Strangely enough, I think I've actually gained weight in the few days I've been back from vacation. Honestly, I think the stress of my job (which I hate, hate, hate) wears on me. I don't feel like exercising. I don't feel like eating healthy foods. All I want to do is lay around and feel depressed.
Hopefully, once I quit my job, I'll see an improvement in my energy levels and outlook on life.
I've been super focused on work. I'm trying to play vacation "catch up" at my regular job, plus I am trying to find some part-time "side" work... so I have a financial cushion when it's time to hand in my resignation. On top of this, I have an upcoming deadline for my novel (revisions), which means even more work.
I know exercise will give me more energy... no matter how counterintuitive it sounds. I just have to force myself to get out there.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Vacation Round-Up
Back from vacation!
I wish it could've lasted longer... I was so relaxed.
Although I haven't stepped on the scale, I don't think I gained any weight. If anything, I actually feel a pound or two lighter!
Vacation Diet
Except for three restaurant meals, I pretty much ate three small meals each day plus some snacks during the week-long trip. My meals weren't as healthy as usual... I didn't get to eat any beans or many veggies. A typical meal might have been a veggie "lunchmeat" sandwich and a couple of chips. But overall, I probably consumed fewer calories per day than I usually do at home.
Vacation Exercise
I only had two formal days of exercise... one 1-mile run plus 2-mile walk and one 5-mile run. There were at least two other days, however, when I did some serious walking... at least 5+ miles. So that counts for something, I guess.
Vacation Booze
Although I drank alcohol every day but one, most days I limited myself to just three or four drinks. There was only one day when I really over-indulged.
Overall, I feel pretty good that I did some reasonably healthy relaxing over vacation. For the future, I have plans to switch up my strength training routine a bit, and I also intend to really up my workout intensity. My diet could use a bit of an overhaul, too. I'm looking forward to seeing some progress this summer.
I wish it could've lasted longer... I was so relaxed.
Although I haven't stepped on the scale, I don't think I gained any weight. If anything, I actually feel a pound or two lighter!
Vacation Diet
Except for three restaurant meals, I pretty much ate three small meals each day plus some snacks during the week-long trip. My meals weren't as healthy as usual... I didn't get to eat any beans or many veggies. A typical meal might have been a veggie "lunchmeat" sandwich and a couple of chips. But overall, I probably consumed fewer calories per day than I usually do at home.
Vacation Exercise
I only had two formal days of exercise... one 1-mile run plus 2-mile walk and one 5-mile run. There were at least two other days, however, when I did some serious walking... at least 5+ miles. So that counts for something, I guess.
Vacation Booze
Although I drank alcohol every day but one, most days I limited myself to just three or four drinks. There was only one day when I really over-indulged.
Overall, I feel pretty good that I did some reasonably healthy relaxing over vacation. For the future, I have plans to switch up my strength training routine a bit, and I also intend to really up my workout intensity. My diet could use a bit of an overhaul, too. I'm looking forward to seeing some progress this summer.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Update
So our vacation is soon (it's unlikely I'll be posting for the next 10 or 14 days), and I didn't lose any weight. In fact, if anything, I gained. The stress of my job has pretty much had me eating like a bear prepping for hibernation.
Ironically, it's possible I'll lose weight during vacation. All that walking on the beach--coupled with living with a bunch of people--could actually mean fewer calories for me. My biggest food indulgences happen when I'm alone, and I'm not about to chow down on a serving bowl full of spaghetti in front of my friends.
Although I'll be consuming extra alcohol calories, so I guess it all might even out in the end, too.
Anyway, I need the break. We'll see what happens.
I'll post again before the end of May!
Ironically, it's possible I'll lose weight during vacation. All that walking on the beach--coupled with living with a bunch of people--could actually mean fewer calories for me. My biggest food indulgences happen when I'm alone, and I'm not about to chow down on a serving bowl full of spaghetti in front of my friends.
Although I'll be consuming extra alcohol calories, so I guess it all might even out in the end, too.
Anyway, I need the break. We'll see what happens.
I'll post again before the end of May!
Monday, May 14, 2007
Update
Today's Workout
- 6 Mile Run: It was a gorgeous day and I felt strong. So instead of my scheduled 5.5 mile run, I bumped it up to 6 miles. It was perfect weather... partly cloudy, not too hot, a light breeze but not too windy. Great run.
