It feels great to be decisive. To decide means to literally "cut off". Once I have "cut off" from my former ways and am committed to something, it flourishes.
I was speaking to my co-worker today and she said, "Tamikka, when you decide on something, you make it happen. You remind me of my daughter who does the same thing." Well, I know her daughter to be a major go-getter. I definitely took this as a compliment.
More often than not, I've had friends tell me the same thing. Some even call it stubborn. Of course, I like to think of it as "driven". The sad thing is that when I am not driven in something, I tend to flounder. I tend to dabble. I tend to "tweak". Tweaking, floundering, and dabbling all lead to the same conclusion for me: frustration. Someone said, "When what you want does not equate to what you are willing to do, all you get is a whole lot of frustration." Ha! Are they so right.
I know that when I am committed to doing "whatever it takes" and not just the "best I can do", I can move mountains in any area of my life.
Well, I've DECIDED to return to Weight Watchers on Monday. I actually looked at meetings that are local to my office so that I had NO excuse of being able to weigh-in and attend a meeting no matter where I am. I still am considering if I will make it my "home base". Either way, it's a done deal. I even invited one of my male co-workers to join me. Fortunately, I am one to do what I wish regardless of having someone go with me. I enjoy that quality in myself.
I know that leaving the place of a decision without taking action is the quickest way to ensure that you are NOT moving towards your goal, I have already pulled out my paper food journal and begun to record my food intake. Returning to WW provides the accountability and support factor that I enjoy so much. Read any material on long-term weight loss and you will find that having a supportive team is a way to increase success in reaching any goal.
I am excited and driven right now. I just need to make sure that I am in love with the journey and not just the results in order to maintain consistency in my life.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Laughter and Friends
My friend, Dana, was in a Ladies Only comedy competition in SF last night. Matt and I met up after I got off of work to have dinner and see her perform. We had a great time at dinner (pesto pizza and salad). The show was fantastic. There were a couple of performers out of the nine total that were not very strong. The rest were quite good. Dana took third for the entire competition (there were over 30 competitors that started the competition). I am so glad that we were able to cheer her on, get some great laughs and enjoy great company.
I am a natural-born networker. I love to bring people together and have them make incredible connections. Dana and I were talking about this. She is great on stage but feels she needs assistance in this area. Without even thinking, I began networking for her BEFORE the show started. When she came to the table (we were seated in front of the stage), I made sure to have her talk to the people around us that I had met in line. I think that when you are in a business such as entertainment, a lot of times it is WHO you know. She said that I need to be her "makeup artist agent". I agree. LOL
Matt looked absolutely adorable last night. He normally wears his hair "dry", but last night, I could tell that he added a little gel. OMG! I was so in love with the look. I made sure to let him know how I felt. He definitely enjoyed the feedback.
So, I talked to him about my weight loss goals and plan. He is so sweet and said, "I think that you are beautiful and sexy now." I appreciate his feelings so much. I have a healthy, supportive environment that will allow me to have success. I just need to keep myself focused on the journey.
I am a natural-born networker. I love to bring people together and have them make incredible connections. Dana and I were talking about this. She is great on stage but feels she needs assistance in this area. Without even thinking, I began networking for her BEFORE the show started. When she came to the table (we were seated in front of the stage), I made sure to have her talk to the people around us that I had met in line. I think that when you are in a business such as entertainment, a lot of times it is WHO you know. She said that I need to be her "makeup artist agent". I agree. LOL
Matt looked absolutely adorable last night. He normally wears his hair "dry", but last night, I could tell that he added a little gel. OMG! I was so in love with the look. I made sure to let him know how I felt. He definitely enjoyed the feedback.
So, I talked to him about my weight loss goals and plan. He is so sweet and said, "I think that you are beautiful and sexy now." I appreciate his feelings so much. I have a healthy, supportive environment that will allow me to have success. I just need to keep myself focused on the journey.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
On A Quest
I am on a quest...a quest to build my "perfect" weight loss/fitness/lifestyle plan. As I wrote before here, there are specific behaviors that equate to long-term weight loss and maintenance. I am tired of dilly-dallying with different programs, methods and approaches. I realized that I have the tools, knowledge and ability to be successful in long-term weight loss. I just have to execute the methods that work for ME. There are 1000's of ways to do it. I know of the one way that worked fantastically for me until I got blinded by the shiny penny and lost focus.
Here's what worked for me:
Here's what worked for me:
- Weight Watchers Points Program--specifically the 123 Success Plan where all fiber counted and not just up to 4 grams.
- Daily exercise focusing on multiple forms of cardio (HIIT; moderate cardio workouts up to 60 minutes); strength training: heavy-split, 3-4 exercises, 3-4 sets per exercise.
- Listening to my body.
- Enjoying the occasional treat and making it a TREAT.
- Keeping food variety up when in control, taking it down when not.
- Pre-planning my food for the next day. (I think this is where most of my success stemmed from.)
- Recording it ALL in a food diary.
- Tweaking things when it wasn't working.
- Having fun!
I think that I will give this program another shot. This means returning to WW meetings EVERY week. I will give myself 3 months to work it. By then, I will know if this program still works for me.
Small, consistent activities make for big, powerful results.
On a different front, Matt and I are going to go shoe shopping to begin training for the San Jose Half-Marathon. I am excited to find out what gear I will need to have a successful (injury-free) training period and run. Matt surprised me by sharing his desire to run with me for my birthday celebration. Woo Hoo!! This will be great for us. I love that we enjoy physical activities. (hubba hubba :D) LOL I can't wait to start running together.
This weekend, we are going up to Napa to celebrate his friend's birthday. It will be a fun, semi-romantic weekend for Matt and I. I hope that we can get away from the group for a little time for ourselves. That would be wonderful.
More Workout Fun
I received this in my "junk email" account. I use an old account to keep from getting bombarded with announcements, sales, tips, and other crap that can fill an email inbox within 2 minutes. Occasionally, I will find interesting messages in the mix. I might have to register with my actual address for Scott Colby information...Nah, he still tends to send some unnecessary material. His contact information is listed under his article.
"This is how we play baseball, fitness camp
style. : )
You can do this by yourself, with a friend
or a whole group of people.
(If you are with a group of people, divide
the group in half so you have 2 teams).
Set up 4 cones in a diamond representing
home plate, first base, second base, and
third base.
At each base, you have to do a bodyweight
exercise.
So here is an example:
Run to first base and do 10 pushups; Run to second base and do 10 jumping lunges each leg
Run to third base and do 15 crunches; Run to home plate and do 15 squats
After you do the squats at home plate, that
counts as one run. Continue on for
10 minutes and try and score as many runs
as possible.
If you are on a team or going against a friend,
try to score the most runs.
If you are by yourself, you can challenge
yourself by doing this workout for
4 weeks and trying to score more runs
at the end of the 4th week than you did
during the first week.
This will show you how much your fitness
level has improved.
Have fun!"
And again, if you are interested in joining our
Women's Fitness Camp, please visit:
http://www.womensfitnesscamp.com/classes.html
"This is how we play baseball, fitness camp
style. : )
You can do this by yourself, with a friend
or a whole group of people.
(If you are with a group of people, divide
the group in half so you have 2 teams).
Set up 4 cones in a diamond representing
home plate, first base, second base, and
third base.
At each base, you have to do a bodyweight
exercise.
So here is an example:
Run to first base and do 10 pushups; Run to second base and do 10 jumping lunges each leg
Run to third base and do 15 crunches; Run to home plate and do 15 squats
After you do the squats at home plate, that
counts as one run. Continue on for
10 minutes and try and score as many runs
as possible.
If you are on a team or going against a friend,
try to score the most runs.
If you are by yourself, you can challenge
yourself by doing this workout for
4 weeks and trying to score more runs
at the end of the 4th week than you did
during the first week.
This will show you how much your fitness
level has improved.
Have fun!"
And again, if you are interested in joining our
Women's Fitness Camp, please visit:
http://www.womensfitnesscamp.com/classes.html
Monday, June 25, 2007
Vegas-Style Training
Cool, Outdoor Workout--Vegas Style
Scott Colby--http://www.womensfitnesscamp.com/index3.html
Making Exercise Fun
Here is something that we do in camp to get the
camp members to work together as a team
and have fun at the same time.
We'll divide the camp into teams of 3 or 4 and
each team gets a deck of cards (we take out the
two's, three's and four's).
Each of the 4 suits represents a different exercise.
For example, diamonds = push-ups, spades = squats
clubs = crunches and hearts = jumping jacks.
Whatever suit you draw is the exercise you do, and the
number on the card equals the number of reps that you do (jacks, queens and kings = 10 reps and Aces = 11 reps).
Each person on a team draws a different card, does their exercise and then goes to the next card.
So you are working individually on the exercises
but together as a team, you are working your
way through the entire deck. Try to complete the
deck as quickly as you can.
What a fun way to get outdoors and get a new workout style into your program. This would be a fun family activity as well.
If you didn't get the "Vegas Style" comment, it's because he's using playing cards. :D
Enjoy!!
Scott Colby--http://www.womensfitnesscamp.com/index3.html
Making Exercise Fun
Here is something that we do in camp to get the
camp members to work together as a team
and have fun at the same time.
We'll divide the camp into teams of 3 or 4 and
each team gets a deck of cards (we take out the
two's, three's and four's).
Each of the 4 suits represents a different exercise.
For example, diamonds = push-ups, spades = squats
clubs = crunches and hearts = jumping jacks.
