Mente a la Mano

Forward bound

2012-02-04T09:53:00.001-08:00

So lots happened this past week but not much involved exercise... I did do a lot of manual labor so I'm counting that. I, for the first time as an adult sans roommates, bought a new couch! Mind you, I had to put it together but it's still my first actual couch. I've been using a futon for about the past 10 years and it was time to retire it, get out of living like I'm in a dorm. So! I put the futon outside on the corner (picked up by some lovely stranger in less than two hours!) and proceeded to put my couch together. Very comfy. I feel almost grown up. Now I just need to keep up with the de-cluttering I'm doing and find the space to put the stuff I really want and need and I'll be set. Is this affecting my weight? I think so. I do feel lighter, anyway. As of yesterday, I was down a few pounds so that's good. My diet has been good, too. I've been pretty darn diligent with the cooking thing, even if it means I'm only eating a pile of broccoli because I don't want to cook anything else. So my apartment is growing up, I'm eating my veggies and the sun is coming out in Seattle. Not a bad day.

Getting back to basics

2012-01-28T09:06:00.000-08:00

Okay, so my updates haven't gotten back to the weekly thing. For some reason I just totally forgot. Oh, wait. I did have an early work meeting. Yes! A viable excuse. Whew.

My diet has been good. Especially since I'm cooking more. I kind of have to now, which is a good side effect to no bread, no dairy. So that transition hasn't been that bad. Luckily I can have corn so I'm compensating with corn tortillas. And chips. I gotta be careful with those!

As for exercise, I'm easing back in. I haven't gotten that groove back either. But I'm trying. I rearranged my space so I have more room to move. And I Total Gymed my arms (still sore!) so that's something.

All in all, I'm feeling pretty good. Hope you are, too!

Transitions

2012-01-07T11:12:00.000-08:00

I decided at the end of last year that this year would be about transitions, and boy has it been. I'm officially menopausal :o One of my sweet cats passed away :( And my acupuncturist has me off of processed grains and dairy! No bread, no pasta, no pastries, no crackers and on and on... or cheese! Oy! But I did say that my goal was to be psoriasis free and she has already done wonders with improving it so far. So with that, I'm taking her professional advice and altering my diet. It's only been a week but I lost 3 pounds by cutting out breads. I've done that before so I was expecting some weight loss. It's still nice, even if it's expected. I'm also cooking way more because I have to. The grab and go stuff is usually flour based or has dairy so I have to prepare my food each day. I've been eating a ton of quinoa and millet (I can have whole grains) and veggies and beans this week. Easy things that can be bought in bulk and cooked in advanced. So there is the start to a whole new year and changes in the way I think about food and me. Exercise comes next... It's gonna be fun! (I mean that in not a sarcastic way)

Happy New Year to you all!

No time!

2011-12-17T12:40:00.000-08:00

Ack! Work and holidays are rendering me behind in just about everything. So with that, I'm going to take a break from blogging until the 1st Saturday of the new year. Ack! Customers coming in, back to work!

That time of year...

2011-12-03T10:54:00.001-08:00

Boy, howdy, the holidays are in full swing! And I do mean full. I'm still full from last night's 2nd Thanksgiving. My first one was with my family in Texas. I hadn't been home for turkey day for at least 10, maybe 12 years (I have been home to visit other times though!). It was great to see everyone and celebrate my nieces birthdays and just be with the fam. And have my mom's stuffing! Speaking of stuffing... I have my third Thanksgiving tonight. Well, my friend it calling it pork day because she's not making turkey. It'll be good, regardless. So, lets just say my diet is on a brief holiday. However, my exercising has picked up. I'm glad I was able to walk with my mom while visiting. That helped keep the pounds off (and we got to spend time together). And I started back in with my kinect fitness so that will help with the current state of gluttony. Maybe I'll detox after this weekend... Couldn't hurt.

Let's rewind

2011-11-19T09:04:00.000-08:00

I'm going to pretend this is last weeks post and I'm gearing up for the coming week. The week where I was supposed to exercise and stuff. Okay, okay. So I can't turn back time (crap, now Cher is in my head). But I can move forward. And even though the coming week is a gluttonous holiday week, I'm going to do my best and walk. A lot! So there, exercise. Take that!

Under the wire!

2011-11-12T10:44:00.000-08:00

I had such grand plans. Get up early, exercise, be done for the day and the week. Simple. Until wine got involved and having to get to work extra early. Needless to say, this morning didn't go like I thought it would. And, yes, I could exercise after work but I have a birthday mah jongg extravaganza to attend. So what's a girl to do? I'll tell ya! I'm going to get my exercise in today even if I have to go it in one minute bursts! Leg lifts, calf raises, I can take a brisk walk on break. See, easy (she says to convince herself). As for diet, good! Still cooking a lot which helps. So, aside from getting my final 35 in today, this coming week will be more of the same (4 days, good food), hopefully better planned.

Just in time!

2011-11-05T10:39:00.000-07:00

Whew! Just got my 3rd day of exercise in! Not fun letting it get down to the wire... But I'm glad I did it! I got up early so I would have no excuses. And the annoying thing (I know I've said this before) is that I feel so much better after I exercise. I know this. I don't know why it's so hard to do something that makes me feel good... Speaking of good, I was really good and cooked a lot this week. And got in lots of veggies! I roasted some, made soup. All good. So more of that this coming week. And four, yes FOUR, days of exercise!

Let's try this again

2011-10-29T11:05:00.000-07:00

Okay, so my plan to get up early for exercise was not so successful... Actually, I didn't really have a plan. More of a thought. But it didn't work out. And neither did I! Bwa ha ha ha ha ha! Oh, wait. That's not funny... So, since I didn't officially have a plan, I'm going to plan a plan now. This coming week, three days of exercise! Well, not of exercise only. I do have to work and sleep and stuff. But I will get at least 35 minutes of exercise, three times this week. So it begins!

Um, so...

2011-10-22T10:48:00.000-07:00

Not much to report this week. It kind of flew by. More so than normal. My diet was pretty good. I've been cooking more and that always helps. I still need to work in some green veggies and stop letting them rot in my fridge. Exercise has been a far away concept. I went on my Sunday walk and that was good but the rest of the week, well, I don't know what happened to it! I think I need to give up on the idea of working out when I get home in the evening (because I usually get home late!) and start working on getting up a bit earlier and getting my exercise done in the morning. I actually like that more, anyway. Then it's done. So easy yet so hard... Oh, the acupuncture was good. I'm going again tomorrow. This will be a regular thing to help get myself in balance. So needed!

Recovery Mode

2011-10-15T11:43:00.000-07:00

I'm almost 100% over my cold. Still a little phlegmy. Yeah, I know, gross. But I'm glad I'm getting over it. And I'm also recovering from the crazy work schedule I put myself on this time of year to put on my art show (went very well, thank you). I still need to take pictures. I keep forgetting my camera and I definitely want to get pictures of the tiles I made. As for diet and exercise... well, they are a constant work in progress. I'm going to be working with an acupuncturist starting tomorrow to help get my body balanced. Diet will be a big part of that as there are things I know I shouldn't be eating that keep me on the sick side. Or tired side. Sick and tired side? Anyway, that will be a good new start!

What cold?

2011-10-01T10:56:00.000-07:00

What did I say about not getting sick? I'm not terribly ill but I woke up this morning with a scratchy throat. I thought I warded off the cold (everyone around me is sick these days!) a couple of days ago so I tapered off of my regime of herbs. Oy! That'll teach me. I made a new batch of elderberry syrup with ginger this morning and will drink that throughout the day. I'm also rubbing lots of essential oils on my neck and chest to keep my sinuses open and my lungs happy. That should help kick the cold germs pretty quickly. My diet has been okay with a few slips. Exercise... well, I'll get to that later. I mean sooner!

