Today did not start off all that well... was laying in bed, hit the snooze button a few times as I was still just too tired to get up. I had trouble falling asleep last night after my late shift at work. Darling Daughter would NOT get off her computer and phone and go to bed... so I had to keep getting after her. She finally listened about 12:30 last night...

Then after hitting the snooze button for about the third time, I lay there waiting for hubby to come home from PT (Physical Training) at the base gym when I heard a light light tap on my bedroom door. It's my daughter, she missed the bus. Her alarm never went off, she set it last night, and somehown during the middle of the night, her alarm was shut totally off.... hmmm, I think she slept through it and was afraid of saying so since she kept getting in trouble over not getting to sleep last night...

Because I had to get up and head to town early to take her to school, I was not able to fix myself a healthy breakfast, so ended up stopping at McDonald's... then to Arby's for lunch. I was expecting to go home and eat dinner, but hubby and daughter were peering in the Receiving Door wondering if I was going t get out of work on time as they wanted to go out for dinner tonight... Soooooo, needless to say, i had three meals out today... and a snack from the vending machine after unloading our two trucks today...

After getting home, however, I did do some strength training after letting my dinner settle. I didn't count everything tonight, I just did a strength training exercises and did it until it started to burn then switched to something else until it started to burn... only did about 10-15 minutes worth as I was basically focusing on the abs tonight and they do not take long to start burning... Like hubby says though, 10 minutes of workout is better than 10 minutes of not working out. Every little bit helps...

Today's Body Blessings...

B: Country Chicken Sandwich, Hash brown, Orange Juice, and a Diet Pepsi
L: Turkey & Swiss Sandwich, 4 piece mozz. cheese sticks

D: Too Many Steak Fajitas, Spanish Rice, and Refried Beans

Today's Workout...

Various strength training moves at home... using just my body as Resistance.

May Goals & Commitments

Here is a Post from My CafeMom weight loss group I thought I would share here with those of us on the Sizzlin Hot By Summer Challenge....

"As the old saying goes, "If you fail to plan, then plan to fail". In lieu of this mentality, let's take this time to make some goals/commitments and make a plan to succeed!!

We are creeping closer and closer to summer and I'm sure that we all want to be able to keep up with the active lifestyle that the season brings... especially for those of us that will have our school aged kids home with us!

So let's do our best to get, and remain, healthy and fit!! : )



What are your goals for the month of May?

How do you plan to accomplish these goals?

If you had problems in April, what will you do differently this month to ensure that nothing gets in your way and that your goals are met?

What did you learn about yourself in April that will help you reach your goals this month?"

April Reflections...

Thought I would share this post that was posted on one of my CAFEMOM weight loss groups... thought it would be a great idea for all of us here doing the Sizzlin Hot by Summer Challenge.

"At the end of each month, I thought that it might be a good idea to reflect on our monthly goals! Even if you didn't do as well as you'd hoped, please post anyway so that we can encourage you and so that others may feel comfortable enough to share their struggles, too.

Did you reach your goal(s)?

What did you do right and what worked for you?

What do you wish you did differently and what got in the way of that?

What have you learned about yourself and your body this month that will effect the way you change things next month?

At the beginning of May, I will put up a new 'Monthly Goals' post that will motivate us to keep up the momentum!"

Congrats to all of those who are reaching their goals and a ((((BIG HUG)))) to all of you that haven't yet, BUT... refuse to give up!!

WOW....

I read last night on Prevention Magazine nutrition quiz that the Arby's Turkey & Swiss Sandwich I have been getting as I was thinking it is more nutritious then other choices I normally get, that the Turkey & Swiss Sandwich has MORE calories than a Big Mac! Wow... seems impossible, but it says that it is because of the large slices of bread... suggests going no mayo and eating just half a sandwich... Not so sure I could handle stopping with just a half sandwich though.

Whew, I tackled Sheila's Challange and...

Man do I feel good! Let's see what tomorrow brings though with the workout I did tonight... I definitely stepped it up ALOT more than I normally do...

Today was an OK work day. Was welcomed back to work with an email stating we were receiving 3... yes, THREE appliance trucks again today. Every time I go out of town for the weekend, it seems that we get slammed with trucks on my first day back...lol. Maybe I should just quit going out of town. NOPE, that won't happen. I enjoy my visit with my friends too much.

Today's Body Blessings...

B: Grab & Go Cottage Crunch

L: Turkey Swiss Sandwich and small 4-piece Mozz. Cheese sticks

D: Steak, Cheese Broccoli, & Mashed Tators with gravy (hubby dished up small portions for me tonight)

Snack: Salsa Flavored Tortilla Chips

Today's Workout...

2 sets of 30 Jumping Jacks

2 sets of 15 Lunges

2 sets of 10 Palates Roll-Ups

2 sets of 25 Bicycle Crunches

2 sets of 15 Triceps Kickbacks

2 sets of 25 Knee to Elbow Torso Twist

2 sets of 25 Crunches on Stability Ball

2 sets of 25 Hammer Curls with 8 lb weights

2 sets of 25 Triceps Extension with 8 lb weight

2 sets of 25 Shoulder Shrugs with 8 lb weights

2 sets of 40 Lying Leg Abductions

2 sets of 40 Lying Leg Adductions

2 sets of 25 Double Leg Raises

1 set of 25 Windmills

1 set of 25 Potato Pickers

Had a GREAT weekend...

I had a really great weekend. As I believe I mentioned in a previous post, I went to Montana for the weekend to spend time with my best friend. I got there on Saturday late afternoon, we headed to the mall to do some shopping then to dinner...which was way later than I would normally eat. I did, however, choose grilled Tilapia, salad, and the rice portion was PERFECT! Maybe a half cup or less, and then of course I did eat the roll, minus the butter. After heading to the base to feed the "girls", my friends three horses, we headed back to the house to watch movies and just hang out.

Sunday morning we got up, headed out to get breakfast which wasn't really the best choices on the Breakfast bar, but I limited my trip to one... We then headed back to the base to feed the girls again then back to the mall to do more shopping, went to a Big R's store, which I had never been too... kinda like a K-Mart or Meijer's store, only a bit more Western themed dress wear and home decorations... neat little store from what I saw.

After our day of shopping, we went back to the house and watched the race (was good to see Jr. doing well, but wish he would have been able to pull off the win)... then watched movies, and did some rearranging of the living room. It was definitely a late night for us last night... and a very early morning this morning as we headed back out to base to feed the girls and run a few "errands" before we headed back to the house so I could get my stuff to head home. It was a long, but very peaceful 9-1/2 hour drive home.

I had a Great weekend, and was not really expecting to do well with my "watching what I eat" but upon standing on the scale this evening, I was pleasantly surprised with a 135.2 lb. reading... YEAH! Down even a bit more... but I'm sure I'll gain some back as I didn't really eat much over the weekend since we were so busy with shopping, running around, and watching movies...LOL.

Tomorrow will be a busy day at work. Since I've been off the last two days and was not able to check my work email, I'm not sure if we will have one or two appliance trucks, so I'll find out tomorrow how much physical activity I'll have then.

I hope you all had a great weekend!

Lisa

De-Stress In 3 Minutes or Less

Stop Emotional Eating Before It Starts

-- By Dean Anderson, Behavioral Psychology Expert

What is the single, most common problem that most dieters face when trying to lose weight? Will power? Nah. Temptation? Sometimes. Emotional eating? Bingo! That’s why it takes so much more than good intentions and information about nutrition and exercise to be successful. The ability to manage difficult situations and feelings effectively—without turning to food and eating—is a necessary foundation for a successful weight loss plan and healthy lifestyle.

Fortunately, there are many proactive steps you can take to keep functioning on all your mental cylinders during tough times. These steps range widely from basic relaxation techniques to the development of a reliable support network.

Other options include:

*Keeping a food journal to help you identify your emotional eating triggers

*Cultivating mental and emotional well-being through practices like meditation, mindfulness, massage, and yoga

*Developing good problem solving skills

*Turning to the Message Boards for help and support when you need it; offering help to others as a way to get your mind off your own troubles and gain a little perspective on things

But all of these things take time, and there are many instances when you need something you can do right now, to keep yourself grounded, focused and able to make good decisions. After all, you don’t always have time to take a walk, relax in a hot bath or call a friend to talk things over. That’s what we’ll be talking about here—a 3-minute trick for handling stressful situations in the moment.

