90 DHC - Day 30

Ok weird rough week.  I gained a half pound.  Could have been much worse, but I got back on track to salvage the week.  It all started out with the great Chinese food dh & I had on our first date night in a long time.  Could have made some better choices there...couple that with an entire week missed at the gym, and yep, a half pound gain.

But I'm back.

As for the goals:

Water:  Done.  
(Fruits and) Veggies: Done.  Made WW Broccoli cheddar soup and made a great Asian chicken stir fry tonight!
Exercise 3x/week:  Went today, first time in a week :-(
De-clutter 10 min:  Yes...some linens.
Track food:  Done!

Tomorrow is my birthday.  Going out, but have it all planned out, should be ok!

90 DHC - Day 22

I start out today's blog post with something I have sometimes ended with, my gratitude list.   It is a short list today, consisting only of this:

• My children

In our little town today, a 17 year old young man was buried in our church cemetery after a 5 year, on-and-off battle with leukemia.  So brave, for so long...so unfair.

Hug your children...

As for the goals:

Water:  Done.  
(Fruits and) Veggies: Done.  
Exercise 3x/week:  Should have gone but did not make it.
De-clutter 10 min:  De-cluttered kids' toys!!  More than 10 min!
Track food:  Done!

Recovering from a delicious, but highly caloric Chinese dinner last night.  It was a rare date-night with my husband, and we went for a special dinner.  Back on track today...

90 DHC - Day 20

Water:  Done.  
(Fruits and) Veggies: Done.  
Exercise 3x/week:  C25K week 2 again (got further faster today!); and got to strength train again!!  Spent about 1 hr 15 min in all, and it was good.
De-clutter 10 min:  De-cluttered my inbox--wrote a response I had put off.
Track food:  Done!


I am responsible for my own happiness.   Got to take action on it today:-)

90 DHC - Day 19

I forewent the usual salad at lunch when I saw they were offering a special chick parm lunch...loaded up on veggies & side salad, but yep, I indulged.  Hope I don't pay on Friday (weigh-in day...).


Water:  Done.  
(Fruits and) Veggies: Done.  
Exercise 3x/week:  Rest day
De-clutter 10 min:  Got home @ 9:15 from meetings...not done:-(
Track food:  Done!

90 DHC - Day 18

Water:  Done.  
(Fruits and) Veggies: Done.  
Exercise 3x/week:  Done!  C25K AND strength training (husband was working from home & I could leave kids with him, so no time pressure like there usually is)
De-clutter 10 min:  Done!  Figuratively, at least, spent about an hour fighting insurance company on outstanding claims...and lost for the moment, but it is just the battle and not the war...
Track food:  Done!

90 DHC - Day 17

Bad food day yesterday.  There was football.  There was wine.  There were snacks.  Then TV and more snacks.  Went about 200 calories over...my cold really dug in overnight and I got a bad night's sleep due to the sore throat and uber-stuffy nose, and I lay there awake at 4 am, feeling guilty...ugh.  Glad to put that weakness behind me, must be a little stronger next time, I don't like this guilty feeling.  


But I bounced back today by going out to iHop and SURVIVING!  Made good choices!  There was fruit (am I that notorious a non-fruit eater that everyone said, "Whoa, ReineJava, you got FRUIT!"   Still feeling crummy from my cold, even took a nap on this Martin Luther King, Jr. day off...and finished the day strong, food-wise.  Had to bounce back or all would be for naught.  Back to the routine tomorrow, and the gym, I hope.


Water:  Done.  
(Fruits and) Veggies: Done.  
Exercise 3x/week:  Rest today--Cold has gripped me fully today
De-clutter 10 min:  Done!  Got the last of the Holiday newsletters out with dh who did most of the work (holding a loser "L" over my forehead)
Track food:  Done!


The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. --Martin Luther King, Jr. 

90-DHC Day 15

Love Saturdays, can go to the gym without huge time pressure to rush out to beat the karate class dismissal & pick up the kid.  I'm repeating Week 2 of C25K this week, it is still just too hard for me (I finish it, but I'm sucking a bit of wind), got to do that on the TM at the gym and then had the opportunity to actually weight train.  It had been a week since I did that, I just can't fit that in during the week when I am fitting gym in between karate start and karate end!

