Busy, Busy, Busy!

I have been super busy, so sorry I have been a little checked out for the last month. So, life is good. I am working out every day and eating no sugar, lots of whole grains and lean protein. I have been reading up a storm and feel confident in my ability to meditate, think positively, forgive and dream big! I hope you have all been doing well.

Mantra of the Day:  DREAM BIG and BELIEVE IT!
It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting......Before a dream is realized, the Soul of the World tests everything that was learned along the way. It does this not because it is evil, but so that we can, in addition to realizing our dreams master the lessons we have learned as we have moved toward that dream. That's the point at which most people give up.... [At this point] Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity.
-- Paulo Coelho

I have taken on a new challenge. The Cinderella Pact opened a new network of sisters for me. One of those ladies inspired me to take a chance and expand my current business. Thus far I have found a new venue for my classes, begun studying kinesiology, anatomy and exercise physiology, along with nutrition,  choreography and MATH!! I am busy and happy and very optimistic about the future.
My Aunt Gwen, who has led an amazing life, told me her secret to happiness; Never stop learning. 'I learn something new every year. You know martial arts, yoga, creative writing. Something that keeps my mind active and focuses my energy." There is no time to be depressed or unhappy when you are stretching outside of yourself to be a better you.  Aunt Gwen is a smart lady!

Keeping this short and sweet, I want to say. Believe in yourself. Remember your mind believes everything you tell it so tell it how amazing you are! 

So Simple -- or NOT?

OK, at first the UltraSimple diet seemed very 'simple'. BUT trying to cook for my family and maintain the diet, which meant cooking again for myself, is not simple. I think if you are single, or a couple without kids this diet would be ideal. --- But I can not seem to do both and my family always ends up on top (as they should) so I am moving on.
I am going to try Dr. Oz's diet. --- Talk about yo-yo dieting. I will let you know how it goes!

So on the positive side. I am feeling great! I have been doing a couch to 5k podcast running program that I LOVE! I am also riding the stationary bike and lifting small - 5, 8, 10lb - weights. I can really feel the difference in my body and energy levels after working out. I love it!

As for Cinderella -- I have been working hard to create my own magic. I was inspired, by a friend,  with a great new development in my established  music business. After searching, interviewing, and one very productive brainstorm session with Grandpa Lloyd, it looks like everything is going to come together beautifully! I will have all the final details in 10 days -- send your positive thoughts my way :)

I have another point to raise today.... Some may say, what is all this she is writing? Does she really buy it? More importantly does she live it?
Well, the answers are;
1. This is my effort to improve myself and find true balance in my life - socially, personally, professionally, physically, and spiritually. I have been reading books and researching on the internet. I have tried several types of meditation and focused prayer (and I think I have found the one that suits me best). I am looking within myself and I am learning that I really like what I see.  I am hoping that my experience will help one of you on your path to balance and self awareness.
2. I buy it 100%! I believe that I, like many others, have spent far too much of my life surrendering my power, value and purpose to others. I am committed to, excited about and full of wonder for the journey that is bringing me home to myself.
3. Do I live it? I do my best. I am still learning and that is the point. I will never stop learning. I will never stop discovering or growing. I will never stop becoming more of myself. I am not finished and I hope I never will be. After all -- how boring would that be!?

Mantra of the Day:  I am God's child and therefore God loves me.
I have one personal truth that has consistently guided me throughout my adult life. "I must please only God and myself."  Too much time, effort and self awareness is wasted trying to gain acceptance of those living around us. Family, friends and others have no claim on our lives. I've learned, through much tribulation, that there is one purpose for my life -- my own development and experience. No one has the right to claim an obligation from me in regards to my actions, choices or happiness. My choices and actions certainly have consequences and repercussions, and I am aware of them. I strive to live with ethics and consideration of those around me. But when the cards are on the table I will seek to do that which will constitute my own happiness, without regard for the opinions of others. Truly, I am answerable to my self and my God.

