Tuesday, March 23, 2010

It's a common baby-boomer issue

Mom is in the hospital and now she can’t go back to the assisted living facility. Dad is having a difficult time of it and is numbing himself with concern about material things like drawing up a plan for dividing the room equitably with a new roommate. He doesn’t want to let go of any of his stuff. Stuff! It’s such a burden. I have the same disease as him. I have too much stuff. Afraid to get rid of it as if it is a part of me or a protection from loss. I see and feel it as a burden. He does not. Dad, you are almost fucking 90! What do you need all this crap for? It will just be more for us to deal with when you finally leave this earth. As it is, moving Mom will be a big ordeal. So much to get rid of. What’s the point of it all? What am I afraid of? What will I miss out on by not having my calculus notes or my binder of proofs from Foundations of Math? Why do I need to keep a squeaky bird I got at a child’s birthday party 15 years ago? All this stuff just clutters up my house, my mind, my life.

I have been feeling pretty hopeless lately. I still have that damn hole in my belly and I’m gaining weight-like I need anymore. If I am this fat and I get real old it will make things really difficult. It is already making everything difficult. Which brings me to the point of what is the point of trying to take better care of myself? It’s a battle between life and death. Right now I want to die young. I don’t want to go through what Mom is going through. I feel like it is a hopeless task to lose weight. Most people can’t do it. If I can’t I might as well die soon. If I can lose it I would have by now don’t you think? Why is this such an issue? It used to be about looks and self-esteem. Now it is about health, pain, medical issues, being a burden (literally) in my old age. I haven’t got any kids to take care of me.

I told Dad, death is a part of life. He said “but I’m not ready to go yet” I asked didn’t his faith help him? and he said yes, it did. My faith tells me that whatever I don’t deal with in this life will be waiting for me to deal with in another life. But I am so tired and sore that I don’t care. I just want to veg out and move on to the next life. At least I can start out young again. Maybe I will be wiser. I have been so stupid in this life. I have not appreciated what I had and not used my gifts. Why can’t I use my gifts? And how do I use them? What am I here for?

Been watching Roswell again. It is such a comfort to me. To see Jason Behr’s characterization of Max Evans and to relive my youth. I just noticed the other day that he has Chris’s legs. Wow! Didn’t get that connection before. What if Chris was the love of my life and I just threw it all away out of fear or some madness? I don’t hold out any hope for love or romance in my life now. Not gonna happen. Fuck it.

[Via http://lindabaker53.wordpress.com]

229 Days Till The Wedding

Dearest Supporters:

Just a quick update on my progress during this past weekend.  I’ll start by saying that Saturday was my cheat day.  Traditionally, when I used to be a gym-rat and treated my body as a temple, I ate healthy foods…six days a week.  My philosophy was and still is, that you need to reward yourself for the effort you put into your diet and exercise plan.  I know that if I deprived myself of pizza, ice cream and my favorite…chocolate, forever, that I probably wouldn’t have even bothered to start a healthy eating routine.  But just knowing that on Saturdays I could let loose and enjoy those foods worked as an incentive for me.  Now, trust me, I didn’t go hog-wild stuffing my face with as much junk as possible, though I would’ve like to, especially when it comes to pizza.  Being of Italian decent, I can’t live too long without the sauce and mozzarella cheese combo, so having a cheat day allowed me to indulge a bit!

As far as exercise is concerned, I struggled to get my big butt into the gym to do cardio on Saturday.  I dressed in my gym clothes after I showered, as a constant reminder that I needed to go, but I kept finding things around the house to occupy my time.  After spending the afternoon grocery shopping at Whole Foods, which is forty-five minutes from my house, it was too late to go to the gym.  While I was unloading the groceries, I was giving myself the guilt-trip from hell, and when I finished, I hopped into the car and drove to the park, where I walked a full ninety minutes or roughly four and a half miles.

Sunday, I went through the same struggle, but this time I never even left the house.  I spent the day in bed watching movies and reading.  I had no fight in me.  Besides, it was the last day of my vacation and I just wanted to laze around for a day before heading back to the rat-race which, concerned me.   With my work schedule being so busy and stressful, I was worried that I would soon abandon my battle.

