Sherri says "WOW!"

Wasn't last night wonderful? I did not expect to get emotional over any of this but once Anna and Lori's spot in the video came around I turned to mush. Everyone looked so beautiful and happy. I will remember last night for a long time to come.

Yea for you Carolee!

Yea for all of US!!

I'm so proud of all that we have accomplished!!!

It has been a awesome experience and a great journey. I have learned so much and I will be forever grateful to have had the opportunity to make some much needed changes in my health. I could not have asked for better women to have participated in this challenge with. Each and every one of you is phenomenal!

I'm so looking forward to running into everyone at LP. (That was so awesome of them to extend our membership another 3 months!) We definitely need to keep in touch and keep each other accountable and on the right track.

Here's to our hearts, our health and our lasting happiness!

SMONI

WE DID IT, LADIES!!!

Congratulations to all of you!

Can't wait to see you around LifePointe these next few months.

Tonight is the Night!!!

I don't know about the other BetterU participants, but I'm betting they are just as excited as I am... and a bit nervous too! Tonight is the American Heart Association Banquet/Fundraiser where the participants of the BetterU Challenge will have their results highlighted and the winner of the challenge announced. You too can join us in celebrating the last 12 weeks of our challenge... the first 12 weeks to our improved lifestyles, and learn how you can help bring awareness about the Number 1 killer of women. Contact the American Heart Association (402.489.5115 ) for details on tonight's event. The banquet will be from 5:30 - 8:00 (2/11/10) at the Grand Manse in Lincoln Nebraska.

Hope to see you there!!!

Still Workin' It....

So, although my gym activity has slowed this last week... I'm still workin' it at home!

Last night my daughter and I came straight home after work/school to work out. A friend let me borrow one of Jillian's DVD's (trainer from the Biggest Loser). It's called "trouble zones", which for some of us is virtually everywhere! :) When we were getting set up to work out I remembered that my free weights were still begging for attention in the attic of the garage. But I didn't have time to unearth them, so we used cans of Fat Free Refried Beans and canned Vegetables! It was really pretty funny working out with cans of food, but most of the moves were using our own body weight anyway. And truth be told, I'm feeling it [workout] today! I have to tell you, it was such a riot to see my athletically built daughter struggle to keep up with me! Ah, the little pleasures in parenting... Now I truly don't want my daughter to fail, but a little humility goes a long way. And I'm definitely trying to teach her that just working out every once in a while isn't ideal, that it needs to be done on a consistent basis to have lasting results for your health. I could tell that the talk about that last night went out the window, because when I reminded her that we had a workout date again today, she sighed "Again!?"... guess I'll just have to keep at it! :) I'm pretty sure as long as I don't ask her to do anything I wouldn't do... that she'll have a hard time saying no.

Here is a photo of those awesome Spring rolls that you may find the reciept down below...HHMMMM

I had my assessment for the last time with Tracy on Wednesday. (sniff) I was pretty surprised with my results and Tracy made me feel so good! I had wanted to lose more weight, however the inches and strength were a pleasant surprise in my results. I can not believe that I can do 3 x the amount of push-ups, tri-cep dips and sit-ups then I could when i started. My energy level is incredible. I can squat down without falling or cringing in pain and holding my knee...those lunges really do the trick! (even though I really hate them soooooooo much!)

I've heard a lot of you say that you're gonna join a club...Lifepointe or other after this. I expect to see you all around. It's been an amazing journey. Insightful and life changing on the INSIDE as well as the OUTSIDE! A big part, I think is in attitude. Change is truly, 10% inspiration, 10% perspiration and 80% ATTITUDE!

I totally agree with Jeanette, that the staff at Lifepointe was ultra fabuloooouus. I thought it was impressive that not only did I get individual attention from my trainer, but everyone else's trainer was kind and attentive to all of the Betteru ladies, I thought. I could ask questions of anyone and always received a "can-do" attitude, even if the answer was not handy. I signed up for an amazing massage too with Steve...wow, really loosened my tight muscles! Very soothing...almost was to cozy on the heated pad on the table...could have slept for days! Finished with yoga...really helps with balance. Glad I had an opportunity to experience all types of exercises from Zumba, to biking, weights, machines....even the accidental Boot Camp or was it Body Combat...where I got my BUTT KICKED! (see I still get them mixed up!)

