Runnin' Down a Dream

Woot woot!! I'm so excited! After 40 very scary minutes, I was finally able to get registered for my first EVER half-marathon!! February will see me achieve my third biggest goal yet: 13.1 miles in the Disney Princess Half Marathon! The registration website had a number of problems when it opened at noon (I can only imagined it was flooded with hopeful runners) and it just couldn't keep up! The Disney races fill very quickly and they allow WDW annual passholders the opportunity to register early, so there was some fear I might not get a spot! Whew...

Training will go into full effect in October for 16 weeks of preparation! My eating will be clean and my training will be dirty-can't wait!!

Happy Tuesday all-keep aiming for your goals!

And the winners are.....

Robyn Crawford in the Healthy Habits Points Category and

Lily D'Anieri in the Weight Loss Category

Congratulations to both of you!!! You each win $200!!

We'll get together to award the prizes with 

a healthy potluck dinner and celebration of friendship and support on

FRIDAY 7/18 at 6:30pm

at Maria's house: 2906 NW 12th Pl

Hope you can make it!

Please enter a comment if you will be able to attend

letting everyone know what you will bring to eat or drink.

It will probably be a small group, and we're trying to be healthy,

so let's not go overboard...

Hmmmm

Well, now that we have reached the final day, I am home and ready to buckle down! LOL. I have had an amazing summer so far but it was not great for eating well and exercising regularly.  I did my best and ended up 'down' in weight overall but not as good as I had hoped...alas.
I am starting a 21 Day Sugar Detox this morning and hope to get back on track.  I loved hanging out with you all and sharing encouragement, ups and downs.  If we do this again sometime in the fall, I will gladly join in!
Laura

Last Day motivation 7/13/2014

Happy Sunday! What a wonderful "vacation" I've had! Not what most would consider a vacation, but had some down time and was able to spend time with great friends! That sounds like a vacation to a girl who works 7 days!

I also had a great walk this morning with Maria and Susan with the Health Habits/Weight Loss Challenge! I've really enjoyed getting my workouts completed in the mornings. It starts my day off right and helps me make better food choices during the day. It also clears my head and boosts my energy!

Today is the last day of the challenge but I hope we'll stay in touch and continue to support and encourage each other. I know I keep saying it, but no matter your goals the support of family and friends is truly the only way to achieve them! Even if you have one person, make sure it's the one who isn't afraid to call you out when needed and will always cheer the loudest for you! That type of encouragement keeps you going! Of course, doing it for someone else is a great motivator too! Make it great!

Saturday motivation 7/12/2014

Happy Saturday!! A wonderful day ahead, starting with a busy Paws morning but I think I can finally make a trip to the Haile Farmer's market! Yay!

This weekend ends the 8 week healthy habits/weight loss challenge I've been a part of. These amazing women took on the goal of better health in 8 weeks! It hasn't always been easy and we've all struggled from time to time, but it's been great having a community to keep you going and support you! I call them "health warriors" because they have fought the battle! I know the challenge is ending but hopefully their journey toward better health won't.

If you haven't taken your first step, don 't know how or scared of failure, ask for help! The first step is the hardest, but taking it with a friend is so much easier! Make it great!

Home-stretch motivation 7/11/2014

Happy Friday! We made it! Had a great day yesterday spending time with great friends!

Today will be a little quieter, sticking around the house and getting a few overly neglected things taken care of (*cough, dirty dogs bathed,cough*). Of course having a little extra time means a full workout today! Here's the thing to remember: do what you can in the time available. I only had about 20-25 minutes yesterday, so I got in 2 miles. Not doing something shouldn't be an option. Too many fun things to do to have your health and body keep you from doing them! Make it great!

Goal!

I wish today were the last day of the challenge.  This morning I reached the upper limit of my goal weight -- four pounds less from where I started.  Certainly this challenge has been very helpful for that.  I probably won't stay at the goal weight immediately, but over time perhaps I will.  Last night I played tennis for 3.5 hours, so that doubtless contributed to the low weight this morning.  At least half of the mornings I weigh myself (every day when I am not traveling), I've been at goal weight + 1.  But unfortunately, those mornings hardly ever include a Sunday!  I guess Friday and Saturday night indulgences cost me there.

Hope everyone has a great week.  May we all move closer to our goals!  

Thursday motivation 7/10/2014

Happy Thursday!! Do you smell that? That's the smell of the weekend simmering on the back burner! One more day and it will be ready!

Must admit that I enjoying this summer so much more than any summer in recent memory! Maybe it's because I have more energy or a better attitude, maybe it's having my dearest friends close by, maybe it's just the combination of hard work and life finally coming together for a contented pay off, but these are good days! Nothing's perfect, but nothing will ever be. Instead, I'm learning to appreciate each day, balance my time and do my best. That's as close to perfection as I can, or want to, get! Make it great!

Wednesday motivation 7/9/2014

Happy Wednesday!! SO excited for today! My dear friend, Summer arrives home with her sweet little one! This will be my first time meeting him!!

