I think I might be getting sick

Uh Oh....today I think I finally got my husband's cold. I felt terrible all day and . just laid around on the couch. I didn't do any exercise, nor did I look up Super Foods. I sure hope I feel better tomorrow. I'm going to get to bet early and get some rest so I hopefully feel great tomorrow.

Planning and Super Foods

Today I planned all my meals for the week and made a grocery list. Tomorrow I will purchase all the healthy foods I need to make my meals. Tomorrow I am going to finalize my workout schedule for next week and we are off.....

Also, today I was introduced to Super Foods. I wasn't really sure what this term meant before, although I had heard the term. Today in speaking with one of my good friends, Michele, and her son, who is training to be a personal trainer, I learned about a whole new array of foods that can support our bodies with the vital nutrients we need to be healthy and yes, at our ideal weight. Today I tried the Cacau bean. A different tasting bean, that is actually the bean that chocolate is made from, but sans the sugar and butter that is added to make chocolate. There are a wide array of Super Foods available from a huge variety of manufacturers. I am going to research them more before I post further about this subject. I am excited that this may be another way to assist me on my journey. In the next couple of posts you can look forward to an overview of Super Foods and their health and nutrient values. So stay tuned for more information.

No weigh in until Monday

I'm not weighing in until Monday in an effort to avoid the "little drunk monkey" trying to convince me to eat and drink a little bit more after my weigh in as a celebration. As I write that....that really does not make any sense at all. But, to make sure I don't listen to that little guy my weigh ins will be first thing Monday morning. I will have to be much more conscious of what I eat and drink over the weekend in order to continue on my journey. Today I did my 45 minutes of cardio, which included 20 minutes of a walk/run. I think I need new running shoes. More tomorrow.

Running in parking lots

I ran in the parking lot with my trainer this morning carrying 10 pound weights and I thought I was going to die. Oh my goodness. I guess I still have along way to go to do the Mud Run. I now have a running plan to get me to the Mud Run in June. I'm going to work on my food plan and the rest of my exercise plan tomorrow. This is going to happen. I am going to wear a size 8 and I am going to look and feel great. I'm looking forward to my workout in the morning and then dancing later. I'm getting the hang of this being active lifestyle thing. Tonight I had a salad that was grown completely in my garden. Have you ever had Mustard Greens? Doesn't sound so good, but boy are they tasty. My salad had Bibb Lettuce, Red Lettuce, Spinach, Purple and regular Mustard Greens and Sorrel, oh and radishes. How is that for a colorful salad? It really tasted great. It was fun to go outside and pick the salad and then eat it. And, I had 15 bean and barley soup with ground turkey with my salad. Now that sounds pretty healthy to me. I'm on the right track.

Planning and Journaling

I need to get back to planning and journaling. How easy it is to get off track with doing that. Today when the dinner hour arrived,I had know idea what I was going to make for dinner. I did manage to find some brussel sprouts, fish and brown rice to cook, but it made me realize that I have not been planning very well - not my meals or my workouts. I did go to the gym today and did the stationary bike and a walk/ran on the treadmillfor 45 minutes (I was one sweaty Betty after that!), but I just went when I felt like it without a plan, which messed up my day. So, next week I am going to plan my workouts and stick to the plan and plan my meals and stick to the plan. What a concept!! I will make a meal plan on Saturday for the week, shop for food and cook what I can make ahead of time on Sunday. And, I will plan my workouts and the times of my workouts. Also, I have changed my weigh in day to Monday - trying to avoid the weekend party with the "little drunk monkey." Remember that guy!!! I'm going to show him he can't boss me around every weekend!!! We will see if that gets the scale moving more quickly. I think it will...I know it will!!!

Working out and Dancing and Taxes, argh!