Whatever suit you draw is the exercise you do, and the
number on the card equals the number of reps that you do (jacks, queens and kings = 10 reps and Aces = 11 reps).
Each person on a team draws a different card, does their exercise and then goes to the next card.
So you are working individually on the exercises
but together as a team, you are working your
way through the entire deck. Try to complete the
deck as quickly as you can.
What a fun way to get outdoors and get a new workout style into your program. This would be a fun family activity as well.
If you didn't get the "Vegas Style" comment, it's because he's using playing cards. :D
Enjoy!!
Model Search--Model of Beauty Contest
So, my company is having a model search and I am really excited. I am excited to have one of my entrants be chosen as one of the FOUR winners. Wouldn't it be awesome to have the eye for finding talent that will be featured in a national publication! It is my goal to find her!
Here is the information from Craigslist ad.
Model Search for Portfolio/National Catalog
Reply to: gigs-359563121@craigslist.orgDate: 2007-06-24, 8:52PM PDT
We are looking for female face models of all ethnicities, ages 18 and over, and sizes. No experience necessary. What to expect: skin prep, color consultation, and before/after photo for catalog. The "After" Photo will be used for selection for catalog feature. A gift will be given to all participants.
Four women will be selected from the pool to be featured in national commercial catalog: (The Look), receive a three-night, expense-paid trip for winners and one guest each to New York, a professional makeover and a $500 shopping spree gift card. (Winners required to sign a model release.) If you are interested in having an opportunity of a lifetime, contact me today! Runs through September 15, 2007.
If YOU are interested, contact me today.
Here is the information from Craigslist ad.
Model Search for Portfolio/National Catalog
Reply to: gigs-359563121@craigslist.orgDate: 2007-06-24, 8:52PM PDT
We are looking for female face models of all ethnicities, ages 18 and over, and sizes. No experience necessary. What to expect: skin prep, color consultation, and before/after photo for catalog. The "After" Photo will be used for selection for catalog feature. A gift will be given to all participants.
Four women will be selected from the pool to be featured in national commercial catalog: (The Look), receive a three-night, expense-paid trip for winners and one guest each to New York, a professional makeover and a $500 shopping spree gift card. (Winners required to sign a model release.) If you are interested in having an opportunity of a lifetime, contact me today! Runs through September 15, 2007.
If YOU are interested, contact me today.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
What a Weekend!
What a busy weekend. I had a class of 25 students (24 women and one male) on Saturday for my Color Insider workshop. The three hours went by so quickly. It was the first time that I had created a 3-hour presentation from start to finish. It is pretty amazing to have that experience. I have taught on other subjects for three hours or more, but never has it been my own material. I am proud of myself.
Before the class, I sliced my thumb pretty badly as I was setting up. The bleeding was terrible. I was afraid that it wouldn't stop bleeding in time. With a few minutes to spare, I wrapped my finger with a paper towel and taught the class that way. It opened up again this morning and started bleeding. Luckily, it didn't get on my WHITE dress!!
A last-minute invitation for a 10-year old's birthday party brought me out to the park with my four-year old niece. She was quite the hit of the party...not with the kids, but with the adults. She is quite the character and the adults loved her. One lady thanked me for bringing her along. How many people thank you for bringing anyone, let alone a child, anywhere?! I've never had it happen. They got such a kick out of her because she was so honest. One woman asked her if she could have her eyes which are blue (the woman and all but one other guest had brown eyes). My niece told her that she could buy them. The adults howled in laughter. It was cute. When another woman asked for a hug as we were leaving, my niece told her that "her batteries were running out." They all laughed again. Yes, she definitely is a part of our family. No mistaking that!!
I had a three-day weekend because I took the day off on Friday. It is always much needed rest from work. I ended up spending time with my mom, sister and nieces. It was so much fun.
I ran into my friend, Linda, on Friday as well. She looks great. She crossed the one-year mark for being Cancer free. It was hard for me to hear that this wonderful, God-filled woman was battling breast cancer. I know that her faith carried her through it all.
Sunday was pretty low-key. I did have a Mary Kay class that I held for a new team member. We had a lot of fun. It was great to have such a fun group of women and an excited team member. She had fun, learned a lot and made some great money.
Matt came over to sleep last night. I say "sleep" because he didn't get here until 1:30 AM. I was awake as I went out with Kim to have a drink and appetizers. That was my dinner, too. Kim and I laughed so hard about so many things. I love to see her laugh because her whole body laughs. We need to do that more often.
I am off to bed. I am planning some Turbo Jamming tomorrow. It'll be a Cardio Party 3 day for me.
energy-8
food-6 (2 meals only)
sleep- 7
water-7
workout- rest day
Before the class, I sliced my thumb pretty badly as I was setting up. The bleeding was terrible. I was afraid that it wouldn't stop bleeding in time. With a few minutes to spare, I wrapped my finger with a paper towel and taught the class that way. It opened up again this morning and started bleeding. Luckily, it didn't get on my WHITE dress!!
A last-minute invitation for a 10-year old's birthday party brought me out to the park with my four-year old niece. She was quite the hit of the party...not with the kids, but with the adults. She is quite the character and the adults loved her. One lady thanked me for bringing her along. How many people thank you for bringing anyone, let alone a child, anywhere?! I've never had it happen. They got such a kick out of her because she was so honest. One woman asked her if she could have her eyes which are blue (the woman and all but one other guest had brown eyes). My niece told her that she could buy them. The adults howled in laughter. It was cute. When another woman asked for a hug as we were leaving, my niece told her that "her batteries were running out." They all laughed again. Yes, she definitely is a part of our family. No mistaking that!!
I had a three-day weekend because I took the day off on Friday. It is always much needed rest from work. I ended up spending time with my mom, sister and nieces. It was so much fun.
I ran into my friend, Linda, on Friday as well. She looks great. She crossed the one-year mark for being Cancer free. It was hard for me to hear that this wonderful, God-filled woman was battling breast cancer. I know that her faith carried her through it all.
Sunday was pretty low-key. I did have a Mary Kay class that I held for a new team member. We had a lot of fun. It was great to have such a fun group of women and an excited team member. She had fun, learned a lot and made some great money.
Matt came over to sleep last night. I say "sleep" because he didn't get here until 1:30 AM. I was awake as I went out with Kim to have a drink and appetizers. That was my dinner, too. Kim and I laughed so hard about so many things. I love to see her laugh because her whole body laughs. We need to do that more often.
I am off to bed. I am planning some Turbo Jamming tomorrow. It'll be a Cardio Party 3 day for me.
energy-8
food-6 (2 meals only)
sleep- 7
water-7
workout- rest day
Friday, June 22, 2007
RSS Feed Junky
I, T, am an RSS Feed Junky. Yes, I admit it. I love to know when my favorite, sites and blogs are updated. Oh, yeah, I already admitted that I love blogs. Now, I am sharing that I get my fix by having RSS feeds. If you want your blog shared easily, make sure that you are "feeding" your readers with more that great blog comment.
Today, as I was checking my "My Yahoo" page, I found that Tom Venuto (http://www.burnthefat.com/) had an update to his blog. I have to tell you that it was a message about "Maintainers vs. Losers". As I read the message, I realized that for 2 years, I was a maintainer that I would have listened to if I were trying to lose.
I lived by the self-monitoring rules of fat loss:
One thing that I realized was that I knew that I would re-gain the 85 pound weight loss if I stopped working out. I didn't believe that it would happen because I was living the lifestyle of a healthy person. Yet, I did. I did because I thought that I had won the "battle" with weight loss and stopped being so vigilant with my food journal. Then, I let my workouts start to slip. Before I knew it, my 'lifestyle' was not a lifestyle any longer.
My Daily Report Card:
nutrition: 8
energy: 9 (did not go to work)
sleep: 9 (took a great nap)
water: 8
workout: Missed (0)
Today, as I was checking my "My Yahoo" page, I found that Tom Venuto (http://www.burnthefat.com/) had an update to his blog. I have to tell you that it was a message about "Maintainers vs. Losers". As I read the message, I realized that for 2 years, I was a maintainer that I would have listened to if I were trying to lose.
I lived by the self-monitoring rules of fat loss:
- tracking calories
- tracking body weight
- planning meals
- tracking fat
- measuring amount of food on plate
One thing that I realized was that I knew that I would re-gain the 85 pound weight loss if I stopped working out. I didn't believe that it would happen because I was living the lifestyle of a healthy person. Yet, I did. I did because I thought that I had won the "battle" with weight loss and stopped being so vigilant with my food journal. Then, I let my workouts start to slip. Before I knew it, my 'lifestyle' was not a lifestyle any longer.
My Daily Report Card:
nutrition: 8
energy: 9 (did not go to work)
sleep: 9 (took a great nap)
water: 8
workout: Missed (0)
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Reminiscing
I was looking through old photos of myself. This one always is so much fun to see. I remember that night so vividly. It was a celebration of my birthday in October 2004 where we all gathered to test the limits of fun. So many crazy things happened that night. It was also the night that I realized the power of my dedication to getting fit and staying focused.
I know my power...why is it then that I tend to discard it at the moment that I am challenged, not by outsiders, but by the mind that once took me to a level of fitness that rivaled amateur athletes?
nutrition: 8
energy: 7
sleep: 7
water: 8
workout: Planned Rest day
First Day of Summer
I've decided that I am going to utilize a scale to note my progress. Not a weight scale, but a number range (1-10) that will represent my efforts and achievements in obtaining my goals. Many times, I set out with my goals and am left feeling like I am not making progress. I am hoping that by utilizing my scale, I will feel that I am daily "wins".
