One day, I got a craving for bean salad. I had this idea in my head of how I wanted it to taste, but no idea how to get it to taste like what I was thinking. I went home and gave it a shot. To my absolute surprise, I created the exact dish I was tasting in my head. I was more then delighted, and this salad has become almost a weekly staple in our house. It is great tasting, healthy, incredibly filling, cheap, and easy to make. We also shake it up a bit by using different beans, veggies, or vinegars. The technique I use for making the dressing is exactly the same as I use for making all my vinaigrette salad dressings (Tracy, I will still give you a lesson in your kitchen).
Ingredients:
1/2 Green bell pepper
1/2 Red bell pepper
1 Red onion
2 Cloves garlic
1 Can stewed tomatoes (mexican style)
2 Cans black beans
1 Can pinto beans
1 Can kidney beans
1 Can whole kernel corn (or 1.5 cups frozen and thawed)
Salt and Pepper!
Dressing:
1 Clove garlic, finely chopped
1 tsp. Mustard (Grey Poupon or other dijon, not that fake yellow crap)
1 tsp. Sugar or Honey
1/2 tsp. Salt
1/4 tsp. Pepper
1/4 c. Red wine vinegar (or balsamic works great too!)
1/2 c. Olive oil (I prefer extra virgin)
Directions:
Open all cans of beans and corn. Dump into a colander, rinse and drain. To make the dressing, combine the following in a medium sized bowl: finely chopped garlic clove, mustard, sugar, salt, pepper and vinegar. Mix well with a whisk. Ideally if you have a Pyrex measuring cup with a pour spout for your olive oil, that works best. Keep whisking the vinegar mixture and SLOWLY stream in the olive oil. As the oil emulsifies with the vinegar (thanks to the mustard) the mixture will become thicker. Your arm will get tired before you finish streaming in the olive oil. Power through it. Once all the oil is incorporated, you should have a nice looking salad dressing with no oil/vinegar separation. Taste the dressing and add a little more olive oil if the vinegar is too strong, or a little more salt if the flavors don't pop.
Chop the peppers, onion, and garlic into small pieces. Add the chopped veggies to the dressing along with the can of stewed tomatoes, and mix well. In a large bowl, place the drained beans and corn. Add the dressing/veggie mixture and stir well. You will need to add what seems like a ridiculous amount of salt to make the flavors really come out. Beans absorb A LOT of salt. Mix well after each addition of salt, and taste. I wouldn't be surprised if I added well over 1 teaspoon at this stage. If you over do it, you can always add another can of beans.
This dish gets better as it sits in the fridge. This recipe yields a lot because I love having it for at least 2 days in my fridge. I recommend refrigerating for at least an hour before serving, stirring frequently. This makes an excellent dish to bring to a party or BBQ.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
I love my job, I love my job, I love my job.
Not. There are of course, pro's and con's to this job, but for the most part, I am against the way my boss chooses to run things. I feel it is a fly-by-night operation with shitty organization, and is entirely reactive. I came here with absolutely no experience, and I received no training, and had to learn everything on my own. I'm sure that I have not learned everything the proper way.
I had a job interview today. In this economic climate, for positions that generally depend on cities/counties building things, this is an amazing feat. Not to mention the competition in Seattle is ridiculous. I have sent out at least 40 applications/resumes in the last year to every position that was advertising. This is the ONLY call back I got. When they did call me, I learned the position is in California, which would mean a 1,500 mile relocation. The job is incredibly specialized, and is definitely a reach for me. I was sort of apathetic towards this interview because I really like the new routine I have for myself. The interview was HARD. So hard that now I want nothing more then this job.
Telephone interviews allow you to wear whatever you want, make whatever crazy hand gestures you want, have notes in front of you, etc. You are merely a voice. So, I apparently interested them enough that they want to have me come down there for a second interview in person. A hands on interview where they have me do some modeling and write ups. This throws me into a panic on two fronts: a) I cannot hide my weight in person, and b) my lack of proper training is about to be showcased in front of my next potential employer.
