8 Wheels of Fun!!!

Last night we got out of the house. Time to have some one on one time with my son!!! There is a new Sports Complex just a few miles from my home. When I think of Sports Complex I think of baseball batting cages, or maybe some soccer, but I don't think I would have guessed it would be roller skating. I think they might expand, but for now it is only just a roller skating rink.
Last Saturday night we went with some friends and if it was not for the fact that I didn't have enough cash, I would have skated. Last night I was going to put on a brave front and was going to try. AND I was not going to fall. The first pair of skates were awful, even if I thought they would be a good fit. I had to go back a few laps into my evening to get a bigger size - ahhhhhh - my feet were thanking me. The first time I stepped off the carpet's edge was a scary moment, but I was steading myself with the wall. The moment of truth - onto the rink. Now, the good part was that there were only a about 15 people skating. Oh, I can do this, not a lot of people to make me feel all embarrassed. (by the end of the night there were about 50 people). I made it around the rink one, two, three, four....keep going - you are doing it - you are not falling. The only downside was that the walls of the rink have a plastic kind of coating and there was a lot of static electricity in the air. Each time I would place my hand onto the guardrails there was this shock factor. I was so glad that I got the hang of it within a few short minutes, because getting shocked was not my favorite part of the adventure.

My son gave me encouragement when I realized he was not embarrased to be out on the rink with me. A few times he would try and hold my hand to skate with me, but I kept telling him no, because I was so afraid that we would fall down together.

My goal of the evening - would I be able to skate for a good portion of the 2.5 hours we were going to be there? I did pretty good and with the few breaks that I had, I figured my calculations was a good 1.5 hours of skating. We both pooped out at about 2 hours, so the extra .5 was not going to get me to a longer workout goal. This complex is in a warehouse setting, so there was not the best circulation, but boy, I can't believe how much I was sweating. I was surprised at how much of a workout I did get. I could feel the "electricity" of the movements rolling in my legs! I realized at one point that I was not using my left leg that much, just doing the glide movement, so I started to pick it up a bit. Again, fear of falling was in the back of my mind, but I didn't lose it. Drank tons of water to stay hydrated and well, it was totally necessary. I think I had over 40 ounces in just that short time period. I not only amazed my son at how well I did, but I do believe I amazed myself. I plan on going back again and going to encourage many others to join us.

The other thing that was so great about this skating experience was that many others were out there just like me. There were the kids that were falling every little step they took. I don't think I saw one child ever complain that this was not fun. The would fall, get back up, fall again, get back up, and again and again and again. Determined to make it all the way around the circle.

Then there was this moment. I saw this lady come onto the rink with her two girls. You could totally tell she was scared to death about falling. She gripped the guardrails with all her might. I watched as she slowly - and I mean sllllllllllooooooowwwwwwllllllyyyyyy - made her way around the full extent of the rink. She took a huge break about 1/2 way around, but never gave up. She kept plugging along. It was awesome. When she was done I totally told her that I was so proud of her for making the effort. She said she was humiliated, but I am sure her daughters were glad that she made the effort. I thought that she would not try again, but after a break she was back out there. I cheered her on a few more times, and this second round she was going faster, still gripping onto the siderail, but doing it. As we started to head home she was out there one more time and it was wonderful to see that she was now only using one hand to steady herself on the side. I said my good-byes to her by saying that she was doing awesome and again, that her daughters should be so proud that she made the effort to get out there to skate. I think I was doing this because maybe you could tell she was scared, or that she was a bit bigger then me (don't anyone take that aspect wrong) or that she was doing this with her kids or ....oh, I don't know - No matter why I felt this need to motivate her, sometimes I think when you hear words of encouragement from others it makes a difference in your attitude. I totally believe that when I get to read my fellow bloggers encouragement. Yes, I am getting pats on the backs from friends, co-workers and family in my own life, but when the applause comes from a random blogger or someone I totally don't know I feel so energized, recharged and ready to take on the next challenge. 

OH - HOW COOL - my favorite show in the world - CBS Sunday Morning is featuring a story on BLOGGING!!!!! Excuse me - have to watch this............words like blogosphere, we are authentic communities, blogs are a legal world all their own...business can drive many blogs...Tony night blogs for this Sunday's Award show...nice amount of feedback..."never make money writing a blog" - amazing at how many bloggers are actually making a real living by putting fingers to typewritter keys - blogs of all kinds - surfing, self esteem, weddings - many blogs do drop off in the first 30 days - 14 million viewers on one blog - wow, not that is a goal to have - maybe.......

