If your bank has started charging you fees, don't be angry at your bank. They are just responding to the federal government legislating how they are allowed to make money. A bank is like any other business: it has to be profitable to STAY in business. A bank has to buy supplies; they have to make payroll; they have to pay the light bill; and they have to pay taxes. Interest rates are low, which is great if you want to borrow, but it cuts into a bank's profit margin.
Now I know there have been some dirty dog institutions out there, but why is a bank being profitable wrong? Would you buy stock in a department store chain, or manufacturer, or any other business if it weren't successful?? I am not against all the new legislation, because there have been abuses. But if you write a bad check, why shouldn't you pay a fee?? Especially if the bank floats the funds to cover you. We all make mistakes, but some folks abuse the privilege.
You can look for more fees to come. The Durbin Interchange Amendment (proposed legislation) will slice at the profitability of check card income. Merchants pay fees so they can accept Visa, Mastercard, etc. A portion of that income goes to the bank that issued the card. You get the safety and convenience of a cashless card, and the merchant is able to service more customers. This proposed law will limit what banks are allowed to earn. Now, if merchants have to pay less to accept your card, do you think WalMart or Home Depot or the gas station will pass that savings onto you?? I DON'T THINK SO. Your free check card may be a thing of the past.
The current administration has already excluded private lenders from subsidized student loans. (This nugget was attached to the Obama healthcare bill.) This sounds great--as a student--until you realize how many jobs were lost in the private sector. And how student loan rates will rise from 3.4 to 6.8 in 2012. And how much more of our lives "Uncle Fed" now controls. Our government continues to encroach on our lives. It is now a bloated, bankrupt system. There is no such thing as too big to fail.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Boxes, Part 3 (x 2)
Fifth car load:
One box of magazines to recycling.
Two boxes of books to the used book store.
The best part?
I have inspired my friend to do the same at her house.
I have helped her move out many boxes of stuff for donation, too!
One box of magazines to recycling.
Two boxes of books to the used book store.
The best part?
I have inspired my friend to do the same at her house.
I have helped her move out many boxes of stuff for donation, too!
Tres, trois, drei
TODAY'S FOOD
Breakfast:
1/2 c. Cottage cheese
3 large strawberries
Hard boiled egg
2 Coffees w/flavored creamer
Lunch:
1/2 c. Tuna salad (w/mayo & veges)
6 Ritz-type crackers
1/2 c. Mandarin oranges
1/2 c. Banana chips
Diet Dr. Pepper
Snacks:
Few Hamburger dill pickle chips
Few Banana chips
1 Low cal yogurt
1 fat-free licorice twist
Dinner:
6 oz. 50% reduced-fat chicken sausage
2/3 c. Scalloped potatoes
1 c. Green Beans
Decaf Mint Tea w/stevia sweetener
Dessert:
30 M&Ms (105 calories)
Water: VIII
TODAY'S EXERCISE
Warm up
2 mile walk
Cool down and stretches
BTW: Today was my Mama's 75th Birthday. She is the sweetest, smartest, most talented woman in the world. I love her very much.
Breakfast:
1/2 c. Cottage cheese
3 large strawberries
Hard boiled egg
2 Coffees w/flavored creamer
Lunch:
1/2 c. Tuna salad (w/mayo & veges)
6 Ritz-type crackers
1/2 c. Mandarin oranges
1/2 c. Banana chips
Diet Dr. Pepper
Snacks:
Few Hamburger dill pickle chips
Few Banana chips
1 Low cal yogurt
1 fat-free licorice twist
Dinner:
6 oz. 50% reduced-fat chicken sausage
2/3 c. Scalloped potatoes
1 c. Green Beans
Decaf Mint Tea w/stevia sweetener
Dessert:
30 M&Ms (105 calories)
Water: VIII
TODAY'S EXERCISE
Warm up
2 mile walk
Cool down and stretches
BTW: Today was my Mama's 75th Birthday. She is the sweetest, smartest, most talented woman in the world. I love her very much.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Day Two!
