Life is Good!
As I sit here in Hawaii at the Aulani resort...hubby is snoozing away, our friends are tucked away in their room next door, I sit here and reflect- I truly am blessed. Blessed with a career that I love, one that allows and requires me to travel to fun destinations. Blessed with an amazing husband who will travel the world with me- doesn't matter where, just as long as we are together. Blessed with wonderful friends.
As we are going through security this morning at SFO, Nolan sees us and shouts out, "Uncle Bill do you have your tablet?"...then later when we all catch up-- "Uncle Bill, you're the best Uncle EVER" - that sort of stuff just warms my heart. These kids love Bill so much, it's so awesome. Makes me sad on one side of things that we don't have kids of our own, but so happy that we have such amazing kids in our lives who really are such an important part of our lives. The vacation begins...Nolan of course wanted to sit with Uncle Bill, but his dad told him "No, let Uncle Bill sit with Auntie Pammie"....it all worked out. Great flight, great limo ride to the resort and great first night - except for the rain. Fortunately, we were given umbrellas to get ourselves back to our rooms after dinner. Service is the name of the game at Disney's Aulani Resort!
So I weighed in this morning and the scale said 166.6...this is progress!! Now hoping I can hang onto it through vacation and then keep it going once we get back. This puts me back at the 28 pound mark and still so close, yet so far from the elusive 30 mark! However, a milestone today- together Bill & I changed my belly ring! I have worn the same belly ring since I got my belly pierced 8 years ago! For awhile I was always afraid of changing it and then at one point I know that I didn't want to take it out for fear that I would not put it back in again-- I was fat and the belly ring didn't feel very comfy! Well about 3 years ago Janet gave me a Mickey Mouse belly button ring for Christmas...I am now wearing that belly button ring. My goal was to wear it at Disney's Aulani resort- Disney + beach = Mickey Mouse belly button ring! So far so good, it was a goal and I achieved it, as silly as it may sound.
Looking forward to our time here, it's a pretty amazing resort- I just hope the weather cooperates! It poured rain tonight...hopefully that is just a night thing! We found out that the Pro Bowl football players are staying at the JW Marriott next door, so excited that we may run into them at some point. We plan to dine there tomorrow night!
Well off to bed for me now...ALOHA!
Friday, January 27, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Burning the Midnight Oil...again!
Well, 130am and I should be going to bed, but have not blogged since sometime last week and had intended on doing so earlier. I will try to update as much as I can remember. The mind is a terrible thing to lose! I had a pretty grueling fitness week last week, teaching Body Pump 4 times in 3 days. Now that in an of itself wouldn't be bad, but it was all the new release and a new release always puts a hurt on you the first few times with days of rest in between! But it felt good to keep teaching it, but by Thursday night I was toast. In fact, it was a real struggle to get through that last class! I subbed a 6am class at PAC on Thursday and had a very nice chat with one of the members (Nancy) afterwards. She complimented me on how she loves my teaching style, that I cue perfectly and that my voice tone & volume is right where it belongs. She then went on to complain about other instructors who just scream at them. I just shake my head. I told her though that I would really appreciate her filling out a comment card for me and then I candidly said to her, "you pay a great deal of money each month for this membership- if you don't like instructors you need to have it be known." I would complain myself since I am a dues paying member, but I don't feel as though my complaints would hold much clout since I'd love to pick up a class there myself. I wouldn't want it to appear as though I have ulterior motives. That started out my day on a positive note and it was just a great day overall.
Friday I taught my spin class and had a new playlist. My class has been on the very small side lately and I don't know what to do about it. For a long time I was the #3 class in that time slot for attendance out of 5 classes during the week, but lately my class has been the lowest attended for awhile. It may be that another cardio format class was added about two months ago and I might have lost some people to that class and there could still be some lost to the holidays, but I am feeling a bit discouraged about it. My playlist received compliments, I wasn't really sure about it- but they said they liked it. I still may tweak it a bit.
The weekend had its ups & downs. We started the weekend early and headed over to Livermore to meet up with Janet, Scott, Diane & Mike for wine tasting. That was followed by cocktail hour with Marianne and her new boyfriend Dino at his house, then to a Crab feed. The night was great, lots of laughter and great friends! It will be my last crab feed as the alternative food sucked and actually made me a bit sick to my stomach. It was raining horribly and was the most treacherous drive home that I've ever experienced. Saturday I taught class, then checked out my nephews Robotics team work, did a bit of work and did a bit of shopping. We stayed in Saturday night, although would have liked to go dancing. We needed to rest up and conserve our energy to help cheer the 49ers onto the Super Bowl. However, Sunday's game vs. the NY Giants ended up in defeat in overtime and I was crushed! It was a heart-breaking loss after a season of such great memories and games! I think I've been in a bit of depression or call it the blues all day today from the game! Not just me, but many faithful fans have felt this way today. There will be next year! Can't wait!
Just finished updating my website with Cancun hotel reviews...just in time so that I can get the Disney Aulani Resort review posted once we get back. We leave Thursday and I can't wait. I'm not ready, I have a lot to get done in the next two days- but I will persevere, I always do!
Good News- the scale has started moving once again and I am almost at the 29 pound loss mark again...must be the start of a vacation weight mark! Fortunately, after this trip- we just have weekend getaways planned until May. That should give me plenty of time to get things jump started and get the weight loss journey to continue!
Well, 130am and I should be going to bed, but have not blogged since sometime last week and had intended on doing so earlier. I will try to update as much as I can remember. The mind is a terrible thing to lose! I had a pretty grueling fitness week last week, teaching Body Pump 4 times in 3 days. Now that in an of itself wouldn't be bad, but it was all the new release and a new release always puts a hurt on you the first few times with days of rest in between! But it felt good to keep teaching it, but by Thursday night I was toast. In fact, it was a real struggle to get through that last class! I subbed a 6am class at PAC on Thursday and had a very nice chat with one of the members (Nancy) afterwards. She complimented me on how she loves my teaching style, that I cue perfectly and that my voice tone & volume is right where it belongs. She then went on to complain about other instructors who just scream at them. I just shake my head. I told her though that I would really appreciate her filling out a comment card for me and then I candidly said to her, "you pay a great deal of money each month for this membership- if you don't like instructors you need to have it be known." I would complain myself since I am a dues paying member, but I don't feel as though my complaints would hold much clout since I'd love to pick up a class there myself. I wouldn't want it to appear as though I have ulterior motives. That started out my day on a positive note and it was just a great day overall.
Friday I taught my spin class and had a new playlist. My class has been on the very small side lately and I don't know what to do about it. For a long time I was the #3 class in that time slot for attendance out of 5 classes during the week, but lately my class has been the lowest attended for awhile. It may be that another cardio format class was added about two months ago and I might have lost some people to that class and there could still be some lost to the holidays, but I am feeling a bit discouraged about it. My playlist received compliments, I wasn't really sure about it- but they said they liked it. I still may tweak it a bit.
The weekend had its ups & downs. We started the weekend early and headed over to Livermore to meet up with Janet, Scott, Diane & Mike for wine tasting. That was followed by cocktail hour with Marianne and her new boyfriend Dino at his house, then to a Crab feed. The night was great, lots of laughter and great friends! It will be my last crab feed as the alternative food sucked and actually made me a bit sick to my stomach. It was raining horribly and was the most treacherous drive home that I've ever experienced. Saturday I taught class, then checked out my nephews Robotics team work, did a bit of work and did a bit of shopping. We stayed in Saturday night, although would have liked to go dancing. We needed to rest up and conserve our energy to help cheer the 49ers onto the Super Bowl. However, Sunday's game vs. the NY Giants ended up in defeat in overtime and I was crushed! It was a heart-breaking loss after a season of such great memories and games! I think I've been in a bit of depression or call it the blues all day today from the game! Not just me, but many faithful fans have felt this way today. There will be next year! Can't wait!
Just finished updating my website with Cancun hotel reviews...just in time so that I can get the Disney Aulani Resort review posted once we get back. We leave Thursday and I can't wait. I'm not ready, I have a lot to get done in the next two days- but I will persevere, I always do!
Good News- the scale has started moving once again and I am almost at the 29 pound loss mark again...must be the start of a vacation weight mark! Fortunately, after this trip- we just have weekend getaways planned until May. That should give me plenty of time to get things jump started and get the weight loss journey to continue!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Stronger!
It has been a series of "light bulb" moments- having measured myself the other day and realizing that yes I am losing inches- even though the scale is not cooperating with the number. But it's just pretty amazing how you start to notice things. I subbed Yoga last night and was amazed that when it came time to do Chaturanga, I did not have to go down to my knees....three times we did it and I was on my toes with my elbows tucked in close each time. That is a direct result of Body Pump and the strength that I've built, the muscle that I've built. It has been a long time since I've been able to do that pose on my toes. I almost wanted to shout out during class, but did not- that would not be very yoga-like.
Today, I was extremely sore from yoga - all over: butt, arms, legs, chest....but I didn't let that stop me. Went for a very brisk walk with Diane this evening (it was cold) and then off to teach Body Pump- have not taught or taken Body Pump since Thursday...so I am sore even more...and this is just the tip of the iceberg. I received a last minute request to sub 7am for a sick instructor and I was already subbing 6am on Thursday in addition to my normal 630pm class. A new release is never easy and to teach it 4 times in 3 days- Yowza. I should be burnt toast by Thursday night! But it "hurts so good"!
I had a big class tonight at Gold's (big for the norm) and had 3 new to Pump people. First time teaching 80 to this group, although a few of them had 80 on Saturday when Michele subbed for me. They did very well and I was so proud of them!
I had another Dr. appointment today. My Primary had suggested that I go see a Dermatologist just to get a baseline on my skin and check for any odd growths, etc. that could potentially lead to skin cancer. Good news- nothing to worry about and it was a fairly easy appointment. The Dr. had a very unusual last name and when we spoke of it- I told him that I had encountered that name once before when I had a Business Law class at CSM and he says "yep, that's my mom" How crazy is that? Was just a bit funny that I firstly remember a Professor from 1984 and that her son is now my Dermatologist! Feels good to have a good report card.
Today, I also did a few good deeds- "giving for the sake of giving". I went to 6 stores today in search of 49er wear for my nieces/nephews' kids. I was successful- getting a little here and there at 4 different stores. So one package went out today to my niece Danielle for her two kids Trinity & Logan and the other package will go out tomorrow to Jenifer for her baby MacKenzie and her niece (who lives with her) Tori. They will all be appropriately decked out for Sunday's Championship Game! I'm getting super excited for Sunday....the City is starting to show the 49er Colors!
It has been a series of "light bulb" moments- having measured myself the other day and realizing that yes I am losing inches- even though the scale is not cooperating with the number. But it's just pretty amazing how you start to notice things. I subbed Yoga last night and was amazed that when it came time to do Chaturanga, I did not have to go down to my knees....three times we did it and I was on my toes with my elbows tucked in close each time. That is a direct result of Body Pump and the strength that I've built, the muscle that I've built. It has been a long time since I've been able to do that pose on my toes. I almost wanted to shout out during class, but did not- that would not be very yoga-like.
Today, I was extremely sore from yoga - all over: butt, arms, legs, chest....but I didn't let that stop me. Went for a very brisk walk with Diane this evening (it was cold) and then off to teach Body Pump- have not taught or taken Body Pump since Thursday...so I am sore even more...and this is just the tip of the iceberg. I received a last minute request to sub 7am for a sick instructor and I was already subbing 6am on Thursday in addition to my normal 630pm class. A new release is never easy and to teach it 4 times in 3 days- Yowza. I should be burnt toast by Thursday night! But it "hurts so good"!
I had a big class tonight at Gold's (big for the norm) and had 3 new to Pump people. First time teaching 80 to this group, although a few of them had 80 on Saturday when Michele subbed for me. They did very well and I was so proud of them!
I had another Dr. appointment today. My Primary had suggested that I go see a Dermatologist just to get a baseline on my skin and check for any odd growths, etc. that could potentially lead to skin cancer. Good news- nothing to worry about and it was a fairly easy appointment. The Dr. had a very unusual last name and when we spoke of it- I told him that I had encountered that name once before when I had a Business Law class at CSM and he says "yep, that's my mom" How crazy is that? Was just a bit funny that I firstly remember a Professor from 1984 and that her son is now my Dermatologist! Feels good to have a good report card.
Today, I also did a few good deeds- "giving for the sake of giving". I went to 6 stores today in search of 49er wear for my nieces/nephews' kids. I was successful- getting a little here and there at 4 different stores. So one package went out today to my niece Danielle for her two kids Trinity & Logan and the other package will go out tomorrow to Jenifer for her baby MacKenzie and her niece (who lives with her) Tori. They will all be appropriately decked out for Sunday's Championship Game! I'm getting super excited for Sunday....the City is starting to show the 49er Colors!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Detour....
Ok, so I thought 7 weekly points were a good safety net, but that was before today unraveled. I guess I need to be more realistic that I don't have a lot of control over weekends and should not count my extra points before Monday! Oh well, life happens and I'm having the time of my life.
Made it to church this morning and I am so happy to be part of a community that celebrates life. I can't begin to count the number of people wearing "49er red" to church today, the greeting on the big screen was a photo of Smith running in his touchdown from yesterdays game and Pastor Eric even commented on how great it was to see everyone in church today after such a great game yesterday. This is why I LOVE my church, it's REAL....it's about day to day life and yes- when your home team is advancing in the playoffs, it's real, it's life, it's noteworthy! Great service!
