The 31 Day Challenge begins this Saturday!!

October has 31 days - and with that comes the 

October also has Halloween, candy and just after that my birthday. There are many good reasons to join this 31 day Challenge. I have teamed up with Jessica and with Big Clyde on the 31 day challenge (and I am sure there will be more). I am loving some of the goals that I have seen so far - walking 1 mile a day for 31 days, or maybe even doing 150 miles of bike riding in the next 31 days.

My goal - 2 hours a day of exercise for 31 days.

In my post the other day I talked about exercising for 2 hours each day. I have fully decided that I am going to do that. I really want to be a BIGGEST LOSER, I want to work on my goals (which, by the way I have not been working on). AND there is this other thing that I have been struggling with - wait for it - wait for it.....I have been reading other bloggers, I see people on the weight loss TV commercials and there are those other shows, like I Used To Be Fat (MTV), Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Addition (ABC) - oh, and Heavy (A&E) where I might watch, read and see that they are all reaching milestones, goals, dreams, achievements....where am I in all of that??? At first I get jealous - That isn't fair - I want to be the same size as they are! What - she is down how many pounds? How come he is dropping the weight so fast? No Fair, No Fair, No Fair.

BUT

then I realize - I AM NOT doing what they are doing. I AM NOT working as hard as them. I AM NOT dedicated like they are. I AM NOT actually "doing it". If I want to be the Biggest Loser this year I have to be working hard everyday. No - wait - not HAVE TO - I NEED TO - I WANT TO. I read the other day Jo's post that there are NO EXCUSES. She is dealing with much, but has not fallen off the wagon. I, on the other hand, have lost all momentum. I am in this huge funk and want to get out. Not only do I need get healthy, because I am very much overweight, I have a son to raise (and am doing about 95% of it on my own - no wait, that would be close to 99%), and well, this was the year of change for me. Where did that drive go? What happened?

I am NOT doing this particular challenge to be overzealous or to win some money, but actually because if those on the BIGGEST LOSER can do it, why can't I? What am I waiting for? If I have always wanted to be on the BIGGEST LOSER show, then why not make myself feel like I am really there. If I WANT to get into the next lower size, then I should WANT to do this challenge. It is more of a WANT then a NEED at this point. I WANT to be challenged. I WANT to hit this goal. If losing weight is a priority with me, then I WANT to make it a priority. Shift some duties around, make it work. This should be the 1st think in my life I do, then taking care of the rest of my life will come easily.

So, my son is gone for a good portion of the next two weeks (Fall Break) and as much as I have tried, when he is gone I have stress in my head about him being gone (a Mom always worries, but you have to really know me to understand the stress factor). If I am exercising it will help my mental state. This will give me a good starting point. Once he gets back and we are back on the regular routine I will have set up a new priority and routine in my own life. This I know I can do!!!!! I WANT to do this!!!!

I have thought long and hard about this challenge. The funk is going to be left at the doorstep of September 30th. I am ready for this. 31 days - 2 hours of exercise a day. I have 31 days to get rid of my funk, add more strength to my body, gain some muscle, lose some more, but for sure get back to how I was growing and learning and was losing weight and how it was changing my life!!!! The first part of the 2011 was grand - I want to end the year with a bang!!!

Oh - and I have another other simple challenge. I recently had a dentist appointment my dentist always complains that I don't floss enough - so guess, what - I have been flossing every night (tired or not) and I am going to go the full 6 months. And my x-ray on the screen will show improvement from the last visit. Are you flossing???

Up for a Challenge MO

Two Hours a Day

I am a huge fan of The Biggest Loser (US) and the new TV season is well on its way. If you are not aware of the show (but I am sure many of you are) it is where a group of people are chosen, picked, selected (or whatever you want to call it) to come onto an exercise ranch in the California sun and work out, learn to eat right, plan meals, have challenges and try to beat another person in losing the most weight in a 4 month period. I have always wanted to do this, but I would have to be gone for 4 months (because I am going to win - LOL) and I can't bear to leave my son for that long (not right now).