So, here it is:
nutrition:
energy:
sleep:
water:
workout:
It is incredibly important to me to feel that I am making progress. Otherwise, I am one to jump ship and look for something better. I know that my mistake often comes in the form of impatience and not allowing something time to work. I have learned from my many coaches in life that MASTERY takes time.
Matt and I had a great tri/bi/shoulder workout yesterday. He was feeling a bit 'off' yesterday when we met up, so we sat and talked for a while. He shared that he wanted to do so much yesterday, but ended up feeling so unproductive. I knew that his thinking was zapping his energy. How do I know...I do it myself, very well! My remedy for when I feel like this is to get into action. Movement changes your energy and I knew that if we went to the gym and worked hard, he would get out of his funk. I was right. Mid-way through the workout, I could tell that he was different. I asked how he was feeling and he said, "Much better."
So, during our workout, I noticed how attracted I am to him when he is working out. I find myself "checking him out". It is so funny. I make sure that I let him know how good he looks. I also have stolen a few kisses from him between sets.
After our workout, I prepared our dinner: chicken fajitas, black bean and cheese baked taquitos, chimichurri rice, and fresh tortillas. We were so hungry by the time we ate. I kept my portion small and my plate half empty. We did enjoy some dessert and a movie before bed.
I slept pretty well last night, but I was extra tired once I got to the office. I have 4 more hours before departure. I am looking forward to it.
Today is the official first day of summer (and longest say) of 2007. I love summer time. I hope that I can achieve more of my summer time body before Labor Day!
So, here it is:
nutrition:
energy:
sleep:
water:
workout:
It is incredibly important to me to feel that I am making progress. Otherwise, I am one to jump ship and look for something better. I know that my mistake often comes in the form of impatience and not allowing something time to work. I have learned from my many coaches in life that MASTERY takes time.
Matt and I had a great tri/bi/shoulder workout yesterday. He was feeling a bit 'off' yesterday when we met up, so we sat and talked for a while. He shared that he wanted to do so much yesterday, but ended up feeling so unproductive. I knew that his thinking was zapping his energy. How do I know...I do it myself, very well! My remedy for when I feel like this is to get into action. Movement changes your energy and I knew that if we went to the gym and worked hard, he would get out of his funk. I was right. Mid-way through the workout, I could tell that he was different. I asked how he was feeling and he said, "Much better."
So, during our workout, I noticed how attracted I am to him when he is working out. I find myself "checking him out". It is so funny. I make sure that I let him know how good he looks. I also have stolen a few kisses from him between sets.
After our workout, I prepared our dinner: chicken fajitas, black bean and cheese baked taquitos, chimichurri rice, and fresh tortillas. We were so hungry by the time we ate. I kept my portion small and my plate half empty. We did enjoy some dessert and a movie before bed.
I slept pretty well last night, but I was extra tired once I got to the office. I have 4 more hours before departure. I am looking forward to it.
Today is the official first day of summer (and longest say) of 2007. I love summer time. I hope that I can achieve more of my summer time body before Labor Day!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Schizophrenic Life
Last night, I had a better night after all. I went to see my coach for our final session. We reviewed my "progress". I started our sessions with a desire to improve on my leadership skills, obtain health and fitness goals and improve on my work situation. After reviewing everything, I realized that in 6 months, I didn't do much. How scary is that that time passes regardless and we still can be in the same (or WORSE) situation if we choose.
Yes, it's a choice. It's a choice to make improvements as much as it's a choice to stay the same. For me staying the same sucks, but it is scary for me to make change. Schizophrenia! Until we are more committed to our change than to our commitment to stay the same, nothing is gained except a whole lot of frustration. I know that this is why the Mark Twight article knocked me over.
My coach recommended that I read some poetry. In six months, I read zero poems. He presented me with a book of poetry by Mary Oliver as a gift. I read my first poem in a long time last night. I was a bit confused. LOL
I've decided not to seek any formal coaching arrangement for a while. I need to use the tools and resources that I've gained to make some things happen. One tool that has proven to be invaluable is my journaling. I did not realize how much I get from my journal than when I read old entries from three years ago. That showed me the power of my thoughts, words and actions on paper.
After spending an hour reading my old journal, I was inspired and in love with me and my energy. I am naturally an energetic, out-going person. I realized that when I am not in my element, I lose these very powerful attributes. This is sad. I have something to look forward to as I reclaim my energy and my personality.
So after my coaching session in SF. I went to see Bea last night in Pleasanton. I was the only one that showed up for inner circle. The plan was to complete the program for Saturday's workshop. The funny thing is that I was glad that I was the only one as I am the presenter and I feel I should have control of the program. (Hey, I'm teaching!) Well, I later found out that she had planned it that way.
We had a great time chatting about different subjects, mainly around weight and authenticity.
She helped me to see that I could run my business from my own strengths and be straight-up with my clients when we are committing to an appointment. She asked me to do an experiment and be my authentic self to just "see what happens." I literally had a buzz going on in my body. I know that is what I need to do, why am I so afraid to do it. It's because after being picked on for everything that I did (my hair, my clothing, my intelligence, my weight, who I was interested in, my speaking style, my ethnicity), I came to the conclusion that "being me" was not good enough for others.
Do you know what kind of misery comes from trying to satisfy others desires for you? Yes, it sucks! This is no place for someone to live. I have abandoned my cottage...I'll let you know how the experiment runs!
Yes, it's a choice. It's a choice to make improvements as much as it's a choice to stay the same. For me staying the same sucks, but it is scary for me to make change. Schizophrenia! Until we are more committed to our change than to our commitment to stay the same, nothing is gained except a whole lot of frustration. I know that this is why the Mark Twight article knocked me over.
My coach recommended that I read some poetry. In six months, I read zero poems. He presented me with a book of poetry by Mary Oliver as a gift. I read my first poem in a long time last night. I was a bit confused. LOL
I've decided not to seek any formal coaching arrangement for a while. I need to use the tools and resources that I've gained to make some things happen. One tool that has proven to be invaluable is my journaling. I did not realize how much I get from my journal than when I read old entries from three years ago. That showed me the power of my thoughts, words and actions on paper.
After spending an hour reading my old journal, I was inspired and in love with me and my energy. I am naturally an energetic, out-going person. I realized that when I am not in my element, I lose these very powerful attributes. This is sad. I have something to look forward to as I reclaim my energy and my personality.
So after my coaching session in SF. I went to see Bea last night in Pleasanton. I was the only one that showed up for inner circle. The plan was to complete the program for Saturday's workshop. The funny thing is that I was glad that I was the only one as I am the presenter and I feel I should have control of the program. (Hey, I'm teaching!) Well, I later found out that she had planned it that way.
We had a great time chatting about different subjects, mainly around weight and authenticity.
She helped me to see that I could run my business from my own strengths and be straight-up with my clients when we are committing to an appointment. She asked me to do an experiment and be my authentic self to just "see what happens." I literally had a buzz going on in my body. I know that is what I need to do, why am I so afraid to do it. It's because after being picked on for everything that I did (my hair, my clothing, my intelligence, my weight, who I was interested in, my speaking style, my ethnicity), I came to the conclusion that "being me" was not good enough for others.
Do you know what kind of misery comes from trying to satisfy others desires for you? Yes, it sucks! This is no place for someone to live. I have abandoned my cottage...I'll let you know how the experiment runs!
Monday, June 18, 2007
Honest Truth
So far so good. I've stuck to my plan that I had listed on my fitday.com food entry for today. I like to see my percentages of fat, carbs and protein. I tend to lead a carb-happy lifestyle which I believe is fine if they are healthy sources of carbohydrates. I do strive for a 40-50/25-30/25-30 kind of program (C/F/P).
I am considering joining http://www.calorieking.com/ . I really enjoy having my food journals available online as I can access it at home or at the office. I could also get the calorieking version for my Pocket PC. That might actually get me to use that darn thing after all. Having my food journals available in electronic format allows me to keep a record of what works and what isn't with my food intake.
Today is a busy day for me outside of work. I have to head to SF and meet with my coach, then travel down to Pleasanton by 7. We are working on the program for Saturday. I am leading the workshop for 25 women...I am looking forward to getting home tonight. LOL
Matt just called. He and the teachers are having a BBQ. I am so jealous. Not for the food, but for the fact that they are all off from work and enjoying life as it should be enjoyed: Together with friends and family. I wonder how long I will be able to love a teacher before I beat him down out of jealousy. LOL
One of my favorite things to do when I am online is to read other people's blogs. I often find great information, great inspiration and thought-filled insights that I incorpoate into my own life. After going down my rabit trail today, I found this wonderful article (rant) by Mark Twight of Gym Jones.
TWITCHING
Twitching with Twight
BY MARK TWIGHT
What's your problem? I think I know. You see it in the mirror every morning: temptation and doubt hip to hip inside your head. You know it's not supposed to be like this. But you drank the Kool-Aid and dressed yourself up in someone else's life.
You're haunted because you remember having something more. With each drag of the razor you ask yourself why you piss your blood into another man's cup. Working at the job he offered, your future is between his thumb and forefinger. And the necessary accessories, the proclamations of success you thought gave you stability provide your boss security. Your debt encourages acquiescence, the heavy mortgage makes you polite.
