually come to the point where you don't have to think about it anymore.
If I start to feel a sleepy after staring at my computer screen for hours or if sitting in my chair starts to make my hips ache, I WILL get up and do a set of jumping jacks or set of squats. Gets the blood flowing and my mind rejuvenated. They don't take more than one minute, so it isn't like I'm spending incredible amounts of time doing things other than working. It helps me to be more productive.
Good luck to you to START SMALL! Make the changes! Be the changes! I don't even know what that means. That was ridiculous actually. But I'm not taking it off. Extemporaneous writing at its finest!
Signing off for now, to all of you near and far and to those of you that can't wait to get to work to try these out, until next time...
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Officially in the 160's!!!!!
Reporting to you, proudly, that I am officially in the 160's!! It is the upper 160's, but it is such a huge milestone for me. I consider being "officially" in a different weight range when, at any time during the day, I can get on the scale and still be in the range. Successful all week long!! What a relief!!
In addition to seeing the changes on the scale, I'm also noticing things fitting differently. My bras are now too big in inches, so new ones will be in my near future for sure! I have mixed feelings about that because I like bra shopping about as much as I like to shop for swimming suits. Thin or not, bra and swimsuit shopping sucks.
I got a sweatshirt for my birthday, which was a couple months ago, from my sister, brother in law, PC and Bee. I find that it is now a little bulky and where I notice it most, is in the sleeves of all things. I would have thought it would have been elsewhere, but no. I must say that I am a little sad about it because it has become my new favorite. Of course I'm still going to keep it. And of course I am still going to wear it. Duh. It's me, I wear sweatshirts until they are holey, stained with mustard and thinning. That, my friends, is not going to change. Thin or not.
My shoes seem to fit better now. Oddly enough. Not that I ever considered my feet to be on my top ten list of things that are fat, they apparently were. They don't feel as snug anymore.
I recently got new socks and before, they would leave indents in my ankles. How I missed nearly having cankles, I will never know. I don't get the indents as bad anymore. Of course, if I wear the socks and am working out or go on a walk, I tend to swell a bit, leading to indents from my socks. Enough about my cankles and indents.
The biggest change I have noticed is that my underwear no longer rolls due to my gut pushing them down. What a relief! I never thought I would see the day when that would happen!!!
Pulling up my pants. Before, I would pull my pants up because my gut would do the same thing to my pants. now, I have to pull them up because they are legitimately falling down. Can't say that I mind because I was used to doing that anyway. Where's my jean-hiking dad when I need him? Maybe I'll bring back suspenders. Hellloooooo 90's.
I did have to buy more workout pants with drawstrings because the sweats I wore didn't have drawstrings and they seemed to end up falling to the floor whenever I would workout. True story. That was a bit more agitation at 4:30 in the morning than I was willing to deal with. I put on an old pair of capris that have a drawstring and those fit so strangely now. I don't really know where the difference is, but they are ankle length now and they just look weird when I have them on. Will I stop wearing them? No. Will I stop wearing them in public? Probably...not. Again, it's me. Fashion faux pas all the way.
These things are small to note, but small milestones that I have reached on this adventure. I am enjoying celebrating the little things, makes the wait for the big things a little less painful!
Signing off for now, to all of you near and far and to those of you checking to see if you have sock indents, until next time...
In addition to seeing the changes on the scale, I'm also noticing things fitting differently. My bras are now too big in inches, so new ones will be in my near future for sure! I have mixed feelings about that because I like bra shopping about as much as I like to shop for swimming suits. Thin or not, bra and swimsuit shopping sucks.
I got a sweatshirt for my birthday, which was a couple months ago, from my sister, brother in law, PC and Bee. I find that it is now a little bulky and where I notice it most, is in the sleeves of all things. I would have thought it would have been elsewhere, but no. I must say that I am a little sad about it because it has become my new favorite. Of course I'm still going to keep it. And of course I am still going to wear it. Duh. It's me, I wear sweatshirts until they are holey, stained with mustard and thinning. That, my friends, is not going to change. Thin or not.
My shoes seem to fit better now. Oddly enough. Not that I ever considered my feet to be on my top ten list of things that are fat, they apparently were. They don't feel as snug anymore.
I recently got new socks and before, they would leave indents in my ankles. How I missed nearly having cankles, I will never know. I don't get the indents as bad anymore. Of course, if I wear the socks and am working out or go on a walk, I tend to swell a bit, leading to indents from my socks. Enough about my cankles and indents.
The biggest change I have noticed is that my underwear no longer rolls due to my gut pushing them down. What a relief! I never thought I would see the day when that would happen!!!
