Take A Walk With Us...

Well, we did it. We survived Christmas, the week after, and New Years Eve. We made it to 2010.

I'm not sure HOW we made it, but we did. Phew...

The Little Mens and I have been trying to walk a bit more. A couple days ago, we got feeling really froggy, and walked to the tower that is behind us. While it was a great walk, it will be the last one we make out there. The road back is only about a 1/4 mile long, but... well, let's just say as we got closer to the tower station, my skin prickled and the "Danger!" buzzer in my mind was singing loudly.

We will just have to find other places to walk.
Post ten inch rain deluge, our job during the day for quite a few days was to keep an eye on the pump, and make sure it was doing it's best to drain the water from Sonny's paddock and our yard.
Walking with an almost four year old and a five year old is interesting. Jo the Wonder Nanny Dog does her best to keep up with the lead child (usually Cub,) but by the end of the walk she's lagging back by Wrecking Crew and I, letting Cub get ahead of us some. She sure does get upset though, if he ducks around a bend and out of sight...

I still don't have much of an appetite, and Dear Husband has had to growl at me to make sure I am eating enough the past few days. New Year's celebrations around here tend to go on and on and on for a few days. Sleep has been elusive, as every time there is a firework explosion, or gun shots, I wake up. And when I get *this* tired, I just don't want to eat.

But as long as Dear Husband keeps an eye on me, all is well.

Oh- some neat news! For Christmas, Dear Husband got me a new pair of jeans. Lee Riders-- totally rock by the way, if you ride because you can RIDE in them (horses y'all-- horses!) Anyways-- the jeans are a size smaller than I have been wearing, and there is ROOM in them.

I had to go to the feed store a couple days ago, and I wore my Christmas jeans and a pretty shirt that came with them... the lady that owns the store hadn't seen me for about 5 or 6 weeks, and the first words out of her mouth were: "Oh wow! You have lost a lot of weight!!"

Made my day. Totally.

How is everyone holding up for the new century? Fill us in when you can!!

SMART Resolutions

Its that time of year again... New Year's Resolutions. I always joke that since NYR seem to be made to be broken that mine will be to take up smoking and to quit horses... and every year I succeed in 'breaking' my NYR! lol



This time I'm going to tweak things and make SMART Resolutions. As Keebler has pointed out SMART goals are those that are:

Specific

Measurable

Attainable

Realistic

Timely

My number 1 SMART Res is to get back on the treadmill for a minimum of 30 minutes a day/5 days a week. To work that up to 45 minutes for at least 3 of those days by the middle of February.

I don't like to focus on the pounds and the numbers. It is honestly more important to me that I feel good than to reach a certain magic number on the scale. However I know that to be/feel healthy my weight does need to be a smaller number than it currently is. (I'm not quite brave enough to say out loud to the blog world what that number is.) However my number 2 SMART Res is to have my weight be under a certain number by the end of July. August is the provincial finals for barrel racing and I want to be under that number by the time they roll around. The lbs removed per month is attainable if I start moving my butt more and eating better. (and remain injury free!)

Speaking of eating, SMART Res number 3 is a tough one, for me... to eat more veggies. I don't know if its that sweet tooth or what but I find most veggies quite bitter. Although I was very happy that Mom made turnip as one of the sides for Christmas dinner. Not sure why but I really like turnip. Sadly Pie doesn't so I don't make it often.

I plan on eating at least one work meal a week as a salad, Chicken Greek most likely. And to have more veggies with my other meals. I'm also going to try to have more veggies as snacks as opposed to fruits or sweets.

And my favourite SMART Res has to wait until spring. I want to try to ride at least 4 x/week. Right now its too cold most of the time to ride outside (although Kimfer and I went for an hour and a half on Sunday!) and I don't have the time often enough to haul out somewhere plus ride, cool out the pony, get back to the barn and then back home before work. So that will have to wait - but its on the list!

I'm off to a good start, I literally just got off the treadmill after a half hour and yesterday I had my Chicken Greek salad at work for lunch!

(I looooove our Greek salad dressing. We make our own at the restaurant and its SO dang good. I don't know how people can eat the oily junk from a supermarket shelf!)

So what about you guys? Do you do the NYR thing? Set goals? Or keep on keepin' on?