TODAY'S FOOD
Breakfast:
Low cal yogurt
Boiled egg (salt)
2 coffees w/flavored creamer
Lunch:
Oatmeal w/apples, dried cranberries, raisins and milk (290 calories)
Diet Dr. Pepper
Snack:
Organic pumpkin seed cracker
Dinner:
Tortilla chips and salsa and queso (small amount, but still BAD!)
Beef enchilada w/ranchero sauce
Chicken enchilada w/sour cream (small amount)
Few bites papas and refried beans
[Water to drink]
Water: VII
TODAY'S EXERCISE:
Warm up
30 minutes of intense balance ball workout
Cool down and stretches
Breakfast:
Low cal yogurt
Boiled egg (salt)
2 coffees w/flavored creamer
Lunch:
Oatmeal w/apples, dried cranberries, raisins and milk (290 calories)
Diet Dr. Pepper
Snack:
Organic pumpkin seed cracker
Dinner:
Tortilla chips and salsa and queso (small amount, but still BAD!)
Beef enchilada w/ranchero sauce
Chicken enchilada w/sour cream (small amount)
Few bites papas and refried beans
[Water to drink]
Water: VII
TODAY'S EXERCISE:
Warm up
30 minutes of intense balance ball workout
Cool down and stretches
Monday, May 16, 2011
Time to Get Serious
Since I finished High School, I have been gaining a few pounds a year. I might lose a few, then gain a few, but basically, over the course of 25 years it adds up to 100 pounds! 100 pounds that I now need to lose. I know I'll never be as skinny as I was at 16, but I cannot age healthfully at this weight. I want my senior years to be as healthy and vibrant as possible. I want to be able to be independent as long as possible. I want to fend off senility as long as possible. I am not yet fifty, but the time to prepare for old age is now! The first part of my life flew by, and time just seems to go faster as we get older. For years I have planned to lose weight, talked and read about losing weight. It has to become a reality NOW. I must start redeeming the time NOW!!
My husband and I are going to spend the next 90 days eating clean and exercising regularly. It will be interesting to see how much weight I can lose during that time period. 90 days is just over 12 weeks, so I think 25 pounds is a reasonable weight loss goal. Our food plan will consist of lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, low-fat dairy, and fruits and vegetables. I will be reducing the sweets and salty snacks I eat, and cutting back on artificial sweeteners. I will increase my water consumption. My exercise program will include weight training, walking, and yoga. This will cover the 3 of the basic components of fitness: cardio-vascular health, strength, and balance and flexibility. As we get older we lose muscle mass, and our balance can falter. I hope to stave off these issues with regular exercise.
TODAY'S EXERCISE
Warm up
20 minutes of upper body weight training
1 mile walk
Cool down and stretches
TODAY'S FOOD
Breakfast:
Boiled egg
Low cal yogurt
1/4 cup Grape Nuts
Coffee w/flavored creamer (Gotta get off this stuff!)
Lunch:
Grilled chicken thigh (skin and fat removed/no sauce)
Lima beans w/2 tsp. Smart Balance
Cinnamon apple sauce
Snack:
NO sugar added cocoa (The high is 60 degrees here today...usually it's 80!)
1/4 cup dried cranberries
Dinner:
Salad of mixed greens with steak; also tomato, cucumber, cheese, olives, tortilla crisps, and chipotle ranch dressing.
Unsweetened peppermint tea
Dessert:
30 M&Ms (105 calories)
Water:V
My husband and I are going to spend the next 90 days eating clean and exercising regularly. It will be interesting to see how much weight I can lose during that time period. 90 days is just over 12 weeks, so I think 25 pounds is a reasonable weight loss goal. Our food plan will consist of lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, low-fat dairy, and fruits and vegetables. I will be reducing the sweets and salty snacks I eat, and cutting back on artificial sweeteners. I will increase my water consumption. My exercise program will include weight training, walking, and yoga. This will cover the 3 of the basic components of fitness: cardio-vascular health, strength, and balance and flexibility. As we get older we lose muscle mass, and our balance can falter. I hope to stave off these issues with regular exercise.
TODAY'S EXERCISE
Warm up
20 minutes of upper body weight training
1 mile walk
Cool down and stretches
TODAY'S FOOD
Breakfast:
Boiled egg
Low cal yogurt
1/4 cup Grape Nuts
Coffee w/flavored creamer (Gotta get off this stuff!)
