Finishing up a 4 day weekend...

Hi all...a belated Happy Mother's Day to everyone. I was going to post something yesterday, but well...I didn't want to end up being a Debbie Downer, especially since all and all, I've been pretty gosh darn good.

So, what did I do with my LLLLLOOOOONNNNGGGGG weekend? Well...here is a quick recap.

Friday: I went for a long bike ride. I biked from my apartment to the local video store...and then over to my dad's. I went through a bunch of stuff in my brother's room (which we are using for storage right now and are going to turn it into a workout room when I move back in). I found such weird things in there....a couple of checks people wrote me back in 2000. I am not going to cash them now because well, I've seen that episode of Seinfeld, so I just shredded them. I also found so much stuff I could have been using: blank notebooks, crayons, tape, a stapler, boxes of Papermate pens, rolls of unused film, etc. I just threw stuff in a box and never looked at it again. After sorting for a while, I rode my bike home...and then started to pack some stuff.

Saturday: I took a long, long, long bike ride...I rode over to the Post Office in town...then I headed to the video store again...and rode beyond and went on the bike trail for about 4 miles and then headed back to my dad's house. I am LOVING riding my bike around town. Dad and I went shopping...and bought lotsa stuff. I came home and continued packing things I didn't need. I filled my car...and worked up a nice sweat. Oh...and I had a nice, hour long conversation with a friend on the phone. We haven't hung out in about a year...but, it was SO nice talking to her. It didn't feel like so much time had passed. We are going to make plans to hang out next weekend and actually *see* one another. I am glad I am not being such a hermit...slowly, but surely. I also watched 2 movies...Juno and Superbad. Both very funny.

Sunday: I went to church. I almost biked there because my bike and I are in love. I was running a little late, so I drove instead...plus, I don't know how long it would take me to get there, so I played it safe. Church was really nice...and was glad I spent Mother's Day there since my mom always loved going to church. I had the nicest conversation with my Pastor...and she asked me to get involved in a service project I am really excited about (more about that at another time). I headed to dad's...unpacked all the stuff from my car and started to pile it in my dad's house. My dad and I headed to my mom's grave marker and brought some fresh lilacs from the house. My mom LOVED lilacs, so I love the idea of the smell of lilacs surrounding her marker. We came home...puttered around the house a little and then I headed home. I watched some crap tv and was in bed early. It was a sad, but more than that...a really good Mother's Day.

Monday: Ah, my last day off. I could get really used to not having to work...if only that paid the bills. I woke up, puttered around the apartment and then headed out (yes, on my bike)...and yep...went to the video store. Then, I headed over to my dad's and this time went through a lot of the stuff in my old bedroom. It's kind of cluttered now and since I am moving myself and all my stuff in...I have to declutter it. I threw away 2+ garbage bins full and found bags of clothes to donate. I also found...and this is hilarious, some alcohol I had stashed and hidden from college. So, I've had wine coolers stashed in my closet since probably 1998. If that's not funny and pathetic at the same time, I don't know what is. Anyways....I finished what I could, had lunch at my dad's...and headed back out towards my apartment. I decided to take the long way since I wanted to know how long it would take to bike all the way from dad's to work. Well, I got about halfway...and went over a rusty metal hanger and it plunged right into my tire....splat...flat tire. So, I got off my bike and walked her home. It was a little less than 2 miles...and so I got some walking workout in. I came home...watched some crap tv...continued to pack and now dad is coming over and we are going to get a patch kit and hopefully fix my bike.

So...that's my weekend...which basically is packing, decluttering and my constant love affair with my new bike.

Hugs all....

JDRF Diabetes Walk: Sun Sept 9th! Help a great cause!

Hi everyone! I am late getting this message out, but I hope that it isn't too late to get some donations for this year's walk. I am walking in the local JDRF Walk. JDRF raises money and awareness about juvenile diabetes. I walked last year for my mom since she wouldn't have been able to walk the 5K all by herself.

My battled with diabetes for the majority of her life. I know she would still be here if she didn't have the disease. Sometimes it just doesn't seem real that she won't be there on the sidelines at the finish with me this year...and that breaks my heart, but it also confirms why walks like this NEED to happen. So, this year, I am walking for her again, but in a completely different way. Diabetes is something that affects so many lives...so many families. Please take a moment and donate anything you can...a dime, a million dollars...it doesn't matter.