Today was a pretty good day. Worked out this morning and had dancing lessons this evening. I think I am finally actually getting better at dancing. We worked on perfecting our Cuban moves....yes that means shaking your booty Latin style. Who would think that would be such a workout for your back. Oh boy it is! I think we both need a little more practice with this. LOL! We also went to get our taxes done today...that is always a fun day, right? I mean, NO! Of course, we still need to get our CPA our expenses - because the are in a big ball in a box in my office. I started to sort everything out today, and boy I know what I will be doing this weekend, of course, when I am not training, or running or doing whatever it is I am doing to further my journey. I bet exercising is going to look really good this weekend - anything but putting those expenses in the spreadsheet.ARGH!

Thoughts become Things

I was feeling tired on my journey today. I was moping around like a sad little girl. I was looking for something to rejuvenate my enthusiasm for my quest. I kept feeling like I just wanted things to happen faster than they are - I just want to see the scale move more quickly. Then after my Prosperity Princess meeting today, where we talk about the book Infinite Possibilities, I realized that it is my beliefs that are affecting my thoughts, which makes me overweight. I have to change my beliefs about certain things, about a lot of things to change my thoughts, which I am doing slowly but surely. I also realize now that I am writing this, after not writing much for the last four or five days, that writing this blog and reflecting is helping me in more ways than releasing weight. It is helping me change my beliefs and change my thoughts. The past several days were some of the most emotionally trying days I have had in my life. And, I didn't write...I didn't reflect and that made everything much worse than it had to be. And, I am sorry. And, hopefully the person who I am saying I am sorry to knows who they are. I know now that I must reflect on my feelings.

Here are some interesting insights about our thoughts and weight loss from Mike Dooley, author of Infinite Possibilities, that really helped me get myself recharged and excited about my journey (MY INPUT IN CAPS):

"'Thoughts become things' says as much as possible, in as few words as possible, about the nature of our reality and how we can make the most of it. I believe in the truth behind these three words, without exception. I believe there are no mitigating factors, nor any other outside forces that determine the outcomes of our lives, however, and this is a huge however, this principle applies to all of our thoughts, not just the five minutes we may spend visualizing each day. And when you realize that we think thousands and thousands of thoughts every day BOY DO I THINK AT LEAST A THOUSAND THOUGHTS A DAY. HAVE YOU EVERY REALLY LISTENED TO YOUR THOUGHTS, EVERY THOUGHT FOR EVEN AN HOUR. WEWWWWW, paying little attention, if any, to them, it behooves everyone to ask the billion dollar question, "How can I direct, or program, my normal thinking mind, my wandering imagination, so that it produces thoughts that are aligned with the things I want, be them weight loss, a new Bentley, or improved relationships?" And the answer is to work with and align your beliefs with the things and events you want to experience.

Beliefs are all important when it comes to affecting changes in our lives because they filter, limit, and inspire the mighty thoughts that run through our heads. If someone believes, for instance, that they gain weight easily, or if they typically think of themselves as "overweight," then they will likely entertain fearful images of themselves gaining weight every time they eat, and such mental images will eventually come to pass. How? Through the magic of the Universe. Circumstances will creep and situations arise that will have them turning to food more often than they otherwise would have, and that's just the beginning. Their metabolism will literally slow down, their hopes will be dashed, they'll become less physically active, depression might arise, and the pounds will easily arrive. You see, this principle is non-judgmental. Our thoughts, all of them, strive to become things, whether or not they are helpful or harmful. That's why we're so powerful, because we can think as we choose, which in turn commissions the entire Universe to deliver what we've thought about, and that's also why we need to be so responsible with what we choose to focus upon. As above (in thought), so below (in matter). THAT IS INTERESTING! ISN’T THAT A BIBLICAL REFERENCE?

Of course, there are other, more complicated reasons why someone might be dealing with weight issues, but again, these would always be tied to limiting and/or conflicting beliefs, which then trigger or suppress similar thoughts, which then set into motion the Universe. Perhaps someone believes that "relationships never last and always end painfully," or that physical pleasures are "bad," or that in order for someone's spirituality to shine, less emphasis should be placed on physical appearances. Such thinking will very deliberately, though covertly, set someone on a path where they will actually sabotage their "less important" desire and efforts to lose weight. Deep down they want to avoid having to deal with those "greater" issues that they believe will arise from losing weight. OH MY GOSH THAT IS ME! I’M GOING TO CHANGE THOSE BELIEFS.