- Meal 1: Quinoa pilaf with swiss chard and lentils
- Meal 2: Green salad with oil/vinegar and chickpeas
- Meal 3: Not sure... but it's probably going to be something unhealthy
Job versus No Job
I hate my job. I loathe the work. On Sunday, my dread of Monday causes me to grind my teeth until I get headaches.
However... my job provides a regular paycheck. Here are my pros/cons:
Pros of Job
Pros of No Job
Years ago... when I was but a young, wide-eyed lass with the naive goal of "changing the world," I promised myself that I'd never stay at a job I hated just for money. But then grown-up responsibilities--like bills and groceries--suddenly became part of my life, and I found myself keeping a job I'd grown to despise.
Hubby makes enough to (barely) support us. But we'd definitely have to tighten our belts if I quit my job. That means, potentially, more arguments about money. More financial stress. And less fun (or at least the kind of fun you can have with money).
What do you think? What would you do?
However... my job provides a regular paycheck. Here are my pros/cons:
Pros of Job
- Regular paycheck with decent salary
- Ability to telecommute from my home office
- Free health insurance with decent coverage
- I hate it.
- I hate it.
- I hate it so much that I'm starting to hate myself for staying with it.
Pros of No Job
- Freedom from current horrible job
- Able to focus more time on my (possibly unpaying) passion for writing fiction
- Sense of self-satisfaction that I didn't "sell out" for a paycheck
- Significantly reduced income (possible $0 a year)
- More financial strain/stress in my life
- Hubby nagging me to make some money
Years ago... when I was but a young, wide-eyed lass with the naive goal of "changing the world," I promised myself that I'd never stay at a job I hated just for money. But then grown-up responsibilities--like bills and groceries--suddenly became part of my life, and I found myself keeping a job I'd grown to despise.
Hubby makes enough to (barely) support us. But we'd definitely have to tighten our belts if I quit my job. That means, potentially, more arguments about money. More financial stress. And less fun (or at least the kind of fun you can have with money).
What do you think? What would you do?
I *heart* PayPerPost.com
Bloggers looking to earn a little extra income from their blogs should seriously consider PayPerPost.com (PPP). The company helps with blog marketing, plus you earn cash when you review various websites, services and companies! You choose what you want to review, so it's all in your control.
My first sponsored post was on February 28, 2007. Since that date I've earned about $181 (with another $40 pending) for 28 posts. That's almost $8 per post, and most of them are just 50-100 words. In terms of "hourly wage," that's a decent income.
Of course, I couldn't make a living from PPP. But it does give me a chance to earn a little extra cash for things like shoes, dresses and cute clothing to show off my newly trim body (once I drop another 10 pounds).
Although I haven't done much networking with PPP, the opportunity is there--which means a chance for you to build readership, meet new friends and link to other Internet buddies. If you’re a blogger with the desire for a little extra cash check out PPP.
My first sponsored post was on February 28, 2007. Since that date I've earned about $181 (with another $40 pending) for 28 posts. That's almost $8 per post, and most of them are just 50-100 words. In terms of "hourly wage," that's a decent income.
Of course, I couldn't make a living from PPP. But it does give me a chance to earn a little extra cash for things like shoes, dresses and cute clothing to show off my newly trim body (once I drop another 10 pounds).
Although I haven't done much networking with PPP, the opportunity is there--which means a chance for you to build readership, meet new friends and link to other Internet buddies. If you’re a blogger with the desire for a little extra cash check out PPP.
Friday, May 11, 2007
May Progress
I've been feeling pretty good about my May progress.
So far I've been able to do at least 5 workouts each week. I've also been eating pretty clean. I slip up every once in a while, but I haven't done any major damage yet this month. I've been drinking a ton of water and avoiding soda (not an official goal, but always a good thing). And I've even been drinking less alcohol! For some reason, once I start really focusing on my health and my fitness, alcoholic beverages lose a little bit of their appeal.
Today's workout is a 4 mile run. Probably going to do it on the treadmill, because it's hot (again) outside.
I've got dinner plans with friends tonight, and I think I'll volunteer to be the Designated Driver so that I have even more of a reason to avoid alcoholic beverages.
So my planned meals for the day are...
