I don't watch a lot of TV. I actually don't have any programming that comes in to my home. So, if there is a program that I want to watch, I go to my mom's house. Anyway, there is only one show that I watch religiously: Dancing with the Stars. The other show that I enjoy is Biggest Loser.
I am so happy that I was able to catch the finale for this season's challengers. What an amazing and inspirational story. Ali Vincent became the first female Biggest Loser competitor to win the US version. There was a woman in the UK that won a few season's back. I am in awe of her spirit and determination. Yeah, Ali!!
I decided that I am going to be posting more and more videos for my personal inspiration here. I know that when I see women who have done this amazing work with their bodies through good, old-fashioned hard work it makes me excited and gets me inspired.
I cannot wait to add my own video to the mix!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Sunday, March 16, 2008
BACK AT IT
The last time that I made an entry, I had a whole lot of STUFF going on. Luckily, most, if not all, of that STUFF is gone. (Is that why they say, "don't sweat the small stuff"?) I am so glad that this is the case.
Anyway, I am happy to report that I am doing the WW-At Work program and experiencing success more now than I have in a long time. That feels great and keeps me on track.
Today, I kicked it up with Turbo Jam Fat Blaster. I love this quick, intense kickboxing workout.
I just wanted to mark my spot for when I got back on track and to let you all know that I am STILL working it. I hope that when you check back in 2 months from now, I'll have made my 10% goal!
Anyway, I am happy to report that I am doing the WW-At Work program and experiencing success more now than I have in a long time. That feels great and keeps me on track.
Today, I kicked it up with Turbo Jam Fat Blaster. I love this quick, intense kickboxing workout.
I just wanted to mark my spot for when I got back on track and to let you all know that I am STILL working it. I hope that when you check back in 2 months from now, I'll have made my 10% goal!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Knocked off...
Ha! I started my exercise program 3 days after my last post. I was doing the Power 90 program as I expected. Everything was going as planned. Then a wrench came and knocked me off of my plan. I am now just recovered enough to get back on track. It is amazing how no matter how well you may plan, obstacles still happen. So, I ask, what are you going to do about it?
Success with any change needs to involve success in spite of obstacles. So many people fall victim to an obstacle (illness, schedule change, or brownie sundae) and call it quits. Life is full of the obstacles. When you conquer each one, that is when the victory is so sweet.
I remember when I was actively maintaining a weight loss program. I found that obstacles were presented every day. The wonderful thing was that they became easier to deal with the more that I was able to succeed with the previous one. I know that you might be thinking that it would be the opposite, but it truly wasn't. The more that I said, "No, thanks" the easier it was to say it again. I didn't have the excuse "oh, I've been good...I deserve it." I thought, "I've been good, why ruin that now?!" I truly worked for me.
I am reading Judith Beck's The Beck Diet Solution. It is about taking the seeminly "unconscious" and making it a conscious decision. It starts off with a quiz for how you react to food and emotions. It really opened my eyes to see how much I rationalize in my life. My little rationalizations have kept me where I am physically, financially and mentally. I know that if I make the choice to work through this unresourceful habit, I will succeed in EVERY aspect of my life. Wow! That's big!!
Success with any change needs to involve success in spite of obstacles. So many people fall victim to an obstacle (illness, schedule change, or brownie sundae) and call it quits. Life is full of the obstacles. When you conquer each one, that is when the victory is so sweet.
I remember when I was actively maintaining a weight loss program. I found that obstacles were presented every day. The wonderful thing was that they became easier to deal with the more that I was able to succeed with the previous one. I know that you might be thinking that it would be the opposite, but it truly wasn't. The more that I said, "No, thanks" the easier it was to say it again. I didn't have the excuse "oh, I've been good...I deserve it." I thought, "I've been good, why ruin that now?!" I truly worked for me.
I am reading Judith Beck's The Beck Diet Solution. It is about taking the seeminly "unconscious" and making it a conscious decision. It starts off with a quiz for how you react to food and emotions. It really opened my eyes to see how much I rationalize in my life. My little rationalizations have kept me where I am physically, financially and mentally. I know that if I make the choice to work through this unresourceful habit, I will succeed in EVERY aspect of my life. Wow! That's big!!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Another Fun Goal Method
I received this great tool that I am incorporating into my daily life to get me closer to my financial, weight and other life goals. It's from Sean Smith, the Master Results Coach. I've come up with my "MTO's" for each goal including my guitar and language practice. As Sean shares, it's more about building on small successes than striving to overcome the feeling of failure. I love this idea!
Use MTO Goals to Improve Your Results
I talk a lot about goal setting and goal getting, and one of the best tools I’ve learned recently is called MTO - minimum, target, and outrageous.
A few weeks back at his Advanced Breakthrough to Success Seminar, Jack Canfield taught us this powerful tool to get you into ACTION, and a light bulb went off in my head. It’s so simple, and yet very, very effective. It will change your results immediately!
Let’s say I have a goal to get to my ideal weight (which is true, and you’ll hear more about that in the upcoming weeks). One of the actions that I know will help me achieve and maintain that goal is exercise. Here’s where MTO comes in.
M – Minimum activity. If you were ready to go to bed and had not yet reached your goal, what is the minimum level of activity you are willing to commit to, no matter what? For the ideal weight goal, mine is 5 minutes. So I’m willing to absolutely commit to a minimum of 5 minutes of exercise daily – simple right? Anybody can get in motion for 5 minutes.
Now 5 minutes may not seem like much, and it’s really not in the grand scheme of things. But it’s HUGE in terms of goal getting. Why? Because it allows me to have a success for the day, instead of feeling like a failure.
Instead of going a day without exercising, I continue to do the actions, though small they may be, but momentum gets started with just one little push. Often, I start exercising for the 5 minutes and end up doing a little bit more, sometimes a lot more. But had the goal been 20 minutes, and I was tired, I probably wouldn’t have done anything. See the power in this?
T – Target activity. This is the target, or ideal level of activity to achieve your goal. For instance, my daily target level is 20 minutes of cardio, or 30 minutes of basketball.
O – Outrageous activity. This is the level of activity that would simply be outrageous and get me to my goal lightning-quick. My outrageous amount is an hour a day.
