HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Happy Halloween everyone! Well today is a good day I am feeling a lot better still sad about no swimming for a month but I will look on the bright side and know that I can accomplish my goal through other activities. This weekend is going to be a busy one for me. I am off to a Halloween party tonight and on Saturday I am off to a scavenger hunt with some friends (I have not done one of these since I was in High School) and it should be a lot of fun. Last night I went to the gym to help out Dee she was feeling a little sluggish and did not want to work out but the good friend I am went and helped her work on her "homework" her trainer gave her for the week. She did a great job and was glad she got out and did it. Having someone to work out with is a plus plus for everyone have you found your buddy yet?

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween!

Salsa and Sad

Sorry guys for the delay in my post it has been crazy the last few days - on Tuesday I attended the Salsa class but was unable to dance due to the classes had already started 2 weeks ago so I would have been behind but I was allowed to watch. How much fun was everyone having A LOT! I was so jealous I could not participate but it was all good as I could tell I will be in good company. My friend Dee was having a blast and you can see just how much fun it is and you are really getting a great work out I cannot wait for my turn!

I am sad because I had a procedure done yesterday at the Doctors office and I will not be able to swim for about a month and since I have not worked out since last week I am still unable to go to the gym (bodypump, Zumba etc). I am hoping by Saturday I can at least walk - this so sucks! I am getting a negative attitude and I so don't want that to happen. Keep good thoughts for me everyone I need them.

Weigh in - Speechless!

I have put myself in shock! I went for my bi weekly weigh in and due to not being able to exercise for the last week (as of today) and all the bad eating I have been doing since my son was here for his visit I cannot believe what the scale said this morning I lost 3 lbs! How is this possible? I am speechless..........

I am learning that my body is adjusting to my work outs and the way I have changed my eating habits. So when you feel like it is not worth it let me be the one to tell you it is!


My toe is on the mend and I am happy to report that I think I might be able to get back to bodypump this week - yeah! Tonight I am going to the Salsa class with Dee - I am so excited but scared - I will report back tomorrow to let you guys know how it went.

Happy Weekend!

I hope everyone had a great weekend I know I did. My son was in town visiting his dear sweet Mom for 4 days and boy am I tired! Thursday night I picked him up at the airport and jetted off to get his tattoo and then get ready for our busy day on Friday. On Friday I had to work all day so my Mom took him to Busch Gardens so he could spend some time with our friends (her daughters b-day weekend) and I would join them later that night. When I arrived at Busch Gardens (Hallow-O-Scream) it was a blast. I have not exercised since last Tuesday - the pool was closed last Wednesday so no swimming - and my Son came in on Thursday and so on - so no time for the gym (I am feeling it trust me). My feet are still sore from all the walking I did this weekend I just hope it was enough to keep me under my weight and not gain a pound. Saturday night we went out to eat with some friends at work and then on Sunday it was time for him to leave (sad for me). But in all a very busy weekend but I think I could have done a lot better on the exercise front (I really should have went to Zumba on Sunday). I am hoping this toe will heal better soon and not keep me from accomplishing my goals.

This week looks a lot better I am taking a Salsa class with my new friend Dee and I am really looking forward to it. No swimming this week (other obligations)bodypump on Thursday and cardio rest of week and this weekend I am off to join a scavenger hunt with some friends and I cannot wait to give it a try.

I have attached some pics of our weekend I also took a new pic of my son and I and updated it next to the old one on the right I do have to admit I do look a little different (yeah) - thanks everyone for stopping in!

This and That!

Over the last few days I have been nursing a toe injury (that is what I get for cleaning my house!). I went to Zumba on Sunday and was not able to participate the way I like. Then on Monday bodypump we start a new series (they switch it up every couple of months) and wouldn't you know it you have to use your feet a lot which means a lot of toe involved. So yesterday I went to have it looked at and thank goodness it is not broken just really bruised (it is blue). So no work out last night but tonight is swimming and I am actually looking forward to it. Also hard to train for the half marathon but I did get in 2 miles on Sunday (nothing since bummer) but I am determined to do it. There are some 5k/10k walks coming up in the next few months so I think I might give them a try and it will keep me focused on the big goal.

My son comes tomorrow night (cheers all around) and staying until Sunday so I am thinking not much gym time in the next few day. But we are going to Busch Gardens Hallow-O-Scream so I think I might get some walking in that might count right! But I am also thinking of taking him with me on Sunday to Zumba so he can see just what old Mom is up too. We will see.



