A Roadrunners Pace Towards Healthy

The last stretch!

2009-04-07T15:23:00.001-07:00

The end of this phase is almost here .... it is sad but we will keep in touch, that is for sure! I have really enjoyed our time together and look forward to seeing you all on the 19th. I will not make the next two Saturday meetings ... company this weekend and the Komen walk on the 18th.

Please Donate - Susan G Komen

2009-03-24T12:50:00.001-07:00

I recently accepted the challenge to raise funds to support the Komen Indianapolis Race for the Cure on April 18, 2009 in the fight against breast cancer.

Please consider donating!
http://race.komenindy.org/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=1060&px=1034224

If you have trouble reaching my site ... let me know. Thanks in advance for your support!

Your tax-deductible contribution will fund innovative outreach and awareness programs for medically underserved communities in 21 central Indiana counties and national breast cancer research.

To sponsor via standard mail, please send checks only (no cash!) to:
Indianapolis Race for the Cure
P.O. Box 6069
Department 84
Indianapolis, IN 46202-6069

They did not fit but now they do!

2009-03-03T04:33:00.000-08:00

I have a pair of pants that I tried to get on not that long ago but had to move them to the back of the closet since they did not meet in the middle to button or zip. I decided to try them on this AM and low and behold .... they fit. They fit so nice, they are not even tight! Way to go Christine! It is like having a new piece of clothing but I did not have to spend a dime!

What a powerful Saturday meeting!

2009-02-28T08:44:00.000-08:00

My friend Sal is in town but having missed last week's meeting I did not want to miss this one. She went off for a mani/pedi and I headed to the meeting. I was really glad that I went and put off the rest and relaxation that comes from having your nails done .... that will come on another day! Besides Sal and I have the rest of the day for shopping and cooking up some Mexican at the house tonight.

So, back to the meeting. Nikki told us about her wonderful trip. Chris talked about energies and the importance of keeping positive forces near you at all times. Margaret shared a touching story of giving without expectation of anything in return and how good that feels. I decided after Alison's party to also have one once the weather warmed up. Sitting in today's meeting, I decided mine would be a garden party. We have been watching our garden grow the last few weeks. We are growing most everything from seeds this year. We have them under lights, give them plenty of water and lots of positive energy and words! Yes, I talk to my plants! Chris ended by reading us a story ... really great stuff!

What was most unexpected today was after the meeting as I drove home wiping an occasional tear from my eye .... I flipped on the radio and there was my friend Gloria Gaynor belting out the song "I WILL SURVIVE". Now I don't know about you but I can't help but crank that tune up and sing! How fitting to hear that song after our meeting today.
I've got all my life to live, I've got all my love to give and I'll survive, I will survive.
Amen sister! We will all survive!

Missed my work out yesterday ....

2009-02-19T08:42:00.000-08:00

I was in back to back meetings and could not get away to exercise. The evening was equally busy so I went down and did the dreadmill today at lunch and will Zumba tonight so that I make up my missed workout. Yea for me!

Who needs chips!

2009-02-17T10:30:00.000-08:00

I found the 'new' chip ... celery! I love the taste, it is crunchy and you burn more calories digesting it than what it actually has it in! How can you beat that?!?!

Won't fail!

2009-02-16T08:57:00.000-08:00

I got myself down to our weight room with the intent to walk on the dreadmill for 45 minutes. I look into my workout bag and no shoes! My high priced but properly fitted shoes are home on the landing in another bag, lonely. It it a good thing, I think to myself that I am still wearing tennis shoes since my surgery a year ago. Although the fit is not good and they typically make my calves really tight after about 1/2 mile .... I say to myself, 'Self, you can get your butt in there with these shoes and just see how much of the 45 minutes you can do. Something is better than nothing!' So I get on the mill and start her up; low and behold, I got 30 minutes in! Yea for me! My calves did not seize up the way they were before my new shoe purchase so I was glad for that. If the sun stays out, I might just go home, put on my new shoes and get another little walk in while enjoying the fresh air and sun.

