38 while 38

1. Finish writing a 100+ Things I'd Like to Do Before I Go list (Jan '12)
2. Take a jewelry making/beading class
3. Buy new bedroom furniture for me
4. Buy hubby a new car
5. Lose 100 lbs from where I originally started
6. Take a solo trip
7. Volunteer at the Food Bank with Monkeyface
8. Go to a movie alone
9. Go to 3 live performances for free
10. Visit a chiropractor
11. Fix my itunes/ipod
12. Do a photography project
13. Do a Miranda July project
14. Send out 12 surprise packages to the unsuspecting (6-Feb '12)
15. take a girl's trip to the beach
16. Take Monkeyface for a ride in a hot air balloon (for free?)
17. Teach Monkeyface to fly a kite
18. Take Monkeyface to a sporting event
19. Attend 50 yoga classes
20. Visit Ikea again
21. Paint the living room
22. Have a family portrait taken
23. Take Monkeyface to the beach for the day (May '12)
24. Go on 6 dates with the hubby
25. Have a great conversation with a complete stranger
26. Play a different version of Canasta
27. Take a photography class
28. sneak away for the weekend with the hubby
29. get rid of treadmill
30. Plant something in my yard
31. Get a bed for the guest bedroom (Dec '11)
32. Get a bookshelf for Monkeyface's room
33. Get a retro used dining table (Mar '12)
34. Buy and wear a new lip color that is completely out of the ordinary for me
35. Rappel down Wachovia building
36. Experiment with new eyeshadow colors
37. Walk 500 miles above what I normally walk on a daily basis
38. Go ziplining in Costa Rica

37 before I'm 38-how did I do?

1. Write a 100+ Things I'd Like to Do Before I Go list-still working on this
2. Make orgami of some sort
3. Take a jewelry making/beading class
4. Pay off car May 2011
5. Lose 100 lbs from where I originally started
6. Own a pair of black boots October 2010
7. wear heels
8. Go to a movie alone
9. Wear a dress October 2010
10. Visit an accupuncturist
11. Walk a 5k May 2011
12. Take Monkeyface to an aquarium (July 2011)
13. Do a Miranda July project
14. Send out 12 surprise packages to the unsuspecting
15. take a solo trip to the beach
16. Wear my hair in pigtails
17. Teach Monkeyface to fly a kite
18. Run a mile without stopping
19. Read one classic novel per month
a) Their Eyes Were Watching God
b) A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
c) Love in the Time of Cholera
20. Visit Ikea again
21. Wear my hair straight once
22. Have a family portrait taken
23. Take Monkeyface to the beach for the day(July 2011)
24. Take Monkeyface to a drum circle
25. Have a great conversation with a complete stranger (oct 2011)
26. Get a new camera (October '10)
27. Take a photography class
28. sneak away for the weekend with the hubby
29. get rid of treadmill
30. Plant something in my yard
31. Get a bed for the guest bedroom
32. Get a bookshelf for Monkeyface's room
33. Do a headstand
34. Buy a piece of Natasha Wescoat art (Aug 2011)
35. Rappel down Wachovia building
36. Entertain a group of friends at my house
37. Skydive with hubby

Cafe Rio Recipes

Just putting these here so I don't lose them:

BLACK BEANS

2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/3 c. tomato juice
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. fresh chopped cilantro

In a nonstick skillet, cook garlic and cumin in olive oil over medium heat until you can smell it. Add beans, tomato juice, and salt. Continually stir until heated through. Just before serving stir in the cilantro. (**NOTE** we added a can of corn, drained, to the beans with a dash of cumin and chili powder, it was AWESOME! We recommend doing this even though it's not "traditional Cafe Rio")

Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

2 tamatillos
1/2 bunch cilantro
2 cloves garlic
1 Tbsp. diced jalepeno (canned) --you can use less if you don't like it spicy at all. I like a little kick.
Juice of 2 limes
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 c. balsamic vinaigrette (not vinegar... we used Kraft)

In a food processor or blender, combine tamatillos, cilantro, garlic, jalapeno, lime juice, and sugar. After it is all blended up well combine with balsamic vinaigrette in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best).

Cafe Rio Pork

1 pork roast (butt or shoulder)
1 can Coke (don't use diet)
1 jar salsa (fresh is best!)
3/4 c brown sugar
1 T cumin
garlic salt to taste

Cover roast half way with water in slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4hr. Mix remaining ingredients in bowl. Drain water, cut in quarters and pour Coke mixture over top. Cook another 3-4hr. Shred and serve.

Cafe Rio Chicken

5 lbs chicken
1 small bottle of Zesty Italian dressing
1 T chili powder
1 T cumin
3 cloves minced garlic

Mix all ingredients in slow cooker and cook on high 5-7 hr. Drain some of the liquid and shred chicken.

Lime Rice

2-3 T oil
1/4 c chopped cilantro
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 c rice
1/2 c lime juice
4 c chicken broth
Heat oil in pan. Saute garlic, cilantro, and rice over medium heat about 5 min. Add liquid and bring to boil. Turn heat to low, cover with lid, and cook 25-30 min.

Cafe Rio Tomatillo Dressing

1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
4-6 T olive oil
1 bunch green onions, diced
1 c ranch dressing
4 oz salsa verde
1 c plain yogurt, mayo, or buttermilk
Juice of 1 lime
Garlic salt to taste
Place cilantro, green onions, and olive oil in blender or food processor and process until pesto consistency. Add ranch dressing, yogurt, salsa verde, lime juice, and garlic salt.
Refrigerate until ready to serve. Taste better if made few hours ahead. Will last 2-3 weeks in fridge.

