Today was a sad day. Some of my friends experienced loss and it hurt to be near them because they hurt...
I cried today...for their loss and sorrow and for fearing the same could happen to myself...
But in the sorrow there is a peace knowing that God is there, to comfort and to calm. I simply have to trust Him...He is Sovereign, He is Lord and He is God...and I am in Him...and I belong to Him...Hallelujah...Amen
Monday, March 31, 2008
2 more lbs - Gone!
Well I did not want to go to weigh in Sunday because according to my bathroom scale (Taylor) I had gained 1 1/2 lbs. I was really discouraged and thought well...I have a whole week to get that off...so I went for a 4 mile hike on Sunday and weighed in on Monday.
My scale still said up by 1, but WW scale (the one that counts for me) said down by 2. HURRAY! I even did a dance when my leader weighed me...
Seriously this last week was a tough one, stressful (money, always money), emotional (I am feeling lonely...have no desire to discuss this here, but I really feel alone in this some times...I feel alone a lot period...) and my birthday...we pigged out at sushi...with sake as well...I drank a large one myself and have no idea what the points were...NOT good.
Here is the thing though. I still walked and I still kept on going. In times past when I did low carb I would have a serious binge...but I just do not do that on WW. I wish I would have joined this years ago. When I think how long I was on low carb diets and the ups and down...I just feel like it was wasted years...
I finally feel in control of the eating, and that is worth the price I am paying. I can control what I put in my mouth...I do not have to avoid all sugar and crunchy fat foods (triggers for me). I don't have to turn to food for comfort, but if I do I can make choices of foods that will not destroy my hard work...I can make a difference in my weight...I am doing so now and I will continue to do so....
I will make goal...I am NOT giving up!
My scale still said up by 1, but WW scale (the one that counts for me) said down by 2. HURRAY! I even did a dance when my leader weighed me...
Seriously this last week was a tough one, stressful (money, always money), emotional (I am feeling lonely...have no desire to discuss this here, but I really feel alone in this some times...I feel alone a lot period...) and my birthday...we pigged out at sushi...with sake as well...I drank a large one myself and have no idea what the points were...NOT good.
Here is the thing though. I still walked and I still kept on going. In times past when I did low carb I would have a serious binge...but I just do not do that on WW. I wish I would have joined this years ago. When I think how long I was on low carb diets and the ups and down...I just feel like it was wasted years...
I finally feel in control of the eating, and that is worth the price I am paying. I can control what I put in my mouth...I do not have to avoid all sugar and crunchy fat foods (triggers for me). I don't have to turn to food for comfort, but if I do I can make choices of foods that will not destroy my hard work...I can make a difference in my weight...I am doing so now and I will continue to do so....
I will make goal...I am NOT giving up!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Quotes from Robert Collier
I am going to start posting quotes that inspire me...these are from Robert Collier who was one of the founders of the Unity Church...and an early proponent of positive thinking, and one of the people who inspired the book and DVD, 'The Secret"... read them as needed ;)
Any thought that is passed on to the subconscious often enough and convincingly enough is finally accepted.
As fast as each opportunity presents itself, use it! No matter how tiny an opportunity it may be, use it!
Constant repetition carries conviction.
Every contrivance of man, every tool, every instrument, every utensil, every article designed for use, of each and every kind, evolved from a very simple beginnings.
Faith is the confidence, the assurance, the enforcing truth, the knowing.
If you don't make things happen then things will happen to you.
If you procrastinate when faced with a big difficult problem... break the problem into parts, and handle one part at a time.
If you see yourself as prosperous, you will be. If you see yourself as continually hard up, that is exactly what you will be.
In every adversity there lies the seed of an equivalent advantage. In every defeat is a lesson showing you how to win the victory next time.
It is your work to clear away the mass of encumbering material of thoughts, so that you may bring into plain view the precious thing at the center of the mass.
Make every thought, every fact, that comes into your mind pay you a profit. Make it work and produce for you. Think of things not as they are but as they might be. Don't merely dream - but create!
Most of us, swimming against the tides of trouble the world knows nothing about, need only a bit of praise or encouragement - and we will make the goal.
One comes to believe whatever one repeats to oneself sufficiently often, whether the statement be true of false. It comes to be dominating thought in one's mind.
Our subconscious minds have no sense of humor, play no jokes and cannot tell the difference between reality and an imagined thought or image. What we continually think about eventually will manifest in our lives.
People blame their environment. There is only one person to blame - and only one - themselves.
Plant the seed of desire in your mind and it forms a nucleus with power to attract to itself everything needed for its fulfillment.
Start where you are. Distant fields always look greener, but opportunity lies right where you are. Take advantage of every opportunity of service.
Success is the sum of small efforts - repeated day in and day out.
Take the first step, and your mind will mobilize all its forces to your aid. But the first essential is that you begin. Once the battle is startled, all that is within and without you will come to your assistance.
There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. That little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.
Vision - It reaches beyond the thing that is, into the conception of what can be. Imagination gives you the picture. Vision gives you the impulse to make the picture your own.
Visualize this thing that you want, see it, feel it, believe in it. Make your mental blue print, and begin to build.
You cannot hold on to anything good. You must be continually giving - and getting. You cannot hold on to your seed. You must sow it - and reap anew. You cannot hold on to riches. You must use them and get other riches in return.
You have to sow before you can reap. You have to give before you can get.
Your chances of success in any undertaking can always be measured by your belief in yourself.
Your real self - the "I am I" - is master of this land, the ruler of this empire. You rightfully have power and dominion over it, all its inhabitants, and all contained in its realm.
Robert Collier
Any thought that is passed on to the subconscious often enough and convincingly enough is finally accepted.
As fast as each opportunity presents itself, use it! No matter how tiny an opportunity it may be, use it!
Constant repetition carries conviction.
Every contrivance of man, every tool, every instrument, every utensil, every article designed for use, of each and every kind, evolved from a very simple beginnings.
Faith is the confidence, the assurance, the enforcing truth, the knowing.
If you don't make things happen then things will happen to you.
If you procrastinate when faced with a big difficult problem... break the problem into parts, and handle one part at a time.
If you see yourself as prosperous, you will be. If you see yourself as continually hard up, that is exactly what you will be.
In every adversity there lies the seed of an equivalent advantage. In every defeat is a lesson showing you how to win the victory next time.
It is your work to clear away the mass of encumbering material of thoughts, so that you may bring into plain view the precious thing at the center of the mass.
Make every thought, every fact, that comes into your mind pay you a profit. Make it work and produce for you. Think of things not as they are but as they might be. Don't merely dream - but create!
Most of us, swimming against the tides of trouble the world knows nothing about, need only a bit of praise or encouragement - and we will make the goal.
One comes to believe whatever one repeats to oneself sufficiently often, whether the statement be true of false. It comes to be dominating thought in one's mind.
