GoodNESS. A new Challenge just begun. And you know what Mary Poppins says: "Well begun is half done." So even though I'm only on Day 3, I'm IN IT!This time, I'm doing it a bit differently, and hopefully I'll have even better results. I'm blessed to be working with the most beautiful trainer in the world, Dianne Orwig. She's my new hero, my great, blonde hope! I'm having a blast already. Which is...
From all I've been reading and learning, I now completely understand that when someone says hurtful things to me that don't fit, instead of reacting, getting defensive, or - the worst - letting those words affect my self -worth, I can choose to let those words go. But putting "Letting Go" into action has been awkward. And really hard. I stumble around the prayer, not knowing how to ask someone as big as God t...
My gentle week is in some ways tougher than my toughest weeks. But, I am excited about what's next, and that's all good. I am going to be one of Dianne O.'s guinnea pigs for her new endeavors, and I just have a feeling... . For the first time in a LONG time, I feel like someone really cares about my very unique set of strengths and stumbling blocks. My success hinders on her own, and that makes it more important some...
Quiet is hard to come by. Being a mom requires nearly constant utterances of all kinds, from simple queries to stern warnings. I feel like I'm always ... engaged. And, if my mouth is quiet, my head is still reeling in plans and calls and please-don't-forget's. So it was surprising when I heard a message from my body, one that clearly said, "No more". What?!? Whatdya' mean, no more?!? I have less than ...
Less than 2 weeks to go on this 18 Week Transformation. I feel ... quiet. I certainly didn't rock the before and after world in this one, although I tried. I truly don't think anyone could put more effort into their workouts. As much, maybe, but not much more. And, although I had some dang free free days, I've been clean at least 80%. So, in that, I'm proud, too.I believe "the change" is preventing big, fas...
There's this piece of equipment in my gym called an ARC Trainer. It's a bit like a cross between the old x-country ski emulators of the 80's and a gazelle thingy. Anyway, I love it. I save my ARC workout unti lthe end of my week, when I've already completed the workouts I enjoy less. So, the ARC is like a reward of sorts. There's many reasons why I enjoy my ARC cardio workouts so much. For one thing, the m...
I'm bloggin this to remind myself, and maybe others, how important it is to eat. Because DD's afternoon practice was cancelled today, I switched up my workout time from 2:15 to- noon, just so I could get it done earlier, have the afternoon to get other things done. Well, the morning was busy, homeschooling was hands-on in a big way (gotta love Algebra!) so I hadn't eaten much by noon, only one fairly small slice of Chriss' egg ca...
I've never been shy, exactly, but I HAVE been afraid to really be myself. Since about 7th grade. Like maybe some people would think less of me if I just AM. If I'm spontaneously authentic, I may come across as... scatterbrained and unreflecting. Overly-enthusiastic. Or, dare I say it;,...bawdy, God forbid. But since I got my bracelet, that number six bead keeps creeping to the top. Six, sticks; drumsticks...
So little time in a day, you know? With homeschooling and housework and cooking and gardening and, and... the list goes on and on. But I always seem to find a way to get that workout in. To be honest, most weeks, I have to double up one day to get all 6 workouts in, but I don't find that difficult, really. I usually do a HIIT session after an UBWO. Still, 5 intense workouts each week is a whole lot better than none!I...
It's been another month of workouts since my last Mul-T-Moms gathering. I wonder if anyone will acknowledge changes in me today? It's so nice to hear it, you know? Just to have someone say, "Have you been working out?" is so uplifting. I've been all over this issue in this blog, and the fact is, it's still an issue. But, I think I finally understand one of the biggest reasons: People are scared of their...
Sometimes I feel like I've got a secret, a really COOL, powerful secret. I'm in the process, transforming all the time, and that knowledge is awesome. I walk around smiling, and I know people wonder what I'm up to. Or maybe they just think I'm "touched". Shoot, maybe I AM a little crazy. I was contemplating my own calmness in the face of some stress in front of me in the check-out line at a store today...
Only 4 weeks to go now, and I'm literally running on autopilot. Every day is now a routine that I feel funky if I deviate from. Workouts are always tougher than the last. Food is planned and a no-brainer. Emergency rations are stowed in the car. Free days are always enjoyed, but never overboard. Routine.Which is amazing, considering where I was 14 weeks ago, but also scares me, just a bit. My ...
I learned a memorization method years ago that - when coupled with the wooden beads on my new Transformation bracelet - has helped me use all the tools I' m learning to calm and uplift my inner turmoil, resist my old, ugly ways, and find God through the daily storms in my life. Using Pindar's List, I created meaningful associations for each of the 8 wooden beads. ONE BUN &nbs...
I am amazed, proud and gratified that I've stuck with this program so long. As the quintessential changeling, I am usually seeking a new skill to learn or mountain to climb every few months. For me, routine = yawn. Maybe it's being a Gemini, I just feel so... NEW, and good, with a new hairdo, different route, new goals.... I am allergic to ruts.I think what's kept me here (since it wasn't a sudden and dramatic weig...
