Lest everyone think that the playlist for my dance party was a playlist I put on my iPod or other listening device....IT WAS NOT!! The songs I partied to are courtesy of my cable TV provider. I just gyrate to what they give me. I am techo challenged so I do not own, nor am I interested in owning, an iPod. I have plenty of CD's and could easily use those, but just clicking on channel 724 (Favorite Oldies) is much easier, and I get a really, really wide variety of oldies but goodies. My musical tastes do not run to "Hey, Hey, Paula" and the like. Just FYI. :) I also have many other channels to chose from, so I'll hop around from time to time, as well.
Today's sock hop was cut short by a nagging pain in my knee. I did get 5 songs in, 2 with weights, so my party was not a total flop. I continued with just weights for the remainder of the time I had allotted for dancing.
Today was Weigh In Wednesday. UGH! Another stand still week....which, of course is better than a gain. Perhaps I did not begin my dance program early enough to produce results. :)
We are off to Indiana this weekend to celebrate HD's sister's 70th birthday. I'd have preferred a trip to Phoenix, but this is what I got instead. It's a cake and ice cream affair, so I'm thrilled about that. I'm not a sweets lover, so abstaining won't be that big a deal, but the celebratory dinner is at an Italian restaurant, so that will be a minefield to negotiate. I know I can do it, so I'm preparing myself in advance. I am also counting on needing an adult beverage, so I'll adjust for that, as well. Then, perhaps the birthday girl and I can do a quick dance for everyone's amusement. Hmmmm.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Can This Be Right???
In trying to determine how many calories my new dance routine will burn, and how long I must dance to burn off a bag of Cheetos (just kidding), I visited a website suggested by a friend of mine. It supposedly calculates the number of calories expended in a 30 minute time frame for any number of activities. After reading through the list, I really don't have to do much (according to this website). They list Cooking/Food Prep at using 108.8 cal. per 1/2 hr., Sleeping at 48.9 cal. per 1/2 hr., Watching TV is 54.4 cal. per 1/2 hr., and just standing in line comes in at a whopping 65.3 cal. per 1/2 hr. So, by my calculations, if I sleep 6 hrs. and watch TV 3 hrs, I've expended 456.6 calories without any effort whatsoever!!! CAN THIS BE RIGHT? I'm thinking not, but I love the concept. It reminds me of the old weight loss pills that burn fat while you sleep. Just too damned good to be true. DRATS!
The actual reason for my visit to this website was to calculate my dancing calories! They have three categories of dance to choose from....Fast, which would be dances like the twist and ballet; Moderate, which would include Disco, ballroom, square, line, Irish step, and polka; and, of course, Slow, which would be the Fox Trot, waltz, and tango. No mention of dancing with weights, so I'll figure that out later. Fast= 261.2 cal. per 1/2 hr., Moderate=249.9 cal. per 1/2 hr., and Slow=163.2 cal. per 1/2 hr. I'm not quite up to fast yet, but I'm doing better than slow, so I figure a nice round number of 225 cal. per 1/2 hr. Then add the weights for an extra calorie or two.
FYI, today's playlist consisted of 8 songs, 3 using the 8# weights. I began with "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?" then on to "Hey, Baby", with weights in hand I danced, AND sang, to "Him or Me?", did the stroll to "Smokey Joe's Cafe", picked up the weights again for "Every Day With You, Girl", next "I Fought the Law", "Hey, hey, Paula" with weights again, and ended my routine 20 minutes later with "Oh how happy". I figure 20 min. was worth about 150 calories today, plus or minus a few for the weights. There was no mention of how many calories singing loudly might use. My burning question now is.... must I wear my pedometer when I do the stroll?
This is only my second full day of dancing, but I am really enjoying it. The fact that the sun is shining thru the window is a huge help, (the shades were drawn) but the old songs and the funky dances I'm making up to go along with exercise style movements has been very amusing. And, no, Cammy I'll not be making a Richard Simmons style video for everyone else's amusement. :) Besides, I look awful when bedazzled, and even worse in short shorts.
The actual reason for my visit to this website was to calculate my dancing calories! They have three categories of dance to choose from....Fast, which would be dances like the twist and ballet; Moderate, which would include Disco, ballroom, square, line, Irish step, and polka; and, of course, Slow, which would be the Fox Trot, waltz, and tango. No mention of dancing with weights, so I'll figure that out later. Fast= 261.2 cal. per 1/2 hr., Moderate=249.9 cal. per 1/2 hr., and Slow=163.2 cal. per 1/2 hr. I'm not quite up to fast yet, but I'm doing better than slow, so I figure a nice round number of 225 cal. per 1/2 hr. Then add the weights for an extra calorie or two.
FYI, today's playlist consisted of 8 songs, 3 using the 8# weights. I began with "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?" then on to "Hey, Baby", with weights in hand I danced, AND sang, to "Him or Me?", did the stroll to "Smokey Joe's Cafe", picked up the weights again for "Every Day With You, Girl", next "I Fought the Law", "Hey, hey, Paula" with weights again, and ended my routine 20 minutes later with "Oh how happy". I figure 20 min. was worth about 150 calories today, plus or minus a few for the weights. There was no mention of how many calories singing loudly might use. My burning question now is.... must I wear my pedometer when I do the stroll?