I am finding that I actually like the gym once I get there...I can just listen to iPod and relax my mind for a half hour.

Here's how my goals went today:

Water:  Almost done.  7 so far, I'll have some more herbal tea for another one.
Veggies: Done.  Had Chinese takeout, ordered steamed mixed vegetables on some steamed white rice.  Oh, and 2/3 of an egg roll, my fave.  Still within my calorie/fat, so it's good.
Exercise 3x/week:  Done today--C25K, W2D1 (secondweek of W2)
De-clutter 10 min:  YEP!  Kitchen, HW table papers
Track food:  Done!


Gratitude List:

• My husband & kids
• Music
• Health
• Laughter
• Our growing & evolving faith community
• Unrushed gym time today
• Heat in this freezing winter
• My dad

90-DHC Day 14

Cannot believe I didn't update yesterday...crazy kid schlepping day...

Water:  Not 8, but 6...
Veggies: Yes I hit three today.
Exercise 3x/week:  Gym yesterday for c25k w2d3 went ok, I will prob repeat Week 2 because it is HARD for me...
De-clutter 10 min:  No:-(
Track food:  Done!


Weighed in today and WL to-date is 3.8 lbs in two weeks!  Early Sat stuff with kiddos and three day weekend ahead.

90-DHC Day 12

Snow day today...the only exercise I did was take the kiddos in the way-too-freezing weather to the local sledding hill.  Saw a kid slam into a tree, get police & EMT attention, and found out later from another sledder that he broke his leg, that was rough to see :-(

Re: my goals...I'll say it now, it was a lazy day!
Water:  Still early, I've six now, I'll make eight.
Veggies: Yes I hit three today.
Exercise 3x/week:  Gym yesterday for c25k w2d2, I'll hit it tomorrow for the third time this week!
De-clutter 10 min:  Nah, I didn't.  But there is still hope for me, the night is young...
Track food:  Done!

I am responsible for my happiness:-)

90-DHC Day 11

Hey, it's 1/11/11.  Busy day today, meeting after school, then just bringing kids places...had to squeeze the workout in, was supposed to be 30-ish minutes, ended up 10 minutes short, had to leave to pick up a kid.  But that is 85 calories that I wouldn't have burned otherwise...

1. drink 8 glasses of water a day - ok, I got 7...
2. eat (and serve) at least 3 servings of veggies/fruits a day - Not done.  I think it was only two.
3. exercise at least 30 minutes at least 3x/week - 20 minute C25K W2D2, cut short
4. tidy/attack clutter for at least 10 min - Not done.

Hmmm, not a great day for goals.  But I may add a #5, record the goals in a journal, like this blog...

90-DHC Day 10

1. drink 8 glasses of water a day - ok, I got 7...
2. eat (and serve) at least 3 servings of veggies/fruits a day - DONE (I'm counting my big lunch salad--need to learn to grab a banana before I leave in the a.m.)
3. exercise at least 30 minutes at least 3x/week - rest day, gym tomorrow
4. tidy/attack clutter for at least 10 min - DONE.  Dealt with some kid paperwork and signups that have been sitting here for days...

Good day today, though I was a bit lightheaded during a long stretch (4 classes in a row) without a break at work.  Remembered to sip my water and all was well.  As a bonus, found out today that I won a year's subscription to what looks like a great online site for my students--as a result of the online symposium I attended on Saturday.  Thank you #rscon11 and Glogster!

90-DHC Day 9

Doing ok...I'm a little hungry sometimes, still within my fat/calorie ranges according to Spark People, though.  Need to snack on more fruits, I think...but hanging in, snacking on decent, low-cal stuff, like a banana, apple slices, or low-fat Wheat Thins and a little Laughing Cow lite cheese, my fave.

1. drink 8 glasses of water a day - DONE!
2. eat (and serve) at least 3 servings of veggies/fruits a day - DONE!
3. exercise at least 30 minutes at least 3x/week - rest day
4. tidy/attack clutter for at least 10 min - Done!  Put Christmas decorations away, purged a few, set aside some clothes to donate and sifted out summer from winter clothes in my dresser.

It was a productive weekend.  Attended an online syposium.  Did C25K W2D1 @ the gym.  Sorted/organized some of my dad's papers.  Un-decked our halls.  Lunches packed for tomorrow.   Good weekend.