Two shows down, and many more to go. Two people "voted" off the Ranch. TONS of pounds lost - in fact in the first week I think it was over 200 for a group of 15. One group of 5 lost more then 100 pounds in their first weigh in. The pounds are much lower this week. They dropped so many pounds that first week that, well it is the effects of when you have not been exercising or making yourself healthy then you hit the Ranch and workout for more then 6 to 8 hours each day. Dropping weight will go fast (at first). Last nights episode I was not able to watch from start to finish (no worries - my handy dandy DVR will keep me up to speed). I did find out that each team (there are 3 this season) was only allowed to work out for 2 hours each day. The premise was that you can be busy at home, work, your family life, etc and when everyday life gets in the way we have a tendency to not make "getting healthy" a priority.

Two hours a day? Of Excercise? I wonder if I could do that? Wonder for how long? A week, a month???
Even if I can't get onto the Ranch, maybe I need to think about this two hour thing? I have some goals in the coming months - holiday picture, birthday (yikes), wanting to drop another 2-3 sizes (and keep going)!!  More to come in the next few days in way of my next list of goals. Time to kick it up a notch!!! Much to contemplate - plan for - goals to re-affirm or even just work on new goals!!

What is your challenge going to be for the Holidays, for the end of the year, for the next month? Put your thinking cap on - come up with a plan or just keep going with the plan that is working best for you now. We want to hear all about it. Share with us when you can.


Staying MOtivated MO

P.S. - if anyone is wondering where Mer is - she has been multi-tasking with gas stations, cell phones and juggling paperwork faxes (love ya Mer) - oh, and so much more!! Blogging is taking a back burner at the moment. She is doing well and meeting up with the Boot Camp girls most mornings. We will see her back here soon, I am sure!!!

Comfort

When you were little did you ever have a favorite blanket or even a dolly that gave you comfort? Maybe a stuffed animal? My son still has a good old fashion blanket. When I was little it was a stuffed seal - loved that thing and miss it to this day (I know, silly - but it was so cute and cuddly). Some of us come home from a long day of work and seek comfort with a great pair of comfy pants, fuzzy sleepers, a warm fire (especially when it is cold outside)...what is your comfort?

Comfort with food is a big issue for many of us. That creaminess of the Mac & Cheese, or the smooth chocolate taste of a nice scoop of ice cream. Or what about that nice cold glass of Coca-Cola.
A nice piece of cake?

I did that today. I went searching for comfort. Some comfort with food, that is. I was just going to run to my PO Box and head back to work. But, as I was making my trip back to the office I had a craving. I have been in a funk all day, and well, now I was out of the office - free to take a moment to myself. This knock knock knock popped into my head. I had already eaten most of my lunch - why don't you just go back to the office? Nope - that knocking was there and well, as I looked in my purse I found $20.00 - where did that come from. I thought I spent it? Would I be able to keep it in my wallet for long? Wait - there is another $2.00 in the bottom of my purse. Maybe if I just go to the drive-thru - they have something for less then $1.00. Taco Bell - a burrito? No - something crunchy maybe??! What was this comfort I was looking for??

For some reason I felt like I needed a "comfort" moment. Would I be able to shake this? What was I craving? Really - maybe a walk, but I don't have time for that. I heard my head saying "go back to the office" - but then there was this "you don't have to go back yet? Take a break - take a drive." Oh - just go down the street a bit. It will be OK. I thought about that Taco Bell a bit more. Then there was the deviled eggs at my favorite deli shop, or maybe save some money and get a treat at Starbucks with my gift cards? There was Baskin & Robbins Ice Cream - my favorite. No - the 99cent store might have something. So, my car drove me into that shopping center. I went in - I walked up and down the aisles. My mind was talking - An ice cream - nope - it will melt. A candy bar - no, don't really want chocolate. What about a bag of chips?? Some cookies? You can get some milk (chocolate milk, that is) to go with it. If I get the whole package will I eat it all? Will I share with the office when I get back? Up and down, down and up the aisles I went. I didn't want to spend more then the $2.00, but there was a reflex to purchase more and break that twenty. Then I realized- a coke - but what about ice - I really wanted ice.....do I have enough change in my purse to make it a little bit more then $2.00?? Decisions, decisions, decisions. Was I seeking comfort in food or was it something else? Just because you are in a funk does not mean you have to put something into your mouth, chew it and then hope to feel "comfort".....

