BOO!

Happy Halloween Y'all! I finally took a picture that's decent! I kinda like this one! Must be the orange shirt. I look a tad thinner too....:)

Thank you all for the wonderful comments about my post yesterday. I am so excited and motivated by this new 2 week shred. I actually feel like I KNOW what I'm doing!

Carlos has been a huge help in getting my MIND squared away. That's a big deal for me. I actually KNOW I can do this now! I was really feeling down on myself, and just having a big ol' pity party. Well...no more of that crapola! I am a strong, self reliant, woman and I can meet any goal I set! Right?! Right.

Today was the first time I did the Aerobic Circuit that Carlos is having me do. Four exercises, 20-25 reps, and 3 circuits. It was hard, but doable. I know my butt and thighs will be screaming tomorrow. This is a different style of cardio than I am used to, but my heart rate was definitely up where it needed to be.

I ate well. I'm not craving junk, which really helps. I got up so early this morning that I actually had time to cook up a batch of chicken boobs and make a salad for dinner. I love when I get up early. I get so much done.

Anyway....I am breathing hard, working hard doing my workout, when I look down and see a dead mouse! Scared the HELL out of me! When I calmed down I realized it was a fake. My dear sweet hubbie had planted it there for me as a prank....Butthead. He'll pay for that tonight! Any ideas what I can do to him???

Day 4 Shredder Challenge

Me about 1/2 hour after my workout this morning. What a nice outfit! LOL!! I love that T-shirt. It's my favorite workout shirt. It's my husbands and he laughs at me every time he sees me wearing it.

You people will NEVER believe what happened to me yesterday! I spent a WHOLE HOUR talking with Mr. Carlos DeJesus on the phone! WOOHOO!!! Coolest thing that has happened to me in a while. He is such a big sweetie. I told him that and he said, "Well...I've been called worse!" LOL!!

We talked about a ton of stuff. One of his first questions was "Did I have a plan for the Shred?" Ummmm.....NO. Well..kinda. Great answer, right!? Well, I've got one now, thanks to Carlos! Thank you very much for pointing me in the right direction.

He asked me what has been standing in my way of reaching my goals. The only thing standing in my way is ME! plus the fact that I have reached information saturation/overload. Have you ever felt crippled by the inability to make a decision? I just couldn't DO anything. Well Carlos told me to concentrate on 3 things.

1. Cardio
2. Weights
3. Calorie management

That's it. Nothing else. We figured my calorie limits, developed a cardio and weight plan. I am ready, I am going forward and forgetting everything else that I have read or learned. I am letting the Pro help me.

We also talked about "unfinished business". He says we all have it...if we had a childhood, we have it! Most people need to figure out what that is and resolve it so they can move on with their lives. It's funny that he would say that to me. I just resolved a HUGE issue I have had for over 33 years between me and my best friend in high school. I cannot tell you what a load that was. Now it's gone and I don't have to worry about it any longer.

He was telling me about a conversation he had with Adam about PRW's and PPA's(powerful personal affirmations) We all have written them, but what happens if they are challenged. What do we do? I know I usually cave into what's triggering me. Carlos says we need to "learn to think when we dont' know what to do". We need to slow down our thinking, grab some water, and don't allow compromise. We need to take care not to undo all the good we've done all day. This is one thing I have a huge problem with. I eat right all day and then at the last minute I'll eat something stupid. Chocolate usually. We need to challenge our fear and doubt--basically kick it's butt ( my words, LOL!)

Another thing we need to do to succeed is to find out "what the competition is up to and then DO what THEY are not willing to do." He told me a story about a competition he was in and someone asked him what he ate--"Tuna" The guy said, "NO..everyone eats tuna, what did you eat?" Carlos said, "Tuna...Tuna for breakfast, tuna for lunch, and tuna for dinner." This is one example of doing what the competition is not willing to do.

Carlos had some great stories and I listened well and took notes! I didn't want to miss a thing!

Day 3, Shredder Challenge

Kinda have a funny look on my face...

I am so happy that I scraped under the wire for this challenge! I think Adam had some really good timing coming up with this challenge. Sometimes spur of the moment things are the best!