Cirque - What a wonderful show!

2009-02-13T03:40:00.000-08:00

My honey took me to see Cirque du Soleil's show Saltimbanco. It was great ... some of the things those people are able to do with their bodies is amazing and what strength it takes. David had never seen a show ... me, I've been fortuneate to see at least 4 but he can't stop talking about it. I think the next trip to see his parents in FL will involve a trip to see the show (La Nouba) at Downtown Disney! If you get a chance to see the show, do it! Let me know what you think .... have a great weekend and hope to see many of you on Saturday!

Please come this Saturday!

2009-02-09T06:21:00.000-08:00

Hey group,
I will be at the meeting on Saturday ... I hope others will make it. I missed last week since I went out of town and can use some group interaction! Hope you can make it!
My last week was not so good due to more bread and potatoes than I like but we are moving into a new week and I will go back to the colorful food varieties! I also had a reaction to the shot in my foot so that slowed me down. Looking forward to warmer weather so I can get out and enjoy the air ... clear some cobwebs that have invaded my brain over the winter. With any luck David and I might be able to get out on our bikes even if it is just a neighborhood ride. We also got Wii Fit and while it won't take the place of exercises that I currently do, it is an added bonus. You do work up a sweat doing it and we vow to do at least 30 minutes a day!
Enjoy the week and hope to see you on Saturday.

One more thing ... If I can figure out how, I am going to change my "At slugs pace towards healthy" .... it is kind of depressing and needs a positive spin. Chat soon!

The hard work paid off!

2009-02-05T04:33:00.000-08:00

I got on the scale on Wednesday AM and was happy to see I was down 3 or 4 pounds BUT when I got to work and plugged in the numbers .... it was actually 4.2 gone! I am so proud of the planning that I did for food and getting my a$$ on the dreadmill each day! Yea for me! This week however has been a challenge. I got a steroid shot in my foot to help the scar tissue from the surgery I had a year ago. It has slowed down the exercise at least for a day maybe two. I know from last week I can do this! Looking forward to more great progress!

See the blog Chris wrote - here are my thoughts

2009-02-03T09:25:00.000-08:00

How we precieve the things around us really impacts us, our out look, our feelings and emotions. I let this drag me down for some time and then something snapped and I get it now. I find that taking one day at a time is what helps me get through the things I need to do whether it be work, home, exercising, etc.
I have pain with the exercise I am doing but I look at it as a reminder that I have moved and done something good for myself. I also remind myself that if I stop, the pain will only get worse!
Honestly, I never thought about the packing lunch at might thing but sometimes it does seem like a chore. I can tell you, if I put my mind to it and pack, I am happier at work because I have healthy options at my finger tips. It is easier to turn down someone that asks if I want to go out if I have my lunch and it is something yummy!
One of the girls here recently went to the candy machine for a bar of chocolately goodness. After seeing the calories, she wanted to split it with someone, I turned her down! My ego really wanted even just a bite but I stuck with my carrots and celery. The next day I asked if she wanted some of my candy and I put out carrots in my hand!
I love the last paragraph and it sums up what I feel inside ... there are ALWAYS sacrificies to make to get what you want! Have a healthy week! Peace out!

Pictures from Alison's

2009-01-31T19:01:00.001-08:00

Thanks so much for opening your home to us. It was a wonderful night! Chris, you would be proud to know that Jen's brussels sprouts was the first dish to be completely eaten!

Marinade / Dressing served at Alison's

2009-01-31T13:32:00.000-08:00

We got this from the South Beach Diet book.

Dill Herb Dressing
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

In a screw-top jar, (David did it in a food processor) mix all ingredients.