My friend Dee went to a Salsa class last night and had such a blast so I am thinking of joining her next week. It really sounds like a lot of fun and as I always say anything that burns calories I am game. I will try and post some new pics from my trip with my Son and also update the pic on the right of him and I just to see if there is a difference (fingers crossed).

Not enough time

This weekend I set out to make a schedule of all the goals I have set for myself for the next few months and realized - there is not enough time in the day! Now I know this is nothing new but since I have been working on so many things I thought it would be nice to sit down and make a plan (I am a planner). Between work, my social life and the gym I have found I need more hours in the day. The half marathon I am working on is going to require a lot of time - time I am going to have to find. The problem I am having is it seems I might have to give up some of the activities I love at the gym. That would mean no bodypump or Zumba. I am just beside myself that I want be able to squeeze it all in. I really hope I can come up with something that will work - Any words of advice? What do you do?

Advantages

I am already benefiting from the advantages of having a friend to work out with. Thursday night at bodypump it was nice to have her in the class and be able to share the pains with someone (ha) and also to have someone to push you more and make you realize you can do it. Friday night was the same we did cardio and she inspired me to up my limit. Sometimes we convince ourselves we can only go so far well I am here to tell you that is not true. When I am on the machines I am one of those people who has to hold on for my life or I feel I will slip off - so I keep my speed really low. Well she encouraged me to push my limit and I have to say even though I was a little scared I did it and I feel great. Tomorrow we are going to join Zumba and also work on the half marathon together - I encourage you all to buddy up and see just what you can do!

Thanks Dee for inspiring me!

New Friend!

Last night was swimming (missed last week) and it was great. I always have the best time with my trainer she knows just what to do to keep me motivated thanks Donna! I meet a new friend through a local walk up group and we meet for coffee the other night and we were talking about our goals (she wants to set out on her own weight loss journey) and what we needed to do to be motivated. I was quite impressed with her attitude and also her goals (some are the same as mine - white water rafting!) and just what she wants out of life. We were talking and she asked me what gym I go to and I told her and she was like I am joining that gym - so one thing led to another and she is now officially a member - so starting tonight we are going to go to bodypump together and Zumba on Sunday. I have to say having a buddy will be nice and someone to keep me accountable is better - as I know I have been slacking a lot lately and not staying on point but also it is great to have someone who gets it. I posted a couple of months ago that when you are over weight it is hard for people who are not to understand what it is like to live in your head and she is on the same path as I am and understands the struggles. She also wants to participate in the half marathon I am working on so that will be a great plus for me. This week has been hard getting back on track after last week and working on losing that 1 lb (my trainer told me it is the muscle that I noticed I have now on my arms - good try Donna) and also staying focused on my goals but in all I WILL keep being motivated and now I have someone who will inspire me.

"Friendship with oneself is all-important, because without it one cannot be friends with anyone else in the world." Eleanor Roosevelt

Weigh in - Scale!

Today's weigh in was better than I expected I only gained 1 lbs. in the last 2 weeks -now before I get upset let me clarify a few things first. All last week I was so not on my plan - I ate out more than once (and did not eat healthy) I went to the movies on Saturday night and ate popcorn had soda etc. - also after the race I went and had a HUGE sundae and on Sunday I ate at a local place that has Sunday brunch and I had these wonderful pancakes with whipped cream yummo! So gaining 1 lb not something I am really worried about right now. So in all I did really great!

A couple of weeks ago I was telling my trainer my new focus is to not let the scale be my prisoner. I know I have discussed this before but the scale can rule your life if you let it. I could let this 1 lb gain upset me or just except it and move on and do better from now on. The scale can play with your emotions and also your happiness - I find if I am too focused on the scale I cannot do anything else and I let it rule me in so many ways. Having a good life is up to you don't let something that really does not matter in many ways determine who you are. I WILL lose the weight I have set for myself in the next few months and I WILL accomplish my training for the half marathon (which is really going to be tuff) and I know I WILL be successful. Let's free ourselves from this pattern and learn to love ourselves. I cannot believe I am writing this (ha) after only a few months my whole view of my journey has changed I have changed and I can see for the better and I can say it is the best feeling I have had in a long time. Thanks for keeping up with me!

Ready Set Go...............

Saturday was the 5k walk I have been talking about for months and it was great (helping the Children's Hospital a lone is well worth the walk).