Lunch:
Grilled chicken thigh (skin and fat removed/no sauce)
Lima beans w/2 tsp. Smart Balance
Cinnamon apple sauce
Snack:
NO sugar added cocoa (The high is 60 degrees here today...usually it's 80!)
1/4 cup dried cranberries
Dinner:
Salad of mixed greens with steak; also tomato, cucumber, cheese, olives, tortilla crisps, and chipotle ranch dressing.
Unsweetened peppermint tea
Dessert:
30 M&Ms (105 calories)
Water:V
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Tornadoes, Thanksgiving, and Prayers
On Wednesday, April 27, our area was hit with a series of violent storms. The first line of storms hit about 9 a.m., the second about 3 in the afternoon, the third about 6 p.m., and the fourth and final about 8 p.m. The Weather Channel had said that morning that tornadoes were "likely." Not just possible, but LIKELY. I had never seen that before, and I am the daughter of a hard-core weather junkie. I have lived in tornado prone Denver, and in the Southern tornado alley half of my life. But this day was not going to be like any other.
Death and destruction are all around us. Numerous towns around us have been devastated. Many lives have been lost. Many more have been injured. Hundreds of homes have been obliterated. Countless others have been damaged. Looking back, my co-workers and I were very foolish. Our weather radio had been sounding tornado warnings since we arrived at the office at 8 that morning. We went and stood by the safe room, but never really heeded the warnings. God was very merciful to us. We later learned a funnel cloud had been seen very near us.
My husband was at the doctor when the 6 o'clock storms hit, and I was home alone. Our power had been out since about 9 that morning, so I couldn't follow the storms on TV or the Internet. The wind began to howl again, and then large hail began to fall. They were larger than golf balls...closer to a tennis ball at a 2" diameter. I went to the window(which I later thought was stupid!) to check on my car and began praying for the Lord to stop the hail and protect my car and our house.
God had mercy, and my prayers were answered. The hail only lasted a few seconds, and while it sounded like gun shots on the roof, the hail stones seemed to be missing my car!! I had no dimples on the hood or roof of my car. I laughed because I was so shocked and happy!! ( Oh me of little faith.) One tail light was cracked, but that was trifling compared to what could have been. The roof of our house could have been damaged, but was o.k. My husband's doctor's office was nearby. He had been huddled to safety in an inner room, while I was hiding in our bathroom. His car had suffered no damage from the hail, either!!
We had no electricity for 3 days. We had bathed before the storms hit the first day. We had warm water the second day and were able to bathe. The third day the water was cold, so I had a chilly sponge bath. We lost all our food in the fridge and freezer. We lost a few limbs off of trees in the yard. We had a few inconveniences. We have suffered NOTHING compared to those who have lost loved ones or their homes. We have so much for which to be thankful!!! Our job now is to pray, to help, and to give to those who have suffered so much.
Death and destruction are all around us. Numerous towns around us have been devastated. Many lives have been lost. Many more have been injured. Hundreds of homes have been obliterated. Countless others have been damaged. Looking back, my co-workers and I were very foolish. Our weather radio had been sounding tornado warnings since we arrived at the office at 8 that morning. We went and stood by the safe room, but never really heeded the warnings. God was very merciful to us. We later learned a funnel cloud had been seen very near us.
My husband was at the doctor when the 6 o'clock storms hit, and I was home alone. Our power had been out since about 9 that morning, so I couldn't follow the storms on TV or the Internet. The wind began to howl again, and then large hail began to fall. They were larger than golf balls...closer to a tennis ball at a 2" diameter. I went to the window(which I later thought was stupid!) to check on my car and began praying for the Lord to stop the hail and protect my car and our house.
God had mercy, and my prayers were answered. The hail only lasted a few seconds, and while it sounded like gun shots on the roof, the hail stones seemed to be missing my car!! I had no dimples on the hood or roof of my car. I laughed because I was so shocked and happy!! ( Oh me of little faith.) One tail light was cracked, but that was trifling compared to what could have been. The roof of our house could have been damaged, but was o.k. My husband's doctor's office was nearby. He had been huddled to safety in an inner room, while I was hiding in our bathroom. His car had suffered no damage from the hail, either!!