Looking back

2011-09-24T09:58:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year where my days are crazy busy. I've been in creating mode for my art show (4th year!) and a pottery sale (tomorrow) so if I haven't been working, I've been at the studio making things. Other than trying to get in some veggies, I haven't been focused on diet or exercise much. Not until I get ready to update here. Then I think about it. So I decided to look back over the past few years and there is definitely a pattern this time of year. Busy, busy, buys, sick. I noticed a week or two after my art show I would have a post about being sick. So with that in mind, I am so going to start taking some echinacea and astragalus and elder berry syrup. I don't want to get sick. Especially once I regain some calmness to my life!

I'm Back!

2011-09-17T10:35:00.000-07:00

Again! Okay, so I took an extra week off but I needed the break. And what did I find out? Lots yet nothing new. I know, right. I decided to try two weeks of Slim Fast during my blog break and I ended up gaining 5 pounds. How does that happen!? I'll tell you how. Mindlessness. Yep, I'm back at that. That mindless eating adds up. Plus, when you're not "aware" of your food, you absorb less nutrients and essentially feed yourself less while you eat more. So messed up! So I started keeping a journal. Not a food diary, not a calorie counter. Just a food journal. I have days where I eat really well and I have days where I don't. And boy, when I don't, I don't! I also learned that I don't drink as much water as I think I do. So I'm becoming more aware. I'm also hoping to see patterns in my diet (times of day I eat, types of foods with certain moods, etc) that I can begin to shift as I become more aware. I've only been keeping the journal for about 10 days so I think it will take a few more weeks to see most of the patterns but I'm proud that I've actually been able to keep the journal that long. Oh, yes. And exercise? I think I'll have to come back to that...

Need a break

2011-08-20T10:57:00.000-07:00

So I'm going to take a short break from my blog. Not from working on my health! Just from my blog. I feel like I haven't had anything real to say in a while and the "goals" I'm setting for myself are just words on a screen. I need to reevaluate my plan (or create a new one!) and start something fresh. I'm not feeling particularly inspired by "eat well, exercise". I KNOW that's what I need to do. Translating that into action seems to be eluding me at the moment. Now, so I don't completely forget, I'm putting a deadline on my hiatus. I will take the next two weeks to regroup and then I will check back in and hopefully be filled with motivation! Thanks and thanks and thanks for checking in. And please check back in a couple of weeks.

Argh!

2011-08-13T11:05:00.000-07:00

Why!?!? Whhhyyyyyy!?! Why can't I do all three things that I need to do to stay healthy? Why? No, seriously, I'm asking. I seem to be able to either: exercise and stretch/stretch and eat well/eat well and sometimes exercise. Never all three. Okay. I know my history was the struggle between being able to exercise AND eat well but I'm throwing the stretching in because I felt great when I was doing it every day. This past week, my diet was good. That's it! I know that's something so I'm not discounting that work but for some reason... Ugh! Anyway. For the good news, I got down to 238. And I think it was due to not eating so much bread/processed carb stuff. I did a lot of veggies and my carbs were mostly potato and plantain related. Not too shabby. Okay, on to another week. And it will be good!

Stretching, good!

2011-08-06T07:46:00.000-07:00

I've been enjoying my week of stretching. So much so that I find myself doing it throughout the day. In just a short time, I'm noticing my posture is better and I don't feel so stiff and constricted. Pretty neat. And I did pretty good on the movement thing. Lots of running around, stairs, lifting, etc. I didn't do it every day, as planned, but I'm happy with last week. Mostly. Ugh! I did struggle with food. Mainly with having things made (not!) so I could grab and go to work. I might need to spend a day cooking and chopping and packaging some breakfast and lunches. I have the produce! Lots of yummy produce... I just didn't do anything with it last week. So this week I will. Especially since I'll be getting another produce delivery on Tuesday. So! More stretching, more moving and more cooking!

I'm Back!

2011-07-30T11:27:00.000-07:00

Sort of. I'm back from vacation (I love Comic-con) but am not back on track. Yet. This past week I've been in vacation recovery and work catch up mode. I was actually surprised to realize it was already Saturday! Week went by very fast. In general, my diet was good. Exercise, not so much. So now that I'm back from my trip, I WILL get my regular exercise in this week. And the week after that and the week after that and so on and on and on! This week I WILL wake up early and stretch. I WILL get half an hour of exercise each day. Yes, I said each day! I should be able to move every day. A walk, some pilates, dancing around like a crazy person. Anything to get my body moving. I'm tired of feeling stiff and weak... And I'm tired of talking about it and not changing it. Enough talk! More action!

Okay, I'll calm down now. And get my self ready for work. And for moving and stretching and all that good stuff. :-)

Off Track-ish

2011-07-16T11:14:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm not completely off track. More off schedule. I missed last week's check in and will miss next weeks due to some other plans but I'm still eating well and getting in exercise when I can. I really need to increase that, though, and find some way to make it part of my regular schedule. It's so easy to run out of time during the day... I'm working on it, though. Always. Oh, and my weight is a steady 239 which I take as a good thing because for so long I was in the 240's so I'm pretty darn happy about that. This next week I will definitely get more walking in. And I think I'll even swim a few days. That should be fun!

Not bad

2011-07-02T09:16:00.000-07:00

Wow, last week went by fast! Very busy but not so overwhelming that I hid behind food or relied and grab-and-go eating habits. I did dine out a bit more than usual but was very mindful of my orders which was kind of cool. I thought about what I really wanted and what my body really needed and got in some good veggies and healthy proteins and felt fully satisfied. Excellent work there. I could have done one more day of exercise but I'm not going to beat myself up about that. I did garden one day last week and will now count that (it can really be a workout!). I feel like I need to set some goals for next week so more eating healthy and 4 days of exercise!

Old habits are lame

2011-06-25T09:30:00.000-07:00

I guess that should be old, bad habits are lame. I'm sure the good ones have their places. And I should explain. I'm sure I could search my blog and find at least two other posts that refer to this particular issue of mine... I do well, see results, then freak out and eat everything in sight. Well, not everything. And this time I noticed it happening and was able to reign myself in. But still! How unhelpful is that! Meet a goal then ruin it by overeating. So not conducive to a healthy lifestyle. Including mental health, I'm driving myself crazy! But, like I said, at least I noticed it on the early side this time and was able to see the old pattern reemerge and squash it like a bug! So, the week wasn't totally ruined by binge eating. And I had some good exercise, too. My bottom and thigh muscles are still a little sore from an abundance of squats and lunges. I consider the week a success and am looking forward to more success this coming week!

Still goin' strong

2011-06-18T10:15:00.000-07:00

Had another good week! I'm actually back down to 239. I was last there is February. Since then I've been bouncing from 241 to 243. I suppose that's not so bad when you think about it. At least I stayed in a range instead of gaining, gaining, gaining over four months. It does feel good to be under 240, though, and I'm going to carry that feeling into this next week and keep on with my good eating and exercisin'. Thanks for checking in!

Another quick update

2011-06-11T10:50:00.001-07:00

At work early again so I'm gonna make this quick. Much better week all around. Had fun exercising and my diet, for the most part, was healthy and I didn't overeat or indulge. Well, I didn't indulge too much ;-) All in all, good week and I plan to continue the trend for this coming week. Thanks for checking in and for your continued encouragement and support!

Wait, it's over?

2011-06-04T10:25:00.000-07:00

So, um, yeah... I don't know what happened to last week. I know it was super busy and work was crazier than normal. I also had a lot of social engagements. And yes, I'm setting you up with excuses for why I didn't get my exercise in last week. Ugh! I really was surprised to find the week over last night. It kind of snuck up on me. However, my diet was awesome! I've been cooking again. I cleaned out my fridge and got some yummy produce and have been using my new, lovely cast iron wok (found on Craigslist) to make quick, stir fry meals. It's been yummy! So I will continue with the yummy goodness and set my goal to 4 days of exercise. This shall be done!

