Wednesday Wisdom

I recently was pleased to receive a great gift from a great friend for my birthday. I have good great friends, but this gift came at the perfect time. Yes, I am talking about a gift from my friend Mer. She recently posted about the book Just Who Will You Be? and was enthused when Mer gave me this book as a birthday gift. I have to admit, this is the first book I do believe I have read from beginning to end in less then two weeks. I always start a book, then for some reason I never finish it all in one quick moment or it takes months for me to get to the end, feeling like I have to start at the beginning again just to remember what I had read before. I was inspired by Mer's post and was happy that she shared this book with me.

A rare site happened last night. I actually took the time to read this book. I had started it just a few days ago, and rather then turn on the TV or crawl into bed right away I wanted to read the rest of the book (did finish up the last 10 pages this morning). I was glad that I did read last night. Again, a rare thing for me to do before going to bed. Normally I fall asleep reading or can't make it past about 3 pages before my eyes are dropping like flies. Nope, not last night, I was wide awake, enjoying this good read and the anticipation to get to the next page and the next that was keeping me transfixed on this book. Not sure it was because it was a small book, or that the words flowed like water coming down the hill or that I wanted to know the answer as to Just Who Will You Be? or that it was a thought it was best to finish it before months go by. Whatever the reason, I was pleased to have read the complete book in about two sittings.

In this book is a speech Maria Shriver delivered to a graduating class. Most of it was in the form of a poem, where her son tells her it "sounds like a prehistoric rap lyric" - even if I had this sort of rhythm in my head as I read it, there was one passage that especially caught my attention -

And don't be so fearful

You're too scared to fail

I've had my share of failures

And lived to tell the tale

If you don't stick your neck out

You'll be safe, it's true

But you also won't find out

Who is the real you

Doing only what's easy

Won't break you a sweat

But you also won't learn

Lessons you need to get

That first line -

"And don't be so fearful" -

sometimes I feel that way in this weight loss journey. I have talked about that before...what will I be when I have lost all that weight? Will I be ready for what lies ahead? Will I gain it all back? Am I really comfortable the way I am now? What is my fear of losing all this weight? What is holding me back from dropping more? Am I really "too scared to fail".

I should not be scared - I will not fail - I need to be a healthy me - I want to be a healthy me - I want to have clothes that fit - I want to do more things with my son (climb a rock wall) - I want to be comfortable - wake up and look in the mirror and be happy with what I see. I don't want to feel like I am carrying around another person (yes, a small person, but I am carrying another person in me). What am I really scared of? That is one question I have been struggling with for sometime. Contemplating the answer - that will take more thinking, more writing and more moments of success to get over that fear. I want to conquer that hurdle.

Then I keep reading and see - "If you don't stick your neck out" - and I have a good chuckle thinking about my neck and how many chins I do have, even when I stick it out. (I have a tendency to stick my neck out when I take pictures so you don't see my double chins).

And finally I see that last part that says

"Doing only what's easy

Won't break you a sweat"

I read this page over and over again. I marked this page. I went back to it after I had finished the whole book. I read it again. Now I am blogging about it. It keeps playing over in my head in a good way.

"doing only what's easy won't break you a sweat".

I will not do what is easy - going to Break the Sweat!!! I want my shirt to be wet, have a towel to dry off my forehead as I work out and eventually I won't have to stick out my chin in that next picture. I will overcome my fears of being the me that I am today and a new thinner me will come out!!! 

Not really a spectacular Wednesday Wisdom, but my own moment of thought and motivation!!

Do you have any words of Wisdom  - Motivation - Inspiration for today that you would like to share?

Staying MOtivated MO

Mo's Turkey Trot Morning

Yes, been a bit absent from the blogging world. And no, it was not because I was stuffing my face with turkey, mashed potatoes, pies and all of that Thanksgiving Food. I had a list of things I wanted to accomplish this weekend and well, I got a good portion done. The spare bedroom closet got cleaned out, the garage is titted up, Aman's room closet finally got cleaned out. I did find two more of my workout weights, a jump rope and two more resistant bands...amazing what you can find when you clean. I actually did Black Friday shopping (which I never ever do), but was happy to be in the store by 7 am and out by 9 am. I wanted to get it done - only to be told on Saturday that my family was pulling names and well, I have to go back out shopping again (eventually). We even got the Christmas decorations up...did a lot this weekend and feeling accomplished. The best part was Thursday morning....