My report....
I ate very well yesterday, and today is starting off on the right foot. Menu for today is: oatmeal, prot.pwder, blueberries for breakfast, apple & pb for snack, Lunch will be baked potato, cottage cheese, salsa, and broccoli; another apple for snack; finally...Dinner will be Grilled Chicken Boobs, salad, and probably another veggie. Not bad...I know I have to watch my calories--not too many and not too few. I tend to UNDER eat.

I did 30 minutes of a Turbo Jam DVD called Fat Blaster. It is 15 minutes of pretty intense aerobics with 15 minutes of intervals. Lots of fun. I'm probably going to walk tonite after work--at least another 30 min.

What about you, how did your day go?

I forgot..

to tell you that all my menus for the week are planned. So are my workouts. All I have to do is follow what I have written and I'll be good to go. Takes all the worry and stress out of it. As I've mentioned before, I have a notebook that I record everything in. It's all written down. I just pick a day in my book and I know exactly what I'm supposed to do for that day. Makes exercise and clean eating a no brainer.

Plus...I just wanted to add that my beginning BF% is approx 37.6, based on my accumeasure calipers. For me, it doesn't have to be on the nose, just accurate enough to track a downward trend.

Shredder Challenge

I was away for the last two days....when I came back, Lynda had emailed me to let me know about Adam's challenge. So I frantically ran to Adam's site to get the details. I signed up...but not sure that Adam will see my request to join. I AM a day late, but that's not going to stop me from doing this! LOL!!!

I am supposed to use this time to rededicate myself to my goals. I am to take a daily pic and post daily for 14 days. Since I've already missed yesterday, I probably won't be up for any of the prizes...that's okay. I'm doing this for me anyway. How I feel at the end of two weeks will be my prize. This just could be the "oomph" I need to make it to the end of the year.

I think this would be a great "cleansing" time--time to come clean on any lack of
commitment on all our parts...I'll lead the way. I am a slacker. I haven't been working out or eating right for at least the last month. This is not new news to most of you. I have been struggling for months. This next two weeks will turn me around.

I am excited about this challenge. It's like a new start :)

What Lynda said.....

"Now see there! All you needed to do is find something that works for you. Something you like, your body likes, and you can live easily with. That now is all it takes. You can keep it going, add in as much exercise as you can, and you´ll be a super-model before you know it. So proud of you! I will be glad to walk with you...let´s go!"
Lynda


Too bad it took me almost one year and lots of struggling to do it! But I think my new eating plan is fabulous. If you're not familiar with the Zone...everything is balanced--3 blocks protein, 3 carb, 3 fat at each meal. One block of chicken is 1.5 oz. So I can have 4.5 oz of chicken at each meal if I would like. I'm eating good fats that keep me full longer and enough carbs to keep me awake and from climbing the walls starving to death!

Everyone has their own take on what good nutrition is all about. I think I'm learning that you just have to find your own way. I've read ALL the books, and believe me when I tell you there is a LOT of crap out there. Most of the menus you get are so out there...who eats like that? I don't eat a different menu every day. Most people eat the same 5 things every week. In my house it used to be Tacos, Meatloaf, Spaghetti, Hamburgers, and Pizza. I have come a LONG way in changing my eating habits. I'm still not perfect, but who is...and who would WANT to be. The five meals that we have the most now are: Chicken,Rice, Veggies; Steak, potato, salad; Fajitas and Whole Wheat Tortillas, Homemade Veggie Pizza, and Salmon veggies,Salad. My husband has lost 25 lbs this year. I've lost it and found it twice this year! LOL....oh well...onward and upward!

What kind of things are you eating these days?

Wonderful Day!