I am happy to report that I left the store empty handed. My money is still in my wallet, safe and sound to pay a bill or purchase something that really needs to be purchased - not to be used for a want or a comfort. I am back at work, safe, sound and I hope that the rest of my day goes well. There are other ways to make us feel better and food is not the solution. Looking forward to my comfort with my sweats, a nice punching bag and a round of free weights to end my day - comfort in knowing that I am losing weight!!!

Triumphant for the moment - getting stronger mentally - which in turn will get me physically fit!!!


Staying MOtivated Mo

Your List - My List - List of Healthy....

Some of you make lists, some of you do not. List in the head or on paper - no matter what, all of us have "lists" of some kind. We have lists that we cross off during the day, week or the month. Things to do - people to see - dentist, the doctor, paying the bills, washing the car, doing the laundry, iron the clothes, take out the trash, meetings, cleaning the house, pick up the kids, drop off the dog at the vet, get to work on time....should I go on.

With all that and so much more - we still have to remember the most important Staying Healthy Daily List:

1. Drink plenty of water
2. Get in 30 minutes of exercise
3. Eat vegetables
4. Eat fruit
5. Vitamins
6. Brush your teeth (and floss)
7. Limit how much sugar you consume
8. Very little carbs (breads, starches)

I know I forgot something, but this is my daily list - sometimes I check it off - sometimes I don't. I have to get it into my head as a set list - everyday, each day. When I have that down I will be well on my way to working on the rest of my daily, weekly and monthly lists............

Do you have a list? Check it off when you are naughty or nice???
 (LOL - had to throw in the Santa there, since we are heading into the holidays). What is on your list? Do you check it off mentally? Do you track it in a notebook, on the computer? How do you keep track of what is on your keeping healthy, staying healthy list?

Staying MOtivated MO

Promise, Motto, Oath - do you have one?

As some of you are aware I am very active with Scouting. My son is 10 and has been a Cub Scout since he was in the first grade. He will be moving into Boy Scouts come this May and I will stand by and support him if he wants to achieve his Eagle Scout award.

Last night I had a bonus Scout night. I was honored to be part of an Eagle Scout Board of Review panel. This is where a boy has come to the end of his journey in Scouting - or atleast where he is being taught - now he needs to go out and do the teaching. One of the highest honors a Scout can achieve. I have sat on two board of reviews since May and have enjoyed meeting the Scouts and seeing them achieve a huge goal. (I know that Bruce can relate to some of this - wonder if he has been on a Board of Review - he being a blogger involved in Scouting, too). 

As I sat in this Eagle Board of Review I heard this in my head... 

Cub Scout Motto

DO YOUR BEST

---

Then I heard this.........

Boy Scout Promise

On my honor, I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.


Which in turn then made me think of the conversation I had with another Scout Parent the other day. He said - "Why is it, that when I look at many of our Trainers, that are teaching us to lead by example, and then you think of that last line in the Boy Scout Promise, that some of our own leaders are not following the promise?

I didn't get the impression he was directing that comment to me, as he had just come back from a full day of training and was talking specifcially about his leaders at that recent meeting. I was not hurt, but curious about his comment. Heck, he said that he kept that last line in mind when he recently dropped 25 pounds. So...

Am I doing my Best?

Am I physically strong?

Am I mentally awake?

And will that all help me to be morally straight?

I do have good morals - that I know and there is no hesitation to that fact.

Mentally awake - I am not so sure lately. Think there is a block in the mental aspect of my life. Searching for answers, wondering, pondering and just contemplating what the next move in my life will be like? Where is this weight loss journey taking me? Will I enjoy it? Am I ready for it? I can say yes, but I think there is a fear deep down in the pit of my stomach. What that fear is, I am not sure.

And physcially strong - well, I for sure want to be there. I want to hike with my Scout, I want to camp and not have any health issues that hinder me from doing all that my Scout is able to do. 