So far I've been able to do at least 5 workouts each week. I've also been eating pretty clean. I slip up every once in a while, but I haven't done any major damage yet this month. I've been drinking a ton of water and avoiding soda (not an official goal, but always a good thing). And I've even been drinking less alcohol! For some reason, once I start really focusing on my health and my fitness, alcoholic beverages lose a little bit of their appeal.
Today's workout is a 4 mile run. Probably going to do it on the treadmill, because it's hot (again) outside.
I've got dinner plans with friends tonight, and I think I'll volunteer to be the Designated Driver so that I have even more of a reason to avoid alcoholic beverages.
So my planned meals for the day are...
- Meal 1: Whole grain cereal, rice milk, soy sausage patties, 1/2 banana
- Meal 2: Green salad with veggies and chickpeas
- Meal 3: Quinoa pilaf with swiss chard and lentils
- Meal 4: ??? Dinner out, so maybe veggie sushi
- Meal 5: Almonds/walnuts
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Is it hot outside...
Or is it just me?
The time of day I workout tends to vary... it can be first thing in the morning, middle of the afternoon or late evening.
Today at 1PM I went outside for a 4-mile run.
It was a balmy 75 degrees.
But I swear, it felt like I was slow-roasting out there!
The first mile passed with very little problem. But as my run went on, I kept getting hotter and more tired. I almost gave up at mile 2... I was wiped out completely. However, I have the "stubborn" gene, so I kept trodding on.
By the end of my run I felt very weak and almost sick. I've never been able to handle the heat... my body just doesn't adjust to it. And the humidity... oh, the humidity!
I realize that I sound like a total weenie. In some places it's already 90+ degrees outside! My hat's off to you folks who exercise in super hot, super humid weather. (It's a sweaty hat, but it's off to you.)
Unless things cool down, this will probably be my last afternoon run until Autumn.
But I'm at least patting myself on the back for sticking to it and finishing out the run, no matter how much I felt like quitting.
The time of day I workout tends to vary... it can be first thing in the morning, middle of the afternoon or late evening.
Today at 1PM I went outside for a 4-mile run.
It was a balmy 75 degrees.
But I swear, it felt like I was slow-roasting out there!
The first mile passed with very little problem. But as my run went on, I kept getting hotter and more tired. I almost gave up at mile 2... I was wiped out completely. However, I have the "stubborn" gene, so I kept trodding on.
By the end of my run I felt very weak and almost sick. I've never been able to handle the heat... my body just doesn't adjust to it. And the humidity... oh, the humidity!
I realize that I sound like a total weenie. In some places it's already 90+ degrees outside! My hat's off to you folks who exercise in super hot, super humid weather. (It's a sweaty hat, but it's off to you.)
Unless things cool down, this will probably be my last afternoon run until Autumn.
But I'm at least patting myself on the back for sticking to it and finishing out the run, no matter how much I felt like quitting.
Cell Phone Accessories
Of the two of us, Hubby is the one who's most into "tech gadgets." He carries a PDA and a cell phone, and he's most likely to start talking about the latest in HDTV or other tech news.
However, I do confess to maintaining a relationship with my cell phone. I'm not much of a "talker," but I am infatuated with text messaging. Unfortunately, I am not so great about remembering to charge my phone.
Fortunately, websites like the newly revamped Wirefly.com offer lots of cell phone accessories for people like me, including car chargers. Without my car charger, I would probably be constantly carrying a dead cell phone.
When I browse their website--which is a nice, clean layout--I also tend to check out their Bluetooth Headsets. I think those headsets might make it possible for me to chat on the phone whenever I go outside for a run. Unfortunately, at this point, I am still huffing and puffing too much during my runs to actually chat on the phone at the same time. But as my fitness levels improve, it's possible this accessory could be beneficial to me.
However, I do confess to maintaining a relationship with my cell phone. I'm not much of a "talker," but I am infatuated with text messaging. Unfortunately, I am not so great about remembering to charge my phone.
Fortunately, websites like the newly revamped Wirefly.com offer lots of cell phone accessories for people like me, including car chargers. Without my car charger, I would probably be constantly carrying a dead cell phone.