We arrived at 8:30 am (the race started at 9:15 am) to get ready and I was greeted by all my co workers who attended the race and we all set out to stretch and get ready. First up was the children's mascot run and boy were they so cute! They had all kinds of mascots and children fun all day. Next was the 10k run/walkers and they headed out before us (as it takes a lot longer for them) then we were up! Well I was a walker so I got in the back as instructed (with my Mom yeah) and the rest of the guys were running so they were in the front. It was such a nice walk it really did not seem it was 3 miles. The neighbor hood they had us go through was so nice (really old homes and very shady). It seemed like it took forever but it was such a nice day who cared right. Well I came in last in my age group and 288 out of the whole race but you know what I DID it and I was so excited to participate. A HUGE thanks to Kyle (he came in 3rd in his age group - GO Kyle), Cindy, Ryan and my Mom for attending the race with me and also to my Trainer for keeping me in shape to be able to accomplish this goal. Now it is time to start training for the BIG Marathon (half) in March (I have decided I am so not ready) wish me luck!

It's finally time!

Tomorrow is the 5k I have been looking forward to for so long and I cannot wait! I will take photos and share. Wish me luck!

All is well!

Today is a great day my biopsy went well just a little soreness (today) but I am sure by tomorrow I will be 100%. No swimming last night (bummer) but tonight I think I might go to bodypump class since I don't want to over do it - I am still not 100% and since I am getting better at it I feel I can make it through the whole class (and it is a different instructor - my trainer wanted me to try out - so I will). But in all I feel really good today and cannot wait to get back at it. Have a great day everyone!

One more time......

Last night was Zumba and bodypump and this week I sucked even worse than last week. Sundays Zumba class was a lot easier (I guess which ever instructor you get really makes a difference) - but I was having such a great time who cares and all the calories I am burning made it well worth looking like a fool! Bodypump was great as usual and I think I figured out what I did to my wrist last week - we work on this move while laying down on the mat where we take the bar and bring it towards our forehead(s) and I noticed my wrist was hurting and weak and I asked one of the other ladies I take the class with and she told me she had the same problem and just not to overwork it and it will be ok - so note to self be careful! In all it was a great work out and I cannot wait for next week

Tonight I am going for my 3 mile walk with my friend Cindy (and I am bringing my sweet dog Starbuck) and with the weather it is going to be so nice.

Tomorrow I go for a biopsy (nothing to worry about) and will be out for the night so no swimming (I am really bummed) but hopefully on Thursday I will be back 100% (the Doctor told me I should be) and I will be getting ready for the big 5k on Saturday (I am really looking forward to it). Hope you all have a great Tuesday night and Wednesday....I will be back!

Tagged!

Liz at http://inventingmylife.blogspot.com/ tagged me today with a list of questions about myself below are the answers.

1. What time did you get up this morning? 4:45 am (Have to be at work at 6:30 am)

2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds (wish I owned some)


3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emporer.

4. What is your favorite TV show? Bones

5. What do you usually have for breakfast? Egg whites with spinach, banana and water.

6. What is your middle name? Leigh

7. What food do you dislike? Octopus, cantaloupe, watermelon


8. What is your favorite CD at the moment? The Pussycat Dolls – “Doll Domination”


9. What kind of car do you drive? Trailblazer - Chevy


10. Favorite sandwich? BLT

11. What characteristic do you despise? Someone who is not compassionate


12. Favorite item of clothing? Purses (I know it is an accessory) – I have so many!

13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Paris France.

14. Favorite brand of clothing? Don’t really have one.

15. Where would you retire to? I would like to live abroad.

16. What was your most recent memorable birthday? Spending time with all of my friends in Florida.

17. Favorite sport to watch? soccer/football.

18. When is your birthday? May13th

19. Are you a morning person or a night person? Morning

20. What is your shoe size? Way to big!

21. Pets? Starbuck my dog

22. Any new and exciting news you’d like to share with us? I am working on a half marathon for March of 2009.

23. What did you want to be when you were little? Fashion Designer

24. How are you today? I feel really good and ready for anything.

25. What is your favorite candy(lollie/chocolate)? Chocolate!

26. What is your favorite flower? Roses and Sunflowers.

27. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? When I reach my weight goal!

