This IS the final post for Winter Wonderland Warriors!!

I really had a great time with the Winter Wonderland Warriors Challenge that Amy from Lifes Journey with a Smile hosted. Life has often been tough going, filled with the un-controlable, nail biting, heart breaking crap we all despise and any diverson from having to think about some of it is welcome. Doing the challenge allowed me to focus on things I can control, things that will help make me a better person.


At the beginning of the challenge, we chose ten goals (see right side of blog). I had intended to choose ten relatively different goals; instead I choose ten things that essentially lead to three specific goals (health, money, mind). I'm not sure how wise that decision was but that's neither here nor there (at least I can't say that I didn't spread myself too thin!).

I feel like I did really well with majority of the goals. The only goal I'm a bit disappointed in myself with is the "spending less time online, more time reading books". The truth is, I LOVE being online. I love tooling around the internet or playing bejewled on facebook. But this can cause some "tough spots" in life so I need to put this higher on the list of "goals" for the next challenge I participate in. And the health goals were a bit easier to focus on than the money goals; probably because weighing less and looking good makes me feel a whole lot better than paying off a credit card right now. Don't get me wrong, paying the credit cards off is a sweet sweet deal but weighing less is so much sweeter!
 
So as WWW comes to a close, I leave you with this...something that has brought a smile to my face for the last couple of weeks and I hope can bring a smile to  your face as well....
 
My picture of the week....
 

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Yes, just looking at him does SOOO much for me (get your minds out of the gutter folks-he doesn't do THAT for me!)! Who can't think happy thoughts just looking at that photo?!?!?  I have no idea who took the picture but thank you for doing so (the photo either says "What'd you say? I ain't takin that crap!" or "oh yeah, I'll bring it!"). I don't know him personally but from what I read he seems like a nice guy. Not only is he a decent actor and great athlete (who adores his fans) but he supports charity programs geared towards the betterment of children (helping to improve their health, minds)...and anyone who supports our youth and their future is alright by me!!

WWW last week....

http://www.lifesjourneywithasmile.com/

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


Well, it might be easier to state what I’ve NOT done than it would be to state what I have done. I have NOT sat around on my duff, watching life go by and my goals fall to the side of the road. Each thought, each action, is done with the intent of achieving my goals stated on my blog (as well as those not stated here) so that I may achieve my ultimate goal: A healthy, happy, positive mind body and soul so that I may live a long active life. I want to be someone others can admire and learn from. Someone not only my mom would be proud but someone I CAN BE PROUD OF.

With one week left, what is your plan?

My plan for this week is to continue to keep my chin up and eyes ahead. I am going to re-evaluate a few fitness goals and Bring It (As Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson would say) to the forefront. I’ve been doing exceptionally well with my exercising but I may be holding back just a little. I haven’t wanted to jump full force into running in hopes of avoiding long term injury BUT I may not be stepping it up as well as I should (as in increasing my speed to strengthen my shins/calfs).

What was the highlight of your week?

The highlight to my week was losing 2.2 lbs and thus hitting my 35 lb loss goal/reward. I’m just about half way to my goal weight and I’m so proud of my accomplishment. I also feel like I can see the opening of the tunnel and that I’m no longer a side line member of society.

Did you have a down point? If so, how did you push past it?

I did have a down point this week. It was Monday and the weather once again sucked. I didn’t feel good (mentally, physically or emotionally) and neither did the dog. I pushed passed it by opting to take the day off and we (the dog and I) took a morning nap. There have been other down points emotionally but that’s just life…and I have to keep moving forward and stay away from the negative best as I can.

Fun Question of the Week: What's your favorite television show from the past? Presently?

I don’t really feel I have a “favorite” TV show…there are a bunch of great ones out right now and sometimes I catch myself saying “oh, project runway is my favorite show” but then saying “oh such and such is my favorite show too!” I remember that as a kid I love the Bozo Show (especially seeing the ping pong game), Captain Kangaroo, Mr. Rogers, I Dream of Jeanie. These days I lean towards Project Runway, Designed to Sell, Big Brother, Amazing Race, The Forgotten (which sadly only lasted one season), and Harry’s Law. I do like the CSI’s and Law and Order but I’m burnt out on the law enforcement side of the house (I work with law enforcement and how they portray things on TV isn’t always how it is in the real world).

My photo for the week involves a very hot hot hot hot (did I mention HOT) individual! I watched FASTER over the weekend and was reminded how much I enjoy watching this guy act (ok so maybe I also enjoy feeling like a young school girl!! LOL)…come to think of it though I’m not sure he spoke much in the movie!! Opps…my bad! He’s still a great actor…no REALLY, he is a great actor! And also soft on the eyes.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johsnon

image by: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

When life give you lemons, you make lemonade. BUT....

