I must admit, as far as daily exercise goes, I have been exercising at least once a day, but I just don't feel like I've been putting in my usual 110%. Instead of getting excited and looking forward to sweating and working hard, I was begrudgingly trudging down to the gym and working out for twenty minutes and then stomping back upstairs, missing that uplifting rush I normally get from working out.
Last night, I did the Power Sculpt DVD that I'm in love with, I looked forward to working out instead of dreading it, and I actually haven't felt that good from working out in a week or so. Endorphins rushed through me I could feel my muscles screaming with joy, I felt amazing the whole rest of that night, it was fantastic. I can't believe I had forgotten what a great workout feels like!
I'm looking forward to tonight's workout, I'll be doing the Cardio Max DVD and it's going to be great. I can't wait to jump around and expel all this energy and burn some fat!
I also went grocery shopping for this week's food and I'm excited about the meals I'm going to make. Today I had a grilled portabello mushroom sandwich with green pepper and red onion. Delicious! Tomorrow I'm making steak fajitas. I had planned on making a lamb burger on Thursday, but I couldn't find any lamb at Kroger. Not sure if they were out, or just don't carry it... but hopefully I can find some because I want to try some new meats. I'm tired of chicken and beef and fish, which is all I ever eat. So I'm branching out and trying some new meats!
This weekend is also Memorial Day weekend, which means hopefully my family will have some sort of picnic, and that will be fun. I might even be brave and wear some shorts or go swimming! I'm very excited! Also, Abbey Road on the River is this weekend and I look forward to that every year, it's a big music festival dedicated to the musical genius of my favorite band: The Beatles. It's going to be a nice day of fun in the sun and live music! I can't wait, I might buy a sundress for the event and wear sandals.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
day forty-two: putting myself first
This seems to be what holds most people back from living their own happy and healthy lifestyles. They have kids, they have car payments, they have two jobs, they have family members they are caring for, they have mortgages, they have child support payments, they have bills and rent, they have school, they have spouses, they have other priorities that come first in their lives over themselves.
I don't have those things, so most people would think I don't understand how hard overcoming those obstacles is, and maybe I don't. I have a good-paying job that is relatively not stressful. My schooling is paid for through a state-sponsored scholarship. I have money saved up to where I can take trips if I want to and buy the things I want and my bills are never late in the meantime. I understand that in my life, putting myself first isn't just easy, it's what my life is really about. That may sound selfish, or even immature, but I love that I've chosen to put myself first and make my health and happiness a priority.
And even though I don't have the mitigating factors such as kids and a mortgage to worry about, I do know that everyone can do the same if they put their mind to it. Because putting yourself first is not about ignoring the rest of the world or those that depend on you. It's about seeing value in yourself, in your life, in your well-being. I know your kids, family, pets, whatever are important to you. I know you have to work two jobs while busting your ass in school to make ends meet. I know you have bills to pay and mouths to feed. But you are also wasting away and letting that hectic life you lead become who you are.
You can't let that happen. Before you know it, you'll be forty-five and wondering where your life went. Why you don't feel good about yourself even though in reality you accomplished so much in your life. But you won't feel that you have, you'll feel wasted, you may feel like you've lived your life for others, and you have. You can't allow that to happen. You have to step up and say, "No one can make me important, but me, and it's high time I did that!"
I know not everyone can afford to buy exercise equipment or spend an hour a day on exercise. I understand that. I know not everyone can buy fresh vegetables at the store three times a week or have time to make fresh meals every day. I know not everyone can plan out everything in their week because there are outside factors that pop up to throw everything off track. I know not everyone can do those specific things, but I'm begging you to make that choice: put yourself first. At least sometimes in your life, you need to put your needs above everyone else.
No one else can find your health and happiness for you, not even doctors. You have to do it for yourself. It isn't selfish! You have one life to lead and letting everyone else live it around you, working so hard for everyone else's health and happiness is not what your life should be about. Help others, take care of others, care about others, yes, but you have to take some time, maybe only once a week if that's all you can manage, every day would be ideal, and live for you.
