Monday Weigh-In and what stress will teach you...

Hi all! I woke up on Monday morning...with my legs a little sore and my knee kind of barking at me. But...I still felt good. Those aches were reminders of the race I ran, so I kind of smiled and grimaced at the same time. I usually do more of a cool down walk than I did yesterday AND I usually go shopping with my afterwards so I walk for another hour or so around stores...and yesterday after the race, I spent some time watching the TV...and that's about it.

Let's get to the weigh-in...I stepped on the scale and I lost another pound this week. At least it wasn't two! Since I have been pushing cardio so hard in preparation for the race, I was not surprised. Now that the race has come and gone...I can change my focus from cardio centered to weight training. I am starting the Body for Life 12 Week Challenge. It has you doing weight training 3 times per week and cardio 3 times per week. I will be doing a lot less cardio though...only 20 minutes at a time. So, I think it will be a nice, new change.

I think I am going to stop doing the weekly weigh-ins over there on the site. I am going to change the format...and report if I am in my range or not. I am going to give myself a 10 lb. range...and right now, I am at the bottom of that range since I would actually like to gain some weight. As soon as I am within the range, I'm cool. And then...if for 3 months, I stay within range...I am going to give myself a maintenance reward. So...that's my plan, Stan!

And what is this I mentioned about stress? Well...this morning, I went down to start my car and it wouldn't start. I often have a security issue with my car...so I didn't think it was a big deal, but then I realized it still wasn't starting. I wasn't sure if it just needed a jump...or if it was the starter or the alternator...or if it was the security system finally going belly up. My dad is a doll...and took me to work. I knew I couldn't deal with it until I got home. And..once I got to work, what was going to be a quiet, easy day turned into a busy day...where I had to spend the whole morning in the jail dealing with something I wasn't expecting.

So, I came back from the jail right before lunch...a tad bit stressed. What makes me happy about all this stress is how I dealt with it. One of my main issues with long term weight management is that I have always been an emotional eater. Overall, I eat pretty healthy...but when life sucks or when I am stressed out, I tend to go right to emotionally eating. What made me happy today...is that I didn't even think about ordering a pizza or getting some crap food out of the vending machine. Being on this plan...made me deal with my emotions and not feed them. I learned to recognize I was stressed...and realize that everything was out of my control. Once I did that...I calmed right down and I was in a great mood. So, I've lost a bunch of weight...got into better shape physically...but I've also dealt with the internal/emotional issues I have with food. With well...rocks.

BTW- AAA came and jumped my car...and it runs. I figured out the problem...and need a repair down the line, but dodged a bullet for right now.

Hugs all...Happy Monday!

For a Year???

Do you see the picture of a yummy veggie pie above? Just looking at it makes my mouth water. Mmmm......

I love pizza...there is something about it...the perfect marriage of the dough and cheese and yummy toppings. That feeling on your lap when you pick up a warm pizza...when you are waiting to get it home in the car. The steam that comes off a hot pizza when you open the box lid. How the smell of tomato quickly fills the room. How a slice tastes the next morning when you eat it cold or reheat it in the toaster oven.

Yep...I love pizza. Pizza and I have a very special relationship. A relationship that has gotten and kept me fat for a long time. Is it all pizza's fault? Nope, but it definitely helped. I can remember eating a whole pizza once all by myself... I can remember having a bad day and knowing that noshing away on some pizza would make it all better...

I haven't had a slice of pizza since mid-September...when I started my new diet. I've wanted pizza...had pizza in front of me..but, I've said no. I also gave up pizza for Lent too...as I always do. That brings me up until March 23rd....pizza-less.

After Lent, it will have been 6 months since a slice of yummilicious pizza crossed my lips. 6 months??? Who would have thunk it? So, I am thinking something crazy...

Why not 6 more months??? I am thinking of not having pizza for a whole year. That seems like a really long time, but in reality...it's not that long. I've already got 5 months in...I am almost halfway there. I am pretty sure I can do it...if I stop looking at that yummy pic above. LOL

Making alternative energy research a competition!!

I just think this is the coolest thing ever. BP is sponsoring something called a BP Solar Decathlon. BP is partnering with the US Department of Energy to sponsor a contest where 20 university teams from across the country compete to design and build completely usable homes that function solely on solar power. The competition takes place every two years and the next competition is coming right up the week of October 11-19. There is a weeklong competition that each team participates in held in Washington, DC.

