Good Afternoon

No time to post this morning.  2/3rds of household unexpectedly working from home today (and possibly a lot more frequently thanks to a bridge collapse in the ATL).

But this afternoon is giving me a minute to stop in.

I don't feel well today.  Headache, stomach issues.  I'm not sure if that's related to my last two weeks or I'm a bit under-the-weather.  I'm still up and errand running galore today, but looking forward to an early night to bed.

Rest day for the old muscles.  The triceps workout yesterday was unbelievable (the rest of the workout was too, but lordy on those triceps).

Win for today - stopped at the best bakery in ATL (had to meet a vendor to pickup a gift) and bought JUST for the family.  This bakery houses my FAVORITE cookie EVER!  I had to sop up my drool after looking in the pastry window.  It's time to be better than before.  Time to put on the big girl panties.  I need a bit of NO in my life.  It was a close call lol.

The new cleaning lady stood me up for the meet-n-greet today.  That bodes well - ugh.

Waiting for my nail appointment this afternoon.  That makes me feel happy :)

That's all from here.  After a few more errands, I'm hitting the sofa to catch up on some favorites.  Dinner is brought to us (them) by Costco - yea.  I have a lot of cooking for this weekend.  A break tonight fits the bill.

Now that's really all.  Later gators.

Back on the Road to AWESOME-VILLE

I have plenty of miles to go, but I'm on the right road.

It probably goes without saying, it's nice to wake up without a hangover (both food and drink).  I'm posting a quick one today -- in between all "the others" in my house up and going.

Today should be a great day.  (Just feeling better brings it miles ahead of yesterday lol!)

I have a full morning.  I need to get a dog walk, my own power walk (or a few intervals), a rice crispies cake made for my girlfriend's birthday all before my morning lift class.  It can be done -- I'm up early to prove it.  Then it's lunch at a primarily paleo restaurant (love this one) to celebrate my girlfriend's birthday.  Fun, feel-good day.

Yesterday's consumptions was a lot better.  Not perfect - less veggies and more fatty stuff (hangover needs lol).  Good news is when left-over wine got poured I had no interest at all (also probably hangover related lol).  I'm glad to be on a better road.

Okay, quick as promised.  My intention for today is happy and healthy.  Later gators.

The Good and the Bad

Last night was fun!  That's the good.

Last night I ate and drank -- too much.  That's the bad.

I have it out of my system - for real this time.  Whole30 days are back.  That's more of the good!

I'm ready to have my pants fit again (and they really don't fit -- my skinny jeans won't close or go up high enough - oops).  The good news is they have no stretch and very little leeway -- so it shouldn't take much to get back in them -- it's not catastrophic lol!

I'm back to healthy eating and very, very little drinking (just a few social things in April).  That's a promise to myself that I'm happy to make today.  I'm also committed to working out strong and hard (I AM sore from yesterday).  I'm going to continue REST days.  They've made a big difference.  I want to add some cardio into my schedule so I'll double up on some lift days.  I did that yesterday -- power walk before lift class.  If my knees and ankle cooperate, I can add some run intervals before Tuesday lift.  I'll see where this change gets me.

I'm disappointed with the results of lifting (i.e. I don't look slimmer -- I look beefier) but it's not a total loss.  I have a good base and a plan to make some adjustments.  I have a lot more strength and a feeling-good knee.  Hopefully, it won't take too long to see some different results in the slenderizing department.

Short post today.  I have an appointment for my car this morning.

Off to make it a happy, healthy day.

P.S.  I feel like shit -- all by my own hand-to-mouth behavior lol.  Time to get feeling back to AWESOME!

Brighter day

Yesterday was a much better day -- full of errands and cooking -- productive and drama-free.

Today is noon lift.  I'm happy to get back into my old routine (even though I'm thinking of modifying it a bit).  I bet I'm super sore tomorrow.