Remember a few weeks ago I was telling you how tired I have been for months? I could hardly drag myself out of bed at 6:30 or seven. Well, guess what!? I feel really great now. I just realized how clear headed I am and energized while driving to work today. Here is what I have been doing:

1. Go to bed at 9:00 pm 9:30 at the latest
2. Get up between 5 and 6:00 am
3. Follow The Zone program
4. Take fish oil (gel caps--the liquid stuff is nasty!)
5. B complex supported with extra B-12 and B-6
6. Pilates, weights, and some walking--at least 5 days per week

So that's my routine. It's doable, it's something I can do everyday of my life. I feel really good. In the two weeks that I've done the Zone, I feel like a new person. Dr. Sears has a pretty good philosophy about insulin and food addictions. I am pretty sure I have an insulin problem. he talks about using food as "medication" to correct a condition. Use food the right way and it will heal you. I don't have ANY cravings now. That is the best part for me. As you know I am a Chocolate ADDICT....THERE. I've said it. You girls know what I mean...and some of you guys also! This plan makes sense to ME. It seems to be something I can stick to and make a lifestyle. I've tried a lot of other things and they either didn't fit my lifestyle, were too complicated--eat this today, but not tomorrow--or they were WAY too low in carbs or calories.

So now that my plan is in place, I can go for it again! Woohoo! Lynda girl...get your walking shoes...I'm right behind you!

Thanks!

To the Shredder women who visited and gave me such encouragement. I really have had a setback. It sucks. I hate when I let myself go--and I mean that by not doing what I'm supposed to do--mainly not eating right. I exercise, but the eating thing has got me crazy. Low carb, High carb, raw, low cal, GEEZ!!!!!

I really am kinda stuck on what to do next. It's not like I eat crap all day long. I have a problem on weekends--like everyone else. Today I had: Breakfast...4 eggwhites, oatmeal and berries. Lunch: chicken breast, salad, and green beans. I have an apple and a string cheese stick for a snack this afternoon. Tonight will be Turkey and veggies. Nothing wrong with that. Now if I can just do it again tomorrow. One foot in front of the other.

They say eating is 80% (whatever) of the program. So if you can get your eating plan down pat, the rest should pretty much fall into place. I believe that. I work out just about every day, except for now and then--like the last two weeks w/my back. (which feels great now, thankyou!) My eating is not good. So that is my "project" for the next few weeks--to get me back on track.

BTW...heard from the Marine...he's okay and he loves me! Woohoo! made my day. I love my kid. He's such a wonderful person. I wish more kids were like him.

I'm ready to go!

Today is the first day that my back hasn't hurt. I think I'm good to go. I haven't really worked out in about two weeks. Glad to get back to it.

Taking Today and Sunday to get my self re-dedicated and make plans as to what I'm actually going to do. I am one of those persons that NEEDS to have my menu and workouts all drawn out so I don't have to wake up and worry about getting it together. When it's down in writing in my binder, I can just go for it.

I hate to admit this, but where else can I feel comfy admitting my shortcomings?--I am pretty much back to the same place I was in July. My weight is up, my fat % is up. BUT....I'm not giving up. I'm getting a move on. This is truly a journey and a life experience. I just need to keep moving ahead. I don't want to be stagnant and settle for what I am. I want to be better, the best.

Went Visiting

This is a portion of a mural my son Jacob painted in a Shakey's restaurant in Auburn Alabama. Pretty cool.

I went visiting some of my blog friends today. I found out Dougal is needing our help. Please pop on over and visit him today. We need to get on our knees and pray for his recovery. He has a great attitude and refuses to give in to this horrible infection. Everyone, very simplistically, tells you to have faith. That is the ONE thing Dougal does not need, because he HAS it!

Did a short walk today, feeling better everyday. Lilla mentioned getting a massage. That sounds like a fabulous idea. I think I'll look into that.

Thank you so much!

Craft Show pics....

Everyone that left a comment yesterday had some really nice things to say. Ron actually said something that I had not thought of: Stress affecting my back. All the late nights bent over a sewing machine or table making candles probably took it's toll.

Thank you so much for the warm hugs via the "net" for my son. I am trying to come to grips with his "vocation" of choice. I admire him for his patriotism and willingness to do his part. Not many kids his age (19) have a global view, much less a view outside of themselves.

I am wanting to get back to working out. I feel like a slug. I've done 2 days of Pilates this week and one short 20 min. walk. Back is still tender and need to be careful. I'm such a crybaby....I have had Dougal on my mind all week as I whine and cry about my little ouchie. Dougal...you are welcome to kick me in the ass. LOl!!!

