Ha! So, it's been since....um.....I don't remember when that I posted last. If you scroll down to my first post, you will see that I said that wouldn't happen. If you know me, you probably laughed at that part. Or you had hope that this time would be different. Well...I guess it sort of is. Because I'm here now, aren't I?
So in my very last post, you will see that I was a tad over ambitious. I mean come on. A minute by minute, play by play schedule of my day? LOL! Right. That worked for, well maybe the first minute. Truth is, I suck at scheduling. I am good at knowing what I am bad at though. And I'm learning how to fix that.
I'm pretty sure that it has been since my last post that I started going back to school. I am an official student of Axia College, where I will earn my associates degree before moving on to my bachelors. This is a big step for me. I've never been good at school. But guess what, it is week 7 and I'm getting an A in both classes! So, I can do good in things I think I'm bad at! Yeah me!
Conveniently, my first two classes are Health and Wellness and University Studies. Very timely. Health and Wellness has been great because it has re sparked my passion to be well, and to help others be well. University studies is great because it is helping me learn how I learn and how I need to learn how to learn! It is also teaching me how to manage stress and manage time. I'm usually good with the stress part, but, well as you may already know, not so hot on the time part.
How does this all relate to weight loss? Well, wellness is about health physically and mentally. And when working on one, you have to work on the other. It's a total lifestyle change. I know this, but I have not quite grasped it yet. I get to doing great then something happens like a stupid foot issue, or money problems and I fall off of the wagon. So now I have a different approach. Baby steps.
I know I have some things to work on:
1) Finances
2) Weight loss
3) Time Management
4) Spiritual time
5) Goal setting
I know that these won't happen overnight, like in my dreams. I won't wake up one day suddenly organized, fit, rich and holy. So I've devised a plan to not make a plan. Here is how it will work.
Stop doing things that cost money, other than the things I have to do that cost money, ie drive. This means no more eating out (except for the occasional planned affair) Eat healthier when I eat at home. Make TIME for exercise, not EXCUSES for NOT. Try a simple routine that works for everyone. Don't get discouraged when it doesn't work, find out what will work, and change it. Pray. I think I've got that one down. But, I do need to read the bible more. So, I'm going to make that a priority. Somehow, even if it is reading it to the kids. And finally, goal setting. I'm not going to tackle this one just yet. I need to get some of the other things straight first.
I've learned a lot during my brief hiatus. Like how not writing this blog, not remembering that I AM FABULOUS AT THIRTY, and just sorta giving up will make my weight come back! I need to remember why I am doing this. Why it is important. Why others are counting on me. I need to listen to God. He has been sending me messages. Some I've acknowledged, others I have not. But looking back, I get it now. He is telling me that I will not be able to do the things that he has planned for me if I do not get my act together. So, I hear that. Will this be easy? Heck no! Will I fail again? Heck yes! Will I give up because I failed again? Heck no!
Life as I know it is going to change. I'm going to stop going in a vicious circle, and start following the path that has been laid for me. Because I owe it to God, myself, my family, my friends and the future lives I'm going to change!
I feel at PEACE with this! Now let's move!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Time to make some changes
Yes, it has been a few weeks since I have posted. That is because I lost sight of my mission. So, this week, it is time to make some changes, instead of excuses.
In many of my conversations as of late, I hear myself saying why I can't do this, or how I can't do that. I, Lori Hays, have been making excuses. If that were a job, I'd be great at it! I find myself doing this at work, at home, with my husband, with my kids, with my mom, with my finances, with my various things I want to do. "I meant to do that, but..." "I tried to get that done, but" Ugh, just thinking about it frustrates me.
So, this week, I'm not going to focus so hard on how many pounds I lose, but instead, how many excuses I lose. Time management is a big issue for me. Mostly because I inherited a lazy gene from somewhere. Others are because I simply don't know how to manage my time. I have great ideas to help others do this, but I can't seem to figure out the magic equation for me. I don't know that there really is a magic equation, really. I think I just need to let go an let God. And that brings me to my first priority this week; God. The first thing I will do when I wake, is pray. Then I will do it throughout the day, and I will close my evening in prayer. Because, I talk about God a lot, and what he means to me, and how he is working in my life, and how I want him to be a big part of my kids life, and God this and God that, but I don't talk TO God. How silly is that. At least he knows I'm thinking about him. But I think he probably cares less about that. I mean, come on, how can he move me, work through me and in me, and help me, and lead me, if I don't talk to him. And most importantly, listen to him. Shame on me. So, my dear Lord... You are my #1 this week. I concede. I need you, and surrender. Lead me.