GNI party tonight.  I'm in good shape  -- relatively low key for me.  I'll do some cooking prep this morning and finish up stuff after my workout.  It's a "shared" event so everyone contributes.

Yesterday afternoon I was like - yep I'm going to drink and enjoy the food.  This morning (I woke up feeling good) I am like - nope, not going to do it.  Bets on whether that "mood" changes back this afternoon (sucker bet lol).  Oh those witching hours.  I am off the sweet train for a few days and that feels good.  Wine is the hard part lately.  Both my son and his girlfriend like to enjoy a glass in the evening -- temptation island for me.  I can smell it from across the room lol!

Maybe wine, but no sweets?  Maybe wine and keep the diet clean?  It's hard when most of the food will be NOT clean.  I'm making 4 things -- 2 are healthy -- but what gets brought won't be (never is).  Ugh and double ugh.  I just want to stop the constant EFFORT, but I know it doesn't work that way.  If I chose less healthy tonight, I will enjoy myself a lot more -- sad truth.  But if I chose healthy tonight, I will be much happier tomorrow.  Can I get back to MODERATION?  It's not been an option for me lately.

Pondering this for a minute, I think I'll chose moderation (hopefully, I don't change my resolve).  Lordy, this sounds like a strong stance lol (think, hopefully -- failure wording).  Since I'm hosting, I can get away with careful food choices.  I'll add a few glasses of wine (starting as late as I can) and KEEP AWAY from the desserts.  It's the alcohol-sweet combination that gets me.

EFFORT.  It's a MUST.  And as much as I'm kicking and screaming right now -- it's WORTH IT.  ALWAYS is.

I need my routines.  Love my routines.  My intention is healthy routines.  Later gators.

Not the best weekend.

Time for a new beginning.

Cleaning was hard on my back and knees.  I'm sore since Saturday (and not the good sore).  I have a meeting with a new cleaning crew this week.  But my house looks good!

Sunday started off just fine and quickly became a mess.  A leaky bathroom faucet became a big argument between me and hubby and son.  I cried most of the morning.  Apologies were made, but I'm left with some hurt feelings.  It's a long story and no use rehashing the hurt.  I feel disrespected and unappreciated and just plain sad.

So today starts a fresh week.  Lots on the calendar.  Lots to ponder.  Changes to be contemplated.

I'm back to my regularly scheduled workouts this week.  I will think about how to incorporate more cardio back without injury.  Until then ... lift as usual.

Today starts prep for GNI party tomorrow night.  (At least the house is clean!)  Lots of errands and such.  I can get an early start since it's a rest day -- no workout needed :)  Then it's hit the kitchen for some cooking prep for the party and the week.

I haven't decided if I'll drink and be merry Tuesday night.  I like being back on healthy habits, but I don't want to be a dud of a host.  I'll play it by ear.  I'm emotionally tired today and thinking about it feels too much.

This is a bit of a Debbie-downer post today.  Crying takes a lot out of me (I don't do that very often).  I'm still feeling the effects this morning.

That said, let's call it a wrap for today.  But to end on a positive note, I'm up early -- aloha Hawaii time -- finally!!

Crawling Back

Barely.

I've taken a f*&K is attitude this week and it shows in every aspect.  Low energy, low motivation, pants tight, face bloated, general blahs.

The good news is I think I'm just about finished with it.  I don't even want to exercise.  I canceled my classes this week and chose some rather lame home workouts. Today needs to be one of them.

Come on girly -- get yourself together.

Today's agenda is simple.  Workout and clean my VERY dirty house.  That will complete the day.  I paid bills and got some other things in order this week so when the house is clean my little world should feel more normal.

I have a refrigerator full of good food choices.  I just need to make the good choices.  This week it was easier said than done.

As much as I wish all was hunky dory today, there are times when the f*&K attitude feels good.  I did what I wanted.  Period.  No effort, no guilt -- it was nice ... for a few days.  Now the consequences are  setting in -- time to change it.