When I woke up this morning, the only thing on my mind was how I was going to fit my workout into the day.  Luckily, one of my tutoring appointments fell through in the afternoon and I was able to start my hour commute a whole hour earlier.  My commute, as I mentioned in a previous post, is what gets me into trouble.  I always manage to talk myself out of working out by the time I reach my driveway.  Today, I changed that.  I told myself that I would get to the gym, over and over and over again.  it worked because as soon as I walked through my front door, I headed toward the closet, changed my clothes and then headed to the gym. Afterward, I felt great, ate a nice salmon dinner and am now, focused on tomorrow.  It’ll be another busy day, but I can’t give up.  I’ll keep you posted.

Sincerely,

Thy Maid of Honor

[Via http://thymaidofhonor.wordpress.com]

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Is Caralluma A Weight Loss Scam?

Hi, I’m Peter Jackson. The simple answer to the question “Is caralluma a weight loss scam?” is no. I created this page to show you it can work. Not only can it work for me, but it can work for you too.

I am 47 years of age, divorced father of two beautiful children. Until I discovered the power of caralluma, my self esteem was very low. I had just come through a messy divorce and I had found comfort in eating.

Since the divorce, I had piled on the pounds and was looking for a way to get rid of the extra weight. I tried dieting and went from one yo-yo diet to the next. Weight loss seemed like a far off dream to me. My self esteem and confidence fell lower and lower. I thought that I would carry this extra weight forever.

Sound familiar, I bet it does.

Then, my friend Ben introduced me to caralluma. He had used it to lose weight for his daughter’s upcoming wedding. He said it worked a treat.

So I scoured the net and discovered that I could try it for free at this website. I had nothing to lose. If it worked I could keep on using it, if it didn’t, It only cost me shipping and handling. That to me was a good deal.

 I had paid for diets and exercise programmes in the past, and I could get this caralluma for free from these guys.

Even this doctor was saying how the caralluma plant would help with weight loss.

Well my life turned around. It was as if a cloud had lifted from my shoulders. The results were almost instantaneous. I steadily lost pound after pound and it became obvious to me and the people around me that caralluma was working.

My self esteem and confidence increased day by day. I even had my female friends saying how attractive I had become, not only my body, but my spirit as well.

With the grey clouds lifted, my spirits soared and I was attractive to others again. That’s when I met Sally, a Fortune 500 company Executive. If I hadn’t tried caralluma I would not have had the confidence to ask her out. Now we are planning a fantastic future together.

So please, This is possible for you too. You can change your life with caralluma. Get some free here where I did. Remember it is possible for you too.

[Via http://carallumascam.wordpress.com]

Easter with Sex and The City Hotspots: Fabulous "Rabbit" Giveaway

olt.jpegEaster weekend will be all fun and games with On Location Tours’ Sex and the City Hotspots Tour.  Earn fabulous Easter egg prizes along the way by knowing your Sex and the City trivia.  The grand prize winner will get a Rabbit from the Pleasure Chest, where Charlotte buys her rabbit on the show!  All of this while, of course, seeing the city that these four fabulous ladies call home.  You’ll stop and have cosmos at “Scout,” the bar owned by Aidan, go to the restaurant where Carrie has her wedding rehearsal dinner, and stuff your face with cupcakes just like the girls while hearing behind the scene secrets from tour guides who are real New York City actresses.  So, brush up on your Sex and the City episodes ladies, and book now before seats fill up.

When:  Saturday, April 3rd and Sunday April 4th (during 3pm departure only)

Duration: 3.5 hours

Price:  $42 (+ $2 ticket fee)

* To purchase online, visit www.screentours.com

* To purchase by phone, call Zerve at 212-209-3370

Departure at Fifth Avenue, between 58th and 59th Streets. (Exact location provided at time of purchase)

[Via http://nealbinnyc.wordpress.com]

The Verdict's In

I stepped on the scale yesterday wrapping up a ten day limeade cleanse and the first five days of the subsequent 10 Day Biotics Cleanse.

I sort of knew something had changed when I tried on a size four dress in the juniors department at Kohl’s the other day and it actually fit!

Regardless, you could have knocked me over with a feather when I actually got on the scale. And got off of it. And then got back on.

I swear, if that scale had been in my bathroom instead of at the gym, I probably would have fallen asleep there standing upright!

For the first time in my adult life, I don’t need to lose any weight! In fact, in a completely unanticipated turn of events, I am actually substantially below my stated goal weight!

Go figure. I guess all of those old boyfriends who used to tell me that I was full of crap were actually onto something!

