Walking and rambling June 10, 2009

As part of my “finding joy” experiment, I called a friend of mine whom I hadn’t seen in a long time and asked if she wanted to go for a walk. Sherrill took my place at the last place I worked 10 years ago and we have been friends since then. We’ve kept in touch via email mostly and the occasional phone call, but I decided a face to face was long overdue. I met her last night at the rec center where there is an outside walking track (ie sidewalk) that equals one mile for one time around. I’ve been exercising pretty regularly for the last few weeks so I thought that I wouldn’t have any trouble keeping up with Sherrill because she is 10 years older than I am.

OH. MY. QUADS.

When we got started, Sherrill said “how fast do you want to go?” I said, “You set the pace and I’ll keep up”. BIG MISTAKE. Holy cow that woman can walk!! Fast and furious can best describe our walking style last night – it was all I could do to keep up, but I was not about to slow down. After 3 miles and one hour, I seriously thought I would have to crawl to my car! My socks had rubbed a sore spot on my heel and on the bottom of my foot and I felt like I had been through the wringer, but it felt great! We had a good time catching up and I think I dropped two sizes in that one hour – it was awesome!

I got my hair cut again. The short wavy bob was not working out for me, so I got a short straight angled bob with bangs – it’s so much easier and much cuter! It already feels 100% better.

The garden is coming along nicely. We have to carry water to it every night and I think I’m building some muscle because of it. The 5 gallon bucket didn’t seem nearly as heavy. Yea for manual labor!!

That’s all I got for now – layta!

I thought this was going to be a great post, until I couldn’t remember what it was that I wanted to blog about. April 15, 2009

My coffee and I are at odds with each other this morning. First, it spilled all over my leg as I was getting out of my car this morning. Then when I opened my thermos to pour more coffee, it spilled again all over my desk. Then as I as filling up my coffee cup, it spilled again when I put my creamer in. What is going on?!?! Coffee is the one good thing I can count on in my day and now it’s turning against me!!! Why, Coffee, why?!?I also have a cold, which doesn’t make me a very happy camper. My throat is scratchy and my eyes are itchy and I’m sneezing and snarfling every few minutes. I hate being sick. Being sick sucks.

But as bad as my day has started out, I’m not in a bad mood and I think it can all be attributed to my awesome work out last night. It was 70* and sunny yesterday so I gathered up the kids, went to the park, and did some great interval training. Sounds very pre-planned and impressive, no? Honestly, I didn’t know I was doing an interval workout until I read MizFit’s post this morning, so don’t be impressed. I jogged/walked for 25 minutes and really enjoyed the walking part. Then I went home and after dinner I put in another 30 minutes on the elliptical, which included more interval training (which I didn’t realize was interval training at the time, either). So 55 total minutes of working out yesterday and today I feel good despite the runny nose! Yea me!

I went to the park with every intention of running, but I discovered something. I HATE RUNNING! There. I said it. I am not a runner! Running hurts, it’s hard, and I do not enjoy it!! Sorry Laura - I tried to be cool like you, but alas, it is not to be. I finally came to terms with what I really am: (no, not a wuss, although a case for that could be made) I am a WALKER. Yes, a walker. I can walk faster than I can run and I get a good workout when I walk. Hell, I lost 30 pounds by walking so why would I want to mess with that winning formula? I admit, I get bored just walking, hence the elliptical, but it’s easy, I sweat a lot when I do it, and I can fit it in anytime, so walking it is. I am going to keep adding a little jogging in with it like I did at the park yesterday, so for now I Am Walker, Texas Ranger Hear Me Roar. Honestly, it feels kinda liberating to accept what I am and let go of what I think I should be.

Um, let’s see what else is going on? There were so many things I wanted to blog about and now I can’t think of any of them. Oh, hair update! I have made the appointment with my stylist for next Tuesday – what will the result be? You’ll just have to wait a week to find out! (This blog seems to be all about the hair these days, maybe I should change the name to The Sassy Hair?) I have an idea now of what I want and even found a pic for T to reference when she cuts it. I love getting new hair!