Minute 1: Stay Grounded

Emotional eating happens when you lose your connection to your grounded self. Stress itself is not what makes you reach for something to eat. In fact, stress is often a good thing and your grounded self knows this! We need the physical stress of exercise to keep our bodies in good shape just as we need the stress of intellectual and emotional challenges to keep our minds healthy.

Nine times out of ten, what really leads to emotional eating is getting caught in a "mind storm" of worst-case scenarios, projections, misinterpretations, and all the emotional overreactions that come with these thoughts. This "storm" turns a manageable challenge into something that makes you feel helpless, overwhelmed, ashamed or afraid—and sends you to the kitchen to find something to stuff those extreme feelings. When you can stay grounded in the moment of stress, you have many more options.

Here are some simple ideas to keep you grounded when something (or someone) pushes your buttons and your feelings start to spiral out of control:

Take a few deep breaths. (You can also count to 10, if that helps.) If the stressful situation involves someone else, take a timeout and agree to continue the discussion in a few minutes.
Remind yourself where you are. Take a look around, noticing and naming the colors and shapes in the space around you.

Notice the physical sensations you are experiencing. Whether it's a sinking feeling, turmoil in your stomach, tension in your hands or jaw, restricted breathing, or heat on the back of your neck, try to name the feelings that go with the sensation. Is that sinking feeling fear, or dread? Is the heat a symptom of anger? The idea here is to stay in your body and in the moment—with what’s real—instead of going inside your mind where all those unreal scenarios are just waiting to get spun out-of-control.

Minute 2: Reality Check

Once you’re calm enough to start thinking productively, put all those thoughts that are clamoring for attention inside your head through a quick reality check. Here are several very common thought patterns that have no place in reality. Do any of these apply to you?

All or nothing thinkingExample: You go over your calorie limit or eat something on your “forbidden” list, and then decide to keep eating because you’ve already “blown it” for today. Reality: Weight loss is not a one-day event. If you stop overeating now, you’ll gain less and have less to re-lose later. That’s something to feel good about!

Reading your own thoughts into someone else’s wordsExample: Someone made a mildly critical or unsupportive remark to you, and you feel completely devastated. Reality: The more bothered you are by such remarks, the more likely it is that you are being overly critical of yourself. When you treat yourself with respect, what others say won’t matter nearly so much.

Either-Or thinkingExample: You make a mistake or have a bad day and feel like a complete and hopeless failure. Reality: No one does well all the time. Mistakes are a necessary and valuable opportunity to learn—if you don’t waste them by getting down on yourself.

Taking care of other people’s businessExample: Something is going badly for someone you care about, and you feel responsible, or pressured to fix it. Reality: People need to learn from their own problems. You aren’t doing anyone a favor by trying to fix things just to make yourself feel better.

Minute 3: Putting Things in Perspective

Most common problems that you face in everyday life are much easier to handle when you keep them in perspective and avoid making mountains out of molehills.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself to make sure you aren’t in the mountain-making business:

How big a deal is this, anyway? If I knew I was going to die in a week, would this be something I would want to spend this minute of my remaining time on?

Will any bad things happen if I postpone thinking about this until I have more time to figure things out?

Do I have all the information I need to decide how to respond to this?

Do I really know what’s going on here, or am I making assumptions?

Am I worrying about things that might not even happen? What do I need to check out before taking action?

Is there anything I can do right now that will change or help this situation?

Am I trying to control something I can't, like what other people think, say, or do?

Have I really thought through this problem, and broken it down into manageable pieces I can handle one-at-a-time?

Use this approach whenever your thoughts or situations begin to feel overwhelming, and you'll quickly find that the mountains that seem impossible at first can quickly morph into what they really are—manageable hills that you DO have the ability to climb. All it takes is three little minutes of your time.

Article created on: 6/21/2006 http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/wellness_articles.asp?id=596

Such a Stressful Day...

I am so glad that today is almost over. It has been a terrible day for me. Got to work this morning, and both of my scheduled trucks were already there... one 2-1/2 hours early and one at least 4-1/2 hours early (maybe more as he was already there when I got there). At that point, I had no other associates there to help me offload them so I told the drivers that I would be out as soon as my associates were there. They were decent about it and understanding....

It was my associate...the "problem child" that gave me issues. He was insisting that we were going to take the one that was 4-1/2 hours early first. I told him NO, we were taking the one that was scheduled to be there at noon first, not the 2:00 one. He had to argue with me over it until I finally had to just go to an Assistant Manager to tell him the same thing I said. For most of the entire day, he was just plain crabby! I was never so happy to see 5:30 come around so I could just go home and take a nice long hot bath to soak away my sour mood...

I planned on having a healthy lunch today when I walked down to the food court, however, upon arriving there, every place but Burger King had a huge line of people... so, that blew that plan considering I only get a half hour lunch break. I'd have been in line for that long just to get my food, so I ended up eatting s Whopper... Ok, out of habit, I ordered a Double Whopper with Cheese... I'm sure I will see that on the scale tomorrow morning... I'm not going to beat myself up over it though as my intention was there, I have no control over how many people are going to be in line. Only control I would have had, would have been to take much lunch this morning with me...

Came home from work this evening, ate dinner, cleaned up dishes, took a hot bath, threw in a load of my work clothes, will do a quick checking of my blogs, boards, etc. then I want to work on organizing my room to condense my crafts down into a smaller area so when I take my Futon off layaway in a few weeks, I'll have room to put it. I can't wait to have it so I can sit and watch my shows, work on my knitting, cross stitch, or whatever I feel like doing at the time in comfort.

Tomorrow's my last day of work before I have my 3 day weekend. I'll be going to visit a friend who is deploying to Iraq next month so we can hang out for a few days. We will probably just do some shopping, head to the movies, and just hang out...

Today's Body Blessings:

B: 2 Special K Waffles topped with Cottage Cheese, Peaches, & Sugar Free Blueberry Syrup (thought I would try something new...wasn't too bad...LOL)

L: Double Whopper With Cheese, Small Fries, Diet Pepsi

D: Steak, very small portions of Beef Rice and Corn sine I knew I was so over on calories for the day, and Fresh Veggies

Today's Workout...

A few morning stretches and offloading two trucks at work... I also ran the Merchandise Pick Up most of the day so got lots of walking and lifting in too... so not a totally lost day with physical activity.

Hope you are all having a much better day then I had...

Lisa

I Feel Muscle Burn....

OK, so maybe not yet...but I probably will tomorrow.

I took Sheila up on her challenge. I increased my reps of my last strength training session by 50%, added in Ab and lower body strength training also. Only did one set of each but doubled the actual exercises I did the other day to cover a full body workout.

Work was busy, busy, busy today. We had two appliance trucks to offload, I was on the SNC at Merchandise Pick-Up and got slammed with customers several times during the day. Kept me running to beat the 5 minute guarantee, I personally got each and every customer serviced in time, but at one point, I had to hand the SNC over to one of my guys as I had two repair drop offs at the same time and he ended up giving out a $5.00 coupon as he didn't beat the guarantee...but not really his fault, they guy had like 10 things he was picking up...

Came home from work, hubby was about to fix dinner... grilled steak! Yummy! While he was grilling the steak, I sat down on the couch and was reading the Sunday Sales Fliers and discovered K-Mart had a Futon on sale. I've really been wanting one for my office/Craft/Workout room so after dinner we drove to town to take a look at it. It's not the most comfortable thing in the world (at least the display was not) but for what I want it for, it's not a big deal to me. We have the nice couch and furniture in the Living Room... this is just for me when I want to watch my favorite programs or just want to sit with my crafting.

Came home, checked my boards, saw Sheila's challenge for the last chance workout challenge before tomorrows weigh in. Couldn't pass up the chance for a good workout...so did just that! Yea Me!

I work late tomorrow, so planning on getting in a Cardio workout tomorrow morning at the gym. Of course, I'm sure that will depend on how much sleep I get tonight. Last night wasn't too bad...but I did get up at Midnight and take another dose of Benedryl. I've pretty much decided that I think it's more allergies than anything else as everything is FINALLY starting to warm up here, the grass is turning green, lilac bushes are starting to blossom (though, I've not seen them, just been told)...so with Pollen starting to fill the air... that pretty much will leave me congested for a while I'm sure... sigh...

Today's Body Blessings...

B: Cheese Crackers/Peanut Butter, 1/4 serving Slim Jim, 1 Mozzarella Cheese Stick

L: Arby's American Roast Burger, 4 cheese sticks

D: Grilled Steak, Beef Pasta Roni, Fresh Veggies (carrots, radishes, celery, broccoli, cauliflower)

Beverages: too much diet Pepsi and Dr. Pepper today... 1 bottle of Fuze Slenderize, 1 bottle water with Crystal Light Immunity Packet, water...