The trick with beliefs, and really this is the ultimate lesson we all must learn in time and space, is that they come first, prior to their manifestations, even though it appears that we only believe something as a result of our experiences. Most people feel like their beliefs are based on their life's observations of reality, but what really happened is that their beliefs formed their reality. People are not overweight so much because of what they eat, but because of what they think. OH DEAR! THAT DOES MAKE SENSE. Their thinking, their beliefs, dictate the foods they eat, the exercise they get, their metabolism, their hopes and optimisms (or lack thereof), and then through the magic of the Universe, their expectations are met in the flesh by way of the accidents, coincidences, and circumstances of their lives. Always, our thoughts rule, and always, it's our beliefs that govern the vast majority of our thoughts.

So how do you work at uncovering these so-called "hidden" beliefs? First off, they're not so hidden. Their effects are everywhere in our lives! Just look to the issues you're grappling with and the limiting beliefs are just beneath them. I KNOW WHAT A BIG ONE OF MINE IS. IT CAME UP IN THE LAST SEVERAL DAYS. Second, these beliefs can quite easily be ferreted out through the use of our truth barometers, our feelings. Follow your feelings, and then ask yourself questions. If something doesn't feel right, ask yourself why, and ask yourself if the reason is truly valid and still serving you. Third, watch yourself. We can't help but to think, speak and act in line with our beliefs, so if you catch yourself saying something like, "relationships never last," or you find yourself avoiding intimacy with someone you love, or entertaining daydreams that forecast unpleasant circumstances like weight gains or arguments, I NEED TO WORK ON THIS FOR SURE immediately realize you've just discovered some "hidden" beliefs at work—not aspects of reality, but your expectations of reality. Immediately remind yourself of the greater truths you know that exist, and perhaps think of people you know that seem to live according to a different set of rules than you, using such people and their lives as proof that you do have choices over how to view your situation.

Finally, rather than tell someone trying to lose weight that they should just visualize being thinner (which IS good advice), they must also take an honest look at their beliefs about themselves, their body, their relationships, and anything else that affects how they feel about their appearance."

WOW! THIS IS VERY POWERFUL AND GOOD NEWS. I WILL BE WORKING ON CHANGING MY BELIEFS AND THOUGHTS NOW TO MAKE MYSELF THE PERSON I REALLY AM, NOT THIS OVERWEIGHT PERSON I HAVE CREATED THROUGH MY BELIEFS AND THOUGHTS. I AM EXCITED!!!

go-Organic Garden Party

Yesterday was the first time that I did not blog since the beginning of my journey on January 1st of this year. Ooopppssss....and sorry. I had a super busy day yesterday with having a gro-Organic garden party at my house. Karen, the president of the company, gave us all some great information about organic foods and how to eat healthier and have great foods grown right in our own backyards. It was a great party!! Then today I went to go see The Color Purple with my good friend, Michele, and Donna and Colleen. Then it was dinner at PF Chang's. Nummy!!! Probably will need some extra cardio tomorrow to make up for that!!! Nighty Night!!!

Progress

I lost the same pound I gained last week. I'm not in the mood to write tonight.

Really Tired

Really Tired. Will write more tomorrow.

Correction regarding genetically modified foods (GMO)

To find out if a fruit or vegetable is genetically modified read the PLU labels - the little stickers or tags on the produce. If the five digit PLU number starts with "8," the food is either genetically modified or genetically engineered. Don't buy it. Please note that all fruit has a four digit PLU code. This number tells you what kind of fruit it is. If the PLU code has five numbers, the first number represents either organic (9) or genetically modified (8).

I had the numbers reversed in my first post. (9) is good - organic. Buy those foods with five digits that start with (9). (8)is bad as a first digit on a five digit code. Don't buy those.