14 Tips for Starting and Sticking With It

I'm postponing my big reveal for a couple more days. The schedule got a bit discombobulated. However, I promise I'll reveal all shortly! In the mean time, I thought I'd reprint a SP article I read just now. Since it's Monday, I've got to get back on the wagon, especially if I ever want to run that 5k!


14 Tips for Starting and Sticking With It
Stop Failure Before it Starts
-- By Julie Isphording, former Olympian

For some of us out there, if we could just convince ourselves that there is enough time in the day to exercise, we could be on track to a great fitness program. For others, we get started but quickly lose momentum and give up. To help get started and stay on track, here are a few tips:

1. Throw away the bathing suit you wore in high school… and the memory too. It’s normal to have a mental image of yourself when you last exercised like a fiend. But if that image is from high school, you could be in big trouble. Even if it’s from last year, forget it. Remember as little as possible of what you used to look like. Starting today, make new memories.

2. Prepare. We already know you don’t have the time, so write it down like an appointment every day. You wouldn’t cancel an appointment, why would you cancel on yourself? Aren’t you important too?

3. Start slowly. Do much less than what you’re capable of. Take a 20-minute walk if you’re returning to exercise. You might feel like it’s not enough, but it’s a good start.

4. Get the family involved. Run while your daughter rides her bike. Go to a local track and let the kids play their own games. Run with your spouse. Sign up for a local 10K. Walk with your son. Celebrate with a little something special after every activity.

5. Where are your friends? Four words, four reasons – motivation, inspiration, determination, conversation. Surround yourself with friends who think positive and live large.

6. Put the pain in perspective. When the going gets tough, remember that you have survived 600 carpools, 540 loads of laundry (this month), 41 baseball games, 230 dinners and one family vacation. What’s the big deal?

7. Allow yourself to slow down. You’re driving this bus! For the first time today, you are in control.

8. Sign up for a race. It’s a goal to strive for and adds a little meaning to your everyday workout.

9. Run/walk in public. Be proud of your accomplishment. Take in all the sites and be an inspiration to others.

10. Just show up. Go to the gym, class, or the park. Once you’re there, it’s hard to say no. 98% of life is showing up.

11. Eat. Follow a healthy eating pattern. If you limit your calorie intake, you will not have enough energy to work out and your metabolism will slow down.

12. Understand your energy cycle. There are peaks during our days. Even during the week. Try to complete your workout when you feel good about yourself.

13. Wallow in your greatness. You can exercise to become a better exerciser, or you can exercise to become a better mother, a better father, doctor, teacher, or a better friend – or you can exercise to become BETTER. Be proud of that accomplishment.

14. Have fun. Where’s your childlike spirit? When you can make workouts "playouts," you’ve got it made.

Don’t give up on yourself. After all, it’s never too late to be that healthy person you might have been.

Checking in...

Just thought I would write a quick post to check in and see if everyone survived Christmas?? If the food and sweets don't get you, your in-laws will! lol

Our Christmas was nice, but a bit chaotic. We were all crammed into my in-laws place and most of the time it is fun, but as can be expected when a bunch of people are all staying together, things can get a bit hairy.

We had to come home a bit earlier than planned so we could avoid driving in a nasty storm. Yesterday we got freezing rain, then rain and then as the temps dropped in the afternoon, it turned to snow. The end result is a wet, slippery mess. Hopefully Rusty is ok - haven't braved the roads to go check on him.

Anyway, I didn't do too bad in the food department this holiday season. I decided not to do any baking, so I didn't have sweets lying around. I also managed to avoid parties and gatherings with bad food choices (one benefit of being an introvert!). I enjoyed a nice turkey dinner and a bit of chocolate and that was it. I feel pretty good about all of that. Not much in the exercise department, but that will come in time.

I'm working on some decent positive momentum here in frozen littlekeebler land, so here's to hoping 2010 will bring lots of improvements.

I always find the week between Xmas and New Year's to be a bit strange - all of the big events of one year are over, but the new year just isn't here yet... I'm debating whether I want to formalize my goals or skip the whole "Resolution" bit... I find I don't do well with big looming goals and deadlines, but on the other hand, I don't do well without some guidelines to keep me honest.

What are your thoughts? Do you write a big list of New Year's resolutions? Do you skip it and just keep on with whatever you are doing? Do you prefer to write out goals with "SMART" (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely) objectives?

Merry Christmas!

