Scale Game

Are you an everyday kind of scale person? Do you do it once a week? How about once a month? Are you one that wants to throw the scale out the window when that number is not flashing what you want it to be? What about the days of geat success?!

That poor scale. A little, big or complicated piece of equipment. It is like a game - we want to roll the dice, hope for the lucky 7 and it will give us a great money windfall (or should I say weightloss windfall). We want to kiss the scale on the good days, kick it on the bad days, put it far away in the darkness of a closet when it just did not do what we wanted it to or wrap it up in a fancy bow to show everyone our triumphs. Poor scale. So sad one day, happy the next. It just can't ever win.

You just can't blame it on that little old scale. I mean, really, what did he or she do to you? The question is this - what did you do to make the scale make you happy? What did you not do to make the scale make you sad?

I am an everyday scale kind of gal. I have always been. Especially if there is a scale in the house. My helpful tip is this - don't let that number control you, but don't let the number fool you. If you did really well the day before, don't get overly excited that the scale was down 2 pounds, because the next day it might be up those 2 pounds - (ok - for those of you that hate the pounds, I will use Ounces - LOL). If you had a really rough day, don't let the fact that the scale went up 5 ounces deter you from doing better on a new day.

I do my very best to not let the scale win at this game. I don't kick and scream (that much) when I don't see the number I want to see. I don't jump up and down for joy! I do, however, give myself a pad on the back for doing so well and that I have to keep going with my weightloss (no matter what the number is). I think I get on the scale everyday to make sure I am staying on track. I had been maintaining a number for over 5 years that was not the best number. It was not a number I am proud of and I knew all the things I was doing wrong, but never put my mind, body and soul into making the change. I was ok with that number on the scale, as long as it continued to stay where it was. Then one day in December 2010 I saw that number climb up and up and up. Blame it on the holiday cookies, the sweets, the treats - nope - can't blame it on them, have to blame it on me for eating them. It was time to roll the dice and start seeing the numbers on the scale go down.

I will admit, I am playing the scale game, but not with a little electronic device. I am playing the scale game with myself. Doing the exercising, drinking the water, avoiding the bad foods, the fast food and the sugary foods. I am the one that is going to win at this game - not the scale!!!!

When you win you are giving the scale comfort, you are making yourself healthy and you are then celebrating many NSV's (non-scale victories)!!! Getting new clothes, receiving compliments, being able to move more, do more and enjoying life more!!! That smile on your face is a Win Win!!!! Keep going!!

Staying MOtivated MO

W - W - W - W - W

Wacky What's Up Wednesday -

Walked with the neighbor today. I am so enjoying these walks. We get to go around the neighborhood in the quiet of the morning only being barked at by a few dogs and not cars come into our way. I never thought I would be able to do (we don't have very many sidewalks). I am having some adult interaction that is outside of my work or volunteering duties, I am getting to know the ins & outs of the neighborhood (these ladies have lived in their houses for over 15 years - so they know all about everything in a good way), and well, this is giving me Workout buddies. I am going to miss those morning walks. Been doing it for the last 3 (or is it 4) weeks and I am loving it. We get in a good 45 minute walk, I am moving my arms and enjoying being out in the fresh air. Nope - going to have to put the brakes on. You see, my son goes back to school next week. Many things to take care of in the morning that will not allow me to leave the house with a sleeping child for 45 minutes. We might be able to do some weekend or evening walks, but those will be far and few in betweens, I am sure. That's ok - I am a very very early riser, so the 5 am wake up calls will be good for my workout - just going to miss the workout buddies.

Got to see another Oprah special about Weight loss the other night. Also saw the next episode of Extreme Makeover, Weight Loss Makeover (ABC, Monday nights). I watched all of the ABC show, but didn't watch more then 10 minutes of Oprah. I walked in place for 45 minutes watching the one show and did a lot of thinking during both. If there are people out there that are doing 5K's, Half Marathons, losing more then 100 pounds, and just making themselves healthy overall, why can't I do the same thing? Sometimes the Fire In Me goes out and I have to get it started again. Not saying it has gone fully out, but that it is just a little bit of a fire and I need to get it burning at full steam again.

Way Word Snacking - keeping on track with that this week. On a 1 week challenge with Christina to not snack after dinner. Monday I had a plum, but didn't keep snacking after that. Last night I got to see my son, since he is still with his father this week, after running a few errands we didn't eat until about 8 pm - so for sure no snacking for me last night. 3 nights down - 4 more to go - I can do this and will continue to be successful!!!

Water Boy - or is it Water Man - well, it just looks like it is going to be a flirting-I-don't-really-have-time-to-date-kind-of-thing at the moment. We both have busy lives, we don't live in the same city and well, maybe it is just nice to have that flirting moment between a man and a woman (I do now know that he thinks I am cute). I am still enjoying his visits and look forward to dressing up on Tuesdays (and a lot of other days, too). His smile lights up my day, the talks have been a little longer then his regular 5 to 10 minute stay (even the office co-workers are noticing that he is staying longer). You just never know what might happen when you have a Water Delivery Guy come into your office - it could be magic!?!!

Final What's Up Moment - with the beginning of school means more food in the house, food that is not on my lifestyle plan. I am a bit scared about this. It has been a pretty good summer for me, but now it is back to school lunches, breakfasts and dinners that involve another person. My son will eat most of what I eat, but I feel that some items do come into the house that I am scared of. I do make some great healthly meals. Heck, even his lunches include a sandwich with lettuce, a fruit and a vegetable, but there are those things that he still enjoys that makes him feel like a kid (he is age 10, by the way) - chips, Yogurt (or do they call it gogurt), granola chewy bars. This last shopping trip I made sure I was Watching what I purchased for myself. I am going to Watch and be careful not to eat my sons food. Avoid the chips for his lunches, avoid the sandwich meat that he enjoys and even the cereal that is in the cupboard. I should just put up Dollar signs around the kitchen, because if I eat that stuff then it is coming out of my pocket to have to buy more. Make sure the groceries last as long as they should. The temptation will not control me!!!!

