Sunday (blah) news

Sunday - a day of rest.  And I was 'allowed' to work six hours in my BigBox store.  Yippee!  It was very hard crawling out of bed at 445am, as this is day 7 in a 12 day stretch, and I really wanted to sleep in!  But... up and out the door I went.

Skipped the gym because this being Sunday, its also a day I need to settle in and get some chores done.... laundry and grocery shopping - which of course meant a trip BACK to my BigBox store. lol I'm a glutton for punishment??  *snicker*  Being tired made me want to reach for all unhealthy chocolate things to put in my buggy, but I didn't.  The only treat I allowed myself was a 12pack of PeaceTea's Green Tea.  Had a can the other day and loved it!  Its not overly sweet, only 50 calories, and green stuff is good for you!     (I've tried Razzleberry too... yumm!)

I took a 45 minute nap - because if I didn't, I think ---- well, it couldn't have been good. lol   and I got my back patio cleaned off, it really needed to be hosed.  When its windy in spring time, that means lots of little flowery fluffs from the trees blow into the yard, and that's just messy.  I'm still aiming for some really good backyard work to make it comfy for evening sitting.  It'll be a challenge - I really need to get some rock down on top of all the dirt and finish that part off.   Am looking for some small table ideas as well as some way to have some candle light out there.  There's a storage bench that I think I'll just order, because I can put my chemicals in it -- bug and weed stuffs mostly, because they look unsightly hanging around the patio. 


Hope everyone else had a terrific Sunday!

Chasing Demons

I think as a whole, people naturally resist change.  I'm probably worse than the average - I dislike changes, they upset the 'norm' and there are adjustments to be made. Friday when I hit the gym, UGH, they moved some cardio machines around, creating another 'row' of them, which are further from the TV sets - that part doesn't bother me, I don't do TV.  But moving them created a large open floor space, room to do stretching, and other types of aerobic activities - like jumping rope, etc.  BUT.  and its a big butt --- oh wait, it's me with the big butt hahaha -- the last thing I want to be is on the floor, doing some stretching etc, right out in the open, as if on display for everyone who walks in the door, and others who are on machines that face directly into the 'new open area'.  They HAVE a room for that sort of thing.... why not use it for that?  I'm hoping this is temporary, because my big butt isn't going to be facing all those people coming in the door as I'm on the floor doing "my thing".    I did my cardio, did my strength training, then headed out the door - no stretching.  I'll have to do that later this evening.

Going to the gym for me has been about chasing inner demons.  Work has been hellish, and extremely frustrating.  Some home issues have been challenging as well, and its all so aggravating.  I know, I know, life is about changes, and if you accept the fact that things are going to change on a daily basis, you're one up.  dhings etter able to roll with it.  I know it in my logic, but my psyche doesn't accept changes very well.  So going to the gym and burning up a couple hundred calories helps.

At home, once I'm done with work and the gym, I've been spending lots of time in the backyard, working on getting it looking nice.  I want to be able to come out here on a warm summer's evening to sit, relax, watch stars, or anything else.  that's my goal and I've been working diligently at getting things all done.  Its a process.   But keeping busy helps keep those demons at bay.

There's nothing worse than feeling as if you're chasing demons all day long.
Unless the demons are chasing you..... 
There has to be a better way.
or.  Its me.

Well. I know some of it is me,
I don't let people in very often.
If at all.
But I'm trying.

Weigh in Weds (Tats)

Another week has passed and it was my day to weigh in, see if I reached my goal.....  only down a pound, but at least it was in the right direction!  8 more lbs to go and I'll get my tat !!! 



