2015 - Let the Journey Begin.

Refurbishing Life.

A year full of goals leaves me feeling excited, anxious, sometimes overwhelmed, and definitely eager to get started! After watching THE GAME last night, watching The Ohio State Buckeyes accomplish what they accomplished this year (loss of QB #1, loss of QB#2 the game before the Big 10 Championship and winning the Big 10, Playoffs and National Champs with QB#3 and an amazing Buckeye team), I feel l have NO excuses to not at least try to accomplish mine. I mean I don’t have Mark May bashing me so I’ve got that going for me, right?!? It’s time to quit talking and start acting, and I am laying it on the line so you all can hold me accountable! *I reserve the right to tweak this, only to keep reality in check. LoL. So, here we go ...

THE GOALS

1. Finish my book. I have this nagging voice in my head – it’s Stephen King. “How serious are you about writing?”
2. Blog weekly (perhaps more frequently – we’ll see where the year takes us) – to keep you all updated and myself in check.
3. To be ahead of schedule with my freelance workload.
4. Lose 26 lbs. (that is a hard one for me to publicize) - and you will notice the countdown to the top right of my posts!
5. To be a better wife and mom.
6. To change my family’s eating habits.
7. To be debt free by year’s end.

THE PLAN

1. I am going to start with a weekly plan and see where that takes me.
2. Focus will be the key this year. There are so many distractions in life; I need to learn how to block them and get movin’!
3. Write daily - I mean the book will never get finished if not!
4. My Fitness Pal – keep track of everything to tell me where I am – mostly how I am eating. Okay, let’s call a spade, I know how I am eating, that is why I am here. The goal is to hold myself accountable by looking at what I eat daily.
5. Workout, run, etc. Start big or start small, but START!
6. Reward myself. Whether big or small, it will keep me going.

THE RESULTS

Coming soon … Visit me often!

June 30, 2013

And welcome back into my life, Paul Manfre.  I remember now why I hate your guts!  Ok, in all seriousness, I love Paul like a brother, and his wife Milissa like a sister, so I do have free reign to curse him.  I have trained with them both for over ten years although absent the past few-as you may have gathered.

So Paul informs me last week that he has added online training to his services.  Yay!  I thought...until I did it last night.  THAT IS WHEN I remembered hating him on occasion.  The memories rushed back, flooded my head as if the Hoover Dam had broken.  My point was proven again last night as he virtually kicked my butt.  Who could have thought I could have gotten this sore online?!?  But I did.  Thank you Paul.  Great workout!  It SUCKED, but I can tell it did its job.  LOL.

And Paul has shown up just in time because my husband informed me yesterday that, "it's time.  I have given you a week head start so now I am going to get serious."  REALLY?  Yes, I will let you know when he actually starts working out.  The worst part about this all is that the bleep, bleep, bleep has lost more weight than me.  He has done NOTHING.  I know all of you women out there feel my pain!  Well, I am not letting that get me down.  At this point, I want to get in shape, lose weight and feel confident in my clothes, not to mention my swim suit!  So he can sit ...and play with the remote...and lose his little pounds by doing nothing; I will continue to work hard, sweat buckets, suffer in soreness, watch what I eat and lose my own weight.  Uugghh!

The good news:  I slept really really good.  ;-)

June 26, 2013

Well, I dug deep...very...very deep.  I walked around the house for a good hour trying to talk myself into working out.  FINALLY!  I am ready to work out.  I hear the dogs barking, go downstairs to find that they were barking at Sammy, our beagle, who escaped the house-AGAIN.  A part of me thought, let's hurry and find the little rascal because I am finally ready to workout.  THE OTHER PART OF ME thought, if this takes awhile, I probably won't have time to workout.  Whew-I finally found a legit (in my mind) excuse to not have to workout tonight.