With your eyes closed

So my boy is in kindergarten and has started working on homework assignments this week.
There is a calendar with 30 different assignments on it that he must complete before the end of the month. He can choose any one he wants to do and he just colors in that day when he is done.
Last night he randomly picked one and it was practice writing your first name five times.
And then this happened:
Hubby: OOoh...you picked practice writing your first name five times
Monkeyface: Awww....I don't like that one.
Hubby: Come on...you can do that one with your eyes closed.
Monkeyface grabs a piece of paper & a crayon, sits down at his table & proceeds to close his eyes. He then writes his first name five times with his eyes closed.
HA!

Week 1 (August 15-21)-movement

Source: Questtobeauty

Back to the drawing board:
I'm going back to Week 1 on this. I need a fresh start.

August 15: 60 minutes yoga
August 16: Cards with the girls
August 17: 45 minutes elliptical, 15 minutes circuit training
August 18: 30 minutes elliptical
August 19: rest
August 20: 60 minutes elliptical
August 21: walk in neighborhood

I gained 6 lbs

I hate having to say that I gained 6 pounds. I was on vacation last week and it wasn't even from the vacation. I had gained 1 lb when I had returned...1. Then the weekend and the rest of the week got the best of me and I was filling my body with junk. Chicken wings because I hadn't had them in months. Burgers b/c my body was screaming for 1 (so I had 1 and then another 1 later in the week). Taco Bell for no other reason than it was easy and I have not felt like planning my meals.
I've had a hard go of it for the month of July. Totally uninspired and withdrawn. I haven't planned my meals or my exercise. I had my IUD replaced which has sent my body surging with hormones and searching for comfort. I lost a friend of mine that I kept meaning to visit and reconnect with but I never did. I'm going through a few things in my life, that while I am totally supported and loved, still leave me wanting more (vague I know).
I think I need to hop back on the elliptical and think for a bit. I did go to the gym Tuesday as I normally do but my heart just wasn't in it. I went through the motions and I worked out for an hour but it just felt tedious.
I know what I need to do and I have no excuse other than I've kinda lost my fire lately. Home life has been great. Seriously great. I don't think I've ever been more in love with my husband. We have been cracking each other up and just loving each other's company. It's been comfortable being with him. It's been harder to want to leave home. It's been hard to be selfish.

Ok-back to making lists and crossing them off.

July 11-17 movement

July 4-10
July 4) I did a lot of cleaning this day. I mean a lot
July 5) 60 minutes elliptical, 15 minutes bike
July 6) gardening (did 20 gardening, 10 walking)
July 7) 30 cybex, 30 circuit
July 8) rest
July 9) 60 elliptical-family fun day! Hubby actually has the day off
July 10) outdoor walk

I have been stuffing my face and not felt like exercising this week. I had my IUD replaced on Monday and I hate all the hormones surging through my body. I cannot eat enough, I'm overly sensitive, and I'm exhausted. Back to work on me starting tomorrow.

July 11-17
July 11) yoga 60 minutes
July 12) rest
July 13) 30 minutes cybex, 30 circuit
July 14) 45 minutes elliptical
July 15) try to fit in a work out??
July 16) 60 minutes elliptical
July 17) 15 minute walk around neighborhood

July 4-10 movement

June 27-July 3
June 27) 60 minutes yoga
June 28) 60 minutes elliptical, 20 minutes bike
June 29) 30 minutes circuit training-cards with the ladies
June 30) 30 minutes cybex, 20 minutes bike(actually did 50 elliptical, 20 bike, 20 treadmill
July 01) rest
July 02) 90 minute-whatever I feel like doing (45 minute elliptical, 5 bike, 30 circuit training)
July 03) some sort of outdoor activity with Monkeyface (did yard work and cleaned off my horrible back deck)


I totally forgot to update what was going on this week. The holiday threw me for a loop. I could not get my kid out of the house this weekend. He said he was tired and wanted to be lazy...so I let him. I don't think he wore pants for 2 days. I didn't leave the house Sunday or Monday and that is entirely rare for me. I love to be out and about but I needed the rest as well.
July 4-10
July 4) I did a lot of cleaning this day. I mean a lot
July 5) 60 minutes elliptical, 15 minutes bike
July 6) gardening (did 20 gardening, 10 walking)
July 7) 30 cybex, 30 circuit
July 8) rest
July 9) 60 elliptical-family fun day! Hubby actually has the day off
July 10) outdoor walk

July goals

picture credit: believe-toachieve

1) Exercise 21 times for 30 minutes or more
2) Take one easy hike with the little one
3) Walk 2 miles on the beach
4) Lose 10 lbs
5) Rack up 75 miles
6) Drop a pants size
7) Get a massage
8) Over 1,000 minutes of fitness tracked
9) Take myself to the movies by myself

picture credit: believe-toachieve

June 27-July 3 movement

June 20-26
June 20) 60 minutes yoga
June 21) 60 minutes elliptical, 20 minutes bike
June 22) 30 minutes circuit training
June 23) 30 minutes cybex, 20 minutes bike
June 24) Working on baby shower prep-rest
June 25) 30 minutes personal trainer
June 26) gardening and gym??