Now let’s look at my weekly MTO goals…
M – 2 days a week, T – 4 days a week, O – 6 days a week
I have to tell you that I am so much more inspired to do my exercises now, because I set achievable goals and gave myself permission to succeed on 3 different levels a day, and 3 different levels each week, instead of the all-or-nothing approach without flexibility, setting myself up for failure on a daily basis.
Tell me if this rings a bell…In the past, I would work out like crazy for a week or two, looking for results (those of you in our coaching programs know that doesn’t work). When I was unhappy with the results, I’d stop working out because I didn’t want to keep feeling like a failure.
And then several months later, when I got to the point where I was sick of being overweight again, I’d go like gangbusters for two more weeks. It was a constant, vicious cycle I had created, and it wasn’t helping me at all.
With this new concept, I’m on the right path because it’s so much easier to stay inspired to ACT everyday. And the more I succeed, the more I want to continue to succeed, so it’s a positive cycle this time.
Small successes lead to medium successes which lead to your dreams.
Too often, people set a goal and when they don’t achieve it, they punish themselves. They get mad, irritated, frustrated, and upset, and then they end up scrapping the goal altogether, telling themselves that they just can’t do it.
But adopting the MTO concept changes all of that. Because success is easier to accomplish, you’ll feel good, you’ll be happier, and you’ll have a much better chance to get what you want.
Take this concept, apply it to all of your goals, and watch your results soar. In Mary Kay for instance, you can set daily and weekly MTO’s around phone calls, handing your business card out, etc – any ACTIVITY. (Make sure it’s an activity and not a result that you don’t control (like holding skin care classes, getting a name & number, selling, etc.)
Enjoy the Journey! ;-)
SS
Sean Smith, "The Pink Caddie Coach," empowers Independent Beauty Consultants to identify and erase all their inner obstacles and create personalized action plans guaranteed for success, so they can make more money, have more free time, and live the lifestyle of their dreams. To get Sean's weekly e-newsletter, "Pink Possibilities", delivered directly to your email, subscribe now for FREE at www.PinkPossibilities.com.
Use MTO Goals to Improve Your Results
I talk a lot about goal setting and goal getting, and one of the best tools I’ve learned recently is called MTO - minimum, target, and outrageous.
A few weeks back at his Advanced Breakthrough to Success Seminar, Jack Canfield taught us this powerful tool to get you into ACTION, and a light bulb went off in my head. It’s so simple, and yet very, very effective. It will change your results immediately!
Let’s say I have a goal to get to my ideal weight (which is true, and you’ll hear more about that in the upcoming weeks). One of the actions that I know will help me achieve and maintain that goal is exercise. Here’s where MTO comes in.
M – Minimum activity. If you were ready to go to bed and had not yet reached your goal, what is the minimum level of activity you are willing to commit to, no matter what? For the ideal weight goal, mine is 5 minutes. So I’m willing to absolutely commit to a minimum of 5 minutes of exercise daily – simple right? Anybody can get in motion for 5 minutes.
Now 5 minutes may not seem like much, and it’s really not in the grand scheme of things. But it’s HUGE in terms of goal getting. Why? Because it allows me to have a success for the day, instead of feeling like a failure.
Instead of going a day without exercising, I continue to do the actions, though small they may be, but momentum gets started with just one little push. Often, I start exercising for the 5 minutes and end up doing a little bit more, sometimes a lot more. But had the goal been 20 minutes, and I was tired, I probably wouldn’t have done anything. See the power in this?
T – Target activity. This is the target, or ideal level of activity to achieve your goal. For instance, my daily target level is 20 minutes of cardio, or 30 minutes of basketball.
O – Outrageous activity. This is the level of activity that would simply be outrageous and get me to my goal lightning-quick. My outrageous amount is an hour a day.
Now let’s look at my weekly MTO goals…
M – 2 days a week, T – 4 days a week, O – 6 days a week
I have to tell you that I am so much more inspired to do my exercises now, because I set achievable goals and gave myself permission to succeed on 3 different levels a day, and 3 different levels each week, instead of the all-or-nothing approach without flexibility, setting myself up for failure on a daily basis.
Tell me if this rings a bell…In the past, I would work out like crazy for a week or two, looking for results (those of you in our coaching programs know that doesn’t work). When I was unhappy with the results, I’d stop working out because I didn’t want to keep feeling like a failure.
And then several months later, when I got to the point where I was sick of being overweight again, I’d go like gangbusters for two more weeks. It was a constant, vicious cycle I had created, and it wasn’t helping me at all.
With this new concept, I’m on the right path because it’s so much easier to stay inspired to ACT everyday. And the more I succeed, the more I want to continue to succeed, so it’s a positive cycle this time.
Small successes lead to medium successes which lead to your dreams.
Too often, people set a goal and when they don’t achieve it, they punish themselves. They get mad, irritated, frustrated, and upset, and then they end up scrapping the goal altogether, telling themselves that they just can’t do it.
But adopting the MTO concept changes all of that. Because success is easier to accomplish, you’ll feel good, you’ll be happier, and you’ll have a much better chance to get what you want.
Take this concept, apply it to all of your goals, and watch your results soar. In Mary Kay for instance, you can set daily and weekly MTO’s around phone calls, handing your business card out, etc – any ACTIVITY. (Make sure it’s an activity and not a result that you don’t control (like holding skin care classes, getting a name & number, selling, etc.)
Enjoy the Journey! ;-)
SS
Sean Smith, "The Pink Caddie Coach," empowers Independent Beauty Consultants to identify and erase all their inner obstacles and create personalized action plans guaranteed for success, so they can make more money, have more free time, and live the lifestyle of their dreams. To get Sean's weekly e-newsletter, "Pink Possibilities", delivered directly to your email, subscribe now for FREE at www.PinkPossibilities.com.
Friday, November 30, 2007
The Goal Snowball
I thought that this blog entry by Alwyn Cosgrove was fantastic. So much so, I wanted to share.
The Goal Snowball
One of my goals for this year was to complete 250 workouts - which translates to about 5 workouts per week on average. This morning I hit workout 263 - so not only have I beaten my goal - I hit it ahead of schedule.Goal setting is still hard for some people. I'll often meet clients who are interested in losing fat and decide that they will start daily cardio, weight train four times per week, eat six small meals, cut calories by 20% and reduce their carb intake.These are great goals -- but most people are trying to do too much at once. The solution to this is to use the goal snowball effect. Here's how to do it:
1) List five or six behaviors you need to improve or change to reach your goals. What do you need to be doing that you're not doing? What bad habits do you need to kick? What good habits do you need to instill?