Well I can’t think of anything else right now. If I think of something else, I’ll post it later. Have a great day!

I am so Stella right now. November 14, 2008

Wow. These last couple of weeks have been trying for sure, but also good.  I’ve learned some things about myself I didn’t know and I remembered a few things I had forgotten too.  Since I’m a little bit crunched for time, I may be skipping around and this might seem a bit rambly, but just go with it okay? 

 

I took a vacation day on Tuesday and it was one of the best days I have had in a long, long time.  I got to take the kiddos to school (I usually leave for work before they wake up in the mornings, so getting to see them before school was a treat for all of us I think), then watch my daughter walk in the “Vetrinarians” Day parade, have lunch with my husband, and then I cleaned out a closet and sold some clothes to the consignment store for $40.  Nothing big or exciting, but I felt good the whole day and the hubs and I got to spend some time together and it was just a really great day all around.  I think one reason it all went so well is because after I took the kids to school, I came home and instead of doing housework, I took an hour for myself and read a book with a cup of peppermint mocha by my side.  Taking that one hour to do something for me seemed to quiet the bubbling anxiety just under the surface, and allowed me to just enjoy the day.  I will treasure that day for a long time. 

 

Since that day, I have kept in mind that taking time for me is good for everybody I live with, so I have been using that as an incentive to get on the treadmill.  It really helps keep Mommy Dearest at bay and I can deal with the stress of every day life a lot better.  Last night while I was walking and the tunes were thumping through my skull, I realized that I missed the invincibility and power I feel when I am really working it hard.  (I wish I could do something to remind myself of how great I feel when I work out, so that when I am tempted to slack off – like I have that last couple of months- I can just look at that “something” and say, oh yeah, THAT’S why I work out!!)  I felt it last night and I’m counting on that feeling to keep me coming back for more.  I’m going to try and walk tonight and then again tomorrow because we have a big company dinner planned for Saturday night and I don’t want to feel one bit bad for indulging (I don’t plan on pigging out, but I want to really enjoy my food while I’m there!). 

 

I haven’t been to an official weigh in with the Nurse Nazi this week, but my scale this morning said…..(wait for it)……151! 

 

Hello, my name is Stella, and this is me getting my groove back. 

 

bizybizybizy October 20, 2008

Hey yall!!  I have lots to post, but no time.  I will say that I FINALLY got on the treadmill Saturday and had a great walk.  Am trying to focus on “think how good you’ll feel when you’re done” and less on “I’m tired and have no time”.  Really, will my little family suffer because we have dinner at 7pm instead of 6:30?  I think not. 

 

I’ll try to create a meaningful post worthy of your readership tomorrow…or Wednesday. Whenever I get a chance! 

 

Peace out.

My IQ went up 30 points AND I got a new boyfriend August 20, 2008

     Here’s me in my boring old frames…

I’m sad…this is my sad face.

  

   Here’s me in my Funky Fresh new frames!!

E=mc2

 

Okay so maybe they aren’t that funky, but they are quite a change for me.  The hubs said I looked smart in them and I said “By smart, do you mean nerdy?”  He said no.  :)  So far everyone likes them, or they are lying to spare my feelings, either way I’m cool with it because I love ‘em!!

And speaking of new and fabulous, I have a new boyfriend…

His name is Yukon.

This is just a picture that I got from here, but mine looks just like this one.  Yes, we are some of those crazy people who ran out and got an SUV for a steal, while all the smart people are trading them in for more economical vehicles.  But, when the hubs and I compared what he wanted out of a vehicle (it has to be able to pull a boat) with what I wanted (to be able to haul the kids and the rest of the neighborhood around), this sort of fit the bill for both of us.  It is really nice on the inside – leather seats, 3rd row seating, dvd player, all the bells and whistles you could ever want!  Well, okay it doesn’t come with a margarita maker, but I guess that probably wouldn’t be such a great idea anyway.  I am extremely happy with it and feel like a pimp-daddy whenever I’m driving around town with the bass thumping the beat of the classic top 40 station I’ve been listening to lately (I know, I’m such a mom!).   Love it!!  