Quickie

2011-05-28T12:44:00.000-07:00

My morning was thrown off from having to work early today. I just remembered I didn't post my update. Gotta be quick, though, because I'm at work. All in all, good week. I'm enjoying the Your Shape program and am totally feeling the workouts in my bottom and legs. And it gets me sweating, too. I bought an additional workout which should be fun. Bollywood dancing! Who says exercise can't be entertaining or fun? Oh, yeah, that was me...

Good week

2011-05-21T11:13:00.000-07:00

So my challenge was met. Sort of. I didn't work on my total gym at all. I ended up getting My Shape for Kinect (ordered it with a gift card!) and that has been quite the workout experience. It scans your body (there is no hiding from infrared!) and measures your height and arm length and leg length, etc. It also has you put in your weight and age and gives you a fit test so it can recommend the right level of exercise. And it tracks your calories burned and time worked out. Pretty neat. I was definitely sweating by the end of my workouts. Which, by the way, turned into 45min-1 hour sessions 'cause I was "playing" a game and having fun. So, I plan on keeping up with that this coming week (4 days) and keeping a good diet (mostly good aside from a couple of ice cream sandwiches).

Challenge

2011-05-14T10:19:00.000-07:00

I'd like to say I have all sort of exciting news on the never ending quest for good health. But I don't. I don't have bad news, either. Everything is currently static. I think that's the word I'm looking for. Anyway, I haven't changed much of anything these past two weeks. A little exercise, trying to eat healthy. I find it so easy to just drift in those patterns and drifting seems detrimental to motivation. So now I must motivate! And somehow challenge myself to something new. Or something old that I haven't challenged myself with in a while. I don't know. Something along those lines, though. So, the challenge for this week will be (drum roll, please)... 30 minutes on the Total Gym 4 times this week! The challenge has been set. The challenge has been accept. The challenge is on!

Did I Say Early?

2011-04-30T08:12:00.000-07:00

Okay, I am soooo not an early person even thought I like to think that I am. Well, not really early. I tried to get up at 5:30am to make it to a 6:00am Zumba class. So didn't happen. But I did manage to make it to a much more reasonable 9:30am class on my day off. That was fun and a good workout. Now I have to figure out my schedule for more classes. Mostly because they're offered when I'm either at work, in class or doing pottery. I think some juggling is in order. My diet was pretty good. I'm back in the kitchen, makin' good food. That is such a key you'd think I'd just automatically do it... Anyway, better week in mood and movement and food. Woo hoo!

Argh!

2011-04-23T10:07:00.000-07:00

Okay, it's time to stop moping! I'm so milking this mild depression thing and not getting anything done. Lame! Well, my diet has been fine but still not on the exercise train. And didn't I mention how exercise helps? Geesh, you'd think I'd listen to myself ;-) I did buy a local coupon for 5 aerobic classes and I actually went and registered so that I can start Monday morning. So that's something! Hopefully getting my butt out of bed early and gettin' some movement in my day will remind me that I like not being depressed and lazy. And hopefully that made sense...

Slightly better?

2011-04-16T09:39:00.000-07:00

I'd like to say I'm cured! But I'm not. I'm also not doing any worse. Actually, I'd say I'm doing a bit better. The apathy is still there but it's not such a strong feeling. And the really annoying thing is exercise helps elevate mood but I'm so "eh" about it that I don't care at the moment. See, annoying. But I'm trying and for now, that's good enough. This coming week I will try harder and keep on taking my herbs and shifting this "whatever" crud out because it is so not fun being "eh" about everything...

Reminiscing

2011-04-09T08:52:00.000-07:00

I think I need to go back through my blog and get some motivation. And maybe some new found old clarity (if that makes sense). I was poking through my entries from this time last year and the year before to see if I wrote anything about my mood but I couldn't find much. However, it has made me want to look back at my words and re-learn from them. There is a lot I have forgotten. And I've been in such a funk for the last month or so (I remember feeling this way last year) that I was hoping for some insight... I think I just need to admit I'm in a slight depression and get the heck over it. Why do I think that? I'm having trouble getting out of bed, I want to sleep all the time, I don't care if I exercise or eat right, I'm just feeling very apathetic about everything. Yet I still laugh when I'm around friends or at work and I manage to bathe so I know I'm not really bad off! Just in a little funk. My acupuncturist is hooking me up with some herbs so I'm hoping that will shift stuff back so that I care and that I am motivated.

Speaking of caring, I do care about my parents and want to wish them Happy Anniversary!!! 50 years! That's so awesome! Love you both tons! XOXOXO

Feeling Better

2011-04-02T10:15:00.000-07:00

Last week was good. Much better than the week before. I was really mindful when I went grocery shopping and thought about my meals and what I needed to make them easy and healthy. Very proud of that. I also got my exercise in, proud there. I haven't added that extra day. Yet. Since I have been working out four days a week for a month now, I think it's time to officially add that fifth day. And thus, it has been spoken!

Blech

2011-03-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

I'm in the middle of an old struggle. Exercise goes well, diet doesn't. Diet goes well, not so much with the exercise. What is that all about?! So, which this week? Exercise went well. Got my 4 days and feel good about it. But my diet this week was atrocious! Lots of breads (what did I say last week?!) and cheese in the form of pizza. And lots of ice cream. Total emotional eating. I don't know if I'm hormonal or just feeling cruddy from allergies... the annoying thing is eating that way does not make me feel better. The cheese and bread exacerbate the congestion. So does the ice cream. I should totally be eating light soups and veggies and spicy stuff. And with that on my mind, that is how I will enter this coming week. Lighter fare, keep exercising. Thanks for letting me rant!

Going Well

2011-03-19T10:32:00.000-07:00

Ah, yes. Four days of exercise, done! Feels good. I'm going to keep the momentum going this coming week and go for another four. I might even add an extra day just for fun! We'll see. As for the diet, it was pretty good. I really want to work on reducing my processed carbs. I went grocery shopping and avoided bread and pasta so I figure that's a good start. Although, I just remembered I'm baking bagels tomorrow with a friend of mine... we've had it planned for a while. Well, at least I'll know what is going into the bagels and I have control over the size of bagels I make. A toasted bagel with peanut butter or an egg will be a good way to start the day and will keep me away from the donuts at work. Sounds like a plan!

Eh and yay!

2011-03-12T10:40:00.000-08:00

In light of current world events (Japan earthquake, Wisconsin insanity!), I'm finding myself a little down this morning. But I don't want to knock my goals from last week so I'm going to toot my own horn before I get back to being sad and angry and shocked and frustrated (don't worry, it will be interspersed with laughter and joy and silliness). I got my exercise in! That's the biggest thing. I didn't pick from the box o' exercises but chose to get back on my Total Gym and get some good old fashioned weight/cardio stuff happenin' and I feel really good. Good about it and just good from doing it. My muscles are thanking me. Now, my diet could have been better (somehow pizza kept showing up!) but all in all it was a very good week and I'm looking forward to this coming week and meeting my goals again (4 days, good food)!

Let's try this again...

2011-03-05T10:04:00.001-08:00

So apparently I need to come up with a new idea. Merely saying "my goal" is currently not working for me... and as I typed that I remembered the box with the DVD exercise list! Pick a workout for the day, do that. Genius! I'm glad I remembered that. And I still have the little sticky notes with the exercises listed so I don't even have to set anything up. Well, good. That's that.

Oh, if you can't tell, last week wasn't so good on the workout front. Yeah. So... I'm calling for a do over!

Goal = 4 days of exercise and good food choices

I'm not 20 anymore...

2011-02-26T12:30:00.000-08:00

And I'm moving at 1/4 speed today. Celebrated my birthday with lovely friends, lovely food and a little too much lovely wine. So it will be a quick check in. Diet was okay, weight steady, exercised 3 days and will hopefully make that 4 when I get home from work tonight as that was my goal. Is my goal! Is. So I will do some exercise tonight to make it complete and set the same goal for next week. 4 days of exercise and good food choices!