If....

I do my Best

I will be Physically Strong

I will be Mentally Awake
 
If it takes a Scout Promise and Motto to kick me into gear, to help me lead myself down the right path, to help me lead my son in the right way to be, act and show respect then I am proud of what Scouting is doing for both of us.

Do you have a Promise - a Motto - A Oath? Do it everyday!! Make it work for you!!!

Staying MOtivated MO

Clothes, Glorious clothes....

Last weekends project -

A small bag of purses, but the rest - two to three sizes TOO BIG!!!!!!

Three Bags and a Box - off to Goodwill they all went!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I really wanted to share this a few days ago, but well, things have been keeping me busy. The weekends I have my son I don't get on the computer that much. Been a full week and finally getting the chance to show you all that I did finally hit my August goal of donating 14 items of clothes. I stopped counting after 25 items - not sure how many I did donate. August goal finally achieved........just about two weeks later, but I did it!!

I am pretty jazzed that I have ton of extra hangers in my closet. I can't wait to add more to those hangers in the near future. I would like a goal of another 20 pounds gone until I add more, but by that time I will be clearing out more bags of clothes, too!!!

Have a good week - more weight to lose - more exercising to do - water to drink - healthy eating is the way to go.........keep up the momentum and you can do it too!!!

Staying MOtivated MO

The Bootcamp Ladies are Back!

This has been a low energy week for me. I have the first cold of the season I came down with it Tuesday night. I'll spare you the details since it was just gross! I hate being sick, but it happens to the best of us.  So I am lying low and trying really hard not to let this cold get me down.  It definitely has slowed me down and I have missed most of my workouts this week because of it.  It doesn't bother me like it use to because once I am well I know that my habits will bounce right back.  Let me tell you why...
The bootcamp ladies are back meeting three times a week!  Woo-hoo!!! We are doing it on our own. Let me tell you how because it will make you laugh! We meet at the neighborhood park tennis courts. There we can turn on the court lights so that we can see each other since it really dark at 5:45AM! Shelly brought her laptop and a DVD with a Power90 workout. We propped the laptop on the garbage can and we all started doing the workout together. A few tennis players came by to use the other court for a game. I was a little embarrassed that we were working out in front of this little screen, but when you want to workout and you have goals who cares what other people think! I could feel myself getting self- conscious, but kept going since we were already more than half way through our workout.  I was sweating like a pig! I was so happy to see my bootcamp ladies again. We plan to workout like this until the weather turns on us. I think last year we stayed outside until almost November.  Then, we will probably go our separate ways until Spring. Unless we can find a place (gym, studio or maybe get lucky and land us another bootcamp instructor) so we can workout together during the winter.  We are on a hunt for a place or person to do just that.  Wish us luck.
So what will you do to get your workout in?
Where there is a will.
There is a way. 
Just do it your way
no matter what others think!
Have a great weekend!
Always on the Move,
MER

Thrown Under the Bus

I got to have a good laugh the other night or was it really a good laugh? Not so sure I enjoyed being thrown under the bus to make me laugh about this moment in time. So - let me share with you my Thrown Under the Bus Moment - We were over at the neighbors house the other night checking out their remodel mess  masterpiece that is going on. These are the neighbors we had over for dinner on Labor Day Weekend. I never really have company and I always get nervous about cooking. However, everything turned out really nice and the company was a great treat for me. I let my son plan the meal - we had BBQ Tri Tip, Green Salad, Bread, Corn on the Cob and great conversation.

Oh - wait - there was one more ingredient. We had dessert. We never have dessert. In fact, sweets really don't come into my house because I just can't keep my hands off of them. There has not been much of anything in our house since Christmas, when I finished off this to die for mixed berry pie after our Holiday celebration. (one reason why I finally got on the blog band wagon and am helping myself and Mer lose weight). So, I told my son that he could pick a dessert, since company was rare and far between. I was hoping my son would have picked a pie or something simple, but nope - he wanted ice cream. Now, I LOVE ice cream. We picked some ice cream sandwiches and a gallon of fudge chocolate. Not sure why we got both. Our company shared in having both, so it was nice to have most of it gone. I should have and really am kicking myself now - really should have let my company take the ice cream home. Because, well, I am sure you have guessed it by now - that ice cream was all gone in less then a week (and nope, didn't share). Yikes.