So we found the dog, in a pretty timely manner considering.  Back at the house, my daughter says, "Well, there's your workout."  Yes!  She's right, I thought.  +
No, not enough to get me into a swimming suit.  Uuggghhh.  Back to the drawing board.  I went into our workout room and paced.  Finally I could taste the metal between my teeth.  I bit the bullet and started P90X.  My kids (5 and 8) started it with me so I was somewhat distracted from the pain I was about to endure.  Two and a half minutes into the warm-up, Tony Horton was talking about the fact that it was indeed a warm-up; and my daughter dropped her arms and said, "This is only a warm-up?"  To which my son says, "I thought we were working out!"  I didn't have the heart to tell them that there was actually sixty six and a half minutes of hell still to come.

My kids hung for awhile, clearly doing their own version of P90X.  They seemed to be having more fun than I was with my version.  Perhaps I too should do their version, I thought for a minute.  But as they dropped, one by one, from their version, I figured I would stick with mine and go for the results!

So I did it!  Sixty nine minutes with Tony Horton.  Come to find out, there are apparently several types of push-ups that I am not able to do.  Who knew there were several types of push-ups?  Since it was my first night, I opted against the decline push-ups so I could save my blood for the rest of my body that was going to desperately need it.  And I feel somewhat proud of the fact that I am a strong athletic woman, but I seriously need to work on my coordination when it comes to the - well, I don't even know what they were called.  What I know is that my body DID NOT move in the direction demonstrated on the screen.  Oh well, I worked out; and that was a huge step tonight.

Now, I sleep.

June 25, 2013

I caved.  I didn't want to; I even felt a little guilty, but I had a bad morning with my kids.  I cried.  I felt guilty.  I ate FRIED PICKLES.  There, I said it.  They were the best thing I had ever eaten.  Had the option of fried strawberries or fried tofu been an option perhaps I would have chosen one, but it wasn't.

As far as my workout goes, I am T.I.R.E.D.  Everything about me is tired tonight.  I'd like to think I am going to get a second wind, but it just ain't happenin'!  I am ok with it because I know it is not because I am quitting.  I just need a rest and will be right back at it tomorrow!

Must sleep.

June 24, 2013

PROLOGUE.  During a hot Sunday afternoon, my husband, Rodney, tells me that he is sick of being overweight and has decided that we are going to start working out and start doing our Body By Vi shakes again.  I am not sure where him wanting to lose weight brings me into the pic; however, I figure that eventually I will be swimsuit bound so I play along.  Later, as I discuss my workout room with some friends, Rod chimes in saying that I won't use it anyway, blah, blah, blah.  (He's a talker so I take him with a grain of salt)  However, he goes on to say that we are going to do it "Rod's way," and since he is overweight (his words), I am not sure exactly what that is-but it exists in his mind.  So one thing leads to another and the workout challenge is on.

MONDAY.  I woke up feeling like I was going to vomit.  No idea where it came from, perhaps my fear of starting this whole workout thing again, but there it was.  Crap, I think.  I cannot use the "I'm sick" excuse on the first day of our challenge!  I lay in bed, eyes closed, trying to coerce myself into working out when I hear Rod jump into the shower.  There is no way that little punk worked out, I think.  Ok so I convince myself that it is ok-I am going to workout tonight.

A few hours later while on the phone with Rod, I say, "what happened to your workout?"  I admit, I got complete and utter pleasure out of his morning defeat.  So anyway, he says that he slept through the alarm.  I proceeded to inform him that if that is the "Rod Way,"  he will surely continue to be "overweight."  "I don't think the Rod Way will work for me."  He laughed it off, but I feel a checkmate coming on!

First workout down!  I consider this to be the hardest-the first step to my weight loss recovery.  It felt soooooo great to workout again.  I did cardio and boxed, and it was the most refreshing feeling; I cannot believe I put it off this long.  When I was finished, I ran to my computer so I could update the fan club!  Yeah, ok, run I did not, it was more of a soggy limp, I admit.  I opened my computer, tried to use the mouse....and my hands were shaking.  At some point during my workout, a feeble, unsteady being took over my body.  My hands trembled; I couldn't type.  How could this be?  I felt refreshed and strong...  I resorted to sitting, drinking water and letting my body adjust to the shock that it had just been re-introduced to-the new reality of it's future unearthed.  I slept REALLY REALLY well.  Day one check!

