I have now the confirmed the reason that I was the volleyball MANAGER for the Ole Main Lady Wildcats. I actually was not doing too badly on bumping the ball and hitting the target - until Billy came downstairs and started watching. At that moment I got hit in the face with the volleyball.
Apparently volleyball is not a spectator sport for me.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Hello!
I guess you all thought I fell off the Earth! I didn't. I did have a little mishap over the weekend that has made typing a challenge so I've been trying not to do it any more than I have to, when I'm not working, that is.
Here is my update after week one of Active's 30 Day Challenge:
1. It is a good workout. These challenge days focus more on strength training and toning but there is a little cardio mixed in. They are only about 20 minutes long so it is a mix of lots of different activities. I really do work up a sweat, though, in that short amount of time!
2. When it says the day is a Rest day, it means it. I was chided twice last week for not resting on the day I was supposed to. On one of those days I did one of the preset workouts and on the other I built a custom one. I don't know who gave EA Sports the dictionary, but their version of an "Easy" workout did not agree with mine! I worked up more of a sweat with that one than I had the previous two days!
3. The custom workout was good, but I missed some of the other tabs to select activities from so mine was not as varied as I wanted, and I only did it for about a 15 minute time span. I was supposed to be resting you know!
4. I like the journal and all the "trophies" you can earn. Got one for walking the dogs outside for an hour (the Fresh Air trophy) and have some for so many laps on the track and for building a custom workout, etc. I know they are just pretend, but I like watching the screen fill up with colors as I achieve the goals. Kind of cool.
5. There is a lot of good feedback. I've been scolded for not eating enough vegetables or drinking enough water, but it loves that I don't eat fast food and that I make working out a priority.
So, I'm looking forward to the next week to see what lies in store. Today is a rest day, and I will rest. I think I'll need it. I've been told I'm being introduced to basketball tomorrow. Can't wait to see how that works!
Everyone, GET MOVING and have a great day!
Here is my update after week one of Active's 30 Day Challenge:
1. It is a good workout. These challenge days focus more on strength training and toning but there is a little cardio mixed in. They are only about 20 minutes long so it is a mix of lots of different activities. I really do work up a sweat, though, in that short amount of time!
2. When it says the day is a Rest day, it means it. I was chided twice last week for not resting on the day I was supposed to. On one of those days I did one of the preset workouts and on the other I built a custom one. I don't know who gave EA Sports the dictionary, but their version of an "Easy" workout did not agree with mine! I worked up more of a sweat with that one than I had the previous two days!
3. The custom workout was good, but I missed some of the other tabs to select activities from so mine was not as varied as I wanted, and I only did it for about a 15 minute time span. I was supposed to be resting you know!
4. I like the journal and all the "trophies" you can earn. Got one for walking the dogs outside for an hour (the Fresh Air trophy) and have some for so many laps on the track and for building a custom workout, etc. I know they are just pretend, but I like watching the screen fill up with colors as I achieve the goals. Kind of cool.
5. There is a lot of good feedback. I've been scolded for not eating enough vegetables or drinking enough water, but it loves that I don't eat fast food and that I make working out a priority.
So, I'm looking forward to the next week to see what lies in store. Today is a rest day, and I will rest. I think I'll need it. I've been told I'm being introduced to basketball tomorrow. Can't wait to see how that works!
Everyone, GET MOVING and have a great day!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
NEW TOY!
I got a new game last night and I'm very excited about it!
EA Sports launched at new Wii fitness game yesterday at 9 AM. I think Billy had me a copy just after lunch.
I'm very impressed right now and I'll keep you posted. It appears to do the one thing that I wished the Wii Fit would do - string together exercises for a routine. I'm starting with the 30 day challenge and each day (work out two days, rest one day) there is a different routine to follow - about 20 minutes worth of work. They combine cardio (running, tennis, boxing) and strength training. The game comes with a resistance band for the upper body work. There is also a journal to keep track of the number of glasses of water you drank, what other activities you participated in, servings of fruits and vegetables you ate. Not real detailed but more of a survey type format. It sets goals for that day and you get a medal for achieving the goals.