Today's Workout:

2 sets of 20 Modified Push ups

15 Triceps Kickbacks with 8 lb weights
15 Curls with 8 lb weights

15 Triceps Extension with 8 lb weight

15 Standing Row with 8 lb weights

15 Chest Press with 8 lb weights

15 Side Arm Lifts with 8 lb weights

15 Hammer Curls with 8 lb weights

25 Lying Leg Abductions

25 Lying Leg Adductions

10 Lunges

15 Squats with 8 lb weights

25 Knee Lifts with Torso Twist

25 Ab Crunches on Fitness Ball

25 Bicycle Crunches

25 Potato Pickers

Anyone Take up Sheila's Last Chance Challenge?

A quick post for the day...

I guess all I can say is I really really really need to get my focus back. These allergies or cold or whatever it may be I have is really bringing me down and not helping me at all. I'm not sleeping well, which drains me all day long. Not enough energy to work out...besides, the coughing would make it next to impossible.

Work was OK today... had a truck, but only worked about 5 minutes on it, as we had our Staff Meeting I attended. Was a welcome break as I missed last weeks meeting due to being short staffed for the trucks.

Today's Body Blessing...

B: Cheese crackers w. Peanut butter, 1/4 serving Slim Jim Jerky, 1 Mozzarella Cheese Stick

L: Chicken with Bacon & Ranch Dressing, fries

D: Pork Loin Chop, Cornbread Stuffing, Mixed Veggie Blend, Fresh Veggies, and Olives

S: 1/4 serving Slim Jim Jerky

Beverages: Water (about 60 ounces), 1 Bottle Water with Crystal Light Immunity Packet, 1 large diet Pepsi

Today's Workout:

None, other than a few stretches while getting ready for work this morning...

I sure hope tomorrow is a better day for me. We do have two appliance trucks, so I will get a bit of a workout off loading those.

Think I will head up to bed for the night... and hope that I sleep much better. The Benedryl is starting to kick in and I'm feeling sleepy, so with some luck, I will get sleep.

Have a Great day tomorrow...

Someone Send the Sandman My Way... Please.

Another night with little sleep. Woke up again at 2:00 this morning coughing. I sure wish my sinuses would just dry up so I can sleep.

I finally fell asleep after about 2 hours of coughing, tossing, and turning. Not even sure what time I got up this morning. Maybe shortly after 8:30 or 9:00... again, congested.

Went downstairs and fixed breakfast...our Sunday usual, only this time I paid attention to my portions.

After cleaning up the kitchen, I threw a load or two of laundry in too before heading to work. I am SOOOOO tired of having to give up my Sunday days off because I am short staffed. Corporate offices, after approving higher starting rates for our store, decided to cut all stores starting rates, straight across the board to minimum wage. No higher pay for those who even have experience. Luckily, those already hired in, will keep their pay, but new hires get minimum wage unless they are Leads, and even that is only a little over $1.00 more per hour. It really sucks when people can go to our local competitors and be paid $2-3 more per hour to start...and with benefits. We just can't get any help.

I decided to stop at Mickey D's to grab a bite of lunch before heading to work as I knew that I would not get a lunch break, and going 8 hours without a meal would mean disaster. I ate SMART too... yea me!

No trucks today, I just worked on Bin Checks, pulled tomorrows deliveries, then just before I was to leave, we got busy at Merchandise Pickup, so I helped the guys with that. I left about 10 minutes late, but that's OK.

I stopped in at the Shopette to get the Sunday Paper so I could go through the advertisements and coupons as I will have to figure out a time to do some grocery shopping. Not much is really needed though and Drew and I headed to town after dinner tonight to pick up some of the meats that were on sale pretty cheap. Bought a Whole Pork Tenderloin for a little over $17.00. That will get us 2-3 roasts, and then we will slice some up for pork loin chops which should be another 2-3 meals. Depending on how thick my hubby cuts them. We also picked up a fresh batch of produce...

Came home and put the groceries away, caught up on my boards, emails, etc. Now it's about time to head to bed and hope for a good nights sleep.

Today's Body Blessing...

B: 1 Biscuit with Sausage Gravy, 3 scrambled eggs, fruit cup

L: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad, Iced Tea (unsweetened)

D: Sirloin Steak, Asparagus, Au gratin Potatoes, olives

Drank quite a bit of water today, but not sure of the amount.

Today's Workout...

Just a few stretches and squats this morning as I was getting ready for work.

Another OK Day for me...

Today was an "OK" day for me. Another day of little sleep. I did get a few hours before my sinuses had me coughing at 3:00 in the morning again. I got up, tried to clear it out and just go back to sleep...but, it didn't help. Finally went downstairs and took a dose of Mucinex D and went back to sleep.

I got up early, but not too early, fixed myself a light breakfast. Thankfully, it was light because my hubby got up and was hungry and wanted to go to Denny's for breakfast. So, I grabbed my stuff and that's where we headed. I then went to work straight from Denny's.

Work was pretty good. No trucks today, it was very slow for being a "Super Saturday Sale". My co-worker and I worked on straightening a few things up, I worked my reports, and went over one of them with him. I then went back and finished up the few softlines that were left and cleaned up the area where it's processed. My associate back there, hates to work in a clean organized area and you can't get her to finish up what she starts before she leaves. Frustrating, but even the Store Manager says that she's set in her ways (she's been there over 30 years) and there is no changing her.

By the time I got that done, it was time for me to go home. I love short days!

Came home and Drew had dinner about ready, so we sat down and enjoyed another GRILLED meal. It's so nice not having 5' of snow on the ground covering our grill... we love to grill everything from veggies to meat. And, as an added benefit, grilling is always healthier than frying and even baking sometimes.

After cleaning up the kitchen, I did some surfing on the net to update my groups, worked on my new Knitting Board. It's coming along pretty well. Not making anything in particular right now since I'm in the learning stages yet. Using Holiday Colored Skein of yarn I've had laying around...so, since it will probably turn out looking like a place mat or small runner, I will probably just use it as that when the holidays roll around. Could use it on the center of my table I guess... :)

Today's Body Blessing...

Breakfast: Cottage Cheese mixed with Cocktail Fruit Cup, drained. Ultimate Omelet from Denny's

L: Grilled Stuffed Burrito & Potato Ole's

D: Grilled Pork Chop, mashed potatoes, cheesy broccoli, Fresh Veggies, Olives, Mini Gherkin pickles

Beverages: 32 oz Iced Tea (Unsweetened), LOTS of water today

Today's Workout...

10 Push Ups

Squats with a crunch added in

2 sets of 10 Tricep Kickbacks with 8 lb weights

2 sets of 10 Curls with 8 lb weights

2 sets of 10 Tricep Extensions with 8 lbs weigh

2 sets of 10 Standing Row with 8 lb weights

2 sets of 10 Chest Press with 8 lb weights

2 sets of 10 Arm Lifts with 8 lb weights

2 sets of 10 Hammer Curls with 8 lb weights

AND, I have this feeling my arms are going to HURT tomorrow! LOL...

But, for the time being, it's feeling pretty darned good getting the workout in!

Our New Truck...

Just thought I would share a pic of our new truck. I tried to include in yesterdays post, but for some reason, they would not upload.

We are so excited about getting it. Hubby "created" the truck to his likings so it was custom built as Ford had not yet produced one with all the options he wanted.

Making This one really short...

Ok, it's bedtime... I've not posted today, got involved in a new craft I have wanted to try. I can't believe how easy it is. It's Knitting with a Knitting Board. Want to try the Round Knitter things too... but that will wait...LOL.

Work was kinda slow today. Not alot of physical activity since we had no trucks....and more softlines were being sold than hardlines, so not alot for me to do at Merchandise Pick Up either.

I did get really dirty today at work so had to buy a new outfit as Hubby, Daughter, and her friend were going to meet me in town for dinner. I was really excited when I got to buy a size 6 jean in the Lee Brand... My last three pair Lee's had been size 8.

Today was a new Low for me also... I hit 136 lbs. I've not been that low since I was in college! I still need to work on the muscle tone more. I've been focusing more on the cardio since the challenge started. Which, I WONT complain about since I'm at least working out more than I was. You gals are so motivational whether you realize it or not! So, a big THANK YOU and Hats off to you all!