In Greek mythology, a phoenix or phenix (ancient Greek φοίνιξ phóinīx ) is a long-lived bird that is cyclically regenerated or reborn. Associated with the sun, a phoenix obtains new life by arising from the ashes of its predecessor.  A new life from the old ... losing 50 lbs will definitely do that!  So many of the tats of a phoenix are more bird like, some very elaborate, thus a little bigger than I want mine to be.  (like this one on the left)  The one I fell in love with is below; as you can see, I'm debating colored, b/w or a combination?  We'll have to see what the tat artist says. :)




As far as my workout went today, it was a pretty good session.  Alan works me very hard on very basic stuff, so a lot of core workout - which is definitely needed in my dept.  He seems to want me to do so much more of that than cardio, but I know my old body.... it needs as much cardio as I'll give it!  I'm going to attempt to make my calories really count this week -- more veggies and protein than anything else, while maintaining a calorie count of 1300, instead of 1550.  I want to push myself just a little bit more, see if I boost my system just a tad. :)

Pleasing ME!

We can talk about diets all day long, debate the paleo vs atkins vs HCG.  We can talk about how good exercise is for us, too.  But until you decide to do something, its all talk! 

I've been working hard on maintaining good eating habits, faithfully logging everything I eat at SparkPeople.com -- even the cheat stuff like chocolate!  I haven't always had successful weeks, but I've had more successes than failures!  I'm faithful about going to the gym -- the other day, one of the gals said "I can't believe how regular you come to the gym, you're always here!!"  And boy, did that feel good -- because what I'm doing is good for me, and its working!!!

I don't know what Weigh in Weds will hold for me.  I'm not worried about it, but I don't want to be disappointed either. Sure, I'd like to see a big drop on the scale, but I'm not sure it will be this week.  The weekend was busy with housework - I had to get everything caught up because I'm working another long stretch of 11 or 12 days in a row.  On top of that, there is a surprise audit some day this week, and a two day pre-inventory audit on May 1.  That means I need to keep on top of my game, and keep everything current.  Which causes stress.  Which creates chocolate cravings!  ugh

So, in order to feel positive about things, I decided to take my measurements again.  And I can definitely see results.  I've lost 3.75 inches off my hips, and 2.25 inches off my waist!!  Granted, that change was from my start with a trainer in March 2012 until today.  Loads of progress and 41 lbs -- woo hoo!!
When you add up all the measurements taken (ie waist, hips, calves, etc) from Feb18, 2013 to Mar 24, 2013, I've lost a total of 4.75 inches. 
(Funny how the quarter inches add up *winks*)

So .... don't think about a diet, don't talk about exercise ...
even if you only do 10 mins of exercise, or skip one donut, that's progress.  

A little every day will add up in a big way!!

If you want to try SparkPeople, (its FREE!) , look me up:  AZGAL50

Forget Everthing

Everyone has to start somewhere... and move forward.

We all have baggage from our past ... don't use that excuse....

What's done is done, water under the bridge...

What are you going to do from this point forward?????

Buenas Noches!

Last week,  I watched a 1957 episode of Leave it to Beaver.  Its funny, sometimes those old television programs have some good points to make.

Beaver made friends with Chooey, a boy from South America who speaks Spanish.  Eddie, in his usual way, thought it would be funny to teach Beaver to say something to Chooey in Spanish -- something like "you have the face of a pig".  Of course Chooey got upset and ran home crying.  As is always the way with sitcoms, they worked it all out, and it had a happy ending with Beaver and Chooey playing together again.

As Beaver's father came in to tuck him into bed, he asked "Dad, do you think I'll think its funny to do things like Eddie does when I get in High School?"  Dad says "What do you think?"  And Beaver, with the innocent wisdom of a child, says "If that's what I will think is funny, I don't think I want to be in High School."  And Dad smiles and says, "I think you'll be ok, Beaver." 

I know, its just a sitcom, but there's an innocence in children asking questions, and finding their own answers, in their own way.  It shapes them into the adult they're going to be.

Art Linkletter used to say "Kids say the darndest things..." and I think that's very true!