I found that once I realized that I am truly responsible for my own happiness and health, it became all too easy to find these things. I couldn't rely on other people pushing me to be more than I am because I just resented them telling me what to do. I had to find the power and drive within myself. I had to realize that hating myself and just living day to day just to get by wasn't making for a worthwhile existence. Only I can push myself to live a good life. And I'm finally doing it! You can, too. Don't wait. Do it now!
I don't have those things, so most people would think I don't understand how hard overcoming those obstacles is, and maybe I don't. I have a good-paying job that is relatively not stressful. My schooling is paid for through a state-sponsored scholarship. I have money saved up to where I can take trips if I want to and buy the things I want and my bills are never late in the meantime. I understand that in my life, putting myself first isn't just easy, it's what my life is really about. That may sound selfish, or even immature, but I love that I've chosen to put myself first and make my health and happiness a priority.
And even though I don't have the mitigating factors such as kids and a mortgage to worry about, I do know that everyone can do the same if they put their mind to it. Because putting yourself first is not about ignoring the rest of the world or those that depend on you. It's about seeing value in yourself, in your life, in your well-being. I know your kids, family, pets, whatever are important to you. I know you have to work two jobs while busting your ass in school to make ends meet. I know you have bills to pay and mouths to feed. But you are also wasting away and letting that hectic life you lead become who you are.
You can't let that happen. Before you know it, you'll be forty-five and wondering where your life went. Why you don't feel good about yourself even though in reality you accomplished so much in your life. But you won't feel that you have, you'll feel wasted, you may feel like you've lived your life for others, and you have. You can't allow that to happen. You have to step up and say, "No one can make me important, but me, and it's high time I did that!"
I know not everyone can afford to buy exercise equipment or spend an hour a day on exercise. I understand that. I know not everyone can buy fresh vegetables at the store three times a week or have time to make fresh meals every day. I know not everyone can plan out everything in their week because there are outside factors that pop up to throw everything off track. I know not everyone can do those specific things, but I'm begging you to make that choice: put yourself first. At least sometimes in your life, you need to put your needs above everyone else.
No one else can find your health and happiness for you, not even doctors. You have to do it for yourself. It isn't selfish! You have one life to lead and letting everyone else live it around you, working so hard for everyone else's health and happiness is not what your life should be about. Help others, take care of others, care about others, yes, but you have to take some time, maybe only once a week if that's all you can manage, every day would be ideal, and live for you.
I found that once I realized that I am truly responsible for my own happiness and health, it became all too easy to find these things. I couldn't rely on other people pushing me to be more than I am because I just resented them telling me what to do. I had to find the power and drive within myself. I had to realize that hating myself and just living day to day just to get by wasn't making for a worthwhile existence. Only I can push myself to live a good life. And I'm finally doing it! You can, too. Don't wait. Do it now!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
wayward weekend
This weekend has been the first time since I started (save jury duty) that my whole schedule has been thrown completely out of whack. I woke up around 11:30 AM and had yogurt and toast with Nutella for breakfast. Not bad, and then I pretty much lazed around all day, explaining in my head that since it was reward day, I didn't need to bust my ass cleaning my apartment or running around doing errands.
Random Product Placement I'm Not Being Paid For: One thing I did do was wax my legs. I hate dealing with hair removal. It's the one part about being a woman that I truly despise and hate. It's time-consuming, it costs money (what DOESN'T cost money about being a woman??? Feminine hygiene products, bras we have to wear and men don't, birth control, etc.) waxing can be painful, and worse, men don't have to do it. But I'm not going to get up on my feminist soapbox in this blog. I can do that on my other blogs.
Anyway, hair removal for me is always a big debacle because I hate doing it, so I am always looking for quick, easy, relatively painless, and un-messy ways to remove hair from my legs and body. A co-worker told me about Nair Milk and Honey Microwaveable Roll-On Wax.