HUGE THROWN UNDER THE BUS MOMENT - SO - as we were at the neighbors the other night my son gave away my secret. I was so embarrassed. I did my best to laugh it off, but it kind of hurt (even if he did NOT say it on purpose - as I don't know how it even came up at that moment) and well, I turned red and realized that you know what...I have a lot more to learn about this losing weight thing. I should have been more prepared for this "dessert" moment. I can have ice cream in the house, but it is going to have to be very limited, to my son only. If he wants a nice cold treat we will have to purchase the single item ones. If company does come over I either need to have them take home the sweet or I will need to throw it away. OR OR OR - I could really work on self control. I do have a long way to go and am still working on many challenges in this lifestyle. I am sure the bus and I won't be meeting anytime soon, but when it happens to come near me in the future I will have to remember that I can do this  - I can overcome that obstacle and be triumphant!!! My son wants me to keep losing weight, I am enjoying how I feel and look. Just another challenge that came my way that I need to work on - but mentally first - and that is the most important aspect of this journey for me.

I am happy to say that I am back on track. Been using the new tracking system that Mer recommended and learning something new about it each day. Track - check it out - you might like it too. I think the one item I like about this new tracking system is that is shows you many aspects of what you are eating - Calories, Fat, Protein, Sugars, Carbs...etc. It shows if I go over, under and I am going to learn how I can make my meal selections all work for me. Thanks Mer for the tip - very helpful!!!!

I do have an Award to receive, post to come that will fully accept this honor.

back to fully Staying MOtivated MO

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

So you feel like you have tons to do, you can't get into bed at a decent hour, you just want to accomplish one more thing before crawling into bed, then you have that alarm go off earlier then it really should? That is me - the one that is always finding something else to do or watching more TV then I really should be and then not going to sleep at an early hour - or even a decent hour.

I was up way too late this weekend. Wishing I had been out dancing, playing around, seeing friends or even having a fun night out on the town, but nope - not this weekend. I had a list of things I wanted to accomplish, worked on most of it, but found myself staying up way way way too late watching 9/11 remembrance and then I got up way way too early to watch even more of it. Not sure why, maybe it was giving myself the time to remember or just being interested in how 102 minutes can pass of that terrible day...(History Channel special).

However, last night I realized at about 8 pm that you know what - why am I staying up so late every night??If I have a list and work on it during the day or evening, why do I need to get it all done all at once?? Or if I have a list, then that is fine, but maybe just do 1 or 2 things and then go to bed. That list will still be there tomorrow, right?

I have not made a list of things to do for the weekend in a very long time. My list this weekend was really long, but you know what - I feel accomplished!! Yes, I did not get the car washed, or pulled the weeds or cut the rose bush, but I did get the big pile of paperwork off my desk, the corner of my family room does not have a box of mess, the floor finally got vacuumed, I did a great job of cleaning out my closet....oh, the list goes on and on....but feeling really good and not overwhelmed.

So - back to the sleep part. 8 pm Sunday night comes - I am exhausted. 9 pm - I have read the little one to sleep and we have had a good night of laughing, remembering, getting ready for the week, talking about our weekend, getting all excited about things to come in the next month.....I am going to head to bed too. Wow - wouldn't you know it - only woke up once in the night, rolled over and fell back to sleep - what a difference 8 hours of sleep makes. Ok - it might have been closer to 7.5 hours, but still, that is more sleep then I have had in a few nights (all at once)!!!

I ate really well yesterday - have stopped the late night snacking for the last three nights and finally got on the scale this morning. From the last time I weighed in I am down 3 pounds. Still not back to where I was at the beginning of August, but still - I am making progress. Amazing what can happen when you eat right, drink plenty of water and well those ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ - a big difference.

Get your sleep - don't worry too much about the "list" and make sure you are taking care of yourself!!! You are important - your body will thank you - you will feel energized, refreshed and well, those pounds will start to melt away!!!