I look forward to celebrating with all of you and the BetterU staff....in a size smaller RED Dress! I am so grateful for this opportunity and will promote it to my friends if they offer the program again! (I've used my little red bag a lot!) Hasta La Rojo Fiesta!

Can't believe it is almost over....

I am really sad that this challenge is coming to an end. I know I will keep going on my journey to a healthier lifestyle and lose the weight I want to lose (it is a long, hard road, but so worth it). I have really enjoyed getting to know you ladies and wish you healthy blessings.

I have learned so much from the great staff at LifePointe. Katie is the best dietician I have ever met!!!! She has so much knowledge in that pretty little head of hers and she doesn't judge. When I screw up and tell her about it, she just tells me that it is okay and to not beat myself up and gives me new ideas to continue to move forward. KATIE ROCKS!!!

I have also learned so much from Rob - the tyrant trainer!!! LOL!! He knows his stuff, that's for sure!! I will take everything he has taught me and continue on - some of the things he had me do, I will NEVER do again (blurpies-really? Just the name of that exercise is retarded - won't do that one anymore) but it has been great to try exercises and machines that I had never tried before and probably wouldn't have if it hadn't been for Rob. So, thank you Rob!! YOU ROCK TOO!!

I have to say - I sure have been spoiled at LifePointe!!! What a fantastic place!! All of the staff is so friendly and helpful!! I love it!! It is like going to a spa every time instead of a health club! I might just have to continue my membership!!! Thank you for everything!

Okay - this is long enough and I don't want to get too mushy. These 12 weeks really did go by fast and it was easier than I thought to stay motivated - even if I'm not exactly where I hoped to be - it has been great!! I love all of you ladies and can't wait to see you all dressed up in your red!!!

Motivated to keep going

Well we are on our last few workouts as a "group". I can't believe I am finding myself still motivated or not bored with the routine. I plan to continue on with the workouts. I did see Sherri this AM "getting her butt kicked" as she said. All I did today was balance and core stuff and I was sweating more then ever. I did not realize until yoga the other night (with Anna) how bad my balance was. I had planned on doing yoga again tonight, but instead I got in for a massage while I have the chance. I have enjoyed getting to know all of you over the past three months and hopefully we can keep in touch and help each other stay motivated. See you all in the next couple of days for post interviews.

Here is my Spring Roll Recipe

Spring roll skins (round rice paper wraps in ethnic isle)- they are thin sheets of dried (not moist) rice paper
Variety of vegetables- I use carrots, celery, cucumber, jicama, diakon, bell peppers (all colors), green onions, cilantro, fresh ginger and avocado, mango
Crab or shrimp (cooked)
Peanut sauce

Peanut Sauce
1/4 cup minced fresh ginger 6 small or 4 large cloves garlic
1/4 cup honey 1/2 cup peanut butter
2 TBSP sesame oil 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar 2 TBSP crushed red pepper flakes

Place all ingredients in blender (helps to put vinegar in first) and blend until smooth, may use hot H20 to thin if needed. Store in fridge

Vegetables
Cut into thin julienne strips

Spring rolls
Fill a shallow dish with very warm water, a tablespoon of vinegar and 1 tsp of sugar. Place a wrap in the water until it softens and is pliable enough to roll, but not too much that it will tear.
Fill wrap with vegetables of choice, add crab or shrimp or both and roll eggroll style. The wrap will stick to itself to seal.

Dip in peanut sauce and enjoy.

Judy's advise - Keep Bouncing!