90-DHC Day 8

1. drink 8 glasses of water a day - DONE!
2. eat (and serve) at least 3 servings of veggies/fruits a day -barely, but DONE!
3. exercise at least 30 minutes at least 3x/week - C25K W2D1 today at gym
4. tidy/attack clutter for at least 10 min - Put my father's legal papers neatly into a binder (no more scattered folders)

Gratitide:

• Family gave me time to attend an online symposium today about education
• my husband, guiding me through that
• hugs
• heat and warm tea in this bitter cold

90-DHC Day 7

1. drink 8 glasses of water a day - DONE!
2. eat (and serve) at least 3 servings of veggies/fruits a day -barely, but DONE!
3. exercise at least 30 minutes at least 3x/week - C25K W1D3 COMPLETED WED.
4. tidy/attack clutter for at least 10 min - No

Survived my first week of "healthier" & happier...and the diet even survived a trip to Outback to celebrate a family birthday.  Weighed in this week and lost a pound & a half.  Thought it would be more...but I'm getting used to this...

90-DHC Day 6

I am continuing my positive outlook, despite a less-than-positive working environment.  I can only control me, the job I do, and my attitude, and so despite daily depressing tidbits that crop up, I continue to put on a happy face.  When I smile outwardly, it seeps inward, I find.

1. drink 8 glasses of water a day - DONE!
2. eat (and serve) at least 3 servings of veggies/fruits a day -barely, but DONE!
3. exercise at least 30 minutes at least 3x/week - C25K W1D3 COMPLETED YESTERDAY.
4. tidy/attack clutter for at least 10 min - No

Wasn't home till late today, we worked late, carted children to activities, didn't settle down till late.   We're celebrating a birthday in the house today, that was the priority, and the sacrifice was well worth it today:-)

Gratitude:

My family, even when kids don't listen...

My husband

The camaraderie I share with my amazing colleagues
That I completed my goal of exercising three times this week!

90-DHC Day 5

1. drink 8 glasses of water a day - DONE!
2. eat (and serve) at least 3 servings of veggies/fruits a day -DONE!
3. exercise at least 30 minutes at least 3x/week - C25K W1D3 DONE
4. tidy/attack clutter for at least 10 min - not done:-(

90-DHC Day 4

First day back to work, found it easier to eat healthy there...especially now that the holiday goodies are  history.  Carried my positive attitude with me...was even asked in jest if I was "on something" by a colleague because I just refused to let work stress get to me today.  Happiness is my choice:-)

1. drink 8 glasses of water a day - (almost) DONE!
2. eat (and serve) at least 3 servings of veggies/fruits a day -DONE!
3. exercise at least 30 minutes at least 3x/week - rest day
4. tidy/attack clutter for at least 10 min - DONE! Folded some whites that had been languishing in the dryer for days...:-(

90-Day Happiness Challenge: Day 3

Whew, tried a "Dieter's Tea" last night that I got in the health food store...I was thinking it would just help flush out water weight and excess bloatiness from a few weeks of holiday excess....let's just say I will water it down much more and be sure to only drink it when I'm going to be home for a day...whoa.

I'll stick with my "Fasting Support" tea by Yogi.  Much more gentle!

Planning on C25K W1D2 today.  Rest of today's goals to be updated later.

EDITED:

1. drink 8 glasses of water a day - (almost) DONE!
2. eat (and serve) at least 3 servings of veggies/fruits a day -DONE!
3. exercise at least 30 minutes at least 3x/week - DONE!  C25K  W1D2!
4. tidy/attack clutter for 10 minutes a day - - DONE!  Attacked kitchen cabinet clutter for 15 min.  Am offering some unused gourmet coffee on my fave internet message board--if we don't love it, we need to let it go!

Back to work tomorrow after the Christmas break.  That should be another test...anyone can go to the gym when they're off of work, but add that in, plus kids' activities start up again, now it should get interesting.  On this whole "BOOSTING ENERGY" focus this month, mentally, I feel good about the increased (heck, started) exercise, but physically the legs are a little tired.  I believe my energy will improve, just hasn't yet.  Day off of gym tomorrow.