We thought a squeeze of lemon or lime would be nice after having tasted this. We took raw, deveined, thawed shrimp and sauteed it in some of the dressing and poured it all over salad. You could even stir fry veggies (peppers, onions, broccoli, etc) to add to the salad or just eat it as a stir fry. I rarely use fresh herbs but highly recommend it! We cleaned the rest of the herbs, chopped them and froze them in a zip lock so they are ready for next time.

I am not sure about calories since it depends what you do with the dressing. Whatever you do, I guarantee it will be yummy!

Thanks Coach Wendy!

2009-01-30T05:07:00.000-08:00

Wasn't really feeling like exercising yesterday. I had the start of a migraine and cramps from it being that time of month (TMI?) so I stumble on an e-mail announcing that Zumba class is Thursday at 4:30. Delta is considering it as a regular class. I e-mailed Wendy to see if it was still on and how many signed up. As it turns out there are two of us! Anyway, by the end of the day the class grew to 6 and Wendy wanted to know if I was coming .... I said yes even though my body was saying no. We had closer to 10 and in the end I was glad I went and got it done .... no excuses, right?!?!? I went home to see dinner ready, thanks honey. I ate and took a migraine pill and went to bed. My day was complete on my check list for Chris! Looking forward to Allison's on Saturday hope to see you all there!

Yep that is my mountain of snow

2009-01-28T07:34:00.000-08:00

I did it ... shoveled that evil white stuff off my driveway! Be careful out there!

Does shoveling count as exercise?!?!

2009-01-28T05:38:00.000-08:00

What a work out this AM!!!!!!! We spent an hour and a half pushing, lifting and tossing many feet of snow! I can tell you, I was pushing an 8 or 9 on the old RPE scale! It is still coming down so I am sure I will have more 'exercise' ahead of me! Needless to say, I am home until we can get streets plowed. We hit the grocery store on Monday night so food is not an issue today ... no hitting the pantry for noodles or trying to scrounge a meal up in this house! If you are out in this stuff be careful ... if you are home enjoy the day!

Week one behind us

2009-01-25T15:33:00.000-08:00

This is my second turn through the project and yesterday was the first time I attended the Saturday meeting. It was great to hear all the struggles and hear the enthusiasm in the group, it is really powerful stuff. If you have not had a chance to meet on Wednesday or Saturday with the group, I encourage you to do so. Reflecting on the week, I was not perfect but that gives me a few things to work on this week .... it is good to have goals and plans. I am ready for the week ahead.

Evaluation of the first day

2009-01-20T04:40:00.000-08:00

Was I perfect? No but I tried and that is what counts in my mind. One of the girls at work was out with knee replacement through the holidays and she came back to work yesterday. Anyone that works at Delta knows that is time for food .... actually anytime is time for food! They brought in bagels for her return. I have such a weakness for that yummy, toasty, bread! I can say I am not a fan of the sugary cinnamon type but love the asiago, blueberry and thank goodness they only make the cranberry walnut during the Christmas holiday because those are the best! I did celebrate the return of a co-worker but I only had half a bagel. I pat myself on the back for only taking half and have vowed to stay out of bagel joints for 12 weeks. You see bread, rolls and yeasty concoctions are my down fall. Why is it that it is so bad for you?!?!? I did get my cardio in at lunch so I am proud of that.

Looking forward to what today has to offer .... my mind is occupied with the inauguration so perhaps food won't be such a challenge today. I am excited to see the change that our new president brings to us as a nation and look inward to the change that I can bring to myself through the next 12 weeks.

Today is the day

2009-01-19T04:19:00.001-08:00

I am ready to go on the project. The food and plans are in place for a great kick off .... let's get this going! Looking forward to the journey with a great group of people!

The Plan is in place!

2009-01-08T10:03:00.000-08:00

The new project members met last night and it was a wonderful kick off meeting. Chris did a great job and there were a number of the test pilots there too. I met one on one with Chris and my goals are in writing. No backing down now! I know where I am going and have the tools I need. The rest must come from within me! Looking forward to the eval on Sunday and might venture out with the brave souls for the mile walk which is part of the eval. Chris gave us the option to complete on our own due to weather .... I however have new fleece walking pants to try out! Thanks honey! Chat soon ....