My Thanksgiving morning began with a wonderful sunrise.....

5K Run / Walk event for our local Food Bank. Didn't try for the run this time. Joined by my little sis, who by the way was keeping a fast speed and at times I found myself jogging a bit to keep up.

Was so hoping that the rain was going to stay away...

But alas - it did not - rain clouds in the distance with the huge group of walkers coming around the bend -

not the best picture, but I loved the long line of walkers. 



Little sis and Mo



Finished our 5K in 47 minutes and some seconds. We had rain for the last mile, and thank goodness it was just a little sprinkle of sorts. My sister was very excited about this, as she does her walk on the treadmill quite often, but can only do about 2 miles in 45 minutes - she is going to push her treadmill the next time.

We had a great time. Started about 8:30 am and we were home at 10 am...didn't see but a few people we knew, even if we have lived in the area for over 30 years. As you can see - a bit cold and rainy - I had wished I had brought a jacket, but like I said, didn't think it was going to rain.

Not happy to have to go back to the grind - work, school for Aman, doing all the other stuff - when is the next vacation? I have a list all ready to go for the next time off...and maybe even another 5K in the mix too.

Staying MOtivated MO

Table Top Visiting

*** Footnote - Mer and I happened to post at the same time today - just make sure you keep reading - Mer's post is a good read today ***

Sunday I had the pleasure of taking off and driving down to Santa Cruz with my son. We wanted to do this over the summer and never had the chance. Last Tuesday it popped into my head that we had nothing planned, nothing that we really needed to do and well, off into the car we would go. That same night Mer happened to call and invite us to Sunday Night Dinner. Her family almost always has this event - give or take soccer, work commitments or what not. Well, both of us had a good laugh because I had planned to surprise her by knocking on the door that night - there goes my surprise - but so glad that we were going to be able to join them this time.

Sunday Night dinner at Mer's was Fun, Fun, Fun!! Hide and Seek with a balloon, good friends and I even had a laughable moment when the two young boys in the group pulled out hot wheels and set up the race track right in the middle of the living room for all of us to walk around. The whole group was a count of 21. It was like starting the Thanksgiving celebration early.

I realized at one point I was Table Top Visiting. You know the kind - where you are at the table or the counter or the coffee table and the food is in front of you, but you are visiting with all the family and friends. You are munching on all the treats as you chit chat. Just because the carrots and celery were in front of me, there was also the wonderful smooth taste of basil tomato cheese, the pepper salami, the crackers, the bacon wrapped water chestnuts, the lumpia and the meatballs- yes, just the appetizers. Oh, and let's not forget the wine. When I was working on a small second glass of wine I realized that I can not be doing this Table Top Visiting. I do enjoy it, but it is deadly to my calorie count.

I got up and promptly sat down on the floor in the living room. I love the coziness of Mer's house and felt very comfortable sitting down on the floor to play with the kids, but still had the chance to visit with those around me. I started to stand in the kitchen watching the master cooking our dinner, but I was in the way and found myself going back to the Table Top to munch a bit again. I figured if I sat on the floor, I was safe from the Table Top Visiting (Munching).  Even if I have lost weight, it is a bit harder to get up from the floor. That was a good plan for me, would not be tempted to keep getting up and down to do more Table Top Visiting. I also found that the floor was a good spot for me when it came time to eat dinner. I only made a small plate of food- just enough and didn't go overboard. I went back to my spot on the floor (you might be giggling, but others were sitting with me - plenty of space, but remember, there were 21 of us and we all are very comfortable on the carpet space with pillows all around). I realized that if I was not at Table Top that I would not get up and make a second plate.

I have decided that a plan of action is necessary for my family Thanksgiving this Saturday (we meet on Saturday to avoid the heavy Turkey Day traffic and this allows others to do celebrating with their other halves families or what not). This coming Saturday I will not be able to sit on the floor - my family would giggle at the site - but I do plan on not doing any Table Top Visiting. I will make sure that I avoid the coffee table, the kitchen island and when it comes to the meal I will not return to the table with a second helping - just a clean place mat so that I can continue to Table Top Visit, but without the food right in front of me.