Act IIIScene 1Opening: Sally sits at the computer, wringing her hands. She lays her fingers on the keyboard as if to begin typing, but then pulls them back slowly. She bites her fingernails, staring at the computer screen, which shows a blue and white image: "Transformation"... Finally, with a deep sigh, she begins typing...Sally: Since I've been so blog-gone-loud about my frustrating plateau, this is ...
I think for some of us, blogs are like a journal, where we can open up, gush profusely about things that please us, and whine a bit when life is handing us lemons, and we expect to be able to do both without judgement. And, I think for others, a blog is like ... a presentation. A learning tool, carefully penned and crafted, and always positive. And, I think there's room for both kinds here on T.com.Most of the time, we are worki...
I really wasn't expecting so much response to my "pensivity" yesterday, but I have to admit, it makes me feel so... cared for that I've been tearing up a little. sniff. I don\'t even know most of you wonderful people well enough to have given you a hug, and yet you are uplifting me beyond measure. Isn\'t that cool, and really kind of esoteric and new-agey ?!?When I think about it, my physical friends have no clue what my tra...
I'm feeling a bit blue. My very special Success Journal is full. The one autographed by Porter and given to me by Diane? And, that makes me a bit penisve, reflective. I've done 84 days of intense workouts, and eaten clean 90% every week, more than that for the last 4. And, I haven't reached most of my goals yet, darn it.They weren't overly ambitious goals, and I didn't even use my weight change as a measurement. M...
My "Bright, comfy, postive, Focus, carefree bracelet" came to me! I went to Goodwill, KNOWING my bracelet would be there. There was a gal behind the counter that was kind of "new-age", and had on many big, sterling pieces with huge stones in them. Turns out she's an amateur jewelry maker. When I asked to see bracelets, and told her my "Magic bracelet" is here, I just know it", she pu...
I went to sleep and woke up thinking the same thing. I have people in my life who are perpetually negative, cup half empty, antagonistic, like to argue for the sake of being right types. I've read several books now about "toxic" people, and how bad they are for our souls, but these are people I choose not to get away from forever, for my own reasons. No pity. Please. This is my choice. And I'm doi...
Today's workout was wet, before, during and after. IKE is dumping some seriously heavy rains on us. The ditches are overflowing, and our dirt road has creeks running across it as the deluges of rainwater are trying to get to the river. My little car trudged through, bless her 4 cylinder heart.Worked out hard, lower body only, for an hour. Got quite a bit "glisteny". OK, I was sliding around those nauga...
It's happening. Besides my honey, 2 people have said something about positive changes in my appearance, and they were both named Kim. Both are shiny, sparkly, spirit-filled friends, and now I will include the adjective "observant" to describe them! It does floor me, and I've said this before, that more people don't say anything after 11 weeks of pushing HARD. I've never had a problem issuing compliments; I l...
In times past, I\'d be feeling really guilty right now. I missed my workout yesterday because I was doing some VERY physical chores ALL day with my Mul-T-Moms group. We reupholstered a large portion of my sectional. LIfting each peice on end, turning it this way and that - even the sleeper part! I was a beast. I went to bed at 9:30 (early for me) exhausted, sore all over, and crabby bacuase I didn't eat enough all da...
Lesson of the Day: do not run outside in Southwest Florida until late October. I went for 3 easy miles today, and I've been half sick since. The humidity was brutal, and the bugs were thick. Thank goodness I GET TO go to the Y for cardio most days.Assignment 11... not coming easy for me. I guess beyond getting fit and strong and enthusiastic and energetic and infectious, I can't really put my finger on how ...
Ok. So, I WAS whining. I do that periodically, after a few weeks of feeling really good. It seems I have yet to master the ability to be UP all the time, dangitall. But, I\'m working on it. And, even though I was whining, I\'m not sad. Not the way I used to be. I\'m just frustrated that there\'s still such a bunch of fat on me. I\'ve thunk on it a bit, and realized that it took me approximately...
"You can only be as free as you are willing to be truthful about yourself". - Guy Finley.(Thanks, Pete).I hate to admit this, but the reason last night's workout SUCKED might not only be because it was late and I was possibly hormonal, slightly dehydrated and tired... the exercise room was new to me (community center where DD plays vb) and there were mirrors all around. Im not whining, just making an observation: I loo...
I am so glad this Transformation Challenge is 18 weeks. I need the extra 6 to get it through my THICK HEAD that I have to eat inthe morning, even if I'm not hungry, because if I don't I'm going to feel dizzy and sick and tired the rest of the day! Like THIS! I just got so busy, I plum forgot to eat il noon. Big dummy....
I got a condensed version of my 9 week video up, so I feel like a techie hot shot. But, I didn't get much of a workout yesterday, and I feel like a flop 'bout that. All I did was chase volleyballs down the beach - oh, it was a BEAUTIFUL day out there! Gustav left us some nice waves and wind... the sand was even walk-on-able! My DD played amazing. I ate all my packed good-for-me yummies. Great day, in most ways....