Today's Body Blessings:

Early Breakfast: Almonds & Peanut Butter Cheese Crackers

Breakfast: Double Croissant with Ham and Bacon

Lunch: Italian Sub and 4 cheese sticks (I know...bad bad bad)

Dinner: Berry Bleu Chicken Salad

Snack: Popcorn

LOTS and Lots of water today. But still too much Diet Pepsi too...I'll probably feel the bloating tomorrow.

Today's Workout:

Only some morning Stretches this morning while I was getting around for work...

A Quck Update for Today...

Today has been a really long day. I planned on getting up and working out this morning early before hubby and I went to the Dealership to pick up our new truck, however, something I ate last night just did not agree with my allergies. Needless to say, I had an awful time sleeping last night. I was laying there peacefully, breathing normal, then all of a sudden, it was like I shut off valve tripped to off, and I couldn't' t breath. No idea what it was to trigger the reaction, but it is not fun. Around 1:00 am or so, I decided to go downstairs to see if there was any kind of sinus allergy medicine at all in the cabinet. Luckily, I found some Benadryl and took that. Within an hour or so, I finally drifted off to sleep.

I didn't get up early enough to make it to the gym as I really felt I needed the sleep. So, after sleeping in a bit, i got up, showered, threw in a load of laundry, then got around to head into town. Drew took Holly and her friend to the dealership last night to see our new truck...but I had yet to see it. Let me tell you, it's GORGEOUS! Gorgeous, but Huge...LOL. I felt like a dwarf sitting in it...lol.

Well, after finishing up with the paperwork, we had to wait a bit for the Prep Team to finish the final touches to the truck, so Drew and I headed down town to the city parks to check out the rivers. They are definitely up drastically from last year due to all the snow melt, but not to the point those living on the river will have to fear flooding. Thank God for that as they were seriously worried about it happening after this years 5 foot of snowfall.

We decided to try the Ruby Tuesday for lunch. I think I did fairly well, I had the salad bar and water... Yummy! Got my protein from the lean ham, a bit of bacon, and boiled eggs. Then of course LOADS of veggies.

After getting the truck, it was time for me to head to work. Neither truck had arrived by the time I got there at 2:00, so I did get a good workout today by offloading an appliance truck (which I actually didn't do alot of as I was busy with customer Pickups) and then I worked the softlines/hardlines truck.

Dinner, well... I didn't choose healthy for that. A burger just sounded so good and I totally forgot to ask to skip the mayo... and I added cheese (which I KNOW I should not have, as dairy is definitely not good for my allergies).

Gosh, come to think of it, I'm not so sure I even ate anything for breakfast... shame on me.

Well, that's my update for the day...

Hope you all had a better day than I did.

I'm heading to bed and hope that by morning, I will be feeling better. I go into work later too, so hopefully I can make it to the gym before heading that work.

Oh... Just wanted to share something that happened to me at work today. One of our customers and I was talking about my allergy attacked last night and he asked me how I was today. Told him not so well, been coughing and my throat and ears are starting to feel the pressure. He looks at me and with his index finger, he motions me to "come here, closer"... I'm thinking OK, why...thinking he's going to try selling me some herbs or something. So, I walked close to him and he asked me, "May I pray for you?". Of course, I agreed that he could. He reached over and touched my arm, and prayed that God would touch me and heal my allergies. It was so awesome. Not at all what I was expecting from him.

Ok, off to bed!

Lisa

Why I Became Overweight

In Response to Sheila's "Why I Am Fat Wednesday" post...

1. Because I love junk food. I don't keep it in my house for the most part, but when I am at work, I get hungry (or maybe not even hungry, but the urge to eat strikes more often than not) and the VENDING MACHINE is way to convenient. I will grab Peanut M&Ms, M&M Cookies, Cherry Licorice Bites, Cupcakes (yeah, they took those out of the machine)...

2. Pop's were too convenient to buy out of the vending machines at work. Water selection always tended to be empty when I wanted water... and I never thought about taking my own bottles to work. Before Coke & Pepsi switched their Diet Drinks to Aspartame, I had no choice but to drink Regular Pop as I got migraine headaches with the NutraSweet

3. Working Full time... I gained 10 lbs the first summer after graduating High School... not a big deal, it was still within my healthy weight by Doctor Standards. I was very physically active as a teenager in high school, so never gained weight no matter how much I ate. I also went to college full time. I rarely ate at home since I was in school all morning/early afternoon and worked 3:15-11:15 every night. I ate mostly out of the cafeteria in college and fried foods from the Deli at work. I worked as a Cashier in a grocery store, so only physical activity, if you want to call it at, was grabbing groceries and scanning them across the scanner...

4. Lack of Physical Activities... same as in #3. Working full time and going to school full time left me no time to work out... Before graduating HS, I used to run track, march in the band, and was physically active at home riding bikes, gardening (we had several HUGE gardens to tend too all summer long), or when I was with my Dad in FL, we spent the summer swimming and water skiing.

5. High Risk Pregnancy. When I was pregnant with my daughter, I was put on bed rest when at 1 month... total bed rest at 4 months due to my High Blood Pressure and Incompetent Cervix. Most physical activity I got was learning to knit and crochet and working my cross stitch.

6. Lack of Motivation... "No one to work out with me" I tend to better when I have a partner to go to the gym with me.

"Stress at home"... hubby and I have had a really rough marriage. My husband went through some major bouts of depression and turned to alcohol. Being from a family where both my dad and step-father drank heavily, I took it really hard. I NEVER wanted to be in a marriage where my husband was a heavy drinker. I basically hibernated in my bedroom, addicted to my Internet and my friends online that I could vent my stresses with...

7. Mindless Eating... I would eat food without even thinking about it. If it was there, I would eat it. Did not worry about how it was going to effect my health in the long run.

AND NOW... What have I learned from all of the above...

1. Eating healthier... Fruits, cheese/crackers, nuts, granola bars, trail mixes. Choosing salads over high calorie foods when I do eat out or grilled chicken over fried.

2. Switch to Diet Pepsi... once they switched the formula to Aspartame, I could drink the diet. I cut back on the intake though as I continually felt bloated, constipated, and just plain blah after drinking large amounts. I drink alot of water now. Even when we eat out, it's usually water with a lemon slice. At home, we installed a water filter on my kitchen sink to give me no excuse for not drinking water. (I hated all tap water... always tasted like dirt to me )

3. I no longer work behind a cash register. I work a physically demanding job so I do get a workout each and every day without trying. I try to avoid the vending machines and take my own snacks to work and my own drinks. Though, I still have issues with the machine...

4. No longer an issue with a lack of physical activities. With my job, I have no choice but to be active. I also work in time whether at home or in the gym to get a workout in.

5. Not ever going to be pregnant again... Once on total bed rest was once to many. I'm happy with my little family. Doctors have told me if I was pregnant again, I would probably be total bed rest the entire pregnancy. That's NOT for me.

6. As NIKE says, "Just Do It"

Initially, my motivation was I was the younger healthier, more fit one when going to Curves. It really motivated me to be just that, though I did have weight to loose. Seeing women my age and older extremely overweight, motivated my by causing me to see just what I do not want to be like.

Motivation...To look like I did in HS for my 20 year class reunion...

Motivation... For me to look better than I did when I got married to surprise my husband when he returned home from his year long tour to Korea.

Motivation... To feel better both physically and emotionally about myself.

Motivation... To protect me from the illnesses that are passed down through the generations in my family. High Blood Pressure (which I was on meds for for 15 years. luckily, my body became regular so I no longer take meds), Heart Disease, Diabetes, Cancers, etc...

7. Making a Conscious effort to eat healthy. And when I am not eating healthy, I still make a conscious decision knowing just how it is going to affect my goals. I don't let that bad decision keep me from reaching for that goals. I just keep on trucking and eventually, I know I will make my goals and learn to keep my habits healthy.

30 Days of Fun Fitness Ideas

Hopefully this link will take you to the pdf file on Sparkpeople.com

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/calendar_2009_reebok.pdf

If not, try this link and download the calendar... http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=1296

Enjoy!

Lisa

5 Exercises you should NEVER do...

Hmmmm, a couple of these I do... I LOVE the Abduction and Adduction Machine. But, I guess I might have to rethink my plan when I want to use them. Being I already have a bad back (scoliosis... curviture of the spine, which mine is a double curve).