We then had an informal appointment for a Spray Tan at Diane's house. Janet has a side business of spray tanning, so she came over to spray, Bill, Diane, Molly & myself. It really works! I'm amazed at how tan we all got with one application! Crazy! Well, that turned into an invite from Mike to stay around and watch the Giants/Packers game- the pivotal game that would determine if the 49ers host next weekend or traveled to Green Bay - Well- the Giants won, so we get to attend another Playoff game- THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME, THE LAST GAME BEFORE THE SUPER BOWL!!!! I am beyond excited. Of course, that led to a dinner invitation and Mike made fabulour cornish game hens stuffed with wild rice! He's such an amazing cook! Delicious dinner with Diane, Mike, Molly & Andy...lots of laughs & good times! Finished off dinner with a game of "Mexican Train" which is a domino game. We had a good time.
So on the WW front- well my weekly points are gone because game watching was accompanied with chips/dip, etc. Oh and wine...a day where wine started flowing at 3pm! Just means I will work extra hard this week. Life does happen....and I'm having the time of my life! Great friends, good times...I am blessed!
Ok, so I thought 7 weekly points were a good safety net, but that was before today unraveled. I guess I need to be more realistic that I don't have a lot of control over weekends and should not count my extra points before Monday! Oh well, life happens and I'm having the time of my life.
Made it to church this morning and I am so happy to be part of a community that celebrates life. I can't begin to count the number of people wearing "49er red" to church today, the greeting on the big screen was a photo of Smith running in his touchdown from yesterdays game and Pastor Eric even commented on how great it was to see everyone in church today after such a great game yesterday. This is why I LOVE my church, it's REAL....it's about day to day life and yes- when your home team is advancing in the playoffs, it's real, it's life, it's noteworthy! Great service!
We then had an informal appointment for a Spray Tan at Diane's house. Janet has a side business of spray tanning, so she came over to spray, Bill, Diane, Molly & myself. It really works! I'm amazed at how tan we all got with one application! Crazy! Well, that turned into an invite from Mike to stay around and watch the Giants/Packers game- the pivotal game that would determine if the 49ers host next weekend or traveled to Green Bay - Well- the Giants won, so we get to attend another Playoff game- THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME, THE LAST GAME BEFORE THE SUPER BOWL!!!! I am beyond excited. Of course, that led to a dinner invitation and Mike made fabulour cornish game hens stuffed with wild rice! He's such an amazing cook! Delicious dinner with Diane, Mike, Molly & Andy...lots of laughs & good times! Finished off dinner with a game of "Mexican Train" which is a domino game. We had a good time.
So on the WW front- well my weekly points are gone because game watching was accompanied with chips/dip, etc. Oh and wine...a day where wine started flowing at 3pm! Just means I will work extra hard this week. Life does happen....and I'm having the time of my life! Great friends, good times...I am blessed!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Light Bulb Moment...
Well, first of all- I am on a cloud...cloud 49!!! The 49er game today was absolutely off the hook, crazy fun and we go to the next round of the playoffs- the last stop before the Super Bowl--who would have thunk??!! Exciting, fun, amazing.....there just aren't enough adjectives to describe today!
Ok, so to get on topic here- weight loss. I weighed in yesterday at home and again this morning and I have been gaining and losing the same 3-4 pounds over and over again since October 20th. I get it- I know that we have had trips, we have had birthdays, holidays, etc. I have been working my ass off at the gym and/or outside walking- so I was starting to get a bit discouraged (in my head)...and then I thought this morning that maybe I'd take measurements and see where those are at this time. The last time I measured myself was 9/23/2011- I weighed 169. Today I weighed in at 168.8- so almost the same weight. HOWEVER, I have lost 1/4 inch in my chest, 3/4 inch in my waist, 2 inches around my belly, 3/4 inch around the hips, 1/4 inch on the calves and about 1/2 inch around my neck. So it would appear right now that I am the victim of muscle weighs more than fat. I am losing inches and ultimately that is what counts. My size 10 jeans fit, I don't have to cram myself into them - in fact right now they are actually a bit roomy...so gee am I closer to getting into the size 8's? I don't know.
The plan- so I am going to keep pushing, keep working out and try to diversify. I have 12 days until we are Oahu bound and that will be 4 days in a bikini! I intend to make this the first week in a very long time that I do not dip into my activity points. I feel like this is actually possible right now- it's Saturday night and I have 7 weekly points left. I don't have any "dining out" plans and I am hoping to plan a few meals and be able to keep the points under control. I want to see the scale move. I know I should not put a lot of stock in the number on the scale!
So tonight, I will be going to bed one tired but happy girl. I am losing where it counts and my beloved 49ers are headed to the final round of playoffs before the Super Bowl. My dad would be so proud. It's funny as an adult, I truly do enjoy sports - my home teams of the Giants & 49ers and my love for these teams always seems to keep me connected to my dad. He may not have been able to witness a SF Giants World Series while he was alive, but he did get to witness and live through the "Team of the 80's"- he'd be so excited & proud of the 49ers for this season! I have such fond memories of watching the games in the 80's with my dad...good times!
Well, first of all- I am on a cloud...cloud 49!!! The 49er game today was absolutely off the hook, crazy fun and we go to the next round of the playoffs- the last stop before the Super Bowl--who would have thunk??!! Exciting, fun, amazing.....there just aren't enough adjectives to describe today!
Ok, so to get on topic here- weight loss. I weighed in yesterday at home and again this morning and I have been gaining and losing the same 3-4 pounds over and over again since October 20th. I get it- I know that we have had trips, we have had birthdays, holidays, etc. I have been working my ass off at the gym and/or outside walking- so I was starting to get a bit discouraged (in my head)...and then I thought this morning that maybe I'd take measurements and see where those are at this time. The last time I measured myself was 9/23/2011- I weighed 169. Today I weighed in at 168.8- so almost the same weight. HOWEVER, I have lost 1/4 inch in my chest, 3/4 inch in my waist, 2 inches around my belly, 3/4 inch around the hips, 1/4 inch on the calves and about 1/2 inch around my neck. So it would appear right now that I am the victim of muscle weighs more than fat. I am losing inches and ultimately that is what counts. My size 10 jeans fit, I don't have to cram myself into them - in fact right now they are actually a bit roomy...so gee am I closer to getting into the size 8's? I don't know.
The plan- so I am going to keep pushing, keep working out and try to diversify. I have 12 days until we are Oahu bound and that will be 4 days in a bikini! I intend to make this the first week in a very long time that I do not dip into my activity points. I feel like this is actually possible right now- it's Saturday night and I have 7 weekly points left. I don't have any "dining out" plans and I am hoping to plan a few meals and be able to keep the points under control. I want to see the scale move. I know I should not put a lot of stock in the number on the scale!
So tonight, I will be going to bed one tired but happy girl. I am losing where it counts and my beloved 49ers are headed to the final round of playoffs before the Super Bowl. My dad would be so proud. It's funny as an adult, I truly do enjoy sports - my home teams of the Giants & 49ers and my love for these teams always seems to keep me connected to my dad. He may not have been able to witness a SF Giants World Series while he was alive, but he did get to witness and live through the "Team of the 80's"- he'd be so excited & proud of the 49ers for this season! I have such fond memories of watching the games in the 80's with my dad...good times!
Friday, January 13, 2012
You Reap what you Sow....thank you Body Pump!
I've been struggling these past few days in a variety of ways. But what has been getting my goat is one miserable, horrible person who does not know when to stop. I have been pretty blessed in my life to be surrounded by positive, loving, caring, decent people and I have almost always been a good judge of character. With the exception of one time. (& no, I am not talking about my ex-husband, he's actually a very good person who made some bad decisions- it happens to the best of us) So yesterday, I was so disgusted, pissed off, livid, ....(pick an adjective) with this thing (she is not even a person to be honest)...that I could barely breathe and I found myself enjoying the show "Revenge". The truth of the matter though is that I am a good person and don't have a mean bone in my body, so although I'd love to seek revenge and would like to wish horrible things - I am forced to remember that I am a Christian woman first & foremost. As I have been struggling with this, today as I was running through Body Pump one more time before launching it at F101, the lyrics, "you reap what you sow" during the ab track stood out and actually helped to bring me a sense of peace and put me back on track once again. Thank you Body Pump!
"You reap what you sow".....actions have consequences. Same thing has "karma", "what goes around comes around", doesn't matter what religion you practice, there seems to be a name for this. And I do know that it is true. For those of us who have been wronged, we just need to keep the faith - even when it seems so hopeless that in time, wrongs will be made right. It's not an easy lesson to learn and it seems that it is a lesson that I have to keep on relearning. Patience.
So enough about this topic...Good Lord, please keep me in check- I leave this in YOUR hands. I trust and have faith that you have a plan and that everything will work out just fine.
NEXT Topic....Weight loss...or lack thereof. So I seem to have hit a serious wall and am not happy about it. It has taken quite a bit of time to try to rebound from the vacation-holiday weeks of eating and eating and eating. Of course, I am thankful that I have not gained weight. I know that I have not been the best "eater"...but I have been working out. Diane & I have been walking almost everyday which has been awesome- we have had fabulous January weather! So this got me to start thinking...I am teaching Body Pump 3 x a week, have been taking it or practicing it a few more times these past few weeks getting ready for launch. Walking, spinning....so I'm thinking that it's probably time to change things up and toss in something new...but what? That is the problem, I just don't know what else to do (activity wise). However, even though I have lost and gained the same 3-4 pounds since October 20th over and over again, my size 10 jeans still fit. So there is always the theory of the fact that I'm building more muscle because of all the weight lifting. Sigh.
Was hoping to have a better bikini body for Hawaii in two weeks vs. the Cancun bikini body- but sadly it's about the same..so now my next bikini goal is for May and hopefully with zero huge events/parties/holidays I can keep on track and get on the losing train once again. I think going to WW meetings might also help to refocus....of course the meeting I like to attend is 745am on Fridays- it's now after midnight on Thursday- what is the likelihood that I will get up that early?
I've been struggling these past few days in a variety of ways. But what has been getting my goat is one miserable, horrible person who does not know when to stop. I have been pretty blessed in my life to be surrounded by positive, loving, caring, decent people and I have almost always been a good judge of character. With the exception of one time. (& no, I am not talking about my ex-husband, he's actually a very good person who made some bad decisions- it happens to the best of us) So yesterday, I was so disgusted, pissed off, livid, ....(pick an adjective) with this thing (she is not even a person to be honest)...that I could barely breathe and I found myself enjoying the show "Revenge". The truth of the matter though is that I am a good person and don't have a mean bone in my body, so although I'd love to seek revenge and would like to wish horrible things - I am forced to remember that I am a Christian woman first & foremost. As I have been struggling with this, today as I was running through Body Pump one more time before launching it at F101, the lyrics, "you reap what you sow" during the ab track stood out and actually helped to bring me a sense of peace and put me back on track once again. Thank you Body Pump!
"You reap what you sow".....actions have consequences. Same thing has "karma", "what goes around comes around", doesn't matter what religion you practice, there seems to be a name for this. And I do know that it is true. For those of us who have been wronged, we just need to keep the faith - even when it seems so hopeless that in time, wrongs will be made right. It's not an easy lesson to learn and it seems that it is a lesson that I have to keep on relearning. Patience.
So enough about this topic...Good Lord, please keep me in check- I leave this in YOUR hands. I trust and have faith that you have a plan and that everything will work out just fine.
NEXT Topic....Weight loss...or lack thereof. So I seem to have hit a serious wall and am not happy about it. It has taken quite a bit of time to try to rebound from the vacation-holiday weeks of eating and eating and eating. Of course, I am thankful that I have not gained weight. I know that I have not been the best "eater"...but I have been working out. Diane & I have been walking almost everyday which has been awesome- we have had fabulous January weather! So this got me to start thinking...I am teaching Body Pump 3 x a week, have been taking it or practicing it a few more times these past few weeks getting ready for launch. Walking, spinning....so I'm thinking that it's probably time to change things up and toss in something new...but what? That is the problem, I just don't know what else to do (activity wise). However, even though I have lost and gained the same 3-4 pounds since October 20th over and over again, my size 10 jeans still fit. So there is always the theory of the fact that I'm building more muscle because of all the weight lifting. Sigh.
Was hoping to have a better bikini body for Hawaii in two weeks vs. the Cancun bikini body- but sadly it's about the same..so now my next bikini goal is for May and hopefully with zero huge events/parties/holidays I can keep on track and get on the losing train once again. I think going to WW meetings might also help to refocus....of course the meeting I like to attend is 745am on Fridays- it's now after midnight on Thursday- what is the likelihood that I will get up that early?
Monday, January 09, 2012
New Year is off & running!!
Almost 10 days into 2012 and so far no complaints. The first week of work was very steady but not furiously crazy, which was nice. First weekend of the year, totally fun!! Had a great time dancing Friday night, we arrived late "for us", but it was so nice to receive such a warm welcome from so many friends! Bill's friend Joe came with us again and he even tried to do a line dance. The place is contagious! We darn near closed the place down, super fun night! Saturday after I taught my Body Pump class, I was going to get a lot done in the office; however, we got a last minute invitation from Diane & Mike to come watch the evening playoff game and BBQ with friends. Love impromptu plans - we had a great night with great friends! The weather was beautiful, so we actually spent a good deal of time outside by the fire! Makes me yearn for summer in a BIG way!