What a range of New Year Emotions

2009-01-06T09:29:00.000-08:00

We started off the New Year with my brother's wedding. It went off without a hitch and a great time was had by all! They are off in Hawaii enjoying the warm 80's weather while we are here with the sleet! It took most the weekend to recover from the two days of prep and partying with the wedding but it was all worth it.

I went from this high emotion to a low. I found out yesterday that a good friend of mine suffered a stroke. She is healthy and in her mid-40's! I am still stunned by this news and it is hard being two hours away where all I can do is pray. While I know that is what she needs as she undergoes tests and rests; it is still hard not to be by her side. The docs believe at this time that a small hole in her heart caused the stroke but they still have some tests results to read.

David and I will head north this weekend. My uncle is no longer able to garden and we have inherited all his stuff. We will get get stuff for growing to planting to canning. Needless to say David is really excited about this and I am too since I love to eat everything he plants! We had fun over the last week going through seed books as he wants to do everything from seed this year. It is a lot of fun for us! I will share the goods too which is fun as well!

We will make a stop to see my friend as well so that I can see for myself that she is ok. I guess God has his ways of reminding us every now and then to slow down, take care of ourselves and appreciate what we have right here and now. Take one day at a time because you never know what the cards hold for you or how long you will have with your loved ones.

I have devoted time to prep my mind for the upcoming weeks on the project. I will be at the Wednesday night meeting. I am having a hard time with our eval on Sunday since I have a number of things I want to accomplish up north. I feel in my heart that missing this is not the way to start the program however, I also want to have the chance to fit everything in up north. I also feel in my heart that a visit with my friend will help. She has always been motivational on my healthy lifestyle endevors and perhaps that is where I need to be at the start of this part of the journey. We will see .... I will meditate on this over the evening as it is a meditation day!

Take care and hug your loved ones often! Chrisitne

A New Tradition

2008-12-21T14:26:00.000-08:00

I was north this weekend to celebrate an early family Christmas. I awoke on Saturday AM to find my niece and nephew up and ready to work out. Although the weather did not cooperate .... they had ice, cold and snow making outdoor exercise a hazard. We took our work out indoors. Friday night we discussed some of the activities that we would do and now it was time to do it ... no excuses!
We started on the eliptacle and jump rope to warm up. We each took turns picking what we would do ... sit ups, push ups, weights, planks .... we all had fun and it made 45 minutes pass quickly. Next it was into the shower and prep for our trip to the p's house. My sister noticed the sound of the fire truck in the neighborhood and thought that Santa must be onboard since the sound kept going and going .... sure enough he was onboard and passing out candy to the few kids that braved the elements to greet him. Mind you, my niece and nephew were in the doorway and I was the one on the street greeting him and picking up candy! A great holiday was had by all!

Found a new class

2008-12-17T03:44:00.000-08:00

There is much to be said for all class instructors that are out there. They can make or break a class. I found someone that is up to the standards that Chris set for me in what I expect in an instructor. You know what I am talking about .... an instructor that is able to conduct a class but still give you personalized attention in class. Someone that actually cares and it not just pushing themselves through a work day. For someone that struggles, is out of shape and practice, it means a lot to have some attention while exercising! My new found class is pilates with Lindsey. I took it (meaning one class) a few years ago and about puked right in class! I had over worked myself and I think forgot to breathe! Somehow I always forget that part and am not sure when to breath in or out so it is also important for the instructor to remind you! I never went back until our adventure with Chris when Carrie led us in a short pilates class. I decided to give it a try at work. I have attended two classes and want to continue! I never thought that would happen with a pilates class! I am quite sore from yesterday's class but shall push on to the next class. Have a wonderful day!