Anyway, goals or no, I’m curious as to what the next 15 days will bring!

Fifteen days – that is – that include 5 more days of prescribed deep liver cleansing, followed by 11 additional days of sugar detox!

Then let the maintenance begin….

Just in case you were beginning to wonder, the fun never seems to end here at Camp Living Lively!

[Via http://kjlivinglively.com]

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Sex in Las Vegas: Where Was Kim Cattrall?

from http://www.eonline.com/:
Cynthia Nixon, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis

Just because Kim Cattrall wasn’t in Las Vegas last night with Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon does not mean she is persona non grata.

The gals jetted to Sin City for movie industry convention ShoWest, where the upcoming Sex and the City movie sequel was honored with this year’s Ensemble Award.

So why was Cattrall a no-show?

She’s busy in London starring in a West End production of Noel Coward’s play Private Lives.

“We don’t like her, so she’s gone,” Parker joked (yes, joked!) with me backstage. “We’ve actually been emailing with her for the last three or four hours. The next time you see us, we will be complete.”

Nixon added, “We miss her.”

Davis also piped in to set the record straight about one of the more recent tabloid tales of SATC catfighting. “I want to clear this up,” she said, “I promise I have never made Kim eat alone in a restaurant!”

Of course, the gals were tightlipped about the sequel’s storylines, but did share about the sometimes not-so-glamorous filming that took place in North Africa. “We happened to be staying at a hotel that had no electricity and no indoor plumbing,” Davis said. “We always had to run out to trailers to go to the bathroom.”

Parker added, “We were drinking so much mint tea, but it was a real dilemma: Do you hydrate or do you pee less?”

Perhaps they’ll have better accommodations if they make another SATC flick. While no decision has been made about a third, Nixon cracked, “We’re going to do Sex in Space.”

[Via http://nealbinnyc.wordpress.com]

What is a Team Beachbody® Coach?

Team Beachbody is where your healthy lifestyle begins.
Whether you’re looking to lose weight or get fit, we can provide a solution. We help you achieve your goals using a combination of proven home fitness programs, easy-to-follow meal plans and nutrition advice, financial incentives, and a support system like no other. Team Beachbody is proving that changing your body and your life is not only possible, but it can be fun, simple, and rewarding.

About Beachbody®
Beachbody has been the leader in home fitness since 1998. We’ve created many of the most popular fitness and weight loss solutions, including P90X® Extreme Home Fitness, INSANITY™, Slim in 6®, Hip Hop Abs®, ChaLEAN Extreme®, Turbo Jam®, Power 90®, Yoga Booty Ballet® Ab & Butt Makeover, and Kathy Smith’s Project:YOU! Type 2®.

Shakeology® and P90X® Results and Recovery Formula lead our Beachbody Nutritionals® line of products, designed to help you get the best results from your fitness programs. All of our supplements adhere to the highest formulation standards in the industry. At Beachbody, we believe that good nutrition is a must for good health.

At Beachbody and Team Beachbody, our mission is to give people the programs, tools, and support they need to achieve their goals and enjoy healthy, fulfilling lives.

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When you purchase any Beachbody® Fitness Program from the link above, I will give you a FREE Personal Training Session to assure you are properly performing the excercises and benefiting the most during your workouts.*
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about purchasing your Beachbody® Fitness Program of choice.
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[Via http://imapersonaltrainer.wordpress.com]

EAT WELL: Discover Beets - A Powerful Antioxidant

Did you know that the pigment that provides the rich red color of beets is also a powerful antioxidant and cancer fighting agent? Beet roots contain a unique class of phytonutrients called betalains. Betacyanin is the red pigment that is concentrated in red beets, and betaxanthin is the yellow-orange pigment found in yellow beets. These health-promoting phytonutrient pigments may be partially responsible for beets’ suggested role as a chemoprotective food. In one study, liver antioxidant enzymes were found to increase in animals fed beet fiber. Since these enzymes protect the liver from free radicals, they are thought to prevent the beginnings of cancerous activity. In a human clinical trial, beet juice was found to be a potent inhibitor of cell mutations that are normally caused by nitrosamines, metabolic byproducts of nitrates, which are chemical preservatives commonly used in processed meats. It turns out that beet roots are not the only part of the plant offering protection against free radical damage—beet greens also have amazing antioxidant potential. In one study that compared them to spinach, broccoli, carrots, onions and celery, beet greens were found to have the highest phenolic phytonutrient content as well as the greatest ability to absorb oxygen radicals (a marker of their antioxidant capacity).
15-Minute Healthy Steamed Beets
The beautiful color of beets also reflects their rich concentration of health-promoting phytonutrient antioxidants, which help protect against the damage to cellular structures and DNA that can be caused by free radicals. They are also rich in folate and one serving of this recipe adds only 57 calories to your Healthiest Way of Eating.