Looking for more Winning Weightloss moments in the Weeks to come!!!!

Staying MOtivated MO

Finals Week

It is finals week for me. I wish I did not have to take finals, but it is what I have to do right now. Finals make me feel stressed so I have to be aware this week of my stress eating. I am not good at memorizing facts and events, but I do it anyways. I have to chew on the information. I literally chew on something while having an anxiety attack since it appears to calm the nerves, but really all it does is add unnecessary calories that I really don't need.  So my game plan is to have some sugar free gum to chew on and lots of water to drink so it fills my tummy. I need to take some extra walks and lock myself in my bedroom so that I can concentrate. I know I can do this. All I need to do is pass this class. I can do this. I can do this. 
I have also started being more aware of my food intake again. I go through these kinds of cycles. This one was because of the 5 pound gain over my vacation last week. A little too much enjoying all the foods that I love so much.  I had a great time getting a little more sleep, watching an adult movie ( It was the King's Speech not what you were thinking. LOL!) and time with my husband. Being with my foodie husband also means that we looked for the best hole in the wall BBQ in Gold Country and went wine tasting without little ones on our heels. I even got to hang out in a soaking tub. It was just what I needed since I had ran that 5K Mo and then, did Pilates the next day! I was so sore on Monday and Tuesday so the hot water was heavenly and just what my tired muscles needed.   
Time for bed!
If I can do this, you can too!
Have a great week!
Stay Strong!
Always on the Move- MER

It's a Number Thing

Speed Dating Friday. My very first time. Here is the rundown of the night, going by the numbers:

15 - Number of woman at the event. All varieties - some dressed like they were going to a night time wedding or out on the town, some coming right from work, some just ready for a nice evening of dinner and drinks.

13 - Number of men at the event. Two men did not show. That can happen. It gave some of us time to take a bathroom break or get another drink. The men - some tall, some short, some with long hair, some without, rough hands, smooth hands, good looking, not my type looks wise, great and not so great conversationalists, some that loved to dance, others that wanted to travel, one with two homes, one that has a home in New Mexico, what about the guy that told me about his near death car accident this week (yep, you knew he wasn't interested in me if he was telling me about his drama of the week) or the guy that went to go get a drink during our "date" - so much for that "connection", the guy that likes major league baseball, the one that likes to workout, the one that had three buttons undone on his shirt, the other one that kept forgetting his drink from table to table, the three guys that I could not pronounce their names correctly, the guy that sort of looked like Magnum P.I. - mustache was too cheesy. I will give most of them applause because only 4 came as "buddies", while the rest came solo - good for them, because almost every lady came with a friend, for sure!!

43 - my age

38 - my girlfriends age

24 - the youngest gentleman that I met. Of the men I had time to ask their age there were two 27's, a 25 year old, a 26 year old and a 32 year old.

50 - the oldest gentleman that I met. Hey, wait - I thought the age limit was 25 to 44...cute is a plus!

3 Minutes - we were supposed to have a 6 minute "date", but we started late and then there was the issue of making sure the room was ready right at 8:30 pm for the next event (DJ Music). However, I have a huge complaint about this. If there were 15 woman to meet, at 6 minutes each that would be 1.5 hours. We started about 10 minutes late, at 6:40 - still would have had plenty of time to have 6 minute dates, but nope - it was 3 minutes - not enough time.

10 Minutes- the time it took for almost everyone to clear out the room at the end of the event. I wish that some would have stayed to even get another few more minutes to talk, but only about 4 people, not including myself and my friend, stayed to even chit chat at the end of the evening.

4 - the number of men I requested a "let's talk" option with the hopes to be matched up with them.

Zero - the number of "matches" I received. Zip, Nada...which means that no guy circled their "let's talk" after meeting me. Oh, well, that is fine. Could be that I live 45 minutes away? The good part is that I get to go to another one of these for Free, because there was not a match and they guarantee you a match each time. Um - nope - It was fun, but at this point after all the dust has settled I don't believe I will do it again.


More Speed Dating by the numbers.........

18 - the size of my pants (3 sizes down since January)

16 - the size of my tank top shirt - (4 sizes down since January)

1X - the size of my cover up jacket - (2 x's down since January)



Can you notice - my red tank is on backwards -
Good thing my friend caught it just before we made it into the venue. 




This is before I had a chance to finish my hair!!



Here is how the rest of the evening played out. Personally I was there as support for my friend, but at the same time I wanted to have a chance to meet a guy, too. I never really had time to be nervous, because I played the Chauffeur - which was not supposed to happen. My friend had 2 hours to get ready, I had 45 minutes. While I was getting ready I played the Butler to my friend by taking 3 text messages, a phone call from her, answering the door 15 minutes before she was to be there and then turn on the computer/printer so she could print out the confirmation sheet she should have done days before, locate a lint brush, and grab some lotion for her. As we were leaving the venue I turned into a Concierge because she was starving, she only had $20.00 cash and no ATM card, but if I could locate a good pizza by the slice place then that would be fun. (thanks to my older sister for helping me out - that one slice of pizza hit the spot!!)