Time has flown before us, and Christmas is not just "almost" here any longer- it IS here. Our journey continues, into better health, strength, and happiness, and I wanted to take a moment to wish each and every one of you on this journey a Very Merry Christmas.

And remember, on Christmas? The only thing over loaded with calories are the Rum Balls ;)

I Am Encouraged!

Right, so this is just *so wrong* on so many levels, but... well, since this IS our Getting Healthier, Getting Stronger Journey Together Journal, I felt the need to share this image. Taken today, by my sweet son, Cub. (Who had this "thing" today about taking lots of shots of Mom's Patootie... strange...)

OK- so maybe the IMAGE itself isn't so strange.
Yeah. No. Not so much-- it's pretty darn strange.

Sharing the image is pretty strange too, for someone who is a private person that tends to shun the camera... (Yep. I use Delete a LOT when photos of me happen to show up...)



But, well, there it is. I was really pretty darn happy to see this shot. My Patootie? It's really NOT four axe handles wide! In fact, the jeans have a tad of ROOM.

Yeah Man.

Got a bit to go in this journey still, but seeing that? Made me realize I *AM* making progress.

I am... Here... sorta

After our torrential downpour that turned the clay slop of my property into soap (or, it felt like I was walking or driving on a bar of slippery soap!), I seem to have tweaked my knee. So, I am taking it easy. The flights of stairs here in the house are challenging enough when I absolutely must go up them. In fact, I've relented on only using the bathroom upstairs (a way to sneak in extra movement) and am using the kids' bathroom on the main floor. And I'm not going downstairs much to the bottom floor either (it's not really a basement. You'd have to see my house to understand).

Additionally, with the holidays upon us, I seem to have gotten super-duper busy although we're not going anywhere and the only family coming here is Doodle, my step-daughter, who is flying in from Upstate NY for a visit. However, as we all know, life doesn't stop on a hobby farm for holidays, a little rain, tweaked knees or really bad colds.

For a week I've been really exhausted. Just tired and drained, yet I can't seem to fall asleep when I try to nap. I really haven't gotten my rear up off the couch for anything besides chores or necessary shopping. Then to top it off, my TOM started yesterday and kicked in with cramps from HELL. You know, the kind that shoot down into your thighs and leave you a quivering, jellied mass of pain wishing for the sweet release of death because OTC meds aren't working and anything stronger leaves you unable to function? Yeah, those.

Now, I know I'm justifying my laziness here. However, I recognize that. And I'm a big girl and I take responsibility for it. In my head, there really isn't an excuse for excuses. But, I decided that since it's my birthday week and I can do whatever I like. Ok, it's my birthday week only IF you start your weeks on Monday and they end on Sunday. Otherwise, I really shouldn't claim this week, but I'm not claiming next week as my birthday will be over by Monday, right?

Anyways, enough of the justifications, ramblings and lazy talk!

There ARE things in the works this week that require me to do physical stuffs. I'm aware of what some of my birthday presents/ Xmas presents are and they don't fit under the tree or in my barn as it is right now or anywhere else on the property for that matter. I'm not going to share yet because not everything has fallen into place quite yet and celebration events haven't occurred quite yet. So, ya'll will have to wait for the big reveal later. But needless to say, I'm really busy and really, really stoked!

Oh My Aching Head

The non stop rain of the past two weeks left us with at least ten inches of water to be dealt with. It brought about cabin fever, frustration, tears, and to top it all off, a wonderful, throbbing, nose running, head spinning, weak kneed, slack jawed, dazed looking head cold from HELL.

However, the kids and I did manage to walk some before the cold took too hard a hold of me, and I even went walking with my horse. Right now, it's all I can do to toddle to the potty in time from flooding my living room, but hey- at least in my delusional state I find that amusing.

With being trapped inside, my appetite has gone down to nothing. Which is good. Consumption equaled out to expenditure, and not an over abundance of either.

Planning Christmas dinner has been left up to others. My plan? Sample a bit, but do not over indulge. The kids and I will be making some rice crispy peanut butter and chocolate treats, and a loaf or three of homemade bread, and then we'll just lend a hand where we are needed for the rest of the cooking. One good thing about cooking loads of food- by the time I get done with prep work, helping, cleaning up, and setting up, I am too tired to eat. I don't even want to really LOOK at food.

Merry Christmas y'all. And I sure hope the rest of you are healthier than I am at the moment!