Our subconscious minds have no sense of humor, play no jokes and cannot tell the difference between reality and an imagined thought or image. What we continually think about eventually will manifest in our lives.
People blame their environment. There is only one person to blame - and only one - themselves.
Plant the seed of desire in your mind and it forms a nucleus with power to attract to itself everything needed for its fulfillment.
Start where you are. Distant fields always look greener, but opportunity lies right where you are. Take advantage of every opportunity of service.
Success is the sum of small efforts - repeated day in and day out.
Take the first step, and your mind will mobilize all its forces to your aid. But the first essential is that you begin. Once the battle is startled, all that is within and without you will come to your assistance.
There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. That little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.
Vision - It reaches beyond the thing that is, into the conception of what can be. Imagination gives you the picture. Vision gives you the impulse to make the picture your own.
Visualize this thing that you want, see it, feel it, believe in it. Make your mental blue print, and begin to build.
You cannot hold on to anything good. You must be continually giving - and getting. You cannot hold on to your seed. You must sow it - and reap anew. You cannot hold on to riches. You must use them and get other riches in return.
You have to sow before you can reap. You have to give before you can get.
Your chances of success in any undertaking can always be measured by your belief in yourself.
Your real self - the "I am I" - is master of this land, the ruler of this empire. You rightfully have power and dominion over it, all its inhabitants, and all contained in its realm.
Robert Collier
Walking on the Beach
Yesterday we went to Doheny Beach State Park and walked along the coast line about four miles. Walking in sand burns more calories than on a treadmill, even at an incline. About 20 to 50 percent more depending on the intensity. Well I was all for that!
I was a bad girl though and forgot my water and my body justly rewarded me with a Charlie horse on the way back... OUCHIE! When I got home I had to put some heating gel on it and I rubbed it like crazy for about 5 minutes with a thumping massager. It is not bad today, but it is reminding me how silly I was. I will not do that again...
The ocean is my favorite place. I love the roar of the waves coming on shore, the sites and sounds, the incredible sense of oneness I feel with the Creator and with Nature. I always think of the walking in the sand poem...but today I was in a different mood and a different version of the poem came to mind...
The Butt Print in the Sand
One night, I had a wondrous dream;
One set of footprints there was seen.
The footprints of my precious Lord,
But mine were not along the shore.
But then some stranger prints appeared,
And I asked the Lord, “What have we here?”
“Those prints are large and round and neat,
But, Lord, they are too big for feet.”
“My child,” He said in somber tones.
“For miles I carried you alone.
I challenged you to walk in faith,
But you refused and made me wait.
You disobeyed, you would not grow,
The walk of faith you would not know.
So I got tired and fed up,
And there I dropped you on your butt,
Because in life, there comes a time,
When one must fight and one must climb,
When one must rise and take a stand,
Or leave some butt prints in the sand.”
I do not want to be left on my butt in the sand...I must fight and I must climb, I must rise and I must take a stand...even when my calf muscles spasm, and even when my body aches, I will keep going, pressing forward, it will NOT be my butt print in the sand!!!
I was a bad girl though and forgot my water and my body justly rewarded me with a Charlie horse on the way back... OUCHIE! When I got home I had to put some heating gel on it and I rubbed it like crazy for about 5 minutes with a thumping massager. It is not bad today, but it is reminding me how silly I was. I will not do that again...
The ocean is my favorite place. I love the roar of the waves coming on shore, the sites and sounds, the incredible sense of oneness I feel with the Creator and with Nature. I always think of the walking in the sand poem...but today I was in a different mood and a different version of the poem came to mind...
The Butt Print in the Sand
One night, I had a wondrous dream;
One set of footprints there was seen.
The footprints of my precious Lord,
But mine were not along the shore.
But then some stranger prints appeared,
And I asked the Lord, “What have we here?”
“Those prints are large and round and neat,
But, Lord, they are too big for feet.”
“My child,” He said in somber tones.
“For miles I carried you alone.
I challenged you to walk in faith,
But you refused and made me wait.
You disobeyed, you would not grow,
The walk of faith you would not know.
So I got tired and fed up,
And there I dropped you on your butt,
Because in life, there comes a time,
When one must fight and one must climb,
When one must rise and take a stand,
Or leave some butt prints in the sand.”
I do not want to be left on my butt in the sand...I must fight and I must climb, I must rise and I must take a stand...even when my calf muscles spasm, and even when my body aches, I will keep going, pressing forward, it will NOT be my butt print in the sand!!!
Spiritual Discipline During the Holidays
Something came to me while hearing the Easter message yesterday that I believe can relate to anyone of any faith.
Weight Watchers teaches moderation and exercising good judgment in our food choices just like our faith teaches the same in our life choices.
As I seek this holiday of Passover and Easter to observe the traditions of my faith, let me not forget that I can and should exercise good judgment and moderation in my food choices during this time and to do else wise is really not in accordance with my faith. Gluttony is not honorable in any walk of life.
Most of my favorite dishes can have substitution of fat-reduced and whole grains options that really do not affect the end quality of the dish. Yes it is a little more work to think about it and search for those sometimes difficult ingredients and it is effort to make a conscious decision to change my tired and true recipes, but in the long run is this not a better life choice for me? Is that not what my faith would have me do?
As I try to look for that whole wheat Matzah or that lean turkey ham, those low fat soups, and the fat-reduced cheeses and let me not forget that the holiday is a time to rejoice, reflect and renew my commitment to my Faith, to my God, and to my self…I can live better…I can eat better…I can, and I will…
Weight Watchers teaches moderation and exercising good judgment in our food choices just like our faith teaches the same in our life choices.
As I seek this holiday of Passover and Easter to observe the traditions of my faith, let me not forget that I can and should exercise good judgment and moderation in my food choices during this time and to do else wise is really not in accordance with my faith. Gluttony is not honorable in any walk of life.
Most of my favorite dishes can have substitution of fat-reduced and whole grains options that really do not affect the end quality of the dish. Yes it is a little more work to think about it and search for those sometimes difficult ingredients and it is effort to make a conscious decision to change my tired and true recipes, but in the long run is this not a better life choice for me? Is that not what my faith would have me do?
As I try to look for that whole wheat Matzah or that lean turkey ham, those low fat soups, and the fat-reduced cheeses and let me not forget that the holiday is a time to rejoice, reflect and renew my commitment to my Faith, to my God, and to my self…I can live better…I can eat better…I can, and I will…
Friday, March 21, 2008
New Opportunties to Walk
Good Friday Crosswalk...2 1/2 miles re-enactment of the road to Calvary...so to speak.
I am looking for opportunities to walk, when I can combine it with my faith all the better. The two and half mile trek to the park with cross baring helped us focus on why we were there...it was not about exercise and health today...it was about...
Sacrifice...walking a road to one's death. Many have been forced to walk to their own death, but only One is remembered every year today by the world because He overcame the pain and suffering of death through the Resurrection...
