I woke up this morning with little aches from walking on the treadmill yesterday. It feels nice since I know it worked my muscles in a good way. I decided to not work out this morning. Don't want to over work them since I am just starting out. I will walk again tomorrow morning since I'm off and do it every day after I get off work.
I know I should be cleaning my room, but I feel lazy. I need to motivate myself because I'm tired of the clutter. I need to at least clean up a little every day for at least an hour. Now that I'm not speaking to my sister, I don't have to spend all my time hanging out with her when I get home from work. I can actually do stuff for MYSELF for once. Woo hoo! :0)
Ok, gotta get moving and at least clean up my floor. I want to be somewhat productive although I was cleaning up a little in the kitchen earlier. Better late than never if you ask me! Plus it's cold in my room right now so moving around will definitely warm me up instead of living in bed with my blankets covering me. :0P
It's funny how a big fight with my sister has given me the motivation to make big changes in my life. I have come to the realization that I can rely on no one but myself. My sister and mom have proven that to me. I don't want to stay home and do nothing anymore. I have found my motivation to get moving! :0)
I walked 2.5 miles on the treadmill after I woke up this morning. It took me an hour to do it at varying speeds and inclines. I walked an extra .25 miles as my cool down period and burned a total of 335 calories in the process. Along with that, i walked my dogs for 15 minutes after I ate Kashi oatmeal and drank a tall glass of milk for breakfast. I've been drinking lots of water and cooked some chicken breast strips to put on top of a salad for my dinner. I feel good although there is a lot going on in my life. It's so bad right now that I actually don't want to be home but I want to start cleaning my messy room so I can have my refuge from all of the bullshit.
My goal is to walk on the treadmill for at least an hour each day for the rest of this month so I can prepare myself for when I start going to the gym in March. I'm even thinking about getting a trainer to help me out with a routine of sorts. I feel like I've turned a new leaf. I feel motivated to exercise and eat better although the reason for it was because of the big fight. My sister and I are truly night and day, and I don't feel like I know her at all. She doesn't know me either. I want to prove to her and my mom that I can change mentally, emotionally, and physically without either of their help, and I don't need them to reach my goals.
It's so bad right now I would rather be at work or anywhere else than home. I know they are my family and all, but I'm sick and tired of being the scapegoat for them. I know I have faults and issues. I have never said I was perfect. They think I am the only one with problems. They have many faults too and tend to blame things on me just to make themselves feel like they are "perfect".
I can't wait to start going to the gym after I get off work. It will be a pleasure to go than being home. I have decided to save $1 for each day I work out and/or go to the gym. I want to save money for a nice vacation somewhere. One of the many goals I want to achieve. I started it today. :0) It actually felt good to walk on the treadmill. I could think a lot and take my agression out on my walking. Why didn't I do it sooner! Better late than never I say! I think I will also save a $1 for each day I blog on EP. Another incentive to reach my goal and keep track of everything. It was also be theraputic for me in a way too! ;0)
Although it is a beautiful day outside, I need to start cleaning my room so I can live in here more comfortably. I will be spending a lot of time in here now that I want to avoid being around my sister. I'm tired of living my life the way I have. It's time for me to get moving and change it for the better! :0)
I consider myself a “non-practicing” Catholic. Although I am not really religious anymore, I do like to give something up for Lent. It is a good way to show myself if I have the will power to give something up cold turkey. I’ve given up alcohol and fast food before.
Since today is Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent (until Easter Sunday), I have decided to give up soda, fast food, and red meat. I am pretty confident I can stay away from fast food and soda. I’m hoping once i haven't had them for a month and a half it will prep me for not wanting it all for good. Red meat will definitely be the hard one for me. I’ve wanted to wean myself off red meat in the past. I have had my fair share of steaks and burgers in the past so I would like to wipe my slate clean so to speak. I know I can eat it in moderation, but I know red meat takes longer to digest. I have had stomach problems in the past after eating too much steak too. My dad gave up red meat for health reasons and he was an avid red meat eater before. I know I can follow his example and give it up too.
I am up for these challenges that I inflict on myself. These are just the first steps in the right direction to better health for me. :0)
My sister had recorded an episode of Oprah that she thought I would like on our DVR. I was finally able to watch the whole thing last night. The episode spoke about how Mississippi was considered the fattest stated in the United States with 1 in 3 people be overweight or obese. Oprah and Bob Greene (author of The Best Life Diet) went to Meridian, Mississippi where a crowd of people had their Best Life Commitment ready to sign. Oprah and Bob are waging a cross country battle against obesity this year. He doesn’t call it losing weight but a lifestyle change because you have to get in the right mindset instead of just focusing on numbers on the scale.