2) List these things from easiest to hardest.
3) "Maintain" all your other goals and focus your attention on the first thing on your list (the easiest one.) Spend two weeks just focusing on achieving that goal so that it becomes a habit.
4) Once that change has been made and ingrained, move up to the next item on your list and focus your efforts there.
5) One by one, knock out these changes and/or goals. For example: Maybe you sleep late. First goal might be to get up 30 mins earlier every day.Second goal might be to go to the gym as soon as you wake up - and go four times a week instead of three.Third goal may be to make sure you always eat breakfast.Fourth goal? Reduce portion sizes at 3 out of 5 meals...and so on.So in 10 weeks or so - you're getting up earlier - never missing a workout, have done an extra ten workouts, and eaten breakfast everyday (which is a key factor in fat loss) while consuming less calories overall. These goals would "snowball" into a bigger overall effect with long-term success whereas trying to do all things at once would likely result in short term failure.--AC
www.alwyncosgrove.com
The Goal Snowball
One of my goals for this year was to complete 250 workouts - which translates to about 5 workouts per week on average. This morning I hit workout 263 - so not only have I beaten my goal - I hit it ahead of schedule.Goal setting is still hard for some people. I'll often meet clients who are interested in losing fat and decide that they will start daily cardio, weight train four times per week, eat six small meals, cut calories by 20% and reduce their carb intake.These are great goals -- but most people are trying to do too much at once. The solution to this is to use the goal snowball effect. Here's how to do it:
1) List five or six behaviors you need to improve or change to reach your goals. What do you need to be doing that you're not doing? What bad habits do you need to kick? What good habits do you need to instill?
2) List these things from easiest to hardest.
3) "Maintain" all your other goals and focus your attention on the first thing on your list (the easiest one.) Spend two weeks just focusing on achieving that goal so that it becomes a habit.
4) Once that change has been made and ingrained, move up to the next item on your list and focus your efforts there.
5) One by one, knock out these changes and/or goals. For example: Maybe you sleep late. First goal might be to get up 30 mins earlier every day.Second goal might be to go to the gym as soon as you wake up - and go four times a week instead of three.Third goal may be to make sure you always eat breakfast.Fourth goal? Reduce portion sizes at 3 out of 5 meals...and so on.So in 10 weeks or so - you're getting up earlier - never missing a workout, have done an extra ten workouts, and eaten breakfast everyday (which is a key factor in fat loss) while consuming less calories overall. These goals would "snowball" into a bigger overall effect with long-term success whereas trying to do all things at once would likely result in short term failure.--AC
www.alwyncosgrove.com
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Munchies
I had the munchies today. I had three mini Twix, a Reese cup, a mini Whopper pack, some lemon heads and a mini Crunch. I probably would have done better if I had a full-size candy bar. At least then I realize how much I am eating. Anyway, it is done and I am no longer munching.
I started TOM today. I am hoping that is why I have been hot the last few days and not getting the best of sleep. I was so hungry when I got home from work, but nothing seemed appealing. So, I had some pineapple, 2 pieces of toast, some fresh, marinated mozzarella and some kettle chips. Random, I know. I didn't know if I wanted, sweet/salty, creamy or crunchy...so I had it all. The best part is that I do not feel bad about it. I am tired of feeling poorly about anything that I am enjoying. This is something that I want to continue to work on.
Tomorrow is Halloween and I am going to wear my Texas Hold-em costume. My only fear is that it may be too risque for my office. LOL We are such a square bunch of people.
R and I talked after work today. I am looking forward to getting together this weekend. I don't have the festival to work after all, so that frees up some time for other things. I was really looking forward to the extra cash though.
I talked to my friend, Carol, who is a jewelry designer/maker. I have helped her in the past at festivals. We talked tonight and she shared with me that she wants to leave her job to pursue her business full-time. We got to talking and it was great. The best part is that at the end of the conversation, she said, "Every time we talk, I get so energized." What a beautiful compliment.
Tonight, we had a 5.6 earthquake. Fortunately, no damage occurred at home. I happened to be at my mom's place so that made me feel better. I am now starting to think that October is earthquake month. The big one here in SF Bay Area also occurred in October 1989. I still remember it vividly. Some wonderful art came from my experience that still makes me smile today. I wonder where it is now. Oh well!
Ciao!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Halloween Week
I love Halloween. It is my favorite holiday of the year. I had a couple of parties on Saturday night and had a lot of fun. I did well with the alcohol having just 2 drinks, but had 2 egg rolls and a Kit Kat. The egg rolls were delicious. One would have been sufficient.
I will have to post a photo of my "Texas Hold'Em" costume. My friends and I play "hold'em" regularly, so I knew that it was more of an inside joke. The funny thing was that it was a winner. It also cost me just $5 to create.
I love making my costumes. Past hits were Dorothy, a girl scout and Miss Treated. Simple, fun and memorable.
Yesterday, R and I spent most of the day together. We has a great time. He cooked dinner for us at my place: bruschetta, pizza and hot wings. It was as if we were watching a football game, yet I don't have cable/satellite. Everything was delicious and I did pretty well with portions. I did have a couple glasses of wine with my meal. I weighed this morning and my weight is stable. I am learning to enjoy the food and slim the portions.
This morning, F IM'd me to find out how things were with his brother. I told him that all was great. R told me that F was a bit jealous of the situation. I laughed. He gave his blessing! Anyway, I hope to be able to spend some time with R. We laughed so much that my stomach hurt.
Prego!
I will have to post a photo of my "Texas Hold'Em" costume. My friends and I play "hold'em" regularly, so I knew that it was more of an inside joke. The funny thing was that it was a winner. It also cost me just $5 to create.
I love making my costumes. Past hits were Dorothy, a girl scout and Miss Treated. Simple, fun and memorable.
Yesterday, R and I spent most of the day together. We has a great time. He cooked dinner for us at my place: bruschetta, pizza and hot wings. It was as if we were watching a football game, yet I don't have cable/satellite. Everything was delicious and I did pretty well with portions. I did have a couple glasses of wine with my meal. I weighed this morning and my weight is stable. I am learning to enjoy the food and slim the portions.