Sunday I got up early and headed for the OFJCC to take Body Pump. I knew that they had launched the new release on Saturday and i wanted a "run through" as a participant before teaching BP80. So glad I did, it makes all the difference. I spent the rest of the day going over my choreography notes over and over and over again. Managed to sneak away for a bit to go for a walk with Janet. Had my first walk at The Stanford Dish in Palo Alto-- a nice 3.5 mile loop, plus to/from the parking lot made for a good 4.5 mile walk. Janet was a trooper, although the hills were new to her coming from Modesto! Went to bed early enough, but didn't sleep well because I kept dreaming of Body Pump music, got up early so that I could run through the music/notes one more time before giving it my all for 7am BP at OFJCC. It went well, but I am super sore now after doing the release two days in a row, plus walking close to 8 miles in two days.
Have been very reflective lately of life & friendships. Have had multiple discussions about friendships with Diane. Funny we both have our "Achilles heel" friendships- you know the "friends" who continue to disappoint or continue to be disrespectful. Just brings me back to this poem about friends are in your life for reasons, seasons & lifetimes:
Almost 10 days into 2012 and so far no complaints. The first week of work was very steady but not furiously crazy, which was nice. First weekend of the year, totally fun!! Had a great time dancing Friday night, we arrived late "for us", but it was so nice to receive such a warm welcome from so many friends! Bill's friend Joe came with us again and he even tried to do a line dance. The place is contagious! We darn near closed the place down, super fun night! Saturday after I taught my Body Pump class, I was going to get a lot done in the office; however, we got a last minute invitation from Diane & Mike to come watch the evening playoff game and BBQ with friends. Love impromptu plans - we had a great night with great friends! The weather was beautiful, so we actually spent a good deal of time outside by the fire! Makes me yearn for summer in a BIG way!
Sunday I got up early and headed for the OFJCC to take Body Pump. I knew that they had launched the new release on Saturday and i wanted a "run through" as a participant before teaching BP80. So glad I did, it makes all the difference. I spent the rest of the day going over my choreography notes over and over and over again. Managed to sneak away for a bit to go for a walk with Janet. Had my first walk at The Stanford Dish in Palo Alto-- a nice 3.5 mile loop, plus to/from the parking lot made for a good 4.5 mile walk. Janet was a trooper, although the hills were new to her coming from Modesto! Went to bed early enough, but didn't sleep well because I kept dreaming of Body Pump music, got up early so that I could run through the music/notes one more time before giving it my all for 7am BP at OFJCC. It went well, but I am super sore now after doing the release two days in a row, plus walking close to 8 miles in two days.
Have been very reflective lately of life & friendships. Have had multiple discussions about friendships with Diane. Funny we both have our "Achilles heel" friendships- you know the "friends" who continue to disappoint or continue to be disrespectful. Just brings me back to this poem about friends are in your life for reasons, seasons & lifetimes:
Reason, Season, or Lifetime
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you figure out which one it is,
you will know what to do for each person.
When you figure out which one it is,
you will know what to do for each person.
When someone is in your life for a REASON,
it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty;
to provide you with guidance and support;
to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend, and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty;
to provide you with guidance and support;
to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend, and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON,
because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it. It is real. But only for a season.
because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it. It is real. But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;
things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person,
and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person,
and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
— Unknown
I have always loved this poem and it's worth reviewing every once in awhile. I am slowly coming to peace with my "reason/season" friend- still not sure what she was...but it is becoming clear that by her own choice she won't be a lifetime friend- which is sad. She had made her choice based on information she has received from drama that doesn't even concern her OR is it something entirely different? I really don't know. But it does seem as though she has chosen a side in the drama and although it is disappointing on one level....on the other side why would I want to remain friends with someone who can come to a conclusion and push away without doing all their due diligence? without getting all the facts? without asking for my side of the situation? I think that is the fact that I need to find peace with and realize that they perhaps never were the friend that I thought they were going to be. Acceptance can be a tough task!
Friday, January 06, 2012
Not even sure where to begin....
I can't believe that I have not blogged since 12/21- what is that 2-3 weeks! Yikes! Well, we had really great holidays with friends & family. The first holiday weekend (Christmas) started with a great dinner out in S.F. with 3 of my friends from 1st grade to celebrate Diana's birthday - she always gets ripped off in the celebration department with her birthday being so close to Christmas. We had a really great visit & dinner. Daniela was here from Italy- so it was great to see her & her husband. After dinner we went to the Fairmont Hotel to have an after dinner drink and it was great to see all the festive decorations. The hotel had an amazing gingerbread house in the lobby & a very grand tree!.
It wasn't dancing on a Friday night, but time with friends that you've known for almost 30 years is priceless. I feel truly blessed to still be friends with these girls! We've shared a LOT over the years!!
Christmas Eve started with a great 4 mile walk by myself before teaching Body Pump- my effort to fight preemptively the calories to be consumed. Picked up mom and we prepared for Christmas dinner. Fortunately, I had already prepped a great deal Friday night after coming home from dinner in SF. We had our "celebration" with the McClymond Family that afternoon - the kids LOVED their gifts. Brynn was very excited to receive my "hand me down" camera, even though it wasn't technically a Christmas gift, I think it was her favorite. Nolan went crazy over his remote Monster truck & Brooklyn adored her new "baby" - she also enjoyed rearranging the snowmen on our stairs! I went to church and then we had dinner at Steve's house- the traditional Spaghetti dinner- YUM!
It was great to finally see all of the improvements he's made on his house- it's so amazing and I hope and pray each day that he gets some serious offers soon. The bankruptcy courts have been very accommodating thus far and there have been a lot of interested parties visiting during Open House, but I think many want to see the finished product. It's looking really nice though- I'm really proud of all that he's done to the place. Hoping that 2012 is a darn GREAT year for the Harper Family, specifically the "male" part of the family- he desperately needs a break. I really don't know how much more he can take. I also pray that some new health developments don't cause problems.
After dinner, we took mom to see the lights at Eucalyptus Ave. and I think she enjoyed seeing them. We then came home and had our Bailey's Coffees, watched "White Christmas" and exchanged our gifts. Mom loved her gifts- the expected ones and the surprise ones. Bill surprised me with a super techie camera with lenses, etc. What a fun gift and I'm enjoying it thoroughly! Bill's best and biggest gift was backordered, but it came a few days after the holiday and he loves his new Tablet! He loved all his other gifts too- some great TB shirts, 49er hat that he has not stopped wearing. Finally to bed and then up early on Christmas Day to get cooking! We had our visit with the Barron family and the girls loved their Barbie Camper! I love seeing the happy faces! Then my family came over and we did our gift exchanges...I was pretty excited to see everyone open the special gifts. I think we were all pleased with our treasures. :) The family left around 10pm and I think I finally melted into bed around 1am after sorting through all my pictures off my new camera! Day after was an early day for me to teach 7am Body Pump, but I relaxed the rest of the day. Janet & her kids came over that afternoon and we did our gift exchange.
Mom stayed with us until Wednesday- but we really didn't do much except for lounging and I worked a little bit. Got my office all set up and cleaned out and ready for 2012. We watched movies on netflix, took naps and just enjoyed the down time. Bill was off work- which rarely happens that we are both "off" and home. It was nice. We took mom home with a few stops along the way to SF and once she was settled headed to the Saddle rack for our 1st of 3 nights dancing in a row. We had 3 great nights of dancing to start ringing in the new year! Thursday we had our last "Christmas get together" with the Semkes...had a wonderful brunch with great friends. Gabriel is such an adorable little boy and so fun to watch. Jocelyn & Dan are such great parents! So proud of them!
New Years Eve was spent at Janet & Scott's, they decided to have a party and it was a BLAST!! We stayed there until almost 130am, which for NYE is almost unheard of for us. Great time ringing in the new year with my best friend from college and her honey. Lots of dancing too!
The Holidays & Weight Watchers....well not as successful as I might have wanted, but I enjoyed, I ate, I drank and I worked out- A LOT!! I have not lost weight, but I have not gained either. New year, new goals and still more weight to lose- but I have learned to accept the slow & steady. I had my physical with my Dr. and she was pleased with my weight loss, called me "fit" and took all the routine blood work and everything came back normal. She did say that my ovaries are contemplating "retirement" based on one test- my level was 41 and anything over 40 suggests peri-menopause. No big surprise here, pretty much expected that answer.
The new year has kicked off well. I have helped my nephew submit his college applications to 7 colleges & universities, so now we wait to hear from them and see where he may end up. I am seriously proud of him and am having fun learning more about him through his essays and opinions. He's definitely my nephew when he answers his favorite food as "Mac N cheese"- LOL. I can't believe that I have a nephew old enough to go to college. But I am excited to use my new camera at his graduation in June!
I feel as though I have so much more to write--but am seriously all over the place in my thoughts right now, so I think it may be wise to hit the hay and resume writing another day with a focus on a topic.
I can't believe that I have not blogged since 12/21- what is that 2-3 weeks! Yikes! Well, we had really great holidays with friends & family. The first holiday weekend (Christmas) started with a great dinner out in S.F. with 3 of my friends from 1st grade to celebrate Diana's birthday - she always gets ripped off in the celebration department with her birthday being so close to Christmas. We had a really great visit & dinner. Daniela was here from Italy- so it was great to see her & her husband. After dinner we went to the Fairmont Hotel to have an after dinner drink and it was great to see all the festive decorations. The hotel had an amazing gingerbread house in the lobby & a very grand tree!.
Christmas Eve started with a great 4 mile walk by myself before teaching Body Pump- my effort to fight preemptively the calories to be consumed. Picked up mom and we prepared for Christmas dinner. Fortunately, I had already prepped a great deal Friday night after coming home from dinner in SF. We had our "celebration" with the McClymond Family that afternoon - the kids LOVED their gifts. Brynn was very excited to receive my "hand me down" camera, even though it wasn't technically a Christmas gift, I think it was her favorite. Nolan went crazy over his remote Monster truck & Brooklyn adored her new "baby" - she also enjoyed rearranging the snowmen on our stairs! I went to church and then we had dinner at Steve's house- the traditional Spaghetti dinner- YUM!
It was great to finally see all of the improvements he's made on his house- it's so amazing and I hope and pray each day that he gets some serious offers soon. The bankruptcy courts have been very accommodating thus far and there have been a lot of interested parties visiting during Open House, but I think many want to see the finished product. It's looking really nice though- I'm really proud of all that he's done to the place. Hoping that 2012 is a darn GREAT year for the Harper Family, specifically the "male" part of the family- he desperately needs a break. I really don't know how much more he can take. I also pray that some new health developments don't cause problems.
After dinner, we took mom to see the lights at Eucalyptus Ave. and I think she enjoyed seeing them. We then came home and had our Bailey's Coffees, watched "White Christmas" and exchanged our gifts. Mom loved her gifts- the expected ones and the surprise ones. Bill surprised me with a super techie camera with lenses, etc. What a fun gift and I'm enjoying it thoroughly! Bill's best and biggest gift was backordered, but it came a few days after the holiday and he loves his new Tablet! He loved all his other gifts too- some great TB shirts, 49er hat that he has not stopped wearing. Finally to bed and then up early on Christmas Day to get cooking! We had our visit with the Barron family and the girls loved their Barbie Camper! I love seeing the happy faces! Then my family came over and we did our gift exchanges...I was pretty excited to see everyone open the special gifts. I think we were all pleased with our treasures. :) The family left around 10pm and I think I finally melted into bed around 1am after sorting through all my pictures off my new camera! Day after was an early day for me to teach 7am Body Pump, but I relaxed the rest of the day. Janet & her kids came over that afternoon and we did our gift exchange.
Mom stayed with us until Wednesday- but we really didn't do much except for lounging and I worked a little bit. Got my office all set up and cleaned out and ready for 2012. We watched movies on netflix, took naps and just enjoyed the down time. Bill was off work- which rarely happens that we are both "off" and home. It was nice. We took mom home with a few stops along the way to SF and once she was settled headed to the Saddle rack for our 1st of 3 nights dancing in a row. We had 3 great nights of dancing to start ringing in the new year! Thursday we had our last "Christmas get together" with the Semkes...had a wonderful brunch with great friends. Gabriel is such an adorable little boy and so fun to watch. Jocelyn & Dan are such great parents! So proud of them!
New Years Eve was spent at Janet & Scott's, they decided to have a party and it was a BLAST!! We stayed there until almost 130am, which for NYE is almost unheard of for us. Great time ringing in the new year with my best friend from college and her honey. Lots of dancing too!
The Holidays & Weight Watchers....well not as successful as I might have wanted, but I enjoyed, I ate, I drank and I worked out- A LOT!! I have not lost weight, but I have not gained either. New year, new goals and still more weight to lose- but I have learned to accept the slow & steady. I had my physical with my Dr. and she was pleased with my weight loss, called me "fit" and took all the routine blood work and everything came back normal. She did say that my ovaries are contemplating "retirement" based on one test- my level was 41 and anything over 40 suggests peri-menopause. No big surprise here, pretty much expected that answer.
The new year has kicked off well. I have helped my nephew submit his college applications to 7 colleges & universities, so now we wait to hear from them and see where he may end up. I am seriously proud of him and am having fun learning more about him through his essays and opinions. He's definitely my nephew when he answers his favorite food as "Mac N cheese"- LOL. I can't believe that I have a nephew old enough to go to college. But I am excited to use my new camera at his graduation in June!
I feel as though I have so much more to write--but am seriously all over the place in my thoughts right now, so I think it may be wise to hit the hay and resume writing another day with a focus on a topic.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
I am thoroughly enjoying this Holiday Season!
It has been a busy couple of days. Guess I'll start out at the beginning. Had a FABULOUS weekend. It started out rough, I slept like crap Thursday night- woke up at 3am thanks to a stupid solicitation phone call and I never really slept well after that. I tried to get a sub for my spin class because I felt like just then at 8am I could have slept so hard. I was unsuccessful, so got to class and gave it my all- which was tough! Thought a nap was in order during the day, but I was busy as could be.