Correction

2008-12-08T04:55:00.000-08:00

I was not aware but ProMotion Fitness was the party responsible for my wonderful Saturday morning Zumba class. You are a GREAT group of people and I thank you all for your help and support with wellness!

I got the tree up and some other decorating done over the weekend. Most the gifts are wrapped, only a few more to buy.

My brothers wedding (Joe and Ashley) is on New Year's Eve so the count down is on! We will really have a great party this year. I am praying that our weather holds out so that freinds and family can travel safely to the big event and make it back home.

A number of years ago Joe's friend Pete came to our New Year's Eve party in Indy. Indy weather folks were forecasting bad snow storms for New Year's Day (afternoon). My friends headed back north but Pete did not. Needless to say he got snowed in and had to stay with us for about 5 days! Pete has the Best Man honors and has his doubts about traveling here for the holiday! Here's to hoping for safe travels for all this holiday season!

Zumba Baby!

2008-12-06T13:29:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful morning. The snow was lightly floating. I knew Chris was off running through the woods and hoped he was enjoying the day. I was off to Delta for my first Zumba class. I walked into Delta and saw fellow project pal John and later Margaret and Matt joined us.

Delta offered a trial Zumba class with Cesar. For those of you that do not know what Zumba is ... it is aerobic movement to Latin, Salsa music. Some of the women that have been taking classes with him for the last year or so came out to support and help those of us that are not so coordinated. Now I took Jazzercise for some time but this was fast paced, wonderful movement. I have been humming the beats in my head all day. I wish I could sing the songs but they were most always in Spanish!

I was hot and sweaty once I was done and had met a new friend. Theresa takes classes with Cesar and teaches beginners. I plan to meet up with her and take a class of his at a club near my house. I might get hooked on this Latin grove and boy can Cesar shake! I am really looking forward to another class. More importantly, it seemed like the other Delta folks that ventured out enjoyed themselves as well so I hope to see the class on the schedule at work!

I walked out of work into a winter wonderland .... the snow had picked up. I came home to shower and put up the tree. It truly has been a wonderful day.

This year Santa is getting carrots and celery!

2008-12-02T10:13:00.000-08:00

In an effort to fully embrace the program I have decided to leave Santa some raw veggies and if he is good, some of my famous chicken chili! Why is it that this holly, jolly cookie eating man is the man of the season? The man all want to befriend in December? This year, I am sticking with Coach Chris! I am turning in my Santa sleigh for a good pair of walking shoes ... turning in the cookies and milk for raw veggies and water ... lastly turning in the material gifts for the gift of eating healthy and exercise! I say Ba Humbug to the fat man in red!

A Good Hurt

2008-11-19T06:44:00.001-08:00

As I sit here with aches I am reminded that being able to move it good! I attended a butts and gutts class at work yesterday and since I have not fully embraced the exercise portion of the program it was hard but I got through! We have a promo that runs through Dec 19th at work and it is my launch into the exercise that I need to work into my daily life. I struggle with winter ... the short days, no sun, the cold. I have done some research on Seasonal Affective Disorder which I think I have had for awhile but seems to have gotten worse this year. Looking forward to the coming weekend and some time with my family up north!

38 degrees and hiking!

2008-11-09T10:59:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful morning for a walk in the woods! Chris had another adventure out at Eagle Creek this morning. The temp at 8AM was 38 and there were flurries in the air! We had a great 1 hour walk in the woods with great friends and fellow project members. That was followed by Pilates and some yoga. We had yummy healthy snacks afterwards and a chance to chat more with one another. My chicken chili was a hit and I am glad to have shared with everyone. Looking forward to the next great adventure .... cross country skiing was mentioned and I would love to give that a try since I failed at the downhill skiing back in the day ... another story for another time. Til next time ... be healthy!

Something to work towards!

