I was able to sleep an extra hour this morning and how did I feel … tired, draggie, out of sorts. No, not at all. Did the extra hour have anything to do with it? I don’t think so, as it was the same number of hours for the night, as I got to bed much later. Then why did I feel somewhat refreshed. Was it because it was the weekend and there was nothing I HAD to do or did healthier habits have anything to do with it? Maybe a little of both. I’ll wait and see what Monday morning brings.
Yesterday was a great day. I only work until noon on Fridays and I know that I can get through four hours and then I get a respite. I love the company I work for but because of the economy, my duties aren’t as demanding and I am bored most of the time. With boredom comes complacency. I need that dash of excitement, a challenge. This road to good health I’m currently on is certainly a challenge and I’ve got to do what I can to keep adding the excitement into the recipe. Since this is a somewhat new twist to an old activity, my energy is high because of the motivation I’m getting from the positive reinforcement of Stephanie’s blog and reading a great book, as well as my losses on the scale. The excitement is there moving me forward much like a cheerleader would do to motivate her team to keep going for the win. But, cheerleaders don’t do the same routine or yell the same cheer. When things don’t work you need to shake up a things a bit and I need to remember than when the time comes.
Anyway, as I mentioned there are always challenges and yesterday was no exception. Gary called me and suggested we go to Indiana Live because we would be able to have a free lunch buffet if we turned in a poll we took online. He had done quite well gambling on our vacation and I guess he still had the fever. I agreed to go there for lunch but the moment I agreed to it, I knew I had to keep reminding myself that I could eat a healthy lunch and not over-do it at a buffet. I was creating a plan in my mind and what I could do to fulfill my intention. My strategy was one slice of meat for protein and fill the rest of the plate with vegetables. I’m not a big veggie eater and I didn’t have to clean the plate … something I had practiced the week before. Well, I did it. There was more to lunch with your husband than the food. There’s the conversation, planning, sharing, and just simply being together. Gary and I had a short walk in the evening for more togetherness, an activity I am starting to enjoy.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Ho-Hum Day
Well after my realignment yesterday morning the day went on and on and on. No special revelations or excitement. A "No New is Good News" sort of day. I did get out on my lunch hour. I usually just sit at my desk behind a closed door but thought it may do some good to take a short walk and out into the sunshine. The humidity was down and it seemed pleasant outside. I walked over to the Circle Monument where many people sit on steps and ledges enjoying their lunch and chatting with friends and co-workers. I found a place partially shaded and got out my new Kindle.
My Kindle was waiting for me when I got back to the office after vacation and I was anxious to order my first book and start reading. Of course, it was diet related. I wanted something a little whimsical but yet motivating and spent a lot of time looking over the selection. There are a TON of diet books out there. I ended up ordering "Fat Chance". It was written by a former contestant on "Biggest Loser". It's quite good and I'm enjoying it. I've even used the highlight feature on the Kindle for certain passages that have an inspiring message. I hope I can figure out how to retrieve those selections.
A couple of days ago. Gary said something that stayed with me. We were talking about losing weight and he said, "well I guess I need to lose another 20 pounds, because no one has noticed the 30 I've lost". That really isn't true. When he was off on his sailing adventure and I didn't see him for two weeks, I did notice ... especially in his face but when you see someone day after day you probably don't notice a big change because your eyes adjust like they do from light to dark. The focus is a little different but you still see objects pretty much the same. I think that's why it is important to have a "before" picture that you can see the obvious change. The definition of a waist or arms or maybe the elimination of a chin. However, it's also important to hear those compliments and words of encouragement. It can really lift you up and add to your determination.
I'm glad the weekend is almost here. It's been a long week. I have no plans except to make wise choices and stay positive even those the scales are moving.
My Kindle was waiting for me when I got back to the office after vacation and I was anxious to order my first book and start reading. Of course, it was diet related. I wanted something a little whimsical but yet motivating and spent a lot of time looking over the selection. There are a TON of diet books out there. I ended up ordering "Fat Chance". It was written by a former contestant on "Biggest Loser". It's quite good and I'm enjoying it. I've even used the highlight feature on the Kindle for certain passages that have an inspiring message. I hope I can figure out how to retrieve those selections.
A couple of days ago. Gary said something that stayed with me. We were talking about losing weight and he said, "well I guess I need to lose another 20 pounds, because no one has noticed the 30 I've lost". That really isn't true. When he was off on his sailing adventure and I didn't see him for two weeks, I did notice ... especially in his face but when you see someone day after day you probably don't notice a big change because your eyes adjust like they do from light to dark. The focus is a little different but you still see objects pretty much the same. I think that's why it is important to have a "before" picture that you can see the obvious change. The definition of a waist or arms or maybe the elimination of a chin. However, it's also important to hear those compliments and words of encouragement. It can really lift you up and add to your determination.