Part of my attitude has been a little discouragement from my new body efforts.  I've put on muscle.  I'm noticeable stronger.  And I look crappy.  All the vacation pictures showed it.  I'm pretty sure that's where the attitude came from.  I'm pissed and disappointed in the results.  I have to do some thinking.  I need a better balance between weight lifting and cardio.  I want a slimmer look with a bit of strength mixed in.  My stomach is really big (not counting this week, because duh) and I don't know why.  With some bum muscle added, nothing hangs well.  So much effort, crappy results.

Kids are up so I'm going to sign-off.  This will be my thoughts as I clean today.  New plan needed.  Modification, balance, change.  Later gators.

Slow, slow and slow start back

I missed posting yesterday for two reasons.  One -- I went back to bed for a nap.  The 6 hour time difference is stilling kicking my butt.  And two -- I plum forgot.  My routines this week have been non-existant.

Time to change that.  But I feel overwhelmed -- so a slow roll it is.

Today's goals -- home workout, grocery store, healthy eating and pedicure.  Nothing noteworthy but I need to start pushing forward.  My Rosetta Stone and meditation will wait until Monday.  I have lots of house chores to accomplish and my energy is in the tank.  Feeling great won't happen today, but it's a start.

In other news ... my kombucha home-brew is done but just tastes okay.  It worked.  Carbonated, flavored ... just not as good as the bottled stuff.  And straining the "baby" makes me want to gag.  I'm not sure if it's worth the effort.  I might try one more batch before I give away the SCOBY.

In continued drinking news ... a week of Nitro Kona coffee (BEST coffee EVER!) has left me spoiled.  My Starbucks tastes burnt and bitter.  I'll probably re-aquire the taste back, but UGH!!  I can't even tolerate my ground coffee in the morning.  Why is there no Nitro in ATL?!?!?

This post vacation has been a hard one for me.  It's nothing to really complain about but I'm going to anyway -- here it goes ...

No more cleaning ladies - dirty house on the list for this weekend.  Back breaking 2 days.
Pile of bills - didn't I just pay them?!?
Bloated - still not regular enough.
Pants are tight - too much vacation and post-vacation.
Leaking sink AGAIN.  Have to schedule the plumber.
Friends are away or on jury duty -- no play time this week.
My fresh manicure is a mess after water week -- too early to get fixed.
My "new" hair color is the same.
Hawaii time is keeping me sleeping in and staying up late -- opposite of how I roll.

I know ... quite the "crisis" list.  But it's bothering me.

Hopefully, this pity party is enough to get me moving.  I know what I need to do but I'm fighting hard to be a lazy slug this week.  Stay tuned tomorrow for continued slug report lol.  Later gators.

Home Sweet Home

Lordy, so much to share.

The trip was amazing.  Kawaii is a beautiful island.  Mostly local stuff -- which was fabulous.  Fantastic local towns - just as you'd think island life would be.  BUT cool enough that I could get a Nitro Kona coffee everyday --- WHAT?!?!  Poke until I couldn't "poke" anymore.  One of the store owners gave me a flower lei.  It's that kind of place.

I jumped way out of my comfort zone and had some great adventures.  SCUBA (two dives) - wow - turtles, fish, eel, coral -- incredible.  Snorkeled with some turtles (next to HUGE waves).  Boat ride along the coast with crystal blue waves, caves, mountains, waterfalls.  Saw dolphins, 2 kinds of whales, turtles -- you name it.  Helicopter ride into old volcano and over the pacific "grand canyon."  We also so the hump back whales in protective formation from some stray okra whales.  Beautiful 5 mile hike up cliffs, in the jungle, over Hawaiian sacred ground, around the shore line and a natural sink-hole cave. I also (finally) rode a SUP in the ocean.  Took me lots of tries and a couple of falls to finally stand up but I did it!!

Loved it all!