Article from Sparkpeople.com http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=1097


5 Exercises You Should Never Do
Do You Avoid These Danger Zones? -- By Dean Anderson, Fitness Expert


Most people believe that all exercises are good, safe and effective. After all, it's all exercise, and that has to count for something, doesn't it? The truth is that some of the machines in gyms aren't safe at all (especially for people who have common muscle, joint, and health problems). Certain exercises require a bit more know-how than the average person possesses. And other exercises are downright wastes of your time. But before we examine some of the most controversial exercises, I want to make it clear that every exercise on this list isn't always unsafe or ineffective for everyone. What you should do—or avoid—depends on your goals, fitness level, health history, workout schedule, and other personal issues. An article like this can't replace your own efforts to identify your goals and needs. That requires you to do some research on your own, talk to your medical professional about any pain or physical limitations you have, and learn how to exercise with proper form and technique. So what makes an exercise risky? Here are a few red flags to look out for:

Any unusual or “unnatural” movement pattern in the exercise

Any movement that causes pain or discomfort in any way

Any movement that enhances muscular imbalances that are already present

Any movement that requires joint flexibility that is above and beyond your range of motion

Any exercise with risks of injury that outweigh the potential benefit of the exercise itself That said, the following exercises pose high risks and are generally considered contraindicated (if not controversial) by reputable fitness organizations and experts.

Think Twice Before Trying These 5 Moves

1. Behind-the-Head Lat Pulldowns In the “old days,” people were actually taught to pull the bar behind their heads when doing a lat pulldown exercise—and many people still do that today. Bad idea. The problem? Only people with extremely flexible shoulder joints can do this behind-the-head movement safely, and even they have to be very careful about not hitting the back of their necks with the bar. In addition, almost anyone who spends their days deskbound is likely to have rounded shoulders or poor posture—a symptom of poor shoulder flexibility (among other things), making this exercise a no-no.

The Alternative: You can still work your lats without the risk of behind-the-head pulldowns by pulling the bar down in front of you. Sit with your spine straight, abs pulled in, and then lean your torso back slightly, keeping your spine straight. Pull the bar down towards your chest, but not below your collar bone.

2. Squats or Leg Presses with Deep Knee BendsWhether you’re doing basic squats on your own or using a leg press machine, it can be very dangerous to bend your knees too deeply. The Problem? When your knees bend too deeply, your spine cannot maintain proper alignment. When that happens, the pelvis tilts and the lower back begins to take over, increasing the risk of strain to your lower back muscles or damage to spinal discs. In addition, bending your knees too deeply can injure or damage your knees, especially if you have knee problems.

The Alternatives: Squats and leg presses are generally safe and effective when done properly. But you should never bend your knees or hips more than 90 degrees during these exercises. Here's an example of proper form when doing a leg press machine, but this can apply to squats with a barbell, and the sled machine, too.

3. Seated Leg ExtensionsThis is a very popular exercise for targeting the muscles on the front of your thighs (quadriceps). The Problem? This exercise poses major risks to the knees. Lifting heavy weights in this position (with all the resistance focused at your ankles), is not what the knee was designed to do. If you have any kind of knee problem, or use a too much resistance during this exercise, you can easily run into big trouble.

The Alternatives: Simple squats and lunges, with or without added weight, will work your thigh muscles naturally, safely and effectively. If you want to expand on these exercises (to develop explosive force for sports like soccer, basketball, or volleyball, for example), try sport-specific plyometrics. If you can’t do lunges and squats because you lack the leg strength, start with simple ball squats or modified "mini" lunges, and only lower yourself part way, gradually increasing your range of motion as you get stronger.

4. Inner and Outer Thigh Machine ExercisesThese machines are pretty popular in most gyms. Both involve sitting with your knees bent in front of you. The adduction machine is designed to target the muscles of the inner thighs, and the abduction machine helps target the outer thigh muscles. The Problem? Using your inner and outer thighs to lift weight while in a seated position puts you at risk of straining these relatively small muscles and aggravating lower back and hip problems. In addition, your inner and outer thigh muscles are designed to support movement, not to be prime movers like they are in these types of exercises.

The Alternatives: The best way to target these muscles safely is with body weight exercises, such as standing adduction, standing abduction, lying adduction and abduction exercises, Pilates exercises, or similar movements that use resistance bands or the cable cross machines. Always start with a weight you know you can handle, and add resistance gradually.

5. Upright RowsIn this exercise, you stand holding a barbell or weight in the center, with hands close together, and bring your hands up under your chin. The Problem? Upright rows are controversial because the movement can compress the nerves in the shoulder area, impinging the shoulder.

The Alternatives: Instead of standing to perform an upright row, try bent-over rows, bending forward 90 degrees at the hip, holding weight down beneath your shoulders with hands slightly more than shoulder width apart, then lift weight straight up towards your chest until elbows and shoulders form a straight line. You can also try front or lateral shoulder raises, using a modest weight, so that you don’t need to lean back or use momentum for assistance. Article created on: 5/13/2008

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Today's Weigh In... and quick update

I was pleasantlly surprised this morning. Considering my slurge on Jelly Beans Easter Sunday and my cravings the last few days, I still ended up down again this week. I think yesterdays workout really helped a lot.

Starting Weight: 143.3
Last Weeks: 139.0
This Week: 138.8

Down .2 lbs for the week
Down 4.5 lbs for the Challange

Todays Body Blessings...

B: String Cheese & Mandarine Oranges

Pre Workout Snack: Ritz Cheese and Cracker package
L: Most Likely Buffalo Chicken Salad with Ranch Dressing as hubby and I are eatting lunch together.

D: Subway Ham/Turkey, loaded with veggies, no cheese, no dressing, Apples

Today's Workout

Treadmill, Various Inclines and Speeds

35 minutes

2.25 Miles

3.8 Average Speed

222 Calorie burned

Today I had to take a bit slower on the treadmill. My Shins were really starting to burn and ache. I think I may have over done the treadmill yesterday. It felt good while doing it, but during the day at work, the shins were getting tender. So, I kept my mph around 4 today rather than 4.5 and kept my incline closer to 2.5 & 3.0 %

Cravings...

Gosh, I just do not know what it is but the last few days have been terrible with my cravings. Craving I can't even figure out what I am wanting... something sweet, something salty, something fruity. I just can't figure it out and it's driving me to want to eat constantly and not make healthy choices just to figure it out... but nothing is satisfying my cravings...

Agh!

Lisa

A quick post for the day...

Well, I work a mid shift today, which I decided is kinda nice in one aspect, but bad in another... Being I had my hair appointment last night, I didn't get to eat at home with the family, being I get out tonight at 7:30, I don't get to eat with my family... then I work late the next two nights...so won't get to eat with my family. I'm going to really look forward to Friday night when my family will meet me in town so we can do a bit of shopping... One of the local furniture stores is having a 5 year no interest sale, so we are going to go get our new headboard for our bed...and new mattress set for our daughter, then I will get to eat dinner with my family... Yeah!

On the UPSIDE of the mid and late shifts, I have no excuse to not get my butt out of bed and head to the gym. I actually set my alarm last night for 6:30 so I could get up and go before work this morning, but then realized I was on the mid shift so didn't have to go so early. I laid in bed until just a few minutes after 7:00 before getting up, grabbing a bit of leftover ham and a package of String Cheese so I wasn't working out on an empty stomach.

I got to the gym a little before 7:30 and PT must not have been over with as the parking lot was FULL of cars. I sat in my vehicle for about 5 minutes or so until I started to see more people leave. I didn't want to get in there and not have a Treadmill or Bike to use and have to stand around and wait. When I went inside though, I think more were on the gym courts, class rooms, upstairs track, or weight rooms, as very few were in the Cardio room. I grabbed the treadmill closest to the door, which I think next time I will pass up as it was also right next to this HUGE fan that just blew on me. I was constantly pushing my hair out of my face to start, then it just got used to blowing back I guess...LOL.

Initially I planned on doing just half an hour, maybe doing some strength training, then go back and do a half hour on the bike...but I got to going on the treadmill and was enjoying it. Instead of having the news on today, I actually left it on the channel it was set on already. VH1. It's definitely not like the VH1 I used to watch in high school or college, but the music wasn't all that bad. But man oh man, why do the women have to be so "sexual" in their dances, with the guys in the video. Wow. I do not even act the way they do with my husband! LOL...

Today's' Body Blessing (Plan)

B: Ham & Cheese

L: Berry Bleu Chicken Salad... minus the Bleu Cheese...

D: Chicken, Wild Rice, Corn

Today's Workout...

1 hour on Treadmill, Various Inclines, MPH alternating 2 minutes at 3.5, 5 minutes at 4.5

4.09 miles, 431 calories burned

My Holiday Weekend...