Table Top Visiting is wonderful, but be cautious of the fingers grabbing that extra roll, the extra glass of wine passing through you or even eating what might be left on the Turkey Platter as you visit with your family and friends. Make a plan of action so that your Table Top Visiting is just visiting and not munching.

Much love, happiness and Thankfulness to all my blog friends!!! Be Thankful for all that you have, no matter how big or small!!!!!!!!!!

Staying MOtivated MO

P.S. - our trip to Santa Cruz was wonderful!!! The rain stopped just after we ate lunch and the sun / blue skies gave us a chance to shed our coats, walk the Boardwalk, ride the 100 year old Carousel, hit the beach and goof off with the waves, and when we were having so much fun in the arcade we ran out to feed the car meter for another hour because Mom and Son found a game they could play together !!!

Attitude of Gratitude

I'm sitting here burned out and tired. When I feel like this I know it is time for me to recharge.  Since it is Thanksgiving time I thought this the best time to do an attitude shift because it is what I really need. I won't go into the details because it is just the same old "whine" and cheese show. Nobody wants to hear it anyways.
So the first thing that came to mind was to have an "Attitude of Gratitude." Yes, a perfect time to do this! Here are some ways that I make myself look at the things in my life that I am grateful for-

• Take a Gratitude Walk- walking gets me moving in a positive way and gets the blood flowing to my mind. By making my body and mind focus on being grateful lightens my heart.
• Write a letter- writing to someone that I am thankful to have in my life. I am touched by many and I need to let them know that.
• Make a list- When I need a pick me up I will start my top ten reasons that my life is blessed. If I still don't feel like my attitude has changed I will continue my list until I don't feel so bad.
• Make a gratitude call or visit- sometimes all I need to do is call someone to tell them that I was thinking about them and tell them how thankful I am to have them as a friend.  It is that reaching out and reconnecting helps me shift from the bad feelings in me to focusing on being more grateful to have the other person.

Whatever I do- listing, walking, writing or talking about gratitude is better than sitting around feeling worn out and defeated. We are the only ones who can change our attitude. So this holiday I want to be grateful to have my best friend in my life for if it was not for her I would not have HOPE for she is my constant motivation and inspiration. I always think if Mo can do it so can I!
Happy Thanksgiving to everybody!
REMEMBER:
YOU CAN DO IT!
NEVER GIVE UP!
HAVE A GRATITUDE OF ATTITUDE!
Take care,
MER

Dessert Temptation Victory Here I Come!!!!

My little sis has a new backyard (oh, and a new house to go with it) and this year was her first Apple picking season. She is learning that she needs to prune and we found a good way to trim the apples so that she can have big apples. Next year it will be different. However, this year she was overloaded with apples, which meant she made pies (8), turnovers (25), apple cobbler (15) and gave away tons of buckets of apples. I gave away two large boxes to the local Salvation Army - and these were large boxes. There are only 4 trees, but these apples are everywhere. I never really thought my sister was a huge baker, but I guess I was wrong. The good part, that I found out on Saturday, is that she has not eaten any of it. Her boyfriend has had some of the turnovers, which by the way he will not share with anyone...and all the other goodies have gone to neighbors, friends and co-workers. I am even looking forward to some fresh made apple sauce that my neighbors Mom was going to make with some of these apples.

Saturday my son and I ventured over to little Miss Apple Bakers house. The visit was yummy, because she had made us an apple cobbler for us to enjoy at home. My son managed to down about 1/4 of the tasty delight before it even made it home (have I ever told you that he is a bottomless pit - wish I had his thin figure and metabolism) and yes, he did sit down at the table and used a fork - no eating out of the pan on the drive home -LOL. When we got home I tried a little bit, but didn't go overboard.

Here is my challenge - my son is gone for the next 5 days, but that apple delight is still in my kitchen. I know that it will be calling my name. I can even hear it now. BUT, there is NO WAY I am going to partake in another bite of it. I asked my son if he wanted me to save it and he is so sweet when he says, "you can have it". No - not this time - I will be saving it for him. You see, if I say it out loud and tell him I am going to save it for him, then I need to save it for him. If I say it out loud, then I have to make it come true. That means that I can not sneak a bite, not a crumb, not a single tasty apple. I have wrapped it up tight, it is in the back of the refrigerator so that I won't even be tempted to open it up, take it out or even look at it from afar.

