Ooops, did I say that?

Sitrep: BodyRev (2wts) - Cardio & Arms 2x; PPU - 1 set Reg, 1/2 set Wide

I believe yesterday I said that I could still lift my arms over my head after doing the Perfect Pushup (PPU). Not so much today. Okay, I can still lift them over my head, but really don't want to. My pec muscles ache when I do that. Only not as bad as with any other movement of my arms. Yikes. Even typing makes me feel my pecs. How the heck is that happening?

Noticed something this morning - I'm wearing a sweater I haven't worn in years because it was too tight over the stomach...it still shows more bulge than I'd like, but fits. But what I realized today is the sleeves aren't tight. They are actually a bit loose around the biceps. Sweeeeetttt!

Had a great evening last night. Came home after work and decided not to turn the TV on. I remember how relaxing my sister's house always is because she usually has music on, not TV. So I turned on a new CD I treated myself to - the Best of Andrea Bocelli - and set about making dinner and working on my current Christmas project. I actually got to talk to Janet W for a bit. That was great, wish I could have talked longer. But it made me make sure I did my workout last night.

My little sister, her mom & older sister also came over. I'd agreed to hem some pants for Mom Michelle as she has a job interview today. :) (Go Mom Michelle!) We had dinner, I hemmed the pants, the girls did homework...it was fun. And relaxing with the music in the background. Only bad part was when they showed up...apparently the girls had been arguing, again. And Mom had had enough. Sat the girls down and gave them a huuuuuggggeeee lecture. In front of me. Not sure who was more embarassed. Me or the girls. Thought KT (the 17 yr old) was going to die from embarrassment.

Reminds me of my sister and I as teens. Holy moly, were we mean to each other. Not sure how Mom & Dad survived. And my sister actually still talks to me! I'd better send her a big cyber hug. I wasn't much nicer to my brother, either. I remember when I switched to words instead of physically trying to beat him up after the time he held me off with a hand to my forehead and I couldn't reach him. Boy, did that make me madder!!!! [g] Good thing he still talks to me, since I'm spending the next two weeks with him and his family. And he's even picking me up at the airport. :) I do have the best brother & sister in the world. I'm very lucky.

And speaking of my siblings, I have a picture of the three of us that was taken the last time we were together...two years ago? Anyway. It's on my fridge. Last night Mom Michelle saw it and said "Wow. You really have lost weight...I knew you had, just hadn't realized how much!" thank you, thank you very much. [g] Every time I've mentioned my former weight and my issues with it she always says "oh, stop it, you didn't weigh that much." I think that picture reminded her that maybe I was unhealthily overweight. Still am, just not by as much!

I could see the wheels start turning in her head that maybe, just maybe, she can do this too. I've been encouraging her. She has my original BodyRev & the DVD (I use the scripts the ladies on the BB provided. I wish Alden would produce an audio track I could download to my MP3 player. That would be fabulous!) Anyway. She mentioned something about losing weight/getting in shape, and I said, hey, you know what to do...You have that REV sitting right there in your living room. She actually looked more interested than I've ever seen her, so maybe she'll start...I hope so. It would be fun to have a BodyRev buddy here in town. :)

Got the weather report for the next week at my brother's. Looks like it's going to hit the 70's at least one day while I'm there. Yikes. Considering in my world it's snowing, the roads are icy (slid through a red light today!), and the high today is going to be 28*F, that's going to be a shock to my system. :) Guess I'd better drag some of my summer/fall clothes out. :)

I'm starting to hear I'm leaving, on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again...Leaving, on a jet plane...over and over in my head. :)

Motivation Schmotivation

Sitrep: 2 wts - 1x Cardio, 1x Arms. PPU - 1 set Regular, 1/2 set Wide (0 max level)

At least I remembered my cell phone this morning. Which I didn't the last two days. But really. You know you're tired when you use shampoo instead of soap and don't realize it until you're rinsing. At least I got my contacts in okay. But I have huge green/gray circles under the eyes. A sure sign I've been eating something my body doesn't like. Sigh. I know it's the garlic in the mashed potatoes. But they were soooo good. [Note to self - get recipe from Michelle and post.] And I brought enough home from T-day to last until last night. Thank goodness the leftovers are gone. I was at the point I was going to start gobbling instead of talking I've eaten so much turkey. The dog is pretty bummed, to say the least, since turkey is on the "approved" eating list for her. ;)

So what the heck was up with all my "gonna figure out my Max" for the Perfect Pushup? I mean really. How many push ups do you think this girl can do without stopping (and with good "form"). The levels are: 0, 10, .... oh, why bother going past that? [g]

[Insert Jeopa.rdy Theme Music Here]

That's right! It's ZERO max for me. [g] Although I was able to do 2 push ups before collapsing. Better than even I expected. I guess all this REVing really has improved my arm strength. So with zero being closer to two than ten (gee, who'd've thunk it!) that's my level. I managed to do the following KNEE push ups:

1 set Regular position, 0 Max = 4 push ups, rest, 3 push ups, rest, 2 push ups, rest, 1 push up, rest
1/2 set Wide position, 0 Max = 4 push ups, rest, 3 push ups, collapse

Now, you're supposed to do this in 2 minute drills. So I should have done each set in a 2 minute period. I didn't time it. Figured the first few times I'd focus more on just getting it done - form, rotating the handles, etc. Regular position is hard enough. Wide position is just that. You put your hands two hand widths wider than shoulder width. Yikes.