My 9 week video is finished, but I cannot get it to load here or on Youtube. I was scared to post it anyway. Things happen, or don't, for a reason. Gustav passed by. It's gorgeous out there. I was expecting to hunker down in the windy rain another day. Hannah's on the way, so maybe we'd better get to the beach while we can!? Those poor folks on the Louisiana Coast aren't so lucky this morn...
There is some powerful stuff happening here, and in me. I actually cried during really tough cardio (level 9 - 10) and I want to share what I was feeling.Listen to this while reading the lyrics below...As soon as you are ableKNow that I am willingTo make the break that weAre on the brink ofMy cup is on the tableThe love is spillingWaiting here for you toTake and drink ofSo if youre tired of theSame old storyTurn some pagesIll be here w...
This site is starting to really freak me out. Seriously! Everything is popping up in front of me, just when I am contemplating a need... the pragmatic in me wants to believe that such a thing would occur anywhere such a multitude of like-minded people gather. But, my heart knows that's not the case. My soul is sure my God is working overtime for me right now.Yesterday, I had written my plan to do 1.5 hrs moderate car...
No wine for a week. Go me!So far, I've replaced my evening imbibation (Cool new word; I just made it up. Contact Webster's!) with reupholstery, making a video and reading. I'm not sure if that's what Mr. P means when he says "turn it into a positive", but so far, that's the best I've got. I'm not missing it too much. Last night, I was a bit over-tired, and possibly dehydrated, and I got a bit of a craving for...
Thanks to Pete, I've found a way to get my Top 2000 "after" photo on here, and I've decided to use it as my "vision" of what I want to look like now. It was 8 years ago, before all the sad came along. I pushed really hard to get there, but I think I can get close, even with menopooch and emotional vomit happening. ...
I've been doing abs all along, but I know from past efforts that it takes a long time for this work to show. Til the fat layers are minimal, all the work in the world won't turn into a 6-pack! So, while I've been doing my share of abdominal torture, it's not been a focus. I can SEE my arms and legs getting strong, hamstrings sticking out, shoulders getting rounder; but, even though I can feel them under there, the abs still...
Week 10. Already. I hope now that I've nailed Assignment 8 (so far) my progress will begin to accelerate. Ten weeks is a goodly long time. I'd say this lifestyle has become, well, a way of life. Working out hard and often, and eating right is what I do. I still smile at strangers, just to watch them smile back. That's a bunch of fun. I've pretty much always done that, now it's just on purpose.&...
Free Day rocks.It all started with the object of my desire for 2 days: DD#2's homemande Eclair! Couldn't finish it, so sweet, but man-o-man, it was SWEET, you know?!Got hungry on the drive to DD#1's college, but held off until...I had real mayo on my Ulitmate sub and Miss Vicki's Jalapeno chips with lunch.Nothing while moving mountains into a molehill of a dorm room. That was a workout, no matter who you are!Real sour cream on 1...
It's 6 am and the deed is done.My 9 week stats are decent. Like any red-blooded American woman, I wish the scale spouted bigger changes. (KNOWING the scale doesn't mean a dang thing doesn't quite quell decades of conditioning!)I tape measure 7 sites and caliper 4.Drum roll, please...I've lost 5.75 inches, mostly in my waist.I've lost 8 lbs of fat and gained 5 lbs. of muscle.My BF % is 23.8I've lost 3 lbs. on the scale.I'll add a ...
In order to take my mind off the looming, wine-less evening, I began to reupholseter my sectional. Yessiree. That oughta go on the "positive" side of my board. Turning this lowest level habit into a strength might not be so hard after all. That couch is looking really big now.... ...
I was so worried and so scared about assignment 8; near hyper-ventilated several times while contemplating it! I felt out of breath every time I thought about blogging it, like I'd been running around, maybe for years, spouting the near-truth, covering my own a$$. That's how I knew it was TRUE: "...you can only rise as high as your lowest habit. And only when we free ourselves of those habits can we ascend..."Having don...
Transforming Your Lowest-Level HabitMr. Phillips said, "Here’s the way I see it: When it comes to Transformation, you can only rise as high as your lowest habit. And only when we free ourselves of those habits can we ascend...What do you feel is a habit or pattern that you need to overcome? Most people know, at some level, what needs to change… it might show up often, but not always too clear". It's clear as a be...
I am scared I am scared I am scared of assignment 8. Remember that character from Saturday Night Live named Mr. Bill? He was a gumby guy who was constantly getting mashed up and run over and into terrible straits, saying, "Oh, Nooooooo!"?Yeah.That's me right now. I've got nowhere to hide.I knew this was coming, or maybe I was hoping it was coming. But, I'm really scared.......
Homeschool started again today. We're already done for the day! We don't truly get full speed until after our first Co-op meeting Friday. I am SO BLESSED to have found 4 like-minded families with near-same-age kids. Our unique, eclectic KWAP started with baby steps 8 years ago and has grown so wondrously from there. I am uplifted and filled with gratitude for putting these women and their children into my life. ...
Kind of a continuation of yesterday... we had company last night. Haven't seen them in a few months. Lovely couple, had a wonderful time. We went swimming. When asked what I've been up to, I said, "Transforming myself", and explained a bit. Nope. Not a comment.Point of interest: I wore a pair of khaki shorts purchased 3 months ago last night. I could get them on and off without opening the button or z...