We had no electricity for 3 days. We had bathed before the storms hit the first day. We had warm water the second day and were able to bathe. The third day the water was cold, so I had a chilly sponge bath. We lost all our food in the fridge and freezer. We lost a few limbs off of trees in the yard. We had a few inconveniences. We have suffered NOTHING compared to those who have lost loved ones or their homes. We have so much for which to be thankful!!! Our job now is to pray, to help, and to give to those who have suffered so much.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Boxes, Part Deux
In addition to clearing out clothes, knick-knacks, papers, books, et cetera, I have been cleaning things around the house that needed some TLC. I cleaned our white mailbox and post, cleaned out the lint trap and dryer vent, cleaned the heat pump vent, and cleared out the gutters. My main focus is getting rid of STUFF, but it feels good to do some Spring cleaning along the way. My job is very demanding. We are in one of the busiest locations in our entire corporation, and we always seem to be short-handed. Working full time, plus regular chores, bills, cooking and dishes, and these projects is tiring, but getting some long needed work done is energizing!!
We also had some fun cat sitting for a friend and dog sitting for a family member. We don't have a pet of our own right now for several reasons, so it's been fun to spend some time with their animals.
I did take some time to do some things for myself. I got a new haircut and touched up the grays (ahem.) I also got a mani/pedi...it was good to get rid of those scary winter feet! For my birthday I had some yummy seafood and saw "The King's Speech" with my DH. It made getting a year older a little less painful!!
Fourth car load:
2 boxes of magazines to recycling.
1 box of cardboard to recycling.
1 box of computer paper to school.
Plus: Filled the trash can again!
We also had some fun cat sitting for a friend and dog sitting for a family member. We don't have a pet of our own right now for several reasons, so it's been fun to spend some time with their animals.
I did take some time to do some things for myself. I got a new haircut and touched up the grays (ahem.) I also got a mani/pedi...it was good to get rid of those scary winter feet! For my birthday I had some yummy seafood and saw "The King's Speech" with my DH. It made getting a year older a little less painful!!
Fourth car load:
2 boxes of magazines to recycling.
1 box of cardboard to recycling.
1 box of computer paper to school.
Plus: Filled the trash can again!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Boxes!
First car load:
1 box of books to the used bookstore. (Made almost $9.00!)
1 box of clothes to the charity shop.
1 box of tchotchkes to the charity shop.
2 borrowed books back to the owner.
Second car load:
1 box of paper to recycling.
1 box of magazines to recycling.
1 box of cardboard to recycling.
1 box of household goods to the charity shop.
1 candelabra (and globes) to the charity shop.
Third car load:
1 box of children's books to the charity shop.
1 box of paper to the recycling center.
Plus: FILLED the trash bin to overflowing (TWICE!!!)
Letting go feels good. (It has taken a long time to get to this point.)
1 box of books to the used bookstore. (Made almost $9.00!)
1 box of clothes to the charity shop.
1 box of tchotchkes to the charity shop.
2 borrowed books back to the owner.
Second car load:
1 box of paper to recycling.
1 box of magazines to recycling.
1 box of cardboard to recycling.
1 box of household goods to the charity shop.
1 candelabra (and globes) to the charity shop.
Third car load:
1 box of children's books to the charity shop.
1 box of paper to the recycling center.
Plus: FILLED the trash bin to overflowing (TWICE!!!)
Letting go feels good. (It has taken a long time to get to this point.)
Sunday, March 20, 2011
His Robes for Mine
His robes for mine: O wonderful exchange!
Clothed in my sin, Christ suffered ‘neath God’s rage.
Draped in His righteousness, I’m justified.
In Christ I live, for in my place He died.
Chorus:
I cling to Christ, and marvel at the cost:
Jesus forsaken, God estranged from God.
Bought by such love, my life is not my own.
My praise-my all-shall be for Christ alone.
His robes for mine: what cause have I for dread?
God’s daunting Law Christ mastered in my stead.