Today I focus on His Death....but day after tomorrow I will rejoice and focus on His defeat of death through His Resurrection...Sunday is coming...Rejoice He is Risen!
I am looking for opportunities to walk, when I can combine it with my faith all the better. The two and half mile trek to the park with cross baring helped us focus on why we were there...it was not about exercise and health today...it was about...
Sacrifice...walking a road to one's death. Many have been forced to walk to their own death, but only One is remembered every year today by the world because He overcame the pain and suffering of death through the Resurrection...
Today I focus on His Death....but day after tomorrow I will rejoice and focus on His defeat of death through His Resurrection...Sunday is coming...Rejoice He is Risen!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Slow Down the Feeding
Tonight as I sit in Westwood waiting for a group of wining and dining doctors to end (no wonder our health care is so costly...you do not want to know how much I am making sitting here in Starbucks drinking coffee waiting to take down my AV equipment...) I am reflecting on the yummy meal I just ate at King Falafel, and knowing I over did it and not really concerned about it at the moment. I am sipping a skinny latte and reminiscing about my indulgent and utterly delicious meal...
Some food is just good. This yummy food joint is situated in the middle of Westwood, off Wilshire and just down the street from UCLA. It has some of the most delightful Middle East food I have ever had in my life. The decorum has not changed in the 1o years I have been visiting there, I am sure it has been much, much longer. The lack of aesthetics keeps the price down. I had the Combo plate that includes five salads, five falafel patties, sweet potato chips, and 2 pitas, for less than 8 bucks. I decided to skipped the pitas...I did not need to eat more than what was on my plate (did not need to eat all that either but...it CALLED TO ME). I chose the purple pickled turnips, the tomato and cucumber salad, some grape leaves and some hummus and baba ganoush, and of course the deep fried falafel, the house specialty. All my favorites. I ate about 2/3 the plate and left the rest since I had no way to pack it and go (my car is valet for the next 2 hours). I definitely ate past my comfort zone...The only really BAD thing was the deep fried sweet potato chips..I am not sure that had any redeeming nutritional qualities, but darn it tasted good. Yes the falafel is deep friend but the protein in them babies is great...the fat not too bad either since they use healthy oils to cook them in...just wish it was not deep fried (why have they not come out with a more effective way to air fry food so it taste good and it is fast???)
The good news is that I did NOT eat it all, chose for the most part good options, stopped way before STUFFED (just full) and by the time I finish this evening I will have walked about four miles tonight. Tomorrow I plan to walk about 3 miles as well.
I am a few activity points behind, but I knew this would happen this week so I am not stressing over it. I just need to keep it Core til Sunday and walk, walk, walk...and be POP!
Some food is just good. This yummy food joint is situated in the middle of Westwood, off Wilshire and just down the street from UCLA. It has some of the most delightful Middle East food I have ever had in my life. The decorum has not changed in the 1o years I have been visiting there, I am sure it has been much, much longer. The lack of aesthetics keeps the price down. I had the Combo plate that includes five salads, five falafel patties, sweet potato chips, and 2 pitas, for less than 8 bucks. I decided to skipped the pitas...I did not need to eat more than what was on my plate (did not need to eat all that either but...it CALLED TO ME). I chose the purple pickled turnips, the tomato and cucumber salad, some grape leaves and some hummus and baba ganoush, and of course the deep fried falafel, the house specialty. All my favorites. I ate about 2/3 the plate and left the rest since I had no way to pack it and go (my car is valet for the next 2 hours). I definitely ate past my comfort zone...The only really BAD thing was the deep fried sweet potato chips..I am not sure that had any redeeming nutritional qualities, but darn it tasted good. Yes the falafel is deep friend but the protein in them babies is great...the fat not too bad either since they use healthy oils to cook them in...just wish it was not deep fried (why have they not come out with a more effective way to air fry food so it taste good and it is fast???)
The good news is that I did NOT eat it all, chose for the most part good options, stopped way before STUFFED (just full) and by the time I finish this evening I will have walked about four miles tonight. Tomorrow I plan to walk about 3 miles as well.
I am a few activity points behind, but I knew this would happen this week so I am not stressing over it. I just need to keep it Core til Sunday and walk, walk, walk...and be POP!
Monday, March 17, 2008
7 Miles Down the Trail
7 is the number of God...the number of completeness....
Yesterday we hiked a total of 7 miles...It was painful but we did it...It was also beautiful and there were many times we truly thought of the Creator. This section of trails had many areas of groves that when we came out of overlooked an incredible panoramic view of the area...it was truly a breath taking awesome experience.
I enjoyed being with my family. It was great. My older daughter reminded me that all the hiking we have been doing is drawing us closer as a family. I have to agree...it is wonderful....
Another benefit...we all slept like a rock last night...LOL
Yesterday we hiked a total of 7 miles...It was painful but we did it...It was also beautiful and there were many times we truly thought of the Creator. This section of trails had many areas of groves that when we came out of overlooked an incredible panoramic view of the area...it was truly a breath taking awesome experience.
I enjoyed being with my family. It was great. My older daughter reminded me that all the hiking we have been doing is drawing us closer as a family. I have to agree...it is wonderful....
Another benefit...we all slept like a rock last night...LOL
Weigh In Sucess
Well the two lbs stuck and I was very happy at my meeting. I earned my first of what I hope is many five lb stars. It only took six weeks ( man I lose slow).
You know rather than be able to focus on the 6, almost 7 lb loss all I can think of why it is not 12 lbs. I have to come to terms with the fact that many days in the last few weeks I was not perfect on plan...and that I lose slow...neither of which is thrilling...but is a fact.
I know the plan works...I just need to work it and be honest...I also must be more patient with myself. I have been overweight a long time. It is going to take a while to get it off. I need to enjoy the process of learning and changing and improving...
I need to focus on the present and put away the past. The thing is THIS Week...I lost 2lbs...Focus on the good and use it as a motivation to continue...
I am going to also get some small stars to put in my plastic bag for small losses...I need the motivation!
You know rather than be able to focus on the 6, almost 7 lb loss all I can think of why it is not 12 lbs. I have to come to terms with the fact that many days in the last few weeks I was not perfect on plan...and that I lose slow...neither of which is thrilling...but is a fact.
I know the plan works...I just need to work it and be honest...I also must be more patient with myself. I have been overweight a long time. It is going to take a while to get it off. I need to enjoy the process of learning and changing and improving...
I need to focus on the present and put away the past. The thing is THIS Week...I lost 2lbs...Focus on the good and use it as a motivation to continue...
I am going to also get some small stars to put in my plastic bag for small losses...I need the motivation!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Santa Rosa Vernal Pools - Gorgeous
Well I have yet to take another 5 mile trek through Santa Rosa, but I have hiked twice to the Vernal Pools on a shorter trail. The trail is a total of 2 miles the way I do it, I walk the inner loop three times to get the desired 2 mile marker.