I know technically they can not use my weight as a factor for not hiring me, but what if it is subconscious? What if they have the same biases towards fat people that I have (lack of self confidence, lazy, don't have their shit together)? The last time I saw my mom, she told me that "no one is going to hire you if you are that fat." This is slightly taken out of context, but the message is there. I can't get that out of my head. I'd like to think she is wrong, but I can not change the perception that people have of overweight people.
The possibility that my 2.5 years here has been learning the wrong way of doing things and shortcuts that are only applicable to this office scares the crap out of me. How am I ever going to get out of here if all this time I've only been fooling myself thinking I have all these skills that I really don't, because my boss doesn't train us, or check our work, and he knows that no one reads what we write anyway, so it will all get approved?! This is a maddening realization that I half-had on my telephone interview today. My office is bullshit, and this potentially new office is going to see right through it. I now have the task of trying to learn as much as possible so I don't seem like a complete ass when I go down there.
I am a firm believer in everything happening for a reason. If this job and relocation is meant to be, then I will get hired. If not, I have a job. I have a solid network here in Seattle, and something better will come along. I know these things to be true, but it is so easy to get caught up in rush of things, and want things that are not necessarily best for me. What is truly amazing about life is that you always get what you really need, even if its the last thing you would ever think that you need. I can easily look to the past and see how perfect my life weaved itself, despite of all my temporary wants.
I had a job interview today. In this economic climate, for positions that generally depend on cities/counties building things, this is an amazing feat. Not to mention the competition in Seattle is ridiculous. I have sent out at least 40 applications/resumes in the last year to every position that was advertising. This is the ONLY call back I got. When they did call me, I learned the position is in California, which would mean a 1,500 mile relocation. The job is incredibly specialized, and is definitely a reach for me. I was sort of apathetic towards this interview because I really like the new routine I have for myself. The interview was HARD. So hard that now I want nothing more then this job.
Telephone interviews allow you to wear whatever you want, make whatever crazy hand gestures you want, have notes in front of you, etc. You are merely a voice. So, I apparently interested them enough that they want to have me come down there for a second interview in person. A hands on interview where they have me do some modeling and write ups. This throws me into a panic on two fronts: a) I cannot hide my weight in person, and b) my lack of proper training is about to be showcased in front of my next potential employer.
I know technically they can not use my weight as a factor for not hiring me, but what if it is subconscious? What if they have the same biases towards fat people that I have (lack of self confidence, lazy, don't have their shit together)? The last time I saw my mom, she told me that "no one is going to hire you if you are that fat." This is slightly taken out of context, but the message is there. I can't get that out of my head. I'd like to think she is wrong, but I can not change the perception that people have of overweight people.
The possibility that my 2.5 years here has been learning the wrong way of doing things and shortcuts that are only applicable to this office scares the crap out of me. How am I ever going to get out of here if all this time I've only been fooling myself thinking I have all these skills that I really don't, because my boss doesn't train us, or check our work, and he knows that no one reads what we write anyway, so it will all get approved?! This is a maddening realization that I half-had on my telephone interview today. My office is bullshit, and this potentially new office is going to see right through it. I now have the task of trying to learn as much as possible so I don't seem like a complete ass when I go down there.
I am a firm believer in everything happening for a reason. If this job and relocation is meant to be, then I will get hired. If not, I have a job. I have a solid network here in Seattle, and something better will come along. I know these things to be true, but it is so easy to get caught up in rush of things, and want things that are not necessarily best for me. What is truly amazing about life is that you always get what you really need, even if its the last thing you would ever think that you need. I can easily look to the past and see how perfect my life weaved itself, despite of all my temporary wants.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Sign Please?
So, you know how in movies, when the protagonist is at some crossroads or perceived peril in their life, they without a doubt almost always look up at the camera and say something to the effect of "please, somebody give me a sign..." The very next day, some grandiose act occurs, and our character in distress is directed onto the right path, and life is good.
I don't remember asking for a sign, but I REALLY wish I would stop getting them. I get it: I'm overweight, eat too much, have been making poor health decisions, been in denial, and many aspects of my life are suffering because of these facts.
Over the last month, I've had three distinct moments (signs) that I cannot ignore, which have brought to my attention just how distant from myself I have become.