There was a moment during the evening that I did feel like the Fat Friend (there is that 3 letter word...said I would not use it again, but it can appear at any moment). Yes, I did feel that way. Remember, my friend is a size 8 and she wore a knock out, skin tight black classy dress. It is hard, but I am going to work harder to get to the size I want to be and keep dropping the pounds so that I will never feel that way again while being out with my girlfriends. It is hard to be the one to the side that is not getting the attention - cute, ugly, skinny or big...being big throws me for a curve every time when it comes to looking for a "boy". Ok - not nice to write all of this about how things went with my friend, but I had to share with you so that you would understand how my full Friday evening went. 

On a more positive note - I HAD A GREAT TIME. I didn't get picked by anyone, but that is not the end of the world. I got out there, I met some great strangers in a comfortable setting, which gave me the confidence to keep looking for a guy for this single gal.

A new week - a new challenge with blogging buddy Christina to avoid the evening snacking as I had gotten back into a very bad habit I thought I had broken, more walking with the neighbors, back to the punching bag of fun a few times and I for sure am going to add an extra 20 minutes in the evening to my work out goals this week.

Staying MOtivated MO

6 Minutes with Who??

Speed Dating Night!! Excited, Nervous and all those things in between. A round and round you go, where you stop nobody knows. 6 Minutes to meet a guy, have a fun chit chat and you never know - a date! Meeting someone across the table has got to be better then trying to "meet" them behind a computer screen.

 

The shopping trip was successful, but not all at the same time. I was successful in finding an outfit, but was not successful in doing this trip with my friend. Not sure why, but when she found out I was already at the store and browsing the aisles without her she got very upset and well, she never came out to meet me. Won't go into details, because it is not necessary. It is What it Is......the outfit has been ironed and it is waiting patiently for me to change into it when I arrive home after work to get beautified. If the evening is a flop, there is dancing offered at the venue afterwards or we can hit up a favorite club of mine and dance the night away.

I do have to share with you about my outfit. I didn't take a picture this morning, but will for sure do another post with my first Speed Dating experience and will do a pic then - (hold onto your hats ladies and gentleman, I am sure you will have a good laugh or two with me). My outfit, well, I did get a good pair of black slacks. Score that they were only $20.00. Win Win for me. Then as I was shopping with my sister (don't ask how she ended up with me, but you might be able to figure it out), she sees this jacket, cover up thing. I tell her that I already own it and she was head over heals that I did. We found a top that was close to the one that I had also purchased to go with the jacket. I had on the shoes I wanted to wear for tonight and presto chango I now had a new outfit. My sister agreed that is was perfect for me. But, wait - there is more good news, other then not having to pay a whole lot for a new outfit. The jacket they had at the store was a 2X. We tried to find a 1X to see what it would look like, because this one was just a bit too big. I thought that I had the 2X at home. Then the shirt - well, thought that I had purchased a 18/20. As I was trying on the outfit this morning for a pre-fit run I was so excited. The shirt - it is a 14/16 and it looks good. It actually falls really well from top to bottom and is not tight. Wow - how and when did that happen? Then the jacket - IT IS a 1X!!! Score, Score, Score. I feel good, look good and even if I don't find a date in my little 6 minutes of round table fun tonight then I have found the pot at the end of the rainbow this week with my outfit!!!

Walking has been my friend this week. Eating has not. I will be honest. Laziness has set in. Have not wanted to go grocery shopping and just eating what is left in the refrigerator. I was successful in going through the pre-cooked chicken I had frozen and ready to eat. And eating up all the veggies and there is barely any bread in the house, but the meals have not been consistent. Just a bite here, a bite there...and I will also admit that I have had a lapse and doing some late night snacking. Not beading myself up, but know that I have to get back on the 100% track with my progress or my progress will just stay at a dead "weight" or go up. NO - NO - not that!!

Looking forward to me weekend. 6 Minutes of fun tonight, time with a friend tomorrow with the hopes of a hike, then a Sunday to do home stuff!! Wishing you all a wonderful, safe and COOL weekend - as I know that many are suffering with the heat!

Staying MOtivated MO

20 Years Younger

I happened across Oprah last night. I know, she is not really on TV anymore - 25 years down and she is gone, gone, gone - ok, she really isn't gone....the TV is still playing her shows until the new Fall Lineup comes into play. So, as I was heading to bed last night (I have a TV in my room - so bad, so very bad), the channel surfing was in full effect. Wait - what is this - Bob Greene - Oprah's long time fitness guy. I have the very first book that they wrote together somewhere in my house. I loved it, but never put it into full action.

He now has this 20 Years Younger Diet. Well, it was interesting to hear that they didn't call it a diet, they called it a lifestyle - way of life.

Here were the four points:

• A Rejuvenating Sleep Program
• Promoting Diet (healthy eating)
• Exercise
• Wrinkle Fighting Skin Program

I have more research to do on this, as my eyes were not going to allow me to watch the whole program - and wanted to put my new sleep program into effect (LOL). I am going to do my research. Maybe this will be something good for me. I look young, or so I have been told by many, and to look another 20 years younger would be a plus for me. I know that exercising is important, I have been learning how important my sleep is to me, I for sure have not been doing well with keeping my face clean at night or doing my skin care regiment and well, eating better has been doing wonders for me. What would it hurt to read more about this new - or is it really new - concept that one of my favorite writers, exercise enthusiast is talking about? I will look at his website, might buy the book, but love love love Bob Greene and am going to see what this is really all about. Here is the link: http://20yearsyounger.com/about-20-years-younger

Then it got me to thinking - so many options, which one is right for you? Do you read, do you try, do you jump from one lifestyle to the other, when you get bored do you try to change it up? Here is my thought on this - I don't think you should change anything  until you have given yourself plenty of time to try out what plan you really want to do. Yes, I do agree that you need to do some research. Feel out the plan, think about it, make it work for you. I do not agree that after 21 days you just give up, or even a few days.