I walk the trail vigorously, I want to see the pools, they only last a few more weeks ( "vernal" pools, ones that only present in spring with the rains), and I want to keep my heart pumping. I noticed I got to the pools in under 11 minutes last time, which is over 3/4 of a mile. Not bad for a fat lady who 3 weeks ago could barely walk a mile in 30 minutes...YIPEE. Even my 9 yr old daughter said...mommy slow down I can't keep up! HA...
I have not been disappointed. The are gorgeous. Alive with birds, frogs, and all manner of creatures under the water I can not see (I think Nessy must be under there some where) including colonies of green slim and algae. Only a former science teacher appreciates the algae that is on the bottom end of the food chain that supports the rest of the wild life there...but hey that is me, I am thankful for the little things in life ;)
I am going to be borrowing a bike to use the trails on the other side of the reserve. I have not ridden a bike in years and it is time to get back to it...I used to love it. Also I think I need to give my ankles a bit of a break from the tread and hiking.....
Walking in the beautiful cool air right now is uplifting to me. I can only compare it to my beloved Oregon coast which I miss so much...but which I was able to see in all its glory this last Winter Vacation. Yes only a true lover of Oregon visits there when it storms....but it is the storms I miss the most here in sunny California...people in the Northwest get depressed when it rains too much...I however am depressed when it is too hot...and we do not see rain for months...I love the rain...
But I digress...no, not really, rain brings me back to the Vernal pools. That is it....they remind me of Oregon...my childhood home....I miss it so much at times...
I love my sunny California home, but Oregon often calls to me...especially when I see the Vernal Pools...
I walk the trail vigorously, I want to see the pools, they only last a few more weeks ( "vernal" pools, ones that only present in spring with the rains), and I want to keep my heart pumping. I noticed I got to the pools in under 11 minutes last time, which is over 3/4 of a mile. Not bad for a fat lady who 3 weeks ago could barely walk a mile in 30 minutes...YIPEE. Even my 9 yr old daughter said...mommy slow down I can't keep up! HA...
I have not been disappointed. The are gorgeous. Alive with birds, frogs, and all manner of creatures under the water I can not see (I think Nessy must be under there some where) including colonies of green slim and algae. Only a former science teacher appreciates the algae that is on the bottom end of the food chain that supports the rest of the wild life there...but hey that is me, I am thankful for the little things in life ;)
I am going to be borrowing a bike to use the trails on the other side of the reserve. I have not ridden a bike in years and it is time to get back to it...I used to love it. Also I think I need to give my ankles a bit of a break from the tread and hiking.....
Walking in the beautiful cool air right now is uplifting to me. I can only compare it to my beloved Oregon coast which I miss so much...but which I was able to see in all its glory this last Winter Vacation. Yes only a true lover of Oregon visits there when it storms....but it is the storms I miss the most here in sunny California...people in the Northwest get depressed when it rains too much...I however am depressed when it is too hot...and we do not see rain for months...I love the rain...
But I digress...no, not really, rain brings me back to the Vernal pools. That is it....they remind me of Oregon...my childhood home....I miss it so much at times...
I love my sunny California home, but Oregon often calls to me...especially when I see the Vernal Pools...
2 lbs Down
The scale has read two lbs less for the last two days. I pray this is a true weight loss and I am hoping that at this weigh in tomorrow I will achieve my goal of getting my first star.
The trouble with starting the WW weight loss program early before the meetings is that I have to work harder for all the first rewards. I knew that would happen. I wanted to see if WW really worked for me for I spent money. Not IF it worked, but if it would work for ME. Well it has, and not getting the little rewards as fast as I could have was a sacrifice...oh well...
Today I need to focus on the 8 healthy guide lines....and not over do any of them...I want that star tomorrow!
:)
Running to go get those tennis shoes on...
The trouble with starting the WW weight loss program early before the meetings is that I have to work harder for all the first rewards. I knew that would happen. I wanted to see if WW really worked for me for I spent money. Not IF it worked, but if it would work for ME. Well it has, and not getting the little rewards as fast as I could have was a sacrifice...oh well...
Today I need to focus on the 8 healthy guide lines....and not over do any of them...I want that star tomorrow!
:)
Running to go get those tennis shoes on...
Exercise
This week I am very happy with my discipline of exercise. I walked every day...
EVERY DAY!
Three weeks ago I did not walk AT all. Now I walk at least 2 miles a day and most days 3 or 4. I am happy...I am thankful I am healthy enough to walk...I will be walking daily...for an hour 5 days or more a week. Period...
Don't get me wrong. I ache. My left foot hurts something awful. The middle top of the foot has a sore spot that just makes me scream when I press it. But I am not stopping. I must burn off this fat, and start with my legs and arms because that is what I can do right now.
Once my legs and arms are stronger I will go for the Core of me (stomach, hips, torso). I am not focusing on it right now though. Why? Because I need to get off some weight there first before I try to do sit-ups, and twists and turns....I do not want to injure myself. Also weight comes off easier in that area. I used to have an hourglass figure at one point...I will be getting it back soon...I have lost about 2 inches off my waist so far, so I know it comes off there faster than other areas.
Anyway I like to walk....it feels good and that is enough for now...
EVERY DAY!
Three weeks ago I did not walk AT all. Now I walk at least 2 miles a day and most days 3 or 4. I am happy...I am thankful I am healthy enough to walk...I will be walking daily...for an hour 5 days or more a week. Period...
Don't get me wrong. I ache. My left foot hurts something awful. The middle top of the foot has a sore spot that just makes me scream when I press it. But I am not stopping. I must burn off this fat, and start with my legs and arms because that is what I can do right now.
Once my legs and arms are stronger I will go for the Core of me (stomach, hips, torso). I am not focusing on it right now though. Why? Because I need to get off some weight there first before I try to do sit-ups, and twists and turns....I do not want to injure myself. Also weight comes off easier in that area. I used to have an hourglass figure at one point...I will be getting it back soon...I have lost about 2 inches off my waist so far, so I know it comes off there faster than other areas.
Anyway I like to walk....it feels good and that is enough for now...
Holy Week - (It is about God, Can you Handle It?)
It is Holy Week starting tomorrow. Easter is the most holy of days for a believer. I will focus this week on the sacrifices that were made for me to have a relationship with my God. I will consider the payment made for my salvation, culminating with the day of Resurrection, the day that my Savior defeated the ultimate enemy, death.
While the focus of the cross is something many in our society today would like to play down, it is something that we who call our self Christians must aknowledge. A Christian is one who accepts the crucifixion and the resurrection. Accepts it by faith...in fact, it is the very foundations of our faith...the starting point...And because of the death and resurrection of Christ I will focus on my responsibility as a member of His Kingdom, the Kingdom of Heaven..."How then should we (I) live?" as the famous evangelist Francis Schaeffer once wrote years ago...