This morning, F IM'd me to find out how things were with his brother. I told him that all was great. R told me that F was a bit jealous of the situation. I laughed. He gave his blessing! Anyway, I hope to be able to spend some time with R. We laughed so much that my stomach hurt.
Prego!
Friday, October 26, 2007
Some Sleep
Last night, I was able to sleep for about 4 hours. This is the first chunk of sleep that I've had in three days. I am sitting at my desk feeling a fit tired.
R and I had our first date last night. We went to a delicious Mexican restaurant in the Mission of San Francisco. We met about 5:30 and I headed home about 11. He packed a little bag of Benadryl, Airborne, a scarf and a hat for me. It was really sweet. He is quite affectionate which I enjoy, but I am not ready for it. I really want to develop a friendship before proceeding with anything. I owe it to myself to take things slowly.
I weighed in this morning with a one pound loss. That was a surprise because I figured that the sodium from the food would have set me up. I am happy to see that it did not.
Today, I have an interview with Lane Bryant. I am looking to make some extra cash over the holiday season and help me get ahead on some bills. I also am looking to buy a car so this will make a difference as well.
I have contemplated going without a car. It would really turn my life upside down, but I gave up cable over a year ago and haven't missed it much. I am sure that I would get used to it after the initial pain. The money savings would be huge (no car not, insurance, maintenance or gas). I wonder what the time expense would be. I probably would become more efficient with my errands as I would plan my days out better.
Something to think about.
R and I had our first date last night. We went to a delicious Mexican restaurant in the Mission of San Francisco. We met about 5:30 and I headed home about 11. He packed a little bag of Benadryl, Airborne, a scarf and a hat for me. It was really sweet. He is quite affectionate which I enjoy, but I am not ready for it. I really want to develop a friendship before proceeding with anything. I owe it to myself to take things slowly.
I weighed in this morning with a one pound loss. That was a surprise because I figured that the sodium from the food would have set me up. I am happy to see that it did not.
Today, I have an interview with Lane Bryant. I am looking to make some extra cash over the holiday season and help me get ahead on some bills. I also am looking to buy a car so this will make a difference as well.
I have contemplated going without a car. It would really turn my life upside down, but I gave up cable over a year ago and haven't missed it much. I am sure that I would get used to it after the initial pain. The money savings would be huge (no car not, insurance, maintenance or gas). I wonder what the time expense would be. I probably would become more efficient with my errands as I would plan my days out better.
Something to think about.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Another Sleep-Lacking Night
I went to bed last night about 9:30 because I was up the previous night with a cough. I was so happy to be tired and thought that it would be enough to keep me asleep for the evening. I snuggle up in my bed with my book "Eat Pray Love" and begin to doze after a few pages. Well, at 11:11 PM, I wake up. Man! 90 Minutes of sleep!! Damn!! I even was hoping that my cardio session would have whipped my butt and made me even more tired. No such luck. So, I get up and start hacking. It's not one of those productive coughs. NO, it's the dry, "I've-got- a- popcorn hull-stuck- in- the- side- of- my- throat" coughs. These suck!!
I am such an internet junkie that I choose WebMD to solve my problem. I enter "chronic dry cough" and it pulls up some great information. I immediately put it in action. I prop my pillows and lay on my back. I don't normally sleep in the position. (Oh yeah, prior to reading about my dry cough I watch a video clip on sleep positions and personality. It was quite interesting...I digress.) So, I lie down and realize that my cough is under control. But, I can't sleep this way. I turn on my side and the coughing comes back with a vengeance. I get back on my back and stay there. I was able to get to sleep about an hour later only to be up again. I somehow manage to eek out two hours of sleep.
This would not be such a big deal except that I haven't slept in the last couple days, have a date tonight and lack of sleep always shows on my face and my attitude changes with lack of sleep. I am considering a reschedule of the date so that I can be better company. We'll see how the day plays out.
This afternoon, I have my second appointment with the chiropractor. I actually have had pretty good results from the first adjustment and the neck pain has seriously decreased. It shows up more when there is a stressful catalyst. Now that I am aware of this, I immediately change my stressor if at all possible.
So, as I mentioned earlier, I went to the gym last night. It is always tough getting in there and doing more than just cardio with so many people battling for the equipment. I really wasn't sure what I wanted to work on before I got there and it resulted in a interval cardio session and a short bike ride. One great thing that came out of the trip to the gym was that I met my step teacher's sister who is quite overweight. I mentioned to her that I attend WW and she was interested in attending. I told her that I would love to give her a friendly reminder and have her join me. She seemed excited. We'll see what actually happens. I got her number and will call her Friday night for a Saturday morning weigh-in.
I weighed this morning and the scale is down from yesterday. I am looking forward to a nice loss this week from increased activity and the addition of extra vegetables through salads for meals.
I have a date tonight and we are going to have Mexican in the city. I am craving some enchiladas. I haven't had any in a very long time. My plan is to have a few chips, enjoy my enchiladas and skip the margarita. (Oh how I love margaritas!) I am having salad for lunch.
This date is with brother #2 (R). I still feel awkward meeting with him, but I think that it is better that we get together, check out the situation and let it go from there. Mamma mia!
I didn't realize that I had so much to say. LOL
I am such an internet junkie that I choose WebMD to solve my problem. I enter "chronic dry cough" and it pulls up some great information. I immediately put it in action. I prop my pillows and lay on my back. I don't normally sleep in the position. (Oh yeah, prior to reading about my dry cough I watch a video clip on sleep positions and personality. It was quite interesting...I digress.) So, I lie down and realize that my cough is under control. But, I can't sleep this way. I turn on my side and the coughing comes back with a vengeance. I get back on my back and stay there. I was able to get to sleep about an hour later only to be up again. I somehow manage to eek out two hours of sleep.
This would not be such a big deal except that I haven't slept in the last couple days, have a date tonight and lack of sleep always shows on my face and my attitude changes with lack of sleep. I am considering a reschedule of the date so that I can be better company. We'll see how the day plays out.