This. Stuff. Is. Sent. From. Heaven. I love it, it's easy to use, it's fast, it hurts because there's no way waxing can't hurt, but it's not so bad once you get started. I've never really minded waxing, it's the messiness involved that drives me crazy, but this roll-on wax eliminates that. And the best part? It's water-soluble, so even if you do get some on the tub, or there's residue left on your leg after ripping off a strip, it's easily rinsed off with warm water. It's amazing, sincerely it is. Just thought I would give them a shout out since they made my hair removal experience, normally an annoying nightmare, quite an easy and simple excursion.
That's enough of that, back to more important matters, like what I got up to this weekend that's knocked me so off my Happy Healthy Gina course (but not really).
So I woke up, had breakfast, waxed my legs, and chatted with my man for the whole afternoon into the evening. I had lunch (breakfast burrito) and then went to Kohl's to buy those sparkly shoes I really wanted. They didn't have my size, and after I tried a few pairs on, I realized how uncomfortable they were going to be anyway, so I shopped around and settled on a silver pair of lower heels that ended up looking amazing with the "faux jeans" Vera Wang leggings I also bought on that excursion to Kohl's and the purple top I decided to wear.
I. Actually. Felt. Attractive. Of course, my man saying that he could have a wank even if he was only allowed to see me from the calves down with those leggings and shoes definitely helped, but I just knew I looked quite good last night, even if he hadn't said that before I went out. I have never felt that way in my life. Ever. I have never thought, "Hey, someone could glance at me and find me attractive in this outfit I'm wearing." It was an amazing feeling and one I'm now quite hungry for and can't wait to feel again.
Clothes do matter, and I never cared about them before. Before, I just bought clothes that I could fit into without ballooning over the top too badly, or clothes that didn't cling to my jelly rolls. Now that I know what it feels like to wear clothes that actually fit and show off my best attributes (my boobies and legs) I know that I can look and feel attractive and it's a truly eye-opening feeling. I can't believe I've gone my whole life unable to feel that way, never thinking there was any way I could feel that feeling.
I gave up on myself, I had let myself down. Thankfully, it didn't take a mid-life crisis or later to realize my mistake and fix it. I am on the right path to making myself a whole, happy, and healthy person, and nothing is going to stop me now. I've had a taste of the rewarding benefits of my efforts, and there's no turning back. I'm hooked on healthiness and happiness and it's an addiction I'm never going to break.
I didn't get in until past 6:00 A.M. last night, and it was completely worth it. I don't care that I had a Jimmy John's sandwich around 3:00 AM (NOT allowed in my eating schedule), I don't care that I had three rum and Cokes (sodas are NOT allowed, either)... It was all worth it, and I won't be going out like this every weekend. This is the first time in at least the two months that I've been doing this whole thing that I have, so I don't feel guilty at all. It was too much fun and I felt way too good about myself to regret it.
I need to go clothes shopping and buy better fitting clothes. It was too amazing... :)
P.S. I almost forgot to mention another awesome thing that happened yesterday at Kohl's... I decided to try on some shorts just to see what they would look like on me because one of my goals for this summer is to buy some shorts, a bathing suit, and a sundress, and wear them all a few times. I haven't owned any of those items in a long time, and I think it's high time I did. But anyway, I tried on some shorts, and I fit into a size 24. I didn't try a size 22, but I bet I could have fit into them, even though they might have been a bit tight. When I started this whole thing nearly 40 days ago, I was wearing size 28 jeans and dress slacks. I tried on size 24 jean shorts yesterday and could fit them.
Also, the Vera Wang leggings I bought, I bought them in the size I already have a few pairs in because I knew I could fit them. They were actually a little bit baggy on me, so I probably could have gone down a size in those, too. I'm so excited. I love seeing the sizes go down and the numbers on the scale going down. It's so enthralling and makes me feel so good. Being happy and healthy is the best decision I've ever made.
Random Product Placement I'm Not Being Paid For: One thing I did do was wax my legs. I hate dealing with hair removal. It's the one part about being a woman that I truly despise and hate. It's time-consuming, it costs money (what DOESN'T cost money about being a woman??? Feminine hygiene products, bras we have to wear and men don't, birth control, etc.) waxing can be painful, and worse, men don't have to do it. But I'm not going to get up on my feminist soapbox in this blog. I can do that on my other blogs.