Bill & I met his friend Joe for dinner at Claim Jumpers and had a really nice time. It was so cool to see Bill & Joe reminisce- they had not seen each other since Bill was 18 years old. We then took Joe to the Saddle Rack and had an amazing night of dance. No drama, no nasty people - just a good night of fun, fun, fun times. I have not had that good of a night in a looooooooooooooong time! It was great! Saturday's back to back Body Pump classes were both good, felt good to be up and moving, but by the time I got home I was not motivated to do anything but relax- which is exactly what I did. We had my sister's Christmas party Saturday night and Ms. Organized here forgot the White Elephant gifts- so we ended up stopping at Safeway to buy new ones. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr! We had a good time with my sister's friends, although the party seemed to end a bit abruptly- have not had a chance to talk to her about that.
Sunday I made it to church & delivered the donation teddy bears to Redeemer and then we headed off to the Carlson Brunch at Janette's house. That was a really fun time. Good group of people and we ended up taking home some good gifts. The time just flew and before you knew it we had to leave and rush home to get ready for some much needed massages. I completely melted into the massage table and fell asleep! Great end to a great weekend!
This week has been so much fun- we went to the 49er game Monday night and it was an AWESOME game and the Niners kicked some Steeler butt!! It was probably one of the better games that I've been to in a while and we had such a good time. The weather could not have been any better - we just really had a blast. Diablo Road was playing outside the stadium before the game, so we hung out with some friends from the Saddle Rack and watched the show- fun times! Nice dinner out tonight with Diane & Mike to celebrate Mike's birthday, full belly and I am tired. Going to get to bed early tonight for a change! HA!
Still have a busy week still ahead. Have a few more classes to teach before Christmas Eve, supposed to go walking with Diane tomorrow (as long as she doesn't bail)...We are planning on going dancing tomorrow night (although I have my doubts). I have grocery shopping to do, a hair color appointment to sit though and a birthday dinner in SF Friday night for 1st grade friend Diana. Busy, busy, busy! I'm looking forward to the weekend and all the Christmas celebrations that we have planned! But I am not looking forward to the rest of the feasting involved with the Holidays.
I have been holding steady with my weight loss, I still need to lose 1.5 by the end of the year to hit my 2011 goal - so close, so I need to stay focused! I am hoping that I'll be able to jump kick start right after Christmas. I am teaching 7 classes in 6 days and will need to add in my own workouts since Diane will be in Tahoe for the week. Since Bill is off work all next week, we are planning on dancing Wednesday, Thursday & Friday! Should help in the calorie burn department!
I am tired though, been staying up too late for nights in a row for no real apparent reason...so think I'm going to turn in now. Not motivated to do any work at this hour (must have been the wine at dinner tonight or the full food belly)...but I'm ready for a good night sleep! Was thinking of going to 6am spin at PAC- but I see the class is waitlisted- so not getting up that early now! LOL
Friday, December 16, 2011
Heavy & Happy Heart........
So I have been reflective all day today after having a very long conversation with my cousin yesterday. We finally caught up on her life and the journey that she is now in the process of called "Separation/Divorce/Unfaithful Spouse" etc. It BREAKS my heart and does dig up some old wounds of my own. I guess that is just natural. I remember so vividly being in her shoes 8 years ago and I can't even imagine how having three kids adds to the stress/drama mix. I am happy that she has gotten an Attorney and gee her spouse is upset that she did- duh? Really? You think she'd just go along with whatever you wanted? Not! Today she posted on Facebook that she found out that he moved in with his girlfriend and her child and wow how quickly he found a new family. I just can't even imagine the dimension that this adds to all of it. In my case, Ron moved out on his own - yes the girlfriend was with him all of the time, but they never set up home together and eventually karma did kick his ass and Karma will circle around and get my cousin's spouse as well. Today was a rough day for her and I HATE being 3000 miles away across the country from her. She told me that for New Years Eve she was going to head into NYC and stay with her brother and his wife. Kind of ironic, I spent my first "separated" New Years Eve with my brother and his wife. A little funny! I'm glad that she will get some adult time and be surrounded by people who love her and support her. I will continue to pray for her and her boys and be there as much as I can for her. We texted back and forth a bit today.
My friend Tiina who had her break-up with her fiance around the same time as my cousin is making great strides in recovery. We've touched base a little this week and she'll be dancing tomorrow night and sounds very happy & excited to go out. She also took my advice, she had commented about how her ring finger felt so empty without the engagement ring and I told her that when I became separated, I bought myself a divorce ring and wore it until Bill gave me the engagement ring. She did the same thing and should be getting it any day- specially made in Norway.
Still have to check in on my niece Jenifer, but her posts on Facebook are all positive and she is focusing on her future and the future for her baby girl. We are overdue for a visit/chat session, but she's a smart cookie and has her priorities set straight. Just hope that the baby daddy doesn't make her life difficult over the years.
Heavy Heart for others!!! Happy Heart for me!!
Still having a great week, it's been quiet with work and I am enjoying the down time. Diane & I have done more of our walks in the afternoon this week for multiple reasons: staying up too late and being unable to get up in the morning, not wanting to get up because it's so darn cold & "just because" - it's not very often that I can break away during the middle of the day- it's been nice. Tonight's Body Pump class was small, but the consistent regulars. Kind of ironic- I was thinking back to the member who commented Tuesday about why don't more men take Body Pump and in tonight's class- there was only one woman! The rest were all guys- crazy observation. There is one married couple that comes every week - Pacita & Athos, a very nice couple and Athos is one of those men who gets in his zone and doesn't hear a thing you say, doesn't make any corrections or "see" you. So tonight after class I spent some time with him to work on his bicep curls that had been going up to his nose almost and his clean & presses that would take out my teeth if I were standing 2 feet in front of him. (slight exaggerations) We had a good laugh and gave him some pointers which he genuinely appreciated. His wife Pacita was commenting after class about how hard the class felt to her and I know she was tired at the beginning of class, but she still finished. She said that everything seemed so heavy to her tonight and then we realized that normally she just mirrors what I put on my bar with a few exceptions and she didn't realize that I had increased my weights on several tracks- so she challenged herself without knowing that she was challenging herself. It was awesome!! I did receive compliments from them though that I gave such good instruction and that I explain why they should do something and what potential injury they are preventing, etc. Feels good to hear things like that because I have always had focus on safety first in everything that I have ever taught!
So I am excited for a very busy weekend! Friday morning spin class, followed by my usual stops on the way home to the chiropractor & safeway for a few things. Work in the afternoon and then tomorrow night we are going to dinner and then dancing. One of Bill's childhood friends just moved to the Bay Area after accepting a new job. They have not seen each other since they were about 18! Saturday starts off with a double dose of Body Pump- my own class at Gold's and then subbing for Kristy at PAC while she takes her AFAA Primary Certification Exam (she'll rock it!)..then my sister's holiday party Saturday night. Sunday after church head over to my former boss' house for our Holiday Brunch with the Carlson Travel Gang and then late afternoon massages before a quiet night watching Survivor Finale! Can you say Busy? I do need to get some final work done on Michael's college apps too.
So off to bed I go now--yep 1am, not quite 2am that I've been doing the past several nights, but I do have to be up by 8am for spin! I've got this!
So I have been reflective all day today after having a very long conversation with my cousin yesterday. We finally caught up on her life and the journey that she is now in the process of called "Separation/Divorce/Unfaithful Spouse" etc. It BREAKS my heart and does dig up some old wounds of my own. I guess that is just natural. I remember so vividly being in her shoes 8 years ago and I can't even imagine how having three kids adds to the stress/drama mix. I am happy that she has gotten an Attorney and gee her spouse is upset that she did- duh? Really? You think she'd just go along with whatever you wanted? Not! Today she posted on Facebook that she found out that he moved in with his girlfriend and her child and wow how quickly he found a new family. I just can't even imagine the dimension that this adds to all of it. In my case, Ron moved out on his own - yes the girlfriend was with him all of the time, but they never set up home together and eventually karma did kick his ass and Karma will circle around and get my cousin's spouse as well. Today was a rough day for her and I HATE being 3000 miles away across the country from her. She told me that for New Years Eve she was going to head into NYC and stay with her brother and his wife. Kind of ironic, I spent my first "separated" New Years Eve with my brother and his wife. A little funny! I'm glad that she will get some adult time and be surrounded by people who love her and support her. I will continue to pray for her and her boys and be there as much as I can for her. We texted back and forth a bit today.
My friend Tiina who had her break-up with her fiance around the same time as my cousin is making great strides in recovery. We've touched base a little this week and she'll be dancing tomorrow night and sounds very happy & excited to go out. She also took my advice, she had commented about how her ring finger felt so empty without the engagement ring and I told her that when I became separated, I bought myself a divorce ring and wore it until Bill gave me the engagement ring. She did the same thing and should be getting it any day- specially made in Norway.
Still have to check in on my niece Jenifer, but her posts on Facebook are all positive and she is focusing on her future and the future for her baby girl. We are overdue for a visit/chat session, but she's a smart cookie and has her priorities set straight. Just hope that the baby daddy doesn't make her life difficult over the years.
Heavy Heart for others!!! Happy Heart for me!!
Still having a great week, it's been quiet with work and I am enjoying the down time. Diane & I have done more of our walks in the afternoon this week for multiple reasons: staying up too late and being unable to get up in the morning, not wanting to get up because it's so darn cold & "just because" - it's not very often that I can break away during the middle of the day- it's been nice. Tonight's Body Pump class was small, but the consistent regulars. Kind of ironic- I was thinking back to the member who commented Tuesday about why don't more men take Body Pump and in tonight's class- there was only one woman! The rest were all guys- crazy observation. There is one married couple that comes every week - Pacita & Athos, a very nice couple and Athos is one of those men who gets in his zone and doesn't hear a thing you say, doesn't make any corrections or "see" you. So tonight after class I spent some time with him to work on his bicep curls that had been going up to his nose almost and his clean & presses that would take out my teeth if I were standing 2 feet in front of him. (slight exaggerations) We had a good laugh and gave him some pointers which he genuinely appreciated. His wife Pacita was commenting after class about how hard the class felt to her and I know she was tired at the beginning of class, but she still finished. She said that everything seemed so heavy to her tonight and then we realized that normally she just mirrors what I put on my bar with a few exceptions and she didn't realize that I had increased my weights on several tracks- so she challenged herself without knowing that she was challenging herself. It was awesome!! I did receive compliments from them though that I gave such good instruction and that I explain why they should do something and what potential injury they are preventing, etc. Feels good to hear things like that because I have always had focus on safety first in everything that I have ever taught!
So I am excited for a very busy weekend! Friday morning spin class, followed by my usual stops on the way home to the chiropractor & safeway for a few things. Work in the afternoon and then tomorrow night we are going to dinner and then dancing. One of Bill's childhood friends just moved to the Bay Area after accepting a new job. They have not seen each other since they were about 18! Saturday starts off with a double dose of Body Pump- my own class at Gold's and then subbing for Kristy at PAC while she takes her AFAA Primary Certification Exam (she'll rock it!)..then my sister's holiday party Saturday night. Sunday after church head over to my former boss' house for our Holiday Brunch with the Carlson Travel Gang and then late afternoon massages before a quiet night watching Survivor Finale! Can you say Busy? I do need to get some final work done on Michael's college apps too.
So off to bed I go now--yep 1am, not quite 2am that I've been doing the past several nights, but I do have to be up by 8am for spin! I've got this!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Making a difference....in many ways....
I'm not really sure what is different- but for whatever reason the scale is moving this week in the RIGHT direction. Maybe it's the extra sleep I've been getting (I've been going to bed late, but getting up around 930-10am the past two days), maybe it's dancing both Friday & Saturday night, maybe it's increasing my weights Saturday in Body Pump- but something has triggered the weight to start coming off again- I'm thrilled. I believe the goal that I set for myself to reach by New Years Eve may be reached this Friday. Excited.
Increasing my weights in Kristy's class Saturday was awesome. I had started with a heavier warm up weight (large plate vs. medium + small)- although the rule of "nothing goes smaller than your warm up weight" would not be followed because I really am not strong enough to do a bicep track with the large plates (YET), not entirely sure I can handle that weight for any shoulder overhead work either - YET! But I did add on the Back Track (large + medium vs. large + small). Tonight I taught at Gold's and decided to go with the heavier weights for Back, I added onto my Chest Track weight and the Bicep track I was teaching requires you to add weight during the break- so everyone in class added a baby plate to each side & we groaned together to finish the track- but WE DID IT! The class was so gratified to have challenged and succeeded. I then decided to keep that extra small plate on my bar for shoulders and got through the overhead part with that little extra. It felt wonderful to be stepping up my game and giving the class an example to follow. I told them, "If I'm increasing, that means you all have to as well- in your own good time. But you can't come month after month, class after class and continue to do the same thing - not if you want results." The entire class did the push-ups at the beginning of class on their toes- made me proud.
I let my class know that I would be starting to take over the Saturday class this weekend going forward because the class was going to be off the Holiday Schedule since I was scheduled to start in January and the current instructor was going out of town for the Holidays. They were super pleased and I received a very warm reception to the news. So I have a really good feeling about these two classes, tonight's attendance was small- but I know that the Holidays can do that, come January I expect the class to be super packed and hope to recruit some new pumpers.
Been walking everyday this week, and Diane & I walked everyday last week - it feels good. We will continue to take advantage of this dry December as long as we can. I know we need rain, but I really don't want it- I'm happy to have a brisk winter and forget the precipitation!