1. I went sailing for the first time in 7 years in the type of boat I used to race everyday in college. I felt humongous. Had the boats shurnk? I felt like I was an adult trying to ride a tricycle. I instantly became so aware of my size...there is nothing like getting into a small boat to become aware of your own weight, but wow. I did the quick math, and realized I was about 60-70 pounds heavier than my college weight. In racing these small boats, that 60-70 pounds is the difference between winning and losing.
2. At a recent Doctor's appointment, I saw on the scale I was 12 pounds heavier then my previous known highest weight.
3. And the nail in the coffin...I got a Wii Fit Plus yesterday. My boyfriend and I were setting it up, and I went first through the set-up routine as my boyfriend watched. I've never shared how much I weigh with my boyfriend, and the realization that it was about to pop up on our 46" Samsung gave me a minor heart attack. I tried to get him to look away. He did not. Deep breath...and well, the Wii confirmed what the scale at the gym had told me (which is 4 lbs lighter then a week ago, thank you very much). If my boyfriend was shocked, he hid it well. During his set-up, I learned that he is only 6 pounds heavier then me. He is 7 feet tall (for real) and I am 5'5." Wow.
I want these 3 moments to live in the forefront of my mind forever. I want to use them as the fuel that gets me out of bed every morning to work out, and as the reason for eating healthy food in portions that are correct for me. I want to show everyone who is not watching that THIS IS NOT ME. I want to be competitive the next time I step into a dinghy. I want the Doctor to not be silently shaking his head after recording my weight. But most of all, I want myself back.
I don't remember asking for a sign, but I REALLY wish I would stop getting them. I get it: I'm overweight, eat too much, have been making poor health decisions, been in denial, and many aspects of my life are suffering because of these facts.
Over the last month, I've had three distinct moments (signs) that I cannot ignore, which have brought to my attention just how distant from myself I have become.
1. I went sailing for the first time in 7 years in the type of boat I used to race everyday in college. I felt humongous. Had the boats shurnk? I felt like I was an adult trying to ride a tricycle. I instantly became so aware of my size...there is nothing like getting into a small boat to become aware of your own weight, but wow. I did the quick math, and realized I was about 60-70 pounds heavier than my college weight. In racing these small boats, that 60-70 pounds is the difference between winning and losing.
2. At a recent Doctor's appointment, I saw on the scale I was 12 pounds heavier then my previous known highest weight.
3. And the nail in the coffin...I got a Wii Fit Plus yesterday. My boyfriend and I were setting it up, and I went first through the set-up routine as my boyfriend watched. I've never shared how much I weigh with my boyfriend, and the realization that it was about to pop up on our 46" Samsung gave me a minor heart attack. I tried to get him to look away. He did not. Deep breath...and well, the Wii confirmed what the scale at the gym had told me (which is 4 lbs lighter then a week ago, thank you very much). If my boyfriend was shocked, he hid it well. During his set-up, I learned that he is only 6 pounds heavier then me. He is 7 feet tall (for real) and I am 5'5." Wow.
I want these 3 moments to live in the forefront of my mind forever. I want to use them as the fuel that gets me out of bed every morning to work out, and as the reason for eating healthy food in portions that are correct for me. I want to show everyone who is not watching that THIS IS NOT ME. I want to be competitive the next time I step into a dinghy. I want the Doctor to not be silently shaking his head after recording my weight. But most of all, I want myself back.
Monday, January 4, 2010
I Got Paid.
Today began day 1 of week 2. My boyfriend started winter quarter of classes today, and has an 8am class. Lucky for me, that means he and I are up at the same time, and he would prefer getting a ride to school with me rather than walking, so I now have no excuses to not go the gym before work. Everything is working out fabulously! I keep getting more and more help on my journey.
I woke up today and ate my 1/2 grapefruit. I went to the gym and weighed in. I was nervous, but knew I HAD to see results with the week I had last week. So, I happily took my shoes and coat off, hopped on the scale, and WOW! I lost 4 pounds since last week. I added 5 minutes of running on the treadmill to my 30 minutes of the Eliptical machine with arms. Over 5 days, that extra 5 minutes is going to be like an additional 25 minute workout!