Mrs Mom

You are what you eat

So, a bit quiet around here again!!! What is everyone up to?

OS is totally motivating me to set some goals and to just get moving!

One of my goals is food related. I really want to make good decisions around food - eat healthy, unprocessed foods the majority of the time. Sure, there will be a time for treats and not-so-healthy stuff now and again, but I really want the majority of my food to be healthy and nourishing. I think I'll have better sucess in the long term if that is how I approach it.

I actually bought two books by Gillian McKeith, the fiesty little Scottish lady that we were talking about in the comments a few posts back. I really enjoy her two tv shows and was pleasantly surprised to find two of her books in my local health food store!

At first glance, her books are quite interesting. Lots of colourful pictures of food and not alot of boring science studies. She also seems to focus on just getting in lots of variety in fresh, wholesome foods. No calorie counting or measuring serving sizes or anything like that.

This week I made a big effort to plan out some food and make sure I have enough for lunches and snacks at work. I also need to step out of my comfort zone and try some different foods - I tend to get bored easily in most things I do, so stepping outside my boundaries and working on some new recipes and foods should help with that problem.

So my food-related goals are something like this:

• try a new recipe every week


• experiment with new foods as much as possible. Things I want to try? Grains - barley, quinoa; Beans - black, aduki, etc. and more vegetables. I get tired of carrots, peppers and broccoli after awhile.


• write up a loose meal plan for the week, so I can buy the food on the weekend and have lots of meals and snacks ready for work so I don't buy junk food


• enjoy my food - I like cooking, so why not make it something enjoyable instead of a chore?


• try and eat more organic food where possible


• cut down on sugar

This list sounds kind of dauting at first, but I'm really feeling like those items are realistic for me. I already do some of the things some of the time, but I would like to be more consistent. And planning food out helps me resist temptation when I am out and about.

What do you guys like to eat? Are you a picky eater? Is that limiting or helping you? (I know I can be picky - I don't like eggs, milk, fish and seafood!) Are you trying to just eat less, or change your eating habits all together? What are your favourite healthy foods/recipes? Does anyone buy organic or do you think it is a waste of money?

Talk to me! :-)

Have I Told You?

Boy oh boy! There is stuff to update ya'll on!

So, let's start with the big news! Have I told ya'll that I've decided to run a 5k this coming April at Portland's Run for the Roses? Well, I have! And ya know what? We CAN Run While Chunky! We may not be very fast, but we can run! I'm proof!

Now, this is how I'm going to do it:

Couch to 5k Program


It's a 9 week training program that takes you from the couch to running 5k. You start with just 20 minutes of intervals, running for 60 seconds, walking for 90 seconds eventually building up to running a full 3.1 miles.

In the upcoming weeks, I'll blog more about Running While Chunky.


Starting Thursday night, I just felt really run down and exhausted. I don't know if I ever told you guys, but I have fibromyalgia. However, I try very hard to not let it stop me and rarely let it slow me down. Now, I'm not sure if it was because of the fibro or if I've been shrugging the most recent bug Dude brought home from school, but I was flat out E-X-H-A-U-S-T-E-D. I didn't do my c25k training on Friday as planned. Nor on Saturday. Nor Sunday. In fact, I spent all weekend doing nothing but the bare minimum of hauling water (until it warmed up Saturday afternoon, yay!) and feeding the critters.

Not only was I exhausted, but I lacked motivation to do anything much beyond surfing craigslist. I told the husband I'd make banana bread, which I still haven't done. Even today, I've been having a tough time getting my rear off the couch to do anything. So, this afternoon, I gave myself a pep talk. After I fed for the evening, I'd get on the treadmill and put in my 20 minutes of c25k, because how else am I supposed to be ready for the race in April?

So, I got on the treadmill. And it was kicking my @ss. But, at about the 60% done mark, I noticed myself in the reflection of the window. Yeah, I saw a fat girl running with all the wrong parts jiggling. BUT, more importantly, I saw the skinny girl inside me running to break out of the body she's trapped in. I envisioned how I'd look once I met my target weight. And suddenly, I was motivated! My slump and doldrums were gone!

Now that you know about my goals and my motivation, let's move on to other topics, shall we?

My sports bra is the kind with rear hooks. When I started down this path earlier this fall, I had to hook it on the very last row of hooks and it was tight. Now, I am hooking it on the first set of hooks and it's still a bit looser than it should be (for running anyways). So, I need to buy a smaller size!