“To seek approval is to have no resting place, no sanctuary. Like all judgment, approval encourages a constant striving. It makes us uncertain of who we are and of our true value. Approval cannot be trusted. It can be withdrawn at any time no matter what our track record has been. It is as nourishing of real growth as cotton candy. Yet many of us spend our lives pursuing it.”
   --- Rachel Naomi Remen

Monday Morning

The start of another week...  I will fill you in tonight on todays events. For now here is the daily mantra;

Forgiveness is a selfish act because it primarily benefits the one doing the forgiving. So BE SELFISH!!!

Daily Mantra: Forgive

I, (say your name), now release (say their name) with love. I let you go in peace with loving kindness and detachment from the outcome. I am free. You are free. We are happy to the good of all parties concerned. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

3 more down!

So far the UltraSimple Diet is going well. I have lost 3 pounds in the last two days. I am not hungry and I am drinking water like a fish!!! I had a great workout yesterday with "Firm Cardio Sculpt". I am really happy with the way I am progressing and even more important I feel good.

Menu:
Upon Waking: Hot water with the juice of 1/2 a lemon
Breakfast: UltraShake -- basically my normal smoothie with lots of flax and healthy stuff added, tastes a little like drinking a fruity granola bar.
Snack: LaraBar
Lunch: 1/2 cup brown rice and 1/2 beans
Snack: apple
Supper: Salmon filet, brown rice and steamed broccoli

And of course 64 ounces of water along the way.

Before bed: 20 min yoga
UltraBath and Journaling

That is my plan for today.

Mantra of the Day: "The more faithfully you listen to the voice within you, the better you will hear what is sounding outside." Dag Hjalmar Agne Carl Hammarskjöld
When I practice yoga the greatest challenge is focusing my thoughts internally. It is so easy to be distracted by all the "noise" the world assaults me with. Learning to focus and listen to the voice within me is difficult, I am working on it. I am sure that once I master the art of self awareness I will see the world and myself more clearly.

Someone asked me -- So I am going to tell you. My starting weight was 178lbs. My goal weight is 135lbs (which I think may be a little unrealistic since the last time I weighted 135lbs I was 15 years old) I think I would be happy with 145lbs.  So I am trying to loose around 30-40lbs. Maybe I should just split the difference :)
My BMI is 25.54 -- my goal BMI is 18
On the UltraSlim Health Tracker Quiz I scored a 142 -- that is REALLY HIGH!! Obviously I would like to be less toxic as well.

skip the seaweed

My family is gagging -- I made the "UltraBroth" for the UltraSimple Diet and I followed the directions. I even went to the local health food store to purchase unusual ingredients. Well, I should have skipped the seaweed. My house currently smells worse than the Monterey Bay and I am a little anxious about tasting the soup!

Book Review

I read UltraMetabolism and found it to be very interesting and surely accurate -- but also a little complicated and confusing. So I broke down and purchased the UltraSimple Diet for my Kindle. I am following the program for the next two weeks - since I don't think I can really review a diet book without trying the advice within. The program is, as advertised, simple. Actually, it resembles a detox I did three years ago, though this program is more developed and founded on medical principle. Anyway, the detox three years ago helped me loose 20 pounds -- I kept it off for a little over a year (darn military moves!!). I predict that I will have a great deal of success with this program.

So far this morning I have done 20 minutes of yoga and consumed 16 ounces of detoxifying herbal tea. This is my "prep" week, as recommended. I will not be doing the complete UltraSimple Diet program, I will be preparing myself for the 7 day detox. This includes eliminating dairy, eggs, gluten, nightshades and sugar from my diet and practicing 20 minutes of yoga morning and night. The program also recommends 20 minutes of journaling morning and night.

Mantra of the Day: "I will own my life. I will forget excuses and embrace responsibility. I will cast off the false assertions of others that I am responsible for their choices, actions, relationships, and so on. I will be true to myself and my God. I will act in a manner which will, in my own opinion, constitute my own happiness."
Me, 2009

I wrote this pledge in February 2009. I recorded it in my journal. I read it yesterday as I was flipping through the filled pages, looking for inspiration. I say "amen" wholeheartedly to the words I found and rerecorded here. I will own my life!
On another note, journals are important! I have often found that the answer to a problem today may be found in the words of yesterday. I believe that one of the few reasons my life is not a constant repetitive cycle of identical challenges is my journaling. The opportunity to recall and learn from the past is immeasurably valuable. I was impressed when the UltraSimple Diet suggested journaling morning and night. I think that is a very wise suggestion and cathartic exercise.
I actually have a great uncle whose consistent journaling provided evidence utilized in a court of law -- that is something!