Well, my weekend went about as well as I figured. I knew that Sunday was not going to be all that good for my eating, but Saturday was not that great either.

I definitely was NOT expecting one of our associates to bring in two big trays of goodies her mom baked for us. They were just so yummy! I must say, I was guilty of not even really trying to fight the urge... On the up side, I did stick to my water and Flavored water instead of resorting to too many bottles of Diet Pepsi.

Easter Sunday, I woke up about 6:30 and realized I forgot to put out my daughter's Easter basket, so I climbed out of bed, ran downstairs and threw it together... and of course, I had to sample one of the chocolate eggs... and a couple of Jelly Beans...

Then it was back to bed where I had planned on trying to go back to sleep since it was still early and I knew my hubby and daughter would not get up for a couple more hours at least. Well, I was wrong, and hubby wanted snuggle time, so that's what we did.

We got up and went down stairs a bit later and watched a bit of TV together before I decided to get up and start breakfast. Our usual, Sausage Gravy & Biscuits, Scrambled Eggs, and Bacon. Again, I did not hold back on the biscuits, I had two instead of the one I knew I should have limited myself too. Lunch was boiled shrimp. Dinner, Baked Ham, Baked Yams with Pineapple Chunks and Marachino Cherries, baked Brussels Sprouts, along with Fresh Veggies. I did keep my portions in check at dinner.

The afternoon was spent watching TV, reading blogs, and working on laundry. Hubby really wanted to go out for a Sunday/Holiday drive, but because he had the Duty Phone this weekend, he couldn't venture far from town... and being there is not a whole to do in town on a Holiday, not much to do...

I hate only having one day off of work each week, as I never really get a day off since I have to do laundry. All awhile, snacking on jelly beans. On the upside, DD has her basket up in her room and the Jelly Beans downstairs are now gone...

Before heading to bed, I did make a SMART move. I changed my alarm clock to an hour earlier as I knew I needed to get up and get a workout in before getting ready for work. If I want to even have a chance of at least staying at my 139 lbs for this weeks weigh in, I knew I had to make better choices today. So, I got up, got dressed and headed downstairs where I turned on the Kick Boxing Workout I had DVRd a while back. I didn't really have time to do the whole workout, so I did the first 20 minutes or so of the warm-up/cardio then skipped the last segment of cardio and did the ab workout and the cool down. So, I still got at least 30 minutes in this morning before going to work.

When I got to work, our truck was already there... at least 6 hours early. I only had one associate there to help off load it, so we were not able to get to it right away. One of my other associates called and said he was going to be 2 1/2 hours late due to an unexpected appointment. That kinda upset me as he is ALWAYS doing this. Shows up late to work, calls out unexpectedly, or whatever. He did agree to come in 2 hours early and help with the truck if we took it early so that he could leave for the appointment and then come back to work. That was better then nothing I guess. So, he got there about a half hour later and we offloaded the truck in a little over an hour. Considering it was 348 pieces at over 11,000 lbs, we did well getting it offloaded. Luckily, I did not have customers at the MPU to have to deal with.

Lunch today was good... leftovers from yesterday, in proportion to what I needed for the day at work. Dinner, however, was not as good since I ended up eating out due to my hair appointment. I did at least skip the fries and had a side salad. I forgot just how much cheese was on their Cheese/Steak/Mushroom sandwich though... I'm sure it added way more calories then I needed. I did still have about a half hour left before my appointment, so I did spend time walking around the mall. When not in the stores, it was a moderately paced walk, so at least it was some good walking. Inside Target however, it was a bit more leisure, but wasn't really looking at anything in particular for the most part, so still walking.

Well, that's been my last three days.

Sheila, thanks for all your posts today! I think that I too need help with my journey and I do need to start turning to God and asking for help. I am so totally guilty of not spending the time I should be with God. I got out of the habit of going to church years ago when hubby refused to go with me, I had moved to a new place (750 miles from my home and church within a few days of getting married) and found it hard to go into a church where I knew nobody. I think the only time I really started going to church afterward was when we were in NM and hubby was deployed after 9-11. I went with friends of ours as their daughter babysat Holly on Saturdays and she just stayed with us and I took her to church in the mornings. But I didn't exactly care for the church. Not so much the church itself, as the teachings were the same as my church back home, but because the Minster made a comment one day that really upset me.

This church is HUGE. It probably seats 1000-1500 people at each service (not including the youth mission). They were talking about Tithes and Offerings and how they were the top church in Donations to the Mission Lighthouse. OK, I can deal with that... they are probably at least 75% larger a church then any other church in the area. But, when the Minister looks out to the congratulation and asked the Accountant, "We still are number one aren't we? If not, we better up our donations". That just rubbed me the wrong way and I pretty much quit going again...

Anyway, I really really enjoy reading your posts as well as the other ladies here who share their scripture, insight, faith, etc. It really makes me think so much about things I am missing in my life... in my marriage... in my family. It makes me think, I really do need to start getting up on Sunday mornings and heading to church. Even if it's just to the base chapel here on base. Or, if I do not like it there, my boss at work is the wife of a Minister in town. I could always go to their church. At least I would know someone there who would help me to feel welcome and comfortable.

Thanks everyone!

Lisa

ATTENTION Chocolate Lovers

Ok, I never knew that Weight Watchers put out a bi-monthly magazine until I saw a couple sitting on the breakroom table at work today. So, while at CVS this evening after getting my hair cut and colored, I picked up the most recent issue...

Anyway, there was a little tidbit in there I thought I would share...

If you are using Science as an excuse to continue eatting chocolate, consider the following...

A recent study of The Journal of Nutrition has found that a 100-calorie serving of Dark Chocolate every 3 days is enough to reap it's heart-health benefits. Larger portions of the sweet treat do not provide added benefits and could cause weight gain, they warn. The BEST approach is to enjoy FIVE Special Dark Hershey's Kisses (3 WW Points Values) no more than 2-3 times a week.

Spaghetti Squash wiht Tomatoes and Herbs

This is really good. It's a recipe I found online a couple years ago when I was first on my diet. Even my daughter LOVED it, even though she was not so sure about squash being like spaghetti. I think the fact of how it shreds to resemble spaghetti pasta blew her mind...

Spaghetti Squash wiht Tomatoes and Herbs

Spaghetti squash, cooked
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 28-ounce can tomatoes, drained
1 tablespoon chopped fresh or frozen basil
1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
2-3 tablespoons grated parmesan or Romano cheese

Sauté the garlic in the oil until it's softened but not burned. Chop the tomatoes & add them along with the herbs to the garlic and simmer for ten to fifteen minutes. Ladle this on the squash and top with freshly grated parmesan for a light dinner.

How Do You...

Ok, how do you put all the extra's on your side bar? The favorite Recipes Links, Daily Workouts, etc? Ive been using blogger for a bit, but never really tried changing things up. I tried figuring out today how you all get such cute backgrounds, but not quite figured that out either...

LOL...

Lisa

How Many Calories are in YOUR Easter Basket?

Wanna know how many calories are i n your easter basket... check out the link to Sparkpeople.com and find out... WOWsers. Sure hope Holly hides her basket from Mom!

http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=how_many_calories_are_in_your_easter_basket