So overall having a pretty good week. I have been busy with work, although it has been quiet overall and it is nice to have a little bit of down time. No pressure. No stress. I NEED to get working on the rest of the College App stuff for Michael. I've been dragging my heels, but we have deadlines of the end of this month for several that overlap- I just need to sit down and do it! He's in the process of writing his essays for the apps, which will need to be proofread before we can submit.
Off to bed...again, up way past the bedtime I should practice--but two nights in a row, being sucked into watching "White Christmas" on AMC and working on my photobook! I am a pro at burning the midnight oil!
I'm not really sure what is different- but for whatever reason the scale is moving this week in the RIGHT direction. Maybe it's the extra sleep I've been getting (I've been going to bed late, but getting up around 930-10am the past two days), maybe it's dancing both Friday & Saturday night, maybe it's increasing my weights Saturday in Body Pump- but something has triggered the weight to start coming off again- I'm thrilled. I believe the goal that I set for myself to reach by New Years Eve may be reached this Friday. Excited.
Increasing my weights in Kristy's class Saturday was awesome. I had started with a heavier warm up weight (large plate vs. medium + small)- although the rule of "nothing goes smaller than your warm up weight" would not be followed because I really am not strong enough to do a bicep track with the large plates (YET), not entirely sure I can handle that weight for any shoulder overhead work either - YET! But I did add on the Back Track (large + medium vs. large + small). Tonight I taught at Gold's and decided to go with the heavier weights for Back, I added onto my Chest Track weight and the Bicep track I was teaching requires you to add weight during the break- so everyone in class added a baby plate to each side & we groaned together to finish the track- but WE DID IT! The class was so gratified to have challenged and succeeded. I then decided to keep that extra small plate on my bar for shoulders and got through the overhead part with that little extra. It felt wonderful to be stepping up my game and giving the class an example to follow. I told them, "If I'm increasing, that means you all have to as well- in your own good time. But you can't come month after month, class after class and continue to do the same thing - not if you want results." The entire class did the push-ups at the beginning of class on their toes- made me proud.
I let my class know that I would be starting to take over the Saturday class this weekend going forward because the class was going to be off the Holiday Schedule since I was scheduled to start in January and the current instructor was going out of town for the Holidays. They were super pleased and I received a very warm reception to the news. So I have a really good feeling about these two classes, tonight's attendance was small- but I know that the Holidays can do that, come January I expect the class to be super packed and hope to recruit some new pumpers.
Been walking everyday this week, and Diane & I walked everyday last week - it feels good. We will continue to take advantage of this dry December as long as we can. I know we need rain, but I really don't want it- I'm happy to have a brisk winter and forget the precipitation!
So overall having a pretty good week. I have been busy with work, although it has been quiet overall and it is nice to have a little bit of down time. No pressure. No stress. I NEED to get working on the rest of the College App stuff for Michael. I've been dragging my heels, but we have deadlines of the end of this month for several that overlap- I just need to sit down and do it! He's in the process of writing his essays for the apps, which will need to be proofread before we can submit.
Off to bed...again, up way past the bedtime I should practice--but two nights in a row, being sucked into watching "White Christmas" on AMC and working on my photobook! I am a pro at burning the midnight oil!
Monday, December 12, 2011
What a Perfect Weekend!!!
Well, almost perfect but I won't nit pick about the small imperfection...the 49ers losing today! They are still a 10-3 team for the season with 3 more games left. They are still the NFC West champs, but as a realist - all roads to the Super Bowl for the NFC are going to go through Green Bay and they are just unstoppable this year. As much as I'd like to see my team make it to the Super Bowl, it's a tough road that they have left to get there - but it has been a very incredible, exciting season.
So for the perfect weekend- had a fantastic Friday night. I think Bill was surprised when I messaged him early in the day and told him we had a dinner date at Applebee's before dancing- that meant we were definitely going dancing. I was craving a cheeseburger and it was so good! Tiina met us before hand so we could have some visit time and she is sounding so strong now- going on a month since she & her fiance broke up. I am so proud of where she is at emotionally right now. We had an amazing time dancing, at least 3 hours of non-stop dancing. Great music, fun times. I went home a happy & energized gal! So energized that I stayed up and did food prep for our Holiday party. Got the dips made, the deviled eggs all mixed and ready, the corn dip ready for baking. I did go to bed close to 3am, but I would much rather stay up late (go figure) and be done vs. having to set an alarm and get up early and crunch for time. Slept like a baby and had my alarm set for 1030am.
Saturday was such a great day. I got my party playlist together and moved onto the laptop and then went to the gym to take Kristy's Body Pump class! It was great to take a class and get my workout on. I did up my weights on a few tracks - always want to "test" those additional weights while taking a class vs. teaching one. It was challenging, but felt good. I could definitely see improvements with Kristy's teaching since her AIM training. After class, a stop to pick up ice and salad dressing for the party and brief stop at Auto Zone to get a new tail light- Kristy was driving behind me and messaged me that it was out. Bill & I finished prepping the garage, which really didn't take much more, we got the Dining room set up, all serving dishes out and we really got to the point where we were rearranging things in the garage for the sake of rearranging them. We were so prepared and ready early that we didn't know what to do with ourselves! It was a GREAT feeling! Come 6pm, we were ready and waiting for our first guests to arrive.
We had such a FUN party! I will say that there were a few events this past week with a couple of friends that put me in a stinker mood and I was starting to already say "maybe this will be our last party" & feeling disappointed in some people. However, everything worked out the way it was supposed to. I was super excited and surprised that Janet & Scott were able to come, she was on my shit list because it appeared that she had rearranged her schedule to accommodate a holiday party of Scott's friend, but wasn't coming to ours - we had a good laugh and she was excited that she surprised me. Although, perceptive as I can be- she almost gave it away on Facebook by saying "holiday events" on her weekend status. That "s" (plural) had me question her if she was coming to our party and she quickly explained that she had a Holiday lunch on Sunday...my reply to her "disappointing"- one work, was meant to speak volumes. Scott was amazed that a silly "S" almost spoiled the surprise. We had about 17 people show up and we got the dancing going in the garage, even taught a few line dances and I think everyone had a super great time. It ended earlier than I would have liked, but I think everyone had fun. So we are now talking about next year and making some additions to the guest list. There is a rule that I keep saying I'm going to follow "3 strikes; you're out"- if you have not attended for 3 years, you don't get invited again. Not sure I'm "mean" enough to do that to some people. Time will tell. By far, one of the best parties we've hosted!
Today was an equally perfect day, sleeping in and then lounging on the couch all day watching the 49er game, working on my Shutterfly Photobook with Sunny visiting and working on her Photobook- it was like a scrapbooking party, but online! I did get a few loads of laundry done and should be getting my butt to bed soon. This week is going to be a bit crazy and I should have worked on some travel projects today, but it was nice to be lazy.
All in all, a pretty perfect weekend! Can't believe Christmas is two weeks away and the New Year three weeks away. Still don't know what we are planning on doing for New Year's Eve- I would even consider hosting a party in our garage, but most friends we'd want to invite have kids and I think babysitting would be difficult for them and our house is not kid friendly! So time to investigate the options, definitely want to be doing something fun!
Well, almost perfect but I won't nit pick about the small imperfection...the 49ers losing today! They are still a 10-3 team for the season with 3 more games left. They are still the NFC West champs, but as a realist - all roads to the Super Bowl for the NFC are going to go through Green Bay and they are just unstoppable this year. As much as I'd like to see my team make it to the Super Bowl, it's a tough road that they have left to get there - but it has been a very incredible, exciting season.
So for the perfect weekend- had a fantastic Friday night. I think Bill was surprised when I messaged him early in the day and told him we had a dinner date at Applebee's before dancing- that meant we were definitely going dancing. I was craving a cheeseburger and it was so good! Tiina met us before hand so we could have some visit time and she is sounding so strong now- going on a month since she & her fiance broke up. I am so proud of where she is at emotionally right now. We had an amazing time dancing, at least 3 hours of non-stop dancing. Great music, fun times. I went home a happy & energized gal! So energized that I stayed up and did food prep for our Holiday party. Got the dips made, the deviled eggs all mixed and ready, the corn dip ready for baking. I did go to bed close to 3am, but I would much rather stay up late (go figure) and be done vs. having to set an alarm and get up early and crunch for time. Slept like a baby and had my alarm set for 1030am.
Saturday was such a great day. I got my party playlist together and moved onto the laptop and then went to the gym to take Kristy's Body Pump class! It was great to take a class and get my workout on. I did up my weights on a few tracks - always want to "test" those additional weights while taking a class vs. teaching one. It was challenging, but felt good. I could definitely see improvements with Kristy's teaching since her AIM training. After class, a stop to pick up ice and salad dressing for the party and brief stop at Auto Zone to get a new tail light- Kristy was driving behind me and messaged me that it was out. Bill & I finished prepping the garage, which really didn't take much more, we got the Dining room set up, all serving dishes out and we really got to the point where we were rearranging things in the garage for the sake of rearranging them. We were so prepared and ready early that we didn't know what to do with ourselves! It was a GREAT feeling! Come 6pm, we were ready and waiting for our first guests to arrive.
We had such a FUN party! I will say that there were a few events this past week with a couple of friends that put me in a stinker mood and I was starting to already say "maybe this will be our last party" & feeling disappointed in some people. However, everything worked out the way it was supposed to. I was super excited and surprised that Janet & Scott were able to come, she was on my shit list because it appeared that she had rearranged her schedule to accommodate a holiday party of Scott's friend, but wasn't coming to ours - we had a good laugh and she was excited that she surprised me. Although, perceptive as I can be- she almost gave it away on Facebook by saying "holiday events" on her weekend status. That "s" (plural) had me question her if she was coming to our party and she quickly explained that she had a Holiday lunch on Sunday...my reply to her "disappointing"- one work, was meant to speak volumes. Scott was amazed that a silly "S" almost spoiled the surprise. We had about 17 people show up and we got the dancing going in the garage, even taught a few line dances and I think everyone had a super great time. It ended earlier than I would have liked, but I think everyone had fun. So we are now talking about next year and making some additions to the guest list. There is a rule that I keep saying I'm going to follow "3 strikes; you're out"- if you have not attended for 3 years, you don't get invited again. Not sure I'm "mean" enough to do that to some people. Time will tell. By far, one of the best parties we've hosted!
Today was an equally perfect day, sleeping in and then lounging on the couch all day watching the 49er game, working on my Shutterfly Photobook with Sunny visiting and working on her Photobook- it was like a scrapbooking party, but online! I did get a few loads of laundry done and should be getting my butt to bed soon. This week is going to be a bit crazy and I should have worked on some travel projects today, but it was nice to be lazy.
All in all, a pretty perfect weekend! Can't believe Christmas is two weeks away and the New Year three weeks away. Still don't know what we are planning on doing for New Year's Eve- I would even consider hosting a party in our garage, but most friends we'd want to invite have kids and I think babysitting would be difficult for them and our house is not kid friendly! So time to investigate the options, definitely want to be doing something fun!
Wednesday, December 07, 2011
Fun, fun, fun....
Yes, I am having so much fun with life these days. The weekend was a blast. We had our first Holiday party at a friend's house and only knew 4 people at the party, but met a lot of fun, friendly, out-going people, so never once was it boring or awkward. Danced so much that my feet needed the loving hands of Bill for foot massage when we got home and sang at the top of my lungs with the gals to so many 80's songs that I had a very raspy voice on Sunday. That is good ole time FUN! Friday night we tried to pull together a dance party in the garage with friend Tiina, but she couldn't leave kids whose plans had changed over and over again. Ended up having a low key night with Bill and was in bed by 1130pm which is very early for me on a Friday night. Sunday was lounge day watching the 49ers clinch the NFC West Division. So exciting!
I subbed Body Pump Saturday at the OFJCC and received a very warm welcome and had several compliments afterwards from the members and of course the ever so popular question, "when do you teach here?"- I hate the reply "oh, I just sub from time to time" One day, some day I will get a class at this place. TONIGHT at Gold's I had such a GREAT class!! The front desk told me when I got there, "wow, everyone wants to take Body Pump tonight"- I had no idea what to expect, but we had 15 people in class tonight, which is a BIG class for that club. The most I have had previously was 12 and normally we are around 8-10, so this was so exciting. A few members who have been M.I.A. due to holidays/vacations, etc. returned and I had 3 new members/first-timers to Pump in class. It was just a really fun night. I also took this time to announce to the group that I would be taking over the Saturday class in January and I received a very warm reception to that. Several people with "Oh Good!" or "Yay!" - so that made me feel good. I am working very hard at trying to get them all to correct their form. Sad to say, but when subbing for other instructors I see such terrible form and I was asked by a member when I subbed last Friday why I didn't go around and correct people one on one. That I was the only Pump instructor that doesn't do that. I went on to explain that by Body Pump rules, we are not supposed to leave our post at the front of the room. I went into detail on that, but it was interesting to learn that other instructors are not living the program the way it was designed. Not that I'm surprised, I was completely disheartened a month ago when I went to take the Saturday class and found the instructor to demo several moves incorrectly and to re-write the entire choreography to the stretch track. Sigh. I'm just happy that I will now have Saturdays and that gives me 2/3 of the Pump classes at this gym and I will be able to shape people into correct form. I am super excited that I'll be able to launch Body Pump on a Saturday and want to talk to the Director about doing a Form class before hand to go over everything. I think we should have a Pump form class once per month to give that one on one training to the members. We'll see, would love to make it happen.