This is only my second full day of dancing, but I am really enjoying it. The fact that the sun is shining thru the window is a huge help, (the shades were drawn) but the old songs and the funky dances I'm making up to go along with exercise style movements has been very amusing. And, no, Cammy I'll not be making a Richard Simmons style video for everyone else's amusement. :) Besides, I look awful when bedazzled, and even worse in short shorts.
Monday, January 25, 2010
My Mojo Is A Slo-Go
When I was thinking of blog titles the other day, "My Mojo Is A No Go" kinda stuck me as amusing. So, with that in mind, I altered the title a bit and decided to use it. I have put myself back together, and am trying to overcome the doggie downer feelings of winter blues, and get myself back into a routine of some sort. I've done pretty well over the weekend, so I am hopeful that with a dollop of sunshine hither and yon, I'll be back at it full speed in no time. There was a sunshine spotting yesterday morning, so that helped quite a bit. By noon the sun was under a cloud again, but just that little bit of brightness did wonders for my spirits.
I have pulled myself up by my bootstraps, and am working at developing a new, positive, can do attitude. Being notoriously crabby and cranky, this is no easy task. One of the new exercises I have decided to try is dancing!! Ok, the visual of an old, fat, cranky butt dancing around the family room is quite a picture, don't you think? In spite of the humorous vision, I kinda did a trial run yesterday to see if the knee would hold up as I gyrated wildly to the 50's, 60's and 70's music I found on my TV. So far, so good. I'm planning on beginning with 2-4 songs per day, then working my way up to a full concert!! I'm looking at this as my own, personal Zumba program. Remember "The Monkey"? Well, pick up a pair of 8# weights and do that dance for 2 or 3 min. and you've got a dandy little workout. I'll keep you apprised of my progress, and if I get the call from "Dancing With The Stars", you'll be the first to know. :)
I have pulled myself up by my bootstraps, and am working at developing a new, positive, can do attitude. Being notoriously crabby and cranky, this is no easy task. One of the new exercises I have decided to try is dancing!! Ok, the visual of an old, fat, cranky butt dancing around the family room is quite a picture, don't you think? In spite of the humorous vision, I kinda did a trial run yesterday to see if the knee would hold up as I gyrated wildly to the 50's, 60's and 70's music I found on my TV. So far, so good. I'm planning on beginning with 2-4 songs per day, then working my way up to a full concert!! I'm looking at this as my own, personal Zumba program. Remember "The Monkey"? Well, pick up a pair of 8# weights and do that dance for 2 or 3 min. and you've got a dandy little workout. I'll keep you apprised of my progress, and if I get the call from "Dancing With The Stars", you'll be the first to know. :)
Friday, January 22, 2010
Sittin' In The Dark Of The Day
Apologies to Otis Redding and his "Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay", but it is once again dark and gloomy here. I feel as tho' I'm living in a version of "Wuthering Heights". The lack of sunshine is taking its toll on my psyche.
I had another post all thought out, then last night when I was still awake until 3 a.m. I began running other post titles thru my mind. All of them related to the fact that it has been depressing weather around here for way too long. "My Mojo is No-Go" was my favorite blog title from last night. Others that wouldn't have made the cut were, "The Sun Never Rises", " A Little Gin with your ICE, Madam?", "This is your body speaking, what the hell are you doing?", "Is Gray really a color?" All of this dull, dreary, brown, gray, cloudy, cold, snowy, icy and just generally crappy weather has left me feeling simply unwilling to get my act together in the health and happiness department.
I exercise just a dab each day, so I can say I did something. I've been cheating on the foods I eat....writing down that which I remember, forgetting (kinda) what I don't want to admit to. I don't eat stuff that is really bad, I just eat a bit more than is reasonable. It has been just awful. I feel lousy. I am also getting tired of hearing my little inner voice telling me to quit being such a baby, suck it up, and get on the ball. I have told myself I have to quit using my bad knee as an excuse to do less and less every day. I had hoped that last night's epiphany would find me all revved up this morning, but so far, not so much. I'm waiting for my next "Ah Ha?" moment to occur. The most depressing part of the whole thing is that it has been almost 1 year since I began my blog and I've really made progress, then shot myself in the foot and began all over again.....twice!!
Generally speaking, I am one of the most stubborn people on the planet. I can do anything I set my mind to. Five years ago I gave up smoking, gained 40# and knew I could get that weight off when I set my mind to it. Soooooo, the big question is, "When the hell am I gonna set my mind to it?" After my beginning efforts last year, I lost 16 pounds. Then I fell off the wagon when I hit a plateau. A few weeks ago I got back on the wagon and lost 9 pounds which were part of the original 16 I'd lost earlier. This week, I stayed even with the weigh in numbers on Wednesday. Today, I stepped on the scales (even tho' I normally would wait until next Wed.) because I felt go guilty about yesterday's assault on the pantry. It would seem that I've added back 3# in one day!!! Is that really possible? Given my activity level at the moment, I'd say yes.
So, I'm undergoing a crisis of conscience. Can I make myself straighten up and fly right? I am certainly hoping so. I'm happy to say that we are eating healthier and doing well, food wise. Hubby Dearest has stayed with his 3 day cardio routine, but I am floundering. Any ideas? I'd welcome a swift kick in my butt to get this balloon off the ground again.
