It's here!

I have been feeling pretty run through the mill the last few days. I have a couple of issues going on that I am sure you don't want to hear about. But needless to say that plus lack of sleep plus reoccurring earache, has not made for the most pleasant of moods.

However, yesterday we went to the post office, we even took the puppy with us. I enjoyed the car ride. And waiting for me was....

MY BODYBUGG!!! I am so excited it's here. Today I plan to follow the instructions to get it all set up. I cannot believe it's here and I cannot wait to start using it. :D

Another huge thank you to both Kyokocake and fatgirlvsworld!

Those zombies aren't going to know what hit them!

Let's Talk About Fear

Yes, I am going to post another one of those entries where I talk about what I am afraid of, so that I can deal with it and try to overcome and move on. This isn't exactly new for me, but I haven't really talked about it on the blog before. I did address it briefly, however covertly, when I invited my zombies to tea.

I have great fears about not being able to have kids. It's one of my greatest wishes. I want to bring forth the next generation of Zombie Slayers!!!

But in all seriousness... I've wanted to be a mom for as long as I can remember. When we were finally ready to start our family, I wasn't prepared to face the obstacles we have. We've been trying for close to three years now. I have 'unspecified infertility'. My doctor tells me he believes my infertility issues are because of my weight. I have a small host of other weight related issues and they seem to tie together. He very much wants me to lose weight before I get pregnant. in all honesty though, it is most likely that I will not be able to get pregnant UNTIL I lose the weight. I've talked about fertility treatments with the doctor. My body however absolutely hates hormones being pumped into it.

Yet another reason I must avoid the zombie plague. My body doesn't like weird foreign things inside it. You hear that zombie virus? Back off!

It's one of the reasons I literally burst into tears when I found out I won the Bodybugg. I've been reading about them and trying to figure out how I could possibly afford something like that as soon as I found out all about Robby's. I have been working on losing weight and getting healthy for about the last year. I may not be much lighter than I was, but I am healthier and much more knowledgable. I 'need' to be able to see what I am doing. I need to be able to see the data of how many calories out versus in. It's something I need to be successful. I know as soon as it arrives I am just going to adore it.

I guess this is all here for posterity as I hope this time next year I can make a post talking about how I'm finally pregnant. It would be such a dream.

WATER

I thought it was time for a bit of an update. Let's talk about water for a minute.

I try very consciously to drink 8 cups of water a day as a minimum. Occasionally, I don't make it, but that is rare. Then there are days where I drink more like 12-16 cups of water during the day. Sometimes I just have a thirsty day! these days precede nights where I sleep very little. This is because I need to pee every 2 hours on the hour. Annoying.

But here is a query for you. Why is it that if you are used to drinking 1 or 2 cups of water in a day, you can do that and feel fine. But if you are used to drinking 8 cups of water in a day, if you are short and only hit 5 or 6 you feel like a dried up sponge? After I drink 10-12 cups if I only hit 8 the next day I begin to feel like burnt toast.

Is this really a good thing? What if you indulge the crazy water desire. Eventually won't you drink so much water you will simply float away?

I don't think the zombies particularly enjoy water, but I don't think they are opposed to it either. They are for the most part pretty damn dry though.

Parting thoughts..

Drink you water, don't become a zombie.

MMM Brains

My most excellent followers, I thought you would appreciate this humor.

I'm telling you. It's coming. It's already effecting our good friends the legumes!

On a side note, I appreciate all of the comments on the shoes post. Many of them were supportive and kindly told me to suck it up and get on with it. :D See, thats love right there. Thanks for that because while I wasn't able to do walking, I DID so a strength workout. The day was not wasted!

This has been a busy week for me as it startws with my annivversary and ends with my love's birthday. So next week I will be back to blogging more regularly and telling you of my explaints at the Y. :) Miss you all!

Oh... on a side note.
While walking through the Publix (a grocery store)
Theducatedrabbit - "You know... I used to like those corndogs. But now whenever I look at them all I can think about is Zombie deterrent"
Me - "Mhmm, they aren't real food. They are just there to give you time to get away..."

