Throwing it Out There - Oh Blog, How I Love Thee

I'm really glad I decided to change the name for Thursday's topic.  This blog doesn't exactly bring out my cheery side as often as I like - and I'm working on that - but I like to at least try and keep things more positive around here.

If there is anyone that is reading this blog that doesn't have one - I can tell you, this thing has changed my life!  If you do have a blog, then you probably know what I'm talking about. 

Every morning, it has become my ritual to come straight to my home office and share my life with anyone that's interested in reading about it.  I don't do it because I think my life is so important that everyone would love to read about it.  I'd do it if there wasn't a single person that chose to read it.  There for a while, that was the case.  My blog has become my pal, my confidone, the place I can share whatever is on my mind - and never worry that I might offend it.

Outside the realm of Blogland, I am somewhat of a different person.  I've told you all many, many times that I try to live my life full of positivity.  I really don't care for stress, I don't do well with venting my frustrations at actual people, and sometimes there's things I really need to say - but never quite know how to put into words... until I'm typing them.  Anyone that knows me, in person, would *hopefully* describe me as an outgoing, fun person.  I always have words of encouragement to share.  I love helping people.  I do what I can to put a smile on some one's face when they are a little down.  I offer a shoulder to cry on, and ear to talk in to, and two arms that are always willing to offer a hug when needed.  My blog is my me to me - does that make sense?

Now, I'm not trying to say that I don't have anyone to talk to out here in the real world.  I have an amazing fiance who is always willing to listen if I need to talk, I have a great bestie who shares some of my frustrations - and we do what we can to lift each other up when things get a little rough, and I have a loving mother who is always available at the other end of the phone willing to talk if I need it.  I utilize these resources often - but there's still nothing better than being able to come here and lay everything out...all of my feelings, all of my emotions, the goods, the bad.  It boils down to the fact that I just want to share what's on my mind.  I'm not necessarily looking for advice - more often than not, I'm trying to give it.  I'm not looking for anyone to feel sorry for me.  I'm not looking for kudos or praise when things are great....I just like to share.  I love the support that I receive from my followers - and having that unexpected support really makes my blog even more important to me. 

Before I became a daily blogger, I tried to be the person I am now.  I tried to be positive at all times.  The way I did it back then? I would lock up any bad feelings and ignore the stress.  You know what that got me?  Even more stressed or full of bad feelings.  I would snap at hubby or the kids for nothing.  I would lock myself away until I felt better.  I would get so frustrated, that the slightest little thing would have me breaking into tears.  It just hit me today how different things are now that I don't do any of those things anymore.  I can tolerate my kids fighting a lot more than I used to, I don't remember the last time I snapped at Hubby because I was having a bad day, I don't remember the last time I cried, either.  My mood is tranquil, clear, focused...I am truly at peace. 

Now, I know that it seems like I'm constantly complaining, whining, or venting on here.  Hopefully everything I just told you gives some explanation of that.  I need an outlet, this is my outlet.  No matter how I try to persuade myself that I don't "do" stress - the fact is, no one can live totally stress free.  It's how we chose to live with it - and I chose to let it flow from my fingers each and every morning.  Who can think of a better way to start the day? I can't.  I know that when I step away from this computer, I leave all of my stresses, frustrations, and curdling emotions right here.  I can go about my day full of positivity, full of excitement, and my days are so much more enjoyable. 

What started out as a tool to share my successes of weight loss, has now become so much more than that.  I realized a week ago that there are so many aspects that come into play when dealing with weight loss.  The most important aspect?  Life!  How we chose to live our lives is the ultimate factor in our weight.  When I was stressed, I turned to food.  When I was happy, I turned to food.  When I was sad, upset, and lonely, I turned to food...seeing a pattern here? Now, when I'm feeling all or any of these feelings - I come to the one place that can make me feel better - without adding any extra weight.  My dear, loving, blog.