I'm still here!

Okay....the craft show is over and so is the mad rush to finish projects. I am so glad to be done with that! It was fun, it was hard work, and I made a few bucks.

I am getting over a back thing...I'm not calling it an injury, because I didn't "injure" myself. I just woke up last Monday and could barely walk, stand up straight, or turn to the side. I'm better now, but still have tender spots when I turn to the side. Have not exercised in a week. Just couldn't bear to do anything. Today I did some pilates, and I felt pretty good. I'm gonna try the treadmill tomorrow. I have really missed working out. I never thought I would hear myself say that! I was able to keep the weight off this week, so that's good. Normally I would have used it for an excuse to pig out.

I got some really sad news (sad to me) today. I've known for awhile that my son was going to Iraq in Oct., but we just heard last week that he's going to Afghanistan instead. That bothered me, but okay....let's get it over with. TODAY...as soon as I walked in the door to work, I found out his orders have changed, and he's off to Afghanistan NOW, TODAY. I am so upset, and have been like a cry baby all day. I didn't even get to say goodbye or tell him I love him. I don't know how long he'll be out of touch, but do me a favor....keep him in your prayers.

Jesus Vs Satan

I had read this before via email, but I just found it on Jamie's site....Still funny!

Jesus and Satan were having an on-going argument about who was better on the computer. They had been going at it for days, and frankly God was tired of all the bickering.

Finally fed up, God said, “THAT’S IT! I have had enough. I am going to set up a test that will run for two hours, and from those results, I will judge who does the better job.”

So Satan and Jesus sat down at the keyboards and typed away.

They moused.
They faxed.
They e-mailed.
They e-mailed with attatchments.
They downloaded.
They did spreadsheets!
They wrote reports.
They created labels and cards.
They created charts and graphs.
They did some genealogy reports.
They did every job known to man.

Jesus worked with heavenly efficiency and Satan was faster than hell. Then, ten minutes before their time was up, lightning suddenly flashed across the sky, thunder rolled, rain poured, and of course, the power went off. Satan stared at his blank screen and screamed every curse word known in the underworld. Jesus just sighed.

Finally the electricity came back on and each of them re-started their computers. Satan started searching frantically, screaming: “It’s gone! It’s all GONE! I lost everything when the power went out!” Meanwhile, Jesus quietly started printing off all of his files from the past two hours of work. Satan observed this and became irate. “Wait!” he screamed. “That’s not fair! He cheated! How come he has all his work and I don’t have any?” God just shrugged and said,

“Jesus Saves.”

Tagged!

I've been tagged by Jamie over at Bitrcountrygirl to a 5 things about me meme. Gee thanks Jamie..... :)

The rules are:
1. Link your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share five facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

So here are 5 things about me:

1. I make primitive country crafts. Been sewing since I was little
2. I sell real estate...been an agent for about 10 years. Currently working as office manager for an upscale luxury home sales office.
3. I am married to a firefighter...He's my hero.
4. I can't stand fish...but I'll eat Salmon..but ONLY if it's grilled.
5. I can type about 60 words per minute!

I am tagging:

Lynda
Debbie
Lilla
Mike Groom
Diane

Some fun news

He's called: Freezin' my bells off! I made him for my craft show on Oct. 11th.

I measured myself today for the first time in about a month! I have lost 2 inches on my waist, 1/2 on butt, 2 in on chest and 3/4 on my thighs. PLUS I'm down 1/2 lb more! So that's over 5 inches and 5.5 lbs in one month. Woo hoo!

Here's a little tidbit I read in an article: 25 Love facts.
#9. Brain scans show that people who view photos of a beloved experience an activation of the caudate — the part of the brain involving cravings.
No wonder I'm so freakin' fat! If I would just quit looking at my hubbies pic on my desk...these pesky cravings would go away!


I have been so busy with my craft show...I am swamped! I'm sorry if I haven't been commenting so much on everyone's blog. I AM visiting, just busy. You all mean so much to me, and I can't imagine a day without any of you!

Visit my craft blog and you can see what I've been making....
Cranapple Christmas