Hello Again

It has been a few days -- and not a whole lot has happened. I did realize the importance of a "reward" to motivate me to get up at 4:30am to workout! I have been sleeping in this week and I do not feel very royal -- just lazy. So I have set a reward, three actually - Gold, Silver and Bronze - for my work out goals for the next 12 months. I am REALLY excited about the gold level reward and it is totally enough to get me sweating before sunrise :)

Menu:

Breakfast: Light and Fit Vanilla Yogurt, Toast with Almond butter
Lunch: Dahl Soup, Pineapple, WATER!!!
Snack: More Pineapple, YUM!
Supper: Tuna Salad with red romaine lettuce and rice vinegar dressing

I have lost 8 lbs -- but I am stuck, probably because I haven't been getting up to work out. I am determined to 'win the gold' so I hope the extra effort will take me from the 170s into the 160s next week. I will keep you posted.

Mantra of the Day: As a man thinketh - so is he!
I am trying to master my thoughts and saturate my mind with positivity and a belief in my capability and potential. There is overwhelming evidence that positive thinking can greatly impact an individual life.  I am determined to re-train myself to see and be POSITIVE!

Never Forgotten

This day, currently frought with controversy and contention, is one that will always transport me back to the moments when I learned of the 9/11 attacks. The images, the fist that sat on my chest as I watched and prayed for the victims struggling to survive. As an ARMY wife I have heard many things about the resulting wars and the political contentions surrounding this tragic day. For me nothing is so clear as the duty that calls us to restore security and peace to our great nation. The truest and most lasting peace must be won, it is never given or granted in political manipulation. The truest peace comes only with victory. Let us not forget. Let us keep our resolve. The task we have taken is not easy, but we are committed. Let us refuse the simpering lies of those who would see us destroyed. Let us unite against those that would deceive and lead us with a flaxen cord into hell. Let us stand proud and sure in our Freedom for our homes, our families and ourselves.

Never Forget.

Good Morning, Sunshine!

Some people bound out of bed early every morning and greet the sun with cheery anticipation of the adventures the day will bring. I am not one of those people! I generally roll out of bed and sluggishly crawl to the bathroom, brush my teeth and pull on my workout clothes. Once dressed I sit on the floor and watch the warm up section of my workout video, all the while trying to talk myself up to standing. Eventually I begin moving with the eternally chipper aerobics instructor on the TV and soon I am even bouncing a bit. By the end of the 45 minute workout my eyes are stinging from sweat and I am finally awake. Some of us take a little longer to 'rise' than others. :)
Maybe one day I will be conditioned into an early morning serenity -- but today is not that day!

Mantra of the Day: Anything worth doing is worth doing slowly -- Mae West

Contrary to popular belief life is better when appreciated at an un-rushed pace.  My husband and I have noticed that we are unaccustomed to the "American" pace. In Africa we became used to a more relaxed daily schedule. We awoke when we had rested enough. We scheduled our daily activities in a general agenda -- subject to change. We went to the cafe with friends at 9:00pm and enjoyed a slower pace. Now that we are home we have found it a bit jarring to resume the American pace of life. Rushing to get to lessons, practices, classes, WalMart, Hyvee and on and on and on. It seems that by the time supper and bedtime come around I have been run off my feet all day long. There has to be a happy medium. I am trying to find that balance. 

By the way....I love Mae West! She was a curvy, voluptuous and unapologetic WOMAN. If I had to pick a physical ideal for myself it would be a tie between Sophia Loren and Mae West. We should all take a second look at these 'real' women. They were BEA-U-TI-FUL and not too tiny! Forget the Twiggy, tiny versions of femininity that are thrust on us from every angle of media and pop culture -- I choose to revive WOMEN! Mae West and Sophia Loren -- I salute you!

Diet: Breakfast- Banana Smoothie, vitamins, 16 ounces water

Snack- Kashi granola bar

Lunch- Peanut Butter on Whole Wheat Toast, 8 ounces water and an Apple

Snack- Light and Fit Lime flavored yogurt, 8 ounces water

Supper- Tortilla Soup with extra beans, 16 ounces water

Family, Fun and .......SUGAR!