What started out as a personal journal has bloomed into my number one motivation for success.  The support that I've gathered over the past eight months is really what I owe my success to.  If I decided not to work out, it wasn't a big deal - because I was the only one that knew.  If I made a goal for myself and didn't stick to it - who cares?  I wasn't holding myself accountable to anyone but myself.   Knowing that there are people out there reading what I have to say, listening to my vents, my rants, and my successes gives me the motivation I need to come back the next day.  My readers are my accountability.  Sometimes, I let you down - but the feeling of letting you down just motivates me that much more to try again.  Before my blog, the only person I ever let down was myself - and I lived with that...I didn't have a reason not to.  Now I do. 

So, the points of my long winded post for today?  If you're anything like I used to be, maybe you give Blogland a try.  You might be amazed at how much better you feel after pounding your feelings into a keyboard and then reading it on your screen.  The release of your worries literally transfer from you to the computer.  Second, what started out as just my outlet has now become my community of support.  My loyal followers that are always here to support me...and I'm not just talking about those that leave comments - I see how many people read my blog each day - I owe you every pound of success that I have accomplished.  Having the accountability that you give me has been what has gotten me through this journey thus far.  I have managed to lose more weight and stick with it longer than I EVER have before - and I totally, 100%, think that you - my dear, dear friends - are who I owe that success to.

Dry your eyes, the soppyness is over.  Now it's back to reality for me - and on with my day.  I do it feeling great, feeling motivated, and full of positive energy.

PNOTD:

Don't count your accomplishments by the amount of people you help.  Count your accomplishments by the amount of people that are willing to help you achieve them.  

Till next time.  ;)    



Weigh In Wednesday - Release the Positive...Dispell the Negativity

Happy Hump Day, everyone!!  Wednesday is here - which means it's time for another weight-in result post.  Like usual, I'm going to complain about how unproductive I was this week - before I get to revealing how much my week affected my weigh-in result.

It was a bad week.  I had my pizza meltdown on Sunday.  That wasn't good.  I just knew that after scarfing down as much pizza as I did - there were going to be consequences.  I didn't get to do Cardio Circuits on Monday, once again, due it being cancelled.  It seems to be coming a trend that I'm only doing one of the work-outs a week - so I really think it's time to find something else to plan for.

OK, negativity out of the way - wow, that was quick.  So, in honesty - there were a few more things that I could complain about, but I'm tired of being such a downer.  There's only so long I can wallow in self-pity without taking some accountability for my actions and freakin' doing something about it!!

On Monday, I officially started Code Name: MOVE.  I've been doing OK.  I've got my 30 minutes of movement in each day since...and yes, I know it's only been two days - but I've kept with it, and that's the important thing.  Last Wednesday, I actually went for a 2 mile walk/run after work. I was really proud of myself for doing it.  The weather couldn't of been more perfect - and the scenery makes it so much more enjoyable.  The park is full of little creeks, and wooden bridges to cross on the track - so it sure does beat the boring circle track I've used in the past.  I'm planning on doing the same thing today - and if I can get out of work a little earlier, I'm going to push for 3 miles.  Last week, I walked more than ran...today I want to equal it out a bit more.

For you Biggest Loser fans - what did you think of last night's episode?  I have to say, anytime I watch that show and I see people that want to give up after only being there 2 weeks, I get a little frustrated.  I mean, these people have been given the chance of a lifetime.  I'm sure it's much harder than we all think while watching from the comfort of our couches - but come on!!  I know if I had the opportunity to get my butt kicked by the two best trainers in the country every single day - you can guarantee I'd be making the most of it.  These people know what they're getting themselves in for before getting to the ranch, so why is it always such a shock for them? OK, so there are a lot more twists this season - but they say that every season... you know going in that the game will change.  Despite how ticked off I was at the two people that cried about going home, I still managed to get my weekly dose of motivation.  If it hadn't of been 10 o'clock when I finished watching the show - I would of gone for a long run.  I really need to stop watching the show in the evenings...I should wait until the weekend, and watch it when I have time to really feel the effects of the motivation.