Huh?

2011-02-19T09:08:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know I've said this before but where did my week go?! I feel like I blinked and Saturday was here again... And I honestly cannot tell you what I did last week. Other than work. I know I did stuff. Saw friends, threw pottery, cleaned. None of that stuff included exercise, though. That much I do know. Other than my Sunday walk... *sigh* I guess I need to actually say "my goal this week is" and fill in the blank in order to actually remember I have a goal. I know, sounds crazy... So, my goal this week is 4 days of exercise. Yeah, I said it! Four!

Not bad...

2011-02-12T10:09:00.000-08:00

Okay, so things are leveling out. Got to 238, very exciting. Cooking seems to be the key for me as I tend to eat way better when I have food ready to take to work or heat up for dinner. Still working on the time issue, as in finding it. Well, on actually using it wisely. Exercise was okay. I found out that Bikram Yoga is soooo not for me. Doing fast yoga moves in a 105 degree room! I'm still sweating. But I tried and now I know. I think I'll work out in normal temperatures from now on.

Wow!

2011-02-05T10:30:00.000-08:00

So I'm back down to 239. Only one pound over where I was before the holidays and before trying to eat like a 22 year old. I gained about 12 pounds during that time and am glad to un-gain them. So I will continue to eat good, healthy food in normal portion sizes (so easy to say!). And I will continue to search for a way to make exercise a normal part of my life. So far, that has eluded me... I can blame a busy schedule ('cause that's what I'm totally doing in my head) but the reality is there is always time. Even if I have to break it up into 15 minute bouts, I can find at least 30 - 45 minutes a day to exercise. That is my quest this week. Finding a way to make it work for me so that it is sustainable.

Fuzzy...

2011-01-29T11:15:00.000-08:00

I was up really late... lots of wine... ugh. Actually, I'm not that bad off. Just a little slower than normal. I'm moving at about 1/2 speed. So my report will be brief as I still need to get ready for work. Eep! Diet okay. I lost another pound. Woo Hoo! Holiday weight, take that! Exercise could have been better. I still need to exercise today (and will after work). What I realized is that even with all the gadgets and gizmo's I love to use, I still need to balance my time and make exercise part of my regular routine. Thhhpppttt.

Goals met!

2011-01-22T09:26:00.000-08:00

Last week went well for gettin' back on track. I actually exercised 4 days so I even beat my goal. See, I splurged on something. I got a holiday bonus from one of my jobs, went back and forth in my head with what to do with it and chose to get myself something fun. An Xbox with Kinect. Yes, totally frivolous but totally worth it. When you use the Kinect option, it's a very active gaming system (like Wii on steroids). You are the controller so there are almost unlimited movements you can do, very good for cardio and you don't even realize you've been working out until you notice you're a little tired and sweaty. My nephew bought a dance game and we danced for 2 hours. And it was hard work! My legs were sore the next day. And my bottom. It's fun and doesn't seem like exercise and changes with each level (instead of being the same workout dvd over and over). Sounds like this might be what I've been looking for to get my work out on. And with that and me reining in my eating habits, I dropped a couple of my gained pounds. Having fun. Go figure!

New Year, New Look

2011-01-15T09:45:00.001-08:00

At least for the blog, that is. And me! I'm taking this as an opportunity to start over. I've been running in circles, doing a whole lot of nothing. I shouldn't even say running! I've been sitting. So I have a plan! I love plans... I'm going to exercise and eat right. Hey, I didn't say it was a new plan. Just a plan. And a well needed reminder. I seemed to do well setting goals so that's what I'm going to do. This week, 3 days of exercise (ease back in) and a well balanced diet with lots of veggies!

Todays post...

2010-12-18T10:32:00.000-08:00

Brought to you in binary -

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Whew?

2010-12-11T10:50:00.000-08:00

After being a bit more diligent about my diet, I dropped a couple of pounds. Whew! I realized I'm not a 22 year old, 6'2" man and cannot eat like one. Sure my nephew can have two servings of dinner and eat through the night. I so can't do that. And I know it. I just didn't know I was doing it. That dang mindlessness! So, I'm back to tracking my food intake and reminding myself of portion size. I know I feel better when I do so it should be easy! Oh, exercise? Yeah... still working on that. Ugh!

Danger, Danger!

2010-12-04T09:37:00.000-08:00

Oy! I got on the scale after a couple of weeks of not paying attention and have gained a few pounds... It happened too easily as I wasn't even aware of it. I think I've been eating more carbs (pasta, bread, bagels) with the nephew around than I normally would. At least, that's what I'm going to blame it on. So now I need to reduce those and be more mindful of my meals. And the exercise. Well. That saga continues...

Holiday feast, done

2010-11-27T10:04:00.000-08:00

I'm getting ready to go on a walk (working tomorrow instead of today) and that means I will get three days of exercise in this week! Woo hoo! It's a start. And on a week with snow and a holiday. Not too shabby. I think I did okay not overindulging, too. I indulged and totally enjoyed myself but I was never miserably full. Now on to a new week. I still need to figure out the exercise thing. More about where and when. I want to use my videos and my Total Gym but it's hard with my nephew staying in my living room. I'm possibly going to rearrange my bedroom or I'm going to have to change my thoughts on exercise and just start walking all the time...

Still figuring...

2010-11-20T11:09:00.000-08:00

So, the good stuff first. Still eating well. Really well, actually. I don't think I stopped at the store once to get something on the go. I've been cooking and eating the leftovers. Very good stuff. And I'm not wasting my produce! That's huge. Still not so good on the exercise. I did get my walk in on Sunday so that was good. The rest of the week was full of activities and work... I'll figure it out, I know. I'm just trying to not drive myself crazy about it. It's great having my nephew here and we're having fun crocheting (I taught him a week ago and he's done two scarves and two hats already!) so at least I'm doing things that don't involve overeating!

Cooking more...

2010-11-13T10:39:00.000-08:00

Having my nephew in town has helped my diet! I'm actually cooking a lot more and actually using the vegetables I buy. Go figure. It hasn't been good for my exercise though. That's just an excuse. I'm sure I could plop down on the floor and bust out some pilates and he could care less. Instead, I crochet and chat with him. And watch TV. It's lovely but now I need to figure out how and when to get my workouts in. I know, I know. I just need to do it. Ugh!

Um, so, yeah...

2010-11-06T09:26:00.000-07:00

I started this blog to keep me accountable and to monitor my habits around diet and exercise. Lately, the accountability is there (sort of) but not the diet and exercise. Well, the diet is actually good. The exercise... I keep finding excuses (although I did get a day in last week). This week, my nephew is in town. I've been enjoying his company and driving him around the city. Okay, so he didn't get here until Thursday and I have no idea what I did Monday through Wednesday but I can tell you I didn't exercise... So I tell myself, "self, make a plan and stick to it". I hope that works :)

Thwarted. Thwaaaaarrrrteeeed!

2010-10-30T09:14:00.000-07:00

So, in case you couldn't guess, my goals were thwarted by an evil sinus infection/headache thingy. Whatever it was, it zapped my energy and made my head POUND, even with ibuprofen. I've heard rumbles of other people with this same ailment. For some it turned into a full blown cold. I'm hoping to avoid that with lots of sleep, teas and some Chinese herbs. And I am better today than I was yesterday and the day before so that's good. I'm hoping to be 100% soon so I can get my exercise on this week.

Oh! And don't forget to VOTE!

