So my entry today is going to be short and sweet, but I'm trying to get back to an entry per day during the week until I buy a new laptop. Yes, my work laptop is being diagnosed, but I think I've decided to get a new personal one. My other personal one is so so slow.
I'm borrowing my roommate Cheryl's, and new one's are super fast, and well they rock. It's an investment in my writing and probably one of my more wise decisions. I'm over older computer systems that just don't work as well or nearly as quickly.
The new computer is sort of a metaphor for change. I believe in most instances that change is good. It makes you look at things in a new light, and it gives you that energizing boost that sometimes is just what you need. I'm just discovering the truth of how difficult it is to change your long ingrained habits.
The interesting part is that I've always thrived on change in my life whether it's a new job, a new adventure, travel, or a new place to live. It's just that behavior change is different as it doesn't have the pizazz of moving to New York City or even the mountains of Colorado. I guess I need to look at it more like the changes that I've chosen to make for my own happiness and well-being. Then maybe they will stick! What about you? How have you embraced change in your life or your lifestyle? Any tips for the rest of us?
Have a wonderful day! Thursday I will be relaxing at a place that my friend Sondra doesn't want me to mention, but hint: it's in Santa Cruz, CA. I know you can infer where I might be going.
Stats:
Bootcamp and walking for a total of 1 hr, 20 minutes
Food: Good until dinner (too many chips and salsa) No margarita, but the fast is almost over!
Finances: Out to dinner, but brought lunch, okay
Creativity: Sparked by attending the Philadelphia Philharmonic at the Ford amplitheater, great music and conversation afterward
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
Catching up...
Let's be honest catching up is difficult. It is much easier to stay on task. I'm catching up on blogging, because my laptop at home isn't functioning properly. You forget what life is like without the Internet. I tried to write an entry on Friday, but no such luck.
Anyway, just to let you my few loyal readers know I have been following my plan. Yesterday, I went swimsuit shopping, which is one of the toughest shopping trips of all--truly torture. I perserved, and I found a suit with the help of my friend Sondra. Thank you! I know that it went so much better, because I've been exercising and putting in the time at boot camp, hiking, walking, and yoga (sometimes). Even so putting a suit on tells you that you've got to keep going. I'm making progress, but it just seems really slow.
The truth is that one of my strongest traits has always been perservence. I am stubborn, which maybe this time will be an asset versus a deterrent. Stubborness is definitely a two-way street. I've been thinking a lot about whether lifestyle change is about willpower. Partly, but that will only take you so far, and then you have to set some solid goals to charge ahead.
My next big goal is to complete the Glenwood Springs Triathlon on Sept. 7th. I am signing up this week, and training for the next month and a half so I can complete the race. An article on getting to your fitness goals states:
1. Name a dream goal that you're passionate about. (Bob would call this a stretch goal). This goal will give you the drive and commitment to stay the course. My current dream goal is to complete the GWS triathlon in 1:45.
2. Set realistic and challenging confidence-builder goals. Each week and month you need goals. This week my goal is to log six hours of exercise. So far two hours have been completed. Also remember to work backwards to determine the steps necessary to reach the goals. My other goal is to bring my lunch each day this week!
3. Focus on the progress. Not only should you focus on the results, but on the progress, too. For example, I haven't drank for 23 days. Though this week the alcohol fast ends with a look to moderation.
4. Know the difference between a setback and derailment. This one is so true. If you miss exercise or eat horribly don't use that as an excuse to abandon all your progress. Just dust yourself off, and get back up.
5. Recognize and celebrate your accomplishments. This week is my 7th week of bootcamp. I have made 5 out of 7 classes. And one of the classes I missed I logged an hour in the gym to make it up. I have toned up and lost a couple inches and a couple pounds.
And then repeat. This is a marathon, not a sprint. It's about a lifestyle change, which is the only change that I'm interested in making. And remind me of that when I lose my motivation. Thank you to all of you who are supporting me during this process!