When life gives you limes what do you do?

http://www.lifesjourneywithasmile.com/

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


Seriously…Not much. I’ve written up a few more 3 x 5 cards (and what a shock the totals were-and I’d already eaten the food!); I jogged/walked 4 days, one of the days jogging WITHOUT STOPPING the whole 2.6 miles; I signed up for a 5k but it won’t take place until after the challenge is done. It’s weird because I know how to set goals but I don’t always know how to dedicate appropriate time to achieving those specific goals in a specific amount of time…I tend to make the goals, work towards them but then create more before completing the first set. I did watch my tongue a lot as well attend my ww meeting…but I didn’t save all the money I could this week. I went to Kohl's and found some upper under garments on the clearance rack. Steal of a deal-got 4 for the price of 1 3/4 … :o)

2. New month! How are you feeling with the end of the challenge coming up soon?

I’m a bit sad about it. It’s been a fun challenge and I’ve met a few new people. I like the structure of the challenge (although including the www icon and link back is sometimes hard) and it has helped me focus on what I want to accomplish in my life.

3. What would you change differently about this challenge for the Spring Fever Challenge beginning soon? Give me ideas here, goals (open number, specific number, less, more?), picture stays?, day of the week? another element? Questions stay or go? What type of questions would you like to be asked?

What I would change or like to see….well, I would like less goals. 10 was a bit to cumbersome and left me feeling like I was trying to accomplish too much in such a “short” amount of time (regardless of how many could overlap). I know it’s a weird number but maybe 6. And maybe say “set two goals in each of the following areas of life (professional, personal, community related, educational, family).” As for what type of questions—they’re pretty spot on as it is…

4. What have you learned about yourself during this challenge (or past few months)?

I’ve learned that “I can” rather then “Oh gosh no, never, I can’t!”. I’ve also learned that my fun, fearless personality is still in me. I’ve also learned that nothing is easy but that just because it isn’t easy doesn’t mean I can’t “roll with it” and learn to sway like a boat as the tide rolls.

5. Fun Question of the Week: Do you enter contests? Have you ever won one?

I have entered contests and have won a few. I won an awesome Jillian Michael's DVD prize pack (had pink wrist bands and water bottle included) and a Inspire towel from a other bloggers. I love to win things but don’t always like to take the time to follow do as the guidelines want for entries. My favorite contest winning was from the Bozo Show late 70’s (the bucket thing); to enter you sent them a post card with your name and I ended up winning a Bee Gee’s “greatest hits” album. I was soooooooooooo excited…felt like I’d won the lotto!!

There IS a light at the end of every tunnel-you just have to open  your eyes!

life lessons and I'm thankful

I really didn't know what to title this post. I'm at a loss for words (verbally speaking)...but I often wonder silently 'Why is it when everything is "right" in my world that everyone elses world falls apart (or seems to fall apart? or falls apart momentarily?)?' This person grandma dies, this persons beloved pug died. This person is having "marital difficulties" (by the way-who hasn't - I mean really, there is no manual for a perfect marriage just a lot of praying) this person is just naturally pessimistic.  Some days it feels like a vicious cycle...soothing others nerves while I internally go "yeah me-I'm doing it!".  But I am thankful because although my world won't always be right, it's right right now.

anyhow, enough of the sob. I've been doing really well with weight watchers. 24 weeks in a row I've had a loss...even when it was only a .2 loss, it was still a loss. And I'm sooooo sooo happy. I can move better, I feel better, I smile more, and I got into some size 14 pants!! (yeah me). I am so so thankful. I've also been doing pretty good with the "exercising". I'm even giving it the "ole college try" (if you knew me well you would know that college was the first thing I really worked at (I was 30 when I went back); which was before hubby and weight watchers. Anywho I've been waking early, skipping my way out the door (OK, only on the first day of the week of getting up early...it tappers off towards the end of the week) to go to the Y. Soon I will be able to skip my way out the door to the street and around the neighborhood when the weather stays warm (and until the sweltering hot-boy I'm getting chatting-yikes!).

I've also been doing well with not spending so much money. And drinking my water. Not so good with writing up meals for my 3x5 cards. Keeping my mouth shut has been relatively easy too (do I really have a choice!! :O) ) at least as it pertains to snippy comebacks.  I've been working on my jogging (I've decided that the turn running is too fast for me and I like to stop and smell the roses now and then) and average 11 min miles (walk/jog combo after the first mile) for the first 3 miles at which time it tappers to 12.5 min miles. Ah...whatEVer! it's all good!

Have a great week!

Week Six WWW (is it really week 6?? yikers)

What have you done this past week to help you achieve your goals? I can't believe it's week six already of this challenge!! My time flies when you're having fun! :O) I seem to have been working more on the financial goals this week than I have the exercising goals. Not a great plan but at least I'm working on something right! I've been able to save myself some money this week, watching the budget as they say and reminding myself of the end result. What is the end result you ask? The end result is to have less credit card bills and a larger nest egg. And to eventually get a new car! :O) Anyhow, I've also watched my tongue (thought before I spoke) but I still need a lot of work on this...or at least the not caring what someone else is saying, not feeling like I've got to defend myself and just doing my own thing. My water intake is still going pretty good (although on the weekends there is still room for improvement) and I'm still participating in weight watchers.