Reboot

2010-10-23T10:27:00.000-07:00

Okay, so last week's plan for exercise so did not work... I got a couple of days in but there was one where I wasn't really present while exercising. I did feel some muscle burnin' though so it wasn't that bad. I realize I need to have my tools in place. Like my calendar on the wall where I can mark off days. I haven't updated it since August. Doh! Luckily it's a chalk board and easy to clean. I'll get the next two months up and start over with a clean slate. Ah ha ha ha! See what I did there? Clean slate, chalk board? Okay, so it wasn't that funny but it amused me. Getting tools in place in 3...2... 1!

Quick update

2010-10-16T10:10:00.001-07:00

My show went really well. People really liked the pottery so I'll have to start working on more. I'll get pictures up soon. I've just been in hibernatin' mode this week, regaining my strength.

Speaking of strength, I did manage one day of exercise last week. My goal this coming week will be 3 days. Gotta start easy, it's been a while. I'm looking forward to it, actually. Stretching, moving, sweating. It'll be good! And my weight has been steady. I'm diggin' 238. Next stop, 237. Onward and upward, as Mom says!

Getting closer

2010-10-02T11:44:00.000-07:00

Since I'm immersed in my art show, my update will be about that. I haven't even thought about exercise or diet. Although my weight is holding steady so I'm not complaining. I'm getting closer to being ready for my show but like the last two years, it'll be down to the wire. I'm really excited to be including some pottery this year and will post pictures once everything is up in the store. Now, off to regular work!

Work, work, work

2010-09-25T10:35:00.001-07:00

So another week has passed. Another week with no exercise. But I've come to terms with that. For now. My focus is on getting things done for my show which is in two weeks. After that, I can focus on exercise. Right now, I just can't. Too much to do! And I'm trying not to stress myself out about it all so stressing about exercise is not an option. On another note, I'm down to 238! Woo-hoo! See, not having time for exercise has made me pay more attention to what I'm eating so I don't get out of control and live on ice cream and donuts. So, all in all, good week!

So...

2010-09-18T10:47:00.000-07:00

Can I just say refer to my last post? It's almost going to be the same today. Well, except I didn't teach or babysit last week. But I feel like I blinked and now it's Saturday. I did manage to get my walk in last week but that was all for exercise . Food has been okay. A bit sporadic. I did have one day of donuts. I think I managed some veggies later, though. Two weeks of little exercise and okay diet, I'm feeling good about staying at 239 so I'm not going to complain. I am, however, going to work on finding the time to exercise. Even though I have my art show and it is taking up a lot of my spare time, I should be able to get some workout in. That is what I will focus on this coming week. Honest. I totally will. Really.

Time flies

2010-09-11T11:12:00.000-07:00

I had one of those weeks that was super full and flew by. I just realized this morning that I didn't get any exercise in. Well, I did a lot of running around and playing with kids so there was movement. But not any standard stuff. Still, I feel pretty good. I got a lot of work done for my upcoming show and I taught an aromatherapy class (which I haven't done in about 6 or 7 years). Oh! And my weight is holding steady at 239. All in all, I feel good about last week. I'm going to continue with making good food choices and will try to get at least three days of exercise this coming week. In reality, most of my spare time will be spent working on my show but I'll find some way of getting the workouts in (he he, workouts in, cracks me up for some reason)...

Finally!

2010-09-04T11:21:00.000-07:00

Running late so a quick update today. Good update, actually. I can't think how long it has been but I'm now down to 239! Woo-hoo! Finally under 240. Good times, good times. So, as you can guess, last week was much better than the week before. I'm feeling much more focused and motivated, so that helps. Now on to this week and more success!

And here we are again

2010-08-28T10:15:00.000-07:00

First off, good week food wise. That's going okay. Although I think I'm going to take grains back out of my diet and see how my skin does (psoriasis is a bit inflamed). As for the exercise... not so good. In fact, not so much. Exercise, that is. I had my walk on Sunday and didn't do anything the rest of the week. I could list my excuses (work, babysitting, art class, working on stuff for my upcoming art show) but they're just excuses and I know it. Even when I'm doing it, I know that I'm doing it. Odd. I'm not sure what to do about it, when I'm in the moment of realizing I'm not exercising but I'm doing something else so that's okay. Maybe a schedule? Or I can't work on my art show stuff until I've worked out? I dunno. But this coming week I will find out!

Pilates, good

2010-08-21T10:02:00.001-07:00

Ah, I love pilates. I've been doing it for the past two weeks and have lost several inches all over (except my calves, I can't seem to ever shrink those). About 10 total. Not too shabby. I decided to go back to pilates to work on my ab strength. There are so many exercises that require a strong core, especially in the Insanity program, so I'm going to spend some time working on mine. That with my chia seeds and 80% of the time good diet (hopefully that made sense), I think I'm doing pretty well. On to another week!

Whew!

2010-08-14T08:48:00.000-07:00

This past week was much better. I got 5 days of exercise in. Well, I will when I work out tonight after work. I'm going in early today so I'll have plenty of time to exercise later. That with a pretty darn decent diet, I'm feelin' good. Now to just carry that on to this week. And I will. Goal, exercise 5 days, eat well. Not so hard ;-)

Danger, Danger (insert robot here)

2010-08-07T09:50:00.001-07:00

I know, weird title. That's what I see in my head, though. I exercised 1 day last week and my body was so sore I groaned when I moved. Not. A. Good. Sign. I was trying to figure out why it was so hard then I realized I had been working out 5 days a week for several months before starting Insanity. My body was already getting stronger. It's amazing how quickly that can go away... so now I'm trying to decide if I should go back to the exercise box (picking a new one every day) or if I should stay on the Insanity train... ugh! Either way, I need (an want) to get back into an exercise routine. Especially now since it seems like a such a struggle. Hopefully that made sense.

Something new

2010-07-31T08:59:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'll get this out of the way first. I did not exercise once last week. Not once! I got back late Sunday night from Comic-con and have spent the rest of the week in recovery mode. My body was so kinked up from standing in lines and sitting in fold out chairs... ugh! I've been sleeping and stretching and working since then. I started feeling more myself yesterday so I'm very hopeful for this coming week. In regards to exercise, that is.

My diet has been better than usual. I've lost a few pounds since my last post so that is promising. I think that taking chia seeds has been helping a lot. Since I've been adding the seeds to my water, I notice I don't eat as much and I don't get the munchies in between meals. Why am I taking chia, you ask? They're really high in protein, omega 3's, fiber and they're full of antioxidants. I took them with me to Comic-con to add to my water (there is a lot of waiting at the -con so snacks and water are a necessity). They also help you stay hydrated longer because they absorb and hold water in a gel state. Pretty neat stuff. I've been adding about a tablespoon to my water bottle (40oz size) and drinking it throughout the day. I think they're a nice supplement to my diet. Not a meal replacer, but an aid. I'm diggin it. And regardless of the weight loss, I'm getting my omegas!

Some changes

2010-07-17T09:07:00.000-07:00

So I've decided to start over with month 1. The 2nd set was just too advanced. So my plan is to start on the 26th as I have lots going on this coming week and am giving myself a little break. Not in my diet, though! That's a little better. I actually lost a couple of pounds. That along with the inches, I'm feeling pretty good. I also found this site, SparkPeople,that seems pretty promising. Kind of like E-diets but free. It was a little confusing to set up at first but now that I have, I can get a diet plan for me along with recipes and such. I haven't done much with it yet but I'm liking it as another avenue of help for me on this journey.

Month 2?

2010-07-10T10:29:00.000-07:00

I thought month 1 was hard. Month 2 is beyond insane! I may actually start over with month 1 so I can get stronger. I had to skip a lot of the exercises, particularly those that rely on abdominal strength. I'm just not there yet. Yet! I am getting stronger. I also dropped a few extra inches overall so I can't complain. I figure I'll get through the rest of this week before I make my decision about starting over. As for my diet, it's a work in progress. I suppose the key word is progress! I'm working on it ;-)

Week 5, Recovery Week

2010-07-03T12:45:00.001-07:00

Running a bit behind today so I'm updating from work. I'm almost done with my recovery week. I wouldn't say the exercises are less intense but there is a little more rest time between them. Next week I start a whole new series of discs. Should be fun. I'm still working on the food thing... always working on the food thing. Argh! Ugh! Thhpttt! Okay, I'll stop now. And stay on track. Keep on keepin' on, as Mom says. Thanks for checking in!