I am completely done with all Christmas shopping and wrapping, except for one gift that has yet to arrive and a few stocking stuffers like lottery tickets that I can't buy until closer to Christmas anyway. Feels so good. In fact, even Bill is done shopping and has wrapped my gifts and they are under the tree!!! He never gets this done any sooner than 12/24! I am impressed! I am excited for our party this weekend and looking forward to spending time with fun people and getting our dance on in the garage! I love how each year, this party just keeps getting easier and easier- the garage is already cleaned and ready to go, the house was cleaned today- come Saturday I will have a few appetizers to get together and we have to move the dining room table in place, but otherwise- we are ready! It's pretty exciting! I may actually get to the gym on Saturday!
I have been getting on the scale every day- I know, I shouldn't but with all the holidays, it does help to keep me in check and I am happy to say that it is moving down and I am confident & focused that I will meet my goal of 165 by the end of the year- this will put me back at the Arizona weigh in weight before all the travels and celebrations began! Actually, 164 by New Years Eve would be fabulous to get a round 30 pounds for the year since May. I could live with that. My secondary goal is to be at 160 by the time Hawaii rolls around 1/26. Slow & Steady wins the race and I am living!
I received an email on Facebook the other day from Sarah from Les Mills International asking if they could use my before/after pictures for a testimonial page on the LMI website for Body Pump. I was flattered and replied that it would be fine. Pretty exciting stuff! I am so happy to be back with the Tribe and teaching this fabulous program again - it makes me want to be better each and every day.
So I guess that is enough for ramblings....time to get some shuteye! This seems to be my bewitching blogging hour!
Thursday, December 01, 2011
Back To the Routine! Reflections from 1999-2011....pretty interesting!
Well, after vacation and a holiday week, I feel as though I am getting back on track. I will end this week with about 10 unused activity points with WW. So not stellar, but better than ending in a negative! I have learned that you don't go from using all your points and a good 20 extra per day while on vacation and on holiday to return to a perfect point week- it just doesn't happen, you gradually get back into it.
I have been a busy girl with activity though and it feels good, I have taught 5 classes since Monday, I have gone walking twice and still have 3 more classes to teach in the next 2 days. I am starting to feel in control again- except for the Holiday M&M's that I ignorantly filled into the cute little Christmas Tree shaped candy dishes. Why didn't I just wait until our party next weekend? I've killed the peanut butter M&M's and won't buy them ever again. Well, at least not this holiday season. They are too good! I am hopeful for a slight scale move in the right direction tomorrow for the official "weigh in day". I am super soar today, I decided to walk to meet Diane for our walk. So I did a good 2.6 miles on my own, mostly uphill and then she & I did our 3.4 mile loop. I could have walked back home, but was running out of time and was also in need of a bathroom. Subbing Body Pump the next two days should be a challenge since my legs are already fried! But when you are instructing, you just push through it- you have to for your participants.
I kept seeing the BODYPUMP Facebook page posting for people to post their Before/After pictures on their page and for some reason, today I decided to break out my 1999 "before" picture that I have carried in my wallet for years and years. I ended up posting two pictures to the site from each WW Journey:
Journey #1 back in 1999:
I look at these two pictures and am actually in denial that either of them were once me. I just look so darn FAT in the before picture and I look so damn HOT in the after picture - that is the body that I am in search of now with my WW journey #2. I can't believe that it's impossible, but it sure is hard to get there again- age is not a nice component to weight loss journeys.
Journey #2 - May 2011 - until present (work still in progress)
I couldn't get the pictures to be in the "correct" order- so it's the "current me" and then the "before me" and the things I notice are smaller boobs and tinier/defined waist. Still not the previous bikini "after girl", but still looking better. I think until you really put these pictures side by side, you never really understand your progress. You can look at current pictures of yourself and think "oh, I'm looking good", but in your head you have this battle of what you really see.
So this got me to take this one step further and I put side by side both "before" pictures:
What is amazing to me is that in 2011, I started Journey #2 weighing 3 pounds heavier than I did in 1999 for Journey #1 - but I don't look it. In 2011, I started as a fitter fat person because I was still active- maybe not teaching the 18+ classes a week that I had been 7 years ago, but still teaching 3-4 times a week and going dancing 1-2 times a week. I wasn't completely INactive...vs. the 1999 "me" who was a serious couch potato. The OTHER thing I noticed in these two pictures is the level of happiness in my face or in 1999, the lack of happiness. I really look so uncomfortable in my own body in that picture vs. 2011 where I'm not happy with my weight, but I am happy with my life. The MAIN difference at these two points in my life- THE HUSBAND. I am now married to a man who loves me UNCONDITIONALLY, he never once has ever called me fat, has never once threatened to leave me if I "blimp out" or said other mean things to me. He is just a sweet, kindhearted man, who has also gained some "happy fat" over our time together- so what does he do? He joins WW too and loses 25 pounds. He's a true partner & best friend! I'm a lucky girl.
So busy weekend ahead- we are on the fence about going dancing tomorrow night. The Saddle Rack has a guest band and more times than not, that means dancing sucks. The guest bands tend to be very one dimensional and you can only do so many line dances to a two step beat. Add to that, the worst DJ they employ is spinning the tunes - he has his programmed playlists that he rarely deviates from and again - just not super conducive to line dancing. So not sure what Friday will bring. Saturday I am up early to teach Body Pump at the OFJCC, will make a Costco run on the way home and then start to clean the garage for our party the following weekend. We then go for Church Portraits before going to our first Holiday party at Molly & Andy's house- should be fun and we are really looking forward to a good time. Sunday, I will go to church and then hopefully relax and watch my 49ers clinch the NFC West! Going to help Michael with his College Apps that evening.
I made a dent in the Christmas present wrapping today, I will get some more done tomorrow - maybe all of it (hoping). I am really excited for people to get their presents this year- I have found so many cool gifts for people. I love giving. I saw a few people post today on Facebook "what is on your Christmas list this year?" - people looking for ideas and honestly, I couldn't think of anything that I need or want. I am truly blessed and have everything I could possibly want.
Enough rambling for me...time to get to bed. ZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Sunday, November 27, 2011
A GREAT Birthday Weekend...and it's still not over!
This has been a great weekend! Although I had intentions to make it to church on Thanksgiving, snooze won the battle. I am not giving up on the war. I am making a commitment to get to church each Sunday between now and the end of the year! Bill & I slept in, which was needed - I think the jet lag finally caught up to us. Headed over to my sisters and we had a very enjoyable Thanksgiving with the family. My brother gave a very heart felt Thanksgiving prayer before dinner and emphasized how this year we really could have been without our mom at the dinner table. She was saved and is still with us. Lots to be thankful for this holiday season indeed. Dinner was served on time at 4pm so that anyone interested could watch the 49er game at 5pm. My sister who is not really a sports fan made this accommodation for the family and I was very grateful.
After dinner, it was pretty cool to see the family all disperse to do what they wanted to do. My brother & I camped out in front of the TV to watch the game, Bill & Michael "geeked out" talking about tech stuff, my sister and nephew Rob played cards, my brother-in-law was doing something in his office and my mom was just watching us all and enjoying how we were all content to be doing what we were doing. Everyone was happy in their own right. I also think she was amused at my enthusiasm for football. It's been awhile since she's seen me watch any game and she made a few comments to which Bill replied, "oh, this is nothing, you should have seen her when the Giants won the World Series". I think my mom finally realized just how much the sports lover I really am, that is truly the "daddy's girl" in me. It was a good night. The 49ers didn't win, it was still a pretty good game with a lot of defense and a few bullshit calls, but hey we are still 9-2 for the season which is quite respectable!
We had the family "birthday celebration" on Thanksgiving and had my yummy Baskin Robbins birthday cake.
Friday, I was up and out early to sub 6am spin at the Page Mill YMCA. My first time teaching at this facility and only two people showed up. No doubt it was the holiday scenario and the class went as well as could be expected, but it's so hard to be motivated for two people at that hour! Then after a quick break at home, I then went to teach my 915am class and had a good turnout, it was a class filled with energy that made up for the other! By midday I was pooped and ended up crashed on the couch- so much for a Friday of decorating! Oh well! Enjoyed the down time and then got ready to continue the Birthday celebration with a Birthday-eve dinner with Janet & Scott. Had a great time at Chevy's and enjoyed the meal at the time, but the after effects makes me wonder how I used to eat Chevy's every week. It's amazing once you start a plan like Weight Watchers and eat pretty decently, how your body reacts to food from places like Chevy's. My stomach was jacked up all day Saturday! But in any case, we enjoyed the company and I had a very yummy brownie/ice cream dessert! We went dancing afterwards and spent some time with Tiina! Had a good night of dancing, followed by a great night sleep to wake up on my birthday with the love of my life beside me. We lounged in bed and snuggled, I got up to teach Body Pump at PAC for Kristy, then came home and started to decorate the house. My nephew Michael came over to start working on my Holiday card stuffing/stamping/labeling. It was a productive day and Michael is such a good kid! Kid, ha- he's 18, guess he's not a kid anymore! :( Bill & I ventured out to have dinner downtown Redwood City and tried out the new Sakura Teppanyaki restaurant, it was great! We got there late, so ended up with a table to ourselves, which was cool. We thought we'd go to a movie after, but got done so early that we were in between movie times, decided to come home and watch a movie on TV. Enjoyed "The hangover 2" hilarious movie and then went to bed. Bottom line, anytime spent with my husband is a good time.
Started today with church and then finished up the house/tree decorating, got the lights hung outside and had both Michael & Rob over working on the cards. By the time Bill & I returned from our massages, they had all the cards done, we had pizza for dinner together and then I helped Michael with his college application for Cal Poly. He still has 6 other colleges to submit, but 5 of them are the same app with sub-apps and we plan to get those done next weekend. Cal Poly had an 11/30 deadline, the others have until 12/31. I still can't believe that I have a nephew ready for college and to see him driving his hot rod 1969 Chevy Truck just brings tears to my eyes- I am so dang proud of him and the young man he has become. It was fun to watch him and Uncle Bill geeking on Thanksgiving and again yesterday while working on the cards. I am so thankful that Bill is part of our family and can help mentor Michael this way. Truly a blessing!
Overall a great weekend! I have a busy week ahead with 7 classes to teach, have a few walks with Diane scheduled and a few additional workouts of my own. I am thrilled that starting in January I will now be teaching Body Pump 3 times a week. I was offered a Saturday class at Gold's, and I jumped on it! It's not too early, yet still early enough so if I am needed to sub elsewhere, I can!
Not really happy about going to the dentist tomorrow- I need to have 2 fillings re-filled, they are old and leaking. I have also had a gum infection this weekend. I was able to self-treat with warm water/salt which seemed to do the trick, but I am not a fan of any visit to the dentist regardless of how nice they may be! Sigh. I need to set up a few more appointments - the annual female stuff: pap, mammo and then I also need to make the follow up appt. with my foot dr. about the orthotics. 2012 is not far away, it'll be here in the blink of an eye.
Need to get back on track with the eating, tracking, drinking and working out! I have goals for how I want to feel in my bikini in Oahu in January and I'd like to finally change out my belly ring to my mickey mouse belly ring- which I think is perfect for a trip to Disney's Aulani! Need to scale down about 5 pounds by then (more if I can, but trying to be realistic with all the functions that December brings)!
This has been a great weekend! Although I had intentions to make it to church on Thanksgiving, snooze won the battle. I am not giving up on the war. I am making a commitment to get to church each Sunday between now and the end of the year! Bill & I slept in, which was needed - I think the jet lag finally caught up to us. Headed over to my sisters and we had a very enjoyable Thanksgiving with the family. My brother gave a very heart felt Thanksgiving prayer before dinner and emphasized how this year we really could have been without our mom at the dinner table. She was saved and is still with us. Lots to be thankful for this holiday season indeed. Dinner was served on time at 4pm so that anyone interested could watch the 49er game at 5pm. My sister who is not really a sports fan made this accommodation for the family and I was very grateful.
After dinner, it was pretty cool to see the family all disperse to do what they wanted to do. My brother & I camped out in front of the TV to watch the game, Bill & Michael "geeked out" talking about tech stuff, my sister and nephew Rob played cards, my brother-in-law was doing something in his office and my mom was just watching us all and enjoying how we were all content to be doing what we were doing. Everyone was happy in their own right. I also think she was amused at my enthusiasm for football. It's been awhile since she's seen me watch any game and she made a few comments to which Bill replied, "oh, this is nothing, you should have seen her when the Giants won the World Series". I think my mom finally realized just how much the sports lover I really am, that is truly the "daddy's girl" in me. It was a good night. The 49ers didn't win, it was still a pretty good game with a lot of defense and a few bullshit calls, but hey we are still 9-2 for the season which is quite respectable!
We had the family "birthday celebration" on Thanksgiving and had my yummy Baskin Robbins birthday cake.