I am so ready for some normalcy and to be back in control of how I spend my evenings. I am also ready to get back to the gym this week. Weight loss is progressing nicely but I miss the gym. I miss sweating and kicking ass. I miss feeling like a bad ass when I walk out of there. I did not make it to the gym at all last week. Not once. Between running around to get everything done for the baby shower and taking my kid from place to place I am exhausted. I had a huge webinar last Wednesday where I talked to people for over an hour. I spent Tuesday night working on that. Thursday night I worked late since I took a half day on Friday. The personal trainer called one hour before I supposed to meet her to cancel on me. WHY ARE PERSONAL TRAINERS ALWAYS CANCELING? This has been the problem with any trainer I've ever had. Now to get back on track:

e 27-July 3
June 27) 60 minutes yoga
June 28) 60 minutes elliptical, 20 minutes bike
June 29) 30 minutes circuit training-cards with the ladies
June 30) 30 minutes cybex, 20 minutes bike
July 01) rest
July 02) 90 minute-whatever I feel like doing
July 03) some sort of outdoor activity with Monkeyface

June 20-26 movement

June 13-19
June 13) 60 minutes yoga
June 14) 60 minutes elliptical, 20 minutes bike (actually 70 elliptical, 20 bike)
June 15) 30 minutes elliptical after dinner with friends (didn't happen)
June 16) dinner with friends-rest (done!)
June 17) Monkeyface graduates preschool-rest (done!)
June 18) 60 minutes elliptical, 30 minutes circuit (didn't happen-little one wasn't interested in accompanying me to the gym)
June 19) Free day but I really must get my butt to the gym-also it's father's day (didn't happen)

I knew this week would be rough. I even made the decision to go to the gym after yoga tonight but when I called the hubby, he told me he had been called into work so I had to come home. Oh well, I'm content with what I can do so I'll be busting it out this week. I swear come July 4th weekend, I am doing NOTHING.

June 20-26
June 20) 60 minutes yoga
June 21) 60 minutes elliptical, 20 minutes bike
June 22) 30 minutes circuit training
June 23) 30 minutes cybex, 20 minutes bike
June 24) Working on baby shower prep-rest
June 25) 30 minutes personal trainer
June 26) gardening and gym??

Oh Jillian

picture source

Goals for the week of June 13-19

Goals for the week of June 13-19
1) 5 fruits/veggies per day
2) Less than 1750 calories per day
3) Do the Biggest Loser Drills
Drill 1 - Count of Crunches = 100
Drill 2 - Count of Push-ups = 43
Drill 3 - Wall-Squat Hold Time = 1:02.44
Drill 4 - Arm Hold Time = 2:02.27
Drill 5 - 150 Step-ups Time = 6:27.38
Drill 6 - Plank Hold Time = 1:19.16
Drill 7 - Bridge Hold Time = 1:25.62
Drill 8 - Count of Cardio Exercise = didn't do jumping jacks. Need to talk to trainer first
4) Plan a healthy menu for next week (should I also add interesting b/c I've been a little bored lately with the food)
5) Go to the farmer's market
6) Get rid of the fruit flies brought in by the Wal-Mart bananas
7) Call CP about swimming

Movement June 13-19

June 6-12
June 6) 30 minutes elliptical, 30 minutes circuit (45 elliptical, 20 stationary bike)
June 7) 90 minutes yoga (30 minutes cybex arc trainer, 20 minutes stationary bike)
June 8) DANCING-concert for Mumford & Sons!!! (30 minutes dancing, 20 minutes walking
June 9) 45 minutes elliptical (5k?) (65 minutes elliptical)
June 10) rest (try to slip in a little walk)
June 11) 60 minutes elliptical (30 mins elliptical, 30 minutes circuit)
June 12) 30 minutes stationary bike, 30 minutes weights-I was just too tired on Sunday.

June 13-19
June 13) 60 minutes yoga
June 14) 60 minutes elliptical, 20 minutes bike
June 15) 30 minutes elliptical after dinner with friends
June 16) dinner with friends-rest
June 17) Monkeyface graduates preschool-rest
June 18) 60 minutes elliptical, 30 minutes circuit
June 19) Free day but I really must get my butt to the gym-also it's father's day

Another busy week with lots of after work activities. I'm going to try my best to squeeze in the exercise but I also get that sometimes life takes over and I have to go with the flow.

Accomplishments!

I didn't create a list of goals this week because I've been thinking that just for one week I was going to focus on what I can do instead of what I can't. Here's what I've been accomplishing lately:

1) I can easily do 60 minutes on the Precor Elliptical
2) I can easily do 45 minutes on the regular Elliptical
3) I can work out 4 days a week and get mad when my time has to be spent elsewhere
4) I can do the Cybex Arc Trainer for 30 minutes
5) I can eat less than 1750 calories per day for many consecutive days
6) I can remember to take my meds at night
7) My child notices when I am not going to the gym
8) My hubby doesn't have to ask if I'm going, because he knows that I am
9) I find myself bouncing around on my tiptoes which was something I could not do a few months ago
10) I get high fives from the guy behind the front desk at the gym
11) People are finally starting to notice
12) I can brag and mean it
13) I can fit into clothes that I bought last year in the hopes that I would fit in them
14) I can stand in poses in yoga that I've never been able to do
15) I have thrown away pants that just aren't right for me anymore

Oh yeah! I finally lost enough to get my Girl's beach weekend!!!

Movement June 6-12

May 30-June 5
May 30) 65 minutes elliptical (averaging 15 minutes per mile yay!!)
May 31) 90 minutes yoga
June 1) rest
June 2) 30 minutes elliptical, 30 minutes circuit training
June 3) rest
June 4) 60 minutes elliptical
June 5) 30 minutes stationary bike

Wow! What a crazy week this last week was. Kingergarten orientation that lasted WAY longer than it should have, birthday party for my little one with 22 kids, preparing for the party, and utter exhaustion. I am tired and I am mad that I have not worked out at all this month. I have rested though. So since I just took a week off, I'm going to have to be careful this week and take it slow.