I love babies (and puppies and kittens)! They are brand new with all the possibilities and wonderment of life yet to come! It's only as we age that life happens. Let's be honest, sometimes life sucks. It feels like the chapters of our book are pre-written and we can't change them. But walking through life miserable and unfulfilled is no way to live. How do you want the next chapters of your life to read? Start today, taking 10 minutes, and take the first step! Every thing gets easier after that! Make it great!

Tuesday motivation 7/8/2014

Happy Tuesday!! Looking forward to a good day! The joys of waking up each morning are the possibilites the day will bring. I choose to believe it will be a good day no matter what!

Of course, lying in bed at 5:15am with the house quiet also helps start the day off well! I haven't moved yet and the new PiYo program is stretching parts of my body I thought I had a relationship with! No complaints really-my legs and back will thank me when I start training for my first half marathon (or so I hope,Amy)! Working toward goals is the only way I know how to achieve what I want! How do you do it?

Join me in August with my PiYo support group and set a new goal of better health! Together this will be a goal you'll reach! Make it great!!

www.beachbodycoach/robyn5220 #teamwork #healthieryou

Monday motivation 7/7/2014

Happy Monday!! Whew, what a weekend! My furry clients did SO well through it all! They taught me that sometimes all you can is sit back and ride out the storm. You can also bark at the thunder if it makes you feel better!!

Annnnnnnd it's Monday again! Let's bark at that!! Luckily it's a two day UF week for me as I'm taking some vacation time to spend with some of my other favorite people (woot woot, Summer Layton, Kevin Layton, Carol Rozear,Rebecca Rozear, Christopher Rozear and hoping Gail W. Acree). Putting last week to rest and only focusing on what's ahead! Good things, good things! Had a rough weekend but that's the one great thing about Mondays: fresh start! Let's do this! Make it great!

Sunday motivation 7/6/2014

Happy Sunday!! Hope the end of the holiday weekend has been good for you so far! It's been busy for me! Furry clients this morning followed by reorganizing the house! I finally have my home gym sorted out! I made the decision this week to become a Beachbody coach so I need to kick things in high gear! I'm super excited about this additional adventure!

I really love Joel Osteen. His messages are so spot on! This sums up so much so well! Every situation is temporary, based on what you're willing to do to change it! Happiness starts with you making the decision to welcome it in your life. If you're unhappy or wanting something more for your life, start the change today! Make it great!

"The first place we lose the battle is in our own thinking. If you think it’s permanent then it’s permanent. If you think you’ve reached your limits then you have. If you think you’ll never get well then you won’t. You have to change your thinking. You need to see everything that’s holding you back, every obstacle, every limitation as only temporary." -Joel Osteen Ministries 

Saturday motivation 7/5/2014

Happy Saturday! Hope you had a great July 4th! Super busy day ahead so keeping it short and sweet today! Woke up to this fantastic reminder! How lucky am I to have such great people in my life supporting me, thus supporting you! Thanks, Rachel! Make it great!!

4th of July motivation

Happy Independence Day! I hope this day has been a fun-filled, relaxing day surrounded with family, friends and laughter!

Today I celebrate my independence from an unhealthy body! I'm approaching my one year anniversary of my weight loss journey. What a year! I don't just look different on the outside, I'm an entirely new person on the inside! Declaring my war to win my health was one of the greatest things I've ever done! I walked into battle uncertain of when or how it would all end, but I never doubted I'd be successful! Are you ready to make changes to your life? Take your stand today!! Make it great!

Thursday motivation 7/3/2014

Happy Thursday! Hopefully today ends your work week and you'll be able to sit back, relax and have some fun this weekend as we celebrate America!

Simple "rules" to live by that we sometimes forget in all of life's craziness! We need to step back, breathe deep and release! I'm learning following these golden gems makes life much, much happier! Make it great!

Wednesday motivation 7/2/2014

Happy Wednesday! We are crawling toward the end of the week! Hopefully that's tomorrow for many of you! Bring on the family, friends and fireworks on Friday!

I'm a work in progress, who isn't, but some lessons are really beginning to show themselves! When I began posting about my journey I did so to hold myself accountable. Once I went public there was no going back! It never occurred to me I would be motivated by others OR motivate others! That's been the most wonderful part!

Last night I had a woman whom I greatly admire for so many reasons tell me I inspired her to go to the gym! She's working with a trainer and on her journey now! There are just no words to explain how that makes me feel!!! I want to keep working hard that's for sure!

Find your inspiration to get started on your journey toward whatever goal it is you want to fulfill! Once you do, don't wait to take that first step-get moving today, right now! When you can, try passing it forward and encourage another to take their step! It's as close to flying on the ground as you'll get! Make it great!

Tuesday motivation 7/1/2014

Happy Tuesday! Got to love a week that's half done after Tuesday thanks to a Friday holiday!!