Prep and Cook Time: 5 minute prep; 15 minute cooking

Ingredients:

3 medium beets, about 3″ in diameter
1 medium clove garlic, pressed or chopped
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 TBS balsamic vinegar
3 TBS extra virgin olive oil
sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste

Optional:
1 TBS balsamic vinegar
10 fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 TBS chopped dill
1 TBS chopped chives
2 TBS Feta cheese

Directions:
Fill the bottom of a steamer with 2 inches of water.
While the water is coming to a boil, wash beets, leaving 2 inches of tap root and 1 inch of the stem on the beets. Cut beets into quarters. Do not peel.
Steam covered for 15 minutes. Beets are cooked when you can easily insert a fork on the tip of a knife into the beet. Although some of their colorful phytonutrients are lost to the steaming water, there is plenty of color and nutrients left in the beets.
Press or chop garlic and let sit for 5 minutes to bring out their health-promoting properties.
Peel beets using a paper towel.
Transfer beets to a bowl and toss with remaining ingredients while they are still hot.
* Serves 2

_______________________________________________________________________

Have a question? Ask a Health & Fitness Professional: info@thefitnessunderground.com

Visit THE FITNESS UNDERGROUND.COM: http://www.thefitnessunderground.com

GET FIT, STAY WELL AND THRIVE. START MOVING IN A HEALTHIER DIRECTION.

A YEAR FROM NOW YOU MAY WISH YOU STARTED TODAY!

The Fitness Underground-Los Angeles c.2010

[Via http://thefitnessunderground.wordpress.com]

Thursday, March 18, 2010

It's a journey..

This blog is about my journey into a path of healthier eating which must include a lot of raw foods. I realize it’s a journey and the blogging is for me. If someone else can be helped or offer help, that will be great. But I am doing this for me.

This morning I had yogurt for breakfast. I am lacking motivation lately. Honestly I need a bouquet of flowers or something. lol But tomorrow is another day. But I think I’m going to do another 10-21 day veggie cleanse/fast. Yeah I’ve said a lot of things, but whatever. It is what it is… and I say that with a big smile on my face. lol

[Via http://rawcookbooks.wordpress.com]

Congratulation to our first health class group!

Tonight was the last meeting for our first “Foundations for Health” group. Over the past 8 weeks or so, we’ve covered a range of topics related to what our body must have to function properly, including diet, exercise, sleep, and others.

At the final weigh-in and measurements, I was happy to see that everyone that embraced the program lost between 5 and 15 pounds and 2 inches from their waist and 2 inches from their hips. This was during one of the most difficult times of the year to lose weight. I am confident that if they continue to follow their new lifestyle, they will lose just as much over the next 8 weeks.

More importantly, many of the group members expressed that they have more energy and feel much better than they have previously. It’s amazing how well the body can work when its basic requirements are satisfied!

If you’re reading this and are thinking to yourself, “I could lose a couple of pounds”, or “I know I should feel better than I do”, or maybe you’re suffering from some sort of health ailment or have been diagnosed with a health issue, consider giving our program a try. There’s no gimmicks, to tricks involved, and no pills to buy. It’s just good, honest, well researched concepts that when put into practice, can make a world of difference.

Our program is good for the beginner that has no clue where to start as well as those that feel they have a pretty good grasp of what they should be doing. We’ll cover all of the basics and well as provide a concrete plan for those that need a little structure and motivation.

If all this sounds good to you, call our office at 570-366-2613 and ask to be placed on our list for the “Foundations for Health” program. Once we have more info on times and dates for our next class, we’ll give you a call and let you know what’s up. By calling and getting on our list, there’s no commitment involved.