Hi Ladies,
I have not taken time to read all of your updates but each time I come to this site, I am reminded about how special you all are. I love hearing about your commitment to making yourself better.
Some of you may know that the past couple of months have been very difficult for me.
My mother-in-law and my dear aunt (she took the place of my mother for the past twenty years) both had strokes and never recovered. They both struggled through their last days. I was able to spend time with each of them and I am grateful that they both were alert and able to communicate those last weeks. Add in the snowstorms which kept me stranded in my house for two weeks and my gym time just didn't happen. I was so excited when I was chosen for this challenge and have been feeling sorry for myself for the last week.
My trainer Sarah was such a blessing for me. She understood when I had to cancel appointments and was always encouraging. I have finally realized that regardless of whether or not I succeeded in accomplishing all of the goals I had made, I will come away from this experience armed with so much knowledge and awareness of what a healthy life is supposed to be, that my life from now on will be better. I am still excited about making positive changes for myself! Maybe it wasn't these particular eleven weeks but it will happen for me. We aren't always in control of life as you know, but that doesn't mean we have to give up our dreams. In the letter I wrote to apply for the challenge I said that I am a "bouncer". I WILL BOUNCE BACK AND CONTINUE TO LEARN AND GET BETTER AT BEING HEALTHY!!!!
If anyone else feels discouraged about their progress, please remember that like "Tiger" you can be a bouncer too!
What lucky ladies we have been!
Here's to us - always remember we are all amazing women!
Smiles,
Judy

And now the end is near...I did it my way-F.S.

A good time was had by all at the Sunday evening gathering. Big Low-Cal gratitude "whoo-wh00" to the ladies who brought yummy, but healthy treats. Janet brought these amazing Vegi Spring rolls which I've got to make sometime....the peanut dipping sauce was addictive! Jeanette brought a cool trail mix which I enjoyed some the next day at my desk on break...to tied me over to lunch!

Good job ladies in the pool! The Aquatic work out was attended by 5 of us last night. I enjoyed the company, however, I didn't feel that intense work out like I get from the weights, lunges, spin classes, elliptical and treadmill workouts. I feel more driven now to make my body push! I realise now, that in the past, I may have been one of those people who...go to the work out, didn't apply effort and wondered "why, am I not making progress?" Ya, know which ladies I'm talking about? Fluff work outs.....put in the "show" at the gym...but don't really challenge yourself. I think that a "trainer" has helped me realize where my "push point" really starts and ends. I think a personal trainer is well worth the investment.

Is everyone finding that perfect "RED" outfit...can't wait to see you all dressed for success at our grand finale! GIVE IT YOUR ALL THIS WEEK! I wish you all the best, my fit friends! Cheers!

Count Down

Really sorry that I had to miss last night at Anna's. I had a committment that I couldn't get out of. Hope everyone had fun.

Have still been doing my favorites....Zumba and Body Pump. I can't believe it's the last week. I was worried that 12 weeks would be tough to stay focused but I really look forward to going. I had my meeting with Katie last week. She gave me great ideas to help see weight loss. I know I have lost the inches but would like to see more on the scale. So we will see how that goes in the next couple of weeks.

See ya tonight at swimming.

All good things don't have to come to an end...

Here we go, on the last leg of our journey to a "BetterU" Where did the time go? Are you getting ready for the final results? I have my assessment on Thursday. I wish I could have another couple of weeks! I think I can keep going though. I can't wait for warmer weather to get out my bike and ride the trail to Walton! I don't think that I will crash now that I can keep stablized. I didn't realise how true it was that when you work on your body core...your balance improves!

My trainer and I were laughing the other day about how pathetic I was when we first started. On one of our first visits, she had me do a "Triceps push-up" on a chair, on the outside patio, in front of the cafe window while we took a break from walking the bike path. I couldn't even lift my rear end back on the chair, fell and she had to hoist me up! (all the people inside were staring!-quite embarrassing!) Now i can do about 10 back ward triceps push-ups on the bench in the weight room! It's a great way to get some definition in those "granny " arms we grow in our later years! The Spin classes have been great too like Carolee said...I may actually buy some shorts this year for summer! (I only wear crop pants usually, as I'm so conscious of my "cottage cheese" thighs.)