Anyway, just to let you my few loyal readers know I have been following my plan. Yesterday, I went swimsuit shopping, which is one of the toughest shopping trips of all--truly torture. I perserved, and I found a suit with the help of my friend Sondra. Thank you! I know that it went so much better, because I've been exercising and putting in the time at boot camp, hiking, walking, and yoga (sometimes). Even so putting a suit on tells you that you've got to keep going. I'm making progress, but it just seems really slow.
The truth is that one of my strongest traits has always been perservence. I am stubborn, which maybe this time will be an asset versus a deterrent. Stubborness is definitely a two-way street. I've been thinking a lot about whether lifestyle change is about willpower. Partly, but that will only take you so far, and then you have to set some solid goals to charge ahead.
My next big goal is to complete the Glenwood Springs Triathlon on Sept. 7th. I am signing up this week, and training for the next month and a half so I can complete the race. An article on getting to your fitness goals states:
1. Name a dream goal that you're passionate about. (Bob would call this a stretch goal). This goal will give you the drive and commitment to stay the course. My current dream goal is to complete the GWS triathlon in 1:45.
2. Set realistic and challenging confidence-builder goals. Each week and month you need goals. This week my goal is to log six hours of exercise. So far two hours have been completed. Also remember to work backwards to determine the steps necessary to reach the goals. My other goal is to bring my lunch each day this week!
3. Focus on the progress. Not only should you focus on the results, but on the progress, too. For example, I haven't drank for 23 days. Though this week the alcohol fast ends with a look to moderation.
4. Know the difference between a setback and derailment. This one is so true. If you miss exercise or eat horribly don't use that as an excuse to abandon all your progress. Just dust yourself off, and get back up.
5. Recognize and celebrate your accomplishments. This week is my 7th week of bootcamp. I have made 5 out of 7 classes. And one of the classes I missed I logged an hour in the gym to make it up. I have toned up and lost a couple inches and a couple pounds.
And then repeat. This is a marathon, not a sprint. It's about a lifestyle change, which is the only change that I'm interested in making. And remind me of that when I lose my motivation. Thank you to all of you who are supporting me during this process!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Tuesday Hot Summer Nights
So tonight I'm going to the free concert in Vail at the Ford Ampitheater. The band sounds good, and I haven't made one this year. I normally go to yoga on Tuesdays, but instead I'm going to workout over lunch instead (this is a new one). I'm trying to make it a priority to work out at least 30 minutes per day. Some days I get in a lot more, which is just a great bonus. But on those days when I've got fun activities after work if I can at least get 30 minutes logged then I feel like a success.
What really matters is whether you are taking care of yourself, which often goes when you need it the most. Recently, I read in an article in the NYT that people with depression often get type II diabetes because when you're down you stop taking care of yourself. It just reminds me that everything is connected holisitically. Our body and mind are a system together.
Well now I'm off to the concert to have some fun this week is a bit stressful, and I don't want to stress anymore about work. Have a great one!
Quick update:
No alcohol
1 and 15 minute hike (walk/jog)
Food: Good.
Creativity: C'mon it was a Monday. Not a whole lot!
What really matters is whether you are taking care of yourself, which often goes when you need it the most. Recently, I read in an article in the NYT that people with depression often get type II diabetes because when you're down you stop taking care of yourself. It just reminds me that everything is connected holisitically. Our body and mind are a system together.
Well now I'm off to the concert to have some fun this week is a bit stressful, and I don't want to stress anymore about work. Have a great one!
Quick update:
No alcohol
1 and 15 minute hike (walk/jog)
Food: Good.
Creativity: C'mon it was a Monday. Not a whole lot!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Back on track
Gotta love a holiday weekend that is arranged around barbecues and fireworks. Last week sort of got me off track from writing in my blog each day, but this week I'm back on track. My home computer is having some issues, so I'm not using it as much. And well not using a computer on the weekend (until I have a new one) is a definite nice break.
So since my meltdown on Tuesday things are looking up. I've lost some more weight, and I wore a shirt that just wasn't fitting before, so I'm starting to see some results. I would love it if it would happen overnight, however, I'm coming to terms with the fact that it just won't.