Indeed...how should I live?
Jesus did so much with His earthly life in 33 years. He taught a better way of living. A life of giving, loving and forgiving. A life that took people where they were and encouraged them to improve for the glory of God...a life that would not be easy, but was fulfilling and satisfying...a life that honored God.
I have never doubted the existence of God or that Jesus is His Son, or that to have a relationship with Him we must first be redeemed through Jesus' death at the cross. I believe I was born with an innate understanding of this. I know this may not be the case for everyone, but it was for me. My family did not practice Christianity, but for me, I have known since I was 8 I was suppose to be a Christian...
The disciplined life of a Christian calls me to better myself. To improve. To be a vessel used for the glory of God. For many years this vessel just existed to live for self...just survived...but now I want to be changed and improved....I want to overcome obstacles that I have allowed to encumber me for far too long...
My weight is simply an outward result of an inner issue. An issue that I have allowed to defeat me. Well that is over with....I will, through the power of God and His creative power within me be victorious and overcome this weakness that seeks to destroy and defeat me.
Thank you God for my life, thank You for my salvation, and thank You for my struggles, they show me that YOU are at work in me, and that YOU can overcome anything that causes me to stumble if I just allow you to work in my life.
While the focus of the cross is something many in our society today would like to play down, it is something that we who call our self Christians must aknowledge. A Christian is one who accepts the crucifixion and the resurrection. Accepts it by faith...in fact, it is the very foundations of our faith...the starting point...And because of the death and resurrection of Christ I will focus on my responsibility as a member of His Kingdom, the Kingdom of Heaven..."How then should we (I) live?" as the famous evangelist Francis Schaeffer once wrote years ago...
Indeed...how should I live?
Jesus did so much with His earthly life in 33 years. He taught a better way of living. A life of giving, loving and forgiving. A life that took people where they were and encouraged them to improve for the glory of God...a life that would not be easy, but was fulfilling and satisfying...a life that honored God.
I have never doubted the existence of God or that Jesus is His Son, or that to have a relationship with Him we must first be redeemed through Jesus' death at the cross. I believe I was born with an innate understanding of this. I know this may not be the case for everyone, but it was for me. My family did not practice Christianity, but for me, I have known since I was 8 I was suppose to be a Christian...
The disciplined life of a Christian calls me to better myself. To improve. To be a vessel used for the glory of God. For many years this vessel just existed to live for self...just survived...but now I want to be changed and improved....I want to overcome obstacles that I have allowed to encumber me for far too long...
My weight is simply an outward result of an inner issue. An issue that I have allowed to defeat me. Well that is over with....I will, through the power of God and His creative power within me be victorious and overcome this weakness that seeks to destroy and defeat me.
Thank you God for my life, thank You for my salvation, and thank You for my struggles, they show me that YOU are at work in me, and that YOU can overcome anything that causes me to stumble if I just allow you to work in my life.
Encourgement
I do not think we can overestimate the power of positive thinking. For me it is so easy to get discourage and get negative, down on myself and down on others. I have to be careful who I associate with often because they can bring me down. Its important for me to be positive and to expect good things.
Emotional eating happens because I seek comfort. Often I perceive it as the only possible comfort I have. I have never been one to have a lot of friends (maybe because I am too negative??), but the ones I do always help to make me feel special and positive.
One goal I have this next year is to conquer emotional eating, because it is my number one reason for over eating. I am a disciplined Core Warrior. I can watch my portions, I do choose the right foods MOST of the time. However I allow petty little things to upset me and effect me and the first I do is run to food like chocolate or sushi that makes me feel better, and then I eat it until I get a high...its an addiction, a terrible cycle and it has to stop...
I am discovering better ways to deal with my emotions and frustrations...walking and hiking has been a great comfort to me. Writing this blog helps as well...Bad things are going to happen, but I do not have to eat myself into oblivion. I can choose a better way...I will choose a better way...
My goals this year:
1. Lose weight, get healthy.
2. Love my family.
3. Make 3 new friends who will be REAL friends.
4. Build my relationship with God so that I can be more spiritually equipped to handle the struggles in my life.
5. Change the things in my life that bring me down.
Emotional eating happens because I seek comfort. Often I perceive it as the only possible comfort I have. I have never been one to have a lot of friends (maybe because I am too negative??), but the ones I do always help to make me feel special and positive.
One goal I have this next year is to conquer emotional eating, because it is my number one reason for over eating. I am a disciplined Core Warrior. I can watch my portions, I do choose the right foods MOST of the time. However I allow petty little things to upset me and effect me and the first I do is run to food like chocolate or sushi that makes me feel better, and then I eat it until I get a high...its an addiction, a terrible cycle and it has to stop...
I am discovering better ways to deal with my emotions and frustrations...walking and hiking has been a great comfort to me. Writing this blog helps as well...Bad things are going to happen, but I do not have to eat myself into oblivion. I can choose a better way...I will choose a better way...
My goals this year:
1. Lose weight, get healthy.
2. Love my family.
3. Make 3 new friends who will be REAL friends.
4. Build my relationship with God so that I can be more spiritually equipped to handle the struggles in my life.
5. Change the things in my life that bring me down.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
A Time to Write and Reflect
Journaling is not easy for me. I love to write in spurts. The bug bites and I write myself silly then I can not do it again for a bit...I know it makes for poor blogging but hey no one is reading it but me at the moment, so what the heck...
Last week I was very frustrated by my lack of weight loss (less than a pound???) Especially since I started walking. I walk over 18 miles last week and earning over 34 activity points...
But the trouble is I ate 60... (35+34=69, that is only a 9 point net, doesn't leave room for much weight loss)
Lets be honest here ok? I ate too much...
Let that sink in...
Now what are you going to do about the fact that:
1. You ate too much (GOSH I LOVE FOOD!)
2. Your body has metabolic resistance.
???
I must come to terms with the fact that my body conserves fuel beautifully. Oh bless you my fat retaining ancestors you got me here by your God-given ability to NOT LOSE weight...I know I should be thankful for that some how but right now it really stinks!
So stop eating so much and work out harder and longer...
God I hate the way that sound but it must be...
I will now be eating Core and logging points... I will stay under 30 points except on my splurg day where I eat 10 points more. I also will chose a day a week to eat LESS than 8 points...
Get back to what works..cycling energy...
On a good note the excise goes well this week. 23 points so far. HURRAY!
One thing that will be important within a week or so is getting a pedometer that works! I think I will go ahead and get the WW one, though I will be upset if I do not like it because it is not cheap (30 dollars???!!)
Anyway I have to run to work...gotta pay bills...More later...about my food choices this week.
Last week I was very frustrated by my lack of weight loss (less than a pound???) Especially since I started walking. I walk over 18 miles last week and earning over 34 activity points...
But the trouble is I ate 60... (35+34=69, that is only a 9 point net, doesn't leave room for much weight loss)
Lets be honest here ok? I ate too much...