My other challenge - I will only eat one dessert (and not the two or three I would normally have) at Thanksgiving or Christmas this year. I want this Holiday Dessert Temptation to be a Victory I will win!!

Staying MOtivated MO

Maestro - a little inspiration, please!

I have been struggling for the last week or so. Not that I don't want to be on this weight loss journey anymore, or not that I have not been getting a lot of inspiration or not that I haven't had some great compliments lately, just not been doing all that I can be doing to make the scale go down rather then up. This is my own inner struggle.

The feeling that I keep having that says to me "maybe you are not comfortable with a new you?" Is that the case? I mean, if I keep losing weight will I still be the same me? Why not keep losing? Am I afraid that I will have to keep buying new clothes that I will not be able to wear for very long - then what was the point of buying them? Am I really that comfortable with this weight? Why am I at a stand still? What is holding me back?

I know, all of the above might sound silly. Is there another reason? Am I afraid of all the positives and just waiting for the negative effect? Why would anyone be waiting for the negative when the positive is the best part!!! Like when a person says - "Wow - you look so good", but in my head I hear them say - "wonder when she will gain it back" or when a person says "How did you do it, what is your secret" and then you share it and the whole time I am wondering, am I really that motivational to others? Again - just my inner struggle I am dealing with at the moment.

I really have been thinking about this a lot. I really do believe there is that fear. Fear of success. Believe me - I don't think I am lazy, that I want to sleep past my alarm clock, that I don't want to sweat, that I am just finding other things to do with my time - I really do feel there is a fear inside me that is not giving me the chance to find a new thinner me. I just can't seem to scream and let it out. What is holding me back?

Am I afraid to be in a new me? Am I just too comfortable the way I am? (there is that sentence again) I ask myself that question many times and it is always NO!!! Why can't that NO give me the push I really need. Just doing the basics is not going to make it all happen for me. It is like Mer said the other day "where do you want to be" !! I just need to realize that there is a NEW me waiting to get out!!! Turn the key, open the door - what am I waiting for?

I decided that I need to make a list - kind of like a music conductor - a famous Maestro - looking to create an inspirational song - one that will keep me going each day. The 44th chapter of my life is just beginning - so much to see, do and experience - looking for that HUGE spark again!

Mo's Kick It Into Gear List 

No Excuses

Do What It Takes

Do It To Be Healthy

Do It For Yourself

Do It For Your Son

Do It To Do More

Do It To Be Noticed

Do It Because You Can

You Can Do It!!!

No Excuses

Today is my Tomorrow!!!

Because of Alan, Sharon and Bruce's posts this week, I now have a new motto:

TODAY IS TOMORROW

MAKE TODAY COUNT!!!!!

Staying MOtivated MO

Dress Up Tuesday

Some of you are aware that every other Tuesday is Water Delivery Day at my office. I have not talked about Water Guy in a very long time, but today deserves a post. I have made an effort to make sure I am dressed up on Tuesday Delivery days. Call me crazy, but with the delivery guy flirting with me from time to time it makes me feel really good. Now, some months back the flirting went to a point where I was not really sure where it was going to go. I wish I could say that I have had a date, but alas I can't say that. I don't know if we will ever date, which I am okay with. It is just nice to be able to flirt with a guy that I have seen every other Tuesday for the last 5 years that I never even thought would give me the time of day. Something about it boosts my confidence each time it is Dress Up Tuesday.

Now, this morning I was not in the mood to dress up. I have been fighting off a sinus infection and my mornings have been rough. I finally started taking some medication last night and in just a few short hours I am seeing progress. I opened up the closet this morning and could not decide if it was going to be too warm later in the afternoon to actually wear a long sleeve shirt. Then what about a cover up or a simple sweater. The decision was tough - and I had this mental picture that I was not going to dress up today. I have not seen water delivery guy in over a month - missed the last delivery because I was out of the office. Well, I finally did decide and was glad with my selection.....