28. What is your full name? Ooh, not quite ready to reveal that much into the blogosphere….

29. What are you listening to right now? Mix of old and new songs.

30. What was the last thing you ate? Banana.

31. Do you wish on stars? Yes.

32. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Green

33. How is the weather right now? Cloudy.

34. The first person you spoke to on the phone today? No one

35. Favorite soft drink? Barq’s root beer

36. Favorite restaurant? Ruby Tuesday’s

37. Real hair color? Dirty blond

38. What was your favorite toy as a child? A stuffed bear my Uncle gave me that was from Germany

39. Summer or winter? Winter. (I love snow!)

40. Hugs or kisses? Kisses.

41. Chocolate or Vanilla? Vanilla

42. Coffee or tea? Tea

43. When was the last time you cried? Over 2 weeks ago

44. What is under your bed? Dog toys

45. What did you do last night? Went to the Fair

46. What are you afraid of? Heights

47. Salty or sweet? Both (together)

48. How many keys on your key ring? 6

49. How many years at your current job? 1

50. Favorite day of the week? Saturday

51. How many places have you lived in? 3

52. Do you make friends easily? Yes.

I tag zandria (http://www.zandria.us/), Kim (http://icannotbelieveiamblogging.blogspot.com/) and Joy http://joyjournies.blogspot.com/ ) tag your it!

More Zumba and Fair time!

This weekend was really jammed packed for me. On Saturday worked out and included swimming (loving it)!. I also went to a street fair in one of the old part of town and it was so much fun. A lot of food (that I cannot eat) there and a lot of walking (yeah). I always have people ask me is it really tuff for you to pass up great food when you are at something like this? Well in all honesty - yes. But all I can think about is how many calories are in that one item - so I just pass and focus on the great time I am having.

On Sunday I went to the Zumba class and it was a lot of fun! I think I have found something I really like - I am terrible (that coordination thing again) but it is just to much fun to pass up - I am sweating so much and knowing I am burning a lot of calories and gaining strength - is a plus for me! I also went to the State Fair today and had such a wonderful time. I love going and seeing all the exhibits and the animals. It reminds me of the years I spent at my Grandparents farm and how much I really miss it. Today I really worked my legs (in preparation for the walk this Saturday) and feel I am really ready for it. Attached are some pictures of the fair I went to today hope you enjoy!

Baby sheep!

Baby pig - how cute!

HUGE Cow!

Baby Ducks!

BIG Catfish!

It's the GREAT PUMPKIN!

The ZIPPER - long story but this ride cured me of ever riding any rides at the Fair!

This and that

Since bodypump on Monday my right wrist has been hurting - not sure what happened but it has been really hard to move it around and grip some things - I think I might have strained it - note to self don't over do it next time!

Swimming was good but I was really upset about something that I found to be rude - my trainer and I were in the pool and this guy was working with his trainer on his pool exercises - let me give you guys a little back ground my trainer and I are in the pool together we work on my exercises together she never leaves me by myself or just tells me how to do something and expect me to just do it - the guy was in the pool and his trainer was sitting on the side of the pool area telling him what he needed to work on (remember this is an indoor pool) and let me just say she was not being quiet about it. I would be doing my laps and you could not help but notice what was being said and how it was being related to this guy - after about the 3rd pass I asked my trainer why is she not in the pool with him? Her answer was she did not know - after a few minutes we both looked at each other because we could not believe what she was saying to him- they were talking about his eating habits and what he should and should not be doing - she was not being nice about it believe me. My concern with this type of training is #1) she should be in the pool with him and helping him one on one not sitting in her chair on the sidelines #2) you don't tell someone in an enclosed area where it is echoing for everyone to hear (see) that you really should not eat that and you really should be doing this etc. Personally I would be so embarrassed if my session went like this - My trainer would NEVER do this - she respects who I am and what we are doing and knows that this is a personal experience and I don't need the whole world knowing it. I hope this guy catches on to this and tells his trainer you know I think I need you to work with "me".

Thursday night I splurged and went out and had a real Hamburger - I have been craving one for about 2 weeks and since I met my goal last week I thought I would just do it. I have to say it was good but I only ate half of it and was so satisfied (to my surprise). I keep surprising myself each day on how much I have changed in my eating habits (in the past I would eat that and more) just my way of thinking and I can honestly say it feels really nice to be able to say it out loud.

This weekend I am going to a festival on Saturday and then the State Fair on Sunday - so I should get a lot of walking in - Which will come in handy for the 5k I am walking next week. Hope everyone has a great weekend.