The other thing that was mentioned on this show was this - and I TOTALLY believe this. YOU HAVE TO BE READY FOR THIS CHANGE!!!! When you are ready to make a lifestyle change you have to be mentally ready for it. Ready for the ups, downs and all the in between. Ready to make a change for the better. Be it work, play, school, your future, your dreams !!! My dream is to be a smaller size and even if I at times want it to happen yesterday I am ready for it to happen. I am exploding with anticipation for the next good looking outfit, the next compliment, the next time I go for a walk and go further then before, or the next time I take a hike with a friend and am not winded after the first few steps, or the next time I get up from the floor and do not have a difficult time. Which makes me smile because a few weeks back a friend of mine came over for a visit. She has been working really hard to lose weight. She was ready. She has been working hard, even going to the gym (which she hates), but she is doing it for her. She was so excited to show me that she could sit down on the floor, cross her legs just like she was in school again doing the Indian Style crossing and watch me, watch me - I can now get up without having to use my hands or with much effort. She was smiling ear to ear with her excitement. She was ready for the change. She is embracing the change. That is what I want for me and that is what I am getting.

ARE YOU READY? COME JOIN ME - IT IS AN ADVENTURE YOU WILL ENJOY!!!

Staying MOtivated MO

Little Shop of Horrors!

I have an event on Friday night. One that I am sort of looking forward to, but not really. It is a Speed Dating night. I told one of my girlfriends that I would support her in this effort. Go with her for moral support and in the long run if I run into someone that I like or that likes me, then it would be a win win situation - maybe??? Speed Dating - the possibility of meeting many "boys" and hoping that one will be interested in me in the 6 minutes we have together and then Presto - Chango - Date Central?!? Right?? I do really well with people (or I think I do) once I get to know them, but put me in a room with new people and it takes me sometime to open up, let loose and have fun. I am not so sure 6 minutes to flirt, have fun and not go on and on too much about my dreams, ambitions and hopes for the future is going to be enough time (LOL). This night will make me so nervous that I might just be myself from the very start and the laughter is going to be my friend. Maybe this will be a good thing. I am not sure at this point.

 

Here's the thing....this event tells you on their website that it is right after work, some cocktails and appetizers will be provided, business attire kind of affair. Well, I am not sure what my girlfriend knows about business attire, but she wants me to go shopping for a cocktail dress. Really? What? Are you kidding me? I only wear dresses for weddings, funerals and maybe for something very upscale. And you want me to wear a cocktail dress? Pretty funny. Yes, it is on Friday night and if the night is a bust we are going to hit the dance floor for our own kind of fun afterwards, but a cocktail dress?!? (yes, having a hard time with this) I can't remember the last time I wore a dress. I do like to wear dresses, but there really is never a good reason to pull one out of the back of the closet. Now, I don't plan on wearing a pant suit or a business suit. I did want to wear some nice dress pants and do a dressy somewhat sexy shirt/blouse kind of thing. I have those in my closet. In fact, I haven't been out in a long time, so those shirts are ready to be worn again.

Even the best emails and phone calls could not convince my girlfriend that me going through my closet was going to be the best option. Tried as I might I have been "roped" into going shopping with my friend. I am not looking forward to this trip. I love to go shopping for myself, when I am in the mood. I will say that this week I am not in the mood. One reason is that money is kind of tight right now and well, school shopping took a lot out of my account last night with Aman, and we didn't even find a backpack and new pants for him. The other reason is a very uncomfortable one for me. I can not go shopping with a lot of my friends. They are way below the size 14, 12 and 10 marks and I even think this one friend wears a size 8. So, you know that we can't go shopping in the same department, much less same store. I will have to tell my friend what size clothes I really do wear. I know, I know - I have posted a couple of times what size clothes I am wearing - before and now, but to actually tell a friend is tough for me. Sometimes I will tell them and they will look at me and say - no, that is not possible. I feel that I carry my weight in a very good way, but in the most recent weeks as I have looked at myself in the mirror and in pictures I am not seeing that. I am sure that my friends are noticing it too. The last email I received about this upcoming shopping trip said - we are going to hit JCPenney's - you will be able to find something nice there. Really - Seriously - JCPenney's - I don't think I am going to find a nice outfit there? I hate shopping at JCPenney's. I will have to go to the second floor bigger size woman's area, while my friend gets to stay downstairs and stroll the aisles for her perfect outfit. What fun is that - me on one floor, her on the other?

The other big issue I am having with doing this shopping trip is this - I am shrinking out of my clothes. A few weeks ago I had to go get a few new pair of pants. The ones I had been wearing were now close to 3 sizes too big, the belts were not working anymore and well, having all the extra fabric around me did not give me a chance to feel good about what I was accomplishing in the weight loss department. One of the pants I purchased was a perfect fit. I put it on less then 1 week later and wouldn't you know it, I was pulling them up every 15 minutes or so. I thought it was weird. Maybe I didn't get the right size. Nope, the number is right. I washed them and put them on just two days ago and again, should have gotten the belt out. I am shrinking. Not only are the pounds coming off, but inches are dropping. Purchasing something new, that is for a dress up kind of affair is going to be hard for me. I will wear it once and then won't have the chance to wear it again for sometime, as I do not wear dress up clothes for work. This outfit better be on sale or I am going to be kicking and screaming all the way to the cashier and this speed dating thing better produce TWO dates to make this all worth it - LOL

Oh, how can I get out of this trip today? Maybe a flat tire? Or come down with a 24 hour flu? Or Or Or - the wheels are turning. Then I sit back and say to myself, if I don't go then I will be very frustrated with what I do pick out of my closet.