Now I'm home and the business of being home has started.  Hello cleaning my own house, grocery shopping, etc.  I'm tired and sore today.  The overnight flight means losing a night's sleep and time change and trip and busy week.  I'm in vacation hang-over mode.

Plus all this has messed with my "regularity" *TMI alert* and I'm feeling yuck.  My ears are clogged and hurt from SCUBA.  Not really complaining -- everything was amazing, but I need some recovery time.

I think a light workout today, healthy eating and some time with my pup will help things out.

Tomorrow begins busy and I need to feel better.

Okay, time to get moving.  Later gators.

Aloha

Almost.  The MEGA flight today.  I'm excited and nervous (as I am before every big trip).

Packing went well.  I decided on a last minute return ("cool" jeans I bought that were just too cool for me -- unfinished hem, etc).  Walking back to the car I passed the GAP with a big sale and the perfect 10-hour plane ride outfit in the window.  SOLD.  I was hung up on what to wear on the plane.  I wanted comfortable, BUT nice AND it had to work with my heavy period day, etc.  This fits the bill perfectly.  Made me very happy! (We have no washer in the unit -- weird for a timeshare -- so I need to bring a bunch of clothes.)

I had a hard time falling asleep last night -- not surprised.  Then tons of strange dreams.  I have lots of time to sleep today lol.

Up early for a home lift day.  Quick total body workout.  The rest day was good yesterday -- just walked the dog :)  I'm going to miss that sweet boy.

My nails are happy, happy to be back to my favorite style.  It's more expensive, but you get what you pay for ... and it should last longer.  I guess I'm a fancy girl.  (And I'm now cleaning my own house, so I consider it payment lol.)

My hair is less happy.  I like the shorter length, but the color is still too dark.  It doesn't look lighter at all.  It's brown hair with blonde highlights.  I want blonde hair.  UGH.  Why is it so hard?  Not bleach-blonde -- just regular old blonde.  I'm paying for mousey brown hair.  I took a picture of a girl on TV yesterday who had the look I want.  We'll see for next time.  I was excited for a "new" look and it's a bit of a bummer.

Anyway ...

By tonight (tomorrow EST) I will have views of one of the most beautiful places on earth.  How blessed am I?  My intention for the trip is to RELAX, love the VARIETY, live in the moment, BREATHE in the beauty and LOVE my hubby.  Not a bad way to spend a week.  See you on the return.  Later gators.  Aloha.

It Came!!!

Late, but it's here.  Only uphill from this point.  I should be okay with the water events this week -- fingers crossed.

3 inches off my hair - wow.  Brighter, lighter color (keratin is on so it's hard to see any difference yet) and that crazy gray is gone.  My hairdresser was all into going lighter (my old one resisted) and she said we can go more next time if I want (need to blend in baby steps).  P.S. She said my hair grows really fast -- thanks collagen.

Got tons of stuff done yesterday including a good portion of my packing.  Still some to go today (the outfit parts) but it will be way easier.

Finished my book -- good one!  I'm so happy to be reading books I enjoy again.  I have 3 books downloaded for the trip.  Started one last night and I already like it.

I'm crawling back to my old nail salon (second time).  The latest manicure is already peeling.  I should be able to go another week - ugh.  I didn't want it to peel off completely in Hawaii.  The good news is I'm back to an American today.  I missed it.

My kombucha brew is ready for second fermentation today.  The bottle we did at the class is ready to drink, but I'll wait until I get back. It's possible to get food poisoning from home brews and I don't want to take any chances.  Having my period is enough over a 10 hour flight!

I canceled circuit today.  The back-to-back workouts were tough.  I need a rest day.  It works out well and I can do a lift workout at home tomorrow before we leave.

I'm not sure if I will post tomorrow -- probably, but if not, I'll be back!

