Life Is for Living

Fear. That one little word has kept me from meeting goals, finding happiness, and living life the way I want to live it. Even when I think I'm winning, fear chases me down and allows all of the self doubt to creep into my life. And then I think I can't do it. I'm a fake. Everyone will know that I don't belong in the winner's circle.


Over the past several months, I've been trying to overcome fear. I've had some success. And now is a time when I have to be careful. It's when I'm truly successful that fear takes over. It wants me to be that cowering child who was too shy to take up for herself and allowed others to tell her she had no value.


But that's not who I am any more. I've sought out strong women to hold up as examples to myself of who I can be. Lately, I have come to have a great admiration for Julia Child. Here was a woman who—despite her fear—created a life that brought her true joy. That's a key, too, isn't it? She created her life. She didn't sit around and wait for the right time. She created the right time. And so that's what I what intend to do. Create my own life.


No more waiting for someday because someday is today. And I know that God is going to bless me as He will bless my family and friends. So here's to a new day. Enjoy!


P.S. This is my horoscope today form Jonathan Cainer's site:


Libra
How important are you? What right do you have to expect better treatment? Ought you not to sit back and let others enjoy all that's good about the world while you put up with what's second best but readily available at a price you feel you can just about afford? Actually, you count for far more than you know. Even if you can't have all the treasures you might wish for, you are certainly entitled to the most important luxury of all: the sheer unmitigated pleasure of peace of mind. Events today should help you find it!

The Faith to Move Forward

"Progress lies not in enhancing what is, but in advancing toward what will be."

“Faith is a knowledge within the heart, beyond the reach of proof.”

Both of these quotes come from Kahil Gibran, a philosopher who was apparently frequently quoted.. And they seem perfect for me--advancing toward my goals with the faith that I will get there. And I will.

This weekend went OK. I had a tetanus shot on Friday that wiped me out. My arm is still sore, and I still feel like I'm just toasted. All of that from a little shot. It just a booster--nothing happened to warrant it. But I thought it would be a good idea to get one since my doc was pushing it. My insurance company must be paying for it. Otherwise, why would they care?

So today, I'm a little under the weather. Haven't done much. Probably won't do much.

Weight Loss Challenge Is What I Needed

In this first week of my challenge, I've lost three pounds. And that's OK. Ann and I decided to do this challenge, and I was confused that we were already supposed to be doing it—and I didn't really get started until Monday. But I know better now. Ann has been doing very well in the challenge. I am proud of her yet envious.

I read her post yesterday, and it gave me the motivation I needed to pass by some goodies. Stress from a downsizing at work along with other stuff has me eating all the wrong things and way too much of them. I wasn't downsized this time, but many of my friends were. My heart aches for them. Even though they won't be without a job—they were moved to other University departments—it's still traumatic. It's like being dumped by a boyfriend who thinks you should just be OK with it. Anyway, that's all I'll say here.

Anyway, I was saying that Ann's post gave the motivation I needed to pass by some junk. And when I found out we already supposed to be doing the challenge, it gave me the motivation to get up to go exercise five days this week. That's 15 miles and about seven hours.

i've been logging my exercise everyday on the Daily Mile. And it all looks good, right now.

Even though I've made a real effort in the past few months to be positive, sometimes it's hard. So excuse me for not being more positive. Anyway, that about covers it for today.

CSN Stores $60 Gift Certificate Giveaway

CSN Stores has offered a $60 gift certificate for me to giveaway. How about that? They really have a lot of cool stuff. You can use it to buy cookware, maybe even a Dutch Oven.  But there's lots of cool stuff to choose from. I personally thought the cookware would be cool because cooking while trying to eat right is so important. Having the right kinds of kitchen tools really helps.

So here's how the giveaway works. Got to CSN Stores website and then come back to leave a comment about what you thought about it. It's that simple. If you'd like to get optional additional entries, here are a couple more ways:

1. Become a follower of this blog and leave a comment letting me know that you did.
2. Post the giveaway on your blog and leave a comment here.
3. Visit CSN Stores blog for more contests and savings and leave a comment here.

I need a clear way to contact you should you win. So please provide an email or direct link to your blog, where there's a clear way to get in touch with you.

This giveaway expires at midnight on September 8, 2010.

I'm still looking for the winner of my last giveaway. If Wendy does not come forward within the 24 hours, I will redraw a new winner.

So folks, best of luck to you all.

Personal Challenge; $60 Gift Certificate

So here's the deal: I overeat all of the time. I'm exercising a lot. But I'm still eating too much for it to make a difference. I'm going to set up a challenge for myself—60 pounds in 365 days. Stay tuned for more about that.

Tomorrow I will announcing another giveaway. This time it's a $60 gift certificate from CSN Stores. Stay tuned for that. They have a large selection of great items—so this is really a cool prize.