Four pounds is a very nice reward for actually eating correctly and exercising. I say 'actually' because for the past 3 years I have been in denial about how much I was eating. I would go through phases (lasting 2 days maybe?) of eating right, only to think I deserved a treat and essentially erasing all my progress. I played this game with myself along with exercising (exercise has always been a constant in my life) and wondered why nothing was happening for me. I discovered that I can exercise all I want, but when it comes to me losing weight, it all depends on what goes in my mouth. Period. There is a feeling I get when I'm eating less, eating correctly for my needs. I want to say it's almost euphoric, but if I'm not paying attention, it is easily missed.
So how am I going to keep this up? I've set a goal (a few goals, actually, short term and long term). I'm planning my meals. I'm EATING LESS. I'm EXERCISING MORE. I'm eating a better composition of foods. I'm writing down what I eat. I'm keeping a blog. I have many friends who are supporting me on this. I have a routine. I'm keeping in mind that if I want to get paid, I have to work.
I woke up today and ate my 1/2 grapefruit. I went to the gym and weighed in. I was nervous, but knew I HAD to see results with the week I had last week. So, I happily took my shoes and coat off, hopped on the scale, and WOW! I lost 4 pounds since last week. I added 5 minutes of running on the treadmill to my 30 minutes of the Eliptical machine with arms. Over 5 days, that extra 5 minutes is going to be like an additional 25 minute workout!
Four pounds is a very nice reward for actually eating correctly and exercising. I say 'actually' because for the past 3 years I have been in denial about how much I was eating. I would go through phases (lasting 2 days maybe?) of eating right, only to think I deserved a treat and essentially erasing all my progress. I played this game with myself along with exercising (exercise has always been a constant in my life) and wondered why nothing was happening for me. I discovered that I can exercise all I want, but when it comes to me losing weight, it all depends on what goes in my mouth. Period. There is a feeling I get when I'm eating less, eating correctly for my needs. I want to say it's almost euphoric, but if I'm not paying attention, it is easily missed.
So how am I going to keep this up? I've set a goal (a few goals, actually, short term and long term). I'm planning my meals. I'm EATING LESS. I'm EXERCISING MORE. I'm eating a better composition of foods. I'm writing down what I eat. I'm keeping a blog. I have many friends who are supporting me on this. I have a routine. I'm keeping in mind that if I want to get paid, I have to work.
Kick Ass Pita Bread Pizza
When I'm craving something unhealthy, this is the meal I make for myself. It does have more calories then I should eat at one meal, but it is so many less calories then getting Thai take-out or delivery pizza. When I'm in the zone of eating healthy, I like to find ways to replace things I love with healthier versions. Not to mention I love the feeling of treating myself to food that is good tasting, and gives me the illusion of cheating, when in reality I'm still eating very well.
Kick Ass Pita Bread Pizza (for one, but obviously recipe can be made larger)
Ingredients:
2 Whole wheat pita pockets (about 5" each)~ 300 calories
1/4 cup red sauce (I use Classico)~ 30 calories
1 ounce low-moisture, part skim mozzarella ~ 60 calories
2 small heads broccoli ~ 20 calories
2-3 cloves garlic
1 tsp. Olive oil ~ 40 calories
2 tbsp. Parmesan grated ~ 40 calories
Salt/pepper
Directions:
Heat oven to 400 degrees. On a pizza pan or baking pan place pita breads. Spread 1/8 C. sauce on each pita, and dot each piece with 1/2 oz. of mozzarella each. Set aside while oven heats up.
In a medium-sized sauce pan, boil 6 cups of water. Chop broccoli heads into very small pieces. When water boils, add broccoli and cook for 2-3 minutes, until tender, but not soft. As the broccoli is cooking, chop 2-3 cloves garlic. Heat a skillet on med-high heat with 1 tsp. Olive oil (just enough to cover the bottom. Drain cooked broccoli very well. Add garlic to hot oil, and cook just till garlic is beginning to turn color, and turn burner heat to medium. Add broccoli to skillet with garlic and oil, and be VERY careful. The broccoli is wet, and the oil is hot, so splatters will occur. Stir and the action dies down a bit. Cook broccoli in olive oil till well coated, sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Take off heat and set aside.