I walked another 2 miles last night and eating has been on track this week so far as well.  I’m hoping for a favorable number on the scale this week.  I would totally dig it if I could get into the 150’s.  How cool would that be?! 

Okay well that’s all I got for now.  Hope you all have a great day!   =)

Pain in the neck August 15, 2008

 

Unfortunately they got it right this morning and it rained on my way into work this morning which normally wouldn’t be a big deal, but my windshield wipers do not work.  Well that‘s not exactly true – one of them works, just not the one I need.  The passenger side wiper works like a dream, the drivers’ side? Not so much.  I don’t need a new wiper blade, I need the WHOLE wiper.  So driving to work in the rain was SUPER FUN!!!  Come hell or high water, I will get a new car this weekend!!

 

Weigh in yesterday was okay – 161 pounds. That’s 25 pounds down since February.  I’m thankful for the one pound loss, but I was really geared up to see 159.  Oh well, there’s always next week. 

 

I haven’t done very well with the Walking Challenge this week.  Out of the suggested 14 miles to do this week, I’ve done 4.  So basically that means I need to walk 10 miles between now and Sunday, which I can do, I just have to make sure to make time for it this weekend.  Then I have to do 25 crunches and 25 push ups – also doable, but I have to just remember to do them. 

 

Remember last week when I threw my lower back out?  Well now it’s my neck and shoulders. The Hubs just turned 40 and I’m the one with all the aches and pains!  Not fair.  I think I need a new pillow. The one I have now is a big fluffy moldable thing that I love – almost a little too much, so it hurts me to think I may have to replace it, but apparently it’s going to hurt more if I don’t.  If I could just get someone to give me a one hour massage everyday, I’d be golden.  Any takers???

 

It’s Friday and that means I get to sleep in as late as I want tomorrow, or as late as the Priss will let me (“wake up Mommy. It’s morning time!! I want some cereal. Now Mommy. Fix it now! Mommy wake up! Come into the living room right now! Mommy get out of your bed! Moooommmmmyyyyyy wake up!!”) I LOATHE getting up at 5:30 every morning, but if I want a paycheck, I gotta do it.  So on Saturday mornings I take my time getting up and then I spend an hour with my coffee and a magazine, or watching Fine living channel.  I love Saturday mornings.  

 

Hope you all get to sleep in late and enjoy your weekend!  See ya Monday!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bits O’ Random August 12, 2008

Ho.Ly.Cow.

 

Boy are my shoulders sore today!!!  Not just my shoulders but my sides under my arms – what are those called? Anyway, OUCH!!  Who knew that a few push ups could cause such agony?  I think I’ll wait until tomorrow to continue the Push Up Challenge. 

 

I did my two mile walk last night and it was awesome!  Don’t tell anyone, but a peek at the scale showed a solid 160 this morning.  Squee!!!  I weigh in on Thursday and I would love to see 159.5. 

 

I forgot to bring my breakfast with me this morning and so for the first time since high school, I did not have breakfast. By the time lunch rolled around, I was starving!!  Did I inhale my turkey sandwich in one swift movement?  No, because I had the crappiest turkey sandwich EVER!  I don’t know why, but the turkey tasted…fake.  It was smoked turkey from the deli, and I guess I got the wrong kind because this was not turkey; this was a gag-inducing turkey-like substance.  I ate only half my sandwich and about 5 of my Kashi crackers.  So I’ll probably be starving again in an hour and nothing to munch on.  Did I mention the cupboards are practically bare at home?  Just call me Old Mother Hubbard…I hate grocery shopping.  Oh well, I’ve got lots of water and some gum with me today, so maybe that will hold me until I can get home to beef stew, which is stewing in the crock pot even as we speak, er, type.

 

On a completely random note, my left eye has been twitching for a week and it is driving me INSANE!!!!  Anyone got a remedy for this???  I’m ready to stick a pencil in my eye to make it stop.  Of course, I would prefer a less invasive remedy, so if you’ve got one, I’d love to hear it.