....Ok - to finish my thought on my Saturday night Skating experience - Try something new or try something you never thought you would do again because of fear or you are too old!! I did and so glad that those 8 wheels let me bring out my inner child again!!!!

Staying MOtivated MO

A Catch Phrase

I am so sleepy. I want and need more sleep - my energy level is very low today. I, however, have inspiration on my side. A few free moments yesterday gave me the opportunity to read some of my fellow June Boom participants posts yesterday and I am glad I did. Especially on the everyday 30 minute exercise goal. I have been doing my exercise, but most days I have only done the minimum. In fact, my 30 minutes has only been a few minutes here, another few minutes there and eventually when I add it all up I have gotten in my 30 minutes. That for sure is not what I wanted. I want to be able to do 30 or even 60 minutes, but my time is very limited. Doing a little bit is good, but not as good as I want it to be. I want that part of my "to do" list done first thing in the morning and not that exercising is a chore I HAVE to do - it is something I WANT to do. And if they are doing it, I CAN DO IT!!!! It is not only a challenge, but motivation, inspiration and a friend giving you the drive when you need that added extra push. I think of the challenge as this - there was this cute Blue Diamond Walnut commercial years ago that said "A Can A Week - that's all we ask" (they were trying to sell the product and it was a cute catch phrase). So, I know it is silly, but I have come up with what I feel is a good catch phrase for me and this June Boom Challenge and inspiration to help me in my weight loss journey -

30 Minutes a day - and you will melt a-weigh!!!!!!!

Those blog posts were in my head last night - in such a good way! I arrived home last night and did a full 30 minute workout all at once. Then this morning I was so proud of myself for doing just about 45 minutes and this time I broke a sweat. Only recording 30 for today, because I feel that extra 15 will make up for the lack of  "extra effort" I have not been able to do in the past 4 days. This mornings workout was AWESOME!!!!! Even if the walking in place, the stomach crunches and the 15 minutes of free weights did not really wake me up, I am feeling good. Still sleepy and my mind was talking to me on my way into work - stop for a fancy Starbucks coffee, that will pick you up. But wait, you don't have any cash and please don't use the ATM on a $4.00 purchase - come on. Then how about a Coke with a fast food breakfast - that will do the trick, right? Again, no cash and that ATM - give it up. I was good - had a bowl of warm oatmeal and the glass of juice was my after workout treat. Getting ready for my work day and my water is right by my side.

I also want to share this little tidbit. I feel this statement is true for almost all of me. Working on the healthy and physical part of me and I might not have a money tree, but at this moment I do feel like a Millionaire! My mind, body, soul is loving how I am right now and I don't want it to ever change again!!

Heading to the grindstone - enjoy your day and rest of the week ~~~~~


Still and will always be - Staying MOtivated MO

My Crazy June

I have had so many updates that I wanted to share and really not sure when I will be able to do them in detail. My vegetable meal plan that I tried and the fact that I did AWESOME, the water guy visit from last Tuesday, and the huge fact that that I slipped this last week with my eating plan because, well, because I got lazy. You see, my June is crazy, but that is no excuse for going off the "wagon" and just throwing caution to the wind.

I have said this before, that I am doing a camp for about 200 Cub Scouts, but really it is crazy. As of yesterday I have 162 Scouts and 83 Volunteers coming to camp. There is two nights of training meetings this week, the need to get all the projects ready, having to still make phone calls to make sure I have everyone's paperwork straight, make sure the kids are in the right groups and and and and and.....and still trying to find time to be a Mom on the weekends. Glad that school is out for the summer, because I only have Aman on the weekends. We did manage to take in a night of roller skating on Saturday and can't wait to do it again this coming weekend, too. Mer and I talked and she said it was best that June should be a maintenance month for me. I agree, but I have to make sure I don't continue to be lazy. I got on the scale yesterday and boy oh boy - not disappointed - but it just goes to show that if I am not staying on target it can all come back faster then you think. Just up a few pounds....but still...get it into gear girl.

With the June Boom challenge I have been challenged. To deal with getting ready for camp I am getting up at 3:00 am, doing my workout, getting to work about 5:30 am, working until 2 pm (and work is very busy everyday), heading home to do camp stuff from 3 pm until 8 pm. I am doing my best to get into bed and be asleep by 9 pm, but it really has not worked out but just a few nights. I need to be more disciplined. I am getting into bed, but not going to sleep. One night I dealt with an emotional family matter that just got way out of hand, but I am so glad that my home-owners insurance is going to help me out and hoping that the "repair" can be done both physically and emotionally soon!!!! Not to mention that in regards to the camp stuff, I have to drive down to the main scout office to pick up applications and for reasons beyond my control I had to do the 1.5 hour commute twice this week to get what I needed. I am sitting for a total of what feels like 14 hours a day and doing my best to use my balance ball at home (a non-burstable one) and that is helping me move a bit. Trying to do some of my organizing paperwork standing up - that is helping me stay active. When I don't have the energy to get up at 3 am I am doing what I can to put in 30 minutes in the afternoons. I am getting in many stomach crunches with the help of the balance ball, I have my 5 pound weights close to me and I walk in place when I need to get up and work those legs. I am also doing most of that even if I do get in the 45 minutes in the morning, since from time to time I do need to do some good stretching from my long sitting day. Two more weeks, then camp....phew!