I hurt this morning. My shoulders, upper arms, upper chest muscles. But at least I can still use my arms and even lift them over my head. We'll see about tomorrow! Anyway. I feel good that I got the exercise in, and that I was able to even do that many push ups! A definite improvement and progress is being made. :)

Thanks everyone for the support and encouragement. I didn't mean for my post on the BB yesterday to sound like I was beating myself up. I'm not. Just a little discouraged, and the tiredness I'm feeling in general was showing through. I'm tired today, but feel more energized if that makes any sense, because I worked out last night. :)

Miscellaneous Mumblings: A Conversation with Me

Sitrep for Nov. 19-25: 2x Cardio & Arms, with 2 weights.
Goals for Nov.26-30: 3x Cardio & Arms, learn what my Max is for PPU.

I've shortened the week as Saturday is a total travel day and Sunday will probably be a total family day. I have a feeling the kids won't be leaving me alone for a second.

Thanksgiving was good. I got to my little sister's house around 10 am to help get ready and cook. I had fun doing that. For awhile it was just Shanni, KT and myself, while Mom Michelle took a shower. The girls were great, for the most part, in helping and doing what I asked. I did get into it with Shanni though. She is 12. And then mom finished her shower and came back out into the kitchen. And all heck broke loose. Seriously. KT went from a happy, helpful teen to a sullen, resentful, not-going-to-do-what-you-say teen. In the blink of an eye. Insane. She and her mom ended up in a total shouting match. Ending with teen in total meltdown. Yikes. But things calmed down and the rest of the day was great.

I earned a tshirt that says "I Survived Black Friday". Okay, maybe I didn't earn one, but I should get one anyway. Because believe it or not, I actually went shopping Friday. Granted, it was around 3 pm and only to JoAnn Fabrics and then to Hastings. By that time things were mucho calm around here. I had checked all the ads, and there weren't any super deals in the stores in Helena. Met up with Shanni & her family at Hastings; that's always fun.

Saturday was more of the same. Back to JoAnn Fabrics to use the Saturday morning 20% off your entire purchase coupon, and then took Shanni and KT to the Bed, Bath & Beyond that opened Thanksgiving week. Sweet. They'd never been to one, I hadn't been in awhile. Much oohing and ahhing over the stuff. I love kitchen gadgets. Seriously. Not that I'm a cook or anything. [g] Just love to look at them.

And then last night I got my travel Perfect Push Up. Oh, holy cow. What did I get myself into? It looks so much easier. I attempted a couple of the modified knee pushups. This is going to be painful. [g] BUT I do need to build my upper body strength, so...Unfortunately, I let myself be "distracted" by an Xmas project I've got going, and didn't REV. I haven't REVed since the day before Thanksgiving. Sigh. I'm letting myself down, but can't seem to stop it.

But I have decided to take my BodyRev with me on vacation to my brother's. I think 2 weeks without REVing at this stage of the game will be disastrous. Even if they do have other exercise equipment. I like the REV 15 minute full-body workout. :) And the travel PPU will fit in my bag nicely. ;) It's really rather ingenious and takes up just a bit more space than a hardback. I'll just have to make sure my brother doesn't see it...Seems like all the other ladies have had their PPUs commandeered by male relatives.

So tonight I promise to do: Cardio & Abs, and figure out my Max for PPU. It should be easy enough since Biggest Loser is on. Love that show and it so motivates me to work out!

The Things I Didn't Know

Sitrep: 1x Cardio (2 wts), 1x Arms (2 wts), 5 min snow shoveling (hey, I count everything!)

It's funny the tings I think about when I'm doing nothing. Especially when I'm walking or driving. When walking I tend to let my mind wander. Not so much while driving (!), but I'm still thinking in a part of my brain about other stuff while driving. And last night when I left work to drive home, I mentally explored the complexities of Winter in Montana. Specifically, Office Parking Lot Politics.

Now, when I moved here from Florida, the only experience I had with snow was from my early years in Oklahoma (birth to age 5) and the four years we were stationed in Germany (3rd-6th grades.) I knew I loved it, loved the cold. Never really liked the humidity and hot weather in Florida. But I'd never had to deal with snow as an adult.