I stumbled across a blog this morning that is incredible! While losing a large amount of weight is a wonderful achievement and something to be proud of, our bodies don't look the way we imagined. I'm not toned and tight in all the areas I want to be. The lose skin on my thighs is kinda gross actually. I decided to stop looking at that skin as a negative but more the reminder of the work I've put in to get healthy. My thighs are daily reminders of where I don't want to be again. The blog, http://imperfectlife.net/ilovemyuglybody/, points out all the things my imperfect body can do now that it NEVER could do before! Powerful!

Hope you take a moment to check it out and be inspired! Make it great!

Week 6 Standings and Evaluation

Annie had a perfect points week - congrats! - and several others had good solid weeks - Robyn, Lily, Susan, Heidi. On weight loss we still have Laura in the lead, but remember she's out of town until the end of the challenge, and we have her daughter Lily and Susan right behind her....

Two more weeks to go! I'd like to know how everyone feels about the challenge and if you guys are interested in doing it again, either right away or in a few weeks, and what if anything you'd like to change. Please use the comments (or email) to let us know!

Questions:

1. Would you like to do a challenge like this again? If so, starting right away, or wait until classes start in August?
2. How would you feel about forming teams that compete for the prize money? Would knowing your teammates are counting on you give you extra incentive to do better?
3. Any other ideas to improve the format?

She wore an itsy, bisty, teeny, weeny, yellow, polka dot bikini...or not!!

Here we go...for the first time since I've been old enough to control having my picture taken I allowed a picture of me in a swimsuit! Even if I wore a t-shirt I wouldn't allow a photo! This isn't about my weight loss completely, it's about my self esteem and courage returning! And yes, I actually went IN the ocean!! 

Back from the land of slack and overindulgence

So, I have been absolutely terrible for about three weeks now. And something happened this past week and I got even worse. Ate EVERYTHING in sight, did not exercise, and gained several pounds as a result. Still not horribly bad, but bad enough. Last week was as if all my hard work and reprogramming flew out the window as if it had never happened. Something must have stuck though because yesterday I was able to prepare for today, which is reset button day!

Made a ton of healthy food for this week. Started going back to the fourth floor when I need to use the restroom. Will at least attempt to start the abs challenge or a modified version of it, head willing (one of the things that bothers me constantly, even on most good days, is motion sensitivity. The degree varies so maybe I can do the ab exercises when it is not too horrible). Anyway, soldiering on and hoping to get back on track with my healthy habits efforts.

To steal a line from Robyn, "Make it great!".

Monday motivation 6/30/2014

Happy Monday!! I had the most wonderful weekend! I can't remember the last time I watched the sun rise while having sand between my toes! The water was warm, the sky was blue and I was surrounded by love! A girl couldn't ask for more!! Looking forward to a busy week that ends with fireworks!

Surrounding yourself with the things that make you happy keeps you strong enough to get through the though times, whatever they may be! Keep the people who lift you up and support you close by and be sure to do the same for them! Make it great!

Berry Crisp Recipe

It was great to see a subset of folks at Lisa's today.  Thanks to Lisa for hosting.

Here is the recipe I made for the "Blueberry Crisp." I've included the original recipe with comments showing the changes I made. Mine had a somewhat tart berry filling with sweet crisp on top...and a good bit less sugar.

I kind of winged it, so I hope this is about right for my changes.

Susan

Slightly healthier Blueberry Crisp

Adapted from http://www.lapommedeportland.com/2010/09/blueberry-crumbleto-share

 

Changes I made:

1/3 C granulated sugar (or less)

½ C oatmeal

½ C flour

About 3.5 c blueberries (mine were frozen so see my note below)

About 4 oz frozen rasberries

 

For FROZEN berries:

Toss berries with cornstarch and granulated sugar in a saucepan. Warm just until berries thaw.

 

Original Ingredients:
1/2 c granulated sugar
4 tsp cornstarch
1/4 tsp salt (divided)
5 c fresh blueberries
2/3 c unbleached, all-purpose flour
1/3 c old-fashioned oats
1/3 c packed light brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
6 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces and chilled

Directions:
With your rack on the lower-middle position, preheat your oven to 375 degrees.

Mix your granulated sugar, cornstarch and 1/8 tsp salt in a large bowl. Add your blueberries and gently toss them to coat evenly with the mixture. Pour out into an 8-inch square baking dish and set aside.

Put your flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon and remaining salt in the bowl of a food processor and process until dime sized clumps form. Now, I never really reached the “dime sized” clumps status and ended up using my fingers to clump the crumble into dime-sized clumps. Speaking of fingers, you can also make the crumble without a food processor and instead, use a pastry blender or two knives. Make sure to pinch together all of the powdery parts and then, sprinkle crumble evenly over the berries.

Pop your dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the filling is bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown. Cool on wire rack for at least 30 minutes. My personal preference was eating this at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream….for breakfast. Enjoy.