Let that sink in...
Now what are you going to do about the fact that:
1. You ate too much (GOSH I LOVE FOOD!)
2. Your body has metabolic resistance.
???
I must come to terms with the fact that my body conserves fuel beautifully. Oh bless you my fat retaining ancestors you got me here by your God-given ability to NOT LOSE weight...I know I should be thankful for that some how but right now it really stinks!
So stop eating so much and work out harder and longer...
God I hate the way that sound but it must be...
I will now be eating Core and logging points... I will stay under 30 points except on my splurg day where I eat 10 points more. I also will chose a day a week to eat LESS than 8 points...
Get back to what works..cycling energy...
On a good note the excise goes well this week. 23 points so far. HURRAY!
One thing that will be important within a week or so is getting a pedometer that works! I think I will go ahead and get the WW one, though I will be upset if I do not like it because it is not cheap (30 dollars???!!)
Anyway I have to run to work...gotta pay bills...More later...about my food choices this week.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Not Enough Veggies....
I buy veggies religiously, but often I do not eat them. I am not sure why because I like them, and often I buy convenient ones that are already cut up in a bag, but sometimes, I don't know...I am lazy...
Exercise is not all about the physical labor or moving your body, sometimes it is also about the discipline to put in the effort to eat the 8 HG. I must make more of a conscientious effort to add veggies to what I eat...
So in order to do that today I grabbed a bunch of things in the refrigerator that I knew would be going bad soon and made some low fat dips for tonight's dinner and snack later this week. I made a radish dip and a spinach and artichoke dip....we will be eating these tonight with the flounder and crab I bought...
Tonights Menu:
Grilled Flounder in Lemon Butter Garlic Rub
Crab Cakes a la Core
Carrots and Celery
Radish Dip
Spinach & Artichoke Dip
This should cover most things I am missing today...plenty of protein and dairy (everything made with non-fat yogurt and a little full fat cheese), and lots of veggies....
I have to walk before this meal though...
Weigh in tomorrow...I am not looking froward to this...It should have been a better week with the exercise, but I ate too much....still within guidelines but I should have eaten less to have a net gain of activity points...I will still have them, but not like I wanted..
Exercise is not all about the physical labor or moving your body, sometimes it is also about the discipline to put in the effort to eat the 8 HG. I must make more of a conscientious effort to add veggies to what I eat...
So in order to do that today I grabbed a bunch of things in the refrigerator that I knew would be going bad soon and made some low fat dips for tonight's dinner and snack later this week. I made a radish dip and a spinach and artichoke dip....we will be eating these tonight with the flounder and crab I bought...
Tonights Menu:
Grilled Flounder in Lemon Butter Garlic Rub
Crab Cakes a la Core
Carrots and Celery
Radish Dip
Spinach & Artichoke Dip
This should cover most things I am missing today...plenty of protein and dairy (everything made with non-fat yogurt and a little full fat cheese), and lots of veggies....
I have to walk before this meal though...
Weigh in tomorrow...I am not looking froward to this...It should have been a better week with the exercise, but I ate too much....still within guidelines but I should have eaten less to have a net gain of activity points...I will still have them, but not like I wanted..
Friday, March 7, 2008
Pedometer - Best Thing Since Gym Class
I love this device. Plug in my stride (2.3 feet) and away I go...My goal? 10 thousand steps...so far I have done it almost every day this week except Monday (I recouped from a five mile hike) .
Tuesday is going to be a NO EXERCISE day...period...I work almost 12 -14 hours that day and walk almost 5 miles without the tread...that is PLENTY for me at the moment (I HATE TUESDAYS!!!) Next week though Monday I will walk on that treadmill...even if I do hike on Sunday...
I am looking for a new treadmill and a decent pedometer. I am finding neither is cheap if you want good ones. Well I like both and so I know if I keep with this for a month I am going to invest in good ones....exercise must become part of me...the walking feels really good....I am really surprised to be honest....
Next week's goal....strength pluse walking....FUN...
Tuesday is going to be a NO EXERCISE day...period...I work almost 12 -14 hours that day and walk almost 5 miles without the tread...that is PLENTY for me at the moment (I HATE TUESDAYS!!!) Next week though Monday I will walk on that treadmill...even if I do hike on Sunday...
I am looking for a new treadmill and a decent pedometer. I am finding neither is cheap if you want good ones. Well I like both and so I know if I keep with this for a month I am going to invest in good ones....exercise must become part of me...the walking feels really good....I am really surprised to be honest....
Next week's goal....strength pluse walking....FUN...
This Week in Food
Tonight for dinner I really wanted to go to a great Mexican taco shop we have in town, but I knew I would spend too many points doing it. I have already had my luxury meal this week and want an excess of activity points left over when I go to weigh in this week....I have already ate more than what I feel I should have (53 pts...) but I have earned over 30 activity points this week because of my added walking.
I ate more, but I exercised more...I was really hungry a few days and wanted a few things off the list. Nothing too terrible, except one day I did eat a quarter pounder without cheese (Ketchup and onion ONLY)...I did great on the 8 HG this week, but had quite a few things off the list like tonight...
I went to Pick Up Stix, and had the Orange Peel Chicken made with steamed white chicken, cooked with no oil and served over brown rice. I ate ONE cream cheese wanton. I estimated I ate about 5 pts off the list...but have no idea how to be precise because they do not have nutritional info for the meal without the fried chicken...
Sometimes this is hard to do...but I knew I made the best choice most of the time...
I like core alot but flex might need to happen next week if I do not lose...we will see...If I have 10 excess points left and still do not lose I will know I messed up...
I ate more, but I exercised more...I was really hungry a few days and wanted a few things off the list. Nothing too terrible, except one day I did eat a quarter pounder without cheese (Ketchup and onion ONLY)...I did great on the 8 HG this week, but had quite a few things off the list like tonight...
I went to Pick Up Stix, and had the Orange Peel Chicken made with steamed white chicken, cooked with no oil and served over brown rice. I ate ONE cream cheese wanton. I estimated I ate about 5 pts off the list...but have no idea how to be precise because they do not have nutritional info for the meal without the fried chicken...
Sometimes this is hard to do...but I knew I made the best choice most of the time...
I like core alot but flex might need to happen next week if I do not lose...we will see...If I have 10 excess points left and still do not lose I will know I messed up...
Too Stuffed :(
Attitude Adjustment:
I think I ate too much this week, did not listen to my comfort zone... Really pigged out last night at sushi....I was so hungry. I know its from exercising....but I don't want to do that again.
I want the scale down..not stationary...my excise should not be supporting my sushi habit...LOL
Help to pay for it, but not support it...
GO DOWN AND FORWARD...not stationary...move, move, move...
Be satisfied...NOT full and DEFINITELY NOT stuffed!
You can and will do this....willing and able to do it...SO DO IT!