This afternoon, I have my second appointment with the chiropractor. I actually have had pretty good results from the first adjustment and the neck pain has seriously decreased. It shows up more when there is a stressful catalyst. Now that I am aware of this, I immediately change my stressor if at all possible.
So, as I mentioned earlier, I went to the gym last night. It is always tough getting in there and doing more than just cardio with so many people battling for the equipment. I really wasn't sure what I wanted to work on before I got there and it resulted in a interval cardio session and a short bike ride. One great thing that came out of the trip to the gym was that I met my step teacher's sister who is quite overweight. I mentioned to her that I attend WW and she was interested in attending. I told her that I would love to give her a friendly reminder and have her join me. She seemed excited. We'll see what actually happens. I got her number and will call her Friday night for a Saturday morning weigh-in.
I weighed this morning and the scale is down from yesterday. I am looking forward to a nice loss this week from increased activity and the addition of extra vegetables through salads for meals.
I have a date tonight and we are going to have Mexican in the city. I am craving some enchiladas. I haven't had any in a very long time. My plan is to have a few chips, enjoy my enchiladas and skip the margarita. (Oh how I love margaritas!) I am having salad for lunch.
This date is with brother #2 (R). I still feel awkward meeting with him, but I think that it is better that we get together, check out the situation and let it go from there. Mamma mia!
I didn't realize that I had so much to say. LOL
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
The Slight Edge
Have you been blinded by the "Quantum Leap"? The "Overnight Success"? The "Breakthrough"? I have and I believe it's because I am a dreamer. I can dream with the best of them. If my fantasies were to come true, wow, I'd be won amazing human being. LOL
I was listening to a CD that my friend gave to me. She knows how much I enjoy personal development products. She also knows how much I talk about the quantum leap yet end up many times in a quantum heap of unfulfilled goals. I have listened to the CD twice on the way to work. It actually is quite different from most things that I have come across in changing your life through achieving new goals and behaviours.
The basis of the Slight Edge by Jeff Olson is that we are where we are by the small consistent decisions that we make over time. Not a single decision, but compounded decisions to do or not do brings us to wherever we are in life. I believe this for the most part because when I lost 85 pounds, it was be consistent and persistent about my exercise, food choices and learned behaviors that brought my success. My success did not come from just attending one Weight Watchers meeting or going to the gym once or choosing to eat a salad instead of a bag of chips once. It was my daily decision to do the "slight edge" activity that brought me to a size 10.
When I gained the weight back, it was because of the slight edge activities that found 70 of the 85 that I had lost. Staying in bed instead of going to the gym. Eating more than I needed one too many times. Choosing food over emotional techniques to get through the trauma, drama or boredom.
Now, I sit here on the edge of a choice. To add daily exercise back into my routine or to continue to work my plan without it. I know that it will make a huge impact on my weight loss and it will also make a huge impact in my emotions. Here's why: I have more opportunities to fail each day that I DON'T workout. I like that I don't feel this sense of failure in my life. I also have never been good at exercising 4 times a week and being happy with it. It becomes an all-or-nothing situation. Rationally, I know that it doesn't have to be this way. Experience-wise, I know it has been this way. I guess it's another "slight edge" opportunity for me. To learn to be happy with 4-5 days of workouts and choose the two days that I will be off from exercise at the BEGINNING of the week.
Boy Matters:
Text today: "I miss you! Have a good day!"
My response: "What do you miss?"
His response: "Your beautiful smile. I'd like to see you."
No response from me to this one.
I was listening to a CD that my friend gave to me. She knows how much I enjoy personal development products. She also knows how much I talk about the quantum leap yet end up many times in a quantum heap of unfulfilled goals. I have listened to the CD twice on the way to work. It actually is quite different from most things that I have come across in changing your life through achieving new goals and behaviours.
The basis of the Slight Edge by Jeff Olson is that we are where we are by the small consistent decisions that we make over time. Not a single decision, but compounded decisions to do or not do brings us to wherever we are in life. I believe this for the most part because when I lost 85 pounds, it was be consistent and persistent about my exercise, food choices and learned behaviors that brought my success. My success did not come from just attending one Weight Watchers meeting or going to the gym once or choosing to eat a salad instead of a bag of chips once. It was my daily decision to do the "slight edge" activity that brought me to a size 10.
When I gained the weight back, it was because of the slight edge activities that found 70 of the 85 that I had lost. Staying in bed instead of going to the gym. Eating more than I needed one too many times. Choosing food over emotional techniques to get through the trauma, drama or boredom.
Now, I sit here on the edge of a choice. To add daily exercise back into my routine or to continue to work my plan without it. I know that it will make a huge impact on my weight loss and it will also make a huge impact in my emotions. Here's why: I have more opportunities to fail each day that I DON'T workout. I like that I don't feel this sense of failure in my life. I also have never been good at exercising 4 times a week and being happy with it. It becomes an all-or-nothing situation. Rationally, I know that it doesn't have to be this way. Experience-wise, I know it has been this way. I guess it's another "slight edge" opportunity for me. To learn to be happy with 4-5 days of workouts and choose the two days that I will be off from exercise at the BEGINNING of the week.
Boy Matters:
Text today: "I miss you! Have a good day!"
My response: "What do you miss?"
His response: "Your beautiful smile. I'd like to see you."
No response from me to this one.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Sometimes, I Like to Make Messes
This weekend, takes a big piece of the cake. Let me start by saying that I know that I was being a bit selfish by inviting the guy that I've been on 2 dates with to have his brother join my friend and I for a drink after dinner. I wanted to have some fun and do what I am good at: bring great people together.
Well, after dinner, I text F to see if he is still interested in meeting my friend and I. He calls right back and says that he has something that he has to take care of but will stop by with his brother for a few minutes. About 5 minutes later, F and his brother, R, show up. My friend is paying for the meal and I go out to meet the guys. I greet F and he introduces me to his brother. Thirty seconds later, my friend, C, comes to join us. After all greetings and such, F shares that he is going to be gone for a little and will rejoin us after he is done with his task.
So, R, C and I walk to a lounge for a drink. We order and sit in a little corner for some fun conversation. It was great. R is full of energy and funny antics. C and I are having fun laughing and talking. We have a few drinks and decide to walk C back to her apartment as I could tell that she was tired.