But I love those shoes!!

Today I am hobbling around like the living dead. I seriously spend so much time avoiding the buggers, it's amazing how often I end up looking like one. Yesterday, hubby and I went out with some friends. I wore my cute black flat sneaker looking shoes with swirlies on them in pink. I call these my street shoes. They look like sneakers, but they really aren't they are just for being ou in the street. You know what I am talking about?

Today I am limping and dragging my feet. I find my poor feet want to curl on themselves when I am trying to take a step. I think it's pretty clear my street shoes just do not have the proper support for my feet! My sneakers, (my running shoes) have been fitted to me at the sports store. So they have the proper support for my feet. I walk on the outside of my feet. This is interesting because when I was younger I used to walk on the inside.

But anyway, even the fitted ones hurt my feet after a while. But my poor beloved awesome street shoes... I only wore them four a couple of hours last night. Most of that I was even sitting as our good friend surprised us with dinner for my hubby's birthday. Oh man the pain.

I had every intention of going to the Y today but I can barely walk. I may have to push it back until tomorrow.

I think I hear zombies banging on the window. I need to get my tush in gear!

Beating the 'Oh Blah'

I just read on another blog, all of the health benefits of walking. I love this news! This is fantastic news. As it turns out, I love to walk! To gain these awesome health benefits, one only need to walk about an hour a day. Awesome! I can walk an hour a day! To gain these awesome benefits one only need walk at a 4 miles an hour pace...

:SCREECHING HALT:

Excuse me?

The blog goes on to say that walking at this pace is not hard.

Umm for who?

Walking at a brisk pace for me is a 2.5 to a 3... I RUN at a 3-3.5... I run at a pace slower than people walk for fitness. Oh bother...

Needless to say, I feel kind of deflated after that. I mean I know comparing myself to another person is not helpful. How do you stop doing it though?

How do you handle the 'Oh Blah' of feeling deflated?



On a slightly different note, my anniversary was amazing as I knew it would be. I love being married, I love my husband and I love spending time with him. We went out to eat and I didn't track what I ate, I just had a good time. Now it's back to the Y and back on track and I am okay with that.

I didn't see a loss this week despite how hard I am working and working out. I'm kind of okay with that too right now. We're in a tight situation and to make the budget stretch there has been a lot of pasta, and ramen and other very inexpensive but not super nutritious foods. This will probably continue until next month when we (hopefully) will have some money again. So, maintaining for a very light weight gain... I guess means I am doing okay.

We all deal with the obstacles we're given in the best way we can at the time right? I haven't stopped trying. I'm still working and still struggling to make it. That means I am still winning.

MUST HAVE!

I am going to post more tomorrow, (today is my anniversary!!!), and respond to the lovely comments that have been left for me. I HAD to show you this though. I absolutely MUST get this shirt. It is the epitome of perfect workout shirts. I must must must have it.


Isn't it just -the- perfect shirt!

For my reference...: Zombies Hate Fast Food

Ah, knees... how you spurn me!

Yesterday I went back to the Y. Two days in a row folks. Two Day! Those zombies are in for a rude awakening. I decided I wanted to try and get an hour of working out in yesterday instead of the 30 minutes from the day prior. So I started with walking on the treadmill. I walked on average about a 2 for 30 minutes. Sometimes faster and sometimes slower. Then I got on the elliptical.

My knees were having none of it. While I had been walking on the treadmill, me knees just started HURTING. My knees never hurt on the elliptical, but evidently, they were mad at me for making them take the treadmill. So I did a total of 40 minutes instead.

I am fearing my dreams of running may be coming to an end because of the knees. At least I am making excellent progress on the elliptical and burning twice as many calories. I can't wait to be able to say for sure how many calories I am burning. I am so excited I am giddy in my chair. Another huge thank you to Like a fat kid loves cake, and Fatgirlvsworld for the Bodybugg. I am stalking my po box. :)

Anyway, Enjoy the blog hop today!

