Monday, January 24, 2011

Week Four {January 24, 2011}:

Life's Journey with a Smile



1. What have you done this past week to help you achieve your goals?

I thought that each day I was actively working on achieving these goals I set but upon further evaluation I am at 60 % of actively working on my 10 goals. Some of the goals (like running a 5k and 10k) can't be completed until I have prepared my body appropriately but the others there is really no valid "excuse". There should be no reason as to why I am not drinking my water..and missing a ww meeting is not excusable. Yes I had planned on going on another day but there was no reason I couldn't go on my self designated night.

2. How are you feeling about the goals you set for yourself? Overwhelmed? Too easy? Just right?

I'm noticing today that I may have needed to be less "specific" on one or two goals but overall I'm satisfied with the goals I've set. They aren't overwhelming nor are they too easy. The goals I wonder about being too "specific" about are the ones involving "running 2 5k's and 1 10k". The good ole Midwest weather has struck and struck severely. We got 12 inches of snow Thursday and 3 yesterday. It's much too cold (and slippery) to be outside. I've considered hosting a "virtual" 5k or 10k but I'm not sure how well that would go over. And would I be disciplined enough to stay on the treadmill that long?

3. Do you prefer to exercise inside or outside?

I prefer to exercise outside. Being outside allows me to set a natural pace as well as see the "sights". I can be a prissy girl but I love me some trails!

4. Are you a self-starter or do you need a little push?

Hmmm...this is a loaded question; maybe. Mainly I am a self starter. I have no exercise partner (any one near STL need one?) and must rely on myself to get things moving. On occasion the hubs will say "Are you going for a walk today?" or "Today would be a great day to hit the trails!" but it isn't like he's going with...he just knows that I want to be more active and that's his way of showing his support (for being a skinny bean pole who doesn't have to exert so much effort to lose a few extra pounds!!). Anyhow, some days I do need a push but more than a verbal push.

5. Fun Question of the Week: Why did you decide to start a blog?

I started a blog for several reasons. I needed an outlet, I needed someone to talk to. Journals hadn't worked in the past because I could stop writing and eventually throw the book away so no one would ever accidentally see them thus holding me accountable (sure I can delete my blog BUT others have already read the words I've written and already commented). I needed to learn how to hold myself accountable for the life style changes I desired. I also needed to communicate with others who could "relate" and share their words of wisdom or encouragement. Blogging for me is cheaper than therapy and works much better too!!
 
I am not the only one with cabin fever...lil man wants to do this!!

Monday, January 17, 2011

WWW week two...

1. What have you done this past week to help you achieve your goals?

2. Do you find that your motivation/mood changes in the winter? If so, what do you do to help/avoid it?

3. Do you have any advice for your fellow challengers on staying on task?

4. What day{s} of the week/month do you find it difficult to stay on task/motivated?

5. Fun Question of the Week: If you were going on a road trip {longer than a day} who would you take with you? Where would you go?

1. I've been working on many of my 10 goals for the WWW. I've been on the treadmill a few times with the couch25k program, read a book verse playing on the computer, asking myself "do you REALLY need that item?" when considering making a purchase (this goal is seeming to be a lot easier than I anticipated although I've yet to put those funds into savings opting to put that money towards a bill), I've chosen to drink water instead of soda ALL this week, and kept my thoughts to myself instead of saying them out loud 90% of the time. I'd say that I'm doing much better with the goals even though I've not completed any of them.

2. I don't find that my motivation really changes during the winter; I'm still too lazy for my own good! The only thing that is going to help motivate me is using the "mind over matter" theory. The hubs (surprisingly) is encouraging me to move more these days than months past. I think he sees the great progress I've made (and even bragged about it to someone) and knows that the more I move the better I will be. Thanks honey!!

3. I have no advice that other challengers don't already know. We have to be our own best cheerleaders, we have to hold ourselves accountable, and we have to know when to cut ourselves a break. It isn't always going to be easy, many struggles lie ahead. But that's life. Life isn't easy but we can (and will) succeed and lead very happy productive healthy lives.

4. To be honest, most days can be difficult. Things don't come easy to me, even something as simple as smiling. BUT I know this and make a conscious effort to "fake it till I make it". This is another example of "mind over matter" and most days I do alright. I look for ways of getting myself moving and have even found myself on my treadmill with my street clothes on while the hubs goes to get dinner. This gets me at least 20 minutes of fast walking and jogging and I must say I LOVE IT. I'm cheating NO ONE by doing this (the reason I started doing this is because I sometimes feel guilty for taking time during the week to exercise). I will say that this last year (2010) has been much easier in regards to goals and staying on task. I look forward to this year to come and making a lot more positive things second nature.

