Thursday, December 30, 2010

Thank you Blubeari for showing us a new gadget!!

I'm having such a wonderful week!! First Marge had some uplifitng words for me (she always does). Then Katie introduced me to Amy who is having a Winter Wonderland Warriors project. Then I lost .4 pounds with WW. Then I fit into my size 16 jeans (a bit snug for my preference but I could put my hands in my pocket!). Then I learned of a new "gadget" (for a lack of better words) from Blubeari. She was having the same concern as I and voiced it. She wondered about commenting back to folks when they left a message on her blog. How she found the gadget I don't know, but I'm very thankful. The gadget is called Disqus. I have installed it on my blog and can now reply to peoples posts. They in turn should get an email saying "hey tori responded to your post". Totally cool right!!  So far so good!

And to top the work week, the hubs is taking me on a DATE tomorrow night!! We're going to a hockey game!! I can't wait to get all dolled up and hit the ice with my boo, cheering on our Blues!! woot woot.

Happy New Year's everyone! I'll be posting my WWW post in the next couple of days. I could do it now but I haven't a clue on how to link it back to Amy's blog.  so I'll have to figure it out later...although the picture to the right--->the blue one---->if you click on it it should take you to Amy's "Lifes a Journey with a Smile" blog....does that count as linking back??? TTYL

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

From Grumpy to Inspired

My morning didn't start off on the right foot. At 4am lil man decided he wanted to get up and go outside. He's also a lil conjested which concerns me because he's so lil and has a flat nose (you did realize I was talking about my dog right!?) and more suseptible to illiness. Also, I only lost .4 pounds this week. I'm now .4 pounds away from my 10% goal. Each week I hear myself saying "maybe next week. maybe next week." My hubby was kind enough to remind me that a loss is fantastic considering it was the week of Christmas when people are expected to gain. I'm not "heartbroken" but I am a lil bummed. I couldn't of lost .4 more? WTF. Grrr...humpfff...

But my day has brightened. The hubs came and took me to lunch. It was soooo nice. We never get to have lunch together during the week! And then I was doing some blog reading and came across an interesting challenge. And I've decided to give it a shot. I’ve opted to join Amy’s Winter Wonderland Warriors project, which I found through Katie’s blog . And it “spoke” to me (it involves list-I like lists). And get this, It’s not just about weight loss (unless that’s what you want to focus on). It's about not letting the cold sad winter blues beat us down!! It’s also about support and accountability. And we could ALL use a little of that right? I know I can.

The challenge runs 13 weeks (Jan 3rd to March 28th) and requires participants to establish 10 goals they wish to complete/work on in that time frame. It also involves various outlets of communications (Twitter, your blog, Amy’s blog, your friends blog, and sometimes your email) as well as responding to weekly questions via your blog on your weekly (Monday) updates. I will admit that I’m not real good at communicating. I do try to comment on others blogs but I haven’t gotten the knack for responding to responses on my blog. I haven’t put that “issue” (responding to responses) on my list of 10; please know that I enjoy your responses and do not take them lightly.

Anyhow, without further ado here are my 10 goals for the WWW project.

Tori’s Winter Wonderland Warriors Commitment-13 Weeks of Continued Success
1. Pay off 3 small credit card bills (G, HD, & S)

2. Spend less, save more (instead of buying off the cuff, put the money for the item in my savings account. At the end of 13 weeks-March 28th-choose one of those items and purchase. The rest of the money stays in savings)

3. Continue attending Weight Watchers Meetings (59 more pounds to Lose; 35 by March 28th)

4. Jog 3 miles in 35 minutes (or less)

5. Participate in three (3) 5k’s (running two of them entirely).

6. Participate in one (1) 10k (running at least four miles of it)

7. Play less on the computer so I can read more books

8. Drink 75 ounces of water DAILY. (It’s important to keep one’s body flushed)

9. Think before I speak. Sometimes what comes out of my mouth doesn’t sound very nice even though I don’t intend it to sound nasty. I need to step back, take a deep breathe, and ask myself “does this really warrant a quick, snappy response or should I just let it go?”