The power of the Past

Wow.... I just read this on FB..... and had to share


A wise man once sat in the audience and cracked a joke. All laughed like crazy. After a moment, he cracked the same joke again and a little less people laughed this time. He cracked the same joke again and again, when there was no laughter in the crowd, he smiled and said, "When you can't laugh on the same joke again and again, then why do you keep crying over the same thing over and over again. Don't give your past too much power and move on!


Truer words were never spoken.... this one's awesome!

Seriously!

4am is always a bad time for me when it comes to thinking too much.
and turning on the TV to stop the thoughts isn't an option.
So I jumped online and started reading some quotes.  I didn't  believe in this one soon enough.


Some days, I chat online and try to be open to conversations, but they can be exhausting.  It's the same stuff over and over...   the basic info I don't mind.  But I don't care to have convos about how you like to cross dress, nor to I want to have convos about your pantyhose fetish.  Usually those are just men who like women who wear pantyhose.  Please don't bother sharing pics of yourself in pantyhose!  Nor do I enjoy convos with those who are like 12 yr old boys - and unable to get past having a convo about the size of my boobs.  ForFucksSake, there's more to me than that!

I'm sort of moody in this early morning hour.  I really should be up and out, but I also need to rest up for a very intense week coming up.    So I'm laying here in bed, perusing email and websites, and generally being lazy.   Maybe it was the heavy dreaming I was doing - I think I dreamed a whole episode of Frasier, with the guy who plays Frasier's Dad in the lead role, sitting in a bar, and having a convo, but damn if I can remember any of it now. 

Happy Sunday, make it a great day.

Do You Remember??

Do you remember?

I was reminiscing with a friend... we were talking about outings as a kid.  One thing I think is missing with all the internet stuff ... are the memories we used to have.  Do you ever wonder what a kid of 8 today will remember when they're in their 50s ??  I sure do.

I can remember being about 8 or 9, we would head out to Straw Hat pizza for our Friday night outing, then head to our local White Front.

White Front was a chain of discount stores in Southern California and the western United States from 1959 through the mid-1970s. They were noted for the architecture of their store fronts which was an enormous, sweeping archway with the store name spelled out in individual letters fanned across the top.  We shopped at the one in Sunnyvale.  Ours had a few groceries, if I recall correctly.

I can't remember anything specific that I bought especially at White Front.  Seems to me if I had to explain the kind of store it was to someone these days, I would liken it to a BigLots. 

What do you remember doing when you were 8 ???

In 1970 you could hear Janis Joplin sing "Me and Bobby McGee"  (link here)

Night Life

I sit on my back porch
surrounded by three lit candles
a scent of "willow blossom" in the air.

There's a breeze whispering through the palm
and Sadie investigates every little thing in the yard.
A cat howls,
and the neighborhood barks.

The quarter moon adds a glow
 to the rest of the back yard
as the candles hiss their way down.

The thermometer on the wall reads 84
and its after 8pm.

As the evening wears on,
the night becomes quieter
as people settle.

This time of year is the best
before homes have their AC
running.

This is the kind of evening where
if you're very quiet
and very watchful
perhaps you'll see something
of the Phoenix Lights!

 Ahhh, the night life :)

Strive for Progress

Early Saturday morning, and there's a chill in the air.  It's something I need to remember, because our summer heat will be here soon!  So I got up early and sat in my chair.  But only until the chill made me shiver.  Then I crawled back into my warm bed!

There was a time not long ago when I thought nothing of arranging my schedule, my 'to do' list so that I could spend hours on the computer, chatting with friends.  OK.  I'll be honest, with one special friend.  It was a nice way to spend time, not be bored, and more important, not be spending money.  But lately I have felt there are more important things to be done in my life.... 

This is the one place where I try to be honest, to share my feelings, to think things through.  Not that it matters, I don't think anyone reads these posts.  Which is ok with me, I don't need an audience, attention isn't something I crave (like some people).  Which also points out - why do I bother writing here?  I could just as easily write in a journal and no one would ever see my thoughts.  But there's something fascinating about writing and sharing with the entire internet community....