Sorry for the error!!!

Running....and dogs...lots of them

Today I ran/walked about two miles - I think - I need to clock it tomorrow. I set out on foot out of my house with Cleo, instead of going to the gym to do the treadmill and the stationary bike. I thought since it was such a beautiful day - why would I want to be inside when I could be outside in the sunshine. It was beautiful outside and perfect weather, not to hot, not to cool. I walked to a neighborhood that I usually don't take Cleo for a walk in - and guess what - it was dog city. Thus, I actually ran a lot more than I planned. LOL! Every time I would hear a dog bark and start jumping on the backyard fence...Cleo and I would run - run for our lives from the German Shepherds, the Pit Bulls, the Labradors, and all the other huge dogs that were taking a liking to my little Cleo. She isn't really that little, she weighs about 40 pounds, but all the dogs we experienced today were way bigger than her and probably a lot tougher. Maybe the just wanted to meet my little princess, but I wasn't taking any chances. It was probably pretty humorous to anyone watching us. I had on my iPod so I could just hear a little barking, and then I would see the dogs fiercely jumping on the backyard fences of the homes as we walked by. And, we were off for at least a couple of blocks. It was sort of surreal. But, I guess it was a good thing...it made me run more. LOL! Should I go again? I think yes. It was an adventure for us.

Need a kick in the butt

Sometimes it is just really hard to work out. This morning was one of those days for me. I went to my work out and it was so, so, so difficult - maybe because I did so much walking and gardening over the weekend. I really felt like my body just could not do the exercises. It was odd, or shall I say I was odd, or I mean off. I'm not sure what it was - but, boy was I a whiner. I made it through, but I was exhausted. Didn't have dancing lessons tonight either. I feel like I am getting a little off track and like I need a kick in the butt to get back on track. Anyone have any advice to get me back on track? Help! I'm not on the verge of quitting, but I could use some advice. Again, it just seems like such a long road, and since I gained instead of lost last week, I am feeling, well, a little lost and unmotivated. I still see the looming Mud Run in my minds eye, but Argh....Hopefully, my biorythm is just off today!!

Organic Broccoli from the garden

Yesterday was my 45th day on my journey. My how time flies. It seems like I just started this blog - actually no - it seems like I have been doing it for years! Seeing that in my food log book, I realized that one day I will see day 365. That will be very exciting for me. My goal now is to get down another ten pounds by March 1st - now that I don't have to worry about Las Vegas temptations I should be fine. Tonight I made dinner with brown rice, chicken coated with ground pecans (nummy), and yes it was organic chicken and brown rice. The best part of the meal was the broccoli that I picked in my garden and cooked within minutes of picking it. It was so sweet - I think it was the best broccoli I have every had. And, I am not kidding!! Soon I will have cabbage, brussel sprouts, and a host of different salad fixings, plus some other vegetables I'm sure I will be telling you about once I pick and eat them. I can't wait. Oh, and my fruit trees have pretty little blossoms on them - should be seeing some tiny little apricots, peaches, plums, nectarines,lemons, limes and oranges soon. It is so exciting to pick my vegetables and fruits right out of my backyard, especially after reading about genetically modified fruits and vegetables. Today I did Pilates in the a.m. with Janice, and did my Euclid walk with my friend, Laurie. So, that's two hours of exercise. Woo Hoo!! Melt that fat - Melt that fat right off my body!!!

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!

Do you think we time travel? Do you think we exist beyond our bodies? I just watched Time Travelers Wife with my sweetie. And, I am really thinking this might be true. What do you think?

Walk, walk, walk

Finally did my Euclid walk again, with a little bit of jogging. It felt great. I need to get on it more because the Mud Run is a coming. Yikes!! Today I planted the drought resistant plants in my front planter. That was fun, but a lot of work!!! Now my front yard planter looks great! I think I expended a lot of calories today with all the gardening I did today. Woo Hoo!!

Boo Hoo...no loss!

