Denise's Happy, Healthy,Healing Journal-Posts welcome

[DisDee]

Hey Wendy, its great to have you back!

Heather, thanks for reading my journal! I really appreciate it when someone takes the time to offer me some support! As for all our trips to WDW, some are short, and some are longer like the last one in Jan. We always manage do make it a budget vaca of sorts. It helps since we have family in Florida. I'm going to try to take a trip annually, but we really need to get out there and visit other spots in our big, beautiful country!

I went to Curves on Friday and really overdid it on the bouncy boards. My legs are aching just below the knees. I suppose I have shin splints. I went to Penney's at the mall today, and was planning on walking once around, but they just hurt too much to do it. I found some great clearance curtains for our bedroom and then went straight home.

Well, enough of the complaining. I got weighed and measured on Friday, and that was excellent news. Since my last check-in, I lost 12.75 inches, 9.25 pounds, and 7 pounds of body fat. Can't complain about that!

I signed up for Walk America in April and got my first few donations from my family. I'm off to a good start!

Its starting to snow rather heavily here. We're only expecting a couple of inches, but it may mix with ice and be a real mess. I'm not looking forward to tomorrow's commute. I feel the need for Spring! I have a big Oven Stuffer in the oven. Nothing like cooking a nice meal on a snowy day.

Hope everyone has a great week! Stop by again!

 

[tbstein]

Hi Denise.

Thought I would put in a link to that online radio station for you. Right now they are playing the entire sound track of Impressiones de France. I really enjoy it. And quite often, they play the entire last hour of music up to Illuminations and then Illuminations in the evening.

Hope you enjoy! http://www.live365.com/stations/ian07042003


Great job on your current results. I didn't do the inches, although I wish I had. I know I have lost 4 sizes, and probably several inches. Well, the success of the smaller sizes is wonderful for me!

Take care and enjoy the music!

 

[CaroleD]

I have just been reading your journal and can really empathise with your wanting to get healthy so you don't ever have to do Disney in a wheelchair again. Thats actually what got me going to the gym. I had osteoarthritis in my ankle and had surgery last March--an ankle fusion. And its been great. Then I planned a trip to Disney for May and realized I had better get moving or I'm going to be doing Disney by wheelchair. So last October I joined a gym and have been going faithfully. I know now there will not be a wheelchair for me. I'm so much stronger now and can walk for miles.

Losing that weight is so good for your knees too. Good for you. Whatever it takes to get healthy, so long as we get there. For me that impending trip to Disney was my kickstart.

 

[DisDee]

Carole, thanks for your words of inspiration! We're all in this together! I've been following your journal also, and find it encouraging to read how you went thru surgery and then eventually started a regular fitness program which you seem very dedicated to. I'm the type who is all "gung ho"' for awhile and then becomes a slacker. I know in my head that its neccessary to work out on a regular basis, but my body wants to rebel. I've been doing a little better recently. I went to Curves today, even though it was a rush to get there before closing. I always feel better when I take the time to just do it.

We have a family wedding tomorrow. It will be fun to get dressed up and party the night away. Then there's the food...help!!!

Tomorrow is also the start of the Philadelphia Flower Show. DH and I plan to take a half day next Friday and go. Its such a great show, and just what we need during our dismal March. This year there is an Irish theme. As the old saying goes, take time to smell the flowers or roses or something like that. That's just what I plan to do!

Well guess I should get some stuff done around the house since I'll be busy most of the day tomorrow. Have a wonderful weekend!!!!!

 

[CaroleD]

Other than feeling better and stronger since I started the gym I'm just now starting to 'see' the difference exercise makes. That took about 4 months. I'm not so saggy. And my jeans look better. Now thats a really nice feeling. Kind of makes me stand up straighter kind of feeling.

I'm a gung ho person too and worried that I would burn out quickly. Getting a personal trainer I think really helped. Its not really expensive. About 40.00 a month I pay. It keeps me accountable for one and she makes programs that ensure I don't overdo it and are safe for me. Also my daughter joined the gym about a month after I started. Thats been a big help. Anything that will keep me going is great. I've heard good things about Curves BTW.