 

Guess that’s all I got today.  Oh wait, I was going to mention MizFit’s post today about doing a random act of kindness for someone today or tomorrow or whenever you can get around to doing it.  She’s on my blogroll to the right over there so go visit her and then do something extra nice for someone today, k?

 

See ya later, taters!! 

 

We want to pump (clap) you up! August 11, 2008

Monday August 11, 2008:  soon to be known as “The Day Jill Gets Her Shizz Together”.  I am starting TigerLilly’s walking challenge as well as the 100 Push Ups Challenge today, which is a good thing because apparently I have no upper body strength whatsoever.  I did 13 knee push ups, but then tried to do regular push ups – sad, very sad.  I could not do even ONE.  I’d like to think it’s because I tired my arms out with the knee style push ups, but I really think it’s just because I am a (insert Hanz &Franz voice here) weak little girly girl.  

 

So on the work out front I have a two mile walk planned and 12 push ups to do.  If I’m feeling particularly pumped, I may throw in some ab work, I don’t know.  I think I’m more motivated to work out when I have a goal in mind than if I’m doing “just because I need to”, so these challenges have come along at the perfect time. 

 

I wanted to start Phase 1 of South Beach today, but since I didn’t make it to the grocery store over the weekend, the only protein I have in my house is some turkey lunchmeat.  I’ll do my best though to work with what I’ve got.  Eating hasn’t been bad lately, but just not as great as I’d like.  I’ve been really lax about getting in fruits and veggies lately, so that needs to be a focus this week too. 

 

Other than that, not a whole lot to say today.  Had a great weekend with my sister and her family, and the hubs and I decided to buy a new or new-to-me car very soon.  The Honda has a death rattle that can no longer be ignored. 

 

Hope you all have a good productive healthy week!! 

 

Layta!!

 

Anal Linkage June 24, 2008

I finally got in a great walk last night.  Actually it was a 2/3 walk and 1/3 run, and it felt awesome!  I slept great last night and I feel so much better today.  I just need to remember this on the weekends, because that is when I tend to let other things get in the way of my workouts. 

 

I wrote the above paragraph at 7:30 this morning and it is now 12:30.  I just couldn’t think of anything else to write.  But luckily there are plenty of other bloggers out there who have plenty to say:

 

Debby wrote a wonderful post about what inspires her.

 

Red over at Unstarved has another funny video blog post up – he and his sister do a new video every week and they are hilarious.

 

It’s summer time and Cranky Fitness has some alternatives to DEET for offing those pesky mosquitoes (I have 5 mosquito bites right now as we speak).

 

And if you are slave to the cubicle like I am (actually I have my own office), you might get some tips from The Office Diet.  This blog is great for dealing with those 9 to 5 dieting challenges (or in my case 7-3:30). 

 

And Karly at First Ourselves is a great resource if you are struggling to find some balance in your life.  Her primary goal is trying to get women to feel good about themselves, and she has some great essays in her archives. Go check her out! 

 

That’s about all I have time for right now, but you all have fun with these links!  Hopefully I’ll have something to actually blog about tomorrow!  

News Alert June 23, 2008

I forgot to take the morning “pills”.  Guess what?   I did not eat my desk and everything in or on it.  Why is this significant?  Because it reassures me that I can function normally with out the aid of an appetite suppressant.  I’m still going to keep on taking them, at least for a little while longer.   

I have not walked on my treadmill since last Wednesday.  This is bad because I have come to depend on the good feeling I get from the endorphin rush when I walk.  I also really like the stress relieving affect walking has on me.  By Saturday, I could feel myself getting tense.  By Sunday, I was REALLy cranky and tired.  Today, I”m just down right pissed!   Come hell or high water, tonight I am walking dammit!!  I ♥ my treadmill!!

I saw this on failblog.org this morning:

 

Hey LauraN does this look familiar???  When I did LA Weightloss (several years ago) there was a mom & pop cafe right next door and you could smell all the down-home cooking wafting through the door.  It wasn’t easy to ignore!

Have a good day everyone!