5. I love road trips. Most of the time though I prefer to take my more than one day road trips solo. This allows me to go and stop at my leisure. This allows me to get off the beaten track and explore the sights along the way. I'd really love to take a road trip east (Boston maybe) and eat at as many seafood restaurants I can pull into!! I also love thrift stores and flea markets and would stop at every one that I passed!

And for the happy picture of the week...I leave you with my baseball loving husband.  Only 27 days until pitchers and catchers report to spring training. And 75 days until the baseball season opens for 2011!

Monday, January 10, 2011

Winter Wonderland Warriors Week Two

It has been a crazy crazy week (as you well know from a previous post). Besides MTOM, work has been insane busy. Busy is good (keeps me out of trouble!) but it amazed me how time moved. I was so busy that I couldn't believe how slow things seemed to be...it took forever for Friday to arrive! But alais Friday came. And now Monday morning is knocking at the door! oy-vay.

Today I am here to discuss my progress on the Winter Wonderland Warriors project. Question One: What have you done this past week to help you achieve your goals? Surprisingly I have worked towards these goals--well some of them. 

In my hopes to run/jog 3 miles straight in 35 minutes or less I began my walk/jog program again. Two other days this week I got on the treadmill for 10 minutes each time. Then yesterday (Sunday) I walked/jogged 3.3 miles. To help me I had downloaded a "couch to 5k" onto my ipod touch. WONDERFUL app and so glad that I downloaded it. It started with a 5 minute warm up, moved to 60 seconds of running, then to 90 seconds of walking and so forth. It ended with a 5 minute cool down. Of course at the end of day one (30 minutes) for the app I had only gone 2.2 miles. I had wanted to do a minimum of 60 minutes and or 3 plus miles so I just continued on my own until I got to where I wanted to be.

Another goal I've worked on is the 3x5 cards with meals. I've gotten 2 1/2 half restaurants written out. To help with writing the cards out later I've also started highlighting in my weight watchers book items I enjoy eating. I think after I get my 10 restaurants done I am going to write out home meals (things we eat often from home-like sandwiches, breakfast etc).

I've also worked on the spend less/save more, drinking more water, and playing less on the computer. I've got a lot of work ahead of me is all I can say!

Question Two: Are any of your goals repeat offenders (i.e., have you made them before and not succeeded)? If so, what do you intend on doing this time to ensure you achieve them? As much as I hate to admit this, some of my goals are repeat offendors. You wouldn't think that they would be repeat offenders, you would think that they would become second nature. But if you don't keep yourself accountable these things can go by the way side. Drinking water, exercising, and spending less have been on previous lists. I don't know how to ensure that I keep on top of them once I achieve them...I'm open for suggestions! :O)

Question Three: Do you have a support system in place to help you achieve your goals? Yes, I've got you guys. And I've got my hubs. I'd have more "at home" support if I asked for it but I don't feel that many others would understand. I also don't like bossy people and worry that including some other at home folks would ruin friendships. This is about me. It's really hard to put into words. But if you knew some of the folks I have in my life you would understand. Constructive critisim is one thing, constantly telling me I'm going about things wrong and that I should be doing it "this way". Some people act like know it alls. I'm not a know it all but I do know how to investigate options and try knew things. I also know when something is working and when it is not.

Question Four: Are you a planner when it comes to meeting your goals, or do you tend to “wing it” and hope for the best? This is a funny question. I am a type a personality. I'm a total planner. I have a plan for a plan. I don't know how to "wing it" although I am sure it would be fun. I hope for the best and plan for the worst.

Question Five: Fun Question of the Week: Who knows about your blog? Are you on blogger lockdown or do the “real” people in your life know about your blog/read your blog? I've pretty much put myself on blogger lockdown. My hubs knows about my blog, my mother in law now knows of my blog, a pal from work (my work BFF) knows of my blog. That's it other than you guys. I once had a blog that my father knew about. He read it every day and critiqued it unmercifully. Again, constructive critism is one thing while being overly critical is a different bird. While I'm not an overly private person (you ask, I'll tell) I don't handle overly negative critical comments well. I understand that I may not do things right and I should be told. I understand that how I view things may not be the "holy grail". But tone is everything to me and sometimes I feel attacked by how they (my father and a few others in my life) respond to me. Don't worry, I'm working on it because I do know that sometimes I can be too sensitive about things.