Yield: 6 servings

 

Saturday motivation 6/28/2014

Yay for Saturday!! Busy morning visiting with a few of my favorite clients then off to the beach and visiting with my favorite people! I rarely take down time so a small feeling of guilt is nipping at me. Luckily the rest of my brain is saying "ahh, shut up"!! We need time for fun and relaxation to help refresh and refocus! Even if you love your work and home as much as I do, taking a break from the norm is a good thing. Just remember moderation is key-don't pay for weeks after for having had too much fun! Make it great!

Pre-Peri-Post Results

Here's the link to the results of the survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-3Z37H9C8/

Friday motivation 6/27/2014

It's Friday-yay!! What a week so far, eh? Busy day ahead, including the 3 oldest Crawford pups going to the vet for their wellness exams. Really looking forward to tomorrow though! It will start off super busy but end with laughter and friends-who-are-family!

No matter how busy things get, making good food choices and taking 30 minutes to exercise must be priorities. Without a strong, healthy body we can't do all we really want or need. I know how much easier life is because my body and mind are stronger. I'm committed to keeping them this way. Will you commit with me? Make it great!

Thursday motivation 6/26/2014

Happy Thursday! So close to the weekend I can already hear the words "Hi Auntie Robyn, how are you today?" from the sweetest boy and feel the sand in between my toes as I watch his sister and brother play on the beach! So excited!!

I'm learning happiness in life is simple: don't overcomplicate things! Work toward what you want, surround yourself with the people who lift you up, and make each day the best you can! The rest seems to fall in place! Make it great!

Wednesday motivation 6/25/2014

Happy Wednesday! Mid-point of the week-yay!! Just a few more days, then off I go to visit with my favorite people and see the beach! It's been 5 years since I last visited the beach. Shameful, considering I live just a couple of hours away from some of the most beautiful beaches! I keep thinking, "oh, next weekend", but inevitably I get busy with other things and don't go. Of, course not having a swimsuit may have been a little deterrent too (ordered one from Old Navy, didn't like it, so I've got another coming from LL Bean-fingers crossed)!!

Why do we put things off until tomorrow? Only Scarlett O'Hara could do that. Learning to take control, prioritize and make the commitment are the key steps to a happier life. What can you do today that you've said "well, tomorrow is another day" about? Make it great!

Tuesday motivation 6/24/2014

Happy Tuesday! One down, four to go! My warrior ladies of the Healthy Habits Weight Loss group struggled last week, week 5 of our challenge. I read their emails yesterday and felt for them because I know all too well how hard it is to fight the cravings. For me to get to this point I had to say 'no' to all the things I wanted and focus solely on the foods and exercise that would help me. One of the hardest things I've done, but I learned I'm so much stronger than I realized. I never saw myself as strong-that girl was buried under too much self loathing and fat. Shedding the weight was never about physical appearance for me, it was simply about getting healthy. The bonuses are greater self esteem and true strength, the mental and emotional kind! Oh yeah, I can comfortably move 400 lbs of pet food too! Make it great!

Crazy few weeks

Well, when we started this challenge, I had no idea that my life was going to take a major shift in direction.  My husband just took a new job in California and I am now in travel mode until July 14th. I will not have access to a scale until I return so my final weight is going to be a surprise for everyone...especially me! Thank goodness for this group because you are going to be what keeps me on the straight and narrow during these few crazy weeks of getting Paul moved, Lily settled in camp in Oakland, celebrating a birthday with our oldest daughter in San Francisco, house-hunting, learning my way around a new town, attending my sister's 40th birthday celebration in Tampa, etc!!

This should be a true challenge but I want to make it through all of this by eating well, moving my body as much as possible, drinking tons of water and being happy!!
Laura

Monday motivation 6/23/2014

Happy Monday! Why are Mondays always the toughest day to get started? I feel like my body is made of lead and I have no energy to face the day. Ugh! Time to get up, get moving and get it over! I find tackling the problem head on, staying positive and focused, is the best way to survive something unpleasant. So far it's the only way I've been able to face an unpredictable kitty client (who can be very mean) and burpees! Sometimes it really is best to grin and bear it! Make it great!

Getting healthier with weights!

I'm such a huge fan of women lifting weights! Honestly I just want to shout this message from the highest mountain! I think many women are afraid of bulking up so they focus on cardio alone. Bulking up and looking like a dude won't happen for the average woman, more for the professional body builders! For the rest of us, improving our stability as we age, burning fat more quickly and getting a far better cardio workout is what really happens! Here's a link to 6 additional fantastic reasons to start lifting or keep you motivated to continue with your weights!

Have a happy, healthy day!!


http://www.womenshealthandfitness.com.au/fitness/workouts/1084-6-reasons-to-lift-weights

Sunday motivation 6/22/2014

Happy Sunday! It started out a gloomy day but it looks like the sun is coming out! I love when things change so quickly for the better! Life is like that if we want it to be. One minute we're standing in the rain, but if we choose to move, we can stand in sunshine! Just remember that where you stand can be lonely sometimes. If you opt to stay in the rain, please try to see the rainbows every now and then. Make it great!