2008-10-20T04:21:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day on Saturday. David rode the Hilly and I volunteered and worked the first rest stop. I have done some volunteering in my time but the bikers that I encountered on Saturday were the nicest group of folks! No one had anything to complain about that I heard. I was on my feet from 8 until 2 pushing donuts, bagels, muffins, apples and bananas. I ran into project grad John Singleton and saw he and Wendy after the ride. I even got to help an injured rider with a lift back to the school. He was bummed as it was his first ride and his friends rode on without him. Seeing everyone and hearing how they enjoyed the ride at least to the first stop has given me some motivation to get on that bike and train in the coming year so I can be there riding next time! I look forward to working with Chris and my fellow project members to reach this goal.

The Program Rolls On

2008-10-15T03:30:00.001-07:00

Had a great lunch with Jana and we are ready to continue down the project path! I have been good about my food again but find myself busy with other running around and cannot get to that blasted exercise. I know that is the last key to this whole thing so what am I going to do? Thursday is my night! I am going to get my bike set up on the trainer so that I can ride away some worries and anything else that comes off with it! Thanks again Chris for allowing me this opportunity to meet such great people and giving me the tools for living a healthy lifestyle! Peace!

Eval Results

2008-10-09T13:40:00.000-07:00

I am pretty proud of my accomplishments over the last 12 weeks. I am not where I thought I would be but moving in the right direction .... at a slugs pace! Time to step it up a notch and get on track. Can't wait to see what the next 12 bring me!

Rejuvenated

2008-10-02T09:26:00.000-07:00

Just met with Coach Chris and chatted about the next 12 weeks. I missed the eval on Sunday so we will see what changes took place during the first 12 weeks on Wednesday. Here is what I know going into Wednesday - I have a dress that needs to be taken in, clothes are getting looser and I wore a pair of pants that had not been on since last summer. I am putting healthier foods into my body. I love that Bulgar chili recipe that I found and have some other 'new' things that I hope to incorporate into my diet (as in food intake not South Beach or Jenny). But most importantly, I have new friendships! We are in this together so let's continue to provide support to each other! Thanks Coach Chris! Peace!

The dress is BIG

2008-09-23T06:18:00.000-07:00

What a great feeling! About 7 months, we got fitted for bridesmaid dresses (always a bridesmaid ..... ) and they finally came in. My brother gets married on News Year Eve! I would not let them order a size down even though I was planning on losing weight. I tried the dress on and it is big! I am happy to pay for the alterations! I was not as active with the exercise portion of the 12 week program but am anxious to continue on. With about 13 weeks until the wedding, I am going to commit myself to keeping on with the program.

Thanks so much Chris for the opportunity to be a part of this test group!

Set Backs

2008-09-18T11:51:00.000-07:00

I made it home safely but the car suffered a set back. It seems I have some sort of internal transmission problem so the shop is in the process of taking my transmission out to find the broken pieces. It all adds up to me being out of cash quickly! I am still awaiting the final total.

The rains up north over the weekend and changing weather here have caused pain in the foot that had surgery. I was told the weather changes would affect me but doc assures me that goes away with time. It has sidelined me from doing more on my foot than the normal getting away through the day. I am re-reading the program book so that I can get into gear for the next 12 weeks or as Buzz Lightyear says "to infinity and beyond!"

Northwest Indiana Floods

2008-09-15T08:30:00.000-07:00

What a weekend .... quite different than I expected. I did make the kids party for Sarah. It started raining when we were leaving and rained all night .... 6 inches worth of rain! Needless to say Andrew's baseball game was not going to happen. We got some running around done on Saturday in the wind. The rains started again on Saturday night and never stopped until late Sunday. I got trapped at my sister's since most roads were flooded. Keep the residents of Northwest Indiana and the surrounding areas in your thoughts as they recover from the floods and devastation that hit this weekend.