I'm also working on becoming more accepting of my body. That whole mind/body connection is really important. Thanks for reminding me of that Becky. Also, my roommate Cheryl and I were watching, "What Not to Wear," please nominate me to be on it! And I completely identified with the person getting made over, as it is really difficult to accept yourself and recognize that no one's perfect, and stop the comparisions to others. It's difficult in this 'thin is in' society. What I'm striving for is better health and more acceptance, which is difficult if you've got a skewed body image.
So catching up on the all the days is too hard. So long story short. Food is pretty good. No alcohol for 16 days. And more workouts at the beginning of the week versus the weekends. I'll work on that stat in the coming weekend. Summer is just busy, and it's been really hot. I know, excuses.
Sunday:
Food: Good choices, balanced
Workout: No
No alcohol, and I went to a bbq
Creativity: Cleaned more to make room for creative projects. Sounds crazy, but sometimes we a clear space to get creative, though I did write in my journal this weekend, and I did some reading.
So since my meltdown on Tuesday things are looking up. I've lost some more weight, and I wore a shirt that just wasn't fitting before, so I'm starting to see some results. I would love it if it would happen overnight, however, I'm coming to terms with the fact that it just won't.
I'm also working on becoming more accepting of my body. That whole mind/body connection is really important. Thanks for reminding me of that Becky. Also, my roommate Cheryl and I were watching, "What Not to Wear," please nominate me to be on it! And I completely identified with the person getting made over, as it is really difficult to accept yourself and recognize that no one's perfect, and stop the comparisions to others. It's difficult in this 'thin is in' society. What I'm striving for is better health and more acceptance, which is difficult if you've got a skewed body image.
So catching up on the all the days is too hard. So long story short. Food is pretty good. No alcohol for 16 days. And more workouts at the beginning of the week versus the weekends. I'll work on that stat in the coming weekend. Summer is just busy, and it's been really hot. I know, excuses.
Sunday:
Food: Good choices, balanced
Workout: No
No alcohol, and I went to a bbq
Creativity: Cleaned more to make room for creative projects. Sounds crazy, but sometimes we a clear space to get creative, though I did write in my journal this weekend, and I did some reading.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Seeking Sanctuary
So yesterday wasn't my best day ever. I sort of had a mini-breakdown. It seems that my marathon month, work stress, all these changes, and my planning for my trip caught up with me. I guess I was just waiting for July 1, and then I just got upset. I know it's because I haven't sought out sanctuary (and made room for myself) in all of this. So I went home early, took a nap, and I cleaned my room. Getting organized again will really help. You can't take the pressure of being behind the eight ball all of the time. At some point something has to give. In a nutshell that's way I didn't write in my blog yesterday.
So I'm looking at making my trip more manageable. I may not see as much of Australia as I would like, however, unless I have a friend along with me the lodging costs will be too much. So either someone will sign up to go. Hint, hint, or I'm going to figure out what I can handle and just stick with that. I would like to see more of Austraila, but I'm guessing I may get back there. I just don't want the added pressure of spending too much and going more into the hole. I also may need to fit in some part-time hours. Some of you are laughing I know. It would be great to put in time doing something I enjoy like writing/editing, so I am going to seek out some options. I'll make this work! Yesterday I wasn't sure, but today I'm reenergized to move forward.
I guess my other realization is that I need more healthy stress coping mechanisms. Exercise is one, but boot camp being so early in the morning doesn't necessarily decrease my stress. Yoga does, but also I want other options. too. I recently read an article called, "When stress hits, we default to 'coping combos': Our patterns of sleeping/eating (or not) are based in biology, emotion.
Excerpt: "Say hello to the many faces of stress. While health experts urge people to exercise, eat right and get enough sleep in order to keep stress and its harmful effects at bay, many of us tend to fall into all-too-predictable and all-too-unhealthy patterns when life gets out of whack -- we smoke more, we drink more, we ignore the gym and make tracks for the shopping mall. But the place stress seems to hammer us the hardest is right where we live: in our bedrooms and bellies."
This right here proves that I may be a bit crazy...with the addition of all my healthy patterns--I need other healthy coping mechanisms. The expert from the article, Thorn said that when we're feeling out of control we look for the quick fixes such as alcohol, chocolate, carbs (we're genetically wired to do this). I knew it!