Sorry this is so harried, but that's how it goes sometimes.

Wendy? Are you there?

Once again, calling Wendy. Please contact me ASAP.

Wendy Wins

Congratulations to Wendy the winner of the food journal. Wendy please get in touch with me. I couldn't find an email address for you.

More announcements and blogging later. . . .

Guest Post: Zenzation Athletics Pro Series Pilates Ring 12"

This guest post is by Ann, the winner of the Pilates Ring in  a recent giveaway I hosted. The giveaway was sponsored by America's Nutrition. 

I have to first confess, I am no exerciser.  I excel at couch-potato.   However, there comes a time, even in couch-potato-land, when one recognizes the wisdom and need to exercise.

I'd heard of Pilates, but had no personal exposure to it, except for the occasional mention on television.  I often wondered how those tiny movements could possibly be a "workout," but that was as far as my thoughts on Pilates ever went.

Then, Kathy (upon whose blog I am guest-writing today) had a contest to win a Pilates Ring.  I figured, if I won, it was a "sign" to get serious about exercising. 

God must have a sense of humor.

So, upon return from vacation, I found a neatly wrapped package waiting for me. 

As exercise equipment goes, it is amazingly and blissfully compact.  I can, almost literally, take it anywhere and store it anywhere.  

Well, I'm a whiny non-exerciser, who looks for reasons not to like exercise-related anything.  I need to justify and rationalize not using it, you see.  This compact ring makes some of my excuses go away - it is really convenient, and has the added benefit of not being able to be used as a clothes hanger.  Shoot.

The ring has two foam-covered hard handles on opposite ends.  I admit, the shape (for me) didn't seem the best ergonomically designed thing, but as I have used it, I've come to appreciate the designers knew exactly what they were doing. 

The handles aren't just for hands.  The ring can be used between knees and ankles, and tummy too.  And the handle shape comfortably allows for this.    So, as a piece of exercise equipment, I can't fault its design at all.

It is sturdy, durable, compact and convenient.  A non-exerciser's worst nightmare.

I was initially disappointed in the instruction sheet that was included.  It is a folded sheet of paper, outlining six different position workouts.  I thought, "where is the instruction on how to actually 'do' those little tight Pilates movements?"  The six exercises give you proper positioning for a workout, but never mention anything about the mechanics of the proper movement, except to say things like "... squeeze the ring together ..." 

Ah-ha!  I may have found my "out" for exercising with this thing.

Boy, was I wrong!  The ring takes care of the mechanics for you!  You don't have a choice, using the ring, BUT to do the proper little tight Pilates movements.  How about that?  I became an instant pro at Pilates! 

So, what about those short, tight Pilates movements?  Could they possibly be a "workout?" 

Let me tell you, Pilates is popular for a reason.  YES, it is a workout! 

And boy, do I feel it afterwards.  I've been using the Pilates Ring (12") with my upper body so far, and am already seeing some results.  I can't use it two days in a row (yet), because it IS quite a workout for the arms, and I feel it the next day. 

The best part?  I can even do this from the couch, while watching TV.  Is this not a couch-potato's dream?!! 

Maybe I should say "former" couch-potato, because I actual enjoy using this.  And isn't that half the battle for us non-exercisers?  The Pilates Ring IS work, but it isn't difficult to get the proper movements necessary to see results.  And results are the big reward! 

There are instructions for the lower body, and other upper body workouts, which require getting on the floor.  I haven't done those yet - but I will.  No, literally, I WILL ... and that is the best endorsement and positive review any exercise equipment can have.  It is efficient, easy to use, and effective.

I hate to say this, Kathy, but I think your giveaway made an exerciser out of me.  I was clumsy and admittedly pretty lame when I first started using the Ring, but I'm improving with each workout.  My muscles don't have a clue what hit them.

Thank you, again, for hosting that giveaway! 

Ann

Food Journal Giveaway

What a great to start a Monday. I'm announcing a giveaway. This food journal includes weight loss tips, and it has another little journal that comes with it—it's small journal intended for people to carry more easily. It's about the size of one of those little horoscope pocketbooks you get at the checkout counter.

So for this giveaway, all you have to do comment on why you think a food journal would benefit you—just a sentence or two will do. For example, "A food journal will really help me on my weight loss journey because it will keep me honest." Anyway, you get the idea. I will post the best comments on my blog.

I stole this idea from Susan. Here blog is Let's Lose Weight This Year. I also stole her journal—well, not literally. I chose one like the one that she uses. This journal came from Books-A-Million. It retails for $14.95.

I've found that writing down everything you eat really makes you more accountable. Although somedays I'm better at it than other days, I think it's helped me eat far less than I typically would. So good luck. I'm looking forward to reading your comments.