Carolee also mentioned shopping for new clothes. Speaking of...I know a great consignment shop with a fabulous selection of clothes! It's called "Consignment shop" for clothes only in sizes 14 on up. The store is located behind Union bank on about 48th and Orchard street. (shortly before 48th and Holdrege) Although the name lacks originality, you'll love the two sweet older ladies who run the place and all the selections from dresses, slacks, shoes, purses, coats and accessories! You may even be able to take in some of your passe larger sizes, get some funds to buy smaller garments! It's a hidden gem in Lincoln!

I hope to see you all tonight at my house...call 890-3278 for directions if needed. 7pm!
Have super day!

No Takers....

So I had zero takers on the Cycling Class today, *sad face*, but that's o.k. I worked up an amazing sweat and had a lot of fun laughing at some of the characters in the class. The class is definitely popular, having filled up right away, even turning people away.

Well, I'm officially down to one pair of work pants, so I'm headed to the consignment shops to find a couple more. It's such a great feeling, being able to go out and shop for clothes that are smaller. Much better than in days past where I was hitting the stores for a new wardrobe to house my ever expanding body mass. Yes indeed, tis' a great feeling to be excited about shopping for clothes...because I already dislike shopping as it is!

Have a Heart Healthy Day!!!

Anyone up for a bike ride?!?

If you're up to a cycling class...come and join me this Saturday (1/23) for the 9:00 Cycling Challenge Class. It's an hour class, and it does say "challenge", but remember, you can adjust for your fitness level and what is comfortable for you. I hope to see some of you ladies there, as it is a great cardio and endurance workout that always leaves me feeling GREAT!

Look forward to seeing you at Anna's on Sunday!

Have a Heart Healthy Friday!

You are Invited! Sun. Jan 24th!

I hope that all of you of are remembering that this Sunday, Jan 24th, you are invited to a party! Please come to my house for a Low-Cal Holiday Food Fest! Starting around 7pm. You should have received an invite by email. Email me at banannaart@aol.com for an invitation if you did not receive one! I'm excited to see all the "BetterU's" since I don't always get to be with everyone at once lately.

My trainer, Tracey and myself's "5 minutes of fame" came out yesterday. Pick up a copy of "L" magazine around town....if you need something to keep the mice away! Wow, I had no idea that they were gonna put an almost life size photo of us on the cover! Talk about shocking! The article was pretty well written except for a few typos....I DO NOT go dancing 2 times a week..I went a few times over the holiday season. I am an art teacher at St. John's school, NOT PIUS! I was concerned that the Pius teacher may have thought she was replaced without notice! It was a fun experience to say the least...I wish they would have airbrushed a few rolls though!

I can't believe how fast the time has gone with this awesome program. It was just the push that I needed. I feel better each day! I even smile occasionally during the Spin Classes! Jeanette and I had fun taking a Water aerobic class together last week...although we got in trouble for talking to much! I've taken a few of the cooking/food classes too...it all goes hand-in-hand. It' not that hard, just have to change a few things in my life...the mind set and attitude is the biggest challenge, don't you think?

I look forward to seeing you all this Sunday at my home! It will be high in fun, low in fat!!
Hasta La pasta!

Watch out for Falling...

PANTS!?!


Yeup, my pants have fallen down! Well, at least that was the case one day last week. As I was making my way through the front door of my home, arms full as usual, I began having trouble taking my next steps, as my pants fell down!! Although hysterical and emotionally fulfilling...I was so glad my front door was already shut!

So now it's official, I've lost a complete dress size during this challenge! That happened to be one of my goals, so it's another one accomplished for me. YAY! However, save the "ta-ta's" has taken on a new meaning for me. :-) Come on now, you know that's funny, and I'm certain you know what I'm referring to.

This next couple weeks will be much like my other successful weeks, putting in my workouts, watching what I eat and what I feed my family, shopping healthy & getting in my workouts! I'll be excited to see where I'm at on Feb. 1st, as compared to the beginning of November. I know the results have to be great... I mean, I already dropped a dress size and at least 4 inches from my waist. I consider this "winning" for me!

Hope you all have a fantastic Heart Healthy Day!

I think I can...I think I can...