My second priority this week, is to not have a second priority. I need to get the first one under control first. But, I do plan to seek guidance with the changes I hope to make. Like, the clutter in my life. We gave up TV, yet I find myself filling the precious time in between when the kids go to bed, and when I go to bed, with this silly laptop on my lap, watching the shows I've become addicted to online. Um, duh! lol. So, this week, I will not watch any television, even online. Nada.
Next is this computer. It seems to be cluttering my life too. When I get home, I turn that stupid TV on and prop my kids in front of it so I can have some "quiet" time before getting on with my mommy duties. Then, I find myself yelling at those precious two, for getting into mischief when I'm in front of this thing. Again, Duh! I sit in front of a computer for 8 hours a day. Why, oh why, must it be the first thing I do when I get home. No more. Unless the computer is included in something I'm going to be doing with the kids, which is highly unlikely, I will not visit it until my designated computer time. Because, yes, I need a few moments to myself when I get home. But those could easily be spent during "quiet time" with a book, in the same room as the kids. And if I do need to escape them for a moment to gather myself, I can do the dishes, or read the newspaper, or wash my hair. I don't know. My time with my kids is limited as it is, with my work schedule and various other things, so I really need to soak up my quiet time when they are quietly sleeping in bed. My two year old has been having behavior problems at school. I'm quick to make excuses for this. But, could it possibly be partly my fault? I don't really know. And If I start blaming myself, things will just get worse. But I can do everything in my power to do my absolute best with my kids when I have them. And maybe things will get better.
Finally, I'm going to try to adhere to a schedule. It won't be super structured. But I am going to use it as a guideline. Something to try to keep me on track. Charts work for toddlers and preschoolers, why can't they work for me. Like I said, it's not going to be structured at all. But eventually, I will be able to add things to categories. And this will also help me put my life into perspective. I need to know what time I have and don't have, and how to use it wisely. My current state is chaos. I have no structure. I go with the flow, and I procrastinate like crazy. Life like that is no life at all. I want to be peaceful, not crazy. Or maybe just peacefully less crazy. I dunno. But here is my shot at it.
What will a day in the life of Lori look like for this week (and hopefully more to come)?
4:00 AM wake up and pray.
4:30 AM Do something to make my day great, like exercise!
5:00 AM Wake up my precious children.
5:30 AM Get them dressed and out the door
6:00-5:00 PM- Go to work, pray, work, pray, come home from work, pray
5:00 PM Enjoy 3o minutes of wind down time with the family
5:30 PM Prepare dinner
6:00 PM Eat dinner with the family, whomever it consists of that day
6:30 PM Have fun with the family
7:30 PM Read and pray with the kids, and put them down for the night.
8:00 PM Read, do church, business stuff or whatever, pray.
9:00 PM Sleep
The goals of this week are to get closer to God, get closer to myself, get closer to my family, and to get rid of the excuses that clutter my life. Because with their presence, there will be no success. If I don't start realizing some of these changes now, life will be taking a downward spiral. I know that is not what God has planned for me. He's worked hard to mold me into who I am today. It is shameful to ignore that, and starting now (or again) I will listen.
In many of my conversations as of late, I hear myself saying why I can't do this, or how I can't do that. I, Lori Hays, have been making excuses. If that were a job, I'd be great at it! I find myself doing this at work, at home, with my husband, with my kids, with my mom, with my finances, with my various things I want to do. "I meant to do that, but..." "I tried to get that done, but" Ugh, just thinking about it frustrates me.