I'm glad the weekend is almost here. It's been a long week. I have no plans except to make wise choices and stay positive even those the scales are moving.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
With a Capital "T"
I enjoy musicals. We even saw a rendition of Grease while on vacation in Wisconsin. This morning a line from a tune in Music Man comes to mind. "Trouble, oh we've got trouble, right here in River City, with a capital "T" and that rhymes with "P" and that stands for "Pooh". Well, the last word is really suppose to be "Pool" but I'm saying Pooh because that's how today has started and if I don't watch out, there's going to be trouble ... big trouble.
Of course I woke up tired ... nothing unusual but a lousy way to start the day. I choose a pair of slacks that are tight, which is a reminder of I'm not there yet and then I made the mistake of getting on the scales. A minuscule loss ... of course nothing to shout about.
So what's wrong with this picture? Absolutely nothing an attitude adjustment won't fix. It's early and there's no time like the present to turn around all that negative thinking. In a few hours, I'll be moving in a faster gear. The weekend is in sight where I can get an extra hour of sleep and don't have to rush around like a mad woman to make a mad dash out of the house. The slacks, while tight, can be a guideline for the next time I decide to wear them and the scales are moving downward and why would I want it any other way.
Sometimes you've just got to set the positive tone for the day. Don't self-prophesize the outcome the day and be discouraged when you have a few bumps. If I just open my eyes, I may see a learning experience or even a turning point in my progress. It's hard to look at the small brush strokes when all you want to see is "the big picture". Did I say "Big", I mean the beautiful picture. It'll come, it just takes time. Time is what they say "flies by so quickly". Sure doesn't seem like it when you want instant results but I need to look where I am now from where I was a couple of months ago. Yes, I have made progress and in two months from now, I will see more progress because I have control over me and that includes my attitude.
Of course I woke up tired ... nothing unusual but a lousy way to start the day. I choose a pair of slacks that are tight, which is a reminder of I'm not there yet and then I made the mistake of getting on the scales. A minuscule loss ... of course nothing to shout about.
So what's wrong with this picture? Absolutely nothing an attitude adjustment won't fix. It's early and there's no time like the present to turn around all that negative thinking. In a few hours, I'll be moving in a faster gear. The weekend is in sight where I can get an extra hour of sleep and don't have to rush around like a mad woman to make a mad dash out of the house. The slacks, while tight, can be a guideline for the next time I decide to wear them and the scales are moving downward and why would I want it any other way.
Sometimes you've just got to set the positive tone for the day. Don't self-prophesize the outcome the day and be discouraged when you have a few bumps. If I just open my eyes, I may see a learning experience or even a turning point in my progress. It's hard to look at the small brush strokes when all you want to see is "the big picture". Did I say "Big", I mean the beautiful picture. It'll come, it just takes time. Time is what they say "flies by so quickly". Sure doesn't seem like it when you want instant results but I need to look where I am now from where I was a couple of months ago. Yes, I have made progress and in two months from now, I will see more progress because I have control over me and that includes my attitude.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Energy Loss
The long hard days of vacation are catching up with me. I could barely get out of bed yesterday. I know I'm not a morning person but I think I may also be in the wrong time zone. They say you can't make up for lost sleep but I'd sure like to try. They also say that rest and sleep are very important in a weight loss plan.
On my way into the office, I thought about the Zumba class after work and with the way I was feeling wondered if I had enough energy to get through it. I won't say "keep up" because I couldn't even do that last time and with being out a week, I don't have much confidence in myself tonight but wondered if I could even get through the entire hour.
The workday went well and I was on plan by bringing a "Smart Ones" for lunch. It was one I hadn't tried (Mac n Cheese) and it was pretty good and I thought the portion was unusually hardy for one of their dinners.
I had regained a little energy as the day wore on and before I knew it, it was 5:15 and time for class. There were times when I thought about coming up with some excuse to leave early but kept pressing on. Some of the songs I had no problem with and even enjoyed but there were a couple that seem to do me in, but I kept moving ... even if it wasn't the moves everyone else was doing.
On the drive home, I thought about the difference I felt from the drive in. I did have a little more energy. Was it because of the Zumba class? I definitely was happy that I went. I was also happy that it was over but I just may get out a video that I bought and put in some time in the next few days until the next class.