Well, I should wrap this up before I write a novella. But, before I go,can I make a request? Will you guys help hold me accountable for my c25k training? I mean, it's only 3 days a week and that seems easy for me to get off track. Also, I might need that extra boot to the backside when I lack motivation.

I knew I could count on you guys! Thanks!

Checking in...

I’ve had a bit of a weird week. I think I have finally reached a point where food is losing some of its power over me. I went shopping for some new work clothes a couple of nights ago and had a hard time finding decent stuff that fit properly. If I didn’t have to wear nice clothes I would be able to find lots to wear. Luckily I don’t have to wear a suit or anything, but I do need to look presentable.

Spending a couple of hours trying on clothes really, really brought things to light for me. I’ve been this weight for a year or so, so it isn’t a big surprise, but I think I finally saw myself at my true size or something… Not sure how to explain it really. Normally at the mall, if I’ve had a bad day, I’ll eat some junk food and buy some stuff I don’t need to make up for my feelings. That didn’t happen the other day – I just had this weird sort of mental “peace” with the situation and vowed to change it. I found a couple sweaters that would work and headed home.

I also really need to get some weight off to help out with my medical problem. (Remember the blood clot situation? It is improving slowly…). I need to exercise regularly and to shed some pounds and I’m sure most of the problems will go away. Up until this summer, I’ve been able to carry around some extra weight without it really affecting me that much health-wise. That all changed this fall though!!

Anyway – since that realization in the mall the other day, I haven’t even felt as hungry as before. I find myself thinking twice about what and how much I am about to eat. My cold is finally on the way out, so I think I can start exercising without coughing up a lung or two.

So, here’s to progress, no matter how small!

*****************

On top of all of the other stuff mentioned above – guess what happened last night? Rusy colicked!! Poor guy. He is ok today so far (just got an update from my barn owner). The barn owner found him cast in the shelter outside when she got home and once he got himself unstuck, she realized something else was wrong. Luckily she is a vet and took all the right steps immediately. If I had been there, I probably would have just run around in little circles flapping my hands uselessly because I was panicking… ;-0 Somehow he has no leg injuries from being cast, so that is good.

I feel like a terrible owner because I was at home and couldn’t get to the barn right away because we only have one car and the hubby was still at work! By the time I got there, the vet was just finishing up with him. He had a small impaction and she was pretty sure it would clear out ok. I stayed for a couple of hours to watch him and walk him, but by 8pm I left feeling that he was through the worst of it. The barn owner checked on him twice in the night and emailed me this morning to say that he was much better.

Hopefully that is an isolated incident and he is ok from now on…

On a side note – his blanket is just covered in filth – mud, manure, sweat – I’ve never seen a blanket so dirty. I’m not sure how to even start cleaning it, because it is currently -7 (19F) outside and I can’t use the hose because it would freeze. (Most of the tack shops/dry cleaners that clean blankets won’t accept them when they are this dirty) I don’t really want it in my house that dirty either. I’m guessing I’m going to have to carry buckets of hot water outside to get it rinsed and then bring it in to soak in the tub or something. Anyone have any ideas?

The Orthodox Diet

I have not been posting or reading much on the blog lately -- seems my time has just been completely jammed up with other stuff....So this afternoon I read a lot of the older posts just to see how things are going out there. Looks like just about all of us are in the same boat -- trying to stay motivated....

I found one thing that has helped me a bit. I had posted before that part of my problem is that I do not get up early enough in the mornings. Our alarm is on our radio/CD player. We set the radio to the classical music station, and there is no "snooze" button. Sometimes the "beautiful music" just lulls me back to sleep; most of the time I am just not ready to get up, so I lay there for way too long. To help combat that problem I have been setting the alarm on my cell phone for 10 minutes later than the radio alarm -- I leave the cell phone on the dining room table. This has made a big difference. I find I will actually get up because I do not want to hear the annoying sound of the cell phone alarm. So that is good -- I am getting up and getting things accomplished in the mornings.

Also, we are of the Orthodox faith. This year we have decided to fast around the two holy times of year -- Christmas and Easter. We have a new priest at our church that we really like, so we have been putting a bit more effort into our spiritual selves. Actually, the fasting periods at Christmas & Easter are supposed to last for 40 days. This means no meat, no dairy for over a month. We are going to fast for 2 weeks (almost everyone I know cheats like this -- there are not many people who do the entire 40 days). It has been a bit over a week, and I can tell I have lost a pound or so. (Haven't gotten on the scale -- frightened!!!)

