Day 1427

Hard to believe it, but it's October. The temperatures have finally dropped in Washington (I even got to pull out my beloved North Face jacket this morning!), and the Senate has recessed for the next six weeks to go home and campaign. Change is in the air, and you know how much I love/need a bit of change in the air to get my motivation going again!

This weekend, I began Project Projects at my house, beginning with a serious deep clean of my closets. My sister Marissa is coming to live with me in January for three months, so I figured I should take advantage of my new found energy and extra time now to start getting ready for her. Which for this weekend meant making space in my home.

It really is amazing how much stuff I have held onto over the years. College t-shirts, many old Christmas/Halloween/theme party costumes, my high school Homecoming Court dress. Seriously. Thing is, bit by bit I am slowly starting to get rid of the old, but I just can't rip the band-aid off and toss it all out. So baby steps it is, but at least there is less of the old still hanging around.

Also on my list for Project Projects is art, lots of art. Framing some of my work, creating new pieces, and reorganizing what I have. I also have a great idea for all my piles of jewelry around my bedroom that I hope to show you in the next few weeks.

I am also trying to get back into yoga...my work schedule has kept me away from the studio for a few months now...and I am also going to strive to start cooking most of my meals. I've been a lot better about making my breakfast and lunch and taking them to work, but my dinners are somewhat shameful. If I'm not out to eat with someone, I pretty much eat whatever I can grab or heat up quickly. Which means my dinners sometimes consist of a can of Lima beans, or string cheese and popcorn. Not good, but I figure with all this time on my hands the next two months, I can start cooking healthy meals much more.

Lastly, I really want to try to start writing more. With all this time on my hands, I have no excuse, right? Don't you just love when I get into these motivation spurts? Let's see how long I can hang on this time!

Day 1205

Day 24 of Wonderful: The Elliptical



When the elliptical first became popular many moons ago, I hated it. HATED IT! I've always had bad knees, even had both operated on long ago when I was still a competitive swimmer, and working out on the elliptical machine really, really hurt them. So when I moved into my new place and tried out my exercise room for the first time, you could imagine my disappointment to see the only cardio machine was an elliptical.

But come winter, there was no way I was going outside in the cold and the elements to run, so I went back down to override my hatred and feel the burn. The first day was miserable. My knees hurt so bad and I was cursing the exercise gods the whole time. But the next day, I got back on, and you know what...it wasn't quite as bad.

And now...I LOVE the elliptical. It lifts me up when I need a major boost. And today, I needed one more than ever. After weeks and weeks of trying to stay positive, the winter blues hit me hard with the news of yet more snow starting tomorrow. So I got on the elliptical, cranked up my tunes, and started feeling much better. I've very thankful that I have an elliptical just two floors down...as my aunt would say, "It's my prozac." Well, today it was anyway.

Day 1184

Day 3 of Wonderful: Hot Yoga



No, I'm not the skinny, sweaty, perfectly posed, curly-headed one up front...but I'm working on it. I'm not sure why I ever took such a long hiatus from yoga, but I'm making a promise to myself not to do that again. I love yoga, and even more, I love Hot Yoga. Otherwise known as Bikram Yoga, it utilizes a rapid succession of postures practiced in a room at a temperature of about 100 degrees. This helps work your body into even deeper stretches and when meditating, much deeper relaxation.

But the best thing about it...it make me feel so good.

Day 1156

I've been thinking even more about these New Year's Resolutions I've come up with, and decided, although they are great goals to set, they are a bit broad. I feel like I need something measurable in order to fulfill these goals, hence the following addendums:

1. Take control of my finances.

Since I put a strong emphasis on my shopping habits, I figure what better way to reverse this than to resell some of my mistake purchases. I know, I'm a genius. Patting myself on the back as you read. Well, just so happens, one of my blog favorites, Capitol Hill Style, has an online resale shop, Capitol Hill Style Resale Salon.

There is always really cute stuff for sale on there, and I already have an eye on one or two slightly worn items that I can contribute. For starters, I'm thinking these Kate Spade Giselle shoes.



They are really cute, and only worn twice, but I have another pair of black patent leather peep toes I like better, so I wouldn't cry if someone took them off my hands.