Pulling up my pants. Before, I would pull my pants up because my gut would do the same thing to my pants. now, I have to pull them up because they are legitimately falling down. Can't say that I mind because I was used to doing that anyway. Where's my jean-hiking dad when I need him? Maybe I'll bring back suspenders. Hellloooooo 90's.
I did have to buy more workout pants with drawstrings because the sweats I wore didn't have drawstrings and they seemed to end up falling to the floor whenever I would workout. True story. That was a bit more agitation at 4:30 in the morning than I was willing to deal with. I put on an old pair of capris that have a drawstring and those fit so strangely now. I don't really know where the difference is, but they are ankle length now and they just look weird when I have them on. Will I stop wearing them? No. Will I stop wearing them in public? Probably...not. Again, it's me. Fashion faux pas all the way.
These things are small to note, but small milestones that I have reached on this adventure. I am enjoying celebrating the little things, makes the wait for the big things a little less painful!
Signing off for now, to all of you near and far and to those of you checking to see if you have sock indents, until next time...
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Yes, I have a neurologist. No, it is not for that.
I do have a neurologist and no it isn't to fix whatever is wrong with my brain and its inability to stay on task while I blog. That's something that isn't fixable. FYI. I have been plagued by headaches most of my life. They returned with a vengeance about eight months ago. After multiple visits to my wicked awesome neurologist, we have found a medication that works and actually allows me to lose weight. Hooray!!!
I think going to the neurologist is funny. I have to do a battery of tests each time that I compare to what I have seen on TV for field sobriety tests. I pass every time, although the thought to drink a forty of OE before I go has crossed my mind.
I am more focused than ever being nearly headache free. How many of us put off taking care of ourselves due to the inconvenience, the time or the thought of even adding one more thing to our lists? I know I have. I still do. But I also know what I put off these days does not inhibit my ability to drag my flabby ass outta bed at 4:15 in the morning. Should I put headaches on the back-burner of solution, my motivation would go down.
The equation is simple. A happy you + feeling good about yourself * the motivation you bring to yourself = x (all the great things you can achieve)
Cheesy as Chester Cheetah. I know. But it is true.
I'm not a big fan of excuses. There is no excuse for excuses. It boils down to you. No matter which way you cut it. Your failures and your successes are all you. Be proud of each. I think all successes follow great failures. Think about it. How many times did you whizz in your pants before you "got it" and started using the toilet? Same goes for crapping your pants. Hey, maybe you still do both from time to time, maybe because of laziness, lack of control or just for fun. Any way you roll, I'm not here to judge what you do in your underwear. Anyhoo, thinking about failures before successes: how many times did you fail tests to realize what you needed to do to get a better grade? How many times did you burn your supper until you got it right? How many "bad" jobs did you take before you took the right one? How many friends did you lose before you figured out how to treat people? The list goes on and on.
How many roles do you fill in a day? Example for me: I'm wife, mother, daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, coworker, tutor, friend, niece, cousin, granddaughter and wicked awesome blogger (right? right!). Again, another list that could go longer if I thought more about it. Point is, right there, those are pretty great successes for me, too. No one has disowned me... yet. I figure I can't be all of that without some sort of success. I guess you could add the prefix of "shitty" to each one and the effect is wrecked. Touche. Touche. Let's pretend I didn't type that "shitty" part.
If you have made it this far in life and are reading my blog, you have a lot to be proud of. START SMALL and work your way up to find all of your amazing successes. I can only hope that this journey of being thinner and healthier is going to be one of my amazing success stories. Lord knows I have failed quite a few times at this stuff. Hopefully I'm getting it right this time around.
Signing off for now, to all of you near and far and to those of you trying to not be the shittiest you can be, until next time...
I think going to the neurologist is funny. I have to do a battery of tests each time that I compare to what I have seen on TV for field sobriety tests. I pass every time, although the thought to drink a forty of OE before I go has crossed my mind.
I am more focused than ever being nearly headache free. How many of us put off taking care of ourselves due to the inconvenience, the time or the thought of even adding one more thing to our lists? I know I have. I still do. But I also know what I put off these days does not inhibit my ability to drag my flabby ass outta bed at 4:15 in the morning. Should I put headaches on the back-burner of solution, my motivation would go down.
The equation is simple. A happy you + feeling good about yourself * the motivation you bring to yourself = x (all the great things you can achieve)
Cheesy as Chester Cheetah. I know. But it is true.