We have an Orthodox calendar, and it is surprising how many fasting days there are throughout the year. There are times where it is a day or two, and other times where it is a week. It occurred to me that if I were to fast according to the Orthodox calendar, I probably would not have a weight problem.....

We are going to end our fast on Dec.19 -- we should go until Orthodox Christmas, which is Jan.7. It will be interesting to see if I have lost any weight -- perhaps I will decide to stay on it until Christmas (??).

Week Umm... shoot what week is it?

I haven't a clue what week this is up to now. What I have to report in this update however.... well, it isn't much. Illness hit me last week, along with doldrums from heavy rains, grey skies, and children driving me insane.

Instead of an update, I'd like to take a look at those winter doldrums. Did you know they have a name? That it isn't just *you* feeling crappy, tired, depressed? It's called, I have been told, Seasonal Depression. Back when I lived in Tundra Country, I suffered from it badly. Everyday chores were miserable. The lack of light was miserable. The cold, the snow, the endless plowing, water bucket ice breaking, fence repair..... all of it. It took so much more effort to move and DO in winter, that it just. wore. me. down. Period.

So I made an incredibly hard decision, and I packed up and moved. South. Then I moved even more south. There is no snow to deal with, and the cold does not get bitter and cut through to my bones as it did up North. But the lack of light and the heavy rains take a toll.

In Tundra Country, I couldn't think. I couldn't find a way to cope with the depression. It dragged at my very soul. The doctor said, "Take these pills! They'll fix you right up!" My reply was... No. The doctor said, "Use a tanning salon! The artificial light stimulates vitamin D and will help!" I said, "Holy freaking crap, man! I'm severely claustrophobic! You'd have to knock me out completely to get me in one of those booths. Not to mention-- there have been other half nekkid people in there. That. Is. GROSS."

Down in the Southland, when the sun is shining, I make SURE to get out in it every single day. I play with the kids, play with my horse, or just sit and watch, with the sun- natural light, beating gently down on my tired body, no stupid booth where half nekkid people have gone before me. It helps. I feel better. And the more I make myself move, and DO, the better I feel. The more I push, the stronger I feel. It hurts- there are days when the barometric pressure seems to suck my resolve straight out through my feet, down into the floor- but still I push on.

Days like today, and from what they say for tomorrow, will be hard.

But I will push on.

I will survive.

I will grow stronger.

I will be healthier.

I'm liable to whine a bit, so someone please give me a kick should that happen!!

Like a fat kid loves cake

I may have mentioned this before, I have a sweet tooth. I tried to cut out sugar... no dice. I did manage to cut back, some. And then this horrible thing happened.
I was reading the paper and saw a new bakery had opened. Not just any bakery but a cupcake bakery.
And it reminded me that there had been another cupcake bakery that opened a short while ago.
This was terrible.
Cake is good, but most commercial cakes are NOT. And I don't usually bake cake due to Pie being diabetic. But cupcakes?
Cupcakes are delicious, adorable, wonderful, individually portioned. And when a bakery opens that specializes in just cupcakes. And you can go and buy one instead of baking a tray full at home?
Oh my!
Then when you factor in that Pie loves me and heard me talking about this new bakery, wouldn't you know the next day he brings home:

*sigh* What's a girl to do?

I Am An Addict

Yep, it's true. I'm a reality tv weight loss show junky. And I admit it.

It started with The Biggest Loser. I watched for the first time at the beginning of Season 7. Then, I added in some Dietribe, a helping of Cook Yourself Thin, some Bulging Brides and The Last 10 Pounds Bootcamp. Over the summer, I discovered You Are What You Eat on BBC America. And I'm completely hooked on these shows.

For me, it's been about seeing someone like me completely change their life and improve their health. With every story, every journey part of me says, "Hey! That could be me! I can do that too!"

Well, now it's my turn. I've watched the shows, my inspiration has gained momentum.

I'm DONE being the fat girl!

Mental exercises

I haven't posted much here lately because, honestly? I don't have a lot to say right now. I have a cold with a bad cough and was up most of the night. I'm still having some minor problems with my leg and I'm more than a little stressed out.