We walk her back to her place, use the restroom and head out. I have my car so I drive R home. He decides that he wants to continue the fun with some champagne and chocolate. I decide that this is not a good idea and tell him so. Long story short. I drop him off and head home. Mind you, F never did come back and I talked to him as I was dropping his brother off. He apologized saying that he was still working the deal.
I head home tired and make it safely. I said a little prayer of gratitude because I was that tired. I am home about 5 minutes when the phone rings. It's R checking to see that I made it home. He also apologizes for his brother's behavior for not returning to meet us. Then, he shares with me how much he enjoyed spending the time with me. My head is spinning. OMG! We talk for a few minutes and I head to bed.
The next day, R calls me three times. I asked him if he told his brother that he is calling me. He says, yes. I still don't say much.
On Monday, they both call. F is trying to feel out the situation. I knew that when F and I hung out, we would only see each other a few times casually. I shared this with him. F gave me the blessing to date his brother because he said that he hasn't seen his brother so happy and he wants the best for him. I almost died. I told him that we should have dinner as planned on Saturday and leave it at that.
What is a girl to do?! LOL
Well, after dinner, I text F to see if he is still interested in meeting my friend and I. He calls right back and says that he has something that he has to take care of but will stop by with his brother for a few minutes. About 5 minutes later, F and his brother, R, show up. My friend is paying for the meal and I go out to meet the guys. I greet F and he introduces me to his brother. Thirty seconds later, my friend, C, comes to join us. After all greetings and such, F shares that he is going to be gone for a little and will rejoin us after he is done with his task.
So, R, C and I walk to a lounge for a drink. We order and sit in a little corner for some fun conversation. It was great. R is full of energy and funny antics. C and I are having fun laughing and talking. We have a few drinks and decide to walk C back to her apartment as I could tell that she was tired.
We walk her back to her place, use the restroom and head out. I have my car so I drive R home. He decides that he wants to continue the fun with some champagne and chocolate. I decide that this is not a good idea and tell him so. Long story short. I drop him off and head home. Mind you, F never did come back and I talked to him as I was dropping his brother off. He apologized saying that he was still working the deal.
I head home tired and make it safely. I said a little prayer of gratitude because I was that tired. I am home about 5 minutes when the phone rings. It's R checking to see that I made it home. He also apologizes for his brother's behavior for not returning to meet us. Then, he shares with me how much he enjoyed spending the time with me. My head is spinning. OMG! We talk for a few minutes and I head to bed.
The next day, R calls me three times. I asked him if he told his brother that he is calling me. He says, yes. I still don't say much.
On Monday, they both call. F is trying to feel out the situation. I knew that when F and I hung out, we would only see each other a few times casually. I shared this with him. F gave me the blessing to date his brother because he said that he hasn't seen his brother so happy and he wants the best for him. I almost died. I told him that we should have dinner as planned on Saturday and leave it at that.
What is a girl to do?! LOL
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Birthday Week!
This week I turned 30! Yes, this is a major life event and I am loving it. Tonight will be my final birthday celebration with friends. The festivities started last Friday with my actual birthday being on Tuesday (October 16th). What a wonderful week! I don't usually fuss about birthdays, but I really am happy about joining the "Dirty Thirty" club (Thanks Melissa!).
So, as a treat to myself, I purchased a guitar two weeks ago and will be starting lessons today. I spoke with my guitar teacher and he seemed excited that I am interested in learning his specialty. I am eager to do this for myself. Something that I can master in my own time, with my own abilities. I currently have little music knowledge except that I took voice lessons when I was 13 or 14.
My weight loss is going very well. I am really focusing on my hunger level instead of my visual level. I have been so used to eating a certain amount that I neglected to listen to my body. I realized that I can choose to eat so much less by just listening to my hunger/satisfaction level. I haven't changed any of the foods that I am eating, just the quantity. This is huge for me. I also have noticed that I want "lighter" foods: fruit, veggies, etc. I have never been a huge meat eater, but I eat 2-3 oz at some point in the day. I am okay with this.
I wasn't planning to head to the gym this morning as I have a full plate, but I think that I am going. I should call my sister and see if she is planning to go. Her gym doesn't open until 8 on the weekends. My gym is 24 hours which I love.
So, as a treat to myself, I purchased a guitar two weeks ago and will be starting lessons today. I spoke with my guitar teacher and he seemed excited that I am interested in learning his specialty. I am eager to do this for myself. Something that I can master in my own time, with my own abilities. I currently have little music knowledge except that I took voice lessons when I was 13 or 14.
My weight loss is going very well. I am really focusing on my hunger level instead of my visual level. I have been so used to eating a certain amount that I neglected to listen to my body. I realized that I can choose to eat so much less by just listening to my hunger/satisfaction level. I haven't changed any of the foods that I am eating, just the quantity. This is huge for me. I also have noticed that I want "lighter" foods: fruit, veggies, etc. I have never been a huge meat eater, but I eat 2-3 oz at some point in the day. I am okay with this.
I wasn't planning to head to the gym this morning as I have a full plate, but I think that I am going. I should call my sister and see if she is planning to go. Her gym doesn't open until 8 on the weekends. My gym is 24 hours which I love.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Life's Little Roller Coaster
The last few days have been a living roller coaster. I broke up with my boyfriend. I welcomed my newest niece into this world. I applied for a new job. And to top it off, I won 2 tickets to see George Lopez on the radio this morning.
It's amazing how much can happen in 72 hours. I am grateful that I have been able to positive for the most part. I am so happy and excited for my niece. She is so loved by so many people.
It was very hard the first day that I was split from Matt. I love him and know that this is best for us. He is such an incredible person. I wish that it could work out. I know that he loves me too. It's just not the right time for us.
Winning George Lopez tickets was such a blessing. My mom is such a huge fan. I knew that when I was calling, the tickets were mine. I almost went into a trance. When I learned that I won, I got teary-eyed thinking of the happiness that my mom would have.
I wish that I knew how to tap into that trance more often. It was a wonderful place of calm. I was so assured of the outcome, it was amazing. I just need to be assured that life is always going to turn out as it should: beautiful.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Relaxed Mind and Soul
I took a day off from work. I needed it. I have been on the road for too long. I was so stressed on Tuesday evening that I ended up at urgent care to get a "super duper pain shot" (according to the nurse). I was having a hard time allowing other people to have control on things that have been impacting my life greatly this past month. The shoe finally dropped and now I am home.