June 23, 2013

Third time's a charm....they say.  My last couple of blogs, over a year ago, indicated that I wasn't giving up.  UUGGGHHH.  I did.  I appear to suck at this game!  My husband, however, challenged me today...in front of witnesses....he tried to call me out.  Well, he's no spring chicken so I am taking his challenge.  He can stop drinking pop and lose more weight than me, he says.  He had me type up a spreadsheet and we are starting our shakes tomorrow; he has a plan, he says.  I can beat him at this challenge if I dig deep to find the willpower that I have apparently concealed, all too well I might add, somewhere within.  PLUS, it would be a bonus to fit into my wedding dress on my 40th birthday this year!  So I encourage you to follow this time as there should be humor, suffering, humiliation and additional emotions that one of the two of us will most likely discover.  Happy following!

January 10th, 2012

Oh my glutes!  I am definitely feeling the 1000 rep workout that I did the other night, and I am NOT complaining.  I hated every minute of it; however, I am loving the pain...work muscles work.

Still no pop to report-10 days and counting!!!  I have decided that next week, I get down and dirty with the food.  I am going to try a program that one of my friend's swears by, and she has the results to show it so there must be some truth to it.  Haven't seen her lately, but I hear she looks amazing!  I am just not sure how far my will power will go on the food side...  It's amazing how the mind can mess with you-mine thinks it's just one big funny game.

Well, until my workout tonight, I have nothing else to report.

Stay healthy!

January 8th, 2012

Just when you thought I wasn't coming back again...here I am.  I am not quitting this time so expect to see many updates.

My biggest accomplishment this week is my one week anniversary of NO POP!  Sounds minute right?  It's not though-not for me.  Luckily, until today, it hasn't really bothered me.  But, today, today I wanted a Mountain Dew like a baby wants it's mamma's nipple.  I, however, chose against the nipple and grabbed a bottle of water!!!  I can't tell you how many times I circled our kitchen island.  Luckily, I about got ran over by my daughter in roller skates-breaking my cycle of it wants me to drink it, it wants me to say no, it wants me to drink it, it wants me to say no...I curse you Mountain Dew for tasting so good.  No worries, my husband thinks I'm nuts too!

As for the fitness part, after two straight days of working out, I was done-exhausted, not working out.  I was wiped out and seriously prayed that I wasn't slipping into old habits.  I watched the Biggest Loser for motivation, stayed connected to the health and fitness group that I am connected to and circled back.  I LOVE working out, and I HATE that I have gotten away from it.

Tonight I tried this 1000 rep workout, and wow, kudos to those who did 1000 reps the first time out.  I did not, however, I plan on doing it weekly or bi-weekly to build up to the 1000.  It was a really great workout!  I can't wait to do the entire thing!!!

So, my point, set goals (even if you have to baby step your way to your big goals, it all adds up), find support (I'm sure there are those who don't need it, but if you do-and I am one of the "do's," find it) and don't give up.  No matter what size you are or where you are with health and fitness, it is hard to get going and keep with it; however, you can do it.  If you are exhausted, go for a walk.  You'd be surprised to find out how energizing it can be.  And, don't worry, I'll take my own advice!

January 2, 2012

Well, I overcame the first workout (aside from the first run, the hardest part of working out)-P90X Kenpo topped with Just Dance 3 on the Wii with my daughter.  I have also found a group of ladies with similar goals that I know will help keep me focused.  Some friends at church have convinced me to register for the Air Force Marathon; however, the marathon concept does nothing for me so I have chosen to do the 10K the night before.