I love visiting my family in Missouri. The farm is so full of life and wholesome adventure. The people are like the Walton Family and the Cartwrights put together. We laugh and have LOUD discussions about politics and the state of the world. Usually the women move into another room, to give our ears a break from the loud voices,  while the men solve societies problems -- AGAIN. Unfortunately, as soon as I drive up the dirt driveway to the old farm house all my dieter's resolve melts away. The Missouri Taylor women can cook like nothing else! And they are not too concerned with calories. There is always a wonderful concoction of beans and bacon. Grandma's potato casserole is heavenly .... and has enough butter and cheese to stop one's heart. Then there are usually brownies, cheesecake and Grandma's famous blueberry cobbler. Needless to say, there is no dieting on the farm!

I am home now. I will weigh myself on Thursday. The next three days may be a little intense -- I have to pay the piper sometime :)

I have come to the conclusion that I am a sugar addict. I know that this is said in jest by women around the world (probably all North American expats) -- but I am serious.  I am seriously considering adding the AA serenity prayer to my morning meditation! I wonder why there is an Overeaters Anonymous and not a Sugar Addict Anonymous? Really, there must be more women at home craving a bar of chocolate or a bag of NIBS than, well, almost anything else. I am certain that I have met more women that crave sugar than crave salty treats. At the Cinderella Pact meeting last Thursday 5 of 6 women admitted that sugar is their preferred poison. Aren't we supposed to be made of sugar? That is how the nursery rhyme goes; Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice. That's what little girls are made of.    Well, we were doomed from the start! "I wasn't trying to give myself a myriad of life threatening issues. I was just trying to keep my composition well stocked with the proper materials!"
The book I have been reading ... review to come.... has focused a lot on the glycemic index and type two diabetes. I have FAILED many of the quizzes, by my own assessment, and it seems that I am fast on my way to some serious sugar related issues. So I am going COLD TURKEY -- again -- after a weekend of cookies, cheesecake and all other things sweet and nice, oh yea, there was a morning with Krispy Kremes for breakfast, YUM!
I commit to removing all sugar from my diet and I promise, myself, that no travel plans or social intercourse will interfere with my resolve. 

Mantra of the Day:  “I, [Your Name], choose only nourishing foods and drinks, which keep me slim, toned and healthy.” Today I am focusing on preparing my mind to believe I have the ability to overcome my previous habits. It is important when embarking on such an endeavor to believe that you can achieve your goal. So along the lines of positive thinking and believing in one's self today's mantra is literally telling myself -- I CAN DO IT!

Ahhhh, technology!

My scale was broken .... bummer. Too many moves I guess. I purchased a new one. No fancy bells or whistles, because really do I want to know how much water I am retaining or my true body fat percentage? NO! The new scale says that I have lost 8lbs since I began the Cinderella pact. Not too shabby.
I have found some music that I absolutely love for meditation. Don't laugh, it is the music for reading CD from the Target Lifestyles CDs. You know the ones by the stationary where you can push a button and listen to an excerpt of the music? It is full of classical music, which I love. I also have felt transcendent while listening to Andre Boccelli's Sacred Arias. I have performed many of the songs on that CD and so I have a personal connection to them. It also helps that I know the meaning behind the Italian. I would highly recommend adding soft music to your meditation time. I also have candles. I like to meditate in the morning before my family wakes up. It is dark and quiet and no one needs anything. :)

Mantra of the Day: Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so you shall become. Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil.
-- James Allen  In recent years there has been an explosion of positive thinking in the self help genre. Books like The Secret and The Power of Positive Thinking have awakened individuals to their power over themselves. I would like to declare that this is nothing new and site an ancient reference. Proverbs 23:7 "For as he thinketh in his heart so is he..."   Positive thinking is not some mystical magic of the universe. It is a promise from God. As you think, as you believe so will you be. So think good things, believe and hope and dream. Let your thoughts inspire positive actions. Do and be all that you dream and you will become all that you think you are. BEWARE: This works both ways. We are geniuses at destroying ourselves in our own minds. If you allow yourself to be degraded within your own mind you will become and remain all that you loathe. God loves us all. He desires, as a father, the most wonderful and glorious things for each of us. Trust in him. Believe that you are a princess, more royal than Cinderella, you are the daughter of a Heavenly King. 