I am going to suck it up. I guess I could always leave the tag on and take it back on Saturday (ha, ha). What we do for our friends! I am going to go into it with a positive attitude, have fun with it and see how it goes. Wishing me luck. 

 Staying MOtivated MO

Mo's 5K Saturday

Friday night - a ride down to the Bay Area and the weather was wonderful. At one point I rolled down the windows, opened up the sun roof and I let my hair just go everywhere. It was like a wonderful spring day. Nothing like the 100 or 90 degree weather that we have had in the past. Heck, even ran into a cloud cover they call Fog. I had a relaxing moment doing my drive down to meet up with Mer for our 5K Saturday event.

Saturday morning was going to be a late start. We thought the 5K was early, but it didn't start until 10 am. We arrived at the park early and that gave us time to walk around, get warmed up, and have some Mo & Mer time - which was AWESOME.

I ran most of it. Well, what I felt was most of it. I could not keep up with Mer and the Boot Camp gang. However, I just kep saying in my head - 10 10 10 - as I ran I would count to 10 and then 20 and then 30 and then I would walk for a bit more. Then another 10 - 20 - 30, keep running. I can do this. I am not sure why I wanted to finish quickly, but I was determined not to finish with the rest of the walkers. Only about 70 participants and 95% were running, so my work was cut out for me if I wanted to not finish last. I felt good afterwards. Yes, my legs are still screaming a bit, but I was so proud of how I did. This was for sure nothing like the Red Wagon pulling 5K event that I have done at a Thanksgiving Walk in the past. Finished my 5K just a little less then 1 hour - great accomplishment for me.

Oh - and the best part - the shirt they gave me was an XL and it fit. I didn't even feel uncomfortable. It was an awesome feeling!!! Ready to do the next one with Mer or even one with my son or even one on my own.
 

This is me - WAY BEFORE the race - all fresh and ready to go!



A wonderful Park - the scenery kept me captivated!!

 

To be honest, I felt out of place. So many more were "smaller" and "stronger" then me

 

This is for JO - I tried my best to finish before the Mom with the twin stroller, but each time I ran she would run faster
She had an excuse - one of the twins was crying, she had to hurry - LOL



Mer after the turn around!!! Run Run Run



Coming into the home stretch - just about 1.5 miles to the finish



This is for McGee - she inspires me everyday with her motivation and drive to keep going
Hey - this is a pretty good picture and my face isn't that red

 

Yes, they were out of water at the end. This was very refreshing
(I did have my own water in the car)

 

Mer and Mo - before the Race


 Picture Time


Mo and Mer - after the race



 Saturday evening - dressing up to a Theatre event. My God-daughter in THE WIZ. Wouldn't you know it, she was camera shy. The evening was wonderful..

(I can't wait to get rid of that double chin or is that a triple chin)



I finished off my Bay Area part of the weekend with a visit to Mer's sisters Pilates Studio
Great workout !!!!!



Oh - and when I got home I had to clean out the backyard shed of Day Camp mess. I walked this strip of the backyard about 80 times - yes, that many. Organizing, trashing, putting 12 cases of water into the car to deliver to the next Day Camp this week, taking all the excess boxes out of the garage and put them into the shed. Man, I got some good exercise this weekend!!

My goal this week - getting the Elliptical out of the spare bedroom
Yes, all that mess is Day Camp stuff - more boxes to organize and put into the shed

Have to run - or I mean walk - heading out for a morning walk before work with the neighbor ladies. Getting things done this week. What are you going to accomplish this week - either in terms of weight loss or just because?

Staying MOtivated MO

My First 5K & The Wiz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bootcamp Ladies before 5K

I'm ran my first 5k this weekend.  It was to a good cause too. "Giving to Living" it is to help cancer patients with their living expenses since the treatments and appointments can eat up all of their savings. My plan was to run as much as I can and to stay in front of the woman who ran in her jeans while carrying her purse! LOL!  I know I can run a mile and that I can push myself to run as much as I can.  I was not a fast runner at all, but I was not in for winning. I was in for doing something new that is good for me. I will admit that I have not been systematic about training. I downloaded the Couch to 5k running plan. Did I follow it? Nope.  I did do bootcamp and we do run 2 out of the 3 times that we meet. I do walk-run on two of the off days. I'm not worried about it. I did it in 45 minutes. I probably ran about half of it and walked about half of it.  I did my best since that is all I can do.

Mer finishing 5K with Rhonda right behind

Mo did the 5K too. I won't tell you how she did since I know she has a post about her experience. This will be just the beginning of many more 5k's that we will do together.  What I can say is that I am very proud of her for doing this!
We also saw the opening night of The Wiz! It was an awesome show.  My daughter loves being on stage with all her friends. So wonderful to see a kid just beam with excitement and smiling from ear to ear! It has been so great to see so many of her friends and family come out to see her.  I am really proud of her. But I keep hearing that riff in my head from the musical-

Ease on down, ease on down the road. 

Come on and ease on down, ease on down the road. 

Don't you carry nothing that might be a load. 

Come on and ease on down, ease on down the road.

Now, that our first weekend of The Wiz show is over we are easing down to a few days off and taking off the load for a few days to rest, relax and rejuvenate! My kids are staying with their great aunt while my hubby and I are going for away for little together time! Hooray!

I am so looking forward to this since as soon as we get back I start working on my goals and start really gearing up to teach again. The second and last weekend of The Wiz is on again too so I have some more backstage time to put in for the shows.  My life is going to get busy again, but it all good since it means that I have to be more organized and it means that I stick to my goals and plans. 

Have a great week everyone!

May you have time this week to-

REST!
RELAX!
REJUVENATE!

RESET GOALS!

AND GET READY TO GO!