So that is project one...clean out my closets, find items to sell and also items to donate to charity. I think a clean closet and fresh start will help me keep focus on what I don't need to spend money on. And if I'm lucky, I'll make some cash back too.

2. Getting healthy...mind, body and soul.

Motivation and follow through is always my problem. Always. So what better way to combat this than with a little friendly competition, right?



My friend Beth and I are both bridesmaids in another friend's wedding in August, and so to motivate us to get in amazing bridesmaid dress shape, we're competing to see who loses the biggest percentage of weight in the next 8 months.

Each week, we are tracking our weight loss, and then each month are tracking our percentage for the month. The loser for the month treats the winner to a pedicure. Once again, I know, genius. Actually the brilliant mastermind behind this plan was Beth, but I'm very excited about it 1) because I'm uber-competitive and 2) because I think this will be the motivation I need to keep going for 8-months. Bring it Beth, it's on like Donkey Kong.

3. Getting back to my roots.

Okay, I'll admit, this one I'm still working ideas, but I have a few improvements I'm trying to make already, including:

**Adding more photographs to my blog. This counts for creativity, right? I just know that blog posts with photographs are much more bright and interesting (even if I have to pull it off the internet). And to help with this, I bought this little number when I went to Disney World...the world's tiniest camera!

Canon Digital ELPH PowerShot Camera



Okay well maybe not, but it is pretty teeny tiny, and takes great pictures, so I no longer have an excuse for not toting around my enormous camera. It even fit in my itty bitty clutch I took out on New Year's Eve. Highly recommend it.

**Taking at least one yoga class a week. I suppose this also could be added to goal #2, but I'm putting this here because it's both spiritual and incorporates challenging body movements which I've always loved to do (don't read too into that one filthy minds. Or do. Whatever). Since a monthly membership is out of my budget, I figure one class a week will have to do for now.

So that's it for tangible goals as of now, but I hope to continue adding to these as the year goes on. I feel that putting them out there will really inspire me to stick with them. Fingers crossed this works!

Day 861

Damn shin splints. I seriously get them ALL the time, and never fails, they come right when I'm starting to get in a groove running. Yesterday I was going to run the St. Patrick's Day 8K, but these dumb shin splints had me sidelined for the past few weeks. I was stretching them, icing them, changed my stride and even changed the way I laced my running shoes. But they still hurt seriously bad.

So I sat out a few weeks and focused instead on my yoga and strength training. Last week, I felt good again, and started back up running again. But today--ugh--I had to get off the treadmill 20 minutes in because I could feel them coming back. It seriously is so frustrating, because I really would like to build up my running endurance. Washington is one of the most beautiful (and popular) running cities in the country, and once this city starts to bloom, I'd really like to be able to get out there and enjoy it on some longer runs.

Endurance has never been my thing, on the road or in the pool. I was a sprinter, and I think all that speed training I grew up doing is still instilled in my workout brain. I am certain this is one of the reasons I keep getting these shin splints, but I don't know any other way to do it. I literally can't just jog at a slow and steady pace. My body doesn't work that day. I run, and I guess that I'm just going to have to keep on pushing until my running is tolerated by my poor legs.

Sadly my gym does not have a pool. I found out that there is a public pool a few blocks away from me that is free to use, but it's not open yet. I may just have to check it out when I get back from Florida. There's nothing like diving into a pool...it gives me this feeling of peace that I can't really describe. Memories of my childhood, of dad, of the strength I used to have and the hope that's still within all stir once I hit the water. I suppose for me, it's a lot like coming home.

For now, though, I'm going to have to find another source of cardio. I'm not really big on classes because honestly, I really don't like working out with others. Once again, it must stem from my days in the pool, but I go to the gym to center myself and focus on what I need to do to improve myself, not to socialize. Sometimes I use that time to get out some frustration, anger or sadness. "Working it out" seems to be good medicine for me. Sometimes I go to get energized, sometimes to wind down. But I do not like to work out with others, and I do not like to chit chat while there. I know, strange, but it's just a quirk about me you'll have to learn to love.

Yoga is different. This class I can do because everyone is in there for the same reason...to find their center and focus. Your mind is set so that it is you, your thoughts and your breathe. Everyone else seems to disappear.