Here are the five factors in making a lifestyle change that was listed on the show:
1. Get moving
2. Stop eating two hours before bedtime
3. Drink at least 6 glasses of water
4. Eat 3 meals, including a nutritious breakfast, and a snack
5. Eliminate alcohol (for now)
I know I haven’t been on EP for a few weeks now. I’ve been meaning to write a blog and start my journey, but for my own reasons, I haven’t. I honestly have not been taking it seriously since my birthday. I haven’t been in the right mindset unfortunately. That is my own fault, but I am finally ready to take a stand. I’m not just saying it anymore since I know actions speak louder than words. Reality has kicked in due to something happening to me physically recently. I know it is in part of being overweight. It worries me, and I know I can’t go on being overweight. If my dad was able to change his lifestyle and eating habits due to health reasons, I have gotten my wake-up call to make my own changes. I am putting my foot down now. Enough is enough!
I wish today was Friday instead of Thursday. I can’t complain though because I have a 3 day weekend (in honor of Martin Luther King Day). That’s one of the perks with working for the State. I keep telling myself I want to go to bed early each night to no avail. This lack of sleep I’ve had for so long is really starting to catch up with me now. I do it to myself essentially. I know I wake up early every day but still go to bed late because of watching something on tv or hanging out with my sister. I’m really a night owl when it comes down to the nitty gritty. Too bad I couldn’t work at night. That would probably be more beneficial to me lol.
My cousin and his girlfriend are coming up tonight to spend the weekend here. I’m most likely going to see him tomorrow and maybe have lunch with him and my sister. I’m planning to do a lot of cleaning especially in the kitchen. It’s time to start my “Spring” cleaning although it’s still winter. I want to get cracking with my diet, and I need to take all of the bad temptations out of the cabinet. I need to go to the store and buy more fruits and veggies and other healthy food so I could make my lunch every day for work. I need to stop spending so much money!
I also want to put away all of our Christmas decorations into the garage this weekend so I can utilize the treadmill. There is no time like the present if you ask me! I would like to be using it at least 3 days a week next month. Once I get used to exercising on the treadmill, I’ll start using some of the aerobic DVDs we have and eventually use my gym membership that has collected dust in my wallet. I will get rid of the laziness that has taken over and be more productive. I have a long way to go but I know it will all be worth it in the end! :0)
It’s time for me to go get my friend and go to lunch. I will try not to eat so bad since I didn’t bring my lunch today. Hope everyone is having a great day! :0)
I had such a great 30th birthday! It was sooo relaxing and fun! :0) My sister spoiled me so much with her surprises. I felt like a queen for the day! :0) She first surprised me with balloons and a happy birthday tiara that I wore all day (at times I was wondering why complete strangers were wishing me a happy birthday lol). She took me to a yummy brunch at the XYZ restaurant inside the W Hotel in the city. From there she surprised me with a manicure and pedicure at the Bliss spa inside the hotel too. It was so nice and relaxing to get pampered while watching Sex and the City on tv. LOVE IT! After our pamper session, we went to get our make-up done before dinner at MAC inside Nordstrom. Our make-up artist did such a great job! She is such a sweetheart too! :0) We were running late from that but I was in no rush since I was enjoying my birthday so much. My sister, parents, and I had dinner at Chaya Brasserie overlooking the Embarcadero and Bay Bridge. The food was sooo good! I got a warm chocolate croissant bread pudding for dessert which was to die for! YUMMY!!! :0P When we got home, I blew out the candles on my birthday cake and ate a slice with a mimosa. I didn’t get plastered or anything but I had such a nice buzz from them (I had more than one of course lol).
I want to thank first and foremost my sister for planning such a fun and relaxing day for me. She really outdid herself! I felt soooo very special and loved. She even got me a present after all that she spent for everything else! I love her so very much! I wouldn’t want to have anyone else as my sis! I am definitely going to spoil her when her birthday comes around since she really deserves it after all that she has gone through the past year. :0)
I want to thank my mom for the beautiful present she gave me and for my birthday cake since she had her own little adventure in getting it lol. Thanks to my dad for being up her to celebrate my birthday with me. I always love being surrounded by my family during a special occasion. :0)
I want to personally thank celeste 310, gwynn, be the butterfly, and sakura for your very sweet and thoughtful birthday greetings. You guys definitely rock! :0)
I want to thank all of my friends who text me, called me, and sent birthday greetings my way. It’s always nice to know that I am loved even if we don’t talk as often as we used to.
Last but certainly not least I want to thank my friend Greg who I share my birthday with and has always made sure the sun came up on our birthday since he passed away. He is truly one of the angels in my life. Thanks to my Auntie Ella too if she also helped Greg out in convincing Mother Nature to make the day nice and sunny (after all of the rain and storms we’ve been having over here).