...because as I was driving into the parking lot, guess who was there. I was pleased to see him so early in his delivery. Maybe we would get to have a real conversation this morning. I hopped out of the car and got to chit chat outside with him for a few minutes. The next thing I knew he was just staring at me. Was in aahh for a moment and out of his mouth came these words - "you look good today" - not just once, but I think about 3 times. Each time he said it he was looking me up and down - yes, checking me out. Wow - what a huge confidence boost for me. He wanted to know what I was doing to look so good. I told him that I was happy and just taking care of myself better. And yes, was losing weight. I felt really good at this moment. I really needed this moment. I needed this conversation to go well because I am having some personal struggles with my weight loss journey. The conversation went exceptionally well!!!! We talked for longer then we have in more then 3 months. Still no date out of this, but today was a great fantastic uplifting Dress Up Tuesday for me. So glad I decided to skip the tennis shoes and go with a more dress up flair!! Every girl needs to have those moments and I got that today!!!

My day has started on a high note!!!! I needed that push again and today was a huge push in the right direction. Looking forward to my next Dress Up Tuesday event!

What moment has helped you with your weight loss journey this month?

Staying MOtivated MO

My New Workout Love

This is the trainer that we use for our morning workouts. (Yes, the bootcamp ladies are still in the park. Working out to the DVD on the laptop.) I am not trying to sell him, but I think he is the new love in my life and for all the right reasons:

• He is energetic! I love the positive energy that he has! It is contagious!
  
• He is silly! I love that he makes me laugh at 5:45AM in the dark, cold park.
  
• He modifies! He makes sure that the exercises are doable for me!
  
• He motivates and inspires me to do my personal best!

We had another bootcamp instructor come over and try to win us over, but we like Tony Horton.  He is always reliable and never gets sick. We like the fact that we don't have to really pay him. For a 53 year old he is nice eye candy.

You can see for yourself since he was features on the Dr. Oz show last month:
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/miracle-plan-lose-weight-pt-1

Since the time change we are still getting up and meeting in the park. Boy, it is DARK and the temperature last Friday  was 44 degrees F! Ok, for us Californians anything under 60 degrees F is cold. I know, I know spoiled we are! We beat the storm since it was due to start raining at 9:00AM. We all hope to keep meeting until it just gets to cold and wet to do so.  Then, we won't meet until early spring. We have been doing our favorite "Hawaii" workout. It seems to transport us to a sunny paradise and his fun routines just gets our day started right!

I am always on the lookout for good workout DVD. What is your favorite DVD workout? Why is it your fav?

Have a great week everyone!
STAY COMMITED TO YOUR CAUSE!
YOU CAN DO IT!
NEVER GIVE UP!
Always moving- MER

Team Radio Flyer 5K Fun!!!

For years I have participated in a long standing friend get together on Thanksgiving Day. I would start my gobble gobble day by doing a 5K walk / run event, but will say that it was more of a social event then really getting out there and "exercising".

Our team was called Radio Flyer. We had a wagon full of stuff- yes, a Radio Flyer Red Wagon. Not one of those with the fancy sides, just something simple. One of my friends even has the little itty bitty ones, a bike and a middle size one (that used to hold the muffins) that we pulled all along the race. In years past we would meet up and make sure that we were all bundled up, but there was always refreshments that were to be enjoyed on the trip. There was coffee and hot chocolate at first, muffins to munch on, and a good to eat breakfast to get us going for the big race. Then as the morning progressed and we made it past the starting line we would move onto those delicious liquid refreshments. At first, it was a orange kind of lovely treat, but as years went by people started bringing everything from Bloody Mary's to Hot Totties. Love the one year that my friend was at the end of the pack and the policeman was doing the "clean up" sweep and she got into his car with her "drink" of choice and he drove her to the finish line - no worries, she made sure the cup was covered with her hand so that she didn't have an "open container" in the vehicle. No worries, we don't do the finish line with a stumble and having to walk that little straight line - we don't go that overboard - just a casual don't have to put the turkey in the oven fun time!!

