It's all good!

     It's been a few days...life has been pleasantly busy. I still have managed to eat well and exercise over the past few days!
     My favorite thing I did Friday night was first find a great find! Yup! I found a larger video case that almost matches my bedroom furniture perfectly.
     Then, I put the thing together, with some rather complicated directions. You see, I am definitely a verbal person, in that I need to read the directions NOT just look at pictures. There were seriously steps that had NO written directions just pictures, and I am NOT a spatial learner!
     I did, though, figure it out, and I have a beautiful video cabinet that I am actually using as an end table next to my bed (I call my bed a princess bed because it sits up so high.), and it has all sorts of stuff on the inside, so it is more like storage!
     Then on Saturday after working out and doing some little odds and ends (like washing my outside windows and setting up the sprinkler system), I headed over to help my friend.
     It felt so good to give something back to someone who has given me so much in the past few weeks.
     After that, we both went and joined my sister-in-law for an evening of BINGO. Now, that was funny!!
     I had not a clue of what was going on, and I did not have beginner's luck either (close, I had one number left to win $200).
     And, I had the BEST Sunday ever. One of the best days in a LONG time. Rick and I went for a motorcycle ride over the North Cross.
     I just love being on the bike. I love the feeling of freedom, and I love smelling everything...you just feel so alive.
     The weather and company was perfect, and we just had a very relaxing day.
     We even saw some super cool things!!! We saw an albino deer, and the dam at Diablo Lake was running (first time ever!).
     All-in-all, my weekend was good. I am looking forward to a good week, too!

Feel the love!

     Good morning!! I had such a SUPER Fourth, and I hope you did, too! I spent it surrounded by loving friends and family :)
     First, I went to a barbeque and birthday party at my friend Lorri's house. The food was great, company even better, and it just feels so good to be supported and loved by those around you.
     One of the great things happening for me right now is that since I am not hungry, I am able to concentrate on smaller portions.
     And, I have noticed that I feel better and not stuffed to the gills like everyone else around me. But, I still tasted everything.
     I do need to buff up my water intake, especially since I have been exercising lots and with the rising temperatures.
     Then I went to a neighborhood barbeque in my new neighborhood. It was nice meeting new friends and spending time with people that I am very close to who live within blocks of me.
     I did eat a little more at the second gig, but not much, and really just bitefuls.
     Again, I was the only one who was not feeling TOO full at the end of the night. What a benefit!!!
     I am going to have to exercise this evening with a nice walk or jog, since I have lots going on today!

Happy FOURTH!

     Howdy! Happy 4th of July to you!! Since today is Wednesday, I still woke up and headed off to workout. I had a feeling most of the cheerleaders would be sleeping in, and I even wondered why I wasn't.
     I was right! One cheer mom and friend, Teresa, came though, and we had a good walk and talk.
     We talked about taking care of ourselves and how hard it is for moms to make themselves a priority. That's something we are both working on right now!
      Before she came, I had already jogged and walked a lap. After she left, I walked another and jogged another, giving me a grand total of six laps for the day.
     But, I just really felt like working out, so I did 10 bleachers, and then I added an extra five lung sets, where you walk up on the seats rather than the stairs.
     In between sets of regular bleachers I did standing push-ups. My arms are feeling it already, even as I type this.
     I feel good, sweaty, and strong.
     Now, I have to go and get some things done around the house (bought a new air conditioner and have fence to finish for my dog).
     I am looking forward to working hard today, and then celebrating tonight with friends!

Freedom

     Tomorrow is our nation's day of independence. I have decided to dub this summer as my summer of independence.
     I feel very fortunate to live in a country that a woman does have the right to be independent and strong on her own.
     When I think of being independent, I also think of the rights I have to health care, education and other services that many people in this world, and especially women do not have access.
     I know someone right now who today is having a risky surgery related to his cancer, and in all reality, his prognosis and survival is slim.
     We have the right and the responsibility to take good care of ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally.
     That sometimes is not the easiest road to journey down. Sometimes it is scary and lonely. BUT, we have to make the choice to improve our lives.
     I have been doing a lot of searching for answers to a lot of hard questions lately. I have found some things out about myself that I knew but maybe didn't want to face.
     A long time ago a reader to this blog made a comment asking me if I do the things I do (how busy and involved I am) because I want to do those things or because I want approval from outsiders.
     That question went straight to my heart. What is the motivation behind the things I choose to do??
     I have learned so much about codependence and control, and it all amazes me how it affects all areas of our lives.
     Now, armed with information, I need to keep asking the right questions and searching for the answers (no matter how hard they might be).
     I am proud of myself for finding the courage and strength to do what's right and hard.
     Yes, I am going to celebrate tomorrow!

What a Weekend!

     BUSY, busy, BUSY. I did not work out over the weekend, but I moved, and let me tell ya...I know the calories melted off.
     Packing and moving is an ordeal, but I was very lucky to have TONS of people there to help! All of the help was overwhelming, and I realize what amazing friends I have!
     Then after moving, I had an entire army of volunteers unpacking my house, which is now almost completely done! Incredible!!
     I am tired today, but I still went and walked the track with the cheerleaders this morning. Feels so good to feel my muscles burn.
     Last night we took the kids to see Ratatouille. It was a nice break from a LONG two days. I have to say that it wasn't one of the best animated movies I have ever watched.
     I liked a lot of the content because I LOVE to cook, but really much of the storyline went over the little ones. The teenagers thought it was funny and liked it though.
     I bought the kids popcorn, pop, and candy, but I only had a water because we ate dinner prior to going. I did munch a few of my step-daughter's Whoppers, but that was it.
     So, I really am proud of my eating over the past couple of weeks. It feels good to make those good choices.
     Lots left on my "to do today" list.