Well hello there Y

After a hiatus that went on for far too long, I got my butt back to the Y today. It was CROWDED. At our Y, they ask that during peek hours (4-7) that you limit yourself to 30 minutes at a time on any of the cardio machines as they are very popular. So I put my headset on and cranked up a little Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. I set my machine for interval training and off I went. I did 30 minutes at a 10/8 -4/1 interval on the elliptical. I am so prpud of myself.

The last few days my body has been hurting because I went grocery shopping. Yeah... I let things get so out of hand that walking around the grocery store made me ache like I had worked out all weekend. NO MORE OF THAT. I am so proud of myself. The machine says I burned about 359 calories. It's going to be amazing to be using the bodybugg and actually get to know for certain.

Now. Next thing to learn. Bring healthy snacks to the Y. I got very hungry almost he moment we arrived, and by the time we left hubby was too hungry to make it home. So we stopped. I was pretty good. I opted away from some of the super high fat items, although I did have french fries with lunch... but next time I would rather not stop. :)

Anyway, it was a great day. I didn't see a zombie in sight. Wow..

No More Excuses

I nabbed this article from Sparkpeople.com. I have a membership there, but have been avoiding it lately. I am just much more enthusiastic about posting here on my blog, talking to all of you then I am posting over there. They don't understand the Zombie threat. The would simply not even fathom the rest of the denizens of the dark waiting to derail our healthy living habits.

No More Exercise Excuses!

Busting 5 Common Workout Excuses

-- By Leanne Beattie, Health and Fitness Writer

We begin a new fitness routine with the best of intentions—telling ourselves that we’ll hit the gym three times a week—but actually accomplishing what we set out to do can be harder than expected. Combining a busy work week with other obligations and a list of errands can be a recipe for fitness failure. Exercise has to be pushed to the bottom of the list since there are only so many hours in the day, right?

Wrong.

Everyone has the same 24 hours to work with every day. It’s how you decide to spend and prioritize your time that’s the real issue. It’s easy to make excuses and kid yourself about why you’re not reaching your fitness goals, but until you take responsibility for your actions (or lack thereof) you will remain in front of the television for one more evening, all the while moaning about how you can’t fit into your favorite clothes any longer.

"But I’m tired," you tell yourself. "I’ve had a long day and I deserve to sit back and relax. I’ll just take it easy tonight and I promise to work out tomorrow." Then tomorrow comes and you’ve got to work late and you’re out of milk so you have to go buy groceries and before you know it, another day has passed and still no exercise. Why is it that you can hold down a job, make it to class, run a household and put everyone else’s needs ahead of your own, while you disappoint yourself every time you miss your own appointment with the treadmill?

Of course there are legitimate reasons to not exercise. But unless you’ve just given birth or had surgery, most of these reasons aren’t reasons at all—they’re excuses. If you’ve been allowing these excuses to keep you from the gym, it’s time to refocus.

Exercise Excuse # 1: I’m too tired.
It takes energy to produce energy, so while you may be tired now, even a short 10-minute walk will get your blood pumping and will boost your energy levels for up to two hours after. And regular exercise helps improve the quality of your sleep, meaning more energy throughout the day. Some research suggests working out can help regulate your sleep cycles, so you’ll fall asleep easier, sleep more soundly and wake up more rested. A morning workout—not a cup of coffee—could be just the ticket you need to feel more awake and energized all day long!

Exercise Excuse # 2: I don’t have time.
Eliminate 30 minutes of television viewing each night and exercise for half an hour instead. Unlike couch time, this method will strengthen muscles, burn fat, lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of diabetes and heart disease. Record your favorite shows and watch them while lifting weights or running on the treadmill to multitask. Get up an hour earlier in the morning and go for a walk before you start your day or bring along your sneakers and go for a walk during your lunch break. There are many little time stealers in your day, from surfing the Internet to watching reruns to accepting calls from people you don’t really want to talk to. Getting rid of these distractions can add hours of free time each day—time that can be spent improving your health.