Enough stalling - I want to get to my results.  I knew going in that there was going to be an increase - I expected an increase of about 3lbs.  Aunt Flo is here, and every time she visits I gain 2lbs exactly.  That added into my pizza frenzy helped me prepare for the worst.  The equation is simple: too much food + not enough exercise = a weight gain.  So, I walked into my weigh in room, and prepared myself for the terrible number I was going to see.  Last week, I saw a small loss - this week I knew I'd be getting the weight back again, and then some. 

My previous weight was 205.6lbs.  My weight this week is:  207.2lbs.

I've gained 1.6lbs.  The exact amount that I lost last week.  So I could whine about seeing another gain, blah blah blah - but it's not as bad as I thought.  If I consider Aunt Flo's wrath - then I might of actually lost a little.  Not sure that's possible - but I didn't see the usual 2lb gain that I'm used to seeing each time she arrives.  Maybe, just maybe, if I actually really dedicate myself this week and work as hard as I can to get a little exercise in each day - and stay away from any pizza - then there's a good chance I will see a good loss next week. 

I'm going to be tested this weekend.  It's my beautiful little sister's 16th birthday.  My family will be coming to stay with me this coming weekend.  My sister has not only decided that she wants to eat Chinese food this weekend - but has chosen a Chinese buffet restaurant to partake in this want.  Once again, I'm going to be faced with the temptation of "all you can eat".  Anyone that enjoys Chinese food knows that there's not really anything healthy about it.  The food is delicious, and it's all loaded with veggies - but the grease that drips off of it when you take a bite reminds you that veggies soaked in grease are NOT a healthy option.  Being the wonderful little sister she is, she has agreed to come on a run with me on Saturday AND Sunday.  She's a very athletic little thing - and she always inspires me to work hard.  Maybe I can enjoy a little Chinese food - key word: little - and have her help me get in two good workouts to counteract the effects just a little.  That in conjunction with the whole family dying to try out the PS3 Move should mean an active weekend.  Everyone keep your fingers crossed about that!

OK, so time for me to head out into the world. 

PNOTD:

To be successful, I must not dwell on my mistakes but look for ways to learn from them.  Each day is a new challenge - I have to take the challenge head on...I may not win them all, but I should always feel like I tried my best.

Till next time.  ;)

Back in Time Tuesday - 2000

It's the day that I get to travel back in time.  For someone that only talks about her past once a week, it's a lot harder than you think coming up with a specific time in my life to talk about.  Last night, while actually get a night to somewhat relax, I went into my "deep thought" mode.  I started thinking about my slump, started thinking about why and how I got to be this big, and then realized - I've said many, many times on this blog that I've battled my weight for a decade.  Over a course of a decade I went from lean teenager to Goodyear Blimp.  It wasn't because I sat around eating jelly donuts all day - there are some major reasons I went through the drastic transformation...and spent so long trying to fix it.  That's when it occurred to me that it's time to really share my story - share how I got to be this way, the issues I've dealt with, going to the root of my problem.

So, for the next few weeks - I will be talking about the last decade.  I will start with the year 2000, because that's when my life changed...drastically.  I will warn you.  The stuff I'm going to share is what I can only describe as "deep".  I went through some serious problems - but they all account for who I am today.  I feel like it's time to share.

Before I get down to it, let's do a little introduction.  By 1999, I had overcome my self image problem about being the "fat girl" in high school.  I had gotten over it so much that I was wearing a bikini in the summer, and loving it.  I was a junior in high school, and no longer cared that you couldn't see my ribs when I put on my bathing suit.  I accepted and embraced my curves - and was finally happy with my self image.  Well, I thought I was, anyway.  I started doing stupid teenager stuff, like drinking alcohol - and at 16, I lost my virginity.  I gave in to peer pressure, and paid the consequences.  At 17, I found out I was pregnant.  As you can imagine, it was a major blow to my life.  Up to this point, I was a straight A student - I had everything going for me.  I was planning on attending college, I was planning on becoming a teacher...I was planning my life.  Having a baby was not in those plans - not for several years, anyway.  Being the person I am, I decided I was definitely keeping my baby - and would deal with life as it came.  I had to drop out of high school, because the school I attended didn't want me to in the school pregnant.  They wanted to send me to an "alternative" school - I wanted nothing to do with it.  I should also mention that I had moved out of my parent's house, and started living with my boyfriend.  The plan was for me to go to work, I had to take care of the baby somehow.