Great weekend ahead

2008-09-12T08:53:00.000-07:00

Well, I will be lonely without my honey; he has to work so I am heading north on my own this afternoon. Sarah turned 7 on Tuesday .... yes, she was born prior to the activities on the 11th. God bless those that were affected by that day and those that fight for our freedom.
We told my sister to stop having kids as something big has happened each time. Andrew was born on 3/8/98 and that night northwest Indiana had a snow storm to beat all snow storms. She got to stay longer in the hospital (on a generator, eating turkey sandwiches) and went 'home' to my mom's because they had not gotten her subdivision cleared of snow and the power had not be on yet.
So back to the weekend. I get to supervise the kids party tonight and get some exercise. She is having a party at this indoor place that had big blow up bouncy houses and an obstacle course, I am told. On Saturday we will be enjoying Andrew's baseball game (hope the weather is nice). We will have a family party for Sarah on Sunday. Don't forget football Sunday too and the nascar boys ... the chase in on in Richmond! I also pray for those in the path of Ike ... looks like he might be the only potential downer of the weekend. I hope to some day surprise Chris at class on Saturday but this girl has weekends filled of activity .... I think it is the one thing that bugs David about me ... I am a social butterfly! Peace Out!

New Life On The Bike

2008-09-11T05:34:00.000-07:00

I had been having trouble with my nice carbon riding shoes that I got when I first bought my bike. With my toes problems, the fit had gotten very tight and riding was uncomfortable. Well after surgery when it seemed most the swelling went down, I got myself a new pair of shoes. Nice roomy mountain biking shoes!
David and I spent time looking at the clip options for the new shoes. I was so depressed on Saturday after meeting with the realtor about the east side house that we are trying to sell (that is a whole separate story in itself) that David surprised me with my new pedals and clips!
They are beautiful and shiny! He got to work getting my shoes and bike set up. We finally took some time to ride last night. It was a whole learning curve for me. I had to relearn how to clip in and out so that I could ride safely (with no falls, been there, done that!). It did not take long and I am happy to be back in the saddle riding! The sit bones are fussy this morning but it is a good hurt. Thanks so much for the wonderful gift honey!
Enjoy the day! Christine

What a day

2008-09-06T17:05:00.000-07:00

Well, I thought my east side house would be back on the market today but no such luck. Due to bank homes and homes selling below their worth ... we are told it would be better to try to sell by owner or come to close with a windfall of cash. Added stress that I do not need at this time. Who would have thought that building a home 10 years ago would lead to this? Mom always said it was wise to build equity in a home ... well I am afraid there is no such thing these days!

I am trying to be mindful of the principles of the program however, it has been hard and this is a huge sabotager for me. I am trying to be strong but feel that I am at a breaking point. The 12 of Beck's Dark that was in my cart at Marsh went back to the shelf.

This whole thing has gotten me so down ... David felt an early birthday (9/23) present would cheer me up. He tries to encourage me through the program and his present is certainly a great one. See after my surgery my riding shoes for my bike (nice carbon high priced little things) are no longer comfortable so I bought a new pair recently (wider mountain biking shoes). My cleats won't fit so we have been in search of new pedals. Well, he got a wonderful deal on some really great pedals. He has gotten them on my bike and we are off for a ride tomorrow (after doing yard work at the east side house, grrrr). He assures me we can get through this and I will try my best to keep a level head through the process.

On the up side, I am prepared with groceries for the week! I made some of the Bulgar Chili and fresh salsa with stuff from the garden. I am looking forward to a better day tomorrow! Peace out, Christine

Trying to pick up the pace!

2008-09-05T10:21:00.000-07:00

I try to incorporate everything that Coach Chris has laid out for us but have continued to stumble on the exercise portion of this program. I did not have an issue getting to the gym prior to my foot surgery but for some reason it is not coming back to me. I have excelled on the diet portion with some bobbles along the way. The key is to plan and have food in the house ... when that does not happen, the bobbles appear. What have I learned? Be prepared, no excuses! I will strive to "Kick it up a notch" as one great chef likes to say! Til next time - Christine