Half way through the week...gonna make it. It's been hard working all week since I had a long break from school with all the snow. Even the kids at school are kind of listless! At least the sun came out!! It's hard to make it to work out sometimes with weather and family and work...keep trying. I enjoyed seeing most of you at the Monday meeting. I thought that Kristie had some good points about "How are you going to keep yourself on track" after the program is finished. You can't go back to the old excuses. Make a plan. I thought of one...write yourself a letter or note to refer back to ...about how good you feel now, what you can accomplish (and have already accomplished!) , your new found strength...etc! Keep it on the fridge or in your wallet so you can remind yourself as need to. You can only move forward. Just think, if you've made progress (no matter what it is!) ....what could you be like a year from now! You've made it through the hardest part of the year already! DREADED HOLIDAY FOOD FEST! The rest of the year should be easier, don't you think? With warmer weather, it will be great walking outside, taking kids to the park, walking pets. I just had a great workout with my trainer tonight with a portable work out plan...you can take anywhere! I'll have to show it to you all.

I have to tell you girls...I've really enjoyed meeting and hearing each of your stories. This bunch of ladies have beat some tough struggles, climbed some mountains and been great role models to little people. I'm not talking about this BetterU program...I'm talking about Life in general. If you can over-come those life struggles-wow, I'm in awe...I have faith that you can conquer your health issues to become an EVEN better You!! (You know you are already exceptional people on the inside...just need to polish the outside:)!

Yes, I'm still around....

My apologizes to everyone. I have really failed in the blogging area. Anna had to email me to see if I was still around!! I have been doing my workouts, just haven’t been blogging. I guess I feel that I just don’t have a lot to blog about. I will try to be better on this.

Like I said, I have been working out and going to classes. In fact, Tuesday I finally went to my first Body Pump class. I really enjoyed it. 60 minutes went really fast. I stayed with the smaller weights for most of the class so I feel pretty good. My thighs hurt a little but I have been stretching them out a lot at work. Then Wednesday I worked with Sarah and she had me do kickboxing for the first time with cardio thrown in also. Wow, was that a lot of work. I intend to do Body Pump again tonight at 5:30.

The holidays were okay. I don’t feel that I over ate, but just didn’t workout as much as I would have wanted to. I really want to put extra effort in these last four weeks.

I'm Walkin' on Sunshine, whoa oh....

...and it sure feels Good!

I just received some great news from the more than fabulous company I get to work for, Assurity Life Insurance. Today I was informed that Assurity has purchased a table for the upcoming American Heart Association dinner (this is where our challenge results and awards ceremony will take place). I'm so excited to have the honor of 10 wonderful people who have supported me throughout this challenge, there to help me celebrate and acknowledge my successes at the end! I can't begin to tell you how many different ways this makes me feel cared about, but to sum it up... I am definitely feeling the love!

So now I have to brag on Assurity for a moment. In my opinion Assurity is the greatest place in Lincoln to work! Just soak in one of the components that make up the Vision, Mission & Values Statement... I mean, it doesn't get much better than this - Our core purpose is to help people through difficult times - And let me tell you, they have definitely supported me throughout mine. Not only have my close coworkers supported me, but the President & CEO, the Senior Vice President, my Director and the VP of Human Resources. Throughout this challenge each of them have continued to check in with me and remind me of my strengths, accomplishments, and how they know I will continue to be a success beyond this 12 weeks. Now remember, I am just one team member in this company, so their acts speak volumes for the environment and culture I get to work in. Yes, I love my job and the company I get to work for. I truly believe having such a great place of employment has played an integral part of my successes thus far. *not counting the food days, ha ha*

So, thank you Assurity! I appreciate all that you have given me and supported me with over the past 8 1/2 years.

Now I better get back to the gym! :-)

Eeek!!!!!

Oh my! I just looked at the calendar and I noticed we have only 4 weeks until we meet to go over the results of the last 12 weeks. I am so nervous! Probably in part because the last two weeks have been a major struggle for me with my goals. However, I have done a lot of thinking the last couple days, and a lot of reading the BetterU blogs. *Keep'em Comin' Ladies!* And the one thing that continues to come up, is to be proud of the things I've accomplished and not to focus on the things I didn't get done. So, as for the last two weeks... they shall now only be a memory of what I don't want my habits to be, and no longer a chain to the supreme guilt I have been feeling. *Feeling guilty prompts me to make see-through excuses & throw in the towel* Time for me to let it go! The other realization I had, is one I've had and mentioned before,
THIS 12 WEEKS IS NOT THE END FOR ME.
IT IS ONLY THE BEGINNING!