I know that BP is an energy company and that they make their money selling oil, but I think it is awesome that they are sponsoring something so environmentally friendly. They are encouraging Universities and the next generation of bright thinkers to be thinking about alternative energies. I can't wait for a day when all homes are powered by renewable energy. It seems like something so far away, but it is well within my lifetime, if the research is supported and funded.

Check out their site throughout the week because there are having each team blog about their successes and challenges throughout the week of competition.

Oh yeah...and if you get the opportunity, choose to go GREEN!

What's the most # of points MJ got in a single game???

I am a sports fan...not nearly the sports fan that I used to be, but still...I love a great game. When I was in high school and college, I live and breathed by NBA basketball season. I can remember not going to events at a conference I was going to because the NBA finals were on. Oh...and if you came in and watched with me, I would not accept you rooting for the other team or breathing for the matter. lol

And, I consider myself an average Boston Red Sox fan. I am not completely crazy, but I am enough of a fan to hate the Yankees! And what I love just as much as sports, if not more is trivia. I am a complete trivia nut. I love learning little facts or tidbits of knowledge. So, do you love sports trivia? Are you a sports junkie? Do you know how many years Boston went without a title? Do you know how many titles Andre Agassi won? Hey...if I keep reading this useless, but entertaining sports info...I might be able to rock one of those trivia nights!

P.S. The answer to the question in the title is 69 points and it was against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1990...just in case you were curious!

a really good cause....

As my loyal readers know, I have been doing paid posts for the last few months. I can say without any hesitation that this is the best paid post I have ever had the honor to do. It's something that has such value...and something I believe so strongly in.

This post is sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association and it is about their national fundraising walks going on. I am a huge fan of fundraising walks. I have done the diabetes walks, cancer walks, homeless awareness walks, etc. I like them for a few reasons. I like them because they allow people to raise money for a good cause, obviously. I also like them because it allows the fundraiser to also be doing something productive for the cause while raising money. I always feel a little bit uncomfortable asking people for money, but asking them for money and committing to a walk just seems like a great balance. And I also like them because the walk brings you together with other people that care about a common cause.

Alzheimer's is a disease that just rips my heart to shreds. I can't imagine losing your memories...not knowing the people you love, not knowing what is going on around you. One of my friends is working in an assisted living facility and when she got her assignment, she was hoping for the dementia unit. I had such respect for her because I don't think I could work on that unit. I think I would get overwhelmed by their and my frustration. Plus, the pain of watching the loved ones watching their family member disappearing right in front of their eyes. Ahh...it breaks my heart just thinking about it.

The fundraising walk for the Alzheimer's Association is called the Memory Walk. There are over 600 walks going on all over the country this fall. So...if you want to support the cause, head on over to their website and sign up. You can search their site by zipcode and it will tell you where the nearest walk event is to you. You can sign up by yourself or you can sign up as a team leader. My roommate was a team leader for a cancer awareness walk and she seemed to have a lot of fun doing it.

So, SIGN UP TO WALK! SIGN UP TO BE A TEAM CAPTAIN! And sign up early...because the earlier you sign up, the more people you can get to join and the more money you can raise for a great cause. Since the Memory Walks started in 1989, they have raised over 225 million. Sign up and help the cause!

oooh...I forgot!

I got a call last week...Friday I think, from a person at the County. I had participated in the county sponsored Walking Club and we had our "wrap up" ceremony last week. At the event, we could enter our name in to win prizes, etc....and we know how I love free stuff, so I entered away.

Well...the nice lady called me on Friday to tell me that I had won two free tickets to a local boat company. They are really nice boat rides too, so I am quite excited. She put the tickets into inter-office mail and I completely forgot about it until this morning when I got an envelope and realized it was my free tickets!

I love free swag! *winks*

P.S. I am still in my last two week's of the Woman's Health Walking Challenge. So far, it is going really well. I am aiming for 10,000 steps a day and I hit that goal and then some almost everyday. For example, when I went to the amusement park...I walked over 20,000 steps that day. Whoo hoo...go me!

Weigh-In: June 4, 2007

Hey everybody...I haven't done a weekly weigh-in/pudge report in a few weeks. I started thinking a lot more about fitness since completing the Relay for Life, so I am definitely going to make sure that my focus is where it needs to be.