So, this week, I'm not going to focus so hard on how many pounds I lose, but instead, how many excuses I lose. Time management is a big issue for me. Mostly because I inherited a lazy gene from somewhere. Others are because I simply don't know how to manage my time. I have great ideas to help others do this, but I can't seem to figure out the magic equation for me. I don't know that there really is a magic equation, really. I think I just need to let go an let God. And that brings me to my first priority this week; God. The first thing I will do when I wake, is pray. Then I will do it throughout the day, and I will close my evening in prayer. Because, I talk about God a lot, and what he means to me, and how he is working in my life, and how I want him to be a big part of my kids life, and God this and God that, but I don't talk TO God. How silly is that. At least he knows I'm thinking about him. But I think he probably cares less about that. I mean, come on, how can he move me, work through me and in me, and help me, and lead me, if I don't talk to him. And most importantly, listen to him. Shame on me. So, my dear Lord... You are my #1 this week. I concede. I need you, and surrender. Lead me.
My second priority this week, is to not have a second priority. I need to get the first one under control first. But, I do plan to seek guidance with the changes I hope to make. Like, the clutter in my life. We gave up TV, yet I find myself filling the precious time in between when the kids go to bed, and when I go to bed, with this silly laptop on my lap, watching the shows I've become addicted to online. Um, duh! lol. So, this week, I will not watch any television, even online. Nada.
Next is this computer. It seems to be cluttering my life too. When I get home, I turn that stupid TV on and prop my kids in front of it so I can have some "quiet" time before getting on with my mommy duties. Then, I find myself yelling at those precious two, for getting into mischief when I'm in front of this thing. Again, Duh! I sit in front of a computer for 8 hours a day. Why, oh why, must it be the first thing I do when I get home. No more. Unless the computer is included in something I'm going to be doing with the kids, which is highly unlikely, I will not visit it until my designated computer time. Because, yes, I need a few moments to myself when I get home. But those could easily be spent during "quiet time" with a book, in the same room as the kids. And if I do need to escape them for a moment to gather myself, I can do the dishes, or read the newspaper, or wash my hair. I don't know. My time with my kids is limited as it is, with my work schedule and various other things, so I really need to soak up my quiet time when they are quietly sleeping in bed. My two year old has been having behavior problems at school. I'm quick to make excuses for this. But, could it possibly be partly my fault? I don't really know. And If I start blaming myself, things will just get worse. But I can do everything in my power to do my absolute best with my kids when I have them. And maybe things will get better.
Finally, I'm going to try to adhere to a schedule. It won't be super structured. But I am going to use it as a guideline. Something to try to keep me on track. Charts work for toddlers and preschoolers, why can't they work for me. Like I said, it's not going to be structured at all. But eventually, I will be able to add things to categories. And this will also help me put my life into perspective. I need to know what time I have and don't have, and how to use it wisely. My current state is chaos. I have no structure. I go with the flow, and I procrastinate like crazy. Life like that is no life at all. I want to be peaceful, not crazy. Or maybe just peacefully less crazy. I dunno. But here is my shot at it.
What will a day in the life of Lori look like for this week (and hopefully more to come)?
4:00 AM wake up and pray.
4:30 AM Do something to make my day great, like exercise!
5:00 AM Wake up my precious children.
5:30 AM Get them dressed and out the door
6:00-5:00 PM- Go to work, pray, work, pray, come home from work, pray
5:00 PM Enjoy 3o minutes of wind down time with the family
5:30 PM Prepare dinner
6:00 PM Eat dinner with the family, whomever it consists of that day
6:30 PM Have fun with the family
7:30 PM Read and pray with the kids, and put them down for the night.
8:00 PM Read, do church, business stuff or whatever, pray.
9:00 PM Sleep
The goals of this week are to get closer to God, get closer to myself, get closer to my family, and to get rid of the excuses that clutter my life. Because with their presence, there will be no success. If I don't start realizing some of these changes now, life will be taking a downward spiral. I know that is not what God has planned for me. He's worked hard to mold me into who I am today. It is shameful to ignore that, and starting now (or again) I will listen.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Maintained this week
Well, I did pretty good last week, up until Thursday. Then I got busy, got lazy, and got careless. I sometimes wish I didn't have to watch what I eat, and didn't have to work so hard at being active. I wish I was one of those people who could just lace up my shoes and go for a jog. I wish I had unlimited amounts of free time to use as I choose. But, I don't. And I need to be at peace with that, and make good use of the time I do have, to maximize my results. I also need to remind myself that my choices effect my entire life. Yes, that chocolate cake is good. Yes, those chips and dip full fill a craving. But, by giving into those weaknesses, I am hindering my progress, and going backwards with my health. That means I am letting myself down, my family down and God down. Not cool. I don't have very high expectations of myself, and perhaps that is the problem. Maybe I need to hold myself to a higher standard. I need to take a step back and look at what my actions do, and how they effect things. Take that chocolate cake, and those potato chips. I ate them. They were yummy. I worked so hard durning Lent to give up those things. Sacrifices I made for Jesus, because of the sacrifice he made for me. But as soon as lent was over, I went back to my old ways. That kinda seems disgraceful. So, I guess what I need to do, is remember why it was so easy to give it up the first place, and why I did it, and continue the trend. Why fall back on old ways? Was I without for the weeks I made those sacrifices? Nope. But I did feel better, healthier, more energetic, and motivated, and closer to God. I know what I need to do, now I have to do it!