So to step in line with some of my other goals for 2010 and a new beginning... I've decided to run the Lincoln Half Marathon in May! This is a goal I have accomplished twice in my adult life, so I know I can do it. And I can do it again, and again, and again... if I so choose... and my knees hold up! But until the warmer weather comes, it will be a struggle for me to stick to training & healthy nutrition choices. So I'm going to take Sheri and Tom Venu's advice and start questioning myself when I get hungry. Why is it that I'm hungry right now? This should no doubt bring to light my reasons for emotional eating. And in turn it should help me strengthen my ability to connect with myself emotionally and care for myself appropriately, and to stop feeding those emotions!

Sherri's got some info to share!

Hello Ladies,

I was reading a fitness blog I follow and I thought I would share some interesting information from today's post by Steve Auxier:

The nutrition side of fitness is such a mystery to me and I enjoy learning about all of the different strategies to help people attain their goals. Have you ever gone to a buffet and totally stuffed yourself and then still had the urge to go back for desert? How about after a big meal you are hungry in about 30 minutes? Well I have had all of these and here are some strategies in identifying between physical and emotional hunger. According to Tom Venuto he has identified 6 ways to determine the difference between physical and emotional hunger.

*Physical hunger gradually comes on with warning signs of stomach grumbling. Emotional hunger develops instantly.

*Physical hunger can go for many hours but emotional hunger must be solved immediately.

*Physical hunger occurs every 3-4 hours. Emotional hunger can develop instantly.

*Physical hunger is for any food and emotional hunger is for one specific food.

*Physical hunger goes away after you eat and emotional hunger does not go away.

*Physical hunger leaves a feeling of satiety and emotional hunger leaves you feeling guilty.

According to Dr. Brian Wansink we make as many as 200 decisions about food every day. I think it is very important to determine if we are truly hungry or if we are just eating out boredom, situational, lonely, tired or hundreds of other emotional reasons. Each day the more we learn about our body the better. Make it a goal to learn something new about your body everyday.

So the next time your cravings kick in try to analyze those feelings and identify the cause!!!

(As posted on http://fitnesslincoln.com/)

Here's to our health!

SMONI

Sherri better check in…

Happy New Year everyone!  I can say with great certainty the start of 2010 has been way better than the start of 2009.  Good riddance to 2009!!  There were some positives about 2009 one being this challenge.  I still feel very fortunate to have this opportunity.  I feel so much better!  It is amazing the amount of energy I have.  It is amazing that I actually enjoy working out, even when I have to do it by myself.  I still struggle with getting the work out in at the same time everyday but even so, I have been consistent with doing something for at least 45 minutes 5 to 6 days a week.  I’m also proud to say I did not over indulge by any means through the holidays. 

This challenge is going to be over before we know it but one thing is for sure I will not let the dust collect on Millie like I allowed it to before.  I’m already looking at investing in an elliptical or stationary bike for a little variety.

Until next time…

Here’s to our health!

SMONI

Does Television REALLY add 10lbs?

Well, they finally caught me....I'm gonna do the lunch interview tomorrow with Lance on 10/11 -that's Tuesday! I hope I don't pass out! A little nervous since Lora suggested that Sarah and I do some sample exercises .....on TV!!!!??? Really don't want all 4 of my cheeks on public view....my luck, I'll have a wedgie showing with my "granny undies". Say a little prayer, ladies!

Just thinking girls....we all need to be shopping for that perfect Red outfit for our "little, tiny, new figures", don't ya think? That will be fun to see all of you, all dressed up and out on the town. I'm really looking forward to it!