Fast forward to January, 2000.  My boyfriend had left me - he wasn't "ready" to have a baby...cause you know, I was *insert eye roll*.  I had moved in with a friend, 6 months pregnant, and needed a job.  I was scared.  I was scared I was going to be alone forever.  I was scared I wasn't going to be able to give my baby a good life.  I was scared that I would never achieve the goals I had for myself.  I sucked all the fears up, and just took one day at a time...it's all I could do.  Luckily, my friend got me a job working with her at a fast food place.  My first day there, I knew it was going to be rough.  Being pregnant, standing on my feet for 8-10 hours, and rushing around getting food ready for people was really going to test my limits.  I was hired to work 3rd shift, so that it wouldn't be too rough on me.  Well, my first night there, I started talking to the cook.  He was an OK looking guy.  He was arrogant, thought he was God's gift to women, and just rubbed me the wrong way.  The first thing he said to me was "you're not allowed to fall in love with me, because I'm in love with someone else"....really?  OK, Fabio - I will refrain.  The bad thing is, though, after that encounter with his ego - he was actually really nice to me the whole night.  We talked, we laughed, he helped me...by the end of the shift, I saw a different guy than the one I had been introduced to just 8 hours prior. 

For the next few days, Fabio and I (Fabio will be his code name...he in NO way resembles him...just has his ego..LOL)...Fabio and I spent a lot of time together.  He drove me home each day, we went shopping a few times, started hanging out in the evening...and it wasn't long at all - we were dating.  Looking back, now, I wonder "what was I thinking?"  Fabio wasn't exactly the role-model dad I wanted for my child.  He was a drug addict - a bad one - but I saw past that.  Did I see past it because I thought he would quit? No...I saw past it because I was pregnant, lonely, and this guy gave me some attention.  Definitely not the best way to pick a suitor -especially when there's a child involved - but I was 18. 

We ended up moving in together after a few weeks of dating.  Our home was anything but a home.  It was a tiny, run-down trailer.  It had two tiny bedrooms, barely big enough to fit a bed in - let alone a crib.  The worst part was, we were sharing this tiny thing with 3 other people!!!  Getting further along in my pregnancy, becoming more and more cranky and miserable by the day, our dwellings became the topic of many fights between us.  He had told me that he wanted to be the father to my unborn child - and I jumped at having someone there.  I just didn't look at what I was getting in the deal.  A drug addict, and tin can of a home, no money, barely any food...life was rough.  Things became heated, very heated, between us WAY too many times.  I constantly thought about leaving him - but the thought of being alone haunted me too much to do it.  Then, a saving grace appeared...his sister (futher known as code name: Saving Grace).  I had met her only a few times, hadn't really gotten to know her very well...and I would say she probably thought her brother was NUTSO for dating a pregnant girl.  Regardless of what she thought - she was dealing with the same thing.  She was pregnant, with a guy she really didn't see herself being with forever, and lonely.  I guess that's why we bonded the way we did.

Anyway, after seeing how we were living, she insisted that we move in with her.  After that, things were different - but only in my eyes.  I finally had a friend, someone to talk to - and so I turned a blind eye to the things Fabio was doing. 

On April 14th, 2000 my beautiful Prairie Dawn was born.  Things were good.  I had fixed the problems I had with my parents.  I had a room full of people at her delivery - my parents, Fabio, Saving Grace, and MIL.  It was a joyful occasion - one that I will never forget.