Got my hair done today - the whole shebang - color, highlights, cut and styled.  I look ready to head out on the town.  My pup will think I'm stunning as I walk her through the local park. LOL  Quite the hairdo for a housecleaning day :)  But.  It makes me feel good, and that's a good thing, too.  Plus,


Afterward, I shopped because I had a 20% off coupon (gotta love JCP!) - found a pair of workout shorts, which will save on some laundry time.  And I tried on a couple pairs of pants  --- in ONE SIZE SMALLER!  And yes, they fit :)  Shopping is a really hard thing sometimes.  I was the same size forever, so I didn't have to try much on, I could look at something and know it would or wouldn't fit, or if the style was right for me.  But with all the body changes now, I can try things on  that I never would have worn a year ago.  I did buy one really nice pair of pants for $8.  (Can't spend top dollar on clothes if its only a "temporary size"!) They're off white, which won't be so great for work, unless its an audit day, and I won't have to process boxes.  But even if I only wear them once or twice -- can't beat $8!

Now that I've blathered on -- my inspirational thought for today:  Strive for progress.  No one can reach perfection, it just doesn't exist.  So we each need to find our way, making progress every single day.  And of course, finding our happiness :)   I'm making progress on my weight loss journey, and on my goal of walking 384 miles in 2013 --- what progress have you made toward your goals??

Never Stop!

 

Yes!  A very good mantra, the theme for the week ---

never stop!

(Found this last night, or was it early morning?, when I couldn't sleep)

Boho Look!

Splurge!   I found this on clearance,

and decided it would be GREAT

in my living room ---

love that boho look, all those

blended stripes, and such warm

colors, reminds me of the desert....

which is just perfect! :)





What a day -- not a bad day overall, lots accomplished:  changed the oil and had the wheels aligned on the car.  Did a superset workout at the gym - 3 miles!  I'm now at 133 miles, its slowly creeping up there! 

Shopped for some beef to bbq tomorrow, came home and relaxed in the sun while I noshed on tomato-avocado-tuna sort of pico de gallo as I read a little in my current book (a story about an avalanche in a small mining town). 

Then spent the afternoon doing a really good clean of the living room - vacuum, dust, and shark!  I started rearranging furniture, but found I couldn't move the entertainment center by myself (probably because I have it loaded down with photo albums!)

All in all, a very good day :)

Goals

After an intense workout, I usually can't sleep.  After I train, I can usually count on not sleeping very well that night.  I am assuming its from some kind of chemicals that get all stirred up.  Or maybe its because I eat different after a workout with a trainer than I do during the week?  I know that tonight, my intake wasn't enough protein, but plenty of good carbs to feed the depletion (baked potato... and it was delish!)   I'm writing this so I remember to ask my trainer what the deal is.  Because it is definitely a pattern.

*sigh*

12:30 am, and I get up in a little over 4 hours.  And I think I've only slept about 2 hours. 
But since I can't sleep, I decided to read a few motivational quotes, to find some inspiration and give my brain something good to think about -- since its going to be thinking any ways!
I liked this one:

It's amazing how a different perspective can change the way we see things.  When I started my weight loss journey, my goal was to lose 65 pounds.  How overwhelming that sounded - and when you think about the whole 1-2 lbs a week thing, you know its going to take more than a year.... well, why bother??? That's too far to go.  It's easy to make excuses, or give up altogether.  Instead, I would break my goals down, and concentrate on my only goal to lose 2 pounds this week and not worry about the big goal.  Did I reach my 2 goals a week every week?? Nope.