Aside from all of the great support and events to work towards, I found the ultimate motivation today!  I took my dreaded (and I now know why they are ever so dreaded) "BEFORE" pictures.  I hate how I have let myself go so I have big plans to print the pics and write my goals underneath so I can look at them daily!

I hear the voices of The Smurfs and the laughter of young ones permeating the walls which tells me that I must go join priority one....my family.

January 1, 2012...Thank goodness - a new year!

Ok, almost five months since my last post.  Uuuuggghhhh.  I have nothing to say today as I am pretty sure I have used most of my excuses now.  It's just time to make a change.  Stay tuned.  I am really going to do this, and I am REALLY going to need the motivation. 

Happy 2012! Good luck on wherever your journey takes you. I expect mine to be adventurous, challenging, accomplished and fulfilling...

August 11, 2011...Day 99!

Well, my 60 days have come and gone.  My weight has come, gone and, unfortunately, come back again.  Wow, I just realized that it has been exactly three months since my last post-pathetic, I agree.  I cannot believe it's actually Day 99.  I almost went 100 days with no success!  Why is it so hard to get going and stay going?  It's really quite depressing.  I thought about starting Weight Watchers, but apparently I am too lazy to get online and sign up.  See, even the simplest task becomes SO much.

I am changing my tune now.  In my defense, the summer has been extremely unexpected.  We spent a lot of time out of town, at my in-laws, due to my mother-in-laws hard fought loss to cancer; and ended up living there for about a month in the end.  I did start running just to keep some sanity about myself, however, I didn't keep it up once I got back.  I felt like I had so much to catch up on - whenever would I make time for me...and to workout?!?  My free time has to be spend cleaning, doing laundry and just being a mom (which I have totally sucked at this summer).  I really want to take some time for me and get healthy.  I want to show my kids a healthy lifestyle...can anyone out there help???  AAAAHHHHHHH.

Well, that entry was a total blow.  Could I have been any harder on myself?  I do want to get healthy and in shape.  Any tips out there?  I will say I feel more energized in the fall so hopefully that will be the key!  I cannot believe this is Day 99.  Day 100 would be the perfect time to get back in the game-guess I'll have to change the title....ANEWMEIN160!

Have a good one!

May 11th...Day 9

I'M BACK!!!  I am watching my food intake now too.  That sucks!  I like food, and I don't like cutting it out.  So I ran another mile tonight.  I made decent time, although not my goal that I was going for.  I will try that again tomorrow night.  It was hotter than crap and muggy-harder to run than I was thinking.  Muggy is not my friend, but I sucked it up.  It has gone from chilly rainy weather to hot, hot, muggy.  Not complaining though.  I am wet either way so I would rather be warm!

May 10th...Day 8

We had soccer practice tonight.  I coached and then rushed off to my softball game.  It wasn't a ton of exercise; however, I wasn't sitting on my bum all night so it was something.  Oh, and I did walk a little at lunch today.  I am beginning to think I am slacking as I usually do when I start my exercise regimen and can't find time to do it.

I am regrouping tonight.  I will not quit again as I feel exceptionally fat tonight.  I think I am more bloated from a gas of some sort, but the pants are making me feel more like the Pillsbury dough boy and less like Barbie.  Although she is not my realistic goal, I still don't feel like stuffing myself into a pair of pants.  It's not a pretty site when your spouse walks in and you are tucking yourself into your pants.  The ego has taken a hit today.  It is going to bed and starting over again tomorrow!

May 9th...Day 7

Ok, I admit, I was lazy today.  There's just no other way to say it.  When I got home from work, I was tired, wiped out. I didn't want to watch tv, read a book, clean my house (ok, so I don't particularly ever want to clean my house)-I didn't want to do anything.  I was in a funk; and although exercise would have totally been the cure, I couldn't do it.  When it was time for my kids to go to bed, my daughter and I crashed in my bed.

Moral of the story, today was not so productive; however, on the bright side, sleeping is healthy too!