So, the beginning of my story has begun.  The introduction is complete.  Tune-in next week for the next installment. 

PNOTD: 

Regardless of how bad my past was - it ultimately contributed to who I am today.  I can either dwell on it or learn from it.  I chose to learn each and every day - I SHALL OVERCOME!!!

Till next time.  ;)  

Code Name: MOVE - 45 minutes PS3 Move.

Motivational Monday - Learning Life Lessons, the Hard Way

For the past couple of weeks, I've been on a roller coaster in terms of my motivation.  One day I'm full of energy, eat healthy all day, and enjoy a good work-out at the end of it.  Then the next day I can feel, well, blah - for a lack of a better word.  Don't feel like working out, would rather devour a couple slices of pizza than eat something healthy, and just want to laze around in my PJs.  It wouldn't really matter if the latter days only made an appearance every now and then - but it feels like my roller coaster has too many down hills, and soon I'm going to end up just riding a boring old train!!

I've really been trying to analyze what it is that's put me in my slump.  OK, I'm busy.  I'm on my feet all day, usually exhausted by the time work is over - but I've been at this long enough to know that being tired isn't a good excuse not to eat healthy and work-out.  Maybe that's the problem - I've been at this a long time.  It's been almost 9 months since I've been on this journey.  I've lost a total of 57lbs - which most people would be ecstatic about... I was, too, when I reached that 57lbs weight lost a couple of months ago.  I've been sitting at this same level for a while now, and that doesn't help.  I can see the 200lb mark a little way ahead of me, and it's like I've just stopped.  I was keeping a nice steady pace to this point - and now it's like I've finally decided to rest...but I just can't seem to get myself moving again to get past that point.

Then, yesterday, I posted my positive note of the day:

Perfection isn't achieved naturally.  To be perfect at something, you must practice, you must falter, you must fail.  It's the fact that you keep striving for the perfection that allows you to reach your goals.

Now, I make the PNOTD up every day.  I just write whatever I'm feeling at that second.  After I wrote yesterday's, I sat looking at it for a while.  I have to rub my ego for a second and say that I think I do a pretty good job with the daily blasts of motivation.  I could probably write a book of little blurbs like this one.  When I read the words, something sparks inside of me.  I don't really think of myself as a perfectionist - but I am the kind of person that likes to achieve my goals.  My problem has been, however, that the one thing that I've failed at many, many times is trying to lose weight.  No matter how many times I've failed and given up, though, I've always tried again.  For over a decade, I've tried, I've failed, I've started again.  I have never been able to last 9 months at doing it - this is the longest I've succeeded. 

So, as I'm reading the words again and again, I start to think "well, maybe it's one of those times that I fail" - then I read it again "I'm not failing - I haven't stated gaining weight again, I guess I'm just faltering".  Then I read it again and the words "it's the fact that you keep striving" really weighs on me.  I have kept striving, for the most part.  I'm in a slump, but I'm not ready to give up.  I'm not getting the results I was getting 6 months ago, but I definitely haven't stopped trying altogether. 

Yesterday was not a very good day.  I went and ate lunch with my family at a buffet pizza place.  Did I stick to eating a salad and a slice of pizza?  Nope - I ate a lot of pizza.  Why am I telling you this?  Because after I ate, I felt miserable.  The feelings that I so proudly did away with a couple of month ago: guilt, regret, etc. were back.  I felt guilty that I ate that much food.  I regretted doing it the minute we walked out of the restaurant.  I suffered the rest of the day by feeling bloated and sick to my stomach.  If you're thinking - "it's OK, it was one day - don't beat yourself up" well, I wouldn't...if that was the only day last week that I faltered.  All week, I was eating things I shouldn't.  When I woke up this morning, I looked into the mirror - and what was looking back at me could only be described as a feeling of terror and horror.  I saw the old me looking back at me.  The me that weighed close to 300lbs.  The me that hated the way I look.  Of course, the old me wasn't really in the mirror - but this past week had to find a way to haunt me, somehow, and it chose to jump into my mirror and remind me of what will happen if I give up now.