Losing weight isn't like quitting smoking.  (I did that back in 1986)  When you make up your mind, you just quit smoking, you stay away from the cigs for a while.  But its harder with weight loss.  You don't just give up food and stay away.  You will always have to eat.  Its learning to make  better choices, to eat better quality foods that count toward your overall health.  Even trying to give up one kind of food -- say, giving up sugar -- is very difficult, as sugar is in everything.  Especially if you're the kind who eats things that are already prepped.  I've had to learn to enjoy eating salads as a meal, not as a side dish.  I've learned to stop eating foods that are over processed.  I eat more proteins, eggs at least twice a week, and nothing after dinner.  This one is the hardest, because a really nice treat is to have something in the evening when you're relaxed. So yes, I indulge in things I shouldn't eat, but I do it less often is all. 

And that's the point of the motivational quote.
Because now I can look back at how far I've come.
40+ pounds is awesome! and I feel terrific about it.
and now the "how far I have to go" is even closer!!

9 more pounds and I get a new tat!  I'm excited about that -- and am hoping I can both reach my goal and get that tat before I go visit my folks in June!

Cross your fingers for me!!!

Weigh In Weds (and Bent)

Yes, its that day again -- Weigh in Weds.  All week I've been kind of dreading this day.  I haven't been "on my game" as I usually am, and didn't think my numbers would be there... but they were *really big smile*  Since I started on this journey, I have lost 41 lbs.  It has taken me 13 months.  But I broke that magical 40 lb marker and whew, that was work. I think its been harder to lose these last 10 lbs than it was the first 30.


I was a little perturbed on Monday after talking with my trainer.  Russell wanted me to train with Alan on Monday -- and I did.  Was I happy???  No.  I was upset.  I signed on for more sessions because I wanted to see results.  And for me, consistency = results.  Switching trainers midstream seemed counterproductive to me.  But.  I trained with Alan again today, and it went pretty well (Monday did too, but I couldn't see past my "mad" to realize it.) 

I'm a loner, and I'm ok with that.  But that part of me makes it difficult to accept a change, but I am going to turn it into a positive thing - because I need to change my ways and be a little more social, get out of my shell more often.  And I'm thinking about Alan's way of training, and maybe that's a good thing for me.  He's more into the focus of core and making each move count.  He also knows a lot of yoga moves, and those are sometimes incorporated into the workout.  After today's session, I even braved the elliptical for another half mile before leaving the gym :)

Within all this little bit of turmoil for me, it brought it home to me even more that I truly am a loner.  I've sort of dug that little niche for myself, and that's OK.  Most of the time.  But when I need support, an ear, some venting -- there isn't anyone in my life I can count on in a real way. Sure, I have friendly acquaintances and a gal pal I hang with at work for breaks and lunches.  But I'm always 'the strong one' - the one people come to for an ear or advice. 

But I liked a song I heard on the way home by P!nk ...
I'm not broken, just bent. 
(It's from her song Give Me a Reason) 
And its true. 
I'm not broken, maybe just a little bent. 

Things always get better. 
Always.
If you're willing to work at it.

The King! 1956

I peruse SHORPY pictures all the time, and found this one... totally arresting! 

Veterans Memorial Auditorium,  May 26, 1956, in Columbus, Ohio.

Can't you just hear him crooning???

One commenter wrote: 

Single guitar amp plopped on top of a folding chair.
Drum kit that could fit into his suitcase.
No lasers
No strobes
No stack of Fender amps.
Pure, so very pure.
I'm not much of an Elvis fan but this guy had more stage presence
than 3,000 American Idol finalists put together.

Amen!  I wasn't a big Elvis fan, being born in 1959, I was a little behind the times. 
But his music is classic, and I still enjoy it, even to this day.
Back then, they really knew how to rock, without all the extras! 

Saturday in the Park

Not even noon...  and already I've had a busy day!  I had to work this morning, for a couple of hours, then hit the gym at 9am.  2 miles under my belt puts my total mileage at 124 miles.   That's pretty close to 1/3 of the way to my goal!