Place pan with the prepared pita's in oven. Bake until cheese is melty, but not bubbly. Remove from oven and top each pita with 1/2 the broccoli mixture. Sprinkle each with 1 tbsp. parmesan, and pepper if you like.
Total calories~ 510
Kick Ass Pita Bread Pizza (for one, but obviously recipe can be made larger)
Ingredients:
2 Whole wheat pita pockets (about 5" each)~ 300 calories
1/4 cup red sauce (I use Classico)~ 30 calories
1 ounce low-moisture, part skim mozzarella ~ 60 calories
2 small heads broccoli ~ 20 calories
2-3 cloves garlic
1 tsp. Olive oil ~ 40 calories
2 tbsp. Parmesan grated ~ 40 calories
Salt/pepper
Directions:
Heat oven to 400 degrees. On a pizza pan or baking pan place pita breads. Spread 1/8 C. sauce on each pita, and dot each piece with 1/2 oz. of mozzarella each. Set aside while oven heats up.
In a medium-sized sauce pan, boil 6 cups of water. Chop broccoli heads into very small pieces. When water boils, add broccoli and cook for 2-3 minutes, until tender, but not soft. As the broccoli is cooking, chop 2-3 cloves garlic. Heat a skillet on med-high heat with 1 tsp. Olive oil (just enough to cover the bottom. Drain cooked broccoli very well. Add garlic to hot oil, and cook just till garlic is beginning to turn color, and turn burner heat to medium. Add broccoli to skillet with garlic and oil, and be VERY careful. The broccoli is wet, and the oil is hot, so splatters will occur. Stir and the action dies down a bit. Cook broccoli in olive oil till well coated, sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Take off heat and set aside.
Place pan with the prepared pita's in oven. Bake until cheese is melty, but not bubbly. Remove from oven and top each pita with 1/2 the broccoli mixture. Sprinkle each with 1 tbsp. parmesan, and pepper if you like.
Total calories~ 510
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Week 1 Re-cap
Monday- 12/28: Had enough. I got motivated to begin changing my eating habits. It had nothing to do with the New Year coming up, and everything to do with a clear realization of just how large I have become. A switch flipped somewhere in my brain, and suddenly I was able to wake up early and go to the gym before work, and be satisfied after a 700 calorie per day reduction. Victory of the day- knowing in my head this feeling of change was different- this motivation was coming from some place deep.
Tuesday- 12/29: Day 2. Put in my 30 minutes at the gym before work. Planned out my meals for the entire day, which consisted of really changing the composition of what I eat. I know from paying attention to my body, that I need to add more protein to my diet. I know it makes me crave sugar less, and keeps me satisfied longer. I also need my carbs to strictly come from fruits, veggies, and whole grain sources. Got inspiration from Tracy to start my own 'journey' blog. Victory of the day- started a blog, seriously began writing down everything I eat.
Wednesday- 12/30: Gym, 30 minutes before work. I really think best while doing some form of exercise, whether it be walking, running, or on the eliptical machine. Keeping on track is so easy as long as I'm moving...I come up with all these excellent plans of how I'm going to change up my workouts, eat great (and less) and I couldn't feel better! So, I came up with my plan of things to incorporate for next week, that is if I'm still with this next week...Victory of the day- keeping up my new 'routine' for the 3rd straight day.
Thursday- 12/31 (aka, New Years Eve): Put my gym time in. Continued with my whole grains, fruits, chicken breast, and nuts meals. REALLY wanted to "celebrate" with some chinese take out as I have done almost every year in the past. No. I had to do better. So, I decided to still treat myself, by making whole wheat pita bread pizzas instead. One day I will post the recipe for those, because OMG, they were so good, and I felt amazing after eating. Probably because I felt a sense of power for not giving into my craving, and the meal was such a perfect balance of protein, whole grains, and vegetables, my body didn't need anything else. I headed out to pick up my boyfriend and head to a NYE party, knowing I would have to consider the calories in the alcohol I was sure to be consuming. Boring, I know, but hey, I'm serious about this. Victory of the day- Not getting chinese food, saying no to all the party appetizers-chips, dip, crackers, salami, fresh out of the oven taquitos...