"The good news, Thorn says, is that just because there's a really, really old program running in our head that urges us to seize the Danish (or the dirty martini) when the you-know-what hits the fan, it's not a foregone conclusion that we have to pay attention to it."
As for me I'm changing the channel to other programs. Some healthy coping behaviors from the article: listening to music, reading, exercising or walking (maybe not boot camp), spending time with family and friends, and praying/meditation. Any suggestions? Please put in comments if you've got thoughts! Also, does anyone meditate? If so, I would like to talk to you.
Monday/Tuesday stats
Monday workout: 45 min. Boot camp and 35 minutes elliptical, walk to lunch (20 minutes)
Tuesday: none
Food Choices: Good!
Spending: okay...bought expensive comfortable brown sandals. Cheap ones always kill my feet. Still deciding whether to keep them...not a lot of choices around here. Turned in shoes to Green Closet and bought two shirts. (And I'm eco-friendly)!
Creativity: I started looking at my collection of beads I've got some presents to work on, and I want to make a necklace for myself. Reading more...a bit of journaling. Creativity as a stress reliever--I like it!
Want to read the whole article go to www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25200752/
So I'm looking at making my trip more manageable. I may not see as much of Australia as I would like, however, unless I have a friend along with me the lodging costs will be too much. So either someone will sign up to go. Hint, hint, or I'm going to figure out what I can handle and just stick with that. I would like to see more of Austraila, but I'm guessing I may get back there. I just don't want the added pressure of spending too much and going more into the hole. I also may need to fit in some part-time hours. Some of you are laughing I know. It would be great to put in time doing something I enjoy like writing/editing, so I am going to seek out some options. I'll make this work! Yesterday I wasn't sure, but today I'm reenergized to move forward.
I guess my other realization is that I need more healthy stress coping mechanisms. Exercise is one, but boot camp being so early in the morning doesn't necessarily decrease my stress. Yoga does, but also I want other options. too. I recently read an article called, "When stress hits, we default to 'coping combos': Our patterns of sleeping/eating (or not) are based in biology, emotion.
Excerpt: "Say hello to the many faces of stress. While health experts urge people to exercise, eat right and get enough sleep in order to keep stress and its harmful effects at bay, many of us tend to fall into all-too-predictable and all-too-unhealthy patterns when life gets out of whack -- we smoke more, we drink more, we ignore the gym and make tracks for the shopping mall. But the place stress seems to hammer us the hardest is right where we live: in our bedrooms and bellies."
This right here proves that I may be a bit crazy...with the addition of all my healthy patterns--I need other healthy coping mechanisms. The expert from the article, Thorn said that when we're feeling out of control we look for the quick fixes such as alcohol, chocolate, carbs (we're genetically wired to do this). I knew it!
"The good news, Thorn says, is that just because there's a really, really old program running in our head that urges us to seize the Danish (or the dirty martini) when the you-know-what hits the fan, it's not a foregone conclusion that we have to pay attention to it."
As for me I'm changing the channel to other programs. Some healthy coping behaviors from the article: listening to music, reading, exercising or walking (maybe not boot camp), spending time with family and friends, and praying/meditation. Any suggestions? Please put in comments if you've got thoughts! Also, does anyone meditate? If so, I would like to talk to you.
Monday/Tuesday stats
Monday workout: 45 min. Boot camp and 35 minutes elliptical, walk to lunch (20 minutes)
Tuesday: none
Food Choices: Good!
Spending: okay...bought expensive comfortable brown sandals. Cheap ones always kill my feet. Still deciding whether to keep them...not a lot of choices around here. Turned in shoes to Green Closet and bought two shirts. (And I'm eco-friendly)!
Creativity: I started looking at my collection of beads I've got some presents to work on, and I want to make a necklace for myself. Reading more...a bit of journaling. Creativity as a stress reliever--I like it!
Want to read the whole article go to www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25200752/
Monday, June 30, 2008
Weekend Warrior
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
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
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.
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