Once home ... I fix a lunch of tuna, tomato, avocado, lettuce and a little egg.  I cover it with lime juice and Tapatio sauce, and nibble it with some tortilla chips.  Ohhh how good those taste :)  I park my butt in the sunshine in my chair, and begin to read a book.  But the sun is warm and the backyard needs a good cleaning after the dust storm we had earlier in the week; a good day to play in the hose, wash off the patio and get things back to rights.  My patio chairs are back in position, and I'm enjoying the shade, the breeze and the sounds of the birds as they cry out to each other.

Bird Watching ... Oh my gosh... my pup, Sadie, is outside with me, she is watching a bird who is sitting on the fence.  Its hard to say, but it appears the bird may be looking to see if there's food in our yard, and just might swoop down to the ground.  Sadie is crouched, holding perfectly still, as she watches this bird... and yes, here he swoops down and Zzzzzoooom off she goes after it.  She'll never catch one, but she sure likes to try!

Stay active! ... says my trainer when it comes to the weekends, so I grabbed Sadie for a Saturday afternoon walk at Red Mountain Park... (and took a pic to show I really did it!)   But it was 95 degrees and pugs don't do well in the heat, so we made it a shorter walk than planned.  Summertime means my walks will be in the evenings now, which cuts into what I call "my time" ... *sigh*

Saturday in the Park ... is a great tune by Chicago, from their 1972 album Chicago V. 
You can listen here.

Finally Friday!

Ironic Humor ... Ya'll know I go to the gym every day.  I park out in the boonies, then walk in, and today as I was walking in, I saw something that I found kinda funny.  A car was waiting and jockeying to get a parking spot up close.... doesn't that defeat the purpose of going to the gym?  Just park and walk those few extra steps!  *chuckling*

Hectic work day ... the store is beginning to prepare for a commercial being shot in our store on Tuesday.  As usual, there's a flurry of activity to get things clean and prepared, stocked up and looking pretty.  Which causes a lot of extra levels of stress, and like the proverbial snowball, it rolls downhill.

Gym Rat ... had some extra time on the time clock, so I went to the gym for my lunch break, and got all the strength training out of the way.   After work, I went back to the gym to finish my cardio, 2.25 miles in 35 minutes.

Saturday ... not sure what the weekend will hold, but lucky me, I'm going to start it with a couple hours at work (I'm planning on trading these hours for leaving early on Thursday, and start a long weekend right!), but I'm hoping to get in some kindf hiking.

Homework ...  Russell never forgets to mention some kind of homework for me.  I will stop in the gym after work, but my homework is to "keep active" - and he suggested I make a photo collage of all my activities..... that's an interesting idea. :)  If I do that, I"ll be sure and share.

Welcome to the weekend!

Weigh in Weds

Weigh in Weds .... wasn't so bad.  I was SO hoping to get to that 40lb loss mark... but I missed it by half a pound.  I know, its not about the scale, but milestones are something to celebrate!  and I've been working on this one for a very long time it seems!  Next week........  In the meantime, Russell made me work hard, and that felt terrific!  This is my new "walking shirt" ... because I'm feeling Simply Amazing!

Country Music ... There's a new song by Jason Aldean (love his stuff!) called 1994, and today I was thinking ... where were you in 1994?   I was living in the Bay Area.  I was commuting 45 miles each way to my job, which I loved.  My son was 8, my daughter was 12.  We lived in a junkie little house, but we were making it home.  We had a dog named Flipper (a 120lb German Shorthair, who thought he was a lapdog!).  And we were always on the go, traveling somewhere in our van, we loved to camp! 



Photos ... After work, and the gym, I went home, grabbed the dog and headed out to Riparian Preserve ... mostly for a walk, but pix are always a priority as well. :)  The cacti are beginning to bloom, so pretty!

 Happy Wednesday :)

Carol Burnett

I watched a special on PBS about Carol Burnett, how she became a star, her trials and tribulations, but mostly I was struck by her sincerity, her sense of timing when it comes to comedy. 

Her comedy was never about insulting others, it was all about humor.  Variety shows in the 70s were special -- and hers was top notch.  She created characters that were rich, that people could relate to, and that people loved.

