I have to admit that sometimes that phrase wouldn't stand for healthy choices! But this weekend it does. There really is something about accountability. It started with Friday night, which was pretty easy. I hung out with Jason and Kendra. We went to Flight Days at Eagle to hear live music and sample the food. Funnel cakes were available, but we skipped them and headed to the BBQ tent instead for pulled pork sandwiches. I had cole slaw on the side, and then I got an ice cream cone. (Summer always makes me want ice cream!)
Saturday after waking up with major allergy issues (and getting heavily medicated) I spent some time at flight days...and I admit I had more bbq and ice cream, however, some of my friends drank all day and night, and I didn't. For those who know what the Brush Creek Saloon is like...I managed to be there until 11 p.m. without drinking. That in itself is a true accomplishment! It helped that my favorite local band, The Laughing Bones was playing. After being hit on by the third, scary drunk guy I had to leave. I just couldn't take it, anymore. So I went home and watched the end of a movie and went to bed.
Sunday I was really started to feel rejuvenated. I went to lunch with friends (grilled chicken this time--more healthy), and then I went to get a manicure/pedicure with the money I saved from not drinking. Nice bonus factor! Then I went home to do laundry/clean, and Sunday early evening met Kendra and the dogs for a short hike and catchup. So overall the weekend was fairly successful. I could have exercised more. I could have eaten a little better, but overall I made it through the unstructured weekend! The best part is that I'm feeling good, and I'm getting healthier.
Congrats to Becky, Bethany and Amy for completing their first triathlon this weekend. You're all awesome, and you've set the bar. I'm signing up for the Glenwood Springs triathlon on Sept. 7th to follow your examples.
Friday/Saturday/Sunday stats (sorry I didn't feel like using my computer this weekend--I needed a tech break as well.)
No alcohol! Today is Day 9.
Food: okay, but not as good as I would like
Workouts: hike, walking, (need to push it more on the weekends, but I did make it--albeit late to bootcamp this morning)
Creativity: I think it's coming back. I did some reading, and I thought about some writing projects to start this week, besides the blog. Also, check out the Vail Daily and search for my name if you want to read my column that appeared in Saturday's paper. www.vaildaily.com
Monday, June 30, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
It's Friday!
Usually I'm happy it's Friday, because I've got a ton of plans stacked up. And this time I'm happy because I don't have plans crowding my weekend. What a shift.
Today I didn't make the morning workout, because my allergies are really kicking. I am going to make an appointment to see an alternative medicine doctor recommended to me yesterday, who has helped others. At this point I need to try something, as I'm tired of feeling this way. The height of allergy season is about a month late this year, which is in par with how long it took to get warm up here in the mountains.
It's strange as I start to make new habits, and I realize where I just haven't been accountable enough in my own life. I can no longer use the excuse that I don't have enough time, instead I now realize that I haven't made enough time, and I've often overextended myself to the deteriment of other areas of my life.
So my big entertainment will probably be a movie this weekend. A nice air-conditioned (great for seasonal allergy suffers) theater sounds about right. Anyone else up for it? Happy weekend. Now the true test of my resolve begins...the unstructured weekend.
Thursday stats:
Workout: No, I took the day off.
Food: okay, not great
No alcohol
Spending: $12 for lunch, $11 for bbq after work...good
Creativity: Yeah, not much.
Today I didn't make the morning workout, because my allergies are really kicking. I am going to make an appointment to see an alternative medicine doctor recommended to me yesterday, who has helped others. At this point I need to try something, as I'm tired of feeling this way. The height of allergy season is about a month late this year, which is in par with how long it took to get warm up here in the mountains.
It's strange as I start to make new habits, and I realize where I just haven't been accountable enough in my own life. I can no longer use the excuse that I don't have enough time, instead I now realize that I haven't made enough time, and I've often overextended myself to the deteriment of other areas of my life.
So my big entertainment will probably be a movie this weekend. A nice air-conditioned (great for seasonal allergy suffers) theater sounds about right. Anyone else up for it? Happy weekend. Now the true test of my resolve begins...the unstructured weekend.