56 Things You Never Knew
1. What time did you get up this morning? 7:39
2. Diamonds or pearls? BOTH! I love my Snowball Ring, Two Pearls surrounded by Diamonds
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Can't think of the Name... the one with Richard Geere I think... Nights in Rodantham or something like that...lol
4. What is your favorite TV show? Forensic Files now. Used to be Desperate Housewives until they went all weird jumping ahead 5 years...
5. What do you usually have for breakfast? Omelets, Grab & Go Cottage Crunch (cottage cheese, fruit, high fiber cereal), Ham, Egg, Cheese on English Muffin
6.What is your middle name? Marie
7. What food do you dislike? Peas... same here, and beets, and liver, and not much else...
8. What kind of car do you drive? 2002 Ford Explorer... and soon to be 2009 Ford F-150 if Hubby will share. Should be here really soon!
9. Favorite sandwich? Reuben
10. What characteristic do you despise? Dishonesty... agreed
11. favorite item of clothing? Don't really have a favorite.
12. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation? England to meet a long time Pen Pal or Hawaii
13. Favorite brand of clothing? Whatever's cheapest and wears well. I'm not a materialistic girl when it comes to clothes. As long as It looks good on me, I'm happy
14. Where would you retire to? Used to say Florida, but after living through all those Hurricane's a few years ago (Ivan, Dennis, Katrina, etc) I'll be happy to retire to home in Michigan...though, i would still like a winter home in FL! LOL :)
15. What was your most memorable birthday? Not a big b-day person But the one I recall most was when I was about 6 years old. One of my Scout friends got me a super hero's bra and panty set. I was sooooooo embarrassed! LOL...
16. Favorite sport to watch? NASCAR or Tiger Baseball... OK, I admit, I like Football, Basket Ball, and whatever else Detroit or UoM is playing in at the time...LOL.
17. Furthest place you are sending this? LOL WWW - "World Wide Web" right? )same...
18. Person you expect to send it back first? Blog
19. When is your birthday? May 27
20. Are you a morning person or a night person? Morning... used to be a night owl though. :)
21. What is your shoe size? 7 1/2 - 8
22. Pets? Dachshund Mix
23. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us? nope
24. What did you want to be when you were little? Hahaha... you'll laugh at this. At first I wanted to be a nurse... then I got it through my head that I had to be what my parents did. Since mom was a SAHM, I figured I "HAD" to be a truck driver...so that's what I wanted to be...
25. How are you today? Good... not wanting to go to work.
26. What is your favorite candy? Snickers Bar
27. What is your favorite flower? Lilacs
28. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? April 25... going to visit a friend before they head off to Iraq
29. What's your full name? Lisa Marie Sanders Ward
30. What are you listening to right now? Our dog playing with toys
31. What was the last thing you ate? Ham, Egg, Cheese on English Muffin
32. Do you wish on stars? Used to... but rarely thind of it now unless I am outside and notice the first start of the evening
33. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Not sure... I'd like to say RED because I was HOT... but never feel that way about myself... Would say Yellow, because I was Bright and Cheerful, but not always that these days. Job is just too stressful, so maybe a Blue crayon lately.
34. How is the weather right now? Not sure, not been outside but they are saying we are going to get rain this weekend... which we DO NOT NEED. Flooding for sure if we do.
35. The first person you spoke to on the phone today? Nobody yet...
36. Favorite soft drink? Diet Pepsi... oh, wait, take that back! VERNORS but we never ever ever see it where we are stationed. Can't wait til hubby retires! My In-Laws and Grandparents used to bring me cases of it when they would come visit...LOL
37. Favorite restaurant? Olive Garden, but we do not have one here... so I would have to say Grizzly's or Up The Creek
38. Real hair color? Dark Brown...but I have Blonde Roots...LOL. Ask my daughter, she'll tell ya!
39. What was your favorite toy as a child? Blue Stuffed Teddy Bear. My last gift from my Great Grandfather before he passed away. He was the most Awesome person ever!
40. Summer or winter? Summer Temps... but I love the fresh fallen snow but not the cold.
41. Hugs or kisses? Hugs
42. Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate, chocolate, but vanilla ice cream <--- same here. French Vanilla Ice Cream though...
43. Coffee or tea? Definitely Tea... I can't stand coffee
44. Do you want your friends to email you back? Depends on what I may be asking...lol.
45. When was the last time you cried? Don't recall...
46. What is under your bed? Bunnies... dust bunnies that is I'm sure.
47. What did you do last night? Worked til 9:15, got home and checked blogs before heading to bed
48. What are you afraid of? Heights, Being lost in the woods (been there, done that and NEVER want to do it again)
49. Salty or sweet? both... nothing like a bag of salty peanuts mixed with a bag of M&M's...
50. How many keys on your key ring? 5... maybe 6, not really sure
51. How many years at your current job? 1 year in this store... but almost 5 years between this one and the store in Panama City
52. Favorite day of the week? Nowadays, whatever day I do not have to work...which is only one day a week anymore...
53. How many towns have you lived in? Napoleon, Brooklyn, Adrian/Onsted, Michigan, Spring Lake, Pope AFB, ND, Shreveport, LA, Big Rapids, MI, Clovis, NM, Lynn Haven FL, Minot AFB, ND..so 9 unless you count my summers with my dad, then I have to add Jackson & Lansing, MI, & Winter Haven FL
54. Do you make friends easily? Sometimes... I"m kinda shy until I get to know people, then I will pretty much talk to anyone. Most are acquaintances though, I'm more of a home body when I am not working...
55. How many people will you send this to? Whoever reads it on my blog
56. How many will respond? Not sure...

How Are a Turtle and a Quick Weight Loss Diet Similar?

Sharing and Email I received...

Once upon a time there was a turtle and a hare. On a bright sunny morning the hare came upon the turtle and, seeing him walking so slowly, started to make fun of him. The tortoise replied to the mocking by saying, "Though you be swift as the wind, I will beat you in a race." At this challenge the hare laughed at the ridiculous assertion that this slow-footed turtle could ever hope to win against him, one who had never lost a race before. They agreed on a route and started off the race. The hare shot ahead and ran briskly for some time. Then seeing that he was far ahead of the tortoise, he thought he'd sit under a tree for some time and relax before continuing the race. He sat under the tree and soon fell asleep. The tortoise, plodding on, overtook him and finished the race. The hare woke up and realized that he had lost the race. The moral of the story (as if you didn't already know):

"Slow and steady wins the race."

This famous childrens fable is one of the most powerful messages we can hope to grasp and use if we ever want to accomplish anything. Why? Because we're programmed to want quick results, do things quickly, get things fast, get quick results, and usually without much effort. We usually quit before we accomplish anything of significance, getting distracted by some other "shiny object" and start going down that path, instead of the one we were on, toward our supposed goal. Eventually ending up nowhere because we've wandered all over tarnation. Does this sound like you? If not, congratulations, you're one of the minority in this world that sets goals, maps out the path to those goals, and continues on through thick and thin until you get to the "finish line." But if you are one of those that has had trouble accomplishing goals (like transforming your body, for one), then follow this 3-step quick weight loss diet formula.

Decide on a goal
Break the goal down into weekly then daily goals
Measure your progress correctly

Details of Above:

1. Decide on a goal - Want to lose 30 lbs? What's realistic. 2-4 pounds per week is very attainable.

2. Break the goal down into weekly then daily goals. For example: "I want to lose 45 pounds". First, determine how many weeks this might take. 45 pounds divided by 2 pounds per week = 22.5 weeks (divided by 4 pounds per week = 11 weeks). So this is your weekly goal. Now, what do you have to do EVERY DAY in order to reach your weekly goal? Start with a baseline diet where you TRACK ALL OF THE FOODS YOU EAT. This is critically important. If you don't track YOU WILL FAIL.

Go to www.livestrong.com and sign up for a free account there, then go to the "Daily Plate" and start to fill in your foods for the day.

3. Measure your progress correctly: The scale is your worst enemy. It can trick you into thinking that no progress is being made when in fact lots of progress is actually happening. Here's what I recommend instead:

Get a tape measure and measure the circumference of your chest, waist, hips, thighs, upper arms. As you lose fat (not necessarily weight) these measurements will come down.
Get either a pair of bodyfat calipers (you can get one with my Amazing Fat Burning Formula) or a Tanita Duo Scale Plus Body Fat Monitor.

Both of these above devices will allow you to "really" see what's going on with your body. Start with a quick weight loss diet like I've already commented about in previous post. Use that formula to create your meals for the day, then just track it. You'll know right away if progress is being made because you'll start making progress. If you don't, then simply adjust what you've been doing (easy to do since you have been tracking everything) and continue tracking. You'll quickly hit the right combination of calories and meals for you to lose weight quickly. This shouldn't take longer than 10 days to figure out. Let me know if you have any questions by commenting below. Take Charge!

Good Friday's Update...

I'm posting early today as I kind blew it already this morning... Didn't look at my work schedule so figured I was working early and that is how I planned out my day. When hubby asked what time I got out of work, I looked and low and behold, I close today... so, because I had to go do my Easter Bunny Shopping, I didn't have time to go to the gym. Should have looked at my schedule and went to the gym earlier...before the BX opened up.

There is no trucks today, so today will basically be easy. Will work more on our Clean & Bright program... aka, Spring Cleaning. Also, with some luck, more customers will come pick up their purchases so that we can clear out our bins. They are getting so full from all the extra trucks we have had over the last few weeks. I do need to do bin checks again too. Do not think we have gotten one in this week.

I got my Easter shopping done that I needed to do. It's a bit harder buying for Holly now that she is 15. So many of the things are so childish. I used to like to buy the prefilled Easter eggs, and such, but they tend to be cartoonish. Not exactly what Holly is into. So, now I have to buy the big bags full which tend to dry out thrown in the bottom of her basket. Or, mom ends up sneaking a few here and there. Hopefully, she will just keep her stuff up in her bedroom out of sight of mom... LOL.