(Dr. Touchinsky is the chiropractor at Blue Mountain Family Chiropractic and owner of Healthy Habits Natural Market in Orwigsburg, Schuylkill County. In addition to traditional chiropractic care for neck and back pain, he also has a passion for helping people through diet and lifestyle coaching and counseling. The “Foundations for Health” program is designed to give people a basic understanding of what our bodies need to function properly. People that follow the principles often report weight loss, increase energy, decreased blood pressure, better sleep, and many other benefits.)

[Via http://drtouchinsky.com]

● The 6-week GREEK GODDESS challenge!

To all the ladies out there – if you want to see improvements in your body shape, health and fitness, take on my 6-week challenge to start getting the strength and toned physique of a Greek goddess!

3x 30 min sessions a week for a six week commitment, fun and motivating small group training (2-3 people). Make up your own group or meet some new people :-)

To have a better read and for pricing, click on the pic below:

[Via http://angenorton.wordpress.com]

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Measures of Success

The scale has been pretty slow to respond lately, so I’ve been looking for other ways to measure my progress. One of the most exciting happened this week when I went shoe shopping. For the past twenty years I have been wearing wide shoes. In fact, for the past ten, I’ve had to get WW. This severely limited my choice of style. Lots of pretty shoes are only made for people with M width feet. Well, I’m happy to report that a few days ago, I bought four pairs of cute, medium-width shoes!

I also fit into size 16s—not all 16s—some pants are still too tight, but I’m probably only about a month away.

And then there’s the airplane seatbelt….

Those of you who have never been severely overweight may not realize that it is possible to be able to fit in an airplane seat but not be able to cinch the seat belt. I made this embarrassing discovery on an Air France flight to Paris several years ago. I was traveling with a friend who convinced me I had to admit my problem to the flight attendant.  I finally did—deciding that a psychological harm I might suffer by asking for help was nothing compared to the physical harm that I might experience in the case of a rough landing. The kind flight attendant seeing my consternation, surreptitiously handed me a seatbelt extender and I buckled myself in. Realizing that it was unlikely that I would be significantly thinner after a week in Paris and so would likely need that device again, I slipped it into my purse and have carried it on every flight since. Sometimes, I’ve needed it. Sometimes I haven’t.

I usually need it on  flights outside the US—I always needed to use it on domestic carriers in Mexico and Nigeria and sometimes on KLM. However, I have never used it on a US flight. I guess that says something about the average waist size  of Americans.

At any rate, the news is that I now easily fit into the seatbelt. In fact, when I pulled it tight,  I had about seven inches left over!

Just goes to show you that you can measure progress in lots of ways.

 - Cheryl

How do you measure your weight loss success?

[Via http://livewellwomen.wordpress.com]

Isagenix, first week summary

Here’s my summary of things after one week on Isagenix.

Weight loss:  I lost 6 pounds in 7 days.  That’s a pretty stellar result, however, I’m not convinced that any other strict diet wouldn’t have done the same.  I wonder how much of that weight is water loss.  I don’t think I’ve lost muscle, since I do work out quite a bit.  I didn’t measure myself again at the 7 day point, so all I know is at the 4 day mark I’d lost 10.5 inches overall.

Energy:  A few people told me that I’d have so much more energy.  I don’t.  I see no difference in my energy level whatsoever.

Sleep:  Another thing Isagenix claims to be good for is improving sleep.  No dice there either.

Taste:  I still hate the shakes.  They taste like playdough smells.  Tonight I tried mixing one scoop of vanilla and one scoop of chocolate.  It didn’t improve things.  Nothing makes these shakes taste any better, so I’ve stopped trying to add anything to them.  I’ve more or less gotten used to the taste of the Ionix Supreme, and to me the Cleanse drink tastes enough like nothing that I have no problem with it.

Hunger:  I have to say that since Thursday, I’ve found my hunger to be controlled pretty well.  I don’t get particularly hungry between meals, and if I do, a small snack is enough to keep me going.  I do still get some pretty strong sugar cravings though.