I met my sister at the gym for a late morning workout. She is a school bus driver and has a long break in the morning. She usually hits the gym at this time. I left her a message and Voila, we met at the gym for a quick workout. I needed to make sure that I got out of the house early otherwise I could stay inside all day. I don't want that.
This weekend will be packed with fun things between Mary Kay trainings/events, my date with Matt and the "Now and Zen" concert on Sunday. Today, I am spending the time shopping, cleaning and chillin'.
I met my sister at the gym for a late morning workout. She is a school bus driver and has a long break in the morning. She usually hits the gym at this time. I left her a message and Voila, we met at the gym for a quick workout. I needed to make sure that I got out of the house early otherwise I could stay inside all day. I don't want that.
This weekend will be packed with fun things between Mary Kay trainings/events, my date with Matt and the "Now and Zen" concert on Sunday. Today, I am spending the time shopping, cleaning and chillin'.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Oooohhh...It Feels SOOOO Good!
Get your mind out of the gutter. :D I am so very happy to report that I have been hitting the gym at 5:30 in the morning to get my workout done. It is amazing how much easier it is for me to stay on course with my workouts when they happen first thing in my day. I have been meeting my friend to do our cardio and strength training workouts. I am totally accountable to her, so I will not NOT show up.
I watched the first episode of the Biggest Loser last night. I love that show. It's not because of the crazy workouts, but because I love to see people be transformed by a process. I love how quickly these people can shed fat and build muscle at the same time!
Jillian is back and brought some 'alternative' training methods with her. The contestants were flipping tires, snatching sandbags, using Iron Woody bands and pulling/dragging large objects with the rope. I thought that it was great to see 'new' methods being used to whip people into shape. That's what I like about Jillian and her workouts. She continues to utilize new methods to keep things fresh for the contestants and shows the viewers options for their workouts.
I am following my Weight Watchers program and enjoying the flexibility. I have been obtaining wonderful results when I am consistent. Isn't that always the key. My goal is to be done 15 pounds by my 30th birthday and to be at goal before I reach 31!
The last few weeks I was in a funk. I didn't know how to break it. The more that I tried to get out of my crappy mood, the more that I wanted to stay there. It was terrible. I am hoping that I can call it "hormones" or "PMS". It was scary to be there. I didn't recognize myself. I was afraid that I would become a nasty person. Yes, it was bad.
I am reading "Return to Love" by Marianne Williamson. From this book came some beautiful passages that had filtered the troubled thoughts that had been residing in my mind. It feels great to be out of that negativity now.
I know that it is unlikely that I will always be positive, but I know that I can choose to stay as positive as possible. I like giving energy to others, not taking it. That's how I felt the last few weeks. My poor boyfriend has been utterly patient with me and will be getting a wonderful "Thank You" from me. LOL
Ahhh, it feels like I can breathe again. I know that making a decision for my weight loss and workouts has brought clarity to me. I am so grateful!
I watched the first episode of the Biggest Loser last night. I love that show. It's not because of the crazy workouts, but because I love to see people be transformed by a process. I love how quickly these people can shed fat and build muscle at the same time!
Jillian is back and brought some 'alternative' training methods with her. The contestants were flipping tires, snatching sandbags, using Iron Woody bands and pulling/dragging large objects with the rope. I thought that it was great to see 'new' methods being used to whip people into shape. That's what I like about Jillian and her workouts. She continues to utilize new methods to keep things fresh for the contestants and shows the viewers options for their workouts.
I am following my Weight Watchers program and enjoying the flexibility. I have been obtaining wonderful results when I am consistent. Isn't that always the key. My goal is to be done 15 pounds by my 30th birthday and to be at goal before I reach 31!
The last few weeks I was in a funk. I didn't know how to break it. The more that I tried to get out of my crappy mood, the more that I wanted to stay there. It was terrible. I am hoping that I can call it "hormones" or "PMS". It was scary to be there. I didn't recognize myself. I was afraid that I would become a nasty person. Yes, it was bad.
I am reading "Return to Love" by Marianne Williamson. From this book came some beautiful passages that had filtered the troubled thoughts that had been residing in my mind. It feels great to be out of that negativity now.
I know that it is unlikely that I will always be positive, but I know that I can choose to stay as positive as possible. I like giving energy to others, not taking it. That's how I felt the last few weeks. My poor boyfriend has been utterly patient with me and will be getting a wonderful "Thank You" from me. LOL
Ahhh, it feels like I can breathe again. I know that making a decision for my weight loss and workouts has brought clarity to me. I am so grateful!
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Happy September
I am writing to you from my office. It is a place that I haven't visited in a while as I have been working on an investigation for the last three weeks. Talk about not having a schedule. Wow! It's amazing. I am only here today and will back out and traveling tomorrow.
The past weekend was a beautiful experience. On Saturday, I celebrated my friend's 30th birthday with her family and friends. What an occasion! There was so much food, beverage and fun. They had a mariachi band midway through the festivities and it was incredible. I have never heard "Happy Birthday" sung so loudly than that night. I wanted to record it to play it at my birthday party.
I got reacquainted with a high school friend and her husband. The amazing thing is that as her husband and I were talking, he realized that he knew Matt. They were in a certification class this past spring. I expect that we will all get together to have some fun soon.
I met Matt's dad this weekend. It was nice to finally meet him. What made it more special was that my family got to meet him as well. We both have really small families.
Some huge happenings: my sister and niece will be moving in with me for a few months. I haven't lived with someone in about four years. It was a quick decision and I hope to gain some huge benefits from having my sister with me. My sister is an avid fitness freak. Yes, she was responsible for me getting my gym membership in 2001 and loving it. I hope that having her around will lead me to consistency with my workouts and possibly and new workout buddy.
Autumn is a time for shedding the older to get ready for the new. I hope that this season brings much renewal and awakening to my family. We definitely need it.
The past weekend was a beautiful experience. On Saturday, I celebrated my friend's 30th birthday with her family and friends. What an occasion! There was so much food, beverage and fun. They had a mariachi band midway through the festivities and it was incredible. I have never heard "Happy Birthday" sung so loudly than that night. I wanted to record it to play it at my birthday party.