I had another post all thought out, then last night when I was still awake until 3 a.m. I began running other post titles thru my mind. All of them related to the fact that it has been depressing weather around here for way too long. "My Mojo is No-Go" was my favorite blog title from last night. Others that wouldn't have made the cut were, "The Sun Never Rises", " A Little Gin with your ICE, Madam?", "This is your body speaking, what the hell are you doing?", "Is Gray really a color?" All of this dull, dreary, brown, gray, cloudy, cold, snowy, icy and just generally crappy weather has left me feeling simply unwilling to get my act together in the health and happiness department.
I exercise just a dab each day, so I can say I did something. I've been cheating on the foods I eat....writing down that which I remember, forgetting (kinda) what I don't want to admit to. I don't eat stuff that is really bad, I just eat a bit more than is reasonable. It has been just awful. I feel lousy. I am also getting tired of hearing my little inner voice telling me to quit being such a baby, suck it up, and get on the ball. I have told myself I have to quit using my bad knee as an excuse to do less and less every day. I had hoped that last night's epiphany would find me all revved up this morning, but so far, not so much. I'm waiting for my next "Ah Ha?" moment to occur. The most depressing part of the whole thing is that it has been almost 1 year since I began my blog and I've really made progress, then shot myself in the foot and began all over again.....twice!!
Generally speaking, I am one of the most stubborn people on the planet. I can do anything I set my mind to. Five years ago I gave up smoking, gained 40# and knew I could get that weight off when I set my mind to it. Soooooo, the big question is, "When the hell am I gonna set my mind to it?" After my beginning efforts last year, I lost 16 pounds. Then I fell off the wagon when I hit a plateau. A few weeks ago I got back on the wagon and lost 9 pounds which were part of the original 16 I'd lost earlier. This week, I stayed even with the weigh in numbers on Wednesday. Today, I stepped on the scales (even tho' I normally would wait until next Wed.) because I felt go guilty about yesterday's assault on the pantry. It would seem that I've added back 3# in one day!!! Is that really possible? Given my activity level at the moment, I'd say yes.
So, I'm undergoing a crisis of conscience. Can I make myself straighten up and fly right? I am certainly hoping so. I'm happy to say that we are eating healthier and doing well, food wise. Hubby Dearest has stayed with his 3 day cardio routine, but I am floundering. Any ideas? I'd welcome a swift kick in my butt to get this balloon off the ground again.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
What A Lovely Day!
Just kidding! It is Weigh In Wednesday, and I've stayed even with the board this week. I'm not surprised, but I am a little disappointed. I think the "fly by" of the potato chip bag kinda made me lose my footing. Just a small blip on the screen, but a blip, nonetheless. Drats!
This week seems to be conspiring against me. Yes, that is a touch of paranoia creeping in here. Yesterday, I called to make an appointment with my ortho-pod for my second cortisone shot. My "due date" was to be Jan. 22, so I figured I'd call, get an appointment and be on my merry, more flexible way. WHOA!!! Imagine my surprise when I was told the earliest I could get in was Mar. 25!! So it looks as tho' I'll be hobbling around for a much longer period of time than I had anticipated. CRAP! At this next appointment, I'm going to schedule both the next cortisone shot AND the knee replacement surgery. I'm hoping to put the surgery off until the week after Thanksgiving. That gets me thru golf season (of course) and football/tailgate season. We'll see how that goes. I'm a bit unsure of my ability to enjoy either of these activities to the fullest.
Next thing....1/2" ice covering everything here. Can't get out to go anywhere. Well, I could, but how dumb would that be? I had planned to take a day for myself and go to Barnes & Noble, get a coffee (full caffeine, too) sit in an easy chair and thumb through as many books as I wanted. Now, I'm relegated to my own easy chair with books I already own. Pfffft. Yes, I know, I could be riding the bike an extra few minutes, or doing the dreadmill, or lifting weights......but damn it, I wanted to go to B & N!!! I'm feeling very sorry for myself.
In order to pretend to be productive, I'll resume the sorting and calculating in my recipe folder. At least my hands will be active.
This week seems to be conspiring against me. Yes, that is a touch of paranoia creeping in here. Yesterday, I called to make an appointment with my ortho-pod for my second cortisone shot. My "due date" was to be Jan. 22, so I figured I'd call, get an appointment and be on my merry, more flexible way. WHOA!!! Imagine my surprise when I was told the earliest I could get in was Mar. 25!! So it looks as tho' I'll be hobbling around for a much longer period of time than I had anticipated. CRAP! At this next appointment, I'm going to schedule both the next cortisone shot AND the knee replacement surgery. I'm hoping to put the surgery off until the week after Thanksgiving. That gets me thru golf season (of course) and football/tailgate season. We'll see how that goes. I'm a bit unsure of my ability to enjoy either of these activities to the fullest.
Next thing....1/2" ice covering everything here. Can't get out to go anywhere. Well, I could, but how dumb would that be? I had planned to take a day for myself and go to Barnes & Noble, get a coffee (full caffeine, too) sit in an easy chair and thumb through as many books as I wanted. Now, I'm relegated to my own easy chair with books I already own. Pfffft. Yes, I know, I could be riding the bike an extra few minutes, or doing the dreadmill, or lifting weights......but damn it, I wanted to go to B & N!!! I'm feeling very sorry for myself.