P.S. The giveaway ends on Saturday, August 21, 2010, at midnight. Winner announced on Monday, August 23, 2010.

Waiting for the Dust to Settle

I'm going to announce the giveaway of a food journal next week. Sorry for the delay. Life has been, well, hectic. In fact, this week has bordered on bizarre. I hope the dust settles soon.

Check out my newsletter link in the sidebar under my friends.

Holding Back

Some days I'd just like to grab a beer, scream, "I'm outta here," and head for the nearest emergency exit. But that doesn't always work out either.

I made it to the gym today. Yesterday was a total bust. I'm not sure what's holding me back. Seems like I always hold back. I have a meeting this morning. Actually I'm going to a CPR class.  I'll let you know how that goes.

You Don't Have to be Fat to be a Health Risk

A new study reported on MSN, says that belly fat is more dangerous for older adults. "Four extra inches around the waist increased the risk of dying from between 15 percent to 25 percent. Oddly, the strongest link — 25 percent — was in women with normal BMI." So that means you don't actually have to be fat to be at risk for heart disease and stroke. 


"Some older adults gain belly fat while they lose muscle mass," said lead author Eric Jacobs of the American Cancer Society, which funded the study, "so while they may not be getting heavier, they're changing shape — and that's taking a toll."


What's recommended? Healthy diet and exercise, what else?

McNugget Crazy

A Toledo, Ohio, woman became enraged over chicken nuggets at a local McDonald's. She wanted the mcnuggets even though the store was still serving breakfast. Wow. Were they really going to jail for?

Virus Gone

Thanks to my brother, my computer has been fixed.

Bad Computer Virus

My computer at home has a nasty virus. So any posts I make this week will be from work.

I did make it top the gym this morning. I'm still using the food journal. And things are going well. Sorry I have to keep this short.

Snakes in the Grass

Last night I had a bizarre dream—like all dreams aren't bizarre. Anyway, I was trying to walk through my front yard, but there were snakes everywhere—usually hidden in the grass but some were closer to the top and could be easily seen. Most of them weren't poisonous, but a few might have been. I wasn't sure. Most of the snakes didn't seem to realize I was even there. But I wasn't going to make a lot of noise to alert them.

I walked through most of them unscathed, but at one point, one particular snake sprang toward me and tried to bite me. But I, being scared out of my wits the adversary that I am, was able to barely deftly avoid his bite. He slithered on by, and I felt relieved victorious.  I woke up shortly after that encounter thinking, "Thank God, it was a dream."

So what does my "snakes in the grass" dream mean? I have a few ideas, but I need to think about it. I avoided them. But they are there—lying in wait.

I worked out this morning, despite the humidity. I'm still keeping the food journal. So all is well as of this writing. 

America Is Still too Fat

First of all, I worked out this morning and the air was so heavy, I didn't think I was going to be able to finish. It was hard to breathe. According to MSN weather, the humidity is 88%. OK. But I did it. Not as fast as usual. But I did it nonetheless.

Tracking my eating in the food journal is really helping—even though I wasn't so good about it yesterday. As soon as I have a photo of the food journal I intend to giveaway, I'll post it and you can enter my giveaway if you so wish.

Today I saw that the CDC released a report that said obesity is serious public health in the U.S. Why does it take a government report to point that out? Anyway, CDC says that Americans live in a society that promotes obesity—fast food, no exercise, and environmental factors that influence hormonal changes. (I don't know if CDC said anything about the environmental influences; I just put that in there in myself.) Anyway, without adding my opinion any further, for the most part we Americans like to eat—a lot—and we'd rather play video games or watch TV than go outside to walk, ride a bike, run, or anything that requires the use of muscles.

CDC promotes the calories in/calories out weight loss method. Some people believe they can lose weight without counting calories and count carbs instead. Either way, I think it works.

Most people, I believe, know what they need to do to lose weight. It's just doing it that's the hard part.

Well, I think that's it for now.

Just Another Monday

Most of you probably noticed that I track my exercise using a program called the Daily Mile. It's a neat little program that allows you to see how much energy you've burned. I have burned enough to power nearly 400 TVs. Yet, I've only burned up about 38 donuts. That my friends is incredible. Think about it. 400 TVs vs. 38 donuts. Why not 400 donuts, too? Wow. So that's why eating 5 Big Macs a week isn't good for you. Actually, I knew that it takes a lot of work to burn up a little bit. But when you see it in real terms, it makes really clear.

I didn't do much over the weekend. I watched some strange movies on the Lifetime Network. One called "The Other Woman" was really over the top. And then there was one about a woman who married a software mogul. That was even weirder. Who thinks this stuff up? Yet I watched them.

New Giveaway Coming Soon
I'm beginning to use a food journal today. Later this week, I'm planning to giveaway a journal I bought for just such an occasion. So keep an eye out of that.

That's about it for today.