June 6-12
June 6) 30 minutes elliptical, 30 minutes circuit (45 elliptical, 20 stationary bike)
June 7) 90 minutes yoga (30 minutes cybex arc trainer, 20 minutes stationary bike)
June 8) DANCING-concert for Mumford & Sons!!! (30 minutes dancing, 20 minutes walking
June 9) 45 minutes elliptical (5k?) (65 minutes elliptical)
June 10) rest (try to slip in a little walk)
June 11) 60 minutes elliptical (30 mins elliptical, 30 minutes circuit)
June 12) 30 minutes stationary bike, 30 minutes weights

1064

I logged 1064 minutes at the gym last month. That's almost 18 hours for those of you that don't want to do the math. Totally going to bust through that this month.

Triumph

Tonight, for the first time in years and years and years (so many years that I can't remember how many years) I was able to do the stretch above without holding a wall. No struggling, no leaning, no grabbing my shoe and holding onto the inside of the back. I did this stretch standing on one leg and it was awesome!

Next goal-squats

Goals for the week of May 30-June 5

Goals for the week of May 23-29
1) 3 fruits/veggies per day
2) On average-1750 calories per day
3) email personal trainer
4) make a trip to the farmer's market to stock up on some lovely fruit
5) Take all medications this week (it takes 28 days to make a habit)
6) Get the hula hoop off of the floor and moving on my hips
7) Measure/weigh all food this week

Whoa! Well I didn't realize that I didn't pay attention to my goals at all this week. Time to step it back up. I didn't lose any weight this week but I'm also incredibly bloated so I think that I will have a big weight loss this next week. I'm moving, that's for sure and making it to the gym is becoming second nature to me. This next week is focusing on food. I have a problem controlling my portions and just "eyeball" what I eat. My mantra this week is measure, measure, measure!!

Goals for the week of May 30-June 5
1) 3 fruits/veggies per day
2) On average-1750 calories per day
3) email personal trainer
4) make a trip to the farmer's market to stock up on some lovely fruit
5) Take Monkeyface out for bike rides this week
6) Try one new thing this week
7) Measure/weigh all food this week

Movement May 30-June 5

May 23-29

May 23) 90 minutes of yoga
May 24) 45 minutes elliptical plus weights (30 minutes elliptical plus 30 minutes weights)
May 25) 30 minutes stationary bike (32 minutes elliptical, 28 minutes bike)
May 26) 30 minutes elliptical plus 30 minutes circuit training (30 minutes elliptical plus 24 treadmill)
May 27) situps 100am/100pm
May 28) 60 minutes elliptical
May 29) 30 minutes treadmill

I completely forgot that Saturday was spoken for and that I miss going to the gym. I was exhausted on Sunday so I opted to pass out on the couch for a few hours because it was needed. Still made it to the gym for 4 days this week and the guys behind the counter at the gym are starting to know my name.

May 30-June 5
May 30) 65 minutes elliptical (averaging 15 minutes per mile yay!!)
May 31) 90 minutes yoga
June 1) rest
June 2) 30 minutes elliptical, 30 minutes circuit training
June 3) rest
June 4) 60 minutes elliptical
June 5) 30 minutes stationary bike

Goals for the week of May 23-29

Goals for the week of May 16-22
1) 5 fruits/veggies per day
2) On average-1750 calories per day
3) Schedule a personal training session at the gym so I can get reassessed and learn how to use the treadmill
4) Get party supplies for little one's birthday
5) Take all medications this week (it takes 28 days to make a habit)
6) Get the hula hoop off of the floor and moving on my hips
7) Get an exercise/stability ball for use at home

I really tried to get the hula hoop up and moving, however it just falls off over and over again. I'm going to watch a few videos and see if I can get this thing moving next week. Still working on food control. I'm not sure what to do about this so I'm going to brainstorm this next week.

Goals for the week of May 23-29
1) 3 fruits/veggies per day
2) On average-1750 calories per day
3) email personal trainer
4) make a trip to the farmer's market to stock up on some lovely fruit
5) Take all medications this week (it takes 28 days to make a habit)
6) Get the hula hoop off of the floor and moving on my hips
7) Measure/weigh all food this week

May 23-29 (movement)

Week of May 16-22

May 16) 75 minutes of yoga
May 17) 30 minutes elliptical + 30 minutes circuit training
May 18) 40 minutes elliptical
May 19) Rest (done with pleasure!!)
May 20) Crunches (150AM/150PM)
May 21) 30 minutes elliptical + 30 minutes circuit training (60 minutes elliptical)
May 22) free day-whatever I feel like doing (just cleaned and didn't leave the house all day)

I feel like I spent this week breaking records. First 45 minutes on the elliptical, then a 12:12 mile on the elliptical, followed by a full hour on the elliptical. Elliptical, elliptical, elliptical....sometimes I feel like this machine is my best challenger. I can't wait to see what I'm going to do this next week.

May 23-29

May 23) 90 minutes of yoga
May 24) 45 minutes elliptical plus weights (30 minutes weight plus 30 minutes weights)
May 25) 30 minutes stationary bike (32 minutes elliptical, 28 minutes bike)
May 26) 30 minutes elliptical plus 30 minutes circuit training (30 minutes elliptical plus 24 treadmill)
May 27) situps 100am/100pm
May 28) 60 minutes elliptical
May 29) 30 minutes treadmill

Week 6

Goals for the week of May 9-15
1) 5 fruits/veggies per day
2) On average-1750 calories per day
3) At least 15 minutes of activity every day this week
4) Get party supplies for little one's birthday
5) Take all medications this week (it takes 28 days to make a habit)
6) Figure out 5 new low calorie snacks that I can eat
7) Eat 5 yogurts this week

I definitely need to up my fruit & veggie intake so I'm really going to focus on this. I almost did 15 minutes of activity every day this week but I was just too exhausted yesterday. On average, I definitely did more than normal but I'm still not going to mark it off. Still need to get party supplies.

