Row, Row, Row the Fluff

Here we are mid Week 16...I think...It is really getting a bit challenging to keep up with the weeks.  I hope you all have made it over the Hump on Hump Day.  I am at work...Surprise!! 

I am hoping not to be here till all hours...here's to HOPE!!!!  So last night...I changed up my workout a little.  I started with the rowing machine...interesting...a little difficult...but I liked it.  I did about 10 minutes of rowing and then on to the bike for another hour.  It was a good workout...the rowing machine used an entirely different set of muscles and some of mine are not all that thrilled today!! LOL!  It does not take much to remind me that my body is middle-aged!  I am telling you, sometimes my brain forgets.  I decide to try something new and I sashay right over to the new machine...rowing, elliptical...whatever...I hop on and WHAM....my  body says...Not so fast Fluffy!!!

  My BRAIN says...this is easy...you got this...but the ole body begs to differ.  Now here is the kicker for me...sometimes as I am trying to master one of the new machines (particularly the Evil Elliptical) and invariably someone will step up right next to me...someone typically much older than I am and just start motoring!!!  Some of them are even reading, chatting with their neighbor (not me)...NOT breathing hard while I am completely sucking wind and sweating like I am in the Sahara!!! Now I try not to compare myself with others...but I must admit that when I am working out next to a 75 year old who is smoking me on whatever apparatus I am on...well...let's just say it is a bit damaging to my ego!!! HA!

But I figure they typically are not carrying around another person in the form of Fluff!!!!  So...I just keep going for as long as I can stand it and sometimes a little beyond.  Not too beyond though...my biggest fear is that I will pass out and one of those 75 year old butt kickers will have to save my life...talk about an ego buster!!!

So...I am off to the gym...I MUST...I MUST....I MUST DECREASE MY FLUFF!!!!

Thank you to those of you who sent in some suggestions for Mini-Goals and Workouts for the Fluffy Girl....Keep em coming....Remember, we are brainstorming!!!

See you tomorrow!!!

Living Out Loud

Happy Tuesday to all!  I hope your day has been happy, healthy and productive!  My day has been busy...surprise, surprise.  I am don't want to wish my life away...however, I am looking forward to the end of the year when work slows down for about 10 minutes :).  Of course, I am still at work...but am hoping to leave in about an hour.  Then it is on to the gym. 

Brainstorming....I like brainstorming.  You know...just jotting down ideas freely...no rules...just getting thoughts on to paper.  It is even more fun when done with another person or better yet....a group of people.  I like the creative energy.  For example, this weekend my Mom, my cousin Julie and I were sitting around the table just talking...and the topic came up about how we might organize the charity volleyball event next year...I had been kinda stuck on exactly how I envision the event.  I had several ideas...but no real clarity.  Then Julie came up with a format and it fit perfectly for me.  I  LOVE that...I love stealing other people's ideas...JUST KIDDING!!!  Seriously though...it was perfect and now, thanks to JuJu...I can move forward to the next thing. 

SO...this brings me to my next topic...Mini-Goals and Workouts...I would like to "brainstorm" with any of you that are willing to create a list of possible workouts (for a Fluffy Girl) and possible mini-goals.  As I have said in previous posts...I have a few mini-goal ideas...but I would LOVE it if you guys could share any ideas...thoughts, Epiphanies, Burning Bush moments, AHHAAA  moments. 

Now I know you guys are busy as bees...but it would be really awesome to have a virtual brainstorming session right here.  I know some of you have found it difficult to comment here...If you are on my FB page you can certainly send your ideas there, you can send it via email, and I am pretty sure you can leave comments on the blog even if you are not a subscriber.  Send smoke signals if you have to...I need ideas, please, please, please. 

I need to keep this Journey interesting, fun, exciting, challenging, etc...I just sent a friend an email saying how important this Journey has become...not only is it shaping my future health...but it is shaping the way I want to live my life.  I want to live "out loud"....just like I am living this Journey to lose 120lbs.  Believe me when I say that it is not always comfortable for me to write these posts.  I at times, have a little "risk remorse" afterwards..but overall, every moment has been worth it!

Thank you for taking the time to read this and Thank you for your unbelievable support. 

Here is a little tidbit about circuit training.  Thought it was interesting. 

http://www.freedieting.com/circuit_training.htm

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle.

The other is as though everything is a miracle."  ~Albert Einstein

I am here to PUMP YOU UP!!!

It's Monday...and I am back on track...Worked til 7:00 PM...Worked out from 7:30 to 9:00 and now I am home..getting my Cyber Monday shopping done!!!!  Can't tell you what I got though...it might be for you...you never know!  :).