I'm coming along with my meditation.  I found an interesting Wayne Dyer video on "I am ..." statements.  I'm incorporating it into my mediation.  Rosetta Stone is on hold until we get back.  The next lesson is the mega review of the first chapter.  I want to do it when I get back to review before I go forward.  I'll do my meditation while away, but not the Rosetta Stone.

Okay folks.  Today is get-ready-for-Hawaii day.  My intention is GRATEFUL as I'm on my way to paradise and am preemptively GRATEFUL for a safe trip.  Later gators.

The Weekend

Hello Friday.

Lift, hair appointment (hopefully with new do and new color) and then packing.  My "alone" time is gone ... since Wednesday night.  Bummer, but Hawaii so who cares lol.

I'm plugging along with Rosetta Stone.  Meditation is starting to get better.  I like a Tony Robbins 5 min of gratitude meditation.  You put your hand to your heart to ground you and it makes "meditation breathing" make more sense to me.  I'm looking for more like it - nothing so far but I'll look more in earnest when we get home.

STILL no period.  UGH.  Horrible month to be late-ish.  Signs are all there ... today maybe.  I'm sweating like a maniac.

Eating was back on point yesterday.  Hard though.  I WANT that afternoon blow-off big time lately (and still PMSing).  But I always regret it.  It comes on so strong and then leaves so suddenly (after a couple-few hours).  Strange.  I'll keep fighting the fight.  I think a lot has to do with my loss of alone time.

Lift was awesome yesterday.  Heavy(-ier) weight with a spotter.  I LOVE being stronger.  Today is endurance - light weight, more reps.  I'm going to sweat like crazy.  I bet tomorrow's circuit is a lot of cardio and abs.

I'll have to figure out workouts next week.  I'm sure there's a gym.  I'm still intimidated to "lift" in gym (when others are around).  I need to get over it.  I want to workout 4 times next week.

I'm so glad I planned to pack over two days.  It is more manageable and de-stresses the process.

I'm almost finished with my book - good one.  I have 4 downloaded and waiting in the wings.  I won't do a lot of reading - mostly on the plane but I'm all set.

Okay, early class this morning -- time to get moving.  Same, same today VARIETY = HAPPY.  Go with the flow and enjoy the day.  Later gators.

Short and Sweet

Still PMSing UGH!!  Hopefully, today will be the day.

PMS got the best of me last night.  Lots of munchies and lots of wine.  House to myself was awesome for my mental status, but less awesome for my waistline.

Today's a lift workout with a partner.  I better actually shower before I go ... lots up up close and personal space ... I'm sweaty already.

Speaking of sweaty -- dentist is done.  Amen.  It's hard and horrible to get my snaggle-tooth cleaned, but they are pearly white again.  I did a quick shopping exchange and lunch with a friend.  It was a good day.

I'm moving slowly this morning (thanks wine).  I might need to do my "stuff" this afternoon.  Peeps home again today.

After my dog walk and workout, it's a triple grocery store run ahead of going away.  Busy day.

I don't feel any inspiring words of wisdom this morning.  I wonder why?  Okay, short and sweet today (neither of which describes me lol).

VARIETY = HAPPY continues today (once I get my butt in gear).  Later gators.

HUNGRY

I woke up last night around 2am hungry as shit (excuse the French).  I came so close to going downstairs to eat something.  I thought I ate enough yesterday, but as I'm PMSing I guess it wasn't enough after all.  I finally fell back to sleep.

Today will probably be an eat-a-lot day as breakfast is early, lunch is light (out with a friend - not great options - I looked ahead).  I'll need to beef up with an extra meal.  I'm giving a quick "hello" while I drink my drinks and then a big breakfast.

I'm moving quickly (and up early) to get my "stuff" done before my dentist appointment.  I image if I don't carve this time out, it won't get done today.  I also need to add "plumber" to my to-do list ... sink is leaking again.

My tummy seems less BIG this morning.  Could be PMS, could be no Kombucha.  Too early to tell.  I hope it continues to go down.