Aren't you sick of being tempted by an alternative lifestyle, but bound by chains of your own choosing? Of the gnawing doubt that the college graduate, path of least resistance is the right way for you - for ever? Each weekend you prepare for the two weeks each summer when you wake up each day and really ride, or climb; the only imperative being to go to bed tired. When booming thermals shoot you full of juice and your Vario shrieks 7m/sec, you wonder if the lines will pop. The risk pares away life’s trivia. Up there, sucking down the thin cumulus, the earth looks small, the boss even smaller, and you wish it could go on forever. But a wish is all it will ever be.
Because the ground is hard. Monday morning is harsh. You wear the hangover of your weekend rush under a strict and proper suit and tie. You listen to NPR because it's inoffensive, PFC: Politically Fucking Correct. Where's the counter-cultural righteousness that had you flirting with Bad Religion and the vintage Pistols tape over the weekend? On Monday you eat frozen food and live the homogenized city experience. But Sunday you thought about cutting your hair very short. You wanted a little more volume and wondered how out of place you looked in the Sub Pop Music Store. Flipping through the import section, you didn't recognize any of the bands. KMFDM? It stands for Kill Mother Fucking Depeche Mode. Didn't you know? How could you not?
Tuesday you look at the face in the mirror again. It stares back, accusing. How can you get by on that one weekly dose? How can you be satisfied by the artifice of these experiences? Why should your words mean anything? They aren't learned by heart and written in blood. If you cannot grasp the consciousness-altering experience that real mastery of these disciplines proposes, of what value is your participation? The truth is pointless when it is shallow. Do you have the courage to live with the integrity that stabs deep?
Use the mirror to cut to the heart of things and uncover your true self. Use the razor to cut away what you don't need. The life you want to live has no recipe. Following the recipe got you here in the first place:Mix one high school diploma with an undergrad degree and a college sweetheart. With a whisk (or a whip) blend two cars, a poorly built house in a cul de sac, and fifty hours a week working for a board that doesn't give a shit about you. Reproduce once. Then again. Place all ingredients in a rut, or a grave. One is a bit longer than the other. Bake thoroughly until the resulting life is set. Rigid. With no way out. Serve and enjoy."You see your face reflected there in a sweating brow, you hate what you see, but what can be done when there's no way out, no way out?"The Chameleons, "Intrigue in Tangiers"
But there is a way out. Live the lifestyle instead of paying lip service to the lifestyle. Live with commitment. With emotional content. Live whatever life you choose honestly. Give up this renaissance man, dilettante bullshit of doing a lot of different things (and none of them very well by real standards). Get to the guts of one thing; accept, without casuistry, the responsibility of making a choice. When you live honestly, you can not separate your mind from your body, or your thoughts from your actions."If you really want to hurt them and their children not yet born tell them the truth always".Henry Rollins, from the book See a Grown Man Cry
Tell the truth. First, to yourself. Say it until it hurts. Learn the reality of your own selfishness. Quit living for other people at the expense of your own self, you're not really alive. You live in the land of denial - and they say the view is pretty a long as you remain asleep.
Well it's time to WAKE THE FUCK UP!
So do it. Wake up. When you drink the coffee tomorrow, take it black and notice it. Feel the caffeine surge through you. Don't take it for granted. Use it for something. Burn the Grisham books. Sell the bad CDs. Mariah Carey, Dave Mathews and N Sync aren’t part of the soundtrack where you're going.
Cut your hair. Don't worry about the gray. If you're good at what you do, no one cares what you look like. Go to the weight room. Learn the difference between actually working out and what you've been doing. Live for the Iron and the fresh air. Punish your body to perfect your soul. Kick the habit of being nice to everyone you meet. Do they deserve it? Say "no" more often.
Quit posturing at the weekly parties. Your high pulse rate, your 5.12s and quick time on the Slickrock Trail don't mean shit to anybody else. These numbers are the measuring sticks of your own progress; show, don't tell. Don’t react to the itch with a scratch. Instead, learn it. Honor the necessity of both the itch and the scratch. But a haircut and a new soundtrack do not a modern man make. As long as you have a safety net you act without commitment. You'll go back to your old habits once you meet a little resistance. You need the samurai's desperateness and his insanity.
Burn the bridge. Nuke the foundation. Back yourself up against a wall. Have an opinion one way or the other, get off the fence and rip it up. Cut yourself off so there is no going back. Once you're committed the truth will come out. You ask about security? What you need is uncertainty. What you need is confusion; something that forces you to reinvent yourself, a whip to drive you harder."I never try anything - I just do it. Want to try me?White Zombie, "Thunder Kiss"
In Dune, Frank Herbert called it "the attitude of the knife,” cut off what’s incomplete and say “now it has finished, for it has ended there.” So finish it, and walk away, forward. Only acts undertaken with commitment have meaning. Only your best effort matters. Life is a Meritocracy, with death as the auditor. Inconsistency, incompetence and lies are all cut short by that final word. Death will change you if you can't change yourself.
“If I can change one, then I can change two. If I can change two, then I can change four. If I can change four, then I can change eight. If I can change eight, then I can change.”One Minute Silence, "If I Can Change"
This article made me think, shudder and share. "Aren't you sick of being tempted by an alternative lifestyle, but bound by chains of your own choosing?" This is so me! I desire for little of monetary value: love, friendship, connection, yet I've been seduced by possessions. Possessions that leave me empty, broke and fighting for a better way.
Now, that is the HONEST truth.
I am considering joining http://www.calorieking.com/ . I really enjoy having my food journals available online as I can access it at home or at the office. I could also get the calorieking version for my Pocket PC. That might actually get me to use that darn thing after all. Having my food journals available in electronic format allows me to keep a record of what works and what isn't with my food intake.
Today is a busy day for me outside of work. I have to head to SF and meet with my coach, then travel down to Pleasanton by 7. We are working on the program for Saturday. I am leading the workshop for 25 women...I am looking forward to getting home tonight. LOL
Matt just called. He and the teachers are having a BBQ. I am so jealous. Not for the food, but for the fact that they are all off from work and enjoying life as it should be enjoyed: Together with friends and family. I wonder how long I will be able to love a teacher before I beat him down out of jealousy. LOL
One of my favorite things to do when I am online is to read other people's blogs. I often find great information, great inspiration and thought-filled insights that I incorpoate into my own life. After going down my rabit trail today, I found this wonderful article (rant) by Mark Twight of Gym Jones.
TWITCHING
Twitching with Twight
BY MARK TWIGHT
What's your problem? I think I know. You see it in the mirror every morning: temptation and doubt hip to hip inside your head. You know it's not supposed to be like this. But you drank the Kool-Aid and dressed yourself up in someone else's life.
You're haunted because you remember having something more. With each drag of the razor you ask yourself why you piss your blood into another man's cup. Working at the job he offered, your future is between his thumb and forefinger. And the necessary accessories, the proclamations of success you thought gave you stability provide your boss security. Your debt encourages acquiescence, the heavy mortgage makes you polite.
Aren't you sick of being tempted by an alternative lifestyle, but bound by chains of your own choosing? Of the gnawing doubt that the college graduate, path of least resistance is the right way for you - for ever? Each weekend you prepare for the two weeks each summer when you wake up each day and really ride, or climb; the only imperative being to go to bed tired. When booming thermals shoot you full of juice and your Vario shrieks 7m/sec, you wonder if the lines will pop. The risk pares away life’s trivia. Up there, sucking down the thin cumulus, the earth looks small, the boss even smaller, and you wish it could go on forever. But a wish is all it will ever be.
Because the ground is hard. Monday morning is harsh. You wear the hangover of your weekend rush under a strict and proper suit and tie. You listen to NPR because it's inoffensive, PFC: Politically Fucking Correct. Where's the counter-cultural righteousness that had you flirting with Bad Religion and the vintage Pistols tape over the weekend? On Monday you eat frozen food and live the homogenized city experience. But Sunday you thought about cutting your hair very short. You wanted a little more volume and wondered how out of place you looked in the Sub Pop Music Store. Flipping through the import section, you didn't recognize any of the bands. KMFDM? It stands for Kill Mother Fucking Depeche Mode. Didn't you know? How could you not?
Tuesday you look at the face in the mirror again. It stares back, accusing. How can you get by on that one weekly dose? How can you be satisfied by the artifice of these experiences? Why should your words mean anything? They aren't learned by heart and written in blood. If you cannot grasp the consciousness-altering experience that real mastery of these disciplines proposes, of what value is your participation? The truth is pointless when it is shallow. Do you have the courage to live with the integrity that stabs deep?
Use the mirror to cut to the heart of things and uncover your true self. Use the razor to cut away what you don't need. The life you want to live has no recipe. Following the recipe got you here in the first place:Mix one high school diploma with an undergrad degree and a college sweetheart. With a whisk (or a whip) blend two cars, a poorly built house in a cul de sac, and fifty hours a week working for a board that doesn't give a shit about you. Reproduce once. Then again. Place all ingredients in a rut, or a grave. One is a bit longer than the other. Bake thoroughly until the resulting life is set. Rigid. With no way out. Serve and enjoy."You see your face reflected there in a sweating brow, you hate what you see, but what can be done when there's no way out, no way out?"The Chameleons, "Intrigue in Tangiers"
But there is a way out. Live the lifestyle instead of paying lip service to the lifestyle. Live with commitment. With emotional content. Live whatever life you choose honestly. Give up this renaissance man, dilettante bullshit of doing a lot of different things (and none of them very well by real standards). Get to the guts of one thing; accept, without casuistry, the responsibility of making a choice. When you live honestly, you can not separate your mind from your body, or your thoughts from your actions."If you really want to hurt them and their children not yet born tell them the truth always".Henry Rollins, from the book See a Grown Man Cry
Tell the truth. First, to yourself. Say it until it hurts. Learn the reality of your own selfishness. Quit living for other people at the expense of your own self, you're not really alive. You live in the land of denial - and they say the view is pretty a long as you remain asleep.