Friday- 1/1/10: Gym was closed today due to the holiday. Had a quick fake sausage breakfast sandwich, and headed to the dog park. I later did a Jillian Michaels workout video, wow, she kicks my ass. I know that resistance training is going to have to begin soon, as that is an integral part of being healthy. A friend of mine called me around 7pm asking if I wanted to join her for Thai food (my absolute favorite) luckily, I had already eaten, so I agreed to go and just watch. We ended up going to a pub with bar food, and I didn't order any food, but did have two rum and diet cokes. Victory of the day- Not ordering any food at the pub.
Saturday- 1/2/10: Boyfriend and I hit the gym first thing (noon, but hey, on a Saturday that is first thing). Continued to make not only good food choices, but to eat less. I'm still in disbelief of how easy this change is coming this time around. It's like all of a sudden, everything makes sense, and I reach for an orange instead of chocolate. Headed over to a friends house, and to my surprise they had just got a Wii fit. I have quite possibly the most competitive group of friends, so the night consisted of nothing but playing Wii sports. I'm hooked. Searching for a deal on a Wii fit right now... Victory of the day- I did not snack at my friends gathering, it is so easy to mindlessly eat chips and salsa, and not realize you just downed 400 calories.
Sunday- 1/3/10: Rest day. I took a quick walk over to the mall to run some errands. I'm still fricken sore from the workout with Jillian on Thursday. For real, I highly recommend any of her workout videos. I'm ready for Week 2 to start tomorrow. I'm ready to add 5 minutes to my AM cardio workouts, and begin going to the gym for a second workout in the evenings 2 days a week, focusing on resistance training. I'm ready to add 1/2 grapefruit to my everyday diet. But mostly, I'm anxious to step on that scale tomorrow and see if this week is reflected on there. Victory of the day- Remaining focused, motivated, and feeling great!
Tuesday- 12/29: Day 2. Put in my 30 minutes at the gym before work. Planned out my meals for the entire day, which consisted of really changing the composition of what I eat. I know from paying attention to my body, that I need to add more protein to my diet. I know it makes me crave sugar less, and keeps me satisfied longer. I also need my carbs to strictly come from fruits, veggies, and whole grain sources. Got inspiration from Tracy to start my own 'journey' blog. Victory of the day- started a blog, seriously began writing down everything I eat.
Wednesday- 12/30: Gym, 30 minutes before work. I really think best while doing some form of exercise, whether it be walking, running, or on the eliptical machine. Keeping on track is so easy as long as I'm moving...I come up with all these excellent plans of how I'm going to change up my workouts, eat great (and less) and I couldn't feel better! So, I came up with my plan of things to incorporate for next week, that is if I'm still with this next week...Victory of the day- keeping up my new 'routine' for the 3rd straight day.
Thursday- 12/31 (aka, New Years Eve): Put my gym time in. Continued with my whole grains, fruits, chicken breast, and nuts meals. REALLY wanted to "celebrate" with some chinese take out as I have done almost every year in the past. No. I had to do better. So, I decided to still treat myself, by making whole wheat pita bread pizzas instead. One day I will post the recipe for those, because OMG, they were so good, and I felt amazing after eating. Probably because I felt a sense of power for not giving into my craving, and the meal was such a perfect balance of protein, whole grains, and vegetables, my body didn't need anything else. I headed out to pick up my boyfriend and head to a NYE party, knowing I would have to consider the calories in the alcohol I was sure to be consuming. Boring, I know, but hey, I'm serious about this. Victory of the day- Not getting chinese food, saying no to all the party appetizers-chips, dip, crackers, salami, fresh out of the oven taquitos...