Faultless I stand with righteous works not mine,
Saved by my Lord’s vicarious death and life.
His robes for mine: God’s justice is appeased.
Jesus is crushed, and thus the Father’s pleased.
Christ drank God’s wrath on sin, then cried “‘Tis done!”
Sin’s wage is paid; propitiation won.
His robes for mine: such anguish none can know.
Christ, God’s beloved, condemned as though His foe.
He, as though I, accursed and left alone;
I, as though He, embraced and welcomed home!
(Text by Chris Anderson/2008 Church Works Media)
Clothed in my sin, Christ suffered ‘neath God’s rage.
Draped in His righteousness, I’m justified.
In Christ I live, for in my place He died.
Chorus:
I cling to Christ, and marvel at the cost:
Jesus forsaken, God estranged from God.
Bought by such love, my life is not my own.
My praise-my all-shall be for Christ alone.
His robes for mine: what cause have I for dread?
God’s daunting Law Christ mastered in my stead.
Faultless I stand with righteous works not mine,
Saved by my Lord’s vicarious death and life.
His robes for mine: God’s justice is appeased.
Jesus is crushed, and thus the Father’s pleased.
Christ drank God’s wrath on sin, then cried “‘Tis done!”
Sin’s wage is paid; propitiation won.
His robes for mine: such anguish none can know.
Christ, God’s beloved, condemned as though His foe.
He, as though I, accursed and left alone;
I, as though He, embraced and welcomed home!
(Text by Chris Anderson/2008 Church Works Media)
Monday, October 11, 2010
Time Marches On
Despite my best intentions, the year 2010 is quickly fading, and I have not made significant progress in my goal to change my life and lifestyle. I have had a some successes, but they have been minor and too few. New Year's Day, my birthday, and the Jewish New Year always provide a good time for reflection and change. After Rosh Hashanah, I once again reviewed the areas of my life that I need to change. I have come up with 4 major areas to improve:
1. Spiritual Growth
2. Physical Health
3. Financial Freedom
4. Home Organization
I feel the utmost priority for improvement is my relationship with God. If this area of my life is healthy, it will benefit all the other areas of my life. When I was 16, I went through a very spiritual time. I prayed and read my Bible daily, and had a heart of worship. It was also one of the best times of my life...everything seemed to fall into place and I was blessed in every facet of my life. As the years went by, I was no longer so close to God, and this was reflected in the chaos of my life. My life absolutely fell apart. But God was good, and He has been restoring my life in so many ways.
God has been helping me to re-establish a daily devotional time for prayer and Bible reading. I am asking Him to help me with the social anxiety that has kept me out of church the last few months. This past Sunday I wanted to be in church just so that I could worship the Lord. This helped me get over my nervousness, and actually got me there. The Lord has also been helping me with the unforgiveness I have had towards two people who has been cruel to my husband and myself. I have not taken communion for several months because of the struggle to forgive. But God is good, and He brought someone across my path who helped me to see these people as the sick, broken souls they are, and to pity them. The struggle is ongoing because the cruelty of these two people continues. But God has provided a major victory in the battle.
Another victory was in donating my Father's old dress clothes to Men's Wearhouse. After my Father passed away, my Mom gave me some of his clothing, thinking my husband could wear them for church. But he was never comfortable with that. I had a hard time letting the clothes go because of the emotions attached to them. But I found a good place for them to go! Every Fall Men's Wearhouse does a clothing drive for men re-entering the workforce. Some of these men are formerly homeless, some are military veterans, and some are in recovery. It's a great program, and if you have some gently used mens suits and sportswear, I highly recommend you donate them there!
My baby sister is getting married in December! This all developed quickly, but it is the perfect motivation for getting in shape. I hope it will be the start of a permanent change toward better, more controlled nutrition and regular exercise!!
We have still been struggling financially after the events of the last two years. So, I have been looking for a part-time job. I don't want a huge number of hours, but I do need some additional income. The Lord has also been dealing with my about being faithful in tithing. It is all God's anyway, and without His provision, we would have NOTHING. All He asks for is 10%!!
God is so good and faithful to help me, inspite of my shortcomings.
"Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations to those who love Him and keep His commandments..."