Yes, it has been fun doing this event with friends and a special liquid refreshment each year. A group of 10 that widdled down to 8, to 6 and then just about 2 years ago I think we were only at 5. My son has even joined us on occasion. This event is for a good cause - all the money would go towards the local Feed the Hungry food banks in the area. I not only was having a good time with my friends, but was helping my community. BUT - it took us about 3 hours to do this race (yes, we took our time and many pit stops), I only walked casually, I never ran, and most of the time I was pulling a wagon behind me. Heck, we weren't out there to really exercise, just to have friend time.

Well, just about 3 years ago most all of that changed. The crowd for this one event was getting too big. About 20,000 people are participating - yes, you read that right - that many. I think it took us more time to get to the starting line then to actually do the race. We could not pull the wagon around as well as we had hoped. We were walking faster and faster each year just to be done and avoid most of the crowd. So - two years ago I decided that I wanted to keep doing this Thanksgiving celebration and found the same race, but it was local. I did it with a friend and her daughter and my son even participated. Last year - nope - decided I wanted to sleep in, enjoy the Macy's Day Parade and not be disturbed until the end of the day (but I did have company, so that might be why I didn't do the race).

My philosophy has all changed now!!!

I WILL be doing the Thanksgiving 5K this year. I WON'T be carrying any liquid refreshment. I WON'T be casually walking. I WON'T be pulling a wagon behind me (do miss that aspect, however) and I will have less of me to actually pull around - LOL. I WILL be doing a combination of running and walking. My little sis has even agreed to join me.

Going down to register this weekend - looking forward to my 12th 5K T-shirt and being proud to wear it more then I have in years past. I am healthier and confident in my new lifestyle!! So many wonderful changes going on and wow - loving every moment of it.


Staying MOtivated MO

Smiling!

OK - so I don't really want to toot my own horn, but I do want to share. Many of you know that I am an active member of Scouts - just read about my Day Camp post - its says it all!! Last night we had a dinner to honor the leaders in our area. I had wished that more people would have been there, but I really don't think they did a good job getting the word out about this event and well, frankly we have a good group of "leaders", but having more come to this event would have made the moment more special for many. I knew I was getting a few awards of things that I knew I had earned and applied for - just like when the boys take the time to earn Belt Loops, Merit Badges and such, we leaders get the chance to show off badges on our uniforms of our hard work and dedication to Scouting. I did not, however, expect to receive the next award:

District Award of Merit

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The District/Division Award of Merit is awarded by a District or Exploring Division to volunteer and professional adults for service to youth in the District or Division. Normally, the award is presented for service to youth in excess of five years.

Requirements:

• A nominee must be a registered Scouter.
• A nominee must have rendered noteworthy service to youth in Scouting, outside of Scouting, or both.
• Note: The nature and value of "noteworthy service to youth" may consist of a single plan or decisions that contributed vitally to the lives of large numbers of youth or it may have been given to a small group over an extended period of time.
• Consideration must be given to the nominee's Scouting position and the corresponding opportunity to render outstanding service beyond the expectations of that Scouting position.
• The nominee's attitude toward and cooperation with the district, division, and/or council is to be taken into consideration.

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In addition to the Overhand knot patch shown above, recipients receive a plaque, shown below.

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I do have an AWESOME picture that I took of my award, certificate and patch, but I realized that it has my real name on it and well, this is the Internet and I try to be a bit careful about what I do post on this blog and in the computer world. You will just have to imagine a fancy certificate and my name all engraved on this fancy little award. I am thrilled about this award and still feel a bit wet behind the ears to even have been given this award. Much more to learn as my son and I venture up from the Cub Scouting world and start to experience the Boy Scouts in full Scouting fashion. (no pictures of my getting my award either - the organizers really didn't do a good job with that - but the food was delicious!!!)

Makes me want to work harder not only for the scouts, but it all comes down to the weight loss for me. I want to keep losing weight for my son, for myself, to take more hikes, to be able to camp and not have too many aches and pains because we are sleeping on the ground or even to have a difficult time getting up off the ground. A Scout is physically fit, mentally strong, morally able....all those things I am carrying with me in this new journey I have undertaken with many of you, myself and with Mer.

Day Camp will be here sooner then I think.
I will be down another 40 pounds by then - 

or like I said a few weeks back - 44 more pounds for my 44th year!

Staying MOtivated MO

Wednesday Words

It is hard to fail,
but it is worse never to have tried to succeed.