First let's get to the business at hand...the numbers. I weighed in this morning and the scale said:

This week's loss: 2 lbs.
Total loss: 4 lbs.

So, it isn't earth shattering, but I will take it. I just want the scale to slowly move in the right direction. I am hopeful that that trend will continue.

Finishing the Relay for Life really taught me a couple of things. I had written a few weeks back that even though I am heavier than I have been in a while, I still feel healthy. This event really confirmed that for me...cause I was able to walk and walk and walk. I am proud of my cardio endurance...yes I know, I am talking about walking here, but walking approximately 30 miles. And I was also happy that it didn't kill my feet. My feet hurt the next morning, but once I rested them and got back up, they really felt okay.

I am also really looking forward to my roommate starting the night shift portion of her job. She is currently in training, which is during the day...but soon she will be working the midshift. I'm not excited because I won't see her...well kind of...I am excited because I can start my Power 90 workouts again. I love those...they kick my ass, but I love them none the less. I also know that I get really focused when I do those workouts. I haven't really been able to do them since I moved in with my roomie because I just don't feel comfy doing those kind of workouts in front of people (unless it is a mass workout class and we are all sweating and dying).

Speaking of mass working out...I haven't gone to the Y in over a month...maybe closer to 2. I think I am going to cancel my membership, especially since I can workout so much more at home now. And if I want to go on one day, I can always buy a day pass. It just doesn't make sense for me to keep paying if I am not going to use it. This saddens me some, but it also saddens me to see a service I am paying for and not using.

My goals this week:

1. Keep drinking 100 oz. of water a day.
2. Walk at least 10,000 steps each day.
3. Plan out all my meals in the morning...knowing what I am going to have for dinner each night.
4. No eating out.
5. Go to the Y and cancel the account.

Alright, that's about all that I have fitness related right now. I guess it means...back to work for Shelley.

Relay for Life

Hey everyone....I hate the idea of asking people for money, but this is a good cause...so I am going to. My roommate asked me a LONG time ago if I wanted to join her Relay for Life team and I gladly said yes...and since that date, I have done NOTHING to raise any money. I just kept thinking that the date was so far away, etc....but now...the event is a little over 2 weeks away and I still haven't raised a penny.

Relay for Life is closer to my heart than my lacking of fundraising shows. My grandmother died of bone cancer when I was a little, little girl...I think I was about 5 years old. I remember her...but not like I would if she had lived a long, long life. I can remember her always having a smile on her face, but also being tired and brittle, as the cancer progressed.

And my aunt also had cancer a few years back...her's was skin cancer. She had to have surgery on her leg and her forehead to remove the effected area. Luckily, her's did not spread and she made a full and complete recovery.

I think that research is paramount when it comes to cancer...and that with continued and aggressive research, there might be a day when we talk about curing instead of treating the disease.

So...if you feel so inclined, please feel free to log onto my Relay for Life page and donate to the walk I will be doing in June. My family and I would really greatly appreciate it.

Weigh-In: Week Who Knows?

Hey y'all....I didn't weigh in at all last week, cause well...bigger things were on my mind. And, I also ate a lot more food than one should, out a lot more, etc. I am not beating myself up at all for that, but I am going to make changes. I know that to live a long life...I need to continue living healthy...continue working out...continue eating healthy foods, etc. It's important...and I know it was something my mom was really proud of.

I stepped on the scale this morning...and I didn't lose anything, but I didn't gain either. I am right back where I started. I am going to continue with my walking challenges...looking to get at least 10,000 steps each day. I am also going to track my food...and stop eating out. I am going to continue exercising...and get my butt back to the good ol' YMCA.

It's all baby steps....baby steps...to a healthier me. I gained some weight in the last 6 months....and I want it off, but in all honesty, I feel pretty gosh darn healthy. I just need to make sure I continue feeling this way.

Walking Challenge #2

I was already signed up for a walking challenge through work...and now I am in Walking Challenge #2. It's the Women's Health Walking Challenge and it started on Sunday...Mother's Day.

I got the stuff late last week in the mail...and just went through it yesterday. One of the things I got was another pedometer. I had one from the work challenge...which I was wearing, but I didn't really like it. It didn't seem to always be counting my steps. Sometimes it would click away, but sometimes it wouldn't. One day last week...I spent almost the whole day running after my adorable little nephew and it barely showed any steps being registered. So...I had to estimate my steps that day. Anyways...my new pedometer...I have been wearing it all day and it seems to be working much better....aka...counting all my steps.