As I warmed up the car, I looked around the parking lot we share with the company next door, and realized how everyone is jockeying for the "prime" parking spots. Only they're different from the "prime" spots in Spring, Summer, and Fall. And boy, do people get upset when their regular parking spot is occupied when they get to work. Whatever season it is. Seriously. I've seen people leave notes on windshields. And all the gods, goddesses, & ultimate powers in the universe can't help you if you don't pull up far enough when parking on the side street. And then everyone rearranges in winter. It's some kind of bizarre unspoken, unscripted, music-less ballet with 50 dancers and 10 spaces.

So this is what I've learned about the Office Parking Lot in winter:

1. Always take the spot that is angled up (ie, you're backing out downhill!)
2. Park where you won't have to drive around and up/down another lane of parking spots to reach the exit.
3. When you get to work late and the parking lot out front is empty, there's a reason. Not only are the spots angled down, but you have to cross the parking lot to get to the building.
4. Just because the parking lot in front is plowed, stuff gets packed down and it's icy, etc.
5. Keep some Yak Trax in the trunk of the car. Wear them. Even when you have snow boots. Which reminds me. Where are mine?

So far, no one has taken my spot. Maybe they pity me since every winter for the last six I've either gotten my car stuck when pulling into the lot (hey, not my fault they don't plow the side lot with the main entrance!), or I've fallen multiple times. But then again, I'm also one of the first to get to work, so I have my pick. Angled up, close to the building so I can use the handrail the whole way in if I need to. And a straight shot out of the parking lot at the end of the day. Maybe next Monday I should try parking in a different spot. See whose world I can throw out of whack...

Anyway. These are the things I was thinking about on the way home. Not about the state of Iraq, not about the upcoming primaries where the media is determined to make Democrats choose between Clinton & Barack only, not about the inequalities and injustices faced by millions all over the planet. No. I focused my attention on the complexities of Office Parking Lot Politics.

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone!

It's the Princess' Birthday!

Sitrep: Uh, Null. Except for the 5 minutes of snow shoveling last night. :) I'm revising my goals down to 3x Cardio, 3x Arms.

Happy 4th Birthday to my youngest niece. :)

I cannot believe my sister's little girl is four years old. Whoa. Time is going by way too fast.

And in 11 days I'll be on a plane to my brother & sister-in-law's. Yippee. I can't wait. Two whole weeks to spend with family and have fun.

Lazy Weekends & Snow Days

Sitrep: 2 wts - 1x Cardio, 1x Arms, 30 min Flag Football, 30 min Basketball

Just love 'em. And that pretty much sums up my weekend. Lazy. :) Didn't get the rest of my workouts in...

The day after "Gym Night" I started to feel sore and achy everywhere. Put it off to the flag football & basketball. Until the next day when I hurt worse than when I started BodyRev! I think I got a touch of the latest bug going around the office. Thankfully, it didn't affect me as badly as everyone else. Getting 10-12 hours of sleep on Friday & Saturday night helped. Spent a few hours at the library Saturday with Shanni & KT.

Yesterday did nothing but watch TV, read, relax. And doze. It was one of those lovely gray days where you just want to stay inside. It rained a good part of the day and finally turned to snow. We have about 2 inches of the heavy, wet stuff on the ground. Thank goodness! We need it. It has kept up pretty steadily all day. And I got to wear my new boots! I'm turning into such a girl, lol. I have multiple pairs of shoes, now, and find myself checking the shoe section out more and more...

Anyway.

Goal for this week: 4x Cardio, 4x Arms, all with 2 weights. 1 piece of pumpkin pie. Per day. [g]

Flag Football w/9-10 yr olds = TACKLE

Sitrep: 2 wts - 1x Cardio, 1x Arms, 30 min Flag Football, 30 min Basketball

So I survived last night's Gym Night with Big Brothers Big Sisters. It was a lot of fun, really. And I totally stayed away from the 3-legged soccer. ;) Shanni & her older sister KT went with me. Apparently the Salvation Army has a church building in town, and they have a huge gym attached.

We got there just after 6pm, and did some warm-up throwing baskets, etc. Then they started the flag football. Can I just say I was the only adult on our team? A definite disadvantage for our team, as I am not athletically inclined. Shanni, 12, and KT, 17, were on my team. Thank goodness for KT. She's athletically inclined and fast...I guess I should count her in the adult category, huh? There was a 13 yr old boy and then a bunch of 8-10 year olds. The 8-10 yr old boys did not want to throw the ball to the girls. [g] The girls wanted to show the boys they were good too.

None of them cared about the "flag" part of the game. It was all rush and pile on, or rush and crowd into the wall. No one got hurt, though. One of the BBBS staff was the 'ref' and made sure everyone took turns as the quarterback. When it was Shanni's turn, we made our own "play" and she faked like she was going to throw it then handed it off (shoved it, actually) at her sister. Then we got in front of KT and barreled down the "field." Almost made it, too. If that darn wall would have stayed out of the way.