5 snacks:
1) loving the yogurts I've been trying for 100 calories or less each
2) string cheese with one piece of deli turkey wrapped around
3) Pretzels with mustard
4) Pistachios-totally worth the work
5) Skinny Cow Heavely crisp bar-YUM!

And I have been eating yogurt after my workouts and I've had no leg cramps this week except for the one day that I didn't eat one. So I suppose I'll be eating one of those every day I work out from now on. Lesson learned.

Goals for the week of May 16-22
1) 5 fruits/veggies per day
2) On average-1750 calories per day
3) Schedule a personal training session at the gym so I can get reassessed and learn how to use the treadmill
4) Get party supplies for little one's birthday
5) Take all medications this week (it takes 28 days to make a habit)
6) Get the hula hoop off of the floor and moving on my hips
7) Get an exercise/stability ball for use at home

Week of May 16-22 movement

Week of May 9-15
May 9) elliptical-35 minutes/weights
May 10) Flow Yoga-90 minutes
May 11) gardening (only 10 minutes but I made up for it!)
May 12) bike plus weights (this day I made up for the lack of gardening and did 35 minutes on the elliptical and 30 minutes of circuit training.
May 13) 250 situps (125AM/125PM) TOO EXHAUSTED!!
May 14) elliptical plus weights today I did 30 minutes of circuit training plus 15 minutes on the bike.
May 15) walk around the neighborhood (Spent most of my day at a wedding and then was just too tired to do anything else. I am listening to my body.)

Took off 3 lbs last week so I have BUSTED through my plateau. Here's to keeping it up this week. I'm also surprised that I was pissed that I couldn't work out on Wednesday. I'm suddenly turned into the woman that is obsessed with moving.

picture source


Week of May 16-22

May 16) 75 minutes of yoga
May 17) 30 minutes elliptical + 30 minutes circuit training
May 18) 40 minutes elliptical
May 19) Rest
May 20) Crunches (150AM/150PM)
May 21) 30 minutes elliptical + 30 minutes circuit training
May 22) free day-whatever I feel like doing

What is going on?

I went to work in the garden last night and the plan was to work for an hour. My help was only needed for 10 minutes because the garden is looking SO good and doesn't need much love right now. It was great, I was able to rest but I was seething that I gave up a workout.
WHAT? I don't get mad at not being able to exercise. Who am I?

It's all about the Savasana

Last night I did my first Vinyasa Yoga flow class. It was hard but wonderful. So many downward facing dogs and planks, but I did it. 90 minutes later I was on my home blissed out and thankful that I did do it.
Lots of people were able to do headstands but I'm not ready for that. One day soon, definitely. I aspire to do it but there is just no way that I have the core strength now to hold myself up and that's ok. I have a new goal :)

Movement this week

Week of May 2-8
May 2) circuit training-30 minutes**
May 3) Yoga-60 minutes-30minutes cleaning
May 4) elliptcal-25 minutes (actually did 30)
May 5) circuit training-30 minutes (35 mins on elliptical, 15 on bike plus weights)
May 6) 200 situps (100AM/100PM)
May 7) Elliptical-25 minutes (actually did 32 plus 13 on the bike)
May 8) Cooking for Mother's Day
I have moved this week!!
**They shut down the circuit training at the gym while they renovate so I used the stationary bike for 30 minutes plus 30 minutes of weights

Week of May 9-15
May 9) elliptical-35 minutes/weights
May 10) Flow Yoga-90 minutes
Vinyasa/Flow

This is an energetic style of practice that connects the breath with a series of flowing postures. It will allow the student to build strength and increase flexibility, but most importantly to experience the full measure of santosha (contentment) at the conclusion of the practice. Focus will be on alignment principles, building strength, breathing techniques and meditation/mindfulness.
May 11) gardening
May 12) bike plus weights
May 13) 250 situps (125AM/125PM)
May 14) elliptical plus weights
May 15) walk around the neighborhood

Week 5

Goals for the week of May 2-8
1) Minimum 64 oz water per day
2) No fast food (not even in a pinch-everything planned!)
3) On average-1750 calories per day
4) Get rid of 12 items from the kitchen
5) Take all medications this week (I almost always forget at night)
6) At least 10 minutes of activity every day this week (does not have to be the gym)
7) 5 fruits/veggies per day

Wow! What a great week. I am so proud of myself. Apparently as my best friend told me, "if I can cross it off a list, by God I will do it." Planning my workouts really worked for me. I was completely exhausted on Monday so I was out by 815pm but after the weekend I had I obviously needed the rest. Otherwise, I did some sort of exercise every day. It's been a great way to keep my late night snacking under control since I go to the gym between 730 and 8pm and stay at least 45 minutes to an hour. I'm still having problems keeping my calories where they should be and making wise choices so I'm really going to focus on that next week.