Now I'm just waiting for my hubby to get home for his lunch break. We will probably go up to Jr. Rockers for lunch today. Thinking that today I may get the Bison Burger. Maybe a side salad along with it and skip the fries. I definately do not need those considering I'm missing my workout today.

Today's Body Blessing:

B: 1/2 C. Cottage Cheese, 1/2 C. Cranberry Pecan Granola
L: Bison Burger, loaded with veggies, no cheese or bacon. Side Salad with Ranch Dressing
D: Subway 6" Turkey & Ham Sandwhich, no cheese or dressing, loaded with Veggies, Apple Slices

Thursday's update...

Hey everyone! Hope everyone is having a great start to their week two of the Sizzlin Hot by Summer Challenge. So far, mine's not going too bad. I had wanted to get up and go to the gym or at least work out at home this morning, but when I woke up my thighs were burning a bit from my workouts last week...so decided to hold off at least until tonight.

I got to work this morning where it was pretty slow, but knew it would pick up as we had two trucks to offload. One small appliance truck and one large softlines/hardlines truck. Both trucks went fairly well... No major issues, if any at all.

Came home this evening and found that DD had text her daddy early and has gone to help volunteer her time in filling sandbags in case they are needed with the expected flooding that may happen in the next few weeks. It's always nice to hear your daughter is wanting to volunteer time to help others in the community out when they are in need. Just wish she would do a bit more around the house too... but, that's life of having children I guess...LOL.

Today's Body Blessing:

B: 1 egg, 2 egg white omelet with asparagus and mozzarella cheese
L: Turkey Swiss Sandwich from Arby's (which I found out is way more calories than I thought!), Mozzarella cheese sticks
D: Red Beans and Rice, Ham steak, fresh veggies, olives, sweet gherkin pickles

Beverages: 3 bottles water so far...will drink at least one more before bed,
1 bottle flavored water
1 Lg. Diet Pepsi at lunch
2 cups Detox Tea

Today's Workout:

Planning on doing some stretches and strength training...will post later as I do them.

Whooo.... I did a pretty thorough all over strength training workout tonight. Probably pay for it tomorrow with sore, tired, muscles. BUT, no trucks tomorrow, so will have another easy day at work... AND, best of all...it gets me closer to my goal of regaining my muscle tone I miss so much!

2 sets of 25 Laying Leg Adductions with resistance band
2 sets of 25 Laying Leg Abductions with resistance band
2 sets of 12 Modified Push ups with 8 lb. medicine ball under one hand on each set
2 sets of 25 Crunches on Stability Ball
2 sets of 12 Bicycle Crunches
2 sets of 15 Triceps Kickbacks with 8 lb weights
2 sets of 15 Shoulder Shrugs with 8 lb weights
2 sets of 15 Calf Raises
2 sets of 15 Arm Raises (to sides) with 8 lb weights
2 sets of 12 Lateral Lunges
2 sets o 10 Squats
1 set of 15 Donkey Kicks with resistance band
1 set of 15 Donkey Kicks without resistance band

Weigh In Wednesday...

Just a quick note before I go get my shower and head out the door for lunch with Hubby...and the whole crew today as they have a Going Away Party going on... Then it' off to work for me. No trucks today, so should be a pretty easy day at work. Unless of course all the customers who's merchandise showed up on yesterdays three trucks decided to all come tonight...LOL.


Today's Weigh-In:

139 lbs. (Down 4.4 lbs)

Today's Workout:

45 minutes on Treadmill, Various Speeds/Inclines, 2.92 miles, 318.4 calories burned.

Today's Body Blessing:

B: oops, forgot to eat before heading to the gym...good thing it's an early lunch today!
L: Buffalo Chicken Salad with Ranch Dressing
D: Subway 6" Turkey Ham, no cheese or dressing, loaded with Veggies, Apple Slices

Walk/Run Interval Programs...

These are a couple of Intervals that I found in various magazines over the past few months when I started using the treadmill at the base gym. My goal was to incorporate them into my workouts (treadmill and elliptical), but tend to forget to take them with me so end up creating my own intervals. Anyway, I've printed them out and laminated them to index cards to make it easy to take to the gym with me...

Power Up Your Posture
Activate the abs: Contract belly inward toward spin, but don't hold breath

3 minute warm up (Intensity = 3) 2.5 - 3 mph
5 minute brisk walk (Intensity = 6) 3 - 3.5 mph
2 minute Fast pace (Intensity = 8) 4 - 4.5 mph
10 minute Brisk pace (Intensity = 6) 3 - 3.5 mph
2 minute Fast pace (Intensity = 8) 4 - 4.5 mph
5 minute Brisk pace (Intensity = 6) 3 - 3.5 mph
3 minute Cool Down (Intensity = 3) 2.5 - 3 mph

Interval 2...

TIME -----------SPEED ----INCLINE

0:00-5:00 ------ 3.0 mph ------1.0
5:00-10:00 ----- 3.5 mph ------1.0
10:00-12:00 ---- 5.5 mph ------1.0
12:00-16:00 -----3.5 mph ------1.0
16:00-18:00 -----5.5 mph ----- 1.0
18:00-22:00 -----3.5 mph ------1.0
22:00-24:00 -----5.8 mph ------1.0
24:00-28:00 -----3.5 mph ------1.0
28:00-30:00 -----5.8 mph ------1.0
30:00-35:00 -----3.5 mph ----- 1.0
35:00-40:00 -----3.0 mph -----1.0

Not THREE...

OK, so I really enjoyed my three days off of work. First three day weekend I have had in months because we are so short staffed. It was so nice to be able to spend a day with hubby after doing the March of Dimes walk, going to the gym and working out, spending time with my blogs, working on getting my house around for spring cleaning. Doing things on my time...when and how I wanted to do it.

Then... it was back to work...

Well, I was NOT expecting to come to work and be faced with THREE appliance trucks. Two, maybe, but THREE! Dang, that just set me off to a bad mood right away. Then, to top it off, the one associate I dislike the most, ticked me off. Sometime over the weekend or yesterday while I was off, HE decided to re-arrange my filing system for the UPS paperwork and threw away last Aprils files, which MUST be kept for 1 year. That one month is not up so neither is keeping them a full year... and he threw them away! I just stood there pretty much yelling at him. I was so upset. He always tends to think that his way is the best way and most will agree, it's NOT. I will be so glad when they find a replacement for me so I can move out to the sales floor as an MCA and not have to deal with receiving as often.

Well, I decided to calm down by going to the HUB office and working on next weeks schedules... that was fun. Three of my 6 associates have requested time off...which they requested months ago and already had plane tickets to Detroit for a concert... After I finished up schedules , I headed to eat my lunch... leftovers from last night. When I came back from lunch, the first of our trucks had arrived so we started offloading it. In actuality, the three trucks were not as bad as I expected. Mostly smaller appliances this time around...very few refrigerators and heavy appliances. Though, the third truck was nothing but crated lawn tractors. For me, all I had to do was stick the block under the crate so they could get the jack under them and move them off...so easy easy task for me.

We actually had all three trucks offloaded BEFORE the third truck was even scheduled to arrive. So it was a good day. Afterward, I headed back to the processing area and finished up processing yesterdays truck. Barb had most of it done, was just down to the last rack and a half. Took me about half and hour or less to complete it.

I got home to dinner being served. It's so nice coming home after a long day of work and not having to cook dinner too. I ate a bit more than I probably should have... hubby doesn't think about corn and rice both being high in carbs... I considered skipping the corn, and eating just the rice and fresh veggies...but ended up eating a bit of corn too. I kept my portions small, but I'm sure it was still too many carbs. Tomorrow's weigh in will tell...

Today's Body Blessing:

B: 2 Waffles topped with Peaches and sugar free Blueberry syrup
L: 1/2 cup rice with about a cup of beef/veggie stir fry

D: Chicken Breast (boneless skinless), 1/4-1/2 cup Corn, 1/4-1/2 chicken rice, fresh veggies

Snacks: 100 calorie pack whole almonds, peanut butter/cheese crackers, Fat Free Tapioca pudding

Beverages: 3-1/2 bottles water, 2 cups Detox Tea, 1 bottle Flavored Water.

Today's Workout:

Offloading appliance trucks...

Some stretches, squats, and lunges while getting around for work this morning... it's a great way to get them in while you are drying your hair, putting on make-up, or brushing teeth. Just do side to side lunges, squats, torso twists etc...