While I have peeps home today, I have the house to myself tonight.  Praise be!  I'll catch up on some of my recorded shows and relax.

I'm fingers-crossed to get my period as early as possible -- Hawaii is around the corner.  No one wants that!!

Okay, it's a quick (and a bit boring) post but I'm hungry and rushed this morning.  Keeping that same intention -- VARIETY = HAPPY.  Later gators.

Success in the books

I made it though my list - with HAPPY and fun and VARIETY.  Yea me.

Meditation, Rosetta Stone, Hawaii plans, etc, etc, etc.

I also didn't buy any Kombucha at the store, so I kept to my promise to skip it a couple of days.  I missed it though.  I like the afternoon ritual drink.  Tea and coffee are my morning staples and don't interest me often in the afternoon (especially when it's warm out).  If nothing changes, then I can get back to it lol.

Lifting was good, but short.  I added a quick lift when I got home to get some balance.  Rest day tomorrow.

I've noticed some some gains in the muscle department (and lots of strength gain).  I have a butt muscle that flexes now lol.  And my arms are shaped better.  I don't understand the thick-in-the-middle that's happening though.  Maybe the Kombucha but if not, I'm at a loss.  I should be feeling slender in the belly after 5 days of spot-on eating.  Mystery 101.

Time to read a bit and head to bed.  Early dentist appointment tomorrow -- UGH.  I'll be challenged to get my mediation and Rosetta Stone in as I have people home.  But where there's a will ...

Adios.  (Yep - I'm that person now)

Getting stuff done.

Yesterday was a great day.

We found a new lunch place - paleo menu - delicious food!  We also found a new clothing store - Madewell - OMG cute stuff.  I bought a few things, but might exchange a blouse.  I was "encouraged" to get it and I like it, but the color washes me out.  They have some other choices I think work better.  That will have to wait until Wednesday.

I suck at Rosetta Stone but I'm plugging through it.  30 min per day is the goal.

I did 2 ... count them ... 2 meditations yesterday for a total of 20 min.   I liked the second one much better.  Some I connect with but most I don't.  I'm on the hunt for the ones I like.  I need the guided meditations at this point.  Not just breathe and be still.

I also started planning the Hawaii trip.  The fun planning will be today and tomorrow as I check out the "activities" section.

Today is my noon lift class.  I'm still really fatigued.  I completely rested yesterday (my girlfriend wanted to drive, not walk and my son walked the dog).  I think it's heavy weight with a spotter.  I've never done it before ... should be interesting.

I'm going to give my Kombucha habit a break for a couple of days.  My belly seems "big" to me and I wonder if that's the drink.  There is thought that the labeling is not accurate and there is a lot of sugar in each drink.  The bottle of homemade will be done Friday so I'll drink that before I go.  I also need to bottle my brew on Saturday and let it have it's second fermentation while I'm away.  I hope it works!

Busy day, busy week.  Better get today started.  This week's intention is still VARIETY - my missing link.  Later gators.

Monday - the REAL Funday!!

Today begins my March Madness list (even though it's the 6th already lol). P.S. I did meditate for 10 mins yesterday ... and only checked the time 4 times lol.

I'm set and ready to go with a to-do list to keep me on track today and for the week.  This week is a busy week, lots of lists, lots to do ... and then, BAM, HAWAII baby!!  It will be so beautiful -- can't wait.

I'm starting the packing process a few days early to avoid "overload."  Packing for this kind of trip is rough for me!  Spreading it out relaxes me.  I'll start with the MEGA packing list.

This week is also dentist (ugh) and hair (yea).  I think I'm getting some length chopped and asking for a lighter, brighter base color.  Spring clean-up.

I am immensely grateful for a rest day today.  I worked arms hard AND hit a bunch of golf balls ... TIRED!  Our hike ended up tripling the last one and it was a leg and cardio workout.  We managed to not kill the dog - I gave him another arthritis pill today - he's probably as sore as I am.  But it was fun and really pretty scenery.