10. Create 3x5 cards with 3 Weight Watcher friendly meals from 10 different restaurants


Monday, December 27, 2010

Staying on track

It’s amazing how time flies…even if you’re NOT having all the fun!! J The first of the year is right around the corner and while I’ve accomplished a lot this year; I’ve got tons more to get done.

I went to my step families for the holidays. It was alright but there is nothing like being at home. I didn’t “over indulge” while enjoying the festivities and stayed with in my points. I’m very proud of myself and am quite interested to see how I do on the scale tomorrow (fingers crossed). I would like to lose at least 1.7 lbs to ensure that I meet my 10% weight loss goal this week that was set by ww (one thing said the 10% was at 21 pounds lost but my online points tracker says I need to be at 196.9 lbs (1.7 lbs to lose) which would be 21.9 lbs). I’ll be happy with any kind of loss though…

In the next two weeks I am going to incorporate substantial physical activity into my routine. It’s time. I’ve been avoiding it for too long. I have no logical reason (other than laziness) as to why I’ve avoided putting forth the effort needed to get from Point A to Point B. But the time is right. Yes yes yes…lots of people make a New Year’s resolution to “get fit/exercise more” for the New Year. Some go as far as to join a gym and or buy work out equipment. But this isn’t a New Year’s resolution for me despite the timing…it’s just time. As the book “The Hands of the Buddha” (Susan Brassfield Cogan) points out; “We are what we think about. All our lives are founded on our thoughts and our world is made up of our thoughts.”

And yes I know I didn’t reference the author correctly…but this is my blog and be thankful I referenced her!!

Have a great week!

Saturday, December 18, 2010

traditions

I can hardly believe that Christmas is less than a week away. To be completely honest, I'm not sure I ready for it. Not mentally, not emotionally. We're traveling a few hours north to visit my family (which isn't bad) but truthfully I'm tired of always doing the traveling. Besides the weather being unpredictable, I'm not really that close to my dad nor my step family for that matter. While my step family includes some super wonderful people, they have their own lives and own "traditions". Rarely has any of them come to visit me/us (yes, I've considered that there may be something wrong with me but the truth of the matter is-thier traditions center around them staying within 20 mins of home-super long story-not going there) it's always "when are you coming home to see us?" My home is here, in southern Illinois.

I think the root of all this is that I'd like to have my own traditions. I'd also like/love to incorporate a few traditions that my I used to partake in when my mom was alive. You see, I am a military brat and my folks would bring home students from the base who couldn't get home for the holidays. Mom would get up super duper early to start cooking (ok, maybe not so much fun but I do like to cook!!). By 11 the kids would come over. Soon there after everyone would be playing some kind of game, nibbling on some of the appetizers, and laughing hysterically. By 2 or 3 o'clock dinner would be ready and we would all sit down in our respective spots (I got the kiddie table!). The kids would talk about their families back home and traditions they normally had at their homes. After eating we would play more games, watch the tv, and nap. Prior to leaving, each kid would have already made a call home to mom and dad. sigh....those WERE the days.

By the way...I lost 1.8 pounds this last weigh in. I am .3 pounds away from being under 200. So very excited about that! I am also 2.? pounds way from hitting my 10% (21 lbs lost) goals for ww. I'm thinking about changing my weigh in day to later in the week but don't know which day would be best....currently I weigh in on Tuesday mornings.

Monday, December 13, 2010

I've fallen off the wagon!!

the wagon of writing that is! You ALL know how it goes; blink your eyes and a week has flown by. I really can't believe that Christmas is coming so quickly! And I've gotten very little done. Years past by this time I would have all my shopping done, all my Christmas cards sent, and all the cookies made. I've gotten some shopping done but no cards or cookies made and sent. Guess I'd better get a step on it right!!