It's funny. I've been thinking about CinAz's post about her in-laws not saying a word about the changes she's made, because I've not had one comment from anyone, and I feel like I've made huge changes. My bf is down, my inches are down, so how come no one notices? Or do they notice and not say anything? If so, WHY? I ALWAYS comment on people's physical changes for the better; it makes me feel wonderful to make them f...
It's been pretty cool, entering the gym 'en force'. Both my daughters have been training together all summer, and now Soldier boy has been working out with us all while home on leave. We pair up differently each time. It's been very fine. So there were 4 of us burly, smiling familia, pushing each other. Working hard.Meanwhile, my youngest son, 13, has been doing less and less productive this summer. Begging for...
I slipped last night. I lost my grip on my goals. No more.Isolated, boxed up, sealed and sent!It seems it's always at this point, when I'm starting to believe I CAN succeed, that I loose it. NOT THIS TIME!...
What a nice, rainy weekend we had! It was like God giving me permission to rest. I needed it badly, feeling signs of overtraining, I think. But, I would have felt guilty if the sun had been shining and I didn't get my workout and yard chores done. God knew this and brought the rain to calm and refresh me.I didn't have to go anywhere or do anything. DD's beach vb was obviously cancelled, we needed no groceri...
I'm going a bit nutso with all this infernal internal seeking. I'm finding more questions instead of answers, and my dreams are jumbled messes of split-second, chaotic images. It's so hard to know if all this digging and peeling is doing any good.Or more harm than good.Sometimes, I think I'd be better off leaving well enough alone. ...
While mowing Zone 4 today, I was contemplating the 4th agreement: "Always do your best". I honestly think this is the hardest one, because how do you recognize your personal best? While working out, is it when you pass out, or before that? How do you recognize the height of the bar? This 'agreement' is the one lesson I believe I've instilled strongly in my kids. They are all very competitive with them...
Just when I needed it most, I got reminded about FlyLady from a post Heather made somewhere around here. Fly Lady is a cleaning/organizer guru with her own web site listing tips and help for those of us challenged that way. I'm usually pretty good about basic cleaning, but since DH got sick, he does nothing "extra", over and above his job and paying the bills. I mean, nothing. I'm not angry about it, not at ...
This assignment is the easiest to date. It's delightful to share the good stuff; it's just hard to do that and still be humble. Cuz - my butt really does look a LOT better. Pretty soon, there'll only be good junk in this trunk. And, I think being open to the need for internal damage control, seeking self-imrovement - that's the other big change for the better in me. I'm reading GOOD, enlightening things all the time,...
Paper towel theory in action on my body, for sure. The roll still looks pretty much the same as when I started. Darn it. But, I am pushing some heavy weights, and feel tighter. So, as soon as some more of these sheets come off, I'm gonna be one buff old gal!This whole perimenopause thing sucks. It didn't used to be so hard to get the fat off. I used to think the old gals were just lazy, making up excuses. ...
Once a month, on a Sunday, me and 2 other women get together at each other's houses and do those really BIG obnoxious jobs that are too much to do by yourself. We call ourselves "Multi-Moms". The rules are simple. We agree to work 4 hours, and the hostess provides hydration and a nice lunch. We have done painting, both inside and out, lot clearing, landscaping, cooking for a month (freezer meals), bathroom rippin...
Dear Me, I'm getting kind of sick of looking at your dark side, trying daily to analyze what's holding you back, why you get so hurt, so sad. I know it's a worthwhile process, but frankly, I feel too good to dwell on anything deep and dark today. I feel wonderful, fit, happy, and very pleasantly tired.So I'm going to tell you some of the good things about you. You are strong, (yes, like a bull, but a really NICE ...
Reading "The Four Agreements" has helped me some. It was a bit tough to get through, and like most "self help" books, I didn't find truth in everything the author had to say. But, there were enough nuggets to make it a worthy read. I've noticed that I am able to let things roll off easier. I still bristle, but do not feel such a strong need to react, to be right. Several times, I was abl...
This is a wonderful piece by Michael Gartner, editor of newspapers large and small and president of NBC News. In 1997, he won the Pulitzer Prize for editorial writing. It is well worth reading, and a few good chuckles are guaranteed. My father never drove a car. Well, that's not quite right. I should say I never saw him drive a car. He quit driving in 1927, when he was 25 years old, and the last car he drove was a 1926 Whippet. 'In those days,' h...
It's become quite clear that I need to let go. Control issues are my biggest albatross. I need to seek out key words, and tips and tricks to help me learn to loosen my grip. Maybe get a tattoo that says "Lighten Up" on my pointer finger?I really DON'T need to know, be, do, handle, control everything. I would enjoy relaxing the reigns, to a point. Where my kids are concerned, the letting go happens whet...
So 'dabbling in doobies' struck a chord with some fellow T-formers, it seems. Hmmm. Maybe we all have some checkers in our past! So, I read in "The Four Agreements" last night that we must be impeccable with our word; impeccable meaning 'without sin against ourselves'. This is a roundabout way of saying be honest and nice, especially with your self-talk. Especially beware of judgements... I'm the queen of passing...