I'm going to lunch and a walk with a friend today.  The walk will be leisurely so it should feel fine.  I'll probably take pup on a walk later tonight.  Give him some time to work out the kinks.

This morning is meditation, Rosetta Stone, Hawaii reading and then lunch.  Lots of VARIETY today. Spice of life I've been told.

I'm excited to get started with my 2 new healthy habits today.  Wish me luck.  Hope to report good news tomorrow.  Later gators.

Sunday Funday

Good morning. Sunday is here.  When I'm NOT working it's one of my favorite days.  Why??  Day before TIME TO MYSELF lol.

Today we're taking pup on our usual hike, errands and a quick trip to the golf range.  If I get a chance, I'll try to get some chores out of the way too.  Probably a long-shot, but it would give Monday a little break.

Yesterday's circuit class was a lot of cardio - good - but I need some arms.  I decided to do a quick arm workout at home today and then Monday is a rest day.  That works really well for this week's schedule even though a rest day today sounds nice too (but it's only my legs that are tired).

I need to get my butt researching for Hawaii.  We only have a week before the trip.  Time is ticking.  I like to have a few things planned so we don't miss what we want to do.

It feels good to be back on track thanks to the March Challenge.  Hawaii will be a break from it, but I don't expect to go hog wild.  I love the fresh, healthy food and I'll add some alcohol to the mix.  We'll also be active during the day.  Swim suits (even my kind lol) keep me in check.

Monday begins my "stuff" ... meditation, Rosetta Stone.  I'm excited to get to it.  I'm also excited to add VARIETY back in everyday.  Yesterday was a regular day, but I enjoyed it a lot -- because I noticed it, noticed the VARIETY, payed attention to the moment, got out of the "future" in my head.

HAPPY requires EFFORT (for me).  It's annoying, but it's the truth.  Maybe I'll eventually "practice" my way into another default setting.

I'm keeping today short-and-sweet -- early workout to get to an early hike.  Brrrr ... it will be cold, but early means off leash for the pup and that's the fun of it.

Copying my intention from yesterday ... VARIETY baby lol.  Later gators.

Lots to Report

Yesterday was a surprising day.  Not exactly headline worthy, but lots of unexpected happenings.  Here's the scoop.

StitchFix was a bust.  Disliked all 5 items.  Bummer!!  That's only happened once before.

Cleaning ladies quit.  She's heading to Mexico to take care of her ailing mother.  I was on the fence about taking over the cleaning - I've been pushed over lol.  If my back holds up, I'll keep cleaning (and saving some big bucks).

Lift was total body - not arms.  Oops - new month, new schedule.

Kombucha class was super cool.  We got a starter kit, a bottle of home-brew and lots of tasting.  There was also a guided meditation and blessing of the brew.  Meditation won't give up on me and I'm grateful. It was a feel-good evening.  I'm so glad I went!  More on this later :)

I think I've figured out some of my missing mojo.  Bare with me - it's rather ramble-ish.  My default is NEVER variety - I need to consciously choose VARIETY.  I made big effort over those 4 months to look for variety in the small things (not just the big stuff).  It made my day enjoyable and pleasurable.  I didn't look to food to provide the pleasure.

After the 4 crazy, hectic, fun months I was craving some CERTAINTY back - my default, my comfort-zone.  I gave up on VARIETY and let certainty rule my day.  The problem with that strategy is my day becomes boring, unenjoyable and I look for food for the "pleasure" in my day.  And the interesting thing is what I'm doing can be basically the same thing.  It's about noticing the VARIETY, finding it in small things, appreciating it, acknowledging it.

With CERTAINTY ruling everything, I tend to go through the motions without stopping to notice the pleasure in the moment.  I tend to be planning the "future" in my mind so I can be CERTAIN of what to do, etc. instead of living the moment.