Gratitude:

• a last bit of time to reflect on some good changes I've made
• my family
• my clients

90-Day Happiness Challenge: Day 2

Here's how it went today:

1. drink 8 glasses of water a day - DONE!
2. eat (and serve) at least 3 servings of veggies/fruits a day -DONE!
3. exercise at least 30 minutes at least 3x/week - DONE!
4. tidy/attack clutter for 10 minutes a day - not yet...this is the hardest one for me... but I'll do some before bed.

Re: the fruits & veggies goal, I am tracking all of what I eat on SparkPeople and for two days in a row, I'm within the recommended calorie & fat limits of one trying to lose weight.  The losing weight seems to be the focus of all my efforts right now, but I'm reframing the thoughts of deprivation and shock to my system by reminding myself constantly of the ultimate goal--happiness.  My body will be happier that I am making smarter choices.  Happy body has to be one ingredient for a happy person!  That's what I am repeating to myself, anyway.

Re: the exericise goal, today I shocked the world and showed up at the gym.  I started C25K Week 1 Day 1 (heretofore abbreviated as W1D1, W1D2, etc.).  I successfully completed this program nearly 3 years ago, starting as a complete non-runner and ending up running 5k's and even a half marathon, and that made me happy, so I am starting that up again.  At least they didn't faint when I showed up to the gym after such a long absence...;-)

...and I downloaded a trial of The Happiness Project and like how the author focused on one particular area of her life each month.  January's focus is "Boosting energy."  Fits right in with my eat more veggies and exercise goals!  

I was hoping to track my goals on Joe's Goals, but the badge feature doesn't seem to be working right now. Thought it was a good way to see the badge on my blog and be a link to an easy update of the day's goals.  I'll still update and hope a fix is coming, otherwise I'll look for a different badge-type goal tracker.

Gratitude List:

• It was not absolutely freezing today
• One final day together with my husband and children before work & school resume
• Snuggles from my little one
• Time well-spent with friends today (where they had a veggie platter, thank you!)

My 90-Day Challenge Begins

I am sure Blogger is abuzz with new blogs about peoples' resolutions today...:-)

This year, in my yearly exercise of setting the usual goals to lose that 10 lbs., clear clutter, and be a nicer person to those around me, I came a cross a book title that resonated with me--The Happiness Project.  What a title!  I didn't even have to read the book to realize that it wasn't the weight, or the clutter, or my grumpiness that is so much the problem by itself.  It is incumbent upon ME to create happiness!  Whoa, what a concept.

I have joined an internet "Biggest Loser" challenge on one of my favorite message boards, and have been looking forward to the competition and inspiration to exercise and eat better and, hopefully, drop that aforementioned 10 lbs...  But it has occurred to me to title my journey in this BL Challenge "My 90-Day Challenge."

I got the idea of a "90-Day Challenge" from my kids' karate school.  They run a 90-Day Challenge for their adult students to lose weight, eat well, and train like crazy, and the winner (I think it's the most pounds lost) wins free classes and all kinds of cool fanfare and publicity.  I am calling my internet Biggest Loser Challenge my OWN 90-Day Challenge, and tailoring it to include the following:

1. drink 8 glasses of water a day
2. eat (and serve) at least 3 servings of veggies/fruits a day
3. exercise at least 30 minutes at least 3x/week
4. tidy/attack clutter for 10 minutes a day

Sub-goals:  Send more birthday cards.   Enjoy my family more.   Read more books for pleasure (heck, I may even read the book with the title that inspired me, The Happiness Project).  Get back to digital scrapping. 

Will the intended bigger goals (dropping that cursed 10 lbs. and being "happier") get met while working on these 4 little things? 

I like the idea of a "90-Day Challenge" because it has an end date--I can do anything if I know it's finite, right?  Can I eat, exercise, tidy, and be nicer for 90 days?

UPDATE:  First day went pretty well.   Here is how the goals went today:

1. drink 8 glasses of water a day - DONE!
2. eat (and serve) at least 3 servings of veggies/fruits a day - DONE!
3. exercise at least 30 minutes at least 3x/week - no
4. tidy/attack clutter for 10 minutes a day - DONE!

 Side goal: accompanied kids sledding today.  A happy thing today.  Off to bed, and to read a book for pleasure, another side goal.