Well it's time to WAKE THE FUCK UP!
So do it. Wake up. When you drink the coffee tomorrow, take it black and notice it. Feel the caffeine surge through you. Don't take it for granted. Use it for something. Burn the Grisham books. Sell the bad CDs. Mariah Carey, Dave Mathews and N Sync aren’t part of the soundtrack where you're going.
Cut your hair. Don't worry about the gray. If you're good at what you do, no one cares what you look like. Go to the weight room. Learn the difference between actually working out and what you've been doing. Live for the Iron and the fresh air. Punish your body to perfect your soul. Kick the habit of being nice to everyone you meet. Do they deserve it? Say "no" more often.
Quit posturing at the weekly parties. Your high pulse rate, your 5.12s and quick time on the Slickrock Trail don't mean shit to anybody else. These numbers are the measuring sticks of your own progress; show, don't tell. Don’t react to the itch with a scratch. Instead, learn it. Honor the necessity of both the itch and the scratch. But a haircut and a new soundtrack do not a modern man make. As long as you have a safety net you act without commitment. You'll go back to your old habits once you meet a little resistance. You need the samurai's desperateness and his insanity.
Burn the bridge. Nuke the foundation. Back yourself up against a wall. Have an opinion one way or the other, get off the fence and rip it up. Cut yourself off so there is no going back. Once you're committed the truth will come out. You ask about security? What you need is uncertainty. What you need is confusion; something that forces you to reinvent yourself, a whip to drive you harder."I never try anything - I just do it. Want to try me?White Zombie, "Thunder Kiss"
In Dune, Frank Herbert called it "the attitude of the knife,” cut off what’s incomplete and say “now it has finished, for it has ended there.” So finish it, and walk away, forward. Only acts undertaken with commitment have meaning. Only your best effort matters. Life is a Meritocracy, with death as the auditor. Inconsistency, incompetence and lies are all cut short by that final word. Death will change you if you can't change yourself.
“If I can change one, then I can change two. If I can change two, then I can change four. If I can change four, then I can change eight. If I can change eight, then I can change.”One Minute Silence, "If I Can Change"
This article made me think, shudder and share. "Aren't you sick of being tempted by an alternative lifestyle, but bound by chains of your own choosing?" This is so me! I desire for little of monetary value: love, friendship, connection, yet I've been seduced by possessions. Possessions that leave me empty, broke and fighting for a better way.
Now, that is the HONEST truth.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Weekend of Food
I love food! I love to eat! I often say, "If I could make a living by eating, I would." This weekend, I would have made quite a bit of money. Friday was fine. I actually did very well. I spent the night at Matt's house on Friday. I was missing my babe. We had planned earlier in the week to workout together on Saturday morning. We did and it was great. I really enjoy working out with him as I can lift more with a spot. Plus, his encouragement is always well-taken. Well, I was starving after our workout since my dinner consisted of about 350 calories the night before.
We went to breakfast. He took me to a cute little place in Palo Alto. We sat outside in the beautiful weather. All I was tasting was "toast with jelly". It's actually okay as it WAS my post-workout meal. I ended up having toast with jelly AND a Denver omelet with hash browns. It was yummy! I enjoyed it.
Well, we hung out at his place for a bit and then I went home. We had dinner plans with his co-worker and her husband for Claim Jumpers later that evening. Well, dinner went as planned. I had chicken and biscuits...more gravy please, and shared Matt's huge Sundae. Oh, I neglected to share that I did start my meal with a small green salad. Ha!
Today, I felt like eating more fried chicken. Yes, I had fried chicken twice in less than 24 hours. Uh-huh, yep. KFC to the rescue.
Then, it happened. I started TOM. I hope this means that it is the end of the "more than enough" eating for me for this month. I feel bloated now. I hope that I have something to wear tomorrow...
We went to breakfast. He took me to a cute little place in Palo Alto. We sat outside in the beautiful weather. All I was tasting was "toast with jelly". It's actually okay as it WAS my post-workout meal. I ended up having toast with jelly AND a Denver omelet with hash browns. It was yummy! I enjoyed it.
Well, we hung out at his place for a bit and then I went home. We had dinner plans with his co-worker and her husband for Claim Jumpers later that evening. Well, dinner went as planned. I had chicken and biscuits...more gravy please, and shared Matt's huge Sundae. Oh, I neglected to share that I did start my meal with a small green salad. Ha!
Today, I felt like eating more fried chicken. Yes, I had fried chicken twice in less than 24 hours. Uh-huh, yep. KFC to the rescue.
Then, it happened. I started TOM. I hope this means that it is the end of the "more than enough" eating for me for this month. I feel bloated now. I hope that I have something to wear tomorrow...
Friday, June 15, 2007
Dry Nose
So, I went to the gym at lunch. Man, after just a few minutes on the bike, my nose was burning. After 15 minutes, I decided to do some weights instead. The burning sensation went away.
There was a "trainer" at the gym who offered his assistance to me. He said that if I had any questions, he would be happy to answer them for me. I told him, "I could probably teach YOU something." I quickly realized that my mouth was off and running again. He got a good laugh. I ran to the locker room.
He found me at the back of the gym while I was lifting. Again, he offered his assistance. I thought, the best thing he could do is not to talk to me and let me finish my workout. Instead, I asked, "What are your certifications?" He had a nice list of them, yet after examining his body, I could see he was in the same boat that I am in... LOL
ANYWAY, I am going to use fitday.com to record my food intake. It is here available for you all to see: Fitday.com
There was a "trainer" at the gym who offered his assistance to me. He said that if I had any questions, he would be happy to answer them for me. I told him, "I could probably teach YOU something." I quickly realized that my mouth was off and running again. He got a good laugh. I ran to the locker room.
He found me at the back of the gym while I was lifting. Again, he offered his assistance. I thought, the best thing he could do is not to talk to me and let me finish my workout. Instead, I asked, "What are your certifications?" He had a nice list of them, yet after examining his body, I could see he was in the same boat that I am in... LOL
ANYWAY, I am going to use fitday.com to record my food intake. It is here available for you all to see: Fitday.com
Feeling GREAT!
I still have some congestion, but I am feeling great. This morning, I not only packed my food for the day, I also packed my gym goodies. I am going to the gym this afternoon during my lunch break. It is more than warm here, but it will be worth it. I am planning to do a cardio workout. Most likely HIIT.
Last night, I met a friend for dinner at PF Chang's. Luckily, the items that I really like are low cal: won ton soup and the Shanghai Cucumbers. I ate 2 cups of soup, some chicken and brown rice. They neglected to serve us our cukes, but I ended up getting them for free.
I got home at 10:30 and talked to Matt for about an hour. I really needed it. Our previous conversation had ended on a strange note (in his eyes), so I didn't want either one of us to go to bed without resolution. By the end of the conversation, we had everything worked through and more. I love that we can talk candidly about anything (so far!).
So, Matt and I have a gym date tomorrow morning before we meet up with his friends. I will probably have to coax him to do a little cardio after we are done lifting. I'll show him that a little proper cardio goes a long way.
Last night, I met a friend for dinner at PF Chang's. Luckily, the items that I really like are low cal: won ton soup and the Shanghai Cucumbers. I ate 2 cups of soup, some chicken and brown rice. They neglected to serve us our cukes, but I ended up getting them for free.
I got home at 10:30 and talked to Matt for about an hour. I really needed it. Our previous conversation had ended on a strange note (in his eyes), so I didn't want either one of us to go to bed without resolution. By the end of the conversation, we had everything worked through and more. I love that we can talk candidly about anything (so far!).
So, Matt and I have a gym date tomorrow morning before we meet up with his friends. I will probably have to coax him to do a little cardio after we are done lifting. I'll show him that a little proper cardio goes a long way.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Watermelon and Rice Pudding
I am home from work today. I decided after getting my first night's sleep this week, I need to just take some good time to get well.
Yesterday, it took me 1hour and 52 minutes to get home. I was not happy AT ALL. It was hot. I am sick. I was not having it. Ugh! I left the office at 4 PM and walked in the house at 5:52.
My mom and I went to see Pickles and Shugi (my nieces). Pickles somehow scared herself while she was on the toliet (she calls it "tillit") and ran into the wall. She had a red line and bump on her forehead. She was extra sassy after the fall, so my sister said that she needed to bump her on the head again to bring her back to normal. Ay! I love kids energy. That is how we adults should act!
It's 11:36 and I am just about to get in the shower. Yes, I am slow today. I've only been out of bed for an hour!
Yesterday, it took me 1hour and 52 minutes to get home. I was not happy AT ALL. It was hot. I am sick. I was not having it. Ugh! I left the office at 4 PM and walked in the house at 5:52.
My mom and I went to see Pickles and Shugi (my nieces). Pickles somehow scared herself while she was on the toliet (she calls it "tillit") and ran into the wall. She had a red line and bump on her forehead. She was extra sassy after the fall, so my sister said that she needed to bump her on the head again to bring her back to normal. Ay! I love kids energy. That is how we adults should act!