Deut. 7:9
1. Spiritual Growth
2. Physical Health
3. Financial Freedom
4. Home Organization
I feel the utmost priority for improvement is my relationship with God. If this area of my life is healthy, it will benefit all the other areas of my life. When I was 16, I went through a very spiritual time. I prayed and read my Bible daily, and had a heart of worship. It was also one of the best times of my life...everything seemed to fall into place and I was blessed in every facet of my life. As the years went by, I was no longer so close to God, and this was reflected in the chaos of my life. My life absolutely fell apart. But God was good, and He has been restoring my life in so many ways.
God has been helping me to re-establish a daily devotional time for prayer and Bible reading. I am asking Him to help me with the social anxiety that has kept me out of church the last few months. This past Sunday I wanted to be in church just so that I could worship the Lord. This helped me get over my nervousness, and actually got me there. The Lord has also been helping me with the unforgiveness I have had towards two people who has been cruel to my husband and myself. I have not taken communion for several months because of the struggle to forgive. But God is good, and He brought someone across my path who helped me to see these people as the sick, broken souls they are, and to pity them. The struggle is ongoing because the cruelty of these two people continues. But God has provided a major victory in the battle.
Another victory was in donating my Father's old dress clothes to Men's Wearhouse. After my Father passed away, my Mom gave me some of his clothing, thinking my husband could wear them for church. But he was never comfortable with that. I had a hard time letting the clothes go because of the emotions attached to them. But I found a good place for them to go! Every Fall Men's Wearhouse does a clothing drive for men re-entering the workforce. Some of these men are formerly homeless, some are military veterans, and some are in recovery. It's a great program, and if you have some gently used mens suits and sportswear, I highly recommend you donate them there!
My baby sister is getting married in December! This all developed quickly, but it is the perfect motivation for getting in shape. I hope it will be the start of a permanent change toward better, more controlled nutrition and regular exercise!!
We have still been struggling financially after the events of the last two years. So, I have been looking for a part-time job. I don't want a huge number of hours, but I do need some additional income. The Lord has also been dealing with my about being faithful in tithing. It is all God's anyway, and without His provision, we would have NOTHING. All He asks for is 10%!!
God is so good and faithful to help me, inspite of my shortcomings.
"Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations to those who love Him and keep His commandments..."
Deut. 7:9
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Zen, dude.
I have been walking, doing low impact aerobics and dancing to get my cardio-vascular workout and to burn calories. I have tried a couple of different workouts to fight boredom and to cross-train some. Disco Abs with Cheryl Burke was a blast! And I also enjoyed the Back.2.Bollywood Masala Bhangra workout. The music in these two really keeps you going and makes the exercise a lot more fun! I know I also need to work on building/keeping muscle, and increasing my flexibility and balance...so important as we get older. So today I did 15 minutes of upper and lower body weight training, 15 minutes of pilates core work, and 15 minutes of yoga, with a emphasis on balance. This workout won't count for my miles for the year, but it is just what I need to balance my fitness training. On Thursday I did four vigorous miles, and on Saturday I did both the Disco Ab and Bollywood workouts. (Friday is my long day at work, and we all need rest days, so that is my "day off.") Now I am feeling Zen, dude. I am as loose as a noodle! I must say the exercise is really helping with the insomnia I have had for the last couple of years during all the challenges we've faced. EXERCISE is a magic potion! Try it!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Hi, my name is Teresa, and I am addicted to food.
It's true. Food is my drug of choice. Due to budgetary contraints, I am not spending as much on food, but that has not reduced my calories! I weighed this morning (after Valentine's Day) and I am as heavy as I have ever been. And I didn't even pig out yesterday! My blood pressure is not horrible, but it is slightly elevated. My blood sugar is only 120 this morning, but given my family history, I need to watch it closely. My good cholesterol is too low, my bad cholesterol is okay, but my triglycerides are way too high. (Too many carbs in the diet!) And still, I just can't stop eating!!!
I am going to try something drastic. I have to get my addiction to food under control. I want to lose some weight before my birthday. I want to lose weight before summer. I want to lose weight for the rest of my life, which I fear will be shortened if I do not lose some weight!!