Maybe spin class will be my new obsession...but I'm secretly scared to walk in there and get my ass handed to me. It seems to be another class in which it is you and your station...not having to be distracted by others around you. Hmm...maybe I'll try this one next time. I suppose a little variety won't hurt. Now if I could only get myself all healed up...

Day 826

My internet was down again...and I was so, so busy at work...and I've been in high gear workout mode...and I've been going to bed early...

All bad excuses, but all true. I am alive, I'm doing good and I apologize for being a bad blogger last week.

Lately I've just been super busy and have been spending a lot of time alone. It's been a good time for me. Running the other day, all of the sudden, the noise left my head. And the people beside me seemed to fade away, and my BlackBerry in front of me stopped buzzing. I had found my peace, and I'm trying to hold onto this. I suppose it's what I've been looking for awhile now, just didn't know I needed to find it. Peace and quiet has come to me, and it's been nice.

Day 548

Tuesday I went out and bought a new pair of running shoes. This morning, I broke my toe. How's that for good timing? Let me tell you something, it might not look or sound like much, but it sure does hurt like you wouldn't believe! Ouch! I woke up from my nap this afternoon not because of my Blackberry buzzing or my alarm going off. No, it was because my pain medicine wore off and my foot was throbbing!

The funny thing is, I was kind of freaking out when I bought my new running shoes because I was worried about hurting myself. I went to a specialty running store because I've been having issues with shin splits since I started up running again, and I wanted them to fit me properly in a new pair. They measured my foot and brought out a size 6 (did I ever mention how much I loved my feet...it's because they're the only small part about me). But once I tried those kicks on, and then a 6 1/2 and then a 7, he realized that one of my problems is that I wear my running shoes way too tight. I ended up buying a 7 1/2, but was very uncomfortable about the purchase. Primarily because I'm not used to wearing my shoes with that much room in them, and I was concerned about my ankle rolling and getting injured.

Long story short, my ankle turned out not to be what I should have worried about. Instead it was the 8 pound weights I had thrown on my bedroom floor...I rammed into them with my left, second-to-pinky toe, and everything came crashing down. Literally. I must have knocked into my side table along the way, because books, pictures frames, and even a shadow box on the wall came down on top of me. All this about 5 minutes before I went to work, so I picked up my shoes and ran out the door, broken toe and all.

At the same time, I got really bad news from a friend, such news that makes me feel like all this is just me whining and complaining. I mentioned this about a week or two ago, but my friend's little one-year old niece, Georgia, had gotten her results back from her surgery, and it turns out her tumor is malignant. It's a neuroblastoma, a cancer most commonly associated with children under two years old. Poor baby girl has a long road ahead of her, starting with chemo. She's at home right now with her family, and I just ask that you all pray for this precious child and her family right now. I can't even imagine how hard this is for all of them and it would be great if we could all remember them right now. Kathy, tell Emily that we've got a team of prayers behind Miss Georgia right now! I'm a true believer that prayer really works!

I think I've spoken of Novenas before, and this one, to St. Gerard (the Patron Saint of Mothers) is especially for sick children. You say it for nine consecutive days or nine consecutive hours.

For a Sick Child
St. Gerard, who, like the Savior, loved children so tenderly and by your prayers freed many from disease and even death, listen to us who are pleading for our sick child. We thank God for the great gift of our daughter and ask him to restore our child to health if such be his holy will. This favor, we beg of you through your love for all children and mothers. Amen.

Day 533

WARNING: This is a long one, so be prepared for your eye to bleed by the end...but you don't want to miss it! This one's dedicated to you dad!

I thought I'd go ahead and fill you all in on my exercise regimine since I'm sitting here icing down my pained shin splits. Ouch, they hurt! And I think I pushed them a bit too hard today, but I'm just trying work extra hard this week to make up for what I'm sure will be a somewhat decadent weekend. I'm going to LR for a wedding, and you better believe that I'm getting a bite of two of wedding cake!

So, it varies from day-to-day because it always depends on my work schedule. On days I get off early or at a reasonable time, like tonight, I always try to push it a bit harder, because on my late nights (every third night), I don't get done as much as I would like.

Today I got off a bit early, so had a lot of time to work it. This morning I woke up and did 30 minutes of squats, crunches and arm free weights (with 2 8-lb. weights). I do 100 squats, 100 crunches, and then various arm exercises. I also started incorporated 1 8-lb. weight with my squats this morning and will start to do that with my crunches tomorrow.