Anyway, hair removal for me is always a big debacle because I hate doing it, so I am always looking for quick, easy, relatively painless, and un-messy ways to remove hair from my legs and body. A co-worker told me about Nair Milk and Honey Microwaveable Roll-On Wax.
This. Stuff. Is. Sent. From. Heaven. I love it, it's easy to use, it's fast, it hurts because there's no way waxing can't hurt, but it's not so bad once you get started. I've never really minded waxing, it's the messiness involved that drives me crazy, but this roll-on wax eliminates that. And the best part? It's water-soluble, so even if you do get some on the tub, or there's residue left on your leg after ripping off a strip, it's easily rinsed off with warm water. It's amazing, sincerely it is. Just thought I would give them a shout out since they made my hair removal experience, normally an annoying nightmare, quite an easy and simple excursion.
That's enough of that, back to more important matters, like what I got up to this weekend that's knocked me so off my Happy Healthy Gina course (but not really).
So I woke up, had breakfast, waxed my legs, and chatted with my man for the whole afternoon into the evening. I had lunch (breakfast burrito) and then went to Kohl's to buy those sparkly shoes I really wanted. They didn't have my size, and after I tried a few pairs on, I realized how uncomfortable they were going to be anyway, so I shopped around and settled on a silver pair of lower heels that ended up looking amazing with the "faux jeans" Vera Wang leggings I also bought on that excursion to Kohl's and the purple top I decided to wear.
I. Actually. Felt. Attractive. Of course, my man saying that he could have a wank even if he was only allowed to see me from the calves down with those leggings and shoes definitely helped, but I just knew I looked quite good last night, even if he hadn't said that before I went out. I have never felt that way in my life. Ever. I have never thought, "Hey, someone could glance at me and find me attractive in this outfit I'm wearing." It was an amazing feeling and one I'm now quite hungry for and can't wait to feel again.
Clothes do matter, and I never cared about them before. Before, I just bought clothes that I could fit into without ballooning over the top too badly, or clothes that didn't cling to my jelly rolls. Now that I know what it feels like to wear clothes that actually fit and show off my best attributes (my boobies and legs) I know that I can look and feel attractive and it's a truly eye-opening feeling. I can't believe I've gone my whole life unable to feel that way, never thinking there was any way I could feel that feeling.
I gave up on myself, I had let myself down. Thankfully, it didn't take a mid-life crisis or later to realize my mistake and fix it. I am on the right path to making myself a whole, happy, and healthy person, and nothing is going to stop me now. I've had a taste of the rewarding benefits of my efforts, and there's no turning back. I'm hooked on healthiness and happiness and it's an addiction I'm never going to break.
I didn't get in until past 6:00 A.M. last night, and it was completely worth it. I don't care that I had a Jimmy John's sandwich around 3:00 AM (NOT allowed in my eating schedule), I don't care that I had three rum and Cokes (sodas are NOT allowed, either)... It was all worth it, and I won't be going out like this every weekend. This is the first time in at least the two months that I've been doing this whole thing that I have, so I don't feel guilty at all. It was too much fun and I felt way too good about myself to regret it.
I need to go clothes shopping and buy better fitting clothes. It was too amazing... :)
P.S. I almost forgot to mention another awesome thing that happened yesterday at Kohl's... I decided to try on some shorts just to see what they would look like on me because one of my goals for this summer is to buy some shorts, a bathing suit, and a sundress, and wear them all a few times. I haven't owned any of those items in a long time, and I think it's high time I did. But anyway, I tried on some shorts, and I fit into a size 24. I didn't try a size 22, but I bet I could have fit into them, even though they might have been a bit tight. When I started this whole thing nearly 40 days ago, I was wearing size 28 jeans and dress slacks. I tried on size 24 jean shorts yesterday and could fit them.
Also, the Vera Wang leggings I bought, I bought them in the size I already have a few pairs in because I knew I could fit them. They were actually a little bit baggy on me, so I probably could have gone down a size in those, too. I'm so excited. I love seeing the sizes go down and the numbers on the scale going down. It's so enthralling and makes me feel so good. Being happy and healthy is the best decision I've ever made.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
has nothing to do with this blog
but I can't upload photos to Facebook from work for some reason, LOL, and I wanted to show off this idea.