Thanks...I'll be thinking of you all and your support this year when I walking around Crandall Park. And hey, if you are local...come on out and join me! The more...the better!

Here is a pic of mom and me...at last year's walk:



Much love,

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!

Friday update...

Hey everybody....I totally forgot to do a TT yesterday. Oops! This week, I keep forgetting what day it is. On Tuesday, I thought it was Wednesday. Yesterday, for a bit...I was convinced it was Friday. And on Wednesday...at one point when talking to a co-worker, I had no idea what day it was. Wow...either I am having a stroke or I really need to get more sleep! lol

And on the diet front...I am doing really well. So far, I am loving the Fat Smash Diet. I am able to eat lots of fruit and veggies, that I love...and it is really vegetarian friendly. I haven't weighed myself yet, but even if the pounds come off slowly...I am really happy with this way of eating.

I do need to bump my exercise up though. I have been going for my daily walks, but I know I need to kick the intensity up. And the good news...as of today, my roomie is starting her evening shift at the job. So??? Well, that means I can workout in the apartment when I get home from work. I am pretty excited about it all. I plan on starting the Power 90 program on Monday and doing it 5-6 days a week.

Oh...and let's not forget to talk about reality TV for a little bit, mkay? A reality show that I love...actually loved since the first season. My few fav reality addiction is So You Think You Can Dance? I just think the show is fabulous. One, it is about people who actually have talent. Two, the dancing is beautiful...and really wonderful to watch. The choreography is just gorgeous...Mia Michaels is just a genius. I think I would have kept dancing as a kid if people like Mia would around in my neck of the woods. Last year, Travis Wall was my absolute favorite. LOVE HIM! Thought he should have won.

This season, I have a lot of favorites actually.

Danny: He's a wonderfully beautiful dancer...and the adopted brother of Travis, so how could I not like him? He's just amazing to watch. He does have a smidge of attitude, but well...I still love him.

Dominic: He's a little beat boy and initially, I really dislike him. But now, he is really growing on me. He has learned so many different styles of dance and he has this enery and spunk. I just adore him...and that mischievious smile of his.

Jessie: I love her. She got sent home last night and I thought it was so unfair. She got sick and was unable to dance, but then came back last night and danced her routine. I thought there were girls much less talented than her that deserved to go home. The poor girl was in tears...and basically living in a bitter barn. Poor Jessi.

Lacey: I was initially not a fan of Lacey. She is the sister of last year's winner, Benji...who I also love. I just thought she thought she was a legacy and deserved a spot just for that. But since she started in the competition, her dance has been spot on. She danced a lyrical routine that took my breath away. And her and her partner, Kameron(I'll get to him soon), have wonderful chemistry. She's a doll...and maybe she could be the second in her family to win this competition.

Kameron: Speaking of Kameron...I adore him. One, he is hot. I mean...hot. And he and Lacey just partner so well together. He's really wonderful to watch and brings such sex appeal to the show. hummina...hummina...

Neil: I like him. He might be my favorite, but I am not sure. When I watch the show, I call him "New Travis" because he reminds me so much of Travis Wall from last year. He's just a beautiful dancer. I thought he might go home last night, but luckily...he was saved. Love New Travis...love him!

Alright...enough Love for the SYTYCD kids. Who do I think should win? I really don't know. There are just too many people who are TOO good this year.

And yes...sometimes in my living room...I frolick around and think I can dance like them. It's delusional, but well...kinda fun at the same time!

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 and $$$$ Update...

I forgot to update with my weigh-in for the week...probably because I gained. It's so interesting...I never "forget" to weigh-in when I have lost, but it always seems to slip my mind when I gain.

I gained one pound this week...which isn't the end of the world. I did go on a monster food binge this weekend. I made tacos and ate it all...til my stomach actually hurt. I love tacos...and have learned I have difficulty with portion control because of said love for the tacos. I also ate ice cream...and basically anything that was in front of me. Let's put it this way...I officially at M&Ms for breakfast on Sunday.