On my way into the office, I thought about the Zumba class after work and with the way I was feeling wondered if I had enough energy to get through it. I won't say "keep up" because I couldn't even do that last time and with being out a week, I don't have much confidence in myself tonight but wondered if I could even get through the entire hour.
The workday went well and I was on plan by bringing a "Smart Ones" for lunch. It was one I hadn't tried (Mac n Cheese) and it was pretty good and I thought the portion was unusually hardy for one of their dinners.
I had regained a little energy as the day wore on and before I knew it, it was 5:15 and time for class. There were times when I thought about coming up with some excuse to leave early but kept pressing on. Some of the songs I had no problem with and even enjoyed but there were a couple that seem to do me in, but I kept moving ... even if it wasn't the moves everyone else was doing.
On the drive home, I thought about the difference I felt from the drive in. I did have a little more energy. Was it because of the Zumba class? I definitely was happy that I went. I was also happy that it was over but I just may get out a video that I bought and put in some time in the next few days until the next class.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Crying Wolf
Honestly, when I got on the scales yesterday it showed a slight gain and it really bummed me out. I evidently hold water while I'm sleeping and it takes a while to eliminate it and even at that, I can't count on it happening every time. At TOPS last night, I weighed in with a 1.75# loss. Yeah for me! But, I also caused several hours of grief for myself. I came very close to throwing in the towel and pigging out at lunch. My escape was having something in the freezer at work. If it wasn't there, I would have visited my favorite local hot dog establishment. Instead, I gave myself another shot at redemption and it worked out by the grace of God.
So, after all that ... what is in store for today. I got the positive re-enforcement I needed, didn't I? Yes, but I'm so tired. I guess I need my old typical breakfast of Honey Bunches of Oats to get me going. We didn't have any milk for cereal this morning, so it was 1/2 banana and a few cashews and I don't think that worked. I'm really dragging. I have Zumba tonight after work and I'm wondering right now if I'm going to be able to do it and how hard it's going to be since I wasn't there last week. It really doesn't matter, I'm going and I'm going to be moving so it will have some benefit. I need to focus on my body getting stronger. What don't kill ya, makes ya stronger!
So, after all that ... what is in store for today. I got the positive re-enforcement I needed, didn't I? Yes, but I'm so tired. I guess I need my old typical breakfast of Honey Bunches of Oats to get me going. We didn't have any milk for cereal this morning, so it was 1/2 banana and a few cashews and I don't think that worked. I'm really dragging. I have Zumba tonight after work and I'm wondering right now if I'm going to be able to do it and how hard it's going to be since I wasn't there last week. It really doesn't matter, I'm going and I'm going to be moving so it will have some benefit. I need to focus on my body getting stronger. What don't kill ya, makes ya stronger!
Monday, July 26, 2010
If Wishes Were Horses
My mom used the expression "If Wishes Were Horses ... We'd ALL ride." quite a bit when I was growing up. You can't just wish for something to make it happen. Past vacations I always wished that I'd come back without a gain but just wishing never moved the numbers on the scale in a downward spiral, no matter how much activity I planned into the trip. I was determined not to wish it this time but DO IT!
Well, I got on the scale this morning saying PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE and saw NOPE, NOPE, NOPE. I was way off the mark thinking I could drop more than five pounds in a couple of weeks. I was determined, focused, positive ... all the things I was suppose to be and no results. I left food on my plate, walked more than I normally do, never snacked in the car; By golly, I even went horseback riding and yet ......... Oh wait, there was that one time I did give in to a Peanut Buster Parfait and the two cookies when we finally checked into the Country Suites at 11:30 p.m. after being shot down at five other hotels to the tune of "no room at the inn" ... is that what did it to me? Two lousy poor choices and 100 good ones and now I was paying for it.
Where am I going to get motivation from a busted goal? I'm not willing to listen to it could have been worse .... you can start over ... who loses on vacation? I tried, I really tried. Will I have to actually bring a scale with me next time, would that help?
My gain this morning was small. Nothing like it had been after past trips, so I guess I should be thankful ... thankful for a gain, I'm sorry but that's ridiculous. I know all I can do is pick myself up and keep trying, but .....
I'll continue this tomorrow after my official weigh in tonight at TOPS.