And now for the happy photo of the week....
We volunteer every year for Winter Warm Up for Cardinal Care and this years event is next weekend. Last year I caught Fredbird buzzing around on this and I'm interested in seeing what trouble he gets into this year!!

Friday, January 7, 2011

Just a quickie...

Wow...what a week. And not all good!! Ha ha ha..it wasn't THAT bad but I'm just now getting into a better mood. My emotions have been like a roller coaster ride. I had my "period" this week (the 1st in quite some time) and I remember now why I hate being a woman! :O) The cramps were outta this world, I was so grumpie I tried to send myself home, and the worst part of the week: hunger induced by a migraine 3 days straight! ugh. How I managed NOT to eat the kitchen sink is beyond me.

I weighed in on Tuesday like normal and despite the "womanly" issues I was down 1.8 pounds. Very exciting because that meant I was getting my "10 percent loss" ww key chain. It's a beaut.
Also despite my "womanly" issues, I reintroduced myself to our treadmill. Such a darling thing. Ugly as heck but runs good! :O) I didn't do too much time but I got on it 2 times this week. I also hooked up the speakers for the portable dvd player so that I could actually hear what was being said when a movie is playing (hence one of the days I got on the treadmill).  Tomorrow I'm hoping to go for a walk outside...even if it's a lil could. The good ole midwest is expecting some snowy weather but I don't think it'll get that cold. If not I'll get my rear on the treadmill.

Have a great weekend.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

It's a brand new year!!

In case you all don’t know-I’m looking forward to the New Year. I have always liked New Years (not as in the day itself or the excuses it used to give to party but the year as a WHOLE) because of the endless possibilities that I feel await me. But this coming year seems like it is going to be even more special. I can feel it in the depth of my soul. I’ve been happier in the last few month, something I never knew I would feel (remember-“hope for the best/prepare for the worst”). The excitement is practically seeping out of my pores that’s how excited I am. I know that NO MATTER what happens (good or bad); I will be OK because I am strong.

Winter Wonderland Warriors, Week One of 2011:

  1. What are your ten goals for the WWW challenge?
  2. Why did you choose them? 
  3. Are you making a New Year’s Resolution beyond the WWW challenge?
  4. What does this challenge mean to you?
  5. Fun Question of the Week: What did you do when the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve?
 As previously stated, I am joining Amy (and friends) in the Winter Wonderland Warriors event. Directly above is the Week one agenda. I’ve posted my goals to the right side of the page (opposite of my weight loss goals) and will update them in red as progress is made. 2. I chose these goals (1. to the right) because my life isn’t all about losing weight. My life involves healing, forgiveness, preparing, motivation, learning to socialize, and the list goes on and on. This challenge (4.) gives me the opportunity to be set attainable goals, converse with others, and hold myself a little more accountable than I would if I were just setting New Years Resolutions. I’ve set New Years resolutions before and don’t consider this challenge to be a New Years Resolution. To be honest, I don’t understand New Years Resolutions (3.and so I don't make them). They always seem to get broken. I can’t afford (mentally, emotionally, financially) to let my list of 10 goals to be broken…All those goals are attainable. I may not do them as good as someone else in the world but I can do them the best I can. All I’ve got to do is just do them. NO more excuses.

And for the fun question of the week (5. and fun picture)…LOL (laughing out loud) I’m normally sleeping at midnight on New Year’s Eve. Try as I might I don’t always make it to the stroke of midnight. If by some slim chance I do, I’m normally watching a movie or HGTV. But this year, this year was slightly different. The hubs surprised me with tickets to a hockey game. I got dolled up (I looked HOT) and saved some points for snacks. Our seats were really close to the ice. So from 730 to 1030 we were out at the game. It was AWESOME!! Then we came home, hunkered down and watched the ball drop; twice. At midnight (central time) we smooched and wished each other a happy new year. It was a very very nice way to see 2011 come in.

 At the game store, I got me a new hat. Yes I said that I would "spend less, save more" (technically the challenge hadn't started yet) but I could NOT pass up this hat! It was a steal of a deal ($10)...Don't I look cute!!!