I’m so very glad and blessed to have started my 30’s without a hitch (or drama). I was always plagued in my 20’s with some form of drama with each birthday. I can honestly say I have finally broken that streak turning 30. :0D I LOVE IT! What a great way to start my third decade! I know my 30s are going to be great! I’ve been told 30 is the new 20 and I totally believe it! Now is the time for me to change all aspects of my life for the better! I’m ready and looking forward to what is to come. I know all of my wishes will now come true! Here’s to many more great birthdays to come! :0) XOXO
I can’t believe today is my last day as a twenty-something! Here I am enjoying it by being at work lol. It’s ok though. I’m actually ready to be rid of my twenties. It has been a crazy decade of so many ups and downs it can make my head spin thinking of it all. Today I will reflect in all that has happened during these past ten years. It is time to close that decade of my life and begin a new one. I know my thirties will be so much better! :0) Age is only a number in the end anyway, and I feel young at heart. That is all that matters in the long run. I am ready to face the big 3-0 with open arms. This is the year where I change all aspects in my life to fit it to the way I want it. I know I will reach my goals. This is the year I will become a whole new person physically, mentally, and emotionally. I know it won’t be easy at times, but I am ready to face the challenges full force and with the motivation and determination I know I have inside of me to accomplish it all! My twenties will become a distant memory locked away in my brain for I will not dwell in the past no more and I will think of myself first and foremost.
To start off my year of transformation, I will be getting my hair cut this evening. I’ve been looking forward to getting my hair cut for so long but I wanted to wait until my birthday so I could look fabulous for my birthday tomorrow. I don’t know what my sister has planned for me tomorrow. I think she has plans for me to be pampered but don’t quote me on that. All I know is I will have a great time with whatever the day brings and I will get to play dress up for my birthday dinner with my family. :0) I will take lots of pics, show you my birthday outfit and new haircut, and let you know how my birthday went and all that I did.:0)
I’m not dreading my birthday anymore like I had been last week. I’m excited of what being 30 will bring for me. I know I am going to have a great year! The 30’s will be a bomb ass decade for me! Here’s to a lot more birthdays to come! :0D
I've been reading the book, The Secret, while commuting to and from work. I thought what better to start the new year than by reading it lol. As I was reading it this morning, I came across a portion of the book where it talked about "the Secret and your body". It is a trip because I've been seriously thinking about my journey lately. (I'm not going to get really serious until after my birthday this weekend. I want to enjoy the big 3-0 to the fullest.) It talked about how to visualize your weight not in "losing weight" but in the weight you want to be and how you look when you have lost the weight. I don't have the book near me at the moment or I would totally quote it right now. It sounds like a really good idea to try although I am still a little apprehensive about the whole concept. Maybe once I've finished the book I will fully grasp the concept. There's no hurt in trying though, right? Any little bit helps if you ask me! :0) I will write more about the Secret tomorrow when I have the book in front of me. It's very interesting to tell you the truth. Has anyone read the book completely?
My mom asked me if there was anything I needed from Costco this morning. I thought about it and asked her if we still had carrots which she stated we had a couple left. I asked her if she could buy some at Costco, and she had nerve to ask me if we really needed it! That totally annoyed me! Don't ask me if I want anything if you don't want to bother getting it for me!
Don't get me wrong, I love my mom dearly and she supports me for the most part. The thing that bugs me about her is that she is supportive of the fact that I want to go on a diet, but she doesn't listen when I ask her to buy healthier foods and more fruits and vegetables or to cook healthier. These kind of things are what don't help me in my journey to lose weight. I feel like I'm alone in this ongoing struggle I have sometimes.
My mom and sister aren't my best supporters sometimes. They just say the same things all the time and it is starting to go on deaf ears now. My sister is like 130 lbs and thinks she is fat. (SHE IS SOOO NOT EITHER! How can you be fat wearing a size 4!?!?!?!!!) She just needs to tone her body. I can understand it is hard for her since she has gone through so much health-wise in the past year. My mom has lost some weight considering all that she has gone through too. She eats like a bird now. The way she talks about it makes me feel like I eat like a cow (when I really don't). My mom isn't the most compassionate person in the world. Maybe it is because of being with my dad who only shows how he feels by joking with you.
These kind of obstacles are what make me lose faith in myself and my motivation dwindles down. Then I just end up using my coping mechanism, food, to get me through it. I'm trying to be better about it but it is still hard to break old habits. I just need to go to the store tomorrow after I get off work and buy the items I need. I need to stop expecting people to be there for me when I'll just be disappointed in the end. I treat people the way I want to be treated, but it always becomes so one-sided in the end. I just give and give and all they do is take and take. It's time to finally break that and just take care of myself first and foremost now! I have always thought of others first before myself and look where it has got me?!?!? NO WHERE! Stick a fork in me because I'M DONE with it all!
The only person I can really count on now is ME. I will motivate myself, and I will reach my goals no matter what it takes! Once my birthday comes, I will be on real diet mode. No more bullshit, no more excuses. I'm doing this for me and only me! I will empower myself not to rely on anyone to get me through this journey. I know I can do it, and I will do it! I'm just going to take it one day at a time and not let anyone or anything hinder my results...