So, I am still super busy at work and I would talk about maintaining Balance in my life...but I am tired of hearing myself talk about it...so let's just say that "balance" is a work in progress...much like my body! 

I was a little concerned that my workout would be really difficult given my time off..BUT.....much to my surprise...I had a great workout!!  Did the bike...lifted weights...worked legs, upper body and back!  WHOOP!!!! 

I am hoping that I can have a good solid workout week...pumpin' iron!  Made me think of Hanz and Franz....We are here to PUMP YOU UP!!!

http://www.hulu.com/#!watch/4184

Seriously though...I felt good in my workout tonite and I actually felt stronger and more amazingly, I actually felt lighter during my workout...that may sound odd...I am not even sure what I mean when I say that...but lighter is the word that describes it best.  I have said before that the beginning of my workouts are difficult...I am not fast out of the gates..but tonite...starting my workout was easier...I did not feel so labored...I felt lighter!  Whatever it is...I like it!

A couple of updates before I go...

• Remember to Save the Date-August 17th, 2013.  We are planning a charity volleyball game/games to celebrate (hopefully) my loss of 120lbs and giving back to organizations that support children's health and well-being.  We are in the process of planning and determining the charitable organizations that will receive the money raised at the event.  I want this event to be a celebration of overcoming obstacles,celebrating accomplishment and an effort to give back in some way.  I will keep you posted!
• Also...RUDOLPH RUN is December 8th!
• Another  mini-goal is in the works....details coming soon!

I hope you all have a great Tuesday...Let's Get Pumped Up!!! MAWA!!!!

Time to FIRE UP!!!

HAPPY SUNDAY!!!! I hope it has been a great holiday weekend for everyone..Great time with family, friends, traveling, good company and of course, great food. 

Tone Tone and I just got home from our road trip to New Boston...it was great...relaxing, fun, lots of laughing and a beautiful drive home.  We got to see some Christmas lights on the way home which we both LOVE and again...the Fall colors were particularly beautiful. 

Now...I am ready to get back down to business and push hard through Christmas.  I would love to have a few more weight loss feathers in my cap before Christmas rolls around. 

I LOVE Christmas...every single thing about it...it is filled with inspiration, love, kindness and giving...I want to "feed" off that Spirit throughout this entire Journey!

Tomorrow is back to work, back to workout and back to kickin some serious hind end...Time to FIRE up the "MaWa" inspiration and Forge ON!!!  Again, I received some really great supportive tips from several friends and family over Thanksgiving weekend and I greatly appreciate each and every one. 

Thanks to Julie,Jeff and the "Men" for making us feel so welcome in their home.  Thank JUJU for all the healthy snacks and for creating a "no temptation zone" for me!!!  I appreciate the thoughtfulness!!  Thanks Wil and Jake for giving up your rooms...especially the comfy beds!!!  GO LIONS...State BOUND!!!! 

Here are a few pics...just random shots...us playing games, the drive home and Jefferson, TX (love this little town).  If you have not ever had the chance to drive Texas (particularly East and Central/Hill Country) back roads in the Fall or Spring...you gotta give it a go...wonderful!
                        

                         




Also, I have included a link below for the RUDOLPH RUN...December 8th...(Pester, Pester, Pester)

http://www.active.com/more-sports/houston-tx/2nd-annual-rudolph-fun-run-2012?act=EMC-RegConfirmation&Version=Duathlon&Event=&Property=Active&Sections=Body&Creative=RegConfFor&ArtText=Txt_1&Content=Event_Details




Here is another random CNN video...reminded of my great grandmother (she liked to give the little kids in the family a taste of lemon and watch their expressions)


http://www.cnn.com/video/?hpt=hp_c3#/video/showbiz/2012/11/21/sbt-dad-pranks-son.hln


Watch out Monday...Here  I Come!!!

Walking in New Boston

Happy Saturday...I hope you all are having a great day!!! A great Holiday Weekend!!!! I know I am!  I needed a change in scenery and a change of pace!! That is one of the reasons I love coming here to New Boston...it is nice to be in a small town with a slower pace and people I love!!!  Sweet. 

So...I slept until almost NOON today...YEA for ME!!!  I was soooo tired I guess and the beds up in here are soooo comfy...:)   Mom and I are always threatening to move in here every time we visit!!!  I know the Boys would be more than happy to give up their rooms...NOT!! 