As a family, we decided to give up Dish TV. This is huge for us, because we are a tad bit addicted to television. We now will have time to go outside and play, play games, do activities, read, and be a family. We will still watch movies, and have some shows saved on the DVR for the kids, cause lets face it, there are times mommy needs free hands. But, for the most part, our evenings will not be spent in front of the TV with a big bowl of ice cream. Now we will go for walks, get lost in books, and go on adventures outside. I think this will be a healthy adjustment for all of us.
Alright, I think I've vented enough. I am going to try very hard to get back on track, and ulitmately stay there, from this point forward. My hair really needs cut, and I still need to lose 5 lbs before I get there. Not to mention all of the other goals I have. Like my 5K, my new jeans, a size 20 little black dress. But, I will do it. I will succeed. Because if I don't I will resort to doing something I really don't want to do. So failure is not an option. Besides, I want to rock Fabulous At Thirty.
As a family, we decided to give up Dish TV. This is huge for us, because we are a tad bit addicted to television. We now will have time to go outside and play, play games, do activities, read, and be a family. We will still watch movies, and have some shows saved on the DVR for the kids, cause lets face it, there are times mommy needs free hands. But, for the most part, our evenings will not be spent in front of the TV with a big bowl of ice cream. Now we will go for walks, get lost in books, and go on adventures outside. I think this will be a healthy adjustment for all of us.
Alright, I think I've vented enough. I am going to try very hard to get back on track, and ulitmately stay there, from this point forward. My hair really needs cut, and I still need to lose 5 lbs before I get there. Not to mention all of the other goals I have. Like my 5K, my new jeans, a size 20 little black dress. But, I will do it. I will succeed. Because if I don't I will resort to doing something I really don't want to do. So failure is not an option. Besides, I want to rock Fabulous At Thirty.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Up a little
So last week it appears I gained slightly. Nothing too alarming. It was basically because of my lack of healthy eating at dinner, and lack of exercise. I forgive myself though. And will do better this week.
This week, I've decided to start counting calories. Since I joined the pound for pound challenge, I don't want to let the food bank down. So a little bit of discipline is in order. Counting calories is so not hard when you use www.sparkpeople.com nutrition tracker. It makes it easy, and most every food you can eat, good, bad or otherwise are already loaded. My goal is to stay around 1600 calories a day, and burn at least 300 at the gym on the days I actually make it there. I also want to make a better effort to work out at home on the days that I am not. I ordered a new workout dvd that I get to try free for 21 days. I will give that a shot when it arrives next week, but until then. I need to really get to the gym more often. After all, my first 5K on May 29th is just around the corner.
Already this week, I have been reminded of who is in charge. And, it most definitely isn't me. Thank GOD for GOD and JESUS. Because without them, and without faith, I would be nothing. If I have learned anything from this journey, it is that with God, anything is possible. And when I let go and let God, miracles happen. And miracles come in all shapes and sizes. I will be thankful for every single blessing, big or small that I run into.
Alright, family is home which means mommy break is officially over. Time to read books, go for a walk, eat dinner, and rejoice in the rest of this day!
This week, I've decided to start counting calories. Since I joined the pound for pound challenge, I don't want to let the food bank down. So a little bit of discipline is in order. Counting calories is so not hard when you use www.sparkpeople.com nutrition tracker. It makes it easy, and most every food you can eat, good, bad or otherwise are already loaded. My goal is to stay around 1600 calories a day, and burn at least 300 at the gym on the days I actually make it there. I also want to make a better effort to work out at home on the days that I am not. I ordered a new workout dvd that I get to try free for 21 days. I will give that a shot when it arrives next week, but until then. I need to really get to the gym more often. After all, my first 5K on May 29th is just around the corner.