I got reacquainted with a high school friend and her husband. The amazing thing is that as her husband and I were talking, he realized that he knew Matt. They were in a certification class this past spring. I expect that we will all get together to have some fun soon.
I met Matt's dad this weekend. It was nice to finally meet him. What made it more special was that my family got to meet him as well. We both have really small families.
Some huge happenings: my sister and niece will be moving in with me for a few months. I haven't lived with someone in about four years. It was a quick decision and I hope to gain some huge benefits from having my sister with me. My sister is an avid fitness freak. Yes, she was responsible for me getting my gym membership in 2001 and loving it. I hope that having her around will lead me to consistency with my workouts and possibly and new workout buddy.
Autumn is a time for shedding the older to get ready for the new. I hope that this season brings much renewal and awakening to my family. We definitely need it.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
It's been a while
The last few weeks have been a bit sad for me. I realize that I am not getting any closer to anything at the rate that I am 'moving'. I am at a stand still with my weight loss. I am still experiencing pain with my neck and shoulders despite the therapy. There is so much family stuff going on it's ridiculous. Business is okay, but definitely not moving in a huge way. I feel like I am swirling in a drain. I feel like I am waffling. If I could make a decision on something and move headlong in that direction, I will get somewhere. Yet, I hold on to both sides of the fence and my ass is taking a beating. I was driving last night and thought, "This is how people become crazy." I wonder how much longer I will subject myself to such craziness.
I did get to my step class on Saturday. That was a refreshing experience. Something that I needed for my body and my mind. I have an incredible need to get things "right". It was perfect that I didn't get every move through the class and even looked silly at times. Some things came easy, others, not so. This is part of my growth. I have a huge fear of being "embarrassed". I needed to "survive" my mess-ups. LOL
I need to create a schedule to help move me through this period in my life. Something with each area of focus and allotted times to do the things that are important to me. When I learn that discipline will bring my desired freedom, I will no longer have so much waffling in my days.
I did get to my step class on Saturday. That was a refreshing experience. Something that I needed for my body and my mind. I have an incredible need to get things "right". It was perfect that I didn't get every move through the class and even looked silly at times. Some things came easy, others, not so. This is part of my growth. I have a huge fear of being "embarrassed". I needed to "survive" my mess-ups. LOL
I need to create a schedule to help move me through this period in my life. Something with each area of focus and allotted times to do the things that are important to me. When I learn that discipline will bring my desired freedom, I will no longer have so much waffling in my days.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
PASSION
I realized that my life is missing something...PASSION. I feel that I am missing something that gets me so juiced up that I am so excited to get my day going and only lay my head down out of pure exhaustion. I remember days where I was creating and working on art projects. I would spend my whole day alone, with little food/beverage and would work for hours in peace and fulfillment.
I want some "juice". I want some vigor. I want to jump out of bed in the morning to meet my passion again.
What were previous passions in my life?
Do you know where my passion is? Do you know where I can find some? Share your thoughts with me.
I want some "juice". I want some vigor. I want to jump out of bed in the morning to meet my passion again.
What were previous passions in my life?
- Creativity: calligraphy, bookmaking, papermaking
- Makeup artistry
- Sculpting my physique
- Health/Weight Loss
- My business
Do you know where my passion is? Do you know where I can find some? Share your thoughts with me.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
So much to learn, so little time
Do you ever feel this way? I often feel that there is so much that I still need to learn, but there simply isn't enough time to get it all done. This leaves me feeling less than grand and the cycle of frustration continues. I have been realizing lately that I, Tamikka, information junkie, need not continue to cycle of frustration. What am I going to do with all of the information that I think is so necessary to leading the ultimate life? Really. How much information does it take to lead the life that I want? I have to say that I am still trying to figure it out, but I am also realizing that it is not quite as much as I once thought. I don't need to know everything that is going on in the world. I don't need to know what Lindsay, Britney or Paris is doing to live out their existence. I don't need to know what star is about to explode. I don't need to know the latest discovery in science. The funny thing that I realized (thanks Tim Ferriss) is that I will find out the information that is important through other people. There is always someone available to us that will give us the knowledge that they feel is imporatnt to our lives. I'll let them spend their brain units on it. :)
If I don't need to know that stuff, what do I need to know to live the life that excites me? This is a better question. Instead of wasting hours clicking, reading and gathering unnecessary but fun information, where do I need to spend my time? In developing my relationships, my career and my health. This feels like I could actually have enough time to do the things that will ultimately bring me to my desired life. I will be applying the information that I have spent so much time gathering and put it to wonderful use. Then, I will not feel that the time already spent was in vain.
This leads me to another point: Why am I an information junkie? I think that this is the easier question. I never wanted to look "dumb/ignorant/stupid". When someone says, "I'd die of embarassment" that would be me. I have always had a problem with feeling embarassed, "called out", ridiculed for something that I didn't know. I don't know where or why I picked this up. One possible answer is that I tend to be an observer of life. I see where/why people are ridiculed and I never wanted to feel that way. I was always highly empathetic. I took on what I THOUGHT others felt and were thinking. Did I truly know? Nope, but I THOUGHT that I did.
Well, I feel like I am making some headway and I like that idea. I'll be keeping track of my progress with my "low-information diet".
If I don't need to know that stuff, what do I need to know to live the life that excites me? This is a better question. Instead of wasting hours clicking, reading and gathering unnecessary but fun information, where do I need to spend my time? In developing my relationships, my career and my health. This feels like I could actually have enough time to do the things that will ultimately bring me to my desired life. I will be applying the information that I have spent so much time gathering and put it to wonderful use. Then, I will not feel that the time already spent was in vain.
This leads me to another point: Why am I an information junkie? I think that this is the easier question. I never wanted to look "dumb/ignorant/stupid". When someone says, "I'd die of embarassment" that would be me. I have always had a problem with feeling embarassed, "called out", ridiculed for something that I didn't know. I don't know where or why I picked this up. One possible answer is that I tend to be an observer of life. I see where/why people are ridiculed and I never wanted to feel that way. I was always highly empathetic. I took on what I THOUGHT others felt and were thinking. Did I truly know? Nope, but I THOUGHT that I did.
Well, I feel like I am making some headway and I like that idea. I'll be keeping track of my progress with my "low-information diet".
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