Well, I got on the scale this morning saying PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE and saw NOPE, NOPE, NOPE. I was way off the mark thinking I could drop more than five pounds in a couple of weeks. I was determined, focused, positive ... all the things I was suppose to be and no results. I left food on my plate, walked more than I normally do, never snacked in the car; By golly, I even went horseback riding and yet ......... Oh wait, there was that one time I did give in to a Peanut Buster Parfait and the two cookies when we finally checked into the Country Suites at 11:30 p.m. after being shot down at five other hotels to the tune of "no room at the inn" ... is that what did it to me? Two lousy poor choices and 100 good ones and now I was paying for it.
Where am I going to get motivation from a busted goal? I'm not willing to listen to it could have been worse .... you can start over ... who loses on vacation? I tried, I really tried. Will I have to actually bring a scale with me next time, would that help?
My gain this morning was small. Nothing like it had been after past trips, so I guess I should be thankful ... thankful for a gain, I'm sorry but that's ridiculous. I know all I can do is pick myself up and keep trying, but .....
I'll continue this tomorrow after my official weigh in tonight at TOPS.
Monday, July 19, 2010
The Ride
It was another four-course breakfast yesterday morning at the Bed and Breakfast, but I wasn’t tempted as much with the veggie omelet. Go figure with something healthy, huh? I ate a couple of bites of the popover, just to have a taste and most of the tropical fruit. I even told our hostess that we only needed one of the breakfast desserts. Is it getting easier? Yes, I think it is.
We attended mass at the Basilica at Holy Hill which is a National Shrine. It is suppose to be a place of healing, so I prayed to be able to overcome my addiction to overeating. Maybe I need to do more of that … both when I’m struggling and those times of giving thanks for the days that I feel that I’m finally getting the hang of it. With God all things are possible.
We checked out and headed for our next B&B in Algoma which is close to Door County. I think there’s a saying of “sit back and enjoy the ride” …. ha – not when we’re on strange roads and the GPS isn’t cooperating. Talk about emotions … frustration, anger, impatience, stubbornness, disappointment and that was just Gary’s take on the whole situation. Well emotions rub off on others, so it’s important to focus and realize it’s not the person, it’s the situation and what could have easily snowballed into ordering emotionally when we finally stopped for lunch turned out to calmly choosing wisely.
We finally got to the Bed and Breakfast 90 minutes later than scheduled but it really didn’t matter as we had no plans for the evening anyway. So basically we were in such this big hurry to do nothing. Hmmmm, what’s wrong with the picture. Why do we tend to blow things out of proportion when it really doesn’t matter? Is it just to prove something to ourselves?
We checked in and then went to a grocery store that was close by, as I wanted to get some fruit to keep in the room for snacking. We got some apple, grapes, bananas and a package of 100 calorie popcorn.
We can see Lake Michigan from our room and it’s very serene. When negative emotions start to well up, a good diversion would be just to look out over the lake. It a natural tranquilizer and brings the peace back to continue along the journey. At least maybe I CAN enjoy THIS ride of eating more wisely because when I get to my destination, I’ll be healthy and happy to enjoy all there is to do.
We attended mass at the Basilica at Holy Hill which is a National Shrine. It is suppose to be a place of healing, so I prayed to be able to overcome my addiction to overeating. Maybe I need to do more of that … both when I’m struggling and those times of giving thanks for the days that I feel that I’m finally getting the hang of it. With God all things are possible.
We checked out and headed for our next B&B in Algoma which is close to Door County. I think there’s a saying of “sit back and enjoy the ride” …. ha – not when we’re on strange roads and the GPS isn’t cooperating. Talk about emotions … frustration, anger, impatience, stubbornness, disappointment and that was just Gary’s take on the whole situation. Well emotions rub off on others, so it’s important to focus and realize it’s not the person, it’s the situation and what could have easily snowballed into ordering emotionally when we finally stopped for lunch turned out to calmly choosing wisely.
We finally got to the Bed and Breakfast 90 minutes later than scheduled but it really didn’t matter as we had no plans for the evening anyway. So basically we were in such this big hurry to do nothing. Hmmmm, what’s wrong with the picture. Why do we tend to blow things out of proportion when it really doesn’t matter? Is it just to prove something to ourselves?
We checked in and then went to a grocery store that was close by, as I wanted to get some fruit to keep in the room for snacking. We got some apple, grapes, bananas and a package of 100 calorie popcorn.
We can see Lake Michigan from our room and it’s very serene. When negative emotions start to well up, a good diversion would be just to look out over the lake. It a natural tranquilizer and brings the peace back to continue along the journey. At least maybe I CAN enjoy THIS ride of eating more wisely because when I get to my destination, I’ll be healthy and happy to enjoy all there is to do.
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