So, it's up to me to do something about it.  It's time to go back to basics - literally start over.  I started Code Name: Move for that reason.  Working out 30 minutes a day is what I did when I first started my journey.  Just 30 minutes of walking on my treadmill each day made the weight start disappearing.  It wasn't long before I was upping the ante and moved into running, then boot camp, then running a 5K.  Maybe, just maybe, I need to go back to the starting line and have a "do-over".  This time, though, my starting line says: 205lbs.  The finish line is only 55lbs away - not 115, or whatever it was when I started last time.  I've already traveled half way through this marathon of success.  So, I was only able to do a 1/2 marathon before I had to take a break, had to falter a little - but now it's time to get back in the race. 

My only plan at this point is to take it slowly.  I will start with my 30 minutes a day.  Could I do more? Yep, probably.  Hopefully after a week or two of the 30 minutes, the spark will kick in and tell me I should be doing more...but I don't want to push myself too hard, cause I feel like that's what got me into this slump in the first place.  I am going to keep striving for success.  I am not going to give up.  I may falter - but I WILL NOT FALL!! 

So, time to analyze my goals.  Give myself something to focus on.  I sit just 5lbs away from the 200lb line.  My first goal?  Get through that sucker!!!  I'm giving myself 2 weeks.  I should of said goodbye to that nasty number several weeks ago - but I'm not going to dwell.  Time to suck it up, and just move on.  I've learned my life lesson - the hard way - and now it's time to just move on.  Thanksgiving will be here in just over 7 weeks.  That's a time where I will see family I haven't seen in a long time - and I want to knock their socks off!!  Goal #2? To fit into a size 14 by Thanksgiving.  That's only one dress size to go - I'm finally wearing a size 16 (comfortably)...so shouldn't be too hard to drop another size by then. 

My "words of wisdom" to you all today:  If you are anything like me, and have gotten to a place where you're not sure if you can go on...start over.  There's nothing wrong with going back to basics.  If you started out well, and now you're slowing down and feeling sluggish, then the only thing you can do is start again.  Go back to the root of what got you so motivated to start your journey in the first place.  Go back to starting out small and slowly building momentum.  Go back to over analyzing everything you put into your mouth - and the effects it will have on your body and your results.  That's where I'm going...I will be at the starting line, again.  I have only half the race left to run - I have come much too far to give up now.

PNOTD:

I am not a failure.  I have failed in the past, but have never given up.  I am strong.  I am beautiful.  Nobody can stop me, now.

Till next time.  ;)

Code Name: MOVE - 30 minutes of walking

Summarize it Sunday - What a Week!!

Do you remember when you were younger, maybe 11 or 12 and couldn't wait to be a teenager?  How about when you were 13 or 14 and every day seemed to last an eternity, because you were dying to be 16?  Then 16 came, and the two years between then and the freedom of being 18 were the longest of your life.  I do.  I remember those times pretty well, and I also remember something my mom would say to me every time I complained about it - "don't wish your life away, before you know it the days will be going by so fast you won't be able to keep up".  Well, it's official - I've gotten old enough to make my mom's statement true.

I just can't believe that I'm already writing another Sunday post.  Where has this week gone?  Each day seems to go by faster and faster.  I was worried at the beginning of the school year that this year would drag, being that I'm so close to graduation.  Now, I'm thinking "my goodness, it's October already, really?"  It's the time of year that I start thinking about Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The weird part is I'm spending many more hours awake than I've ever done before - I'm usually up until at least 10 every night, and up at 4 (on the weekdays).  I'm awake about 18 hours a day, yet my days go by in a blur. 