I have to admit, I didn't realize how into it I would get. Seriously. I haven't played like this in a long time. Thanks to the BodyRev workouts I've been doing, I had the stamina to keep going. Oh, I got winded, sweaty, etc. But I didn't feel like passing out or quitting. I had fun. And I was seriously going after whoever had the ball. I am not kidding. There was no holding back so the kids could feel good about themselves. Because holy cow, are they fast. It was all I could do to keep up! I did stop one of the 10 or 12 yr old boys from scoring because I was able to pull his flag 3/4 of the way to our goal. I held that thing up in the air and jumped up and down yelling "I got it! I got it!". Like I'd won the lottery or something. Cracked everyone up. Got my high fives from Shanni, her sister and my team mates, though.

We ended up losing, but had a fun time, which is the whole point of it. Everyone got to participate, and had fun. No crying or disappointment. After a short break, Shanni sat down to draw a "When I grow up I want to be..." picture for BBBS (for one of their fundraisers) and KT & I went back on the floor to play basketball. This one boy about Shanni's age came over and sat across from her, but didn't want to draw a picture. Just kinda sat there and watched her. A few minutes after she finished and joined us, he showed up with another basketball, and challenged her into playing with him. It was so cute. I don't think she even realized he was crushing on her. :o We played for about 30 minutes, before we had to leave so they could do homework.

It was great to be able to be out there and doing stuff with her. To be able to coach her and encourage her. To be able to show her how to throw the ball and give her tips to make a basket. I'm not the best player, but I can make a basic shot. And explain how I did it. Not only did she make it, she did 2 in a row!!! Yeah, Shanni!

She told me she wants to play volleyball at school. KT wants to try out for track or basketball, she's not sure which. I'm encouraging them both. ;) They also want us to get together once every week or few weeks to do what we did last night. I'll have to see what facilities I can find. That are free. Or at least cheap! I talked to our case worker at BBBS and she says they want to do this once a month.

Anyway. THANK YOU to all the BB posters, and Gator Patrol for the support and encouragement and sharing of their struggles in keeping healthy and exercising. It's been inspiring and motivating to me, and kept me exercising long past the point I'd have given up. And a SPECIAL HOO-YAH and THANK YOU to Alden, for taking all that time to encourage and motivate us. It has really made a difference for me!

Hair Cut Pics

Sitrep: 2wts - 1x Cardio, 1x Arms

No laughing at the new 'do, okay? All right, you can laugh since I can't hear you, but be gentle, please. ;)

I don't like this profile view but am posting it because it really shows the highlights/color.

Anyway. This is the "new" me. I'm still liking it although it is strange not to have all that hair. I dropped a pound on the scale. I think it was the hair. [g] Very long, very thick.

And yes, that is natural wave in my hair. After 34 years I've decided to stop fighting the cowlicks and waves and let the stuff do what it wants. Supposedly it looks good that way...

Tonight I'm off on another adventure: It's GYM NIGHT with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Flag football, 3-legged soccer, and basketball. So if no one hears from me for awhile, it's because I was talked into playing 3-legged soccer. ;)

define: Happiness

Sitrep (11/5-12): 2 wts- 1x Cardio, 1x Arms

I typed define: Happiness in Google this morning. And the results were interesting. The first two listings were definitions. The next ten were video games, albums, and song titles. Type in "happiness" and the first one is a definition. Then it's all about finding or creating happiness.

What brought this on, you ask? Several things.

One, I received the Nov/Dec issue of World Ark magazine (Heifer International). There was an interesting article in it about the pursuit of happiness. The author interviewed several entrepreneurs who left their wealthy, successful careers to do what made them happy. Even if it meant losing everything they'd worked for.

Two, on the phone with Mom & Dad last night we ended up discussing how they just want all their kids to be happy. And they aren’t sure if we are. I'm happy. I can honestly say that. I don’t know when everything just clicked into place for me, or what was the final piece. And I'm not saying everything is perfect. But I can honestly say that I am happy with my life. Is my sister? I think so, at least where her family is concerned. I know she's not passionate about her job; she does it for her daughter. But I'm not passionate about my job, either. Is my brother? I think he and my sister-in-law are happy. They seem so on the phone those rare times we talk. Especially since my brother switched jobs.

Three, after that phone call I ended up talking about the same issue with a friend. Why is it everyone seems so unhappy? We are wealthier than we have ever been, as a nation. Most of us have more than our grandparents ever dreamed of having: huge homes, multiple-car families, iPods, cell phones, computers, stuff, stuff, stuff. Yet from what I read and the “studies” and “surveys” show, we are unhappier than ever. Yes, I know studies and surveys can/are manipulated to show what the researchers/surveyors want.

But I look around me and seem to see nothing but a sea of people that aren't happy or satisfied with their lives. Reminds me of the quote by Thoreau "The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation." (Henry David Thoreau, Walden). The people I see aren't miserable, they're just unhappy. Which to me is worse. When you're miserable it seems there's more of a drive to change your situation. Simple "unhappiness" is brushed aside.

