Monthly Daily Drinking Challenge Post/Leader

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

I was asked if I'd take over as lead in one of my teams (Cutting down the Booze - Calories) lo and behold I'm going to start on June 1st posting the monthly threads for the daily drinking challenge. This team I have to say is the one I'm most active with and I'm not sure why. I do know that it's been a great source of support/encouragement and very inspiring to keep me on track with my AF (Alcohol Free) days - now on day 3! They are great too when I don't do so well... (PS to my team members - this is a task that is new to me so feel free to let me know if you want anything specific).

Growing in this way, becoming even more involved with SP is totally inspiring me as I want to be a good model for my fellow team mates. My goals are expanding beyond my own but to grow in the sense of encouraging newer members, reaching out to various members (by visiting blogs) and posting notes/comments.

This form of giving is so inspiring in itself! It's expanding my circle of wonderful friends and BOY - are there some amazing people out here!

I want to express my most sincere gratitude to all the wonderful members who message me regularly ... you have no idea how much you are part of my life now. I look forward to my login sessions and well ... the side bar bonus - is that my weight is finally going down!

Can't wait to tally my totals on Sunday! Thanks again and Keep up the GREAT work everyone!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BRENDA_2010 11/5/2009 2:43PM

I bet you are doing a wonderful job!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

LISASJOURNEY2 5/27/2009 3:31PM

Very nice Helene!!! I'm so happy to hear how this blessing was put in front of you:) I have been such a spark slacker and I too know how GREAT this site is and don't take advantage of it!! I guess the big thing is really getting active which may require a few more hours on the internet that I shouldn't really be spending. Like these past 2 hours for example !! LOL Anyhoo thanks for thinking of me-your such a doll and a kindred soul. ((((HUGS))))~Leese Report Inappropriate Comment

TUFFYBIRD 5/27/2009 1:13PM

Congratulations - you'll be great! I'm glad to see your weight is going down - not sure what will happen with mine when I weigh in on Sunday - I can hardly get my rings off; I know it's fluid (because it comes and goes) but let's hope my liquid level is a little lower when I step on the scales. Take care, keep fit, and I'll check in regularly. Pat Report Inappropriate Comment

Giving things up...

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Well - I signed up and paid for dance classes that are supposed to be starting June 6th. A couple of things have happened and now I am thinking the timing is not right just now... One is that my daughter has a bday party to attend the very first day of the course and two - it's the last month I have with them before they go off for most of the summer. Three is that June is my last month of financial restraint (as I get my discharge in July) and the light at the end of the tunnel for this is coming.

So I am putting aside my want to take this dance class for the month of June and will opt to use instead some of the DVDs I have at home (I have 2 dance ones that I have not used yet) and incorporate those into my workout schedule. I would love to buy the Core Rythms DVD collection - which equals to the cost of the dance class, but we'll see... I am debating given my thoughts of being more frugal for June and using what is at my disposal (dusting off those DVDs I haven't yet used and already have) vs buying this newer one that I really want to use. The other thing that I can do at no cost is to finally get us registered at the recreation centre near my home which we have not used since moving here (now 7 months) and go swimming with my daughter(s) for an exercise outing. I need to make use of resources that I have at my disposal that don't always have a cost attached to it. Reward for this equals more money in my pocket, my daughter doesn't miss out on attending a bday party and I get to spend more time with them before leaving.

As parents we often have these types of decisions to make - give something up we really want to allow our kids to get something they want. Although, by doing it this way I believe it's a win/win situation... so I'll write the e-mail to the dance studio to withdraw for June. If they have classes going on when the girls are away visiting then maybe I can join or get the newer DVD I've been wanting.

AF last night and maintained a good level of calories (tracked my foods) but the scale was up 1 pound this morning. I thin I have to get away from the scale until my official weigh in day on Sunday and 'whatever will be will be'... all I have to do is stay committed to my AF days to this month's end and exercise and eat well... and no matter what the scale says - I will feel better for it. I am also measuring on Sunday and I know there will be changes there - because I'm feeling it in my clothes.

Wishing all my SP Friends a wonderful day!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BRENDA_2010 11/5/2009 2:41PM

I know putting your children first is part of being a parent, but don't forget to think about yourself too. You are doing a great job with handling what ever may come along!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

GRAMMACATHY 5/26/2009 1:19PM

I like the positive spin you have put on your decision making process. Giving up your dance classes, temporarily, helps you to invest in your children's future, teaches them how to save money with a smile, and takes the financial and timing burden off your shoulders. Have fun. Report Inappropriate Comment

TUFFYBIRD 5/26/2009 8:40AM

I am in total awe of anyone who can do those dance videos; I'm a hazard when I try. I have two left feet, and usually end up tripping myself, falling into something, and breaking it! One of the things I'm looking forward to when I retire is joining the pool. I love to swim and have actually done a bit of synchro in the past. There is no better exercise out there. I did my Jillian Michaels workout again this morning; there are only a couple exercises I have trouble with, and those will take a bit of time coming around because they involve using my injured shoulder. The video takes just about an hour so I don't have time to do my physio as well (my manager at work expects me to turn up on time - Imagine that!) so I have moved that to evening. I normally don't work out in the evening, but this only takes 10-15 minutes, so I figure I can fit that in. And yes ... stay off those scales until weigh day. My weight can fluctuate as much as 2 pounds in a day - depending (usually) on fluid retention, so I try to weigh in only once a week. I'll check in Monday if not before. Take care, and keep fit. Pat Report Inappropriate Comment

Last week of May - going to make it COUNT!