Friday, I was up and out early to sub 6am spin at the Page Mill YMCA. My first time teaching at this facility and only two people showed up. No doubt it was the holiday scenario and the class went as well as could be expected, but it's so hard to be motivated for two people at that hour! Then after a quick break at home, I then went to teach my 915am class and had a good turnout, it was a class filled with energy that made up for the other! By midday I was pooped and ended up crashed on the couch- so much for a Friday of decorating! Oh well! Enjoyed the down time and then got ready to continue the Birthday celebration with a Birthday-eve dinner with Janet & Scott. Had a great time at Chevy's and enjoyed the meal at the time, but the after effects makes me wonder how I used to eat Chevy's every week. It's amazing once you start a plan like Weight Watchers and eat pretty decently, how your body reacts to food from places like Chevy's. My stomach was jacked up all day Saturday! But in any case, we enjoyed the company and I had a very yummy brownie/ice cream dessert! We went dancing afterwards and spent some time with Tiina! Had a good night of dancing, followed by a great night sleep to wake up on my birthday with the love of my life beside me. We lounged in bed and snuggled, I got up to teach Body Pump at PAC for Kristy, then came home and started to decorate the house. My nephew Michael came over to start working on my Holiday card stuffing/stamping/labeling. It was a productive day and Michael is such a good kid! Kid, ha- he's 18, guess he's not a kid anymore! :( Bill & I ventured out to have dinner downtown Redwood City and tried out the new Sakura Teppanyaki restaurant, it was great! We got there late, so ended up with a table to ourselves, which was cool. We thought we'd go to a movie after, but got done so early that we were in between movie times, decided to come home and watch a movie on TV. Enjoyed "The hangover 2" hilarious movie and then went to bed. Bottom line, anytime spent with my husband is a good time.
Started today with church and then finished up the house/tree decorating, got the lights hung outside and had both Michael & Rob over working on the cards. By the time Bill & I returned from our massages, they had all the cards done, we had pizza for dinner together and then I helped Michael with his college application for Cal Poly. He still has 6 other colleges to submit, but 5 of them are the same app with sub-apps and we plan to get those done next weekend. Cal Poly had an 11/30 deadline, the others have until 12/31. I still can't believe that I have a nephew ready for college and to see him driving his hot rod 1969 Chevy Truck just brings tears to my eyes- I am so dang proud of him and the young man he has become. It was fun to watch him and Uncle Bill geeking on Thanksgiving and again yesterday while working on the cards. I am so thankful that Bill is part of our family and can help mentor Michael this way. Truly a blessing!
Overall a great weekend! I have a busy week ahead with 7 classes to teach, have a few walks with Diane scheduled and a few additional workouts of my own. I am thrilled that starting in January I will now be teaching Body Pump 3 times a week. I was offered a Saturday class at Gold's, and I jumped on it! It's not too early, yet still early enough so if I am needed to sub elsewhere, I can!
Not really happy about going to the dentist tomorrow- I need to have 2 fillings re-filled, they are old and leaking. I have also had a gum infection this weekend. I was able to self-treat with warm water/salt which seemed to do the trick, but I am not a fan of any visit to the dentist regardless of how nice they may be! Sigh. I need to set up a few more appointments - the annual female stuff: pap, mammo and then I also need to make the follow up appt. with my foot dr. about the orthotics. 2012 is not far away, it'll be here in the blink of an eye.
Need to get back on track with the eating, tracking, drinking and working out! I have goals for how I want to feel in my bikini in Oahu in January and I'd like to finally change out my belly ring to my mickey mouse belly ring- which I think is perfect for a trip to Disney's Aulani! Need to scale down about 5 pounds by then (more if I can, but trying to be realistic with all the functions that December brings)!
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Thankfulness...and random thoughts: weight loss, fitness, love, divorce, death - this is a loaded entry!
Well I had started a blog entry on the return flight from Cancun, but never got back to it...so starting over. In a nutshell, we had a great time in Cancun. It was a trip that was all about great friends, fun people and sunshine. My type of vacation. Although, not exactly the Weight Watchers type of vacation ~ oh well. I am living my life and there are going to be times when Weight Watchers just does not fit into the plan. The key is how I rebound. Well, I went from a week in Cancun with very little activity (yes, we did walk into town twice- about 2 miles each time, leisurely and we did dance a little bit 2-3 times during the week) to being back and having taught 5 classes in the last 3 days. That is a good rebound. I wanted to go dancing tonight, but I was just exhausted - which of course makes no sense to me now as I sit up here at 1235am blogging. If I was that exhausted, why was I not in bed 3 hours ago? But my body is physically exhausted and achy. 3 spin classes and 2 Body Pumps and having not done either of these in 10 days, it's almost like starting over again - OUCH! I have been logging all of my food since returning and I won't truly be back on program until this Friday when my point bank resets. Since I go Friday-Friday, I really could not figure out my points for the last two days in Cancun. I have been "bored" with food choices since being home, am I spoiled from having rib-eyes, burgers, bacon/eggs, etc. on vacation? Whatever it is, I need to regroup because I have just been wanting all of the "off limit" foods this week.
So I may bitch a bit about the weight loss journey and my frustrations. But to be positive about it all, I got on the scale the day after we got back and yes I did gain 3 pounds, but am pretty certain that it'll be off by the time I weigh in officially on Friday- well I hope, might be tough with Thanksgiving. But the following Friday should be "game on!" But the bottom line, it feels good to be back moving around and teaching classes after a week off. I dug out some old releases for Body Pump and picked some tracks that were particularly challenging, ones that I might have avoided a year ago - so I know that I have made progress. I have Body Pump 80 in my hands now, so time to learn the new release for launch in January! Hard to believe this program is turning 20 years old! Almost legal..
Eating is going to be a challenge for the rest of the year. Seriously, it's Thanksgiving which is a feast and also the family Birthday celebration. I get to have my favorite Baskin Robbins Ice Cream cake...Yum! I'll have my one slice and because that doesn't travel well, any leftovers will remain at my sister's house! We are eating early so that we can watch the 49er game and I think that this will be a positive thing. Less time to snack on chips/dip, etc. before the meal and we'll be able to wait awhile- I'm thinking half time to let the family sing "Happy Birthday" to me and have cake! I really want to get in a work out, but I just don't see it happening. Church at 9am, by the time I get home and need to leave at 1130am to pick up mom on the way to get to Walnut Creek by 1pm - pretty much impossible I think. So I will rest. Eight classes this week in 6 days is nothing to sneeze at. We will go dancing Friday night for sure and maybe Saturday. The remaining weeks of the year have a minimum of one party/gathering per week with most weeks having at least two. So it is going to be a challenge!
So onto Thankfulness. Seems this time of year everyone is more consciously aware of being thankful for things, but we really need to be thankful year round..and maybe most people are and they just use this one day to vocalize it. I am feeling very thankful for my life. I have a great, supportive family with the most amazing husband. I can't even imagine my life without Bill. I have the best friends. I am having a GNO birthday celebration on Monday night that Pam Tyson arranged and I am so excited that 10 ladies have replied that they will be there. Only two could not make it- that's pretty incredible. I have dinner planned Friday night with BFF Janet and her beau Scotty, we have not really had any one on one time with them since they because a couple back in August, so I am looking forward to that for sure! I have two wonderful careers that enrich my life and I get to travel multiple times per year. I am very lucky and fortunate. However, while my life is great- I have a heavy heart this week for multiple reasons.
While in Mexico a very good friend texted me that she and her fiance had broken up. I've spent hours over the years listening and giving my feedback to her about the relationship because it has been a rocky one and I do think this break up is the right thing for her. She is worthy of so much more, but I still ache for her & her pain. I made sure to text her each day while I was gone to check in on her and then called her immediately when I returned. I then received an email from my cousin that she & her husband of 14 years are getting divorced. I have not had a chance to talk to her- we've played phone tag and hopefully I will get to talk to her tomorrow. But again, just saddened and I'm sure she is stressed out, in pain and scared about the future for her and her three boys. Then I noticed that my niece changed her relationship status to "single" and her posts have eluded to a "fresh start" in life for her and her baby girl of 3 months. This is not really a surprise, we had a few long conversations about her relationship with the baby's father and I just think he's too young and has living to do, he's not ready to settle. I still need to get together with her and have a conversation on this. So three breakups in a week- making me even more appreciative of my darling Bill.
Then today, probably the biggest heartache of all. A friend from High School posted that her husband, age 48 passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Monday. Brain Aneurysm. My heart just aches for Barbara and her family, I can't even imagine the "here today, gone tomorrow" of a spouse, a life partner, the love of your life. There simply are no words. Barbara and I are not close friends - but she was my first friend in High School outside of the group of friends that I had known previously- we were seated next to each other in homeroom for 4 years due to alphabetical seating arrangements and often sat next to each other in classes for the same reason.
So tomorrow (well technically today), I am exceptionally thankful for all of my blessings. To my family, I love you unconditionally - there is nothing that I would not do for any of you. For my BFF's and you know who you are, you are my family also & I love you! For everyone else in my life, whether you are a travel colleague, fitness colleague, client who has crossed over to friend status, someone I've known all my life or someone who I've known for a shorter period of time- I am grateful for all of you and blessed to have you in my life. Wishing everyone a very blessed Thanksgiving Day today and everyday!
Well I had started a blog entry on the return flight from Cancun, but never got back to it...so starting over. In a nutshell, we had a great time in Cancun. It was a trip that was all about great friends, fun people and sunshine. My type of vacation. Although, not exactly the Weight Watchers type of vacation ~ oh well. I am living my life and there are going to be times when Weight Watchers just does not fit into the plan. The key is how I rebound. Well, I went from a week in Cancun with very little activity (yes, we did walk into town twice- about 2 miles each time, leisurely and we did dance a little bit 2-3 times during the week) to being back and having taught 5 classes in the last 3 days. That is a good rebound. I wanted to go dancing tonight, but I was just exhausted - which of course makes no sense to me now as I sit up here at 1235am blogging. If I was that exhausted, why was I not in bed 3 hours ago? But my body is physically exhausted and achy. 3 spin classes and 2 Body Pumps and having not done either of these in 10 days, it's almost like starting over again - OUCH! I have been logging all of my food since returning and I won't truly be back on program until this Friday when my point bank resets. Since I go Friday-Friday, I really could not figure out my points for the last two days in Cancun. I have been "bored" with food choices since being home, am I spoiled from having rib-eyes, burgers, bacon/eggs, etc. on vacation? Whatever it is, I need to regroup because I have just been wanting all of the "off limit" foods this week.
So I may bitch a bit about the weight loss journey and my frustrations. But to be positive about it all, I got on the scale the day after we got back and yes I did gain 3 pounds, but am pretty certain that it'll be off by the time I weigh in officially on Friday- well I hope, might be tough with Thanksgiving. But the following Friday should be "game on!" But the bottom line, it feels good to be back moving around and teaching classes after a week off. I dug out some old releases for Body Pump and picked some tracks that were particularly challenging, ones that I might have avoided a year ago - so I know that I have made progress. I have Body Pump 80 in my hands now, so time to learn the new release for launch in January! Hard to believe this program is turning 20 years old! Almost legal..
Eating is going to be a challenge for the rest of the year. Seriously, it's Thanksgiving which is a feast and also the family Birthday celebration. I get to have my favorite Baskin Robbins Ice Cream cake...Yum! I'll have my one slice and because that doesn't travel well, any leftovers will remain at my sister's house! We are eating early so that we can watch the 49er game and I think that this will be a positive thing. Less time to snack on chips/dip, etc. before the meal and we'll be able to wait awhile- I'm thinking half time to let the family sing "Happy Birthday" to me and have cake! I really want to get in a work out, but I just don't see it happening. Church at 9am, by the time I get home and need to leave at 1130am to pick up mom on the way to get to Walnut Creek by 1pm - pretty much impossible I think. So I will rest. Eight classes this week in 6 days is nothing to sneeze at. We will go dancing Friday night for sure and maybe Saturday. The remaining weeks of the year have a minimum of one party/gathering per week with most weeks having at least two. So it is going to be a challenge!
So onto Thankfulness. Seems this time of year everyone is more consciously aware of being thankful for things, but we really need to be thankful year round..and maybe most people are and they just use this one day to vocalize it. I am feeling very thankful for my life. I have a great, supportive family with the most amazing husband. I can't even imagine my life without Bill. I have the best friends. I am having a GNO birthday celebration on Monday night that Pam Tyson arranged and I am so excited that 10 ladies have replied that they will be there. Only two could not make it- that's pretty incredible. I have dinner planned Friday night with BFF Janet and her beau Scotty, we have not really had any one on one time with them since they because a couple back in August, so I am looking forward to that for sure! I have two wonderful careers that enrich my life and I get to travel multiple times per year. I am very lucky and fortunate. However, while my life is great- I have a heavy heart this week for multiple reasons.
While in Mexico a very good friend texted me that she and her fiance had broken up. I've spent hours over the years listening and giving my feedback to her about the relationship because it has been a rocky one and I do think this break up is the right thing for her. She is worthy of so much more, but I still ache for her & her pain. I made sure to text her each day while I was gone to check in on her and then called her immediately when I returned. I then received an email from my cousin that she & her husband of 14 years are getting divorced. I have not had a chance to talk to her- we've played phone tag and hopefully I will get to talk to her tomorrow. But again, just saddened and I'm sure she is stressed out, in pain and scared about the future for her and her three boys. Then I noticed that my niece changed her relationship status to "single" and her posts have eluded to a "fresh start" in life for her and her baby girl of 3 months. This is not really a surprise, we had a few long conversations about her relationship with the baby's father and I just think he's too young and has living to do, he's not ready to settle. I still need to get together with her and have a conversation on this. So three breakups in a week- making me even more appreciative of my darling Bill.
Then today, probably the biggest heartache of all. A friend from High School posted that her husband, age 48 passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Monday. Brain Aneurysm. My heart just aches for Barbara and her family, I can't even imagine the "here today, gone tomorrow" of a spouse, a life partner, the love of your life. There simply are no words. Barbara and I are not close friends - but she was my first friend in High School outside of the group of friends that I had known previously- we were seated next to each other in homeroom for 4 years due to alphabetical seating arrangements and often sat next to each other in classes for the same reason.