On my drive home this morning, I circled the park I walk/run at to determine the distance, and found that one lap around is roughly 1/2 mile. Tonight I did 8 laps, equaling about 4 miles. But don't get too excited, I alternate running and walking. I have pretty bad knees, and am slowing building up my endurance, so I can't run the whole way.

Plus, I have been doing a lot of fitness reading and consulting with my super smart sister Marissa, and both have agreed that interval training is really the way to go to burn the most fat. The science behind it is that you elevate your heart rate by doing a pace exercise, like walking, and then sporatically do 30-second intense sprints to push your heartrate even further. Right Rissa? I haven't really been doing it quite that way...I was first trying to work on my endurance my walking half a lap then running half a lap, over and over. But today I tried to interval train this correct way, and let me tell you, I felt the burn. Let's hope now that my belly clued in on what was going on.

Tomorrow is my late night, so my plan is to wake up and either do a yoga video and then tomorrow night do my squats and crunches. I know that there is no way to "spot treat" your stomach muscles, that is, target fat loss in specific areas, but I want to build up my ab muscles anyway so that when the fat does finally go away, the muscles will be in its place. And since it's a quick exercise, I try to do that and the squats everyday. Makes me feel a bit better on off days to at least do something, you know? So those are easy things to do, just to push myself on those ugh days.

You may be wondering why I didn't just join a gym or yoga studio? Well, for one, why should I spend money on that when I can do most of this on my own for free. Although I do like going to yoga classes, I know the basic positions and correct postures, so I don't NEED to pay for this instruction. Now if I want to get more advanced, yes, I'll be signing up for classes. But for now I'm okay. Same with running and weights. I don't need somewhat telling me how to do this, because I was raised working out and lifting weights. I know correct technique and know what exercise work what areas, etc. It's just that I haven't been doing them for so long that no one would realize I actually used to be a pretty good athlete. The one thing I might pay for right now is pool access. I swam on Sunday and it felt fantastic. I do have the time to swim everyday, so I may just pay-as-I-go for now. Come Wintertime, I may just give in, because I'm a huge pansy when it comes to cold weather. But for now, I'll take advantage of this free, beautiful weather to exercise in.

Now for the diet...I pretty much only eat a combination of these foods every day:

Dannon non-fat sugar-free vanilla yogurt, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, low-fat cottage cheese (2%...hate the non-fat version), reduced fat Triscuits, hummus, hard boiled eggs (usually just the egg whites), roasted turkey breast lunch meat, tofu, broccoli, shrimp, chicken, brown rice, red and green peppers, banana peppers, spinach (lots of spinach), lettuce, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, tomato, fish, black beans, almonds, 100% whole wheat tortillas and sometimes mozzerella cheese. I only cook with olive oil or Pam, and season with lots of garlic and other herbs, some salt and pepper, mustard for sandwiches and olive oil and balsamic vinegar for salad dressing.

Also, I pretty much only drink 2 cups of coffee in the morning with non-fat milk and a sugar substitute, and try to stick with water the rest of the day. If I need another pick-me-up, I will OCCASIONALLY drink a Diet Coke (or another cup of coffee). Oh, and Lipton makes really good Diet Green Tea and Diet White Tea drinks that are really good.

That's pretty much it. On the weekends I've been trying to stick to some variation of this, like eating sushi or sandwiches with no bread. But I do cheat on the weekends, it's inevitable, so I just trying to walk everywhere or do big workouts to make up for it. I also have tried to stop drinking beer, and sticking to only wine or vodka sodas instead. I know I really shouldn't be drinking at all to really see results, but I only drink a few days a month as it is anyway. I don't drink during the week, unless it's a very special occasion, and usually only go out one night a weekend.

And of course, I take a daily vitamin to make up for anything I'm lacking on a bit, such as calcium. I do get some, but probably not enough, so I want to supplement just in case.

I guess that's it. Sorry for the novel, but I guess it was due time since I've been slacking here lately.