The challenge is pretty cool...it adds up your steps and you walk a certain route. I am walking the Northeast route. You start in Maine and walk all the way to Georgetown. I don't know if I will make it the whole way, but it would be cool if I could. I am aiming for at least 10,000 steps a day....and now I have a pedometer that works...I might actually make that. whoo hoo!

trudging along...

Okay...so all day long yesterday I kept thinking it was Wednesday....over and over. So today when it is actually Wednesday, it's kind of a buzzkill.

I also walked like a champ yesterday too! I took about 12,000 steps....which is really good for me. There was one day last week when I was being a complete slump and I finished the day with 2500 steps, so walking 12,000 is definitely being focused on being active.

I also did really good with eating too. I made sorbet again and this time it was tropical fruit. It was really good. I bought some white grape juice so I could make it for my roommate (she's allergic to apples) and she thought it was really good. I swear, I should make this stuff and sell it. gourmet sorbet...just cause it rhymes and that makes it cute.

I think today...instead of being crazy concerned about steps...I am going to do a little weight training and maybe abs. We'll see.

*winks* You know what's funny...I have so much more energy and am in such a better mood when I am working out, eating healthy. Remind me of this the next time I report about chowing down on pizza and the taco hell.

these shoes were made for walking...

oooh...I forgot to post how I did on my walking challenge yesterday. Quick post...I promise. I rocked it. I walked about 13,500 steps yesterday. I just tried to walk everywhere...take the stairs...and then planned walking breaks, etc.

I don't think I will get that many every day, but it is my goal to get at least 10,000 steps every single day.

Alright...gotta get away from this computer and get to walkin'!

Work Walking Challenge....

The walking challenge that my work is sponsoring starts today...and it will overlap with the walking challenge that I signed up for with Women's Day, so that's cool.

The work challenge has me track my number of steps walked daily (and they gave me a pedometer to do it)...and they also have me track the servings or fruits and veggies that I eat everyday. (Being the vegetarian...I don't think that will be a problem for me! lol). I put my pedometer on this morning and started tracking away. I plan on using both my 15 minute breaks to take walks....and then I am going to walk when I get home, either outside (depending on the weather) or on my elliptical. We'll see.

It's exciting...cause anyone who has read here before knows...I love the idea of challenges. It ignites my competitive spirit, which is not a bad thing when it comes to Shelley and fitness.

Woman's Health Challenge

I was over at Sarah's site yesterday and saw her advertising a walking challenge, so of course...I immmediately signed up. I love the idea of challenges, especially health and fitness related ones.

This one is sponsored by Woman's Health and it starts on Mother's Day, which is May 13th. You track your steps, miles, time, etc...and then see how far you have gone. I signed up to walk the Northeast track since I live in the Northeast, so it intrigues me.

It says it will also send you a free pedometer while supplies last, so if you need one, they could send you one.

I am also signed up for a walking challenge that starts on Monday with my work...so, these challenges are going to get to overlap, which is cool.

If you like walking...or want motivation to walk, sign up! Join me...all the cool kids are doing it.

Finished one challenge...in the middle of another...

I have finished my 30 day challenge of blogging everyday. Many days I blogged more than once a day...and only a few days did I really have to push myself to think of something to post.

My current challenge is actually more than 30 days...it's my challenge for Lent. I decided not to give up candy like usual...instead I decided to give up those yummy, frosty Slushie's from Cumberland Farms. I just eat way to many of them...and I am glad I gave them up because I really wanted one this afternoon.

Fat Tuesday

Hey everyone....it's Fat Tuesday y'all. I knew it was coming up, but I didn't know it was today until I woke up and heard them talking about Mardi Gras on TV on GMA. It seems like it came super early this year.

How many people are giving up something for Lent? I'm not Catholic, but I almost always participate in Lent. My usually thing I give up for Lent is two things...candy and pizza. I give them up for pretty specific reasons. I give up pizza because it is good to go that long without it. Pizza is often a trigger food for me...so it's nice to commit to not eating it at all during the lentin period.

And as for the candy...it's mainly because of cadbury mini eggs. I happen to believe they are the best candy on the planet. That yummy candy coating...and the best, creamiest chocolate ever. If I didn't give up candy for lent...I would be eating my weight in cadbury mini eggs. Mmmm....mmmm....