Staying MOtivated MO

My New Favorite Tool!

I am on back on track working out 5-6 days. (I pulled a muscle in my back last week so had to rest.) I started the Supreme 90 workouts this morning. It was a good challenging workout on the chest and back. Although I suck at push-ups, I did my best and all I can do is get stronger.  I always feel ready to deal with the day after getting the body, mind and blood moving first. I still miss bootcamp. There is something to be said about exercising in a group. You keep each other
I started tracking my food intake by using My Plate from here: http://www.livestrong.com/
I lost 3 pounds last week!  Yipee!!! I'm doing the happy weight loss dance.  "Eyeing it" did not work.  I was putting way too much on my plate.  I knew it and still kept eating anyways.  I am back to eating 6 meals a day.  I told my husband that I would be "good" during the weekday and not track my food on the weekends.  This is totally doable for me. And after all it is all about making it work for me, right?
I usually find that writing down what I eat boring, but this 6 meal thing makes me feel like I am eating a lot and not starving myself.  So I just want you to see how much I get to eat in one day.  My blood sugars never drop drastically and I don't feel sleepy or heavy from eating too many carbs or fats. 

4 cups of water after waking up with a squeeze of lemon if you like

Meal 1- 1 packet of plain oatmeal, 2 hard boiled eggs, coffee with stevia and fat-free half and half

Meal 2- 1 medium apple, 2 tablespoons almond butter, 2 cups water

Meal 3- 4 oz salmon, brown rice and green salad, two cups of water

Meal 4- 2 tablespoons humus, handful of carrots/celery and 1 brown rice cake

Meal 5- 1/2 cup brown rice, steamed broccoli, 4 oz. chicken breast, two cups of water

Meal 6- 1/2 cup keifer mixed with 1/4 cup frozen blueberries, two cups of water

The hard part was planning it (took hours) and measuring everything takes forever.  The My Plate tracker is so easy to use! I was able to track my workout too.  So this is my new favorite tool! It has given me the motivation to get back on track, hope that I can do this, and energy to do a new challenge. 
It's a short work week, but let's make it count!

STAY ON TRACK!
RENEW YOUR COMMITMENT DAILY!
YOU CAN DO IT!
NEVER EVER GIVE UP!
Always on the move,
MER://www.livestrong.com/

MO-TI-VA-TION....ohhhh, ohhhh that MO-TI-VA-TION

There has been a song in my head playing around and around. The kind of song that just jumps into your head and before you know it the words have been changed. Well, that song has been following me for a few weeks now. It hasn't been strong, just in the back of my head, but it is there. Sometimes up front, sometimes just a little nudge and then I say - Back Up - that song can't be in my head. I am not sure how it happened, but it did and I really don't want to hear it anymore. This song makes me think of good looking guys playing volleyball on the beach, guys that well, maybe someday will notice me because I am skinny look better then I do right now - and boy oh boy - a guy in uniform dating me - just the thought makes me all giggly inside.

Tried as I might I wanted to post the actual video so you could hit PLAY, but I think at this point you are only seeing the picture of this movie moment. But I think I actually got it to work - or maybe not..........(can't seem to preview this to make sure it works)............

In my head comes the insertion of the word MO-TI-VA-TION where Tom Cruise (dreamy) is singing LOVIN FEELIN......I feel like I have Lost that "Motivation" - oh oh ohhhhh, that MO-TI-VA-TION (ok, playing it safe - here is the link, hope that works).

When I do a post I make sure I have been signing them with Staying MOtivated Mo and when I comment on others posts I sign off the same way, not so you know that is it MO doing the post (and not Mer), but to give me that boost - to keep staying motivated. Recently I have Lost that MO-TI-VA-TION. Wondering where it went?