Too bad I can't go cold turkey like other addicts! I need rehab!!!
Addendum for today: I had the day off, and it was cold, and I just couldn't get warm. So I ended up working out 3 TIMES just to warm up! I walked 2 WATP miles, and did Disco Abs and the Back.2.Bollywood workouts. I have to say those have to be two of the most fun ways to burn calories I have ever tried!!!
I am going to try something drastic. I have to get my addiction to food under control. I want to lose some weight before my birthday. I want to lose weight before summer. I want to lose weight for the rest of my life, which I fear will be shortened if I do not lose some weight!!
Too bad I can't go cold turkey like other addicts! I need rehab!!!
Addendum for today: I had the day off, and it was cold, and I just couldn't get warm. So I ended up working out 3 TIMES just to warm up! I walked 2 WATP miles, and did Disco Abs and the Back.2.Bollywood workouts. I have to say those have to be two of the most fun ways to burn calories I have ever tried!!!
Friday, January 22, 2010
My Doc
I have a great G.P. He believes like I do about religion and politics, he's funny, and he's insightful and knowledgeable. He has been my doctor for a dozen years, and he has been through many illnesses and difficulties with my husband and me. He has always given me excellent advice, which I, unfortunately, have not always heeded. He always says I only have to exercise on the days I eat (ha,ha) and I should only eat food God has made. Guess what? Turns out all those years of medical school paid off, and he was RIGHT! Following his advice I have lost 8 pounds of post-holiday indulgence. Now I just have to learn to stick with it and make this my lifestyle and not a quick-fix scheme.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
Happy New Year!
New Year's Eve my hubby and I celebrated our anniversary. We had a lovely dinner of seafood, and then rang in the new year visiting with friends. We had a bittersweet sendoff of a friend who recently was ordained, achieved the rank of lieutenant, became an Army chaplain, and is now headed to Iraq for a year. We also had fun playing Dutch Blitz and Jenga at another friend's house, and then watched the ball drop in Times Square. Hard to believe it is 2010! Another year and another decade has passed.
Over the weekend I finished clearing out another closet, filled another box to give away, and filled the trash can half way again. I had a horrible sinus headache over the weekend, so I got a bit off schedule, but I also did some cooking, some regular chores and all my laundry. It feels so good to have made this much progress on clearing out the house! I have a long way to go clearing out the attic, the guest room and office, but it feels great to have begun the journey and to be able to let go of the "STUFF."
I seem to have a hard time focusing on more than one project at a time. When I went back to finish my Bachelor's degree several years ago, I also had goals of losing weight and giving away some stuff. It was hard enough to focus on class and making good grades, doing my regular chores and cooking, as well as working full time in a busy and stressful environment. (Plus being a wife and trying to socialize once in a while!) Several years have gone by, and I am thankful to be working on the house, but I need the capacity to focus on dieting and exercise as well as working on the house. There is never enough time as a woman. The challenge is in balancing all the facets of one's life, and knowing your priorities.
Here's to a balanced life and a Happy and Healthy 2010!
Over the weekend I finished clearing out another closet, filled another box to give away, and filled the trash can half way again. I had a horrible sinus headache over the weekend, so I got a bit off schedule, but I also did some cooking, some regular chores and all my laundry. It feels so good to have made this much progress on clearing out the house! I have a long way to go clearing out the attic, the guest room and office, but it feels great to have begun the journey and to be able to let go of the "STUFF."
I seem to have a hard time focusing on more than one project at a time. When I went back to finish my Bachelor's degree several years ago, I also had goals of losing weight and giving away some stuff. It was hard enough to focus on class and making good grades, doing my regular chores and cooking, as well as working full time in a busy and stressful environment. (Plus being a wife and trying to socialize once in a while!) Several years have gone by, and I am thankful to be working on the house, but I need the capacity to focus on dieting and exercise as well as working on the house. There is never enough time as a woman. The challenge is in balancing all the facets of one's life, and knowing your priorities.