The first goal for me was a 20 minute workout to burn 98 calories. I burned 102. This morning it was 116 calories and I burned 135. Overachiever.
You are supposed to be able to design your own workout routines and I will investigate that after I work through the preset ones and see what all is available.
So I'm adding a new wrinkle to my fitness program. That usually helps wake your body up from doing the same old thing every day.
Hopefully you'll follow along on my 30 days and let's see where I end up!
EA Sports launched at new Wii fitness game yesterday at 9 AM. I think Billy had me a copy just after lunch.
I'm very impressed right now and I'll keep you posted. It appears to do the one thing that I wished the Wii Fit would do - string together exercises for a routine. I'm starting with the 30 day challenge and each day (work out two days, rest one day) there is a different routine to follow - about 20 minutes worth of work. They combine cardio (running, tennis, boxing) and strength training. The game comes with a resistance band for the upper body work. There is also a journal to keep track of the number of glasses of water you drank, what other activities you participated in, servings of fruits and vegetables you ate. Not real detailed but more of a survey type format. It sets goals for that day and you get a medal for achieving the goals.
The first goal for me was a 20 minute workout to burn 98 calories. I burned 102. This morning it was 116 calories and I burned 135. Overachiever.
You are supposed to be able to design your own workout routines and I will investigate that after I work through the preset ones and see what all is available.
So I'm adding a new wrinkle to my fitness program. That usually helps wake your body up from doing the same old thing every day.
Hopefully you'll follow along on my 30 days and let's see where I end up!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Clarifications
I just reread today's post and realized it didn't make sense in a couple of places.
1. I've lost 20 pounds only since this time last year. I'm at 50 total over the two year period. That is the reference point for the 53 lost and a little rebound. The rebound was 3 pounds not 33.
2. The first sentence should say - if you have a Wii, jump on it....
3. And yes, I know that 363 days is not a full year, but let's not quibble.
Apparently I should not post while partying...
1. I've lost 20 pounds only since this time last year. I'm at 50 total over the two year period. That is the reference point for the 53 lost and a little rebound. The rebound was 3 pounds not 33.
2. The first sentence should say - if you have a Wii, jump on it....
3. And yes, I know that 363 days is not a full year, but let's not quibble.
Apparently I should not post while partying...
Monday, May 18, 2009
A Year in Review
Today was number 363 on the Wii. (I have to tell you, if you have one, be sure to jump on it on your birthday. The animated balance board wears a party hat and confetti falls all over. Very cute. Very festive.)
Anyway, I stopped to think about how far I've come in the last year - aside from the 20 pounds I lost. Almost exactly 20 pounds. Now, for those who follow regularly you'll note that I had actually gotten down to 53 pounds lost but I rebounded a little. The important part about that is to remind you that it happens. It happens to everyone. You will hit plateaus, brick walls and completely go in the wrong direction for a while. Don't worry. Stick with your plan. Understand that it is a part of the process. Don't let it get you down and derail you.
So, what else have I gained besides those 3 pounds? I have a high score of 635 in the soccer ball heading and I can routinely complete the advanced table tilt game. That means my balance has greatly improved. In fact, the Wii no longer asks me if I trip when I walk. That was a big bonus. I can do most of the yoga poses - without falling over. I can fairly easily jog for 30 minutes. Something I wouldn't have considered a year ago. I can do the advanced levels on most of the balance games, but sitting still in the Zen game for 3 minutes still presents a challenge.
I can also play real tennis for about an hour or ninety minutes. And actually play tennis. Not just try to hit a ball against the wall. Not going to join a league any time soon, but I'm so far ahead of where I was this time last year.
Anyway, I see progress. I see a year well spent. I see a person in the mirror that is happy with herself. I also see taking on new challenges. Continuing to push myself just a little more. I see someone who is fit and healthy.
I see me.
Anyway, I stopped to think about how far I've come in the last year - aside from the 20 pounds I lost. Almost exactly 20 pounds. Now, for those who follow regularly you'll note that I had actually gotten down to 53 pounds lost but I rebounded a little. The important part about that is to remind you that it happens. It happens to everyone. You will hit plateaus, brick walls and completely go in the wrong direction for a while. Don't worry. Stick with your plan. Understand that it is a part of the process. Don't let it get you down and derail you.