I guess I am paying for my sins last weekend - I actually gained two pounds this week after my adventures in Las Vegas. Argh! I ate well when I returned and exercised, but I still gained. Maybe it is the GMO foods. Or maybe it is just that I consumed way too much in the way of both food and drink. My own fault for not monitoring myself - lesson learned - can't just eat and drink everything and anything for three days and not expect to pay. I knew I would have a setback. And, here is the first one. Okay I paid!!!! I am already over it and on to next week. In my class last night a few of the guys in the class had done the Mud Run and told me it was really fun. That makes me feel a little better about the prospect of running a 6K in the mud. Tomorrow I am going to do my Euclid walk...and some jogging too!!

GMO - Don't eat that....But, do please read this

Have you ever seen the term "non GMO" on something you have purchased at the grocery store? I never really knew what that meant - whether it was a good thing or not. Now I know. It is a good thing - buy items that are "non GMO" - that means they are not genetically modified. Tonight I finished showing my class the movie "The Corporation," which has some interesting, or shall I say disturbing things to say about the food industry. This made me think about something that I have heard before - is our food making us sick. After watching this movie - I am sure that our food is making us sick! Unless you buy organic and even then some organic manufacturers are questionable in my mind - you are consuming numerous toxic chemicals, not to mention genetically modified foods, known to cause cancer and other health problems. I looked up what GMO means and this is what I found. "A genetically modified organism (GMO) is a plant, animal or microorganism whose genetic code has been altered, subtracted, or added (either from the same species or a different species) in order to give it characteristics that it does not have naturally." Some of the reasons companies genetically modify crops (food):
• By manipulating the genetic code of a crop in the lab, it is possible to create a strain of corn, for example, that is hardier and will survive a wider range of climates than ordinary corn.
• Some GMO foods are designed to produce chemicals that will repel insects and other pests, making hazardous pesticides unnecessary.
• Others are modified to boost their nutritional value or to appeal to shoppers by changing the color or size of fruits or veggies.
Changing the DNA of our food - that can NOT be good. Argh!! Do I really want to eat a vegetable that can survive weeks in a truck in the heat, or that has chemicals in it combat pests, or that is bigger and more colorful than nature intended it to be? For me the answer is a resounding NO!!!!! It is a freakin genetically modified food product, and not just processed food products. This is the actual vegetable or fruit. To find out if a fruit or vegetable is genetically modified read the PLU labels - the little stickers or tags on the produce. If the five digit PLU number starts with "8," the food is either genetically modified or genetically engineered. Don't buy it. Please note that all fruit has a four digit PLU code. This number tells you what kind of fruit it is. If the PLU code has five numbers, the first number represents either organic (8) or genetically modified (9). Here is a list of some of the genetically modified food crops that are grown in the US today:
* Sugar cane
* Sweet peppers
* Tomatoes
* Bananas
* Strawberries
* Soy bean
* Corn
* Potatoes
* Pineapples
* Cocoa beans
* Yellow squash
* Zucchini

Following is a list of some of the processed foods made with genetically modified organisms.

* Popcorn
* Canola & Cottonseed Oil
* Soy Sauce
* Frozen Pizza
* Canned Soups
* Baby Formula
* Dry Cereal
* Cookies
* Frozen Dinners
* Aspartame Sweetener