In order to pretend to be productive, I'll resume the sorting and calculating in my recipe folder. At least my hands will be active.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Completing My Project
As promised, I am now completing the project I began yesterday. In addition to Anne H. who got this ball rolling for me, I'd like to thank 266, as well. Because I am lazy, and techno challenged, I am going to take the liberty of combining the two awards and post this list only once. Both of the blog friends are very kind to have thought of me. The following blogs are not the only ones I read or enjoy. Choosing only 10 has proven much more difficult than one would imagine.
Merry Perennial - Beth
Fat Girl Dives In - Tina
40 the new 30 - Teresa
sixty by sixty - Sheilagh
just one inch -Tamzin
Losing Weight - Mary Fran
282.5 -Jo
Chunky Monkey Mama - Gigi
Slim Spirited -Wakati
Good Lord, this was hard!! However, it did provide me with a tutorial for using links! I didn't know how to go back and forth to get the blog names absolutely correct, but I tried to remember the best I could.
It's been said repeatedly, but I would still like to add my voice to the many. The friends I've found here online have been a true delight. I really do feel as tho' I've known many of you for years. I enjoy your "company" each and every day. I don't always respond or email, but I do read. Thank you all for all you do to brighten my day. Mushy, mushy, mushy!! Ok, I'm done now. Thanks!!
Merry Perennial - Beth
Fat Girl Dives In - Tina
40 the new 30 - Teresa
sixty by sixty - Sheilagh
just one inch -Tamzin
Losing Weight - Mary Fran
282.5 -Jo
Chunky Monkey Mama - Gigi
Slim Spirited -Wakati
Good Lord, this was hard!! However, it did provide me with a tutorial for using links! I didn't know how to go back and forth to get the blog names absolutely correct, but I tried to remember the best I could.
It's been said repeatedly, but I would still like to add my voice to the many. The friends I've found here online have been a true delight. I really do feel as tho' I've known many of you for years. I enjoy your "company" each and every day. I don't always respond or email, but I do read. Thank you all for all you do to brighten my day. Mushy, mushy, mushy!! Ok, I'm done now. Thanks!!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Thank You!
Thank you to Anne H., for the blog award. It took me a little while to remember how to attach the award to my blog, but I finally did it. Thank you again! Part of the award requires that I list 10 things that make me happy and nominate 10 bloggers to receive the award, and link to those blogs. I am pressed for time today, so I'll begin the process with the 10 things that make me happy. As we know, I am techno challenged, so linking will take me some time. PLUS, choosing only 10 will present significant difficulty, as well.
Ten things that make me happy.
1. Hubby Dearest, of course.
2. My family, for sure. S'pose that's a given, huh?
3. Golf, anywhere, anytime. You could see this one coming, couldn't you?
4. Laughing children
5. Bookstores and libraries
6. Travel - again, anytime, any place (Well, almost any place.)
7. Time spent with friends-luckily, this often involves golf
8. The 4th of July fireworks
9. Nebraska Cornhusker football- both the games and the tailgates
10. All of my wonderful blogger friends. I feel as tho' I actually know each and every one of you.
I am also required to do at least one of these things today. I am going to be spending time with friends, so now if I can figure out the whole linking thing, I'm golden.
I'll finish my remaining tasks tomorrow. Thank you again, Anne.
Ten things that make me happy.
1. Hubby Dearest, of course.
2. My family, for sure. S'pose that's a given, huh?
3. Golf, anywhere, anytime. You could see this one coming, couldn't you?
4. Laughing children
5. Bookstores and libraries
6. Travel - again, anytime, any place (Well, almost any place.)
7. Time spent with friends-luckily, this often involves golf
8. The 4th of July fireworks
9. Nebraska Cornhusker football- both the games and the tailgates
10. All of my wonderful blogger friends. I feel as tho' I actually know each and every one of you.
I am also required to do at least one of these things today. I am going to be spending time with friends, so now if I can figure out the whole linking thing, I'm golden.
I'll finish my remaining tasks tomorrow. Thank you again, Anne.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Anyone Get The License Plate Number?
I feel like I've been hit by a truck, and no one reported the hit and run! I simply ache all over, and am completely spent. No, I didn't overdo a damned thing! I just feel crappy. No other real symptoms, either, so I'm discounting the possibility of it being the flu. Plus, I've had all the flu shots allotted to me, so I'd think I would be hard to "catch" by the bug.
Yesterday, we had a "fly by" of the Ruffles bag at noon!! Hubby Dearest decided to come home for lunch, and he loves his Ruffles with his sandwich. I swear, as he poured a small pile onto his plate, one of the chips smirked at me! I resisted the urge to smash the smart ass chip into little pieces, as HD had him clearly in his sights, and the little devil would be gone soon enough. What HD finds so raucously funny about my "Chip Incident", as he calls it, is the fact that the bag of chips is kinda high on a shelf that's out of my reach. In order for me to steal a chip from HIS Ruffles bag, I have to use tongs to grab the bag. He has a mental picture of this event, and it makes him laugh just thinking about it. I've told him not to bother trying to put it up higher, I'll just find longer tongs....but I think perhaps just resisting the temptation altogether is the better option long term. :) Besides, truth be told, I'd much prefer Cheetos!!!