It's 11:36 and I am just about to get in the shower. Yes, I am slow today. I've only been out of bed for an hour!
Monday, June 11, 2007
No work for You!
I am off today because I have a dentist appointment midday and it is a waste of time to drive into the office either before of after my appointment. I am meeting a friend for lunch this afternoon as well. I am looking forward to seeing him.
This weekend was a bit trying. I got a lot done including every stitch of laundry needed for the house. That feels great. I love how the whole house smells as if it was laundered because of the articles that were. For some reason, I feel in the dumps more than usual.
My energy has been crappy. I still cannot pinpoint the reason why it is. My thought is that it got stirred on Monday and then on Tuesday it continued because of my work situation. Then throughout the week, there was a sense of "not getting the full story" in my work situation with my supervisor. I later discovered that my gut was correct. Then, why am I still holding on to the yucky stuff?
I did get more items to assist me with my weight loss and health journey. This weekend, I bought flax seed "powder/crumbles" from Costco. I am going to try to remember to sneak it into my food while I am cooking. I also purchased Fish Oil caps. I have been resisting it because of the "repeating" after I've swallowed it. Hopefully, it won't be so bad knowing that I am on my way to better health and vitality.
The Abs Diet is a book that has made me curious over time. I ended up buying it this weekend. This version is actually "The Abs Diet for Women". Funny thing is that I've always assumed that it was a book about "Spot Reduction". Having been around for a while, I knew that spot reduction is a myth. The book is NOT about that, but an overall program for health. I am enjoying what I have read so far. Definitely, there isn't any glaring mis-truths that I've found.
I am going to get my workout in. I will probably do it here at the house since I have most of the equipment. I will modify my cardio for a 'home-based' workout.
This weekend was a bit trying. I got a lot done including every stitch of laundry needed for the house. That feels great. I love how the whole house smells as if it was laundered because of the articles that were. For some reason, I feel in the dumps more than usual.
My energy has been crappy. I still cannot pinpoint the reason why it is. My thought is that it got stirred on Monday and then on Tuesday it continued because of my work situation. Then throughout the week, there was a sense of "not getting the full story" in my work situation with my supervisor. I later discovered that my gut was correct. Then, why am I still holding on to the yucky stuff?
I did get more items to assist me with my weight loss and health journey. This weekend, I bought flax seed "powder/crumbles" from Costco. I am going to try to remember to sneak it into my food while I am cooking. I also purchased Fish Oil caps. I have been resisting it because of the "repeating" after I've swallowed it. Hopefully, it won't be so bad knowing that I am on my way to better health and vitality.
The Abs Diet is a book that has made me curious over time. I ended up buying it this weekend. This version is actually "The Abs Diet for Women". Funny thing is that I've always assumed that it was a book about "Spot Reduction". Having been around for a while, I knew that spot reduction is a myth. The book is NOT about that, but an overall program for health. I am enjoying what I have read so far. Definitely, there isn't any glaring mis-truths that I've found.
I am going to get my workout in. I will probably do it here at the house since I have most of the equipment. I will modify my cardio for a 'home-based' workout.
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Joel Osteen
Joel Osteen was at the HP Pavilion last night. He was great and funny as always. He shared a message that is similar to all that I've been studying for the past two years. It was a wonderful reminder of the power of Spirit in our lives when you have faith. He finished the program with "The Blessing". It was beautiful. I am going to look online for a copy of this prayer.
The music was FANTASTIC. I fantasized about being one of the back-up singers for Cindy Cruse. She is an amazing singer. I went to purchase the 2 CDs that were only $10 each. (I love how they do not try to gouge us. LOL) But the line was way too long to make my friends wait.
It was something that I really needed. Funny thing, I didn't want to go. I was so exhausted from the week that I just wanted to go home and get away. I am glad that my friend, B, decided to call me and let me know that she was going. It gave me the energy that I needed to "show up". (You've got to show up to go up!) I have to remember that when I don't want to, I need to!
My dad is in town visiting. My mom is BBQ'n so there will be lots of favorites to eat. I am going to select my most favored items and let the others go.
I am still feeling a bit bummed. I just need to meditate for a while on something positive like myself at goal!
The music was FANTASTIC. I fantasized about being one of the back-up singers for Cindy Cruse. She is an amazing singer. I went to purchase the 2 CDs that were only $10 each. (I love how they do not try to gouge us. LOL) But the line was way too long to make my friends wait.
It was something that I really needed. Funny thing, I didn't want to go. I was so exhausted from the week that I just wanted to go home and get away. I am glad that my friend, B, decided to call me and let me know that she was going. It gave me the energy that I needed to "show up". (You've got to show up to go up!) I have to remember that when I don't want to, I need to!
My dad is in town visiting. My mom is BBQ'n so there will be lots of favorites to eat. I am going to select my most favored items and let the others go.
I am still feeling a bit bummed. I just need to meditate for a while on something positive like myself at goal!
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Woo hoo!
I am so excited that I have some soreness from my TT workout. My true soreness comes on the second day post-exercise. The other good note is that my second TT training session is tomorrow so I will be working THROUGH the soreness.
Last night, I had one of my 4 planned cheat meals. The idea is that you enjoy 4 (10%) cheat meals of your 42 total meals during the week. This allows for the flexibility in life and to keep you from potentially 'losing it'. (My words!) So, what was my cheat meal? Pepperoni, Bacon and Black Olive Pizza and 1/2 a small chocolate chip cookie dough blizzard from DQ.
Matt and I ended up watching TV and then heading to bed. It was great to spend some "cheat" time with him. LOL
Last night, I had one of my 4 planned cheat meals. The idea is that you enjoy 4 (10%) cheat meals of your 42 total meals during the week. This allows for the flexibility in life and to keep you from potentially 'losing it'. (My words!) So, what was my cheat meal? Pepperoni, Bacon and Black Olive Pizza and 1/2 a small chocolate chip cookie dough blizzard from DQ.
Matt and I ended up watching TV and then heading to bed. It was great to spend some "cheat" time with him. LOL
Nutrition and Exercise
I have just spent 30+ minutes perusing (okay, more like devouring) the information on Brad Pilon's Nutrition Help website. I know that 30 minutes doesn't seem like a lot, but I am at work. There are some fantastic entries about the research done regarding muscle loss and calorie restriction, effective workouts, and so much more. My excitement grew when I read some research about the muscle is protected by resistance training even in an extremely calorie-restricted environment (800 cals/day). This is probably why I was able to look and stay strong while I lost 85lbs. The question "Should I strength train while losing weight?" for me is a resounding "YES!!!".
I am so glad that I was not afraid to train heavily with weights while I was losing. I think that for me, the fact that I am so competitive in the gym allowed me to train heavy. I know that competition is not always healthy and can cause injury when taken to the extreme, but for me it was important. It led to great muscles and great fat loss.
Make sure to stop by Nutrition Help and read up for yourself.
I am so glad that I was not afraid to train heavily with weights while I was losing. I think that for me, the fact that I am so competitive in the gym allowed me to train heavy. I know that competition is not always healthy and can cause injury when taken to the extreme, but for me it was important. It led to great muscles and great fat loss.
Make sure to stop by Nutrition Help and read up for yourself.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
YES!
Yes, yes, yes! I went at lunch time and got my TT workout done. I am so glad that I decided to do it then. I know that after work, I would not have had the time and still make it to meet Matt.
Man, was that workout tough. I added in a 5 minute bike warm-up before I got started with the weights. I modified the workout due to time and lack of knowledge of the gym. I did step-ups in place of lying leg curls on the ball. I didn't know where the balls were. LOL
3 sets of squats followed by (FB)
3 sets of pushups
3 sets of DB rows FB
3 sets of step-ups (5 per leg)
Finish with 5 minute cool-down
I ran out of time, ran (yeah right! My legs were toast!) down the stairs and took a quick shower. I had to because the sweat was running down every part of my body. I know that I am on to something GREAT now! I forgot to pack my flip-flops for the shower, so I walked around in my high-heeled, clackety-clak sandals. I did take them off while I was in the shower. I am surprised that I DID NOT gag. The shower was well-kept, so I am sure that is the reason. Yes, I can look at sputum samples, vomit, blood, etc. but don't let me think about a slimy shower floor. Bleck!
The gym in located in a mall. It is pretty nice. They even have a half basketball court available.
When I walked in, I asked the man "Where is the locker room? Where are the free weights?" That is so awesome that those 2 places will allow me to satisfy my needs.
Do you know how difficult it is to maneuver a new gym? I have two gyms that I normally go to in my city. This one is very different from both of them. It has tons of cardio equipment available, some machines and a small section for free weights. The smallest I've seen in such a large gym. I am used to a much larger space for free weights. Luckily, there were only a few of us there.
One thing that I noticed was that there were only 2 flat benches available. Sadly, they were being occupied by 2 men chatting. They finally left as I completed my first round of supersets. I decided to utilize the flat bench nearest to a mirrored wall to do steps and claim a little corner for myself. I got the job done and done well.
I ended up taking 75 minutes to do the travel back and forth to the gym, change and workout. The actual workout was probably 40 minutes which is AWESOME!! I made sure to take the allotted rest time between sets. It felt like an eternity, but my heart rate definitely needed it.
So, as my official first TT training: I am in love! I know that this will be an effective way for ME to shed fat, keep my muscle and feel great.