But...it's all a learning experience. And Monday was a lot better...I did some grocery shopping to have some healthy options in the house. I bought food that I like and that is also good for me. Plus, I am going to go back to writing everything that graces my lips down...it helps.

I am also kind of stuck in terms of workouts...I plan on starting Power 90 and I am actually quite excited about it. I really loved that program the two times I have done it before. But, I don't know when I am going to be able to start it. I basically am waiting until my roommate starts actually working nights...instead of training during the day, which she is doing right now (and who knows how long it will be until it is actually night shifts because she has been out of work for quite a while with stuff with her step dad...completely understandable). So...I am excited to get started...I just don't know when I can get started. I am still doing a lot of walking, but I am looking forward to working out with more intensity.

And an update about the finances...I wrote a TT last week about a bunch of ways I am going to save more money. I have started putting a lot of those things into effect.

#1: On Friday, I went in and cancelled my YMCA membership. It broke my heart a little bit to do it, but since I wasn't using it...why should it? I just like the idea of it being there. I need to give them 30 days notice...so they will still charge me one more time, but not again after that. $37/month officially saved.

#2: I logged on and made the change to my Blockbuster membership...from 3 out at a time to 2. It's a smart move since last week, I was running out of movies at the store that I wanted to exchange them in for. I know a couple of people suggested that I cancel my account and use the library. It's a great suggestion, but just not for me...and in this area. I did that when I lived in Bloomington and it worked perfectly. Their selection mimicked what the video stores had and it was such a simple process. Not so much here...they have a small, small section of DVDs and it takes forever to get a new release. So, I am going to stick with the Blockbuster membership...just a smaller one.

#3: I am in the process of cancelling the Netflix account. I have the two movies per month account...and I wanted to make sure I got the two movies I paid for before cancelling. I am being sent the second one right now...and once I have it in my hot little hand, I will cancel the account. It will give me ten days to watch the movie and get it back to them and still have it cancelled. I figured it is best to get my monies worth and then cancel...since I am the Queen of Thrift!

#4&5: Haven't charged anything on my credit card since getting paid...but groceries and gas. I have to pay this month's bill...and then see how much smaller next one's will be. I also got out my $20 spending money this month...and so far, I have been very good with it. I bought a sandwich for dinner...and paid for it out of my cash in my wallet. I also considered getting Taco Bell for dinner one night and thought of the money in my wallet and that it has to last until next Thursday...changed my mind...and made something at home.

#7: I switched my insurance...and saved a chunck of change. My policy is about $80 cheaper for 6 months. And...when I cancelled at my current insurance company...they are sending me back $43.00 that I have overpaid them. Whoo hoo! I also saved myself $4 per month because instead of paying monthly installments where they bill you a $4 service charge...I paid it in a one time installment. That saves me an additional $24 per 6 month quote. All in all...pretty sweet deal.

#9: I checked my AAA gas card...and the online statement said that I saved $4.88 on gas this last month. It's not a lot, but it's better to save a little than to not save anything.

#10: I haven't gotten my bike on the road as of yet...it's on the schedule for next weekend. I want to get it going, so I can start riding it to work.

#12: I have brought my lunch everyday...for over 2 weeks. I was tempted to order out with a co-worker yesterday, but alas...I did not. Go me!

I still have some stuff to get done...but all in all...I am moving pretty well on all the goals I set for myself.

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 Recap

Hey everybody....I finished the Relay for Life on Friday night to Saturday morning. It's a 12 hour event where you raise money for the American Cancer Society and also walk for parts or all of those 12 hours. This is the first time I have participated in Relay for Life...and it was a good time.

The team that I was on...which consisted of my roomie, another good friend, her mom and myself...we actually stayed there for the whole time...and WALKED the whole time. It was exhasuting, but also a lot of fun. I wore my pedometer and turned it over at midnight...so I could get the steps for Friday night and the steps for Saturday morning. I am so glad I wore it because I never would have guessed I walked as much as I did....even though my feet ached by 7am when it was closing ceremonies time. When the steps were all added up, I ended up with just about 62,000 steps...that's right...62,000 steps. That's somewhere between 30 and 35 miles of walking. We basically walked all night...with the exception of a break or two here or there just to rest the bones, but I never rested for long because I knew if I did that I wouldn't get up out of my chair. My poor roomie is really hurting...feet blistering and her ankle is all swollen. I hope she takes it VERY easy for the next few days. I was pretty lucky overall...my feet hurt yesterday, but they weren't blistered and once I got to sleep and rested my poor pups for about 8 hours, they actually feel pretty good.