I did need a break from the big stuff, but I let the daily stuff go too.

I have a strong INTENTION today to notice and love and seek VARIETY.

VARIETY takes lots of forms for me.  Meeting people, making an effort to connect with people, learning something new, appreciating small moments, noticing simple pleasures, taking a minute to be grateful, being a little spontaneous, saying YES, smiling for no reason.

You get the idea.  Things that aren't my default are my VARIETY.

Journaling is a big part of VARIETY for me.  It helps me notice the potential in the day.  I've strayed from "thoughtful" journalling as the house filled up.  I miss it and I need to find a way to continue as the house will be full for a couple more months.  This morning I have my time and it feels good to spend time thinking and writing.

On that note, it's circuit training day - early class and one of my favorites.  I'm off to have a VARIETY day of fun.  Later gators.

Forward momentum

Even just one day of eating healthy feels good.  A lot of the bloat and groggy are gone this morning.

I didn't get an opportunity to post again yesterday.  Full house is a full house!  I'll have peeps home this afternoon too.  Ugh - with a smile on my face - being nice lol.

I found the Rosetta Stone - looks like it should work.  As I said yesterday, I probably won't start it until Monday since I have a constant house of people until then.  But it's progress.  I also contacted calm.com as I'm having some admin problems with the account.  I want to use the daily guided meditation.  Meditating myself is obviously not working.

I tried the new nail salon for my fingers - love my new color.  Finally got the old eyebrows tamed too.  And my StitchFix came in the mail.  It came just in time for hubby to arrive home.  I haven't opened it yet.  Hopefully, I'll have a few minutes between cleaning ladies and hubby home to try on the new stuff (I know, problems that aren't problems).  BUT I need some time to myself.

Florida was fun, but I ended up with NO time to myself.  Hubby played hooky the first day, my girlfriend decided to spend the night and that left me with lots of fun, but no quiet time.

It's a steady revolving door of people home.

Okay, enough on that (for now lol).

Today is arm lift day (nice early class), some errands to "hide" from cleaning ladies and tonight is Kombucha class.  I'm really looking forward to it - I'm curious if homemade is easy and enjoyable.  I don't notice a big difference when I drink it (as far as tummy issues) but taking the probiotic pill seems to help.  I just enjoy the drink - an afternoon treat - something other than the usual drinks.

Off to prep for the cleaning ladies and finding the HAPPY even with a house full of people.  My intention today is FORARD MOMENTUM.  Fingers crossed.

New Beginnings.

Hello March.  Hello new Challenge.

I lost my mojo since January.  It shows itself for a few days here and there and then -- BAM -- disappears.  That flow of "worth-it," moderation, being in control -- all out the window OR it's a big STRUGGLE to live it.

I think the problem is the change of routine having a full house.  I've let it change my healthy habits, my mindset, my attitude.  It needs to change.

February was a bust on all things except my studio Challenge.  March is a NEW BEGINNING.  Back to basics.

So here's my plan.

(1)  Take out Rosetta Stone and USE it (if it still works) ... 15-30 daily.

(2)  Review my goals daily.

(3)  Join March Challenge at studio.  This requires logging food again.  I have mixed feeling about it, but I've been off course and I need to get back on.  The lifting group is doing it and I don't want to miss out on the results.  I get a break for the week in Hawaii.

(4)  Meditate.  Daily.  5 mins.

I will start all this by Monday.  I know that seems like a cop-out but I need a minute to get life in order.  Eating and logging starts today though.  I'll get everything set-up before Monday.  The problem is I have people home everyday until then.  It makes it hard to get my personal space and time.  That's something I need to work on.

First, I need to feel better.  A couple of good, healthy days will help on that front.  A PLAN with ACTION -- feels like a relief.  I'll check in later with the "regular" stuff post.  Peeps are heading to the kitchen.  Later gators.