Introduction for Cindy...better late than never.

Hello, my name is Cindy and I am a procrastinator.  "Hello, Cindy."

I've also put off this losing weight thing for far too many decades.  I have had weight issues since I was a teenager.  From being just slightly overweight to the Freshman 15 that lasted until I joined Weight Watchers my senior yr and graduated college and got married.  Then immediately after our wedding I started gaining the weight back....and kept on going.

I grew up in Edmond, Ok (suburb to Oklahoma City) and started dating Tim our senior year in high school.  We married two weeks after college graduation at separate state schools.  My degree is in music (flute) and Tim's is in forestry.  Fast forward 7 years and we had lived in Athens, GA and Seattle, WA for education and arrived in G'ville in 1997. 

1997 to present I've been teaching flute lesson from my home and did a lot more playing publically in orchestras and small ensembles in Seattle and here until my kids were born.  So I still teach and play when I can but mostly at church. 

In 2001, we had our first set of twins (Mark and Holden), and in 2006 we had our second set of twins (David and Brian).  So, we have four boys, now ages 8 and almost 13.  Tim and I are 46.  We get a little ragged but have no real complaints.  Great boys.  Not always easy, but how many of us have conflict free zones??

For years and years I have dabbled in exercise and dabbled in better eating (mostly with Weight Watchers) but I have a real problem putting them both together:)  When this challenge started, I happened to find a card from G'ville Health and Fitness and it was probably from 3.5 years ago.  I was 28 pounds heavier and my measurements were 2-3 inches more except for my chest(crap)  and thighs.  I interpret the thigh measurements not changing to the fact that I have been exercising more again this past year.  No chest change is just bogus.  So I've been chipping away.

My husband has lost 40 pounds over the past two years and kept it off for some of that time.  He's an avid bicycler and enjoysoff road biking.  So he's good to have around.  3.5 years ago, I started coordinating for Annie's Buying Club with Heidi and we did it together for maybe 3/4 of a year.  It has forced us to get creative in using the weekly produce and the food processor is our best piece of equipment.  We chop everything up into sauces and stir fries and the kids are even used to seeing bits of carrots on their nacho bake.

This challenge has been great to force myself to focus.  And good for encouraging.  Heidi and I (btw, our husbands work together and we go to the same church/schools- that's my connection to her) tried our first spinning class yesterday.  Guess they may not call it spinning anymore (All Terrain) but it was a challenge and something we were both hesitant about.  We did it and can do it again!

Here's my fam and me:

Friday motivaton 6/20/2014 (a day late but hopefully just as good)

Woot woot! TGIF!! While yesterday was a great day, today will automatically be even better because it's Friday! My FB pals know about my 'Cinderella' moment yesterday with my new runners, but my HHWL warrior gals don't. Wow what difference new shoes make! My workout last night was fantastic and, according to my Garmin, my average pace per mile was 10:49!!!! A new PR!!

Working toward something you want so badly is never easy, but with the right attitude, equipment and a whole bunch of determination (almost had a Roxie Hart moment there  ), the goal can be reached! Make it great!!

*Roxie is a character from the musical "Chicago". Ann Reinking played her on Broadway a few years back. If you get a chance, listen to Ms. Reinking's version of 'Roxie' to understand the reference!

Saturday motivation 6/21/2014

Yay for Saturdays! Yesterday was an insanely busy day but I managed to complete a good workout and made great food choices. No matter what else goes on, a bad day is instantly made better with clean eating and exercise (those endorphins, eh?)! My plan is to attack today in much the same way! Thankfully it won't be as busy! Once my coffee is onboard, watch out world! Make it great!!

We are divine!

Oh my goodness!  Here I am on my computer, trying to procrastinate as much as I can before I go do Day 14 of the Ab challenge from hell, and I came across this.  I love it!  I love how these women embrace their aging bodies, regardless of condition.

http://www.sunnyskyz.com/happy-videos/736/The-Older-Ladies-Anthem-I-LOVE-This-#IHIpCEDSvSwDkGr6.01

I've tried several times for the link to open here, with no luck.  You may have to cut and paste.

Happy Saturday!

Ugh, technology!

Hi! Sorry to miss the Friday motivational posting. The blogger and my ipad and iphone did not want to cooperate today! I tried all day with no luck to get everything posted. Sometimes technology isn't so wonderful! Hope everyone had a great day and made it the best you could! I'll try again tomorrow! With luck, "double the motivation, double your fun" kinda Saturday!

Struggling

Man, I just want to eat something bad!!  The craving is almost out of control.  I have tried having hot tea.  I ate a nice, filling, healthy lunch. I exercised. I took a long hot shower......but I still want to eat!  Geez.  I guess I will try the banana, cocoa, almond milk shake.  If that doesn't do the trick, I am in trouble.

Thursday motivation 6/19/2014

Yay, we're into the home stretch!! Happy Thursday! Thursdays are one of my favorite days! It's probably the most productive day of my week! I also enjoy the "throw back Thursday" idea! A chance to see where we were and how far we've come!