Thursday stats:
Workout: No, I took the day off.
Food: okay, not great
No alcohol
Spending: $12 for lunch, $11 for bbq after work...good
Creativity: Yeah, not much.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Mid-week lull
Making something a habit is so much more difficult than it looks. Yesterday I met with my mentor and friend to discuss my life plan. It's slowly getting more clear, which is great. It just seems like a lot of work to get there. Don't worry I'm committed to all of this, but today I'm just feeling a bit overwhelmed. I'm really excited that tomorrow's Friday, and I get to enjoy my weekend. I cleared the decks, and I'm not saying yes to anything right way. I am planning on a hike. And other than that it's up to me to decide. Ah, freedom!
I think I'm finally realizing that my crazy work/social life schedule has to lessen so I can make room for my health, creativity and life plan priorities, too. And I want some spontaneity in my life as well. It those times when you leave a little room that fun happens. That's why when I travel I don't like too many set plans. I like to leave it a bit open with some plans so I can discover it.
Wednesday stats:
Workout: Bootcamp 45 minutes
No alcohol
Food choices: pretty good
Expenses: Breakfast out at Loaded Joe's after bootcamp
Creativity: Blog time and a meeting about my life plan
I think I'm finally realizing that my crazy work/social life schedule has to lessen so I can make room for my health, creativity and life plan priorities, too. And I want some spontaneity in my life as well. It those times when you leave a little room that fun happens. That's why when I travel I don't like too many set plans. I like to leave it a bit open with some plans so I can discover it.
Wednesday stats:
Workout: Bootcamp 45 minutes
No alcohol
Food choices: pretty good
Expenses: Breakfast out at Loaded Joe's after bootcamp
Creativity: Blog time and a meeting about my life plan
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Early Wake-up Call
For those that know me well or even a little bit, they know that I am in general not a morning person. Just ask Mary Beth who once made the mistake of talking to me before a 5K race to support breast cancer prevention/research. I apologize again. I just don't like to talk a lot in the morning.
All of you can understand the sacrifice I'm making. Not only am I doing sprints at 6:30, but this morning a new low, squats with turns down and back (50 ft) each way, as our instructor says this is what the Navy Seals do with rifles over their heads, but also getting up at 5:30, okay 5:45 a.m. This is why I would never join the military, along with many other reasons. I will do something of my own choice, but I hate being forced to do it! It's my independent streak that I just haven't outgrown.
Maybe that's why I like yoga so much. Yoga is a practice that you decide when you're ready to do or at least attempt an arm balance or other cool move. And you let your body tell you hell no, no, maybe, okay, or definitely. Last night my body was telling me that boot camp and yoga complement each other, but ultimately make you work that much harder by focusing on two very different disciplines. Mostly my body told me that focusing on arms two days in a row is really hard.
For me yoga is about taking the time to turn inward to be still and listen and gain awareness. As I've developed with yoga I've realized that each move does lead to the next. A nice life lesson if you think about it. Last night, I really took the time to 'check-in and take stock' as I've been dealing with some work stress. My realization was that our lives are a series of yin and yang. As others can attest I do tend to overdo it sometimes, and then I need to reclaim and find some sort of balance. I'm slowly getting better at this process, and I'm realizing that despite life's roaring currents I need to stay settled and centered within (easier said than done).
Let's face it, the exercise I'm consistent with involves community. The boot camp crew is supportive as we all are in pain together. There's something special about that. And with yoga we now go to Agave afterward for $2 taco tuesday. This strengths the resolve to be there to see people you like and give your body and mind what they need. We all want to be connected and if it involves push-ups or an arm balance at least we're in it together.
Tip to get more steps in your day:
Becky, Bethany and I started a daily 20 to 40 minute walk during work. We go, and it helps energize us, and it gives us a chance to chat. Thanks for the support!
Tuesday stats
Workout: 90 minutes yoga
Food choices: Good!
No alcohol, and trust me the margs at taco tues looked really good. But as a friend mentioned I will be really popular now as the dd.