Always on the move- MER

Veggie Week

Ok – here you go – I promised weeks, even more then a month ago that I would share the “Veggie” week that I had. Boy, has it been since May. Wow!!! Where have the last two months gone?

Before I give you the rundown of this “diet” plan I have a few things to say that will let you know why I did this for MO. I did this for two reasons:

1. I needed to find some discipline in my eating and picked this plan to help me.
2. I needed to get to know my vegetables again, besides the one or two that I do eat.

This process did open my eyes. I not only realized that I was NOT getting enough vegetables, but I was being lazy and just taking the easy way out when it was time to make my meals. Since doing this week long process I have cut back on a lot of my processed foods. We don’t have a lot of carbs in the house anymore and that can cause some problems for me when I get the “munchies” for some crackers, but I have realized that I have been doing the munching for too long and well, that can explain some of my past weight gain and keeping on the weight for so long.

I received this from my “exercise want to be a body building star someday” friend. I DO NOT know where she got the article from and who wrote it, but I know that she has done her research and would not take me down a crazy path. I was apprehensive at first and to be honest I have not told her that I actually did this. I had to give this a lot of thought, because I am not looking to get “ripped” as the article said, but I was just looking to see how I would do for a whole week with something different. If I could do a whole week, then I would then be able to make the changes that I needed to make on a regular basis with my eating.

Some of the highlights from the article state things like “the key to losing fat super fast and finally get the lean body you want hinges on vegetables” or “vegetables are loaded with all the stuff you probably don’t get enough of such as vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytonutrients”, and one more that says “this is one of the fastest, healthiest ways to boost fat burning to the max”

Here is the plan:

You can eat any vegetables from the following list in any amount. Just eat until you’re full four times a day. After day 1, the “diet” ……(I hate calling anything a diet, as I do think of my journey as a lifestyle – but this is actually a DIET, because you should not do this more than 1 time a month, in fact I don’t believe you should do it more then 1 time in every 3 months. I never want anyone to look at this as a “crash” diet, so my recommendation to those that are just trying to “lose” is do not do this just to “lose”, because this article comes from someone that is talking about getting “ribbed” so I look at this as more of a body-building diet)……ok – back on track………………After day 1, the “diet” will slightly shift toward protein sources.

And I quote “trust me when I say that this is one of the fastest, healthiest ways to boost fat burning to the max. It’s not easy, but it works incredibly well.”

Vegetables to choose from: (these are the only ones I really liked)

artichoke

asparagus

broccoli

brussel sprouts (didn’t purchase any – they just didn’t look good)

carrots

cauliflower

celery

green beans

mushrooms

onions

peppers

More Vegetables to choose from: (these I did not pick, because I truly am not a fan and didn’t want to waste anything)

beets

bok choy

cabbage

kale

okra

spinach

squash

tomato

All these vegetables can be eaten raw, steamed, or in a big salad drizzled with a little olive oil and/or balsamic vinegar (I found pomegranate balsamic vinegar, same as regular calorie wise, but I felt it was tastier)

DAY 1:            At 8am, noon, 4pm, and 8pm

Eat as much of any vegetable as you want, in any combination. You don’t have to eat at those exact times, but spread out the four meals as evenly as possible. Drink 100 ounces of water.

DAYS 2-4: Eat vegetables at the same four times each day (as day 1), but add in 20 grams of protein from fish, chicken, lean beef, turkey, eggs or seafood at 8am and 4pm meals. This equates to 3-4 ounces of fish, chicken, lean beef, turkey, or seafood or 3-4 whole eggs at those two meals. Drink 100 ounces of water.

DAYS 5-7: At 8am, noon, 4pm, and 8pm eat vegetables in any combination and quantity and have 20 grams of protein (3-4 ounces) from fish, chicken, lean beef, turkey, seafood or 3-4 eggs at each meal. Drink 100 ounces of water.

What the rest of the article says – (remember, this is a body building article)

What about supplements? For one week I recommend you avoid any of them, even after lifting weights. This should not be a week where you’re looking to achieve a new one-rep max in your lifts. Think of this as a detox program for your body and organs with the side-effect being rapid fat loss.

On the morning of day 1 take your weight and waist measurement (around your navel) and repeat those measurements on the morning of Day 8 – the day you return to your normal schedule.

Fast fat loss doesn’t have to be complicated. Give this 7-day plan a try and you’ll see how effective a simple plan can be to finally bring those cuts out of hiding. (see, he is referring to “bodybuilding” here)

Mo’s breakdown:

I was not particularly a fan of eating vegetables on the first day. I mean, really, how in the world do you have a breakfast of broccoli? I started on a Sunday so that if I did have any huge issues I would be ok by my work days. I learned to love egg omelets with vegetables. It was wonderful to actually make my own meals and make them work. I loved the egg option, so some work days I would take a few hard boiled eggs with me. I over bought vegetables, can you believe that? I think I went to the store hungry and then there was this fear that I would not have enough to eat, so I would have to go back to the store – oh no – not that. So, some of my vegetables ran over to the next week. I did purchase some fresh green beans, but I do believe I went off program by getting a few canned beans. Easier for me to have at work, and being too lazy…but I drained out the water as best as I could.