Workout: I have been riding my bike, indoor and outdoor. My stationary bike is nothing extraordinary, but it does the job. I read recently that I should try to ride my stationary bike without leaning on the handles and supporting my body weight. I did, it worked, I was totally pooped! I added weights yesterday to my stationary bike ride. Nothing to impressive just two and five pound dumbells. I did curls and french press whenever my riding cycle was easy enough to let go of the handles. I really enjoy riding my bike outside -- but the Kansas weather is unpredictable and ooooh the wind! I am just waiting for the day when the wind picks me up. Unfortunately, I will probably look more like the wicked witch on my bike than Dorothy :)

Diet:  

Breakfast- Blueberry Smoothie, see former posts for recipe, 8 ounces water

Snack - Apple and Peanut Butter, 8 ounces water

Lunch - Light and Fit Yogurt; vanilla with fresh rasberries, Deli Turkey rolled around carrot sticks, 16 ounces water

Snack - LARABAR, cherry pie

Supper - Quesadilla salad; lettuce with corn, black beans, avocado, chicken breast and salsa. 24 ounces water with lime.

I am actually surprised, I haven't once felt deprived or hungry. I haven't had anything besides water as a beverage for a week.. and I feel better than I have in a long time. I do recognize when I need to drink water more easily now. I have probably been living in a constant state of dehydration for the past, well at least three years.

PMS my NEMISIS!!!!!

How is it possible to feel thin, beautiful and hopeful and two days later feel fat, bloated and soooo not royal? THREE little letters P  M   S !!!!!! OOOOOOH how I loathe thee! Ok ladies, for some of us, it manifests itself in the form of an evil alien invader which takes over our bodies and minds. Others encounter it as an out of body experience of sorts, whereby you stare at yourself from the outside, silently shrieking, "Stop that! You are being sooo mean and nasty! Why are you saying these things?" Some of us just cry into a bowl of ice cream like a hot mess. No matter how it happens for you, I am sure that you have experienced the most annoying side effect, cravings, the munchies and/or constant starvation. All this and more, brought to you free of charge by the dreaded PMS monster.

So here are some solutions -- natural remedies -- I found online. I am hoping they work. At the end of the week I will let you know what was great and what fell flat.

What is PMS?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a group of physical and emotional symptoms that some women experience in the week or two before their menstrual period. Symptoms subside when the menstrual period starts and within a couple of days of menstrual flow.

Symptoms of PMS

PMS symptoms can range from mild to severe. Symptoms may include:

• Breast Swelling and Tenderness
  
• Dizziness
  
• Headache
  
• Cramps
  
• Nausea and vomiting
  
• Food cravings
  
• Abdominal bloating
  
• Weight gain from water retention
  
• Stomach upset
  
• Swelling of the face, hands, ankles
  
• Depressed mood
  
• Crying spells
  
• Anxiety, irritability, anger
  
• Trouble falling asleep (insomnia)
  
• Appetite changes or food cravings
  
• Fatigue

Natural Remedies for PMS

These are some of the natural remedies that are used for PMS:

Calcium
Studies suggest that calcium levels are lower in women with PMS and that calcium supplementation may reduce the severity of symptoms. A large study looked at 1057 women with PMS and 1968 women without PMS. Women with the greatest intake of calcium from food sources had the least PMS symptoms.
Another study found that 300 mg of calcium carbonate four times a day significantly reduced bloating, depression, pain, mood swings, and food cravings.