I know how far I've come and I know I don't want to end up going back to that place. Everyday I choose to step forward, sideways, sometimes dance in place, but I won't step backward! Life is hard enough to carry around regrets and "what ifs". No matter my mistakes in the past I made one right choice that turned it all around-that's all that matters! Make it great!

Wednesday motivation 6/18/2014

Happy Wednesday! Just a few more days until the weekend, we can do this! I get to spend this weekend with two of my favorite furries ever, Carly and Pinky!! Another favorite is staying with me and the crew while his family gets in some well-deserved vacation time. Kirby (or Kirby Doo as I call him), is the sweetest pup and glad he's with us!

I say all this because I wake up each morning truly grateful for my day ahead! I'm finally living the life I want-good healthy, steady business, happy home! How can I not appreciate this? Make it great!

Airline Restrictions

Ok everyone, I have to vent. We're flying to PR tomorrow, on Spirit which I haven't flown in a long time, and I know is bare bones BUT....   I went in today to print boarding passes, etc and noticed the fine print on Orbitz. Spirit's Bare Fare covers the minimum - Robyn, cover your eyes - they call it "Your Ass and Gas". That means no frills, no food, no checked-in bags and NO CARRY ONS included. You're allowed one personal item no bigger than 16x14x12. I travel light, I really do, but that is tiny!

So I checked their prices: carry-ons $35 and checked bags $30 if you buy online. Prices go up if you pay at the airport, all the way to $100 if you only realize this at the gate! So glad I saw it today!

I went upstairs to sort through all of our bags, and found some the right size. I embraced this challenge to bring the bare minimum. I could pack all my stuff in a bag that size, including my purse, since this would become my personal item! Marisa can do it - she actually did already. Called my mom, she took the challenge, she can do it. Then called Jim - no way. He's bringing a laptop, so that takes care of personal item. OK - plan B, we'll bring just one checked bag - cheaper than carry-ons, and bigger, so we'll have a bit of wiggle room.

I go online to purchase it and the prices have changed in the last hour! Now we are officially less than 24 hours from departure (by 2 freaking minutes!) and prices have gone up $10! So $40 to check a bag each way, I'm out $80.... Still ok with my $300 tickets, I guess, but it pisses me off.  Thanks for listening :)

Pool Party Date - VOTE!

Lisa has offered to host a ladies only pool party / tread water get together at her house on either Sunday June 26 or Sunday July 6. There was an email thread about it before she went out of town but no clear consensus. So please post on the comments below whether you're available 6/26, 7/6, both or neither so we can pick a date that works for most people. And sign your name on the comment in case it doesn't show.

Week 4 Standings

Big week for Laura! She got a perfect points week, as did Robyn for the second time in a row, but Laura leads in weight loss as well! Congrats!

We had 6 people show up for our walk on Sunday - Laura, Robyn, Susan, Annie, Kristina and myself. We walked for an hour and a half from Westside Park down 8th Ave, and twice running the hill to get to 22nd St. Susan calls it Hamburger Hill, because that's what your knees would look like if you fall down - but we didn't :) It was a good workout, and great catching up with and meeting some wonderful ladies. We should plan to do something like this again.

I was quite proud of myself. I have never been a runner, and my knees have been given me trouble since I was 13 and I hurt myself, but since losing these almost 40 pounds I was inspired by Heidi to use a Couch to 5K app and introduce running slowly into my walking workouts. I don't follow it religiously but use it to pace myself so I don't do too much too fast and injure myself which is what usually happens. And I was able to run that hill which a few months ago would have been impossible for me! You may notice on the standings that several of us (me the worst!) have negative weight losses. But I went to my Face2Face appointment at GHFC yesterday, and even though my weight is a couple of pounds higher than when we started 4 weeks ago, I have lost half an inch on my hips and my waist (thanks, AbChallenge!) so I am feeling good about myself. Weight fluctuates, and like I said from the beginning, my goal is really to maintain and tone.

I'm going to Puerto Rico tomorrow for ten days (woohoo!!!) and will have limited internet access, so next week's update may be a little late. My email issues were only with Babette and Kristina - I got their emails eventually, but not until many hours later. Maybe it was the survey monkey link looking suspicious, or maybe my ufl account was down for a bit... In any case, I got everyone's info EXCEPT for Julie Anne. With her crazy 12 hour work shifts I think she hasn't had a chance to send her info.

Ok ladies, four weeks down and four to go! Even if you've been slacking off a bit, remember who you're doing this for - yourself. Make each day count.

This is your challenge for WEEK 5 - GET ONE PERFECT POINT DAY.
If you're already doing that, get as many as you can in one week.
If Robyn and Laura can do it for an entire week, we can all do it for one day, right?

Tuesday motivation 6/17/2014

Happy Tuesday! The week is underway but shaping up to be a great one. At least I plan to make it so!