Goals for the week of May 9-15
1) 5 fruits/veggies per day
2) On average-1750 calories per day
3) At least 15 minutes of activity every day this week
4) Get party supplies for little one's birthday
5) Take all medications this week (it takes 28 days to make a habit)
6) Figure out 5 new low calorie snacks that I can eat
7) Eat 5 yogurts this week

May challenge

4. Do something that makes you feel strong. (May 9)
5. Do something that makes you feel free. (May 16)
6. Do something that makes you smell really bad. (may 8)
7. Do something that makes you think hard about your goals. (May 13)
8. Do more than you think you can handle. (may 7)
9. Do something to release excess tension/stress/anger. (May 10)
10. Do something you can brag about later. (May 18)
11. Do something right for all the wrong reasons. (May 15)
12. Workout at a different time than usual.
13. Do something that makes you feel like a gladiator. (May 17)
14. Work on your core.(May 6)
15. Surprise yourself. (May 19)
16. REST (May 11)
17. Break a personal record. (May 14)
18. Workout first thing in the morning.
19. Add 15 minutes. (May 5)
20. Workout your lower body. (May 4)
21. Do something that makes you feel sexy or beautiful.
22. GO HARD OR GO HOME. (May 12)
23. REST (May 20)
24. Break a personal record. (May 21)
25. STRETCH longer than normal.
26. Mid-Week super killer cardio day!
27. Practice your balance.
28. Pushups.
29. Obliterate your brick wall.
30. Enjoy the holiday.
31. Make a JUNE plan.

I pulled this list from a blog I really like. You know I love a good list and I really like that it is open ended. I'm not going to do it day by day but by what calls out to me that day. I also need to print this and put it somewhere I can see it every day.

Go make your life worth loving

I read this last week and it's sticking with me. I do love my life. I have a great family, great husband, and kid. I live below my means and I'm almost out of debt. My house was a great deal and I have no intention of moving any time soon (even though my neighbors suck!). My point is, I have enough. I am loved and sheltered and fed.
It's not that I'm unhappy, I just feel like I could be giving so much more-to myself and to others. The thing is...I'm so tired of hearing people complain. Something has clicked inside of me and I'm done with the complaining. I see all that I have vs what I don't have and I'm content. Then I wonder, should I be content? Should I strive for more? Not material possessions more, but more spirituality, more volunteer work, more weight loss? Is it ok to be content? God, if I could lose these 100 lbs, seriously, I don't know who I would be. As much as I love my life now, I couldn't imagine it if I could actually keep up. If I could actually sky dive, horseback ride, run, bike, etc. HRmmm...I know I'm rambling but this is how I think. Now off to think some more.

Week 4

Goals for the week of April 25-31
1) Minimum 64 oz water per day
2) Get to the gym 3 times this week
3) On average-1750 calories per day
4) Get rid of clothes too small for the little one
5) Yoga twice this week
6) At least 10 minutes of activity every day this week
7) 5 fruits/veggies per day

I know that setting goals is an important part of weight loss. I am down almost 50 lbs from my highest pre-pregnancy weight. I don't count the pregnancy weight since I gained 30 lbs with that which I lost immediately after having the baby almost 5 years ago. Whew! Almost 5 years ago. It is amazing to me...ok back to goals. I know they are important and I think about them all week but then life gets in the way. I'm glad they are here and that I take the time to reflect on them each week because it gives me time to think about what I am doing and why I'm not reaching them. It's weird but I'm not beating myself up this time. I'm not angry that it's not coming off fast this time b/c I am still losing 2 lbs on average per week. I'm down almost 40 lbs since I started losing weight last year and I've kept it off. That in itself is amazing. So I'm going to lighten up on the goals this week and accomplish them all. I want to come back here next Monday feeling accomplished with no excuses.

Goals for the week of May 2-8
1) Minimum 64 oz water per day
2) No fast food (not even in a pinch-everything planned!)
3) On average-1750 calories per day
4) Get rid of 12 items from the kitchen
5) Take all medications this week (I almost always forget at night)
6) At least 10 minutes of activity every day this week (does not have to be the gym)
7) 5 fruits/veggies per day

Go make your life worth loving.

Week 3 check-in

Goals for the week of April 18-24
1) In bed before 1130pm
2) Get to the gym 3 times this week
3) On average-1750 calories per day
4) Get rid of the goodwill clutter
5) Yoga twice this week
6) At least 10 minutes of activity every day this week
7) 5 fruits/veggies per day

I did the best I could this week. That 24 hour bug really knocked me down. I rarely get sick so this one really took its toll. However, I got rid of the clutter so I'm happy. I'm not going to dwell on what I wasn't able to do. New week, new accomplishments.

Goals for the week of April 25-31
1) Minimum 64 oz water per day
2) Get to the gym 3 times this week
3) On average-1750 calories per day
4) Get rid of clothes too small for the little one
5) Yoga twice this week
6) At least 10 minutes of activity every day this week
7) 5 fruits/veggies per day

24 hour bug

My hubby came home sick from work on Saturday. Apparently I caught his 24 hour bug 2 days later. Yesterday was horrible but I'm almost back to normal now. Makes it very difficult to exercise but I am well rested. No yoga tonight which I kinda hate because I really love it but there is no way I can hold myself up. I was too weak to slide open my phone to return a text last night. No way I'm doing downward dog.

New week, new goals

Goals for April 11-17:
1) Get in bed by 1130pm
2) See the inside of the gym three times this week
3) Get the clutter (goodwill clothes) out of my bedroom
4) One walk around the lake this week
5) Take Monkeyface out this week for an activity with me
6) Stay under 1750 calories per day (on average)
7) 8 fruits & veggies per day

Get in bed by 1130pm. I did this more often that not just because I made it a goal. Friday night kept me up and talking. Yesterday presented the opportunity for a 3 hour nap so I was up later than normal. I'm going to make it a goal again this week b/c I was so close to doing it.

I did not make it to the gym three times this week because I had the opportunity for a sexy date night with the hubby. After yoga on Tuesday and a walk around the lake on Wednesday, my body was killing me. I took Thursday off and relaxed. However, I did make it to the gym on Saturday which was great. I'll take what I did this week b/c I was more active than I've been in a while. However, I'm going to try to make it to the gym 3 times this next week.