Thanks to everyone for the support and kind thoughts...it helped me through the walking at 4am, even when my legs were fighting me! And the Relay for Life people said that donations can still be made until the end of the month, so I will make another plea for anyone who wants to donate to the cause. With all that walking, how can you not want to throw a chunk of change at it??? So, click here and donate away....all the cool kids are doing it.

And for those that already donated....THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!!!!

It was fun...I will definitely do it again. And you know, I said last night that I probably wouldn't walk all night again, but you know what...I recovered pretty easily, so I think I would stay all night again. It was a great experience and one night of aches and pains is well worth the cause. Relay for Life said they have hopes of their being a cure by 2015 and lord, I hope they are right.

weight loss plans...

Isn't it so interesting how I always have weight loss plans, goals, etc...but when I am gaining weight...no plans, goals, etc...except I always seem to reach that goal of packing on the pounds. Sad, eh?

This week...I have done well...I haven't eaten horribly...I haven't eaten out...I have been using my pedometer and walking like a carzy fool.

The thing I am not doing...is a formal workout program. It's what I desperately need to do. I need to get focused and get something in gear. I know walking is part of it, but it just isn't enough. I need to start seriously getting my sweat on.

So...how I am going to do this??? Well...there are going to be some changes in my living situation coming up. No, I am not moving. No, my roommate is not moving out. But...she is changing her shift at work. She is going from working the day shift to the mid-shift....which means that instead of 9-5, she will be working 3-11pm. Basically, it means that every single night...I will have the apartment to myself from when I get out of work (4pm) until 11pm. So...I have hours and hours that I can use to get my sweat on. I could always workout when my roommate is there and sometimes I did, but well...it's just never a comfortable thing.

So...given the change at home, I am going back to my staple workout regime. I am going to start doing Power 90 again. I have the tapes tucked away in the closet...so, I am going to start again. I like Power 90 for so many reasons. One, it's something I am willing to commit to...which means I will be committing to working out 6 times a week for at least 4 months. That's so important. And two, it's a nice workout...I can finish it, but just barely. It's tough...it gets me sweating. And three, if it gets too easy...there are two levels. Once you get comfy at one level...you switch to the next and it kicks your ass all over again. And four, it has cardio and strength training...and I know I need both.

My roommate starts her new shift in a couple weeks to a month...depending on how training goes, etc...so, I think going to start then. I am excited for a new workout routine. But...I am going to MISS my roommate. With the conflicting schedules...I am never going to see her...maybe on weekends, maybe.

So...there is my plan...keep eating right...start kicking up the workouts. And this time, I mean it! (unlike the last bajillion times!)

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!

TGIF

phew...I am tired this morning. My alarm went off at 6am and I thought I might get up and walk before work, but I just felt exhausted...so I didn't. I do go for a 15 minute walk this morning at work, but not before.

I am kinda sad...I think my elliptical machine might be on its last leg and broken. The left side is starting to crack which makes it so that it rubs and makes an awful noise when I use it...plus using it just makes the cracking worse. Everyone knows how I love my elliptical, so this is not good news. I am not sure if I am going to see if some place can repair or possibly look for replacements....maybe I should save and look to buy one that isn't the cheapest version EVER. I guess it's the old saying...you get what you pay for. Thankfully...the weather has been beautiful, so I have been able to get my walking and such done outside.