I have been working since January 2011 on this weight loss journey. Longest weight loss journey in wow- how many years?? And the most weight I have lost even before oh - well, that is too long to even mention - let's just say even before 1998...yes, might be even longer then that. This is even the most energized I have been since 1999 - even then I wasn't that motivated to lose - I didn't have the dedication. I am very proud at how far I have come, but how come I can't find my MO-TI-VA-TION? I have been reading how McGee has her September off to a good start, or how Dawn is into a UK size 16, and about Puffy getting the 100 Days of Weight Loss book and sharing it with all of us. Or what about Sheryl rockin' it out everyday? And what about C - the progress photos she has put up - that is inspiration and motivation all combined (she has not posted in a a few weeks, but I know she is out there). How in the world do these people and SO MANY more out there in Blog Land or even in my own backyard keep it up? Where is my dedication? I don't want to have lost my MO-TI-VA-TION!!!!

I am searching myself and wondering - when will I get back on track? Why did I go through the fast food drive-thru today (yep, I did)? That Ice Cream we had the other night for company, I should have had them take it home...its all gone - already - I shouldn't have even taken two bites. The night time snacking has begun (again) and well, I am not proud of it. I have only done 1 day of exercise since last week?? What is going on? Yep - I have lost that MO-TI-VA-TION!! WHY?? I am sure I could search my inner being and figure out why - laziness, NSV's have been limited, I am busy, I am staying up late at night, lack of sleep, it is too hot outside to exercise. OH - MY - GOODNESS - those are all bad, very bad excuses.

I saw a Facebook post the other day and it said "A One Hour workout is only 4% of your day! NO excuses!!"..............4% - only 4% - do you know how much time we spend waiting in line for something, or are at work or go to the doctor to make sure we are healthy or or or or........do you want me to go on?? That FB post is so right - I have no excuse - do 1 hour a day. It is sort of like the really old Blue Diamond Walnut commercial that asked the public to buy "A CAN A WEEK - That's all we Ask"....so for me - An Hour a day - that's all your BODY asks of you MO - just do it. And for the food factor - well, that is something I have to work on.

Time to think of some other songs of inspiration. Just found this website - Skinny Songs....songs like Skinny Jeans, I'm a Hottie Now, You Da Boss....or what about other songs - like Beautiful by Christina Aguilera...or Perfect, by Pink.........or...any other suggestions?

Could have "sat" on this and said nothing, but it is time for me to be honest with myself and be accountable to myself. Being accountable to the blog world is helping me too. Wishing me luck to finding another song that helps me get my Lovin' Feelin' BACK and my Motivation will not be a lost art form.

struggling, and doing my best to Staying MOtivated MO

The Rules

As I mentioned last week I had a really good friend of mine pass away recently. She joined the Peace Corps at the age of 67, worked hard for almost two years, but in the last few months of her service she developed a brain tumor. She was able to come home, celebrate her 69th birthday with her 4 boys and spend some good quality time with them. Alas, the tumor just kept growing from all the seizures she was having. She passed peacefully and had accomplished so much. She was honored at her services last week by having the Country of Jordan Peace Corps director there on Thursday, then on Friday a Washington DC representative presented her sons with not only a letter from the President of the United States, and a letter of recognition from the Peace Corps director, but also with an American Flag and Peace Corps flag that were flown half mask, in her honor, over the Peace Corps Washington DC Headquarters last week. She was doing great work in Jordan. Here is the link from the Peace Corps press release of her passing.

What inspired me to write today was this about Julianne. She studied Art at Immaculate Heart College and we were introduced to the RULES of the College Art Department at her services last week. I used to be a teacher and loved to read the rules from other teachers, educators. I am now a mother and that is a teacher everyday. Oh, and I work with a bunch of guys and sometimes I feel like I am the teacher of the computer, the office supplies, the copier and all that goes into keeping my part of the office running smoothly (LOL). Working with Scouting I am a teacher and well, there are rules to follow there.

Now I have to admit that my brain is in the weight loss mode most of the time. Ok - all of the time. I read these rules and thought that most of these rules apply to what I am trying to accomplish, what my fellow bloggers are trying to accomplish and many of my friends are working towards. We are working hard to lose weight, that we have teachers, trainers, supporters and our own selves to think about - that there are RULES that should be followed. We might not like the RULES, but it is good to have RULES so you have a good base, structure and reminders for when you go off the path of success or just want to keep on the right path.