You couldn't ask for better ---
why isn't TV like that any longer???


"I'm so glad
we had
this time
together...."

Pat on the Back

Tuesday's Laments ... For some reason all day, I thought it was Wednesday -- wishful thinking for the weekend to get here faster???   hehehe Maybe so.  But probably more related to my lack of quality sleep time.  With a very windy storm that blew through the Valley, the evening/night wasn't very quiet, and poor Sadie had to wake up and bark at every little noise.  Of course, when she wakes up, I wake up.  I had dozed off just past 8pm.  by 11:15, I had been up with her 5 different times. I finally dragged her into my son's room and said "YOU take care of her, I'm trying to sleep!"   About an hour later, she was back in my bed, and snoozing the rest of the night away.  I think.  I dunno, I was sound asleep myself.  hehehee

Gym time ... was a success in my book!  I hopped on the treadmill and set it to the preprogrammed "interval" setting, which changes the speed and the incline every 2 minutes.  I set it for a 3.0 incline at 4.0mph, and 4.2mph on the flat.  When I had extra energy, I would manually up the speed on the flat to 5.0 and run for a minute or so. 

Personal Best:  4.0miles in 58:44

At Lunch ... I was sitting off by myself, not really paying much attention until one of the guys came in and started chuckling as he played a song on his phone... it was "Love Child" .. and he says "Now I'm starting to show my age..."  and of course, this version is some kind of 80s rocking version, which he said was done by some "Pajama Party" ??  I googled, couldn't find it.  I believe it was done in the 80's by Expose`.  But I didn't take the time to peruse the entire Google catalog of "love child" postings (there are too many!).  But what would he have said if I told him that hit was an original by Diana Ross and the Supremes back in 1968... ?    hehehe  Now I'm showing MY age!

Honorable Mention ... Yesterday at the gym, I'm doin' my thing, and working some weight machines, and a lil old guy says "You're really working hard at this!"  I smiled, he kept prattling, "I see you here every day, I see you working with a trainer... you must be proud of yourself!"  I smiled again and said, "I am!"  And its true, I -am- proud of myself and my accomplishments.  I've improved my health and well being by doing my thing at the gym.  Even if it doesn't show on the scale (the way I want it to), its still effective.  I bought me some new jammies one size smaller -- and I can wear them :)  Now that's enough to make this Gal smile!

Monday, Monday

Weather ... things shifted in the Valley, and we've got 80 degrees, and 25mph winds, with occasional gusts around 40-50mph.  And since we haven't had rain in a while - yep, its a dust storm, the air is filthy right now. Driving home from work wasn't so much fun; so glad to be home and out of the dust. 


Good Tunes ...  I'm a fan of The Band Perry and really like their new song, "Done".  You can listen here at Grooveshark.   for a country song, it kinda rocks along... "Momma told me that I should play nice, but she didn't know you when she gave me that advice.... I'm thru with you, la dee da. All I wanna be is done!" 

Sleep .... alluded me last night.  I didn't get to sleep until about 10pm, and then was awake from 1:15 to 3:30 am.  Since I wasn't asleep, I should have just headed to work.... *sigh*  which is why ...

At the Gym ... I cranked out my 2 miles and then moved to some weight machines, and hit them hard.  Tricep presses done at 50 lbs on Friday, I moved up to 55lbs.  I took everything up a notch.  And kicked ass.  Russell wasn't able to make it for training, but that worked for me, being as tired as I was.  The goal was to kick my ass so I'd sleep hard tonight.  I think I accomplished that!

Work ... Aw come on, its Monday, and its work.  There's not much of a positive note to say about that, but at least it wasn't a very bad day.  This is the lighter season for my area, so things are accomplished, and there's extra time to go the extra mile on some of the details that slide by when things are busier. 

