Spark Friends

Monday, December 12, 2011

Disclaimer: This is NOT an anti-train blog! No questions here. Although, today's question is coming after this blog is posted and I think about my answer. To those of you who anti-train, it was a difficult question for me, I'm curious if it will be for you.

Moving on.

Pigsofgreen wrote a blog today about getting her booty into the kitchen and being thankful to spark friends for helping her to do exactly that, amongst many other things.

So I got to thinking about my spark friends. When I started this site and really really really long time ago, I "met" people on here and that was that. Online world is the online world and I tend to place a barrier between me and it. Oh sure, I'm clearly incredibly open and for those of you who have known me since the beginning, I always have been. But that's just me, I'm an open kind of gal. But there wasn't an emotional attachment or investment. I don't mean this to sound like I could have given a rat's rear end what happened to people, but just that they were part of the online world and being a long time online dater... well... I aligned the two of them and said, psssh.

I'm really really really happy I changed my vantage point on this. Because there are totally different kinds of online worlds. Dating is a whole different bag of nuts than a physical and emotional journey (which, correct me if I'm wrong, this is for a lot of us). I began to keep up with people. I began to check in on them. If they were gone for long periods of time, I'd scramble to find out how I could keep talking to them, sharing in our journeys together.

There are the people I desperately hope to meet someday, of course, Kourtney being one of them. I don't even remember how we "met" or who said what to whom first. But whatever or however it happened, she keeps me sane, listens to me b*tch, and always always always reminds me that I am a person of value. Her virtual hugs gave me more comfort than a single one of my ex's in person hugs (ok, maybe that says it all about that relationship LOL). And they still do, since I'm not getting hugged at all anymore :P. And of course, Pam. She talks so much about those riverfront runs, now I really want to take one! Sheesh. She never fails to tell me to take the emotions as they come, then chuck them if they're pansy ones over the boy haha (my words, but the intent is right :P). Good reminders to not slip into old habits that are harmful.

Then there are the people I have gotten lucky enough to meet in person. Christine was my first. Literally. On multiple fronts. One front being the first sparker I've met in person. Another one being the first woman from online I've met (or even wanted to meet??? haha). I'm pretty sure I don't even have the words to say how much I've come to depend on her support, her humor, her allowing me to blow a fuse... you name it.

And then there's Sara. She's my fellow single girl food blogger. How cool is that? I found someone who loves the sheer taste of food as much as I and who will explore the foods of the world with me. She gets the boy troubles and the relationship troubles and stands up for me whenever possible.

And then there's Anne (Christine's sister), and Elisha, and Mary, and Chris (Christine's hubster). All of whom have provided invaluable support.

I've somehow made the best friends I have on this coast on this web site. I may not agree with a lot of what the spark team implements as rules, but I am grateful for the friends I have made on here.

And to all of you who I will most likely never meet, but still constantly support me and stop by to give me words of encouragement or a kick in the a$$, thank you. I am just as grateful to you as I am to those who I speak to every single day (almost all day... haha).

Anyways, I just wanted to share.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

VICKLET31 12/13/2011 1:14PM

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PIGSOFGREEN 12/13/2011 11:26AM

It's been really awesome getting to know you on here, and the support you give me and other Sparkers is really great. Thanks Report Inappropriate Comment

PURPLEVALENTINE 12/12/2011 8:31PM

Right back at ya! You rock! Report Inappropriate Comment

SLFRISBEY 12/12/2011 5:12PM

I agree about meeting Kourtney, both of you ladies are so awesome, I think we would have a blast getting a drink or 2 together! I have met some wonderful people on here in person and am so glad. I find that making friends as an adult is SOOOO HARD!!!! Thank goodness for this site. Sorry I have been MIA, I am in a winter rut that I haven't decided to get out of yet. I will though, then party on. :) Report Inappropriate Comment

BADASSBLONDIE 12/12/2011 4:33PM

Awwww you're just about the cutest thing everrr!!!! I love you too, baby. PS - I think we met via Pam. I know what you mean about having people who share these struggles with you. Sooo important for the sanity. It also helped that when I joined here, I had just moved across the country and ahd very few friends in RL. Those would've been pretty lonely months w/o you guys. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoooo Report Inappropriate Comment

The Holiday Anti-Gain Train: Week 6

Sunday, December 11, 2011

We are going into week 6!!! Holy cow...