Exercise Excuse # 3: I can’t afford a gym membership or equipment.
While going to the gym is a great way to get in shape, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a good workout. Either sign up for the bare bones membership package (are you really going to use all the perks the gym offers anyway?) or exercise at home for free with help from SparkPeople’s exercise demos, workouts, videos and other fitness resources. Push-ups, lunges, crunches and aerobics can all be done in the privacy of your own home and cost no money at all. Don’t forget to borrow some fitness DVDs from your local library to ensure you don’t get bored with your routine. Exercising at home also eliminates another avoidance excuse—the weather. Your home treadmill is available rain or shine, 365 days a year.

Exercise Excuse # 4: I’m embarrassed by my appearance.
It’s tough to the gym if you don’t feel good about your appearance. A well-fitting pair of yoga pants and a new T-shirt go a long way towards making you feel better about your body. Baggy, oversized shirts and track pants may be comfortable, but they make you look bigger, so find some fitness clothes shaped to play up your best assets. If you are afraid of being the biggest person in the exercise class, sign up for a class specifically designed for overweight individuals or a beginner’s class where there will be others just starting out, too. And remember: Everyone at the gym has the same goal in mind and everyone had to start somewhere. You may feel self-conscious, but chances are that no one is really paying attention to you and if they are, they’re probably silently cheering you on for working toward your goals!

Exercise Excuse # 5: I’m too depressed.
A Harvard University study found that after 12 weeks of weight training, nearly 90% of seriously depressed seniors no longer met the criteria for clinical depression. And just 20 minutes of aerobic exercise boosts the levels of your brain’s feel-good chemicals, making you happier and more invigorated. So exercising will actually improve your mood, even if you feel like biting someone’s head off before you begin. Many bad moods are the result of stress and exercise is a proven way to relax and lower the amount of cortisol (which is produced in response to stress) in your system. High cortisol levels have been linked to the accumulation of harmful abdominal fat.


We are all busy and have lives outside of the gym, but we all need regular exercise to help us stay healthy, lose weight and cope with the stresses of everyday life. By making excuses to avoid exercise, all we’re really doing is telling ourselves that our physical and mental health is not important and doing the dishes, driving the kids to their activities or watching mindless television is a more worthy endeavor. And nothing could be further from the truth.

I felt like this came at the right time today. I am feeling so much more positive since learning I won the bodybugg. I'm so excited I can't wait.

Today I weighed myself (not as bad as I thought) and took my body measurements so I have something other than the scale to go by. I went to bed with enthusiasm to go to the gym, but I woke up without it.

It's took hot to drive there...
My stomach hurts...
Hubby is very busy with homework...

EXCUSES!!! The zombies will eat you if you keep sitting there girl, get yourself up and go get on the elliptical.

Well yes, I think I will.

Amazing!

I am sort of beside myself right now. You may have seen me mention that there was a give away going on over at ...like a fat kid loves cake. She was giving away a body bugg! I of course entered. I wished, I hoped, I made as many entries as I was able to. Do you know what I found out today?

I WON!!!

I can't even believe it! You know else was really amazing though? I won because of my wonderful and supportive friend Robby. She made an entry on my behalf and it was chosen. I feel so lucky! Thank you for helping me on this journey!

I cannot wait. I am so excited!

A little me time.

The other night I sat down for a little 'me time'. My hubby wasn't feeling well, so he went to bed early. I had some thinking to do, and really just decided to spend some time with myself enjoying myself. It was then I decided to invite my zombies to tea afterall.

I also decided to face the fact that I haven't been trying very hard lately. As a result I am not seeing the results I want. So, I really need to get my butt in gear if I want to get anywhere.

But I thought I might share a little bit of my evening. I think it's important to spoil yourself now and then. So I hopped on the couch with my snugly crochet blanket. Next to me was this..

On the table...