Friday- 1/1/10: Gym was closed today due to the holiday. Had a quick fake sausage breakfast sandwich, and headed to the dog park. I later did a Jillian Michaels workout video, wow, she kicks my ass. I know that resistance training is going to have to begin soon, as that is an integral part of being healthy. A friend of mine called me around 7pm asking if I wanted to join her for Thai food (my absolute favorite) luckily, I had already eaten, so I agreed to go and just watch. We ended up going to a pub with bar food, and I didn't order any food, but did have two rum and diet cokes. Victory of the day- Not ordering any food at the pub.
Saturday- 1/2/10: Boyfriend and I hit the gym first thing (noon, but hey, on a Saturday that is first thing). Continued to make not only good food choices, but to eat less. I'm still in disbelief of how easy this change is coming this time around. It's like all of a sudden, everything makes sense, and I reach for an orange instead of chocolate. Headed over to a friends house, and to my surprise they had just got a Wii fit. I have quite possibly the most competitive group of friends, so the night consisted of nothing but playing Wii sports. I'm hooked. Searching for a deal on a Wii fit right now... Victory of the day- I did not snack at my friends gathering, it is so easy to mindlessly eat chips and salsa, and not realize you just downed 400 calories.
Sunday- 1/3/10: Rest day. I took a quick walk over to the mall to run some errands. I'm still fricken sore from the workout with Jillian on Thursday. For real, I highly recommend any of her workout videos. I'm ready for Week 2 to start tomorrow. I'm ready to add 5 minutes to my AM cardio workouts, and begin going to the gym for a second workout in the evenings 2 days a week, focusing on resistance training. I'm ready to add 1/2 grapefruit to my everyday diet. But mostly, I'm anxious to step on that scale tomorrow and see if this week is reflected on there. Victory of the day- Remaining focused, motivated, and feeling great!
Friday, January 1, 2010
The Waiting....
Tom Petty sure had it right. The waiting (WAY-aaaa-ting) is the hardest part. Ever since I began my freshman year of high school, I'm amazed how each year manages to go by faster than the previous. Well, I JUST figured out how to make each day go by painstakingly slow, in turn making the week drag on, so slow I can't even see this month passing...
What did I do? I finally started eating correctly and exercising. Four days has never gone by so slow. I only believe in a once a week weigh-in, so waiting for this week to pass to see if all I'm doing is working is practically torture.
I know I should just be satisfied with the great changes I have made thus far (all four days of 'em) and continually remind myself that this is not short-term, this is a way of life. To me, that is like going to work and not getting paid. I need to get paid, or I'm going to quit, because we all know that being unemployed is soooo much better then getting up and going to work. Sleeping in...daytime tv...no one telling you what to do....but wait. You have no money. Light bulbs are going off.
Ok. I get it. The attitude that being unemployed is better than working is what got me here in the first place. As much as I would like to quit my real job, I never would because work is what responsible, healthy people do. Work gives me a routine, social outlets, money, stories, etc. And my boyfriend doesn't make enough money to support me, ha (I really wouldn't want him to anyway).
Yet another metaphor for my body. I need to go to work and have faith that one day I will get paid. Even if that day is 1, 3, or 5 years from now. Sigh. Back to waiting...
What did I do? I finally started eating correctly and exercising. Four days has never gone by so slow. I only believe in a once a week weigh-in, so waiting for this week to pass to see if all I'm doing is working is practically torture.
I know I should just be satisfied with the great changes I have made thus far (all four days of 'em) and continually remind myself that this is not short-term, this is a way of life. To me, that is like going to work and not getting paid. I need to get paid, or I'm going to quit, because we all know that being unemployed is soooo much better then getting up and going to work. Sleeping in...daytime tv...no one telling you what to do....but wait. You have no money. Light bulbs are going off.
Ok. I get it. The attitude that being unemployed is better than working is what got me here in the first place. As much as I would like to quit my real job, I never would because work is what responsible, healthy people do. Work gives me a routine, social outlets, money, stories, etc. And my boyfriend doesn't make enough money to support me, ha (I really wouldn't want him to anyway).
Yet another metaphor for my body. I need to go to work and have faith that one day I will get paid. Even if that day is 1, 3, or 5 years from now. Sigh. Back to waiting...
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