I want to put these RULES into effect with my own weight loss. I have been struggling with my goals and want to be further then I am, BUT that is up to me. I am the one that is making the decisions of what is right, what is wrong, how I work out or lack of working out.....so I won't offer any "definition" or "insight" to how I take these rules or how I perceive them in regards to my weight loss. You can come up with your own conclusion - but I really like these rules - they should be used in many aspects of our lives.

So. without further ado - here are THE RULES (brought to you by the Immaculate  Heart College Art Department)

RULE 1

Find a place you trust and then try trusting it for a while.

RULE 2

General duties of a student: Pull everything out of your teacher.

Pull everything out of your fellow students.

RULE 3

General duties of a teacher: Pull everything out of your students.

RULE 4

Consider everything an experiment

RULE 5

Be self disciplined. This means finding someone wise or smart and choosing to follow them. To be disciplined is to follow in a good way. To be self disciplined is to follow in a better way.

RULE 6

Nothing is a mistake. There's no win and no fail. There's only make.

RULE 7

THE ONLY RULE IS WORK. If you work it will lead to something.

It's the people who do all of the work all the time who eventually catch on to things.

RULE 8

Don't try to create and analyse at the same time. They're different processes.

RULE 9

By happy whenever you can mange it. Enjoy yourself. It's lighter then you think.

RULE 10 

"We're breaking all of the rules. Even by leaving plenty of room for X quantities." John Cage

Helpful hints: Always be around. Come or go to everything. Always go to classes, read anything you can get your hands on. Look at movies carefully, often. Save everything-it might come in handy later. There should be new rules next week.

Staying MOtivated MO

MO Moment

MO is here - and I have plenty to write about (I am such a talker), but not in the mood to do so. I did just spend the last few minutes looking over some other blogs and very pleased to see so many doing well...ready for new September challenges...doing updates and such....but for me I am having a bit of a MO Moment. The loss of my friend is hitting me hard. The emotional roller coaster has been full steam and I really want to get off. Today is the beginning of 3 services...(yes, Catholics and the fact that for some reason they can't have the burial until Tuesday). BUT, I have struggled with many different things this week and one is the feeling that I have taken a huge step backwards in regards to my weight loss journey. (more on this later, I promise) Have I lost my MOtivation?

HOWEVER - I do want to share my success of today with you. The first service is tonight and the time to get dressed this morning was not making me feel confident. I was in fear of the worst. The decisions to wear a dress were not even in the front of my brain. I have not worn a dress in over 4, maybe even 5 years, no wait - think I wore one 3 years ago - oh, let's just say its been a long time. Was I going to attempt it today? Another successful Back of the Closet MOment was upon me. I pulled on some simple black slacks that I wanted to wear and found a nice top...nothing like the last outfit, but something nice....well, I was not happy. The struggle was about to begin - so I thought. This is where my dress up moment got GREAT. I actually had to go into the other room - that closet has the dresses - not very many, but just out of sight, out of mind was the rule - I guess. I pulled out one slick black dress...what is the size?? Can't tell. I pulled out another one...this is cute - will it fit? I tried on the black one - it was so upsetting - it didn't fit - not because it was too small, but it was TOO BIG!! In fact, this dress has buttons that go from top to bottom and the two buttons at the bottom of the dress were still undone from the last time I wore it - because it was too tight - not today - this dress was hanging off of me. The black was out - phew - I really wanted to have some color today. I then pulled on the little green number and it looks awesome. Today at work I have had tons of compliments on the outfit - do I have an interview - what about a date....sad to say none of those...but I am feeling confident.

This outfit is helping my mood (no pics at this moment - no time this morning to do so). More to come in the next several days - my August recap - dreams to follow - goals to set and achieve - regrouping and back 100% on the trail to a better, stronger, thinner me!!!!

Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend to all of you in the US - Three days of relaxation for some. Me  - a comedy show with friends on Saturday (I need a good laugh), a trip to see some Air Balloons on Sunday and a full Monday off spent with my son!!!!

I promise, I am still Staying MOtivated MO