What's the reason we are more unhappy now? Is it the disconnect between people? The ever-increasing pace of our lives? This freaky treadmill we seem to be on where someone keeps punching the “increase speed” button? Is it the emphasis on material well-being? Is it the development of television and then 24 hour news and then the internet? This “always on” society of ours, where there is always noise in the background? [side note - When Noise Annoys]

So why am I happy? What makes now different than times in the past when I wasn’t happy? For me, I think it’s the location, the people I know, my family, my friends. I have my house, I’ve very little debt. And while not rich monetarily, I feel rich mentally, emotionally, physically. And I believe those last ones are tied into the fact that I have taken charge of my health. The last part of my life that wasn’t under my “control.”

But that’s me. Is it different for everyone? Or is it the same? Financial or emotional? What makes you happy? How do you define happiness?

760 is my new favorite number

Goals for week of November 12-18: Cardio 4x, Arms 3x, all with 2 weights

But I'd've been happy with 701! I passed my 3rd exam today in my quest to become an M.CS.A (Mic.ro$oft Certified Systems Administrator). Needed a score of 700, got a score of 760. I have no idea the total number of points I could have gotten. They never tell you that. Idiots. But my prinout shows "Strong" in all of the sections, so I'm happy. I'm thinking of taking the 4th exam before Christmas. Take advantage of the time at my brother's house to study. Since the kids will be in school, we can do our homework together. ;)

This exam was a wee bit different at the end. As soon as I finished the review and hit the "end test" button, I squeezed my eyes shut. Didn't want to see the score right away. After a few minutes (or seconds) I sl-o-w-l-y opened one eye, only to see they've added a "Comments" section, where you can go through and comment on each question on the exam. Yeah, right. So I hit the "end comments" button and poof! There was my score. I think I squeaked, it startled me. I wasn't ready for it. I almost cried when I saw the word "Congratulations!" It took me a few seconds to look for the actual score. ;) Then the door popped open and the 2 ladies at the testing center (whom I know fairly well) came in with my printout and singing "Congratulations to you, Congratulations to you..." They crack me up.

Anyway. On to exam #4!

I think I must be sick...

Weekly goal for Nov. 5-11: 2 weights - 4x Cardio, 3x Arms
End of Week Sitrep: 2 weights - 3x Cardio, 2x Arms

And it's not because of the red wine I had while playing hooky at the neighbors last night instead of studying. Although that is probably why I've had a bit of a headache all day. (I'm such a lightweight. Sigh. Which is why I'd never be able to go on one of the Ops to Bad Frogs. lol. Those ladies scare and amaze me.)

No, I think I must be sick because not only have I found a way to get the BodyRev Bootcamp workout (thank you Janet W!) , I bid on - and won - the Perfect Pushup Travel in the fundraising auctions for Valour IT (Voice Activated Laptops for OUR Injured Troops). Check out the project if you haven't already, it's awesome, and you can still donate!

I'm excited about both workouts. But seriously.

Me?
Pushups?
Bootcamp?
In the same sentence?
And it's voluntary?

Hee hee. Maybe it's because I just finished another 30 minutes of REVing, but I'm feeling seriously giddy here. Although lack of oxygen probably does the same thing. [g]

I missed the second part of the Tyra Banks show last night on body image. Unexpected visit at the neighbors house. With the above mentioned wine. I think she wanted adult company, that wasn't family, ya know? She's got a 2 year old at home and is feeling a little trapped I think. We've chatted lots over the "back fence" since they moved in this summer. I had a good time. I think she did too. By the time I left, she was promising to help with my yard this summer. The flower beds, I mean. She loves planting and knows flowers, etc. (You should have seen all the stuff she planted.) She said she already has plans for my flower beds. LOL. Works for me. It was the one thing I never did get working for me this summer.

Anyway. Just talked to Mom and found out that B&T have a total gym or something like that at their house, so I don't have to take my BodyRev with me when I go visit this December. I'll miss it, but will at least be able to workout. I was having fears of it being a)stolen from my suitcase or b)commandeered at some airport security checkpoint along the way if I did take it as carry on.

Well. Enough of that. I'm feeling great, still Reving, and got 3 cardio and 2 arms workouts in this week. Pretty good even if it's not my goal for the week. But I'm only short one cardio and one arms. I still don't get to buy the newest J.D. Robb, however. But next weekend watch out! I want that book and am feeling motivated enough right now I think I can do it. ;)

Hoo yah!

Body Image

Sitrep (a/o Friday): 2 weights - Cardio 2x, Arms 1x

Thank you Janet W for your call last night. Your timing was perfect because the thought of the new J.D. Robb was not enough to motivate me. I think I'd been sitting here for several hours watching tv and telling myself to REV. :) After getting off the phone I did Cardio and Arms. And am going to do them again tonight. Although I think I must be channeling someone else. Preferring cardio and exercising at night instead of the morning is just not me!