Chaste Tree Berry
Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) berry is one of the most popular herbs for premenstrual syndrome in Europe.
A study published in the British Medical Journal involving 178 women with PMS found that chaste tree berry significantly reduced PMS symptoms over three menstrual cycles. Women taking chaste tree had significant improvements in irritability, depression, headaches, and breast tenderness.
The most common side effects of chaste tree berry are nausea, headache, digestive disturbances, menstrual disorders, acne, itching, and skin rashes. Chaste tree berry should not be taken by pregnant or nursing women. The safety of chaste tree berry in children or people with kidney or liver disease has not been established.
Theoretically, chaste tree berry may interact with hormones or drugs that affect the pituitary gland. For more information on chaste tree berry, read the Chaste Tree Berry / Vitex Fact Sheet

Magnesium
The mineral magnesium, found naturally in food and available in supplements, has showing good preliminary results for PMS. One study examined the use of magnesium supplements or placebo in 32 women with PMS. The amount of magnesium used was 360 mg three times a day, starting from day 15 to the start of the menstrual period. Magnesium supplements were found to significantly improve PMS mood changes.
Another study used 200 mg of magnesium or placebo for two menstrual cycles. By the end of the second month, magnesium was found to significantly reduce weight gain, swelling of the hands and legs, breast tenderness, and abdominal bloating.
People with heart or kidney disease should not take magnesium supplements without consulting their doctor. Side effects of excess magnesium can include upset stomach and diarrhea. It can also cause nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, slowed heart rate, deficiencies of other minerals, confusion, coma, and even death.
Magnesium may interact with antibiotics, blood pressure medications, diabetic medications, digoxin, levothyroxine, and tiludronate (an osteoporosis medication) and should only be taken together under medical supervision.

Evening Primrose Oil
Evening Primrose oil is a plant oil that contains gamma-linolenic acid, an omega-6 essential fatty acid. Gamma-linolenic acid is involved in the metabolism of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins that regulate pain and inflammation in the body.
A review of seven studies on evening primrose for PMS found that the two most well-designed studies failed to show any beneficial effects for evening primrose.

Acupuncture
In traditional Chinese medicine, the liver is the organ most affected by stress, anger, and frustration. Stagnation of liver energy, or "qi", by emotions, alcohol, and spicy and fatty foods can lead to PMS symptoms such as breast tenderness and abdominal bloating and cramping.
Although there is no scientific evidence behind this assessment, acupuncture, exercise, expressing emotions, and breathing exercises are recommended by practitioners to relieve liver stagnation.

• Emotions in Traditional Chinese Medicine
  
• What is Acupuncture?

Dietary Suggestions

• Reduce sugar and salt intake. This is especially useful for bloating and swelling of the hands and feet, breast tenderness, and dizziness. Increase foods rich in potassium, such as fish, beans, and broccoli.
  
  
• Eat small, frequent meals to help stabilize blood sugar.
  
  
• Eliminate caffeine, which can aggravate anxiety, depression, and breast tenderness.
  
  
• Increase intake of fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, and fish.
  
  
• Avoid alcohol.
  
  
• Decrease intake of fatty foods and red meat.

Exercise
Regular aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling may help relieve PMS symptoms. In one study, the frequency but not the intensity of exercise was associated with a decreased PMS symptoms.

Relaxation
Breathing exercises, meditation, aromatherapy, and yoga are some natural ways to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Many women feel more assertive and attuned to their needs in the weeks before menses. This can be used constructively by allowing for personal time to relax, expressing emotions, and giving priority to your needs and what nourishes you.

Other Remedies
There are other natural remedies commonly used for PMS, including:

• Ginkgo
• Vitamin E
  
• St. Johns wort
• Dandelion
  
• Chiropractic
• Progesterone cream

There you have it --  Eve's curse.   I am not going to weigh myself until this visitor leaves!!

I am hoping the Mantra of the Day will have a real effect on me today. "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning how to dance in the rain."

Mantra of the Day:

My scale must be broken!

I weighed myself at the beginning of my Cinderella Pact -- to have a point of reference. I never intend to share that weight, too embarrassing! Well, I have stepped on the scale every other day and it has slowly gone down, one or two pounds at a time. I didn't weigh myself over the weekend and today I think I must need a new scale -- because it says I have lost 11 pounds in a week! I am now contemplating if this, possibly broken, instrument of measure is my new best friend. :) I think I will have to go into a health clinic and get an accurate weight so that I know how to proceed. This morning, however, I am going to utter the four most blasphemous words for any female to pronounce "I Love my SCALE!!!"

My diet has become a little redundant. My most interesting day this weekend was:

Breakfast: Blueberry Smoothie -- 1 cup frozen blueberries, 1 banana, 1 cup Almond milk

and one piece of Whole Wheat Flax Seed Toast with peanut butter.