After investigating this, I am certain that this cannot be good for our health and I'm sure interferes with weight loss. But, do your own research. I know from now on I am going to try to eat only foods that have not been genetically modified. Here is a list of companies that produce non-GMO foods. And, of course the best thing to do is to grow your own vegetables and fruits. You could get an organic garden installed by my friend Karen's company gro-Organic (link to the website is in my links.)
* Arrowhead Mills: GMO-free providers of baking mixes and flours found in both natural health food stores and regular supermarkets.
* Eden Foods: GMO-free providers of canned goods, noodles, tamari, miso, vinegar and Asian foodstuffs.
* Natural Choice Foods: GMO-free providers of frozen dessert products.
* Purity Foods: GMO-free makers of spelt-based noodles, snacks and other goodies.
They also sell specialty oils.
* Spectrum Oils: GMO-free manufacturer of specialty oils, cooking oils, salad oils and natural shortening.
* Genisoy: Uses only certified GMO-free soybeans for their many soy products.
* Earth’s Best: Baby food manufacturer uses non-GMO ingredients.
* Healthy Times: Baby food manufacturer uses non-gmo ingredients.
* Bob’s Red Mill: GMO-free provider of baking mixes and specialty flours.
* Pamela’s Products: Provider of luscious gluten-free baking mixes sources non-GMO ingredients.
* Whole Foods Store Brands: Whole foods has made the commitment to sourcing its ingredients from GMO-free sources.
* Cascadian Farms: Provider of frozen entrees, juices, frozen vegetables and fruit, yogurt and other foods.
* Imagine Foods: GMO-free provider of soy and rice milk as well as broth and other foods.
* Muir Glen: Source of canned goods and vegetable juice uses gmo-free foods.
* Thai Kitchen: Source for coconut milks and Asian ingredients sources gmo-free ingredients.
* Amy’s Kitchen: GMO-free source of canned soups, chilies, boxed and frozen meals.
* Nature’s Path: Manufacturer of cereals and snack bars made with ingredients sourced gmo-free.
* Annie’s Naturals: Manufacturer of BBQ sauce, salad dressings and other condiments sourced from gmo-free ingredients.
* San J: GMO-free manufacturer of soy sauce, shoyu and tamari.
* Tradition Miso: Manufacturer of miso pastes that are made from GMO-free ingredients.
* Barbara’s Bakery: Manufacturer of cookies sources from gmo-free ingredients.
* Lundberg Family Farms: GMO-free provider of rice and wild rice foods including raw rice, soups and convenience foods.
* Walkers: Provider of the best shortbread cookies ever as well as other sweet treats.
* Fantastic Foods: Provider of hummus, falafel, risotto couscous, soup and other mixes with gmo-free ingredients.
* Vitasoy: Manufacturer of soy-based foods sourced from gmo-free ingredients.
* Clif: Manufacturer of energy bars sourced from gmo-free foods.
* Kettle Chips: GMO-free manufacturer of potato and tortilla chips.
* Que Pasa: Manufacturer of tortilla chips and other Mexican foods sourced from non-gmo ingredients.
* Garden of Eatin: Manufacturer of chips, salsas and other snack foods.
* French Meadow Bakery: Manufacturer of bread and baked goods using non-gmo ingredients.
* White Wave: Manufacturer of soy products including tofu and tempeh using gmo-free soy.
* Bearitos: Manufacturer of snack foods and dips using gmo-free foods.
* Chaffin Family Orchards: Is committed to GMO-free foods and sells an assortment of goods including olive oil.
* Cultures for Health: All starters and products sold at Cultures for Health are GMO-free.
* Grindstone Bakery: GMO-free provider of wheat- and gluten-free bread.
* Pure Indian Foods: GMO-free provider of grass-fed ghee.
* To Your Health: Provider of gmo-free sprouted breads and sprouted flours.
* US Wellness Meats: Provider of pasture- and grass-fed meats free of GMO supplemental feed.
* Zukay: Provider of live cultured condiments and salsa free from GMO.

Really makes you think, huh? Don't just listen to me - do your own research.

Tomorrow is another weigh in. I am not so sure I will do that great after all the eating and drinking I did in Las Vegas. I wonder is that food was genetically modified???

Running on the Treadmill, Argh!

Oh my gosh to I have a ways to go to be able to do the Mud Run. I ran for the first time today on the treadmill. And, oh boy am I sore now. Okay. I know it will get better and easier, right? I sure hope so. I am going to start a running/fitness plan next week on top of my other workouts. Dancing tonight was fun - Rumba and Meringue. I am making my running playlist for my iPod tonight. That should help keep me in motion. I sure hope it helps! I am realizing more and more that the Mud Run is going to be challenging for me – but, I know I can and will do it!!