So, what else have I gained besides those 3 pounds? I have a high score of 635 in the soccer ball heading and I can routinely complete the advanced table tilt game. That means my balance has greatly improved. In fact, the Wii no longer asks me if I trip when I walk. That was a big bonus. I can do most of the yoga poses - without falling over. I can fairly easily jog for 30 minutes. Something I wouldn't have considered a year ago. I can do the advanced levels on most of the balance games, but sitting still in the Zen game for 3 minutes still presents a challenge.
I can also play real tennis for about an hour or ninety minutes. And actually play tennis. Not just try to hit a ball against the wall. Not going to join a league any time soon, but I'm so far ahead of where I was this time last year.
Anyway, I see progress. I see a year well spent. I see a person in the mirror that is happy with herself. I also see taking on new challenges. Continuing to push myself just a little more. I see someone who is fit and healthy.
I see me.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Definitions
In my other blog today I talked about labels. I'd like to do the same thing here but in a different context.
For this blog, I want to think about how we can allow labels to define us, or not define us. In my case, there are two important labels that can be attached to me.
I am an asthmatic and I am a diabetic.
Facts, plain and simple. But what I do with those labels, or about those labels, is what makes a difference. As an asthmatic I can qualify for handicap parking. I consider myself very fortunate, though, that I don't have to have it. And why don't I? Because I don't let it define me. Yes, it is a big part of my life and a condition that I can't ignore. The results of that could be fatal. I was very sick growing up. But my parents asked what could be done to improve the situation.
Swimming.
I started improving my lung function. Then I added aerobics (it was the 80s!) and more exercise. I kept trying to improve my lungs so I could do more. Now, will I ever run a marathon - doubtful. Don't know that I could improve to that point. But I did do a 50 mile walk once, over a 3 day period. And I walk quite a bit now as a part of my every day life. And I swim in the summers when I can. So, while I have to be vigilant and watch out for my triggers and keep my inhaler close in case of emergencies, I don't let that one label be an obstacle to my health.
Same thing for diabetes. I use it to my advantage. For years I eliminated just about anything with added sugar. No desserts. No cookies, ice cream, nothing. People looked at me like I was crazy and I heard on more than one occasion - one little bite won't hurt. Maybe not. But if I didn't make some fairly substantial changes in my lifestyle and eating habits then one bite might have been the one bite too many and my pancreas shuts down. Then I become insulin-dependent. Since I'm already insulin-resistant that doesn't sound like a good position to be in. So in that case I used the label to my advantage. Used it almost like a shield against bad eating habits. It took a while, but it has paid off.
Labels are labels. They are statements of fact. But they don't have to define us in a negative way. By themselves they don't possess that power. Only we can grant them the ability to influence our decisions - positively or negatively. Use that power wisely.
For this blog, I want to think about how we can allow labels to define us, or not define us. In my case, there are two important labels that can be attached to me.
I am an asthmatic and I am a diabetic.
Facts, plain and simple. But what I do with those labels, or about those labels, is what makes a difference. As an asthmatic I can qualify for handicap parking. I consider myself very fortunate, though, that I don't have to have it. And why don't I? Because I don't let it define me. Yes, it is a big part of my life and a condition that I can't ignore. The results of that could be fatal. I was very sick growing up. But my parents asked what could be done to improve the situation.
Swimming.
I started improving my lung function. Then I added aerobics (it was the 80s!) and more exercise. I kept trying to improve my lungs so I could do more. Now, will I ever run a marathon - doubtful. Don't know that I could improve to that point. But I did do a 50 mile walk once, over a 3 day period. And I walk quite a bit now as a part of my every day life. And I swim in the summers when I can. So, while I have to be vigilant and watch out for my triggers and keep my inhaler close in case of emergencies, I don't let that one label be an obstacle to my health.
Same thing for diabetes. I use it to my advantage. For years I eliminated just about anything with added sugar. No desserts. No cookies, ice cream, nothing. People looked at me like I was crazy and I heard on more than one occasion - one little bite won't hurt. Maybe not. But if I didn't make some fairly substantial changes in my lifestyle and eating habits then one bite might have been the one bite too many and my pancreas shuts down. Then I become insulin-dependent. Since I'm already insulin-resistant that doesn't sound like a good position to be in. So in that case I used the label to my advantage. Used it almost like a shield against bad eating habits. It took a while, but it has paid off.