So last night while waiting for the dogs to settle down (I'm dog sitting the boss' dog) I was channel surfing and landed on Tyra Banks. Now, I've never watched this show before but the sight of a group of mostly overweight naked women on the screen stopped me cold. WTF? Was my thought. Turns out they were wearing flesh-colored body suits and doing this little experiment in Body Image. It was brutal. Actually, they were brutal. They stood in front of a mirror and described themselves. Then they stood behind the mirror and the others had to pick a label out of things they'd all said. Like fat, unhealthy, thick, overweight, needs to eat, etc. It was sad. It really was. Because I think all of us have been there. Whether we're in-shape, overweight, too skinny...we're our own worst enemy, we women. We are so cruel to each other.

It was interesting to see them try to avoid giving anyone the worst label there "Fat Slob". It ended up going to one of the women who wasn't fat, but her attitude was pretty nasty. She was the one that had originally uttered the phrase. Her attitude was basically if you're overweight it's because you're a lazy slob. I thought they were going to lynch her. They might yet - part 2 is on tonight. I have to admit I'm intrigued enough that I'm planning on watching it.

And the discussions while picking labels for each other. The whole thing was about being truthful, yet you could see some of them didn't want to be hurtful. And when they talked about giving out the "hot" label...What makes someone hot? The "mean" lady (I can't remember her name) came right out and said you can't be hot if you're overweight. Sigh. People's preceptions are just so...I don't know.

Like the one they gave the label "couch potato". Turns out that yes, she's overweight. But she's no couch potatot. She has been playing baseball for 17 years, eats fairly healthily, is always on the go with her husband...Reminds me of my friend N. back in FL. By no means overweight; she never was. But she is not the typical skinny model. She's bigger boned; she really is. And I've known people that would consider her "thick" (one of the descrips used last night.) Which is absolutely nuts. N. is gorgeous. From head to toe. And very much has the athlete's body. (Even those 2 years when she couldn't be active because she just couldn't seem to keep that one leg in one piece for long.) [g]

Anyway. It was just eye-opening to see these women and hear how they think of themselves. And then to see how they judge each other. Downright cruel. It's not just something we do as youngsters and grow out of. It stays with us. It seems to me the only way to stop it is to stop it at a young age. And yet I worry that I've let my own insecurities and fixation on body and image influence my little sister in a bad way. I'm trying to make it about doing fun stuff together and having energy. Trying to make it about being healthy more than being pretty or fitting that mold that society says we have too. I guess only time will tell how well I do. It's frightening how much impact you can have on someone else, especially someone so young.

Pass It On

Well. Nothing I could even dream of posting today would be better than this one I just read on Crankyotter's blog:

You Don't Have to Whisper

Read it if you haven't. Please. Pass it on. And don't whisper.

http://www.tolerance.org/

My reputation precedes me...

Sitrep: 2 weights - 1x Cardio. Was headed into arms when I got a phone call from a friend having a nervous breakdown. That lasted until 11:30pm. Sigh.

If you missed it the first time, please read It's the Easter Bunny's Fault before reading the rest of today's post. It makes more sense that way.

So I get the following email from a friend this morning:

Natalia, why did I think of you as I read this?? M.

Damn, I can't believe I didn't think of this one! lol

One year at Thanksgiving, my mom went to my sister's house the traditional feast. Knowing how gullible my sister is, my mom decided to play a trick. She told my sister that she needed something from the store.

When my sister left, my mom took the turkey out of the oven, removed the stuffing, stuffed a Cornish hen, and inserted it into the turkey, and re-stuffed the turkey. She then placed the bird(s) back in the oven.

When it was time for dinner, my sister pulled the turkey out of the oven and proceeded to remove the stuffing. When her serving spoon hit something, she reached in and pulled out the little bird.

With a look of total shock on her face, my mother exclaimed, "Patricia, you've cooked a pregnant bird!"

At the reality of this horrifying news, my sister started to cry. It took the family two hours to convince her that turkeys lay eggs!

My reply:

I will never live that down, will I? [g]

Hers:

NOPE :)

A Milestone & I didn't even realize it...

Apparently, my last post was #100. Wow. And when I started this I thought I'd have nothing to say. I'm loving this. Finally, someplace I can mumble and ramble, rant and rave, and get stuff outta my head. And no one else actually has to suffer through it all...unless they want to. This is excellent!

I've been dying to get back here the last few days. Had this wonderful, insightful, thought-provoking post all planned...and the moment is gone. I can't pull it together now that I'm finally able to post again.

Things have been crazy at work. Crazy as in very busy getting caught up from being out of town, and getting two big projects finalized for next week. Also, crazy as in bonuses were handed out and apparently they moved to a merit-based system this year. So some people are seriously ticked off. Not me. But I'm trying to stay under the radar. So I've been reducing my internet time.

Other than that, I have just got to get myself going on my exercise again. I miss it. Not something I thought I'd ever say. I just am so drained by the time I get home I do nothing...except study. I'm feeling more confident about that exam. Still stressed. So my promise to myself and everyone out there is this: Tonight I will complete Arms & Cardio (2 weights).