I think I ate too much this week, did not listen to my comfort zone... Really pigged out last night at sushi....I was so hungry. I know its from exercising....but I don't want to do that again.
I want the scale down..not stationary...my excise should not be supporting my sushi habit...LOL
Help to pay for it, but not support it...
GO DOWN AND FORWARD...not stationary...move, move, move...
Be satisfied...NOT full and DEFINITELY NOT stuffed!
You can and will do this....willing and able to do it...SO DO IT!
Good Exercise Week
I have been very busy this week, and did not post as well as I should...
The good news is I earned over 20 activity points this week. My two hour crazy hike I wrote about Sunday (Santa Rosa Plateau) and 3 different days on the tread, where I walked for an hour at a brisk pace...
I have found that I enjoy watching a music video or movie while walking on tread...it really helps get my mind off the walk and onto the song...hard to get the pulse right but I am more about getting a habit of walking...I will worry about the pulse next week...I bought a fan too....I am a whimp, I need my comfort!
The pedometer has been a big help..it keeps me honest and motivated and I get ticked when I don't have it attached right on my hip and its not recording...this happened after an hour on the tread...I was REALLY upset...the numbers in miles really makes me feel good about myself...
I bought some light weights and an exercise ball from Walmart. That is my goal next week....Something tells me it will not feel nearly as good as the walking did...I am going to go look for an exercise CD this weekend as well....
I have to believe in me....and I have to be honest....Losing this weight is for ME to feel better and to look better. This is for my family as well...mom needs to be around to live, love and laugh with through life...I am going to give it my best shot, for myself, and for them!
The good news is I earned over 20 activity points this week. My two hour crazy hike I wrote about Sunday (Santa Rosa Plateau) and 3 different days on the tread, where I walked for an hour at a brisk pace...
I have found that I enjoy watching a music video or movie while walking on tread...it really helps get my mind off the walk and onto the song...hard to get the pulse right but I am more about getting a habit of walking...I will worry about the pulse next week...I bought a fan too....I am a whimp, I need my comfort!
The pedometer has been a big help..it keeps me honest and motivated and I get ticked when I don't have it attached right on my hip and its not recording...this happened after an hour on the tread...I was REALLY upset...the numbers in miles really makes me feel good about myself...
I bought some light weights and an exercise ball from Walmart. That is my goal next week....Something tells me it will not feel nearly as good as the walking did...I am going to go look for an exercise CD this weekend as well....
I have to believe in me....and I have to be honest....Losing this weight is for ME to feel better and to look better. This is for my family as well...mom needs to be around to live, love and laugh with through life...I am going to give it my best shot, for myself, and for them!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Why Weight Watchers
I have to be honest. I really truly believed in the low carb life style for a long time. I lost a great deal of weight in the past on it, and kept it off until I began to have serious problems with my thyroid. (I am hypothyroid and have been on meds for about 7 yrs).
So why did I chose to stop it and go on Weight Watchers which appears to be the exact opposite of the Low Carb life style? In a phrase...
The Core Program...
I have never liked the WW points program. It annoys me to have to look up everything and calculate a strange number that reminds me of being in a chemistry class. However, after reviewing the Core program I realized I could do this program because it was VERY close to South Beach, a diet that I support and that it would be more in line with my lifestyle.
Why does Core work for me? Well...
The basic premise of Core is you eat only what is on the Core List and you eat until you are satisfied. You do not count calories, points, fat grams..nothing that is on the Core List. What is on the list? Fruit, vegetables, lean meats, (even sirloin!), most non-fat dairy (but not non-fat cream cheese, because people make pigs of themselves on it!) and some complex starches and whole grains. Your goal is to meet the 8 healthy guidelines a day, eat Core...and get your body moving...
Your only real limits on the Core List are the carb-starch family. You can have only one meal with sugar free cereal a day (I LOVE SHREDDED WHEAT!) and one choice of a starch (potato, brown rice, or whole grain pasta). Some things are NOT on the list...BREAD!
Bingo...this FEELS like my lifestyle...this feels low carb...but isn't quite. What it is, is low GI and healthy foods...
In Addition:
I love sushi...I was tired of "cheating" and spending three days to get back into ketosis every time I decided I wanted my favorite food. On Core I have 35 Weekly Allowance Point to spend HOWEVER I want....I spend about 10 pts a week on sushi..and STILL lose weight! The only time I count points is when I eat something off the Core List. That is the only time the annoying math formula comes into my life...otherwise I go for Core...
I love potatoes as well...they make me feel good...I NEVER got them on low carbing...I can have one potato a day...I usually do this a few times a week...other days I have whole grain pasta or brown rice, instead. Here is the thing...I do NOT have to have the grains if I do not want them...there are many days I do NOT want them...they are part of the 8 healthy guidelines but no one smacks me over the head if I chose to not eat them one or two days a week..
However I am Italian, and I missed the foods of my culture. I must have the occasional pasta dish to feel connected to my background and culture...well have you tried whole grain pastas lately? Let me tell you, they are GOOD!
I don't eat much bread...I buy Thomas light English Muffins and WW Whole Wheat bread, and Western Alternative Bagels and Pitas when I need bread. They all are one point each...I use them to make lunch easy and fast...
I have realized that I was not as much of a low carb person as I was a protein and WHOLE carb person. I also realized that I was mean and grumpy all the time on low carbing...something was amiss and I could not put my finger on it until I joined Weight Watchers...
I love this program...I am satisfied, rarely hungry, have lost many many cravings, get some goodies when I really want them and still am losing weight at a healthy pace. I am looking forward to good things ahead...
So why did I chose to stop it and go on Weight Watchers which appears to be the exact opposite of the Low Carb life style? In a phrase...
The Core Program...
I have never liked the WW points program. It annoys me to have to look up everything and calculate a strange number that reminds me of being in a chemistry class. However, after reviewing the Core program I realized I could do this program because it was VERY close to South Beach, a diet that I support and that it would be more in line with my lifestyle.
Why does Core work for me? Well...
The basic premise of Core is you eat only what is on the Core List and you eat until you are satisfied. You do not count calories, points, fat grams..nothing that is on the Core List. What is on the list? Fruit, vegetables, lean meats, (even sirloin!), most non-fat dairy (but not non-fat cream cheese, because people make pigs of themselves on it!) and some complex starches and whole grains. Your goal is to meet the 8 healthy guidelines a day, eat Core...and get your body moving...
Your only real limits on the Core List are the carb-starch family. You can have only one meal with sugar free cereal a day (I LOVE SHREDDED WHEAT!) and one choice of a starch (potato, brown rice, or whole grain pasta). Some things are NOT on the list...BREAD!
Bingo...this FEELS like my lifestyle...this feels low carb...but isn't quite. What it is, is low GI and healthy foods...