I have to remind you again, that I did not do this to lose the fat. I did this more to give myself the discipline I wanted and needed. I don’t necessarily recommend this just so you can lose, I do however recommend it for the pure fact that I now love more vegetables again. I did have good numbers for this week. Per my friend, most people have dropped 8 pounts on average. I dropped 11 pounds and up until last weeks carb fest at Scout Camp I had been able to keep 9 of them off. I measured two places – at my belly button I dropped 1 full inch and then in my middle I dropped close to 2.2 inches. I have not measured since then, but do believe I am still holding strong with those numbers. I stuck to my guns, only had one tsp of sour cream, 1 piece of string cheese and had a really good laugh when I did dinner at Chevy’s Mexican restaurant one night and when I asked for more vegetables they gave me tons and tons of onions. Had the freshest breath in the place - J

After the 8^th day, you for sure should not go back to your same old same old. You will have to be ready for this week. Ready with the tools that you will need to continue losing or keep the weight off that you lost during the full week. This is not so you can get into the fancy jeans or good looking dress or maybe you have this knockout outfit that you want to wear and you do the “beauty pageant” thing and want to drop weight fast. Please Please don’t think this is a quick fix.

Off to meet up with Mer this weekend - 5K all the Way Saturday!!

Staying MOtivated MO

Three little letters!

There is a trend happening and I for one want it to go away. It might be in a blog, it might be in your everyday life, it might be just in your head...oh, ah - just three little letters. Some of us have seen it for years, others might be new to it, but all of us are fighting to keep those letters our of our lives for the rest of our lives. You know - F - A - T - oh, boy....three little letters. Three letters all put together make up such a BIG thing (hey - ho - wo  - three more little letters - you see the trend??- yikes). I have seen those letters in a lot of posts this week and I am sure there will be more to come. There is the post from Diana where that word was said during her vacation, then the other post from Leaving (which by the way uses those three letters in her blog), had a moment where that word is being said in a question. Then there is this one from McGee about how frustrated she is this week. I could go on and on.....but want to make my point....

I think they need to strike that word from the dictionary. In fact, what about taking out HUGE, LARGE, and the list could go on and on and on. I know that I say that word often - either out loud as I am getting ready for work in the morning and looking in the mirror. Or in my head as I am trying on a new shirt or even an old one in my closet. Putting those three letters together can make an impact on how we feel, how we see ourselves, how the rest of our day will go. Boy oh boy oh boy!!!

I am, however, working on changing my vocabulary. I have decided - that I WILL NOT use that word anymore. In fact, when I even have to write about it, thinking I might just use F, but that might throw many people off. I want to see words that have more than just three little letters -

Spectacular

Feeling Good

Energized

Motivated

Wonderful

Gorgeous

Glowing

Awesome

Powerful

Confident

Fabulous

Even words that I have not seen for many years - Sixteen, Fourteen, Twelve, Ten and I am going to dream and one day might even accomplish the word Eight back into my vocabulary. Shirt size, pant size, dress size - those words will flow out of me like they are nothing. I will be PROUD (yes, another word to use) to tell many how well I have done, what I have accomplished, how I did it and I will be SMILING the whole time.

Find the Motivation Road, turn down Positive Street and a final curve to Success Square!!

The struggle to drop the pounds is hard, but many of us ARE doing it, WILL continue to do it and the GOAL will be reached. We have hills to climb so that we can make it down the path of success. Trust me, I do know how hard it can be. I wish it could be easier, that there would be a quick fix, but know this that I am so proud of myself for trying to lose the weight, proud of my friends for helping me and proud that there are many others out there doing the same as me - some working harder then me, but still doing it!!!!

Don't worry - I am not always this motivated or energized. I too have my moments and have been having many struggles this week. Emotionally and physically, but I will not let three little letters control me!! I won't - I can't and will try my hardest to make sure those three little letters can slip out of my brain. Cheering everyone on that is struggling with losing the extra pounds and I sure hope that you will do the same for me!!

Find some new words that will inspire you - write them down - put them on a vision board !!! STAY STRONG - LOOK HOW FAR YOU HAVE COME - KEEP GOING - YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

Staying MOtivated MO



Denali's Big 4 out of 5

This post is for Chubby McGee. Here is the biggest highlight from my Alaskan Summer Adventure! I got to see 4 out of the 5 big animals at Denali Park.  This place has to be on your bucket list of places to go before you die. 

In Denali, they want you to travel by bus tours so that there is not much emissions from the cars. Tundra plants are very sensitive to pollution. I felt safer in a big group and the bus driver we had was excellent at spotting the big animals. It was AWESOME to see them in the wild. 

Grizzly bears


 

Momma moose and her calves

 

Dall's Sheep





Pair of Caribou, Male and Female

Learning Something New

To piggy-back on to Mo's ups and downs here is what I wrote last night not knowing what Mo was going to write about. I feel like we are still connect to the hip like our first semester in college. Just through this blog now!
So much effort is going into learning some new science content this summer.  It takes a lot of time to do homework, read my textbook and listen to lectures.  The new information is not coming so easily. It is taking me time to process.  It is taking me time to get it in my brain and get it to deep understanding so I can quickly recall it for teaching and testing purposes.
I was thinking about the new exercise and eating habits that I have been trying to learn over the past year.  It has taken me time to learn how to eat emotionally free and eat for just hunger sake; to nourish my body rather than stuff it with foods to drown my stress. It has taken a lot of effort to exercise, take my multivitamins and get enough rest.  It has taken me a long time to learn these new habits.
Knowing that I have time on my side and lots of it for these changes are permanent. These lifestyle changes are for good.  No matter how long, no matter the trials or challenges. I am committed to making these healthy lifestyle changes stick!
I WILL NEVER GIVE UP!
Always on the move- MER

Some Disappointments, but still success

July has been busy - already. I have only a moment, but wanted to take the time to post something, just so that I can get this off my mind and maybe concentrate back on what needs to get done. I am in a funk.

1. Gained 10 pounds in 2 weeks. When you only eat carbs, and more carbs mostly for days at a Scout camp, then that 10 can show up on the scale. I also have not been drinking enough water. Then I have built up muscle and then eve is paying her visit at the moment. So - I am not going to continue with the excuses, but that is what is going on with me and the scale.