Here's hoping your Monday went as well as a Monday can go.... :)

Oh.... Happy Birthday to my son, who's 27 today.
Geeee..... I must be getting old!!!   lol

Live in the Present

“The secret of health 

for both mind and body 

is not to mourn for the past, 

worry about the future, 

or anticipate troubles, 

but to live in the present moment 

wisely and earnestly.”  

- Buddha

I created two posts today, because I became very frustrated with a friend, and found myself wanting to just blurt it all out there, tell it like it is, and say "Get your head out of your ass" -- but found that both posts rambled so far and wide in the topic that it didn't even make sense any longer.  So I decided to just post Buddha's quote, and Nicholas Sparks' advice.

Cheeezeburger

I'm sitting here in my chair on the patio as the sun sinks in the west.  There are sporadic clouds, which may make for a spectacular sunset in another hour or so.  Tomorrow is my son's birthday - my "baby" will be 27.  Yikes! Where does the time go?  And for his birthday dinner..... he requested Jack in the Box Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburgers.  Yep.  So here I am, sinking my teeth into this deliciously sinfully guilt-ridden fast food.  And enjoying every minute of it.  I think the last time I had a JB burger was back in December, before I started my training again. 

I had a hunch he might request something outlandish for dinner, so I curbed my eating today, and after entering the foods eaten -- yes, I religiously track everything I put into my mouth every single day -- I find that I am 500 calories over for the day.  That translates into 50 minutes extra on the elliptical machine tomorrow.  We all need a "cheat day" every now and again, if you want to think of it that way, because let's face it.  The word diet implies temporary. And if you're making a lifestyle change in your eating habits, then realistically, there will be days where things happen, you can't control what food choices you have, you just have to make smarter choices before, or after, an event.   And that's OK when you have a plan :)

Realistically speaking, what plan do I really have?  Well, I have 50 minutes of training tomorrow, and after I will add 2 miles of cardio before I head home.  That's the plan.  That's what needs to happen. 

I can do this :)

Yummmmm..... cheeezeburger!
(Totally worth it!)

Sunday

Feeling pretty low this morning, it was a rough day yesterday - not because anything happened, but maybe because nothing happened?  I didn't feel like starting any projects other than laundering all the bedding.  I watched a few episodes of Dick Van Dyke, then zipped over to JCP to pick up some new tennies for work. 

And what's with all the weird shoe colors now??  sheesh, the most 'mild' colored pair I found are black... with hot pink accents.  So yeah, I bought those, and found another pair in my size on clearance for $28 (which is a great price for New Balance!) but they're bright turquoise -- I'll be spiffy looking for work, that's for sure! hahaha


Its time to make some changes in my life.
I've been alone too long.
And I've let relationships fall by the wayside. 

I should get up and go to the gym this morning, I always feel better when I do.
Happy Sunday ya'll.

Try and Try

I'm not one for a lot of the newer 'pop' songs - Must be a sign of my getting old!  But there are a few that stand out.  Like Pink's new one called 'Try'.   I love the mantra of the chorus:  "You gotta get up and try and try and try".  To me, it speaks of not giving up, no matter how hard things have become.  While she's singing more about what seems to be a troubled relationship, it doesn't seem to matter whether its love or life issues, you still have to keep on trying: 

where there is desire
there is gonna be a flame
where there is a flame
someone's bound to get burned
just because you're burned
doesn't mean you're gonna die
you gotta get up and  try and try and try


It's the same with Kelly Clarkson's new song:  'Catch My Breath'.  It's a song that makes you feel good, feel empowered, to take a moment in life to pause, regroup, and go back at it.  There are so many things in life that can pull us down if we let it, so many circumstances where we find ourselves "dancing to someone else's tune" -- even when we know that its not right.  I know many people who say they "walk on eggshells" around another person, be it a boss, a spouse, or parents.  Empower yourself, say "no more" in a respectful way, and have some self respect.  If you don't respect yourself first, no one else will do it.

Catch my breath, no one can hold me back,
I ain't got time for that
Catch my breath, won't let them get me down,
It's all so simple now