Theodore Roosevelt

It is of immense importance
to learn to laugh at ourselves.

Katherine Mansfield

Most of us, swimming against the tides of trouble the world knows nothing about, need only a bit of praise or encouragement -
and we will make the goal.

Jerome Fleishman

Endurance is not just the ability
to bear a hard thing, but to turn it into glory.

William Barclay

If I rest, I rust

Martin Luther

It doesn't matter how small
the beginning may seem to be;

what is once done well is done forever.

Henry David Thoreau

Don't be afraid to go out on a limb.
That's where the fruit is.

H. Jackson Browne

I'm not afraid of storms,
for I'm learning how to sail my ship.

Louisa May Alcott

It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.

Sir Edmund Hillary

When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hold on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place

and time that the tide will turn.

Harriet Beecher Stowe

I ask not for a lighter burden,
but for broader shoulders.

Jewish Proverb

Success is not the key to happiness.

Happiness is the key to success.

If you love what you are doing
you will be successful.

Albert Schweitzer

By perseverance the snail reached the ark.

Charles H. Spurgeon

Getting what you go after is success;

but liking it while you are getting it is happiness.

Bertha Damon

Baby, its cold outside!!

Where did Fall go? I mean what the heck? I have not seen any of the trees loss many leaves and just last week we were enjoying 80 degree weather. I had to turn on the heater the other day and I really didn't want to, but boy oh boy did we have to. The house has been in the very low 60's and I think even one day I saw the thermostat say 58 degrees. This morning we had some freezing temperatures in the area. The grass in the front yard has a little white glow to it. I enjoy my California weather, don't get me wrong, but to go from Summer to Winter in nothing flat has me all off schedule. I know, I know, should really not complain about 60 degree weather with many dealing with snow, but I enjoy my California weather when it is comfy cosy, not gloomy cold.

There was a moment the other day - a moment of fun goal setting! It being so cold and time to pull out the jackets. There is this one coat I have worn for many years and it is time to actually get rid of it, because it is too big. But, there is nothing else in the closet to replace it. Many items were tried on and for a moment I had a good laugh when I pulled out my High School Letterman's jacket. Yes, I was not able to put even one arm into the thing, but you know what, that can be one great big NSV for me!!! It would be so much fun to actually get into that jacket again. Just the smile on my face right now gives me encouragement. I know I have been out of High School for over 25 years (wow - that is a long long long time - am I really that old??), but I want to show off my curves, show my son that I was a big High School go getter. He has never even seen me pull this jacket out of the closet - I should not hold back - make that my next goal and even if it does not happen for many months from now, it would be so much fun to actually wear it to a family function and show so many what I have accomplished!!! (I promise, no embarrassing my son and wearing it to his school functions - a good Halloween costume for next year...but it would be nice to be in it sooner). I am going to work on that goal as well as get into the other jackets that are also in that closet. Cold it might be, but it is always fun to find a "new" coat that has not been worn in years just to make you feel good about what you are accomplishing!!!!

Still Staying MOtivated Mo - cold or not....

Just Who Will You Be?

I read this book yesterday and it inspired me to get off my rusty-dusty and be true to myself.  Just who do I think I will be once I reach my goals from this weigh loss journey? It is something that I must ponder this week and answer for myself, but I am so glad for the inspiration to do this.  I feel like I am in a holding pattern waiting to land into my life, but in reality. This is my life and I must come to some kind of understanding that it will always be busy.  I know my lack of personal time will get better once I finish my classes for my teaching credential. It is a temporary and I can endure anything for a short period of time.  But the main question for myself is simply- Just who will I be in this next year and who do I strive to be in the future?

Here is Maria Shriver's pledge that will help me and hopefully you to write one for yourself-

My Pledge

1. I pledge to "show up" in my life as myself, not as an imitation of anyone else.
2. I pledge to avoid using the word "just" to describe myself. For example, I won't say, "I'm just a mother," "I'm just a student" or "I'm just an ordinary person."
3. I pledge to give myself ten minutes of silence and stillness every day to get in touch with my heart and hear my own voice.
4. I pledge to use my voice to connect my dreams to my actions.
5. I pledge to use my voice to empower myself and others.
6. I pledge to serve my community at least once a year in a way that will benefit other people.
7. I pledge to ask myself, "Who am I? What do I believe in? What am I grateful for? What do I want my life to stand for?"
8. I pledge to sit down and write my own mission statement.
9. I pledge to live my own legacy.
10. And I pledge to pass it on.