 

[DisDee]

Today is day 1 of my WISH journal challenge. I really have noticed a difference in my attitude and food choices when I journal my feelings and foods. The key is to do it daily!!! Wed. is bagel day at work. My dept. manager buys us big a** bagels from a local shop. The "everything" is to die for, and of course it probably has more carbs than I should consume in the entire day, but I have this indulgence once a week. I really look forward to it.

My son bought me a new MP3 player to use when I walk. Since I'm techno challenged, I have to play with it and learn how to use it. I'm looking forward to the time change this weekend, so DH and I can walk more at night.

Have to run, I'm on my lunch hour. I'll post again later.

 

[goldcupmom]

It's nice to know someone else is Techno challenged. My MP3 player has nothing on it - well, DH tried to put stuff on it for me & it was in the wrong format.....someday!

Glad we are going to Journal our way to health together. There's strength in numbers!

I'm so jealous of your trips to WDW! I haven't been in MANY years! But I still love it & I still dream!

Have a great rest of the week!

 

[DisDee]

Julie, if it wasn't for my son ripping the 3 albums for me, I wouldn't have any music either. By the way, what is ripping? I'm 53 and notice... I still call them albums. He'll be over this weekend, so I'll make him add some more music. LOL!

I'm thinking ahead about my food for tomorrow. We had a salad for dinner, so I packed some for lunch. We have a get-together after work at a place with fried appetizers, burgers, drinks etc. I really don't like going to these functions, but I ditched the last one along with the holiday party, so I better show up this time. Its our semi-annual sales meeting and everybody from both inside and outside will be there. I figure I'll stay one hour, have one drink, and one appe.,then I'm out of there.

I also need to think ahead for the weekend. The kids will be here for my DH's BD.My DD and SIL will be staying over since they live north of NYC, and DS and future DIL will be here on Sunday. So...I have to feed them something. I really do hate to grocery shop. Any good, healthy ideas??? Something to counteract the BD cake?

Time to wind down for the night. DH went to bed already cause he has an early day tomorrow. I think I may take a nice, hot bath, then read a bit. Knowing me, I'll fall right to sleep.

Have a good Thurs. everyone!

 

[DisDee]

Well, the after work function was just as I expected. Mostly fried foods, and I must admit, I had more than my share, but boy was it good. I'm certainly glad that I don't eat like this every day. I had one Bahama Bay Breeze, and then switched to Diet Coke.

I have a half-day at work tomorrow because DH and I are going to the Philadelphia Flower Show. I am really looking forward to it. Its always so beautiful and the fragrance is wonderful. It really puts you in the mood for Spring. I'll be doing lots of walking since we'll be taking the train and then we have to walk about 4 blocks and then also all the walking at the actual show. I should take my Advil in case my knees start getting achy.

I'm looking forward to the weekend even though it will be busy. It will be nice to have the kids here together again.

I'm planning to get my training strategy for Walkamerica written out over the weekend. It helps to have a visable plan to focus on. I have 7 more weeks to prepare. I hung a donation form at my desk at work, and have received many contributions from my co-workers. Actually, more than I expected, which is wonderful!

Friday is almost here!!!! As the saying goes...TGIF!

 

[tbstein]

Hello Denise!

I had a good chuckle with the "album" thing. You are right. I have just recently learned that ripping is copying. And burning is recording. When did the definitions change?

So glad you are enjoying the link to the radio station. It does fill that need when the music sooths the beast in you.

Have a great weekend!

Wendy

 

[DisDee]

We had a really nice time today at the flower show and must have walked at least a couple of miles. Its amazing how the convention center is transformed into a garden wonderland! The show is a welcome breath of springtime, and helps me get thru these last few weeks of winter.

I'm not sure if all the walking will make up for the fact that I had 2 donuts this morning. Yikes!!! Our outside sales reps alwas bring goodies when they visit the office.

Talked to DD a little while ago. They're taking Amtrack into Trenton and should arrive around 10 a.m. which is great because they will be able to spend the entire day with us. I think they are staying till late afternoon on Sun. We're having dinner with friends on Sat. night at The Cheesecake Factory. I suppose I should check out the on-line menu beforehand to see if there are any healthy options. Yeah right! Cheesecake is dairy ,and I do need my calcium.

Have a super weekend!

 

[CaroleD]

How were your knees feeling after the garden show?