How did your extra 30 minutes per workout go last week? What did you add to your routine? Focus on your core this week. We all know that the body revolves around the core. Find a workout series that is core based (online, in fitness magazines, on spark) and complete that routine at least three times this week.

My extra 30 minutes didn’t go so well for a whole lot of reasons. I have a new schedule with far fewer expectations of myself. Things are throwing me for a loop and I need to stop hiding in bed when they do. So this week, I’ll be doing core work AND extra working out. Back to 30 shred starting today, so that’s good for me. I have the workout schedule ready to go and I go home in a week, so I can easily cart a single dvd with me.

“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” ~ Unknown

More notes on the personal front: I’m really realizing these days just how badly I tend to think of myself. I’ve always been the confident one, the one able to do anything, be anything. And most people still think this of me, because I’m particularly good at putting on a show. But when I get home at night, and I’m alone, where I don’t have anybody to put on a show for… all of that slips. And I’m faced with just me. Right now, just me isn’t somebody I particularly like. It’s difficult to admit and something I need to figure out. Once I do, I’ll blog and share with you. Part of this journey to make the getting healthier last is the figuring out of why I do certain things and what the root emotional and mental issues are. I have yet to stay below 200 pounds for very long because I keep self-sabotaging. I weigh-in barely under, then get back way over, then have to work all of that off just to be back in the same spot again… week after week. Am I not worth it to myself to make it better? Something to think about…

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

XPHOENIX 12/12/2011 12:59AM

You know you're worth it.. and you know you can do it... just get your head wrapped around it and you're all good! I have faith in you :)) Report Inappropriate Comment

LOVE7755 12/11/2011 9:40PM

Self awareness is always good. And you can do this just be honest and truthful and confront the root cause. 30 minutes extra last week was brutal but I did it! Core it is! Comment edited on: 12/11/2011 9:42:22 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

KELLIGIRL523 12/11/2011 6:35PM

I can certainly identify with self-sabotaging. What is with that? I just don't get it. Report Inappropriate Comment

REDRUDY5 12/11/2011 2:31PM

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Anti-Train: Day 36

Sunday, December 11, 2011

What’s one item of clothing you’d like to wear after losing weight?

Lingerie. Absolutely, without fail, hottie underoos. I mean, I can now technically, but it just rearranges my fat and sticks it in odd and nutty places. I could say bikini, but I’ve been pretty large and worn that, so since one of my main goals is to feel good in the bedroom… the underoos that don’t push out my fat is a solid want of mine.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” ~ Marianne Williamson


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  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KKINNEA 12/13/2011 4:21PM

A great dress, of course! Report Inappropriate Comment

BADASSBLONDIE 12/12/2011 12:53PM

A bikini. I'd love to be able to lay by the pool or play in the sand w/o feeling insecure. Report Inappropriate Comment

XPHOENIX 12/12/2011 1:00AM

This pic is wicked sexy! Pole dancing is so tough... and YAY for lingerie! :)) Report Inappropriate Comment

LOVE7755 12/11/2011 9:44PM

A nice swimsuit and feel comfortable in it. Report Inappropriate Comment

RUBY_TUESDAY21 12/11/2011 2:53PM

Ideally, I'd like to feel comfortable enough to wear anything that reveals my midsection (bikini, sports bra and running shorts, etc) Report Inappropriate Comment

TREP13 12/11/2011 12:54PM

I'm with you on wanting sexy "underoos" that don't push my fat out in other areas. That is the opposite of sexy. :( I wish there was a way to just work out my midsection but I know it doesn't work like that. Report Inappropriate Comment

HOAGIE22 12/11/2011 12:10PM

Git Er Dun!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

Anti-Train: Day 35

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Do you mainly do cardio, strength training, or both? Why?