One thing about dad though...he was ALWAYS trying to get me back in shape. ALWAYS. But he never pushed me or made me feel bad about falling out of fitness. He just always encouraged me to take care of myself. For a long time, I didn't listen. I think that I was really just oblivious to how I was treating my body, because for a long time, my body was somewhat resistant to my harsh habits. Yes, I gained weight, but it was definitely a slow creep into unhealthiness. Now I'm paying for it, because I'm working really hard, but the results are so very slowly showing themself to me. But I know that this is a long road, because it's not going to come off any faster than it came on. There is no magic pill; it really does just take a lifestyle change and true committment.

Today when I was running, I kept wanting to stop. But then I thought how weak that was. Dad loved to run, and to push myself, I just kept repeating to myself that I was running because he no longer can. It got me through today. And I think that he'll get me through this long road back to becoming an athlete again. Healthy, strong and fit. This one's (finally) for you dad!

Day 520

Ever heard of SAD? Seasonal Affective Disorder? I swear I must have it. Today the city finally warmed up, the sun was shining, the flowers were blooming and I felt great. I was just soooo ready to get away from the grey skies, cold air and constant rain. Hooray for Spring...I think it's finally here!

Good news...I weighed myself this morning, and I was down 4 pounds!! Now, I know that there's a difference between weighing yourself in the morning versus the night, but 4 pounds? Holy moley I'm excited about that number! It makes me feel like I'm finally getting myself together. I'm not doing this just to fit into a dress or look good for a reunion or make a guy regret he ever gave me up. Okay, maybe just a smudge of that. But really, I am seeing now that this is my body and my health that I'm working on, and that's something I don't want to take for granted anymore. I feel that this isn't just a faze, but here to stay.

Now one prayer request...my dear friend Meredith is having her baby boy Cole any minute now. Please pray that Meredith and Cole have a safe and healthy birth! Can't wait to meet that little dumpling!

Day 517

It's officially been one week since my "full body makeover" and, sound the trumpets, I lost a total of...ZERO pounds. That's right folks, all work and no play doesn't seem to pay off for this girl. Ugh! I will admit, my 10 gallons of coffee this weekend probably didn't help much, but geez, how much spinach and yogurt does a girl have to eat around here to drop a few lbs? In my mind, I'm blaming it on the weight lifting. Building muscle, right? It makes me feel better, so yes, that's exactly what did it. Guess I'm going to have to double up in order to see some results here. Double ugh!

So yeah, extra workouts...starting Wednesday. I know, I know, but tomorrow is going to be a CRAZY day. Look for me on CSPAN. General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker are testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee and then again before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in the afternoon. I have to admit, though, I love these crazy days. Being in the mix, getting in on the action. Important dialogue for important times. And I get to be an eyewitness to it all. What an honor!

Day 498

Sorry guys, I'm a bit grumpy tonight and I don't really know why. Actually, that's not true. I have to get motivated and loose weight before my sister's wedding, and instead of being excited to take on this challenge, I am a bit scared and frustrated with this notion. Sad, isn't it? I used to be this great swimmer, and now I don't want to be caught dead in a swimsuit.

I've been carrying this with me for a LONG time though. After I quit swimming and training everyday, things halted for me. I was still working out--dance class twice a week and pom practice every day after school, but it wasn't the same. By the time I got to college, I came to the realization that I couldn't do what I used to be able to do, and instead of pushing myself to get back to that point, I shrank from it so no one could see my weakness. Silly, isn't it? But that's what I've been doing ever since.

I've been coming to this realization for some time now, but have honestly just been scared and intimidated to even get started. Where do I begin? What if I fail? Can I really make this change in my life? I know it's for the better, but still, it's hard to face the reality. And the reality is this: I've let myself go, I'm not healthy anymore, and if I keep going at this rate I'm going to do serious damage to my health before too long.

So, after hearing about my weight over and over again, I got angry. But then, I resolved to do something about it. Because really, I can sit here feeling sorry for myself some more, or I can get out and move and work on improving myself. I feel that I've been working so hard on my inside that I've forgotten about my physical appearance. So here I go...

Mom and I have made a pack, starting April 1st, to loose one pound a week thru November. That means after Easter brunch and candy, it's pretty much over for me. But if I stick with it and actually achieve this goal, that's down 32 pounds. Sounds like a lot, but trust me, after that I'll still weigh more than most of you reading this.

I wanted to put it out there so that now you can all hold me accountable and there is no turning back. So, that's the deal...wish me luck!