Overall:  I like the plan.  The 2 shakes, one small meal takes all the thinking out of eating, which for me is a good thing.  I’m on the fence about cleanse day.  However, there are 2 things that will stop me from using the Isagenix products after this month is up:  1.  I hate the shakes.  I’m figuring that I’d need to stick to this program for 3 to 6 months to lose the weight I want to lose.  That’s between 180 and 360 shakes that I absolutely hate.  I won’t subject myself to that.  2.  Even more importantly, it’s foolishly expensive.  The 30 day cleanse cost US$320.  I just can’t justify the cost, when I can get the equivalent amount of Unjury protein powder (which tastes better) for US$80 per month.  Yes, with Isagenix, I do get a few extra products:  Cleanse for Life, Ionix Supreme, Snacks!, IsaFlush, and Natural Accelerator.  I can find quite similar products to each of these (with perhaps the exception of Snacks!, but they’re gross anyway) at GNC.  The equivalent amount of a cleanse product would cost $40.00 for the month, the equivalent of Ionix Supreme, $15.99, and take your pick of fat burning accelerators, for somewhere around $35.00.  Add that all up, and you’re at about half the price of the Isagenix program.  Would it be as effective?  Maybe I’ll try it out next month.

[Via http://darklightwrites.wordpress.com]

118 lbs. later...

Last summer, I decided it was time to get my weight under control for the first time since my early twenties, so on July 15, I went to my family doctor for a consultation. Of course, he told everything I already knew, but needed to hear: fewer calories, healthier food choices, and exercise–essentially, take in less than you’re putting out. We decided on a caloric intake that would be conducive to weight loss and set up a weight-check schedule for me to follow. Then, I went down the hall to the hospital’s fitness center and stepped up my exercise program, which had been hit-or-miss over the past couple of years.

I began by walking two miles a day on a treadmill, using the various weight machines, and cutting my calories to 1500 per day; soon the weight started coming off. I felt energized, and my walking increased to three miles a day and my weightlifting continued. By Labor Day, I was down 40 lbs. and walking at least three miles a day. When my wife and I returned from a fall break trip to visit family in and around Strasbourg, France, I’d lost 50 lbs. and had missed only one day of walking since July 15.

As of today, I’ve officially met my weight-loss goal, and I’m running three or four miles a every day and lifting weights six days a week (concentrating on different areas on alternating days). I’m officially in maintenance-mode, and I’m enjoying my forties more than ever.

[Via http://mou101.wordpress.com]

Sunday, March 14, 2010

From 125 to 140 in just 6 months!

So I’ve gained about 15 lbs. in six months.

I’m not happy about it, and I know why. I stopped going to the gym, and we started going out to eat way more often. In addition, I’m a habitual snacker, and I really, really like to eat.

Now, I’m very small-framed, and 15 lbs. extra on me (I’m at 140) looks like twice as much. I look noticeably heavier even if I gain 5 lbs. I’ve got the usual clothes-don’t-fit-anymore-must-wear-all-elastic-clothing syndrome and the why-do-my-boobs-not-get-bigger-when-I-gain-weight complaint (for the record, I’m smaller than an A cup).

Anywho, this week I’m going to hit the gym (we joined Snap Fitness). I want to build muscle, so I’ll be focusing more on weights than cardio. The gym has one of those sessions where they teach you to use the machines, and they give you a fitness assessment. I will definitely get one or two personal training sessions, as that will help me knock out these 15 lbs.

Wish me luck. I’ll be using Leo Babauta’s 6 Changes approach to creating habits (so far mine include working on going to the gym 2-3 times a week and working on living more minimally).

[Via http://itsjustclaudia.wordpress.com]

Kinda Jazzed About Today's Run

My half-marathon training schedule called for me to run eight miles today. A few weeks ago, eight felt like a big bunch of miles. I suppose everything’s relative. Two weeks ago I ran 10 miles, so today’s eight didn’t seem so daunting.

I had planned to take it easy during today’s training session. I had an 11 a.m. work commitment, and I wanted to run prior to that. In order to train at a very comfortable pace, shower, primp, and get to the function on time, I planned an early wake-up. But I didn’t pack my gym bag last night, nor did I assemble my running clothes, fuel belt, etc. In short, I was about a half hour late getting started.

Because I was running late and because I gained a lot of confidence last weekend by running my fastest six miles ever, I ran a little faster than was comfortable. I kept tabs on my pace with my GPS running watch and while it wasn’t exactly Chariots of Fire, I felt good about what I was doing. When I got to the locker room I recorded my time in my training log, then flipped back a few pages to find the notes from my last eight miler. To my astonishment, I shaved 15 minutes off of my time for that distance!

Even though I was a little stiff and sore at the work function, I believe I walked a little taller and prouder. I’m beginning to get used to feeling uncomfortable. And it’s really not so bad.