Innards... get to work on my inside... deal with my issues.... transform from within ...There's this huge part of me that is pretty darn happy with the internal status quo. My insides are just fine, thank you very much. If there was less of them, I'd weigh less. ha. I've been going to the marriage counselor for a while now, and most of our sessions have been focused on helping him move along, but they say it's my turn...
Maybe it's just that I've had little in the way of adult interaction for 5 days, but I'm starting to feel the need to hear just one person say something about all this hard work I'm doing visibly paying off. I can see such distinct changes in the muscularity of my thunder thighs, and my arms and shoulders are much more toned; my chest is rockin' from pushing on the bench... but, my pooch is still phlubby, and I think that is the SPOT. ...
Choices. That's really what transforming is all about: making the right choice. Should I have Frito casserole or dump some of tht tuna salad on some veggies? Should I have fruit surprise with marshmallow topping or mandarin oranges? Should I take the car or walk? Choose wisely!...
That ticking noise I thought was coming from the dorm room a/c unit was really this: ...
YippeekayAY, I'm in TEXAS!And I'm not doing so good.First off, it's raining - a LOT! Everything got wet carrying it from the car to the dorm. The dorm air conditioner rattles. There's no hot water. NONE! (100 sweaty girls arriving back here any time......),For dinner, the entree choices were: hot dogs, pizza, or Frito Casserole. WHO EATS FRITO CASSEROLE?!? The toilet is .02 miles down the hall. (I ge...
Yeeha! I'm headed for Texas!Yeah, a week at camp with DD#2. She's been telling all her friends: "Yeah, I'll be the most popular girl at camp; I've got my mother as a roomate". She's nice like that.It WILL be interesting, rooming in a dorm, no TV, internet, fridge, or private potty But, I'm up to the challenge. I've already talked to the head guy who told me I can use the fitness facility. And, I'm br...
It\'s hysterical, really. Who would have guessed that as hard as I\'ve been pushing to hit my 10\'s, and as much effort as I\'ve been putting into my workouts, I would hurt myself just putting the weights away?!?Teaked my back, just right of dead center. Yow....
I love the ARC Trainer at the gym. It's like an elliptical, but smoother, the action is like gliding. Since I've discovered it, I'm seriously digging my cardio. There are about 15 ellipticals 25 treadmills, 20 bikes, 8 steppers, 5 rowers, and only 3 ARCs, so you'd think I'd have a hard time getting on an ARC at peak gym time, but not usually. Usually, I'm the only one on there. I love that. I practically dance on that...
Yes, it's is true: Amish cooking is THE BOMB! Thank God yesterday was free day. We went to Gramma's (Aunty's in town) and ate traditional Yoder fare: Yamazetti made with homemade noodles, banana bread, cheesy noodle casserole, bologna & cheeses, not to mention all those Beachy/Miller/Yoder's pies for dessert: pecan, lemon, cocunut cream ... thank goodness my contribution was a huge vegetable salad, or my insuli...
If watching this short clip doesn't open your eyes, you've seen it before!Please visit http://www.storyofstuff.com and tell me what you think......
I don't yet know why, but my GOD has manuevered my life so that I have had the honor of taking care of people when they need it most.When I met my husband, he had a tenant - friend - names Charlie. An older guy, with a penchant for cheap wine and betting on golf games, Charlie had been an officer in the Army. He'd been married 3 times, and come out of each marriage a whole lot poorer. Still, he manged his meager finances well, n...
How often do you let other people's nonsense change your mood? Do you let a bad driver, rude waiter, curt boss, or an insensitive forum reply ruin your day? While we're all human and naturally taken aback for an instant, the mark of a successful person is how quickly she can get back her focus on what's important.From Email Ministry:I hopped in a taxi, and we took off for Grand Central Station. We weredriving in the right lane when, all...
I've got this GPS for my car that my daughters named "Magda". ("She sounds like an older lady who's not very nice and smokes".) Magda is very useful; she's gotten me where I need to be many times. Now, I've found a new use for her: Magda is my newest analogy for the current state of my Transformation. See, with Magda, I type in where I want to go, and she leads me on the most direct rout...
I've been hitting what's known affectionately around here as "10's" each time I workout. Intensity at the gym is my status quo. I eat healthy foods; I have no desire for anything else. I feel strong, steadfast and true, like a bullet headed straight to the bulls-eye. I will reach my goals. No question. Because I AM fit, vibrant and healthy. You see? I AM uplifting to be around, strong, car...
Last night, I ate my free meal at Applebees, (love me some garlic mashed!), and while we waited, I looked around and saw unhealthy people eating unhealthy things, and then getting up when they were done BARELY able to WALK!!! I mean, not from being over-full, although I'm sure some were, but from infirmities! And not all older folks; some were my age, or younger.I turned to my husband and blurted, "I don't wanna!"He thought ...