I plan on attending our local garden show soon. I'm hosting my DS wedding reception in my backyard and want ideas on what annuals would look best for June. Though my backyard is shaeded so impatience will likely be the mainstay.

 

[DisDee]

Checking in quickly just to say its been a busy day, did too much social eating and did not exercise. I plan to do better tomorrow!

 

[DisDee]

Carole, thanks so much for asking about my knees after all the walking. Thankfully, they did not give me any pain. My legs were just achy and fatigued overall, but it wasn't bad...more like a good hurt if that makes any sense. It just felt like I did a strenuous workout.

I have a son getting married this summer also...on Aug 4th. I think its great that you are having the wedding reception at home, and I'm sure your garden will look beautiful! There was one display at the show which was a garden party-very lavish, done in all pinks, very beautiful. Another was a rustic farm reception, a really neat mix of the outdoors with beautiful Irish crystal and tablewear. I wish I could be so creative.

I have my training plan ready for this week, and I really need to stick to it.

5 days walking-20 to 30 minutes
3-4 days at Curves
Physical therapy stretches everyday

For the food part, just make smart choices and journal every single bite. It really does help keep me honest.

Have a good week everyone, and keep up the good work!

 

[CaroleD]

I am thinking lilac colours and white with some pink for flowers in the backyard. I'm not so much a fan of purples but the bride to be is. My big fear is rain. Its not a big wedding thank goodness. How about yours?

Good to hear your knees didn't give you any grief. Flare ups are strange aren't they. I never used to be sure when my arthritis was going to give me trouble.

Your weeks plan looks achievable. Enjoy your week!

 

[tbstein]

Hello Denise!

Just a quick drop in, using DS's new lap top he got for his birthday. Not too sure about Vista.

Glad you had a great weekend.

Wendy

 

[DisDee]

Today was actually pretty good for a Monday!

Walked for 25 minutes at lunch
Total steps today 4,528
Calorie intake was only +30, which is excellent for me

Tomorrow I'll walk at lunch and then go to Curves after work.

Hope everyone had a good Monday! I'll post in more depth tomorrow.

 

[DisDee]

Day 6-Journaling Challenge

I did really great with my exercise today!
*25 minute walk at lunch
*Curves workout after work
*6,500 total steps (I'm getting there)

Now if I could get my eating and exercise in sync, I'd be doing really well. I must make more healthy food choices, I must make more healthy food choices, I must make more healthy food choices. Maybe that mantra will work for me.

I received an inspirational calendar from a fellow Disser when we did a Wish gift exchange a few months back. I thought I'd include the quotes on my daily journal.

"A champion is afraid of losing. Everyone else is afraid of winning."
Billie Jean King

 

[DisDee]

Day 7

Today was an off day for me. I called out of work, and just hung around the house all day. I did finish the book that I was reading..."In An Instant" by Lee and Bob Woodruff-an excellent read and very inspirational.

I have to double up on my workouts tomorrow. Plan to do a Comcast On Demand workout in the morning before work and walk on my break. Tomorrow is DH's birthday, so I won't be exercising tomorrow evening as we're going out to dinner. Friday I'll walk and hit Curves on my way home. Sounds like a plan to me.

I have to do some grocery shopping and stock up on my grab and go stuff for work. I do so much better when I plan ahead.

DH and I have been checking out the Carnival website for a cruise in May, 2008. It will be our 34th anniversary. It's hard to believe that so many years have just flown by.

Today's quote..."If I had to single out one element in my life that has made a difference for me, it would be a passion to compete." Sam Walton

 

[DisDee]

Day 8

"Make no excuses. You don't have time, because if you use energy that way, you won't have any energy to deal with what you need to deal with, which is overcoming obstacles and obtaining goals." Frances Williams

Steps-4,283 (need to step it up!)
Food choices (not too good)
I did drink lots of fluids today, including a 33 oz bottle of water

We celebrated DH's B-day again since today is the actual day. Went to dinner and then shared some of his choco/peanut butter fudge. I'm looking forward to being at home this weekend where I can be in charge and do some healthy planning and cooking.

I am setting a goal for myself to lose 5 lbs by April 15. If I walk the way I've planned, I should be able to reach that goal.

Hang in there everyone! tomorrow is Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!