Expenses: $8 food, library (free), cheap day!
Creativity: 45 minutes spent on exercises for my life entrepreneur plan. Blog time. And dialogue with friends who helped me come up with ideas and reminded me that the changes I'm making though difficult and maddening to implement are worth it.
All of you can understand the sacrifice I'm making. Not only am I doing sprints at 6:30, but this morning a new low, squats with turns down and back (50 ft) each way, as our instructor says this is what the Navy Seals do with rifles over their heads, but also getting up at 5:30, okay 5:45 a.m. This is why I would never join the military, along with many other reasons. I will do something of my own choice, but I hate being forced to do it! It's my independent streak that I just haven't outgrown.
Maybe that's why I like yoga so much. Yoga is a practice that you decide when you're ready to do or at least attempt an arm balance or other cool move. And you let your body tell you hell no, no, maybe, okay, or definitely. Last night my body was telling me that boot camp and yoga complement each other, but ultimately make you work that much harder by focusing on two very different disciplines. Mostly my body told me that focusing on arms two days in a row is really hard.
For me yoga is about taking the time to turn inward to be still and listen and gain awareness. As I've developed with yoga I've realized that each move does lead to the next. A nice life lesson if you think about it. Last night, I really took the time to 'check-in and take stock' as I've been dealing with some work stress. My realization was that our lives are a series of yin and yang. As others can attest I do tend to overdo it sometimes, and then I need to reclaim and find some sort of balance. I'm slowly getting better at this process, and I'm realizing that despite life's roaring currents I need to stay settled and centered within (easier said than done).
Let's face it, the exercise I'm consistent with involves community. The boot camp crew is supportive as we all are in pain together. There's something special about that. And with yoga we now go to Agave afterward for $2 taco tuesday. This strengths the resolve to be there to see people you like and give your body and mind what they need. We all want to be connected and if it involves push-ups or an arm balance at least we're in it together.
Tip to get more steps in your day:
Becky, Bethany and I started a daily 20 to 40 minute walk during work. We go, and it helps energize us, and it gives us a chance to chat. Thanks for the support!
Tuesday stats
Workout: 90 minutes yoga
Food choices: Good!
No alcohol, and trust me the margs at taco tues looked really good. But as a friend mentioned I will be really popular now as the dd.
Expenses: $8 food, library (free), cheap day!
Creativity: 45 minutes spent on exercises for my life entrepreneur plan. Blog time. And dialogue with friends who helped me come up with ideas and reminded me that the changes I'm making though difficult and maddening to implement are worth it.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
One day at a time
'One day at a time' how true is that statement! I have to keep reminding myself of that fact. I went to dinner with some friends last night. It was awesome as usual--great food and conversation. I am blessed with wonderful friends in my life who share their stories and make the time to catch up on what everyone's doing. My favorite though is to talk about life and the richness of it. Remembering that wealth doesn't always involve money, but is about connection to others. We talked about love versus fear, and how you ultimately have those two options to chose from in your life. I want to lead with love, but I have to remind myself of that fact each day, hour, and minute. We also talked about creating the life you want, and how that encompasses the major areas of your life.
I recently did an exercise called The Circle of Life. And I discovered that some areas are really moving, and others need a definite jumpstart. Create your own by drawing a circle on a piece of paper, and then split the circle into pies/categories such as relationships, family, career, health, fitness, spirituality, friendships, finances. Then take the time to think about each category and really determine those that are working (label them with a positive sign) and those that aren't (label them with a negative sign). Once you do that you should reflect on some action steps that you can take to move the negative categories to positive. Then you should take the steps you've outlined. This blog is one result of completing the exercise for me!
Thought to ponder for the day:
Self mastery is the ability to make the most out of your physical, mental, and spiritual health.
In other words to be the best you can be.