When I browse their website--which is a nice, clean layout--I also tend to check out their Bluetooth Headsets. I think those headsets might make it possible for me to chat on the phone whenever I go outside for a run. Unfortunately, at this point, I am still huffing and puffing too much during my runs to actually chat on the phone at the same time. But as my fitness levels improve, it's possible this accessory could be beneficial to me.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Today's Plan
Just a quick note to give you an idea of my plan today:
Workout
- Upper Body strength training routine
- 30 minutes of cardio (probably elliptical)
Nutrition
- Meal 1: 2 soy sausage patties, strawberries, whole grain cereal, rice milk
- Meal 2: Green salad with veggies, chickpeas and oil/vinegar
- Meal 3: Stir-fry veggies and tofu
- Meal 4: Nut bar
- Meal 5: Ezekial bread, natural peanut butter
I didn't get a chance to do my Upper Body yesterday, so I have to do it today. I've got plans for this evening--helping a friend demolition his kitchen--so hopefully I'll be able to stick with my nutrition plan. The nice thing about the nut bar is that I can carry it in my purse... and it's tasty, too!
Workout
- Upper Body strength training routine
- 30 minutes of cardio (probably elliptical)
Nutrition
- Meal 1: 2 soy sausage patties, strawberries, whole grain cereal, rice milk
- Meal 2: Green salad with veggies, chickpeas and oil/vinegar
- Meal 3: Stir-fry veggies and tofu
- Meal 4: Nut bar
- Meal 5: Ezekial bread, natural peanut butter
I didn't get a chance to do my Upper Body yesterday, so I have to do it today. I've got plans for this evening--helping a friend demolition his kitchen--so hopefully I'll be able to stick with my nutrition plan. The nice thing about the nut bar is that I can carry it in my purse... and it's tasty, too!
Shopping For Running Gear
Many of you know that I like to shop. And I like to exercise. So shopping for exercise gear is pretty much like wrapping my two favorite activities into a single event.
Unfortunately, Hubby and I don't have a lot of disposable income. As a result, I look high and low to find the best deals before I actually buy. One method I use to get a better bargain is online coupon codes. These nifty little codes can mean free shipping, 10-25% off the total, or other perks.
I recently found some ActivaSports.com coupons that helped me save a bundle. ActivaSports.com sells great workout gear for women, including sports bras, shirts, shorts, jackets and accessories. A lot of the brand names, such as Moving Comfort, are designed especially for women. And all the other big brands--Nike, Adidas, Champion, etc.--are featured, too.
The website also includes cool accessories like gym bags, body fat scales, heart rate monitors and even jogging strollers. It's one of the best one-stop-shopping spots for active women. And when you use a coupon code, you can save some cash, too!
Unfortunately, Hubby and I don't have a lot of disposable income. As a result, I look high and low to find the best deals before I actually buy. One method I use to get a better bargain is online coupon codes. These nifty little codes can mean free shipping, 10-25% off the total, or other perks.
I recently found some ActivaSports.com coupons that helped me save a bundle. ActivaSports.com sells great workout gear for women, including sports bras, shirts, shorts, jackets and accessories. A lot of the brand names, such as Moving Comfort, are designed especially for women. And all the other big brands--Nike, Adidas, Champion, etc.--are featured, too.
The website also includes cool accessories like gym bags, body fat scales, heart rate monitors and even jogging strollers. It's one of the best one-stop-shopping spots for active women. And when you use a coupon code, you can save some cash, too!
Monday, May 7, 2007
Weekend Round-Up
I had a super busy weekend that included...
Unfortunately, I was not able to do my scheduled run on Sunday. So I'm going to try and do two workouts today: a run and upper body strength training. That's about 150 minutes of exercise, so I'll see if I get a chance to squeeze it all in.
- Friday night at restaurant and bar with friends
- Saturday night birthday party for MIL
- Sunday lunch with in-laws
- Sunday evening BBQ at hubby's co-worker's house
Unfortunately, I was not able to do my scheduled run on Sunday. So I'm going to try and do two workouts today: a run and upper body strength training. That's about 150 minutes of exercise, so I'll see if I get a chance to squeeze it all in.
Get More Blog Traffic
Are you a blogger or website manager? You should take some time to visit Britopian.com, where Michael Brito posts regular articles about social media and SEO. A combination of advice and commentary, Brito's posts are both informative and interesting. They're especially useful to bloggers who want to increase traffic and boost the performance of their sites.
His advice is usually right-on-the-money, no surprise given his background and experience. Most new bloggers will find something useful, particular in his Google or Article Marketing sections.
So if you’re trying to get more visitors to your website, definitely stop by and check out Brito's blog.