Week 4, almost done

2010-06-26T11:35:00.000-07:00

I still need to do today's exercise. I'm saving it for after work. I just really wanted to sleep in. And I didn't want to be all hot and sweaty and have to rush and shower and stuff. So, I'm saving it. Still enjoying the exercising. I'm able to do more of the moves now so that's a huge victory for me. Next week is a recovery week (I'm sure the exercises will still be quite intense)and then month 2 is a whole new set of DVD's. Should be fun! As for my diet, I think I need to start keeping a journal again. To keep me honest. I've slunk back into eating a lot of processed carbs and I can feel it in my body. I just feel heavy. Even with all of the exercise. So this week I will work on a game plan for healthy, convenient, non-processed foods that I can make with minimal effort and cost. Along with doing my workout, of course!

Week 3, check!

2010-06-19T10:04:00.000-07:00

Almost,actually. I still need to do today's workout but I'm going to work early so it will have to wait. But that's okay because I know I'll do it. I had a really long day on Wednesday and got home at 10:30p and still worked out. Actually slept pretty good once it was all over. So I'm still enjoying the "Insanity". And even though I haven't lost any weight (actually gained a couple of pounds) I know I'm getting healthier and stronger because I'm able to do a lot of exercised I couldn't do at the beginning of the program so I'm feeling really good about that. On to week 4!

Week 2, down!

2010-06-12T10:27:00.000-07:00

Okay, almost. I'm saving my workout for after work today. I have too many errands to run this morning. And that's okay. I know I'll do it. I'm still enjoying the program although this week has been a little harder.

I haven't lost a speck of weight but I did measure myself and am down a few inches from my abs, bottom and even 1/2 an inch off each thigh. Not too shabby for a couple of weeks! I'm looking forward to the next one and keeping up my motivation. The inch loss definitely helps. And so does all of our encouragement. Thanks a ton!

Insane!

2010-06-05T10:11:00.000-07:00

Oh. Holy. Hell. They call it Insanity for a reason. It is down right crazy. And I'm loving every second of it. I got my 1st week out of the way and since it's a 6 day a week program, I exercised every day last week (including my walk). Like I said, crazy.

Now I need to get back to eating better. I had a couple of defiant donut days... In general, I'm doing good, though. I don't want to repeat old habits of exercising but eating poorly or eating well and not exercising. I know the key is to do both. The eating well and exercising, that is. The others are not options. So, I'm on to week two of the 2 month Insanity program. And better food choices!

Skakin' things up

2010-05-29T10:41:00.000-07:00

This past week was okay. Still no weight loss but I feel my diet has been better lately. I've also been doing more weight bearing exercises on my Tgym and I did a lot of Pilates this past week. I actually feel it in my lower abs today. Feels good even thought it hurts a bit.

So I've been doing well with the 5 days a week, choosing from my videos or using my Tgym. But now I'm feeling the need to shake things up and try something new. It starts Monday. I'm a little nervous but also excited. It's going to be a series of workouts called Insanity (I know, how could you not be nervous!) based more on calisthenics and cardio stuff. A little more old school with push ups, jumping jacks, cardio drills. But I get the feeling this ain't gonna be no high school gym class so I'm going to prepare myself over the next couple of days. I'll let you know all about it next week. Until then, thanks for checking in and thanks for your support through this very long and windy process.

I'm Back!

2010-05-22T09:49:00.001-07:00

Last weekend I went to Long Beach with friends so I missed my update. True, I could have done it when I got back but instead I slept for 14 hours. Swimming and too much sun tends to make me very tired. I do love swimming,though, and got a lot of laps in the pool in. The ocean water was way too cold and choppy to swim in. I did take a nice hour walk along the beach, as well, so I got in plenty of exercise in the midst of all the fun.

Speaking of exercise, I will have my five days in by tonight. I'm working early today so I'm saving my work out until I get home. Decided to sleep in a bit. So that's been good. As for diet, I've been on a bit of a bread binge. I'm going to blame hormones. Yesterday I think I only ate croissants and cookies. Today there will be no processed carbs. Which reminds me I need to stop by the store for some grub before work.

"Eh"

2010-05-08T10:54:00.000-07:00

I made it all week without any gluten. Goal 1 met. I got my 5 days of exercise in. Goal 2 met. Mentally, I feel good about that. Emotionally, I'm a little "eh". My weight is fluctuating between 241-243. All in a week. I really should just weigh myself 1 day a week (when I update my blog) and leave it at that.

Anyway, I feel good that I met my goals. I would like my weight to start going down again. There. That's the gist of my post today. Now I won't let my "eh-ness" get in the way of the good stuff I did. This week, 5 days of exercise and down to 240.

One goal, one not-so goal

2010-05-01T10:12:00.000-07:00

Whew! That was a hard week of exercise. I can't believe how easy it was to fall out of pattern and how hard it has been to get back in to it. But I got my 5 days of exercise in and am feeling good. I'm also back down to 241. My diet was okay but I didn't meet my goal of no gluten. I was at my friend's house for pottery throwing night and her family had me over for dinner. Pizza. I thought a couple of slices wouldn't hurt. And they didn't. But they didn't feel good, either. I felt a little groggy and bloated in the morning and it was hard to get out of bed. So noted. This week, 5 days of exercise, no gluten!

Back on Track

2010-04-24T09:53:00.000-07:00

First off, I met my goal of 3 days of exercise. Felt good. I could have done more but I was feeling lazy. Because of that, I'm setting my goal to 5 days so I can get back on track. I also gained a bit of weight but am not surprised as I spent a lot of this last week eating gluten filled foods. Mostly in the form of bread. That needs to stop for a couple of reasons. One, I gained weight. Two, I noticed my psoriasis flaring up. Three, it's becoming to easy to fall into old eating patterns, even after 7 months of change. So, second goal this week is no gluten. Back on track!

On a side note, here's a shout out to my Mom who walk in the Texas Roundup. I think this is her 4th year. I forget. Anyway, she's awesome!

Still on the Mend

2010-04-17T10:11:00.000-07:00

This last week didn't go as well as I would have liked. I got two days of exercise in and my weight is steady. Not bad, I know. But I was really hoping to get my work outs in. I really do miss exercising. And that's huge in and of itself. I know I'll be able to get back to it. Soon. I'm feeling the last of the cold leaving and my coughing fits are less and less. And I'm sleeping better because of it. So all in all, I'm on the mend. I think to be gentle with myself my goal this week will be three days of exercise. I can do that and not overextend myself. And I can always add a day or two if I'm feeling spry!

Interference

2010-04-10T09:09:00.001-07:00

This week I was side tracked by a cold. An evil, nasty cold. Sore throat, low fever (gone), inner ear infection that makes me dizzy when I lay down/get up and now I have a nasty cough and have lost my voice. So. Not. Fun. And it completely interfered with my exercise. I went on my walk Sunday but that is all I did last week. When I get overheated, I get a coughing fit. Not really conducive to working out. However, I did lose a pound so I met my goal for last week. Now to kick this cold thing so I can get back to exercising. I actually kind of miss it.

4 Months!

2010-04-03T09:45:00.000-07:00

This morning I realize that I'm starting my 17th week of exercise. In a row! This is monumental. Four months of consistent exercise. By me! Me! And I've gotten used to it. Like it's part of my daily (most) routine. Feelin' really good about that. So, yes, I got my 5 days in. I didn't lose any weight but I increased my weight lifting exercises so I'm going to tell myself I gained muscle and there ain't nothing wrong with that. Muscle eats fat. Or so they say. All in all, I'm feeling pretty okay. Thanks for checking in and for your constant support. Goal for this week, lose a pound.