Sorry that the language of today's picture is a bit rough, but it sums it up so nicely! I've never taken much pride in my appearance, but as my self-esteem and self-confidence return I want to look as good as I feel! I must admit to liking the reactions of folks when they see me now, 80 lbs lighter. Haven't been called 'hot ' but 'amazing' and 'fantastic' keep me motivated just the same! Make it great!

Maria is something wrong with your email?

Hi Maria, I sent my points to you twice but I don't think you got them.  I bet this is what happened to the others you just emailed too.  I think something might be wrong with your email.  Let us know.  Thanks, Babette

Monday motivation-6/16/2014

Happy Monday! Time to do it all over again. Going to just do it better this week! Hope you had a fun and relaxing weekend-let's start planning next weekend now! Always good to set goals! Make it great!

Outside influences

I am really ready to return to a routine.  We had three birthdays this week, a house full of 10 people and travel to St. Aug for a couple of nights.  In addition, I drank more alcohol than I normally drink in 6 months.  That's really not saying much, I just hate the empty calories.  Such a waste and I get disappointed when I could have really done without.  Outside influences.  SIL and BIL drink every night and special dinners, etc.  Cake!  This is why I don't buy dessert.  I still can't handle this kind of thing in my home.  I look forward to being able to coexist.  But all the negative acts aside, I am still exercising more that I was a year ago.  I am still eating pretty darn well.  I have been able to maintain my minimum on water and sleep (all but one).  This week I am on week 4 of Couch to 5K.  I'm still not having fun, but my SIL ran with me twice.  I ran 5 minute intervals with this interval training.  NEVER would have thought I could have done this two months ago.  I didn't say I was fast, but it's heart pumping!  I really want to try a spinning class at GHFC if anyone wants to join/push me.

Just gabbing.  I am looking forward to moving ahead.  Good night.

socca ! not soccer, which also gets an exclamation point at my house.

Socca with roasted veggies....yummy dinner...easy to make and so delicious.  It tastes sinful even though it is not.
I loved the walk this morning...you all are serious walkers.  Holy crapola!

Sunday motivation 6/15/2014

Happy Sunday! Another full day ahead but making time to walk with my health warrior ladies this morning! These women are awesome: many work full time and their plates are full with additional life responsibilities! As hard as it can be, they have taken on the challenge to lead healthier lives! Making the best choices each day with all that's thrown at them. You don't have to be perfect or a professional to get started, you just need the willingness and determination to try! Make it great!

Saturday motivation 6/14/2014

Happy Saturday! Ahh, the weekend! Many things to do but I will make time for me! Please make time for you!

Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. To me this picture is priceless! It simply states what I'm learning each day! Make it great!

Immunity shots...the liquid kind.

I made this immunity shot today...very potent!  Babette, I think you would love this.  It is similar to those ginger shots we did in Miami!

http://withfoodandlove.com/juices-smoothies/immunity-shots-carrot-ginger-lemon-garlic/

From the blog with the recipe:

Carrots // naturally sweet, adding plenty of sugar to the mix, keeping the flavors well balanced and easy on your palate. Plus these little guys are chocked full of antioxidants, beta carotene and Vitamin  A which are vital in supporting your immune system.

Ginger // super anti-inflammatory properties bringing relief to those horrid body aches and soothe away that nausea. 

Lemon // loaded with Vitamin C to boost that immunity and balance your body’s pH levels.

Garlic // now this is the key ingredient here, with a long history as an immune system booster because of its antiseptic, anti-fungal + nutritive properties. This ingredient you can’t leave out or substitute, but I promise you, the strength of the ginger + lemon juice with the sweetness of the carrots, the garlic taste will be oh so subtle. Really, I promise.

Friday motivation 6/13/2014

Happy Friday! Yay for the weekend! Great week but really glad to see it end!

This last year I've focused mostly on my physical health because it was deteriorating so rapidly! An unexpected side effect occurred: my emotional and mental fogs are or have lifted! I'm seeing things so clearly now and my willingness to tackle all the messy areas of life is in full force! I've realized my body can be strong but if I don't keep the other areas strong too, life will be harder to live! Mind-body connection! Make it great!!

Are you pre peri or post?

As I read about our various struggles and humor I've started to wonder about our distribution when it comes to menopause?

What do you say we have Maria do a survey monkey regarding our age and pre/peri/post menopausal status as well as our ages?

I'll start by saying I'm post menopause and 53 yo

Stephanie-intro!

Hi gals, Sorry I forgot about doing an intro!
I'm Stephanie Milch, 47, mom of three boys: Elijah is 15, Evan is 17 and Chris (my stepson) is 27. I love my boys and I can't help talking about them all the time! I love seeing them grow into wonderful young men! They're a lot of fun, except for when they're not. LOL!

I just celebrated my 20th wedding anniversary last month. My husband, Eric, works for the City of Gvl and he does training and organizational development.
I work at Environmental Consulting & Technology in the corporate services dept.
I love arts & crafts, knitting and making jewelry. I create designs all year and then I sell them at the Craft Festival at the O'Connell Center just after Thanksgiving. I have an etsy page, but I don't use it much.