No excuse for not removing the clutter. I need to get right on that!!!

No dining out this week other than dinner on Friday. I need to control the calories.

Goals for the week of April 18-24
1) In bed before 1130pm
2) Get to the gym 3 times this week
3) On average-1750 calories per day
4) Get rid of the goodwill clutter
5) Yoga twice this week
6) At least 10 minutes of activity every day this week
7) 5 fruits/veggies per day

Yoga=ouch!

Dear Yoga,
You kiced my ass again last night. Who knew that I had muscles in my rear end? We did yoga against a wall. Downward dog with our toes on the wall-my poor little wrists begging for mercy. I was able to lift one leg up onto the wall even though it wasn't very high. Doesn't matter that I couldn't stay that way long. What matters is that I did it. Twice! Once for each leg. I did a modified pigeon pose. I did downward dogs, then planks, then downward dogs again. I did warrior poses and held my leg up in the air longer and straighter than last week. You will not thwart me! I feel stronger than I have in years. I'll take the 2 days of pain. I'll take the stares of disbelief in my class as I hoist my 291 lb body up and down with all the physically fit.
Yoga-you will not beat me. You just make me want to try harder!

Weekly check-in

Goals for the week of April 4-10:
1) Drink 64oz of water per day
2) Walk around a lake twice this week
3) One other form of 30 minute exercise this week
4) Get a battery for my pedometer
5) Stay under 1750 calories per day this week
6) In bed by 11pm
7) Make a pot of steel cut oats for breakfasts this week

Well I'd have to say that 5 out of 7 ain't bad for me. I knew I would have a problem with getting in bed by 11pm so that one stays for this week as well. Maybe I should change it to 1130pm because it is getting easier to do that. I do know that since I've been exercising, sleep has been so much better. Of course it sucks when your kid leaves his helium balloon in the room and you suddenly wake up from a horrible dream because you think helicopters are attacking you. In actuality it was just the ceiling fan hitting the balloon over and over again.

Walking around the lake twice this week wasn't met either and I'm ok with that. I walked around the neighborhood, took a yoga class, and circuit trained. By Saturday I was exhausted. I spent 3 hours shopping and prepping food for this next week. Our refrigerator has never looked so good. Packed to the gills with yogurt, hummus, homemade ranch dip, carrots, grapes, oranges, etc. Saturday afternoon I hit a wall and couldn't bring myself to do anything but fold laundry and make dinner. Good thing hubby came home and with his last burst of energy, vacuumed and straightened the living room.

Goals for April 11-17:
1) Get in bed by 1130pm
2) See the inside of the gym three times this week
3) Get the clutter (goodwill clothes) out of my bedroom
4) One walk around the lake this week
5) Take Monkeyface out this week for an activity with me
6) Stay under 1750 calories per day (on average)
7) 8 fruits & veggies per day

I did not eat the cheesecake this week. They served it for 2 days. I did not eat the danishes or the doughnuts. I did not eat the tortilla around my soft taco. I did not snack at night. I went to the gym instead.
I also have not walked around the lake but I still have 3 days to get on that. I took a 25 minute walk around the neighborhood, a 60 minute yoga class, 30 minutes of circuit training and 15 minutes of cycling. Why do I ever not exercise?

Beyond expectations

Goals for the week of April 4-10:
1) Drink 64oz of water per day
2) Walk around a lake twice this week
3) One other form of 30 minute exercise this week
4) Get a battery for my pedometer
5) Stay under 1750 calories per day this week
6) In bed by 11pm
7) Make a pot of steel cut oats for breakfasts this week

I went to the gym last night for an hour long yoga class. It kicked my butt in ways I didn't know possible. I can feel the muscles in the back of my legs and arms. I forgot I had these but now that I can feel them, it's kinda awesome. I also forgot how amazing I feel afterwards. Completely relaxed and almost unable to talk coherently. It's safe to say that it's a little piece of bliss.
I'm also remembering how well my body responds when I start listening to it. I love having my mind and body in tune with one another instead of constantly battling. It's so exhausting to want to do something but continuously talking yourself out of it. Then the guilt...oh the guilt that follows because you aren't doing what you long to do. Why do I forget how much I hate excuses? I need to remind myself of this constantly. Think I'll sticky note my house.

Restarting my life

I think I'm going to have to ignore that people I know read this thing. I really need to write down what is going on in my head as I restart my weight loss journey.
I think I found it this weekend. It being my motivation. I was watching my son at gymnastics and I started thinking about the example I set for him. I make sure that he exercises at least 45-60 minutes per day but I don't do the same for myself. I make him choose healthy snacks such as fruit, string cheese, and yogurt but I don't do the same for myself. Why do I treat my son like he is worth more than I am? It hit me this weekend that I am not a good example. I'm doing the same thing my parents did and I always resented them for it. "Do as I say, not as I do" was something my mom said to me time and time again. I hated that they weren't being the example of what they expected of me. I'm not going to be the same.
I'm taking it slow and easy. I had kept my weight off up until the last 2 months and I've gained 7 of the 37lbs I lost. I'm taking those off plus 53 more at least by my birthday in October. I'm making 7 goals a week and trying my absolute best to abide by those.

Goals for the week of April 4-10:
1) Drink 64oz of water per day
2) Walk around a lake twice this week
3) One other form of 30 minute exercise this week
4) Get a battery for my pedometer
5) Stay under 1750 calories per day this week
6) In bed by 11pm
7) Make a pot of steel cut oats for breakfasts this week

That should be simple enough to accomplish and keep me on track. Little goals, little steps, little by little it will come off.