I'm not a big fan of excuses. There is no excuse for excuses. It boils down to you. No matter which way you cut it. Your failures and your successes are all you. Be proud of each. I think all successes follow great failures. Think about it. How many times did you whizz in your pants before you "got it" and started using the toilet? Same goes for crapping your pants. Hey, maybe you still do both from time to time, maybe because of laziness, lack of control or just for fun. Any way you roll, I'm not here to judge what you do in your underwear. Anyhoo, thinking about failures before successes: how many times did you fail tests to realize what you needed to do to get a better grade? How many times did you burn your supper until you got it right? How many "bad" jobs did you take before you took the right one? How many friends did you lose before you figured out how to treat people? The list goes on and on.
How many roles do you fill in a day? Example for me: I'm wife, mother, daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, coworker, tutor, friend, niece, cousin, granddaughter and wicked awesome blogger (right? right!). Again, another list that could go longer if I thought more about it. Point is, right there, those are pretty great successes for me, too. No one has disowned me... yet. I figure I can't be all of that without some sort of success. I guess you could add the prefix of "shitty" to each one and the effect is wrecked. Touche. Touche. Let's pretend I didn't type that "shitty" part.
If you have made it this far in life and are reading my blog, you have a lot to be proud of. START SMALL and work your way up to find all of your amazing successes. I can only hope that this journey of being thinner and healthier is going to be one of my amazing success stories. Lord knows I have failed quite a few times at this stuff. Hopefully I'm getting it right this time around.
Signing off for now, to all of you near and far and to those of you trying to not be the shittiest you can be, until next time...
Friday, April 6, 2012
Minor injuries
I once posted on Facebook a direct quote from Brett:
"I think my days of being invincible are effing gone."
So true. So true. Of course, Brett was one of the few people I knew that actually believed he was invincible. Welcome back to Earth, Brett!!!! I find that my resilience is not as great as it used to be. No, I'm not talking lemon drop shots at a local restaurant and having to call Brett to come and pick me up because I didn't realize that my friends were drinking a glass of water in between their drinks. I'm talking about feeling like I am able to bounce back with a muscle strain or most recently, stubbing my toes on a dog toy.
Yes, you read that correctly, a dog toy. Dog toy. It was a little dicey walking about for a couple days, but now, it has healed pretty well for the most part. What was strange is that I started to panic, even with a contingency plan in place. I didn't know what I was going to do if I had to take a break from TurboFire. I know that I said I could do chair aerobics and sign up for water aerobics, but COME ON!! I'm 34 years old and I really cannot see myself workin' it chair aerobics style, especially not for jammed toes!!!!!! If the injury were serious enough, I would like to think that I would rock the chair aerobics, but now, I doubt my own contingency plan.
Because I have working out as such a high priority, it makes it really hard to swallow even the thought of not being able to workout for a while. Eek. I will say that the one good thing about going a little easy on myself having toe injuries, is that I can really focus on technique. That is something that usually gets put on the back-burner because I get so caught up in the energy and momentum of the workout.
We crowned the biggest loser at work a week early. He won by a landslide and for anyone to catch up would have been near impossible. He lost over 25 pounds and towards the end of the competition, he was even stepping on the treadmill twice a week!! I was so proud of him and still am. He came to me a few weeks ago and said, "I know how to make walking on the treadmill go faster. AC/DC." My reaction was , " you are walking on the treadmill?!?!" he said only a couple times a week. Then it dawned on me and I said, "YOU listen to AC/DC?!?!?!" I'm not sure which one surprised me more about my farming country friend. I am so proud!!!!
Now that the competition is over, there are five in my department that will still be keeping track of our progress. As of Friday, we had lost over 73 pounds in eleven weeks combined!!! Pretty impressive, I think!! I am now free to move my Free Friday into Sunday. I still have to come up with a catchy name for it. Stay tuned. Sunday's work way better for me because if I just want to eat naughty stuff, I am still likely to workout whereas Fridays are still routine with work that I can continue to stay on track!
Well, here's hoping for no more dog toys in the hallway! Signing off for now, to all of you near and far and to those of you thinking of catchy Sunday names, until next time...
"I think my days of being invincible are effing gone."
So true. So true. Of course, Brett was one of the few people I knew that actually believed he was invincible. Welcome back to Earth, Brett!!!! I find that my resilience is not as great as it used to be. No, I'm not talking lemon drop shots at a local restaurant and having to call Brett to come and pick me up because I didn't realize that my friends were drinking a glass of water in between their drinks. I'm talking about feeling like I am able to bounce back with a muscle strain or most recently, stubbing my toes on a dog toy.