Also, to encourage/reward myself, I am not allowed to buy the newest J.D. Robb book until I meet my goal for the week: 4x Cardio, 3x Arms, with 2 weights. Note to my Evil Alter Ego Natasha: That means no book until you meet a weekly goal. And the week starts over on November 11th. The idea is to get moving every day. And no, you can't modify the goal downward. :p

Whirlwind

Sitrep: 2 wts- 1x Arms, 1x Cardio; 10 min Bicycle (1.25 miles), 30 min Treadmill (1.4 miles)

Goals (Nov 5-11): 4x Cardio, 3x Arms

Well. Time has passed like a whirlwind since my last post on Thursday. Friday was the last day of our seminar, and the morning was all about getting the exam put together and printed. And of course, the print shop just happened to be a few doors down from Borders. Funny how that happens. Unfortunately, on the way to Borders I was distracted by Cost Plus World Market. Shame on my sister for ever introducing me to that store when I visited her in CA. I blew my spending money in there. Although it's good my car is so small or I'd've bought quite a bit of furniture. They were having a mega sale. For those of you not familiar with World Market, think Pier 1, only more affordable. ;)

I also found new tennis shoes. Yay! And they not only have good arch supports built in, they also have the roll bar (or whatever it's called) to help prevent my feet from rolling in. Haven't worked out with them yet, but boy are they comfy just to wear. They're Asics brand running shoes. The people at Lady Fo.otlo.cker and Fo.otlock.er didn't have a clue what I was talking about. Ended up at Sche.el's. They knew exactly what I wanted, and found me a pair that fit, actually had wide width, and were on sale. I was in and out in 30 minutes. Now that's my kind of shopping!

So. Saturday was driving home time, and the rest of the weekend was spent studying. Have the next exam in my MC.SA certification (Mic.rosof.t Certified Sys.te.ms Adminis.tra.tor) coming up. Was hoping to take it tomorrow (Dad's Bday seemed like a good omen) but am nowhere feeling prepared enough. So it's next week. Monday, most likely. Shanni helped me study yesterday by drilling me with the flashcards I have. Poor kid. M.Soft uses big words for me. She couldn't pronounce half of them, and had to read me the answers on some so I could say if I got them right or not.

Well. I'm outta here. Tons of work to catch up on and I'm wired on too much coffee. That, and Sudafed. Yikes. Can we say I'm all jittery?

Oh! And one of my coworkers is replacing her kitchen cabinets instead of just adding some extras...so she's selling them fairly cheap. I might just get some nice "new" cabinets for my kitchen.

Who is that girl in the mirror, there?

Sitrep: 2 wts- 1x Arms, 1x Cardio; 10 min Bicycle (1.25 miles), 30 min Treadmill (1.4 miles)

Used the hotel's Cardio Room last night. First time I've actively sought out a fitness "center" in about a decade, I think. I still hate the bicycle. Love regular outdoor bicycles, but the stationary ones...they suck big time. [g] Still love the treadmill, though. That was always my "reward". Funny for someone that doesn't like walking. Maybe it's because on the treadmill I get to keep a steady pace and have a beginning and end time. Usually when I'm "walking" it's more of a meandering kind of thing with no real beginning and end or destination in mind. Probably why I hate shopping so much. Surprisingly, I can walk this morning with only a few aches. Although there is this one muscle that runs just behind and sort-of to the left of the knee bend that hurts. That acted up about 6 or 7 minutes into the bicycle workout. Tomorrow I will probably hurt like hell.

The wall in front of all the workout equipment was solid mirrors. Normally I avoid those like the plague. It wasn't too bad when I was on the bicycle. It was a recumbent one (fancy word for sitting with back support, lol) so I couldn't really see myself. But on the treadmill, I got a good look. At least from the waist down. And all of a sudden, I could see me. It was weird. As if some blinders fell off or something. Instead of seeing a fat blob, I saw my hips, curves. Yes, I've lost 20 pounds and toned. Lost some inches, definitely. But that doesn't account for all of it. It's just like I saw myself a bit more clearly. I've heard that the camera adds ten pounds. I think that our eyes add twenty, when we are looking at ourselves.

Why is that? In high school I thought I was unbelievably fat. Yet I wore a size 7 dress to my graduation ceremony. What is up with this? Size 7 is not fat. Fat is 5'2" and 185 pounds. Except now I'm at 165. But still in the obese category according to BMI, etc. Which I think is a crock. Totally does not take into account body structure/type.

But I digress. Most of the time on the treadmill I kept thinking to myself, "Who is that girl in the mirror there..."