We had lunch...sat around...laughed and talked...just a completely CHILL kinda  day.  As I said in an earlier post...I really wanted to get a some exercise in while we are here..It would be pretty easy for me to just lay around...I do that really well.  However, I want to make sure my body does not forget what we are trying to accomplish here.  After being sick last week and my crazy work schedule plus Turkey Day festivities...I did not work out last week....thus, I can promise you, my body is already kicking into shut down mode.  SO....My JuJu and I headed to the city park and did a 2 mile walk!  It felt great...the air here is really cool (about 54 degrees) and the fall colors are really great.  We got to talk and the 2 miles went really quickly!!!  I really enjoyed the walk and the company. 

So far the rest of this afternoon has been spent wisely..watching and talking football with Jeff!!  AS IT SHOULD BE!

Tonight will be game playing...Jake, Wes, Wilson, Hayley, Julie, Jeff and Tone Tone and I!  We love us some games!!! 

Thanks to Aunt Charlotte and Aunt Lois for reminding me that my not working out last week most likely contributed to my 1.5lb gain and not just Thanksgiving dining!!!  They both always send me great messages!!!  Love them!

I am looking forward to the rest of the weekend and to having a great week 15!  I am ready for my next Mini-Goal...Looking forward to the walk AND I have a couple of ideas for another mini-goal for a little later down the road....I am actually really excited about one in particular but need to firm up some plans before I "officially" announce it! 



I am prepared to run (or at least walk) as many miles as I need to!!!!  MAWA!!!!

Never Moving Backwards

Hi to all....it is REALLY late!  We traveled most of the day....Got to New Boston @ 2:45 pm....went to a pep rally for the  boys at 3:30 and had to leave for the game at 5:00...drove about 45 min. to Mt. Pleasant for a 7:30 pm kick off...
The New Boston Lions won 40 to 7...and The Teague Boyz had a great game!!  It was COLD! 
I LOVED EVERY MINUTE.  Something so uplifting about watching high school football in COLD weather.  Watching those kids play their hearts out....inspiring!

Ok...so I was not able to post my weight today...I can't seem to access it via mobile....BUT...you won't be surprised to find out that I gained 1.5lbs....Yep!  Post Turkey Day poundage!  But...I can live with that...not thrilled but not shocked!

I will be working toward better results for week 15! 
I did my weekly check in with Kerri Walsh...she sent a great message reminding me to keep pushing...she said "you are never moving backward, even if it feels that way a bit!"...LOVE HER....What an awesome human being!

I also received a few really great messages of support and words of encouragement from some people who have successfully taken this kind of Journey....INSPIRING!  Thank you!

Ok...I am attempting to attach a few photos...hope u enjoy!  I now must sleep! 

Photos are of the boys, their Area Champs trophy, Tone Tone and I freezing, and the Pep Rally.

Fun-Family-Blessings

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!  I hope all of you had a fabulous day and were surrounded by Blessings galore!  WE had a great day surrounded by our Blessings....family and friends...We certainly laughed, watched our Houston Texans win a crazy game in Detroit and we ate some fantastic food.  The Fluffy Girl did O.K.   I enjoyed my meal and did NOT completely pig out.  GO FG!!! 
I made a broccoli/potato puree...that sort of looked gross...actually just plain ole looked gross....but tasted good (at least to me)!  Mom made a slimmed down version of my favorite green bean casserole and I made a fresh fruit salad.  Not too bad for a serial carb eater!!!  I skipped on  the dressing, broccoli and rice casserole, mashed potatoes and pecan pie...BUT my fab cousin Lisa made a really tasty weight watchers dessert!  Thanks Lis! 

It was a relaxing day...we checked out my cousin Barb and Ronnie's brand new house (still under construction) and I got to hang out with some of the  kiddos! 

Everyone was really supportive and very kind to let me know that they are supporting me in conquering this task.  Again, I am really blessed!  OH and did I mention that the HOUSTON TEXANS are 10 and 1....just sayin'

Tomorrow morning Mom and I are bounding out of bed at 6:30...loading the car and heading to NEW BOSTON to cheer on the UNDEFEATED NEW BOSTON LIONS as they TAME the Commerce Tigers!!!  ROAR!!!!!

I am so looking forward to getting away...driving a few back roads, seeing some high school football and spending quality time with Julie, Jeff, Jake, Wes and Wilson. 

OK....I must discuss the business of Weigh In #14....It is tomorrow...and I have a "gut" feeling that it will be my first official "gain"...however, I am mentally ready to make Week 15 a winning week...I have to prepare for my Mini Goal #2...and most importantly I WANT to be inspired  and inspire, work hard, and accomplish this goal!!!!  INSPIRE, WORK, ACCOMPLISH

Here are a few pics...not great ones...but a few pics from the day! 

I hope you all have a great rest of the weekend...Thank you for being a Blessing! 


      
                    

  FUN

  Family

 

 

                                  

   Blessings