Yes, you read that correctly, a dog toy. Dog toy. It was a little dicey walking about for a couple days, but now, it has healed pretty well for the most part. What was strange is that I started to panic, even with a contingency plan in place. I didn't know what I was going to do if I had to take a break from TurboFire. I know that I said I could do chair aerobics and sign up for water aerobics, but COME ON!! I'm 34 years old and I really cannot see myself workin' it chair aerobics style, especially not for jammed toes!!!!!! If the injury were serious enough, I would like to think that I would rock the chair aerobics, but now, I doubt my own contingency plan.
Because I have working out as such a high priority, it makes it really hard to swallow even the thought of not being able to workout for a while. Eek. I will say that the one good thing about going a little easy on myself having toe injuries, is that I can really focus on technique. That is something that usually gets put on the back-burner because I get so caught up in the energy and momentum of the workout.
We crowned the biggest loser at work a week early. He won by a landslide and for anyone to catch up would have been near impossible. He lost over 25 pounds and towards the end of the competition, he was even stepping on the treadmill twice a week!! I was so proud of him and still am. He came to me a few weeks ago and said, "I know how to make walking on the treadmill go faster. AC/DC." My reaction was , " you are walking on the treadmill?!?!" he said only a couple times a week. Then it dawned on me and I said, "YOU listen to AC/DC?!?!?!" I'm not sure which one surprised me more about my farming country friend. I am so proud!!!!
Now that the competition is over, there are five in my department that will still be keeping track of our progress. As of Friday, we had lost over 73 pounds in eleven weeks combined!!! Pretty impressive, I think!! I am now free to move my Free Friday into Sunday. I still have to come up with a catchy name for it. Stay tuned. Sunday's work way better for me because if I just want to eat naughty stuff, I am still likely to workout whereas Fridays are still routine with work that I can continue to stay on track!
Well, here's hoping for no more dog toys in the hallway! Signing off for now, to all of you near and far and to those of you thinking of catchy Sunday names, until next time...
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Interestingly enough
I had an interesting conversation last week with my two doors down friend. She and I were discussing being big and being healthy. Which, by the way she kept telling me, "but you aren't that big!" Isn't she sweet??? Can I also say she is a lot smaller than yours truly and four years younger?
Anyway, while she is trying to talk me down off my ledge of not seeing the scale budge for a couple weeks, she was reassuring me that while I am not seeing the results I want, I am doing the right thing by exercising, eating right and being healthier. She is right. BUT, I want to see the results on my digital scale, dammit!!!!!!! Ha!! I also told her that I wasn't okay being a size 14, but being "fit." Maybe I'm being contradictory to myself, but at least I'm being honest???? I want the extra weight off!
It is hard when the scale doesn't move to keep the motivation and the mad drive I have. I do know my ham hocks are getting smaller, but I would like to see the weight go down. I really really wish I would have kept measurements this time. I guess I was feeling overconfident in my ability to take this as it comes and as it happens. I surprised myself this time.
My two doors down friend also has a child two months younger than Ty. She and I used to get together in my driveway everyday after Ty and I got home. Since I've been busy keeping up my non-negotiable workout schedule, I've been trying to keep up with household duties as soon as Ty and I get home instead of letting the boys play together and having "Mommy's Sanity Hour." She runs at least 5 times a week and when I am done with my workout, she is usually starting hers for the day. I can see a light on at her house when I get done working out. I've been known to ask if she worked out or not on a particular day if there is no light. Ha!! How's that for trying to sleep in and thinking no one else will notice?
I am really fortunate to have found this friend. She and I are a lot alike and so different in so many ways. We get along like sisters and that, my friends, is very hard to come by with someone you have known for so little time. Positive and healthy relationship? I think so.
We also live next door to a wonderful family. The dad of the family is quite fond of Ty and we find that we are going to have to keep a close eye on Ty because he now knows where this family keeps all of their basketballs. They are really good to him. The mom is awesome. She and her daughter make us a plate of goodies every Christmas. I am so grateful for these as I am not a baker. I'm actually pretty bad at it. They also have two sons, one that is in college and he stops by when he is home to see how much Ty has grown. Ty still knows him by name even though he doesn't see him that often. The younger son is 17. I tutor him in Spanish and being with him reminds me SO MUCH of Brett. You know, the smart ass, slightly rebellious type? I laugh and sigh and thank God Brett has matured slightly from when he and I were 17. Ha! Positive and healthy relationships? I think so.
Again, I'm busy surrounding myself with awesome people all the time. We are fortunate to have such great neighbors and extensions to our family.
Family is such a relative term. No pun intended. Family does not mean blood related. The relation is that we all have blood running through our veins. How can you really go wrong by accepting someone as family into your house and heart? Until Ty is old enough to choose whom he surrounds himself, Brett and I do that for him. The more people that love him, the better. Is there something as being loved too much? I don't think so. He has tons of honorary aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents that he shouldn't have to go a single minute feeling unloved. We're busy surrounding him with positive and healthy relationships.