Kettle Balls Plus

Great workout today!! Ever used a kettle ball? Well, it is basically a metal ball with a handle that you swing around in various ways making your muscles very sore! It is actually a pretty fun type of workout - breaks the monotony. Watching the Biggest Looser tonight I saw a commercial about the Biggest Looser Resort, where I will be spending four weeks - count em' - four weeks – not all at once though. I can’t leave work, hubbie and Cleo for that long all at once. That seems like a long time to be working my butt off. But, I will do whatever I have to do to get this done! I really wish I was going to my first week at the Resort before May, but I guess going in May will have to do. This is a journey after all. One thing that I should be working on besides my fitness journey is my writing. And, I have not written one thing since I started my writing class. What is that all about?. I am wondering if I have having writer’s block because I am worried about all the feelings that might come out when I do finally start writing. I have promised myself that I will write this weekend. I will let you know how that goes and share some of my writing as well. I guess I am sharing my writing now. Duh! One last thought - "Ever have the feeling your life, your true work, has not yet begun?
Ever feel like you're here for something more than you've yet identified? And that a billion eyes are upon you, just waiting for the prophecy to unfold?," from Notes from the Universe from www.tut.com. Hmmmmmm.......I feel that way a lot lately!

No more "Vegas Baby"

Now that I am home, I am saying "Oh No" instead of "Vegas Baby." That should tell the whole story about this weekend. I alluded to the way the weekend went with my three very short posts - really difficult to type much on a blackberry. Now I am home and ready to confess to my sins. I'm thinking that going to Las Vegas definitely is not good for the quest for size 8. Although we did walk around a lot, we also had numerous free cocktails and spent way too much money gambling. My friend Lynn did tell me that when we are away and on vacation we should enjoy our food and drink, and then when we get home get back on track. So, that is pretty much what I did. And, I have to say I was very glad to be back to my more sedate schedule today. I can't believe I am saying that - I am actually settling in to my new healthier routine. Even though, I was off in many ways this weekend, I still maintained a much more conservative attitude to food than I would have in the past. So, I guess we shall say "What happens in Vegas -stays in Vegas," and I am certain they referring to calories too!!! I am really looking forward to my workout tomorrow. Hmmm….. I see an attitude shift developing!!

Too much of every thing and a little drunk monkey

Okay I admit it - I ate too much, drank too much and gambled too much. We are still in Vegas - leaving in the morning! The Superbowl was fun though! I will be back on track tomorrow.

Hopeful tale of grand winning

Gambling the day away! I am writing now in case I don't make it back to the room until after midnight - hopefully with a story of grand winnings!!! More later. Trying to keep the "little drunk monkey" at bay. So far so good! Stay tuned!

Vegas Baby

Just got in to Las Vegas!!! Got to tell - I lost one more pound last week. I will still be posting while I am here - hopefully to tell that I have won some big bucks! So, far so good with eating okay today... More tomorrow.

New Baby Boy and interesting quotes

I had a busy, busy day, which included a kick butt workout early this morning. The baby was born last night at 12:34 a.m. - its a boy!!!

I had a very interesting class tonight. On the desktop of the classroom computer was the following a document with the following quotes - pretty weird considering it is a business classroom. All this information is exactly what is in the book I was talking about on Monday - Infinite Possibilities. I'm going to really use these concepts to achieve my weight release and other things in my life. I'll let you know how it works. You should give a go too!!

Weigh in tomorrow and then Vegas Baby. That will be a test of my willpower!