Outfit for Connections?
Black leggings, purple pink grey and black shirt, and brand new sexy sparkly heels? Not sure what kind of makeup to wear, I think I'll wear the copper brown eye makeup I love and pink lip gloss.
My other idea is the smaller size jeans I have and a blue top that is short-sleeved and has a lower Vneck with these heels and the same makeup.
I'm just so damned excited to dress up and go out and dance and drink. It's been too long and I never feel good about myself in crowds of beautiful vibrant people. This time I may just feel like I might stand out, and in a good way, too!
Outfit for Connections?
Black leggings, purple pink grey and black shirt, and brand new sexy sparkly heels? Not sure what kind of makeup to wear, I think I'll wear the copper brown eye makeup I love and pink lip gloss.
My other idea is the smaller size jeans I have and a blue top that is short-sleeved and has a lower Vneck with these heels and the same makeup.
I'm just so damned excited to dress up and go out and dance and drink. It's been too long and I never feel good about myself in crowds of beautiful vibrant people. This time I may just feel like I might stand out, and in a good way, too!
rewarding myself
The incentives to continue on this most epic journey of personal achievement are sometimes intangible. But every so often, being the human female that I am, I yearn for something tangible that I can hold, touch, and revel in owning as a reward for working hard. I feel like I've worked very hard becoming a happier, healthier me.
Have I reached a particular weight goal? No, because I don't have a weight goal. Have I reached a particular pant's or clothing size? No, because I haven't set a goal for that, either.
But I have reached a time where I just want something. I want a present, I want physical acknowledgment that I have come a long way and am doing great. Basically, I want to spend some money. So, I'm rewarding myself for working out nearly every day since I started this journey. I'm rewarding myself for not eating out this whole time and for eating less portions and sticking to my eating schedule. I'm rewarding myself for sticking to my guns and not letting myself down.
How am I going to reward myself?
Yes. Yes. Yes. I have wanted these shoes since the day I laid eyes on them earlier this year in Kohl's. The price tag kept me from bagging a pair, but I've decided that there's no time like the present time! I've saved so much money from not eating fast food and from planning my meals weekly that I can afford these shoes, and I'm going to buy them. I'm also planning on buying some new clothes as well, mainly underwear because I need better fitting ones. But I'm not going to go too crazy since I still have a lot of weight to lose and won't be the size I am today for too long. I'm also getting my hair cut, which isn't quite part of the reward, but something I need to do, it keeps getting in my face and bothering me!
So this Saturday is going to be my reward day. I'm going to go clothes shopping, buy those outrageous shoes that I love and maybe a cute new outfit, or at least new underwear, and get my haircut. I might go get my nails done as well, not sure about that part... I'm just going to relax and spend a day pampering myself and spending some hard-earned cash on things I want instead of just things I need. I'm also going to a night club with some friends that night, and will allow myself a few celebratory drinks as well. I can't wait, I deserve to pamper myself as a reward for all my hard work!
Have I reached a particular weight goal? No, because I don't have a weight goal. Have I reached a particular pant's or clothing size? No, because I haven't set a goal for that, either.
But I have reached a time where I just want something. I want a present, I want physical acknowledgment that I have come a long way and am doing great. Basically, I want to spend some money. So, I'm rewarding myself for working out nearly every day since I started this journey. I'm rewarding myself for not eating out this whole time and for eating less portions and sticking to my eating schedule. I'm rewarding myself for sticking to my guns and not letting myself down.
How am I going to reward myself?
Yes. Yes. Yes. I have wanted these shoes since the day I laid eyes on them earlier this year in Kohl's. The price tag kept me from bagging a pair, but I've decided that there's no time like the present time! I've saved so much money from not eating fast food and from planning my meals weekly that I can afford these shoes, and I'm going to buy them. I'm also planning on buying some new clothes as well, mainly underwear because I need better fitting ones. But I'm not going to go too crazy since I still have a lot of weight to lose and won't be the size I am today for too long. I'm also getting my hair cut, which isn't quite part of the reward, but something I need to do, it keeps getting in my face and bothering me!