I had joined the Reverb10 at the end of November and participated in 5 of the writings. It became a bit overwhelming with all I had on my plate (which I didn't take into consideration when I signed up) and the prompts gave me a flash back to high school writing. Don't get me wrong the Reverb10 is a great writing tool, I just couldn't get myself to force the writing (which is what it clearing felt like for me with all that's going on).

So, I'm back to writing sporadically. When I got something to write, I'll write. If not, it'll be quiet for a jiff. I will say that I would like to write a post on procrastination and avoidance. I have huge issues in this department that I need to address and figure out how to get past. I want the best for me (and my family) and my best involves getting physically in shape. NOT just getting into shape mentally/emotionally. And I've been avoiding the exercise area of life.

I am very happy to report that I am staying consistent with weight watchers and losing weight. I'm averaging about 1.5 pounds a week and very thankful that I've not gained. I probably should prepare myself for a week of gain but I'm not. I'll cross that bridge if I get there. Even if I lose 1/2 a pound it's a good week (hell even if it is .2 loss I'm happy). I'm so pleased with my progress that when asked "what do you want for Christmas" I asked for "weight watchers money". I hate to be this way but as I explained to my Step Mom..I need to continue this program; I want to do this program. I don't want gift cards for clothes or whatever; I don't plan on being this size for much longer (matter of fact I'm about to trade in my 18's for 16's) and I don't need anything else. It cost money to do this program (although I wonder if I am saving on food by sticking to weight watchers because I now only buy what I'm going to eat and have been skipping the junk-I've not bought anything, let it go bad, and had to toss it) and it isn't "cheap". Yes it's managable with the funding I have BUT a gift card from ww would be awesome!! :O)

Have a great week...the pug is itching for me to play with him!

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Day 5: Reverb10 "Let Go"

Prompt: Let Go. What (or whom) did you let go of this year? Why?

I've contemplated this prompt all day. I realize that I've not let go of anything this year; except for clothes and money. And you know what, I don't want to give up anything else just yet. The things that I hold on to, they motive me. The uncertainty, the anguish, the frustration. They don't hold me back and I don't feel that they make me bitter. Another thing I realized today is that I'm not so angry these days. I've got a lot more patience. And I'm more willing to try things; new and old (old as in didn't work before but might work this time).

Well I've got to get ready for work. Have a great week everyone.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Dec 4th Reverb10-Wonder

Prompt: Wonder. How did you cultivate a sense of wonder in your life this year?

I had to consult a dictionary (dictionary.com) on this one. Don’t get me wrong, I know what the word wonder means; I just wasn’t sure in what form I would use it. I’ve opted to use it in the form a verb (example two: 2. to be filled with admiration, amazement, or awe; marvel (often fol. by at ): He wondered at her composure in such a crisis.). I’m also going to see how many times I can use the word wonder (for sheets and giggles) in this post.

It’s been a WONDERful year. I’ve made good strides at making healthy changes. With a friend I “trained” for and completed my first half marathon early this year. I say trained loosely as I didn’t do much more than walk the thing. Late September I joined Weight Watchers and have lost 16 pounds so far. Without my friends, I participated in my 2nd half marathon early October. Jogging and walking the entire thing. After each accomplishment I am filled with a sense of wonder. Did I really do this? Can I continue to do this? I wonder I wonder I wonder fills my brain.

Even though I have had a sense of wonder after each accomplishment, I was filled with the most wonder at the completion of the 2nd half marathon as I did it by myself (literally-no one walk/jogged next to me). I told myself I would do it and I did. I wanted so badly to cop out of the race. Even after I was on my way to the race site I wanted to turn around and go home. But I started the race and worked through wanting to quit. Throughout the race I wondered why I was even bothering since I’m not a runner and it really didn’t (at the time) look like I would be a runner. I never did figure out why I continued but I’m glad I did. I finished the race a few minutes faster than before. And despite my lack of training my legs and feet felt great. Can you imagine how WONDERful I would have done had I prepared accordingly?!? And I can’t help to think that if I had such a WONDERful year this year with making a few changes how WONDERful a year I will have next year by stepping up my game just a smidge!