Ah, the sweet smell of success...

2010-03-27T10:57:00.001-07:00

Pound, down! Exercise, done! Diet, eh, pretty good. I had a couple of days earlier in the week where I went a little gluten crazy. I think if I did it one day instead of two, I would have lost a little more weight. But I'm okay with that. I just notice I hold onto the pounds when I get processed carb happy. And, I get more tired (luckily my psoriasis isn't freaking out). So, I guess I just needed to keep running into that wall in order to realize I need to go around it. Or something insightful like that. Anyway, I feel good this morning having my exercise done for the day and sittin' pretty at 242. Thanks for checking in and for our support. It keeps me honest. Next week, 241!

Another Week Down

2010-03-20T11:06:00.000-07:00

5 days of exercise, done! This week was hard because I didn't schedule myself well but I got it in so I'm proud of that. I've thrown in some new videos from Netflix instant queue to add a little variety. And I'm doing more weight bearing, too. It's feeling good. I'm feeling good. The diet is going okay. I'm still at 243. I tried adding some wheat and dairy back into my diet but I think I went overboard. I notice when I do that I feel heavier and more tired. I don't think I have to keep them out all the time but I feel that I can only add them in once a week. And that's okay. I'm becoming more comfortable with my diet consisting of good proteins and veggies and fruit. Luckily I can do corn and potatoes for my carb cravings. With that, I'm ready for another week. My goal is to lose a pound. Pretty good goal, I think.

Same o', same o'

2010-03-13T09:41:00.000-08:00

My updates are feeling kind of boring. Not in a bad way. But "I did my five days of exercise and diet is good" is... well, it's good. I should not negate that by wanting to say something else. Actually, I haven't done my 5th day of exercise yet. I'm working early today and saving it for after work. But I will do that and it does feel good to know that I will actually work out and not just say that I will. So, now I'm feeling better about my weekly pattern being a pattern. It's a good pattern, after all.

This is Going to be Quick

2010-03-06T11:36:00.001-08:00

Running late for work. Totally lost track of time. But! I did get my exercise in. Just finished about 10 minutes ago, actually. Aside from allergies, I'm feeling pretty good. My weight is steady this week, at 243. That's okay. A part of me thought I'd gain a couple of pounds what with all the birthday dinners and lunches. All in all, good things happening. Now, off to work!

A New Year Begins

2010-02-27T10:58:00.000-08:00

This past week I celebrated my 40th birthday. I know, I can't believe it either! I feel like I've only been around for about 20 or so years... not saying that I want to be in my 20's, but time just seems so short. Anyway, it was a lovely week filled with good food, good booze and great friends. There were also fire eaters, trapezists, and some sparkly bits flying about. I do not jest (no, not from me; on a stage). And! Through all of the festivities, I did my 5 days of exercise (this makes three months of regular exercise, woo hoo!) and I lost a pound. Down to 243. Pretty darn good. Looking forward to continuing on with the exercise and good eating this week. Even if there isn't any fire eating...

And I'm Back On

2010-02-20T09:59:00.000-08:00

Just finished my 5th day of exercise for the week. Woo-hoo! And, to my surprise, I lost a pound! At 244 now. Why am I surprised? I had a little eating fit last week. One night, I had a bag of potato chips for dinner. I am so not kidding... and I splurged on a BBQ dinner of ribs, potato salad and cornbread. Surrounding those, though, I ate well and exercised so it all worked out. Oh, I even dusted off my Total Gym. Gotta get in some weight bearing exercise with all the cardio. I forgot how much I like to use that. So, on to next week!

Still a good week...

2010-02-13T10:57:00.000-08:00

So, I had a little run in with some food poisoning. Not fun. I slept for about 14 hours after... and I'm also fighting a cold (I'm sooo winning) and I haven't been 100%. In light of that, I still worked out 4 days and am really proud of that! I babysat last night and after the kids were asleep I did a 30 minute pilates set with push-ups and crunches. I know, I shocked myself. But I wanted to get at least 4 days in. With that and not getting to sleep until after 2am, I let myself sleep in this morning and am giving myself the day off. At least from exercise. Oh, and I'm down two more pounds. Sittin' pretty at 245. So, a little illness didn't get me down. Not for long. I'm staying on track and ready to tackle next week!

Another week down

2010-02-06T11:11:00.000-08:00

Week nine. Done! I'm starting to get the hang of this exercising thing. And it's not so bad. Yes, I said it. I also lost 2 pounds. 2! And I'm not starving or anything. Actually, I'm not even really dieting. Having to stay away from gluten and rice, I'm just cooking more and eating real food. Staying away from the packaged and pre-made stuff is making quite the difference. It has almost become 2nd nature. Leave it to a bad case of psoriasis to help me finally make the changes I needed to make. Itchy, itchy skin and a bit of vanity. Who knew!

Made it through

2010-01-30T10:41:00.001-08:00

Oy, this week was a little hard. I was not motivated at all. And I was feeling like I might be coming down with a cold. Had a light cough and a tickle in my throat. I think I've staved it off, though, and I just finished my 5th day of exercise and am feeling ready to take on my day. Well, after I shower. So that makes eight weeks in a row. Feeling pretty proud of myself with that. And I lost another pound so I'm down to 249. Slow and steady, as Mom says. This race is so gonna be won!

Okay, this is getting freaky...

2010-01-23T10:36:00.001-08:00

Seven, yes seven! Seven weeks. In a row. This has got to be a first for me. Still doing 5 days a week, too. I'm starting to notice some differences in my body. I know the measurements showed change but I didn't really see it, if that makes sense. Now I'm noticing my calves looking a bit more shapely and my waist a little more, well, little. So, I suppose they were right. Exercise is good for you. And it works if you do it consistently. Go figure. My diet has been really good, too. And I'm down to 250! I think, finally, the course I'm on is going to be what works for me. Consistent exercise and good food (real food). I know that I lost a lot of weight on NutriSystem but it all came back. Easily. A little too easily. Now that I have to work more on watching what I eat, I've changed how I grocery shop and how I eat throughout the day. Seems to be working for me so I will continue on. Thanks for continuing with on my journey. See you at week 8 (and 9 and 10 and on an on)!

What's that I hear?

2010-01-16T10:24:00.000-08:00

Six weeks? In a row?! Yep, my exercise has been consistent. For the first time. Ever! I'm staying with the 5 days a week and have been really good about getting it in. And last week was a bear. I woke up early on a couple of days to get my time in. So I'm very proud of myself about that. And my diet is just so much better now that I can't really grab the easy stuff. Most prepackaged or prepared food have some form of gluten or rice in them so I have to plan my meals ahead which means I'm cooking more and making really good stuff. My weight is down (finally!) to 253. First time under 255 in months (I did manage to get back up to 260 during the holidays, too) so I'm feeling good about seeing that number go down. That plus the inches lost, not too shabby. Onward I go!

Where'd the time go?

2010-01-09T13:44:00.000-08:00

Crazy morning. Busy, yet not. At work so this'll be quick. Week 5 is done! Five, five, five weeks in a row! Pretty darn happy. Lost 4 inches off of my abs since the end of November and an inch off of my thighs (that's when I last measured myself). Diet is going well. I hardly miss the bready stuff. Hardly... I'm gonna keep on goin' and see where I get. Me healthy, that's for sure!