Monday stats:
Workout: 45 minutes boot camp (I was late), 25 eliptical, 15 minute walk at work
No alcohol, mango iced tea at dinner
Food choices: pretty good (3 meals)
Expenses: Great. Thank you to a friend for dinner! $15 at grocery store
Creativity: Blog, reflection time...slowly but surely
I recently did an exercise called The Circle of Life. And I discovered that some areas are really moving, and others need a definite jumpstart. Create your own by drawing a circle on a piece of paper, and then split the circle into pies/categories such as relationships, family, career, health, fitness, spirituality, friendships, finances. Then take the time to think about each category and really determine those that are working (label them with a positive sign) and those that aren't (label them with a negative sign). Once you do that you should reflect on some action steps that you can take to move the negative categories to positive. Then you should take the steps you've outlined. This blog is one result of completing the exercise for me!
Thought to ponder for the day:
Self mastery is the ability to make the most out of your physical, mental, and spiritual health.
In other words to be the best you can be.
Monday stats:
Workout: 45 minutes boot camp (I was late), 25 eliptical, 15 minute walk at work
No alcohol, mango iced tea at dinner
Food choices: pretty good (3 meals)
Expenses: Great. Thank you to a friend for dinner! $15 at grocery store
Creativity: Blog, reflection time...slowly but surely
Monday, June 23, 2008
Getting to Austraila Week One
My friend Ruth started a blog to stop and cut back on buying lattes. Does that mean she never gets one? No, but now she doesn't buy as many, with the realization that you can pay $1 to $2 versus $4 to $5. As for me coffee remains a staple, but now I sometimes make it instead of buying it. Ruth's experiment worked for her, and it left me inspired to make change happen.
I'm starting this blog to see how I do with making health a priority, spending less and saving money for my trip, and taking the time to be more creative. So this is the week, the week where I am going to officially put into practice all of those good habits. Keep in mind that many are already started. I've been exercising around four times a week. I've started some simple tracking of my finances, and I've started blogging and writing in my journal.
Using the inspiration of the book 'Writing off the weight', I'm adding this blog as my accountability piece. Yesterday I was one of four hosts of a bridal shower with mimosas. I didn't have a mimosa, though being at the shower reminded me that I'm definitely single, which could have thrown me over the edge, if I didn't love the bride so much. One of my first goals is to not drink alcohol for a month, since I'm not seeing the weight loss that I want to, which is going to be a tough one, especially since it is the summertime. So far so good.
I got up this Monday morning for bootcamp. I didn't want to get to up, but it wasn't an option. Bootcamp required running, pushups, abs, arms, you name it. Since I was 20 minutes late to class I added 25 minutes on the elliptical trainer after the initial workout was over. Working out on Monday morning does leave you feeling more energized!
Sunday Stats:
No workout.
No alcohol.
Food choices: okay, but not great.
Expenses: Gas ($65 ouch!) Last minute food for the party ($34 ($20 cash) $15 stop to pick up food for my roommate
Creativity: Zero--too tired.
I'm starting this blog to see how I do with making health a priority, spending less and saving money for my trip, and taking the time to be more creative. So this is the week, the week where I am going to officially put into practice all of those good habits. Keep in mind that many are already started. I've been exercising around four times a week. I've started some simple tracking of my finances, and I've started blogging and writing in my journal.
Using the inspiration of the book 'Writing off the weight', I'm adding this blog as my accountability piece. Yesterday I was one of four hosts of a bridal shower with mimosas. I didn't have a mimosa, though being at the shower reminded me that I'm definitely single, which could have thrown me over the edge, if I didn't love the bride so much. One of my first goals is to not drink alcohol for a month, since I'm not seeing the weight loss that I want to, which is going to be a tough one, especially since it is the summertime. So far so good.
I got up this Monday morning for bootcamp. I didn't want to get to up, but it wasn't an option. Bootcamp required running, pushups, abs, arms, you name it. Since I was 20 minutes late to class I added 25 minutes on the elliptical trainer after the initial workout was over. Working out on Monday morning does leave you feeling more energized!
Sunday Stats:
No workout.
No alcohol.
Food choices: okay, but not great.
Expenses: Gas ($65 ouch!) Last minute food for the party ($34 ($20 cash) $15 stop to pick up food for my roommate
Creativity: Zero--too tired.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)