Well, I can say, regardless of how fast this past week has zoomed by, that it's been a very good week.  Grover had a great week - was good every day.  Friday, when I got home, he had a sad look on his face and told me that he'd had a bad day.  When I looked at his paper, he'd lost 8 points (out of 50) because he was too loud during group time.  Even though his day was still classed as a good day, he was disappointed with himself for not bringing home a perfect score.  That, in my eyes, is amazing progress.  I told him that not everyone is perfect every day - and that I didn't want him to beat himself up over it.  Let's hope we're in for another great week.

This coming week, I will spending the first three days teaching solo.  I've been working vigorously on lesson plans all week, and have finally gotten most of them done.  I was nervous about it, but Friday my amazing mentor allowed me to have a "dry run" at teaching all day - and it went really well.  Having that opportunity really put the fire out on my nerves for the coming week...so now I'm very excited.

Yesterday, I was happy to see a few people sign up for Code Name: MOVE.  I would love to see more people join in - the more the merrier.  :)  We even got a new follower to join in the action, that was awesome to see. 

OK, I really must go - everyone enjoy your Sunday.  Take some time for yourself, relax, and MOVE for at least 30 minutes!!

Positive Note of the Day:

Perfection isn't achieved naturally.  To be perfect at something, you must practice, you must falter, you must fail.  It's the fact that you keep striving for the perfection that allows you to reach your goals.

Till next time.  ;)

Code Name: Move - 90 minutes playing PS3 Move (Gladiator, volleyball, and table tennis).

Who's With Me? - First Monthly Challenge

Happy weekend, everyone!!  I hope that you're weekend is off to a great start.  I had a great time out with some friends last night, managed to let off some steam, and now ready to get some work done and make the most of the rest of the weekend.

Today is "Select-It Saturday" which means I get to talk about anything I want.  Well, this morning, I've decided I'm going to host my first ever challenge - and if it goes well, maybe it's something that will become a new part of my blog. 

A couple of days ago, I told you all that I was going to start a challenge - but really never went into much detail.  The challenge was more for my own benefit - and the more I got to thinking about it, the more I decided I wanted to involve you all.  This is going to be a challenge that lasts for 30 days - so it will end on Halloween.  My first, ever challenge is going to be...

Code Name: Move

It's a very simple challenge.  All it requires is taking 30 minutes out of your day - every day for the next 30 days - and do some exercise.  It doesn't require anything fancy or elaborate - just a walk, a jog, a work-out DVD, or maybe some energetic dancing.  The intent is not to think about doing exercise, the intent is just devoting yourself to take 30 minutes each day to get some kind of physical activity in.  All the experts (whoever they are) say that it takes 21 days to start a new habit...I'm giving us 30, so maybe, just maybe, we can get into the habit of doing something physical each and every day.

For those of you saying "what will I win?"  Sorry to disappoint you, but this challenge isn't a competition.  It's a challenge for us to work together and accomplish a small feat.  If you're anything like me, you've had those days, weeks, and months where you just don't do as much exercise as you'd like to do or want to.  So, in the end, our prize will be the sense of accomplishment of making ourselves do something that will be healthy, good for us, and hopefully fun. 

How does it work?  Quite simple.  Each and every day for the next 30 days we do something - anything - that gets our heart rates up a bit.  I will post a comment or something at the end of my posts each day telling you what I did the day before - and you can post a comment each day doing the same thing. 

For example:  if you went for a 30 minute jog yesterday, your comment would say something like:
Code Name: Move - 30 min jog

It can be as simple as that - just letting me know what you did.  Make sure you put the "code name: move" at the beginning of your comment, so I know what you're talking about. 

OK - so that's it... who's with me?  Who wants to join in the challenge?  If this challenge is a success, I'm thinking I will start doing a monthly challenge.  Any motivation helps!!

Positive Note of the Day: 

The words "I can't" have come out of your mouth many times, and yet look how much you've accomplished.  Rather than "I can't" set your mind on "I will".

Till next time.  ;)

Finally Friday...Same Ol', Same Ol'

It's Friday.  The day of the week when people cheer, say things like "TGIF!" and look forward to spending two days relaxing. I, however, am not one of those people - this weekend, anyways.