So - that's it about camp and the crazy schedule I put upon myself. I enjoy doing it, really I do - it is the one thing I truly enjoy about Scouting!!! I promise I won't mention it again until it is over with, as writing about it can be a little overwhelming and then the list of things to do is front and center. Wishing that some of those 83 volunteers would be coming to the house to help - have only had about 5 people actually come over so far- expecting more this week (I hope). Ok, now I am complaining.

Just a quick blurb about Water Guy - he had a helper this week and his name is FABIO- did not really look like a Fabio and when I said the name with a sultry voice my water guy said "did you have to say it like that" - too funny! We had a short visit and a bit embarrasing when I said that I enjoyed his visit and was looking forward to the next one. Getting outside of my box!

Mer is in Alaska enjoying her week long workshop! She is going to have a great time and know she will bring back many pictures to share!!

Have a GREAT week - wishing I could do more comments to all your posts, but will pop in from time to time. Feeling your motivation, drive and determination or even taking a quick break to give myself a push, laugh and energy will keep me going!! THANKS to all for your enthusiasm and encouragment!!


Staying MOtivated MO

I'm in Alaska!

I made it to Alaska and the my apartment mate is great! She is also a 6th grade science teacher.  She is from Alaksa and just a little fun tidbit about her is that her babysitter when she was little was Sarah Palin! Isn't that a hoot! She just recently completed her first triathlon! I am really happy with my match. I guess I am lucky at that since I met Mo just the very same way!
Well, I have no car here at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks so I am walking everywhere. I walked for 2 hours. One looking for the museum and lunch and the second going out to dinner with my apartment buddy.  The campus is beautiful and they have this wonderful museum called Museum of the North. The building is designed to look like a glacier and it has all sorts of cultural and natural artifacts throughout. Worth a visit if you are ever up this way.  The best part of my museum visit was being able to go through the museum at my pace and really taking the time to look at everything that I wanted. As a mom with a 5 year old I never get to do that!
So my plan today is to do more walking and to eat half my lunch and dinner and drink lots of water.
Well, I have to run to my class. I will try to post pics of my trip soon.
Have a great week!
STAY STRONG!
KEEP AT IT!
WE CAN DO THIS!
YES WE CAN!
Always,
Mer

Spring Challenge Update

As I sit here typing I wonder where did Spring go, much less where is Summer at this point?? Where is the sunny California weather? I woke up to the very loud sound of the rain running down my gutter. This is California - the Central Valley - what the heck is Mother Nature doing? I am not complaining, because we could be, at this point, reaching the high 90's and even venturing close to 100, but the rain has been coming down non-stop for the last 3 hours - oh, wait - here comes the sun, I think, maybe.....

There are so many updates to talk about, as there has been much success in the last few weeks. Today I am going to talk about the Spring 4th Quarter Challenge that Aman and I had in place. I talked of  Excitement and Anticipation - my goal to try and loss another 20 more pounds, Aman's goal to raise his Writing grade to a 3, if not a 4 all in a 11 to 9 week process. I feel like the goals were accomplished. Not only did Aman raise his grade into Writing, but he was able to raise his grade in 4 other aspects of his report card. I am really proud of him. I did not, however, reach the goal of 20 pounds. I hit a plateau for over a month, but did not get discouraged. I am working hard, harder then I have worked before on the weight loss process, but in the long run I could say that I have not worked hard enough. BUT, I am not getting down on myself. And I am NOT saying that I do need to work harder. I am doing this and that is what matters to me at the moment. Just the fact that I am actually watching what I eat, avoiding the fast food locations, trying new vegetables, doing the exercising and dropping more pounds in 15 years is an accomplishment in itself! I am proud of what I have done so far. Sooooooo - drum roll - I lost another 17 pounds. The official weigh-in day said that I was down a total of 37 pounds. Not quite a total of 40, but I am doing GREAT!!! We are going to award ourselves with that weekend trip to Santa Cruz sometime this summer. Yes, I know the bet was that we both had to achieve our ultimate goals, but I do feel that we both worked hard, made a huge  effort and that is what matters the most.