Monday, May 25, 2009

Okay so it's the last week of May and weigh in/measure day is on Sunday and I want to see my plateau busted!

It's going to start with my am workout and Mon-Wed-Fri Curves and evening walks when it's nice out. I'm going to be AF this week (because my AF days have been too far and few between). This morning's weight shows me that I can maybe still achieve my goal of busting through and leaving 160Ville... hoping I can make it but won't beat myself up if I don't.

For the past 3 months my weight has stayed at 165-166 so I want to see progress!

Wish me luck and with that note I have to get my day started! My daughter's even on board with me - says she'll be watching me this week (because I told her I had to be extra good this week). All the support makes a difference!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BRENDA_2010 11/5/2009 2:38PM

Staying focus and determination will get you to your goals!!! Being AF is a hard one at times. Stay strong!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

TUFFYBIRD 5/25/2009 9:28AM

Stay determined and you'll do great. I know what you mean about getting stuck - I'm 3 1/2 pounds off my target and have been sitting there for over a month. I know the last few pounds are the hardest (and to be honest being this close to goal - sometimes my determination slips - and the rest, as they say, is history). I guess the positive is that I haven't gained. I'm going to make a concerted effort to be really good this week too. Maybe next Monday we'll both have some positive news to report. Want to compare next week? My daughter-in-law loaned me her Jillian Michaels DVD and I tried it for the first time yesterday. I haven't had a workout like that in a LONG time; maybe if I'm careful about what I eat this week and use the DVD regularly instead of my standard workout I'll see some results. Maybe my body just needs a change - haven't made major changes in my routine in ages! Take care, and keep fit. Pat Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMDREAM4 5/25/2009 9:22AM

Hi! I'll join you being good this week! It doesnt seem 2 minutes since I said I want to start losing the weight and that was a month ago and I havnt so i'm starting on a 28 day plan and am going to AF for at least 5 daysa week..... or thats the plan LOL GOOD LUCK!!x Report Inappropriate Comment

Full Time Employee - passed my Probation with flying compliments!

Friday, May 22, 2009

I was very tired this morning and not at my best (as I woke around 2am and didn't sleep much after)... My probationary meeting was at 9am and it went very well. I was paid a lot of great compliments about my performance and my abilities which was nice to hear.

The Vice-President stated that I should give myself a pat on the back and be proud of my accomplishments (as they knew of my recent changes, move and personal challenges). Despite all of what I have gone through in the past 8 months - I am coming out on top! And she said it's all downhill from now (as it will be easier) but I say it's all uphill because what are we without challenges ro changes in our lives.

So yes - my weight challenge is kind of 'stalled' as I am still hovering at the same weight and not sure I'll meet that goal again but I am maintaining. People here say I look good and maybe my body is happy at the weight it's at (although I won't accept that)... I am no longer going to beat myself up about things either.

I only have one AF day this week as I had drinks last night and know I'm having a few tonight.

Tomorrow I'm going to be volunteering a full day at the 'race weekend' from 8am to 6pm and it's going to be a nice day from what they are saying weather wise...

Life is good... I'm tired and I don't want to be working right now... but alas - I have a FULL TIME JOB and there are only 3 hours left to my work day! I am BLESSED!

Thank you!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BRENDA_2010 11/5/2009 2:37PM

You are still thinking positive. I'm glad you like your work, although there are days when we sure don't want to be working!! Keep your chin up and keep smiling! Report Inappropriate Comment

QBURT71 5/22/2009 3:01PM

That is sooo great! Report Inappropriate Comment

LATVIAN_SANDY 5/22/2009 2:16PM

good for you!!! Have a great weekend! Report Inappropriate Comment

SparkPage New Look - Changes are GOOD!

Thursday, May 21, 2009

I like the new look of the Spark Pages and how it has tabs for various things (Blogs, Awards, etc). It's a quicker bird's eye view and if people are interested can read more.

I went under my blogs tab and was amazed at how I have 13 pages of blogs dating back a couple of years. Looking at the titles and noticing the ups and downs was eye opening. One great thing is that I do know now looking it over in this perspective - I am much better off and I AM making progress!

My life has changed so much, especially in the last 8 months (since my move and leaving everything behind). There is no looking back and only smiles as I look forward to all the great things that await me.

Change is a part of life and we can welcome it, bend with it or resist it. I read a verse from my book "Change your thoughts - change your life" book and it spoke to this and it's so true. Like any storm, it passes. We can be calm and let it happen or get upset about it. Everything happens for a reason and I feel I am so much calmer in life now.

It's a liberating thought - to just accept what is, and go with the flow of life...

Enjoying this moment and this realization for all that it's worth!

Hope you are enjoying YOUR day because after all - all we have is TODAY!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ALEXSGIRL1 5/21/2009 5:52PM

i liked that ,accept what is and go with the flow. it does us no good to get very sad or mad , sometimes it's needed but once you accept and move on the sadness diminishes you enjoy your day also. Report Inappropriate Comment

BRENDA_2010 5/21/2009 3:05PM

Glad to see you are still thinking positive. You have lots to smile about even though there have been some rough spots for you. You have been a strong woman and pulled yourself through!!! Keep up the good work Helene!! I like the new pages too!! Report Inappropriate Comment