Ostensibly speaking, I do both. Or the goal is to do both. I haven’t been too good about any of it for a few months now. So one of the biggest things for me will simply be that lovely thing called, consistency. Because this is a month fraught with timeline difficulties, I’m going to make it even easier on myself and just do the Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred mixed up with some of her other videos and finally get back to hitting the pavement, throwing in some kickboxing. For now, this will do for me. When my schedule changes up yet again, then I’ll do what I need to do for myself to make it happen!

“I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of stars makes me dream.” ~ Vincent Van Gogh

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KKINNEA 12/13/2011 3:56PM

My goal is to do both but let it slide the last few weeks. I expect to pick up again next week with strength training. Report Inappropriate Comment

BADASSBLONDIE 12/12/2011 12:50PM

Ideally, I'd like to do both. That being said, when a week gets crazy ST is the first thing to go. I love it and miss it and am hoping to get back into it after my classes finish. Report Inappropriate Comment

RUBY_TUESDAY21 12/11/2011 2:55PM

Until recently, I was cardiocardiocardio, but I'm learning to balance the two more. If I slack off on one, though, it's always strength training that suffers. it's so much easier for me to hit the elliptical or run a few miles than to talk myself into picking up weights when I just...don't...feel...like...it Report Inappropriate Comment

MOBYCARP 12/11/2011 2:14PM

I try to do both, but one or the other tends to dominate. Right now, running is dominating. I haven't been in to the gym to lift weights in a few weeks. My one consistent point with strength is doing my kettlebell exercises. Most mornings I do 5 Turkish get-ups on each side, with a windmill at the top. That's followed by 10 snatches each side, and preceded by 20 hand to hand swings. It's not much, but it fits into the morning time constraints; and I've moved up over the last few months from 25 lb. kettlebell to 35 lb. and now 45 lb. I tested this morning, and I could do 57 pushups; so the press on the TGU and snatch must be doing something to help maintain upper body strength. Report Inappropriate Comment

HAKAPES 12/11/2011 11:03AM

I do now cardio. The main reason is that I've never been good in endurance, and now I just enjoy that I can go far. Also, I want to do it to a high level, learn to swim and run with a good technique, have a good bike. Otherwise, my body responds to weight lifting very well. From small training, I get good muscles. Maybe later on. Also, for the weight management, the cardio is perfect. I can eat more, there is more room for pleasure. I love your idea on consistency! Report Inappropriate Comment

PURPLEVALENTINE 12/11/2011 9:35AM

I mostly do cardio. I need to start getting back to strength training ASAP! Report Inappropriate Comment

KRISZTA11 12/11/2011 6:40AM

I do both. I do cardio every day (running and stationary bike) to burn calories, and I love running. I also do strength training, because I want my core and upper body strong and nice. The strength training is not half as much fun as running, but I enjoy having muscular arms and abdomen. So I do upper body 3 times and core 3 times a week, 20 minutes each. I must confess I hate the Modified Plank, but I keep doing it because I read it works all abdominal muscles. Your plan sounds good to me! Flexible and variable, I hope you'll enjoy : ) Report Inappropriate Comment

A New Blog!

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Disclaimer: This is NOT an anti-train blog. So there are no questions for you to answer, but there is definitely some fun info in here!

Last night a sparker friend and I went to dinner, to an excellent restaurant. We LOVE food, so we decided, while drinking wine, to start a foodie blog. Because we're just plain fun like that haha.

I've only managed to post an info blog about us so far, but I'll get up the meal blog sometime today. Until then, check it out! And follow if you're interested in seeing our at least monthly (maybe more - depends on the ol' income haha) trips to restaurants.

gastronomicpleasures.blogspot.com/

ENJOY!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JUSTJUSTY 12/10/2011 7:38PM

WOW your new blog heading certainly caught my attention! It's awesome. Good Luck!!! Report Inappropriate Comment