It never fails! I start the day relaxed, content, and one or the other of my amazing T-pals says something that opens YET ANOTHER door inside my head to a cerebral room full of clutter and limiting, useless crap! So, don't laugh. But this has ALWAYS nagged at me: I am the youngest of 3. My Dad was my hero, an amazing artist, an architect for a major U.S. corporation, a fitness buff, a loving husband who wrote a comic...
Jacqui's questions have had me thinking since.What am I afraid of, exactly? It's easy to say "I'm afraid of success", but what exactly about success can possibly be frightening? I know I want to be fit, and strong, and able. Nothing to fear about any of that.And, I'm not afraid of being confident, serene, and in touch with others (some of my "after rectangle" goals!)But, when I think of myself as "hot&qu...
I just finished skimming Shawn Phillips book, Strength for Life. There was definately enough new in it to make it a worthwhile purchase. I plan on utilizing a few of his ideas in THIS transformation, and want to read it slower now, see what other nuggets I can glean. I love that he talks about "Week 13 and Beyond". After winning Top 2000 in 2000, I held on for a bit, but evidently, Challenge level effort is ...
Last year at this time I started C25K. Seems like a LOT longer ago! So much has happened fitness and nutrition-wise in my life since then. I worked up to 28 miles per week training for The Groupe Half Marathon, but lost little weight. Can you believe that? I'll post the finish line pic. Sad. All that running - up to 11 miles at a time! - and I was still pudgy.After that race, I wanted to work in weights a...
There's this nagging little part of me that wants to add in more cardio, like twice a day for a while. You know, so I can blow out some of this phlub a little quicker. But, I've done that before, and all that happens is a little of nothing, except disappointment, of course. It's just that it seems like my phlub is more stubborn this time. By 6 weeks last time, I was feeling leaner, meaner... and I had already reached a goa...
What a blessed 4th!Yesterday, I got to witness how life would be if everyone thought healthy, ate healthy and made good choices in their life. My nephew, his wife and kids shared the day with my family at my sister's on the Gulf yesterday. There were no video games. There was no television. There WAS tubing and water skiing and boating and eating healthy ALL day and night. There were fireworks from the "big"...
OK, I have a bathing suit on and I'm going out to mow the yard in it. It's not a 2 piece (not THAT brave yet!), but I still feel naked. We have a big yard, so I should get plenty of sun on the parts of me that are usually plastered to my beach chir while DD plays beach vb. Hopefully, the back can eventually catch up with the front. It's true that tan fat looks better than white fat. See?God, now I'm hungry......
I am thankful today.This community's skin is growing faster than it's bones, but there are so many incredible people doing their best to smooth the process. I am so grateful to them. Having this place to come and read and share and get enlightened and inspired has been a such a daily blessing to me. I've been on several fitness boards, sometimes for years at a time, where one or two unenlightened folks suddenly and effective...
I was pleased to note that while traipsing around the beautiful sugar sand beach this past weekend, I didn't feel like a beached whale. Maybe a walrus, but not a whale.
If you've ever seen beach volleyball players, they are FIT. While indoor volleyball is fairly good exercise, especially played at a high level, just move that to a 2-man SAND court! It's tough stuff. Put it this way, the folks that play were easily discernable from the f...
I got a long letter from my ARMY boy; he's healthy and happy and I need a hug from him SOO badly right now! He gets a long leave in early August - 19 days! Guess my hug-receptors have to wait.Two of my babies are over 18 now - it's so hard to believe. Two more to go. They are all athletes, smart, funny... so far, so good. So many wonderful times to remember.One of my goals is to be a fit, hip, smiley grandma.&n...
Every time I've had success in my life, I've followed someone else's lead. Turns out, I'm a heckuva good follower. EVery time I set a goal, I find a plan that I believe will get me there. I print it out, tape it to my bathroom mirror, check off each day/task/assignment and - voila'! Another goal reached!For example, when I decided I HAD to run a Half Marathon before I got too old, I followed this plan: http://www.c25k.com/...
Every muscle in my upper body is sore. I thought I was past that! I can't wait to do today's LBWO so I can feel this way ALL OVER! YES!...
I think it was either Carlos or Plantman who suggested changing up the sets to 25-20-25-10-25 with lighter weights and a bit faster? I did my UBWO this way last night, and I have to agree with this guy - ouch! I was hurting before I got out of the car! I started my sets at about half my usual "10 rep" weight, and thought that was too easy... til I finished the sets! O My Goodness.I love changing things up ...
I just realized something incredible. Someone I thought of as having it all together, really ... doesn't quite. I would have thought that would depress me, but this light bulb moment has had the opposite effect. Maybe we need to support even those who we think don't need it so much.Maybe there's no such thing as having it all figured out?...
Someone I consider very wise used to say that "there's a nugget of gold in everyone; you just have to dig deeper to find it in some folks".While I know that to be true, I am now wondering if there's lemonade to be made in all those sour situations we face in life? Is it possible that when bad things happen to good people, it's not really a bad thing???Case in point: I am in emotional turmoil right now. I've ...
I first have to say "I'm sorry"; not only for posting my pain in the first place, but more importantly, for not letting you all know sooner that I am alright. Shortly after my last, soul-wrenching blog, I lost a stick of RAM, and couldn't get the computer in the shop until yesterday. Awkward timing, to say the least! More importantly, I have to say thank you. Exhibit, Dusty, Kathy, Jaki, Heather, J...