I've struggled with food issues since my preteen years. My family ate mostly cheap, southern food and all vegetables were cooked to within an inch of their life! My dad was a good cook, very adventurous, and I got that from him. I like to stray from recipes a lot and make up things as I go. My maternal grandmother was a big, Swedish woman and I think I got her genes. I've never been dainty, but wasn't really fat until after I had kids.

These days I cook pretty simple foods with a LOT of vegetables! I love roasted veggies and in the summer I love raw veggies. My husband & I have found that eating a modified Paleo diet makes us feel better. We still eat some grains though- oats and rice mostly, but we try to stay away from wheat. The kids are fine with eating Paleo most of the time, but I usually try to throw in some rice or baked potatoes for them at dinner.

Sugar is my weakness. I am addicted to it. I've been struggling with this a lot over the last year or so. It is SO hard to stay away from sugar and once I get a taste of it- BAM! There goes any shred of willpower I had. I recently did a sugar detox (the 21 Day Sugar Detox diet) and I made it 11 days without any sugar!! That was HUGE for me! If you have heard of this diet then you know it is extremely strict. You can't even eat peas or carrots. You can have one green apple or one green-tipped banana each day, but no other sugar. The good thing about it is that I learned some good alternatives to some of the foods i was eating regularly, and I learned how to drink black coffee!

I'm very glad Heidi asked me to join this challenge. I'm not a very competitive person so I am thinking of it more as a personal challenge than a contest to win the prize. I have been doing some of the things on our checklist but not all of them. I really need to get in the habit of doing ALL of them because I know I will be healthier if I do.

Speaking of Heidi- I met her over 15 yrs ago, not long after they moved here. Heidi, Cindy, Shanna & I all know each other from church. I think I have met a few of you when our kids were at Littlewood.

Here's a pic of me and the hubs (the one ont he left!) in Asheville about 2 yrs ago. I have more wrinkles and grey hair now!

Zipping Over Alligators

My exercise for today - Crocodile Crossing at Alligator Farms in St Augustine. It's a zipline/aerial obstacle course that takes you over the gators and crocodiles. This type of thing is my daughter's favorite thing to do ever, so we went with some friends and had a lot of fun and a good bit of exercise.   I really felt the abs challenge tonight, after doing this earlier today :)

They don't allow cameras or cellphones, but here's a video from youtube, and the link below in case it doesn't work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4EbQzI-Bn4&feature=youtu.be

This course was not nearly as strenuous as others we've done in Bradenton and the Adirondacks, but seeing the zoo keeper feed the gators from up above added quite a bit of drama to the course! And we plan to do those two again this summer, in addition to Ruby Falls in Chattanooga and Mega Caverns in Louisville, which we're doing with Annie and her daughter. If anyone is interested in doing the Bradenton one the week of July 4th let me know! It's called TreeUmph and it's about 3 hours away, so it's an all day adventure.

Rooibos Tea

Hi All,
Thought I'd share my latest healthy habit with you.  A friend from work told me about Rooibos tea, available at Teavanna at the mall in many different flavors.  It's caffeine-free and it is a great way to keep hydrated.  Very tasty.  And I find that I can drink it instead of eating snacks.  Anyone else use Rooibos?  If so what are your favorite flavors?
Have a good Thursday!
Babette

Thursday motivation 6/12/2014

Happy Thursday! Don't know about you but I'm really glad the week is almost over (one part of my week is but still a fun filled furry weekend ahead)!

I was talking yesterday to a friend who has young children (boys) and wanted to get her body back to its healthiest! She declared this was her year! She works out at home using an online trainer (another friend in another state)! I LOVE this idea! Her declaration and doing something so good for herself is the greatest act of self respect! Children should have strong role models. I think it's amazing her boys get to grow up to learn that respect starts with self! This will help shape them into great men!! Make it great!

Dinner

The family has headed off to Bonnaroo, so I am on my own to eat as I please!  Tonight, portobello, onion and spinach topped with polenta and Italian seasonings....so yummy.   Not pictured is the glass of my favorite Sauvignon Blanc!!

Spinach really is so easy to use...I even throw it into smoothies ( it adds no flavor, only nutrients).  

Try blending this one-  

1/2 banana

8 oz. almond milk

1 tsp vanilla

1 tbsp cocoa

15 ice cubes

handful of spinach

Similar to a Wendy's Frosty but good for you!!  Happy Wednesday to you all.

Wednesday motivation 6/11/2014

Happy Wednesday! Mid-week, two down, two to go! Got to spend time yesterday with two of the most awesome people! I'm blessed to have friends who are like family! I'm blessed to have friends from my childhood. I'm blessed that, even with my big mouth, people still want to be my friend! Support and encouragement of others is what gets us through! You guys are the best and I will never take for granted all that you give me! Make it great!