Phase Four, Complete

2010-01-02T10:36:00.000-08:00

Five days a week. Four weeks. In a row. Of exercise! This is monumental! For me, anyway. Am I feeling better, stronger, different? No, not really. Well, I do feel better after I exercise. And I know if I don't do it, I'll feel crappier and crappier. And I'll get weaker and weaker. I think, right now, I just feel proud of myself. It's a mental difference. Yeah, that's it. I set out a plan and followed it. And will continue to follow it. Oh, and with my dietary changes I made because of skin stuff, my eating has been really, really healthy. And not in a boring way. Not using breads/pastas/rice has definitely been an interesting processes but I'm actually surprised how easy it has been to give 'em up. I haven't ventured into non-gluteny grains yet but will get there. And I still don't know if it will have to be a permanent change to my diet. I'll talk to my doctor next week. In the meantime, I'll continue with my veggies and proteins and fruits. And my exercise!

Phase Three, Complete

2009-12-26T08:45:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a good holiday. Mine was lovely. And, yes, I did my exercise. I got my 5 days in this past week. It feels good to have three weeks of consistent exercise under my belt. Now, on to my fourth! Oh, my diet was pretty good. I did indulge in a bit of holiday goodies but didn't go overboard. Now I'm looking at a bit of a diet overhaul. It seems that grains of all kinds are irritating my psoriasis and making me itchy. I'm going to work on cutting out non-vegetable related starches from my diet and see if that helps. Couldn't hurt, that's for sure. A diet focused on veggies, fruits and good proteins. Isn't that what I've been working towards? Hmmm...

Phase Two, Complete (almost)

2009-12-19T10:45:00.000-08:00

So week two of my exercise plan has gone well. I will finish the week out tonight after work. I opened today so I didn't have time before work. All in all, I'm diggin' the exercise routine I got goin'. My diet has been okay. Nothing notable. Except that I need to get more veggies. There, noted! On to Phase Three!

Phase One, Complete

2009-12-12T10:24:00.000-08:00

I did my 5 days of exercise this week! Right now, I feel sweaty and hot (just finished a few minutes ago) but I'm sure after I catch my breath and bathe, I'll feel really good about getting out of bed and exercising before work. Phase two looks a lot like phase one. It's just doing it again. Phase three will be the real test... three weeks in a row! That will be an accomplishment for me. I have (had! had!) a tendency to falter after two weeks of diet and/or exercise. Speaking of diet, mine was good. Nothing is standing out, now that I'm thinking about it. I didn't stuff myself or anything. Even on After-Turkey Day. I definitely ate but not like I would have in the past. So, all is all, I'm feeling really good at the moment. And I know that feeling will last because I accomplished my goal and that goal was to exercise and exercise makes you feel better. Hows that for a string of words!

Exercise Bound

2009-12-05T09:12:00.000-08:00

First thing, I like my new shoes. I still need to break them in a bit. Got a blister last week on my Sunday walk. But other than that, I like 'em. I'll see how I do tomorrow. Second thing, I have a new exercise plan. And I think it's pretty brilliant. See, I keep looking for the "thing" that will get me on track. The right plan, the right DVD. Whatever. Something. I was looking online at some new exercise programs when I finally admitted to myself that I have enough exercise DVD's and a new set is not going to matter. Not if I don't use them. So I grabbed all of my workout discs (about 20) and got busy. Keep in mind that most discs have 2 or 3 workouts on them. I went through and chose all of the ones 30 minutes or longer then wrote a workout down on a small post-it note. I used the back so when I folded the paper, the sticky side sealed the note. This way, I can't see what I wrote. I put them in a box (26 total), mix them up and then I can pull out a random exercise. The deal is, I do what is on the paper. This way I don't sit around trying to figure out what exercise I want to do which leads to me sitting around which leads to me sitting around longer which leads to hours passing by which leads me to bed time with no exercise for the day. Okay, I think I made my point. I started this Wednesday which gave me three workouts for this week. I'm not sure of my schedule but I know I'm going to take Fridays off because it's the longest work day for me. At this particular moment, I'm thinking 5 days a week will be good. To exercise. I have my Sunday walk and then my box o' workouts for 4 other days. I'm excited. I have a plan. And it makes sense. And it's easy. And it didn't cost me anything. How great is that!

Total Scale Avoidance

2009-11-28T10:22:00.000-08:00

Ah, the holidays. Had a great Thanksgiving with friends. Ate. A lot. I think I'm still a little full. But I enjoyed myself and made sure to eat extra veggies. I'm still a'strugglin' with exercise. I argue with myself way to much to just do it and be done with it. Twenty minutes later, I'm still arguing. A few hours later, still. And on it goes. I finally got fed up Wednesday night and did a good half our work out using my aerobic step thingy. Lots of leg work. Speaking of legs, I bought some new walking shoes. I splurged on MBT's. They're supposed to help work your leg muscles more and improve your posture. The heel curves up and is squishy so when you walk, it's like walking on sand. I have yet to wear them on a full out walk (just got 'em last week) but I've worn them to work and while running errands. Now that I'm used to walking in them, I find them really comfortable. Now if they could just make some more fashionable styles (yes, I have my vain moments). Anyway, I'm looking forward to going on a longer walk tomorrow to see how they do. Or how I do? Should be fun!

Grumble, mumble, humble

2009-11-21T10:31:00.000-08:00

Arrrghh. Grrrrr. Blech. Hm. Plllttthhppppt.

This last week, not so good. With diet. With exercise. With dishes. I find myself crabby this morning, having to write that. And I knew I would. Knowing that, you'd think I'd "just do it". Just exercise. Just clean. Just, just, just... Okay, I won't dwell. That's not going to help. I just needed to grumble a bit. What am I going to do next? Well, the calendar helps. It shows me how much I'm not exercising. I'm going to change it so I can see how much I am exercising (by exercising more than know, you see). The rest is easy. My diet wasn't actually too bad last week. But with a sink full of dishes, I didn't cook so much. So, next thing, do dishes! And stop being crabby. Ah, a work in progress...

Technical Difficulties

2009-11-14T12:47:00.001-08:00

My internet modem is on the fritz so I'm doing a quickie update from work. They said yesterday that I would get my new modem today (yay for warranties!) but I don't think the lady realized it was a weekend. I guess I'll find out when I get home. How did last week go? Not bad. I set up my calendar and it has been a nice visual reminder. With exercising tonight when I get home (I will, honest!), I'll have three days of exercise this week. And my diet has been good. I'm enjoying cooking and have been really good about putting left overs away for later. So, all in all, good week. And I'll carry that over to next week! Now, gotta get to work...

Um... so, yeah...

2009-11-07T09:33:00.000-08:00

Hmm. This whole 'one week good, one week not so good' thing is really starting to annoy me... I'm sure you've guessed this past week wasn't so good. It wasn't so bad! My diet was okay. I've been keeping my kitchen clean and I'm been cooking lots. I made these fantastic pumpkin muffins with almonds and coconut. Very tasty! And I had breakfast for the week. I've been keeping track of some of my foods in a list but I have yet to be consistent. Something to work on.

Speaking of... Without my Sunday walk, I would have zero days of exercise. I can be as annoyed as I want to be today but it doesn't change the past. I can analyze all I want... but it doesn't tone up m' muscles, doesn't burn fat. Why do I fight this?! Does it really matter why? I should just do it and stop annoying myself. I actually enjoy the exercise, usually after. Sometimes during. I think I'll set up a work out calendar. I have a chalkboard I can use and it will be a good visual reminder. Actually, I think I'll go set up my schedule right now!

Unfocused

2009-10-31T10:04:00.000-07:00

The coffee is finally chasing off the fog. I don't know why some mornings are harder than others... I'm actually excited for today. It's Halloween! I'm going to wear a lovely witch hat that has big black silk roses, feathers and tulle. Simple but fun. I've actually avoided most of the Halloween candy this year. I haven't even bought any (but did get a lovely box of goodies from my family!) this year. So that hasn't been a diet issue. I'm keeping up with dishes. And, I got three days of exercise in this week. Not too shabby. Now, to just keep it up every week! That's the key. Okay, instead of trying to write more when my brain isn't in the space to do so, I'm gonna sign off. Happy Halloween, ya'll! Have fun, be safe!