Here's to a balanced life and a Happy and Healthy 2010!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Less is More
Had a busy holiday weekend, as I'm sure everyone did. Besides the shopping, wrapping, cooking, cleaning, work, church, and time with family and friends, I got rid of more "stuff!" I spent the 26th and 27th cleaning out the linen closet and the master bedroom and our clothes closet. I have filled my trash bin from the city 3 times since I started this project. I now have 7 boxes of clothing and household goods to donate to charity. It feels FABULOUS!! I now just need to clear out the guest room & closet, the attic, and the office/"man room," which is the catch-all room. The attic and the man room will be the hardest jobs because they have the most stuff, but my success so far is very motivating! My spirit (and the house!) get lighter with every room completed. Now on to lighten the body!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Losing and Gaining
In addition to my weight issues and my husband's health and unemployment concerns, I have been dealing with some other problems. I have had a problem with holding on to too much "stuff." Over the last several years I suffered a series of losses and crises, and began to see possessions as associated with people and love and emotions. Of course, some things are precious and are intimately tied to memories, but some things need to be passed on to someone who needs it or can enjoy it. I have begun the process of clearing these items and my house out.
I have cleared out my kitchen, laundry area, dining room, living room, and bathroom so far. I have shredded about a ton of old papers, and have filled 3 boxes to give to charity. It feels so good! The sense of accomplishment feels great, and I even feel lighter, like I have lost weight! (I am sure the house feels that way!☺)
Making progress on this goal gives me motivation to get serious about my other goals. I want to get closer to God and be more open to people. I need to eat less and more healthily. I need to go for a walk every day. I want to eliminate my debt. I want to organize my house (after I've gotten rid of all this extra stuff.) 12 months from now, if I am still here by God's will, that is where I want to be.
I have cleared out my kitchen, laundry area, dining room, living room, and bathroom so far. I have shredded about a ton of old papers, and have filled 3 boxes to give to charity. It feels so good! The sense of accomplishment feels great, and I even feel lighter, like I have lost weight! (I am sure the house feels that way!☺)
Making progress on this goal gives me motivation to get serious about my other goals. I want to get closer to God and be more open to people. I need to eat less and more healthily. I need to go for a walk every day. I want to eliminate my debt. I want to organize my house (after I've gotten rid of all this extra stuff.) 12 months from now, if I am still here by God's will, that is where I want to be.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Twisted Ankle
I work in an enviroment where I need to look presentable, so I often wear skirts or pants and heels. But I did not twist my ankle at work. Also, I have been working at walking 2-3 miles daily, 4 or more times a week. But I did not twist my ankle walking at a park or on the river. I twisted my ankle at home, barefoot, while doing laundry!! It was frustrating and a bit discouraging. I have heard from so many people about how they got sick or injured after starting a fitness program. I guess that is just life! There are always challenges to any goal, whether it is fitness and weight loss, getting an education, or remodeling your house. I'm not sure why these challenges come, but it sure can test one's committment! I am hoping it only spurs me on, because I was really enjoying the benefits of vigorous exercise. Sweat is good!
Friday, July 31, 2009
End of July!
It's hard to believe another month has come and gone. I have not lost any more weight because I have not been logging my food or counting my calories. But! I have been walking a lot more, a lot farther and a lot faster. In the last 3 weeks I have logged 29 miles, and about 58,000 steps. It has been hard, sweaty work, but it has felt great! Sometimes it's hard to get motivated, and keep walking, but it feels so good when I'm done. I feel so relaxed and more cheerful. It's a great sense of accomplishment, too! I asked my M.D. Alan Sherwood how often I should walk. He said I only have to walk on the days I eat! (Ha!) I am going for at least 20 miles a week. (3 every day except 2 on Sunday.) I have also been doing stretching. I need to add ab work and strength training. I think some yoga for balance and flexibility would be good, too.
I also asked Dr. Sherwood about nutrition and diet advice. His advice was this: if God made it, it's okay to eat. If He didn't, it's not. Sounds simple, but there is so much truth in it. I have got to follow that plan! Here's to good health!
I also asked Dr. Sherwood about nutrition and diet advice. His advice was this: if God made it, it's okay to eat. If He didn't, it's not. Sounds simple, but there is so much truth in it. I have got to follow that plan! Here's to good health!
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