I found yesterday's replies to my query very interesting. Seems I'm not the only one with patterns regarding weigh ins. I am heartened by that. AND, a big thank you to Jo, as she pointed out that clipping ones nails could also contribute to an ounce or two less at weigh in time. I'll be sure and incorporate that into my routine.
This is ridiculous, but just sitting here typing this tiny little post has exhausted me completely. I'm gonna try to hang on and read a few before I fall out of my chair and nap on the floor.
ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzz!
Yesterday, we had a "fly by" of the Ruffles bag at noon!! Hubby Dearest decided to come home for lunch, and he loves his Ruffles with his sandwich. I swear, as he poured a small pile onto his plate, one of the chips smirked at me! I resisted the urge to smash the smart ass chip into little pieces, as HD had him clearly in his sights, and the little devil would be gone soon enough. What HD finds so raucously funny about my "Chip Incident", as he calls it, is the fact that the bag of chips is kinda high on a shelf that's out of my reach. In order for me to steal a chip from HIS Ruffles bag, I have to use tongs to grab the bag. He has a mental picture of this event, and it makes him laugh just thinking about it. I've told him not to bother trying to put it up higher, I'll just find longer tongs....but I think perhaps just resisting the temptation altogether is the better option long term. :) Besides, truth be told, I'd much prefer Cheetos!!!
I found yesterday's replies to my query very interesting. Seems I'm not the only one with patterns regarding weigh ins. I am heartened by that. AND, a big thank you to Jo, as she pointed out that clipping ones nails could also contribute to an ounce or two less at weigh in time. I'll be sure and incorporate that into my routine.
This is ridiculous, but just sitting here typing this tiny little post has exhausted me completely. I'm gonna try to hang on and read a few before I fall out of my chair and nap on the floor.
ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzz!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The Morning "Constitutional"
Oh, don't look at me that way! We all know we have a certain "rhythm", don't we? Well, today is Weigh In Wednesday, and after I weighed in, I began to think of all the ways I try to maximize my losses. One, of course, is the Daily Constitutional. Today was the day my "rhythm" decided to go AWOL. I weighed in without benefit of the extra "oomph" the constitutional provides. That said, I did lose another 2.2#!!! I shudder to think what my loss might have been. If only. (Not to mention, IF ONLY, I hadn't been viciously attacked by that bag of Ruffles!) Oh well!
So, thinking of all the things I do to prepare for a weigh in while taking my shower this morning, I began to wonder if other people have little idiosyncrasies about weighing themselves. I am also of the opinion that a good haircut will show a loss on the scale, and that shaving ones legs will do the same. Does everyone weigh in naked, or keep their clothes on just like in the Dr.'s office? Do people always weigh in at the same time each week, or vary the times when so they weigh themselves when they feel lighter. (Whenever the hell THAT might be.) I don't like weighing in after a shower, I think my body absorbs extra water, and increases my weight. Anyone else? I admitted yesterday I was a little nuts, perhaps today actually proves my point.
Not to steal from SpunkySuzi, and her question day, but I am curious about people's weigh in rituals. I feel kinda like a scientific journalist asking about this. Perhaps there is a research paper just waiting to be written. Hmmmmm. Ponder, ponder.
At any rate, I'd really like to know the answers to these questions. I don't know if it will make me feel less stupid or more, but inquiring minds......and all that.
So, thinking of all the things I do to prepare for a weigh in while taking my shower this morning, I began to wonder if other people have little idiosyncrasies about weighing themselves. I am also of the opinion that a good haircut will show a loss on the scale, and that shaving ones legs will do the same. Does everyone weigh in naked, or keep their clothes on just like in the Dr.'s office? Do people always weigh in at the same time each week, or vary the times when so they weigh themselves when they feel lighter. (Whenever the hell THAT might be.) I don't like weighing in after a shower, I think my body absorbs extra water, and increases my weight. Anyone else? I admitted yesterday I was a little nuts, perhaps today actually proves my point.
Not to steal from SpunkySuzi, and her question day, but I am curious about people's weigh in rituals. I feel kinda like a scientific journalist asking about this. Perhaps there is a research paper just waiting to be written. Hmmmmm. Ponder, ponder.
At any rate, I'd really like to know the answers to these questions. I don't know if it will make me feel less stupid or more, but inquiring minds......and all that.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Chips Ahoy!!
No, not the cookie, the Ruffles!!! To preface, I don't even like potato chips!! Now you know where this is going, don't you? Yep, I treated myself to a "few" chips last night. What the hell was I thinking?? Good question. I had journaled, counted, weighed, cooked properly, and was ready to settle in for a little televiewing, when the Ruffles bag jumped up and grabbed my hand, settled in, and then chip by chip those little shits jumped into my mouth. As I said, I don't usually even like chips, so why now? There were not a great number of chips that jumped ship, but enough to make me wonder what was going on? I did a calorie count on what I thought was about the right number of chips that attacked me, so I didn't really exceed my calorie count for the day by a substantial amount, but just knowing I ate them at all I find distressing.