Never Give Up!

Renew Daily!

YOU CAN DO IT!

Mer

Where did you go???

So - I know that Mer and I have the same - or about the same Blog Name as another blog out there - but I was really enjoying reading this blog ...........werelosingittoo...............but I can't get to them anymore. A mother and daughter working on losing weight. I was enjoying their story and trying to stay up with them, even if it was just to read their story each week. Realized this morning that the reason I am not getting updates is because you have to be invited to view their blog. However, I can't seem to email them or even get the information I need to be invited.

Can anyone help me?

Staying MOtivated MO

Mo's Progress

I searched for a picture today to give me inspiration and I had a good laugh. I am either not in any of the pictures, because I am the one taking the pictures or I am in the picture behind someone (specifically my son). I know that I have made progress, but it was hard to see that progress through pictures. Many of you out in blog world or even the weight loss community tell us to take progress photos. I think I finally found one or two and they do remind me that no matter how fast or slow I am doing this, I am doing it -


Mo - visiting a work site - August 2010

 

Happy MoHomeowner
September 2010



First Progress Photo - Spring 2011

Yes - same shirt as the last photo - not really sure how that happened. Staring at this and wondering, 

have I made progress!!!?!

 

Not much more weight gone since Spring 2011 - but I am getting toned and feeling Sexy!!!
November 2011



Looking forward to my next progress update!!!

Staying MOtivated MO



Another Year has come and gone....

As my son and I returned home from Trick or Treating last night, checked out his candy, made sure it was all good to go and took out the items he really would not eat, we each decided to open just ONE item. A small kit kat candy bar we both picked. I then giggled with delight when the next thing happened. I would take a bite and he would to. Then if I took another bite he did the same. He wanted to eat the candy at the same pace as me and I tried to trick him a few times. I savored each and every bite. Made our evening complete!!! I will not be eating anymore candy, got in my fill. I do believe I calculated it well and only ate 44 calories of chocolate last night (whoops - I am wrong, it is 73 calories, but can I imagine it is only 44 - LOL). Ready to challenge my scale in what lies ahead for me. No tricks here, just some great NSV treats to come!!!

Finished my Trick or Treating night with the anticipation of my 44th year. Thought about my Mom as she had just finished the Halloween rounds with my 3 older sisters some short 44 years ago and then took a casual drive to the hospital to have me. I arrived sometime early on the 1st of November - for sure not a trick, more of a treat for many!! I really do try not to tell my age or even say my age out loud, but sometimes you just have to be honest and put it out there.

In celebration of my 44th year, I had a bit of inspiration from a college friend who is a personal trainer in the Seattle area, so decided to start my day with:

• 44 Minutes of a Punching Bag Workout....

then with my Free Weights I did

• 44 Arm Curls
• 44 Overhead Arm Lifts
• 44 Front Arm Lifts
• 44 Side Arm Lifts

Added this to the complete the workout

• 44 Calf Lifts
• 44 Push ups
• 44 Balance Ball Stomach Curls (OK, sit ups, but used the balance ball as a "helper" today)
• 44 Leg Lunges

Got on the scale this morning and not quite to the 44 pounds I wanted to lose by now (since January), but I will get there soon. Going to have to stick to a better schedule - workouts and eating wise. The working out I am doing good with, but the eating not so much. Still struggling with the ups and downs of 5 pounds for months now. Time to hit 44 and move on....

Therefore, in this, my 44th year of my life, I WILL lose 44 more pounds!!!

For the month of November I will work out each day for 44 minutes (including Thanksgiving - wonder which 5K run/walk I will do this year).

Once a week I will take 44 minutes of quiet time for myself - think, dream, breath, just relax - no TV, no distractions, can walk during that time, but walk on my own - this will be for me.

Another year has come and gone for me!!! I have a good plan and ready for another 44 years. How will you celebrate your birthday this coming year???

Staying MOtivated Mo