FYI, never made it, unfortunately to LP tonight. 9 yr old has another bronchial cough...had a late doctor visit. My doctor does evening visits and believe or not, got us in at 7pm. So while I'll be on the News tomorrow....daughter, Vanesa will be watching from grandma's house with a bad cold! Good time to talk about stress for week #9. Take care of yourselves.

HabitWise Bracelets

I wrote a post on my personal blog about Habit Wise bracelets about 3 weeks before I started the BetterU program. I mentioned them at our meeting with Katie last week and I know at least Jeanett was interested in learning more about them. So, here is the post I wrote about them earlier.

Are you back? Did you read the post? I have a follow up for you. It got to be a little much for me to track all of the food types every day. I was losing my motivation. So, I decided to focus on what I was having the most problems with. I now wear all the fruit and vegetable bracelets to track that daily intake. It helps me quite a bit because it is a visual reminder for me to get my 5 servings a day. You can purchase the bracelets here, but any kind of visual reminder (elastics, ribbons, etc...) would work.

Surgery Update: My surgery was a success and I'm recovering at home. It is taking a bit longer than I anticipated but I hope to be back at Lifepointe soon!

I had to work my part-time job today at Sartor Hamann jewelry until 5pm. Since I was over at that side of town I decided to squeeze in a work out after 5pm. Life Pointe doesn't actually close on Sunday until 7 . It was nice since there were not very many people in the equipment room. I really love to run/fast walk on the treadmill....I don't listen to the t.v., I read the closed captions below the picture. I have found that if i READ the T.V. and not WATCH/LISTEN then I get so caught up in the struggle to figure what's happening that I lose track of time and still can get my heart rate up. I like to watch the history channel as we gave up T.V. for lent last year, therefore I can't watch it at home. It's my treat/reward for working out...my hubby accused me of only working out so i could get a television fix!

Just wondering if anyone was going to come on Monday evening this week. I can finally come this Monday and was looking forward to seeing some of you. I hope some of you can make it about 6pm? Let me know! Have a great week.

Out with the old me...in with the new..betterU!

Happy New Year to all of you...2010, wow, time flies....WHEN I'M OLD! But, hopefully healthier this year. I saw Janet last week at LP. She looked great. Also, Sheri, you are looking quite fit too!....Carolee, you must live there....you are a better woman then me with those am workouts. I usually don't breathe until 10am...even when I'm already at work! Ha!, actually, mornings have been better since I've been getting more in shape. My hot flashes have lighten up also...BIG PLUS! I've actually weaned back from my higher doses of estrogen patches.

I'm still fighting lingering results of the flu/bronchitis goo in the throat. Man, that was some harsh stuff. My family bounced it back and forth. My 9 yr old really had a hard time recovering. If the snow would have stayed out....I was tempted to throw open the house windows and spray Lysol everywhere!

Last Thursday was a fun day for my trainer, Tracy and I. We met at Lifepointe and had our photos taken for the local magazine "L". We both were interviewed separately and then did a "photo shoot" with John Kelley. It should be printed for the mid-January issue. It was fun, and challenging...I think he had to get the wide-angle out for my back side, but otherwise fine. How do you "look good" when you are working out??? Why, yes, I always wear full-make-up and jewelry at all my private trainer work-outs...don't laugh ladies, you'd do the same! It was bad enough that the world will see me in swear clothes! Its hard to smile when you are cringing in a push-up...it was hard to hold a pose with my weight suspended in a sit-up, perched on a rubber ball! Gosh, sure hope he has a photo-shoppe program!

Hey, got a great recipe from Ms. Walz this week. I was complaining of how I want something "crunchy" to munch on...yet, not fattening. She suggested homemade tortilla chips with low-fat salsa. Just find some low-fat/0 trans fat or whole wheat tortilla shells. Lightly spray some Pam or healthly oil spray over the tortillas, along with a sprinkle of garlic salt or sea salt...maybe a few drops of lime juice too! Toast in the oven for 15-20 minutes and break into bite size pieces. Fresh chips! Healthier and maybe you'll stall long enough to think how much you REALLY are needing since you have to make them your self! Good idea, huh?! I'll see you all around Life pointe this week...back to the grind stone with school this next week.