ABSOLUTELY

     ABSOLUTELY. I have a friend who says that all the time. She says, "Aaaaab-SO-luuuut-ely," or sometimes, "Aaaaab-SO-luuuut-ely NOT."
     It's just funny how you realize what creatures of habit we are. And, when you are around someone you start to do or say the same things!
     Last night we all went for another walk which was awesome! Talk about a good habit for us to do together!
     I am excited for the fact that I have been exercising every day. This morning, though, I cancelled the cheer workout because normally we jog bleachers and around the track, which are both ABSOLUTELY soaked!
     I will at least walk or jog tonight, so I will work in some exercise no matter what.
     I have improved on the water consumption, and for the past 10 days my eating has been ABSOLUTELY perfect!
     This is a summer of change for me. I am really focused on making positive choices that will make a difference in my life. I know in order to do that, I have a lot of hard work ahead of me.
     I am ready for this! ABSOLUTELY!

Take a deep breath, and go for a jog!

     I missed yesterday's blog, sorry. It was beyond a hectic day. When I sat down at the end of the day, I just could not believe how much running around I did and how many stressful sitations had happened.
     I was a bit overwhelmed with several things going on (you know the old saying that when it rains it pours...), so I went for a two-mile walk with Jordie last night, and I felt much more calm when we returned home.
     Right now I have some big things happening in my life, and it feels really good that exercise is helping me to deal with them, as opposed to eating.
     Normally, I am VERY much a stress eater! I mean it...if I am worried or angry or sad, HELLO Ben and Jerry, my two new best friends!
     However, this time around, I am finding much more solace in being physical and working out that stress.
     That, and I feel like exercising really helps me keep in a postive frame of mind. One thing that is amazing to me is that there are people in the world who relish when other people hurt or are dealing with tough situations. I truly do not understand that mentality.
     I am a strong person, and I will only become stronger by making some really difficult life decisions.
     The two things I am most proud of right now is that I am choosing to do things that are right and good for me. And, in dealing with those decisions I am also choosing to be healthy, both in eating and exercise.
     Well, I am off for a walk!

Observe, won't you?

     Today my morning walk was wonderful. Even though it was a little chilly, it was still a peaceful walk.
     I love it when the world is waking up, and it's just a new day.
     Yesterday evening, I was able to talk my friend and her family into going for a walk. We even took the two dogs, and they both needed to walk (one older and a little heavy, for the other her first walk on a leash!).
     It was such a relaxing and nice time, and we were doing something healthy.
     One of the other great things about walking relates to the old cliche of stopping to smell the roses. I know, I know. Technically, when you walk, you are moving.
     But, you do slow down a bit and fully take in your surroundings. I know you know what I am talking about!
     Have you ever driven by somewhere a zillion times but never noticed a house or something? Then when you walk, you notice it?
     It's just that whole be aware of what is in your life. I have been really thinking about that lately.
     Between exercising, cleaning (deep cleaning), and walking around, I am all about OBSERVING.
     Sometimes when you are so busy and have everything going on in your life that you do, you miss things, you forget to stop and smell the roses.
     To say good-bye today, I just want to tell you that if you are not our moving and observing, you should. I can't believe the difference it makes!

Alive and Kicking!!

     It's Monday...And, I am lovin' it! I sound like a McDonald's commercial, but really I am just feeling good.
      This morning I woke up extra early, drank a cup of coffee while sitting outside, and I read a bit. Then I headed off for my workout.
      I had a SUPER workout today. I did five sets of bleachers, walked four laps around the track, and lifted heavy on my legs.
      I know I really surprised not only my cheerleading girls but also some of the football players with how much I could lift! I was teasing them all and telling them I might be fat, but I am definitely STRONG!
      I just feel so strong and good. It's amazing how when you increase those endorphins, you make things happen!!
      I am going to also go for a "leisure" walk later after dinner. I have a good friend I am trying to inspire to walk.
      My eating is TOP notch. I am so proud of how well I have eaten now for an entire week!!!! I am eating NO refined sugar, counting calories, and piling on the veggies and fruits!!
      Even my water has increased. I am not quite where I should be especially with my exercising and the weather, but it is improving.
      I may even start swimming the morning lap swim next week to have an extra workout in there before I go to the cheerleader workout. It just feels so alive to be so active!

CLEANING!

     WOW! It does feel good to get up and move! This morning I headed out for a walk, and even though I am not sure how far I walked, I did walk at a fast pace for 40 minutes.
     I did bust out a sweat, and later today maybe I will drive the walk to see how far it was.
     Yesterday I did something that I have wanted to do for three years now!! I cleaned out my storage unit.
     What a mess! What a daunting task!! I would never have been able to do it without my friends. I just know I would have MAYBE started and then walked away. Instead we had a storage cleaning party!
     I know we burned MANY calories yesterday. We worked for four hours total and in the heat of the day.
     Now, I didn't empty my storage, but rather I cleaned and organized it.
     I am ready to take a load out to the dump. It's amazing what I found in there. And, there were some pretty funny things, too. Trust me, when you let an eleven-year-old boy do his own packing...it makes for interesting discoveries!
     Now, I am also ready for a garage sale. And, here is my semi-shameless plug. The cheerleaders are having a garage sale on Saturday, July 14th with the place to be determined.
     It's going to be a biggie because each girl is running her own sale. And, a couple of other families are already going to join in the fun, too.
     I am just thrilled to get rid of stuff, but not in a wasteful manner. I just don't have the ability to just haul it all off to the dump. I know people who have done that to just turn around and accumulate just as much stuff. Grrr.
     And, everything I am in keeping (which is about half of the unit) is now in labeled tubs! What an awesome feeling to have that all done!
     Now, I just need to move onto the house and especially my closet!! Hmmmm...maybe I should organize a closet cleaning party :)