At my 4 week mark, I've gained 4 lbs, lost a total of 2.5 inches and lost almost 2% bf. I think that means I've lost some fat and gained some muscle! (Can anyone help me with the math here?) It also means I don't look a bit different from when I started, YET. I'm not worried about the weight gain. I ALWAYS gain muscle quickly and easily up to a point. And, its the beautiful muscle I'm building that will eventually ea...
I have a neighbor who's been attacking us for years - he's trying to sell his home for too much and blames the old house next door (us!) for his inability. He has called various agencies to try to get us to get rid of cars (2 teenagers with their own, hubby has a truck, too, and mine...it's a lot, even on 3 wooded acres), he also wants us to get rid of our chickens (we like fresh eggs), and get rid of our boat (hubby is a commercial fisherm...
Our local public high school wouldn't let my homeschooled youngest daughter do their summer sports specific conditioning program, so I watched what they were doing, googled some of the activities, and found some great plyometric routines to emulate. I've been working these plyometrics with my youngest daughter, and as of yesterday, my oldest daughter joined us. Oldest daughter is a college athlete, hmoe for the summer, and h...
Many of you know about Bob White's very original missive posted on BFL's Guestbook back in 2000. It came to mind as I stared at my refelction this morning, seeing only miniscule changes in my physique, getting bummed, but quickly realizing - once again - this is a process, for LIFE, which, GOD willing, will be for a long time. I'd like to share Bob's words with you, just in case you - like me - need a refresher!Keep unrollin'!Let&rsqu...
Seriously, I am trash talking myself right and left, using self-talk that I would never utter to another human being. What is wrong with me? I'm so unhappy with my lack of stick-toit-ive-ness on my trip last week, I just want to hurt me. (You know that Pink song "Don't Let Me Get Me"? Yeah, that's me right now!)My workouts since my return have been painfully harsh sessions that leave me cranky and over-tired.&nbs...
That's what I feel like I'm doing, the Two-Step. You know that dance, where you take 2 fast steps one way and 2 slow steps another? I really felt like I was hustling down the Transformation trail my first 2 weeks. My workouts were getting more and more intense, I was eating CLEAN, enjoying planned treats on free day, and actually FELT my body changing. In just 2 WEEKS!Then, I went away for a week. Had ...
Sad news upon returning from Fort Knox; Jonnae has passed on. My heart goes out to Denise, and her family. It's so hard, these final plans. For them... I need to share something that meant a lot to me when my loves passed on. I hope you find it uplifting, as I do. Some people come into our lives and too quickly go.Some peoplemake the sky forever more beautiful to gaze upon.They awaken us to new understandin...
Leaving tomorrow for Fort Knox. Long road trip, both daughters, 14 & 19 in one car... can we say music wars? Both my girls have been working out, not with me, but at the same time, training for their sports, (volleyball and basketball), and I'm so proud to be seen with them in the gym. They work hard, don't dally, push themselves. No wonder they are so good at what they do! Our hotel has a gym, and we all plan to...
I want to tell you about Miriam May. She's my sister-in-law. Miriam May has Downs, fairly severe. My mother-in-law has been caring for Miriam May for 50 years tomorrow. Several times a year, my m-i-l needs a deserved break, so I take care of Miriam May for a few weeks. She is a big, little gal, with tiny feet. She's on oxygen full time, so she walks slow, with tiny shuffling steps. It takes...
Free day. Free from harm, free from malice. Free to love and learn.I'm excited and looking forward to taking off Wednesday for a road trip with both daughters, 14 and 19. We are going my DS#1's graduation from BASIC Training. I'll be gone a week, and have vowed not to fret about missed workouts - this trip is for my heart's health. I love this kid so very much, and I'm so very proud of him. The National anthem ...
As per Jaki's request, I'd like to share an "A-ha!" moment inspired by a song. My parents both died of Alzheimer's. My mom after a long illness that began when I was 14; my dad - fairly quickly, very painful to watch my smart, strong Daddy slip away, right after my mom. I took care of them both, which is why my husband fell in love with me. That's another story....As you can imagine, I missed them long before the...
When my husband first got sick and we didn't know what it was, keeping him in so much pain, DOWN, in bed for many months, I hurt for him. I hurt for us. I felt like I was in a deep, dirty pit, and I cried, all the time.He was miserable, we were both so sad, it was hard to put a smile on for the kids, for the world. I ate comfort food to try to ease the pain: mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, ice cream... and there were no ...
Some days are harder than others, you know?sigh.I had to let the homeschool take a day long recess today; there's just no way I can do it all. I try. Which is silly. If I wrote down everything I need to do some days, there'd be no room to make check marks! My page is full.So full.What I really need is a wife. Someone who doesn't mind if I cook and she cleans, I'll take care of the yard and she can launder... any take...
Some days are harder than others, you know?sigh.I had to let the homeschool take a day long recess today; there's just no way I can do it all. I try. Which is silly. If I wrote down everything I need to do some days, there'd be no room to make check marks! My page is full.So full.What I really need is a wife. Someone who doesn't mind if I cook and she cleans, I'll take care of the yard and she can launder... any take...