Don't get me wrong, I love weekends.  I love getting to sleep in a little, love getting to be home with the family - it's just here lately, my weekends are consumed with getting work caught up, started, or finished.  This weekend is no exception.  Being that Monday marks the beginning of my teaching solo for three days, I have A LOT of work to get done this weekend.  I have to get all of the lesson plans for all of the subjects for all three days put into their nice "professional" format.  That alone, will take up the majority of my weekend.  I've got an outline for everything that I'm going to teach next week - but I've been so busy getting papers written for school and other homework finished, I haven't been able to get near as much planning finished as I hoped.  Once again, I will be scrambling through to the very last minute making sure everything is completed. 

I'm guilty for being a procrastinator - but for the past few weeks, I've really been trying to stay caught up, working ahead a little, and trying to ease some of the pressure off...no such luck yet, but it's a work in progress. 

Tonight, I am taking the night off.  I'm going out to see a friend who is moving to Arizona.  I haven't seen her in a few months, and that makes me sad.  She's invited me out a few times, but because I've been so busy - I passed up the opportunities to spend some time with her before she leaves.  I'm bummed that tonight is probably going to be the last time I see her, but glad that I at least get this chance. 

Tomorrow, I will be spending the day in my office - for the most part.  My goal is to work my butt off all day, then go out for a run tomorrow night.  I think I will need some fresh air after pounding at the keyboard all day.  Maybe, just maybe, I can get all of my lesson plans typed up tomorrow - and that will give me Sunday to have somewhat of a relaxing day.  Of course, I have to get laundry done, clean the house, and go grocery shopping...not sure if there will be much time for relaxing.  I also want to try and get out for a run Sunday evening, too.  I'm trying my hardest to stick with my challenge - so I have to get as much exercise in as possible this weekend.

I'm not going to be able to go to cardio circuits again tonight - and that really ticks me off.  I have to go and get some paperwork filled out after work, and that will mean having to rush off because everyone leaves work early on Friday, and I can't take the chance that the person I need to see won't be there. I really wanted this week to be the first week where I do BOTH cardio circuit work-outs...once again, it won't be this week..UGH!!

Wow, after reading what I've written already, I feel like such a Negative Nelly.  I guess I'm entitled to one downer post a week - this one must be it.  Let's see if I can brighten things up before I go...

Regardless of how much work I have to get done this weekend, I am determined to have a little "down time".  My dear Grover has worked so hard this week - he deserves a little fun this weekend.  Last night, he got to play the PS3 Move for the first time.  He brought home another EXCELLENT report for the day, so we all had a game of Frisbee Golf.  It was so nice playing a game with Hubby, Prarie Dawn AND Grover.  That hasn't happened in way too long - and for the first time, in a long time, we were a family doing a family activity together.  More of that MUST be included in my schedule.  That time I spent playing the game could of been spent working on my lesson plans - but it was one of those times I had to weigh my obligations.  The responsible thing would of been to work last night - but the responsibility to my children always out-weighs my responsibilities anywhere else.  Playing a game last night, with my family, was a great opportunity for me to show them that I'm not always too busy for them.  Having to explain that to my mentor teacher this morning may not sound as great as it does here, but I hope she understands that it was something I really had to do.

Well, I guess I should get to gettin'.  I have 30 minutes left before it's time to get ready...so I have 30 minutes to "tweek" my outline for next week.  Hopefully having an outline will be enough for my mentor.  The plan was to have all of my lesson plans completed by today - and obviously that hasn't happened.  I just hope she's OK with it.  We've planned next week together, I feel like I'm ready - let's just hope she feels as confident as I do.

Positive note of the day:

Rather than focusing on whether the glass if half full or half empty - focus on getting free refills.  

Wow, I'm starting to feel like Confucius...LOL  Yes, folk, I make these up myself.  :)

Till next time.  ;)