Already this week, I have been reminded of who is in charge. And, it most definitely isn't me. Thank GOD for GOD and JESUS. Because without them, and without faith, I would be nothing. If I have learned anything from this journey, it is that with God, anything is possible. And when I let go and let God, miracles happen. And miracles come in all shapes and sizes. I will be thankful for every single blessing, big or small that I run into.
Alright, family is home which means mommy break is officially over. Time to read books, go for a walk, eat dinner, and rejoice in the rest of this day!
Monday, March 22, 2010
-1.4 this week!
I'm very happy to announce that after a week of very little exercise, I am down 1.4 lbs. Proof that adjusting your diet does work! So just imagine what will happen when I continue with the healthy diet and get on a exercise routine :)
Last week I signed up for the pound for pound challenge, pledging to lose 50 lbs by June 30th. I know that is a stretch. But it you think about it, it is only about 5lbs a week. I will not be upset if I don't get all 50 lbs. But I will bust my tail trying. There is something easier about chasing my own goals when they will benefit someone else too! Every pound I lose, the challenge will donate the same about in food to the local food bank.
This week, I will begin to do a 30 minute workout in the morning at home and 100 crunches, and then attempt to go to the gym at least 3 days to do my couch to 5K training. I'm walking in my first 5K on May 29th! Kenny will actually be running in it too! I'll probably be pushing the kids, lol. Then the kids will run/walk in the 1 mile fun run. I'm very excited about doing this as a family. It is so motivating when my personal journey is not alone!
Alright, that is all for today. Thank you to all of my cheerleaders!
Lori
Last week I signed up for the pound for pound challenge, pledging to lose 50 lbs by June 30th. I know that is a stretch. But it you think about it, it is only about 5lbs a week. I will not be upset if I don't get all 50 lbs. But I will bust my tail trying. There is something easier about chasing my own goals when they will benefit someone else too! Every pound I lose, the challenge will donate the same about in food to the local food bank.
This week, I will begin to do a 30 minute workout in the morning at home and 100 crunches, and then attempt to go to the gym at least 3 days to do my couch to 5K training. I'm walking in my first 5K on May 29th! Kenny will actually be running in it too! I'll probably be pushing the kids, lol. Then the kids will run/walk in the 1 mile fun run. I'm very excited about doing this as a family. It is so motivating when my personal journey is not alone!
Alright, that is all for today. Thank you to all of my cheerleaders!
Lori
Monday, March 15, 2010
One month mark
Well, today is officially one month since I started this venture, officially on this blog, anyway. I don't think I did too bad, considering all of the challenges I had.
Total loss for the 1st month is 4 lbs!
That is 4 lbs that I will never see again!
This week, I am starting to train for my first 5K which I will walk (or maybe jog ;) ) on May 29th with my hubby! I am very excited, because after that, I will officially start training for my first 1/2 marathon in Chicago, which is August 1st.
I really need to be more dedicated to my activity. So far, I feel like I am all talk and no show. I want to go to the gym, and I want to do stuff at home, but I feel like I'm too worn out, for find reasons why I can't. That needs to stop. I've conquered the cravings, now it's time to conquer the excuses. I was watching the biggest loser this weekend in between cleaning. Last week was work week. They had to work 40 hours, plus work out 1hr in the morning and 1hr on the evening, and still do well in the competition to stay in the game. It was exhausting, and they were not allowed to make excuses. And every one of them lost. Until that show, I kinda thought, well it's all good for them, they get to work out 6 hours a day. It really hit home when they had to do what I do all day and still compete. So, if they can do it I can do it. I can't go to the gym twice a day, with hubby's schedule. But I can workout at home in the morning. It just takes a little motivation, and drive to get my rear out of bed earlier. And I can go to the gym at least once a day, I just need to manage my time a little better. It is important that this mission not cut into my family time. My kids cannot suffer at my expense. So, I have a lot to figure out. And I will. It won't be overnight, maybe not even this week. But it will happen. And I will not only be healthier, my family will be happier and more relaxed in the process.