You know how - after a free day - you feel a bit guilty, bloated, maybe a little sluggish? Yeah, well I think that might be part of the pupose of free day: to remind us how we used to feel ALL the time! No matter. I reached a 10 on chest today, for which I am truly happy. I've been anxous to find that elusive number on a "big" muscle. It's easy on bi's and tri's, it seems, as they are constantly sore! ...
Free Day yesterday wasn't an all out pig fest, but I ate what I was craving. I am satiated and happy to eat my proats this am, grateful to be planning my day nutritionally, physically and spiritually with a renewed spark for transformation.Goals for today:Eat 6 meals (not 5) as planned 5 down,...Drink 80 oz. H2O Done!Complete workout as planned Done!...that darn chemistry... getting there...Finish Mr. Listering homeschool lot #2 D...
I didn't take my free day - with the holiday, that's TODAY! Yay! I did, however, get a very heart-happy call from my beautiful Broccoli girlfriend, which set the tone for a great day and a wonderful workout. I came home afterwards and fell asleep for 2 hours! Observations after 1 week: I'm feeling very hopeful. Strong, and hopeful.......
It's very disconcerting, trying to post something even remotely meaningful about my new BFL journey after reading about Denise & Jonnae's monumental trials. Their courage and faith overwhelm me, and have daily caused me to examine my own faith. It's not easy. I don't discuss my belief's much. Ever, except with my family. I don't like religion. At All. It's too full of itself, the pomp an...
I am hurting for Denise, and I don't even know her.What could I possibly say to convey what's in my heart? I have no power. I pray that her GOD will carry her. ...
Have you ever thought about the reason you give up on yourself? I mean, beyond the flippant "fell off the wagon", or "let myself down"...? We truly need to find out where the weak spots are in our minds, which synaps need a good work out to change their function.Amazingly, I think I've stumbled on one such weakness in myself. It was a light bulb moment, and I haven't ever really thought about this r...
I've been thinking a lot about Jonnae and Denise and the bond they share; how much more difficult their lives might be if they did not have such a close, loving relationship and obvious, loving family support. It amazes me, how tough Denise is. Wow. Only love can overcome in situations like that. We all need to bulwark up our family's love levels, through heartfelt words, hugs and self-less deeds, our love shou...
Yesterday went very well; I ate 3 of my meals quite late in the day, but that seems to be good. I didn't get cravings or hungry late since I still had a meal coming. Did NOT get all my water in, and I felt that in the middle of the night. Problem was I forgot my water bottle when I went to the gym and I'm usually good for 40 oz before during and after my workout. So, I learned THAT lesson early, hopefully. Today: Drin...
I took liberties with my favorite fried chicken yesterday, and paid for it all night - so much fat, just floating in my guts all night made me VERY uncomfortable and more anxious than ever to get this Challenge underway.Goals for today:Take before pix and measurements Done!Eat my 6 planned BFL meals 4/6@7:33Drink 100 oz. water Not even close@7:33Meet DD #1 w/ DD#2 at Y @ 5:30. Done!Complete planned workout. Done!Try to hit a 10 or two (diff...
I seriously think I'm afraid of that which I most want. I think people like me pudgy and soft better than they will like me hott. OK, maybe not hot at my age, but fit and healthy, inside and out. Especially women friends. This may be taboo to even mention, but women can be so mean to each other. I worry that they'll push me away, then what?I'm afraid of being hit on. I'm afraid of looking too good. Is this...
Every time in my life when I've decided to make a change, planned for it, set both long and short term goals - I've grown. Sometimes change comes from pain, like when 1st hubby went deep down cocaine alley, racking up $25,000 credit card cash advances, car got repo'd, bill collectors calling day and night, 2 kids, 1 nursing, nothing to eat but spaghetti noodles and Kool-Aid, throwing up that glowing red goo til there's nothing left... that ...
I've chosen EFL recipes for next week and started the shopping list. I've chosen my exercises - even gone so far as to plan around my travels - those weeks never work out the way I think, so I use them to recoup rather than feel guilty about it. There's only 2 this summer, spread out, so I think it will be GOOD to have a break by then. I am so excited to be starting again. ...
I really wasn't expecting anyone to read my stuff, so I didn't get very specific. Sorry!I have been doing a different program for the past 9 weeks, (NROL4W)and I haven't seen much resutls at all. So I am going back to BFL, starting Monday, and I'm very happy about it. My wonderfulbroccoligirlfriend, Diane, presented me a BFL journal signed by Porter, and I am finally ready to use it. She truly has been my angel, sin...
I've given it my all for 9 weeks. There's not enough happening physically or emotionally to warrant continuing; it just doesn't feel the same as BFL to me. BFL is tough, but I'm never hungry. Hungry stinks. And, I think I'm finally ready for a new Challenge. (Thanks, Broccoli girlfriend for being patient with me.)My plan is to review, shop and plan for the rest of this week and begin anew on Sunday.With grace and a f...