So tomorrow (well technically today), I am exceptionally thankful for all of my blessings. To my family, I love you unconditionally - there is nothing that I would not do for any of you. For my BFF's and you know who you are, you are my family also & I love you! For everyone else in my life, whether you are a travel colleague, fitness colleague, client who has crossed over to friend status, someone I've known all my life or someone who I've known for a shorter period of time- I am grateful for all of you and blessed to have you in my life. Wishing everyone a very blessed Thanksgiving Day today and everyday!
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
What a difference a day can make!
Yesterday was an odd day. I have been feeling a little frumpy the last week or so, not seeing the scale move, not feeling like I'm moving enough (as in exercise), unhappy that I am not reaching my small goals- I wanted to have lost 34 pounds by this weekend- but I am still about 6 pounds away...having a Mexican standoff with my body, the body is winning! Then to add to my already sorry mood, I happened to check the PAC group exercise schedule to find that there is a new instructor on the list teaching Body Pump. Once again, I was not considered at all. This really bothers me- BIG TIME. When I auditioned over a year ago with the new Director she told me that at the time she had decided to give the open class to an instructor already on payroll and gave me some bla bla about not wanting to complete new hire paperwork because she had just done all this paperwork for everyone already employed due to some computer changeover. I was very understanding at the time, let her know that I would still love to be considered for any future openings, etc. Since then she has hired several new instructors and I've never even been contacted. I still sub here often, although I know I am not the first person she suggests to new instructors when asked who to contact for subbing, but I am first choice for many of the instructors on the schedule who always get great feedback from their classes about me. What the hell gives here?
It really does bother me and I was having a pity party last night that involved oreos and milk. I have not acted out like that in such a long time. Self-sabotage or whatever, but fortunately I snapped out of it very quickly. I felt sick after having the cookies & milk, guess my body has been used to not having that crap for months now. I went to bed early (1130pm) last night, I think the time change caught up to me and hit me hard, but then I thought that maybe I'd get up early and take a 6am class before walking and step up my fitness game once again. I checked the schedule, well I didn't want to do Body Pump since I was going to be teaching it tonight and I didn't even see/look at Yoga, I saw Spin and thought I'd go take a spin class this morning. Well, I then see that the instructor is the Director and immediately talk myself out of going and then just as quickly as I talked myself out of going, I decided "hell yes, I'm going to go and work out hard and let her see who she turned away and who she has been ignoring" "time to make myself be seen by the person who should see me the most, let her see what she's missing on her instructor roll call" Geez- who is this person and where did this confidence come from??? LOL
My alarm went off at 515am, I got up and got ready (after one snooze alarm and a slight consideration to stay in bed instead)- but feisty me piped up and told me to get going. So I was off...or was I? I decided to call and sign up for the class en route - only to find that the class was full with a waitlist of 7 people. Boo. So I backed down the driveway, into the garage and back upstairs to my bed. Talk about letting the air out of my balloon! It was only 5 minutes later that I realized that I could have gone to Yoga instead, but would have had to change into different clothing - it was too late once I figured out that option. So I went back to sleep for a little over an hour and then got up to start my day. Went walking with Diane and finished the day with Body Pump. Still a great day for fitness, but boy I sure wanted that bit extra!
I had a super productive day and I am almost afraid to put this in writing, but I am hoping that I won't have that horrible 12th hour getting ready for vacation madness happen to me this time around. Although, Bill says he's feeling it at work right now. I'm hopeful that I can get through this week peacefully. I do have nails tomorrow and hair on Thursday. I still have a few classes to teach through the end of the week, but am feeling more prepared than I have in a long time. Now if only I felt good about the body and the bikini factor.
So tomorrow is another day- and it's already after midnight. I'd like to get up and go to Kickboxing at 6am, but not very confident about this. Meeting Diane at 830am for our walk and hoping to go dancing tomorrow night for a little bit..we'll see, the day will determine if that is possible. Off to bed I go!
Yesterday was an odd day. I have been feeling a little frumpy the last week or so, not seeing the scale move, not feeling like I'm moving enough (as in exercise), unhappy that I am not reaching my small goals- I wanted to have lost 34 pounds by this weekend- but I am still about 6 pounds away...having a Mexican standoff with my body, the body is winning! Then to add to my already sorry mood, I happened to check the PAC group exercise schedule to find that there is a new instructor on the list teaching Body Pump. Once again, I was not considered at all. This really bothers me- BIG TIME. When I auditioned over a year ago with the new Director she told me that at the time she had decided to give the open class to an instructor already on payroll and gave me some bla bla about not wanting to complete new hire paperwork because she had just done all this paperwork for everyone already employed due to some computer changeover. I was very understanding at the time, let her know that I would still love to be considered for any future openings, etc. Since then she has hired several new instructors and I've never even been contacted. I still sub here often, although I know I am not the first person she suggests to new instructors when asked who to contact for subbing, but I am first choice for many of the instructors on the schedule who always get great feedback from their classes about me. What the hell gives here?
It really does bother me and I was having a pity party last night that involved oreos and milk. I have not acted out like that in such a long time. Self-sabotage or whatever, but fortunately I snapped out of it very quickly. I felt sick after having the cookies & milk, guess my body has been used to not having that crap for months now. I went to bed early (1130pm) last night, I think the time change caught up to me and hit me hard, but then I thought that maybe I'd get up early and take a 6am class before walking and step up my fitness game once again. I checked the schedule, well I didn't want to do Body Pump since I was going to be teaching it tonight and I didn't even see/look at Yoga, I saw Spin and thought I'd go take a spin class this morning. Well, I then see that the instructor is the Director and immediately talk myself out of going and then just as quickly as I talked myself out of going, I decided "hell yes, I'm going to go and work out hard and let her see who she turned away and who she has been ignoring" "time to make myself be seen by the person who should see me the most, let her see what she's missing on her instructor roll call" Geez- who is this person and where did this confidence come from??? LOL
My alarm went off at 515am, I got up and got ready (after one snooze alarm and a slight consideration to stay in bed instead)- but feisty me piped up and told me to get going. So I was off...or was I? I decided to call and sign up for the class en route - only to find that the class was full with a waitlist of 7 people. Boo. So I backed down the driveway, into the garage and back upstairs to my bed. Talk about letting the air out of my balloon! It was only 5 minutes later that I realized that I could have gone to Yoga instead, but would have had to change into different clothing - it was too late once I figured out that option. So I went back to sleep for a little over an hour and then got up to start my day. Went walking with Diane and finished the day with Body Pump. Still a great day for fitness, but boy I sure wanted that bit extra!
I had a super productive day and I am almost afraid to put this in writing, but I am hoping that I won't have that horrible 12th hour getting ready for vacation madness happen to me this time around. Although, Bill says he's feeling it at work right now. I'm hopeful that I can get through this week peacefully. I do have nails tomorrow and hair on Thursday. I still have a few classes to teach through the end of the week, but am feeling more prepared than I have in a long time. Now if only I felt good about the body and the bikini factor.
So tomorrow is another day- and it's already after midnight. I'd like to get up and go to Kickboxing at 6am, but not very confident about this. Meeting Diane at 830am for our walk and hoping to go dancing tomorrow night for a little bit..we'll see, the day will determine if that is possible. Off to bed I go!
Saturday, November 05, 2011
Hibernating is not just for bears....but I've gotta snap out of this!
My annual laziness phase has arrived. Although, I use the word "laziness" loosely, because I'm not so sure I'm being lazy by choice. Last weekend was super busy, followed by a very fun Halloween Monday night and I think that just set me up for an exhausting week. I had a super busy Tuesday with two client meetings and document deliveries including my group documents for 200 people - all of that went very well. As I type this, those 200 are running about Las Vegas! The rest of the week was busy with work, I went on 3 walks with Diane, even when I really wanted to sleep in longer and I taught my two Body Pump classes. The weather has turned really cold the last two days and all I've wanted to do is work in my P.J.'s and be a couch potato at the end of the day. This has got to stop!
I've been getting on the scale almost everyday this week and in disbelief not liking the numbers I'm seeing, I think I'm going through more "female" crap that is stalling the weight loss process like it did in September- so great, I think I get to skip a period every other month, but I will struggle with weight loss during that month - sigh! I purposely did not get on the scale today because I was retaliating against it on weigh in day - although my idea was that I would weigh in tomorrow after a night of dancing, which usually always instantly drops a few pounds...but we didn't go out tonight. The "Lazy" me came to dinner tonight and after a yummy tri-tip dinner, we were not motivated to go out. Bill has been peacefully snoring on the couch for the last 3 hours, I have finished my last photo book for 2010 and can now start to work on 2011.
I am bummed that I am not reaching my weight loss goals as quickly as I thought possible, it's extremely frustrating because I am watching my calorie intake, I am working out - but I have not worked out as intensely for the last 3 weeks than I have the weeks prior to that. This freaks me out because I know it's been the busy level with work and life and a little bit of the cooler weather and darker mornings (which are about to get darker real soon)- so it is going to be very hard for me to motivate to get moving more. I need to push myself here, I have to make it happen otherwise the holidays are going to kill the weight loss plans. I need to map out my workouts and get a plan and stick to it. I need to get my butt to bed at a decent hour each night (yes, I am blogging at 1am, I know) - but seriously need to get a good 7 hours of sleep each night and I know I won't go work out at night if I'm not teaching (committed to being someplace), so I am going to have to get up early to do more. I cannot count on getting away midday to do something, work has been taking over...soon the Holidays will be taking over too.
This weekend is fairly low-key. I plan to get to 1030am Body Pump at Gold's tomorrow to get in my workout before I have a facial appointment and Bill has a pedicure appointment in Burlingame. Figured we would go shopping together afterwards to try to get a few Christmas gifts, we are almost done, just a few more to get. I've worked hard at getting this done. That has added to the stress level, knowing that once we return from vacation, it's Thanksgiving week and the craziness ensues. I don't have a lot of classes this coming week, just my three - so I need to get in a few walks with Diane and try to get to the gym for 6am workouts. I need to do this. I am thankful that the week we get back, I am scheduled to teach 8 classes in 6 days and given that it's Thanksgiving weekend, we will go dancing Wednesday and Friday nights - maybe Saturday, but I have not decided for sure on that. It's my birthday and just have not confirmed where I want to be and people that I'd like to be with have babysitting issues, etc.
So off to bed I go- must get a good night sleep, if I can get done a good amount of stuff on my list tomorrow, then perhaps we can go dancing tomorrow night. Feel like I need to move, move, shake, shake!
My annual laziness phase has arrived. Although, I use the word "laziness" loosely, because I'm not so sure I'm being lazy by choice. Last weekend was super busy, followed by a very fun Halloween Monday night and I think that just set me up for an exhausting week. I had a super busy Tuesday with two client meetings and document deliveries including my group documents for 200 people - all of that went very well. As I type this, those 200 are running about Las Vegas! The rest of the week was busy with work, I went on 3 walks with Diane, even when I really wanted to sleep in longer and I taught my two Body Pump classes. The weather has turned really cold the last two days and all I've wanted to do is work in my P.J.'s and be a couch potato at the end of the day. This has got to stop!
I've been getting on the scale almost everyday this week and in disbelief not liking the numbers I'm seeing, I think I'm going through more "female" crap that is stalling the weight loss process like it did in September- so great, I think I get to skip a period every other month, but I will struggle with weight loss during that month - sigh! I purposely did not get on the scale today because I was retaliating against it on weigh in day - although my idea was that I would weigh in tomorrow after a night of dancing, which usually always instantly drops a few pounds...but we didn't go out tonight. The "Lazy" me came to dinner tonight and after a yummy tri-tip dinner, we were not motivated to go out. Bill has been peacefully snoring on the couch for the last 3 hours, I have finished my last photo book for 2010 and can now start to work on 2011.
I am bummed that I am not reaching my weight loss goals as quickly as I thought possible, it's extremely frustrating because I am watching my calorie intake, I am working out - but I have not worked out as intensely for the last 3 weeks than I have the weeks prior to that. This freaks me out because I know it's been the busy level with work and life and a little bit of the cooler weather and darker mornings (which are about to get darker real soon)- so it is going to be very hard for me to motivate to get moving more. I need to push myself here, I have to make it happen otherwise the holidays are going to kill the weight loss plans. I need to map out my workouts and get a plan and stick to it. I need to get my butt to bed at a decent hour each night (yes, I am blogging at 1am, I know) - but seriously need to get a good 7 hours of sleep each night and I know I won't go work out at night if I'm not teaching (committed to being someplace), so I am going to have to get up early to do more. I cannot count on getting away midday to do something, work has been taking over...soon the Holidays will be taking over too.
This weekend is fairly low-key. I plan to get to 1030am Body Pump at Gold's tomorrow to get in my workout before I have a facial appointment and Bill has a pedicure appointment in Burlingame. Figured we would go shopping together afterwards to try to get a few Christmas gifts, we are almost done, just a few more to get. I've worked hard at getting this done. That has added to the stress level, knowing that once we return from vacation, it's Thanksgiving week and the craziness ensues. I don't have a lot of classes this coming week, just my three - so I need to get in a few walks with Diane and try to get to the gym for 6am workouts. I need to do this. I am thankful that the week we get back, I am scheduled to teach 8 classes in 6 days and given that it's Thanksgiving weekend, we will go dancing Wednesday and Friday nights - maybe Saturday, but I have not decided for sure on that. It's my birthday and just have not confirmed where I want to be and people that I'd like to be with have babysitting issues, etc.
So off to bed I go- must get a good night sleep, if I can get done a good amount of stuff on my list tomorrow, then perhaps we can go dancing tomorrow night. Feel like I need to move, move, shake, shake!
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