A part of me was hoping that "things" would improve and I could start to live my life. Once my leg was better I would....[insert something here...] Once problem X was sorted out, I would ...[insert something here...] I was grumping around about all of these issues - and then I realized that this is my life - problems and all. Waiting around to start living your life isn't really the best idea. Life is full of ups and downs, problems and joys etc. etc. and we can all choose (to a certain extent) whether we want to be happy or not.

Being miserable and grumpy is very tiring. I've decided that I am going to try to be more positive and see how that works out. Negative thinking is really damaging and easily leads me to a worse attitude. I've decided to put a mental stop on things when I find myself thinking negatively. It is actually working a bit. Once I catch myself thinking negative thoughts, I make a mental effort to pull my "thinking" up like a horse doing a sliding reining stop. Once I have the brakes on those thoughts, I either let myself logically evaluate the situation and come up with solutions, or dismiss it as silliness.

I then turn to the fortune from a fortune cookie that I got recently ( I have it taped to my monitor at work) and it says:

"Sunny times are ahead"

This has become my mantra and it helps turn my thinking around a bit. I don't take it mean that everything will be all sunny and roses someday, but more like I have the power to improve my attitude and I will keep working at things to make that happen. I've decided that I'm going to start writing some stuff down - like problems and some potential solutions and work hard at changing some of the things that I can.

Anyway, enough about my little brain. :-) I think tackling some of the emotional issues around my life will allow me to work on the physical part as well.

M-O-T-I-V-A-T-I-O-N

I found this on a SparkPeople page. I often struggle with "motivation" and honestly, spent years detesting the word thanks to my ex-husband, The Marine. He often used Jar-Head lingo at home and one of his favorite phrases was "Let's Motivate!". However, this gives me a new way at looking at motivation. Hopefully, it will help you too!

M-make short term goals
O-out with the negative thoughts
T-think of why you want it
I-imagine how you will feel
V-visualize the future you want
A-acknowledge your successes
T-treat yourself with respect
I-investigate new ideas and foods
O-observe your healthy lifestyle
N-never give up and never give in

Quick Take

Psst! I couldn't wait! I just had to share!

Ready?


I LOST 8.5 LBS LAST MONTH!


Yeah, even while sick and injured. And I did it by simply moving.

You can do it too! C'mon! Turn on some music and shake that booty! Oh yeah! Uh-huh! Doin' the DONE Girl Dance! 'Cause I'm DONE being the fat girl! And you can be too!

Reflection

"A man who wants something will find a way; a man who doesn't will find an excuse." -Stephen Dolley Jr.

How does this apply to your life? Thinking on this, will you change anything?

The husband and I wanted acreage. We wanted our horse(s) home. And then we found this place. It took time and hard work, but we found it. And it'll be exactly what we want as we make improvements and work the land.

I've been saying for the last 2 years that I wanted to lose the weight I've gained. I've lost it before without really trying. But now, thinking back, I was simply moving so much for work and didn't have time to stuff my face. It wasn't a miracle. It was getting off my butt and doing something, even if the weight loss was unintentional. I've been deluding myself and making excuses as to why I gained the weight back and not taking it off again. I just need to get up and MOVE!

I want it. I know I want it. No more excuses.

I AM DONE!

Back in the Saddle

Figuratively speaking at least. One of the few things I have been able to do the last month or so is ride... although not as often as I would have liked and for the last little while most of the mounting was done on the right due to that darn left foot.
But the good news is that as of December 1st I am officially back on the treadmill! And the great thing was that I worked up a nice sweat and picked it up right where I had left off. (originally due to the back injury and then the foot).
I will totally admit that I was worried I'd have to slow things down, lessen the incline or lessen the time. Not that I was going incredibly fast/high incline/long time anyway! lol
I set up the treadmill program the way I'd left off, 30 min with alternating inclines and speeds (incline up to 5 and speed of a very fast walk) The one difference I did make was not jogging at the end. I decided not to push it as that was something that I had just started to do before I got sidelined. My poor shins do not do well at speed... I'm like an old broken down racehorse. (which is kinda appropriate as I did run track in high school lol)

I also need to apologize. Here I brought this blog public, asked a bunch of you to jump in with me and then *whoosh* I disappear! This was unintentional and only part to do with the injuries sidelining me. To be honest I have spent hardly any time online this last little while and am now playing catch up in a big way. I've missed you guys and can't wait to see what I've missed!!