In my lap...


And on the tv...



It was a very enjoyable evening.

But do you see that there in the stack of books. Zombies for ZOMBIES!!! An instruction manual!! They are coming my friends, and they will attempt to fool you into thinking they are harmless. I am researching this to be better prepared!

I'm inviting Mara to tea.

In a conversation discussing facing your own demons, Robby told me...

"In buddhism, they'd say I'm inviting Mara to tea -- have your demons sit beside you while you enjoy your tea. Pour them a glass. But deal with them as they come, and do it on your own terms."

So I'm having a bit of a tea party here. Meet my Zombie guests Around my small table we have Chuck, Rex, Obi, Baroness, and Di. I don't normally have zombies over for tea. I mean what would you server them really? Do zombies drink tea? Are they so fixated on brains that they would notice if it was hot or cold? I am rather fond of my brain. So along with the tea, I am serving a heaping portion of Corn Dogs. If all else fails and I end up running my tail off, I know I can throw them behind me to give myself a little extra time.

So folks at the tea table. You lot scare the crap out of me. So many of my health goals and struggles and fears revolve around you five.

Chuck, Rex... I am so afraid of running into you two. I know many people have. I know you can be fatal for anyone who hangs around in your presence too long. I have a natural aversion to both of your natures, but... Sometimes I am afraid that I will be so desperately trying to get away from Obi that I will run into you. Will I feel like you are the lesser of many evils?

Obi, man I have been dealing with you for ever. When will you ever get off my back. Any and every time I turn around there you are! Even times when I have felt like I am doing alright, and the way might be clear of zombies... BOOM Suddenly, you're there. And then I realize, or at least I feel like I do, that you have been there all the time. I just didn't notice you for a little while. I got used to your presence. But dude... your a zombie. Go Away.

Baroness, you scare the hell out of me. You weren't there from the beginning, but you've begun to tail me the last few years. You're good friends with Obi. Don't think I don't know this. I'm running from you almost as fast as from Obi. I keep running into dead ends... or worse, into fast food restaurants. Obi is your shield though. I can't get rid of you until I get rid of him. Then at least I know for certain why you are hanging around.

Di... you are scary too. In a tea party of scary monsters though... you aren't tooooo bad. You're still a zombie. I still don't want you around. But I might need you for a little while. You're a tricksy one though. See, you're not long gone, and you look mostly human still. You might even still have control of your speech, so you seem encouraging. But your selfish and self serving, and really you don't care about me. You just want to use me like I want to use you. No, this isn't the way I wanted to go about it... but I just might... for a little while.

Alright zombies... there you have it. Now tuck into to this tea and corn dogs while I run like hell before you figure out this is Tetly and not brains served hot with sugar and milk.

Blog Hop!

It's time to see more folks battling the denizens of the Undead and Fat Cells all in their own way! Plus these are some cool peeps! I hope you check it out!

I decided last night to make some changes. I mean after all, if we don't keep changing the zombies will eventually figure us out and get us! I even found a training manual for them at the library! More on that later though.

But I don't intend to diet for the rest of my life, but I will be following one for a little while. I am really enjoying my exercise, but it isn't enough. I must get a handle on the foods I am eating and the portions I am eating and I seriously need some help. So this will take a little more though, but I'll be trying.

And if you haven't checked it out yet, be sure to head on over to ...like a fat kid loves cake and check out the bodybugg give away!

Plus, get yourself on the list!

BodyBugg

So obviously I like a blog with a good name, no? There is a blog I follow called ...Like a fat kid Loves Cake and right now she is doing a giveaway! It's a super cool giveaway none the less. It's for this system called BodyBugg which monitors your calories burned during the day. How awesome is that! I mean seriously. I would get to know exactly how many calories are burned in sprinting away from a zombie as opposed to trying to throw things in their shambling path! Or when tracking other denizens of the night, how many calories burned while stalking vampires, or fishing for mutant grasshopper fish or something.... what?

Seriously awesome.