I do feel sufficiently guilty today, so I will give an extra effort to my bike riding. I'll do two sessions instead of just one! That'll teach me. I'm also wondering if the "chip incident" had anything at all to do with the terrible cramps I had in my calf, foot and toes all night long? It was as tho' my leg was being pierced with some sharp object or another. Made for a very lousy night of sleep. Guess I'll Google all of this to see if I have any other underlying psychological problems I should address. I know Drs. love to have us all Googling all medical questions, so I'm gonna jump in and diagnose myself just like everyone else. Luckily, I do not tend to be a hypochondriac, so I probably won't adopt a phobia about any of my symptoms. I think I might just be a little nuts!! No cure for that, I'm told.
Today is a day that will be used to get myself back on track. A few chips ain't a gonna derail this train. I'm happy with my past couple of weeks, so a few badly behaved potato chips will not get me down. Notice how I was able to shift the blame to the potato chips? Yep, I deflect.
I do feel sufficiently guilty today, so I will give an extra effort to my bike riding. I'll do two sessions instead of just one! That'll teach me. I'm also wondering if the "chip incident" had anything at all to do with the terrible cramps I had in my calf, foot and toes all night long? It was as tho' my leg was being pierced with some sharp object or another. Made for a very lousy night of sleep. Guess I'll Google all of this to see if I have any other underlying psychological problems I should address. I know Drs. love to have us all Googling all medical questions, so I'm gonna jump in and diagnose myself just like everyone else. Luckily, I do not tend to be a hypochondriac, so I probably won't adopt a phobia about any of my symptoms. I think I might just be a little nuts!! No cure for that, I'm told.
Today is a day that will be used to get myself back on track. A few chips ain't a gonna derail this train. I'm happy with my past couple of weeks, so a few badly behaved potato chips will not get me down. Notice how I was able to shift the blame to the potato chips? Yep, I deflect.
Monday, January 11, 2010
OMG!! I See Concrete!
Yippee Skippee!!! That means with the slight warming trend that is on tap for this week, I may be able to carve a lane on the walking path behind us!! Temps are gonna get into the 30's this week, so I am hopeful that my walk may be an outdoor one by week's end. That little patch of concrete I see, has given me renewed hope. I'll just have to be careful of the re-freeze that happens overnight. But I'm beyond ready.
In spite of my b'day week, and celebrating with friends on Friday night, I think I'm right on target for my food this week. I even planned my dinner out before hand, calculated my possible alcohol intake, and made adjustments to meet my caloric goal. I felt pretty damned good about that. I was actually 10 calories under my allotment. And yes, I knew that because I was faithful about my food journal. I learn slow, but at least I learn. :)
Speaking of journaling and calories, I have had to adjust my daily calorie count to take into consideration the fact that my exercise is not as vigorous as it once was. I've shaved off a couple hundred calories per day to take that into account. Seems to be working, so I'm not going to go any lower for now. Everything is adjustable, so I'll decide as I go along. For now, I think I'm pretty close to being on target.
Perhaps the concrete that has peeked through the snow will beckon me to walk, and my mood will elevate. A bit of sunshine sure goes along way these days....at least for me. I know Spring is still a long way off, but some brightness is quite a delight after so many dark, dreary days. I am even hopeful that we might be able to grill this week. Now THAT is optimism! We do grill quite a bit in the winter, but not when there is 30" of snow on the ground. Hubby Dearest has cleared the deck of snow, so we can get out to the grill if need be, but it's just been too dad gummed cold!
I guess with the rising temps, my new curse word blog will have to be put on hold. I might even put the socks away, too!! Not quite time to shave my legs, but it's getting close. :)
In spite of my b'day week, and celebrating with friends on Friday night, I think I'm right on target for my food this week. I even planned my dinner out before hand, calculated my possible alcohol intake, and made adjustments to meet my caloric goal. I felt pretty damned good about that. I was actually 10 calories under my allotment. And yes, I knew that because I was faithful about my food journal. I learn slow, but at least I learn. :)
Speaking of journaling and calories, I have had to adjust my daily calorie count to take into consideration the fact that my exercise is not as vigorous as it once was. I've shaved off a couple hundred calories per day to take that into account. Seems to be working, so I'm not going to go any lower for now. Everything is adjustable, so I'll decide as I go along. For now, I think I'm pretty close to being on target.
Perhaps the concrete that has peeked through the snow will beckon me to walk, and my mood will elevate. A bit of sunshine sure goes along way these days....at least for me. I know Spring is still a long way off, but some brightness is quite a delight after so many dark, dreary days. I am even hopeful that we might be able to grill this week. Now THAT is optimism! We do grill quite a bit in the winter, but not when there is 30" of snow on the ground. Hubby Dearest has cleared the deck of snow, so we can get out to the grill if need be, but it's just been too dad gummed cold!
I guess with the rising temps, my new curse word blog will have to be put on hold. I might even put the socks away, too!! Not quite time to shave my legs, but it's getting close. :)
Friday, January 8, 2010
My Potential New Blog
I am contemplating a new blog..."How to Make The Most of Your Curse Word Collection". Believe me I have an extensive collection and am not afraid to use it!!! In the past few days, the great knowledge I have amassed in that area has come in mighty handy. My problem with starting this new blog is that I don't know what category it might fall into. It's not a Health & Fitness topic, it's not an Arts & Literature topic....just where would it fit in the blogosphere? Until I figure that out, I'll just continue with this blog, and work on expanding my vocabulary even further.