Man, was that workout tough. I added in a 5 minute bike warm-up before I got started with the weights. I modified the workout due to time and lack of knowledge of the gym. I did step-ups in place of lying leg curls on the ball. I didn't know where the balls were. LOL
3 sets of squats followed by (FB)
3 sets of pushups
3 sets of DB rows FB
3 sets of step-ups (5 per leg)
Finish with 5 minute cool-down
I ran out of time, ran (yeah right! My legs were toast!) down the stairs and took a quick shower. I had to because the sweat was running down every part of my body. I know that I am on to something GREAT now! I forgot to pack my flip-flops for the shower, so I walked around in my high-heeled, clackety-clak sandals. I did take them off while I was in the shower. I am surprised that I DID NOT gag. The shower was well-kept, so I am sure that is the reason. Yes, I can look at sputum samples, vomit, blood, etc. but don't let me think about a slimy shower floor. Bleck!
The gym in located in a mall. It is pretty nice. They even have a half basketball court available.
When I walked in, I asked the man "Where is the locker room? Where are the free weights?" That is so awesome that those 2 places will allow me to satisfy my needs.
Do you know how difficult it is to maneuver a new gym? I have two gyms that I normally go to in my city. This one is very different from both of them. It has tons of cardio equipment available, some machines and a small section for free weights. The smallest I've seen in such a large gym. I am used to a much larger space for free weights. Luckily, there were only a few of us there.
One thing that I noticed was that there were only 2 flat benches available. Sadly, they were being occupied by 2 men chatting. They finally left as I completed my first round of supersets. I decided to utilize the flat bench nearest to a mirrored wall to do steps and claim a little corner for myself. I got the job done and done well.
I ended up taking 75 minutes to do the travel back and forth to the gym, change and workout. The actual workout was probably 40 minutes which is AWESOME!! I made sure to take the allotted rest time between sets. It felt like an eternity, but my heart rate definitely needed it.
So, as my official first TT training: I am in love! I know that this will be an effective way for ME to shed fat, keep my muscle and feel great.
Funky
and not in a good way. I have been in a funky mood since Monday. I can put my finger on one reason, but it seems to be permeating my days. I don't like it one bit. Yesterday, on my way home, I was so perturbed that I put my ipod in my ears to listen to something motivational. I listened to Marcia Weider's (www.dreamcoach.com ) "Taking Serious Steps". I needed that. It went very well with the T-nation article that I read this morning about serious goal-setting. Goal Setting for Hard Asses by Dan John. I remember listening to Tony Robbins share about the can of dog food motivation technique. As I read John's article, I started to gag thinking about it. That is a pretty powerful visualization technique.
I brought my workout gear for the gym with me to the office. I was so tired this morning to get up to work out and know that I am meeting Matt this evening. My co-workers want to go out to lunch, but my body and mind deserve the workout. I need to employ the "no-excuse" policy in my life. Yes, that's simply commitment. I know!
I am meeting my friend, Raj, for lunch on Monday. I know that he will be sure to bring me out of my funkiness. Hopefully, I am not in my funk, but if I am, he is a powerful friend who will give me the perfect tool to change that.
My sister came over yesterday. She is not one who needs any motivation to get to the gym or eat well. She is in another post with me. She has been working out for 16 years and it shows. Through two pregnancies, she has maintained her fitness and is approaching 36 years old. People ask her to flex often. I used to make her do it too! LOL She is always great for reminding me of where I started and how I can get back to goal. It's great to have such a strong support section. Thanks Debbie, Mom, and Matt!
Well, I had to show her old footage of me from 2004. We laughed at my silliness and were stunned by my level of fitness. It was pretty awesome. I need to post some footage of my old self.
I brought my workout gear for the gym with me to the office. I was so tired this morning to get up to work out and know that I am meeting Matt this evening. My co-workers want to go out to lunch, but my body and mind deserve the workout. I need to employ the "no-excuse" policy in my life. Yes, that's simply commitment. I know!
I am meeting my friend, Raj, for lunch on Monday. I know that he will be sure to bring me out of my funkiness. Hopefully, I am not in my funk, but if I am, he is a powerful friend who will give me the perfect tool to change that.
My sister came over yesterday. She is not one who needs any motivation to get to the gym or eat well. She is in another post with me. She has been working out for 16 years and it shows. Through two pregnancies, she has maintained her fitness and is approaching 36 years old. People ask her to flex often. I used to make her do it too! LOL She is always great for reminding me of where I started and how I can get back to goal. It's great to have such a strong support section. Thanks Debbie, Mom, and Matt!
Well, I had to show her old footage of me from 2004. We laughed at my silliness and were stunned by my level of fitness. It was pretty awesome. I need to post some footage of my old self.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Watermelon, Almonds and Eggs
I am enjoying my breakfast of watermelon, almonds and eggs. Yes, it sounds very appetizing, but it actually is one of my most satisfying breakfasts. Watermelon is my favorite fruit. If I were stranded on an island, it would be the first food that I'd select. Yummy! I usually have one whole egg and 1 egg white. I count out 12 almonds. I don't even remember if that is the serving. It just sounds correct. Do you know?! LOL
Yesterday was a good eating day. Unfortunately, I didn't get any activity in outside of walking around the office. With all of this heightened awareness around TB, I am really getting my worth in pay. I also had 2 meetings AFTER work so that dug into my normal workout hours.
Today, I have to go to my MK meeting. I haven't been in quite a while. It just wasn't serving me like it used to. Fortunately, two team members will be there and I will be promoting my "Color Insider" certification program. I teach most, if not all, our glamour training/workshops. It is being held on the 23rd of this month. It is a 3-hour hands-on workshop that I am building from scratch. I know that it will be a lot of fun. So, I have 18 days to pull it all together. That should give me enough time to make it a "kick ass" program. If it goes well enough, I will be doing it again.
The exciting news is that we are having a "Model of Beauty" contest. This is so great! We will be choosing 4 women to be featured in the Look. They will also win a trip to New York and a $500 shopping spree. I'd love to go through a makeover experience just to have a totally new look. I usually do that every other year to prevent getting stuck in a certain color scheme or hair style.
As a makeup artist, I love to have other artists do my makeup. Sometimes, it is easy to get stuck in a rut with your colors. I had an awesome experience with an artist from Paula Dorff who gave me such a fun summer look that it opened up a whole new selection of colors that I had never tried. It was so fun. I remember that my friend, Erik, was with me at the time. It was so random that we were even shopping together, let alone having him wait while I got a new look. He was such a great sport. I don't know where he is now. LOL
I love success stories and stories of people who just "get it". I just happened to stumble across a women who is 39 who has an amazing figure. www.bunklers.com She is known as "Chicken Tuna" in a few circles. At first, I thought that it was a derogatory name. Then, I read her bio and how she came to choose that as her screename. I had to laugh at myself. What I enjoy about her is that she does share that it is hard, that she does have to make sacrifices (pizza vs. tuna pack), that there is ALWAYS a choice, even at McD's, she lifts heavy, and that there is a "No Excuse" policy when it comes to workouts. I also had to laugh at her love of workout videos for cardio.
It is very important for me to find people who are living the lifestyle and succeeding. I find that keeping in touch with those who are successful keeps me more focused. As James Ray always says, "Where attention goes, energy flows." It's so true. I know that I need to place more images of health and fitness in my path each day. I have a couple old photos and old video of myself, but it is certainly not enough.
My plan for today: Follow my food plan. Go to my step class and meditate.
Yesterday was a good eating day. Unfortunately, I didn't get any activity in outside of walking around the office. With all of this heightened awareness around TB, I am really getting my worth in pay. I also had 2 meetings AFTER work so that dug into my normal workout hours.
Today, I have to go to my MK meeting. I haven't been in quite a while. It just wasn't serving me like it used to. Fortunately, two team members will be there and I will be promoting my "Color Insider" certification program. I teach most, if not all, our glamour training/workshops. It is being held on the 23rd of this month. It is a 3-hour hands-on workshop that I am building from scratch. I know that it will be a lot of fun. So, I have 18 days to pull it all together. That should give me enough time to make it a "kick ass" program. If it goes well enough, I will be doing it again.
The exciting news is that we are having a "Model of Beauty" contest. This is so great! We will be choosing 4 women to be featured in the Look. They will also win a trip to New York and a $500 shopping spree. I'd love to go through a makeover experience just to have a totally new look. I usually do that every other year to prevent getting stuck in a certain color scheme or hair style.
As a makeup artist, I love to have other artists do my makeup. Sometimes, it is easy to get stuck in a rut with your colors. I had an awesome experience with an artist from Paula Dorff who gave me such a fun summer look that it opened up a whole new selection of colors that I had never tried. It was so fun. I remember that my friend, Erik, was with me at the time. It was so random that we were even shopping together, let alone having him wait while I got a new look. He was such a great sport. I don't know where he is now. LOL
I love success stories and stories of people who just "get it". I just happened to stumble across a women who is 39 who has an amazing figure. www.bunklers.com She is known as "Chicken Tuna" in a few circles. At first, I thought that it was a derogatory name. Then, I read her bio and how she came to choose that as her screename. I had to laugh at myself. What I enjoy about her is that she does share that it is hard, that she does have to make sacrifices (pizza vs. tuna pack), that there is ALWAYS a choice, even at McD's, she lifts heavy, and that there is a "No Excuse" policy when it comes to workouts. I also had to laugh at her love of workout videos for cardio.