Why can't we take these blinders off and just keep them off? What is it that makes us add these pounds to our images? Is it internal? External? Both? Neither? Why are some of us worse off than others in this respect? And now I worry that my new "obsession" of getting into shape is inadvertently making my little sister think negatively about her own body. Yes, she has some baby fat on her, yes she does run a risk of being overweight when you look at her family (both sides.) But I don't want her to obsess on it. So how do I help her? Is this fixation on body image and newly-found exercising mania hurting me too? Do I stop talking about it all together, or keep talking, like I have been.

Are you F'ing Kidding Me?

I guess it's Trick time in Paraguay. I cannot believe this:

Paraguay's Supreme Court has quashed a 10-year prison sentence imposed on the country's ex-army chief, Lino Oviedo, for attempting a coup in 1996. The judges ruled after several military commanders testified last week that there had never been a coup plot.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7070604.stm

HAH! I was there. There most definitely was something afoot, it's called a COUP ATTEMPT, and Oviedo was Involved. With a capital "I". The embassy was on high alert, Peace Corps was on super-dooper high alert. It was insane and very very scary.

I was in the capital city the night it got really freaky. When it really looked like the tanks were going to roll out into the streets. I was at the Hotel Stella D'Italia with several other PCVs (Peace Corps Volunteers) and this really unfortunate American couple that were passing through on their way to the Falls at Iguacu on the border with Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. We stayed at the Stella because it was cheap, you could share rooms, and they had CNN International in the lounge. And it was centrally located to downtown Asuncion. Near the palace, government offices and stores. That's where we were, in the lounge at the Stella, switiching from local news coverage to CNN International. The local channels all of a sudden went off the air. All of them. At the same time. We looked at one another and then switched over to CNN. After about 10 minutes the lights in the hotel went out. We looked at each other again and then, all at the same time, yelled out "Coup" and ran for the windows.

PCVs are a strange lot.

You gotta love a hotel that

Sitrep: 2 wts - 1x Arms, 1x Cardio

Serves Starb.ucks coffee in the meeting rooms, and has a Star.bucks in the lobby. :) I know it's not the best coffee in the world, but it's always good, and much much better than what these hotels usually serve.

And holy cow, did I die and end up in VIP heaven? This is the first time we've held one of our seminars here since the hotel was bought by Crow.ne Pla.za. It was nice before but they are doing some major remodeling. And put me in one of the remodeled rooms. I got in and there was this lovely tray with an assortment of bottled water, MT brewed beers and soda in ice. There was a Halloween goodie bag and a note from the sales staff thanking us for coming, etc, and so on...The room is the ultimate, with a panoramic view of the city. Sweet. Sofa, plush bed, three million pillows, one of those luxury showers, LCD/Flat TV (whatever those really pricey TVs are called!, and a coupon for a free movie. This place is nicer than my own home.

The Cro.wne Plaz.a also has this "Sleep Better" thing going. They provide eye mask, lavendar spray for the linens (did not use that - instant migraine!!!), ear plugs and a relaxation CD. I kid you not. The alarm clock plays CD's and you can even plug your MP3 player into it. :) I listened to the CD last night and the first 2 tracks take you through some relaxation "exercises". That doesn't work well for me.. Requires me to concentrate too much to do the exercies; but I liked the music. Apparently at some point in the night I woke up and instead of turning the TV on (I usually put it on timer and fall asleep to it) I must have hit the CD play button. Forgot the 1st two tracks have a guy speaking on it. Scared the heck out of me...thought someone was in the room!

Anyway. I did exercise last night while watching the Bi.ggest Lo.ser. Unfortunately, I ate the candy provided by the hotel. Can't remember the last time I ate La.ffy Ta.ffy. Won't be doing that again. Pure sugar and sat in my stomach like a lump. Ughh. There's a fitness center in the hotel, so I think instead of REVing tonight I'm going to head down there and use some of the equipment. Might as well shake up the routine somewhat. :)

Well. Better go check on the seminar. 59 for the two hour class this a.m. (our largest for this topic ever. Can we say "marketing works?") and then we have 91 signed up for the 2.5 day seminar starting this p.m. That's 16 over projections, and 22 over our break-even point.

The boss actually complimented me on my new haristyle. He is not one to hand out compliments like they're candy, and when he does he is always sincere. He said he really likes the hair, "it's very flattering to your face."

Today is a good day. :)

PS - Ste.phanie Plu.m is a dangerous road companion. Especially when the book involves exploding squirrels and beavers. I think I scared a truck driver or two.

Maleficent

Crankyotter, this one's for you...


It's actually from Halloween 2005 and includes my little sister (right) and her older sister (left).

You can't tell too clearly, but my face is green and I did purple eye shadow in a big way. Tried to copy off the DVD of "Sleep.ing Beau.ty".

I bought the costume off of the internet. It's great. Especially out here - just toss it on over sweater & flannel-line jeans and you are good to go trick-or-treating. (Halloween is usually the first really cold snap of the year. 20 to 30*F for the highs.)

Next year I need to add the staff with the raven. That's harder to find. At least, one that looks real. ;) I'm also thinking of adding long black or purple nails.