Labels are labels. They are statements of fact. But they don't have to define us in a negative way. By themselves they don't possess that power. Only we can grant them the ability to influence our decisions - positively or negatively. Use that power wisely.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Recipe
This was Denise Austin's newsletter this morning. Sounded like some of you might like the wrap recipe so I've included it here.
I'm all for brown-bagging lunches; it's getting it together in the morning that's a challenge. I'd always rather have the girls - and my husband, too - eat something nutritious that I've prepared myself than leave them to buy food that isn't as fresh and tasty as mine. Here's my solution: a quick-to-make, absolutely delicious wrap; you can make the chutney sauce the night before and spend just a few minutes in the morning assembling them. Super easy!
If you happen to be making a roast chicken dinner, consider making a second chicken and saving some of the meat for this terrific wrap. Or use some rotisserie chicken from the market, or even some sliced smoked turkey breast. And if you don't have any chutney in the fridge, treat yourself to a jar of this popular condiment - I like Major Grey's chutney (it's a type, not a brand). The mango and pear flavors are great additions when you're looking to jazz up a chicken dinner.
Chutney Chicken Wrap
Ingredients
2 tablespoons chutney
1/4 cup low-fat mayonnaise
4 low-fat tortillas (8-inch diameter)
4 large red-lettuce leaves
2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast, or 8 ounces sliced smoked turkey breast
1 cup finely shredded carrots
Preparation
Mix the chutney and mayonnaise in a small bowl. If you have time, cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes for the flavors to develop.
Spread a scant 1 1/2 tablespoons of the chutney mixture on each tortilla. Top each with a lettuce leaf, 1/2 cup chicken or 2 ounces turkey, and 1/4 cup carrots. Roll the wraps tightly and cut in half diagonally.
Makes 4 wraps
Per wrap: 269 calories, 30g carbohydrates, 23g protein, 6g total fat, 53mg cholesterol, 2g dietary fiber, 471mg sodium
Now, go have a wonderful day!
I'm all for brown-bagging lunches; it's getting it together in the morning that's a challenge. I'd always rather have the girls - and my husband, too - eat something nutritious that I've prepared myself than leave them to buy food that isn't as fresh and tasty as mine. Here's my solution: a quick-to-make, absolutely delicious wrap; you can make the chutney sauce the night before and spend just a few minutes in the morning assembling them. Super easy!
If you happen to be making a roast chicken dinner, consider making a second chicken and saving some of the meat for this terrific wrap. Or use some rotisserie chicken from the market, or even some sliced smoked turkey breast. And if you don't have any chutney in the fridge, treat yourself to a jar of this popular condiment - I like Major Grey's chutney (it's a type, not a brand). The mango and pear flavors are great additions when you're looking to jazz up a chicken dinner.
Chutney Chicken Wrap
Ingredients
2 tablespoons chutney
1/4 cup low-fat mayonnaise
4 low-fat tortillas (8-inch diameter)
4 large red-lettuce leaves
2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast, or 8 ounces sliced smoked turkey breast
1 cup finely shredded carrots
Preparation
Mix the chutney and mayonnaise in a small bowl. If you have time, cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes for the flavors to develop.
Spread a scant 1 1/2 tablespoons of the chutney mixture on each tortilla. Top each with a lettuce leaf, 1/2 cup chicken or 2 ounces turkey, and 1/4 cup carrots. Roll the wraps tightly and cut in half diagonally.
Makes 4 wraps
Per wrap: 269 calories, 30g carbohydrates, 23g protein, 6g total fat, 53mg cholesterol, 2g dietary fiber, 471mg sodium
Now, go have a wonderful day!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Dedication, or Obsession
I've only missed one day on my Wii since Christmas Day. One day since December 25th. I'd gone 17 weeks before I missed the one day. And that was the day I returned home from my cousin's funeral in Texas. I just got home too late and too tired to even turn it on and log the time I did work out that morning.