In Addition:
I love sushi...I was tired of "cheating" and spending three days to get back into ketosis every time I decided I wanted my favorite food. On Core I have 35 Weekly Allowance Point to spend HOWEVER I want....I spend about 10 pts a week on sushi..and STILL lose weight! The only time I count points is when I eat something off the Core List. That is the only time the annoying math formula comes into my life...otherwise I go for Core...
I love potatoes as well...they make me feel good...I NEVER got them on low carbing...I can have one potato a day...I usually do this a few times a week...other days I have whole grain pasta or brown rice, instead. Here is the thing...I do NOT have to have the grains if I do not want them...there are many days I do NOT want them...they are part of the 8 healthy guidelines but no one smacks me over the head if I chose to not eat them one or two days a week..
However I am Italian, and I missed the foods of my culture. I must have the occasional pasta dish to feel connected to my background and culture...well have you tried whole grain pastas lately? Let me tell you, they are GOOD!
I don't eat much bread...I buy Thomas light English Muffins and WW Whole Wheat bread, and Western Alternative Bagels and Pitas when I need bread. They all are one point each...I use them to make lunch easy and fast...
I have realized that I was not as much of a low carb person as I was a protein and WHOLE carb person. I also realized that I was mean and grumpy all the time on low carbing...something was amiss and I could not put my finger on it until I joined Weight Watchers...
I love this program...I am satisfied, rarely hungry, have lost many many cravings, get some goodies when I really want them and still am losing weight at a healthy pace. I am looking forward to good things ahead...
Santa Rosa Plateau
Sunday is a great meeting. We have a delightful leader who is sweet, encouraging and dedicated. Last week she invited all of us to take a hike at the Santa Rose Plateau which is a beautiful group of trails set in an Ecological Reserve in Southern California. I could not make the 1:30 pm group time, but instead brought my family about an hour later...we were to hike the Hidden Valley Road Trail on the Abode Loop...
The trails are framed by beautiful meadows and towering oak trees. The critters that scour the area are coyotes, bob cats, deer, bunnies and various reptiles I don't want to think about...(I hate snakes...I know we need them, but I really hate them...). The view was breath taking....we recently had some rain so everything was green and glowing...the wild flowers are out...California is gorgeous this time of year...
The trail said the loop was about 2.2 miles. I thought well, I am out of shape, but I love hiking, love being with my family, and I can do this...its only two miles right?
Well what my beloved leader did NOT tell me is that it is 2.2 miles to the adobes, and ANOTHER 2.2 miles back...which we did not find out until we were AT the adobes...I mean I saw both trails and thought...its a loop right??? WRONG.
Like a misguided fool I did not get a map. I just started to hike...well after 2.2 miles we arrived at the historical adobes, just to be told by some nice people (who must have laughed with glee)
"Oh you have to walk ANOTHER 2 miles back through the trail to get back..."
My worn out legs and feet screamed in protest. But I knew I had no option but to hike it back. My sweet man decided that there had to be a better way back than using the same trail...so we went back on the coyote trail, which we discovered was closed once we got half way down the trail...I was about to cry...I did not sign-up for this!
My trailblazing man then saw a road...the Hidden Valley Road (revealed thank GOD). We hiked off the trail through the meadow (don't tell anyone ok? you are not suppose to get off the trail...well screw that I was tried!). The road lead to the highway and we walked about 1/2 mile back to our parking lot....
My pedometer said 5 miles total I walked, but I think it lied to me! It felt more like 10.
Here is the thing....I MADE IT. I proved to myself I can hike at a reasonable pace for 5 miles...
What did I do as soon as I got home? Logged my 10 activity points with pride...and read about the Vernal Pools Trail which is another 5 mile hike...which I am going to try next weekend ;)
I am a glutton for punishment...and a stubborn woman...I want to see the pools before they dry...LOL
The trails are framed by beautiful meadows and towering oak trees. The critters that scour the area are coyotes, bob cats, deer, bunnies and various reptiles I don't want to think about...(I hate snakes...I know we need them, but I really hate them...). The view was breath taking....we recently had some rain so everything was green and glowing...the wild flowers are out...California is gorgeous this time of year...
The trail said the loop was about 2.2 miles. I thought well, I am out of shape, but I love hiking, love being with my family, and I can do this...its only two miles right?
Well what my beloved leader did NOT tell me is that it is 2.2 miles to the adobes, and ANOTHER 2.2 miles back...which we did not find out until we were AT the adobes...I mean I saw both trails and thought...its a loop right??? WRONG.
Like a misguided fool I did not get a map. I just started to hike...well after 2.2 miles we arrived at the historical adobes, just to be told by some nice people (who must have laughed with glee)
"Oh you have to walk ANOTHER 2 miles back through the trail to get back..."
My worn out legs and feet screamed in protest. But I knew I had no option but to hike it back. My sweet man decided that there had to be a better way back than using the same trail...so we went back on the coyote trail, which we discovered was closed once we got half way down the trail...I was about to cry...I did not sign-up for this!
My trailblazing man then saw a road...the Hidden Valley Road (revealed thank GOD). We hiked off the trail through the meadow (don't tell anyone ok? you are not suppose to get off the trail...well screw that I was tried!). The road lead to the highway and we walked about 1/2 mile back to our parking lot....
My pedometer said 5 miles total I walked, but I think it lied to me! It felt more like 10.
Here is the thing....I MADE IT. I proved to myself I can hike at a reasonable pace for 5 miles...
What did I do as soon as I got home? Logged my 10 activity points with pride...and read about the Vernal Pools Trail which is another 5 mile hike...which I am going to try next weekend ;)
I am a glutton for punishment...and a stubborn woman...I want to see the pools before they dry...LOL
Time to Get Serious
About 6 weeks ago I started Weight Watchers Core Program. I have used their tools and meetings for about 3 weeks now. I decided that I would journal my journey this year. So far I have lost about 10 lbs. My goals are very simple:
1. Get Healthy
2. Lose Weight
3. Get into Shape
4. Enjoy the Process of Change
The last few years have brought on a great deal of physical and emotional challenges and changes to my life. Some I have handled well and some, well I have just barely survived. My health is slipping away from me. Everyday I wake up with a new pain or aliment. I know most of it is from a poor diet, a poor life style and a really piss poor attitude. That is changing...starting now....
I know this will take at least a year. I am ready for this, and I am serious and I am looking forward to the change.
This blog is about being real, being honest and being willing to change...the only thing I really can change... ME
1. Get Healthy
2. Lose Weight
3. Get into Shape
4. Enjoy the Process of Change
The last few years have brought on a great deal of physical and emotional challenges and changes to my life. Some I have handled well and some, well I have just barely survived. My health is slipping away from me. Everyday I wake up with a new pain or aliment. I know most of it is from a poor diet, a poor life style and a really piss poor attitude. That is changing...starting now....
I know this will take at least a year. I am ready for this, and I am serious and I am looking forward to the change.
This blog is about being real, being honest and being willing to change...the only thing I really can change... ME
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