I am totally looking forward to Sunday! The temperature is supposed to rise to nearly 20º that day. Can Spring be far away with temps that high? As The Primary Child wrote on Facebook yesterday, "It's NOT me, Winter, it IS YOU!" A great break up line, isn't it? I want to break up with Winter, too. (Insert curse word here.)
In spite of my fierce dislike for this Frigidaire I'm currently being subjected to, I am getting things done. One downside, I realized this morning. If one leaves one's laundry in the dryer overnight, one's underwear is freezing cold in the morning. A real eye opener!! My buns are just now warming up. I have been concentrating on my foods of late. I'm still working on my recipes and calculating calories for old favorites. I read today in the paper that most of the calorie counts provided on food labels and in restaurants can be as much as 18% less that what is actually in the food!! Yikes! That adds up. Frozen entreès are about 8% off in their calorie counts. So now, with that info in hand (add curse word here) I will have to be more vigilant. Luckily, I don't eat a whole lot of these frozen entreès any more, so I'm not too worried. However, I'm really trying to be as accurate as I can with my own calculations.
Haven't exercised yet today. I think I'm just waiting for my underwear to warm up, and then I'll be on my bike peddling my a** off. Can't decide if I want to do more than that. I'm kinda feeling the lethargy again today. I will get something done in the exercise department, I just don't have a plan yet today.
I am totally looking forward to Sunday! The temperature is supposed to rise to nearly 20º that day. Can Spring be far away with temps that high? As The Primary Child wrote on Facebook yesterday, "It's NOT me, Winter, it IS YOU!" A great break up line, isn't it? I want to break up with Winter, too. (Insert curse word here.)
In spite of my fierce dislike for this Frigidaire I'm currently being subjected to, I am getting things done. One downside, I realized this morning. If one leaves one's laundry in the dryer overnight, one's underwear is freezing cold in the morning. A real eye opener!! My buns are just now warming up. I have been concentrating on my foods of late. I'm still working on my recipes and calculating calories for old favorites. I read today in the paper that most of the calorie counts provided on food labels and in restaurants can be as much as 18% less that what is actually in the food!! Yikes! That adds up. Frozen entreès are about 8% off in their calorie counts. So now, with that info in hand (add curse word here) I will have to be more vigilant. Luckily, I don't eat a whole lot of these frozen entreès any more, so I'm not too worried. However, I'm really trying to be as accurate as I can with my own calculations.
Haven't exercised yet today. I think I'm just waiting for my underwear to warm up, and then I'll be on my bike peddling my a** off. Can't decide if I want to do more than that. I'm kinda feeling the lethargy again today. I will get something done in the exercise department, I just don't have a plan yet today.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Oh Poor Us!!!
Another dark, dank, dreary, bone chillingly cold day here in the heartland. I am starting a campaign to change the buzz words from "Global Warming" to what it really is..."Climate Change". And please, dear Lord, CHANGE it soon!!! I don't know how many more days of wearing socks I can stand. :) I see that the whole country is in the weather related black hole of winter. Well, except The Perfect Child and all her friends in Phoenix. I'm getting tired of talking to her and hearing that it's perfectly lovely there. "I think I'll bar-b-que tonight, Mom". Hell, I'm not even sure we could get the sliding glass door to the deck unfrozen long enough to get to the grill. And YES, I am, in fact, bitter. So there!!!
However, in light of the fact that it's too damned cold to go anywhere, I am taking this opportunity to get my act together. I'm organizing my recipes, figuring out calorie counts for old favorites, lightening them up when needed, and getting them all filed on the computer. I'm doing all of this in between bouts of feeling very sorry for my old, cold self. Oh Poor ME!!! At least I am being somewhat productive. I'm still working on my exercise plan as well. So today, reading Cooking Light magazine I came across an article (with pictures, which I always like) on exercises for core, strength and cardio. So now, I'll "audition" those and see if any make the final cut. I have to say, trying new things and varying the routines has been kinda fun, however, if I were to use all of the information I've collected, I'd never get my nap taken.....I'd be exercising for hours on end. :)
Well, I'm off to put on socks and wrap up in my Snuggie. Boy! Am I ever glad I gave everyone a Snuggie for Christmas....we need them. By the way, does my Snuggie make me look fat? Oh wait, I AM fat...never mind. Too early for my nap, so guess I'll exercise a bit.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Damn! It's Cold!
Yeah, I know everyone is experiencing unseasonably cold weather, but just for one day, I'd like temps in the positive numbers. I think today is gonna be the day!! I saw a positive 3º when I woke up this morning, and if it gets up to 8º I'm headed out of doors!!! That, and more snow is on the way, and our veggie supply is sadly depleted.
Oh yeah!! Today was Weigh In Wednesday, lest I forget. I had a 6.8# loss!!! I know a good portion of that was the soccer ball sized knot of water around my knee, but hey, a loss is a loss. I'm also quite certain that some of that loss was a result of shivering uncontrollably for 5 days in this cold spell. Kinda like those really old time "reducing" machines that had the belt that went around your waist and shook you silly. It's been so cold, I've actually had to wear socks.
As one might expect, my food had been much better this last week or so. Giving myself those extra few days to stay on the Wed. weigh in schedule probably didn't hurt, either. And color me shocked.....journaling my foods has actually helped. Can't believe I didn't believe that. I AM NOT as smart as I think I am....in that department, anyway. :) My ego is totally in tact in all other areas!!