Now, to clarify, some days I've done nothing more than weigh and the two balance games that I start every day with so let's don't be too impressed.
Some days I feel like that guy in the old Dunkin' Donuts commercial - half asleep, trudging to work, mumbling "gotta make the donuts".
But I've found that it does start my day off right. And the longer I can work out the better. That point has been driven home lately.
In the post-busy season slump, and contented in the fact that I had reached my goal, I stopped doing as much cardio, sleeping an extra 30 minutes instead of stepping, and just doing the balance games and not pushing myself. As a result, a few pounds have crept back on - even crossed back over that magic normal/overweight line twice in the last couple of weeks - and I don't have the energy that I did when I was getting up at 4:30 every morning.
Lesson learned.
It is important to have a routine and a schedule. For me, exercise is the real key to both losing my weight and keeping it off. There has to be balance - you can exercise too much and that's not good either - but balance is important in everything.
Balanced meals, balanced lives.
So, while some people might do the math and say missing 1 day out of the last 135 is an obsession, I say it is dedication.
Dedication to myself. Dedication to a better me. Can't think of a better obsession.
Now, to clarify, some days I've done nothing more than weigh and the two balance games that I start every day with so let's don't be too impressed.
Some days I feel like that guy in the old Dunkin' Donuts commercial - half asleep, trudging to work, mumbling "gotta make the donuts".
But I've found that it does start my day off right. And the longer I can work out the better. That point has been driven home lately.
In the post-busy season slump, and contented in the fact that I had reached my goal, I stopped doing as much cardio, sleeping an extra 30 minutes instead of stepping, and just doing the balance games and not pushing myself. As a result, a few pounds have crept back on - even crossed back over that magic normal/overweight line twice in the last couple of weeks - and I don't have the energy that I did when I was getting up at 4:30 every morning.
Lesson learned.
It is important to have a routine and a schedule. For me, exercise is the real key to both losing my weight and keeping it off. There has to be balance - you can exercise too much and that's not good either - but balance is important in everything.
Balanced meals, balanced lives.
So, while some people might do the math and say missing 1 day out of the last 135 is an obsession, I say it is dedication.
Dedication to myself. Dedication to a better me. Can't think of a better obsession.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
announcement! ANNOUNCEMENT!!
It's Darla again. Hijacking my cousins blog which she graciously offered to let me "guest" appear on every now and again.
And so today...I have an announcement.
Minus 10 pounds and counting!!!
I have long been the queen of losing 3-5 pounds and then getting complacent - gaining them back and then losing them again.
Which is why I am so grateful for Deanne making this site. The tips are great, the insight is...well, insightful, but most importantly, she led by example.
And so...wanting to be like my "older and wiser" cousin, I set out on a similar goal.
And let me tell you, even 10 pounds lighter (30 more to go) feels great! I have gone down one size in clothing and I can tell a noticeable difference. I don't think it is noticeable to others yet (which is a little sad because at one time in my life 10 pounds was extremely noticeable, now not so much).
I have waited a few days to share the news because I wanted to make sure it was really gone. Ensure that it wasn't going to come back in a day or week or two. So now I even have a few pounds of cushion between me and my 10 pound loss.
And from here...I'm on to my next 10.
And I can't wait to see how good minus 20 might feel!
And so today...I have an announcement.
Minus 10 pounds and counting!!!
I have long been the queen of losing 3-5 pounds and then getting complacent - gaining them back and then losing them again.
Which is why I am so grateful for Deanne making this site. The tips are great, the insight is...well, insightful, but most importantly, she led by example.
And so...wanting to be like my "older and wiser" cousin, I set out on a similar goal.
And let me tell you, even 10 pounds lighter (30 more to go) feels great! I have gone down one size in clothing and I can tell a noticeable difference. I don't think it is noticeable to others yet (which is a little sad because at one time in my life 10 pounds was extremely noticeable, now not so much).
I have waited a few days to share the news because I wanted to make sure it was really gone. Ensure that it wasn't going to come back in a day or week or two. So now I even have a few pounds of cushion between me and my 10 pound loss.
And from here...I'm on to my next 10.
And I can't wait to see how good minus 20 might feel!
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