His advice is usually right-on-the-money, no surprise given his background and experience. Most new bloggers will find something useful, particular in his Google or Article Marketing sections.
So if you’re trying to get more visitors to your website, definitely stop by and check out Brito's blog.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
The Eat-Clean Diet
I just finished reading a book by Tosca Reno. The book, titled The Eat-Clean Diet
is a great resource for anyone who might be confused about nutrition, diet and food.
I plan to give it a full review later at my other blog, RefrigeratorRaid.com, but I wanted to give everyone here a heads up about it.
If you like the principles of eating close to nature, eating mini-meals throughout the day, and avoiding processed foods... this book is for you!
Tosca's story is especially interesting because she was 200+ pounds at age 40. She made her amazing transformation--and let me tell ya, the woman looks hot!--after forty! Very inspiring for those of us who are a little bit older.
Her book was just the jump-start I needed to refocus on my diet. Now I'm off to stock my fridge with fresh veggies, lean proteins and whole grains!
is a great resource for anyone who might be confused about nutrition, diet and food.I plan to give it a full review later at my other blog, RefrigeratorRaid.com, but I wanted to give everyone here a heads up about it.
If you like the principles of eating close to nature, eating mini-meals throughout the day, and avoiding processed foods... this book is for you!
Tosca's story is especially interesting because she was 200+ pounds at age 40. She made her amazing transformation--and let me tell ya, the woman looks hot!--after forty! Very inspiring for those of us who are a little bit older.
Her book was just the jump-start I needed to refocus on my diet. Now I'm off to stock my fridge with fresh veggies, lean proteins and whole grains!
Lasik
According to a study by the Council for Refractive Surgery Quality Assurance, the outcome of Lasik surgery has significantly improved. In fact, as many as 90% of Lasik--or similar--eye surgeries results in the patient obtaining 20/40 vision.
I was surprised to read these results, and I have always believed Lasik to be rather risky. I am supposed to wear my glasses to drive--and I've noticed my vision growing worse over time. But I hate the hassle of glasses (and, frankly, hate the way they look on my face). Contacts are even more of a pain.
As a result, I've always perked up my ears when people talked about Lasik. But I'm not the kind of person who likes to "go under the knife"--literally or figuratively--so I haven't seriously considered eye surgery (yet).
The information from this study, however, does pique my interest. I may have to take another look at Lasik.
I was surprised to read these results, and I have always believed Lasik to be rather risky. I am supposed to wear my glasses to drive--and I've noticed my vision growing worse over time. But I hate the hassle of glasses (and, frankly, hate the way they look on my face). Contacts are even more of a pain.
As a result, I've always perked up my ears when people talked about Lasik. But I'm not the kind of person who likes to "go under the knife"--literally or figuratively--so I haven't seriously considered eye surgery (yet).
The information from this study, however, does pique my interest. I may have to take another look at Lasik.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
May Challenge Goals
It's taken me longer than usual to post my May challenge goals because:
1. I've been writing on deadline, so I've been swamped with work
2. I've had a hard time coming up with an appropriate goal
I can't make a goal to cut back on alcoholic beverage consumption--I'm going on vacation in May! No way I could keep that kind of goal.
I've been slacking a bit on the exercise program, however, so I decided that needs my focus. So my May Goals:
Primary Goal: Exercise 5 days per week
Secondary Goal: Return to Tae Kwon Do classes (Yes, I slacked on them again)
Secondary Goal: Eat "clean" 6 days per week
I'll give myself a little bit of leeway during vacation, but I'll still try and maintain most of my focus.
Also, a shout out to my May buddies: Tee, Amethyst, and Jeannie!
1. I've been writing on deadline, so I've been swamped with work
2. I've had a hard time coming up with an appropriate goal
I can't make a goal to cut back on alcoholic beverage consumption--I'm going on vacation in May! No way I could keep that kind of goal.
I've been slacking a bit on the exercise program, however, so I decided that needs my focus. So my May Goals:
Primary Goal: Exercise 5 days per week
Secondary Goal: Return to Tae Kwon Do classes (Yes, I slacked on them again)
Secondary Goal: Eat "clean" 6 days per week
I'll give myself a little bit of leeway during vacation, but I'll still try and maintain most of my focus.
Also, a shout out to my May buddies: Tee, Amethyst, and Jeannie!
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