New month! Fresh starts! How are you feeling in February? February came in like a lion...the weather has been incredible (incredibly cold and wet)! I'd be lying if I said that I feel great about February. I don't seem to have the "umpf" I need in the exercise department. I want to be one of those people who loves to work out, who enjoys getting on the treadmill, who looks for ways to be active. But in all honesty I am not. I don't know if I ever will be one of those. I don't know if I will ever be one of those who has come to the understanding/appreciation for such activities. But the truth is I NEED TO FIND THE APPRECIATION AND GET MY ASS MOVING (excuse my french!) because I for one do not have a high metabolism! And I'm getting older. And staying slim takes more than watching what I eat. (or so I'm told). So please, SEND HELP SOON!!

Are you competitive? Do you find that seeing how well {or not so well} others do pushes you? As amazing as it sounds, I'm pretty competitive. If I know that I'm literally and figuratively speaking going to compete against someone else I will work my ass (opps sorry-excuse the french) off to win. If I see someone else accomplish great things (whom I didn't know could accomplish said great things) it motivates me. I think that secretly I'm still in high school and that's were I get this "oh no you didn't..I can do it too and probably better". As much as I'm embarrassed to admit, I want to be bragged about amongst the "cool kids".

What is your favourite outdoor winter activity? {Southerners can answer winter if they visit the snow, or just what you like to do outside}. Can we say "Pansy". I don't have a favorite winter activity unless it involves winter LEAVING!! I'm soooooooooo over snow. and sleet. and ice. I just want some sun. Warm sun. Not hot sun. Warm sun.

Fun Question of the Week: What would be your ideal way to spend a Saturday night? I'll keep this clean in case someone younger than 18 is reading my blog (ha ha ha). My ideal Saturday night would at the local hockey stadium, watching some good hockey from a few rows in. I'd get to eat my popcorn, drink some diet soda, and scream my lungs out for the home team. I'd even let my husband come if he's good!
 
And the photo of the week will be....

This photo is from June 2007. It was my first experience with running since High School; which was about 18 + years before. I had been working my legs before/after work (1 mile each) and doing the stairs (12 flights) during lunch for quite some time. I decided I wanted to participate in the work sponsored Special Olympics Torch Run and thought I could "hang". It would only be 3 miles and I wouldn't be carrying the torch. What I didn't take into consideration is that the others participating were in very very good shape (not only did their jobs require them to be in great shape, THEY LIKED BEING IN GREAT SHAPE), many who ran daily. About 3/4 a mile in I was winded and snuck into support vehicle behind us. Once they realized what happened they got me out of the car. They weren't mean about it, they just knew I could do it. I know I held them up and slowed them down. But they were so encouraging and wouldn't let me slack (aka ride in the support vehicle). As we approached the finish, those who are up ahead circled back and we all finished at the same time. I miss those folks...I wish I had the faith in me that they did that day!

A day late and a dollar short!! Week five WWW

1) This week hasn't been too productive on the WWW goal front. I've had a constant headache and no amount of OTC meds have worked. Just sleep. I did manage to get outside and walk before the weather returned to crap. Keeping my mouth shut has been a task and a half (at work) and I think I did ok. Other than that I've not openly worked towards my goals.

2) Despite the lack of work towards my goals last week I would say that January has been a success. My spirits have been high and sometimes that is half the battle. I've taken baby steps towards my goals and hope that the heavens bless me with more positive motivation.

3) Honestly I'm not AS motivated as I was at the beginning of the month. It's ok though because I've not completely petered out. The weather is attempting to hold me down (mentally) but I can't and won't let that dictate the outcome. I have about 87 days until my next "official" 5k and 1/2 marathon and will be quite embarrassed (some high school friends will be participating as well) if I don't show up mentally as well as physically.

4) God is who/what inspires me to keep going. With Gods help I've come so far, done so much and will continue to do wonderful things (maybe even someday do great things). I mean no disrespect to my bloggin buddies who routinely read my words and lend their support-They are ALL very inspiring. And I'm not saying that family and friends have not helped me-they are all awesome folks. BUT the only person who can truly keep me going and keeps me grounded is God. Most of the world could care less if I make positive life style changes to become a healthier individual. Some people actually loved me exactly how I was when I started this blog. But I knew God wanted a better person and so these life style changes are for me, about me. Their about me being a better person and healthier role model for others.

5) This is my fave question! Fun Question of the Week: What is the first thing you think of/do in the morning? Most mornings the first thing I think of is "umm, so warm and cozy! my lil man (FB) snuggled close, sharing body heat-what a pity I've got to get up and go to work!!" I love to sleep...I love being warm and cozy...I feel so safe in that lil cocoon!

So, my picture of the week will be of my lil man...snug as a bug in a rug!!

Week Four {January 24, 2011}:

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!!

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!!

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!!!