Exercise is coming along slowly. I can't quite get a program put together that really feels good. I am "auditioning" several combinations right now. I've given thought to going back to my trainer, but with only one leg that works properly, I don't think I'd be getting the full use of his expertise or my money. It's still a possibility, tho'. I might just drop in and ask for some suggestions as to what I might be able to do without risking more damage to the knee. My fear is that he'll talk me into coming back, paying the ridiculous fee, and then I'd end up being able to do only half of the routine. Sounds like I'm talking myself out of this, doesn't it? For the time being, I'll keep plugging along with what I'm doing. I still subscribe to the theory that any movement is better than none.
Oh yeah!! Today was Weigh In Wednesday, lest I forget. I had a 6.8# loss!!! I know a good portion of that was the soccer ball sized knot of water around my knee, but hey, a loss is a loss. I'm also quite certain that some of that loss was a result of shivering uncontrollably for 5 days in this cold spell. Kinda like those really old time "reducing" machines that had the belt that went around your waist and shook you silly. It's been so cold, I've actually had to wear socks.
As one might expect, my food had been much better this last week or so. Giving myself those extra few days to stay on the Wed. weigh in schedule probably didn't hurt, either. And color me shocked.....journaling my foods has actually helped. Can't believe I didn't believe that. I AM NOT as smart as I think I am....in that department, anyway. :) My ego is totally in tact in all other areas!!
Exercise is coming along slowly. I can't quite get a program put together that really feels good. I am "auditioning" several combinations right now. I've given thought to going back to my trainer, but with only one leg that works properly, I don't think I'd be getting the full use of his expertise or my money. It's still a possibility, tho'. I might just drop in and ask for some suggestions as to what I might be able to do without risking more damage to the knee. My fear is that he'll talk me into coming back, paying the ridiculous fee, and then I'd end up being able to do only half of the routine. Sounds like I'm talking myself out of this, doesn't it? For the time being, I'll keep plugging along with what I'm doing. I still subscribe to the theory that any movement is better than none.
Monday, January 4, 2010
My Last Day!!
As a 60 year old, that is. Yep, tomorrow I turn 61 and today I feel every bit of those 60+ years. It is cold outside, snow covered, slick on my walking path, and my meteorological knee tells me it's gonna be like this for a while. Darn it all. However, I will not let this deep freeze we live in deter me from enjoying my advancing age. As they say, "It beats the alternative!!". Amen to that.
I have moved some of my exercise equipment upstairs to keep from having to run up and down stairs too many times per day. Unfortunately, the bike, the dreadmill and the elliptical of death are still in the downstairs family room, so on the days I wish to ride, run or die, I'll have to go downstairs. Truthfully, the computer is in the downstairs area too, so I'll be down there anyway, might as well take a spin on something or another. I can pretty much guarantee you it won't be the elliptical of death. That thing is just to damned hard on me at this point. I'm not alone in that assessment, either. Everyone who tried to use it over the holidays said it was a beast, too. I feel semi-vindicated. :)
Since my pre-New Year's proclamation that I was returning to my journaling of food, I have been true to my word. I've left myself a little leeway, and am going to stick to my Wednesday Weigh Ins even tho' my new journey actually began in earnest on a Friday. So, after being 61 for one whole day, I will step onto the scales once again, and prepare to be dazzled!!!
In my ongoing attempt to find exercises that are reasonable for me to do, I have amassed a folder of pages from magazines and online ideas. I'm going to put them together in a coherent plan this week. I can't just jump from page to page willy nilly and expect to remember what I'm doing. I do, however, think I can put together a couple of routines that will work nicely. I'll rotate them so I don't get bored, and everything that CAN get moved, WILL get moved.
With all the pieces in place, I begin my 61st year with great optimism and hope. It is my intention to be blogging long into my "declining years" whatever age that might be. :)
I have moved some of my exercise equipment upstairs to keep from having to run up and down stairs too many times per day. Unfortunately, the bike, the dreadmill and the elliptical of death are still in the downstairs family room, so on the days I wish to ride, run or die, I'll have to go downstairs. Truthfully, the computer is in the downstairs area too, so I'll be down there anyway, might as well take a spin on something or another. I can pretty much guarantee you it won't be the elliptical of death. That thing is just to damned hard on me at this point. I'm not alone in that assessment, either. Everyone who tried to use it over the holidays said it was a beast, too. I feel semi-vindicated. :)
Since my pre-New Year's proclamation that I was returning to my journaling of food, I have been true to my word. I've left myself a little leeway, and am going to stick to my Wednesday Weigh Ins even tho' my new journey actually began in earnest on a Friday. So, after being 61 for one whole day, I will step onto the scales once again, and prepare to be dazzled!!!
In my ongoing attempt to find exercises that are reasonable for me to do, I have amassed a folder of pages from magazines and online ideas. I'm going to put them together in a coherent plan this week. I can't just jump from page to page willy nilly and expect to remember what I'm doing. I do, however, think I can put together a couple of routines that will work nicely. I'll rotate them so I don't get bored, and everything that CAN get moved, WILL get moved.
With all the pieces in place, I begin my 61st year with great optimism and hope. It is my intention to be blogging long into my "declining years" whatever age that might be. :)
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