May 8th...Day 6...Mother's Day!

So, today is Mother's Day.  Somehow, the day flew by.  We did work in our yard and take our kids for a walk, but that obviously wasn't enough to get my heart rate going-wow, am I really able to say that?!?  Yes!!!  Now, I will say that my heart rate was elevated when I had to get up in front of 400 people at church-I about had a coronary, but I didn't lose any weight!

Small goal accomplished: - no longer panting after small walk with kids.

I am actually pretty wiped out today (pretty sure standing in front of the 400 people in the congregation did that alone).  A run would have most likely refreshed me, but my allergies have taken over the butt kicking so to bed it is.  Tomorrow, I run, box or something exercise related.  Tonight, I sleep.

May 7th...Day 5

So today, I rest.  That whole smirk thing that Paul had going on yesterday-he wasn't messin' around.  I am freakin' sore.  I had to pick up my legs to move them and start the morning with icy hot!

Sidenote:  My husband had a 7:00am meeting this morning and then we (I coach my daughter's team) had a soccer game so I could not go to the gym as I had originally intended.  THANK YOU GOD for bringing those men together this morning.  Not sure who would have pushed the gas pedal to get me to the gym!

Luckily, as I previously mentioned, my daughter had a soccer game so it forced me to run around the field with them and loosen up.  I was still in pain the rest of the day but able to lift my legs without assistance-getting out of the squatting position-now that was another story.

Oh, did I mention my back???  Forgot about that one!

May 6th...Day 4

First Day with Personal Trainer.  I had no desire to call him "Hitler" today; but I haven't seen him in over two years so I think he realized how out of shape I could potentially be.  He did smirk when he walked by - as to say "I know you aren't going to be able to walk tomorrow, but I am not going to vocalize it on your first day back."  I was on to him.  After knowing him for about fifteen years, I could read his smirk.  His eyes sparkled.  I'll be calling him "Hitler" soon.

As far as the workout, I felt good.  I did better than I thought I was going to do, but I was using the "kiddie weights" so we'll see.  Regardless of the weight size, I was in the gym using them; and that was the important factor!

Bonus to day four-got to see an old friend, Milissa - Paul's wife, partner and LMT.  Need a massage, she's awesome!

May 5th...Day 3

I ran a mile tonight-RAN-only walked once!!!  Small goals, but I've gotta start somewhere!  It felt much better, but it ended there because I need to rest.  Tomorrow will be my real test.  Tomorrow I am going to start working out with my old friend Paul Manfre of Power Enterprises Inc. and Power Athlete Sports Conditioning.  He's been called "Hitler," "The Workout Nazi," and several other names by me personally; but you get the point.  He means business-which is what I need so I need to rest up.  Early morning!

May 4th...Day 2

I remember, now, why I have procrastinated-getting back into shape SUCKS.  The repressed memories came flooding back to me as the flames shot through my quads, calves-pretty much every leg muscle in my body.  I think cardio is the hardest.  Eventually it will feel better, and that is what keeps me going!

THE REAL ENEMY.  Food.  I have discovered that food is not going to be my friend.  We use to be pals, enjoyed quiet time together; now, it punishes me.  How do I find the willpower to not eat?  I LOVE food...I WANT food....I NEED food.  OMG...stop me!!!  I can see that my biggest obstacle is going to be food.  I've always been like this; however, two kids later my body reacts differently-holds onto it.  My metabolism is close to non-existent, and my pants have taken on a new shape.  UUUGGGHHH.

Oh, and according to the height and weight ratio, my target weight should be lower (about 5 lbs.-perhaps we'll address that once I reach MY goal); and I am overweight according to the BMI thing.  Never would have considered myself "overweight," but I suppose I'll deal with that too!  Who comes up with this crap anyway, the freakin' Barbie designer at Mattel?

Status

144.4 lbs. ...goal 130 lbs.

14.4 to go!