Taking it all in

It's 713pm on Tuesday, March 22. I've just finished cooking brinner (my kid's request). My four year old devoured 5 pieces of sausage, 3 eggs, and cheese grits. I'm wondering how I'm going to feed him this one when he's 11 going on 17. We're chilling out after a round of gymnastics and laughing. Little one is curled up next to his dad, leg draped over him as we all watch Dora the Explorer. It's kinda beautiful and I'm glad I stopped to take it all in.

What do you do when...?

Sometimes I need someone to be there for me. Sometimes I hate having to be the one to keep it all together. Sometimes I hate being the one with the smile on my face. Sometimes I need advice. Sometimes I just need someone to listen. Sometimes I just need someone to hold my hand and be quiet with me.
I feel a little lost lately. Like, I want to find answers but I don't even really know what the questions are. I feel like I'm just walking around in a huge circle and I want to hop off but I'm not sure how that is supposed to happen. I feel a huge calling back to my faith but I don't know how to go back to it. I've avoided it for so long and while organized religion is not necessarily for me, I do want to find a like minded, social justice motivated community of support. I miss having in depth, soul changing conversations. I miss having something to say other than "tired" when someone asks me how I am.
The truth is, I am tired. So, so tired.

Your moment of random today

I was standing by the stove tonight preparing dinner when suddenly I heard the back door open. I look up and saw a dog run into the house. Out loud I exclaim, "Oh! There's a dog in my house." I took off running to close the bedroom door where my hubby and little one were sleeping while the dog was running crazily around the house. I felt like I was stuck inside The Christmas Story.
All of a sudden a guy from the neighborhood stuck his head in the door and asked if I'd seen his dog. I said, "Yeah there's a dog in my house" so he darts in and tries to catch her. That didn't work either and she ran out of the house, through the back yard, around the front, and eventually across the creek and one street over.
Guess I've learned to shut my back door completely.

I feel like I should write this down

Monkeyface is in pre-school and every day I get a report on what he did with the class and then one little snippet about what he did as an individual.
On Monday Monkeyface and his friends took paddles, turned them into guitars, and proceeded to serenade one of the girls in the class. When I asked the teacher who it was, Monkeyface screamed out the girl's name. I asked him what she looked like and he said that she had long, yellow hair.

Oh Lord

Kindness-word of the year

Body
1) Eat nourishing food
I know this needs to be done and I need to take the time to plan my breakfasts and lunches as well as my dinners. I get so rushed at work sometimes that I forget to eat and then I'm starving so I just have a co-worker pick me up fast food. This does my body no good.

2) Move, move, move
I have a goal to walk a 5K this year as well as run one mile without stopping. That's a huge undertaking at my size and I need to start moving to do it. Working until 7pm is not the way to do it but this also the time of year that I earn most of my money. I have to set aside some time to at least move 15 minutes a day.

3) Solo dance party at least once a week, maybe more
I think it will do my body and soul some good to sneak away for a solo dance party every once in a while. I used to do it all the time before I was married. I miss it.

Mind
1) Read 50 books this year
I love to read more than any other activity in this world. I could lose myself in a book all day ever day if I had the time. I want to carve out at least 30 minutes a day to read. I miss reading as much as I used to.

2) Silence
I am surround by words all day long. I hear them, I write them, I read them, I speak them. I need to spend more time appreciating the lack of them. I am going to actively seek out comfortable silences. I'm going to spend some time closing my eyes and relaxing with absolutely no sound. I'm going to spend more time driving around listening to nothing.

Life
1) Simplify
I'm getting rid of clothes that I hope to never wear again. I'm getting rid of books that I'm never going to read again. I need to get rid of toys that are never going to be played with again. I'm tired of having so much stuff taking up my valuable space.

2) Organize
I desperately need functional furniture in our house. I need a dining room table that can hold more than 4 people comfortably. I need bookshelves for all of my child's lovely books. He deserves to have his toys "put in nice places" as he likes to tell me.

Marriage
1) Plan date nights
My hubby consistently amazes me by what he knows about me. Sometimes I feel like that I need to know him a little better. I'm going to try to schedule one date night a month. I'm going to need some help with this one but I also think I'll be just as happy if we order some take out and play a card game at home.

2) Speak well
Rarely will you hear me speak ill of my husband. I find that the little things don't bother me as much as the larger things amaze me. However, I do find myself snapping at him or passively aggressively insulting him when I am tired or upset. I'm going to try to take a moment to breathe and think before I speak. It's necessary.

Son
1) More planned activities
I used to plan things that we could do on the weekends but I have slipped out of that mode. I need to get back into that and plan at least one fun activity per day on the weekend. Memories need to be made.

2) More outdoor time
Now that he can actually walk for a mile, it's time we spend more time walking and exploring outside.

Friends
1) Birthday cards
I love getting and sending mail. I'm going to spend time thinking of my friends and sending them mail. Who doesn't love getting real mail?

2) More one on one time
I love my friends dearly but we always congregate and rarely spend time alone. My time is the most valuable thing to me and it's time I share a little more of it.

I have a few ideas for random acts of kindness. I love doing these. I'm also going to involve my son this year.

Golden Pork Chops

INGREDIENTS

* 3 pork chops
* 1/8 teaspoon seasoned salt
* 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 1/2 onion, chopped
* 1/4 cup fresh sliced mushrooms (or one 4 oz can)
* 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed golden mushroom soup

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Rinse pork chops, pat dry and place them in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
3. In a separate small bowl, combine the onion, mushrooms and soup. Mix together well and spoon over the chops.
4. Cover and bake at 375 degrees F for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for 15 more minutes. (Note: Time could be less or more depending on the thickness of the chops.) Pork chops are done when their internal temperature has reached 160 degrees F