So...tonight...in celebration of Fat Tuesday...I might just order a pizza and grab some of those yummilicious mini eggs!

challenges, challenges....

I updated my 30 Days Challenges over there....and I can proudly say that I completed 30 Days of not eating pizza. I have a hard time with pizza...it's a food that I love...that I tend to overeat...and that I would eat everyday...every meal...if it wouldn't make me big as a house. So..congrats to me!

My next challenge...is a little different. I am challenging myself to blog for 30 Days straight. I was going to do the No Candy or No Soda or something challenge, but I know myself well enough that I usually, always give up candy and pizza for lent...which will happen in February anyways, so I figured I would start a challenge that won't conflict or overlap.

So...for the next 30 Days I plan on blogging at least once each day.

I started thinking about habits the other day...when I was flossing and brushing my teeth for bed. I went to the dentist a little while back...a month and more ago. And...I brush my teeth...cause well, who doesn't? But when my dental hygenist asked if I flossed...I just laughed at her. I haven't flossed in probably 10 years. Well...the hygenist told me how important it was...and gave me some floss on my way out. And now...I am a constant flosser. I wake up in the morning, floss, brush my teeth, use mouthwash. When I get home from work...I often floss, depending on what I ate. And at night, I floss and then brush my teeth before bed.

It's more evidence to how quickly a habit can be formed...now flossing is just part of my routine...when for the past 10 year I couldn't even think of fitting in into my life.

12 Days of Health: Day 11

It's Day 11...and who knew that these 12 days would fly...fly by! Today is a half a day at work and then I am having lunch with a bunch of co-workers. It should be a good time had by all. Yesterday...I did well...I didn't have pizza even though I really wanted it...and I did my ab routine even though I talked myself into skipping it at least twice...but then got down on the floor and got it done.

On the Eleventh day of Health for Christmas, I gave to my health....not drinking the alcohol, no eating pizza, doing an ab routine, no candy in my tummy, not a drop of soda, eating breakfast every morning, NO ICE CREAM, taking my iron supplement, at least 15 minutes of exercise, drinking 100 oz. of water by noon and taking all of my vitamins!

And we're off to the races....one more day after this one!

12 Days of Health: Day 10

That's right folks...I got my Day 9 accomplished yesterday! I didn't do my ab routine as soon as I got home...instead I made dinner and lounged in front of the tv for a little bit. Yesterday was the staff Christmas party...so it was all tuckered out from a lot of fun and eating way too much. I started to fall asleep while watching tv...so instead...I got up and did an ab routine. And this morning...I can feel my abs just a smidge which is a good thing. I am hoping to get my abs in today before I have to go work at the video store...it takes about 5 minutes, so I know I CAN fit it in!

On the Tenth day of Health for Christmas, I gave to my health...no eating out (especially at the pizza joint), doing an ab routine, no candy in my tummy, not a drop of soda, eating breakfast every morning, NO ICE CREAM, taking my iron supplement, at least 15 minutes of exercise, drinking 100 oz. of water by noon and taking all of my vitamins!

Tonight I am working at the video store, so my goal is to not eat out at all...especially at the yummy place next door...which makes the best pizza and often gives it to me for free. I need to bring my dinner with me...and eat what I brought instead of getting hungry and lazy and getting some pizza or something from next door.

Wow...only 2 more days of this challenge...and then after Christmas...I am going to have a bunch of new things to lay out. I am committed to being successful in 2007!!!

12 Days of Health: Day 9 Redux

That's right....I was not very good with the Day 9 yesterday, so since I have a few extra days until Christmas...I thought I would re-do Da 9. Let's see...how was I not so good...well...I ate some candy...it wasn't even the candy at home...it was candy at work and then I bought some candy at the grocery store. Bad Shelley! And the second thing...I didn't get around to my ab routine. I went to the grocery store and to return movies after work...and by the time I got home...my roommate was home and therefore the living room was not available to me. It kinda sucked...not having the ability to do the ab routine within my control. Today...I plan on doing the ab routine as soon as I get home...to make sure I get it done before my roommate gets home.

On the Ninth day of Health for Christmas, I gave to my health...doing an ab routine, no candy in my tummy, not a drop of soda, eating breakfast every morning, NO ICE CREAM, taking my iron supplement, at least 15 minutes of exercise, drinking 100 oz. of water by noon and taking all of my vitamins!

wish me luck!!!