“The predominant thought or the mental attitude is the magnet, and the law is that like attracts like, consequently, the mental attitude will invariably attract such conditions as correspond to its nature.” Charles Haanel

“You create your own universe as you go along” Winston Churchill

“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“All that we are is a result of what we have thought.” Buddha

“If it is a new thought to you that gratitude brings your whole mind into closer harmony with the creative energies of the Universe, consider it well, and you will see that it is true.” Wallace Wattles

“What the power is I cannot say. All I know is that it exists.” Alexander Graham Bell

“Everyone visualizes whether he knows it or not. Visualizing is the great secret of success.” Genevieve Behrend

“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.” Albert Einstein

“Whatever the mind….can conceive it can achieve.” W. Clement Stone

“What you resist persists.” Carl Jung

“The essence of this law is that you must think abundance; see abundance, feel abundance, believe abundance. Let no thought of limitation enter your mind.”
Robert Collier

“Whether you think you can or think you can’t, either way you are right.”
Henry Ford

“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls.”
Joseph Campbell

“The secret is the answer to all that has been, all that is, and all that will ever be.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

New Baby and Really good Chili Recipe

Sometimes there just isn't enough time in the day - no workout today. I planned to go to the gym to do cardio and yoga, but now I am babysitting one grandchild, while another is born. Baby Swartz number three is on the way!! :)As I type... Thank goodness I started this chili earlier today....more tomorrow. Boy? Girl?

Here is a really good Turkey Chili Recipe courtesy of Jillian Micheals:

Black Bean Turkey Chili
Ingredients

1 pounds turkey, ground
1 cup(s) onion(s), coarsely chopped
1 pepper(s), red, bell, seeded & cut into 1/4-inch cubes
2 clove(s) garlic, minced
2 pepper(s), jalapeno, seeded and minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoon cumin, ground
1 1/2 teaspoon coriander, ground
1/2 tablespoon oregano, dried
1/2 teaspoon marjoram, dried
1/4 teaspoon pepper, red flakes
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
16 ounce(s) tomatoes, whole, canned, undrained & coarsely chopped
16 ounce(s) beans, black, rinsed and well drained
1/4 cup(s) cilantro, fresh, chopped
4 tablespoon cheese, cheddar, shredded
Preparation

In a 3-quart saucepan, combine turkey, onion, red pepper, garlic, jalapeño pepper, chili powder, cumin, coriander, oregano, marjoram, red pepper flakes and cinnamon. Cook mixture over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until turkey is no longer pink.

Stir in tomatoes and bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.

Stir in beans and cilantro. Continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes.

Serve topped with Cheddar cheese.

Working out, Cardio and Dancing

Okay. Now I am very tired. First I did my hour work out with my trainer. Then I came home and did some work. Yes. I do work! Then I went to the gym and did 45 minutes of cardio - 30 on the stationary bike and 15 on the treadmill. Then I came back and did some more work, picked up Makayla from school and took her to CCD, and then picked her back up. And, then Steve and I went for an hour long dance lesson - RUMBA, RUMBA... and a little CHA, CHA, CHA, and now this lady is ready to hit the hay. But, first I am going to see what is happening on The Biggest Looser. Just doing 2 hours and 45 minutes of exercise today, I have a new appreciation of what the contestants on that show do each day. But, that is what it takes!!! Okay one of the ladies on the show that was sent home for a month and came back lost 25 pounds. Hmmmm...maybe I DO really need to push it more!

Our thoughts become things

Our thoughts become our reality or our thoughts become things. I am reading a great book called Infinite Possibilities by Mike Dooley. It is one of the books that the Prosperity Princesses group is reading and discussing now. I realized today that everything that happens in our lives begins with a thought, whether it be a negative thought or a positive thought. Here is what he said about weight loss - "dwell on the body of your dreams, not the "problem" body, and for good measure, remind yourself that while you might want the comfort of food, so do you want the comfort of a slender self. Whichever desire is greater will win." So, from now on I will be envisioning the body of my dreams. Today we did a magnetizing at Prosperity Princesses and I envisioned myself running the Mud Run. I could feel my body moving, I could hear my rhythmic breathing. I could feel my elation when I crossed the finish line!! Woo Hoo!! The others in the group told me they could see me jumping on a trampoline to get into shape for the big event. I think I'm going to buy a trampoline.