Thoughts

I awoke this morning by a text from our daughter, Holly saying an 8.9 earthquake had hit Japan and they (California) was under a tsunami warning!  Thank goodness it didn't affect the West Coast very much!  I'm very glad that Holly took the kids and went to higher ground "just in case".

My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Japan and anyone else who was affected by the earthquake and tsunami!  The devastation is absolutely incredible and so tragic!  I hope the Japanese are able to get control of all their nuclear power plants soon or there will be an even bigger tragedy!

When natural disasters like this happen I just count my blessings.  I'm so thankful that Holly and the kids were safe.  (Erich was more inland at work so he wasn't in any danger.)   I really hope California doesn't have the big one soon.  According to scientists there is a 70% chance of a major earthquake hitting California within the next 30 years.  I pray it doesn't happen.

Time now for my weekly update on how I'm doing with my lifestyle change:  I lost 2 pounds the first week I started back to counting Weight Watcher points and only 1/2 pound this past week.  I totally stayed on the Points Plus plan and worked out 6 days.  I averaged 40 minutes of cardio exercise on the elliptical and did about 20 minutes of free weights on 3 days; did crunches and a specific lower back and balance exercise daily.  I wore my pedometer every day to cross check my progress and I averaged about 7500 steps a day, a little short of my steps goal but I met the exercise goal so I consider that a successful week!

I think it's going to be a tremendously slow process to get these unwanted pounds off!  I just need to have patience and keep telling myself this is the way it must be if I want to be healthy. More on my progress next week.

Tidbits

Looks like the snow missed us again!  That's okay with me because I'm definitely ready for spring!  I enjoy my walks outside...better than working out on an elliptical.  There is supposed to be another round of snow tonight and it looks as though that will miss us, too!


I managed to get in 3 hours of drum practice and 1 hour of guitar practice yesterday.  I decided to start playing my fills and basic rhythms to some of my Ipod tunes; helps me play a rhythm consistently throughout the song.


I've been quite successful getting in my time/steps for the past few days to support my permanent lifestyle change of more "movement" in my day.  It will be more of a challenge this week as my music lessons and rehearsals come back into the picture.  But, I'll make it happen.


Mark is finalizing our tax return today (thank you, Mark)!  It's one less thing to think about.


I'm starting to read a photography book today which deals with composition.  It has assignments at the end of each chapter.  Might take a little longer than I anticipate since the weather needs to cooperate for some of the outdoor shots.  We'll see.


Well, I hear the elliptical calling me so I'd better not ignore it any longer.  Back later with more updates.

Lifestyle Change...How to Make It Permanent

Over the years I've probably lost and gained hundreds of pounds.  I could tell you the calories or point values of countless foods.  In the last 15 years, my clothing size has gone from 8 to 16 to every size in between at different times during this period.  And, I've tried just about every diet on this planet...well, almost.

I know I "feel" much better when my hips and thighs are a few inches smaller than they are today.  It was a rude awakening to me when I recently got into a go-cart and realized the seat was a bit snug on my butt! That was my "aha" moment and I vow to make a permanent lifestyle change.

To begin with, I need to get to a comfortable weight and then need to maintain it which is the key.  In my 57 years I finally learned the secret to maintaining a weight loss and realize there is no getting around it...keep moving!  Yep, move EVERY day!  This is particularly important for women who have reached menopause.

My daily routine involves a lot of sitting.  I do at least 2 hours of drums and guitar practice.  I fill in the rest of the day with my other loves:  writing, reading, blogging, and more photography study.  (No wonder my backside has spread!)

I am tired of all my excuses for not incorporating more movement into my daily activities.  I want a permanent change.  With the help of my watch and a pedometer I will track my progress.  Whenever I can fit in movement, I'll do it.  I will start with a 30 to 40 minute movement goal or 8,000 to 9,000 steps a day goal...no ifs, ands, or buts!  And, I am counting Weight Watcher points again to help me lose the unwanted pounds I so successfully gained.

I'll write about my progress weekly and look forward to sharing any ideas with you.