So, this month, my goal is to get organized. I need to prioritize my goals. I need to realize my priorities and stick to them. And if it means the dishes sit in the sink until tomorrow so I can work out a little harder, so be it. Because, this is my last straw!
On my way to being Fabulous At Forty!
Total loss for the 1st month is 4 lbs!
That is 4 lbs that I will never see again!
This week, I am starting to train for my first 5K which I will walk (or maybe jog ;) ) on May 29th with my hubby! I am very excited, because after that, I will officially start training for my first 1/2 marathon in Chicago, which is August 1st.
I really need to be more dedicated to my activity. So far, I feel like I am all talk and no show. I want to go to the gym, and I want to do stuff at home, but I feel like I'm too worn out, for find reasons why I can't. That needs to stop. I've conquered the cravings, now it's time to conquer the excuses. I was watching the biggest loser this weekend in between cleaning. Last week was work week. They had to work 40 hours, plus work out 1hr in the morning and 1hr on the evening, and still do well in the competition to stay in the game. It was exhausting, and they were not allowed to make excuses. And every one of them lost. Until that show, I kinda thought, well it's all good for them, they get to work out 6 hours a day. It really hit home when they had to do what I do all day and still compete. So, if they can do it I can do it. I can't go to the gym twice a day, with hubby's schedule. But I can workout at home in the morning. It just takes a little motivation, and drive to get my rear out of bed earlier. And I can go to the gym at least once a day, I just need to manage my time a little better. It is important that this mission not cut into my family time. My kids cannot suffer at my expense. So, I have a lot to figure out. And I will. It won't be overnight, maybe not even this week. But it will happen. And I will not only be healthier, my family will be happier and more relaxed in the process.
So, this month, my goal is to get organized. I need to prioritize my goals. I need to realize my priorities and stick to them. And if it means the dishes sit in the sink until tomorrow so I can work out a little harder, so be it. Because, this is my last straw!
On my way to being Fabulous At Forty!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
A bit of inspiration in unlikely places
It's amazing how little comments can make this journey so much easier. And they can also inspire! Last week, two very cool things happened to make me push even harder!
In therapy, I pushed through a bunch of my exercises that many of the folks in the same boat as I, struggle through. When my therapist saw I was done, he said, wow, that was quick, especially since we raised the weight on your leg! I was like, SCORE! 1 pt, Lori. Then, the PTA said, she is really FIT. WHAT???? Lori and the word FIT, in the same sentence? That is the one 3 letter "f" word I'd never thought I'd here describing me. Then they went on to say something about my 1/2 marathon in August, but I was still glowing from FIT :) Awesome!
Then on Sunday, I tried on a couple of my new work shirts. They fit a little snug because they are this different weird material. I asked Kenny what he thought. He said that they looked good. I was like thanks, but they are a little snug. He said they were fine, and besides, at the rate your going, they won't be snug for long. That was soo cool. Kenny is not loose with the compliments. I think I can count on two fingers, how often he has told me I'm beautiful. So, for him to say something like that is HUGE! It also tells me he believes in me. And that is the best feeling ever.
So, with that said, I'm off to exercise. Crunches anyone?
G'nite!
In therapy, I pushed through a bunch of my exercises that many of the folks in the same boat as I, struggle through. When my therapist saw I was done, he said, wow, that was quick, especially since we raised the weight on your leg! I was like, SCORE! 1 pt, Lori. Then, the PTA said, she is really FIT. WHAT???? Lori and the word FIT, in the same sentence? That is the one 3 letter "f" word I'd never thought I'd here describing me. Then they went on to say something about my 1/2 marathon in August, but I was still glowing from FIT :) Awesome!
Then on Sunday, I tried on a couple of my new work shirts. They fit a little snug because they are this different weird material. I asked Kenny what he thought. He said that they looked good. I was like thanks, but they are a little snug. He said they were fine, and besides, at the rate your going, they won't be snug for long. That was soo cool. Kenny is not loose with the compliments. I think I can count on two fingers, how often he has told me I'm beautiful. So, for him to say something like that is HUGE! It also tells me he believes in me. And that is the best feeling ever.
So, with that said, I'm off to exercise. Crunches anyone?
G'nite!
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