Snack: Kashi Honey Almond Flax Chewy Granola Bar

Lunch: Green leafy lettuce topped with Tuna salad

Snack: Apple and a Banana

Supper: Chicken Fajitas without the sour cream, or tortillas

Workout: I have ridden my bike 6-8 miles every day this weekend, of course not on Sunday. I have also done the Great Butt and Great Arms workout routine -- an old video that I purchased before Margaret was one year old. I am sure there are newer funner workouts available, but I am too frugal to spend on more workout stuff when I already have so much.
For the next two weeks I am going to do the FIRM dvd workouts. I will tell you how that goes.   :)

Mantra of the day: "Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be." - Karen Ravn 

I am only limited by myself. There are no excuses, no shifting of blame. I alone am responsible for who I am, what I do, how far I go and what dreams I achieve. I can push myself harder and aim higher because the only one who can stand in my way is me. 

Living with grace

  Today's Mantra: "Happiness lies in the power and sweet simplicity of virtue"
 Have you ever heard someone say 'if only we were rich we would be happy' or 'all our problems would go away -- if we had more money' ? Recently someone I care about made both of these statements, in seprate conversations, quite publicly. I felt a twinge of regret on her behalf as soon as I saw her words. Happiness and peace do not come from wealth. The messages bombarding us daily are that sexual appeal, fashion, cars, houses, cosmetics, alcohol, cigarettes, Ritalin, Percoset, lavish living, and/or money will make us happy. Popular consent does not equal good.  It is true that security and stability can come from provident living and fiscal responsibility. Living within our means equals less stress and worry over debts we can not meet. Yes, life sometimes throws a curve ball -- a sweet relative of mine is very young and battling cancer. The financial strain on her family (they have little insurance) is great -- and those experiences are difficult and painful. I do not mean to diminish or trivialize the needs of those in such situations. However, I do believe that the idea that things bring happiness -- a house we can not afford for example -- is wrong. Seeking to fill our souls with things and popular approval leads us down a path to personal and fiscal bankruptcy, as evidenced by the current  situation in our great nation. If only more people would come to understand that happiness comes from the choices that govern our behavior, thoughts and desires.
 "....The Kingdom of God is not a democracy. Wickedness and righteousness are not legislated by majority vote, Right and wrong are not determined by polls or pundits, though many would have us believe otherwise. Evil never was happiness. Happiness lies in the power and sweet simplicity of virtue....."
--- Gordon B. Hinkley

“I would like to be remembered as someone who accomplished useful deeds, and who was a kind and loving person. I would like to leave the memory of a human being with a correct attitude and who did her best to help others.”  -- Princess Grace  This is exactly how I feel!

Yesterday's menu:

Breakfast: vitamins, Kashi Almond and Flax Granola Bar, a banana and 16 ounces of water.

Lunch: Chipotle burrito bowl -- NO rice, black beans, carnitas,  pico de gallo, corn salsa, lots of lettuce and guacamole. 32 ounces of water with lemon. 

Snack: Apple and banana

Supper: 1 small slice of cheese and olive pizza; mixed greens, cucumber, tomato salad with no dressing, one piece of watermellon. 16 ounces of water.

Workout:
I did all of my errands yesterday on my bike. I towed a trailer (the one that Margaret and Katherine used to ride in when they were toddlers) and loaded it up with groceries and other purchases as I went along. The ride was great. Manhattan is laid out nicely. There are a lot of hills -- but I enjoyed the ups and downs. It was good to feel my muscles pushed to the limit and then still keep going. All in all I cycled 10 miles.  I must say a small prayer of thanks -- the Kansas wind did not show up yesterday. I am not sure I would have made it the last three miles, with my trailer completely full, if I had to battle the wind!

You may have noticed that I have added a book review feature to the blog. If you are like most of the women I know you have at least three diet books sitting on your shelf (not including the cookbooks -- like weight watchers or Suzanne Sommers) and several workout videos of different genres. I thought, since I am going to be working out and tracking my diet anyway, I should read through some of those promise making books and see what I like and don't like. Then I will tell you all about it. If I like the book I will give the program a try and report back how well it works. I will do the same for workout dvds and videos. Maybe I can save someone $25 on a diet book!