Friday, December 3, 2010

Day 3 reverb10 Prompt-Moment....

December 3 Prompt- Moment. Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors).

Such an interesting topic. Such a shame I am at loss for words for a specific moment where I felt most alive this year. Joy from Nuggets of Truth and I lightly touched on this subject this a.m. in an email (“Looking in at life from the outside”). Sadly most of this year, as well as many years past, I’ve not really felt alive. I’ve not really participated in an exciting, magical way. Sure this year I’ve participated in 2 half marathons, sure I’ve volunteered at many Cardinal Care events, sure I’ve gone to a handful of Cardinal games. But never did I have a “Frankenstein moment” when I screeched to the world “I’m alive! I’m alive! Yes sweet Jesus I AM alive!” Is there such a feeling? Am I being too…what’s the word…expectant? Am I being too much like those romantic movies, when girl meets boy, and she’s asked “how did you know that he was the one (to which she replies ‘I just knew..I had “the” feeling.’)?”

I have had many moments of comfort; many moments of accomplishments; moments of relief this year. Each moment I become a little stronger. I've lead (and continue to lead) a very blessed life. I’ve felt the tears flow in both joy and frustration. I’ve seen the sun shine; I’ve seen the moon glow. But just as important to me, I’ve seen moments in other peoples eyes. Moments like the empty nester who welcomed her child home for the holidays. The shine of her eyes as the distance closes. The warmth that emits from the hug as they hold each other. The smile on their faces that could light up a room on the darkest of days.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Dec 2 Day 2 Prompt and WW PointsPlus

Ok...Day 2 of the Reverb10 Project. The prompt is:
Writing. What do you do each day that doesn't contribute to your writing -- and can you eliminate it?
I started this post hours ago, in between work projects. Of course work for me always trumps writing projects because my job doesn't require creative writing. And I can't afford not to work a "regular" job to get my "writing" career off the ground. Besides, how much money could I really make from MY writing? However, if we are to be really honest, time could be made for writing if I didn't procrastinate so. Most things I do during the day could contribute to writing if I really put some effort into it. But I'm a procrastinator. I can find many other things, both useless and useful, to do with my time. So if I really want to improve my writing I need to write SOMETHING every day. Just like in a journal. Or my blog! :O)
Weight Watchers Points Plus
So the new Weight Watchers PointsPlus has been rolling (officially) since Monday. I very much like the changes and can't wait to see the outcome! For the most part my food choices haven't changed too much in points. And with the 30 points daily I get I feel like I don't have to stress out on how I'm going to feel satisfied hunger wise with so little points. I've been eating more fruit and less 1 point snacks. But time will really tell on how I adapt to the new system. Any of you other WW's have any input? How are you fairing?

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Day 1-Daily dose of creativity for #reverb10‏

Productive. This is the one word that I chose to describe 2010 for me. I’ve worked on healing my soul, worked on correcting negative thought processes that swim in my mind, and worked on discovering the real me. This journey of self discovery has inspired me to start a blog, take better care of myself (physically and emotionally), and has given me the courage to participate in (and finish) two half marathons. I’ve joined weight watchers this year and continue to volunteer my time on various projects at work and in the community. After all, “Idle hands, idle minds (author unknown)”.

Stellar. This is the one word I imagine I will choose one year from now to encapsulate 2011. My husband will be working in a better work environment (aka at my old job location). I will have met my lifetime weight watchers goal in June. I will have gone shopping for “skinny” clothes shortly there after. I will have competed in the annual Cardinals Care Run for Kids 6k and RAN the whole thing. I will have conquered my low self-esteem and grabbed the world by the balls. NOTHING will have unnerved me by year’s end of 2011.