[Via http://482gr8.wordpress.com]

Immune Boosting

As I write this, I’m sitting on my couch with a glass of wine.  Drinking is a rarity for me these days but, with a friend in from out-of-town, I’ve had a social week that’s involved alcohol.  Unfortunately, the drinking adds a unneccessary calories without a whole lot of nutritional value,  Especially when you take in more than 4 ounces.  And let’s be honest, not many people stick to just 4 ounces.

Speaking of nutrition, I just got off the phone with my friend, Pamela, who was talking to me about boosting my immune system.  Obviously, since I’ve had trouble shaking this sickness, mine is for shit.  I’m going to visit some websites tonight to get some tips on eating to boost your immune system.  I’ll check back in tomorrow or Monday and share any valuable information I find.

[Via http://thebiggestloserhomechallenge.wordpress.com]

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Back to work

I don’t really want to get into it but my husband’s job didn’t pan out and we got strapped for cash and I got the better offer on the job front. I am not happy about. Neither is my husband and neither are my children.

I am not that happy with my work environment. I am working in an office butt up against a shop and so my office environment constantly smell like dirt and dust and it is constantly dirty.

I am also the only female even remotely close to my age (that I have seen anyway) so I have no one to share my lunch with. I had lunch with a woman who was probably 40 years my senior but we shared interests in cooking etc. I don’t feel a connection at all with anyone there.

I don’t enjoy the work either.

 Boo hoo. So sad. Whatever.

It pays what I need to pay my bills and it is an early shift which means I get home early and have more of my evening to myself. I also miss the worst part of rush hour traffic too. Which I am happy about. I still really wish I could have worked closer to home and avoid the horrifying traffic altogether but none of this arrangement is really what I wanted.

I am trying to stay positive. I am trying to put good vibes out and focus on what I want. Which in this case is for us to get our place on the market and sold ASAP and then for my husband to get into his training soon.

The real bad news though is that being away from home means I am not getting to focus on my weight loss like I did and I have been gaining weight again.

This makes me so mad because I spent two months working hard and I lost 15 lbs and now it is all creeping back on.

There is stuff I can do. For example. I can make an effort to exercise at night. I am often busy with everyone else’s needs during that time but I could schedule an hour in there for me.

I could walk around during my lunch. I haven’t been because it’s an industrial area and there are no sidewalks. And it’s been chillier lately too.

My job keeps me at my desk pretty constantly. I don’t even get up for faxes or photocopying.

So I make an hourly trip to the bathroom and use that as an excuse to get up and stretch. I could do yoga in my cubicle but there is a massive window facing the shop entrance in front of my cubicle. So I’d be doing warrior two and some guys would walk by. Classy.

I am actually feeling a little bit better about the job now. I was very miserable for the first half of the week. I have come to grips with my reality now. But I do need to come up with a good strategy to avoid gaining all of my weight back.

I am thinking new running shorts (mine are too big now) and some new running shoes.

My husband has also been bugging me to start hittin’ the tennis court once again. That could be a start. I just worry it’ll be too cold for the kidlets who won’t be running around quite as much we will be.

Anyway,

I will be posting some more positive news soon.

[Via http://unschoolingrocks.wordpress.com]

Get Ready for an Interactive March Symposium on Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Join us for the March symposium on Tuesday, March 16th at 6:00 p.m. and wraps up at 8:00 p.m.  The event will be hosted at the Mt. Washington Bank in the Community Room at 305 Talbot Avenue, Dorchester, MA  02124. You will experience the new ABMWC Symposium format.  First, we will demonstrate each phase of the Revolutionary Weight Loss Protocol.  Second, everyone one in attendance (women, men, children, couples and singles) will be invited into an interactive conversation about weight loss, healthy living and slim doesn’t equal a healthy body!  Third, we will have fun in the Life Style segment with a guest speaker.

Are You Ready?  Get set.  Let’s do this.

[Via http://abellami.wordpress.com]

Bloody Hell!

Has any woman ever died from blood loss due to that Dirty Bitch Aunt Flo? I’m curious.

I’m amazed I’m still alive after today. At the very least I should be anemic. I’m sick to my stomach and weak and can’t think to save my life. I’ve been shut in my bedroom laying in bed since supper time. The effort it would take to speak or carry on a conversation is just more than I can stand at the moment.

I honestly think my uterus is trying to turn itself inside out.

C’mon menopause – you can’t get here soon enough!

[Via http://pettyreflections.wordpress.com]