So this Saturday is going to be my reward day. I'm going to go clothes shopping, buy those outrageous shoes that I love and maybe a cute new outfit, or at least new underwear, and get my haircut. I might go get my nails done as well, not sure about that part... I'm just going to relax and spend a day pampering myself and spending some hard-earned cash on things I want instead of just things I need. I'm also going to a night club with some friends that night, and will allow myself a few celebratory drinks as well. I can't wait, I deserve to pamper myself as a reward for all my hard work!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
sorry men, but you may want to scroll past this one...
Man, I feel like a woman. Not to alienate any male readers I may somehow have, but this week is the week that my body likes to make damned sure I know that I am a functioning female homo sapien. Some may refer to this time as Aunt Flo coming to visit… or as Mother Nature’s gift. I call it annoying if anything and today was not the best day I’ve had in a while.
I’m not sure if being fat makes periods less hassle… I know it can make them irregular, but I don’t ever remember getting cramps. Today, I had cramps. It wasn’t fun, and the worst part about it was how far working out was from my mind. I didn’t want to think about going from a standing up to sitting down position let alone doing jumping jacks or squats.
And I’m sad to report that I haven’t worked out today. This morning, after dragging myself out of bed, I literally just made lunch. That was the only activity I physically did besides taking a shower and eating that lunch. Here at work, where I usually take my dinner break and work out in the gym downstairs, I’ve chosen to sit here with my feet up and type this blog.
Am I giving up? Is my unfertilized uterus to blame for knocking me off track?
No. I am to blame, but there’s nothing to be faulted. I started my period today and decided to not work out. It doesn’t mean I’m undoing all my hard work, not in a day. It doesn’t mean tomorrow will be the same story. I can assure you it won’t. I’m working out twice tomorrow if it kills me. My uterus, which I have dubbed Lady Anna for no other reason than that it’s my uterus and I can do what I want with it, can gripe and groan all she wants to tomorrow. She’s had her day off and tomorrow I’m getting back on track!
Now if you have any tips or tricks, ladies, for working out at this most inconvenient and annoying of times in a woman’s month, let me know! It can be tricky and irritating, but it’s something that I have to do because I’m not taking a week off from working out. I didn’t do that last month (but I didn’t have cramps last month, either).
Was this too much information? Well, I don’t really care, as I’m sure you’ve figured out already if you’ve read this much of Happy, Healthy Gina.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
motivational quotes: week six
I love this quote, because it is incredibly motivating to me. Every night when I lay down to sleep, it's intensely rewarding to realize that I achieved that day's goals, and that those small goals are stepping stones that had to be crossed in order to get to my larger life goals. I love knowing that not a day was wasted, that every single day, I did something that inches me closer to my better tomorrow, and to my better quality of life.Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow.
Doug Firebaugh
Wasting days is a thing of the past. Now, every so often, a day where I don't do much of anything is alright. I've earned those days, and really, they aren't rewards for hard work. They are days where I can reboot, rejuvenate, relax. It gives my muscles a chance to cool down so the next time they are worked, they work hard. Off days are simply times to recuperate and reflect on the week before.
These days happen sparingly, and I enjoy them when they do, but I find myself battling a lump of guilt in my chest that threatens to darken my mind. I feel guilty for "wasting" a whole day. To avoid this feeling, I must remember this week's motivational quote. Even if I take a day off from exercising, I have to be doing something that pushes me toward my ultimate goals. Even if it's something as small as planning my meals for the next week, I have to do something that is beneficial to me in the long run.
I suggest you do the same. At the end of the day, reflect on what you accomplished that day. If your biggest accomplishment was "finding the right channel to watch Stargate before the episode started" then maybe you need to re-evaluate your goals and what you're doing to meet them. Otherwise, add up the small accomplishments throughout the day and they will add up to one big accomplishment: Getting a few inches closer to your goal.
If I can do it, so can you!
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