2. My son is gone for the next 2.5 weeks. He is close by, but not the same....summer is hard!!

3. I might have been on vacation, but there is so much to do now that I am home. The list is long and I want it all done yesterday, but it is back to work for me. Then the fact that school is going to start again in just a few weeks - well, I am wishing that my summer with Aman was longer

4. The water boy - well, things are just about the same. I will say that I was sort of hoping he would have "called" by now, but he keeps saying he is busy. I am just enjoying my visits at work with him. Do wish that today's visit was longer then the last, but what more can I ask for at this point?? He is not ready to make the next move and I want him to make the next move. I will be patient.

5. Work is very stressful right now. Things are always being done in a rush and they wanted it done yesterday. The buck passing is happening and well, I am tired of that buck starting with me, but then coming back to me......wishing that the buck was actually money I could spend!!

But, there are some highlights to look forward to:                    

1. I have 2.5 weeks where I don't have to be a Mom. So much to do and I know I can get it done without having to worry about those "mom" duties. Single things in my future for the next week, never know, something magical might happen.

2. I am doing a 5K with Mer on Saturday. I am very excited about that!!!!!!!! I have done them in the past, but just at a slow pace, this time I might try to run part of it...we will see what this weekend brings.

3. I am out walking with my neighbor. Monday and Tuesday down - hoping to do the rest of the week. 2.5 miles each day - feeling good!!!

4. The scale this morning says 4 pounds down from Sunday - yes, back on track, that is the way I like it.

5. I will get caught up with work and things will slow down and it is just a process...I have a job and it looks secure and that is a good thing.

This time will pass and I will get back on track and the weight will come off and I will move forward and there will be new clothes in my future, more looks my way, more confidence...this slum will come and go - looking forward to the next page of my chapter!!!!


(struggling, but still) Staying MOtivated MO

Tech Week

No bad news
No bad news
Don't you ever bring me no bad news
'Cause I'll make you an offer, child
That you cannot refuse
So don't nobody bring me no bad news

My daughter's musical performance is this week. She is in The Wiz and she is an a Reporter and Ozian Barista serving Ozbucks on stage. LOL! I love being backstage during her musicals so I always do props. It allows me to see the show off stage and I get to playfully finger shoot performers from across stage. I also get to give high fives to the performers as they come off the stage or to pump them up before they go on. 
We always have to plan for success on busy performance weeks. My husband barbequed a bunch of meats and grilled vegetables for the week so that all we have to do is to warm up food to eat.  He also did a great job shopping for fresh summer fruits, and easy to eat vegetables- baby carrots and celery. It helps us all eat healthy and not resort to eating fast food.  It has taken us a little bit to learn these lessons. 
The best part is watching my own kid on stage.  This is her element and it is what she loves to do. These kids in this musical are all similar thinking: creative, witty, humorous and singing all the time! My daughter is happiest when she belongs to a group that understands her and likes her for who she is.  Helping her find her passions is what makes parenting so rewarding.
Taking care of myself so that I can keep up the rigorous schedule of working full-time, care taking, studying and volunteering has become even more important than I ever thought.  People who don't do as much as I do think that I am crazy, but for me I have come to learn that I am a mover and doer in this life, but maybe The Wiz could grant me an extra hour in my day so I can get even more done!
PLAN FOR SUCCESS!
GO FOR YOUR PASSIONS!
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!
BE A MOVER AND DOER!
EASE ON DOWN THE ROAD! 
Always on the Move- MER

Test, Test, Test

I have been tested this whole weekend.  One was a mid-term for my science class.  Another was a science test for my teaching credential. The other one was the son testing my patience and the one you want to know more about is my willpower being tested under stress. Well, I have very bad test anxiety and I took the science test for my credential without studying because I wanted to know the format of the test and the kinds of questions they would ask.  After looking at the testing regulations and the time that I would be in a room with a clear bottle of water, no bathroom breaks and my box of #2 pencils I got a bit ansy and filled with fear.  I started looking through the kitchen cupboard for something to munch on. Instead, I stopped myself and grabbed a piece of gum. I remember my emergency eating plan and stopped to think. I asked myself, "What do I really need?" I need to chew on this anxiety so that is exactly what I did. I keep some sugar-free gum in my purse for such an occassion and now, it has proven to work!
What will you do when you are tested?
What is your emergency food plan when you are stressed?
STAY STRONG!
STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF!
Always on the move- MER

New Mantra

Eat Less, Move More
Eat Less, Move More
Eat Less, Move More
Eat Less, Move More
Eat Less, Move More
Eat Less, Move More
Eat Less, Move More
Eat Less, Move More
Eat Less, Move More
Eat Less, Move More

This is my new mantra. It works during the summer since I do lots of active things with kids during the summer.
Here is this weeks run down on our active doings-

Friday-Monday: Camping with Mo and Family at Russian River- walking, hiking, swimming and swing in the hammock (my fav!)

Tuesday- Play at neighborhood park- walking, running, sliding, general horse play

Wednesday- Day trip to San Francisco- walking through the California Academy of Sciences

Thursday- Day trip to Happy Hollow Park and Zoo- walking and playing through the zoo that has playgrounds throughout the park

Friday- Day trip to Great America Amusement Park to play at water park Boomerang Bay- walking and swimming

Wishing I could keep this up during the school year, but school and work just get in the way!
Hoping you all have a fabulous weekend of active doings! And say this new mantra ten times to yourself-

Eat Less, Move More
Eat Less, Move More
Eat Less, Move More
Eat Less, Move More
Eat Less, Move More
Eat Less, Move More
Eat Less, Move More
Eat Less, Move More
Eat Less, Move More
Eat Less, Move More

Always on the move- MER