Achy, Breaky -- WHAT?

Today's mantra: "I will be positive and loving no matter what happens."
When I was a little girl my mother used to tell me about a woman who influenced her life. Her name was Barbara Benson Walker. One day my mother knocked on Barbara's door, she was not expected. After a few moments my mother was greeted by Barbara, with a swollen face and a slightly misshapen smile. Mrs. Walker had just returned from the dentist where she had endured a root canal. Amazed that Barbara had risen from her resting place to come to the door at all, let alone answering an unexpected and untimely guest with a smile, my mother asked in wonder "How do you do it? How are you happy all the time?" Barbara smiled again, amazingly without wincing, and replied in an unbelievably cheerful voice :"It takes work."
That story has always stuck with me. As I have matured I have come to realize the truth of Mrs. Walker's words. Happiness is a choice and yes, it takes work. The choice to push aside annoyance and frustration and treat someone, possibly the source of those negative emotions, with love and respect can be very difficult. But perhaps it is not the other individual whose feelings are spared by such a gesture. Trust me, I have tried it both ways and when I fail to be positive and loving, no matter what happens I feel terrible. The best characterization of what negativity does to me is that cartoon character who is stuck under his own individual black rain cloud. No one else is getting rained on or struck by lightening -- but I am. So as a favor to myself I am WORKING harder at being positive and loving -- no matter what happens.

Yesterday's workout is still doing a number on me. Just in case you are interested I did weight training, Arms and Legs.  I wonder if those workout programs that promise a great body in 30 days forgot to add the disclaimer *sure you will look great -- but nobody will notice because you will be unable to walk or move at all and thus be bedridden.*  He he he :)

As far as the 'diet' side this was the menu yesterday;

Breakfast: Vitamins, Banana with 2 TB Peanut butter, 16 ounces of water

Snack: Kashi TLC Honey Almond Flax Chewy Granola Bar, 8 ounces water

Lunch:  Spinach, tomato, onion, cilantro salad with extra virgin olive oil and rice vinegar, 8 ounces water

Snack: Banana with 2 TB Peanut butter, 8 ounces water

Supper: Lemon, Rosemary seasoned Salmon Fillet, Spinach, tomato, onion, cilantro salad with extra virgin olive oil and rice vinegar, 8 ounces water 

As for my other goals, I was pretty good. I did spend the entire morning with a towel on my head - but I did my hair before I left the house, avoiding my usual hasty ponytail.  To be honest I just did a messy french braid and accessorized with a head band -- but it is a start, right?

Today I am doing an eight mile bike ride -- maybe more if I feel really good. I will let you know how it goes!

141 days to Cinderella!

What is the point? What is a Cinderella Pact?  It is a commitment to healthy living, exercise and BALANCE! As a mom, everything quickly gets out of wack. Add a husband, school, moving every 18 months....wow -- who was I? So, in an effort to recapture and redefine myself I am making a Cinderella Pact. Here is the deal;

1. I will take time to meditate daily. My inner princess needs peace and balance to deal with the "royal family" and all the demands of her kingdom! I will champion myself by guarding this time of introspection and personal revelation.
2. I will wake up early and exercise before anyone else in the castle stirs (4:15am to be exact). I will push myself to work harder, run faster, lift more and sweat,sweat, sweat-- this princess is renouncing her status as a cupcake!
3. I will prepare wholesome, healthful foods and drink lots of water. I will decline all sugar, carbonated beverages, fast food -- I hereby banish the Burger King!-- extra salt, and processed food.
4. I will shower, blow-dry my hair, and style it, use moisturizer daily and a modest amount of cosmetics. (This is tougher for a mom than you might think -- hence the 4:15am wake up)
5. I will not wear my PJs or sweats all day long. I will dress appropriately for my age and I promise to learn about style enough to avoid embarrassing my children. 
6. I will go out into the kingdom bi-weekly to enjoy a night with my fellow Cinderellas. A little 'princess out on the town' -- for married mommies :) No girls gone wild here!
7. I will wear my Cinderella gown on a Royal Date with my Prince on January 14, 2011