Ooh! I also subscribe to get the Dali Lama's status updates. Whether or not he is actually on his laptop everyday posting good stuff about relationships, life and staying positive, is still TBD. I still love the wisdom.
I've gotten off the beaten path once again. I think I veered off when I stopped talking about my ham hocks. Let's see, yes, the ham hocks are getting smaller. I have been getting up at 4:15 routinely to accommodate a full hour workout with a couple minutes extra for water refills and to switch out DVDs. This has been working really good. Because I'm able to get in a longer workout in the morning, I don't feel the push AS MUCH to workout in the evening for a second time. I am able to get to bed a little earlier if I don't workout a second time.
Speaking of which, I'm sitting here typing this and it is WAY past my bedtime. I need to sign off for now. To all of you near and far and to my two doors down friend making something out of canned chicken, until next time... :)
Anyway, while she is trying to talk me down off my ledge of not seeing the scale budge for a couple weeks, she was reassuring me that while I am not seeing the results I want, I am doing the right thing by exercising, eating right and being healthier. She is right. BUT, I want to see the results on my digital scale, dammit!!!!!!! Ha!! I also told her that I wasn't okay being a size 14, but being "fit." Maybe I'm being contradictory to myself, but at least I'm being honest???? I want the extra weight off!
It is hard when the scale doesn't move to keep the motivation and the mad drive I have. I do know my ham hocks are getting smaller, but I would like to see the weight go down. I really really wish I would have kept measurements this time. I guess I was feeling overconfident in my ability to take this as it comes and as it happens. I surprised myself this time.
My two doors down friend also has a child two months younger than Ty. She and I used to get together in my driveway everyday after Ty and I got home. Since I've been busy keeping up my non-negotiable workout schedule, I've been trying to keep up with household duties as soon as Ty and I get home instead of letting the boys play together and having "Mommy's Sanity Hour." She runs at least 5 times a week and when I am done with my workout, she is usually starting hers for the day. I can see a light on at her house when I get done working out. I've been known to ask if she worked out or not on a particular day if there is no light. Ha!! How's that for trying to sleep in and thinking no one else will notice?
I am really fortunate to have found this friend. She and I are a lot alike and so different in so many ways. We get along like sisters and that, my friends, is very hard to come by with someone you have known for so little time. Positive and healthy relationship? I think so.
We also live next door to a wonderful family. The dad of the family is quite fond of Ty and we find that we are going to have to keep a close eye on Ty because he now knows where this family keeps all of their basketballs. They are really good to him. The mom is awesome. She and her daughter make us a plate of goodies every Christmas. I am so grateful for these as I am not a baker. I'm actually pretty bad at it. They also have two sons, one that is in college and he stops by when he is home to see how much Ty has grown. Ty still knows him by name even though he doesn't see him that often. The younger son is 17. I tutor him in Spanish and being with him reminds me SO MUCH of Brett. You know, the smart ass, slightly rebellious type? I laugh and sigh and thank God Brett has matured slightly from when he and I were 17. Ha! Positive and healthy relationships? I think so.
Again, I'm busy surrounding myself with awesome people all the time. We are fortunate to have such great neighbors and extensions to our family.
Family is such a relative term. No pun intended. Family does not mean blood related. The relation is that we all have blood running through our veins. How can you really go wrong by accepting someone as family into your house and heart? Until Ty is old enough to choose whom he surrounds himself, Brett and I do that for him. The more people that love him, the better. Is there something as being loved too much? I don't think so. He has tons of honorary aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents that he shouldn't have to go a single minute feeling unloved. We're busy surrounding him with positive and healthy relationships.
Ooh! I also subscribe to get the Dali Lama's status updates. Whether or not he is actually on his laptop everyday posting good stuff about relationships, life and staying positive, is still TBD. I still love the wisdom.
I've gotten off the beaten path once again. I think I veered off when I stopped talking about my ham hocks. Let's see, yes, the ham hocks are getting smaller. I have been getting up at 4:15 routinely to accommodate a full hour workout with a couple minutes extra for water refills and to switch out DVDs. This has been working really good. Because I'm able to get in a longer workout in the morning, I don't feel the push AS MUCH to workout in the evening for a second time. I am able to get to bed a little earlier if I don't workout a second time.
Speaking of which, I'm sitting here typing this and it is WAY past my bedtime. I need to sign off for now. To all of you near and far and to my two doors down friend making something out of canned chicken, until next time... :)
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