P.S. I kinda ate crap yesterday...but not completely crap. I had easy mac for dinner...hmm, healthy??? lol

Thursday Thirteen #28

Thirteen Things About Shelley And Being Healthy! As my blog reads...I am focused back on all things fitness related, so I thought I would share 13 tid bits about Shelley and being healthy! 1. I have consistently tried to change my language when I talk about weight loss and dieting...mainly...stop saying weight loss and dieting. I try to talk about health and fitness and choices, etc. I know that until I see it as powerful long beyond losing weight and inches...I won't truly be getting anywhere. 2. Having said that...losing weight is always still a part of my goal. I want to look better, but I also want to be stronger and healthier...and being at a lower weight is crucial to that. 3. I signed up for a walking challenge at work...and one through Women's Day. I am excited about that. I have been wearing my pedometer every single day and tracking my steps. I have gotten at least 10,000 steps everyday...which is great since I work at a desk job. 4. I have been walking with a co-worker of mine during our 15 minute breaks. It's nice to have a break from the office, do something healthy and have someone I like to chit chat with. 5. I have really come to terms with how much of an emotional eater I am. I know that I cover things with food...and many of my thoughts about food are actually quite OCD. I think I was in denial about this before...and was a big part of my problem. 6. Speaking of food...I am loving the food I am eating lately. I have been making fresh, frothy protein shakes. I have been making homemade sorbet. I have been eating lots of salad, etc. 7. I was talking with a co-worker yesterday...eating well doesn't mean eating things that taste like cardboard. I think when we make ourselves misreable for the benefit of a diet...we fail. I love the food I eat. It's colorful and flavorful. It's something that I really savor. Except for watching portion controls and such...I really don't feel like I am on a diet when I am eating right. 8. There I go saying diet again...sheesh! 9. My eating habits and such...is such a genetic/family thing. Both of my parents have type 2 diabetes and my mom has unfortunately had a lot of complications because of it. In many ways...it's my motivation. I know I have to take care of my body today, so that it takes of me tomorrow. 10. I had a mini-revelation last night...I ended up eating way more than I planned. I ate tons of goldfish crackers...and some M&Ms, etc. But then I thought about...if I ate some crackers and a couple of handfuls of M&Ms...is that the end of the world? Nope. I didn't order a pizza...and almost eat it all. So, even in little mis-steps...I did well. I was proud of myself. 11. I am going to give mad props to my Magic Bullet once again. I just think the world of the thing...and it has helped me make yummy healthy food...that I know exactly what is in it...because I am the one making it. Mmm..mmm...good! 12. I really enjoying blogging about health and fitness. It gives me something to be accountable to...and I have found some like friends out there in the world wide web. I was never someone who wanted to go to meetings, but I like checking in on smoe internet friends...and having them check in on me. 13. Last tid bit...if I stop blogging about anything health-wise...it probably means I am slipping and eating pizza instead of blogging. Call me on it, mkay??? lol

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

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'!

Did Good!

Yesterday...I did so good....with the food and the diet. I am really..honestly, proud of myself. I was a carzy walking fool....and I also ate really well. I took 2-15 minute walks during my workday, run on the elliptical and then also took a 30 minute stroll around my apartment complex.

And food wise...really good too. I have been using the Magic Bullet my mommy bought me like nuts. I made a breakfast smoothie in it, a smoothie for dinner and also made some yummy, delish sorbet for dessert.

This sorbet...it looks like something you would get at a gourmet restaurant. And the recipe is uber, easy simple.

Here's the recipe...cause I know you want it. I made it my magic bullet, but you could use any decent food processor too.

1/2 cup of frozen peaches (I cut them into smaller pieces just to help with the blending).
1/4 cup frozen raspberries
1/4 cup of juice (any kind...I used peach/mango...mmmm!)

You put it all into the Magic Bullet/food processor and then blend until almost smooth. I usually leave it so that there are still some small chunks of peaches in there just to add some texture.

It's so damn good...it's a little tart because it doesn't have the added sugar, but I love, love, love it! I swear, I should mass produce this stuff and sell it. It you need it sweeter, I imagine you could add a packet or splenda, but well...I don't think it needs it.

I am looking forward to making sorbet with the other frozen fruits I have...frozen cherries, frozen berries, etc. I might also make one just with raspberries and some orange juice.

Mmmm....mmmm....good!

Anyone who said that dieting is only eating food that tastes like cardboard doesn't diet around me. I had really high quality, yummy, healthy food.

P.S. Did I mention that I love the Magic Bullet? In case I didn't...I completely do!

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.