It is very important for me to find people who are living the lifestyle and succeeding. I find that keeping in touch with those who are successful keeps me more focused. As James Ray always says, "Where attention goes, energy flows." It's so true. I know that I need to place more images of health and fitness in my path each day. I have a couple old photos and old video of myself, but it is certainly not enough.
My plan for today: Follow my food plan. Go to my step class and meditate.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Knocked Up!
Not me, silly! The movie! Knocked Up is a very funny, on the verge of gross, romantic comedy. Matt and I saw it this evening and we both enjoyed it. There was a group of early-20 year old men who sat in front of me that laughed so beautifully at the movie. It is definitely great for men and women to see together. A great date movie!
I had a relaxing weekend that is just ending. I have to get my lunch ready for tomorrow. I will probably build a lunch around soup or a lean cuisine as my salad is not ready. I have a crazy schedule tomorrow and hope to eat a healthy dinner at some point. I am heading to SF after work and then to Pleasanton by 7. I might be able to stop and get a salad from somewhere.
I am sleepy. What is my plan for tomorrow? To have my meals planned for the day and get a 30 minute TT workout in before work.
I had a relaxing weekend that is just ending. I have to get my lunch ready for tomorrow. I will probably build a lunch around soup or a lean cuisine as my salad is not ready. I have a crazy schedule tomorrow and hope to eat a healthy dinner at some point. I am heading to SF after work and then to Pleasanton by 7. I might be able to stop and get a salad from somewhere.
I am sleepy. What is my plan for tomorrow? To have my meals planned for the day and get a 30 minute TT workout in before work.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
2nd Day of the 6th Month
Step Class at 9 AM, Mary Kay Product delivery at 10:15. Oil Change at 11...I like when my schedule has some structure on the weekends. Otherwise, I tend to just get going and spend lots of money in the process. LOL
I had a pretty good night's sleep. I was awake at 5:30 but stayed in bed until 6:45. That is the luxury of the weekend: Get up when I damn well choose. LOL I am about to jump in the shower. Yes, I am showering before my workout. If I wake up this far in advance, I just feel better once I've taken a shower. It also helps to ensure that I have removed ALL of my mascara so that it doesn't burn my eyes during step.
I am proud of myself. I have taken 6-8 step classes in the last month. This is huge since I have not done step for so long. I can definitely tell that my endurance/cardiovascular fitness is improving. This is so important to my training and weight loss.
Today. I am going to be having some fun with some cookbooks. I was watching Paula's Party last night and just wanted to experience the feeling of cooking. I did make a Krispy Kreme Donut Bread Pudding on Monday. It was quite something. I was able to just eat a few bites. If you can eat more than that, you've got a major sweet tooth.
I am not sure what I am in the mood to prepare, but it will be something nutritious and fun...I hope.
I'm off to shower. Have a wonderfully productive day!
I had a pretty good night's sleep. I was awake at 5:30 but stayed in bed until 6:45. That is the luxury of the weekend: Get up when I damn well choose. LOL I am about to jump in the shower. Yes, I am showering before my workout. If I wake up this far in advance, I just feel better once I've taken a shower. It also helps to ensure that I have removed ALL of my mascara so that it doesn't burn my eyes during step.
I am proud of myself. I have taken 6-8 step classes in the last month. This is huge since I have not done step for so long. I can definitely tell that my endurance/cardiovascular fitness is improving. This is so important to my training and weight loss.
Today. I am going to be having some fun with some cookbooks. I was watching Paula's Party last night and just wanted to experience the feeling of cooking. I did make a Krispy Kreme Donut Bread Pudding on Monday. It was quite something. I was able to just eat a few bites. If you can eat more than that, you've got a major sweet tooth.
I am not sure what I am in the mood to prepare, but it will be something nutritious and fun...I hope.
I'm off to shower. Have a wonderfully productive day!
Friday, June 01, 2007
First Taping
I just found my video camera and my AC adapter. I recorded myself "raw" for my first video journal for my weight loss program. I was watching my footage from summer 2004. It is so incredible how amazingly fit I was. I did two minutes of intense jumping jacks and was able to hold a conversation WHILE I was doing it. I also mentioned in the footage that I had brought my mile run time down from 12 minutes to 8:20! That is pretty awesome. I know that I am going to do a time trial to register where I am in my cardiovascular health now so that I know how much I am improving.
I am listening to Scott Tousignant from www.thefitchic.com. He is sharing how to "Get your butt to the gym." Sign up for the FREE mp3. It's worth a listen of how to approach your fitness goals, how to maintain your motivation, the different types of workouts for efficacy and so much more. I really like is speaking style. There are quite a few fitness trainers that have teleseminars, podcasts, etc. that have the best information, but their speaking style is in the toliet. This is such an important part of success for anyone who is sharing information with a large audience. Anyway, back to the reason for the post.
I am excited that I took action today regardless of the fact that I was so far off track from obtaining my eating goals. I am proud that I took an initial step in tracking my progress to my goal. It's about mastery, not about perfection.
It is really important for me to record my goals and objective, my action steps and my plan on video. I think that it will make a difference in my personal motivation and allow me to revisit my enthusiasm for my plan regularly. By having it on film, I will be able to see, hear, feel and know where I started and where I am going.
My Objective: to be added!
I am listening to Scott Tousignant from www.thefitchic.com. He is sharing how to "Get your butt to the gym." Sign up for the FREE mp3. It's worth a listen of how to approach your fitness goals, how to maintain your motivation, the different types of workouts for efficacy and so much more. I really like is speaking style. There are quite a few fitness trainers that have teleseminars, podcasts, etc. that have the best information, but their speaking style is in the toliet. This is such an important part of success for anyone who is sharing information with a large audience. Anyway, back to the reason for the post.
I am excited that I took action today regardless of the fact that I was so far off track from obtaining my eating goals. I am proud that I took an initial step in tracking my progress to my goal. It's about mastery, not about perfection.
It is really important for me to record my goals and objective, my action steps and my plan on video. I think that it will make a difference in my personal motivation and allow me to revisit my enthusiasm for my plan regularly. By having it on film, I will be able to see, hear, feel and know where I started and where I am going.
My Objective: to be added!
TGIF: Mental Blow Out
I am so glad that it is Friday. Ugh! What a day! The worst of it is that I had a major graze fest: a chocolate croissant, Wheat Thins chips, a chocolate chip cookie, chips and tomatillo salsa. I did get some good in there: an orange. LOL I didn't eat any nutrient-dense food at lunch either. I don't know what got into me. I just know that it wasn't pretty. The good thing that I can say is that I stopped my grazing at around 5:15. I have been food-free for about an hour. I don't think that I am going to eat anything for the rest of the day. I will definitely drink some water.
I did pick up my brand new (to me) 12kg kettlebell that I received on Tuesday. It is a red Dragon Door KB that I got from ebay for $10! What a steal! It was from a private seller and I had no competition. I did pay $21 for shipping which is still better than buying for any direct seller. I would like to find a twin soon. I am in no rush as KB training is very new to me.
So, as I was saying, I picked up my KB and started to perform some swings. It is amazing how quickly your heart rate jumps up. It is also very fun to be "swinging" as it does not feel like strenuous exercise, although my hamstrings would say otherwise.
I have decided that I am going to do my own personal research on weight loss and fitness. I plan on trying a new program every 4-8 weeks in hopes of continuing to blast through my weight loss journey. I also know that it will be fun to witness the evolution of my body through video, photos and of course, this blog. I am going to have Matt assist me with some video and photos. I'll be sure to upload the goodies to the site.
My profile photo is from 2004. It is when I was at my weight loss goal. I like to have it up there as a reminder of where I am going. I also keep a photo of myself from 2003 in my paper journal. It is probably at my thinnest. I still cannot believe that I thought that I was still heavy. Now, I know that my body tends to carry muscle and I love it. That is why I can weigh so much and wear a smaller size. It is also why I can lose weight more quickly as my developing muscle incinerates the fat. (Let me dream people! :)
I am sorry that I repeat myself. It's that I get excited about the same things in my life. Is that so wrong?! LOL
I did pick up my brand new (to me) 12kg kettlebell that I received on Tuesday. It is a red Dragon Door KB that I got from ebay for $10! What a steal! It was from a private seller and I had no competition. I did pay $21 for shipping which is still better than buying for any direct seller. I would like to find a twin soon. I am in no rush as KB training is very new to me.
So, as I was saying, I picked up my KB and started to perform some swings. It is amazing how quickly your heart rate jumps up. It is also very fun to be "swinging" as it does not feel like strenuous exercise, although my hamstrings would say otherwise.
I have decided that I am going to do my own personal research on weight loss and fitness. I plan on trying a new program every 4-8 weeks in hopes of continuing to blast through my weight loss journey. I also know that it will be fun to witness the evolution of my body through video, photos and of course, this blog. I am going to have Matt assist me with some video and photos. I'll be sure to upload the goodies to the site.
My profile photo is from 2004. It is when I was at my weight loss goal. I like to have it up there as a reminder of where I am going. I also keep a photo of myself from 2003 in my paper journal. It is probably at my thinnest. I still cannot believe that I thought that I was still heavy. Now, I know that my body tends to carry muscle and I love it. That is why I can weigh so much and wear a smaller size. It is also why I can lose weight more quickly as my developing muscle incinerates the fat. (Let me dream people! :)
I am sorry that I repeat myself. It's that I get excited about the same things in my life. Is that so wrong?! LOL
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