Have a great weekend!! Hoping that mine will be productive and accomplished!

Staying MOtivated MO

Promotion, Last Day & SUMMER!!!!

I am still breathing! I am still here. Thank goodness that Mo can keep this blog going!
I did sign up for the June Boom Challenge and I did my 30 minutes of walking and jogging in this morning, but I also had some tightness in my chest that I have not felt in a long time. I had to take a hit of my inhaler this morning.  I have not done that in years! I know it is just stress and all the wonderful spring pollen in the air. I do have a goal of running a 5k in July with the bootcamp ladies. I have never run a 5k before so this will be the new challenging thing that I will be focusing on. 
Tomorrow is a big day for my family. My daugther goes through her 8th grade promotion and then, I will have a High Schooler living in my house! And tonight is the 8th grade promotion dance that I signed up to be on the decoration committee.  What was I thinking??? 
Well, the last day of school is tomorrow and then, my summer starts!!!!!  I leave for Alaksa Saturday night and will not return until June 14th.  I am taking a class in Fairbanks for 5 days and then, will travel to Denali.  The most exciting part is that I am going by myself without spouse and kids.  It will be nice to have a little time to myself.  I will be still working out daily since I will be on a University campus I will get access to their fitness center. I am so looking forward to being at a gym with a pool and there are beautiful trails to hike near the campus. I just have to make sure that I have heavy duty bug juice on or the mosquitoes might take me away. 
As Mo reported for me I did hit the 20 pound loss! I have another 25-30 pounds to get to my goal weight.  I am at 165 pounds and I spoke with my bootcamp instructor who told me not to go by the BMI which mine would be down around 124 pounds because I am muscular and stocky. What do you all think? How have you figured out your goal weight?
Gotta run!
STAY STRONG!
KEEP AT IT!
WE CAN DO THIS THANG!
NEVER EVER GIVE UP!
Always,
Mer
P.S.- LOVE you MO! Thanks for the laughs, the encouragement and inspiration! You are the BEST!

Upside Down

MO Here  - Just letting you all know that there was another world class Mer & Mo moment this past weekend. My god-daughter was in a soccer tournament and the Mer family was going to be closer to me travel wise, so I took this opportunity to meet up with them. Met up with Mer and the gang on Saturday night for Goalie Wars (thank goodness the rain stopped during this event) and then I drove back over on Sunday with the Aman and we got to see a few games, play at the park and had good quality Mer & Mo time together. It was nice! Sunday the weather was the best - a little breeze - a little sun - no real clouds - and to enjoy the time together around the kids, a great playing kid park and well, it was a nice way to catch up. Not like the last 45 minute visit.

Saturday night was goalie wars. If you have ever watched a soccer game, this is nothing like it. Here were these 11, 12, 13, 14 and I think 15 year olds going against each other - two on two. The Soccer Goals were closer together and each goalie had 3 minutes or 3 goals to win. The pace was fast, quick and amazing!! Mer was right, well worth the drive! Boy, can these kids throw. There was this one kid (or should I say teenager) that had this great way of getting that goal into the right area. Throwing with his right, he would have the speed, and the ball would curve just to the left at the last minute and into the left pocket of the goal it would go - One - Two - Three - WINNER.

Oh - to be a teenager again and have that much energy our on a soccer field. I am working towards that goal - well, maybe not quite like a teenager, but it would be nice to have more energy. Getting there and that is a good thing.


Ending the game on Sunday



Tough team to play - but the girls did a GREAT job!!!!!



In the course of our Mer & Mo moment I asked the man in the group to take our picture. Now, that was a huge mistake - you can't seem to get Mer's hubby to actually take a picture without having some kind of fun. We laughed so much that I couldn't resist but share these two moments with you.



Who gave him the camera? What the heck?





Pretty good picture, if I can say so myself
Thanks Mer's Hubby for helping us out!! LOL

More to share, but it will have to wait for another day. I didn't get my workout in this morning, but do plan for this afternoon. So much to do - so little time - staying focused. June will be a maintenance month for me. Work schedule for the next three weeks is from about 5:30 am until 2 pm and then many hours after work making sure my Cub Scout Day Camp is ready - June 20th can't come soon enough! The list of stuff is bigger then I thought - where did my plan go? Yes, it is very rewarding  - not complaining! The one thing that is going to keep me in check is the that I joined with the challenge from Alan - exercise each day and be accountable for it!!! Glad that many others are joining us - going to be a GREAT month!! 


Staying MOtivated MO